Friend Making Monday: Superbowl Edition

The Superbowl Edition of Friend Making Monday...

Did you watch the Superbowl?
Nope, not really. I had a headache all day that erupted into a migraine right around 6 p.m. So I took a painkiller and went upstairs in search of a dark, quiet room. The only "cure" for me is to fall asleep, though it took awhile because of the pain hammering away in my head. Once I woke up (right after halftime), the headache was gone.

Who were you rooting for?
I was hoping that the Colts would win, but I'm glad for New Orleans' sake that the Saints pulled it off.

If not, what did you do instead?
I sat at the dining room table with my laptop and read blogs while occasionally glancing up at the TV. Lately, too much suspense/knuckle-biting excitement has overwhelmed me, whether it's a video game or movie or even football. I think I have a bit of emotional overload with all of the recent events in my life. There must be a beach on a tropical island with my name on it...just got to make it there!

Where did you watch it/not watch it?
A blizzard dumped record-breaking amounts of snow here, so we can't go anywhere!!!
What did you eat?
I fussed about the lack of Superbowl-worthy eats in our house, so hubby walked to the grocery store and stocked up. Apparently he and the kids had quite the party while I was upstairs in pain (sniff, sniff). They ate meatballs, chicken tenders, curly fries, chips and cookies. I snacked on what was left and drank Gingerale. Being the good Mommy that I am (smile), I had purchased football paper plates at Target just for the occasion. Of course, I never did get around to hanging the football pennant I had also purchased...guess I'll save it for next year.

Favorite Superbowl commercial?
I didn't watch any but loved the Pro-life one from reading about it all week.

Least favorite?
I hate the unnecessarily provocative ones - hello?!? Families with kids are watching!

What did you think of the halftime show?
Didn't see it. They have been really boring the last few years. Yawn.

Who do you wish would have been the halftime show?
I think the Black-Eyed Peas would put on a great show. Let Cirque Du Soleil put one on - at least it'd be interesting and something different!

Ok, these are my responses - what about YOU?

Something That Made Me Laugh...

Today's Talkin' About Thursdays is about something that you made you laugh...

As I shared in my last post, I went out of town last week to be with my parents during a family emergency. My mom was in the hospital and being carefully monitored. Of course there's nothing funny about that.

Unless you have a younger sister who marches to the beat of a different drummer. Within minutes of me arriving at the hospital, my sister had us laughing with tears running down our faces. Laughing so hard made my mom gasp for air, which made us laugh even harder since she was connected to an oxygen machine.

My sister's antics included pushing me around the room and almost into the hallway, contemplating a possible wheelchair race down the hallway. She wrote silly messages on the nurse's dry erase board and changed the date to August 2008. I don't think the nurses even noticed. She inflated a latex glove, drew a happy face on it and hid it behind the TV. The next time the air is turned on in the room, the "balloon" will fly out from its hiding place. Being together brought a measure of relief, comfort and strength.

There were moments throughout the time in the hospital that made us feel helpless and very, very small. We couldn't always be there at the same time or make things happen. But I am eternally grateful for the One whose presence is constant and who CAN make things happen. He is the never ending source of relief, comfort and strength. He answered our prayers and sustained my mom. He brought the doctors and clarity in the midst of confusion. The Word of God is true and dependable in the midst of any challenge, crisis or trial. I can testify to this! And even in difficult moments, laughter can bring comfort and peace. "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

MIA, but I'M Back!

My blog has been silent since last week because I went to be with my family during an emergency. The crisis has passed, Thank You, Lord! So many emotions, poignant moments, answered prayers, and opportunities for love to flow. I have many things to share but first need to hug my little ones and Mr. Nice Guy. More soon...

Five Things About Me

This is my first time participating in Talkin' About Thursdays. Today's topic is "Five Things About Yourself." Let me see if I can come up with five that I haven't mentioned before in other questionnaires. Five Things About Me:

1. I am half-Japanese and grew up speaking both Japanese and English. In fact, I thought everyone spoke those two languages (since it was my family norm). When my American grandmother visited us when I was about seven, I kept switching from one language to another and couldn't understand why she wasn't responding to me. She thought it was hilarious that I kept doing that, really believing that she spoke Japanese!

