Today

Seasons

2011-09-03T21:19:00.001-04:00

I’ve lived in several cities around the world in different climates and one thing I always miss is Virginia seasons. And I’ve realized I don’t have a favorite season because I always reach a point when I have grown weary in the current season and am ready for the next. Then the new season commences and life is beautiful and exciting again. And that’s when I start saying things like, “Oh, I just love how God works rhythms and seasons into our lives so we don’t grow weary in the mundane and to show us that change is good” and then I sigh contently. But, sometimes I get a hint that change is coming and I get antsy, impatient. Like right now, Starbucks has pumpkin spice, the nights aren’t as long or hot, even the breeze feels different. And I know fall is right there, but not quite. This anticipation can be good or it can be debilitating. Even though I feel ready for the change that the next season brings, I have to realize that this moment, with its sticky air and bugs and ripe strawberries, is exactly as it should be. And I don’t want to miss one long summer night on the back porch because I’ve dismissed this season too soon. This season will end. Fall will arrive and bring with it a whole new set of joys and struggles. But, yet, today it is summer and everything is lush and beautiful. Even in the stickiness of this afternoon, there is a whisper in the occasional breeze that change is coming. And it will be good.

The Dilemma

2011-08-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

You might think that's just the title of the 2011 film starring Vince Vaughn, but it's not. It's also what I face every time someone asks me this simple question, "What is your name."

I have a couple of choices. I can say Mary and hope they don't need my last name too. Or I can say Teecy Christmas and spell it for them 15 times.

Actual phone conversation last week:
Me: Hi, I need to talk to _________ (This is not for anonymity. I don't remember the name.)
Southern lady: Well, sugar, he's not in right now but I'll take a message. What's your name?
(I always hear that question in my head in slow motion...a drawn out, dreadful question.)
Me: Teecy Christmas
Southern lady: Spell that.
Me: T-E-E-C-Y and Christmas just like the holiday.
SL: T-E-Y?
Me: T-E-E-C-Y
SL: Ok, so first name is T-E-E-Y and last name...
Me: No, um, just T.C. is fine (I should have just let her call me Teey, but how do even pronounce that?)
SL: Ok, T-E-C-Y...
(I am actually laughing into the phone at this point. I tried to abandon the real spelling but it didn't work. I have to commit to T-E-E-C-Y at this point but how long will this go on?)
It went on for quite awhile but she finally got it. When the guy called me back he said,
"I'm calling for Teecy Martin." What? I didn't correct him.

When I lived in Korea I got so tired of the confusion over my name that I just went by Mary for a whole year. All my friends from that era still call me Mary.

At Starbucks I'm always Mary because they have never asked for my last name so it feels safe. But, then a friend will get in line behind me and say "Hi Teecy" and I look at the barista and she has a look that says, "Why would you lie to me about your name?"

So, see? Dilemma.

(By the way, my name always has the red line under it. The auto-correct is "teeny".)

The Best of This Week

2011-06-29T15:27:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I'm starting a new blog series. And I won't promise to do it the same day every week. I won't even promise that this will be a weekly series. Because that is too much commitment and consistency and I'm pretty sure that no one needs more of that. I've chosen a title so general and non-committal* that I can really post it as often as I like about anything I want and no one can say anything.

Ready?

The series is called....

The Best of This Week

Get it?

They're saying this will be similar to Tyler Stanton's Weekly Six or Knox McCoy's Monday Morning Meatloaf or Bryan Allain's Monday Soup.** I'm not sure I'm ready accept a compliment like that when I haven't even started it, but okay.

And now for the first (and probably last) time ever...

The Best of This Week

1. Best YouTube video (doubles as "Shortest Shorts I've Seen on a Guy")

2. Best Quote From the Bachelorette Recap:

"I love how almost all of Ashley's dates include walking through foreign down towns. It's like all the money spent on dates in previous seasons has now been allocated to spray painting her pants on her legs so the dates are all destined to suck. I'm positive that's the explanation."

3. Best opening line from a friend I haven't seen in awhile:***

So, you're still not married?

4. Best New App

HeyTell is a voice messenger app that makes texting seem so antiquated. (But, if Oprah gets wind of this she may try to sign something saying we will not HeyTell and drive, so ssssssh!)

*No, I do not have commitment issues and those non-issues have nothing to be with me being thirty, flirty and thriving, ok? So, stop accusing. And while you're at it, get off your high horse.
**And see while all of those titles are creative and quippy, mine is not. Do you see the charm in that?
***In the name of complete honesty and integrity, this was said to me a few weeks back, but I just needed something for #3.

Need a new blog to follow? (Part 2)

2011-02-16T20:16:00.001-05:00

No, you don't need a new blog to follow. You're probably already following 87+ blogs and can't keep up with those. Most of them you skim looking for content that is funny, inspiring, or useful. Hopefully every now and then you find something that is life-changing and then it's all worth it. So, here I am suggesting 6 more blogs. Maybe you'll find one that you want to revisit. Maybe you'll leave a comment to encourage the blogger. Or maybe you'll just have a laugh or be inspired to do something different.

I like these blogs because I get the sense that the writer has taken care to craft memorable phrases around a picture or idea or experience. Well-chosen details paint a picture, but there isn't so much information that I get bogged down and bored. Ok, now I just sound like I'm back in a classroom during writing class. So, to sum up, I like their writing. Here we go...

Jeff and Kate +1
By Katie Sulka
Fun and quippy, not-so-typical, new mommy blog

The Divine Itch
By Justin Snyder
Artsy filmmaker guy blog

High Tops and Lace
By Megan Norcross
Thoughtful and crafty (the good kind of crafty) blog

Shareness
By Kevin Mahan
A smart blog that really lives up to its made-up name

Amanda Carver Designs
By Amanda Carver
Inspirational, creative design blog

The Superfish
By Mandi and Shanna
Witty and fun, self-proclaimed superficial fashion-type blog

These are not the only personal friend blogs I enjoy, but these are just some of the relatively new ones I've discovered or enjoyed lately.

Putting it all on the line...

2011-02-01T21:54:00.004-05:00

A friend had an idea recently to revive his blog that involves me eating a Big Mac.

How does me eating a Big Mac help him revive his blog?

Allow me to tell you a little bit about myself. The last time I ate McDonald's was during a typhoon in Taipei when nothing else was opened and I was wandering the streets with my friends looking for food and it was the only place opened. When I pass McDonald's I turn my nose up. I actually judge everyone who is inside. (Not really.) Just thinking about eating there makes me feel a little bit dead.

In contrast, my friend and coworker, Matt Cote, loves McDonald's. (And all fast food for that matter.) So, we have a deal that started today. For every month he does not eat any fast food I have to eat a meal from a fast food restaurant that he chooses. And we'll make some stupid video of all of this and put it on his blog and, boom- blog revival. It's truly a flawless plan.

Only here's the thing, I am truly nervous to eat a fast food* meal. I just can't picture myself doing that. Am I willing to put my health on the line for my friend's health? (and for his blog?)

And what if he messes up and eats fast food? Then I don't have to eat it, but there should be something else that he has to do, right? That's where I need some help. One thought was I could make him a batch of my flax seed muffins and try to make them extra dry and not sweet. But, that's not that bad. I mean, those things are awesome! (My humble opinion...and this from a girl who just ate a black bean brownie and loved it.)

So, here's the question for anyone who knows me or just really gets how much I dislike fast food: What can I put in the deal for him that is comparable to me eating a fast food meal?

*Exceptions: I eat Chic-fil-A and Subway.

Bad Story Starters

2011-01-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

Be prepared to be made fun of if you start a story with any of the following...

1. So, I looked on WebMD...
I said that last week and my friend started laughing at me when she heard the word "web".

2. Guess what I got with a coupon...
Everyone zones out at the word coupon, because I don't care if they did pay YOU $4.38, it's a boring story.

3. Last night on "16 and pregnant"...
You're going to watch it. Sure. It's like the Ashley Simpson Show. I mean, who didn't watch an episode? But, don't talk about it.

4. The girls on Real Housewives of NJ...
This isn't so bad unless you precede to explain why you want to take their advice on where to travel in your upcoming trip to Italy. Others at the table may roll their eyes.

5. Do you know where they have a great early bird special...
We all love a good deal, but I can't help but pick on someone with this type of knowledge.

What do you get picked on for saying?

*Yes, #3 and #4 both came from Kim Handy of "The Price is Right" fame.

Falling

2011-01-17T15:55:00.000-05:00

When I go skiing I rarely fall. Sadly, it's been a few years since I've been, but I remember taking the four o'clock run with my friends. We'd talk about the day and there would be so many adventurous stories of risk and failure. Not from me. I typically ski only the hills I know I can manage and at a speed that pretty much ensures that I will not fall. This is not a testament to my skiing skills. But it is a testament to the fact that I do not enjoying falling in the snow so I do what it takes to avoid it. I do not recover well from failure on the slopes.

In fact, one time my brother talked me into going down a more difficult hill than I thought I could handle. I was right. I went much slower than the other skiers in our group but still I got to a point where I could not navigate the moguls and steep terrain. What happened next is funny...now. My brother was a good bit ahead of me with the rest of the group and they were all looking at me waiting for me to make my next move. I stood there, frozen, shaking my poles at him and yelling at him for getting me in this position. Then I felt bad because he took his skis off and began to hike back up the hill to rescue me. Yep. That's the kind of brother he's always been. Me yelling, then crying. Him being the hero.

Maybe it's okay that I stick to what I know I can do in the Colorado mountains. But, I've always wondered about that and how that looks in the rest of my life. Am I too careful? Do I need to take more risks? Am I falling down enough? Am I missing out because I won't try to navigate a double black diamond?

Any story worth telling has some risk, some failure and ultimately, victory. I guess if I want to have a story that's worth telling at the end of the day I've got to keep trying the black diamonds.

Phrases I still love

2011-01-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I personally shunned some, in my opinion, over-used phrases.

But, these phrases below, though possibly trite and probably shunned by others, I am still enjoying.

Beer me a ________.
I still chuckle every time my brother says "Beer me the remote." I don't know why and I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it. It's stupid but I like it.

Riddle me this...
While I'm sure this is wildly over-used in some circles, I don't hear it that often and it is still better than simply saying, "I don't get it." Isn't it?

And there is another one that just left my head and I can't find it anywhere. Oh, I hope it comes back to me. It was so good.

This wasn't it, but...
In Other News...
I like this as a segue. It's quippy. (If that's not a word it should be.)

What do you think should NOT be banished just yet?

(Read about other banished words/phrases here.)

Disqus

2011-01-03T20:24:00.002-05:00

I just added the "Disqus" comment widget to my blog. But, now none of the old comments from my lovely readers are showing up. Just didn't want you to think I deleted them. They're still there on my dashboard. So, thanks for commenting. Hopefully now it will be a bit more interactive.

Momentum

2011-01-03T13:25:00.005-05:00

I love this time of year.

I love all the year in reviews, the lists and countdowns, the look backs and the resolutions.

I love that I am so sick of sweets that I am actually ready to cut out sugar!

I thrive in the newness. Everything feels fresh, full of possibility.

We celebrate the end of one year and launch a new one with all it's hope and promise.

A chance to be different.
The opportunity to start something new.
Time to create.
An opportunity to restore.

Everybody seems to have a fire under them, ready to go all gangbusters* on life.

Because new brings momentum.** And that's a good thing, especially when that momentum is leveraged for common good and lasting change.

*Can I start saying that more?
**Yeah, I stole that from Andy Stanley. What?

Advent

2010-12-30T17:12:00.001-05:00

My heart has been stirred this year from some amazing teaching on Christmas this Advent season. (Thank you Jon, Andy, Rob and Robby. )

I keep hearing these words: anticipation, waiting, hope.

I saw a commercial last week that told a story with a similar theme. In a beautifully decorated home the parents are putting the finishing touches on the presents around the tree. The kids are waiting on the stairs, anticipation rising. Then, when they get the okay the kids make a mad dash towards the tree with a sense of expectancy and hope. You can see it all over their faces. They get there and they are not disappointed. The scene that ensues tells the viewers that the wait was worth it for these kids.

Normally I look at a commercial like that and feel sad that for so many people that’s all it is- a few moments of bliss around the Christmas tree and hundreds of dollars spent on useless crap. But, I saw it differently this year. I saw the symbolism in the anticipation, the waiting, the hope.

Rob Bell articulates it so well, “Advent is about anticipating the birth of Christ. It’s about longing, desire, that which is yet to come. That which isn’t here yet. And so we wait, expectantly. Together. With an ache. Because all is not right. Something is missing…The not yet will be worth it…We open up. We soften up. We turn our hearts in the direction of that day.”

Am I running to that day with hope and anticipation, a sense of expectancy? Or with a weary heart and a sense of dread? This year I am reminded that my faith in God is not wasted. My hope in him is not in vain. What I am waiting for is worth it. “The thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices.”*

*This year “O Holy Night” secured top position for favorite Christmas song for me. I’ve always liked it but never committed it to top spot. I think I have some “O Holy Night” baggage. A vocalist in the church I grew up in sang the song every year in a very high voice that sent me running for the bathroom when she hit the stage. It was beautiful, but my young ears just couldn’t handle the high notes. (Yes, my parents let me take opportunistic bathroom breaks in the middle of a service. Hippies.)

The Best Gift For Your Weird Little Brother

2010-12-22T17:09:00.003-05:00

I feel like I can write with some authority here because I have 4 weird* little brothers.

I also have a sister and sister-in-law. We have parents too. With so many people around the Christmas tree each year we normally draw names. Or, assign names. It's always rigged because inevitably someone has already gotten a gift for whoever stood out as their favorite sibling that year. This year and I waited too long to put my two cents in about how the drawing would happen and I got Michael. He is the weirdest. And he got me. He wasn't happy because he thinks I am hard to buy for. But, he is worse. If you get him clothes he feels frivolous because he already has something similar that he got from Goodwill 8 years ago. Yeah, that type.

What do I get the kid that doesn't think he needs anything? One day as I was thinking about this, I came across this book and knew it was the perfect gift and here's why:

1. He's weird enough to connect to just about every absurd line in the book.
2. I watched this promo video.
3. He lives in a house with 4 other guys and now he will have something to contribute to the house.
4. It's inexpensive so he wouldn't be upset at me for spending too much.
5. It really is a funny book and I knew the wit would not be lost on him.

So, who's the "weird little brother" in your life? Consider this gift for them this Christmas. Okay, do more than consider it...buy it!

*I say that with the utmost love and respect.

Platitudes

2010-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've been joking for many years about writing a book. It really is a joke at this point because I think I would run out of stuff to say after about 3 pages. But, one of my ideas is to write about all the great* (sarcasm) advice I've been given as a single girl.

Here's a bit of what "they" are saying...

1. It happens when you least expect it
I guess the advice here is, "Don't expect it. Just get on with your life." Okay, this officially does NOT work. I repeat, does not work. I've been "not expecting it" for my many years. Well, I guess it works in one sense...I have been on with my life and it's been great.

This is usually followed by, "I remember being single and thinking it would never happen. And then second semester Freshman year it did!"**

2. It's about being the right person, not finding the right person
That's lovely. Really beautiful.

3. Always be ready because you never know who you're going to meet
Well, I live in a small town, so I kinda do. And this really contradicts #1.

4. You're too picky
Really? Because he doesn't have an actual job and lives in his parent's basement? Too picky? Or maybe I'm too picky because I don't want to date someone that I just don't like.

Here's a bit of my own, more practical, advice:

1. You have to laugh at yourself
Laugh at what, you ask?
How about the fact that you are in stretchy pants at 7pm on a Friday catching up on Oprah?
Or the fact that despite all odds you actually do think you might meet someone in Target so you put on the nice stretchy pants when going out.

2. You have to have a list of things to say that you do in all your spare time
(Or at least all the spare time that everyone thinks you have because you are single.)
Because when someone says, "What did you do last night?" you don't want to say, "I watched episodes of Modern Family on my DVR for 3 hours straight so I could get Gloria's accent down."
You have to have something else to say. Don't get caught off guard.

3. You have to know how to stalk discreetly
Facebook has made this a breeze. There are no excuses. I can't imagine if I had had facebook in college. It would have made my life so much easier. (By the way, commenting on an old post or picture is not discreet.)

4. Make sure your best guy friend knows that he may be called upon at anytime to stand in as your boyfriend
This became very important when I got sick of answering my grandmother's*** questions about who I was or was not dating. I mean, sure I stretched the truth a little, but wasn't it better for her to die happy?

I don't think it's just the single girl who can relate to this. Anyone who has ever "waited" for something- a job, a baby, a break through of some sort - can probably name some platitudes that have been less than helpful. And I'm really not upset that people say these things, because I say the same type of things sometimes. (Except the part about being too picky. Let's all make a pact to stop saying that. I will go to the grave being too picky. So, sue me.) I think we just feel like we need something to say. But, sometimes we just need to sit in the waiting.

*For the record, I have been given some truly great advice that I did not include. (because that wouldn't be as funny) And what I did include isn't all bad, it's just over done.
**Credit to Kim Handy for remembering this quote.
***Not you, Nana. It was always Mimi that engaged in this conversation.

Made in Taiwan

2010-12-16T08:00:00.003-05:00

Before I left Taiwan I stocked up on items from all my favorite stationery stores: notebooks, note cards, sticky notes, etc. In my time there I had grown immune to the hilarious English translations on these items, but I knew there would come a day when I needed and appreciated this "inspiration" again.

That day has come. I hope you will also be inspired by the text on these notebooks in my hand...

