I'm doing my 4th load of laundry now and I've finished doing the house chores that I'd planned to do. Hmmm, I've still got most of the day ahead of me. Julia, one of my lifegroup (bible study group) girls is in Nelson at the mo. YAY! I'm excited. Will be hanging out with her this afternoon. We've decided to go to Rabbit Island.
I love Nelson. It's so beautiful. Dunedin just doesn't compare. Although, Dunedin does have a great student life :)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
working
The restaurant has been very busy so I've been busy. It was flat out today. I'm tired. Day off tomorrow though. yay :) Hmmm, how I long to do laundry. I'm not having much of a social life but that's ok. Been hanging out with mum. Catchin up - good times.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
First day on the job
Michelle (our Richmond manager) is sick at the moment so I'm working instead of her. She's been working for mum for about a year and has improved tremendously over this period. Work was good today. I enjoyed it and the time went by fairly quickly. I suspect that working for my mum for the next few weeks will bring the perfectionist out of me again. It's hard working in a family business because it's your FAMILY'S business. The floor could be cleaner, you notice any watermarks on the cutlery etc etc. I do my best to appreciate her employees and give them constructive critisms (only when I think it's completely necessary).
I've changed so much since being away from home these past 5 years though. I use to be VERY tidy. Otago Uni [especially flatmates (=room mates for my north american friends)] has definitely helped me to be laid back. I learnt to just let things go. For example, I use to iron on a weekly basis. most recently? I've only used an iron once in the last month or two! huge difference.
BUUUT, in saying that, when I'm at home, I do something that I only occasionally do in Dunedin. I clean up after other people. I have a different mentality here than at Uni. At uni, I'll tidy up a little every now and then and will do the odd dish that's left lying around. People can rely on my to do my chores but I certainly wouldn't do other people's. However, when I'm back at home, I'll just do whatever needs to be done! Hmmm, I'm not sure what the exact reason for it is.
on a completely different topic; I was chatting to a dear friend of mine from high school. He's a DJ and is fairly big (world famous in NZ amongst the alternative crowd at least). I've known him since my early teenage days. Heck! It's been nearly a decade! Wow, how time flys. I told him about my blog and said that I would talk about him and put a link to his profile on Myspace. So... Tom a.k.a. COSM He's got lots of gigs coming up in the next month. "World famous in NZ" is an understatement for sure. cos he just got back from a tour around Oz and was in South American not too long ago. I gotta warn you all though that he's not exactly squeeky clean ... try not to be too shocked. He's a great guy. No matter how hip, pyschodalic and outrageous he becomes, he'll always be "Bolie" (his nickname from school) to me.
I've changed so much since being away from home these past 5 years though. I use to be VERY tidy. Otago Uni [especially flatmates (=room mates for my north american friends)] has definitely helped me to be laid back. I learnt to just let things go. For example, I use to iron on a weekly basis. most recently? I've only used an iron once in the last month or two! huge difference.
BUUUT, in saying that, when I'm at home, I do something that I only occasionally do in Dunedin. I clean up after other people. I have a different mentality here than at Uni. At uni, I'll tidy up a little every now and then and will do the odd dish that's left lying around. People can rely on my to do my chores but I certainly wouldn't do other people's. However, when I'm back at home, I'll just do whatever needs to be done! Hmmm, I'm not sure what the exact reason for it is.
on a completely different topic; I was chatting to a dear friend of mine from high school. He's a DJ and is fairly big (world famous in NZ amongst the alternative crowd at least). I've known him since my early teenage days. Heck! It's been nearly a decade! Wow, how time flys. I told him about my blog and said that I would talk about him and put a link to his profile on Myspace. So... Tom a.k.a. COSM He's got lots of gigs coming up in the next month. "World famous in NZ" is an understatement for sure. cos he just got back from a tour around Oz and was in South American not too long ago. I gotta warn you all though that he's not exactly squeeky clean ... try not to be too shocked. He's a great guy. No matter how hip, pyschodalic and outrageous he becomes, he'll always be "Bolie" (his nickname from school) to me.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Boxing Day
I'm so over shopping! Retail therapy can be so unnecessary and wasteful especially when you really don't NEED anything. I wasn't at all tempted to check out the Boxing Day sale (it's similar to the post-thanksgiving sale except a lot less crowded).
