Random Ramblings

I warned you. . .it's random. 

Life seems to be drifting along these days without much excitement.  Winter is always the worst time of year for me.  I'm not a fan of the cold and the rainy, gray skies always get me down.  Luckily, there have been a few warm sunny days here and there to brighten things up a bit.

 My graduate work is slowly getting done and I hope to finish in May.  "I can do it!" is my motto.

Amy, Christa and I are already talking about possible summer plans.  Savannah is always our favorite, but there may be other options too.  It doesn't really matter where we go.  These girls are crazy fun travel buddies! 

The dry winter weather has done a number on my hair and nails.  I saw some comments on twitter this week about Kenra products.  I hate drying my hair.  Kenra blow-dry serum is said to cut dry time in half.  I ordered some on Amazon tonight.  I'll post a review once I've used it. 

I've been trying to get more regular manicures when my budget allows.  A couple of years ago when all the hype started about gel manicures, I tried it.  The salon I used in Dallas only had the Shellac brand.  I was told the polish would last 2 weeks.  It didn't even last one week.  Needless to say I didn't continue to pay the extra money for Shellac.  This past year, I noticed that my nail salon in Tyler started carrying OPI gel color.  I've used OPI regular polish for years and I really do think it says on longer than other brands.  I decided to give the OPI gel manicure a try. It lasts about 12 days, give or take.  And of coarse the names are always fun.  You don't know Jacques and I'm not really a waitress are two of my favorites. 

I've watched a couple of Hallmark movies this weekend.  One of my all time favorites is The Magic of Ordinary Days.  I recently realized it was based on a book.  Maybe I'll read it when grad school is over and I have time for fun reading again. 

I got a new iPod shuffle for Christmas. It's pink. I've made a little workout mix that I've been using. 

 

 Here's my mix. 

1.  Moves Like Jaggar - Maroon 5
2.  Brokenhearted - Karmin
3. Bad Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce
4. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - Wham!
5. Signed Sealed Delivered - Stevie Wonder
6. One More Night - Maroon 5
7.  9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
8. We Are Young - Fun
9. Morning Train - Sheena Easton
10. Forget You - Cee Lo Green

I think it's time for a new blog design.  I'll work on that!

Thirteen

I was finally able to add images, but I'm still working on the fonts.  Maybe this is so many of my blog buddies have moved to Wordpress.

 

You may remember a post from early 2012 (you can read it here) where I discussed having a word or a phrase for the year.  My phrase for 2012 was “The Scenic Route.”  I’ve been thinking about what my word/phrase will be for 2013.  I recently heard an old Russ Taff song, Praise the Lord.  It’s an old song, but I’ve always liked it.  Hearing the song reminded me how important it is to Praise Him, even in the hard times. It’s easy for me to spend my prayer time asking God for His blessings, but I need to remember to give Him the praise he is due. I know when I focus on praising God, His blessings are ever present.  I’ve decided my Word for 2013 will be PRAISE.  No matter what, I will choose joy and praise the Lord.  Sure, my life isn’t always easy, but I’m greatly blessed.  He deserves my praises for all the blessing in my life: Salvation, family, friends, health, work, comfort and so much more.

 

 

Psalm 22:3

 Praise the Lord  - Russ Taff

When you're up against a struggle
That's shattered all your dreams
And your hopes been cruelly crushed
By Satan's manifested schemes.
And you feel the urge within you
To submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith your standing in
Seem to disappear

Praise the Lord. He will work for those who praise him
Praise the Lord. For our God inhabits praise.
Praise the Lord. And those chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you.
As they fall powerless behind you
When you praise him.

Satan is a liar and he wants to make us think
That we are paupers, when we know ourselves
We're children of the king.
So lift up the mighty shield of faith
For the battle must be won
Remember Jesus Christ has risen
So the works already done.

