Tag Archives: Sharing

01.20.18
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Book Review #51: “Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond”

Grace and Grit - Amazon

Image Credit: Amazon

I first heard about this book from my church bulletin, almost a year ago. One of the women’s circles were reading it and planning a discussion. I was intrigued, and remember purchasing it through Amazon shortly thereafter.

It took me a long while to start reading it, but once I started, I couldn’t stop. Lilly’s story pulled me in. I plowed through the first five chapters in one night!

—

This was the perfect book to pull me out of my reading slump. I’ve always enjoyed memoirs and true stories, but this one really spoke to me.

Lilly was born in Alabama, and quickly learned that the best-paying jobs was at the nearby Goodyear plant. She was one of the first women to be a manager at the plant. Nearly 20 years later, she was anonymously notified that her salary was thousands less than the male managers.

She decided to fight, and took her battle all the way to the Supreme Court. Eventually, her name was put on President Obama’s first official piece of legislation. Throughout the years, Lilly’s dedication to this cause inspired many.

Lilly’s story covers her upbringing, her marriage, raising children, working different jobs, and learning the complicated ins and outs of the American legal system. Her never-quit attitude, in spite of so much adversity, losses, and harassment, was incredibly inspiring, and motivating.

—

This is one of those books that I plan to share with my future children. The future generations need to know about the fight for equal pay. We still have a long way to go, but reading Lilly’s story was encouraging in so many ways.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth

01.01.18
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Getting Personal #99: January Goals

Aristotle

Image Credit: Pinterest

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s the first day of 2018. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

To you, my readers, I wish that this year brings more peace, harmony, health, happiness, and joy to your lives! I’m so grateful that many of you, all around the world, continue to follow my blog and support my writing! Thank you!

Here are my goals for the month of January:

  1. See The Post.
  2. Attend the Annual Riverside Service Awards Dinner.
  3. Dust the house more often.
  4. Get better at weekly meal prep.
  5. Commit to regular journaling.
  6. Continue to make progress with my 2012 NaNoWriMo endeavor.
  7. Read at least three books.
  8. Put away the laundry as soon as it’s clean and dry.
  9. Celebrate Al’s birthday!
  10. Update my TBR.
  11. Announce my new blogging challenge for 2018.

Here’s the breakdown:

See The Post.

  • Al and I have been looking forward to this movie for a while now. Some of you may have guessed that I’m a sucker for movies involving journalism, so I’m excited to see Spielberg’s adaptation of the journalists publishing the Pentagon Papers. Plus, I can’t pass up a movie that stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

Attend the Annual Riverside Service Awards Dinner.

  • In honor of my five-year anniversary with Riverside Health System, I have been invited, along with a guest, to attend their Annual Service Awards Dinner this month. Al and I are excited to have dinner at the Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton!

Dust the house more often.

  • We’ve been plagued with sinus issues and allergy symptoms since the weather turned cold. I figure dusting and vacuuming the house a bit more regularly may help a bit.

Get better at weekly meal prep.

  • Al recently tagged me in this video from Tasty: Meal-Prep Chicken 5 Ways.
  • Our plan is to use Sundays to get everything ready for the following week.

Commit to regular journaling.

  • I’ve received several really nice hard-bound journals as gifts. It’s about time that I start using them!
  • My initial goal is to start with this 100 Writing Topics post – One topic at a time – and see where that takes me this month!

Continue to make progress with my 2012 NaNoWriMo endeavor.

  • I’m not setting a specific word count goal this month, since I want to get back into the swing of things after being on hiatus for a while.

Read at least three books.

  • I just rearranged my stack on my nightstand to include the books that Al gave me for Christmas. Get ready for more Book Reviews, coming soon!

Put away the laundry as soon as it’s clean and dry.

  • After spending well over an hour tonight emptying three full laundry baskets between the two of us, it’s nice to reclaim some space in our bedroom. I want to be more efficient!

Celebrate Al’s birthday!

  • Al’s birthday is toward the end of the month. I’m excited to make him his favorites: Surf and turf, plus cookie cake! Yum!

Update my TBR.

  • The newest quarterly update is coming to the blog very soon!

Announce my new blogging challenge for 2018.

  • Look for this announcement before this week is over!

Do you have any goals for the month of January?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.31.17
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Getting Personal #98: December Goals Recap

Image result for new year's eve quotes

Image Credit: LoveThisPic

I’ve been saying for days and weeks that it’s hard to believe it’s December, that it’s the last month of 2017. Now, today is New Year’s Eve. Wow!

Here’s the link to my December Goals post:

Ready?

Here we go!

  1. Decorate for Christmas. — Accomplished!
  2. Enjoy Al’s company Christmas party. — Accomplished!
  3. See Star Wars: The Last Jedi. — Accomplished!
  4. Celebrate Lyndsey’s birthday! — Accomplished!
  5. Host Christmas Breakfast for the first time. — Accomplished!
  6. Make chocolate mousse for Christmas dinner. — Accomplished!
  7. Get back into reading. — Accomplished!
  8. Make at least one thrift store donation run. — Accomplished!

