Wednesday, March 28, 2018

March Madness

If you're a sports fan (in the States), you know it's March Madness time and it'll be concluding this weekend with the champion being crowned on Monday.  It's always a fun time to get involved in sports even if you're not a regular sports fan.  Anything can happen and the unexpected usually does!  That's definitely been the case this year, too.

Yes, I filled out a few brackets, as I always do, and yes, they were busted fairly quickly.  This year I wasn't as in tune with all the teams as I normally am leading up to the tournament, but you quickly get up to speed once the games begin.  It's fun, exciting, thrilling and disappointing all at the same time with so many games going on over the past couple weeks.  And yes, we all can root for the Cinderella team especially when it's a unknown team or one that hasn't been in the tournament for decades.  So, go Loyola Chicago!

I might not get to watch the games this weekend since it is Easter weekend with lots of family festivities, but I definitely will check out the final scores.  Even though most brackets are busted by now, hopefully you're winning your work pool or any other one you might be involved in...that's the fun of it all!

Blessings to all as Good Friday and Easter Sunday approach!  May God's resurrection light up the dark places in your life and lift up your hearts to his Glory!!

Monday, March 26, 2018

Holy Week

It's Holy Week for many Christians around the world.  And, for those that celebrate, worship and honor the risen Lord I pray that His glory will shine brightly on you this week and beyond.

Easter was always a special time for our family growing up.  Of course, as a kid and waking up to all the surprises of our Easter baskets was a thrill, but then getting dressed up for church and then going to my grandma and grandpa's house for Easter dinner and an egg hunt was tradition.  I hold those memories close to my heart because it's never quite the same as it was back then.  Even though now my aunt (the youngest of 5 of those particular grandparents), hosts an Easter egg hunt for us all...the little kids and the adults.  Yes, an egg hunt for the adults!  I've mentioned this in previous years, but she does and egg hunt for the adult kids that include prizes, mainly gift cards to some pretty good places.  And yes, there is also a golden egg that contains the grand prize!  It's definitely become a fun and great tradition!

So, as we gear up for egg hunts, Easter service and good meals around the world, lets not forget why we are celebrating.  Our King has risen and he has come to save the world!  Let us rejoice and sing Hosanna!

May your Holy week be blessed full of love, rebirth, grace and mercy!!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

No, I Don't Speak Asian...

Yes, I may look Asian but I don't read it, write it or speak it!  And, by saying I don't speak Asian I'm being a bit sarcastic...read my story about saying Asian vs. Oriental in my book.  In all seriousness, I don't read/write/speak Korean, Chinese, Japanese, etc.  "Why are you looking at me to translate?"

Recently, I went into my local reflexology shop and a young man entered right before I did.  He was reading the service menu looking for a hot stone massage.  The man working there, who was one of the reflexologists but not the receptionists didn't speak English.  So, the young man looked at me to apparently translate.  Sure, I'll translate English for you!  The sign doesn't list a hot stone massage so apparently they don't do that here!  That good enough for ya!  Actually, I was really nice when I said it.  The man working there had no idea what was going on...ha!  So, the young man left and I pointed on the menu what I wanted.  He understood that.

I tried to be as helpful as I could, but my "Asian" abilities are somewhat limited.  Oh yes, I'm laughing at myself right now.  Sometimes it's the person or the thing that people don't expect you to know or help with that makes life more interesting...and makes people go "huh?"

Enjoy the rest of your week and may blessings find you helping out those least expecting it!  Cheers!!


Sunday, March 18, 2018

Happy Spring Break!

For many (in the U.S.) it's Spring Break time!  A week off from school for the kiddos and hopefully a week off for the parents, too.  Spring Break was this past week here, so there were many Facebook posts of vacations near and far...even one from Kenya, staycation pics and for those not enjoying Spring Break somewhere there was a lot less traffic out there!  So, no matter where you were I hope you enjoyed it!

And, for those that are about to go on Spring Break over the next few weeks, I hope you have safe travels, explore a new location, taste some good local food, take a leap and challenge yourself and/or just relax.  It's a good time to recharge, transition from winter to spring and enjoy time with your family.  So, I hope you don't need a vacation after you return from your vacation!

I don't really remember what or where we went for Spring Break over the years.  I think they were all about exploring Texas a little more, so trips to San Antonio, the hill country, Dinosaur Park, and just staying home.  We probably made a few trips up to Iowa to see family, but I don't remember any one major or memorable trip.

