Becca's Thanks

This Thanksgiving proved to be very different than any Thanksgiving I've ever experienced. Honestly, I think it probably was the most out of the norm Thanksgiving for my immediate family. It was the first Holiday that I have spent without my Mom being present and having a big meal at my parents house. My Mom spent her Thanksgiving up in Seattle helping with gathering up belongings and assisting in getting my great Aunt's house ready to be put up on the market. Being that when Skip passed away, my Mom has felt alone because she was not able to attend the funeral. So, going to have Thanksgiving at her house one last time with her side of the family was something that she really needed for closure.

Because my Mom was in Seattle, that left Kate, my Dad and I to have Thanksgiving all by our lonesome. When my Mom first decided to go to Seattle, I offered to hold Thanksgiving at our apartment. Typically, I cooked the turkey every year at my parents - and I knew I could handle making some mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. However, Neil decided that we were going out and no one was going to do dishes. Hey, I'm not going to argue with this decision! A lot less things for me to do.

The entire Thanksgiving Day - I felt a little empty without my Mom being present. I knew that she was out and having a great time with her family, but I realized that I do not want to spend Holidays without having all of my family there. Since we moved away from Seattle in 1990, we have spent majority of our Holiday's alone - just the 4 of us. Every now again, we have guests popping in and out to spend the Holiday's with us - but that is few and far between. We have become very dependent on each other and because we haven't had those years of spending them with a big family.

Through this Thanksgiving Holiday, I am giving a huge Thanks for my family and all the time I am able to spend with them. I know that in the years to come, we can hopefully extend our Holidays out West and we can have more of the extended family there to celebrate with us. Until then, I am going to give thanks everyday for:

*My Dad providing us with everything that we could ever need and want (within reason, obviously!). He has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever met, and will go to any length to do what is best for his family. Through our moves to Sacramento to Columbus, everything has happened for a reason to make our lives the best they can be and to provide for us all.

*My Mom for always being that voice of reason, and helping through any crisis or situation that might come up. She too, will bend over backwards to help my sister and I through anything that may come up. She is a fantastic friend, and an even better supportive Mom. I would be lost without her and her silliness!

*My Darling Sister for being her! She is truly one of the best people I've ever met in my life, and my parents should be very proud of the person she has grown up to be! She is one of the most beautiful people with the biggest heart in the world. We had many years through life where we would fight daily, and we were not very good sisters. Through maturity, we have found and created that bond that close sister's have.

I love my family, and am so thankful to have them in my life daily! I am by far one of the most fortunate people around to have such a fantastic family and for that - I give Thanks this year for my Family and all that they are.

The Green Dilemma

Recently, my sister decided that she wanted to redecorate her bathroom. On the search with her to find the "perfect shower curtain," I got to thinking that I might want to visit the idea of possibly getting new bedding. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my current bedding and the way it looks (when my bed is actually made). However, it is annoying. I have a queen duvet, and the insert of the duvet is stupid and doesn't actually fit in the duvet. It is too small, where the duvet cover is too big. I have a queen bed, and the queen/full inserts are just way too small. I thought it was the duvet, until I realized that it is actually all of the inserts I've spent money on. So, now on my bed is plain white insert as a comforter with my cover in a wadded ball in the corner of my closet. My new thought: I need a comforter with print, rather than going to the duvet route one more time in being disappointed or annoyed a few months into having it.

This is the bedding I currently "have." It is the print on the cover (when I use it), and 4 of my pillows, and sheets. It is a great print and I love it! I loved it sooo much that I bought the matching shower curtain which currently hangs in my bathroom.

When I moved into my apartment, I was so nicely provided with a hand-me down lamp from my Mom which was nice but didn't go with the decor. One day, I was walking through Marshall's and found a lamp which I thought would go perfectly with my room! I took a big risk in buying it, with the possibility that I would have to return it from it being too much green and leaves. But, looking at it - I love it more and more everyday. I don't ever want to lose this lamp, so I must decorate my room around it!

On the search for the "perfect shower curtain" with Kate, I ran into this bedding. I thought - now that might go well with my lamp. The euro pillows they have in the back is actually the same green that I currently have as shams with my current bedding, so I am thinking that would go well!


What do we think, friends? Does this bedding match my lamp enough for me to buy it? I take my blankets very seriously and this one is no different. I am the girl that in the winter literally has 6 or 7 blankets on my bed, to go along with my chamois soft sheets. Even in the summer, you can find me bundled up with 2 or 3. I love blankets!!

You know you're an adult when...

