Goals Update: January 2012

January has come and gone and I'm left reflecting on the month that has past, the goals I set out to accomplish and how each of those goals has panned out.

Here is a copy of my goals from original January Goals post as well as...my commentary on how things looked in real life.

Daily:

Drink one glass of water when I wake up and before I go to bed -- Fairly frequently, as much of a habit as it will ever be. One thing that will always and forever more throw me off a routine such as this is traveling or having any sort of holiday, but I'm not about to give that up!
Stretch at least once a day -- Again, quite frequently, but Taiwan travels 'got in the way'.
Do a minimum of 12 push-ups and 12 sit-ups everyday -- Ditto.
(These goals are from the 30 day challenge I set up in September, so they're nearly habits now, although sickness and holidays kind of threw me off)
Floss daily (or at minimum 3 days a week) -- I did not meet this goal exactly but I flossed WAY more this past month than any other month in my previous life, so I have a ways to go, but it's not looking so dreadful these days.
Daily journal about 5 things for which I am grateful -- Everyday. Sometimes the morning after, but everyday. You can see highlights of the month here if you're so inclined ^.^

Within the Month:

Finish my MAED (that's a given, but I want to mark it anyway) -- HELLS YEAH! Feels good!
Write about a minimum of 10 days in the travel journal I started for our world tour in 2010 -- Not a single one...just plain laziness in that regard.
Finish at least 6 books toward my 2012 reading goal of 50 books in a year -- Read Eight Books this month! So fantastic, I love having my nose in a book.
Update my food blog within 3 days of preparing a meal -- Not so much. A couple of times I had it down, then we went to Taiwan...excuses.
Make the most of a week in Taiwan (that includes making plans and being prepared to soak in as much culture and experiences as possible!) -- It was a bit tougher than expected, but great nonetheless, when I'm done with the series over at The Harrington Times, I'll post the stories here.


Overall: As I expected, our travels to Taiwan threw me off my groove slightly in terms of stretching/toning, flossing and drinking water more regularly. However, I'm still quite impressed with how well I was able to keep up on those tasks and thrilled that the slight discipline required to keep a Gratitude Journal was easily tackled. I think keeping a Gratitude Journal is by far one of the healthiest things I do in my day to day life.

Below is a screen shot of a complete January.

Now, on to planning February's Goals!

A Month of Gratitude: January 2012

As part of my January 30 day challenge I reinitiated the upkeep of a Gratitude Journal which essentially requires me to record a minimum of 5 things for which I can be grateful for each day. Here are the top picks from each day in the month of January - a glorious reminder that even though I've hated sitting at desk with nothing to do, my life is beyond beautiful and blessed. Hope you were able to recognize all of life's gifts throughout the month of January 2012!

Fresh memories of family visits and family love. Creative picture making with Students. Redneck Life with John, Whitney and Alla. The unexpected Facebook chat with Cailin, drop-in visit from Hyunhee. Hilarious texts from my "cold noodle soup". Italian dinner for two with Jenelle. Facebook posts which point toward visitors whose family name starts with 'M' and rhymes with 'Bullen'! Afternoon naps. Books that stir my soul and passions, providing thought provoking matter. Watching my sweet Lady and Man rest peacefully together. Floor heat. Ethiopia and her people. Sweet Tangerines. Annalise. Banoffee. Laughter. Phone calls home, hearing the voices of my beloved, healthy parents. Cafe Latte and free cheesecake in celebration of a completed master's degree. Conquering spent grains yet again! Leggings. Erin Co. Long Island Ice Tea celebrations with Josiah and Jenelle. Skype calls with SaraJane. Short flights. Delicious ham and cheese crepe breakfast with milk tea for under $5US. Sleeping in. Fog covered mountain views accompanied by sipping oolong tea. A place to sleep comfortably and warmly and the money to cover the cost. Subway sandwiches. Tandem bike adventures through crowded Asian streets and along the boardwalk of Danshui, Taiwan. The magic of hundreds of sky lanterns filling the night sky, sending forth the wishes, prayers and hopes of the people. Selling Navajo Durango (bittersweet, really). Rice Pudding. Skype and encouragment from Holly.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

(Typed while washing down a triple berry pastry with a white paper cup of cappuccino, both from Paris Baguette)

Book 2012: On Sparrow Hill

On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When I first received my Kindle, I read the first book of this series by Maureen Lang entitled The Oak Leaves. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Cosima from Ireland but wasn't as caught up in the story of Talie in the U.S. Nonetheless, I had enjoyed the first and the series and was eager to read the second.

