Violation

Last week I was violated.

It seems weird to type that -- much less say it out loud -- but it's true. Of course, it couldn't come in some average, run-of-the mill way. It had to happen through a method that's basically unheard of, but I learned that the whole process makes you feel...bizarre, to say the least.

It all began when I started my car Monday. To my horror, the little white cotton puff sounded exactly like a Harley. I took it to a shop, only to learn the next day that my catalytic converter had been cut out and stolen. Apparently, there is a hot (pun intended) resale market due to the platinum in catalytic converters. According to my insurance company, this trend was very popular in northern states but limited to that region until the crackpot experts at 20/20 did a special on it. Then it caught on around other parts of the country as well. With my luck, of course Louisiana is a hot spot for it right now, and of course the less-than-a-year-long resident gets hit. After, I might add, moving from one of the nation's top crime cities and having never been a victim. Nice.

I think it's important to note that my car had been parked at work over the weekend -- which is located in a very nice part of Baton Rouge, similar to Ridgeland's new Renaissance area, for those who live in Jackson -- and as my daddy pointed out, the theive(s) had probably noticed a trend in my occasionally leaving it there overnight when I travel for work and use bank cars. So it's not like my car was in a bad part of town when this happened.

But back to the violation... Before I realized that my comprehensive deductible was so low on my insurance (IDK why, but I am now thankful it was!), the car shop called to say my violators had ruined my tailpipe and muffler when they took my catalytic converter. Of course, that meant more expense, more repair time, more frustration.

Around this time, other things started occurring as well. My cell phone rang with a call from an 800 number. I figured it was a telemarketer, but had already racked up so many voicemails that day that I knew I didn't want to listen to another one, so I took the call, which went like this:

RJ: Hello?
Caller: Hi, this is so-and-so from AT&T Wireless.
RJ: Hi....
Caller: Miss Johnson, this is a courtesy call. We've noticed that your bill is unusually high and wanted to see if you've been making many out-of-country calls from your cell phone?

Well, of course I had not, but wasn't that just the sweetest thing to hear, especially right then?

Five phone calls later (AT&T Wireless may have great customer service reps if they call you to point out something like that, but I learned they cannot transfer you to the person who can fix the problem worth a flip), I was finally speaking to someone who could fix the error. And when they figured out what the error was, don't worry, because the genius who switched me to my new 225 number gave me NO PLAN AT ALL. That's right - for the last two months, every time I have LOOKED at my phone (much less texted, placed or took a call from it), I have been charged out the nose. Of course, the customer service rep wanted me to tell her what plan I was on, when I had been with AT&T forever, through several company changes, and had probably had the same plan for at least five years. Ugh. When the error was finally corrected, I was credited more than $1,000.

The hits kept rolling from there - documents I had worked on for weeks were suddenly corrupt with no changes saved, things around me started breaking, the guy from the car shop who gave me a ride back to my repaired car was overly chatty, I caught every train in Baton Rouge every time I drove, etc. I tried to chalk it up to a full moon, but I must say, it was one tough week. Each evening I drug myself home and locked my doors, thinking it wise to put myself on house arrest. But of course, I learned a lot from my weird experiences, including (but not limited to):

• Cars have catalytic converters.
• Catalytic converters need their own alarms.
• Getting a new haircut before a weird week is essential to a girl's self-esteem and self-preservation.
• I should time my vacations to align with Liz's so I don't have to worry about not venting to her while she's having the time of her life.
• Contrary to the way the world should work, bad things can happen during my sweet sister's birthday week.
• Having a boyfriend and family who understand when you're all talked out is priceless. And essential.
• God bless Angela, Shannon, and our penchants for getaway lunches.
• Not having a cell phone plan is the silliest thing anyone could ever do.
• Thieves watch 20/20.
• I am good for nothing during a week like I just had!

TGIF took on a whole new meaning last Friday.

5 Comments

Çhr阮ïñå
Wow. It's just Unbelievable how things seem to occur in a series of events... never just one little thing... an entire string of little things. I hope this weekend has proven to make it all better for you.This made me think of a quote I came across this morning:>Murphy's Law<"The chance of the bread falling with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet."
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on July 27, 2008 - Sunday - 5:23 PM [Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]

Dyanne
the good news is you have a roof over your head...there were times in my life when i didnt! they took your catalytic converter not your car! as for your cell phone... its a damn shame they couldnt see how great you looked, with hot hair, while you freaked on the service call you had to make!~!!!!!!!!!!! lol i love you
Posted by Dyanne on July 27, 2008 - Sunday - 7:53 PM [Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]

Amanda
Okay, that is the week from H***. I hope that this week is going much better for you. After reading your blog, I think I'm going to go out and get an alarm for my catalytic converter (whatever the heck that is!). Also, just FYI, I love the bread quote from above! I'm adding it to my favorite quotes right beside Charlie Brown! Happy Brand New Week!
Posted by Amanda on July 29, 2008 - Tuesday - 9:48 AM [Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]

Jammit
.........BUDLIGHT PRESENTS.... REAL....Men of GENIUS...Today We Salute you, Mr. Catalytic-Converter-Platinum-Ripper-Offer Guy....- - (Mr. C-C-P-R-O-Guyyyy!!)Your Pit Crew speed and ingenuity, combined with up-to-date intel from 20/20 have resulted in the latest Feng Shui in urban crime(...We're-really-fast-like-Ninjas....)First; Copper..... Then it was lead.... Now Industrial grade platinum.... Your stealth-like automotive-mining skills place you on the top rung of the Can-Man's corporate ladder(I-Really-Need-Bail-Money)So Crack Open an Ice Cold Bud Light... Metallurgist-Of-The-Muffler......Because We know as long as we have catalytic converters..... You'll ALWAYS stink......In our book...(- - Mr. C-C-P-R-O-Guyyyy!!)
Posted by Jammit on July 31, 2008 - Thursday - 1:51 PM [Reply to this] [Remove] [Block User]


WOW omg what a week!

The Dark Knight

Yesterday, C and I caught the matinee showing of "The Dark Knight."

I was curious as to Heath Ledger's performance for obvious reasons, but admittedly, once the film started and the acting began, I lost sight of who still is and focused on who was on screen.

In a word -- amazing.

I hate for anyone to lose his life, especially so needlessly. But after seeing this movie, I selfishly hate that I won't see his interviews about how he jumped into his believably sick role as the Joker, maniacally convincing me that he knew how to do, be, feel, LIVE in that mindset.

Absolutely incredible. Talk about going out in style.

Catch it if you can.

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We saw it while at the beach. Great movie. I liked it even better than the first one. I agree that Heath Ledger did a great job with the joker. I noticed that they didn't kill the joker off at the end of the movie. I bet they had planned to bring Heath Ledger back to play the joker again. So sad that he won't be able to do that.

Stranger Than Fiction

After holding onto the East Baton Rouge Parish library's copy of "Stranger than Fiction" for more than the allotted week, I finally watched it tonight, under C's encouragement that it was worth not falling asleep during. (He saw it on HBO a while back.)

I think it suffices to say -- without any spoilers -- that Will Ferrell and his bevy of cool castmates exceeded expectations, giving me more than I anticipated from him (which is generally a lot).

