News

Did you people know that my *ex* Harry just came out with a new album??? The same day as my friend Norah J too.

Now, I knew about Norah's upcoming premiere, but Harry? ...Well, I think he's still heartbroken and bitter about the break up.

It's ok. It takes time to heal. I understand.

(If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can find the answer in my September 2005 archives.)

Also, I just got an email from Derek Webb. How come when I see his name in my inbox, I think that he's somehow *personally* emailing me? Really. They need to change that.

Randomness

I'm back.

I'm sure some of you didn't even notice that I was gone, but I've been unable to sign in to blogger the past several days due to low power in the office. I really hadn't planned on leaving you all with that last post. I'm sure the few men that read this will be glad to see I've moved on. :)

SO...not a lot is going on. I don't have anything profound or funny to share. But here's the randomness that's happening in my world:

*I'm moving this next month...AGAIN. I'm pretty sure one person shouldn't move as much as I have in one year, but I guess that's life. Our lease is up in March and since there are all sorts of problems with the current location, we've decided it's best to look elsewhere. We've found one house and we'll probably know by this week if it's ours.

*Monday is a national holiday. This time we are on mandatory *lock down*. (Last year, this city went a little haywire with riots and shootings and what not.) I'm actually excited. Not about the potential for violence, of course, but about having a whole day to stay in and do nothing! ...Unless of course we get evacuated or something. That would put a damper on my "pajama day."

*The Crushing One has made it back to Ktown and soon she is going to come visit me here!! I can't wait! I miss her. Welcome *home* J-jan!

*In 42 days I will be hanging out with this person . Spring break, BABY! (In the M.E.! Who would have thought?)

*I've been hanging out on my rooftop (per my "To Do List in 2007") a lot this past week. It's been gorgeous here, weather-wise, and the sunshine was calling my name. A good cup of coffee...the warmth of the sun...the sounds of the city below. It does a heart good. I guess I'm making up for the Vitamin D deficiency of winter.

Now, the only thing better would be if I could go play tennis. :)

Ahh. Dreams.

MEN: Beware of the following contents!

OK, men, if you are still reading this, don't say I didn't warn you!

So I just had the funniest conversation with one of my national (female) co-workers.

I was walking back up the stairs to my office after talking with a couple of them, when I hear, "L, Do you have any good things?" "Good things?" I replied. "Yes, good things," she said while motioning to her abdominal area. "For females?" I said. "Yes," she responded.

Never in my life have I thought of feminine hygiene products as "good things" but I guess that's what they're called over here. :) It made me smile.

Afterwards, she asked me what I called them in English and then we proceeded to have a conversation about the personal woes of the female monthly visitor. We joked about PMS and how our backs hurt or how we get emotional. I told her sometimes I find it easy to cry. She said sometimes she likes to fight. We carried on with this conversation for about 5 minutes and afterwards I thought what a funny, bonding moment I just had.

Isn't it interesting how some things are the same...no matter geography or age?

Say What?

Language Learning. ...I'm at it again.

My tutor is amazingly gracious and our 2 hours a day together just seems to fly by. She speaks some English--which can be helpful and funny all at the same time.

Take for example, yesterday. During our lesson, she would say a word in English and I was supposed to translate. Then we came to this point:

Tutor: Sex.
Me: What?

Tutor: Sex.
Me: Sex?

Tutor: Yes. Sex.
Me: Ummm...Do you mean "sex" as in "gender--female or male?" (Me thinking in my mind--I hope she doesn't mean the other.)

Tutor: No. I mean the number.
Me: OOOHH. (With a sigh of relief and a giggle.) "sIx!"

Tutor: Yes, sex.
Me: ShIsh. (The number)


And besides all the fun conversation, I'm learning to read and write again. And I say "again" because I started this a couple years back, but I didn't get very far and I've forgotten most of it anyway. Today I was reading my first grade reader book and cracked myself up because I was totally sounding out each letter like a little kid.

I'm pretty sure I could do a commercial here for "Hooked On Phonics!"

No more "whole language" for me, Tricks! ;)

Anyway, you can click on the picture above to zoom in and see my new skills! Be impressed, people. Be very impressed. :)

I remember a professor of mine from college saying that there are certain books that he re-reads on a yearly basis. Spiritual classics, if you will. They were titles like: A Celebration of Discipline, The Pursuit of God, etc.

