tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309449942024-03-13T15:57:53.798-06:00Happy Little TreesCan you believe you found me?!
Sorry I'm not Bob Ross,
but it's just me, and uloveme.
Glad you could visit.Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.comBlogger856125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-47928892633826861412015-04-20T11:57:00.002-06:002015-04-20T11:57:53.825-06:00Starbucks, Conversations, Contemplations, and the Case of the Missing Menu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a Starbucks fan. I have my favorite drinks. I help new customers in line understand their options. I get to know my baristas. I have been a gold card member since the gold card was black.<br />
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I suppose like relationships, sometimes things in the Starbucks world are not always perfect, and we will have disagreements. For the most part, I have been a fan of most of their decisions. And some I haven't agreed with turned out pretty well for them even without my support. In my last visit, I encountered another disagreement.<br />
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Since some changes at Starbucks take awhile to permeate the nation, I'm not sure if what I encountered was a "test" incident or the norm, but I didn't like it.<br />
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It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and I had some time to kill before meeting my husband. So, I visited the first Starbucks in which I could find a parking space and went to order something refreshing--but not caffeinated for once. I have all my caffeine options memorized. I even have a graduated program that I introduce new Starbucks customers to in order to have the optimal Starbucks growth experience.<br />
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Every regular Starbuckie knows that frappaccinos are low on the list. They're reserved for Starbucks newbies. But in this instance, I wanted to go backwards and have something cool with "creme" in it. So, I look at the menu in order to not be the customer who takes too long--and the menu was missing!! There was the "La Boulange" menu (also, something of which I was never a fan) and the drink menu. It has maybe 10 different drinks listed with the frappaccino options being something like flan and caramel something-or-other. None of the other options were listed that I know my brain has seen for years, but I never picked. I guess it was just comforting to know they were there, for days like this particularly warm caffeine-free Sunday afternoon. But they weren't there.<br />
<br />
I thought maybe there was a mistake, so I asked the barista. She was very kind, and said, "Yeah...I think it's supposed to encourage conversation between us..."<br />
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Okay, okay, Starbucks. I get that you want to know customers. I have been one of those customers that has been known and had my drink started upon the ding from the door before my heel could hit the store floor. But the issue is, people also like Starbucks because it is fast. Most of those people who want fast service stand behind me, and aren't always happy at the budding friendships my baristas and I share.<br />
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When I lived in another area of town, I had a special friendship with my gangsta barista. He had tattoos on his face that I had to google later to understand the meaning. Although what I found out scared me a bit, I really liked my barista. He was always kind and smiling and seemed to generally care about his job, co-workers, and customers. Hey--anybody can get a bad tattoo on their face.<br />
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Way back when moons ago, I was solo at the counter ordering, so our conversation picked up, and I learned a few more tidbits about my faithful, local Starbucks crew. I didn't realize there were about five customers that had suddenly lined up behind me. They were anxious for their morning cups of joe to change their frowns from upside down, and they were not amused with my conversation.<br />
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If Starbucks wants to be a conversation place, bring back the soft chairs! Bring back actual mugs! Or just accept the business you have been blessed with. And know that many conversations happen at Starbucks and they don't have to be initiated by baristas. The baristas definitely have an important role, but their job is intense enough trying to please people. Those customer/barista relationships happen best naturally and can't be manipulated through missing menus.<br />
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My conversation with the barista I met yesterday would have been far better if it didn't consist of me trying to figure out what drinks were still available. We could have talked about something real.<br />
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Starbucks, bring back the menus. Or at least pictures.<br />
<br />
thank you. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-2886624650173298272015-01-15T16:55:00.001-06:002015-01-15T16:55:39.569-06:00Layoffs or Lays Potato ChipsI've been in sabbatical mode for about three and a half months now--or some may call it "loss of job." It's all about perspective. <div>
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During this time, I've been doing a ton of self-discovery (we cancelled cable which provides an outlet for that). I figured out that even when I have time to do all the things on my list, I probably still won't do them. Some things are just not fun to do. </div>
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<ul>
<li>I need to change my name on my car title.</li>
<li>I need to go to the recycling center.</li>