The second did not disappoint. I loved the story coming from the letters of Berrie to Cosima as much as I loved the story of Dana (Talie's sister) and Rebecca. I love the way the family history was woven together from generations long ago until the present day and the way certain familial themes emerged, not only the genetic condition of fragile X but the faith, hope and love these family members were able to express in their actions toward one another and to the Lord.
A few highlights:
"Yet there is something about her that reminds me of myself. Perhaps it is her unflinching belief that she is where she ought to be, despite all of the challenges." (Location 1703)
"Worry, I have learned, seems to be a virus. Once caught, it is nearly impossible to cure." (Location 1949)
"The greatest hope comes after surrendering, whether that hope is fulfilled in our lifetime or not." (Location 5014)

View all my reviews

Book 2012: Unconventional

Unconventional by J.J. Hebert

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a story about custodial duties, passions, love, dreams, despair, hope, hardship and overcoming. A young janitor. Talented writer. Neglected by his father. Loved by his girlfriend. Hated by said girlfriend's parents. Befriened by important and loving figures. Eventually finds the life he's always yearnd for.

"The greatest and most inspiring achievements are not produced by those who conform to society's idea of normal, but by those who courageously adopt the unconventional." (page 1/location 169)

"Children aren't born prejudiced. They don't hate. They don't degrade. They learn these things from society. This is one of the greatest tragedies in the world: the circle of prejudice." (page 58/location 1477)

View all my reviews

A few other things about this reading:
I read this in it's entirety while on vacation which just feels GREAT! That I was on vacation. That I had time to read. That I finished something. Absolutely fantastic. I began at Incheon Airport, South Korea and finished at Paradise Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan (Paradise is an overstatement...) It was light, it was easy and refreshing, it lacked the heavier material of 'There is No Me Without You" which is still weighing heavy on my heart and mind.

(Typed with the instant granules of Maxim Caramel Machiatto coursing through my veins)

Faith and Loss

"Faith in God is an opening up, a letting go, a deep trust, a free act of love - but sometimes it was so hard to love. Sometimes my heart was sinking so fast with anger, desolation and weariness, I was afraid it would sink to the very bottom of the Pacific and I would not be able to lift it back up." (Life of Pi, p. 263).

These words are speaking more truth into where I am at now than where I was at when I marked them while reading the Life of Pi.

I never felt the depth of anger, frustration and dislike of an individual as I do now.
It's ugly.
It makes me feel ugly.
It's unstoppable.

Maybe not literally, I'm sure there's a way to mentally re-direct myself. I'm sure there is scripture I could meditate on hard and come to some loving conclusion and actions to express toward said individual. But something in me is refusing to go there.

My feelings are hurt in a way I am unfamiliar with. I feel misrepresented, disrespected and unrightly inferior.

Pride is continuously swelling up inside of me as I think about what I am entitled to as an individual, as an educator, as an...American.

I truly don't know what to do to move toward an expression of love toward this particular co-worker.

If it weren't for the wealth of people who pour love into my life and whom I can so boldly love, I would fear my heart has sunken to far to be retrieved.

But, it's easy to love those who love us.
Jesus challenges us to love those who hate us, whom are our enemies, who are difficult to love.

I have a little lot more 'letting go' to do before I can love in a way I believe is reflective of what I know to be my heart's capacity.

Ugh.

(Typed with the caffeine of instant Korean Maxim coursing through my veins)

Book 2012: Cupcake

Cupcake: A Modern Love-Story with a Bigger-Than-Average Waistline by Mariah Jones

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is simply a quick, quirky, sweet read about a heavy-set bakery owner who works through her insecurities with the assitance of an attractive male who is genuinely enamored by her beauty, as is.
The main character, the bakery owner, is also the narrator and has a lot of personality that shines through in the writing. She's snarky, sarcastic, real and unsure of herself and her image.
It was the perfect quick read to break up a string of more serious and heavy topics I'd been reading and for that, it was perfect.
View all my reviews

A few other things: I primarily read this book while lounging on the couch at home or while eating my lunch at school. It was super short and quick, so I only spent one day reading through the story - hence the relaxing settings I enjoyed with this story.  I really did enjoy the writing style and there were so many funny moments and moments when the main character was about to be crushed, but then had the great experience of confidence boosting by a man described as the ultimate in attractiveness.  Additionally, I just read this article this morning which coincides nicely with this book, especially Darcy's experience at the health club, I'm sure she would have loved having some fat girl support that day.

