Remember when I wasn't pregnant? Oh, and another fun surprise (really).

So, I haven't been writing much as of late...as you may have noticed. The state of mind in which I currently reside is a difficult one to describe. With the risk of sounding needlessly melodramatic, I've more or less shifted into survival mode. I mean, how many entries can I post reminding you that I'm very very ill. And that's part of the problem; I'm still very very ill.

Not to scare future mothers-to-be into having their tubes tied; if you have the distinct pleasure of experiencing morning sickness, or pretty-much-whenever-sickness as in my case, you will be fine. It's a labor of love. You will, however, experience mixed emotions when other pregnant women gleefully exclaim that they never got sick and, in fact, have all the energy in the world. The emotional cocktail will consist of 1 part happiness that they don't have to go through all that junk (mostly because you know it's wrong to wish such things upon others) and 3 parts searing rage due to their need to let you know that they feel much much better than you. But then you have to remind yourself that the searing rage probably has something to do with escalated hormones and that you would most likely regret having to birth your child in jail after being incarcerated for the killing rampage you're currently considering. It's good that I work closely with 18-year-olds during this season of my life.

All of that aside, my survival mode mainly consists of getting through the work day, hoping that my office door is closed as I lunge toward my trash can, looking at my Reeboke Easytones whenever I get home, wondering if they actually work, considering going on a walk because that would be really good for me, foregoing said walk, and finally falling into bed. It sounds like a sad life, but you know, it's really not. It has a distinct purpose, and right now that purpose is paramount.

That paramount purpose is also....a boy!

As I enter my fourth month, I've come to the realization that it is okay if I don't write for a little while. I've been struggling with guilt regarding this and then with a different guilt over not doing anything about it. Then I threw all of that guilt out the window because I realized that I'm still me. Just a very tired version of me. My interests haven't changed in the least; in fact, they've increased quite a bit. But right now, I just don't have the words, energy, or focus to describe it all.

I think it's a precious time that I'm meant to share with my family and friends, and hopefully in the near future, I'll be back up and blogging. Maybe tomorrow? Maybe after the baby is here? I don't know. But hopefully soon!

Thanks so much to those who have followed and don't wander off too far. Future baby boy shenanigans are sure to ensue...along with baby boy shoes! No tattoos, though...at least not for the first year.

Becoming a Doctor in 4 Years and Other Scholastic Myths I Like to Debunk.

And the acerbic pregnancy attitude continues:

Perhaps my current position has rendered me severely embittered with our country's budding scholars, but what high school is telling kids that they can major in pretty much anything within four years?

First of all, one can hardly complete an undergraduate in something as vocationally useless as Philosophy within a four year time frame, as universities continue to pile on requirement after superfluous requirement. "What's that? You're majoring in Animal Science? Well, you'll need at least 6 credit hours in visual and performing arts!", sayeth the Univesity of Bloated Self Importance. "Now send a hateful grimace your advisor's way!"

Secondly, and I do apologize to the Business majors out there, pretty much ANY undergraduate degree is as useless or as utilitarian as the next. That's right; Mr. I-Majored-in-Marketing will be competing for the same sales job as Mr. RTVF-Changed-My-Life. Grad school, people. This is where specialization occurs.

Having said all of that, I understand how new freshmen are quickly perplexed and immediately disillusioned with the college experience after coming to terms with facts such as these. At the end of the day, I advise to major in what you love. You'll find a job. If you luck out, it'll be in your field of interest.

What I completely fail to grasp is the idea that one may become a veterinarian or even a cosmetic dentist within four years of college coursework. Seriously, two different students told me of such plans today. After completing a bachelor's degree, one was to be a vet and the other was to be a cosmetic dentist. Hmmm. Maybe there's a new online program of which I'm unaware.

Having said that...people, if you're dog eats an entire box of chocolate or you chip a tooth whilst opening a beer bottle, check out your vet's and/or dentist's diploma for proper accreditation before proceeding with any major medical decisions. Especially if your doctor appears to be all of 19-years-old.

Want to win a book?

Well, I'm thirteen weeks into this pregnancy stint now, and I'm more than ready for that second trimester burst of energy about which happier moms-to-be are rejoicing. Are we there yet?

My writing energy (along with all other sorts of energy) seems to be sapped so I'm always happy when material presents itself. As previously mentioned, Joshilyn Jackson prevails as one of my favorite contemporary authors. Her indelible knack for mixing sincere emotion with dry southern humor never fails to deliver a complex and wildly entertaining storyline. I always feel content after completing one of her books as well as a little morose that it's over.

Therefore, I listen when she says something is good. According to her The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted  by Bridget Asher is really, really good. So good that she is giving away three copies to a lucky few, who enter her blog's contest.

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This is one of four ways that I am entering for a chance to win...telling you about it. Visit Joshilyn's Blog, and see how you can enter. You've got until midnight EST Friday.

They grow up so fast...why are we helping?

Okay, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that a small part of me would consider an at home photo shoot featuring my potential future daughter wearing her first pair of high heels at the tender age of 2 weeks.

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But then I stop to consider the cursory rate at which our country's youth is encouraged to mature, and I immediately squelch any hasty high heel ambitions I have for my offspring.

I think we'll stick with bows and flats for the first few years.

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Unless, of course, it's a boy in which case we'll lose the bows.

Making morning sickness en vogue?

I realize that my spotty posting over the past several weeks has boasted mainly of vomit, and I'm more ready than anyone for that phase of my life to be over. I'll hit the 12 week mark tomorrow so let's hope my hormones simmer down a bit over the next couple of weeks.