I want to give a little shout out to my Mom. She’s pretty awesome.  I’m back in Graduate school pursuing a Principal Certification.  I took 9 hours in the Fall semester, 3 in the winter mini semester and I’ll finish the last 9 this spring.  I’ve been a little stressed about getting it all done.  I should be honest and say that this past week I was more than a little stressed.  I pretty much had a full-fledged meltdown.  Mom came to Tyler and cleaned my house, did laundry, took me to dinner and even brought homemade soup for me to freeze and use as needed in the next few weeks.  I know I’ve said this before, but I really do have great parents.  Thank you mom, I love you. Dad’s great too. He kept the home fires burning with Mama Thelma so mom could visit me.  Love you too Dad. 

 

Twelve in Twelve

This has certainly been an interesting year for me.  Some of you may remember my New Year’s post where I mentioned my love life, or lack thereof.  Here’s an excerpt from that post. . .

I haven't blogged much about this next subject because it's sort of personal, but I feel inclined to share. One thing I am praying for in this next year is a Godly man with whom I can share my already fabulous life. I'll be turning 36 this year and I'm certainly ready for such a great adventure. I feel that God has given me the desire to be married and have a family of my own. For whatever reason, it hasn't happened yet. I won't lie, it hasn't been easy over the years watching pretty much everyone I know find love, settle down and start their own families. I know I haven't always been patient about the waiting. In fact my impatience may very well have been the reason God said "No" when I thought I was ready for such a blessing. I hope that even in this past year, I've grown. I know now, more than ever that His timing is best. I can and will wait for my love story.

Here’s a little back story.  In the previous decade I dated very little. I recall going on two blind dates, both fix ups, arranged by a good friend.  I also met one man on a Christian dating website in February of 2011. We went on a few dates before things fizzled.  I’m still not entirely sure what happened in that situation. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. I decided to try online dating again in 2012. I had no idea how that one decision would completely change my year, maybe even my life.

So here’s the update.  I’ve been on 12 first dates this year, hence the name of this post – Twelve in Twelve.  Some of the dates were great, some not so much.  I will not use any names or even initials of the men when blogging about the dates. I also won't mention any specifics about where the men live.  I will refer to them by number only. I wanted to blog a little about these 12 guys, so I can look back and remember the dates when I'm feeling sorry for myself about sitting home alone on a Saturday night.  I also hope to look back as a married woman someday and be even more grateful for the love of my life and remember what I went through to find him.

Here’s the list. . . .

1.      40s, Divorced, IT/ part time music minister/ Preacher’s Kid -  Dated him in early 2012, then broke up.  We got back together and dated over the summer again.  We broke up just before school started this year.  He is the only man I've every been in love with.  I now know I am capable of that type of love for someone else.  It was fast, but the conversations were very serious, including a timeline for engagement and marriage, children, housing, ect. He very quickly moved on which made things hard. Looking back on it I realize he had some emotional problems and real issues with co-dependency.  It’s taken me a while to see it, but I know God was protecting me from a very negative situation. I was hurt, but he is forgiven and I am better for having lived through the whole experience.

2.       40s, Never Married, Associate Pastor – One date.  We never spoke on the phone before meeting in person.  He was very feminine.  He related planning worship services to putting on a Broadway musical. He had a purple iPhone cover.  He didn’t hold the door open or walk me to my car.  I'm a modern woman and it may be 2012, but come on. . . this is still the South.

3.       40s, Never Married, Software Engineer – One date.  He was very sweet and shy.  He told me that he visited his mother in Fort Worth every Friday night and would be able to see me late Saturday afternoons only.  He showed little emotion when talking, very monotone. There just wasn't a great connection.

4.       Late 40s, Never Married, PhD/former educator/business owner/Power lifter-Strongman – Dated on and off, starting in the spring.  He runs his own business and lives out of state. He is also caring for his mother which takes quite a bit of his time. He always makes me laugh and is very witty.  We've always had good chemistry, from the moment we met, it seemed like we'd known each other for years. He's handsome and always fun to be around.   I like him a lot; it just seems that we want different things out of life. He has become a good friend.  We still talk on the phone and even see each other now and then.  I just don't see it going anywhere.

5.       30s, Never Married, Coach, new to East TX – One date.  He was really sweet and cute. I just don’t think he felt a spark with me.  Nice guy though.

6.       Prefers not to be mentioned.

7.       40s, Never Married, Engineer – One date.  He asked a million questions.  Seemed like a job interview. I obviously didn't get the job.

