According to this website, I'm an "old blogger". Not very flattering. We just realized that we don't know Travis' travel itinerary. He is either at an airport somewhere or in a plane. He's probably on his way to London, I would think. But maybe still in Chicago. We have Tommy's adventure on the bulletin board, Danny and Jenni's phone numbers and location, but not Travis'. Good luck Travis! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jak is playing with us tonight. He loves helicoptor videos on line. Unfortunately the sickos that post them have them crashing a lot. I try to stop it before the crash.
Today is Dennis' birthday. I'm thinking we'll have a Rockford Film Festival after Jak is asleep. We heard from Alex today. He was delayed in writing by an earthquake and power outage, but he is fine. I think the outage was in the whole Southeast area....The earthquake was in Taiwan.
Gotta go. Jak wants to push an "o" on the keyboard.
Love, Mom
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
A Very Merry Christmas!!!!!
Dec. 26, 2006
What a wonderful holiday time! We have had so much fun. Today we started out slowly, wanting to relax and especially, to not eat. Well, Danny, Jenni, and Tommy are currently at an art supply store and then are going to cut photo mats. Jak is napping, after playing all day and watching train movies. Travis is at Richard's house, hopefully talking to Agata on skype. Dennis is in the shower after a good work out at the gym and a shopping trip to Costco to buy sushi with Danny. We are celebrating Dennis' birthday. I am finally on the computer and getting very sleepy.
We watched the first two "Rockford Files" in our new Season Two last night. Dennis looked so happy. He has always totally enjoyed that show.
Merry Christmas to all who are far away, to Alex, Agata, Tyler, Grandma and Grandpa, Steve, and all the Washingtonians. (We don't really say that.) Hope you are well and happy. Grandma and G-pa have a ton of snow, and somebody had better be plowing those roads. And we know who!
We're half-way to getting a new grandchild, and are very touched and grateful for that miracle. Soon we will know if it's a boy, or even a girl!
Love, Mom
What a wonderful holiday time! We have had so much fun. Today we started out slowly, wanting to relax and especially, to not eat. Well, Danny, Jenni, and Tommy are currently at an art supply store and then are going to cut photo mats. Jak is napping, after playing all day and watching train movies. Travis is at Richard's house, hopefully talking to Agata on skype. Dennis is in the shower after a good work out at the gym and a shopping trip to Costco to buy sushi with Danny. We are celebrating Dennis' birthday. I am finally on the computer and getting very sleepy.
We watched the first two "Rockford Files" in our new Season Two last night. Dennis looked so happy. He has always totally enjoyed that show.
Merry Christmas to all who are far away, to Alex, Agata, Tyler, Grandma and Grandpa, Steve, and all the Washingtonians. (We don't really say that.) Hope you are well and happy. Grandma and G-pa have a ton of snow, and somebody had better be plowing those roads. And we know who!
We're half-way to getting a new grandchild, and are very touched and grateful for that miracle. Soon we will know if it's a boy, or even a girl!
Love, Mom
Monday, December 18, 2006
Today's News
Dec. 18, 2006
Danny and Jenni are nearing the Utah-Idaho border. Jak talked to me on the phone. It was a great chat. Tommy stayed here today and finished writing a paper. He went to Provo to present it. Travis has been busy taking care of something very special for Agata. Dennis is at the gym. Our next door neighbor, Zak, had back surgery today at Primary Children's Hospital to repair a break in his spine which hasn't healed all year. All went well and he should be home in a few days. He has to take it easy for six months. It snowed a lot yesterday and is quite beautiful, but icy.
The bunny is alive and well. I don't think I have to go back to Costco for the rest of the holidays. (good thing.)
How random is this entry? About as random as my shopping list. We watched "Lavendar Hill Mob" last night. Travis gave it to me for Christmas. I think Alec Guiness is one of my favorite actors of all times. He is so funny.
We got a letter from Alex's mission President. He says that the arrival of all the missionaries was a wonderful miracle. I'm sure that would have been a special flight to be on: probably about thirty missionaries flying into Bangkok at the same time. Mr. Ward's son goes on the 26th
We miss Tyler so much. I hope you remember him in your prayers.
