A Rainbow Fish, Turtle, and Heart Christmas

   This morning, when we were on our way to our new snorkel sight, I was intimidated by a downhill slope and a plethora of rocks.  My initial thought was that my father was nuts for choosing the snorkel site for us.  Once I got into the water, though, I realized that I was wrong.  We saw a turtle, two huge rainbow fish, two schools of baby fish, beautiful yellow and purple coral, and pretty fish of many colors, my favorites being the blue and purple ones.  I couldn't help thinking that it wasn't coincidence that I got to see giant rainbow fish on the day that we are celebrating the birth of God's son.  I remembered my favorite book to read to young children, the Rainbow Fish, where a small fish learns that he makes more friends when he shares.  This day is about many things for me, but I hope all people have the message that Christmas is about sharing. 

   I might not get to watch Love Actually today.  I suppose that will wait until I get home.  However, my family has agreed to watch Charlie Brown Christmas with me tonight if I entertain them to another game of Hearts.  I have a feeling that I am about to have my Heart crushed once again, but that's okay.  Maybe the game is teaching me some critical thinking skills.  When I was a child, my mother stated the expression, "Unlucky in games, lucky in love."  Unfortunately, my history proves that I am not lucky in either.  (The exception is Scrabble, where I have been known to take down my family and also my gifted students of the past.  I am determined that we will have Scrabble next year on my family Christmas trip, or at least Apples to Apples, which I can play decently).  One advantage of a new year is that it gives new promises and new beginnings.  Randy Pausch said that you can't change the cards you are dealt, just how you play the hand.  Maybe this New Year will give me new luck, or at least a new way to look at the hands of cards that I am dealt.