I couldn't resist one more sickly post, though, as it's come to my attention that new possibilities exist in beautifying green moms-to-be!

Have you ever been enjoying a nice lunch out with a friend only to be grossly disturbed by the baleful lurching of some inconsiderate fatty, who appears to be harboring a fetus? Who let her out of her cage?! Does she have to make such a scene? We get it. You're adding to the population, but could you please halt the sickening dramatics? At least find a decent Louis Vuitton in which to deposit your pre-digested lunch!

While I've not had anyone directly treat me as such, the overall attitude in regards to pregnant women being ill isn't too far off from that. We are inconveniencing the rest of society because we are so gross. I've had several women describe to me past morning sickness experiences resulting in snarky comments from non-preggo coworkers about not being able to eat lunch because "your loud vomiting is grossing everyone out."

Really? Where do I begin? Let me list just a few of the things that perpetually gross out us unsightly pregnant ones and lead to quite a bit of vomit:

1. Eating and/or not eating (so sorry to disrupt your delightful lunch!)
2. Your lunch
3. Whatever exploded in the microwave
4. Growing a human being
5. Migraines
6. Walking at times
7. You blowing your nose
8. Me blowing my nose
9. Talking
10. Being conscious

Yes, hearing and (Lord forbid) witnessing someone throw up is not fun; I realize this. What is less fun is walking around in perpetual fear and self-consciousness because you don't know when and where you'll be dubbed an invalid because you might encounter an uncontrollable urge to toss your cookies. Fortunately, I'm past the point of caring.

But for the ladies hoping to beautify the vomit experience for everyone else, I have just the item. Why not invest in Morning Chicness Bags?

Onlookers may think you're gross, but they'll think your vomit bag is fab!

Really? I think I'll invest in some baby diapers.

All comments should be submitted in writing for further review.



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Pregnancy has done nothing for my sarcastic, acerbic tendencies, and by that I mean that those tendencies have increased tenfold.

It would seem that my greatest test in managing my patience is calmly withstanding the unsolicited "advice" of many. I'm not a rational human being at this point, and I know it, and I'm okay with it. B knows it, and he's okay with it. And for the next 30 weeks or so, while I grow a human inside of me, I just need everyone else to be on board with this.

Example: Receiving countless tips on how to manage morning sickness...other than the pharmaceuticals to which I've resorted.

Rational Sarabeth says, "I so appreciate that others are concerned with my well being! Even these people I don't know all that well...it's just so considerate that they want to give me advice on how to manage my pregnancy. I assume they want me and my baby to experience a fantastic gestation period. Thank you, everyone!"

Pregnant, acerbic, sarcastic, i.e. current, Sarabeth says, "Really? You mean crackers and ginger ale can help abate the symptoms of morning sickness? So, all this time when I was lying in bed all day immobilized by severe nausea, I could have just popped a cracker and sipped some ginger ale? I didn't realize! Oh, wait. Yes. Yes I did...because it is the first thing that pops up on google when you search 'morning sickness relief'!!!!! "

Example: Being told again and again (by men, nonetheless????) how tough it is right now but how worth it it will all be in the end.

Rational Sarabeth says, "You are so right! And thanks for the encouraging reminder!"

Current Sarabeth says, "You know...it's not. Right now, it's not worth it. But I knew it wouldn't be. Just like I know that in the near future, it will be. Then there will be more times in the future, when it's hard to believe it was all worth it all over again because raising kids is really hard. Then those 'was it worth it times' will be followed by more 'yeah, it was worth it' moments of confirmation. But, I knew all of this and chose to do it any way and want to continue down this vomit ridden path. So stop acting like it's all peachy! It's currently not!"

In the end rational, albeit less enthusiastic, Sarabeth tends to win in regurgitating some sort of tepid response. I figure my authentically desired outbursts might lead to quite a bit of alienation as well as a potential job loss. Plus, I can only assume that God would appreciate a bit of self-control regardless of my hormonal state. However, I believe he totally knows what I'm talking about.

I also recognize that many people really do care, and for that I am genuinely grateful. Fear of inflicting pain upon the sincere has also been a catalyst for my meek responses.

Just stop pointing out the obvious!

I stumbled across the article Stuff and Nonsense? by Zoe Wiliams and was greatly comforted by the following excerpt:

Try to remember, when the advice turns out to be nonsense, that not everyone has evil motives: some people will give you bad advice because they are stupid or ill-informed. Others will give you bad advice because, without even realising it, they have a yen to bring the business of procreation under closer central control. They just don't trust you. But then, why should they? You are an absurd shape and you keep crying.

For the love of all that is good and pure in this world....

...everyone, stop and listen to me! Stop wearing leggings as pants!

Several weeks ago I completed the obligatory task of joining my birth club on Babycenter.com so I could celebrate, commiserate, compare, and contrast with other anonymous pregnant women throughout the world. Why? I don't know. In a world dominated by the internet, it seemed natural. In fact, wouldn't my baby be born with three eyes if I didn't gather loads of panicked, cautious, overly negative information stemming from other women's experiences in some sort of online forum? Not only do I need to know what my OB is telling me, I need to know what at least 10 other OBs are telling other preggos in preferably 10 different states. I must know every single unhappy thing that could possibly happen!!!!!

You may have, at this point, sensed my sarcasm. Yeah, I'm kind of over the birth club thing. Allowing numerous overly tired, hormonal women the right to electronically assemble is not a good idea.

