Beck's Blog

New Blog

2011-02-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hey all!!! Im moving my ramblings to this new site! Come check it out!!

Moving Forward One Day at a Time:

http://movingforwardoneday.wordpress.com/

:)

2011-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Ever talk to someone and you think, "I bet they're good looking" just from their voice? Totally had that today with a guy from the Newport Beach Fire Department. But, considering he is a fireman, I bet he is hot regardless. :)

Nice Words

2011-01-13T10:12:00.001-08:00

Today I had probably one of the nicest things said about me, possibly ever.

I was texted a picture of a beautiful sunrise, and the text read:

Sunrise today. When I see things like this, it reminds me of you. I don't try to describe it, just appreciate the view, and wish everyone could see it. Like a masterpiece painting.

I think I'm gonna smile all day today :)

Good times with a good friend and the Gypsy Den

2010-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have a 1 on 1 breakfast with Miss Christina Grant. I am spelling her name out like this because very soon it will be MRS!!!!!!!! Christina Hunter. ah!!! Yes, Christina was in town and although I was so upset that I missed her girls night out due to a service event that I had committed to and then wound up falling through! I was so happy that her and I made plans to meet at the Gypsy Den, just us 2. It was so great to talk and catch up and eat good food. Can I just say I love sharing meals with friends now? I want the time to last and last like it does in other countries instead of feeling like I need to hurry up to finish so the waitress/waiter can turn the table. We decided to make our exit after a cup of water was spilled, oops! time to go! :)
We were able to catch up on family, and boys (or boy in her case, and lack thereof in my case, haha) and work, and weddingness. It was so fun. Thanks Christina for taking the time to have breakfast with me.
I think there needs to be more slowing down, meals shared, lives exchanged and lived together.

T-minus 2 weeks

2010-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

I am VERY excited right now!!!

Priorities

2010-01-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

Warning: A rant is below should you dare to read
I have been battling with my mind lately. I thought I would get some of it out, being recently inspired by a friend who did the same.
Orange County's materialism has always bugged me. Perhaps its the one thing that has always been nagging at me, reminding me that OC will most likely not be my home for the rest of my life. So many things have brought this on, the most recent being my mission trip to South America. While there I lived differently, mainly with less "things". What I notice here is that everyone NEEDS to have the latest and greatest. What they have works, but it is not the newest, and therefore it is not good enough, and frankly I am sick and tired of it. Everyone is so concerned about new shoes, and new purses, new cell phones, new cars, etc. It's all about keeping up with the Jones's and its disgusting. I feel I can say that bc I have been a victim of it myself.
How can we be so concerned with if we have the latest model or not, or if we have the newest shoes, and what are the celebs wearing? I am sure I am looked down upon at my work for not always buying new clothes and accessories, and still wearing clothes from , gasp! 2005. There are so many people around this world that are in need. And here we are, in want, falsely believing that new purchases will improve our life, and yet, still wondering why we are not happy.
What sparked this? My desire to buy the droid. I am switching to verizon. I will have to get a new phone. I wanted the droid. Sure it costs $200, but it's so useful! Will I break it? Probably. Can I get a very good phone for next to nothing and use that money for something else? Yes. And still, my selfish self wanted the droid. Well, I am not going to get it. I kinda need a new purse, my black one is almost falling apart. Can I still use it? Yes. No new purse it is then. I need to start standing up and living out what I actually believe in, and stop giving in to the disgusting materialism that is Orange County.

Too many updates, too little time

2009-12-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

So I realize that I have not posted anything in a very long time. I am going to attempt to do a catch up and post up some pictures from the fall. I will also attempt to blog more often, so that i don't have to do a bunch of catch-ups, bc summaries are no fun :)

First up is pumpkin carving party '09!
First we went to the pumpkin patch and had fun taking pictures, picking out pumpkins

Then we went to Summer's house to carve 'em up!

Here is how mine turned out!

Next up! Halloween 2009!!
My work allowed us to dress up.

Then a group of us went out to Hennessey's.

Whew! that was a close one!

PJ & Karen got married!!

Of course there had to be some fun dancing involved and a little silliness :)

A group of us went to the Getty museum in LA.
I love this painting

WOOO!!! Crazy matrix moves, not even touching!

Group pic in front of the gardens

Then, I went to crew for my friend with his 100 mile race, Chimera 100. The race is between Ortega fwy and Silverado Canyon.

Of course, the 1 day it pours in CA, is the day of the race. Mike was a trooper and kept going, but the race was called part way through. He only (only!) made 22 miles through. But how much does this not look like fun?

