Hubby always keeps me on my toes and never ceases to surprise me with something that he utters in passing that might just bounce out the window without a second look if you aren't paying attention. It has been a bit of a joke in our house since returning from Ethiopia as to where my wedding ring went, if I even know where it is and when I might be putting it back on. I don't really wear jewelry, anyone who knows me, knows that the few costume earrings I own have never seen the light of day. I do have a few rings that I picked up in markets all over the world. I enjoy them because they remind me of the places and people we have met, unfortunately, the quality on many of them would not withstand a day to day wearing.
When we have traveled, I typically wear only the band we found at a little tourist shop in Scotland on my ring finger. The band is my "second" of three engagement rings (long story for another day about a pool, a missing stone, and a disgusting bathmat). Originally, I took my wedding ring off at the recommendation of others to prevent the "banditos" and other unsavory characters that lurk around every corner in the places we have travel from stealing it. Now that we have been a few places, and saw for ourselves that there is a greater chance of getting robbed in Chicago than in most of the places we have traveled, I began leaving it at home for another reason. Frankly, I was embarrassed by it. The places we have traveled have really opened our eyes to how much we really have and how little thought we give to dropping several grand on a single piece of jewelry. Or several more grand on a kitchen remodel.
So the shocker the other day was when hubby said something like, "I don't know why they don't just let people rent the engagement ring. That way, you could show it off to your friends, get the pic in your wedding album, but then after the wedding, trade it in for a simple band", In my case, the flashy diamond thing is in the past (and with my left-handedness, it was always a huge problem keeping it flashy at all) and I am now trying to figure out how to get all that baby food out of all the little prongs !!!
I have some thoughts on the matter that I am waiting to hit hubby with at the right moment given that our 10 year anniversary is less than 1 year away. After a couple Gallos (aka Famosas) we will see if his reaction is "Are you Crazy?" or not!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Wild Brush fires, Flooding, High Oil prices, and we speak of our dire situation..
Droughts and Wild fires on the west coast. Flooding in the Midwest. High gas prices everywhere impacting commutes to work, family vacations, prices on consumer goods, and food.
Yes Food. Prices are higher, but in the simplest view. We still have some. In fact plenty. Just look at the shelves on any Jewel, Dominic's, Tom Thumbs, Walgreen's, Target, Walmart, etc.
We are only 4 weeks removed from our trip to Ethiopia in which my family was blessed to view the beauty, the traditions, and learn some of the history of this amazing county. We saw rural villages. We observed their simple, but fruitful lifestyles. We saw inner city poverty. We experienced a caring and compassionate people. And we always saw kindness, generosity, and hope, in those people.
While we did travel to numerous regions of the county, we did not see it all. But how could we. It was only two weeks. What did we miss? Namely, we did not see first hand the devastating effects of a poor rainy season, and high fuel prices on the less fortunate in some of the very remote areas. Its hard to watch, but I urge you to view this BBC video about the pending crises that is forming in Ethiopia. In our son's homeland.
We sing "God Bless America". Our currency says "In God we Trust". Our pledge contains "..one nation under God.." In the Bible, Luke 12:48, it states
We have rising unemployment. We have the credit and mortgage crises. And yes we have all the effect resulting from high oil prices. Despite all of these things. Almost without question, each and everyone within the United States is still blessed beyond belief. We can all help. Individually we cannot change a county. But together we bring about tangible, and very real change.
One very simple way to support those organizations at ground zero. At the forefront of this (and practically every other humanitarian) crises. World Vision is in Africa. They are in Ethiopia. My family experienced first hand the TREMENDOUS impact they are having. Not just on individual children, but on villages of thousands. Children with food, clothing and school. Pregnant woman with real health care. Mens with jobs and trades becoming self sufficient. Not just to provide for their families, but for their community. You sponsorship and contribution to Team World Vision will help those in most need. My family and I have seen the results, first hand.
If not World Vision, then perhaps some other organization. But don't just stand on the sidelines. Gas prices stink. Milk is expensive. The price of rice is outrageous. ...but to everyone who has been given much, much will be required...
