tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82282530867580021612024-02-19T08:59:02.529-06:00Notes From A Texas TreehouseBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-35843976858108107862011-11-21T20:28:00.003-06:002011-11-21T20:29:31.063-06:00Why My Brothers Are Awesome, in a NutshellI texted my brothers today: <div><i>What do you want for Christmas?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Brother A's response:</div><div><i>Snakes and sparklers</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Brother B's response:</div><div><i>A sombrero</i></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-65817268893078137232011-06-13T18:28:00.003-05:002011-06-13T18:32:25.266-05:00Splash Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnNwZ3bzyphlL8Wgkc_C_5p3lf8DJzyHWd1clWFgYl87S8xz5iQL9P8YYDWSOsUpcFfaLkhkDJyAe15ib8MQTB8kT4Ee7OBNDuWGtJpli58_BsJTcRSvTA0gyFjBxNmulvRMwcmqYORO8/s1600/cannonball-300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 385px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnNwZ3bzyphlL8Wgkc_C_5p3lf8DJzyHWd1clWFgYl87S8xz5iQL9P8YYDWSOsUpcFfaLkhkDJyAe15ib8MQTB8kT4Ee7OBNDuWGtJpli58_BsJTcRSvTA0gyFjBxNmulvRMwcmqYORO8/s400/cannonball-300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617851323160855746" /></a><br />Today, after work, I went for my first swim of the summer. Aaaahhhh! It was very refreshing. I'd told myself I'd swim at least 6 laps, and I ended up doing 8. Then I did an underwater somersault, and thought I was going to barf for a second. Woof! I hopped out and laid beside the pool, letting the late afternoon sun rake across my white belly. <i>Shicka-shicka-shicka</i> the cicadas rattled to each other in the trees. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-63498949287680839022011-05-30T17:38:00.004-05:002011-05-30T18:49:44.672-05:00Ring-a-Ding-Ding!<div style="text-align: left;">On Saturday, May 21, 2011, this treehouse dweller got engaged! Jesse and I were in the midst of our most in-depth "future talk" to date. "Of course I want to marry you, " he said. "I want to have a house. I want to eat cereal with you every morning." I was misty-eyed, to say the least. He said, "What am I waiting for?" He knelt down. "Will you? Will you marry me?" I couldn't believe it was happening. I don't think he could either! I squeaked out a "yes" and we hugged. My heart felt, and still feels, big enough to fill the room. I am so incredibly blessed!!! The next day, he took me to pick out my engagement ring. Check it out!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6owaYpL8q17Zds61SmfSPB6x8h47sPapWWJ2KvIRfX9g1JJuKkPkWBWxQeSOZYIinlMuV0TEHqm_Rv6OPBv9PdAZuJaCLewwEGRDog04gwwafUVSgtjfzKYnVIAM5h4bgL8ESqH4rvHjU/s400/Ring+a+ding+ding.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612644082665659794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-17830921115152486182011-04-20T17:36:00.003-05:002011-04-20T17:38:38.077-05:00Remember...<div style="text-align: left;">...When this was your to-do list? Ahhhhh those were the days!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FvZCMmLSqCuFUs3UPM3ZjUDCVGRPe3qYOhZEABAlPpYLn01u3s18SeX_LzkqoolWRapPJ0XydP_fl2MLycSifu0J_AymzuWAEP14jK4UmDaZ-1f50He4OnqsIfyf-U1UzGG1xuPOJ1wq/s400/to+do+list.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597798599032141506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-35587981882011695912011-04-16T13:15:00.003-05:002011-04-16T13:23:49.309-05:00Weekend BlessingsIt's Saturday at 1:15, and my weekend is already fantastic. A few reasons why...<div><ul><li>I had a fun, delicious dinner with my sweetie last night.</li><li>I ran 4.1 miles this morning- especially great because the crazy, gusty wind kept me from barely being able to do 3 during this past week!</li><li>I went to buy a couple things from a certain beauty supply store, coupon in hand. The cashier told me, "This coupon doesn't start 'til tomorrow." She tried it anyway, and it worked!</li><li><a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2224622&productId=xlsImpprod3160287&navAction=push&navCount=1">One of the things</a> I bought totally works- I'm pretty impressed!