Here’s the breakdown:

Decorate for Christmas. — Accomplished!

  • We put up our Christmas tree in our living room on December 10th, and I set out the wooden Jingle Bells blocks. I also changed out the Halloween ribbon on our monogrammed “V” wreath. It’s not super fancy, but it’s pretty.

Image may contain: christmas tree and indoor

Image may contain: indoor

Enjoy Al’s company Christmas party. — Accomplished!

  • We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on December 8th. So many people got into the theme and really liked it. Plus, Al, Frances, and Kathryn actually got to relax a little and enjoy the cocktail hour and the party. We all had fun!
  • Al and I even won one of the door prizes – A weekend getaway to the Williamsburg Winery!

See Star Wars: The Last Jedi. — Accomplished!

  • We saw the movie on Thursday, December 14th. It was SO GOOD. Al’s seen it twice now. We received several generous gift cards to the movies for Christmas, so we’ll definitely be seeing it a few more times!

Celebrate Lyndsey’s birthday! — Accomplished!

  • We drove up to Lynchburg, Virginia on Saturday, December 16th. We met Lyndsey and many friends at O’Charleys for dinner, games, photos, and gifts. We had a lot of fun.
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling

Lyndsey had awesome photo booth props!

Host Christmas Breakfast for the first time. — Accomplished!

  • On Christmas morning, we hosted Al’s parents, my parents, Nick, Savy, and Mia. Between Al’s mom, Savy, and me, we had waffles, egg casserole, goat cheese and tomato tarts, kielbasa, coffee, mimosas, and more! Everything was delicious!

Make chocolate mousse for Christmas dinner. — Accomplished!

  • It was the consistency of chocolate pudding when dessert time rolled around, but everyone really liked it. We even had leftovers!

Get back into reading. — Accomplished!

  • Finally! I’m almost finished with my current book. Look for a new Book Review soon, hopefully this week!

Make at least one thrift store donation run. — Accomplished!

  • Earlier in December, Al and I loaded up my car to the gills (full trunk, full backseat), and went out in the cold and drizzle to the local CHKD thrift store. More to come, but we got our dining room back!

Final Thoughts:

  • I was able to put Accomplished next to ALL EIGHT THINGS!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

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

Come back tomorrow to see my January Goals!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.27.17
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Writing Prompt #90: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 52)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #52: Did This Challenge Change You?

I firmly believe this challenge changed me. I enjoyed doing a post every Wednesday during 2017. It caused me to stretch my brain, use my imagination, and focus on little things. It was a great exercise throughout this year. Thanks to Kristian for inspiring me in the first place!

Someone asked me if I plan to do a similar challenge in 2018. The answer is yes! I’ve been actively researching them over the last week or so. I plan to reveal it sometime next week!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.20.17
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Writing Prompt #89: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 51)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #51: 100 Things To Be Thankful For.

This was a tough one! I definitely have a lot to be thankful for in my wonderful, blessed life.

  1. My amazing parents.
  2. My wonderful husband.
  3. Having a loving family.
  4. Marrying into a huge family!
  5. Being a part of the PEO sisterhood.
  6. Being a sister of Alpha Sigma Tau.
  7. The ability to travel.
  8. A beautiful house.
  9. Air conditioning and heat.
  10. A great job.
  11. Access to quality education.
  12. Being able to get fresh food.
  13. Having spending money.
  14. Building savings.
  15. Being able to access the Internet at virtually any time.
  16. Being raised in a loving church.
  17. Access to public libraries.
  18. Having a reliable car.
  19. Having the skills / ability to fix my car, and other things.
  20. Being able to communicate effectively.
  21. Having a variety of skills.
  22. Access to books.
  23. Clean air.
  24. Clean water.
  25. Having a cup of coffee every morning.
  26. Being part of a team, many times over.
  27. Learning critical thinking.
  28. Being one small part of an amazing blogging community.
  29. Freedom of the press.
  30. Freedom of religion.
  31. Freedom of speech.
  32. The right to vote.
  33. Being an American citizen.
  34. Being able to get a passport.
  35. Being able to see movies in the theaters.
  36. The opportunity to have seen so many different cities and countries already.
  37. Access to a gym to work out and keep my body healthy.
  38. Having decent health insurance.
  39. The ability to problem-solve.
  40. Stress relievers.
  41. Having a bathtub for those days where a long bath with a fizzy bath bomb is warranted.
  42. Budgeting.
  43. Having a shredder.
  44. Clearing the clutter.
  45. Improving our home.
  46. Collecting things for my American Girl dolls.
  47. Having an amazing support system.
  48. The ability to celebrate big things, and small things.
  49. Those who aren’t afraid to tell it like it is.
  50. Nostalgia.
  51. Warm hugs.
  52. Comfort food.
  53. Fleece blankets.
  54. Spending time with family and friends.
  55. Trying new things.
  56. Feeling amazing after a haircut.
  57. Being able to get a massage at the chiropractor’s office.
  58. Disney movies.
  59. Star Wars.
  60. Having a camera to explore photography.
  61. Making people smile.
  62. Making people laugh.
  63. Helping others.
  64. Giving blood.
  65. Encouraging others to give blood.
  66. Feeling satisfaction when a plan comes together.
  67. Chocolate mousse.
  68. A warm bed for sleeping.
  69. Concerts.
  70. Art.
  71. Music.
  72. Flowers.
  73. Nature.
  74. Animals.
  75. Dogs.
  76. Sending care packages.
  77. The first responders that work incredibly hard every single day – The police, firefighters, EMTs.
  78. Doctors and nurses.
  79. Everyone in our military, past and present.
  80. The times when I don’t have to set an alarm.
  81. Being able to come home to my husband every weekday.
  82. Using my talents.
  83. Trivia nights.
  84. Podcasts.
  85. National Public Radio.
  86. Popcorn.
  87. Sushi.
  88. Colorful gel pens.
  89. Amusement parks.
  90. Roller coasters.
  91. The seasons.
  92. The Muppets.
  93. Sesame Street.
  94. All the teachers in my life.
  95. Holidays.
  96. Mental health days.
  97. Surprises.
  98. Brunch.
  99. The occasional mimosa.
  100. Learning something new every single day.

