Realizations

So I realized today that my job isn't something that's going to be over in a couple of months. It's something that probably will last for a few more years.

That's a depressing thought. I think I'm going to marry for money. Or at least marry young so the years in which I have to work are greatly reduced.

Also, NaNoWriMo is hard. I've known this before but I always forget before November.

Remind me next year.

NaNo word sprints on Twitter will be my savior. They're the only reason I have a word count at all. Thank you Twitter.

Word count: Somewhere around 4,500. I can do better. I know.

Books currently reading: The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet

2K to 10K by Rachel Aaron

Currently watching: Les Miserables. Poor Jean Val Jean. :(

A Lesson I Need To Learn

Okay so I apparently lied about the posts to come. I am so so sorry I've been inconsistent. I wanted to blog but something always got in the way or the last thing I wanted to think about was books. Which is super weird for me...I'm going to have to come up with a new way of running this blog. Yippee.

But anyway, that's not what I wanted to talk about. I want to talk about something God has been teaching me recently.

Today was really rough for me. Really, all week has been pretty bad. You see, I got a job at a retail store 3ish weeks ago and try as I might, I'm not really liking it.

I thought I would love being in a new atmosphere and having something to do and more importantly-to have my own money! (So many books I could buy!)

But so far, there's only a couple people I have really connected with (I'm the only teen so far) and I haven't quite found the groove of actually knowing what I'm doing.

But the thing that bothers me most is how little time I've had for anything else. My friends have all been getting together and I've been stuck at work. Which sucks. I'm used to being able to go to every get together, every missions trip, and every impromptu party.

It's really hard for me to cope with that. The last three times I've gone in to work, I've had to deal with major disappointments because of scheduling. (And of course being the sensitive, ridiculous teenage girl that I am, I've come home and sobbed about it.)

But what I realized tonight was, maybe God is trying to tell me something. I mean, duh! Wake up girl!

I was reminded of this summer when I noticed how much of an idol friends are in my life. I prayed so hard that my friends would never be taken from me for any reason.Thinking back, maybe that was wrong.

And now I'm starting to realize, maybe this job is God's way of weening me off them. I still need friends of course but I rely on them quite a bit. Maybe too much.

And I think that's what God is saying. "Beth, take a breather. Re-evaluate."

So that's where I am. I don't like it one little bit but that's life. I'm going to have to really focus on God and his strength while I have this job. Cause it's not going to be easy.

Conclusion? I have a long way to go. But realizing how much I've been idolizing things in my life is the first step to fixing the problem. And that's how I'm going to take it. In steps.

Things I Hate

I've had a lot of frustrations in my life recently. It's hard to stay positive through it all but I know I have to. However. I'm going to interrupt the regularly scheduled book/writerly posts with a rant.

1. The common cold. So. Annoying! I can't do anything normal. I hate it.

2. Neck pain. It makes life so so so hard.

3. Having a job. Sure I like money and being more independent but the scheduling is a pain. I'm super frustrated with it and it's only my second week of work. Frustrating.

4. Being confused. When people have no idea what they're talking about but say it anyway and everybody says something else...it's hard to do anything.

I need to move past this stuff but it's gonna be hard. Pray for me blogglings!

What frustrates you guys?

A Few of My Favorite Things

Oh blogglings, how I love the little things in life! It doesn't take much to please me. So today, (because yesterday was a bit of a...disappointment on the happy level) I want to tell you about a few of my favorite things. *Que Julie Andrews*

1. Number one is the reason I had the idea for this post. My sister went to the library and came home with a book I've been dying to read. DIVERGENT! I know this book has tons of fans so I am so excited to join them! But the thing that makes me most happy is holding a new book in my hands. The thickness, the new worlds yet to be explored, the characters I may fall in love with. It just makes me so happy. :)

2. Music. I've been one a huge "different" music kick. I've been listening to a lot of music that has a totally different sound than my usual. Awolnation, switchfoot, that type. It's kinda awesome.

