It's a Boy!

Every year, I look forward more and more to Christmas. Every year I'm excited to learn more about God and why he decided to send his son to earth to be with us. I do feel more of a disconnect with all of the other "stuff" that surrounds Christmas in our culture this year. I have decided that most of it is perfectly fine and mostly enjoyable and simply just a "cultural" thing we do. Traditions that are harmless, that bring family and friends together. This time of year seems to make people more generous. Why not be generous all year round? Why not celebrate the fact that Jesus was/is year round? Hmmm.......

I enjoyed our Christmas Eve Eve service at Genesis this past Sunday. It was a great time of worship in many forms- laughs, contemplation, singing, praying, and being thankful to God for all he provides, especially his best gift- Jesus. I particularly enjoyed the birthday party our children's ministry, "The Garden", was having during the service. They had cake and decorations and everything. They sang so loud during their party, you could hear it down the hallway, through the lobby, and all the way into the auditorium during the service. Knowing what was going on, I couldn't help but smile. I snapped this picture on my phone before it was eaten up:


Merry Christmas (from Old English Crīstes mæsse, Christ's festival : Crīst, Christ; Christ + mæsse, festival; Mass.)!

Angel PSAs

The fine creative folks at Genesis created these little promos for our Christmas Eve (eve- it's on the 23rd) service....

They're kinda funny...check em out:

Angel PSA #1
Angel PSA #2

(we're wrapping up a series called "Christmas Dreams and Visitations" we studied the many dreams and angels that came to people surrounding the birth of Jesus)

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

I can't remember the last time it snowed this much! It started last night and hasn't stopped yet, almost 24 hours later! It's been fun so far. I almost got stuck on the way to church, but after doing a little rocking between drive and reverse and a few zig zags, I escaped the side streets of Royal Oak to the plowed main arteries of the city.

We had a small turn out this morning for our 10:30 service, but there was a core group of fearless attendees and volunteers to hear about Joseph's second dream from God and sing some Christmas songs to celebrate the birth of God on earth, Jesus. We canceled our evening service in Detroit, a city that is known for not being able to plow much, if at all, on the side streets. Depending on where you're at and if the strong wind has made a snow drift yet, you could be in 6-12 inches of snow!

I tried to have some afternoon snow fun with Ari, but she wasn't having it. Her actions clearly stated: "Let me back in! Ok, ok! I really am more than fine with being an indoor cat!"

"What the heck happened to the dirt and grass I was gazing at yesterday from my perch?"

"Should I go back in? I feel torn...warm inside, cold outside...uhh...."

"Ok, I'm out. Weird. Snow is odorless."

"I decided against my planned snow angel. My delicate feet are uncomfortable."

"OPEN THE DOOR NOW."

Picea pungens

I'm still around, though quiet, if you're wondering. I'm kind of in a state of self reflection and contemplation, as intense as that sounds, it's quite the truth.

I'm trying to enjoy my first Christmas is my own place in Michigan. I've done Christmas in Los Angeles, Taiwan, and leading up to it in college at Michigan State, but this year I have my own real tree and complete decoration authority. My tree is a lovely blue spruce (picea pungens - its species name of course). The smell is my favorite part about it. She drinks a shocking amount of water daily and seems to be irritated by the heating vent that blasts uncomfortably warm air towards her top. Here she is:


The other day I went out on an adventure to find a book I am now reading; Atonement by Ian McEwan (it's a page turner, which is quite a statement from someone like me who is bored by most things). My travels took me to a hidden little town just 15 minutes from my doorstep; Franklin, Michigan. It's a town that is somewhat familiar to me due to the fact that my father grew up there, my grandparents lived there long ago, and growing up my family took many trips there to visit the Franklin Cider Mill, after visiting my Dad's grave- he is buried in the Franklin Cemetery.

Franklin is the most adorable little town from end to end. There's not much to speak of, but the historic buildings and sites that are still standing (the town or village as it really is known was founded in 1824) are intriguing and unique in every way. Some interesting facts about Franklin:

- Mitch Albom lives there, author of Tuesdays with Morrie & The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
-Franklin was a station on the Underground Railroad
-Franklin has the cutest, coziest, little library that I visited to pick up my book:


I took the photo below in the same spot I took the one above. I turned a bit to my right to capture this nice scene. The Franklin Cemetery is just over the hills off to the left of the church. It's a beautiful old cemetery too.


More historic visits to Franklin in the works.

One Cold Hand

Haven't been in my blogging suit lately, nor have I felt like jumping back in. Things are chugging along here in the city of motors. Was delighted to step outside last night and see the courtyard covered in a blanket of snow, but was frown-faced this morning when I stepped out into the rain and later an all out downpour. Happy it's officially ok to blast the Christmas tunes though.

Before signing off before my shabbat, I will share one interesting piece of information with you that will change your world this winter. Oh, wait, I just realized the site is for Pittsburgh only. Oh well, it's a good idea anyways.