Instead, we had another big gathering for lunch before all my out-of-town relatives went back to Christchurch. I then caught up with a very good friend of mine who's leaving Nelson tomorrow morning.
Hmmm... I've nothing else to say. My extra long Christmas blog has worn me out.
Instead, we had another big gathering for lunch before all my out-of-town relatives went back to Christchurch. I then caught up with a very good friend of mine who's leaving Nelson tomorrow morning.
Hmmm... I've nothing else to say. My extra long Christmas blog has worn me out.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Christmas came by so fast for me this year. Was I prepared? Hmmm, not really. Usually it is Danny and I who go grocery shopping for Christmas day. And it’s usually Kate (now Danny’s ex) and I that set up the Christmas tree and decorate it.
But this year, Danny and I had been traveling before Christmas. I went to Australia and American while Danny went to Japan, China and Hong Kong. So we were both quite busy and Christmas kinda took us by surprise. We drove from Christchurch to Nelson (5.5hr drive) on Christmas eve. By the time we got in, the supermarket in Richmond was closed.
But we decided that Christmas would still be ok without a turkey and all the other goodies that come with the occasion. After all, we still had each other. When we got to our house in Richmond, the house was empty but there was a Christmas tree :) Mum had put the tree up with her “granddaughter” (a family friend’s daughter). Once mum got home that night (she was at a wedding), we catch up with her and told her about our fun adventures overseas.
On Christmas morning, 3 of our employees from Blenheim (1.5hr drive away) came over to our place bearing gifts. They had cooked us a turkey and also had a Christmas hamper for us. It contained lots of Christmas treats. All we were missing now was Christmas Crackers. Well… I found a box of 12 Christmas Crackers hidden in the pantry that we had left over from a previous Christmas.
Our Richmond manager and her boyfriend joined us a bit later too. We all had lunch together. We didn’t have a shortage of food (one of the joys of being in the hospitality industries). I looked over at one of our chefs who was carving the turkey and said “wow, it’s beautiful. Looks almost like you’re a professional!” ;)
My family taught them the tradition of popping Christmas crackers together around the table. There’s an art to it, trust me. We had so much fun and everyone got into the spirit of it all. One of the boys had clip-on earrings in his cracker which we convinced him to wear. I told him he looked pretty. His girlfriend agreed.
It was great to spend time with them. I think that the most fantastic part of it was that they chose to spend time with us on such a day as Christmas. Yes… feel the love. Hehehe. Jack (my brother) managed to get into Richmond in time to hang out with us before we started clearing away the lunch. So all was well.
When they were preparing to leave, we were joined by a large group of family friends. They just came over to spend the later part of the afternoon with us.
In the early part of the evening, my family had time to relax and do our own individual things like talking to friends on the phone and napping. It was good to recharge before socializing with lots of people all over again.
We went over to a family friend’s for Christmas dinner at about 8:30. Since lunch on Christmas day is usually so big, they knew that no one would be hungry til quite late. Many members of my extended family were also there; a grandma, 2 uncles, 3 aunts and lots of cousins.
The family on the back porch
The Poppy Thai Restaurant crew (plus Tiger our cat) in the front yard
My Grandma and I just before xmas dinner
So Christmas was filled with food, family, friends and fun. At the end of the day, I felt a little unfufilled though. I didn’t feel that Jesus had been honored by the day that was coming to its end. The main reason for Christmas was lost by all (or most) of those whom I had spent the day with. What was also sad was that I was partly guilty of ignoring the reason too. I think that the fundamental reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus; a baby who was born approx 2000 years ago to a virgin girl. A baby who would later grow to be a sinless man and save the world. So simple, yet so often neglected. I felt such better (and satisfied) after spending some time with God in prayer and honoring Him. As for my family and friends; I’ll continue to pray for them.
But this year, Danny and I had been traveling before Christmas. I went to Australia and American while Danny went to Japan, China and Hong Kong. So we were both quite busy and Christmas kinda took us by surprise. We drove from Christchurch to Nelson (5.5hr drive) on Christmas eve. By the time we got in, the supermarket in Richmond was closed.
