confession: I tried a neti pot

The sun has peaked out a couple of days recently...tempting us that spring might be coming. It also seems to be tempting the blooms. Cherry blossoms are a common sight theses days - so pretty. Well, the other thing that seems to be in full bloom is my allergies. Ugh!

I cannot recall EVER having allergies like this. Yes, cats make my eyes itch and my sinuses clog, but that's it. Mom, correct me if I am wrong...but I believe this is the first time that I have been so clogged that I snore like a freight train in sleep and during waking hours I can only breath through my mouth which doesn't seem to be working as well since I cannot seem to catch my breath. One day as my eyes were watering like I'd just cut an onion, my nose was so clogged it felt swollen and I was breathing like an asthmatic my co-worker said, "Sheri, you need a neti pot."

S: A neti pot? what's that?

Well, apparently while I was away in another country Oprah and Dr. Oz introduced America to a tea pot used to pour a saline solution in to your nasal passages to drain them. Pour the water in one nostril and the ooze comes out the other. Though the product had received the Oprah stamp of approval, my only response was YUCK!!! I quickly forgot the suggestion.

Days later, after I'd tried over the counter options and continued to suffer the neti pot was suggested a second time as a remedy for my allergic woes. This time it was my friend Angela, who I suspect was tired of hearing my heavy breathing and nose blowing. Angela took it a step further. She took me to the nearest store, purchased the neti pot for me and then proceeded to force me to use it. You should have seen me, I was squealing like a little child. I have always been too afraid to use nasal spray - why would I pour a saline solution up my nostril? WHY?!!! She is a mother, thus she is used to this kind of behavior and before I knew it she was forcing the issue. When it was over the most amazing thing happened - I could breath. I took many deep breaths and was sold.

I am now the proud owner of a neti pot and would like to say that if your sinuses are backed up it is just what the doctor ordered and you can still trust the Oprah stamp of approval.

I am told that this is only the start of what is to come in a Virginia spring. Supposedly there are days when it gets so bad that there is a layer of yellow pollen on your car and if you open a window in your home it gets on everything. If that is true, then the neti pot is going to be my new best friend.

Have you tried it?

just Sheri, an allergy sufferer

What is your favorite thing about living in America?

Last week I was sitting with a group of women who were originally from Tanzania, when civil war erupted in their home land these women lived in a refugee camp in Burundi and have now immigrated to America via Virginia.

My purpose is to practice English with them, to grow their confidence so they can find work and improve daily interactions...and of course build relationship.

We talked about marriage and family. One woman has 11 children. Two women had seven children. One had four children. The smallest family was two children, but she was just getting started.

I asked what is their favorite thing about living in America?

One of the mothers of seven, who is also a grandma of two, said without hesitation - SLEEP! I gave her a quizzical look. She explained, "Here I sleep better. I don't worry about who is going to come to our home at night or what might happen."

Other answers were the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer.

The school bus also made the list. Where they come from children walk to school, usually from long distances. They love that a bus now comes to their neighborhood to pick up their children.

As I sat with these women in their colorful wrap skirts and head scarves...I felt like I was home - that warm, comfortable feeling like all is right in the world and I am where I am supposed to be.

just Sheri, making friends

who's responsible?

In recent weeks I have been asked one question many times. It is a follow-up to one of the most popular posts on this blog - What would you do for love? 


The question has come up with close friends and family members. It has been asked by acquaintances. Frankly, the question irritates me - not because it causes any doubt in me, but because it demonstrates to me what I find frustrating in our modern world.


What question has been asked so often that I am dedicating a blog post to it? What is it that has my panties in a wad and the hairs on the back of my neck standing up?


Why is it your responsibility to help this family?


That is a loaded question and I don't like it. My first reaction and the one that usually doesn't come out of my mouth is - "that is exactly what is wrong with the world. No one wants to help anyone when it is an inconvenience to themselves." 


What usually comes out of my mouth is - "do you have another solution?"


The answer I get is - "let someone else do it."


In case you are wondering. My days aren't glamorous. They are filled with playing taxi, doctors visits, daily IV's, sometimes blood, sometimes tears, sometimes bad moods and needy children. None of this my own, nor for myself. I watch our savings dwindle and only faint hopes of income on the horizon.


This choice has cost us. I left work I felt privileged to be a part of and gave up the opportunity for a good job in Kenyon's home town, where his family and our friends live. In order for us to stay together geographically, Kenyon gave up enrollment in a nursing class he had his heart set on. These were not easy sacrifices.


