Tangled Thoughts

Happy New Year!

Christina

January 8, 2015

Happy New Year! Here is to a great 2015!

I started this year out without setting any New Years resolutions, I have more of what I would call, goals this year. Not resolutions. By that I guess I mean I have a handful of things I would like to work on, and accomplish this year -and the next year, and the next year and the next. Things that will help (hopefully) keep me focused when things get so messy I can’t see straight! But aside from those long term goals, the past few days I have had a number of things flutter into my mind that I would like to see happen this year especially.

Last year I set myself a goal of participating in a 365 challenge. I have never completed one before, and am happy to announce that I missed a total of about 30 days. For me – that is success. While some of those days were just pure laziness, for the most part I pulled myself out and forced myself to take a picture at least once a day. Not saying they were all inspired or creative photos – but I did it. And enjoyed it. And am not doing it again this year!

I toyed around with the idea of writing everyday this year – but failed to get started, and that seemed like a bigger task than I was willing to take on this year.

Yoshi

Yoshi has been battling allergies / weight issues for about six months now. I have tried a whole host of ideas and remedies to try and combat her allergies, but nothing seems to be helping. This year I hope to get a handle on them, and help her lose a few of the extra pounds that also seem to be contributing to her problems.

Bedroom

I had carpet installed – finally! And now? I have a big empty room, with carpet. I don’t know what I want to paint it, or what I want to do with the closets, or the large open space -but I hope 2015 is the year of results! Maybe I can actually get things cleaned up and put away up there, and turn my room into something nice.

Become More Organized

This is a big one. I really want to get more organized both mentally, and physically. By that I mean I tend to put things off and wait until the last minute to accomplish something. I want to organize my time more efficiently, tackle deadlines and due dates – and make time for other things in life, instead of constantly running behind trying to catch up.

Walk

Yea, it sounds so simple, and it is really. But finding time in the day to get out and take the dog for a walk is a big struggle of mine. Usually I don’t find the time until about 5 or 6 at night. And then the roads are dark and I don’t feel comfortable walking without any reflective gear. Excuses. But this year I want to stop making excuses, make time (organized much?) and walk the dog (Yoshi!).

Salad Thursday

I am so guilty of just throwing together whatever sounds good, looks good and tastes good. I have spent so much time researching what’s good for YOSHI to eat, and I haven’t spent any time focusing on what’s good for US to eat. This year I thought it would be fun to do a different kind of salad each week.

The list is short, and silly. But it works for me, and gives me something to fill in the large gaps between my goals.

Did you set any New Years resolutions or goals this year?

Hello 2015

Christina

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January 1, 2015

I’m both excited, and scared for a new year to come.

As 2014 comes to a quick close, I am both excited and scared at the prospect of a new year. A new year for so many means a fresh start – and while it is, and can be – every day is a fresh start. To have a whole year full of fresh starts is somewhat unnerving to me. I was sorting through some posts to try and do a recap of my year (post to come later) I stumbled on something I wrote in January.

“While I don’t have any great big goals this year of winning the lottery, or ending world hunger…I think this year, instead of brief moments of remembering, and realizing – I want to remember year round. I want to remember my need for a Savior. When I think about it, there isn’t’ a little voice in the back of my mind saying “You will mess this up” and maybe that’s because I already know I HAVE messed this up. Which makes it all that much better. Because no matter how much I mess up, its ok.” – January 2014

That there? Pretty much sums up 2014 in a nut shell. Because boy did I fail.

Its ironic, really. That I forgot all about writing that post until the other day when I found it. And suddenly, everything kind of fell into place. I wanted to be reminded – everyday of this year, of my need for a savior. And I was. Sometimes it was gentle reminders, and sometimes it was harsh reminders. But none the less, I was reminded. I just didn’t remember that I had WANTED to be reminded!

This year I have been kicking around some thoughts about trust. How can I trust, when should I trust? What is trust? I had a lot of thoughts going around in my mind one week in particular – I was stressing about all sorts of stupid things, and trying to make things happen that really shouldn’t happen. Nothing was going right and I found myself getting upset at the trivial, stupid things in life.

And then I stumbled on a Bible verse which put me (and my unruly thoughts!) back into place:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8

To me, the verse simply said that while I might not be completely happy with the way things are going – its not my area to question. Its my place to trust that God is in control – no matter what my circumstances. It was late one night when I had to ask myself “If I don’t trust God in the SMALL areas of my life – how do I expect to trust Him with the big areas?”

