ABCs of Me

I've seen this a couple of times in blogland, and my new blog friend Kelly recently did it.  I figured it would be fun, so here goes!

(A) Age: 31. . . man that sounds old!

(B) Bed Size: Queen

(C) Chore You Hate: Cleaning showers and tubs.  I will scrub a toilet any day over cleaning the showers.  How weird is that?!?!?

(D) Dogs?:  We have two!  Belle is our black lab, and she's a sweet 6 year old.  Buddy is our mutt.  He's 14, can't see or hear well but is full of spunk when he gets back from being groomed!

(E) Essential Start Your Day Item:  A Diet Ginger Ale usually does the trick!

(F) Favorite Color: These days I'm digging yellow!

(G) Gold or Silver? Any of it!  Depends on what I'm wearing and my mood.  I wear both!

(H) Height: 5'3"

(I) Instruments You Play: Ha!  Nothing, really.  I took piano lessons for a few years when I was little.  I also was a band nerd for a few years; I played the clarinet.  But the thought of a reed in my mouth today makes my toes curl.  Ick!

(J) Job Title: Chief Operating Office of the Slocum House.  Best. Job. Ever.

(K) Kids: Miss Molly Miller!

(L) Live: Macon, Ga.

(M) Mom's Name: Jan

(N) Nicknames: I answer to B more than I do Bethany.  Thus the title of my blog! :)  When I was growing up, my momma called me Beffie Jill or BJ some.  I also had a good friend call me Beezers.

(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? When I was 29 weeks pregnant and showing signs of preterm labor I stayed two nights.  Then I stayed two nights when Molly was born.  That's it!

(P) Pet Peeve: The improper use of the apostrophe.  Seems people these days think a plural word needs an apostrophe.  It drives me batty! 
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "I love you more than my luggage!"  ~Clairee to Ouiser, Steel Magnolias
(R) Right or Left Handed? Lefty
(S) Siblings: My baby sisser, Jenn
(T) Time You Wake Up? Lately it's been 6 - 7am, depending on when Molly wakes up

(U) Underwear: Yep, I wear them!  :)
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: cooked carrots.  Ick.

(W) What Makes You Run Late: I always underestimate the time it will take to get us ready and out the door with Molly in tow!
(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: I once had a sinus xray for some random reason!?!?!

(Y) Yummy Food You Make: I recently made the strawberry cream cheese pound cake on the cover of last month's Southern Living magazine.  YUM!

(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: I'm always amazed at elephants!

That was fun!

Am I High Maintenance?

Do you read Big Mama's blog?  You should.  She is hysterical!  Today's post is a cute story about her daughter, Caroline, playing in the bath tub, demanding her attention and finally admitting, "Some people tell me I'm high maintenance.  And you know what? ... They're totally right." 

Caroline?  Is six.  Maybe seven.

I laughed out loud while reading it!  It reminded me of the time Tim and I were driving somewhere, in the middle of a conversation.  I can't remember exactly what we were talking about, but it definitely had to do wtih women being high maintenance.

Me:  "I'm so not high maintenance."

Silence.

Me:  "Am I high maintenance?"

Silence.

Me:  "Tim!  AM I HIGH MAINTENANCE?"

He just laughed. At least he was smart enough not to answer right away with a heartily ~ and very much deserved ~ yes, yes you are!

He said it best when he finally got up the courage to respond.  It's not that I shop at only the finest stores, only wanting the nicest of things.  Heck, I buy my make up from Wal Mart and gush over a good pair of shoes or top found there as well!  I don't demand only the best of the best.  I don't expect to be treated like a princess. 

But I am high maintenance.  In that I am unpredictable at times.  One minute, I'm very self sufficient and don't want him to help me do anything.  The next minute, I may get a little huffy because he wasn't right there to help me move the chair or lift the ottoman or whatever it may be.  But I still want him to open the door for me. Always. (Side note:  he's the only man I ever dated who opens the door for me.  And I love it.  It doesn't matter if we're going to the gym at 6am or going on a date night.  Tim always opens my car door for me.  And. I. Love. It.)

Today, I may have to have ketchup on my fries.  Have to have ketchup.  Tomorrow?  Ketchup will likely gross me out.