We are moving to a place where our primary contacts are this family and our social network outside of this home is limited. 


We also have limited familiarity with the area itself and are having to learn our way around in a new town and a state that is new to us.


I would be lying if I didn't say that some days I am tired. Some days I miss my old life and work. Some days I wish I could see more improvement or an immediate pay-off for the effort. But I NEVER question the importance of what I am doing, nor why I am doing it.


We came because my friend called me in tears in the wee hours of the morning (for her) and asked for my help. Months before she called God impressed upon my heart that I made a commitment to this family years ago to be the Godmother to these kids in the event that something bad happened. Something bad happened and I am determined to keep my commitment. Thankfully their mother is still alive, but she is sick. When she asked for my help. I knew my answer. It was obviously, "yes." I didn't think about the costs. I wouldn't do this for just anybody. In my world there are a handful of people on earth who qualify for this level of personal sacrifice. This friend is among that small group.


What is ailing me is the amount of push back we are getting from others. Some people have said they wouldn't even do this for their own family members, much less someone who is not a blood relative.


That, my friends, is what I think is wrong with the world. Hands down each of these dissenting voices would expect someone in their lives to give to them at this level if they needed it, but they are unwilling to do the same for someone else.


If not us, then who? Whose responsibility is it? Can someone, please, explain that to me?


Just Sheri, curious why the responsibility should be for someone else

Santa Fe Christmas (meal)

I was secretly hoping to avoid a repeat of my turkey experience on Thanksgiving. In a conversation with my friend Angela it came out that around Christmas my family has different traditional foods. She suggested we serve those for our Christmas dinner...I am so relieved.

If you have been a long time reader of this blog than you know what foods this Hispanic girl equates with Christmas. You might remember the case of missing tamales?

Well, in honor of my heritage our menu for Christmas dinner will consist of the following:

• posole - a spicy (at least the way I like to eat it) soup made from hominy
• red chili beef enchiladas - the chili is a recipe I have used for years from my Tia Nita...and no, it is not the stew many eat on cold days with beans and meat. This is a sauce made from ground chili peppers. Mmm, good!
• pinto beans cooked slowly over the course of the day to allow the flavors to simmer and the smell to fill the air. I can almost smell it now.
• tamales from my hometown of Santa Fe courtesy of my mother who knows what makes me happy. I am so glad that Posa's delivers. My mouth immediately started watering when I saw the package on the doorstep that said "Santa Fe Tamales" in the from line.
• tacos - a suggestion from my dad for those who might not like the spicy as much as I do

When living in Kansas, my friend Elaine and I would have a Santa Fe Christmas (meal) together each year. Even in my absence she keeps the tradition, it has become her families tradition to eat enchiladas. I love that!

What are your families food traditions for this holiday?

Just Sheri, looking forward to a Santa Fe Christmas (meal) in Virginia

iCooked: Thanksgiving Dinner cranberry sauce

The Thanksgiving holiday is uniquely American...and it is one of the things I love about my homeland. A whole day devoted to gratitude is a wonderful thing. It is one of those holidays where the only agenda is good food and time with family and friends. It is one of the things I miss about my homeland when I am away.

Somehow in my 34 years of life I have escaped the responsibility of cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. Not this year. Nope. This year I was cooking for a family of seven. Added to that my friend has dietary restrictions such as no dairy. Have you ever had to make a large meal using zero dairy? No butter. No milk. It is an added challenge. Over the course of this week I am going to post some photos from our Thanksgiving meal.

I am going to start with the cranberry sauce.

My dad has always made cranberry sauce from scratch. No jelly stuff from a can...only the real stuff when my dad's the cook. I used to think this was a difficult process, then I did it myself and won't ever go back to the canned stuff. If you haven't done it before, I recommend you try.

What did I do?

one package of cranberries
one cup water
the juice from one orange

Boil the cranberries until they pop. My sister gave me a good tip to cover the pot as the popping can be messy.

Here is the finished product. It made for a very tasty side dish for our holiday meal.

I didn't try it, but a second option would be to blend the cranberries, then add chopped pecans. I would still add the orange juice, but not the water to option two.

Just Sheri, glad to participate in a holiday dedicated to gratitude

faces of maputo

Celeste, Olivia and Tania

Louisa and Constancia

Ian and Alexis "Muffin" photo pose

Sarah

the ladies

Just Sheri, blessed with friends across the globe

Thanksgiving

This year on the eve of Thanksgiving there are a few things I am particularly thankful for...

