My family was in town (South Florida) from Upstate New York for 2 weeks over the holidays. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather, my dad embarked on many of what he calls "Grand Adventures." These are basically exploration missions where he takes long walks around my development and the surrounding area to see what he can see. We have wildlife and plants that don't live in Upstate New York and being that he's a 6th grade science teacher, the little lizards and coconuts we're so used to are always fun for him.
After one Grand Adventure he came back with some coconuts, which he cracked open to find very foul smelling coconut milk. One of them had a gecko on it, which hitched a ride all the way from the community pool back to our house. Other times he found loose change or saw a cool bird. Other times, it was just a nice walk.
The day before he left, though, he returned with his biggest find of the trip, a wallet... complete with driver's license, bank debit card and cash. He found it next to the newspaper vending machines about a mile down the road.
I thought it would be easy to track down the owner since the license was inside. It took all of 30 seconds to find the phone number on yellowbook.com. Of course, the number was no longer in service. A call to directory assistance yielded no match for that name in my county or the 3 surrounding counties. I searched through his wallet to see if I could find another phone number, with no luck.
There was a fitness club membership card in the wallet, so I called the one closest to my house (the card didn't say which one he went to and it was a national chain), explained what happened and asked if they could contact the man (Mr. B) and give him my phone number. They told me I could drop the wallet off to them and they'd give it to him if he came in to that particular facility inquiring about it. No, thank you.
There was a bank debit card in there, too, so I called the local branch. They wouldn't relay a message but told me if I brought in the wallet, they'd call Mr. B while I was there, so I'd know they really contacted him. Off Dad and I went to the bank, wallet in hand, only to find out that even though someone was answering phones, the branch didn't really open for another 20 minutes. Oh well, it was a nice day to wait.
The first phone number the bank rep tried got through to Mr. B, who knew right where he'd lost the wallet and when. It hadn't been gone long, and he was quite relieved to get the call that it had been found. He asked to speak to me so he could thank us in person and asked what he could do to repay us. Nothing, I told him, we were happy to help him get it back. He went on and on about how thankful he was, how he needs his license for his job and couldn't work without it. What a great way for us all to start the new year, with Mr. B knowing there are still honest people in the world, and with Dad and I knowing we did a good thing.
We left the wallet at the bank, Mr. B was going to come pick it up. We didn't leave our name or phone number. Didn't need to... we knew it was in good hands and we didn't want to give Mr. B the impression that he needed to thank us again. In hindsight, I wish I had left him a little note about Paying it Forward when he could, or tucked myself away in the corner of the bank lobby to see the reaction on his face when he realized everything in his wallet was still right where he had left it... license, bank card, $49 cash in the main part and even the $100 bill he had folded up and tucked in between a collection of other cards and papers.
Though I'm sure we made his day brighter, returning that wallet to him probably meant just as much to us. It was nice to do a nice thing, an honest thing, for no other reason than it was the right thing to do. If you ever have the opportunity to do a nice thing anonymously, take it. It'll make your heart smile.
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
Blessings,
Kat
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Good in the News: The Gift of Hope
You'll need a tissue (or ten) by the time you're done with this one. Thanks to my friend Mel for sharing this amazing article.
From ESPN.com, by Rick Reilly:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
Blessings,
Kat
"Imagine if you didn't have a home life. Imagine if everybody had pretty much given up on you. Now imagine what it would mean for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you." (Kris Hogan, head coach, Grapevine Faith Football)
.
"There are some games in which cheering for the other side
feels better than winning." (Rick Reilly)
From ESPN.com, by Rick Reilly:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
Blessings,
Kat
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Today is a New Day
I'll admit it, I'm not a huge fan of the hoopla around New Year's. I know that the new year brings a new beginning, new opportunities, a new start. I have some great New Year's memories (most notably our trip to Times Square in New York City to watch the ball drop from 1999 into 2000, when Craig and I were standing as close to the ball as the police barricades would allow). But the whole idea of resolutions... I'm just not a fan. They seem so big, so intimidating, so impossible. I make them every year and I find myself disappointed about my ability to see them through. Sometimes, it's due to sheer lack of willpower on my part. Sometimes, it's because I choose such BIG things to tackle. Sometimes, well, I don't know... I'm just not a fan.