Merry Christmas!
Mom
L
Danny and Jenni are nearing the Utah-Idaho border. Jak talked to me on the phone. It was a great chat. Tommy stayed here today and finished writing a paper. He went to Provo to present it. Travis has been busy taking care of something very special for Agata. Dennis is at the gym. Our next door neighbor, Zak, had back surgery today at Primary Children's Hospital to repair a break in his spine which hasn't healed all year. All went well and he should be home in a few days. He has to take it easy for six months. It snowed a lot yesterday and is quite beautiful, but icy.
The bunny is alive and well. I don't think I have to go back to Costco for the rest of the holidays. (good thing.)
How random is this entry? About as random as my shopping list. We watched "Lavendar Hill Mob" last night. Travis gave it to me for Christmas. I think Alec Guiness is one of my favorite actors of all times. He is so funny.
We got a letter from Alex's mission President. He says that the arrival of all the missionaries was a wonderful miracle. I'm sure that would have been a special flight to be on: probably about thirty missionaries flying into Bangkok at the same time. Mr. Ward's son goes on the 26th
We miss Tyler so much. I hope you remember him in your prayers.
Merry Christmas!
Mom
L
CHRISTMAS WISH
Christmas wish
Christmas wishes do come true.
Entirely.
And it makes you so happy that your heart is about to explode.
Christmas wishes do come true.
Entirely.
And it makes you so happy that your heart is about to explode.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
I Passed!
I think my defense went pretty well. Everyone had positive things to say, and an interesting discussion between computational and experimental researchers was initiated. That was something we'd hoped would happen, so I think it was a success. They sent me out of the room and talked for a few minutes, and then came out and shook my hand and said that I passed!
So now I'm doing a few revisions on the actual thesis document that the committe recommended, and then tomorrow I will go submit the final copy to the library. Pretty exciting to be so close to finishing. Ahhh, I can almost taste it.
Well, thanks for praying for me and we'll see you all soon.
Love,
Danny
So now I'm doing a few revisions on the actual thesis document that the committe recommended, and then tomorrow I will go submit the final copy to the library. Pretty exciting to be so close to finishing. Ahhh, I can almost taste it.
Well, thanks for praying for me and we'll see you all soon.
Love,
Danny
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Good Luck, Danny!
I guess Danny and Jenni made a very good deal on a new car. Congratulations! I'm sure it was stressful. Good luck tomorrow with you defense, Danny. I still wish Jenni could video it. Travis is very busy. I'm sure Tommy is, too. Alex should e-mail tonight. Love you all!
Mom
Mom
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Adventures at work
This is Dennis. We just had a great party with Marty and Brandi and their kids. It was great fun and came with a big surprise; Vaughn and Alma showed up from Canada! (Agata, Vaughn is Jolenes favorite aunt.) They said they are planning a big birthday party for Alma around July 24 and want us all to come, so think about it and see if you can work it into your schedule and practice speaking Canadian, eh!
I have a busy couple of weeks ahead of me at work. We are implementing an "Electronic Work Instruction" system and it is not going as well as planned. We had reported several bugs in the software to the vendor. Rather than just fixing the bugs, they issued a whole new release (or version) of the software. This seems to have fixed the bugs we reported, but has broken several things that used to work. They are trying to fix these things. If they don't, we will have to decide which bugs are the least irritating and choose the version that comes closest to meeting our needs. We have to go live Jan 2, so we are working feverishly to have a working system by then.
I have a busy couple of weeks ahead of me at work. We are implementing an "Electronic Work Instruction" system and it is not going as well as planned. We had reported several bugs in the software to the vendor. Rather than just fixing the bugs, they issued a whole new release (or version) of the software. This seems to have fixed the bugs we reported, but has broken several things that used to work. They are trying to fix these things. If they don't, we will have to decide which bugs are the least irritating and choose the version that comes closest to meeting our needs. We have to go live Jan 2, so we are working feverishly to have a working system by then.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Done?
Famdamily-
Well, classes are officially finished. Thats mainly just a joke, though, as finals are now in full swing and will last until next Friday. Today is 'reading day,' which means classes are cancelled and Im spending my time at work. I think 'reading day' is misnomer; I would love it if my finals left me time to read anything, instead of requiring me to write for pages on end :)
Eek got to get back to work. The Man arrives in the form of a studen with paper in hand...
