Just when so many people are ready to give up on their New Year's resolutions*, I figure it is a good time to share mine. It is a fairly well known fact that writing down one's goals greatly increases the likelihood of achieving those goals. In 2011, I wrote down three resolutions and kept two of them. For 2012, I figured I would not only write them down but also share them with you in the hopes of increasing my success rate to 100%. Last year's goals were all health and fitness related, but this year I wanted to expand into other areas of my life as well. After some thought, I came up with the following four resolutions:
1. Memorize 26 verses of scripture
The psalmist says, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11). Memorizing God's Word is not only helpful in battling sin, but as Chuck Swindoll wrote, “No other single exercise pays greater spiritual
dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will
be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will
begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your
confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be
solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61). At first I wanted to memorize one scripture verse a week, but I thought that was an unrealistic goal for myself (knowing me). I decided on one every other week instead. This may not seem like much, but it is a big step from the zero verses I have memorized in the last several years.
2. Run 500 miles
Last year's running goal was to complete a half marathon in 2:15, and I ran the Cap City half in May in 2:04. Because of the pregnancy, I did not think focusing on time would be a good idea this year, so I made a distance goal instead. Five hundred miles averages out to 9.6 miles per week. I have decided that during the later stages of pregnancy and in the first few weeks after giving birth, I will count miles walked as a way to stay motivated and moving even if I can't keep up a running pace. I also hope to train for the Columbus half marathon in October, which will help get my mileage back up, but I will only be concerned with finishing not time.
3. Lose the baby weight
I don't know how much weight I will end up gaining by the time the baby comes, but I hope to keep it to the recommended 25-35 pounds. I will have seven months then to work off whatever is left after the little guy is born. I think this seems a reasonable goal and time frame.
4. Read 40 books
Last year I read 49 books (without a goal in mind), but I don't know how having a newborn in the house and being a new mom will affect how much time I have to read. I also really, really hope to be in a full-time teaching position in the fall, which would naturally take up quite a bit of my time. With those things in mind, I figure I will not read as much as I did last year, but I would still like to keep my goal high and push myself to find the time for myself and one of my favorite pastimes.
*actually, January 17th is apparently the time to give up on resolutions as it is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
November and December Book Reviews
Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: ****
I'm hooked on Riordan's mythology-based series. First, there was Percy Jackson & the Olympians now there is The Heroes of Olympus. The Son of Neptune is the second book in the series, and I was lucky enough to borrow it from a 6th grade teacher's classroom library. A light and easy read full of the same mythological references as his other books, The Son of Neptune was enjoyable from beginning to end. I am already looking forward to the next one.
Amazon Book Description: Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the “other” camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven.
Amazon Book Description: Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the “other” camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven.
Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: ***
Yet another young adult series that I feel compelled to finish. I read Matched over the summer, and Crossed is its sequel. Yet another young adult dystopian series, this one is not as good as Hunger Games, but it is still entertaining. I'd recommend it if you really like the genre.
Amazon Book Description: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
For most of her life, Lauren Mahdian has been certain of two things: that her mother is dead, and that her father is a murderer.
Before the horrific tragedy, Lauren led a sheltered life in a wealthy corner of America, in a town outside Manhattan on the banks of Long Island Sound, a haven of luxurious homes, manicured lawns, and seemingly perfect families. Here Lauren and her older brother, Alex, thought they were safe.
But one morning, six-year-old Lauren and eight-year-old Alex awoke after a night spent in their tree house to discover their mother’s body and their beloved father arrested for the murder.
Years later, Lauren is surrounded by uncertainty. Her one constant is Alex, always her protector, still trying to understand the unraveling of his idyllic childhood. But Lauren feels even more alone when Alex reveals that he’s been in contact over the years with their imprisoned father—and that he believes he and his sister have yet to learn the full story of their mother’s death.
Then Alex disappears.
As Lauren is forced to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories, she comes to question the version of her history that she has clung to so fiercely. Lauren’s search for the truth about what happened on that fateful night so many years ago is a riveting tale that will keep readers feverishly turning pages.