This year, I'm not going to make any resolutions. There are some things I would like to do better in 2009, some things I want to focus on more intentionally, some things I want to change in my day-to-day life. But this year, they will be just that. Nothing earth shattering, nothing to write home about... just some things to focus on more in my day-to-day life. Key here, my friends, is the "day-to-day" part.
I will aim to do my best each day. And to know that no matter how long the to-do list might be, my best is good enough.
I will aim to make the world the best possible place it can be for my children, both now and for their future.
I will aim to make a difference each day, no matter how small it may seem, to make the above two items happen.
How will I do this? I will take one day at a time. I will focus on what I can control, what I can do, and not what I can't. And I will look to my really cool friends to help me out.
I've blogged here before about my friends over at Cool People Care. Their motto is "Saving the World, 5 Minutes at a Time." After all, who can't find 5 minutes to make a difference each day?
The Cool People have just released their second awesome book, called Today is a New Day!. This book is filled with small things that make a big impact, things you can do in only 5 minutes each day, things to help make the world a better place for yourself, your family, and all the world around you. Between the two of them, their two books (the first one was New Day Revolution)contain more than 365 ways you can make a difference in 2009 and beyond, in only 5 minutes a day. How simple is that? As Sam said, "It's time to save the world. Every little bit of inspiration can help."
If you do decide to order something from the Cool People Care Online Store, don't forget to enter the code LADYBUG when you check out. You'll get a 5% discount on your entire purchase, and another 5% of your purchase price will be donated to one of Dancing with Ladybug's favorite causes, The USO.
What are your dreams for 2009? Your goals? Your hopes? Your challenges? I'd love to know what you're planning in the new year. Leave me a comment, let me know how you plan to make the world a better place in 2009.
Sometimes, making a big difference doesn't have to be intimidating and in 2009 and always, I'm thankful to have such really cool friends to help show me how.
This year, I'm not going to make any resolutions. There are some things I would like to do better in 2009, some things I want to focus on more intentionally, some things I want to change in my day-to-day life. But this year, they will be just that. Nothing earth shattering, nothing to write home about... just some things to focus on more in my day-to-day life. Key here, my friends, is the "day-to-day" part.
I will aim to do my best each day. And to know that no matter how long the to-do list might be, my best is good enough.
I will aim to make the world the best possible place it can be for my children, both now and for their future.
I will aim to make a difference each day, no matter how small it may seem, to make the above two items happen.
How will I do this? I will take one day at a time. I will focus on what I can control, what I can do, and not what I can't. And I will look to my really cool friends to help me out.
I've blogged here before about my friends over at Cool People Care. Their motto is "Saving the World, 5 Minutes at a Time." After all, who can't find 5 minutes to make a difference each day?
The Cool People have just released their second awesome book, called Today is a New Day!. This book is filled with small things that make a big impact, things you can do in only 5 minutes each day, things to help make the world a better place for yourself, your family, and all the world around you. Between the two of them, their two books (the first one was New Day Revolution)contain more than 365 ways you can make a difference in 2009 and beyond, in only 5 minutes a day. How simple is that? As Sam said, "It's time to save the world. Every little bit of inspiration can help."
If you do decide to order something from the Cool People Care Online Store, don't forget to enter the code LADYBUG when you check out. You'll get a 5% discount on your entire purchase, and another 5% of your purchase price will be donated to one of Dancing with Ladybug's favorite causes, The USO.
What are your dreams for 2009? Your goals? Your hopes? Your challenges? I'd love to know what you're planning in the new year. Leave me a comment, let me know how you plan to make the world a better place in 2009.
Sometimes, making a big difference doesn't have to be intimidating and in 2009 and always, I'm thankful to have such really cool friends to help show me how.
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
Blessings,
Kat
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunrise, Sunset
The holiday season has brought me two weeks of much-needed vacation time from work. What a treat to not have to get up at 5:30am and rush out the door to drop kids off at school, commute 60 miles to the office and spend the day on conference calls and emails. We didn't travel this holiday, our family came to us. I had grand ideas for posts on this blog (and my other two) but opted to stay away from the computer as much as possible, to give my brain a break and focus on my family and my kids. However, on New Year's Eve, I can't help but stop and marvel on how amazing it is that yet another year has gone by again.... already.
