On the Film Reel

I recently rented "New in Town," a romantic comedy that I thought would be right up my alley for my mood that particular day.

The movie stars Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr., so how could I not like it?! And like it I did, but only like. I definitely didn't love it, or consider it a genre classic (like I do "When Harry Met Sally" or "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days").

I do think that certain movies call for certain moments, and maybe my movie/mood stars just weren't aligning for "New in Town." I mean, it was cute, but not something I'd want to purchase. Or maybe I was feeling more cynical than necessary for something so light and fuzzy?

At any rate, I did walk away with two distinct observations:

1. I do love that Harry Connick, Jr.

2. Renee Zellweger and Ellen Pompeo (Meredith on "Grey's Anatomy") could easily play sisters. At times, the similarities in their physical and personality characteristic are downright uncanny!

Ellen Pompeo, left

Renee Zellweger, right

Agent Orange: Signing Off

After my hit-and-run in May, I held up pretty well during the accident itself, and even when talking to my Daddy and the insurance company. But when I stood at the Enterprise counter and heard I'd be driving an orange Kia, I couldn't stop the tears from filling my eyes.

Orange? I just wanted to be invisible! Unfortunately, the only other option was a minivan. Fortunately, I got over my orange spasms...well, pretty much. Hearing, "Oh, that's YOUR orange car in the parking lot" at the office coffee pot got old, but at least it was a rental.

Not surprisingly, I wasn't sad to turn in the orange Kia last week when I got my new (to me!) car. I did, however, get a photo with it. This is specifically for Michael Long, who loves the color orange, and for all the naysayers who kept telling me "It can't be that bad."

Well, it could, and it was. For me at least. You try being the victim of a hit-and-run, then sitting at a traffic light next to a bright yellow car and feeling like you're an integral part of Crayola's line-up.

So long, orange Kia!

WATS

Every Wednesday from April till mid-June, I go to New Orleans for work. Hancock Bank sponsors a concert series in Lafayette Square (it's free, so if you're in the area, come on out!). The concert series is called Wednesday at the Square (lovingly referred to many of us as "WATS") and is put on by the Young Leadership Council in N.O., and is really fantastic.

As Community Relations chick for HB-Louisiana, I'm responsible for managing our part of the event and making sure it goes well. This year, like everyone, we're cutting back and saving money. This means that "managing the event" now includes things like hauling coolers full of leftover drinks back and forth, moving tables, etc. (This might read like a complaint, but please don't get me wrong -- I'm SO thankful to have a job. Just a little sore from it every week!)

Now that the end of the series is in sight, though, I'm finding myself less motivated to get moving and haul the coolers to the car. For instance, right now. ;-) However, I know I'll miss this fun part of my job once it's over. I'm pretty sure I won't miss the fresh bruises I have each Thursday, but seriously? New Orleans once a week? I'm such a whiner!

However, all whining and gratitude aside, I will be holding the 2nd annual Wednesday NOT at the Square the evening of June 24. I'm not sure what will be involved, but I'm pretty sure that these things will NOT be involved:

1. lifting anything heavier than a plate of food;


2. sweating like a pig;


3. dealing with NOPD parking tickets (even though I have a parking pass on my car);


4. driving 1.5 hours each way to my destination;


5. making notes on my phone for what I'll need for the next week.

Who wouldn't love a night like that?! If you're in BR that evening, please plan to join me!

Proud to be an American

Memorial Day isn't the only time I'm proud to be an American, but it's certainly a good reminder. Another incredible reminder is the ever-growing number of people I love who have served our country and fought selflessly for my freedom, just because it's the right thing to do. They have more guts than I ever will, and have achieved more than I can ever hope to in my lifetime.

I'm so thankful for the peeps in my life who have been willing to fight for my freedom, including (but not limited to): my grandfather, Herman Moore, who served in the Army in WWII; my (newer) grandfather, Cliff Ball, who served in the Air Force throughout his career as a Colonel and fought in many battles/wars, many of which I will never know about; my daddy, Kent Johnson, who served in the Army National Guard; my cousin, Jeff Moore, who served in the Marines, fought in two (?) wars, and achieved Captain ranking; my friend, Allen McDaniel, who served in the Army National Guard, fought in two (?) wars, and went on from being oh Captain my Captain to a higher ranking, which made me happy for him, but disappointed that my favorite nickname for him is no longer applicable. ;-)

There are many more people whom I love and cherish who have served our country. Really, there are too many to name. But those are the ones who have probably touched my life on a daily basis more than I ever dreamed anyone would, and I thank them -- and all our past, present and future soldiers -- for being so amazing and for keeping our country free.

I love the Zac Brown Band, and his song "Chicken Fried" is entirely too appropriate for this time of remembrance for me not to bring it up. Here are the lyrics that keep running through my mind:

I thank God for my life

And for the stars and stripes

May freedom forever fly

Let it ring

Salute the ones who died

The ones who give their lives

So we don't have to sacrifice

All the things we love

(Like our chicken fried)

God bless America!

