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. :-)

Cinco!

This week, my main little man turned 5.

It's hard to believe that it's been five years since I got the call from my brother-in-law, Steve, that my sister Kim was in labor. I threw my things together, ran by MAR's office to send out the "I'm on my way to Alabama to have a nephew!" email to colleagues & friends, then drove through the night. It was an intense labor (even for those of us not on the delivery table), and after many hours, much prayer, and a long ordeal for poor Kim, Caleb Levi finally arrived.

From the second I laid eyes on him, I was in love. We should've recognized some personality traits right away -- the one-eyed glare out into the cold, cruel world; resisting the warm wrap of the hospital blanket burrito; etc. :-)

Yes, he's an only grandchild, so maybe that's why he's the light of our lives....but that little man has such a personality, I am convinced that even if he were one of 15, he would still shine his own little light brightly and proudly.

In honor of Caleb's turning five, I'm listing my top five favorite memories (so far) of the little man's fun and already full life:

5. Z-ert. Caleb's ongoing word for dessert is one of the cutest I've ever heard. He works so hard to pronounce most words like the grown-ups do, but this is one I'm thrilled he kept his own enunciation for. There's nothing quite like hearing, "What's for z-ert after this turkey, Grammi?"
4. Man's man. Since he was a baby, Caleb has preferred being around men and doing guy stuff to time with the girls. Most boys are this way, but it's hilarious the way Caleb looks practically tortured if he has to hang out with my sister and me instead of standing beside his daddy or Grandpa and just watch whatever they're doing.

3. No go Tigers! Rather than following my sister and brother-in-law's leads on what teams to cheer for, Caleb is convinced that LSU "is stinky" and Alabama is the best. Soooo funny. He is die-hard Alabama, to the point of asking us all, "Why is no one for MY team?" Stinker.

2. Just an itty-bitty girl. When Caleb was 3-ish, I was playing with him and he wanted to be Superman. Instructing me on how the game went, the little guy informed me that I was supposed to lay helpless, calling to him, "Hep me, hep me, Supa-man. I'm just an itty-bitty girl, and I can't do anything without you." Seriously!

And my number one favorite memory of Caleb Levi Wood (so far) is:

1. Da Bekah. This was the way Caleb referred to me for the longest, and I loved it. Instead of Rebekah, it was "the bekah," which came out in 1-year-old speak as "Da Bekah." Too cute. :-)

Happy birthday, sweet boy! Can't wait to see what the next five years brings us. :-)

TGIF (plus 4 more things I'm thankful for).

I am so thankful for:

1. Friday. Always love this day, even on short holiday weeks. :-)

2. Family. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew came to my parents' for Christmas this year, and it has been such a fun and exciting time to see the wonder of Christmas through an almost five-year-old's eyes. Also, tonight I get to see two of my cousins that I don't see often -- one lives in Alabama, and the other recently moved from Tennessee to New Mexico -- and am very excited about that! The AL cousin also has a bouncing baby boy I get to meet for the first time!

3. Health. My Nan and Pop Ball have had a harrowing year with their health, so I was more thankful than ever for our traditional Christmas Eve gathering this year. They are so sweet and love to be surrounded by family. Please keep them in your prayers!

4. Location, location, location. I get to work from Hancock Bank's Gulfport office today, which means I did not have to go back to Baton Rouge to work today, but could stay the weekend with my family (just north of Gpt). This has been such a huge blessing. Not only does it give me a workday of convenience mixed with a fun weekend with family, it also gives the fam an 8-hour breather from Rebekah. ;-)

5. Talent. It has to be said -- my Daddy is amazing with cars, and keeps mine updated and maintained in ways I could never repay him for. And my mother's cornbread dressing is to die for, not to mention the way they both take an active interest in my life and love me no matter how unlovable I am. And my sister and brother-in-law's sweet generosity and kindness are so unique, yet I get to benefit from them every time we visit. And no one can make me smile like Caleb Levi. So I am utterly grateful for these talents God has given those around me, and that I am allowed, for now, to be blessed by them.

Fa la la.

I wish you a merry Christmas, I wish you a merry Christmas. I wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy new year.


