Happy New Year's Eve!

Wishing everyone a safe, warm and Happy New Year's Eve!!  Whether you are celebrating with a crowd, braving the bitter cold outside or snuggled up inside watching the ball drop I hope you feel content with another year ending and excited for the new year to come!

I wish you infinite blessings in the new year and may we all lift up our neighbors, give when we can and share our gifts with others so that we might be a light in the world for just one other person!  May God bless you and keep you always!

Winding Down...

It's time to wind down another year...yep, another year has gone by!  It doesn't seem possible, but whether it was a good year or a bad year for you the good news is another new year is upon us.  Another year to start fresh, to make new resolutions, to hope for a better year or to continue recent success, but the good thing about a new year beginning is the hope we all start out the year with in our hearts.  Hope for bigger and better things to come, hope for the new beginning we've been looking for, hope for overcoming fears/addiction/bad relationships, hope for a better sense of self and self love for oneself, and simply just hope for a better tomorrow.

I always see the new year with hope colored glasses.  A new year brings endless possibilities.  A new year is another day, month, year to "get it right" this time...with whatever you've been working/wishing/hoping on.  A new year is a fresh slate.

But, looking back on the year that was always causes me to reflect on the good and the bad.  What I didn't accomplish or let pass by this past year.  What I overcame and did accomplish this past year.  What I didn't do, what I wish I had done, and what I hope I don't do again next year.  What good memories were made, what fun adventures were taken, and coming another step closer to understanding what makes me who I am and who I want to be.

So, however you spend the next few days of 2017...looking forward or back...may your eyes be clear, your heart be open and your mind be focused on what's important to you.  May blessings fill these final days of 2017 with reflection, hope and excitement!!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!  Enjoy this special time with your loved ones, stay safe and be merry!  Wishing you good tidings and joyful blessings this Christmas!

Countdown to Christmas...

The countdown to Christmas Day is on!  There are only a few more days until the best day of the year is here!  Can you feel it?  Are you excited?  Or are you ready to get the holidays over with already?!  It can definitely be a frenetic time of year trying to get everything done, baked, cooked, wrapped and delivered.  So, take a deep breath and just get done what you can each day.  It will all be OK.

I got a nice surprise last night when I received my first book order from Australia!  So, thank you to those around the world that have found me either through this blog, my website or on Amazon!  And, thank you for following this blog on a regular basis.  I hope it's insightful, interesting and a little fun now and again.

Enjoy the next few days leading up to the big day and then just sit back and relax from all your hard work!  It will all be worth it after seeing the joyful and surprised faces from opening your thoughtful gifts, the comforted faces and bellies after all your delicious baking and cooking, and the big hugs you'll receive from grateful family and friends.

May blessings fill your days with a joyful Christmas spirit as we prepare for Jesus' birth!

One Week Until...

There's only 1 more week until Christmas!  It's already here!  Are you ready?  Presents purchased?  Parties attended?  Cookies baked?  Picture with Santa done?  If not, good luck this week!  It'll be a busy one!

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas' past lately.  All the wonderful memories of going to my grandparents house in town with all my cousins, aunts and uncles.  Every year we would all gather, eat my grandma's (and aunt's) delicious foods, laugh and play, and open presents.  And every year along with a group of neighbors, we would go caroling around town...mainly to everyone's grandparents.  All the traditions of the season fill my heart and memories with warmth, love and gratefulness that I grew up in that environment and was able to experience the joy of the season!

Times change, we all grow up and I don't remember the last time our whole family got together for Christmas like the old days.  Obviously it gets harder since both grandparents have passed and everyone has their own families and traditions now.  But, those memories of growing up and celebrating with everyone will last forever.

I'm wishing you and your family many lasting memories and joyful blessings this final Christmas week.  Enjoy the time you spend with one another and may it be a safe and healthy holiday!!

Sweet Tooth

Darn holidays and all the yummy, delicious, sweet treats!  There are just too many goodies out there this time of year to avoid.  Darn it!  Trying to be good and not indulge so much is really hard this time of year.  No wonder the average person gains 8 lbs during the holidays.  It's SO easily done!  From holiday parties, happy hours, to baking cookies and other baked goods to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and lets face it...just a regular day of stress can lead to indulging in all the "bad" stuff.  But, it's ohhh sooo good, too!

Yes, the holidays can be full of cheer and also stress which tends to lead to all the extra eating and I find myself in a bit of a sugar rut.  Ugh.  I'm usually pretty good about cutting out all the sugar and just sticking to lean meats, veggies and fruits, but the holidays are killing me!  My poor stomach, I'm sorry.  I've been pouring in more sugar than you're used to and once you're on the sugar train it's hard to get off it especially when it's the holidays.

So, in one sense I'm ready for the new year so that I can flush out all this sugar and get back to healthy and consistent eating.  But, I guess in the meantime I'm just going to enjoy the sweet treats that come my way!  It's only once a year, right?!

Wishing you blessings full of sweet treats and merriment this holiday season!!

Great Gift to Give

If you're struggling with that last minute gift or a unique gift for someone special, remember you can purchase my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side, at www.kimfenneman.com.  It's a great look into the daily life of an adoptee to help give understanding, perspective and a few laughs, too!  

In the current turbulent social and political climate that we're all in right now (in the States), it's incumbent upon each one of us to see things through someone else's eyes.  We need to listen MORE to one another, understand one another from a different level and have more compassion for one another!!  We can all strive to make our communities, our states and this nation more united than ever before!  We NEED MORE LOVE in our hearts...and we need to SHARE IT with one another!

So, if you're looking for a gift that will enlighten you or others, check out my book!  And, in the meantime, lets spread more love this holiday season!!  Blessings to you and yours this season of giving!!

Cold Front Coming...

As winter arrives, we all keep track of when "the cold front" is arriving.  It's that one "visible" line on the weather map that you can see move through your area and actually feel the difference as it moves through.  It's more predictable than the pop-up rain shower or the rain that the meteorologists miss in their forecasts.  Monday it was in the 80's here in Texas.  It felt way too hot to be December weather!  Yesterday the high was 52 and you could definitely feel the cold front come through!

Yes, a 30 degree temperature drop in less than 24 hours.  That's how it goes sometimes, doesn't it?!  Sometimes things are just moving along as usual and then the rug gets pulled out from under you.  Things can change dramatically in less than 24 hours any time and sometimes we're prepared for it because we have some kind of warning or forecast, but most times it comes completely unexpectedly.  That's life.  We've all been through it...more than once I imagine...and it will continue to be part of our lives as we all go along our own journeys.  It's how we react to those unexpected drops and how we pick ourselves back up that will define those moments.  

Can you look back on some of those moments in your life and appreciate the lesson(s) you learned?  Is it still painful to deal with?  Or have you put the pieces back together and moved on knowing you're a better person because of it?  Either way, life just keeps moving on!  You may have had the worst day ever, but then you wake up the next day and keep going.  Just keep going!  No matter what, just get back up and keep trying!  And some days, that's all you can do...trust me, I've had way too many of those days!

No matter what cold front is coming your way, bundle up, prepare as much as you can and then just get back up if you fall!  Blessings to you as the next cold-front arrives! 

Shop 'Til You Drop!

