Jamaican Adventure

"Whatever is illegal in the US is illegal in Jamaica."  This was what we were told right before we ported during our cruise to Jamaica.  You may laugh...but here's my story.

After a fun time zip lining and riding a Jamaican bobsled (cause you just have to do that if you are in Jamaica right?!) we eventually caught a shuttle back to a tourist shopping area.  By eventually I mean that they have no sense of time.  We were completely full and loaded on the shuttle and the driver decides that it is time to eat lunch so our full shuttle of about 25 people watch our driver exit the bus, sit down with some buddies and leisurely eat his sandwich.

OK, so we are now dropped off at the shopping area.  A complete tourist trap.  We like those, for a little while...you know, long enough to peek at some obligatory souvenirs.  So we decide to explore a bit and go find something to eat for lunch.  We walked out of the shopping area and went right.  We walked past tons of little shops full of everything you could think of.  They were not the most presentable either as the poverty level in Jamaica is very high.  So, their shops represented that well.  At the entrance to each shop there was a salesperson asking us to come into their shop.  We politely ignored most of them.  After walking a while an only recognizing KFC we decided to seek out some sort of Jamaican cuisine. 

We noticed a abnormally clean white building called "The Castle" and it did not look sketchy. So, we decided to turn around and walk back to that place to see about getting some lunch.  We get to it and there is a guy outside asking if we want to come inside.

We walk inside and he asks what he can help us with. 
Dan: We are looking for some lunch.
Guy: Oh, I have food here.
Dan: OK
Guy: Follow me. 

We walk into the nice white building.  There is NO ONE in there.  OK, so small red flag for us as we enter a completely empty building.

Guy: Come on up stairs.
Dan: OK

We walk up the stairs thinking that is where the restaurant is.
It is also completely empty of people but has several tables and chairs set up. (More red flags but it almost seems too late to turn around).

Guy: So, what can I get you today?
Dan: Some lunch.
Guy: So, uhhh, would you like some scrabbled eggs and toast?
Dan: No thanks.  We were looking for lunch.
Guy: Oh, OK.  So like, uhhh, some rice and peas and chicken?
Dan: (shrugging his shoulders) Uhh, sure.
Guy: OK, sit down.
(We sit)
Guy: Oh, uhhh, would you like to sit by the pool?
Dan: Uhh, sure.
(We move over to sit on the balcony overlooking the pool...also where no one was).
Guy: What would you like to drink.
Kirsten: Water?
Guy: Sure, I be right back.

So the friendly Jamaican guy returns moments later with a bottle of water and pours it into some glasses.  We smile and say "Thank you."

Guy: I be back in a few minutes with you food. It takes a few minutes to cook it
Kirsten: (nodding) OK.

(So at this point we have no idea what we have gotten ourselves in to.  There were not any menus and no one else there to see what they were eating.)

About 10 minutes later the guy returns with 2 huge plates.

Sure enough we had rice and chicken (no peas but it was replaced with coleslaw). 

Now wouldn't you know, this was the best meal we had the whole vacation trip!  The chicken was juicy and tender and not spicy and the rice was delicious with some unique spices.  I have no idea what type of seasoning they used for either of the items, but it was yummy!

OK, so we are sitting and eating our delicious meal and we think...hmmm, how much is this going to cost us. (Remember there were no menus to indicate price)

After we finish we get our check.  The meals were $11.95 per plate and the water is $3.  So my calculations made that be just under $28.  The itemized bill looks like this:

2 chicken's $11.95
1 water $3.00
Total: $38

Wait a second there...that's either (A) bad math or (B) cheating the Americans.  I am opting for option B.  But, our justification, it was so good, we'd pay that much in America.  So we pay and don't complain.

As we get up to leave the guy walks us out.
Guy: How was your meal?
Dan: Fantastic.  It was really good!
Guy: Is there anything else I can help you with?  You need a place to stay?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy: (What Dan hears anyway) Do you like Bob Marley?
Dan: (Shrugging his shoulders), Yeah, sure.
Guy: (His eyes lit up really big), YOU DO?!?! You want some weed?
Dan: Oh, uhh, no thanks.
Guy: You sure?
Dan: No thanks.

After a few more steps the guy goes back to his "White Castle". Two more steps a friendly Jamaican guy (guy #2) asks:
Guy #2: Do you want to buy a cd of Jamaican music?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy: Do you want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.

So we keep walking, heading toward our cruise ship.  Up approaches another guy (guy #3).

