cuatro

My sister's precious son (a.k.a. my main little man, a.k.a. Caleb) turned four yesterday, leaving me to wonder where the time has gone. Don't get me wrong -- the little guy has definitely had his share of photography sessions (amateur and otherwise), spoiling, play sessions, and phone convos with "da Bekah," but FOUR YEARS OLD? Good grief.

This means that a mere cuatro anos ago, I was experiencing what I suppose is at least a distilled version of the deepest, most age-old connection that exists.

When I saw that baby, my life changed. Even though I didn't conceive, carry, go through labor with, or birth him, my precious sister did, so I felt a sliver of several of those steps. From the excitement of a confirmed pregnancy to the relief of three safe trimesters to pacing the hospital hallways to first laying eyes on that sweet bundle, many tears were shed and prayers lifted for that little man and his mommy and daddy.

And they still are. And will be always.

I had no idea what a fun title "aunt" could be, and I love the challenge and excitement of growing into it even more fully as this sweet, playful, crazy-witty little guy grows into his already vivacious personality.

Uno, dos, tres, cuatro...keep 'em coming.


1 Comments - 2 Kudos

my revolution

I went home for a very brief Christmas trip, which was the best decision I have made about what to do with my discombobulated self in the last few days.

Here's why:
* Family time can be therapeutic -- and it was.
* My sweet puppy loves me and is not afraid to show it.
* Familiarity.
* My daddy's fire-building skills (and the great time we spent relaxing in front of the fireplace because of those skills).
* My mother's cooking skills (and the wonderful time I spent savoring the tastes of home because of those skills).
* Timing.
* Peacefulness.
* Christmas Eve at Nan's! :-)
* Seeing Aunt Mildred resting peacefully before I left to come back tonight.
* Taking some great pics of my Grandma Johnson's church...a place that was so centric to who she was and her character that lives on years after her human life ended.
* Knowing those I love who were far away -- specifically Kim & Co., C and Russ -- were where they needed to be, enjoying time with their families.

So my trip home clearly allowed my spirits to do a 180, which I so appreciate! And I have made up my mind that when the darkness creeps back in -- because it surely will -- I will just have to let the hardness of being new and alone in this town fade, and (forcibly) reorient myself to the great parts of that positioning: anonymity (love it!), freedom from obligations, exploring, etc.

Here I go...welcome to my revolution!

3 Comments - 4 Kudos

The power of prayer, it works! I am sooo glad you sound so well. Merry Christmas Bekah!
Posted by Carrie on December 26, 2007 - Wednesday 8:40 AM

Sometimes you can have that same discombobulated and lonely feeling at your very own home. I'm glad home helped you though! Happy New Year!
Posted by Amanda on December 27, 2007 - Thursday 1:08 PM

Very nicely said, my friend. You know, you can feel free to call or text whenever the blues seem to encroach a bit too far. We can all use a list of friends to call when such things happen - new town or no!
Posted by lotts2tel on December 28, 2007 - Friday 12:28 AM

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

I'm not really sure if I'll ever figure out how to set these blogs to "private," so this could end up being a widespread blog instead of one just meant for close friends' eyes. Whatever the case, I guess it's time to just put it out there: IDK what is going on with me. I think I'm experiencing for the first time what I've heard about for so many years -- those "holiday blues" or whatever. That never made sense to me before this year -- how can you be sad around the holidays? -- but it's starting to really become clearer to me.

Yes, I'm sure a lot of this is stemming from my recent move...I don't know. I mean, I wasn't exactly on top of the world before I moved, either, so maybe it was just bound to happen, wherever I was. Of course, I feel better when I'm around friends and C and family and anyone who gets my mind off this funk I'm experiencing, but it's still there, deep down, no matter what. I hate it.

Also, I have a very special aunt who is in serious condition, and thinking about that doesn't help very much either. But I don't know. It's just....weird....and I know I'm not the only person who's ever felt this way, but I'm not used to it, so I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever feel normal again.

John Mayer has this great song about a quarter-life crisis. I've always been about 5 years behind the rest of my age group in terms of growing up, so maybe that's it. Maybe I'm experiencing that quarter-life crisis in my 30s.

Whatever the case, I still want to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and the most sincere hope that the world can feel merry and bright. There are so many people who have meant so much to me in so many ways -- Christmas cards could never fully express that. And if I could ask that while you're praying for those big items...cure for cancer, peace on earth, etc...I would appreciate one for the little redhead, too, to figure out what in the world is going on and to bounce out of this nastiness.

With much love and many wishes for the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of new years,
rebekah



1 Comments

Aw, Bekah.....You're way to pretty for soo many worries. It is difficult during the holidays, a usually perfect time, when things in your life aren't so perfect and I'll pray for you that it won't be so bad. You can come here if you'd like. My kids will be sure to cheer you up. I truly hope you find deep heart warming cheer but if not know that it's ok, it's just life ;)Merry Christmas!
Posted by Carrie on December 23, 2007 - Sunday 10:25 PM

Skipping Christmas?

A few years ago, I read John Grisham's book titled Skipping Christmas. At the time, I was delighted to think about and appreciate the value in doing just that -- foregoing the commercialism of the most wonderful time of the year, and just getting the heck out of dodge to take a breather. Of course, when I read it, I lived in a place where everyone knew my name as if the setting was the Cheers bar, and where I was ridiculously involved in so many activities that I barely took time for myself, much less the measured-out increments I gave to anyone else.

This year during the Christmas season, however, I live in a place where practically nobody knows my name, and I have more time for myself than I know what to do with. Maybe that's why my eyes have been more opened to the sights and sounds of Christmas than they have in a long time.

Granted, it could also be a result of RJ's Christmas in Stages -- having Christmas with the family during Thanksgiving (because that's when we saw Kim, Steve and Caleb), then semi-celebrating in BR throughout the month, then having C'mas with Carl last weekend, going to a few parties this week, going to the Coast for the actual holiday, then planning to re-live Christmas in January with my Jxn friends -- but still, even despite the fact that printer and computer issues have kept me from what has come to be a long-term goal of getting out Christmas cards, I think I'm feeling the true Christmas spirit more this year than I have in a while.

There's just something wonderful about experiencing so many of those loved traditions without the element of planning, organizing, and finding time in everyone's schedule to actually DO them -- like savoring Christmas lights as I drive around. And leisurely walking through the mall, hanging over the rail to look at the kiddos on Santa's lap. And actually writing out Christmas cards (whether or not they'll actually get sent before 12/24).

But I guess I'd better enjoy it this year. I won't be new, uncommitted, and able to simulate skipping everything forever!


1 Comments - 2 Kudos

Hey Rebecca From work... I just had to comment on your post. Last year was my first Christmas as a married woman, so here I was in this new place with this new husband in a new apartment AND he had to work so we didnt even get to go home for the Holidays :( We didnt have much money for presents for each other, but we had JUST gotten TONS of wedding gifts. So we put up a tree, Rusty's first REAL tree mind you, I cooked lots of yummy food and we ate on our new Christmas china every meal til New Years! We didnt buy but 3 gifts for each other, which is now sortof our own tradition. Christmas Eve we went to church and then after we got ice cream and drove around looking at Christmas lights. We stopped in the city park on the Bentonville Square (home to the first Walton 5 and Dime where Sam Walton got his idea :) and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL lights there. We actually ran into a family there taking their annual family pics in the park in PAJAMAS and they invited us to Christmas dinner at their house, even though we decided to not go so we could have our own special Christmas dinner, it was soo sweet of them to offer. I only cried a few times and thought about missing out on all the family festivites in Star, but we had such a great first Christmas I don't think we'll ever forget it! This year, I've worked really hard to make it special so we've had friends over for dinner many times, hosted a carolling outing and even had our church young professional christmas party at our apartment club house!I'm glad you've had the chance to step back and enjoy those twinkling lights and the REAL MEANGING OF CHRISTMAS! Merry Christmas! Rebecca the Sister :)
Posted by Rebecca on December 18, 2007 - Tuesday 6:50 AM

amnesia

So yesterday I visited this church in the BR that I'm not sure I will be visiting again -- it was fine, just not exactly what I'm looking for -- and tonight while I'm kind of blah, something the pastor said just came back to me.

He talked about "spiritual amnesia" and humans' tendency to forget by Friday the closeness they felt to God on Wednesday, to forget in 2006 the miracle they experienced in 2002, etc.

I think tonight, I'm experiencing thankfulness amnesia. We just came out of the holiday season aimed directly at reminding us of all we have to be thankful for, and here I am, blah as can be. What's the deal? IDK, but I should really snap out of it.

"Samantha Who?" may be my new favorite show, but amnesia is definitely not for me.

silly rj

It's that time of the year again, which means silly rebekah is in her mushy mode and has to thank everyone in her life for making it what it is. I appreciate the connections I've rediscovered through this site and hope each of you have a precious Thanksgiving season!

Be safe if you're traveling, and much love to you all.

It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.

This week I had to make a surprise trip to our Gulfport office. This isn't a bad thing -- so far, I've gotten to tie in visits with family and sometimes even friends when I'm there -- it was just really unexpected, especially having the news come about an hour before close of business on Wednesday when I was supposed to leave at 6:30am on Thursday. But since the meetings I needed to attend held info that would be valuable for me in the long run, I changed the plans and made the trip. I had no idea that not only would I not get to see any friends or family during the jaunt, I would also get to see parts of myself I'd tucked far, far away, deep inside the heart of rj.