Written down you every hopes and every dreams. As I come close to a dream, my heart throbs. My hopes have begun to swell.

Good warriors do not fight good fighters are not got angry good winners do not know winning good leaders stay below the people this is called the victory of never fighting the power of wielding the people therefore there is only one principle faced with heaven

Perhaps it is destined relationship to meet you by chance. However, I sincerely hope the realtionship will continue.

Learning has no stopping line as the ocean without an ending line.

Was there not a native English speaker around to proof these before going to print? (Because we always get it right. {insert nervous throat clear} Remember my recent "your/you're" mix up? I don't think I'll ever forgive myself. And how many mistakes are in this post that I haven't even found yet? Should I click publish? I'm so nervous. I beat myself up because I am a former English teacher. I taught those little Asian children who will grow up and print funny signs! It's all my fault.)

To my other globe trotters out there, what poorly written signage or print material have you enjoyed?

Actual Conversation

2010-12-15T08:00:00.003-05:00

While I don't want to turn this into a blog where I just repeat conversations, they do make great material. Lately I've been a part of, heard about or remembered some entertaining, even poignant conversations. And they're just worth repeating, in my opinion.

This one happened word for word...

Cashier at Moe's: You're not still a student are you?
Me: No. (half laugh) Haven't been for awhile.
Cashier: Well, you can't have been out for that long.
Me: It's been about 10 years. (I use the word "about" loosely.)
Cashier: No, that can't be true. What are you, 24?
{So, I finished college at 14?}
Me: Sure. Let's just say that.
Cashier: No, really, how old are you?
Me: No, really. Let's just leave it at "24". (Yeah, I did air quotes. That's my new method to justify lying.)

Because, 1) I don't really know you that well, and 2) remember when your mom taught you never to ask a woman's age? especially at the Moe's counter and 3) you're as old as you feel, right?

Typical Conversation

2010-12-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Three things my parents never got when I lived in Taiwan:
1. I would always be 12 or 13 hours ahead of them (depending on daylight savings time)
2. We had cell phones in Asia
3. I lived in Taiwan, not Thailand

Mom: Where have you been? I've been calling and calling your apartment.
Me: Yeah, I was in Hong Kong for a conference. I told you... and you know I have a cell phone, right?
Dad: So, what time is it there?
Me: Still 12 hours ahead, so, 7pm.
Mom: So, it's dark there.
Me: Um, yeah.
Dad: Well, the sun just came up here.
Me: (sigh) Yep. Sounds about right.
Mom: You're finishing the day and we're just starting. (so pleased with herself for cracking the code)
Dad: You liking that Thai food?
Me: I love Thai food, but you know I'm in Taiwan, not Thailand...
Dad: Oh, right. Same thing.
Me: Okay then. I'll talk to you guys next week.

The right last name

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Michael Christmas and Owen Carroll sit on the tarmac waiting to take off.
Flight attendant comes by and asks, "Okay, which one is Christmas?"
"That's me." Michael responds.
"Oh, what's your first name?" Flight attendant really wants it to be Nicolas or Father.
"Michael," He responds, knowing he will let her down.
"Hmmm...Mike Christmas." She says, mulling it over, trying to make it sound more festive.

She should have asked, "What's your friend's last name?"
Because "Christmas Carroll" sitting next to each other is funny.

Speaking of this Owen Carroll, one day I was telling a group of people that the reason I wasn't married is because I hadn't found someone with the right last name. I was in my typical story telling mode, crowd eating out of my hand. "I'm looking for a Day or Cookie or Carol," I said. "You know, 'Mary Christmas Carol'. How great would that be?"
It was then that I realized that I was sitting across from Owen Carroll.
Gulp. "Uh, hi Owen."
Things are still awkward between us. I guess he wasn't interested.

Need a new blog to follow?

2010-12-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

My friend and coworker Kevin Mahan is my new blog guru. He has shared a lot with me about how to blog, who to follow and how to read blogs. (For instance, apparently Blogspot is a "soccer mom" blog platform. Who knew? Probably every other blogger. I will be addressing my blogdentity* crisis in a future post.)

In the meantime, I want to share a few of my new favorites blogs with you. I subscribe to these blogs and enjoy the (mostly) daily doses of humor and inspiration.

Lindsights - short and funny
Seth Godin- (usually) short and inspirational/thought provoking
Tyler Stanton- hilarious
Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff- hilarious and often too close to home; He is able to make fun of Christians in a way that I often want to but know I couldn't get away with.

Who else?

*I borrowed this term from Lindsights. Not sure I want to give it back though. I like it.

Would you rather...

2010-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

dread something that ends up going really well
OR
look forward to something that ends up disappointing?

I keep going back and forth. I think I'd rather spend time looking forward to something that ends up not being that great.

Pulling a Teecy

2010-12-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Gal pal, Adrienne Ruegg, writes on my facebook wall:

"I pulled a "Teecy" today. No, I did not ask for extra vacation time. No, I did not teach my class a choreographed dance. But I did eat an "alfalfa sprout sandwich" for lunch :) and thought of you."

I probably won't be adding any of this to my resume anytime soon. Or ever. I mean, who wants a dancing teacher who is always on vacation at the organic store? But, I may let her write my bios in the future. She has me pegged.

Should we still be...

2010-12-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

...Writing friendly letters to inanimate objects or places?
{i.e. Dear Detroit, Why are you so cold?}

...Communicating our love or desire for something by saying "Yes, please!"
{i.e. chocolate chip pecan cookie from Whole Foods? Yes, please!}

...Unpacking a phrase or helping our readers "read between the lines" by saying {read:.....}
{i.e. I love it when my mom announces my name to strangers (read: I want to hurt her when she does this.)}

I'm waiting for someone to start something new and clever.

Micheal Scott gets this: "TMI? Too much information. Uh, it's just easier to say TMI. I used to say don't go there, but that's lame."

By the way, should we have ever said...
... "I know, right?"
..."I'm just saying"

I'm not saying, I'm just saying. Hmmmm.

More on Being Mary Christmas: Pulling a Peggy

2010-12-05T16:33:00.011-05:00

I was shopping with a friend recently and she pulled a Peggy. (Peggy is my mom.) Pulling a Peggy can be many things, from peeing your pants from laughing so hard at your children to being 30 minutes late with a myriad of creative excuses to making a short story long. But, Amee didn't do any of those things. Before I paid for my purchase the cashier asked for my email address, which has "jinglebells" in it. Oh, did she get a kick out of that. And we probably could have left it there, without her knowing the name behind it. I was paying with my debit card but about 50% of the time the cashier does not fully register the name on the card. So there was a chance I could have gotten out of the store with very little attention drawn to me. There was a chance to leave the focus on Jesus. (And a chance for me to Jesus Juke Amee.) Because, yeah, Williams-Sonoma is quite focused on Jesus this time of year. But, no, Amee jumped in there as the lady is enjoying the fact that my email address is so fitting for the season with (and here is where she pulled a Peggy) "Oh, and guess what her name is." Her face so full of glee and merriment, she waited for the cashier to guess. No one has ever guessed correctly, so I sped up the process by handing over my card and enjoying the moment with the cashier. I have to. I mean, they don't know that I go through this rigmarole several times a week. For them it's brand new. And how terrible would it be for someone to encounter a grumpy Mary Christmas. It could be devastating.

Without fail, every time I shop with Peggy she will exploit her eldest daughter. This is how it goes:
My mom pays with card.
Cashier: "Oh, Margaret Christmas. That's neat."
Peggy: "You think that's neat? This one is Mary!!!" (satisfied smile on her face, so proud that she thought of that clever name years ago)
Me: Ducking behind the counter, pinching Peggy's leg. In an angry whisper, "I'll never shop with you again."

Bucket List

2010-11-20T20:45:00.007-05:00

I recently asked a group of people, "What's on your bucket list that you haven't done yet?" I started thinking about my own. Most things on my list aren't very realistic. Here are a few examples:

Guest star on an episode of Glee (or be part of a flash mob)
I wouldn't say I'm a Gleek. (Can you be a Gleek if you only watch the musical numbers and fast forward the rest of the show?) But, if they called I'd do an episode. On the off chance that this never happens, I'd settle for being part of a flash mob. I love musicals! (Yeah, I can't sing...detail.) And sometimes wish a band and dancers would back me up as I move through my day. My office mate often has to point out that I'm sitting at my desk singing. I guess she doesn't really appreciate it. Perhaps having her own office is on her list.

Be a professional hair stylist
I don't know how to cut hair, although I once convinced my mother that I knew how and she let me cut her hair. I tried to do a little fancy texturizing and she ended up with a few spiky hairs on the top. I tried to pat it down and spray it into submission, at least until I left the house. But, I am a whiz with a flat iron and have "worked" many weddings, like the one below. Shouldn't that be enough for me to land me a gig on a movie set?

Far-fetched? Yeah. How about you? What far-fetched things are on your list?

Being Mary Christmas

2010-11-04T09:09:00.005-04:00

Recently I had a blogger ask me if he could start every sentence in 2011 with, "I have a blog reader named Mary Christmas." This got me thinking. And I decided I needed to finally do a post on this. Before you set out to brag to all your friends about my merry moniker, you'll want to be aware of the following...

1. They will not believe you and want to see proof. You will most likely not have proof unless you happen to be with me at the moment. Even then you will have to convince me to pull out my I.D. which I have only done 2 times. Not only do I rarely pull out my I.D. but I often say the person is lying and go on and on about how ridiculous that would be. "Can you imagine someone naming their child 'Mary Christmas.'" I'll say. This is all in fun, mind you.

2. If they do believe you it will only be because they too know someone named Mary Christmas or Happy Easter or something equally "hilarious." They will one up you. That's no fun. And you will feel less cool about your original story.

3. There will be approximately 17 follow up questions. A few examples:

Did her parents do that on purpose? (I answer this in a variety of ways ranging from "No, they were high." to the truth "Yes, I am named after my grandmother, also Mary Christmas. She became Mary Christmas when she married Henry Christmas on Christmas day.")
Why does she go by Teecy? Where does that come from? (middle name: Theresa; nickname for Theresa: Teecy. Original nickname made up by Theresa, my maternal grandmother who was...born on Christmas Day.)
What about her siblings? Do they have funny names? (sister: Christine Noel Christmas. Funny story: My mom just found out last year that she spelled Christy's name wrong. She thought Noel was the proper spelling of the name, when it is in fact Noelle.)
Was she born on Christmas Day? (I answer this different each time. But, the truth is no.)

4. Twenty minutes later you may wish you had started with a different opener. This conversation can get out of hand. But, then again, you could be a rock star if you really deliver well at a Christmas party. I've seen it go both ways.

Friends, is this accurate? Have you experienced this?

Birthday Season

2010-11-01T22:32:00.005-04:00

Fall means birthdays for the Christmas Kids.

October 17- Joanna (sister-in-law)
October 20- Kevin
October 26- Robby
November 1- Matt
November 5- me
November 10- Michael
December 12- Christy

I really like these people. I actually smile when I think about them. So, it's fun to celebrate that they were born. Sure, it was a little awkward when my mom kept getting pregnant and was actually pregnant at my high school graduation. But, I can't imagine life without those two "surprise" babies!

This is what the baby of the family says on his facebook profile:

I run track in the spring, play football in the fall....i play inside linebacker and Wingback. .... I am satisfied with my life..i have an AWESOME family and they mean everything to me..... Michael:the funny Matt: the cool Christy: the mellow Teecy: the energetic Robby: the married....*

Kevin sums it up well. They each add something unique to the family. I would add Kevin: the talented. (This kid is our resident pastry chef, amazing athlete and musician, and the most popular kid I know. He was popular with high schoolers when he was in elementary school. No joke!)

That God would give me this group to grow up with and be loved by is beyond me. Not only do they challenge me and love me but I never laugh so hard as when I'm with them. (To be fair, all the original humor comes from Michael: the funny. But, we are all good at copying him.)

Happy birthday Christmas kids!

Who do you need to celebrate and appreciate today? Give a shout out to your siblings!

*I love that Kevin just says that Robby is married. I wonder what he would say if he wasn't? I would say Robby: the wise and Joanna: the compassionate. Power couple right there!

Stressed out?

2010-11-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

I turned on the TV this morning to watch a few minutes of Good Morning America while I ate my cereal and saw this segment: Strategies to De-stress- New Rules to Relaxation.
So, what do the experts say?
(I missed the beginning, but picked it up here...)
1. Let it out! Don't hold it all in. Is this new? I've been letting it out for years! I've even been counseled to do so. King David did- complaints, praises, sorrow- he puts it all before the Lord. Check out Psalms.
2. Eat dark chocolate. Okay, I like this. I switched from milk to dark years ago when I was given permission to eat it because of the antioxidants. But, I hadn't heard that it helped de-stress. Makes sense. I was having a bad day a few weeks back when I saw a friend in Target. We ended up sitting on a futon in the middle of the store crying together. When I got up I headed straight for the dark chocolate, instinctively.
3. Get involved in something you love. The advice was to not meditate ("I mean, look how stressed out Julia Roberts was in Eat, Pray, Love." said the expert.) but just get busy doing something you love. I agree that there is a time to get up and get to work (helping someone else, creating something, etc) but, there is also a time to meditate and "work it out" through prayer.

Here's the scriptural advice that has been the best de-stresser for me lately:
1 Peter 1:13 "Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 John 4:16 "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us."
When I'm stressed and worried the best thing I can do is shift my mindset to God's love and my hope in Him. That's the only way I'm transformed into something much more relaxed and lovely! (Romans 12: 2) Of course I eat dark chocolate while I'm doing this! (double whammy)

What's your best de-stressing advice?

Double Whammy

2010-10-27T15:56:00.002-04:00

I just said "double whammy" and decided I wanted to start saying that more. I mean, you just don't hear that enough. I looked it up and this is what I found out:

A double whammy is when something causes two problems at the same time, or when two setbacks occur at the same time.

But, what I want to do is start saying it in a positive situation, when two good things occur at the same time. For instance, tomorrow morning I'm having coffee with a friend who I haven't spent time with in a while. Then, I'm going to her house tomorrow night. DOUBLE WHAMMY.

What other phrases should we bring back? Even better, which phrases should we bring back with a twist, like my double whammy morph?

Career Change

2010-07-23T23:56:00.003-04:00

I knew I had to do it, but I was nervous. I had rehearsed the lines in my head plenty of times that morning. This was it. I locked the door of my house behind me and stepped out into the warm sunshine. I knew this was a big moment. The kind that takes courage. I thought back a few hours to the moment I woke up that morning and said a simple prayer. Lord, what do you want me to do? I felt Him say, "You already know the answer." With that, the next step was to go to my school and ask my principal to release me from my contract for the upcoming school year.

Early that morning I was offered a full time position at my church where I have been working part time since March. If this had been offered to me back in the spring before I signed my contract for another school year the decision would have been simpler, although still bitter-sweet. But, now my integrity was also on the line. And besides that, with the beginning of the school year not far off I had already begun thinking about my classroom. I've been a teacher for eleven years, so I know what that looks like each day. It's familiar. I like my teaching job and the people I work with. And I like my summers! The church position would be new and different and part of me just wanted to stay with what I know. But, there was something in me that compelled me to at least take the next step. And throughout the morning God just covered me with His peace and took away the uneasiness I was feeling. "You already know the answer."

So, there I sat face to face with my principal explaining my situation. Graciously, he listened and said he would release me from my contract but asked me to give him time to hire someone else. This could turn into a long process. He appreciated that I asked him to release me from the contract and didn't just tell him I was leaving. I went home and 2 hours later he called. He was able to hire a teacher who had been at our school the year before but her position had been cut so she was not longer employed there. As it turns out, fourth grade just happens to be her favorite grade to teach, which is what she will taking over from me.

I explained to my boss that I was not trying to run from something but rather was running toward what I feel God wants me to pursue right now. He understood and said he would hire me again. I'm still teaching a writing workshop to the elementary staff in August, something I agreed to do back in June. God worked out every detail that I had prayed about.

The clear way that this all unfolded was my confirmation that this is the right path for me right now. Later that day I thought back to the phrase "You already know the answer." I remembered being in Taiwan a few years before when I was faced with a last minute decision to stay and teach 5th grade or go home to the states. I struggled in that moment. The moment where I finally had what I wanted right in front of me. But, that same phrase came to me then: You already know the answer. See, for months I had been wanting to stay in Taiwan and had begged God for an opportunity to do so. When it finally came it scared me and I didn't know for sure what I wanted. But, God spoke to me in that moment- I've given you what you want. You know the answer. Take it! I took the 5th grade job, stayed in Taiwan and didn't regret it.

I think in both situations God has worked through my desires, or the desires he has put on my heart for a specific purpose. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." For many years I have dreamed of working on a ministry staff. I didn't have a plan to make that happen. It wasn't very clear how it would all work out, but I just did the next thing- discipled the girl, planned the conference, chaperoned the trip, taught the Bible Study, volunteered on the student ministry team, read the leadership book- knowing that God was doing something through all of these experiences. And God continued to shape my desires. Only God sees the big picture, the full story. But, I can see this step and it's exciting.

The sound of settling

2010-06-29T08:34:00.002-04:00

What are you thinking about? What are you praying about? I hate it when my thoughts and prayers become all about the daily grind. It’s like there’s this subtle resignation in my soul that this is all there is. There’s no healing, holiness or huge dreams to chase after. Feeling like everything is just fine is a sure sign that it’s not. We are foolish to believe the enemy has left us alone. Or maybe he has left us alone and that can’t be good either. Maybe the enemy of our soul has seen us sell out to a self-righteous, complacent attempt at a nice little life. An attempt at nothingness.

