Thanksgiving, Part One

This picture comes with a story. Really, this picture wasn't supposed to exist at all. We were supposed to be in North Carolina for Thanksgiving this year. Unfortunately, I was under the mistaken impression (don't ask me why) that Thanksgiving was November 29th. Much to my chagrin, I realized a few weeks ago that Thanksgiving had the audacity to come early this year--on the 22nd. Sooooooo, after calling Northwest and finding out that we could change our tickets to the correct week for the low, low price of $1300, we decided to keep our tickets and go home a week late. Sorry, everyone.

Actually, apart from the inconvenience we've put everyone under (and the blow my repuation has taken in the family), it has turned out just fine. We had some new friends over for Thanksgiving, enjoyed our celebration here, and now we're headed to NC to have a second celebration on Friday.

We had Ole and Anna over, who were unable to make it back to Seattle or Alaska to be with their family, since Ole has a new job and they need the insurance for their baby coming in March. Shannon is a new visitor at our church, but when we realized that he was planning on eating Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel, we decided he was coming over too. We had a great time of fellowship and conversation. Sometimes the random Thanksgivings turn out really well.

I'm getting better at putting on big dinners in my tiny kitchen, and with Anna's help, it really wasn't a big deal at all. It's just during clean up time that things get hairy, with no room to put anything anywhere (I should have taken a picture of that wreck!).

I decided to make my first foray into the world of Black Friday this year, since money is a little tighter and I wanted to get a good deal on a few Christmas presents. Isaac and Vance had a great time without me, exploring Zack's newfound love of duplos. He's getting pretty good--but I think Vance is really enjoying his opportunity to "help" as well :).

We're headed home to NC today, hooray!

Book Launch!

Well, I had my big party on Sunday night. Sorry it's taken so long to get the pictures up. We had a lot of fun! I didn't really know what to expect, not having been to a book launch (or for that matter, even know anyone who'd been to a book launch). But it was very encouraging to have so many friends there to support me. I was nervous about speaking, mostly because I felt like everything I came up with sounded so much more insipid than I felt--and missions is something that I feel strongly about, so that was frustrating. I honestly don't know how I did, but even if it wasn't the greatest, hopefully people will get the thrust of what I wanted to say through the book.

It's exciting to have the book out, but it's also a little nerve-wracking. As soon as I let something out of my hands, I want it back because I think of thousands of ways to improve it. Same with this book--especially with this book. But it had to go to press sometime.

The folks at the Overflow were very helpful, and their coffeehouse was perfect for the launch. We gave away free coffee with every book purchase, and had lots of desserts, so hopefully people left well-fed and happy. We, at least, had a great time!

signing...trying to be meaningful but brief (what about yearbook signing tricks? TTYL! BFF! Never change!)

Attempting to speak coherently about why and what I wrote...

Isaac started to scream when I started talking (can you say adios, composed speech, hello mommy brain?!), and Aaron graciously took him outside so I could try to put my thoughts together with some degree of sanity for the sake of our guests.

Me and my man, who emceed for me, carried boxes of books, helped me plan, set up, and watch Isaac--all with lots of joy and excitement. He made it all happen.

me and my (little) man, who stayed up past his bedtime with the help of our favorite parenting crutch...an apple.

Early Austen Fan?

Isaac has always liked to read, but lately his repertoire has become a little more sophisticated. Last week, "Runaway Bunny" and "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You See?" were his top picks. This week, it's Persuasion. I think he wants to join my book club.

Occasionally, when he's playing by himself, I'll sit by him and read my book. This usually doesn't last for more than a few minutes, but I get a little reading in. Now, however, he'll come up to me, say, "please," and take whatever book I'm reading. He then heads for the recliner, and proceeds to gaze intently at the book for several minutes. I wonder if he thinks he's getting as much out of it as I am. :)

And for those of you who are wondering if Isaac has good taste or not, I would definitely recommend Persuasion. I don't like all of Austen's novels, but Persuasion probably comes second to Pride & Prejudice, in my opinion.

Frida

Another thing I love about the cities....the chance to be pretentious and feign culturedness. Right down my alley! :) On Saturday I went with my friend Bethany (who is an art major) to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Walker. I didn't know a lot about her work, but I knew enough to be interested, and know that she was worth going to visit.

We went early because the first Saturday of the month is free, and therefore busy. Really, even for an uneducated non-artist, the exhibit was amazing. Disturbing, yes. Depressing, yes. But evocative and descriptive. I left the Kahlo exhibit amazed at her rawness and her courage to look her difficult life in the face.

Some of my art-high must have been pretentiousness, though. I tried to come home and explain to Vance what an amazing artist Frida was, and he looked at me like I had grown three heads. "Her life sounds awful and depressing," he said. "I'm glad I didn't go."

I guess I'm glad he didn't, as well. Don't get me wrong--I love my husband and I love doing pretty much everything with him. But I don't think he would have enjoyed that experience, and I'm glad I got to.

witty comeback...or not

I was in the grocery store today, loading up my groceries (here in the Midwest we have to bag our own) when I heard a strange voice addressing me.

"I'm so glad you're here," a bland, middle-aged man in a plaid shirt commented to me.

I glanced up and gave him a quizzical, friendly, but somewhat detatched look.

"I'm just glad that there's someone here with a bigger belly than me!" he said.

A multitude of thoughts raced through my head at that moment. What should I say back?

"Not for much longer, I hope." or
"Potbellies of the world, unite!" or
"I exist to make you feel better about yourself" or
"At least my belly is temporary!"

In the end, thinking those responses were too rude, I ended up smiling congenially and saying something really noncommittal, like, "Glad I could help."

I wonder what would have happened if I had said what I really thought. :)

It's Here!

My book arrived on Friday! Isaac got the first peek before I came into the room...
I was actually nervous about opening the boxes up. I've spent a lot of time working on this book, but had never held it in my hands.

The finished product.

My best promo for the book so far.

We ordered a bunch of books for my book launch/signing on the 18th. The planning for that is underway, and I'm getting excited about having a party. There's a lot to do--magazine articles, press releases, bookstore signings, etc., and I'm trying to get it all done before baby comes.

I'm sure I'll put up more information about the book later, but you can order it at www.amazon.com . Just type in my name or Yesupadam, and it should come up.