tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122028812024-03-07T19:33:19.497-05:00Ruminations and ReflectionsA peek inside my quirky, analytical, creative mind....My style is much like a sprinkle of Erma Bombeck, a dash of Dave Barry, and a good helping of humor and spiritual application throughout.RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.comBlogger569125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-12495432630605169822018-02-18T17:00:00.001-05:002018-02-18T17:00:29.013-05:002018: She Laughs<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My poor blog has been neglected since August. I'm still alive and well and trying to jump back on the bandwagon. I'm a very Type A person, so I'm all in, or all out, and once I got out of a rhythm, my blog suffered. I've missed the creative outlet and hoping to get back in the saddle, and not beat myself up if I don't post 2-3 blogs a month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's start with recapping the end of my year when my blog was silent. I wish it was something as dramatic as the 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and New Testament, but alas no. If you recall, my word for last year was "r<a href="https://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017-renewal.html" target="_blank">enewa</a>l." And, boy, did I lean into that one. I found myself really focusing on the things that renew me. Laughter, friends, and reading. A LOT of reading. 2017 was my personal best for reading, and I've started 2018 on a good streak reading 8 books so far. For this introvert, I needed that, and obviously a break from creating content here. It's been good. But, it's a new year (hello 49 days in!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For 2018, I prayed and sought "what should my word be for the year?" I struggled. Nothing came to mind. Then, I thought, "why does it have to be a word?" This verse came to mind and I decided like Lucy when Schroeder was playing every version of Jingle Bells, and when he finally played the simple version, Lucy said, "THAT'S IT!!!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it. It's my verse for 2018. Proverbs 31 is special to me because it was the Scripture passage used for the sermon at my Mom's funeral. My Mom was that kind of woman. If there is anyone I want to be just like, it's my Mom. Also, laughter. Last year, I was privileged to see two Christian comedians in concert - Tim Hawkins and John Crist. I don't think I've laughed that much in way too long. And it felt good. Really good. The feeling of laughing without a care of tomorrow is an amazing feeling. Laughter truly is a gift from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't think of a verse that sums up what I pray my year will be like any better than to be clothed with strength and dignity, and to laugh no matter what the future holds. Here's hoping I can update the blog more than once every six months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-79632372662484104742017-08-31T13:45:00.000-04:002017-08-31T13:45:55.532-04:00Table Topic: Summer 2017<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer is flying by as we are fast approaching the Labor Day weekend. Where has the summer gone? Literally I think I have whiplash from the flipping of the calendar. My blog can tell that given I've been a one-post-per-month this summer. In an effort to remedy that for August, I'm posting a Table Topic for the day....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>What was the highlight(s) of your Summer 2017?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given my busy summer, you'd think I'd have a flurry of highlights, but it's been full but nothing super spectacular...except my one highlight....The PopCast Live Show. Probably my favorite podcast of all time is <a href="http://knoxandjamie.com/" target="_blank">The PopCast</a>. I've been listening for more than a year, and literally laugh profusely at every episode. Knox and Jamie are a tremendous duo. This summer, they kicked off their live summer tour in Louisville! I couldn't believe all my dreams were coming true! The PopCast Live Show....in Louisville...and with special guest, Anne Bogel, the host of the <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next</a> podcast....which I was a guest on <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/34-episode/" target="_blank">Episode 34</a>. The cherry on top was my submission to Celebrity Death Panel. Even though the venue had no air and it was 135 degrees, I would do it all over again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your Summer 2017 highlight?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let your sun shine...</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-20926045978349439792017-08-19T16:45:00.000-04:002017-08-19T16:45:10.546-04:00All in All Journaling Devotional: A Review<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was privileged to be a part of the launch team for Sophie Hudson's newest book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Journaling-Devotional-Loving-Wherever/dp/1462743404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500598146&sr=8-1&keywords=all+in+all+sophie+hudson" target="_blank">All in All Journaling Devotional: Loving God Wherever You Are</a>." I was added to the team later in the process, so I've been working through the 100 days presented in this devotional in order to give you my complete and honest review. This devotional came out on August 1, so you can get your own copy right now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard for me to simply write a review like I would normally do for a traditional book. I could say, "If you know a teenage or college-aged girl, go buy this for them right now!" Or I could say, "If you are a teenage or college-aged girl, go buy this right now!" Shoot, I could really say, "Everyone go buy this right now!" But, I'm going to summarize it in one of my favorite formats. The Top 5 Reasons you need to buy this devotional, from the home office of B&H Publishing in Nashville, TN. (That's who published this devotional...so you can keep up)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <b> The theology is sound</b> - One of the things I look for in Christian books, especially those targeted to young souls, is the soundness of the theology. Heaven knows I hear enough heresy to keep me on my toes, I don't want to recommend a book to tender girls who could be blown around by the wind. Sophie is sound in her doctrine. She hits that straight on in her own wonderful way. Salvation is through grace alone, and not from works. She doesn't dive deep into exegetical dissection, but she explains the Scriptures in an easy way that I believe the Lord meant it to be so we understand His grace and merciful gift of salvation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <b>Sophie Hudson</b> - Ok, so I'm not personal friends with Sophie, though I have to admit I fangirl quite often and might pee my pants if I ever met her, but she is the real deal. There is nothing "put on" about her. She has the southern humor and charm that makes reading her words feel like she's sitting across the table from you. To add to that, Sophie spent years teaching high school English, and is now a mentor of sorts for girls at the high school where she taught. Folks, she's on the front lines. She knows first hand what this age group is dealing with on a daily basis. You can tell that in the topics she covers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <b>You can do this with your daughter or a girl you mentor</b> - I'm not the mother of a young daughter. But if I were, I would buy two copies - one for me and one for her, and I'd suggest we go through this study together and talk about it together. The daily devotions won't take more than 15 minutes or so, depending on how much you want to journal, so it shouldn't be tough for anyone to do. It's 100 days, which, I'll tell you, go by fast! And even though the target is for young girls, you'll grow in Christ too. It seemed her lessons hit me right where I needed them even in my life as a bit (cough) older woman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <b>The topics covered are relevant</b> - I applaud Sophie on presenting the challenges of social media and it's impact on these young girls. She doesn't tell them to get off social media, which I appreciate, because, you know what, they won't. But she does shoot very straight about the dangers that come from being too entangled in the world wide web. Sophie presents very practical advice. For example, if you struggle with posting things inappropriately on SnapChat, have your grandmother connected to your account and she'll see everything. When you know your grandmother will see it, you'll think twice about what you post. Technology isn't going away, and it does serve good purposes. What's Instagram today will be another platform in five years to pull and tug at our young people. Sophie really navigates those waters well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <b>You have a young woman you just can't reach</b> - Maybe your the Mom, or teacher, or mentor of a young girl in your life and she is going through a stage that no matter what you say to her, she won't listen. For whatever reason, she's battling hearing the truth. Sometimes, we don't learn to back away and pray like we've never prayed before, but we want to march right into that land mine and cause it to blow up and then we've created more division. Let me give you some advice. Buy this devotional. Wrap it up in a beautiful package (or put it in a snappy gift bag, like I would because...I'm a better rapper than a wrapper), add a handwritten note to this young woman and give it to her. Then walk away. Start praying. Let the words from His Word penetrate her heart through the vehicle Sophie has created. Then, if God does some big stuff (which He's often likely to do in those areas we feel are long beyond anyone's help), let Sophie know. Visit her <a href="http://boomama.net/" target="_blank">blog</a> or follow her on Twitter @boomama and give her an update. I'm gonna tell you right now, there is nothing more that will bless her heart - and cause the tears to flow - than to hear that testimony. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus is our All in All and when we remember that, life always can be viewed in the right perspective. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-67091851182896955882017-07-20T20:53:00.001-04:002017-07-20T20:53:21.961-04:00A Tale of Two Gardens<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have never successfully grown a plant. Ever. I've tried growing houseplants, miniature indoor rose plants, African Violets (yes, I know those are tough), and even succulents...SUCCULENTS. The plant that NOBODY can kill, but I can. My one and only succulent did last about 3 months, which is a longer life than my other attempts at green thumbing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not an outdoor girl, so I don't even want to attempt to try and keep a garden alive. That's like spinning plates, right? I can't keep one potted something alive, how in the world would I keep three or four different plants growing. The one thing I've had success growing is butterflies, so I'll give myself the moniker of crazy butterfly lady because I won't be a crazy cat lady...I don't like cats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I can't grow those beautiful flowers or budding plants, I do love flowers. They are so fragrant and colorful. The other night I was walking down the sidewalk of a local outdoor shopping center and noticed the large urns of flowers they had planted along the way. Man, I wanted to just go "snip, snip" and take a bouquet home, but I figured if there would be anyone that would get caught stealing fresh flowers, it would be me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently I was asked to be on the launch team for Sophie Hudson's newest book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Journaling-Devotional-Loving-Wherever/dp/1462743404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500598146&sr=8-1&keywords=all+in+all+sophie+hudson" target="_blank">All in All: A Journaling Devotional</a>." If you've never read her work, let me stop a moment and tell you to go order all her books. She writes like she talks and she's southern through and through, but most importantly she loves Jesus. This new devotional journal is targeted to youth and college age girls but as I'm going through each of the 100 days, I'm enjoying her perspective on how Jesus truly is our All in All.