Pete=hero....more to come.

I can finally rest. Blog is fixed. Pete, you are truly my most favorite person of the day. All of a sudden my hnads stopped sweating and I can breathe again. Geez, this blog thing is getting to be like my first child. I can't leave it anywhere and I can't sleep until I know it is okay. I did not want anymore emotional attachments in my life and now I am paranoid over blog problems??? Needless to say - B.A.U.

Pete, my right arm is in the mail to you tomorrow.

Blog is broken please help

SOS 911 HELP

Cant stop laughing

It started this morning.
I slept on the couch because I am scared of Herman the roach and it was too hot to sleep in my sauna/room.
I thought I was the only one awake. I was cleaning my room - Adam and Eve style.
30 minutes later I realize that Catie is in fact wide awake, in her bed, doing school work. If you havent seen upstairs layout of the Terrace Catie's room is a short distant oposite of mine. Full views if she wanted....Ooppsss..... She has yet to ask me to be her next nude. Should I be offended?

Then, Somehow the whole Tizzle (Terrace) ended up at home during the lunch hour today. And somehow Shakira was in all of our heads. Let's put it this way: Katie's hips dont lie. We had a little mini hip moving session before Kat headed back to her prison (work that is). I had to remove myself from the premises after a while because my belly hurt from laughing. I love when we are all home unexpectedly.

Then, tonight Kat and I drove completely out of our way - not once but twice for a Stephen Woodham specialty- Mickey-D's McFlurry with Oreo and you got it.....a little splash of fudge. I wanted a sausage biscuit too. They dont start making them til 4am - for future reference. I am not sure what is in the Terrace water but we got the McFlurry and then again chuckled the whole way home. (Insert side note: Kat was felling her Auburn pride and was "War-eagling" every car of 20-something males we might have passed. Nice, Kat.

This isnt funny to you. That's not why I write it. I write it because my roommates are simply irrestistible. One of my most favorite things in America is to come home and literally laugh until my stomach cramps with these characters. I know there will be a day (when Kat is home with her cats) that I sit and just long to be back at the Terrace with the windows open on a Tuesday mid-afternoon just sitting on the smelly couch laughing with these girls. I pray we savor every single moment and drink it up with a straw real slow and then slurp it at the end just to make sure we got it all. Yummy - I heart Terrace girls.

Wu-Tizzle for shizzle

Nashville amigos.....

Cancel your plans tomorrow night because I have new ones for you. One of my newest musical-flings (though I think this is more of a serious relationship than a fling)is headlining at Exit/In. Sadly, I wont be able to make the trek through the beautiful Georgia/Tennessee mountains but I want you to check this girl out. She'll be a new heart-throb for you too.

www.brandicarlile.com

Thank me later. Hope y'all are loving life in Nashvegas. Reunion in the works!


And for all of you Atlanta kids, Variety Playhouse - tonight. I love Little 5 points and I love mid-week concerts. Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone! Yay for short weeks. (I like anything "mini".....mini Teddy Grahams, mini muffins, mini-cokes, mini shampoo bottles, Ipod-mini's, mini-weeks.....

Tall, dark and handsome please apply

After an exhausting day in the sun and on the lake yesterday and then a splendid night under the stars at Chastain I came home to a visitor at the Terrace. Mind you - I am home all alone this weekend. Kat and Catie are too cool for Atlanta and they hit the road and Katie works nights this week so while she is nursing babies (not literally but yes, literally but not 'nursing' them) I am home alone. I am really okay being alone for the most part. I dont have to wear clothes if I dont want. I can sing and dance and turn up the tunes loud and I can go to bed whevever I want. But at night - no me gusta being home alone. Have you been in the Terrace basement - probably not because it is worse than the Haunted mansion at Disney World. (This ride use to give me nightmares.)Not only is it scary - it stinks of hardened rat excretion and other stank that can not be described. So lastnight as my body was so so ready to sink into the 900 threadcount sheets this horse jumps out from the corner of my room! No, no animals in the basement this time - my suite! No exaggeration folks, call the pest control, this flying R%*CH (I can't say it or read it - it literally makes my stomach turn) was this long: ______________________
Imagine that. Seriously, Imagine the body of this thing. He was so big that he wobbled when he walked and wasnt really fast enough to go anywhere but I passed out in my bed when I saw him and all reactions were halted. Needless to say, he hobbled his way back somewhere to the wall where I could hear him climbing in between papers and all the crap that has been against my wall for the past five months (you know when you put things in a certain spot they start looking like they belong there and soon enough you forget to move them????). I mean, this fella is hevy enough for me to hear his every move. So I come to my senses and sit in my bed just cursing the fat fellow. Where is the Brauny man when I need him? Funny thing is, I say talk, dark, handsome apply but really - I just need Catie or Katie. My roommates are 10 times more efficient and helpful than any young gent who has tried to pursue at the the Terrace (okay, yes Stephen and Ryan - 10 points - they each have a rat under their belt.)I called Katie and she said were she home she would help me kill it.
So what do I do?? Mini confession - Kat I slept in your bad lastnight (and loved it!) just so I could leave Herman the cockroach to himself. I attempted jumping really hard on my bed to scare him out of his corner but no dice. Then I sprayed Windex all on the wall so maybe it would run down and he would smell it and die but either way - he dies, I have to eventually find him and throw him away. I am stuck.
R*@CHES are my least favorite thing Ever! Ever. I have been avoiding my house all day today so I didnt have to face the reality that will endue tonight. Kat - come home, I am sleeping with you.

