Yes, I Read More Than Menus

I just finished a book last night called A Child Called "It." I can honestly say that it was the most disturbing book I have ever read. I am in shock and disbelief at the physical, mental, and emotional abuse Dave Pelzer suffered as a child. I am sadden to know that there are children who suffer/have suffered such abuse at the hand of a parent- someone who is supposed to love, cherish, nurture, protect, and provide for their child. It is truly heartbreaking.

Despite the insane amount of physical abuse, what really struck a chord with me was the mental and emotional abuse Dave suffered. Unfortunately, I can relate. When I was a teenager, a family from church invited me to live with them. I suppose I should be grateful for them taking me in and providing for me for 5 years. But considering that they made my life hell, that kind of overshadows any sort of gratitude I might have had. I saw physical abuse between family members many times. I was constantly teased, put down, and called names. All of which really did a number on my self esteem. I was told that my parents didn't love me. I was not allowed to have friends, and if I did, my friendships were sabotaged. I was made to attend church several times a week and put on a happy face despite the daily abuse at home. I was, of course, forbidden to talk to anyone about it. But most damaging of all, I was brainwashed into believing this was all normal behavior.

Those monsters are lucky I don't call them by name. I have more class than that. I pray that I can find true forgiveness in my heart for them. After all, I have already gotten my revenge; I am the exact opposite of everything they told me I was and would become. I win. They actually, by example, inadvertently taught me an invaluable life lesson- how NOT to live.

Dave Pelzer said it best in the epilogue when he wrote, "I'm so blessed. The challenges of my past have made me immensely strong inside...My experience gave me a different outlook on life that others may never know."

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Okay, enough seriousness...On to happy things :)

I am reading a book now called Running with Scissors. It is the memoir of Augusten Burroughs. It is another unorthodox life story, but quite different from Dave Pelzer's. He was not beaten to a bloody pulp every other day. However, like in A Boy Called "It", the time period is the 1970's. So, far it is really funny, and I find it to be very well-written and descriptive. For example, he was describing his mother's Psychiatrist as looking like Santa Claus. He writes, "He seemed like he should be in a department store letting kids pee on his lap and whispering brand-name bicycles in his ear." That's funny, I don't care who you are. :)

Snow What!

Talk about opportunists! Like I always say, "When life gives you noodles, pour some hot water in them, and sell them for 5 times the amount of their original retail value!"

Truth be told, some of my favorite products come out of China- paper clips, light bulbs, storage containers, etc. So, I am not surprised at all by their creative venture in an unfortunate situation. Even though they were capitalizing on the misfortune of the poor travelers stuck in traffic for hours, you have to admire their quick thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

As the Chinese Proverb says, "The Gods cannot help those who do not seize opportunities." And as the Latins say, "Carpe Diem." And as the Rednecks say, "Git 'er done!"....and so on and so forth. You get the point.

By the way, kind of an obvious question: Why didn't the people in traffic realize after about, say, 10 hours, that they were not going anywhere? They could have all gone to a buffet or something. Everyone knows that the Chinese have the best buffets.

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Yum, Yum, Give Me...Gun?

Now, I love cake as much as the next guy, but this is just going overboard! Guess he really had a hankerin' for that cake!

I once freaked out on Drew for drinking the last bit of milk. But just as I felt myself blacking out into a fit of rage, I came to and put the knife away. I decided it wasn't worth the prison time.

I think what the assailant was REALLY upset about was the victim being so inconsiderate. The bottom line is- it wasn't his cake and he ate it. He took something that wasn't his. Possession is 9/10ths of the law, people! So, did he deserve to get shot for it? Eh, nah. Should the victim's parents be reprimanded for not teaching their son better manners (or as we like to call it in the ghetto, "home trainin' ")? Absolutely! As my husband likes to say, there are no such things as bad children, only bad parents.