Do you like to shop 'til you drop?  Maybe it's not as relevant these days with online shopping so prevalent.  But, especially at this time of year with all of the gift giving you may still be shopping 'til you drop like my mom and I did yesterday (which is part of the reason I didn't post yesterday...exhausted!)  

Mom and I went to church yesterday morning, ate some lunch and then went shopping.  The book store first and then the yearly trip to the toy store, you know the one.  I usually dread it and my mom loves it, but this year the tables were turned.  I wasn't as crazy about it as I usually am, but my mom felt overwhelmed and confused with all the choices.  Plus, she tries to keep all the gifts for the grand kids equal in price, so that always throws her for a loop every now and again.  She was actually relieved to be done with the toy store this year.  See, I told you it's a beat down!  Wink.  Wink.

Then, off to the mall to help my sister buy gifts for her company.  That was fun!  It's always easy to spend some else's money!  The mall was packed, of course, so we were all definitely getting a little weary, tired, hungry and yes, our feet were feeling it all!  Foot massage, anyone?!  I was wiped out by the time I got home.  I just wanted to sit and sit and sit for the rest of the night...which is pretty much what I did...except that I still had to do my laundry.  Fun.

I hope you're enjoying the holiday shopping season or you're at least enjoying all the sales that are out there.  Make sure you've fueled up with good food to keep you going, are wearing comfortable shoes to keep you moving and remember where you parked so you can unload all the goodies!  Many blessings for fun-filled holiday season!!

Happy Holidays!

Yes, the holidays are in full swing now!  Many people have already decorated their houses, done their Black Friday shopping and/or done their Cyber Monday shopping, and hopefully gave during Giving Tuesday yesterday.  Cities all over have been doing their Christmas tree lighting's and there are numerous Christmas festivities all over the surrounding areas (not only where I am, but I'm sure where you live, as well).  So, get out and enjoy all the merriment of the season!

This time of the year there always seems to be SO much to do and SO little time!  There's always something to do!  Buy presents, decorate, bake yummy desserts, get Christmas cards done, attend parties, attend more than usual happy hours, wrap presents, and on and on and on.  Are you excited or are you dreading it all this year?  Are there parts that you like and parts of the holiday season that completely annoy you?  What do you do to relieve all the holiday stress?  More cocktails?!

Well, no matter how busy your holiday calendar looks this year, take a deep breath, turn on the holiday cheer and enjoy those special moments with family and friends!  They only come around once, so remember to truly be present in the moment.  Happy Holidays, Ya'll!!

May blessings fill your holidays with good cheer, good tidings and precious new memories made!!

Recovering...

I hope everyone had a safe, happy and food-filling Thanksgiving holiday!  And, I hope all your Black Friday shopping, small business Saturday shopping and prep for Cyber Monday shopping has gone well!  The holiday season has officially kicked off with a flurry of food, fun, family, football and shopping!!

It's been a busy, long weekend and now it's time to recover, right?  Recover from eating too much food and then eating too much of the leftovers.  Recover from standing in lines for Black Friday shopping.  Recover from crowded little shops across the country for small business Saturday.  Recover from family and friends in town and/or the 2-3 different Thanksgiving feasts that you had to partake in.  Recover from the Christmas decorating inside and outside your homes.  Recover from one or more of the above...or do you even have time to recover with work and school back at it tomorrow?!

The holidays aren't really a time to recover are they?  They're a time to run full speed ahead trying to get all of the holiday activities and festivities done...with a smile on your face, your head on straight and looking all put together.  It's a time to be joyful and jolly, but also a time to give back.  And, hopefully it's a time to remember the real reason for the season!  

So, recover as much as you can when you can, but enjoy the season and enjoy all the wonderful memories made with family and friends!  Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the States tomorrow!!  I hope everyone has safe travels, full bellies and fun with family and friends!  Also, good luck with all your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping!!  I'm thankful for your continued interest in my journey and what's on my mind weekly.  Many blessings to you and yours this holiday!!

Foodie Holiday!

It's the best time of the year if your a foodie!  Thanksgiving is YOUR holiday!  I'm sure you've been planning for more than a week on your Thanksgiving Day menu.  And, if you're like Mario Batali you do a different theme every year.  That's definitely on the pro-chef level!  I've just been combing through all my recipes binders for the past week and my mouth has been watering!  I'm ready for some pie!

It's usually the same traditional holiday spread every year for my family, but since we're going to have a smaller crowd this year I wanted to try all new things!  I'm ready to test out some of these yummy recipes I've printed out over the years!  And yes, I know I shouldn't "try them out" for the first time at Thanksgiving, but none of them are too expert level that I don't think I'd totally kill it.  So, I've got my recipes out, my shopping list made, my dining table all set and now I just need to time out when to make every thing.  Ready, set, go!

Wishing you calm shopping trips to the grocery store, flour on your face if it means a fantastic pie, and wonderful new memories with friends and family over the holiday week!  Many blessings of thanksgiving to you and yours this Thanksgiving!!

Beautiful Message

I came across this HuffPost on Facebook today and thought it was a beautifully empowering message for women.  It's eloquently delivered by Tracee Ellis Ross and a lot of what she spoke rang true for me.  And, hopefully men can appreciate the message, as well, in understanding and supporting the women in their lives more.  So, I hope you enjoy this beautiful message: Tracee Ellis Ross Has a Message

Holiday Prep

Yes, it's that time of year already and the holidays are fast approaching!  Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away!  Eeek!  Are you ready?  Have you started preparing...for all the cooking, baking, cleaning, decor, etc?  It's time!  Make those shopping lists now!

I'm excited to switch things up and make all the sides for our slightly smaller family gathering this year.  This is the holiday where my brother and sister end up going to their in-laws most years, however over the past few years we've joined them with their in-laws to celebrate Thanksgiving.  But, this year it'll just be my parents and younger brother.  Perfect!  Mainly because I'm not good at doubling recipes, so I can just make the recipe as is and there will be plenty!  Plus, I'm dying to try many of the thousands of recipes I've collected over the years!  So, here we go...something new and exciting to try for the holidays!

I'm going through recipes today, I'll start making my shopping list and probably get most ingredients this week.  Then, I just need to plan out when I need to make everything.  I'll leave the turkey up to my parents, as usual.  So, it should be a calm and Thanksgiving dinner until the Dallas Cowboys game starts!  

Family traditions...that's what the holidays are all about!  Some old, some new, but always filled with fond memories.  So, enjoy your prep for Thanksgiving...and then get ready for Christmas!  And please don't tell me you have your Christmas tree up already!  I, however, have started my Christmas cards which is the only thing I really prep this early for for Christmas.  I always send them out the 1st of December!  That's my tradition!

Wishing you a successful prep week before Thanksgiving!!

Happy Veteran's Day!

This Saturday is Veteran's Day, so I want to thank, honor and salute all the veterans that have served our country!  Thank you for your service, your courage, your strength, your time, your sacrifice, and your bravery!!  You are the real shining stars that fill our flag with freedom, hope, liberty and justice for all!

Thank you to my grandfather who served in WWII, my dad who served in the Vietnam War and all my other family members who have put on the uniform to serve our country!  We are grateful to you, we honor you and we appreciate all you have done in serving your country.  May blessings of health and happiness be with you always!!