Cup overflowing.

I know it's been a while since I've posted my "grateful" list, but I have had (and continue to have) SO much to be thankful for.

In fact, today, my cup is simply overflowing.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

All Will Be Well

One of my favorite songs from the last few years is The Gabe Dixon Band's "All Will Be Well." It's so soothing and inspirational; I sometimes listen to it while I'm getting ready for work. I think I first found it after hearing a clip of it on Grey's Anatomy way back when. Especially right now, the lyrics and tune really speak to me in a way that few secular songs can achieve. I hope you'll enjoy it, too!


The Gabe Dixon Band All Will Be Well - Watch a funny movie here

Thinking shoes?

My 5-year-old nephew registered for kindergarten last week, and during his pre-test, my brother-in-law asked my sister why Caleb's shoes were off. Kim didn't know, so when Caleb came back over to them, they asked him.

He said, "Those shoes were hurting my feet. I couldn't think with them on."

So apparently, while some require a thinking cap on their heads, Caleb requires those non-thinking shoes off his feet. ;-)

I cry something black.

I love wearing makeup.

It improves my face considerably, so I naturally feel a lot more together and presentable when I have it on. But when I cry it off...not so much fun.

I've never been a fan of waterproof mascara. It's too hard to take off! So I never wear it. But I should on some days, especially when it's clear I'll be upset or crying or even a tad weepy.

Instead, I continue to wear -- and cry off all over my face -- the same old mascara. It really makes the whole situation even uglier. And unlike some of my girlfriends (who would be easy to hate if I didn't love them), I am NOT a pretty crier.

Sigh.

Chuck Norris uses skillz to save Croatia bakery.

I heard about this on the radio today, and being an all-time fan of Chuck Norris jokes, HAD to post the details. Thanks to Nicole for the reminder with her post about CN jokes!

A POSH bakery in Split, Croatia, has been broken into almost every week. But not since the shop owners posted a life-sized photo of the toughest man in Hollywood Chuck Norris in the window.

The sign says: “This shop is under the protection of Chuck Norris.”

Now the bakery hasn't had a single burglary for more than a month.

Sales assistant Mirna Kovac said: "To be honest we just started it as a joke but it really has worked. Thieves haven't been anywhere near us for ages. People seem to respect him. "Everyone around here has seen his films and he's quite a popular character, perhaps even among criminals, so they've decided to leave us alone."

She added though: "We have had a few customers come in and ask us whether they can get Chuck's autograph. “They really believe he is sitting in our storeroom out the back ready to pounce on any burglars."

Source: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GWYA_enUS306US308&q=chuck+norris+bakery

Some Chuck Norris jokes can be found here.

Sadly, my all-time favorite is not listed, but goes a little something like this: Chuck Norris and Superman once arm wrestled. The winner had to wear his underwear on top of his pants for the rest of his life.

There was a little girl...

Nothing takes me back to childhood quite like

seeing the Kool-Aid man.

Also, my favorite poem from back in the day helps:

There was a little girl

Who had a little curl

Right in the middle of her forehead.

And when she was good

She was very, very good

And when she was bad

She was horrid.

Photos:

Top: Kool-Aid Man;

2nd: Uncle Mike, RJ, Russ - playing at my parents' house;

3rd: RJ, Rachel, Kim - at Center Hill Baptist Church in North Mississippi, where our grandfather, Herman Russell Moore, pastored before going to Woolmarket Baptist Church in Biloxi

Safe steals.

I'm catching up on friends' blogs for the first time in ages, and have decided to steal a few.

First on my list: an update on the Biloxi Lighthouse restoration by Jackson, MS PR colleague Shawn.

Biloxi
lighthouse repairs to begin
Photo via Flickr/Michael Fontaine
Hopefully, the Biloxi Lighthouse
will be ready for touring again by next spring. Restoration work is set to begin
in May and is slated to be finished by the end of the year. Hurricane Katrina
washed out part of the brick interior and completely destroyed the electrical
system.
Built in 1848 as a "working lighthouse," the 61-foot cast-iron
tower has long been a draw for tourists and locals alike (partly because of the
spectacular view from the top).
Along with restoring the lighthouse itself,
there are plans to build a new visitor's center on the north side of U.S. 90
directly across from the tower.

(Can we say YAY!!!?!?! I love that lighthouse.)

Next up, an inspirational quote from the blog of BR acquaintance (and outstanding community activist) Jamie:

Explore.
Dream. Discover.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by
the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the
bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

Ab. So. Lutely. I totally needed this one. Every day.