My family's holiday season began by celebrating Hanukkah with my husband's family. Being in a mixed-religion marriage poses it's share of challenges, but also it's share of wonderful opportunities. One of these is the opportunity to expose our children to different customs, traditions, beliefs and celebrations. Hanukkah, at it's core, is a celebration of a miracle, proof that God will always provide. The oil in the lamp was only supposed to last for one night but by the grace of God, the menorah stayed lit for eight nights. Even if you're not Jewish (I'm not), I think this is such a great lesson in faith, in miracles, in the power of a higher being. I can apply this lesson to my own life so easily. Even in the hardest, most difficult times... even when I don't know how I'll make it to tomorrow... even when I am sure the world will crash in around me... God always provides and somehow, I always make it through. I can't think of a more perfect reminder to begin the holiday season.
After Hanukkah came the Christmas celebration at my house, with all of my family in town. This happens at most once a year so it's always such a special time, to have my parents and both siblings together in the same place. I have a lot of beautiful Christmas memories this year but the one that stands out the most is the simple message the Pastor delivered at Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. It was about Joy.
He asked us to think of "joy" as standing for Jesus, Others, Yourself. He reminded us that putting those in any other order wouldn't bring us JOY, it could only bring us YOJ. The only way to have to Joy in your life (at the holidays and always) is to put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third. Though "Joy" seems to be a word we use the most at Christmas time, it will now become a year-round word in our house and I'll do my best to keep JOYous, 365 days each year.
Perhaps the most memorable moment so far, however, was our "Sunrise, Sunset" day on the Saturday after Christmas. I thought my husband was nuts when he suggested we get up before dawn and drive to the beach (we live on the east coast of South Florida) to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, then drive west across the state to watch it set over the Gulf of Mexico. Somehow, though, we (seven of us) all managed to get up and out of bed and in the car in time to actually get to the beach before sunrise, and we all survived the 2.5 hour car ride to the west coast later in the afternoon.
We've seen the sun rise before, seen it set before... but never both on the same day over two bodies of water on opposite sides of the state. We've taken for granted that the sun will indeed rise each day and set each night but to watch it do so in person, so intentionally, was a beautiful treat that I won't soon forget. It reminded me that if you just take the time to stop and look, you can see the beauty of the world around you, see God's hand at work. No matter what comes in between the sunrise and the sunset (of the day, the season, the year or your life), God will begin it beautifully and end it in the same manner. And hopefully, your moments in between will be just as special.
My words could never describe the beauty of these events, so since a picture is worth 1000 of them....
Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean ~ Delray Beach, Florida
Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico ~ Naples, Florida
December 27, 2008
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
My family's holiday season began by celebrating Hanukkah with my husband's family. Being in a mixed-religion marriage poses it's share of challenges, but also it's share of wonderful opportunities. One of these is the opportunity to expose our children to different customs, traditions, beliefs and celebrations. Hanukkah, at it's core, is a celebration of a miracle, proof that God will always provide. The oil in the lamp was only supposed to last for one night but by the grace of God, the menorah stayed lit for eight nights. Even if you're not Jewish (I'm not), I think this is such a great lesson in faith, in miracles, in the power of a higher being. I can apply this lesson to my own life so easily. Even in the hardest, most difficult times... even when I don't know how I'll make it to tomorrow... even when I am sure the world will crash in around me... God always provides and somehow, I always make it through. I can't think of a more perfect reminder to begin the holiday season.
After Hanukkah came the Christmas celebration at my house, with all of my family in town. This happens at most once a year so it's always such a special time, to have my parents and both siblings together in the same place. I have a lot of beautiful Christmas memories this year but the one that stands out the most is the simple message the Pastor delivered at Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. It was about Joy.
He asked us to think of "joy" as standing for Jesus, Others, Yourself. He reminded us that putting those in any other order wouldn't bring us JOY, it could only bring us YOJ. The only way to have to Joy in your life (at the holidays and always) is to put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third. Though "Joy" seems to be a word we use the most at Christmas time, it will now become a year-round word in our house and I'll do my best to keep JOYous, 365 days each year.