However, I was intrigued when Babycenter offered up pointers on dressing one's pregnant frame. Hopeful, I clicked on the link where I was greeted with cute, albeit predictable, outfits suitable for women who hope to gain approximately 10 lbs throughout their pregnancy and started at 110. Go figure. Apparently pregnancy is no excuse for excess weight.

Soon, though, my mildly irked demeanor wildly shifted to grossly nauseated. And not due to morning sickness, which by the by still rages on. No, the culprit...well...here it is:

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Skinny lady cameltoes of the world unite! Pregnant ones are now permitted!

This is a cruel joke, editors over at Babycenter. You hold sway over many women, who are susceptible to bad decision making during this particular time in their lives. Do you really want to be responsible for preggo cameltoes just running amok?

Ladies, don't listen to them! Whatever you do! No cameltoe is ever a good cameltoe. Skinny. Not skinny. Pregnant. Not pregnant. It doesn't matter! Buy yourself a tunic...at least!

I didn't want to have to say it, but you leave me no choice. We all know where the baby comes from. So cover it up!

Babies rock my metabolism!

Yes, my baby sickness whining persists. After nearly three weeks of crippling nausea and sporadic pharmaceutical-induced relief, my exercise schedule has suffered. Actually it's more or less dead. Fortunately, I don't own a scale and have been relegated to a wardrobe of sweats so I've been allowed to rest in a state of weight accumulation denial.

Unfortunately, as we all know, jeans never lie. And jeans did I have to approach as I planned to venture out into the sunlight for the first time in several days.

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BUT...one more "fortunate" did present itself. My skinny jeans (at least my personal translation of "skinny") still fit the same after weeks of increased caloric intake and decreased physical movement. This must be a Spring Break miracle! It would seem that my kidney bean sized baby has caused a metabolic increase so great, that my figure has managed to stagnate. This is great news, as it's normal to gain approximately 5 lbs. in the first trimester.

Of course, I look forward to proper weight gain in the near future, but since I'm experiencing so many difficulties in keeping healthy habits, I look upon this as a HUGE blessing. Let's just hope it continues until I'm able to peel myself off the bathroom floor and relocate to the elliptical.

We have a heartbeat!

Just a preview of what's to come. The blueberry will be making its first live appearance around October 21st but plans to be more comparable to a pumpkin by that time.

Gold Fish, Perrier, and Drugs: My Latest and Greatest Accessories.

It would seem that my baby sickness has yet to improve; in fact, it's become increasingly erratic. I might choke back a dry heave at any given point in the day regardless of what I'm doing or with whom I'm speaking.

Blinn Students, pray that they remain dry heaves.

Helping me remain upright throughout the day are my newly intimate friends Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Perrier (because diet 7up, which was my favorite, has suddenly become unquestionably intolerable. I wish my body would keep me better updated), and Zofran. Yes, we've discussed the drugs, and I'll continue to sing Zofran's praises as long as it continues to keep the vomit in the vault.

However, my three allies are only partially effective. The unpredictable dizziness and stomach lurching can arrive at any given moment making all my goals incredibly difficult. Advising remains paramount due to that pesky need for an income, and we're still waiting for my dad to win the lottery. Seriously, Dad, how long have you been playing that thing? Get on it already!

My kind editor at Maroon Weekly has given me a couple of weeks off to gather my strength for our issue covering Chilifest...hmmm...chili kind of sounds good. I'll be interviewing the Brant Crow Band for it fairly soon; I wonder what their take on birthing options is.

Lastly, my blog...poor, poor blog. It may remain the most neglected while I wait for baby sickness season to pass. But I'll do my best!

Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support!

Fashion Forum Friday: I heart Zofran but NOT pajama jeans

I don't officially know what is diminishing my requisite of late, which is the perpetual need to sleep on the bathroom floor. Are the Sea-bands truly effective?  It's doubtful, as I'm not currently wearing them and am also not currently located in a bathroom. Has my body grown more impervious to the Lentil's excruciating hormonal shift activity? One can always hope.

I suspect, though, that my increased lucidity and decreased head-explodyness can be associated with the miracle drug Zofran. The miraculous, ridiculously expensive, rarely covered by health insurance, relief providing Zofran.

Thanks, Blue Cross Blue Shield, for not giving two literal cents about my inability to function without Zofran. 'Preciate ya!

Regardless, my Fashion Forum Friday item of the week is: Pajamas! Can't wait to sleep all weekend!

And it's also NOT: Pajama jeans!

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Ladies, jeans are not meant to feel like pajamas, and we have to choose to be okay with this. If your jeans are so wildly uncomfortable that you would rather be seen in pajamas masquerading as jeans, perhaps you should just invest in a new fit of REAL jeans! I understand that the commerical claims that pajama jeans will flattter every figure. I am here to tell you, THEY WILL NOT! ABSOLUTELY NOT! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?!?

Here are the two most important things I would have you take from this blog. 1. Leggings should not sub as proper pants. 2. Pajama Jeans are the worst, laziest, most unflattering idea that I've seen since leggings subing as proper pants.

I know; it's a hard concept but let's review. Pajamas: Good. Jeans: Fantastic. Pajama Jeans = Your butt just grew two sizes.

It's similar to Jim Gaffigan's take on fruit cake. "Fruit: Good. Cake: Great. Fruit Cake: Nasty crap."

Seriously, just wear normal jeans and stop complaining. If I see you walking around in pajama jeans, you're going to counteract the effects of my beloved Zofran, and then I will vomit all over your pajama jeans.

Bon Weekend!

