To Do Lists

I like them. I like feeling like I've got things organized and under control. I leave a little box to allow myself the pleasure of an oh-so satisfying checkmark. Beautiful!
Tonight I was feeling the need for a high quality to-do list. Let's ease the stress by staying organized. Keep those checks coming.

Things to do this weekend:
Mop the floor.
Make banana bread.
Plan for the presentation.
Mark the math tests.
Go to the gym.
Dust. (What? Dust? I must be getting old)
Plan for the next two weeks.
Read.
Make a practice plan.
Call Grandma.
Go grocery shopping.
Write on the blog...

After musing on my classic list, I decided to back up and start again. All of these will get done at some point (okay, maybe not the dusting), but sometimes my little mundane checklists swallow up the best stuff. So let's try again.

Things to do this weekend:
Find ways to love practically.
Take time to care for people.
Be passionate about what you're doing.
Stay in touch.
Jesus loves me deeply, know this deeply today.
Pray.
Be reminded of grace...live humbly.
Smile freely.
Pay extra attention to the old and the young.
Sing!
See beauty and truth around you.
Listen.
And call your Grandma.

Chances are, I won't end up with a bunch of oh-so satisfying checkmarks on the revised list. I don't need them. But I do need the constant reminder to live intentionally, with passion, and with a heart for the Kingdom.

What's on your to-do list this weekend?

The Tuesday Times

Sigh. Where did the first three weeks of November go?! The days have felt very much "on the go". Here are a few pieces of the life and times of Hong Kong Harm this week...
-I can't get enough of Simon Webbe (thanks, Steve!).
-Tonight I tried to disprove my feeling about Cantonese food, and failed again. I went to a shop down the road, hopeful that maybe I could find a great dish, maybe something that resembled the AMAZING food I found in Hubei (mainland China). The first thing on the menu was "Imitated Dog Meat". That should have been my first clue. After trying to order "mixed vegetables" and having two different dishes that looked too close to the aforementioned meat, I walked home and ate a bagel with cheese....
-Despite my displeasure with the Chinese food, my neighbourhood has awesome Thai and Vietnamese food. SO GOOD.
-One of my favorite fellows in Hong Kong is named Tom. He is one of the security guards in my building. His English is "in progress" and he's about 50 years old. The other day when I walked in, he gave me a great big smile and said, "OH!!! I haven't seen you in AGES!!!" It was pretty cute.
-I splurged and bought a $125 IKEA sofa bed this past weekend. Now I have more space to host my visitors (that could be you!!!)....
-Speaking of visitors, it's only 9 days until the Canadian fellows arrive in Hong Kong!!! I can't wait. It's quite surreal and I'm sure it will feel that way when I pick them up at the airport. Good times ahead- you know the first place we'll eat? Definitely the Imitated Dog Meat Shop. :)
-Last week I spent three days at Gr. 5/6 camp. It was a beautiful spot. Bamboo groves, banana trees and geckos!! Slightly different than good ol' Kenosee (Kenosee's got it beat by far). The meals were as gross as I have ever experienced. Let's just say Ellen and Laura were not in the kitchen. Other than not eating, it was a fun time. My first time counseling 20 Gr. 5 girls. :) I was acting out of my dimension by being the rescuer from all the unwelcomed creepy crawlies...as well as a plugged shower drain that flooded half the cabin. Good times....
-We have parent-teacher interviews on Thursday and Friday. I know it will be good, but I'm a bit anxious.
-Tonight in the gym I met a Hong Kong-born man who went to school at Campbell Collegiate in Regina. Weird.
-Hoofta. I'm tired. I'll sign off here. So long from Hong Kong....

Happy One Hour?!