And it proved that life can definitely be stranger than fiction.

Staycation

I debated on blogging about this not-new-anymore term...simply because it's not new anymore. I first heard it on the radio back in the spring and thought it would be a fun blog title. Then I forgot, and now everyone knows it.

But just in case you don't, here's the definition. A staycation is the survival-of-the-fittest mode of a vacation in these times of highest gas prices ever. The first radio narration I heard on staycations encouraged families to enjoy their own cities (or cities near them), leaving behind the worries and stresses of vacating, including the bills the ever-rising gas prices induce.

I still like the term, but since it's more common now, my main reason for blogging about staycations is to point out the immense emotional value of them....not just because you will cry less when you see more money in your wallet, but because one can really grow to appreciate where he's from (or is) when he explores that city rather than jaunting off to some great vacay destination.

I know this for a fact, because I truly regret never "staycating" in Biloxi and checking out Beauvoir as an adult. And Marine Life. Yes, I saw all the fun coast spots as a child, but never really chose to enjoy them once I got older and the field trip bus wasn't taking me there.
I can't tell you how many times during the weeks and months right after Katrina hit that I apologized to my boyfriend and friends for never insisting we forego Destin or Gulf Shores or New Orleans to just explore the Coast of Mississippi. It's more than just where I grew up -- there are some fun places there!

I am so proud of the place I call home for sustaining and rebuilding so valiantly. The courage and stamina is admirable, to put it mildly. But even with that wonderful determination and all the generosity of those who have given back to the land I love, the tourist attractions of the summer of 2005 will never be as they were before August 29 of that year. And I'll never be able to take the people I have met and grown to love in adulthood back to August 28, 2005....we only have the present and the future.

So yes, save the gas money and do a staycation. But also do it to be able to appreciate your town, city, county, parish, state or even region's touristy spots as you are now. Don't wait until the unthinkable happens and all you have are dreadful before and after pics.

K?

Happy staycay.

Let it go, let it go, let it go?

One of my favorite bands in the world is Cowboy Mouth. And one of my favorite songs of theirs is "Jenny Says."

Lately, it's been easy to let things get to me. There's been lots of sadness around me, and subsequently, in me. I don't like that.

I know that without the sad times, I can't really experience the truest joy of the good times. But I'm beginning to think there's only so much sadness a girl can take.

So along with my all-time favorite Bible verse (John 10:10 - "I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly."), the help of wonderful friends and family, and being on the look-out for those day-to-day pleasures that make life more fun to live, I am going to make an effort to live by Cowboy Mouth's lyrics this week:

I've got no reason for the things I fear
The things that plague me when I see and hear
A dime's a nickel and a nickel's none
I throw myself into the Sunday sun
That summer Sunday when you went insane
You said you're going, but instead I came
I'm throwing oranges in an apple cart
The ties that bind are tearing me apart

Jenny says turn off the radio
Jenny says turn off the light
Jenny says turn off the video
You beat yourself up to bring yourself down

Let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go
When the world keeps coming down on me
I let it go

I've got no reason for the things I say
She turned toward me then she turned away
There's lots of voices in a modern world
They take their toll upon a modern girl
I've got no reason for the things I fear
The things that plague me when I see and hear
I press my finger on an itchy trigger
What once was small right now is so much bigger

Jenny says turn off the radio
Jenny says turn off the light
Jenny says turn off the video
You beat yourself up to bring yourself down

Let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go
When the world keeps coming down on me
I let it go

I've got no reason for the things I do
The dealer deals and then the deal is screwed
You throw your cards up on the playing table
My name is Cain and I am now unable
I've got no reason for the things I fear
The things that plague me when I see and hear
A dime's a nickel, a nickel's none
I throw myself into the Sunday sun

Jenny says turn off the radio
Jenny says turn off the light
Jenny says turn off the video
You beat yourself up 'cause you love it

Let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go
When the world keeps coming down on me
I let it go

Let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go
When the world keeps coming down on me
I let it go

I let it go, let it go, let it go
I let it go, let it go, let it go
I let it go, let it go, let it go

I am really going to make an effort with this (and living life more abundantly, and paying attention to those "small" daily delights God blesses us with) this week, and I'd really love it if those of you who pay attention to things like MySpace moods and statuses (or stati?!) would keep me accountable on this.

Just remind me -- when the world is coming down on me, I let it go.

Grazie.


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*Michelle*
I have always *loved* this song! Thanks for posting the lyrics so that I can hopefully let some things go right now as well! You're the best :) Luvs!
Posted by *Michelle* on July 15, 2008 - Tuesday - 8:14 AM

RE RE
I love that song too!!! I forgot how good it is and how much it says about life in general. Thanks for sharing it with me. I am going to join you too. MUAH!!!
Posted by RE RE on July 15, 2008 - Tuesday - 8:54 AM

hibbs is what they call me
you should change the name of your blog from "welcome to my world" to "Bekah Says...!"

Bella.

I just watched the movie "Bella" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I was in the right mode for it, though...I like all kinds of movies and entertainment, but some are made for specific times. Like quiet nights alone, when introspection is welcome.

At any rate, I enjoy anything that has to do with real decisions, and of course, I like language variations and the occasional subtitle, too. (I know, I'm weird.)

Sweet movie. Good RJ time.


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Jammit
I just Watched the Mini-series "Ice Road Truckers" in its entirety. I think I was in the right mode for it, though... I like all kinds of Hardcore, Crazy, Mindless shows, but some are made for specific times. Like veg'ing on the couch after a 3 day "Beer-a-thon" when watching mindless rednecks traverse frozen oceans and rivers in the name of Xtreme global transport is welcome. At any rate, I enjoy anything that has to do with loud, dirty, heavy machines, and of course, the only Language variations and subtitles would not be welcome on Bekah's Blog (How weird is *she*)...Great series! New episode next sunday night! Dane-O

Posted by Jammit on July 8, 2008 - Tuesday - 8:32 AM

summer lovin’ (straight from John Mayer’s blog)

I sometimes check out John Mayer's blog, because since I really love his lyrics, I figured I'd really love his freestyle writing, too. (I was right.)

I am reposting one of his tonight, because it says things I needed to hear:

summer 2008 is here 06/29 by JM


I'm laying in my London hotel room in one of my least favorite scenarios: the job is done today but the plane takes off tomorrow. The European tour was an absolute blast and I think I speak for the band and crew when I say that all sights are set firmly on the US tour and making it the best ever.

As a 30-year old with an eight-year mainstream professional music career, I couldn't be happier (and more thankful) to still have a gig. All I can think about when I'm on stage these days is how terrible it would feel to have learned how to make the most out of each and every show after the gig was up.

It's a funny time to be alive right now, in that I'm not quite sure we're celebrating like we should. I don't mean the "Hand me your keys, Dan!" celebrating. I mean the very innate act of celebration; human appreciation. Group reveling. A general sense of "This is my tribe and this is our fellowship." Like a concert.