(Typed while sipping from a silver travel mug filled with instant Maxim coffee, sugar and cream while sitting all alone in a large, ridiculous English classroom)

Book 2012: There is No Me Without You

There Is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children by Melissa Fay Greene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Powerfully written, There is No Me Without You, presents solid research, incomprehensible statistics and the more powerful prose of personal narratives and stories out of Ethiopia giving a face and depth the the HIV/AIDS crisis.

I cannot adequately express how moving and powerful this story was for me. The HIV/AIDS crisis, the cause of orphans and widows are all completely overwhelming and more often than not leave me feeling powerless and hopeless. Greene presents these overwhelming factors alongside the stories that exemplify hope and power in the lives of ordinary women and children. I cannot solve this crisis. But I don't need to sit back passively and watch it play out either.


A powerful read for any American, those well versed in the AIDS pandemic and those who have forgotten that is a pandemic. It reads easy, presents a number of views and a wealth of information and heart regarding our world.

"Adoption is good, but children, naturally, would prefer not to see their parents die." (page 25)


(I'm in full support of adoption, as is the author, she just makes the point that it's not THE answer and we, as a globabl community, ought to be seeking solutions which allow for more parents to live WITH their children, rather than solutions which only allow a few children to live.)


"She could see the nice young man he was born to be, but he was headed for an early grave. If powerlessness made vulnerable the girls of Ethiopia, hopelessness made vulnerable the boys." (page 105)


"You don't have to be a saint to rescure other people from suffering and death. You can just be an everyday, decent enough sort of regular person, nothing extraordinary, and yet turn lives around." (Location 7832 - Q&A with the author)


View all my reviews

This story is powerful on it's own.  This story is increasingly powerful when your heart and mind can see not only the picture and story of the children and lives depicted by author Greene, but when your own life has introduced you to a child with a similar, but oh-so-unique-story. (Look for the One Year Ago stories, September 2010).

This story then takes on a unique face. Something personal.

Not a chapter went by that my heart and my head weren't swimming with images of my best friend, her husband and their precious boy. 

A boy who calls me Auntie.
A boy who is more than a 'nephew'.
A boy who is indescribable in what he means in my life,
                               the lives of others and of course in his parents lives.
A boy who loves two places with his whole heart.
A boy who loves two families without hesitation.
A boy who lives with great passion and intentionality.
                               all at the brink of five years of age.
A boy who continues to captivate my heart from thousands of miles away.

There is No Me Without You is powerful.
As a story.
As a life.

If you read this, I hope you have a face to put on it.
Or that your future gives you a face to put on it.
Because the more real a story like this is to you, the more powerfully it will stay with you.

(Typed having recently finished a paper cup of instant coffee mix)

On this day, January 16th I will...

Exhale. Let go. Move forward.

Today marks the end of a journey I never expected to take.

Twelve courses.

Thirty-six credits.

Fourteen months.

One hundred and forty papers.

Countless textbook pages.

Numerous discussion posts.

Twice as many discussion responses.

Thousands of words.
and Zero debt later.

I've always "done school" well. And this master's program was no exception.

I read. I posted on time. I finished assignments. I poured my heart and soul into research and the crafting of words onto pages and within presentations.

But being a "good student" has always stressed me out.

I don't always know how to find that perfect balance of not becoming so engrossed by studies that I forget to take time for things that I love and the re-juvinate me. And although I believe I grew a lot in that respect specifically while simultaneously growing in professional knowledge, passion and ability present myself as an educator, I'm indescribably anxious to move forward.

to let go of this season.

to exhale that experience.

and to  inhale the next.

The end couldn't have come at a better time.

Less than a week from now, I'll be exploring foreign lands with the man who continues to capture my heart. And that is indescribably re-juvenating. I'm anxious to breathe it all in, to live it up and to never, not even once, think about reading a chapter, writing a discussion or finishing an assignment before going to explore one new thing.

This feels good.