May we all take time to honor a veteran, not only on Veteran's Day but every day, and may we extend blessings and heartfelt thanks upon them!!!

Happy National Adoption Month!

November is National Adoption Month!  It's obviously an important month to bring awareness to adoption, so I hope we can all participate or contribute in some way over the course of the month.  It can sometimes get overshadowed by Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving or even with the pre-holiday preparations or festivities, but don't let that stop you from getting the word out...sharing your story...asking for assistance if you're looking to adopt...reaching out for help or guidance if you need some friendly advice.  Just keep reminding or informing people that this is National Adoption Month and why it's important to you!

I love the CBS holiday special, Home for the Holidays, that they air every year.  It's about adoption, primarily domestic adoption, but it's a great reminder of the need and the joy of adoption.  There are always so many great stories told and it just simply warms your heart.  That's the kind of message we need to get out there all throughout the year, not only during National Adoption Month.

So, do what you can to spread the heartwarming message of adoption this month and who knows, you might just influence someone to look into it, open their hearts and home to a child in need and give a forever home to a child that needs it!  Blessings to all those that adoption has touched and may you pay it forward so that others may benefit from your blessings!!

It's November!

How is it November already?  This year is a blur.  Halloween is over and now it's the holidays!  Bam!  Just like that!  Now all the holiday planning begins...decorating, family get-togethers, menus, baking lists, buying presents, travel, parties, and on and on and on!

Are you ready?  I'm not quite sure I am, but time doesn't stand still and I'll need to run at pace or hurry to catch up...because it's coming whether I'm ready or not!  Right now I'm just focused on game 7 of the World Series tonight.  It should be another great game in this crazy series!  Then we'll see what the weekend brings which apparently isn't quite lasting fall weather yet.  It was in the 50's yesterday and tomorrow it's suppose to be 91 degrees...in November!  Hello?!  It's fall...bring on the fall weather already!

I think in one sense I'm ready for the holidays, meaning all the festivities and activities of the holiday season.  But, on the other hand I can't believe the year is almost over and all the craziness of the season is here already!  Time keeps marching on.

Many blessings for all your holiday preparations that are forthcoming.  May you enjoy the glory, wonder and excitement it brings!!

Happy Halloween!

Are you a fan of ghosts, witches and all things creepy?  Me, not so much!  I don't think I've ever been a big Halloween person, although I'm sure I thought it was fun when I was younger.  Except when wearing those plastic masks that were hard to breathe in and got all sweaty after awhile.  I was Princess Leia one year and had to wear that lovely plastic mask.  I guess as long as I got candy it was worth it.

I think now I'm good with Halloween during the daytime...meaning, there's a Trick-or-Treating event in our downtown square today.  I'm good with seeing all the cute little kids in their adorable costumes and even the gross, creepy, scary costumes aren't as scary during the daytime.  But, I know a lot of people who like to dress up so I'm sure they're excited about Halloween.

Whether you're a fan or not and whether you'll be dressing up or not, I hope you have a safe and fun Halloween!  May blessings of friendly ghosts and goblins visit your front door step this Tuesday!

The Cool Down...

Finally!  Fall weather has arrived and the cool down is on!  We've had a couple chilly mornings the past week or so and today I had to turn on my seat warmer in my car as I was driving back from the gym.  The highs over the weekend will be in the upper 50's!  Yes!  I love the cool, crispness in the air!

Bundling up.  Cuddling up.  And oh so good comfort foods that fill you up!  I'm ready and I'm finally starting to crave a little pumpkin spice at the moment.  Actually some yummy pumpkin bread is calling my name somewhere!  Alas, cantaloupe is on the current menu and will have to suffice for now.  

What gets you excited when the cooler weather blows in?  And what's your favorite comfort food that warms you up after a cold day?  Soup, for sure, for me...or a good turkey chili.  Homemade bread filling up the house with carb goodness is a must!  And, with the holidays coming up any cookies, pies or cinnamon rolls are heavenly!  Ohhh goodness!  The most gluttonous time of year is here!

I can't believe Halloween is next week and Thanksgiving is in about 30 days!  Get ready!  All the excitement, wonder, stress and joy of the holiday season is upon us!  Take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty of the season...or at least try!

Cool and refreshing blessings to you the rest of this week!!

How Do You Measure Life?

My dad turns 70 this week!  70!!  When I turned 25 he told me I was halfway to 50.  "Gee, thanks," I replied.  I hadn't even thought of that!  My little brother and sister turned 36 earlier this month, so prior to their birthday if you combined their ages they would equal my dad's...not sure he's ever considered that either!  You always hear "age is just a number" or "you're only as old as you feel", well, a lot of us feel better darn old!  But, what does age mean to you?  And as our grandparents and parents age, how do you measure the totality of their lives?

I don't think I've really comes to terms with the age question.  I definitely freaked out a little bit about turning 40, but other than that I've been pretty good about turning another year older every year.  Actually now, I can barely remember how old I am when people ask.  I seriously have to think about it.  I think my proverbial response will always be 27!  Yes, not even (the holding pattern of) 39, but I'm sure I'll get there!

But, as all of my grandparents have passed for some time now and my parents get older I definitely see their age more.  It's a little scary and sad if I really think about it, but I'm also thankful for all the time (and birthdays) I've had with them.  I know many of my friends haven't been that lucky.  I think I've mentioned it before but I really can't imagine life without either of my parents.  They both mean so much to all of us and do so much for all of us.  I think we'd all be a little lost.  But, we're all adults now (my siblings) and I know we'd get through it.  I just hope it's not for a very, very long time from now!

So, as I think about my dad turning 70 I think about him growing up on the farm and loving cows.  He still loves his cows and just bought some more this past week, along with one for my nephews.  I think about his service in Vietnam and how that totally changed him.  How it would affect his life for the rest of his life, and how those who fought in Vietnam never got the welcome home like soldiers do today or the complete appreciation of a nation as they do now.  Those soldiers came back to isolation, depression, PTSD and so many other ailments that they've carried their entire lives.  My dad earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in Vietnam, so he'll always be a hero in our nation's eyes...and his family's.  Like everyone, he's gone through some struggles, some hard times and even harder times, but he's worked his way back every time.  Growing up, he was the most patience man I knew...not so much any more, but that showed me a lot as a kid.  He has a kind and generous heart and just likes to help people.  He's the ultimate handyman and carpenter, and of course farmer at heart.  70 years.  70 years...that's a lot of living!

Age may just be a number, but when you live for a certain amount of years I think you've lived a full life.  Yes, it depends on what you did with your life to some extent, but if you're happy and content with your contributions then I think you can just simply enjoy each and every day ahead.  May blessings fill your days with peace and joy this coming week!! 

Dress Up

There was a hall closet next to my room growing up on the farm.  It contained a lot of my mom's old clothes which I used for "dress up".  Every little girl loves dress up when they are younger!  

This past weekend, my mom and I went to an exhibit at one of our local malls to view clothes from the 70's.  It was fun to see all the different fabrics, textures, colors, etc. on display.  It wasn't as wild and bold as I originally thought it might be.  There were a lot of clothes that could totally be worn today and look current.  I think that was the fun part of it.

