Could it be

Ever since I somehow found myself taking a mini trip to Dallas, Texas that is, this past March everything has seemed to go wrong... or right. I cant tell which it is at the moment and like everything, it is all about perspective. I went on a whim to visit a graduate school of theology. I loved it. I even loved Christy, the angel-counselor who happened to be in that day even though the students were on break. I also visited my native-Texas friends in Dallas and Austin. Fabulous trip. I even managed a chauffeur from the airport and anytime you are greeted at the airport you know it was a good trip. Needless, the trip did many things. But one thing it did for certain was propel me to seriously consider applying for school. You know the story from here. I did. Everyone told me it was impossible to get in - good thing this was after I applied and really, I don't think this is true. Then, I didn't think I got in. Then, miraculously and at the perfect moment I found out last Thursday that I did in fact get in and that I had 2 weeks to make some decisions. No thoughts of moving to Texas. Yet. Just decisions as to my direction and if my little compass leads me back to school (WHAT? Are you for real? Would you really consider going back to school, starting to accrue debt??? There is alot that goes with this, Betsy....) then that changes many other factors. So I took the weekend to just celebrate the good news. And that I did. Fabulous fellowship with fabulous friends all weekend leading right into a fabulous small group (bible study type group for those of you not-so-familiar readers). I want to go! I really want to go to Dallas to be honest but I know that is not the path at the moment. I now have the opportunity in front of me that I have wanted and I have a legit reason to alter from my path of successful career girl. What is stopping me???? Fear. For real. I am being so honest. Fear of what? I don't know. Fear. Some fear is natural. Fear of God. Kempis says "what good is knowledge without fear of God?" And a dear friend stated last week that she couldn't even imagine how rich our lives would be if we really feared God alone. If we didn't fear failure or loneliness or consequences but in everything if we truly just feared God...What would this look like? I want to know. In the midst of these decisions, the neatest things have happened. I wont recall all but for starters, I have had the most random emails and comments on the blog regarding these recent turn of events. Complete strangers. How cool that the body of Christ truly is that - a body. And it chooses to act on behalf of the body. I am so grateful for the encouragement I have received post the decision to even step out on faith and apply.
Could it be that as Kat says - I'll be riding the school bus and taking sack lunches to school in the fall? ( I love when my mama used to make me sack lunches and occasionally write cheesy things on my napkin. I hope Kat will do the same.) I wouldn't have conceived it for one second a year ago. I probably couldn't have conceived anything regarding grave matters at that time.

I am leaving on a jet plane. I don't know when all be back again.
Seriously.
Saturday morning out and I haven't even glanced at the details to see when I return. All I know is that the ocean is calling. I cant wait to sit on the beach in front of the amazingly turquoise water and just watch the ocean be the ocean. There is something so powerful as I have said before when we just do what we are created to do. I have been awaiting this opportunity to do what it is the Lord created me to do. Now it is here. For real, what am I waiting for?

PBI here we come. I love the 4th of July and watermelon and hotdogs and I love the fireworks on the Marietta square the most (sad to miss it this year.) I love being with my family. I love listening to cheesy American songs and watching everyone around feel the same pride I do. I love cookouts and cold cold cold beer and getting a little sun on my cheek's. America, bless God this week.
Bienvenidos.

Yes, Terrace hearts you! (This was our fabulous display of affection to the Enclave boys last Thursday.) This pic makes the Pic of the Week shot.  

Kempis speaks music to my ears

Thomas a Kempis was a German monk in the 1400's. Many of you probably know much more about him than I do and many of you probably just clicked away from the page because I even said the word monk. I dont blame you. In a society where abstinence from anything is unheard of and moderation is really no longer the key to a balanced life - the very thought of a monk or anything from the 1400's is seemingly irrelevant.
Well, I have a sincere crush on this German monk. His simplicity is beautiful and altogether peaceful in an every day pace where we can't seem to complete one task at a time. Kempis says 'it is vanity to wish for a long life and care little how it is spent.' Okay, so nothing too profound by this at first. We all know this. We hear it daily from others 40 years our elder. Piper tells us to not waste our life. And then I wake up, eat my eggs and smell my coffee (I like to make it for smell), quickly find something half way clean and half way cute and I head off to work. And really, this is what I do. But my desire each day really is that I work passionately. That I converse with others passionately. That I even eat my lunch passionately....that I sing in my car on the way to appointments with zeal. I know I am not guaranteed anything. Not even the next hour. I dont think that I have to go join the nunnary as Kempis did (though my mama suggests it) to be able to spend my life well. I know for certain that I can make my days count here in Atlanta, Georgia. I think what we often dont realize when you are in your mid twenties, friends and fun a plenty and everything at your fingertips that today matters! As Stephen Tyler preaches to us back in the day: I dont want to close my eyes, I dont want to fall asleep....." Okay, so the rest of the song is about love but nonetheless - I dont want to miss a thing. And I dont want to squander another day. And I dont want you to either.
As I write this the sun is starting to go down and I am still in the office and this is not how I want this day to end - alone in the office. Therefore, heeding my own advise - I am going to go spend my night well at a little Vinings cookout and then heading to the Fox to see Sheryl Crow. Carpe diem kids! More from Kempis to come. Check out Imitation of Christ for some more answers to all of your questions. My cuppeth really overfloweth. Thanks Tom for such a simple reminder.

What an amazing weekend! Despite what the picture shows....I really did nothing this weekend but clean and read and clean more and sing and dance in the mirror and write and nap and listen to the thunderstorms...So perfect! And of course lastnight part of the Cory Sellers (www.corysellers.com) fanclub made the trek up to Lawrenceville for a fabulous night OTP. 

You've Been Accepted to DTS

I can't move my legs.
I am ecstatic.
Praise God.
I am humbled.
Decisions....

Kat and I and our surprise evening at Chastain.This is before I tore into my half chicken.Who brings a half-messy chicken as pic nic food? Who does that? We love surprise Tuesdays at Chastain! 

