C'est la vie de Bethany

New Address

2007-06-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

2451 N. Peterson Ct.
Louisville, KY 40206

Sorry for not posting...I think I overestimated the amount of time I would have. If you still check this, then accept my apologies :)

Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk

2007-04-06T12:59:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a concert...it was great, though I wish I could have heard more of it (that is a whole other story...) They graciously stayed around after the show to meet people and sign autographs. Sorry for the low-quality pic, my only camera was on my cell phone.

I may have gotten a little bit ridiculous in my excitement to meet Joshua...but, hey, I've been a fan for a while and after all that's what nights out are made for.

Anyway, if you haven't heard of these kids then you should make time to look them up!

Okay, here come some photos...

2007-04-02T16:41:00.000-05:00

sorry for the lack of posting...grad school is hard and takes up a lot of time. still, i know, no excuse to let this become like some of our other friends' blogs....

Spring is here!! I love when the wind blows and you get sprinkled with the tiny white petals from these. Anyone know kind of tree this is?

Last weekend I went with my roommate to visit her boyfriend in NC, this is maybe the best picture he has ever taken :)

we spent Sunday night exploring downtown Charlotte

this building was my favorite...and turned out to be a parking garage. i guess i've got good taste ;)

Louisville sunset

Our friend Chandler (middle w/the crown) had a birthday...we went to a local pizzeria then finished up the night with some dominant Karoke

this is Bekah & Donald singing:

"who's bed have your boots been under?"

At the end of February my roommate Carrie & I went to VA for a conference. We got to see some friends, eat some good food, and learn some useful stuff. We tried to fly home, but it became clear that they were never going to let us do that...so we rented a car. But not just any car, we got this sweet Chevy Impala! The drive took 9 hours, but took us through lots of mountains and tree covered countryside. We didn't have a map or music...but made it just fine. Yay for spontaneous roadtrips.

Ava Nicole

2007-02-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

I'm an aunt!! This is my precious niece...I can't wait to meet her!

Blog

2007-02-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

My friend Barak made a blog...you should check it out by clicking here!

Dress up day!

2007-02-15T19:35:00.000-05:00

Monday morning (starting at 6:30am) was dress up day at work...Billy wore a clip-on bowtie, while I stuck with the trusty tiara. The customers smiled, usually a confused smile, but nonethless I'm pretty sure everyone had a good time.

(Lest you get confused...I am wearing a headset b/c our coffeehouse has a drive thru, I am not auditioning for anything or sporting the hugest blue tooth ever...)

2007-02-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

I just work and go to school now.
That is all.
I do have friends.
Sometimes we drive to see shows.
Like this one in Nashville.

Dave Barnes is fun.

You want me to make you some coffee?

2007-01-25T15:28:00.000-05:00

has turning your sandwich over ever made it taste better / different?
it happened to me today and i just want to know that i am not alone.

sandwich shop

2007-01-24T11:37:00.000-05:00

apparently they just give away FREE SMELLS!

I gotta try this place soon...

Java Brewing Co.

2007-01-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

It's official.

As of 11:15am...I am a barista.

Work begins on Thursday.

the latest...

2007-01-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

This post comes to you from "Java Brewing Company: when ordinary brew won't do" who just gives out Wi-fi and good times. Some highlights of the past week are:

1. I like Louisville, KY! I guess that could be the summary of what is to come, but that is the biggest thing you should know.
2. I saw George Went in 12 Angry Men last Friday night at the Palace Theatre in downtown with 3 people I hardly know. It was intense and impressive. I am sad to report that Mr. Went has continued gaining weight since his memorable role on Cheers...but he remains a gifted performer.
3. I visited two churches on Sunday. Yes, this does make me super Holy. That being said, I am finding out that picking a church to join is going to be a difficult decision because of the fact that all of them have Seminary professors on staff = they are quality.
4. I am making new friends. The majority of them are boys, by default because there are simply more of them here than girls....but I think that our experiences here will breed quality friendships. This guy...

...in addition to being entertaining and a live-music resource, got me a job interview at afore mentioned coffee shop where he works!
5. I found a sofa & dining room table for a total of $30! When I was in Indiana this weekend (just across the river, it has the closest Super Wal-Mart & Hobby Lobby) I found a Goodwill and hit the jackpot. Both are installed in our apartment and are already smell free thanks to some industrial strength Arm & Hammer.

Send me mail!

2007-01-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Bethany Reese
Box 159
2825 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40280

SBTS

2007-01-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

It's official....I am a resident of Louisville, KY!

After a two day drive, an overnight in Cuba (Missouri that is), two storms with snow flurries, and a treacherous highway change in St. Louis; I arrived and am all moved in to Fuller Hall! I don't yet know exactly how you can send me mail (I have a box, but am not certain on the particulars for addressing things)...but I do have a new home phone number: (502) 897-4378 (my cell will stay the same)

So, the adventure has begun. Mom & Dad just left and now all I have to do is get a job and figure out how to make it here...stay tuned for how that goes :) Let me hear from you sometime!

wow

2007-01-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

So, these past few weeks I have been going through all my suff and cleaning out in preparation to move (more info about that to come...) I came across a lot of things that recalled fond memories, a few things I could no longer remember their significance, and a few that just made me smile...but there was one item that really takes top honors as the most ridiculous thing in my possession. Pictured below are my Monopoly Pants!! My mother assures me that they were at one time quite the thing to own, and additionally that they were not cheap...nevertheless, today they are ridiculous and merit a good laugh!

