89. Volunteer somewhere

 So, I was going to volunteer somewhere else for this one. But, with me being pregnant, I think I will just check this one off now since I can...

My kids love VBS at our church. I volunteered with Chris V. to teach the 3s. This video is of Chris doing her Chadder voice. We had a great time teaching the kids...good to serve with you, Chris!

52. Watch a foreign film

I've never gotten through a foreign film before. I could never get past reading the subtitles while still watching what's going on in the movie. I'm now a convert. And I HIGHLY recommend this film.

This 2008 Norwegian film ("DeUsynlige" is the original title) is about a man's release from prison after his involvement with the disappearance of a little boy. For those of you who liked the movie Dead Man Walking, you'll like this movie, too. There are 1-2 scenes I skipped. Apparently, films from Norway are completely fine with showing graphic sex. I, however, am not fine with viewing it. That's private people....keep it to yourself. 


Anyway, one of the main characters is a priestess. Although her character turns out to not be as pure as I'd expect a priest to be (great conversations to be had about that in and of itself), she brings up some very interesting topics to discuss after the film with whomever happens to be sitting beside you. Things like forgiveness versus atonement. Heavy stuff.

Besides the great plot, the acting was phenomenal. And the cinematography was brilliant. Flash backs, flash sidewards, present day, etc. But, it's all very easy to follow and intertwines the lives of the two main people involved in the boy's disappearance - the man who took him and the mother of the boy.

Here's what I learned from having this on my list: I like foreign films. At least this one. What I'm beginning to see is that Hollywood really has lost a lot of the art behind films. I'll give them great special effects, some good story lines, some good actors. But, overall - I'm disappointed in Hollywood. I like the independent films better. I mean - just look at the cover of this film. Amazingly complex. Just the cover itself is cooler than Hollywood movie covers.

6. Weekend away by mself, 72. Eat at Chiptole, 14. List of books in the bible I haven't read, then read, 99. Perfect pair of pjs

This is where I spend my weekend away...which actually was a Sunday - Tuesday. Same difference. Wow...haven't used that phrase since I was in middle school.

Anyway, my dad and step-mom live in Jamestown and this beautiful view is their backyard. I had a great time resting, reading, getting Guava Gulp from The Juice Shop, and watching junk on cable since I don't have it at home. And really, how can someone go 9 months without knowing they are pregnant?!?! And how in the world can people be so creative making cakes?!?!

I also spent the opportunity to go to Chipotle (my #72). Now, I think I may upset some people here. I didn't like it. I asked the mild everything...and it was spicy. I had a hard time telling if the spice was in the tomatoes, chicken, or beans. Yes, it tasted fresh and yada yada about the way the meat's raised. I get all that. But, it's all for naught for me since I can't do spice. So, I don't think I'll be back. Sorry if I offended anyone.

I also bought the bottoms to the perfect pair of pjs. Now if I could just find a great top. I'm checking this one off anyway. Just because I can.

Lastly, I've made a list of all the books of the bible I haven't read yet and have started reading them. I never knew, for example, that Nahum is prophesying against Ninevah, just like Jonah did. And that he had some really good questions about God's sovereignty. It's a great book. I have 4 more minor prophets to read, then on to tackle the major prophets. So, I can partially check this one off since I made the list.

Overall, this has been a very productive week for me!

86. Eat at authentic Mexican restaurant

Linares on Central Ave. in Charlotte. For those who don't know anything about Charlotte, the Hispanic population is growing. Central Ave. is one of the pockets in Charlotte that is becoming increasingly Latino. Ever since I've lived here (since 2001) I have seen many Mexican restaurants up and down Central. I've always wanted to go, but also always got the feeling that I'd be the only Gringo (and non-Spanish speaker) there. As much as I like Mexican food, there's no way it will ever entice me to make a fool of myself.

 
Enter Trish Jackson, a sweet friend of mine. She speaks Spanish fluently. She teaches a bunch of high schoolers Spanish (crazy!). We walked in and were greeted in Spanish. The server didn't even attempt to talk English to us...she just assumed that one of us knew what she was saying. Thank heaven for Trish. She ordered my drink for me (still can't remember the annunciation of the name. But, I do know you spell it with an H even though you pronounce it with a O). I thought she'd need to order food for me, but thankfully, they had English subtitles.

So Trish - this post is dedicated to you. Thanks for making it happen and I had a great time!