Perhaps the most memorable moment so far, however, was our "Sunrise, Sunset" day on the Saturday after Christmas. I thought my husband was nuts when he suggested we get up before dawn and drive to the beach (we live on the east coast of South Florida) to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, then drive west across the state to watch it set over the Gulf of Mexico. Somehow, though, we (seven of us) all managed to get up and out of bed and in the car in time to actually get to the beach before sunrise, and we all survived the 2.5 hour car ride to the west coast later in the afternoon.
We've seen the sun rise before, seen it set before... but never both on the same day over two bodies of water on opposite sides of the state. We've taken for granted that the sun will indeed rise each day and set each night but to watch it do so in person, so intentionally, was a beautiful treat that I won't soon forget. It reminded me that if you just take the time to stop and look, you can see the beauty of the world around you, see God's hand at work. No matter what comes in between the sunrise and the sunset (of the day, the season, the year or your life), God will begin it beautifully and end it in the same manner. And hopefully, your moments in between will be just as special.
My words could never describe the beauty of these events, so since a picture is worth 1000 of them....
Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean ~ Delray Beach, FloridaDecember 27, 2008
Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico ~ Naples, FloridaDecember 27, 2008
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
.
Blessings,
Kat
Monday, December 1, 2008
If you're happy and you know it...
I am sleepy. SOOO sleepy.
It is Monday. Mondays are not my favorite.
I have 3 long weeks ahead of commuting to the office every day (120 miles round trip) before my holiday vacation time starts.
There are cookies to make, presents to buy, year-end financials to run, meetings, fundraisers, laundry, out-of-town guests.... the list is too long to put in one place.
Yet oddly, I am happy.
It's the beginning of another new week, another new month, full of possibility and whatever opportunities I choose to pursue, all culminating in 2 weeks off with my family and friends to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Kind of nice when I stop to look at it that way. I think I'll have to look at it that way more often.
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
.
Blessings,
Kat
It is Monday. Mondays are not my favorite.
I have 3 long weeks ahead of commuting to the office every day (120 miles round trip) before my holiday vacation time starts.
There are cookies to make, presents to buy, year-end financials to run, meetings, fundraisers, laundry, out-of-town guests.... the list is too long to put in one place.
Yet oddly, I am happy.
It's the beginning of another new week, another new month, full of possibility and whatever opportunities I choose to pursue, all culminating in 2 weeks off with my family and friends to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Kind of nice when I stop to look at it that way. I think I'll have to look at it that way more often.
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
.
Blessings,
Kat
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thankful for Thankfulness: November 15 - 30
No, I have not forgotten about this blog! And since I still have a few more hours left in November, I figured I'd better get caught up on the rest of my November thankfulness items! Here goes...
November 15: Quality
I did not need the vintage Singer sewing machine. I have a wonderful, perfectly good "new" Singer sewing machine. But when one of my dear friends developed the vintage sewing machine interest (obsession? said with love, of course!) and found a 1930's machine on Craig's list for an awesome price a mile from my home, I couldn't resist. I dropped it off at the repair shop for an oil and lube and without even seeing the machine (only the cabinet it's mounted in) the man offered me $150 to take it off my hands. I had to laugh since I'd only paid $40, but of course, I wasn't about to give up my new found treasure! He told me he could have her up and running in no time and she'd run another 50 - 60 years. How's that for quality!
November 16: My dog
I have the world's coolest dog. His name is Oliver, he's almost 8 years old and he's a black and white Cocker Spaniel. He doesn't bark and he only growls if a stranger comes near the kids without Craig or me giving the "stand down" signal first. He has chronic "cocker ear" and he often gets overlooked in lieu of the kids, but he's my first baby and I'm so happy to have him as such an important part of our family.
November 17: Laughter of a child
My 5-year-old is into knock-knock jokes these days and of course, the 2-year-old loves to follow her lead. They spend hours making up jokes that make absolutely no sense but keep them rolling. And of course, when the kids laugh, it's contagious. What's not to love about a child's infectious laughter?
November 18: DVR
It's like TIVO only through the cable company. It lets Craig and I tape our favorite shows and eventually (read: on nights we can manage to stay awake after working all day and getting the kids in bed) watch them without commercial interruption. It's a beautiful thing.
November 19: Eat, drink and be merry...
I was in Salt Lake City on a business trip on election day in 2000. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and they wouldn't serve me a beer because there's a law against drinking on election day. I was baffled! Though I knew there were (must be, right?) valid reasons behind it, I bought myself a shot glass that says, "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be in Utah!"
