Wealth Overload:

I just recently cleaned out my closet full of clothes galore. And then many months prior I had had yard sale. So the bug to clean up, sweep out, and be rid of clutter that has found its way into our abode, is prevalent once more in my bones.

First off, there is one area I struggle with going to. I find myself being sickened when I walk through a grocery store, with the gazillion brands of the same products, aisle upon aisle, expiration dates soon to be noted, There is just something about all that food, the gross amount of choice we have at our disposal and thinking that the local jesus center should be getting their goods there for free on a weekly basis. But unfortunately, they are dependent on donations by these kinds of businesses. So whenever the business has an overstock of an item(s) or just about outdated product, they give it to the Jesus Center, the Salvation Army and the like. I know, I have worked for the Salvation Army and I know what businesses give and what they do not give. Sure, when Christmas rolls around, they are more generous, but not much more. Salvation Army still has to pay for many of the turkeys that the businesses are 'donating'. Give me a break! I know Salvation Army is thankful for what donations they can get, particularly in a small town where they are having to compete with all of the holiday good will and requests from non-profits, groups, etc.

But by golly, for the Jesus Center or Salvation Army to have to literally beg, albeit nicely, for donations is a crime. They are serving a purpose in feeding those who others would never invite to their home or hand them a few dollar bills or buy them a meal at nice a restaurant. They are contributing to the human condition of making it more tolerable, more purposeful for these folks who find themselves in conditions they probably never imagined being in.

So, to walk the aisles of any grocery store just burns the core of me. I just want to take a U-Haul and drive it into the buildings and take all that a 48 foot truck could hold of goods and necessities.

It's not only the grocery stores, but it's the clothing stores, the mall, the restaurants, the whole damn societal view of getting, and then giving it away after we're done with it. How repulsive this habitual activity really is.

I am guilty of this monstrosity and am working on changing these ways so that the finger isn't being pointed at myself for the soapbox I am shouting from, and yet not doing a damn thing with my words.

The need to live more simply is a great goal, but it is still in the works of being fully realized. Granted it is difficult to part with your good dishes when you have a set of twenty year old Corell that you'd rather give away or sell. I am trying to work on the mindset that if I can't take anything with me when I'm dead, what purpose is all of this material good if only to buy new when the old gets useless for one's taste. But usefulness is one man's gain and another man's junk. I realize this but I no longer desire to live like this any more. Particularly this next stage of my life. I want to truly simplify and enjoy what I do have, and yet not give into the wild and gross consumerism of our society any longer.

I struggle with knowing I have an abundance, perhaps I am deserving of it and perhaps not, but regardless there are those out there who have real needs that can be met if only a greater number of us in every city, township, district, state we're willing to give all we can and have so others don't have to go without.

I need to continue to work in this area of my life. Some times I have found myself walking that fine line between having what I desire versus having things for the sake of having it.

Like I mentioned, I am a hypocrite in this area and still need to work on this particular area. I could use prayer in this area.

Shalom,

Kim

We all have only one life to help make a difference

••A CHILD DIES EVERY 3 SECONDS FROM POVERTY••
http://www.one.org/

However, if all you can simply do, because you're frozen with the monstrosity of our global conditions, Prayer is always appreciated and will reach the masses. Thank you for this simple act, if nothing else.

Shalom,
Kim

Quote: dorothy sayers

"I believe it to be a great mistake to present Christianity as something charming and popular with no offense in it.... We cannot blink at the fact that gentle Jesus meek and mild was so stiff in his opinions and so inflammatory in his language that he was thrown out of church, stoned, hunted from place to place, and finally gibbeted as a firebrand and a public danger. Whatever his peace was, it was not the peace of an amiable indifference."

What makes up a happy camper: photo by michael

Posted by: kimthanh

H:uddled in the tent, cozy as can be
A:lways swatting at the mosquitos
P:acking the truck to the very brim
P:laying paddle ball while the waves of the lake kiss the shore
Y:acking and yacking beside the crackling campfire

C:atching the rays of morning through the pine trees
A:lways having to hike to the bathrooms
M:emories made sweeter with one's sweetheart and/or friends
P:icking out the various constellations in a clear, mountainous sky
E:choes of times gone by and the joy that was had
R:ejuvinating one's soul from the rat race of life
S:imple things in life bring the greatest appreciation and admiration

I:ce cold drinks to sip on while laying about on the ol' beach
N:o phone calls to make, take or ignore

T:ake the time to truly enjoy your surroundings
A:pply sunscreen where needed
H:op rock to rock while exploring the lake shore
O:nly the stressed need apply for the Happy Camper position
E:xpectations are not included in this vacation package

We Love Camping: photo by kim

Posted by: kimthanh

Boy, oh boy do we ever love camping!! That's one of the biggest highlights for our summers. Since we got married in the month of June, we try to escape the week before our anniversary or the week after. We can never spend enough time camping. I think we need to start taking two week camping trips. Just to make it worthwhile after all that we have to haul up, unpack and then pack back up. A week just doesn't cut it.