Following a very satisfying Indian buffet meal last night, a friend and I did what all logically thinking people should do- go for a foot massage. There are little upstairs shops calling your name everywhere here. Literally- Harrrrmoooony!!! Come on up for a piece of heaven! How could I refuse?
This time a little lady gave us a "Happy One Hour" ad and coerced us upstairs. I did have a happy one hour practicing Mandarin and laughing a lot with my massage lady, but the massage was evil! I was writhing in pain most of the time. And the funny (?) part was that she was getting a great kick out of it. As she dug into my feet and I squealed, she looked at me with a big smile and said, "NO PAIN, NO GAIN!" I couldn't help but laugh and say, ooooookay then! No pain, no gain!!! They are all about the reflexology here, so apparently as she was digging a hole in the bottom of my foot she was fixing something in my liver. I don't really get it but hey, my liver appreciates it!

SO Good.

The boys in the tight pants, hippy shirts and funky/greasy? hair do's were in town tonight! I joined the masses in packing out an auditorium for a United Live show. It was awesome. I went on my own, and joined in with the Chinese, who belted out every song with all their might- offkey, broken English, it didn't matter. They were right fired up and I couldn't help but join the madness. The band was great, and it was so refreshing to be a part of such a spirit-filled time of praise. They pumped out the best of the best (but aren't they all the best?! I rarely find a song I don't enjoy). I was especially excited because they brought the lone gal along. I believe her name is Mia Fieldes. She's my favorite. It's too bad she only had one solo (Til I See You)- her voice is so beautiful! Salvation is Here and Take it All were rockin'. I'm glad I went. It was sweet encouragement for the spirit! I hope they make another stop in HK!

A picture of perseverance and community

This past weekend in Hong Kong, 4000 enduring and determined souls entered The Oxfam Trailwalker. It is an event hosted by Oxfam, a worldwide charitable organization fighting poverty around the globe. The race is held in major cities across the world.
The race is on a 100 km trail that runs through the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. That is something that is pretty great about Hong Kong. Despite the cosmopolitan/concrete glare of the city, only minutes away you can find yourself on a gorgeous hiking trail. 4 people to a team complete the race, and each team has a support team to help them along the way. Each team raises money in support of Oxfam.
One of my friends from school asked me to be a part of his support team for one of the checkpoints. It was a really neat experience. I met a bunch of random people, stuck together for a few hours for the sake of cheering on the team and supplying whatever they needed for their journey! We drove ahead of them and prepared Gatorade, Mountain Dew, bananas, salt tablets, pasta, changes of clothes, vaseline for blisters, etc. They stopped in for about 10 minutes, and off they went. They finished the race in 26 hours, starting at 9am the first morning and crossing the finish line at 11am the next day! Incredible!!! The fastest team in the race finished with a time of 12 hours. They have a support team that actually runs the race alongside of them, and they run almost the entire time. I can't even imagine their level of fitness, and the intensity of their determination! One of the girls I met on the support team finished The Trailwalker last year, and it took them 41 hours. They walked through 2 nights. What an accomplishment!
I am thankful for the refreshed picture of perseverance that Drew and his team gave me this weekend! And, the great image brought to life of togetherness- coming alongside brothers and sisters to cheer them on, give them a boost, a shot of energy and encouragement to just keep on keepin' on.
Some of you are dear members of my support team! I need you. Thanks for lifting me up and pushing me along on the race.
Press on!

The Nemesis

The last couple of weeks have been a blur. There are a few reasons for this, but the most significant being report card time. Here are my thoughts in regard to this:
Oh Report Cards
How I despise you so
You are
Annoying
Long
Grouchy
And I don't like you.
I'm glad you are
Gone
Gone
Gone
Ha! My brain is so fizzled that a misfit of words such as that was upchucked. Sorry about that.
Okay, I confess it's really not the fault of Report Cards. If you know me, you know my preference would be to....wait for it....and then wait a little longer...shoot a few hoops...drink some coffee....send an email...eat chocolate..take a nap....you got it- the word is procrastinate. It is my finest art form, really. Truthfully, I didn't procrastinate as much as usual. I'm making progress, as I'm pushed by being responsible for more than just myself. Shooooot!
Anyway, I'm finished, and that feels good. I'm short on sleep and looking forward to regaining clarity in the coming days! The dishes have been washed and laundry is on the go. Things are looking up! A refill of patience and energy will be needed as next week I will take on the role of camp counselor. Three days with 20 Grade 5 girls! Woooo! It's time for Grade 5/6 camp. I think it will be fun, but I know it's going to be tiring, too.
I've had super weekends lately. The last being a two day women's retreat hosted by my church. The speaker was so good. I was refreshed and challenged by her thoughts on the love of Jesus. And wow, was she ever funny. A treat to listen to for a weekend, that's for sure!
The weekend before that I was in Singapore. I have more to say about that, but in short, I laughed A LOT, soaked up time with a treasured friend from home and enjoyed a quick trip to a new place.
Anyway, there you have it. That's the life and times of Hong Kong Harm. I'd love to hear from you; I am missing you. Yes, YOU!
PS: Go Riders.