I know I've written along these lines before, but do you know why it matters? Because someday you're going to be old, and things are going to change. Your body is going to turn on you. I already know where the L-5 and L-6 discs in my back are, because they're wearing down a little, and when I ask the doc how we lick this, he says "It is what it is. You're not 18 anymore." I have 3 gray hairs that I insist are "mutant clear hairs" but they're not. They're just gray. And right on time.

Chances are you won't get hit by that proverbial bus people always talk about when they're smoking a Lucky Strike and tipping back on their chair. Odds are also on your side (thank God) that you won't ever get the news from your doctor that you have only months left to live. But you know what he may very well tell you? That you need a new hip. Nobody ever says "live it up because someday you might need a new hip" but it's the truth. They don't say "Be good to one another because in time we'll all know a medical lab technician on a first name basis" but it happens every day.

My point is that whenever that someday comes, when I slide into the MRI scanner and the thing starts spinning up, spitting lasers and screaming into my ears, I may very well say to myself "I wish I had just one more of those summers."

Being a young man is kick-ass. Being a young man who knows that being a young man is kick-ass is what it's really all about. And as a musician, I'm finally learning to distinguish the notes that matter from the ones that don't. I'm also getting better at knowing those notes as a person, too. I'm excited to bring it all on stage, and even more excited to see you all out there.

Thank you for another one of those summers.

John


Granted, anyone who is dating Jennifer Aniston should be a happy guy, and appreciative of what he has. But seriously. Happy summer lovin' to you. Let's savor this day while we can.

my daily plate (dot com)

In response to my whining and moaning about my need to watch my weight, a friend told me a couple of weeks ago about a website that might help raise my awareness about what I eat: www.mydailyplate.com

I tried it and guess what? It's really interesting, and definitely keeps me accountable when I see how many calories I have consumed by (and sometimes before!) lunch, and what the site recommends I eat (or don't eat) for the rest of the day.

Check it out if you're interested - it's free to sign up, and a great way to keep track of what's going in your body on a daily basis.





3:54 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos

I always knew you were a goddess! I've used some other sites before but have never been thrilled with them! HUGE THANKS!!!

Posted by *Michelle* on July 1, 2008 - Tuesday 9:02 PM

finding happy

This week has been kind of tough. News of all shapes and sizes has come in, and none of it has been very joyous. It's hard to hear about things that cause others pain, and it's easy to lose sight of my happy.

Sometimes my happy is right in front of me. I don't even have to look for it. I close my eyes, and it's still there. I love those times. Those times are most frequent for me. I'm fortunate, and I know that. Times when my happy is hard to find are not as common, and make for a really blah rebekah.

There are millions of reasons for me to be joyous. If I counted the ways, my blog would go on for miles. I know this. I really do.

So why is it that happy can occasionally be hard to find?

My very understanding boyfriend says that funks make him appreciate the days when he feels no funk -- they even make him appreciate the days when he feels nothing at all. I know he's right.

And the search goes on.

VBS - B = VS

My 4-year-old nephew is in Vacation Bible School this week.

I, myself, can remember VBS like it was yesterday: the flower-shaped cookies with the hole in the middle (that was clearly there so you could twirl the cookies on your finger); the red Kool-Aid (and inevitable mustaches that followed); the arts and crafts (where they sometimes let even short-attention-span girls like me use the hot glue gun)! There are certain things that time just can't erase in a memory.

And apparently, there are certain things that time (and any other given element) has no problem erasing.

After Caleb's first day of VBS, my sister asked him what he did. He told her all about the arts, crafts, snacks...basically the things on my list above. When she asked him what he had learned about the Bible, he replied, "Nothin'."

Please don't get me wrong...Caleb's dad is a minister. He practically lives at that church. And anyone who knows my sister, well, enough said. Let's just say the boy definitely has some Bible stories in his memory bank by now.

So don't worry, because after Caleb's second day of VBS, Kim reported that "he's having fun, but he says still hasn't learned anything."

Apparently, Caleb is just in Vacation School.




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Hilarious! Sounds like myr girls this week. They tell me about the arts and crafts and snacks... and they say... """ We learned about God and Jesus... Mommy did you know that God and Jesus are the same?! Like How does he do that?!""" Tonight they are having their Closing Ceremony, they are all singing, and have parts in the little performance. I ALWAYS LOVED VBS!

Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on June 13, 2008 - Friday 6:38 AM





Our VBS is next week and I'm glad I'm in charge of snacks...at least they should remember that part! :)

Posted by Amanda on June 13, 2008 - Friday 10:40 AM




You bring back fond memories of some of my favorite childhood times. You painted the picture perfectly. As with most things, VBS is probably not what it used to be when we were children. I do recall those arts and crafts were usually centered on a Bible story and helped with learning that story. I had such a fondness for the bible at that age... I miss that childlike love and desire for knowing the Bible so well, I'm sad to admit. Maybe I need to go back to VBS and do a little Biblical crafting for a refresher and as a teacher... and you're never to old to learn something, especially from a child!

Posted by Susan on June 19, 2008 - Thursday 8:50 PM




I always loved VBS too.

Minley had it last week and she was so excited because she got this huge parrot for reciting her Bible verse to everyone. I was so excited that she actually learned something.

You know, there are times that I ask Minley what she did that day at school and because they do so much, she couldn't really remember. Maybe the kids are having so much fun at VBS and they are pretty much rushed from one event to another, that they don't really remember the bible story that was taught that day.

Posted by Mary on June 20, 2008 - Friday 4:43 AM

My celebrity twin

rebekah's celebrity twin is:

Kate Hudson

Your ideal life is that of a Bohemian beach bum. You're the quintessential fun girl -- the one all the guys want to hang out with for her natural beauty and laid-back attitude. Like Kate, you embrace the hippie lifestyle and are a free spirit. You need a man who can make you laugh, and you understand how hard marriage can be. (Kate has said she never wanted to know if her ex-husband, Chris Robinson, was cheating on her). You form close bonds with your immediate family but can separate the good people in your life from those who are poor influences.

Who is your celebrity twin?

http://quiz.ivillage.com/entertainment/tests/CelebDoubleQuiz.htm?nlcid=et%7C05-21-2008%7C

Cha cha!

My brilliant boyfriend recently introduced me to yet another fun new girl for my world: Cha cha. She's really smart, never sleeps, and will tell me anything...all I have to do is ask.

But I'm not selfish. You can meet her, too. Just text any question to Cha cha (242242), and she will answer you, usually within minutes. The best part of all is that if she doesn't know the answer, she doesn't pretend to know. She just says she doesn't know. Refreshing, eh?

Cha cha!

3:40 PM - 1 Comments



This is crazy. Now I want to do it. Like any question at all? Is this in LA only or can I do this? Oh, why did you give me another goofy thing to do... these things are my weakness!

Posted by Susan on May 29, 2008 - Thursday 4:01 PM

Beautiful bride? Check.

One of my best friends is extremely structured. I have tried to think of other words to use, but they would fail to communicate just how goal- and list-oriented sweet Jane is.

From what I understand, Jane was one of those kids who liked -- no, loved -- to follow the rules. One of those kids I might not would have identified with as a small child, had we known each other way back when. She did what was expected and she did what was right, and she did it all very well. She continued to follow rules, meet goals and make and check off lists throughout elementary, junior high and high school, during college, and beyond.