I truly desire so much more than that. But there’s this ambivalence in me- part of me thinks that a nice little life would be, well…nice. But, I know deep in my heart that there is nothing nice or good or holy about a comfortable life that I can attain on my own. So, I must fight for more. I must throw off everything that weighs me down and trips me up and live the abundant life Jesus has marked out for me. (Hebrews 12:1)

But, this all starts to sound like spiritual jargon until I let the Holy Spirit counsel me into what that means in my every moment. So, for instance, when I settle for television drama and romance instead of letting Jesus’ pursuit of me overwhelm my heart and draw me into His adventurous story, I sell myself short. All the while I can feel very self-righteous and “good” because I’m “following the rules”. It feels easier to settle for substitutes. Maybe it is easier. I guess that’s why Apostle Paul spoke so much about laboring for something. (Colossians 1:28 “To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works within me.”)

Back to thoughts and prayers. My days end up being about what I’m thinking about. The Holy Spirit will sometimes show me a “laziness” in my thinking. I’m alerted to this when I notice I don’t have anything fresh to share or when there’s nothing I’ve been mulling over. (“Continue to work out your salvation” Phil. 2:12) In those moments I need to ask God to show me where I’m settling. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Take every thought captive”. That’s hard work. A labor. A fight. I think there is labor involved in bringing forth anything good and right and beautiful.

A few years ago all the books I was reading seemed to be using language like: “Princess warrior, draw your sword and fight! Fight for your heart!” Oh, man. It sounds cheesy now, but I got into that. I will fully embrace just about any trend that is thrown my way when it comes to words and phrases and language. Then, there’s the language about “believing lies”. In the book I’m reading now, Walking With God, John Eldridge calls it “making agreements”. You don’t have to get caught up in the latest phraseology like I tend to do. It’s all the same thing…Draw your sword and fight for your heart that wants to believe lies and make agreements! However you bring expression to it, it’s not something that is born out of laziness or complacency.

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A complacent life is not abundance. I’m laboring for the abundant life Jesus promises. Don't settle for the daily grind. Let that hunger for more push you to a desire for abundance in Jesus Christ.

(Quick soapbox here: Just because a word or phrase is overused or even misused by the masses doesn’t make it a bad word or phrase. Keep in mind it became overused for a reason…it was a good and needed word. Being relevant and authentic and “doing life together” are still good things. If an idea is good, it will be repeated over and over again and smart people will find new ways of bringing expression to it. Same idea, different phraseology. And little followers like me will jump on every cool word that comes along because I like language.)

To Be Known

2010-06-22T23:29:00.003-04:00

I am finally still. Like birds-chirping, gentle-breeze-blowing kind of still. And I have time to think again. I don't like not thinking...that constant go mode where there is not time to actually think. I'm not talking about thinking about which order to do try to accomplish the to do list or thinking about what circumstances dictate you think about. I'm talking about the kind of thinking where you actually have new thoughts, dreams, visions. The thinking that creates something new. I've missed that.

So, tonight I was thinking about writing. Which led me to these musings...

Everybody wants to be known and so much of what we do is a result of that desire- like me writing this post. There are thousands of blogs just like this because people want to know and be known. We want people to know our families, our likes and dislikes, what we ate for dinner and where we shop. Because to know and be known is intimacy and that desire is innate in us.

Like any desire, which is in and of itself good, it can take us to dark places. How we express ourselves is unhealthy at times. The lengths we will go to for that intimacy is sometimes too far. A girl will marry a guy she knows is wrong for her...to know and be known. A teenage girl is obnoxious in her flirtatious pursuit of attention from any and everyone...to know and be known. We vie for time and position in our friends' lives...to know and be known. Constant struggle and striving and toil. And often it only brings angst from still unmet desires for intimacy.

And then there's the fear of being known...we desire to be known but fear that when someone does really know us we will only disappoint. But there are those times where we feel our true heart beat. Those moments where we are so connected to our creator that we feel connected to our original design. And we know there is good in us. We feel connected to the redemptive work in us to return us to our original design. Why can't that be what comes out? Why can't everyone see the true me...the me that God is redeeming...the me that is on the journey to my destiny.

So, there's this struggle...to hide or expose. To be real or fake.

There is a place where we can find true, lastly intimacy. There is one who knows us completely and still loves us wholly.

But, sometimes that just seems like Sunday School talk. It doesn't feel like our reality.

Our position in Christ is secure...there's no attaining it...it already is. We already are...KNOWN. It's not about attainment it's about belief.

To me the most beautiful part is that one day we will be revealed. Revealed for who you are really are...the YOU that God created you to be.

I've always loved Colossians 3:3-4. Here's how The Message puts it...

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

In the NIV it says that you will "be revealed". According to Strong's Concordance this is what that word means:
To make manifest or visible or known what has been unknown. To be realized. To be thoroughly understood.

God already knows us like that. Thoroughly understands us. Quirks, talents, emotions. He gets us. And one day the GLORIOUS version of us will actually be revealed to all.

Until then we have to courageously enter into that redemptive work in us and not be afraid to let others see our journey.

Personal Best

2010-02-27T10:57:00.002-05:00

I have always LOVED the Olympics. The victories, defeats, passion, desire, tears, cheers. It gets me every time. I've been watching it at night with my roommate and we quiz each other on Olympic trivia while we are fast forwarding the commercials. She made fun of me the other day because I said I remember watching Mary Lou Retton in LA in '84. I guess that makes me old to have vivid memories in the early 80's. We decided we need to be Olympic commentators, but we would just talk about silly things, like the figure skaters' outfits and why Tara Lipinski is in the audience
with a tank top on at the winter games???

If you listen to the commentators there are phrases you hear over and over...

This is a new personal best.

Four years of training for this...a few minutes.

With the world watching, his (her) Olympic dreams dashed in a matter of seconds.

It takes a lot of strength and courage to compete after _________.(fill in the blank with a hardship)

The judges are going to take points off for that.

The Olympic stage is the place to go all out.

It's not just about the few minutes of performances, I am intrigued by the athletes' stories. I want to know what they've been through and how they've gotten to this place. Where are their families? Who's watching and supporting them in the audience? Where is their coach?

Vacouver has sure had some tear-jerker moments for me. Joannie Rochette skating just a day after her mom died suddenly and going on to win the bronze was definitely at the top of the list for me. But, what about the 21-year-old Olympian who died before the games even started during luge training? Apparently he wasn't even a medal contender, he just wanted a chance to compete. A chance he didn't get.

I think the Olympics appeals to me so much because I love stories. Real stories of passion and committment. Real stories of victory and defeat. These are people with extraordinary talent and courage and we are all invited in to view a part of their story on this prestigious stage.

When people get a glimpse into my story I pray they see as much passion and excitement for the Kingdom cause as I see in these athletes for their sport. May I train well for the moments God brings my way to impact the world for Him and make a difference for eternity. May I be my personal best, attaching myself to God and His desires, walking into all He has designed me to be. Although our lives can seem monotonous at times, I believe the story that God is telling with His creation is so much more exciting than the Olympic games or Lost or Jake and his ladies.

Habakkuk 1:5
"Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly AMAZED. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."

Habakkuk 2:1
"I will stand at my watch and staion myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint."

The Whole Enchilada

2010-02-10T09:21:00.004-05:00

My favorite subject to teach is History. It's just about telling stories from the past and there is so much we can learn. Our class times always lead to great discussions, especially as we look at everything through the lens of a Biblical world view. I'm in the middle of a unit on the Civil War in my fourth grade class. I cannot teach the Civil War without telling the story of one of my heros, Frederick Douglass and his beautiful response to slavery in America. As a class we have discussed the violent responses from abolitionists such as Nat Turner and John Brown and the non-violent, creative responses from Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Then I asked my students to be creative and think about how they would resist slavery during that time. I asked my students to write a paragraph answering these questions: Why is slavery wrong and how would you respond to it if you lived during that time? I loved reading their answers. One humorous response read, "I would buy slaves and then set them free. Their families, friends, the whole enchilada!" I like to try to bring the past into the present. Their jaws dropped when I pointed out that slavery was not just practiced by the pagans of the day. Pastors and church going people in the south went to church on Sunday and came home and beat their slaves the next morning. There was a major disconnect. Why is that disconnect so obvious to my fourth graders today but the "christians" of the day were completely blinded to the wickedness of slavery? Which begs the question, are there aspects of our culture today that display a disconnect between the truth in the Bible we clain and the practices of our lives? We gawk at the terrible practice of slavery in colonial America and we know we would never go back there. We've learned out lesson. But, I challenge my students to look around for injustices in our world today. Are there areas where we have put up the blinders because that's just our culture and it's the way we do things? It took people like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beeacher Stowe, who Abraham Lincoln called "the little woman who started a big war" with her boook Uncle Tom's Cabin, to raise the awareness of the injustice of slavery. They were revolutionaries in their day and they are some of the true heros of civil rights. And it takes revolutionaries today. Those that revolt against the way we are doing things when it goes against the truth we claim but ignore. I have very few answers for my students sometimes, but I still ask the questions. I don't know what those things may be, but I challenge them to look around. To have vision like Jesus did. To see injustices around them and have the courage to stand up and the creativity to resist.

The same student who wants to free "the whole enchalada" came to me this week and asked if she could do a brief presentation for the class about a foundation she has started. No joke. The goal of her foundation is to collect items for Haitans and partner with another organization to send the items to the right place. (Her words!) I praised her work and pointed out that this was an example of using your gifts and creativity to serve the Lord. Reading about their responses to slavery and hearing about a compassionate foundation started by a fourth grader are the moments when I know they are learning something. I know their eyes are being opened.

Slave owners and slaves alike were under a yoke of slavery during that time. Right now I'm doing Beth Moore's Bible study called Breaking Free. God's word if full of beautiful passages about freedom for His people. There are so many things that can keep us in bondage, unable to experience the abundant life God has for us. No longer is it legalized slavery, but what is it? Jesus Christ has come to "loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke." (Isaiah 58:6) May we experience new freedom today from our pride, lazyness, depression, self-centeredness, prayerlessness, or whatever may be holding us back.

Isaiah 59:1 "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear."

Exposure

2009-12-05T07:25:00.002-05:00

There are some things we do not need to protect ourselves from.

Growing up in a "Christian bubble" in a Christian school in the heart of the Bible belt, I was sheltered. And as my awareness of this grew, I began to discuss, with fellow bubble cohabitants, the merits of this shelter. "Was it good to be sheltered?" we wondered. "Would we shelter our children? And to what degree?" Since I'm not a parent yet I still don't know how all of this will flesh out. I'm just processing here.

My Junior year of high school I entered the big, bad scary world of public school. (Which actually isn't any more big and bad and scary then any school where there are teenagers! But, maybe it helped that my big, bad, scary father was the head football coach at my high school and he knew EVERYTHING that went on there. He really didn't help my dating life, but I'm thankful for that now.) Had my parents removed a much needed shelter by throwing me into public school?

Lately I've been thinking about schooling for my own children. (Um, yes, these are imaginary children at this point. Just thinking ahead.) Having taught in a public elementary school for 6 years, I've never been scared of the thought of sending my own children to public school. Lately, I feel even more so that I would send them to public school.* But, this post isn't about schooling, so I won't get into that now. This is what it's about...I want my children to be around poor children. Around children who come to school hungry. I want my children to know children who come from hurting and broken homes. I want them to know suffering. I want them to know children who do not know Jesus personally. I do not want them growing up thinking that the goal is to stay away from "bad people." Because that's what I grew up thinking. And with all the merits of my upbringing,** that belief was wrong. I'm ashamed to say, it has taken me some time to understand God's grace and stop looking down on certain types of people.

If we want to be people who are Christ followers and raise a generation of Christ followers, we need to be Christ like. Jesus Christ did not stay away from "bad" people. (I mean, who are these bad people anyway? Isn't it all of us?) He didn't avert his eyes when he saw people suffering. Who do I even know who is suffering right now? What groups of people am I around with real physical and spiritual needs? God is speaking to my heart about that. He has spoken to me about it many times before, but I need constant reminders. I need to leave the country and go to an impoverished land about once a year. I need to go to the "wrong side of town" and serve someone there...often. I need to watch a movie that is hard to watch and makes me uncomfortable because of the suffering. I don't need to protect myself from broken, hurting people and their stories. It always strikes me when someone comments, "I can't watch movies like that. It's too sad." Maybe we need to be sad about a true story of suffering. Maybe we need to feel a little uncomfortable. I think that's how we grow. Growing pains.

I am encouraged by a group of young men right now. They have gone to a foreign land to find a story. Read their blog if you need a little exposure to something real today. If you need a little exposure to suffering. If you need to leave your bubble.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

2 Corinthians 1:5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

*I would rethink schooling for each child based on individual needs. I'm well aware that a child can be in a christian school and have wise parents that still expose them to suffering and brokenness. And this may look different for each child, even within the same family. I think we need to watch for age-appropriate exposure with our children and it can happen within the "shelter" a loving, christian home or classroom.

**By upbringing I do not just mean "how my parents raised me." I mean, all the factors that went in to shaping my thoughts and beliefs. Bob and Peg are wonderful parents, but because of all the environments I grew up in there were certain misconceptions that became truth for me. That's why I think choosing the right environments for children is so important. And schooling is one of the main ones.

A new beginning and a happy ending

2009-11-01T12:09:00.004-05:00

I've taken a blog hiatus and I'm ready to start again. But, I'm going to blog differently now. (And I've replaced the Taipei skyline with one of my favorite pictures of my brothers. It's kinda random, but I think I'll just rotate in different family shots.) In the past I've posted pictures, updates on the adventures God has taken me on and an occasional devotional thought or lesson God has taught me. From now on I'm just going to post articles or devotionals I've written and my goal is to have a new one every week. I keep feeling like the Lord wants me to write more and I just don't take the time to sit down and do it. Maybe this will make me do it. I really want to encourage others, especially other women, on their spiritual journeys. I've been in the process of relearning the gospel for what it really is. God has opened my eyes to see lies that I have believed in the past and ways I have totally misconstrued the gospel. If God can use me to help make truth come alive for others, I am willing.
So, let's start with this....A Happy Ending...

I just finished listening to my pastor speak about tension, hardship and helplessness. And I feel encouraged. I feel encouraged because I just heard truth and it covered my soul like a soothing balm. On the contrary, a message of prosperity gospel brings on a wave of nauseous ness. I think most Christ followers would agree that at least on some level prosperity gospel is not the gospel truth at all. But, even those of us who have not fallen for a monetary prosperity gospel have, at times, fallen for some version of the gospel that says God wants us safe, happy and healthy and that he has a happy ending planned for us on this earth.

John the Baptist wanted a happy ending. After he obeyed God’s calling on his life by proclaiming the coming Messiah, he sat rotting in prison wondering when this Messiah was going to come through for him and deliver his happy ending. In Matthew 11 we see that John sent word to Jesus asking, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” In other words, “If you are Jesus, the Messiah, shouldn’t you be rescuing me from prison so I can take part in your ministry here on earth?” John was not rescued. Did he get a happy ending? Many of the disciples and early church missionaries were persecuted and died terrible deaths. Did they get happy endings? Yes, they did and so did John the Baptist. Just not on this earth. Not a typical happy ending. Not the kind we see in movies. Let’s be honest, not the kind we want. Hebrews 11 tells of their happy ending. Though they were “destitute, persecuted and mistreated” the writer tells us “these were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us that only together with us would they be made perfect.” They received their happy ending, but not while walking on this earth. And I think that’s what trips us up sometimes. We think all things have to come together under a happy ending at some point in this life on earth. We may not say it in so many words, but it comes out in our platitudes. We try to encourage our friends by telling them it will all work out. You’ll get back together. He won’t leave. You’ll get pregnant. You’ll have a healthy baby. It will all work out!

I love the movie The Breakup for many reasons including its realistic ending. I mentioned this to a couple of friends recently and they had the opposite feelings about the movie because the two main characters do not end up together in the end. They expressed that they do not watch movies for realism but for an escape from reality. While I understand this sentiment and certainly enjoy a good dose of escapism, I also appreciate a realistic ending with a glimmer of hope. The difference between our reality as Christians and the realistic picture that Hollywood paints is that our reality is in Christ. And in Christ we have hope. But, we have to understand where that hope lies. Eternity. Not in a perfect ending now, but in our journey with Christ that goes on for eternity. See, the gospel of Jesus Christ is one of reconciling all things to their original design. That’s our happy ending and it has begun, but it’s not complete. In the in between there is struggle, tension, hardship, and we should not run from these things. But, we have hope. Our happy ending is coming.

There is a line from one of my favorite songs that I cannot get out of my head. Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson sing, “I still believe in summer days. The seasons always change. And life will find a way.” As the days get shorter and the dark cold sets in, remember the summer. Remember life and remember our hope in Jesus Christ. Not a false hope that things will turn out right now, but a deep hope in our future with him, that has begun now, even on this short cold day.

Dive into a good book! (elementary teacher nerd:)

2009-07-07T18:39:00.007-04:00

I have been back in the U.S. for about a month now and it really is great to be back home. I enjoyed time with my family and I've been busy. I'm really getting acclimated to this culture again. I have a new cell phone, a car and car insurance! The Lord provided a nice car in my price range and I'm glad to get some of those basic things taken care of.

