If you've read my book you'll have a greater understanding of this (and if you haven't you can always order it from www.kimfenneman.com!), but I always get asked when I'm at the nail salon "where are you from?" Always. Never fails. If you read my post a couple days a go, the last time I went to get a pedicure it took two girls 5 guesses before they got it right...usually it only takes three: Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
Yesterday, my mom went to get her nails done (without me, so no visual influence on what they asked her next) and the girl doing her pedicure asked her if she was part Asian! WHAT?!?! Are you serious?! Really?!?! Nooooo, come on! Apparently there's a first for everything, but this is definitely a first for my mom...especially without me there sitting next to her! If anyone knows or has seen my mom she definitely has no Asian features. She's part German, maybe a little Irish and a little Indian. Again, what?????? All I can say is "wow, I didn't see that one coming!"
Mom's reasoning was maybe since she's getting older the wrinkles around her eyes are making them narrower. Haha! I guess to some extent I thought I'd 'heard them all'...meaning silly/ignorant/uneducated questions about being adopted...but this one was directed at mom without me even being there! Ironic? Coincidence? Crazy. Ok, crazy sounds about right.
Oh, just wait for my next nail salon visit....what crazy questions will I and/or my mom get next? Stay tuned.....
Blessings to you on these 'crazy' last few days of July! Stay safe in all this crazy summer weather!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Letting My Light Shine!
This past week I spoke to a group of adoption professionals during one of their monthly meetings. All of the ladies there were either part of an adoption organization or worked independently through support organizations. I had reached out to one of the member's organization and she invited me to come speak at one of their meetings.
This was really the first presentation I had done to a group of people...and for it to be a group of adoption professionals was a little intimidating (in my head leading up to the presentation at least). But, it all went really well! I told them about my adoption experience and about growing up, and finally about writing the book. They were very receptive to my story, had good questions and provided great feedback! Each one of them really enjoyed and appreciated my story and thought I had a really positive message to share with others. It was exactly the feedback I was hoping for...and needed! They bought several books and each one was going to share my story/information to their colleagues and clients. What more could I ask for?!
I left there feeling full of gratitude! Full of gratitude for how receptive they were to my story and how intrigued they were to hear such an uplifting and positive story. Normally when they are talking to prospective adoptive parents they are relaying all the contingencies and things they need to be aware of and prepared for throughout their adoption journey. They are guiding parents through the process and trying to prepare them for any scenario...because as I've said before each adoption is different, each adoptee is different and each environment/situation is different. No adoption is the same. So, I was glad to provide such a shift in perspective so that they and others could see a hopeful and happy example of what it could be like.
Walking into that presentation I had told myself to just 'shine my light brightly' and that's exactly what I did! And, they received it warmly! Hopefully my light will reach far and wide and make a difference in some one's life....big or small. My small contribution...sharing my story...providing hope, understanding and insight into adoption. Shining MY light with others and hopefully showing others it's OK to shine their light, too!!
Blessings to you in this last week of July! Where has the summer gone?
This was really the first presentation I had done to a group of people...and for it to be a group of adoption professionals was a little intimidating (in my head leading up to the presentation at least). But, it all went really well! I told them about my adoption experience and about growing up, and finally about writing the book. They were very receptive to my story, had good questions and provided great feedback! Each one of them really enjoyed and appreciated my story and thought I had a really positive message to share with others. It was exactly the feedback I was hoping for...and needed! They bought several books and each one was going to share my story/information to their colleagues and clients. What more could I ask for?!
I left there feeling full of gratitude! Full of gratitude for how receptive they were to my story and how intrigued they were to hear such an uplifting and positive story. Normally when they are talking to prospective adoptive parents they are relaying all the contingencies and things they need to be aware of and prepared for throughout their adoption journey. They are guiding parents through the process and trying to prepare them for any scenario...because as I've said before each adoption is different, each adoptee is different and each environment/situation is different. No adoption is the same. So, I was glad to provide such a shift in perspective so that they and others could see a hopeful and happy example of what it could be like.
Walking into that presentation I had told myself to just 'shine my light brightly' and that's exactly what I did! And, they received it warmly! Hopefully my light will reach far and wide and make a difference in some one's life....big or small. My small contribution...sharing my story...providing hope, understanding and insight into adoption. Shining MY light with others and hopefully showing others it's OK to shine their light, too!!
Blessings to you in this last week of July! Where has the summer gone?