On a serious note, there is a lesson to be learned here. 1. Don't eat someone else's cake. Duh. 2. Consider the REAL problem before you go shootin' folks. The inconsideration on the victim's part was only a symptom of not being taught how to treat others. Maybe, the gunman should have shot the parent's of the victim instead. I'm only kidding. But speaking of, it wouldn't have killed (no pun intended) the gunman's parents to teach him how to share either! After all, "Sharing Means Caring!" And apparently, not sharing means a bullet to the chest.

If the victim dies, will it be considered "Death By Chocolate?"

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This Is the Cat's Pajamas!

(My kitties, Charlie and Girlfrand)

Read story here----> Cat Called To Jury Duty

Frankly, I am impressed that the government was able to get a cat to respond to any call. They usually just stare at you blankly. Nonetheless, below are six reasons I think cats serving on a jury is a brilliant idea. Fist pumps for Boston for such creative thinking!

1. They are probably smarter than 70% of the general population- which says a lot. I would be honored to have cats decide my fate.

2. Its about time cats start earnin' their keep! Cat food is expensive.

3. No breaks needed for restroom visits. They just poo in a box.

4. More cost effective for taxpayers. You don't have to pay animals. The government would save $6 per cat juror, per day.

5. They wouldn't waste time by asking dumb questions like humans b/c they are all very aware that "curiosity killed the cat!"

6. They won't try to get out of jury duty b/c most would just be happy to get out of the house.

There ya go- Six really good reasons cats would be puuuurfect for jury service!

P.S. I plan on using at least one of these phrases per day for the next several days. My co-workers will be delighted, I'm sure! :)

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Gold

Gold lies in rivers undiscovered

Hidden from the sight of those who don't know what to look for

Sometimes the value is uncovered

Other times it's cast aside by those who are just unsure

I guess you never held onto quality

Or you would have recognized by now

Something so special, so true

When she's standing right in front of you

I'm gold, babe

Catch me in the slip stream

Passing by the fools who just don't know

Pure gold, babe

You're looking at the real thing

If you knew my worth, you wouldn't let go

-"Gold" by Beverly Knight

Hear the song HERE

Now, I have never really cared too much for gold. Diamonds suit me better (Drew, I hope you are taking notes). But the point Beverly so beautifully made in the song above is: You need to recognize you lady and value her for what she is- pure gold. If you want to keep your lady, you better treat her right- that's all I'ma sayin'! If you don't, she might just slip through your hands and float downstream to be pick up by someone who does "know what to look for." Ladies, I am not just picking on the men; the same goes for you!

Also, it is important to remember that we are not guaranteed our next breath. So, tell your friends and family that you love them everyday...and also say all the really hurtful things you want, too. Hey, you might die tomorrow! :) I'm only kidding. I just feel like it is really important to be cognizant of the fragility of life so that we don't take the things or people in our lives for granted.

Happy Friday to you all!

Ghetto Superstar, That Is What You Are

While apartment hunting online, a new acquaintance of mine asked me how much I pay for my apartment. How rude, right? For the sake of conversation, I overlooked it and answered him. He was apparently shocked by how much I pay for my digs because he replied, "Wow, that's cheap! You must live in the ghetto." I thought, 'Excuse me, sucka?!?! You're about to see the ghetto come out in me real fast-like!' Good thing I don't always say what I am thinking.

Then, I began to ponder all of the world's social and economic problems, and my mind drifted away into other random thoughts.

A few days later, I was sharing an experience I had, in which, I was arriving home late at night and was a bit afraid to go inside my apartment. This was because there were five large men, who happened to be of a different ethnicity than I, loitering in the breezeway. This same acquaintance, just as crass as the first time, said to me, "Wow, you really must live in the ghetto!"

This is offensive to me on so many levels, but I won't go into that. You can say whatever you want about me. However, if you are going to assume that I live in the ghetto based on how much I pay in rent (which is actually average to above average for a one-bedroom apartment in our city) and the tenants in my building, then you are just ignorant of what a "ghetto" actually is and I feel sorry for you.

