beth anne

TGIF

2012-01-27T07:20:00.001-06:00

My song recommendation to kick off the last work day of the week:

For real. Go listen and try not to wiggle.

Happy weekend.

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The good life

2012-01-08T23:59:00.001-06:00

I've been enjoying myself the past few weeks while celebrating holidays, football games, work parties, but most of all, family time. We brought home the newest addition, Lucy, shortly after thanksgiving. Her and Ruby became the best of friends and absolutely love one another (If you don't believe me, ask for a special video of the two licking each others tongues.)They snuggle, spoon, and sleep next to each other every night.

Love them. I've also been enjoying my new haircut, aka The Great Chop.

And enjoying the rest of my lovely family.

But what I haven't been enjoying is this monster called NCE. The NCE is my licensing exam and I have to try to slay the monster this week. I was delirious the other day when studying and started drawing pictures of various theories to aid my memory intake.

Whatever it takes for me to pass. I hope everyone has been enjoying life as much as I have. Well, except for the NCE. I wouldn't wish that on anyone! Happy 2012.

Thankful Heart

2011-11-24T14:31:00.001-06:00

First of all, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! My work schedule prevented me from traveling for the holiday but I've been enjoying my time spent cuddling with Ruby and catching up on TV. Speaking of Ruby, my thoughts today keep pulling me back to our upcoming addition to the family. We adopted a dog from the shelter last weekend! We can't bring her home until next week and my patience is running on 10%. We were told that we could come to the shelter any time and see her so that's what we did yesterday. Here are a few pictures from our visit:

Check out that underbite! She reminds us so much of Ruby and I'm hoping they will be best friends forever. She doesn't have a name yet but we have a few ideas that are being bounced around. Updates will come soon.

Gobble gobble.

Take her to sea, Mr. Murdoch

2011-11-07T18:54:00.001-06:00

Say whaaaat?!?

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Titanic-3D-Set-For-April-6-2012-Release-James-Cameron-Demands-That-Your-Heart-Go-On-24786.html

"Is this for real?" said the girl who saw the original Titanic in the theater approximately 17 times.

"Can I preorder tickets for this?" questioned the girl who had multiple scrapbooks of random Leo and Kate pictures circa 1998.

This news makes me excited and embarrassed all at the same time.

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Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:14:00.001-05:00

I think my dog is beginning to dislike me...big time.

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We did it!

2011-08-22T10:55:00.001-05:00

I'm in bed recovering from our awesome weekend. We survived the 8+ hour car ride home yesterday and rolled up to my crib around 4:45pm. I still haven't touched my suitcase. Or my hair. It looks horrendous.

Thank goodness I took off work today. Sometimes I'm very proud of myself for making certain decisions. Other times, notsomuch.

Our last day in Austin was spent getting mani/pedis, eating Greek deliciousness for lunch, laughing, napping, sweating in 104 degrees of suffocating heat, putting on high heels for the first time of the trip, too fine of dining at Perry's, and shufflin' like nobody's business until the early morning.

Did I mention we had a 8+ hour car ride the very next day?

Princess Ann getting pampered:

Liz:

Ann, me and Liz getting our Greek on.

Why my body hates me and my pants won't zip:

Dinner at Perry's:

Anne and Ann:

I want this for breakfast right now:

All of the pictures are from my phone so they aren't that great.

This little angel apparently acted out on a daily basis while I was gone. She hasn't left my side since I got home yesterday. If only she knew how to unpack my suitcase and start the laundry...

Is this considered a honky tonk?

2011-08-20T09:23:00.001-05:00

Austin day #3 has arrived and it appears the amount of luggage we initially brought with us has doubled in size. My concern isn't the lack of floor space in the condo but rather the lack of space in our departing car tomorrow. Something is getting strapped on to the roof.

Yesterday was one of the laziest days I've had in many, many moons. Liz and I stayed at the condo while everyone else went tubing. Liz napped on multiple occasions and I have no clue what I did to pass the time. I didn't read, watch tv, or exit the condo to sightsee. I think I walked around aimlessly and played in my phone. I can't remember how I spent six hours of my day yesterday.

We met up with everyone to eat then go to River Road Icehouse in New Braunsfels. Curtis Grimes was performing and not knowing who in the world he was I listened with an open mind (and wide eyes because he was nice to look at). I ended up buying his compact disc (I'm bringing the word back) and will think about listening to it.

I would post more but the smell of bacon is permeating the room and as much as I want to update, I want bacon more. Clearly I haven't had my share of meat (see picture above) in the past few days so I need to jump on this opportunity before the other hens wake up.

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Austin Extravaganza

2011-08-19T13:31:00.001-05:00

I'm in Austin, TX for Elizabeth's bachelorette festivities and enjoying every minute. I mean, it's 1:00pm on a Friday and I'm still in my pj's. Who wouldn't be enjoying this?

We are on our second day of celebrating and we've quickly realized that we aren't as young as we once were. Last night we all got really excited of the fact that we didn't have to work the next day. Rewind to five years ago and the concept of having a job to begin with was completely foreign.

Sweet Elizabeth:

Ann and Elizabeth:

Anne, me, and Ann:

I know I've mentioned the confusion that happens when we all are together because our names are all the same, we just all go by different versions. Here is the line up for the weekend:

Elizabeth
Liz
Beth Anne
Anne
Ann
Misty
Kristy

Not lying. My favorite part is when the waitress/waiter returns our credit cards and has to use last names to simplify things.

More to come later...maybe.

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Paint me pretty, please

2011-08-13T17:26:00.001-05:00

I went to Corks N' Canvas last Thursday with a few friends from work. We painted some New Orleans style blue house. Check, check, check it out.

The final product:

If you look very closely on the left side (in the grass) you'll see a shout out to My True Blood fans.

I've been wanting to paint something for my bathroom and I decided to make time this weekend to finally do it.

A little bit closer now:

Then I decided to paint a mustache and hang it above my back door.

I think it's my favorite.

Happiness is ...

2011-08-12T16:44:00.001-05:00

I feel the need to tell someone (or everyone for that matter) that I just received one of the best surprise gifts ever.

The show is coming to Baton Rouge next month and I'm going! Not only will I be there but the tickets are on the 4th row. What! What!

Aqua Euphoria

2011-06-19T12:52:00.001-05:00

-Beth Anne

Santa's coming!

2011-06-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

Or at least that's what I feel like at the moment. Tomorrow night is my "Christmas Eve in June" and here's why.

We...

are going to the...

and we (see first picture) are going to ...

and see...

next door at the ...

I feel like this...

when I think about it.

-Beth Anne

I miss my friends

2011-06-13T21:03:00.001-05:00

I miss ...

Jack.
Kate.
Claire.
Sawyer.
Juliet.
Sun and Jin.
Locke.
Ben.
Hurley.
Sayid.
Desi.
Charles Widmore.
Jacob.

I want to go back.

I miss him, too.

-Beth Anne

Country comes to town

2011-06-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

Zero rest was experienced this past weekend as Todd, Ruby and I were in Houston for Todd's sister's engagement party. Whoever says Houston is only a four hour car ride from Baton Rouge has completely lost their mind (or sense of time). Maybe from city limit to city limit is only 4 hours but every time I've gone to visit we have to drive like 30-45 minutes outside of Houston. Don't get me wrong, the homes I've stayed in were super fine and totally worth the commute if you live in that area but I can't fathom driving that much everyday. Maybe it's because I live three miles from my work and can arrive at my destination within 10 minutes.

Todd's sister, Rebecca and her fiance' Chuck, live in Pearland, TX. We made it there around 10:45 Friday night and stayed awake visiting until 1am. They have two dogs which Ruby took a liking to immediately.

We ran a few errands on Saturday and spent the afternoon with Todd and Rebecca's parents after they made it in from Louisiana. The party was that night so we made it a low key kind of day.

Then we started to get dressed. Little did I know that I had made great packing choices because usually I only wear two of the ten pairs of shoes that I tend to pack.

Let me back up to the tone of the party. Invitations were a BBQ design that said it was a BBQ gathering... in Texas. The list of different outfits to choose from was endless. I could totally wear cowboy boots with my coral dress! Maybe some turquoise jewelry? Yee-haw Texas! Let's boot, scoot, and boogie! That was kind of my thought process. Then I google-earth'ed the address on the invitation and saw what appeared to be a museum. Hmm, something told me to pack my nude pumps just in case. Then again, google earth was more than likely wrong.

THANK THE LORD I am an over packer.

My gut told me to wear my pumps and I can't tell you how glad I am that they were with me. The home that the party was held at was not so much a home as it was a chateau. It was this gigantic, gorgeous home that had window treatments that were more expensive than my entire life. The entrance had a huge staircase that at any given moment the Von Trapp kids could have easily decensded and I wouldn't have been surprised. The backyard had statues, a pool, and I'm pretty sure there was something there that resembled a hedge maze. It was beautiful but the entire time I kept thinking, "What would I have done if I had worn cowboy boots?" They would have greeted me with the same warm, friendly salutations with or without the boots but boy am I glad I felt semi-dressed the part.

Later on (somewhere between my third and fourth glass of wine), at the dinner portion of the party, someone (possible Chuck) stood up to give a toast. Well, being the young, fresh, confident stranger to the party, yours truely belts out a loud "Woo!" after his speech ended. Apparently this expression of approval is not what everyone else had in mind. They prefer 'Hear Hear". Which is what everyone else said but me. I think I was embarrased? I really don't remember. My nerves were saturated in alcohol at this point.

Ahh, the joy of new adventures.

-Beth Anne

Beth Anne and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Morning

2011-05-27T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning was one of those "Are you for real?" kind of mornings. The morning where you didn't want to get out of bed to begin with. The morning where you wake up from a rough, sleepless night way before your alarm went off and think, "At least I will be early for work today". An Eeyore kind of morning where the expression "Oh bother" comes before "Good Morning". A morning where a reset button would be much appreciated.

Enough prefacing and on to the story.

I frantically grabbed my belongings before heading out the door for work (cheese, water, ...purse in the car...) I was on the phone with a coworker and extremely distracted. Luckily I didn't forget Ruby so she and her leash were taking up the other hand not holding my variety of items.

Out the door we went.

Keys locked inside the house.

Oh Fudge.

I tried to open the door with every piece of object in my yard but it wouldn't budge. I dug threw my mailbox to see if there were any credit card offers but there weren't.

Ruby and I made our way to my sister's house a few houses down, more like ten houses. My brother in law gave me two credit cards to try on the front door so Ruby and headed back home.

[cue rain]

It's hot, humid, and rainy. My once groomed hair now looks like a lion's mane and my fancy leather shoes look three shades darker.

[cue misery]

[cue poor attitude]

[cue Ruby getting out of her collar and running down the street. Don't worry, I caught her]

Credit cards didn't work. Neither did hopes or wishes in this case.

Pop-a-lock works. At least if I give them $59.95.

I tried to make the best of the situation. The rain eventually stopped, Ruby happily played in the backyard, I had my cheese and water if necessary, and a new Pottery Barn catalog in my mailbox. I waited for an hour for Pop-a-lock to come.

Once they arrived and opened my door I had to show them proof of residence in the form of bills, which I had plenty to display.

[cue financial stress]

[cue $59.95 escaping from my already struggling funds]

What a morning.

Recent Obsessions

2011-05-25T21:21:00.001-05:00

Since Brooke and Joey's wedding was on Friday, I had the entire weekend to lounge and do absolutely nothing (expect working on my fitness, of course). OK, I lied. I didn't work out at all this weekend unless you count driving across town to pick up Jacques a work out.

I spent the majority of the weekend watching television shows on my on-demand programming. Since I am usually behind the times when it comes to all things cool, except for LOST and dying my hair dark, you shouldn't be surprised that I hadn't seen a single episode of True Blood prior to a few days ago.

I started with the first episode in season 3. Logically choice. Here is a vague memory of my train of thoughts as I started this journey of vampire love:

1. Hahaha! Why are they talking like that?!? They sound ridiculous!
2. Let me guess. The setting of this show is probably somewhere down south where our accents sound exactly like Sookie and Bill's do.Give me a break.
3. Did they say Bon Temps? As in Laissez les bons temps rouler? As in what I associate New Orleans Mardi Gras with?
4. I'm going to look this up on wikipedia.
5. SERIOUSLY? The setting is a fictional town in Louisiana? How did I not know this before now?? What a dumb name for a town! And what a dumb way to pronounce it, Bill Compton!
6. This show is very intense.
7. This show is very bloody.
8. This show has way too much bloody sex. And no, I don't mean bloody in the same way the Brits use it. I mean BLOODY.
9. Eww.

Then I proceed to watch the next 12 episodes.

The second show I discovered is this little gem: United States of Tara

It's so interesting watching the struggles of someone with DID. I mean, I've seen my fair share of Sybil but Toni Collette does such a great job at portraying the character! I pray to the Lord that I never (or anyone I know for that matter) develop DID but if it happened, I would like to think I could handle it the same way her character does. It's on Showtime. Ch, Ch, Check it out.

Brooke & Joey love each other

2011-05-25T20:11:00.000-05:00

Brooke and Joey got married this past weekend and it was glorious. The wedding and reception was held at White Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge. They are currently in Disney World for their honeymoon and I can't wait for them to get back so we can talk about how lovely everything turned out, such as:

These adorable hangers that Brooke made us

Brooke and I pre-ceremony

Her beautiful cake and our gorgeous bouquets

Groom's cake

Slideshow in one of the entry ways

Wedding pictures of family members

Lovely flowers made by Brooke's aunt

Mr. and Mrs.

First Dance

Father and Bride dance

Wedding party dance

Me and Todd

Me and Joey

Beth and Beth

Prepared for Disney

While they are playing in Epcot, I get the honor of dogsitting one of their pups: Jacques, a toy poodle. Ruby is in dog heaven with someone here to play with. They are driving me nuts.