And thirdly, a "Mama Wins" post from my sister's sweet college friend Presley, and my own friend by good fortune:

A fellow blogger, Tales From The Crib, has been giving herself the award "Mama Wins" occasionally. In her own words she describes this award as " to honor the little things we as moms do that get little, if any, recognition. these are the kinds of things that i find myself doing (occasionally) that make me say to myself, 'i should get an award for this.'" Every time she awards this she has chosen something specific i.e.
carrying on adult conversations while little children running around the house
crazily, relaxed the "little-or-no sugar" rules to truly enjoy the Easter
holiday, bravely forge ahead with their motherly duties no matter what kind of
health problems they are dealing with. (I took/paraphrased those from examples
from her previous "Mama Wins" blog posts - you can click on her name above to go
to her blog). This morning when I read her "Mama Wins" post it resonated with
me. She gave herself the award for "today's award goes to you mamas out there
who let your kids wear what they want to wear, when they want to wear it, even
if you believe it brings shame to you and your name". As I have written about on
occasion, this is something I tend to struggle with. It just so happens that
yesterday, I overcame this issue for one outing :) Mondays are very busy for us.
After a morning of errands and taking Bankston Hays to Mommy and Me we pick up
Ann Elise from Preschool and take her to gymnastics. She has to change into her
leotard in the van. Once we are back home she runs up to her room and picks out
something from her "play clothes". Today, that selection consisted of an old
"princess on a horse" T-shirt with several red dirt stains, a non-matching pair
of coral colored knit shorts, neon striped Hello Kitty socks, and pink tennis
shoes with rainbow colored glitter. Awesome!! The great thing about this? I not
only let her out of the house, I let her go to the Library. Yes! Once Wes got
home from school, the four of us loaded up and went to the Library - Wes in his
uniform, Bankston Hays in a sweet appliqued shortall, and my very own Punky
Brewster! I only wish I had taken a picture. It would have made a great addition
to this post!

I so love this. The encouragement to step outside of my own norm -- and have fun while doing so -- is never unheeded by this redhead.

Thanks to ALL my blogging friends for their fun posts, and for keeping me updated on things when I need them, and how I need them.

I must say....catching up has never been so much fun. ;-)

Hit and run.

This weekend, I was the victim of a hit and run accident.

Friday night, I was celebrating the end of a very long month and a half of work by going to an outdoor concert downtown with some friends, then grabbing a po-boy with a few of the girls. We hung out for several hours, catching up on all the things we'd missed out on for the last 6 weeks, and I was actually starting to feel relaxed and pretty good about life.

As I was driving home, I noticed a guy driving erractically behind me on Perkins Road. I turned onto Myrtledale and was on that street for only a few feet when he slammed into the back of my car. I don't think he ever stopped -- just kept going. I was totally in shock. It happened so fast that I didn't get his license plate at all, but he was in a small-ish car (I'm thinking Honda) and was wearing a baseball cap.

My car is not undriveable by any means, and I am not hurt. The rear driver's door and trunk cannot be opened (because I'm afraid I won't be able to close them), but the damage could have been much worse -- to people and to the car.

I am very thankful that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But I was totally shaken up, and for about 12 hours after it happened, couldn't stop wondering why weird always finds me. (Those of you who know me well realize that unfortunately, I am NOT exaggerating.)

I have an appointment with my insurance company tomorrow morning, and will have a rental car for the next 7 days (or however long it takes to fix my car).

When you look at the pictures I post here, you'll probably think I'm freaking out for nothing. I do think, though, that the main part of this was the shock factor of being randomly rammed by someone whose car had to have a fair amount of damage itself, since his car was small-ish.

It was just weird.

I heart La.

Louisiana is a ridonculously fun state to live in, as I learn with each passing day, week and weekend!

It is Busy Event Season for me at work, so I don't have tons of play time, but I have enjoyed a few festivals here and there before the real heat hits.

I'll post more on these later -- for now, just trying to keep my head above (the ultimately very hot and humid) water.

Easter blessings.

Today, I'm more thankful than ever for:

1. New beginnings. The opportunity to experience new hope and joy in new relationships is so much fun! I'm trying to remember to enjoy the moment instead of over-analyzing... Over-analyzing is for the birds.

2. A healthy, happy life. About a week ago, my daddy experienced a health scare that thankfully turned out to be nothing, but probably had all of us thinking twice about priorities and the things that matter most. It's a huge burden to worry about the "what if"s in life, and I am so relieved that that worry period is over.

3. Fun peeps. I really have the most amazing friends and family in the world, and am utterly grateful for that!

4. Louisiana Saturday nights. I'm having SO much fun living in and continuing to explore Louisiana. I hope I enjoy it this much for a lot longer! The sights, sounds, flavors, and experiences are definitely worth writing home about...and worth delving into more and more each day.