I made the trip with a coworker who'd already reserved one of our pool cars to go. This coworker and I are friends -- we are both in Marketing and do lunch together often -- but so far have been really connected by another Marketing girl whom I happened to get to know before this one. So this was the first rj/Shannon one-on-one time, and I really had a blast.

Much laughter, two long meetings, hundreds of miles and many stories into the trip, we delved on the way home tonight into a subject I haven't discussed with anyone in a while: spirituality. I have needed to discuss this subject; I've even wanted to discuss it. The topic just hasn't come up (nor have I broached it).

As always, it was terribly refreshing to meet and talk intelligently with someone who shares the same (what I hope I can call of myself) purity of heart and interest in a life well-lived. But it was also equally refreshing to share brutal honesty and slacking stories with someone whom I knew from prior convos would not judge me, but whom would be honest with me about her thoughts and feelings on particular matters.

I do love being female. I think this invisible bond that connects us all is so amazing. I also love being a redhead, and being quirky (even a bit crazy at times), and being a Southern girl (can 31-year-olds still be girls? Hmmm). And even more than that, I love being transparent and free and clear to discuss what's on my mind and heart, even when it might not be socially (or spritually) acceptable or timed correctly.

So I had the amazing experience of bonding, sharing, exchanging heartfelt feelings, ideas and laughter with someone whom I also get to work and lunch with -- and while on a work trip.

So at the end of what has felt like a very long day, I hafta say, the surprise Gulfport trip was a good surprise, even if I didn't get to catch up with old friends or even my parents.

And without doubt, I had one of the more memorable times of my life.

1 Comments - 2 Kudos

We all need these conversations! And so often don't realize who is already in place nearby to share them with. I'm so glad you felt free and hope that the feeling lasts and the friendship has just begun!
Posted by lotts2tel on November 20, 2007 - Tuesday 8:19 PM

Indian giver

Last week, I got the cutest little birthday card from my 3-year-old nephew. The cover said, "Happy birthday to my aunt." Inside, the card read, "You're sort of like my mom away from mom." Too cute, right? But there's more!

According to my sister, Caleb felt the card needed more numbers (when you think about it, kids' cards are all about the big colorful numbers), so he added 10-25-07 and 31. He also drew a shark, a jellyfish, the sun, the moon, and "a boat for Bekah in Baton Rouge," all nicely labeled by my sister.

When I was talking to Kim yesterday, I could hear Caleb singing in the background so I asked her to tell him how much I love my card. While she was putting him on the phone, I could hear him protesting, "I know she wants to talk to me, but I can't right now -- I have things to do!" Finally, after some mother/son discussion, his little voice chimed loud and clear, "Hey Bekah! Love you Bekah! Bye Bekah!"

I said, "Wait! Caleb! I just wanted to tell you how much I loved my sweet birthday card. You did such a great job of drawing on it...the sun, moon, jellyfish, shark, and boat for Baton Rouge...they were wonderful! And all those numbers you wrote -- you are such a big boy!"

After a few seconds of silence, Caleb emphatically stated, "I want that card back."

Trying to muffle my laughter, I heard Kim exclaim in the background, "Caleb Levi! That was Aunt Bekah's birthday card."

Ever the politician, he replied, "Well, it's not her birthday anymore."

Clearly, the boy knows a good piece of art when he sees -- or creates -- it.


3 Comments - 6 Kudos

Again, sounds very much like my Kimberly. Too Cute!
Posted by Just Music on November 13, 2007 - Tuesday 10:58 PM

That is hilarious!
Posted by Bethanie on November 14, 2007 - Wednesday 4:45 PM

That is so funny! I can so picture Hailey saying something like that!
Posted by Wendy on November 19, 2007 - Monday 1:58 PM

letter I do intend to send

Author's note: While I do intend to send (give) this letter to C as we celebrate his birthday this weekend, I have not yet done so. So if you happen to read it then see him, he may not have read it yet. Grazie for your attention to that small detail!

A very wise (yet extraordinarily young) person once told me, "The secret's in the sauce." Over. And over. And over again. (And then some more, in case I might have forgotten.)

Despite the number of times I heard this mantra over the past seven years -- or has it been eight? -- I never argued with his theory, but I admittedly always internally pondered if perhaps the secret wasn't in the meat itself, or how it was cooked, or in its seasoning. Or who knew? Maybe the secret was really in how hungry the diners were, or even in the love and effort it took for the chef to prepare the meal itself. (There is value in that, you know.)

In due time, I began to sense that though this guy may not be aware of it, he was applying his theory to many more rooms in life than just his kitchen. And since he was and is in my life, his theory about the sauce's secret has affected me as well.

I can't quite pinpoint when it started, but sometime between the fall of 1999 and the fall of 2007, I have gradually come to discern that yes, the base of a thing itself is important -- quality, consistency, quality, durability, quality, afforadibility, quality, accessibility, quality ;-) -- but there is definitely something special about that extra oomph when it's added to just about anything, including (but not limited to):
chicken
jokes (can we say delivery and timing?)
conversation
sadness
eggs
injuries (not that I had any of those during the nLife...)
irritating days
fish
irritating weeks
happy times
grief
steak
vacations
hard times
adventures
mourning
grits
opening pains of new chapters
closing pains of old chapters
risotto
difficult decisions
moving
soup
miles of separation between us
new friends coming in
old friends going out
sandwiches
differences
gumbo
similarities
inadvertently erasing vacation memories from a camera and sobbing on the plane ride back
vegetables

You see, the wise (young) man is my boyfriend, but before he was my boyfriend, he was my best friend. And truth be known, I was a little scared a couple of years ago when the infamous "C" and I first transitioned from friends to dating, because how could I be sure that the laid back, relaxed fun we could always count on would still be there? Work would be involved with a real, defined relationship. Scheduled time together. And most frightening of all, what if I became his obligation rather than his choice...and vice versa. And the list went on and on.

But rather than cracking the boyfriend whip and keeping me on my very frightened toes, this funny, intelligent, incredibly hardworking man of men showed me the the most important work we had to do in our relationship was to continue the mutual respect and trust that was the trademark of our very solid friendship for so many years, and to have the fun that comes so naturally to us as a pair in the process. And so far, my only obligation to him is to be myself, to be honest with him, and to expect the same from him.

In the past two years of dating Carl, I've really come to appreciate the quality of the "meal" itself while tasting and appreciating so many more of the "sauces" -- fun in any setting, variety, road trips, new hobbies, investment ventures, technology exploration. And the best part is that I know there are even more accents we'll discover to enhance the Grade A friendship our entire dating relationship has been based on since it started.

So in honor of my best friend's 36th birthday, I offer a "sauce" from another, whose skills are much more eloquent than mine:

Your birthday,
as my own,
to me
is dear.
For mine
did only lend
me to the
world -- yours
gave to me
a friend.

(St. Francis of Assisi)

It took me a while to grasp the concept, but I think I'm learning that the secret may really be in the sauce after all. Wisdom does have its advantages.

Many thanks, Chef Blackburn. And happy birthday to you.

with much love,
rebekah :-)

deep breaths

So I've been having these really weird dreams lately. I mean, my dreams are always a little off kilter but these have been even more off than usual. So for totally unrelated reasons, I decided to jet off to Jacktown this weekend for some good R&R with good friends, familiar sights, and one heck of a great boyfriend.
I'm thoroughly enjoying where I am and what I'm doing, but after having been sick and moving to a new place in the same week, things are definitely in a state of unrest, to say the least. I knew I would be going out of town some again this week and weekend, but the thought of a weekend of unpacking was just way too daunting, so I did what any self-respecting Southern girl does when the goin' gets tough. The tough got goin' and I got the heck out of dodge.

Even though the unpacking fairies had not come to my little Baton Rouge townhouse as I had hoped while I was away, the rebekah-centered part of my plan worked. I took many deep breaths and just enjoyed being. I liked that. I hung out with C and enjoyed many great meals and moments with him, including a night of voices gone hoarse, blood pressure gone high and texts gone wild with Jams (live from Tuscaloosa) as the Tigers fought their way to a rather tough victory over Alabama. And talk about relaxation...I got to have brunch -- brunch!!! -- and incredible quality girl time with two of my best good girlfriends (invaluable, Skye and Bethanie). I saw sweet Rachel while watching the game and even got to pop into Liz and SD's for a few minutes (nice do, Kate). And when it came time to leave, it was nice knowing that even though C and I will both face a full work week and I'll make the trek to J-town again this coming weekend, there were no Sunday deadlines to meet or plans to keep up with. There's nothing like low-key.

Happy sighs. Deep breaths. Good times. And maybe -- hopefully -- sweeter dreams.


2 Comments - 3 Kudos

The girly-time brunch & shopping was much-needed for me as well. LOVED it!
Posted by Bethanie on November 5, 2007 - Monday 4:49 PM

Yay! Good for you. I always love stopping by to see how things are going. :)
Posted by Just Music on November 7, 2007 - Wednesday 12:48 AM

plus one

This week I turn 31.

I thought that would feel more intimidating than it does, but instead, I'm really excited. I guess after falling apart (physically) when I hit 30 and getting used to life all patched up for the past 12 months, this year will just be a "plus one" to the current party I'm attending and am now a lot more comfortable with.

