It Happens to Be

One of THOSE emails

I got one of those emails this morning…. the kind that has FW: at the beginning of the subject line. An email someone has forwarded on to you, the kind that 99% of the time (okay, maybe only 95% of the time) is spam or junk mail. BUT, this morning it was from my friend Terri. Now Ter and I have been friends a looong time, upwards of 25 years and she is like me – BUSY! What this means is this email surely has some significance so I better take a look. As I get my coffee cup situated and throw my purse under my desk I grab up my tailless mouse for a double click.

Ah Ha! It is one of those emails!! Oh, but it contains personal info so I shall read on! I just love insight on family and friends and what better way to learn their likes and dislikes, pleasures and pain than to read their answers to one of those junk questionnaire type emails. I think this is the first time I’ve gotten one relevant to a holiday and I found it of great interest – I felt closer to Terri (especially since we are 250 miles apart). As if I knew something special about her, stuff only a close friend would know. In light of how I felt after reading it, I thought it would only be fair to share my answers with a few friends. I forwarded it on to a couple of folks that I knew wouldn’t chew me out for sending junk mail, a couple that I knew would not respond but would at least know that they had crossed my mind today and I sent it back to Terri so she could feel equally educated on my ways of Christmas. Last but not least, I’m sharing it with you. You are probably wondering why………read #26 and I will elaborate tomorrow.

Oh, and I bet you will never guess what we did at my house tonight!!  I’ll tell you tomorrow!

(Keep in mind these are MY answers)

Ready or not, the Christmas holidays are fast approaching!  Enjoy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?   Wrapping paper

 2. Real tree or Artificial?    Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?  This year it is already up but normally around the 2^nd week of December.

4. When do you take the tree down?  Usually a day or two after Christmas but definitely before New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? NO – I don’t think people really drink that stuff.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  Drowsy Doll.

7. Hardest person to buy for?  Russ
8. Easiest person to buy for?  ME J
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?  Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One at a “Dirty Santa” exchange – I wound up with something like men’s wool socks. UGH!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?   November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?   Probably

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

16. Lights on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  Stay Home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?  A Bow
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? You Know Our Family – it depends on where the boys are. 
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?   Black Friday

23. Favorite thing about this time of year?  Being fortunate enough to give to others.

24. Favorite ornament, theme or color?  I love antique ornaments that remind me of the kind my mom had when we were little.   

25. Favorite for Christmas dinner?  I don’t really like a formal Christmas dinner – snacks and nibbles are my choice.
26. Favorite Christmas Tradition?  Our family tree decorating with lots of snacks, cider, music and arguing (about who gets to hang which ornament)!

27. What do you want for Christmas this year?  Simplicity 

28. Who is most likely to respond to this?  ???
Merry Christmas!!!

 

Pretty plain I know, but don’t you feel like you know a little something “more” about me than before? I think that is neat – diversity is what makes the world so interesting.  If you want to know more interesting stuff you should come back tomorrow – I’ll share the details of #26.

 

And don't be scroogie (yes, I know that is not a real word) like me, take a minute to open up those emails and share some interesting stuff with your friends, they will be glad you did.  Take the time to remember what is important, Christ, family, giving, sharing and being close to the people you care about.  If you have not been fortunate enough to receive the Christmas Questionnaire feel free to copy it from my blog and send it to your own friends. (But please don't tell my husband, he is one of those IT guys and there would be some serious reprimand if he finds out I am propagating spam across the Information Superhighway!!! - No! Really!! I am serious - Big Trouble!! J)

Labor “Free” Day Giveaway!

Labor can be physical or mental work. An effort that can be exhausting, methodical or rewarding, – but always time consuming. Labor Day, originally established in the late 1800’s as a day off for the working citizens has evolved into the modern “unofficial end to summer”. It may be the last three day weekend of the summer to spend with family and friends; swimming, grilling or just hanging out. Cooler temperatures, football season and shorter days signal fall is just around the corner.  Unfortunately the rest intended for Labor Day isn’t always restful.  Whether driving somewhere, preparing food, entertaining or cleaning up the remnants of a relaxing family day, Labor Day can be laborious, especially for women and moms. Don’t take offense guys, but most women are the planners, preparers and workers of celebrations such as these.

With that in mind I would like to invite you to create your own personal “labor free” day.  A day (or maybe just a couple of hours) all to yourself. No work, just plain simple relaxation that requires no preparation or effort. The kind you read about in FICTION books. Obviously it’s not likely that it will fall on Labor Day itself but on a day that you can set aside for you – but it should be soon, very soon! I envision this time alone in a cozy chair, a thought provoking book and soothing music all melded together by some sinfully delicious chocolate.  Your vision may be different, but enchanting nonetheless. The basket below includes some gear to get you started in your quest for a bit of rest and solitude.