I just spent a week with my family in sunny South Vero Beach, FL. We had a nice time playing on the beach, relaxing and eating. I love my family for many reasons, but one thing that makes me swell up inside is how we love to read and get into deep conversations. I am always intellectually and spiritually stimulated after spending time with them, especially concentrated time on vacation. We discussed politics and religion and history and social issues and I always learn so much just from listening to them. Which leads me to my topic...

Summer Reading
So, what was I reading as I sat between my mother, reading Jane Austen, and my brother, reading Tolstoy? Um, yeah, Shopaholic Ties the Knot! Which is so not intellectually stimulating, but so entertaining. On spring holiday I read Shopaholic Takes Manhattan and actually laughed out loud at some bits, so I grabbed another installment of everyone's favorite shopaholic to read at the beach. I really enjoy a light read on vacation.

I'm also reading God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. It was given to me years ago and I finally got to it recently. I'm finding it encouraging and challenging. I really enjoyed how the author discussed the story of Mary and Martha. I'm a bit of a Martha myself (always busy in the "kitchen") so I was encouraged as he explained that the story is not about changing activities or ceasing activity, although that may be needed at times. It's about being distracted. The author explains, "The 'one thing' Mary chose would not be taken from her. The one thing was not that she would spend the rest of her life sitting in contemplation letting Martha do all the work. The one thing was being with Jesus no matter what else was going on around her."
I'm only about half way through it, but it's basically about experiencing God's presence in our daily lives.

And my final book choice for the summer is The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Politcal Power is Destroying the Church by Gregory Boyd. After some thought-provoking political discussions with my brother, Michael, a recent college grad with a degree in History, I decided I wanted to read a poly-sci book this summer to learn a little more about what he was talking about. I picked this book up at Barnes and Noble and it is excellent! But, it's a tough read. Not because it's full of difficult words or sentences that are half a page long (thank you, Jane Austen), but because it challenges many of my preconceived notions on political activism as a Christian. It has caused me to rethink many things, which is something I think we need to do continually. I don't want to trivialize it by sharing a quote that may not make sense without reading the whole chapter, so I'll just encourage you to pick it up. I haven't finished it yet, so I'm not sure how he's going to wrap it up, but either way, whether I can go there with him or not, I appreciate the opportunity to think it through.

Next on my list, per recommendation by my brother, Robby, Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne. And a few more recommendations from me along this same vein:
1) Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne, if you want to be challenged to live more simply, among other things, and
2) Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. I learned so much about 1st century Jewish culture from this book and it really enhanced my understanding of much of the New Testament. An EXCELLENT read!

I hope you'll pick up a book this summer! (I'm such a nerd...it makes me so happy to look down the row of chairs and towels at the beach and see everyone in my family with a book!)

Oh, and listen to some good music too! The song of the moment for me right now: The Story by Brandi Carlile.

Peggy's Big Adventure

2009-06-14T20:20:00.008-04:00

I had been sitting there for about an hour when I was jerked from my reverie. I looked up from my seat in the waiting area at the airport to see my sweet little mother purposefully bang her cart into the glass in front of me to get my attention. I had watched everyone else from Malaysia Air flight 94 come out of the baggage claim area and finally decided to just sit and read and trust that she would eventually make it out and she did. "Hello, Mary Theresa!" She called. Wow. Someone was excited to start her big adventure! And she didn't wait long to start - she had already been lost in the airport by the time she found me. As we bought bus tickets and got settled for the ride back to the city she told me that besides getting confused trying to find baggage claim, she was also stopped at the temperature check point. Apparently, it showed up that she had a fever, but they let her through when she disclosed that she was, in fact, just having a hot flash. Whew.
We had 10 incredible days of delicious food from all over the world. She tried and loved everything...
She enjoyed meeting all my wonderful friends...
And it was just so much fun to be with my mom during my last 10 days in Taiwan...
It was such a blessing to be able to show her a little glimpse into my life there before I came back. Besides that, she has never traveled farther than Guatemala and I was so excited for her to be able to take a big trip like this. She was a huge help to me as I finished up at school and packed up my apartment.

The personal touch

2009-05-04T07:58:00.004-04:00

I'm sure I'm not the first or only person to say this. Furthermore, I'm probably not the only person to say this TODAY. In fact, I've probably heard someone else say this and now I think it's my own original thought. So many people are talking about how we are communcating these days. I just want to get in on the conversation a little.

As a foreigner in a land far away from many loved ones, I am enamored with all the brilliant ways to stay in contact with friends. I squeal with delight at my computer screen when I see that someone has written on my facebook wall and in contrast I pout and declare that no one likes me if I have no new email in a whole day. Okay, so I'm a bit of a drama queen at times, but I'm sure many of you share similar emotions. Blogs, Facebook, Twitter and chat are all at our finger tips. These forms of communication are fast and fun and useful for communicating to masses. (I still think it's funny that we have a way to update "everyone" on our every move via twitter. Do we really need to know when our friends are at the grocery store? But, I'll save that for another post.) Old fashion email has taken a back seat to these fast and efficient means. It's almost a thing of the past. (That's why I do a lot of pouting when I open my email. Or maybe I'm just a friendless loser. Totally kidding. I'm wicked popular. Just for you, Mary:) Just a few years ago I was listening to people my parents age complaining that hand-written letters were becoming obsolete. Now no one sends emails anymore.

All these things are meant to connect us, but I would argue that they can be used to separate us. We don't need to talk on the phone anymore. We don't need to meet in person. And now we don't even need to send individual emails. We twitter and blog and facebook and are left with the illusion that we are staying connected but the personal touch is lost. When I post on this blog or upload pictures on facebook and write captions to go with the pictures and tell my story, I feel like I've communicated with all of my friends. But, do you feel like I've communicated with you? Most likely not.

I'm not one to try to go backwards. I understand that our world is changing and I'm ready to move forward with it. (Does that mean I have to twitter though? I have no idea how to do that.) But, I don't want to live with the illusion of connectedness instead of the real thing. I'd still take face to face over facebook any day.

Now, time to check status updates.

Final Countdown

2009-05-01T21:36:00.010-04:00

I can't believe I only have 5 weeks left here in Taiwan to enjoy so many wonderful things that I have come to love in the last 3 years....

The river park by my apartment where I have spent countless hours walking and talking with Amanda...

The view from the roof of our apartment where we have lounge chairs set up for sunny days...

The steps of the CKS memorial which are are the perfect place to exercise...

Cheap, good lattes from eCoffee, which is only a short walk from work...

My fun, adorable students who make work a joy...

And my beautiful friends who make me laugh and are my loyal companions...

Five more weeks. That's it.

As much as I'm going to mourn the absence of these people and places in my life, there are just as many amazing friends, beautiful places and good lattes waiting for me on the other side.

And I look forward with a happy heart.

A weekend with the folks

2009-03-23T07:17:00.005-04:00

I'm a little late posting this, but 2 weekends ago Amanda and I took the high speed train down to a city in the southern part of the island to see some friends, Carl and Kathy Collins. I met Carl and Kathy in the airport in Buffalo, NY in July '06. There were a bunch of us waiting to get picked up at the airport to go to our pre-field orientation before heading to Taiwan. I was so excited to find out that they were going to be in Taiwan also because we clicked right away and I could tell I was going to like them! They have become my "Taiwan parents" and I have enjoyed countless visits to their home over the years.
On our recent visit, we spent time shopping for souvenirs, visiting a cultural village, eating, talking, and sight seeing. My favorite spot was the Lotus Pond which is where all these pictures where taken. Everything was so beautifully manicured and so Asian! These pictures don't do it justice.

Get back in your cage!

I like the angle Carl got with this shot!

Peace! (We are so Asian)

Amanda and I with Kathy

Carl and Kathy are planning a trip to Taipei in April for some fun on this end of the island. We are looking forward to it!

Happy Monday

2009-02-09T07:40:00.002-05:00

For all of you who are still fuming and suicidal from the last article I linked to this blog, I thought I would draw your attention to another article about singleness from the same website that is MUCH better.

Girls, I need you to weigh in here...

2009-02-07T07:54:00.010-05:00

I'm all in a tizzy right now over this article I read today on Focus on the Family's webzine, "Boundless" entitled The Cost of Delaying Marriage. In it, the author, Danielle Crittenden, explains the disadvantage and cost of women waiting until they are older (late 20's and 30's) to marry. The whole article is based on the assumption that all women that delay marriage do so on purpose by rejecting an endless line of potential suitors, and that they do so to pursue their own selfish desires for career and fun and freedom. But, in the end these poor, pitiful 30-somethings end up lonely, with dried-up wombs, desiring the very thing they pushed away during their 20's. Crittenden describes their lonely existence, "Think of an endless wintry Sunday afternoon unbroken by the sound of another voice." (Hmmm...I think somebody wishes they had a quiet Sunday afternoon every once in awhile!)

While the author makes many good points that I agree with, I don't think she paints a complete picture nor does she know her audience. I encourage you to read the whole article, but I have pasted some particularly interesting excerpts below:
By spending years and years living entirely for yourself, thinking only about yourself, and having responsibility to no one but yourself, you end up inadvertently extending the introverted existence of a teenager deep into middle age. The woman who avoids permanent commitment because she fears it will stunt her development as an individual may be surprised to realize in her 30s that having essentially the same life as she did at 18 – the same dating problems, the same solitary habits, the same anxieties about her future, and the same sense that her life has not yet fully begun – is stunting too.

So, life begins when you get married? I disagree. I think a wonderful and fun season of your life begins when you get married (from what I've heard and believe) but, some of us have nice seasons of life before we are married too. And not because we've chosen that, but because that's what the Lord has given us to enjoy for a season. I think it would be wrong to be single and overly obsessed with finding a mate instead of doing what the Lord has put in your hands to do.

For when a woman postpones marriage and motherhood, she does not end up thinking about love less as she gets older but more and more, sometimes to the point of obsession. Why am I still alone? she wonders. Why can’t I find someone? What is wrong with me? Her friends who have married are getting on with their lives – they are putting down payments on cars and homes; babies are arriving.

Again, owning a home and having babies is "getting on with life?" Single women can get on with life too by stepping into all that God has for them in each season without fear.

She goes on to put down the pointless existence of singleness:

For the truth is, once you have ceased being single, you suddenly discover that all that energy you spent propelling yourself toward an independent existence was only going to be useful if you were planning to spend the rest of your life as a nun or a philosopher on a mountaintop or maybe a Hollywood-style adventuress who winds up staring into her empty bourbon glass four years later wondering if it was all d--- worth it. In preparation for a life spent with someone else, it wasn’t going to be helpful.

It seems that when Focus on the Family ran this article on their blog they saw fit to edit the word "damn" out of the article. Thank you! Now this asinine article is not offensive at all!

The 33-year-old single woman who decides she wants more from life than her career cannot so readily walk into marriage and children; by postponing them, all she has done is to push them ahead to a point in her life when she has less sexual power to attain them.

(read: The older you get the uglier and less sexy you are. And without sex appeal, what chance do you have?)

By waiting and waiting and waiting to commit to someone, our capacity for love shrinks and withers. This doesn’t mean that women or men should marry the first reasonable person to come along, or someone with whom they are not in love. But we should, at a much earlier age than we do now, take a serious attitude toward dating and begin preparing ourselves to settle down. For it’s in the act of taking up the roles we’ve been taught to avoid or postpone – wife, husband, mother, father – that we build our identities, expand our lives, and achieve the fullness of character we desire.

I don't think I can go along with the idea that we build our identities on being a wife and mother rather than on Jesus Christ. Yes, being a wife and mother is part of who many of us are or will be. And yes, that is a wonderful purpose in life and it's a wonderful thing to identify yourself as part of a family. And yes, I want that and always have. But, I am not married and my life has already begun...shocking! And I have not spent my years in a selfish pursuit of freedom and fun. Although singleness does afford a good bit of that, my goal in life has not been to avoid marriage in order to maintain my personal freedom.

After Focus on the Family ran this article on their blog there was such an uproarous response from readers (thank you girls!) that they ran a defense of the article. (Focus on the Family's defense of the article)
They quoted many of the upset readers and then offered these thoughts:

To the women, I say stop glorifying the single years as a super-holy season of just you and Jesus. Yes, being single does provide the chance to be uniquely intimate with Jesus. Enjoy that. But don't advertise it. Why? Because it gives guys permission to kick back and let you. If they think you're perfectly happy as a single, why wouldn't they let you stay that way?

Now to you women, that's not an excuse to bash men. You have an important ability to help them move toward marriage. How? By esteeming it. By not being embarrassed about wanting it. By going after it -- to a point. You can nurture men toward marriage by helping them see that it contains a lot of what they're looking for, even if they don't yet know it. Think of Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life. He's depressed that once again, his plans to get out of small town America and see the world have been thwarted and he's left tending the family business with just his mom and alcoholic uncle for companionship. He's questioning his very existence; longing to know his destiny. What's his mom's suggestion? "Why don't you go talk to Mary," she says. "I'll bet she could help you find the answers you're looking for."

I was not encouraged by the response from Focus on the Family. I think it is appalling to assume that if a women is single and in her late 20's or 30's is must be because she has turned an endless line of eligible men away because of her fiercely independent spirit and great contentment with her life. It is quite possible that there are women who are open about the fact that they want to be married, are open to godly pursuers, are enjoying their life and are still single! I know quite a few of them personally.

I don't know why this article has me so up in arms!? Is it really absurd or am I way off base here? Please feel free to comment and give your opinion and I promise I won't call you asinine if you disagree with me!

pleasant places

2009-01-31T09:58:00.005-05:00

I woke this morning, the second to last day of Chinese New Year vacation, to sun peaking through the clouds tempting me to get outside and hope to enjoy some sunshine. So, Amanda and I decided to pick up sushi and have a picnic at CKS, my favorite spot in the city, a place I have mentioned many times. After we ate our sushi, I discovered that the stump I was sitting beside was actually perfect for leaning back on for a nap. The grass around the stump was nice and soft and the ground sloped up to the base of the stump at perfect angle so that when I put my back pack and hoodie against the stump, I had had nice lounge chair of sorts.

From that vantage point I could see the fish pond framed by dark green foliage and blue skies with white, puffy clouds above. The Chinese architecture from the opera house just beyond the wooded pond area peaked above the trees on one side. There was a little waterfall in the middle of the pond providing nice background noise along with the birds chirping and quiet chattering from people around the pond. The sun and the clouds made for a light breeze and perfect temperature. I was so content leaning back on that stump with my water bottle on one side, pack of peanut butter M&M's on the other and book* in hand.

In that quiet, still moment it seemed impossible that I was in the middle of a huge city of about 4 million. I felt so peaceful and free. There were not tall building towering above, only endless blue sky. There were no walls confining me. Sometimes walls do not seem confining, but protective. In the middle of a thunderstorm, for instance, I do not need the freedom of the outdoors, I need the comfort and protection of the walls of my apartment. Walls also provide boundaries and let me know where my space ends. But, when it's beautiful and warm outside and I don't have to be inside for work, walls are confining.

Not that my park experience today has to have an obvious spiritual message, but it does remind me of Psalm 16:5-6 "You have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places..." I think it is important to recognize the boundary lines the Lord has provided for us and know that they are good. Sometimes we need the protective boundaries of our homes and sometimes we need to get out and go. And I don't think we always need a personal invitation to go. There are so many things that God has already commissioned us to do and we just need the courage to do what we already know to do. We need to see that sometimes the boundary lines are wide and spread out and we don't need to "stay home."

*I am reading Treasures of the Snow with my class right now and I was catching up on my reading. Some of you have asked me about book recommendations before, so I will tell you...read this book with your children when they are middle to upper elementary age. It will lead to great discussions about forgiveness, bitterness and redemption. I've already teared up a few times.

GA Jewels

2009-01-27T10:21:00.002-05:00

Check out my sister-in-law's new jewelry business. She is a talented and creative jewelry maker and I bought several things from her at Christmas. She recently bought the business from my talented cousin, Dawn. I just wanted to do a little commercial for her and encourage you to check out her stuff.

trusting God for....

2009-01-22T06:56:00.007-05:00

As a way of getting back into blogging, I pulled up something from the archives. I wrote this a couple years ago after Christmas.

The Act of Trusting

Recently I read a novel based on the book of Ruth and found myself in awe of Ruth’s faith. After her husband and father-in-law died, she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi, into the unknown when she could have stayed in her native country, which would seem to be the safer option. Ruth didn’t have all the answers to the future, but she trusted God as she obeyed. Eventually, God provided for her more than she could ask for even imagine.

About the time I closed the last page of that book, I turned the page in my life and found myself in the midst of crisis of faith. It was like I woke up one morning and every bit of truth I knew had slipped out of my head during the night. I was a distraught, emotional wreck for days. Of course there were some circumstances that contributed to my disheveled state of emotions. You could call it a case of post-holiday-blues coming off of two weeks at home with my incredibly fun family, but it felt like more than that. I didn’t have the answers I wanted and I began to doubt everything. I admired Ruth’s faith, but I wasn’t even trusting God enough to get me through the day, and I knew He desired much more than that for me.

So, of course, I spent some time moping around my apartment, wrote some depressing journal entries, and made a play list on my iPOD called “emo” just to lower the mood a bit more. This didn’t last long and I decided I had to renew my mind with some very specific scripture if I was going to recover. I started meditating on Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The Lord heard my cry and I began to let Him lift me out of my slimy pit and put a new song in my heart. (Psalm 40:1-3) I felt His joy and peace wash over me.