In the meantime, you dont even have to be talk, dark, handsome (that's just a saying). I'll take anyone with a little bit of kahunas that may want a lovely dinner as repayment. I dont kiss on the first date - especially if it is a repayment date. But I could consider if that is what it takes???? Ha! Any takers? See you at 8pm tonight for the battle.

Picture this

First picture this....I am sitting in the Honda in the Kroger parking lot on Roswell road. In my bathing suit, windows open, Robert Randolph singing in my ear. This is what you call a redneck cookout for sure. I needed to look up a phone number on the puter as I was awaiting the arrival of my amigas so we can head to the lake for the day. I turn on the computer and it says I have internet! I am in the Kroger parking lot, folks! Okay, so normally I wouldnt be so anxious to write but my heart can no longer contain it's contentment! More so, you know me - I LOVE LOVE LOVE to write so whether or not this thing actually posts on the www - of no matter to me... part of my daily worship is expressing my sentiments on paper (well....paper kind of.) Did you picture that - blogging in the Kroger parking lot, Paulaner beer next to me (is this illegal?) and bathing suit on the perfect Sunday??? Okay erase that image because here is the meat and potatoes.....
My heart is so in tune with God's. You know how your whole body breathes and screams at the top of it's lungs when it finds itself trucking right along with it's Creator's??? It's like even my toes and fingers and the tip of my nose can feel it. Everything in me is alive. God has spoken such clairty to me lately and when I am finally not stubborn enough to listen - my body rejoices! Yesterday God gave me the most fabulous-ordained-relaxing-rejuvenating-invigorating-pleasing-energizing-perfect-yummy day! Here comes the picture.....82 and sunny, no clouds, remote pool in the middle of the woods, birds around us, every perfect song in the background, no boys so no need to cover up, sweet tea and lemonade at our finger tips, a slight breeze, cookie dough, jacuzzi bubbling, no cell phones ringing, conversation picked just for the moment - or none at all and a few favorite friends to take it all in. And that is just part 1. This first chapter lasted for nearly 8 hours but it literally felt like days. God is so good. My heart can't nearly take it all in. The hours didnt seem to move yesterday. He just knows us. He knows we needed rest and fellowship. I allow myself to get so distracted throughout the week and I dont even deserve His pursuit but yet He continues.... He beckons through the busyness and our brokeness and pride. Thank you, God, for continuing to pursue me despite my lack of acknowledgement at times. You are too good. You are satisfying beyond expression. You are the captivator of my heart! I want to sing you a love song!

But that's not all. Part 2: Stars are out, music still in the background, perfect evening temperature, a few enjoyable boys this time, dinner on the porch, jacuzzi jets massaging my back..... Bliss. Needeless to say, yesterday was divine - the whole thing. It even began with the longest workout I've had in months. Thank you God for a planless Memorial Day weekend. You know what my heart needs. This weekend it is You and I and I am honored to be yours.
So the serenity will continue....I am headed to the lake for the day and then I have a table at Chastain Ampitheatre tonight for a concert (my FAVORITE place in Atlanta!). Tomorrow the Nicholson clan is cooking out and having the first annual Memorial Day weekend tennis tourney. I have to get all the giggles out today so I can get my game face on tomorrow. I can't let the younger Nicholson's beat me. But if they do - I have the cutest tennis skirt!

OKay....the crew is here. Blogging in Kroger parking lot - what a thrill! Praise God today for His contiunuous pursuit of our hearts. My heart is doing somersaults!

Happy Memorial Day - I'll eat a burger with American cheese and I am wearing my red bathing suit to show my patriotism.

This is just a little taste to wet your appetite. Mini story to follow. I may not be a super star sales-woman but I somehow made the poster on the 4th floor. This is funny. Kat and I christened the poster lastnight with a toast! 

Yes, we were those people at the concert taking pictures. And I am that girl posting the picture right after. We are too fun to not be displayed!  

1974

I can not take any credit for my new favorite thing. That's what cool friends are for...Everything I do cool is probably stolen from someone cooler. This is the truth for all of us even the most people walk around like they are the inventors of cool. That's okay. I'll still validate your coolness but nonetheless, it is stolen.
So, one of my newest friends had a cute hat. He woudlnt call it cute because he is a boy but it was cute. Honestly, I didnt know at first what it stood for. With a little investigation (cause I couldnt just come out and ask cause that wouldnt be cool at all (I hope you all know me enough by now and can sense the sarcasm...if not, we need to talk.)So, you know....I poke around and find that my new favorite thing is none but the Braves ball cap from the 70's and I am in love.