8.       40s, Never Married, Computer Engineer/PhD grad student - Super nice.  Great conversationalist.  Sweet, cute, funny and witty.  He lives almost 6 hours away from Tyler.  As much as I like him, the distance may prove to be too much. We still talk often.  I consider him a good friend.

9.       40s, Divorced, Lawyer – One date.  Socially awkward.  Kind of strange.  I honestly can’t even remember his last name. 

10.   40s, Divorced, worked on Motorcycles?? – One date. He has been married 4 times and admitted he had an affair – enough said.

11.   40s, Divorced, Safety specialist for a well-known company, 3 kids – One date. He initiated several text conversations after our date, but never mentioned getting together again.   He seems like a really nice guy but I guess there just wasn't enough of a spark for either of us.

12.   Late 40s, Never Married, Sales and delivery for a well-known food company. – Really kind.  Very old fashioned, seems like an old soul.  I might be a little too sarcastic and sassy for him?? I’m not sure he really ‘gets me’. 
 

For many years I've had a fear that I would marry having only really dated a few people.  I don't worry about that anymore.  I've seen what's out there.  I know what I want and what I don't want.  I'm very grateful for the opportunities to date. For the most part it's been good for my self esteem, except for my experience with #1.  Even though I was heart broken over the way things ended with #1, my experience with him has brought about a great deal of personal growth. 

My mother recently reminded me of how I used to complain of loneliness.  I would say “If I just had a date every now and then. . . .”  Oh the nights I prayed for  someone to date.  I was so lonely and sad.  In the past couple of years that prayer changed.  I began to pray for one specific man.  I’m grateful for all the dating opportunities, but for some reason, I’m still lonely. 

One of my favorite movies to watch in the Christmas season is Little Women.  I think Amy , the youngest sister, said it best.

“You don't need scores and scores of suitors; you only need one, if he is the right one.”                                                     - Little Women

Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find the right one. Love shouldn’t be this difficult. 

I know my prayers in 2013 will be considerably more specific.  I’m excited to see what God will do. For tonight I’m watching Bridget Jones and identifying with this clip.  You will have to click on "Watch it on Youtube" in order to view it.

It's hard to be patient.  Some days I think, "Where is he already, I'm exhausted."  But I know the best things in life come to those who wait.  I also know God has a purpose for this time in my life, even though it's not easy.

To all the Singletons out there - Keep the Faith!

Auld Lang Syne

 

You’re probably thinking this is a strange title for a post in November.  No, I’m not trying to get ahead of myself when it comes to celebrating the holidays.  I’m just looking forward to kissing 2012 good bye. 

I could have never imagined when I shared this post in January, how the circumstances of these few days we call a year, would forever change me. In some ways, that fact saddens me. I long for the ignorance of my slightly younger self. On the other hand, the statement gives a little hope, hope that in just one short year things can be vastly different in my life – something I would welcome.

 

Fall is usually my favorite season.  I love the colors of autumn.  As a redhead, it’s by far my best season. I’ve always been a fan of cozy sweaters and corduroy.   I also adore the warm sent of fall and of course the comfort foods brought by the season. I love to walk outside and smell the scent of fireplaces burning in the neighborhood. I love the pumpkins and mums that adorn front porches on my street. Mostly, I love the symbolic shedding of the old in preparation for the new. Everything is beautiful just before it goes gray and bare.  That's all part of God's plan.  He strips away the old, no matter how beautiful we think it is, to prepare for the new. This fall has been pretty difficult for me personally, but I’m hopeful again. I expect a vibrant spring. 

 

A fitting song. . . .

Joy comes in the morning

If you've knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart

When the things you gave your life to fell apart

You're not the first to be acquainted with sorrow grief or pain

But the master promised sunshine after rain

Hold on my child

Joy comes in the morning

Weeping only last for the night

Hold on my child

Joy comes in the morning

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight

To invest your seed of trust in God in mountains you can't move

You have risked your life on thing you cannot prove

But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose

Is the way to find the joy God has for you 

Hold on my child

Joy comes in the morning

Weeping only last for the night

Hold on my child

Joy comes in the morning

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight

 

All things new. . . .

