Fare Thee Well, 2009!

As the minutes tick the final moments of 2009 away, I thought it would be beneficial to have a moment of reflection and ponder the implications of a new decade. Like last year, I would do my top twelve photos of 2009 but unfortunately our computer is in the shop and I just don't have it in me to lug the Grand Master Jedi into action. 

So, before I don my gear for the FIRST RUN/WALK of the year, I take this moment to pen my hopes and goals for 2010: 

1. I am going to read the books on our bookshelves; minus the theology and Star Wars. 
2. I am going to volunteer at a local organization which is TBD. 
3. I am going to abstain from sweets for January. 
4. I really want to do a sprint triathlon. 
5. Last year I stated that I wanted to get a job overseas; this year I think I should just hope for a job.

I am sure there are a few more here and there, but I am being distracted by my husband's antics as he tries to find the New York City ball drop on the Internet. He just informed me that we could watch it in Spanish. 

Dick Clark sounds funny in Spanish. 

Soggy Musings

The seven days between Christmas and New Year's Day tends to be a colossal chunk of time and matter that is filled with blundering, lapses of missing moments, reflections of a year gone by, anticipation for something new and the surprise elements of snowstorms.

The post Christmas aftermath in the Banker bungalow has consisted of a 1000 piece puzzle, movies, Phase 10, mourning a friend's miscarriage and eating leftovers while trying to detox from the heavy foods that we do not eat on a normal basis.

Now, I sit watching drips and drops of what was formerly a winter wonderland. The forecast blatantly stated rain, instead we received three or so inches of snow last night. The snow hush descended upon Portland, forcing us to postpone our evening of root beer tasting. We were disappointed by cheered ourselves by a toasty fire and watched more movies while attempting another puzzle.

Today, the white has melded into the green grass and the flower pots overflow their rims. I have served my gym time and sated my weary muscles with tea. The hum of the washer and dryer drone in the background.

The plodding towards the new year continues.

Snippets of Christmas

The day began with Zach nuzzling my cheek and whispering in my ear, "Merry Christmas! It's morning."

Armed with coffee, tea, and English muffins we sat beside our tree exclaiming delight at our respective gifts.

Jennie called demanding we log into Skype. Once the web cam came into focus, Jennie and Mom greeted us with Cheshire type grins and a note that read, "Sheila--one round trip ticket to Portland, OR April 5-9. Merry Christmas!" In April, Jennie and Mom are coming to Portland.

During our Skype with the Frazier Farm, Zach's family texted saying they were on Skype. After finishing our conversation, we began a chat with the Banker family

Brunch was slated for 11am, but actually happened closer to noon because of all the Skype calls. It was a feast. It was relaxing. It was filled with laughter.

After the last dish was dried and stowed, the games began. They boys played hard.

The girls slept.

The evening hours were spent in the basement bungalow in front of a cozy fire. Melissa and I battled over Phase 10. I won.

Expectation

One of the best lessons I have learned thus far in my lifetime occurred on the other side of the world. In a cramped conference room nestled in the downtown hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, a leader walked my team and I through the meaning of expectations. More importantly, this gentleman highlighted and significantly talked about unspoken expectations. The tentacles of wishes that lie dormant and in the recesses of our hopes, thoughts, dreams, and everyday life. Most of the time it is not mandatory to a situation, but something that would make it that much better. His examples included the expectation of meeting students, but the secret expectation of drinking green tea in an alley teashop with a student. As a team we proceeded to jot down our potential unspoken expectations.

Years later, I continue to rely on that lesson. Expectations are not bad, it is the hope for something. However, things go awry when the unspoken expectation takes over and casts a dismal layer over the situation. This week, due to different facets, I have been contemplating the expectation of a Savior. Tonight at the church service, Micah 5:2-5 was read.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Though you are small among the clans

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time

when she who is in labor gives birth

and the rest of his brother return

to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely, for then his greatness

will reach the ends of the earth.

And he will be their peace.

The expectation for a ruler. An expectation for a Savior. Someone great. An un-defeatable champion.

Unspoken expectations probably wanted someone physically strong. Someone mighty. A dashing king who could sweep into the thug ran courts and vanquish evil. Someone popular.

Mary gave birth to a child and the heavens broke forth in worship. Believers stood around scratching their heads trying to figure out how a child in the manger would save the world.