So I'm officially in my thirties! Wheeeeeee!

newness

Just wanted to post a little update on my time so far in Baton Rouge for those I haven't gotten to talk with much lately. I have been living in temporary housing for the last two months since I moved here, and it's been a surprisingly wonderful experience. I originally thought I'd be in an extended stay hotel, but as it turns out, I'm in this precious (and very nice) corporate apartment that is less than a mile from the office! All the corporate apartments have themes, and mine is the "Mini-Me," named for Austin Powers/70s-style decor. It's not garish at all, but really cute, and accented with oranges and turquoises and greens throughout. The Mini-Me has definitely been a haven during this time of newness! Sadly, though, I have to leave it. :-(

But happily, I found a new place. :-) For those familiar with this area, it's not far from Highland and Bluebonnet, and I think it'll be a great way to save money and still live comfortably for at least a year. I've met a couple of my neighbors and they seem really nice, too. The drive to work will be about 15-20 minutes -- not bad -- and I'll be in a different part of town that will allow me easy access to the mall, among other important priorities. :-)

I'm so happy to report that the reason I'm even here in the first place (my job) is fantastic. I am fulfilled in my work and challenged, and I have gotten to know some very sweet coworkers as well (three of whom are even taking me out to dinner for my birthday -- how nice is that?). My predecessor still works with the bank and has been more than helpful, patiently answering my many questions. She is very organized, which gives me something to strive for as I make the valiant effort to follow in her footsteps. :-)

It's great to be back at Hancock Bank, but in a different department and location. I've enjoyed visiting Gulfport and with Gulfport people (many of my old coworkers from when I left in '99 are still there), and it's been fun to get to know the Louisiana HBers as well. It's still sort of uncanny to put so many names I saw from when HB starting acquiring Louisiana banks in '95 with actual faces and titles over here! Thankfully, the company is the same place I remember from college -- a warm and friendly atmosphere with an emphasis on professionalism. I'm getting to work for the person I consider to be my first mentor in Corporate Communications, and, of course, this girly girl is enjoying dressing up for work again! :-)

I'm still doing public relations, but there is definitely more of an emphasis on community relations in this position. This month, I have been running all over (Louisiana's corner of) creation to do events such as the bank's title sponsorship of Wednesday at the Square in New Orleans, an evening of free music in Lafayette Square (at St. Charles and Poydras). The weather has been so nice and cool for it, so I'm really thankful for that! We also partially sponsored a Wooden Boat Festival last weekend in Madisonville (near Covington and Mandeville) and had the bank's boat, the Doris M, docked for visitors to check out. This week, I have focused more on the Baton Rouge Business Report's BizTech Expo. BRBR is Louisiana's version of the Mississippi Business Journal and hosts this huge expo each year. HB is one of the four title sponsors, so we have a large booth and much participation. When I'm not event-planning, I process all charitable contribution requests, work with a great committee to decide where the larger dollars go, and work on general PR (including yet another United Way campaign this year -- must they follow me everywhere?!). ;-)

HBLA headquarters is in a great location (off the College Drive exit of I-10) with many fun restaurants and shops around, not to mention a Barnes & Noble that bascially sits in the bank's parking lot and a movie theatre I can see from my window. So that helps when it comes to figuring out how to spend the new spare time I've suddenly found myself with. I haven't gotten involved in PRAL (the Public Relations Association of Louisiana) yet -- they are still taking hiatus since SPRF (Southern Public Relations Federation) just had their annual conference. I'm also waiting a little while before I transfer my Junior League membership from Jackson to Baton Rouge...even though I haven't met that many people outside of work here yet, I'm definitely enjoying a breather from meetings and projects, valuable as they are.

Baton Rouge itself is a very fun city to live in, full of culture and art and all the traditional Louisiana traits -- spices, accents and a nice, laid-back atmosphere. Except the traffic! If you've ever heard anything about it, you heard right. Ugh. But otherwise, great city! Oh, and I have to say...in spite of my best efforts, I've become an LSU fan. It totally snuck up on me, but here I am, anxiously awaiting each new game day and chanting the Tigers' fight song with the best of 'em. My coworkers and sister are very proud of me. :-)

The long-distance adjustment with Carl and my friends has been more of a challenge for me than I expected, but it's all working out well. I prayed through this decision long before this job opportunity came, so that always gives reassurance whenever I wonder what the heck I've done by removing myself from the people who know me best. ;-) Thankfully, C seems to like Baton Rouge, too, so that makes exploring the city even more fun. During the week when I'm alone, I can tuck things away I want to show him during his visits.

I haven't yet been here too much during the weekends, and when I have I've either been working a weekend event or too dizzy to do too much -- yes, don't worry, I was diagnosed with inner ear issues last week?!?! -- so I haven't had much of a chance to check out local churches, but I'm looking forward to doing that soon. I would really love to get involved with a ladies' Bible study in the area as a means of spiritual feeding, encouragement and meeting people, but so far I haven't had any leads on that -- at least not from the Internet.

I know this has been long and generic, but I did want to send a thorough update. I'm sorry I haven't been great about keeping in touch, but maybe with all this free time, I can work on that. :-) I do hope you're all well and that you'll keep me posted on yourselves!

With much love,
rebekah :-)

p.s. Geaux Tigers. :-)

-- "Life should be a little nuts. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of random Thursdays strung together." -- Kevin Costner, from Rumor Has It

2 Comments - 0 Kudos

Excellent. So happy to hear things are going so well. ;-)
Posted by Just Music on October 18, 2007 - Thursday 9:29 PM

I'm so happy you've found a great new home.
Posted by Jams on October 18, 2007 - Thursday 10:22 PM

Operation Lysol

When I went home to the coast a few weekends ago, I was counting on quality time with family and a little R&R, but I had no idea I was in for such an adventure....especially at my grandparents' house.

I'm not sure how to frame this bizarre story other than to start from the beginning: My mom and I had gone to visit Nan and Pop Ball, and everyone else was in the study while I was in the kitchen. On my way across the threshold into the sunroom, I saw this strange black worm thingy about the size of my pinky finger poke up from the floor, then poke back down. Thinking I was losing my mind and feeling terrified at the same time, I stood there for a few minutes and stared at the Amazing Disappearing Thing spot before calling for someone to come in there with me. When I told my mother about it while gesturing animatedly at a perfectly clean threshold and floor, I realized how on crack I sounded, but what's a girl to do? I knew I saw something. I figured it was just an earthworm, but wanted to let them know in case it was a baby snake.

Pop Ball sprayed insect repellant on the area, we all stood and stared at it for a few more minutes, then nervously shrugged and went back into the other room. I was admittedly pretty rattled -- not only was I concerned about what the Thing potentially was, but I also felt a little whacked out and kept replaying in my mind what I saw, reminding myself that I really did see something at all.

About 30 minutes later, my mom was going into another room when she cried for us to come there -- the Thing was, in fact, a snake, and was stretched out across that threshold. (Just thinking about this again makes me shudder!)

My grandmother (Nan) rushed into the room with my mother while Pop Ball and I looked for something to kill the snake with. I asked him where a hoe or shovel was (we were near the utility room, which leads outside), and he said, "You're more likely to find a machete in there." I laughed, but when I turned on the light, there was....a machete. Ok.

So we went to find the Thing, but don't worry -- it had slithered into the dining room. My mom and Nan were running to close the doors and Pop Ball and I, machete in hand, furtively looked around when it hit us all simultaneously: the Thing had gotten away. I won't even try to describe the collective shudder that went through the room. Nan and Mother described The Thing as only about a foot long, and smaller in diameter than my pinky finger, but we were still all pretty shaken up...at least I was.

The more I looked around at all the Things' potential hiding places, the more I began to internally freak out. The grout on the tile floor was black (the color of the Thing) and....yep, about the diameter of my pinky. Great. The dining room table had tons of wooden beams underneath it, and to top it all off, the house is generally an open layout. Nan grabbed a can of Lysol and began spraying all the possible areas the Thing could be hiding in: under cabinets, along baseboards, etc.

After looking around for a while, we all decided to take a post and sit and stare at the general dining room/kitchen area. It was at this point that I finally realized a sheer yet shocking (to me) truth: I am a total wimp.

My 81 year-old grandmother was armed with a can of Lysol, my 86 year-old grandfather had a machete, for crying out loud, and my 56 year-old mother had another bottle of cleaner. They were occasionally venturing into the danger zone rooms, while I sat with my feet in my chair, literally quaking in my flip flops, sporadically offering a weak, "PLEASE be careful." I, the epitome of brute force, courage and strength that I am, was holding onto a flashlight for dear life. Whenever anyone needed it, of course, I did my duty and handed it over. In addition, I sent texts to C, my sister and my cousin, who all responded appropriately to their personalities:

Kim: I'm praying!

C: What?! Are you ok?!

Russ: A phone call asking if we were pinned up against a wall by something. When I told him I had been sitting there trying to imagine his reaction to The Thing, he quipped, "Well, I can tell you what I wouldn't be doing, and that's sitting in that house holding nothing but a can of Lysol."

After my job as communicator was complete, I was also gracious enough to offer to go get us something to eat, since I shrieked at the idea of my Nan cooking anything in the kitchen where The Thing was. Pitiful. Thankfully, Nan -- calm and collected as she had been throughout the ordeal -- jumped at the idea to ride with me to Sonic, and as soon as she closed my passenger door, spouted, "Honey, I sure do hope they find that thing and KILL it before we get back. I'm scared to death!"

The big debate throughout the night had been how the Thing had gotten into the house. Pop Ball was convinced it "came in on a plant," while Nan patted my leg with her infamous pointer finger, muttering, "Hon-ey, if anything happens around here, my plants are the first to get the blame."

