When a "just because" doesn't cut it anymore!

With Halloween a couple of days out my 8yr old (soon to be 9) has asked me on a couple of occasions why I haven't decorated our home yet.  And I'm not going too.

I used to be able to answer her with a "just because" but that doesn't cut it anymore.  She wants a real answer.

Every family is different so what I'm sharing here is my opinion.  Just that -my opinion,  and what I feel as a mom and a believer I need to share with my kids.

At the root of it Halloween is a pagan holiday.  When you research the origins of this holiday  it gets really gory and evil. So for that reason I choose not to decorate my home.  I don't like the witches and sorcerers etc.  Although Halloween is very different today and many things about it are changed,  but the reason of why there is a Halloween is still the same. 

Today it's such a marketing drive.  The different costumes and the cute ornaments. I must admit the businesses do a great job at marketing this holiday.

I do however allow my children to dress  and go begging for candy - I mean Trick-Or-Treating!!  But that is it.  To decorate my home with Halloween stuff - I will not do it. 

I do remember decorating 1 year when we were in the US. I didn't enjoy the decorations.  After Halloween I threw everything that I had bought and used to decorate away.  I think I ended up decorating because the homes around me were doing it and I bulked under the pressure to conform!!  Even then it felt awkward and wrong because I know better.

So I don't decorate.

But we are excited about the Carnival that's happening this Friday.  Games, Fun and Candy - in a safe environment!

......Kari

When a "just because" doesn't cut it anymore!

With Halloween a couple of days out my 8yr old (soon to be 9) has asked me on a couple of occasions why I haven't decorated our home yet.  And I'm not going too.

I used to be able to answer her with a "just because" but that doesn't cut it anymore.  She wants a real answer.

Every family is different so what I'm sharing here is my opinion.  Just that -my opinion,  and what I feel as a mom and a believer I need to share with my kids.

At the root of it Halloween is a pagan holiday.  When you research the origins of this holiday  it gets really gory and evil. So for that reason I choose not to decorate my home.  I don't like the witches and sorcerers etc.  Although Halloween is very different today and many things about it are changed,  but the reason of why there is a Halloween is still the same. 

Today it's such a marketing drive.  The different costumes and the cute ornaments. I must admit the businesses do a great job at marketing this holiday.

I do however allow my children to dress  and go begging for candy - I mean Trick-Or-Treating!!  But that is it.  To decorate my home with Halloween stuff - I will not do it. 

I do remember decorating 1 year when we were in the US. I didn't enjoy the decorations.  After Halloween I threw everything that I had bought and used to decorate away.  I think I ended up decorating because the homes around me were doing it and I bulked under the pressure to conform!!  Even then it felt awkward and wrong because I know better.

So I don't decorate.

But we are excited about the Carnival that's happening this Friday.  Games, Fun and Candy - in a safe environment!

......Kari

When Every Second Person is wearing yellow.....

You'll know it's Monday in Thailand.

Ever since moving here it amazes me how everyone (okay almost everyone) will wear a yellow T-shirt on Monday's in honor of the King.  The Thai people really do love their royal family. 

I don't see the same love for the Queen Mother of England! 

Just an observation.

......Kari

When Every Second Person is wearing yellow.....

You'll know it's Monday in Thailand.

Ever since moving here it amazes me how everyone (okay almost everyone) will wear a yellow T-shirt on Monday's in honor of the King.  The Thai people really do love their royal family. 

I don't see the same love for the Queen Mother of England! 

Just an observation.

......Kari

They're On Their Way!

Yippee!! 

My mum & brother are on their way!!  Their visas were approved and I'm excited.  Excited because I have not been able to have family over since our travels from place to place so this is really exciting.  And Thailand is exciting so it's going to be great.  Me and my girls will be counting days!!

.....Kari

They're On Their Way!

Yippee!! 

My mum & brother are on their way!!  Their visas were approved and I'm excited.  Excited because I have not been able to have family over since our travels from place to place so this is really exciting.  And Thailand is exciting so it's going to be great.  Me and my girls will be counting days!!

.....Kari

Numbers.....

12 more days till the US National Elections -  you should know by now who you are voting for.

9 more days till Halloween - then I won't have to stress over carnival preparations anymore.