Today I read the story and I scratch my head trying to figure out why I think my reaction would be any different than thousands of years ago. I have the privilege of knowing the rest of the story, and yet my unspoken expectations of the child in the manger tend to cast a dismal layer over my hope of a Savior. Some days He just doesn't fill what I had anticipated.

There should be some poetic and epiphanic thought to bring this to a close, but there isn't at this moment. It is just the ramblings and contemplations of a contented follower of Christ who attended a fabulous Christmas Eve service. It fulfilled my expectations.

Christmas Photo of the Day: Nativity

My grandmother made this 14 piece nativity set in a ceramics class eons ago. I treasure it.

Christmas Photo of the Day: Green Marshmallows

Christmas Photo of the Day: Cookies

Christmas Photo of the Day: Christmas Cards

Christmas Photo of the Day: True Value Wrapping Paper

My father has owned a True Value Hardware for eighteen years. After his purchase of hammers, screwdrivers, PVC pipe, etc., he also discovered his inheritance of a retro 1960s-ish wrapping paper. Initially the family, myself included, mocked the weird paper. Eighteen years later, we revere and rejoice at seeing this paper under our tree.

Through the years we learned that usually the best presents came wrapped in this paper. The package never bears a name tag nor ribbon.

I believe my father revels in his niche of our holiday traditions. I would have it no other way and love the memories he has provided and continues to provide. Examples include:

• One Christmas Eve after noticing that no True Value paper was underneath the Christmas tree and bemoaning the fact, he told Jennie, Stephen and I to go get the presents out of the Neon's trunk. I had been driving them around for two weeks.
• The present was large and sat under our tree for weeks. It was a desk for mom. We kids were so excited to be in on the secret and that mom got a BIG True Value package. Christmas morning the desk was for me. Tricky.
• The year Dad allowed us to wrap a ceramic nurse wind chime for mom in the sacred paper. On our way to the car Jennie dropped it. We heard the crunch and knew that inevitably something was broken. Jennie looked at the package on the sidewalk, looked at us and said, "Mom won't be mad, it's wrapped in the good wrapping paper." We gave mom a broken wind chime. It hung over the kitchen sink for years, looking a bit tattered after the glue job.
• The first Christmas Zach and I were married, Zach was the only family member to receive a package wrapped in the paper. Dad almost had a riot on his hands but confessed a few years later that he had to bring Zach into the family the right way.

Through the years we have had a few scares that the True Value wrapping paper was gone, but in true Dad form he finds a random roll stashed in the furthest corner of the store attic, behind a bad batch of generators or some random nook of the store. Just last year I received a phone call in the middle of the summer from Dad. The conversation started with, "You will never guess what I found..."

Late last night we discovered a UPS box stashed outside. Inside the box was four presents wrapped in that retro paper. No names. No ribbons. I would not have it any other way.

Thanks Dad!

A Day of Impromptu

Today was a good day.

There was not one thing or activity that deemed it such a good day; it was the compilation of the full twenty four hours. The day was warm. I had lunch with Zach. The gym workout was top notch. We had sushi for dinner. We got Christmas packages. We got Christmas cards.

I got a package from my mom that held a folder labeled, "Storytime with Amanda and Kaden." Inside was photocopied pages of my all time favorite children's book, Gus was a Friendly Ghost. I promptly read it to Kaden and became a bit teary eyed since I had not read the book since my Nanny had died. As I read, I could hear her voice reading it to me for so many years.

We also got a package from my Aunt Becky and Uncle Sam that was host to 25 stamps. We laughed hard.

Our laughter turned into absolute cheering when we opened it to find two homemade sauces and an exquisite chips and dip plate. I was so excited I called Aunt Becky.

Half the salsa is gone already.

After our sushi dinner, we joined Nancy and Brian at the Queen Anne's Victorian Mansion. It boasts of having over a million lights, and it came near though many were dead due to years of service. That did not hamper our oohs and aahs.

Ironically, Daniel Boone's granddaughter lived in this home after she was fetched as a bride. Zach and I felt as though we had stepped back into Kentucky history; especially when those around us asked, "Who is Daniel Boone?"

Heartbreak of the Season

I unabashedly believed it as a child. As an adolescent it started to wobble the Christmas Eve I went with my mom, a home health nurse, to see a patient. Even as an adult, it glimmers and tries so hard to stay afloat. It is the naive thought that nothing, absolutely nothing can go wrong between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a pristine, unblemished 29 days where the world languishes in excitement, merriment, and utter perfection. Bills disappear, cars do not break down, hospitals are empty and all stomachs in the world are full.

