Yes, I'm important enough to have a blog.

Encouragement

2011-07-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Those who know me know that I go through some serious ups and downs.

Over the years I have had some amazing friends who have helped me through the lows by encouraging me. Rox, Lara, Lauren, Bucket, and Constance to name a few (but most definitely not all).

I have been in a low for about two weeks.

My sweet hubby doesn't understand how I could have a low.

He thinks I'm amazing.

He sees everything I refuse to see.

I've signed up for two marathons. The Houston and The Woodlands.

These will be my first ever full marathons.

Since I've been in a low it's been really hard for me to motivate myself to run.

I tell myself "You won't finish anyways and it's only 4 miles" or something similar.

Today was a particularly bad day.

To help encourage me my amazing hubby surprised me with a brand new iPod shuffle!

My old iPod weighs probably around 5 pounds and takes up pretty much my entire right arm.

I can't tell you how excited I was (am)!! I just lost five pounds and gained about 2 minutes a mile just from losing that massive thing.

notice the size difference.

Woot!

So I quickly added all of my favorite running songs, charged up my Shuffle whilst the hubs took me to sushi (yum), came home... still wasn't charged... took a nap (yes, at 6:00 pm), woke up, watched Obama lie to the country, and then went out for a 35 minute run.

Background story:

Rob is a groomsman in his close friend Sloan's wedding.

The bachelor party was this past weekend.

They played basketball and paintball, they swam, they did all sorts of manly things.

Rob came home EXHAUSTED, incredibly sore, and a little beat up.

For some reason it really encourages me to have Rob there while I run.

He likes to do sprints and doesn't enjoy the slower, longer runs.

He wants to go fast (to semi-quote a young Ricky Bobby).

So he'll run every other lap with me.

I knew that he wasn't going to want to run with me because of how sore he was so I asked him if he'd just come, sit, and watch me run.

Weird.

I know.

But it helps me for some reason.

He was DEAD asleep when I woke up from our nap so I decided to leave him and not wake him up.

He ended up waking up while I was feeding Wyatt.

I told him I was going out for a run and he said that he was too exhausted to join.

I 100% understood.

Out I went for my run.

About a mile and a half into rocking out to my new iPod Shuffle (and running) guess who shows up!

My sweet, amazing hubby!

Even though he has a GI-NORMOUS blister on his foot, incredibly sore muscles, a penchant for running fast, and an insatiable need for a nap... he came out to run with me!

I finished up STRONG. And it felt GOOD.

My handsome hubby was there to encourage me because he loves me :)

Thank you, sweet husband, for your continual encouragement :)

You're amazing.

And I'm the luckiest girl in the world :)

Oh. And he drew this adorable picture on the wrapping paper :)

And some how even IT encouraged me to run! She just looks so happy whilst running! :)

... yes... whilst.

Say what?

2011-07-06T18:51:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted anything since Christmas.

Don't get me wrong - I've had some fantastic ideas and I've really wanted to... I just haven't.

I am so mad right now I HAD to blog. So You Think You Can Dance is on and I'm not even watching it.

I'M MAD.

Today our President held a Twitter Town Hall.

Twitter account holders wrote the President questions with the #AskObama tag on it.

The questions were given to the President based on how much internet traffic it rendered.

I submitted 5 questions:

1. Why have your polices failed to improve unemployment? #AskObama

2. It's been nearly 3 years since you took office and the American quality of life is worse in virtually every category. Can you provide insight about what you feel is better since 2009? #AskObama

3. You voted against the debt ceiling in 2006. Now you predict economic disaster if the debt ceiling isn't raised. What's the difference between 2006 and now? #AskObama

**If you'd like to read his statement about raising the debt ceiling click here. It's quite interesting. He says that a failure of leadership is the cause of having to raise the debt ceiling. The last 2 paragraphs are also interesting.

4. Where did the stimulus money go? We spent almost one trillion dollars - surely there's something to show for it? #AskObama

5. What exactly is a "Job Saved" and how do you determine how many jobs have been saved? Why has nobody ever heard of this term until you? #AskObama

Anyways...

During the Town Hall he stated that White House staff had had their salaries frozen and had not received a salary raise in 2.5 years. Watch this video but hit pause after 18 seconds.

So he says that they have not seen a pay raise in 2.5 years.

