Every year at Christmas, I struggle with giving in and going all out, like when I was a kid. Spending hours upon hours at the mall to purchase gifts for friends and family. But in recent years, I've come to realize that the hours spent at the mall and the hours wrapping gifts do not equal happiness for me. In fact, I often felt guilty. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing I love more than to stumble upon that perfect gift for that special someone. But finding the balance is what I've been searching for.
A few years ago, Rob and I started making donations in place of the money we would have spent on purchasing massive amounts of gifts. We still buy a gift for our immediate family members, however the pressure to buy and buy for family and even friends has been relieved. We don't {or I don't} design cute Christmas cards, we buy Christmas cards from a non-profit organization, usually benefiting children or special needs children. Perhaps when we start a family, a cute family photo will be added to the mix :)
To us, the season is not about the shopping, the gifts, the cards, or the decor {I will note that decorating is my favorite part though}, but it's about giving to those who don't have what we have and celebrating that Christmas is actually about the birth of our Lord and Savior. It's also about taking time out each day to do something together and/or with others {pictures of our Advent calendar to come}. With the limited amount of time that Rob and I already have, or don't have, if we were to spend that precious time shopping, we wouldn't be able to celebrate the season together.
So far this season we've:
- crafted with Emily
- purchased our Christmas tree and decorated our home with Joel
- went to the Christmas parade with Matt
- went to a friend's Christmas concert
- traveled to Redland's for one of Rob's Christmas concert
- celebrated the "holidays" with my school co-workers
- sang Christmas carols to the elderly at our church who can no longer come to church
- been to Irvine for another Christmas concert for Rob
And according to our Advent calendar, we still:
- need to sign, seal, and deliver our Christmas cards {even some Hanukkah cards}
- need to finish shopping for our family
- have one more Christmas concert for Rob's school
- will attend the annual AMA Christmas party, hosted by the lovely Jolene and her hubby Gerric
- will host dinner for the Tuckers on Christmas Eve
- spend time with Gabe & Mimi {both on Christmas day and at their Holiday Open House party}
When December arrived, I was concerned that we wouldn't have many festivities to attend to, turns out this season has been more festive than previous years. So far, the highlight was definitely yesterday as we sang to our elderly church members. The joy in their smiles as they sang their favorite Christmas carols was priceless.
If you have just over two minutes, check out this You Tube video on the Christmas season, it's great!
12.15.2008
11.30.2008
the day before day 1
The day before day 1 of the 3-Day, Amber and I both hopped on the train {she in LA and me in Anaheim} and headed to San Diego. Laura, my wonderful SIL, picked us up in Solana Beach and prepared a carb-filled dinner for us. Jeff, her BF, helped in the preparations, too.
Without getting into details about the lack of support I received from my administration at school, I thought I should at least get the support from my students. The week of the walk, I spoke with my students about my upcoming weekend. Most were really excited for me and interested in the cause, it was only a couple boys that giggled when I said "breast" {they are 12 year olds}. The students created signs for me to post on my doors and walls.
I left school a little early on Thursday {luckily, I didn't have students last period that day} and I totally felt the need to literally sneak out, not wanting to ask for any additional time off, thank you for your generosity, Mr. Principal. The week of the walk, I had a huge paper at school due, which left little time for packing and other preparations. Thankfully, I squeezed in just enough time to pack and run errands, which was very stressful ensuring I had all the necessary items.
Once in San Diego at Laura's place, Amber and I caught up with Laura and Jeff and organized all our stuff. When we first tried on our skirts, made lovingly just for us by my MIL, we were so excited at how beautiful and comfortable they were!
Then it was off to sweet dreams of pink tutus and walking shoes decorated with pink curly ribbons, excited for the experience ahead...
Without getting into details about the lack of support I received from my administration at school, I thought I should at least get the support from my students. The week of the walk, I spoke with my students about my upcoming weekend. Most were really excited for me and interested in the cause, it was only a couple boys that giggled when I said "breast" {they are 12 year olds}. The students created signs for me to post on my doors and walls.
If I had to pick a favorite, this would be a contender
I left school a little early on Thursday {luckily, I didn't have students last period that day} and I totally felt the need to literally sneak out, not wanting to ask for any additional time off, thank you for your generosity, Mr. Principal. The week of the walk, I had a huge paper at school due, which left little time for packing and other preparations. Thankfully, I squeezed in just enough time to pack and run errands, which was very stressful ensuring I had all the necessary items.
Rob was a critical element that week in keeping me calm! Here he's loading all my junk in his car
Once in San Diego at Laura's place, Amber and I caught up with Laura and Jeff and organized all our stuff. When we first tried on our skirts, made lovingly just for us by my MIL, we were so excited at how beautiful and comfortable they were!
Then it was off to sweet dreams of pink tutus and walking shoes decorated with pink curly ribbons, excited for the experience ahead...
the hungry cat and m83
Last night we had the pleasure to hang with some friends up in Hollywood. We dined at the The Hungry Cat, a seafood and raw bar, and then we walked over to the Fonda Theatre to see M83, a "shoegazer" band that totally engaged us with lots of cool sounds and bright colors. M83 reminds me of my brother's band, Innaway, another rock shoegazer-type band with cool keyboard and drum sounds.
