Weird is as Weird Does

“People who get tagged need to write a blog post of 6 weird things about them as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”

Well, my husband tagged me, so I guess I must be weird since he knows me better than anyone else. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), all my blogger friends have pretty much already been tagged, so this is the end of the line.

1.) I hate eating things I am not in the mood for even when they are readily available and what I want isn't.

2.) Despite my self-proclaimed love of travel, adventure and the outdoors, I had to take a sleeping pill for the first time ever while in a rustic location in Southeast Asia where I was told, just prior to going to bed, not to sleep with my mouth open in case a chichak (small lizard) decided to drop in from the ceiling. I was doing fine until I laid down, when panic ensued. Of course, in my defense, this followed a night of trying to move my plate around fast enough for the bat droppings to not land on the food! Strangely, I would love to go back to this country.

3.) Nothing bothers me more when watching a movie or T.V. show than to miss a word. I will rewind three times to catch the word if necessary (I love Tivo!). It has gotten to the point where my husband makes us put on closed captioning all the time so I can read the words (exceptions are made for sporting events). And yes, now my family makes fun of me saying I am really getting old.

4.) Speaking of things I hate, I despise the sound of dry things rubbing together. Just thinking of the examples I am about to give makes me break out in goosebumps. Dry hands against a dry wall...cardboard tearing, or my most hated sound--dry feet scraping against dry carpet--these sounds cause me to go nuts, and my husband and children know to STOP immediately!!

5.) When I am tired or nervous, I repeatedly make a strange sound in the back of my throat. Since my soon to be Ph.D. in pyschology brother does it also and hasn't gotten over it, I guess there is no hope for me.

6.) I am a huge fan of 24 and Jack Bauer. My secret dream is to do something important to stop those wanting to harm America (okay...do something important sounds good, but let's admit it, I'd like to kick some major butt!).

Christmas 2006

The children enjoyed Christmas this year, although our goal to slow down and enjoy some days at home was not met. We enjoyed time with extended family and enjoyed celebrating our Savior's birth, and yes, we enjoyed presents too.

Although we cut back this year on the amount of gifts we gave the children, we still had one child who couldn't understand that Christmas was not about getting. Next year, I hope we can really help him to understand--maybe by forsaking our gifts and gladly giving to those in need.

For those who know me, it will not come as a surprise that I greatly enjoy receiving gifts. According to The Five Love Languages by Smalley and Trent, it is one of my two strongest languages. Yet this year, I did not enjoy it as much as normal. It was financially stressful to meet the expectations of extended family, and none of us really needed as much as we got. I kept thinking of the orphans we have seen overseas and the sheer desperation and neediness of their situation and felt guilt at my abundance. It isn't that exchanging gifts is wrong, but the tradition has become more of a burden than a joy. I think I would receive greater joy from meeting a need that might allow the love of Christ to be shared and received.

For all that, I am enjoying my presents, and enjoyed the season.