-tc
Well, classes are officially finished. Thats mainly just a joke, though, as finals are now in full swing and will last until next Friday. Today is 'reading day,' which means classes are cancelled and Im spending my time at work. I think 'reading day' is misnomer; I would love it if my finals left me time to read anything, instead of requiring me to write for pages on end :)
Eek got to get back to work. The Man arrives in the form of a studen with paper in hand...
-tc
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Congratulations and Good Luck, Danny!
I think I did understand the brief paragraph describing and announcing Danny's thesis. Jenni and I were talking today about teaching math to the visual learner. I have enjoyed Danny's description of his project. It seems like a way to make projections and numbers and theories very visual.
I hope all of my kids will get all of the education they want and they can stand (I know it's hard.) I'm very proud that Danny is finishing his Master's Degree this month and has made such a good contribution to the field. I have felt like his experience has been challenging and worthwhile and I admire he and Jenni for all of their hard work.
Congratulations!
Mom
I hope all of my kids will get all of the education they want and they can stand (I know it's hard.) I'm very proud that Danny is finishing his Master's Degree this month and has made such a good contribution to the field. I have felt like his experience has been challenging and worthwhile and I admire he and Jenni for all of their hard work.
Congratulations!
Mom
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
I just thought I'd say hi--it's been a while. I hope you all got the email about Danny's thesis--very cool. He's turning it in to the committee tomorrow which means there is light at the end of the tunnel. Meanwhile I am keeping busy with tutoring and Jak and proof-reading Danny's thesis all hours of the night.
I thought I'd share a little anecdote from a shopping trip today with Jak. Most shopping trips have a story it seems. I have no pride left at our neighborhood Safeway--especially since it's quite small and I'm there all the time and it's always the same workers. Anyway, the system is: I walk the couple blocks to the grocery store with Jak. He usually insists on walking there--today there was even some road construction going on which was very exciting for him--he insisted on touching the truck both times we passed. We also pass a bus stop which he loves--except when he throws a fit because he wants to "ride bus". Anyway--it's taking longer to write this than it actually takes to make the walk. Once at the store I hook a basket on the handles of Jak's little umbrella stroller. So the basket hangs behind his head. One handle of the basket goes over one handle of the stroller and the other handle goes on the other handle. That didn't make sense but you get the idea. It works very well. Anyway, we were just buying stuff and I realized too late that we needed much more than one basket could hold. But, I'm pretty stubborn about that kind of thing and figured I'd make it work. So next thing you know the basket is overflowing in a delicate balance, Jak is holding the cheese and the paper towels are balancing on his head and I have a box of cereal under each arm and the eggs in one hand and I'm trying to navigate the stroller to the check out stand with my remaining hand. I really have no shame, unfortunately. So, we get to the line and I let go of the stroller to put the stuff in my arms on the belt and immediately the stroller, laden with milk, cleaning supplies, boxes of cereal, cans, beans, and my innocent boy with his cheese and paper towels became terribly out of balance and went crashing backwards to the ground. Things were rolling everywhere and Jak, his arms now empty, still strapped in but hanging upside down apparantely unscathed was laughing his head off. He thought it was the funniest thing ever. So I left him there upside down until I gathered everything up onto the belt then calmly picked him up as if this was all very ordinary--nothing to draw attention. Honestly, who am I kidding. The cashier was very kind and just checked my things as if nothing had happened then we loaded all of the bags on the handles--and balancing it much more carefully made our way home.
Ahhh, a day in the life of Jenni and Jakson. Unfortunately moments like that are really not that uncommon. I'd like to blame it on having a 2 year old who is getting me into trouble which is what I usually do. Honestly it is often fair--like the other grocery store incident when Jak dumped a whole carton of eggs out on top of all of the groceries which meant we had a huge puddle of shells, yolk, and egg white which was quite scrambled on the ground once it was filtered through all of my groceries. I blamed that on Jak. But, I think more often than not, it really is my own stupidity that gets us into trouble. We are quite a pair walking around this city.
