Rebecca Ramirez - Plinky Answers

my shoes are bringin me home today

2009-05-08T14:04:22-06:00

ahh...I love shoes. I think they are the one thing that I could have an entire closet full and still want to buy more. Right now, I am wearing my brown sketcher 'boots'. I put them in parenthesis since they are "real" boots (though I have those too. These are the shoes I put on when I'm feeling a little more country but being that I am living in the city, walking around in my Ariats isn't...well kosher (at least to me). I always pair them with a good pair of jeans and a comfy shirt (today a army green tank). It is the "down home comfort" that reminds me of my roots and always makes me feel good.

Oh, to be in Costa Rica

2009-04-14T13:16:48-06:00

My husband was in charge of several items for our wedding this past November. One was the DJ (who came in under budget and surpassed our expectations) and then the honeymoon. After searching around, Kyle decided on Costa Rica.

Costa Rica in November is perfect. It rained late afternoons so it was cool in the evenings but sunny during the times you wanted to go on adventures. We stayed at two resorts (since it was our honeymoon after all) named Xandari and Peace Lodge. They were both wonderful. Xandari is a working farm so there were always fresh assortments of fruit as well as classic Costa Rican dishes.
Both locations had trails to phenomenal waterfalls and beautiful views of the mountains we were in. We even went on a zip line through the rain forest that was one of the best highlights of the trip.
Costa Rica is perfect because it is the perfect mix of rest and relaxation with adventure around every corner. The people are as kind as they could possible be and always very friendly and patient with our broken Spanish. Truth be told, the next chance I get, I'll be on a plane to visit again!

A hyenas vice will trip them up every time

2009-04-13T16:36:47-06:00

In a fight off between a gorilla and a pack of hyenas, it causes me to pause and consider each vice these animals face. You see, gorilla's are the black sheep of the family. You know, the monkeys are the clowns of the family and make everyone smile and laugh. Baboons get the rep of being the wise ones and are always on call for one reason or another. Even the chimpanzees have a better life since someone decided that the were the connection in the animal world to the dominant humans. Now the gorilla, well he doesn't quite fit in. He's too big, too hairy, and creates a mess wherever he goes. That would cause a lot of pent up anger.
Now as far as the hyenas, well their a pack of siblings and other family members. Sure they all get on each others nerves, but family is family, but this benefit will lead to their down fall in this match.
You see, the gorilla is jealous because of being the outcast and here are these annoyingly noisy family of hyenas that are out to cause some ruckus. The gorilla tries to walk around them but one of the mangy hyenas decides to mess with him. Well that causes some of the other hyenas to join in the fun and some others to try to fend off the annoyance. So now we have the hyenas divided with half in favor of harassing the gorilla and the other in favor of just leaving him be (mainly because he's big and already looks kind of ticked off). This causes the fight to shift from hyena and gorilla to hyena side one against hyena side 2. At this point the gorilla walks away, while the hyenas battle it out amongst themselves.

Gorilla: 1 Hyenas :0 at least for now.

I dress to impress in my heels

2009-04-10T09:53:36-06:00

The occasion can vastly change the outfit and if I am looking for THE outfit to impress...well, it can be determined by the shoes I wear.

high heeled shoes.

I have several "power suits" that I can whip out for a savvy business deal paired with a mean black stiletto. Or if the occasion is to make my husband remember why he thinks I am beautiful, a little dress with some show stopping, brightly colored heels are more than adequate. Personally, it is all determined in the shoes and accessories.

A million to children and missions.

2009-04-06T14:05:35-06:00

There are several organizations that I work with and know that they could utilize the money for a greater purpose. For example, Samaritan's Purse (they help in a number of different charities from sending shoe boxes filled with gifts to children to finding new hearts for people in third world countries who would otherwise die). Another group is Compassion International. My husband and I support 2 children through them (one in Guatemala, the other in El Salvador) and the opportunity to give children a better life is hard to pass up.
Outside of those, I would donate a large portion to my parents. Not as a "pay back" for what they have done (I would never be able to reach a high enough amount) but to fund their calling of creating a "get-away" for missionaries and pastor's on furlough as well as expanding an educational program to teach people the importance of agriculture and ways to create their own food sources. They in themselves are a worthy investment.
Ultimately it is all to the kingdom of God and I would try to honor him with the gift of the million dollars, wherever it came from.