Guy #3: What are you doing?
Dan: Just walking.
Guy #3: Where you going?
Dan : This way.
Guy #3: Well, where are you going?
Dan: This way.
Guy #3: What are you doing?
Dan: Just looking at shops.
Guy #3: I have a shop. You want to come to my shop?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #3: Well, what are you doing then?
Dan: Just looking at shops.
Guy #3: Well, I have a shop.  Come to my shop.
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #3: I really do have a shop.
Dan: I believe you.
Guy #3: Just come to my shop. I have stuff to sell.
Dan: No thanks.

Finally that guy leaves us alone and lets us walk.  About 3 steps alter another guy comes up to us.
Guy #4: What are you doing?
Dan: Just walking.
Guy #4: Where are you going?
Dan: This way.
Guy #4: Can I show you where to go?
Dan: No thanks. We are just walking.
Guy #4: Well, what are you doing? 
Dan: Just walking and looking at shops.
Guy #4 I have a shop. You want to see it?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #4 Do you want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #4 (after following us for what seemed like forever asking the same questions over and over again): Where are you going?
Dan: Back to the ship.
Guy #4: You are going the wrong way.  The ship is that way. (He points in the opposite direction).
Dan: OK, thanks.
Guy #4: I'll show you.
Dan: No thanks, we are fine.  We just want to walk.
Guy #4 (getting irritated with us): Fine. You're acting strange, man.

So we turn around and start back toward the ship past all the guys who offered us weed, and for us to visit their shops.

Another guy tries to fist bump Dan.  Dan ignored it.  But this is guy #5.
Guy #5: How you doin'?
Dan: Good.
Guy #5: Want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.

That guy walked away a lot faster than the others, thankfully.

So after an interesting encounter for a mystery meal and 4 offers for weed, we made it back to the tourist shopping area.  Then, eventually back on the ship.  We realized we went the wrong way and left the tourist trap for our lunch...and boy did we get an adventure and true Jamaican culture! 

14 Thanks and Counting...

So I am having one of those days...

When you initially hear that you probably think, "Oh boy, what's wrong?".  Right?  We tend to think there is something bad or awful going on more often than we tend to look on the bright side and count our blessings.

Well, today I am having one of those days...that I am feeling thankful for so much.  What is dominating my thoughts is how fortunate and blessed my family is. 

I love my husband so much (still) after 9 years.  (He is a great blessing for sure!)That in itself is quite the feat these days. I looked up the average length of a marriage in the US...it is 7 years.  So, nine years is a type of marriage longevity.  Wow. How sad.

So, Dan and I have been happily married 9 years AND we have two very healthy and active boys.  Another blessing (or 2!).  So I am up to 3 very substantial blessings in my life.

Dan and I have been happily married 9 years, we have 2 healthy active boys, AND Dan and I both have parents that are still married happily after more than 30 years.  Chalk up 2 more blessings making the count at 5.

Dan and I have been happily married 9 years, have two healthy and active boys, parents that are still happily married, AND our families all get along beautifully together without tension or awkwardness.  There is none of the bad in-law talk from either of us and in fact, we both love our parents and in laws greatly.  Peacefulness=blessing 6.

To top it off, each person referred to has put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ and actively live to seek His will for their life.  Amazing. Blessings 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14...and that does not even include our siblings and their spouses, and many of our close friends.

So, how is it I can let little petty things bother me when I have so much to be thankful for?  It is when I take my eyes off of my Savior.  When I doubt.  When I loose track of what is truly valuable.

I have so many blessings and have so much to be thankful for with so many people that are close to me. 

So, I am continuing on with my "one of those days" day that encompasses thankfulness to its fullest.  Thank you, Lord Jesus for the blessings that run deep in my family roots and for such goodness in my family.  I don't want to ever take that for granted.   

Preparing

It feels like I am often preparing for something.  I prepare for traveling and trips, I prepare lunch for the boys for school, I prepare for the holidays buy purchasing gifts, and most recently, I have been preparing our house to sell. 

I looked up the word prepare and according to wikipedia it means "to make (something) ready for use or consideration." 

OK, so where am I going with this?  The first thing that comes to mind is how I am being prepared.  I was created for a purpose and God knows me more intricately than I even know myself.  Therefore, He knows what it takes to prepare me for my goal.  And, God is making me ready for use in future situations by allowing me to experience current situations (both what I consider good and bad).

There are times where I wonder why I have to go through such a difficult trial, and there are times that I do not realize God has been working on me because He's so gentle, but in either case, He's using me and molding me into a better vessel for Him.  For that, I am thankful.

I want to be flexible to his preparations and not get so stuck in my desires and ways that I miss part of the bigger picture.  I want to be open to where and what I feel He is calling me to do.

So, my goal: open ears, a heart for serving and loving and an ever increasing desire to prepare for His coming. 

Lord, use me and prepare me how You see fit.