I thought I'd share a little anecdote from a shopping trip today with Jak. Most shopping trips have a story it seems. I have no pride left at our neighborhood Safeway--especially since it's quite small and I'm there all the time and it's always the same workers. Anyway, the system is: I walk the couple blocks to the grocery store with Jak. He usually insists on walking there--today there was even some road construction going on which was very exciting for him--he insisted on touching the truck both times we passed. We also pass a bus stop which he loves--except when he throws a fit because he wants to "ride bus". Anyway--it's taking longer to write this than it actually takes to make the walk. Once at the store I hook a basket on the handles of Jak's little umbrella stroller. So the basket hangs behind his head. One handle of the basket goes over one handle of the stroller and the other handle goes on the other handle. That didn't make sense but you get the idea. It works very well. Anyway, we were just buying stuff and I realized too late that we needed much more than one basket could hold. But, I'm pretty stubborn about that kind of thing and figured I'd make it work. So next thing you know the basket is overflowing in a delicate balance, Jak is holding the cheese and the paper towels are balancing on his head and I have a box of cereal under each arm and the eggs in one hand and I'm trying to navigate the stroller to the check out stand with my remaining hand. I really have no shame, unfortunately. So, we get to the line and I let go of the stroller to put the stuff in my arms on the belt and immediately the stroller, laden with milk, cleaning supplies, boxes of cereal, cans, beans, and my innocent boy with his cheese and paper towels became terribly out of balance and went crashing backwards to the ground. Things were rolling everywhere and Jak, his arms now empty, still strapped in but hanging upside down apparantely unscathed was laughing his head off. He thought it was the funniest thing ever. So I left him there upside down until I gathered everything up onto the belt then calmly picked him up as if this was all very ordinary--nothing to draw attention. Honestly, who am I kidding. The cashier was very kind and just checked my things as if nothing had happened then we loaded all of the bags on the handles--and balancing it much more carefully made our way home.
Ahhh, a day in the life of Jenni and Jakson. Unfortunately moments like that are really not that uncommon. I'd like to blame it on having a 2 year old who is getting me into trouble which is what I usually do. Honestly it is often fair--like the other grocery store incident when Jak dumped a whole carton of eggs out on top of all of the groceries which meant we had a huge puddle of shells, yolk, and egg white which was quite scrambled on the ground once it was filtered through all of my groceries. I blamed that on Jak. But, I think more often than not, it really is my own stupidity that gets us into trouble. We are quite a pair walking around this city.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Dennis' Christmas List
I would like the second season of Rockford Files on DVD. That's it. Other than that, I would like to see all of you, chat with Agata online again, and spend time together. Another German breakfast like Travis did earlier would be good. I agree that a winter weiner roast is in order.
Agata, your English was great. I hope we didn't make you too nervous. We thought you were delightful and look forward to meeting you.
Agata, your English was great. I hope we didn't make you too nervous. We thought you were delightful and look forward to meeting you.
Sakohn Nakhon
Alex should e-mail tomorrow. I have no idea what his internet conditions are like. Well, I guess I do. Sounds like the bathroom was terrible.
Here's a little about Sakhon Nakhon Province. (I love the Thai writing. It's so beautiful. But I can't copy it here.) Sakon Nakhon is one of the north-eastern provines of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau not far from the river Mekong. There is a lake "Nong Han" the biggest natural lake of North-East Thailand. It is a popular resort of the local people. The Phu Phan Mountains delimit the province to the south. (They keep using the word "Khmer" in describing symbols or styles of this province. My Vietnam war past is a little alarmed.) The Phu Thai tribe people living around the town offer an interesting study in ancient customs and traditions, such as the "Wax Castle" festival in October when castles fashioned from was are celebrated (hopefully on a cold day).
The province borders on the Thai-Laotian frontier. It is about 172 meters above sea level.
Sakhon Nakhon existed as a major city in the Khmer Empire of Khotraboon (there's that word again) at the height of its glory in the 12th to the 16th century. (we were busy with the dark ages). Many Khmer shrines and artifacts stand proof to the claim and constitute major attractions of the province.