I am in love and I like to online order these days because I like mail. I dont even know what I am ordering but I like to get things in the mail sporadically....stain rremovers, luggage, sauce from Costa Rica, pictures, ball caps, music, books, frozen crab cakes - you name it...I love packages in the mail! (And hand written letters (wink wink - Liz)So I ordered the hat online but then yesterday when I was at the CNN center I saw the beloved object of my latest affections and I just couldnt wait so I bought it. Stop. Dont judge. Dont think I have delayed gratification problems. I dont. I am an Atlanta native and rarely go to the CNN center unless its the SEC championship and the Dawgs are kicking some cajun tail! And being an Atlanta native - I would normally never go in the Braves store - cause that would seem like the tourist thing to do. Sometimes it is so refreshing to be a tourist in your own city though! Anyway, they have the hat and they have my size and I give them my dollars and I am happy. I actually walked out the door with the hat on head (and my hot suit on) and forgot the whole reason I came...to meet a client.
So now I have two. I'll find somebody special to give hat #2 to. And the best part about it is I still get to wait for it in the mail! Mail= happy Betsy, remember.
This person has to have a big head though because I have a larger head and I ordered a big size. Little heads need not apply. There is a criteria. Kat and I are making up the criteria now for the lucky boy. (I say boy because I doubt any of my petite friends can wear this hat without it covering your eyes - I am not discriminating.)Anyway, dinner at a minimum and maybe the new cookies and cream icecream from chick-fil-a!!! Are you kidding me! No - Chick-fil-a really has milk shakes now and they are to die for. For real - to die for. Tonight Kat and I got 2 for 1 on the way to the Dave Barnes show. We didnt have to ask. It was a good night.
No longer is Chick fil A my healthy choice alternative. Thanks, again Liz for the early notice about the milk shakes!!!!

Favorite Items of the week: Braves 1974 ball cap (is that what you boys call them?) and a cookies and cream milkshake from Chick-Fil-A. Put the two together - watch out! Perfect summer combo.

I am so excited about this weekend. No updates I am sure. Too much going on and too much down time needed at the same time - more so, I need to lead a quiet life. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." (1 Thess 4:11). And, BTW - I dont think blogging on a daily basis (sometimes bi-daily) is the greatest practice of a quiet life??? Things to consider.

Tennis anyone?

I have a cute skirt and bloomers with my name on them.
(Yes, they are from highschool so I am not sure if they are 100% coverage but they hold tennis balls and that is theor purpose.)
I am tired of beating the same person at tennis so I am moving on.....
Yes, Katherine, you can apply for this challenge if you would like - only we will call it tennis ball scavenger hunt rather than just 'tennis.' Anyone?
The weather is perfect for a late afternoon game of tennis. You can wear your sweater around your neck. I'll bring my favorite flavor of Gatorade. One for you - one for me. We can go to TCBY after? 7th caller wins.

The live nude girls, excuse me, music we experienced this Saturday at Swallow at the Hollow. You want to go here: www.swallowatthehollow.com 

Technology

I am amazed by processes. I used to lie awake when I was in elementary school and not sleep for hours thinking about processes. You know, how things were made? If I was lucky and my nana was in town I would get her to rub my head until I finally forgot to think about things and fell asleep. If there is one feeling I loathe (and I have plenty of experience to be able to say this) it is getting in bed and knowing that my mind is not going to turn off. At age 10, my mind would try to conceive the make up of crayons or how cotton candy stuck to itself and had such a delightful composition. Then at one point I remember these thoughts turning really serious....you know the period of time where you started thinking about how you were really formed (I mean, not the act silly but the actual formation) and what the space was like that is now earth before it was formed???? Tell me you had these growth periods too that kept you awake at night???? Or just tell me I am weird. I can handle it. Well, none of those questions have necessarily been answered to date but I guess some questions you dont have to ask anymore because faith takes care of them....good thing.
So today a few girls and myself gathered at one of Atlanta's finests' (Jenni B....you shouldnt have to ask) house to call our friends. This was no ordinary call. Nothing with these friends is ordinary and that is what I love most. The thing is our friends, Beth and Holly, are millions of gallons of water away in Swaziland, Africa. Yes, Africa, where it is winter and where there is very little heat and a.c. if at all and it is almost morning due to the time difference and AIDS is rampant and they eat alot of corn...that Africa. We got together to call them on the computer. The hour we had together was such a gift from God - I could sense peace in their voice. I couldnt stop smiling just by being in their "presence." My fascination is this.....we heard their voices and they are continents and miles and miles away and we heard their voices with maybe a one second delay if it all. Now, someone today told me that this was all possible via a strand of 0's and 1's like 0000010010101111011001.....something like that. That makes as much sense to me as brain surgery or boy's heads (ha) or German or something.....no sense at all. My amazement is -in fact- in the actual technological answers for how we actually heard their voices over a wireless computer but more so it is that technology exists at all! God is so freaking BIG! Seriously, granted, you will argue it is by human invention and design that everything has come to be but it is our Creator who designed us with the ability in His image to create and to reason and to solve and to invent. I am humbled today just by the fact that I got to hear - live- Beth and Holly's voice....for free... with no static and they are half way across the world! Lots of water in between people! We serve a great Big, ominpotent, creative, powerful, careful, intricate, beautiful God who has the power to move mountains, create oceans and continents but yet loves the very small person that we are. He sees the depths of our hearts and He loves us the same! That is an amazing God.
I have to end this now becuase I am feeling my head start to turn and all the monkeys in my head are starting to swing. It may take a few just to wind down and I have a big week. God is after my heart on every realm (as He is always) and I just know this is going to be a big week for me - and His Kingdom.
If any of you dorks have a little insight to my questions - whether about online communication, crayons, boys heads or cotton candy....I beg you to shed some light.
Spread the love. Goodnight, kids! Every day is from the Lord - remember this first thing tomorrow and let it mold the way you carry out your day.