I had a revelation yesterday, a big one. As we all know, I've been trying to spruce up my baking/cooking skills. We know this by my post where I decided to enter some baked goods in the Delaware County Fair. (Which just occurred to me I never wrote a blog about the results! I'll do that one next.) I've mastered peanut butter cookies, and have made a few other great items. I've found that my skills are truly more in the baking area. Cooking, not so good. I can make a MEAN hot dog, but past that - I'm still very much a beginner.

Last week, various departments at work celebrated with their own potlucks for Halloween. I accept the invitation and within minutes I have emails flying into my inbox begging that I bring the cookies. Everyone had loved my fair winning cookies so much (when I had about 20984290348 left over, so took them to work for the group to enjoy), that I have now have the reputation of the Cookie Girl. I sit at my desk and think about what the best type of cookie would be to make. Lately, I've had a huge craving for a s'more. So, I wonder if there is a type of cookie that is made around s'mores. Long story short, there are and they are AMAZING!! It was another winning recipe which had emails flooding my work account from people loving them. The only pain about making these cookies was graham cracker crumbs. I needed 1 cup, that's all. I didn't think it would be a huge issue. All I needed was graham crackers, a ziploc bag and my rolling pin - right? NO! It didn't work - I still had huge chunks of cracker. So, I get out the blender... it is meant for "blending" so I figure it is also for this. Again, no. After a few minutes, the darn thing smelled like it was going to catch fire. But - this is my last resort so I cross my fingers and hope it doesn't explode at any time soon.

Saturday morning, I had not much going on so I thought I'd float around Dublin and look around and see what kind of trouble I can get into since I was paid on Friday. I remembered that I had 2 Kohl's giftcards in my purse my Mom had given me when she returned something and gave me the remaining cash (she's so nice!). I go to Kohls, I walk around fully believing I would end up with a pair of shoes. Instead, I walk back into home appliances... and walked out of Kohl's with one of these!
I would just like to note, this is a fancy food processor. Not at all the one I purchased... but I am going to pretend I spent $200 on this one. I left Kohl's SO excited about my new food processor! Even one year ago, if you would have asked me if I wanted one, I would have told you you were crazy and I'd rather go to the Gap and buy a pair of jeans. (Oh man, I need some new jeans!) This was a big moment for me, a very adult moment - and one that would make my Mom so proud!

Then my Mom asks me what I want for Christmas this year. She claims I am the hardest person in the world to buy for. Why she says this? I don't know! I am pretty easy to please with gifts. But, with my recent love of baking, and finding a recipe that required me to stand at a bowl with a hand mixer for over 10 minutes... I need a standing mixer!!!


I would LOVE this mixer, but understanding that Santa is going to spend over $350 on it is like Hell freezing over. Ain't gonna happen in this lifetime! So, I probably won't end up with the pretty pink one that matches my kitchen towels. I am good with the cheapest one they make... I am not picky.

These two items really made me realize that I am growing into an actual adult. I am so excited to use my food processor, and I am even more excited for my mixer that I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get from Santa. (I better go rake his leaves this week...) Everyday is a new day, and everyday is a lesson learned. I've won ribbons at the fair this year, I've jarred nearly 40 jars of homemade applesauce, I've learned to knit (horribly), and I've purchased a food processor. This girl is moving up in the world and is liking the way things are turning out!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

Growing up, I was always the kid who played house. I played with my Cabbage Patch dolls until it was no longer cool. My cousin, Jaclyn, and I would have sleep overs and trade our doll clothes. I've loved babies from the very beginning of time. For as long as I can remember, my Mom has always said: "Oh that Becca. She would even love a baby snake as long as it is a baby." Okay, I disagree with her on that statement - but it's true. I absolutely love everything about babies! Call me a freak if you will, but I set my DVR everyday for TLC to record The Baby Story. When it comes time to watch it, I cry. Why? Because I'm sensitive, that's why!

Right out of high school, I landed a job at a local preschool. I started off as just a floater, but over time found myself full-time (while going to school) in the baby room. It was the perfect job for me. I held babies literally all day long. Rocked them to sleep, changed them, fed them, etc. I stayed at that job for about 5 yrs when I went to school full time. Through the years, I've babysat probably over 100 children (I counted at one point), and my heart has always belonged to those itty bitty babies. I've seen so many children grow up through the years, and it honestly melts my heart.

This year, it has been the year of babies for many people that I know. Not only are people I know having their first (or second, or third, or forth) babies, but they are all people who I love. Whether it is a relative, or a friend - each baby is so special in their own way.

My cousin Chris, and wonderful wife Janette recently expanded their little family into a family of 4. Miss Riley Mae made her debut last week, and is absolutely precious in every way! Big sister Kalie is going to have so much fun with her little sister through the years, I can only hope she enjoys her little sister as I do mine! (They are lots of fun to pick on!) Aunt Jaclyn is just as proud as if Riley was her own. Taking about her two wonderful nieces, makes her smile ear to ear!