Move it or Lose it, Snow White

2011-05-15T19:15:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I went to the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, LA. The website provides the following information:

"We seek to be a center of excellence in education; to create a perfect place in which threatened and endangered wildlife, from around the world, live and flourish in a free-roaming natural environment. A place where children, adults, students, and teachers embrace the values of active conservation and wildlife preservation through hands-on education and first-person sensory experience. Get ready for a wild adventure at the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the country! The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana is home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world."

We took a private tour which allowed the four of us to ride in a jeep-type vehicle and go off roads to meet the animals up close and personal. Let me tell you, we got very close and super personal. I yelled like a five year old only on one occasion but in my defense, I was surrounded by 3 million deer who were all up in my grill. Apparently I am not as fond of wildlife as I thought. As the ride went on I became a bit more comfortable. At times I would sit in the middle and take pictures of everyone else. It wasn't that I wanted to embrace my photography skills, more like not faint and leave my lifeless body for the wild ones to pass around. All of the animals were tame and our driver said she had never seen any aggressive behavior out of them. I'm a skeptic.

I did get many awesome pictures (which are still on my camera that is currently located at my sister's house who is presently at the beach until next week). I can show you the ones on my phone.

Like this one:

This is a camel.

This is an older camel. His birth name is Aladdin but we called him "Too cool for school camel"

This is a giraffe.

This is my "ohmygosh please hurry and take the picture before he smells my fear and eats my face" look.

I highly recommend this place if you love animals or want to feel more cultured about yourself.

Rambling Thoughts: From Mine to Yours

2011-05-02T18:46:00.000-05:00

Things that have been on my mind lately:

1. My Grandmother and how I wish I could see her more often.
2. Ruby and if she's destroying the house while I'm away at work. And if she's lonely.
3. Losing weight and why I talk myself out of working out almost every day. NOT TODAY THOUGH...more to come in a bit.
4. Storms and how I plan on building a cute storm cellar to my house one day.
5. How awesome my birthday weekend was.
6. How awesome Cinco de Mayo is going to be with friends.
7. How awesome the Global Wildlife Center will be this weekend. Hopefully I can channel my inner Brian Fellows and provide comedic relief if necessary.
8. Work.
9. Money.
10. Getting my diplomas/certificate framed after many, many months of planning to do so.
11. Where to go for July 4th.
12. Updating my blog.
13. Words with Friends.

So many thoughts. I think of 90% of these daily. It can be exhausting. Moving on.

Ok, I did the 99 workout! Well, I'll be honest. It wasn't so much a 99 workout as it was a 55 workout. I started with the 55 set and went all the way down to the 11 minute run request, which I only did 5 minutes. I drank a ton of water and couldn't move any longer without the fear of bursting.

My totals:
154 Jumping Jacks
154 crunches
154 seconds wall sit
154 leg lifts
14 push ups

It took 30 minutes total (before the 11 minute run) and it was a really good workout! My legs felt like lead cacti after the 44 set leg lifts, those were brutal. After I came home I thought I was going to fall asleep within twenty minutes. I'm not sure if it was the workout (it's been 2 hours and I'm not tired anymore) or just a brief moment of exhaustion. Probably the latter. I know I could have done the 66 set so I will probably start from that one next time.

Bye.

Reading this makes my legs hurt

2011-04-21T18:27:00.002-05:00

This workout (I think called The 99 workout) was seen earlier today during my daily perusing of the blog world. At first I couldn't fathom completing this monstrosity of a sweat fest but after reading other people experiences I think I might try it! I mean, it is supposed to take 60 minutes and I know I can handle a solid hour of exercise...thanks to step, spin, and circuit training classes...but I am already feeling self defeated when I think about the 99 workout. What if I changed the 11 minute run to an 11 minute walk/cool down? That change already makes me feel better.

Am I going to try this? Yes. Am I going to try it this weekend? Doubt it. Am I going to blog my experience? Of course. Should you hold your breath? Nope.

I presented the workout to a co-worker by saying, "I have a new workout that I want you to try so afterwards you can convince me to try it, too." I am all about others convincing me to do things. Not my best characteristic.

Take THAT, impossible to love dress!

2011-04-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

Who remembers this post? I HATED the way this dress looked on me all three times I wore it! BCBG is pricey and I was determined to get my money's worth out of it so I took it to my fantastic alteration lady and asked her what she could do. She hemmed the length and took it up in certain places and also sewed up the rather deep V neckline. After adding a belt and slapping on some Jergens Natural Glow I was prepared to give this dress another try.

versus

What do you think?

Brooke's Bridal Shower

2011-04-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in a few post ago, I helped host a bridal shower for my friend Brooke. The shower was held at her house during the afternoon and a "Gaudy Gala" dinner followed that night. The concept of the Gaudy Gala was to pile on as much jewelry as you could find. I had a really hard time deciding what was tacky vs. gaudy.

Here are a few pictures from the shower:

See that centerpiece? I made that! I had to youtube a few video tutorials but I thought it turned out very pretty! To the right of the flowers there is a vase with cake pops that I made as well. That experience is a whole different story.

Up close photo of the spread

Katie, Kerri, Brooke, April, Beth, and me

Another picture of Brooke with her bridesmaids

Brooke and her sister, April

Brooke and Katie at the Gaudy Gala

Brooke and her mother

Kerri (sister of groom) and Patsy (mother of groom)

Brooke and April

Brooke and friends (me on the end)

After dinner a few of us went back to Brooke's and played Scribblish for a little while. It was hysterical.

The next morning we woke up (at 7:30am) and began cooking breakfast. I made Katie's delicious sausage, cream cheese, crescent roll things. Brooke made biscuits with blackberries and honey. We had fresh fruit and scrambled eggs with fresh coffee. Yum. We sat around the table and enjoyed wrapping up before everyone left.

I'm sad it's over! So much preparation for it to go by so fast! Is this how people feel about their weddings??

Happy Birthday to ME!

2011-04-11T14:06:00.000-05:00

An invitation arrived in the mail today that looked like this:

It says "Celebrate" in real life but the computer won't let me save the flipped version.

That's me!

The inside reads:

March and April bring many birthdays

for our growing family,

so let's get together for a Cookout

...a good time it's sure to be!

My mom is throwing a birthday party for yours truly! Well, it's for me and six others. It's going to take one big cake to get all of our names on there. Can't wait!

Weekend Ending

2011-04-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend I had. I haven't uploaded the pictures so I'll wait and write a full review once I have them to ready to share. I helped host a bridal shower and bachelorette dinner for my friend, Brooke and it was so, so wonderful. She has such great friends and family that it's always fun to get together. Brooke, as usual, looked stunning and appeared to have a blast at both events, which made it not only wonderful but successful as well.

Full review coming soon.

Mary Michael's First Birthday

2011-04-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Can you believe an entire year has passed since my second niece arrived? This was Mary Michael's debut last April Fools Day...

...and here she is now!

Isn't she beautiful?

She celebrated her first birthday with a party at her house. My sister and BIL held the party in their front yard and before twenty minutes had gone by there were tons of people.

Paw Reynold (maternal grandfather) and Pops (my dad)

Bubbles painted faces for the kids. Can anyone recognize the blonde to the far left? :)

Mary Michael taking a ride in her wagon

Mary Scott holding on to her cookie

Madisyn Paige, Mary Scott, and Juliana

She even stays clean while smashing her cake. Her face at least.

I didn't take many pictures so I borrowed these from my other sister Kathryn (Mary Scott's mom), who is pregnant again! Niece #3 or nephew #1 coming up this October!

My mom had come in a few days earlier so I got to spend a few quality days with her and let me tell you, it was WONDERFUL. I've decided that if she lived within thirty miles of here then I would move back in her. I woke up to her sweeping my carpet while brewing a fresh pot of coffee. She made me oatmeal fudge, home cooked suppers, the list could go on and on. Mom, come and see me ANYTIME! I miss you!

With the hustle and bustle of events surrounding this weekend and the party itself, I didn't get a chance to sit down and hang out with other members of the family like my sisters and BILs. Luckily we are all going to be in Shreveport for Easter in a few weeks so we can catch up then.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

2011-03-22T18:52:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was Baton Rouge's "Wearin' of the Green" parade. My friends Emily and Pat came in from Shreveport and Jordan and Halie participated in the festivities, too. The weather was great and it was nice to let loose with close friends.

Me and Cody

Me and Jordan

Emily and Halie

Pat...wearing Shrek ears.

Pat and Todd

Pat and Jordan

Happy Tuesday!

NYC Recap

2011-03-20T12:43:00.000-05:00

I'm sad to say that most of my oh-so-recent vacation seems like a blur. I have to look at my pictures to remember everything that we did.

NYC Day #2:

So on day 2 we decided to venture over to see the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. We bought a four day tour/bus pass with CitySights and were able to get on and off at various locations in Manhattan. The weather was gorgeous! Part of our pass included a voucher for the ferry ride so we were able to skip the ticket line. We did have to wait in the ferry line for a while but we passed the time by eating delicious pizza pretzels. So good.

As soon as we stepped off on Lady Liberty's homeland the wind and coldness attacked me like a million razor blades. Without tall buildings there was nothing stopping the wind. And right there on the water. MISERY.

We skipped Ellis Island because a)I've already been and b)Todd didn't seem to care enough to go and c)we had plans for later that night. We double-decker bussed our way back to the hotel to get ready to head to Brooklyn. A friend of mine from college is now living there and performing/hosting/writing/producing his way to the top. He was hosting his monthly comedy show and invited us to come. I mean, it was open to the public so we would have shown up with our without his invite.

Once again, I allowed Zach to entertain me and was not disappointed. We meet friends of his who were fabulous. They were from Canada which automatically makes me cooler. We danced, laughed, and took way too many pictures. We were educated on a dance move called "Fast legs slow arms" and to return the favor I educated them on how to "drop it like it's hot". Canada = 1; US = 0.

NYC Day #3

Saturday was a rainy, rainy, rainy day in NYC. It rained from before we woke up to after we went to sleep. Luckily I was prepared and packed my rain boots and umbrella. Todd, not so prepared. He had to buy an umbrella from a vendor on the street.

We decided to spend Saturday doing the indoor activities we had planned. We first went to the Museum of Natural History. Note for future reference: Every child in NYC will visit the museum on a rainy weekend day. It was 100% chaos. I think Todd and I silently argued with one another for a good hour when we first arrived. The iPhone application that I purchased to help navigate the museum was useless because of poor cell reception and Todd tried to understand the map, which was somewhat confusing. I'm usually very good with maps and direction but that day I was terrible. I think I was flustered with the chaos surrounding me that I wasn't able to concentrate on the directions. There goes my idea of being a contestant on Amazing Race. Anyway, we found our way to the cafeteria and $40.00 later plus two massive headaches, we sat down to eat dry pizza and state spinach wraps. Oh and my new rain boots were so heavy that my feet feel asleep while sitting down.

After moving away from the entrance we found the rest of the museum to be much quieter. Here are a few exhibits we saw:

We left the museum and made our way back to the hotel. After regrouping we decided to take the subway to Grand Central Terminal and walked around a bit. It was much less appealing in real life. I bought us cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery but between me and you, I've had much better. (Wow, why does this trip recap sound so negative? We really had a great time!)

We took the subway back to our hotel to regroup once more. I'm not sure why we continued to regroup but I think it was because of the rain and not knowing any other place to go. We decided to venture out for Italian food and ate at this fantastic little place. Delicious. I didn't take any pictures from dinner. The rain made me look like a drowned rat.

NYC Day #4:

Monday was our last day in NYC. Luckily the weather was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful.

We enjoyed the uptown double decker tour that took us around the outskirts of Central Park. We saw all of the museums and Harlem, too. After the tour we ate at a restaurant in Times Square called Maxie's. Todd's idea. It had like 30% positive reviews. The food wasn't bad, though. After lunch we picked up our tickets for the NBC Studio Tour and perused the NBC store. I was so terribly excited about the tour. Anyone who knows me knows my love from SNL runs deep. The SNL studio wasn't in use so we got to see where everything takes place! Pictures weren't allowed but I took many in my head. Mainly I imagined myself performing various skits with older cast members like Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri. It was, hands down, the highlight of my trip. We also got to see Jimmy Fallon and Dr. Oz's studio. They are all so small in real life. Loved, loved, loved the NBC Studio Tour and would recommend it to anyone visiting.

Afterwards we went and did our "Top of the Rock" tour. It took a while to get through the lines and make our way to the top but the views were awesome.

We went to FAO Schwarz and bought my nieces some goodies. I felt sluggish and gross because of the poor choices in food I had made during my trip so the only thing that sounded appetizing to me was a bowl of cereal. Todd, being the gentleman he is, found a diner close to our hotel called Applejack Diner. They served all kinds of cereal.~~Then we each got a slice of 99 cent pizza.~~

That's it!

NYC Vacation

2011-03-12T18:40:00.000-06:00

We're back from NYC and I survived the whirlwind of work that was waiting for me. I love vacation but I really dislike coming back to work.

NYC was great. I've come to the final conclusion that I won't be able to ever live in a city that has four seasons because being cold was terrible! My face was freezing when the wind hit it! Great weather except for the one day it rained the ENTIRE day but I didn't complain because my new rain boots were put to use. We also spent the majority of that day doing indoor stuff. That post will come. For now, I am going to start at the beginning of the trip.

We went to NO Thursday night so we could catch our 6am flight on Friday morning. It was hard for me to fall asleep because I was so excited to get on the plane. We flew JetBlue of course, because they are awesome. Can't say the same for our flight attendants. They didn't smile once but then again, it was pre-dawn.