</li><li>I stopped at a sandwich shop to get some lunch. The cashier, feeling generous and/or flirty, filled up my punch card, letting me have my sandwich on the house. He even gave me a new card with two punches on it!</li><li>As I write this, my iPod is on its dock, on shuffle. And the random tunes it's selecting are just perfect for the afternoon.</li></ul></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-16364495535949827032011-04-12T08:04:00.005-05:002011-04-16T13:05:54.975-05:00Brunch Hut<div style="text-align: left;">One of the first things I loved about Little Bear was his big group of friends.</div><div>One of the things I like best about his friends is that the regularly plan fun parties. </div><div>One of these types of parties is Vinyl Brunch- a Sunday morning/afternoon of food, drinks, and records. This past Sunday, the brunch was in honor of the host's girlfriend's birthday. The guy hosting it had constructed a rustic canopy where we could eat. It provided shade, let the cool breezes waft through, and housed the sound system. I had to take pics because the structure was just so stinkin' cute. I'm sure it had way more charm than the canopy he had planned to purchase from Target! Also, there were 2 adorable toddlers there. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxhyphenhyphen9TPy0xVD3hFrmNvSnlsvNIxccOp3Lz1NCXduisFiu_3pFOE_dQ47brtI5gvY-rIauaN3T2TBzxuREPybRCBRN-nulOkfXxk2hwOy-452KdlcSMvvXaQwS-y4WJ1W2LsG07_ZLEBMr/s400/IMG_2035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243034633022578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qZ7MnX0qujcY9e-NkAzjB-4oQf9rjSOYV510cNiYp8xe2U5pz5gUcCPbS4_l860UWHvBKgM_27Paa0KORZlUfGDLMkLLxli3VkOjg2rD9-HiNeOupgXrarH8NzEJPUHlwbXQ_-5nqfK9/s400/IMG_2043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243048134872098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-DWDXTfwXKNIC9Xtxcxgb-V_IWvFTxczVYKKWh9qT-zEgmY6oDGOnh5cau27Z3G2fh8itICv61FQg-vi4UYhV3pQ5VfrcZHtlr165aF5v5vLPS0owv7VPf_FjVfXeqxZ1LJRu3uKdoIp/s400/IMG_2042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243037987559010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dtl-gPQRhdkK-kZu3T1d0yzPMX-afR00L7bwiqQ-3ZVVarPf8s47hKT2DmtpnzRLBJwTS-M6-KyhmW_cE-dGN6lyv3YxWf9bxuvwRZokD5F1IqvRsieaBLw2oogN7nrBjl1qifuzE1lG/s400/IMG_2039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243039886083010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMdzwcNMBbw0Mu1XTAyHxtZu3CJ4aj4eTl-4KDxahHSEdfrtEmad-XeR-uGcMCvOTNIBZP6WFfVIooaC59ckQqY1hinyOA6P-nQvAmrdX7OI9HIROew2M0krDXpKacw43eZcUeasJosIR/s400/IMG_2044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243050201814978" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Pt3ae-4WeRo3WzH_ZvVX8JgeeqPhyphenhyphenEa81SwxKsHqw20NwC0tUBMZ3VwpBBoKJV8zaoboprTL_SiJJQ3gLYRicy8PVA8O5jW4JWnfplfsLss0111oNF7yG9V1-rG1Q61M67_tBBJlF6s/s400/IMG_2038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243621919979458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAKpUfafYSHo5IkSnntie4deQZSmMJYwQ-HvByj0ee7mul9EUsL93kWEmKeJWmdZdgZEVc_Gjj0UxbXm7baJ3XU40nY2qly52h9xiICAz5C886xcCQDe1pwZLlRf_1o9uFF_TsbZtovom/s400/IMG_2047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596243629644068450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-68310326483224169522011-03-26T13:27:00.003-05:002011-03-26T13:42:50.598-05:00New Orchid<div style="text-align: left;">Recently, my boyfriend asked me, "You like that kind of stuff, huh- plants and stuff?" I guess I do. I think orchids are especially interesting, because they look so elegant and delicate, but are not that hard to take care of (in my limited experience, anyway).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This morning I went to the Fort Worth Orchid Society's orchid sale, held at the Fort Worth Botanic gardens. There were so many gorgeous, amazing orchids! Some had huge, bright blossoms. Others had tiny, delicate flowers. Some didn't have any blossoms at all- a great purchase for a patient person!</div><div><br /></div><div>I got exactly what I came for. With the help of an older lady with painted-on eyebrows, I located <i>Maxillaria tenuifolia</i>: the "coconut cream pie orchid." She parted its leaves so I could lean in to take a whiff of its two tiny flowers. YUM! Tropical deliciousness. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took it home, admiring its shiny leaves and robust pseudopods (whose function I'm still not exactly clear on). I did a bit of research, and went to find some potting supplies. As I write this, it is happily (I hope) perched on my dresser, near a south-facing window. Take a look!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew-gAa2WkqN49GUKFYydqR8Dh-sxc1Fh2ojxvZGTTMnlIemr1nduN_WBEAYVe8Oo4XOWRf5nXlw9GTG97pZHcoot8AOUjMj5mOx5gwt4fFG5MZE87HrcyXhDJa_G82BkRQeDMl59-rYbf/s400/Max+ten.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588459413268748194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-42081678542949831312011-03-08T18:07:00.006-06:002011-03-08T18:21:10.302-06:00An Observation on Timing<div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes things don't seem to be changing. Day in, day out, they look the same.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmxGQvQAAD4gudyKKXCcgXhbTqksNl6GLDCFYR9PuKvl9VxABhMCGJrw0cCycoNDc19VdRs2OwEt-OjrP9co2mavGJgqdUB0fMmfvqj7jP9TBL7O5GwtnxK05jYQRhC5BiN7hlx69qOwF/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmxGQvQAAD4gudyKKXCcgXhbTqksNl6GLDCFYR9PuKvl9VxABhMCGJrw0cCycoNDc19VdRs2OwEt-OjrP9co2mavGJgqdUB0fMmfvqj7jP9TBL7O5GwtnxK05jYQRhC5BiN7hlx69qOwF/s1600/IMG_2008.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmxGQvQAAD4gudyKKXCcgXhbTqksNl6GLDCFYR9PuKvl9VxABhMCGJrw0cCycoNDc19VdRs2OwEt-OjrP9co2mavGJgqdUB0fMmfvqj7jP9TBL7O5GwtnxK05jYQRhC5BiN7hlx69qOwF/s400/IMG_2008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581866658169263426" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiojRi3X9sl3VI1Ff4nseTTo8deD3Qf5kOVd3wnU6-4uQ4vIZ880ulblqWs_FW-VJGiATvdW9J2FIwpXEySP4mOhQBmoQ-rDUSuJOLDqoG4TxtfENpw0BvBsOXCgsqyZz9lDG-bl9pJeh/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiojRi3X9sl3VI1Ff4nseTTo8deD3Qf5kOVd3wnU6-4uQ4vIZ880ulblqWs_FW-VJGiATvdW9J2FIwpXEySP4mOhQBmoQ-rDUSuJOLDqoG4TxtfENpw0BvBsOXCgsqyZz9lDG-bl9pJeh/s400/IMG_2010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581866657374398130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sTh1Cry5C5DRfUWYfdRCjXILKH58gS7uyQJEtg_aHf2OMg7UPm3f097GVe19CQVXTjjB1XLc61I3VxbqhezrZo36BhL5rLpq7SHN8uUDUshYSc_fIKm8A504LYC26fDkuhxUKlP3iZED/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sTh1Cry5C5DRfUWYfdRCjXILKH58gS7uyQJEtg_aHf2OMg7UPm3f097GVe19CQVXTjjB1XLc61I3VxbqhezrZo36BhL5rLpq7SHN8uUDUshYSc_fIKm8A504LYC26fDkuhxUKlP3iZED/s400/IMG_2011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581866660904570418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCUuVfQA6oZcDh2B2U4IDqYsLZka5s9lybBaMYlCrMhTHSWRCr-S_Kg18TEIEHGibPsyf88avn8zMVIBCd3SE1kTrb3d60CEIrsO1S2cqGvwTn6Ta6WQmVRph2wfyFX2znjwrd_sASyqI/s400/IMG_2013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581866671545813058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>But then, in a single day, a lot happens.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyr1Uj6w-WX5KlNY6kg82dHNkr1l5f1pbQMdJImj-MLgFloL2cY8f0d8wyNJNqqRoWU7NBKP8jj4p0VCiVNx5LT6mW4OMQBkbWoLb_Grp6yfuaQsqW7b_Rlgjp-tNrd0SkyuhnAObR5ac/s400/IMG_2021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581867413106568562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDDlBrB9szymjn1BXDaGjfY6Y6JIDEXkbpZIXc_pG6dtq4FevESSN50dxHvUcjZv5cNiiDM5PS5W8vobXZGRAOISZpNXbOL8B3XDysHD_3_mVcipg8u1KSUO-TRcPOvhzd81LlEmDvi02/s400/IMG_2023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581867416041884194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9Bv9qd1iCdSxN_ayJGXF5jYpSEVaAE50x-0tsn4UBm41A24e8fSmD58rFh8yLnh2XgEhy_nFmzeIkCrNm4oF1P_LCYq_S_yr__kVLGFM5znTEbbhaNrw7dkmMhVeANgeTFdu90maE8Qf/s400/IMG_2025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581867423132455794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>Seeing my orchid bloom today reminded me of how impatient we humans can be, and how God has His own timing. However much we try to rush, procrastinate, or prolong things, they will never fail to occur exactly when they are meant to. Lord, help me to be at peace with that fact!