Jane and I had just graduated from our respective colleges when we realized we were kindred spirits. We grew up in the same county and had met a few years earlier through mutual friends, but in 1999, we found ourselves in the same city, at the same stage of life, and uncannily, living less than a mile from one another. Even more important than that, though, was the amazing connection we realized we had, even though Jane was very structured and I was very rebekah (fairly free-spirited and whatever-goes).

You can probably just imagine the conversations that began our frequent lunch, dinner, pool, errand-running, grocery shopping and mini-road trip dates:

Jane: "What's the plan?"

Rebekah: "Hmmm...I don't know. Why don't we just play it by ear?"

Throughout our first month or so of friendship, Jane and I realized we could benefit greatly from the other's very different personality, and decided to take advantage of that. For instance, I actually started planning things in my personal life (which was pretty new for me), and Jane started planning to be spontaneous more often. :-)

Time went on, Jane moved to New Orleans to get her Master's, relationships came and went (and sometimes came back and went again), job led to other jobs that led to careers, friends got married and had babies, Jane dealt with her mother's illness, and future plans were contemplated and pursued in both of our lives. There was drama and laughter in the midst of it all, but even though we lost the opportunity to grocery shop together, we didn't lose the opportunity to keep in touch and benefit from the other's unique personality traits. We squeezed in phone calls and coordinated trips home to the coast when possible, and time even allowed us a rare and much-appreciated road trip here and there.

Time also allowed us some incredible life moments, including Jane's reunion with Matt, whom I was honored to watch her vow 'til death do they part last Saturday evening. Anyone who witnessed that day (or any part of their relationship) could see that Matt is more than just a college friend and former study buddy of Jane's. He is more than a welcome surprise who came back into Jane's life at just the right time. He's even more than a well-learned onocologist who understood her mother's disease and treatments more than the average person could. No, we could all see that Matt is Jane's true soulmate -- someone who appreciates who she is (lists and all) and who loves her for every precious trait that she has.

So it was no wonder that despite the few loose items that were yet to be checked off Jane's mental wedding day list right before she walked down the aisle, she could enjoy a deep breath of relaxation at the realization that yes, she had checked off another life's goal and huge moment. Confident in who she is and where she's going, humble enough to learn and accept criticism, armed with the knowledge that she has honored her parents in the most touching of ways, continuing her ongoing goal to be the Proverbs 31 woman she so gracefully is, Jane could radiantly walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Matt Varner with the purest of hope and most profound security that a lifetime of love and happiness awaits them both.

Beautiful bride? You'd better believe it.

Check.



2 Comments - 2 Kudos

This made me cry. You described her so well. I cannot believe after all these years... that I actually missed this day. We have known each other for a lifetime... and I am also on the far-opposite end of the spectrum as far as personalities go. I have always admired her for her strength of character and resolve. I hope and pray that my little girls can grow up someday with a little bit of: Jane, Amy, and Rebekah.... I would be very proud indeed.
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on May 23, 2008 - Friday 4:23 AM

tell Jane I said congrats when you speak to her again... thanks!
Posted by hibbs is what they call me on May 23, 2008 - Friday 8:58 AM

update on Nan

Thanks so much to those of you who have asked about my Nan...I'm happy to report that after visiting with her this weekend, I saw (in person) that she is doing MUCH better...physically, emotionally, etc.Of course, fractured spines take a while to heal, but she's definitely on the mend and I am so thankful for that!



3:53 PM - 1 Comments

Hannah Montana... wow! Though, I've watched the show... and it's kinda addictive (shhh, tell no one this secret)GREAT NEWS about Nan. Our God is a great God... and he listens (even to Hannah Montana I bet)
Posted by Susan on May 21, 2008 - Wednesday 4:52 PM

letting the good times boil

According to a recent Zatarain's billboard, we're all supposed to be letting the good times boil these days. So who is Hancock Bank to shy away from that challenge? Not us, no way. Tonight we presented our annual Hancock Bank of Louisiana Crawfish Boil (and my first HUGE event with the bank), and it was oh-so-much fun.

I hate to gush, lest I be criticized post-event for anything and everything that may have gone wrong, but it really was a good time. The food was abundant, the volunteers (HB employees) were eager, and laughter was in full force.

Now if I could only wind down from 2 months of planning, 1 week of working the latest nights in America, and 24 hours of worrying my little red head off that things wouldn't go precisely as planned. ;-)

Happy sigh.

Of course, next year I won't be "the new girl" anymore, so everything will HAVE to be perfect.

Hmmm.


3:29 AM - 1 Comments

HA! And I thought this was going to be about how hot it is out!!!! I got a sunburn this weekend. I let the good times boil too much. Dang! Now you've made me hungry...
Posted by Susan on May 11, 2008 - Sunday 2:23 PM

my Nan (a prayer request)

My grandmother (who many of you know as Nan from my stories) slipped in her kitchen a couple of weeks ago and fell on her tile floor. X-rays a few days later showed a fractured spine, but today more results came back that showed the bone is broken in two places. She is in a ton of pain and can't do much (the can't do much is the worst part for her, even at 81 1/2), so please keep her in your prayers. The doctor's giving it a few weeks to see how it heals itself, then will possibly have to concrete the bone. (Yes, I said concrete. What in the WORLD?!)
I'd really appreciate your remembering her in prayer - she's active and quite a trooper, but her favorite thing in the world is getting outside in the yard and making weeds into gorgeous flowers, which is a no-no right now (and in prime weather for it, no less).

Thanks so much - hope you're all well.

rebekah :-)


4:23 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos

Grandparents are such a blessing. I will be sure to keep her in my prayers! Maybe during her recovery, you could pay a visit and plant her a little something :)
Posted by Susan on May 1, 2008 - Thursday 10:36 PM

hissy fit

I just finished reading a great piece of chick lit by Mary Kay Andrews, Hissy Fit. (If you're into fun reads and aren't offended by a little colorful language, I recommend it.)

The book is about a Southern girl who -- no spoilers here -- goes through some life junk. And, predictably, throws a hissy fit or two.

We all know that Southern women are known for many things, particularly our manners, cooking, accents, attempts at charm, and...yes...hissy fits.

Unfortunately, being a redhead has certainly not tamed my tendency toward those little outburts (or at least that's what they tell me I can blame it on).
In my very protective-of-the-real-South opinion, Mary Kay Andrews does a great job of expounding on the atmosphere and ambiance without giving it a cheap Hollywoodish fake accent. (This is when books are way better than movies.) She details things that really happen (being questioned about a date's "people") and helped me giggle about exaggerations of the things that really happen (not daring to cancel a hair appointment before an event, even if said event was scandalously cancelled).

In fact, I enjoyed (related to? connected with? resembled?) Hissy Fit so much that I visited the library after finishing it to snatch up the other MKA novellas I could find. Two are about Savannah, and wouldn't you know that my Savannah-bred boyfriend has confirmed that the author had her details spot-on, even down to which turns and shortcuts one can take from the downtown squares to Tybee Island. I like that.