We arrived to NYC around ten then went and dropped our luggage off at our hotel, Park Central. Upon arriving, we saw this:

WHAT? When I made the reservation the lady promised me there were no bedbug incidents. LIAR. Or so I thought. I politely confronted the nice lady at the desk (who was withdrawing money from my credit card) and she gave some long speech about the labor union using it as a scare tactic because the hotel company has recently been using workers from craigslist and not those from the union and the union workers were mad and blah blah blah. Was I nervous? Yes. Did I get a single bed bug bite? Nope. Scare tactics are unnecessary.

I have nothing but positive things to say about our hotel. It was conveniently located, clean, friendly, and the rooms were HUGE. And the price was pretty awesome, too.

We put our luggage in the storage area of the hotel and walked outside to grab lunch. The first restaurant by our hotel was literally two buildings down...Carnegie Deli. Say what! I was not starving so I ordered the BLT and much to my surprise, that sucker was large.

After lunch we walked a few blocks and were right in the middle of Times Square and a few blocks over was David Letterman's set.

I had prepared Todd for a teeny tiny hotel room but was proved a liar when we saw how big the room was. I mean, it was a standard hotel room in other other city but in NY it was extra large.

We went and saw the Lion King our first night and it was fantastic. We had a few adult beverages before and were excited when we found out that the theatre sold them as well. We were allowed to bring them to our seats which proved to be dangerous because not only were they tasty but they came in cute souvenir cups.

The lighting was terrible and I couldn't get the settings right on my camera so our picture didn't turn out too good :(

After the show we went to a bar called McGee's. It was right next to our hotel, our conveniently located hotel. It is the bar that inspired McLaren's on HIMYM. I had my first "bad" meal...chili cheese nachos. The five pounds I gained was worth it. So good.


Such awkward stances! Could our legs get any further away?

I think I fell asleep on our short walk home. I was EXHAUSTED. End of our first day.

More to come!

Happy 1st Birthday, Ruby!

2011-03-01T21:41:00.001-06:00

Beth Anne

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

2011-02-27T21:21:00.001-06:00

I can! Todd just purchased our tickets to see this:

I'm so excited! Our suitcases are out and ready to be packed! Not for a few more days though. Agh! Can't wait!

Beth Anne

Final Blog Challenge and NYC Update

2011-02-24T19:28:00.000-06:00

It has taken my WAY too long to finish the 30 day Blog Challenge. More like 90 day Blog Challenge.

The last day asks to post a picture so I am going to post a few pictures that I've created over the past few weeks in preparation for my upcoming trip to NYC. I created our itinerary the other day and am beyond excited. Pray for pleasant weather.

I'm in love with polyvore.com. I can spend endless hours playing around on the site and creating outfits for every occasion. I just discovered how to publish my drafts so I am going to post the outfits I have created for my trip.

I've never been big into fashion and usually I am at least six months behind every trend, except for in 2005 when I dyed my hair a super dark color then ALL OF THE SUDDEN everyone was doing it. I beat Ashlee Simpson to the trend, dang it. So for those of you fashion guru's out there please don't judge my outfits. Thanks in advance.

This is for travel, too.

We are going to see the Lion King the first night.

This is an optional outfit in case we go eat dinner or something?

I am also trying to create an outfit for Saturday night if we go out. It will be a more laid back environment that I am used to dressing for so it shouldn't be difficult to find something to wear.

I bought a pair of black Nomad rain boots earlier today. I don't have a pair and this LA weather can be wet at times so I've been wanting/needing a pair for quiet some time. I don't want to walk around NYC in snow or rain with my tennis shoes on and these boots were 50% at a local boutique in BR. I wanted this super cute paisley-patterned pair but they didn't have my size. Boring black it is. At least they are comfy and slim-fitting.

There you go. No more blog challenges. Finally.

Blog Challenge Day #29

2011-02-18T19:56:00.000-06:00

Day #29: 3 Wishes

Just kidding.

I wish money didn't matter.
I wish I could eat anything I wanted to and never worry about gaining weight.
I wish I could meet my 5 year old self.

Blog Challenge Day 28 and Other Fun Things

2011-02-12T16:14:00.000-06:00

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

1. The characters of Michael Scott and Greg Focker.

Next topic:

This weather down in south Louisiana is INSANE. One day it is 29 degrees and the very next day it's 65 degrees. Luckily, and knock on wood, my body has adjusted very well to the extreme changes and I haven't fallen ill. (That sounded like something my grandmother would say, fallen ill. ) I am ready for sunshine and tan legs but usually when we have that we also have sweat, mosquito's, and lots of complaining. I love the cold SOMETIMES but I am tired of this switcharoo-ing the weather gods are experimenting with.

Next topic:

Have you heard of Gyro Bowl? I saw the commercial early today and was so intrigued!

I have no idea how to explain it other than it's a bowl that never spills! The inside bowl (where you put food) stays upright while the outer bowl swirls around it making sure it doesn't spill. The commercial shows a few kids swinging the gyro bowl around in circles and upside down with ZERO spills. I have no kids therefore this bowl does nothing for me but I know there are mom's out there who could use a few of these! Car trips?

www.gyrobowl.com

I think it's around $15.00 for two.

Next topic:

Ruby can be so destructive! It's our fault 100% because she is a dog and does not know the difference between her chew toy and a roll of toilet paper so she just plays/destroys anything she sees of interest. I was eating lunch earlier with a friend and Todd left to go to baseball practice and forgot to lock my bedroom and bathroom door. When I got home the first thing I noticed was that the bathroom door was open. Ruby is sitting on the couch watching Law and Order SVU. Did she not notice the bathroom door was open? She didn't! She didn't even go in there! Good dog. Right? WRONG. A few seconds after the above mentioned thought process ended my attention focused on a black oddly shaped object lying on the living room floor. What the ? Dammit. It's one of my makeup brushes. As I bend down to pick it up I see my bedroom door wide open and my heart drops. Not only did she have free range to ALL of my shoes but to several other important things we lock in there so she can't get them. In case I lost my way, Ruby was nice enough to have left a trail of makeup products leading to the bedroom. My new powder, foundation, blush, concealer, eye shadow brushes, mascara, and a eye brightening stick.

I was very nervous about what I was going to find upon entering my bedroom but luckily she didn't make a mess of anything other than my makeup bag. She skipped the shoes, her toy box, and fluffy pillows (which she is fond of ripping to shreds). By the time I turned around to lose my cool I saw her standing on my bed with pink blush all over her white nose. She looked like a canine drag queen. I laughed and decided not to be mad at her. Todd on the other hand got a lovely text message.

All of my makeup products can be salvaged. A few eye shadow brushes had to be thrown away and luckily they weren't my expensive ones. Close call.

Puppy Bowl Sunday

2011-02-06T10:39:00.001-06:00

Whoever created Puppy Bowl was a genius. Hopefully you've seen this event that takes place on Animal Planet channel a few hours before the football game. If not, you must watch it today! It starts at 2pm CST.

It's a mini sized "field",

and puppies,

Who run around and play with toys,

for hours and hours.

Oh, then there is kitty half time. They put a large climbing thing and the cutest kittens play around for a while.

They have better camera angles and referees, too. If a pup carries a toy across the goal line they get a touchdown.

Watch it!

Beth Anne

Blog Challenge Day #27

2011-02-01T18:16:00.000-06:00

Day #27: Pets

I've mentioned in an earlier post that I can still name ALL of the cats I've had in my lifetime. I've also had several dogs (Molly then Rip and Dash who had a litter which we named: Aquafresh, Honey, (forgot name), (forgot name), and Butch.

I now have Ruby, or Rubes as I sometimes call her. I've posted pictures of her numerous times so what's one more going to hurt?

Blog Challenge Day #26/Destructive Dog

2011-01-25T18:50:00.000-06:00

I must admit, I am so tired of doing these blog challenges. They have begun to feel more of a chore rather than a recreational activity. I'm positive some of you readers are tired of seeing this challenge, too, but I only have a few more days until the end. I must finish this thing so be patient.

Day #26: Picture of your family

Didn't we already do this? 40% of this challenge has been about siblings, parents, etc. so I feel that this day is redundant. Go check the earlier days of the challenge.

I know it sounds as if I'm in a not so great mood but that isn't the case. I just am bored with this. I'll try and be more enthusiastic next time.

Did I mention that Ruby destroyed Todd's power cord to his computer and I had to go to the Apple store in the pouring rain during 5pm traffic to get a new one? Bad dog.

Blog Challenge Day #25

2011-01-22T16:31:00.000-06:00

Day #25: Put on your ipod shuffle, first 10 songs

This list is either going to make us great friends or fast enemies. I'm sort of nervous.

1. You Are Not Alone- Michael Jackson
2. Makes Me Wonder- Maroon 5
3. Hold Me- Weezer
4. Friday Night- The Darkness
5. Nobody Does It Better- Carly Simon
6. Dinosaur- Hank Williams, Jr.
7. Why Haven't I Heard From You- Reba
8. Indie Rock and Roll- The Killers
9. Fair- Remy Zero
10. Red Light- Johnny Lang

Happy Saturday! I had to work today so I am just now getting to enjoy my weekend. What to do first? Probably open a bottle of Abita Strawberry beer. It's the highlight of beer season because it only is distributed for a few months of the year during strawberry season. I was recently released the past week and I stocked up. So good.

Another highlight of this week was the release of Jazz Fest 2011 lineup. My birthday just so happens to be the first day of the two weekend long concert and in my opinion, has the best bands of the entire festival. The Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons. Yes, yes, yes please. Todd and I went and saw The Avett Brothers in October 2009 and they left me speechless. You can see the post if you click here.
I'll gladly celebrate the beginning of my 27th year with them.

Blog Challenge Day #24

2011-01-19T17:38:00.000-06:00

Day #24: Something you've learned

I've learned many, many valuable lessons over the past five years. Of course hindsight is 20/20 and as much as I wish I had the knowledge I do now back during my hypersensitive, overly dramatic adolescent years, I'm glad I didn't. I believe the most important life lessons are the ones that are hard to learn.

Such as:
1. No need to be dramatic. It's never the end of the world.
2. Gossip is not good for anyone's soul.
3. Guilty by association...birds of a feather flock together...etc. You become who you spend the most time with. Spend time with positive influences.
4. Personality determines beauty.
5. Time will never stop for you. Every second gone is one you won't get back.
6. Save money.
7. Put gas in your car tank prior to the alert light coming on.
8. Get to the airport at least 1.5 hours ahead, just to be safe.

I could think of more but I'm hungry now.

"Top of the Morning..."

2011-01-19T07:27:00.000-06:00

Hopefully your night was more peaceful than mine. I woke up every hour thanks to Ruby and her shenanigans. She apparently couldn't sleep and was keeping an eye/ear open for all sights, sounds, and shadows. She barked. She played. She buried her bone under my pillow. My alarm went off and I kept trying to find the snooze button but realized three minutes after beginning my efforts that I was holding on to a soggy bone and not my cell phone. What a little jerk. She then decided to go to sleep and made her way under the covers superclose to me with her bony feet pressed in my stomach and ribs.

Needless to say it wasn't difficult getting out of bed to go to the gym.

Now I'm at work and all I want to do is be back in bed with my furry little friend. Soggy bone and all.

"...and the balance of the day to you."

Blog Challenge Day #23

2011-01-18T20:40:00.000-06:00

Day #23: Favorite Vacation

As many vacations as I have taken in my lifetime the best one is, hands down, my family vacation to NYC in August 2008. When I say family I mean FAMILY. My mother's side (otherwise known as "The French's") is quite large. I'm pretty sure there are over 60 of us, not including those under the age of 15. My great-grandparents, Carl and Hazel, left a legacy with 6 children, one who happened to be my grandmother Carleen, or as we call her "Ge". It would probably be easiest to draw a family tree but I'm on Todd's mac and don't know how to open up certain applications. Judge all you want.

Of the French children there was one boy, Uncle Mike. Uncle Mike has two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, and one son, Austin. Mary lives in NYC and married Adam in August 2008. Are you following where I'm going with this?

Mary invited her lovely family, all of us, to celebrate her and Adam's marriage in NYC. We all decided to go. It was awesome.

My grandparents, mother, sisters, brother in laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone was there minus a few. I missed my flight out of New Orleans (oops) which subsequently caused me to miss my connecting flight in Atlanta. I finally landing in Newark and met my mother, sisters, and brother in laws who had patiently waited for me for over an hour. Mom was entertained by her glass(es) of white zinfandel, or which she refers to as pink wine. Caroline was entertained by Kathryn and her ever so growing pregnant belly, and Justin and Austen were entertained by, well, each other.

I'll never forget our cab ride. Probably because Kathryn's bladder was on the verge of explosion and her nails digging in to my forearm made it difficult to forget that lovely 45 minutes of pure hell. She didn't appreciate the music I was making her listen to as a distraction, either.

Fast forward to the Waldorf=Astoria. Ahh, bliss. Oh wait. I shared a room with my mother and grandparents for four days. Not so much bliss as it was bummer. No offense, but I'd much rather have stayed in the room with my sisters and BIL's so I could see the prank calls made by Raul. Don't ask.

Over the course of our trip we met up with family members for lunch, saw Broadway performances, and rode the double decker tour bus throughout the city. Perfect weather. Perfect people.

The day of Mary and Adam's wedding was quite perfect, too. My cousin Madelyn and I were selected to run an errand for one bridesmaid which was an adventure in itself. Mary and her dress were absolutely stunning. The flowers, the church, the music. So, so, lovely.

Her reception was at Central Park zoo, in the seal section. So fancy! She had a DJ and the music made everyone get up and dance. All of the French's, pregnant women and all, were on the dance floor. We changed the words to be more fitting and belted out "We are family...I've got all my French's with me!" Creative bunch. I will never forget all of us dancing and laughing like it was the highlight of our year.

That wonderful memory is also very bittersweet. Uncle Mike passed away this past summer after an unbelievably strong fight against cancer. He was diagnosed a few years ago and many of us knew that the trip to NYC was going to be the last time we were all going to be dancing and laughing together as an entire family. I know he made many memories since that summer and I am beyond thankful that he saw all three of his children get married.

