Friday, May 30, 2008
Recommendation
Brian and I read a book a few weeks ago that we both really liked. It's called, The Shack, and apparently it's catching on like wildfire throughout churches in America. I think people like it because it paints a beautiful picture of what a relationship with God can look like, despite great pain and suffering in this life. If you're looking for a good book to read, definitely check it out!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Happy for DC
I am so glad that David Cook won the American Idol finale last night! I was convinced David Archuleta was going to win, but was pleasantly surprised when my favorite, David COOK was announced as the season 7 winner. Cook is extremely talented and seems quite humble as well. He did an awesome job singing a unique version of "Billie Jean" a few weeks ago, which is one of reasons I really like him, he takes risks. Take a listen if you missed it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpX-kndqHnE
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Back in Jersey
After staying in Charlotte a little longer than usual to attend Todd and Erin's wedding, and then a business meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I have finally made my way to New Jersey! I flew in late last night and it was so good to see Brian again. I feel a little out of sorts because I'm usually settled in, and have had time to adjust to whatever city we're in before the season starts, but that's not the case this year. At least NJ is familiar to me since we were here last year. We have a great roommate again this year, Matt Hagan. It's a good situation because he is a good friend of Brian's, someone we've known for a long time. I think we'll enjoy sharing an apartment with him.
Here are a few pictures from Todd's wedding:
Here are a few pictures from Todd's wedding:
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Brian and Lanterns
Brian left for New Jersey today! He will be playing for the Somerset Patriots this summer (that's the same team he played for last summer). I will be going up in a couple of weeks to join him. It's hard to be away from each other again, but at least it's only for two weeks. I am staying here so I can go to Todd's wedding. You can check out his fiance's blog at the link to the right. After Todd and Erin's wedding, I have to fly to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a business meeting. My boss will fly me to New Jersey from there. As much as I'm not looking forward to 2 days of meetings, at least I got a free plane ticket out of it!
On a completely different note, I absolutely love it when I find a good deal! Especially when I find something I really like, and then find it something similar elsewhere for a fraction of the price. That was the case last week when I was trying to find decorative things to go on top of my kitchen cabinets. I saw a big lantern I liked at Pottery Barn for $130. That just seemed too expensive, especially when it was only one of many items I needed. So at the suggestion of my wonderful sister-in-law, Wava, I checked out a store called Home Goods. I found a great lantern similar to the one at Pottery Barn for only $25! I was so excited. Of course it's not as great as the one at PB, but hey, for $100 less, I'll take it! Here's some pics in case you're curious.
Pottery Barn lanterns:
My Home Goods lantern:
On a completely different note, I absolutely love it when I find a good deal! Especially when I find something I really like, and then find it something similar elsewhere for a fraction of the price. That was the case last week when I was trying to find decorative things to go on top of my kitchen cabinets. I saw a big lantern I liked at Pottery Barn for $130. That just seemed too expensive, especially when it was only one of many items I needed. So at the suggestion of my wonderful sister-in-law, Wava, I checked out a store called Home Goods. I found a great lantern similar to the one at Pottery Barn for only $25! I was so excited. Of course it's not as great as the one at PB, but hey, for $100 less, I'll take it! Here's some pics in case you're curious.
Pottery Barn lanterns:
My Home Goods lantern:
Friday, April 11, 2008
Brian's home!
Well, the good news is I got to see my hubby sooner than expected! He came home today! The bad news (I guess) is that he was released from the team in Taiwan. Although, I hesitate to say that's bad news because we've been praying that if God didn't want Brian there, He would take the opportunity away, and He did. Therefore, we have to believe that God has something else planned for us. The hard part is waiting patiently to find out what that is. Right now we literally have no idea where we'll end up this summer. I'm just hoping and praying God makes his desires for us clear, and that we are at peace with whatever and wherever that is.
We've also moved into our new townhome! I moved in about a week ago, and I'm so glad I don't have to stay there without Brian anymore. There are still boxes everywhere, things to be organized and cleaned, but my family helped me paint while Brian was in Taiwan so at least that's done! We're still having trouble realizing that we actually own this place, and aren't just renting it for a few months. I'm sure it will hit us hard when something goes wrong and we can't call maintenance to come fix it for free like we could in an apartment!
We've also moved into our new townhome! I moved in about a week ago, and I'm so glad I don't have to stay there without Brian anymore. There are still boxes everywhere, things to be organized and cleaned, but my family helped me paint while Brian was in Taiwan so at least that's done! We're still having trouble realizing that we actually own this place, and aren't just renting it for a few months. I'm sure it will hit us hard when something goes wrong and we can't call maintenance to come fix it for free like we could in an apartment!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Always better the 2nd time around . . .
Brian pitched again the other day. He did much better this time! He said he felt a lot better too. The pitching coach has been working with Brian on his mechanics and they both really liked the results. His velocity was back up to normal (88-91 mph)! That's always a good thing. I'm not sure when he's scheduled to pitch again because they only play four games a week, and therefore have off days in between. I think Brian's ready for me to be over there so he's not so bored on his free days.
Although . . . the other day he and his buddy, Greg, an Austrailian pitcher, decided to go for a swim in the pool on their off day. Greg immediately jumped in, but before Brian made the leap the lifeguard started blowing his whistle and flagging him down. After finding a lady in the work out room to interpret, the lifeguard explained that, "this is not a beach. You can't wear those," referring to Brian and Greg's swim trunks. Apparently, in Taiwan speedos are required!