011011101111000010101010000

Many things made me smile today

-Green shoes! I have the greatest pair of green heels that I forgot about and yesterday I found them all lonely in my closet. Today they were so happy to be on my feet and to be admired by all of Corporate Atlanta. Good shoes=good day. I am really not this shallow but if I look at all of the basics - I always have extra-ordinary days when I have on fabulous shoes. The confidence just flows from the ground up.
-Productive morning...it just takes two super productive hours to win the day and I did that by 10 this morning.
-Souper Jenny's $10 lunch. A soup and sald or sandwich, a "treat", a peice of fruit, roll and drink. This makes about 3 meals for me. I want to open my own Super Jenny one day and spread my joy to Atlanta's lunch time population.
-Laying in the grass with Charlsie and my new sunglasses. I love our grass. It grows like crazy but it is the soft kind that beckons you to lie in it and that we did.
-Having two packages dropped off by the FedEx man. 2!!! Are you serious? I got an unexpected package and my pilates magic circles that I ordered. These are magical and make my body so happy. I love the FedEx man or out sweet mail lady or anyone that wants to sprinkle some postal love on the Terrace.
-Watching yesterday's Oprah for the 3rd time and once again crying the whole way through. My heart is burning for missions. I dont really want to be a "missionary" per se but I want to live my life, especially my career life as though my only mission is to spread Jesus' name far and wide. This isnt revolutionary - it's what happens when you allow God to transform your heart. But more so these days I have this undeniable desire to be bold for my beliefs: for the joy that has been given to me.
-Running tonight just as the sun went down around our fabulous neighborhood. There is this stretch between mile 3 and 4 that is right near the golf course. The sun goes down over the golf course and no one ever seems to pass me. At first I was listening to From the Inside Out by Hillsong and literally had my arms open the whole time....eventually I turned off the ipod and just ran my heart out. Can you believe my knees are marginally working enough for me to experience such release by a few runs a week? I am elated!
-Finding the 1974 Braves ball cap online in my size.
-Online ordering...yeah, I am on a roll these days - from pilates rings to luggage to pictures to conputer software. All within budget - no worries.
-Watching Francoeur hit 2 home runs against the Marlins today. I love America's team (and would love them more if they could win it all for once. I want to go to the Braves parade when they win the championship like back in the 90's.....Sid Bream, Terry Pendleton.... all the greats.
-Talking to my dad, the expert on all things, unexpectedly tonight
-Enjoying the quiet night with candles, porch lights and Shawn McDonald in the background. Perfect.
-Clean sheets! I get to sleep on clean sheets tonight! This may be one of the grander things in this life on earth. More so, my room is so clean you could really eat breakfast off of it. Eggs on the floor tomorrow am.
-Surprise visits from Robin, Jenni and our new friend, Amy late tonight. Just when I thought the day couldnt be anymore perfect I get a knock on the door and two of my favorite people in the world are standing smiling. I dont deserve such fabulous friends.
-Realizing just how sinful I am. Really, I think these days are some of the hardest but most refreshing. It is because of my natural sin that is just so hard to get rif of that I even need Christ. often I think I get busy and think I can do it on my own but always...always....He reminds me that I am only fully alive because I have been redeemed. Often in our society and especially with our generation we walk aroung thinking we are owed something. Really, if we realized daily how much we dont deserve we would be so humbled and so overwhelmed by the grace that has been given to us. So often my motives are impure and so often discipline is not the center of my decisions. But so often I am truly rejuvenated by the reality that I am fully redeemed....day in and day out. I deserve nothing but I am given to abundantly.

And that sums up this perfect Thursday. I will sleep well tonight. My heart is at peace. I hope you do too! Get rid of any monkeys (as Brad calls them) in your head - you will always sleep lighter on a monkey-free head....and clean sheets!

I want to be here again.  

Charlsie=Hero

Sometimes I wonder if there is anything you can not do or some subject that atleast you can't give me a reasonable sounding answer. Everyone needs a Charlsie!
For you late risers the blog was sick this morning and I have meddled over the settings and programming all morning and half of yesterday. Then one call from Dr. Charlsie (and soon to be lawyer in T-48)and the blog is back to normal. I can breathe again and start to do the work I havent done all week.
Better posts to come. I am itching to write but just havent had time to do anything these days.
BTW - weather in Atlanta this week couldnt be more perfect. Get out and enjoy it. I think I'll play tennis again today - I have a cute new skirt and after losing all pride in my tennis game Monday - I am ready for redemtion.
Talk soon.