But back to hissy fits (not the book, but the real thing). I don't generally like myself when I throw one. And I don't generally throw them in public. But it has happened, and I'm not proud of it.

However, why is it that sometimes that's the only time people take a girl seriously? Thankfully, it's been a while for me...well, since my carpet was installed. (I think I blogged about that with something PLB-related in the title.) I'm not necessarily on a tirade about it tonight, but I did want to share about the books and author, and openly question you...why does it sometimes take a hissy fit for a Southern girl to be taken seriously?

Whatever the answer, when I grow up, that's one Southern tradition I hope to outgrow. Good riddance, redheaded temper.


2 Comments - 2 Kudos

Cute, very cute. I have been looking for something new to read. I will have to check it out, cannot wait!!!
Posted by RE RE on April 28, 2008 - Monday 3:05 PM

Sounds perfect. Been looking for a light read. I wish I knew the answer to your question, but can only agree with you I'm afraid... and hope you find the answer. You know what's worse? When people think it's "cute" when I throw a hissy fit. Ugh!
Posted by Susan on May 1, 2008 - Thursday 10:33 PM

random

Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about yourself. At the end, choose 5 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment (you're it) and tell them to read your blog. You can't tag the person that tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your blog so I can see your answers.

1. I've been writing my name in lower case letters since high school, and I have no idea why. But when people question me about it, it makes me want to do it forever. Which I probably will.
   
2. Most of the time, I feel like a silly little kid deep down inside. I love that feeling.
   
3. I was never diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, but it's really hard for me to stay in the same place all the time. Perhaps I'm a gypsy at heart.
   
4. When I see a roach, I spray it with an entire can of Raid while screaming at the top of my lungs, "Die! Die! Die!"
   
5. I loved anchoring a mini-news show at Nissan. I never knew I would love that so much! I actually miss being on camera.
   
6. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my own work and personal life, but don't ever hold others to the same standards.
   
7. I have always loved to watch sports, but have recently become the biggest college football fanatic you have ever met. (Thanks, Baton Rouge.)
   
8. When I was a little girl, I wanted black hair like Elizabeth Taylor's. I think I associated it with "Black Beauty" and thought I would naturally get a horse if my hair were black.
   
9. Smelling salty air immediately takes me home, even if I'm thousands of miles away from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
   
10. Cooking, dancing, singing and exercising give me indescribable adrenaline rushes.
    

I'm tagging Greg because I know his answers will crack me up, Bethanie and Skye because I'd just love to see their lists, Liz because I think I can guess some items on her list and want to see how good I am (or am not), and Susan because I love reading her blogs, no matter the content.


2:57 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos

baton rouge will make anyone a college football fan....its contagious
Posted by monica on April 24, 2008 - Thursday 6:56 AM

Hey Gal! I cut my hand bad so it's hard for me to type. I'll get back 2 u on this. How was LA? Cute pic :)
Posted by Susan on April 24, 2008 - Thursday 4:42 PM

what a girl wants

I just heard some beautiful words that every girl would LOVE to hear at least once in their lifetime...and more is even better!

I am packing for the upcoming West Coast tour (vacay starts tomorrow after work -- woohoo!!!), and realized I'd stuffed my suitcase to the gills without packing a coat (it's supposed to be in the 50s at night in L.A. this week). So I called C to make sure he was bringing a coat, and to sort out this dilemma.
And he said to me....

::happy sigh::...

"Don't worry - there's plenty of room in my suitcase for any of your extras. In fact, I had to add more to my suitcase because it looked so empty."

Ahhh, the bliss! No paring down of shoe or clothes choices, no exiting of extra accessories that may come in handy...

I am one happy girl.


4:25 PM - 1 Comments

That is good! You're right about that!!
Posted by Susan on April 14, 2008 - Monday 5:08 PM

April showers

One of my best friends in the universe is marrying the love of her life next month. So naturally, showers are in order (as are bridesmaids' dresses, bachelorette weekends, and getting myself in shape to wear said bridesmaid's dress).

A few weekends ago, I went to Jane's first wedding shower. It was held at her home church in Gulfport, and it was the sweetest thing. I loved it for many reasons, the primary one being that my sweet Jane was honored and truly showered with many gifts to mark the beginning of her married life to Matt.

Another reason I loved this shower was because it reminded me so much of home. Yes, I am from the MS Gulf Coast myself, but this shower just felt like...home. The sweet ladies who gave it could have taught me Sunday School at any point, the finger sandwiches could have come right out of the WBC kitchen, and the lovely comraderie was like a YouTube video of days gone by in the Christian Life Center. I don't think that anything has reminded me so much of my home church since we stopped going there. So that, obviously, was very heartwarming.

Selfishly, I also loved catching up with old friends I haven't seen in way too long -- namely Amy, who helped me break all Jane's rules about not talking while she was opening gifts. (Oops! For the record, we did try. Hard!)

The most emtional facet of this shower for me was the fact that Jane's mother was so there in spirit. I think everyone knew it...and it was just another reminder that the beautiful wedding and life to come for sweet Jane will be more life experiences that her mother goes through with her, even though she'll go through them from a different angle.

So all of these things combined tell me that good times are definitely ahead. I can't wait to experience the May flowers this April shower will bring...and I'll be one of many pink peonies standing by with a big grin to watch! :-)


8:08 PM - 1 Comments

It sounds like you guys all had a wonderful time. I am so sad that I was unable to make it. I don't even know if I will be able to make it to the wedding, because Kyle will be gone tdy to atlanta all next month, and the girls don't get out of school until the 23rd of May.
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on April 16, 2008 - Wednesday 5:42 AM

a streetcar named inspire

Being from the MS Gulf Coast allowed me more familiarity with New Orleans than any redhead could ever deserve, so now that I get to do some work there as well with the bank, it’s even more fun to tromp around the city occasionally and see what’s what.

Last week, I was in Lafayette Square for the first of what will be a series of twelve concerts. Outdoor music, food, fun, people, pets...what more could anyone ask for? The event is hosted by the New Orleans Young Leadership Council (YLC), and when they introduced a new project they’re implementing, I could have squealed with delight.

When I lived in Jackson, I vividly remember a campaign/fundraiser that was held downtown using big (concrete? plaster? metal?) catfish. Business would, I believe, pay a fee to paint their catfish just the way they liked (or the way that best represented their organization), and display it on the streets of Jackson. This resulted in a fun, colorful fest-for-all while running typically mundane errands.

Well don’t worry, because New Orleans is doing the same thing...but with little streetcar replicas! I say they’re little, but of course, they’re probably as big as me laying down, but isn’t that too cute?! So soon, we’ll see streetcar replicas all around the city, painted uniquely and denoting businesses who are giving back to N.O. via the YLC. And I so wish I had thought of the name: A Streetcar Named Inspire.

Too classic.


4:59 PM - 2 Comments

This sounds of interest... I'll have to look it up on the net & find out about attending. Enjoy!!
Posted by Susan on April 8, 2008 - Tuesday 4:27 PM

seven-month itch

Well, it’s starting again. That season we Southerners know and love as HOT, and that season that all the mosquitos of the world seek out their favorite redhead to chomp on.