<li>I need to clean out the closets for the third time--this time being honest about what doesn't fit.</li>
<li>I need to put the dishes I use the most on the lower cabinet so I don't break them getting them down.</li>
</ul>
</div>
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But...I haven't done those things yet. </div>
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When you lose your job, it's a mix of elation and depression. You have all the time in the world! ...and you have all the time in the world... </div>
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Honestly, during the holidays, I did some job searching, but kept it to a minimum to just relax and recharge with family and friends. I am a much nicer person these days! Now, the clock is ticking for new employment, so I'm trying to keep up my weekly website perusing, resume uploading, and lunches with people I haven't seen in a billion years (I have a list). Since my husband nor I are independently wealthy, I'll keep searching and interviewing and high-fiving. </div>
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Searching for a job is much easier than searching for a husband, and I lived that out for 38 years. The only way it worked out was when God orchestrated events, and that's how my life has been. I trust that in the situation of this moment, it's going to be the same turn of events. </div>
Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-72746947215731640872014-09-18T15:26:00.001-06:002014-09-18T15:26:21.998-06:00Night ReaderI used to be a reader. I read all the time. Then, life got busy. Then, life got busier. Then, television got more convenient as a way to wind down. And my books got dusty. <br />
<br />
Part of the issue of my non-readership was not being able to figure out what to read. As a kid, I would get really involved in different reading topics or different authors. I would inhale every book written on my subject of choice, and then eventually move on.<br />
<br />
As an adult, I've encountered some books that aren't well written or worth my time. I believe that we have to be careful what we put into our minds as far as visual media, because it can inhabit our minds for possibly forever. But with books, it might possibly be even more imporantat because the memories and experiences created somehow form a serious bond in our brains. <br />
<br />
A book conjures up worlds that not even media can produce. How many times have you heard someone say, "The movie did not give the book justice. The characters weren't the same. So many parts were left out." It's because a book involves imagination and so many other parts of the brain. Reading can be a serious business.<br />
<br />
Hence, I don't like to read garbage. I don't want to read a book that is going to put images in my mind I can't erase. I read a book for a book club once that seemed innocent enough, but one of the scenes is forever stuck in my mind. I didn't even see the movie even though it had one of my favorite actresses. I really did not want to relive that moment in any form ever again.<br />
<br />
After all of this pontificating about reading, my original topic was to announce that I've been reading a new book via Amazon Prime on my Kindle. It's officially grabbed my attention where I will sacrifice sleep to capture one more chapter. <br />
<br />
I hope I keep up this habit. Reading is good for the soul (except in the incidences I mentioned above). I have done some unofficial studies based off of my high school friend's ACT scores that it makes you smarter, too. My friend, Emily, was an avid reader and blew the rest of us away in the ACT and even achieved academic greatness on the LSAT. So there's my proof. Reading makes you smart. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping writing has the same effect as well, so that's what I'm blogging a bit more again. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-2708868978497340322014-09-04T14:16:00.001-06:002014-09-04T14:16:18.415-06:00EOE - i - o For about 22 years, I have been dealing with issues swallowing my food. I clearly remember the first day it started. I had ordered a special croissant sandwich from a nearby restaurant and was going to attempt to eat it during my senior year lunch period. I took a huge bite of the sandwich, and as I gulped it down, something went wrong. The bite didn't go down, but got hung. And it was very painful. After that time, I had periodic experiences of the same thing. I figured, it was just something odd about me. <br />
<br />
Many years passed. For friends that knew me well, I would give them a heads up at restaurants that if I abruptly disappeared during a meal, I was okay. I just had to relax and get my food to go down, then I could enjoy the meal. It was embarrassing. No one likes to disappear into a bathroom for long periods of time. <br />
<br />
As Paul and I dated, he decided I needed to go to the doctor. I did not want to go. I went once before, and the solution was to stretch out my esophagus. The procedure was expensive (even with insurance), so I had cancelled the day before the appointment. I heard from some a physician I worked with at the time, that he had the same thing, and it would come back. <br />
<br />
After Paul's prompting, I finally went to the doctor and tried to explain what happened to me. During this time, my sister also attended a conference about EOE. So, I had a scope put down my esophagus and a biopsy done, and ta-da! A diagnosis! I had EOE (my sister said she knew it already--sister's always know everything).<br />
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It was nice to know I just wasn't crazy. The real name of EOE is a really long name, eosinophilic esophagitis. It's kind of like too many white blood cells that gather after being triggered by allergies--most of the time to food. The problem is figuring out which one. <br />
<br />