Here is the Annual White House Salary Report from 2009.

Here is the Annual White House Salary Report from 2010.

Here is the Annual White House Salary Report from 2011.

All you have to do is look at the first employee (he is the second employee in 2009) Adam Abrams.

He goes from $65,000 to $70,000.

Gawker has published an article and a photo (below) of the top 20 White House raises. Two White House employees saw a more then 80% salary raise.

(click to enlarge)

EIGHTY PERCENT.

Un-pause the movie and watch the rest.

Oh c'mon. It's 20 seconds.

He. flat. out. lied. to the American people. He didn't fudge the truth. He didn't stretch the truth. He didn't speak in "PC."

He. Lied.

What's more disappointing ...

is that a lot of people are going to believe him.

I need a glass of wine.

All is well with the birth of Jesus Christ.

2010-12-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Bridalplasty

2010-12-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

Is a show on E!

There are two things that I want to talk about concerning this show.

I don't know which to start with.

I'll start with a brief explanation of the show:

Newly engaged women compete in various "wedding to-do's."

Before the show began the women made a "wish list" of plastic surgery procedures they want to have done before their wedding day.

They compete for these procedures.

If they win a competition they get to have one of their plastic surgeries from their wish list.

Sick.

It's hosted by this woman:

Apparently, this is what brides should strive to look like.

I know I wouldn't want anyone to be able to tell that I was smiling unless they looked at my mouth and saw the small curve that the botox allowed.

Oh, PS, she's divorced.

Great "Wedding Show Host" pick, E!

I digress.

Topic #1: "I am a well writer and a well speaker."

Embarrassingly, I watched one episode last night and the to-do was writing wedding vows.

The women, sorry, Brides had an hour to write the vows that they would use on their wedding day.

They were scored by how similar their vows were to the vows that their husbands wanted to hear (the show asked their fiances to write down five vows that they wanted to hear from their wife-to-be).

Just like a good reality TV show, they interviewed all of the brides and asked what their thoughts were on the competition.

Some were nervous.

Some were excited.

Some had no idea where to start (that would be me).

One woman said this, (The beginning of this quote is not a direct quote. Unfortunately, I don't remember her exact words...until the very end)

"I'm not nervous about this competition. I love writing and talking. (here comes the exact quote) I am a very well writer and a very well speaker."

I'm sorry?

"A very well writer and a very well speaker" ?

I don't even KNOW where to begin on that!

I'll state the obvious and move on.

Obviously a very well writer and a very well speaker.

While you're writing all of your Thank You notes why don't you send one to your high school English teacher as well?

She deserves one.

Topic #2: What has a wedding become?

OK.

This show is pretty disgusting.

I think we'd all agree to that.

Don't get me wrong, I have my list that I'd love to have done before I marry the man of my dreams, but I'm not actually going to do them.

OK, maybe I would if I had the money.

BUT STILL!

What caps off my disgust with this show is what the host says when a contestant is kicked off:

"I'm sorry, (enter bride name here). You are no longer in the running for your dream wedding. Your wedding will go on, it just won't be perfect."

"It just won't be perfect" ????

I'm sorry, I thought that a wedding was about marrying the person you're in love with.

As long as Rob is standing at the alter when I get there...(pause in an attempt to hold back the vomit caused by my disgust with the show).... my wedding will be perfect.

What is E! teaching girls a wedding is about??!

What IS a wedding about to those who don't have Christ?

I'm just so appalled that I don't even know what to say/type/think.

I don't need a boob job, a chin implant, and liposuction of my arms, thighs, and knees to have a perfect wedding.

Not that I've thought about it or anything.

I don't need all of those things to have a "perfect wedding."

I don't need all of those things to feel beautiful on my wedding day.

Rob makes my wedding day perfect.

Rob makes me feel beautiful EVERY DAY.

What are we teaching youth?

South Pacific

2010-12-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

Is not where Rob and I are going on our honeymoon.

But the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein has a scene that comes to mind whenever I think of Rob.

The character Nellie (see below), played by Mitzi Gaynor, sings a song titled "I'm in love with a wonderful guy."

"Cheasy," you say?

"Yes," I answer.

But... it's... just... so... true!

Here is a youtube video of the song.

I just can't help but sing this song!