Our Lucky Night

First of all, a little disclaimer: I never said I wouldnt post - just not divulge as usual. I am not breaking any rules. Do not judge. Be happy that I am putting some restrictions on myself.

Now, here is how the night would ensue.

I finish my spin class at 7pm lastnight and run to the car all sweaty and exhausted. I had anticipated another long night at the office so I turned towards the office as I left the Concourse. Let's back up. A few years ago I was introduced to one of my all time favorite musical gods. At the time I was heavily influenced by the N'ahlins culture anyway and whether or not this fella is actually from there he sings about cajuns and cajun food and everything simple - which was my impression of New Orleans for the longest time. So anytime Keb Mo is anywhere in a 100 mile radius I will make the trek even if it is only to enjoy a few songs. For the last few months I have known that June 20th was Keb's show with Bonnie Rait (or Bonnie-Ray to Katherine). Unfortunately, lately I have been so swamped that I tried to forget about the fact that he would be sitting on a stool among a packed house at Chastain - which, yes, is 2.5miles from my house and maybe 4.5 from my office. I forgot about it for all of 3 hours yesterday when I was in a meeting.
Back to lastnight: I turn into the Publix shopping center, wheel my little Honda around and decide I may just 'stop by.' I call Kat who is great at last minute dates (even though she is supposed to be studying for the GED...ha, GRE really).

Betsy: Kat, what do you want for dinner? Publix? Good.
Kat: What are you doing tonight. I am studying for the GED.
Betsy: you are going to 'stop by' Keb Mo with me tonight. Meet me at Publix. Bring my shoes.
Kat: M'kay.
(Somehow in the next 3 minutes I change from my spin clothes to some rendition of my work clothes. We then grab some munchies at Publix and yes, coozies. Kat does bring my shoes which I am thrilled about and then we hop into the zippy Honda and ride off into the sunset. Picture Thelma and Louise at this point.)
Kat: Who is Keb Mo?
(ha. This is funny.)
As we approach Atlanta's greatest venue the traffic is horendous and I dont like to sit still so we out wit the rest of Atlanta and come around the back way. We search and search for a parking spot relevantly close because Keb has already started entertaining the masses. No luck. We spend nearly 20 minutes driving in circles and getting frustrated. And then the stars align.
I see a man. We will have to just call him a man because I will not divulge my sources plus really, I had no clue his name until after we hit the jackpot.
Betsy to Man: Hey, dont I know you? Do you have any secrets for where we should park? (and I didnt even look sheepishly at him...just asked genuinely.)
Man to Betsy and eager-Kat: Turn around, pull in.
Sweet.
Kat and I get real excited and we are high fiving and doing Toyota jumps at the fact that we are parking for free - right next to the theatre.
We grab our goodies and decide to go find a spot outside Chastain where we can semi-picnic and enjoy some live music -even if it is at a distance.
Betsy to Man: Thank you so much. We are only here to see keb Mo (which was true until Kat found out he was actually opening for Bonnie-Ray) and we are just going to sit outside so thanks for the parking tip.
Man reaches into shirt pocket and amid directing traffic and people and looking very important he hands us two TABLE tickets! If you have been to Chastain you know a TABLE ticket is hard to come by but it is where it's at! (Preposition - I know.)
Needless, we can barely thank 'man' because he is so busy solving the streets woes. We skip off with our pic nic, do another high five and Toyota jump and giggle our way into the venue. We decided to take the cheap seats and sit in the Terrace level instead of at the table. We are just happy to be alive and happy to be girls and happy to be single at this point. Then, as if things couldnt get any better we see 3 of our dearest amigos waving a beer at us up in the Lawn section. We join them. They offer us beers and pickles and we enjoy one of the luckiest night's I have had in Atlanta. So, yes. $6.38 worth of groceries in a paper sack and a change of clothes in the car all for a priceless night of free-fun! Score! Pictures to follow.

I don't know if I believe in luck. I prefer the word 'favor'. We were favored and our preparation met opportunity and we jumped! Thank you Kat for somehow going along with my last-minute plot for a perfect Tuesday night.

Too many titles running through my head

Were I to write today as my heart would fancy I wouldnt get very far. I have about 17 titles running through my noggin - all of which would prove to to be worthy of it's own entry. Needless, I am on restriction so I will just tell you the titles. These are all trademarked - no stealing.

Breaking Free: A look into Beth Moore's incerdibly powerful study (I can't get enough)

Carter: The Kanakuk adventurer (this is my baby brother and he leaves tomorrow for 2 months....keep him in your prayers. I dont know that he has stayed away for more than 10 days ever. More so, he is driving boats and that alone is scary.)

New Zealand: Winter 2006....in the works

The Waiting Game. Enough said. Patience is a virtue but I feel like I have been waitlisted for the past several years.

DTS????

Google, MD
How google can provide some unlikely insight to many of your daily questions.
Ever typed in "I want a different life?" (Not that I do) but there is site.

Why I like sprinting stairs until my legs shake....Somewhat masichistic but I can't think of better physical torture. Is it weird that I am obsessed with running stairs and not just a flight or 2 but 3 flights several times over until literally my legs wont work (or I trip in front of the cute Squash players and humiliate myself)???

XM cafe: My latest serenity in a loud world.

Dear God, please allow USA to score 3 goals verse Ghana! Hey, anything is possible.

GOD'S INNER VOICE
"There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us, well nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God. He is always whispering to us, only we do not always hear because of the noise, hurry, and distraction which life causes as it rushes on." (This is compliments of my husband, Katie. Thanks honey! How true though, right?)

Why Charlsie should move to Atlanta after the Bar....

I want to write for Relevant Magazine

Off to meet with more clients today. I have been so productive today and really enjoyed this perfect Tuesday! I am so grateful for the little piece of serenity that has taken over these seemingly stifling thoughts that creep in throughout the day. Starting the day in a prayer posture (maybe even in a towel) is so calming.

Carpe diem seriously. You have about 6 more hours to squeeze something out of this day. What are you waiting for?

