Thornhill' Fest Day 6

It's the second to last day of Thornhill' Fest and all the gang is here. The "regulars" arrived early to the scene and continued to show their dedication and support of their stellar friends the Thronhills. My brother finally made it out of bed after a long day's work at Sam's club to share in the festivities and bring a little more "hip hop" to the atmosphere. Speaking of "hip hop," how did we deliver the "Umbrella" song this eve to Julie? With cell phone placed ever so out-in-the open on the table, a call was phoned in and the ringer was heard...under my umbrella ella eh eh eh. Rich Chang purchased a new phone and was very excited to show Julie one of it's functions. He uploaded a live video of the "umbrella" performance for Julie to watch. Thanks Richard T Chang for keeping the tradition going! My brother challenged our brains with his cell phone's equivalent to "Who wants to be a Millionaire" with music industry specific questions. Because the hot dogs, brats, and burgers were getting out of control, some of us opted for a more healthier alternative of a chicken burrito and fruit side dish combo. Sandy Song graced a presence on break from her missions trip in China. Some of us thought she was the special musical guest but we were wrong. At about 7:30pm all the noise drew silent as the sound of bagpipes coming from the east billowed through the barrington manor on prairie street. "in Christ Alone" was played for Stephanie who was not able to enjoy and hear the bagpipe music on her wedding day. The bagpiper played only about 4 or 5 tunes which was good because he was still standing at the end of his set. No need for anyone to shout..."a piper is down....repeat...a piper is down" at this gathering. The socializing picked again but was hushed as soon as 7 hispanic muchachos marched into place and aligned themselves behind the little water fountain in the thornhill garden. Adorned with traditional mariachi garb, they played to the crowds delight, or Lori's request..."mariachi loco." Thanks to Lori, we were able to throw them a few traditional mariachi titles for them to play. I only know salsa, merengue, bachata music so I was no help in this category. My brother wanted them to play "suavemente" and Lori reminded him they weren't Puerto Rican. Tom was demanding "oye como va" and somehow they managed to insert a snippet of it into "guantanamera." Stephanie made a few new friends when she requested "besame mucho." This band ROCKED!!!!! By far my favorite of all musical acts at the fest all week and you know I'm saying that because I'm an "honorary latina." The performance of Los Palmeros will forever live on and go down in fest history as one of the greatest porch performances of all time. We were shouting "otra" (spanish equivalent to encore)at the end and did they deliver with a reprise of "mariachi loco." Stephanie Minervino and I took a picture with the band at the end before they rhode off into the dark starlit sky. Thanks to Christina once again for putting in the hours to secure this band. You are hardcore! She needs a t-shirt that says "i booked the band at thornhill fest 2007." Pool time was had, bonfire blazing strong, and the movie by the pool "Better off dead" just couldn't stay on. The Wangster returned with dessert, a nice apple triffle to pass. The 1am warning call was made so I decided to call it a day knowing that Saturday was going to be a very VERY busy day and I needed some beauty sleep. I don't think Julie left anything tonight but her Notorious personality's imprint on the minds of the thornhill fest attendees.

