Monthly Archives: November 2017

11.30.17
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Getting Personal #96: November Goals Recap

Mathnasium

Image Credit: Mathnasium

November felt like a long month, but it was full of excitement!

Here’s the link to my November Goals post:

Ready?

Here we go!

  1. Celebrate our second wedding anniversary! — Accomplished!
  2. Keep our kitchen table clean. — Did not accomplish.
  3. Write some snail mail! — Did not accomplish.
  4. Start organizing my “Lady Lounge.” — Accomplished!
  5. Enjoy Thanksgiving! — Accomplished!

Here’s the breakdown!

Celebrate our second wedding anniversary! — Accomplished!

  • We celebrated our anniversary with a wonderful dinner at River Stone Chophouse in Suffolk. Al had their biggest steak, and I enjoyed their Colorado Lamb Chops. Everything we ate was fabulous. We didn’t have room for dessert, but we will be returning. They just started brunch service on Sundays, too!

Keep our kitchen table clean. — Did not accomplish.

  • I de-cluttered some of our old mail, but I don’t feel satisfied with my progress.

Write some snail mail! — Did not accomplish.

  • This didn’t happen. I even forgot to mail several birthday cards!

Start organizing my “Lady Lounge.” — Accomplished!

  • Every weekend, piece by piece, I’ve hauled boxes from the garage and started organizing. My biggest success has been my bookshelf. I’ve already filled three boxes of books and DVDs to donate to the local library!

Enjoy Thanksgiving! — Accomplished!

  • We took nearly a week off of work, and headed to the farm. Al’s mom fed us so well every single day!
  • We spent Thanksgiving Day with about 40 members of the Chambers family (Al’s mom side). We drove about 2 1/2 hours toward the mountains. There were four tables full of food, and one full table of desserts. Delicious!
  • When we weren’t eating, we relaxed. We went on several drives through the countryside, built a bonfire, and saw the International Space Station fly by!
  • We saw Justice League with Al’s dad. It was a good movie!
  • We also went bowling, and played about 20 rounds of UNO over two different nights.
  • It was so nice to get away!

Final Thoughts:

  • I was able to put Accomplished next to three out of five goals: Yippee!
  • The two goals that I did not accomplish: It was slightly disappointing, but I just need to dedicate more time and effort to these.

What about you? Did you have any goals for the month of November?

Come back tomorrow to see my December Goals!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.29.17
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Writing Prompt #86: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 48)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #48: Your Job.

I’m incredibly thankful that I was given the opportunity to come on board at Riverside five years ago. I’ve learned so much in a different field over the years. I use my Communication Studies degree nearly every day. It’s not journalism, but I’m happy to be challenged in the field of healthcare. It’s also contributed to my paralegal studies, which are almost finished.

I also enjoy the people I work with, and the people I’ve met through Riverside as an organization. I’m grateful for all the connections I’ve made so far, and I’m sure there will be many more!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

 

11.22.17
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Writing Prompt #85: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 47)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #47: Opportunities You’ve Been Given.

I’m grateful that so many people have come into my life, helping me open doors that I didn’t think were possible.

It’s funny, I write this post as I’m reflecting on the going-away party that we attended on Friday night for Emily and Phil. Thanks to my mother, Emily came into my life in 2010 and helped give me one of the most important opportunities of my life – The internship I needed to graduate from Longwood!

Sadly, Emily and Phil are getting ready to officially move to Texas. But, I have a feeling there will be many opportunities to go visit them!

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Thinking back, I can list many opportunities that I’ve been given:

  • Learning different instruments – Piano, then viola
  • Traveling abroad – Two cruises in the 1990s, British Columbia (1998), Russia (2001), Europe (2005), Paris (2008)
  • Participating in the IB program in high school
  • Being a blood donor since 2005
  • Going to Longwood for my college career
  • Writing for and being on staff with Longwood’s student newspaper
  • Holding a variety of jobs since college
  • Gaining valuable experience through work and volunteering
  • Being accepted into several different organizations – Alpha Sigma Tau, PEO, etc.
  • Working toward a paralegal degree
  • Becoming a Certified Professional Coder
  • Participating in National Novel Writing Month three times, so far
  • Improving this little blog of mine over the last several years

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For me, I think of every new day as a new opportunity to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Think random acts of kindness. I’ve participated in a few drive-thru “pay it forward” chains before, as well as holding doors for people, thanking those in uniform for their service, and just being kind. I haven’t read the book or seen the movie yet, but I think of Wonder and I think “choose kind.”