A friend of mine recently posted this on Facebook. 

"One can only turn over a new leaf so many times. After a while all the new leaves fall off the tree."

It got me thinking about 'new beginings' in life.  One thing I have always loved about academia is the fresh start.  I love that each year I get another try at getting it right, or at least doing it better than the year before. 

Even though I understand what my friend was trying to say.  I can't help but think of Rev. 21:5 "Behold, I make all things new."  I will trust in His word and have faith in a new day and a fresh start. 

I turned 36 on Sunday.  35 was a good year for me in many ways.  It was full of adventure. I was settling in a new town, started a new job and made some wonderful new friends.  I've been dating quite a bit.  Nothing to write home about  yet, but it's been fun. 

35 also had it's share of sorrow.  My beloved Zoe passed in March.  I've also struggled to really feel 'at home' sometimes.  Tyler is beginning to feel more like home and I know it will continue to get better in time. 

Earlier in the year I posted about my phrase for 2012, "The scenic route."  Somehow along the winding road of life, I've ended up somewhere familiar, somewhere I've been before.  I've already experienced the familiar encouragement of family and friends, but the heart ache is also familiar. I know there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3).  A time for mourning is over, it's time for me to live.  I'm grateful for the opportunity for a fresh start. 

 

 

New Friends!

Make New Friends - Girls Scout Song!

Make new friends,
But keep the old.
One is silver,
And the other, gold.
A circle's round
It has no end
That's how long
I'm gonna be your friend.

A fire burns bright,
It warms the heart.
We’ve been friends,
From the very start.
You help me,
And I’ll help you
And together
We will see it through.
The sky is blue
The Earth is green
I can help
To keep it clean.
Across the land
Across the sea
Friends forever
We will always be.

Hello.  I'm Betsy, I write this blog.  If you are a blogger from the Tyler/East TX area and are interested in making a blog buddy - let me know!  baylorbetsy76@gmail.com

I'm linking up with Kelly today in hopes of meeting some blog friends.  I have lots of friends who blog, but I've never met anyone through a blog.  I read blogs from all over, particularly the South.  I think it would be so fun to actually meet some of the bloggers I follow. 

Something New!

So it seems that 2012 is going to be the year of lessons for me.  Remember THIS post, when I seemed so hopeful about the new year and what great things were going to come my way.  To be honest, I lost that hope pretty quickly.  Then there was THIS post where I decide "The Scenic Route" was best for me. Yet again, I ended up on a treacherous path.  I guess I'm learning that life is full of winding roads and unseen roadblocks around every other turn.  To be fair I should say that there are joyful surprises around some of those turns as well. 

I keep up with most of my Baylor friends via Facebook.  There are a few that I actually see from time to time.  SRG is probably one of my oldest friends.  Not to say the he is old, but that I've known him for almost 17 years.  I met him during welcome week at Baylor.  His older brother CRG was my small group leader for the week.  We became fast friends and have keep in touch through the years.  When I think of the my all time favorite Baylor memories, SRG is always part of them.  Over the past 17 years, God has used him to speak truth to me on several occasions.  I'm grateful for is continued friendship. He recently shared this verse with me after a hearing of my latest "bump in the road." It's encouraged me so I wanted to share!

Isaiah 43:16-21

The Message (MSG)

^16-21This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can't get up;
they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened;
don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!'
—the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.

I love that He is starting something new for me.  Some translations even say - "You don't have to see it", you can trust that He is starting it.  Even when I think a situation seems hopeless, he is already starting something new.  I've said it before His plan for my life has got to be better than anything I could ever come up with, so I trust Him and wait.  I guess it's time to sit back and enjoy the scenic route a little longer.

As for the positives along my scenic route, well I've been reminded of how blessed I am to have such wonderful Christian friends.  In recent days they have proven their loyalty and  loved me when I needed it most. 

God has a plan and the power to start something new in my life and in yours.

Keep the faith!

In other news. . . . Savannah/Charleston 2012, summer trip is in the works with the best travel buds ever, Christa and Amy.  Planning a summer trip is a great distraction this time of year. More details to follow.