Luckily both Michael and I were in Scouts, boys and girls respectively. Of course, I really wanted to join the boys not the girls but they wouldn't allow that when i was growing up. I had to stick with the girls. Bummer.
So, we both know how to fix a great camp fire, we both know how to deal with the outdoor elements, we both know not to run if there is a snake in the path, and we both know how to put up a real tent, not just a pup or aka a lean to.

The smell of a campfire is powerful, invigorating, lively, enveloping, and there is just nothing quite like it. Unless you are camping literally on the beach which is a blast to do. Between the camp fire and the smell of the ocean. Whoa nelly!

Michael and I have differences when it comes to vacationing. I am the type to go, go, go and let's explore everything. Michael is the let's relax, read a book, take a nap and then let's go to the beach, relax, take a nap, etc. So it's been funny through the years finding the balance of relaxing, playing, exploring and enjoying our time away. But with my health stuff, I'm beginning to creep into the Michael style of vacationing. It's not so bad, it's just different. But its good too.

Michael is definitely my camping buddy and I wouldn't want anyone else. He's the best camper. And we always have so much fun together.

We are definitely a pair of HAPPY CAMPERS! Woohoo!

The time to escape is now!

Old Barn : photo/poem by kim

Posted by: kimthanh

This barn has such great character. Unfortunately, I was not able to get up close and personal to it. You see, it is in the middle of a housing development. Surrounded on three sides. The fourth side is their back pasture where they still keep cows. These cows are just on the other side of the fence, of my sister-in-law's new home.

I'm glad for them and their new house, I'm sad for the people who own the land with the barn. I hope they never sell their lot. It adds such character to the new urbanism that has invaded this place. What used to be a tranquil, country road, with country folk and country hearts.

I find such joy in the simple things of life. Finding a barn in the middle of suburbia is sad and yet quite ironic.

To coexist is to be willing to find a middle ground where one can enjoy the aroma of manure and green, green grass and the sounds of clanking hammers, as new homes are built up in no time. What a sad state of affairs. But it was eventually going to happen...but why my time?

How selfish of me to think such ways but that's because I'm a purist and a lover of the outdoors. And not with back to back housing developments.

So when I visit in Fresno, I will hopefully be able to enjoy the two clashing of the worlds for sometime to come. Hopefully the greedy will not push out or out buy the last patch of true green space, in the land of greater concrete.

Ode to my Abode:

Ode to my Abode
I see you green still today
I see you, my cows, chewing away

Ode to my Abode
The barbedwire fence is to keep the cows in
The rooster brings noisy life on the farm
And the simple buttercups sprinkled hither and tither
await for my grandchildren
picking and smelling and tesing who really likes butter more

Ode to my Abode
The ol' barn is rickety but firm
It's metal roofing aged with rain and weather
The stalls within are for warmth and cool spots
as the animals lay about

Ode to my Abode
The neighbors on the right are older
The neighbors on the left are younger
The neighbors in front have yet to move in
But still my abode is forever my home.

Ode to my Abode
May she remain until the day I die
May the greedy men kneel in repentance
May the heritage of my children and grandchildren
forever remain despite the surrounding of suburbia.

Ode to my Abode
The grass remains green on this side
The grass has been replaced with concreteon the
on the other side of my barbedwired fence
and my our cows always know where to turn to home
Where the grass will always be greener

Ode to my Abode
Forever for my kin
Akin to the ol' days
Where the future remained
no different than the past.

Ode to my Abode

Allowing Kids to be Kids: photo by kim

Posted by: kimthanh

As I've mentioned in a previous post, i am truly blessed to have so many nieces and nephews who call me aunt. Some of these kids are those whose parents I am extremely close with. Oh what fun it is for me to have this kind of relationship.

I know many granparents often say they wish they could have always been grandparents because you love 'em, spoil 'em and then hand them back. My role is also very much that way. Although I'd rather not give them back but keep them for myself. But unfortunately, parents want their kids back. I don't get it.

But one role I do appreciate that my friends and families allow me is to get to love and play with them as I wish. I'd say I'm a great influence in many aspects. First off, I know boundaries, I know how to speak with them firmly, I know how to discipline with love, and I know definitely how to have a wild and fun time!

There is always laughter, more noise and more silliness brought out in those kids when I'm around then under normal circumstances. Most of my friends are amazed and thankful for the peace and quiet when I leave. But I say, all the more for me next time! I haven't forgotten to include my husband, Michael, because he is just about as silly as I am when it comes to the kids, I guess he is just a wee bit more respectful of the parents than I perhapas am. I don't worry about getting into trouble. hehe!