Collard greens, country fried steak, okra, homestyle gravy and biscuits...mm-mmm!

2009-04-06T13:49:59-06:00

My 3 favorite food "groups" are Mexican *authentic, not tex-mex,* italian (basically any pasta and cheese variety), and Southern (you know, the good, fattening, pass some more butter kind of comfort foods).

best country fried steak

But being that I cook best from my own heritage (despite loving my husbands) I would have to stick with Southern. Coming from a southern family and knowing the food makes it easier for me to prepare and give greater variation. I may be about 50-100 lbs over weight after that year, but boy howdy will it be good eatin!

I support Farmers, period!

2009-04-06T13:35:23-06:00

On a unique point, I am not necessarily plating trees on a daily basis (though I do when a project is available) but what I am doing will not only help the environment, but our country and the people. I am supporting and advocating for agriculture. Not just going to south America and re-planting the rain forest (as important and priceless as that is) but for the farmers in our own country who are breaking their backs to provide Americans with safe and healthy food.

Despite what popular trend tells you, it doesn't have to be organic or pesticide free (most any more have little to any effect on the land anyway--they are specified to attack the fungus or bug that I am sure that you as a consumer do not want to eat or have covering your food). I am pained by the stupidity that people are plagued with where they insist that American farmers are somehow killing the earth. It is a fad that is not only hurting these families but will kick you all in the butt sooner rather than later. If America can not provide for our own food either, then that too will become yet another product that we are out sourcing and forcing us to depend on the goodness of other countries. Advice--read your history on how well trusting other countries for food works out (beside the fact that they don't have regulations on their handling of food or what they put on it...unlike American farmers who follow very strict guidelines). Farmers are cultivating plants, they are feeding the hungry and they are providing jobs for American's who need them. I can't imagine a more noble career that also contributes to a healthy earth. Just a little food for thought.

Someday I wanna be...a mom.

2009-04-06T13:22:53-06:00

Mom.
The maker of great meals and laughter. Teacher of knowledge and guider of spirit. Fully devoted and unfathomably loving.
See Proverbs 31 for greater explanation.
Call if any problems or hugs needed.
Available 24/7, 365 days a year. No appointment needed.

Stuck in an elevator with Meg!

2009-04-04T19:36:16-06:00

Meg!
Megan is one of my best friends. She makes me laugh with stupid and classic mannerisms. She listens when I need an ear. And she forgives me when I am stupid.
We have gone through a couple different ups and downs over the 20+ years that we have known each other and yet, she is still at the top of my list *(or rather, because of that she is at the top of my list)*

my husband
Kyle is my best friend, my lover and confidant, my sweet baboo, and one of the few people in this world that can put up with me 24/7 (good thing since he is married to me!!!). I love him desperately and can't imagine life without him so, pretty easily, I would not mind being stuck in an elevator with him.

A Child's reminder of a Parent's love--forever.

2009-03-28T15:27:24-06:00

My mom made it a tradition to find a wonderfully special children's book for my sister and I every Christmas. After we opened presents, we would take turns crawling into her lap and having her read the story to us. "Guess how much I love you" was one of these books.

This is one of my favorites. My momma and I began our own "I love you this much" and still continues to this day. It is just a special reminder of how much my momma loves me.

I demand A Book Publisher, fast food and peace on earth.