HELP...SOS....911

What is going on with the blog? I almost hyperventilated (or as Charlsie would say, blacked out and died) when I opened up the site and saw nothing! I thought it was gone!...okay, and if that did happen it is not the end of the world...it's not like anything in here is life changing nor does it possess some great secret but it is a couple years in the making and I would be slightly depressed if it were all gone. Anyway, so you scroll down and there is all the juice but what is wrong with the settings? I am a remedial computer user - I have also had this computer stolen and it has even drank a cup of my favorite coffee before. More so, I only know how to operate Outlook and itunes. Somebody help!

Fall Thursdays now booked

Grey's Anatomy - the only show on the tube that causes me to miss appointments,cancel previously scheduled plans, lose sleep, and yes, sometimes envision getting caught in an elevator with a doctor will move to Thursdays in the fall. This is great news for me. I teach 6am aerobics on Monday and I face such a dilemma because even though Tivo works wonders in todays society - I hate to miss an episode on Sundays just to go to bed early and then possibly overhear the recall of the episode in the gym or office the next day. Thus, I applaud the network for this bold move. And for any of you old-school folks who have yet to partake in heaven here on earth, aka Tivo- The Terrace will forever have lastnights episode and the steamy kiss that ended the season. I may become a nurse after lastnight.

Ok, I know I need to stop with the pics....this is the fish Stephen caught. Yummy! 

Liz and I in our latest performance outside the restaurant Saturday night.  

The boating crew on the Intercoastal waterway this past weekend. This was the perfect day for a boatride. I forgot how much I love being near the water.....I want to be a mermaid! 

Nothing I love more than getting sandy and hot and tired and dirty during a tough day in the sun and then getting cleaned up! And of course it's nice to have a cute boy in between us!  

We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.

Faith without works is dead.


I am just trying to motivate myself towards something today. I am still rocking on a boat from our trip to the East Coast of Florida. If you could smell my smile right now it would smell like an Irish Spring bathed boy along with fresh cut grass and french vanilla coffee brewing. I couldn't be happier.....but I do realize it is mid-May, business is slow and I want to take some action! What am I waiting for?

PBI bound

It's Friday I'm in love......
Well, not officially Friday but after a 15 hour work day today, a handful of ungrateful clients and fitting 9 things into the last 1.5 hours of my day today I am skeedaddling tomorrow and yes, I am in love! I am in love with vacations and the beach and Delta and the ability to work hard and then leave it all. I am in love with Outlook Assistant that tells all my emailers that I am gone and I am in love with seafood and sundresses and boys named Bradley in speedos.
Needless to say - a few friends and I booked tickets to Palm Beach a few months ago and now our departure is finally here. Couldnt have come at a more perfect time.
I'll call you from the beaches with the turquoise colored water and the whitest sand ever. I'll make you jealous for sure.

Hopefully when I get back my creativity and energy will return too. Life has gotten the best of me lately and I am pooped. The Betsy you know and love will return - she just needs a little down time with some of her favorite folks.

TGIF

Nicholson family....

Hello...do I have a voice? Do I exist? I honestly think sometimes that I could get married and move to Tokyo and my mom would call me a few weeks after just to wonder how I was doing....It is pretty scary that I live 25 miles from my family and I rarely get to see them. Yes, we are all in different stages of life - but when aside from those lovely elementary days are you ever tracking at the same pace? Mary Lauren, 14, is the lone child left at home with my parents. I do pity her - not to be home with my parents because Tanise and Steve are as cool as they come but to be home alone. I couldnt have imagined not having someone home to boss or fight over the toy in the cereal box with on a Saturday morning. Many people say Mary Lauren is like a mini-Betsy but I think she hates that reference and does everything to try to defy any connection. I adore her - she got all the Nicholson looks - she is probably going to comrprise the 5 foot 8 stature too that the pediatrician always told me I would carry. Whatever.
Carter, the youngest brother, is en route to Athens this summer to attend my alma mater. Before that though he is looking for any odd jobs from yard cutting, to house sitting to brick laying and between??? Just give him a coke and double the gas money he takes to get around and he's hired. He always seems to be broke but always seems to have some ladies to take out as well- not sure how that works??? And he treats the ladies well from what I can tell. Carter is a catch. Carter and I see eye to eye too. Sometimes it is scary how alike we are - passionate, quick to make decisions (not always the right ones), fickle with money, we love to dance, full of good intentions and we have hearts that often work for good but can sometimes get us in over our head in certain situations.
Matt, aka, Dr. McDreamy is completing his first year in med school. Matt is definitely the most driven of all of us too and he is a powerhouse. He is stong mentally and he is stable. I can't wait to spend time with him this summer before he goes back to Augusta for med school part 2.
Okay, so the Nicholson clan is cool. I do hope we make efforts to see eachother this summer ezpecially while everyone is home. I know these days togethter are a blessing.
ML, Carter, Matt - no excuses. I am making y'all hang out with me. I know I am old and not cool and I probably smell funny and go to bed early but humor me and let's hang. We can put on bowling shirts and go bowling again or play tennis or pretend to be patient and catch fish in the lake near the house or play DDR in the basement??? We can watch Saturday cartoons and eat Catptain Crunch again and I'll give yall the toy in the bottom of the box. Whatever the activity - let's plan it. Carter, I'll pay you for your time as that may be the only way I can get you to hang.....

