Bead Necklaces

I haven't posted in a bit. I guess not much to say. I'm at crossroads in my life -- have been for months -- and still have no firm plan. I'm pursuing multiple avenues and still have no solid direction. It's okay. I'm a roll-with-the-punches kind of person. I'm starting to realize that I have not so much control in my life and so I'm just seeing where life takes me. I have plans, ideas, ambitions, and am reaching in so many directions, but it's hard to say what'll happen.
I wanted to turn your attention to Katie's blog (in my directory to the right). "Amazing Katie" is how it is labelled. And I don't give that title often. But this girl will blow your mind. If you don't already read what she's up to in Uganda, you really should. One post, and I'm telling you, you'll be hooked. I've just bought some necklaces from the women she works with. It's money well spent. And I have to think that everyone, regardless of budget, that reads this post can afford it. I bought one for each of the gals in my family. Check it out. If not to buy a necklace, then to be awed and inspired by this remarkable 21-year-old powerhouse.

Good News

I can't believe our good fortune! In a recent email, it was announced that the NIA is doing away with a previous policy which called for visas to have been issued parents could take their kids from the transition home. And now, as long as you don't care how long you are in Ethiopia (I don't) and you are willing to be there without any further support of the agency, then you may pick up your sweet pea once you are deemed an acceptable parent according to Ethiopian courts. Hey! I am so glad to have heard this announcement. For a couple of reasons:
1. I was going to make myself a pain, challenging the policy, and now I can continue being my nice self.
2. I want to live in Ethiopia, and what better reason than to be with my girl?
3. I will take custody of my girl much earlier than I otherwise likely would have. Bonding Bonding Bonding! It's all about the bonding.
4. It's good news. And I can always use a little more good news!
And also, congratulations to the seven NIA families that received referrals in March. Slowly but surely, they are coming.

Easter

Well, Easter is almost here! I'm thrilled to have the week off, and my sister was good enough to keep that baby in her belly, so I get to be at the delivery of her fourth and final munchkin. I've been there for all except number three. I missed her by two days, two years ago. She was born right after I went back to school after spring break. If you met her, you might think it was on purpose. She's a sweet little firecracker, that one. She wasn't named for the first four days of her life. I hope Melanie and Jim are better prepared this time around!
I'm hanging out for the week at my mam's which is nice, because I miss her when I'm home. We get along really well, and have such a good time together. We usually laugh a lot. Usually I'm making the jokes, but today we were playing Scrabble, and it was the end and I was getting crushed, and was on the last turn. And my mam pointed out where I could go, but I said, "I want to find something brilliant." Her response: "Why start now?" Yeah. Boy do I love hanging out with her! ;)
Lent is almost done. I did my hardest ever lent this year. I gave up processed foods. Well, to a point. I mean, I need flour and milk and stuff, and I know they are technically processed, but I didn't count stuff like that. I did count yogurt, cheese, sauces, breads that I didn't make, etc. It was a bit of a famine time at the beginning, but toward the end, I got a little more motivated (by hunger -- I lost about ten pounds in the first three or so weeks), and learned to make pasta, even cheese! But I'll be glad when Sunday rolls around. My plans for the day basically look like a menu: cereal from a box (oh yeah!), croissants for lunch, and the Old Spagetti Factory's browned butter and mizithra cheese pasta for supper. I'm anticipating a tummy ache, even though I'll pace myself. It's funny that when you clear out your system of processed food, your stomach reacts very unhappily when reintroduced to such delicious foody gems. I'm sure I'll soldier through the pain in the name of cheddar and gouda! Yummina!