And now I thank my sister.

Many thanks to Juliana for being such a trooper as I dramatically expressed my ire about morning sickness in yesterday's post. Once I was no longer blinded by nausea, we spoke on the phone, and she assured me that she would never wish all of this upon me. This, of course, I knew, but I needed a scapegoat. Be ye warned!

She also suggested that I try Sea-Bands, as they seemed to offer her some relief during her first trimester.

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Yes, I am currently wearing the lovely bluish gray pair, and at first I lamented the less than fashion-forward look. But a this point, I would probably wear a motorcycle helmet all day if it promised long lasting relief.

Then, I stumbled across this...

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Gwen Stefani has worn the exact same pair, and while I rarely attempt to look like Gwen Stefani, I definitely appreciate her.

Sea-Bands are in! At least they are in my mind for as long as I need them to be.

Thus far, I've made it to work and haven't hugged a toilet yet. I have an aresenal of Zofran waiting to combat any sudden sickness, but I would really like to know if this natural Sea-Band remedy works.

Time will tell.

I blame my sister.

Juliana had to deal with many physical hardships during her pregnancy. For instance, she had to go off of her migraine medication, which led to increased feelings of "my baby needs to find a new incubator, stat!". I do not envy all that she had to endure.

Having said that, I believe that words have power, and during this irrationally emotional state in which I'll reside for the next 30something weeks, I've been demanding that people only speak blessings over me and "the lentil" (baby's approximate size). No negativity allowed in my proximity!

Apparently, a couple of individuals, including my sister, simply couldn't bear the notion that I may experience mere headaches and nausea during my first trimester. Nay, I needed to experience the bone-rattling severity of hugging a toilet and dry heaving until I faint. I needed to deal with the stress of wondering how on earth I'll deal with my 40 hour/week job with only 12 sick days allotted to me in a fiscal year. I simply couldn't be one of the lucky few, who get to be up and energized and happy.

Nope. Some people wouldn't be happy until I was like this:

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Well, now I am...so yay for you!

My doctor is calling in a prescription of Zofran for me. I'd appreciate only encouragement and prayers that this will offer relief. Otherwise, you may be singled out in my blog and there's nothing you can do or say about it because I'm pregnant and emotionally irrational!

:-)

Time to let the baby out of the bag.

Just as I was growing concerned that my blog may soon stagnate, material presented itself. One could easily tire of my inane ramblings in regards to shoes, tattoos, and any other random subject about which I feel the need to overly express myself. Alas, over the next 30+ weeks my readers can join me as I blaze trails in my newest fashion frontier: Maternity Wear.

Yes, it's true! B and I are expecting our first child around October 21st, and my enraged hormones can guarantee copious amounts of overly dramatic stories and opinions as my mind and body adapt to this radical, yet welcomed, change.

Our first humorous narrative begins with us finding out.

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 13th (my birthday), B and I returned home after a lovely birthday luncheon with our friends. I was SICK! Not of my friends; no, they are, as mentioned, lovely. Waxing suspicious, I decided to take a cheap-o Dollar Tree pg test, which resulted in the following image:

At this point you would assume that B and I could be witnessed jumping around in an excited manner. We were, however, bent over the bathroom counter scrutinizing this seemingly dubious test, wearing concerned, analytical expressions.

What does this faint line indicate? Is it a mere evaporation line? Should I invest any actual emotion into this result? Can it tell me the gender too?

Not yet believing my eyes, I called my mother and sister for more experienced, learned observation. After texting a pic to them, Juliana confirmed that this was quite similar to the result she produced upon discovering that she was pregnant with Cade.

"But can she be trusted?" my fevered mind queried. "Rachel! Yes, I'll send a pic to Rachel! She'll know for certain!" Fully believing that my sister-in-law, who has two children with a third on the way, would be able to crack the pg test code, I quickly texted her the picture noting the level of faintness of the test line and professing my doubt. She countered with "That's not faint. That's BEAUTIFUL!"

Hmmmm? Could it be that both of these mothers were correct? Was this an authentic, reliable positive?

Still doubting the obvious, I retested again the next morning, for fear that my body was playing a cruel prank on me.

 Results:

The same.

Although I was quite convinced at this point, I much preferred to acquire some sort of test that would allow me to pee on a stick, which would then result in a small elf springing forth and proclaiming that I was, in fact, pregnant. The closest thing I could find was a digital test.

Results:

So there we have it. No pregnancy-proclaiming elves but a pretty clear indicator, nonetheless.
I went to my first appointment last Wednesday, and while it was too early to witness a heartbeat, my doctor confirmed that all was developing well, and he was also able to point out the yolk sac. I'll return in a couple of weeks to confirm the heartbeat as well as a due date.

As for now, I'm six weeks along and vomit-free. Any nay-sayers out there, who feel the need to tell me that I will encounter retched morning sickness in the coming weeks, I dare you to challenge me in my current emotional state.

You. Will. Lose. I will make you cry.

I'm definitely feeling the pregnancy with nausea and headaches included, but if this is as bad as it gets, that would be a HUGE blessing. The idea of projectile vomiting on a student...or his/her parent...(although enticing) just stresses me out. So B and I are sincerely praying that my current state of baby sickness is as bad as it gets.

Regardless of potential projectile vomit and impending weight gain, B and I are ecstatic and so thankful to the Lord for blessing us with this new season in our lives.

Please, keep us in your prayers!

Not your mom's open mic venue.

It's doubtful that your mom regularly attends an open mic venue, but if she does, this one is entirely different.