Amazon Book Description: The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
Title: The House of the Scorpion
Author: Nancy Farmer
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: ****
This book is one of the freshman choice novels, and I would like to eventually read all the books on their list. House of the Scorpion deserves its accolades, including National Book Award. Not only is the story compelling and interesting, but the characters are dynamic and well-written and the opportunities for discussion abound.
Amazon Book Description: From the unique combination of the timelessness of an old and seemingly forgotten world deftly mixed with the futuristic reality of a brave new world comes a chilling tale of ethics and mortality that is thought provoking and macabre, and yet strangly fascinating...Is this the way of the future? Matt is six years old when he discovers that he is different from other children, from other people. To most people Matt isn't a boy, but a beast, dirty and disgusting. But to El Patron, lord of a country called Opium, Matt is the guarantee of eternal life. El Patron loves Matt as he loves himself - for Matt is himself. They share the same DNA. As Matt struggles to understand his existence and what that existence trully means, he is threatened by a host of sinister and manipulating characters, from El Patron's power-hungry family to the brain-deadened eejits and mindless slaves that toil Opium's poppy fields. Surrounded by a dangerous army of bodyguards, Matt longs for escape. But even escape is no guarantee of freedom because Matt is marked but his difference in ways that he doesn't even suspect.
Title: Close Your Eyes
Author: Amanda Eyre Ward
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ***
I cannot remember why I put this book on reserve at the library, but when it came in, I went ahead and read it. Though it was well-endorsed by many popular authors, I found it merely a satisfactory read. It was interesting but not a page-turner.
Amazon Book Description: In Close Your Eyes, the author of the bestselling How to Be Lost spins another mesmerizing tale of buried family secrets.
For most of her life, Lauren Mahdian has been certain of two things: that her mother is dead, and that her father is a murderer.
Before the horrific tragedy, Lauren led a sheltered life in a wealthy corner of America, in a town outside Manhattan on the banks of Long Island Sound, a haven of luxurious homes, manicured lawns, and seemingly perfect families. Here Lauren and her older brother, Alex, thought they were safe.
But one morning, six-year-old Lauren and eight-year-old Alex awoke after a night spent in their tree house to discover their mother’s body and their beloved father arrested for the murder.
Years later, Lauren is surrounded by uncertainty. Her one constant is Alex, always her protector, still trying to understand the unraveling of his idyllic childhood. But Lauren feels even more alone when Alex reveals that he’s been in contact over the years with their imprisoned father—and that he believes he and his sister have yet to learn the full story of their mother’s death.
Then Alex disappears.
As Lauren is forced to peek under the floorboards of her carefully constructed memories, she comes to question the version of her history that she has clung to so fiercely. Lauren’s search for the truth about what happened on that fateful night so many years ago is a riveting tale that will keep readers feverishly turning pages.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Not All About the Baby
I have been wanting to blog for a couple weeks now, but I just could not seem to get my creative juices flowing. You see, I feel challenged. I do not want my blog, or my Facebook wall, or my life to be all-consumed with baby stuff just because I am pregnant. However, the thing about being pregnant is that it does tend to become the center of attention in your life. It tends to be the first thing people ask about when they see me or talk to me. It takes up a substantial amount of conversation time with my husband, friends, family, and co-workers. I don't really mind, but I also feel like I don't want it to be the only thing I talk about. I imagine it is not the most exciting thing in everyone's life just because it is in mine. In spite of the fact that it is the most exciting thing in my life, it is by no means the only thing going on. I am still reading (and not all baby books!), running, working, watching movies, playing games, going to church, traveling, leading a Lifegroup, etc. So why can't I seem to find anything to write about? I would love to write a post about our Christmas vacation in Arizona. I would love to write a post about the books I read in November and December. I would love to write a post about my New Year's resolutions. I just have not done it. Yet... I suppose it's never too late, so perhaps I will get to that this week. Then maybe I can tell you something else baby or pregnancy related and not feel too guilty about it.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
October Book Reviews
*Only two books in October? I don't know why it took me so long to post this.