5. A church service to complain about. Today, I was sort of grouchy about church going way over its normal time, especially since a) I had places to be afterwards, and b) had visitors with me who now think that all Baptist churches overdo it. However, it occurred to me tonight that not everyone has a church service to complain about. The adage about not having the freedom of worship is an oldie, but goodie. I am grateful to be able to make the choice to go to church wherever and whenever I choose. I am thankful that I don't have to limit my beliefs, or go in hiding to worship, or protect myself from the law because of my faith. Even if the service does go -- gasp! -- 30 minutes over. ;-)

Go ahead. Open Pandora's box.

Just in time for your Easter baskets, a tech tip that you've surely heard of by now, but that I must share (just in case anyone's missing out): Pandora.com.

Pandora offers free music categorized by the genre, artist or song that you choose. It's great to listen to at work, but if your company happens to have it blocked, Slacker.com offers the same setup.

Enjoy the tunes!

The slacker card.

A girl I know likes to have her tarot cards read.

I've never been a fan of this myself (IDK if I'm scared of the practice, scared of finding out something that may or may not come true, or scared that what they say will come true!), but she does it, and I listen to her results. The last time she had her cards read, the guy pulled the Slacker card. (I had no idea there was such a thing. Seems a little modern-day-ish for such an old practice, if you ask me...but no one did.)


Anyway, I have been woefully lax in blogging lately -- partly because I've been busy with work (the weather's getting nice, so it's event season, BIG time); partly because I've been busy with play (a couple of trips to N.O. with friends, etc.); and partly because my Internet connection has been off and on.



So I'd like to use my own Slacker card for this downtime, but say that even though April will continue to be extremely hairy, I'll try to do better and post a blog or two every once in a while instead of slacking altogether!

Grateful.

The five things I'm most thankful for from the past week are:

1. Friends who are fun and precious and priceless -- even when I'm at my most unlovable.

2. ENTs! Who knew allergies would attack my very soul when I moved to Baton Rouge?!

3. Patience. It is truly a virtue, and while I don't have much of it, God has put me in a (literal and figurative) place where I'm surrounded by it, especially when I need it the most. And in situations where I totally don't deserve it, and am constantly surprised by it!

4. Wedding bells! My best guy friend -- really, I guess he truly is my BEST guy friend -- has found the love of his life (also a sweetie, and from the Coast - yay!) and they're making it official! How exciting?!?! Congratulations, Jams & M'Licious!

5. Hope. Goodness knows there's not a lot of it floating around out there, but I sure am glad for the bit of it that gets thrown my way every now and then. And again, just when I need it most. :-)

Half the bill, but still Whole Foods.

I found an interesting and useful blog post tonight, "Half is sometimes better at Whole Foods." I enjoyed the post because I am in mad love with Whole Foods, but like most people whose last name is not Trump, cannot shop there on a regular or bulk basis.

I'm not sure if this info applies to other Whole Foods-type stores, like Fresh Market, but it's def worth investigating.

Published!

I'm published!

Urban Dictionary thought Gustavish would catch on, and here I am, in the big time, not forgetting you, my gentle readers. :-)

Awwwww.

To see the definition of my very own, made up word, click here. And of course, compliment me. You know how terribly fragile my poor little ego is. :-)

Full o' thanks.

Two weekends, several childhood friends, a couple of cousins that stick closer than a brother, and numerous items checked off my "to do" list later, I finally remember to name 5 things I'm thankful for. Nice.

Better late than never, hopes this redhead. Here goes...this week, I'm thankful for:

1. Sun-shi-ey-ine....on a cloudy day. The weather has been spectacular here, and though I'm thankful for my job and friends who keep me in demand over the weekend....I could actually have started a tan by now. Seriously! A-maz-ing.

2. A Nan who loves me and "is so proud of" my fashion sense, yet still wants to see "a little Rebekah" before she dies, hon-ey. Bless her.

3. Cousins who do - and have - and always will - stick closer than brothers to this redhead (and her sister). I will never stop adoring Rus(ty), Jeff, and Greg, and am thankful that with each convo and stage of life, they show that it's mutual. If only all girls could be so blessed.

4. To work for a place with stability, security, and a conservative frame of mind in a time where that's unusual, but applauded. Hancock Bank was recently named 8th in the Top 150 banks by Bank Director magazine, a fact we couldn't be prouder of. Not accepting a bailout has never been such a badge of honor! Go HB!

5. A 5-year-old nephew who thinks enough of me to leave the occasional v-mail, though not long and not unscripted. :-) Usually goes something like this:

Bro-in-law: Ok, now, say hey!

Nephew: Hey Bekah!

Bro-in-law: Hope you're having a good day.

Nephew: Hope you're havin' a GREAT day!

Bro-in-law: I love you....

Nephew: I love you.... BYE!

Speaking of words...

...I made one up today: Gustavish.

The definition?

1. The feeling of being whirled about in a tornado-like fashion;

2. Becoming too hot, too without-power, too sticky, and too uncomfortable to do anything of value;

3. Having a nasty hair day;

4. Nostalgically remembering how bad it was, but also how bad it could've been.

I think I'll add it to Urban Dictionary and see if it catches on.