I must say, when it comes to kids and restaurants, I pretty much try to obey the behavior rule, but once in awhile you just have to let kids be kids and watch the creativity unfold. Such as this photo. J and S were simply enjoying their time together and then I brought out the birthday party goodies, and then the creativity began. I was so proud of them!

I was laughing my head off at them, and I noted that others in the restaurant were too. It was a good thing the folks were very patient and enjoying the creativity and laughter of these kids. Of course, so was I.

The mom's were just smiling at me and wondering how it got that far. But I took full credit and the blame. I've always felt that life is way too short to not let the fun just happen and particularly now, as I am getting older, I especially believe that. In this day and age, kids are growing up way too fast as it is and responsible for far too much, and going, going far too much that they just don't have enough time to play, play out those things that make up being a child and the creativity that comes with their developing minds and spirits.

I am proud to be the one that can bring those things out in them and encourage it. I love every child that comes through my life, whether a sibling's, a friend's or just one i observe playing, in trying to figure out their world around them. What a joy it is to watch, observe, and breathe in. Children are the future on every continent, in every city, in every part of the word.

I pray that every child in this world could know the love, the freedom, the security and the endless possibilities for their lives. And that despite physical, spiritual or political lines holding them back, that they would be able to find the strength within to break through those barriers and become who they were made to be, in all of their glory. And if they are unable to find the strenght or the power within, that perhaps someone would be willing to give them a hand up and a better life.

It took one man's heart, one families courage to say yes, to adopt me and to take risks in loving, taking care of me, and taking a chance on me so that I could become the person I was/am made to be. It wasn't always easy but it could have been a hell of a lot worse for me if they had not come to my rescue. For this I am truly grateful.

If you are willing to love, adopt or care for a child of any age, I pray that you would greatly consider it and follow your heart.

Your life and the child's life will ever be so much richer in all respects.

Shalom,

Kim

Being Harassed by my Nephews: photo by Michael

Posted by: kimthanh

This is just a sampling of what happens to me when it comes to my nieces and nephews. Now that they are all bigger and taller than me, I don't have much over them. But I sure love them immensely!!!

To my nieces and nephews:

You allow the kid to come out in me
You accept me for my siliness and wackiness
Though i am and will always be smaller and shorter than any of you,
You still allow me to feel big, strong and protective of you

Your laughter is loud, your humor is bad but funny
Zach, you're the youngest but you still keep up pretty well with the
older ones. Your personality carries you in all things

Drewskie, Brian, Maggie(too!), Grant Fuj, Sambo, Grant T., Sister-Roo, Sammie, and Zach - I love each and every one of you with all of me and always will. I know I haven't always been there for all the important things in your lives, but please know I always have you in my heart and my love overflows to each of you abundantly.

Thank you for allowing me to not act my age with you, for sharing your thoughts, your dreams, and your laughter.

I can't wait to see each of you grow up to be amazing people who do amazing things, whatever that maybe. Regardless, I will always be proud of each of you no matter and love you no matter where we go and are in life.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for loving me, your short, asian and silly aunt Kim.

With all of my love to each and every one of you -

Love and Shalom,

Your FAVORITE aunt kim

Those you may meet along the way: photo by kim

Posted by: kimthanh

I love this photo. This speaks to me of a great afternoon with some new friends in Oregon.

I was exhausted from our time with D and C but I didn't want to be rude and fall asleep while the rest of them visited.

Of course, as you can see, there is a cutie named D. He is sooo adorable, cute, rambunctious, very smart, very precocious and absolutely funny. As you can see, I enjoyed him. Well, while everyone else was getting to know one another more, I was having a blast keeping up with D. What a hoot!

But it wasn't just being with D. but with everyone. It was hearing stories, hearing of how P's family could help D and C while in Malawi, as P's family is from there and has great connections. But it was also great to hear from K and K about their time as Peace Corp members in Malawi and how it was returning to the states after their stint.

We spent a great deal of the afternoon with them and D and C have since returned just before they headed off to Malawi this last Wednesday, May 4th.

I look forward to a return trip to Oregon on many levels and look forward to spending more time, and getting better acquainted with the gang. It enriched my life.

If you get a chance, take a trip to Oregon and check it out. There is so much to do, the people so friendly and the weather is ideal for me and Michael.

Shalom,

Kim

Our Limits Transgressed: photo by kim

Posted by: kimthanh

Henry David Thoreau

We need the tonic of wildness, to wade sometimes in marshes where the bittern and the meadow-hen lurk, and hear the booming of the snipe; to smell the whispering sedge where only the wilder and more solitary fowl builds her nest, and the mink crawls with its belly close to the ground. We can never have enough of nature. We must be refreshed by the sight of inexhaustible vigor, vast and titanic features, the sea-coast with its wrecks, the wilderness with its living and its decaying trees, the thunder cloud, and the rain which lasts weeks and produces freshets. We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing freely where we never wander.
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