And here we are, me on bed rest, learning to rely on Tim for everything.  I'll admit he's caught me messing around in the kitchen and pulling clothes out of the dryer once or twice.  And yes, he's asked me a couple of times quite a few times, "should you be doing that?"

And for once, I've not been high maintenance.  I hear him out and go sit back down where I should've been in the first place.

So, I want to know:  are you high maintenance?  Tell me about it!

Why I No Blog Lately. . . .

Conversation that happened on my Facebook page last night:




My mother: Why you no blog lately? :(

My sister immediately “likes” momma’s post

Me: I dunno…. I need to don’t I? I so sorry!

A Family Friend chimes in: I keep looking for it, too.

Momma: Yes. You. Do.

Family Friend: I’m cutting the pregnant writer some slack

Me: Yes ma’ams!



And it’s no wonder my mother’s calling me out on my facebook page. It’s been 3 weeks since my last post! Where in the world has the time gone?

It’s so easy for me to just say how busy we’ve been. Because we have been busy. We’ve been out of town a lot, we’ve registered for baby items, we’ve Tim has worked in the yard, I’ve attended a coupon class, we’ve enjoyed some of our spring weather, and we’ve caught up with sweet friends at my alma mater.

My belly is surely growing these days. I’m now 26 weeks pregnant and still loving every minute of it. Well, almost every minute. Pregnancy does some STRANGE things to your body. Let’s just leave it there. Molly is moving more and more every single day, and I could just eat it up! She’s kicked her daddy a time or two, and lately I’m really able to watch my belly move as she adjusts! It’s just awesome!

So, how are y’all doing lately? I hope you’re getting some beautiful spring weather where you are like we’ve had here! I promise I’ll be back with more. Soon. Like sooner than 3 weeks from now.

This Much I Know Is True

An unintentional break from blogging happens without realizing it.  I've missed you guys! Just because I haven't blogged in a forever doesn't mean I've not kept up with y'all, though! 

Once you've gone this long without blogging, it's hard to even know where to pick back up again.  Thus, this random post of thoughts!

It's getting difficult to lean over already!  I feel like I'm so big so fast, a'nd while I'm absolutely loving being pregnant, I do feel mighty big already!

Breakfast for dinner is always a big hit!  Tonight was no exception!  I must admit I made the best batch of cheese grits to date!  YUM!

I cannot wait to get my hands on Beth Moore's new book, So Long Insecurity.  I downloaded the first chapter, and I've read it.  The book promises to be incredible!

I'm participating in a Bible Study on Daniel, and while it's like nothing I've ever done before, it's also something I definitely feel I'm supposed to be a part of.

I'm participating in an Emmaus Walk in a couple of weeks, and I'm really looking forward to it!  I know I have a couple of readers who've been on a walk before, so maybe you'll understand when I say I'm a little anxious about it all.  I think just the unknown is kind of intimidating.  But I still am really looking forward to it; it promises to be an amazing time!

Impending parenthood opens the door to so. very. many. decisions!  What type of furniture will we go with?  Which travel system is best?  What color will we paint the walls?  One thing's for certain, though:  shopping for a little girl is so. very. much. FUN!  My sweet sister has already loaned us about a dozen precious dresses that are newborn to 3 month sizes.  All of them are just beautiful!  And my best friend sells Castles & Crowns Children's Clothing, so being the good best bud, I hosted a trunk show last weekend.  CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!! 

Speaking of that trunk show, Molly has 3 great things for summer 2011 when she's one!  Check out this precious bubble Molly's Lovie (my momma) got for her.  It's a cupcake on one side and a seahorse on the other!  Yep, two outfits for one!

And I picked out these two things for Molly.  The bathing suit was the very first thing I fell in love with when I saw the catalog.  Isn't it just P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S!!

Okay, so I promise I'll be more consistent with blogging.  Promise.  I've got a Titus 2 Tuesday post coming next week, and a Pay It Forward that you may win! 

Happy Weekend, y'all!

A Plethora of Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions

- I’m tired. Tired physically. This pregnancy tired is truly like none other!