The heat is not too unbearable yet, I have to admit. But I did get my first mosquito bite of ’08 this weekend, leaving me to think that since I barely spent any time outside at all these past few days, it’s going to be a verrrrry long summer.

I really don’t mind the heat so much, but my boyfriend jokes that I’m better to have around outside than any Off or Citronella, because mosquitos automatically buzz toward me rather than dreaming of heading anyone else’s way. And he’s right! While Carl might have gotten five mosquito bites in his whole life, they were definitely before we met. I can literally get eaten up from sitting outside for 10 minutes, and he would never know it if I wasn’t constantly slapping all exposed areas of my body.

Lucky duck.

So I’ll break out the B-12, pray there’s a better smelling spray on the market this year, and head outside. Because even after years of this, I just can’t stay in. After all, it’s spring!

So buzz off, bugs. Here I come.


4:50 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos


I so feel your pain! My husband always asks me how come I have so many bites and he has NONE! I tell him it's because I am so sweet!
Posted by Wendy on April 1, 2008 - Tuesday 6:29 AM


Bekah, boo, boo...you know Mississippi has already reported it's first case of WEST NILE VIRUS this year...the second one in the whole U.S....I can only imagine what is going to happen...Beware bugs, though, of you...redheads are like red ants...they bite back!
Posted by Saintsation on April 1, 2008 - Tuesday 9:15 AM


Great blog and I feel your pain... I wish I had a word of wisdom about prevention, but I'm just a victim like you. It's extremely bad where I am right now beacuse of the destruction from Katrina, so streets & such are still out of whack & we don't have drainage... there's always standing water to the point of "swamp-ish-ness"... mosquito heaven! I can't enjoy the outdoors either. I'm thinking of investing in bat houses cuz I hear they eat mosquitos. I'll let you know how this turns out.
Posted by Susan on April 1, 2008 - Tuesday 6:12 PM

I am PLB, hear me roar.

A few years ago, I earned the unfortunate nickname of Prissy Little B*%^$, which I was happy to have shortened to PLB after the story had been retold enough to satisfy everyone.

I like to think that normally, I’m not a PLB. I mean, there are generally only a few days out of the month that I wake up ready for a fight. But even on my most ready-to-be-nice days, the whole quandary of where customer service went can be baffling, and sometimes a girl’s just gotta sound her barbaric yawp to get heard around here.

My first PLB label -- and very bad customer service experience -- came when I was a junior in college. I was headed to work when I stopped to fill up my car on Hwy 49. After a ridiculously rude run-in with the cashier, I spun around on my heel, tossed my hair, and said, "Fine. Have it your way. Your manager will hear all about it in the letter I’m going to write." Still reeling from the shock that I had said that, I heard the chainsmoker’s gravelly voice mutter, "Prissy little b*tch."

This was obviously quite the hilarious story to my friends and family -- especially after I did write that letter and received a sincere apology letter in reply along with a significant amount of free gas gift certificates. (Why did I already cash those in?! Worth GOLD today! But anyway...)

Since then, I guess my PLB occurrences have taken an upward turn. Not something I’m proud of, necessarily, but something that occasionally is deemed necessary to get any customer service, much less good customer service. A few of those instances over the years have included living/landlord/car wreck experiences (I have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time), and the most recent is in progress now. It involves carpet replacement and lack of communication and workers who are "too tired" to finish the job when they said they would, but I won’t bore you with all that.

My basic point is that today, I had to be somewhat of a PLB in order for a company to do what they said they would. And why is that? Why can’t jobs be done right the first (or God forbid the second) time? I know I’m sounding really ancient here, but what happened to "the customer is always right"? Many friends who own their companies, I’m sure, can name situations where customers can’t always be appeased. And I understand that. But doing a job and doing with a smile seems to be a thing of the past.

I’m pretty sure that if I went to work, griped all day about how hard my work was -- and not just to a select few at lunch -- kept looking at my "customer" (coworker, boss, branch, department, or division I’m working with) and shaking my head while complaining that I’d never seen a job this hard, actively did things to put the work I’d accomplished in peril and ruin its quality, then proceeded to leave with the job half-completed (but still during working hours) because I was "too tired," this is "really hard work," and "I’m having to work with HER, and she’s never really done this before," I can almost guarantee that would not total job security for this redhead.

Do I run into those very issues at work? Of course. Do I sometimes have some of the same temptations? Naturally! But do I give in? No way, man. I like my paycheck. My bills really like my paycheck. And most importantly, I was not taught to get out of work, but to tackle it like the (closet) PLB I am.

Now that I’ve given myself a major pep talk, I’m pretty sure this is where the blog ends. Maybe I’ll remember these words next time one of my "customers" isn’t happy with me. One can only hope.

Until the next rant,
Your (closet) prissy little b*%^&




2:23 PM - 5 Comments - 2 Kudos

Focus on what these people do for a living, what their education level is, what their pay level is ... etc ... also focus on where we live. The comination of these things should explain to you why good customer service is a thing of the past. Take one person who disappoints you and follow their career... they work at a certain gas station for a few months, switch to a fast food restaraunt for a few months ... and so on. A pretty, educated young lady like yourself is just a PLB to them because they wish they were :)
Posted by Susan on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 7:58 PM

Sigh. You're right. Bye-bye, wind in my ranting sails. Your words are so true!
Posted by Arr-Jay on March 28, 2008 - Friday 6:35 AM

(I mean your words about their place in life are so true. Not necessarily about their wishing to be in my place! But thanks for that, too.)
Posted by Arr-Jay on March 28, 2008 - Friday 6:36 AM

Bekah....Bekah....BEKAH!!!! Terms of endearment are what makes us each *special*... Now I dont mean Window-licking "Special", but the kind of special that all of your friends see and go, "I really DO love this Pri$$y Lil Beyaaaatch!!! At LEAST the Chain Smoking Ass-jacket didnt turn around and start into the third verse of.... "Say You..........Say Meeeee........"Love, CRB(Crazy Redneck Bastard)
Posted by Jammit on March 28, 2008 - Friday 12:56 PM

You are a total nut job! I definitely thought of you while writing this, wondering if you would read it and call me out on those work times together when I reared my ugly PLB head. :-) Love and miss you!!!
Posted by Arr-Jay on March 30, 2008 - Sunday 5:28 PM

manna from heaven

Sunday was Easter, which meant the end of Lent, which meant the end of no-bread-for-RJ. That’s right, people, I had bread again! And God bless the stuff.
I do love my bread...and I can’t believe I did without it for FORTY days. And nights. Amazing!

But, the point was made...my sacrifice wasn’t nearly as amazing as my Savior’s. And if the delectable rush of joy I felt when taking that first bite of Le Madeliene’s hot turkey bistro sandwich is even a taste of what God feels when we come humbly to Him and realize all He’s done for us, then wow. I had no idea.

Which was the point, right?