Back seat

I don't do well in the backseat. Maybe it is the fact that I like to be in control of moving vehicles...maybe it is just control in general. More so, I am easily distracted and if I sit in the back I read signs and watch people and soon enough, I get sick. This is a true parallel to life in general. I am never good at the back seat but it is good everyonce in awhile (or really, more often than not) to give up shot gun and allow someone else to have the reigns. You know, it is so true - every so often when someone else offers to drive I reluctantly concur but then end up truly enjoying myself. I sing loud and love the feeling that I am not responisble! Let the windows down and turn back the sunroof and allow me to indulge. I have to trust you though...otherwise, no fun at all.
Anyway, I tell you all this to let you know that the Blog is taking the backseat this week. She needs a little break. She has been on information overload. She wants to sit back and observe. Actually, I dont know that she is a she - I think I need a 'he' in my life these days - so we'll call it a man. A beautiful, compassionate, thoughtful, sweaty at times but Irish Spring smelling most of the time, loving to cook and rub my head type of man.
Oh sorry.....I was dreaming and got carried away.

I'll keep in touch. No worries. No hate mail please.

MAT KEARNEY!!! Yes, Kristin, Mandy and I with our newest friend. We were definitely "those girls" lastnight at one of the greatest shows I have seen. Story to follow. I am still on cloud-9. 

Step 4. Complete. Exhilerated.

I can't go into length about this one but trust me - Step 4 in the TMI-DETOX is well underway and it couldnt be more perfect. Put it this way - you make something unavailble to you (like hiding things from yourself)and just it's absence is freeing.

If you haven't been following this little sequence you are probably a little confused - rightfully so. Just be happy for me - I'm cutting many strings that need to be cut and going back into shady-Betsy mode. I'll report the results from this Detox at a later date.

On other more fabulous notes, I worked til midnight and at the least made a great list of priorities to do today. Then, on the way home I had the most perfect date with Doctor Abide. She is the perfect ending to a not so perfect day. She reminded me about my own advise about perspective. As I have said often, things are always the same: it's just a matter of how you look at them. Often I am quick to thank God for my blessings but then really wish that these blessings weren't mine and that I was blessed in other ways. I am being honest and I know if you were to be honest too you would concur. Of course, this is my sinful nature. Thankfully, God understands that I cant quite understand the timing of His blessings and that my young and feeble mind cant quite conceive the plans He has for me. Plans to prosper and not to harm. This morning I woke up and literally got on my knees and thanked God for the blessings that I am experiencing right now. Really, everything is a blessing. It's not like if things arent so smooth sailing we are going to not be thankful. In every circumstance we can find gratitude because grace is always at an abundance. Never will His grace leave me. The Terrace girls have really been soaking up this lesson lately. We have an amazing home-life, really. We live with incredible girls and just walking into that house turns my heart into mush. Really. How fun that we have found such a friendship and such a family in our little abode. I know at times we think that the next stages of life couldnt come any quicker but recently we have tried to litterally sit and soak up every moment of this stage. Every laugh, every joke, every crumb on the floor, ever exciting opportunity to have a house-hunt for a rodent, every tear, every seemlingly silly conversation, every late night on the porch, every morning-smile when we first get up. Life is sweet. Life is so sweet and I just know that there will be a day in the near future where we would do anything to sit on smelly couch and laugh at eachother. So, thank you, Ashley, thank you God, thank you Terrace for the simple daily reminders that help keep my perspective inline. I am going home again today to lay in the grass and eat lunch. Hopefully Catie will join me - I love our unexpected lunch dates.

Dress like a cow = Free Food

Compliments of Liz, everyone's favorite Wellness Director of everyone's favorite fast food phenomenon. Thanks Liz!



June 13, 2006


Friday, July 14, is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A®. That could mean free food for you! Every human dressed head-to-toe in cow spots will receive a free Combo meal of their choice when they visit any Chick-fil-A restaurant on Friday, July 14.

The cows have a Web site that explains it all and they’ll even dress up for you. Want to know the basics? Check out these frequently asked questions.

Remember, Friday, July 14 - dress like a cow and get free food at Chick-fil-A!

Step 2

Minimized profile on Facebook. Check.

2 blog visits per day = Step 3. Today I cheated and did three - Stew, Beth and Holly and Dalton (post your pics, Dalton!)Tomorrow - 2 so you bloggers better make em good.
Step 4 - partially completed...minimized Google-talk during the day. Life was just a little simpler today. I am not feeling so suffocated by information and the latest Atlanta happenings.

I think this is going to be a good idea. And don't worry mama - 2-5:My Year to Thrive is really part of my daily sanity and daily worship - it's here to stay atleast for the time being.

BTW, tomorrow has to be a productive day at work. Today I finished a book. Can I say that online? I did. I sat and read a book because I needed some space in my head and I couldnt make myself do anything that had to do with money and lending. I read or write to get rid of any monkeys (it's a Kneeve thing) in my head. I'll make it up tomorrow. Hold me to this. I hate feeling behind at work.

And now I just need to talk.....I am ready for a vacation - the 4th couldnt come any sooner! I hope it rains tomorrow. I love chickfila milkshakes. I am obsessed with running. I cant wait to check my mail tomorrow. I am looking forward to Thursday evening and tomorrow's trivia championship. I love pilates. I miss my dad. I love my hair when it dries wet. I want to giggle with someone til my belly hurts. I love the cool weather tonight. I am missing my favorite pair of socks. Quique, the Latin Lover, aka my stuffed-fat-bellied rabbit is one of my favorite objects I own. I heart Katie, my wife, and find it a previledge that someone has known me so long and so well and still cares to know me more. Mama makes the best turkey sandwiches - I miss her homemade sandwiches. I hate luke warm things. I don't like tension and don't deal well with conflict. I want to buy a new bed at the Herloom bed company on the square but still use my same 900 thread count sheets. I wish Dalton would send out the pictures from the fabulous birthday party this weekend. I am going to Keb Mo at Chastain next Tuesday and I can already feel the joy and relaxation creeping in my belly. Joy because I am going with one of my favorite people and relaxation because you cant help but do that under the stars at Chastain. My favorite beer is Sweet Water Summer Brew????Is that what it is called? When Bethie gets back I cant wait to drink a beer with her and have deep conversation. I love she-crab soup and anything Charleston, including my dearest Bohemians. I want more than anything my life to be the truest reflection of Christ that some people may ever experience. I want that so badly it ignites me and fuels me and I just pray it ignites me enough to act. I have a big decision to make possibly though God might make it for me. I am scared. I never am scared. Goodnight.

