WANTED

One SEC Champinship ticket to see the Dawgs this Saturday in Atlanta.
Will pay or cook or kiss or entertain or give you a loan.

Sleeping Partner

Sounds pretty racy. It is.
Back in college Charlsie used to swear by the healing of a heating pad. Charlsie and I got to live together in both the Theta house and at Windsor #15. Atleast once a month I could come home to Chuck on the smelly couch, movie running or continuous episodes of her fave sitcom on the tv, Zaxby's tea in hand, Cadburry milk chocolate eggs on the table and heating pad powered up. She seemed to believe an convinced me that any ache or pain or cramp of any sort should be nursed by the heating pad. Anyway, about a year ago I am not sure that anything even hurt but to prevent it I decided I needed a heating pad. To be honest, a dear friend actually bought the heating pad for me which makes me think maybe I really was in pain and couldnt get up. So back when my body started falling apart at an accelerated pace this summer I plugged the pad in to the jack behind my bed and wove the chord through my bed frame and now the heating pad sleeps with me.

Let's break off for a second. I am a creature of habit to the max. Recently I have been trying to break old habits, not necessarily bad ones - just old, pointless ones. I actually havent really tried but I have written them down with anticipation of exchanging them for new, meaningful habits. Someone read a book recently and said that the book said that if you do something for 21 days in a row it will become habit. Comforting that I dont know the book, the author, nor the source but I heard it and I believe it. So step one Sunday night was to write a list of habits to be adopted. Many of which I do but not habitually so please do not judge. These are in no certain order and I am sure I will leave out a few.
*Write one letter a day to out of town friend
*Drink water right when I get up ( I dunno...something cleansing about this)
*Call one of my family members once a day. My mama always gets this call and I think she is getting tired of me so I need to spread the love.
*Compliment 3 people
*Floss (I'm at about 60% right now for the week)
*Wake up earlier to spend more time reading and listening to God (This is a part of my day that I dont consider habit but a pleasure but I would rather make it a habit in the morning rather than at random times in the day)
*Pushups before bed. (Pushups are the best thing you can do for your upper body and I just dont want to think that one day good things could sag.)
*Physical therapy excercises for my knee everynight (Yeah, no wonder my knees are still hurting)
*Get to office b 7:30 (obviously I didnt start this one today either)
Okay, so I know there are more but this is a good start.

Back to the point at hand. At night, I habitually wash my face, brush teeth with Sonicare, go to my room, shut the door, dwindle to an article of clothing, turn on my bedtime partner (heating pad), turn my clock around backwards so I cant see the time or the brightness, get in bed, read for about 15 minutes (enough time to let the pad heat up), turn out the lights and snuggle.

You should probably stop reading if this weirds you out. There is something comforting about the heating pad on when I go to bed. It should probably be scary since I could potentially catch my sheets on fire but it's worth it. Somehow, without waking myself I always wake up and the heating pad has either been turned off or I have unknowingly turned down the intensity.
So, there is nothing really wrong with this habit. It could maybe stay on the list of habits to do but again, it is pretty purposeless. I won't lie - aside from my knees, there are no major aches and pains going on. But I gurantee if there were to be - they would be stopped in the night by the power of my heating pad. It's all mental. Just like mom's cure for the common cold - a coke and a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup. You believe what you want to believe.

Old Blog

I have frustrated myself to no ends recently by trying to remember if at some point in another place in time I began one of these little blog things somewhere else. I thought maybe I had dreamed it but then I remembered writing a novel about a thunderstorm at one point. Lo, I am posting the old blog below. I am a little nervous as to what I even wrote. Yes, it was only a year and a half ago but the way things have gone I can assume I was pretty naive and a bit aloof. Scary to think how just 18 months can shape and mold someone without really going through anything major. I dont give myself enough credit though - having to grow up and not think in semesters and take care of myself is major.
Anywho, for no other reason than my sanity here it is....
I knew I actually had real thoughts before this little venture started.
http://www.livejournal.com/users/betsyshappyspot/

My new fave blogger

Welcome Holly to the wonderful world of blogging. Holly comes to us as a medical suplies sales lady. She is from the beautiful neighboring state of Alabama and just got back from a 10 day trip to Africa with Dream for Africa. You will be moved by these pictures and her amazing account of God's work overseas.
Holly is funny, atheletic, a heart throb, and a mean dice roller. Hands off boys, she's a catch!

Lightning and driving

If you are in bed right now you are not lucky. God has put on the most amazing light show (for the winter atleast) and it just won't stop. The cool part about it is that it is kinda foggy outside so you can't really tell when it is going to strike and then from the left and then the right and then right in front of me there is a subtle reminder of God's omnipotence. And of my weird magnetism towards lightning and thunder storms (see early blogs from early this year). Really weird. Like - not-normal-weird.

The coolest thing is I was able to drive home tonight just looking up at the great big sky and the peaceful lightning all around me. No music. No cell phone ringing. No one with me. Nothing on my mind. I rolled down the front two windows and the back ones 1/2 way (this is a trick that you should pay attention to. It allows you to enjoy the breeze but not get blown away) and I just kept driving. And driving. The temperature was surprisingly mild for a late-November night. And the lightning just kept striking. What a cool reminder at the end of the day, especially a Monday like today, of God's intricate power and creativity. More so, how humbling that tonight was so perfect and so invigorating and it had not a thing to do with my planning or my motivating or my putting together. It really had nothing to do with me more than maybe to make me feel loved.
I wish I had the audacity and courage to just keep driving and soaking up the night. At this point, everything seems to be on a day to day basis so I didnt seem to have much to risk. Then again - I really want to risk. I don't know anything for certain these days more than I want to risk. I want to risk all of my comforts and stabililty for something bigger than me. Whether it fails or it soars I think the power in turning it all over is unfathomable.
Wow! That strike was just confirmation! If you are reading this - get up, roll down your windows and sleep with them down if you can - you'll wake up energized I am sure. My windows are painted shut cause my roommates are afraid I'll escape - so in that respect, I am not lucky.

Now here comes the rain too. I couldnt be any more affirmed of my existence and purpose than in this moment.

Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?  

Catie's 24th post-birthday celebration at Houston's 

Catie's 24th

She's a youngin but yep, Catie G just celebrated the big (or for me not so big) 2-4. We all went to Houston's lastnight to celebrate and had a blast. Catie G is amazing and has the sweetest heart of any one. I just love her and just love that God put us together a few years ago. She is an artist. You should be jealous. She is cute and she is an artist.
HAPPY BIRTHDY CATIE!

A few things to note....
I love that Houstons doesnt put ice in their water but I wouldnt love it if other places did it.

I love Houstons period. And I do not like chain restaraunts normally.

I have the greatest group of friends in America and we have only all been friends since last January.

I love too that Houstons gives you big chunk lemon wedges. Good for squeezing. One of my friends, no names, Aaron, does not like lemons or condiments at all for that matter. I know lemon isnt a condiment but I have met no other folks who do not like lemon in their beverages. I mean, some people dont use it but they dont detest it either. In college I used to carry around a squeezable lemon bottle in my purse so all of my waters could be sprinkled with love.

Okay more...
I could eat the same thing at Houston's (grilled chix salad and spinach dip) every night for the rest of my life.

I don't like that they don't do reservations.
I love to celebrate birthdays.

I think everyone's birthday should be made a big deal. There are so few opportunities to make a big deal and go out of your way for other people.

My 25th is in less than 45 days. Yikes.

I like to plan things and love to plan parties.

The greatest birthday gift I ever got and gave myself (yes all at the same time) was my pink coat.
I will work at Houstons if I quit my job. They value customer service and I dig that.

All of my clothes smell like fire from the fire that was nearly 3 days ago.
I miss my family. I do, I miss living at home with Matt, Carter and ML.
I don't want to stop typing because then I have to face reality that writing is not my job but mortgages are and I am not doing a good job at my job.



Nothing profound. Just good times and great oldies (Fox 97. Did anyone catch on to that?)
Pictures to follow.