So the next day Brian decided he'd just get in the hot tub. There were four other men already in the tub. As Brian got in they too started motioning for him to stop, as if he were breaking some kind of rule. Long story short, you can't get in the hot tub with your swim suit on. You have to be naked! Brian said he kept wondering why the men walked around the locker room naked. Now he knows!
Although . . . the other day he and his buddy, Greg, an Austrailian pitcher, decided to go for a swim in the pool on their off day. Greg immediately jumped in, but before Brian made the leap the lifeguard started blowing his whistle and flagging him down. After finding a lady in the work out room to interpret, the lifeguard explained that, "this is not a beach. You can't wear those," referring to Brian and Greg's swim trunks. Apparently, in Taiwan speedos are required!
So the next day Brian decided he'd just get in the hot tub. There were four other men already in the tub. As Brian got in they too started motioning for him to stop, as if he were breaking some kind of rule. Long story short, you can't get in the hot tub with your swim suit on. You have to be naked! Brian said he kept wondering why the men walked around the locker room naked. Now he knows!
Friday, March 21, 2008
First Outing
For those of you who are interested, Brian pitched for the first time in Taiwan a couple of days ago. It wasn't a great outing, but that's ok. He pitched 4 innings and allowed 4 runs. Needless to say, he wasn't happy, but at the same time he feels confident that he'll do better next time. There's a little bit of a learning curve because they play baseball differently in Taiwan. All the rules are the same, they just have different strategies, and he kind of had to learn that the hard way. No worries though, he'll get them next time! I found these pictures on the web of Brian in his uniform:
Friday, March 14, 2008
Our new home!
The past two weeks have been quite eventful for Brian and I. In a nutshell, we made a bid on a townhome here in Charlotte, and the next day Brian got an enticing offer to play baseball this summer in Taiwan. The team had to know his answer in 24 hours so in the midst of countering and recountering on the townhome we were trying to figure out if he should play over there.
Ultimately, we decided to go for it. I think Brian really just needs a change of scenery from a professional standpoint, and this was the perfect opportunity. He's been itching to take a trip somewhere cool before we start having kids too. It also was a wise decision financially because he'll be making much more than he would in the U.S. The only "downer" is that we have to be apart for about a month. Someone has to stay here and close on our house! Brian had to leave for Taiwan three days ago and will be over there for the next 4 weeks by himself. Then I'll get to fly over in mid-April and spend the rest of the summer with him.
I miss him terribly already, but at least I have this house stuff to keep me busy. We're supposed to close on March 31, so things have to move quickly. I'll be so excited when I get to re-open all of our wedding gifts that have been stored at my parents' house for the past 5 years! I don't have any pictures of the inside of our townhome yet, but here's a picture of the outside:
Ultimately, we decided to go for it. I think Brian really just needs a change of scenery from a professional standpoint, and this was the perfect opportunity. He's been itching to take a trip somewhere cool before we start having kids too. It also was a wise decision financially because he'll be making much more than he would in the U.S. The only "downer" is that we have to be apart for about a month. Someone has to stay here and close on our house! Brian had to leave for Taiwan three days ago and will be over there for the next 4 weeks by himself. Then I'll get to fly over in mid-April and spend the rest of the summer with him.
I miss him terribly already, but at least I have this house stuff to keep me busy. We're supposed to close on March 31, so things have to move quickly. I'll be so excited when I get to re-open all of our wedding gifts that have been stored at my parents' house for the past 5 years! I don't have any pictures of the inside of our townhome yet, but here's a picture of the outside:
Friday, February 29, 2008
10 Random Things
I've been "tagged" by my good friend Melissa to list 10 random things about myself.
1. Per Melissa's request, I must tell how I got the ability to make such distorted faces. The truth is, it's hereditary. My whole family can do it, and not surprisingly, we enjoy it. If you're an avid reader of my blog, you've probably seen the "hat picture." If not, go to the entry on October 6th.
2. I think I'd really enjoy being a in a band. If I could make a living singing I'd do it in a heartbeat. I think I could sing all day and not get tired of it. Well, my vocal chords would, but I wouldn't.
3. I'm a "community cryer." If I see someone else tearing up, I start too.
4. In high school I received the "history award." I was given a shadow box with a Russian ruble in it, which I told everyone was a Canadian ruble. Who in the world decided to give me the history award?
5. I love dogs, especially big ones.
6. I think would really like to take a mission trip to Sudan.
7. I am very picky when it comes to buying houses. I didn't know this about myself until recently. Maybe it's because it's our first time. I hope I won't be this picky in the future. Brian is completely the opposite and thinks anything will do.
8. I seem to lose my train of thought a lot. The other day I was making a point during Sunday school when it happened. I had to stop mid sentence and say, "I'm sorry, I have no idea where I was going with that." So embarrassing!
9. Because Brian's occupation requires us to travel a lot, I have had numerous jobs. Here's my list of jobs since I was a teenager:
Babysitter
Lifeguard
Swim coach
Church media intern
Bank teller
Substitute teacher
Waitress
Ticket Sales Representative
Secretary for an attorney
Program seller (at baseball games)
Worked for a temp agency (the job was different every day)
Receptionist
Director of Communications, Sports Spectrum
Director of Communications, U.S. Sports, Inc.
