The List

Every. Single. Year. The dreaded Christmas list makes its appearance.

The list of people to buy for really doesn't change, actually I've added one with my nephew coming into the world, but really, no changes in a lot of years.  So, even though the people don't change, I can't get them the same thing year after year.  Well, I could and I do for some but that's beside the point. 

I used to stress about getting everyone just the right gift, something they would enjoy and really like.  That stress, I think, was, in part, due to leaving my shopping until the absolute last minute.  Now I don't do either.

I've decided to start my shopping early like October time, though I also buy little things throughout the year if I see something and it reminds me of someone.  Honestly, I started doing that for my Mom and it's been the best!  Now, just remembering where I put the darn thing when Christmas time does roll around... 

Even as I write this, I have all my presents nicely in a row, all ready to go!  To be sure, I still have a couple gifts to get because they require a purchase in a state I'm not in but still!  Oh, happy day when everything was done and all the gift buying checked off!  Happier day was wrapping all the gifts as I thought about each person and the fact that I liked what I was giving :) 

I think the hardest people to buy for our my Dad and my Grandparents, though.  I feel like Grandparents are obvious because they have everything they could possibly need and then some, and you know everyone in the family is buying something for them so you're hard-pressed.  As for my Dad, it's just the same old story.

This actually happened.  I am not lying.  I don't lie.  Period.  Besides, you just can't make this up!

Me:  Dad, I need a Christmas list from you please!

Dad:  A plunger and an electric toothbrush.

Me:  Are you serious?!  No.  I'm not getting you a plunger. 

Me to Mom (so we both don't get him the same gift):  Are you getting Dad an electric toothbrush?

Mom:  No, it won't fit in the bathroom.

Me:  Are you serious?! The man asked for two things and you're denying me getting him one, and I'm not getting him a plunger!  Ugh. 

Classic Dad.  Asking for stuff he needs (and that costs like nothing) but never going beyond to tell us what he actually wants, like something he wouldn't buy himself ordinarily.  I did come at him with that angle but to no avail.  So, guess what he got?  

Anyway, because I'm deciding not to stress about "the perfect gift" and since I started shopping well before the week before Christmas, I'm actually enjoying Christmas a lot more.  I love the lights, the decorations, and the time with friends and family.  And most definitely the music!

This song by Jason Gray came on and I thought it perfect.  Because really, Christmas is coming yet again, and it's important to reflect on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, which is Christ's birth -- the Messiah coming into the world!

Here is a YouTube link if you want to actually hear the song:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BbtEYUmirBE

Here are some of the lyrics:

"Christmas is coming, the bells are ringing

Hope comes alive as music fills the air

Some say Christmas is for children and I believe it's true

Can you hear the season calling to the child inside of you?

Awaken from your slumber see with younger eyes

And be taken by the wonder that took the whole world by surprise!

Prepare ye the way

For God's own baby boy

Born to mend all broken things

And to heal the world with joy

He will heal the world with joy!

I don't want you to miss it, I know I have before 

Like the innkeeper who missed the wonder right outside his door

So open up your heart as Christmas passes through

Just in time to wake the child asleep inside of you."

Baby, It's Freakin' Freezing Outside

Dad:  The high here is supposed to be 21. Is it cold there?

Me:  Oh my good gracious, yes!!!! It was 1° at one point today according to a friend's van!

Dad:  Wow, too cold for me. 

Me:  Yeah, me too! 

It can obviously get pretty cold in Oklahoma, which is my Dad's current location and where I grew up, and Texas can get its far share of cold weather, but I'm on a new level or maybe I just blocked out all the numbness growing up.  That or I was too busy running around in the snow, making snow angels, or sledding on the neighborhood to really notice that my face was hurting from the unforgiving wind or that my feet and hands were literally frozen.

Then you grow up.  It's a trap.  

I've dealt with ice storms and blizzards, but the past few days have been pretty brutal.  I don't like being a wimp but even the Iowans have said this is unusually cold and one of the worst storms/times.  I am still being called out for being a Texan, however, while running for the protection of the car.  Haha! 

So, when a coworker realized I only had about two weeks left here, she asked, "what would you do if you met a guy right now?!"  I didn't say anything, just shrugged my shoulders.  My answer, though, is that he should move to Texas.  Although, I should have asked how many Hallmark movies she's watched already this year.

Needless to say, I think Iowa will be the furthest north I will ever live after this taste of winter.  Yet, I am thankful to God that there was an extended fall, especially since I got to run during that time.  I also have to sincerely praise God that it has only been this terrible here at the end of my stent and that I am getting to experience such craziness in my book with sweet friends, who let me into their warm houses and who actually know how to drive in this weather!

I mean, when else would I get the time to make a super awesome train track for a spunky 5-year-old or pick a pretty shade of red to paint my nails with a 14-year-old or play card games with my coworker and friend with the above kids, or watch Christmas movies while drinking hot chocolate and chatting with a ? year old?!

