The last day of 2014 is upon us....where did the year go?! This year seemed to fly by...or at least looking back it did. It reminds me of how short life really is and how fleeting it can all be. In the end, it's the end of another year, another chapter of our lives, and another year to look back on.
So, however you celebrate the beginning of a new year I hope you take some time to reflect on the past one...your accomplishments, your failures, your enlightenment's, your relationships, your passions, and your on-going self discovery. May the lessons and the experiences of the last year propel you into the new year with hope, determination, faith, conviction, and inspiration!
Please have a safe and healthy New Year's Eve (as you celebrate around the world) and may you have a blessed, joyful and prosperous New Year!!!
Thank you for sharing my current journey of self-discovery, new opportunities and mindful presence in this thing we call 'life'! Enjoy yours!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Winding Down the Holiday Season...
We had our annual Christmas family get-together with my aunt and her family that live nearby. They are the only extended family that live in Texas, so it's nice to get together for holidays and special occasions. I always host (except for 1 year) the celebration at my house. So, I've been preparing and prepping for a couple weeks leading up to today. It's the planner in me!
Of course, everything went well and everyone had a good time and filled their bellies with sugary delights! That's what the holidays are for, right?! It's always a blessing to get-together every year with our health, good fortunes and holiday spirit that lends to new memories made for each one of us...young and old. Remembering and sharing stories from our youth with the kiddos today and passing down memories and traditions is special and heart-warming. Those are the times that remind you of your youth and all the happy memories shared during the holidays...and makes you miss those times and the rest of your extended family who you don't see as often anymore. The holidays are a wonderful and magical time...and being able to share it with family is the best part!
So, as the holidays wind down and a new year approaches quickly, let us cherish the wonderful holiday memories made and prepare for a brighter new year full of endless possibilities! May you reflect on this year full of blessings, renewal, and perseverance, and look ahead into the new year full of faith, hope and respect for your fellow man. May we all be a face of peace and understanding towards one another in 2015! Blessings to you and yours as we end another year!
Of course, everything went well and everyone had a good time and filled their bellies with sugary delights! That's what the holidays are for, right?! It's always a blessing to get-together every year with our health, good fortunes and holiday spirit that lends to new memories made for each one of us...young and old. Remembering and sharing stories from our youth with the kiddos today and passing down memories and traditions is special and heart-warming. Those are the times that remind you of your youth and all the happy memories shared during the holidays...and makes you miss those times and the rest of your extended family who you don't see as often anymore. The holidays are a wonderful and magical time...and being able to share it with family is the best part!
So, as the holidays wind down and a new year approaches quickly, let us cherish the wonderful holiday memories made and prepare for a brighter new year full of endless possibilities! May you reflect on this year full of blessings, renewal, and perseverance, and look ahead into the new year full of faith, hope and respect for your fellow man. May we all be a face of peace and understanding towards one another in 2015! Blessings to you and yours as we end another year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas!
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!! May you have a joyful, safe and healthy day! Enjoy old and new family traditions that bring warm and loving memories year after year! May the glory of Jesus' birth shine a light in your life today and everyday!
Blessings to you on this Christmas Eve and tomorrow as you gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas Day!!
Blessings to you on this Christmas Eve and tomorrow as you gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas Day!!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Christmas Week!
Christmas is nearly here! How did that happen?! I can't believe Christmas is only a few days away and the start of another new year is little over a week away! Wow. Where did this year go?
I'm grateful to be off from work over the holidays so I can enjoy the festivities, family, food, friends and some down time. There is down time during the holidays, right? Well regardless, I'm looking forward to new Christmas memories with all of the nieces and nephews and enjoying their shiny, happy faces. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? The innocence of childhood, the wonder, the excitement, the belief and the joy?!
As Christmas approaches, I hope you take in all the merriment around you, feel the grace of God touch your heart and share your blessings with others. It's the season of wonder and delight! I wish you all a very safe, happy, and healthy Christmas week ahead!
Merry Christmas!!! And, blessings for a beautiful Christmas week!
I'm grateful to be off from work over the holidays so I can enjoy the festivities, family, food, friends and some down time. There is down time during the holidays, right? Well regardless, I'm looking forward to new Christmas memories with all of the nieces and nephews and enjoying their shiny, happy faces. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? The innocence of childhood, the wonder, the excitement, the belief and the joy?!
As Christmas approaches, I hope you take in all the merriment around you, feel the grace of God touch your heart and share your blessings with others. It's the season of wonder and delight! I wish you all a very safe, happy, and healthy Christmas week ahead!