After we brought back hamburgers for The Rescue Crew and we had eaten, I tried to convince Pop Ball and Nan to come home and spend the night with us (so it wouldn't sneak up on them in their sleep), but Pop Ball only retorted, "Sure, and what are we supposed to do tomorrow? Put a For Sale sign in the yard because of a little snake? That thing is more afraid of us than we are of it."

Sadly enough, we -- or they -- never found The Thing.

A couple of weeks ago, though, when the Terminex man was at their house doing a routine spray, he came in from the yard and asked Nan:

"Mrs. Ball, did you know there's a little snake in your flower bed?"

She said, "Is it about a foot long and yay-wide with a thin little stripe down its back?"

Startled, he replied, "Yes ma'am, that was it..."

She said, "Well, either he or his brother got in here a while back, so I'm glad he's outside now!"

All we can surmise is that the Lysol fumigated him out. Talk about quality time.


2 Comments - 2 Kudos

I love real life stories! You did an excellent job, I feel like I was actually there. :) Hilarious...
Posted by Just Music on October 18, 2007 - Thursday 5:19 PM

(225)

Now that I've been in the BR for almost two months, I feel a little more qualified to share my top 10 favorite things about the land of the Red Stick:

10. It's only an hour to New Orleans...hour and a half, max, if traffic's bad. Who could ask for anything more?

9. Spices, spices, spices. Mmmmm.

8. The wide variety of restaurants here...I think I could eat out all the time and never hit some of these joints...and they're GOOD.

7. The water. Seriously, I heard it's the second best in the country. (No one knows what the first is...I'm thinking somewhere in Colorado?)

6. There's no lack of fleur de lis-related items in this city, and I do heart the fleur de lis. :-) You can even find them in gas stations here!

5. The heads-up this city gives on street signs. Especially as someone new to the area, it's so nice to see "Highland Rd. Next Signal" before l cause three accidents by slamming on brakes when I have finally reached Highland Avenue.

4. The Cajun/Louisiana way...nice and laid-back, but direct and frank and no-nonsense about everything, especially how to have fun when it's time for it. :-)

3. I know I've already mentioned spices, but Tabasco! It's always been the BEST to me, but C and I recently visited the Tabasco plant at Avery Island (about an hour from here) and it was too much fun!

2. Those tigers. I didn't mean to let it happen, but they truly worked their way into my very heart of hearts. And I love them now. A lot. So GEAUX TIGERS!

And my number one favorite thing about this 225 area code is....

1. The accents. The beautiful, delectable, sounds-so-close-to-the-Back-Bay-of-Biloxi/Bay-St.-Louis accents. Happy sigh. :-) Makes it feel much more like home!

3 Comments - 2 Kudos

Yay, that sounds like so much fun. I am so happy for you! :)
Posted by Just Music on October 17, 2007 - Wednesday 5:11 AM

Woohooo! Welcome to the land I love! Home, sweet home. :)
Posted by Skye on October 18, 2007 - Thursday 3:42 PM

GEAUX KENTUCKY!
Posted by hibbs is what they call me on October 18, 2007 - Thursday 8:04 PM

king of da nial

This week my nephew, who coined one of my more recent nicknames, "Da Bekah," demonstrated his denial about my move to Baton Rouge. Apparently, his conversation with my sister came out of the clear blue sky the other night and went something like this:

Caleb: Mom, why did Bekah have to go back to Jackson?

Kim: Well, when she went back to Jackson this summer after we saw her, it was because she had to go back to work. But now she doesn't live in Jackson. She's in Baton Rouge. That's in Louisiana.

Caleb: No she isn't.

Kim: Yes she is.

Caleb: No she isn't.

Kim: Yes she is.

After about five minutes of this, Kim realized she was sounding like the 4-year-old in the convo and agreed to disagree with the little man. And a few minutes later, Caleb reached over and quietly reinforced his point while patting her leg:
"Bekah lives in Jackson, Mom."

I have to hand it to our future president (vote Caleb Wood 2038!) -- change can be a little difficult to adjust to, particularly when it happens quickly and when we've been so used to the status quo.

I, however, am fully aware that I am becoming more and more rooted in this ever-creative land chock full of culture and spices, and that I'm having a really good time exploring this new state.

And I have a children's book of Louisiana on order for the little man, which I will send to him with a Caleb's world-specific map of our gulf states so he'll know exactly where Da Bekah went, saying goodbye to da nial...maybe.

1 Comments - 2 Kudos

Kids are hilarious! Kimberly is exactly the same way, it is like her favorite thing to tell me very 'matter-of-factly' what "IS" and "What IS not" So. All that matters to her is what she things "IS"... it can be ranch dressing... but to her... it is most definitely "Ketchup".
Posted by Just Music on October 12, 2007 - Friday 3:31 AM

38

My parents have been married for 38 years today, and I think that's just amazing.

I just wrote them a long overdue letter thanking them for their example, and found myself with tears in my eyes as I tried to explain to them that I don't necessarily think anything's wrong with me for not craving married life yet -- I just truly want it to be forever, and I don't want wrong timing to get in the way of that.

There's a lot I complain about (a lot of the time), but I must say, I'm thankful for all those around me who have set such great examples with their lives. From my parents who daily show me that longevity is alive and well, to my sister who is willing to make huge personal sacrifices to make sure her child is raised (and disciplined) well, to cousins who remind me with their sweet personalities that life is about the here and now and what we make of it, to friends who demonstrate graceful acceptance of beginnings and ends and changes (Bethanie, I'm thinking of you specifically here), to a boyfriend who shows me the true meaning of character, loyalty and strong work ethic...I am definitely more blessed than I often let on.

And now I'm crying full force! Ugh. Girldom.


3 Comments - 4 Kudos

WoW! I'm enjoying catching up on your life. I'm glad that things are starting to settle in - and hopefully soon they will begin to feel "familiar" instead of "new." Hang in there! Congrats on the new place and awesome outlook on the new adventure! Oh, and thanks for sharing another "happily ever after" example. A rare thing these days, but I love hearing about them!
Posted by lotts2tel on October 4, 2007 - Thursday 4:54 PM

Aww, that is amazing. I hope to be able to say the same things some day. I am so glad to see life is going so well. :o)
Posted by Just Music on October 4, 2007 - Thursday 5:43 PM

And you have now brought a tear to my eye...kudos to you and to your parents!
Posted by Bethanie on October 4, 2007 - Thursday 7:39 PM

tres

I've never been much in the superstitious department, but I'm starting to believe that good things really do come in threes:

1. Friday, I found a permanent place to live in Baton Rouge! I have been anxious about this all week (ever since I started realizing that older, modestly sized apartments were way more expensive than what I believe they're worth), so I was VERY relieved to find a cute townhouse with enough space for visitors!

2. Also on Friday, I finally burrowed my way through traffic, getting lost, and two trains and made it to Jackson, where I had wonderful, laid-back hang out time with C. It was the true definition of R&R, and it was MUCH needed for the redhead.

3. When I got back into Baton Rouge tonight, I found that my mail from the last month has finally arrived at my temporary address! Mind you, I set up the forwarding service before I ever moved here, but I'm just getting my last Nissan paycheck, bills, etc. I'm just glad our good ol' postal service made sure that happened...through rain, snow, sleet or hail...

So all that's to say for those of you who have been sweet enough to express concern: don't worry about me (especially given my last blog or two). I really am doing well overall and am absolutely LOVING my new job in BR. I will definitely enjoy it all even more when I make some other friends outside of work (I am certain to wear my two work friends out in no time at all!), but I know that will happen in good time.

Thanks for your sweet cares and comments and I hope YOU are well, too. More to come on life in the Red Stick...


1 Comments - 2 Kudos

Bethanie
Congrats on finding your new "home". I would give THREE kudos to this blog, but sadly am limited to two.

(601)

In honor of my first day out of the 601 area code in eight years, I've reflected on the top 10 things I'll miss about Jackson/Metro now that I'm officially living in the BR:

10. Hearing "Sweet Home Alabama" sung with the standard "Mississippi" replacement.

9. Keifer's.

8. Pool time with those who make me laugh.

7. Popping up over the cubicle to vent to/grimace at/chat/cackle/catch up with Bethanie and Lish.

6. The Jackson Free Press.

5. The many Old Canton Roads one can find herself on at any time of the day or night.

4. Easy access to my GNOs...with a special emphasis on the Gs.

3. Caleb's grumpy farewell of, "I guess you just gonna put on them big ol' sandals and go all the way back to Mississippi."

2. Buffalo Wild Wings. (I know it's a chain, but still...)

1. My main big man. :-(

That said, I still believe I made the right decision in moving and I know I'll be fine here. I mean, I am in the coolest little condo (which I'll blog more about later) and a really fun town with great places to go and things to do. Plus, I'm already enjoying the potential challenges of my new job!

I guess when it comes right down to it, y'all, I'm still a Mississippi girl.


