I ♥ Africa

This girl was born to travel. If there were one place that I could choose to spend more time in, it would be in an airport. There's just something about it. Maybe, that it's filled with new and interesting people to meet, high priced souvenirs to gawk at and plenty of adventure to be had!

I haven't gone to many places, but the places I have been to will forever hold a special, envious place in my heart.

Over the next few blogs, I shall tell the story of each place I have been. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to get off of your country's soil and seek out the world. It is an amazing place.

Africa, age 15:

I went with my dad to Ghana, Africa during my freshman year of high school. In my opinion, if any parent wants to impart the importance of thankfulness and contentment to their teenager, I think they should ship 'em to Africa for ten days or more.

The initial impressions I had, of this country so close to the equator, were the smells. After fighting my way through the airport personnel and stray Africans trying to make money by carrying my luggage, I was hit by the heavy air. I'd never in my life smelled anything like it- a mixture of what I can closely describe as pot and body odor. Africa is hot and the air is saturated with human sweat.

Unfortunately, or not, mine and my dad's luggage were left in Germany, our pit-stop to Ghana. But, the insurance he had (it had been his twenty-something trip and knew the chances of lost luggage) provided us $500 for each piece of luggage that did not arrive within 24 hours. We had four pieces each; also, the airlines gave us $100 each for the "inconvenience". Then, $1,200 was worth about 1.3 million Cedes, in exchange. We had to carry around our money in backpacks- the only condition for the insurance was that we had to spend the money before we left. Psh.

Obviously, Africa is a poor country. But, the reality of how poor it is doesn't sink in until you can see the depression for yourselves. Americans, or more specifically- Caucasians, are free game for any African. Don't take this the wrong way, Ghana is probably the safest country a 15 year old white girl could visit. Crime involving another human, is low; their crimes are more like stealing and cheating- ways to survive. What I mean by "free game" is that Africans see white skin and think money/prosperity. So, they will do anything to obtain that money. Be it marriage, service or begging. {Begging on the streets of LA is nothing, nothing compared to the begging in Africa}.

The women in our group were proposed to dozens of times a day. Men, hoping to marry a white American and go to "the Land of Milk and Honey" would demand marriage. And, the bigger the woman, the better. When you live off of $1 a month, you don't have a lot of food to eat and are, thus, hungry and skinny. Imagine what a larger American says to a skinny African.

Anyway, I digress. With the money we had, we were able to bless everyone (almost) that came into our path. My shoes were also left in Germany; so we went to buy shoes. In the store were two women, one pregnant and both with small children. We were able to buy the mothers, children and children-to-be multiple pairs of shoes. I doubt that they had ever been given any gift so costly and so unattached to any conditions. Well, that's not entirely true. We did offer the opportunity for salvation- another precious gift.

In another store, PEP, we found that a boy had been caught shop lifting clothes. He had been taken in the back of the store and was being beaten by the personnel. My dad, being my personal hero, went back to investigate. He stopped the beating, spoke to the little boy (via a translator) and had him apologize. Then, before we left, he purchased the little boy and entire new wardrobe: pants, shirts, shoes, socks, underwear and made him promise not to steal anything else. I think the words my dad used were, "From now on, you are not to steal. Instead, you must ask Jesus to give you what you need and He will give it to you."

At every stop light, we handed out bills to women and their children with large bottles of water.

For me, though, the most interesting and touching part of the entire trip was when we were able to visit Akosombo, a village right out of the pages of a National Geographic magazine. The women, expecting our visit and crusade, made sure to cover their bare breasts. Ohhhh, the children of that village! They were so small and beautiful. Whilst the other team members were bathing in antibacterial lotion, all I could do was sit on the ground and let their little hands touch my skin. They had never seen a white adolescent before and wanted to know if the white would rub off. One little girl let me hold her. I will never, as long as I live, forget her deep brown eyes and her soft skin and she hesitantly let me scoop her into my arms.

There are so many more memories that I have of Africa. But, why spill the beans when I could let you experience your own? Twice a year, my dad goes to Africa in an effort to minister to those who need salvation and provide medicine/water/food to those who can't afford it. If you want to help out, or go to Africa yourself. Email me at nomzaran@yahoo.com for information and I will be happy to send you some!

Truly, one can become so comfortable with life that it is easy to forget the needs of others. Africa taught me one lesson above all others, I. Am. Blessed. Some day, when Malachi is old enough to stay with his grandparents, I want.need.desire.beg. to return and help, once more, the nation that captured my heart.