But we decided that Christmas would still be ok without a turkey and all the other goodies that come with the occasion. After all, we still had each other. When we got to our house in Richmond, the house was empty but there was a Christmas tree :) Mum had put the tree up with her “granddaughter” (a family friend’s daughter). Once mum got home that night (she was at a wedding), we catch up with her and told her about our fun adventures overseas.
On Christmas morning, 3 of our employees from Blenheim (1.5hr drive away) came over to our place bearing gifts. They had cooked us a turkey and also had a Christmas hamper for us. It contained lots of Christmas treats. All we were missing now was Christmas Crackers. Well… I found a box of 12 Christmas Crackers hidden in the pantry that we had left over from a previous Christmas.
Our Richmond manager and her boyfriend joined us a bit later too. We all had lunch together. We didn’t have a shortage of food (one of the joys of being in the hospitality industries). I looked over at one of our chefs who was carving the turkey and said “wow, it’s beautiful. Looks almost like you’re a professional!” ;)
My family taught them the tradition of popping Christmas crackers together around the table. There’s an art to it, trust me. We had so much fun and everyone got into the spirit of it all. One of the boys had clip-on earrings in his cracker which we convinced him to wear. I told him he looked pretty. His girlfriend agreed.
It was great to spend time with them. I think that the most fantastic part of it was that they chose to spend time with us on such a day as Christmas. Yes… feel the love. Hehehe. Jack (my brother) managed to get into Richmond in time to hang out with us before we started clearing away the lunch. So all was well.
When they were preparing to leave, we were joined by a large group of family friends. They just came over to spend the later part of the afternoon with us.
In the early part of the evening, my family had time to relax and do our own individual things like talking to friends on the phone and napping. It was good to recharge before socializing with lots of people all over again.
We went over to a family friend’s for Christmas dinner at about 8:30. Since lunch on Christmas day is usually so big, they knew that no one would be hungry til quite late. Many members of my extended family were also there; a grandma, 2 uncles, 3 aunts and lots of cousins.
The family on the back porch
The Poppy Thai Restaurant crew (plus Tiger our cat) in the front yard
My Grandma and I just before xmas dinner
So Christmas was filled with food, family, friends and fun. At the end of the day, I felt a little unfufilled though. I didn’t feel that Jesus had been honored by the day that was coming to its end. The main reason for Christmas was lost by all (or most) of those whom I had spent the day with. What was also sad was that I was partly guilty of ignoring the reason too. I think that the fundamental reason for Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus; a baby who was born approx 2000 years ago to a virgin girl. A baby who would later grow to be a sinless man and save the world. So simple, yet so often neglected. I felt such better (and satisfied) after spending some time with God in prayer and honoring Him. As for my family and friends; I’ll continue to pray for them.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Home sweet home
I arrived back to NZ last night. The plan? I'm going to go to Nelson tomorrow with my brother and my extended family. We're all goin to spend Christmas there with mum. Then, I'll be waitress there till about mid January before setting up my life in chch for the next 3 years.
From my trip overseas this time, I learnt quite a bit about myself. I guess that my submersion into a foreign enviroment really aided my self evaluation process. I'm moving into my clinical years next month so now is a good time to sort out what I want out of life. I still don't know the extact details but I definitely have a much better idea. For example, I don't know what kind of doctor I'd like to eventually be but I know the qualities that I'm looking for.
I received a letter(that I wrote earlier this year) in the mail yesterday. I know that it sounds a little odd but it's actually very helpful to evaluate the year that is about to pass. Did I achieve all that I wanted to? Were my priorities kept in check? Have I grown as much as I wanted to? Has my life this year been a blessing to those around me?
I think that I did a reasonable job of it all. But is that what I actually want? In my eulogy one day, for my life to be discribed as "reasonable"? NO! I want it to be an extraordinary life full of God's love and gace. A life fulled with adventure and excitement and much much more. I'm going to write another letter sometime in January. There's going to be more of an emphasis on God and my big plans for life will also start to take shape.
I also appreciate my family a little more now. As I'm sure you're all aware, every family is imperfect. Every member has strange quirks that can drive us mad at times. But we love them to bits anyway. I'm not sure whether it's that we love them inspite of their faults or because of them. Maybe it's a bit of both.