1 Comments - 2 Kudos

the 411

I'm moving to Baton Rouge! Here are the juicy details:

• I've accepted a job with Hancock Bank's Louisiana headquarters. I worked there (in Gulfport) in college, so I am very familiar with a lot of the people I'll be working for and with.
• I'll be doing what I do now - Community Relations and PR.
• I'm excited and a little nervous!
• I'll miss all my Jackson (and Nissan) peeps. :-(
• But you know I'll come back to visit often - the plus side of having a boyfriend who still lives here. :-)
• My last day at Nissan will be August 15.
• The move will probably occur at the end of August - exact move date TBD.
• C and I went for a short visit this weekend and from what we saw, it's a really cool, fun city!
• Baton Rouge is 2 to 2.5 hours from both Jackson and the Coast.
• You should come visit me...and keep in touch, of course. :-)
  

5 Comments - 4 Kudos

Wow, great news, and CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!!!! I have driven through there, but now I have a reason to stop and hit dinner and maybe a show! I am gonna have peeps in every state soon!
Posted by Just Music on August 6, 2007 - Monday 4:41 AM

So you won't be there when i visit? I'm sad-ish. Good luck though, I can understand a new start. I'm like the new start prince.Good Luck! PR? How fun, we should share secrets! In fact, i might have a business proposition for you, if the area is woodsy enough. More on that later.i'm out like Seacrest!
Posted by Mark's Peak on August 6, 2007 - Monday 11:46 AM

Say it ain't so! We'll miss you at Nissan but I can understand that you have a better opportunity ahead. Come visit us often...you'll be missed.
Posted by Scott on August 6, 2007 - Monday 6:43 PM

Awwww! We will miss u, but it sounds like a great opportunity!u know Baton Rouge is the best place for Tool Concerts!
Posted by Lex & Paula on August 7, 2007 - Tuesday 4:48 PM

Congratulations!
Posted by Wendy on August 7, 2007 - Tuesday 7:10 PM

by my own

Nephews have the cutest way of saying things.

When Caleb is playing Mr. Independent (which, let's face it, is basically always), he sometimes stubbornly wrinkles that little forehead and with a puckered frown spouts, "No, Bekah. I want to do it by my own."

Even though, God bless him, he thinks I'm really just a big kid, occasionally the task will require adult supervision. In those cases, I'll gently assist or give him a reminder that I just need to help a little bit, but he's doing the main part.

But most of the time, when Caleb wants to do something "by his own," I stand back and watch with an inward smile, wishing I record every second of this event for the day when he truly comes into "his own." I know this stubborness is part of his little personality and that it will play a crucial role as his life and character traits unfold, so it's fun to watch him figure things out and put things together and get into a little somethin'-somethin' that maybe he really shouldn't be into just yet.

Today I became slightly overwhelmed with life.

Big things are happening, but my frustration didn't stem from one thing in particular. Several fires came up and the extinguisher was running out - you know, the kind of day everyone has had. I (think I) was fairly okay on the outside, but internally, I was exhausted. And irritated. And my head was spinning like a little red top.

It didn't help that I had to singlehandedly handle a few things that are ridiculous to singlehandedly handle. It also didn't help that I was pushing the little white cotton puff's accelerator to beat the clock as I (legally) sped down 220, willing time to stop. And it really didn't help that my intended destination was in an unsafe part of town, a pain to get to, and had been closed for an hour when I arrived (contrary to the schedule they'd posted on the web).

So I vented. (I mean, what are Lizzes and pink Razr phones for if not that, right?) And after we hung up, I stewed. And after I got home, I pushed myself to make several more less venting, more informative phone calls that are a necessary evil of my next few weeks. And after I made those phone calls, I pressed forward until I shot off a few equally informative e-mails. And after I clicked send, I got dressed for some time with friends. And after C and his Pops and I got there and got settled and the stories began flowing, something hit me.

I didn't really have to do today by my own.

And actually, in all fairness to my good intentions, I really thought I wasn't. I did pray the prayer that never fails (Thy will be done) when I started the day, but I think I forgot to remind myself that I had prayed it, because my focus became more on getting things done and less on Whose will I'd prayed would be done throughout my day.

I can't help but wonder if my Guardian smiles inwardly when He sees me pushing myself unnecessarily, wondering if, when I finally do come into my own, I'll remember how stubborn I was all those times.

I'm sure that in some situations, rather than smiling He grimaces, eases His way beside me, and gently reminds me that for safety's sake, I really should let Him handle this one, even if I hate to ask for that four-letter help word very much.

Hopefully one day I will come into my own, and I will make those around (and above) me proud to have watched the process. Until then, maybe I'll try to be a little more selective about the tasks I insist on doing "by my own."

3 Comments - 4 Kudos

I definitely know the feeling B! I wrote pages in my journal last night about much the same things. My girls are starting school today, and all I can do is pray that I am helping them develop that confidence to try things on 'their' own without fear so they can be better and stronger than their mommy as we all go along in life.
Posted by Just Music on August 3, 2007 - Friday 4:55 AM [Remove] [Reply to this]


Ahh, what a timely reminder! I'm SO glad you are willing to share it with us fellow on-liners. Thanks for the honesty and a great reminder. I wish I'd read it the posted date!
Posted by lotts2tel on August 8, 2007 - Wednesday 5:58 PM

when I grow up

I have been trying unsuccessfully for the past three days to figure out how to post blogs to a private, "preferred" list. Since I never got the hang of it, I still want to blog what I originally had on my mind....it'll just be significantly scaled down. (I can handle it if you can.)

Last weekend, I was indulging in a very regular self-spoiling session of getting my nails done when I recognized someone I used to see regularly a few years back. We were really only acquaintances, so even though this (embarrassingly enough) goes against my nature, I didn't feel compelled to flag her down and say hi. As luck would have it, though, the one time I tried to be an adult and refrain from pointless gabbing, she recognized me and immediately requested the chair next to mine so we could "have a nice little chat while getting our nails done - isn't this just SO fun?"

(By the way, I use quotation marks when I'm quoting someone. Just an FYI.)

Anyway, during our manicure-length interview -- ahem, I mean "chat" -- I remembered something that maybe I need to be reminded of at this stage of the game: If I weren't where I am now, I could be a totally different person.

Ok, so maybe that wouldn't be an epiphany for you, but I do often need to be reminded that taking a different path is the making of a different rebekah. For instance, if I had not moved to Jackson, I would be a different girlio today. Good? Bad? Better? Best? Worst? Who knows. (Personally, I think I'm more fun now, but I digress.)

And if I were still working at the job I had right out of college, I'm pretty sure I would not have developed some of the skills I've gotten to hone in my field...and I definitely wouldn't have encountered some of my favorite people now! And if I still hung out with those acquaintances from way back when, I think some interesting traits would have rubbed off on me a little more than I care to explore. (Sadly, I'm easily influenced.)

So while I thoroughly loved living on my coast and in Hattiesburg, I'm glad the move to Jackson happened when it did. And while the Realtors association was a great place to cut my professional teeth and learn a lot of the PR ins and outs that are now second nature to me, it was definitely time to move on when I did.

And though the friends and churches and relationships and cliques and organizations I've encountered throughout my life have molded me and shaped me in ways I could possibly still use, I believe that listening to where I need to stand now is more important than prolonging something after its expiration date has come and gone.

Coincidentally (or not?), I've been reflecting a lot on these things lately and deeply wondering about my current place in relation to various organizations...trade associations, church, service groups, etc. A girl can get seriously burned out by committing to too much, but what is the recipe for me to be the best me I can be and still give back to the things that have been such a vital part of who I am? And further still, how do I know the best places for me to be involved? For instance, I should be doing something with the community, but what exactly? I should be active in some church, but which church has a rebekah-sized hole? Etc. I suppose the right answer is to pray about it, but I find myself wondering when I should just get a move on and do something about all this.

With that said, as I'm sure you can imagine, this blast-from-the-past (and rather perky) interaction really made me view things a little differently than I did when I walked into the salon. I mean, MANY of the things that bothered me about this convo are definitely things I'm guilty of! Yikes. I hate that.
After all that "chatting," internalizing, mulling and pondering while inhaling nail-related chemicals, I'd like to share with you what I came away with (besides pretty nails).

When and if I grow up, these are the things I hope for:
*a genuine spirit
*a desire for others to be the best they can be, no matter what or when or where that is
*a low level of curiosity about and high level of respect for others' private lives
*contentment with my own world that supercedes my need to judge others' worlds like a bad talent show
*the gift of gablessness (as opposed to gab) when the time comes to just BE, rather than talk aimlessly about nothing
*discernment about when, where and how much to socialize
*a discarded cookie-cutter mold of how everyone's life should turn out, and an embraced openness about experiences different from my own

And finally, I SINCERELY hope my fakeness will always end with my nails and never reach my smile!

Lessons noted.

5 Comments - 10 Kudos

I love your blogs. Not only are they entertaining but they give me the "truth" in life that I always need. You help keep me sane, thanks. P.S. I wished I lived n Jackson to share some of these great moments with you ;)
Posted by Carrie on July 25, 2007 - Wednesday 6:40 PM

RJ, I love having a friend like you! Your blogs always make me smile, and this one is no exception! Love you girl!
Posted by Ashley on July 26, 2007 - Thursday 8:43 AM

well said bekah....
Posted by monica on July 30, 2007 - Monday 2:47 PM

my little white cotton puff

I often joke about inviting my friends and coworkers to step into the lap of luxury when they ride with me, because my little white getaway mobile is so very un-new and un-trendy. It's a 2001 Chevy Cavalier with manual everything (except transmission, of course -- I'm still a girly girl who never got past her fear of The Clutch). Most people, I'm sure, see me buzzing around and inwardly shake their heads, wondering what my deal is. Why won't I just suck it up and purchase a new, fun car?