So that is a little of what I have been up to. Hopefully I will do better in the coming new year updating. :) Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!

Christmas Photo!!!

2009-12-16T17:34:00.001-08:00

If you're not lucky enough to get one of the cards this year, dont fret!!! Here is the pic we are sending out :)

Merry Christmas, hopefully more to come soon!

Crazy San Francisco Trip

2009-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

My Friday a couple weeks ago ended with a phone call to my buddy Mike asking each other what we were going to do for that weekend. Both of us didn't have many plans. Then, Mike mentioned that his friend had extra tickets to the 49'ers game against the Rams and well........ we went!!! Mike had a friend visiting from out of town, so traveling Saturday night was out. That left us with driving to San Francisco and back IN ONE DAY!!!! We left at 5am and drove, and drove and drove and then drove some more. Soon we saw bridges and skyline!!! After driving an hour in the wrong direction (insert minor freakout session by Becky here)and then driving back, we arrived at the stadium!!!

Woo! LIVE NFL GAME!!

Look at all the people in the red! ( I wore my angel's jacket to try and fit in. Covered the "A" of course) :)

We watched the 49'ers crush the Rams, and then left to head home!!! It was so awesome to see my first NFL game ever! I'm hooked and so excited to see another one! At a different stadium, because one thing I was not aware of was the 2 hour traffic to exit :(

We wound up driving Michael's friend back home, because he missed his flight due to the traffic. After dropping everyone off, I got home around 1am. So, let's recap: 1. left at 5am for San Francisco, 2. got lost, 3. Had minor freak out episode, 4. watched a great game, 5. got stuck in traffic, 6. drove a total of 18 hours in 1 day for a live football game. Sounds like a crazy hectic thing, and it was, but it was also a ton of fun, with great company. :)

My Super Cute Family

2009-10-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while, because evertime I think about it, I am at work, but my pictures are at home. I didn't want to do another post without some pics from NJ or SF, my two most recent trips, so I am compromising and posting up cute pics of my fam taken while in NJ for Jody's wedding. Stories and more pics to come.

This is one of us outside the church after the ceremony. See the beautiful green leaves?!!! And how cute is my mom in her dress!!!

Robb and I posing outside by the lake at the reception.

It was so great to go back to the Jers. I miss it.

Ahhh, the Corporate World, How I HATE thee....

2009-09-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

I hate quarter end. I thought I liked it because it made me busy, and time flew. But, I realize, I just like that it makes time fly in a job I don't like. And every quarter they push up the deadlines, because, and I quote "Anything can be met." Sure, but at what cost?!?!? My sanity!!!!? One man has been helping everyone all day, not complaning. I need help from him. My boss would like me to bug him about it tonight. The man has had no rest from us! None, yet, anything can be done. Unrealistic deadlines turn into doable. Why am I here? I miss Dunkin' Donuts..... More to come on the ultra Fabulous NJ trip!!!!

My Bike was stolen....:(

2009-09-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

As I walked out of my class at OCC, I had this feeling of excitement, I AM A STUDENT AGAIN! It's fun, it's exhilirating, it's stinkin' frustrating to walk to the bike rack that you locked your bike up at and realize, there is no bike there. Yep, that's right, my bike was stolen. Not only did I lock my bike, but I locked it with a steel cable through the front tire and frame, meaning 1 thing; they used cutters. Don't get me wrong, my bike was the cutest thing out there in my opinion, how could someone not want to have it, ha, but seriously steal it?! Amongst other bikes, other aspiring students, some person came in with the intent to steal, or else they wouldn't have the equipment capable to remove my bike. How sad. What has become of people really? One friend laughed at me and told me to have a heart because maybe they needed it. Really? I mean, I do have a heart, but can we stop for 1 minute and at least admit that sucks? Am I supposed to feel sorry for someone that goes with intent to steal by bringing equipment to cut steel, and say, well, yes, yes, but they NEEDED that bike, so its ok? I was sad, well first shocked, then sad. Pathetic and sad, as I walked, slumped shoulders to the Campus Safety office, sniffling, trying to act like a big girl that doesn't give a rip about material possessions, when really, inside I felt violated in some way. I told God that it sucked. I'm pretty sure He agrees, things that happen in this world, suck. I tried telling another friend, but basically got blown off. I was sad, walking home, just wanting someone to hug, mascara dripping down my cheeks, oh I was a sight to see, and I called my dad, who is the best. He calmed me down, agreed that ya, it sucks, and its not about the money (though, in my current state, the $$ that I just spent on a bike 2 months ago kinda does pang a little) that's it's horrible and how could he help. He listened, consoled, agreed, just what I needed. Seriously, dads are the best. Bike stealers....... not so much.