Aaron Duran, would you like me to send them your way since Monopoly is your favorite game? It would be no trouble at all....

Congrats to The Langstons

2006-12-27T22:15:00.000-05:00

2006-12-27T22:12:00.000-05:00

This is what we woke up to on the 20th...

"Oh the weather outside is frightfull..."

2006-12-20T01:20:00.000-05:00

There is a crazy winter storm of rain, ice, sleet, and snow outside. We are supposed to loose power sometime soon because of all the buildup on the powerlines.
I just hope it does not delay my flight to Dallas tomorrow (for a Texas dinner with Parisian friends)...or my flight to New Orleans on Thursday (for the Langston wedding)...or my return home on Saturday.
Hope you have yourself a Merry little Christmas!

braxton & madeline

2006-12-20T01:10:00.000-05:00

last night I hung out with these kids while there parents got some shopping done. the quote of the night: "I will be the sheriff and you princesses (myself & Madeleine who had been told to dress up) will be my HONEYS" ~Braxton

A few highlights of Texas....

2006-12-09T15:46:00.000-05:00

Seeing Melissa

Finally meeting Josiah Supercinski

(and seeing his parents, of course)

Catching up with The Hoovers, and finally meeting Reese

(I know, I am so proud of the name!)

Dinner with good guy friends

Visting The Nuckols just before Karis is introduced to the world

Seeing this Famous work by A. Nuckols,

which is finally on display just outside of Houston, TX

Meeting beautiful Ella Douglass (and having dinner with her parents)

Time with my favorite family in Wichita Falls, The Durans

(disclaimer: many of you are not pictured, and that in no way reflects any less joy I have had in seeing you or talking with you on the phone...just calm down, your turn will come.)

"back to school, back to school..."

2006-12-06T21:56:00.000-05:00

I'm going to continue blogging. This has worked for me since 2004, so I plan to continue sharing my thoughts, pictures and stories. I guess the biggest change you can prepare yourself for is the fact that I no longer live in France. The banner simply specifies "this is the life of Bethany"...so stay tuned for what that means now.
What's next for me?
Well, I am moving to Kentucky in January to start my Masters at Southern. I actually already registered for classes. Crazy. I'm still waiting for some financial aid to come through, but am trusting that all the details will work out.

What am I doing until then?
Well after I moved home, caught up on sleep, and got over all the oddities of life in America, I realized I was bored. Thankfully, a good friend of mine called and asked me to come work for him. So, I am now working fullish time at a job I would do for free with some great friends. It is also nice to be home for the holidays. Christmas the last two years has been a good experience for me, but nothing compares to family traditions and time at home.

Anyway, I basically wanted to say, thanks for reading and for continuing to being my friend (in the event that you are not a random internet stalker). I hope you will continue to read and share your comments and critiques along the way. I vow to try and keep things interesting...with perhaps just a bit more southern flava ;)

Robert Gates

2006-12-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

a.k.a. Nominated To Serve As Secretary Of Defense
a.k.a. President Of Texas A&M (The Nation's Sixth-Largest University)

I gotta start wearing my ring again...

AMAs

2006-11-21T23:47:00.000-05:00

So, tonight I watched the American Music Awards. It was good to catch up on some of the pop culture that I have missed (or rather, seen from another side of the ocean)these past two years.

The highlight for me: seeing Snow Patrol perfom (I can't get enough of them recently)

The low point: Gwen Stefani's performance of her "next big hit"- it is probably among the worst 10 songs I've ever heard.

Did you tune in? Your thoughts/opinions?

2006-11-20T14:34:00.000-05:00

Hawaii pics are up...click here to enjoy.

9 days in paradise

2006-11-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

eat, play, and be maui

2006-11-15T07:39:00.000-05:00

well, Hawaii was amazing. i will post pictures soon, but just wanted to share that we (my parents and I) are on our way home after a 9 day vacation in paradise.
i know i have said this before, but i really could live there. at the very least it is one of my new favorite places. thanks again to the Kaneshiro family for hosting us. you guys are the best!

my playlist of the week

2006-11-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

1. Night Rocker The Chalets
2. You Have My Attention Copeland
3. Ride Cary Brothers
4. Hold On To My Hand Colin Hay
5. Will I Ever Make it Home Ingram Hill
6. Someday Baby Bob Dylan
7. The L.A. Song Dave Barnes
8. She Is The Fray
9. Sometimes Gabrielle
10. Nowhere Warm Kate Havnevik
11. La Vie En Rose Louis Armstrong
12. Control Mute Math
13. Falling Off The Face Of The Earth Matt Wertz
14. Someone Tammany Hall
15. Love Sixpence None The Richer
16. All I Need Cademon's Call
17. Deep Calls to Deep Rita Springer

what once was lost has now been found

2006-11-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

it's true, my RED PANTS have been found! they were hiding in my mom's closet all this time...it feels so good to have them back. look out Texas ;)

it's official

2006-10-28T07:03:00.000-05:00

I moved to Texas yesterday...
I'm still working on where exactly my "home" currently resides, but me and (almost) everything I own in the world are safely back with my family in The States.