Cosmic bowling pics

No stories to tell unfortunately. Just a good, clean night of cosmic bowling out in the burbs.
I think I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving week hanging out. Crowds are smaller and random which I love. For their 5 minutes of fame, I think these were the high scorers:
1)RGT - Yep, Robin wooped up on the competition
2)Josh Duncan - and yes, he knew EVERY word of EVERY rap song played
3)The Beeve -Matt Vaughn
4)Stew Grace - the graceful champion
5)Parker

And coming in last was miss Meredith Poe. You do everything else fabulous so you couldnt possible be a champ at bowling too.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=xtkmdux.5xoh7qkx&Uy=-61irnb&Ux=1

Korean Karaoke II

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=xtkmdux.c4se1lap&Uy=-hhu4fi&Ux=1

laziness next to Godliness

For many people, climbing on to the couch mid-morning after church and starting on episode 1 of 5 of the Felicity reruns would not be a wise investment of time. Most would come away feeling less than productive. This morning, and really starting lastnight - this is just what the doctor ordered. Even though I worked Friday some, I have really been free from work obligations since Tuesday night and one would think abundance of time on my hands would render a relaxing few days at home. One would think. Somehow even among no actual commitments I found myself 'doing' and 'doing' all week long. I did get to enjoy some reading/writing time that was such a treat but other than that I did spend the rest of the time 'doing.' The sad thing is I don't know what I was 'doing.' Side note: I don't have too many regrets in life but I am feeling one come on and I dont like it. I think honestly is the key to anything in life - especially honesty with yourself. I am not sure if I was too busy for my family this Thanksgiving or if they were too busy for me but for having ample time this week I would have expected to see them more. I take for granted that my family is so close. So I call this morning to make ammends and go hang out and the boys have already gone back to school. Side note ended. I lose.
So as my second option for spending my day wisely I have defaulted to do nothing. I got home from church, heated up some of this amazing soup I made yesterday, put on something comfortable and plopped on the big brown chair. Catie G must have been thinkning the same thing because she had already begun one of season 1's episode of Felicity. How fabulous is TIVO? AFter episode 1 I figured I couldnt possibly do 2 because these terrible feelings of laziness would creep inside of me and begin to take over to where I wouldnt enjoy the downtime anyway. I got up momentarily and saw outside that the rest of the world seemed to be relaxing today too and soaking up the hours and decided right there I should and would do the same. Now, after episode # 4 (which is all in abbreviated period due to the beauty of TIVO) I am moving to he couch, grabbing my book to finish and I am going to be good at this 'non-doing' today. Don't bug me or ask me to do anything please.
PS- If you are a Felicity fan you may understand why I can watch 4 now 5 episodes of Mr. Ben. Heaven.
Ciao.

Confession

I think the first step to facing an addiction - a serious one - is to recognize and publicly confess the addiction.
Welcome Betsy to animal crackers addicts anonymous. Yes, i confess it is true - it is no longer just a preference or a taste or an occasional treat. I LOVE animal crackers. I love them even though they are bad for me. I LOVE them even though they really dont taste like anything that will knock your socks off. I LOVE them because they are nothing yet they are something. And yes, if you know me - you know that I like them toasted. I try to think that I am not addicted and that I can live without but let's face the reality - tonight after cosmic bowling and a little intimate gathering at Bamboo - the greatest secretin East Cobb - I am travelling back to my cozy little home and somehow I start driving towards Kroger. They only carry them at Kroger and WalMart. Kroger is 1.99 for half the bag and Wal Mart is 1.86 for twice the bag. They used to be at Costco but the line was discontinued. I didnt think to eat dinner today and was a little hungry after a night on the town but I had no intention of going to Kroger or even, the worst, buying animal crackers but sure enough my faithful little car starts going in the direction. Literally, as if judgement day is coming tomorrow (not doubting that) and as if animal crackers are a deadly sin - I yank my steering wheel in to the left hand lane so that I force myself to bypass the quick 1:30 am trip to Kroger. Bad bad bad, Betsy.
Please forgive me. More so, friends dont let friends drive out of their way to partake in meaningless habits. Don't let me do it.

I feel better now. Anyone else need redemption from a hidden slight obsession. (I think mine has crossed the lines of 'slight'.)

Goodnight.

Thanksgiving Eve Korean Karaoke Invasion

The night began as any usual Wednesday-before Thanksgiving night would have began. Low key and relaxing. During our power walk around Atlanta Meredith and I made the decision to partake in some Mexican food since turkey and casseroles would take over for the next week. Mexican food took a little toll on my tummy and we ended up foregoing the movies with a crew of people and chose to create oue own little party back at mi casa. The meat of the story is in the next paragraph so skip ahead if need be. Small-intimate gathering turned ino a fireside night of games with myself, Becca, Meredith, Matt V and Robin. Soon after Dave and Josh joined us for what then became a night of disco ball/booty music/spoons (no, not spooning. This is the rather unexciting game of cards and spoons). All the while Dave and Josh are trying to convince us that the karaoke lounge in Norcross (cause you know that is where we tend to gravitate when we are looking for some genuine entertainment) is where it's at . Around 11 the crowd that had opted for the movies instead of Tivo'd Oprah shows, a smelly fire and a disco ball joined us at my house. Decision time: And I think without any decisions being made we all end up a few cars headed up 141 to the Korean Karaoke bar.
You would be surprised. This place was pretty decent and for the most part - nothing too shady (sans the private rooms with flashing red light above the door.) We somewhat made a humble, unobtrusive enterance but little did they know Eminem (that'd be you , Dave) himself, emerging American Idol, Josh Duncan and their fan clubs had just arrived. We were very subtle about the take over. For the first 45 minutes we listened to every 1980's Korean love ballad performed by various confident young stars among the Korean crowd. We ordered a few drinks to atleast warm the regular crowd and the lounge owners up for what was about to occur.
We had to endure the Celion Dion's and Hansen's of Korea for a good while before we had our shot. Josh is teaching the crowd a new game of dice and lying - way to go Josh! And Vaughn and Waites are off checking out the private rooms (kidding - but I know y'all were curious) and we start to hear the base come steady. We look up at the screen only to see some geese flying and then some hippos running in a field. Then the words appear, Dave (already doned in his street rapper attire) takes one mike, Josh comes in on the other and before our eyes we are front and center at the Eminem concert watching our faithful party-planners entertain the masses. Not a word was missed by Phat Dave Harp. I won't lie, they were good but after the 5 minutes were up the regular's didnt seem to be to thrilled. Josh, being the next superstar that he is, picks up this mike again and starts in on what we thought was Remix to Ignition - good crowd pleasing/sing along song. Only this song had a young man driving a car on the screen and then yet again, some geese flying (do geese fly?). Josh so smoothly realizes that this "Ignition" is not the sing along song we all know but a rather steamy version of a song called 'Ignition.' all the while, our new friends, Anita and Crystal - part of the regular crowd- are literally drooling at the display of talent and charisma by this Josh boy. As you can imagine, our crowd of about 15 folks is really getting in to this - we added a little synchronized dances, some interpretive dance to the 1980's Korean love ballads and a little display of River Dancing by Mister Vaughn. Sure enough, our friends, Anita and Crystal take the mikes for what we think is probably the greatest love song in Korea right now - we are moved and begin to slow dance in the middle of the lounge. I haven't slow danced in quite some time so this was a sure treat. Anita and Crystal jump in on the dancing though I think there was a little tension as to who would get the first dance with Mr. Rico Suave - Josh Duncan.
This goes on for a good hour and near 2am we have most of the bar engaged in our humble performances. I think Waites was going to be a little nauseated if we heard one more Korean-Bryan Adams song so we said our goodbyes and made our way to the cars.
Dave wasnt about to let the night end on a squealing Bryan Adams song so he pumps up a little Golddigger in parking lot and just like we were at PCB - he opend the tailgate of the SUV and we wrap up the night with an all out Soul Train Dance Party - Norcross style.

You are reading this and you think you missed out - you did. No worries, Dave and Josh have started a Wednesday before Thanksgiving tradition. Crystal and Anita told me that they had the best night they have ever had at the karaoke lounge with our crew. Tears were shed and we said we would be back soon.