Leave me a comment and tell me how you would spend your “labor free” day by noon EST on Friday September 5th and you may be the lucky winner. Gentleman, your comments are welcomed, encouraged, wanted – and yes, you could be the winner too.  I know about hard working men, who need a break – I’m married to one!!

The contents are:

*Green Floral Leatherette Writing Journal

*Contemporary Parker Vector & Parker Jotter pens

*Cool Colors Assorted Blank Note Cards

*The Last Lecture - The story of Randy Pausch, Professor Carnegie Mellon

*Chris Botti "Italia" CD (awesome jazz trumpeter) featuring Paula Cole & Dean Martin

AND.....5 ounces of rich, heavenly, luscious, assorted Lindt Truffles

- Sure sounds relaxing to me, indulgent even. J

A Few Rules

• You must be over 18 years old
• One entry per email address/comment
• You must leave a comment in this post to be entered (note:  If you are reading this through the email subscription, you need to visit http://ithappens2b.typepad.com to enter the giveaway)
• Winner needs to claim their prize within 3 days

Winner will be announced Saturday September 6th! (The prize will be mailed by USPS free of charge to the lucky reader.)

One of a Kind

Now every mother thinks her child is “One of a Kind”, we just can’t help it.  When it comes to describing our children, each one is special. What is really exciting though is when others acknowledge the traits and talents that make your child who they are – an individual.

Society believes that childhood is an idyllic time: carefree, filled with lazy days and contentment. No pressures, just toys, television, perfect playmates, summer vacations and the likes of which are publicized in skads of parenting magazines and assorted media around the world. The truth is – childhood is HARD. Sure children typically don't have the worries of high gas prices, food shortages or the multitude of most other adult problems, BUT they do worry and they do have stress. A lot of childhood stress comes from the pressure to be like everyone else – that’s where being “One of a Kind” can sometimes be painful, very painful. As a child it is impossible to see how being different can serve you well in life. “Mom, if I don’t look, dress and talk like the rest of the group they make fun of me”. That sentence makes me want to cry because I know the truth in it.

As a society we have conditioned our youth to believe that clothes, cars and money define who we are. Shame on us!!! I mean that.  What is wrong with us when we no longer value the true qualities that make people special? When you take off those expensive clothes, step out of that fancy car and federal regulators shut down your bank, you will still be that same special individual – minus the fluff.  That’s what I want my children to learn.  I want them to appreciate their friends for their kindness, humor and intelligence, the stuff on the inside.  I also want to appreciate my children in the same manner, to be able to realize that each one is different and treat them as such.

Speaking of which, last week Jordan (my 10yo son) participated in drama camp which culminated in a Friday night performance. All week he practiced his lines and talked about which parts he was playing and when I should be watching for him. This is one of my favorite things to do – watch him perform.  He is oh so dramatic and funny.  He can sing, dance, act and improvise at the drop of a hat.

Great talents for any ten year old but, especially so since he is mine! (I know bragging is not becoming of a lady – today I choose to be unladylike).

As we got settled in for the performance, the director came on stage to introduce the camp theme and give an overview of the week.  She also handed out camp awards – Dear Lord, I can feel that lump appear in my throat out of nowhere. It’s as if I’ve been harboring a fugitive toad in my stomach and he has decided at this very moment to relocate!! Don’t laugh, every parent knows the feeling – “will my child get an award”? So, I patiently waited and smiled as campers crept from behind the curtain to collect their acknowledgements. As I waited, the stack of awards got smaller until there was only one award left – oh, I hope that one is for Jordan! Then the next sentence out of the director’s mouth made the frog in my throat do a double back handspring triple somersault.

“This last award is the ‘One of a Kind Award’, it goes to a camper who, let us just say, made a lasting impression on us and is truly one of a kind”. (OH NO, I change my mind, please Lord, don’t let it be Jordan).

"Our One of a Kind Award goes to Jordan Rhea, come on out Jordan”! (uuugh!  Hooray!!)

(Applause here!) And in an instant with his perfectly bright smile and gracious stage presence he appeared to accept his award.  A brief handshake, slight bow to the audience and he disappeared behind the curtain.

I slumped ever so slightly in my seat. Are people looking at me? Muttering about the kid who is “One of a Kind”? Wondering if he was out there? What kind of impression did he make that would be so lasting? Stop It Renee!! You are paranoid, nobody is looking at you and nobody thinks anything.  He went to camp and showed who he was; his individuality.  Dear Lord, please forgive me for thinking the worst. (Remind me sometime to tell you about my “Nosey Award” at Girl Scout camp – I believe that frog has been hanging around ever since.) To my relief the lights dimmed and it was show time.