When I think about that trip I find myself laughing, crying, then laughing again. It always leaves me with a peaceful feeling and that is what vacations should bring, peace.

My camera broke halfway during the trip. I have zero pictures from NYC so here are a few that I borrowed from various cousins. Hopefully they won't be mad :)

Mary and Uncle Mike

David, Justin (BIL) and Austen (BIL)

Madelyn, David, and me at Mary and Adam's reception. I look horrific.

How BEAUTIFUL is this??

Aunt Nona, Mary, and Elizabeth

Uncle Mike, Austin, Aunt Nona, Mary, and Elizabeth

Stuart and Aunt Renee

David proving that he could remember all of the French sibling's names. The lady sitting down in the blue is my grandmother Ge.

Elizabeth, Uncle Mike, and Madelyn

Happy moment.

Shake, shake, shake señora

2011-01-16T16:30:00.000-06:00

I was craving a peanut butter and banana sandwich. I didn't want the bread part but wanted something more than a banana with peanut butter so I created this:

A peanut butter banana smoothie. I used organic soy milk, two tablespoons natural peanut butter, one banana, and a few ice cubes. Delicious and satisfying.

Beth Anne

Blog Challenge Day #22

2011-01-16T14:05:00.001-06:00

Day #22: Favorite city

This is a hard one! I love many cities but have only been once to most of them so how can I pick my FAVORITE?

I love New Orleans. This city I've been to many times and always have a different experience each time I go. I don't feel out of place there. I feel at home because it's all things Louisiana culture.

I loved Boston. It was rich with history and pride all while being small enough to feel comfortable in.

I loved San Francisco but was only there for a few hours so I didn't get to see much.

I loved Las Vegas. I've been three times and the colors, people, lights, are all so exciting. Watching the fountains at the Belagio is one of my all time favorite spots to be.

I loved NYC. (My next post about favorite vacations will be about this city). I've been twice and will go again in 46 days. There is so much to do there and you can't ever get bored while on vacation.

I loved Chicago, too.

It's just too hard to say what my favorite city is. I'll narrow it down to Boston and New Orleans. And NYC. See, it can't be done.

Weekend Fest

2011-01-16T13:53:00.000-06:00

What a great weekend I had!

FRIDAY:

After work Todd and I went to the Melting Pot to celebrate us, for no reason in particular. I've been once before and it was Todd's first time to experience fondue. For those of you that know Todd it might not be a surprise that he was a little nervous about this whole thing. The hot plate in the center of the table was tempting not to touch and the variety of choices of cooking methods could have been overwhelming but he did great. Our food was INCREDIBLE.

We ordered the Fondue a' La France to start. All I remember was the baby brie cheese and bacon flavor but I know there was more to it than just that.

Our salads came next. Nothing in particular was to die for except the olives. Those were unusually tasty.

Our entree consisted of a variety of meat: filet, chicken provencal, peppercorn crusted NY strip, roasted garlic shrimp, duck a' la orange, lobster tail, and some type of goat cheese ravioli. Did I mention that I am trying to be more organic/not eat meat lately? I did great with this plan all week up until Friday night. Oh well, it was worth it.

For our chocolate, we ordered white chocolate creme brulee fondue. Ohmystars. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We dipped rice kripsy treats, bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, angel food pieces, and cheesecake in it. I know when I get to heaven, this will be waiting for me. Me, Jesus, and a pot of white chocolate creme brulee fondue.

I was so girly that night. My style changes depending on my mood but mostly I'm wearing jeans, cotton dresses, or jeggins with boots. However, on Friday night I wore black tights, black velvet booties, this purple-blue short skirt with ruffles, a black turtle neck and topped it off with a funky pearl and flower necklace. Oh, and I wore visible lipstick, not just my Carmex. I felt so prissy but then I began to feel so silly when ordering the 'Love Martini' that was bright pink and adorned with strawberries. I've never been a girly girl but I had fun doing it so you might see me again with a pink drink and skirt on.

Of course there are no pictures of us from that night. We are bad about not getting one of us but I always regret it. Here our the two pictures we did take while waiting on food. Both of us were unprepared and they look like mug shots.

SATURDAY:

I met my friend Brooke at Sushi Yama at 11:30am to eat and chat because we haven't seen each other in months. We always have such a great time together that we weren't surprised when the big hand of the clock rolled to the one and we still hadn't looked at the menu. We had not noticed that 1.5 hours had gone by and we were content with our green tea and edamame. After perusing the sushi options we finally made our choices and the waiter brought them out immediately. I think he was ready for us to leave, which we did at 2:00pm. Two and a half hours of us talking. It was great.

After moving out of Yama we strolled through the mall (Yama is on the boulevard outside the mall) and went to MAC and Lee Michael's Fine Jewelry so she could try on wedding bands. I loved it.

We then stopped at a new little gem called Cupcake Couture. Apparently the store is brand spankin' new and was unprepared for Saturday customers because their inventory was almost all gone. I wish I would have taken a picture but I didn't. My cupcake, chocolate with vanilla frosting, was pretty tasty. It wasn't rich at all which made it super good. Brooke got the red velvet with cream cheese icing and she said she liked hers, too.

After devouring our cupcakes we drove to the plantation that Brooke and Joey will marry at in May. It was gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

When she brought me back to my car she gave me a bridesmaid gift:

Story about these blue suede shoes: Brooke and Joey were initially planning on getting married at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Us bridesmaids were going to wear black dresses with these fabulous shoes so Brooke went ahead and bought them for us many moons ago. Since then, plans changed to having the wedding here so all of her family and friends could attend. Great decision because like I said earlier, the location of the wedding is breathtaking.

Needless to say, Brooke still gave us our shoes! I'm so pumped (get what I did there) about wearing them! But where to? I've been wearing them around the house but my pj pants don't do them justice.

After friend fest I went to Hobby Lobby and bought supplies for my next painting, which I will attempt today or tomorrow. I cooked kale saute and baked chicken for dinner (oh so good) and Todd and I watched "Going the Distance". It's the movie with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long...in a long distance relationship. I enjoyed it and think Todd did too. Christina Applegate's character reminded me of my older sister Caroline in many scenes. I also cried just a little bit at times and was really embarrassed afterwards because the scenes were not 'cry worthy'.

SUNDAY:

Planning on going to see "The Dilemma" with Caroline then going to the gym. Since I have tomorrow off from work I am holding off my Whole Foods shopping trip until then. Today is going to be a lazy, relaxing, Sunday.

Can I start today over?

2011-01-14T08:07:00.000-06:00

On my way to the gym this morning I passed a raccoon that was hanging out in the center turning lane and rummaging in trash. Being fond of that breed of forest creature I thought to myself, "Look at the little guy eating a healthy breakfast. Hope he gets enough". On my way home sixty minutes later I passed by the same area and saw my little furry friend was now road kill.

The messages I received: One, things can change in a split second. Two, take caution to your surroundings and lastly, don't eat breakfast in the middle of traffic.

Beth Anne

Blog Challenge Day #21

2011-01-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Day #21: A picture of yourself

Easy peasy.

Blog Challenge Day #20

2011-01-11T22:31:00.000-06:00

Day #20: Nicknames

- Bethie/Lil' Bethie (my friends Ann and Allyson and my sister Kathryn and mother frequently say this one)

-B.B. (Madisyn Paige began this one when I was her nanny in undergrad. Mary Scott refers to me as BB and I am assuming Mary Michael will, too.)

-Eliza (sweet sister Kathryn is the only one who uses this one)

-Diane/Diana (it's my middle name and Kathryn uses this one, too)

-B Town (Jordan is the creator and only user)

-B.A. (Todd's friends use this one. His nickname is TK so I guess they think they two nicknames sound good together)

NYC Vacation Update: Room has been BOOKED. So relieved. So excited.

Oh where, Oh where did my little posts go?

2011-01-10T20:38:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Apparently my blogger app decided not to post my last three Blog Challenges! I'm just now checking my blog on an actual computer and noticed that days #17-19 weren't anywhere to be found. I'll make a quick recap of them for you:

Day #17: Something you're looking forward to

I'm looking forward to my friend's Brooke's wedding that is coming up in a few short months! I'm also looking forward to all of the parties and showers that are coming up as well.

I'm looking forward to my vacation to NYC that is coming up in March! Even though we haven't booked a hotel room, I'm not going to panic. OK, I'm panicking a little.

Day #18: Something you regret

Well, if I told you then I would have to delete my blog ASAP. :)

Day #19: Something you miss

I miss many things but one that comes to mind are the many days of my freshman year of college. My friends and I would spend hours and hours of sitting at Chris T.'s townhouse with the back door open, listening to music, and smoking our cigarettes while talking about the unfairness of the world. What a bunch of hippies.

Back to the NYC trip...where are we going to stay?? There are so many hotels, B&B's, apartments, condos to choose from that I don't know what to do. I've based my search on several criteria: location, price, size, star quality, reviews, etc. and I can't seem to narrow any of them down. Ugh, this once fun research has slowly become an agonizing task. I think I have been to over 100 websites trying to find the best one.

Just tell me what to do and I'll do it. Maybe. After researching of course.

Change of Season

2011-01-08T21:34:00.001-06:00

It's already Mardi Gras season around here! As I was running errands earlier today I saw a husband and wife outside their home. One was taking down Christmas lights and the other was hanging a Mardi Gras wreath. They, like most, don't waste any time!

I made a wreath for myself and my sister to join other Louisiana residents in getting in the Mardi Gras spirit.

Caroline gave me the BEST king cake I've ever tasted. I could eat the entire thing without hesitation.

We fly back to New Orleans (from NYC) on March 8th which is Mardi Gras. I'm thinking we should stay in the Big Easy to celebrate since we will be down there. Oh how I love the Mardi Gras spirit!

Beth Anne

Selfish Resolutions I tell you.

2011-01-04T22:39:00.000-06:00

Can I be honest with you all? Good. I've noticed in the past couple of days that certain facebook friends no longer have an account. I'm not talking about the ones that have deleted me, that's a WAY different post. I'm talking about the ones that have deactivated their accounts. Probably a NYResolution? I'm bummed because I clearly ~~stalk~~ care about keeping in touch with them.

Why would they do that to me?

Well hello there 2011

2011-01-03T18:43:00.000-06:00

Initially, Baton Rouge was going to be the setting for which I said goodbye to 2010 but unsurprisingly, I changed plans at the last minute and headed to dad's camp in Lake Providence to meet the family. Since I had to work a full day on Friday Todd and I did not leave until 5:15pm. We got slammed by heavy, heavy rain and more lightening than I've ever seen. I'm 90% sure that we drove through at least 3 tornadoes. Needless to say, it was super scary. We finally arrived at 930ish and were greeted by my sister Kathryn and bro-in-law Justin, Mary Scott, dad and a friend of dad's. The Delahaye's had left prior to our arrival due to Mary Michael's bedtime.

We donned NYE attire (read hats, tiaras, and leis) provided by yours truly. I taught my family (in)appropriate card games and had a great time watching them mess up the rules. We said goodbye to 2010 and lasted two hours in the new year before calling it a night.

The next day we headed to my grandparents and visited with mi madre, her husband, and my other sister, bro-in-law, and niece.

Ge and Paw Reynold, my grandparents, cooked a delicious meal consisting of black eyed peas, cabbage, ham, potato salad, and fruit salad. Oh, and sweet potato casserole. After lunch the guys visited in the living room, my two sisters took naps with my two nieces, and I visited with mother. We grazed on food for the remainder of the day and Paw Reynold appeared to thoroughly enjoy teaching Todd, Justin, and Austen how to play California Rummy. Apparently the game last for hours and is what Todd refers to as a "Nursing Home game", not because of the skill it takes to play but because it is a great way to pass five hours of your life.

Mary Scott is talking so much now and Mary Michael pulled up all by herself. They laughed and laughed together.

Hopefully this past weekend will set the tone for 2011. Family, family, and more family.

Pictures will come soon. My camera battery died after my first picture so I will post a few that Kathryn snapped.

Blog Challenge Day #16

2011-01-03T18:40:00.000-06:00

Day #16: Dream House

This is much harder than I originally thought it was going to be! I think it is because I've never really had a dream house rather many little details I've always wanted. A few years ago you wouldn't have heard me say anything other than "I want a new construction home" "Stucco and brick". I was all about the newness. However, as I've gotten older I've developed an appreciation of items and houses with "character". That word used to make my sisters and I cringe. I love old, aged, beautiful things.

Contradicting myself, I've always loved the outside look of the house from Father of the Bride. I also love the Dunphy's house on Modern Family. I think the streets of these homes are also terrific. Tree lined streets where kids can play outside and mailmen can throw out the newspapers.

I've always wanted a library inside my house. Ok, I fell in love with the library in Beauty and the Beast and since this is a "dream" house I'm building, I think I can add whatever type of library I want. I'll be realistic though and say I want a house with a room designated for an office/library. One with shelves filled with books and refrences. Oh, and a ladder because I am super short and it's only fair to have one.

I've always wanted a basketball goal. I don't play the game but I think a basketball goal sets the tone for family time.

I want a kitchen with a walk in pantry where I can store not only food but paper items and light bulbs. I also love brick floors in a kitchen and an island. I want a laundry room off of the kitchen, too.

I want a walk in closet that I can proudly display my color-coded wardrobe and line up my shoes so I won't have to go dig in a basket to find a matching pair. And I also want a linen closet somewhere in the house so I can store all of my extra blankets, sheets, etc.

I want a fireplace so I can decorate the mantle with holiday trinkets. I would settle for just a mantle but while dreaming, I'll add a fireplace.

I want a large master bathroom where I can soak in the bathtub for hours if desired. Heated floors? Sure.

The bedroom size is unimportant as long as a king size bed fits. I also would like for the bedroom to look as though it came out of a Pottery Barn magazine.