Because I have had years of data experience, one day I was finally able to deduce that I have issues with soy and possibly other legumes. I put this all together because every time I had a Starbucks soy latte, I had horrible heartburn and couldn't eat the rest of the day. And each time I had tuna fish, I would always get the first bite stuck. Also, when I had sushi the same things would happen (I thought it was because the rolls were too big). <br />
<br />
I did some research and exploration and discovered that tuna fish is packed with soy! It's not my favorite food, so I didn't encounter it that often, but each time I did, I would have an issue.<br />
<br />
Since the discover I have had some sushi (I love sushi). But I ate it sans soy sauce. And nothing got stuck!<br />
<br />
I had an issue swallowing a different brand of fish oil the other day, so I looked at the label: soy.<br />
<br />
It feels freeing knowing that I can eat without fear. I tended to avoided some things anyway, but now I know that it's not the texture or the too big of bite, it's EOE. <br />
Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-48875839706452853282014-08-27T15:23:00.000-06:002014-08-27T15:23:08.861-06:00Melatonin and Setting the MoodPaul and I are on a new schedule with the start of school. It involves going to bed early (bleh) and waking up even earlier (double-bleh). <br />
<br />
We've been reading up on ways to get sleepy. So, we've adopted the practice of trying to reduce staring into screens checking up on last minute status posts. We've tried to shut off the t.v. an hour or so before sleeping. We're drinking warm milk. We're reading before bed. And we're taking melatonin.<br />
<br />
I've only sampled it a few times, and it makes me feel a tad groggy. The worst thing is when you still have insomnia after taking one of those things. Not fun. <br />
<br />
I wish I could be a natural early-to-bed/early-to-rise person, but my preferred method of living is the life of a night owl. I get energy at night to watch old reruns on t.v. and start weird projects. Late night snack foods can be the most fun meal of the day!<br />
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<br />
But, I digress. I thought I was out of the early wake-up business when I left teaching, but the school system and its early bird demands has found its way back into my life. It's not a bad trade-off to have a sweet and dear husband, but the summer was an oh-so-sweet time for us! We miss it!<br />
<br />
So, for the next 173 instructional days, we'll be sampling melatonin and doing a slow fade into the land of Sleepytown. <br />
<br />
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz<br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-90589384421522209402014-08-20T15:41:00.000-06:002014-08-20T15:41:11.445-06:00I've Got a Plan! Take 299. I come up with a new exercise and eating plan about once a month. Maybe it's from reading too many health and fitness magazine, because every month, they offer a new plan that will really work this time! If I stuck with <br />
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one plan for longer than about a week, it might actually work. But my theory is if I combine them all, then maybe I will get some amazing combined result. Nevertheless, it's not really working.<br />
<br />
My latest plan involves writing down my food into a little tiny green Moleskine journal. I love those little journals. I figured the journal would really inspire me. It was really a good plan for about three days, then I lost the journal. I continue to refind it, then lose it again. <br />
<br />
Another part of my plan is lifting weights. A friend of mine has jumped into fitness full force and is now going to be competing in a fitness contest. She is lifting weights for an hour and doing cardio for 30 minutes. <br />
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Since I will be hitting 4-0 (gulp!) in the springtime, I have decided that I will do 40 minutes of weightlifting. I'm not planning on doing any contest, but I would like to fit into last year's shorts. <br />
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Usually what happens is I finally let cupcakes and cookies win. After that, I realize that even when I thought I was in bad shape while working out, I am in reallllllly bad shape if I give up all together. So, then I start the process again. I bet when I hit 40 I am going to have all this workout drama settled. Perhaps I need the Moleskine with the pocket in the back. That will help.<br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-34257784300554210482014-08-12T13:57:00.000-06:002014-08-12T13:57:12.271-06:00Laughing 'Till You CryYesterday, Robin Williams' passing hit the news. And then it spread a wave of memories and sadness and ache all over the country. <br />
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Being on the watcher side of movie world makes you feel like you have a connection with actors. You feel like they are your friends. They've made you feel something heavy or light--whatever the case--the best actors have created a connection between themselves and you through the media of movies. <br />
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We quote their lines. We act out their scenes. We relate situations expressed in the movie to ourselves. <br />
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But when one of them passes away from a tragic death, we realize that maybe we didn't quite know that person at all. We forget they had bad days or struggles. We forget they are flesh and blood, just like us.<br />
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I grieve for the real Mr. Williams, the one with family and friends that knew and loved him. And I grieve for those like me--those of us that quote his lines and act out his scenes and had a connection with his movies. <br />