3 Comments - 2 Kudos

That is awesome. Reminds me of a 3 day fast to raise money for hungry children at the BSU back in the day... it was only 3 days, but I thought I was going to die.... I remember the baked potato soup that Jackie Ball made.... it was the most fantastic food I had ever tasted at that point in my life. 40 days and nights is amazing... I wish I had will power like that.
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 4:48 AM

LOL...well, I did eat SOMETHING, just not bread. And I wish I could say I noticed a difference in weight, but alas, I think I just compensated with other non-bread foods. ;-)I remember that fast...I didn't get to participate because I was getting over the flu or something. Go figure.
Posted by Arr-Jay on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 10:24 AM

So very true. I failed at my sacrifice, but I did learn from it... and am still continuing to try. I think I'm just too passionate about my bad habits and not passionate enough about my Savior. In the end, I always return to my Heavenly Father and pick myself up, dust myself off and get back on track. It is a blessing to know that he loves me no matter how dusty I am and is anxious to spend that quality time with me no matter when, where, what or how. God is great!
Posted by Susan on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 6:05 PM

brit lit

In a very unplanned sequence, I have recently happened upon several books written by and about the British. They are, of course, chick lit, which is meant to be enjoyed with a favorite tub of Blue Bell and the best bubble bath a girl can find.

So in that regard, I present to you some of my favorite British terms. I admittedly may start accidentally using some of these terms in sentences if I keep up this reading pattern, but for now, I’m just putting them in context:

• holiday -- I am going on holiday in a few weeks, and I can’t wait!
• telly -- Thank heavens the writers’ strike is over; now maybe we can find something decent to watch on the telly.
• plug -- I was so thirsty after my workout that I took a long and loud plug of my water without thinking about how unladylike I might look or sound.
• s versus z -- I’ve come to realise that things are not always what they seem.
• arse -- Surely after a few more weeks at the gym, my arse won’t scream at me every time I walk.
• cheesed off -- I can’t imagine why everyone is so cheesed off with me. It’s really bringing me down.
• barking -- I’m sure the guy who walked past while I was muttering to myself thinks I’m barking. At one time, I really was viewed as sane...I’m sure of it.
• cow -- I would love to say she’s a complete cow, but unfortunately for the rest of us, she’s quite lovely.
• motorbike -- With the recent hike in gas prices, there’s also been a distinct increase in the number of motorbikes you see on the road.
• tug -- I’ve been sitting here so long I might need you to give me a tug to help me up.
• piqued -- He felt piqued when he realised she had not told him everything that seemed common knowledge to everyone else.

And there are more, but those are my favourites...especially when I'm on holiday. :-)

3 Comments - 0 Kudos

very cute. ;-)
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 4:40 AM

I often use "holiday" in this fashion because I too find it just adorable. I'm loving the "cheesed off" and plan to implement it from now on. :) One thing I like to use is "bloody" as a curse word, because for some reason in the US it doesn't sound like a curse word... and you know me, I'm tryin to break that bloody habit :)
Posted by Susan on March 27, 2008 - Thursday 6:01 PM

An object in motion...

...tends to stay in motion. And an object at rest tends to stay at rest, right? That’s what I’ve always heard, anyway...and I’m pretty sure it’s actually a law.

So when I found that law (of gravity? physics? something else scientific that usually goes completely above my head?) applying to other parts of my life recently, I couldn’t help but wonder...were the science books onto something?

For instance, something got me really down this weekend. And I do mean really down. It was the kind of something that can, let’s say, take a perfectly good Friday and swirl it around until you forget why you’re thanking God it’s Friday. And once I got on the downward slope, there was no stopping me. My doctor’s appointment that afternoon depressed me. (I’m not saying I usually do cartwheels in the waiting room, but please - it was a routine checkup.) My haircut didn’t make me as happy as usual (what??! I was being pampered...hello!). And driving around my old stomping grounds made me sad and lonely rather than happy and reflective.

But then, I had GNO with my girls. It wasn’t the typical make-you-happy-till-you-drop GNO, but it was such fun, sweet, good time with my girls. So sweet that it in itself was almost more reflective than upbeat, so my downward turn could’ve gone either way. But after that, I got to hang with my main big man. THEN I got millions of hours of much-needed sleep. THEN I had girlie brunch with some friends (one of whom is a little toddler cutie that could make anyone melt). THEN I got to do some post-parading with C and see some wonderful old friends, which is never bad. And then the kicker came when we had fantastic hang-out time with other friends at their house that night. So once the upward turn started, it just kept going.

I’ve noticed the same thing when it comes to after-hours activities. Once I get settled in after work (especially after a long day), I don’t want to move, much less check anything off my list. But if I (follow Liz’s advice and) keep going until time for bed, wham, I never knew what I missed in that nap or coveted reading time.

Basic principles, yes, but ones I’m going to try to remember more often...particularly when I’m feeling down or lazy.

An object in motion tends to stay in motion. An object at rest tends to stay at rest.


1 Comments

It was great seeing you this weekend. Nothing like sitting in a bathroom while your friend tries to fish a dry contact lens out of her eye (incidentally I did get it out the next morning, and it was folded up like 3 times)! But, nonetheless, great seeing you!
Posted by Ashley on March 18, 2008 - Tuesday 6:44 AM

wicked awesome

C and I were talking this weekend about what a GREAT time we had in Boston last spring.

It was freezing cold and we were never (intentionally) without scarves and gloves, yet everything about that trip seemed charmed...we met great people, ate wonderful food, saw fantastic sights, ventured into new places...good times, all the way around.

Some of my favorite and most random memories are being called "Mississippi" by the several people we ended up seeing more than once around town, making some wonderful new friends from Ireland, driving up to Maine and seeing beautiful scenery and SNOW, and growing to love a very big city as though it was a very small town -- set up just for us.

Good times. Wicked good.



1 Comments

I have always wanted to go to Boston. I can just feel what you mean by "charmed". Someday...
Posted by Susan on March 10, 2008 - Monday 8:05 PM

carb lite

Ok, it's official - this no bread thing is killing me! What I wouldn't give for a sandwich on great bread...or pasta....or just a WRAP, for crying out loud!

Down in Mississippi and up to no good.

As a native Mississippian who is just fully encountering a new state for the first time, I can assure anyone that I am definitely a proud Mississippian (and coast trash to boot -- yep, that's right Greg and Alicia, I said it)! ;-)

You know you're a proud Mississippian if...
1. You can properly pronounce Kosciusko, Ackerman, Gautier and Belzoni.
2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.
3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.
4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.
5. Stores don't have bags or shopping carts, they have sacks and buggies.
6. You've seen people wear overalls at funerals.
7. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent.
8. You measure distance in minutes. (It's about 5 minutes down the road)
9. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.
10. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
11. You know cowpies are not made of beef.
12. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.
13. You have known someone who has a belt buckle bigger than your fist.
14. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, beer, and bait all in the same store.
15. A Mercedes Benz isn't a status symbol. A Chevy Silverado Extended Bed Crew Cab is.
16. You know everything goes better with Ranch Dressing.
17. You learned how to shoot a gun before you learned how to multiply..
18. You actually get these jokes and are 'fixin' ' to send them to your friends.
19. You have used your heater and air-conditioner in the same day!
Finally: You are 100% Mississippian if you have ever had this conversation:
20. 'You wanna coke?' 'Yeah.' 'What kind?' 'Dr Pepper.'



