Coming to a Blog Near You

Sorry it's been so long since I've contributed. Things have been hectic, especially around the holidays. Recently I've been getting over a stomach bug.

But in between all the busy spots, I've seemed to develop more opinionated, er, opinions. So hopefully they'll materialize into blog entries soon. :) Also hopefully, Black Tuesday is just around the corner... Perhaps I'll post something holiday appropriate. (Or holiday rebellious? therapeutic? sticking-out-your-tongue-at-and-going-pppppffft!!?? We shall see.)

See you then!

Oh so excited . . .

. . . because I am about to sit down with the folks and watch the 24 Season 5 premiere. Yay!

So Sad

This was the first night I've driven home and don't recall seeing any Christmas lights on. The holidays really are over, and it passed just as quickly as 2005. So sad.

HAPPY 2006!!!!

May you have as much fun in this new year as Daniel had running with fire last night:





















May you enjoy the treasures and blessings contained in this new year as Abby enjoyed devouring her chocolate chip cookie:






























And may you find joy and take pride in your work during this new year as Nathan did while helping bake our cookies:























God bless you and keep you during 2006.

Christmas Q & A

This is from Becca:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate....but to be honest, I've never had Egg Nog before. Something about the name makes me a little wary...

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped -- what's the fun in getting presents if you don't get to tear the wrapping paper off???

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Like Becca, I liked color lights as a child; now that I'm a grown-up *gag* I prefer white.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope. Our family never got into the whole mistletoe thing....maybe it's a cultural thing....

5. When do you put your decorations up? Gradually during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Tamales....another cultural thing....who knew I was so culturally enriched...

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house. We'd always stay up 'til midnight and then unwrap all our gifts.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly can't remember if I even believed in Santa....I don't think I did....I just asked my brother and he can't remember believing in Santa either. Maybe that whole opening the presents at midnight thing is what did it.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We used to when we were kids. Now we do it all on Christmas day - open gifts with the immediate family on Christmas morning (well, mid-morning, we all like to sleep in a bit) and open gifts with the extended family that afternoon.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? This year it was gingerbread bears, boots, bells, and snowmen (couldn't find the little person cookie cutter and had already made my last minute store run), but usually Santa doesn't get cookies. He got them this year because my nephew, Nathan, got here and kept asking if we could make "Christmas cookies for Santa." They're not Santa believers, either, so we have no idea where he got that from.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? This Texas girl would LOVE to experience a white Christmas....last year we had a bit of snow, but it only left me longing for more....

12. Can you ice skate? I tried it once. Meh. But then I can't even roller skate.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Don't have many memories from my childhood (I have the trauma from my brothers to thank for that), but I vaguely remember a doll house. It was a po' man's doll house because we didn't have much money, but I loved it nonetheless.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Celebrating Christ's birth with my family and friends, and everybody taking time to demonstrate their love for each other.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake.....mmmm....I missed it this year....

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? All of it.....except the staying up 'til 3 helping wrap gifts and get things ready...

17. What tops your tree? An angel that's been MIA since we moved last year. So this year's tree is topless.

18. Which do you prefer Giving or Receiving? I love giving gifts, especially when it's that perfect gift they always wanted. But, even though it may sound selfish, I also love receiving gifts; that's one of the main ways I receive love.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? O Come, O Come Emmanuel; O Holy Night; and this year I rediscovered The Little Drummer Boy.

20. Candy Canes? I'll eat them, but it's not the end of the world if the season passes without my consuming one.

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

I hope that you all had a wonderful day filled with family, friends, and love. May God bless you and keep you this holiday season and in the coming year.

Ho ho ho . . .

Here's a little something to get you in the Christmas spirit:

Your Elf Name Is...

Buddy Sugar Butt

What's Your Elf Name?

And this:

You Are a Minimal Christmas Tree

You're not a total Scrooge, but you feel no need to go overboard at Christmas. Less is more, and your Christmas reflects refined quality.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

via Jen

Shoes, shoes, everywhere there's shoes . . .

New shoes are probably the last thing I need. Heck, I just bought a pair the week before I went to England! But Famous Footwear gets me every time. *sigh*

But go see how cute they are!

Anywho, I got home and happily put my new shoes on. I showed them to my dad and he actually like them. As we sat there talking I started thinking about how quickly I chuck my convictions out the window. I want to save money. I want to give more time and money to the poor. I want to send more support to missionary friends across the world. I want to pay off credit cards. I want to pay off student loans. So what do I do? I go out and buy another pair of shoes! Oh vey!

A few minutes after I put them on I told the parents, "Maybe I should take them back."

They both gave me an astonished look and asked, "WHY?"

I shrugged and explained I didn't necessarily need new shoes.

My dad looked at me and said, "You know, there are millions of people in the world who can't even afford one pair of shoes."