If you live in the Bryan/College Station area and if even a smidgen of your heart loves music, please do me the favor of reading the following article from Maroon Weekly: Village Cafe Fosters Local Talent

This one is close to my heart, and that may be due to the involvement of my husband and several friends. Nonetheless, I strongly believe in traveling off the beaten path and immersing one's self in the often uncharted territory of local music.

I've observed that other areas such as Austin or even Denton have a strong draw in the community when it comes to the appreciation of local musicians. B/CS, on the other hand, seems to fall victim to the draw of Northgate. Sadly, college students, young professionals, and long time residents fail to observe the talent located just across the tracks. Sure, we flock to bands migrating from other cities, but why aren't we celebrating our own talent with the same, if not escalated, enthusiasm? Just a thought.

It was fun while it lasted.

Sowing the few remaining wild oats left in my basket was, indeed, fun. But it would appear that my nose is not cut out for having a hole cut out of it. After three weeks of carefully cleaning and nursing the nostril piercing, it became clear to me that I would live with the perpetual risk of developing a permanent keloid scar.

I remain enamored with the the tiny, delicate sparkle of a nostril piercing but wax furious when I envision it accompanied by a persistent bump. Those of you with more agreeable, less sensitive skin, tip o' the hat to you!

Goodnight, sweet nose piercing.

And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Fashion Forum Friday: A Small Feat Accomplished

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After tearfully forcing myself to resume and stick with my normal exercise schedule along with buying all of the Walden Farm products that I can find (unless their stuff is melting my insides, I don't want to hear a negative peep about them! And if they are, I'm still not certain that I do), I am officially back down to my pre-Christmas weight!

This is, of course, according to my Lucky Brand Zoe straight jeans. I don't own a scale, but these pants are un-for-giv-ing! They don't lie.

Therefore, my fashion forum Friday item is: JEANS!

Lucky Brand remains my favorite to date because a few of their styles just seem to always fit my particular shape. I more or less went up a size over Christmas break (I blame it on my sister, who had to stay fairly well nourished, as she was nursing a baby. It's not like I wanted her to eat alone. That would be RUDE!), and despite my increased size requirement, the Sweet n' Low style never fails to flatter.

So, if you find that you have more of a defined waist with broader hips and a fuller shapely rear, try Lucky's Sweet n' Low style and a few others as well.

Like many brands, Lucky can get pricey, but the product will last a million years so consider the purchase an investment. They're certainly not throw away jeans.

Here's another trick of mine: If you gain a bit of weight and your jeans are uncomfortable, don't torture yourself. Go buy the appropriate size in your favorite style, and you will feel much better about yourself. Put your smaller jeans in storage. Sure, the weight might come off again, but there's no sense in the smaller jeans hanging around in your closet taunting you. Weight gain happens to the best of us, and there's no sense in walking around beating ourselves up. We need to focus our energy on positive things! God did not intend for us to walk around miserable because we don't meet the world's standards. We are His beautiful creation!

Likewise, if you do lose weight, get the good ol' skinnies out, but do not, by any means, get rid of the larger sizes. Put them in storage as well. Life is unpredictable and often so is weight fluctuation. I'm in my smaller size now, but who knows. I might fall off of my health train, or my metabolism might change as I continue to approach the end of my 20's. I don't plan on emptying my arsenal of Lucky jeans any time soon! My larger *ahem* shapely lower half (regardless of size) shall always remain adorned in Lucky.

Shameless Music Plug: B/CS Residents MUST Read It!

Don't fret; we won't be revisiting Garth Brook's emotionally devastating albeit a wee bit embarrassing song "Shameless".

Nay, but we will be using my blog to plug Maroon Weekly's Artist Spotlight of the month event:

Want to read a great article about these guys? Click HERE!

Hunter McKithan and the Offenders! Click on the link above to read a very interesting and informative article by managing editor Chris Zebo, or just take my word for it that you need to make it over the Church Street Texas Blues & BBQ tonight at 9pm. I would prefer you do both!

Not only do you have the opportunity to become more acquainted with this dark horse band out of Houston, but you'll also get to enjoy amazing Texas barbeque coupled with a local Messina Hof wine...or beer, of course. 

As if you require more rationale for attendance, let me assure you that you won't find a better location in Northgate tonight. Come enjoy the gorgeous weather out on the patio, which was designed by a certain B. Lacy.

Hope to see you all out there!

Fashionably Inked: We LOVE Animals

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 Wow, I don't know where to begin. Let me start with FANTASTIC!

Having said that, I love tattoos that induce simultaneous, conflicting reactions. Do I laugh? Do I cringe? Do I find a wreath of flowers to place on my head so I can adequately frolic in a field with hobbits and talking grasshoppers?

The bird doesn't throw me off, and might I add that the coloring on it's neck is gorgeous. Well done!

Now, I do question why we're placing the squirrel in a lofty place of esteem. I have no problem with it; I kind of love it, in fact. I just want to know why? Do we love squirrels in general? Did we grow up with a pet squirrel? I, and many other Texas residents, have family in Mississippi that would most likely be able to raise and train a squirrel...and they might even get a tattoo about it...so I can understand this point of view.

I just want to know! Why the grand exultation of a peach-eating squirrel? I like it!

Perhaps I should have this likeness framed and tattooed on my person?

Yeah, I'm going with no...

Great Birthday. Bad Pictures.

My fantastic friends from Antioch Community Church arranged a birthday luncheon for me, yesterday! Chef Cao's, yummm. Best panang I've had in a while.