2009-03-27T10:31:37-06:00

There are plenty on things in this would that I would like to demand (the money so I can actually afford to buy the house for one, or perhaps a job that I love and can't get enough of, or free research...trust me--it's a bigger pay off than you might think!) but, I also would like to keep my demands within reason. It helps to insure the greater possibility of agreement and fulfillment. With that in mind, my demands are great, but a couple may be a little more challenging than others, but deal with it. Here are my demands:

A Book Publisher
The reality is once I finally finish my book, there is no guarantee anyone will publish it, so this just takes care of that minor issue.

Taco Bell and Chick-fil-a
I saw another answer to the question and it made me hungry. If you would, I like the chicken nuggets, fries, and cole slaw at Chick-fil-a and I really like soft tacos and nacho bell grandes at Taco Bell. Oh and a pepsi and a sweet tea. Thanks, that would be great.

Peace on earth of course
I couldn't resist the opportunity to get my own Miss. America moment. Granted I understand realities and actually have common sense so in order to obtain this peace deal, I'll substitute Rapture instead (thats how it will work out anyway.)

retail began my resume

2009-03-22T15:00:11-06:00

G.H. Bass (owned by Van Heusen). I worked there for half a year though technically on the pay roll for a full year when I went away to school. It was minimum wage, but I think everyone should work in retail and serving at some point in their life. It gives you a new appreciation when shopping and dining out.

'Marley and Me' brought a smile to my face

2009-03-18T12:57:09-06:00

I read this Marley and Me before it became a movie and fell in love with it. I have grown up with dogs and even convinced my husband to get one after being married for a week. I love having them around and love the unique and special relationship that only they can provide. Marley and Me gave me a chance to laugh about the experiences that I had with my own dogs and brought me to tears at the memory of them and their unconditional love that they offered.

This book is the epitome of a "bad dog" you can't help but loving. Anyone who has ever owned a dog can relate to something in this book and exactly as the critics said, you will laugh so hard you cry and cry so hard you'll laugh. It is the classic of dog books.

Costa Rica--the perfect retirement location!

2009-03-17T13:37:44-06:00

For our honeymoon, Kyle and I took a week long trip down to Costa Rica. Before we left, we had countless people comment how wonderful the country was and how they can't wait to go back. Even the pastor who married us said that it was his favorite place out of every where else he has been!
To our pleasure, it was everything that people had hyped it up to be. We stayed in the mountains and hope to go back to the coast, but every place that we traveled was beautiful and quaint.

The idea of choosing someplace to retire is daunting, to say the least. I want to see the world and I want to see the rest of my own country that still expands out before me. But between the places I have been, Costa Rica would be ideal in the retirement sense.
The nature and character of the people is laid back and friendly. The food is...phenomenal. The land is ripe and ready for exploration and there is always something to do! The nice part, for me at least, is that the temperature and climate is similar to Florida. Makes for an easy transition, minus my lack of language skills. But if we were ever called to move out of the country, I don't think that I would mind venturing back to this little country to make it home.

I offer my life

2009-03-16T10:52:14-06:00

Despite finishing my bachelor's degree from a very respected university, I have quit all my paying jobs to be a full time volunteer. I am currently volunteering for an organization called Operation Christmas Child. Some people refer to them as the "shoebox ministry." And that is a fair nickname. OCC is a part of Samaritan's Purse and, ultimately, is in the business of getting the gospel of Jesus out to the world. OCC specifically collects shoe boxes filled with small toys, basic clothing, school and hygiene items and sends them to kids around the world who have literally nothing. The Gospel is given to every child who receives a shoebox, but these gifts are not simply to save the souls. Simple items like a toothbrush can help limit the passing of AIDS in Africa from sharing one within a family. Providing school supplies makes it possible for these kids to go to school when the schools can not provide anything besides the teacher (no books, no pencils or paper...nothing). Children will sell themselves for a single piece of candy because they have nothing and this simple box provides them with all of these things. It offers hope and a future where there was none before. It tells some children who have only ever been told that they are worthless, that someone who doesn't even know them loves them simply because they are a child of God and a living being. It is light in the darkest places of the world and I can only pray that my involvement can help to change their lives for the better, even in the slightest bit.
My specific contribution (besides packing my own set of boxes which ANYONE of ANY AGE can do for very little cost) is a connection to the community. I get in touch with different franchises (such as Chick-fil-A) and organizations (like Boy Scout troops or Kiwanas) and ask them to get involved. I encourage them to host packing parties or be a drop off location so more people can pack more boxes with the greatest convenience. It is about reaching as many kids as possible and the more people I reach in my community, the more boxes we have to touch each child's life around the globe. I simply offer my life.