- Frustrated. With people who don’t celebrate Christmas and are making it their mission to question every one of the reasons we Christians celebrate the season. You know what I wanna say? Get your hiney off your high horse, leave us Christians alone, and let us worship our Savior as we see fit. Thankyouverymuch. And, while I’m on it, please stop judging and assuming my heart’s focused on worshipping a Christmas tree in my house and buying gifts and Santa. Because it’s not.

- Anxious about tomorrow morning’s doctor appointment. Is it normal before every appointment to get a little anxious and worry that something is going to be wrong?

- Feeling like we’re living in Kansas and the big ole’ tornado is on its way. What’s with this crazy wind and rain? Gee Whiz!

- Feeling pudgy. I swear I feel like I blew up and swallowed a kids’ inner-tube and it’s settled right on my waistline. Apparently it looks that way, too, as two different women have commented on my “pudgy belly”. Thanks, y’all. Pregnant or not, I don’t want be “pudgy”.

- Worried that I’ve done, eaten, or taken something that could’ve harmed this baby. I’ve only had a handful of diet cokes in the last couple of months, and I’m limiting my Sprite Zero intake (thanks to aspartame) and hardly drinking coffee at all (decaf regardless) because I like Splenda in my coffee. But have I done enough?

- Looking forward to a 5K on Saturday. It’s the Children’s Hospital’s Reindeer Run, one of my favorite 5Ks of the year. Sure, I won’t break any of my time records as I’ve hardly exercised lately, but I’m looking forward to running / walking a great route through a beautiful downtown and college campus and seeing lots of friends.

- Competitive! Tim’s decided to run in a half in March. And it’s driving me batty that I can’t do it, too. I know I have no business trying to run a half marathon in March, when I’d be 6 months pregnant. And he certainly doesn’t expect me to. But why does it bother me?

- Wishing this sinus headache would go away! Not taking anything for it and just hoping it’ll pass is no fun!

- Tired. But I think I’ve mentioned that one!

- Thinking our tree needs some pizzazz this season. It just seems dinky. Bare. Not sure why. . . .

- Wondering how Belle is escaping from the back yard and we have yet to find the first hole.

- Hopeful. I realize this entire list is pretty down-and-out and whiney. I’m sorry, but it’s just my emotions right now and I need to get them out! But, regardless of all these worries, I’m hopeful. I’m choosing hope and remembering that God is always with me. Zephaniah 3:17. How can I complain with that knowledge?

On Your Mark, RESET, Go!

It's no secret I battle my weight. I have even declared war on these pesky pounds I can't seem to shed before. And I have a friend who is very health conscious and fit. I often look to her for running tips, workout advice, weight management insight, and the like. So, when she shed 8 pounds following a relatively easy plan, I was interested in what she'd done.

It's called RESET. It's a program that boasts "5 Days to a New You". It's designed to reset your metabolism, teaching your body that it doesn't need carbs and sugars and such. It's supposed to help your body to crave "healthy foods". Considering I seem to find myself craving diet coke, sugar, and terribly unhealthy treats, I was really anxious to try this out!

So, during these five days, we have protein shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are to eat one health bar mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. Also during the day we're allowed 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of vegetable. Add in as much water as your body can handle, and you've got yourself a day!

Two days in, and I must say I feel really good. Minus the nagging headache that I'm pretty sure is due to lack of caffeine, I'm really okay.

Oh, and the weight? The same today as I was yesterday morning. But, it's just day two, so I'm hanging in there with the hubs and hoping to see that weight drop drop drop!!!

I'll keep you posted!

Just Curious. . . and a Blog Award!

When did it become acceptable to be attending a meeting and checking your email on your crackberry, all at the same time? without shame?

Am I the only ding bat who can get side tracked by a visiting neighbor and forget I’m boiling eggs? Like until there’s no water left and the eggs are brown and the kitchen smells like a big ole’ fire?

Do dogs really know when something’s not quite right at home? Belle seemed to really know that I was home alone last night. That’s a good thing!

Are ticks not the grosses things ever? ICK!

How’s it so easy to get so used to having a hubby at home. Last night I am pretty sure I slept so fitfully I woke up every time the AC cut on. Or the wind blew.

Is cream cheese icing not just the yummiest?

Is Jen Lancaster not hysterical? I’m reading her second book (granted, it’s completely not edifying, simply just easy reading) now, and I am cracking up! I could do without some of the profanity, though.