10. The only sport I am remotely good at is swimming. I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years (8 to 18 years old), and to this day I love being in, near, or on the water. I like water skiing, tubing, swimming, and just looking at water. It's a dream of mine to live on a lake one day!
And now it is my responsibility to "tag" 5 more people to name 10 random things about themselves! So, I tag:
Erin Akin
Lauren Hudgens
Suzanne Johnson
Lori Howell - now you have to update your blog Lori!
Kristi Hall - And now you have to start a blog! You're long overdue. Come'on girlfriend!
1. Per Melissa's request, I must tell how I got the ability to make such distorted faces. The truth is, it's hereditary. My whole family can do it, and not surprisingly, we enjoy it. If you're an avid reader of my blog, you've probably seen the "hat picture." If not, go to the entry on October 6th.
2. I think I'd really enjoy being a in a band. If I could make a living singing I'd do it in a heartbeat. I think I could sing all day and not get tired of it. Well, my vocal chords would, but I wouldn't.
3. I'm a "community cryer." If I see someone else tearing up, I start too.
4. In high school I received the "history award." I was given a shadow box with a Russian ruble in it, which I told everyone was a Canadian ruble. Who in the world decided to give me the history award?
5. I love dogs, especially big ones.
6. I think would really like to take a mission trip to Sudan.
7. I am very picky when it comes to buying houses. I didn't know this about myself until recently. Maybe it's because it's our first time. I hope I won't be this picky in the future. Brian is completely the opposite and thinks anything will do.
8. I seem to lose my train of thought a lot. The other day I was making a point during Sunday school when it happened. I had to stop mid sentence and say, "I'm sorry, I have no idea where I was going with that." So embarrassing!
9. Because Brian's occupation requires us to travel a lot, I have had numerous jobs. Here's my list of jobs since I was a teenager:
Babysitter
Lifeguard
Swim coach
Church media intern
Bank teller
Substitute teacher
Waitress
Ticket Sales Representative
Secretary for an attorney
Program seller (at baseball games)
Worked for a temp agency (the job was different every day)
Receptionist
Director of Communications, Sports Spectrum
Director of Communications, U.S. Sports, Inc.
10. The only sport I am remotely good at is swimming. I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years (8 to 18 years old), and to this day I love being in, near, or on the water. I like water skiing, tubing, swimming, and just looking at water. It's a dream of mine to live on a lake one day!
And now it is my responsibility to "tag" 5 more people to name 10 random things about themselves! So, I tag:
Erin Akin
Lauren Hudgens
Suzanne Johnson
Lori Howell - now you have to update your blog Lori!
Kristi Hall - And now you have to start a blog! You're long overdue. Come'on girlfriend!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
My dream
Last night I had a crazy dream. One of those dreams that you just can't figure out where in the world it came from! I dreamed that Brian decided he wanted to live in Arizona. He was dead set on living there, but I wasn't too thrilled about being that far away from family. Anyway, we found a 2 bedroom condo in a nice area, and while I thought we needed something bigger, Brian was ready to buy it. I don't know if we ended up making the purchase. All I know is that I joined a swim team out there. And when we were done practicing, we had to put all the furniture back in the water. With our caps and goggles on we would haul these big, heavy entertainment centers and dining room hutches into the pool. That's all I can remember. Bizarre isn't it?
On a different subject, here are a few pictures from a month ago. This first one was taken on New Year's Eve. It was the first year my cousins, Colter and Caleb got to stay up with everyone and watch the ball drop. It was a lot of fun having them stay up! Us old folks start getting sleepy as the night wears on so it was nice to have some young, energetic entertainment!
These next few pictures are from a trip to Abingdon, VA that Brian and I took for our 5 year anniversary. We stayed at a bed and breakfast that was on the Clynches River (I think that was the name of it). We went on a hike that was so steep I had to stop every 2 minutes or so to catch my breath, but the view from the top was awesome. We also went to the Barter Theatre and saw the Christmas Carol. It was good!
And finally, we went to see our good friends, Brion and Julie Treadway a few weeks ago when they came to Charlotte. Brion and my Brian played baseball together and have been buds ever since. This is a picture of Brion and Julie's little boy, Brooks. He loves to smile! Isn't he cute?
On a different subject, here are a few pictures from a month ago. This first one was taken on New Year's Eve. It was the first year my cousins, Colter and Caleb got to stay up with everyone and watch the ball drop. It was a lot of fun having them stay up! Us old folks start getting sleepy as the night wears on so it was nice to have some young, energetic entertainment!
These next few pictures are from a trip to Abingdon, VA that Brian and I took for our 5 year anniversary. We stayed at a bed and breakfast that was on the Clynches River (I think that was the name of it). We went on a hike that was so steep I had to stop every 2 minutes or so to catch my breath, but the view from the top was awesome. We also went to the Barter Theatre and saw the Christmas Carol. It was good!
And finally, we went to see our good friends, Brion and Julie Treadway a few weeks ago when they came to Charlotte. Brion and my Brian played baseball together and have been buds ever since. This is a picture of Brion and Julie's little boy, Brooks. He loves to smile! Isn't he cute?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
What's up in Charlotte
Brian and I had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year as well. We actually haven't celebrated Christmas with Brian's family yet, that's coming up this weekend. It's kind of fun to stretch it out like that! As usual, I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures to post of Christmas with my family. How sad. You'd think I'd learn from my mistakes, but I inevitably forget my camera on many important occasions.