This one was recommended to me both by high school students and fellow English teachers, so I checked it out from the library.
Before committing suicide, Hannah Baker creates seven cassette tapes with thirteen stories for thirteen people explaining her thirteen reasons why she did what she did. Clay Jensen is one of those people, one of those reasons. As he listens to the tapes and follows the map that Hannah also left behind, the reader is sucked into a story that is sad yet compelling. I couldn't put it down.
Title: Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ****
Life of Pi had been on my radar for years because I had heard it was a good book, especially for book clubs and discussions. What really moved it up on my list though was having it recommended to me by high schoolers. Last May I subbed in for an AP English teacher who was on maternity leave. As the kids had already taken the AP exam, I decided to do activities with them centered around creating or renewing their love of reading. I learned that their favorite book that year had been Life of Pi, and they all encouraged me to read it. That did it for me.
All I knew about the plot before reading it was pretty much what I learned from the flap copy. Basically, there was a boy, a tiger, and a raft in the middle of the ocean, and the book was supposed to make me believe in God. That's a pretty big assumption to make about any book, but I already believe in God, so it is hard to say what effect this book would have on me if I did not. It was thought-provoking though, and I enjoyed the plot. Pi is a boy who grows up in India, whose father is a zookeeper, and who follows Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. When the ship carrying him from India to Canada blows up, Pi finds himself alone on a life raft. Alone that is except for an injured zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a tiger.
I thought this book was going to be purely philosophical, perhaps just the boy's musings about the meaning of life as he is stranded on the raft. However, it is actually a really good story with a real plot and some decent action. While it is philosophical, it is not overtly so. It makes you think but doesn't tell you what to think. The kids were right.
I thought this book was going to be purely philosophical, perhaps just the boy's musings about the meaning of life as he is stranded on the raft. However, it is actually a really good story with a real plot and some decent action. While it is philosophical, it is not overtly so. It makes you think but doesn't tell you what to think. The kids were right.
Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult
Rating: ****
This one was recommended to me both by high school students and fellow English teachers, so I checked it out from the library.
Before committing suicide, Hannah Baker creates seven cassette tapes with thirteen stories for thirteen people explaining her thirteen reasons why she did what she did. Clay Jensen is one of those people, one of those reasons. As he listens to the tapes and follows the map that Hannah also left behind, the reader is sucked into a story that is sad yet compelling. I couldn't put it down.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Xiǎo Jiǎozi (Little Dumpling)
First, the amazing, awesome, exciting news - there is a half-Asian bun in my oven! Yep, that's right, people, I am pregnant.
Next, let me answer a few FAQs:
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| Baby Yuen aka "Dumpling" |
- When are you due? May 31, 2012
- Will you find out what you're having? Yes, in January. And yes, we will let you know.
- Do you have a name picked out? Not yet, but it will be a secret anyway.
- How have you been feeling? Fortunate, excited, blessed... and very lucky not to have any nausea! I have had days where I get VERY tired, and I get up about three times a night to go to the bathroom, but I have otherwise had a pretty easy time of it so far. (Please don't hate me!)
- Was this expected/were you planning it? Yes, very much so. It took longer than either of us expected, but I know it has happened in God's perfect timing. Though I struggled with patience, I also prayed continuously throughout the process and trusted God and His plan for our family. That did not always make it easier, but it gave me peace, hope, and joy when I otherwise would have felt lost and alone. As in all my struggles in life, I can see how God used this to draw me closer to Him and build my trust and faith in Him. Additionally, this experience has helped my marriage grow and mature as well. We are both really looking forward to this next chapter of our lives.
I would be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have. Ask away...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Family Trip to Chicago
We were fortunate to be invited to my cousin's wedding in Chicago in October, and we decided to make a vacation out of the trip. After a six hour drive, we reached our hotel in Bensenville. In an effort to save money on a hotel, we chose to stay in the suburbs and take the L into the city every day. This is not something I would recommend or repeat. Each day, we ended up spending at least an hour and half just commuting. Oh well, you live and learn, right?