I look forward to future opportunities, and I’m grateful for every one.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.21.17
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Awesome Authors #9: Tom Perrotta

quote-maybe-that-s-what-we-look-for-in-the-people-we-love-the-spark-of-unhappiness-we-think-tom-perrotta-37-44-57

Image Credit: AZ Quotes

I love so many podcasts, which is a great problem to have. Last month, I finally listened to the NPR Fresh Air interview with Tom Perrotta, which originally aired on July 31st.

I remember reading part of Election when I was younger, and I have seen parts of the movie. But, listening to the Fresh Air interview makes me want to re-read it, and read more of his work.

Born in August 1961, Perrotta was raised in New Jersey. His family roots are Italian and Albanian. He is one of three children. He decided early on that he wanted to be a writer. He wrote several short stories for his high school literary magazine. After high school, Perrotta went to Yale University for his bachelor’s degree, and then earned his master’s from Syracuse University. He married in 1991, and lives in Massachusetts, near Boston.

Since 1988, he has published seven novels, multiple short stories, two collections of short stories, two essays, and at least one ghostwritten novel. Several of his works have been turned into screenplays for film and TV. The most recent adaptation was The Leftovers, for HBO.

Election (1998)

200px-Electionbook

Image Credit: Wikipedia

The story involves high school and presidential elections in 1992. I look forward to reading this again, and then watching the movie (1999).

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Little Children (2004)

Littlechildrengoldfish

Image Credit: Wikipedia

This book is Perrotta’s most-lauded and praised books. This is definitely on my list. Like Election, it was adapted into a film (2006).

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Mrs. Fletcher (2017)

Mrs Fletcher

Image Credit: Amazon

I look forward to reading this. The Fresh Air interview about this book was spellbinding. I wonder if this one will become a film?

What about you?

Have you read any of Tom Perrotta’s work?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.15.17
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Writing Prompt #84: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 46)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #46: Technology.

I’m grateful for technology, for the most part. It’s changed my life in multiple ways.

When we first got Internet at my parents’ house, it was the mid-1990s. It was revolutionary! It’s amazing how far things have come in just the last 20 years.

However, I find myself looking to escape technology as well. Since I work on a computer all day for my job, there are many days where I come home and I don’t want to look at any screens! It’s a hard thing to balance.

What about you? Are you grateful for technology?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.14.17
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Getting Personal #95: Second Wedding Anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Al! Here’s to two years of marriage!

View More: http://stellarexposures.pass.us/vwedding

I love the black and white.

View More: http://stellarexposures.pass.us/vwedding

One of my favorite photos from our wedding! Image Credit: Stellar Exposures

View More: http://stellarexposures.pass.us/vwedding

We had an amazing reception!

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, eyeglasses, beard and closeup

December 2016 – Al’s company Christmas party.

As I write this post, I realize we need to take more photos of ourselves!

Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, people standing

August 2017 – We celebrated Casey’s birthday at Topgolf in Virginia Beach!

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people sitting and outdoor

October 2017. My current profile picture – One of my favorites, taken by my dad!

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing and outdoor

October 2017 – Celebrating Nick and Savy’s wedding! Amanda photographed all three of our weddings – Al and me, Steven and Crystal, and Nick and Savy!

Thank you for everything this year – We’ve definitely learned to be homeowners, that’s for sure! I look forward to many more years with you. Can’t wait to celebrate tonight!

I love you!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.13.17
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Tag #36: Currently Reading Book Tag

Mommy and the Books

Image Credit: Mommy and the Books

The amazing Thrice Read ladies did another tag! I’m always up for answering fun book-related questions!

Here are the links to Jenn and Eden’s posts:

How many books do you usually read at once?

I try to stick to one book!

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If you’re reading more than one book at a time, how do you decide when to switch books?

I typically don’t do this, but it happened this week. I had a long reading break / hiatus, and I felt it was necessary to switch books for the time being. The nice thing about books I own – They’re not going anywhere!

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Do you ever switch bookmarks while you’re partway through a book?

Not really. I love my Glee bookmark that I bought a while back.

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Where do you keep the book(s) you’re currently reading?

I try to keep them on my nightstand.

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What time of day do you spend the most time reading?

At night, before bed.

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How long do you typically read in one sitting?

These days, it’s typically less than an hour, since we go to bed so early. It’s really sad!

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Do you read hardbacks with the dust jacket on or off?

On. I hate taking them off!

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What position do you mainly use to read?

Sitting up, usually with a pillow behind me.

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Do you take the book you’re currently reading with you everywhere you go?

No, unless I know I’m headed to an appointment with a waiting room!

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How often do you update your Goodreads progress on the book you’re currently reading?

Sporadically. I’m lucky if I remember to do it once a month!