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Guessing Game
I was recently at the nail salon getting a pedicure before my latest California trip and as usual halfway into the session, my (Asian) nail technician asked if I was Vietnamese. I told her "no". The (Asian) nail technician working on the lady's feet next to us chimed in and said "Chinese". I said "no". The two went back and forth guessing...."Japanese, Filipino, Taiwanese". "Nope" as I kept shaking my head no to each new guess. Wow, this is the longest it's ever taken them to guess (at the nail salon). It's usually takes them 3 guesses to get it right. I write about this in my book, so for those of you who have read it will know my previous history at the nail salons. For those who haven't read my book yet, get yours today at www.kimfenneman.com!
When they finally guessed Korean, my nail technician said "say something in Korean", but she wasn't totally looking at me, so I didn't say anything....mainly because I don't know that many words and also because I'm sure I don't pronounce the ones I do know correctly! She was kind of looking at the nail technician next to her, so I just let them giggle it out a bit. Oh geez. Then my technician asked how long I had lived in the U.S. I told her over 30 years. She looked up at me surprised as she couldn't believe I was over 30 years old. Aww, thank you...all is forgiven now. Ha!
At least I have the "you look younger than you really are" going for me! But, another guessing game at the salon in the books. It's always something I know is coming....just another part of the regular routine. Is it part of yours?
Have a blessed week as the end of July is upon us. Stay cool out there and enjoy your summer vacations!
When they finally guessed Korean, my nail technician said "say something in Korean", but she wasn't totally looking at me, so I didn't say anything....mainly because I don't know that many words and also because I'm sure I don't pronounce the ones I do know correctly! She was kind of looking at the nail technician next to her, so I just let them giggle it out a bit. Oh geez. Then my technician asked how long I had lived in the U.S. I told her over 30 years. She looked up at me surprised as she couldn't believe I was over 30 years old. Aww, thank you...all is forgiven now. Ha!
At least I have the "you look younger than you really are" going for me! But, another guessing game at the salon in the books. It's always something I know is coming....just another part of the regular routine. Is it part of yours?
Have a blessed week as the end of July is upon us. Stay cool out there and enjoy your summer vacations!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Looking Back...
This past week I had to travel back to California for another work trip. I would be near the area where my sister and I lived when we moved out to California in the late '90s. Once I got to the hotel, I knew I was only a couple of exits down from where we used to live. So, I was ready to get all my work duties out of the way so I could go explore the old neighborhood.
After everything was over on Thursday afternoon, I drove down a couple of exits hoping I could remember which one we used to live off of. I guessed right, but wasn't quite sure where our apartments were so I just drove down the street to where my old office was. That whole stretch between Hwy 101 and 280 had changed a lot since we lived there 14 years ago! It really doesn't seem like that long ago, but a lot had changed...but some things were still there. I remember telling my parents when they came to visit that if they wanted to build any new buildings there they'd have to tear down the old because there wasn't any open land to build on. And that's exactly what they did! There were so many new office buildings, apartments complexes and retail stores along that single road that I wondered what else had been built around town. I didn't have time to check out other areas, so I just stayed on that one road to see all the changes. It was great to see the progress and the growth there. I wondered about other areas that we used to frequent while we lived there, but it would have to wait for another trip out to check out. However, while driving around the area and down the highways I did recognize all the street names that I had forgotten about. A lot of good memories of just exploring that area while we lived there and now to come back after so many years...it was a good trip to remember our time out there.
So, as I was sitting at the airport waiting for my 6 am flight back home I posted a Happy Birthday on my childhood best friend's Facebook page. As I was typing it it hit me that today was July 18. July 18...the day our farm house in Iowa burned down 31 years ago. It all came flooding back. It always seems like yesterday that it happened. It threw me off a bit realizing the date, but I had thought about it in the weeks leading up to it. I just forgot about it on the actual date for a minute. Then, all the remembering and "what if's" always set in on the anniversary of that tragic day. And now I had 3 hours to think about it on the plane ride home. Although I didn't spend the whole time thinking about it I definitely remembered all the good times, as well. Those were some of the happiest times of my life.
As I was driving home from the airport I called my mom to let her know I had made it back safely. I asked her if she remembered what the date was and she didn't know. So, as we talked about that day, the house, the memories and the aftermath that followed it was a heart-warming, sad and grateful moment. I told her sitting in the airport that I didn't want to call what happened 'destiny', but struggled to find the right word. Fate, maybe? But, I did know that everything that's happened since that fateful day that I wouldn't be where I am right now if that had not happened...and at that moment I was sitting in an airport in California. I made me pause for a second.