2. Growing up in Japan, I used to practice being American by insisting we eat "American" foods like pizza and hamburgers. I even had a Valley Girl dictionary and practiced with my friends in order to fit in once we moved to the States! (It was the early 80's.) This did not work at all, since I was totally unfamiliar with common slang phrases and took them literally.

3. I've loved reading since I was a child; my favorites include biographies and mysteries. I recently finished a fascinating book about the Secret Service and am currently reading Gayle Haggard's autobiography. My husband is amazed at the questions I can answer on Jeopardy sometimes...it all comes from reading!

4. I really dislike my middle name and would like to remove it legally. I regret not doing it when I got married. My first name was carefully chosen by my mother and has a special meaning (Beautiful Century - the name of this blog!) My middle name, ugh! It doesn't match my first name AT ALL (it really sounds ridiculous), has no sentimental link, and I have NO IDEA why my dad added it And NO, I won't ever tell because I don't want to hurt the feelings of anyone who may have that name.

5. My favorite forms of exercise are swimming and dancing. Though I have little endurance with running, in the pool I can swim many, many laps without tiring. I was once challenged to a race across a pool by an adult soccer player in Ethiopia (showing off for his teammates) and beat him twice! My husband is a fantastic dancer, and I hardly give him time to rest on the rare occasion we go out dancing. I try to squeeze in as much dancing as possible since it only happens a few times a year these days.

Well, now you know some things about me. Tell me about you!

Grumpy and Real

Sooooo, yesterday I was nice and friendly. Participated in Friend Making Monday, visited other blogs and left comments. I hung out with my family and celebrated my precious firstborn's birthday. Had lots of fun, though the grump clouds had started rolling in by midday. Thankfully, I was able to dodge them somewhat until later in the evening. By then, everyone else was asleep and safe from my crankiness.

I tried to fall asleep. Got some praying in while I waited to drift off into unconsciousness. Then I woke up this morning.

Maybe I should have stayed in bed. Except the kids were wanting breakfast (what?!?), Mr. Nice Guy actually wanted to get some work done versus taking over all parental duties, and I needed to homeschool. Don't want to get too behind...that stresses me out more.

But, I. Am. Grumpy. Fussy. Irritated. Frustrated. Wound up a little too tightly. Maybe it's PMS. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we are moving across the country in a little over a month (just found out the news Friday after several months of not knowing anything for sure). There are so many details, but we're still waiting for some information that will help us make clearer decisions. AHHH!!!

Did I ever mention that I'm not a laid back, go with the flow kind of person? I am the make the flow happen type of girl. But I can't-shouldn't-won't meddle with this process. And I need to take the time to properly process all these changes. Anybody have a padded room with a vacancy for me?

I am praying. But not reading the Bible enough to gain the peace and security I am desperately needing right now. Stubbornly resisting the cure to what ails me. Why oh why do I do this? AS IF anything else could really help me.

Anyway, this is me being real (and grumpy). Showcasing my imperfection and flawed nature. I foolishly turn to other things for comfort when I KNOW there's only One true source to the comfort I need, and this One has a lasting effect. Trust Him, I plead to myself. Hasn't He been faithful in every tangled situation of my life??? Oh, yes He has. Most definitely.

Pride and lack of humility to yield myself to Him and to receive His grace - ugh, sometimes I am totally disgusted with myself! Seriously. On one hand, we have the Maker of the universe who loves me so completely. He has all the answers, all the power and the resources that I need. On the other, little me. It's pretty obvious which is the better choice - h-e-l-l-ooooo!

Enough said. I am taking myself by the scruff of my collar and giving myself a serious talking to and a shake if necessary. Stubborn girl. You'd better get a grip on the Truth and hang on tightly to Him. No more whining and complaining and acting like a baby! Except maybe I will take a nap today to catch up on some rest.

Please visit me again tomorrow where you will find a more peaceful, humble girl who is right with the God and with her world. Until then, prayers appreciated!

Friend Making Monday

Outside my window...the howling wind and rain make me feel cozy and safe under my blankets.