Purging

I am starting to purge - today. I have been working myself up for this all day. I dont want to be this in the know. I dont want the option to entertain myself with mindless things. Tonight it starts with myspace...havent checked it in ages. In 3 minutes it'll be gone. This is step one. No worries, the blog will be the last to go if it comes to that.
More on this subject but if I dont do this now I wont do it. How exhilerating! How freeing!

Cancel MySpace Account


WARNING: Cancelling your MySpace account will PERMANENTLY REMOVE all of your profile information from MySpace, including your photographs, comments, journals, and your personal network of friends. This information cannot be restored.
You may re-register your current email address after cancelling, but you will need to rebuild your personal network from scratch.

Gone. Step 1.

Jenni and I with 2 of the 3 stooges Saturday at Stone Mountain. 

My hips don't lie.  

I heart Robin.  

Why Atlanta is so fabulous

I am sure this list would vary for the majority of A-T-L-ian's but I think I can speak for the most of the people I tend to run with....Atlanta has it all and it is really a blessing to have such an amazing group of friends to share it with. I love soaking up the friendships and fellowship as we coast through our early 20's....So here it goes:
-eclectic neighborhoods from the Highlands, to Caggabetown, to the Marietta square, to Funwoody, North Buckhead, Decatur and in between....and so much character to seperate each one.
-Food food and more food. I could start to name but most of you know I am a restaurant snob and love to drive for food and spend time eating food and I love new places....A few to name for now - Taqueria Del Sol, Nava, Luevo Laredo, Eatzi's, Super Jenny, Angus and Muriels, Murphy's in the Highlands, Harry and Sons, Carol Street Cafe, Cafe at Phar, Capital City Club, Chops....my tummy is growling and I am drooling.
-Central to everything. 1 hour to the mountains, 4 to the beach, 20 mins to some dirty water in Allattoona but fabulous for water skiing, rock climbing, rock viewing (Stone Mountain), bike trails, running trails...you name it.
-The Braves. $6 beer and $6 hotdog = not so fabulous but otherwise, pack a picnic and enjoy a perfect night at the Ted for a small penny
-Chastain ampitheatre. Enough said.

So this list is fairly obvious and supported due to the fact that Atlanta is the #2 transient city behind Denver and the population is expected to soar in the next 5 years. But really, the reason I love Atlanta is the people and the fellowship I have found here. I can mainly attribute this to Buckhead Church because it is the enitity which helps to initiate fabulous settings for young 20-somethings to meet other young 20-somethings. Really, though, it is God. I smile daily at the way my whole story like so many other people I know here, has come together. It starts with a small transition period and a little time to just find Peachtree Street and see where it leads but unltimately it leads to a huge plethora of opportunity for rich friendships. This past weekend my three friends celebrated their birthdays at Stone Mountain. One email sent out nearly 4 days before and 80 people show up. To be honest, a few I knew well, several I have hung out with, several more I have seen and then the majority I may have never met but could easily grab lunch next week or even sit and have a great conversation right there on the lawn at Stone Mountain. This is what happens when we are sold out for Christ. There is no other expanation. We have been given so much and for that - much is expected. My challenge for this large group of friends that we have encountered is that we deliver. So few people ever get to taste friendship so geuine but yet so simple - founded on the One thing that holds all things together (Col. 1:17). We are challenged to seriously take the blessings that we have been given and share them and give them away to others. What better form or worship and adoration! Saturday was such a beautiful display of this. After the mountain more than half the crew headed to a shady little bar in Decatur and we ended up taking over the place. Okay, so yes, I love to dance especially when you dont have to worry about random sketchy boys that tend to lurk in sketchy bars but how great to be crowded into a small venue with 50 of your now closest friends a little dancing tunes on the speakers from our very own DJ, Swivel and really, no where else to be. I was high on life Saturday night and it was so refreshing to look around and see everyone genuinely enjoying themselves and enjoying the company familiar and unfamiliar. You make everything glorious! We thank you, God, for such sweet times and such sweet friends. To whom much is given much can be expected. I have no doubt that this crowd will take these blessings and pay them forward.
Happy Birthday Tomi, Dalton and Brian! Thank you for the perfect reason to celebrate!

So good

So many things are so good. So many things are always so good. So much of me wants to explode because so many things are so good. You say, great Bets, but what about when they are not so good....I say, even the not so good is so good. It is so good when we allow Christ to dwell in us. The word dwell makes everything in me just relax. The very word in its self sounds stable and constant and powerful all the same. It is somewhat intidating as well because it sounds permanant. Often I am not good with permanant. Commitment issues - maybe. BUt I am at ease with the thoughts that something might choose to dwell inside of me despite what else may be in there. Often we think we have to purge everything and get it all right before we allow our lives to to exemplify Christ. Just the opposite, we dont have to rid everything bad or wait until one day when we are finally clean enough or holy enough or pure enough or good enough. I will never be enough of anything if that is what it is about. Thank You for choosing to dwell inside of me and to use my habds and my voice and my eyes to do good things. Things are good because you are good inside of me. I am at that place of utmost desire. That place where your whole body is aware of that which dwell in it and it is energized. I can feel energy all the way through my fingertips and all the way down to my bum ankle (another story but yes it is fat and bruised). It's like ceaseless moments just like the one after you have spent all night in fabuous conversation with a new person of interest...when the stars seems to be out just for you two and when nothing could be anymore filling than that exact moment and where your insides kinda turn because you know as soon as you start looking at the time it will sure enough have to end. Everything good has to end. Not Christ dwelling in us. This is eternal. This is the culmination of all of those moments altogether and but they never end and they are coupled with the perfect head rub and the perfect latte in the perfect mug with the perfect music on. Christ alive in me is the good stuff. And it is so much sweeter than anything on earth because we receive it when we dont deserve it!

