Lady D

This popped up in my journal entry for 2 years ago. I’m sure I sent it to my dear friend, but I couldn’t find a way to reshare it so I’m reviving the old blog to send her a link.

When I was 5 and in kindergarten, I met this girl. She was one of my classmates and also a neighbor of a boy in our class. That’s about all I remember of her from that year.   

When I was 13, I met her again because she came back to our school. She was taller than me and she was fun and adventurous! I had spent the majority of elementary school being the tallest girl, so her being taller made me feel so much better about fitting in with my classmates. The other 2 the things (fun and adventurous) I would not have said about myself so I was especially glad to know such a person!   

We seemed to always have things to laugh about and with her there by my side, she made junior high so much better. She was warm and caring and always had an encouraging word for me. Her kind words spoke to my soul. As a poet and good writer herself, it was through her influence I chose “writer” that year when we had to pick a future occupation.   

She had a huge crush on an older boy, and I was always amazed at how openly she discussed said crush. I would hardly whisper the name of the boy I liked and here she was writing poems and letters about hers. The hilarious stories we made up about the two of them were pretty epic! Those were some fun times!! #pickles  

We went to high school together and our friendship grew. Even when I was gone for sophomore year, our friendship continued through letters. I was glad to come back for our junior and senior years. Those years solidified our sweet friendship - for life. I have fond memories of our senior trip. Exploring new places with friends is something I cherish.   

College had us going off to pursue different things at different places but we still wrote letters and occasionally called (neither of us are phone people). Now even with the twists and turns of life, we have manage to deepen our friendship. Miles separate us today, but our friendship remains even after 37 years. I believe we’ll still say that after another 37 years!  

I love you, Danna Dear! Happy birthday!

{10-Day Do Over Challenge}

New year's resolutions can be tough to keep. This year I'm changing it up a bit and approaching my usual list of yearly goals differently by participating in a 10-day challenge hosted by Jon Acuff. I also combined the first day's assignment with coming up with one word for the year.

Here's the first day's assignment:

{Gotcha Day!} & Now Introducing...

...the Four Forman Brothers:

So glad to be celebrating this special day. I've been waiting and waiting to share these little faces and names!

Elijah John (5), Vincent Sheldon (3), Isaiah Frenzy (2), Joshua Isaac (9 months)

Jess and Luke first brought home Elijah, Vincent & Isaiah two years ago in March 2012. Isaiah was one week and a few days old. Isaiah birth name was Frenzy, but with the adoption came his name change.

We have celebrated several birthdays and all kinds of other special days, but today's celebration TAKES THE CAKE!

Welcome to your forever family, Forman brothers!

 

{52-Week Challenge} Update & Weekly Mission

Weekly Mission

You may recall that I'm participating in the 52-Week Challenge to create a habit of saving money. Occasionally the participants receive an email with an extra challenge. One week the challenge was to read this post and then list 3-5 things that make me wealthy besides money. 

Here's what I came up with for my wealth list:

1. Jesus
2. Family, Church & Friends
3. Health
4. Job
5. Writing

I'm very thankful to God for the wealth He has provided me. I don't think I say, "Thank you, God," enough though. I think the next challenge should be to thank God more!

52-Week Update

So far I've been able to keep up with the weekly deposits of the 52-Week Challenge. I believe this challenge has promoted a culture of saving in my daily life, and I'm grateful. Not only do I have a savings account for this challenge, but I also have two other savings accounts (funds) with monthly contributions. Each month a set amount is automatically deposited into these funds - my travel fund and my miscellaneous/car repair fund.

Side note: I use CapitalOne360 which is an easy-to-use online bank. They let you set up as many savings accounts/funds as you need! As I look to the future of my savings culture, I get excited about the possibility of additional savings accounts/funds. 

Along with these savings accounts, I've been contributing to a Roth IRA account (also at CapitalOne360). My initial intention for the Roth account is for it to be my emergency fund with 6 months of expenses saved up. I opened the Roth at the end of 2013 with a small chunk from my year-end bonus which was a great start. Now automated monthly contributions are set with what I thought I could afford. My ultimate goal is to max out my contributions each year ($5,500 for 2014). $5,500 is a lot of money for a previous non-saver. As I'm now almost half-way through 2014 I am eager to reach this goal, but I realize the goal may have to be met through year-end bonus money. (just keep swimming, just keep swimming comes to mind...)

I know I haven't finished this year yet, but I plan to do the 52-week challenge next year, too!

One More Thing

So awhile back I read about this rewards site called SaveUp. SaveUp is a program that rewards you for saving money and paying down debt (think Facebook meets Mint.com but with prizes!).