My brother (Danny) was in China and Japan while I was in the states. He's now thinking of moving to China to study Mandarin. If he does, he'll be leaving in mid Feb. If so, I'll probably visit him in late October of the coming year. It'll be a huge challenge for him (and our family) for many reasons but I think that (if the plan goes ahead), it'll be a great learning experience for him (and our family).
From my trip overseas this time, I learnt quite a bit about myself. I guess that my submersion into a foreign enviroment really aided my self evaluation process. I'm moving into my clinical years next month so now is a good time to sort out what I want out of life. I still don't know the extact details but I definitely have a much better idea. For example, I don't know what kind of doctor I'd like to eventually be but I know the qualities that I'm looking for.
I received a letter(that I wrote earlier this year) in the mail yesterday. I know that it sounds a little odd but it's actually very helpful to evaluate the year that is about to pass. Did I achieve all that I wanted to? Were my priorities kept in check? Have I grown as much as I wanted to? Has my life this year been a blessing to those around me?
I think that I did a reasonable job of it all. But is that what I actually want? In my eulogy one day, for my life to be discribed as "reasonable"? NO! I want it to be an extraordinary life full of God's love and gace. A life fulled with adventure and excitement and much much more. I'm going to write another letter sometime in January. There's going to be more of an emphasis on God and my big plans for life will also start to take shape.
I also appreciate my family a little more now. As I'm sure you're all aware, every family is imperfect. Every member has strange quirks that can drive us mad at times. But we love them to bits anyway. I'm not sure whether it's that we love them inspite of their faults or because of them. Maybe it's a bit of both.
My brother (Danny) was in China and Japan while I was in the states. He's now thinking of moving to China to study Mandarin. If he does, he'll be leaving in mid Feb. If so, I'll probably visit him in late October of the coming year. It'll be a huge challenge for him (and our family) for many reasons but I think that (if the plan goes ahead), it'll be a great learning experience for him (and our family).
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Dinner and proposal?
I went out for dinner last night with my aunt and some distant relatives from Cambodia (they're in Sydney on holiday). We went to Golden Century; the best chinese seafood restaurant in Sydney (well, in my opinion anyway). Mmmmm, abalone... lobster... fish... all of it gets freshly caught when you order (a bit disturbing? -slightly).
From here onwards, I'll refer to the relatives as the "husband", "wife" and "son". After only a few minutes of meeting the husband, he asks me if I'm married or not. He slips into the conversation about how his younger brother's a millionaire. Before our first dish arrived, he's already told my aunt that he's thinking of making an arrange marriage proposal to me (and my family) for his younger brother and asked for her opinion! eeekk!
My aunt said that his younger brother doesn't have a chance (she's definitely got gumption!). The husband went on to tell us that his brother's very successful and lives in a huuuge house. I said that I wasn't big on houses ;)
Apparently, I'm in the prime age for getting married and give it another few years and I'll be an old maid. Heck! I'd rather be an old spinster than be some random's trophy wife!
Anyway, I thought that I'd share that with you all. Pretty crazy hah?
From here onwards, I'll refer to the relatives as the "husband", "wife" and "son". After only a few minutes of meeting the husband, he asks me if I'm married or not. He slips into the conversation about how his younger brother's a millionaire. Before our first dish arrived, he's already told my aunt that he's thinking of making an arrange marriage proposal to me (and my family) for his younger brother and asked for her opinion! eeekk!
My aunt said that his younger brother doesn't have a chance (she's definitely got gumption!). The husband went on to tell us that his brother's very successful and lives in a huuuge house. I said that I wasn't big on houses ;)
Apparently, I'm in the prime age for getting married and give it another few years and I'll be an old maid. Heck! I'd rather be an old spinster than be some random's trophy wife!
Anyway, I thought that I'd share that with you all. Pretty crazy hah?
Monday, December 18, 2006
Rest and Relaxation
I had a great day today. Besides a trip to the post office, I spent the day at home (my aunt's place in Sydney). I ate, did laundry, read, ate, hang out with Steph (my cousin),ate, watched a video. I'm now eating a Magnum ice cream while writing this post with one hand.