Making a comeback..

2009-08-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, if Michael Vick can do it, so can I. Ok, bad analogy. But readers, I am coming back!!! Inspired by the people who actually admit reading this: Lydia, Christina, Liz, and my fam, and by my other friend whom I wish I could write even 10% as good as her, Dani. So, there's no promise of greatness, nor a promise that I'll grab your attention and keep you intrigued. Nonetheless, I'M COMING BACK!!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know it is a bit late, but I wanted to just throw up some pictures from Drive's Halloween party. I was very impressed by the costumes. Here are some of my fav's:
First we have Mary Poppins (Loni) and Bert (Ben)

Next is Ragedy Anne (me) and Dorothy (Jill) w/ Toto

These are the friends I party hopped with:
Geisha girl (Ashley) Punky Brewster (Krystal)Michael Phelps (Bobby) and me

The girls:
Velma - Scooby Doo (Dani), a Miner sprayed gold, aka "Gold Digger" (Kara), me, Pink Lady (Liz), Flapper (Christina), and I'm not sure what, a man? (Rebecca)

And the winners for best costume (in my opinion) the Scooby Doo Clan!!! Complete with Scooby and Ghost!

Carving Pumpkins!

2008-10-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I went to a pumpkin carving party hosted by the awesome Summer. I also got to see miss Jennifer Morgan, which is always a plus. We had amazing pork tacos, cake, cookies, and CANDY CORN for dessert, AND we went to a pumpkin patch!!! I hadn't been to one since I lived in New Jersey, so I was very excited and a little picture happy! Here are some.

The Pumpkin Patch and Carnival in Corona
Look at all the pumpkins!!

Jennifer and I with the scarecrow!

Jennifer, Summer, and I. Aren't we strong?! :)

I dunno..... I look like a monkey.

Our finished products!
From Left: Shannon, Jennifer, me, Jen, Summer, Lauren

Random Acts of Kindness

2008-10-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last week i experienced 3 random acts of kindness that I wanted to share. Just nice to know that there are people out there that do nice things, just cause.
Here they are:
Running Store
I was at the gym and they were having an open house where stores could come in and display their products. One was a running store (mind, 2 were food, and not health food, mexican food, and chick-fillet, are they serious?!?! I am in a gym, a place I should be able to call my sanctuary where I can distract myself from eating junk food, and they put it right in front of my nose! Luckily, I stood strong) So, I asked the running store if they had an GU and running belts for water bottles. (notice the guy with the packet in his mouth) The running peoples told me that they didnt have GU nor belts for water bottle there, but they did have them at their store, and if I went before Oct. 31st, i could use this $15 cert!!!! I noticed on the cert that the amount was for $10, and he had crossed it out and wrote $15, and then signed by it! how exiciting $15 bucks off!!!!
H&M
This clothing store is becoming very popular to me. Don't worry, I still am obssessed with Express and will always be, but I bought a knit hat, grey long sleeves, and a dress, for only $47!!!! Insane! During checkout I asked if I could have hangers, and the checker replied, sadly no. When I finished paying, I notice her stuff a hanger in my bag, say shhhh!!! and hand me my bag. Sweet!!! no reason at all, I got a hanger!!
And now for the ultimate act of kindness...
Wig Store
I went to a wig store to try on dark hair, so I could get a good idea of how I looked with dark hair, before I dyed it. (sidenote - i look HORRIBLE with dark hair, and got it highlighted with some low-lights instead) The story was closing, but this cool punk girl, who scared me when I first saw her, let me in. I confess that I am not even there to buy a wig, but wanted to try one on so I could see how I look with dark hair (and right about now, I feel very shallow). They told me it was $3 per wig to try on, I ask to pay with debit, but the machine is down, bc they are closed. So, I am keeping them open, to not even try a wig. I start digging thru my purse and pull out the 1 dollar bill that I have and proceed to start counting quarters. Then, the lady behind the desk told me, "it's ok, you dont have to pay, jsut try the wig." REALLY!?!? ok! So the crazy punk girl with bleach blonde and dark black hair with her nose ring (i think she was about 16) took me back to try on the wig I picked out. I hated it. I wanted a pick to show my friends for second opinions, bc of course I cannot make these decisions on my own, but.... I left my phone in the car. So, punk girl, offers to take the pic with HER phone and then text me the picture. WOW!!! So I said yes, and she took it, and I left with a free try-on and proof of a potential debacle.
I LOVE PEOPLE! - something to keep in mind when I have to deal with other, not-so-nice people
3 separate people, 3 separate occasions, 3 nice gestures. Pay it Forward