Brian and I have been looking for a house/town home ever since we got back from Mexico. We're both a little overwhelmed by all the costs involved, but feel like now is definitely the time to buy with interest rates being as low as they are. We've found one town home we are pretty interested in, but it desperately needs more closet space. It has a few drawbacks, but that's the biggest one. We're hoping a carpenter can give us some options for adding more closet space. The kitchen cabinets need sprucing up, and the walls need painting too, but those should be fairly inexpensive fixes.
While looking for houses, Brian and I have also, of course, been working. Brian has been substitute teaching, and will begin giving pitching lessons at a local baseball facility soon. Today he substituted at an elementary school, which is not his favorite. He much prefers high school. He says he can relate better to the high school students. I have to say, I think he makes a pretty good teacher! From what I hear, the students like him and respond well to him.
I have been working for the same man I've worked for in years past. I seem to enjoy it more every year as I get used to my responsibilities, and don't feel like I'm having to figure out, or learn something totally different every year. One of my responsibilities is to help professional football players improve their communication skills, especially in regards to interviews with scouts and the media. It's always interesting to get to know these guys. Every year I work with a different group of young men and I really enjoy it. It's pretty cool to see some of them on tv too. It makes me feel really proud of them, sort of a motherly pride.
That's about all that's been going on up here in NC! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!
Brian and I have been looking for a house/town home ever since we got back from Mexico. We're both a little overwhelmed by all the costs involved, but feel like now is definitely the time to buy with interest rates being as low as they are. We've found one town home we are pretty interested in, but it desperately needs more closet space. It has a few drawbacks, but that's the biggest one. We're hoping a carpenter can give us some options for adding more closet space. The kitchen cabinets need sprucing up, and the walls need painting too, but those should be fairly inexpensive fixes.
While looking for houses, Brian and I have also, of course, been working. Brian has been substitute teaching, and will begin giving pitching lessons at a local baseball facility soon. Today he substituted at an elementary school, which is not his favorite. He much prefers high school. He says he can relate better to the high school students. I have to say, I think he makes a pretty good teacher! From what I hear, the students like him and respond well to him.
I have been working for the same man I've worked for in years past. I seem to enjoy it more every year as I get used to my responsibilities, and don't feel like I'm having to figure out, or learn something totally different every year. One of my responsibilities is to help professional football players improve their communication skills, especially in regards to interviews with scouts and the media. It's always interesting to get to know these guys. Every year I work with a different group of young men and I really enjoy it. It's pretty cool to see some of them on tv too. It makes me feel really proud of them, sort of a motherly pride.
That's about all that's been going on up here in NC! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Whoa!
My goodness, I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting an entry on the blog! My apologies to all my faithful readers. My excuses are as follows:
When we got back from Mexico we had no computer (because it was stolen in Mexico as most of you know)
We spent a few days at home with my parents, but had to find an apartment in Charlotte pretty quickly
Once we found an available apt, we had to move in
I started my job, and Brian has started his as well
I've been trying to get all my Christmas shopping done!
With all those things to do I just haven't found the time to update the blog! Now that we are more settled, and we've purchased our new Apple laptop, I can get back to being a regular blog writer.
Although they are long overdue, here are some of the pictures we took while in Mexico:
Brian and I at Thanksgiving Dinner
My two English speaking friends, Carla and Kenya
The taco stand where we ate almost EVERY night! It was right across the street from our hotel
Our friend, and hotel bellboy, Edgar
A view from the workout room in the hotel
I took this picture of the landscape while I was on a bus going from Navajoa to Culiacan
The next few pictures were all taken at our Thanksgiving dinner
When we got back from Mexico we had no computer (because it was stolen in Mexico as most of you know)
We spent a few days at home with my parents, but had to find an apartment in Charlotte pretty quickly
Once we found an available apt, we had to move in
I started my job, and Brian has started his as well
I've been trying to get all my Christmas shopping done!
With all those things to do I just haven't found the time to update the blog! Now that we are more settled, and we've purchased our new Apple laptop, I can get back to being a regular blog writer.
Although they are long overdue, here are some of the pictures we took while in Mexico:
Brian and I at Thanksgiving Dinner
My two English speaking friends, Carla and Kenya
The taco stand where we ate almost EVERY night! It was right across the street from our hotel
Our friend, and hotel bellboy, Edgar
A view from the workout room in the hotel
I took this picture of the landscape while I was on a bus going from Navajoa to Culiacan
The next few pictures were all taken at our Thanksgiving dinner
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Homecoming
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Brian and I had fun even though we missed being with our families. One of the players on Brian´s team hosted a Thanksgiving lunch at a local restaurant here in Culiacan. It was complete with turkey, the mexican version of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and ham. We also had a few untraditional dishes like shrimp, scallops, octopus, and chips and salsa! Only in Mexico :)
Brian was the starting pitcher on Thanksgiving Day and did a great job! He pitched almost 6 innings, struck out 3, and only allowed one run. The Tomateros ended up winnig the game 4 to 2. However, as soon as Brian came out of the game, team officials informed him that they were releasing him due to the fact that they just signed/added some major league players to the roster. One or more of these major league players are foreign and since you can only have so many foreigners on the team, Brian had to go. Brian said they felt really bad about releasing him. We, however, are totally ok with it. We know that God is in complete control, and our time in Mexico is up. My only disappointment is that we didn´t get to go to Mazatlan, a resort city right on the beach. I´ve heard it´s gorgeous, crystal blue water, white sand, etc. The team went there the day after Brian was released. Oh well!
