:::1 Mile of Walking + A Bunch of Escalators + Two Trains:::

You don't tell me what I can't do, baby.

"...And I Shall Not Be Shamed"

Love it.

:::Hairy Chested Swedes Doing Dishes in the Rain While Listening to Their iPods:::

The screen protectors and silicone case thing-y for my iPod finally arrived. No more flour in my home button.

Cab ride in the ra-hain.

Last week, Cuff Link Fred told me that he loved my pink chest hair. Hardy, har, har, Cuff Link Fred.

Waaaallander. I just want to give him a hug and tell him everything will be o-tay. Bless him.

Too much of my life.

:::Nurseryyy:::

I am thankful that the parents of our nursery children take the time to thank us for our service. It is quite a bit of work, and we're always wondering if we're doing enough, or making any lasting difference in their lives.

It makes me particularly happy when they let me know that their children talk about nursery all week long in a positive way. Imagine that! One mother took her daughter to an art class near our chapel this week, and when they passed the church the little girl said, 'I want to go to nursery!' When they were done with the class, she said, 'Mom, I just want to to go nursery,' in a 'That was nice, but let's stick with what works' sort of way.

Today one of our regulars didn't show up to class. During the last half hour of church he busted into the room with the biggest smile on his face. We were so excited to see him, and all the kids cheered when he ran in, but a minute later his mom came rushing after him. It turns out he had a runny nose, so she was keeping him out. When she lead him away his little face twisted up and he started wailing. So sad, but it made me happy because he used to hate coming into class each week.

Then we had another parent come and pull out his daughter because she had been coughing, and she cried as well.

Then another little girl cried because her family had to leave early. She used to have zero tolerance for nursery and her mom had to stay in with her every week for both hours. Sometimes she wouldn't come at all. Now she runs in each week talking and smiling and has no problems at all.

It's so nice to see the children enjoying church, and we really are boosted by the appreciation of the parents. I love watching the children grow. I remember when some of our kids were born, so I've seen them develop and change over time. I love that.

One last story. I was sitting in the foyer before church, and one of my little boys was out there with his grandpa. When he saw me he pointed at me and said, 'Dats my nurswy techer.' Oh man, it makes me feel so good when they remember who I am!

I've been in nursery for two years now, and I hope I have at least two more years ahead of me. I love all my little nut job nursery kids. Serving in Primary is the most honest work I do all week.

:::Merry Christmas!:::

And there's Christmas candy at Safeway.

:::Reading Isn't My Backup Plan:::

Book open, head down does not mean 'Please come talk to me, I have nothing better to do than read this dumb book.' 

It means, 'I'm trying to read. I want to be engaged in this activity. This is what I want to be doing right now. Please stop talking to me. I'm already doing something.'

It's not that I'm anti-social, it's just that when I'm reading, I'm reading. Reading.

Reading.