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On behalf of "me," I will treasure what was. Thanks for Mr. Williams for adding laughter and points to ponder to my childhood, teen years, and beyond. I will miss his rapidly thinking mind and uncanny comedic actions. I thank him for the many movies that made me laugh.<br />
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<em>To those of us who remain, carpe diem. God has plans beyond what we can see or know. Trust Him. No matter what your eyes see or your hearts feels, don't give up hope. Ever.</em> <br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-10382124071125115732014-06-10T14:24:00.005-06:002014-06-10T14:25:50.741-06:00Voicing My Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I listen to many people talk. Some are monotone. Some talk fast. Some talk slow. And some speak with much inflection. <br />
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Maybe it's from my years in the theater (okay! I'm counting high school drama club), but I try to make sure that when I speak in front of a group, it's clear speech with some inflection for emphasis. I can do all those things just fine and speak with expression (and even fun accents), but what I really wish I had was a more interesting voice. <br />
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When you hear someone's voice, it instantly sets off synapses in your mind and you quickly form an image and ideas. I wish I had a very recognizable voice like that--a voice of emphasis and strength.<br />
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Perhaps I really just want Maya Angelou's voice. I can't remember the first time I heard it--maybe in a class at school listening to a recording of one of her poems--but I will never forget her voice.<br />
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As I write this, I'm trying to scheme a way I could have a voice like that. All summer I could practice speaking like the dear, late Maya Angelou. It might make people laugh instead of making me sound more dignified. I could never reach that depth and would just wind up sounding silly. <br />
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But I still may practice. <br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-28466612401778595982014-05-09T13:24:00.002-06:002014-05-09T13:24:50.674-06:0070 Years Go By Fast. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe my dad would have been 70 years old today. He passed away at the ever-seeming-younger age of 56 from pancreatic cancer. <br />
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I miss my dad very much, but I am grateful for all the years he lived, because he lived them well. I had a great father who was a loving husband to my mom, a wonderful granddaddy to my nieces and nephews, a dear father-in-law, a kind brother, a silly and trustworthy friend to his many long-time buddies, and a fun co-worker (and his other many, many, titles and roles). He was fun (hence, the party hat), smart, and rolled through life rather peacefully. <br />
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When I think about the years since his death, I reflect on what he missed. I remember that in heaven there are no more tears and no more pain. Some hard things have happened since his death. He missed events like 9-11 and the many tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes. He missed divorces and deaths. He's in heaven which gives me great peace. At the end of life, what's done is done, but you hope to leave a legacy behind you of people seeking out what is truly important in life, and my dad did that. <br />
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If my dad was celebrating his 70th birthday here on this side of life, I bet he would be doing one of his favorite things. Or he'd be wishing he was doing one of those things. <br />
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<b>Bruce's Top 10 List </b><br />
1. Eating some good food.<br />
2. Playing golf. <br />
3. Spending time with his grandkids.<br />
4. Watching a UK game.<br />
5. Driving a fast car.<br />
6. Teasing someone.<br />
7. Underlining passages in his Bible.<br />
8. Reading a John Grisham book.<br />
9. Watching an investigation show.<br />
10. Eating some more good food. :)<br />
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Happy Birthday, Daddy!Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-21864854582950686382014-04-08T14:29:00.000-06:002014-04-08T14:29:03.020-06:00Sit on it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I suppose God made our bodies a little more cushy on the back end to accommodate for sitting. I feel like I sit too much. I sit all day at work. I sit in the car driving to and from work. To relax after work, I sit on the couch. That's a bunch of sitting!<br />
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But then when I stand, I get tired of standing and want to sit. Before a plane ride, I try to stand as much as possible, because on the plane, everyone has to sit for what could be hours.<br />
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I kind of wish someone would event a car that enabled the drive to have a sit or stand choice. Also, this idea could be carried over to plane travel. I would pay extra for a seat that allowed me some stand time. <br />
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I have such hopes for the future--a hope that we will all be standing tall! <br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-55809649401962774362014-02-11T16:56:00.000-06:002014-02-11T16:56:31.515-06:00Thermostat <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aO_8XVTZHQ/UvqovpkwamI/AAAAAAAAB_c/Ur5j8JuqE60/s1600/caroline&charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aO_8XVTZHQ/UvqovpkwamI/AAAAAAAAB_c/Ur5j8JuqE60/s320/caroline&charles.jpg" /></a>Marriage adds new elements to all parts of life. Modern marriage adds the element of room temperature adjustment. I don't know if Charles and Caroline Ingalls ever argued over temperature. If it was cold, they needed more firewood. If it was hot, all they could do was open their one tiny cabin window with real glass and perhaps the door. But in today's day and age, temperature can be adjusted by specific degrees. And all of us, seem to have our preference of temperature.<br />