Ridonculous.

Ever since two of my mom-friends took their kids to see the recent animated movie "Bolt," they've been using the term "ridonculous" when something goes beyond ridiculous.

I have to say, it's catchy. I find myself wanting to use it, but not being sure if people will know what I'm talking about.

So now you, dear readers, will know what I'm talking about when you hear me say it. Urban dictionary defines "ridonculous" as:

1. Functionally similar to the word "ridiculous," this word is often used in its place for extra emphasis. (Ex: There's a ridonculous amount of cheddar cheese stuck in the printer.)

2. When ridiculous knows no bounds (Ex: "Check out the hunk of blue cheese he's got on that wing." "That's ridonculous!")

3. adj. something that is so extremely ridiculous that one can't comprehend the full ridculousness of it. (Ex: Rufus Wainwright is so cool, everyone who doesn't like him is ridonculous)

Now we all know. It was ridonculous not to clear that up.

Sacrifice: No walk in Candyland.

My sister's church practices Lent and Advent and such, and my nephew goes to the church's preschool, so his class decided as a group to give something up for Lent. (I really thought that was a cute idea.)

But don't worry, because they're giving up Candyland for Lent. And according to Kim, Caleb's reaction was, "For FORTY days and nights, Mom! NO Candyland!"

And I thought bread and junky carbs would be tough.

Lent, Part II (for me, at least)

Last year, I gave up something for Lent for the first time.

As I mentioned in '08, I know this isn't a traditional Baptist practice, but being (back) in a land of Catholicism reminded me that giving up something for Lent is alive and well, so I thought I would see what it was like.

FYI - it was hard. Very hard. The sacrifice made its point -- it reminded me of all Christ had done for me, and I was glad I had participated in the exercise.

Last year, I gave up bread. This year, I'm giving up bread, plus all junky carbs. Sigh. That's right. It was hard, but good. I mean, to forego bread and remember that Jesus gave His life for me... How can that be bad? Other than to show me how attached I am to one or two or three items, that is, versus the Bread of Life.

So I'm already whining about my carb-less next few months, which I'm sure defeats the purpose and disgusts my Catholic friends. Please say a prayer, though -- not that I'll survive, but that I'll consciously remember why I'm doing this and why it's good for a human in 2009 to experience a sacrifice -- any sacrifice -- for 40 days.

Your comments.

I have heard from several of you that Blogger is being mean when it comes to your trying to post comments.

I want your comments! It's not me; it's them!

I've changed the formerly required word verification and hope that will help. So please don't give up on me, and feel free to try again. I would love to hear your thoughts on my thoughts.

rj

Grazie.

This week, I'm so thankful for:

1. Living in the South. There's no place on earth like it.

2. Modern medicine. Without it, I would still be dizzy and unhappy with life.

3. People who like me, and aren't afraid to say so. I'm not saying I understand it; I'm just saying it's flattering. :-)

4. My new Precepts Bible Study. It's very in-depth, and I've only been twice, but have enjoyed it so much so far.

5. Coffee. 'Nuff said.

Vertigo-go girl.

For the past couple of years, I've just started accepting that I'm falling apart. No joke. Since I turned 30, there's always something. Really.

My latest? Vertigo.

"What is vertigo?," one might ask.

Well, some call it the drunken disease, but as a Catholic girlfriend (who also has vertigo) has declared several times in the last few weeks, being drunk is much more fun. The room spins. Nothing helps. Talking makes it worse. (One guess on what was my hardest challenge.)

The best way to describe how it feels is to picture yourself as the little person in the middle of the very bizarre image on this post, and imagine all those circles going crazy. That's vertigo.

Vertigo usually stems from inner ear issues, but a follow-up appointment with my ENT today led me to believe that mine was all due to allergies.

So I spent the last couple of weeks dizzy, but after the meds kicked in, I was as new as a shiny penny. I feel great! So thank God for medicine. Dizziness is not a good look or feel for me!

As you know from my Five Things I'm Thankful For posts, I have amazingly supportive family and friends. One classic example of that was the text I received from my precious, brother-like cousin Greg last week:

3 questions:

Why am I just now finding out you had vertigo?

What is vertigo?

Don't only old people get that?

My revolution.

As a rule, I hate new year's resolutions.

Last year, my friend and coworker Angela said that since she never keeps her resolutions anyway, she was going to eat more, drink more, and maybe take up smoking in 2008. (BTW, I checked with her at the end of '08 and she only accomplished two of the three. Slacker.)

It's too much for me to start listing all the things I need to work on -- it just makes me feel so incompetent. And I feel guilty for working on one area and neglecting the rest. (If you know me, the guilt thing makes perfect sense.)

So this year, I have one overall goal: to be better. I'm hoping for 2009 to be a revolution of sorts, where I approach life with an attitude of trying to be better at it, whatever the "it" of the moment might be.