I want a beautiful back patio with fenced in yard. Large trees in the back that provide shade in the summer time. I want to sit outside and read while glancing at my beautifully landscaped flower beds. Pool not necessary, I'd rather flowers.

However, a garage is necessary. I hate coming home from the grocery store in pouring down rain. Yuck.

I feel I should say that the above mentioned home is a place I eventually want to live. Eventually. I love, love, love starter homes. If the first home I buy is my "dream home" then I will be thrilled but I am kind of looking foward to my cottage/bungalow-esque starter home first.

A small bungalow nestled in flowerbeds and trees is where I can happily see myself for a while. A front porch with swing. Wooden floors. White trim on the inside. Stained glass in place of a few windows. Ahh. So cozy. This might be my dream more so than the first one listed.

I ~~need want deserve desire cherish must have~~ will have a bungalow house one day.

Blog Challenge Day #15

2010-12-30T21:04:00.000-06:00

Day #15: Bible verse

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:25

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart".

Jeremiah 29: 11-13

*Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

*This last verse was used in an assignment in my 8th grade religion class. Our teacher asked that we write down the scripture but replace the word "love" with our name. So it went like this:

Beth is patient, Beth is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud. She is not rude, she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered, she keeps no record of wrongs. Beth does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. She always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

My teacher told us we should strive to live in this manner. I frequently reflect on this scripture/affirmation and it truly does give a clear example of the person I want to become.

Watch out, NYC!

2010-12-29T21:00:00.000-06:00

So excited!

Beth Anne

Blog Challenge Day #14

2010-12-29T18:34:00.000-06:00

I misinterpreted day #3 (A picture of something that makes you happy) and posted a picture I love, which was supposed to be day #14. So for today I am posting what day #3 was supposed to be. If you are confused, it doesn't matter, just keep reading.

Day #14: A picture(s) of something that makes you happy

Sometimes 5:00pm is the best part of the day!

A full tank of gas

So many things about this picture make me happy. Pink tulips. NYC. Sunshine. Great weather. Open area for me to relax and read. Can't you just feel that "ahhh" feeling when you imagine being right?

Best snuggle bug ever.

Blog Challenge Day #13: Goals

2010-12-28T18:29:00.000-06:00

Day #13: Goals

I talk to my patients about the importance of setting goals almost three times a week. It helps you stay organized, prioritized, feel accomplished, something to do/look forward to, etc. They usually try and deflect by asking, "Well what is your goal for today, missy?". Laundry. That is what I tell them. Either that or go to the grocery store. Besides, group therapy isn't about me, it's about them, right? I always feel hypocritical because I don't usually have goals set for myself but expect them too. Perhaps I will start setting daily goals with them.

Short(er)/ Term/Daily Goals:
Stay on top of house cleaning so I won't be stressed when I come home from work
Prepare meals in advance so I won't have an excuse to buy ~~delicious~~ unhealthy chicken fingers and honey mustard from the cafeteria then hate myself afterwards for giving in.
Save money by putting a certain percentage in to my savings so I will feel like a real adult

Long(er) term goals:
Register and take NCE by February 2011
Complete requirements for LPC license by August 2012

Are you still listening? This is painfully boring. Let me think of something different...

THINGS I WILL REGRET LATER IN LIFE IF NOT DONE:
Skydive
Move to a cool city for a little while
Travel to Europe and Australia
Go on a mission trip
See a SNL taping. I'd even go for the rehearsal.

I like the last list of goals better.

Blog Challenge Day #12, Christmas, and Mary Scott's Birthday!

2010-12-27T19:36:00.000-06:00

Day #12: What You Believe

I believe in God, miracles and angels.

I believe in love at first sight and marriages that last 70+ years.

I believe in using your strengths and talents, whatever they may be. I also believe that many people let their talents go to waste.

I believe in helping others who are trying to better their own lives but not giving them a "free ride".

I believe everyone has the right to protect themselves, physically and emotionally.

I believe in spontaneity.

I believe that successful people are the ones who made poor decisions and learned from them.

I believe personal judgements are based on ignorance. I also believe there are a lot of ignorant people out there.

I believe freedom of speech should have a limit. Speaking your opinion in is fine but creating websites that list in detail how to kill yourself or how to become anorexic is not freedom of speech, I believe it's criminal.

I believe the legal system is failing society. I have a hard time understanding why a 5th time DWI offender is ever allowed to drive again. I also question how repeat sex offenders are allowed back on the streets. I believe people make mistakes but there is no such thing as accidental raping someone by gunpoint.

I believe in spending time with family.

I believe daydreaming could possibly lead to depression. I think some people daydream too much and get caught up in moments that aren't real...which in return makes their reality seem a little less colorful and fun. Daydreams can be good for the heart, though.

I believe poor parenting is the primary cause of childhood obesity. Yes, advertisements are under attack, this is true but a five year old can't go buy a box of Nutty Bars by himself. The parent is the one who approves and pays for it, right? Genetics are also a factor but those are special cases.

I believe a Nutty Bar and tall glass of milk can solve the majority of your problems :)

I believe mental and behavioral health organizations don't get enough funding in my state. I believe some funding goes to places that aren't in desperate need. Medicine for a homeless schizophrenic or new patio for local university? I know it's not that black or white, I'm just throwing it out there.

I believe racism will unfortunately exists for the rest of my life but hopefully not forever. I've seen racism from various races and it's not only the ones portrayed in the media.

I believe music can reach a part of your soul that you never knew was there.

I believe that having a positive attitude can change your life.

I believe video games should only be played a short period of time a day because they rob kids of their imagination. The same goes for television.

I believe teenagers these days know too much about adult topics. Partly because the majority of role models they have are singing about sex, talking about sex, dressing like they are about to have sex... or drugs. I usually sing along to the songs but I'm mature enough to handle it.

I believe individuals (the majority of time) are a result of their childhood experiences. Scary thought for those of you have kids...DON'T MESS THEM UP. Kidding. Maybe.

On another note...

Christmas is over. Another holiday that flashed before my eyes. I had enough time off work to visit family in Bastrop and Lake Providence then headed to DeRidder to visit Todd's family on Christmas eve. It was great getting away from Baton Rouge for a few days and seeing everyone. Plus, Ruby came along for the trip and we were never apart! She was great riding in the car for (3) three hour trips, too.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Happy Birthday to Mary Scott who turned 2 yesterday!

Blog Challenge Day #11

2010-12-21T18:49:00.000-06:00

Day #11: Favorite TV Shows

If you know anything about me then you will already know the first show I'm going to list: LOST. It's still too soon to process it all. It just ended in May and I haven't re-watched the series finale yet. I'm not prepared to handle all of the emotion that it requires. Maybe next year I will revisit that empty hole in my heart.

Other shows I like:
-How I Met Your Mother
-New Adventures of Old Christine (Recently became interested in this one)
-Modern Family
-Family Guy/American Dad
-any crime show such as Law&Order SVU or Criminal Minds
-animal shows like It's Me or the Dog, anything with cute animals because they make me happy

Shows that I've NEVER been interested in:
-Pretty much anything on Bravo
-Fashion shows
-Dancing with the Stars
-Survivor
-Private Practice
-Grey's Anatomy lost me like 5 years ago

I'm not sure how the Blog Challenge will go for the next five days because I will be out of town for Christmas! I apologize in advance if I skip a few days.

Safe travels!

Blog Challenge Day #10

2010-12-20T17:36:00.000-06:00

Day #10: ~~Something~~ Things you're afraid of

1. Loud noises. I've concluded that it isn't necessarily the level of noise because I can listen to really loud music and not be bothered at all, as long as the music volume is gradually increased, but it's more of things that suddenly go "BOOM" or "POP". Like balloons. Hate them. Makes me nervous to be around them especially when kids are rubbing their hands all over them practically begging for them to explode. Or when balloons get too close to the overhead lights and you just know at any minute that they will pop. Ugh, no thank you.

I also hate guns because of the noise they make. Don't put me in a room with a gun. I don't even like BB guns because they look like real ones. It scares me when people are cleaning guns or moving guns to a different room for my sake. Can't watch.

This fear has also made me scared to death of cannons. How often am I around cannons you might ask? Well, I'll tell you. AT EVERY HOME LSU FOOTBALL GAME. I hide in the bathroom until the Tigers run out on the field and the ROTC wheels the hunk of metal back to where it came from. I hate pirate-themed anything or big ships that look old because of the potential for a cannon to be lurking nearby.

I also fear fireworks because they go "BOOM". I've never seen them from outdoors. I'll watch from the window with fingers plugged in my ears and give you a quick smile but just know deep down I am MISERABLE.

This fear has also made me scared of parades because of the ROTC members that like to do their fancy gun handling and sometimes (Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade) shoot the guns that you thought were fake.

Oh, and the Star Spangled Banner before EVERY athletic event? Hate it unless I know nothing loud will happen. "...bombs bursting in air..." Seriously? Why the visual image Francis Scott Key?

What about thunder? Let's just say I've slept many nights on my bathroom floor because it doesn't have windows. I can sleep with one finger in my ear and the other squished in my pillow. I don't trust earplugs to give the full effect that my manly fingers can provide.

I have learned to hide my fears pretty well, other than hiding somewhere. It takes a lot of positive self-talk and deep breathing and counting. If I can't get out of the situation though you better watch out because I will trample over you and your family to get out of there.

2. Getting robbed. I just realized this fear is only because of the gun that the robber uses and I'm scared of guns. So, I guess I'm afraid of getting robbed by someone with a gun. I get nervous walking in banks and when I see people with their hands in their jacket pockets looking up to no good, I freak out and leave. I walked out of Toys R' Us the other day because I was nervous about one shady character. I eventually went back in.

I'm afraid of someone breaking in my house. I don't sleep with the sound machine when Todd isn't around so will be able to hear everything. I also sleep with my glasses on so I will be prepared to fight an intruder in case I meet one. Oh and I've slept with my lights on before, too. Laugh if you want, it's a dangerous world and I'm too scared to buy a gun and protect myself.

"Icky Puddin!"

2010-12-19T21:31:00.001-06:00

I get to hang out with this little guy in two days! Watch the whole 50 seconds...the last 6 are the best.

Can't wait!

Blog Challenge Day #9

2010-12-19T21:25:00.000-06:00

Day #9: A picture of your friends

I had so much fun going through pictures on facebook to find these pictures. I wish I had my scanner installed so I could put a few super old ones on here.

My friends are pretty awesome. Some new, some old but all are equally as great.

I have friends that I've know since preschool,

Me and Emily S. in Chicago 2004.

and friends that I met in junior high.

Me and Brittany Wright, what what.

My dear friend Brooke that I met freshman year of college. We both had mega crushes on these two guys who just so happened to have mega crushes on each other. She is hilarious and super crafty. Oh and she just finished law school.

Me and Brooke in Las Vegas 2005. Brooke is getting married in May and I can't wait to be one of her bridesmaids!

Katie, Em, Pat, Jordan, Blake and Kelly spent our 4+ years of college together.

Pat and Emily. Met on NYE's 2005 and fell in love . He married her and kidnapped her to Shreveport, LA.

Me and Katie M.-two of the three that went on the road trip in previous post. Katie now lives in OKC with her adorable family, Erik and Molly...baby #2 on the way!

Me and Jordan circa 2005. Blue Barracuda's dominating beer pong. Little did we know how many memories we were going to make.

Me and Jordan at the Killers concert in 2009.

I just wanted to post a picture of Jordan wearing a costume of Razor Ramon. Halloween 2009.

Kelly and Blake, married. These are typical expressions of us.

At the Reba/Kelly Clarkson concert 2008.

All of the Elizabeth's, Ann's, and Allyson's came after college.

Elizabeth, Liz, Ann, and Me. We all became friends in 2007/2008. These ladies bring out my "woo girl" for those HIMYM fans.

Allyson!! Friends since 2006. We always have the best time together. She is a fantastic listener and sometimes negative influence :) We worked together for a while and now we work out together when in the mood.

I want to leave you with a picture of Emily, a classy lady who listens to my crazy stories and loves me anyways.

Doesn't she look like she could be on the back of a book cover? I can't wait to get an email from her regarding this picture.

Blog Challenge Day #8

2010-12-18T18:41:00.001-06:00

Day #8: A place you've traveled to...

Malibu, CA.

Cue Phantom Planet's California

While in undergrad me, Emily, and Katie took a road trip to the Sunshine State. We loaded up my Explorer and an ice chest, stocked up on cigarettes and burned CD's, and made our way out west. We had a pretty good idea of the major cities we wanted to stop in but also expected to just let the trip take it's own course if necessary. I still talk about random moments from that trip. I still have the Gas Log I insisted on completing because I was confident that one day we would want to see it. The Gas Log documented every time we stopped for gas, the location, cost, and mileage. It's pretty neat seeing how we could fill up the ole' Exploder for only $33.00.

One of my favorite stops was Los Angeles/Malibu/Santa Monica. Our plan was to camp out in most cities so we purchased a pretty awesome tent and sleeping bags but we ended up slumming it in hotel rooms :) High maintenance. Malibu had a pretty sweet camping ground. We pitched our tent and set up flashlights to assist with seeing our drinking games better. It must have been the change in altitude because we got silly. Emily fell on top of the tent...twice. Katie yelled at her...twice. It was hilarious.

Before getting silly we went to the Santa Monica pier and rode the ferris wheel and walked around. I don't remember much about the pier but I know that I scream, "I've been there!" when I see it on TV.

We also did the touristy thing in Hollywood and scoped out the posh boutiques in Malibu where celebrities spend thousands of dollars. It would have been super awesome if my Explorer wasn't have alternator-valve-type problems were the only way it would start is if you had someone turn the key and step on the gas while another one pops the hood and bangs on a little box with a flashlight to get the engine to start. Oh and we had to perform this fancy maneuver in the above mentioned boutique parking lot while a Bentley was waiting on our parking spot. My Explorer had a big "LSU" sticker on the back and I felt like such a hillbilly, back woods, white trash, Louisianaian while cranking the vehicle. Looking back it's funny.