Stages of Grief

2008-10-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling better about things lately, and so I decided to look up the stages of grief, bc I felt like I was moving right along. Lately, I have felt I am in the anger stage. I am no longer feeling sorry for myself, and not denying that its even happening. So I look at these stages, and find anger as #2. STAGE 2!!! How am I only on stage 2? How many more are there? Well, there are 5 in total, anger is #2. But depression is #4, and I feel that I have def. already experienced that one, and Bargaining is #3, which i am NOT going to do. So, technically, I am only one step away from the end...... acceptance. Only 1 step away! WOOHOO!!! This calls for some major celebration!

Bored......

2008-10-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

You know when you are sooooooooo bored that you try to add some life to the time that is passing by eating? But, you're not even hungry!!!!!!! And yet you think, I guess I could just eat my apple and peanut butter early today...that would kill about 10 min.... UGH! My job!

Cristina and Becky pose update:

2008-10-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

These next two poses are classic Christina and Becky poses. I swear we have dozens. These 2 were taken at our friend's wedding this past weekend, some more pics to come!

This next one is just for fun!! Another wedding, but how fun are we!!! Christina did not take her bag 'o candy home, while I proceeded to scarf the Rock Candy like it was going outta style, and took about 5 more home! :)

Happy Pre-Halloween!

2008-10-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

I went to a Halloween party this past weekend. It was a lot of fun to see old faces and talk with friends. Im really excited about this year's Halloween, bc last year I was in Argentina, and if you are a Christian down there, you think Halloween is only of the devil, and can't have any fun with it. So I started this year a bit early :). Sidenote - I do have shorts on under my costume. Happy Pre-Halloween!!

Rebecca, Me, and Chrissy

Anne and I

Really Pernevi? He is some Thai national sport, fighter, notice the headband, hilarious!

Worth Reading

2008-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

I, like my friend Dani, dont like to talk much about politics to people, bc I definetely have my viewpoints, most of which are not shared by the rest of California. BUT for this, I am willing to make an exception. I copy pasted this from her, who stole it from her soon to be mother-in-law, so no credit to me. Take some time to read it and pass it on to friends. you will be amazed at the numbers!!!! If you think you cant already afford things now, bc the way the economy is going, under Obama, you will be paying ALOT more. :(

CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax. OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales
How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes.
Personal note: This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6% -
How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president.
Personal note: experts predict that ‘Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN - 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
Personal note: Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED
MCAIN None
OBAMA New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet.
New gasoline taxes
New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
New taxes on retirement accounts
New taxes to pay for socialized medicine
***
I realize that I’ve already lost you. You probably are so tired of hearing about all this mess that you left as soon as you saw the word “politics”. But if you’re still here, bless you, stout-of-heart. Go do some research, and not just online - the Democratic campaign has effectively hi-jacked our generation, and thus the bloggers, facebookers and “digg”ers of this country.
Think about the repercussions of promises made, and who’s paying for, say, free tuition for college kids or free healthcare. Nothing is ever free.
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html
http://elections.foxnews.com/latest-news/index.html
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/taxtopics/presidential_candidates.cfm

Grieving......

2008-10-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Two Sundays ago, Mike Erie touched on grieving. He said, "We grieve, but not as those who have no hope."
I like that. New motto.
How I think: I can grieve, but I have hope in Christ, so I need to not dwell on the grieving, but I need to be able to grieve.
How I feel: I hate grieving; hate it. I don’t care if its part of the process, it sucks, and it hurts, and yuck!
Why cant I fly pass grieving? I don't like that there has to be this period that is designated to my "grieving time". I get that it has to happen, but I hate it, and I want it done.

Girlfriends

2008-10-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

Now that I know how to do pics!!! I want to throw some up of my good girl friends whom I love! Without you wonderful ladies, life would be so dim and sad.....
Dont we look like we are having so much fun! :)

I learned how to do pics!!!

2008-10-10T16:09:00.001-07:00

Thanks Lydia!!!

Here are some pics of the awesome Allen family that got me to blog.........

