Beautiful Beginnings

I asked someone a while back if they could change one thing about them, what would it be? The answer was, "I wish I were a morning person." I thought about that and realized I took for granted my ability to wake up with bells on every day (well. almost every day). Part of the reason I love the mornings is because of the sunrise. My favorite time of day is the hour before the sun comes up, when it's still dark but the sky is fading into a lighter blue, sometimes purple and the stars are still bright.

Walking out of my apartment for a dawn patrol surf, I was greeted with the most beautiful morning. The sky was transitioning, and two stars were in perfect view behind the palm trees. This photo wasn't even edited; it's the natural beauty of the sunrise which never gets old. Don't get me wrong, I love a good sunset, but there's something about a sunrise that makes me breathe deeper.

A sunrise symbolizes the start of a brand new day "with new beginnings, open to changes and surprises. New days will always be coming."

II Samuel 23:4

"He is like the light of morning at sunrise

on a cloudless morning,

like the brightness after rain

that brings the grass from the earth." 

::Love::

"Amo Bebba"

More Airport Tales of Adventure

I'm convinced DC Airport has it out for me.  My previous post written in DC lead to the next chain of unforgettable events. I met Old Man Joe who asked Nashville Paul in a crowded shuttle, "she's perty aint she?" Paul, unsure of how to respond to this, answers back politely with an uncomfortable "yes she sure is." Joe was convinced me and Nashville Paul were destined to be together. Joe bought the first round, told us about his own love life, and was determined for Paul and I to date.

Once Joe went to the restroom, Paul (who hadn't said hardly anything at this point) leans in to me and says "how the hell do you know that guy?" I gave him the look of "areyoukiddingmeIthoughthewaswithyou." We both started laughing hysterically and decided to go along listening to Joe talk about his wife who is 20 years younger than he and can "go all night." Paul and I never did exchange numbers.

Five hours after I left DC, a huge storm came through with 95mph gusts, killing 10 people, leaving millions without electricity for the weekend. I felt extremely blessed to make it to Nashville safely, spending the rest of the weekend in the a/c, jamming to 80's Cardio in the jeep, stuffing my face with Ana's burritos, laughing at Me Monsters, spending afternoons in the kidsoupurineinfestedpool (no help from me), a day at Lucy's spa getting a mani/pedi, and snuggling up to two munchkins, catching up on all the kid movies I've missed in the last two years.

Not one of my 6 flights had gone smoothly this week so I was prepared for anything when I got to the Nashville airport. Sure enough, I get to the counter and the man looks at me and says, "I'm sorry your reservation does not exist." Now, right about now, any normal person would probably break down in tears, maybe tell the guy what an idiot he is, or hell maybe throw a full blown temper tantrum. Noooo not me... my response to that sweet young man behind the counter was "HA!" I mean COME ON. Really?

He spent a good 10 seconds just looking at me... my mess of curly hair, in the same long skirt and green shirt I'd been wearing all week, bare feet, neon green painted nails (thanks to 8 year old Lucy), laughing at myself and the thought of my non existence. He gave his head one quick shake to snap out of his disgust with me, the crazy hippie girl, on the other side of the counter, and sent me on my merry way (I was still laughing at this point).

Finally, I got to my gate. What's that? Delayed you say? Oh joy... I'll write a blog.

After an hour, we get on the plane and mind you, it's 108 degrees outside.  After about an hour on the runway with no a/c on, my light green shirt has turned into a wet, hunter green rag. I was now having a serious debate with God; "Sooo, hey God, is this a sign? Because if it is, you should probably tell me now and I'll never travel on a plane again." Over the loud speaker I hear, "we're having weight issues on the plane due to weather and we're asking two people to get off the plane." Hm...

I looked over to my right and see two men, easily weighing 250lb each. The one across from me on the isle can see the look in my eyes of "yep I'm getting the hell off this plane." Before I could stand up, two people in the back (the complainer type from my previous blog), came running to the front to volunteer. Not that I could stand up anyway, because my skirt was so sweaty, I was stuck to the seat. Before they departed, the women blurted out "United sucks!" Thanks idiots, we were wondering...