Wish me luck, especially since I often feel like my friend's daughter (who is pictured above) when it comes to facing new goals. :-)



Rebekah's General Warning: I'm well aware that we're almost 3 months into 2009 as I post this. However, I started it in early January, and thought it would be a good reminder for us all to have a check-up on how we're doing with our goals. What can I say? I'm brilliant like that.

My five.

The five things I've had to be thankful for this past week are:

1. My health. Granted, it has stunk to high heavens this week, but it could be much, much worse. And I know this. And am utterly humbled to think of my blessings and how much I really do not deserve them.

2. My place in this world. I would have never said I would land in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at 32, but boy am I glad I did. This is one cool town, and I've already made more true-to-heart, lifelong friends to make the experience infinitely invaluable.

3. Facebook. I know, spoken like a true Gen Xer, right? But really, I've had the chance to reconnect with SO many great friends from so many great places. It's wonderful, and amazing, and a delightful point of contact in a world that constantly eliminates our need for contact by "maximizing efficiency."

4. My parents. They're so sweet to care and want to help, and while I know that might be what parents are "supposed to do," many parents don't. So I appreciate mine, and that they do love and care for me in ways that some people don't receive.

5. Music. I'm just not sure what I'd do without Elvis Presley, or Jack Johnson, or Bill Gaither. There are days that nothing can help but a dose of Cyndi Lauper, Regina Spektor or Amy Grant, and who's to stop my quirky playlist? Not a soul!

This time last year...

One of my friends, PR chums, blog heroes and former Bunko mates, Shawn, occasionally posts "This time last year" blogs showing what was going on in her world 365 days prior. Since I can apparently find nothing better to do with my insomniac time at 3am, I decided to do the same:

February 7, 2008 - A Southern Baptist's Crack At Lent

After last year's crack at Lent, I decided that though it was increasingly tough to sacrifice something so wonderfully dear to my appetite, it was well worth the reminder of what Christ did for me when he died on the cross. So interestingly enough, given the later timing of this year's Easter and Mardi Gras dates, I've been thinking hard these past couple of weeks about what I'll do for this year's Lenten season.

Stay tuned for details!

There is no Y in "life."

I was recently reminded by a friend's sweet husband that questioning life is really not worth it.

While this is much easier said than done, he's right. Why would I fritter my days and nights away questioning the reasons behind occurrences, when in reality, life will go on, with or without me? I'm the one missing out on potentially valuable life experiences by wasting my time on analysis, and half the time, the analysis is not even based on full information.

Though I do think it's vital to go through the proper steps of grieving and processing when faced with life events, I also think it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

That said, I'm going to try harder to follow SD's advice and stop trying to insert a "why" into situations that are far beyond my control. I may be wrong, but I think life will be a lot more enjoyable this way. :-)

High Five

Five things I'm thankful for this week are:

1. The weather. Can anyone say "spring?" That is exactly what it's felt like here in the BR these last few days, and I could not be more grateful for the sunshine and blissfully warm temps.

2. Friends who support me through ups and downs. I have way too many of these to name, and way, WAY more than I could ever deserve. For that, I am beyond grateful and humbled.

3. My family. We have a family reunion coming up in June, and I am really excited to help prepare for it, and to start thinking about all the relatives I'll get to see in one weekend! And, along those lines....

4. My sister. Who else could I possibly call from a restaurant restroom in the midst of an outing and ask for boy advice in whispered tones?!

5. God. I know this seems broad, and no, I'm not just putting this because several celebrities probably thanked Him at tonight's Grammy awards. I really, really mean this (as I hope they did, too). As I was so gently reminded at a preciously sweet baby dedication this morning, He loves me. This I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Hulu Scoop

The rest of the world is probably already familiar with my latest addiction, but I have to thank an old college (now Fbk) friend, Garrett, for tipping me off to hulu.com.

Hulu is a self-described "free online video service that offers hit TV shows including Family Guy, 30 Rock, NBA and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, etc."

A huge fan of ABC and NBC.com, I am thrilled to find yet another site that provides my favorite TV episodes when I want to have time to watch them, and I can do it from my computer when I don't feel like going downstairs to watch TV. :-) I'm such a huge fan of not having to tie myself to a schedule to enjoy real people TV!

The site has very few commercials (much fewer than network sites), and you can also watch movies on it. (I'm afraid I've been too absorbed in catching up on Grey's and The Office to explore that option just yet.) So far, I have no complaints on the quality, either.

Ooooh! Yay! I just realized I can catch up on 24! Here I come, Jack....

Alive @ 5.

Five things I've been grateful for -- and that have shown me fun facets of life -- in the past week are:

1. New people, new activities, new interests, and new reasons to smile.

2. A clean townhouse! Even though it seems like cleaning can be a vicious cycle that has to be repeated as soon as you finish it, it also really renews the spirit and invigorates the senses. (I think there's crack in Lysol, but I guess that's another blog altogether....)