(Typed having still coursing through my veins the rich flavor of a coffee latte made by the sweet barista of Joony Pie Cafe who unkowningly assisted my celebration by offering the most delectable homemade cheesecake free of charge on this day of celebration!)

Book 2012: Ludoliteracy

Ludoliteracy by Jose P. Zagal

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


What I enjoyed was learning more about videogame knowledge and getting a feel for how videogames are being addressed not just by 'gamers'/'fans' but gaining impressive insight regarding the newness of the field of game studies. J.P. Zagal presents a strong case for interactive, intentional and legitimate ways for students of game studies to contribute to the field as well asl numerous other aspects of games studies. His research seems solid, although I am the least game fluent 20-something year old on Goodreads, I'm sure.

One of the most distracting things for me was the formatting on the Kindle. There weretimeswhenIhadtoreadhugepassageswithoutanyspace <-- (not enjoyable.)


The primary reason I give this 2 stars is simply because it doesn't really fit with any of my actual interests. It was insightful and well written. It seemed like a well presented disertation and definitely offered me a few things to think abour in regard to my own academic writing, but I woulnd't necessarily want to read other material of a similar subject (so should prevent Goodreads from recommending such things by rating it low ^.^)


View all my reviews

A few other things: I read a lot of this on the bus. It never really captivated me. I kind of thought it'd be more about how games can be an effective or ineffective teaching tool, but that was not the case. Korea is a big gaming culture and I know a lot more gamers now, in more intimate friendships, than I had previously, so in that sense, this was good for gaining some understanding into that world and increasing my terminology for such things which prior was nearly non-existant. Other than that, I finished this book on a Monday of deskwarming while out on my lunch break where I enjoyed an incredibly large bowl or Korean pumpkin porridge.

(Typed having just finished a Jeonju mug of water in anticipation of that coffee mix I mentioned earlier!)

Book 2012: Blue Like Jazz

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I can't remember exactly when I read Blue Like Jazz the first time, but as an end/beginning to 2011/2012 it has been absolutely perfect.


Donald Miller finds himself living amongst the people and students of Reed college, living missionaly and intentionally and without all the 'normal' fellowship aspects the church and ministry groups generally prescribe. And he learns so much. And he shares so much. And nothing else could have offered me the depth and sincerity of insight as I currently live in a land where most of my friends, my community doesn't ascribe to the 'normal' fellowship aspects church community requires, affords, etc. And I love that. And I needed to work through it in the way Don Miller makes possible. (And I wrote about it a few weeks ago here, if your're interested)


(I highlighted over 40 passages in the book - I'm not going to pretend that these are my favorites, just some that I want to share)


"Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way." Location 63


"Many of the students hated the very idea of God, and yet they cared about people more than I did." Location 621


"My belief in Jesus did not seem rational or scientific, and yet there was nothing I could do to separate myself from this belief." Location 807


"Self-discipline will never make us feel righteous or clean; accepting God's love will. The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." Location 1083

"I want my spirituality to rid me of hate, not to give me reason for it." Location 1704


"It was the affection of Christ, not the brutality of a town, that healed Zaccheaus." Location 2261


"I was tired of biblical ethic being used as a tool with which to judge people rather than heal them." Location 2716
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A few other notes: I bought a set of three Donald Miller books on my Kindle knowing that I desired deeply to feel closer to Christ, to feel like I was 'doing' spiritual and truly like I was challenging my soul to think about what I believe and be encouraged to act on those beliefs.  Blue Like Jazz served that purpose well.  I most often read through these pages while lying in bed, hoping for prayer motivation and a restful nights sleep to follow. It definitely fueled prayer. It's hard to usher in sleep when at least one person in bed is sick or neighbors decide the garage below our apartment is ideal location for throwing back a few beers.  Nonetheless, an enjoyable and timely read.

If you've read Blue Like Jazz, what are your thoughts? When did you read it and how did it affect you at that time? What do you remember most?

(Typed while trying to decide where to go for lunch...cafe for small sandwich and coffee or cheaper, quicker meal followed by instant coffee upon my return to this desk which requires my warming...)

Goals: January 2012

In light of my recent post regarding resolutions and my system of setting monthly goals I've decided to play around with a calendar feature as a way to hopefully increase my personal motivation and incorporate a sense of accountability. A bit of Google-searching lead to me to this tutorial on how to imebed Google Calendars into your blog space.
I'm anxious to see if and how it will update as I daily/regularly update my progress on January's Goals.