Could I look more anemic and sickly on my birthday?



My friend, Jess. She made and amazing chocolate cake! I'm still lookin' worse for wear. Oh well.



Just one more picture proving that I need a new camera....but I got LOTS of awesome friends!

Fashion Forum Friday: Birthday Attire

Last Monday at life group, our pastor asked, "Does anyone have a birthday this month?" All eyes, including mine, started to search the room for any raised hands, but none were to be found. Then my friend, Kara, kindly reminded me that my birthday would, in fact, be occurring this month, as it has been for well over two decades. Apparently reaching the latter part of your twenties also denotes a significant drop in brain activity. I totally forgot.

Alas, my  birthday is this Sunday, but B and I intend to celebrate tonight. While I love that he is making plans and keeping me in the dark, he has yet to inform me about appropriate attire. This is worrisome because in Bryan/College Station wardrobe requirements can escalate as quickly as they can diminish. You pretty much have two options: Cocktail dress or denim. At least that's as far as my options extend, as I refuse to mimic the "club uniform" about which I rant in one of my Maroon Weekly articles.

So for once in Fashion Forum Friday history...I don't know what I'm looking forward to wearing this weekend! AHHHHHH!!!!

Does anyone else know what they're looking forward to wearing? I could use the inspiration!

Fashioned for Faithfulness: Joy (Sarabeth gets uncomfortably vulnerable.)

This one's a long one. Can you imagine? Take a moment, if you have one, to read it, as I am choosing to get fairly vulnerable with my readers.

Shoes bring me such joy!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (New Living Translation)

1. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Just as we gave Fashion Forum Friday a miss last week, we're going to bypass Tattoo Tuesday as well because something else is on my heart today. We discussed this verse last night at Lifegroup and it struck a chord. The picture above is present as a representation of something that brings me joy.

Why bring this verse up? I, a self-proclaimed non-morning person in the most virulent of manners, certainly don't experience immediate joy upon reading a Bible verse encouraging endurance at approximately 9am. Why do you want me to run a race right now, God? That's a non-joy inducing suggestion for this non-morning person.

Right, so we're not discussing a literal race, but we are discussing endurance and discipline and faith and other things that are so easy to bow out of and label as "legalistic" or "overly religious". I am guilty; no finger pointing here. But, if for a moment we set aside our fears, as the Lord did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), and take a closer look, we see that the Lord is promising us joy. Joyfulness. An enduring kind.

We also see that the Lord is not asking us to do any more than He has already done. Think of your lowest time. Was someone unjustly angry with you? Were you mocked for something? Were you in severe emotional or even physical pain? The Lord endured the greatest sum of all of these when he chose to die on the cross for us. And now He is joyfully seated at the right hand of God. He saw his goal during his pain; it was the joy of living in heaven with us, his children. Therefore, he endured.

If we choose to believe what the Bible tells us, which is that the Lord is GOOD (Psalm 34:8), then we need to fully recognize the character of God. He is Good. He is Love. He accepts us as we are. He loves us as we are Now. We have His Acceptance Right Here and Now. That is, I believe, God's nature. You don't have to change a single thing about yourself for God to love you at this very moment. He LOVES YOU.

So why, if God accepts us as we are now, do we need to "run with endurance"? Isn't that just legalism talking again? Well, if you think that good deeds are the one and only key to heaven, then yes, it is just legalism. We are saved by faith in our Savior God(Romans 3:28). But, if we believe that God, in all of his goodness, wants to move in our lives and bless us with joyfulness to our fullest capacity, then we must have some endurance as He did. We must pursue the heart of God. To do that is to strive to become more like Him. That's no easy task. And it's often uncomfortable, and this world does not encourage us to tolerate discomfort. Well, unless we're talking about discomfort in one's own skin. Yes, unacceptance as you are is a discomfort the world gladly promotes.

Don't run away scared at this point; bear with me a bit longer. If we believe that God is Good and wants to Bless us with Joyfulness so we, therefore, strive to be more like him, what then is the "sin that so easily trips us up"? I think that can look different for each person.

What takes up most of your time? What inhabits your thoughts? What are you potentially bowing down to in this world? And don't feel persecuted by me when I ask that. Here, I'll even tell you some of mine:

1. I live in the future instead of the present. I worry about plans that may or may not be an issue. I don't rest in Peace.

2. I constantly strive to find the next best thing in fashion, interior design, etc. I don't find contentment in what I already have.

3. I even realized that my after-work glass of wine was becoming too much of a regular comfort. Don't get me wrong, there are no alcoholism scares here, but I realize that it is a comfort zone that easily distracts me from spending quality time with the Lord (i.e. go home, enjoy glass of wine, get tired, do nothing productive), and I didn't like the idea of making a change. Therefore, change is necessary.

So, I'm not saying that making smart decisions about the future, loving fashion, or enjoying wine are bad things. No. The Lord wants me to enjoy these things; it is good to enjoy His creation. BUT, when these things start to take precedent over Him and take up a larger space in my life than He does, then I have a problem. How can He fully bless me with all of His joyfulness if I'm not spending time with Him and pursuing His ways? I need to make some temporarily uncomfortable changes in order to return to the Heart of God, which is a joyful destination.

What is something that is taking up more of your time, attention, or heart other than the Lord? It can be obvious, but it can be just as insidious. Facebook? TV? Shopping? Games? Writing? Worrying? The list can go on and on.

Remember, I'm not calling these activities inherently bad. They are not necessarily. But if you feel in your heart that something might be a stumbling block for you, maybe take some time to talk to the Lord to see if there's something He wants you to do about it.