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She mentioned how perfectly God has placed us in this world with the glory of sunrises and the calming beauty of sunsets. God could have decided to just turn the lights off and on, but He didn't. Sophie reminded me that He chose to place us in this beautiful garden on Earth. That got me looking around for the uniqueness of His Creation. I really did stop and smell the roses - or gardenias or whatever was in that large shopping center urn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That got me thinking about the first garden...Eden. We really blew that one. Adam and Eve had it perfect...truly perfect. But the desire to be like God and not be obedient, caused them to be cast out of that perfect place. And they lived with a list of other things God told them as consequences for their sin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We focus a lot on how we live in a broken world - and we do. And how we won't experience that perfection again until Jesus returns to bring the world back in order - and that's true. But think about this. We live in a garden. Oh, it has sinful people, horrid tragedies, and brokenness at every corner. But really look around. We DO live in a garden. God could have place us in a dark and dreary place. But we have gorgeous sunsets, white sandy beaches, fragrant flowers, a bright sun that rises majestically, and even caterpillars that turn to butterflies. We are blessed. How much does God love us that He would place us in just a smidgen of the wonderfulness of His Creation to prepare us for that day when we'll live in a New Earth that is beyond our imagination? One garden that's perfect. One garden that's broken. One Rescuer to come again to restore us to perfection. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-7050091280931972852017-06-12T15:16:00.001-04:002017-06-12T15:16:58.863-04:00You Lyft Me Up<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week I traveled to the Bay Area of California to spend the week at my company's headquarters. I hadn't been out west for probably two and a half years, so I was overdue for a visit. In the past, I normally rented a car since I had the free time to meet other friends for dinner or travel out to the ocean. This trip wasn't going to afford that luxury, so I opted to go a different route. Uber or Lyft.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because of my Type A/OCD tendencies, I did thorough research on each. Who has the best ratings? What issues have come up in the past? Essentially, I wanted to choose the best option for my needs. After all my research, I decided to go with Lyft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My first ride was from the airport to the hotel. I ordered my Lyft through the handy dandy app and once my ride was claimed, I received a picture of the driver, the model of their car and license plate number. In exchange, the driver received my name and picture. Valerie was my driver and not long after she claimed my ride, she called me to confirm my location. Good thing she did, because I entered it incorrectly. All ride share apps like Uber and Lyft pick up from the Departures level. Knowing you are on that level is one thing, but what Terminal and what door is vital for them to find you. Valerie pulled up, hopped out of the car, and was super nice. She loaded my bags and off we went. I even sat in the front seat! We had a great conversation on the way to the hotel and I told her she made my first ride the best! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The remainder of the week I was a Lyft Pro. All the drivers were nice - I did have one that didn't speak English. I had to quickly say "No hablo espanol" so he knew I was not going to be a great communicator, although I did say "Gracias" when I exited the car. This service was a game changer. I never had to wait more than 4 minutes for a ride and it always took me door to door. And, the cost was so much cheaper than a rental car. I realize my company pays for these things while I travel, but I try to be a frugal employee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even though I didn't use Uber, many of the drivers I had with Lyft also work for Uber. The downside of Uber is you can't tip in the app. Now, many resources tell you that you don't need to tip these drivers, but I like to, especially when they are quick to load up my luggage. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are traveling, and especially</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in large cities, I can't recommend Lyft and Uber enough. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-48416621119625121012017-05-31T17:00:00.000-04:002017-05-31T17:00:12.810-04:00The Butterfly Love Shack<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As mentioned in <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2017/05/musings-of-week-butterflies-phds-and.html" target="_blank">my last blog post</a>, I received a butterfly garden to raise my own butterflies through the miraculous wonder of metamorphosis. I'm happy to report that three of the five butterflies made it out and released to the world on Memorial Day - celebrating the land of the free!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received my cup of caterpillars on May 10 and released them on May 29. That means in just 19 days I saw this transformation first hand. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement. Aside from my 8-year-old tendencies at times, this seemed to satisfy my longing for a pet (even though you can't cuddle a caterpillar or butterfly) and was low maintenance. Plus, I feel like I contributed to nature by releasing them to do what they do for perfect balance in the way God created them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the butterflies emerge from the cocoon, you have four days to nurture them and feed them sugar water, which is about the easiest thing to provide. I was so glad that all this happened over a long weekend because that meant I could watch them flutter in their habitat and feed them more often. After this experience, I think I'm going to do this all summer and just order more caterpillars. I'm not becoming old and a cat lady but old and a lepidopterist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One small surprise during this process occurred Sunday evening. I went to refill the sugar water feeder and found a butterfly clung to the top of the habitat. Normally when I unzip it, they fly to the bottom. This time, they didn't. And I was missing a butterfly when I counted. I first thought this poor butterfly clinging to the roof of the netted habitat was dead. And then I looked closer. It appeared two butterflies had become one. And, were mating. Yep. Seriously. My butterfly garden had turned into the Love Shack. I googled "Butterflies mating" to ensure my guess was correct. And it was. I had already planned to release them the next day, but I really needed to do it the next day now because the next step in that parade is the female butterfly nesting and laying her 100 eggs. I enjoy raising butterflies...but not 100. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only have I become a lover of raising butterflies, I've become a butterfly matchmaker. My insects are getting more action than I am. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-91841793830979993292017-05-15T17:11:00.000-04:002017-05-15T17:11:31.508-04:00Musings of the Week: Butterflies, PhDs, and Summertime!<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Butterflies</b> - I received a butterfly garden from Amazon last week to take my first stab at raising butterflies. Yes, I'm way beyond the age range on the package, but I've watched YouTube families do this and found it so fascinating I wanted to try it myself. For just $27, you get everything you need (including caterpillars) to raise Painted Lady Butterflies. After 3-4 weeks, when they are ready for release, the habitat and feeding tray can be used again and again....all I need to do is buy the cup 'o caterpillars. I decided to do this for a couple of reasons...ok three, if you count YOLO. First, this time of year brings back memories of my Dad's passing (May 4), and my Mom's passing with Mother's Day also in May. On the flip side, May 12 is the day I decided to follow Christ 43 years ago. With loss of life comes new life. Wanting to celebrate life, I thought what better way than to watch life in the making. Second, I've contemplated having a dog. I don't have the time nor am I home enough to care for a dog, but butterflies, oh yeah! Plus, I've kept a succulent alive since the end of March, so surely I can do this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>PhD</b> - During the last class of my MBA, the professor of my capstone class asked me if I ever considered getting my PhD. She commented on this due to my final capstone research paper. The answer to that question is, "of course," but the thought of doing it makes my stomach turn. My friend, Paige, has always told me I'd get my PhD eventually and I normally smile and change the subject. I'd love to "retire" in to teaching, but given I haven't taught at the college level yet to determine if I'd like it, I'm hesitant to invest in something that would only benefit me in academia. Last week, said professor contacted me that my Alma mater, Campbellsville, is being accredited for a PhD program in Management, to start in Fall 2017 or January 2018. In my life, there are more dreams I want to chase than there is time or resources. I told my professor I'd pray about it. Nothing like a random offering like that to get your mind whirling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Summertime!</b> - You gotta say that word with an exclamation point! I love summertime, even though I'm working and not a student any more </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">- or teacher -</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> that gets to enjoy three months of leisure time. As part of my online book club, we get a first look at the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide. Think the summer reading program at the library for kids, but someone has already read a ton of books and selected 30 for the summer. We received it last night - the rest of the world gets it on Wednesday - and I was reminded of those days when school was out and I couldn't wait to get to the library to sign up for the summer reading program. Ah, summer. Sipping on a Coke Zero, or Frappucchino and reading in the summer breeze. People, that is Heaven on earth. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-42226141343766956252017-04-30T17:17:00.000-04:002017-04-30T17:17:22.612-04:00What I'm Reading - April 2017<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've become obsessed with books and reading. I've always enjoyed reading, but in the past few months, I've really looked to reading as my release, outlet, and vehicle to wind down. Lately I've watched less television and aside from listening to podcasts, books fill up most of my down time. As I said <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/34-episode/" target="_blank">when I was a guest on What Should I Read Next</a>, I feel like I'm dating books!