November 30, 1979

On November 30, 1979 two young, thin high school juniors from Denair high school went on their first date to a Modesto Junior College basketball game and then to Rico's pizza afterwards. I don't remember who won, but I remember that almost everyone in the gym knew my date. In retrospect, we were probably quickly on the gossip grapevine in our churches that they saw Tim White with Annette Nutcher at the MJC game. That's good small town stuff. We had fun talking and getting to know each other, and then when he dropped me off at my house afterward, he winked at me. I floated into the house. No kiss required. It's funny that we have chosen to remember and celebrate this day over the last 28 years. Most people don't remember their first date with their spouse. But we feel blessed to have great memories and a long history together that has come to make us, our marriage and our relationships what they are today. We would have never imagined in November 1979 that we would be blessed the way we have been or will be.

Christmas shopping

I have always found it interesting how Christmas brings out the worst in people. I was at a store yesterday to pick up just a few things, but the tension of the people standing in line was palatable. Maybe I am a little more objective having just returned from vacation and not in full "got-to-get-it-done" mode yet. But the fighting and juggling for a place in line at the register was almost rude. And then the poor clerk was hurried and unfriendly. People act like their time is more important than anyone else's and if they cut in line, or pass on the right at a busy intersection, they are aren't doing anything wrong. After all no one is more important than they are. It is sad. But it is also a good reminder for me to let Christ shine in me at Christmas time. Loving the unlovely does not come naturally, it has to be done with conscious and deliberate thought. I'm sure there will be times this season I will get caught off guard and my blood pressure will rise at someone being intolerably selfish or rude, but my goal is to keep it to a minimum. After all, Christmas is a time to celebrate Emmanuel, God with us. And that is most definitely the best news of all.

Thanksgiving vacation

Our family began a tradition of taking vacations during the week of Thanksgiving five years ago when we went to London. Since then we have gone to Minnesota, Mexico, Hawaii, and most recently the Dominican Republic. Since Lindsay and Erin are both immersed in school volleyball teams from Sept to the beginning of November, we are all usually ready for some good ol' r&r. This year was no different. Upon the recommendation of some friends who had gone to the Majestic Colonial Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in August, we booked our trip through Costco travel in October, and we began the count down to vacation. As it turned out, we did indeed get plenty of rest and relaxation. Since the resort was all-inclusive, there was no need to leave. There were plenty of opportunities to take excursions, etc, but each time we asked the girls if they wanted to do something, they would slowly say, no, we just want to sit on the beach, or by the pool and read our books. So we obliged them, since it is what Tim and I wanted to do as well. We spent five days sleeping, eating, walking, basking, reading, playing card games, watching movies and then eating some more. If it wasn't for the 15 hours of travel to and from, and Lindsay's suitcase getting delayed at JFK airport in New York until the day before we left to come home, it was an ideal, relaxing vacation. So much so, we have all found it a little difficult to re-enter day to day life.