Rain

"It's raining now, but there will be more consistent rain later." Those were the weatherman's words at 6:15 this morning.

At first I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and scream. More "consistent rain?" What's more consistent than seventeen days of rain, breaking a 110 year record in Oklahoma City?

After my study time this morning I began looking up the different references to rain in the Bible. Pretty interesting. It seems it's one of those things God uses to prove himself and make a point when needed. In the Old Testament He withheld rain because of sin among the people, used it to fulfill prophecy and flooded the earth in the days of Noah. Other times the Bible speaks of rain as a blessing, a refreshment to our land and compares His power to that of the rain.

Generally I don't like this many rainy days in a row (or even half this many!...or even a third this many!!) and I can't say I have changed my mind. I resolved this morning to enjoy today's rainy day and simply reflect on God's power to control things like this. Rain serves clear purposes in the Bible - to refresh, sometimes to destroy and to display the amazing power of God.

Today Lord, let me reflect on the rain and allow you examine my heart for those things that need to be washed away. Refresh my spirit to flourish in your love and be glorified as your power is displayed in our land (for the last SEVENTEEN days). ...Oh, and as soon as you feel like it, feel free to parade your power through that amazing sun you've made. :)

Caution: Use the Drive-Through

I love Taco Bueno. It's possible I could eat it everyday if it were a health food (which it clearly is not.) Since being pregnant, I've decided to put some boundaries in place that will stop me from eating my ever-increasing-weight in beef chilada platters. I will only allow myself to eat Taco Bueno AFTER a doctor's visit and only if I've kept the weight gain in a very respectable range.

Today was my big day. Following my 1pm doctor's visit I nearly ran to my car to rush over to Broadway & 2nd Street -- location of my favorite Bueno. I skipped the drive through because sometimes it's really not faster... Inside I placed my order (and ordered a little "snack" for the kids because I didn't intend to share even one chip with them - NOT ONE!)

A rowdy looking red-headed twenty-something guy walked in and took his place at the counter while I waited for my order to be filled. He overheard a spanish-speaking worker in the back and decided to show off for me. Rattling off what was obviously "text-book" espanol, he tried to communicate with the worker. Spare me... Turning to me he shot me a wink and an "I'm so incredibly cool with my hole-y t-shirt and bilingual sex appeal" look. Does he not notice I'm pregnant? (and violently hungry?!) Which of those two things is attractive to someone at least ten years younger than me?

Perhaps it's because I didn't swoon over his display of multi-culturalism that he took it to the next step. "I just told that guy I'm dangerous...in Spanish." Pal, I'm dangerous, and I won't cloak the message in a foreign language.

"It's hot out today." Thank you, David Payne for the obvious commentary.

"That's why I moved from Phoenix back to Oklahoma--to get away from the heat." Logical choice to escape summertime heat? Where is my food?

"Do you know Spanish? I can speak it awesome but I can't understand what they're saying...Did you understand what I told him? Wasn't that funny?" No. You don't say?..., No. Not in the least.

"Yeah, I was in a [censored] rock band out there but I couldn't take the heat." No you weren't. And I can't take this any longer. Please! Just slap on some sour cream and let's get going!

"We had record deals and contracts and everything but it wasn't worth it man." No you didn't. And I'm beginning to think Bueno isn't worth it. Forget the salsa. I want my order!

The spanish worker apparently wanted to help this guy's chances of picking up on a pregnant-obviously-not-interested-thirty-something-woman by making his order first and faking his elite status at the Bueno. Whatever.

He got his first and left me with "See ya round." Most likely you won't.

I checked my order only to discover it was actually HIS order and he had escaped with my precious chilada platter! I alerted the worker of the situation and waited patiently for mine to be redone. In the meantime...Rocker Rick comes back on the scene a few minutes later and says, "Gal, this must be yours. I opened up the chips and then remembered [heh, heh, heh] I didn't order any." And hands it to me. The worker looks at me from behind the counter as if to encourage me to take his sack and exit the restaurant happy. I offered her a look that politely (seriously, politely) "encouraged" her to simply start over on my sack of calories.

After fifteen minutes in Taco Bueno I finally left with the prize. I ate every bite. Then I vowed not to abuse my body again until July 19 after the next weigh in. And next time I will use the drive-through.

I'm A Sucker For A Bargain

This isn't the first time I've fallen victim to a telemarketer. You'd think after 14 years in the business I would not be swayed by an articulate young person who concisely answers all my questions and actually knows how to close a sale correctly without railroading his prey. But no.

Two days ago I received a call to come and tour a resort in Branson. I know it's a timeshare presentation but I got all wrapped up in what he was going to give me just for showing up.

Two nights accommodations at a hotel in Branson, 2 two-day passes to Silver Dollar City (valued over $50 each), 4 Showcase Theater tickets (valued at $26.50 each) for a show. -- I picked the magic show for the boys. All this for the low, low price of ... what do you think? $159, convienently billed to my Discover card.

But wait! I know their tricks and I know they had a fallback offer and then a last effort offer so I went right for the "supervisor" and the "last effort" request. $79 was the rock-bottom price. I bit the hook. So, we'll spend a "couple" of dollars in gas money, 90-minutes of our weekend, eat sandwiches on the way, drink fountain water at SDC and enjoy a cheap family weekend out of town.

I'll let you know how it turns out. And I'll let you know if Chad changes his mind as to whether this is a good idea or not... I'm afraid he'll put us on the national Do Not Call registry if I do this again. :)

The BFFs Speak Other Languages

Are you kidding me? You thought you actually found the link?
No, this is long gone.
Neva to be seen again.
Nice try.

Look But Don't Touch...

Let me preface this whole complaint with this... I am enjoying pregnancy this time and I'm looking forward to welcoming a little crying-sleeping-eating-pooper into our home this fall. Okay, with that said...

I simply don't get why perfect strangers feel such complete freedom to touch a pregant belly without permission! I didn't think it was cool ten years ago (yikes, has it been 10 years already?!) and the idea hasn't grown on me.

While shopping at Best Buy today a strange lady (by all accounts) came up and elbowed her way into my personal space placing her left hand on my tummy. I gave her a disapproving look which should have signaled her to BACK UP! Missing the cue, her right hand joined in the fun and began feeling around like she was going to actually prompt some action from inside. As politely as possible I took a step back and gave her the second look that any reasonable person would have accurately interpreted. Maybe she thought I had heartburn? Lady, you can look, but don't touch.

Now easy, everyone... I know it's perfectly harmless and I should be flattered but being handled by strangers just isn't my thing. BUT to all my friends and family who actually know my name...you may certainly touch the belly bump without permission -- that's perfectly welcomed and acceptable. Tiny Heinecke loves the hugs. :)