Especially the ending when the bevy of women come up from the sea and help Nellie sing that she's "In love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love with a wonderfuuuuuullllll guuuuuuuuyyyy!!"

He makes me want to turn cartwheels and do some goofy dance on a boat.

Who WOULDN'T be in love with this guy?

He makes me feel like this:

and I cannot WAIT to marry him!

It's Bush's fault, right?

2010-08-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

I have a serious political crush on Michael Berry.

Sorry, Rob, I love you very much.

I read this on his page and thought that it was awesome:

Obama's "Inherited Deficit”??
I wanted you to see the graph. It's very enlightening.

The Washington Post babbled again today about Obama inheriting a huge deficit from Bush. Amazingly enough,..... a lot of people swallow this nonsense. So once more, a short civics lesson.

Budgets do NOT come from the White House. They come from Congress, and the party that controlled Congress since January 2007 is the Democratic Party. They controlled the budget process for FY 2008 and FY 2009, as well as FY 2010 and FY 2011. In that first year, they had to contend with George Bush, which caused them to compromise on spending, when Bush somewhat belatedly got tough on spending increases.

For FY 2009 though, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid bypassed George Bush entirely, passing continuing resolutions to keep government running until Barack Obama could take office. At that time, they passed a massive omnibus spending bill to complete the FY 2009 budgets.

And where was Barack Obama during this time? He was a member of that very Congress that passed all of these massive spending bills, and he signed the omnibus bill as President to complete FY 2009. Let's remember what the deficits looked like during that period: (below)

If the Democrats inherited any deficit, it was the FY 2007 deficit, the last of the Republican budgets. That deficit was the lowest in five years, and the fourth straight decline in deficit spending. After that, Democrats in Congress took control of spending, and that includes Barack Obama, who voted for the budgets. If Obama inherited anything, he inherited it from himself.

In a nutshell, what Obama is saying is - I inherited a deficit that I voted for and I voted to expand the deficit four-fold since January 20th.

Wisdom Teeth

2010-08-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Why are they called "Wisdom Teeth?"

Is it because they come in when you are older and wiser?

Is it because you are wise if you get them taken out?

Nevertheless, they are a beast to take out.

My poor fiance's were growing sideways into his nose.

He had them taken out today.

Here are links to video footage taken on the way home (they were too large to add directly onto my blog)

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

Unfortunately, I didn't get the following exchanges on video:

Rob: How did I get in the car?

Me: We wheeled you downstairs and put you in the car.

Rob: They did the operation IN THE CAR?!

Me: No, sweetheart.

Rob: Where's my phone?! I need to call the President.

Rob: Did they give me prescriptions?

Me: Yes.

Rob: Do they think they will help me to catch fish?

Me: Yes.

Narcolepsy

2010-08-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today I was diagnosed with narcolepsy.

No, it does not mean that I have to tie my ponytail to something so that I do not face-plant into my soup (ie Deuce Bigelow).

It means that if I sit down and do not have something to engage my brain, I will fall asleep.

It means that I do not remember anything that happens 20 minutes before I fall asleep because my brain (not my body) has already fallen asleep.

It means that sometimes I wake up and I cannot move or speak.

It means that my brain does not produce enough stimulant and my body thinks that it's asleep, even though I'm awake.

So, when I don't have anything to make my brain work, my body shuts down since it thinks it's already asleep.

It means that I now have a life-long excuse for when I fall asleep watching fishing shows with Rob.

It is easily treatable with a stimulant, Ritalin.

I'm not complaining too much seeing as a side effect of Ritalin is appetite suppression.

Darn.

I do feel a bit vindicated.

Rob and I have had many arguments about me falling asleep at inappropriate times.

I always told him that I didn't know that I was falling asleep and that I didn't mean to.

Turns out, I was right.

Ha :)

It could be tied into my sudden weight gain.

It could be tied into my struggle with depression and mood swings.

We'll see.

I am happy to have this answered.

I've been tired my entire life.

Now I know why.

Life on a Schedule

2010-08-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

As I sit here, enjoying my last week of summer, I realize that I work better on a schedule.

I realize that I'm actually looking forward to school starting so that I can be on a schedule again.

Of course, I will curse myself for thinking that when school actually starts.

I always look forward to summer because "I can relax and have nothing to do."

This summer I vowed to get almost everything with my, sorry, sweety...our wedding done and improve our Chemistry labs and demos.