Allow me to educate you. http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/in+the+ghetto_20048735.html This is true ghetto life and not where I live at all, thank you very much. However, I have had the misfortune of living in similar places in the past. Which brings me to my actual point of this post: Everyone has a different standard of living, so, who are you to judge?

Just six years ago, I moved into my first apartment with my only worldly possessions- two camping chairs- and you guessed it, in a very bad area. Hearing gunshots and seeing crackheads was commonplace. It was all I could afford, and I was happy just to have a place to call my own. So, my personal standard of living was very low at the time. I was just trying to make it in the crazy world.

Since then, I have moved up a notch socio-economic ladder, but I haven't forgotten where I have come from. There are many people on rungs below me and MANY above me, as well. So, I think before one gets all Judgy McJudgerson and tries to assess someone's situation based on where they live- because that is essentially what my acquaintance was doing- one needs to consider what cards life has handed them and whether or not oneself has a winning hand. Nah meeean?

Beyond that, if it is going to be assumed that I live in the ghetto and hence, I am considered "Ghetto," I will have to request that "Superstar" be added to the end. Because that is what I am- a Ghetto Superstar! Beleee Dat! http://www.urbandictionary.com/products.php?term=ghetto%20superstar&defid=267163 Note: NOT to be confused with "Ghetto Fabulous." http://www.urbandictionary.com/products.php?term=Ghetto%20Fabulous&defid=2030389 'Preciate cha!

Rebel WITH a Cause....For Concern

Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I love me some young Marlon Brando- emphasis on the "young" part. Think Rebel Without a Cause and A Streetcar Named Desire not The Godfather. He is definitely easy on the eyes, and I love his no-nonsense style. The latter is evident in an apology letter he wrote to Chalie Sheen explaining why he would not be able to attend his 26th bithrday party...but he took it too far. http://www.lettersofnote.com/2011/01/im-feeling-like-very-large-turd-on-very.html

Among other things, he stated, "I'm feeling like a very large turd on a very thin stick." Now, as a "Wordie" (as I have been called), I appreciate his vivid description that no doubt painted a very clear picture for his reader of how ill he was feeling. However, did he really have to be so vulgar about it?

Since I only love the young Marlon Brando, I am going to blame his tackiness on being old and senile. He was 67 at the time of this writing. After all, we all know on your 60th birthday, you are issued a Say-Whatever-You-Want-Til-You-Pass Pass.

I just refuse to believe that my beautiful, pouty-lipped, piercing-eyed, young Marlon would grow to be such an ineloquent, old man...and sickly, at that! I wonder if "sled dog urine" is an effective cure for Diarrhea of the Mouth, as well.

Although his attractiveness and many brain cells died long before he, may he rest in peace.

P.S. I decided to dedicate my blog to whatever I feel like writing about. :)

"Choice" on Earth and Goodwill to MEN???

I was going to give blogging a rest for a few weeks to decide what direction I want it to go. But, I do not have access to facebook at work, and I just came across an article I feel compelled to share. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/12/21/does-planned-parenthood-gift-card-say-merry-christmas/?test=latestnews

I have a few thoughts on this article in no particular order:

1. OMG, what is this world coming to that this is an acceptable GIFT?
2. Wait, I chose my dad's name for Secret Santa this year, anyway. Shoot.
3. I guess this is what you get "the girl who has everything!" Problem solved.
4. I dare someone to get this for a friend or relative and report back to me on how that goes.

Weekend Fun

I hope you all had a great weekend! Drew and I did some major damage Christmas shopping on Saturday. He got some cute biker shorts and other cycling related items. Gap was having a nice sale, so, I bought some sweaters. How selfish of us that we didn't buy one thing for anyone else! Oh, well. There are still a few shopping days before Christmas. Yes, I am one of those crazies who waits til the very last minute.