When I was in middle school a friend of mine and I went to that same mall to "hang out" and decided to try on "fancy" dresses just for fun...just to dress up a little bit.  Basically they were dresses for prom or something like that.  It was fun to put on pretty dresses or dresses that were out of our character...meaning, we were both pretty shy and conservative...so, we tried on loud and bold dresses.  I tried on one dress that had fist-sized flowers on them and as I was taking off the dress one of the flowers fell off.  Oops!  Guess that expensive dress wasn't well made.

Since most of us aren't actors that dress up in different period clothing from time to time, I think we all need a "dress up" day...at least once a year!  So, who would you want to dress up as?  Take the time to imagine or just feel good/better about yourself if you're feeling down.  Remember how much fun you had as a little girl/boy dressing up and just have some fun!  Enjoy!

Many blessings the rest of this week as fall starts to settle in across the country!

Pre-Holidays

Eeek! There are only 5 weeks until Thanksgiving!  This is the calm before the holiday storm!  It's almost that fast and furious time of the year!  I write about it every year, but it's definitely the most hectic time of the year.  So, I'm definitely going to enjoy the next few weeks!  

We finally got another cold front blow in this morning with a little rain, so come on already...bring on fall...and stay!  We went from 90 degree weather yesterday to barely 70 degrees today.  We'll be back up into the 80's later this week, but the cooler temps need to blow in and stay for the rest of the season!  I'm ready!!

That's the first step in getting ready for the holidays!  The weather has to feel like it is!  So yes, pumpkins are in full swing, but it's been a little difficult to feel in the mood when it's still 90 degrees out!  So hopefully the weather will start to cooperate with the season so I can fully get into the holiday spirit.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy the slow pace for the next few weeks.  How about you?  Are you ready for the holidays or are you savoring the next few weeks, as well?

Wishing you a blessed and productive week ahead! May we find some beauty in all the madness going on in the world today!!

Mixing It Up...

I think in some way shape or form we're all creatures of habit in something that we do every day.  In sports they call it being superstitious....wearing the same socks all season or putting on your uniform the same way every time or at least until the winning streak ends.  And, I think we all have our daily routines that get us in and out of our days without stress...or thought.  It's the same stuff just a different day.  How many times have you heard that or thought that?

That's how I feel these days...the same stuff just a different day.  In one sense, I like the routine and not having the stress of this or that, but on the other hand I'm getting a little antsy with the routine.  I need something new.  I need to mix it up.  Maybe I just need a vacation!  That's probably part of it!  Do you ever get tired of your daily routine?  What do you do to mix it up?

Today I'm looking for ways to mix it up!  Just to do something different in my day...maybe to see something new, find something new and feel something new.  It probably won't be wildly exciting, but maybe just enough to feel not routine!

Wishing you warm blessings the rest of this week!!

A Good Resource?

As you have gone through your own adoption journey, either as an adoptee an adoptive parent, or a family member, what resources did you find helpful?  Was your adoption agency your main resource?  Or did you find books, magazine publications, and/or other adoption support groups as a valuable resource?  Did you have a family member or friend who had gone through the process and gave you valuable insight?  What helped you through the process and what was the best support you received?  I'd love to hear your feedback!

Wishing you beautiful fall blessings this coming week!!

Heartbreak...

I'm sure I along with so many of you felt heartbroken, sad and angry Monday morning when we heard about the senseless mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday night.  It just doesn't make sense...even 4 days later...there are still no concrete motives.  How could this happen again (let the debate begin...again)?  What are we going to do about it?!

It's so unbelievably tragic, sad and horrifying.  And yet, there are always stories of sincere humanity and heroism when things like this happen.  I'm not going to debate the would've, could've, should have's of preventing this and how we change things moving forward.  That's a bigger discussion, but I will say if you want to see change speak up, stand up and make that change happen!  VOTE!  Vote for the individuals in your town, state and for federal officials that will bring about the change you want to see.  Those that WILL stand up for what you believe it!  It's the only way change is going to happen!  So, may we all send our prayers and blessings to those affected by this horrible tragedy.

Something I had posted on my Facebook page late last week is even more relevant now and more poignant.  So, I'm going to share it here, too.  

After all the "noise" in the news lately, hearing the words to this song gave me hope, lifted my spirits and reaffirmed that love and the light of God will move us forward.  I encourage you to download Mandisa's "Bleed the Same".

Here's the chorus:
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Lets fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided

Love and blessings to those that lift one another up, that take the time to listen to another's opposing view, and to those that show compassion and understanding to all they meet.

Happy October!

Happy 1st day of October!  I wish it were more fall-like outside, but the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day.  Honestly, I was wishing it would rain all day on Thursday, but alas we only got around a half inch of rain last week.  I'm ready for a rainy overcast day and then cooler temperatures to roll in...and stay!  

I can't believe we're already into October!  Where has this year gone?  The holidays are fast approaching!  The first time I visited Seoul, South Korea I went in October.  The weather seemed fall-like while I was there.  I wore a light sweater while I was sightseeing for the first couple of days and it was perfect.  Not too hot and not too cold!  That's what I want right now!

What's your perfect temperature?  Are you warm-blooded or cold?  Do you enjoy feeling all 4 seasons or are you content with only 2 (like we normally get here in Texas)?  I guess since I grew up in Iowa with the blizzards and intense cold I'm more cold-blooded.  I'd rather be cold than hot.  I'd rather put on layers then be miserable sweating to death as I just stand outside.  So, yes at this point in the year I'm ready for the cold...or down in the south, semi-cold temperatures.  I'm not sure I could handle Canadian cold air or Antarctica cold air, but somewhere mid-country and south I'm good.  That counts as cold, right?

Wherever you are and whatever the temperatures are like I hope you are enjoying the start of fall (at least in the States)!  Wishing you a blessed first full week of October ahead!! 

We Are All The Same...

One of the themes or points I've tried to get across in my book and through this blog is that "we're all the same"...we're all human.  After you strip away all the labels we put upon one another and get down to the bottom line we're all just human.  We all have blood running through our veins.  We all have a heart pumping that blood through our body.  And, we all really want the same thing...to live a healthy, happy, safe and fulfilling life.  

Yes, the labels make us all different.  Yes, we all look different, think different, feel different, etc. and how we try to live that healthy, happy, safe and fulfilling life is different from one another.  But, at the core we're all just human.

So, when I heard Mandisa's song "Bleed the Same" the other morning (after all the talk and noise over the NFL protests over the weekend) it completely hit a cord.  It moved me.  They are poignant words.  True words.  Here's the chorus:

We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when we come together 
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided

I encourage you to download this song and listen to it often...maybe even start your day with it driving to work...especially in these trying times we need loving perspective.  I hope it brightens your day!

May God bless and keep you...as the beautiful creation he made in you...may we all come together in love, light and peace.

A New Word At Church...

Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday, but my parents and I went back to a church I had once attended regularly years ago in the area to listen to the author of The Shack.  The book was released years ago, but the movie just came out earlier this year.  My mom and I had read the book years ago so we were excited to see the movie once it came out.  My dad had never read the book, but enjoyed the movie and now wants to read the book.