The video that I watched was "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" It's a good movie. I recommend it if you're looking for a comedy (Or some eye candy if you're a girl, lol). George Clooney is pretty attractive for an old dude (distinguished in other words). Besides, it's an old movie so he's much younger in it. The charactershad thick southern ascents which reminded me of my stay in the south (Texas and Tennessee). Oh the memories :)
The video that I watched was "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" It's a good movie. I recommend it if you're looking for a comedy (Or some eye candy if you're a girl, lol). George Clooney is pretty attractive for an old dude (distinguished in other words). Besides, it's an old movie so he's much younger in it. The charactershad thick southern ascents which reminded me of my stay in the south (Texas and Tennessee). Oh the memories :)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
I'm overweight!
Yes, my trip to America has resulting in me being about 50pounds overweight. I was anticipating gaining a bit but not quite this much. It may come as a shock to some of you but I assure you that I'm telling the truth. Now... you're probably wondering how this happened. Well, it's partly the food (eg. Reese's pieces) but it's also cos of the random stuff that I've bought. You see, I was able to check in approx. 100 pounds worth of luggage for my trip (Sanfransico to Sydney), but I'm only allowed 23kg (50pounds) to take back to NZ (from Sydney).
I met up with Penny today. It was great to catch up with her. She's a friend of mine who's studying nursing in a graduate programme in Sydney. We went to a couple of markets in Sydney. There were lots of cool things (and very reasonably priced too). However, I wasn't too keen on gaining anymore weight. The great thing though is that she's heading back to Christchurch this Tuesday and she's taking 5kg of my stuff with her. Woo hoo!
I just need to somehow pack strategically and sneak in extra hand luggage. I've given about half of my candy to my family in Sydney so I've probably only have an extra 10kgs now. I think I can do it, there's hope :)
I met up with Penny today. It was great to catch up with her. She's a friend of mine who's studying nursing in a graduate programme in Sydney. We went to a couple of markets in Sydney. There were lots of cool things (and very reasonably priced too). However, I wasn't too keen on gaining anymore weight. The great thing though is that she's heading back to Christchurch this Tuesday and she's taking 5kg of my stuff with her. Woo hoo!
I just need to somehow pack strategically and sneak in extra hand luggage. I've given about half of my candy to my family in Sydney so I've probably only have an extra 10kgs now. I think I can do it, there's hope :)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Memphis Tennessee
I arrived here in Memphis on Saturaday night.
Jesse's mum's (Becky) is a doctor and her holiday office party was that night. I went to it with Becky and Greg (Jesse's dad). It was a lot of fun and I got the opportunity to meet quite a few doctors that night.
I got to dance with Greg. He's a great dancer ( and so is Becky but I didn't do any swing dancing with her).
I'm having a great time in Memphis with Jesse's family. I've done so much. Hmmmm, so little time to discribe it all so I'll just list some of the highlights.
- Chruch at 2nd Presbyterian
- Shopping (I'm such a girl!)
- observered lots of hospital preocedures (including heart surgery!)
- went to the Rock 'n Soul museum
- walked down Beale St and the Missisipi river
- was the Duck's march at the Peabody hotel
Plus, I've been hanging out with the Wright family. They're lots of fun :) They've been taking great caring of me AAND Greg cooked us a fabulous southern dinner last night. Catfish... cornbread... and lots of other goodies.
Jesse's mum's (Becky) is a doctor and her holiday office party was that night. I went to it with Becky and Greg (Jesse's dad). It was a lot of fun and I got the opportunity to meet quite a few doctors that night.
I got to dance with Greg. He's a great dancer ( and so is Becky but I didn't do any swing dancing with her).
I'm having a great time in Memphis with Jesse's family. I've done so much. Hmmmm, so little time to discribe it all so I'll just list some of the highlights.
- Chruch at 2nd Presbyterian
- Shopping (I'm such a girl!)
- observered lots of hospital preocedures (including heart surgery!)