Miss Riley will grow up at Warren family functions with my cousin Rhiannon's soon to be born baby. Baby Boy Brovold will be born mid-December. You can bet that come beginning of December, I will await for the text/call that the little guy is on his way. This baby comes with a whole lot of people who love him, and are waiting to meet him. Rhiannon and Kenny mean the absolute world to me - and I couldn't be thrilled to watch them expand their little family into three. I have no doubt that they will provide for their new little guy, and will be the best parents out there. This little boy is so lucky to be born to such two amazing people. Most exciting part: I will be traveling back to Seattle in January to meet this new little guy in person and be able to squeeze him like silly!

My dear friend, Joanna, who I have been friends with from working at Cardinal is also expecting. Baby Boy Jutte will be born mid-January. This is another baby who is coming into a fantastic family. Joanna comes from a very strong British family, and I cannot wait to hear the little accent that this little guy will adapt to through life! The fun thing about this baby, I'll actually get to see and hold him since he is local to me!

Where I am so very excited for all of these new or expectant mothers, not being able to meet Miss Riley and being there to see newborn Baby Boy tugs at my heart. We moved away from Seattle back in 1990, and since then we have not had the feeling of "family" functions or participating in all of these family events. Thinking about possibly having a real family Christmas, Thanksgiving or birth of a family member makes me want to pack up my bags and move back to the area tomorrow. As an adult, you begin to realize just how important these events are. As a child, Christmas is about presents. Today, I sit here and realize it is the time spent with loved ones which is truly the most important gift.

Babies are such a blessing, and I wish nothing but happiness for my dear friends and family. Though I have not been able to experience these emotions; I am so very excited for each and everyone who has had the opportunity. Everyone needs to have more babies, so I have more to hold and more to have fun with!

**Sorry to make so sappy, totally had a thought on my mind and had to talk about it. :)**

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Since the unfortunate passing of Michael Jackson, my dear friend has continued to mourn his loss and scratch her head as to why the world lost a soft soul so early in life. To show her support, she has purchased every DVD, every CD, every (positive) book ever written about the King of Pop. She is truly a knowledge of wisdom when it comes to this topic. Last year, Twilight, this year - Michael Jackson. Those around Courtney E. Scott will never forget him and will continue to be reminded of his talents.

Growing up, I am sad to say that I wasn't the biggest Michael Jackson fan (though I did like him and enjoy his tunes), I was a supporter of his sister, Janet. I purchased the cds, I watched her videos, and let's face it - I even had her cassette tapes. I remember in middle school, sitting in my room rocking out to Rhythm Nation. I remember in high school listening to If and Velvet Rope. I also remember "attempting" to bust a move (behind closed doors of course) to dance like Janet.

Combined with my liking for Janet, and Courtney's liking for Michael and watching the video and listening to Scream, over and over and over again - we came up with the most brilliant of ideas.

Next year for our Halloween Costumes, we will be Michael and Janet and will dance their dance. (Granted, I can speak for myself when I say that hopefully by attempting to dance and make a complete idiot of myself in my living room - I will drop enough poundage to look decent enough not to look like a slug in my up coming pleather pants!) Courtney and I have been amazingly good friends for years, and what is a better costume than combining her love for Michael, and my love for Janet?! Thankfully, Halloween is still over a year away so we have plenty of time to jump around and dance.

When Janet did her tribute for Michael at the VMAs, I watched her in awe. Her ability to dance is truly amazing, and I am envious of her talent. I watch her in all of her videos, and I honestly wonder if there is a dance teacher out there who would be willing to teach me to bust a move. Weird, right? At this point, I am honestly thinking that this could result in my 2010 New Years Resolution. If you know anyone in Columbus willing to teach this slug to dance like Janet, please give me a call!

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Criminals live within East Campus

I think that the picture above sums up my situation absolutely perfectly! Please let me expand on the happenings today at work.

Over the past few weeks (okay, fine - few months!), I've been "finding myself." When I say this, I mean that for the past 7 years, I've been scared to eat a darn thing due to my digestive system rejecting food. The pain I experienced, put fear into my mind every single time I put something in my mouth. "Will it hurt again this time?" It really became quite annoying after 7 years in hearing that there was "nothing wrong with me." Low and behold, I finally had a test come back positive for gall stones. Music to my ears. So, since my gall bladder removal in July - I've been out in the world testing all the foods I couldn't eat before. Focusing specifically on Mexican. Mmm! Over the past few months, I've done quite if bit of going to Happy Hour, dinner, lunches and out of town vacations - which all result in eating out. Let's face it - when you're at Happy Hour with a few good friends, the last thing you want to do is eat salad and drink water! Therefore, I haven't been on my best behavior and cannot face standing on a scale for the fear that all of the great pounds I lost over the past few months are probably back on my body. I'm feeling like a slug, therefore - I am a slug.