Check out this site for your one lost mitten or glove:
http://www.onecoldhand.com/

I have yet to lose one or find one, but it's only a matter of time.

Mi Familia (and friends)

I have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I'm so thankful to God for good family and friends. For our big feast this year, I invited my two English students, Janeth and Maria (they are also related- mother and daughter)- it was their first American Thanksgiving experience. Here's a lovely post-turkey photo- my sister-in-law's mother Milo joined us as well as my sister Emily's boyfriend Ankoor. Of course the little ones, Fritz and Molly (asleep in this photo) were a great center of attention. Not much else to report, other than multiple blessings of great company and delicious food.

Good good times...

The Fritzer @ 2

My nephew Fritz is 2 years old today! Happy 2nd Fritz! Over the weekend we celebrated with a lovely party at his house. Here are some highlights...

Isn't this so true? This is exactly how I feel when people sing happy birthday to me...

Presents first!

Grandma (Mimi I think?) helps Fritz with his new work bench
Dad (my brother Todd) captures the moment

Grandma and Grandpa entertain Fritz's new lil' sis Molly during the party

Parties are exhausting

Fritz helps Dad assemble his new work bench

Party parents Todd and StaceyCaptured by the mystery of fire...
same face as last year on his 1st bday? See below.

Aunt Heidi and Molly

Aunt Jenny feeding Molly

Pink cheeks and a supportive mommy

This is what happens when you go to med school

Grandpa with Molly and a few songs humming in her ear

Curving Lasso

Check out the cool videos Genesis has put out for our current series...I never knew cattle could make me cry (actually, what am I saying, that should come as no surprise).

http://www.curvinglasso.com

Yellow Rubber Boots

I forgot the childhood excitement and wonder of the strange holiday called Halloween. Last night my nephew Fritz went trick or treating for the first time. He's almost 2 years old. He went as the cutest little fireman. Fritz had a whole entourage surrounding him complete with a paparazzi of family. We went to about 3 or 4 houses total, but it was so much fun watching Fritz experience this strange door-to-door candy/costume ritual.

As part of the paparazzi I captured some great moments below...

This video is so great!

Getting ready
Molly was a pumpkin for her first Halloween (escorted by mom Stacey)
His very first house!

Luxury Automobiles

The Blue Bandit is healed. She's healed! I wonder if her life flashed before her eyes on Sunday night as she was being towed into the white light. But the doctor said that all she needed was a new radiator hose. Dr. Mike fixed it quickly and for not much at all. She is now cool and filled with coolant.


Two days without a car surely made me appreciate having one at all. It felt so luxurious driving to a meeting tonight in my fancy automobile. Thanks God for my car.

Fighting the white light

So yeah, I'm currently carless. Here's the fun story of my adventures this evening.

I was driving home from church tonight when my car started to overheat for the second time today. I blasted the heat, as I was taught, in hopes that the temperature would go down. No luck. In fact, the heat never got hot, it just blew out cold air. Hmmm...it must not just be coolant related. I pulled off of 75 to a not-so-friendly-looking gas station to add more coolant. I peeked under the car and noticed that something was dripping. Great. I got back on the highway and prayed that I wouldn't overheat and get stuck on the side of the road. As I gunned it moving northward, the temp stayed steady. But then began to rise again. Like a good helpless girl, I called my dad to ask what the heck I should do. After I explained everything, he said I should pull over and he'd come get me. I made it to a gas station at 11 Mile and 75, pulled into a parking spot backwards, preparing to be towed. :(

My dad came a short while later. We decided to get our yearly money's worth of our AAA membership by calling in for some road side service. The friendly operator asked the purpose of my tow, and kindly replied (surely according to their empathetic customer satisfaction scrip) "I'm sorry to hear that." The wait was estimated to be 45 minutes. Ugh. We scampered across the street for some Canadian culture and a place to wait- Tim Hortons. We both got a donut and sat down. I love donuts. We sat for a while talking about folk music, Iowa, and hypothesized about what I should do if my car is really expensive to fix. Buy a new-used one? Lease a new one? American? As we talked we watched the moon rise over the gas station, keeping our eye out for the tow truck.

One sour cream glazed and one Boston cream donut later we re-scampered across 11 Mile to meet my tow truck. As my car was being loaded on the truck bed, I started to snap some pictures on my phone. The tow truck driver, Daniel, said "Are you taking pictures?!", I replied with a big proud grin, slightly shivering from the cold, "Yes, they're for my blog!" My dad and the driver burst out laughing. They're kind of hard to make out, but here they are just for you. :)




I had a moment of sadness as I watched my good old Saturn slowly being raised on her 'gurney', in what looks like in these photos, towards a white light. I focused on her tires which have carried me so far for so long, and I gazed at my City of Los Angeles parking permit on my bumper, that is fading more and more every day. Oh the memories. I will find out the prognosis tomorrow. I hope she makes it. I hope it's not too expensive.