Peace
Yes Food. Prices are higher, but in the simplest view. We still have some. In fact plenty. Just look at the shelves on any Jewel, Dominic's, Tom Thumbs, Walgreen's, Target, Walmart, etc.
We are only 4 weeks removed from our trip to Ethiopia in which my family was blessed to view the beauty, the traditions, and learn some of the history of this amazing county. We saw rural villages. We observed their simple, but fruitful lifestyles. We saw inner city poverty. We experienced a caring and compassionate people. And we always saw kindness, generosity, and hope, in those people.
While we did travel to numerous regions of the county, we did not see it all. But how could we. It was only two weeks. What did we miss? Namely, we did not see first hand the devastating effects of a poor rainy season, and high fuel prices on the less fortunate in some of the very remote areas. Its hard to watch, but I urge you to view this BBC video about the pending crises that is forming in Ethiopia. In our son's homeland.
BBC NEWS Special Report: Ethiopia Faces food crises
We sing "God Bless America". Our currency says "In God we Trust". Our pledge contains "..one nation under God.." In the Bible, Luke 12:48, it states
From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.
We have rising unemployment. We have the credit and mortgage crises. And yes we have all the effect resulting from high oil prices. Despite all of these things. Almost without question, each and everyone within the United States is still blessed beyond belief. We can all help. Individually we cannot change a county. But together we bring about tangible, and very real change.
One very simple way to support those organizations at ground zero. At the forefront of this (and practically every other humanitarian) crises. World Vision is in Africa. They are in Ethiopia. My family experienced first hand the TREMENDOUS impact they are having. Not just on individual children, but on villages of thousands. Children with food, clothing and school. Pregnant woman with real health care. Mens with jobs and trades becoming self sufficient. Not just to provide for their families, but for their community. You sponsorship and contribution to Team World Vision will help those in most need. My family and I have seen the results, first hand.
If not World Vision, then perhaps some other organization. But don't just stand on the sidelines. Gas prices stink. Milk is expensive. The price of rice is outrageous. ...but to everyone who has been given much, much will be required...
Peace
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Back to Work
Well, after 6 weeks of learning how to juggle 2 kiddos, we are back to work. It seems like the 6 weeks went by so very very fast. I know with E1, my 6 weeks were after we returned from Guatemala, whereas with E2, my 6 weeks included the 2 weeks we were in Ethiopia. I think that probably made a huge difference given that week 3 was pretty much a loss given the jet lag recovery and lack of sleep, hey, maybe that is even why I don't remember it!
I feel so incredibly blessed to be the mother of two amazing little boys! T would always say how we were so lucky that E1 was such a good baby and has such an incredible personality that we should preparing ourselves fora monster baby when number 2 came along because we had it so easy with E1. Of course we would love the little monster baby, it is just more challenging to bond with a child when its head is spinning around. Back to the point, E2 is such an amazing little boy. I can just see the determination in his eyes when he tried to reach something that is just beyond him. I totally crack up when he gets excited about something because he starts panting at me with his mouth wide open! Or when he decides he is going to do his baby pterodactyl noise for an hour straight. Or the face he makes when he puts a pea in his mouth. He is so intrigued by big brother E1, E1 will come over and tell him a story and E2 can't take his eyes off him! E2 whats to know what E1 is doing at all times and he so much wants to join him!
Hmmm, I wonder what they are doing right now....sniff...sniff
I feel so incredibly blessed to be the mother of two amazing little boys! T would always say how we were so lucky that E1 was such a good baby and has such an incredible personality that we should preparing ourselves fora monster baby when number 2 came along because we had it so easy with E1. Of course we would love the little monster baby, it is just more challenging to bond with a child when its head is spinning around. Back to the point, E2 is such an amazing little boy. I can just see the determination in his eyes when he tried to reach something that is just beyond him. I totally crack up when he gets excited about something because he starts panting at me with his mouth wide open! Or when he decides he is going to do his baby pterodactyl noise for an hour straight. Or the face he makes when he puts a pea in his mouth. He is so intrigued by big brother E1, E1 will come over and tell him a story and E2 can't take his eyes off him! E2 whats to know what E1 is doing at all times and he so much wants to join him!