Emily

I want to go [back] to there.

Blog Challenge Day #7

2010-12-17T21:48:00.001-06:00

Day #7: Favorite Movies.

I've got plenty of movies to put on this list but since I get annoyed with people who say, "This is my FAVORITE (enter song, movie, holiday, TV show, color, headache remedy" and then the next (enter song, movie, holiday, TV show, color, headache remedy) they say that is their favorite one. Ugh. You can't have every single holiday as your favorite. Pick one. Or pick top 3. Stop saying everything is your favorite.

With that being said, I am only going to list my top five favorite films, in no particular order.

1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's British. It's hilarious. It's classic. It added "funny" to my reputation in high school because I frequently performed various scenes for my classmates while waiting in the lunch line.

2. Freeway. It contains a special style of humor that most people don't find funny. I, on the other hand, like it. I quote this movie often but rarely do people know what I'm talking about. Oh, and Reese totally rocks as a juvenile, white trash, pseudo-sociopath.

3. Sound of Music. It's a bunch of kids singing and adults running from the Nazis. Two things that I love.

4. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It's a family tradition on dad's side that we watch it at least 5 times during Christmas and every family member quotes a line at least once. Don't throw me down, Clark.

5. Garden State. Still one of my favorite soundtracks. This movie always leaves me in a deep-thinking-trance-like state of mind.

And for some reason I get really excited when Jurassic Park comes on TV.

Blog Challenge Day #6

2010-12-16T22:31:00.001-06:00

Day # 6: A picture of something that makes you happy.

This was so hard because there are so many pictures that make me happy! Pictures of my nieces laughing, pictures of me and my friends making memories, pictures of puppies...so many to choose from. When I ran across this picture I immediately stopped searching. This picture brought back so many emotions at once that I knew it was the perfect one for this post.

It's going to be hard to explain so if you don't get it then I completely understand.

Rewind to 2008. This picture is of me and one of my bff's, Jordan, standing in front of my embarrassingly large TV with Claire Littleton from Lost paused on the big screen.

Rewind to 2008 (5 minutes prior to picture being taken). Jordan and I just finished watching an episode of LOST on a Thursday night. It was our tradition that was carried out for the entire 4th season. We rotated who would pick up dinner, usually sushi or pizza, and got lost in the best television show on Earth. Got lost. Get it? Got it? Good.

We started our LOST tradition that season and carried it through until May 2010, two years later. We had hand signals, rules, and schedules that we followed and were VERY picky about who we invited to join us for these viewings. We tried a few friends but they talked too much or asked too many questions so they weren't allowed back. LOST snobs, we were. After every episode, we watched the upcoming episode's preview then re-watched it in slow motion to decipher each and every scene. We were obsessed. After that, we spent an hour talking about it.

One night, the night of the picture, after deciphering and discussing we decided to see what it would look like if we were right next to our favorite characters. I should mention that we were both off work the following day and decided to drink more than usual. Oh, and my other bff, Emily and her fiance', were driving in to stay for the weekend. Good mood=more drinks.

As I was posing next to my favorite character, Sayid Jarrah, Emily walked in and busted us on our loser-ness. It was hilarious and we began laughing so hard that we couldn't explain what we were doing. We later calmed down and took pictures of Jordan next to his little lady, Claire.

This picture makes me happy for many reasons. I don't think it's possible to explain it in words. I know Jordan knows exactly how I feel about this picture. All it takes is a high five and no further discussion about it.

Blog Challenge Day #5

2010-12-15T18:44:00.000-06:00

Day #5: Your siblings

I have two sisters, Caroline and Kathryn.

Caroline is the oldest. She is nine years older and nine years wiser than me. She is over-over protective of me which used to trigger my defiant and rebellious attitude during my adolescent years. As I got older I became more appreciative of her ways. She would drive to the end of the earth (at a speed of no less than 85mph) to help me out. She would curse the pope if she thought he was messing with me or any member of our family. When it comes to defense, Carol is the front line. She is also a really good gift giver.

Caroline is the one who influenced my decision to move to Baton Rouge. She initially made the move and I followed a few months after. She married Austen (one of the greatest guys ever) in 2008 and they welcomed their first child earlier this year, Mary Michael.

Random facts about Caroline:

---Her calling in life is to be a detective. Either a private investigator or police detective, she can find out anything and everything about anybody at any given time. No lie. So basically what I'm saying is that if you just so happen to become my enemy, be prepared.

---We almost got into a fist fight (with another duo) in Target on Christmas Eve in 2006 because of Caroline's lack of impulse control. It's a long story but basically the other people did something extremely selfish and Caroline felt the need to spread her Christmas joy by calling them out on it. They found us in the parking lot and we are pretty sure they followed us home.

---In high school while in a store shopping for a key chain to put on her brand new car keys, her shiny new car rolled in the lake because she didn't apply the emergency brake. It was a standard. Parked on a hill. Lesson learned.

---I used to think she could sing like an angel. She sang "Desperado" one time in her car and I thought it was the prettiest sound ever. I was wrong. No offense, Carol.

Kathryn is technically the middle child, however, because of the age difference between her and Caroline, she fits the role of the "oldest child" in the birth order theories. Trust me, I studied a lot of information about birth orders while in school. Random: If there is more of a 7 year age difference then you usually don't consider the two as part of a system. Since Caroline and Kathryn are 8 years apart then Caroline is in the role of an "only child" and Kathryn is in the role of "oldest child" because she has me as a younger sibling.

Kathryn demonstrates the positive qualities of the "older child" such as more aware of rules and boundaries, mature, self-disciplined, high goals, even higher expectations, motherly, nurturing, etc. She made straight A's her entire life it seems like and went on to become a teacher, which was the perfect fit for her. When we were younger she would make me (and any other ~~victims~~ friends) play "school" at home when we got home from real school. For some reason I loved it though! She would make me listen to her lectures, watch her write the alphabet on her fancy chalkboard, and grade fake papers that I had to write. Now that I think about it, the joke's on her because I obviously didn't get graded hard enough on spelling...

Kathryn also has a wild side that rarely comes out. There was a period of time when she made unusual choices that I will forever taunt her about. It's really the only thing I have on her. Some of my favorite phone calls from her begin with "Remember when ______?" or "Remember __________?"

Kathryn married Justin (top five funniest people I know) in 2006 and welcomed Mary Scott in 2008. We are patiently waiting for them to expand their family.

Random facts about Kathryn:

---Kathryn can kick stronger than a horse. She's got the strength of three Clydesdales in each leg and it hurts really bad when she makes contact. Not that she still goes around kicking people but back in her younger days...whoa.

---Kathryn might be book smart but her pop culture knowledge is lacking. She knows celebrity gossip but when it comes to Aerosmith vs. Bon Jovi type things, the girl has no clue.

---Her favorite music genre is dirty rap. Seriously.

---We used to unwrap our Christmas presents, switch them out, then re-wrap them before Christmas day.

---One of her nicknames is "Boat Feet" because she is skinny legs with long feet.

Those are my sistas!

Me, mom, Kathryn, and Caroline circa 1987

Kathryn, Caroline, mom and me circa 2010

Blog Challenge Day #4

2010-12-14T19:43:00.000-06:00

Day #4: Your parents.

Meet Robin and Randy.

That's my mom and dad. This was taken many years ago, possibly around the time I was born. I'd like to think this was how they celebrated my arrival home from the hospital.

My parents separated when I was 17 (cue Debbie Downer sound clip) and eventually divorced soon after. Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about going home to both of them waiting for me under the same roof. I'll be honest, at times I forget that they aren't together.

I think the most difficult part of watching their divorce take place was coming to the realization that life sometimes sucks. Life isn't a fairy tale nor does it promise happy endings like you see in the movies. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. People will change, regardless of the number of children they have or how often they attend church services together. People will grow and unless they do it together, they are going to do it apart. People make mistakes and poor choices. People follow their hearts, some follow their heads. People are just people.

My parent's divorce hasn't given me a cynical attitude on life/love. I believe in happy endings. I believe in marriages that last for as long as life allows it. I believe in growing in the same direction and learning from past mistakes. I believe in using your head while following your heart's desire.

My parents are great people. Their marital status doesn't change that.

This is dad a few years ago. He is hard headed, hard working, and the most selfless person I know. He is a man of little words but is presence sends a strong message. He has sacrificed so much for me and my sisters and I only pray that he knows how much we appreciate it. His go-to advice was always "This too shall pass" and it would drive me CRAZY. I thought he was dismissing whatever drama was happening at the time by basically saying "get over it". He was always right, though. Come to think of it, he has never led me in the wrong direction. He usually knows what he's talking about.

When I first my dad he was a farmer and port director. He is still a farmer but also a marketing director. He coached football for 16.5 years and I think he would be thrilled to return to the field. I can't WAIT until he retires. That man deserves it.

Random Facts about dad:

---He's a little guy. 5'6 maybe?

---When he was young he cut up pictures of himself from the waist down because he hated his itty bitty chicken legs. This statement probably is making him blush as he reads it.

---He drove the same suburban for over 10 years and racked up over 300,000 miles. He was forced to get a new one when he hit a couch while driving on the interstate. Long story.

---He makes the best rice krispy treats in the USA.

---He always knows when I am tired. If I call him crying he always tell me to go to sleep and call him later. Once again, he is usually right.

This is mom a few weeks ago. She is energetic, animated, and tells really good stories. She remarried five years ago and acquired two step-sons and four step-grandsons. She now has two granddaughters and I think is happier to see them more than her kids, even though she won't admit it :) Mom is a great person to talk to. She is non-judgmental and wants to hear all sides to the story. She is creative and always coming up with new ideas. Someone should write a book on her planning and organizational skills. She's a fun person to be around.

When I first met mom she worked at the bank. She eventually stayed at home full time with me and my sister and encouraged my previous mentioned solo theatrics.

Random Facts about mom:

---She snorts when she laughs, which used to really embarrass my sisters.

---She is an awesome decorator. Give her an empty room, a few items, and two hours and you will have a home sweet home.

---She rearranges furniture in the house like a crazed woman.

---She plays the piano.

Those are my parents. My happily divorced parents.

Blog Challenge Day #3

2010-12-13T18:30:00.000-06:00

Day #3: First Love

Really? I'm changing love to crush. It's more interesting.

I met my first crush while baking plastic cookies in my playhouse. I was seven and he was six, making us the Demi and Ashton of Lake Providence. He was wearing a black jogging suit with dirty white tennis shoes that I'm sure were untied because let's face it, he was six and probably didn't know how to make those strings look like bows. He had blonde, spiky hair and two missing front teeth. His name was
Wesley G. and he liked to giggle.

His older brother was dating my older sister so it was natural for us to spend time together. We would spend the majority of the time in my playhouse and I would always be so sad when he was called to leave. There is video footage of his brother beckoning Wesley G. out of the playhouse so they could leave while I'm running out to the driveway, baby doll in hand, looking like he was headed off to war. So dramatic.

He gave me my first kiss on the cheek. It was under the stands at a Briarfield football game and after he pecked my cheek he ran off giggling. I, being the more mature one, stood there and proclaimed, "I'll never wash this cheek again!" as he scurried off in the distance.

I'm pretty sure he dumped me the next day and fell in love with Cassie. I'll be honest though, she had a pretty awesome playhouse.

Blog Challenge Day #2

2010-12-12T18:56:00.001-06:00

Day #2: Meaning behind your blog name.

This one needs no lengthy explanation, it's my name.

Beth Anne

30 Day Challenge

2010-12-11T18:09:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the 30 Day Challenge going around in blogland? I think it is a good idea to help stay consistent with new posts AND it is a good way to ~~talk about yourself~~ keep followers updated on what's going on. I don't consider myself a "start something and never finish it" kind of gal but it might be that trait that others notice but I am completely unaware of. I guess I can start this challenge and find out for myself. I can say that I have done pretty well with one of my 2010 resolutions! I have balanced the heck out of my checkbook this year. I still think about flossing every day so I'm willing to consider that one a tie. As far as eating out only once a week, weeeeeeeell, I've been a tad inconsistent so we will call that one a loss.

Do I frequently start things and stop before completion? Now I'm trying to think of all of the projects that I've attempted and if I ever finished them or not...

Let's get to this challenge. I've seen various lists but the most popular out there is seems is this one:

Here is the schedule:

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3-Your first love

Day 4-Your parents

Day 5-Your siblings

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9-A picture of your friends

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-Favorite city

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-a picture

**********************************************************************************

Beth Anne's 30 Day Challenge

Day #1:

Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Introduction: Hi. I'm Beth Anne. I am a 26 year old female living in Baton Rouge, LA where I have been for the past 8.5 years. I'm originally from a small town nestled in the far northeast corner of Louisiana called Lake Providence. When people ask where LP is my monotone response usually goes something like this: "No, it's not in Rhode Island. It's in Louisiana and it's on the Mississippi River and about 15 miles from the Arkansas border". People find it hilarious and unbelievable that I graduated high school with only 15 other classmates.

There was a period of about 5 years that I lived in Natchitoches (ages 11-16) but eventually returned back home.

I started my college education in Monroe, LA but finished at LSU with a degree in Communication Studies. I have my Masters in Mental Health Counseling and currently have an amazing job at a local hospital that gives me the opportunity to put my 7 years of education to good use.

I have the greatest friends a girl could ask for. They are composed of various eras of my life and each one brings out something different in me.

Recent picture: This was taken last Saturday (while obviously playing card games).

B-Town and J-Money

15 Interesting Facts:

1. My real name is Elizabeth Diane. "Beth" came from Elizabeth and "Anne" came from Diane. My mom initially wanted my real name to be just "Beth Anne" but my grandmother convinced her to "make it classy". I was Beth Ann for six years until I added the "e" on the end so I could be like Anne of Green Gables.