Don't get me wrong, I know wonderful people in Utah and I certainly don't judge a whole state because of a law about allowable alcohol content on election day. And it's a good thing I don't, because one of the best friends and greatest people I've ever known lives in Utah. I "met" her online almost 6 years ago when we were pregnant with our daughters, who ended up being born on exactly the same day. Her daughter was late, mine was early and we both questioned what God was thinking at the time. Six years and the deepest friendship later, now we both know. (I blame the vintage Singer squarely on her, but still love her to death!) Today, I am thankful for friends near and far, and especially this one who means so very much to me.
November 20: Chocolate chip cookies
I'm not sure this one really requires explanation, honestly. Who isn't thankful for chocolate chip cookies? Amazing how a little bit of flour, sugar and chocolate can melt away a foul mood and put a smile on my face. Yes, I'm a girl of simple pleasures, about as low maintenance as they come.
November 21: Friday nights
My favorite time of the entire week is Friday night when I crawl into bed with my husband. Don't get any R-rated ideas, it's not that kind of blog! I just love the feeling of being cuddled up in my nice, warm, comfortable bed with my favorite person on earth, with the prospect of two full days of weekend ahead of us. What a calm, relaxed feeling it brings. No other night of the week comes close.
November 22: Lunch dates
My friends from Manila invited my family to enjoy a traditional Pinoy (Filipino) lunch with them and of course, knowing what great cooks they all are (not to mention great, fun company!) we immediately accepted the invite. Pansit and grilled pork, yum!
November 23: Church
I attended church every Sunday until I went off to college. Unfortunately, working full time to put myself through school meant weekend shifts at the mall, not conducive to church-going. Then I moved away from home and then farther away again. Worship services became fewer and farther between. Recently, Rachel (the 5-year-old) asked if we could start going to church and of course, I had her there the following Sunday. It makes my heart smile to see her so excited about going each week... waking early, picking the perfect outfit, "is it time to go yet"-ing me for 3 hours on Sunday morning. I'm so glad I've started to attend again. I didn't know how much I missed it until I started going again, and I really don't know how I got along so long without it.
November 24: Adobo and "See you soon"
When my bespren (that's Tagalog for "best friend") came onshore 2 months ago, I knew the time would pass quickly. This was the last day we'd both be in the office before he returned home and he treated me and my co-workers to a wonderful homemade feast of chicken adobo. Though I miss him already, I know I'll see him again next year and I'm glad for the time we got to spend these past few months.
November 25: A good cut and color
Yes, perhaps vain, but I couldn't stand the gray roots any longer. (I am waaay too young for gray, I might add!) Tuesday I worked a half day and spent the afternoon letting Tony (read: the greatest hairdresser on the planet!) pamper me with a great cut (similar yet just enough different from what I had) and a great color (strawberry blond... a cross between my blond and Rachel's red - it's gorgeous!). I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks. Amazing what some scissors and a little dye will do for a girl!
November 26: Changes in plans
I had planned for a long time to take off from work the day before Thanksgiving and had a long list of things I was going to do on my day all to myself. I was a teeny bit ticked off when I realized that Rachel's school was closed this day and I wouldn't get the day to myself after all, but decided to instead enjoy the day as it came, with one of my favorite people in the world. We went non-stop from 8am to 4:30pm but took the day at a 5-year-old's pace instead of my own. It was the best day I've had in a very long time and it reminded me that even curve balls can be hit out of the park.
November 27: Icing on the cake
So much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day itself, but after a nice afternoon and a great meal with family, the "new email" indicator on my Blackberry delivered the icing on the cake. It was the sweetest email from a co-worker of my dad's, telling me how my dad was so proud of me and my girls and this blog and she wanted me to know. Fortunately, I did already know, but what a special thing to see it in writing from someone else. That email now lives in my "never delete" folder and to the sweet lady woman who sent it, Thank You!
November 28: Technology
I was in the car with the girls, singing along loudly with them to our favorite Sugarland song when Craig called. From the emergency room. The cat scan showed it to "just" be a kidney stone, and it had passed, but there was another one behind it. I have never had a kidney stone myself but I hear it's like childbirth without the epidural. I'm thankful for the cell phone that let Craig call me and for the CAT Scan machine that told us it wasn't something far worse.