That first night, Michael and I went into the city for dinner at Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless restaurant. For an appetizer we shared a queso fundido, which was a dish of melted cheese with chorizo and roasted peppers served with fresh house made corn tortillas. For dinner, I ordered chicken tacos, and Michael had pork loin in green mole with microgreens and toasted seeds. The food was fresh, high-quality and authentic. It was not your typical Mexican restaurant, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. The menus change monthly. Though it had been raining during our commute and meal, by the time we finished eating the rain had stopped, and we were able to walk around downtown and explore in the lovely, crisp autumn air.
On Friday morning, we met up with my mom, brother, aunt and uncle to travel into the city together. It was my uncle's first time taking a subway-like train. We met my grandma and other uncle at their hotel downtown, and then we headed over to Lou Malnati's for a classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza for lunch. The pizza was okay, but I definitely prefer New York City-style pizza; it's one of the things I miss most about living there.
My mom, brother, Michael and I enjoyed a bus ride out to Lincoln Park Zoo (free zoo!) and wandered around looking at the animals. That was followed by a chilly walk to the Lake Michigan beach and then some much needed warmth and comfort at Starbucks. We had dinner that night at an Indian/Pakistani restaurant that seemed to be favored by cabbies. It was cheap and fast, but I thought the food was just okay.
On Saturday, the four of us (plus Austin's girlfriend, Brittany) drove to the Museum of Science and Industry, which was having a special Dr. Seuss exhibit. It was a really cool museum, something I would highly recommend to others.
After the museum, we headed back to the hotel to get ready and go to the wedding, which was at the Joffrey Ballet in downtown Chicago. The ceremony and reception were both beautiful and classy. It was my first time attending a Jewish wedding, and I really appreciated some of the different traditions and the Hebrew prayers. I wish I had taken more pictures, but my camera does not do well in low lighting situations. The bride was gorgeous and glowing, and my cousin is one lucky guy to have her. I also enjoyed getting to meet his cousins on the other side as they sat at our dinner table. I felt truly blessed to be with so much family and to witness the beginning of what I hope will be a long and happy union between two amazing people.
With the wedding on Saturday, we were able to stay and enjoy some more of Chicago on Sunday including a daytime walk through Millennium Park and a visit to the Art Institute. We truly enjoyed our time in the city and with family.
That first night, Michael and I went into the city for dinner at Frontera Grill, a Rick Bayless restaurant. For an appetizer we shared a queso fundido, which was a dish of melted cheese with chorizo and roasted peppers served with fresh house made corn tortillas. For dinner, I ordered chicken tacos, and Michael had pork loin in green mole with microgreens and toasted seeds. The food was fresh, high-quality and authentic. It was not your typical Mexican restaurant, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. The menus change monthly. Though it had been raining during our commute and meal, by the time we finished eating the rain had stopped, and we were able to walk around downtown and explore in the lovely, crisp autumn air.
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| The obligatory picture of "The Bean" (officially known as Cloud Gate) |
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| Uncle Tom's first time on a metro railway system |
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| Beautiful Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park |
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| Lake Michigan |
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| Standing in front of a scale model version of Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry |
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| Museum of Science and Industry |
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| Just goofing around |
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| Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of the beautiful bride |
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| Mom and grandma |
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| "The Bean" in daylight |
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hope-Shaped Creatures
Some may find it difficult to imagine that a church pastor could spend four weeks on one Bible verse, but not those of us who have been attending Vista Community Church this fall. Pastor Mike has been going through a series on the book of Acts. Not really the whole book though. For a month, he camped out on just the first part of Acts 2:42:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..."