What are you currently reading?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.10.17
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Commentary #62: “10-Year-Old Reporter, Once Told to Go ‘Play with Dolls,’ Publishing Six-Book Series with Major Publisher”

NY Daily News

Star journalist Hilde Lysiak. Image Credit: NY Daily News

Hilde Lysiak, at age 10, has already accomplished so many things! She’s an accomplished journalist, a newspaper founder, and now a published author!

I heard about Hilde last year, but A Mighty Girl profiled her this past week, lauding her for becoming a published author!

Way to go, Hilde!

Hilde started her own newspaper, Orange Street News, in December 2014, in her town of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Her dad, Matthew Lysiak, is a well-known and recognized journalist. He has reported for the New York Daily News, among others. Apparently, journalism runs in the family – Big sister, Izzy, runs a kids’ advice column in the local paper, The Daily Item.

Her dad made her a deal – He agreed to do the typing, formatting, and printing. But, the reporting, writing, and photography – That was all on her. She ran with it, and hasn’t stopped!

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On April 2, 2016, she broke the story of a suspected murder in Selinsgrove, and posting the story on the Orange Street News Facebook page caused a wave of criticism. Several people were critical. Only nine at the time, people remarked that she should be playing with dolls, not reporting on murders.

She responded brilliantly in a video message: “But if you want me to stop covering news, then you get off your computer and do something about the news.”

That is awesome!!

Her response was picked up by The Washington Post and The Guardian. Since then, she’s continued reporting, and given several interviews with other media outlets, including for The Today Show, and the Columbia Journalism Review.

She doesn’t want to work for a newspaper someday – She wants own her own newspaper.

Here’s a few of the stories that have been written about Hilde and her pursuits. Enjoy!

The New York Daily News first covered Hilde and her story on September 12, 2015: Kid presses on: Girl, 8, with own newspaper dreams of being bigger than The News

On June 30, 2016, a press release from Scholastic Media announced Hilde’s book deal: Scholastic Acquires Four Books by Nine-Year-Old Reporter Hilde Lysiak

The New York Daily News covered Hilde again on August 29, 2016: Ace kid reporter Hilde Lysiak, 9, to get her story told on the small screen

Check out this profile from The New York Times, recently published on October 31, 2017: Hilde Lysiak, Reporter, Author, 10-Year-Old

Her newest endeavor is a series of children’s books, published by Scholastic. The first two have already been released, and two more are scheduled to be released in December and January.

What do you think? Do you feel inspired by Hilde, like I do?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

11.08.17
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Writing Prompt #83: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 45)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #45: What You Do For Fun.

I could go on for a long time about what I like to do for fun.

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Bikes

June 2017 – Al took this photo before we hopped on. We love riding around our neighborhood – Very safe and quiet. We certainly work up a good sweat! The only change we’ll make is better bike seats!

Nevada Preps

Image Credit: Nevada Preps

I’m grateful that I’m physically able to ride my bike and play softball. Al just bought lights for our bikes so we can ride them in the evenings – Yay! I would love to get back into softball – I played on a church team several years ago, and I miss it!

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Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. Image Credit: Theme Park Review

Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia. Image Credit: Kings Dominion

In the same vein, I love visiting different amusement parks. Roller coasters are the best! I’m glad that I’m able to ride them. They definitely make my heart race and my voice hoarse. I’ve been fortunate to have been to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion multiple times, along with Water Country USA. As a kid, I went to several in California, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

One of my big goals is to visit Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. So many coasters! I also like the water rides. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family.

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Big Fish Games

Gummy Drop is one of my favorites! Image Credit: Big Fish Games

RCTgo

Have you played any of the Roller Coaster Tycoon games? Image Credit: RCTgo

WITICS - Amazon

I had this! I wonder if my parents still have the game CDs! Image Credit: Amazon

I also enjoy playing games on my phone, iPad, and computer. Right now, I like several different match-3 games, but I also want to get all the Roller Coaster Tycoon and Carmen Sandiego games for my PC again. Those bring back so many childhood memories!

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NYC Skyline - Youtube

Image Credit: YouTube

Traveling is another fun thing. We’re saving money for New York City right now!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

 

11.02.17
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Tag #35: My Name in Books Tag

Good e-Reader

Image Credit: Good e-Reader

Two of the ladies at Thrice Read did this really cool, yet challenging book tag. I wanted to see how I fared with the nine letters that make up Laura Beth.

Here are the links to their posts:

Here we go!

L – Looking for Alaska, John Green

A – A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray

U – Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand

R – Rosebush, Michelle Jaffe

A – Anthem, Ayn Rand

B – Bright-Sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, Barbara Ehrenreich

E – East of Eden, John Steinbeck

T – Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher

H – Half Broke Horses, Jeanette Walls

What about you? Which books correspond with your name? Let me know!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