November 29: Sweet treats in the mail
The package arrived with no return address, but the giant Disney World tote bag and chocolate princess advent calendar gave the sender away in half a second flat. What a sweet treat for the whole family to receive some unexpected love in the mail from a very dear friend!
November 30: 24-hour pharmacies and lazy Sundays
Craig's 2nd kidney stone attacked around 3am. I knew he had gotten up, but I figured he had fallen asleep on the couch watching Sports Center. It wasn't until I got up at 6:45 that I realized what was going on, then immediately headed to the pharmacy to fill the prescription the ER doctor had given him on Friday afternoon. It took an hour or so for the meds to kick in and he finally got a little sleep, but I decided to follow his lead and we spent a quiet, lazy Sunday doing a whole bunch of nothing. I'm sorry it took him being sick to get us there, but it sure was nice to have a full day of nothing... like watching football, sewing, watching TV with the kids and finally, at long last, blogging!
I hope that you had a blessed November and that your December is the same. Happy Holidays, everyone!
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
.
Blessings,
Kat
November 15: Quality
I did not need the vintage Singer sewing machine. I have a wonderful, perfectly good "new" Singer sewing machine. But when one of my dear friends developed the vintage sewing machine interest (obsession? said with love, of course!) and found a 1930's machine on Craig's list for an awesome price a mile from my home, I couldn't resist. I dropped it off at the repair shop for an oil and lube and without even seeing the machine (only the cabinet it's mounted in) the man offered me $150 to take it off my hands. I had to laugh since I'd only paid $40, but of course, I wasn't about to give up my new found treasure! He told me he could have her up and running in no time and she'd run another 50 - 60 years. How's that for quality!
November 16: My dog
I have the world's coolest dog. His name is Oliver, he's almost 8 years old and he's a black and white Cocker Spaniel. He doesn't bark and he only growls if a stranger comes near the kids without Craig or me giving the "stand down" signal first. He has chronic "cocker ear" and he often gets overlooked in lieu of the kids, but he's my first baby and I'm so happy to have him as such an important part of our family.
November 17: Laughter of a child
My 5-year-old is into knock-knock jokes these days and of course, the 2-year-old loves to follow her lead. They spend hours making up jokes that make absolutely no sense but keep them rolling. And of course, when the kids laugh, it's contagious. What's not to love about a child's infectious laughter?
November 18: DVR
It's like TIVO only through the cable company. It lets Craig and I tape our favorite shows and eventually (read: on nights we can manage to stay awake after working all day and getting the kids in bed) watch them without commercial interruption. It's a beautiful thing.
November 19: Eat, drink and be merry...
I was in Salt Lake City on a business trip on election day in 2000. We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and they wouldn't serve me a beer because there's a law against drinking on election day. I was baffled! Though I knew there were (must be, right?) valid reasons behind it, I bought myself a shot glass that says, "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may be in Utah!"
Don't get me wrong, I know wonderful people in Utah and I certainly don't judge a whole state because of a law about allowable alcohol content on election day. And it's a good thing I don't, because one of the best friends and greatest people I've ever known lives in Utah. I "met" her online almost 6 years ago when we were pregnant with our daughters, who ended up being born on exactly the same day. Her daughter was late, mine was early and we both questioned what God was thinking at the time. Six years and the deepest friendship later, now we both know. (I blame the vintage Singer squarely on her, but still love her to death!) Today, I am thankful for friends near and far, and especially this one who means so very much to me.
November 20: Chocolate chip cookies
I'm not sure this one really requires explanation, honestly. Who isn't thankful for chocolate chip cookies? Amazing how a little bit of flour, sugar and chocolate can melt away a foul mood and put a smile on my face. Yes, I'm a girl of simple pleasures, about as low maintenance as they come.
November 21: Friday nights
My favorite time of the entire week is Friday night when I crawl into bed with my husband. Don't get any R-rated ideas, it's not that kind of blog! I just love the feeling of being cuddled up in my nice, warm, comfortable bed with my favorite person on earth, with the prospect of two full days of weekend ahead of us. What a calm, relaxed feeling it brings. No other night of the week comes close.