I continued to work through things and meditate on the Romans passage and then one day it hit me. The word as jumped out at me for the first time and seemed to be a very significant word in the verse. We are filled with joy and peace as we trust in him, not before we trust, not after we trust, but as we trust. To me that says that the act of trusting God is where the joy and peace come from. Many times I think I expect the joy and peace to come from the thing I’m trusting God for, not from just trusting God. But, that day in the midst of the chaos and noise of my life, it made sense. As I trust Him, of course I’m going to feel his joy and peace, because I am resting secure in His arms. I believe we have to take a step in faith toward joy and peace with God.

I want to experience the joy and peace of God every day, and that doesn’t happen if my hope is in answers or solutions to something I am “trusting” Him for. My hope is not in answers or a change of circumstance; my hope is in God. I certainly don’t think Ruth’s hope was in circumstances. Naomi even told her that she was too old to have sons for her to marry and urged Ruth not to come with her back to Bethlehem. Ruth probably did not hold out much hope of finding a husband and provider in Bethlehem since she was a foreigner. She knew she would have to work hard and trust God to provide for them. Circumstances were bleak, but as she trusted God and used wisdom, she became an example to follow. It is actually a very freeing feeling to know that joy and peace come from the act of trusting and not from getting everything worked out nicely.

(

back to present...)

Right now I'm reading a book called Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus, one of my favorite authors. In it he talks about trusting God for everything he promises, noting that it is important to know what God does promise and what he doesn't. God promises we can be certain about who He is and our relationship with him, but we cannot be certain about how things are going to work out. We cannot be certain about how our journey is going to play out. Having a feeling that things are going to go a certain way is not something we can trust. Daniel asked God to save them from the Lions, but he went on to say, if you don't, you are still God. Did he lack faith? No. He just knew that he was not promised a safe journey. He was not promised an outcome. We have the promise that a loving, all-powerfull God is holding us in the palm of his hands. Is that enough for us today?

look who's back...teecy's back

2009-01-22T06:23:00.004-05:00

I finally did it. I hit clicked on "new post," but I'm not sure why. I don't know what I have to say. I've been out of the blogosphere for so long that I wasn't even sure I could find my way back, but here I am. And I guess I really have a lot to say, but I don't know where to start. I don't even know who I'm really writing for and it's hard to find your voice when you don't know who your audience is. At least that's what I told my 5th graders last week during writing class. But, no matter who my audience is I'm hoping to connect with someone. I'm hoping to strike a chord, stir up some kind of emotion, or make you laugh. Maybe not necessarily with this post because I have no idea where I'm going so I will probably end up, um, no where. But, maybe not. Do you always have to know where you are going to end up somewhere? And can you know where you are going and not get there?

Spring break. Sophomore year. 4 girls. Road trip. We knew where we were going: Birmingham, Alabama. But, we ended up in the ghetto at 4am with my friend (you know who you are) shaking the atlas for answers while we were practically held up at gunpoint. Thanks to a police escort, we did eventually pull my grandparents Lincoln Town Car, complete with ghetto blaster on the center console, into the hotel where we were staying. We got there but we took the long way around. I don't like taking the long way when I'm on the long way. But, sometimes it's nice to look back and see that the long way around was actually a beautiful journey.

As an object lesson, which I totally planned, I have taken the long way around to say "hi!" I'm still here. I think I'm back. I want to come back. We'll see.

Happy Birthday Christine Noel Christmas!

2008-12-11T07:34:00.008-05:00

One of the coolest girls I know is none other than my little sister, Christine Noel Christmas. I mean, just look at her necklaces, her eyebrow piercing and that hair! Need I say more? No. But, I will anyway. There is more to Christy than her funky style and great taste in music. Christy is the most loyal person I've ever known. We joke that she is kind of like a mafia leader for our clan because she always has our back. Don't mess with her family! I can also trust her with anything. She is true to her word. And you would think it would be intimidating to be around her because she is so intelligent and talented, but she is so easy going and accepting and fun to be with. As amazing as she is today, I love to go back and remember the little girl she was. She has got to be the most unique and fun child I've ever known. Our family stories about Christy are definitely the funniest and best stories we've got! She had these beautiful, bouncy curls and dark skin and she was just so beautiful (and still is!). As much as I would love to spend a day with "Ling-Ling" (her Chinese alter-ego as a child) or watch her collect frogs in the back yard, I love the beautiful, grown up girl she has become even more!
Happy birthday Christy! I love you!

The Holiday Herald

2008-12-09T02:09:00.004-05:00

Each year at Bethany, we choose a special project to raise money for at Christmas time. This year we will be sending our funds to ChristAid Academy in Uganda, a christian school started by a former U.S. school teacher and his wife. This school is in desperate need of resources and materials. So, in 5th grade we decided to combine a fundraiser with a Language Arts unit on newspapers and write our own newspaper to sell.

Meet the staff of the newest paper on news stands, The Holiday Herald. My students have been busy working on our class newspaper for several weeks now. The paper hits news stands (read: the lobby at school!) on Friday, December 12 and they are sooooo excited!

Pictured below are two of our hard working content editors proofing a hard copy before we send it to the printers. They all took this really seriously! I even made them apply for positions on the newspaper staff. Two other students just came in to take a peek and as they left I heard them say, "So cool!" I love it!

And in other news...

Amanda's family was here for about 2 weeks and I really enjoyed getting to spend time with them. Here we are at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. (Notice I'm part of the clean plate club, as usual!)

Back from HK

2008-11-30T01:24:00.006-05:00

(Rebecca and I on Hong Kong Island by the harbor)

I just returned from an amazing trip to Hong Kong for a teaching conference and fun vacation with a bunch of friends. We arrived on Wednesday and had most of the day for sight seeing and relaxing before the conference began on Thursday morning. I spent the day with Rebecca, Cam and Elisa (coworkers and friends of mine) and we took a trip out of the city to a famous market (Stanley market) to do some shopping. Thursday, Friday and Saturday we good "life long learners" and took in workshops during the day and then went out each night to different hot spots around the city. We took the tram up to Victoria Peak, which is the highest peak in Hong Kong with a fantastic view of the city. The tram goes up the mountain at about a 45 degree angle! Last night, Rebecca and went down to the harbor area between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and took in the "symphony of lights" music and light show. The pictures below were taken then, but don't do it justice. Then, we took the Star Ferry across the harbor and walked around a bit before heading back. (This should be sounding VERY familiar to a few girls reading this..."May '97: GTG's take HK by storm!")
Besides all the wonderful sights and good food and company, I also learned a lot during my trip, which I will have to blog about soon before I forget!
(By the way, the music selection, "We built this city," was chosen because I had this song in my head a lot this week! I just kept thinking, "I love this city. It's so nice!" and then, I would start singing, "We built this city...." Which is weird, because I never hear this song, nor do I particularly like it. Oh, and the Christmas decorations were beautiful in Hong Kong so I also had a lot of Christmas songs in my head and unfortunately for those around me they didn't always stay in my head.)

Congratulations, Denise!

2008-11-16T08:06:00.003-05:00

Denise has always been to me
a very special girl indeed

A mother's touch she's always had
Even when her children make her mad

God chose her to be a mother to many
She's a perfect little "Mother Denny"

From Madeline to Margeaux
She started many years ago

This year she had a big surprise
She's gonna have number five!

Denise, we are all so happy
A better mom and friend, you could not be

So, go to Target and spend some money
on your tiny, new little honey!

(This post is part of a blog baby shower for Denise.)

Birthday season

2008-11-12T02:35:00.003-05:00

We are about to wrap up the 2008 birthday season in the Christmas family. All of us kids have birthdays between Oct. 17 - Dec. 12. (6 out of the 7 are between Oct. 17-Nov. 10) We always save the best for last...Christine Noel Christmas was born to us on December 12.

I can't even begin to compete with the birthday posts that my brother, Robby, wrote about each of my little brothers. So, I won't try. Just click here to see some really cute collages and sweet words about the Christmas boys.

Festival in Taipei

2008-11-03T08:11:00.009-05:00

I've posted about CKS Memorial Hall before as one of my favorite places to go in the city. When I first moved to Taipei, I lived a few blocks from this quiet, beautiful square and now I'm about a 20 minute walk away. I love to walk there, run the steps of the memorial and then sit by one of the ponds and read.

I was so excited to hear that the Franklin Graham Festival would be not only in my city but at my favorite park. I posted the smaller pictures above to show how the place was transformed by the festival. The crowd was amazing! The steps to the memorial held the choir each night.
(I'm so annoyed with blogger right now...why are these words underlined and blue? grrr)

It was especially fun to be a "friend of the team," as Kathie and Amanda (pictured below, center and far right) called me. I spent time with them at the office and met them each night for the festival. They even gave me a platform pass which I took advantage of on Sunday night to sit on the side of the stage during the festival and be impressed by all the "big wigs!"
I was also a groupie for the Tommy Coomes band. (especially Alfie and Linda...also pictured below)

Tonight I went out with Amanda, Kathie, and some of the other team members. We went to Taipei 101 area to walk around and eat. The girls are leaving tomorrow morning bright and early.

Star of the week

2008-10-17T04:48:00.002-04:00

Each week in 5th grade we have a star of the week and during the week all the students write a letter to the star of the week. I was the star the first week and they wrote me the sweetest notes! I felt so loved. Well, some of them have struggled to write encouraging letters to each other. I've spent some time giving examples of encouraging things that they could write. This is a quote from one of the letters this week that I thought was hilarious!
This is from a guy to a girl:
"You are really good at punching boys. You are peaceful and gentle to everyone."
What? She's good at punching and then the next sentence, she's peaceful and gentle? And how does he know she's good at punching boys?
We might have to keep working on this concept!

High School Musical...Who says we have to let it go?

2008-10-17T03:42:00.004-04:00

I got a very special invitation this past Wednesday to go see a special sneak preview of HSM 3. One of my friends here tutors some of the Disney employees and they gave her 4 tickets to take some friends to the sneak preview. She was talking with 2 other staff wives and they were trying to figure out who they should invite to use the 4th ticket and one of them said, "Well, doesn't Teecy know the dances from the other movies?" (I really only know one dance, "We're all in this together") So, they gave me the ticket and I went to see this movie with 4 other grown women! We loved it! The dancing it great. I haven't even seen the second one yet, so I need to go back and watch it.

If any of you have kept up with my blog or my life for very long you know that I LOVE musicals. I want to be in a musical! I want my life to be a musical! (I know I share this passion with a few of you reading this...Donna, for starters!)

Back to the movie...I have some critiques, but the main one is that Troy needs to pull his pants up! Yes, he is doing that sagging thing the whole movie. My brother Matt does that too, and I am always telling him to pull his pants up. He has such a cute tooshy, but he looks funny with his shorts sitting below his rear.

During one part of the movie, Sharpay had just done something really evil (shocking) and then the scene got quiet and a little girl in the theater said, "I don't like Sharpay at all. She is such a meanie!" It was so cute.

I'll end this very deep and moving post like the movie ends. (Try not to cry here)

The final number is called "High School Musical" (creative) and the lyrics say, "High School Musical, who says we have to let it go....Hold on to High School Musical." (tear...sniff)

random joy

2008-09-29T02:05:00.005-04:00

I had a chance to share with some other women in my community recently and I talked about our hearts, desire, longings, our curse, our restoration, etc. When my friend asked me to speak, I was excited because I knew it would make me sit down and gather my thoughts in such a way that I could share them with others. I looked through some old journals and writings I had done and I kept seeing the same things come up. I was encouraged that I did have quite a bit recorded about the journey of my heart, but I was also challenged to keep it up and go back and fill in some gaps where I didn't record things. It's neat to be able to look back and see what I was thinking about a year ago and how my heart has journeyed in the past few years.

One of the verses I mentioned in my talk was Hebrews 12:1-3. Jesus followed his heart to the cross for "the joy set before him." What was that joy? YOU and ME...an initmate, real, relationship with us. [By the way, I was just checking out another blog by a very gifted author and speaker and he discussed the same verse!] We are his joy! Is he my joy? I've asked myself this question over the years. I think I'm still figuring out what that means to let him be my joy. Is he my joy when I'm enjoying my goofy family or the laughter of my friends or a good thunderstorm or a nice afternoon nap or a catchy Abba tune? I think so...when I recognize them as coming from his hand (every good and perfect gift...) and that without the Lord in my life these things would not have the same sweetness.

I started this post yesterday and I'm not really sure where I was planning on going from here. (ha...i love the female brain...or maybe it's just my brain that's all over the place:) Anyway, I just want to send this encouragement out there to whoever needs to hear it today...

Whether your day leaves you feeling important and loved and righteous or not, you are! You have been passionately pursued by a lover who continues to woo us all into his tender embrace.

Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

swim caps and typhoons

2008-09-28T09:30:00.004-04:00

Yes, we have swim caps on. Before you judge, swim caps are required when swimming in public pools here in Taiwan. Last weekend our staff had a retreat at a beach resort so Amanda and I had the opportunity to sport our swim caps which coordinate with our bathing suits. Oh, yeah...everyone was jealous! The retreat was wonderful! We stayed two nights at a really nice hotel and had a great time playing at the beach and in the pool. One of the highlights was teaching some other staff members the moves to the HSM song "We're all in this togehter."

The retreat weekend fell on a perfect weekend because the weekends before and after the retreat we have gotten soaked with rain from typhoons. It's Sunday night and we just found out we don't have school tomorrow because of the typhoon. So, tomorrow will be our 3rd day of wind and rain.

Amanda's brother and his friend have been here visiting for over a week. They had planned to go into the mountains for two days but had to cancel those plans due to weather. So, today we had a little typhoon fun by the river.

We've been on a 24 kick this week because Matt (one of our visitors) has watched all of season 6 this week! We watched some of it with him too when we weren't working. So, today we took air soft guns down to the river in the middle of the typhoon and acted like we were in an episode of 24. (I was Mike Doyle.) And the whole time we were yelling things like "It's a matter of national security," "Secure the perimeter," "Who are you working for," "Lower your weapon." It was so fun! (Here we are before we hit the streets...)

Then, we went hunting for food but there was only one place opened: McDonalds! YUCK!! I DON'T eat at McDonalds. Ever. But, I did tonight. In fact, I ate a big mack and fries and a mcflurry.

We are back home now watching movies and trying to decide what we can do tomorrow to entertain ourselves for yet another rainy, windy day.

2008-09-12T04:08:00.006-04:00

I cried twice today.

Cause: children's literature that evoked sweet memories of my grandmother.

First, I read The Hickory Chair, which is about a blind boy and his grandmother who dies and seemingly forgets to leave him something special like she did for the rest of the family. It's a tender and beautifully written book about a grandmother with a "molasses voice" and "salty kisses."

Then I read Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, which I have actually never read until today, though I've seen it for years and have even had in my classroom library before. This is about a little boy who helps an old woman in a retirement home find the memory that she has lost. It is precious!

My sweet grandmother, Mimi, died in May and suffered from Alzheimer's for the last several years of her life. It's odd that I would happen to read two books today that would relate to that.

Thankfully, I read these books to myself before I read them to class so I could get the tears out.

I learned my lesson a few years ago when I read Stone Fox (spoiler alert!) to my third graders without reading it first and cried when the dog died at the end. Oh well. Maybe it's good for them to see their teacher is human, complete with real feelings and tears!

We're all in this together

2008-08-29T08:58:00.008-04:00

When 8 am rolled around last Monday morning, I found myself staring at 24 5th graders eager to start their last year of elementary school. The day started as I explained to them how excited I was to be their teacher this year. I told them that I had watched them last year as 4th graders and thought that they were such a neat, cool group of kids and I couldn't believe that I now had the chance to be their teacher! They smiled and we began. It felt really good to have a big class again all to myself. During the week I had an idea for us to brainstorm a list of class goals and decide on a couple as a class. We also decided on a class verse ("Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.") and a class motto. I made a suggestion for the class motto and played a youtube video for them from high school musical. It was the song "We're all in this together." A few other students made suggestions for class motto, but in the end when we voted, my suggestion won! So, today the students worked on posters to display our class goals, motto and verse, I played our song! It was so fun. We had open house tonight so we had to get the room looking good.
We are "book buddies" with second grade so we go to their classroom once a week to read with them. Pictured above are two of my girls with one of the second grade girls.

I have never had a class who loves to read as much as this group. Here are they are during independent reading time. Each day we have "couch potatoes," "rug rats," and "bench warmers" who get to sit in those designated places in the room during independent reading time.

Here I am conferencing with a student about his reading. "What are you reading? Do you like it? Have you responded in your reading notebook yet?" Great one on one time! The rest of the class is so busy reading diligently while I have a little book talk with individuals.

Here they are....all 24 of them...hanging on my every word! ha!

And finally, here I am after a long week...
I'm exhausted and haven't worked this hard in a long time, but I LOVE 5TH GRADE!!!!

Back to school

2008-08-16T08:20:00.003-04:00

It's the Saturday night before the first Monday of school and I'm sitting in my classroom at 8:20pm trying to figure out what I'm doing next week! I've been here since about noon today. There are a bunch of us still here working so I don't feel so alone. I barely stopped for food. My principal ordered pizza for us otherwise I probably would have ignored my hunger. There is sooooo much to do! I have a student teacher for the first 3 months of school and he's already been a huge help.

This has been my comic relief for the day:
When I walked in this morning there was a note on my board that read,
"Question: As a teacher, is it better to be feared or loved? Answer: Both. I want my students to be afraid of how much they love me. Miss Christmas"

My principal wrote it, obviously referencing Michael Scott from The Office. I keep laughing at it. Some things never get old. Quoting the Office is one of them.

why does shampoo explode in suitcases?