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-18645623799032791122011-03-01T19:40:00.002-06:002011-03-01T19:47:11.060-06:00InterwebsSo here are a few sites I've been infatuated with recently, which I highly recommend:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.howtobearetronaut.com/">How to Be a Retronaut</a>: Daring voyages into the past via rare photos and video clips. Check out the lovely but haunting <a href="http://www.howtobearetronaut.com/2011/01/detroit-in-ruins/">Detroit in Ruins</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sharenator.com">Sharenator</a>: Pics, Ask, Video... User rankings go up and down based on points they receive on their comments and posts. It seems to be run mostly by nerdy teenage boys who like video games and anime, but it's still fun and funny.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.givesmehope.com">Gives Me Hope</a>: A self-described "FML for optimists," it's sure to brighten your day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy clicking!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-9017809548298868792011-03-01T18:57:00.002-06:002011-03-01T19:11:51.604-06:00Lost & FoundI lost my job yesterday. Quite honestly, I wasn't that surprised it happened, nor was I too heartbroken. The hardest part, I knew, would be that in-between-jobs uncertainty. The challenges would be trusting God, and filling the days to come, so that I wasn't too bored or cabin-feverish.<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday evening, I headed over to my neighborhood Chipotle to grab dinner before a meeting at church. The guy behind me, as I did, had ordered a bowl, to go. The cashier looked up. "Are these together?" He asked. "Nah," I said, "Lost my job today, so I'm not feeling very generous." It was true, but I didn't mean anything by it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I knew what happened, the guy behind me had paid for my dinner! I was so floored, I couldn't even formulate a response, save for getting teary-eyed and thanking him profusely.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got into my car, still dazed. I felt like God had [lovingly] smacked me and said, "See? You can trust me with this. I will provide for you and take care of you in ways you can't even imagine." That guy was an angel. A bespectacled, Asian angel who likes chicken burrito bowls.</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-79562913406704187862011-02-01T12:24:00.002-06:002011-02-01T12:29:42.379-06:00Sullied Snow Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3eTbtRQ-5NlEG7JM-d8Wp75rO0QBjqkyYnFxDsny1CSwSJ9MdC98uQtW4TQ9xRL64JVzxSgDRZrccQKzzxU570qgRQv0lzsggQIPLY4fY_IIBtjO5z2-PRF7iDazUVHwurGHS1VzH2p9/s1600/snow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3eTbtRQ-5NlEG7JM-d8Wp75rO0QBjqkyYnFxDsny1CSwSJ9MdC98uQtW4TQ9xRL64JVzxSgDRZrccQKzzxU570qgRQv0lzsggQIPLY4fY_IIBtjO5z2-PRF7iDazUVHwurGHS1VzH2p9/s400/snow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568790018745500946" /></a><br />Nothing kills the buzz of a good snow day off like hearing that one of your co-workers courageously made it into the office to take care of business. Not to mention the fact that she has more business than you at the moment. Rats.<div><br /></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-35704888787515900682011-02-01T12:20:00.003-06:002011-02-01T12:23:41.480-06:00Dreams<div style="text-align: left;">I was just telling my co-workers, "I had this dream, where I had to get these routine transfusions of some kind, but the hospital was on a boat, and our boss was the captain, and then there was a hurricane..." Imagine my shame this morning when I saw this cartoon on one of my usual <a href="http://www.toothpastefordinner.com">webcomics</a>! Oops!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrWLYJNT74u751j7b7YN2LWKgfdyGqUjqV2ESVJ56R-qkCClfQO7qifdmSHE65RmNhCgEa_Ab1GcjG6lXKj4rxYQecP55Tx_xAhPHwPD2GGvXRSBZqgg99t4XR4WlB7zL0588-duxGInd/s400/weird-dreams.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568788323640500562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-59647913384861593672011-02-01T11:49:00.004-06:002011-02-01T12:19:43.814-06:00Daniel Fast: Crossing the Finish Line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNLOEDW9TTMBciKmxORstLp6MuIZ4bLbieF_yna8AJuL6usEBlP6MycIbO3EMGKS4BDVYJG0yq-weRMoUETSiIgIXUnIYZq4lVNJfMvmeGaszrekZquRyEGkI6nsPnRjv5p1U4wNmgVIF/s1600/finish+line.