Merry Christmas!!! And, blessings for a beautiful Christmas week!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Countdown to Christmas!
Christmas is almost here! I can't believe it's next week already? Where did this year go? I finally found myself singing to the Christmas carols on the radio this morning. I've been hearing them, of course, for the past several weeks but finally busted out and sang along in my car this morning!
And, I guess it was inevitable that the lights would go out on my outside little Christmas trees that I put on each side of my door...actually, the bottom lights on both trees work, it's just the top part of the tree that has it's lights out. Go figure. So, how do you tell which light bulb has burned out? Any quick, magical tricks?
Otherwise, I'm all ready to go! Finally got the rest of the house decorated last weekend and really bought a lot of new things this year. As I mentioned in a previous post, I bought a new, simple tree that I didn't have to decorate, so I went for the simple, natural feel this year. I only got out about 1/3 of my Christmas decorations, but it looks good and not overdone. I think I needed a change-up in my decor this year and it's nice to have different colors and different decorations to play with! Besides, I'll be taking them down in about 10 days, so simple clean-up sounds good to me too! ;-)
And, as the end of the year approaches, I've found myself reflecting a lot on this year over the past week or so. The good, the bad, the to-do's, the 'check-that-off-the-list', the new experiences, the sad losses, and the new hope for tomorrow and the new year! I hope the next week brings you and your family much joy and peace as you celebrate the greatest gift we all have and ever will receive and that's Jesus Christ! May HIS grace, mercy, love and light shine on us each day...today, tomorrow and throughout the new year!! Blessings to you and your family during this Christmas season!
And, I guess it was inevitable that the lights would go out on my outside little Christmas trees that I put on each side of my door...actually, the bottom lights on both trees work, it's just the top part of the tree that has it's lights out. Go figure. So, how do you tell which light bulb has burned out? Any quick, magical tricks?
Otherwise, I'm all ready to go! Finally got the rest of the house decorated last weekend and really bought a lot of new things this year. As I mentioned in a previous post, I bought a new, simple tree that I didn't have to decorate, so I went for the simple, natural feel this year. I only got out about 1/3 of my Christmas decorations, but it looks good and not overdone. I think I needed a change-up in my decor this year and it's nice to have different colors and different decorations to play with! Besides, I'll be taking them down in about 10 days, so simple clean-up sounds good to me too! ;-)
And, as the end of the year approaches, I've found myself reflecting a lot on this year over the past week or so. The good, the bad, the to-do's, the 'check-that-off-the-list', the new experiences, the sad losses, and the new hope for tomorrow and the new year! I hope the next week brings you and your family much joy and peace as you celebrate the greatest gift we all have and ever will receive and that's Jesus Christ! May HIS grace, mercy, love and light shine on us each day...today, tomorrow and throughout the new year!! Blessings to you and your family during this Christmas season!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Don't Forget!
Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! If you're still looking for that special gift or a last minute gift for someone, don't forget you can order my book Corn-fed with Rice on the Side on my website at www.kimfenneman.com! Order today!!
Hope you are enjoying all the holiday joy and festivities wherever you may be! Blessings to you and yours this holiday season!!
Hope you are enjoying all the holiday joy and festivities wherever you may be! Blessings to you and yours this holiday season!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Another First (Con't).....
A couple weeks ago I wrote about a recent trip to the nail salon with my mom. The girl doing my fingernails actually asked me if I was Asian!?!? Huh?! Are you serious?!
I forgot to mention one other thing that sort of surprised me and yes, was another first for me during our trip to get our nails done. The girl working on my toenails actually guessed that I was Korean. I asked her how she knew and was expecting her to say either "I just did" or "It's your cheekbones" BUT instead she said "Your skin is whiter." Huh?! What?! Really? I've never ever heard that before! No one has ever said that to me! My skin is whiter...whiter than what? Most Asians have "porcelain" skin so most people say and that's why you see many Asian dolls with white porcelain looking skin. But, I've never considered my skin to be "white". I've always just heard that my skin has yellow undertones and that affects some of the makeup I should wear or even the palette of colors that I should wear...like, don't actually wear yellow!
After she made that statement I didn't know what to say. It just sat there in my brain for awhile while I tried to process it. So, I didn't say anything in response. Plus, when I get those types of statements or questions (especially from other Asians), I don't ever turn to the person I'm with and start questioning or commenting on how obnoxious or rude they are, and most of the time I don't take it as rude or insulting. I take it with a grain of salt and am confident in my own self to laugh it off. That person just doesn't get it and has no understanding of who I am or where I came from. So, I just looked at my mom and smiled. And then after we left and got into the car we talked about it! Did you hear that? Did you hear what they asked me? Did you hear how she knew I was Korean?