The big things in life definitely can change the trajectory of our lives, but it's when you look back after so many years that you can see the path you've been on...all the twists and turns, the ups and downs and make a little bit better sense out of why those things happened. Sometimes it doesn't make sense and may never make sense, but sometimes you can look back with vibrant clarity that it brings a sense of peace and calm into where you've been and where you're headed. So, as I continue to look back and remember...I look back with gratitude, disappointment, understanding, peace and calm in my heart...knowing that God has led me through this journey with grace, mercy and love.
May God continue to bless your path ahead...and may you enjoy the journey!
After everything was over on Thursday afternoon, I drove down a couple of exits hoping I could remember which one we used to live off of. I guessed right, but wasn't quite sure where our apartments were so I just drove down the street to where my old office was. That whole stretch between Hwy 101 and 280 had changed a lot since we lived there 14 years ago! It really doesn't seem like that long ago, but a lot had changed...but some things were still there. I remember telling my parents when they came to visit that if they wanted to build any new buildings there they'd have to tear down the old because there wasn't any open land to build on. And that's exactly what they did! There were so many new office buildings, apartments complexes and retail stores along that single road that I wondered what else had been built around town. I didn't have time to check out other areas, so I just stayed on that one road to see all the changes. It was great to see the progress and the growth there. I wondered about other areas that we used to frequent while we lived there, but it would have to wait for another trip out to check out. However, while driving around the area and down the highways I did recognize all the street names that I had forgotten about. A lot of good memories of just exploring that area while we lived there and now to come back after so many years...it was a good trip to remember our time out there.
So, as I was sitting at the airport waiting for my 6 am flight back home I posted a Happy Birthday on my childhood best friend's Facebook page. As I was typing it it hit me that today was July 18. July 18...the day our farm house in Iowa burned down 31 years ago. It all came flooding back. It always seems like yesterday that it happened. It threw me off a bit realizing the date, but I had thought about it in the weeks leading up to it. I just forgot about it on the actual date for a minute. Then, all the remembering and "what if's" always set in on the anniversary of that tragic day. And now I had 3 hours to think about it on the plane ride home. Although I didn't spend the whole time thinking about it I definitely remembered all the good times, as well. Those were some of the happiest times of my life.
As I was driving home from the airport I called my mom to let her know I had made it back safely. I asked her if she remembered what the date was and she didn't know. So, as we talked about that day, the house, the memories and the aftermath that followed it was a heart-warming, sad and grateful moment. I told her sitting in the airport that I didn't want to call what happened 'destiny', but struggled to find the right word. Fate, maybe? But, I did know that everything that's happened since that fateful day that I wouldn't be where I am right now if that had not happened...and at that moment I was sitting in an airport in California. I made me pause for a second.
The big things in life definitely can change the trajectory of our lives, but it's when you look back after so many years that you can see the path you've been on...all the twists and turns, the ups and downs and make a little bit better sense out of why those things happened. Sometimes it doesn't make sense and may never make sense, but sometimes you can look back with vibrant clarity that it brings a sense of peace and calm into where you've been and where you're headed. So, as I continue to look back and remember...I look back with gratitude, disappointment, understanding, peace and calm in my heart...knowing that God has led me through this journey with grace, mercy and love.
May God continue to bless your path ahead...and may you enjoy the journey!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Cold Front in July!!
It's rare...extremely rare, but we've gotten a very nice (and rain producing) cold front this week in Texas! Go figure?! In the middle of July when it should be 100 degrees...and it has been...to get some relief and enjoy some much, much cooler temps. How wonderful!
The weather has been an unpredictable thing for many years, but this past year it seems to be even more so. The harsh winter in the north, the tornadoes spawning in normally tornado-free areas and the drought. Weather can be harsh or overly extreme, but when it's perfect...it's perfect and there's no other day like it. Although we wish for that kind of weather year-round, the change in seasons goes with the changes in our lives. Yes, they are the seasons of our lives and they are attached in our memories like hot chocolate is in front of fire places or beach towels laid out on beaches near the ocean. It's part of our daily experiences.
So, wherever you are right now I hope the weather is perfect for you...and if not, just wait...it'll change tomorrow! Blessings to you the rest of this week!
The weather has been an unpredictable thing for many years, but this past year it seems to be even more so. The harsh winter in the north, the tornadoes spawning in normally tornado-free areas and the drought. Weather can be harsh or overly extreme, but when it's perfect...it's perfect and there's no other day like it. Although we wish for that kind of weather year-round, the change in seasons goes with the changes in our lives. Yes, they are the seasons of our lives and they are attached in our memories like hot chocolate is in front of fire places or beach towels laid out on beaches near the ocean. It's part of our daily experiences.