It gave me the freedom to let go of things in my life, and really come to an understanding that while I may not be completely happy with the way certain things are – God knows, and is still in control – and nothing is ever out of His control. Just because things sometimes are out of my control – does not mean anything has changed.

“Sometimes I think that I get to thinking that because I am saved, I don’t have a need anymore. I can do it myself. And every once and a while I am reminded, that no I cant. And yes I do have a need. A great need.” – January 2014

How quickly I forget.

This year, similar to last – I don’t have any major new years resolutions. I have things I want to accomplish, and things I hope to achieve. But mostly this year, I want to build on what I have learned this year. I want to be reminded that I need a savior – yes. Yes! But I also want to take the knowledge that I KNOW I need Him, and build. I want to trust Him. In every area of my life. With every decision. With everything.

Here is to another year. Another day. Another chance.

Top Photo: David Yu

Catching Up

Christina

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December 27, 2014

So, hi! It’s been a while since I have actually had a moment to let the thoughts assemble. Mom got me a book for Christmas this year that was something along the lines of “Falling leaves” she said the name reminded her of my blog, which in turn reminded me of my blog. Ah yes, hello little abandon space!

It really is hard for me to believe that this year is coming to a close – and so quickly. I’m actually not sure what I am more surprised about – the fact that December is almost over, or that 2014 is almost over. It’s a close call.

My shopping wars didn’t end with my last post. One of my packages was delivered to the post office, signed and accepted by a complete stranger. It took until today for someone to track them down. While I was surprised that they had actually FOUND the package – I was still not impressed that it got send off with a stranger to begin with.

I had the name of the person who signed for my package and did my best to get in contact with them –calling, facebooking, etc. In the end the post office didn’t know what happened, where my package went or why it took twice as long to get to me.

*_*_*_*_*

I took my driving test a few weeks ago – and failed. I was instructed to parallel park – on a hill. I did it, but I hit the curb three times in the process. Everyone I talk to says that either I shouldn’t have been told to parallel park on a hill, or should have been allowed to hit the curb. In fact, more than one person told me that in order to parallel park –you hit the curb.

I re-took my test on Christmas eve and passed! She told me I did a number of different things ‘perfect.’ The instructor is someone who drives a hard bargain, so to not only pass but have her say I did ‘perfect’ was something I wasn’t expecting! Mom and I had a bit of a ‘squeal out’ in the car and then called Amanda to get her squeals in too.

Today I took a drive (with Yoshi!) to collect my package mentioned above. It was the first time I drove solo (although technically it was with Yoshi, so I wasn’t really alone!!).

*_*_*_*_*

Mom left yesterday to go over and see Amanda and to help celebrate Mr. Judah’s 3^rd birthday! When we got to the airport they gave me a mini panic attack when they said she wasn’t going. The reason? Her name was messed up. I had accidentally put her first name as her first, and her first name as her last. Since she was flying internationally – this was a problem. I called the company I booked through who told me to call the airport.

After explaining I was AT the airport – he continued to tell me to call the airport and was no help. I called back about ten times – and he was the only one answering the phones.

The local airlines couldn’t change it because it wasn’t their ticket. The airlines worker called the connecting flight airlines, who because the company I booked through was being no help, changed the name even though he wasn’t supposed to.

Talk about a close call!

*_*_*_*_*

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Toffee

Christina

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December 17, 2014

Earlier this year I was getting myself excited about Christmas. Well, to be completely honest, Amanda had gotten me worked up about Christmas about 3 weeks prematurely. She even had Christmas music playing WELL before its time. And while I held out as long as possible, I couldn’t help myself. I did quite a bit of Christmas related browsing and dreaming before the turkey had even been consumed.

Late one night, I sat on the kitchen counter waiting for dinner to finish cooking – browsing pinterest. My past experiences with pinterest have fallen flat. But this year I was too excited to take note of this. And instead, pinned my heart out. One of the things I pinned was a recipe that was said to be “Simple” or “As simple as it gets.” It was for “Toffee.”

I don’t honestly know if it is toffee, I don’t know what it is -except good. SO GOOD. And easy. So easy!

The first time I made it, I followed the directions to a T. The second time I was a bit more relaxed and wavered a bit. Both times it turned out perfectly -which makes it a successful recipe in my book. If I can mess around with it and it still turns out? Then it’s perfect!