So, when I saw the author was coming into town and speaking I thought it would be interesting to attend.  I had also seen him on a recent episode of "Super Soul Sunday" that Oprah Winfrey hosts and was really surprised about hearing his story.  I didn't know anything about the author beforehand, so when he told of his troubled upbringing and how he struggled as an adult it was eye-opening.  It wasn't the picture of the man I had had in my head that would have been capable of writing The Shack.  But, after learning more about him and listening to him again yesterday I could see the depths of the man who could write such a book.  It was intriguing and thought-provoking which is what I originally thought The Shack was when I read it.  Looking at how God sees us from a different vantage-point was extremely thought-provoking for me and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking at things.  If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I highly recommend it.

My mom loved hearing his message yesterday!  He definitely has some great insight and some "good nuggets" (as I like to call them) about life and how we view it through out rose-colored lenses....whether it's good or bad.  I think we all need more thought-provoking moments where we actually LISTEN to one another and see someone else's point of view...and truly try to understand and have compassion for one another.  I think that's desperately needed in our country right now!

How do we get to a better place?  We all have to be willing to listen.  We all have a voice to use...to rise up, to stand up and demand change.  It's in our hands.  We have the power.  Let your voices be heard!

May blessings fill your heart and mind this last full week of September!!

Lifting Each Other Up...

Multiple hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, forest fires...total devastation.  It may seem worlds away on your TV, but if you're one of the ones affected by any of these natural disasters it's really your neighbor, your fellow man that is affected.  Yes, it's hard to imagine until you see the images on TV or on the internet...communities destroyed, lives overturned...and then humanity from your fellow man lending a hand to help those in need.  Time and time again.  Strangers from all over the world coming to help.  Coming to be useful...to help in any way possible.  It's the feeling we all need to hold on to and remember in our day to day lives.  Treating one another with grace and humanity no matter your color, your race, your gender, your political affiliation, etc.  We're all just human trying to live our lives, do the best we can do and to try and enjoy it along the way.  

Yes, we are all different, too, and uniquely made which is what makes us special...but, the bottom line is that we're all just human beings.  We all have blood running through our veins with a heart pumping that blood through our bodies...no matter all of our differences.  Somehow we need to tap into that humanity more often so that we can rise up and lift one another up more than tearing one another down.  We all can make a difference in this world and we can start in our own neighborhoods and communities.

So, in this time of great despair and need all over the world, lets lift up our fellow man.  Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters and may God's blessings fill their hearts to carry on.

Time Marches On...

My last post was about my 1st book signing 4 years ago.  It was a very special day for me for many reasons.  If you haven't read my post from September 2013 about my 1st book signing you're missing a lot about my journey and sharing it in this blog.  And a year ago at this time my dad was in the hospital suffering from severe pancreatitis.  It was a scary time with long days at the hospital, but thankfully he recovered from it...after a couple more stints in the hospital after that.  

You never know what a new day will hold...something good, something bad, nothing new...but, with faith in God's plan for your life's journey it can be taken with confidence and trust.  Trust in His plan, trust in His timing, trust in HIS love for you!!  

Looking back we can reflect on all the good and bad things that may (or may not) happen to us, but without hope in the future we can't move forward with full confidence that everything will be OK.  Even through the hard times, like those affected by the two hurricanes that have hit the States, you may feel lost, depressed, angry, stressed and filled with anxiety about what will come tomorrow.  But, having faith in what God has planned for you tomorrow will calm your nerves, your heart and your mind so that you can focus on the here and now.  That's all we really have.  Right now.  Tomorrow will come.  And, if we trust in God it will come with His blessings!  Have faith!!

Wishing you soul-filled blessings in the week ahead!!

A Special Day...

This day 4 years ago I held my 1st book signing...in my hometown!  It was a very special day and a very special memory for me!  I can't believe it's been 4 years already!  I couldn't have anticipated such a warm and loving welcome back from my hometown family and friends, but I'll forever be grateful and appreciative for all their support and good wishes!

If you didn't read my post after that 1st signing or just need a good story to read today, check out my post from September 2013 titled "My 1st Book Signing...Truly Grateful."  Enjoy!

Wishing you blessings of joy, health and happiness the rest of this week!!

Sports Sunday

It's a sports viewing Sunday for me!  The NFL season kicked off Thursday, but obviously most games are being played today...so, this is really kick-off for me.  The Dallas Cowboys play tonight in primetime and am excited to see a good game.  The Texas Rangers are playing an afternoon game, so I've been flipping back and forth from that game to the U.S. Open tennis men's championship game.  And most of the morning and the rest of the day have been spent viewing hurricane Irma making landfall on Florida.

Yes, it's been a busy TV viewing day!  I should be doing some chore or project around the house, but I'm too tired and too intrigued by what's on TV.  I'll be more productive tomorrow!  That's what Monday's are for, right?  I did do some cooking and laundry, of course, so I haven't been a complete bum today.  

Do you ever have days where you've found yourself glued to the TV all day?  It's good to rest and veg out every now and again, right?  Well, that just means I'll sleep well tonight (if the Cowboys win) and I'll be more productive tomorrow.  Weekends are for resting and relaxing!

So, I hope you've had a restful weekend and that you have a very productive week ahead!  May God bless those in Florida who are enduring the wrath of hurricane Irma.  May blessings be with all those that are affected by this storm today, tomorrow and in the days to come!

Praying Along the Path...

Is it possible that an even stronger hurricane than hurricane Harvey will soon make landfall upon the U.S.?  That's what the forecast predicts and residents of Florida are getting prepared.  Can we survive 2 natural disasters only a few weeks a part?  We're about to find out!

And, for all the smaller islands in the path of hurricane Irma that have been and are about to be hit between now and the weekend...I'm praying for you!  It looks to be another devastating storm that will destroy property, homes and perhaps even lives.  May those affected be strong and resilient as those in Houston are being now and long into the future.  It's going to be a long and grueling process to get these homes, towns and communities "back to normal" again.  So, lets not forget our fellow man, our neighbors in the coming days, months and years ahead.

Blessings to all preparing for hurricane Irma!  May you be safe and sound in the coming days!

Happy Labor Day!

For those in the States, Happy Labor Day weekend!  Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day?  It's dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.  It's a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers make towards the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.  

On a more social, broad perspective I think most Americans think of Labor Day as the time around school starting, parades with high school bands, BBQ's, summer winding down and not to wear white after Labor Day...am I right?!  High school football is starting again which means so is college football and the NFL.  Temperatures finally start to cool off a bit and some people start to get giddy over pumpkin-flavored everything coming back, which by the way Krispy Kreme doughnuts is selling pumpkin glazed donuts this coming Friday for one day only!  So, get 'em while they're hot!

Labor Day always reminds me of schedules getting busier and holidays fast approaching!  It's that final reprieve before it feels likes it's non-stop until the turn of the calendar into the new year.  So, I hope you're all enjoying a relaxing, recharging holiday weekend to get you ready for the final few months of the year...the ones filled with holiday after holiday and more delectable food after another!  Are you ready?!  Well, you have one more day to get ready!  

Many blessings this first full week of September and for all the contributions you make towards strength, prosperity and the well-being of our country!!

Devastating...