1. the support of my family
2. the wealth of experiences I have been afforded in my short life
3. the depth of friendships that I have with so many amazing, talented, strong women
4. above all else this year, I am grateful for my health. Until recently I have completely taken for granted the fact that I am able to rise each day and do what I want to do. That I have never visited a doctor for long periods of time, but rather just annual or semi-annual check-ups. I have not been poked and proded or tested and retested. I am healthy and that is a gift - not an entitlement.

I am cooking my first Thanksgiving meal for seven this year. I will be doing this as a gift to my friend who does not share the good fortune of good health. As we sit down for a meal, I will thank God for these blessings. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

I will write again next week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving - a wonderful (and uniquely American) holiday!

Just Sheri, counting my blessings

What would you do for love?

When I was growing up my dad used to correct me when I would casually use the word "hate."  I hate that movie. I hate that school subject. I hate those clothes.

Using this word would spark the same response, "Hate is a strong word. You shouldn't use it unless you mean it." Now I understand the wisdom of his words, but today I would like to apply it to the antithesis of hate...and that is love.

We often say things like "I love that show...I love that color...I love those shoes."

In Southern Africa, it is common for a young man to say to a woman on the street that he finds attractive "I love you."  This happens between complete strangers as an introduction. This has happened to me a couple of times in Mozambique. I wasn't sure if I should be flattered that a young man found an old married woman attractive? Or, if I should be offended that such important words were used in such a cavalier way?

Today, I am making an announcement that reduces me to tears (even as I try to type on a blurry screen).

I quit my job.

Yup, I am leaving work that I love, with people that I love and a worthy cause that I would love to devote my life to. Why would I do such a thing? What is my motivation?

There is a family in America that I love more. Right now they need me. Someone else can be Country Director of Mozambique - there are many somebodies who can do the job.

But, there is a mother in the US who is suffering from crippling pain and has been diagnosed with an incurable disease, treatment isn't working, so the doctors continue to test her for other incurable and some degenerating diseases. There are three children that I have watched grow from when they were much younger, whom I love as much as if they had come from my own body. This family needs me. They have asked for my help and I will gladly give what I have. All I have is me, my presence in their everyday lives during this crisis. There are not a lot of somebodies who can walk in to that home and provide this service. I am uniquely qualified for this job and I accept it with a grateful heart. Why? Because of love.

This role does not come with a paycheck attached. It does not come with a fancy title. To be perfectly clear, we are making another cross-continent move, with no secured income, no home, no automobile, very little furniture, and a whole lot of uncertainty - we are doing this for one reason only. LOVE!

Last night I received word that a bad situation took a turn for the worst. I am going to do everything in my power to get there. Today, I am making the announcement to the team in Mozambique that we are leaving and soon.

None of this is easy. Nothing is assured. But, I have learned through this situation (and really the events of the past 16 months) that love is a strong word and we shouldn't say it unless we mean it.

What would you do for love?

Just Sheri, trying to walk it out

this is ladies night...ohh, ladies night

I recently met a new friend, Beth. I am so glad I met Beth. She welcomes us weekly in to her home for a women's Bible study. She generously gave us food during the riots. Just before that terrible event, she invited us over for a night of food and fun. I learned to play Bunko that night. I've often heard of this Bunko thing, but hadn't remembered playing before. I really enjoyed it.

This weekend, Beth had a group of ladies over to her place. We made sushi (also a new experience for me and much easier than expected). The highlight of the evening though wasn't the food. Beth had invited a few Indian women over to do henna. This is Beth getting her henna tatoo.

This was my favorite henna tattoo of the evening. One of the ladies has short hair and came up with a unique idea to have the back of her neck decorated. The end result was stunning. All I can say is "Wow!"

Sushi. Henna. Good company. What more could a girl ask for? Oh, yes. Though we were all from different places, we all spoke English. That was an added bonus and made for a wonderful night.

Did you do anything fun or interesting this weekend?

Sheri

baking lesson: homemade cinnamon rolls

Since moving overseas I have gone through a transformation. Seriously. I am of the generation that does NOT cook. We buy prepacked sauces and foods. Open the package, add liquid, heat...wa-la dinner! Maybe every now and again I would cut some vegetables. That was before we moved overseas. Then all of a sudden I was thrust in to a world where no prepackaged foods were available, just raw ingredients.