-Sazaran

Family Ties

John, Sam and I are all three years apart. Our childhood together was interesting. Being pastor's kids and under constant teaching from the Bible, we fought more than a couple a canibals over the last love handles of a fat kid. I'm not kidding.

John once hit me in the face with a doll house, causing one of my baby teeth to die and turn grey.

I got back at him a decade later by almost running him over with my VW Jetta.

When Sam was just a little bun in the oven, I remember getting into trouble for something and being sent to my room "to pray about it". Rather, I prayed (knowing that Sam was a boy) for a little sister. I begged for a little sister. I guess my penance was the unchanged gender of my little brother.

So, I got him back. Sam surely got the worst of it. John and I were ruthless. We once gave him a wedgie so extreem that his underwear ripped in half (we each got a side, lifted him up and shook him until he fell to the floor, comando-style); got him to eat yellow snow by explaining that we had made ice-cones in the front yard; convinced him he was adopted; I dressed both of them up in old lingerie, complete with a makeover and red toenails (yes, I got the lecture from Dad that boys do not wear dresses and makeup).

All in all, I'd say we were fairly normal kids. And our parents were concerned. Psh.

Today, we are far from the harmonious family that my parents worked so hard to raise. However, we do stand up for eachother when it comes down to the wire. I may talk crap about Sam and give John a hard time every time I see him. But, I do love 'em and am grateful for them.

I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers. It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage. Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at. ~Maya Angelou

♫ Happy Birthday, My Sweet Girl

My sweet girl turned four this morning. Technically, she doesn’t turn four until around 6pm tonight.

Miss Kyanne:

She wasn’t planned. This little diva of mine, was a birth control baby. Determined to join us, and change my life, she’s left me wondering what I ever did without her. Bouncing blonde hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a crooked smile that will send you to heaven in a moment, she is the light in my day. I couldn’t ask for a better toddler. With the exception of her quirky texture issues (she refuses to sit on the grass, eat certain foods due to texture, and wear certain fabrics), she is the easiest child ever born. She is my strength when I feel like I cant go on. She is innocent, brave, and already, my hero. This little girl, is a rockstar. Not only does she love every bit of music she can get, but she can sing in tune, dance to a beat, and never ever misses the chance to say "turn it up a big one, mamma!". Never stop dancing, angel, never. Lover of shoes, hater of actually wearing them, and fashionista already, this girl, is all girl. But one of the toughest you’ll ever meet. Is there a better combination?? Her laughter is forever contagious, and her heart is nothing but sweet. Something about the way she looks when she sleeps, is home, no matter where we are.

My sweet girl, my world begins and ends with you. I cant believe it has been four years. My baby, I cant wait to see you grow, pray over you while you dream, and love you while you change. Youre my rock. I am so proud of you.

It’s on days like this that I am reminded that I am exactly where I need to be, right now. I am blessed to have such amazing people around me, that are willing to adopt me, my girls, and my family, regardless of history or fault. On this day, I am reminded that:

I have the coolest sister ever.

Kyanne woke up this morning and said "I caught FOUR today", and then "I want to wear my pink dress and yellow shoes", that apparently, my sister is hunting down today, just because that’s exactly what my baby wants. That, and she remembered to call us first thing this morning to wish miss Kyanne a happy birthday. Kyanne, in return, sang to her entire office on speaker phone, one of her favorite songs. Miss Danielle leaps at the opportunity to spend time with my girls, and rarely considers it a task. PLUS, the girls have her hair. Thanks for passing that along my dear.

The girs are blessed with an awesome gramma and grampa

Regardless of my current lifestyle, my mom and dad continue to step in and be the best grandparents they can be. Braving two toddlers at one time regularly, getting their pretty little hairs cut, and spoiling them with truck rides, horse and dirty barn adventures, and candy, God put them on earth to be grandparents, there is no doubt.

Miss Theresa

Somehow, the strength in this lady, is contagious. Not only did she step in and take my girls as her own, she is passing along amazing manners, one on one interaction, park adventures, and anything their little hearts desire. She treats them like they are her own, greets us with a smile every morning, misses them when theyre gone, and still has this southern drawl that me and the girls cannot get enough of. She’s one of the prettiest people I know, both inside and out, and her beauty runs deep. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

My bestest best friend ever, and family in tow

Not only does my best friend love me regardless, she loves my girls with everything in her. Not only that, but her mom, and entire family, have taken them on as their own little girls. "Gramma Jo", and her brothers, mean the world to my girls. We’ve always had duplicate Christmas’, birthdays, and holidays. They are my second family, and have proven, that it’s not the blood that makes you family, but the love that flows between you.