On other notes.....I HAVE To be productive tomorrow. Make me be productive. Dont talk to me. Dont call me (unless you are my siblings) and pray that I can make some progress tomorrow. Anyone need to refinance?

FINALLY!

I am finished....I hit SUMBIt...they have my application fee....I have officially applied to seminary and I can hardly sit still or contain my excitement. I may not get in - that's fine - God's will but either way - it is me finally taking a step that I have been wanting to take for a while. I am going to run and open my hands the whole way and sing and praise God for opportunities and for the freedom I feel right now. I'll keep you posted....So much up in the air these days but I love it. I love having to take myself out of outcomes and having to truly rely on the Lord and His plans for me. I'm alive I'm alive I'm alive Im alive I'm alive.

Athens baby

I just got really excited about my weekend. The weather today is exquisite. I laid in my grass this morning and then went on a marathon run without even looking at the time - my favorite kind. I even slept in past 7 this morning - 10 points for me! So things are going smoothly for sure - I love planless-Saturdays! I love the smell of fresh cute grass. I love watching my neighbor who hates the Terrace girls- have to smile at me when I keep walking outside and talking right at him. I mean, he cant even look us in the eye. Mama always said kill em with kindness and I always listen to mama. Anyway, I just looked at a picture of Charlsie and I miss her and I miss Athens and I have nothing to do tonight and I live in America and my gas tank is full and I love Athens in the spring so I am hitting the road. I am so excited. We will sit at Sons during the perfect late afternoon hours and then go eat at Bissets or the Resort or Depalmas or Five Star Day or maybe all four of them. My whole body is so excited at this last minute decision. Athens=heaven and I am headed straight there. By the by, Charlsie, JD, graduates in two weeks and I am not sure completely how she is feeling but I am sad. For some reason, I feel like I too am having to say goodye to Athens all over again. This will be a good trip before the big finale.
Enjoy your Saturday. 90% chance of rain tomorrow!

And to add to it all.....

On top of DQ lastnight I also found a delightful bottle of red wine and the most perfect strawberries this morning left for me. God knew I needed some cheering yesterday and lastnight just won me over.....DQ (4 flavors!!!), 2 cute boys hiding in my bushes, a visit from my dearest friend, Jenni (and maybe the most thoughtful person you will EVER meet) and then a new bottle of wine and perfect strawberries! My heart is doing somersaults.

And this morning - 2 hour salsa class to top it all off. Salsa is by far the best part of my week.

tgif- I am so happy.

God's gifts to women

Their names are Stephen and Brad and they come in 2 sizes.

Who else would run down the road on a Thursday night in camouflage with a cooler of Dairy Queen only to be delivered right to the Terrace doorstep?

And only a gift from God like these 2 would bring 4 different flavors!


This incident is multiple-blog worthy but I am in such bliss right now with icecream running down my chin that I want to savor these flavors with the roommates and leave you dreaming about these two stud-muffins. Story to follow. Terrace girls are smitten.


TERRACE HEARTS BRAD AND STEPHEN THE MOST RIGHT NOW.

www.matkearney.com

So I have told you over and over that I have a mild...okay an obnoxious crush on this guy and his lyrics. All the while I have been singing along and kinda making up the words that I thought fit. Then I got a hold of the lyrics and I am now smitten, head over heels for this fella. He comes back to Atlanta June 15th. Don't miss it.

From Girl America

and i can see we've strayed so far
a king born under that morning star
as a crown of thorns was placed to erase
each tear that’s touched your face
and his palms and sides where pierced with spears
he hung in love just to draw you near

Mid-day pilates is the best lunch break a girl can take. Especially if you get to catch the end of the Exotic dance class before hand. Just watching some of the middle aged women practicing their pelvic rotations with hoola hoops is worth arriving a little early. Tip for life #358- Mid-day Pilates is cheap therapy.

Not sure where this will lead....

But here it goes....Today has been one of those days where everything seems to fall apart at the seems but ultimately, you find a little piece of clarity to hold on to. You know - when you start spouting off advise to others or maybe to yourself and for once it is fairly rational and provides great, uncharted perspective?? Despite my helacious morning (is that a bad word? If so, fine - I really like the word and think it is rather fitting) the evening proved to be a peaceful one and let's just say for comfort sake - yours and mine- (I would hate to stain you with personal details that might make you uncomfortable) - there were alot of bumps and bruises in between but altogether a peaceful evening with a positive byproduct.