At The Hungry Cat, our table ordered a 2-tier seafood platter with all kinds of seafood I've never tried: oysters, mussels, clams, and caviar. It also had shrimp and lobster. Everyone ordered something very exotic with fancy seafood and I thought I was playing it safe by ordering a burger...
And then some lobster tentacles (not really)
But a couple hours after we all digested our dinner and were enjoying the show, I started feeling waves of nausea. We all walked out together and the fresh air helped, but only for a few minutes. I thought I was going to lose it right there on Sunset Blvd {I was seriously afraid people would think I was one of those drunk girls who can't handle her liquor intake}. Thankfully, we made it home but only to spend the night on the bathroom floor. Rob was a seriously amazing husband and hung out with me while I was shaking with chills like a mad woman on the cold tile. Feeling better this evening, after sleep, 7-Up, applesauce, and bread...I would definitely still recommend The Hungry Cat, just stay away from the red meat. But one of the other couples raved about the burger, so maybe take your chances - the french fries were incredible. Their speciality is certainly in the area of seafood, though. Everyone else is fine today, a sign that it was just me...
At The Hungry Cat, our table ordered a 2-tier seafood platter with all kinds of seafood I've never tried: oysters, mussels, clams, and caviar. It also had shrimp and lobster. Everyone ordered something very exotic with fancy seafood and I thought I was playing it safe by ordering a burger...
The remnants of the oyster and mussel I tried
Rob enjoying some caviar
And then some lobster tentacles (not really)
M83 at the Fonda
But a couple hours after we all digested our dinner and were enjoying the show, I started feeling waves of nausea. We all walked out together and the fresh air helped, but only for a few minutes. I thought I was going to lose it right there on Sunset Blvd {I was seriously afraid people would think I was one of those drunk girls who can't handle her liquor intake}. Thankfully, we made it home but only to spend the night on the bathroom floor. Rob was a seriously amazing husband and hung out with me while I was shaking with chills like a mad woman on the cold tile. Feeling better this evening, after sleep, 7-Up, applesauce, and bread...I would definitely still recommend The Hungry Cat, just stay away from the red meat. But one of the other couples raved about the burger, so maybe take your chances - the french fries were incredible. Their speciality is certainly in the area of seafood, though. Everyone else is fine today, a sign that it was just me...
11.25.2008
3-day walk preview
Here are a couple of preview pics from our 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk weekend. Amber and I both took tons of photos, so we are in the midst of exchanging all of them. To sum up our weekend: incredible. I'll be back next year!
A frequent {necessary} activity along the walk : stretching
Check out our adorable skirts...my wonderful MIL made them for us. The compliments were endless throughout the weekend! You'll find me wearing mine around the house {often}.
More to come...
Our home away from home
A frequent {necessary} activity along the walk : stretching
Check out our adorable skirts...my wonderful MIL made them for us. The compliments were endless throughout the weekend! You'll find me wearing mine around the house {often}.
More to come...
11.18.2008
60 miles...really?
Well, it's down to the final few days before our big 60 mile walk and I ask, how far could 60 miles really be? I'm feeling:
- underprepared
- overwhelmed
- excited
- anxious
- stressed for the last few things I need to do before Thursday afternoon when I board a train for San Diego
I'm really looking forward to taking in each and every moment this weekend. From Friday morning when we arrive at 5am for the opening ceremonies to the Sunday afternoon closing ceremonies. I hope this experience will be profound...
And cross our fingers we see lots of this for endurance and laughter...
And not experience much of this...
If you're a praying friend, we'll take plenty those and if you're a thinking good thoughts friend, we'll accept lots of those, too!
photos courtesy of flickr
- underprepared
- overwhelmed
- excited
- anxious
- stressed for the last few things I need to do before Thursday afternoon when I board a train for San Diego
I'm really looking forward to taking in each and every moment this weekend. From Friday morning when we arrive at 5am for the opening ceremonies to the Sunday afternoon closing ceremonies. I hope this experience will be profound...
And cross our fingers we see lots of this for endurance and laughter...
And not experience much of this...
If you're a praying friend, we'll take plenty those and if you're a thinking good thoughts friend, we'll accept lots of those, too!
photos courtesy of flickr
11.08.2008
new techy love
It's love, me and my new little girl, it's already love...
Apple says it's: Redesigned. Reengineered. Re-everythinged.
To me, it's simply beautiful! I feel so lucky that I got her {she's totally a girl, since I name all my inanimate objects). Seriously though, I feel blessed that we can delight in something so luxurious.
I have SO much to catch up on!!!
Apple says it's: Redesigned. Reengineered. Re-everythinged.
To me, it's simply beautiful! I feel so lucky that I got her {she's totally a girl, since I name all my inanimate objects). Seriously though, I feel blessed that we can delight in something so luxurious.
I have SO much to catch up on!!!