November 22: Lunch dates
My friends from Manila invited my family to enjoy a traditional Pinoy (Filipino) lunch with them and of course, knowing what great cooks they all are (not to mention great, fun company!) we immediately accepted the invite. Pansit and grilled pork, yum!
November 23: Church
I attended church every Sunday until I went off to college. Unfortunately, working full time to put myself through school meant weekend shifts at the mall, not conducive to church-going. Then I moved away from home and then farther away again. Worship services became fewer and farther between. Recently, Rachel (the 5-year-old) asked if we could start going to church and of course, I had her there the following Sunday. It makes my heart smile to see her so excited about going each week... waking early, picking the perfect outfit, "is it time to go yet"-ing me for 3 hours on Sunday morning. I'm so glad I've started to attend again. I didn't know how much I missed it until I started going again, and I really don't know how I got along so long without it.
November 24: Adobo and "See you soon"
When my bespren (that's Tagalog for "best friend") came onshore 2 months ago, I knew the time would pass quickly. This was the last day we'd both be in the office before he returned home and he treated me and my co-workers to a wonderful homemade feast of chicken adobo. Though I miss him already, I know I'll see him again next year and I'm glad for the time we got to spend these past few months.
November 25: A good cut and color
Yes, perhaps vain, but I couldn't stand the gray roots any longer. (I am waaay too young for gray, I might add!) Tuesday I worked a half day and spent the afternoon letting Tony (read: the greatest hairdresser on the planet!) pamper me with a great cut (similar yet just enough different from what I had) and a great color (strawberry blond... a cross between my blond and Rachel's red - it's gorgeous!). I walked out of there feeling like a million bucks. Amazing what some scissors and a little dye will do for a girl!
November 26: Changes in plans
I had planned for a long time to take off from work the day before Thanksgiving and had a long list of things I was going to do on my day all to myself. I was a teeny bit ticked off when I realized that Rachel's school was closed this day and I wouldn't get the day to myself after all, but decided to instead enjoy the day as it came, with one of my favorite people in the world. We went non-stop from 8am to 4:30pm but took the day at a 5-year-old's pace instead of my own. It was the best day I've had in a very long time and it reminded me that even curve balls can be hit out of the park.
November 27: Icing on the cake
So much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day itself, but after a nice afternoon and a great meal with family, the "new email" indicator on my Blackberry delivered the icing on the cake. It was the sweetest email from a co-worker of my dad's, telling me how my dad was so proud of me and my girls and this blog and she wanted me to know. Fortunately, I did already know, but what a special thing to see it in writing from someone else. That email now lives in my "never delete" folder and to the sweet lady woman who sent it, Thank You!
November 28: Technology
I was in the car with the girls, singing along loudly with them to our favorite Sugarland song when Craig called. From the emergency room. The cat scan showed it to "just" be a kidney stone, and it had passed, but there was another one behind it. I have never had a kidney stone myself but I hear it's like childbirth without the epidural. I'm thankful for the cell phone that let Craig call me and for the CAT Scan machine that told us it wasn't something far worse.
November 29: Sweet treats in the mail
The package arrived with no return address, but the giant Disney World tote bag and chocolate princess advent calendar gave the sender away in half a second flat. What a sweet treat for the whole family to receive some unexpected love in the mail from a very dear friend!
November 30: 24-hour pharmacies and lazy Sundays
Craig's 2nd kidney stone attacked around 3am. I knew he had gotten up, but I figured he had fallen asleep on the couch watching Sports Center. It wasn't until I got up at 6:45 that I realized what was going on, then immediately headed to the pharmacy to fill the prescription the ER doctor had given him on Friday afternoon. It took an hour or so for the meds to kick in and he finally got a little sleep, but I decided to follow his lead and we spent a quiet, lazy Sunday doing a whole bunch of nothing. I'm sorry it took him being sick to get us there, but it sure was nice to have a full day of nothing... like watching football, sewing, watching TV with the kids and finally, at long last, blogging!
I hope that you had a blessed November and that your December is the same. Happy Holidays, everyone!
~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~
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Blessings,
Kat
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thankful for Thankfulness: November 14
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Freckles
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It's Photo Friday and today, I am thankful for freckles.
Need I say more, really?
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~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~.
Blessings,
Kat
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