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.