6 more days till the NBA season opener - it's been a long wait.  I love basketball. 

5 more days till my dear mother and brother visit (depending on the approval of their visas, of course) - can't wait.  I'm oh so excited!!

.......Kari

Numbers.....

12 more days till the US National Elections -  you should know by now who you are voting for.

9 more days till Halloween - then I won't have to stress over carnival preparations anymore.

6 more days till the NBA season opener - it's been a long wait.  I love basketball. 

5 more days till my dear mother and brother visit (depending on the approval of their visas, of course) - can't wait.  I'm oh so excited!!

.......Kari

Chocolate Skeleton Cookies

Next Friday is Halloween!   Are you dressing up?  Have your kids decided what they want to be or are they like mine and are still undecided?!  I refuse to buy new costumes, so we are going to be creative and use what we have at home. 

Next Friday is also the St. Andrews Halloween Carnival.  I'm nervous.  I really am. I hope it goes well.  The school is having their mid-term break this week so I'm busy putting together the prize baskets and also trial baking  Halloween cookies.  I say trial because I have to know that the recipes we've chosen to bake and sell are yummy.

So this afternoon my girls and I made these "Chocolate Skeleton Cookies". 

This recipe worked out and were yummy so I think I'll be making them again for the carnival.  Below is the recipe if you are interested.

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons milk

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness.  Cut with a 3-in. gingerbread boy cookie cutter.  Place on greased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until set.  cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For icing, in a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth.  Cut a small hole in the corner of a resealable plastic bag; fill with icing.  Pipe skeleton bones on cookies.  Should make around 3 dozen. 

I think these would be great as Halloween class party treats.

So are you making something special for Halloween?

......Kari

Chocolate Skeleton Cookies

Next Friday is Halloween!   Are you dressing up?  Have your kids decided what they want to be or are they like mine and are still undecided?!  I refuse to buy new costumes, so we are going to be creative and use what we have at home. 

Next Friday is also the St. Andrews Halloween Carnival.  I'm nervous.  I really am. I hope it goes well.  The school is having their mid-term break this week so I'm busy putting together the prize baskets and also trial baking  Halloween cookies.  I say trial because I have to know that the recipes we've chosen to bake and sell are yummy.

So this afternoon my girls and I made these "Chocolate Skeleton Cookies". 

This recipe worked out and were yummy so I think I'll be making them again for the carnival.  Below is the recipe if you are interested.

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons milk

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture.  Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness.  Cut with a 3-in. gingerbread boy cookie cutter.  Place on greased baking sheets.  Bake at 375 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until set.  cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For icing, in a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and milk until smooth.  Cut a small hole in the corner of a resealable plastic bag; fill with icing.  Pipe skeleton bones on cookies.  Should make around 3 dozen. 

I think these would be great as Halloween class party treats.

So are you making something special for Halloween?

......Kari

I'm so proud of my sista!!

Called home over the weekend and was thrilled to hear that my younger sister (no. 4 in the family) got her work experience extended. And so now instead of working just 2 rotations, she'll be working at least 6 in total.

I'm just so happy for her and feel really proud of what she has accomplished.  She's worked hard. She has another year to go at Uni but I know she'll graduate and hopefully she gets to  return to work with the company that she's working for now.

Well Done Keks!!

.......Kari

I'm so proud of my sista!!

Called home over the weekend and was thrilled to hear that my younger sister (no. 4 in the family) got her work experience extended. And so now instead of working just 2 rotations, she'll be working at least 6 in total.

I'm just so happy for her and feel really proud of what she has accomplished.  She's worked hard. She has another year to go at Uni but I know she'll graduate and hopefully she gets to  return to work with the company that she's working for now.

Well Done Keks!!

.......Kari

Did You Know that there are 244 Countries in this World....

This of course does depend on what is meant by country.  But I learnt this interesting fact today. Of those 244 countries - 53 of them are represented at my 8yr old daughters school. 

Talk about diverse!!

All week the Elementary School has celebrated International Week.  I love activities like this.  It is  great  to see the children at an early age learn about different countries, cultures and customs.  Throughout the week they did different activities to "celebrate their differences".  Yesterday the children got to share a dish unique to their country. And as a room mom for my 4th grader I got to try some of these different foods.  Such interesting food but so yummy all the same.

