Tiger Weather

Happy Chinese New Year! We are leaving behind the Year of the Tiger and turning the page to the Year of the Rabbit. As 100 million-ish of us can tell you, the Year of the Tiger did not go out without a fight. Icy rain, thunder snow, and blizzards affected most of the country, including Columbus, OH. I think we got off comparatively easy though. The freezing rain closed schools on Tuesday, so I didn't have to go to work, but we didn't get any snow accumulation. Granted, icy roads are much more dangerous than snowy roads, but at least we're not still buried like Chicago. Then, at about 8:15 Tuesday night, as I was doing yoga in the basement, our power went out. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face, so I slowly crawled toward the laundry room, feeling my way along until I found the door, the shelf, and the flashlight that I knew was there. Luckily, Michael and I had just bought some candles recently, so we lit all those, and then, with nothing better to do, went to bed.

I thought there might be a chance that school would be canceled again yesterday, but I had no way to check without electricity, so I got up and got ready in the morning and headed out. The radio stations were saying that some schools were closed and that the complete list could be found on their websites. Sure, if you've got power, which some 50,000 of us do NOT. Finally, a station shared the complete list (Thanks, WNCI!). Sure enough, mine was included, so I did a very careful U-turn and went back home. I was actually looking forward to work because I knew it would be warm and well-lit, unlike our still powerless house. Rather than stay under a huge pile of blankets with nothing to do, I packed up my computer and books and left for Caribou Coffee. Shortly after getting settled and updating Facebook, etc. I had several offers from friends who were willing to share their warm homes with me. I felt so blessed by the community God has given me here in Columbus. It is often hard for me to believe that we've lived here less than two years because it feels so much like home. I ended up hanging out with a couple from our Lifegroup at their house, and it turned out to be a pretty sweet time of fellowship. When I returned home in the afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised to find the power back on.

To celebrate the holiday, Michael and I went to Hong Kong Buffet last night after he got off work. The food was underwhelming, but we left stuffed nonetheless. We both decided that we just should not go to buffets (unless we're in Vegas) anymore. At home, we played a couple rounds of Mahjongg, which is supposed to be a four person game, but we modified it. I won best of three :) Despite the craziness of the weather, I really enjoyed the day and am looking forward to the Year of the Rabbit. 

Thanksgiving 2009

This was my first Thanksgiving as a wife, and all I had to make were the green bean casserole and sweet potatoes. Lucky me! Michael and I drove to Kansas City last Tuesday to visit my brother-in-law and his fiance. We won't get to see them again until their wedding next summer. We left Polo there with his cousin Dito, a lab/shepherd mix. I don't think he missed us all week. On Wednesday, we flew to Albuquerque to spend Thanksgiving with my mom and in-laws.

Our 20lb. turkey

making the sweet potato casserole

After Thanksgiving dinner, we took part in a Yuen family tradition and sang karaoke with really old VHS karaoke tapes and really old songs. It was actually a lot of fun :) On Friday we went hiking in the mountains behind their home.

hiking around Sandia Mountains

Michael's parents fed us well while we were there. You know you're in an Asian family when you use Thanksgiving leftovers to make turkey fried rice.

We are incredibly thankful to have such an amazing family to visit and also a wonderful home to which we return. We have been very blessed this year and find things every day for which we thank God.