You can call me... verauth youthcamp

2009-03-16T10:38:24-06:00

Verauth Youthcamp is a name derived from where I am originally from (Vero Beach, FL), the job I aspire to (author)--hence Veroauth. And then the last name is from activities I enjoy and volunteer with (youth group at my church and camping). Weird but it was the best combination that I could create, so there you have it!

Rearranging furniture and the case of the missing left shoe

2009-03-14T10:56:45-06:00

When I was in college, my (now) husband and I happened to live in the same complex. We were all friends between roommates and felt the need to give each other a hard time. This, of course, included pranks.

Shownique (coffee table) ....... M&A furniture

The best prank actually was incurred from my roommates and I moving my (now) husband's car by putting it in neutral and rolling it around the corner. Of course, the figured there was a little redistribution to be had. So, he and 2 of his roommates broke into our apartment (through an open window in one of the rooms) and rearranged all of our furniture and dishes in the kitchen. They tackled each of the rooms, taking every left shoe from one roommate (she LOVES her shoes), cleaned my room (couldn't think of what to do since it was already a mess) and plastered a heart on my other roommates door because she was "saved" from this invasion. To top it off, they left a note (poem) on each of our computers. It was all love and they actually helped move things back, but when we walked into to the "change"...it was a classic! :-)

My song about Valle Crucis, NC, My favorite place.

2009-03-13T00:01:55-06:00

In the great Smokies, a little town stands.
As if out of a story, painting a picture of the land.
On the hill in town, an old church stands tall,
telling the story of a people of old.

Basically, Valle Crucis is near Boone in the Smokey Mountains of the Appalachians. It is nothing more than farm land with a few homes and old Baptist churches. But more than anything, it is peace and God's glory unfolded before your eyes. It's relaxing to simply drive through or to stop and have a picnic. While you are through it in the blink of an eye, it is worth opening your eyes enough to see it.

Reading 'The criminalization of Christianity' opened my eyes

2009-03-06T11:11:24-06:00

I love books, all kinds of books. Non-fiction, fiction, suspense, romance, poetry, philosophy. But what I enjoy most are books that challenge me and this is what this book did.

People are increasingly critical of the Christian faith and this book gave me encouragement to reach out and to strive to live like Jesus no matter what may happen to me. "The Criminalization of Christianity" has lit a fire beneath me to want to reach out, to impact lived for the kingdom of God, while making me realize the truth that persecution of Christians isn't just for the Middle East anymore; it is happening in my backyard.

I'm turning into my parents

2009-03-06T11:05:41-06:00

It is more comforting to me than I realized that the older I get, the more like my parents I become. I respond similarly to my mom, I ponder similarly to my dad and I am proud to say that I believe that I have inherited their morals, which is the most important thing. Yes, I suppose I have similar facial feature to my mom and my eyes are becoming more hazel like my daddy's but the growth that I see in my faith and my beliefs is mirrored of my parents and I am proud of that and more than anything, thankful for their teachings and persistence.

Don't say 'i understand' around me

2009-03-05T15:56:55-06:00

I have come to ignore most "words" that irk me, but there are a couple that I find demeaning. The phrase of "I understand" is usually used as a filler when people don't know what to say and it makes it loose any relevance it may have held.

i understand
There are times when people are discussing what is going on in their lives and people respond with "I understand." The reality is that they can empathize or even sympathize with you, but rarely do they truly understand or know to the full extent. I find it demeaning of the situation.