When I don't have a time that I have to be awake by... I don't wake up.

When I don't have a deadline that I have to have whatever it is completed by... I don't get it done.

When I have all day to work out... I don't work out.

I've decided that I work better on a schedule.

I've decided that I operate more efficiently when I have a timeline in front of me.

I got to thinking about it...

I think that the schedule, like all other things in life, was God's creation, not man's.

He created us in His image

We are orderly, like He is orderly

We operate on a schedule, like He operates on a schedule

I am not suggesting that He is bound by time

because we know that He is above time

2 Peter 3:8-9 tells us that He is above time, but still acts in time.

He plans out our life

He plans when we will meet our spouse

He plans when we will go through trials so that we can learn to depend on Him

He plans, not only for me and you, but for the entire world

all 6.5 billion of us (that was the population when I was in college, forgive me if it is off)

He has a God-schedule for every one of the 6.5 billion people on this earth

Not only does He have a timeline for us...

He created time...

So that He can better show us who He is...

So that we will learn to wait on Him

needless to say

I need a schedule to work more efficiently.

Thank you, Lord, for creating me in a way that is orderly and dependent on You.

Speaking of schedules...

90 days until America speaks out and changes their congressmen

900 days until Obama is out of office

900 days until America is saved

Yay for schedules!

My mom is a rock star.

2010-03-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

That's right.

My mom is a rock star.

My mom is beautiful.

My mom is hard working.

My mom has raised four wonderful, if I say so myself, children.

I am the most wonderful, of course.

But back to my mom.

She is always hot.

Calm down boys.

I mean she enjoys to have the AC on.

This woman had the AC during our ten snow storms this winter because it wasn't cold enough outside.

I enjoy Bikram Yoga.

For those of you who don't know, Bikram Yoga is a 90 minute lesson done in a room that, at some points, reaches 100 degrees.

My first class of Bikram yoga was painful.

It was hot.

I couldn't do all of the postures.

My rock star, incredibly in shape, in the prime of her athletic ability, youngest sister passed out during her first Bikram Yoga class.

If you didn't pick up on it, Bikram yoga is intense.

Bikram yoga is amazing.

I have been inviting my mom for a year and a half to join me in my yoga practice.

Remember, this woman is ALWAYS hot.

No matter how cold it is outside.

This woman hates Al Gore but would unintentionally prove his point every single day.

Three days ago

my mother came to Bikram yoga with me.

That's right.

She came to Bikram yoga with me.

Not only did she come to Bikram yoga with me.

She stayed in the room for the full 90 minutes.

Not only did she stay in the room for the full 90 minutes

she did every... single... posture.

Not only did she do all 26 postures,

she did every single sit up.

Not only did she do every sit up

SHE CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY.

The very next day.

Not only did she come back the next day.

She came back AFTER working out for the day!

My mom is a rock star.

Vida. Leben. Life.

2010-02-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

The largest abortion clinic in the nation is opening in Houston.

On Martin Luther King day I, and thousands others, marched silently for civil rights.

People claim that it's a woman's right to decide if she wants to have a child.

It is her right to decide.

To decide to create one.

Once created, the child has life.

Abortion is defined as "the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus; spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus; induced expulsion of a human fetus."

Notice that the word "death" is used.

Doesn't there have to be life before there can be death?

Notice that the word "human" is used to describe the fetus.

Not "partial human."

Not "pre-human."

Not "pre-life."

Human.

Last February an Oklahoma man was pulled over because the officer thought the man's bumper sticker was a potential threat to President Obama.

The bumper sticker read, "Abort Obama, Not the Unborn."

If suggestion of an abortion of Obama is a threat against him, why isn't it a threat against the unborn when women actually DO IT?

*Keep in mind that our President thinks that partial-birth abortion is a woman's right.

You know, when the woman carries the baby to term and goes into labor and as the baby's head comes out the doctor drills a hole in the skull and sucks the brains out.

Literally.

But...there is a but... he has to remove the brains before the shoulders are visible, otherwise the doctor can be charged with murder.

Keep in mind that our President referred to children as a punishment.

So, in summary, it's not OK to suggest aborting Obama, a man who agrees with abortion, but it is OK to abort children.

Hm.

Ever wonder who founded Planned Parenthood?