Spain, Italy, Austria, Slovenia & Croatia

2006-10-28T06:44:00.000-05:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Here are a few pics from my recent journey across the continent. To see a complete set click here.

here we go

2006-10-08T05:22:00.000-05:00

James, Carrie, & I (along with our supercool spectacles) are off to see the continent!

one thing in the plans it to take a 20 hour ferry ride from Barcelona to Rome...it's gonna be crazy. stay tuned for pics and stories :)

Podcast

2006-10-06T17:32:00.000-05:00

has anyone listened to the Derek Webb Podcast, Episode #10?
DO IT, and then let me know what you think....
seriously, it gave me a bit of a shock today when I listened to it!

all my bags are (almost) packed...

2006-10-02T04:29:00.000-05:00

yes, the time is coming for me to bid farewell to my home in france.
sad as it may be, this next month is going to be filled with exploring new countries, re-connecting with old friends, and finally getting to eat some authentic tex-mex (wahoo!!!).

i am officially done with my work assignment on friday, but don't leave europe until the end of the month. think of me as i deal with the bittersweet emotions of my final days.
anyone want to hang out when i get back?! let's have a party :)

The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, Manning

2006-09-29T05:12:00.000-05:00

To believe means to realize not just with the head but also with the heart that God loves me in a creative, intimate, unique, reliable and tender way. Creative: out of His love I came forth; through His love I am who I am. Intimate: His love reaches out to the deepest in me. Unique: His love embraces me as I am, not as I am considered to be by other people or supposed to be in my own self-image. Reliable: His love will never let me down. Tender…Tenderness is what happens to you when you know you are deeply and sincerely liked by someone. If you communicate to me that you like me, not just love me as your brother in Christ, you open up to me the possibility of self-respect, self-esteem and wholesome self-love. Your acceptance of me banishes my fears. My defense mechanisms-- sarcasm, aloofness, name-dropping, self-together-- start to fall. I drop my mask and stop disguising my voice. You instill self-confidence in me and allow me to smile at my weaknesses and absurdities. The look in your eyes gives me permission to make the journey to the interior of myself and make peace with that part of myself with which I could never find peace before. I become more open, sincere, vulnerable and affectionate. I grow tender... If the question were put to you, “Do you honestly believe that God likes you?”—not loves you, because theologically He must—how would you answer? God loves by necessity of love; He would cease to be God. But if you could answer, “The Father is very fond of me,” there would come a relaxedness, a serenity and a compassionate attitude toward yourself that is a reflection of God’s own tenderness…He loves those most who need him most, who rely on Him, depend upon Him and trust Him in everything. Little He cares whether you’ve been as pure as St. John or as sinful as the prostitute in Simon the Pharisee’s house. All that matters is trust. It seems to me that learning how to trust God defines the meaning of Christian living. God doesn’t wait until we have our moral life in order before He starts loving us.

tante bethany

2006-09-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

my sister-in-law is preggers!!! i'm going to be an aunt in february :) wahoo, this is exciting...

foire brocante et jambon

2006-09-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

a couple weeks ago, while a little off the beaten' path (aka - we were lost), we saw this expo site called "foire brocante et jambon"...i have already educated you on what a brocante is, and if you know any foreign languages the second word is not hard to figure out...jambon = ham. yeah, we were confused too, but decided that perhaps there was a colloquial meaning/usage of this word that we were not aware of...
but yesterday my friend came across an advertisement for a bi-annual market held at this location, selling...antiques & ham. it sounded just odd enough to convince us that it could not be missed. so, today we ate ham (really tasty ham btw) and browsed some expensive antique booths. i say "browsed" b/c most everything was WAY out of our league, though I didn't leave completely empty handed...

you like? it is completely mid-century and quintessentially french...oh, and it was cheap :)

in response to your earlier requests to see some of my brocanting treasures, here is a pic of a few things i have purchased this season (not pictured are gifts and large items already returned to the states)

Brad came for a visit...

2006-09-21T14:56:00.000-05:00

...and a good time was had by all. One highight was getting to tour Vaux le Vicomte (the chateau where the Man in the Iron Mask was) by candelight. here we are contemplating a swim in the moat before our tour...

the rest of the time was spent chillin' in the city...walking, sitting, eating, and exploring...Paris at its best :)

brocant (bro-k-ont)

2006-09-20T15:16:00.000-05:00

once a year, each city in france comes together to put on a brocante. it is equivalent to a community wide garage sale / flea market selling anything from genuine antiques to tacky souveniers and used childrens toys. except, this is france...so the items are ecclectic, usually have a story, and can be bargained for. the height of brocante season is late spring, and this is one of my first purchases: a light fixture for our (newly painted yellow) kitchen.
what do you think?

my other treasures include a vintage Dior purse, an antique pillow sham with my initials embroidered on it, a (new) tweed coat, a Japanese scarf, a brass Moroccan tray, and quite a few more...

why?

2006-09-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

A night at home with some Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, the original Pride & prejudice, and a little cookie dough seem to be the universal problem solver...
Everything will be okay tomorrow.

2006-09-15T06:16:00.000-05:00

our friend Susan is staying with us this week. she recieved an e-mail from her mom yesterday asking if she had seen the "Aifel Tower" yet...

my playlist of the week...