Well, this week I re-read "Blue Like Jazz" and I was thinking that that's a title that should be added to my list of annual reads. It was like catching up with an old friend. One who makes you laugh and think all at the same time.

I was also thinking that Donald Miller and I should get married. Of course, he'd have to change his name. (The first one.) Either that, or let me call him "D." He seems like the kind of guy who would be OK with that.

I'm sure if he knew me, we would make a great match.

So D, if you are reading this...call me. :)

I've been walking to work the past few days. As I walk, I like to imagine myself in that beginning scene of "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are on their way to work. Of course, I don't have a Starbucks within which I can stop and pick up my morning latte. And instead of being dressed in a cute little skirt and scarf, I'm covered from head to toe in a black chador. But other than that...the scene is EXACTLY the same.

The Cranberries' song plays in my head. The shopkeepers are pushing up the large metal doors to open their stores. I smell the scent of fresh, hot bread as I pass the breadmaker. A little boy almost runs into me as he has his nose in a book and is hurried on his way to somewhere. The sun shines brightly and warms me in spite of the cold air. I stop by the fruit stand to pick up a banana to snack on before lunch.

And in my mind...I am Kathleen Kelly. If only for the 12 minute walk to the office.

Today is my little sister's 28th birthday.

And here is a list of 28 things I love about her...
1. I love her naturally rosy cheeks and beautiful complexion.
2. I love her love of all things "reality show."
3. I love her impeccable sense of style...especially when it comes to shoes.
4. I love that she loves the Cardinals!
5. I love her flare for the dramatic.
6. I love that she can appreciate the "finer things" of life.
7. I love the secrets that we share.
8. I love that she radiates heat while she sleeps (opposite of me).
9. I love that when she was little, she could make friends within 5 seconds flat.
10. I love it that, at a young age, she learned that it was OK to be different than her big sister.
11. I love how well she knows pop culture.
12. I love the blackmail that we have on each other. (i.e. powder puff girl, past boyfriends, etc.)
13. I love her blog. (If only she'd write more! :)
14. I love that, even though she could be settled for the rest of her life, she's not afraid to keep running after her dreams.
15. I love that she's happily married to a wonderful man who cherishes her.
16. I love how she makes me laugh.
17. I love that she can cook and sew, and has known how to do both for a very long time. (I'm still learning.)
18. I love her sensitive heart and ability to cry.
19. I love that she didn't tell on me to mom and dad (all the time) when we were kids.
20. I love how we've moved from just "sisters" to "friends."
21. I love that she loves to dance...esp. at family weddings. :)
22. I love how she's not afraid to speak her mind.
23. I love the fact that she often knows what I'm thinking with just a look.
24. I love it that she stinks at math...just like me. :)
25. I love how smart she is any so many other ways.
26. I love how naturally beautiful she is.
27. I love how her eyes get lost in her smile.
28. And most of all, I love that she's my sister--a bond that can never be broken.


I still remember the day that mom and dad called from the hospital telling me you were born. I wanted to name you and I think they humored me a bit, until obviously their name won out.

I remember them bringing you home...your thick, dark hair, pink cheeks and beautiful blue eyes. I was mesmerized.

I remember teaching you how to ride a bike for the first time...or at least pushing you down that hill at the end of our street and hoping that you'd figure it out before you were hurt too bad.

I remember watching you fall off that slide and break your arm. Sheer terror had struck. (1.) Would you be ok? (2.) How much trouble would I be in?

I remember our family vacations...playing in our play room on Noleman St...swimming together in the summer...getting you all ready for your first dance...watching you graduate college...

I remember your wedding day and how stunningly beautiful you looked.

And for all of those memories listed (and the ones that didn't make the cut) and to the millions more to come...I just want to say thanks.
What an amazing gift I've been given to have you as a sister.
I love you, L. More than you'll ever know.

Happy 28th Birthday!!!!

Confessional: Every now and then I pull out an article of clothing that I have yet to wear in this country.

I put it on to find that it still smells like Downey Simple Pleasures.