There's a large resevoir feeding a major ancient city called Nong Han Luang. It was built by a Khmer prince. There's a famous person named Lady Mo who is a heroine of the northest. Apparently several tribes have migrated to the area and keep their own cultural heritage and traditions.
There's a 10th century shrine called the Holy Relic of Choengehum. There are two masters of meditation who put Sakhon Nakhon firmly on the map of Buddhist pilgrimages, Man Bhuridatto and the reverand Fan Acharo. They started the movement for Buddhist to seek their inner selves and an ultimate state of mind that cannot be troubled by worldly happenings. Their are memorials and museums to these monks.
Hideouts and dense forests in the mountains made them an insurgents' stronghold. It was here that the Communist armed struggle started two decades ago. After peace and order was fully restored, a royal palace was built atop Phuphan. The palace has served as the headquarters of Their Majesties the King and the Queen for their yearly visits to the people of the Northeast, normally in November. (Alex is missing everything.) The queen is a great supporter of the Ancient and ethnic textiles of this region. (great souvenirs!)
There is also a Rocket Festival or the Long Boat Procession that various Thai tribes participate in.
Wow! It's hard to believe Alex is in such an exotic place! Hopefully all is going well.
Love, Mom
Here's a little about Sakhon Nakhon Province. (I love the Thai writing. It's so beautiful. But I can't copy it here.) Sakon Nakhon is one of the north-eastern provines of Thailand. It is located on the Khorat Plateau not far from the river Mekong. There is a lake "Nong Han" the biggest natural lake of North-East Thailand. It is a popular resort of the local people. The Phu Phan Mountains delimit the province to the south. (They keep using the word "Khmer" in describing symbols or styles of this province. My Vietnam war past is a little alarmed.) The Phu Thai tribe people living around the town offer an interesting study in ancient customs and traditions, such as the "Wax Castle" festival in October when castles fashioned from was are celebrated (hopefully on a cold day).
The province borders on the Thai-Laotian frontier. It is about 172 meters above sea level.
Sakhon Nakhon existed as a major city in the Khmer Empire of Khotraboon (there's that word again) at the height of its glory in the 12th to the 16th century. (we were busy with the dark ages). Many Khmer shrines and artifacts stand proof to the claim and constitute major attractions of the province.
There's a large resevoir feeding a major ancient city called Nong Han Luang. It was built by a Khmer prince. There's a famous person named Lady Mo who is a heroine of the northest. Apparently several tribes have migrated to the area and keep their own cultural heritage and traditions.
There's a 10th century shrine called the Holy Relic of Choengehum. There are two masters of meditation who put Sakhon Nakhon firmly on the map of Buddhist pilgrimages, Man Bhuridatto and the reverand Fan Acharo. They started the movement for Buddhist to seek their inner selves and an ultimate state of mind that cannot be troubled by worldly happenings. Their are memorials and museums to these monks.
Hideouts and dense forests in the mountains made them an insurgents' stronghold. It was here that the Communist armed struggle started two decades ago. After peace and order was fully restored, a royal palace was built atop Phuphan. The palace has served as the headquarters of Their Majesties the King and the Queen for their yearly visits to the people of the Northeast, normally in November. (Alex is missing everything.) The queen is a great supporter of the Ancient and ethnic textiles of this region. (great souvenirs!)
There is also a Rocket Festival or the Long Boat Procession that various Thai tribes participate in.
Wow! It's hard to believe Alex is in such an exotic place! Hopefully all is going well.
Love, Mom
Monday, December 04, 2006
World Peace is all I Want
Hey,
I thought I'd join this trend of posting wish lists online. The problem is, what do you get the man who wants everything?
Well, what I need right now mostly is boring clothes type stuff to transform me from a slouchy grad student into a hip young urban professional. But I won't burden you all with that boring task. I can take care of that. I believe that Christmas is a time for surprising, so I will try not to get too specific in what I want. That way, you still have to sweat a little. HA.
Here's are some general categories of stuff that I'm into right now.
Danny
I thought I'd join this trend of posting wish lists online. The problem is, what do you get the man who wants everything?