I have become what my family calls "Pioneer Woman." I make everything from scratch...and I mean everything. Even our own maple syrup - though I had to order the maple flavoring online when we were in the US. I am still reluctant to call myself a cook as that is a label I have shunned for at least a couple of decades prior to now. Will this transformation continue when it is no longer necessary? That is still to be determined. But for now, this is our life. I will post some of the foods I've made in the coming days, but I wanted to share with you a baking lesson I received from The Intern.

The Intern came over on a Saturday to show me how to make cinnamon rolls. I've always been intimidated by this thing called yeast, so I just stayed away from it. Baking options are pretty limited if one avoids yeast. I had to overcome my fears.

Look at that beautiful blob of dough. I love my carbs, yes, I do. I love my carbs. How about you?

Swirly goodness. I can hardly wait to taste them fresh out of the oven.

Here they are being drizzled with icing. The three of us nearly ate a whole pan in one sitting. I haven't attempted this on my own, yet. When I do, I will let you know how they turned out. For now I just take some from Olivia from time to time.

Gone are the days of popping a can of Pilsbury. Welcome to the renaissance of pioneer living!

Waffles or cinnamon rolls are my favorite Saturday morning treat. What is yours?

Sheri

F.A.Q. (frequently asked questions)

While we were home in America there were some questions we were asked quite a few times. Since there seemed to be common questions, I thought this may be stuff the rest of you were wondering too and hadn't asked. So, I am going to answer them here for your reading pleasure.

Q: what do you miss most? what is the hardest thing about living overseas?

S: Relationships are the hardest thing and what I miss most. I don't like the distance between me and those I love. Making new friends isn't easy on the other side of the world - there are language difficulties, cultural differences, we are all consumed by work because that is our reason for being here, and this life is transient. People come, people go. So, going deep is difficult as most people you meet are counting down until they return "home." Sometimes it doesn't seem worth all the effort to try and overcome the distance and time difference with old friends, or the energy it takes to keep making and saying good-bye to new friends. I wrote a little about this in an earlier post, but I expect it will be an ongoing challenge.

K: Safety is the hardest thing about living overseas and what I miss most about America. We are constantly concerned for our safety. We often don't go out after dark. We make sure we know where the other one is at all times. We have the number of the US Embassy programmed in our phone just in case, because you never know what can happen.

Q: What is African food like?

S: Well, there really isn't one "African" cuisine. Each country has it's own unique flavors. In Mozambique, they eat a lot of seafood because it is readily available being on the coast. A lot of beans and rice. The beef is usually imported from South Africa and is of good quality. Pizza is available. We mostly eat at home and cook. Fast or convenient food isn't readily available. The only "chain" restaurant available that an American would recognize is KFC. The chicken is different than in the US, but they do have an excellent ice cream sundae. I know because Kenyon ordered one once and I ate it all...I couldn't help myself. Why? because it is a rarety to find decent dessert. Even if cake is available, it isn't sweet like an American would expect it to be. We eat a lot more fresh vegetables, no processed foods, and a whole lot less sugar...essentially, we eat healthier in Africa than we did living in the US.

I hope you enjoyed this installment of FAQ's. Feel free to ask any question you are wondering. As I think of (or receive) them I will post more Q & A.

Sheri

No man is an island

I've read books about great people. Our culture likes to make movies about them. I believe there are many great people who give of themselves faithfully for years whom we may never hear about - we may never hear their tale of extreme generosity or overcoming trials, but that doesn't lessen their impact.

I have been blessed to encounter such people on my life journey. Marty Orr is one of them. When I think of Martha the word that comes to mind is: faithful. I've known her since I was a little girl. In college she secured permission for me to volunteer with her at the School for the Deaf so I could learn about Occupational Therapy, the career path I thought I would pursue when graduating high school. She even met with me early in the morning to help me learn sign language so I could interact with the kids. Martha attended my graduation.

When I was in college and early in my adult life, Martha would send postcards with encouraging words and scriptures. She did this often and she did this for years, even when all she received from my end was silence. The generosity she has shown me, she has given to many others - children in difficult situations, those incarcerated, and so many more.

Martha may never know how much of an encouragement she has been to me in my life, but I thank God for her and the example of faithfulness she has shown me. On my recent visit to New Mexico, Kenyon and I met up with Martha and her husband Jimmy for lunch. It is always a blessing to see their smiling faces. This was a photo taken at the end of that lunch.