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is to follow is a recap of what I read this month and what I'm reading. I recently joined <a href="http://litsy.com/" target="_blank">Litsy</a>, an app for bookish people - think Instagram for bookworms. My username is RosieBoo65, so look me up there as I'll be charting my course of reading on that app.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What I Read</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Maid-Mistress-Novel/dp/038553762X" target="_blank">The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Judge Joe Crater goes missing in August 1930, never to be heard from again. Yes, this is a true story. This historical fiction novel focuses on the three women who had a connection with Judge Crater - his wife, maid, and mistress. I love historical fiction, and add the layer of female protagonists and you've got a winner for me. I enjoyed this book, but wasn't enthralled by the story. I felt like it was a bit slow in the beginning, and eventually picked up pace. I don't regret reading this book as I learned a lot about a historical disappearance I'd never known about before. I read this as part of my online book club and participated in an author chat. Ariel was so interesting to listen to as she explained how she wrote this, her first book, over 18 months only on Saturdays. And she got contacted by a real life relative of a character in the book! After hearing her interview, I want to read her other works.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Success-Uncovering-Biblical-Perspective/dp/1433679922/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493585515&sr=1-1&keywords=the+measure+of+success" target="_blank">The Measure of Success: Uncovering the Biblical Perspective on Women, Work, and the Home by Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a career woman, and not a wife or mother, I often question what that looks like in light of the role of women in Scripture. This book is solid look at how God ordains work for all of us - whether working inside or outside the home - and to have a purpose in fulfilling that role. If you are a working woman, you'll benefit from reading this book to get affirmation that being a successful businesswoman isn't of the devil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Room-Karen-White/dp/0451474635/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493585542&sr=1-1&keywords=the+forgotten+room" target="_blank">The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Lauren Willig, and Beatriz Williams</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You never know when three authors write a novel what you are going to get. This book surpassed my expectations. The story of three women spanning three generations and how they are connected make up the tapestry of this book. It felt like piecing together a puzzle and I had a hard time putting this book down. I'm assuming each author wrote each of the three main characters, but you'd think all of it was written by the same author. These ladies write in perfect harmony.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What I'm Currently Reading</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Perilous-Undertaking-Veronica-Speedwell-Mystery/dp/0451476158/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493585596&sr=1-1&keywords=a+perilous+undertaking" target="_blank">A Perilous Undertaking (Veronica Speedwell, #2) by Deanna Raybourn</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A second in the series of a lepidopterist who has an amazing lineage and solves crimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Novel-Sana-Krasikov/dp/0385524412/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493585628&sr=1-1&keywords=the+patriots" target="_blank">The Patriots by Sana Krasikov</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book based in Russia in the 1930s and 2008 is segmented into different segments of "Books." It was slow starting, but now about halfway in, I'm hooked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Breath-Becomes-Paul-Kalanithi/dp/081298840X" target="_blank">When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a small book, but with a heavy theme. This book won many awards in 2016 and I know the epilogue was written by his wife after the author's death, so I'm moving slow as I know the outcome will be heart wrenching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-22117719519369636602017-04-15T13:14:00.001-04:002017-04-15T13:20:45.827-04:00The Day in Between<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good Friday and Easter are the focal days that we Christians celebrate each year. Good Friday is the remembrance of what Jesus did for us on the cross and His brutal, unthinkable crucifixion. Easter celebrates (spoiler alert!) His Resurrection and hope for all of us who believe to have eternal life. This Easter season, I've been doing a Lent study through <a href="http://www.sacredholidays.com/" target="_blank">Sacred Holidays</a>, focusing on the final days of Jesus. This is the first time I've done a specific study during Lent and it has been amazing. I've read the various accounts of Scripture in a new and fresh way, and although I've heard the resurrection story my whole life, it continues to present itself anew. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What we don't always focus on is the day in between Good Friday and Easter. Jesus is dead. In the tomb. Hopeless. We scurry about filling Easter baskets, hiding Easter eggs, and choosing our Easter outfits on that day now. But this day 2000 years ago wasn't as joyful. You see, the end of the story hadn't happened. We can celebrate this day in between because we know Easter is coming. But I've reflected today on the people present on the first day in between and what they could have been thinking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The disciples. "It's over. All that Jesus talked about, what does it mean now? We didn't always understand what He was telling us, but now, He's dead. What do we make of this? Maybe we followed a Man who wasn't telling us the truth. Could He not have been the Messiah? We followed Him for three years, gave up our livelihoods. Now what?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Pharisees. "We won. Thank goodness that distraction is dead and buried in the tomb. I don't know who He thought He was to have tried to challenge what we know to have been true forever. A new covenant? What's wrong with the old one? At least our teachings and leadership can go on now without that pesky Jesus trying to persuade our followers of His unbelievable message."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pilate. "What have I done? I allowed a persuaded crowd to encourage me to let a criminal go and crucify an innocent man. I've made a lot of decisions and many I regret. But this one. This one seems more dire than any of the past decisions I questioned. It's over now. Nothing I can do about it. Time to move on with my life."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mary, Mother of Jesus. "This can't be real. I know what the angel told me when I conceived Him. I know His purpose in coming was to die. But this way? I'll never get over seeing my baby on that cross. Suffering for me. How is this all going to work out? I know what the prophets said. I know what Jesus said during His short 33 years here on earth. But did I believe a lie? No. Surely not. I love my Son. He was the Son of God. My tears may never end, but I simply can't lose hope." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These people lived between hopelessness and hopefulness. There was a time - the day in between - when Jesus was dead. The emotions, the questions were surely endless. I can't even fathom dealing with that mourning and grief, not knowing how God was going to respond the next day. But we know the end of the story. Resurrection is coming. Hope is on its way. Mourning is turned into joy. And we don't have to grieve as those did at the cross because we know Jesus is alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I live each day with the hope of eternal life as my security. Do you? If not, you are living in an endless "day in between" without hope, only the end. By choosing to follow Christ, and turning from your sinful lifestyle, you can have this hope too. If you don't know how to do that, contact me. I want you to live life everyday like it's Resurrection Day. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-68111173596696462932017-03-31T15:26:00.000-04:002017-03-31T15:26:05.473-04:00The Gospel According to Beauty and the Beast<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The newest trend in Disney productions is to take what was animated and make it new again with live-action films. With the technology available today, this is nothing like live-action has seen before. The latest in their live-action portfolio was released earlier this month - Beauty and the Beast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The animated version that debuted in the early 90s became one of pantheons of Disney princess movies, and started a trend in that decade for an onslaught of Disney princesses. I loved that movie. Even though I was way beyond the age of the target audience, I went to the theater with my Mom to see it and fell in love with the story. The last theatrical stage production I took my Mom to see was Beauty and the Beast, so it holds a special place in my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks before this movie release, news hit of a an openly homosexual character being portrayed by Josh Gad. He plays the sidekick of Gaston, LeFou, and it was reported - though not seen in film yet - that Disney had made this character so overtly homosexual that they've now gone down a path of no return. I'm often skeptical of the media (Trump is, right?) and don't believe everything I see or read until I see or read it for myself. Journalists live for the hype, so I withheld my judgment until seeing the movie, which, I was fortunate to see on opening night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First off, before I provide any commentary on the movie itself, let me say a few things. I don't go to Disney for my theology. Do I believe that homosexuality is a sin according to what the Bible teaches? Yes. Do I expect Disney to withhold Christian values? No. I'm also not a mother of children, but I have many friends who are, so I'm sensitive to that as well. As I was growing up, my Mom and Dad didn't shield me from the things of this world. They raised me in a godly home, with godly principles, and anything they felt on the fence about, they would watch with me or before me. Then we'd discuss it. In my early teen years, Judy Blume was a hot Young Adult writer who produced some steamy fiction that many of my friends couldn't read or her books were being banned from school libraries. Shock alert: I read them, and at the approval of my Mom. Why? Because she read them too and we talked through what we read. How did the character in this story respond to situations? Is this how I would respond as a godly young woman? Instead of throwing me in a Christian bubble, my parents walked into the world with me. Saying I'm forever grateful for them isn't really enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The live-action movie was exquisite. Many people know my affinity for Cinderella, but Beauty and the Beast comes in a close second, but her live-action film wins over Cinderella's version. The way the story was expanded to bring out more depth was amazing. It's definitely one to watch again and again. And for LeFou? His actions could be interpreted as simply the loony character we saw in the animated film or homosexual, but for someone of a young age, unless they followed social media on the hype, they wouldn't automatically assume he was homosexual. It definitely didn't hurt the movie at the box office...and honestly, might have helped it, which is why when these types of things get blown out of proportion, we need to be wiser in how we react. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was Disney's intent to shroud a homosexual character in the form of LeFou even if it wasn't overt? Doesn't matter if they did or didn't. I'm sure every media I take in - books, movies, television shows - all have a back story from the producers and directors I may never know, but only be a subtle appearance. I don't expect anything in Hollywood that is not based in biblical values to be something to tout the Truth from the Word of God. Simultaneously a movie based on the book, The Shack, was released, yet I heard very little from Christians on the damaging message that movie presented, under the guise of a "christian" movie. That would take another blog post, but the Bible teaches us to beware of false teachers who take the Truth of God's Word and twist it even a smidge to make us feel good and accept what is false for truth. If you want to get in an uproar about something, wave the flag on The Shack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The messages that should outshine the rest in Beauty and the Beast is the sacrificial love that Belle showed when she took the place of her Dad being locked up at the castle. (spoiler alert) This comes straight from John 15:13, "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends." Even Belle's love for the Beast speaks to a Scripture that described how God views man, "</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart." (I Samuel 16:7) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">The world is never going to give us the love story that is pure and true. We can only write stories that can maybe have a whiff of what true love is. The greatest love story of all time is about The One who gave His life for me and loves me beyond all my outward faults and appearances and covers me with His Righteousness. Now, that is a tale as old as time. </span></span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-67105493015370369682017-03-15T16:51:00.000-04:002017-03-15T16:51:01.805-04:00Why I Love This is Us<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night I watched the season finale of the new NBC drama, "<a href="http://www.nbc.com/this-is-us?nbc=1" target="_blank">This is Us</a>." For the first time in, oh, forever, I'm actually watching a show in real-time. That never happens. Never. Even the handful of reality shows I watch are watched on demand. Yet this show captivated me so much I don't want to miss it as soon as it airs. And, I watch the episode again, maybe more than once, because I love it so much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not the only one in love with this show. My social media feed fills up on Tuesday nights when this show is on. It's been a long time since a drama like this one has drawn so many people into its fold. It's this observation that made me examine why I love this show so much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are a lot of things to point out - the acceptance of an interracial adoption at a time when it wasn't so much the norm, a woman battling weight issues, the challenges of the every day life of a normal American family, the realism found within this family. But I can narrow it down to one major thing. The men on the show. Specifically Jack Pearson, played by Milo Ventimiglia. If you haven't watched the show and intend to, spoiler alert ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jack is the father of the children who star in the show. In this first season, we've seen the birth - and adoption - of his children, the love he has for his wife, the struggle with alcohol that is becoming more evident, and the way he parents his children. In the season finale, we learned even more about his family background that was hinted to before. The refreshing thing about Jack is the writers aren't portraying him - or any of the men for that matter - as weak, meager men like most dramas and sitcoms do these days. Jack is strong. He fights for his family. He fights for his marriage. Yes, he has his faults, but he admits to them. He's not perfect. And we know that Jack has passed on, though we don't know details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We've seen Jack proclaim he doesn't want to be like his father, who was abusive to his mother. We learn in the season finale that he was a Vietnam Veteran and didn't come back angry at the world and his country. And we see how his parenting is being played out in the lives of his children. So many touching scenes to represent that, but one comes to mind. His son, Randall, suffered from panic attacks, and Jack knew how to calm him down in a way no one else could. Now in adulthood, with his father gone, Randall's brother, Kevin, comes to the rescue of Randall's latest breakdown. Just like his father, Jack, would. There are some many more examples, but are beautifully written in a tapestry-like way that make the most impact when watched on the screen. This is one of the most exquisitely-written shows I've watched in a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you, NBC, for allowing a show where men are portrayed in a way we rarely see in today's television shows. Thank you, Hollywood, for producing a show that doesn't push agendas every week. I'm worn out over everyone - on both sides - pushing agendas in my face. You've brought a show to the screen that is so well written and pricks the heart of the viewer in a way few shows do. We need more of those kinds of shows. And more Jack Pearsons in our lives. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-46988503268450453062017-02-28T18:30:00.001-05:002017-02-28T18:30:31.811-05:00Table Topic: Childhood Playtime<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently began reading the book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Measure-Success-Uncovering-Biblical-Perspective/dp/1433679922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488322770&sr=8-1&keywords=the+measure+of+success" target="_blank">The Measure of Success</a>" by Carolyn McCulley and Nora Shank. This book provides a biblical perspective on work and what that means for women. Carolyn is a never-married single woman and Nora is a married mom who works. So far, this has been a very insightful book, affirming my love of career. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would I rather be CEO of a home and raising a family? Sure, but that isn't where God has me. This book helps me see what Scripture says about the importance of working - inside and outside the home - for women. It's freeing to dig into this topic since, on some days, being a single woman can be discouraging. All women, no matter where they work, have important roles. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Carolyn shared an interesting story about her childhood that has stayed with me. She never played house. Looking back on that realization made her evaluate where she is in her life and if that was by design in some way. I found that tidbit fascinating! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflecting on my childhood, I played house in church nursery (probably) and in kindergarten....at least until Jimmie Walker made me mad and I quit playing. But when I was home playing, I played one of three things - teacher, store owner, or prairie woman. I would sit up my stuffed animals and teach them, and make up stories. I had a cash register from Fisher Price that I LOVED and would play general store all.the.time. And, when I'd play outside (when I wasn't swinging so high my swing set almost overturned) I'd play "Little Woman on the Prairie" trying to survive. I would collect leaves and nuts and decide how I was feeding myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Granted, I was an only child, so I played a lot by myself, but I could have just as easily played house (I had a kitchen set) as the next girl. But, I'd grow weary of that and head to my cash register. Could that have been my desires playing out (pun intended) of where my strengths would lie? Maybe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That brings us to today's Table Topic: <b><i>What did you love to play as a child and is it a reflection of what you enjoy doing today?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ready, Set, Play!</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-83130958371345316822017-02-15T22:47:00.000-05:002017-02-15T22:47:46.176-05:00Lessons Learned for a Lifetime<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The recent appointment of a new Department of Education head and the move of the governor of my state to research the public school system in my county has caused me to think much about my education. I have a lot of friends who are public school teachers and friends who teach at private schools and even at higher educational institutions. It's not an easy job but every teacher is shaping the future of every student they teach. Heavy weight to carry around for one person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I've ruminated on this, I've come up with five teachers throughout my educational career that have impacted me for a lifetime. Let me say there have been many more, but these were the first to come to mind, and span my education from kindergarten to MBA. Most of them don't know the impact they made and some are no longer on this earth for me to tell them. But I hope this post encourages you to share with a former teacher of yours the impact they've made. Or, if you are a teacher, you'll read this and say "You know, this day stinks, but I may have just changed a life today." Without further ado, here is my five featured teachers...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mrs. Juanita Gass - Mrs. Gass was one of my Kindergarten teachers along with Mrs. Jacobson. You really do learn a lot in Kindergarten and I have to admit, I did. I remember distinctly on election day going into a cardboard voting booth to vote for what Kool-Aid flavor we'd have for snack time and my flavor won! (It was grape) It instilled in me that my vote really does count! The lesson learned from Mrs. Gass was unconditional love and how she wouldn't keep any child from being included. It wasn't until I was 28 that I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, but even as a 5-year-old, I would wear out after walking a distance. One day we took a field trip to the Zoo and I couldn't walk the entire way. Mrs. Gass carried me on her shoulders the remainder of the Zoo trip. She didn't have to do that, but she did. I'll never forget that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mrs. Lily Kruetzman - Mrs. Kruetzman was my 3rd grade teacher. She was one of the most jovial people I knew. She'd laugh and we always had fun in her class. One day, I came to school and my jacket's zipper was stuck. I couldn't get out of my coat. Mrs. Kruetzman saw me struggling and being the independent soul I wouldn't ask for help. She came over and said, "I can get you out of that jacket!" She quickly pulled it over my head, which clearly I hadn't thought of. Her next phrase was, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." She taught me that when you can't do something, or are in a pickle, there is always a way to get out of it, or make it work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Miss Kathy Leonard - Miss Leonard was my 7th and 8th grade Core teacher. In Junior High, Core Class was where you spent a good chunk of your day and I was thrilled to spend it with Miss Leonard! I almost lost it when I found out I had her again in 8th grade! Miss Leonard was another fun-loving teacher and was single. I thought she was the coolest. In 8th grade, she was working on additional education and used us as her guinea pigs for creative teaching techniques. We did some of the most innovative activities to teach concepts. We even held our own courtroom one day. The lesson I learned from Miss Leonard is that you can do anything and don't have to be married to do it. I don't think this was her main intent, and I didn't realize that lesson until I was older. And even today as I'm still single and a career woman, I think of Miss Leonard and her inspiration of having fun and being successful being single. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr. Lance Springs - Mr. Springs was my Junior English teacher. During that year, we had to write a pretty extensive research paper - 25-30 pages on a topic of our choice, but we had to use 3 book references, 20 periodicals, and 1 special source, such as a newspaper or personal interview. Now, keep in mind this was WAY before the Internet, so this was no easy task. I presented him my topic choice, which was the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. He said to me, "I'll approve this, but I doubt you'll be able to find the adequate sources." You never tell me "can't" and I was on a mission. Not only did I keep that topic, I received a 96 on the paper. During my Senior year, I was his Teacher's Aide, so I felt like I reached a new level by proving my abilities to him. The lesson I learned from him was "you can do anything you really put your mind to." I don't know if that was his intent in his comment to me, but somehow I think he knew my personality and knew I would put forth my best work when challenged. To this day, I still take a challenge as serious as I did that research paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dr. Karen Rush - Dr Rush was my last professor during my MBA studies. She was the professor of my last class before graduation - the capstone class. Our biggest assignment was an analysis of a company using everything we'd learned in our MBA studies. When I got my paper back, she said, "Have you ever considered getting your PhD? This is great work and you'd do well in PhD studies." Now, my PhD friend, Paige, is praying me in that direction, but for now, pursuing my PhD isn't on my radar. But hearing those words encourage me to never close the door on any possibility. I said at one time I'd never get my MBA and - boom - I have it. I'd love to teach as an adjunct one day to see if it's something I'd enjoy and Dr. Rush has offered to help me in any way she can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thankful for my education and for all the teachers who invested in me. Hug a teacher today. You are where you are, in part, because of them. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-49868146969738148732017-01-30T15:39:00.000-05:002017-01-30T15:41:05.988-05:00The One That Got Away<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As we traverse through life, we always seem to reflect back and wonder "what would life be like if things had taken a different path?" Or, "what if I had married that person instead of the one I'm married to now?" It's human nature to ask these questions. I don't often spend time ruminating on things like this because I believe in the sovereignty of God, so what happens is His Plan A for my life. Even if that Plan isn't the plan I'd have chosen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Spoiler alert: If you haven't seen La La Land, I'd suggest you stop reading now if you plan to see it, as spoilers are to come. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On Saturday, I saw La La Land as part of my annual Oscar challenge to see as many of the nominees as possible. I'm behind this year because at the time of the nominees' announcement, I'd only seen one of the Best Picture nominees. I had seen three at that point last year. I've got a lot of ground to make up and not much available time to do it, but I'm Type A, so off I go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went into watching this movie thinking it was a new take on the old movie musicals, like Singin' in the Rain, with a modern-day twist. But, it wasn't that at all. Oh, there's music and dancing, but the plot is interestingly different and "heavy" causing much contemplation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mia, played by Emma Stone, and Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling, meet in the strangest of ways and you follow their relationship for a full year. After that year is over, it appears their paths may go in different directions, and the movie picks up five years later. I won't get into details on what happens, but let's just say the path you expected, didn't happen. Then, you get a complete flashback of an alternate path chosen, wondering, "did this happen?" And then, realize what you saw originally was reality. These two people had dreams become reality, dreams they encouraged each other to achieve, but didn't get to reap the benefits together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've thought about this movie a lot since Saturday. I've gone from contemplative, to melancholy to bittersweet. Maybe because this hit too close to home for me. I've had people in my life that encouraged my dreams and though I may be living them now, they aren't part of my life to enjoy the benefits. But maybe that's the point. People are in your life for a season...and for a reason. And they aren't in your life for the long haul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The one that got away maybe really didn't get away at all. Maybe they were in your life to make you reach for your dreams, affirm you where you felt like you were lacking and you both are now living the life always meant to happen. If you saw La La Land, I'd love your perspective. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-37899975186043398952017-01-17T14:24:00.000-05:002017-01-17T14:24:59.389-05:002017: Renewal<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each year I chose a word to focus on throughout the year. I'm not a fan of resolutions - because I break them in about 30 days - nor am I the best goal setter in the world. I'm an extreme Type A perfectionist, which means if I'm going to set goals, I best complete them, and in record time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last year's word was <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2016/12/2016-contentment.html" target="_blank">contentment</a> and I can say that the year really proved out as a great learning ground for that word, especially the last three months. As I prayed and thought about what my 2017 word would be, I decided upon the word Renewal. The definition that rung true to me for this choice was "the replacing or repair of something that is run-down, worn out or broken." See the last three months of 2016. That was me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Life is always busy, and with my full-time job, ministry roles at my church, and maintaining some semblance of a social life, this introvert gets a bit overwhelmed and overstimulated. The word Renewal seemed to be the perfect word to focus on for 2017. I need time to renew myself spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. If I don't do these things, then I'm of no good in all those roles I outlined at the beginning of this paragraph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How would I accomplish this? One of the things I've learned over time is saying "no" when it's hard and I want to say "yes." Even when something is a good thing, it may not be the best thing for me. I can easily get overextended and over-committed of my own doing. When I was getting my MBA, I did a much better job of saying "no" because I set boundaries to be able to continue my life as normal as possible and still do school. Now that I don't have an educational degree to help me keep that boundary, I've lost it. In 2017, if I tell you "no" don't take it personal. Remember that I'm looking to recharge and renew myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other thing I wanted to do was declare a day of renewal each month. I'd choose a day - preferably not one when I'm working my full-time job - where I'd only do things that renew my spirit. I would also fast from all social media that day. I have done this for January and may I say it was an absolutely glorious day. I started the day off having breakfast with a sweet friend, Martha, who I adore. Any time with her fills my heart with joy, so this in itself was a time of renewal. The remainder of the day I listened to podcasts, colored (I'm an adult coloring book fan), read, and watched Netflix. I started The Crown on Netflix and had no idea how much I'd love that series. I may need to write a post on that at a later date. All the while, no matter what I did that day, my phone was used only to play podcasts, make/receive calls, and receive/respond to texts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What were the results of that day of renewal? It was good to listen to sermons, and other spiritually-focused podcasts to refresh me. Pulling away from social media honestly wasn't hard. What I discovered was social media doesn't keep me focused on my here and now, but divides my attention to include others' goings on. I may take daily social media breaks more often for the benefit it provided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm already excited about scheduling my day of renewal in February and looking forward to what God is going to teach me this year. God can use a broken person, but He doesn't want us to be so broken down we're no good to others or ourselves. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-39349840467451757762016-12-30T12:44:00.002-05:002016-12-30T12:44:26.040-05:002016: Contentment<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In lieu of New Year's Resolutions, each year I pick a word that I focus on for that year. This year the word has been <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2016/01/2016-contentment.html" target="_blank">Contentment</a>. My word in 2015 was <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2015/12/2015-joy.html" target="_blank">Joy</a> and Contentment was really a byproduct of focusing on the word Joy for an entire year. Joy isn't found in circumstances, it's found in the strength I receive from the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you ask most people, they will tell you they are ready for 2016 to be over. The political chaos that ensued during this year's Presidential election was enough to make me want to hide under my bed. In reflecting on my past year, I have to say that I truly did feel contentment even in the most "non" content circumstances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the first time this year, I was privileged to be on three launch teams for new books from Lifeway - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1433689251" target="_blank">Looking for Lovely</a>, <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-gospel-of-mark-bible-study-book-P005727073" target="_blank">The Gospel of Mark</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111" target="_blank">Giddy Up, Eunice</a>. My participation in these teams has now garnered me the role of a Lifeway Women's Ambassador, which may just be the closest I'll get to being an Ambassador of any kind. Aside, I always thought it would be the coolest thing to be a Disney Ambassador, but I digress. Each of these books focused my perspective on the right things. My devotional life and time spent with the Lord has greatly improved over the last two years and this was aided by my reading and studying with these books. Contentment is easier for me when I'm clinging closer to the Lord. Sounds cliche. Sounds like that Sunday School answer. I know, you are rolling your eyes. But really, it's true. You can't just conjure up contentment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My dream came true this year of being <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-48-minutes-of-fame.html" target="_blank">a guest on a Podcast - What Should I Read Next</a>. You take a podcast about reading and have me as a guest to talk about it and I think I may have died and gone to Heaven! I've become more and more obsessed with reading and even joined the online <a href="https://members.modernmrsdarcy.com/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club</a> that is led by the host of What Should I Read Next, Anne Bogel. Reading is my happy place. I find contentment curled up in my recliner reading and escaping from the world. As of this post, about 24 hours before the end of 2016, I've read 32 books with a challenge of reading 25. I'll be upping my goal for 2017 and hoping I blow it out the roof!