I shamefully hung my head and replied, "Yeah. So you think I should take them back, too?"

Dad's pastorally reply: "No, I'm not saying that. I think you should enjoy the freedom you have to buy a pair of shoes whenever you want. Not everyone in the world can do that!"

The modern Alfalfa?

OK, anyone who knows me knows I'm the last one who should be commenting on fashion and/or hair. But I would like to step on my soapbox for a while.

Here I have posted a photo of Ricky Martin. Not to offend anyone who wears this hairstyle, but what exactly is the cool factor involved in a hairdo where you comb all your hair to make a point in the middle? Didn't I see a similar 'do on The Little Rascals when I was a kid??

When I first noticed this hairdo on a guy at work, I thought maybe he was in a hurry and just decided to comb his hair however or something. Then I saw someone else wearing it, then I noticed a picture of Ricky Martin wearing it. That would explain the new trend... Really, to me it looks like Alfalfa, only shorter and ever-so-slightly "hip."

Oh well, could be worse. :"> As long as flattops don't make a comeback, I'll stay a happy camper.

NARNIA ROCKS!!

Attention all movie fans. Boy, did Disney put out a great one for you.

Attention all Christians who like to see symbolism of their faith in movies. Boy, will you be blown away.

Attention anyone who liked Lord of the Rings but thought it was a wee bit too scary in some places. You have found your happy medium, and you can take your kids to go see it with you!

I cried. People around me cried. Some applauded when appropriate. It was all I could do to keep from shouting out, BRING IT ON!!! I never met C.S. Lewis, but I think he would be proud.

To me, the Christian symbolism in this movie was oh-so-obvious, but as a disclaimer, I saw the 1979 cartoon and read The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe when I was a kid but it wasn't explained to me until I was in high school or college that there was Christian symbolism at all.

But if you don't like Christian symbolism in movies, not to worry. This flick totally ROCKS anyway, honest!

Go to the next show, go to a matinee, wait until it's at the dollar theater, wait until it's on DVD -- whatever you do, GO SEE this movie!!! :D A classic for sure.

I WANT THE DVD!!! :D :D :D

Texas or England?

It's cold outside! It's 29 degrees to be exact; it's negative 1 in metric units. And it's suppose to drop a few more degrees before morning.

I'm pretty sure I'm back in Texas, even though less than two weeks ago I was in England and we had the same exact temperatures! But here's a crazy fact: I just checked the weather back in Bedford, and it's colder here in Houston than it is in Bedford AND London! Crazy!!!

Last Saturday it was in the 80's. I got in my car and had to turn on the AC. I also had to turn off the radio because listening to Christmas music in 80 degree weather felt wrong.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. Although it's cold, I love this weather! Too bad we won't get snow . . .

I think it's prophetic . . .

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

. . . or at least, I'm praying it in . . .

Random thoughts on random Thanksgiving

This year has been a bit awkward for me so far during the holidays because I'm in the middle of an awkward transition at work. So I was scheduled to work this Thanksgiving. So my mom decided to take a break from cooking turkey. So I suggested we go out to eat at Golden Corral instead.

I like Golden Corral, but apparently nearly everyone else in Odessa does, too. The lines were surprisingly long for a holiday. But it was fun eating steak for Thanksgiving. :D It was nice getting to chitchat a little bit with my parents, since usually the TV's on during mealtimes.

What was depressing was having to go to work right afterwards. Especially during my dinner break at night, when a chilled hush descended over downtown Odessa. Reflecting in solitude underneath the early Christmas lights, I couldn't help but sigh.

So I'm glad that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks instead of just a meal and a holiday chiche. Whether you're at the Golden Corral or whether you're working a night shift.

By the way -- Mom did end up cooking a bit of turkey the next day. Short break, huh? :)

Home Again

Riding in the train from London to Bedford I looked out the window at the passing landscape and couldn't help but think, "I'm home again."

It really does feel that way. Especially after seeing all my friends. I love that I can walk around town and run into people I know.

*sigh*

Tomorrow I'm heading to London. We're going later in the day so I can see all the Christmas lights that are popping up around town. I'm excited; I've never hung out in London at night.

On Thursday I'm going to Sheffield. I have friends from my old church in Waco who moved up there to start a church back in June. I'm very excited about seeing them all.

Well, I'm off. I'll try to check in again soon.

Confused-grown-up question

Why do they not post instructions at the drive-thru at the bank? I try my best to look like I know what I'm doing whenever I lean out of my car & reach for the plastic tube thingy & unlatch the Star Trek opening doo-hicky, & usually the voice in the speaker is kind enough to instruct me. (And I gotta admit putting my driver's license inside the thingy & shooting it off into space is a bit disconcerting.) But was there some sort of class on drive-thru etiquette that they offered back in the 1970s or something that I missed?? They sure didn't offer any refresher courses when I was in school. I was too fascinated with my record player back in the 70s. (And, not to mention, not alive for most of it.)