3. New life. I am SOOOO excited about Liz's pregnancy, and can't wait to see what this sweet little baby looks and acts like! It always warms my heart to hear of friends who are becoming parents. :-)

4. The beauty of BR's weather. Even though it's hot and HUMID here in the summer, the winters are nice and mild. I didn't think Jackson, Miss. was that cold...until I went back in the winter after getting acclimated to this balmy climate. Brrrr! Give me the BR's weather any day!

5. The Internet. I know this may seem silly, but remember the day when we didn't have it?

Weird to think about now. It's such a regular part of our lives, and makes access so easy and nearly instant. I love it!

Utterly thankful.

This week, I am thankful beyond measure:

5. For the ability to laugh -- as well as cry -- about life events.
4. That Jim and Caroline found and love each other, and that they're now married (!!!).
3. That my friends and family can laugh not only AT me, but also WITH me.
2. For modern medicine. (Sometimes nothing can relieve the pain like Excedrin.)
1. That the road to Jackson goes both ways.

Dazed and...

A close friend's dad just died on the operating table tonight. This time last week, he wasn't even in the hospital.

Life is so fragile.

Sometimes I hate being a grown-up.

Pure Bliss

Today I experienced pure, unadulterated bliss, so out of this beautiful, spectacularly priceless day, I'll take the five things I'm thankful for at this moment:

1. A church service that speaks to me in gentle whispers and with needed sternness, and wraps me in a love that leaves me unable to doubt Whose I am.

2. Sunshine! I'm (sadly) aware that many of my peeps are experiencing cold and/or dreary weather right now, but in the balmy BR, highs are in the 60s and spring is in the air! Yay!

3. Productivity that leaves me content,

yet craving more of the same in the near future.

4. Friendships that span a wide array of personalities and interests, and somehow manage to simultaneously fulfill the many cavities life doles us on a daily basis.

5. Good, plain fun. Whether it's from a walk around the lakes, a phone convo re. the perfect "little black dress," pizza that literally made my mouth water, or the utter joy from reading a book in front of the LSU clock tower while lounging on a soft blanket, nothing beats savoring the moment!

(Pictured to the right are:

1. The LSU Clock Tower, in front of which I laid a blanket and read a few chapters of my book after...

2. Walking the LSU lakes with a friend. Later....

3. I shared a delish pizza at Reginelli's on Chimes Street! YUM!

Dribbling into newness.

Last week, I attended my first basketball game since the mid-90s. This was also, I think, my first post-high school game, and I loved it! LSU's men's team played South Carolina (and won).

I have always enjoyed football, hockey, and soccer, and am even a rare fan of the occasional (albeit slow) baseball game, but basketball never really caught my attention before. Why? IDK.

I'm definitely no expert, but (so far), here are the things I love about b-ball:
1. The fast pace.
2. The intimacy of the setting. (Such a smaller venue than football - you feel like you can practically touch the players and the game.)
3. The spirit of the fans.
4. Something adrenaline-rushing in between football seasons!
5. The clarity of the game. No, I don't know what players get fouled for every time, but the sport was relatively simple to pick up on. As a 32-yo newbie, I appreciated that.

Never one to leave an event undocumented, I took my camera ;-) and tried very hard to get some good action shots. However, I think I missed them each time (see #1 on the list above). I've posted a couple of pics I did get here, though.

Thanks to Tiffany for the ticket and introduction to this new-to-RJ sport; I had a blast and hope to attend again soon!

Dating your boxes.

Since I'm on this "tricks and tips" roll, I thought I'd share something non-technology related but really handy. I wish I could say I came up with it myself, but I did not. And sadly, I can't remember who to credit it to...

When you have to-go boxes from restaurants, it's handy to write the date on the box so that when you're digging in your fridge later for a bite, you don't have to wonder how old the food is or if it's still safe to eat it.

Happy leftovers!

Free directory assistance number

In an effort to be more like Shawn, I'm again posting a tip I seriously use almost on a daily basis.

While dialing 411, directory assistance, is a great way to "look up" numbers and addresses without using a phone book or computer, it can be costly. But a while back, Google introduced a new pilot directory assistance number: 1.800.GOOG.411

By dialing 1.800.466.4411 (1.800.GOOG.411), you get the same information you would from 411, but without the fee, and without having to listen to any ads.

If you're not familiar with the typical 411 system, it (and GOOG 411) goes something like this:

1. Dial the directory assistance #.

2. When prompted, state the city and state the company (or person) you are looking for is in.

3. State the business (or person)'s name.

4. Wait for the number, or choose to be connected directly.

Rockin' out at the Rok Haus.

This weekend, I went with Erica (the Baptist) and new BR friends to Rok Haus in Lafayette, LA, about an hour west of Baton Rouge.

