I can't wait. Tomorrow is the day we find out whether we're having a little Ben or little Carmen. Yup. We have the names ready, just need to know which one we'll be using. It's something I've been looking forward to because I'm excited to see Isa's reaction. We've done everything we can to make her a part of the whole thing. We know it'll be a big change for her. She's going to go from being an only child to a big sister. Man, that's just crazy.
I tell you what, she's going to make a great big sister. She's already telling me all the things she's going to do to help me with the baby, like changing diapers, feeding and changing the baby's clothes.
We got a call yesterday from the school we want Isa to go to. It's a Christian school that has an excellent academic record. We'd like to ensure that Isa is an environment that is not only challenging academically, but that her school takes a partnership role in her spiritual development as well. They informed us that they had an opening for her in their afternoon session, which is what we were hoping for, and that we need to schedule a meeting with the principal. I'm looking forward to it.
Lots of changes coming our way this fall. A new baby, Isa's starting school, and I'm transitioning from fulltime work to a stay-at-home-mom. Fun times in the Walker household.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
What were they thinking?
As a graphic designer, I like to take a gander at CSS galleries and showcases to see what's going on in the web design world. Every once in a while, I'll come across a site that catches my eye. Not too long ago, a site caught my eye, but not for the reasons you would expect. After looking at the site for a few minutes, I couldn't help but think, "what were they thinking?" Here's a screen shot of the site I'm talking about. I'll be interested to see if anybody catches it.
Note: In case you missed it, the logo looks awfully similar to particular part of a 2-piece bathing suit, specifically, a bikini bottom. Makes me laugh every time I see it. :)
Note: In case you missed it, the logo looks awfully similar to particular part of a 2-piece bathing suit, specifically, a bikini bottom. Makes me laugh every time I see it. :)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
A wonderful man in my life
I was reminded just a bit ago, that I'm married to a wonderful man. We just spent our lunch break together, eating and just hanging out. We chatted about work, about Isa, and other stuff as it came up. And, as he dropped me off here at work and kissed me goodbye, I couldn't help but think about the fact that I really do enjoy spending time with him. He is truly my best friend.
For the life of me, I can't figure how in the world God saw it fit to give me such a tremendous blessing. Lord knows I'm not perfect and will never be. Still, to be able to share my life with a man that has an honest, compassionate and sincere heart dumbfounds me. I tear up whenever I think about the man he is and is becoming; a man truly after God's own heart, truly committed to his family, a dear friend to many, and passionate about our financial ministry at the church.
For all of this, I am grateful to God. For all of this, I feel extremely blessed.
For the life of me, I can't figure how in the world God saw it fit to give me such a tremendous blessing. Lord knows I'm not perfect and will never be. Still, to be able to share my life with a man that has an honest, compassionate and sincere heart dumbfounds me. I tear up whenever I think about the man he is and is becoming; a man truly after God's own heart, truly committed to his family, a dear friend to many, and passionate about our financial ministry at the church.
For all of this, I am grateful to God. For all of this, I feel extremely blessed.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Weird dreams
I've heard it said before, that weird dreams are usually a part of pregnancy. I can't recall any dreams out of the ordinary, if I can even say that, when I was pregnant with Isa. My memory isn't what it used to be so I'm guessing I had a few here and there.
Last night, however, I had a dream, or set of dreams that kept me from sleeping soundly. Not anything freaky or anything. They just got my mind racing. Of course, I'm not sure I would qualify the dreams as weird, but I wanted to mention them since they got my mind racing.
Anyway, my first dream of the set I believe was a direct result of me watching Raymond Blanc's The Last Restaurant Standing last night before I went to bed. I'm addicted to the show, as with Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. So, in the dream, I was actually a part of the show, as the chef of one of the couples. I vividly remember discussing the menu and describing in detail some of the dishes I wanted to prepare. I woke up not too long after that thinking about the menu. Of course, it featured authentic Mexican dishes but presented in a modern way within the British background. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
I've told Matt before that I would like to open a restaurant at some point in the future and give the Columbia folks a true Mexican treat. I love cooking for my friends and family and I've been thinking about how I can make the transition from home cook to commercial chef. Blanc's show has been quite enlightening in that regard. I assumed it's a tough transition, but the show has made it clear that I would require some serious training if I ever made that leap.
The second dream was an extension of the first. Almost like a continuation. I found myself going the catering route instead of becoming a restauranteur. Again, I discussed a similar menu and actually met with a potential client about everything.
Both dreams were very crazy but felt so real, I couldn't go back to sleep because my mind was going 100 mph over the menu and the little flavors each food item presented. Crazy. Maybe it's a hint of something to come. Or, it could just be that I got into the show. Who knows?
Last night, however, I had a dream, or set of dreams that kept me from sleeping soundly. Not anything freaky or anything. They just got my mind racing. Of course, I'm not sure I would qualify the dreams as weird, but I wanted to mention them since they got my mind racing.
Anyway, my first dream of the set I believe was a direct result of me watching Raymond Blanc's The Last Restaurant Standing last night before I went to bed. I'm addicted to the show, as with Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. So, in the dream, I was actually a part of the show, as the chef of one of the couples. I vividly remember discussing the menu and describing in detail some of the dishes I wanted to prepare. I woke up not too long after that thinking about the menu. Of course, it featured authentic Mexican dishes but presented in a modern way within the British background. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
I've told Matt before that I would like to open a restaurant at some point in the future and give the Columbia folks a true Mexican treat. I love cooking for my friends and family and I've been thinking about how I can make the transition from home cook to commercial chef. Blanc's show has been quite enlightening in that regard. I assumed it's a tough transition, but the show has made it clear that I would require some serious training if I ever made that leap.