Bubba gave me a shrug and looked to his friend, Bubba #2 and said "man, you bigga than all of us in hee-ya, you shoulda run off" Bubba #2 responds, "yup and the good lawd done blessed his servant. He gave me the back seat to myself thanks to them babblin folk!" Wow. I love the south.

We made it to Houston airport 2 hours late, but luckily my flight to orange county was also late so I sprinted to the gate and barely made it. Perfect, I was sweating again. They were overbooked and were asking for volunteers to stay over for one night to catch the next flight in the morning. Pretending not to hear, I ordered a vodka/soda and a cheeseburger and I curled up to my window seat, watched the sunset beneath me, and dozed off listening to Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now."

As my eyes were closing, Eckhart came through my headphones to remind me of this:

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are."

Of course I am. But does it have to be in an airport?

Airport Humor

For my last business trip, ::insert applause here:: I spent the first half of my week in Savannah, GA and today I'm on my way to Norfolk, VA. My flight was cancelled yesterday but I found a flight today to get me to the facility before my 3pm presentation. PSYCHE! My flight is so delayed, I'm going to miss both presentations. As I sit in the airport, I'm surrounded by people complaining about how ridiculous the situation is. It all started with the lady on the first leg who was afraid to wear her cross necklace in fear of the muslim lady ahead of her pulling a terrorist attack. Hm.

While listening to Joe Pugg serenade me with his harmonica, I find it amusing the way people find a way to complain about anything. "I can't believe this, I've been awake since 4am today and now this?" "I'm going to complain about the service." "This is just ridiculous, and they don't even care." I'm trying my best not to laugh and respond with "Write a letter then." Instead, I sit here in a smug silence next to the only other man who couldn't care less as he is preoccupied with other things, like the slice of Famiglia cheese pizza I've been coveting. 

Here's the thing, NO ONE CARES.  It's so funny how people get worked up about the dumbest thing. I always think of it this way; if it doesn't matter tomorrow, next week, or even next month, don't worry about it and keep your entitled attitude to yourself. Besides, 100 years ago, we didn't even have the luxury of traveling 2,000 miles in 6 hours. Instead of bitching about the middle seat you'll be stuck with when you find they've over booked the flight, you should have your hands above your head screaming like a little kid on a roller coaster as YOU'RE FLYING through air. 

And now look what you did pissedoffguywhoismoreimportantthananyonehere, you got me all worked up and complaining about complainers. Whyyyy I oughtta... 

La Buena Vida

John Wooden once said to surround yourself with people strong enough to change your mind. I've done a pretty good job of surrounding myself with good people who love me even when I'm stubborn. I'm making some big life changes with the support of my friends and family who understand who I am and where my passions lie. 

Recently God has opened my eyes and reminded me of His control over my life. I'm leaving in two months on a one-way ticket for the south pacific, but I'm really excited to head back into central and south America. Latin America has a culture I can't seem to fall out of love with and it seems to keep reappearing in my thoughts when I think of long term plans. I trust God and constantly refer back to my favorite bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6. I have to remember I'm not in charge. My heart is wide open at this point and I'm listening. I don't know why, but all I hear is Mexico? Vamos a ver lo que va a pasar.

Here are some snapshots of the last month and the amazing people who surround me while I soak up the last few months at home. This is indeed la buena vida. 

Jay talking to me on the phone, father's day, impromptu trip to six flags, taco night with the roomie, happy hour with Robert, my first fish at the Kern, Pioneer town, Joshua Tree 

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will lead your paths straight." 

Guilty

Every once in awhile I take content from Jim's Daily Awakenings and this one caught my attention this morning. Maybe because recently I watched "Bronson" which is a true story about the most violent prisoner in England. Either way, I think this story is brilliant and I'd love to see where this prisoner is today. 

Texas once had a Governor named Pat Neff. He served the state from 1921-25. It is said that once a year he would go to one of the prisons to make a speech. Afterwards he would linger to speak with anyone who wanted to make a case for his early release. 

One by one they would file by to tell him they were innocent victims of a flawed judicial system. But on one trip to a Texas prison Mr. Neff heard a different story. 

The man said, "Governor, I don't want to take up much of your time. I just want you to know that I was guilty of what they convicted me for. But when my debt to society is paid I intend to live an honorable life." 