To cap of the week there was an assembly today.  So many children in their National Costumes or colors - such a beautiful thing to see.  The assembly was full of dances, poems and songs from all around the world.  They were all great to watch!.  My 4 year old enjoyed it so much.

If there be one thing/phrase I walked away with today it would have to be what the principal said:

Today we celebrate the differences until those differences don't make a difference. 

I thought it was just such a great statement. And so true.  Once we learn to accept, understand and tolerate those differences won't matter anymore.

.......Kari

Did You Know that there are 244 Countries in this World....

This of course does depend on what is meant by country.  But I learnt this interesting fact today. Of those 244 countries - 53 of them are represented at my 8yr old daughters school. 

Talk about diverse!!

All week the Elementary School has celebrated International Week.  I love activities like this.  It is  great  to see the children at an early age learn about different countries, cultures and customs.  Throughout the week they did different activities to "celebrate their differences".  Yesterday the children got to share a dish unique to their country. And as a room mom for my 4th grader I got to try some of these different foods.  Such interesting food but so yummy all the same.

To cap of the week there was an assembly today.  So many children in their National Costumes or colors - such a beautiful thing to see.  The assembly was full of dances, poems and songs from all around the world.  They were all great to watch!.  My 4 year old enjoyed it so much.

If there be one thing/phrase I walked away with today it would have to be what the principal said:

Today we celebrate the differences until those differences don't make a difference. 

I thought it was just such a great statement. And so true.  Once we learn to accept, understand and tolerate those differences won't matter anymore.

.......Kari

This is what matters - Fellowship

So I went to fellowship this morning and I'm really enjoying and loving the group of women in this bible study group.  We're all at different stages of faith and our walk with the Lord but the honesty and authenticity of this group is such a beautiful thing to be a part of.

I'm thankful for those in the group who are not yet Christians but are just testing this whole Jesus thing,  and then there are those who are seasoned Christians wanting to love the Lord and grow more in their faith.

As I'm going through the study I'm realizing that what God desires is this -fellowship.   We are his family and he wants us to gather together to worship Him and to be there for one another. He wants his family to be known for it's love more than anything else. Because Jesus say's that our love for each other - not our doctrinal beliefs is our greatest witness.  And it is in fellowship that we learn this skill of love.  Love for each other. 

Love cannot be learned in isolation.  We have to be around people to learn this skill and exercise it.

By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:35 (Amplified Bible)

......Kari

This is what matters - Fellowship

So I went to fellowship this morning and I'm really enjoying and loving the group of women in this bible study group.  We're all at different stages of faith and our walk with the Lord but the honesty and authenticity of this group is such a beautiful thing to be a part of.

I'm thankful for those in the group who are not yet Christians but are just testing this whole Jesus thing,  and then there are those who are seasoned Christians wanting to love the Lord and grow more in their faith.

As I'm going through the study I'm realizing that what God desires is this -fellowship.   We are his family and he wants us to gather together to worship Him and to be there for one another. He wants his family to be known for it's love more than anything else. Because Jesus say's that our love for each other - not our doctrinal beliefs is our greatest witness.  And it is in fellowship that we learn this skill of love.  Love for each other. 

Love cannot be learned in isolation.  We have to be around people to learn this skill and exercise it.

By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

John 13:35 (Amplified Bible)

......Kari

18 More Days

This past weekend was a busy one getting stuff for the up coming Halloween Carnival.  My dear hubby was even busier getting our banner ready for the day.

Thanks babe for your hard work - much appreciated. 

I know this is not the final one but it looks great.

  .......Kari

18 More Days

This past weekend was a busy one getting stuff for the up coming Halloween Carnival.  My dear hubby was even busier getting our banner ready for the day.

Thanks babe for your hard work - much appreciated. 

I know this is not the final one but it looks great.

  .......Kari

My 100th!

I cannot believe that today's post is my 100th post.  Wow - never thought I'd reach 100!!

Even as I've reached this milestone I'm not so sure exactly what my blog is all about!  I don't have a specific niche or hobby or interest that I particularly want to share.