3. I just love pickles. Their taste is just epic. I suspect the vinegar. Which sounds crazy now that I say it...most people don't like vinegar...I must be quite a bit more different than I thought...anywho. *clears throat*

4. Penguins. They're so cute and awesome. :)

5. Blogs. I adore blogs and blogging. It's so fun to connect with people this way. It's refreshing to me. I don't ever want to stop.

6. French fries. Especially from McDonalds and B-Bops. Yum! (I haven't eaten at all today so really,  any food would probably taste good to me. But especially french fries.)

7. Being alone. I'm an introvert through and through.  I've mentioned that to my friends and they all get really confused. Almost all of them said they don't see me as an introvert at all. But I assure you. I crave solitude more than anything sometimes. I could be a hermit! I wonder if it would pay very well?

8. Rereading books. There's not much better than visiting an old friend. And that's always how it feels to reread a book I love.

9. Smiles. When people smile, really smile, I feel like I'm getting a glimpse into their soul. Especially if there's eye contact as well. It's simply stunning.

10. Rasberry tea. My friend and I are obsessed with tea. If we go out to eat with our friends, they know Joe and Beth will order some kind of tea. Most likely with no ice. It's pretty fun. :)

11. History. Im a sucker for history. History books, documentaries, pictures. I just adore learning about people long past. It's quite beautiful.

12. Sparkles. I can't help it. If it's shiny, lit up, colorful, or sparkly, I can't help but grin. A little bit of my A.D.D. side showing I guess.

13. Words. The way they roll off your tongue.  The way they sound, the way they look, the way they cut you to the core of your being or make you feel like you could sprout wings and fly. Poetry, prose, music. Whatever it is, it's absolutely stunning.

14. Pinterest. Yeup. I addicted. But usually, it doesn't feel like a bad thing. I just love it.

What are your favorite things? I would love to hear them! But instead of just commenting them, you could make your own blog post listing them, then comment here with the link!  (You could just comment them, but where's the fun in that? ;) I can't wait to see what you all say!

A Sunday Quote

Today's quote isn't exactly famous. But I've been thinking a lot about it recently.

"In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter all that much."

My uncle Dave (who I never met) used to say this all the time. My dad reminds me of this if I get upset about something silly.

So I thought I'd share it with you! :)

A Saturday In Prose

As I was reading my email, the The Write Practice had a post about writing what you've lived. Experiencing things and not just writing "he replied angrily", but rather explain how he looked and acted that made him angry.

After reading that, I thought, well I think I'll try it. So here is half my Saturday in prose.

"The day began in not the way you would think. Early this morning around two o'clock, I was still reading my latest Agatha Christie. Finally, I finished and dozed off, only to find myself wakened by a blaring noise in my ear. Of course my alarm would go off the day I don't want it to. The thing was faulty and seemed to know exactly when I didn't want it. I turned it off and promptly rolled over. Half an hour later, my mom popped her head into my room to give me the details of the day, most of which I didn't process anyway. I knew what time we had to leave and that was all that mattered.

By rights I should have gotten up then. But the late night had left me tired and unwilling to proceed with normal life. I lay in bed for as long as I felt was safe and finally, with only twenty minutes left before my deadline, I rolled out of bed.

It took me only 15 minutes to get completely ready. I was quite proud of that time. I can't help but laugh at the barbie doll girls that find it necessary to spend hours in front of a mirror. It's possible to get so much more sleep my way.

We leave for the softball fields only a few minutes after. My dad, mom, and younger sister all accompany me. Or rather, I'm the one tagging along.

The ride is long and uneventful until my dad suddenly slows down on the highway. I look up from my daydreaming to find out why.
"Looks like Jeremy blew out a tire. Should we go get Carigan?" My dad asks. A man from our town was taking his daughter to the same place. We turn around.