2008-08-10T03:05:00.002-04:00

Wheels touched down at 6:00am Saturday morning in Taipei and I started my 3rd year here in Taiwan. I guess I had to come back because I still haven't figured some things out and God must want me to master these important things before I move on.

For instance, for as many times as I've entered the country (6 times now) now I still have not figured out how to properly fill out my entry card. Every time I reach the immigration officer they kindly say, "Next time..." and go on to explain which numbers go in which space on the card.

Then, there's the language. I'm embarressed to say I've been here for two years and know so little Mandarin. I meant to study this summer, but I only pulled my notes out once. So, as the plane was landing, I quickly tried to practice my numbers in my head. After I counted to ten, I realized I had started counting in Mandarin and finished in Korean. I panicked. I didn't even remember how to count to ten! But, after I thought about for a minute I got it straight.

And finally, when will I figure out that shampoo explodes in suitcases!? (at least it was in a plastic bag.) Other similar products like conditioner and hair gel and lotion do not explode, only shampoo.

Cast your vote

2008-08-05T09:57:00.002-04:00

I know it's an election year, but I'm talking about voting for something a lot more delicious than Obama or McCain. Cookies! Last night, my little brother, Kevin (aka Gus) and I decided to make two different batches of cookies and let the family vote on which one they liked the best. Gus made traditional (or as he called them "normal") chocolate chip cookies and I made my own "healthy" version. I used the traditional recipe with these changes. I used whole wheat flour, oatmeal, ground flax seed, turbinado sugar and cut down on the butter and sugar. I also used dark chocolate for the chips.
As the family came in the kitchen they tasted each and voted. It was a very close race. We were tied 4 to 4 and then our last family member voted for Gus so he won! But, at least I proved that we still have some health nuts in the family!

more bloggers...yay!

2008-08-02T11:46:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to announce that my little brother, Robby, has just joined the blog family. His is sure to be entertaining and challenging!
And if I haven't mentioned it before, I have an adorable little nephew and his mom, Joanna, (my sister-in-law and friend:) blogs about him on her blog called Always Christmas (what a clever girl!).

fact or fiction?

2008-07-30T20:16:00.006-04:00

Inspired by Donna, Amy, and Dolly, I am writing my own list of 25 things about me. But, I decided to add a little twist. Below are 24 true things about me and one false thing. Which statement is not true?

1. I've had braces twice and double jaw surgery to correct a bad bite.

2. I once had a job as a truck dispatcher when I was a summer youth intern in Alabama.

3. I love maps! I am always the navigator on trips and if there is a road atlas in the car I will study it the whole trip.

4. When I find a new song I like, I wear it out to the point where I drive myself and those around me crazy and can't even listen to it anymore. (Right now, I'm wearing out "the call" by Regina Spektor and #9 on the Mamma Mia soundtrack.)

5. Until recently, I always picked at my nails and they never grew. A few weeks ago I decided to stop and now I have long nails.

6. I've had about 12 traffic tickets. Not all of them are moving violations and none of them are reckless driving. They are all minor infractions. I have really bad luck on the road.

7. I was in college when my youngest brother was born.

8. I can't just sit and watch TV. I love to watch TV, but I have to be "doing" something so I feel productive, even if it's just filing my nails or doing sit-ups.

9. I love going to the grocery store.

10. I love doing laundry.

11. I'm addicted to facebook.

12. I don't like talking on the phone. When the phone rings it irritates me.

13. I fall asleep in movies often and when I wake up I feel embarrassed that I fell asleep and I either try to act like I didn't fall asleep or I get mad at people for laughing at me.

14. I think my brother Michael is one of the funniest people I know. I totally get his humor and laugh at almost everything he does.

15. When I was a little girl and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up the answer was always "cheerleader."

16. My dad coached at Liberty when I was little (around ages 2-4) and at the football games I would go find Dr. Falwell and bring him butterscotch lifesavers and sit on his lap and watch the game.

17. I really want to learn how to cut hair. I have always loved doing hair. My sister hated having her hair fixed when she was little so I used to bribe her just to let me do her hair and put make up on her. She was my little doll.

18. One time I took a taxi and when I got to my destination realized I had no money.

19. I have lived in Taiwan for 2 years and I know very little Chinese. Shame on me. But, I am going to start studying the language in August.

20. I hate getting up early, but once I'm up I'm happy to be up. I really love staying up late. I would say I'm a morning person and a night person, but not an afternoon person!

21. I love being at the beach and in the mountains.

22. My first kiss took place at school! Long story, but it inspired me to become a teacher. (just kidding)

23. I was flashed last year in a taxi on the way to work.

24. I am the only child in my family who did not play football.

25. I started this whole blog craze!

Georgia Girls

2008-07-30T15:25:00.006-04:00

Last night I spent a delightful evening with my "Georgia Girls," Katie, Shanda and Jodi. Shanda just moved into the cutest apartment so she invited us all over for dinner.
Shanda cooked the chicken in Dr. Pepper (!) and then added BBQ sauce and let it simmer. It was delicious! I've never heard of cooking chicken that way before.
After dinner we laughed and laughed (for real, although some of the pictures are posed!) as Shanda told us a story about having a bat in bedroom and her brother trying to kill it. She felt the need to act it out to the point of trying to hang upside down on the wall.

Lavish Love lives on

2008-07-27T15:47:00.003-04:00

I'll be brief with this since this is my 3rd post today (very unusual for me!).
When I lived in GA a few years ago I had a roommate and friend named Kara who has since moved to Ohio. She helped out with Lavish Love (a conference for young women) a few years ago and now she has taken the vision to Ohio. read more here.

I hate goodbye's

2008-07-27T13:54:00.004-04:00

[Cue the song "The Call" from my play list before reading on. It will enhance the reading of this post 110%.]

One of my favorite scenes from one of my all time favorite comedies, Dumb and Dumber, (Don't judge me. You love it too, even if you try to pretend you are too sophisticated for that type of humor!) is when Lloyd is saying goodbye to Mary after they've just met and he says, "I hate goodbyes. Just go. Be strong." In fact, I use this line when I am trying to make goodbyes easier. It doesn't work. Goodbye's are not easy.

I just spent 10 amazing days in Lynchburg, VA with my girlfriends and and as good as it was to be together I hated the dreaded moment when I had to say goodbye to each of them. In kitchen with Kirsten, on the front steps with Donna, on the driveway with Kim, in the basement with Dawn, and on and on. I cried as Mary prayed for us as we hugged and told her husband defiantly that we would not be separated!! (thanks again for your patience, Roscoe!) Finally, I sat with Amy and Dolly in the car in the airport parking garage. I didn't say "Be strong" and I wasn't strong. I started to cry again and Dolly finally said, "Just let it out if it'll make you feel better!" But, then we realized that this was the last time I would be saying goodbye like this. That felt good.

But not good enough.

Not nearly good enough.

It's almost too much to think about right now. I sat with jaw clenched in church this morning not wanting to sing. But then the phrase "sacrifice of praise" ran across my mind. Is this what that feels like? Praising God when I don't feel like it? When it doesn't feel good?

Yesterday, I asked Amy "Why do I keep doing this to myself?" Am I a masochist? When I got to my gate I was just sitting there and then, I remembered I had an iPOD. (yeah, i just hadn't listened to it in awhile since I was constantly chattering and laughing and singing with real people!) I listened to Ingrid Michealson's song called Masochist. I wanted to wallow for awhile. (waaaaah!)

So, I'm still wallowing a little, but I also know that this is just the nature of goodbye's at summer's end. Never fun. I know that where I am going is good. And I know the Lord will be holding my hand the whole time. (not to mention facebook chat is only a mouse click away!)

hope of glory

2008-07-27T13:41:00.001-04:00

{Isaiah 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”}

I am sitting here on the back deck of my parents’ home watching the trees of the forest quite literally clap their hands. I’m enjoying the quiet moments after a rousing thunderstorm and as the wind blows soothingly through the leaves, it actually looks like the trees are offering a round of applause to their maker. As if they are thanking God for the refreshment.

I’ve had the unbelievable thrill of swishing down snow covered mountains in Colorado several times. On my first trip out west to ski Breckenridge, I remember stopping half way down one of the hills and standing there with another friend in awe. We stood frozen (literally) praying, crying and singing “Shout to the Lord.” It was as if the mountains and hills burst into song before me.

Being at the beach is a beautiful and cleansing experience for me. The past couple of years I clocked a lot of beach hours and there is rarely a moment that I’m not completely giddy with pleasure. I don’t know if it’s the way the water meets the sky in a perfect line or the way sand feels as I dig my toes further in to find coolness. Maybe it’s watching the sun disappear behind pristine waters giving way to the night and the luminosity of a million stars in the sky. To me it is all beautiful. And I crave beauty.

There is a lot of filth and ugliness in this world. Poverty, relational conflicts, hurtful words, betrayal. But in the midst of that there is still beauty.

All that is beautiful flows from God. He’s actually made me beautiful inside. He has replaced my heart of stone (ugly) with a heart of flesh (beautiful). He has put his spirit in me. {Ezekiel 36:26} Beautiful.

I sometimes feel like that beauty inside of me can’t come out. Glimpses of it show, but it’s like I know that I will never reach my full potential and I don’t mean that in a self-defacing way. I mean, because I live in a post-garden-of-Eden world, I struggle. The original design has been marred. I know I am in the process of being reconciled to that design and that God is saving me from my fallen-self daily, but it leaves me wanting. Wanting more beauty. Desiring more of God to shine forth from me. I know it’s in there. {Christ in me, the hope of glory} I guess that’s what glorification is about. “When Christ, who is your life, appears, you also will appear with him in glory.” {Colossians 3:4}

What a wonderful truth to know that because of Christ in me I already am…

Righteous.

Beautiful.

in, out or 5 minutes ago?

2008-07-07T23:06:00.004-04:00

My sister has a subscription to Entertainment magazine and there is one small section in the magazine that we always enjoy reading. It's called "IN, 5 minutes ago, OUT." For instance, one of the items this week was:
IN: gays with dogs
5 minutes ago: heiresses with dogs
OUT: actors with dogs

So, today as I was shopping with my mom and sister we started coming up with our own lists of what is in, what was 5 minutes ago, and what is out.
Here are some that we came up with:

IN: Jason Bateman
5 minutes ago: Patrick Dempsey (although my mom stressed the point that she still likes Patrick and will never forget him in Can't Buy Me Love)
OUT: Tom Cruise

(this one we did as we were shopping in Bath and Body Works...)
IN: Wild Honey Suckle
5 minutes ago: Coconut Lime Verbena
OUT: Cucumber Melon

IN: eating organic
5 minutes ago: South Beach Diet
OUT: Atkins Diet

IN: Anne Hathaway
5 minutes ago: Natalie Portman
OUT: Jennifer Anniston
(and then we added this...) Making a come back: Julia Roberts

So, who or what would you say is in? 5 minutes ago? out? and making a come back?

Well, Peggy...it's your birthday

2008-06-24T22:52:00.008-04:00

The family gathered together tonight to celebrated our sweet mother's birthday.

We had a delicious meal and a great night celebrating. I watched Rachel Ray one day last week and she was making this meal so I got the recipe off the website and made it tonight. I must admit, I did a pretty good job! (I had a lot of little helpers too!) This is what we had: roasted citrus chicken with lemon-thyme gravy, roasted green beans, smashed potatoes (with 3 kinds of cheese!), greek salad (made by Aunt Jeane) and multi-grain bread.
I absolutely love it when we have family meals together. Anyone who has experienced this knows what I mean. At some point Michael always says something so completely off the wall and hysterical that my mom either pees her pants or spits her food out! Then, "The Bob" (as we affectionately call my father) looks at us all like, "Where did you come from and why do I deserve this? I'm so normal." All the while Christy is cackling and just raising the noise level. This whole scene can sometimes carry on for 10 minutes.
The big meal-time drama tonight revolved around the cake. My youngest brother, Kevin (aka. Gus) made a homemade cake completely from scratch (no cake mix!) that he saw on the cover of Family Circle. (I'm sorry, but is that not the cutest thing? My 13 year old brother had a cake picked out from Family Circle that he wanted to make for my mom's birthday!) It was a double chocolate cake with white chocolate icing. He spent all afternoon in the kitchen working on it while I was prepping for dinner. After we started eating, Kevin went into the kitchen to fix his dinner (that's right, he preferred mac 'n cheese over the chicken dinner) and a few minutes later he came the edge of the dining room and motioned me into the kitchen to show me the cake that we had already taken out of the oven. He wanted my help to get it onto a plate and as we made the transfer we discovered that the whole bottom layer of the inside was still completely gooey. And, yes, we had checked it with a toothpick and it came out clean. It was the weirdest thing. (We have two ovens and come to find out, the bottom oven doesn't work very well. Information that would have been handy that afternoon!) Anyway, Kevin pulled a chocolate cake mix out of the pantry and quickly got it in the oven. Meanwhile Micheal came in and scolded us for giving up on the first cake and he put both layers on a cookie sheet and put them back in the oven. He let it cook a little longer and iced it like this:
A few minutes later we brought this cake out to my mom as a joke and then Kevin brought out the 2nd cake that he had just finished icing. By the way, Kevin's homemade icing was the best I've ever had! We used it for both cakes. The funny thing is that we all ended up eating off of the first cake too because it really was a great cake besides the goo!

I made my mom a scrapbook of our beach vacation and she loved it!

What can I say?!

Jam session with Dewey Hunt

2008-06-24T22:42:00.005-04:00

My Aunt Jeane and Uncle Dewey, who have recently moved to Gainesville, are professional musicians. For the past several years they have been performing on cruise ships. A few nights ago we went over to have a little jam session in their basement. Michael was on bass, Kevin on drums, my dad on acoustic and back-up vocal, Dewey on key board and lead vocal, and Aunt Jean on back-up vocal and egg shaker! Although Christy can also play the drums, we let Kevin take it for the evening and Christy joined me with tamborines and shakers. We did songs like brown eyed girl and sunshine of your love. It was so much fun!

My dad and some of his friends are hosting a dinner boat party on July 18 to help promote Jeane and Dewey and get them some business in the area and just to have a fun time. My dad, Kevin, and Michael are going to join them for a few songs. So, my dad has been coming home from football summer workouts every morning and practicing brown eyed girl on the guitar. He used to be in a band in high school and I think he is loving this opportunity to play again!
By the way, I'm not going to be in town on the 18th and I can't believe they are having a party without me! WAH!

Family Beach Vaca

2008-06-13T09:54:00.009-04:00

I finally made it home from Taiwan and headed straight to the beach to spend a week with my whole family. I LOVE the beach and I LOVE my family so I really couldn't be any happier right now! It's such a comforting feeling to sit with my feet in the sand and the sun on my face and see my whole family around me.
We've eaten some really good food...many thanks to Kevin (a.k.a. GUS) and his great cooking. Here he is serving up french toast for breakfast one morning.

I've clocked a lot of hours just sitting in the sand...
We've played a lot of frisbee and football. Here are the boys and Christy playing football.

And the most exciting thing has been meeting my precious nephew, Trey...

We've spent a lot of time doing these little photo shoots...
Last night we tried to get a good family picture but they didn't turn out very good...
I can't believe how big Matt (far right) and Kevin (center) are getting. They are supposed to be little boys! I mean, we still called them that until a few years ago, and now Matt is the tallest one in the family. (which isn't saying very much, but...still!)
I've posted a few more pictures on a facebook album that you can view by clicking here.

you gotta fight for your right to STOP partying!

2008-06-04T03:49:00.015-04:00

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm just about partied out! A friend asked me the other day, "Where have you been?" Well, here is my answer...this is what I've been doing since the Nali reception (my last post).

May 17- I co-hosted 2 parties that day... a baby shower for Audrey and a cowboy theme party on the roof of mine and Amanda's building.

Is everything ready for the Jack and Jill brunch baby shower? (yes, we are cooking hash browns on a skillet on the washer...that's how we roll here.)

Nevada is so talented...she made a quilt for Audrey!

The next week, I had a party or get together 4 out of 5 nights!

On Saturday (May 24) I hit the beach with some friends to celebrate Eve's birthday.

May 25- river tracing
This is our group before we rode into the mountains to start our climb through the river.

This is me repelling after one of the climbs.
I was exhausted after two full days of sun and physical activity, but that evening I had to move into my new apartment. I moved in with my friend Amanda who just happens to live 3 floors below me in the same building so that was a pretty simple move.

May 26- Katie and Steve's moving party
May 27- staff appreciation dinner

Chris serving us coffee at the dinner.

May 29- Double baby shower for Audrey and Sandra

May 30 - game night at Marcy's

May 31- all day long bike ride...I rode for 5 hours, two of them in the rain. I could barely move that night. So...

June 1- I took at 4 hour nap after finishing cleaning my old apartment. But, unfortunately that night I couldn't fall asleep until 3am! I guess I'm getting a head start on jetlag.

June 2- Katie's birthday dinner

Katie's birthday dessert

We had McCold Stone sundaes! Here's how it's done: buy cheap hot fudge sundaes at McD's. Buy cookies from Subway and candy bars from the store and bring them to McD's. Break all the toppings up and put them in the middle of the table for your sundaes. Just like Cold Stone, fraction of the price!

Caught!

(hmmm? is she pregnant? Nope, just too many parties!!!)

June 3- Our K-2 team night out on the town.

We had a great Thai meal and then...