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNLOEDW9TTMBciKmxORstLp6MuIZ4bLbieF_yna8AJuL6usEBlP6MycIbO3EMGKS4BDVYJG0yq-weRMoUETSiIgIXUnIYZq4lVNJfMvmeGaszrekZquRyEGkI6nsPnRjv5p1U4wNmgVIF/s400/finish+line.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568786628858306738" /></a><br />"... Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..." <span style="font-style:italic;">Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)</span><br /><br />WOW! Saturday, January 29 was the final day of my Daniel Fast. I am so thankful that I did it, and I am also glad it is over. I have gotten a lot out of this experience.<div><br /></div><div>What I learned about God:</div><div><ul><li>He's shown me new levels of His faithfulness and power</li><li>He loves me, and wants me to grow stronger in Him</li><li>He provides help and sustenance when it doesn't seem possible</li></ul>What I learned about myself:</div><div><ul><li>I can effectively practice self-discipline... when I seek God's help</li><li>I can survive without having the foods I want</li><li>Caffeine, processed carbs, and sugar really had a hold on me</li><li>I'm excited to have my usual foods again, but I'm just as eager to be able to exercise moderation with these foods</li></ul>Overall, I'm glad I did this fast, and I recommend it highly. It's not just about abstaining from certain foods. It's also about devoting the time to prayer, reading Scripture, and listening to God.</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-21247791303349997682011-01-17T19:54:00.002-06:002011-01-19T20:20:14.628-06:00Song of the day"Airplanes" by Local Natives. I was telling Little Bear about this song, and its awesome accompanying video, this weekend. Here it is!<div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8pZkZguPAPs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8pZkZguPAPs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-78036050320718206812011-01-15T09:55:00.003-06:002011-01-15T10:09:29.142-06:00Whole wheat crepes with fruit and nut compote<div style="text-align: left;">OK, I have to brag. I just made the best meal yet on my Daniel Fast! It was beautiful, delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Vegan-Crepes/Detail.aspx">this recipe</a>, making some substitutions for the sugar, all-purpose flour, and soy margarine with applesauce, whole wheat flour, and vegetable oil. I made the batter last night, covered it, and stashed it away in the fridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>This morning, I concocted what turned out to be a very tasty topping/filling for the crepes:</div><div>-1 C fresh blueberries (or any other berries would be good!)</div><div>-1 sliced banana</div><div>-A dollop of no sugar added applesauce (maybe 1/3 cup or so?)</div><div>-Handful walnuts, crumbled into smaller pieces</div><div>-Enough water to make it sort of soupy</div><div>-Cinnamon (I didn't have any, but I think it would've been perfect in this.)</div><div>Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Smush some of the berries with a fork. Heat on high. Allow mixture to boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for fruit to soften, and sauce to turn purple and thicken up a bit. Spoon into crepes. Roll crepes up. Top with remainder of sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how they turned out!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uSD9TsgkX_y5fkwra_58XAOYrz-Dx4fSuh_zQjWhYThfeUBbARNVxE_tQezr5XEeG3-58qazgjJel1GxPvM5AhpvTWNy3Uk38qAEM-H5FWBBuNAz2BRj6Lggp3HkdbLFybCZ_bG3Z0Uj/s400/Breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562445061981143474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-21786207814569320602011-01-13T21:05:00.003-06:002011-01-13T21:28:15.885-06:00Daniel Fast: Day 5 Observations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84UQkTZwvqeKpyKYQeEgNUQaqeyM9z5a3AX2EB6pOqYDLBFYih-1OHBzJaXEQIdLyQDodxM0wNTjME7te3pzkpqPL0vXnPKN9us10MOcSeCzBszQ7IaUnkEOXzs84A7M8P5p9hVatqSZe/s1600/food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84UQkTZwvqeKpyKYQeEgNUQaqeyM9z5a3AX2EB6pOqYDLBFYih-1OHBzJaXEQIdLyQDodxM0wNTjME7te3pzkpqPL0vXnPKN9us10MOcSeCzBszQ7IaUnkEOXzs84A7M8P5p9hVatqSZe/s400/food.