That's a great question. I mean, for crying out loud, brand new cars, trucks and SUVs are being assembled less than 100 feet away from my desk each day. But while I do love the new car look and smell, and admit freely that nothing compares to the feel of vroom beneath my latest 5 1/2 strappy heel purchase, at this point in life I'm an even bigger fan of less-is-more. And even though my little white getaway mobile is on the older side, it's clean, it works, and for the love of Pete, it's paid for.

So it was undergoing some maintenance this month and I've been driving other (newer, more automated) cars. Chevy Impala. Chrysler 300. Ford Escape. (All made long after the turn of the century, mind you.)

But I hafta say...nothing compared to the feeling I had when I manually unlocked my familiar door today and stepped back into my world. My paid for, working, tidy little world. It really made me smile. I think it's the sense of comfort, peace of mind, and overall contentment that keep me attached to my current stage of life, including that much-worn car.

And that's why as of today, my little white getaway mobile will forevermore be synonymously referred to as my little white cotton puff, thanks to Liz. Because, after all, at this stage of the game, comfort, peace of mind, and overall contentment definitely are the fabric of my life.

4 Comments - 4 Kudos

THREE CHEERS for Rebekah from Work!! You are totally right! I love my little green F-150 as well..it's as broken-in, seat-just-th-way-I-like-it, feels like home and PAID OFF!! I do applaud you for not falling for the "gotta have more" this world is always throwing at us! I'll be sure and honk and proudly waive at the next "more mature" vehicle I see on the road. Thanks for the post! -Rebecca the sister
Posted by Rebecca on July 23, 2007 - Monday 11:39 AM


I love it!! Rebekah-you are my very favorite REDHEAD! I am cracking up!! I am one of those that are trying to find myself and usually do it by getting a "new" (used) car pretty often although I think I have found true love with my '02 Lexus RX300 Coach Edition and I've had it almost a year! I love the way it wizzes aound and my very favorite part? Its GOLD all the way down. Not one of those two-toned ones. Her name is Goldie and she's been faithful thus far. My problem is that I have Champagne taste but live on a Beer Budget!! My ultimate dream car? The 2007 Infiniti QX56
Posted by DENITA on July 25, 2007 - Wednesday 5:27 PM

Name that high school, class of whatever.

Carl Blackburn reminded me of an astounding occurrence last night while I was recapping my oh-so-fun girls' weekend beach trip: a great, fun, sweet, hilarious group of girls who have known each other since preschool (or before) graciously welcomed me into their "circle of love" with open arms, and I am having the time of my life!

I'm seriously not sure what I would do without Liz (honestly, anyone who knows me knows this is true!) and now I feel the same way about the lovely chiquitas I've met in the duration of my friendship with her. Thank heavens she married Steven Densmore...otherwise we'd have never had the Mempho weekend where we truly brought so many adjectives back, including the one Justin sings about. And if we hadn't walked in Memphis, maybe we'd have skipped those subsequent GNOs at Mookie and Sal's and other close friends' tables, and even this most recent fantastic getaway to the land where plankton can really sneak up on you and the waves spit a girl out like so much seaweed.

I blog all this to come to a very strong point, and one I feel very emphatically about: it's a great life we have as adults. We're allowed to grow up with those who knew our personalities before Myers-Briggs got a hold of us (Britney, Aimee and Denita!), experience high school and college with peeps who may or may not recognize the persons we've since become (Sheila, Amy and Danielle), and go through some massive working experiences with still other rounds of folks who add even more facets to our crazy lives (Dane, Brandie, Jenn, Amanda, Kelso, Lish and Bethanie)....yet we're not limited to anything or anyone when it comes to new friends and new chapters.

I love that my Brandon girls are about to experience their 10-year reunion while I remember mine with so many smiles and giggles. And I love that I know none of the classmates they remember out loud, but I can easily identify with their stories. Most of all, though, I love that I get to experience real-time life with these chickadees, including the reflections they'll have on their great times I've already gone through, and vice versa.

Sigh. Life makes me happy. And I love my friends!

1 Comments - 2 Kudos

too hebby

Today I am a girl terribly thankful for hope. Without it...I just have no idea.

One of my most favorite stories ever comes from my boyfriend's nephew, whom I've only met once a few years ago. He's in his twenties now, but when he was two and C used to wrestle with him on the floor, he would grunt, "Too hebby, Unca Carl. You too hebby for me. I just a boy!"

Today, life seems a little heavy...not necessarily for me, but for a family I love. So that hurts. It hurts to not know exactly what to say or how to pray, and it hurts to know I'm just far enough away to not be of any tangible use. It's painful to know that while my sweet friend will ride through this with the incredible grace that's been so beautifully developed over years of having no other choice, there is no other choice. Again.

And I know this is so stupid, but it hurts to know I'm too small and human to do any of the repair work I so brazenly think I could ever be capable of, and it also hurts that these things seem to the naked eye to be slightly unevenly distributed.

(Are you there, God? It's me, rebekah. Some of us clearly have trust issues, don't we?)

I think I was griping about something before all the news and hurt made its way to me, but I'm pretty sure I was brought back down to the reality check that was waiting for the redhead:

Thank God there is a God, and that He's dealt us a great deal of hope. My life is really not so hebby after all.


10:28 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos

What is amazing is how this family seems to handle the unfathomable with such grace. I pray that I can have that kind of faith some day.
Posted by Just Music on June 19, 2007 - Tuesday 8:32 PM

bang bang

You're cordially invited to join me in partying like it's 1994 as I return to the Bang Phase of RJ (while pardoning the car-self-portrait, of course).

Cheers! Have a great weekend. :-)

8 Comments - 8 Kudos

Cute, Cute, CUTE!!!!!!
Posted by Carrie on May 19, 2007 - Saturday 6:32 PM

Why, I think you look darn pretty! I hope your weekend is fabulous. I'll see you Tuesday!
Posted by lotts2tel on May 19, 2007 - Saturday 6:59 PM

you are hi-larry-as!
Posted by Just Music on May 20, 2007 - Sunday 4:09 PM

I like the bangs! I just had mine cut a couple of weeks ago...but they are still down to my chin, almost. I'm not brace enough to go too much shorter!
Posted by Rachel on May 21, 2007 - Monday 8:08 AM

i think you look adorable! :)
Posted by Brooke on May 22, 2007 - Tuesday 8:59 PM

Love them!Your so cute!
Posted by Amy on June 6, 2007 - Wednesday 9:42 PM

For a moment I thought I was back at DHS!
Posted by Greg Mo on June 14, 2007 - Thursday 12:27 PM

seasons

Let's hear it for new seasons...every part of me is thrilled to be soaking up the sun again (with a healthy sheen of sunscreen acting as my protective barrier, of course).

God bless pretty flowers, good friends, fresh air and sunshine!

dream a little dream

Most of the time, I think I'm doing pretty well with things (when it comes right down to it, I mean), but I would like to take this blog-opportunity to report on how utterly sad my life apparently is.

Night before last, I had a dream. This is not unusual for me....I'm always dreaming about something. The unusual facet of my dream world is that something (if not more than one thing) is always completely and totally bizarro about it.

Like the dream I had not too long ago about all these friends from all these different stages of my life coming together and hanging out with me. It was a little weird that we were all playing paintball, I guess, but the kicker came when I realized we were playing paintball in a department store. And then there was the time I dreamt something totally normal. I was really excited when I woke up, because the situation could have really happened, without my usual strange spin on dreams...until I remembered every single person in the dream was a perfect shade of blue.

So with my history, I shouldn't have been too surprised to wake up yesterday morning full of fun memories from the happy-go-lucky, girls-just-wanna-have-fun dream that I was having lunch with my new four closest girlfriends: Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. That's right, kids. I was the official new fifth member of the SATC cast, and they absolutely loved me. They kept saying things like, "Why didn't we do this years ago?" and "You fit right in!"

Clearly, I've watched (and identified with) entirely too many episodes.


2:12 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos

haha that's hilarious!! I think I have watched a few to many episodes of that myself!
Posted by Melissa on April 25, 2007 - Wednesday 8:01 AM

Anticipation!

I'm so excited I can hardly stand myself...before the day's over, I'll see my sweet, adorable little nephew! He may be asleep when I arrive, but that's such a marvel to watch, too (it's the only time he's still).

We'll play hard, we'll make, in his words, "new tracks" for Thomas and Percy and James, we'll try out his new t-ball set, we'll munch on lots of Cheez-Its, and we'll see what's happening in the park these days.

What a weekend.


10:48 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos

Hope ya'll have a great weekend and tons of fun playing!!
Posted by Melissa on April 20, 2007 - Friday 9:07 AM

heavy heart

I walked today with a heavy heart -- the same one I always tend to have when national, earth-shattering tragedies occur.

I'm not even sure what I prayed for when I heard about the terrible events that hit Virginia Tech's campus, but I do know I began praying for something, someone to comfort and touch the affected students, staff and families.

There's no way I could ever understand what those people are feeling tonight -- whether it be numbness, pain, or nausea -- but I certainly don't want to forget the value of the lives that were ruthlessly taken this morning on a quaint and normally quiet campus.

And I don't want to forget that there is a God, and He does care....even when things like this happen.

Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

11:55 AM - 4 Comments - 4 Kudos

I am just amazed at how quickly life can be taken away from us. At least 3 mothers, and 2 grandmothers in my company were directly affected by losses at Va Tech... all I can do is pray, and be comforted knowing that God will provide some semblance of peace to those that are suffering right now.
Posted by Just Music on April 16, 2007 - Monday 5:31 PM

RJ - I think it is a testament to the Spririt within you that your heart is tender toward such tragedies. I believe your prayers - in a world gone awry - made and will make a world of difference.
Posted by lotts2tel on April 17, 2007 - Tuesday 6:21 PM

My peeps are the best peeps.