The Incredibles in Grade 5

Forget "body systems". Bring on THE INCREDIBLE HUMAN BODY!!!!
Want to go back to Grade 5? Ohhhh yeah. Goooood times!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and INCREDIBLY made. Your works are wonderful; I know this full well."
-Psalm 139:14

Singapore

Bouncing

Oh, I am so excited!!! I can't wait!!! In approximately 25 hours, Singapore with Sher 2006 begins!! Tomorrow after school, I'll head for the airport and catch a 3 hour flight to the isle of Singapore. One of my best buds, the one and only Sherri Kasper of Regina, Saskatchewan, is taking a bus from Kuala Lumpur to meet me in Singapore for a couple days. I arrive on Friday night and fly back to Hong Kong early Monday morning.
I've read a bit about Singapore (and I'll be careful to leave the Hubba Bubba at home) and I'm looking forward to enjoying a new place and a change of scenery for a couple of days, but the location is mostly irrelevant- it's all about the chats with a good friend from home. That cannot be beaten. I can't wait!!!!!

Praying with 10-year olds

We start everyday at our school with devotionals in each classroom. At the end of the devo, I ask the kids if they have things they would like to pray about, whether it's a thanks or a request, whatever. This little prayer time makes me smile everyday. Somehow 10 year olds make prayer a whole lot more simple, and that's helpful to me.
In Grade 5, we usually pray about birthday parties, our big brother's birthday party, and our second cousin's birthday party too, tiredness, sore knees, wrists and necks, that our cousins would have fun at Disneyland, bothersome mosquito bites, the Gr. 6's upcoming swim meet or practice, that it wouldn't rain, for our parents that are traveling a lot, basketball tryouts and for our band and spelling tests.
Prayer request time usually ends with the same student saying, and let's pray that we have a really good day!
Any birthday parties coming up soon that you would like prayer for?! Let us know!

It's Still 27 Degrees

What's your weather like in Canada these days?
It is 10:25PM, and the temperature is 27 degrees. Everyday, the temperature falls between 24-28 degrees, and the humidity hovers around 80-90%. I think that I must have adjusted because it doesn't feel that hot anymore. I am enjoying the fact that I have yet to put on a jacket in this place. Sweet!

Import Playground

Hong Kong plays host to a huge spectrum of people, thus the range of imported goods is quite fantastic. My fridge is having a multicultural party! I have South African juice, cookies from New Zealand, Aussie beef, and good ol' American Kraft Dinner, and my favorite, Corn Bran. Mmmm. Oh, and since I'm talking about foreign food, the other day the Aussie staff member treated me to Vegemite. That was the first and LAST time I will ever, ever eat that incredibly foul yuck. Sick! He thought it was funny; I was ready to hurl. However, I digress. Back to the imported food discussion. Yesterday I had a brilliant moment of national pride as I was strolling through the grocery store. The store has devoted the month of October to a "Canadian Food Festival". Ha. So they are selling those little bears with the honey inside, all kinds of maple products, other random things I've never cared to eat or pay that much for in Canada, and, wait for it...wait....this is the moment of national pride- bottles of Molson Canadian. Ha! I prefer the cute little honey bears. But wow, you can find anything in this place!

Pulling together...

I love tug-o-war pictures!
Here are my kids, giving it all they got in a spirited uphill battle against the Grade 6's!