The pictures, videos and stories that have flood our televisions and social media over the past several days is simply devastating for all the families affected by hurricane Harvey.  What loss, what moments of terror, what moments of uncertainty...and what moments of bravery, what acts of courage, what acts of love, what acts of support...scene after scene and story after story.  It's heartbreaking.

Most of us can't even imagine going through what many of the evacuees have gone through over the past several days.  And, I'm sure many of them are still in shock.  Their homes, their safe havens are under water and the uncertainty of what the future brings is scary and sad.  And yes, it's tragic that it takes such an enormous tragedy to bring neighbors together...to donate supplies, to volunteer their time and service, to donate money, etc.  We, as Americans, do rally when needed, but lets not forget the needs of our fellow man a month from now, a year from now.  It's what makes us great!

Please remember to love thy neighbor today and every day.  May blessings fill up the hearts of those affected by this devastating hurricane and may they feel the love of thy neighbors in the days and months to come.

Prayers for Southeast Texas

I'm sure the pictures on TV and social media don't do it justice, but I can't imagine all the devastation in southeast Texas that hurricane Harvey has caused there.  It's heartbreaking and sadly it's not over yet with more rain coming.  I pray for the safety of all lives affected by the hurricane and pray for strength, comfort and determination to overcome this tragedy.  I also pray for all the first responders working tirelessly to help everyone they can, as well as, local residents lending a hand to help rescue their fellow neighbor.

Please pray for all affected by this natural disaster, keep them in your prayers and provide any assistance  you can.  It's in times like these that we can ALL make a difference in someone else's life that really needs it!  Thank you and God bless!!

Online vs. Box

With Amazon taking over the online shopping space, what is going to happen to the box store...going into an actual store to touch the product before buying it?  Yes, I've bought things online, but I still like going to the store, picking out my own produce or trying on clothes before buying it.  I know a ton of people who only shop online...for everything!  I just don't think I could do it.  Could you?  Or do you already?

What's the appeal?  Time?  Convenience?  But, aren't you constantly returning items?  I just think it takes away from the whole experience of shopping.  I sit at a desk all day long for work so the last thing I want to do is sit at it any more than I have to to do my shopping.  

We're finally getting a Whole Foods in my city...sometime soon...but with Amazon buying Whole Foods I wonder if the actual store will still be standing in 5 years.  If we're going to have delivery of everything I want it the right way...the Jetson's way!  Just pressing a button and it travels instantly through an air tube right into your home!  Now that's delivery!

Until then, I'll enjoy going into actual stores and picking out exactly what I want by touch, sight, and sound.  But, however you like to shop I think the way we all shop will change over the next 5-10 years.  I'll guess we'll all find out in the future...and who knows, there may not be any malls left by then!

May blessings fill your heart full of love and gratitude that you pass it on to someone else!

English Only....

It's been awhile, but I guess it never gets old...someone trying to talk to me in Chinese (I'm guessing).  Have you ever tried reflexology?  It's amazing!  I tried it after seeing a post from a high school friend over a year ago and I'm totally hooked!  Especially since I have a lot of neck stiffness and pain in my shoulders it loosens it up every time!  And, it's much cheaper than getting a massage!

There have been a ton of new reflexology stores that have opened up near me, but the best one is still that first one I went to recommended by my friend that is, of course, the furthest away.  But, I'll drive down there for pain relief any day!

Yes, it can hurt a bit, especially if you're like me and asks for pretty firm pressure.  I got my mom into it, too, and she just gets gentle pressure.  But, I breathe through the pain knowing that my body is that messed up that it hurts so much!  But, it is SO worth it in the end!  Trust me!

I went last week to a local place that I'll go to if I just need some minor, quick relief.  There's a gentleman that normally greets me when I walk in, so he's become familiar with me now.  But, this time there was a woman who greeted me.  I told her what service I wanted and she escorted me in.  Then the man came walking in from the back and started talking to me in Chinese, I'm assuming.  Most people who are guessing my ethnicity guess Chinese first.  I shook my head and told him "English only."  He didn't look surprised or perplexed in any way, just OK with my response.  It's like he didn't fully trust what I had told the woman beforehand and he had to ask me himself what service I wanted.  It's obviously not the first time I've been spoken to in another language and it definitely won't be the last.  But, in this case...now he knows.

Many blessings to you for a peaceful, safe and energizing week ahead!!!

Taking the High Road...

There is too much going on in the world, specifically in our own country, that completely stresses me out right now.  I'm not going to blog about it because this is not a political blog or my editorial blog of current world events.  This is a blog about growing up as an international adoptee and all the ironies, questions, and similarities we all have throughout our journeys.  

Through all the chaos and turmoil of this world right now, I pray that we all find peace and calm in our hearts for one another.  And that we ALL RISE UP to HATE and show that LOVE will overcome!

I want to leave you with this as I truly believe we all share a role in teaching love vs. hate.  "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion...." Thank you President Obama for the poignant reminder!

Blessings to you this week and prayers of peace to all!!

What in the World....

What in the world is going on in America these days?  I know how we got to what happened yesterday in Charlottesville, VA, but aren't we in the 21st century?  Didn't we learn our lessons from our dark and shameful history?  Sadly, it IS a reflection of where we are today, 2017, and who we are...at least some of us.  The rest of us need to STAND UP for equality and justice and freedom for ALL!!!

This is America, darnit!  We are SO much better than this!  We stand for more than what is going on in the world right now.  Leadership in this country is weak, cowardly and isn't standing up for our values or what is written in the Constitution.  The chaos of our political system and our leaders along with what else is going on in the world is driving me crazy!  And, I try not to listen to it all.  I try to just live my life, stand up for what I believe is right and hope and pray that our leaders will lead with integrity and honesty FOR the people!  We, as a nation, are definitely going through a rocky road right now and I just pray that sane, competent leadership rises up!

But, WE the PEOPLE also need to rise up and ensure our voices are heard...at the local, state and federal level!  We need to fight for equality for ALL Americans, justice for ALL Americans, compassion and understanding for ALL Americans!  Can we find common ground?  Can we find compassion for one another in our hearts?  Can we see life from someone else's vantage point?  Can we simply respect our fellow man?

I PRAY we CAN!  My heart hurts today for the state of our nation and for the displays of hatred so prominently in display that our so-called leaders have only perpetuated and stoked the flames towards.  We need real change in our communities and I hope we all find it in ourselves to be part of the change towards peace and understanding.

May blessings of change and action spark real growth in your community this week and in the future.  May we all find common ground and learn to respect one another as beautifully diverse human beings!  May peace fill our hearts and minds so that we can be a blessing to others.

Inflamed Prejudices

With the serious provocations going back and forth between the world leaders of North Korea and the United States, it got me wondering this morning if in the coming days/months I would face any increased prejudices about my race.  It's a sad reality many races still face in the 21st century and the past several years have been a staunch reflection of that in our society.  Yes, it's still a sad state of affairs in our world that we can't see one another as just another human being.  We're all just trying to live our best lives and we all truly want the same things...that I learned from all my international travel and seeing families across the world.  