Hmmm, I wonder what they are doing right now....sniff...sniff
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Just a taste of retirement
We've all done it, probably more often for us that are many years away from retirement. You have that multi-week time away from work. You get used to it. Less stress. No getting up at the crack of day to speed off for your 9-5.
Our vacation / adoption leave is coming to a close. As both J and I are heading back to the office next week. E1 will be fine, he's already been back to preschool for a couple of weeks. E2, well he's just starting daycare, so its gonna be a change for him. Me, I got back to work in a new position, so it will all be new for me also.
It was fun while it lasted, but its not time for retirement, so its back to work.
On the cyberspace front, We've not logged on much so we're a bit behind not only in
the blogging, but email and other stuff. Look for more updates soon. Particularly about
Team World Vision, training, and upcoming races for T.
Peace to you all, and Happy 4th of July
Our vacation / adoption leave is coming to a close. As both J and I are heading back to the office next week. E1 will be fine, he's already been back to preschool for a couple of weeks. E2, well he's just starting daycare, so its gonna be a change for him. Me, I got back to work in a new position, so it will all be new for me also.
It was fun while it lasted, but its not time for retirement, so its back to work.
On the cyberspace front, We've not logged on much so we're a bit behind not only in
the blogging, but email and other stuff. Look for more updates soon. Particularly about
Team World Vision, training, and upcoming races for T.
Peace to you all, and Happy 4th of July
Friday, June 13, 2008
It has begun...
Its June 13th, and our Team World Vision Training squad (myself included) are all back from Ethiopia this week. While we try to dump our JET lag, catch up on sleep, get back into the groove or yard work, family life, and gasp our employment... We look at the calendar and see the date.
Friday June 13th. GASP!!! The week of June 9th - 15th is the first week of Chicago Marathon training. So we are already almost a week behind. So the first "long run" of 10 miles will be a bit
tougher given the 3+ weeks off from running.
As the training runs begin and the miles start ratcheting up, you'll see that destination Addis Ababa number climb closer and closer to the 7563 mile goal. As for now, its time to hit the sac and get some shuteye before the run tomorrow.
Peace
Friday June 13th. GASP!!! The week of June 9th - 15th is the first week of Chicago Marathon training. So we are already almost a week behind. So the first "long run" of 10 miles will be a bit
tougher given the 3+ weeks off from running.
As the training runs begin and the miles start ratcheting up, you'll see that destination Addis Ababa number climb closer and closer to the 7563 mile goal. As for now, its time to hit the sac and get some shuteye before the run tomorrow.
Peace
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hello ... Party of four, your table is ready
..... Party of four, your table is ready. We have returned home safely, and our Adoption Journey for E2 is now complete. Our two weeks in Ethiopia were remarkable, memorable, and changed us all, including our 3 year old E1. Mama, Papa, E1, and E2 are all doing well. Catching up on sleep, and we are all getting used to each other. Thank you to all that thought of us and prayed for us. The snafu's during our two weeks would have certainly been worse had it not been for those of you praying for us.
Peace...
Peace...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Dust in the Wind...
Kansas sang "All we are is dust in the wind".
Jars of Clay sings about how we are earthen vessels...
As we get closer to our departure to pickup E2, stress levels in the house have risen. Going over what we have packed, or not packed. Trying to confirm reservations over less then reliable Internet communication with businesses in Ethiopia. We are both trying to tie up loose ends as work. J's Birthday (Happy Birthday J!!) T is struggling with contemplation about a new position at work, at the same time that some of his colleagues will be leaving next week due to yet another R.I.F (Reduction In work Force.. aka the ALU hatchet men are back..) Finances are as whacked as they been since we've gotten married.
All said, it has been a rough week. And so I thought that a verse from yesterday's daily reading was oddly appropriate. Especially for T.
Reading of the Day...
Its easy enough to say "I trust in the Lord", or say that you know you can't do it all yourself. But when faced with immediate circumstances to test that. How will you fare? In our house, gulp, we're talking the plunge and trying to walk the walk. Trying not to think about that "what if's" and how bumpy the ride could get very quickly, and focus on the blessings that we have... and to simply have faith and hope.
Peace
Jars of Clay sings about how we are earthen vessels...