And since my most recent post centered on brainstorming and didn't set much in stone, here are my goals for January:

Daily:

• Drink one glass of water when I wake up and before I go to bed
• Stretch at least once a day
• Do a minimum of 12 push-ups and 12 sit-ups everyday
• (These goals are from the 30 day challenge I set up in September, so they're nearly habits now, although sickness and holidays kind of threw me off)

• Floss daily (or at minimum 3 days a week)
• Daily journal about 5 things for which I am grateful

Within the Month:

• Finish my MAED (that's a given, but I want to mark it anyway)
• Write about a minimum of 10 days in the travel journal I started for our world tour in 2010
• Finish at least 6 books toward my 2012 reading goal of 50 books in a year
• Update my food blog within 3 days of preparing a meal
• Make the most of a week in Taiwan (that includes making plans and being prepared to soak in as much culture and experiences as possible!)

So, as you can see from the calendar below, I'm doing fairly well - 2 books down, gratitude journal is on the up-and-up and I've flossed more regularly this year than any year previous ^.^  I'd love to hear about your goals for the year or the month...I know I share some goals with a few friends!

(Calendar and blog post typed while sipping from a Brown Bong China mug filled with sweet milky Earl Grey Tea)

Books 2012: The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Agnes Sparrow is a morbidly obese woman (700 pounds) with a secret. A secret she keeps for years. A secret which causes her deep guilt and a desire to 'redeem' herself...so she prays. She prays everyday for everyone who asks and/or anyone living or passing through her town of Bright's Pond. The community of Bright's Pond loves Agnes for the miracles they have received through her prayers and are constantly working toward honoring her through billboards and statues. Griselda, the narrator and sister of Agnes, faithfully cares for her sister everyday while also running the towns library. Unfortunately, miracles start to come in less appealing 'packaging' and the community of Bright's Pond begin to claim Agnes has lost her powers and/or is an agent of the devil when great tragedy strikes the town.

Personally, I thought the story was simple but a bit longer than necessary. However, the author gives a lot to building the community as viewed by Griselda which helps place the reader in the community in an authentic way - knowing some characters intimately and some simply through gossip and rumor.

The most intriguing aspects of this story were the idolization of Agnes and the perception of miracles that the townsfolk had...which may be the reality of the way miracles are viewed.

"People were always thinking of miracles in terms of really, really good things happening. Why couldn't an ulcer or cancer or any other affliction be just as miraculous if it served God's purpose?" page 128/Location 2595

I think this is so interesting and so true. I think we are so quick to decide what is good and what is bad and assume that only that which is 'good' is capable of being a miracle. However, I know and have experienced things that for all evaluative purposes seem 'bad' but have brought forth the greatest fruit and opportunity to serve God and love people more genuinely and authentically.

"A smile as wide as Wyoming burst across Mildred's otherwise poker face." page 235/Location 4855 (Wyoming PRIDE!!!)

Seriously, Wyoming pride...that's all.

"Tell me, Miss God-fearing Griselda, would you have been able to find any Christian charity, any mercy, any forgiveness in your heart and let me stay?" Page 283/Location 5921

Said by a man behind prison bars who just confessed to bringing about one of the towns most painful, earth-shattering events.  Although the book paints the picture that his being caught and put in prison was the serving of justice (which I agree, although his previous crimes aren't well painted so I still kind of liked him and wanted more redemption to be served to his character), these lines stuck out because they are convicting. He had a history which he hid from the people because he wanted to receive charity, mercy and forgiveness.  I spend a portion of my time thinking about people I love doing heinous things and trying to work out in my heart and mind the process of forgiveness...I think it's such an easy process to fail in...and to justify our failures.

"Get ready and the second you hear that horn, you start screaming and see if you can scream louder than the train and the whistle. I don't believe it can be done. I tried every night for a year after Bubba died and many a night after." Page 343/Location 7189

I hope SaraJane, Erin and Annalise are reading this post because this section of the book reminded me of each of them...the process of being angry and not being scared to be visibly angry (with some caution and control of the anger).  Whether it's throwing eggs at rocks, breaking plates or screaming louder than trains finding outlets for anger and facing that emotion is something each of these women have taught me and this book brought forth that memory.