It is perfect weather here in Dallas/ Fort Worth. I am grateful, but I still cannot believe it is going to be in the 60's and 70's the week of Christmas. Amazing! On Sunday, we went for a leisurely bicycle ride around River Legacy Park. The trees were all bare and not so pretty. But hey, it makes it easier to see the bobcats hiding in the bushes before they jump out and maul me to death.

I'm only kidding. They are harmless. http://durangotexas.blogspot.com/2010/10/bobcat-her-baby-playing-at-river-legacy.html Besides, they would probably give up on me after several hours of trying to chew through my first layer of fat.

On a more serious note, when I set out to write this blog, I wanted it to be about something- anything- just as long as it was slighty interesting and on about a 3rd grade reading level. When I was on my raw food journey, I wanted to write about that. But now that I know that is not my path in life, I have nothing to write about. I could always just write about the things I do day-to-day, but really, I am kind of simple and boring. No one wants to read the uninteresting happenings of a married twenty-something. So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to ponder what I want to write about. I want to have a focus for my blog. Otherwise, I don't feel it is worth maintaining. I am leaning towards covering current events/issues. I am open to suggestions, though! What do you all want to hear my insightful opinions on? :)

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Time Flies When You're Havin' Fun!

Whoa, whoa, whoa! It has been a year and a half since I last posted! Time has really flown by! Like the rest of the world, I have been using good ole' Facebook to stay connected..and also, I haven't really done anything newsworthy in the past couple of years. But, for those of you who have been bugging me to update my blog (okay, just the ONE of you!), here goes...

In the past year and half, I had been working at a Market Research firm that sucked all the love and happiness out of me. Now, I work at a law firm as a Receptionist and I enjoy it so far. Never a dull moment, thats for sure!

In October 2009, I was visiting my family in Louisiana and was hit head-on by a drunk driver. It was a pretty traumatic event because my cousin's wife was in the car with me and she was 8 months pregnant at the time. But all ended up well and no one was seriously injured- except my poor car was smashed beyond recognition. (pic above)

Since 2009, we have moved several times. We are like gypsys! :) For now, we live in a wonderfully central location just South of DFW Airport. We plan to get a house next year.

Drew and I just celebrated 3 years of marriage on December 1st. Good times...I love you, sweetheart!

And that's about it! Now, I am looking forward to my next semester at community college and enjoying life. See you all in another couple of years! :)

School is the New Black!

I was certain no one ever read my blog. So, I haven't bothered to update it. Alas, many have mentioned it to me recently. So, here I find myself back in Blogland :)
What have I been up to- Well, I started running again...Okay, more like slow jogging and some walking! It is hard getting back into it. But I have to get up to running at least 5 miles a day b/c my brother wants to do the Dr Pepper run ( http://www.dublindrpepper.com/news.aspx?id=2 )again this year. It was a blast last year and on our way back to Dallas, we stopped in Glen Rose and went swimming. So, I am really looking forward to that in May. I better get busy!

Other than that I have just been looking for a job (Yes, AGAIN!) and getting ready to head back to college. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I am quite proud of myself for this. I tried to go to college right after high school and it was just too much for me at the time. So, I wasn't very determined to succeed. Now that I am seeing lots of people my age getting degrees and good jobs or going on to get master's degree, I feel left out. I feel like I should be living my best life and acheiving my goals as well. So, I am going to! I am a very, VERY bad student as far as studying but an above-average student as far as learning. I think I will do okay. Y'all just pray for me!!! I am starting this summer at community college. I hope to eventually go to law school. I know that is a big feat, but why not dream big, right?!?!

Everything is not quite going my way right now, but things are looking up. So, I am grateful. I hope you, my few readers, are doing well. I will try to remember to update my blog more often....By the way, if any of you know someone who has a computer they would like to sell, let me know! Desktop or laptop- doesn't matter. I just need one to type papers for school on- nothing fancy.

Running, Eating and Anniversary!