I was recently asked if I think there are still faithful individuals like those we hear about in history and through movies. I know there are. Martha is one of them. Premdas is one of them. I have had the privilege of meeting so many others in my travels. You may never hear their story, but my life has been enriched through these encounters. I suspect yours has been too, by others.

No man is an island, entire unto itself...I am so grateful for those who have gone before me and invested in me. I pray I can follow a similar path and have strength to endure.

Coming to America!

Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave,
and grow old wanting to get back to. ~John Ed Pearce

Today, is the start of what my employer calls "home leave." It is very aptly named. It isn't vacation as most of the time will be spent busy with visits to people we haven't seen and taking care of business we cannot overseas. We didn't even contemplate an exotic destination. Our primary purpose is to visit the people and places that we care about. We are going home. The challenge for the Warren's, is home is not a single destination. Thanks to my overwhelming travel in recent years we were able to get multiple tickets on airmiles and will be in three US states over the coming weeks. I don't plan to write posts consistently on this blog. From time to time there may be a mobile post or random postings of major events. We return to Africa in August and I will resume normal routines then. I will still be sending tweets from Twitter.
 
Enjoy your summer! Laugh often. Have fun. Embrace the moments that make up life. My plan is to just be present where I am at and cherish the wealth of relationships I am blessed with.

The greatest gift...ever!

I have a good friend, Elaine. We have known each other for approximately 10 years. I love her dearly. We have so much history together. We don't need to go through long explanations, because we already know each others story - instead we are just catching up and sharing memories.

We worked together when Elaine was pregnant with her first child. I called her "my test case." She shared with me her highs and lows of pregnancy, her deepest secrets and fears. When her daughter was born, I was in the waiting room with the family. I felt like family. When her daughter was still very young it was discovered that she had a kidney problem and surgery was required. I walked through this experience with Elaine. I visited the hospital after surgery. Her daughter was hooked to an IV, very scared, and in pain. The only thing that could comfort her was her mother, my friend. It was a beautiful scene of love. My longings to become a mother became undeniable that day. I was 26 years old and in an unhappy marriage (this will come as a second surprise to some of you). I decided it would be a selfish choice to bring a child in to such a dysfunctional environment, it was one thing for me to live there (stay there) due to the commitment I had made, but I wouldn't bring a child in to it. As a result, I prevented pregnancy. In the end, I could not stay in the marriage. Elaine walked through that experience with me.

When Elaine became pregnant with her second child she gave me the best gift I've ever received - the best! She asked me to be in the delivery room with her and her husband. I got to witness a miracle from the front row seat. My job was to take photographs, I wasn't just there as an observer. After her son was born, the nurses took him to be weighed. I looked at my friend who had just been through so much pain in her delivery. She was looking at her son with an expression of pure love. He was just born and she loved him completely. I was moved to tears. I took a picture of that moment and that picture still makes me emotional. I instintually think of that day every February 8.

Elaine spent the entire day with me when I married Kenyon, was my photographer at the wedding, and our witness on the legal documentation. When we moved away from Kansas City Elaine and I had a tearful good-bye and she said, "I always thought I'd get to be there when you are pregnant." I had thought so, too.

That was three years ago, I am still not pregnant.

the wonders of Blackberry

When I arrived in Mozambique I was issued a Blackberry phone. I had been using a very basic cell phone in Cambodia and the minute I had a Blackberry in my hand it was like welcoming an old friend.  I had no idea I would need it to send an SOS just a few days later.

I've mentioned before that we are living in a guest room at the office. There are little quirks in our room, such as there is only hot water in the morning hours beginning around 3am. The shower head was so caked on with crud that only small streams of water trickled out - that is until Kenyon took his cleaning powers to it and now it runs beautifully! The door knob is broken from the inside. We discovered this the first night. Kenyon said it's fine, I started to get panicky - "what if there is a fire and we can't get out, what if I need a drink of water in the middle of the night and I don't want to wake you (toilet water is not an option), what if..."

He finally gave in and jimmied the lock and we now stick an old grocery store membership card in the door latch so it can be closed, but also easily opened from the inside.

Well, I was in the bathroom inside our bedroom during working hours. Kenyon knew I was in there because he had walked in on me and my presence surprised him. He jumped, but just seconds later he turns around closes the bathroom door and then walks out of our bedroom and closes the door. I can't get out. I consider causing a big scene by banging on the door and yelling - eventually someone will hear me, right? Then I realize I had my trusted companion with me - my Blackberry.