Mah Boy

The absolute best jungle gym around, "Brand-it" lets them climb all over them, cuddle him until their eyes are heavy, and throws them higher in the air than anybody. Oh their laughs when he’s around, I cant get enough. Being the best hugger ever, he swooped Kyanne up in his arms this morning and wished her happy birthday. Plus, his dog, being the cutest puppy ever, got them out of bed for me this morning. I am lucky to have found such an amazing guy.

Miss Cindy

"Brandit’s" mom. Her and I are new friends, and it seems, that we have an awful lot in common. She has stepped in and adopted every piece of me, and everything I love in my life, and taken them on as her own. She holds the strength of an army, being the glue that holds everything together, she stands tall, even when the weight on her shoulders is impossible to bear. Her family is the most warm, loving, and accepting place, that I’ve ever visited.

My Co-Workers

I am reminded every day that I love my job. I wouldn’t trade my job for anything right now. It’s not only what I do though, it’s the people I work with. My cube partners, my copy girls, my IT dudes, my co-blogger, and my Chad...are lifesavers, shoulders to cry on, supporters, and encouragers. They are an army behind me, regardless of my life outside of work. I couldn’t make it through the day, without every single one of them. Plus, when I bring my girls around, they spoil them rotten.

The list could go on and on and on...but this blog is getting lengthy. It’s amazing how life has a way of showing you exactly where you need to be. I am surrounded by people that love and accept me for me, and proving, that the decisions I’ve made are taking me in all the right directions. Im surrounded by love. So much, that it’s overwhelming. Thank you for making my little girls day something special.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

Haaaaaaiiiir

It's been a tough week for me- emotionally, mentally, moodily. I've wanted to crawl into a hole and wait until the world blows to pieces (all of my most loved people and friends with me, of course). I can even think of a few sayings and hand gestures for those who I feel have made my week so bad.

Thank God for hairstylists.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels all of life's grunge wash down the drain whilst the the stylist cleanses my hair with über-nice smelling shampoo and conditioner so soft you'd swear a caterpillar were in the bottle making the stuff from its silk.

I've always thought of a hairstylist like a bar tender. They are great listeners. You sit in their comfy chair, read their gossip magazines and let your insides spill. And they just nod and snip. Nod and snip. And, if you have an angel for a hairstylist, you know your insides won't be spread around the town.

Then comes the cut. If there were ever a better way to let a little change slip into life, without wreaking havoc, it's with a haircut. Just think: your hair goes every where you go (uh-duh) and can even seem as baggage. You know, that day when you got fired and then your dog almost bit your kid? Your hair was there... and cutting a little bit of it off is like cutting a little bit of those bad experiences off. With new possibilities growing in.

Ahhhhhh, if I had enough money, I would never do my own hair. I would just visit my stylist every few days and let her work her therapy.

So, this is just a shout-out to Sierra at Chella Bellas. You. Are. Amazing. Thank you for helping me cut off this week, this weather and this sour mood. I love my hairs! And as Miss Ashley would put it, "I think I have a crush on my hair". Nomz loves her, too, and you'll know why when you see her golden tresses sparkle in the sun.

Sierra, even though I'm moving (sniff) I will tell everyone I can (in a reasonable vicinity) to let you work your magic on them.

SRSLY, people. She's the beeeeeest.

♫ Am I a "Wine-O"? Not Yet!

It’s dawned on my recently, I love wine.

Ok, she sheepishly admits, I’ve liked it for a really long time. But, I’ve always heard "Wine-O" in a bad way. Like, enjoying wine, makes me more of a girl. Well, enough people have told me lately that I need to be more of a girl anyway, watch me go.

Wine coolers do not count. Sorry. I’d rather drink beer, thanks.

Wine though, is absolutely satisfying. I have five favorites.

#1. Boones Farm. Truly. There is something about being able to buy an entire bottle of wine for five big bucks. And it tastes like punch with a punch. And there is absolutely nothing better in the world, than drinking it with my best friend while we giggle ourselves apart. Yes, even us tough girls do that every now and then. Plus, this tasty little concoction was introduced to me in college, and im a little bit attached.

#2. Electra. There are several shades, apparently, and the two I’ve had are pretty awesome. Mah boy introduced it to me on Valentine’s Day, and I’ve developed a bit of an addiction to it. It might hold some sentimental value, but Im pretty sure the stuff just rocks.