Governor Neff stood up, turned to the prison warden and said, "I hereby commute this man's sentence to the time served. Get this guilty man out of here before he corrupts all these other innocent prisoners!" 

Sometimes when you are guilty you are better off to admit it. 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

Catch Up

I've been lazy with my blogging and the longer it goes, the less writing I want to do. Here are some cliff notes for May.

Let's start with Cinco de Mayo (of all the days my bed isn't made, of course it would be this day).

Anyone reading this already knows I don't go out of my way to celebrate my birthday. I don't like all the attention and I also don't like the obligation it gives people to make me feel special. I'm surrounded with people who make me happy every day.

My decor, roommate couch time, Bert and Lo

My birthday on May 5th started as an inside joke but I think after this year, it might have to be my new permanent birthday. It's easier to celebrate since it's not my actual birthday and the conception was hilarious.

 I've been spending a lot of time camping and with my family. The countdown to me traveling is closing in quickly so I'm really letting the important things take up my time. I've been camping just about every weekend and it's to the point where I'm pretty sure I sleep outside more than in my own bed. The most recent trips were Santa Barbara, San Clemente, and Kernville. There's something very peaceful and refreshing about being outside especially when in good company.

Family fireside, looking at a waterfall in Kernville, Sequoia National Forest, Uncle "Alice" playing for Jayme, what lead to the waterfall

The surf was pretty fun this month with an exception of a few days. Summer nearing gives me a few extra hours in the day to be able to surf in the morning and after work. I think if I come home from Australia, I'm moving to San Clemente. Between the waves, lack of wind, and Pizza Port, my heart is happy there.

Jayme just turned 2. She has such a wild personality. She loves being naked with cowboy or rain boots. She sings the "ni-night song" when I hold her even in the middle of the day. She snorts when she laughs. She'll give people dirty looks followed by a mischievous smile and an exaggerated nod. She'll get caught dancing by herself in the middle of the room singing "e-i-e-i-o." She loves taking pictures if she can see herself in the camera - for some reason, it cracks her up and makes for great photos. She knows when I'm messing with her and says "Bebbbaaaa" as if I'm being ridiculous (smart cookie that one).

The last Smith kid graduated from CSU Long Beach. All of us except Stacey (had to be different) graduated there. Now he's off to be a big time construction engineer. God saved all the good brain cells and gave them to Alex. He makes me a proud big sister and also reminds me to hold on to the good in life because that's what gets us through the bad.

What's on Your Mind?

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. Well now that's just not true. 

All day. Every day. People talk about people. They can't help it, it's innate. It's easy to talk about other people especially when that person is the only thing we have in common with someone. However, if that person were in the room with you, would you be able to say those things to them? Probably not.

My new years resolution last year was to stop gossiping. I did really good for the first few months, then I noticed I wasn't doing so great. My little brother went cold turkey this year and he's much quieter in conversations now. I have to make a conscious effort to listen more than I speak. I now count to 3 before responding to people. I'm not always good but I do my best.

Ultimately, I want my friends and family to know when they tell me something about someone else, I don't repeat it. My belief is, if someone will gossip to you, they will gossip about you. If you talk about someone, make it something positive and encouraging.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Going Back to My Roots

This month has been awesome! I'm starting to come around and hold on to what's real. The same God who got me into this mad world is the same God who is pulling me out of it and revealing all things real: My family, clutch friends, and of course the outdoors. This month was all about remembering who I am.

I'm selling my car and going back to my college years driving around the ranger. I feel like I'm 19 again! Who would sell that beautiful Acura you ask? The hobo writing this blog...

I started running and eating healthy again. I've officially given up Costco cheese pizza (saddest day of my life) and traded it in for all things good. My newest favorite is this balsamic chicken from Trader Joes, Light Babybell Cheese, Granny Smith apples and shaved almonds. I can't live without Andy's veggie smoothies either. They're a daily staple for me to get energy to run. I ran 25 miles in 3 days and after my last day, I wanted to stay in this position for the next 3 days...

 

This week, I was reminded there are still good men in this world. Phil sent me the most thoughtful package to tell me there was someone on the other side of the world thinking of me. Until he's home in July, this picture of me, and Phil on top of Jonathon at the river makes me happy. 