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may think with all this goodness, surely it was easy to be content. But come September, circumstances changed. The end of the month, my boss announced his resignation. I'd worked with him for years, but only a couple as my boss. The news was jarring and I knew would be life changing. This all occurred during the last week of September, my birthday week. I couldn't help but think back a year prior when I was celebrating my Golden Jubilee and life was grand. Not so much this birthday. His departure meant I would be inheriting more responsibility, which was challenging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">October brought a new boss, which I really do love, and lots of changes as we began to turn our division around. The reality of all the things we should have been doing but weren't became abundantly clear and some things had to be torn down to be rebuilt. It seemed daunting but I felt I was up for the task.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The beginning of November, the day after the election to be exact, my company suffered the largest workforce reduction in their history - 25%. Our local office had 9 folks that were laid off, while headquarters had such a large number they did it as one large group. Along with another Director in my office, we had to administer the layoffs. I've been on both sides of that table before - being laid off and doing the deed - neither side is pleasant. Not only had we just adjusted to a new leader and many changes, we were about to really see life change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since that time, I've absorbed the duties of a complete employee. I knew about 50% of what he did, and how to do about 30% of his job. I've spent the last two months figuring his job out. I'm getting there, but really feel like a CIA agent uncovering what has to be done and how to do it. I also lost an employee that resigned in December. It was hard to see her go as I don't have a lot of turnover on my team voluntarily, but one of our competitors recruited her. Now we're in process of hiring a replacement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last three months of this year proved to be a real challenge to my contentment. I lost sleep, worked long hours, constantly dreamed about work, but yet, I can say, I'm content. There is a reason why I'm here. I recalled when my company was first acquired and I begged and cried out to God "why didn't you take me out of this company?" Five years later, I see His Hand on why I'm there, even in all the turmoil we're in right now. Learning comes in the struggles. If life was a bowl of cherries, we'd never know the need for God, or contentment. If life was perfect, contentment wouldn't even be something we strive to achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've seen God's Hand even in the last 3 months to encourage me that He's at work. Our company had a holiday shutdown starting December 22 and it may have been the greatest thing to happen to us in years. We all needed a mental break. We needed physical rest. But what I know now and hope I remember long into 2017 and beyond, is that my circumstances don't define my contentment. If God is near (and, newsflash, He is), then I am content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With 2017 approaching, I'm looking forward to the new year, like I look forward to a fresh clean notebook ready for thoughts to be penned. I'm pretty confident in my 2017 word, but I'll reveal that in the new year. It's making me excited already to think about what focusing on a new word will bring in 2017!</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-83188517211389459102016-12-07T15:35:00.000-05:002016-12-07T15:35:34.310-05:00Favorite Books of 2016<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As another year comes to a close (good grief, Charlie Brown!), I become reflective, as the title of this blog indicates I do oft times. I set a goal at the beginning of the year to read 20 books. I am now at 31 and may read a few more before the year is through, so I feel rather accomplished!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year reading has become my therapy and way to decompress from that which is life. I've clung to it more now than ever before and it brings back memories of summer vacation spent in the aisles of my local library checking out books to fall into during the summer, and clutching my Weekly Reader paperwork to make sure I didn't lose it before turning it in. My reading has brought me back to my roots, and for that, I feel really, really good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought I'd highlight a few of my favorite books of this year...in no particular order....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/0812974492" target="_blank">Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand</a> - This was gifted to me and it sat on my bookshelf much longer than I'd liked, but I knew diving into it would be a challenge. It was, yet rewarding at the same time. The story of Louis Zamperini as an Olympian and POW survivor from World War II was redeeming and torturous. I had to take breaks from reading as the POW scenes were hard to take, reminding me of the sacrifices so many made for my freedoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Before-You-JoJo-Moyes-2013-11-07/dp/B01FIXFK6C/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481141624&sr=1-5&keywords=me+before+you" target="_blank">Me Before You by Jojo Moyes</a> - A controversial book turned movie, I really did enjoy reading this book. Do I agree with the outcome of the characters and all that took place? Absolutely not. But it was heart-wrenching and thought-provoking all at the same time. I read the sequel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-You-Novel-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0143131397/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481141645&sr=1-1&keywords=after+you" target="_blank">After You</a>, which made me like the original more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Islands-Novel-Allison-Amend/dp/0385539061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481141740&sr=1-1&keywords=enchanted+islands" target="_blank">Enchanted Islands by Allison Amend </a>- This was my first book after joining Book of the Month Club and I have a theory that your "firsts" dictate your thoughts of those experiences forevermore. The fictional memoir of Frances Conway, who was a real-life person, kept me intrigued and engaged throughout the whole book. I didn't want it to end and I wanted to have a conversation with Frances, though I'm sure she has passed by now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Daphne-Du-Maurier/dp/0380730405/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481142234&sr=1-1&keywords=rebecca" target="_blank">Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier</a> - Written in the 1930s inspiring an Alfred Hitchcock movie, I stumbled unknowingly on this treasure. I was searching for a classic romance as a book prompt from a reading challenge and oddly this book popped up. I'm oh so glad I did! This book is haunting, hard-to-put-down goodness that is probably best read in the winter, in a cabin, wrapped up in a blanket with endless amounts of coffee. I'll definitely re-read this one again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Heals-Story-Overwhelming-Overcoming/dp/0310344549/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481142431&sr=1-1&keywords=hope+heals" target="_blank">Hope Heals by Katherine and Jay Wolf</a> - I had to pick one non-fiction in the bunch and this one is it. Katherine Wolf suffered a stroke in her 20s and this is the story of her life when that happened, her journey through recovery and rehab, and her life now. Told in exchanging voice between her and her husband, Jay, you hear events from both of their perspectives and their transparency is refreshing. I love a book that increases my faith in God and this one is a definite read if you are facing insurmountable struggles in your life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are many other books I could mention, but these are the five that stick out the most. For 2017, I'll have to increase my reading goal! And I may kick off the year re-reading a classic from my childhood that is what I think of when I think about reading, life and the gift I was given in a Mom who fostered that in me - Charlotte's Web.</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-26533001839139858562016-11-21T14:24:00.000-05:002016-11-21T14:24:06.891-05:00Good vs. Faithful<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The last few weeks have been challenging to say the least. With the election results and a 25% layoff of my company, it's been a horrible blur and fog in my world. Thankfully I was spared and still have my job, though many, many others do not. And they lost that job the day after the election.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My woes of life aren't comparable to others who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses or other struggles of life in a broken world. Yet to each of us, our world can seem hopeless no matter the gradation of our problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been thinking a lot about how Christians will say "God has been so faithful" when they get word I've kept my job, or someone's illness is cured, or whatever problem previously happening vanishes. Somehow, though I know that is true, I don't feel it completely accurate. Yes, God is faithful. He was, is, and will be. No matter the outcome. God would have still been faithful if I lost my job. I prefer to say God is so good to protect me from losing my job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my pet peeves is how many single women praise the Lord from the mountaintop as long as they have a significant other in their life. Then, the moment that status changes, "Woe is me" is the lamentation. It's as if God fell off His Throne. Yet, God remains faithful even when we - heaven forbid! - are single. God is good to us to give us the blessings we have far beyond what we deserve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few years ago, I had a women's ministry college intern, Jessica. I loved her heart for the Lord and she shared a story with me from her home church that has stuck with me all these years. A sweet lady at her church was celebrating her husband's soon-to-come retirement and how they planned to have a cabin in Gatlinburg where they could minister to others. Three months after his retirement, he died suddenly of a heart attack. When Jessica talked with this sweet, godly lady about how she could go on, knowing that her husband's life was ended just as they were about to start a new chapter serving the Lord, she said, "You know what, Jessica. God is always right." I love that. No matter what happens, God is always right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In this season of Thanksgiving, we focus on that which we are grateful. I want my gratitude to be overflowing for the One that is good, faithful...and right. Soli Deo Gloria.