So, wherever you are right now I hope the weather is perfect for you...and if not, just wait...it'll change tomorrow! Blessings to you the rest of this week!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Old "Stomping" Grounds
This past week I traveled to Napa Valley for a work meeting. Yes, I know...horrible work location! ;-) I had not been up to Napa since I moved from South Bay back in 2000....14 years ago! How was that possible?! As I landed and got to my rental car, I realized how long it had been and was astonished. It didn't seem that long ago, but as I drove 2 hours (due to traffic) up to Napa I looked around to see what I could remember from when I had driven the route years before. There's only a little bit that I could remember...the rest seemed all new to me.
Going up to Napa I knew there would be great food and of course, great wine, but I also forgot how wonderful the weather was and how lovely it was up there. I was actually a little chilly when I landed in SFO since we'd been experiencing near 100 degree weather in Texas. So, the weather was a welcome change. I wish I could bottle it up along with a mountain and transplant them in Texas. Ahhh, now that would be perfect!
It was a great work trip with some good meetings and yes, great food and wine! And, as I drove back to SFO to fly back home I enjoyed the scenic drive back over the Bay Bridge and realized how fortunate I had been to have lived in the area for the time I did. It was a risk and a new adventure I wanted and needed to make at that time in my life. It was a great experience and I grew so much living there. I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted in life and what I didn't want (at that time). I took the leap...took a new job...moved halfway across the country...and had a great adventure!
I hope whatever new opportunities come your way, whether it's an easy decision or a hard one...that you take a leap of faith and do what you know is right in your heart. Listen to your heart and seek out a new adventure...big or small. So, blessings for you this week that you may make those decisions with conviction and confidence!
Going up to Napa I knew there would be great food and of course, great wine, but I also forgot how wonderful the weather was and how lovely it was up there. I was actually a little chilly when I landed in SFO since we'd been experiencing near 100 degree weather in Texas. So, the weather was a welcome change. I wish I could bottle it up along with a mountain and transplant them in Texas. Ahhh, now that would be perfect!
It was a great work trip with some good meetings and yes, great food and wine! And, as I drove back to SFO to fly back home I enjoyed the scenic drive back over the Bay Bridge and realized how fortunate I had been to have lived in the area for the time I did. It was a risk and a new adventure I wanted and needed to make at that time in my life. It was a great experience and I grew so much living there. I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted in life and what I didn't want (at that time). I took the leap...took a new job...moved halfway across the country...and had a great adventure!
I hope whatever new opportunities come your way, whether it's an easy decision or a hard one...that you take a leap of faith and do what you know is right in your heart. Listen to your heart and seek out a new adventure...big or small. So, blessings for you this week that you may make those decisions with conviction and confidence!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Spread the Word
If you've already purchased my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side and enjoyed it, please spread the word! Tell your friends, family, co-workers, church members, etc. about it. Please try to spread the word by telling at least 3 people this week!
If you haven't purchased my book yet, what are you waiting for?! Buy it today!
If you are new to my blog and just hearing about my book, please visit my website for more information.
You can purchase my book or get more information at www.kimfenneman.com!
Thank you for ALL your support...and for spreading the word!! Blessings to you the rest of this week!
If you haven't purchased my book yet, what are you waiting for?! Buy it today!
If you are new to my blog and just hearing about my book, please visit my website for more information.
You can purchase my book or get more information at www.kimfenneman.com!
Thank you for ALL your support...and for spreading the word!! Blessings to you the rest of this week!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Summer Freshness
Last week I reaped the benefits of all my dad's hard work in his garden by taking home a butternut squash, an acorn squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, several zucchinis and cucumbers, as well as tomatoes, onions, green peppers and sweet corn!! I also had a butternut squash from my garden along with some green beans. My garden always does well growing green beans!
So, I had a bountiful of fresh veggies to last me a couple weeks....however, I'll be traveling this week and didn't want all my goodies to go to waste so I did a ton of freezing this weekend. I made a zucchini lasagna and froze it. I froze some strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. And, I froze some butternut squash and some sweet corn. I love fresh goodness from the garden and my dad works so hard on his every year just so we can all enjoy it. The bad thing is that it's so fresh it goes bad fairly quickly so you either have to eat it right away or freeze it. But, it's all so clean (organic) and yummy!!