Pictures on the way. They tell the story even better. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Things I am thankful for

This seems pretty cliche being Thanksgiving-Eve. I am always thankful for these things but let's make them known.....drum roll..... (and in no particular order because I have a hard time discriminating)
1) 900 thread count sheets
2) My family living close
3) Eggs in the morning
4)the smell of coffee
5)Ashley, Fran, Leah and Rachel....the true Bohemian women (and Mr. Michael)
6)chocolate chip cookies
7)Gift of a personal relationship with a Creator who created the entire universe but yet knows the hairs on my head
8)TIVO
9)My job which has given me a ton of flexibility and opportunities this year
10)Soldiers like my cousin fighting in Iraq and all over the world
11)Blog comments!
12)bubble baths in my moms jacuzzi tub
13)Buckhead church and it's mission and constant energy
14)Loretta Zimmerman
15)The (K(C)at)ie's that I live with
16)George, the IPOD
17)The Terrace Crew....Sarah, Catie, Cory, Brad, Stephen, Will, Katie, Kat, Gray....What a blessing!
18) Ron, our yard man (and personal motivator)
19)Peace that comes with living for Christ and nothing else
20)Charlsie and her blog
21)Seizing your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus
22)Zaxby's tea with rabbit poop ice and lemon
23)Kennesaw Mountain
24)Meredith: my soul mate
25)Carter, the collest bro in America and his passion
26)Confidence and encouragement from my parents to be myself and to love who I am
27)pictures! Yes, I love to capture the moments
28)collard greens and black eyed peas.....two favorites
29)Small group and our amazing study of Ephesians
30)God-ordained abilities to lead and influence
31)DANCING anywhere and everywhere
32)Rice Krispy Treats (eating them now)
33)Time to myself in the mornings
34)toothbrushes....you can never brush too much
35)PASSION and PURPOSE. Thank God that I have embraced this so early in life. We see so many people in this world that wake up when they are in their 40's and wondered if things could have been different if they had realized the 2 P's early in life.
36)Good belly laughs
37)Thunderstorms!
38)working for an amazing company (Fortune Magazine's #20th company to work for in America) that truly has the vision and potential to change corporate America
39)New Atlanta friends (you know who you are)
40)rare nights where the phone doesnt ring and you can have the most perfect conversations with close friends
41)George Bush
42)Mawmaw's Sunday night dinners
43)Tropical Trident gum
44)Fusion 20 leadership team
45)nudity
46)Nana and grandad (that probably shouldnt come after nudity)
47)Grace
48)travel opportunities this past year
49)brown hair
50)God having me right where He has me -intentionally though I may never comprehend it
51)a tough year that has lead to alot of personal growth
52)Athens, GA
53)the personal attention I get at physical therapy
54)the chance to wake up and be motivated to do something more than average with our short days
55)Music! Every part of my day is set to a new song.
56)Souper Jenny
57)residing in the South
58)Personal snail mail in the mailbox
59)Charleston, South Carolina
61)Leaves changing colors
62)The 2nd anda half greatest Christmas party to ever occur (December 17th)
63)GAP body underroos
64)Secret little resaraunts and hangouts that thrive with character (Pastis, Fancy Pantry, Bamboo, Haven, Hal's on Olde Ivey, Nuevo Laredo, Henry's, simpatico, Depalmas and more)
65)My familie's health and happiness. I know there will be days when we may be praying for health. I hope we can take advantage of this rich time now.
66)the smell of Irish Springs soap on a boy (no, I havent smelled this in a while but you can always tell when someone has discovered the green-goodness)
67)Fire's in our fire place (even though the whole house reeks of smoke for a week after)
68)Our Fabulous neighborhood!
69)the genuine and maybe bored people who read this whole list

I know I will drive myself nuts because other things will come to mind all day. There may be a version 2 to come. Have a blessed Thanksgiving day with your families. Mama is nagging me to bring someone home so it's not too late if you need somewhere to relax for the day.
Ciao bella!

A MUST read

There are not too many things I am sure of these days. I am okay with that. It's part of the freedom of relinquinshing control I suppose. Nothing, not even my own feelings seem to be consistent. There is one thing I am sure of today. You need to read this book. Recommened by a highly dependable and credible source, Aaron. The book, if nothing more makes you think and makes you want to want to do something. It is called Seizing Your Divine Moment by the pastor of a church on the West Coast, Erwin McManus. I love this guys writing style and his power to invigorate through the pages. Like any well-written book, it ignites you to think about everything going on around you and how you are or can play a part in the big story, God's story.
I should insert some text here from the book but I have actually had to make myself leave it in my gym bag so I am not tempted to dive in during the green hours (yet another HomeBanc term for the 'money making' times during the day.) I am trying to be a better worker these days and pour myself into exactly where I am now rather than daydream incessantly about where I could be. Hence, the strict reading diet of reading only during designated times.

Credible, resourceful, good friend, Aaron is MIA this week and I am about to finish this book tonight and need some other suggestions so if you have one - send it on. Somehow Aaron's selection made it in to my hands and not on the bedside table along with the 14 other -to-be-read' books so the pressure is on.

Charlsie???? I know you've got something?

Cool phonecall

This morning a friend of mine, Charlie, 30 years my elder, called to let me know that I should run by Peachtree Pres to pick up a copy of the current newsletter. I am a little more time savy than making hte trip so I checked it out on the website. Many of the pictures from our trip are the ones that I took from my perfect little ELF camera. I am no photagrapher by no means but the pictures are very telling of the trip.
Cool stuff. And a great surprise phonecall to get!

http://www.peachtreepres.org/newsletter.html

One of those days

You can just tell when it is going to be one of those days. When I woke up upside down and 1/2 way off the bed this morning I knew something was up. It may have been from the nightmares I have had the last two nights, literally, from watching Derailed with Katie Friday night. She says I am a wimp because I threatened to walk out after the first gun shot but look at the turmoil it has caused. No sleep for 2 nights. . . for real, Katie.
So, anyway, I pop out of bed as I usually do, clap my hands and say "It's a great day to be alive!" only to see that it is pouring outside and my room still looks like a tornado hit it during the night. (At camp Graystone I learned this clap your hands thing. When the bell rang in the morning all the campers and counselors sat up, clapped their hands and proclaimed the greatness of the day. . . .'It's a going to be a great day and I feel grrrreeeaat! (Kinda like Tony the Tiger). It makes you believe atleast for the first 10 minutes that the day is going to be just that - great, no matter what.

I get dressed in my usual 12 minutes and I am downstairs about to head out the door for a 7a sales meeting. My most brilliant thoughts happen in the morning. The first brilliant one today was to take the coffee creamer from the fridge and put it in my computer bag to take to work. I knew the sales meeting would have coffee and chix biscuits from Chick-fil if I was interested and in essence of time I opted for the coffee at work rather than the home-brewed stuff. As I pick up my things, of course, the bottle slips out of the bag, crashes and breaks into pieces on the floor to leave a sea of sweet smelling white on the dining room floor. It is now 8 minutes til the meeting and as I search to find something to help clean I discover the river of creamer in the cuffs of my pants. Despite the slow start to the morning - I had managed to look pretty cute and put together today and had even pulled out a fabulous black/turquise plaid suit. It looks better than it sounds. Now as I look down there is literally 1.5 inches of cream in each of my pant cuffs. Just for future knowledge, there is no way to easily get liquid out of your deep cuffs on your pants. None. I'll save myself the recap of how I cleaned up this mess. Needless to say, I walked into the sales meeting at 7:44am (just in time to receive my award for beating my budget last month! Just what I needed to restart this rainy Monday.)