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I prefer to live out the indoor day on a nice 70 degrees. My sleeping temperature preference is a cool 68 degrees. My husband and I can mostly agree on the day time temperature (of course, most of that time we are at work), but for sleeping temperature, he prefers a warm 72. We've made an adjustment to about 70. Although I sneak it down an extra degree after I noticed he has set it up a degree or two. He usually notices. <br />
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If my temperature is off by just a couple of degrees, I wake up with sweat around my hairline. It's really weird. How does my body know the temperature is not my favorite? You'd think if I was sleeping, I would just sleep and not be so picky. <br />
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I might develop a match-making website called "Six Degrees of Separation." If a couple was too many degrees different in temperature preference, the relationship would not be a match for the system. In real relationships temperature differences can still work--but effort on behalf of both parties must be instituted such as adding elements like flannel pajamas or a partial bed heating element.<br />
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I have not included the sleeping element of a fan (ceiling or boxed) because that would be an entire additional chapter. But for the record, I do like a small fan for white noise, and a ceiling fan on low during the night. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-58301841121247752632014-02-05T17:02:00.000-06:002014-02-05T17:02:08.369-06:00Jesus is Coming Back - ALRIGHT!I made a praise song out of a Backstreet Boys song today. I could not get the song out of my head, so I decided if it wanted to invade my brain and shower time, then it must have a positive purpose. <br />
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I don't know the copyright laws for using the tune and changing the words around. I might need to consult Weird Al. However, I really like the praise song. <br />
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"Are you spiritual? yeah-ahh."<br />
<br />
I tell ya, it's catchy. I really hope Chris Tomlin doesn't read my blog. He might take my idea. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-87784865157131833392013-12-24T10:46:00.000-06:002013-12-24T10:46:03.169-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're celebrating our first Christmas tomorrow. "We" as in me and Paul. <br />
<br />
We've been sharing tales of Christmases past doing our best to morph them into something that is our own. Paul has been exploring traditions of Santa and the Christian meaning. I am trying to break free from the notion that Santa gifts are left unwrapped, fresh out of the red velvet bag, under the tree. Paul grew up with wrapped Santa gifts. The Santa that came to my childhood house was in a hurry, and probably pretty tired, so the gifts were just left as is.<br />
<br />
Christmas seems to give a different lesson every year, no matter what your age. It's a time of remembrance, reflection, and restoration (I love alliteration!). <br />
<br />
<b>Remembrance:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The faces, smiles, hugs, and laughs of loved ones. </li>
<li>What it was like to be a kid at Christmas. </li>
<li>Shaking gifts without breaking them trying to guess the surprise. </li>
<li>Not sleeping very well. </li>
<li>Different dishes that remind of us of relatives. (Aunt Mischelle's taco mound; Uncle Charles' fruitcake; Aunt Connie's broccoli casserole)</li>
</ul>
<b></b><br />
<div>
<b> Reflection:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Thinking about what went right and wrong with past Christmases.</li>
<li>Gleaning out the truly important parts of the past. </li>
<li>Confessing my past attitudes on unmet expectations.</li>
<li>Reading the story of the birth of Christ in Luke.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Restoration:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Leaving behind grievances. </li>
<li>Looking ahead to new beginnings represented by the hope of baby Jesus. </li>
<li>Accepting Christmas as a gift not of just presents and the presence of people, but as a symbol of God's ultimate gift of the sacrifice of His son. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Merry Christmas. And God bless us, every one!<br />
<br />Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-71655416676084739722013-11-26T16:45:00.002-06:002013-11-26T16:45:11.956-06:00Beth the Grate-fulIn high school, I called myself Beth the Great. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I mixed a World Civilization lesson with my old teenage self-absorption. <br />
<br />
But on this eve of the eve of Thanksgiving, I pronounce myself, Beth the Grate-ful! <br />
<br />
It's easy to focus on the have-nots of the world. As humans, we're more likely to be looking at the greener grass or what is missing instead of the abundance we have.<br />
<br />
I am grateful. <br />
I am grateful for the love of Jesus Christ in my heart that gives me a peace that passes all understanding. <br />
I am grateful I know there is life beyond this life. <br />
I am grateful for those that love me. <br />
I am grateful for those that let me love them. <br />
I am grateful for laughter.<br />
I am grateful for the beauty of God's creation. <br />
I am grateful for breathing and living this day!<br />
<br />