We all learn something new everyday...or at least I hope that we do. That's what each day's journey is all about. Learning and growing into the person that you want to become. It's a lifelong process and some days our eyes get opened to new perspectives and new understandings. So, while we're in the middle of the holiday chaos and cheer, let us take a moment to see something in a new light or learn something new...each and every day! Blessings to you this week of holiday madness! May you find peace or a little quiet time to reflect on your day and soak in what you've learned today, tomorrow and the next day.
I forgot to mention one other thing that sort of surprised me and yes, was another first for me during our trip to get our nails done. The girl working on my toenails actually guessed that I was Korean. I asked her how she knew and was expecting her to say either "I just did" or "It's your cheekbones" BUT instead she said "Your skin is whiter." Huh?! What?! Really? I've never ever heard that before! No one has ever said that to me! My skin is whiter...whiter than what? Most Asians have "porcelain" skin so most people say and that's why you see many Asian dolls with white porcelain looking skin. But, I've never considered my skin to be "white". I've always just heard that my skin has yellow undertones and that affects some of the makeup I should wear or even the palette of colors that I should wear...like, don't actually wear yellow!
After she made that statement I didn't know what to say. It just sat there in my brain for awhile while I tried to process it. So, I didn't say anything in response. Plus, when I get those types of statements or questions (especially from other Asians), I don't ever turn to the person I'm with and start questioning or commenting on how obnoxious or rude they are, and most of the time I don't take it as rude or insulting. I take it with a grain of salt and am confident in my own self to laugh it off. That person just doesn't get it and has no understanding of who I am or where I came from. So, I just looked at my mom and smiled. And then after we left and got into the car we talked about it! Did you hear that? Did you hear what they asked me? Did you hear how she knew I was Korean?
We all learn something new everyday...or at least I hope that we do. That's what each day's journey is all about. Learning and growing into the person that you want to become. It's a lifelong process and some days our eyes get opened to new perspectives and new understandings. So, while we're in the middle of the holiday chaos and cheer, let us take a moment to see something in a new light or learn something new...each and every day! Blessings to you this week of holiday madness! May you find peace or a little quiet time to reflect on your day and soak in what you've learned today, tomorrow and the next day.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Gettin' my Christmas On...Finally!
Ok, I'm finally getting some Christmas decorations up in my house! Yes, it's December 7th and I'm just now putting up my Christmas tree. I wanted to do something different this year, so it took me a little while to figure out what I wanted to do. Originally I was either going to put up my tree or just decorate the house, but not both. I know, I know...where's my holiday spirit?! Well, this year I wasn't in the mood to drag in my huge tree piece by piece, put it up and then carefully decorate it as I do every year. I wanted something simple, something pretty, more natural looking (as far as decor) and something quick! So, I found the perfect tree at a local craft store that's 5' with flocking, pine cones, berries and ice chips on it...tada! Done decorating the tree! Perfect! Just what I was looking for!
So, I just got that up and finicky me I wrapped a big box with a bow that matches the natural tones of the tree and put the tree on top of the box to give it some height. Then I had to buy new wrapping paper instead of what I was planning on using this year, because it didn't match the color scheme of my new tree...which is basic red, green and white. With my other tree my colors are purple, aqua blue and silver...and my wrapping paper has to match my color scheme...always...and the bows! I know, crazy, but it's a matter of aesthetic and color flow that is coordinated around the house.
Most of my presents are all wrapped and purposefully placed under the tree so it all coordinates with eye pleasing wonder! New colors, new tree...delightful!! Yes, I still need to pull out the 5-6 storage bins of Christmas decorations to finish decorating the house, but it'll have to wait another day or two. I didn't get a lot done the last couple days because I've been busy with other activities...so again, I feel behind, but I'll get there before our big family holiday celebration at my house in a couple weeks. How are you doing with your Christmas decorating?
Always so much to do and so little time! But, I love sitting in the dark in my living room with just the Christmas tree lights on! Joyful!!! Peaceful!!! Christmastime!!!
No matter if you've finished decorating or just begun, enjoy all the wonder and magic of the season in all the Christmas activities you do this holly jolly season! Take time to enjoy it instead of it just being one of your to-do's on your to-do list. Jesus is the reason for the season, so remind yourself or find out what that truly means to you in your life at this time in your life. May you find many holiday blessings in your week ahead! Cheers!!