Well, I've been busy so I just signed up, but never add my accounts until a couple of weeks ago. And that's when I found out why I like the site - it encourages me to save! Just today it gave me a challenge to save $100 into my miscellaneous car fund. Wouldn't you know, I could actually accept that challenge and did so right away.

Now, I'm not sure that I'll spend a great deal of time on this site, but the few minutes I have spent are already worth it because it's encouraging me to save. Since "creating a culture of saving" seems to be my theme this year, it fits. Anyway, just wanted to mention the site here and if you want, give it a try! (Yes, I get points if you sign up with my link www.saveup.com/s/beflaming!)

{We, the Savers} March Post

Remember January's We, the Savers' post, when I won $100?! I was one of four grand prize winners! I recently saw that my article was posted on the official site. They did a wee bit of editing, but it's generally the same...

I started to write the below post back in March, but never finished it. I took a few minutes to finalize it, but I guess it's a little bit late to submit. Enjoy!

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Let's time travel, Savers. What's saving & personal banking going to be like in 100 years?

Thinking about 100 years in the future makes me think...What was it like 100 years ago? In 2114 will anyone care what banking was like in 2014?

When I Googled to do some research about 1914 the first thing that I found was that the Federal Reserve was created 100 years ago. I don't know much about the Federal Reserve or even 100 years ago. I do know 100 years ago they didn't have online banking or bill pay. Did they have free checking?

One banker wrote about his grandfather who opened a bank in 1913: "He wanted to help people save money to purchase their first home, send their kids to college, launch a small business or simply save for a rainy day." 100 years later I think those are the same reasons people use a bank today, and I think that will be the same in another 100 years.

My grandpa was born in 1916 so he would have 100 in another two years. My grandpa passed away in 1995, but he was a saver. I wish he here now for me to ask him about banking back just 80 years ago when he was starting out. When did you open your first bank account? When did you start your first savings account? How much did you open the account with? How big was your first paycheck? What was your biggest paycheck ever? When did you start saving for retirement? Would you do it anything different? Did you give my dad an allowance? 

My grandparents weren't necessarily rich, but I always considered them wealthy for more reasons than just money. I'm very thankful for the Christian heritage they gave me. The values they taught to their children have been passed down to multiple generations.

Speaking of family...I'm looking forward to a family reunion in just a few weeks. Even though my grandparents are no longer with us, I look forward to getting together with my aunts, uncles, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins! We're meeting up in Kansas City. It's going to be fun!

But back to the 100 years in the future topic...Looking forward 100 years is tough to do, but I don't think you can do it without looking backwards. Now looking back (and re-reading this post) I see it leaves me with more questions than answers: What am I saving for? Or maybe, WHO am I saving for? What is my legacy?

Bekah was born in Kansas, raised in Wisconsin, and lived three years on Guam. Her Midwest roots go deep though, since she has been a Minnesota resident for almost seven years. Bekah commits daily to serve God, to be healthy, and strives to be financially fit.

This post was originally written in order to participate in CapitalOne 360s WE the SAVERS's blog contest, but was never submitted.

{Has Anyone Seen My Blog?}

Well, hello, there!

It's been a while since I've been here, I guess. In fact, the last time I posted was just to avoid. studying.

I'm at it again, avoiding studying, but this time it's because I truly need a break! Since my last post I have read Volume 1 and part of Volume 2 of the Series 7 books, attended a 6-day class, taken multiple chapter tests, and basically studied every. day. for the past 3 weeks. Only 6 more days until Test Day!

Today was an unusual day in that I was able to study most of the day at work (albeit interrupted with actual work). So when I got home I prepped some dinner, watched a bit of news, and decided to check in on the old blog.

A few times in the past couple of weeks I've been able, or rather, compelled, to get away from studying and take a few walks. My usual walk is the East Medicine Lake Park bike/walk path and it is the best. I'm always encouraged greatly after my walks there.

So during the walks, you'll be happy to know I've come up with many ideas for new posts. You have much to look forward to in the coming months! Lucky you. Also, the past month has included the Markgraf May birthday week and a kindergarten graduation. I have lots of picture posts I need to share.

Oh, and stay tuned for a lovely post, say mid-June, that you won't want to miss. I'm pleased to let you know that I get to introduce my newest nephews! My four foster-nephews will become my adopted-nephews in about two weeks!! This over 2-year journey has had lots of twists and turns, but is ending with a beginning.

And that folks, is about all I've got for now. It's back to studying for me. Until next time...

These lovely flowers have been gracing my desk at work since last week.
A beautiful, thoughtful gift from a dear friend who lives far way. Thanks, Danna!

{How to Avoid Studying}

Remember this post about my new position at work? May is almost here and that means I am running out of time to study for my first course (the first of my several Series tests). Sounds weird to prepare for a class, but the class is mostly just to prep me for the big test. This week I'll actually be scheduling the test for the end of May or first of June, so I have got to get cracking on the books!