- went to the Rock 'n Soul museum
- walked down Beale St and the Missisipi river
- was the Duck's march at the Peabody hotel
Plus, I've been hanging out with the Wright family. They're lots of fun :) They've been taking great caring of me AAND Greg cooked us a fabulous southern dinner last night. Catfish... cornbread... and lots of other goodies.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Fortworth
Our trip to Fortworth was eventful! Briana, Christa, Abbey and I are very fortunate to still be alive. Let me tell about the crazy thing that happened during our road trip (1hour out of Nacodoches). We were on the freeway and a car that was in the lane next to us speed up towards us. We heard the acceleration as the car past us. Shortly after this the driver slammed on his breaks and made a shape turn so the his car was perpendicular to us. The car's centripetal velocity caused it to skid so that the car now faced towards us.
Once the car was facing us, it flipped over several times and rolled into the ditch that was filled with water. It honestly looking like something off an action movie. It was a complete miracle that we didn't have a head on collision and that I'm alive to tell the tail now! I wasn't very shaken by the whole experience but I expected to be later on. I just thought that prehaps the extent of what happened hadn't really sucken in.
I'm still unshaken by the incident. I think it's because I know that God was taking care of me (and the other girls). That He's got a plan for us all and that we're still meant to be alive. It really made me re-evaluate my life though. Hmmmm, more on that at a later stage.
We went to the "cracker barrel restaurant" after that. Then we took a picture just be reminded of how thankful we all were at that moment to be alive.
The random that I asked to take the photo later told me that he was a professional photographer. Woo hoo, we were just full of good fortune!
Abbey and I went to the largest Honky Tonk bar in the world that night. We did all the essentials:
-Danced the 2-step with a southern gentlemen
-Gamble on the pokies
-Watch bullriding (woo hoo, real cow boys!), plus the guy at the entrance let us in for free (just cos we're us) ;)
-got a photo on a fake bull
-Listened to live Country music
-touched Johnny Cash's hand print on the wall
Once the car was facing us, it flipped over several times and rolled into the ditch that was filled with water. It honestly looking like something off an action movie. It was a complete miracle that we didn't have a head on collision and that I'm alive to tell the tail now! I wasn't very shaken by the whole experience but I expected to be later on. I just thought that prehaps the extent of what happened hadn't really sucken in.
I'm still unshaken by the incident. I think it's because I know that God was taking care of me (and the other girls). That He's got a plan for us all and that we're still meant to be alive. It really made me re-evaluate my life though. Hmmmm, more on that at a later stage.
We went to the "cracker barrel restaurant" after that. Then we took a picture just be reminded of how thankful we all were at that moment to be alive.
The random that I asked to take the photo later told me that he was a professional photographer. Woo hoo, we were just full of good fortune!Abbey and I went to the largest Honky Tonk bar in the world that night. We did all the essentials:
-Danced the 2-step with a southern gentlemen
-Gamble on the pokies
-Watch bullriding (woo hoo, real cow boys!), plus the guy at the entrance let us in for free (just cos we're us) ;)
-got a photo on a fake bull
-Listened to live Country music
-touched Johnny Cash's hand print on the wall
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Good Bye Nacodoches
The past 3 weeks have gone by so fast. I've really enjoyed my stay here in Nacodoches Tx. The people here are great; so friendly and curtious. I'm sure that I'll be back again someday soon.
So, what's next? I'm off to Fortworth with Abbey, Christa and Briana in about 15minutes time. I'm going to the largest Honky Tonk bar in the world! How exciting is that?
So, what's next? I'm off to Fortworth with Abbey, Christa and Briana in about 15minutes time. I'm going to the largest Honky Tonk bar in the world! How exciting is that?
Thursday, December 7, 2006
I'm awesome AND FAMOUS!
I'm in 'The Daily Sentinel' today. Ok, the article wasn't about me BUT... having your photo in the local paper is still an acheivement. Definitely something to be proud of! ;)
Abbey writes weekly articles for the paper and she needed a photo of someone wearing the NHS Alumnni shirt. So... I was her model. She didn't pay me a dime! I know, I'm used and abused by that woman!
Speaking of used and abused ;) I cooked for the in-laws tonight (Abbey's family). I had Abbey and Jeff to help me so dinner didn't require much effort at all. They all enjoyed the food and really appreciated that I SLAVED over a hot stove for them all. I know, I'm an awesome housewife!