As I sat there watching the performances of these 30 or so young actors and actresses I realize that I put too much emphasis on what I expect my children to be and not enough emphasis on who they truly are.

All of these participants are brave beyond belief.  Each one revealing their individual style, creativity and talent to a group of total strangers – that’s impressive. As many times as I have read chapter one of the Purpose Driven Life I still forget that my children are exactly who they are supposed to be.  God made them for his own purpose and carefully planned out every detail of their physical and spiritual being.  I am thankful that He has enough faith in me to entrust three of His precious children to my care. I am proud of my three “One of a Kind” children for who they are.

Today I’m especially proud of Jordan for his ambition, talent, humor, kindness and his heart of gold. He is so special and truly one of a kind. I know that God has great plans for him.

I can’t wait to see his next performance - this one was FABULOUS!

Each new child brings the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.  ~Tagore

Uniquely me,

~ Renee

If I were 13

No parents, no chores, the beach, lots of friends girls – wouldn’t that be the life for three whole weeks if you were a 13 year old guy. Sounds like the perfect way to while away your summer before heading off to high school if you ask me. Stuart thought so too – and for three weeks this summer he studied Coastal Ecology at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC through the Duke TIP Program.

Although his parents weren’t there, he was under the excellent watch of some fabulous teachers, assistants, RC’s and staff at the Marine Lab. Despite the picture I have painted, this trip was not all play – it was equivalent to a semester course in college. (No, really- I'm serious, one semester of college crammed into 3 weeks!)

That meant no sleeping late, lots of studying, lots of hands on lab work and even doing your own laundry.  (ummm, that was a nice break for me J). Class six days a week and evening activities kept them busy. Needless to say, between the hectic schedule, mud fights and a broken cell phone (scowl) we didn’t hear from him too often.

Fortunately for me, Dr. Phil

did an excellent job of documenting the adventure by means of digital photography – and I THANK him!! This year we actually get to put faces with all the names of this new group of friends. What a wonderful "life experience" to have.

I'm totally awed by, and jealous of the whole experience - I wanted to go too, let me show you why.........

Aren't they amazing? They are the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. They are from spanish descent from around 400 years ago. And if that's not enough, look at what they had for lunch one day - HA! Only kidding! Neat though, huh?

For details (since I only got bits & pieces myself - Stuart is 13 afterall) you will have to email him directly at stuartrhea (at) bellsouth (dot) net. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photographs.  You can see more of them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ithappens2b/ 

Happy Whatever Day

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, this appears to be your average, everyday, roadside mailbox, but it is so much more than that.

Today, it was the vehicle for my joy. Instead of seeing a pile of bills, junk mail or wasted paper – what I saw when I opened the mailbox door today was JOY!  I had a surprise. You can always tell when there is something extra in the box.  It may be a little larger than the rest or maybe a different color envelope or even bear the now extinct handwritten address. YEP, ink pen is a sure sign that you have gotten something extra in the box! I immediately felt my heart leap. It’s not my anniversary or birthday or anyone else’s in our family for that matter so who was getting the “extra” envelope today?  Thump-thump, thump-thump, I could feel the excitement building as I reached into the box.  Sure enough, in neat black ink the address read, Mrs. Renee Ollis – it’s for ME! I just got a letter, I just got a letter, I just got a letter – wonder who it’s from?

     

There was a return address that I didn’t recognize but no name. Now my heart was really starting to pound.  Somebody has been thinking about me and I don’t even know who it is. I couldn’t wait to open it. As I tore open the envelope and pulled out the card, I knew this card was special.  This card had been handmade especially for me. Someone had spent hours hand cutting and decorating this card with meticulous care and love – All just for me! Imagine as I’ve been going about my routine this week someone had stopped everything they were doing – JUST FOR ME!! I am so lucky. So loved. The card read “Happy Whatever Day” – with the Chinese symbols for love and joy.

Beautiful, yes the card - but even more beautiful is the person who painstakingly created it for me.  This friend and I had recently had a conversation about the importance (my view) or unimportance (her view) of sending cards through the mail.  She wanted to know why an e-card wasn’t as good as a card in the mail since the thought was all the same.  I think there is something purely wonderful and thrilling about the unexpected receipt of a card in the mailbox and I wasted no time expressing this. Thank the Lord she is patient and tolerant (oh! so, so tolerant). She let me have my say, and since we had briefly had the conversation before, I knew her view. No matter, this week she stepped beyond what she thought because she puts others before herself – she sent me an envelope of joy.

I admire her. She is one of very few people that I know who lives what she believes and believes what she lives. She is good and kind and honest. Rare. The most intriguing part about receiving a card in the mail is not knowing that you are in someone else’s thoughts or even the element of surprise, It is knowing that you are loved enough for someone to sacrifice their time for you.

Happy Whatever Day to you too Marcia.