Thornhill' Fest Day 5

Unlike previous days, I arrived at the Thornhill manor a little on the late side due to my coordinating commitments for the ESL ministry at the AH Racetrack. As I was looking for a place to park, I spotted a familiar face going to a Honda Civic hatchback. At this point, I was escorted by Jamil Webster from my car to the entrance of the fest. That's where I ran into Kim Webster and her and Jamil's friend Eric. After about 20 minutes talking to Kim, Julie screams out from the distance something to the tune of "I hate you" or "you're going down, Ro." I guess Jene't called her and as she picked up the phone, the song "Umbrella" was playing. not sure who could have put Jene't up to that prank. I certainly won't take credit for that in genius plot. Patty Sebastian was seen holding the Maltese poodle mix and it seemed as if she had fed the dog its dose of Ritalin. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hear Josh play at all but I hear he did a variety of cover songs to please this evening's audience. Apparently, Eric's dessert had quite an impact on Josh as well and has inspired him to write a song about the trifle someday. I'm sure the intoxicated neighbors made another appearance spreading compliments throughout the crowd. After about 20 more minutes of chatting in the same spot right at the entrance of the fest pivoting back and forth, a declaration about the status of pool time was announced and Stephanie Minervino, Julie, and I got ready for some swimming in the bath-tub like Thornhill pool. I think tomorrow or Saturday I will bring rubber duckies to simulate and authenticate that kind of welcoming atmosphere to the pool. The pool was finally de-femaled after Jason and Patrick showed up. Jenny, Jason, and Ja-Mona (me)(my name doesn't start with a "J" and I was on a team with all "J"s but me:() wailed their watervolleyball skillz on the likes of Patrick, Julie, and Stephanie. Eventhough Stephanie claims no athletic gifts, we still think she is hot. Side discussion was had about the possibility of Patrick plucking his chest hair to raise money for the Romania missions trip. Rich Chang began to take some water pics as we played. As soon as Andrew and Jonathon made it to the pool, we began running around counter clockwise to build enough momentum to simulate a Whirlpool. After about 7 laps or so and Patrick lapping us all, we stopped and let the water take us away. Getting out of the pool wasn't as bad as it had been on Tuesday night. It was definitely a lot warmer outside tonight. The regulars returned and have perfect Thornhill fest attendance. I think we need to get a group picture tomorrow with the Mariachi band. A HUGE thank you to Christina for following through and making the calls today to secure the 8 piece Mariachi's for Friday the 13th. Tom Akert continued to talk about concepts until blue in the face and then finally decided to give us an interesting banana demonstration. Very interesting. He snapped the naner in 1/2 then each half was conveniently split into threes. A consensus was made that Friday should be a completely organic food day in order for us to fast from the brats, burgers, and dogs we've been consuming all week. So Whole Food's run anyone? Thank God Eric Wang finally brought the Janu cheese my grandma made that I left at his house the other day. Andrew sampled it and said it kinda tasted like mozerella ella ella eh eh eh tasted like mozerella ella ella eh eh eh. Jason gave it a thumbs up and Tom was reminded of its great flavor once again. We wrapped up things at about 12:45 leaving behind another great night in Thornhill fest history. I think the brothers Thornhill are up right now watching a movie. Andrew tried to tempt us to come and watch a movie. He even threw China Town at us. Not this time, but certainly next time! By the way, someone left behind a jacket. No worries it was not Julie and it's not a "members only" jacket.

Thornhill' Fest Day 4

When I arrived at Thornhill Fest, the deck and yard were already set up for the Spares to play. I was able to kidnapp 1/2 of the Revoredo's who weren't suppose to make an appearance at the fest until Thursday evening. While Katie and I were driving to Barrington, what song just happened to be playing on the radio? None other than the official theme song of the fest, that hit song by the dynamic collaboration of Rhianna and Jay Z..."umbrella!" In traditional ritualistic fashion I thought instanteously of calling Julie Notariano. But since I did that already twice this week, I had Mrs. Rev make the phone call to let her know what song was playing on the radio. She was annoyed as usual and probably will have that song stuck in her head for another couple of hours. Becky, Julie, and I did not get a chance to play crochet to our dismay. Instead, everyone migrated to the lawn to listen to an amazingly good christian blue grass/folk/rock////mixture of summer selections from "the spares." Half the time I think most of the crowd was distracted by the cute, hyperactive, maltese poodle mix that was seen dashing across the yard. I saw Andrew's mom get attacked by it a few times. Harmless and cute the only dog that I would suggest take ridalyn for its obvious diagnosis of A.D.D. No pool time was had tonight as the weather dropped a ton and spectators were sharing blankets. There was a CostCo cake in honor of a birthday. Andrew serenading the crowd with background vocals by the spares. An intoxicated neighbor of the Thornhill's came up to me and boldly proclaimed my beauty. Very flattering moment even if they were one step from passing out. At evenings end many interesting conversations were had and topics discussed including, but certainly not limited to...the LATE ride, pink eye, inner city ministry, mariachi bands, family drama, Garman's competing party, cameras, hidden website counters, etc....what a great night to sit around and shoot the breeze. The evening ended with a call from Eric checking in on us. Attendance was great with a lot of newcomers including the likes of the McCarthy's, Cori, Lori, Todd, and Rich. The "regulars" or "die hard fans of thornhillfest2007" were also present and suffering from bbqfoodatosis which is basically a direct result of eating bbq food for several days consecutively. Methods of cleansing including the lemonade detox diet were presented to the group as a possible solution to the bbqfoodatosis. Julie did not leave anything behind to our knowledge. So what am I thinking about now that's its 1:50 am and I'm finishing this blog...must find mariachi band.....must find band....and more importantly, can they do a cover of "umbrella?"

Thornhill' Fest Day 3

Because of the rain, all ministries were cancelled at the Arlington Heights Racetrack. This allowed a window of opportunity for me to return once again to Barrington for Day 3 of Thornhill Fest 2007. The weather as usual, did not keep the crowd away. It only put a slight delay in the arrivals. Again, "the regulars" returned although missing one or two from the original crew. Julie, Patrick, Tom, the brothers Thornhill and I are 3 days strong and counting. Stephanie's family dropped by and we made some new friends. I think they went to see the new Harry Potter movie tonight. Once again on my way to the fest as I get to the intersection of 14 and Ela, what is on the radio....Umbrella ella ella eh eh eh! Andrew got the grill hoppin'once again and tonight's crowd favs were the hot dogs and brats. The broccoli disapeared quickly as well. Becky and Nick along with their Pops and Nathan came. We all played the first inagural 2007 Thornhill fest game of crochet while the sun was setting. Julie made a comeback in the end to beat us all! The last to arrive on the scene were Sarah Baily, Rue, and Eric Wang. Rue jumped in the pool with clohes on so I must give her a special bit of props. The addition of the white Christmas lights aligning the pool parimeter gave such a warm, intimate, inviting ambience to our surroundings. We all swam the night away while watching the 80's classic "Ghostbusters." Today's episode was a little calmer, but still was a special night. And to my knowledge, Julie did not leave anything behind...One last question to pose...will the Revoredo's ever make an appearance?