Maybe I'm doing this whole blog thing just to ramble  about anything, everything, something and nothing. hehehe

So for this milestone I've decided to share 100 maybe interesting or not so interesting things about moi......  so here goes:

1. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia.
2. I'm told I was offered Indonesian citizenship but my parents declined on my behalf.
3. My family is my little UN - Renee was born in Australia, Tanysha in the US and Joshua in Thailand.
4. I belong to a family of 7.  6 girls and 1 boy. 
5. I'm #2 in the family. I have a sister who is already in heaven
6. My family lives back in Pari Village (Lalokau Gabuna), Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea!
7. Best childhood memory - endless days in the sea/beach with my cousins and friends.
8. Both my parents come from large families (mom from a family of 12, and Dad from a family 11) so I feel like I'm related to everyone in Port Moresby, PNG.
9. My Dad was a politician/ public servant.  I wanted to do politics but then realized that people remember the bad more than the good.  People are drawn to the  negatives, not to the positives.
10. I still love politics - especially US politics.
11. Went to boarding school in Sydney, Australia.  Loved it.  Thanks Mum and Dad.  The first year was rough but I learnt so many things I could not have learnt had you decided to keep me home close to you both!
12. Nearly ran over a AUD$300.00 sheep when I visited a friends farm in Australia - she was trying to teach me how to drive the Ute with a stick shift!
13. Have been chased by a cow.  Thought I was going to be run down- not funny!!
14. A friend of mine in Australia became a vegetarian after she saw a sheep being slaughtered for it's meat.  I was hoping the same would happen to me but it didn't - I love my protein way too much.
15. Have stood in the presence of Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison - after 27 long years.
16. Went to a Midnight Oil concert and were moved closer to the stage after the people next to us threw up all over their seats.  Was a good thing though - we walked away with a drumstick from the Midnight Oil drummer.
17. Also went to a U2 concert "When Love Comes to Town" - in Sydney - love Bono, still do!
18. The above concert featured BB King.  And last year I went to Memphis and walked the famed "Beale Street" - Home of the Blues.
19. I have absailed and I loved it.
20. I want to bungee jump someday - have to get to New Zealand dear hubby!
21. I Love the sea.  And the ocean.
22. and the fish in the ocean.  Yes I like seafood - especially fish!
23. Grew up near the sea.  My grandparents lived on a stilt house built over the sea.  I spent so much time there.
24. Love the simple life of living in the village. - hurricane lamps, smell of the sea, cooking over fire.
25. When I was young I use to go to the garden with my grandma - I have great memories of those days.
26. I have a scar on my right foot.  Got it when I went with mum and other family members to collect firewood. Firewood for cooking.  My grandparents did not have a stove.
27. When I was young I'd go fishing with my Dad and others looking to catch a feed for their families in the night on a dinghy.  I got seasick a lot but would never miss a fishing trip.
28. Got paid K50.00 (Kina - PNG currency) at my first school holiday job - was so disappointed, I quit the following Monday.
29. In grade 10 I decided I wanted to study law but after my work experience at a law firm in Town  I changed my mind.  Actually one of the lawyers from that company invited me to observe one of his cases but his lawyer friend thought I was his client - a divorcee client!!
30. Went to college (Unitech, PNG) studied accounting and graduated
31. I've also studied Early Childhood learning by correspondence and aspire to one day open my own school in Papua New Guinea.
32. Taught toddlers while in Bakersfield.  Eye opening experience but most rewarding
33. Grew up in a religious family. I've always believed in Jesus but only accepted His gift of salvation in 1992 at an Easter Camp
34. Spent 2 years at a Catholic Run school. Was inspired by the Catholic Nuns but also disappointed by them.  Learnt then and there that we are human, finite humans and to only trust Jesus.
35. I love the T.S.C.F (Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship).  Great ministry
36. I also love MOPS. It to is a great ministry
37. I have preached the word of God with a friend at an open food market and 2 people accepted Christ into their lives - God can do anything, we only have to make ourselves available.
38. Organized and participated in many crusades while I was at University.
39. Attended a crusade in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and stayed in a mud hut for 3 days.  Great experience!!
40. Learnt early on that it's okay to can be different - You do not have to fit in!
41. Was kinda "promised in marriage" to someone.  So thankful that I woke up and resisted.   
42. I have had the unfortunate experience of being stalked!  Creepy. Scary.
43. Love church, but love fellowship  more. 
44. So thankful for the opportunity to work in an oil producing field. - awesome!  Worked a rotational schedule.  28 days on/28 days off
45. Had my life all planned out  - but threw that plan out the window when I met this guy at work.
46. married that guy 2 years later.
47. and after 12 years together that guy still makes my heart skip a beat - love you babe!!
48. Best investment decision as a couple - bought a house in Port Moresby - still own it and it's paying itself off.