Egg whites, quiet night and twinkling lights (and a broken cell phone)

That is my weekend for you. It is a little past 9. I slept in til 8:32 today. No one is home. The weather is flawless. The house is warm. Eggs in the morning are my favorite. I have nothing to do today and no one even to form plans with. I have 2 books that I need to finish. Did I mention no one was home. My knees even kind of feel a little better today. The twinkling lights on the porch are on and so inviting. I had the perfect, peaceful Friday night with my cell phone off and some good conversation. Oh yeah, no one is home and therfore, clothes more than a tshirt are not an essential. Football is on all day today but I am going to forget that I know that. And actually, my cell phone is now officially dead.
I really couldn't ask for anything more. God knew I needed this weekend to spend all the time I could just being quiet and listening. Listening to Him. I am not even going to try to recap the cool things that have happened or been realized the past few months but it is enough to need a weekend if not a week to just sit and listen. Everything about where I am right now is peaceful. I know this is rarely the case in life because we tend to take the God-given tranquility out of even the simplest of things. But I know when we are able to literally, let go and let God, our entire disposition is transformed about even those simplest of things. (Thanks, mama, for that truth.)
Thank You, God, for an incredible, relaxing Friday night and now a whole weekend of nothing to look forward to.
My cell phone is really dead so don't get mad at me for ignoring you. And, that, too, couldn't have happened at a better time.

Thoughts on LOVE

This is compliments of Fran. Nope, no romance over here today. I just thought it was refreshing....

Out of the Mouths of Babes

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." - Glenn, age 7

"Love is like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." -John, age 9

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." - Manuel, age 8

"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." - Mae, age 9

"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." - Greg, age 8

"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." - Tom, age 5

"On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." - Mike, age 10

"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when Dinosaurs is on television." - Jill, age 6

"One of the people has freckles, and so he finds somebody else who has freckles too." - Andrew, age 6

"My mother says to look for a man who is kind. That's what I'll do. I'll find a man who is kinda tall and kinda handsome." - Carolyn, age 8

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble."- Kenny, age 7

"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." - Ava, age 8

"When somebody's been dating for a while, the boy might propose to the girl. He says to her, 'I'll take you for a whole life, or at least until we have kids and get divorced'."
- Anita, age 9

"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough." - Regina, age 10

"Most men are brainless, so you might have to try more than once to find a live one." - Angie, age 10

"A man and a woman promise to go through sickness and illness together." - Marion, age 10
"Being single is better... for the simple reason that I wouldn't want to change no diapers. Of course, if I did get married, I'd figure something out. I'd just phone my mother and have her come over for some coffee and diaper-changing." - Kirsten, age 10

"Love is foolish... but I still might try it sometime." - Floyd, age 9

"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." - Dave, age 8

In response to yesterday

I am sorry if I made anyone's head hurt after yesterday's novel. Actually, I am not really sorry. I hope it did stir some things in you and maybeyou came away frustrated but atleast energized.

I do not have such a way with words when I am on fire so forgive me.

But I LOVED the comments. Yesterday was really a fabulous day, mostly because of the comments. Y'all rock!

I wanted to post one of the comments from my dear friend Jenn.

I havefound some extraordinary insight in the book "don't waste your life" by john piper...i highly recommend it! Here's his answer to your question..."God created us to live by ONE, SINGLE, ALL-TRANSFORMING passion....a passion to glorify God by ENJOYING and DISPLAYING His supreme excellence in ALL spheres of life."

I guess as one of my favorite artists would say, "Keep it simple." Thanks Jenn for sharing and for your simplicity.



All of life, comes down to just one thing and that's to know you, Jesus, and to make you known.

2 months from a quarter century

This doesnt freak me out, really. I mean - it is only 60 days prior and I am planning it out already. Really.... no thoughts here about the big 2-5, turning 1/2 of 50, or entering the mid-upper 20'd segment of the population. I do like even numbers so I am a little hesitant to let go of the double dozen but I can deal with it. Besides, this year's motto: 2005:My Year to Thrive proved only to jinx me. Being the optimist I am and more so having an eternal perscpective does comfort me though as I look back at this year. But let's face it - 2005 was not the year to thrive which makes me think 2-5 is just that: the year to Thrive and come alive (I actually took a dive in the first part of '05)! I guess I did set myself up for a flop when I put some pretty big expectations on the year back in January.
All in all, I know this was the most trying year of the past 24. I refused that this would happen to me because I tend to think that I defy norms and rules but eveyrone warned me that entering the 25th year through your 30's is just tough. They all said your body changes and moves to undesirable places and you question everything you have ever done, where you are going and how you have gotten where you are so far. I really refuse to give into this. I have always seemed to be a step ahead of the crowd so I think I have already gone through this ( you know, back when I was 11). More so, I think since I have pretty much had it together for a while that none of this worldly - quarter century stuff would hit me.
I am such the optimist.
But it has happened. Not to the extreme because ultimately I know where I am going, not exactly, but I know God will take me there and that puts away all questions of where I am going.
On a grander scale though, it has been the year of the question we all seem to ask but never seem to adventure out on to find the answer: 'What on earth am I supposed to be doing to fullfill my purpose?'
I'll be completely honest here as long as you are honest with yourself too. I have thougt that I will figure this stuff out in the next stage of life. You know, when I am wed to another or retired or something more. But until then - I seem to be wondering about aimlessly collecting all the things that I will put together when I get there, wherever 'there' is.

Thank you, God, really for such a harsh and crucial awakening lately. The moments are passing me by and life is going by while I am collecting all of the things that I want to do or get together for when the time comes....and again, not so sure what 'time' I am referring to.

It is so easy for our generation, unlike generations of the past, to really desire to be in our 'sweet spot.' You talk to my mom and dad - great people but they didnt seem to get too caught up in wondering and analyzing if they were in God's will. They just went with it. On the other hand though, they all seemed to work really hard to get where they are. The tragic part of the Generation X'ers is we think things should be apparent, clear, and should be given to us. Everything else in this world has been made available with the touch of a key or the swipe of a card. Nothing necessarily warrants the delay of gratification that I think molded and shaped older generations.
So we walk around wanting and wanting to do something bigger and more valuable but we dont really embrace the idea that it might take some work and sacrifice to get there.

Things are easy in my world - I am not sure about yours. Being single, fairly succesful in Atlanta may be lonely at times but it is all too easy. I don't necessarily think that we have to make things hard but I do think we have to give ourselves boundaries. Boundaries in relationships, in budgeting and mostly, in accomplishing all the world has for us to accomplish in only the first 30 years of life. Okay, so this may sound counter intuituive because on the other hand of that I preach that we should embrace life and jump on anything and everything that we can get a hold of. At times I admire the position of someone dying with cancer. I have seen that their perspective is fresh and energetic. They know that tomorrow could be the last and therefore they jump on opportunities to seize each moment. Dont get me wrong - I am all about this more than most people I know. Point is this: we have to experience things, real life things - sadness, loneliness, struggle, triumph, love, despair and genuine hope in order to know more about who God is and who He has made us. I know for myself, I want to think that in my 24.8 years of living that I should have experienced it all first in order to prepare me for whatever is next. As if the next part will just be a floating trip down the 'Hooch. But this isn't the case. Bonnie, the greatest receptionsist in America and my favorite friend at HomeBanc always says that I just have to experience things and with experience comes wisdom. No part of this statement is wrong - it's just that I don't believe it. I feel like since I am a go-getter and I am willing to take on whatever the world throws my way or whatever situation that God has me in - that I should be fully equipped already to handle anything.

How clueless am I? Recently, through some cool conversations with close friends, some quiet times alone, some struggles with my family and more so, some inner-conflict about my career I have wrapped my arms around the fact that I know nothing. I only know what I have experienced and that is so little compared to all that God has in store for me. If I try to think that I have all of the answers now then I am only cheating myself what God wishes to show me through people and situations.

More so, I want to know the faces of God and know Him intimately but have not really put myself in places to be challenged by Him to where I can really get to know Him better. I have taken on the life of a typical servant - serving only when it comes easily or naturally. I want more! I don't want a life of mediocracy and neutrality - what miserable words! I want to be humbled to the point that I literally have to rely on my mustard seed sized faith to be able to do even the slightest thing. I dont want to walk around thinking that because He has blessed me with Grace and Wisdom that I am able and ready to take on anything. I am - but only with Big faith and that comes from God - not from my feeble experiences.

