monosodium glutamate

this word: monosodium glutamate... i never put two and two together to realize that this is a.k.a. msg. msg which is in many of the foods i consume from vietnamese pho noodles to chicken broth powder to even dorito ranch chips! it has occurred to me more than ever that i believe i am experiencing side effects from consuming high quantities of this additive. here is more info on it: monosodium glutamate. my hope is that you read about its effects and to be aware of the many foods you consume (in your pantry and out at restaurants) that use this additive as a major ingredient!

merry christmas!

merry christmas everyone! we truly hope you are spending today with loved ones and rejoicing in their presence.

i like this song :)

the need to recognize blessings

instead of pondering about how having a job would make me just a bit happier, i'm trying real hard to be present, love those around me, and give however i can. i came up with the idea just now to post my blessings here and there to remind myself that we are blessed in ways unimaginable.

today's blessing: today i will be hanging out with my mentee. she is 15 and attends a charter school here in la jolla. she commutes nearly 3 hours on school days to go to a school that is known to prepare students adequately and successfully for college. at her young age, she is wise, smart, and fights for what she believes (ie. justice, education, equality, etc.) i admire her!

rocking chair

dp has wanted a rocking chair for a while now. had a difficult time finding one... fortunately our friends were recycling theirs! blessed are we! dp has been attached to it. this is him reading the economist... his exciting delivery every friday :) i love my hubby. the simple things make him happy.



seeking the good

happy birthday little bro!

... it has been a while since i've posted. i would like to report that things are going well. everyday dp and i discover all the wonderful blessings we have in our lives. i know i am one who seems optimistic, happy, and grateful all the time... and i apologize if it is repetitive and maybe even frustrating. but i must say that what are we to complain about? we have a home... we have a wonderful family/friends... we eat healthy food... we have provisions that are above our needs... it's easy to notice the things we may not have (ie. me not working) but the reality is that there is a purpose for why i am not working. in turn, much greatness has come out of this experience the last 3 months. i think everyone should go through this experience. it helps you to relook at yourself, as a person and defined by a job title.

as for other things. Christmas is around the corner and we are spending it with friends from church. we will miss our family from home :( dp's job is going well. he is very happy so that makes me happy. dp is going to begin mentoring a high school student (at the school i currently mentor at) come january (how exciting! it is his first time). that's really it. this weekend we are heading to newport beach and going on a friend's yacht and watching a boat parade! new experiences = fun times!

thanksgiving

hello! i hope you had a marvelous thanksgiving! dp and i did. we were blessed to be invited to a couple's home along with members of our life group and another couple. they also have a young one, so he was nice fun to be around. the food was yummy and the company was warm.

thank you everyone for your amazing love, grace, support, and open arms. dp and i are so thankful in general for the support system we have here. san diego is actually beginning to feel like home to us...3.5 years later! :)