Jeff and myself:
Mmmmm, yuuuummmmy! (honestly)
conversation amongst the cooks
My helpers did a beautiful job setting the table
Abbey writes weekly articles for the paper and she needed a photo of someone wearing the NHS Alumnni shirt. So... I was her model. She didn't pay me a dime! I know, I'm used and abused by that woman!
Speaking of used and abused ;) I cooked for the in-laws tonight (Abbey's family). I had Abbey and Jeff to help me so dinner didn't require much effort at all. They all enjoyed the food and really appreciated that I SLAVED over a hot stove for them all. I know, I'm an awesome housewife!
Jeff and myself:
Mmmmm, yuuuummmmy! (honestly)
conversation amongst the cooks
My helpers did a beautiful job setting the table
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Creative Cookies
Katie and Thomas came over for dinner last night. I made chicken noodle soup from scratch since Abbey and I both weren't feeling very well. After this we all decorated cookies. I'd never done it before but I'd like to think that my dedication and immense concentration made up for my lack of experience.
This photo was taken before we all started eating our creations. More were made than can be seen in the photo but many were eaten while we were all decorating them.
This photo was taken before we all started eating our creations. More were made than can be seen in the photo but many were eaten while we were all decorating them.
Monday, December 4, 2006
Early Xmas celebrations
Abbey and I went shopping yesterday. I had a pretty successful time in the Gap store. I love how they have XS in most of the styles that I like. It can be so frustrating in NZ :(
That evening, we went to Abbey's parents place to have authentic chilli dogs before going downtown to see the christmas parade. It was great fun to watch :)
Here are a couple of pics from the parade.
There were even some foke singers out that night. The parade ended with a fireworks display. After the fireworks, we went back to Abbey's parent's place to sit by the fire and hang out. That's when I noticed that I lost an earing that I was wearing. I was a bit upset since it was one of my favourite. I got it as a 21st birthday present and it was the type that went with so many different outfits too.
After church today, Abbey and I went to Esther's family's place for lunch. Great food. After this, Abbey and I decided to go looking for my lost earring. I knew that finding it was a long shot but it was still worth a try. We pulled over by the corner where we watched the fireworks last night. The very first place on the ground that I looked was exactly where the lost earing was! Abbey hadn't yet gotten out of the car when I was standing at the corner looking at my lost earing. It was that fast! What a miracle! :)
That evening, we went to Abbey's parents place to have authentic chilli dogs before going downtown to see the christmas parade. It was great fun to watch :)
Here are a couple of pics from the parade.
There were even some foke singers out that night. The parade ended with a fireworks display. After the fireworks, we went back to Abbey's parent's place to sit by the fire and hang out. That's when I noticed that I lost an earing that I was wearing. I was a bit upset since it was one of my favourite. I got it as a 21st birthday present and it was the type that went with so many different outfits too.
After church today, Abbey and I went to Esther's family's place for lunch. Great food. After this, Abbey and I decided to go looking for my lost earring. I knew that finding it was a long shot but it was still worth a try. We pulled over by the corner where we watched the fireworks last night. The very first place on the ground that I looked was exactly where the lost earing was! Abbey hadn't yet gotten out of the car when I was standing at the corner looking at my lost earing. It was that fast! What a miracle! :)
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Laughing at yourself
Abbey, Anna and I went out for dinner and then watched a movie in Lufkin "Casino Royale". The movie was pretty good. We all enjoyed it. Not to sound at all cheesy but the company was just as good (if not better) than the movie. We had a great time over dinner and in the car.
I laughed at Abbey, Abbey laughed at me and Anna laughed at the both of us. Anna thinks before she speaks so she says a lot fewer stupid things than Abbey and I. As a defence to Abbey and I; I'd like to think that we both do it for the sake of entertainment.
During dinner Abbey and Anna laughed at how I say "wee". For example "I had a wee nap earlier today". I guess it's a New Zealand thing. I told them how I find it hilarious that there are guys in the states named "Randy". If you don't know what Randy means in NZ... hmmm.... ask a New Zealander.