I'm cleaning the house today and I havent seen civilazation but I couldnt be more at peace. The music is on the ipod, windows open, my ankle is still very fat and I have the anticipation of a birthday party for 3 of my favorite boys tonight! I love anticipation - I don't hide it. I hope you are making the most of this amazing Saturday. Carpe diem bella! (Yes, a little latin and Italian - I know.)

Dr.McDreamy answers our concerns....

Wow, who would have thunk there would be more blog communication around the subject of deodorant that any other this week. Several of you are too shady to actually post your comments but you have shared your sentiments with me in person and email regarding a meaty question that was asked a few days ago. Without further adieu, I am sharing some of the best insight I have received yet from one of Atlanta's finest....and obviously, one of Atlanta's best smelling dudes. I am not sure if he wishes to be anonymous but I dont want him to be bombarded with your other random questions so at the time, we'll call him Dr.McDreamy. Disclaimer: this post is a service to you and in no way an indication of any personal concerns I may have about body odor. I am here for you, beloved reader.


Original Post:
And lastly, does deodorant become immune to your body? Dont go assuming (mama always says this makes *something* out of you and me) that I am suggesting that my deodorant isn't working. It is. It just seems that I have worn the same antiperspirant (better word) since I started using the stuff in middle school or whenever.....you'd think your stink would start to shine through. Lovely thought huh? I smell like roses in everyway so dont worry about me but I do think the full effect of the same deodorant is not possible after nearly 10 years. More so, I smell alot of stinky people at times in situations when they shouldn't be stinking and you would just think it is because they are too scared to venture to a new deodorant.


Original Relply (s) the second I just thought was humorous so it is included:

Dr. McDreamy said...
This is late... but I thought I'd share...

You use the words deororant and anti-persperant interchangably, when in fact they are two different things (though they accomplish the same goal).

The difference is sweating. Deodorant makes the sweat not stink, Anti-persperant makes you not sweat, therefore, no stink.

Given the body's remarkable ability to adapt.. over time I could imagine that an antipersperant would possibly loose some of its effectiveness - though I'm really just guessing.. I'd suggest you switch for a couple months, and let your body adjust to something else. Afterwards, your body should respond better to your original brand should you choose to go back to it.

...that is if it's you're antipersperant that's not working in the first place ;)
10:34 PM

FOTW - Beth said:

My underarm protection/scent of preference is Dove Fresh scent. I do adore the quality. You should try it and ditch the Teen Spirit. :) 1:27 PM


Betsy Nicholson to Dr. McDreamy
More options 11:39 pm (11 hours ago)

So does one need two products, one an antiperspirant and two a deodorant? I am confused!
Dr. McDreamy to me
More options 9:04 am (1½ hours ago)

You only need one, which one depends on what whether or not you want to sweat. They both will keep you smelling peachy.

I'd imagine most ladies would go with an antipersirant due to the number of sleaveless things ya'll wear... since guys usually have on an undersirt, no one can tell if we're a little sweaty....

And there you have it. You can send your random questions to me and I will see that the Doctor will Grace us with his knowledge again soon.

And the winning question was

Name 4 of the 7 major league teams - any sport- that have a Y in their names. Quick hint: the forty-niners do not count because it is the 49ers technically.

So that was the final question tonight for our night of trivia. We won the question got the 15 points but somehow between round 1 and 2 I think Bud Light won over our team "Triple D/C/B, Pick roll and flick, team- your boytfriend thinks we are hot, and half-beer hammered". Yes - we changed our name each round. Needlesss, we went from 1st to tied for 6th place. Boo on the pen-ultimate question regarding Tom Hanks' third academy award for what major motion picture? If you guess Philidelphia or Forest Gump you are losers like our team "pick, roll and flick." (This is gross I know but how often do you see....or lets say how often do you not see a man gold-digging in his car? Never. I cant go a day without watching some fairly attractive man go to town in his own nose. Ewwwww.)
Anywho, 6th aint so bad for my first night back at trivia in ages. I love Wednesday night trivia! I am so happy to be right where I am right in this moment ( I mean not necessarily right now though the 900 thread count sheets and oversized t-shirt is pretty fabulous.)It's on a grander scale, I am content just being right where I am, at the Terrace, constantly among friends, entertainment at my finge tips but also a nice quiet night readily available, good food in any direction...simple pleasures. I really feel invigorated by each day because I just see God's hand molding me for whatever phase is next. How soothing. How undeserving. Your omnipotence overshadows any sincere fear or doubt I might have....(and the omnipotence of google when you are trying to find out how many top 40 hits Skid Row had in the 90's amazes me too! No, we didnt cheat - we just checked our answer after. Promise.)

Sleep with angels, kids. Why am I not tired.

Sincerely,
Team DDD/C/B's chief cheerleader (that was about all I was good for tonight!)

More Augustana clues

So the next Augustana song in the Itunes playlist for the workday is Coffee and cigarrettes....the latter of which I am not a fan. Needless, the chorus says Put me on a plane and fly me anywhere. I think it is destiny. I'm booking the 3rd flight.

Maybe I shouldnt read into things so much??

I think I am going to Boston.....