But I'm not complaining. It has been a great series that has, at times, really challenged me to re-evaluate how I am living out my faith. What Pastor Mike pointed out is that the apostles did not teach in the typical way we imagine teaching. Rather than direct instruction, simply telling people what they needed to know and how to behave, they lived out their faith on a daily basis. They made decisions and took actions that depended on what they believed to be true about God, Jesus, and the world. Their followers learned by watching the example the apostles set for them just as the apostles learned from the example Jesus set for them. Not long after the sermon Faith, in which Pastor Mike asked us what our lives said about what we believed, I read this tweet from Tim Keller:
@DailyKeller: Human beings are hope-shaped creatures. How you live today is completely shaped by what you believe about your future
I started asking myself, "What do you believe about your future? What do you believe to be true about God, Jesus and the world? What difference does it make? Can people tell what I believe by watching what I do?" These questions are not just for Christians or "religious" people. We are ALL driven by our beliefs, whatever they may be.
The first two questions are easier for me to answer because I've spent nearly ten years thinking about, studying, learning, and reflecting on just that. I believe that I have a hope for my future. I believe that there is a spiritual realm beyond this physical world and that I will spend eternity in God's presence where there will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more grief. I believe that God is the omnipotent, omnipresent Creator of the world who loves me, who loves you, who loves every person He created. I believe that Jesus is God's Son who came to earth as a human and died as a sacrifice for all, to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind so that those who put their faith in Him can be reconciled to God. I believe that the world was created by God and that one day the world as we know it will come to an end when Jesus returns, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth (BTW - I do NOT believe anyone can predict when this will happen). I believe that God wants us to continue the work of reconciliation, to love others, and to treat His creation with care as long as we are blessed to be here in this world.
So, what difference does this make? How I make decisions, how I try to live my life, how I treat other people are all based on those beliefs. I try to see people as the beautiful creations of God. I try to show them love. I try to follow the examples set for me by Jesus and by the apostles. Can people tell that I believe these things based on how I live my life? That I do not know. I hope so though. I certainly hope so.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..."
But I'm not complaining. It has been a great series that has, at times, really challenged me to re-evaluate how I am living out my faith. What Pastor Mike pointed out is that the apostles did not teach in the typical way we imagine teaching. Rather than direct instruction, simply telling people what they needed to know and how to behave, they lived out their faith on a daily basis. They made decisions and took actions that depended on what they believed to be true about God, Jesus, and the world. Their followers learned by watching the example the apostles set for them just as the apostles learned from the example Jesus set for them. Not long after the sermon Faith, in which Pastor Mike asked us what our lives said about what we believed, I read this tweet from Tim Keller:
@DailyKeller: Human beings are hope-shaped creatures. How you live today is completely shaped by what you believe about your future
I started asking myself, "What do you believe about your future? What do you believe to be true about God, Jesus and the world? What difference does it make? Can people tell what I believe by watching what I do?" These questions are not just for Christians or "religious" people. We are ALL driven by our beliefs, whatever they may be.
The first two questions are easier for me to answer because I've spent nearly ten years thinking about, studying, learning, and reflecting on just that. I believe that I have a hope for my future. I believe that there is a spiritual realm beyond this physical world and that I will spend eternity in God's presence where there will be no more suffering, no more pain, no more grief. I believe that God is the omnipotent, omnipresent Creator of the world who loves me, who loves you, who loves every person He created. I believe that Jesus is God's Son who came to earth as a human and died as a sacrifice for all, to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind so that those who put their faith in Him can be reconciled to God. I believe that the world was created by God and that one day the world as we know it will come to an end when Jesus returns, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth (BTW - I do NOT believe anyone can predict when this will happen). I believe that God wants us to continue the work of reconciliation, to love others, and to treat His creation with care as long as we are blessed to be here in this world.
So, what difference does this make? How I make decisions, how I try to live my life, how I treat other people are all based on those beliefs. I try to see people as the beautiful creations of God. I try to show them love. I try to follow the examples set for me by Jesus and by the apostles. Can people tell that I believe these things based on how I live my life? That I do not know. I hope so though. I certainly hope so.
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