Well, what I need right now mostly is boring clothes type stuff to transform me from a slouchy grad student into a hip young urban professional. But I won't burden you all with that boring task. I can take care of that. I believe that Christmas is a time for surprising, so I will try not to get too specific in what I want. That way, you still have to sweat a little. HA.
Here's are some general categories of stuff that I'm into right now.
- Riding bikes. Mountain or road, any bike accessories are cool.
- Backpacking. Any camping gizmos would be great.
- Listening to music. New music is always good.
- Watching movies. Both actual movies and movie suggestions, i.e. a favorites list from one more knowledgeable than myself in fine cinema, would be great.
- Fantasizing about owning a little fixer-upper starter home. Any tools that could be used for home repair when the time comes would be welcome.
Danny
Christmas Time
Hmmm... Around this time the "want" list always seems to meld with the "need" list. What i need is snow gear, like good gloves and socks and maybe boots. But that is lame as i hate snow and most things involving snow, unless its watching snow melt and be replaced with spring flowers and grass.
What i want... maybe some fun picture making stuff, like gift certificates to Roberts or Michaels, or mat board or such. I'm definatley in agreement with travis, in that all the above (below?) mentioned foods are a must and if thats all we have for christmas than it will be a great one. Um... rei gear would be cool, like a shell or good rain jacket, or a titanium pot set. Jenni, a piano lesson would be cool... Books are always nice, and comic books...
Well, thats all i can think of now... Thoughtful, small gifts go a long way, as well
Tommy
What i want... maybe some fun picture making stuff, like gift certificates to Roberts or Michaels, or mat board or such. I'm definatley in agreement with travis, in that all the above (below?) mentioned foods are a must and if thats all we have for christmas than it will be a great one. Um... rei gear would be cool, like a shell or good rain jacket, or a titanium pot set. Jenni, a piano lesson would be cool... Books are always nice, and comic books...
Well, thats all i can think of now... Thoughtful, small gifts go a long way, as well
Tommy
What I Didn't Want For Christmas
Last night we took the ice cream out of the freezer. Actually it was vanilla fat free frozen yogurt. It doesn't have all the glues and binders of regular rich and fat ice cream and is usually as hard as a rock. Well, it wasn't. It was soft and melting. It appeared we had freezer failure. So late at night we did a quick assessment. At 10:30 a.m. I was at the appliance store and at 12:30 p.m. they delivered a new freezer and hauled to old one away.
Remember the chest freezer in the garage that shocked you when you opened the lid? (I think Travis and Alex do.) Right before Tommy's mission I was able to replace it with the giant in the garage. Allison B. found them at a natural-food warehouse in Springville. They were closing them out for $100.00. I was so glad to get it even though it was huge. It was really annoying that it quit, but I feel very grateful that at a time when we couldn't have bought a new one, we were able to get that one. I asked the delivery men who came today, if they had ever seen a larger freezer. They said no. So I am annoyed that the old one quit, and very grateful to have gotten it for so little. I'm hoping I can remember the gratitude part as a I drive along State Street (there's a two or three year reconstruction project going on. I think UDot makes these things up to keep working.) and as I shop for Christmas.
Remember the chest freezer in the garage that shocked you when you opened the lid? (I think Travis and Alex do.) Right before Tommy's mission I was able to replace it with the giant in the garage. Allison B. found them at a natural-food warehouse in Springville. They were closing them out for $100.00. I was so glad to get it even though it was huge. It was really annoying that it quit, but I feel very grateful that at a time when we couldn't have bought a new one, we were able to get that one. I asked the delivery men who came today, if they had ever seen a larger freezer. They said no. So I am annoyed that the old one quit, and very grateful to have gotten it for so little. I'm hoping I can remember the gratitude part as a I drive along State Street (there's a two or three year reconstruction project going on. I think UDot makes these things up to keep working.) and as I shop for Christmas.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Thanks
Dziękuję (thank you)
I just wanted to say that I had a great time talking to Currit family on the web cam yesterday even though I sweated because of too much emotion and too much English grammar:)Thank you all for a lovely chat! I'm looking forward to talking to Jenny Danny and Jak!