I have a feeling none of this makes complete sense to anyone but me and that is okay. I needed to muddle through whatever is in my head (and I think is causing me to be short of breath these days). I am not even going to read this over to see if it does make sense.
Humble me, God.

And, yes, I am 67 days from 25. Whoopee! Bring it....

Rescue breathing

I'm not sure if I should go here but I will....Lastnight I had my CPR course administered by the Red Cross in order to maintain my certification as a fitness instructor. This is one of those activities that I do and I do alot of but I never really acknowledge that I do it or bring it up in conversation. First of all, I am not annoying like your typical instructor. Some class instructors annoy me. I dont eat, sleep and breathe fitness - this is obvious. Also, I am really not that coordinated so it is quite a stretch to enthusiastically lead a group of 40 adults in excercises. I won't lie though - I am pretty good at it. Maybe it is not the coordination I lack but the gracefulness. Many have witnessed this lack of gracefulness. More so, most people, myself included can't really picture me doing this and I dont want people to create terrible images of me in their head therefore, it is rare that we discuss this extra curricular activity.

So once a year I have to renew all of my certifications. I have taken this course now 6 times. I could teach the class and it bothers me that I have to redo it every year but somehow every year the Red Cross changes something - like the number of breaths per chest compressions (and since I can never get the number right you might not want me to be your only hope of being saved in an emergency situation). I have to watch this video full of actors (who emphatically overemphasize every possible crisis) going through each of the drills that we have to master in order to compete the course. I really have no reason to tell this story nor is it really a story at all but I like to bring the humanness out in people and since I am great at sharing my imperfections - here it goes...
I tend to zone out in any kind of teaching setting. Even if I am interested - I am a dreamer and therefore during what should be productive hours- I dream. So as the instructor is on the floor lastnight demonstrating with her male manikin (sp?) the techniques to be used on a choking victim, I stare intently at my cute little man on the floor. He is a mixed race as I think he used to have a white face but to be PC the Cross has put some strap on darker faces on a few of the models. Point of this is that he was a little funny looking and not so sure of himself at all (what's new?). I was kneeling down and the confused model man is lying on the ground and I guess sympathetically I start rubbing his rubber forehead... And then touching his lips. Am I really saying this.....(I think people at work may have wind of this blog now and I do not want any odd looks tomorrow!) Instructor lady proceeds to ramble on and I think me and my model man are falling in love. Maybe this was a hormonal outbreak! I don't know. I wouldnt even think to retell this story if it werent forTracy, a co-instructor of mine - who tuned in to my behavior and decided to notify the rest of the class. . . And I hadnt even gotten to the kiss yet!

I didnt know I even had the ability to blush because after years of too many embarrassing moments I am quite immune to humiliation. But my cheeks turned as rosy as the red in the Red Cross tshirt my 1/2 of a man-manikin was wearing.
Once the laughter died and the humorless instructor gave me the eye - I (in my maturity) decided to take this romance a little farther and I guess during my demonstration of rescue breathing I went in for a kiss. Just a little one. I just needed to be reminded - you know? (Dad - i have never kissed a boy. Never. No worries.)

The good thing is that I got it out of my system now and I can carry on in my singleness and confidence for a while now. Thank goodness for rescue breathing!

Good story from CKP1010

Too pooped to post on my own but if you are super bored or just like a story well told this was a memorable one (Fitness and Character). I was the good girl at the pledge retreat.

But today was very relaxing and just perfect so I will have a little update at some point. I am reading on the deck right now with the window's open. Nice.

All smiles after an adventurous night... 

A little story behind the Best Spot Ever!

My partner in crime, Robin, and I were a little ancy (sp?) all week as we knew what was going to transpire. RT and I were even on a strict diet and rigorous workout routine over the last 7 days (couldnt you tell?) as we prepared for the task at hand. But come Friday we were ready for what could be the greatest tailgate stakeout in America.
We loaded up her car with all the necessary tools for a succesful mission. To be as conspicuous as we were when you are as cool as we are is a hard thing to do. But we did it well. We rolled out of the ATL close to midnight and headed towards the beloved, Athens, GA. Upon arrival we did a few drivethroughs just to get the feel of Athens -on a Friday before game day. We decided instead of scoping out cute senior college boys - which we are good at, btw- we would make the Friday night sacrifices and head to the destination: North Campus: Athen's finest and most coveted of tailgating locations.
We swiftly, as practiced, unloaded the tent, chairs and such in order to claim what was going to be the greatest taligate spot ever - can I say it again? Let's stop here for a second....okay, okay, we heard some say the tailgate was pretty decent (and for that I do give credit to everyone but me because RT and I had some invaluable players that made yesterday a possibility) BUT - the coolest part of the weekend was the tailgate stakeout the insued.
RT and I dressed in camoflauge, painted our faces dark colors and wore night relective goggles (somethings in this story ar exaggerated). As mentioned, we threw out the gear in 5.2 which was better than in rehearsal. We saw some intruders lurking as we were setting to throw down the tent and stake claim. Robin turned on the charm and the school boys were suckers and fell to the RT. We proceed to try to pop out the tent. I wont lie about this - we had some troubles. Supposedly, it is a fairly easy thing to do. After the 3rd tent we launched - yeah, we were pros. But at 1 am, alone in the dark we were not so good. Robin turns on the charm again (I am not really a flirt you know...so I left it up to RT) and she procceeds to coerce (yet another word that I am not sure how to spell) 2 young gents to help us throw down the tent and establish the best tailgate spot ever. We had to strategically place items in just the right spots to be able to designate an area so perfect and so grand for all of our precious friends. After putting up the electronic shock fence for any late night, intoxicated, undergrad intruders we gathered any evidence of our adventure and fled the scene. Back at the base (aka Charlsie's house....aka The best place to stay during gamedayweekends (or any weekend)....aka The coolest girl in law schools place) we prepared for phase 2 of the stakeout which would occur in T-4 hours.
By pure instinct we both woke up at 7-A, turned to eachother and knew what needed to happen. We geared up and headed back to 'The Best spot ever to tailgate'. I will admit, This was a little nerving on the drive over......yes, we slipped away for a power nap for a few but what if the tent were stollen, or knocked down by said late night, intoxicated, undergrad intruder. What if a tree had fallen?
Luckily, we were safe. Really, this was lucky. Several tents had been destroyed or else blown away. Those poor tailgaters may want to consult an expert like ourselves next time.
Okay, this is going on and for some reason I think someone actually will read all of this but I know ya'll wont so we'll cut to the chase.
The tailgate rocked - all our peeps came through triumphantly with a multitude...no, plethora (better word) of tailgating chairs and a (this is big and in no way spelled correctly) smorgishboard of yummy food for a whole day's worth of enjoyment.
Mr Will Gaither hooked up the phat tunes for the day - which I must say was one of the greatest parts of the Greatest tailgate in America.
Thanks to all! Y'all rock and despite the L - I had a blast.

The Stakeout Friday night 

Why I love Auburn

http://home.hiwaay.net/%7Epcasteel/aubfamily.html

Free lunch

A few things in life are like getting a free lunch. This morning... since I dont have to follow the rules, I decided to park in the front of our building instead of going through the hassle of parking in the deck. I had some great excuse as to why I did this and convinced myself that it was a worthy reason. Well, as could be expected, my 20 minute illegal parking turned in to close to an hour. Then leaving I felt a little terrible that I didnt just go park in the deck but I was okay with the decision because I would still have to pay the $4.50 just for the 50 minutes of parking (thus = justification). As I pulled out ....the arm of the gate was raised with the sign reading 'Booth closed!'
Are you kidding me? This is a good day. I guess everyone likes something a little extra everyonce in a while that we don't deserve....a little humanly grace if you will.
I proceeded out the open gate feeling like I won the Mega Millions, picked the coke bottle with the FREE COKE underneath the cap(I NEVER win this), hit the grandslam out of the ballpark on the 3-2 count to win the world series, and got some personal mail in my mailbox - all in one day!
Wow!
How cool is grace in any circumstance? There are so few...so few times in life where we are given anything we don't deserve. So, of course, these times are exciting. But how much cooler that we can experience that daily and eternally through Christ - the Giver of Grace. What a mind blowing concept that this gift is given freely, daily and without payback expected.
It's like a free lunch. I could be having a great day (I typically have good days if you cant tell - I think it is the perspective thing) and then a friend or coworker and I decide to meet for lunch. We have a great lunch, good conversation and the perfect grilled chicken salad with fresh tomatoes (let's say at Houstons). We maybe even get the brownie to top it off. I go to pull out my debit card only to find out the bill has already been taken care of. That's jackpot! It's not that you take advantage of someone's kindness but it is that you totally didnt expect nor deserve to be treated but you were and the other party really wanted to treat you. This is a 10 on the working day scale. Without even really completing anything you can feel sucesful and rewarded.