So, I just got that up and finicky me I wrapped a big box with a bow that matches the natural tones of the tree and put the tree on top of the box to give it some height. Then I had to buy new wrapping paper instead of what I was planning on using this year, because it didn't match the color scheme of my new tree...which is basic red, green and white. With my other tree my colors are purple, aqua blue and silver...and my wrapping paper has to match my color scheme...always...and the bows! I know, crazy, but it's a matter of aesthetic and color flow that is coordinated around the house.
Most of my presents are all wrapped and purposefully placed under the tree so it all coordinates with eye pleasing wonder! New colors, new tree...delightful!! Yes, I still need to pull out the 5-6 storage bins of Christmas decorations to finish decorating the house, but it'll have to wait another day or two. I didn't get a lot done the last couple days because I've been busy with other activities...so again, I feel behind, but I'll get there before our big family holiday celebration at my house in a couple weeks. How are you doing with your Christmas decorating?
Always so much to do and so little time! But, I love sitting in the dark in my living room with just the Christmas tree lights on! Joyful!!! Peaceful!!! Christmastime!!!
No matter if you've finished decorating or just begun, enjoy all the wonder and magic of the season in all the Christmas activities you do this holly jolly season! Take time to enjoy it instead of it just being one of your to-do's on your to-do list. Jesus is the reason for the season, so remind yourself or find out what that truly means to you in your life at this time in your life. May you find many holiday blessings in your week ahead! Cheers!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Another First...
Before our NYC trip a couple weeks ago, my mom and I went to the nail salon to get a manicure and pedicure...of course! If you've read my book or some previous posts you know the typical conversation that always occurs while I'm there..."where are you from?" That usually starts off the conversation. Well, during this trip another first occurred...one that I didn't expect!
As we were sitting there chatting and somewhat relaxing the girls working on our feet and hands were chatting...of course in "that other language". Oddly though, for the first time ever the girl working on my feet translated for us. I didn't ask her to or even give her an inquisitive look..she just looked up every now and again and told us what they were saying. Extremely interesting! Then the young girl working on my fingernails asked me if I was Asian!?!? Huh?? Don't I look Asian? What other race would I be? Maybe that's not the question she meant to ask me, but it was definitely a first!!! Am I Asian?!?! What??? It was probably the funniest and most obvious question ever! I'm not sure I'll ever get that one again...but then again, you never know!
Sometimes you think you've heard them all...until, you haven't and someone shocks you...again. I don't necessarily see myself as Asian as I look at myself in the mirror everyday, but I do see my Asian features. Does that make sense? I see me...not all of the time, but most of the time. And yes, I wish I had more tips and tricks for Asian skin, hair, etc, but that's what magazines and blogs are for, right?
Sometimes the most routine things in life throw us the most random and head-scratching questions/comments/thoughts...and that's what keeps life interesting! It's that curiosity, that understanding and learning that continues to happen day to day. So, as you go through your daily routines and cross paths with the same individuals every day (at the grocery store, gas station, dry cleaners, bakery, school, work, etc) appreciate the routine, but also revel in "firsts" or the unexpected. May blessings fill your week with curiosity, knowledge and compassion!
As we were sitting there chatting and somewhat relaxing the girls working on our feet and hands were chatting...of course in "that other language". Oddly though, for the first time ever the girl working on my feet translated for us. I didn't ask her to or even give her an inquisitive look..she just looked up every now and again and told us what they were saying. Extremely interesting! Then the young girl working on my fingernails asked me if I was Asian!?!? Huh?? Don't I look Asian? What other race would I be? Maybe that's not the question she meant to ask me, but it was definitely a first!!! Am I Asian?!?! What??? It was probably the funniest and most obvious question ever! I'm not sure I'll ever get that one again...but then again, you never know!
Sometimes you think you've heard them all...until, you haven't and someone shocks you...again. I don't necessarily see myself as Asian as I look at myself in the mirror everyday, but I do see my Asian features. Does that make sense? I see me...not all of the time, but most of the time. And yes, I wish I had more tips and tricks for Asian skin, hair, etc, but that's what magazines and blogs are for, right?
Sometimes the most routine things in life throw us the most random and head-scratching questions/comments/thoughts...and that's what keeps life interesting! It's that curiosity, that understanding and learning that continues to happen day to day. So, as you go through your daily routines and cross paths with the same individuals every day (at the grocery store, gas station, dry cleaners, bakery, school, work, etc) appreciate the routine, but also revel in "firsts" or the unexpected. May blessings fill your week with curiosity, knowledge and compassion!
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