Chocolate fondue at Haagen Dazs for dessert. (Katie treated us with her gift certificates!)

A sad day is coming...Katie and Steve are leaving the island on Tuesday and not coming back next year! Waaaahhhh!

A happy day is coming too...I am heading home this Sunday for two months of relaxation with family and friends and I CAN'T WAIT!

A Nali Celebration (and a gig for me)

2008-05-15T07:15:00.005-04:00

My dear friend and colleague, Ali, is getting married to Nick in Ohio this June. (Their couple name is "Nali.") Since they have so many friends and family here in Taiwan, they had a reception here last weekend to celebrate with all of us. I was happy (very happy:) to do her hair and make-up for her before the big event. When I walked in and got to work on her she was like, "Oh my goodness. You are so in your element right now!" It's true...I love doing hair and make-up.
[Well, I have a love/hate relationship with hair. I HATED it (yes, ALL hair) last week after I got mine cut. But, only for a few hours until I washed it and fixed it myself. There are these little tricks to my hair that a stylist usually cannot figure out in one cut. I've got my girl back home who is well trained to deal with my hair, but when I'm away I have to deal. But, then I loved it again when I got to play with Ali's!]

Becoming a hair stylist and/or make-up artist is still on my list of things to do when I grow up! One friend suggested I open a shop to combine several passions and call it "Cut and Counsel."

Andy was also SOOO in his element...snapping away and barking orders. (Oh, I mean, "directing the shot") I think we are both wanting another gig to practice our art...anyone got a big event coming up?!

After the reception, I stayed downtown with some friends and I love this shot of Rebecca and I in front of the 101.

gal pals Jaime and Amanda
(oh, I was also a personal shopper for Amanda...she didn't want to shop so she gave me money to get her a new shirt for the reception and I got her the one she's wearing and it looked so good one her! I love being a girl!)

Destined

2008-05-14T11:26:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to post a few highlights from the woman's retreat. Many of you were praying for this and even helped me prepare my talk on the temperaments by sharing your stories with me. I really enjoyed sharing with the girls and, of course, the story-telling sanguine in me just loved having a captive (I put bouncers at the doors:) audience to tell my stories to!
The theme was "Destined" and our verse was Psalm 139:16, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." It was great to take some time out to think about what we are destined (meant, ordained, designed) to be and do. And what's that? Worship God! But how is that fleshed out in our lives every day? (In our thoughts? actions? words? stewardship of what we've been given?) How are we responding to God's intentional pursuit of us TODAY? Those are some of the questions and thoughts we wrestled with.

It was a blessing to be around these beautiful, fun girls for the weekend!

Decision '08...the saga finally ends

2008-05-14T10:44:00.002-04:00

About a month ago I posted about the transition I was about to go through as I left Taiwan after two years of teaching here to return to make a life in Virginia. From the time I made the decision to leave back in January it never quite felt right. But, I just kept going, trying not to ignore my feelings but also not be ruled by them. I tried to look toward the future and be excited. And in many ways I was, but there was something that made me speak with my boss at one point about the possibility of staying another year. There were no positions available that would work for me. After that I dropped it but as I prayed and thought through it and talked with friends, I decided that if something came up for me to stay then I would. I had come to a point where I felt more confident that it would be a good idea to stay one more year here. But, that seemed impossible, so I let it go. And I started to warm up to the idea of moving into more unknown and seeing what life in the burg would bring.

This "letting go" did not come easy but I really worked through some of my emotions with God during this time. I specifically prayed Psalm 40...I asked him to pick me up out of the muck of my emotions and put my feet on firm ground and put a new song in my heart...a song of praise...so that others would hear and see and praise God also.

I was on the fast track to leaving on June 8 never to return. Then, on April 29, in the middle of one of the busiest weeks this semester, my boss came to me with an offer to stay. The 5th grade position was available and he asked me to take it. This was a very unexpected change in personnel for next year. My mind was so overwhelmed already but I had a different spirit then a few months previous when I had talked with him about some possibilities. I felt strangely calm and asked him if I could take a week to pray about it. I went through the week and didn't tell many people. I needed to think. I hosted a wedding shower at my apartment and finished the final details for the women's retreat that weekend. And I was actually able to enjoy both, even though this decision loomed.

During the retreat I meditated and prayed through Romans 4. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. He believed before the fulfillment of the promise that came by faith. Against all hope, Abe in hope believed. He did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. He was fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. (Romans 4: 16-22)

(I interrupt this program to say I think I just felt a little earthquake...)

Sunday came and I had to give him a decision on Monday. As I was telling God that I would trust him for an answer I felt my answer was clear. I had already said I would take something if it came available and for once I had a strong feeling one way or the other...I was to stay in Taiwan another year and teach 5th grade. All of the sudden some things began to make sense, not everything, but I had more clarity. Finally. There are many little details that just fell into place and many little "signs" from God that this was right. (I'm not usually into signs...maybe because I don't think I ever get them, but in this situation, signs were pointing here.)

In the time since my original decision in January I have realized some things. One of them is this: I am tired! I am just finishing (still working on my portfolio...almost done!) my master of education. Contrary to my thoughts previously, I don't want to start on another masters in counseling at LU. Maybe in a year, but not right now. I want to teach and I want to teach here at the school that helped me get my masters. I'm even getting more and more excited about going back to the regular classroom. (I've been in a specialist position for four years, so it will be interesting!) And I'm also tired of moving. I know I will do it again soon, but this summer is not the time. I need a break. A reprieve for my soul! Next year, I'm not going to over commit myself. I'm going to breath and think and dream. I'm actually going to bring expression to some of the things inside of me instead of frantically going through the checklist of the urgent. My ministry is going to be pouring everything I can into those 5th graders. I'm going to give it all I've got and be focused on that one thing.

In many ways it's unfortunate that I had to let it go this far and change my mind like this. There is disappointment from me and my family and precious friends back home. Of course...there should be. We had an idea in our heads and now that is not going to happen for the time being. It's a weird shift. Everything has changed in the last few weeks. As much as I wish this whole process would have been a little smoother and less dramatic, I suppose this is the way it had to go down in order for me to be in this place today and have a little more clarity about things.

So, I invite you to stay tuned for Today's Adventures in Taiwan, season 3!

On a mountain top

2008-05-08T08:53:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting to blog for weeks and there is so much to tell and my heart is just so full, and...and...

[deep breath]

But, I will start where I left off on the last post and then over the weekend I will try to get you all (if I have any blogger friends left!) updated.

After my last masters class ended I had about two weeks to help plan and prepare for a wedding shower at my apartment and plan and put on a women's retreat for my church. (also, during those weeks, I packed up boxes to send home, sold a lot of stuff at a flea market and sold most of my furniture...it was a busy time...every second counted!)

The weekend after my class ended I did manage to get outside and enjoy a great hike through some of the mountains surrounding the city. It is the best hike I've been on since I hiked in Korea. Often, the trails here are cement stairs, which take away from the feeling of being in nature on a mountain! So, we were so happy to find a "normal" trail and as an added bonus there was even a section of rock climbing which required ropes. We didn't need harnesses but there were ropes already there for people to use to assist the climb.

The picture above is us about to descent the rocky part. And below are views of this lovely city from one of the lookout points.

Taipei 101

(still the tallest building in the world, but not for long)

I love that this is a large metropolitan city but I can get to mountains and beach quite easily.

More to come shortly....

senoritis

2008-04-16T10:49:00.003-04:00

I'm 3 days, 14 hours of class time, one final paper and one portfolio away from having my masters degree from Framingham College!!!!
This is my friend Andy and we started the program together two years ago and it's been really fun to go through this together. But, we are very studious. We never chat on msn in class when we are sitting right next to each other. We don't have a "Fram Dance." We don't dare each other to say something "smart" in class. And we never look at facebook during class.

gettin' the band back together

2008-04-09T08:50:00.005-04:00

I actually got giddy today as I watched an MSN video of NKOTB on the Today show as they talked about getting the kids back together. As I heard their music playing in the background of the segment it just brought me back to a place. 7th grade. lockers. posters of NKOTB and Kirk Cameron. awww, memories. Oh, but wait. There's another memory...my college house, friends watching, me dancing and singing, whole neighborhood can hear...oh dear. But, it wasn't really my fault! It was Brent's fault. He had the CD.

Come on guys...let's get out there and support them. They even have a website...I mean, just think, we barely had computers during their first time around.

Question: Who is tivo-ing the Today Show on May 16th when The Kids will perform in the plaza?

like a shell upon a beach

2008-04-06T09:27:00.006-04:00

Music is one of my favorite things because it takes me to the most beautiful places. And I crave beauty. I can be anywhere and if I hear the right song I am transported to another world. Sometimes a song will instantly bring a flood of tears to my eyes and I don't know why. It's almost like the beauty of it is too much. (or maybe I'm just already in a super emo mood!) God has used music to minister to my soul and bring healing, revelation of truth and renewed hope. {He restores my soul} I love the creativity of my creator. The whisper of the wind on my face, the melody of the song coming through my head phones, and the sun that makes me squint as I write these words are all messages from Him...
{the heavens declare the glory of the Lord; the skies proclaim the work of his hands}
I am here.
I am beauty.
I am speaking.
I am holding you.
Relax.
Be.
{He leads me beside quiet waters}

Like a shell upon the beach is sometimes difficult to see, these words are sometimes hard to hear amidst of the noise of life, but they are there. And when I'm in tune, everything around me screams these sweet messages at me in the most beautiful ways.

[please check out the music of "A Fine Frenzy." You will never be the same!]

2008-04-03T12:24:00.003-04:00

A very important group shot before our little Adrienne got sick. (She was sick for the last 3 days!)

Malaysia, truly Asia

2008-04-03T09:29:00.024-04:00

6 days. 5 friends. 2 islands. 1 rain forest. 1 river. and a lot to tell about.
The characters: Steve, Adrienne, Teecy, Amanda, Katie

The setting: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

The plot: (wow, I'm a cheesy teacher)

There is much to tell, but I'll just hit the highlights. We spent the first full day on Manutik island just relaxing. Steve and Katie arrive on this day (our 2nd day) because they took a later flight.
They met us on the island and Steve started snapping pictures. We had left them a map at our hotel to tell them where we were and they actually found us!

The reason we have so many pictures is because Steve never put his camera down. Here we are taking pictures of each other at the same time. As Steve later commented, "Who'da thought?"
On our journey through the rain forest on day 3 we happened upon a beautiful waterfall which we were all quite taken with. We sat on the rocks and had a picnic of fresh mangos. After some coaxing, I changed into my bathing suit (behind a tree with Amanda holding up a sarong and keeping watch) and we went swimming in the pool by the waterfall.
More in the rain forest. Notice jungle boy climbing a tree. Steve and Katie both grew up in this part of world and they were very handy to have around. Steve even told us how to survive in the jungle with just a pencil and a banana tree!

(after making all these collages, I realized that I had a lot of repeat pictures, but it was not worth redoing them...so, forgive me)

Canopy walk through the top of the rain forest

On day 4 we went back to another island and swam, snorkeled, hiked around the island and cut up more fresh mangos on the beach.
The next day we were off on another adventure, this time up the river and back down. First we took a 3 hour journey via bus and old (i stress, OLD) train to our ending place, dropped off our change of clothes, jumped back on the train and finished the journey to the starting point. We obviously didn't take our cameras on the river, but we got some shots of our tour group after we rafted.

This is Amanda and I with Snoop Dog. (He really did look like him. And I would make a terrible gangster...check out that face...eeesh!)

This is our whole raft. Somehow (oh, I don't know maybe because I told hottie on the right that I wanted to be in his boat) we ended up with a very cool group! (Amanda and I named several Mc's on this trip. A Mc being a cute guy. Hottie on the right is our favorite)

The day after we rafted down the river was our last day. Adrienne was sick. Steve and Katie went shopping and Amanda and I (Amandeecy) went back to our first island for our last half day.
I wrote this in my journal that day:

I realize that it's possible that I will never be in a place this beautiful again. Sandy white beachy island, crystal clear warm water, other islands in view framed by the mountains beyond. Amanda in the water talking to McSnorkel. McRiver's face still clear in my fantasy world. hmmmm. The whole thing seems a fantasy, really. But it is real and will continue to be real even in 2 1/2 hours when I leave this tropical paradise to return to sub-tropical metropolitan city apartment. I will probably never be here again but I hope I can remember this time and this place clearly for a long time. Just for now, I'm going to lay back, feel the sun on my face and remember. Remember my creator and the creator of all of this. Oh God, you are MY God. and pray that I will always remember beauty and see something "this beautiful" in my world every day.

A collage of very sad girls who did not want to leave....wah!

and, the "leaving" collage

and, I'll leave you with the "are you really taking another picture, Steve?" collage

(more pictures here)

Where are we in the map?

2008-03-31T21:28:00.002-04:00

I just got back from an amazing vacation. I don't really have time to blog about the whole trip right now, so this is just a little "teaser" if you will. We are having a picture party with our KK group (Kota Kinabalu...the city where we stayed) on Wednesday so I'll post more after I get more pictures.
For now, this is us on the first day "getting into the map." (like Joey in London!)

Thankfully, we found the ferry terminal and got on a boat to our little island paradise where we spent the first and last day of our 6 day vacation. We sat right there by the small palm tree on the left.

my "kinda" cousin

2008-03-13T10:18:00.006-04:00

The Haughton family

My mom has 9 brothers. (Well, she grew up with 9 brothers. Two of them have passed away, but they are both with the Lord in heaven.) So, when she's a litttle "cookoo" we forgive her! Anyway, they are all really fun, great guys. The youngest brother is only 5 years older than me so when I was a little girl, my grandmother was still raising her boys and it was so fun to be around all my cool uncles! One of them, Uncle Dave, married my Aunt Debora, who had 3 children from a previous marriage. We made up the term "kinda cousin" to describe our relationship with them. We've "kinda" dropped the term over the years and the Christmas family and the Dave Haughton family (kinda's included!) have spent many hours and days together. Our families just go well together. There are 11 kids among us, and now 4 grandchildren. We've spent countless holidays and summers together. We are all a little loony. (except Bob...he might be the only normal one!)
Getting to the point of this post...
The oldest of the Haughton family is Dawn, a beautiful, talented, godly woman whom I adore! She has a blog and the latest post is a must read. Her and her husband have an incredible story of their journey as a family with their precious little girl, Abby. Recently she was able to share this story and "proclaim Him" to her community with an article printed in the newspaper where she detailed the journey they have been on. Just click on her blog and she has a little background about the story and then click here to read the article. (and you should check out her jewelry too! Like I said...talented!)

transition

2008-03-09T00:50:00.007-05:00

I realized recently that I hadn't said anything on my blog about the fact that I'm leaving Taiwan in June to move back to the states. I think I've been in a denial in some ways. I also think I just want to keep living here as long as I'm living here. But, I am moving. I'm leaving here. A place I've come to love. A place where I am comfortable, accepted, and involved. I'm leaving because I made a decision to leave and I have a vision for the future. But, it's not going to be easy to leave.

These are some of the words that I heard in our small group of people on Friday who are all about to transition.

farewells. denial. rejection.
resentment. distance.
closure.

then...

statusless. clueless.
self-centeredness. isolation.
anxiety. fear. uncertainty. emotional instability.
grief. disappointment.

chaos.

We discussed the "transition model" and some of the things to expect to go through in the next several months as we move from involvement to leaving to transition and then entering and re-engagement.

Doesn't this sound fun? I know all my friends in Lynchburg are letting out shouts of joyful anticipation at the thought of living with transition Teecy!

I think Friday was the beginning of the leaving stage for me.

I don't like change. I don't like transition.
Why do I have to do it?

I do know it's right and it's good. I've had some moments of clarity and in one of those moments I wrote myself (future Teecy:) a simple note: "It's Right!" I put it on a sticky note on my desk at school to remind myself that I made a good decision and I felt that it was right. I knew things would get blurry through all the tears.

I just had a chat with a friend here and she said:
Don't let the pain of leaving and the tears in your eyes blur your vision of the future. Keep running towards the prize. The end line has not changed in the middle of the chaos of transition. You are going to get to know the Man of Sorrows well these next couple of months.

Getting to know the man of sorrows more intimately is always a good thing. I look forward to that part.

The next several months is going to be about living with the tension of joy and loss. Excitement about the future and sorrow about what I'm leaving behind.
But, it means that I lived here. Really lived.
Leaving is bittersweet. I think that's the way it should be.

sweet revenge

2008-03-05T05:19:00.002-05:00

I have no pictures to go with this post, but I so badly wish I had a video!
Much of our faculty are avid watchers of the TV show "The Office." It's quickly becoming our common language at school. (which is kind of scary, but fun.) So, when Amanda and I felt that we needed to get a little revenge on our boss for something he did, we turned to the office for ideas. We've written several letters to him from the future with warnings like...

Uwe,
Today at 1:10pm Mary Christmas will offer you a drink. Do not take it. It is poisoned. This is part of a conspiracy to end your career.
Cordially,
Future Uwe

A golden opportunity for a top-notch prank presented itself today when boss man left his phone on his desk and we saw it! I stood guard while Amanda climbed up and put it in the ceiling. A few minutes later, when he was back in his office, we had someone call his phone from school. Even though he has seen the episode in the office when someone does this, he did not figure out it was in the ceiling for about 20 minutes. He called his phone over and over listening for where the ring was coming from. Three people tore the office apart looking for it. The whole time Amanda was watching from the hall and calling me in my classroom with updates on what was happening. I had students at that time but I kept answering my classroom phone to hear the updates and I was cracking up.