I've experienced my two year old niece potty training and it's hilarious. I think the funnier thing is Sis and I standing by, cheering her on while bribing her with gummy worms as she looks at us like a couple of suckers. I'm loving her like crazy. Seeing her excitement when I walk in the door as she says "BEBBAAAA!!!" makes my heart smile every time. She loves seeing herself in the camera and laughs like it's the funniest thing in the world.

We took a camping trip up to Santa Barbara and I'm pretty sure Jayme is more my kid than my sister's. She loved the water and as soon as I set her down, she would bolt for it. The water was cold and all she could do was stand there shivering, with chattering teeth, pointing to the ocean saying "more more." She loves her sweats and beanies just like her Bebba. I love this little girl. 

Sis and I successfully pulled off camping cones! Wrap a waffle cone with some foil, stuff whatever you want in it (we did strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and mini chocolate chips.) Wrap em up, throw them on the fire for 5-10 minutes and voila. Everyone loved them, especially you know who... 

I love my family. This photo of my dad makes me laugh. He made up a song about what an idiot Chris is while Chris laughed hysterically. I haven't seen my dad play guitar in years, and I think I've seen him get in the ocean twice my entire life. This weekend, he played guitar, and for the 3rd time, he swam in the ocean.  I also got to see tipsy sissy which I don't think anyone has seen. She even tried to sneak a pee in Jayme's potty while no one looked until she was reminded it plays music anytime pee hits the bottom. She'll never live that one down.

This bible verse has always been my favorite and I think it's appopriate after this week. I forget sometimes I'm not in the driver seat and if I could just sit back, shutup, and let God drive, he'll reveal his plan for me.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will lead your paths straight."

Easter Tent Hunt

What a weekend! Since everyone in my family goes to different churches now, Stace and I thought it would be cool to do a weekend in Joshua Tree and read the story of the Resurrection at the top of a rock. Her boyfriend Sean, and his friend Brian came along for the adventure.

We had to take Sean to Del Taco because we took Brian last time for the experience of a lifetime. This Del Taco has better people watching than any Walmart I've ever been to. The first quote of the trip goes to Sean.

Becca: "Sean, what are you eating?"
Sean: "An egg roll"........long silence........ "filled with caramel and cheesecake and it's friggin DELICIOUS."

We got to the parking lot and loaded up everything to hike in. We decided to do back country camping which is what I will do every time from now on. So awesome. Brian didn't get his camping gear in time, so I was given the job of carrying an extra large sleeping bag tied to my back pack. Brian had all the firewood we weren't supposed to be bringing in. Stace had the chest full of ice and Sean carried all the beer which he threatened to leave with if we pulled any shenanigans with snakes.

We got to camp and Stace and I went to put the tent up. Rewind for a second. Originally, we all had our own tents. My dad had the great idea to just take his 4-man tent to limit the load hiking in. Perfect. Thanks Pops. Except when we went to put up the tent, there were no poles. Lesson learned: Always check your gear. The boys rigged it in the trees somehow while Stace and I went to explore the area.













Our weekend diet consisted of Del Taco on the way up, PB&J Crustables (best invention ever), Coors Light, Ha-Weet Thins, and Taco Bell on the way down (I'm detoxing as we speak.) We sat by the fire and had a lot of good laughs which included Stacey's neck turning into the flying squirrel, my hair getting gnarlier by the hour, Sean visiting a rock that we think God made just for his convenience, Brian's German school girl socks, and one line from the movie "Wanderlust" that never got old: "I'm gonna hit you with my dee-ick." For some reason it was always funniest when Stacey said it. I've never seen the movie, but it was hilarious to hear these guys constantly quoting it.

The view from our tent Easter morning was enough to thank Jesus for allowing me to have it all. It was perfect. We set off for a hike that was about two hours to the summit. While filling up our bottles, Stace asked why we all couldn't just share one nalgene between the 4 of us. I told her we need at least a liter per person just in case. YOU'RE welcome for making us do that because our two hour hike turned into a 6 hour escapade. I decided it was a good idea to climb up the crack of a steep rock. Once I got to the top and saw there was a way down the other side, everyone else came up. I read Mark 16 at the top of the summit, we passed around a beer in celebration of making it to the top, Brian and I attempted to boulder the Lion's Den, and we made our way down the back side only to find there was no easy way back from there.