May blessings carry you on your Spring Break travels and/or entertainment, and may the frost of winter finally start to thaw out!!

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Happy Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day! When you hear it's National Pi Day what comes to your mind?  Pizza pie?  Your favorite dessert pie...apple pie, pecan pie, coconut cream pie?  Or the correct meaning of the day, pi, is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter?

I think of dessert pie! My favorite growing up was apple pie, but now I'm pretty open to anything! And, a new pie shop just opened up nearby! I haven't stopped by yet, but it's very tempting!

So, it got me thinking what other words seem to have so many different meanings? Nothing is coming to mind (because I'm tired), but it does make me think of the SNL skit back in the day with the non-gender specific Pat. You didn't know what gender she/he was and around that time gender neutral names were somewhat popular. Some other common ones have been Taylor, Sam, Jamie, Jordan, Andy, Bobbie, Cameron, Casey, and Parker. Do you have a gender neutral name? Has it ever caused an awkward situation?

If you've read my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side, one of the very first stories is about my name. My first name is Kim, but I nor my parents realized (until I was in my late 20's) that Kim is a very common last name in Korea. So, the joke is always what if I married someone with the last name Kim. Seriously, my name would be Kim Kim?! Actually, I have seen that happen in some instances, not Kim Kim, but other names that have been repeated. Cool? Not cool? For me, it would not be cool!

So, however you choose to enjoy National Pi Day I hope it's filling and satisfying! Blessings to you the rest of the week!!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Daylight Savings Time

Did you remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour last night?  Do you like Daylight Savings time?  You're probably not a fan if losing 1 hour of sleep leaves you tired and cranky today.  But, you might be a fan once you start enjoying the longer hours of daylight each day, especially once the weather becomes more spring-like around the country.  Right now, those in the northeast are still experiencing the harsh realities of winter weather!  Hang in there!

I like Daylight Savings time in the fall!  Gaining that hour of sleep is nice, but it does take a week or two to get used to it getting dark so early!  But, if you're in the "city that never sleeps"...New York...spending that extra hour in the city exploring and having a good time in everything that city has to offer is really nice!  Try it some time.

So, as we all adjust to spring...more sunshine, lawns/trees/flowers blooming, bugs emerging...lets try to enjoy the simple things that surround us each day.  The buds forming on our barren trees, the light staying green long enough to make it through, the short line at the grocery store, the kind smile from a stranger...keep your eyes open for them each day!

Blessings to you this week and may you enjoy the longer days of sunshine!!




Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

Every family has a month or a couple months where they celebrate a bunch of birthdays around the same time.  Growing up, I lived near all of my dad's family and I'm pretty sure we celebrated a birthday or anniversary every month.  So, I got to see all of my cousins a lot and it was literally the best way to grow up!

Now, my immediate family has a birthday every month except 3!  Crazy, right?!  It starts with one of my nephew's birthday in the first week of the new year, then my birthday mid-February, 2 weeks later it's another one of my nephew's birthday, then 2 weeks later it's my mom's birthday and 3 weeks later it's one of my niece's birthday!  Lots of family time and lots of birthday cakes!!

And yes, we get together (or at least we try) for everyone's birthday.  In October, we have another blitz of birthdays with 4!  It's fun and what family's are for, right?!  To celebrate each other at least once a year!  It's just tradition in our family and I'm glad it is!  What birthday traditions does your family have?

I hope you enjoy your family birthday celebrations and make fun-filled memories throughout the year!  Blessings to everyone who is able to celebrate another year of living, loving and laughter!!


Sunday, March 4, 2018

And The Oscar Goes To...

It's that glamorous night of the year when we watch famous movie stars win a golden statue.  Do you watch the Oscars?  The Academy Awards are one of those events where most women just want to see what other women are wearing, and yes, I suppose those movie enthusiasts are really interested in who wins, as well.  How about you?  What's your favorite part of the Oscars?

I like seeing what women are wearing...their make-up and jewelry.  It's all just fun and inconsequential entertainment, but I always watch!  It's also great water cooler talk the next day!  So, I'll definitely be watching!

For those around the world, do you watch the Oscars?  Do you watch live or do you have to wait until the next day?  Or is there another awards show that is more interesting to you?  The Baftas?

Well, whoever wins tonight I'm sure it was well deserved and lets hope no one falls or trips!  Enjoy the show!  

Blessings to everyone on this first full week of March!!