We finally got reimbursed for our stolen computer and I am so thankful for that! As soon as we get back to Charlotte, we´ll be purchasing a new ¨addition¨ to the family. We fly back to the U.S. tomorrow, Monday. We leave Culiacan at 7 am and get into Columbia at 9:15 pm. I can´t wait to eat something other than tacos, Chinese food, and Burger King (those were all the options within walking distance of our hotel). I´d hate to know what my cholesterol is right now.
Brian was the starting pitcher on Thanksgiving Day and did a great job! He pitched almost 6 innings, struck out 3, and only allowed one run. The Tomateros ended up winnig the game 4 to 2. However, as soon as Brian came out of the game, team officials informed him that they were releasing him due to the fact that they just signed/added some major league players to the roster. One or more of these major league players are foreign and since you can only have so many foreigners on the team, Brian had to go. Brian said they felt really bad about releasing him. We, however, are totally ok with it. We know that God is in complete control, and our time in Mexico is up. My only disappointment is that we didn´t get to go to Mazatlan, a resort city right on the beach. I´ve heard it´s gorgeous, crystal blue water, white sand, etc. The team went there the day after Brian was released. Oh well!
We finally got reimbursed for our stolen computer and I am so thankful for that! As soon as we get back to Charlotte, we´ll be purchasing a new ¨addition¨ to the family. We fly back to the U.S. tomorrow, Monday. We leave Culiacan at 7 am and get into Columbia at 9:15 pm. I can´t wait to eat something other than tacos, Chinese food, and Burger King (those were all the options within walking distance of our hotel). I´d hate to know what my cholesterol is right now.
Friday, November 16, 2007
What´s Wrong With Me
About a week or two ago I had an experience that allowed me to see a very disturbing side of myself. A side of myself that I´m not proud to reveal. I still feel guilty about what I saw and refused to act upon . . .
It was late one night, after Brian´s baseball game, probably around midnight. Brian and I walked back to our hotel, but decided to go a few blocks further to buy some food at a local convenience store called the Oxxo (ox-oh). It was very dark, and very few people were out. As we approached the store I noticed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk. I didn´t see his face. I didn´t need to. I could tell he was homeless just from looking at his feet. They were so dirty they were black. He wasn´t begging for money, he was just sitting there, head down.
Being careful not to stare, I quickly glanced away. When we stepped into the Oxxo Brian said in shock, ¨Did you see that person?¨ I replied affirmitively, but was surprised by my husband´s intense concern and shock and asked, ¨Yes, why?¨ Brian preceded to tell me that he´d never seen someone in such bad shape. In my haste to look away I missed the fact that this man´s skin was covered in boils. I could tell by the look on my husband´s face that it was a horrifying sight. Brian mentioned something about buying him some food while we were in the store, but we didn´t. I don´t know why. We should have. Unfortunately, that´s not the most disturbing part of this story. As we walked out of the store, I again, was careful not to stare. Brian couldn´t help it. He was too burdened for this person.
Once we crossed the street Brian stopped and said something to the effect of, ¨I feel like I should go back and give him some money.¨ Something deep within me exclaimed, ¨Yes! Yes! That poor man needs help. Show him generosity.¨ But I began to rationalize. It felt dangerous, it was so dark out. I was scared. What if he was a madman, went crazy on us, or passed his disease along to us? (If you want to puke at my selfishness right now I wouldn´t blame you). Brian probably saw my hesitation because he began to walk in the direction of the hotel. As we were walking back I prayed, ¨Lord, if you want us to help that man, please let us run into him again. Preferrably in daylight.¨ And a very gentle, yet convicting voice said, ¨but he´s here now.¨
I still didn´t turn around.
As I laid in bed that night, I was riddled with guilt. I bought food at the store when I wasn´t even hungry, I ignored a most likely very hungry individual, and now I´m laying in my warm bed while he´s probably trying to sleep on a concrete sidewalk. In America there are homeless shelters and places that feed hungry people, but I have no idea if they have things like that in Mexico.
I asked myself as I laid in there, ¨What stopped me from helping that man tonight?¨ The answer came quickly. ¨Fear.¨ Fear of all the selfish things I described earlier: what if he goes crazy on us, follows us back to our hotel, touches us and gives us his disease? I think I even feared what I would see if I looked at him. The Bible says I am supposed to be an imitator of Christ. Jesus would have demonstrated His love for that man. Jesus was never afraid of a leper, but I was.
I wish I would have turned around. I wish I would have bent down and placed some food and money at his feet. And even though I can´t speak his language, I wish I just would´ve looked into his eyes and held his gaze so that he might see the love that God has for him. I believe that God would have communicated this to him, had I only turned around. It would have been worth it. Even if he scared me or did something weird.
It´s people like that homeless man that I believe God is referring to when He says, ¨But many who are first will be last, and the last first.¨ If I see that man in heaven, I will rejoice to see him in front of me.
It was late one night, after Brian´s baseball game, probably around midnight. Brian and I walked back to our hotel, but decided to go a few blocks further to buy some food at a local convenience store called the Oxxo (ox-oh). It was very dark, and very few people were out. As we approached the store I noticed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk. I didn´t see his face. I didn´t need to. I could tell he was homeless just from looking at his feet. They were so dirty they were black. He wasn´t begging for money, he was just sitting there, head down.
