At Last it's Growing

So I finally took my braids out, I had my hair done in braids for a total of 5 months. Let me tell you it was so great waking up and not have to hassle with have to do my hair, just get up and go. It had been a total of 8 months since I last saw my hairstylist, Erin. I was going to try to do my hair natural, and sport a little Afro but that turned out not to be a good idea. So I went and got my hair done, Erin said that I had about 3" of growth...which is amazing. I think that I will let my hair rest and then in a few months possibly get braids again.

March 2009








October 2009

Live Wire

My church's youth program merged with a partnering church's youth group about 2 months ago. It has been a great experience, I enjoy spending time with the students. They are all really good kids. We have the Jr. High service on Sunday nights and the Sr. high service on Monday nights. Turns out the Youth Pastor had his ten year high school reunion last weekend and was out of town. The other two leaders were out celebrating her 30th birthday. So that left me in charge of the Jr highers.... I did have some help there was a couple (who are parents of one of the students) stay and help me last night. I had them play a game involving balloons, which I must not have explained very well because by the time the game was over there was no winner. They totally missed the point of the game, but they definitely had fun popping them. I was also in charge of giving the message last night. This was going to be my first time speaking in front of this group of students and thought that I was going to be super nervous, surprisingly I wasn't. I spoke on cliques and the importance of getting rid of them and if I do say so myself it went rather well. I actually liked it, it was great and I look forward to the next time I get the opportunity to speak. Who would of thought!

On Your Mark

I recently returned from a two day Leadership Conference in Atlanta GA, Catalyst Conference. I was blessed with the opportunity to go to this conference free. I was accompanied by three other awesome people, Rob, Glenn, and Kailey. God wasted no time hitting me with it hurt. The conference was filled with a lot of wonderful speakers and I took a lot away from each of them. The theme of Catalyst was On Your Mark, making a mark on the world (through leadership). Not just your mark, but allowing God to make his mark through you.
God has been dealing with me in the of a career. I think I know what it is God has called me to, but I would still like to have a little more confirmation. At the conference there were a few speakers that said things that spoke directly to me, somewhat of a mini confirmation. I guess I'm just hesitate to publicly proclaim what I feel God is telling me, because I have gone down this road a few times already. I really just want to make sure that this is what God has called me to do, so I'm still praying about it and I will wait for his timing. There was something that Rob Bell said that stuck with me, "Whatever Christ has for you to do, may be costly, bloody, and hard; but there is a difference between difficulty and burden. God will not give you a burden."
The main point that was universal with all speakers was God has invited each of us to play apart/role in HIS story. It's not about us, it's never about us, it is always about God. Pictured above: Glenn, Kailey, Rob, Mark?, Phil, Me
Two days before I left for the conference I lost my credit card (actually it had been missing a lot longer than that but I hadn't noticed). Then while I was in GA, I somehow managed to lose $50 and I also left both pairs of my prescription glasses that the Hotel. Geesh, I called the hotel and they are sending them back to me, I also lost my ear buds to my ipod. I'm not sure what the deal is but I sure am tired of losing things. All in all it was an awesome trip and I am so happy that I was able to go!
P.S. We stayed in the Marriott!

Think Pink

So my hours have been cut at work, but for some reason my bills didn't get the memo and are still going strong. So I'm in the process of being a Substitute Teacher with Seminole County Public schools. I should know something within the next week or so. I know, you're thinking Sub?...Vicki do you know how kids treat Subs?? Yes I know I used to be one of those bratty kids, but I've decided to pursue a Certification in Teaching again. Since I already have a BA all I have to do is take 3 tests and the I'll get a temporary teaching certification good for 3 yrs. This isn't my first attempt with this I took the first of three test last year and missed passing it by 4 pts. Let's just say I didn't take that news well and gave up to quickly. Very rarely does anyone pass the first time. The only thing that stinks is the school board has raised the prices of taking the test. Last year when I took them it was $50 and then $100 for re-takes. (I know shouldn't re-takes be cheaper..I don't know, doesn't make sense to me) Now it is anywhere from $150-170 for the first time and $220 for the second. So since money is an issue I don't see me taking these test anytime soon.



Having said that I am proud to announce that I have started my own business with Mary Kay. I am now an Independent Beauty Consultant. I had my Debut party last night and am ready to get things rolling. I haven't used Mary Kay in over a 11yrs so I been enjoying all the new products Mary Kay has and pampering myself daily..fun, fun! There are a lot of perks to working with Mary Kay, like setting your own hrs, moving up in the company as slow or as fast as you like, getting your products 50% off, earning the use of a company car. Once you get access to a car Mary Kay will pay 85% of your car insurance and you get a car every 2yrs. That's one great deal. I am here for any of your Mary Kay needs whether it be products, questions, or wanting more info on becoming a Consultant yourself. I do have a website that you can go to, to simply look at what we have to offer or to shop. www.marykay.com/vbeachman

Heart Full of Pain

I don't even know what to say right now, my emotions are all over the place. Over the course of two months there have been seven people who have passed away (either that I have known directly or a loved one of someone close to me) Yesterday a co-worker died of a massive heart-attack (I just saw him earlier that day). It's getting to the point where it just seems so surreal, like some big joke and they're all going jumped out from around the corner at any moment. The last time I dealt with these many deaths clustered together like this was my senior year in High School. That year I attended five funerals, all of friends I went to school with.

My heart is just aching for the families and friends of those who have gone ahead. I never realized that my heart could hurt so much for others. I know what it is like to lose someone close to me and I do not wish that upon anyone. But at the same time I know that is un-realistic, death is an inevitable part of life and we will all experience it, directly or indirectly. I know that they are in a much better place but that doesn't ease the pain any. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to those who are dealing with the aftermath of losing someone. I pray that God's peace and comfort would encompass you and those around you.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."
-Psalm 29:11

The Light Show

I have lived in Florida for almost three years and this was the first year I have seen the fireworks here. I started off the evening with a BBQ at Rob's house, followed by some Guitar Hero, and then the fireworks. It was great being able to hang out with friends, making memories. It was hilarious, as we were waiting for the show, Haley (Rob's daughter) started dancing..... 'like a Rock Star'. This conversation followed.
Haley: "Vicki dance with me!"
Vicki: "Haley, I don't dance"
Haley: "Yes YOU do!!!!"
(You see occasionally I babysit her and her brother and I have been known to let loose)
Vicki: "Haley, what I do at the house isn't exactly something I do in public!"

She still wanted me to dance but kind of left it at that. The fireworks were great, I even went to the ones downtown the following night with another group of friends.

I'm a Winner

Before I left for vacation I won a prize package through a local radio station. The only thing I really had to do was write in a 100 words or less why I deserve this package. My little entry didn't really make sense because I thought I was entering another contest. I guess they just felt sorry for, however it doesn't matter because I got free stuff, YAY! Ok, so this is want was inside:
John Tesh CD, a t-shirt, a $100.00 gift card, vitamins, a pack of granola bars, facial cleanser, hand cream (a little bag to put them in), a book (Will work from home). I haven't really used any of the stuff yet, have to finish up the stuff I already have first. And I'm saving the gift card for a rainy day.