#3. Pink Truck. I have no idea where my bestest best friends boyfriend got this stuff. He got it for the bottle, and the stuff was a grand half way mark of red and white. I drank almost the whole bottle, including the glass shards, by myself.

#4. The orange stuff. I really cannot remember how this came up, or what the stuff is called, but the women im beginning to love more and more all the time introduced this fabulous wine to me and my sister in the biggest wine glasses I’ve ever seen. Actually, I didn’t realize they were big until I saw how much of the bottle fit in them. Anyway, we asked her what kind it was, and all I remember, is my sister telling us four times that it was the orange stuff.

#5. The kind I haven’t discovered yet. That’s right. I plan on, in the near future, buying myself a pretty little wine rack for my perfect little corner in my kitchen, and becoming quite the connoisseur. I want to be the swirling, sniffing, lip tapping, wine tasting snob that you see in all those fancy restaurants. I want to cook with wine. I want to dine with wine. I want to be a girl about wine. Wonder if it comes with that cool accent that you see in all the movies? Do they bottle English accents?? Hmmm.

Please do list your favorites to get me started. I know plenty of you drink it regularly, I’ve seen your super cool wine racks and collections. Help this girl in the making, out.

Yours Truly,
Nomz

PS. If anybody can find me that cork screw, the "orange stuff", or another bottle of Pink Truck, I will heart you forever.

Let it be

I feel, ironically, the need for some serious alone time. Maybe, a secluded forest or a deserted island. Some place where Thoughts come easily, unhindered and in the company of Resolution. I'm in a slump- this is what change does to me. Like I've said, I can handle the slight changes that do not rearrange the cosmos- hair color, wardrobe, living room arrangements. But, this whole moving thing has really brought an overcast to my brand new summer. Ugh.

I can't help but think, during these precarious days, about what could have been.

What if I had married the other one? (To those of you reading this, I am not referring to what you think...)

What if I had given birth to a different, easier baby? One that doesn't need to be held constantly or would wean easily.

What if I had stuck with my choice in college, rather than taking the easy way out?

I'm plagued with these thoughts. With barely a soul to confide in- for fear of making their own burden of Life a little heavier. This blog is just a way for me to get those thoughts out. It seems that the more I harbor them and dwell on what didn't happen, the more restless and discontented I feel. Musing over and over, this last week, I've come to realize that there is no point- absolutely none- in wishing or dreaming of what could have been. What is now is what I have been given.

What good would it do to study every blade on the other side of the fence? Would I want any other life? Who knows what I would have been unsatisfied by, then? With those other choices? Might I have been the same person I am now? Would I be happy? Or as happy as I am now?

The Lord knows best and I must trust His providence. Let it be.

When I find myself in times of trouble, Jesus comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness He is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

I've listened to this over and over. It's so calming and helpful.

♫ Haz Monday Blues

Monday Blues? This kid’s got’m. And apparently, they’re contagious. That, or my sister has found her own reason to be bluezy. Hmmmm. Either way, because of the melancholy, I have little energy to blog.

So, I will tell you, that I keep a journal with me, literally, everywhere I go. And I don’t write in it every day, it’s not a diary, you wont find any outrageous secrets in that one, but you will find quotes. And lots of’m. I keep a running list of them. I figured I’d share some of my recent ones with you. And I want you to let me know your favorites, both from my list, and those I should add. Enjoy!

"Jealousy isn’t always bad..helps you realize feelings about things that you might not have noticed otherwise-Teh Reese

"It’s always good when you can fight with a boy and still like him afterward." -A!

"Something tells me that the first mousetrap wasn't designed to catch mice at all, but to protect little cheese 'gems' from burglars."

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

"Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!"

"I am determined to bloom where I am planted no matter how rocky the ground."

"The moment we cease to change is the moment we stop living."

"There's always something waiting at the end of the road, if you're not willing to see what it is, you probably shouldn't be out there..."

"It might be hard and it will hurt, but sometimes you have to let go and put things behind you in order to get what you need out of life."

"When he kisses you he isn't doing anything else. You're his whole universe..and the moment is eternal because he doesn't have any plans and isn't going anywhere. Just kissing you...."

"I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you cant handle me at my worst, than you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best." -Marilyn Monroe

"It’s true that we don’t know what we’ve got until we lose it, but it’s also true that we don’t know what we’ve been missing until it arrives."

"He’s so old, his toupee is going bald."

"The really happy woman is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Yours Truly,
Nomz