But today, when I had plenty of time, what did I do?

1. Write a blog post
2. Clean the bathroom - well, the sink and toilet anyway...
3. Do a load of laundry
4. Prepare steak salad for lunch with a side of cucumber salad
5. Make chili with any ingredients available in the freezer, fridge, or cupboard
6. Watch Sunday afternoon movies - PBS, anyone?
7. Bake never before made dessert to take to work - Jiffy Cherry Cobbler - hope they like it!
8. Post on Facebook about needing $25 to reach my goal for the Walk on Saturday
9. Wash dishes - taking my time to ensure proper scrubbing of pans...
10. Post on Facebook about reaching goal to raise $500 for the Walk on Saturday! Many thanks to my friends and family who helped me reach this goal. What a blessing!! I'm very thankful for those who chose to partner with me in helping the Metro Women's Center and the Amazing Grace Home.

Ok, now to buckle down for a little studying before I hit the hay...

Seriously. I've got to study!

{Throw Back Thursday} Island Style

I found this letter to family and friends in my files and thought I would share on my blog. Remember while reading this that I was only 25, I had been living on Guam for almost three years, and it was pre-Facebook!

If I get a chance, I'll scan more pictures, but the koala will have to do for now.

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April, 2001

G’Day Mate!

This is kind of a long narrative of my Australia trip, so I won’t be offended if you skim it!

The Harvest Christian Academy senior class, five chaperons, three children, and myself, all landed in Cairns, Australia at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5.  After exchanging some money, we headed for the hotel to unpack.  We were very glad the American dollar was doing well in Australia—our exchange rate was almost two Australian dollars for one American dollar!  It was the best shopping sale ever…everything half off! J

Horseback riding was on the agenda for 8:15 a.m. on Friday, so we needed some sleep after our 4-½ hour flight.  It had been almost 15 years since I had been on a horse, so I was a little hesitant about our morning ride.  I relied on my mom’s good riding genes to get me through the day.  As we entered the corral and the horses were being assigned to each of us, I realized I was not the only one who was nervous.  Most of the senior girls had never been on a horse before, so this ride through the rain forest was going to be quite the exciting activity.  My nerves were calmed as I saddled up with Eor, a quiet looking mount.  Our two-hour rain forest ride did not go without mishap, as one of the girls was thrown from her horse as we headed into a slight trot.  Because the horse had picked up speed, slight as it was, the girl, not being familiar with horses at all, was caught off guard and lost her balance.

After our horseback riding and lunch, we went to an Australian zoo, called Wild World.  Holding the Koala bear was a definite highlight.  In order to hold the Koala, you had to pay $12.00 for a picture.  It was worth it, though!  We also got to feed and pet the kangaroos.  Throughout the afternoon several animal shows/demonstrations took place: crocodiles, snakes, and tropical birds.  Charle’, my co-worker, and her three children loved the zoo so much that they came back the next day!

Friday evening I went out to dinner with two of the group’s chaperons, Rebekah and Wanda, at Hog’s Breath.  We had heard this restaurant was a local favorite.  The steak was excellent!

Saturday, while the rest of the group went white water rafting and ATV driving, I spent the day shopping.  I went to two malls.  One of the malls was within walking distance, and the other I had to take a bus to get there.  After I shopped until I dropped, I went out to Dundee’s Restaurant to try some kangaroo and crocodile, but chickened out and went with Macadamia Chicken.

On Sunday, we got up early to catch a boat to the Great Barrier Reef.  Even though I am not a salt-water or snorkeling fan, I figured I couldn't miss this chance to see the Great Barrier Reef, right?  As we headed out to sea, we enjoyed the view and the choppy ride.  After a while, the crew of the large boat instructed us to go inside on the lower deck to listen to a safety lecture.  We all went down and listened, and listened, and listened.  The guy kept talking, and talking, and talking.  Soon, however, I was not feeling so great anymore.  He finally finished his safety talk and I headed for the outer deck.  I did not get very far, though.  I saw several other passengers with complimentary bags in their hands, and I knew that it was time that I get one of those…but it was too late for me.  After a while I felt much better, but not 100%.  Soon I knew I would need another complimentary bag from the helpful crew.  The crew was standing by with glasses of water and encouraging words, but I just needed to be left a lone.  The boat finally dropped anchor; it was time to snorkel!  Everyone kept saying that if you just get in the water you should feel much better.  So finally I geared up with a wet suit and all, and jumped in!  Saw a few fish, but did not go far from the boat because the waves were too rough with my inexperience in snorkeling. 