Margaret Sanger.

Ever read anything about Margaret Sanger?

She referred to black Americans as "human weeds."

She believed in eugenics.

She supported sterilization of immigrants.

She wanted birth control to create a "race of thoroughbreds"

Need I go on?

Oh... and... last year Hillary Clinton was given the "Margaret Sanger Award."

Congrats.

Anyways... on to the largest abortion clinic in the nation...second largest in the world...

78,000 square feet.

Located in an area of Houston that is most heavily populated by blacks and Hispanics.

Margaret Sanger would be happy.

They will be performing late term abortions.

Pics of the protest:

True.

Beautiful.

They left the operating room lights on just for us.

How thoughtful.

My parents.

An honest sign.

In front of a police car.

The men who serve and protect citizens.

One day an American flag will fly from one of these poles.

A flag that represents freedom, right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

My mom brought an umbrella because she has very fair skin and

was worried of getting a sunburn.

I think she brought it in case she saw an employee of Planned Parenthood.

I am 100% Texan even though I grew up in a big city.

One of the first things I learned was, "Never walk behind a horse."

These girls are obviously not from Texas.

Or their parents hate them.

Either/or.

Life.

Jesus the Hobbit (I was supposed to publish this in December. oops)

2010-01-14T11:45:00.000-08:00

I think Jesus is a Hobbit.

Hobbits give presents on their birthdays.
Hobbits feed their friends and pay for their own parties.

Overtime, Hobbits' birthdays have become about the party instead of about the Hobbit, thus leaving the celebrated hobbit, sadly, forgotten.
If the party isn't good enough, if the fireworks aren't Gandalf-like enough, if the food isn't plentiful enough, then it is a dissappointing party.

We buy each other presents on Jesus' birthday with money that is His, that He has given us.

We feast on Jesus' birthday.

We forget Jesus on His birthday.

Jesus is a hobbit.

Obama's Latest Speech

2009-11-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

And I quote:

“Uhhh, Look. When I took office I inherited an ailing economy—the unemployment rate was 7.6 percent. Yet we are now facing a 10.2 percent unemployment rate because of President Bush’s continued failed policies over the past 11 months. America, we are not out of the woods yet.

Let me be clear. I also inherited a healthcare system that was the envy of the world. Yet we need healthcare reform by the end of the year or I fear our economy will collapse to the brink of disaster. If we do not overhaul health insurance, I fear their will be no more health to insure. I instructed Congress early this year to get a bill written and on my desk. That has not materialized, in large part to the residue of the partisan politics of the Bush years. I now call on Congress to put aside their disdain for our previous president and get this done by Christmas.

Make no mistake. My predecessor left me mired in two wars with the most powerful military on earth, yet I am unsure what to make of it. We have the best generals in the world, but I refuse their suggestions and advice. I know a better way to achieve the peace. I’m still working hand in hand with our advisors on the ground to bring an end to this sad chapter of the Bush presidency. America, be patient and we shall succeed. I will lead you out of the wilderness of 2009, President Bush’s last year in office, to 2010 and the land of tomorrow. There is yet much to be accomplished.”

Happenings at my school.

2009-10-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

I work at (edited) High School.
Home of the Mighty (edited).

Last week one of my students was arrested for stealing over $10,000 worth of items from teachers and students.
That is a felony charge.

Last weekend a student from my school was shot in the neck and killed by his father.
His father came home drunk and was looking for a video game.
His son got up to get it for him, his father thought that he was going to hide it.
He shot him in the neck.
His mother cannot afford a funeral.
The student body is raising money for his funeral.

Two weeks ago 3 girls were found making out, naked on the bathroom floor.
During school.

This week, a student crutched into my room with a very broken foot.
I asked why he didn't have a cast on.
He said his family couldn't afford it and that as long as he didn't put pressure on it he would be OK.
He was a soccer player.

I have a student who falls asleep everyday in class.
I was annoyed.
I held him after class and asked him why.
He said that he worked the night shift because his dad was in jail and his mom needed help with bills.
How can I get mad at that?

I have a student who has two T-Shirts.
He wears one one week and the other the next.
He alternates weeks.

This morning during our "Halloween" Warm-Up I asked if Dracula was real.
A student said, "I thought Dracula was a dinosaur. Like a BIG one."