This morning I was thinking of all the Muslims who wrongly got lumped into the terrorists groups that have tried to inflict harm against the U.S. and many other countries across the world over the past 16 years since 9/11.  Many Muslims have been profiled and wrongly judged just because of what they look like.  Obviously we know this has happened with African Americans for decades now.  So, if the U.S. and the rest of the world see North Korea as unpredictable and reckless threats then will the association and prejudices start to rise?  I think most Americans know the difference between North and South Korea, so there isn't as harsh a reaction to Koreans in the States as there has been with Muslims.  But, it doesn't make any of it right...to bully or profile someone based on culture.  Obviously, if someone looked at me they wouldn't know I'm adopted.  They would only see my Asian features.  So, it's really their own perceptions, beliefs and values that will lead them to a calm or inflamed conclusion when they see me.

Plus, I don't think most Americans have ever met anyone from North Korea, so again, I would assume if they thought I was Korean they would think I'm from South Korea.  I think if I hear anything "negative" it would primarily be the same old stuff I always get like, "Hey, want an eggroll?" or "You must be a technical genius." or silly stuff like that.  I'll take that any day of the week over some of the crazies that are out there.  It's the world we live in.  Hopefully, some time in my lifetime we'll get a little closer to seeing one another as just another human being...no colors, religion, sex, etc...just human, flesh and blood.

May we have peace on earth, truly.  And, may the rest of your week be blessed with peace and calm.

Back to School

It's that time of year again...back to school for all the kiddos!  I foresee a couple weeks ahead full of "first day of school" Facebook posts!  Yep, you know it's coming and either your kiddos are excited or totally dreading going back to school.  Back to school shopping is always fun...well, the clothes shopping....maybe not the school supply shopping.  My little niece who will be starting kindergarten was enthusiastically excited about back to school shopping, especially all her Paw Patrol treasures!  She got a Paw Patrol backpack, lunch box and water jug.  And, she even got her ears pierced after a suggestion from her mom.  Hmmm...not sure I was ready for her to have pierced ears already since I didn't get them until I was 12 or 13 and I'm pretty sure my sister didn't get them until she was in her teens, too.  But, her pink daisies are pretty cute!

Oh, the excitement and nervousness of the first day of school.  We all know how it felt and probably can still feel some of those butterflies.  What were you going to wear on the first day of school, who would be in your classes, and what would your teachers be like?  Every kid had great anticipation for that first day whether you liked school or not.  But, you always just settled back into a new routine and it always worked out pretty well.

So, I'm wishing all the kiddo's starting back to school in the next couple of weeks a wonderful first day of school and many blessings for a fabulous school year!  And, many blessings to all you parents out there, too!  

Jury Duty

Well, I did my civic duty on Monday by reporting for jury duty.  Yep exactly...joy, fun.  There were almost 300 people in the room and if you're a people watcher then this would be an ideal environment for you.  They asked at the start how many people really wanted to serve as a juror and only about 4 people raised their hand.  The honesty of the room was humorous, but of course we were all hoping they wouldn't call our name.

After a brief video and instructions from one of the judges, the random selection of panel members began.  I was selected as the last person of the first panel....of course!  Darnit!  I wouldn't be one of the 104 people not selected.  So, as the 23 other members of my panel made our way downstairs to our court room we waited on the bailiff to give us instructions before entering the court room.  As we entered the court room and sat down, the judge was seated, the 3 lawyers and defendant were seated and there were 3 family members there, as well.  The judge went through some instructions and then each side had a chance to present and interact with us as they determined who they wanted seated as jurors.  They only needed 6 jurors, so as the judge pointed out I had the very least chance of being selected for this jury.  Perfect!  But, I had to sit through over 2 hours of presentations from the state and from the defense lawyers...fun.  Actually, it was pretty interesting and a good refresher from my law class in college.

In the end, I wasn't picked...no surprise...and my almost 5 hours of service was over!  Civic duty done!  My mom had to report on Tuesday and didn't get picked at all...lucky!

However you may have to serve in the days and months ahead, may you find your silver lining and perhaps enjoy the process.  Many blessings to you in this first full week of August!! 

Dog Days of Summer...

The "dog days of summer" are here.  August is upon us and here in Texas it's usually our hottest month.  Joy.  But, for this first week of August coming up we have three 80 degree days in the forecast!  Albeit, 89 degrees, but that's almost unheard of for our usual scorching Texas summer!  But, we'll take it!  Any heat relief is welcome...and rain!  We had an unusual amount of rain in July, so let's keep it going!  

Does anyone really enjoy the "dog days of summer?"  What do you love about it?  If you're like me, a well-conditioned air conditioned inside-during-the-summer months kind of gal then I totally get it.  I really don't know how people who have to work outside in 100 degree do it day after day.  They obviously have a good tan!  But, I don't think I would ever stop sweating all day.  That's no bueno for me.

Another couple months of the heat wave and then the cool down!  Ahhhh, I can't wait!  Cool, crisp breezes I'm waiting patiently for you!  Until then, have a "cool" and blessed week ahead!!

The Joys of Home Ownership

If it's not one thing it's another when it comes to home ownership!  Especially once your home reaches 10 years or more.  I'm in that lovely sweet spot of "everything is breaking" or needs repair.  Joy.  Fun.

Last week my garage door wouldn't close all the way, so a call to the repair man was made and it was quickly fixed.  Thank goodness!  And bless him for having to work out in 100 degree weather.  Then on Sunday I noticed my water wasn't getting hot.  So, after a couple days of slightly lukewarm showers I called the plumber.  It was a minor fix and thankfully still under warranty (by a few weeks), so no charge!  Yes!  Again, bless him for having to work up in the attic where it was over 100 degrees.  And finally (hopefully finally), the plumber noticed a hole in my roof and asked if I was working on getting it repaired.  I'm actually way overdue on getting my roof replaced as most of my neighbors replaced theirs 3 years old!  Yikes!  I know, I know.  I've just been putting it off...a little too long now apparently.  But, I had already called my insurance company to come out to inspect it, so I have done something.  So, I started calling roofing companies, too, today!  Ugh.  What a pain!  Thankfully the first one to come out put a tarp up to cover up the hole in my roof since it's supposed to rain Friday night.  And yes, bless the guy for going up on the roof in this deadly heat.  Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Please, please be the last thing for now that needs to be fixed, replaced or repaired!  But, bless my home for it's protection from the elements, for air conditioning that is literally a life saver in this oppressive heat, and for flowing water that keeps me refreshed and clean.

Many blessings to you and your home this week!!

Better...

Last week was a rough week (per my last post), after suffering from sinusitis all week and with my allergies adding to my misery!  But, I'm finally better and it's a new week!  Thank goodness!  I'm just hoping my allergies calm down this week, too!

Are you a good patient when you're sick?  Are there things that you always tend to do while sick?  Do you binge watch Netflix or watch movies all day?  Do you tend to stay in bed the entire time?  Do you eat whatever you want or are you more conscious of what you eat?  Most importantly, do you take care of yourself?  Do you rest?