Three Cheers for Banana Bread

Yeah! Banana bread is a bonding thing. I have banana bread to thank for the bond I have now have with my amazing, generally non-English speaking janitors at school. They rock. And they dig banana bread in a serious way. Bonded through banana bread, gotta love it.
And, in a most exciting turn of events, I have banana bread to thank for a second bonding experience! I have now officially, after 2 months of living directly next door, met my neighbours! Yaaah! I'm so excited! Here's what I did. I baked banana bread and then, made a bold, very bold, move. I opened my door, took one step and in a moment of brilliance, I knocked on their door. Then, I handed over the goods. Amazing. It was such a huge moment, no wonder it took me 2 MONTHS to do it! And again, banana bread comes through in the clutch. A family of 3, friendly as can be.
Going bananas in HK.....

There is a Hope So Sure

There is a hope so sure...
There is a life so true, a life of love so pure...
There is a life so strong...

And the life that I now live-
No longer is my own.
Jesus lives in me, the hope of glory!!
And each day I live-
No longer is my own.
Jesus lives in me, the the hope of glory!!

This week I'm finding such freedom in this song by Graham Kendrick. Okay, secretly, I could be found standing on my balcony singing at the top of my lungs via my ipod. I guess it's not a secret anymore!
But honestly, I find such joy, freedom and purpose in handing things over to Jesus. Hand it over and give it up for something so much better. I'm reminded that it's not about me, and how often I need that reminder.

Bad Air/Teacher Talk

Howdy from Hong Kong. Though my days at school are generally cheery, the pollution in this place is downright depressing! It's a bad sign when you wake up in the morning, look out the window and hope your heart out that you're looking at stormclouds. Alas, it's just a thick, dark smog. I read that the air pollution index in Mong Kok (a ten minute bus ride away) was 80 yesterday. That sounds bad, doesn't it?! Again, take an extra deep breath of Canadian air for me, okay?!
This week a director from Sask. Ed. is here to inspect, or basically just check on us here in Hong Kong. Being a new teacher, I am on the list to be inspected! I haven't been observed in the classroom for awhile- not since the days of my internship. As hard as I try to relax completely and just be myself, there is something a bit unnerving about being watched while you teach. Maybe once I'm a teaching vet, it won't phase me at all.
It always proves to be a valuable experience, though. Though it brings some anxiety, it reminds me of some good things. For one, it calls my teaching to greater integrity. If I teach differently when I'm being watched, something is likely off. It also reminds me again of how tempting it is to let someone else's approval become an idol. I wish it weren't so easy to give into allowing another human being to give me their stamp of approval so that I feel validated, or to give a boost to the ego. It's a good gut check to strive for a genuine and humble spirit, one that cares more about the kids I'm teaching than what someone else thinks of my teaching.
Anyway, I did have my observation today, and it was fine. Not out of this world, but it was okay. Next time I'll do something with a little more action. The dialogue that followed was helpful and constructive. So despite the touch of anxiety, I will book in a couple more observations with my administration. It's a great way to get better- and I want that!
Did I mention I'm coaching the Sr. Boy's Basketball team again this year? I'm coaching with another gal, Jill. We actually played against each other when I was at the U of R and she was at the U of S. Okay, so I watched her play against my team, but still....:) Ha ha. I think we'll have a lot of fun. That starts up this week so things will get a bit more busy.
And on a final sidenote, have I confessed my love for squash?! Not the vegetable. I can't imagine the fun in chasing a little ball around a court. Wow. It's tremendous! I had an exhilirating game this afternoon!

From The Corner of Pak Tai Street and Sung Wong Toi Road

The other night I was working out in the gym and I started to take in the view. The gym is on the second floor and it is open to the street corner, with big tall windows.

