Tuesday Tidbits

In an effort to blog more during the school year, I'm starting something new: Tuesday Tidbits.  I got the idea from my good friend and fellow blogger Cara and her "Three Things Thursday" posts.  It's for those times when you want to share just a few random thoughts, but not necessarily write a whole blog post on any one of those thoughts.  So welcome to the first edition of Tuesday Tidbits!

Tidbit #1: Haiti in the Ham

A few weeks ago, a group from Canaan Christian Community in Haiti came to visit us in Birmingham. My church has an on-going partnership with Canaan and has gone on multiple mission trips there, and I had the privilege of going in March 2013.  The Canaan kids (and leaders) were in the U.S. for a homeschooling convention, and it worked out for them to also visit Bham during their time in the States.  It was so special to have them here for a few days and spend time with them.  Check out this video excerpt of a beautiful song they learned for a singing competition at their convention:

Tidbit #2: The World Cup

Yes, I know it's easy to jump on this bandwagon and pretend you like soccer every 4 years so you can participate in all the World Cup hype.  However, it's also really fun.  I also like to think of myself as more of a legitimate fan since I lived for two years in a country that truly does love futbol, where my appreciation for the sport grew.  Throw in the fact that it's summer, and I actually have time to watch the games, and out comes "Christen, World Cup enthusiast."  Some people say soccer is boring because it's such a low-scoring game, but I think that's what makes the goals all the more exciting... like yesterday when after 70 minutes of 0-0, Mexico scored two goals within just a few minutes of each other.  So whenever possible, you'll probably find me watching the World Cup this summer especially if my two favorite teams are playing.  Go U.S.A and Viva México!!

Tidbit #3: Million-Dollar Arm

While we're on the subject of sports, I need to mention the best movie I've seen in the theater in a long time: Million-Dollar Arm.  I always love a good sports movie, but this movie also includes one of my other favorite topics: studies in culture.  Parts of the movie are set in India and parts in the U.S., and both the obvious and subtle cultural differences fascinate me.  The movie also meets my personal criteria for a great movie: it made me laugh (a lot) and cry.  There are also great supporting characters and themes of forgiveness, grace, and identity all appear in the film.  Definitely a win!

Keeping it Real

So you know those addictive quizzes that everyone always posts on Facebook?  Definitely guilty of doing my fair share of those.  Some of my favorite results have been that I am the most like "Anna" on Downton Abbey and then "Lucy" (of The Chronicles of Narnia) in terms of classic literary characters.  According to Buzz Feed, I am also the most like "Monica" of the six Friends characters.  I definitely did not need a quiz to confirm this fact though.  In fact, I am often reminded of how I am like Monica. Here's why:

• I love for things to be clean, and this is only getting worse as I get older.  I used to be just a neat-freak, but now I am probably a clean-freak as well and possibly a germaphobe.  I don't actually enjoy the cleaning process itself, but it's oh-so-satisfying afterwards and a clean house seriously makes me happy.  If the said house was also cleaned with Fabuloso, then I am really delighted.  Cleanliness + Mexico memories = great mood
• I am extremely competitive.   During an inner-city ministry internship in college, I got the "I'm Sweet Till I'm Losing" Award.  It might have been the most well-deserved award I've ever received.  I say that I'm really only competitive at things I'm somewhat good at, but I've realized lately that this is actually just another form of being competitive.  Acting like I don't care about winning when I know there's no chance I will win is still a form of being competitive.
• Control.  Yep, love it.  Know it's an idol in my life that God is working on, but I definitely like to be in control and always have.  *There's also a high probability that if you know any bossy, first-born girls, they may grow up to be teachers.  It fits both their natural gifts and interests, a win-win.

However, one way I am not like Monica is her culinary side.  I neither enjoy nor excel at cooking.

For better or for worse, these traits are a part of who I am.  I've seen both the positive and negative effects of them in my life.  Might as well embrace them though and "try to use them for good" because I don't think there's much chance of them changing!  Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go tidy up my kitchen...