Are this year’s mosquitos not three times larger than last years?

Is it a surefire sign of baby fever when every single thing a baby or a child does is absolutely precious to you?

Okay, so I received a blog award ~ YAY! ~ from Shanda! It's the Golden Heart Award, and I heart it! Thanks, Shanda!

As with any great blog award, I get to give it to five other bloggers who I follow or read, someone who has touched my heart and my life.

Seoul-Mama: She's my cousin, she's my friend. I admire Seoul-Mama for so many things, and I am so excited as she and her family prepare their home, hearts, minds, and family for a baby from Korea. Check out her blog, won't you?

Ally: Ally is the first person I ever knew who blogged. My husband followed her blog, and I began following Ally. She's a dear, sweet friend, and I love her stories of chasing after her Father, searching for her Prince Charming, living life abundantly, and loving her family.

Christina: Besides always sharing amazingly precious pictures of her girls, Christina has a precious little girl who has a rare chromosome disorder. Her most recent post is about a BBQ they're hosting later this summer for families who also fight this disorder. What a ministry!

Little April Rose: B is somewhat anonymous on her blog, despite the fact that she has a bajillion readers. April Rose is her baby girl who's yet to be born. An amazing story she has already. You gotta go check her out. Be sure to check out her His Will Wednesdays, too. Totally moving.

Grace.Gets.Greater: She just says it best in her profile, "I've learned through having my life torn down around me and rebuilt one piece at a time, that I serve a God who offers me grace. When the going gets tough, the Grace Gets Greater." She's real. She's honest. She's funny. Read her!!!

Again, thanks for being part of my blog family! I heart you guys!!! Before you go checkin' out all these cool ladies and their blogs, tell me, what are you curious about?

Fabulous Friday ~ Lovin' It!

Happy Friday, folks! I'm sitting on my couch in my pjs, sipping coffee and watching the Early Show. Yep, it's a day off for this chick, and I'm l-o-v-i-n it!! I've got a little bit of this, a little bit of that to say, so I'm taking after Somi and giving you a little lovin' it for today!

We loved being included in Bella Grace's First Birthday celebration last night. . . watching a one year old's face while everyone sings to her is priceless!

Love that our window boxes are looking so good! The purple verbena is rockin' these days!

Loved Gray's last night! But did NOT like 007's situation. What!?!?! Am I the only faithful watcher who was totally did NOT see that coming?!?!?

Love giveaways. Have you signed up for my giveaway? Check it out! I'll draw Sunday evening and announce the winner Monday!

Speaking of giveaways, check out this cool giveaway-pay-it-forward idea.

Love checkin' out Lora's recipes. I recently made her chicken salad recipe, and it was such a hit! Thanks for sharing your recipes with us, Lora!

Love that I'm about to head out to sit in the sun for a few hours of chillin' out!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

100 Things About Me

A few of my blog-buddies have done this, so I thought I'd play along! Here's the listing of 100 things about me. . . .