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561874800748307858" /></a><br />I am now on day 5 of my 21 day Daniel Fast, as you probably guessed by the title of this post. So far, a few things have become very clear to me:<div>-I eat a LOT more food on this fast! I guess it takes a lot of vegetables, fruits, and nuts to fill me up.</div><div>-I also eat much more often- and I normally have 3 meals a day, along with a morning, afternoon, and sometimes evening snack!</div><div>-Each day, it gets a tiny bit easier.</div><div>-It's surprising how not having my one morning cup of coffee left me with a splitting headache!</div><div>-It's great how having a couple ibuprofen with breakfast helps that problem.</div><div>-And finally, God is amazing. He's showing me what sustains me; He's providing me with all I need. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and I heard this song today, and was so encouraged. Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9m96MtNlMz8?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9m96MtNlMz8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-5177238646704638812011-01-04T19:40:00.002-06:002011-01-04T19:46:32.532-06:00Love for the Day<i>Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</i><div>-Lamentations 3:21-23</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yfc9y7X3zog?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yfc9y7X3zog?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-25582365106507185322010-12-30T17:26:00.004-06:002010-12-30T20:51:50.780-06:00New YearWOW I can't believe it's been so long since I've blogged! I hope you have had a fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas. I've been thinking recently about New Year's Resolutions, and I couldn't really think of any...until today.<div><br /></div><div>Allow me to share with you what I ate last night- <b>after</b> dinner, mind you:</div><div>-A bowl of oatmeal</div><div>-A veggie sausage patty</div><div>-3 Rocher chocolates</div><div>-A 3 oz. cup of Haagen-Dazs ice cream</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I awoke this morning with that familiar feeling of "Oh no, I didn't...I did." I don't know how much of my late-night eating is emotional, and how much is a side effect of my nighttime medication, but the entirety of it is, well, not needed. I get plenty to eat throughout the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I get a daily devotional email for women, <i>Encouragement for Today</i>, from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today's edition contained a verse that really resonated with me: </div><div><br /></div><div>"... make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance..." -2 Peter 1:5a-6a (NIV)</div><div><br /></div><div>I pondered this verse. I lacked self-control, but it is something that is added to knowledge. Do I have knowledge? Do I have goodness, onto which knowledge is added? I did a Strong's number lookup for both of these virtues. OK, I concluded. I have faith. That's a start.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, somewhere online this evening, I stumbled upon the Ultimate Daniel Fast. It is a three week partial fast, based on that of Daniel. It involves abstinence from certain foods, combined with ample prayer time. Call me kooky, but the idea of fasting intrigues me. It is definitely a neglected spiritual discipline these days. Perhaps it can draw me closer to God and away from food for comfort. The website is <a href="http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/2009/10/what-is-daniel-fast.html">here</a>, if you want to read about it for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just to be sure, I'm going to read the book of Daniel tonight and pray about it. But I'm considering participating in the January 2011 fast, from the 9th to the 29th. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sooo... anyone want to try it with me? Anyone??