As we get closer to our departure to pickup E2, stress levels in the house have risen. Going over what we have packed, or not packed. Trying to confirm reservations over less then reliable Internet communication with businesses in Ethiopia. We are both trying to tie up loose ends as work. J's Birthday (Happy Birthday J!!) T is struggling with contemplation about a new position at work, at the same time that some of his colleagues will be leaving next week due to yet another R.I.F (Reduction In work Force.. aka the ALU hatchet men are back..) Finances are as whacked as they been since we've gotten married.
All said, it has been a rough week. And so I thought that a verse from yesterday's daily reading was oddly appropriate. Especially for T.
Reading of the Day...
James 4:14
you have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears.
Instead you should say, "If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that."
Its easy enough to say "I trust in the Lord", or say that you know you can't do it all yourself. But when faced with immediate circumstances to test that. How will you fare? In our house, gulp, we're talking the plunge and trying to walk the walk. Trying not to think about that "what if's" and how bumpy the ride could get very quickly, and focus on the blessings that we have... and to simply have faith and hope.
Peace
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Yirgacheffe. What did you call me?
Its been awhile between posts from J and I. Our home has been a hub of activity lately. So lets jump right into it.
Bone dry, was the coffee bin...
It seems fitting that the first coffee I've purchased myself in years, is an Ethiopian Yirgacheff (your-gaa-ch-eff). As our adoption travel day approaches, its nice to get a head start by drinking a cup (or a pot in my case) of smooth Ethiopian heritage each morning.
Construction is over...
My 2008 Team World Vision sponsorship page is up and running! I'll post separately about that. Gone is the "under construction" picture that graced the right hand side of this blog, and in its place you can now find the link my TWV (Team World Vision) sponsorship page. Children and Families lives are at stake, please take a look and prayerfully consider helping out.
Its showtime...
The right margin of the blog has a new element. Its one the Team World Vision motivational video clips. I still get goose bumps watching it. Maybe its easier for me to get into the mindset for this type of athletic sacrifice, but I still find it very moving.
Destination Ethiopia...
As you can see the mileage in "Destination Ethiopia" doesn't quite add up. It was a monumental task to try and cover 7563 miles in just over 1 year. However, the trial is not yet over. J and I will continue to log miles until we reach that 7563 goal. We'll post more on "Destination Ethiopia" shortly
That's the news, thanks for hanging with us, and we ask that you stick around, there is MUCH to come...
Peace
Bone dry, was the coffee bin...
It seems fitting that the first coffee I've purchased myself in years, is an Ethiopian Yirgacheff (your-gaa-ch-eff). As our adoption travel day approaches, its nice to get a head start by drinking a cup (or a pot in my case) of smooth Ethiopian heritage each morning.
Construction is over...
My 2008 Team World Vision sponsorship page is up and running! I'll post separately about that. Gone is the "under construction" picture that graced the right hand side of this blog, and in its place you can now find the link my TWV (Team World Vision) sponsorship page. Children and Families lives are at stake, please take a look and prayerfully consider helping out.
Its showtime...
The right margin of the blog has a new element. Its one the Team World Vision motivational video clips. I still get goose bumps watching it. Maybe its easier for me to get into the mindset for this type of athletic sacrifice, but I still find it very moving.
Destination Ethiopia...
As you can see the mileage in "Destination Ethiopia" doesn't quite add up. It was a monumental task to try and cover 7563 miles in just over 1 year. However, the trial is not yet over. J and I will continue to log miles until we reach that 7563 goal. We'll post more on "Destination Ethiopia" shortly
That's the news, thanks for hanging with us, and we ask that you stick around, there is MUCH to come...
Peace
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
First Event is in the books...
With all the adoption related news, there has not been much in the way of Event updates. Well here it is...
The first event of the year was the Great Western Half Marathon. This was the second year I've participated. Last year my time was a surprising (to me) 1:40:19.33 (104th overall, and 94 amongst males, and 20th in the 35-39 age group).
My running/training partner set some lofty goals for this race. Not only for a new PR, but the idea heading into the race was to try to average a 7:30/mi pace. That is a pace I found I can hold for about 7 miles, but never attempted for 13.1 miles. As all runners know, some day you "have it" and some days "you don't have it".