Plus, I've just rediscovered my love for cherries. We use to have a cherry tree on the farm and I remember picking them right off the tree and eating them! SO good! But, I haven't had the urge for them until recently where I saw some beautiful organic cherries at Whole Foods...they were like candy...so sweet! So, for the past week I've been on a cherry kick. My mom just made a cherry cobbler for a family dinner tonight and it was delicious!
So, I hope you are enjoying the bounties of your own harvest or of your local farmers (from farmers markets nearby) and serving up fresh and flavorful dishes this summer! There's a lot of yummy goodness out there so eat up! Blessings to you this week (after a long holiday weekend)!
So, I had a bountiful of fresh veggies to last me a couple weeks....however, I'll be traveling this week and didn't want all my goodies to go to waste so I did a ton of freezing this weekend. I made a zucchini lasagna and froze it. I froze some strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. And, I froze some butternut squash and some sweet corn. I love fresh goodness from the garden and my dad works so hard on his every year just so we can all enjoy it. The bad thing is that it's so fresh it goes bad fairly quickly so you either have to eat it right away or freeze it. But, it's all so clean (organic) and yummy!!
Plus, I've just rediscovered my love for cherries. We use to have a cherry tree on the farm and I remember picking them right off the tree and eating them! SO good! But, I haven't had the urge for them until recently where I saw some beautiful organic cherries at Whole Foods...they were like candy...so sweet! So, for the past week I've been on a cherry kick. My mom just made a cherry cobbler for a family dinner tonight and it was delicious!
So, I hope you are enjoying the bounties of your own harvest or of your local farmers (from farmers markets nearby) and serving up fresh and flavorful dishes this summer! There's a lot of yummy goodness out there so eat up! Blessings to you this week (after a long holiday weekend)!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Happy 4th of July!!
Happy 4th of July (a couple days early)!! I think most people will be starting their long holiday weekend after tomorrow, so enjoy your time with friends and family and please be safe wherever you are!
I still can't believe it's already July! Where has the time gone? Although we can't get the time back that has already passed, we can only look ahead to the future and what we can accomplish in the time we have ahead. What will I get done? Right now I have no idea....I need to spend some quiet time deliberating about it. One thing I do know....sell more books!!! What will you get done? What's on your list?
As July 4th approaches and we all celebrate with BBQ's, fun on the beach or at the lake, and with fireworks...may we all remember all the heroes that have come before us to make this country so great! May we remember and appreciate each and every freedom we take for granted each and every day and the men and women who so bravely fight to defend those freedoms. May we find ways to serve others in our communities and may we look for ways to make a difference in just one person's life each day....a smile in passing, holding the door open for the next person, paying for someone's coffee, etc. It's those random acts of kindness that can change someone's life (at least for a moment or that day) and that shows your true spirit. Respect one another and show kindness to others...that's my wish for us all. After watching the World Cup games over the past week or so, it's so great to see the support of fans from every country passionately cheering their teams on...to defeat and glory. And even though the U.S. lost yesterday, it still stings a bit today...but, we were all proud of Tim Howard's unbelievable saves, heart and determination. That's what being an American is all about....never giving up, fighting until the end, true belief in good, the will of a champion (even in defeat) and having pride in the red, white and blue!!! Go USA! Happy Birthday!! Have a blessed 4th!!!
I still can't believe it's already July! Where has the time gone? Although we can't get the time back that has already passed, we can only look ahead to the future and what we can accomplish in the time we have ahead. What will I get done? Right now I have no idea....I need to spend some quiet time deliberating about it. One thing I do know....sell more books!!! What will you get done? What's on your list?
As July 4th approaches and we all celebrate with BBQ's, fun on the beach or at the lake, and with fireworks...may we all remember all the heroes that have come before us to make this country so great! May we remember and appreciate each and every freedom we take for granted each and every day and the men and women who so bravely fight to defend those freedoms. May we find ways to serve others in our communities and may we look for ways to make a difference in just one person's life each day....a smile in passing, holding the door open for the next person, paying for someone's coffee, etc. It's those random acts of kindness that can change someone's life (at least for a moment or that day) and that shows your true spirit. Respect one another and show kindness to others...that's my wish for us all. After watching the World Cup games over the past week or so, it's so great to see the support of fans from every country passionately cheering their teams on...to defeat and glory. And even though the U.S. lost yesterday, it still stings a bit today...but, we were all proud of Tim Howard's unbelievable saves, heart and determination. That's what being an American is all about....never giving up, fighting until the end, true belief in good, the will of a champion (even in defeat) and having pride in the red, white and blue!!! Go USA! Happy Birthday!! Have a blessed 4th!!!
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