Yes, it is a fabulous Augustana song but more than that - I am going! Maybe not to Boston but I just bought two flights and one to come on AirTran's 3-day special. Where are you? I'll come visit just tell me by Thursday! I love planes and love airports and love getting lost and love travelling alone or with travel buddies and I love eating Chili's to go in the Atlanta airport and I love seeing who the lucky (cute)someone is that I get to sit next to and I love the Delta Air-mall magazine and I love meeting locals and talking to them about their favorite things to do and I love seeing God's creation and I love finding Jazz bars in San Francisco or wondering around looking for the best chocolate chip cookie in New York. Click your heels, give me a date and I am there!

http://www.airtran.com/Home.aspx?CMP=EMC-netescapes&ATT=HTML1

Maturity

Few people have it...most don't. I know we gain it with experience but somehow I came out of the womb a little on the old side. But not even talking about me....my oldest brother, for example, is extremely mature for his age or atleast I think so. I think life has given him lemons at times and he has truly made margaritas out of the rotten ones. This is maturity at it's finest...making the most of every experience and through it all remaining level leaded. Maturity isnt an age thing though - it is how you are wired. I think it comes from our confidence in Christ in us. Seriously. The more confident I am about Christ taking over my body and actions - the more like Him I become....the less like me I become. The less I am concerned about others opinions about me or the outcomes of situations. People call this spiritaul maturity I guess because we can be mature (my mama says mature as in mu-tour so even saying this word makes me laugh)in all different areans but I think God can cover all of them with His one sacrifice. It is simple isn't it....In all circumstances - He is the answer. How we handle anything/anyone...the answer - Him. I think it is tragic when people don't pay attention to their experiences enough to learn from them. Yesterday in my small group we were talking about how ALL things are to be used for Christ. Our sins, our mistakes, our messups, our breakups, our joys, our trials....all things. Sometimes I think my own pride gets in the way and enables me from allowing God to take some of these things and use them....it's like I want to hold on to them for some reason until they fade away and then I can put them in a drawer somewhere and forget about them (along with the drawer of missing socks.)I know that we will never be fully matured because if so we would have nothing else to learn and if we had nothing else to learn and no way to be molded the story of the cross is useless. I do pray that in the meantime, though, I truly allow my heart to be molded from my experiences. Sometimes I like to disregard some experiences as if they didnt happen altogether. What a tragedy! One of the most influential seasons of my life occurred about this time last year. I can't fully put into words the numbness that I felt but I am sure I could go back and read and be reminded - and that is okay...I would do it over every single day to have gained the clarity, insight and discernment that I gained. And you know at the time I can fully remember exactly how I felt and I remember praying that God never let me feel that way again. How beautiful though that He could transform my impression of this season into one of gratitude. His plan is so good. He wants more for us than we can dare imagine. I pray for the big picture tonight. I know I wont understand it all so I dont ask for understanding....I just pray that I wake up thankful that God has chosen to give me another day to be molded and to be used - it means that there is more for me to learn, more maturity to come - with each and every day that is given. I hope I never come to a place where I feel that I have fully arrived or fully matured. I am humbled that He continues to mature me or better yet - continues to dwell in me and give me not self-confidence but Christ-confidence.

FOTW in the green and yes R is for RAD and you are RAD, Bethie 

FOTW

This is long overdo. Back in the day when my words flowed (flew?? Thanks, Andrew) like honey day in and day out....I had time to recognize the fan of the week every week. Times have changed and though I have so much that I want to add to this virtual relationship (that is one-sided for the most part. Speaking of....where are the comments, kids? It takes two to tango!) -I dont have the time to commit to it as I would like. My love lingo is not quality time though so I am okay on my part (You need to read the 5 launguages of Love if this interests you. And it should interest everyone.)
Anywho, FOTW is back and better than ever. The Fan of The Week this week comes straight from Swaziland. Africa that is.
She is so far away from me (love that Dire Straits song) but since she left for Tomi's motherland a few months ago to fight AIDS with her bare hands I have almost (selfishly) been able to enjoy her presence more. Beth is one of everybody's favorites so when in town she is constantly booked. Dont get me wrong - I want to drink latte's and eat Moe's with her in person and even eat peanut butter out of the jar. I want to play with her hair and I want to dance silly for no reason. But it sure is the most fabulous feeling in the morning to have blog posts and emails that were sent as I slept only to greet me when I arise. Selfish, I know.
Beth is living with future FOTW, Holly, in Africa and has been there since the Swazi-summer (March). They are now more than half way though with their adventure and you can only imagine the experiences these two have shared.
www.hollyandbeth.blogspot.com`
This will give you the best account of what they are facing everyday. How encouraging to see our FOTW so boldly living out her faith! My heart hearts this FOTW's heart!

Thank you Beth for your constant encouragement even across the ocean. Your faith is contageous and intoxicating altogether. I am so thankful that I made you befriend me last fall.

I have your award for FOTW of peanut butter and Reece's eggs and latte's and African beer all awaiting you when you return. What a splendid reunion! Congratulations my african-princess.

It's like forgetting you left a 20 in your pocket

when you open up one of your desk drawers that never gets opened and realized one of your prized possessions is hiding in there. You can't fathom the smile on my face right now. I am a little hungry and my tummy is craving something - and not just any something - animal crackers and a diet cherry coke! Just what the body ordered! I am dreading having to walk to Kroger because I am in a good working mode (hence the blgging in the middle of the day) and I knew I just couldnt leave. But what ever would I do about the little gremlin in my stomach if I cant leave the office but more so what ever coud I do about my insatiable desire for my favorite dynamic duo??? I was starting to picture the little four legged creatures dancing their way into my mouth (just a few of them...)and then I happen to open my drawer for no obvious reason only to find a little grocery bag nestled some files. Inside is a bottled Diet cherry coke (nectar from the gods) - upopened - score, and an unopened bag of animal crackers - score again and....a fresh pack of Orbitz (the cool kids gum) sweet mint gum. Hallelujiah! This is reason to celebrate the day! I love finding things I have hidden from myself.

Liz and I. This is the phenomenon - 5"5 vs 5"7 but we see eye to eye??? It was quite a spectacle today as we were matching up our ligaments to find out where the extra incehs are. By the way - we are related . 

And one more

How can it hurt so badly when you drop a nickel on the top of your foot? You know, right by your toes? Right on that small bone? It hurts! It's just a nickel. Maybe I am a baby.