OK, so the last one is more funny than anything.

But seriously.

WHAT IN THE WORLD.

How am I supposed to affect these students?
How can I show God's love and plan?
I've never been beaten by my dad, I've never been shot by my dad, my family can afford to buy index cards for flashcards, my family can afford to fix a broken bone, my dad actually told me NOT to get a job during college so that I could focus on school.

How am I supposed to affect these kids when I have no idea what they are going through.
They have experienced more life than I ever want to.

How can I show them that there IS a God?
How can I show them that there is a God who LOVES them?

I feel so naive.
I feel so spoiled.
I feel so innocent.

Of COURSE I believe in God.
My life is perfect.
My family is perfect.
I don't have money issues.
I can afford healthy foods.
I can afford new clothes.

How can I show kids who have a COMPLETELY different life than I do that there is a God without them rolling their eyes at me and saying, "easy for you to say" ?

I desperately want to give them everything that I have.
Not because "I don't deserve it."
Because I WANT to.
Because I CAN.
Because I can afford another one.
Not just things.
I want to give love, assurance, safety, comfort, a hug.
NO, I do not think that it should be government mandated.
NO, I do not think that it is the government's job to take care of them.
It is a heart issue.

My life in Houston thus far.

2009-10-29T16:15:00.001-07:00

My life in Houston thus far:

I did not want to move here.

I hate Houston.

Houston does not have my kind of "people."

Houston does not have my kind of activities.

Houston does not have my kind of weather.

Houston does not have my kind of food.

Houston does not have my kind of Christian.

Houston does not have my kind of thought-process.

Houston does not have my kind of life-style.

I put off moving here as long as I could.

I fought with God for 3 years.

Eventually, everything was taken from me and I had no choice but to move here.

Since moving here I have been called a hippie (which is derogatory here).

Since moving here I have (ignorantly) been accused of being an "Obama lover."

Since moving here I have been snubbed.

Since moving here I have lost one of my closest friends and fear that it's too gone to remedy.

Since moving here I have been made fun of.

Since moving here I have been ignored.

Since moving here I have been immediately written off.

Since moving here I have been lead on and hurt.

Since moving here I have found what it means to rely on God.

Since moving here I have found what true patience is.

Since moving here I have found what true peace is.

Since moving here I have found who I am.

Since moving here I have found what I enjoy doing, sans influence of others.

Since moving here I have seen God truly move in my life.

Since moving here I have seen what it is to have nothing and yet have everything.

Since moving here I have found what it means to truly trust in God.

Since moving here I have been tested.

Since moving here I have found a true, genuine friend.

Since moving here I have discovered what a true, encouraging, loving, God focused relationship with a male should look like.

Since moving here I have discovered how loving and all-forgiving family is.

Since moving here I have discovered how loving and all-forgiving God is.

God is good.

I still don't like Houston.

This is where God has me.

This is where God could most easily talk to me because I had nothing.

God is good.

Trust in Him.

The vegetarian hippie shot the symbol of peace...

2009-10-02T19:14:00.001-07:00

and I liked it.

He shot more peace than I did, so it's OK.

Things I'm Looking Forward To

2009-09-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

1) My handsome man.
2) Shooting my kick-a bow.
3) Shooting a deer with my kick-a bow.
4) Dressing up like a Native American and stalking a deer with my man and my bow.
5) Seeing Constance.
6) Going with my sister Kate to induct her into the Tatted Club.
7) Hanging out with Chelsea.
8) ToFu-GnarPow.
9) Recycling.
10) New Toms Cordones.
11) Pursuing the Lord.
12) Pursuing the Lord with my handsome man.
13) My Marathon.
14) My brother and his wife coming home.
15) Delhi hats.
16) Obama's last day in office.
17) Reaching the other 81.75% (see #1)

He left flowers at my door.

2009-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Howl at the Moon

2009-08-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, August 6 my sister and I threw a "Howl at the Moon" party.

Coincidentally, it fell on the same day as the Spartan Karneia.

We started the night off with a rousing games of "Moons."

We taped moons to spoons and played by the same rules that apply to the card game "Spoons"

After "Moons" we played "Pin the Man on the Moon"

Margaret drew an AMAZING moon and cut out two dozen little astronauts. (pictures to follow)

We each wrote our name on an astronaut, I blind folded the participant, spun them around 5 times, then directed them towards the moon.