We bagged what survived from us taste testing it, and used it as Christmas presents.

Christmas Toffee

1 cup whole almonds (I cut mine in ½)
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
1 package chocolate chips
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread with almonds and toast.
Combine butter, sugar, vanilla and salt in saucepan. Once butter has melted completely, whisk constantly until mixture begins to darken.
Spread mixture over the almonds, and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. After a few moments, spread the chocolate even, and top with nuts.

Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.

The original recipe called for pecans to top it with – and I didn’t buy any, assuming we had some. I used walnuts instead, and don’t think it took away from it at all.

Originally recipe found here: Easy Homemade Toffee

Shopping Wars: 2014 Edition

Christina

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December 12, 2014

Anyone who has been reading here for any length on time, knows that I have a serious aversion to shopping. I dislike going into overly crowded stores, finding things, and paying money. None of it appeals to me. Christmas shopping only multiplies my strong dislike for shopping. Not only does it involved going into overly crowded stores, and paying way too much money – there is the slight problem that comes with trying to find something that the person in question is going to like.

When Amanda was here – shopping was fun, I would follow around in amazement as she tossed things in at random, never getting frustrated with the crowds, and never paying over the certain number she had set in her head. As a bonus, the person on the receiving end always loved her gifts. It was a win win situation. Something that I could never, and can never – recreate. My shopping episodes are limited to buying the wrong items, spending too much money, and running out of the stores because they were too crowded.

If I have a list, I do ok. So long as the store isn’t too crowded, and the items on my list are in stock. If not, it’s the perfect storm.

A recent shopping trip in London.

Lets take a step back and take a look at LAST years shopping excitement:

2013:

“This year, my Christmas spirit was HIGH. Like full tilt over the moon BUY ALL THE THINGS! Kind of high. I took advantage of it, and did some late night browsing. I ordered a few gifts, and made a list.

And then my Christmas spirit took a dive. But that was ok! Because my shopping was done. I could relax.

And then last night, as I was looking through my online purchases, I noticed something. The things I bought? Were NOT the things I thought I had bought. In fact, I really have NO idea what was going through my head at the time of purchase – because I thought I was being savvy.

And then…the mail started trickling in. Ever so slowly.

I was excited.

I ripped open the package.

And stared into the face of what was supposed to be a pajama set but instead was an…

“Oil green panel”

Now I knew that things weren’t what I thought I had bought but how does one go from pjs to a curtain panel? Closer inspection showed that what I ordered – was not sent. In its place – was a single curtain. A CURTAIN! Now I don’t know about you – but I don’t know how I was supposed to GIFT a CURTAIN! ONE panel, mind you. The product I had ordered? No longer in stock. I guess this was the closest substitute they had.”

And now, for the 2014 edition of shopping vs. me.

This year, Amanda did her best to get me excited for Christmas. She almost persuaded me to turn on the Christmas music before Thanksgiving (a yearly argument we have!) but I stood strong, and just as we finished up the day, I turned on the Christmas tunes. I will even admit – I made a purchase before Thanksgiving was even over. In the days following, I had completed a majority of my shopping (yay for online shopping!) and was feeling pretty proud of myself for having all my gifts planned, sorted, and bought before November was over.

For the first time in years, I didn’t have to pay express shipping for an item I would just return. I was looking forward to doing away with the traditional “Chasing down of the UPS man to see if there is a package for me!” And was really feeling proud of myself. Probably too proud. Because none of my packages are expected to arrive before Christmas

Last night I looked up an item that was scheduled to be here in 3-5 business days. It has been two weeks. There was no tracking information. The company told me to call the post office. The post office told me (and I quote) “Call UPS or FedEx.” Confused I asked why. Which is when they informed me that they had no information – so it must be another shipping company’s fault.

Frustrated, I called the original company again – who then told me they were sorry and would redo my order. Except. ½ the items I ordered? Were no longer in stock. The promo code I used was invalid, and there was no way to guarantee that these things would arrive in time for Christmas.

Another item I had ordered has been stuck in Washington for two weeks with no hope of it arriving when promised. In fact, the scheduled delivery date has changed two times since I purchased it.

And finally, my personal favorite – an item that appears to be lost. Traveling from Washington, to Ontario Canada, to California, to BC Canada, before arriving in Florida where it currently awaits its next big adventure.