Much love,
rebekah + a few NYC teaser pics ;-)

Here I am in front of the Plaza Hotel, across the street from Bergdorff-Goodman's, and by FAO Schwartz. As you can see, it was FREEZING! :-)

The gorgeous tree at Rockefeller Center! It had been lit December 3, just one day before we arrived. I took this while Cicily and Liz held my place in line to see the Rockettes' Christmas Extravanganza! I am on the side of the street where Radio City Music Hall is, and across the street (to the right of the tree) is Rockefeller Center.










Radio City Music Hall! This is where the Rockettes perform. It was so magical, inside and out. And to add to the beauty, right before our Rockettes' performance, it started snowing! It never stuck, but was just enough for us to catch the very contagious NYC Christmas spirit. :-)

Safe Mode.

This morning, my work laptop wouldn't start. Apparently something happened over the weekend that confused it, making it crash and be unable to work normally. With the help of the IT department, my computer finally (bedgrudingly) started, but only in "safe mode."

The incident reminded me a little of life lately...when things aren't so great, it's hard to operate at all. And easier just to crash, leaving normal operations for another day. But maybe it's best to proceed with caution -- in safe mode -- until operations can resume at top speed.

That said, I think I'm ready to forge ahead into the next days and weeks and months in safe mode, until my operating systems feel ready to operate under normalcy again.

Thankful.

I have been way overdue in posting things I'm thankful for lately, so here's my five for now:

1. A weird weather year, which brought both BR's first hurricane for as long as anyone can remember, and BR's first snow in years and years and years. Much complication ensued due to both, but both brought people together in amazing ways.

2. Vacations! NYC was GREAT fun.

3. Photos. I can almost relive the fun of NYC whenever I'd like, thanks to easily accessible photography. :-)

4. Time. It truly is a healer, as I'm learning more and more each day.

5. Memories. Sometimes they're the only things that keep us going through the hard times.

iSigh

My iPhone is back in working order and I couldn't be happier! While I loved my pink Razr with all my heart, I have enjoyed my iPhone but had NO idea how spoiled to it I've become these last few weeks. I hate to admit it, but the last few Razr-d days were almost like going back to a DOS operating system. Or typewriters. Sigh. Who knew I'd become so rotten so quickly?!

Sneaux Tigers!

I just rec'd an email with these pics taken today at LSU -- sooo pretty! I wish I could've seen Mike frolicking around in the snow!

The Big Freezy

This pic was taken in New Orleans before lunchtime today and sent to me by a colleague. Brrrr!

Baton Rouge geauxs white!

It's SNOWING in Baton Rouge today....and it STUCK!!! I can hardly believe my eyes, so obviously, I had to document it. This is the view from my front door.



I was sent this pic of Mike the Tiger, too, who seems to love chillin' in the white powdery stuff. I would have loved to have seen campus -- you know the students were going wild!



I came into work 1ish, and there is still some snow that hasn't melted yet. Ironically, the Lousiana Strong & Proud campaign was birthed due to Hurricane Gustav, and now this banner has seen all kinds of weather. :-)

Happy Hour at the Genius Bar

I have visited my local Apple Store before, and was a bit overwhelmed with all the concierges, Genius Bars and such. For this reason, I was not expecting the exceptional, how-can-we-help-you service I experienced tonight. This evening was, however, a wonderfully welcome exception to my other experiences.

While my iPhone is not fixed yet (nor has it been looked at), the Genius at the door gave me tips on things to do before I bring it back in (for a prescheduled appointment, no less), even stopping me as I walked out to make sure I knew how to get my SIM card out to insert it into my old phone so I don't have to be communication-less until my little eagle i is repaired.

From the congeniality shown to me, I can only assume it was Happy Hour at the Genius Bar when I visited tonight. (Yay for me!)

I still believe.

A recent publish by Clarion-Ledger political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey:

I heart....

After a fantastic girls' vacay to New York from Thursday-Monday, I am back in the deep south. Liz, Cicily and I made plenty of more-than-wonderful memories, but even so, I heart calmer cities, practically non-existant cabs, and most importantly, 60ish degree weather that feels balmy compared to the bitter cold we braced during our trip.

Vacay posts to come -- stay tuned!