In this easter season of renewed life and budding promises, I can't help but be extra thankful for my peeps.

No -- I'm not as fond of the marshmellows as Kelso is -- but I AM fond of the people who support me and back me up when the going gets tough. and tougher. And when the going is great but I'm a grouch. And when the as is flows along smoothly, but the unknown fast approaches.

My heart is pleasantly surprised over and over again these days...not to mention what the arrival of spring has done for me. I'm not really sure why I'm so amazed at the situational actions and displays of emotion by these people I hold so dear to my heart, when in fact, overall, I remain wowed that God brought them into my world at all.

My cup runneth over. With peeps!

letter I don't intend to send (revival)

Dear dark cloud that hung over my head all the day long,

Congratulations. You got my attention. Not only do I now fully recognize the changes you so surreptitiously make with your slightest presence, but so does everyone who had the burden of being in contact with me throughout this day.
I'm not sure how to say this, but here's the thing (are you sitting down?). I think I like my days better when you're not around.

Granted, I'm not always the easiest person to hang out with. I have my moments (sometimes hours, sometimes days, sometimes even weeks). But generally, I can insert a laugh or two and even move on. However, when you're with me, I can't even shake you for a minute. I have to hand it to you for tenacity.

But I was wondering...since we got to have such extreme quality time together today, do you think you can hover somewhere else for oh...let's say the next few decades? Hey thanks!

With much love (and many umbrellas),
~ rebekah

p.s. The only reason I don't intend to send this is because I don't really know how to get in touch with you until you're all up in my space. Thanks!

2:55 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos
LOL - LOLL!
You trip me out! Thanks for the great laugh.
Posted by lotts2tel on March 27, 2007 - Tuesday 4:59 PM

is it ok...

...that I consider a trip to my hairdresser a fix? I love Dyanne more than life itself, and it's not just her art or skill(z) or sense of humor or incredible story of rehabilitation or fun calendar that makes my heart smile.

my hairdresser happens to be real and precious and beautiful right where it matters. she always manages to remind me what life is all about, and that it's worth living right now.

I mean, her uncanny ability to tell me I look like a different Hollywood actress every 6 weeks for the past 6 years certainly hasn't hurt my tendency to be loyal to her, but that's not the only reason I heart Dyanne.

I am so thankful when my heart fills up from what could easily be a routine day in the life of rebekah.


5 Comments - 3 Kudos

I NEED a new hairdresser! One preferrably like the chick in Nashville would be awesome! :-)
Posted by Just Music on March 14, 2007 - Wednesday 8:12 PM

OH i agree! I love my hairdresser and in fact she has become a good friend of mine. Going to see her is like therapy to me. Not only does she work magic with my hair but she works magic with my mental state as well!
Posted by Melissa on March 15, 2007 - Thursday 8:38 AM

YES! One very resounding YES! I might not have know this a bit ago until my stylist packed up and moved! I've been lost ever since - and more than vulnerable re: my hair! I'm glad you're so fond of yours. I may need to ask for her info! I love a day-in-the-life stuff. It is a goal to appreciate the ordinary routine rather than take it for granted! Go girl!
Posted by lotts2tel on March 19, 2007 - Monday 12:51 AM

I have dreamed of being a hairdresser my whole life, and this has helped to motivate me even more to reach for the stars.
Posted by Greg Mo on March 21, 2007 - Wednesday 4:47 PM

Arr-Jay
I am behind you all the way....though I guess I'd have to start alternating visits between you and Dyanne. and I'd have some incredibly short hair with all that hairdresser time, which I'm not sure I'm totally prepared for.
sigh.

gratitude

my dear, dancing, soon-to-be wed sassy pink lizard has inspired me. then my wonderfully fun, jazzercising kelso o'shanahan jumped on the virtual bandwagon, leading me to believe that now it's my turn.
soooo....the five things that I'm most thankful for today are...

1. health -- mine and my loved ones'. I know it sounds trite, like a homemade pageant answer, but it's true. there have been a few scares the past 6 or so months, and it's shown me how truly precious life and time can be.

2. my walking buddies Rachel and Rachel. (I know...how funny, right?) I have home Rachel to walk and debrief with a couple of nights a week, and now I have work Rachel to walk and splash some sunshine into our lunches with a few days a week. this has given me more motivation and inspiration to be healthier than anything else has in a long time!

3. my best friend in the universe, who also happens to be my boyfriend. even on days when I don't understand me, he patiently handles me with care, not sparing me the gentle reminders I often need to come back to earth and reality.

4. anticipation. I love looking forward to Liz's bachelorette weekend in Memphis, and the next time I'll see my family, and Boston with C! I love the thought of spring coming in with a gust and giving me warm, bright, sunshiney days that I can use to soak up delicious rays at the pool!

5. my Caleb stories. need I say more?


1:37 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos

If I lived in Jackson, would I be your second-best friend? I realize that Carl is wonderful, but sometimes you need someone to talk to who not only knows how to handle you, but who has the same blood as you, and furthmore, knows where you keep your medication for those little "mood swings" that you have.

Posted by Greg Mo on March 8, 2007 - Thursday 3:14 PM

I love how "Bright & Shiny" you are.
Posted by Just Music on March 9, 2007 - Friday 7:52 PM

the mix

rebekah's general warning: I know this will sound cheesy, and I'm willing to accept the repercussions.

sometimes it seems that life is very personal and individual-specific. what rebekah experiences will be different from what, oh, let's say Sheryl Crow goes through (and, less realistically, of course, different from what friends in different stages of life are undergoing).

but after catching up with several friends tonight who are in no way even close to being my twin, I can't help but be thankful that life has so many common threads for us all. and after browsing around on MySpace and seeing such a wide variety of us who somehow all have the same girls' night poses, or vacation shots, or party pics, I just have to smile.

I'm usually the one thanking God for change, but despite the wonderful mix that we are, tonight, as life goes through its routine with spring springing outside and the world seeing a brand new season yet again, I'm relishing in the sameness of it all.

(told ya it would be cheesy)


1 Comments - 2 Kudos

After reading your blog, I got to thinking. I thank God that we are all different in some way, shape, or form (Besides, I don't think the world could handle another me.). But, with all the unique differences among all of us, it only takes one special time, place, event, or a simple hello to be a catalyst for a "unique" frienship. Now that is cheesy! But true.
Posted by Jack on March 6, 2007 - Tuesday 11:13 AM

pieces of me

I've always heard jokes about people falling apart when they reached a certain age. At least, I thought they were joking. Then I turned 30.

If you know me well (and let's face it, you do; you're my MySpace friend), then you already know that falling apart and getting old have never been fears of mine. Don't get me wrong; I have my own phobias -- mainly about spiders and commitment -- but birthdays just aren't on that list. I love birthdays! So what if I'm getting older? Each year has brought so much more life along with it...why would I trade that for a smaller number next to "age" on forms? (Plus, there's the candles. I'm all about some fire.)

So obviously, I'm into birthdays, not weirded out by them.

Until this year.

Somehow, come mid-October, I began falling apart. Seriously. My blood pressure skyrocketed (I know...IDK either. My doctor's still trying to figure it out.), migraines hit, regular events became frightening and painful issues.... I could go on and on. (Trust me, I could. And we all know you don't want me to.)

(You're welcome.)

So, anyway, amidst scheduling more doctor's appointments, having daily blood pressure checks, taking (a ridiculous number of) sick days, adding WebMD to my Internet favorites, making trips to the grocery store for low-sodium foods and initiating health-related conversations, a girl's gotta wonder...

...what if I am falling apart?

It's not such an outrageous question. I mean, I have developed a personal relationship with my pharmacist in the last 6 months. And I can quote some blood pressure stats that would spin most 30-year-olds' brain cells into centrifugal force. And -- I truly hesitate to put this on the information superhighway, but -- when I was Christmas shopping this year, I actually stopped to weigh pros and cons of various pillboxes. (Yes, pillboxes. And sadly, I don't mean the fun, retro hats.)

But, I suppose it's nice that I did get to Christmas shop. (Without actually purchasing a pillbox -- though they were very organized and separated daytime and nighttime scrips!)

And my doctor did rule out certain illnesses, which was quite a relief.

And despite my increased dosages of medications, I can still be me and have fun and drive and work and Google when I have a worry or concern.

And I got to play with my sweet nephew all during the Christmas holidays, including building some amazing train track configurations, wrestling like two red-headed pros, and simultaneously laughing hysterically over Tractor's funny antics.

And I can function on my own and live in peaceful solitude and have my life and have my fun (as long as I'm a good girl and take my meds).

So the clear ephiphany is...I'm not falling apart after all. Maybe this is simply an opportune time for the little rebekah inside my head to stop her busyness and playing for a few minutes, and to start examining all those pieces that make up the rebekah everyone else sees: the things that make her happy, sad, relaxed, agitated, comfortable, silly, low-talking, productive, sensitive, loving...or whatever else the moment may bring.

So I'm making an attempt to do just that with a little more grace than before. Because my 30th birthday really was fun, and I'm sure the ones to follow can only get better...no matter how many prescriptions continue to decorate my medicine cabinet.