Being careful not to stare, I quickly glanced away. When we stepped into the Oxxo Brian said in shock, ¨Did you see that person?¨ I replied affirmitively, but was surprised by my husband´s intense concern and shock and asked, ¨Yes, why?¨ Brian preceded to tell me that he´d never seen someone in such bad shape. In my haste to look away I missed the fact that this man´s skin was covered in boils. I could tell by the look on my husband´s face that it was a horrifying sight. Brian mentioned something about buying him some food while we were in the store, but we didn´t. I don´t know why. We should have. Unfortunately, that´s not the most disturbing part of this story. As we walked out of the store, I again, was careful not to stare. Brian couldn´t help it. He was too burdened for this person.
Once we crossed the street Brian stopped and said something to the effect of, ¨I feel like I should go back and give him some money.¨ Something deep within me exclaimed, ¨Yes! Yes! That poor man needs help. Show him generosity.¨ But I began to rationalize. It felt dangerous, it was so dark out. I was scared. What if he was a madman, went crazy on us, or passed his disease along to us? (If you want to puke at my selfishness right now I wouldn´t blame you). Brian probably saw my hesitation because he began to walk in the direction of the hotel. As we were walking back I prayed, ¨Lord, if you want us to help that man, please let us run into him again. Preferrably in daylight.¨ And a very gentle, yet convicting voice said, ¨but he´s here now.¨
I still didn´t turn around.
As I laid in bed that night, I was riddled with guilt. I bought food at the store when I wasn´t even hungry, I ignored a most likely very hungry individual, and now I´m laying in my warm bed while he´s probably trying to sleep on a concrete sidewalk. In America there are homeless shelters and places that feed hungry people, but I have no idea if they have things like that in Mexico.
I asked myself as I laid in there, ¨What stopped me from helping that man tonight?¨ The answer came quickly. ¨Fear.¨ Fear of all the selfish things I described earlier: what if he goes crazy on us, follows us back to our hotel, touches us and gives us his disease? I think I even feared what I would see if I looked at him. The Bible says I am supposed to be an imitator of Christ. Jesus would have demonstrated His love for that man. Jesus was never afraid of a leper, but I was.
I wish I would have turned around. I wish I would have bent down and placed some food and money at his feet. And even though I can´t speak his language, I wish I just would´ve looked into his eyes and held his gaze so that he might see the love that God has for him. I believe that God would have communicated this to him, had I only turned around. It would have been worth it. Even if he scared me or did something weird.
It´s people like that homeless man that I believe God is referring to when He says, ¨But many who are first will be last, and the last first.¨ If I see that man in heaven, I will rejoice to see him in front of me.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good -
Our hot water is back! For about 2 weeks our hotel didn´t have any hot water. We were taking cold showers, which I absolutely despise doing. We got back from a six day road trip yesterday, and the hot water was working again!
Brian has also been ¨reactivated¨ which is good. He pitched last Friday and will start again on Thursday. His outing on Friday was ok (5 and 1/3 innings, 3 runs). His arm is still very tired from pitching so much this summer so we´re hoping it gets a second wind soon!
Brian and I were talking other day about how nice all of his teammates are! They always speak to me, ask us how we´re doing, if we need a ride anywhere, etc. Many of them have spent years in the major leagues, but none of them act ¨too good¨ or have ¨big league attitudes¨ towards other people. They all seem to be down to earth. This is not always the case in the U.S., but it has been quite a pleasant surprise down here.
We went to a city called Los Mochis last week. We got to stay in a hotel that was much nicer than the one in Culiacan. The beds were so comfortable (our´s in Culiacan are hard as rocks). We also went to a restaurant that speacializes in shrimp. I am not a shrimp fan, so admittedly, I was not looking forward to trying this place. But our friend suggested we get the shrimp tacos and they were outstanding! The shrimp was fried and served with a thousand island-type sauce. I think I liked them so much because you couldn´t really taste the shrimp!
The Bad -
We still haven´t gotten reimbursed for our stolen computer. The hotel supposedly filed it under their insurance, but today the hotel manager said he wasn´t sure if the insurance company would pay for it. We´re supposed to check back with him tomorrow, but I´m worried about what we will do if he says they´re not going to cover it. It´s extremely difficult to communicate with him because he doesn´t speak much English so that adds to the problem.
The Ugly -
I can´t believe how fast the turnover rate is down here. Just last week three managers were fired, and they were only four weeks into the season! One of the managers won the league last year and was apparently fired because his team lost five games in a row. Five games is not that much! I´d call that a little slump, but certainly not cause to fire the manager! As a result, a lot of people are stressed. No one seems to have any job security around here.
Our hot water is back! For about 2 weeks our hotel didn´t have any hot water. We were taking cold showers, which I absolutely despise doing. We got back from a six day road trip yesterday, and the hot water was working again!
Brian has also been ¨reactivated¨ which is good. He pitched last Friday and will start again on Thursday. His outing on Friday was ok (5 and 1/3 innings, 3 runs). His arm is still very tired from pitching so much this summer so we´re hoping it gets a second wind soon!
Brian and I were talking other day about how nice all of his teammates are! They always speak to me, ask us how we´re doing, if we need a ride anywhere, etc. Many of them have spent years in the major leagues, but none of them act ¨too good¨ or have ¨big league attitudes¨ towards other people. They all seem to be down to earth. This is not always the case in the U.S., but it has been quite a pleasant surprise down here.