The second dream was an extension of the first. Almost like a continuation. I found myself going the catering route instead of becoming a restauranteur. Again, I discussed a similar menu and actually met with a potential client about everything.
Both dreams were very crazy but felt so real, I couldn't go back to sleep because my mind was going 100 mph over the menu and the little flavors each food item presented. Crazy. Maybe it's a hint of something to come. Or, it could just be that I got into the show. Who knows?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
18 weeks and counting
I've officially entered my 18th week of pregnancy. I'm anxiously counting the weeks because my ultrasound appointment is just 2 short weeks away. That means, we're likely to find out what we're having. This is of course, assuming our baby isn't modest. I know with Isa, it took a while for her to get over her shyness. Just before the doctor gave up, she showed the world. It was great.
It's funny, this pregnancy is not like my first. I'd have to say that the first time was much easier and I think for a lot of reasons. One, I was much more active at that time, playing softball and volleyball. Matt and I would head over to Oakland Park and play some frisbee golf. I can remember doing all 18 holes, than tapering back to 9, and finally, just however many I could do as the pregnancy neared the end. Because I was active then, I don't recall being so tired. Now, it only takes a walk to here and there and I'm worn out.
Secondly, I was 6 years younger. I think age has a lot to do with how your body handles pregnancy. I know for me, all those years of beating up my body in sports is taking a toll. And pregnancy doesn't help. Back when I was pregnant with Isa, my knees weren't as bad and my back didn't bother me as much. Now, after being diagnosed with arthritis in my right knee and aggravating my back easily, it's made this pregnancy much more difficult, physically speaking.
I think Matt assumed that I would take this pregnancy the same as the first. I don't think he gets that I'm more tired than the first. It kind of bothers me a bit. I mean, he calls me lazy now because I just don't have the energy to help around the house. Granted, I'm not as tired as I was just a few weeks ago, so I've been doing a bit more to help. Still, this pregnancy has been a bit more rough and I'd like for him to see that, or at least understand. I can't change that I suppose.
It's funny, this pregnancy is not like my first. I'd have to say that the first time was much easier and I think for a lot of reasons. One, I was much more active at that time, playing softball and volleyball. Matt and I would head over to Oakland Park and play some frisbee golf. I can remember doing all 18 holes, than tapering back to 9, and finally, just however many I could do as the pregnancy neared the end. Because I was active then, I don't recall being so tired. Now, it only takes a walk to here and there and I'm worn out.
Secondly, I was 6 years younger. I think age has a lot to do with how your body handles pregnancy. I know for me, all those years of beating up my body in sports is taking a toll. And pregnancy doesn't help. Back when I was pregnant with Isa, my knees weren't as bad and my back didn't bother me as much. Now, after being diagnosed with arthritis in my right knee and aggravating my back easily, it's made this pregnancy much more difficult, physically speaking.
I think Matt assumed that I would take this pregnancy the same as the first. I don't think he gets that I'm more tired than the first. It kind of bothers me a bit. I mean, he calls me lazy now because I just don't have the energy to help around the house. Granted, I'm not as tired as I was just a few weeks ago, so I've been doing a bit more to help. Still, this pregnancy has been a bit more rough and I'd like for him to see that, or at least understand. I can't change that I suppose.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Reaching the fallen man
Matt and I had a great discussion last night about one of our pastor's quotes. The statement read:
"As Christians we love talking about the benefits of the cross, but we are generally unwilling to grapple with the reality of the fall."
Dr. Rod Casey
The topic came up because we were talking about worrying. I'm the one in our relationship that doesn't worry. Matt tends to be the worrier. But, Matt said that he would get so frustrated growing up because he was a worrier. He also grew up in a good Christian home along with a devout extended family. He was made to feel like he didn't have adequate faith because he worried. In reality, we both agreed, that this has more to deal with the human factor than with lack of faith.
Why is it that Christians like to paint pretty pictures about our faith and life, and neglect the fallenness of man? Faith plays into both aspects, I believe.
One of the things that irks me is when the Christian community gets all up in arms about TV shows or movies or music that isn't necessarily ideal. You know what? Life on Earth isn't exactly ideal. And to complete dismiss secular media as lacking in any value or truth telling is detrimental to our purpose of reaching people for Christ. Sure, I'd like to see or listen to more values-based, family-centric media, but if we completely ignore that other side, how can we even attempt to reach those who aren't?
Truth can be spoken in the secular as well, not just in the Christian form (whatever that means).
"As Christians we love talking about the benefits of the cross, but we are generally unwilling to grapple with the reality of the fall."
Dr. Rod Casey
The topic came up because we were talking about worrying. I'm the one in our relationship that doesn't worry. Matt tends to be the worrier. But, Matt said that he would get so frustrated growing up because he was a worrier. He also grew up in a good Christian home along with a devout extended family. He was made to feel like he didn't have adequate faith because he worried. In reality, we both agreed, that this has more to deal with the human factor than with lack of faith.
Why is it that Christians like to paint pretty pictures about our faith and life, and neglect the fallenness of man? Faith plays into both aspects, I believe.
One of the things that irks me is when the Christian community gets all up in arms about TV shows or movies or music that isn't necessarily ideal. You know what? Life on Earth isn't exactly ideal. And to complete dismiss secular media as lacking in any value or truth telling is detrimental to our purpose of reaching people for Christ. Sure, I'd like to see or listen to more values-based, family-centric media, but if we completely ignore that other side, how can we even attempt to reach those who aren't?
Truth can be spoken in the secular as well, not just in the Christian form (whatever that means).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