I'll be glad when my bank decides to join the 21st century and install an ATM machine.

Ya learn something new every day. :)

Thankfulness

Today I was teaching my kids(all 22 3-year-olds) about Thanksgiving. We read a little book and then I explained what 'thankful' means. I told them a few things I'm thankful for and then I went around the room and asked them what they were thankful for. Of course I got copycat answers of "mi mommy" or "mi papi," as well as some silent blank stares, but there were a few original answers. Without hesitating, Jala said she was thankful for lunch. My favorite was when Yenny said she was thankful for her shoes. Later she also added "mis faldas" ("my skirts"). *sigh* That makes me so proud to be their teacher.


Btw, I'm thankful for my shoes too. And my skirts. Especially the new ones I purchased last weekend.

Bursting with excitement...

...because in less than three days I will be on an airplane headed for England!!!

About five weeks ago, on a whim, I decided to book a flight. I had learned that we had the whole week off from work, so I figured it would be a good time for a visit. I found a flight within budget, and now I will soon be off. Unfortunately it's not for a permanent stay; I can't wait for that day to come. I'm sad about missing Turkey Day with the family, but I am looking forward to visiting my dear friends. Drop me an email if you want me to send ya a postcard.

Cheers, my dears!

Leave me and my (mother's) kitchen alone!

Holidays are sprouting here, ee-i-ee-i-oh.
Holidays are sprouting there, ee-i-ee-i-oh.
With a potluck here, and a potluck there,
Here a pot, there a pot, EVERYWHERE A POTLUCK!!!

I totally LOVE the holidays, and I totally LOVE all the free food they bring. :) But really... GIMME A BREAK! I DON'T EVEN COOK!! THE EXTENT OF MY CULINARY EXPERTISE IS BOLOGNA SANDWICHES!!!

I live with my mother and she rarely lets me near her stove. Yet at work, at church... everyone keeps asking me to bring food for potlucks!! (No, I won't ask my mother to cook for me. That would be like hitting below the apron belt, no?)

Honestly, I am looking forward to the meals and time with friends. But if all I ever do is keep signing up to bring a bag of chips, that might get old...

Can't we all just order pizza??

I mean, unless everybody really WANTS me to bring bologna sandwiches... that would be a different story altogether...

Pre-holiday yippee

I GOT THE CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY DVD!!! :D :D :D It totally ROCKS, by the way. :D

As I've been meandering through the shopping aisles lately, I've noticed something that I shared with a friend earlier this week: We have totally skipped over Thanksgiving. There was Halloween, then naturally we're all VERY excited about Christmas coming up (I, for one, am a Christmas NUT -- it's my FAVORITE time of year)... But what the heck happened to Thanksgiving??? Where are all the Thanksgiving displays? music? commercials on TV? Granted, perhaps grocery stores across America are pushing for high turkey sales. But still... when I leave the store, I'm impressed with all the Christmas decorations, not Thanksgiving cornucopias.

I was hit with a major shock when I looked at the calendar this morning, though. Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK. Egad!! No wonder Christmas is getting celebrated earlier -- it's almost HERE!!!

YIPPEE!!!!!

Hopefully I won't get distracted by all the cool holiday stuff and forget about what the holidays are really all about. In the meantime, I am thankful. :D

29 1/2

Sorry I missed the date -- this message really should have been posted on November 7, my 29 1/2-th birthday. :">

Well, 29 1/2 isn't quite how I pictured it as a child... but it's still pretty cool. Folks had told me that my 20s would be hard because God basically puts you through the wringer, really hard. I can vouch for that. And they also said around the time you hit age 30, things get MUCH better. I look forward to that. And I think I know why this is a weird age. When you're a kid, you develop all these plans and dreams and ideals. Then around age 20 through 29, you try to live them out, but you're smacked with the reality of your character-in-need-of-repair, PLUS just adult responsibilities hitting you in the face for the first time. That can really bite.

Not that it's totally horrible at this age. Not at all. Recently I've begun to embrace the, how shall I say this, total kookiness that comes with being 29 1/2 and trying to enjoy life. I have become a fan of SpongeBob Squarepants (and I am not ashamed. Just ask my family who witnesses me keeping the TV on Nickelodeon a little too long sometimes.). I turn on my revolving disco ball and dance with my cat sometimes (I lead). After discovering ABBA, the Swedish pop band that was really popular in the 1970s, I now play an ABBA tape in my car for about 75-80% of my driving time. AND I STILL WANT THE NEW CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY DVD!!! :D

I shudder to think what my life will look like in my 30s. But hey, what's the worst that can happen??

You're right. I could become a Teletubbies fan. So... not to worry. Arrgh, SpongeBob rules, matey.