I went walking tonight around 10:15 to sort through the mess of thoughts that were in my head. This is where my best thinking is done, really. I have my ipod on but I only listen to dramatic love songs (all the while picturing my own personal drama to parallel the drama of such ballads....Heart's - Alone seems to be the song of choice today or else A litlte Al Green, Let's Stay Together (the one I always shimmy to when I am happy and running).....)and I tend to walk a little faster partly out of fear that the construction men in Capital City sleep in the woods and may want to grab me (is it weird that I picture these scenes happening and the only solution I have come up with were I to be grabbed by a construction man is to spout off every STD known to the common man and claim them all as my own??? Okay, a little odd but I think a solid plan.) Needless to say, the energy is flowing and I just start dreaming up blogs and blogs of worthy information for my valued reader. Here are just a few of tonight's revelations.....

I fear change like the plague. I actually fear it more than the plague. Okay and maybe fear isnt the right word but let's be brutally honest...I do not embrace it. Though, funny, once it is thrown in my face and I encounter it - I thrive but up until then resistance is my only cry. I have been doing my job for nearly three years now. I am good at what I do - not the best but good. I love the people I work with and I work for the coolest company in America. I know in my gut though that I am supposed to write and/or speak/encourage/motivate others to be the best they can be. I was made to encourage others. I would much rather you be a Superstar than me - which is counterintuitive to most sales career paths. But really, I could sit and continue along my path of least direction for many years to come because for some reason I have built a resistance to change that can not be thwarted. On the other hand of that though, I am discguted these days by my own monotony and I am repulsed by the thought of the mundane right now. Why do all the details of life bog us down so much? Don't you feel your best as I do when you are in your sweet spot with God...when you are just doing what it is He created you so beautifully to do? Not that saying this is going to make it happen but I think it is the first step...Embrace change, Betsy. If I see somewhere God has me than make it happen....dont wait for it to hit you at the right time or place - it never will. All this being said, I will finish my seminary application this week. Step one.

Which leads to my next thought. Nothing profound again just worth noting. I am absolutely nauseated these days by my own mediocracy. In the words of my favorite lyricist these days, Mr. Mat Kearney himself, "I won't fall in the middle...No parachutes or safety nets here. One foot on the water to face these fears...." What am I really fearing so much that it is stopping me from embracing the change that God might be bringing about? It's not rejection or failure really...I am okay at failing at something but I just dont want to fail at the wrong thing....like I have this itch to do something bigger and bolder but that doesnt mean I have to quit my job and go to the nunnary...It just means I want to take a risk for something I believe in....the right thing, not just something that will allow me to step out...the right something. Then, right as I think God is leading me somewhere - I go and get caught up in the details of my life....the details that He commands me not to worry about. If we could really allow God to take care of the details, the relationships and the in between I have a slight premonition that the other things - the big stuff will come much easier.

Which leads to even more thoughts for the evening.....no correlation to the latter thoughts but nonetheless, thoughts I thunk tonight on my walk-to-solve-all-the-worlds-problems (but just not my own) - why do we ALWAYS want what we can't have? Why dont I just trust my heart when it leads me in a direction? Why does everything turn so serious when you are on the latter side of your 20's??? What once was a mild date or a mild decision seems to bear so much more weight these days. Why is it so hard to see clearly when you are right smack in the middle of something? How are others able to see where they want to be in their near future and then they seem to go for it and I honestly can't decide whether to wear pants or a skirt in the mornings and can hardly put my whole belief behind anything (apart from Christ)? When did such uncertainty start lurking in? And on bigger notes, why when I feel so ready and available to be used by God do I feel myself getting antsy because there seems to be nowhere that I am needed. I want to live boldly for my faith. I want to live it out loud. I want to be used - I have prayed this prayer and pleaded this for months now but here I sit, at the Terrace, with the daunting task of repeating today again tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next.....And not to say I am not happy with things here at the Terrace - more than happy actually but extremely comfortable too. Why do I tend to wait for life to happen to me instead of going after it?

I hope no one reads this. Really. I crave writing! Do you know that???It is literally the most exhilerating physical rush (to date)to know that I can sit down and just let my fingers go. I know this stuff isnt good nor really worth reading but luckily that isnt why I do it. But for my own sanity among peers...I do hope that if you read this one you just chalk it up as one of those cooky blogs that I have every lunar eclipse or so. Don't take me so seriously, too, - I dont take half of what I say seriously. Tonight my roommates and I had a pow wow about everything under the sun and we all made some vows to make some changes. One of which for me was to explore where my passion for writing could lead me....maybe the next Keri Bradshaw of Atlanta? Maybe sitting by a bay window in Charleston, South Carolina writing for the local newspaper about the Spoleto festival or something locally intriguing? Maybe it is just completing seminary papers next fall as I begin to move through some classes? Or maybe just enjoying the Terrace porch on a spring day with the windows open just writing the 5 notes a day that I try to write just to let others know how much I appreciate them. Who doesnt need a personal note every once in a while?