Ya, notice how they are gorgeous like models. All of them are, whole family. You would think an entire family couldnt be so good looking, nope the Allens defeat that myth.

To go Dark Brown, or stay Blonde? That is my question...

2008-10-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yep, im having a debate of whether to keep highlighting my hair blonde, OR to take a drastic step and die it dark aurburnish brown. So, ill give you a little history with my hair. I was born blonde (actually red, but that was only 3 months) and when I say blonde I mean BLONDE!!! Then as I started getting older, I had darker blonde pieces come in which left me a head of hair with perfect highlights that people kill for. Unfortunately, I was only 12-14 at the time and couldn't appreciate what I would some day pay thousands to maintain. ahhhhhhh...... Anways, once I hit 16 (my mother warned me as well) My hair started growing in light brown, dark blonde to brown haired people. This left me with a natural look of roots. I looked like this whole time I had been dying my hair blonde and now just got lazy!! So I did the sensible thing in such a crisis moment, I went to get it highlighted, which really just looked like dying, bc 2 inches off my head was blonde again, and only at the top, the blonde and brown.
My hair also turns blonder in the sun, and therefore, I actually started highlighting AND lowlighting (putting a dark color in) so you could see that I had just spent $150 on my hair. If it was going to be unnatural, then I wanted it to look better than just plain blonde. I am now off the lowlighting kick, bc I have decided my dark growing in is low enough, bc yes, it is getting darker as I get older, yet still blonde mid-way down my hair when the sun hits it. Really? two-toned? So, some sort of dying has to be done, or I will look like the girls who are over their highlights, but don't die their hair to match their normal hair color and have their highlights slowly inching down their head, gross. I'm sorry if that's you, but gross.
So this summer, I had a revelation, what if i went dark?! For 10 years I have only ventured out to perm my hair, and don't get scared, not 80s perm, just waves, a relaxed perm if you will. So, I thought, dark would be cool, I have bright blue eyes, I bet that would look good.
But, you see, I have never been anything but blonde, or blonder, so dark, and auburnish dark at that is a drastic change! I was psyched for it! but, then one little thing happened. That one person that you want to be like, "oh yah, beck, that will look great", made a face. A face! and was like noooooo. UGH! So now, torn. Do I die it dark and risk seeing that face every time I have a glance in my direction? Or stay the same blonde I have always been wondering if I will actually ever get that face glanced at me? I'll prob die it anyways, just for a change, but this new found piece of information really put a kink in what I thought was a right move.
decisions, decisions ........ What do you think?

Girls Weekend

2008-10-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

There is something to a girls weekend, that just makes me all giddy, excited, ready to push myself to stay up late, talk about everything in my life, and eat ice cream and candy.
This past weekend, I went away to Palm Springs with my 2 awesome friends, Liz and Krystal. I love these girls. We are def. different in how we look, act, process, etc, but the important stuff we have in common, our love for each other and "thereness". Thereness - the act of being there for someone.
So, awesome amazing Krystal has a timeshare in Palm Springs that we fled to in hopes of aforementioned pigging out, spilling guts, and staying up late. We did just that. :)
On the car ride over, all of us spilled about our weeks, so during the weekend, there didn't have to be any backstories given. (a much needed essential for all girl trips, i might add) :)
We got in on Friday night, and went straight to Ralphs (yes before the timeshare, TS) to buy the essentials. I am trying to be a bit healthy, so replaced my ice cream with sherbert, and my chocalte candies with candy corn and mints.
Nest item up on the agenda was to start the quest of getting Krystal caught up on The Office episodes. DVD 1 popped in. We laughed and ate our junk food, it was wonderful. DVD 2, in.
Saturday morning I wake up to find Krystal and Liz eating cereal (M&M's have already been consumed) DVD 2 in again. We walked to starbucks, to get some exercise, and yes! those 5 blocks did help, but prob not after I had my tall caramel frap light, no whip. :) It was beautiful outside! Came back, DVD 3 in. We laid out by the pool and had one of the most disturbing experiences: an Old man (early 70s) walked by and told us that we were giving him a medical emergency everytime he walked by. EWWWWWWW! I was grossed out, Krystal and Liz just laughed. Seriously tho? 70s! yuck!
We cleaned up, little more DVD and then got all cutsied up to go out!!! We went to a great Mexican restaurant that had live music and great food! Los Casuelos. It also had a brochure for a show girls show, where the oldest show girl performs, she's 85!!! ah! I think I'll tell that man by the pool.....
We then attempted to go dancing. I say attempted , bc none of us have been out dancing in years, ...... and we were in palm springs. We went to Costas, a club inside the Marriot. The median age was def. 30s. We did a lot of laughing, and omg'ing, and yes, we even did some dancing, yet called it a night early. DVD 4 in.
Sunday, just got up and watched more office, ate the last bit of junk food, all vowing not to eat that much again in a such a short period of time. Drove back.
Ahhhhhhhhhh! Girls weekend! I swear guys weekends have nothing on a girls weekend. It can't be put into words, but there is something amazing about it.
Oh, and I ran 7 miles later on Sunday to combat the junk food. Gotta have a balance. :)

Steady as we go.......