View all my reviews

A few other notes: I read this book primarily en route to work on the bus and cuddled up at 519 Galma home on the couch or big comfy chair.  It has been a post-Christmas, entering the new year, semi-vacation, English winter camp season book. I'm feeling generally hopeful and motivated as the New Year begins and I'm committed to rocking through a ton of books this year, especially as the end of my Master's is so near to being completed.

(Typed while working through my morning glass of water as per '30 Day Challenge' regulation...although my glass is a light brown mug...go figure)

Books 2012: When Parents Text

When Parents Text: So Much Said...So Little Understood by Sophia Fraioli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


OMG. LOL.

I can't believe how often I was literally laughing out loud while reading this: at home, on the bus, at work, everywhere, I couldn't contain myself!

It's best if you just read and laugh...but here's one to get you started:

"MOM: Have you ever noticed how much garbanzo beans look like little butts? Like being mooned by soup." p. 208/Location 2025


View all my reviews

Something else that is wonderful about this...since Mike and I read it pretty much at the same time I've begun to receive a pleasant increase of hilarious texts from the Man...2012, please be a year filled with so much laughter, out loud laughter to be exact! (I also have a desire to make minestrone or anything with garbanzo beans soon!)

Brainstorming - Resolutions

As promised, I'm going to enter this space more frequently. And, it wouldn't be January 3rd and the re-re-re-newal of this bloggy space without some talk of resolutions. 

So, the thing is, I love setting goals and/or random routine procedures, truly. I get a kick out of it.  However, over the years I've learned a few things:

• A goal set at the beginning of the year, rarely makes it to the end (espeically those to do with health, spirituality and other 'routine' aspects).
• Weekends and Holidays trump all goals and usually cause me to lose progress.
• I live my life in 'seasons' and sometimes January season goals don't mesh with where I'm at come March or July.

So, I've got some things in mind.  Back in September I ran across a TEDTalk regarding 30 day challenges. I committed 30 days to drinking water, daily prayer and a small bit of stretching and toning. I intended to update, but never did. Fortunately, that experience closely relates to where I'm heading in regards to new year's resolutions, so they can share this post ^_^

Those 30 days were, for me, a confirmation of the above bulleted points.  It's completely reasonable to committ yourself to something or other for 30 days.  Weekends still threw me off, but by offering myself a touch of grace, I realized that two cups of water, a handful of sit-ups and push-ups and even focused prayer is easy to implement into my routine.  Since then, I often still drink water in the morning and yearn to be on my yoga mat for prayer, stretching and toning - although, none of it is embedded.

So this year, for my resolutions, I plan to take things 30 days at a time, or a season at a time.  Not to say there won't be some overarching goals that I hope to work toward throughout the year.  Just to imply that I can see where 30 days is going better than I can see where a year is going.  I know that we'll be travelling in January and February. I also know I have an MAED to finish up.  I also know that March will be the beginning of a new semester with some new co-workers.  These facts affect my effectiveness in regards to meeting goals, so rather than be discouraged by February because it's too cold to run outside and journaling and Bible reading aren't going as smoothly as desired and wanting to give up, I'm going to consider what is possible in terms of what's going on. I'm going to consider what has already passed and what I need to do to ensure I remain healthy in all senses of the word.

So, some things I have in mind for January...

• Daily or every-other-day flossing
• Regular journaling - not sure what I want this to look like, daily would be ideal
• Lots of reading, at least 5-6 this month would be ideal (I committed 50 books in 2012 to my Goodreads account. With the end of the MAED in sight, I'm sure it's possible)
• Renewed committment to push-ups and sit-ups and time on the yoga mat

Other things on my 2012/Winter Vacation to-do list:

• Write more letters
• Complete travel journal for 2010 around the world adventures (eeeek!)
• Maintain this blog space
• Strengthen the communities I belong to both near and far
• Drink more smoothies
• Eat delicious and home-made breads
• More fruits and veggies
• Seek to be more intentional in my marriage

Turns out if I avoid this place long enough, I come back filled with an abundance of words and rambling.

(Typed while sipping on a cafe mocha from a Paris Baguette take-out cup -- which is adorable, by the way, perhaps I'll post a photo later ^.^)

Returning to this Space...

So, it appears that 2011 was a year with few cups of tea and a whole of posting book reviews.