2006-09-12T04:01:00.000-05:00

1. To the Woman / Tammany Hall
2. Nobody Dances Anymore / Brandston
3. C'est Supercool / The Chalets
4. La Camisa Negra / Juanes
5. Be Gentle With Me / the boy least likely to
6. Brightest / Copeland
7. Vienna / The Fray
8. Lizzy / Ben Kweller
9. Peculiar People / Mute Math
10. Rolling Home / Tyler Hilton
11. Jesus, etc. / Wilco
12. Scratch / Kendall Payne
13. With My Own Two Hands / Jack Johnson
14. The Fear You Won't Fall / Joshua Radin
15. On A Night Like This / Dave Barnes
16. Symphonie / Sibermond
17. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus / Derek Webb

quoi est neuf?

2006-09-06T04:28:00.000-05:00

* The most important news of late is that I have purchased my ticket for returning to the States! It does not need to be said again, but...wow, 2 years went by really quick! (want to know the date & location of my entry? you gotta leave a comment and ask)
* School is just getting going here. Most of the families in my neighborhood made it back in time to find out what day classes started, but some would never dream of letting such a trivial thing as their kids schooling cut into their vacation, so we have yet to see them! Odd as that sounds, it is actually normal (esp. for younger kids) to miss the first few days as well as the last few days of school each year.
* I am applying for graduate school. It sounds like a simple task, but getting all the little details in order (from a foreign country on a 7hr time difference), has proved a little more involved than I anticipated. If all goes well I will be moving to KY in January to get a job and start classes.
* I may be developing a sty in my right eye...has anyone ever had one of these? what should I do? ahhhh, I'm only 25 and I'm falling apart.
* I gave in...though I signed up a while back, I have now become a user of Myspace.
* Joyeux Anniversaire to Joshua Langston!!

a Slide Show for you...

2006-08-29T11:15:00.000-05:00

Germany

2006-08-28T02:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I just returned from a weeklong conference in the beautiful countryside of Germany. In my freetime I was able to explore some surrounding areas and fell in love with this beautiful area.

Highlights: a 1.5 hour Rhine river castle tour, new friends, Burger King, a chapel by Marc Chagall in Meinz, shopping at Wal-Mart Supercenter (no, they don't have all American products, but do have great prices and selection!), world famous Cologne cathedral, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, late nights of Phase 10...

All my pictures can be seen here.

I'm 25!

2006-08-18T07:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks for you kind wishes, yesterday was a lovely day! My friends took me for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe (where I was sung to over a brownie sunday) and we finished out the day with a night bike tour of the city...though we got completely soaked at the beginning, the weather turned and gave us one of the most incredible sunsets I have seen here.

Getting older is not fun, but good time with friends exploring an incredible city is something I will never forget.

2006-08-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

My trip to Provence was great, but it is nice to be back home in Paris. Marseille has turned into Gotham...(in one night I personally saw 2 crimes be commited and heard 5 gunshots)...crazy. So, we spent time exploring other cities in the area (Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cassis). Thanks for thinking of me while I was away, the project was quite successful!

2006-07-26T03:10:00.000-05:00

Paris has been called "the fashion capital of the world"
...obviously this is why

2006-07-25T17:26:00.000-05:00

La Tour de France came through my neighborhood on Sunday...

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2006-07-22T04:04:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday I was home taking care of some things, after saying goodbye to my friend Jill, when I started smelling something burning. My first response was thinking that perhaps it was in my house, which sent me running around frantically inspecting all the outlets, etc. When I found nothing I realized that there was smoke billowing outside, and eventually saw this from my kitchen window...

don't worry, they got the fire out in a couple of hours. The whole neighborhood was watching, this was a lot of action for our quiet little street.

it's the little things...

2006-07-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I discovered....MINI Pringles

look how tiny!

World Cup...who knew?!

2006-07-10T05:12:00.000-05:00

Matt, Tyler and I had a great time watching the World Cup final...via satellite at a stadium in Paris! All I have to say is that the Aggie 12th Man is nothing compared to the intensity displayed for the World Cup. Hours before the game the crowds were so dense that I feared being trampled by men in French flag capes....but was pulled to safety after the children were crowd surfed in. Matt & Tyler share their experiences here.

This clip shows the crowd when Zidane (yes, he is the one who head butted the Italy guy at the end and probably cost the French the title) scored the first goal.

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aux Champs-Elysées

2006-07-07T05:52:00.000-05:00

Since most of you assume that my life is glamorous and celebrity filled (though really it is nothing of the sort), I decided yesterday that maybe it was time to put this town to the test and headed down to the infamous Champs-Elysées...
This man winked at me after I grabbed his arm, and I'm pretty sure that means we are officially an item.
This man touched my hand...but was closely followed by this woman (the mother of his children). And since she is a famous french Actress/Model/Singer, I decided that for her sake I could ignore the overture.
All in all it was a great night in Paris and I look forward to seeing if this movie measures up to the last one.

Allez France!!!

2006-07-06T04:12:00.000-05:00

Last night we joined with thousands of other French (and Portuguese) spectators at Parc des Princes to view the World Cup semi-final on a big screen. The intensity and celebration hardly compares to my previous experiences...