I just wanted to say that I had a great time talking to Currit family on the web cam yesterday even though I sweated because of too much emotion and too much English grammar:)Thank you all for a lovely chat! I'm looking forward to talking to Jenny Danny and Jak!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Christmas List
Well, besides warm clothes (I know, I know- the traditional Currit wintertime panic- but I could really use a hoodie and a long-sleeved shirt or two!) I don't want much. Sausages, cheese, crackers, kipper snacks, sardines, ginger beer- all the Christmas Day munchies are absolutely necessary. Some quality family time together-Ill miss you guys!!--before I leave- maybe we can go sledding? or a winter weenie roast? Movies or TV show dvds are always nice, I think you guys know what I like- if you want any specific suggestions I have oodles. Anything from the Criterion Collection would make me drool with joy. Blank CDs or DVDs come in handy. Teas of various and interesting flavors (oh and I lost my thermos- a replacement would be nice and cheap) Any presents for Agata would be cool- I could deliver them along with myself :) Foreign language study guides/dictionaries/books of any sort are always appreciated, Polish and French especially, but beginner's stuff in German, Russian, or Spanish would come in handy one day, I bet. I could use a little hygiene travel bag with a zipper. Working webcams and reliable, fast internet connections for the whole family will be necessary to keep in touch as distances increase. Other than that, your warmest (literally, i need the heat) wishes, and good weather on the 26th to avoid any flight problems!
My Ever-Changing, Ever-Growing Xmas List
This will be a list in installments---as I think of things.
I would like computer lessons. How do you do the things you do? How do you use a memory stick? How do I scan and edit and print photos? (I need another lesson). How do you minimize something then get back to it? How do I use the computer as a typewriter and save things only to a memory stick? How do I then get back into stuff? How do you set up a phone chat?
I would like a game night with popcorn.
Notecards, thank-you or generic, handmade or purchased. I go through them pretty fast.
I'll keep thinking.
Mom
I would like computer lessons. How do you do the things you do? How do you use a memory stick? How do I scan and edit and print photos? (I need another lesson). How do you minimize something then get back to it? How do I use the computer as a typewriter and save things only to a memory stick? How do I then get back into stuff? How do you set up a phone chat?
I would like a game night with popcorn.
Notecards, thank-you or generic, handmade or purchased. I go through them pretty fast.
I'll keep thinking.
Mom
first star
waiting for a first star
My favourite part of Christmas in Poland is Christmas Eve (24 December), which is probably more important in our tradition then 25th December.
We have a family dinner together, we start quite early, at about 17. There is this custom which I love- you always put one more plate for an unexpected visitor. If someone poor knockes at your door on Christmas Eve this plate and a place at the table are for him.
I also like thinkig that this plate and this empty chair are for someone that can no longer be with us, like my Grandma or for someone that we would like to be with us but he or she is far away.
There has to be 12 dishes, no meat of course. So we eat pierogi, fish, mushrooms and my grandpa's acid soup which is the next thing that I miss during the whole year. The recipe is quite mysterious, my grandpa's mother learned it from her aunt who came from Lithuania.
We get presents on Christmas Eve in Poland. But there is one condition ( of course besides being a good kid): you have to wait for a first star to appear on the sky,then Santa Claus comes. When I was little it was always my Dad or my uncle who played Santa Claus and they would make us sing and dance.
I love Christmas. And I love these Polish customs, because they make Christmas one of the most touching moments in a year.
My favourite part of Christmas in Poland is Christmas Eve (24 December), which is probably more important in our tradition then 25th December.
We have a family dinner together, we start quite early, at about 17. There is this custom which I love- you always put one more plate for an unexpected visitor. If someone poor knockes at your door on Christmas Eve this plate and a place at the table are for him.
I also like thinkig that this plate and this empty chair are for someone that can no longer be with us, like my Grandma or for someone that we would like to be with us but he or she is far away.
There has to be 12 dishes, no meat of course. So we eat pierogi, fish, mushrooms and my grandpa's acid soup which is the next thing that I miss during the whole year. The recipe is quite mysterious, my grandpa's mother learned it from her aunt who came from Lithuania.
We get presents on Christmas Eve in Poland. But there is one condition ( of course besides being a good kid): you have to wait for a first star to appear on the sky,then Santa Claus comes. When I was little it was always my Dad or my uncle who played Santa Claus and they would make us sing and dance.