</div><div><br /></div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDhThhrd_UY?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zDhThhrd_UY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-26496936319260311742010-11-30T18:57:00.001-06:002010-11-30T18:59:18.006-06:00Thank you, internets......For the adorable hilarity that is <i>Marcel the Shell with Shoes On</i>. Squeeeeeeeeee!!!!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VF9-sEbqDvU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VF9-sEbqDvU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-54087926761413830842010-11-20T08:01:00.002-06:002010-11-20T08:05:19.080-06:00Alexander: "Truth"This song makes me feel so many different things (inspired, shaken, strong, lonely...) I had to share it. I think it's so honest and beautiful.<div><br /></div><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N_atFMCUJ1o?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N_atFMCUJ1o?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-37287742493219422452010-11-13T09:04:00.002-06:002010-11-13T09:07:58.845-06:00Heart at Work<div style="text-align: left;">Last week at work, the condensation from my drink dripped onto my call sheet. It formed the shape of a heart! I liked it. I picked it up to show my co-workers, that's why it has that drip from the bottom. Here's a pic:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRwN9IcUkuu_x__cJ0TyPWx_VNmmFWVJ_Uo26tj0ueXDoMsBYPyQdVKwmqnqtZJQ76eUVWX4Jz4jtbLr8DKHxJYlLuEdK4V_3obDkpVEVr9XTLhGFbYUi5Oaz1gf1q8tA0bDGYNi9itzR/s400/IMG_1816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539051051213271506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-1407825791785393302010-11-12T12:14:00.001-06:002010-11-12T12:15:22.397-06:00Best Coast: BoyfriendThis song has been sloshing on the shores of my brain for a couple weeks, like some lazy late-summer wave. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y40TsOIpuEU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y40TsOIpuEU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-54462335414561293932010-11-12T11:53:00.004-06:002010-11-13T09:10:15.144-06:00Politeness<div style="text-align: left;">I really value politeness. I try to be polite to everyone, but I don't adhere to it at all times. I am a firm believer in the hand-written thank-you note, the timely RSVP, etc. So when was watching a rerun of <i>The Office</i> recently, I cracked up when I heard this quote by Andy Bernard:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>You give me a gift? BAM! Thank-you note! You invite me somewhere? POW! RSVP! You do me a favor? WHAM! Favor returned! Do NOT test my politeness.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCYElUoSvyFEHQIDX8a13GlmjcSEdeXXTPY8IaDji1nmfBOsjADii_y5Ndz6vnQvy1a48WOFFQ5JvcX-PAOBVhoIk6Pc7AA0P38UDl54gmVNjLg3APRMa8d-o9wf5UPXJG7p2QrhyphenhyphenrRz_/s400/andy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539051744575308802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px; " /></span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></i></span></span></span></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-44632214747958148342010-11-11T18:22:00.004-06:002010-11-12T11:34:30.802-06:00...Not so bad!<div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday morning, I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted. I was so nervous- not about the pain, but about the anesthesia. I'd never been "put to sleep," before! Jesse graciously came along to be my driver/ hand-holder/ caretaker. Beforehand, a surgical assistant explained post-op instructions, and gave a similar brochure to Jesse, explaining that I "probably wouldn't remember this conversation." She also cautioned him that I may be unstable on my feet afterwards, and would need a watchful eye walking back to the car.