We went to a city called Los Mochis last week. We got to stay in a hotel that was much nicer than the one in Culiacan. The beds were so comfortable (our´s in Culiacan are hard as rocks). We also went to a restaurant that speacializes in shrimp. I am not a shrimp fan, so admittedly, I was not looking forward to trying this place. But our friend suggested we get the shrimp tacos and they were outstanding! The shrimp was fried and served with a thousand island-type sauce. I think I liked them so much because you couldn´t really taste the shrimp!
The Bad -
We still haven´t gotten reimbursed for our stolen computer. The hotel supposedly filed it under their insurance, but today the hotel manager said he wasn´t sure if the insurance company would pay for it. We´re supposed to check back with him tomorrow, but I´m worried about what we will do if he says they´re not going to cover it. It´s extremely difficult to communicate with him because he doesn´t speak much English so that adds to the problem.
The Ugly -
I can´t believe how fast the turnover rate is down here. Just last week three managers were fired, and they were only four weeks into the season! One of the managers won the league last year and was apparently fired because his team lost five games in a row. Five games is not that much! I´d call that a little slump, but certainly not cause to fire the manager! As a result, a lot of people are stressed. No one seems to have any job security around here.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Baseball Update
I haven`t been reporting about Brian`s outings lately because there haven`t been any. Ten days ago they placed him on the ¨inactive list.¨ The team is only allowed to have a certain number of foreign players on the roster. Since they weren`t hitting well, they wanted to add a foreign hitter to the line-up. Therefore, Brian was temporarily put on the inactive list. He still gets paid, and he didn`t have to go on the last road trip which was nice! The coaches originally said he would be reactivated and pitch tomorrow, but now they`ve decided to delay it even longer. They are thinking about either releasing him, or reactivating him so he can be the starting pitcher this Saturday. They´ll be making that decision between now and then. I`m not sure what they are basing their decision on, but Brian is itching to pitch so I hope they give him another shot. We´ll just have to wait and see what happens!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Things you might like to know . . .
1. Culiacan has a population of 1.5 million people. And believe me, if you could see the dirt and smell the pollution down here, you´d think there were 3.5 million.
2. Liver does not taste good. One day we went to the restaurant located in the lobby of our not-so-great hotel (more on that later). Of course the menu is in Spanish and Brian bravely ordered something he could not read. Unfortunately, it was liver. Poor thing choked down as much of it as he could, but it was awful.
3. The bus systems are actually very nice. Of course, there are different levels and some are nicer than others. But for the most part you can travel in comfort. I will probably try to buy a ride on one of these bus lines so I can go to some of the out of town games.
4. At our hotel the maid(s) come in our room, sometimes without knocking, between 2 and 4 times a day! Once to make up your bed, take your dirty towels and bring you bottled water, another time to bring you clean towels, and the rest of the time I have no idea why they barge in. It´s quite puzzling and a little disturbing because as I said before, they don´t always knock. The other day a maid decided to come in while Brian was using the restroom.
5. I get to catch up on all the old episodes of Grey´s Anatomy, What About Brian, ER, Seinfeld, Friends, Cold Case, etc. And actually it helps me improve my Spanish because they speak in English, but have Spanish subtitles.
6. I was told before we came down here that I would get a lot of stares. In fact, one friend, who studied abroad in Mexico, told me that the Mexican people would love my blond hair and fair skin and would want to have a picture taken with me. However, I have not found that to be the case. I do get A LOT of stares, but they are suspicious stares. Like, ¨What are you doing here,¨ kind of stares. When I smile at strangers they rarely smile back. Every time I go somewhere I feel like all eyes are on me, and not in a good way. Hopefully I´ll get used to it, but for now I really just want to blend in!
7. My main concern coming down here was getting sick. But we haven´t gotten sick at all! Purified water and ice are everywhere down here. We´ve even eaten lettuce, tomato, etc. (things they tell you not to eat unless they´re cooked because they rinse them off with unpurified tap water). I am so thankful that we haven´t gotten ¨Montezuma´s Revenge!¨
2. Liver does not taste good. One day we went to the restaurant located in the lobby of our not-so-great hotel (more on that later). Of course the menu is in Spanish and Brian bravely ordered something he could not read. Unfortunately, it was liver. Poor thing choked down as much of it as he could, but it was awful.
3. The bus systems are actually very nice. Of course, there are different levels and some are nicer than others. But for the most part you can travel in comfort. I will probably try to buy a ride on one of these bus lines so I can go to some of the out of town games.
4. At our hotel the maid(s) come in our room, sometimes without knocking, between 2 and 4 times a day! Once to make up your bed, take your dirty towels and bring you bottled water, another time to bring you clean towels, and the rest of the time I have no idea why they barge in. It´s quite puzzling and a little disturbing because as I said before, they don´t always knock. The other day a maid decided to come in while Brian was using the restroom.
5. I get to catch up on all the old episodes of Grey´s Anatomy, What About Brian, ER, Seinfeld, Friends, Cold Case, etc. And actually it helps me improve my Spanish because they speak in English, but have Spanish subtitles.