49. Worst decision we thought at that time was buying shares in World Mark South Pacific Club now Wyndham Resort.  It's come in handy after a couple of years - we use our Owners status for "free" accommodation.  More $$$ to spend. 
50. I've flown on a helicopter - thoroughly enjoyed it.
51. First car - two door Hyundai Excel.  Lasted only a couple of months. We realized that it was not the right car for us and so we traded it for a Ute (truck as they say in the US)
52. Love flying , especially business class - have only flown 3 times.
53. Have spent over 20 hours on a plane flight once - Port Moresby to San Francisco via Brisbane, Auckland and LA.  Thank goodness I only had Renee with me at the time.  I think 3 kids would have been horrible.
54. I love traveling this big big world and meeting people from all over 
55. I have lived in 6 different countries. Indonesia, Japan, PNG, Australia,  USA and Thailand.
56. I Love Vegemite (missed it so much while in US).  Drove to the "Down Under Trading Co. in Cambria, CA to the buy vegemite  just so I could be a "happy little Vegemite as happy as can be...."
57. South Africa has always fascinated me and I hope to go there one day!
58. Regret relaxing/straightening my hair. - Miss my curls and fuzz!
59. My children are my gifts from God.  Blessings to help me grow in Christ and in turn raise them in a way that brings God glory
60. I have learnt from my children that I do not know everything and that they are their own people.
61. I'm thankful that my children are healthy.
62. Raising kids is a challenge.  Full of trials and rewarding moments. Hats off to the single parents - don't know how you do it
63. I worry that my children will not know their heritage because we are away from Papua New Guinea, our language our culture
64. but also thrilled for the opportunity they have to see the world - different people, different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life.
65. my family is complete(d) - 2 girls and a boy!
66. I love to read. Any and every genre but I especially enjoy Sidney Sheldon novels, Beverly Lewis's stories and her insight of the Amish and any "self-help book"
67. I love anything coffee - coffee drinks, coffee cake, coffee ice cream - coffee anything!
68. I love Starbucks - especially the Iced Caramel Machiato and now the Green Tea Latte
69. I drove from Bakersfield to Long Beach CA once - hate the I5 but had to take my daughter to a Cheer Competition. 
70. Yes I was once a Cheer Mum!
71. I hate Starbucks - it's a rip off but I still buy it!
72. Been to the Grand Canyon - impressive work of nature.  Also been to Hoover Dam - impressive work of man.
73. Enjoyed Las Vegas - I had never gambled before but did.  Won $100, lost $100.
74. Visited Elvis' Mansion in Graceland and saw his collection of gold and platinum records, classy cars and weird "jump suits".  Quite the eccentric !  But love his voice and songs - I guess that's all that matters!  
75. Visited the site where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated - the Lorraine Motel.  It's now the Human Rights Museum in Memphis.  My kids were with me and I'm thankful for the history lesson they received that day. 
76. Visited Washington D.C.  Beautiful!  Been on the top of the Washington Monument - awesome view. Been outside the perimeter of the Whitehouse - and was in awe of the power that it projects, just the building.
77. Visited Arlington Cemetery and all the War memorials -  walked away realizing that "freedom is not free".
78. Seen the side of the Pentagon that was hit  by the hijacked plane on 9/11.  Now there is a beautiful memorial there.
79. Love Disneyland California - oh how we become like little children.  But love Walt Disney World in Florida even more.  Especially "Animal Kingdom". I was impressed with the way it is set up. It is like a little town of it's own..
80. New York excited me but I wouldn't want to live there.  Great views from the Rockefeller Plaza.  The Toys R' Us in the city was crazy - I've never seen a "ferris wheel" in a store.  C-R-A-Z-Y! 
81. Time Square - unbelievable, incredible - yellow cab center of the world!
82. Visited ground zero while in New York - somber experience. I didn't know how to explain to my children what happened there when they asked me.  But just told them straight.  My girls were 7 & 3 years old when we visited.
83. The Statue of Liberty is truly a great symbol - whatever it may mean to you
84. I cook because I have too.  not because I enjoy it.
85. I do enjoy baking though - didn't think I would but I have surprised myself.
86. Miss my "pre motherhood" body!
87. I Love the NBA. I love the LA Lakers - Go Lakers
88. I'm a sportsaholic - I'd rather watch a game - basketball, netball, cricket, rugby (union and league) swimming - any game really then go shopping
89. I procrastinate - major, major procrastinator
90. I love my IPOD - got it as a birthday gift from the kids.
91. Enjoy massages- although my first professional massage freaked me out big time - didn't know I had to strip!
92. Love Survivors, Love The Amazing Race and The Amazing Race Asia - you get the drift.  I Love reality TV.  God bless Mark Burnett.
93. I used to love Tom Cruise "until he jumped on the couch!"
94. Proud that I can sponsor my younger siblings to complete their schooling
95. I'm all about family - extensions of the extended family
96. I currently have a maid and a driver - not such an easy thing to transition to.  Can get complicated but I am truly thankful for them.
97. I love TV.  Even if they are repeating programs I'll still watch.
98. I read the book "No Compromise" - the life story of Keith Green way back in the 90's but even today his stance for Holy living still challenges me.
99. I love chocolate - especially chocolate cake.
100. I love being a wife and mommy.