2008-09-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

I know how I feel. I know that I can sit here and write, and write, and reveal some of my innermost thoughts and feelings I have; exposing them to the vast Internet world. But instead, I think I'm going to let Dave handle this one, and keep the thoughts and feelings to the journal for now.....

Steady As We Go
I'll walk halfway around the world just to sit down by your side
I would do most anything, girl to be the apple of your eye
Troubles they may come and go but good times they're the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl Just steady as we go

Any place you wanna go you know I'll be next to you
If it's treasure, baby, you're looking for I'll search the whole world through
Troubles they may come and go but good times they're the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl Just steady as we go

When the storm comes you shelter me
When I don't say a word and you know exactly what I mean
In the darkest times you shine on me
You set me free
Keep me steady as we go

So if your heart wrings dry, my love I will fill your cup
and if your load gets heavy, girl I will lift you up
Troubles they may come and go but good times be the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl Just steady as we go
shine on me, baby

Milestone Weekend

2008-09-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

I had 3 major milestones this weekend.
1. I cleaned and unpacked. Yes, I moved in April, and no, Im not even done unpacking yet :( BUT! I had a major unpacking accomplishment! I collect ceramic masks, have 26 in total now. For the past 2 years I have not had them up in my room, bc I wind up moving every year and it is a hassle to wrap and pack and then unwrap and arrange and hang these masks. But I decided my room was bare, so with opening football on in the background, I set to unpacking, arranging and nailing. In the process I found picture frames with pics from highschool that are now making my walls adorned. I also cleaned my whole bathroom, mopped floors, vacuumed, soooo nice in my place now!!! sooo happy! Dont' know how long it will last, but my room looks much better! and won't be embarrassed to show it to people now :)
2. I ran 7 miles on Saturday morning!!!! This is not only the farthest I have ever run in my life at one time! It is by far the farthest I have ever run in the morning, which is always harder for me to do. I just have way more energy after a day of eating. Im super in pain now, about 4 days later in my calves, but it was sooo worth it! bc now I know I can do this 1/2 marathon! heck! im over 1/2way there!!! AND to top it off, I shaved a min off my normal mile time. woohoo! maybe my normal mile time isnt so normal anymore.... :)
3. I gave up drinking alcohol. No more for me, ever. I had given up alcohol in June of 2007 for 9 months, taking a break from it; I'm not a big drinker anyways. I decided it was ok as long as I didn't have more than 1 drink. Then, I decided it was ok, as long as I didnt get drunk. Then I decided....... and so on. Well, this past weekend, I looked at myself, and questioned why I enjoyed it so much. For those of you that know me, I have a fear that one day I will be an alcoholic. So, preventative measures have been taken, once and for all.! Its bye to beer, farewell to Jackie boy. Some might think this is a tragedy. I'm actually pretty happy about it, knowing that something that gets a hold of us and changes us for the worse has just got beaten! :)

Id say it was a good weekend

Streetlamps.....