6. I was told before we came down here that I would get a lot of stares. In fact, one friend, who studied abroad in Mexico, told me that the Mexican people would love my blond hair and fair skin and would want to have a picture taken with me. However, I have not found that to be the case. I do get A LOT of stares, but they are suspicious stares. Like, ¨What are you doing here,¨ kind of stares. When I smile at strangers they rarely smile back. Every time I go somewhere I feel like all eyes are on me, and not in a good way. Hopefully I´ll get used to it, but for now I really just want to blend in!
7. My main concern coming down here was getting sick. But we haven´t gotten sick at all! Purified water and ice are everywhere down here. We´ve even eaten lettuce, tomato, etc. (things they tell you not to eat unless they´re cooked because they rinse them off with unpurified tap water). I am so thankful that we haven´t gotten ¨Montezuma´s Revenge!¨
Saturday, October 13, 2007
My First Few Days in Mexico
Well, my first few days in Mexico have been quite overwhelming. I foolishly assumed more people would speak English, so it has been difficult to communicate given my limited Spanish vocabulary. One of the coaches wives is down here. She is from Texas, but speaks Spanish so I have been learning a lot from her. She has taught me how to catch a taxi, which is extremely helpful because that is the only way to get to the baseball field unless I walk. I am not sure how safe it is to walk there yet, but I think I might try it tomorrow since the game is early (5 pm) and it will still be daylight. It is definitely very hot here, so I guess I need to be prepared to break a sweat if I end up walking!
We had quite a rude awakening two days ago when we got back to our hotel room after the game and realized that our laptop and some money had been stolen! The hotel records show that someone entered our room 4 times while we were gone. That has upset me a little, and made me feel less safe, but the team and the hotel are trying to figure out who did it. In the meantime, I will not be able to post any pictures since I cannot download them onto our computer. I hope it is returned to us, or that we are reimbursed.
Brian also got sick yesterday, which was the day he was scheduled to pitch. I think he has a sinus infection. Thankfully we brought antibiotics with us in case something like this happened. He pitched last night despite his illness and did a pretty good job. The first 5 innings he only allowed 2 hits, and no runs. However, during the 6th inning they got 3 hits and a run off of him and the coach took him out.
Friday night was the first game here in Culiacan, and the opening ceremonies were magnificent. It was like the big show they have for the opening ceremonies at the Olympics or the Super Bowl! It must have lasted and hour and a half, because they did not start the game until about 9:00 pm! I am guessing there were about 15,000 people there too. Obviously, baseball is a big deal down here. Some guy stopped Brian on the street today and said, hey you are the pitcher from the other night . . . good job! I was shocked he spoke English, but it was music to my ears.
We had quite a rude awakening two days ago when we got back to our hotel room after the game and realized that our laptop and some money had been stolen! The hotel records show that someone entered our room 4 times while we were gone. That has upset me a little, and made me feel less safe, but the team and the hotel are trying to figure out who did it. In the meantime, I will not be able to post any pictures since I cannot download them onto our computer. I hope it is returned to us, or that we are reimbursed.
Brian also got sick yesterday, which was the day he was scheduled to pitch. I think he has a sinus infection. Thankfully we brought antibiotics with us in case something like this happened. He pitched last night despite his illness and did a pretty good job. The first 5 innings he only allowed 2 hits, and no runs. However, during the 6th inning they got 3 hits and a run off of him and the coach took him out.
Friday night was the first game here in Culiacan, and the opening ceremonies were magnificent. It was like the big show they have for the opening ceremonies at the Olympics or the Super Bowl! It must have lasted and hour and a half, because they did not start the game until about 9:00 pm! I am guessing there were about 15,000 people there too. Obviously, baseball is a big deal down here. Some guy stopped Brian on the street today and said, hey you are the pitcher from the other night . . . good job! I was shocked he spoke English, but it was music to my ears.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
What's Been Going On . . .
Well, it's been too long since I updated the blog. Sorry about that! As most of you know, Brian and I have been busy traveling for the past week and a half. We tried to squeeze in as much time with family as we could before Brian left for Mexico last Wednesday. We also celebrated his 30th birthday, which was on October 2nd. I can't believe Brian is 30! Here are a few pictures from the different parties we had for him.
At my parents' house the whole family gathered for a Mexican theme party
My family likes to take a "crazy hat" picture every year and decided to do so at Brian's party
The birthday boys. (They don't look very happy to be 30 do they?) We celebrated with the Adams family at Maggiano's.
Now that Brian is in Culiacan, he's working with the team officials to get me down there. It's in his contract that they will fly me down, but we've heard that you really have to stay on them or they won't get it done. We're hoping I will be there by the end of next week so I can see Brian's first start! In the meantime, I'm hanging out with Mom and Dad in Columbia trying to help them organize their house before they put it on the market. (For those of you that don't know, they are building a house on Spring Island, SC and will probably move down there permanantly in a few years).
At my parents' house the whole family gathered for a Mexican theme party
My family likes to take a "crazy hat" picture every year and decided to do so at Brian's party
The birthday boys. (They don't look very happy to be 30 do they?) We celebrated with the Adams family at Maggiano's.
Now that Brian is in Culiacan, he's working with the team officials to get me down there. It's in his contract that they will fly me down, but we've heard that you really have to stay on them or they won't get it done. We're hoping I will be there by the end of next week so I can see Brian's first start! In the meantime, I'm hanging out with Mom and Dad in Columbia trying to help them organize their house before they put it on the market. (For those of you that don't know, they are building a house on Spring Island, SC and will probably move down there permanantly in a few years).
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