</div><div><br /></div><div>She took my vital signs and hooked me up to a heart monitor. Dr. Scheideman entered, rocking purple scrubs and round tortoise-shell glasses. He put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, and told me I would take a short nap, and then it'd all be over. I barely felt the tiny pediatric needle to start the IV. I heard him say, "I've started the medicine, let's see how that feels." The ceiling began to ripple, and then I was out. Just as suddenly, I was awake again. I wasn't nauseous, dizzy, or in any pain. In fact, my entire mouth was numb. The nurse tied an ice pack around my jaw. They asked if I felt like I could get up. I did, still feeling fine! I walked, unsupported, to the car. I was pleasantly surprised at my own lucidity. (For some reason loopy-ness was one of my fears about this whole thing.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesse, I've got to say, was awesome. He kept an eye on time (time to change gauze, to take more medicine, put the ice pack on/off). He got me anything I needed or wanted. He rubbed my feet! He definitely deserves a gold star.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I highly recommend Dr. Scheideman and his <a href="http://www.fortworthoralsurgery.com/">whole team</a> if you need to have any oral surgery!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, long story short, this was another experience that I worried about for nothing. Who has two thumbs and is glad she got it over with?</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8ZIl2Ig-PRQ6Pol0dXaN1yqGn5aKk0PkDmZKIISLwJqS2nVhNpxGOFNxIIGy7rSqTcLDwMewUEvsNDbGh6S9GgUuuiidXkJG0YmX0jrpn2tKzeKOTvv0xgTaslvrPIeExhs2qpxFWvQ0/s400/No+More+Wisdom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538717315431993762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>THIS GIRL!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8228253086758002161.post-40968831553376227562010-11-04T21:27:00.004-05:002010-11-04T21:54:22.727-05:00Thanks, Ma!<div style="text-align: left;">It is great how moms can teach you valuable lessons by not doing or saying what you expect!</div><div><br /></div><div>On Wednesday or so, my boss decided we should have a potluck lunch this Friday. Last night, I was telling this to my mom. "But," I lamented, "I have no idea what to make!" This was her cue. I held my breath for her to say, "Why don't you come over Thursday evening, and we can make (insert usual crowd-pleasing dish here)?" No such luck. All she offered up was, "Make something you like," along with, "I'm sure you'll think of something great!"</div><div><br /></div><div>I racked my brain. I scavenged the internet. I knew that I wanted to make something healthy and fresh, as well as some sort of sweet baked good. Finally, I settled on <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/quinoa-avacado-salad-7/">Quinoa Avocado Salad</a>, and <a href="http://duncanhines.com/recipes/cupcakes/dh/pumpkin-angel-puffs-with-spiced-whipped-cream">Pumpkin Angel Puffs</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I returned home from Target today, ingredients in hand, it hit me: this might be a lot of work! Had I gotten in over my head? Would my co-workers even appreciate these foods? And, more importantly, were they really worth my buying an $11 bag of quinoa?</div><div><br /></div><div>I shook off my doubts, turned on my <i>Musica en EspaƱol</i> playlist, and got to work. In no time, it seemed, I was drying the last of the dishes, with my potluck contributions stowed away in the fridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learned the following from my culinary efforts this evening:</div><div>-Quinoa doesn't take very long to cook at all</div><div>-Wearing an apron makes me feel like a productive chef</div><div>-Angel food cake batter= very fluffy</div><div>-Things that touch the oven's heating element, including cupcakes, catch on fire</div><div>-Homemade whipped cream is not only easy to make, it tastes heavenly</div><div><br /></div><div>So thanks, Ma! I never would have learned these lessons without, er, with you!</div><div>Here's one of my Pumpkin Angel Puffs:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-juu1ficfTEdWLBLdWvYXDTErfm-ZYXRiSIndhyDh9554xMMWvrFtgcPpUhDjPvsaKEttMy3ZqK3BocHoViq1PRnY4laLK-m15FCkOZqVZDyWuQhndkAcLd2PdyX1Ld9hMNnGLv3U_BJM/s400/Pumpkin+Angel+Puff.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535891718142051698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12063257092421372797noreply@blogger.com1