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The security was tight, with police everywhere, making sure a riot did not break out. They were even extremely strict on bringing in beverages, though apparently fireworks and torches are okay. Yeah, anyway. The chanting and celebration continued all down the streets, on the metro (we ended up in a pocket of Portuguese, and I was pretty sure the wall of our metro car was close to breaking off from all the pounding and yelling), and was still alive when I returned to my neighborhood. All this for the semi-final. I can't wait to see how intense it gets when France plays Italy on Sunday night...."On est au final!!!"

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Egypt

2006-07-05T05:41:00.000-05:00

Wow, where to start. I can't think of a way to sum up this trip and do it justice...ancient history, adventure, American food, ecclectic shopping, trying not to get ripped off, the hot desert sun, a world class resort, re-living the Moses stories, time with good friends...the best way to understand is to take a look at my pictures

Summer of Love...

2006-07-01T06:44:00.000-05:00

I say, "Life affords few pleasures...

...model whenever you can."

Elizabeth McMahon is [obviously] here. (www.dancingbaptists.com is about to have an international launch...watch out!)

Paris, je t'aime

2006-06-20T01:05:00.000-05:00

First of all, I was in a store yesterday in Monmartre (artist district). Now when you picture me shopping in Paris, you can go ahead and throw out that image from the movies and rest assured that this particular store makes most thrift stores I have been in look fancy. Anyway, so I am in this crowded store when this man pushes past me with some unnecessary closeness. I notice him because he just has that shady quality about him AND b/c this was the women's skirt section- not really his style. So I continue digging through the 5 euro peasant skirts and before I know it Mr. Shady has pushed me again from behind, even closer and this time...so I do a quick look around and quickly realize that he has taken my cell phone! Not knowing quite what to do I yelled at my friend, "hey, that guy just stole my phone!" Mr. Shady, instead of running out of the store (which may have looked too obvious), quickly moved to the back of the store and pretends to wait in the line to pay. I follow him, trying to decide what I will do and how to casually say-- "You took my phone! Give it back!"...when my friend suggests that we call the cell phone, then it will be obvious that it is on him. So, as she is getting her phone out he quickly darts back through the store and heads for the door. As she places the call I follow the ringing and find my phone, discarded on top of a pile of clothes (in a section I have not been in). I wanted to run after him and yell...but settled for having my phone back and buying a new skirt, satisfied with my crime fighting (and shopping) skills.

Secondly, my roommate (b/c of her frequent movie-going) was invited to see the new film "Paris, je t'aime" (Paris, I love you) in a sneak preview attended by some of the cast and crew...and she was allowed to take a date! So we went, hoping to see Natalie Portman or Elijah Wood, but like normal, we saw loads of famous French people that we would never recognize on a street corner. The movie was great, albeit strange in some parts, but worth a watch if you speak French or just love the city of Paris.

Lastly, I am off to CAIRO!! I leave today and plan to return the 27th. I will have access to the internet, but since this is a vacation I make no promises about prompt replies ;)

Happy Fathers Day

2006-06-18T02:27:00.000-05:00

Dad...
If I could, I would send you a box of Coke Light and Magnums!
I love you and appreciate you more than you know. Thanks for your love and support all these years. No matter what the future holds, I know I can depend on you to be there with me. I celebrate you today and pray blessings on you.
Your favorite little girl ;)

LA COUPE DU MONDE

2006-06-17T06:45:00.000-05:00

The WORLD CUP. Its huge here. Not sure how I missed it last year, but Monday night I had my first official introduction to the football phenomenon [pictured below] and have to say that I am a fan. Though sad to see the U.S. team loose, the Italia game proved entertaining enough to make the whole evening worthwhile, and I am hooked. "Soccer" (as most of you call it) is great b/c the matches only last 90-93 minutes. Enough to entertain, but not take up your entire day. I am not certain how our team will fare against Italia today, but I am certain that the players will hold my attention all the way to the end ;)

what about breakfast at Tiffany's?

2006-06-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

the new

2006-06-08T02:58:00.000-05:00

The latest is that I have officially moved back into my apartment! Though I had to spend a night on the couch while finishing my room...some gracious friends came to help me on Tuesday and I am proud to report that the painting is FINISHED!!! (of course the cleaning and moving things back will take a while, but that is minor considering that my bed, bathroom, and armoire are once again functional!)

Just to keep things interesting, I also got really sick yesterday...I will spare you the details, but hopefully by later today I will feel strong enough to finish up the work. Why is it that when you get sick you wonder (or at least I always do) if you will ever feel normal again? It can only be a few minutes of pain until I start berating myself for not appreciating life when I feel normal, and sometimes even thinking about those cheesy bargains with God where one promises that IF health is restored one will become a saint. I never get that far in the actual deal-making b/c I have learned that it doesn't quite work that way...but the thoughts do come from time to time. Maybe I am just a wimp when it comes to pain, you can decide ;)

Oh, I keep forgetting to tell you-- I am going to Cairo for vacation! I leave June 20th. I am going to visit a friend, see the sights, and enjoy the affordable beauty treatments.