Running and eating (but not at the same time)- These are my two biggest struggles lately. I have taken an extended vacation from running. Not for any particular reason- just laziness, I guess. AND it is getting really cold outside and I HATE the cold weather. But that really is just an excuse to be lazy. Now about eating right....grr...This is the major one. Im sorry but I love food! I know im not the only one out there who does. Maybe just one of the few who can admit it. Word!? So, because of the pressure from my brother to run and a certain Caribbean cruise that I (and my beloved) am taking first of February, I am going to get busy. I have to stop being lazy and get moving! I am going to start JOGGING asap and stop eating like crap. I dropped 15lbs last year for my wedding. Surely, I could do that again in two months for our cruise. After all, I certainly dont want anyone mistaking me for a whale. :(

Anyway, congrats to Jonathan for his record time at the 2008 Turkey Trot here in Dallas. Wish I could have been there Bro! Watch out, White Rock is right around the corner!

Also, today is my 1 year wedding anniversary!!! Hard to believe it has been a year. I look forard to many more. I love you so much Drew! You truly are my better half (okay, more like 75%)!

Lennox Tour Des Fluers, Dallas, TX

My first 10k was this past weekend...I had alot of fun. It was at the beautiful White Rock Lake here in Dallas. I POWERwalked it with my friend Lisa and her kids. But my stupid shoes arent used to me walking/running longer than 3-4 miles. So, around mile 5, I started getting blisters and had to take one of them off and walk the rest of it with one shoe on and one off. That sucked.....My brother (The Super Runner) ran it with my Uncle Bryan. Jonathan beat his last 10k time by 2 minutes. Snaps for Jonathan!!!
Afterwards, we went to eat at this German restaurant in Highland Park. If you arent to fond of German food like me, you would appreciate it- as I did not. But the guys loved it.
Anyway, we had a good time. I hope that it will motivate me to train better and more often. The energy at these runs is amazing and crossing the finish line feels great....See pics here.....http://www.yoursportingimage.com/Image.asp?catalogID=2243345 , http://www.yoursportingimage.com/Image.asp?catalogID=2245871 , http://www.yoursportingimage.com/Image.asp?catalogID=2244198. Sorry, couldnt figure out how to copy pic. Not my forte!

WOW!

Wow, what a summer! Here is what I have been up to lately:

1. Running (sometimes haha)...Have a 10k to run on the 20th. Wish me luck!
2. Quit Hyatt, found a new job. Should start sometime this week with a Christain company. Im really excited about that.
3. Not eating raw :( I TOTALLY fell off the wagon but have seriously been thinking about getting back on. Its a big committment and I dont want to fail again.
4. Spending more time with family and my husband...Took a nice trip to Hot Springs for my b-day. That was fun. Will post pics soon.

How about you?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Wow! Over 1 month since I have posted anything!

Heres a little update-

Quit Hilton 2 days before my vacation

Went on vacation and had tons of fun (pics to come)

Got back and hit the ground running job hunting

Found a lovely job at Hyatt

Started said job on Monday...

See, I have been busy! But I am back now and ready to blog again. I missed you all (I mean, I missed you, my one or two readers! haha)!!!!

Good News- Its Day 9!

..and other good news- I am keeping the Versa! It all worked out with the dealership and I didnt have to yell at them anymore :) The bad news- when I had my insurance guy check into rates for my new car, he discovered (and to my surprise!) I have been driving around with a suspended license for about 3 years now...One has to wonder how she was never notified by the Texas Department of Transportation. Apparently, what happened was that I had a no insurance ticket waaaaaaay before I even had my Dodge Neon that I didnt pay and they suspended my license for that. So, after about $1,500 and alot more headache, I should be able to get my license back before I leave next Friday for Florida. WHAT A NIGHTMARE!

I digress.....

Day 9 is going well as far as fasting...but looking forward to day 30! :)

Day 8, is it?

( My precious Nissan Versa :) It gets amazing gas mileage- like 35-40 highway!)