I am thinking....about my daughter's birthday today and all of our plans to celebrate her.

I am thankful...for shelter, peace, a loving family and God's hand to hold throughout all of the recent changes and challenges.

I am praying...for my loved ones to heal, about all of the details re: our upcoming move to Colorado.

I am reading...an awesome book by Peter Walsh, clutter guru, "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?" Saw him on TV and appreciate his common sense, direct approach to making room to have the life you want. Checked out several of his books at the library; I'm not a pack-rat but am dealing with lot of other types of clutter in my life.

I am creating...a lovely home even in the midst of a temporary place and uncertainty. And earlier I made my daughter the prettiest gift - a purse covered with white flower petals with a ribbon and vintage brooch as part of the trim. Petals + hot glue + Dollar Store purse = an original and lovely bag!

From the kitchen...homemade butterfly sugar cookies with a simple frosting colored pink with frozen rasberries.

Around the house...there are stacks of boxes, some laundry left to be folded and put away, gifts hidden behind a chair, toys enjoying lots of use, dishes in the sink, and a painted jewelry box drying. I'm giving my sweet girl my jewelry box from childhood and painted it white to update it for her.

One of my favorite things...is reading, and I devoured quite a few books this weekend. My favorite mystery author had two new books out. Though they were each close to 500 pages, I finished them both without totally neglecting my family. I did neglect good sleep though.

A few plans for the rest of the week...birthday celebration, sorting through things to give away, more packing, looking for a place in Colorado, lots of praying 'cause there's a lot going on right now.

Join in on Friend Making Monday - it's a neat way to meet and get to know new friends. C'mon. Answer the questions and post your link. Cross on over to the BLOG side. (smile.) I DID mention lack of sleep up there in my answers, right? Allright. Goodnight.

1700 Miles to a Rocky Mountain High

Copyright 2010 Roy Tennant, FreeLargePhotos.comNow he walks in quiet solitude
the forest and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself
to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake

And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen
to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high
"Rocky Mountain High" by John Denver

For almost two years on our way to church, we've seen a sign on the highway stating: 1700 miles to Denver. It also lists a city in Ohio that was over 400 miles away and the distance to St. Louis. Never saw a sign like that - usually the mileage signs indicate upcoming places and the major cities only a few hundred miles away.

The interesting thing about the information on this sign is that Mr. Nice Guy has long desired to live in Colorado. Fell in love when we visited 10 years ago. But as much as he periodically knocked on the doors of opportunity to move to Colorado, there has never been an opening. Until now.

We're leaving behind my beloved ocean and the familiar Blue Ridge Mountains for the Rockies. The impact of this move feels huge to me - we'll be far away from family and friends, in a different time zone and elevation. Though we've lived away from our parents for over a decade, it feels like we're finally leaving home and venturing out into the world on our own. That is so odd to me because I moved to AFRICA to live as a missionary before I was married. Talk about a time zone, elevation, extremely different life experience!

The main difference must be having children. Not only do I need to process my various emotions and deal with them, I need to help the children with theirs and make the transition as easy as possible. I can't hide under the comforter when the details become overwhelming (well, not for too long, anyway). They will adapt and make new friends. I will adapt and make new friends...though this is really hard for me! I really like the longtime friends I'm used to seeing periodically. A drive of several hours is very different from a long, expensive plane ride. Boo Hoo. But these kindred spirits and I have remained close through the gazillion moves my family's already made, so I know they're not going anywhere. Thank you, sweet friends. And there are more treasures to be discovered in our new place. God has been extremely faithful to cross our paths with amazing people every place we've been, and He'll bring them by again. I just know it. (And by the way, thank you, amazing people from the past and along this journey that God brought our way. You have enriched our lives by sharing the gift of who you are!)

Please pray for us as we gather up ourselves and prepare to make this monumental move. Along with it comes exciting opportunities for Mr. Nice Guy and for the rest of us too. I am believing that God, who spoke to Mr. Nice Guy a few months ago and started him along this path, will provide everything we need for the move. And please pray for our families - we're heartbroken in the midst of our excitement to move so far away from the ones we love.