2006-06-04T16:36:00.000-05:00

today i saw a buddhist monk...with a iPod.
if only i had camera glasses like Sydney Bristow.

quartet in covent garden (london)

2006-06-04T16:31:00.000-05:00

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2006-05-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

I came back from London to find that I am (temporarily) homeless...
My house is being painted and repaired, and for the time being I have moved in with a great family who live close by. One of these days I will post some more pics from my time with my parents, but until then know I am alive and well taken care of :)

Cheerio

2006-05-21T16:21:00.000-05:00

...from London :) this city is just fab. we are having a wonderful time (despite the rain). pictures to come...

Happy Wedding Day Mr. Shane Spillers

2006-05-20T03:37:00.000-05:00

Félicitations! all kinds of love from this side of the water.

decide for yourself

2006-05-19T04:18:00.000-05:00

I went to see The DaVinci Code last night. And, since I have this platform to say what I think, here goes...
I really liked it. Of course I don't agree with all of the ideas it uncovers in pursuit of the "Holy Grail"...but I am almost certain that none of the people involved in making the movie really believe it either. It is a work of fiction based on a few historical events that are pulled together to make an entertaining drama. It is actually refreshing to see stories of this quality get made in an era where only prequels & sequels of every semi-successful film of the last 100 years seem to make it to the screen. And, on that note, I will also say that the filming on location in Paris and using well-respected French actors (don't get me started on Hollywoods use of English in movies where it makes no historical sense...) made me enjoy it that much more. Also, my parents and I are headed to London on Sunday, which will allow us time to explore both of the famous cities used in this movie.
Back to the film...it is undeniable that The Church* has a dark and bloody history and this is not by any means the first film to bring that to light. It is also pretty clear by the end of the film that they are not trying to "unseat the Holy See*" or disprove the foundations of Christianity. They dialogue about what a remarkable being Jesus was (historically) and Hanks' character, Robert Langdon, even recounts a time in his life when he thinks Jesus helped save him.
Whatever your views on Jesus, if your personal beliefs can be shaken by a Hollywood film, then I suggest you spend some more time searching yourself.
Films like this are exciting because they spark interesting conversations in all realms of pop-culture, take advantage of the opportunities. My prayer is that we take every chance we get, as the church, to show love...and that we could restore the worlds view of the church, not through protesting or forceful behavior modification, but by living genuine lives full of hope, peace, and compassion in the midst of this chaotic age.

(* referencing The Vatican)

happy (faux) birthday to me

2006-05-19T04:07:00.000-05:00

though my birthday is not for a few more months...my mom took advantage of being with me to bake my favorite cake and sing to me. it is really good, want a piece?

Bienvenue!

2006-05-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Paris, Mom & Dad! Happy 30th Anniversary :)

Long Live Spring

2006-05-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

a Sunday afternoon

2006-05-08T17:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday turned out to be lovely. So, we went to town (Paris- I live in the suburbs, in case you are confused), grabbed a sandwich, and found a garden to relax in...Rodin's garden to be exact. I had to peek inside the house to see my favorite piece of his, God's hand
I love this piece because it is the act of God creating man. It is beautiful as it is "caught in the act" of the figures still being formed.
One thing I like about living here is that everywhere you walk it seems you find something new, and when passing this I decided that maybe it was finally time to go inside and check it out...but ended up deciding it was not worth the money. oh well, my parents will be here in less than a week so I will be sure to get my fill of touristy things :)

La Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower), Le Penseur (The Thinker), et moi (me)

aarrrrrgh

2006-05-04T17:25:00.000-05:00

*** UPDATED Disneyland Pics, see below ***

Disneyland Paris

2006-05-02T16:22:00.000-05:00

It really is one of the "Happiest places on earth"...
It has been a long time since I felt such a freedom to enjoy myself (like a kid)! We rode roller coasters, ate Texas Barbeque, drank diner milkshakes, shot aliens with laser guns, toured a haunted house, explored the Grand Canyon, flew to Neverland, got dizzy in a teacup, and at the end of the day learned that it really is a "small world after all."
Though it rained almost the whole day, we still had a blast. And I, of course, took quite a few pictures to share (click here)...and will be adding more soon.
For now you can learn how to shoot the Evil Emperor Zurg from Buzz Lightyear (in French!):

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2006-04-30T16:12:00.000-05:00

so, you ask...how does one celebrate Fête du Travail (Labor day)when in France? Why, you go to Disneyland of course! EuroDisney here we come...
(don't worry, I'll let you know if the rumors about it are true)

2006-04-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

PODCASTS!!!!!

2006-04-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

The Easter Bunny came to my house today (via La Poste)!!
Except, instead of chocolate eggs he sent makeup, pajamas & shampoo (wahoo!!)...glad he knows me so well ;)

I love Paris in the springtime...

2006-04-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

Saturdays make me happy. We got a bagel sandwich picnic from Angie's coffee, then coped a squat in the park at Trocadero (across from the Tour Eiffel)...the sun was shining, the grass was green, my book was classic, and the nap was refreshing. Ahhh, does it get much better?

Aux Pays-Bas

2006-04-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Holland!
Unfortunately my vacation to The Netherlands is over, and I am back in Paris (that is a sentence I have never typed before!). Anyway...like I said, I loved it there. I stated at least 50 times that I would like to live there, or at least rent a summer cottage on the beach (should I ever become the 'summer cottage' type).