Here is what I believe He is challenging me with.

First of all, I'm on a shopping fast. No more buying clothes, shoes, or anything else to dress my body for an indefinite amount of time. I have so much, and I don't appreciate it. I'm going to take the time in which I would normally go out and shop and give that to the Lord, plus I'm going to start Loving all of the good things in my wardrobe that I already have. It actually kind of feels like a relief at the moment, but I anticipate some hard decisions ahead. You can all hold me accountable. It's for my own joyfulness.

Secondly, I'm on a wine fast with my quickly approaching birthday/Valentine's day as the only exception. I can celebrate those events with my husband, but my daily habits need to change for a bit so I can get back to that place of genuinely enjoying wine.

There you have it: my challenges. Don't feel that I'm trying to pressure anyone into fasting from anything. These are totally personal decisions that need to be made between you and the Lord. I just hope to offer encouragement to anyone who may feel it's time to make some changes or may be looking for a more enduring joy than that which the world has to offer. If you feel led to do so, then join me! If you have any questions, please ask me! Make a great big leap or a tiny baby step. Or just inquire. Whatever you feel led to do. Take that leap or step in faith that the Lord will not fail you.

Anyone with questions about fasting (why, when, where, how) or about accepting the Lord as your savior, please feel free to contact me at sarabeth.s.lacy@gmail.com

Don't worry; I'm not going televangelist on y'all. Don't want to deny anyone the offer if they need it, though.

I'll be back at the end of the week after I rummage through my closet for a good Fashion Forum Friday item!

And we're back...

Ahhhh Texas, where would I be without your erratic weather changes thus resulting in feverish congestion, watering eyes, and unfortunate hives? I would be in a lucid place free of a benadryl-induced coma. But what fun would that be?

Weather.com suggests sunny weather with a high of 53 degrees for today, which belies last Friday's conditions: Cloudy, Snowy, Freezing (literally, and I literally mean literally. I'm not abusing its connotation).

While my allergies supply copious reasons to complain, Texas' irrational fear of white stuff on the ground covers a multitude of sins. I received my snow day (i.e. closed Blinn campus) with joy and slumber...but slumber did not arrive until after a bit of doggy frolicking in the snow:

Snow 'staches are always in style.

Now for that slumbering of which we spoke.

Sorry, Fashion Forum Friday. We're watching Moonstruck on AMC and then falling asleep for three hours. That's a good Friday.

Fashionably Inked: Tattoo Tuesday

Found it here!

I love the juxtaposition of this collage of tattoos, which some would easily dismiss as garish, next to a soft, feminine dress.

Just one more reminder that many women enamored with ink do not wish to abandon prettiness. I can't foresee myself acquiring a sleeve; in fact, I believe I'm done with anything on my arms (but I would hate to have to eat my words!). Still, my heart always skips a beat when I see a woman embracing a delicate femininity along with a cultivation of personal artwork.

On Baby Brunch Cupcakes and Noses

Last Friday I had lunch with my girlfriend, Jess, and before we hugged goodbye I was convinced that I needed to re-pierce my nose. Jess has one of those tiny little diamond studs about which I raved last week so after receiving positive confirmation from B and other friends, my mind resolved itself quickly. A hole in my nose there would be before the weekend was out. (My imagery makes you want to run out and get one for yourself, right? Holes in the nose for everyone!)

Jess also assisted greatly in my decision on what kind of cupcakes to make for Cade's dedication brunch after she surprised me with the best little cupcake cookbook. I am horrendous when it comes to decision making, and were it my goal to choose a cookbook, I would spend over an hour in Hastings trying to commit myself whole-heartedly to just one, and I would exit with either 3 or none. Thank you, Jess, for being such a great friend and nipping my indecision in the bud!

You can find one here

I love the book because it offers traditional cupcake recipes but throws in plenty of unconventional ideas as well, and the instructions are so simple. Anyone can master a couture cupcake using this book. I made lemon cornmeal cupcakes topped with mascarpone frosting and a lemon peel garnish. Ridiculously good! We consumed them all before I even thought to take a picture.

But back to holes in the nose. At 3:16pm last Friday, the following text correspondence between Juliana and me occurred:

Me: I wanna get my nose pierced tonight.
Juliana: I'm gonna do it too.
Me: Want to tonight?!
Juliana: Yes!!!

By 11pm B and I had arrived in Denton, and Juliana and I were in her car headed to Ace's Tattoos. I did my research before leaving work that day, and this spot was in close proximity to our house and had the best reviews in Denton.

The girl with the large stabby needle was very nice and calming and made me feel much better about said large stabby needle.

And there you have it. Juliana and I stuck to our guns and allowed each of our right nostrils to be impaled. We had to start of with an 18 gauge diamond stud for now, as anything smaller can inhibit proper healing. In about 6 weeks or so, though, I'll try going down a notch to a 20 gauge (bigger the number, smaller the gauge). I like it, though!

We told Cade that he would have to wait until he's six months before attemtping this look. They grow up so fast nowadays!

Fashion Forum Friday: How to Look Good Baking

Just when I thought my frequent road trips to DFW would decrease, my newest nephew, Caden, decided to interrupt my weekend schedule...AGAIN!. This 7-week-old grows increasingly demanding, and his parents do nothing to hinder it...honestly, I'm kind of worried about his social development.