And Downey Simple Pleasures smells so good...so comforting...so much like "home," that I want to take it off and put it away so that it smells that good...that comforting...that much like "home" forever.

…And just like that, it’s Saturday again.

It’s been a crazy week. I’m not going to lie. Last night I went to bed at 8:30pm and slept until 7am this morning. For those of you who know me, you know that’s not normal! I’m a night owl by nature, but lately (especially this week) I’ve been exhausted.

And you know that “To Do List” I had posted for 2007? Well, I’ve decided it’s a lot easier to write about things than it is to really live them. The first thing on my list was tested yesterday, when I was invited to a national co-workers brother’s wedding.

I wish I could tell you that I was thrilled to be invited and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to invest in these people and learn more of their culture. …I can’t. I didn’t want to go. After dropping H off at the airport that morning, all I wanted to do was unpack my things and finally settle into my own room. The introvert in me was screaming for some alone time, but the list I had written was telling me there’d be time for that later.

The list was right.

A few of us girls went to the wedding around 12pm and stayed until about 4pm. We even got to see the bride and groom (which doesn’t always happen unless you stay 7-10 hours). We danced for the small number of female guests (around 250 or so--I'm pretty sure they were impressed--Ha!). We ate a nice meal. We enjoyed the “fashion show” of the female attire. And I even learned two valuable lessons about this culture.

1. When at a wedding, the key to looking your best is this: Reapply…Reapply…Reapply! Your makeup that is. As if you weren’t wearing enough, it’s important (especially after you eat) to pull out your mirror, hairbrush and full-on makeup kit and reapply and re-do yourself. It’s even good if you bring a change of clothes and change after lunch into a second dress. This is your time to shine, ladies! Make a statement!

2. I figured out that this country’s motto, should they ever need one, should be this:
Without tea, the people will perish.
Seriously! My friends and I are always laughing as these people bring their tea thermoses EVERYWHERE! (As if you will ever find yourself somewhere without tea!) On the plane…to a wedding…wherever you go, don’t forget your tea!

All-in-all, I was happy that I went, but I was also happy to get home. I'm guessing I need a little bit of both in my life to keep me sane. Some going out and some coming home. One helps me appreciate the other.

Making a list...

2007
To Do's:
(I'm sure there are more to add, but this is a start.)

*Take every opportunity to invest in, & learn from, these people…even when you don’t “feel” like it.

*Kneel more. Bow more. Remember that you’re very, very small.

*Make one day a week “yours” and “His.”

*Live on less.

*Learn to make national food. You may not be here forever and there may be a day that you’ll come to miss it. Maybe.

*Take more photographs. (This place is too “photo-rich” to miss things.)

*Make a fool of yourself with language. It’s ok. You’ll have stories to laugh about later.

*Memorize one verse every week. Remember you want to be like Mary who “treasured up all these things in her heart” and not like the crazy old lady at the nursing home who can only remember curse words.

*Laugh everyday.

*Hug more. (Except the opposite gender. This culture won’t allow it.)

*Seek humility. Admit mistakes.

*Learn to live in the Ancient City. Enjoy it. This is the answer to your prayers.

*Make it a point to hang out on your rooftop. You can see the mountains...the stars…the
neighborhood….and for a bonus, you can even spy on your neighbors. ;)

*Don’t get mad at rickshaw drivers. They may very well be trying to take advantage of your foreign-ness. Remember: they have far less than you.

*Remind yourself regularly that it’s worth the risk. Always.

*Play hide & seek with a 4 year old at least once a week. You’ll laugh. They’ll laugh. The troubles of your day will seem meaningless in the end.

*Create. Create. Create. ...And then create some more. (Pictures, writing, scrapbooks, etc.)

*Be vulnerable. With others. With God. With yourself. You can do it.

*Find purpose in each day.

*Remember, you're going to be OK.

So what's on your list?

And the answer...

To all my friends who were concerned I may be moving to South America...or getting beat up...

Here's the answer to my year's theme.

2007=The Year of the Pinata

Also known as...."The Year of Undiscovered Contents--the surprises that come after life's kicked you around a bit."


(Thanks Felicity, for your inspiration.)

2007

2007
"The Year of the Piñata"

Any guesses as to why this theme?