I don't think I'm the best patient.  I can't spend a day lying in bed watching TV.  I'm not really a binge watcher, so that's probably why.  If I'm tired I'll take naps, but for the most part I need to feel productive or do something.  So, I guess if I'm not tied down to a hospital bed for something serious I'm not the best "take it easy and rest" kind of girl.  Which is pretty much what I did last week unless I couldn't keep my eyes open, then I'd sit and rest with my eyes closed for awhile.  Otherwise, I was up and at 'em...but yes, I was trying to treat my symptoms to try to ensure it didn't get any worse.  Thankfully it didn't and the swelling finally went down on Thursday.  However, I will warn anyone who might get this in the future...the most painful part is trying to blow your nose.  With my allergies being so bad last week, I had to blow my nose constantly and it felt like someone was pinching my nose as hard as they could every time.  It was miserable.  That pretty much lasted all week.  So, just giving you fair-warning in case you have to deal with it in the future...hopefully not!

But, it's a new week and I'm feeling much better (today, at least)!  So, hopefully it'll be an even more productive week and I'll survive the 100 degree temperatures!  Wishing you a blessed last full week of July ahead!!

Self-diagnosis....

Have you ever self-diagnosed yourself after researching your symptoms online?  Yes, I think we've all done it a time or two.  Well, I self-diagnosed myself with sinusitis on Monday.  I started to come down with symptoms on Sunday and it didn't get any better on Monday.  So, I spent the morning researching my symptoms online.  Yep, that's exactly what I have!  Done.  Now, I know how to treat it.  Or at least try all the home remedies to hopefully resolve the problem without going to see a doctor.  

What else have you self-diagnosed yourself with over the years?  I'm sure a lot of emotional diagnosis after much analytical thought...or more likely mind games, twisting of facts, anxiety over situations, and all the other lovely imaginative predictions that have passed through our minds.  And, perhaps some other physical ailments that you've diagnosed yourself with, too.  It's all about being in control...control of our issues, our problems, our ailments, our treatment plans, our solutions...our life!  Right?!

Well, whatever realization you've come to this week I hope it's rooted in truth, facts, and compassion for yourself.  We all need more compassion for ourselves and for one another these days!  But, I'm determined to "cure" myself by the end of the week of this sinusitis, so wish me luck, say a little prayer and stay turned to Sunday's post to see if there's been any improvement.  Crossing my fingers!

Until then, many blessings for a happy and healthy rest of your week!!

Broken...

Are you a homeowner?  Is your house more than 10 years old?  If so, then you know if it's not one thing it's another.  I've been in my house for almost 13 years now and yes, I've said "it's broken" a lot this year!  Sigh.

My dad is usually the first one to hear those words, followed by "when can you come fix it?"  He's fixed my shower faucet, toilet, door knob, garage door, side foundation, etc.  But, once again my garage door is broken and this time I have to call in the professionals.  Joy.  

Oh house...my protection in storms, my sanctuary from all the outside/external noise, my safe haven, my reflection of style and personality...your cracks and faults are showing.  Time wears us all down in one way or another.  And right now my worn down house needs some love and care...and repairs!  Yes, the joys of home ownership! 

I hope and I pray that nothing else "breaks" this year in/on/around my house!  I already have a long list of to-do's to do!  So, may whatever is "broken" in your life gets fixed soon and may you care for and nurture it even more moving forward.  

Blessings to you this coming week!!

Finding Meaning....

We've all wondered at some point in time in our lives "What's our purpose in life?"  It comes in and out of focus throughout our lives depending on what's going on in our lives.  If things are going well we think we've got things all figured out, but when things aren't going well that question creeps up more and more.  It certainly has in mine over the past year.

What's the meaning of all this...the daily grind, the tedious to-do's, my presence here...what's the point?  Why am I here?  What purpose do I have to fulfill?  When will I realize that purpose?  Or have I already and just don't know it?  What do I do until I figure out what my purpose is?  Sound familiar?

"Nothing is ever easy" so they say and so it definitely goes in my life.  And as we look from the outside at someone else's life we may envy how "easy" it all seems to be for them.  That always seems true, as well.  But, we never really know the struggles and the hardships someone else is going through...unless we take the time to ask and really get to know them.  But, from the outside looking in we all assume someone has it better than we do.  That's just the nature of our society and how we've been predisposed to believe that.  It doesn't sting any less even if it's not true.  Life is hard and it's trying at times and figuring our way through those hard times is what makes us who we are...it's what changes us for the better.  Yes, it's hard to believe that as we're trudging through the thick muck of it all, but we have to believe that at the end of it we'll find a better path, a better person looking back at us in the mirror and a better life for having gone through it.

We have to have HOPE!  Hope keeps us going even when you don't feel like it.  Hope keeps a small flame burning even though you don't know why, when or where the next step will come.  Hope keeps light in our lives and pushes out the dark.  Hope is the end-all-be-all toward a better tomorrow...a better life.

So, don't lose hope in finding your true purpose in life if you haven't found it yet.  I certainly haven't.  So, say a little prayer for me that I find mine and can fulfill that purpose whole-heartedly for the rest of my life.  In the meantime, have a truly blessed week and know that your life has meaning no matter what!!

Get With It...

It's time to get back at it....selling books!  I haven't been as proactive about it over the past year or so even though every other week I've been saying I need to do something (in my head).  But, obviously actions speak louder (than the words in my head) and it's time to start engaging in marketing and promoting my book!

So, if you have any new ideas or know of any opportunities...book festivals, adoption events/conferences, adoption support organizations, church events, etc...please let me know!  I'm open to any and all ideas!  Hopefully I can find some supportive and excited organizations to give me an opportunity to sell my book.  Oh, also if there are any adoption-specific publications (online, print, magazines, etc.) that you know of, please let me know.  If you recall, I gave several interviews when I first launched my book which resulted in online stories, magazine publications, and newspaper stories.  You can find links to them on my web site at www.kimfenneman.com.

Lets see what new opportunities arise and I'll obviously be sharing any new news with you all on this blog.  Wish me luck!!  Blessings to you as summer heats up (across the U.S.) this week!!

Where Are They Now?

Do you ever wonder where the sitcom stars you watched growing up are today?  Sometimes you'll see posts online about certain TV stars or every now and then on some of the morning or entertainment shows they'll reunite casts from past TV shows.  And there were some good sitcoms in the 80's and 90's.  Recently, I've been watching reruns of Home Improvement.  I don't think I really watched the show consistently when it was on, but I've found myself laughing out loud at most episodes.  There were a lot of sexist remarks on that show, but I've noticed how important they presented the family unit.  Although the boys could be wild and crazy (as boys are), they also showed them washing dishes, setting the dinner table, cleaning, and helping around the house.  It also always showed both parents cooking and how it was a central part of their daily routine.  So, it got me wondering what ever happened to all the people from the show.  Obviously I've seen Tim Allen on his most recent sitcom with 3 daughters and I've seen Patricia Richardson on a Hallmark movie, as well as, make an appearance on Tim Allen's show.  It's been a refreshing and enjoyable show to watch this summer.

But, there are so many "old" shows that I would love to know what happened to all the actors.  There were some really good and funny shows over the past several decades.  Now, things are either too politically correct, way over the top, too much reality TV, or just plain weird.  Who knows what TV will look like in another 20-30 years.  Hopefully more diversity, more compassion for one another, and more understanding for one another's differences.

Until then, enjoy your favorite reruns and hopefully you find yourself laughing out loud again, too!  Blessings for a joyful first week of July!!