Coco

Caught the movie "Coco Before Chanel" at the Belcourt with Amy.

Why is it that French movies tend to be so pretty? I found myself countless time humming the sing-song tunes and desperately wishing I was as elegant as Coco.


Best line of the movie...

‘When a woman cuts her hair, her life is about to change.’

So true, so true.

What A Morning...

This has been one of those mornings, I just wish we could start over.

I was grumpy as soon as I woke up. I was cold. My back hurt. Plus, I knew I was going to have to teach a regular education class today (instead of my lovely ELL kiddos). Grrr...

In the car, I checked my voicemail because I was not about to answer the phone when it rang so early this morning. I learned that my friend Becky passed away early this morning. Becky had stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 27. She was in my support group. I couldn't cry even though I really wanted to. 27 with something that is supposed to hit older women. It just seems so unfair.

Last night while checking the headlines, we read an article about a governmental task force that has changed the recommendations for mammogram. In the past, the cancer society said every woman over 40 should get a mammogram every year. They promoted self-checks in women of all ages. Now this task force wants to say that women should get mammograms every 2 years after the age of 50. They believe that self-checks are worthless. (Check out Google News or any big newspaper to read articles!) I cannot tell you how this made my blood boil. While it is true that mammograms are not always accurate and sometimes cause worry when there is no cause for concern, they do also save lives. As far as self-checks go, I just want to ask them when the heck do they mean they are worthless?!?!?! Every girl in my group found their lumps by self-checking (or boyfriend finding). Thank God we did. Thank God.

Please keep Becky's family in your prayers this week.

Oh to crawl back to bed...

Thankful List #2

Things I am thankful for this week...

Small group. Last Sunday night I went to a small group with two of my fellow teachers. It was my first time to attend. They are reading through the book The Power of the Blood Covenant. Our conversation focused on forgiveness. My thoughts on forgiveness have changed quite a bit over the past couple years and this conversation was really encouraging. I plan to go back.

My action research topic was approved!!! This is a big deal to me. My project is the main focus of one of my masters degrees I am pursuing. Now, I can actually start on the work. (Or at least think about starting. Ha! ;) )

The Smartt Household and Maggie. On Tuesday night, these wonderful people came over for dinner and to play games. Mayne made a fabulous Banana Foster. So much fun.

Written notes. What power written words hold. I feel like sometimes putting things in writing is far more meaningful than just saying something. I have been blessed to receive many kind notes.

Blankets. I crave them.

Anybody got anything that sticks out to them this week?

Panties With A Purpose

My friend Kelli had a marvelous idea for a service project. This one is especially for the ladies! (Guys, you can help too if you want.)

Here is what Kelli has to say...

Ladies,

I have an exciting opportunity to share with you to truly bless women in need.

I'm calling it "Panties with a Purpose" and it starts Today.

Do you get the "Free Panty" coupons from Victoria's Secret? Do you really need another pair to fill up your drawers?

Imagine what would happen if each of us used our coupons to redeem a pair of panties not for ourselves, but for women fleeing domestic violence situations with nearly nothing to their names.

The goal of Panties with a Purpose is to collect 100 pairs of panties to donate to the residents of Nashville's YWCA Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter.

The drive starts today and will go through November 30th. Once all the panties are collected, they will be donated to the YWCA.

So, how can you get involved? Let me tell you!

1. Use your VS free panty card to redeem a pair of panties in any size OR

2. If you don't have a card, buy a pair or package to donate

3. SPREAD THE WORD! Post this drive on your myspace, facebook and twitter accounts. Tell at least 10 other women about the drive and encourage them to participate.

4. Don't live in Nashville and want to take part? Find a shelter in your area and start a drive to support women in your community.


Panties with a Purpose...because it's no Secret that giving is beautiful
-Kelli

If you can help us out, it would be greatly appreciated! Email me if you have questions...
bethquarles@gmail.com

<3

First Thankful List

In the past, I have blogged about things I am thankful for during the month of November. It is that time of year again! This month, I will write a thankful list each Friday.

Things I am thankful for this foggy, fall morning...

Chai Lattes from Starbucks. I am a sucker for these things!
The Kindergarten team at my school. They made it a point to do something for me each week to let me know that I was being thought about.
My kiddos. Too precious!
Naps. I have been able to take a lot more lately. :)
My blue scarf. I love the color and it is so soft.
Catching my favorite dinner at Cracker Barrel. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken which they only serve on Wednesdays and I never think about it except on Thursday or some other day of the week. Got me some this week! :)
The Office. I am addicted. It truly tickles my heart.
Eyes. This might be sound rather odd, but I am thankful for them. To be able to see all the wonderful things around me, to see color, to see the fall leaves, to look in the eyes of friends... Something taken for granted too often.
Trip to Gatlinburg. This weekend, Amy and I are heading to the mountains to have a little reunion with many China friends. We all have been readjusting since being back in the States, so this will be a time of encouragement and relaxation. There are no real plans except to enjoy each others company, sit in a hot tub, and soak in the mountain air. I have packed a couple of books, my journal and I am hopeful for a stop at the huge Christmas store. So excited!

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October has come and gone. This year I was fully aware that it was breast cancer awareness month and it was celebrated/honored/whatever you want to call it.

The first Saturday in October was Nashville's Race for the Cure. We had more than 30 people sign up for Beth's Buddies team. We raised $2,462.70 We walked 3.2 miles. (Maybe we should count another mile for parking so far away...)

The second Saturday, Justin and I went to Little Rock, Arkansas for Race for the Cure with his family. For the past 4 years, they have been participating in the walk in honor of Justin's grandmother. This time we only walked 2.5 miles. When you have a chemo patient and a 2 year old I think 2.5 is just fine.

The third Saturday was Nashville's Strides Againest Breast Cancer. This time I walked with Beth's Bosom Buddies team. (see picture above) This team was made up of friends I made when I attended Granny White. While I no longer attend that church, these people are very dear to me. We raised $2,325.00 and walked 5 miles.

The last Saturday was spent in bed. Recovery. ;)

We also raised over $400 for the Susan G.Komen organization through "Deeply Rooted" t-shirt sales.

Amazing.

1 month.

3 walks.

10.7 miles.

Over 5,100 dollars.

Lots of friends.

Tremendous support.

One truly blessed girl.

An Inspirational Family and Woman

At this season in my life, I have met many people who are worthy of admiration. There is one family though that has had a huge impact on me rather recently (and may not have even known it). Meet the Cruze family...

Meggie (the beauty in pink shorts) was a member of my small group last year. Meggie is one of those people who you just love being around. She is so much fun! In June, Meggie shared that her mom had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was devastated. Rightfully so.

Over the past couple of months when talking and emailing with Meggie, she has shared her mom's positive outlook. The whole Cruze family has relied fully on God to get them through Mrs. Cruze's chemo. The Cruze girls wore matching necklaces on days their mom had treatments. Mrs. Cruze went around the house singing "gypsies, tramps and thieves..." when she lost her hair and wore scarves. They all loved on each other and built an army of prayer warriors around them.

All of these things, I have thought a lot about when I have had a crappy moment. "What would Mrs. Cruze do?" ;) We have never actually met, but she is an inspiration to me.

On Wednesday Mrs. Cruze will be undergoing her last chemo treatment! This is so exciting!!!!!

So thankful for the inspirational and amazing people in my life...