3 Comments - 2 Kudos

Ha Ha Ha. Thanks, this was great.
Posted by Çhr阮ïñå on March 3, 2008 - Monday 7:06 AM

I see nothing wrong with a single thing listed here. Is that a bad sign?
Posted by Skye on March 3, 2008 - Monday 6:09 PM

But can you pronounce Chalybeate?Have you been to a funeral in a barn?Do you know someone who planned a wedding around hunting seasons?Now that is the MS I know and love! (and love to joke about)
Posted by Rachel on March 4, 2008 - Tuesday 8:42 PM

a Lenten update from the breadless rj

After Ash Wednesday, I declared my decision to give up bread for Lent. As I posted in my original blog re. Lent, it was not an easy decision, but that's why I made it. I wanted to see what sacrifice was about, and if I could handle a sliver of what Jesus sacrificed when he spent 40 days and nights in the desert, grieving over His Father's plan for Him.

Because I admittedly love bread more than the average person, I have been surprised not to suffer that much from my lack of bread. Yes, it has been tough -- particularly when I smell wafting foccacia scents and see delightful pasta dishes. I wavered once at a friend's shower when I tried the cake, but have otherwise stuck to my guns.

The 40 days, however, are definitely not up. I still have many more pizzas to walk by, sandwiches to forego, ice cream servings to put in a bowl instead of a cone, and Taco Bell orders to eat off the tortillas, not with the tortillas.
But so far, the purpose has been fulfilled. The redhead is learning a bit about sacrifice (though it's only a slight bit).

Point taken.



3 Comments - 4 Kudos

I am so proud of you for making this decision and selecting such an item you enjoy as your sacrifice. YEAH!
Posted by Shannon on February 28, 2008 - Thursday 7:11 PM

I always find the sacrifice so hard, but so valuable... it is hard to imagine the sacrifice that Christ went through. I feel like there is nothing I could give up that would ever compare... and that is my lame & hypocritical way of avoiding it all together. However, this season I have decided to give up cursing... which I'm sad to admit is a very terrible habit of mine and I was surprised to learn at just how must I must have because I am catching myself. When I give something up, though... I try to give up something permanently... so, if I succeed... this will be a good thing. For me, giving up bread would be even harder I think... lol!
Posted by Susan on March 10, 2008 - Monday 8:01 PM

a Southern Baptist’s crack at Lent

I am giving up bread for the Lenten season.

Those who know me well might ask yourselves, "Why would a Southern Baptist girl give up anything for Lent?"

Well, in the midst of all this Catholicism over here in the BR, and especially during the Mardi Gras season, I have become much more aware of the meanings of these things, and since my friends here are making sacrifices in honor of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, I thought, "I might could do that, too."

So far, I am on Day 2 and I have only had one Subway sandwich. (That was yesterday, when the Subway Sandwich Artist told me she could not make me a salad. What else was I to do? Tonight, however, I managed to eat around the rice in my leftovers, which I considered a huge practice of discipline.)

The second question you may ask yourself is, "Why bread?"

I can understand the puzzlement, because when my coworker Shannon brought it up as her sacrifice, I laughed myself silly at her. I was like, "No way would I give up bread! Pasta! Cookies! Crackers! Bagels?!"

But then I started thinking about it beyond my surface level and realized that would represent a TRUE sacrifice for me. (I do love my bread.)

So there you have it. Pray for me.



Currently watching : Lost - The Complete Third SeasonRelease date: By 11 December, 2007

6 Comments - 7 Kudos

From one bread lover to another...Godspeed!
Posted by Bethanie on February 7, 2008 - Thursday 7:22 PM

Boy, do I understand. No one here has ever really understood when I try to do this each year. But, I am a Catholic out of water over here in Big Baptist, Mississippi. I always try to give up Cokes, but usually fail by day 3 or 4. This year, I'm giving up french fries. Yep - I said it! French fries, baby! ....eh, we'll see how it goes. Hopefully more than the standard 4 days :)
Posted by Skye on February 7, 2008 - Thursday 9:16 PM

i've done this before as a southern baptist. chocolate was my sacrifice. it gives you a feeling of overwhelming accomplishment. hang in there.
Posted by monica on February 8, 2008 - Friday 6:55 AM

You will be happy to know that I too have given up a few things for Lent:
1) Liver
2) Goat cheese
3) The worm in the tequila
4) Raw red meat
5) And last but not least, moldy bread
I knew you would be proud of me!
Posted by Greg Mo on February 15, 2008 - Friday 9:14 PM

frequently asked questions

After a recent trip home to the MS Gulf Coast for a family funeral and an encounter with about 100 people I used to be closely affiliated with, it has come to my attention that it would be wise for me to remember that the next time I'm in that situation, bringing copies of RJ's FAQs would dearly come in handy (and save my poor voice and brain from the repititious talking).

For inquiring minds, the handout would include the following questions to date. (BTW, if I had any sense at all, I would have typed these up before my trip instead of waiting till now!)

Q: You don't live around here anymore, do you?
A: No (ma'am or sir), I moved away after college for a job opportunity.

Q: Are you still up there in -- where was it? -- Jackson?
A: Actually, I just moved from Jackson to Baton Rouge a few months ago.

Depending on the interviewer's personal opinion about the home state of the Saints, the following question(s) may or may not come next:

Q: Baton Rouge? Why would you want to live in Baton Rouge -- Louisiana -- Cajun country?!
A: Well, I moved there for a job, and I'm actually really enjoying it a lot.

Q: What sort of job would make you want to move to Louisiana?
A: I'm doing public relations for Hancock Bank, so I do get to come to Gulfport for work a lot.

Q: Surely you're not an LSU fan...?
A: Actually, I am! And what a football season to become one, right?

After a (not necessarily discreet) glance at my ring finger:

Q: Are you married?
A: No (ma'am or sir), I'm not married. I am dating a great guy, though -- you'd really like him.

Q: Why aren't you married?
A: Well, I think timing is very important, and I just haven't woken up yet with that desire. Thankfully, neither has he, so that makes it much nicer! Plus, I am very afraid of divorce.

Q: No kids?
A: No (ma'am or sir) -- but Kim has the cutest little boy, who is entertainment enough for us all!

If the previous answer does not fly, the next question is sure to follow:

Q: Why don't you have kids yet?
A: Well, again, the timing should probably be right for marriage before I take that step...

And the list goes on.



1 Comments - 2 Kudos

That is one of funniest things I've ever seen! Maybe because I was there as a witness. Oh, and the fact that I was being asked similar questions, such as:

Q: Are you divorced? (Don't be scared of it, it is actually quite liberating)
A: No, I just like to bring other women to family funerals

Q: Why don't you have kids?
A: Quite frankly I don't care to much for them, I am selfish, and I don't want to bring one into this crappy world. Enough info for you WBC gossip.

Q: Do you still have that store?
A: Well, you obviously weren't a good customer if you didn't realize the Vietnamese people working there and the fried rice in the kitchen!

So on and so forth.

Posted by Greg Mo on February 15, 2008 - Friday 9:23 PM

Shaking shoulders and Subbie sandwiches: A tribute to Auntie M

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

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

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

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