From the corner of Pak Tai Street and Sung Wong Toi Road, I can see an old man in his pj's and slippers. He's standing under the Dance Academy sign and swinging his arms back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. He is smoking a pipe and likes to stretch on the fire hydrant. He seems happy.
From the corner, I can see little Cantonese children in their school uniforms. They are clutching the hand of their domestic helper, usually a Phillipino woman. I wonder how long the parents work and I wonder about the Phillipino woman's family at home.
From the corner, I can see sleek looking professionals in suit jackets and shiny shoes, coming home late at night. It's too late for supper. They seem weary.
From the corner, I can see a weathered woman pushing a big cart with chestnuts in a wok, and sweet potatoes in a coal bin. She's trying to make it across the street. She's just trying to make it by.
From the corner, I can see mountains as a backdrop to the drama of the city. They must find this city an interesting storyline.
From the corner, I can see the hotel on the corner with the wanna-be Western restaurant, where many sightseers from the mainland come to stay. It has tacky plastic red roses on the tables. They bug me everytime I walk by.
From the corner, I can see red and green topped mini-buses, swerving ambitiously along the road, sprinting to keep up with the pace of the city. The cutely British looking red taxis tag along, too.
From the corner, I can see technicolor lights flashing and dancing against skinny highrises. The lights of the city never die.
From the corner, I can see the lasting flavors of a British colony- traffic skating on the left and English labels conveniently alongside the Chinese.
From the corner, I can see my little piece of Hong Kong.

Five Stars

Two new favorites. Highly recommended!
Most played songs so far-
From Tomlin's, How Can I Keep From Singing, Everlasting God, and Let Mercy Rain.
From Mayer's, The Heart of Life and Vultures.

Christmas Here, New Year's There

Christmas Here:


New Year's There:



My flights were confirmed today! Yippee! I am scheduled to arrive in Aizawl on Christmas Eve, and then Mom, Dad, Autumn and Andrew and I will spend a few days in Kathmandu, Nepal around New Year's. Exciting!!! I don't imagine we will make it up to the top of ol' Everest :), but we hope we might just catch a glimpse of the wonder!

I've got to include Lonely Planet's dreamy introduction to the country:

Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination.
It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.

Thanks

There are no signs of Thanksgiving in my part of the world. Some blogs have commented on the fresh, crisp air, the color changing leaves and the turkey on the way. From my window, I anticipate the continued hot, sticky air, and I see green, leafy, full trees. Turkey? Probably not. Dim Sum? Of course! There are no signs of fall to be seen in Hong Kong. Maybe that's why I forgot that Canadian Thanksgiving was this weekend.
Regardless, earlier this week I was bombarded by a random flood of thankfulness, so I'm glad to share in the gridblog.
I was thinking about my siblings a lot this week. I love each one of you very much. I am so glad to be a part of my family, to be called a "sister". It is so great to have 3 big brothers, and a big sister that is like a best friend. What a sweet thing.
My heart aches for my nieces and nephews these days. I am so thankful for each one of them. Have you seen them?! They are one of the very, very best parts of my life. I regret, so much, that I am missing out on another 2 years of their little lives, but I'm so proud to be their Aunty, even if I'm really far away. (Tear, tear, tear) I love being an Aunty.
I'm thankful, too, for Mom and Dad and my Grandparents.
Why am I crying through my blog on thankfulness?! Gosh! Funny what happens when your heart starts settling in on your blessings. Mom, Dad- you are at the top of the list. You have been so good to me.
I am thankful to have a handful of friends that could be called family. Lifers!
I am thankful for the amazing women that have blessed my life many times over, like Barb and Laura.
I am thankful for great memories.
I am so thankful that I have a knee that works right, for the most part. It hasn't always been this way, and I rejoice in the fact that I can gleefully chase birdies and squash balls and tennis balls, play softball and football and basketball...
And oh, that brings me to sports. I am so thankful for sports. I love sports, I love softball, I love football, I love tennis. Soooo good.
I am really thankful to be a teacher. I am thankful to spend my days doing something that I enjoy and feel passionate about. I am thankful that I am surrounded by such a great community here at CAIS, and that I have many people to learn from and grow with here.
I am thankful to be called a child of God.
I am thankful to have the chance to live overseas and enjoy so much of the world.
I am thankful for the Word- it breathes life into me and gives me hope and direction.
I am thankful for music, in all its forms (minus Beijing Opera). It blesses me daily.
I think I will rest here, and try to rest in thankfulness this weekend. (I'm thankful for the weekend, too!)