My prayer is to stay grateful! I pray not to let grumpiness get in my gizzard (I really don't know what that means, but it seemed like a Thanksgiving saying). I pray to see things in the right perspective under the microscope of Christ, rather than one I've fashioned myself.<br />
<br />
Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-14254448868518907262013-10-24T12:10:00.003-06:002013-10-24T12:10:46.506-06:00Free Whale-y<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44DsqExzXbY/Umlhp_7odsI/AAAAAAAAB9A/RZr3NsKEEfQ/s1600/whale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_212378="null" isa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44DsqExzXbY/Umlhp_7odsI/AAAAAAAAB9A/RZr3NsKEEfQ/s1600/whale.jpg" /></a></div>I have mixed excitement and fear about watching Blackfish, a documentary about orcas. I took a trip to SeaWorld in San Antonio several years back, but we weren't able to get into the Shamu show. After I got back, I watched some videos about when the Killer Whale shows went wrong. I never thought about times when Shamu wasn't happy to wave and splash and be rewarded with fish, but those times happen.<br />
<br />
After I heard about a trainer that died because of being attacked by a whale, I did some Internet research on the specific whale involved in the attacks, and I was a bit disturbed. The same whale has been involved in a total of three human deaths. The whale always seemed to have an alibi. This whale is still an active part of SeaWorld today. There are just more rules for his handlers.<br />
<br />
I am little too passionate now about killer whales in captivity. I never saw the movie <i>Free Willy</i>, but I visited Keiko, the actual whale who was portrayed in the movie. I saw him at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. At one point, my brother and I had to tap on the glass, because he appeared to be floating too easily in the tank. We thought his ship may had sailed! <br />
<br />
Now, my views are that whales should not used in shows to entertain humans. I read a quote today from the creator of the Blackfish documentary that said she didn't think people needed to be able to see an orca do the macarena, and I agree. <br />
<br />
I hope that one day our society will wake up to many things, and this is just one that has sparked my heart. I do believe God gave us the responsibility of caring for animals, and by capturing them for our entertainment, we're putting not just the animals at risk, but humans as well. It's not worth the cost.Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-59267690396296108112013-10-16T14:57:00.001-06:002013-10-16T14:57:24.850-06:00If I Were a Native American, I Would Be a Kolache<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90YrDkKXFZc/Ul783MLtHoI/AAAAAAAAB7g/Nb0nTxODH_E/s1600/kolache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_271389="null" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90YrDkKXFZc/Ul783MLtHoI/AAAAAAAAB7g/Nb0nTxODH_E/s1600/kolache.jpg" xsa="true" /></a></div>(note: this post is for non-Houstonians)<br />
<br />
[Beth's creative phonics: Kah-loche-eee]<br />
<br />
I discovered something amazing in Houston. I discovered it years ago, and often forget that it is pretty much a regional thing. <br />
<br />
Unlike the title of this post suggests, "kolache" is not a tribe. It's actually a delicious Czech-American breakfast treat or dessert. Kolaches can be savory or sweet, but they are always wonderful to eat.<br />
<br />
The dough of a kolache is like tasty sweet bread, and the sweet kolaches have filling that is sometimes fruity or cream cheese. The savory kolaches are pretty creative. It could be described as a "pig in a blanket," but I would describe it as a dough pinata--inside are the goodies! I have had sausage and egg, potato and egg, ham and cheese--the possibilities are endless. <br />
<br />
There are entire stores dedicated to kolaches. Their hours follow doughnut shop hours. When a co-worker brings kolaches, it's just as amazing (or better) as when they bring doughnuts. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-61066519483206551692013-09-20T09:44:00.002-06:002013-09-20T09:48:55.212-06:00F+V=:)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you eat fruits and veggies every day? When is the last time you've consumed a piece of fruit or a serving of vegetables? Sometimes it can be hard to remember. <br />
<br />
I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable, but I only ask these questions, because I ask them to myself. And, because I care for you. I really wish things like pizza, doughnuts, bread, and cheese helped keep my ticker in tip-top shape, but that's not how God made us. What is kind of ironic is that when you start eating good foods, you begin to crave them. But when you start eating bad foods, you can start to crave those, too. <br />
<br />
One of my staples is an apple a day. I've started to add in carrots when I can. Some may say this is a horse diet. Perhaps I shall add hay. (kidding!!) I have a tough time adding in lettuce without accompanying it with some ranch or blue cheese or some other rich food to wash it down. <br />
<br />
I have this dream that if I was really skinny, then I would <i>need</i> to eat cupcakes and doughnuts. I don't think that is a proper view of nutrition or diet. Skinny people that can seem to eat everything bad only perpetuate this improper thinking. But my secret thoughts are that those skinny people have horrible cholesterol readings, or their metabolism will slow down one day and they'll join the rest of America's reality. <br />
<br />
But the real question is do I consume food or does it consume me? Hmmm. Deep thoughts for the weekend. Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-60001388927010982352013-08-02T13:12:00.000-06:002013-08-02T13:12:58.480-06:00BreathingIt's important to breathe. For humans, it's vital. It's also important for sanity. Breathing helps oxygen get to the brain and extremities so all the body can work in unison.<br />