It is 10:38 and my day is made. Nothing could make it better.
Well, unless you want to take me to lunch.

Sleep help

I know many of you have mastered the art of sleeping. I love to sleep and as mentioned yesterday, love my sheets, but for the life of me - I can not sleep past 6:30 no matter how tired I am, what I have to do the next day or how late I went to bed. I need your tactics. I have tried them all. Then about 2:30 in the afternon I can't function anymore. I am also slightly anemic (or so I have heard) so this doesnt help the situation.
Charlsie, I know you can feel like an expert here....what do you have?
.

Motivated today

I fear the apathy has resided. Fear - not really but it does make me kinda cautious about myself. I think 2 weeks ago I broke down crying at small group for really no reason and today that seems like eons ago. There you go for those 'newbies' who might not think I cry. I am actually really good at it - especially for no reason at all. The past 10 days or so though I have really discovered, though really by no means on my own, some serene perspective on things. Somehow God has tipped my analytical, prioritizing tendencies in His favor. Not that I dont care - but things just seem right - right where they are.
(Hold on I have to sit down in fetal position. I just drank some milk straight from the jug and I am feeling ill. I am lactose intolerant but I only chose to believe it when it conveniences me - like when I want something specifically non-dairy but the only options are dairy. I was feeling so confident - even in my milk drinking...and now - wham! Ouch. I'll be back)



Okay, not better but tolerable. I don't know if I will try harder to elaborate on this. If you have felt that peace that passes all understanding than you feel me and if not, well, you are missing out. Missing out big time. This truly is a peace only from above....from somewhere beside myself and my circumstances.

Nothing has changed - tangibly atleast. But on a larger scale - God has helped transformed my lens from which I view things. This is the most liberating gift I could receive these days as my combo of anxiety and apathy are starting to wear me out.

Even in my 9 hour sales meeting I was real motivated to kick it in to kick butt sales gear and perform. It is likely that this actual motivation will not harbour too long but it was good to feel it again.

Okay, no mas from me. I am going to suck my thumb now in a ball on the floor. Ouch....

New sheets

Tonight is a good night. Tonight was labeled a 'free' night in my little black book. Just the fact alone that I looked on today's events and had nothing (but family dinner which is not considered an obligation but a pleasure) written down. Not even a reminder about someone's birthday or a reminder about something to do tomorrow. There was nothing. As I said, this site alone was enough to write home about. So Kat and I took a brisk stroll around our fantasy-land neighborhood. It's pretty entertaining to walk among the 1-million$ plus homes and make up stories about the cute families that occupy them. I like to narrarate these stories when we walk by a cute young dad playing ball in the yard or something. Yes, I know - alot of what goes on in these houses isnt so glamorous but I think at this stage it is the illure of a home and a boy to come home to.....don't take this the wrong way you analytical people - yes, it is attractive, no, I am not wishing my years away. Moving on.....we then opted to grab food and have a mini version of family dinner since the K(C)atie's were MIA for the evening.
ARound 8pm I started taking advantage of the freeness of this Tuesday night. I cleaned, organized, sorted mail, throughout, updated calendars, wrote a few letters and the Whopper of them all - the eggs and bacon - the big kahuna: I changed my sheets. this isnt monumental because it is rare but because it is so rewarding. I am now sitting in my bed and I can smell the freshness (good thing because showers these days are few and far between). My mama invented this cool concept a few years ago. If you keep 2 sets of sheets, when you go to wash one set you immediatly have another and you dont have to wait to make up the bed again. Brilliant! So, being the sheet snob that I am I went out last August and purchased not 1, but 2 sets of high thread count sheets. People say the thread count doesnt relaly matter. Oh -contrare. Have you ever gotten into the sheets with socks on and then after about 3 minutes you take your sock off and rub your exposed feet on the sheets (yes, I know, contain yourself - this is a pretty intimate experience)? well if you do that and you dont have good sheets you'd never know what oblivion you are missing out on. this is one of my favorite things to do right when I go to bed.
Okay, some other things....when you settle for the 350count or below - everytime you move they move. Yes, great song - not good for sheets though.
My 900 thread count sheets at this moment (set #2) lies perfectly on each party of me as I get in bed. I can't do anything to mess this up. It's like they know you. And there is no reason to not explore this level of comfort that I speak of. Overstock.com has several high thread count sets for a great price. No excuses.
At the least if you take the plunge you can buy into my mom's phenomenon of 2 sets. That's free advise, mister.
Okay, taking off the socks.......

Great artice and great interview

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9804232/

Tailgate anitcipation

I am on a conference call which gives me every reason to multi task and play on the world wide web. Let's just get this out there. I am PUMPED about the weekend. I love weekends anyway but this weekend all my buddies, red, black, orange and blue all get to come to God's country for a little friendly competition between the hedges. A bunch of us are planning a 'take-over-north-campus' style tailgate. I wouldnt miss this. Everyone cool and enjoyable and funny will be there. I am not sure how exactly this will all play out - all I know is that I will be up at the crack of dawn to throw down a tent and I assume - thanks to boys and the rest of my planning crew - things will work out from there. There are only a few things needed for a fabulous tailgate.....Boys, a football, basic refreshments, some tunes in the background and a cool organizer - like myself and my planning crew.

All of my buddies have been starting the trash talk all week and I love it! Trash talk aside though....what is the picture about below? I guess it is the direct result of this little school being everyone's back up school since 1865. It's okay boys - y'all can get it right this year.

Comments welcome from you Tigers 

In love

Yes, I am in love with Athens, Georgia. I somehow manipulated my way into a compnay recruiting trip to the beloved town lastnight. I made this outing the most urgent thing of my week when really I wasnt even invited. How cool is that? But let me tell you - I rocked. I love to talk to people about my company, HomeBanc, and the cool opportunities I have found here. I was alive and really felt like I was in my sweet spot! What a great feeling. Okay, but let's back up - I drive into Athens as the sun is going down. As you come over the loop onto Milledge the horizon is picture perfect and I immediatly feel like an undergrad again. I used to love to drive around the loop at night when we came home to Windsor and take in the setting sun. It gives you that feeling like you are where you are at that moment because you are supposed to be there. So I drive down Milledge and as soon as I get to 5 points, you see runners and bikers on everycorner. 'Sons' - the greatest place in Athens for an outside beer and slice of pizza, is starting to show some activity. A pair is walking out of Hodgsons with a cheap old-fashioned icecream in hand. It's like when you have been away from home for a while and then you come back and the moment you open the door it smells the way it should - that home smell. A few boys are on the porch of the Lambda Chi house rocking away.
Eventually I make it to the Georgia Continuing Ed Center and I can remember sitting in the very place these seniors were sitting 3 years ago. I really felt like I could connect with them having been removed so recently. Yet - so much has happened.
PS- can I have a crush on graduating seniors or is that illegal? Hey, I when out with someone who recruited me when I was there - I think this is fine.
And get this - I got an Auburn ticket from a cute senior girl who really wanted some gas money to go see her boyfriend this weekend. Hey, I have a job these days and would love to support her trip to see the boyfriend and I got a ticket out of it - Bonus of the night!
But the best bonus is CKP1010. Charlsie and I met at The Resort. We sat outside and drank a Pauloner and had black bean crepes and fried green maters. Charlsie is probably tired of the Resort since she gets to visit often and every Friaday night before games with her fam. But I crave the Resort. And I crave Charlsie time. We just work well together. We are both the presidents of eachothers fan clubs and we do a great job at it.
Lastnight was a perfect getaway.
How lucky am I to get to go back Friday for the game and then next Thursday for another little reunion.
Athens is my little piece of heaven just a short drive away.