We gave the girl a ride and soon we were at the Softball complex. Now that I was there, I began to question my decision to come.

The air was hot and muggy. Time seemed to stand still, hours past. Finally, the first game was over. Lunch came and went. Getting tired of the heat, my dad decided to run the AC in the car. It was heavenly. The air was cool and brisk and I wanted to stay there forever. Alas, there was yet another softball game. I reluctanly left the cool of the van.

I made my way to the concession stand with the thought of a giant pickle occupying my mind. Paying the fifty cents eagerly, I walked away. Forgetting for a while the misery of heat. The sour taste filled me with memories of summer and fun days. I couldn't help but smile.

I can still taste the pickle in my mouth. I sit watching the game from the outfield. The air has turned grey and forlorn. The sun is hiding and I find that once again, I have nothing to do but browse the internet on my phone and actually watch my little sister."

I would write more but it's beginning to rain. You just got an unedited version of my day! Hope I didn't bore you! ;)

Over and out!

My Mother

Happy Mother's Day all! 

My mother is the most loveliest of mothers. 

"Can anything harm us, mother, after the nightlights are lit?"

"Nothing, precious," She said; "they are the eyes a mother leaves behind her to guard her children." -Peter Pan

I love her. She's so goofy, funny and altogether fun to be around! :)

I don't know what I'd ever do without her. <3 

Love you Mama!

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Bad At Watching Sports

So I'm sitting at my little sister's softball game, I'm watching her play but listening intently to the younger boys playing on a different field because I thought I heard a name that I recognized. After a while one of the girl's moms came over from the concession stand and asked how her daughter had got on base. Despite having been watching, I had absolutely no idea. Is it possible to be bad at watching sports?

Camp NaNoWriMo

I have a confession to make...

But first, I wanted to tell you about this really cool thing I'm doing.

It's called Camp NaMoWriMo.

Basically, people everywhere commit to writing a novel in a month. Usually this happens in November but in April and July they do a "Camp" version.

Summer Better Hurry Up

I don't know about you guys, but I for one am dying for summer to get here. I don't like these cold, wet, muddy days that we've been having.

Summer is pretty much THE best time of year. I adore it. My friends and I are together almost every day of summer and I like it that way!

Summer can get REALLY hot but it's completely worth it if you ask me. That's part of the charm! It can be miserable, but it's summer!

Stupid Scuttle The Bug

So. I was laying in my bed one Monday night. Last night actually.

I was just laying there. Watchin a Julian Smith video, and trying to laugh quietly cause my whole family was asleep and Julian is one hilarious dude.

When out of the blue, a gigantic (we're talking quarter, maybe half dollar size) black beetle type bug appears!

Arby's

Note to self: When you go to Arby's, know what you want. Otherwise, there are problems for everyone and you will probably ruin the day of the poor worker there.

Fame and Fortune?

So I was thinking today about being famous. I was thinking, it would be so nice to be famous...

But pretty much my whole life, I've always thought being famous would stink. I mean, I wouldn't want people following me around or always trying to talk to me in totally bizarre places.

I enjoy my peace and quiet. When I'm in a group, I usually just like to listen to people talk and only add my thoughts when they're interesting enough to share.

Easter Eve

I really like Easter.  Candy and food aside, it's amazing to be able to remember the sacrifice my Lord and Savior made for me, and the hope that I have through His resurrection. :)

At my church we have a tradition.  We do an Easter egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter.  (What I call Easter Eve)  Actually, that's probably not that much of an uncommon thing come to think of it.

My sister's and I went early to help hide the eggs before all the kids got there.  It's almost more fun to hide them than hunt for them in my opinion!  Except I don't get much candy...

Chased By A Minotaur

So I was driving to my best friend's house yesterday. It was the first time I'd driven there by myself and I was excited.

On this particular trip, I was being followed rather closely by an annoying fellow driver. Naturally, I began to imagine they were following me. It was only logical right?