Well, when we were back on the road, there was a business van with "RANDY"S fine food" written on it. I HAD to get a photo of it. So... we changed into the other lane, and we drove right next to it to get a good shot. I had to put the flash on my camera on cos the photos were too blurry without it. I had to take a few in order to get a good photo. I now wonder what the van driver was thinking. Oh well, no harm was done and the 3 of us got lots of laughter out of it.
I laughed at Abbey, Abbey laughed at me and Anna laughed at the both of us. Anna thinks before she speaks so she says a lot fewer stupid things than Abbey and I. As a defence to Abbey and I; I'd like to think that we both do it for the sake of entertainment.
During dinner Abbey and Anna laughed at how I say "wee". For example "I had a wee nap earlier today". I guess it's a New Zealand thing. I told them how I find it hilarious that there are guys in the states named "Randy". If you don't know what Randy means in NZ... hmmm.... ask a New Zealander.
Well, when we were back on the road, there was a business van with "RANDY"S fine food" written on it. I HAD to get a photo of it. So... we changed into the other lane, and we drove right next to it to get a good shot. I had to put the flash on my camera on cos the photos were too blurry without it. I had to take a few in order to get a good photo. I now wonder what the van driver was thinking. Oh well, no harm was done and the 3 of us got lots of laughter out of it.
Friday, December 1, 2006
Lessons and Revision
I've learnt (or relearnt) many lessons during my texas stay so far. They've been the kind that you have to learn practically for yourself (you can't simply be taught the theory).
-God has everything under control
-God can miracuously improve our "perfect plans"
-helplessness does not equate to hopelessness
-what appears to be a defeat can actually be a detour; persistance can be the key
-a few moments of patience can make a huge difference
-true friends love each other independent of circumstance
-assume people's intentions are good even when the outcome suggests otherwise
-when you can't choose what happens around you, you can still choose how you react to it. Therefore, you still have a responsiblity concerning your situation
I hope you can all see that I'm very thankful for all these lessons. It's been pointed out (by someone who has recently read the list above) that in order for me to have learnt these lessons, my experience in Texas (so far) must have been less than perfect. However, I wish to emphasize that whatever circumstances have lead me to these lessons are relatively unimportant. If I had to choose between a blissful 2 weeks with no lessons or an imperfect time (ups and downs) with great lessons, I would definitely choose the latter. Imperfections are the things that help shape us as individuals. They help us to grow and be better people. Isn't our purpose in life to do God's will? And to do this, don't we need to constantly grow and learn? Resistance helps build strength. Weakness reminds us to depend on God. Helplessness humbles us. Our patience tried teaches us patience. A storm helps us appreciate inwardly (Godly) peace. I could go on a bit more but I'm sure you all can see what I'm getting at.
One thing I'm not grateful at this moment for though, is the lack to comments on this blog. Feedback and general comments would be much appreciated by me :)
-God has everything under control
-God can miracuously improve our "perfect plans"
-helplessness does not equate to hopelessness
-what appears to be a defeat can actually be a detour; persistance can be the key
-a few moments of patience can make a huge difference
-true friends love each other independent of circumstance
-assume people's intentions are good even when the outcome suggests otherwise
-when you can't choose what happens around you, you can still choose how you react to it. Therefore, you still have a responsiblity concerning your situation
I hope you can all see that I'm very thankful for all these lessons. It's been pointed out (by someone who has recently read the list above) that in order for me to have learnt these lessons, my experience in Texas (so far) must have been less than perfect. However, I wish to emphasize that whatever circumstances have lead me to these lessons are relatively unimportant. If I had to choose between a blissful 2 weeks with no lessons or an imperfect time (ups and downs) with great lessons, I would definitely choose the latter. Imperfections are the things that help shape us as individuals. They help us to grow and be better people. Isn't our purpose in life to do God's will? And to do this, don't we need to constantly grow and learn? Resistance helps build strength. Weakness reminds us to depend on God. Helplessness humbles us. Our patience tried teaches us patience. A storm helps us appreciate inwardly (Godly) peace. I could go on a bit more but I'm sure you all can see what I'm getting at.
One thing I'm not grateful at this moment for though, is the lack to comments on this blog. Feedback and general comments would be much appreciated by me :)
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