This week has been a dramatic reminder that hurt, pain, sorrow, grief and anger continues to scamper to and fro; no break for a holiday. A couple loses a newborn child. Two families sit in a mountain lodge wondering where their loved ones lay hidden on a very rugged yet majestic mountain, while the third family grieves the loss of their son who succumbed to hypothermia. Financial crises hands it's ball and chain to multiple families. Hundreds of thousands continue to receive employment rejection letters.

Heartbreak over Christmas seems harsh and oxymoronic. How can a world celebrate a Savior when it seems to flail and thrash around, constantly diverted by earthly woes? I wish I could eloquently pen something deep and profound which could be reconciliatory or help me to wrap my head around the situations. I can't. They just suck.

Stupid sad moments when the Christmas tree is twinkling.

Christmas Photo of the Day

A Pound of Utter Mayhem

In the typical Banker life group fashion, we pillaged, plundered, laughed, feasted, and stole mightily during our annual Christmas sh-bang! Multiple memories were stashed from the evening and we love this group exponentially.

Share the Wealth

It is a tale of extreme non-probability and whimsical wishing come true. By a chance swipe of a gift card, Zach won a larger gift card sum of $500 from a local restaurant chain. We were elated, stupefied and not hungry when he shared the news. However, we quickly devised a plan to share the wealth.

We announced to six of our couple friends that we wanted to share an evening at Portland City Grill, a local, high-class restaurant located on the top floor of the tallest building. We would foot the bill up to a specified amount. By some mad miracle or one heck of a scramble on their part, all were able to attend except one.

It was a night to remember.

The views were amazing. The food was utterly scrumptious. The sight of five men in suits was priceless. The laughter, conversation, and company exciting. We were so out of our element that it hinged on a peasant running amok in a king's court.

It was a special night to celebrate the adventures, hardships, and unknowns in each of our lives.

Christmas Photo of the Day: Gingerbread Mayhem

My friend, Matt, randomly won a gingerbread house. He mocked the kit, but graciously gave it to Lisa and I to decorate with the caveat that he could come hang out and heckle. I do believe it was a resounding success on all levels.

"In Town"

A few weeks ago we found out that Zach's Aunt Libby and Uncle Henry were going to be in Seattle. Since our westward migration, we have made it a priority that if family is within a reasonable driving distance we will meet them for a day or two or even a few hours. It sure beats the price of a plane ticket, plus we enjoy showing off our home turf.

The day jaunt to Seattle could not have been better weather wise and the hours with Libby and Henry were enjoyable--filled with laughter, family news, and complaining about the Seattle traffic.

Too quickly our time ended and we were headed back to Portland. We are a bit astounded and spoiled with family visits this month.

Christmas Photo of the Day:

I practically did a cartwheel when I saw this sign in Macy's. Yes, Virginia is one of my all time favorite Christmas stories.

Christmas Photo of the Day

Christmas Photo of the Day: Christmas Ships

A Magical Town Named Leavenworth

During our years of Northwest living, whisperings of a quaint Bavarian village nestled beneath snow capped Alp-esque mountains was a place to visit during the holiday season. Each year this town embraces thousands of visitors, opening its arm to welcome the masses and encouraging such visitors to enjoy the shops, sights, and tastes with the intent to take a moment to enjoy the season.

The distance seemed daunting by Map Quest standards, but with a niece in tow and our ever itching love of road trips we trekked to Leavenworth, WA. The hours passed quickly as did the highway that led us through meandering hills, windmill farms, high desert, and the mountain passes. After four hours, we dipped into our destination, awed by our initial view.

Cathryn gleefully declared that we had arrived in Whoville and quite possibly the North Pole. With grumbling stomachs, we eased the hunger at South, a small Mexican hub that served great food. It was a good place to get our bearings and insider information to the day's events from our waitress.

We had timed our arrival so that we had over an hour or so before the lighting ceremony. We dipped in and out of the shops--cheese maker, bakery, Nutcracker, Kris Kringl, bookstore, etc. We laughed at the Christmas tree decorated with pretzels. We marveled at the hundreds of nutcrackers that were for sale. Samples were tried and dozens of pictures were taken.

The air was frigid but crisp as we stood among the masses for the lighting ceremony. Everyone from the mayor to the reigning Autumn Leaf Queen gave a word of welcome; very reminiscent of the The Grinch. The dignitaries even looked like their Grinch counterparts. During a mass singing of Silent Night, the park lights sparkled to life sporadically. At the close, the masses began a countdown. 10...9...8...