An Arizona cross, in my eyes.



A Walk is for the Dog(s)

Carlee has been good for me.  I mean that in a couple ways. 

1) I have again realized my love for animals.  I grew up with a dog, cats, fish, the occasional gerbils and even the desire and fulfillment of a cricket farm.  I worked at a horse ranch, and we had a pet field mouse.  I often wanted a pet lobster but my mom threatened to eat it if we had one so I decided it was safest to skip that one.  Going to college I was away from my pets and did not get another one until I was married.  We splurged and adopted some goldfish.  Now, as of August 2 we have goldfish and a dog.  I enjoy watching the fish swim around, but not so much enjoyment is found in cleaning out their tank.  (But I do it every now and then).  I really enjoy the companionship of Carlee, our family dog.  She has been a welcome addition and renewed love of animals for me.  I had not realized how much I enjoyed my furry friends.  I can not imagine our house without one now. 

2) Carlee has been good for me in another way too.  I use her as my excuse to get exercise.  She must go on a longer daily walk right?  So, Carlee and I have been exploring local parks with walking paths.  I blame it on her for needing exercise, but in reality, I think that is an excuse for my desire to hike some local trails. She acts as my shadow and will follow me everywhere I go.  She'd gladly accompany me on trails, as long as I am within her sight. I love the sound of the fall leaves crunching under our feet and the smell of the autumn air.  I love the company of Carlee so I am not out walking by myself.  Even though she's not all that fearsome, it is still nice to not be alone.  When I talk, I have someone I am talking to so I don't sound like I am just talking to myself.  But, I am not sure she really cares about the color of the leaves that I point out to her or the fallen tree that makes an ideal photo.  She probably does appreciate the sound of my friendly voice to her so what I say is irrelevant as long as I am talking to her.

I'm thankful for her patience with our kids too.  We have one child who likes to be sneaky and tease Carlee.  She has been nothing but kind and well mannered with the kids.  I have deemed her "Saint Dog" for her ability to endure our children.  They do not always understand that she needs a break and likes to sit in peace.  She has not once been aggressive toward them. 

I'm thankful for our newest companion. She's been the perfect dog for our family.  Now, I am trying to convince Dan that 2 dogs would be a good option. He's far from convinced.  I'll keep trying.   But for now, I'll keep using Carlee as my excuse to spend time outside and keep appreciating her gentile manner and companionship.

Woe is Monday vs Blessed is Monday

As an avid Facebooker I often see the "Woe is Monday" comments.  Sometimes I struggle to understand what all the complaining is about.  I understand that the weekends are enjoyable, but is Monday really that bad?  We should be used to it.  It comes every week,  We know full well to expect it. 

My Monday's are my productive catch up days.  I often have a laundry list of things to accomplish come Monday.  Today was no different.  The day went so fast, and dare I say-it was enjoyable!

 I have designated Monday as laundry day.  This week was no different.  I have done 7 loads of laundry.  There are 2 more to finish, but the bulk of it is done.  It was not so bad either.  Just think what it would be like without a washer...like back in the scrub board days. I have no reason to complain about the ease of a modern day washing procedure.  Here is the kids portion of laundry day, after I had put away Dan's and mine.

In between loads of laundry I took a trip to Target.  I did a bit of grocery shopping and I bought the rest of the stuff for the shoe boxes we are filling for Operation Christmas Child.  This program provides a shoe box of goodies including school supplies, essential clothing, toys, and hygiene supplies for kids who otherwise would not receive a Christmas gift.  A booklet is also put in the shoe boxes to give the receiving child and their family info about Jesus.  It is a way of showing God's love in a practical way.  I decided to fill 6 boxes this year.  There is one for each age group, both girl (front row of boxes) and boy (back row of boxes).  I just love making these and pray that the recipients will be blessed by the box, and most importantly that they will know and accept the love of Jesus as their own.

In the middle of laundry, before and after Target, and before and after filling the shoe boxes, I attempted making homemade bread.  I have never made a loaf of bread like this.  I have made the frozen kinds where you pull out a frozen pre-made dough, let it rise and bake it.  I have made buiscits.  I have also made many sweet breads like pumpkin, applesauce, cranberry etc. but I have never made a type of sandwich or artisan bread from scratch...until today.  I mixed dough, kneaded it by hand, let it rise 2 times and baked it.  And, I sampled it, and it turned out just as I was hoping!  Yummy!  I made wheat buttermilk honey bread.
Here is the recipe I used:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/buttermilk-honey-bread/Detail.aspx

And, here is the photo of one of my loaves (it makes 2):

When the kids came home from school we met a friend and some neighbors at the park.  It was nice to enjoy some conversation and friendship.  (No pictures today of that though).

