Last night, I said goodbye to one of the strongest women I have ever known. I don't call her strong because of her sturdiness (although she could grow a mean garden and apparently taught her grandson how to climb a tree -- by demonstration, no less). And I don't call her strong because of her will to live and live well until 89 years old.
My Aunt Mildred was strong because of the quiet dignity she walked through life with. Her strength was obvious every time she submitted to her husband, laughed off arguments with just about anyone, or offered lucky guests a glass of her lemonade. Her strength showed the most not through what she did or what everyone knew she did, but through what she declined to do, and what many did not realize she was even capable of.
I think Auntie M, as I have lovingly referred to her in print for years, is one of the only people I've ever been close to who has not questioned me about moving from home to pursue my career, waiting until timing is just right to be married, or the reasons I do the silly things I do so very, very well. Aunt Mildred was strong enough to accept everyone for who they are, not for who they could be.
With undeniable strength, Aunt Mildred joined her little sister, my Nan, in unknowingly displaying the most beautiful pictorial of sisterhood that Kim and I could have ever witnessed. In fact, they did such a good job of this that it still doesn't bother me when people are amazed that Kim and I rarely fought when we were growing up (or fight now, for that matter). I have never felt weird or crazy for calling my sister my best friend in a world where that's very uncommon, and I'm almost certain my sanity in that area can be attributed to the loveliness and hilarity we grew up realizing as the norm for sister-to-sister relationships.
It took strength for Aunt Mildred to be herself in a world where conformity is praised. She wouldn't have had it any other way, though. She tended her roses, picked her cucumbers, studied God's Word, laughed without restraint, praised her family, and loved her way straight through what is now a long and beautiful legacy.
During the worst part of Aunt Mildred's illness, I realized that maybe I'm not being entirely selfish to mourn our loss of her. She was a beautiful asset to this world, and those of us who knew and loved her are definitely more blessed for the knowing and the loving.
I haven't been able to pass a Subway sandwich shop in ten years without hearing Aunt Mildred incredulously tell me that the "Subbie sandwich" I brought her was pretty good. And I'll never be able to see anyone's shoulders shake with laughter without seeing Aunt Mildred's beautiful smile and that twinkle her eyes were so famous for.
When I moved to Baton Rouge, Carl threw a "see you real soon" party and invited my closest friends. Despite the gap I feel when I think of no longer getting tickled with my sweet and precious great-aunt, I refuse to look at Aunt Mildred's entrance into a perfect and painless eternity as a bad thing. Instead, I am grateful that with the way time flies, we'll see her again in no time at all – and possibly eat a Subbie sandwich while we're at it.
See you real soon, Auntie M.
2 Comments - 2 Kudos
I am real sorry to hear about your Aunt. I know she was a good friend of Michael's Grandmother. I think I met her at Ms. Louise's house when we were there. She was a really nice person.Your Aunt Mildred and your family will be in my prayers.
Posted by Mary on January 26, 2008 - Saturday 7:08 AM
What a beautiful tribute to your aunt. My thoughts are with you & your family.
Posted by Bethanie on January 26, 2008 - Saturday 7:41 AM
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Codependency becomes me.
I've recently entered into a codependent relationship, and I couldn't be happier.
No worries -- Carl and I are still as carefree and space-loving as ever -- but there's a new girl in town now. Her name is Abby, and Carl actually introduced us. Via Christmas wrapping and a bow, to be exact.
Abby the Navi.
My new navigational system is the sweetest thing -- her soothing voice directs me when I'm lost, makes me feel happy when I'm sad, and calms my frustrations on the road. And as of last week's multi-locational work trip to the bustling (and confusing) Sin City of the south, I'm hooked.
I even kissed her. Carl's not complaining. O:-)
5 Comments - 6 Kudos
Cute, very cute! You are a very talented writer!!!
Posted by RE RE on January 24, 2008 - Thursday 6:36 AM
Aw, thanks! Hope you're doing well!
Posted by Arr-Jay on January 27, 2008 - Sunday 8:14 AM
I am addicted to mine too! I named her Sassy Belle Serpas. She is great except for when she fusses at me for taking a wrong turn. The touch screen malfunctioned in December during our vacation to the Smokies and I was totally lost. It's funny that I now get lost around town because I've become so dependant. I can't wait until they have her fixed.
Posted by Carrie on January 24, 2008 - Thursday 3:42 PM
I'm afraid I would go into convulsions if mine broke down. She is like crack!