Almost a third of the way done with the Green Smoothie Fast!

I've been really stressed out with stuff this week- work, trying to buy a car, having to yell at the Finance guy at the dealership b/c he was rude to me. So, needless to say, my chi is a little off :) Hopefully, the green juice will help me but man, this week is killing me! Not to mention that I have not been running like I should b/c I have been at the dealership twice this week trying to get everything worked out. So, I got a lecture from my brother that I "better be ready for June 14th!" (for the 10k that we are doing) So, I have to get on the ball!!! Anyway, I should know something about the car by noon today. So, whether it works out or not, at least I can stop stressin' over it. So, thats good. Either way it goes, it is in God's hands and I will be okay with the outcome.

Alright, I am done venting :)

I babysitted overnight. So, I wasnt at my house this AM to make any green juice. So, I had to use what they had- apples and oranges....juice came out kind of weird but I added a little lime to it and its taste okay. I've had worse!

Have a great day everyone!

Day 5 of Green Smoothie Fast

Fun, fun, fun! haha :) Not so much, really. This has been harder that I thought it would be. BUT IM NOT QUITTING! I will make it to 30! April is counting on me and I really need this as well. I haven't noticed any amazing results so far except that I feel lighter...and at my Dermatologist told me this morning that I have great skin :) That made me feel good. Except it was followed by "Now, stop tanning and be sure to wear sunscreen at the beach!"

Anyway, this morning, I am having my usual grape/collard greens/cucumber smoothie. I am still very sick of the sweet grape taste but I dont want to waste so I am finishing out the bag. I am going grocery shopping tonight for sure.

Also, someone remind me to upload pics from this past weekend. I always forget and I just realized that I haven't posted any new pics in a while. Here are some funny cartoons to tide you over. Have a great day!

Rebekah

Day 2 and Vacation Coming Up

(Panama City Beach)

This (http://rebekahworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/best-green-smoothie-ever.html) may be the best green smoothie ever but I sure am getting tired of it quick! Having at least 64 ounces of it for the past two days has not been fun for me. Today, I used too many grapes so it is REALLY sweet. I would really like to use more apples in my green smoothies but my blender is not the best so I have to cut up the apples into very tiny pieces in order for it to blend well...I just dont have that kind of time or patience. So, I am just going to have to try some new things so that I can get through this fast...You still hangin' in there, April?

In other news, I am SOOO glad that I got my IRS Stimulus check direct deposited into my account today! What a blessing! I really need this money for our upcoming vacation in two weeks :) We got married in December but never took a honeymoon. So, this will be a nice get-away for us....if only for a week :( But hey, I'll take what I can get!

30 Day Green Smoothie Fast

So, today is the first day of what shall be 30 very loooong days! j/k ...April from www.rawfoodpassion.blogspot.com and I are embarking on a 30 day green juice/smoothie fast together. I am excited that I have an accountability partner who will force me to stick to it - well, mostly the guilt I would feel if I cheated will force me to stick to it! haha
I wish April well and I am so happy to be mentioned in someone elses blog :) I feel special. We are in this together, girl!
I know we have already started, but if anyone else wants to jump in, c'mon! When it is finished, I know I am going to feel so much better and so can you!!! Any takers...Jonathan, Michelle, Rosie??? :) No pressure! haha

And for those of you who are having a bad day like me and need to laugh today, see below...By the way, you'll never believe how many of these situations I have been in...no lie! :)

Awkward Social Things
by Dee Ann
*people who keep looking at you when you're clearly done talking to them
*someone who has called you the wrong name so many times, you don't want to correct them
*seeing your boss at the neighborhood pool
*seeing old friends who got really fat
*trying to look cool in a college town vintage record store
*realizing you've mispronounced a word your entire life

More funny stuff... I voted for the brain fart card- priceless! http://www.hallmarkcontests.com/funnyvote/

Have a great GREEN day! :)

Rebekah