Highlights: visiting Corrie Ten Boom's house and literally standing in "The Hiding Place", our beach front village and apartment, a 3 hour walk through world famous tulip gardens, a canal ride through Amsterdam, touring Anne Frank's house, everything being cheaper than France, the Argentinean steak house (where we sat in a booth made of cow hide and had the best meal I have had in months), the Englishman who made us hot chocolate when our car broke down, the 5 hour search for food on the way home...

[Dear Belgium, I am on to your conspiracy to make my life difficult. I don't know why you made it ridiculously hard for me to find a place to eat lunch on Thursday. The longer we drove, the lower our standards went...and once we settled on McDonald's (the lowest), it took us another 2 hours to even find one! Why do you do this to me? I will still eat your chocolate, but don't expect another visit from me anytime soon. Love, Bethany]

All that to say, Click here to view my complete set of photos!

Update:

2006-04-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

I heart Holland!!
Seriously, it is wonderful here. The people are nice, the cities are clean, the architecture is unique, there are spectacular flowers everywhere you look, and they have Dr. Pepper in the grocery store (Anna purchased 13 bottles today!)...so just in case you were wondering, I am having a fabulous time.
We are off to Amsterdam tomorrow-- and will be sure to avoid the "cafe" scenes that serve up a whole lot more than coffee ;) And I will take a walk on the beach by my apartment before I leave...weather permitting.

Joyeuses Pâques

2006-04-15T05:23:00.000-05:00

"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" Titus 3:5-7

2006-04-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

One of the first questions I remember people asking me as a child was "what do you want to be when you grow up?". It is exciting to look ahead and dream of what the future could be. The choices seem endless, but for me the only nagging part was always "when will I be grown up?".
Will it come with my first kiss? graduating? finding my first love? moving away to college? having my own cubicle? living to Paris for 2 years? being able to eat all the cookies I want for breakfast? (yeah, I do that sometimes...sorry Mom)

Or does adulthood lie in things I have yet to do like buying a house? getting married? birthing children? managing a stock portfolio? watching a loved one die?

7 years ago I graduated from High School, and started college. Almost 3 years ago I graduated from college, and started the "real world". It was very anti-climactic to realize that in fact everything until that point was not false...I was already living my "real life", but now I was just expected to pay for more of it.

Adulthood brings responsibilities, stresses, and griefs...but does not necessitate a "growing up". I still feel like a girl most of the time. A girl posing as a woman, who many say is "living the dream in Paris". Sure, I am have quite a few stamps in my passport and have had my wide-eyed innocence crushed more than once, but most of the time I still fell less like an "adult" and more like a child. A child that enjoys today, that has faith in a God I cannot see, and who has bright hopes for the future (though I still don't know exactly how to get there...)

And, I am hoping that I always feel this way. Ready to learn something new. Ready to stay up late to do something that makes me happy. Ready to make decisions on what makes my life the fullest, not on what is the most logical. Ready to trust in the Holy One who has been there every step along the way.

May I never grow up to feel like I've got things all figured out...

Here's to the adventure, and to never growing up.

Rockstar Kel & Funky V

2006-04-12T16:46:00.000-05:00

At last...two of the greatest gals I know have teamed up to make one sweet blog. Don't miss out. Click here.

Top 5 ways to tell it has been a long winter

2006-04-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

1. "feels like 50" translates to "dig out the sandals!"
2. your jeans feel strange, not because you changed sizes, but you forgot what it feels like to wear them w/o another layer
3. your neck feels too naked and feeble to go out sans scarf
4. your can't really remember what a tan line looks like, your whole body is one color: WHITE
5. getting dressed is hard b/c someone might actually see something besides how well your jacket and scarf coordinate

Speaking of Tulips

2006-04-06T03:11:00.000-05:00

I am planning to roadtrip it up to Holland in a couple weeks to catch the Tulip Festival...why not, huh?! suggestions? reccomendations?

2006-04-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

Spring is finally here...

"So--who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy. Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name-so magnificent! so powerful!-and never overlooks a single one? Why would you ever complain, saying, "GOD has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"? Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? GOD doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40 [The Message]

2006-03-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a great week...spending time with Melissa is always an adventure. Maybe one of these days we really will move to Chicago for a year just to see what happens.

Average nights sleep since she arrived: ~5 hours
Significant progress is being made in Communication by Gestures .
And, Melissa proved that 12 Michokos for breakfast is a great way to start the day...

Anyway...I finally got a decent French haircut, after 16 months.

Quote of the week- Gerri: "Bethany, you would make a good carney"

2006-03-25T14:41:00.000-05:00

MELISSA IS HERE!!!! and I am happy :)

Pink Martini

2006-03-21T05:54:00.000-05:00

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"Somewhere between a 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, a classical chamber music ensemble, a Brasilian marching street band and Japanese film noir is the 12-piece Pink Martini."

I have enjoyed their songs for a while now, but seeing them live in concert last night was an experience. This is good music, made by interesting artists. They are based in Portland, Oregon but sing in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian (and probably a few more I am forgetting)...just give them a listen, it is a good time.

