Somali Christmas (my thoughts on the matter)

I think I had almost forgotten the magic of the Somali Bantu. They have this funny way of changing my life.

After a morning of feverish baking (Pumpkin bars for Somali Christmas. They LOVE pumpkin.) I headed over to the Douglas Ranch to play my part in the Somali Christmas. We were giving Christmas dinner (and presents) to 40+ Somalian Refugees who are living in Portland. Danielle works with them on a regular basis, so she's used to the chaos that comes with the Somali clan.

I, however, am not as well-aquainted.
and I got volunteered for van duty. So I drove that 15 passenger van over the the somali apartment complex and picked up 14 Somali childred. FOURTEEN. and they were all under the age of 11.

Before I loaded into the van, Seynab invited us drivers into her home for coffee and a snack. I had already eaten and was quite full. But that matters little to a Somali. So I ate it. I ate the chipatis (fried bread. something akin to Nan) and the chunks of goat liver in oil. YUP. goat. I did my best to eat the goat without them noticing my disgust. It was not good at all.

The rest of the day went by in one delightful blur. There was food, music, dancing and the general akwardness of trying to communicate with 40 people who hardly know your language. And I loved every minute of it. And I tried to dissect what that is. why do I love them so much? to tell you the truth, I am not really sure. But I think they are beautiful - absolutely beautiful and I can see how much Jesus loves them. And I think that is what makes me love them. Even if I do love little Abdulai a little bit more. Is it so wrong to have favorites?

So, nevermind my new year woes.
Really, I have so much to look forward to.

somali christmas

danielle and dunya.



Baby Hassan (and my cell phone)



Me and Baby Hassan. Present opening chaos.



Baby Jama

I think I always hate the approach of the new year because it reminds me that I am right back where I started.

a simple twist of fate

sometimes it takes a few PBR's and a 7 rounds of pool to help you figure out the answers.

i certainly wasnt looking for it. but maybe that is because I didn't want to know.

but now I know.
so I suppose I have to do something about it.

top 10 of 2005

1. The White Stripes - "Get Behind Me Satan"
2. Bob Dylan - "No Direction Home Soundtrack"
3. Sufjan Stevens - "Illinois"
4. Wilco - "Kicking Television Live"
5. Spoon - "Gimme Fiction"
6. BRMC - "Howl"
7. Sigur Ros - "Takk"
8. The Kills - "No Wow"
9. Denison Witmer "Are You a Dreamer?"
10. Kanye West - "Late Registration"

notable mentions:
Death Cab, Johnny Cash Legend Series, Joanna Newsom, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Gorillaz.

I feel like I am forgetting quite a few very important discs. But this is what I thought of, off the top o' my head. Tell me what I am missing.

and to all a good night...

(becca and I at the 4th annual Roommate Christmas party, circa 1970)

oh yeah

I'm not on a boat anymore. :)

and I am in Clackamas, Oregon with the fam (and our new puppy, Scout).

Today I am baking pies (Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Jefferson Davis Pie, and Eggnog Cheesecake).

I watched 8 episodes of LOST yesterday.

I went to my crazy Oregon thrift store and scored a typewriter, some elton john records, and a crap load of clothing. My favorite item is a yellow dress with a peacock on it.

I will post cruise pictures when I get around to it. right now I am feeling far too lazy. But I had a great time.

sorry for the lack in blogging. I will get back on the wagon soon.

see you in a few.

I'm on a boat to mexico.

like sister, like seagull. (the seagull series)

family photo op.

in san fran at thanksgiving.
what a lovely bunch.

free love on the free love freeway

AS OF TODAY, I AM A FREE WOMAN.

I gave my two weeks notice. I am officially unemployed. and I LOVE it. I'd explain to why I am leaving, but its long and complicated -- but it basically boils down to a personality conflict and the fact that I am tired of being tired and stressed all the time. I want my life back.

So, I have a few other job opportunities -- ones that I am rather excited about -- and I will keep you posted as I figure out what's next. For now, i am going home for Christmas.

And, I am going to be taking care of Taylor again for the first half of January. Her mom relapsed and has to go into treatment for a year. I am just going to help them with the first few transition weeks. It happens to fall at a really keen time for me, since I was already going to quit my job. And I get to be in Portland for a few weeks longer, so I am not complaining.

In other news, I quit drinking today. Dave Price and I made a pact. I told him that I would not drink a drop as long as he wont drink a drop. This started today. I dont know how long he'll last (because I can last as he can. Thats the thought, anyway) - but I will stick it out with him.

And, yesterday, I talked with an old friend for the first time in awhile. things were a little 'off' with our friendship, but I think we're on the road to recovery.

So, just like that - its a new day. A light has dawned. Honestly, I feel like a different person. I am ready for this new year and whatever hellish things it may throw at me. After all, I made it through this year in one piece.

So here is to what is yet to come -- may I not die of an ulcer at 25.

My Grown-Up Christmas List

My grown up christmas list: (posted at the prompting of Abbie. so here you go, Ab.)

Unlike Amy Grant, I am not asking for “No more lives torn apart, and that wars will never start. And that everyone would have a friend, and love would never end…”

Nope. I am not asking for that at all. Because that’s cheesy and insincere.

This is what I want for Christmas:

1. Arrested Development Season 2
2. LOST – season 1
3. Johnny Cash “The Man, His World, His Music” DVD
4. The No Direction Home DVD
5. Christmas with Johnny Cash (CD)
6. Coconut Lip Balm (The Body Shop)
7. Burts Bees Tinted Moisturizer (Medium tint)
8. DIG! DVD (Special Edition preferred)
9. A new purse or wallet
10. A functioning record player
11. The Simarillion – by Tolkien
12. Aveda shampoo, conditioner, hair products
13. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea perfume (its cheap and found at any drugstore)
14. Wilco – Kicking Television Live CD
15. For my ipod to work
16. Bob Dylan – Live at the Gaslight CD
17. A marriage proposal from Sufjan Stevens
18. Books. Really, any books (Vonnegut, Salinger, CS Lewis, Jane Austen, anything about Johnny Cash or Bob Dylan or music biographies in general…)
19. Underwear. Cute underwear.
20. A gift certificate to Trader Joe’s.