<br />
I'm married. And I probably should have breathed more during the wedding, but sometimes life goes so fast, you forget it you were breathing or not. <br />
<br />
We had a lovely, lovely wedding. Our main mission was accomplished: we got married. Our favorite part was driving away from the reception. At that point, it was like we both took a huge breath and said, "We're married!!"<br />
<br />
Now, we are still taking moments to pause and breathe as Paul finishes up grad school, and we figure out how to create a home together.<br />
<br />
We are blessed. So blessed. We thank God for the life He has given us. We thank Him for our union. And we thank him for giving us life and enabling us to breathe.Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-41841450476216908882013-06-06T10:58:00.001-06:002013-06-06T10:58:18.687-06:00Tick Tock Goes the Clock on SinglehoodI'm getting married. I've been praying about being married for about 100 years. <br />
<br />
When I was pre-twenties, I assumed I would be married by about 25. I never had dreams of my wedding, but I thought I would be married one day--not sure to who that was going to be, but I thought it would just happen.<br />
<br />
In my early twenties, I had many friends get married. Most of them married college sweethearts. I never had any college sweetheart of sorts, but I had a great college life. God took me on many adventures.<br />
<br />
In my late twenties, I was recovering from my dad's death and heartache and thought about marriage, but didn't obsess over it. I had moved to a city with lots of single people where being single as a late-twenty-something was not abnormal. <br />
<br />
In my early thirties, I started thinking about things a bit more seriously, and wondered if I would ever be married. I started a SWPW group (Single Women Prayer Warriors). Our goal was to pray for our husbands each week, and the ultimate goal was to have no one show up because everyone would be on a date. Through the next several years, it felt like most of those ladies in the group married--minus myself.<br />
<br />
In my mid/later thirties, I would ride the wave of doubt, acceptance, frustration, jealousy, and contentment. It was hard. Do you give up a desire you have to make the hurt go away? Or is your view supposed to be more of acceptance and thankfulness for the blessings of where you are? <br />
<br />
When I was 20, I had a attended a missions conference where a speaker stated she had married at 40 and was so glad she waited. At that time, I said to God, "Please, Lord, no!!!" As I've gotten closer to 40, I thought maybe God was having me wait. <br />
<br />
The last few years, God has refined me even more. He taught me not to make marriage an idol. He showed me how He could use me as a single in ways He could not if I was married. He has given me some amazing Godly women that helped me remember I wasn't single still because I was unwanted or ugly--because the single ladies around me were very much worthy and beautiful and loved the Lord deeply. He taught me that my relationship with Him is always first. I should not look at myself as unworthy, but I should be careful with the men that I let in my life. If they didn't respect my God or know Him and love Him, I did not need to flirt with letting them close to me. Nothing is worth sacrificing my relationship with God.<br />
<br />
The days before I got a text from my now fiance, I spent them with a dear friend who had a special love for her recently deceased spouse. I also spent time with a friend who is a young mom and witnessed her youngest child's first steps. And I spent time with a couple I knew as they were newlyweds and got to see their family function with their three children. It was a great time. It was kind of like God revealed to me that the idea of love and family didn't have to be foreign to me. Sometimes as singles it seems like a very far away concept. It doesn't take a special degree or revelation, but it does take great commitment, patience, and prayer. <br />
<br />
I was able to spend some time praying and confessing the desires of my heart while being thankful to God for where I was. And knowing that no matter what the circumstances, the Lord, my maker, is my true husband and protector. <br />
<br />
Like God does best, He blessed me without me being able to predict His steps. He has lovingly provided me the gift of a fiance. And in one month from today, I will be married. A new adventure with my Savior and my husband will begin!<br />
<br />
I will keep praying for my husband, but now he has a face, a name, and stinky socks (sorry, Paul!). :) Thank you, God, for bringing me, Paul. Thank you, God, for sustaining me single, married, or whatever. I love you, Lord.<br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-24267349684059020262013-04-24T08:55:00.004-06:002013-04-24T08:55:46.774-06:00Stickers, Represent!I kind of wish I had one of those circle stickers with the number inside on the back of my car. But instead of the miles I ran, it would be my commuting miles. I think it would help people driving with me on the highway to be more compassionate to me and one another.<br />
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<br />
"Oh. Look at that guy! He's a 54.6 miler! Go ahead and let him in. Even without the signal!"Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-26356360704438949272013-04-10T09:01:00.000-06:002013-04-10T09:01:27.346-06:00I'm Getting Married!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Bridezilla part is a joke. :)<br />
<br />
But sometimes it does feel like being a bride-to-be is overwhelming. Whatever. Bring it on!! <br />
<br />
My goal is to be married to Paul. We might not be able to have the perfect ice sculpture or balloon artist at the wedding, but the most important part of the wedding has been promised--a groom who loves the Lord.<br />