Whoever "landed" closest to the American flag won.

My mother won.

We think she cheated.

We know Will Hixon cheated.

After this we had a group howl at the moon. (footage will follow)

After the group howl we played Lunar Twister.

Our arms were our "wings," our legs were our "thrusters," and we renamed the colors different phases of the moon (pictures to follow)

Example: "Left thruster on full moon" as opposed to "Left leg on red"

Throughout the course of the night we ate Moon Pies and drank Blue Moon beer.

By the end of the night everyone was in the pool.

Except for Roger and Lauren.

Lameskies.

It was fantastic.

The Narnia Bar

2009-07-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

My friend, Arthur, and I saw "500 Days of Summer."

AWESOME movie.

I most definitely recommend it.

I also recommend seeing it at the River Oaks theater because it's very Austin-like and you can order a drink.

An adult drink.

Anyways.

As we were walking to my car I noticed a tree.

It was an AWESOME tree.

I wish that I had taken a picture.

I commented on how cool the tree was.

Unbeknownst to us, there was a woman sitting on the stair case next to the tree.

She comments, "You should see what's BEHIND the tree."

OK, it was a little creepy.

She convinced us to go in.

We opened the door and were immediately transported to London.

This was the coolest bar.

There's no sign.

They've never had a sign.

They have the most creative drinks.

You open the door and a calming energy immediately surrounds you.

Dimly lit.

Soft piano playing in the background.

Everyone talking softly.

I felt like I should've had on a high-waisted skirt that hit mid-calf, a lace shirt, my hair in soft waves, red lipstick, and a long cigarette.

We spent 3 hours there.

Everyone should go.

God is thoughtful.

2009-07-26T19:18:00.001-07:00

Houston had a very heavy rain a couple days ago.
The day after the rain my friend Arthur and I saw this in my back yard.

It's not a very good pic. My camera was out of batteries. I literally turned it on, took the pic, then it died.

How cool is this?

These are mushrooms.

I love mushrooms.

How cool is our God?

He created this to grow like this.

How creative?

How much does He love us that He would give us such simple beauty?

How much fun did He have when He created this?

OH my goodness.

He is worthy of ALL praise.

And just for kicks:

This is the night we decided that Helen Keller was a whore:

The car ride to Max's.

Don't really know.

This chair is AWESOME.

They were acting like Southern Ladies in the itty bitty chairs.

"Recycling" reduced

2009-07-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Turns out my previous posting was pretty lengthy. Here's what I think is the most relevant: and I quote...myself:

Another Perspective:
Why is "saving the earth" associated with 'hippies.'
*WARNING* This is a SWEEPING generalization: The majority of 'hippies' don't believe in the Christian God.
Why isn't "saving the earth" associated with people who BELIEVE in God.
Why isn't "saving the earth" associated with people who FIGHT TO PROVE THAT HE IS THE CREATOR of the earth.
Wouldn't it make more sense if the people who believe in God, believe that He created the earth, cared more for it than people who believe it's here by chance?

Recycling.

2009-07-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Y'all know me.

Y'all know that I think everyone should recycle.

Y'all know that this is something that I am passionate about.

Sometimes... only sometimes... I get a bit too passionate.

Just hear me out:

Preface:

God created the world.

His earth is evidence of Him.

Ever read Job 38-39?

Rewind:

Think back to your college days.

You were the only one who took out the trash.

One day.

You got fed up and decided to go on a silent trash-strike.

So you stopped taking out the trash, hoping that your roommate would get the picture and take the trash out.

The trash built.

The flies came.

The stench permeated.

Finally, you couldn't stand the trash sitting in your apartment, the flies buzzing around your dinner, the embarrassment when one of the opposite sex came over and asked "what's that smell"...

so you caved and took out the trash.

Fast Forward:

You want to purchase a lot.

You research neighborhoods, prices, taxes, drainage, etc

You pick the perfect lot.

You pay for the perfect lot.

You want to build a house on your perfect lot.

You research builders.

You find the perfect builder.

You plan your house perfectly.

Everything is to your exact specifications for your lifestyle.

The kitchen is large enough to accommodate multiple holiday-fueled women.

You have strategic Christmas-light-electrical plugs.

You have a storage room for your outdoor gear.