10.19.2008
going, going, gone
It's pretty pathetic when 3 new mommas update their blogs more regularly than I do! But then again, California Girl, Nanette, and Kay have much more to blog about than I do!
Truth be told, as I blogged a few months back, my beloved iSaac officially called it quits in May. Then recently, our desktop decided to quit, too, leaving us with one laptop, which is typically attached to Rob's lap. I'm told a new laptop just came out that's calling our name. Until then, I take {or steal} whatever time I can get with our lonely laptop.
Tons has been going on, but mainly, lots of school stuff. Here are a few hightlights:
- my juku is seriously kickin' right now! We are even thinking about hiring another teacher and/or aide so we don't turn kids away and to offer Emily and I some relief
- I have more homework that I have time for
- My students are awesome and I love working with them {even the real naughty boys, usually anyhow}
- I absolutely love my new classroom and am making some new friends with neighbor teachers, which definitely makes the school day more fun
- A baby is on the way! Not me, my SIL, and I couldn't be more excited to officially be an auntie! I am ecstatic for my bro and Mimi! My brother is drummer, so they will totally have a stylishly talented little musician babe
- I reconnected with one of my best friends from high school, Sarah, whom I've not seen in nearly 8 years! Our "break-up" was a sad time for both of us and we are so happy we've reconnected! Holly, Sarah, and I met up for dinner and the following weekend, Sarah made the hike to Long Beach to hang with Rob and I. It was the first time she's met Rob, so for me, it was a special weekend. We enjoyed some sushi, fro-yo, and shopping!
- I've been having some uncomfortable pain in my left foot since April and with the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk quickly approaching, I have been trying to get to get it taken care of, but after several doc appointments and random tests, there are still unanswered questions. Though the other day they did suck some juice out of the giant cyst on the bottom of my foot, which will hopefully make the pain on the top of my foot go away. That was Friday and today is Sunday, still have pain...
That's about it. Boring, but extremely busy! I really miss blogging. I'm thankful for Tallulah, my iPhone, so at least I can read up on all my blogger buds!
I'll leave you with a ridiculous conversation I had with my hubby the other day:
Me: Thanks for coming with me to my doctor's appointment today, honey.
Rob: We're married, so it's "our" foot now
Me: Ahh...That's so sweet!
Rob: You're going to blog that I said that, right?
Me: I shouldn't but I will, just because my blogging buddies can relate to these crazy coversations.
Sadly, there was a time when every picture I took would end up on my blog. While I still take tons of photographs with the best intentions, it just hasn't happened lately due to lack of time and lack of computer time. Blogging is cyclical, right?
Truth be told, as I blogged a few months back, my beloved iSaac officially called it quits in May. Then recently, our desktop decided to quit, too, leaving us with one laptop, which is typically attached to Rob's lap. I'm told a new laptop just came out that's calling our name. Until then, I take {or steal} whatever time I can get with our lonely laptop.
Tons has been going on, but mainly, lots of school stuff. Here are a few hightlights:
- my juku is seriously kickin' right now! We are even thinking about hiring another teacher and/or aide so we don't turn kids away and to offer Emily and I some relief
- I have more homework that I have time for
- My students are awesome and I love working with them {even the real naughty boys, usually anyhow}
- I absolutely love my new classroom and am making some new friends with neighbor teachers, which definitely makes the school day more fun
- A baby is on the way! Not me, my SIL, and I couldn't be more excited to officially be an auntie! I am ecstatic for my bro and Mimi! My brother is drummer, so they will totally have a stylishly talented little musician babe
- I reconnected with one of my best friends from high school, Sarah, whom I've not seen in nearly 8 years! Our "break-up" was a sad time for both of us and we are so happy we've reconnected! Holly, Sarah, and I met up for dinner and the following weekend, Sarah made the hike to Long Beach to hang with Rob and I. It was the first time she's met Rob, so for me, it was a special weekend. We enjoyed some sushi, fro-yo, and shopping!
Sarah, Holly, baby Joanna, me
- I've been having some uncomfortable pain in my left foot since April and with the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk quickly approaching, I have been trying to get to get it taken care of, but after several doc appointments and random tests, there are still unanswered questions. Though the other day they did suck some juice out of the giant cyst on the bottom of my foot, which will hopefully make the pain on the top of my foot go away. That was Friday and today is Sunday, still have pain...That's about it. Boring, but extremely busy! I really miss blogging. I'm thankful for Tallulah, my iPhone, so at least I can read up on all my blogger buds!
I'll leave you with a ridiculous conversation I had with my hubby the other day:
Me: Thanks for coming with me to my doctor's appointment today, honey.
Rob: We're married, so it's "our" foot now
Me: Ahh...That's so sweet!
Rob: You're going to blog that I said that, right?
Me: I shouldn't but I will, just because my blogging buddies can relate to these crazy coversations.
Sadly, there was a time when every picture I took would end up on my blog. While I still take tons of photographs with the best intentions, it just hasn't happened lately due to lack of time and lack of computer time. Blogging is cyclical, right?
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