Little Rock Part Dos

First of all, valet parking makes me nervous.

I get so anxious and concerned that did something wrong.
I'm not sure if there is a true incorrect way to get out of your car unless you fall out of it or climb through the window, but I always think I did something wrong.
Miles before we reach the hotel, I have to have all the contents of my purse inside my purse and not spilled out and strewn between the front and back seats. I have to dispose of candy wrappers, Starbucks bottles, casserole dishes, cake pans and all the other snacking material we bring on 5 hour trips.
Then there is the moment where you have to make a quick desicion about who is going to get the luggage, my make-up/getting-ready tote bag, and the mass of pillows we bring.
I don't want to be the only idiot carrying her own possessions. This is a classy joint.

So we made it through check-in just fine.

The Peabody had more than just ducks in the lobby.

They like soap in the shape of a duck.

Pictures of ducks on the coasters.

Ducks on the notepad.

And even..

These telephones were scattered all over the common areas.

And all of them had a personalized note just for us next to them.

Yeah, right.

We were 4th floor guests.

They don't do that sort of thing for mere 4th floor guests.

The views of the river were great.

However, we were forbidden not allowed directly discouraged from exploring all the view-points.

The Little Rock River Festival was going on the same weekend we were there.

The rude lady that told us we couldn't walk around the hotel we had paid to stay in direct lady informed us that some people tried to go through the hotel grounds and attend the festival without paying.

We informed her that wasn't a problem with us, because we didn't want to attend the festival, we just wanted to take pictures.

She repeated her statement about it being 'off limits'.

We again assured her we had no interest in going to the River Festival but would like to go down a few levels of the hotel's outside balconies.

She then repeated the same statement.

We tried to convey to her not only our lack of desire to attend the festival, but also how we loathed crowds and it was entirely too hot to be in one, but she didn't budge.

We got our pictures though.

The next morning while I was snoozing because I was in a king sized bed with about 12 pillows, the hotel had a late check out, the air conditioner was set on 65, and the curtains blocked 99% of the blinding sunlight, Mr. Z went down and took some early morning shots.

Because most of the roads were closed down around the hotel for River Fest, we had to walk most anywhere we wanted to go in the vacinity of the hotel. There is some great architecture and great restaurants around.

Mr. Z did his research before he booked the hotel to find us the most accessible places.

We didn't quite get this.

I will let you draw your own conclusions.

We found a couple of restaurants that weren't too far from the hotel (if we drove) that we thought we would try. We picked up our car from the valet (no catastrophe), and headed to go eat mexican. Something we have both longed for since we left Texas. Due to roads being blocked off, we couldn't park close to the restaurant without paying to park in a parking lot. So we headed back to the hotel, and took off hiking.

We used the maps app for walking directions.

After a few new blisters and sweat damp clothes we were ready for some tea and fajitas.

Apparently we are not alone in our loathing of crowds.

They were closed.

Ok. We can handle this we told one another.

We will not break through the windows and raid their coolers.

We found another place we wanted to try.

0.3 miles away.

Bigger blisters and a little sweatier and much wearier, closed.

We remembered we had passed a little joint way back right next to the hotel that was open.

The Hop Diner.

As we walked through the door, we noticed several hand written signs.

One of which read: "This is not a fast food restaurant Please allow us time to make your food fresh"

You could tell it was written with a little attitude.

Immediately I liked this place.

Near the register there was another sign that read: "If you do not have time to put away your cell phone, we do not have time to serve you"

Maybe 4 minutes after we sat down one of the ladies that had obviously been there since the early shift walked over and put up the closed sign.

When the waitress came over she sat down at the table with us and asked if she could sit for a minute.

We welcomed her to our table and told her she could hide there for a while.

The crowd had hit them hard.

The food was great! Simple diner food.

With a water and sweet tea.

That's a great time.

Oh Ohh Little Rock

Memorial Day weekend for our anniversary/birthdays we took a little trip up to Little Rock.

We just wanted a little one-night getaway and some sight-seeing.

And barbecue.

Whole Hog Cafe was great!

Uncle B let us in on this little jewel.

The menu is simple.

Beef, pork, chicken.

I got the pork.

After our bellies were full, we went across the street to Fabulous Finds Antiques.

As soon as we walked in, she was there to greet us.

I knew we had found a great place.

There was so much stuff, I had forgotten most of it until now while I'm going through the pictures.

I'm going to have to do a separate post for the rest.

If you ever get a chance to stop by, do it and bring your camera.

After paying for our few items, we made our way back to the hotel.

Boy, did Mr. Z surprise me.

We stayed at The Peabody right on the river.

The Lobby was beautiful and calming.

It even smelled like vanilla.

Ducks.