2. My birthday is April 29th. I am 100% Taurus...

3. ...standing at a whopping 5 feet 1 inches tall. My boyfriend is 6'4 which makes for awkward standing photos.

4. I get really embarrassed when singing "Happy Birthday" with a group of people.

5. I took ballet, tap, and jazz for 9 years.

6. I was a cheerleader in college my freshman year. Go Indians.

7. I think I have "man hands" because they appear much too large for my frame. My ballet composites were always atrocious because my hands were not only large but they were very ungraceful.

8. I have terrible eyesight. My contact boxes say -6.75 and -7.00 if that means anything to you.

9. I have had 9 cats while growing up (not all at once) and can still name them in order: Muffin, Pickles, Bobo, Alex, Bingo, Tabby, Taz, Tony, and Max.

10. I have HOURS of video footage from the ages of 6-12. The videos are mainly of just me, sitting in front of the camera, singing songs or telling jokes, occasional choreographed dances with my sister, and a whole bunch of annoyance. I loved that camera and tripod. They were my BFF's for many moons.

11. I used to choreograph dances for the cheerleading team(s) in junior high and high school.

12. I've never seen fireworks from outside. I'm usually in the bathroom somewhere hiding out because I loathe them so much.

13. I have terrible spelling and grammar skills. Please don't point my errors out unless it's necessary. My sister, the elementary teacher, likes to play the "Hey Beth, spell _________" game when we get together. I'm convinced I will pass her test one day.

14. I've never broken a bone. I've hit a tree while snow skiing, have been close-lined off of a four-wheeler, and have been involved in two car wrecks but no bones were broken.

15. While in the hospital, after one above mentioned car wreck, I had a hallucination of a conversation with Randy Johnson. I bragged to all of my friends about meeting him for the next 4 years. My mom finally told me that I was really just talking to the wall in the MRI waiting room.

That is all.

Unexpected Easiness

2010-12-02T19:48:00.001-06:00

In the matter of one hour I experienced three exciting moments this afternoon. I left work and drove straight to DSW to continue my search for black or gray no-heel boots. After weaving in and out of the shoe aisles and not finding boots that my bank account approved of, I made my way to the back room, otherwise known as the "Clearance Room". I immediately switched my search from boots to inexpensive flats I can wear to work because some dumb dog decided to chew up my three cute pairs which left me with only sandals and running shoes, both are not so appropriate for hospital attire. Rambling, I know. I went to Target last night and found an adorable pair of flats on sale for $3.48. Cha-ching. They are a little too tight though and my feet were in pain all day so I thought I should look for another pair at DSW which brings me back to my original point. I found a few cute pairs but the price wasn't so appealing. However, I did find (here comes Happy #1) a pair of gray no-heel boots on sale. Exactly what I was looking for.

After my quick trip to DSW came to an end, I decided to walk next door to Ulta. At the time, Ulta had only been a store that could never compare to my beloved Sephora. Sephora rocks my world. I request gift certificates from there almost every birthday or Christmas. I can spend hours looking at all the store offers. I actually go there when I'm bored sometimes, even when I don't plan on buying anything. I've heard people praise this Ulta store and the only thing I was expecting when I walked in was OPI nail polish and Ulta brand makeup. Whatever, I had time to kill so I went in and (here comes Happy #2) felt a sudden rush that is comparable to how kids feel when they walk in a candy store without parental supervision. OH MY GOODNESS. This store has EVERYTHING that makes me happy. Not only does it have practically everything that Sephora does but it is 10x the size and carries a variety of products.

I know I sound silly because Ulta has been around for a while but I live in a state that is super behind on the cool trends. Seriously, I know people who think Clinique is the most up and coming product out there. I saw several products that I frequently buy such as:

Benefit Cosmetics

Awesome Marilyn brushes

Endless variety of OPI nail polish

Smells delicious

Definitely worth your entire paycheck

I was so mesmerized by all of Ulta's glory that I lost track of time and was late headed to pick up Ruby from day care so I bolted out of the doors and promised the saleswoman that she would see me return in a few days. Who knew heaven was right next door to Dick's Sporting Goods?

I got in my car and was faced with an important decision that if made wrong, could possibly result in Ruby being left at daycare over night and even worse, road rage. For those that have never experienced Baton Rouge traffic during the hours of 3:45pm to 6:45pm on any given day must know that a root canal is more pleasurable than needing to get ANYWHERE during that time of day. Ulta is no more than 6 miles from Petz Plaza (which closes at 6pm) and at the time the clock read 5:18pm. Most would think that is plenty of time and there is no need to worry. In Baton Rouge that time meant, "Way to go, Miss Irresponsible Time Manager. Hope you're happy disappointing your ~~child~~ dog because you will never make it on time, loser." In my head I began mapping out the different potential routes all while taking in to consideration the businesses along the different routes and the traffic that will begin pouring on the streets in T-minus 4 minutes. I'm at A and need to get to B in 42 minutes. What to do, what to do?

Guys, normally the distance during that time of day would have taken 40+ minutes, easy. I chanced every shortcut I could think of and (here comes Happy #3) ended up approaching every intersection just as the light was turning green, caught every right hand turn without so much as a brief tap on the break, and was allowed to cut in front of the friendliest drivers out there. I made it in 14 minutes. That is unheard of. I've been stuck in the mall parking lot for longer than that.

Three surprising events in one hour. Some days are just unexpectedly great like that.

The 12th month is always the best

2010-12-01T18:11:00.002-06:00

The previous post was written while watching my two friends dance in a bar. I don't want to mention the name of the bar because I am slightly embarrassed for going there and deep down kind of liked it. That night was one of those nights where memories were made. You know those times when you and your friends get together and someone says, "Remember that time when __________" and you laugh so much that your eyes water and ribs hurt? Then you all take turns telling the story from your point of view or reminding the other ones of details they forgot to mention? It was one of those nights. I haven't uploaded pictures yet but hopefully will get around to it soon.

I've been kind of "blah" when I hear about what most people did for Thanksgiving. Please don't take it personally because I'm sure your holiday was great but I'm still a little bitter that I had to work. Last Thanksgiving was spent with Todd's family and I got so homesick that I cried myself to sleep. This year I wasn't homesick. It didn't really feel like Thanksgiving to me. I made several casseroles so the food tasted like Thanksgiving. I made a list of what I am thankful for so it resembled Thanksgiving. I even gave hugs to a few people at work so it mimicked Thanksgiving. It just didn't feel like it. Maybe my mind was protecting me from having that feeling because it knew I would probably cry all day at my desk. Either way, Thanksgiving is over. Hello, Christmas!

I am super excited about Christmas. I have several days off from work and I get to travel to only ONE town this year and not across the state of Louisiana. I get to stay in my pj's all day every day if I wanted. I get to eat great food, hug tons of my favorite people, and torment my younger cousins all while hanging out with Ruby. I like how the older I've gotten the more I realize that's what the holidays are really about. Can't wait.

This weekend is Baton Rouge's Downtown Festival of Lights. I've been the past two years and had a great time both years. The first year is when/where I met Todd. Maybe this year I will ice skate. The line is always so long and there are so many kids waiting to hit the rink that I usually avoid the unnecessary anxiety and wander down whiskey lane.
We'll see what happens.

New trend

2010-11-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

I've decided to do a weekly "Meet my friend..." post. I'll be introducing my BFFs.

Let's start with one that recently admitted she has never read my blog. Ann Bennett.

Ann is...

Awesome
Honest
Loyal
Giving
Thoughtful
Beautiful
Hilarious
Trendy
Fashion-savvy
Down to earth
Single (what what)
Cool as ever family
Spontaneous
...the list goes on

Maybe now she will start reading my blog.

Beth Anne

Thankful Tuesday

2010-11-16T22:06:00.000-06:00

Things I'm thankful for today, Tuesday.

1. Todd came back from Lafayette when he was supposed to come home on Thursday. Nice unexpected change.

2. Tomorrow is Wednesday...two days closer to the weekend.

3. Elizabeth will be here this weekend. Whoop whoop.

4. These two GIGANTIC mouth ulcers appear to be on the "getting better" side, much like my allergy/sinus mess. Seriously, these ulcers are both the size of a single tooth! They are painful as heck.

5. Positive feedback at work.

6. Ruby.

7. I found out I won't be spending Thanksgiving alone. I am working all next week (plus Saturday) and including Thanksgiving Day. Todd is staying in BR so I won't be alone for the holiday! Before you start to think he is a saint, let me just tell you that he has already created a menu of food he wants me to cook for dinner that night. I guess it's the least I can do considering he is missing out on family time. It might be the first time this has happened. Yay for Pecan pie and green bean casserole.

Beth Anne

Mary Scott's 2nd Birthday Party!

2010-11-15T19:22:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday we went to Shreveport for Mary Scott and Henry's 2nd Birthday Party. Henry is Mary Scott's 1st cousin and also next door neighbor. The two families decided to have a double (trouble) birthday party for the kids and went all out with a circus theme party in their neighborhood park.
Henry's mom, Amanda, has a blog that she updates frequently. It can be found by clicking here. I feel weird posting pictures of kids that aren't related to me...I'm sure Amanda wouldn't mind and I feel bad for not posting any pictures of Henry on this post but I don't want to be that creepy girl who has no boundaries.

Here are a few pictures from the celebration.

Nerd

Twins

Sisters

Caroline, Austen, and Mary Michael

Mom, Ge, Me, Caroline

Kathryn, Caroline, Mom, and me

Such a clown

Trying on her new Minnie Mouse costume that I made her for her birthday

Mary Michael wanted to try it on, too

Isn't my grandmother adorable?

Dad's mustache is making a comeback!

One tired little birthday girl

The party was so much fun. After it was over, the neighborhood residents' set up a large inflatable big screen TV so we could watch the LSU vs. ULM game. They also grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I wish I had not been feeling so sick or I would have really enjoyed it. I've managed to develop some type of allergy/sinus mess that has made me feel pretty terrible. Yuck.

Have a good week!

Bad Dog

2010-11-11T20:22:00.001-06:00

I left Ruby alone for a few hours and this is what I returned to:

She obviously isn't a fan of my new health insurance benefits package...or Todd's correspondence from the LA Bar Association...or a new package of headbands...or her flea and tick medicine. Good thing she didn't like the taste of scissors because they were obviously licked on. All of these things were in a bag on the kitchen counter yet she somehow managed to use her go-go-gadget paws to get them down. Bad dog. Bad, bad, dog.

Still so cute.

Beth Anne

Hi There

2010-11-10T20:06:00.000-06:00

Fact: I blog every day. I am constantly creating new posts with fascinating material that
will inspire you. I am constantly thinking, in advance, the title, pictures, etc. The only problem is that I am super slow to uploading pictures to my computer (thanks for nothing Dell Inspiron)so I don't post anything because I want to be able to have pictures to go with my deep thoughts. The result of this hesitation is long periods of nothing new from bethannewalters.blogspot.com and trust me, there is always something new that is happening.

So, I am prefacing this post (plus many future ones) by saying, "I have no pictures to show you today."

You: Beth Anne, what have you been up to lately?
Me: Thanks for asking, ___________. Here is what has been happening in my little world.

1. Reading. I recently got on a pretty big Christopher Moore kick courtesy of my co-worker and her husband. The first book I read of his was Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. It was hilarious. I, like most, was not sure if the book was appropriate for believers of G-O-D but rest assured, it is...only if you have an open mind and certain type of humor. I imagined the cast of Monty Python portraying the characters so if that tells you anything...

I finished Lamb and then read A Dirty Job. Same type of humor. Same frequency of laughter outbursts. I am currently reading Bloodsucking Fiends and am enjoying it as much as the other ones. I already know which book I am going to read next. I've been saving it for the holidays. My reading has slowed down tremendously due to a small little iPhone app called "Angry Birds". It's only been two weeks since I purchased it and I can't put the darn thing away long enough to spend quality time with Ruby, which brings me to the next item on my list.

http://www.chrismoore.com/books.html

2. Ruby. Eight months old and still so small. She is healthy, finally, but just a little thing, which is fine by me. We had a two month period of Mitoban dips to get rid of demodex mange that she developed. She lost 80% of her hair and looked pitiful. I had to buy her a LSU jersey for tailgating because I feared people would be cruel. She has all of her hair back now and still is ridiculously spoiled. She makes me want a house full of Ruby's.

3. The Mary's. My two nieces, Mary Scott and Mary Michael, have had special events recently/in near future. Mary Michael was baptised a few weeks ago and Mary Scott is having her 2nd birthday party this weekend. I made Mary Scott a special present that hopefully she will like. We shall see soon!

I can't think of much more going on. (I'm just ready to play Angry Birds.) Congrats to my friend Elizabeth! She and Miles got engaged recently and I am super happy for them. Wedding date unknown at this time but I'm ready for the celebrations. My friend Brooke is getting married in May 2011 so let the parties begin!

Weekend Stories

2010-10-10T10:14:00.010-05:00

(I noticed the pictures in my recipe post were messed up so I went and fixed it)

This weekend was wonderful. Last Friday was one of the most stressful/nervous/anxious feelings I have ever experienced. It was the day that the Louisiana Bar results were to be posted. The Supreme Court's website said they would be post no sooner than 9am and no later than 10am. I was a nervous wreck on my way to work, when I got to work, when I drank three cups of coffee (which was a terribly bad decision considering the state of mind I was in) and when I was pacing the floor of my office waiting for 9:00am.

Thankfully my office is down the hall from the nurse's station and therefore my frazzled appearance was left unnoticed yet I was close enough to receive medical attention in case I hyperventilated.

The time is now 8:55am and I have the result website pulled up on both my work computer and iphone.

9:00am Server is too busy to load.

9:05am Server is too busy to load.

9:10am Server is too busy to load.