Question(s) of the hour

And a few more things. This one comes from Liz. It's a good one.
How is it that cute (just threw that in there so your visual picture is a pleasant one) person A can be nearly 3 inches taller than cute person B but when cute person A and B are sitting....sitting is the question....they are nose to nose (and no added heel height to throw this off.)
Note: don't try to figure this when out while sitting in a quiet church service. Especially when you are a few rows back from the preacher and he is actually live today. (That's weird I know - my fabulous church is typically a video-casted sermon but today was the real thing. Nice.

Breakfast in bed for the winning answer.

Which leads to question #2? Who really wants breakfast in bed? Not me for sure. When I wake up I like to turn back over and stretch and try to finish the end of that spicy dream (you know the good ones always come in the morning when you woke up briefly and then went back to sleep? It is true - I promise.) But, really, I don't want anyone walking into my room and literally giving me food to eat in bed. I don't like this idea. I have never actually had cheerios or Belgian waffles (my fave) in bed but it won't work for me - I know it.

And lastly, does deodorant become immune to your body? Dont go assuming (mama always says this makes *something* out of you and me) that I am suggesting that my deodorant isn't working. It is. It just seems that I have worn the same antiperspirant (better word) since I started using the stuff in middle school or whenever.....you'd think your stink would start to shine through. Lovely thought huh? I smell like roses in everyway so dont worry about me but I do think the full effect of the same deodorant is not possible after nearly 10 years. More so, I smell alot of stinky people at times in situations when they shouldn't be stinking and you would just think it is because they are too scared to venture to a new deodorant.
Did I really just write that? Am I really going to post this? I am. What have I to lose? This may be the one post for the poor soul out there who really had never thunk to smell themselves to see if their oldie but goodie antiperspirant was still so 'anti'- perspirant.
I made you check didn't I? I have so much good to offer the world, I know.

June already?

Are you kidding me? Someone told me it was June 4th today! It is already the 4th day of June??? June being the 6th month of the year??? Half time!!! What? I was just enjoying my new sky-blue, knee length, perfect winter coat and what do you know it is June!!! Where have I been hibernating you might ask? When you find that answer let me know too. Time is weird isnt it? I am not sure if I can put this into words but I here it goes. I still think in semesters. Yes, still. With semesters - you have good ones and bad ones, hard ones and semesters where you do more sunbathing on the Theta sundeck than anything else, exciting semesters and just plain miserable semesters. I love semesters! I love seasons for the same reason....more of a time frame to get it together. It's much easier to say....."Oh, me???... I had a fabulous fall!" Then to alternatively, classify things by the month. But then - if you still choose to view life in blocks as I so conveniently do - one day you wake up and half the year is over. I sound like my mother or my mother's mother..."Where did the time go?" Dont you so easily recall old people asking you this when you were oh but 17 and the summers couldnt have come any faster? When you are 17 or 15 - you know those years before the big years - you want nothing more than the days to pass.(This is actually not so accurate for me but for the rest of you I suppose. I LOVED 17 - one of my most favorite years yet. I was a cheerleader dating the quarter back and I was happy! I loved Friday night football and Sunday youth group. Dont label me - there was more to it.)Anyway, now - I just get the temperature in our house adjusted and before you know it it is time to change wardrobes again.
I really mean this next statement too - I am still checking off things on my to do list from February! Not kidding. Future employers disregard this paragraph. You know those things that linger and never seem to get fully done? The ones that are continually on your to-do list? Well, yes, I am still doing them. Nearly half a year later. I should just throw the list away. Maybe I'll write that on the list - "throw the list away." I love lists too - have I ever mentioned that?

Anyway, what happend to the 2-5: My Year to Thrive? Not that I am not thriving....just not in the way I had thought. I was thinking marathons and trips to Africa along with some serious career direction. Instead my knees are still broken without drugs, I have made a few trips to Nashville (fabulous but not Africa) and I have about 5 different directions I am hoping the wind blows me at some point this year - all of which I am not so sure how they will actually happen. Isnt all of this beautiful though? It is comforting in the most comforting of ways that things didnt turn out as I had hoped. I can name lesson after lesson this year that God has taught me that I probably didnt even know I needed taught a few months ago. And how thankful am I that God would know my heart enough to know where I need refinement? How encouraging that we are continually being transformed into His likeness? It is discomforting at how time really does fly when you are having fun and more so, how, as we were warned, it goes faster the older you get. But it is humbling that so much good can happen in that time frame. I remember certain times over the past few years where I really sat on this very couch thinking that the way I felt at that moment was ephemeral. Yes, all the while knowing that with time things do pass but it just seemed as though God was nowhere near to figure this one out. Of course, then we are granted that sense of peace that we dont even deserve and it all just clicks in the most comforting of ways. Thank You Thank You Thank You for continually seeking change in me! Thank You for choosing to daily refine me into a precious creation - all the better to maginify your glory! I couldnt imagine a life of just passing days that turn into another semester or another season??? I couldnt imagine a life without purppose or passion? I am thankful that though the days pass quickly and as the warning suggests - they will only continue to pass quicker - my days matter. God knows each of my days and He has chosen to use me in each of those days simply because I said Yes to His pursuit.

I am going to find that dumb list now and start crossing off some items tonight. If for some reason you think that you might be the subject of one of these "To-do's" please forgive me. I am being refined as we speak in the area of time management.

Okay, so as many pictures as the happy couple has together the pics from the last few years are pretty scarce...Nonetheless, here is our engagement photo from last fall. 

Katie and I celebrating our engagement last summer. (Will wanted in on the action.)This celebration called for a double fister as well. 

Long time coming

Lastnight, my wife/husband/significant other and I sat and watched home movies. You would not have liked these videos but we did. We laughed and cried for hours unil we made ourself turn the thing off and go to bed. Latnight was a night of blackmail at it's best.