In the lobby!

At this point, I was really glad we didn't bring Beaux.

Now, he would have loved it...

But we would have been politely asked to leave.

And handed a bill.

No pun intended.

Blogger isn't letting me upload any more photos right now.

I'll post more of our trip later.

Reconnected

Tickle me pink!

My wireless internet is now up and running again!

I had been reluctant about trying to locate someone to work on my computer not because I thought I could do it myself, no I'm not that ambitious.

I simply have been too overwhelmed to try to coordinate schedules with someone to work on my computer.

Today, I talked to Daddy about trying to figure out what needed to be done.

He has been knee deep (quite literally) in his own things to fix.

To begin with, the septic tank needed to be replaced (like I said, knee deep), a hot water line leak needed to be fixed, lawn mower, bobcat, tractor, other lawn mower, weed eater, and a few other things I'm sure I missed all decided Momma and Daddy needed a refresher course in patience.

Anyway, today I talked to Daddy about my computer. I explained that the wireless internet indicator light wouldn't come on so I thought there was something wrong with the wireless chip. He sent me home with a few things to check.

According to the computer, the wireless device was working fine. I attempted to argue that it obviously was not, but then I thought maybe it was a good thing. I may not have to tear into the mother board (forgive any misused computer lingo, I'm not that fluent) Perhaps there was simply a problem with the mechanics of the switch.

I tried pushing it with force. No little blue tower light.

I tried pushing with more force. No little blue tower light.

I tried pushing with more force. No little blue tower light.

This went on for several minutes. 

I tried blowing into it like a Nintendo game. No little blue light.

OK, I was out of ideas. I know, the intuitive ideas of a renowned mechanic's daughter are astounding. 

I decided to click on the handy 'Help and Support' tab.

It explained that a switch on the side controlled the wireless internet. Turn it to 'on' to enable wireless internet.

I was about to give up.

Then the next sentence said you may be able to use the function key to also turn the wireless internet on and off.

Function + F2 = Becky's life is back in order.

I still don't know what happened to the switch, so I think I may lose about 0.00001 minutes of sleep tonight over that.

Lately...

I have so many things piling up to blog about. 

Not being able to use the internet with my computer is really throwing a wrench in my plans.

Of course Mr. Z says I can use his whenever I want, but things aren't set up and organized the same way on his computer as they are on mine. They are organized, but not with my system.

However, if I don't find time to take my laptop to someone who can fix it, I may have to start reorganizing.

So just a preview of things to come:

Baby birds

Roses

Lemon tree

Wedding box from Mawmaw

Riding a bicycle

Lavender

Porch and sweet tea

Happy Mother's Day!

The Glamorous Life of a Doctor

People have been asking me, "So what does it feel like now that your a doctor?".

To tell the truth, I don't feel much different.

Except maybe a little more stressed.

The best laid plans don't usually happen.

You know that, right?

2 days before graduation I took my Louisiana board exam.

The test wasn't that difficult.

They said it took about 7 days to grade them and if I paid my money ahead of time, they could issue my license that same day.

Great!

The doctor I had been doing a preceptorship with was going on vacation for 3 weeks.

He was leaving 1 week after graduation.

Timing, it seemed to all fall into place.

Everyday I have checked the mail.

I have called the Board so much I think they may be screening my calls.

This entire week I have had to turn patients away.

I hate that.

Today, I stayed home a little longer on my lunch break waiting for "Mr. Mailbox".

[Little side note, Mr. Z worked for the US postal service for a little while. At a couple of apartment complexes kids would run after him calling "Mr. Mailbox! Mr. Mailbox!". So now, everytime we see a postal delivery guy we call him Mr. Mailbox. You have been enlightened.]

So I waited for Mr. Mailbox.

When he came down the hill, he headed straight for The Little House!

I could barely contain my excitement!

He gave me a large envelope with some what felt like a binder inside and 2 small envelopes all from the State Board.

I was already going through the mental note of the patients I needed to call so I could see them this afternoon.

I don't know if other people are like me, but for some reason, I have to open the less important stuff first. Maybe it comes from childhood--"eat all your vegetables before you eat your cake".

I don't know. But at that moment I was frustrated because I knew I needed had to open the smaller letters first.

I opened the first letter.

Congratulations! You've passed the board exam. Once you pay $XXX we can issue your license. Stapled to it was a disclaimer: If you paid the license fee at the time of the exam, please disreguard this letter.

Whew!

The next letter.

Thank you for paying for your license. It will be mailed separately certified mail. Your official law book will also be mailed separately.

Hmm... Official law books probably come in a binder...

Yep.

So I got everything except the one thing I needed pronto.

Called the Board. I believe they were still at lunch and not screening my call. Had to wait. Called back at 2.