1. I am saved by God’s grace
2. I love love love being married to my hubby!
3. I want to be a mommy one day
4. I always said I could never be a teacher like my mom, but I’m now a trainer in a bank, and I love it!
5. Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl is my most favorite song ever
6. I love google reader
7. Blog comments are my fave!
8. I love doing yard work
9. I just wish I could keep flowers blooming
10. I love chocolate anything, especially peanut butter and chocolate together
11. I am an animal lover
12. But I cannot stand birds. Birds make my skin crawl.
13. My favorite type of music is praise music
14. I wish I could sing
15. I am not good at reading comprehension
16. I am a hands on learner
17. I admire my little sister more than she will ever know
18. I tend to “borrow worry” as my momma says
19. I like tomatoes sometimes but not most of the time
20. Diet Dr Pepper is my favorite drink
21. I took my first step class a couple of weeks ago and LOVED it!
22. Aerobic classes help me have a much better work out
23. I’m convinced I have ADD
24. I am a closet competitive person
25. I quit playing softball a couple of years ago during our team’s first practice. It was also my first attempt at playing ever. And my last.
26. I love the library.
27. I love reading – anything from novels to non-fiction, self improvement to spiritual reading
28. Our dogs are like our kids.
29. I am so excited about my cousin’s family’s adoption
30. I’m a co-captain on this year’s Relay for Life team at the bank
31. I have vivid, crazy dreams
32. I am a klutz
33. I am a little messy
34. I love to cook!
35. 5 Guys has the best burger and fries to me
36. I love to burn good-smelling candles
37. I’m listening to folks in our break-room cleaning up from our cook out
38. I want a blackberry / iphone / trio or something new and snazzy
39. I have trouble throwing things away. Even if they’re broken.
40. I was the Homecoming Queen my Senior year in high school
41. I’d like to think I’m much different than I was during that senior year of high school
42. I lived with the same girl all 4 years of college and we never had the first disagreement
43. She’s still one of my dearest friends to this day
44. I cannot stand oatmeal
45. I would love to be in criminal justice, but I have no guts; I ‘m scared of my own shadow!
46. Intervention is my favorite show
47. I cannot iron as well as my husband can
48. I prefer creamy peanut butter
49. I try to pinch pennies all the time
50. I still realize that some things must be name brand (I.e., Glad trash bags, Tide, Pine Sol, Jif Peanut Butter)
51. I’m terrified of heights
52. I do not like escalators. At. All.
53. I love spending a whole day in the sun, at the beach, with the sand in your toes!
54. I love scrapbooking
55. I depend on my momma and my sister to help me decorate
56. I’m a people pleaser to the nth degree
57. Growing up, I was always the youngest in my class (I have a November birthday and my parents started me in school a year early).
58. This also meant I went to UGA as a freshman at 17 years of age.
59. I’m absolutely nuts over my 5 month old niece, Ellie
60. I was saved during an Al Holley concert at my school in November of 1989
61. I am not a salesman. At all.
62. I volunteer once a month with Sav a Life, helping at their Mommy and Me class
63. I am a big with Big Brother Big Sister
64. I went to the same school for 14 years – K4 – 12th grade
65. I love purses. But I prefer one color, leather purses. Not a big Vera fan.
66. I always own too many bags. Random bags. Overnight bags. Any of them.
67. I love Nail Envy; it’s helped me grow my nails for the first time in my life!
68. I’m going to the Third Day concert tonight with three of my fave gals!
69. I do not have the first athletic bone in my body.
70. But I do love to run and exercise
71. Cranberry apple crystal lite is my fave!
72. I love chock full o’ nuts coffee
73. I lost one of my pearl earrings for about 18 months; found it yesterday morning in the bottom of one of my purses!!! YAY!
74. I envy skinny people
75. I really envy skinny people who can eat whatever they want.
76. When I was in high school, we had a cat who was . . . um. . . promiscuous. She had kittens every time possible. Unfortunately I ran over maybe 3 or 4 of those kittens. Sad. . . .
77. I am definitely the push over “parent” with our dogs
78. I love UGA Football
79. One of my favorite smells is Ellie Grace after a bath
80. I promised Ellie last night while feeding her a bottle that she can always have ice cream for dessert at her Aunt B and Uncle Tim’s when she is old enough
81. I’m sure that all this spoiling we plan to do to Ellie will cause us to have spoiled kids one day, too. And that’s okay.
82. Oreos and milk are one of my favorite old time snacks
83. I get to love on babies every Wednesday night at church, and I love it!
84. I want to go to the Masters someday.
85. I’m not a good swimmer
86. I want to go deep sea fishing someday
87. My hair is extremely coarse and thick
88. I have things in my office that were my Daddy’s and my Granddaddy’s from their banking days, and I cherish them.
89. Christmas is my favorite time of the year
90. I knew I wanted to marry Tim on our second date
91. Steel Magnolias is my favorite movie ever
92. I am planning a great surprise for my hubby’s 30th birthday!
93. Stars are full of meaning to me and my family
94. I love riding bikes
95. I would like to be a funeral director if I wasn’t in banking
96. I am a rule follower
97. I like lamps instead of overhead lights
98. I love taking pictures
99. I pick at my split ends way too much
100. I do not wake up easily in the mornings

Thursday’s Thoughts

* I heard on the news this morning that Facebook has a bigger population than Japan now! Over 200 million users are now on Facebook. Isn’t that crazy? I think so, but I do love me some Facebook!