Hang in there my good and faithful companion.

They want me to move back to LA

The past two nights I was blessed to be able to spend them with my old boss from my last job in Los Angeles who was in town for a meeting and conference in Dearborn. An equally delightful blessing was to meet someone from the village that I practically knew already, but never met in person. He is actually the first person from the village that I've gotten to meet in person. I can't tell you how excited I was to finally meet him. When I was picking them up at their hotel I ran from the parking lot to the lobby because I was so excited and walking was not getting me there fast enough!

On Thursday we went down to Greektown for dinner and I gave the world's worst tour of Detroit. How am I ever suppose to fulfill my dream of being a tour guide if I can't even give some attractive details about Detroit? Where was my Detroit Almanac or DEGC employee when I needed them? Oh well. I think it was still fun.

Last night I got to spend the evening out again with both my boss Deanna and Ahmad from the village. I accompanied them to dinner in Dearborn at a very famous and extremely delicious restaurant. Also at dinner was the board of directors from my old job. It was pretty neat to get to hang out with them all. The president of the board semi-seriously offered me my job back a few times. They apparently liked having me around! I actually loved working there, especially because of the cause and because I worked for a pretty amazing boss who is now my good friend.

Ahmad, Deanna, and me

I absolutely positively adored hanging out with the two of them. My insatiable curiosity about Ahmad, the village, and the region he's from caused a never ending amount of questions to pour out of my little self. After the board members left, the three of us hopped over to a cozy little booth for some delicious Arabic coffee and sweets. Being a coffee lover, I was wide-eyed and inquisitive about the Middle Eastern way of coffee making. He's some visuals for you:


They grind the coffee beans to a fine powder and boil the grinds in water over an open flame. No filters or anything. They you sip on it from little tiny cups. It seems to really emphasize the socialization of coffee drinking, which of course I completely revel in.

Ahmad asked me when I was going to make my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I said, when someone hands me a wad of cash for my plane ticket. I ache to go there to see those sites, but also to visit the village. My plan was always to stay in the village at their little hotel, but now I've got free housing :).

Ahhhh....it was so great to spend time with Deanna and make a new friend from a place that is near and dear to my heart. My 'quality time' tank is feeling full and it feels so good!

California burning

Saw this on Google Maps today, thought it was kinda nice of Google.

Detroit 1/2!

This past Sunday was my big run, the Detroit 1/2 Marathon. 13.1 miles through the streets of Detroit and Windsor, Canada. The starting gun went off promptly at 7:15am, early enough to still see stars in the sky and not a lick of sunlight even attempting to peek from the horizon. The air was cool, but warm enough to manage in shorts and a t-shirt. In my well designed running shorts, I was able to carry my little cell phone to snap some pictures of my run.

The early miles of the race took us through some interesting parts of Detroit- by the old Tiger's Stadium (see image below) and Mexican Town (the smell of Mexican food was so strong, even before 8am on a Sunday!).
Then the course took us over one of the highlights of the race- the Ambassador Bridge- one of the bridges that link the United States and Canada over the Detroit River. It was breathtaking to approach as the sun started to rise, and the blue waters below allowed for a nice breeze. Seeing runners ahead of me as I winded up the road to the bridge was quite a site- their silhouettes looked like little robots from a distance...





Once over the bridge the Canadians were there to greet us in their oh so foreign way. The police people there seem so much more friendly then ours, yet not quite as tough at the same time. They were watching their border with goofy Canadian smiles and silly accents. They had a nice path for us along the other side of the Detroit River (see image below), where it seemed all the spectators were holding cups from Tim Hortons (seriously there were), do they not have Starbucks in Canada? Geez, how do they function? I had that thought during my quick trip to Canada.


To get back to America, we ran underwater- below the Detroit River through the Detroit-Windsor (or if you're Canadian- Windsor-Detroit) Tunnel. That was pretty sweet. The tunnel initially had a downward slope- so I "opened her up" and flew into a natural sprint. But eventually slowed down because the tunnel began to feel like a sauna due to the thousands of sweaty, panting runners around me. It was steamy in there! Finally reaching the opening on the US side felt so great- the cool air was invigorating.

entering the tunnel...

Crossing the border...

Freshly out of the sweaty tunnel to meet my paparazzi (aka, my sister Emily)

Family cheering squad- Todd, Stacey, Fritz, and Molly

Overall the race was great! Lots of cheers from friends and family, beautiful weather, and a new personal record set (by a mere 45 seconds or so- thanks to that sprint in the tunnel!). One more race down...maybe the full marathon next year?

Hey, two last things, check out my race stats here (search for me by hitting ctrl-F and type Geib- or I think for macs you do an apple-F) and check this out- you can watch me finish- my gun time was around 2:27:45...look for me just as the announcer says something about Michigan State- I'm in a lime green top and black shorts with a yellow head band as seen above. :)