My apologies.

Not that I need to apologize, as this is my space and I can do with it what I please. However, I constantly want this to be a place where I am taking time to consider and ponder and process the things I would consider and ponder and process were I sitting down with a warm mug of tea and a dear friend.

I want to get real with myself, my surroundings, my experiences of culture, spirituality, relationships, and softer subjects such as books.

I finish a 14 month bought with an MAED program in 2 weeks.  I anticipate having a bit more freedom and opportunity to come here, to relate, to enjoy, to process and consider.  My heart wants to take the time that this space requires, my soul needs to see me working through things in a more consistent, healthy fashion.

I'll be returning to this space. Book reviews will continue (since I just committed to Goodreads that I would conquer 50 books in 2012!), perhaps with a bit more umph. Cups of tea will increase and I'll bring my heart to this blog addres.

I hope you will join me.

(Typed having semi-recently finished a silver tumbler of Korean coffee mix)

Book: A Simple Amish Christmas

A Simple Amish Christmas by Vannetta Chapman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Such a peaceful story about Christmas and the simplicity that should perhaps be the more common Christmas experience rather than the holiday-shopping-giving-rushing-around-frenzy that can be so common. Reading this while living 6,000 miles away from 'home' gave it a particularly strong appeal as I definitely related to the desire to be home where Christmas has always been celebrated with certain traditions that I desire and miss terribly.



Nuggets of truth and wisdom:



"Things change, but sometimes our perception of them stays the same." Page 68/Location 1058



"Secrets aren't always bad, Annie. Unless they weigh heavy on your soul - like the clouds pushing down over the fields." Page 102/Location 1605



"Love doesn't take time, dear. It takes giving of yourself." Page 266/Location 2723



View all my reviews

Book: The Red Suit Diaries

The Red Suit Diaries by Ed Butchart

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A sweet recounting of precious memories of his years serving as a Santa Claus, Ed Butchart is all grandfather/Santa figure in the telling of what he passionately views as his ministry, serving as a Santa.



As an educator, I found myself agreeing fully to some of the remarks he made regarding family relations and the affects of nature v. nuture and how each plays an important role in character building and development.



Quick, easy, light-hearted read from a man who truly believes in the 'reason for the season' the love of God as shown through the birth and life of his Son.



Among the heart-warming stories, there was this nugget...not sweet, not filled with the Chirstmas spirit but nonetheless rang true and possibly reflects emotions I've personally held regarding various things:



"I was just predisposed to be more annoyed than enamored with anyone vulnerable." page 20/location 69



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Book: O Little Town

O Little Town by Don Reid

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable read during the holiday season. Filled with intertwining story-lines, images of grace, compassion, forgiveness and love, definitely helps to amp up the Christmas spirti and love for our fellow man.

"She was always trying too hard; trying too hard to win his love instead of enjoying it. She desired approval over affection. Attention over contentment." Page 119/Location 1466

"Funny the things you remember when you begin fearing that memories may be all you have left." Page 212/Location 2674

"Forgiveness is first a private matter before you can pass it on." Page 279/Location 3508

"Struggling for the truth is hard but struggling with the truth is even harder." Page 282/Location 3534

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Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed the style of this book, the insightful, clever narration of Enzo the dog was so enjoyable and really has me seeing our own dog in a different light (I think I should 'teach' her more about what I know ^.~). Not only is the narration clever and unique, the story line is moving, connected, engaging and insightful.
If dog's could write memoirs, 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' would definitely set the tone and expectation.
"People and their rituals. They cling to things so hard sometimes." - page 8

Something I've learned, especially living abroad. Example: Eggnog is a Christmas ritual, therefore, one must make eggnog when living in a non-eggnog providing market.

"all dogs are progressively inclined regarding social issues." - page 20

That a girl Lady Annyeong!

"...that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves." - page 43
"But trust me when I tell you that the zebra is real. Somewhere, the zebra is dancing." - page 66
"Learn to listen! I beg of you. Pretend you are a dog like me and listen to other people rather than steal their stories."

Amen! Something I'm sure I could use improvement on. Something I can learn not only from my dog, but also from my man. The art of listening.

"The sun rises every day. What is to love? Lock the sun in a box. Force the sun to overcome adversity in order to rise. Then we will cheer!" - page 136

Adversity.

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