For example, you can be holding Cade one minute, and he's perfectly content. Then the next thing you know, he's bawling because you failed to keep his plug in his mouth. "Keep your own plug in your own mouth!" I firmly demand. Okay, so I don't actually say that...I gently place the plug back in his mouth and get up and walk around with him in my arms until he falls back asleep. You see, if his parents weren't so complacent, I wouldn't be either.

Oh, and he's totally maniacal and ungrateful. Caden refuses to utilize the facilities like a normal person, and then takes aim at your face and pees on you when you try to assist him. Why are we putting up with this troubling behavior?

And everyone, including myself, tells him how cute, sweet, and handsome he is. I mean, no one even has the gumption to point out that he is, in fact, bald and has no muscle tone whatsoever.

So now Baldy McToneless requires me to travel, once again, to Denton for his baby dedication at New Life Church this weekend. Oh! AND he would like cupcakes for his baby brunch after the church service. Really, Caden? How about I whip up some steak tar tar for you while I'm at it?

If you've managed to read this far without sensing my joking/sarcastic tone, what's wrong with you?!? You think I would talk like this about a baby? A baby, who is my nephew? Maybe you should just stop reading my blog....Gotcha again!

Anyways, I shall relocate to Denton tonight and plan on making cupcakes the following evening. I haven't decided on what kind, yet, but I'll try to remember to document it. Otherwise, the entire blogging community may never know how to properly make a cupcake (You see, that was my self-effacing method of pointing out the fact that I do not know why it is a good idea for me to chronicle my cupcake journey by way of photojournalism, but I like it. In using this hyperbolic surmise, I allow an opportunity for readers, who may also be wondering why I feel the need to chronicle my cupcake adventures, to realize that I am not attempting ego-inflation.)

Because I will be making Baby Dedication Brunch cupcakes, I look forward to wearing my vintage inspired apron from World Market.

Find it here

Whenever I get to wear it, I always kind of wish I had an excuse to wear it in public forums. Maybe I'll go grocery shopping with it still on sometime...or is that a bit psycho? Maybe I'll wear it to Cade's dedication and affect an exhausted countenance through the entire service.

Does anyone have any exciting wardrobe plans this weekend?

P.S. I love all of my nieces and nephews dearly and will make cupcakes for them whenever they want.

The second time's a charm?

Often I get an idea stuck in my head, and the more I try to banish it, the more it nags me and leads to an unfortunate increase in my inner dialogue/debate requisite. Here is one example of many.

When I was 20, I had my nostril pierced. It was a teeny tiny, itty bitty, little bit of diamond glitter on my nostril. I loved it. There was nothing punky or hard-looking about it. Unfortunately, my impatience got the best of me and I changed the jewelry out before it was completely healed, thus leading to swelling and convincing me that I needed to remove the stud in order to avoid scarring.

Nearly seven years later, the notion to try again has rapidly increased from a "perhaps" to a "I think I might really really really want to."

Although I currently have a few girlfriends with petite, adorable little nostril piercings, my interest was really piqued when I finally discovered my hairdresser, Marci Cutler, several months ago. I have always wondered how I would feel about a nose piercing after having children. Not only does Marci have four daughters, but she also has several grandsons, and she is so cute and put together. More to the point, she has a teeny tiny little nostril piercing.

Marci's little stud in no way detracts from her soft, classic appearance. On the other hand, it serves as a small enhancement. I have to say...I really like the idea. I just find the look very femine and pretty.

What are your thoughts?

Photo Source

Tattoo Tuesday: Cupcakes and Surprises

I've decided that cupcakes are really really really good things. 1. They often taste good. 2. They serve as one's own little cake that needn't be shared. 3. Again, the good tastiness is appealing. 4. They've transformed into a very visually appealing design/art form.

Today, we celebrate the cupcake tattoo because....why not?

Another reason why is the appropriate segue into my photojournalistic portrayal of last weekend. My girlfriends, Katy, Carolyn and I decided to throw together a surprise party for our friend Kara last Saturday night. Thus ensued my own personal Cupcake War the Friday night before, as I used The Joy of Baking's recipe for chocolate cupcakes. The opportunity to work with lots and lots of chocolate on a scale which I've never before attempted (yes, I realize how diminutive my personal scale is) left me intrigued and elated. Thanks so much, Kara, for being a lover of all things chocolate!

First I added cocoa powder to boiling water and stirred until smooth. Looks like yummy hot chocolate...does NOT taste like it.



I used Splenda instead of sugar for the batter, and while the consistency started out a bit grainy, it smoothed out and tasted great!

Adding boiled cocoa to the batter.

Boiled cocoa incorporated...does anyone else remember that old Disney show Kids, Incorporated?



Ready to bake!




I pounded 12oz of unsweetened chocolate into course chunks...



....and melted it down by boiling water beneath it.



After whipping up butter and powdered sugar as a base for the frosting, I mixed in the 12oz of melted chocolate.



Tah dah! I used a Wilton 1M star icing tip and reusable frosting bag along with metallic silver sprinkles. This cupcake caddy, which I received from my parents for Christmas, is possibly the best thing ever.



Surprise! Wait...no flash :-/

We managed to surprise Kara with over 25 unexpected guests at Olive Garden. Doug, her husband and the guy sitting next to her, had to fib to get out of their house early and also had to change clothes in his car. Thanks for the secrecy and solidarity, Doug!

I got to use my new cakestand, which was also a gift from my parents. Doesn't B look cool in his H&M shirt? Thank you, H&M, for coming to Dallas!

Cupcakes are fun, but nothing beats such awesome friends! Especially ones that keep me on my fashion-seeking toes. Aren't they all adorable!?!