Rok Haus, a warehouse-looking building with an interior lined with rock climbing walls is quite the adventure (and was very challenging for this girly girl)! I've decided to go back after a few months of building upper body strength to see if I've improved any. Ropes and harnesses are all part of the set up, so thankfully, I didn't fall. :-)


On our way back to BR, we stopped in Breaux Bridge and ate at Pat's Fisherman's Wharf, a preciously quaint seafood restaurant. Our waitress was a 60-year employee at Pat's named Mrs. Mae. Her Cajun accent made me want to beg her to read "The Cajun Night Before Christmas" to us, but I refrained. She was adorable.

Thanks to some ominous traffic on I-10 East, we had an adventuresome drive back through a swamp, but shared many laughs, stories, and even a few inside jokes. :-)



Pictured on the left from top to bottom are:

1. a couple of us trying our hands at rock climbing (and getting down from rock climbing);

2. our whole group at Pat's;

3. Erica and myself balaying (supporting) friends who were climbing; and


4. me barely getting up a wall (The Boulder) with no ropes. (Trust me when I say that it's tougher than it sounds or looks!) :-)

Send a text via email

My friend and fellow blogger Shawn often posts cool tips, innovations, and new products that are out there. In fact, her blog is mainly that, and I recommend you visit it.

One of Shawn's recent tips was something I knew about, but when I read it I thought, "What a good idea, Shawn. Letting everyone know about it." So I'm blatantly copying her and doing the same.

You can send free text messages from your email account if you know the recipient's phone carrier. Just type in a phone number before the recipient's correlating address below:

Alltel - @message.alltel.com
AT&T - @txt.att.net
Sprint - @messaging.sprintpcs.com
T-Mobile - @tmomail.net
Verizon Wireless - @vtext.com
Virgin Mobile - @vmobl.com

Many thanks.

Five things I'm thankful for tonight:

1. That life goes on.

2. For friends who love what's happening when it's happening (namely the BCS bowl tonight between Florida and Oklahoma -- long live the SEC!).

3. For the future, and that I don't have to be scared of it. (See Jeremiah 29:11.)

4. For nice weather. B-D

5. That no matter what, no matter when, there are always things bigger than me -- and smaller than me -- worthy of my attention, my devotion, my love.

On the Nightstand

Presley tagged me last week to play her post-reindeer games, but I sadly just got caught up on friends' blogs from the past few weeks, so I'm just seeing it. ;-) Hopefully, my answers will still count.

The Rules:
* Grab the nearest book.
* Open the book to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your blog along with these instructions.
* Don’t dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
* Tag five other people to do the same.


The book:
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

The 5th sentence on page 56:
"Yes. Right there on television."

The next 2-5 sentences:
"What was it like?" he asked.
"Less than exciting," I told him. "Sort of a letdown."

The five peeps I'm tagging:
1. Kristen.
2. Nicole.
3. Rachael.
4. Michelle.
5. Skye.

Ironically, since I began reading "Blue Like Jazz" last week, I've been planning to blog about it because there were so many excerpts I found insightful. So look for a blog on that in the (near?) future.

I believe I'll call it "Blog Like Jazz." ;-)

Though None Go With Me

I have a knack for picking out really random indie-type films when I rent movies that I'm going to watch by myself. Today, though, I was intrigued by a movie based on a story by Jerry B. Jenkins, who wrote the "Left Behind" series. As one of the only people in the universe who did not read those books and is not familiar with Jenkins' writing style, I surprised myself by renting the movie anyway.

The synopsis said if you liked "The Notebook," this one would grab your heart and hold it (or something equally sweet). I def didn't need to watch anything sad, but I was in the mood for something more serious than my other choice that was in stock today at my local Redbox, which was "House Bunny." ;-)

While I don't limit myself to them, I love reading books that are written from a Christian perspective and by Christians, and this movie starring Cheryl Ladd was great, too. Very sweet, and told a good, solid story of faith in God despite one's trials.

I recommend! Like most chick flicks, though, I can't promise guys will like it. ;-)

I want to thank You...

5 things I'm thankful for today:

1. A new year. A new start. Fresh, clean beginnings. Yay!!!

2. Redbox. They let me rent DVDs for a mere $1 per night. I don't care who you are -- that's a good deal.

3. Erica. My new friend has proved to be amazingly timely in her encouragement, humor and sweetness. I look forward to many more happy moments with this sweet girl.

4. Text messaging. If you know me at all, you know I'm a complete addict. Some call it a tool. I call it a lifesaver.

5. Second chances. And third. And fourth, and so on. They are phenomenally refreshing and invigorating.

On another note, I'm so happy for a new year, and for all I have to be thankful for. My friend Cicily and I have decided that 2009 is our time to shine, and Angela and Shannon say that 2009 is the year of the redheads.

I say bring it on! I'm ready for the fun and adventures to come. :-)