Katie and I have been living together for the most part for 7 years now. I havent done anything for 7 years. Part of me is embarrassed when I write that that it has truly been 7 years and that I am old enough to have known someone for that long and yet none of it has to do with highschool (though I am pretty convinced had we known eachother in highschool-we may not have lasted this long...Katie has always been a heck of alot cooler than I am.) For the most part though, I am truly humbled that someone would care to stick by me for so long. And let me tell you - from nude high-kicks to tears to dances in the mirror to an occassional suicide watch to job changes to city moves to falling in love and having my heart broken - Katie has truly seen it all. I don't give her enough credit - I would have walked out on me years ago were I her. But she didnt. She is still here and happily - I think we arent the same. In many ways there has been no change - I still tend to enjoy leading the pack and Katie makes the best follower....More so, she is encouraging beyond anything I deserve - even in the smallest of endeavors. She still looks cool just sitting in her pajamas and I have yet to learn to color coordinate my outfits. We are both still thoroughly entertained by just making fun of ourselves and dancing around the house if we need a little spice in the night....There are more but point is - many things the same but really, thank God, many things have changed. It is such a joy to see us change even from a few short years ago when we were dancing and conversing in front of a video camera for entertainment (little did we know these little mini-reality tv shows would be the going attraction one random June night - many years later.) My heart really is encouraged by the beautiful woman that I have watched Katie become - more so, I am so lucky to have been molded just the same. God's heart and His hands are really manifested fully in Katie - how soothing to see someone so in tune with God's purposes.

This year, according to our new lawyer friend, Charlsie, it is by state law (Not Georgia but somewhere more exotic) that Katie and I can be common-law married. We are embracing this marriage. If anyone is looking for reason to celebrate - we consider this a huge feat. Like I said before - there are no other things that I can think of that have lasted for 7 years in my life. Needless to say - Katie and I will always welcome your cheers and your toasts for our happy life together. And we are planning a little mid-summer celebration to mark this new step in our relationship. You should be jealous.
You should be jealous because Katie is a friend like no other. She knows the keys to my heart but she also knows what I need to hear but choose not to at times. She is comfortably confident in all settings and that, too, makes for an enjoyable friendship.

I can't wait to pull out these videos again in a few years when Katie and I are still relaxing at the Terrace. At the time we really asked ourselves what we would be doing when we turned 25. I guarantee none of our answers were close to reality. I dont know where I thought I'd be but I know it wasnt here. But how happy I am that I was wrong!

Katie, I am renewing my vows to you tonight as a wife/husband/significant other: I vow to love you in sickness and in health (unless it involves throwup or rubbing feet): for richer or for poorer (honey- I dont know if we could get any poorer!: In good times and in bad (as long as the good times include an occassional highschool rendition of our favorite basketball cheer or an episode of laughing at ourselves so hard and so long that our abs are literally out of commission for days) and for all the days (and more) of my life.

Whether or not it is the Terrace or my semi-country house with wrao around porch - you will always have a key and a key to my heart!

Just remember: "I always just wanted to sparkle."

You see the depths of my heart

And you love me the same.

How often are you fully embraced by anyone that might know all the intricacies of your heart? Love this unconditional is rare. Ashley Abide - my first soul mate lived with me in our 'closet' in Charleston. We shared a bed and she is the only person thus far who has had the privelege for an extended period of time. I woke up early every morning to go run and I was always on the go. She would open her big inquisitive eyes when I'd come back in the room around 9:45 and just smile and say in her perfect Delta voice (Mississippi that is) that she loved even my faults. Not that arising in the 5 oclock hour is that terrible but she saw the busy-ness behind it all. Since then, I am definitely able to take the mornings a little slower and I have since had a busy-ness-DETOX but still, I always tend to be moving. Just yesterday I had zipped into Phipps plaza to get a sweet tea and lemonade at Chick Fil A - surprise, surprise. As I was heading down the elevator a young housewife scooted to the side to let me pass. I smiled at her and thanked her politely and then passed. I stopped 2 steps ahead looked back and asked her what I was in a hurry for? Okay, so I was going to see the Braves whip up on the Dodgers and I did have my new Braves 1974 hat to sport but nonetheless, in a hurry so much that the sweet lady knew she needed to get out of my way???
Anyway, makes my cogs turn and my insides cramp.
My sense of urgency and action-oriented personality are wonderful in many situations but in the same sense - they are the culmination of some of my deepest sin. It's my inability in action (not in my words) to rest. A friend of mine and I sat Monday night and caught up. The conversation was good though in this example I did most of the talking. He asked me what I am always on the go from? Or what am I running from? Why am I always seeking escape or some splended, quiet retreat? This is true. I crave quietness and stillness. It feels like infatuation. You know when you want something so badly you can feel all your blood and capillaries and cells and organs and all the stuff inside just longing for it too?? I want stillness in that way. But really, it is to my own fault that I so desperately seek simplicity. It is because I allow busyness and ambition and my proactivity to get ahead of my need for Christ at the most basic level. It's a catch 22.
Because of Christ in me I have this sense of urgency to tell the world about authentic joy that is only from God. So it drives me and fuels me. This is good. But just like milkshakes and french fries -everything is good in moderation. I still need to be quiet more often than not. I am not necessarily meaning quietness in the normal sense but quietness in all I do. Where even your heart is quiet and your head is quiet and at times, even my ambition is quiet.

The beauty of this is that amid my self perpetuated busyness and my deep deire to slow down - I am still loved. Fully loved. I am still accepted and I am still a child of God and He still wants to use me. He sees the depths of our hearts and He loves us the same. There is no greater feeling that we can experience than that of unconditional love. Ashley will be in my wedding, we'll vacation one day with her litter of children, we'll wear purple hats together when we are older and talk about our shifting body parts, she'll tell me what I might not want to hear all the while rubbing my head and letting me know it's okay......yes, she is a good friend but it is unconditional/unswayed/unshifting love that permeates my soul. And if this is my reaction to this earthly example of uncondtional love - what more is my reponse to God's unshaken love.



My heart was moved today when God blessed me with a bit of undeserved encouragement. I received an email of an encouragement from a complete stranger. The thought that someone somewhere unknown to me understands the biggness of God's story and for a second saw how God may be using me in that story is potent. In God's own way He used someone else in the most unique of ways to slow me down and to quiet my ever-moving heart. It is all woven together. Everything. Everything is woven together by His hands. Thank you for seeing the depths and yet your love is unchanged.