......Kari

My 100th!

I cannot believe that today's post is my 100th post.  Wow - never thought I'd reach 100!!

Even as I've reached this milestone I'm not so sure exactly what my blog is all about!  I don't have a specific niche or hobby or interest that I particularly want to share.

Maybe I'm doing this whole blog thing just to ramble  about anything, everything, something and nothing. hehehe

So for this milestone I've decided to share 100 maybe interesting or not so interesting things about moi......  so here goes:

1. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia.
2. I'm told I was offered Indonesian citizenship but my parents declined on my behalf.
3. My family is my little UN - Renee was born in Australia, Tanysha in the US and Joshua in Thailand.
4. I belong to a family of 7.  6 girls and 1 boy. 
5. I'm #2 in the family. I have a sister who is already in heaven
6. My family lives back in Pari Village (Lalokau Gabuna), Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea!
7. Best childhood memory - endless days in the sea/beach with my cousins and friends.
8. Both my parents come from large families (mom from a family of 12, and Dad from a family 11) so I feel like I'm related to everyone in Port Moresby, PNG.
9. My Dad was a politician/ public servant.  I wanted to do politics but then realized that people remember the bad more than the good.  People are drawn to the  negatives, not to the positives.
10. I still love politics - especially US politics.
11. Went to boarding school in Sydney, Australia.  Loved it.  Thanks Mum and Dad.  The first year was rough but I learnt so many things I could not have learnt had you decided to keep me home close to you both!
12. Nearly ran over a AUD$300.00 sheep when I visited a friends farm in Australia - she was trying to teach me how to drive the Ute with a stick shift!
13. Have been chased by a cow.  Thought I was going to be run down- not funny!!
14. A friend of mine in Australia became a vegetarian after she saw a sheep being slaughtered for it's meat.  I was hoping the same would happen to me but it didn't - I love my protein way too much.
15. Have stood in the presence of Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison - after 27 long years.
16. Went to a Midnight Oil concert and were moved closer to the stage after the people next to us threw up all over their seats.  Was a good thing though - we walked away with a drumstick from the Midnight Oil drummer.
17. Also went to a U2 concert "When Love Comes to Town" - in Sydney - love Bono, still do!
18. The above concert featured BB King.  And last year I went to Memphis and walked the famed "Beale Street" - Home of the Blues.
19. I have absailed and I loved it.
20. I want to bungee jump someday - have to get to New Zealand dear hubby!
21. I Love the sea.  And the ocean.
22. and the fish in the ocean.  Yes I like seafood - especially fish!
23. Grew up near the sea.  My grandparents lived on a stilt house built over the sea.  I spent so much time there.
24. Love the simple life of living in the village. - hurricane lamps, smell of the sea, cooking over fire.
25. When I was young I use to go to the garden with my grandma - I have great memories of those days.
26. I have a scar on my right foot.  Got it when I went with mum and other family members to collect firewood. Firewood for cooking.  My grandparents did not have a stove.
27. When I was young I'd go fishing with my Dad and others looking to catch a feed for their families in the night on a dinghy.  I got seasick a lot but would never miss a fishing trip.
28. Got paid K50.00 (Kina - PNG currency) at my first school holiday job - was so disappointed, I quit the following Monday.
29. In grade 10 I decided I wanted to study law but after my work experience at a law firm in Town  I changed my mind.  Actually one of the lawyers from that company invited me to observe one of his cases but his lawyer friend thought I was his client - a divorcee client!!
30. Went to college (Unitech, PNG) studied accounting and graduated
31. I've also studied Early Childhood learning by correspondence and aspire to one day open my own school in Papua New Guinea.