I love Christmas. And I love these Polish customs, because they make Christmas one of the most touching moments in a year.
Friday, December 01, 2006
I Miss You All
Compared to last week, this weekend is pretty quiet. I put a wreath on the door and electric candles in the window. I'm still having trouble shopping for Christmas without buying things for myself. I think the problem is I haven't really shopped at all except for missionary stuff for Alex.
I hope everyone got Alex's email. Maybe Travis could forward it to Agata. He is far far away, and enjoying it. It is a little overwhelming that he is in Thailand, but I'm glad he is finally there.
It's really cold here, and we are not enjoying it. Travis, especially in his attempts to see the sun come up and set while waiting for Traxx trains, is not enjoying it. But we are surviving. I have spent the last week feeling very grateful that I am not in the van driving through snow and on ice. I wasn't scared, but now I'm sort of traumatized by it.
What's up with Poland????? 60 degrees??? Is that typical??? I keep having to reorganize my few impressions of Eastern Europe.
When you post your Christmas wish list, maybe you could post your favorite food or tradition or memory of Christmas. Not to distract you from the main purpose, but each year I like to think of what makes Christmas special for me. We have so much. It's almost a pity. I read a book for Book Club called "Little Britches". They had good Christmases. But a pan of fudge and an orange and a new book were very special gifts. One of my favorite Christmases was when Tyler and Danny were very little and we were very broke. We bought them exactly the toys they had asked for and made a promise not to buy anything for each other. Of course we did, but our gifts were small and fun. We had learned that the boys were overwhelmed by too many things, so we didn't worry about needing to have more. Everyone was happy. Then the neighbors came over in our new neighborhood (this isn't that great of a memory). Apparently they travelled from house to house to "see what Santa had brought everyone." We were stunned. We quickly showed them the kids' toys (all three) them got them out of there as fast as we could. We followed them to their house to see what Santa had delivered (a display was set up in each room), then went back home and tried to regroup the best we could. Even my parents didn't do that to us. They were more excited about seeing the kids and giving them presents than worried about what we had given each other.
Well, that was cheery.
Love, Mom
I hope everyone got Alex's email. Maybe Travis could forward it to Agata. He is far far away, and enjoying it. It is a little overwhelming that he is in Thailand, but I'm glad he is finally there.
It's really cold here, and we are not enjoying it. Travis, especially in his attempts to see the sun come up and set while waiting for Traxx trains, is not enjoying it. But we are surviving. I have spent the last week feeling very grateful that I am not in the van driving through snow and on ice. I wasn't scared, but now I'm sort of traumatized by it.
What's up with Poland????? 60 degrees??? Is that typical??? I keep having to reorganize my few impressions of Eastern Europe.
When you post your Christmas wish list, maybe you could post your favorite food or tradition or memory of Christmas. Not to distract you from the main purpose, but each year I like to think of what makes Christmas special for me. We have so much. It's almost a pity. I read a book for Book Club called "Little Britches". They had good Christmases. But a pan of fudge and an orange and a new book were very special gifts. One of my favorite Christmases was when Tyler and Danny were very little and we were very broke. We bought them exactly the toys they had asked for and made a promise not to buy anything for each other. Of course we did, but our gifts were small and fun. We had learned that the boys were overwhelmed by too many things, so we didn't worry about needing to have more. Everyone was happy. Then the neighbors came over in our new neighborhood (this isn't that great of a memory). Apparently they travelled from house to house to "see what Santa had brought everyone." We were stunned. We quickly showed them the kids' toys (all three) them got them out of there as fast as we could. We followed them to their house to see what Santa had delivered (a display was set up in each room), then went back home and tried to regroup the best we could. Even my parents didn't do that to us. They were more excited about seeing the kids and giving them presents than worried about what we had given each other.
Well, that was cheery.
Love, Mom
just a thought
Hey, just a quick suggestion. Since I am not really good at guessing what people want/need for Christmas, I was thinking that if everyone would post their "wish" list on the blog, it would make present buying/making a lot easier. All in favor, say, "Arroooogah!"
Tommy
Tommy
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