2008-08-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Why do some street lamps turn OFF when you walk/run by them? The whole point of the lamps is to provide lighting to us runners, walkers, passer-byers if you will, so that we can see where we are going, and so we feel just a bit safer. But last night while running on my irvine path that parallels Jeffrey Rd. the street lamps were turning OFF as I ran by them. Now granted it was only just after 8, so not too late, but I kinda got a bit freaked. Maybe you're thinking to yourself, "Well, Becky, you shouldn't run by yourself when it's dark". Yes, this I know, but let me explain last night.
I went to the gym for my training appt. which was at 7:30. My trainer and I had some miscommunication which ended in me talking sternly, and him also talking sternly in a loud volume in front of all his gigantic trainer co-workers. Needless to say I left feel lousy, upset, crying, and decided, well, I'm worked up, I should go run. So I did. I grabbed my ipod with my new ear buds, and went running. Although it was late, I passed many families walking with kids, dogs, bike riding, etc. so I felt fine. I ran down to the end of the path and turned around, noticing all those people must have called it a night, because no one was around. I kept running, pace quickening, and heard faint screaming. Then the screaming grew louder, and it was a bunch of girls screaming bloody murder. Now practically sprinting toward them, I see it is just 5 girls running around thinking its funny to scream for their lives; yes very funny. Then, the streetlamps. I swear the sensor is opposite; sense someone coming, turn off. Don't get it. My heart is racing, blood is pumping, and adrenaline going. I am running faster than I have in a long time, just to get back to the main road. I start passing the families again, and some lights manage to stay on.
Anywho, I get home safe and sound, really nothing ever to worry about. So, all in all tonight was an eventful 3.3 mile run: Got yelled at by my trainer, thought some girls were being chased by a creepy guy, and left in the dark with Irvine's amazing streetlamps. Oh, but I managed to shave 1 min 28 sec. off my mile time. Nerves?....

I miss Beth!

2008-08-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

I know I've missed her this whole time, but it really hit me last night at the CORE meeting. There we were, seated in Justin's TV room, and we were outnumbered guys 5, girls 3. This is core history! It has been so long since the men out numbered us women, and 5 to 3!!!! We had a blast tho, making jokes, and going off on tangents (and Justin rocks, bc he lets us go off), typical core meeting style, but it has been soooo long since we have laughed so hard; it was kinda a freeing laugh. I'm a little sick, so when I laugh, i cough, and then laugh, and cough a smoker's cough, and well, I got called a horse, haha! But I wished Beth could be there. She was always fun to laugh with and joke with, and take some of the jokes, now there were only 3 girls to make fun of.
I went to Yogurtland twice this weekend, not the same without Beth. Beth and I used to go every chance we could, actually I used to drag her, but I believe she became fond of it on her own. :) Beth! the yogurtland in san diego has mini reese's pieces!!!!, of course I got those, then loaded it with shredded coconut, my fav topping, oh! and they have ANOTHER yogurtland on Irvine Blvd now, even close than the other one!!! They are popping up like starbucks!
I went to the beach with Liz last Friday, HDBD, if you will. I had a blast with Liz, she is great, one of my best buds. But, it made me miss Beth, and the times we went to the pool and beach for halfdays, even if it was too cold to swim and we wind up listening to sisters fight and argue at Holli's pool. :)
So, Beth, I miss you! I have realized that over the summer that she became a big part of my life, and is missed. I love what she is doing in Uganda (FYI - Beth went to Uganda for a year to teach children, and spread God's love), but I miss her!
But this is life, and I experienced it not a year ago. Sometimes doing the will of the Father is hard, and rips us from the life we loved, but in the end, we become a better person, molded to be the person He created us for, and that is exciting!
So I am going to continue to go to yogurtland (like i could give that up), the beach, and laugh at core meetings, and maybe just a little louder for Beth, even if I am a horse. :)

1/2 Marathon of HB

2008-08-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right; I signed up to run a 1/2 Marathon on Feb 1st 2009. This is a HUGE step for me bc I have had bad knees since I was 12 and was dragged to go to some stupid line dancing thing at Salt Brook Elementary. (No, I'm not bitter) Its actually due to the fact that I have hyperextended knees and stand with them almost bent backwards, kinda like a flamingo, but I will blame it on country music. :) 25 dislocations later, a torn meniscus, torn MCL, and 2 surgeries later I am now able to run without knee braces, something I have not done for 10 years, and its wonderful!!!!! I have always enjoyed running, I don't know why, its absolutely painful sometimes. I remember El Rod, my track coach in NJ forcing us to run the school hallways when it was snowing outside. Let's just say old school hallways + hurdles = some major shin splints. Each girl had her own tube of Bengay and I have come very fond of the smell. :) There's something about running tho, that clears my mind, and makes me feel ever so healthy. Once I start getting into a routine, I get these urges to keep going. Last night I got one of those urges to run. Even tho it was 9pm, and even tho I had only had 4.5 hours of sleep the night before (i need to sleep more), and even tho I spent my day at work, then helping Spanish families register for church, then Bible Study, the urge came, and I knew I couldn't fight it. I wound up running 5.5 with my classy headphones that I bought in Ushuaia, Argentina 6 years ago for 22 pesos (less than 8 dollars) bc my awesome pair that Continental airlines gave me officially dies yesterday. They are huge and bright yellow, need I say more? I really need to invest in a better set of headphones.
But, here lies my problem. I can run way more at night than I can in the AM. I am almost worthless in the AM. And it just so happens that all marathons are in the AM. Maybe a week before I can start changing my sleep cycle, so I sleep during the day and then when I run, it will feel like running in the PM. Hmmmm.......