I send Kenyon an email - "you locked me in the room, come open the door" No reply. I wait a few more minutes, still no reply of any sort. I know he is sitting in front of his computer, he must not be logged in to his email.

Then I realize that Lily is also downstairs and she is ALWAYS connected. I send her an email with a similar message. Within a few minutes I hear her laughing downstairs. Then footsteps. Then freedom. Hallelujah, freedom! Thank you, Lily, for rescuing me.

I am so happy to be reunited with my trusted friend; the Blackberry. What a wonderfully useful tool!

NOTE: Lily said I should put this story on my blog. So I did. I hope you had a good laugh at my expense.

Dubai 2

did I mention all the skyscrapers in Dubai? that is pretty much all one would see when driving around town.

this building is under construction. I found it fascinating because it looks like it is twisted.

a view of some skycrapers from the base

Joelle just finished her pudding cup. nice!

inside our favorite mall. looks very similar to the forbidden city in China.

another part of the mall. there were at least 5 starbucks in this one mall alone.

dancing water choreographed to music at the base of the worlds tallest building. only in Dubai!

I'm a lucky girl!

On our way to Africa we got to stop over and visit my very good friend Yasmine who lives in Dubai. What luck!

We had a great time touring the city. This was Kenyon's first visit to Dubai. He commented continually on how clean it is, how new everything is, how nice it is. We basically visited malls and fancy hotels - is there anything else in Dubai?

The last time I was here it was crazy hot, this time of year the weather is great - sunny with a breeze.

I wish I could have spent a week with Yasmine, Gamil and Joelle, but unfortunately duty calls and we had to continue on our journey. I am so grateul for the time we did have together. Come back tomorrow for more photos of our city tour.

bits of my weekend - volume 1

A few months ago Kenyon and I were weighing our options and one strong contender was a return to the United States. At that time I found this blog. New York City was a strong possibility as we could both find the kind of work we want to do there. As we considered the cost of living, the taxes, the possible commute times, etc, we were less excited. I continue to read this blog and like the idea of sharing photos from the weekend. Here is my first installment of bits of my weekend...it may continue as a weekly event or show up from time to time. We'll see...

This was an unusual weekend. Our last in Cambodia and also Easter weekend. I had intended to take lots of pictures. I failed to do that, but this small selection gives you an idea of my last weekend in Cambodia.

movers came, our stuff is on the way to Africa

attended a joint Easter service with some girlfriends - Jenni and Erin. I am gong to miss these ladies!

following lunch at a great Mexican restaurant we visited the local foot massage parlor. following the foot massage we visited Beautiful shoes. each of the ladies had a pair shoes made  like the ones I am wearing in the picture. These are a copy of one of Lesley's shoes - handcrafted shoes, $5 one hour foot massages, good friends - there are so many things I will miss about Asia!

 Saying good-bye is rough! We haven't been here long, but I had a great community of ladies to hang with. We support each other in many ways. Going through this experience, of trying to live in a foreign land and learn a new language, is very bonding. Their friendship has sustained me many times. Ladies, thank you for the gift of your friendship!

dinner and a movie

I found a flier at a local restaurant announcing dinner and a movie. I didn't know what the movie was or what would be served for dinner, but I liked the idea. So, I got a couple of friends together to check it out. Turns out the dinner was hot dogs. Here is a picture of Jenni enjoying hers with cheese on top.

The movie was projected on a hanging sheet in a garden courtyard. What were they showing? Avatar! I didn't think I was going to like that movie, but I got completely sucked in.

I've adopted the hissing sound from the characters in the movie - when I am frustrated or just want people to back off, hissing seems like a great response. Don't you agree?

now I know why they are called care packages

Kenyon and I have been the grateful recipients of a few care packages recently. Some were sent at Christmas time and only one has arrived by mail from the Jones family (sorry to those who sent one and they have not been received, we keep hoping it will arrive soon).

The others came in Bob's luggage from my family. Whatever the form, I now know why they are called "care packages." Receiving little gifts from home is wonderful. It makes us feel cared for to get something as simple as some familiar candy or snacks.

Not that I really thought about it before, but I now know why they are called "care packages." Thank you to those who sent them (even if they did not arrive), we appreciate the care that went in to creating them from the other side of the world.