</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-70146361841188930262016-11-14T16:28:00.001-05:002016-11-14T16:40:11.503-05:00Chipotle vs. Qdoba<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From the moment Qdoba made its debut in my town, I've been a believer. It was my go-to place and I would crave it periodically. This past summer, their arch rival, Chipotle, did a summer promotion that one of my employees participated in to earn us free catering at the office. In an effort to help him achieve the bazillion burritos he needed to eat over the course of three months, some of us helped by using his rewards card and visiting Chipotle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Although I felt like a traitor walking into the restaurant, I have to say I really liked their food. This caused me to ponder about my newfound love of Chipotle and my obvious betrayal of Qdoba. Why did I like one more than the other? And if I could do a pros and cons, who would win?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chipotle's pros are fresh ingredients. I honestly "feel" better after eating Chipotle and not so blech as I do often with Qdoba. The food is cheaper at Chipotle (at least what I get) than for the same thing at Qdoba. And Chipotle has Coke Zero, so that's a win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the con side, Chipotle's chips are stored in a bag pre-scooped. Ick. They just don't maintain that same freshness as the chips freshly scooped at Qdoba. The atmosphere at Chipotle leaves something to be desired. I definitely don't find dining in there pleasing at all. It's like a warehouse break room or a take off on a steam punk casual dining establishment. To go orders are my preference at Chipotle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Qdoba, being my first love, has a lot more variety on their menu...plus queso, which is sorely missing at Chipotle. They have Coke Zero and 100 other options with their Coke Freestyle machine, which is a positive. Qdoba's chips are fresh and often even warm making everything yummier when scooped up with a warm tortilla chip. And dining in there is a much more pleasant experience than at Chipotle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The cons for Qdoba are their prices - slightly higher - and the food - not counting the chips - isn't as fresh. Overall, though they are reinventing themselves regularly with new offerings so they do move further away from a direct competitor - or a mirrored competitor with Chipotle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The jury is still out. I like them both for different reasons. I suppose I need to create a Qupotle restaurant and everyone is happy. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-51750234506997878622016-10-31T15:26:00.001-04:002016-10-31T15:26:16.656-04:00Podcasting...Again<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IVWRTWjQSB663ibWJ60FNE15c1zFlAXGUjGqP8Esugp9rn7OINL9rkawKvgda5p2WbQ_6sxMIcuEjDTc7oulZQ6MsuPhM0te_L6GmegN9zEdUjxFyQU1IaUnGrXypPPP7cD7zg/s1600/ep46b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IVWRTWjQSB663ibWJ60FNE15c1zFlAXGUjGqP8Esugp9rn7OINL9rkawKvgda5p2WbQ_6sxMIcuEjDTc7oulZQ6MsuPhM0te_L6GmegN9zEdUjxFyQU1IaUnGrXypPPP7cD7zg/s320/ep46b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred: What Should I Read Next?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in August, I had the privilege of being a guest on <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2016/08/my-48-minutes-of-fame.html" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next podcast</a>. It was like a dream come true! I've always wanted to have my own radio show, and in the 21st century, being a guest on a podcast is the next best thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think of my excitement when I was approached to be one of the folks on a follow-up episode about <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/46-episode/" target="_blank">What DID I Read Next</a>? Clips from my original episode were included and then I shared what I had read next and what was still on my list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anne Bogel, the host of this podcast, did an excellent job of picking titles for me and though I've only read one so far, I loved it. Two more are on my list from Anne, but the reader response was overwhelming. Literally hundreds of suggestions came through comments from readers on Anne's blog and Instagram. I'm set for life for books to read, as if I wasn't already. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't listened to the original episode, you can do so <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/34-episode/" target="_blank">here</a>. And then you can list to the follow-up <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/46-episode/" target="_blank">here</a>. Happy listening...and reading!</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-46086658176671668312016-10-17T14:35:00.000-04:002016-10-17T14:35:06.983-04:00Designated Survivor<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't watch a ton of TV and most of the time my TV is on to make noise while I'm piddling and working around the house or getting ready in the morning. But, I do try and watch one or two new shows each season to see if they're worthy of following. One of those this season is Designated Survivor. It stars Kiefer Sutherland (pardon me while I swoon) and, no, it isn't just a remake of 24.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kiefer Sutherland is the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is chosen as the designated survivor to be sequestered during the State of the Union address in the unlikely event a tragedy occurs and the government leadership is wiped out. The show's Pilot involves a bombing at the Capitol and the need for Kiefer to be sworn in as President of the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm only two episodes in, but the story is riveting, and quite ironic in its applicability to today's presidential landscape. Kiefer's character assumes a role he really isn't prepared for, but serves out in the best way possible. His humility in this role as his life changes in a blink of an eye is commendable. I get this is fiction, but it sure is refreshing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's an understatement to say I'm beyond disappointed in this year's presidential election. Neither candidate is someone I want running the free world. I was quickly reminded of this when in the first 30 minutes of the Designated Survivor becoming POTUS, he was given the instructions on how to launch all nuclear weapons operated by the US. Frightening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I try and avoid political debates on social media. That's why I'm writing this blog. I can't handle the constant bickering in my social feeds. It's exhausting. So I'm keeping my most passionate comments here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I fill in the bubble to vote for our next president, I can't, with good conscience vote for either of the two leading candidates. I can't. Don't try and persuade me, it won't change. Hilary's complete disregard of human life - her pro-choice stand and her Benghazi behavior - doesn't give me comfort. Yes, it would be tremendous to have a female president, but is she the role model I want? Absolutely not. You continue to tolerate your husband's fornication all for the sake of maybe becoming President yourself. Have you no more regard for yourself than that? It's sad...and troubling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trump is a whole other issue. Take away his recent "locker-room talk" scandal and other female encounters that have come about, he turns my stomach. His narcissistic, prideful attitude is not appropriate for the Oval Office. I'm a conservative Christian and many stand behind him because of his potential Supreme Court Justice appointment. I have zero faith in his keeping that promise since I've not really seen any consistency in his campaign...other than narcissistic pride. I didn't vote for Obama, so take this statement from that perspective. Obama has more class in his pinkie finger than Trump has in his whole body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In some ways, I wish we could designate a President somehow, but that would only come if neither major party gets the majority and it goes to Congress. It's times like these I miss my Dad so much. I'd love to hear this take on this. But, if I could talk to him now, he'd say, "I'm sure glad I'm not on earth anymore for a lot of reasons you don't understand yet, but this election is another reason." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not sure who'll I'll vote for come November 8, but I will vote. It won't be Trump or Clinton, but someone else with a chance, albeit slight. I'm voting because I have that right. The right as a woman I've only had a short time in light of history and the right many people fought for my freedom to have. I'm not going to "pull the lever" for someone who I can't respect. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-61099470487156688832016-09-30T11:41:00.002-04:002016-09-30T11:41:36.349-04:00Breaking Out<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has been one for the record books. As Dickens once said, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." The worst times occurred on Monday when I got news my boss was leaving. I've had tons of bosses in my lifetime. Some were great, some were not. But this one was great, so personally I'm super sad. Professionally, as they say on Broadway, the show must go on. With that news, the week brought its own stressors, and the jockeying for position when this sort of thing happens - which has happened many times in my work life. To add to the week, Thursday was the anniversary of my Mom's death. Sixteen years ago I lost the woman who waited 18 long years for me, loved me, nurtured me and was my best friend. I could have used an hour or 100 with her this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The best of times occurred because I turned another year older and felt the love from many friends far and wide. Last year was my golden jubilee, so this was just a normal birthday year, but that little blip of love in the middle of the week was so needed. Also in the midst of the worst was a great time on Thursday with my entire office enjoying some time away playing a competitive game of escape room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't heard of this new gaming phenomenon, you go to a location and a team of people (up to 8) are locked in a room with a backstory. Based on clues they have in the room, they have 1 hour to "break out." Our office broke down into 3 teams participating in a Casino Royale, Museum Heist, and Island Escape. My team did Island Escape. If you like solving puzzles, cryptic riddles and mysteries, this game is for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The game starts with a short video and then once the timer starts you begin searching the room for clues. There are multiple things locked with combination locks - both number and letter - and key locks. Getting access to all of those is vital to getting out of the room. To explain how we did it is way too complex. I envy those that write these games because the detail is amazing. We had exploding volcanoes with clues, maps that dropped things out, constellations on the wall, a black light flashlight, and special glasses to read computer screens. It was a blast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our team broke out! And did it in 53 minutes. Sadly, the other two teams didn't break out, so at the hour mark, they were released. I'm ready to take on the challenge of the other rooms and be able to say I broke out of all of them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the midst of good and bad times, I'm grateful for things like escaping locked rooms to distract me from the harsh realities of life. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-74470904104844766802016-09-15T13:43:00.000-04:002016-09-15T13:43:52.806-04:00The Gospel According to Traffic Court<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in June of this year, <a href="http://rosietheboo.blogspot.com/2016/06/traffic-violation.html" target="_blank">I was given a ticket</a> for not changing lanes while traveling next to a police car pulled off the road citing another vehicle. As traumatizing as that was, I had no idea how the fun would continue when I went to traffic court.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My court date was last month, and I'd never been to traffic court, much less to the courthouse downtown, which we affectionately call here in the Ville, "Sixth and Jefferson." I traveled downtown for my 1pm assigned court date in the extreme heat. I circled until I found a place to park - the main reason I loathe downtown - horrible parking. I headed on into the courthouse. Clearly you could have videoed the people of WalMart or the latest reality show (aptly named "Sixth and Jefferson") given the sights I saw. Every type of person wearing any type of clothing (or very little clothing) was hanging around the lobby and right outside the door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I entered the building and quickly went through security. I felt like I was dealing with TSA, but without all the hassles. I've watched enough cop shows to be alert to my surroundings lest some psychopath pull out a weapon and start going crazy. I checked in at the front desk, interrupting the receptionist from reading her novel. Aside, good to know my tax dollars pay for someone to read 8 hours a day. She instructed me which courtroom and I navigated the directions to get to the 3rd floor and my specific courtroom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I walked in, I felt like I was on Perry Mason. The court room looked just like they do on TV, albeit smaller. I sat in the courtroom pews and waited for my name to be called. They aren't really pews, but honestly look just like them. And, quite frankly, I prayed as much sitting in those pews as I do in a church pew. The first stop on this journey is to talk to a lawyer or "important man in a suit" that is sitting at the desks in front of the judge's bench. This is the first level of Dante's Hell you have to get through before facing the judge. My name was called and I went up and he reviewed my ticket. The first words out of his mouth were, "Well, I'm not sure what to do with you." Huh?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You never want to hear that in a courtroom, doctor's office or operating room. He continued by saying that the way the police officer wrote up the ticket, his only option was to suspend my license for six months. I almost lost it. "Are you kidding me?" was my response. He patted himself down trying to find his phone, which wasn't on his person and asked if he could use mine. Really, at th is point I started to think I was being punk'd. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He tried calling the Department of Transportation to ask them what to do. Of course, that was after I looked up the number and called it for him, hoping my gracious groveling would help me out here. When he couldn't reach anyone, he said, "I can reschedule a new court date, or if you can wait, I can talk to my higher ups to see what options I have." I told him I'd be happy to wait since I was already missing work to get this handled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sat there for what seemed like an eternity waiting. I texted some friends and asked them to pray. What would I do if my license was suspended? I have to first get home, then how do I get from place to place for the next six months. Needless to say, I was a mess. I prayed and I waited. When the important-man-in-a-suit came back, he said he could lower the charge to careless driving (what in the world was it before!?) and I could pay the fine and court fees. I wouldn't be eligible for traffic school. I quickly said yes and thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then back to the pews to wait until the judge called me up. By the time that happened, I was half a basket case on the inside and half relieved that this was almost over. She repeated the violation as amended and asked if I plead guilty or not guilty. I paused and said, "Well, the police officer said I was guilty." She said, "You don't have to plead guilty. You can plead not guilty and then we'll go to trial." At that point, Miss Resilient Steel Magnolia here, broke a bit. I told her I'd never been in court in my life and I just wanted this over. I didn't weep or sob, but she, as a woman, could tell I was about to break down. She was very nice and explained how I would go about paying my ticket by phone to avoid another trip down to the court house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left there completely exhausted, mentally and physically. I went home, called in and paid my ticket and hope it goes away. But I learned a few lessons in the process....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being in that court room facing the judge because of my violation was humbling and scary all at the same time. I clearly broke a law, though I didn't think my violation required quite that high of a penalty. All I could think of when I left that day is how grateful I am for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. You see, I'm a sinner. I sin every day, multiple times a day. And I deserve punishment. A violation worse than what I received from that police officer. But Jesus took on that punishment for me. He, being sinless, gave His life, so I wouldn't have to live eternally separated from God. The visual I kept seeing was me walking up to the podium before the judge, being condemned, and Jesus coming up, hugging me and gently moving me away and stepping in my place. Wow. That's love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Conviction came on me that day of my prideful heart, not just about that traffic violation but all the ways I sin daily. And yet, Jesus' righteousness covers me. I could never repay the debt I owe, unlike my ability to pay for this ticket and move on. May I be forever thankful for the love of Christ who always steps into my place to save and protect me. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-1582317452372704522016-08-15T14:01:00.002-04:002016-08-15T14:01:53.726-04:00My 48 Minutes of Fame<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm obsessed with reading. It's a passion that has returned after losing the passion during college and going back for my MBA years later. I've also carried a long lost dream to have my own radio talk show. As a youngster, I would use my Dad's recording equipment and make up stories and record myself as if I was on the radio. I even included commercial breaks by saying, "Thanks for the interruption." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Marrying my obsession with a dream became a reality when I was the guest on the <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next</a> podcast hosted by Anne Bogel. I decided to submit a request to be on the show and see if I was a fit and I was! I couldn't have been more ecstatic. <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/34-episode/" target="_blank">My episode</a> aired on August 9 and I've felt like a star ever since.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Along with Anne's recommendations (which you'll hear when you listen to the episode), I've received oodles of suggestions from the podcast blog post and gotten tons of requests to connect with listeners on GoodReads. I feel famous! All because of my 48 minutes of fame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are a reader, or even if you're not, be sure to <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/34-episode/" target="_blank">have a listen</a>. One item checked off my bucket list. Now to really get that radio show....</span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12202881.post-21390432448224133212016-08-01T15:54:00.000-04:002016-08-01T15:54:05.848-04:00Picnics, Podcasts and Pokemon Go<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, our church had a "Dinner on the Grounds" as part of our 100-year celebration. For those non-Baptists, or people under the age of 30, a "dinner on the grounds" is really a picnic where the church provides the fried chicken (or some other meaty entree) and the church members bring sides. Our organized picnic assigned salads, sides and desserts by last name so we'd have a more even distribution and not end up eating nothing but chips and dessert with our fried chicken. And everyone was tasked with bringing a 2-liter, so the drinks were plentiful. It was hot. Maybe if you were under a tree somewhere it wasn't, but if you were out long, you couldn't miss the heat. I was privileged to serve the chicken in one of the serving lines and found myself sweating so much I thought my eyes were watering. A good time was had by all, and the food was plentiful. I did learn that KFC-provided serving tongs are not very sturdy. I broke two in a matter of an hour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This morning, I was interviewed by Anne Bogel for her podcast, <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">What Should I Read Next</a>. I was so excited about this opportunity and consider an item on my bucket list checked off. I've listened to her podcast for a while and it adds fuel to my already obsessive love of reading. Though it might sound stalkish, I would love to discuss books with her regularly. The one thing I realized from the podcast (which I'll link on my blog when it's live), is what I thought would be the theme of the books I love was way off from reality. I won't give away the content of the podcast, but after analyzing I came to realize and had confirmation that I love historical fiction (what!?!) and stories with a female protagonist (not as surprising). I left wanting to spend the next three days in a bookstore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pokemon Go is the newest craze in the world these days. I'll admit I've played the game and it is kind of fun, though I'm out of Poke Balls to continue play right now. Being in technology, this take on augmented reality will forever shift the paradigm. Now, everyone "gets" augmented reality and businesses can reach consumers with that technology, maybe easier than they could have before Pokemon Go. To let you know how much it has infiltrated the world, I was driving down a main road the other night and a local church had on their sign "We're a PokeStop, so feel free to stop by." I give them credit for creativity and engaging the culture. </span>RosieBoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12610933460095456705noreply@blogger.com0