After the park, we came home.  I was in the process of making supper and the kids were having a hard time controlling themselves.  I know that late afternoons can be a time of meltdowns and today that happened.  The kids were sent to their rooms so they would be separated and could calm themselves down.  I went up to talk to them about their behavior and Zack handed me a paper.  (I had seen it on his desk for a couple weeks so I guess he was prepared for his next room confinement.)  Here is his paper...

My assumption is that he meant one of the "d's" to be an "o".  In either case, he is not God, but he can often be good. This paper had no merit for me as it was done well in advance.  But, I did enjoy both the mis-spelling and the thought behind it.  After time alone, both kids were civil and enjoyable.

So although many people dread Monday each week, if we just have the outlook that it is going to come, we can make the most of it.  I hope that we can all have the mentality that each day is a blessing and as the verse and song go "Today is the day that the Lord has made."  Rejoice, and be glad.  We are blessed beyond comprehension.

Ode To Grandma

There are some people who shape who you are.  Some people make you a better person.  Some people have a sweet demeanor and love unconditionally.  Some people sacrifice time and money for you, willingly.  Some people have bold audacity to tell you what they think, with your best interest in mind.  Some people love God openly and confidently. Some people will forever be etched in your mind.

My Grandma is one of those people.  She fits every one of the above characteristics, and then some. 

Today is Grandma's 94th birthday.  Her life, all 94 years, has been a blessing to more people than I can count.  I am just one of the many hundreds (literally) she has touched with a lasting love.  Her devotion to God and family always came first, but if you were not family, you were treated as if you were! 

Giving-she is always willing to share what she has with others.  Her hospitality is something I strive for.  She   has a way with making everyone feel welcome.  She has on a couple occasions even been known to invite the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses into her kitchen and chat over some coffee and donuts.
Respected-all those who know her are struck with her honesty and integrity
Adored-she is one of those people who it is impossible to NOT love.
Nurturing-she was always available and overly willing to take care of me, and others.
Donut maker-She always had treats in the cookie jar for unannounced guests including donuts.
Minimalist-she never needed "stuff" to make her happy.  It is all about the relationships with people.
Adventurous-she loves to travel and has visit all 50 states and many foreign countries.

I have countless stories from growing up so close to Grandma (and Grandad) and can talk endlessly about these loving people.  I am so thankful Grandma is MY Grandma! 

Below are some scanned photos that I have.  They bring back such beautiful memories.

 This is Grandma and Grandad.  It was the rare occasion to see them apart, so this is quite a typical moment.

 This is showing what Grandma enjoys most-people!  She is holding my son Zackariah in 2004.

 This is one of my favorites!  They dressed in their wedding attire for their 50th wedding anniversary.        June 1995.

 Grandad, their daughter Ingrid, Grandad's mother Besty, Their son (my dad) Gregor, and Grandma. 

This is Grandma (right) and Grandad's mother Besty on Mother's Day in 1966.  

Grandma, you are one fine and special lady. 

Thank you for everything. 

 All my love,

 Kirsten.

Casting an Experiment

This morning I am casting an experiment. 

I am going to share the very last photo I have taken. 

I am not sure what it is.

This could be a daring experiment. 

My camera is currently downloading the most recent photos. 

I suddenly become a bit nervous and self conscious about what it is.

For real, thoughts of inadequacy are emerging. 

I continue on.  

I suppress the negative thoughts.

Be brave, Kirsten.

I'm feeling a bit more confidence. 

My curiosity is peaked. 

I hope it is a good one!

Here it is.  Trees.

Although it may just be a bunch of trees, each photo has a story behind it.  This one is of no exception. 

The story:
I enjoy the outdoors.  I find that I do not enjoy the outdoors. 
Contradiction?  Nope.
As much as I like being outdoors, I find that I do not make the time to enjoy moments like these.  I sit, using  my computer and waste moments by perusing online sites and before long way more time has passed than I anticipated.  So, the day of this photo, I decided I was going to treat our dog Carlee to a walk in the woods. (This really was my mindset..  Treating my dog.  But, it was more for me, I can be selfish, and try to trick even myself!)  We drove to Blue Mound State Park.  I had seen a sign for hiking trails there last weekend.  I found them.  We walked a couple miles in the woods.  The exact woods of this photo.  The sound of the crunching fallen leaves with each step was blissful.  The various outdoor scents were intriguing to Carlee.  I snapped some pictures of the beautiful creation around me in hopes to capture overdue moments of time spent outdoors.  It was a precious, yet ordinary hike.  Just like the photo.  

So there it is.  Proof that I really have been out, living.