Life in Africa

'tis better

I truly love to give. My greatest anticipation leading up to Christmas is to see others' eyes shine and faces light up when they open their gifts. I love when I find just the "perfect thing" for someone. The wait -- knowing that the recipient is going to love it -- just mounts anticipation and excitement.

This Christmas Eve, my gift-giving eagerness has me pondering. I can't help but think that God, the ultimate gift-giver Himself, felt the same way on the first Christmas Eve. Since giving is as innate in Him as love is, I can imagine God trembling with the anticipation of giving His best gift. Although He knew His gift would not initially be received with joy, He still knew that it was the perfect thing. Just what we needed.

Thank you, Father, for giving us Your best.

'Tis truly better to give than to receive...

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(b)anal accusations

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While I know that I'm a perfectionistic, detail-oriented person, I certainly don't expect to have this pointed out by complete strangers. Niel and I recently made a rather large purchase, which in the past month seems to have undergone more than the usual expected wear and tear. With us having paid as much as we did, I was not happy about all the scratches and discoloration. I figure if it wore this much in the first month, what will it look like a year from now?

So we took it back to the store to find out what could be done. After much discussion with the store clerk and then the manager, our options were laid before us:

  1. They could repair the item at no charge. This, to me, wasn't really a solution as the damage would continue again after the repair.
  2. We could exchange the item for something else. But after much looking, we weren't really happy about any of the other available items.
  3. We could return it for a full refund. As I love our purchase, I would have been disappointed to have to go this route.

Then the manager offered a fourth solution. She looked me right in the eye and said:

"Or...you could just not be so anal."

Niel, my knight (without the armor), rose to my defense and dealt a hand of rudeness right back at her.

Anal? You betcha!

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iShare...

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iJust got home from a full week of travels and fun. And a little "work". After a week away, iFind it difficult to blog. Not because it was a boring time, but because it was filled with so much. iFind it hard to nail down a story or two to share.

Since iArrived in the States in August, iHave been blessed to see many friends along the way. iFinally got to see my dear friend Amers Kitty while we were in Michigan. While the days went by quickly (especially with one being entirely filled with a board meeting), we enjoyed a great appetizer of conversations (and even a memorable hot tub soak!). iAm looking forward to the official Kitty Reunion here in New York -- and to continuing that conversation smörgåsbord.

Torch Lake, Michigan

After an extra night in Detroit due to canceled flights, iFlew into NYC (with Niel, of course), for a fun visit with our friend Laura. Mom and Dad even joined us for a night, which was a blast. There truly is nothing like Manhattan at Christmastime. iLove the lights, the sounds, the smells... iGot to take in two Broadway shows, which was an incredible experience that iHope to be able to partake in again down the road.

iTook a boat ride out to see the Statue of Liberty up close and personal (she really is beautiful), and to visit Ellis Island. My grandma emigrated to America from Sicily when she was 13; we were able to track down some of the records from her family's arrival into New York. iWas moved -- and thrilled -- to retrace a portion of our history.

New York City


iCame home tired; we enjoyed a slow nothing-day today to "recover". iRealize how quickly my time in the States -- at home -- is coming to a close. iWant to take in each moment. This past week was filled (overflowing) with so many memories that iWill hold in my heart forever.

iAm blessed with an unbeatable husband, an incredible family, and wonderful friends. iCouldn't ask for anything more.