9:15am Server is too busy to load.

9:25am Server is too busy to load.

9:26am I want to pull my hair out.

Around 9:30 I am able to open the list of names of individuals who failed the exam. I figured I would have a better chance getting that list open before the others. Todd's name was not on the fail list. Whew. Blood pressure has declined a few numbers.

9:35am Server is too busy to load. I start calling Todd to see if he has had any luck opening the results. He does not answer any of my five calls. What does this MEAN??

9:40am Server is too busy to load. I start to question whether or not I should start smoking again.

9:42am The pass list loads. Moment we've been waiting for. Three years of law school, unfathomable amount of student loan debt, endless hours of studying for this dang 18+ hour long test. I keep hitting the page down/up button way to quickly and I can't seem to locate the K's. Finally, I see the K's. There are only a few of them. My caffeinated eyes struggle to focus in.

9:43am JEFFERSON T. KINDLER is on the pass list.

9:44am I stare at the page thinking that his name is going to disappear. I ~~quadruple~~ double check the top of the page where it says "Pass List" just to make sure I was reading the correct one. He passed. He passed. He passed.

9:45am He screens my call.

In order to celebrate the good news with my coworkers, I enjoy yet another cup of coffee. Todd finally calls me back and, as usual, has little emotion in his voice. Here is the conversation:

Me: Hey!
Todd: Hey.
Me: You passed!
Todd: Did I? I can't get the page to load.
Me: Well I got it to load and you passed!
Todd: Yay! ( He did sound happy)

Apparently his mom had gotten it to load and had sent him a congratulatory text message. He left his phone in the other room so he wouldn't freak out if it never rang/no congratulations texts were sent.

What a great way to start the weekend, huh? He came up to the hospital and we ate lunch at Subway. Good times.

Friday night we went out to eat dinner and then had drinks at a bar with other classmate's who passed. Celebration!

Saturday: Recovered from Friday night. Played on the internet for way too long. Saturday evening we went to Plucker's to watch the LSU vs. Florida game and then called it a night. Seriously, LSU causes way too much unnecessary stress. I was feeling similar to how I felt on Friday morning (minimized by 80%) and made the decision that today/Sunday was going to be RELAXING.

I'm going to either walk the LSU lakes or go to the gym. Clean the house. Maybe decorate for fall? Maybe pull some winter clothes out from storage? Maybe take Ruby to the dog park? Maybe do nothing at all?

It's going to be a great day!

Congratulations to Todd! I am so proud of him.

LSU Law School graduation: May 2010

This doesn't really happen, right?

2010-10-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

I can't stop crying. I'm sitting here on the couch, Internet running, windows open so I can feel the lovely afternoon, enjoying the heck out of my weekend. My first mistake was youtube-ing videos of boxer puppies. (Make fun all you want but there are some insanely cute videos out there.) The second mistake was visiting boxer rescue sites. Third mistake was clicking on a link that opened a letter written to the local newspaper.

Here is the letter:

"Much has been written lately about the problems with our city-parish animal-control shelter. And many people and organizations are working hard to make positive changes from off-site adoption by groups such as Yelp, Project Purr, Friends of the Animals to change in shelter management by the Companion Animal Alliance.

As noted in the media, CAA and the city-parish are negotiating to hand over the management of the shelter to the nonprofit organization with the goal of our city becoming a “no-kill” community.

Our shelter is a high-kill shelter — 80 percent of the animals are killed, compared with 50 percent nationally. More than 8,000 healthy, adoptable and treatable animals are killed every year.

The public at large does not understand what happens when an owner surrenders a dog or cat. Maybe they think Fido or Purrbox will be put up for adoption and get a better home. This is generally not the case.

Owner surrenders can be killed by the end of the day, so instead of a better life they might have no life at all. Although this is not a written policy, it is a practice that often happens. Only strays and lost dogs have to be kept for six days.

Volunteers have been in tears as they see pets wagging their tails as their families pull away and they are taken straight to the euthanasia room.

Please be a responsible pet owner. If you must find a new home for your pet, do this on your own. Put ads in the paper, online, ask friends and family.

A trip to the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control & Rescue Center shelter by an owner who surrenders his or her animal will almost certainly have an unhappy ending for the pet.

Friends of the Animals BR, a nonprofit organization helping the animals at Animal Control, will be happy to help you try to find a new home for your dog or recommend a trainer who could help alleviate any problems you might have.

You can contact Friends on Facebook or at http://www.friendsoftheanimalsbr.org.

One day our city will be able to be proud that we have worked hard together and made Baton Rouge one of the first “no-kill” cities in the Deep South. But that day has not yet arrived.

If you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider a shelter dog or cat.

Paula Schoen, president
Friends of the Animals BR
Baton Rouge

[End article]

My heart is sad.

I can't stand the thought of those animals who are happy and healthy and think life is great then before they know it they are taken into a dark, cold room and then... just die.

I wish I had a huge area of open land where I could rescue animals and let them live for years and years. When my dad retires, he has TONS of beautiful land out at the farm, I am almost 100% positive that he will be receiving a few rescues courtesy of his youngest daughter.

That thought makes me happy. And so does this little lady:

My new profession

2010-10-07T19:51:00.001-05:00

I am a professional dieter. I've been doing nothing but dieting and exercising for the past 8 weeks with zero results. Seriously, it is the most frustrating and challenging thing ever. Usually I lose weight pretty quickly but for some reason the universe has decided to be hateful and make it feel impossible to lose a lousy 1 pound. I've even been going to the gym at 530AM! FIVE THIRTY IN THE MORNING. I am not giving up though. I have actually been feeling really good throughout the day and I enjoy working out before my day even begins. Dieting hasn't been hard at all, either. It's when I get on the scale that I question why I am doing all of this. It could be worse so I am not going to complain...yet. I've been following weight watchers and I am always below my daily points...I haven't seen any firmness so please don't tell me that "maybe your are gaining muscle", and my clothes are not fitting any different than they were 8 weeks ago. What's going on?

I could go on and on and on about this subject but I am not. I am going to stay positive. I feel positive. I just want to feel lighter :)

Here are a few dinners I have made over the past several nights. They are all really good, too. Super easy and low calories.

1. Tilapia with strawberry spinach salad. I made up this recipe and am super pleased with the results. The tilapia was baked in a butter (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter-spray) and minced garlic. The salad was a spinach salad with walnuts/almonds, sliced strawberries, and a sugar-free Greek vinaigrette dressing. Delicious.

2. Homemade BBQ pizza. Low carb/high fiber tortilla, grilled and shredded chicken courtesy of my George Foreman, reduced fat cheddar cheese, and low calorie BBQ sauce. GOOD. 8.5 WW points.

3. Grilled chicken tenders with a buffalo chicken seasoning and sweet potato fries. 7 ww points.

4. Mexican tortilla bowl. Ingredients include: corn, black beans, salsa, light sour cream, reduced fat cheese, and grilled chicken. I've had it with and without the tortilla and both are great. With tortilla is 9 WW points. Without tortilla is 7 WW points. Super filling.

5. Shrimp Pasta with Feta. Oh so good. So good. 7WW points for a giant 1.5+ cup serving.

6. Lazy Pasta. Includes: zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, parmesan cheese...another great meal. This meal (and the previous meal) are both light tasting but really filling.

I'll pass along the exact recipes if anyone wants them!

*****Update Update Update: After typing this post earlier, I decided to make an appointment with my PCP to talk about this weight issue. I wanted to see if she thinks that I need any blood levels checked or if I have some weird genetic mutation that causes my to gain weight so I should give up and eat double doozies all day every day. After showing her my detailed food journal that I've been diligently keeping (I record calories, fat, fiber, water intake, exercise, and weight watcher points), she basically said I was on the wrong diet. She has had patient's with successful weight loss on WW but she feels that because I need to lose only 10-12lbs that I should be looking at sugar, carbs and protein. Aww, man. WW is easy though! She said I should consider South Beach Diet. I've heard positive reviews but I've never researched it.

Any South Beach dieters? Any friends of South Beach dieters?

As much as I don't want to give up on WW, maybe she's right. It can't hurt to try. I guess I'll consider the South Beach diet research as professional development.

Meet your maker, Carl

2010-09-14T22:11:00.001-05:00

I'm currently waiting/watching for Carl to make his nightly visit...and head right to the death chamber!

I'm nervous. I feel like I'm spying on Santa. Only it's a mouse who delivers diseases, not gifts. Either way, can't sleep!

This is my view. I'm hiding behind the arm of the sofa.

Nighty night.

Beth Anne

Ruby's new brother?

2010-09-11T13:14:00.003-05:00

I've apparently opened my home to a new furry creature. I wasn't asking for him nor did I care if I ever saw him to begin with.

Meet Carl.

I didn't freak out when I first saw him running on my kitchen floor. Probably due to the fact that I've had two hamsters (RIP Mimi and Scarlett O'Hara) and two gerbils (RIP Tony and Baloney) and I've had to chase all of them at one point in my life. The running ball of fur wasn't too alarming. The scariest part was when for a split second I honestly believed that I was hallucinating.

A little story about me: The two above mentioned hamsters came when I was in fifth grade. We had recently moved to Natchitoches and I think the purpose was for the hamsters to replace my sadness from leaving my bff's back home. They lived in a cage on the top shelf in the garage. Seriously, we kept them in a hot, sticky, humid garage. I'm sure my mother told us that it was a natural habitat for them. They died of a heat stroke one month later.

The gerbils, Tony and Baloney, were given as a gift for my 22nd birthday. Way too old for gerbils but I kept them for a while then gave them to a coworker's-daughter's-son who eventually let them loose in the woods. Not sure how they met their death but I know it was better than a heat stroke.

Back to Carl. This house mouse is fearless. Me, Todd, and Ruby were watching Jersey Shore the other night when Carl appeared in the kitchen. I'm pretty sure he wanted to hang out with us because he didn't try hard to not be seen.He just stood there and waited for an invitation to join the family fun.

Todd, being the manly man he is, waved at the mouse and Ruby was too worried about Sammi and Ronnie to even notice our house guest. My response was slamming my hand on the coffee table while yelling "RAT!". He eventually ran back in his hole.

I've been putting Ruby's food away when she isn't eating but Carl has chewed his yellow bucked teeth through her bag of food. He also ate her "pee biscuits". They are some type of special biscuits that lowers the acidity of dog's urine so there won't be those yellow, burned grass spots in the yard. Good news for Carl's next owners, no mouse-sized urine stains on their lawn. You're welcome.

My landlord is coming this weekend to assist with our new friend. I'll admit it, I feel bad for the little thing. He obviously is only looking for friends, food, and a good time.

RIP Carl.

Beth Anne

Boston Day #4

2010-09-01T18:41:00.000-05:00

Boston Day #4:

This is “Salem Day”. We decided to take the ferry to Salem to see the witches. I’ve always been a fan of witches. I did a social studies fair project in tenth grade on the Salem Witch Trials. We won.

The ferry ride was blah. It was windy on the way there so we sat inside. I forgot how queasy Todd’s stomach is but he didn’t get seasick. We passed by Medfield State Hospital which was the setting for “Shutter Island”. I’m a huge fan of psychiatric disorders, which is why I’m in the profession that I’m in, so this was really exciting for me. I took a picture but it didn’t turn out clear. The ferry ride was 45 minutes and when we got to Salem, we opted for the trolley tour.

We went to the witch museum then ate at a restaurant called Rockefeller’s. Todd and I saw a real witch while dining. We were sitting next to the window and this lady who looked just like an old witch walked by and stared at us while chanting words. I'm lying. She never looked at us or chanted but she was more than likely a real life witch. I tried to look at her shoes to see if they had square toes but I couldn’t see them. If you’re a fan of the movie Witches or the book “Witches” by Roald Dahl then you know what I’m talking about.

After lunch we attempted to go to the “40 Whacks: Lizzie Borden Museum” but didn’t feel like paying the price for admission. I thought the name was hilarious.

As we were waiting for our trolley it began POURING. We rode the trolley to The House of the Seven Gable and made a dash for the entrance. They weren’t taking tours because of the weather so we waiting for it to ease up while browsing the inside of the house’s reception area. Once the rain stopped we headed back to the ferry and returned to Boston.

We stopped by Quincy Market and I picked up a few things for my nieces. After a quick trip to the bar, Todd and ventured to Neptune Oyster Bar over in the North End. This place was recommended by Cassie, a friend of mine from Lake Providence. She said, “They have the best lobster rolls, ever. You can get them cold with a mayonnaise sauce or hot with butter. Get the hot with butter”. How could we have passed up such specific advice from her? I am speechless. I literally paused for over thirty seconds just now trying to find the proper words to type that could somewhat come close to describing the taste of these things. I can’t find the words.

On our walk to the apartment we stopped at Mike’s Pastries because the line wasn’t terribly long. Every other time we passed by there was line out of the door. We got chocolate filled cannolis, one ricotta cheese filled cannoli, and a slice of Boston cream pie. Speechless again. I have GOT to recreate the ricotta cheese cannoli. The food we ate that night (lobster rolls hot with butter and Mike’s) were well worth the trip.

I can’t recall anything we did after Mike’s. I was in a food coma by that point.

Ladies in yellow(top right) were apparently on a vacation AEB their "Bitches, Witches Get Away" t-shirts.

Things I learned on Boston Day #4:
1. Thunder is louder in the northeast.
2. Lobster rolls, hot with butter, are simply amazing.
3. Those brats from Salem who caused the witch hysteria should have gotten a belt to rear.

Foot meets mouth

2010-08-29T10:30:00.001-05:00

The following conversation took place a couple of weeks ago between Pat and myself. We were discussing our doggies and the ridiculous amount of love we have for them. My part of the conversation is in green.

"Fortune". Oh Ruby, I wasn't kidding. How can my sweet little thing go from this:

To this:

I'll post details later. Get well, Ruby.

Beth Anne