Camp Calcium- Hall of Fame Moments

Ok its the last night of camp- the campers are partying - downstairs, there is a strobe light, loud music and the limbo pole is out. I feel like reflecting on the marvellous experience of Camp Calcium 9-2005. So here is an attempt at Top 10 list of various highlights- which have been discussed on the blog. The order won't be quite right- and sorry if I miss someone!

#10-Luxury 33rd birthday
Managaing to 'jag' being in Orlando in a 5 star resort (accomodation free for me!), attending a wonderful conference, going to Disney World and hanging out with Carol Boushey, and Kathleen Welsheimer during my 33rd birthday week.
If you have forgotten here is a photo

#9- Laughing alot, being laughed at alot....
I have decided before this trip that a self-deprecating humour (ie laughing at yourself and letting others know it is OK to laugh at you) works really well across all cultures. I think lots of people enjoyed laughing at me here too....

Here I am howling with the campers at 'Howling night' at Wolf Park....


One of the silliest work related things I did (not yet confessed on this blog) - was during the 24HR recall interviews with the campers I had a camper trying to describe to me a type of gummy lolly....He said there name was 'light sabers' I said- ' oh cool they have star wars lollies here' ....he went quiet. It dawned on me later- he said LIFE SAVERS and I just didn't understand him....


#8- Getting to work on some incredible research
I have kept the blog fairly research free- but I really enjoyed the work we did and the things we have found out. Here is a picture of me with my 'pile' of PDAs after some data collection.



Thank you to Connie Weaver and Carol Boushey inparticular for allowing the research collaboration and also to my Curtin collegues Deb Kerr and Sophy Porter for one of my best 'team' working experiences

#7- Blogging
Have really enjoyed doing it- and love getting comments and interaction! Love the way all the people here have taken an interest and helped with photos and suggestions for 'blog' content.....


#6- Experiencing the unexpected
Tornado warnings, freaky thunderstorms, enjoying doing the laundry in the BIG laundry at the bottom of the Shealy hall (what is that about?!),how excited people in Purdue/West Lafayette get about my accent and how it starts so many good conversations, Indiana being SOOOO HOT and HUMID.....

On that topic this Summer (2005) is now regarded by all locals as one of THE hottest summers remembered- MANY have blamed the visiting Australian (moi) .....

#5 Getting regular photos of Zak!
Denise and Zak are very well know here amongst the camp calcium crew....and yes I know many of you skim the content of this blog- just looking for the next Zak photo. I really appreciate the regular contact of Denise while I was away via text and email- keeping me up to date and with somone to chat with at home during the day here (when it is the early hours of the morning in Perth...and breastfeeding mothers are awake...)

#4 The search for good tea!
Have had some great tea experiences and great fun trying to get great tea! I now recognise that having milk in my tea is the variable that really throws many in the US (last week I was given tea, I asked for milk- they then went and frothed the skim milk in- so my tea had a foam layer....was good under the foam...)I am wondering whether I should try to give up milk for future trips....any comments?



#3 Being Spoilt Rotten
Picture of WONDERFUL hot-smoked salmon and fried green tomatoes (yes! them!) brought in by Angela for us!






Also spoilt VERY much by the lovely Jan- Head of the Camp Calcium Kitchen.



#2 Spending a week with Grant and Sarah

#1 West Lafayette and the WONDERFUL people I have met this trip

more photos of the INCREDIBLE food and displays at this lovely University Town's farmer's market