I had a great weekend with friends again this weekend, and when I arrived back at home - I decided that it is back time to find my focus. I know I can focus and eat better, I did it for 2 yrs and had great results! However, since I was "finding myself" it was my excuse to be a slug. I am here to announce my friends, those days are over. My motivation is back, and it is time to start packing my lunches again and cooking my dinner at home.

Because I tend to run late in the mornings (again, another excuse for not making a lunch), I typically make my lunches at night. Last night, I got everything together in my cute little Crate and Barrell red lunchbox. Packed my 1 cup dry cereal and applesauce for breakfast, and my Lean Pocket and my peaches for lunch, finalized with a few crackers for an afternoon snack if I feel like I am withering away to nothing.

I arrive at work, and throw my Lean Pocket in the freezer. Same freezer, same shelf placement I always put any type of frozen food that I would pack.

12:45 rolls around and I decide that the offer letters need a break, and it is time to eat my lunch. I walk to the East Campus cafe to grab my diet coke, and move to the freezer to grab my lunch to warm up. Open the door, and BAM! Gone! I look high and low in that freezer and it is no where to be found! Could it have vanished into thin air? Is Cardinal Health haunted with ghosts who enjoy Lean Pockets? No, of course not! Someone took MY LUNCH!!! At this point, I think of Ross on Friends who goes into a rage when someone eats his sandwich, they didn't like it, so they threw it away. I want my lunch! I don't want to be forced down into the cafe to buy something unhealthy - it's not fair! I found my motivation and I wanted to keep the momentum going! I could get a salad, but I very picky on my dressings and I am not too fond of what they have to offer. A plain turkey sandwich is boring, and I don't want it! I'm not happy.

I hope that whoever took my lunch burns their mouth, or bites the heck out of their cheek! After sharing my little story with my dear friend, Callie, I learn that over the Summer - her Lean Pocket was taken too! I am fully willing to play hall monitor, and set up a little security desk in front of the fridges, and monitor that everyone takes their own lunch. We're all adults for goodness sake! I am sorry that you may not have received a decent enough salary increase, but please remember that we're all struggling with the economy and stealing other people's food - is not okay. Maybe you didn't get your increase, because you are a thief!

Tomorrow, between the hours of 11:30-1:30pm, you will find me in front of the freezer. I am going to consider this my own "Cardinal Health Neighborhood Watch" and I will ensure that your lunch is not taken either!

Zip! Zap! Gone!

I absolutely love the girl that does my eye brows, she is the nicest girl in the world. Even when it looks like I have caterpillars over my eyes, she just laughs it off and says: "Yep! It's been awhile, huh?" She has been ripping out my hair for quite a few years - we've grown a bond. She also is aware that when I schedule an appt at 5:30 after work, I'm always going to be running in the doors 4 minutes late. She claims she doesn't mind, but if I were her - I would be annoyed and would rip out those fine hairs that hurt like a mother a little harder! She's gentle though.

Yesterday, I first would like to point out I was smart and scheduled my appt for 6:30 rather than 5:30. This way, I am not running in the front doors like a freak from work and apologizing like it is my J O B! She was proud that I had not waited to until I had insects crawling across my face and complimented me on that. Followed by that very nice compliment was: "Oh... my... god! What happened to your face?!" She spotted it. The enemy. The massive pimple that had emerged from the depths of hell during the night before. My reply: "I know! It was there when I woke up this morning! Am I going through puberty again or what?!"

After my brows were beautifully shaped, she announces that she is going to shock my my blemish. Uh, as it electric shock therapy? NO THANK YOU! The inner child I am, I ask if it is going to hurt. What is more important? Shocking this mountain of evil on my face or dealing with a little shock to rid of it. Hmmm... "No Becca, it is not going to hurt. You'll feel it, but you'll be okay." (You know in her head she is thinking "you just had surgery - stop being a wienie.") I brace myself for the shock, which ends up actually only feel like a slight tickle on my cheek. Not at all what I was expecting! She tells me that the blemish should be gone by morning. I am in honest amazement and cannot wait to wake up tomorrow to see if it is gone! I wake up this morning, and to my surprise what was once an additional growth on my face has turned nicely into just a small bump easily covered by foundation.

A note to my eyebrow girl: Thank you for taking a chance and giving me that little added bonus yesterday. I do fully believe that you were nice to me and took away my new appendage because I was on time and didn't keep you waiting! You can bet that I will be on time everytime from now on out!