Posted by Arr-Jay on January 27, 2008 - Sunday 8:14 AM
This is hilarious! I am so going to get one of these, I waste so much gas by getting lost in the tons of different places we move to every year... ha ha
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on January 26, 2008 - Saturday 5:42 AM
No worries -- Carl and I are still as carefree and space-loving as ever -- but there's a new girl in town now. Her name is Abby, and Carl actually introduced us. Via Christmas wrapping and a bow, to be exact.
Abby the Navi.
My new navigational system is the sweetest thing -- her soothing voice directs me when I'm lost, makes me feel happy when I'm sad, and calms my frustrations on the road. And as of last week's multi-locational work trip to the bustling (and confusing) Sin City of the south, I'm hooked.
I even kissed her. Carl's not complaining. O:-)
5 Comments - 6 Kudos
Cute, very cute! You are a very talented writer!!!
Posted by RE RE on January 24, 2008 - Thursday 6:36 AM
Aw, thanks! Hope you're doing well!
Posted by Arr-Jay on January 27, 2008 - Sunday 8:14 AM
I am addicted to mine too! I named her Sassy Belle Serpas. She is great except for when she fusses at me for taking a wrong turn. The touch screen malfunctioned in December during our vacation to the Smokies and I was totally lost. It's funny that I now get lost around town because I've become so dependant. I can't wait until they have her fixed.
Posted by Carrie on January 24, 2008 - Thursday 3:42 PM
I'm afraid I would go into convulsions if mine broke down. She is like crack!
Posted by Arr-Jay on January 27, 2008 - Sunday 8:14 AM
This is hilarious! I am so going to get one of these, I waste so much gas by getting lost in the tons of different places we move to every year... ha ha
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on January 26, 2008 - Saturday 5:42 AM
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Carats -- good for the eyes?
This weekend, my Nan helped me shop for some stichwork of hers I wanted to have framed. As we waited in line at Michael's, we chatted a little with the attractive lady in front of us. It began, of course, with conversation about what she was having framed, then led to other topics.
During a lull, graceful as ever, Nan reached across me to the lady's left hand, commenting, "Honey, how many carats is your diamond?" The lady smiled humbly and said, "Three carats." After complimenting her ring's style and shine for a few minutes, Nan moved her left hand from her other side and put it on the counter, stating, "I just would've thought for sure your diamond was bigger than mine!"
The lady, of course, replied with the Southern grace and charm expected of us all, complimenting, "Oh my, how pretty! How big is your diamond?" Demurely, Nan replied, "Three point one carats."
I guess when it comes to carats, it's really important that our eyes be in good shape...
1 Comments - 2 Kudos
Oh my goodness, I bet your Nan is somewhat of a firecracker! That's too funny. And whose finger can hold that many carats to begin with. I think I'd walk lop-sided! Anyway, your rich, and unique point of view is refreshing as always. Hope all is well for you there. My last board meeting is Tuesday. "sniff, sniff." Melissa Brewer Lott will be a great VP tho'. I'm estactic they chose to elect her!
Posted by lotts2tel on January 13, 2008 - Sunday 7:05 PM
During a lull, graceful as ever, Nan reached across me to the lady's left hand, commenting, "Honey, how many carats is your diamond?" The lady smiled humbly and said, "Three carats." After complimenting her ring's style and shine for a few minutes, Nan moved her left hand from her other side and put it on the counter, stating, "I just would've thought for sure your diamond was bigger than mine!"
The lady, of course, replied with the Southern grace and charm expected of us all, complimenting, "Oh my, how pretty! How big is your diamond?" Demurely, Nan replied, "Three point one carats."
I guess when it comes to carats, it's really important that our eyes be in good shape...
1 Comments - 2 Kudos
Oh my goodness, I bet your Nan is somewhat of a firecracker! That's too funny. And whose finger can hold that many carats to begin with. I think I'd walk lop-sided! Anyway, your rich, and unique point of view is refreshing as always. Hope all is well for you there. My last board meeting is Tuesday. "sniff, sniff." Melissa Brewer Lott will be a great VP tho'. I'm estactic they chose to elect her!
Posted by lotts2tel on January 13, 2008 - Sunday 7:05 PM
Monday, December 31, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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
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
Sunday, December 23, 2007
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
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
Monday, December 17, 2007
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
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
Thursday, November 22, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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.
Be safe if you're traveling, and much love to you all.
Friday, November 16, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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
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
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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 :-)
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 :-)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
(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
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
Thursday, October 11, 2007
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
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
Thursday, October 4, 2007
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
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
Sunday, September 23, 2007
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.
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.
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