Precisely at one, the storefronts lit to many oohs and ahhs. Five minutes later it started to snow. It is the ambiance movies strive to create. It was sweet to experience firsthand.

We continued to meander along the street, stopping to watch a live nativity, hearkened on the street corner as the "live re-enactment of Jesus' birth!" By the time we decided to tear ourselves away from the winter wonderland, an inch of snow had fallen and was not stopping.

The quaint Bavarian town had taken on an enchanted cloak, thousands of lights twinkling on fresh fallen snow. The hustle and bustle sounds were deadened, replaced by the giggles of children slipping and sliding and the tings of snow hitting snow.

The return trip was a bit treacherous through the passes and by the time we pulled into the driveway at 2am we were ready for sleep. Nonetheless, it was a treat and a highlight for us this Christmas season.

Christmas Photo of the Day: Holiday Fair Prep

Christmas Photo of the Day: Uncle Sandwich

Christmas Photo of the Day: Weekend Edition

It has been a fabulous weekend visiting with our niece, Cathryn. Our adventures have been amazing and I look forward to penning the memories. However, for tonight it will suffice to post my Christmas pictures.

Saturday, December 5

Sunday, December 6

I confess that I did not take this picture, but I love it. It seems the Tos were sneaky and hid two ornaments on our tree during our treks away this weekend. The beautiful part was that Zach discovered the ornaments while Lisa and Kaden were downstairs. While laying under the tree Zach exclaimed, "Kaden, did you put something on our tree?!" Kaden vehemently shook his head yes, while laying next to Zach. It was amazing.

Our Favorite Niece

Our niece, Cathryn, arrived today from the motherland. She is here for a birthday celebration weekend, compliments of the inlaws. We are ready for one heck of a weekend!

Christmas Photo of the Day

Christmas Photo of the Day: Believe

Discovering the 205 Bike Path

Still dripping in sweat from kickboxing, I received a text message from Stephanie that she was bike riding if I wanted to join. The proposition was enticing since I have wanted to rediscover the 205 bike path plus spend time with Stephanie. I said yes.

The day was crisp, blue skies, sunny and and host to a ferocious gorge wind. It was one of those days when you can't stay inside no matter what the little voice of reason is telling you.

The new and improved bike path is a treat -- smooth riding, unique art and cute little bike path signs. The head wind was a beast.

I loved the time with Stephanie and look forward to more two wheeled adventures with her.

Christmas Photo of the Day:

Don't ask.

Photo A Day: Christmas Edition

One of the ways I intend to enjoy the Christmas season this year is to take one picture a day that specifically screams "IT IS CHRISTMAS!" Along with the other random piffle that I process on this space, a picture will be posted of my sightings.

After stringing outside lights with Lisa, I looked inside the front window to see Kaden and Joel chummy on the couch. I loved the Christmas lights silhouetting their profiles.

Thankful

Before the visions of sugar plums, snowflakes, peppermint bark, and twinkling lights overcome my senses, I want to dwell a moment on the gift of Thanksgiving. Though I will vehemently voice that Christmas is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving is special in its own right. Each year, I tend to pause more frequently and acknowledge the blessings of the year.

It may be that "maturity" thing that tends to come with age. Twenty years ago I did not know how much money and time it took to create the meal. I just showed up with my stomach. Ten years ago I did not know what it was like to go without a paycheck, be on the other side of the continent and be utterly helpless driving by the corner peddlers wondering if I was going to be there.

Four years ago I bowed my head to give thanks alongside a new family--a family that welcomed us holiday orphans in for their meal, festivities and traditions.

This year has been shaky, odd, unplanned, and in may ways just plain hard. Though there has been frustration and uncertainty in great multitudes, the treasures of the year have been many. The thrill of canoeing new waterways, great friends, a new home with friends, unemployment checks, unconditional love from Zach, encouragement from random people, and continual hope for something bigger.

This year we celebrated alongside our housemates, their extended family, and friends. It was the first year in our marriage that Zach and I 'hosted' a Thanksgiving feast. We loved the opportunity to be a part of the cooking crew; well, Zach was more the taste testing crew. We loved the busyness of preparing the basement to hold the abundance of food. We enjoyed our respective Thanksgiving morning workouts--step and Turkey bowl. Overall, it was just plain good.