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.13.17
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Writing Prompt #88: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 50)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #50: Lessons Learned This Year.

I feel like I learn more things every year. This year, 2017, was no exception.

I’ve learned more about being a wife, and a homeowner.

I’ve learned more about my job, and my career aspirations. I learned how to deal with the devastation of a supervisor leaving for a better opportunity. It hurts, but I’m so happy for them.

I learned how to have fun while balancing work and school. I’m giving more time to myself to enjoy little things, like playing Roller Coaster Tycoon for a few hours on the weekend!

I’ve definitely grown this year, and looking to grow even more in 2018!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.06.17
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Writing Prompt #87: “52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge” (Week 49)

52-weeks-of-gratitude-challenge

First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.

Week #49: Things You Like About Winter.

This post comes as we’re preparing for some of the coldest weather since the beginning of the year. It was 70 degrees yesterday, and today it’s falling into the 40s! It’s possible that we will see some snow flurries on Friday night, too. That’s exciting to think about!

I’m grateful for simple things, like working heat at our house. Being cold-natured, I also love different blankets. A few years ago, a friend gave me a fleece blanket that’s red and green and Christmas-themed. It’s time to pull it out of the closet!

As much as I gripe about being cold, I enjoy seeing the snow on the trees and the ground. The cold weather also seems to make the sunrises and sunsets prettier.

We’re planning to put up our Christmas tree this week. I love listening to Christmas music while we work – Al used Spotify last year, and it was awesome! With recent car issues (All good now) and some stress at work, I’m in need of some holiday spirit.

I drink more hot chocolate in the winter. I also love making peppermint bark! Delicious!

Winter is colder, and it gets darker sooner, but I love feeling the warmth, celebrating the Christmas season, and ringing in the New Year!

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

12.01.17
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Getting Personal #97: December Goals

December Goals - Pinterest

Image Credit: Pinterest

I’m just stunned that we’re one day into the last month of 2017. I can’t believe it!

Here are my goals for the month of December:

  1. Decorate for Christmas.
  2. Enjoy Al’s company Christmas party.
  3. See Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
  4. Celebrate Lyndsey’s birthday!
  5. Host Christmas Breakfast for the first time.
  6. Make chocolate mousse for Christmas dinner.
  7. Get back into reading.
  8. Make at least one thrift store donation run.

Here’s the breakdown:

Decorate for Christmas.

  • We’re already planning to put up the tree, hopefully this weekend!
  • I’m excited to go to Michael’s and switch out the Halloween ribbon on our monogrammed wreath.

Enjoy Al’s company Christmas party.

  • This year’s theme is the roaring ’20s / The Great Gatsby. I’m so excited!!

See Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

  • We have tickets for December 14th, but I’m pretty positive we will see this more than once before the month ends.
  • I was excited for The Force Awakens and Rogue One, but my enthusiasm for this one is at an all-time high.
  • I know I will cry every time I see or hear Carrie Fisher. May she rest in peace.

Celebrate Lyndsey’s birthday!

  • Lyndsey’s turning 30! We can’t wait to celebrate at Wintergreen Resort!

Host Christmas Breakfast for the first time.

  • I’m looking forward to having Al’s parents, Nick, Savy, Mia, and hopefully my parents to our house on Christmas morning. We’re already planning sausage casserole, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more!

Make chocolate mousse for Christmas dinner.

  • Al and I were successful in making this for Thanksgiving, so we’re looking forward to making it again for Christmas dinner at my parents’ house.

Get back into reading.

  • I have been in such a slump. I can’t explain it. I want to dive back in, but nothing on my bookshelf has peaked my interests. Suggestions are welcomed!

Make at least one thrift store donation run.

  • There’s already two gigantic piles of things to be donated. It all needs to go!

Do you have any goals for the month of December?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

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 🙂