Thornhill' Fest Day 2

Despite the threatening weather outside, Day 2 of Thornhill fest proved to be just as entertaining if not more so than Day One. I received a call early in the evening from my flock leader, Wendy in regards to some business which needed to be discussed. I had Andrew interrogating me all evening about what the “situation” was all about. The “regulars” returned which included Julie, Heather Kidd, Patrick, Tom, Karen, and I along with the dynamic Thornhill duo of Andrew and Jonathon. Newcomers were the Swanson’s with baby Sofia, Jason Holvay, and Eric Wang. Jason brought some stellar guacamole that he mixed up all on his own through the aid of a special recipe. Heather Kidd brought a yummy set of home grown tomatoes fresh from her garden. Unfortunately, Eric did not bring my Grandmother’s special Pierogi’s or Janu Cheese. On top of that, he got lost on his way to the fest. Tom and I suspected something was wrong with Eric and we began interrogating him and at evening’s end, sent him through the poking machine. Many concepts were discussed including a potato chip crust pie. I think a concept party is in the works where every dish that comes into the house is an original concept. We executed the banana smore concept on the grill. Jason and I juked one banana up with marshmallows, graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate. Boys swam in the pool and supposively were “nude” for at least one second…or as rumor has it. This time, Julie left her red Italian leather purse behind. What will she leave on Tuesday night?

Thornhill' Fest Day 1

Today was blazin’ hot! I actually made it out to the UF field and played for about an hour despite the weather induced asthmatic like symptoms I was experiencing after each sprint. Had a lot of fun trying to block Kim and Becky from getting the Frisbee while trying to not collapse or pass out. No one seemed to understand that we could only do short passes because of the wind that day. Oh well…we were diving for discs left and right as no one could accurately judge the location they were to land.

Directly following UF, I got into my swimsuit and headed out to Barrington for Day One of Thornhill fest 2007! Lots of great people were already there once I arrived. Heather Ahn was desperately trying to stay away from the pool and Patrick almost dropped her in at one point. Andrew was a grilling machine cooking up these AMAZINGLY good hamburgers. We had an interesting game of water-volleyball. I think I spent most of the time snorting through the game because it seemed like half the time our valiant attempts at graciously hitting the ball would fail. Eventually Stephanie Minervino arrived which added a bit of glam to our surroundings. Nancy Kuo was able to logically guess the flavor of the mystery bag of Dorritos. The evening ended with a time honored tradition of watching a movie in the pool. Great concept! As I watched “Wayne’s World” I was able to hold onto a floaty noodle and swim. So, all the calories that were consumed by gorging on burgers and chips were combated by a little aquatic exercise. Julie managed to leave behind bobby pins and hair clips….will she leave behind anything on Day 2?

Preparacion para El Futuro

It's crazy how God is at work all the time. When you least expect it, God is making plans for you to run into and embrace. About a month ago I was sitting at work when a phone call came through on my cell from an unknown number. I picked it up only to listen to the voice mail which had been left. It was Berta, Cindy Torres and Celia Arrieta's sister. The reason she called was to invite me to help lead worship for the hispanic women's ministry conference in October. This was a complete shock to me! I guess Cindy had a little something to do with it because Berta and her were talking about who should be recruited for this venture. So on October 20th, I will be joining forces with the likes of Glenda Peralta and Stacy Pequeno to usher in the spirit at this first ever event for Harvest.
Last night, we had a meeting of the mastermind's at the Medina's house in Des Plaines. It was so great to meet all the women planning the retreat. What was even better was the fact that they spoke spanish the ENTIRE time! They didn't try to water it down for me:) That was so important because it gave me an opportunity to be challenged and to really try to listen and understand what they were saying. That's how we teach our ESL students. We teach them to listen first, then speak. God was definitely amoung us as I was able to understand probably about 85% of what they were saying...and maybe not ver baetum, but I definitely knew the content and some of the details that were being discussed.
I'm so excited about this opportunity. It's a chance for God to grow skills in me that I have been praying about. It's a chance to see God use me for His purposes. It's a chance to see another piece of the puzzle get locked into place. To Him alone be the glory!