Bottom line among my questions and mindless ramblings - In Christ only ALL things hold together. He is the reason I am given one more day every day - to spread the joy and peace that is found only in Him especially when questions like these start to take over. I pray that my heart and head can rest tonight in this truth. It is tiring trying to figure the pieces of the puzzle out but He doesnt ask us to do that. We are just asked to play our part in the moment and to live outloud for the One who gives us life.....the other mundane details that lie in the middle will be taken care of. I need to write that 50 times on a piece of paper or say it over and over. It will be taken care of. Expect big and bold things from the Lord. He truly is the only rock that we can stand on especially when the walls come falling down like today and we are faced with a whole laundry list of questions. In Him ALL things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)

And just to note: Do you know how lucky I am to live in our little sorority house, the Terrace, right now with amazing girls who have to hear my ramblings on a daily basis? You know the change issue I spoke of.....well, I never see myself moving away from my little piece of heaven called the Terrace. Could this be a problem? Does communal living work in a marriage setting? Things to consider before taking any plunges of the sort. Thanks, girls, for listening and waiting to talk about how crazy I am until I leave the room. Y'all are superstars and we are so lucky to have this time together!

No mas from me. I am starting to drool. Goodnight, kids. Live tomorrow as though it is the last and we will have no regrets.

Done

I am done. My day is over and it is only 35 past 9. I thought yesterday's case of the Mondays was enough and I went to bed thinking well atleast there is tomorrow - God willing and it can only go up. Just so you know yesterday ended with a popped tire, then 2 hours of tire changing and a rather larger than unexpected medical bill that insurance didnt cover. Lovely. Today began with a shaky spare tire, lost house keys, a spill of 3 sips of coffee on a white skirt which then ever so slightly dripped into my computer bag to which then gave my computer the shakes. Someone is against me today. I am leaving my sick computer here and going somewhere but I am not sure where. I may come back later. Please someone water the love fern on my porch that has already started to wilt and tell my parents (who b.t.w - are in Disney World acting like goofballs...proof - http://epcot.kodak.com/pickup_epcot/_2/&ref=92b0c95af770d2be
that I love them and I hope I have been a good daughter. I hope your day has not started the same. I will fake a smile all day today though in front of the poor people I come across because that is what I do best but for those of y'all who care...I am falling apart today despite how together I appear.

Ciao kids....check in later hopefully from somewhere far far away.

The Atlanta running crew and the cheerleaders at the Country Music Marathon 

The Stage Saturday night in Nasvhille. We were about to get our boot-scoot on.... 

SB2K6 - Nashvegas

I had never been to Nasville before this year and now I have made a 3rd appearance averaging about every 40 days. I like this habit that is starting. Each trip entirely different but altoghether good. This is not going to be a post about how obsessed I am with Nashville - I've done that before...more so, Atlanta thrills me all the same. Yes, alot of the fun we had this weekend has to do with the setting but I think anytime you take a small group of folks, get out of town and explore a new city - you are destined for some fond memories. Really, this weekend was about the company. You know I like to write so I could give you a novel here but it is kind of like when you go to your friends house for dinner with their parents and all the dad wants to do is show you pictures of the family trip to Italy back in '99.....okay, so this is my dad - and really if you weren't there you probably dont care unless you have some personal interest in the place of travel. Needless to say - I am going to tell you what was great about the weekend rather than write you the novel that I am dying to wite:

-Robin aka PT aka my partner in crime....you can't pick a better travelling partner. She is laid back as they come and truly enjoyable to be around for more than 24 hours
-Dr. Johnseys fabulous music selections for the 3 (oopss...5 hour drive) up...Mat Kearney, The Fray, Tracy Chapman, Passion cd and more....
-Vising Leah, my Nashville resident....optimistic about everything and the hostess with the mostess.
-Judge beans barbque Friday night. Yummy! I love baked beans.
-The Stage X 2....Yep, never have I ever atleast in a long time been to a bar - the same bar - 2 nights in a row.
-New Nashvegas friends....Brad, Alan and Josh and their fraternity house off Bradford
-Front porches on perfect Friday/Saturday nights
-Seeing so many of my friends among 19,000 runners on Saturday morning....more so, seeing so many supportive people and so many people working together to create a surreal experience. I think God will have 1/2 marathons in heaven...you can just sense the emotion and excitement and enthusiasm among the runners and anyone cheering the runners on. Hooray for Kat, Sarah, Gray, Josh, Mark, Tricia and Sally! I am so happy for y'all.
-PT and Johnsey and I laying around the entire afternoon on Saturday....I would never have done that in Atlanta but boy was it perfect.
-Red and white dresses! I love red!
-Fabulous celebration dinners with nowhere to be, good food, wine, new friends, old friends and fabulous conversation
-Wearing cowboy boots even though it is not cool anymore
-Dancing to Merle, Toby Keith, Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams Jr and some Skynard til the wee hours

I have to go back to reality now and take care of the 14 reminders that I have been snoozing since Friday afternoon. Thank you God for a perfect weekend away. You amaze us in every way.

Girls, Nasvhille - spring 2007????