32. Taught toddlers while in Bakersfield.  Eye opening experience but most rewarding
33. Grew up in a religious family. I've always believed in Jesus but only accepted His gift of salvation in 1992 at an Easter Camp
34. Spent 2 years at a Catholic Run school. Was inspired by the Catholic Nuns but also disappointed by them.  Learnt then and there that we are human, finite humans and to only trust Jesus.
35. I love the T.S.C.F (Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship).  Great ministry
36. I also love MOPS. It to is a great ministry
37. I have preached the word of God with a friend at an open food market and 2 people accepted Christ into their lives - God can do anything, we only have to make ourselves available.
38. Organized and participated in many crusades while I was at University.
39. Attended a crusade in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and stayed in a mud hut for 3 days.  Great experience!!
40. Learnt early on that it's okay to can be different - You do not have to fit in!
41. Was kinda "promised in marriage" to someone.  So thankful that I woke up and resisted.   
42. I have had the unfortunate experience of being stalked!  Creepy. Scary.
43. Love church, but love fellowship  more. 
44. So thankful for the opportunity to work in an oil producing field. - awesome!  Worked a rotational schedule.  28 days on/28 days off
45. Had my life all planned out  - but threw that plan out the window when I met this guy at work.
46. married that guy 2 years later.
47. and after 12 years together that guy still makes my heart skip a beat - love you babe!!
48. Best investment decision as a couple - bought a house in Port Moresby - still own it and it's paying itself off.
49. Worst decision we thought at that time was buying shares in World Mark South Pacific Club now Wyndham Resort.  It's come in handy after a couple of years - we use our Owners status for "free" accommodation.  More $$$ to spend. 
50. I've flown on a helicopter - thoroughly enjoyed it.
51. First car - two door Hyundai Excel.  Lasted only a couple of months. We realized that it was not the right car for us and so we traded it for a Ute (truck as they say in the US)
52. Love flying , especially business class - have only flown 3 times.
53. Have spent over 20 hours on a plane flight once - Port Moresby to San Francisco via Brisbane, Auckland and LA.  Thank goodness I only had Renee with me at the time.  I think 3 kids would have been horrible.
54. I love traveling this big big world and meeting people from all over 
55. I have lived in 6 different countries. Indonesia, Japan, PNG, Australia,  USA and Thailand.
56. I Love Vegemite (missed it so much while in US).  Drove to the "Down Under Trading Co. in Cambria, CA to the buy vegemite  just so I could be a "happy little Vegemite as happy as can be...."
57. South Africa has always fascinated me and I hope to go there one day!
58. Regret relaxing/straightening my hair. - Miss my curls and fuzz!
59. My children are my gifts from God.  Blessings to help me grow in Christ and in turn raise them in a way that brings God glory
60. I have learnt from my children that I do not know everything and that they are their own people.
61. I'm thankful that my children are healthy.
62. Raising kids is a challenge.  Full of trials and rewarding moments. Hats off to the single parents - don't know how you do it
63. I worry that my children will not know their heritage because we are away from Papua New Guinea, our language our culture
64. but also thrilled for the opportunity they have to see the world - different people, different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life.
65. my family is complete(d) - 2 girls and a boy!
66. I love to read. Any and every genre but I especially enjoy Sidney Sheldon novels, Beverly Lewis's stories and her insight of the Amish and any "self-help book"
67. I love anything coffee - coffee drinks, coffee cake, coffee ice cream - coffee anything!
68. I love Starbucks - especially the Iced Caramel Machiato and now the Green Tea Latte