Yes, we have received everything and your license is in the mail. ... Yes, we mailed it out on the same day as the other. ... I don't know why you received the other before your license. ... No, I can not give you your license number over the phone. ... No, you may not see patients until you actually get your physical license. .. No, I will not accept bribes.

(Just kidding on that last part. ...Maybe...)

Yes, I can give you the tracking number.

Ok, I got the tracking number, went back to the office and as I was coming through the back door the phone was ringing. I ran to answer it. After the phone call I realized I had forgotten the tracking number in the car.

I went to get it.

And closed the back door behind me.

I spun around as I heard it latch.

I stared at it.

I tried to turn the knob. I tried to pull.

Nope. Locked.

I tried again.

Still locked.

I ran to the front door, knowing it was locked, too. I thought just maybe I had forgotten to lock it when I left to go to lunch. That wouldn't have been good, but at the moment it would have been fantastic.

Nope. Responsible me locked it.

My phone, my purse, everything except my car keys were inside. Including the number to the only other person in the country who has a key.

I got in my car, thankful that I had my keys and drove to Mitch's to get a Blue Bell cookies and cream waffle cone.

I found the number to a relative of the only other person who has a key. She laughed at me and gave me the number. Since I was eating Blue Bell, I didn't mind that she laughed.

She was working at another job, but she had the key with her.

Ok, just drive without getting stopped.

As I was leaving Mitch's there was a police officer at the counter placing an order. I had to avoid eye contact.

I made it there safe and without a traffic violation. Which is good because I don't know if Mitch's would have had enough Blue Bell.

I finally checked the tracking number and it doesn't work. It only shows when it is delivered.

If God is willing and the creek don't rise, I will be licensed and working my booty off tomorrow.

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to annouce I am almost a licensed doctor and use 'booty' in the same sentence.

Maybe they have something about that in the official law book I got today.

Update

Just a little update. 

Graduation was a success.

I wore heels and didn't fall down.

Now I am working at a chiropractic clinic as an associate doctor.

Also, my wireless internet on my laptop is not working. 

Until I get that working, blogging may be difficult and sporadic.

My Biography

I have applied to get my bachelor's degree.

I have completed all the coursework, but I need to send them a check and my biography.

I have been putting this off because I didn't know what to write.

Finally I sat down and bit the bullet.

I am Rebecca Zeagler. I was born to a mechanic and a housewife home-maker (edited per request of said home-maker) in Louisiana. Together, they gave me a happy and stable home. My father gave me my sense of understanding of the mechanical inner workings of almost anything, including the human body’s biomechanics. He also gave me an ability to appreciate subtle humor and the courage to never give up. My mother has given me perspective, the desire to laugh, and the ability to not dwell on unimportant things in life. She has also guided me and shown me truth as well as making me capable of standing on that truth. My older brother gave me my name and the encouragement to live up to that name. My younger brother gave me responsibility and independence. My paternal great grandmother gave me some of her creativity with the encouragement to use it. She also gave me motivation to never stop learning and to never be afraid of new things. My paternal grandfather gave me the ability to be content with what I have and the desire to never lose my way home. My paternal grandmother gave me the ability to think unconventionally and to laugh at my own shortcomings. My maternal grandfather gave me the capability to command attention when need be and the strong will needed to enforce it. My maternal grandmother gave me the desire to always perform a task as if I were doing it for the glory of the Lord and to know the value of family. My husband gave me the will to put someone else’s needs above mine and the encouragement to see my goals through to completion. My aunts and uncles have given me the vision to see that something that may seem imperfect is actually all together perfect.

My plans are to become licensed in Louisiana to practice chiropractic. I plan to practice in my hometown so I can give back to those people who have guided me along the way.

Ding Dong the Smell is Gone

Ding dong the awful smell is gone.

I just had the greatest idea I could do for this post.

I wanted to put this picture up...

And then a picture of Mr Z's feet sticking out from underneath the house while he was working on the plumbing.

Then I quickly realized I didn't take a picture.

Then I briefly contemplated asking him to get back under the house so I could take a picture.

I thought that would go over like a lead balloon.

So, insert imaginary picture of Mr Z's feet here:

Mr. Handyman installed an 'S' trap under the tub drain, took out a 'T' in the pipe that went to nothing, and carefully placed the remaining pipes back where they were supposed to go. 

So far, no more smell!!

You have no idea how happy this has made me.

A Few of My Favorite Things: Cleaning Products

We have been doing a lot of cleaning lately, so I would like to share with you some of our favorite products.
Enjoy!


Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products

The all-purpose cleaner is great! Their scents are awesome!