We have some other pranks planned but I don't know if any will top this one. I would love to move his whole office into the bathroom but our bathroom isn't big enough. Ugh, shame. (That's South African for "too bad"...that's right, I'm multi-lingual)

Here's Trey...

2008-03-03T19:15:00.003-05:00

AAAAAh! He is so cute! I can't wait to meet him! He was born February 29 at 1:47pm. He was 7lbs. 13 oz and 20 1/2 inches.

Check out that hair...he already has a style...aw, a boy after my own heart! (no, I'm not talking about Kevin with his slick "comb forward into the face" look!0

A Knight to Remember

2008-03-03T07:41:00.006-05:00

Remember high school prom? Long dresses, flowers, cheesy theme and decorations, after prom parties? Well, this past weekend I went to the Christian school version of prom. Our high school is in Taichung and Amanda and I have some friends down there that invited us to come down for the weekend and be their dates for the high school banquet. We had a great weekend that started Friday night with Indian food. Saturday morning we slept in at "Joanna's Bed and Breakfast" (our friend Joanna was an excellent host...towels, toothbrushes and toiletries on our beds, great coffee, etc!) and then went on a good, long hike. Then, came back and got ready for the banquet. We went to a really swanky (is that a word?) restaurant afterwards. Very classy. We stayed up way too late that night, slept in Sunday and went out for brunch before heading back to Taipei on the high speed train.
I was planning to wear the dress I wore in Dolly's wedding last year to this banquet and I was very excited to get another wear out of it. I love that dress! So, I had my mom send it to me BUT it didn't get here in time! I was so bummed. I held out until the last minute. About 10 minutes before I had to go, my dress still hadn't come so I ran home and got a boring black dress! My dress came to school this morning...just a little late. So, now I have to figure out somewhere else to where it. I might just have to wear it to school one day! (kidding)

I'm a biological aunt!

2008-03-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

I've been "Aunt Teecy" to all my best friends' adorable children for years, but as of Friday, February 29 I am a real, official, biological aunt! Robby and Joanna had their first child, Robert Morris Christmas III ("Trey") at 1:47pm. He's a leap year baby! I'm still waiting for pictures and I actually just got the story a few minutes ago. My sweet mom doesn't get that we have cell phones over here in Asia. And apparently my (even sweeter:) sister was supposed to email me with the news and all the details, but didn't. I just talked to my parents and they kept saying, "Well, we tried to call you all weekend." I bit my tongue. Okay, no I didn't. I said, "I told you I was going to be out of town and I HAVE A CELL PHONE!" It's really "neat" that I found out they had the baby because my friend Kirby wrote "Aunt Teecy" on my facebook wall!
(enough bitter sarcasm...moving on...)
They are all doing wonderfully! My mom, dad and Gus are with RoJo and Trey in North Carolina. My mom is staying all week to help out.
I can't wait to meet this little guy on June 9!

explanation

2008-02-26T07:46:00.003-05:00

I feel like I need to explain this next post a little. My friend Donna had the idea that all bloggers in her sphere of blogger influence do a "day in the life" post. I decided it would be a good way to document a little more of my everyday life here. I actually can't believe some of the pictures I put here. I may have to delete this post later!

a day in the life of little miss christmas

2008-02-25T08:30:00.027-05:00

6:35am...alarm goes off. (actually it had been going off for awhile but I heard it at 6:35am!)

This picture is not posed. and there is no stage make-up. i really look this bad. my first thought this morning was, "I'm tired."

6:36am...brushing my teeth. okay, maybe i shouldn't narrate each minute.

7:21am...in the elevator for my morning commute which consists of an elevator ride and a short walk to school.

breakfast shops are open. i LOVE breakfast shop food, but i brought my breakfast this morning...keep walking.

7:24am...at school just in time for morning devos with the staff

7:45am...cooking breakfast (or should i say, adding hot water to my oatmeal)

8:30am...it's been a rough day so far. i had quite a bit of "troubleshooting" to do. I needed a break so I headed to the nearest coffee shop, eCoffee for a large hot latte.

by the way, it's spirit week this week and today is pajama day

9:00am...picking out books in our awesome library. this is my favorite place in the school. the oscars were playing on the TV in the library...i caught about 60 seconds of the red carpet.

9:50 am...I really do teach children

10:35 am...and plan

10:55 am...and teach some more...all i need are minds for molding. (what movie?)

11:50am...recess duty...notice all the students in their pajamas

12:20pm...had to make a trip to the bank to transfer some money for my malaysia trip. in my pajamas.

12:42pm...made a stop at one of my favorite lunch places...i call it the vegetarian buddhist place.

12:48pm...hmmm...should i get a tea too? yeah, i think it's time for my second cup of caffeine for the day. (while i was waiting to order my tea, i glanced down the sidewalk and caught myself in a mirror....me. in my pajamas. doing errands.)

1:00pm...finally sitting down to eat my vegetarian box lunch and sip my honey grapefruit green tea while being serenaded by Regina Spektor and Emigen Heap. girl power! woo!
1:20 pm...now what? plan? grade? go cause some trouble somewhere? visit the staff store for dessert? I don't even know where to begin with my pile of work. i've gotten very behind the last few weeks with the grad school class i just finished.

2:00 pm...playing a vocabulary game with my Kindergarteners.

2:30 pm...walking back to the Kindergarten class for center time. i co-teach this period with the Kindergarten teacher.

3:30 pm...i left school to take a walk by the river with Amanda, then back to school to work until we both left for dinner at 5:30.

5:40 pm...dinner at Steve and Katie's. they have us all over every Monday. Steve is an excellent cook and Katie makes great desserts. we had pork, rice, veggies, fruit, and oreo ice cream cake for dessert.

7:30 pm...back at Amanda's to spend little time with Jack Bauer. (day 5, 5:00pm-6:00pm!)

8:30 pm...back at my place to clean up and catch up on blogs and emails.

say good night and go

2008-02-25T08:25:00.004-05:00

10:30 pm...lights are low, iPOD is on to sleep playlist. i'm so glad God invented sleep!

wide open spaces

2008-02-18T09:05:00.002-05:00

I was talking with a friend recently about God. She is struggling to make a decision to follow Christ and give her life to him. Someone else in her life told her that if she became a Christian that it would close her in or cut off her potential. She didn't quite put it that way, but that was the idea...that with Christ we can only do and know and experience so much. He keeps us fenced in.

The next day I read this verse. Psalm 18:19 says, "He brought me into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." A few verses later it says, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."

I discovered the following passage several years ago. Isaiah 54:2-3 "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left..." I started making a prayer out of this. I asked God to grow me and increase my capacity to learn and love and influence.

A revelation of who God is brings anything but confinement and fences. Sure there are boundaries set up for us, but Psalm 16:6 says, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." In other words in the right place for me. We need boundaries because God has only given us certain things to do on this earth. We are only responsible for what is within our boundary lines. This brings relief not confinement.

So, when I ask God to increase my capacity am I asking Him to move those boundary lines? (I'm just thinking out loud here...) No, I think I'm asking to be equipped to do what he has put in my hands to do. And furthermore to recognize what is in my hands to do. It takes wisdom to know what is and isn't ours to take care of.

The song I referenced in the title goes on to say, "she knows the high stakes." I think there's a lot at stake. Souls. Freedom. Love. Forgiveness. There's a lot in our hands to do as Christ followers. To me, that brings a sense of purpose, adventure and excitement. Anything but confinement.

Almost Paradise

2008-02-07T03:37:00.001-05:00

This is how we started our paradise vacation to the Philippines: bundled up and touring around the Taipei airport for over 3 hours waiting for a delayed flight. But, we did make it and finally hit the pillow at 5am that first night when we arrived at our hotel in Cebu. We got up that same morning and took a ferry Bohol Island where we would spend the next 3 nights and 4 days.

(Donna, the above posed picture is for you per your request!) Most of my readers will not be surprised that I ended up being the financial book keeper for our group of six. (What may surprise you is that I'm not studying a map at the same time. I'm such a nerd!) This is me working on the "books" and sorting out who owes who for what. One of the reasons it got so complicated is because no one in the Philippines has change for large bills. And by "large" I'm talking about the equivalent to a ten dollar US bill. So, we took turns paying for different things and then I worked it out in my handy notebook.

We finally made it to our hotel at the beach, which, by the way, is called a "budget inn" so we shouldn't have been surprise but we were. Here we are (all 5 girls) pictured in our family size room. There were 3 beds that were only slightly bigger than a twin and they consider that big enough for 6 people. I'm telling you, they don't waste space in other countries! Well, it took us westerners a little while to adjust to idea that we would be sleeping like this, but it worked. We couldn't really compain too much...it only cost about 8 US dollars a night per person!

I got a pedicure on the beach the first day and an hour long full body massage the next day. (Each cost only 6 US dollars!) These are my sweet Filopino friends I met. The girl in the blue shirt was doing the pedicure but they all gathered around to chat.

There is a constant parade of people selling things on the beach. I bought some things, but by the last day I was out of money. I only had enough to get out of the country and I didn't want to get more, but this one girl would not give up. We were on a different island, so it wasn't the same girls I had been seeing all week. She just saw my white face and thought: RICH! (b/c they think we are all rich) She kept asking me if I wanted a massage or some shells or earrings, etc. I told her right away (nicely) that I was just going to enjoy the beach that day and I didn't want to buy anything. So she kept lowering the price. After about an hour of this (mixed with small talk...I kept trying to change the subject!) I finally had to say, "I promise you I am not going to spend one peso on this beach today. I'm sorry. I'm not going to change my mind." I ended up making it out with just enough for the exit tax at the airport!

The Philippines is beautiful! I loved every part of it. I think the highlight for me was the day we took a boat out to another small island off the one we were staying on and went snorkeling. The coral and fish were amazing. I've never seen anything like it. I felt like I was in Finding Nemo!

Just 24 hours ago I was getting one last look at the crystal blue sea off the coast of Mactan Island, one of the over 7000 islands that make up the Philippines. (How's that for fast posting?) And now here I am back in dark, rainy, dreary Taipei. But, that's okay. If we didn't have cold and dreary, we wouldn't appreciate warm and sunny, right?

2008-02-06T12:52:00.000-05:00

(Click here for more photos from the Philippines trip)

Tribute to Dwight Schrute

2008-01-30T23:02:00.001-05:00

Question: Who is the cutest sales rep at Dunder Mifflin?

Easy, Dwight.

False, It is Jim.

MICHEAL!

Fact: Angela and Dwight have a secret relationship.

Enough said.

Goodbye Pig, Hello Rat!

2008-01-30T07:20:00.000-05:00

Bohol Island, Cebu, Philippines

Chinese New Year's Day is next week, so we have the whole week off of school. I'm going to the Philippines for 5 days to celebrate. I haven't traveled much around this part of the world because I have gone home for many of my breaks from school. So, I'm very excited to do some traveling this spring.
Next week we will say goodbye to the year of the pig and begin the year of the rat. I'm so glad I'm not born in the year of the rat! There are 12 animals on a rotating basis. For all those 76-ers out there, we are the year of the dragon, which is the best!

Practically Speaking

2008-01-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

I know a woman who, in many ways, is a trail blazer. She was caring for the environment before it was a hot topic. She did the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle) before it was called the 3 R's, just because it made practical sense. She bought organic and healthy food before it was trendy. She has dedicated many hours of her life to research about the body and healing and alternative medicine. She is passionate about all things natural, because it just seems practical to her. This woman is my mom.
Sure, she has been known to sneak into my room late at night when I was fighting a cold to put garlic drops in my ear. And when I called her from Korea a few years ago practically on my death bed, she told me to wrap a piece of onion on the bottom of my foot as "medicine." She's given me herbs to take for menstrual cramps. She's made "cakes" with spelt flour and honey. She fed her kids rice cakes for snacks. (with honey for a treat!) Her book shelves are stocked with books with titles like How to raise a healthy child inspite of your doctor. She's not afraid to go against the flow. But, she has endured some ridicule over the years, sometimes even from her own family. We have affectionately called her a witch doctor, but we still run to her every time we are sick. In fact, I now carry my own little bottle of garlic drops to cure my ailments and follow many of the dietary practices that she followed as I was growing up.
Her passion and expertise goes beyond health and alternative medicine. She is passionate about natural birth, breastfeeding, and raising healthy children. She has a pretty good resume with six healthy (almost all grown) children who respect her and go to her for advice.
Over the years, people have come to her for advice and help in these areas. We've always told her she should start charging, but she doesn't care about that. She just really wants to help people live the best quality of life they can while on this earth. Recently I encouraged her to set up a blog to share information on issues she has researched or has experience in.

So, I am proud to help launch this blog. (drum roll please...) I give you...Practically Speaking.

chocoholic

2008-01-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

Over Christmas break I let some friends from another city stay in my apartment. When I got back I found that they had left me a sweet thank you note and a box of Ferroro Rocher chocolates. I was pretty good for awhile only eating one every couple of days, but then a few nights ago I had about four! So, I put them in the freezer thinking that if they were frozen I would not be able to eat them unless I thought ahead and took one out and it might keep me from them. Well, then last night I discovered that you can eat them straight from the freezer just fine! So, I had to think of another plan to keep this chocoholic from the goods. I realized what I needed was a substitute. A healthier chocolate fix. I got an idea from the Kindergarten teacher at my school after she made this recipe with her class. I tweeked it a little and made them tonight, but the problem is I don't know how much of each thing I used. (I'm one of "those" cooks!)
some quick oats
some all-natural peanut butter (the kind that has the oil at the top)
some unsweetened cocoa powder
a little splenda (you could use turbinado, sucanat, or stevia)
a little honey
some water
After mixing the ingredients I just put a large spoonful on a little piece of plastic wrap and put them in the freezer. I'm not sure if the freezer or fridge is better, but so far they haven't gotten too hard in the freezer. They ended up being very similar to chocolate no-bake cookies. Now, my chocolate cravings can be satisfied with something a little healthier. We'll see if it works. Unfortunately, the Ferrero Rocher that I got out of the freezer for this picture is still sitting right here on the table starring at me and I'm not sure if I should put it back in the freezer or in my mouth. Decisions, decisions.

Fresh Produce

2008-01-19T23:11:00.001-05:00

I think it's time for another post about life in Taiwan. When I first got here I took pictures all the time. I always had my camera with me ready to capture the uniqueness of this place in a photo. People who had been here longer said to take lots of pictures for the first few months because after a while the things that seem fascinating will just become part of life. I think the morning market is one of those things. As I walked through the market last Sunday I made a note to take my camera next time to capture and blog about some of the things that really are unique.
I started my day off this morning with breakfast from the juice shop on the way to the market. Strawberry, kiwi, pineapple and apple juice, freshly blended together just for me for only $2. Yum!
Then, off to the market which is hidden behind the main city streets on little alleys that are crammed full of people searching for everything from furs to pig's blood and other animal organs. (I'm sorry, but I just love that you can buy a fur scarf and while they are bagging it up, ask the next shop owner to fry you up some pig's blood!)

There is such a variety of goods in the morning market. You can buy household items, jewelry, clothes, food, and much more.

Many people roll these little baskets through the market to carry their goods. It's a good idea but it makes navigating the alleys, especially while taking pictures, a bit challenging. I've had my foot run over a few too many times!

This might be the "best" part...the chicken tables. There are cages under the tables with live chickens and when they sell out of what's on the table, they just pull one out and chop it's head off. I wanted to take more pictures of the chickens and the process but I was getting nasty looks already from shop owners.

After making my way through the long, narrow alley of animal parts and chopsticks, I got to the thing I came for...fresh fruits and vegetables. The market opens up to a little park in the middle of the city block where vendors set up along the perimeter and sell fruits and vegetables. This is what I came home with...a colorful array of natures best...apples, limes, oranges, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers, and mushrooms. I got everything you see pictured here for about $9 US dollars. I think that's a good deal?! It's hard to compare because when I go to the regular supermarket, here or in the states, I'm usually buying more than just produce and I don't really pay that much attention.
The plan? Chop them up and eat them raw with a little balsamic vinaigrette dressing. And maybe an occasional veggie omelet!

I'm back in the game

2008-01-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

Taipei 101
(please tilt head slightly to the left for best viewing!)

I had to take a break from the blogging world for the last couple of weeks. I arrived back in Taipei on January 5, after a three week break in the states with my family. I had pretty bad jet lag this time. I had a few days to relax before starting work on January 7, but things got pretty busy after that. I had a grad school class that started January 9 and just ended today. During the two weeks when I have class (about 2 times a semester) I really can't do much else. I work from 7:25 to about 3:30 and then I have class from 5:30-8:30. Usually between work and class I have class work to do. On Saturdays we meet for 8 hours. Normally this schedule is manageable since it is only for two weeks, but combined with jet lag, it was miserable! The first week of class I was falling asleep every night in class by about 7:30. I would come home after class and fall into bed immediately. I did nothing else. Class is over now and I'm ready to get back into "normal" life!
"Normal" life kicked off today at 5:30 with a long walk by the river with two of my buds and then dinner and a movie near Taipei 101.

Amazing Race in Taipei!

2008-01-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

I get together with some good friends every Friday to watch reality TV. It's a nice way to unwind after a long week. Well, last week we were so excited to see the latest Amazing Race episode which was filmed in Taipei. The cast members went to a tea shop close to my house and then to the market near my house. They ended at Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Hall plaza (pictured above), one of my favorite places in the city. There is a video of the Taipei episode on youtube if you are interested in seeing some footage from my hood!