69. I drove from Bakersfield to Long Beach CA once - hate the I5 but had to take my daughter to a Cheer Competition. 
70. Yes I was once a Cheer Mum!
71. I hate Starbucks - it's a rip off but I still buy it!
72. Been to the Grand Canyon - impressive work of nature.  Also been to Hoover Dam - impressive work of man.
73. Enjoyed Las Vegas - I had never gambled before but did.  Won $100, lost $100.
74. Visited Elvis' Mansion in Graceland and saw his collection of gold and platinum records, classy cars and weird "jump suits".  Quite the eccentric !  But love his voice and songs - I guess that's all that matters!  
75. Visited the site where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated - the Lorraine Motel.  It's now the Human Rights Museum in Memphis.  My kids were with me and I'm thankful for the history lesson they received that day. 
76. Visited Washington D.C.  Beautiful!  Been on the top of the Washington Monument - awesome view. Been outside the perimeter of the Whitehouse - and was in awe of the power that it projects, just the building.
77. Visited Arlington Cemetery and all the War memorials -  walked away realizing that "freedom is not free".
78. Seen the side of the Pentagon that was hit  by the hijacked plane on 9/11.  Now there is a beautiful memorial there.
79. Love Disneyland California - oh how we become like little children.  But love Walt Disney World in Florida even more.  Especially "Animal Kingdom". I was impressed with the way it is set up. It is like a little town of it's own..
80. New York excited me but I wouldn't want to live there.  Great views from the Rockefeller Plaza.  The Toys R' Us in the city was crazy - I've never seen a "ferris wheel" in a store.  C-R-A-Z-Y! 
81. Time Square - unbelievable, incredible - yellow cab center of the world!
82. Visited ground zero while in New York - somber experience. I didn't know how to explain to my children what happened there when they asked me.  But just told them straight.  My girls were 7 & 3 years old when we visited.
83. The Statue of Liberty is truly a great symbol - whatever it may mean to you
84. I cook because I have too.  not because I enjoy it.
85. I do enjoy baking though - didn't think I would but I have surprised myself.
86. Miss my "pre motherhood" body!
87. I Love the NBA. I love the LA Lakers - Go Lakers
88. I'm a sportsaholic - I'd rather watch a game - basketball, netball, cricket, rugby (union and league) swimming - any game really then go shopping
89. I procrastinate - major, major procrastinator
90. I love my IPOD - got it as a birthday gift from the kids.
91. Enjoy massages- although my first professional massage freaked me out big time - didn't know I had to strip!
92. Love Survivors, Love The Amazing Race and The Amazing Race Asia - you get the drift.  I Love reality TV.  God bless Mark Burnett.
93. I used to love Tom Cruise "until he jumped on the couch!"
94. Proud that I can sponsor my younger siblings to complete their schooling
95. I'm all about family - extensions of the extended family
96. I currently have a maid and a driver - not such an easy thing to transition to.  Can get complicated but I am truly thankful for them.
97. I love TV.  Even if they are repeating programs I'll still watch.
98. I read the book "No Compromise" - the life story of Keith Green way back in the 90's but even today his stance for Holy living still challenges me.
99. I love chocolate - especially chocolate cake.
100. I love being a wife and mommy.

......Kari

It wasn't worth watching - really it wasn't!

So this afternoon we watched the NRL Grand Final.  Neither of the teams that played are teams that I support but I choose to support the Melbourne Storm.  Wrong team to bet on today.  They lost.  And they lost badly - actually they were thrashed, 40 to Nil.  What a beating!!

.....Kari

It wasn't worth watching - really it wasn't!

So this afternoon we watched the NRL Grand Final.  Neither of the teams that played are teams that I support but I choose to support the Melbourne Storm.  Wrong team to bet on today.  They lost.  And they lost badly - actually they were thrashed, 40 to Nil.  What a beating!!

.....Kari