* These two families really need our prayers. I am just heartbroken over the plight both families are experiencing. I simply cannot imagine hearing doctors tell me my 2 month old will not live without the ventilator, having to say my goodbyes to my precious baby, and then watch him / her live for days following the ventilator being taken away. Nor can I imagine being the parent of the baby who’s to receive that infant’s heart; it’ll save my baby’s life. Only the donor lives well past the hours the doctors anticipate. What agony. What heartbreak. Yes, they need our prayers.

* Easter is this coming Sunday, and on one of my favorite blogs, she’s listing something Jesus is to her each day and one of her favorite songs. I’ve loved reading Kelly’s blog, and this week has been no exception! I think I’ve mentioned before how much I love to sing. And that I cannot carry a tune in a bucket. I recently told Tim I want this song to be sung at my funeral (Lord willing, many many moons from now). Because I promise you when I get to Heaven, I’m going to be singing at the top of my lungs!

"How Can I Keep From Singing"

Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

I am holding on

To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise

How can I ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can I keep from shouting Your name

I know I am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times

Sing when I win

I can sing when I lose my step

And fall down again

I can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When I call to You in prayer

I can sing with my last breath

Sing for I know

That I'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

What is Jesus to you?

I hope you’ll celebrate that He is Risen this weekend!

Answers, Please

Okay, here are the truths to Friday's Fun:


1. I definitely quit playing church softball in the middle of our first practice a couple of years back!

See, I thought it would be fun to play; I mean, I was always at the games because Tim played. After catching ZERO balls in the outfield during practice, they tell me it's batting practice time. I had to hit the ball in front of everyone!?!?! After approximately 15 swings and (again) ZERO hits, I quit. Forever.

2. I'm most certainly not a neat freak.

Tim on the other hand is a very neat and tidy person. I know it's time to clean up when I go into our bedroom and there's a nice little pile of random things of mine on our dresser. That means he went through the house and gathered all the things I've left here there and everywhere. It also means, "Clean Up, B!" Yes sir! Point taken!

3. I am absolutely crazy about my precious niece!

Helloooo. If you know me or read this blog and don't know this, well, then, you are slap silly. I love Eleanor Grace more than I can begin to put into words.

4. I do, in fact, have a strange way of creating short, gay poems at the drop of a hat.

Even my mom, a 3rd grade teacher, has called upon me to create poems for her. At work, anytime an announcement is to be made about an engagement or pregnancy, I tend to get called upon to create a "jingle". It's strange how I can create them. Even stranger: they're always really gay.

5. I definitely do not prefer butter cream icing over cream cheese icing on cakes.

Cream cheese icing all the way! No explanation needed!

Fun times! It's no surprise my momma was correct! Thanks for playing!!

I am. . . What about You?

Ally had this cool little game, and I am always game for blog games! Plus, I don’t really know what I want to write about these days. . . . So, here ya go!

I am…wishing I could convince myself to like oatmeal. YUCK!
I think…random things way too often.
I know…that I am loved beyond measure by my hubby!
I want…calmness and peace about career issues.
I have…way more than I deserve.
I wish…I was 10 pounds lighter. For good.
I hate…pride.
I miss…the good ole’ days in banking
I fear…that God’s plan might not be for me to carry children
I feel…restless.
I hear…lots of chatter.
I smell…my candle.
I regret...poor decisions from my past that have affected my precious husband
I love…my life!
I care…way too much what folks think about me
I always…am game for ice cream!
I am not…the smartest eater.
I believe…in God’s grace.
I dance…anytime I get the chance.
I sing…and love it, but I have not a pretty voice!
I write…and love it.
I win... little.
I lose…a lot.
I never…focus enough.
I listen…to everything I can!
I can usually be found…reading.
I’m scared of…Ellie’s heart being broken.
I read…as much as possible!
I forget…most of the plots of the books I read.
I just…finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird again.
I am happy about…my marriage and its future!

What about you?

Friday Fun

TGIF!!! And it's almost 5:00!

Lucy is hosting a game, and you know I'm a sucker for blog games! I'll list 5 things about me, 3 of which are true. 2 will be false. Can you guess which ones are false?