But I'm also encouraging every 29-year-old I know to start boosting up their immune systems and TAKE VITAMINS!

9 Comments - 12 Kudos

This is great, rj. It's like part Sarah Jessica Parker, part Dave Barry. Entertaining! Reflective! Just plain good for everybody...

...kinda like Grandma.

Seriously, though, thoroughly enjoyable.
Posted by Jams on February 1, 2007 - Thursday 8:46 PM

watch it, sonny boy... I have a cane, and I know where you reside all day, every day...
Posted by Arr-Jay on February 1, 2007 - Thursday 10:45 PM


As a 28 year old, that was inspiring! I am completely opposite. I have been dreading the BIG 3-0 ever since 26! I do love birthdays, but just for the gifts. Now I am even more excited to turn 30!! Gee...can't wait, sounds like it's a blast!
Posted by Rachel on February 2, 2007 - Friday 7:22 AM

Arr-Jay... I have to say our friend in the wet suit and flippers has exactly the right idea! I wish I could say... that I 'didn't have a 'pillbox'. You have given me an entirely new perspective to what people must think when the see my pillbox. Thank God that life continues moving forward... not backward, because it is nice to know that there are 'infinite possibilities' for change and growth. I am 32 years old today... that is all... I am actually looking forward to my 30s being my best years... well... I am going to MAKE SURE OF IT... how's that?
Posted by Just Music on February 3, 2007 - Saturday 4:45 AM

Michelle
Wait til you throw kids in the scenerio! Not only does your body fall apart but your mind goes to hell. By the way, my thirties have been the best so far. Everyone older says 34-35 was their best years.
Posted by Michelle on February 2, 2007 - Friday 8:40 AM

hahaha, thats great... there was this girl i worked w/ for a little while, she was a little strange. anyway, she said she could read palms... whatever (i said she was strange), so i said "ok read mine" she tells me that i am going to die when i'm 30... so that's what I had to look forward to while i was 29.... what a load of garbage b/c now i am 31....she didn't last long at the job. and now i think she delivers pizza. so i guess the palm reading business didn't work out for her either.
my advice, go buy a roll of duct tape. seriously. and put it somewhere you see it everyday, and the next time you feel like your falling apart just remember that it can fix anything.... it probably won't work but it might make you laugh because you'll be reminded of how dumb of an idea this is!
Posted by hibbs is what they call me on February 2, 2007 - Friday 1:27 PM

my sunshine

when I was a little girl, I vividly remember my Grandma Johnson daily telling my sister and me "I L-O-V-E you" and singing "You are my sunshine" as we played around her while she was cutting dumpling strips at the kitchen table.

I'm not sure I fully appreciated the depth of being someone's sunshine until the past few extremely dreary weeks in the deep South. we have definitely expereinced almost months on end with just a few rays of sunshine here and there, so today, when I felt and saw the warmth of the sunshine, it seemed I could feel its healing cathartic qualities all the way to my toenails. clear as day, my mind took me back to her strong alto voice singing:

you are my sunshine
my only sunshine
you make me happy when skies are gray
you'll never know, dear, how much I love you
please don't take my sunshine away

I can only hope that Kim and I provided Grandma Johnson real warmth and joy of a healing nature during our slice of her 86 years.

I love memories.

2 Comments - 5 Kudos
I've always been truly fond of this song! Somehow [and I'm not consciously sure how] it is uniquely special to me. I'm glad to hear that it is special to someone else, too. Thanks for sharing!!!!
Posted by lotts2tel on January 29, 2007 - Monday 5:14 PM

This brought a little "sunshine" to my cold and cloudy North Alabama day!
Posted by Rachel on January 31, 2007 - Wednesday 11:27 AM

the absence of...

isn't it ironic how we fail to notice the positives until they're no longer there? happiness, for instance. my friends can be totally cheerful and amiable with people for weeks -- even months -- but the day they show their humanity, boom! someone (or many ones) begin the judging.

I just think it's interesting that our nature is to be human -- rotten, even -- yet we hold ourselves to a standard that is so high and often a huge, suppressing facade just to make others think everything is ok.

don't get me wrong. this is not deep. in fact, it's a slam on myself for the many times I've shown my humanity. I just find it quite intriguing when I think of the opportunities I've had to show it millions of times more, without any positive reinforcement. yet when it comes out once, the handcuffs are slapped on.

so maybe I need to remember that the Kroger cashier has held it together for years, perhaps, when she snaps at me for not having my Kroger card. and that others maybe haven't had a perfect day, either, but they've done really well up until this point.

just a thought.


1 Comments - 2 Kudos
and a good one.
Posted by Jams on January 21, 2007 - Sunday 7:48 PM

TGIT (Thank God it's Tuesday)

I've just returned from an adventuresome road trip with friends who are exceptionally near and dear to my heart, so why, one might ask, am I thanking God it's Tuesday (particularly when Tuesday means the road trip is over)?

There are a few explanations for this. Some of the main reasons I'm thanking God it's Tuesday, despite the fact I'm away from my friends and back in the "real world" are...

1. This Tuesday begins a really short work week, which is always fun.

2. I have some pretty hilarious memories to think back on when I start missing my girls...

3. The pictures are now downloaded and it doesn't matter if my battery dies.

4. My suitcase is unpacked and back in its hiding place, as opposed to acting as the center of my entire wardrobe.

5. Coming home from a fun getaway -- albeit adventuresome, and not always in a good way -- allows me to sincerely and blissfully appreciate my norm. Who'd have thunk it?

6. I got to hang out with yet another set of fun friends tonight. Woohoo!!!

7. I have more than my car charger to rely on for keeping my phone alive.

8. I know the road system here.

9. I know that there's a strong probability we'll have a next time, and I can already start looking forward to that.

(Thanks, girls. I love you.)


1 Comments
THAT IS TOO FUNNY!!!
Posted by Christy (Kris) on January 17, 2007 - Wednesday 8:53 AM

the love of my life

The city of Los Angeles once named a street after Jack Bauer in gratitude for his saving the city several times. They had to rename it after people kept dying when they tried to cross the street. No one crosses Jack Bauer and lives.

Passed out, surrounded by terrorists and nerve gas, and handcuffed to a table leg, Jack Bauer laughed to himself and said, "I have them right where I want them."

If everyone on "24" followed Jack Bauer's instructions, it would be called "12."

Jack Bauer's calendar goes from March 31st to April 2nd. No one fools Jack Bauer.

Upon hearing that he was played by Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man.

Once, someone tried to tell Jack Bauer a "knock knock" joke. In a matter of minutes, Jack Bauer found out who was there, who they worked for, and where the bomb was.

When life gave Jack Bauer lemons, he used them to kill terrorists. Jack Bauer hates lemonade.

Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.

If Jack Bauer's gun jams, it's because he wanted to beat you with it.

American Idol is only popular because it has a commercial for "24."

Jack Bauer once won a game of Connect 4 in three moves.

Jack Bauer was never addicted to heroin. Heroin was addicted to Jack Bauer.

Jack doesn't believe in Murphy's Law, only Bauer's Law: "Whatever CAN go wrong WILL be resolved in a period of 24 hours."

Jack Bauer wasn't born, he was unleashed.

Jack Bauer could strangle you with a cordless phone.

On a high school math test, Jack Bauer put down "violence" as every one of the answers. He got an A+ on the test because Jack Bauer solves all his problems with violence.

Tony was once shot in the neck, rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency surgery and was back on the job in just a few hours. Jack Bauer still can't believe that wimp went to the hospital first.

When someone asks him how his day is going, Jack replies, "Previously, on 24..."

Simon Says should be renamed to Jack Bauer Says because if Jack Bauer says something, you'd better do it.

Jack Bauer once arm wrestled Superman. The stipulations were that the loser had to wear his underwear on the outside of his pants forevermore.

When Google can't find something, it asks Jack Bauer for help.

In the 18 months where Jack Bauer was presumed dead, Tony Almeida was put in a coma, Michelle and David Palmer were killed, a major hurricane raveged the Gulf Coast, and Rob Schneider made another movie. See what happens when Bauer isn't around?

You know Jack Bauer loves Audrey when he willingly gives up the opportunity to torture her.

When President Palmer quit to start doing Allstate commercials, it took him 43 takes before he could stop saying, "You're in good hands with Jack Bauer."

Chase waited until he was sure Jack Bauer was dead before he dumped Kim.

Jack Bauer can get McDonald's breakfast after 10:30.

When Jack Bauer was a child, he made his mother finish his vegetables.

People with amnesia still remember Jack Bauer.

Jack Bauer removed the "Escape" button from his keyboard. Jack Bauer never needs to escape.

Finding Nemo would have been vastly more exciting had Jack Bauer been looking for him.

If Jack Bauer lived next door to Kramer, Kramer would knock before entering.

3 Comments - 5 Kudos
LOL. That is AWESOME. :-D
Posted by Ashley on January 10, 2007 - Wednesday 8:08 PM

RJ - You crack me up! Where'd you get this list? I MUST forward your blog to my neighbor, who's an avid 24 fan! Although, the less-than-perfect references to the "love of my life" -Superman... I'll forward it anyway! See you Tue!
Posted by lotts2tel on January 13, 2007 - Saturday 10:26 AM

Absolutely hilarious! I JUST got finished watching the premiere of '24'!!! Please tell me you and C aren't waiting until it comes out on DVD! ;o)
...now please excuse me, while I go read this to my parents.
Posted by Skye on January 14, 2007 - Sunday 7:28 PM