Going forward

I think you are going to see a more reserved demeanor to 'My Year to Thrive.' Due to my recent infatuation with this little global outlet coupled with my love to write about anything and everything, the recent blogs have been very telling. Yes, transparecy and authenticity are two of my favorite concepts but not to the degree that I expose my underwear color and other such random facts (No, you didnt miss an entry. I havent done this yet.)
I think one of these days I would like to maybe have interest in a boy and I do not think that the blog would harbour any reciprocal interest because I am exposed before I am ever even saked out. The mystery is gone. Not to say that all the good stuff is in the blog because there is still much to be known. But many of the favorites and not so favorite memories and things of interest are scattered throughout the blog.

Just an FYI.

Oh No! This is NOT good at all

You won't believe this. I don't believe this. So, I haven't spoken to a customer in 3 weeks. Tonight I get a lead and I am talking to him on the phone in the dining room as my roommates are watching the OC. Yes, I missed the OC for this opportunity. No problem though - because I have had a great day and I am feeling good. Until.....Strawberry Koolaid decides to spill and slowly seeps onto my computer. Mind you - I am talking to the client on the phone and I am super slow to act because I can not believe this is happening. Within 4 seconds the screen blinks and the computer is gone. For good. What is better is that the client decides to go forward. Yes, how inopportune (is that a word? I like it.)

What do I do? I am hairdrying the precious laptop now. This is not good. really really not good. For so many reasons this is not good. I will not worry. God commands us not to worry. Rather, Iwill just FREAK out. I think I am hyperventilating. I may need to find a job in NYC. Could this be it for me. This really isnt good. ANd all of my poor pictures and music is my first concern. Then of course I need to lock this loan and take care of business but there is no way. Well, I did call my angel colleague and friend, Alissa (yes, boys she is hot!) and she is going to save me a bit. Please say prayers for miss laptop. They are needed. Kat and I are going to lay hands on it right now. Prayers appreciated.
I need valium. (sp?)
Okay, so after I drop this puter off at 5am I am headed to the airport. how convenient huh?

Miss me. Be back Monday night.
Computerless but well-traveled,
Betsy

Edamame

Is not the name of my muticultural friend. It is a vegetable. I don't know all the details and maybe I should have looked them up before dedicating a blog to the shiny green beans but I didn't. I have already wasted enough time this morning. Uh oh -it is no longer morning. This is really bad.
I had edamame for dinner lastnight. It was more of an 'I forgot to eat dinner and I might starve to death if I don't eat' dinner. For some reason my body is like a clock and at certain hours it eats no matter the feeling. I am trying to get better at this because it is alot more enjoyable just to eat when you are hungry. This is what I did lastnight. I was hungry and I made edamame. I made a little too much so I brought the remainder into the office for lunch. I am so impressed with my new, oh-so-healthy snack.
Everyone is looking at me funny and somewhat rudely. Maybe I should have brought more and shared. This would have been fine had I a wooden bowl and hte beans were still in their shells. That would have been a fun lunch sittin around, shooting the breeze, sucking on edamame beans. Very corporate America.
I am so excited about my new favorite. If you want to do something nice for me - take me to Genki on Roswell road and let's eat noodle bowls and edamame.
It's a great ice breaker for a first date because you are sucking on your food.

Rock On!

Praise God for this day! Really, this will be quick as there is nothing more that I want than to fall on my knees and thank Him and sing praises. Thank Him for purpose and passion that is only from above. I feel almost guilty that the Lord is working through me so obviously and I can't put it into words. I want the whole world to know what He is doing. I am also trying to practice discretion with my words which is hard when you have an internet blog and basically disclose the color of your underwear on a daily basis.....
Words aren't needed though. Father, I pray that your will be done. That the tenacity that you have placed in my heart to do something bold for you will not die. I pray that You connect us to the right people and ground us in humility and wisdom.
So you probably want to know more and so do I.....all I can say is that tonight was divine. If you are looking for specific things to pray for pray that God puts people in our path and opens doors to see the passion He has put in us come to life!
I just can't turn it off right now as Charlsie would say..... Can't turn it off.

A heart fully aroused and a soul full of Christ is the most beautiful thing we will ever experience on this earth.

Thank You, Beautiful Creator, for this day.

I 'HEART' NYC

I have seen the tshirt for years and heard all the NYC craze. Everyone who has ever been to NYC loves it but wouldnt live there. Well, I have had the privelege to travel to Spain, Italy, Belgium, Colorado, Mexico, Costa Rica, New Orleans, San Fran, Charleston, Vegas, Montana, Canada, Grand Canyon, Boston and more and more but I have NEVER been to NYC. ( I had a layover at Laguardia a few times at the most). My 14 year sister has been there 3 times I think. Yes, so you might call me deprived and I'll take that.
The funny thing is I bring up this sincere derpravity at a family dinner one night at home and the next day my sweet daddy has a Delta ticket in my inbox. I love his heart and his passion to travel and see God's beautful creation. Life happens together when you get to travel to new places and see that life there too is altogether the same and yet altogether completley different.

So, Dad and the girls leave Friday a.m. for a mini vacation to the Big City....home of shopping and shows and great parades and everything hip and cool.
For sure we are going to see the Rockettes, ground zero, the Statue of Liberty, SoHo and some other hot spots. I am psyched. Personally, I want to make a trip to the Brooklyn Tabernacle (thanks for the suggestion, AB) or Redeemer Church on Sunday. I have read books by both the pastors of these churches and more than anything, I want to visit them. I may be on my own doing it but I can't wait. I love too to get lost in new cities!

What would you do with a weekend in NYC? Mind you - I am on a minimal budget these days and I LOVE the outdoors and love to walk places. Personally, I could sit at a coffe table outside with my high maintenance latte and just watch the people. But knowing travel Guide -Dad, every minute, even potty breaks are probably planned out. I like this about our trips though. He really takes care of so much that goes unnoticed but he is so great at making sure we see all the big sites and even the little quaint places that only locals can appreciate.
Sendme your suggestions. The winner wins a little face time on the blog at some point and lots of chocolate candy (no, not left over from Halloween, silly).

I am excited about the weekend with my family. I couldnt imagine anything more perfect this weekend. I'll keep you posted.
Be back early Sunday afternoon for Inside Out and Fusion.

Wednesday thoughts

1) How are you supposed to act in November when the time changes so it is dark super early but it is still slightly warm outside so all you want to do is play? I am still planning afternoon activities like I have all the hours in the world after work. But I don't. This has thrown me off the last few days. Didn't they vote to move daylight savings time out a few weeks? I might just run my world as if the time didn't change.
2)I really miss some of my college friends. Like really miss them. It's weird to me that there are people you adore and could see often on campus and now you are lucky if you see them once a year and that visit is usually for weddings when you really cant catch up much anyway. If I have any free time I will go visit Austin, TX and see Mrs. Julia Hooks, Jackson, MS and see my soul mate Ashley Abide, Charleston and see Fran, Nashelville and see Leah and Oxford and see Rachel. On the way home I'd stop in Athens to play with Charlsie - you can't get enough of her and then I'd head over to Smyrna and see my newest married friend, Ashley Nolan. This would be my Southeastern tour, with a little stop off in Texas. I think I fear visiting Texas because I know I could move there. I like cocky states. I like arrogant things. This doesn't sound right - let's clarify: I am attracted to confidence. And Texas has it. Texas may even stink in some parts but they know it and they own it.
3)I love my jazz shoes. They are the ugliest article of clothing that could ever be worn but they serve great purpose. I have never really spoken what it is I would love to do because it is really just this thing in my head. More so, I see myself as this person and so I hate to bring it to actuality and then realize that I really am not the superstar I think I am. In my own world I am a parade dancer. yes, like when you went to Disney World for the 75th anniversary or New Years or something and Snow White comes dancing down the side of the street. She is all smiles and twirls. That is me - in my own world, all smiles and twirls. In my jazz shoes on a good day I can spin many many times and I don't even care if it looks good - you feel good doing it.
4) I have fallen for this Starbucks thing. I am embarrassed to say it and no, I am not addicted. I like the way it makes me feel. This is true - not only do I get a coffee, I get an experience. This morning I even had a free coupon for anything I wanted. Now, if you want to start your day off right - have someone else treat you to a coffee. I feel like I have already succeeded and we are only in the 9th hour of the day. Where most people would say they want a medium at DunkinDonuts - I want a Grande at the S'buck. Don't you just tingle when you get to order a grande or even venti anything? More so, they call my name out when my drink of choice is ready. I do hate it when they repeat my order on a picky day outloud. This is somewhat uncomfortable. What if there is a cute boy in the shop and he is pretending to read the paper and sip his black coffee b/c that is how real men take it - and then he overhears the barista calling out a grande vanilla latte 1/2 decaf with 1/2 nonfat milk and 1/2 soy and 2 splendas with a little extra foam? That is slightly exaggerated but if I were a cute boy having my morning coffee and I saw a cute girl like myself ordering that concoction I would immediately lose interest in the high maintenance coffee orderer. So often, i choose the drive through. At the Peachtree Starbucks near my house (there are 5 within 2.1 miles) I love Brett, the drive through man. He always has a great story to tell me and is very personable. I really dont go enough for him to know me but I guess I made an impression and he remembers me. I like this too.