In the end, I shocked myself with finishing in 1:37:36.9, with a 7:27/mi pace. Shocked didn't really capture my thoughts, perhaps stunned was more like it. For those bean counters, that time was good for 55th overall, 51 amongst males, and 11th in the 35-39 age group.
It was a nice sunny day, little wind, and the temperature was about as perfect as it could have been. Thanks to our World Vision Cheering section, know that it helped both of us to see you out there!
Peace
Ted
p.s. whats next? Well there are no triathlons planned for this year. Adoption activities will consume enough time that triathlons will be on hold until next year. I have two more half marathons planned, as well as the 2008 Chicago Marathon. I'm putting the finishing touches on the 2008 World Vision fundraising/sponsorship page, that will be ready in another day or two.
The first event of the year was the Great Western Half Marathon. This was the second year I've participated. Last year my time was a surprising (to me) 1:40:19.33 (104th overall, and 94 amongst males, and 20th in the 35-39 age group).
My running/training partner set some lofty goals for this race. Not only for a new PR, but the idea heading into the race was to try to average a 7:30/mi pace. That is a pace I found I can hold for about 7 miles, but never attempted for 13.1 miles. As all runners know, some day you "have it" and some days "you don't have it".
In the end, I shocked myself with finishing in 1:37:36.9, with a 7:27/mi pace. Shocked didn't really capture my thoughts, perhaps stunned was more like it. For those bean counters, that time was good for 55th overall, 51 amongst males, and 11th in the 35-39 age group.
It was a nice sunny day, little wind, and the temperature was about as perfect as it could have been. Thanks to our World Vision Cheering section, know that it helped both of us to see you out there!
Peace
Ted
p.s. whats next? Well there are no triathlons planned for this year. Adoption activities will consume enough time that triathlons will be on hold until next year. I have two more half marathons planned, as well as the 2008 Chicago Marathon. I'm putting the finishing touches on the 2008 World Vision fundraising/sponsorship page, that will be ready in another day or two.
Friday, May 2, 2008
9 Years and counting...
To my lovely Bride J...
About 18 1/2 years ago we attended our first Dance together
About 18-1/2 years ago (coincidentally at that same dance) you realized that I wasn't the sharpest pencil in the box, and that in order to catch any signs from the female sex, they pretty much needed to be written on paper, thrown at me, and hit me in the face
About 13 years ago, we met up, face to face, for the first time in almost 12 years, along the lakefront, only to meet again a few days later where we shared (in my book) our first real kiss
About 12 1/2 years ago, somewhere over the plains of Oklahoma while in an airplane, I realized that I really loved this woman, and wanted no life without her
About Twelve years ago in the Scottish Highland City of Perth. I asked if you would be my wife, and to my good fortune, you said yes
9 Years ago today, in front of you, friends, family, and most importantly, God, we both said ... I do ...
It has been a memorable (almost) 19 years. And like all marriages, we've had our ups and downs, but things just keep getting better. After knowing you for close to 19 years, and having the privilege of being your husband for 9 of them, I would gladly said ... I do ... all over again.
I love you J! Happy Anniversary
T
About 18 1/2 years ago we attended our first Dance together
About 18-1/2 years ago (coincidentally at that same dance) you realized that I wasn't the sharpest pencil in the box, and that in order to catch any signs from the female sex, they pretty much needed to be written on paper, thrown at me, and hit me in the face
About 13 years ago, we met up, face to face, for the first time in almost 12 years, along the lakefront, only to meet again a few days later where we shared (in my book) our first real kiss
About 12 1/2 years ago, somewhere over the plains of Oklahoma while in an airplane, I realized that I really loved this woman, and wanted no life without her
About Twelve years ago in the Scottish Highland City of Perth. I asked if you would be my wife, and to my good fortune, you said yes
9 Years ago today, in front of you, friends, family, and most importantly, God, we both said ... I do ...
It has been a memorable (almost) 19 years. And like all marriages, we've had our ups and downs, but things just keep getting better. After knowing you for close to 19 years, and having the privilege of being your husband for 9 of them, I would gladly said ... I do ... all over again.
I love you J! Happy Anniversary
T
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