“One of our goals is to make music which has broad appeal to people, no matter who they are or where they come from. We play the same set of music wherever we go, whether it’s in a small farming community in Oregon or in France or Turkey or with a symphony orchestra...I think each of us wants a hugely diverse tapestry of influences in our lives. That’s what makes life much more interesting. Every day becomes an adventure."

faithful friends

2006-03-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

Yeah! Everything appears to be back up and running correctly...
sorry if you were not able to log on for the past few days, I wasn't either-- blogger has been working out some kinks.
Thanks for taking time to keep up with me, it makes me happy to know people are interested in my life.
Blessings~

2006-03-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday WAS indeed a great day. We set off to Chartres, home to the largest and best maintained cathedral in Europe (pictured above). It was impressive, but I am still not sure why such a huge cathedral was built in such a small town...why not build this one in, say, Paris? hmmm, anyway...after exploring a bit we got out the map and decided that of our choices (heading north, south or east) north seemed most interesting because it was a road less traveled. We stopped in the small, suprisingly modern, town of Dreux for lunch. We ended up in a restaurant that was on par with every ultra-trendy gourmet spot in London (and just to prove how much I belonged in there, I appalled our waiter by accidentally dropping a chunk of my expertly grilled salmon in my tinted crystal glass- Pretty Woman style). Our journey continued up through Evreux and eventually led us to Rouen - where Joan of Arc (as we say in English) was burned at the stake. It was a little anti-climactic to come up out of the parking garage and see the sign (below) indicating that we had literally parked under the historical spot. But we stayed to see the church they built there in her honor, did some shopping, and ended the day with a lovely cup of hot chocolate and a plate of petite fours. More pictures can be seen by clicking here.

saturday is a great day

2006-03-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow a friend and I are leaving at 9am.
Off to where you ask?
Well, that remains to be seen. The only decided agenda is to drive until something strikes our fancy, then explore it. Mostly it will be good to get outside of "city"...even if just for a day.
Stay tuned for pics and/or a story.

where the internet thinks i should live next

2006-03-05T10:27:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that I will be moving back to the U.S. this coming fall, and I am not for sure where I want to live next. So, I took a quiz at www.findyourspot.com and was given a list of the top U.S. cities that suit me best. I will share a few hightlights.

2. Louisville, Kentucky (I hear there is a great seminary there...)
4. Orlando, Florida (oh yeah)
5. Charlotte, North Carolina
8. Houston, Texas (College Station was close enough)
11. Nashville, Tennessee (nice, but I hate country music)
13. West Palm Beach, Florida
14. Charleston, South Carolina
15. Durham, North Carolina
16. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
18. Greenville, North Carolina (very interesting, hmm)
21. Palm Springs, California
22. Memphis, Tennessee (I hate Elvis)
24. Richmond, Virigina (had some good times there)

Where do you think I should live?

LOST

2006-03-03T03:13:00.000-05:00

I can't find my red H&M pants...has anyone seen them?

come on, it won't take long

2006-03-01T03:44:00.000-05:00

click here and then pick 5-6 words that best describe me :)

image

2006-02-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

what do you think of my new banner image? comments, critiques? (yes, I did take that photo myself)

2006-02-27T04:40:00.000-05:00

In referece to my previous post about my friend Kirk Bozeman: he has set up a myspacemusic site where you can check out a few of his songs by clicking here
Anyone remember when I nicknamed him kirkadoodledo?

2006-02-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

I made a collage!
Each piece I used has a significance from my time here in France, and is now adorning the side of my armoire. It had been too long since I made time to do something creative...I miss Hobby Lobby.

Quote of the week

2006-02-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

overheard while watching Willy Wonka on "Charlie et le Chocolaterie" build a palace completely out of chocolate, my 6 year old friend Jenna exclaimed

"WOW, that is a good man!"

she knows what she is talking about...

Josiah Reid

2006-02-12T03:47:00.000-05:00

the Supercinskis made a baby!! (well, God made him, but you know...)
Josiah, your aunt Bethany loves you and can't wait to cuddle you :)

I had three goals for my trip to Budapest-

2006-02-10T11:48:00.000-05:00

1)buy a fur hat
2)find some interesting pottery
3)relax at the Turkish Baths and hot springs
the only one I really accomplished was #3 (we visited 3 different spas in fact)...but in my defense the only fur hats I came across were at the abandoned flea market for sale as antiques from the communist days, and the pottery we had heard about was no where to be found-- even though the Secret Box Man gave me detailed directions by repeating over and over that the shop was "on the corner"...
all in all the trip was a great adventure and a few highlights include: the fat Hungarian kid who incessantly kicked my airplane seat(the National Hungarian Fencing Team was also on our flight), the cute taxi driver who spoke very sparse English, the purple cape man, Burger King & T.G.I. Fridays (2 things we do NOT have in France), the communist bus ride, swimming outside while it was snowing, the lazy river, being yelled at by large Hungarian women, the 125 year old "traditional spa", the bidet lady, the escalator stopping, yummy goulash, lots and lots of snow...
to see all of my pictures click here

Budapest, Hungary

2006-02-05T10:56:00.000-05:00

"Despite spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old charm and magic. It is a city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cafés, baths, the food and culture, combined with legendary hospitality blend into an unforgettable experience for visitors..."

I'm off to see some of this old charm and magic for myself (and to get another stamp in my passport!)...hopefully I will not freeze to death in the process.
Anyone speak Hungarian?

the best part of waking up...

2006-01-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

...is Juan Valdez coffee, straight from the "coffee growing" region of Columbia, being deliver to your door! Thanks Brad :)