an idiosyncrasy

I think bruises are cool. I got this one playing indoor soccer. I'd fouled an over zealous fella earlier in the game (which my team and a ref applauded) and this was a result of his retaliation. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that it was unintentional (thus proving his out of control-ness) because of the good sportsman hand he offered to help me up. :) I love the game!

please help me swallow

I followed up with my India friends and invited myself over for a visit after Thanksgiving. It was so great! I arrived shortly after 11 am and stayed for 5 hours. I found my way to their mansion, was greeted with a kiss by my grandmotherly-type friend and the visiting began. Lunch was authentic Indian cuisine and it was YUMMY! I had expressed my concern for being able to handle spicy food and as such the lunch was noticeable lacking in the hot factor (to which I'm grateful). It was a good way to experience Indian food, may have been my first time. I managed to swallow everything on my plate.. until I was really full. The husband noticed my discomfort and let me know it was okay not to clean my plate. Then began Round II of visiting on the couches and the unfortunate feeling of post lunch in-desperate-need-of-a-nap set in. [I'm so thankful for a job that is flexible that when a nap is necessary and my bed is close by, I can succumb!] An afternoon snack was brought out, consisting of fried peas and other veggies and looking very not American. Still full but trying to be polite and culturally sensitive, I popped the first handful, chewed, swallowed.. and then I felt my eyes tear up and tried to determine if in fact my throat really was burning? At least I was now awake! Choking commenced and there was a scurry to get the girl some water. Upon regaining proper use of my esophagus I braved another handful praying, PLEASE Lord, help me swallow. He obliged, no doubt with a smile on his face. The rest of my serving went down smoothly and I let them give me a jar to take home with me. (A couple days later I totally re-gifted and gave the snack to a friend who loves world travelling.) The missionary saying is a good and humorus one, "Lord, I will follow. But please help me swallow!"