You have a mud room.

You have the most amazingly comfortable theater room with surround sound in the seats.

You have a below ground wine cellar.

You have secret passages where you can spy on your kids.

You have a secret laboratory for all of your... "experiments."

Etc, etc

It's built in record time.

It's perfect.

Your neighbor comes over and drops off his trash and asks you to keep it for a while. Just until it breaks down into its original components.

Your neighbor on the other side does the same.

Your neighbor from across the street brings his family's trash over. He just dumps it, doesn't even put it in a bag for you.

Now the entire neighborhood is dropping their trash off in your house.

Eventually the entire first floor is filled with trash.

So you move up to the second floor.

You install fans to get rid of the smell.

You install special walls and ceilings to trap the gasses so they don't come up to the second floor.

Your neighbors don't care that this house was perfectly planned.

Your neighbors don't care that YOU planned this house.

Your neighbors don't care that it means THE WORLD to you.

They have to get rid of their trash somehow.

How would you feel if your neighbors treated your perfect, hard-worked for house, like a garbage can?

For Serious:

OK.

I know that's cheesy.

But think about it.

You don't like trash in your apartment for more than a week.

It's annoying when your roommates don't help 'reduce' (take out) the trash.

You don't like it when friends leave their trash in your car.

God planned this world PERFECTLY.

He created it for us to ENJOY.

And we treat it like a trash can.

Obviously, trash is produced.

It's inevitable.

But do you really need to use 500 disposable coffee cups in one year?

Why can't you use one and refill it?

Do you really need to get a plastic bag each time you buy a soda?

Why can't you just carry it?

Why can't you bring a couple cloth bags with you to the grocery store?

Does the light in your room need to be on if you're in the kitchen?

Why can't you turn it off when you walk out?

Why not help reduce the amount of trash put INTO God's earth?

Another Perspective:

Why is "saving the earth" associated with 'hippies.'

*WARNING* This is a SWEEPING generalization: The majority of 'hippies' don't believe in the Christian God.

Why isn't "saving the earth" associated with people who BELIEVE in God.

Why isn't "saving the earth" associated with people who FIGHT TO PROVE THAT HE IS THE CREATOR of the earth.

Wouldn't it make more sense if the people who believe in God, believe that He created the earth, cared more for it than people who believe it's here by chance?

Is it not our duty to be good stewards of what He gave us?

Yet Another Perspective:

Ignore the environment.

Think about your pocket book.

Turn off the lights, reduce your electric bill.

Turn off the water faucet, reduce your water bill.

Bring your own coffee cup, get a 10% discount.

Bring your own grocery bag, get a 10 cent discount per bag.

It makes "cents", guys.

I'm not a fan of the guy. But this is one thing I am excited about.

Not sure how to or where to 'reduce' in your life? Sign up for this. It's a pretty cool site. And it's FREE.

They cut down my nook.

2009-07-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

I'm taking some Chemistry classes at Rice.

During my lunch break I found a perfect Elizabeth-sized nook made out of Oak branches.

The branches grew down to the ground and left a little nook just for me.

I have been laying in the nook, talking to the Oak.

He's a very happy Oak.

Today.

Rice University cut off the branches that were my shelter.

Bastards.

The Oak was not happy.

He enjoyed grazing the ground.

He enjoyed communing with the grass near his branches.

He can no longer do that because Rice decided that his branches were a nuisance to the ground.

My heart hurts for the Oak.

Welcome!

2009-07-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

I have deemed myself important enough and interesting enough to have a blog. After all, who DOESN'T want to know what Elizabeth Owen is up to? I mean, be honest with yo'self.

*I doubt I will keep up with this.

*I doubt it will last very long.

*It will probably just turn in to a self-righteous-ranting-spot.

*Awesome. Let's begin.

I suppose I should explain my web-address "Bettye the Lesser."

My grandmother Bettye is beautiful.

Inside and out.

She is the epitome of a southern lady.

My grandmother Bettye is a writer.

She has written journal entries for every major and minor event of her life.

She has a published book of poems, "Echoes in a New Room."

Her writing style has always reminded me of C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein.

I am named after her.

I will never live up to her beauty, love of life and people, and genuine kindness.

This is a blog.

This is where I write.

This is not worthy of being called 'writing.'

ergo: Bettye the Lesser.