I really need to find something productive to do today. Whenever I am in this position I start to put together my database. This makes me feel accomplished at the end of the day. Do you know anyone who needs some money? I am never too busy for any of your referrals!!!! How great is that!

Fringes

I can't stop thinking about this today. Latnight at DCB concert, Shane Barnard of Shane and Shane (I think - I was a little lost in the moment and dont remember the details) opened up the song 'Fringes' with a little personal info. I think he cleared out the room and spoke right to me which I felt pretty good about. He was talking from Job 26 which says "Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; And how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?" (Job 26:14) In all the beauty and experiences and lessons that God gives us here on earth, it is but the fringes of the garment of Christ. Through our days here He reveals to us his full garment but it is only the fringes of his magestic coat that we see right now. How exciting is this! It just makes me so stinkin thankful for such a big God who knows how we work. He knows that in our own sin and self centerdeness we wouldnt be able to understand the fullness of who He is if it were thrown at us all at once. He reveals the full picture to us as we see Him more and get to know Him more and, more so, as we see Him in others. And we really won't even fathom or picture the fullness of is grace in this lifetime.
I can't work today (what is new) - and I could spend a few hours and blog space just playing with this thought.
Here is the part of the song that embodies the message:


He stretches out the north over empty space
And hangs the earth on nothing
And how faint a word we even hear of Him
And yet – our eyes and ears and minds get all the candy
I sing for grace
For grace it lets me sing
And all I’ve ever seen or heard
Or haven’t seen or heard
It’s His
There is no other
All of this is but the fringes

DCB and Shane and Shane

DCB in A - town was tonight. Wow! Talk about a invigorating few hours. I rushed around today trying to act busy and almost missed the Samual J Serio bus to Athens but luckily made it in time after traffic (not to self: do not drive more than 2 blocks on Halloween night before 3. People freak out and leave work early as if they candy will run out. I will not do this when I have children.)
We had some time to stop in to Five Star Day and do a little round of collards and black eyed peas. Sweet Charlsie even came by to surprise me and meet my friends. This was a highlight of the night too.
Then we headed to the Classic Center in the Classic City, all 46 of us. (Kudos to Tomi on this one. He was the mac-daddy organizer along with T-Dawg Newton. And this is another topic for another day - but how amazing is this group of people. Most of us know each other through Buckhead Church here in Atlanta. But many of us dont know anyone. Buckhead does an amazing job of setting up comfortable environments for people to meet others walking the same path in life - right now our's is the Single path.....I could talk about this for days and will).
Okay, so, Shane and Shane opened and they were so amazing. I am not good with adjectives or creativity at this hour - PS.

Then David Crowder Band took the stage and rocked our faces off despite some recent tragic news conerning one of the bands dear friends and pastor's of their home church. David said that despite the loss there is so much to be thankful for and so much to get excited for and he proceeded to put on an amazing show. How beautiful to hear the entire Classic Center full of voices alive for Christ. One of my favorite hymns is Come Thou Fount and when David started this one the place was filled with an undescribable melody. I had a permanant smile and was elated as I could hear the voices of my buddies and non-buddies singing to a God who is so much bigger than anything else personal that was going on with anyone.
David said that the exciting news was that death was defeated and though he knew tomorrow would be a day of mourning - he could rejoice because death can not be feared because Christ has freed us from that fear.

Thank you God for a beautiful night with beautiful friends.
And, yes, DQ on the way home....a little butter finger blizzard was the icing on the cake!
And of course there is a cute picture below. Good times....

Katie and Tom

The picture says enough. We were fabulous! Not even that our costumes for the Halloween Fusion party were that stellar but the acting was top notch. Somehow I am really good at hanging all over a boy and smiling really big like I'm the happiest and cutest girl in America. And Tom was just as hyper and looney as he has been in the media lately.
The party was a blast and I think our creativity and acting made the costume. Oh but maybe I wasnt acting???? I like to start rumors on the blog.
Was the baby real?

See picture below. The Cruise's were a hit!

DCB and Shane in Shane in the Classic City 

Katie and Tom at Fusion Halloween 

Just one of the boys

I am not going to Jacksonville for the greatest outdoor cocktail party ever again. I didnt go last year nor abour 7 years ago when I would have actually been able to drive the 6 hours home with the 'W'. Last year I was a little preoccupied with something and I didnt make the trip but every year I have gone - it's just like they predict: Georgia wins the party Friday night and Florida wins the game on Saturday. I don't really want to talk about this too much more as it makes me ill. My 14 year old sister may have made some better play calls on 3rd and 15 and I think I can catch a better football even despite the sweaty palms every so often (only when I am excited these days). Enough said. I will not go next year and we will win. But aside from the terrible display of football witnessed - the weekend was spectacular.
My fincky nature and inability to make decisions only when I know they will effect or let someone else down kicked in and I didnt decide for sure that I would go until..oh...11 am on Friday. Luckily, my new friend wasnt leaving until 1 so I packed everything Red and Black that I owned, whipped up some snacks for the car because that is what girls do when we travel. Of course, that is what girls do regardless. We try to act like we are being sweet and considerate but most of the time when we make sweets we are making them for our pleasure subconsciously.
We hit the road around 1;30: myself, my new friend and my other new friend to be nameless. Even the 5 (which turned into 6 ) hour trip was such a blessing. I really enjoyed the conversation and loved sitting quietly listening to the boys go over the list of every hot girl inside the perimeter. Girls: note to selves: boys like hot girls. They like personalities but they do like hot girls and they do think about girls and situations with girls alot more than I ever imagined. Second note to girls: boys might talk about girls but they dont seem to strategize the way girls do nor fantasize futures together as girls do. Just being a girl wears a girl out. For this past weekend though I kind of made myself one of the boys.
Friday night I changed in to my best party outfit I could throw together while changing in the back of the car. These details are pointless so lets cut to the meat here: Friday night was great hopping around to see old friends and meet new ones. Eveyone is friends during GA/FLA weekend.
Saturday started off with a gourmet breakfast of eggs and venicen. Okay, again, I dont see a bunch of girls getting up and pulling out the self-hunted deer meat while watching ESPN Gameday. We then headed to the stadium and tailgate hopped for the next few hours. My buddy from college, Brett, made the most amazing hamburgers I have ever had. This is really an 'EVER' - they were that good!
Okay, so - skip the game - the boys then began a never ending ping pong tourney. Competitive boys are really cute I say. I enjoyed watching the ego's come alive even in to the 2 am hour.
Ride home was great too. I love my new friends and loved the weekend.
Cute picture below...this is pregame hence the boastful, aticipative smiles.

Pre game tailgating in Jax