<br />
We have been so blessed over the last couple of months of engagement. We've had so many congratulations and so many good wishes and even prayers prayed over us. I've heard stories of people that jumped up and down and cried when they heard the news! Even in Kenya! That touches my heart very deeply. <br />
<br />
It is a very exciting time. I've been trying to stay very ingrained in the Bible understanding the true meaning of a bride and also understanding how God is a god of details, and also grace.<br />
<br />
Since the meeting, dating, and engagement have all happened semi-quickly (it depends on the time-keeper's perspective), we've had to have a quick shift of perspective. When I see bride-to-be items, I say, "Why, hey! That's me!" <br />
<br />
I'm very excited about our special day, but I am also very excited about my life married to Paul. We're also soaking up each of these days of preparation as we continue to make ready our hearts and minds and lives. It can be a bunch to do. But it's a sweet, sweet task. <br />
<br />
Thanks so much for your continued prayers and for the encouragement.<br />
<br />Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-81692511005249701082013-02-15T16:57:00.002-06:002013-02-15T16:57:43.649-06:00Valen-Thanks Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you have a Valentine, the whole Valentine's Day thing takes on new meaning. No longer are the red and white hearts an annoyance--the whole day was more about reflection. It was also about thankfulness. <br />
<br />
My thankfulness wasn't just for the my special sweetheart; it was also for all the other people in my life that love me. All those people have taught me how to love wisely and unconditionally--preparing me to be a better sweetheart. <br />
<br />
I also am thankful for all the examples I see of love--for family, friends, and marriages. And for the ultimate sacrificial love of Jesus. Without his love, I would drain my sweetheart and everyone else in my life dry trying to be filled. Only the love of Christ can truly fill and complete and bring peace. <br />
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I am loved! And so are you!Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-33023389049222235462013-02-08T17:05:00.001-06:002013-02-08T17:05:24.434-06:00My Nails are Red...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and there is a ring on my finger! I am very happy to announce my engagment to Paul Dawson, Jr.!<br />
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He is the love of my life and joy of my heart--2nd place to Jesus, of course! :) <br />
<br />
I am a very unique person, and I didn't know that it was possible for me to find a match. But at 30 and some change (not saying how much change)--I was shown that nothing is impossible with God. <br />
Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-62624872709947121182013-01-09T16:26:00.002-06:002013-01-09T16:32:44.691-06:00Ouch! I Did it Again. <img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv_7WW9rQeU/UO3txpGAF-I/AAAAAAAAB48/nQJpfRkUvCo/s320/winterhat.jpg" width="224" /><br />
I twisted my knee on the treadmill yesterday. It was immediately after praying God would guide me through my training. Perhaps God knew I was on the verge of getting psycho about trying to ensure I was 10K ready. <br />
<br />
I am still going to the Hot Chocolate 10K, but now my focus will be more on the Hot Chocolate, but less on the 10K. <br />
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Bum. Mer. :( <br />
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But I am so excited to see my Asheville peeps! This might just call for a new winter hat! <br />
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Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30944994.post-80613167388902658662013-01-04T16:15:00.000-06:002013-01-04T16:15:45.530-06:00Resolving to Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many things can go wrong when I run. I can get dehydrated or I can over hydrate and have a swishing belly full of water. I can eat too little and feel faint, or eat too much and have stomach cramps. I can over run and stress out my muscles. I can under run and not be prepared for long distances. It's a delicate balance with much room for error. <br />
<br />
I've been running off and on for several years now. But I have still not mastered it. Running has to be consistent. You can work up to a good mileage--and after a week off, be at square one again--which pretty much sums up my running career.<br />
<br />
In about three weeks, I will be running possibly my last race beyond a 5K. I'm doing a 10K in the sweet city of Asheville, NC. I'm running to be with my friend, Peggy, who went through chemo this past year for ovarian cancer. She and her family have always been sweet inpirations for me--including their amazing running abilities. Peggy has a few years on me, but I know she will still leave me in the dust. My goal is to make her not wait for me too long at the finish line. <br />
<br />
Even though running is a tough chore for me, sometimes I do enjoy it. I do feel pretty cleansed after good runs which could be because every pore of my body released about a tablespoon of sweat. (I'm not a pretty runner.) <br />
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If you have made a New Year's Resolution this year to run a bit and need some running "not-to-do" tips, let me know. I have stories which range from passing out in a stranger's yard to tips for why you should not wear anything but black shorts for finish line pictures. I also can give a very moving speech about protecting your toenails.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year! <br />
and Happy Trails!Ulovebethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17321702328072171876noreply@blogger.com0