1. I quit playing church softball in the middle of our first practice a couple of years back!

2. I'm a neat freak.

3. I am crazy about my precious niece!

4. I have a strange way of creating short, gay poems at the drop of a hat.

5. I prefer butter cream icing over cream cheese icing on cakes.

So, whatcha think?!?! Where am I fibbing? Want to play? Hop on over to Lucy's site and check it out!!

The Fall

I knew it would happen. In the three years I’ve been going to the gym, I have watched poor souls fall, trip, lose their rhythm on the treadmills. It’s always so embarrassing for the victim of the fall. Many times I’ve concentrated on my run or walk, just making sure I, Grace herself, do not fall.

Tuesday morning, while walking hills on the treadmill, I decided I wanted to move the fan more towards me. So, I hopped off of the treadmill, adjusted the fan, and hopped back on the treadmill. . . . only I momentarily forgot the treadmill was MOVING!!!

. . . And down she went. . . .

In a split second, I fell, grabbing the handle bar of the treadmill, only to be further stretched from the handle bar to the very edge of the treadmill. Because it’s still moving!!!

It was a never-ending cycle! What seemed like an eternity probably only lasted 2 seconds, and I was soon back up and walking my hills like I’ve never tripped. Luckily, the only witness to this escapade was the old man I call Moses. Moses, who’s older than dirt and walks a brisk 2.0 mph on his treadmill each morning looked as startled as I was. But he never said a word. Just kept right on walking.

Three days later, I have slight strawberries on my leg as proof of this fall.

Due to feeling like poo because of sinus issues, Tuesday is my most recent visit to the gym. Tim told me this morning that Moses asked if I was okay. Poor man. He told Tim I was back up and walking before he could even stop his treadmill to check on me. Expected for someone who walks as slowly as Moses, I suppose. And Moses thought I’d hurt myself good, seeing as I’ve not been back since the fall. Sweet hubby assured him the only thing hurt from the fall is my pride.

My how true.

Random Letters

Dear Neighbor,

Let’s make a deal, k? We live on a short, dead end street. Flying up the road as fast as your Jeep Cherokee will go is pointless. How about you drive as safely and slowly as we, your neighbors, drive when your child’s in the middle of the road on his battery operated hummer. Deal? Okay. Thanks.

Dear Tan,

Man alive do I miss you. I just cannot wait for you to come back to me. Spring is around the corner, so bring it on, bronze!

Dear 10 pounds,

I most certainly do not recall inviting you back into my body. My thighs are plenty big without you. My stomach is, in fact, flabby without you. Honestly, I don’t like you. I despise you. I want you gone! And, you know what, 10 pounds, I declare war!

Dear Cold Sassy Tree,

I am really enjoying you; you’re a great book! But, I must admit it’s not easy to read your super-southern dialect. And I’m as southern as a girl can be! But I am sticking with you until I complete you; I hear you’re really good!

Dear Proud Parent,

I loved being with your precious son last night at church. It’s evident that his newest trick is saying, “Whoa!” very much like Joey from the old show Blossom. It was precious! Even though his nose was running like a fire hydrant. Whoa!

Phone Smiles

I must, I must, I must do a better job of answering my telephone with a smile. I’ve noticed lately I am in a zone, working away, and my phone rings. I apparently answer it like I have this face:

With a really fast, “thisisbethanymayihelpyou” that does nothing but scare away my cohorts. How do I know this? I have been getting this type of answer, “um, hey, Bethany, it’s Cara, I’m sorry to bother you, but. . .”

Bother me? honey, you’re not bothering me. if you don’t need my help, as the trainer, of this bank, I’m a sinking ship. And these days, that’s absolutely positively not a good thing.

Random Happenings

I went with Jennifer to Ellie’s 2 month check up. First of all, Ellie’s doctor is one of 9 in a practice, so it’s definitely Grand Central Station in that office. There were children everywhere! Ellie slept right through the waiting, and once we were in a room, we had to wake her up to undress her. As expected, she’s right on target with her height, weight, and head size. If you’re a mother, you know what’s coming next. . . . SHOTS. 5 of those bad boys. It was awful! The nurse couldn’t have been more compassionate about it, explaining to Jenn how she’d go as fast as she could, then clean up Ellie’s little legs and bandage them. Ellie’s little hand was wrapped around one of my fingers as tightly as she could possibly hold on. My other hand was used to hold Jennifer, who quickly melted into tears as she watched Ellie cry in pain. It was pitiful! I just can’t explain the sadness in Ellie’s little face; it was as if she was looking at her mother like why in the world are you letting this happen to me? She calmed down fairly easily, and even though she sniffled a little on the way home, I have to say it was a successful doctor visit.

