christmas 2007.

gift-giving.

i've recently become very frustrated by much of what comes as a result of gift-giving. i won't get into the details of what has really put me over the edge in this frustration. and i am not just talking about christmas gift-giving. don't get me wrong...i absolutely love giving. i easily become so wrapped up in trying to find just the right gift for each person that i probably waste a good bit of time debating and deciding, walking circles around a store in contemplation before i make the move and bring the item to the counter to pay. i truly enjoy it - but of course part of what makes it enjoyable is the opening and upwrapping of that gift. the other part is that it is a gift - it is not something i have to do, but something i chose to do because i want to.

i think we've lost just that. we've become so controlled by the giving, feeling like we have to give. feeling like we have to spend a certain amount, we fill wrapped boxes with junk that the receiver certainly doesn't need. isn't that a huge slap in the face to every child (not limited to just children though) in our world who would give anything...and usually does give everything - their life...for even just $1.00?

i am not without fault - i know i'll spend more than i need to this year on family and friends that i love and care for. that is why i've decided to do something different next year. i'm not exactly sure what i'll do - whether i give the money i would usually spend to an organization like world vision, new hope, or the like. there are some gifts that i won't stop giving - to hilario's children, hileudy and adrian. their gifts fulfill needs, not unnecessary wishes. and i can't say that i won't buy anything for anyone, especially my nieces/nephew. i invite you all to rethink your giving...maybe not this year since those presents are mostly bought and wrapped, but in the future.

"be the change you wish to see in the world." ghandi

LinC in NYC.

a few photos to capture a few of my favorite moments:

the infamous oprah.

andrew trying to look like a wax figure.

"one love" bob marley.

a fellow met fan, lauren, with david wright.

the tree, of course.

stronger.

"Work it harder, make it better,

do it faster, makes us stronger,

more than ever, never over,

our work here is never over."

those are the words of kanye west in his now popular song "stronger" - those particular lines are played in the background continuously. for some reason, i really like them, as i also like the song.

and just to include a picture, not because it relates, but just because...a picture with kristen lindsay with her former basketball coaches, laura king and myself. basketball, coaching, stronger...i think they do relate.