Pinesol

The smell of Pinesol reminds me of Momma's house, which reminds me of clean.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Dawn

Vinegar and hot water (Great for cleaning wood)

Easy-Off

This stuff is amazing. I don't use it often, but it gets the nastiness that builds up inside the oven off so easy!

Gain

Swiffer

Happy spring cleaning everyone!

Christmas in January

We decided several months ago to start a fund for our dream camera.

Well, not our dream camera, but the realistic version.

Mr. Z's Pawpaw loved photography. Some of Mr. Z's favorite childhood memories involve his Pawpaw showing him the in's and out's of his cameras. Then going out and taking photos of his Meme's daffodils or azaleas.

Mr. Z did some photography on the side a few years ago and has always wanted to get back into it.

He has some nice film cameras that take great pictures, but now it's almost impossible to get film developed properly.

So, between what we have managed to stash away and some cash we got for Christmas, we have finally done it.

Our delivery should be here this week.

Isn't it beautiful?

So, expect some posts of random pictures in the near future.

And possibly some cries for help when we can't figure out how to use the thing.

It's going to be so much fun!

Editing

Since the Big Move is coming up, we have been doing some editing.

It's amazing how much junk you can get rid of when you ask yourself one question:

"Is this ____ worth keeping if we have to move it across state lines?"

Then if you are still not sure, ask yourself:

"If we were to pack it and it fell off the truck, would I even know it was missing?"

We are also getting things together for a mega garage sale!

So that involves some more editing.

Anyone that has ever cleaned out a closet, or garage, or even a coupon drawer knows that feeling you get.

Lighter.

At this rate, I will be 132 lbs before it's all over.

Plans for 2011

2011 is going to be a big year!

Can you handle it?

There are going to be so many new opportunites, new experiences, new challenges.

Let's see, I'm going to have my first lesson for my new hobby, I will have a new title before my name, we are going to be back home, new jobs, new bills... I can hardly stand it!

I need a list. In all things trust the Lord and make lists.

That is the only way I get things done.

Pen to paper.

Finger to touch-screen.

(I found a post-it note app for my phone)

If I make a list, it is so rewarding to mark through things on that list.

That is the reason I get things done, just so I can mark through them.

And if I have a list and end up doing things that are not on that list, I write them on the list just so I can scratch it off.

If you need me to do something, it may be best to steal to my to-do list and add your task, because then I have do it.

If I don't feel like doing anything, I simply do not make a list, because no list = nothing to do.

Don't you love how we use our own made-up rules to get out of stuff that we don't want to do and we were the only one who thought it should have been done in the first place?

Anyway, my list.

1. Learn 24 Bible verses through Living Proof Blog Siesta Scripture Memory Team
2. Altar'd workshop with Mandie
3. Pack
4. Move to The Little House
5. Get a haircut (I've been spoiled by Aunt N so only her's will do)
6. Stop drinking Dr Pepper
7. Start preceptorships with other chiropractors
8. Huge junk garage estate sale
9. Card night with the ladies
10. Lose 50 pounds
11. GRADUATION!
12. Get my liscense to practice
13. Start working
14. Get paid
15. Pay taxes
16. Begin paying student loans
17. Start saving for our dream house
18. Start saving for retirement
19. Live happily ever after
20. Remember there is a purpose for all things

New Year Champagne

Every New Year's Eve since Mr. Z and I have been together he has forced me we have had champagne at mid-night.

Neither one of us care for champagne but it's a tradition. We take a sip and either give the rest away or pour it out.

It has been Mr. Z's mission the past few years to find a really good champagne that we would like.  You see, in most areas we have high-dollar taste. I mean take us to any store and we unintentionally pick the very most expensive thing in the entire place.  However, when it comes to wine or champagne, we have very cheap taste. 

 Two years ago, in his search to find us a champagne that we might not mind drinking, he found one flavored blood orange. At mid-night we popped it open, poured two glasses, and took sips. I was anticipating fighting a big urge to spit it out. I sipped and there was not gag reflex. I actually wanted another sip.

We looked at one another and poured ourselves some more. After the second glass, Mr. Z said we might need to know how much alcohol was in it before we get tipsy. 

There is was. Our reason we liked it so much. 

Non-alcoholic

Little Gingerbread House

Neither one of us had ever made a gingerbread house.

Crazy, right?

We thought it was about time.

You know I don't have patience for things to dry.

I soon learned that cake decorating would not be in my professional future.

Mr. Z saved the whole thing.

If I had been doing it alone, I would have ended up busting up the crackers and making some sort of gingerbread-candy pie.  With ice cream on top. And walnuts. And snickers.

And I would have ate it out of the pan with a spoon. And watched Rudolph.

I might still do that...

It makes a nice festive center-piece though.