Rambutan Anyone?

Various rambutans have caught my eye while pursuing the produce section of local grocery stories. How could they not, they are cute little fruit with green "hair." How could you help but to stop and stare? Until last week I hadn't actually purchased any. I like to try new things, especially fruit, but I didn't quite know what to think of the quirky rambutan. I honestly didn't know what to do with then. This all changed last week when a little girl in my class brought some in for her snack. They were extremely easy to break apart and eat. No utensils required. And what's better, inside, it looked like a lychee! So, at my next trip to Abella, I picked up a bag of them for 18 dirhams. Inside is a white fruit with one seed in the middle. I've heard it described as "perfumey" but since I don't particularly want to eat perfume, I think it's more of a light, fresh, fruity flavor. As long as you can get past the green hairs, there is a delightful treat inside! I understand why Malasians named is after the Malay word for "hairs." The lesson learned? When a rambutan catches your eye, you should stop and give it a try.

Pearls of Experience

I know the cliche' is really "pearls of wisdom", but i think the term "experience" is more suitable to this particular blog so I'm giving new life to a tired old adage!

I look at my husband, fiddling on his computer or practicing his golf swing (it's too hot for the driving range right now), and I realize that it's not only special events and anniversaries that one should stop and mentally reaffirm their love and commitment to their partner. We are married everyday, and as such, should enjoy each moment. I'm learning that those moments don't always have to be spent together; this is something that I've personally been working on. We can have separate hobbies or interests, and can enjoy afternoons apart but at the end of the day, Paul is who I come home to. He is also who starts everyday with me and is available every second in between. I'm incredibly thankful for the life we've shared and the many opportunities that we've been blessed with. It's amazing that for the past 11 years, he has been standing, walking, running, and flying beside me throughout this crazy adventure we call life. I know that we are not perfect by far, but our many experiences and misadventures have given us at least some insight into the whirlwind of love and marriage. It's taken me lots of oysters to find these eleven "pearls of experience." Enjoy! :)

• let your partner know the things that are important to you
• value the things that are important to your partner
• communicate, communicate, communicate
• spend time together, make time for each other
  
• there is always a little give and take in any situation
  
• mentally commit yourself to each other everyday
  
• find humor in your daily lives
• love your partner for the person they are right now
• allow yourself to fall in love more because of little things (notice little things)
• Share everything- your time, thoughts, feelings, fears, insecurities, ideas, hopes, dreams...
  
• LOVE with all of your heart all of the time- no exceptions.

Note: One of my friends from high school recently started linking her blog to facebook, and I love the familiar, straightforward style of her blogs. She keeps family and friends updated on her life in a style that is all her own. Her writing made me want to update my blog more often. Thanks to those of you who take the time to keep us updated on your lives! I'm going to try to be better about it myself (and not just on facebook)! :)