* * * * * * *
An actual conversation between mother and me at TJ Maxx this weekend

Me: “These jeans fit! I’m so excited! Not only because they’re $7, but also because they’re a size smaller than I normally wear!”

Mom: “That’s even better! What’s the brand?”

Me: “Willi Smith. Oh, look, Mom, here’s a whole section of Willi Smith.”

Mom: “Oh, good. I love Willi!”

Me: “I love Willi, too!”

We both started laughing and quickly changed the subject. I hope no one walking by heard just those last two lines.

* * * * * * *

My precious husband painted our bedroom and hallway this weekend. Gone is the African Gold that would just about blind you in our room! YAY! It’s now a warm Biltmore Estate Mountain Trail hue that’s the perfect combination of khaki and brown. It really brings out the red in our bedspread and makes our furniture look so nice and rich! I would post a picture of Tim painting, but he made me promise not to post a picture of him in his painting attire, which includes a pair of red flannel UGA pants that are quite sexy. . .

* * * * * * *

Mom and I went to a shower in my hometown this weekend. My hometown is very much like Mayberry. One blinking light, a chalk mine that is the livelihood of 80% of the population (which, I bet isn't over 1,000), and is soooooo 30 years behind the times. It's a little piece of Heaven on earth! Except for the fact that two of those old women asked me if I am pregnant. Apparently what was one of my favorite dresses gives the "blousing" effect of a growing mommy-to-be belly. Blousing is the word one of them used when I quickly corrected her that no, I am not with child. Thanks. I've almost decided to burn the dress.

Smashbox and Ellie

Typically, I'm such a tight wad when it comes to make up. I don't buy anything from anywhere but Wal-Mart. And the occasional tube of lipstick from Mary Kay. That's it. But over Christmas, I decided I wanted to venture out. With the help of Kelli, my future sister-in-law, I discovered my new favorite make up! Meet Smashbox's cream eye liner and eyeliner applicator.
Not smiling yet? Check out this precious smiling angel. . . . She loves her mobile at Lovie's, that's for sure!
Still not smilin'? Well then, you just ain't human.

Dear Patti

Dear Patti,

Our time together is coming to an end. You've been a good car, Patti, no doubt about that! I must reminisce about our experiences together.

You were my new car for my new job. My first real job, the start of my career! Over 7 years later, I'm lucky to still have that great job! Really lucky, in fact.

We've carried the dogs to the dog park and the vet's office umpteen times. I'm sure you love how Buddy and Belle jump all around in your back seat. You know they love riding in you!

You carried my wedding gown to the church just last year, and you carried Jodi's wedding gown to the same church 5 years earlier!

Remember the time I had to take a breathalyzer after driving you from Loco's one evening? Thankfully, I was, in fact, sober as a judge. But scared! And I think you were, too!

I did abuse you a little bit, but never on purpose. I am sorry for the time I backed you into Jennifer's Xterra in our driveway. And I'm sorry for backing you into that girl's truck at the tanning bed. . .

You've driven the family to the beach, the lake, Atlanta, and inbetween. We've packed you so full of luggage, people, dogs, and Ikea buys that we all thought you might pop! Then expected you to get us home safely through torrential downpouring rain! And you did. That's also the day Tim and I became "the gayest couple ever" (a blog for another day)!

Hmm. I better stop telling those stories. Tim's going to be rethinking this new car purchase!!! So long, Patti. You've been a good car. All 115,000 miles I put on you, you were good to me.

Patti, meet Addie, your replacement. She's young, full of spunk (V6 engines will do that, you know?), and she's ready for a good life with the Slocum family. We love you, Patti.

Your faithful drivers,

B & Tim

Healthy Plants and Not-So-Healthy Plants

Someone, please help me understand. . . .

How can these be so pretty and healthy?

and this be so pitiful?

When they're 5 feet away from each other?