Water was getting low, the sun was getting high, and we were all fatigued to the max. I'd been in this situation before so I knew my best bet was to stay quiet and let everyone else who had a good sense of direction figure out which way to go. We had never been so happy to see that scraggly green tent. Stace had blood pouring from her nose, we all had cuts on our hands and legs, and there was nothing more on our minds than food. We high-tailed it out of there, went straight to Taco Bell and we may or may not have gone to McDonald's for a vanilla ice cream cone.

We got home to welcoming arms of family and a happy niece who reminds me why I live: God, family, friends, and the beauty He created for us to enjoy.

Isaiah 35:1

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. 

Joshua Tree-kers

A wonderland of fun. Literally a playground for adults. Stace, her friend Brian, and I went to Wonderland on Saturday and has such a blast. It was really windy and cloudy driving out so we were a little bummed but as soon as we got there, the winds died and it was in the 70's with bluebird skies. 

We started at Del Taco because last time Stace and I went, the staff there was so nice and we wanted to prove to Brian how awesome they were. Let's just say, this trip might have topped it off in the "memorable" category but definitely not pleasant. The only words I can say are.... fupa, reptile skin, wedgy, sweaty loofa and mutant teenager... I caught the giggles and had to get out of there as quick as possible. We did however treat Brian to his first Del Taco Cheeseburger! 

We went back to the house and sat by the fire with the fam, ate bbq and "fished" for my little brother and his friends. Life is good.  

What Happens in Vegas

Breaking bad news is never an easy thing to do. It’s especially difficult if it’s not our news to break. But where do we, as friends, draw the line in telling the people we love news that will shatter them forever?

Do we look the other way and hope someone else says something? Do we let them know immediately? Sometimes delivering bad news is harder than receiving it but how long can we let these things drag out until enough is enough?

Sooner is better. In person is best. Either way, just say it.

John 8:32

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

 

Ingratitude

Another good one from Jim's Daily Awakenings

Have you ever thought about it? Most traumas we face are because of too little of something or too much of something.

If you have too little rain, it is a drought. If there is too much rain, it is a flood.

If you have too much spare time, it is boredom. If you have too little time, it is stress.

If your blood pressure is too high, it is a problem. If it's too low, it's a different problem.

If you have too little money, you obsess about it. If you have a lot of money, you obsess about it.

Happiness in life is about living in the gap between too little and too much. The problem is that most of us don't know how much enough is. No matter how much we have, we complain that it is not enough. It's called ingratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Truth

While reading an article about Japanese survival stories this morning, something a girl said rang truth and I wanted to share it: CNN Lost and Found

She was frustrated and wanted to give up her studies in Japan after the Tsunami but finally realized she needed get back in her faith and rely on God. She said, "People who have faith in God have positive vibes and are more optimistic," she explained. "If you go with the negative people, you lose yourself, your strength."

I've always tried to keep this argument when people question my faith in God and it's easy for me to stand strong in what I believe in because ultimately, God makes me patient, loving, and forgiving. This morning, my co-worker, Tara, sent me a photo and it made me happy just to receive it.

Sis lives by the simple idea, "a positive mind brings a positive outcome." I believe if we keep God on our side and smile often, even if we don't feel like it, we have the power to change the world.

Smile and say hello to 5 strangers today, and you'll see what I'm talking about.



Ecclesiastes 7:14
When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.

Runaway Lunch Hour

Sometimes I need to check myself onto the asphalt. I've been super irritable lately and I seem to have forgotten a simple solution to my madness. I was out a couple months due to my hernia and I forgot how much running takes off the edge.

Today I decided to remember what makes me happy so I put on my dusty shoes and ran 6 miles on the LA river trail while adopting some epic new tan lines.

What's the best part of running at lunch you say? No one comes into my stinky office for the rest of the afternoon. GREAT success. Happy Friday!

February Love

Happy 30th Mom!! 

"you guys eat cake, I'll eat kale"