I will be looking for warmer travel job locations during the winter time in the future and researching temperatures of places better.  Lesson learned.  I will also be praying for Hawaii! ;)

Impact

My favorite coworker from Iowa invited me out last night to her oldest son's high school basketball game.  At first, she was debated on inviting me, but I am so glad she did and that I went!  First, it was like nostalgia city! Memories of playing basketball when I was in high school, the practices, my coaches, and shooting around with my brothers and Dad at home all came flooding back :)  Secondly, it made it more apparent that I am very thankful for people like her, who let me into their lives despite knowing that I likely won't be there very long.

I think that some people, upon realizing that I will only be in the city for three months, kind of shut me out to various degrees.  I understand, yet I think it is a shame.

Don't read that I think I'm the most awesome person to ever come into contact with but, rather, that you have no idea the impact someone could have on you or you them!  The relationship might be a one time good deal, for a short time, for an extended period of time, or for life.  

Seriously though, I have many one time encounters that have stuck in my mind for years, while there are some people I have known for years and hardly think of or rarely replay conversations or get the warm fuzzies of a great experience together.  I think that's just life but you get my point.

I think of the time I was in Oslo and was wishing that I had someone to travel with when, lo and behold, a girl came into the hostel right behind me. We hit it off and spent an awesome day together!

I think of the time that I spoke to the guy next to me on the plane.  I learned about interest rates and politics and what an interesting life he lives.  He told me no one's ever spoken to him on the plane and he flies a lot; I was pretty unique in his eyes and he in mine.

I think of my friend whom I met in Israel.  We had such good conversations then and, four years later, we met up again in Boston no less and again enjoyed each other's good company.

I think of my new friend, who I met here in Iowa at the gym. We've had some good conversations and he let me word vomit on him about my apartment situation and job.  In the end, he said I needed to make some decisions and he was right, so that night I did. 

I think of my older friend whom I wouldn't have gotten to know if I had given in and quit playing soccer one season.  He has also given me food for thought and challenged me in ways he surely will never know.  (I also think this example is good at showing that, even though you might not be in a particular situation or place that you want to be, there is still good that can come from it.)

The examples like that could go on.  I have no idea if I'll see those people again or be super close with them but I'm most definitely glad I met them.  I mean, you just never know!  I wasn't sure I'd see my Israel friend again but we did and I'm sure we'll see each other again in the future. 

Things, like meeting people, happen for a reason in my book.  Maybe it is just that one encounter but, at that time, they say something that sticks in your mind or challenges you or lifts you up.  Maybe you simply needed that good conversation or that friendly smile or that piece of advice or that different perspective.  

I've definitely needed and struggled with needing someone to do something with.  I've better learned to be okay with being alone but also asking someone to join me in what I'm doing or wanting to do.  They can be super cool and join or they can be super lame and not. ;)  I will still enjoy the activity, for sure :)

This travel thing and those who've shown an interest in me have challenged me to be more aware and reach out to those who might be new to the area or new to the class or new to the church service, or whatever.  I'll definitely take that away with me. 

So, while I might be unique right now by only staying in a place for three months at a time, the people like my coworker and swim class friends are such a blessing, and I will always remember them.  I will see them again.  

Those Three Little Words

Joe Fox: What happened with that guy at the café?

Kathleen Kelly: Nothing. 

Joe: But you're crazy about him. 

Kathleen: Yes, I am.

Joe: Well, why don't you run off with him? What are you waiting for?

Kathleen: I don't actually know him. (cringe)

Joe: Really?

Kathleen: I only know him through the, uh… You're not going to believe this…

Joe: Oh, let me guess. Through the Internet?

Kathleen: Yes. 

Joe: Hmm. You've... got mail. 

Kathleen: Yes! 

Joe: some very powerful words.

Kathleen: Yes...

Don't you just love that movie?! Classic.  And so good. 

I like email, don't get me wrong.  But I like snail mail even more!  I like to think people like things just as much as me, so I like to send things or give things as if getting mail.  So fun!  Oh, if you don't like getting snail mail, that's weird and you should stop reading this post.

I think of that movie ever so often when I actually do get snail mail, and it happened today!  I got mail!!  Woohoo!  Now maybe I won't  unconsciously check the mailbox in the morning as if mail just magically appeared overnight... cause that's happened. 

Now I have things to put around my dull place to think of the people whom I enjoy and love :) so thanks to those who've sent or given me stuff while I'm away!

Used

When you read the Bible and you've heard the Bible stories before, sometimes you miss or take for granted the beauty that it holds. 

Sometimes when you hear of just one person's life it can be muted or just nice in the moment, if that makes sense, but this morning I heard a list of people in the Bible that God greatly used.  It opened my eyes and touched my heart. 

It went something like this:

Noah was a drunkard.

Abraham was too old to have kids.

Moses was a murder and stutterer. 

Joseph was abused.

King David was a murder and an adulterer. 

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer. 

Saul was too religious. 

Martha was a worrier.

Peter denied Christ three times.

Rahab was a prostitute.

Zacchaeus was too small.

Jeremiah was too young.

Elijah was suicidal.

Lazarus was dead.

And more. 

I thought of how I might be described and what I want to actually be remembered for.  Whoa.  Parts of my lifestyle need to change, parts of my thinking need to change, parts of my beliefs of God need to change, etc. Thankfully, I know they can.

But really, praise God that He can and will use anyone, like you and me!