Estado 29

2008-08-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

Although I have spent the past 5 hours creating insurance invoices and modifying my excel worksheets so that my Q books will be correct, I am still living in the greatness of this past weekend otherwise known as Estado 29. I have been told that I need to get some pics up to support my stories, and once I have more computer capabilities I will for sure, bc I know this must be boring without pictures.
Estado 29, also known as an orphanage in Mexico near Ensenada that I volunteer at. This was my third time going down there. I went with three friends: Kenny, Dunkel, and Victoria, teaming up with Carlos. Normally we do a bunch of construction and play with the kids on our free time, but since this was not a Fuel trip, we were able to just enjoy time with the kids. It was a totally different experience. A lot of the older boys weren't even around due to summer time, and were in Ensenada working. I was a bit sad, bc I wanted to see Tyson, but hopefully I will see him in November.
Other older siblings had moved on, bc they were 18+ to go and live with their families in Mexico. This idea always perplexes me, that these kids do have parents and for whatever reason, they now live at an orphanage. That must be so difficult for them to live with. The weekend was filled with its normal drama of the girls fighting for attention of us all, tho Kenny is their favorite. We played basketball, cards, talked, sang, etc. I brought down 33 bottles of nail polish and for about an hour painted nails with the girls. Slowly the bottles disappeared as girls were taking them in their room. I decided that it was ok if they kept them all. Some of them invited me in their dorm room to watch a movie. (pretty hard, btw, bc all dubbed over in Spanish, but I got the jist of it)
All in all it was a great weekend, taking pictures, roasting marshmallows, and just spending time with God's precious children, hopefully letting them know just a little bit more, that they are worth it.
If you want anymore info about the orphanage, please visit http://friendsoftheorphanages.org/.

My eyes sting...........

2008-08-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today is a total glasses day. My eyes refused the contacts. They sting, are red, and look like I smoked up before I came to work. I had a 3 shot latte this morning to jolt myself into work, that has officially worn off. What does this to me? Late nights. Repeated late nights. Why do I do it? I just love being around people. I love it so much that I will forgo sleep of more than 5 or 6 hours to stay up talking or hanging out with people. Maybe I'm crazy. But, I have a funny feeling I'm going to look back on these days when I'm old, and be completely happy at the way I lived my 20s. Staying up late with good company: first; work? not even a close second. :)

Is it just me?

2008-08-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Or is work TOTALLY boring?! AM I in the majority, when I say I can think of soooooo many things that I'd rather be doing between the hours of 8:30-6:30 besides work! Is this normal? I know there are people that say they love their jobs, so am I just the weird one? Is it just me that will never find a satisfying job? or is it the jobs that I keep picking? Anyone who says they find a job in accounting to be satisfying is either lying, or i dont know what, bc I officially can find no joy in what I am doing. So what do I want to do? I don't know. The thought of having to work at a desk sounds wretched. Is my degree a waste? My license? I am actually a bit shocked at how quickly I get bored. People ask what I like to do, and I say, helping people. So if there was a job, where I could walk around and help people, a new person, family, etc everyday, I think I would be in Heaven. Even if said job existed, could it support me? Probably not. So I am stuck doing the work I loathe bc I am good at it. But that can really only get me so far. Then what? More schooling? For what? I don't even know what is next! ah! Dios ayudame!

SUPEEEEEEEEER!

2008-07-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cris,
esto es por ti! :) Tengo un blog ahora, y voy a escribir en ingles, y espero que en septiembre podes leerlo mas. Pero, por ahora, quizas puedo escribir a veces en espanol para vos. Le extrano mi vida en un pais que habla espanol, pero no much, jaja, a veces. fue dificil, como muchos saben, pero a veces solo quiero estar en un lugar que habla castellano y nada mas, pero solo por un momento. como un deseo que no puede ver, pero puede sentir y depues es no esta.

My New Blog

2008-06-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hey!
So, everyone's doing, it; now I am too! I am taking the advice of my friends Lydia and Dawn to get a blog started to update people on my life, and what I've been doing. Probably would have been better to start this thing BEFORE I left for Argentina, but better late than never. :) So updates on the life of Becks will be coming soon!
Exciting Times