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
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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
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
Friday, May 9, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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
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
Sunday, April 27, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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.
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
- 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.
- Most of the time, I feel like a silly little kid deep down inside. I love that feeling.
- 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.
- 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!"
- I loved anchoring a mini-news show at Nissan. I never knew I would love that so much! I actually miss being on camera.
- I am a perfectionist when it comes to my own work and personal life, but don't ever hold others to the same standards.
- I have always loved to watch sports, but have recently become the biggest college football fanatic you have ever met. (Thanks, Baton Rouge.)
- 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.
- Smelling salty air immediately takes me home, even if I'm thousands of miles away from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Cooking, dancing, singing and exercising give me indescribable adrenaline rushes.
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
Sunday, April 13, 2008
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
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
Friday, April 11, 2008
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 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
Monday, April 7, 2008
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
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
Monday, March 31, 2008
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
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
Thursday, March 27, 2008
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
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
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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
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:
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
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
Monday, March 17, 2008
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
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
Monday, March 10, 2008
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
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
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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
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
Thursday, February 21, 2008
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
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
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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
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
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