That evening we dressed up to have a small church service before heading to Tim’s Surf ‘n Turf for dinner.  At the restaurant, many ordered the Surf ‘n Turf meal, but we could barely chisel through the steak (turf) and the meal only came with a few shrimp (surf).  Our table had about three orders of chips (Australian name for French fries) for everyone to share.  The menu did not say that the meal came with chips, so to our surprise, when the food arrived we had chips coming out our ears!

Monday morning: our last day in Australia.  I woke up early, but not as early as those that went hot air ballooning (4:15 a.m!).  Not having planned anything to do, I decided to rent a car and drive up the coast to see what I could see.  Now, normally renting a car would not be a problem for me, but I was a little hesitant about driving on the left side of the road, and on the right sided of the vehicle!  I finally convinced myself that I could do it and went to rent the car.  Driving away in the very small car, I knew I was in for an exciting journey.

As I drove up Captain Cook Highway, I knew this scenic coastal drive was worth it!  My drive took me about an hour north to Port Douglas, Queensland, a beautiful little tourist town, and then up a little farther to Mossman.  On my return trip, I drove on an inland road that wound me through a mountainous area that was also very picturesque.

After returning the rental car, I went to pack as we were flying out that evening.  After packing, we headed to a seafood buffet restaurant, called Charlie’s.  Charlie’s was also a local favorite for seafood, and we agreed with their choice!

Australia was great! We arrived back on Guam on Tuesday, April 10 at 4:00 a.m.  Thankfully, I had a week of Spring Break left to recover from our outback adventures.

BEKAH

{Worthy Cause} 5th Annual MWC Walk

It's that time of year! 

Will you help me raise money for Metro Women's Center, again?! 

You've been very generous the past 5 years (click link to read past blog posts). 

I'm asking that you please reach into your pockets and hearts one more time to help this organization further their ministry to women in the Twin Cities area.

You can use the green DONATE button to the top/left.

If you're not able to give, please remember to pray for MWC's continued work and the upcoming Walk/Bike event on Saturday, May 3rd.

MWC prayer requests from this week's email update:

• For attitudes of the heart to be overcome by God's Word
• For the Gospel to be shared with power and boldness
• For abortion-minded women to choose life
• For future planning for the Center and Home
• For housing options for women with new babies

If you have a minute, take a look at their webpage and check out the story and pictures of the Amazing Grace Home.

If you want to participate in the walk/bike event, you can register here or let me know you want to walk with me!

MWC Walks 2011-2013
bummed there is no picture available for 2010 :/

Thank you for your generosity and for your prayers! Come walk with me!

{Throw Back Thursday} Island Style

I found this letter to family and friends in my files and thought I would share on my blog. Remember while reading this that I was only 25, I had been living on Guam for almost three years, and it was pre-Facebook!

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Date: Tue, 01 May 2001

Subject: PAIN and Blessings            

Hi!

The subject is PAIN because for the last three days I've been in terrible pain.  Sunday morning I was getting ready for church and went to pick up a shoe from the closet...You remember the commercial "I've fallen and I can't get up!"  I can now relate!  As I went for the shoe, I was suddenly in great pain, and I then I was on the floor.  Not sure what to do, and kind of scared, I somehow got to my bed.  Realizing my deadbolt was locked (and knowing my friends only had a key to the doorknob), I got up, slowly, of course, and practically crawled to the door, then I got the phone, some ibuprofen, and somehow managed to get back to my bed.

I tried to reach someone by phone, but, of course, everyone was at church by then.  Cristin and Brenda eventually called, 2 1/2 hours later, and took me to the doctor.  Well, they took me to the waiting room where I waited for 2 more hours.  The doctor gave me plenty of drugs and I went home to sleep.

I took Monday off and went to the chiropractor, twice.  Today I'm back at work, but still in a lot of pain.  I've already been into the chiropractor this morning and am headed there again this afternoon.  The chiropractor said my hip is out of place and my spine is crooked.  I'll be going in for treatments a couple of times a week for a while.

Funny thing is that Charle', my coworker woke up this morning in pain, as well.  She's headed to the chiropractor right now.  We're really messed up here.

The blessing in all of this is that going to the chiropractor is free!  Dr. Miller is a Christian and gives free treatments to those is full time Christian work/missionaries.  I'm so thankful!!  The regular doctor only cost me $4 with my insurance, and the pain/spasm medicine was $6.

Hopefully I'll be healed by the end of this week!

BEKAH

{A Year Ago} on Not the Last to Know

This day in {my} history, plus pictures that I may not ever have posted.

Happy Birthday, Dear, Dad!

2013

2012

• {7 Things to Know}

2011

• Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!
• What Happened March 1951?

What did you do last year on this day?

{A Year Ago} on Not the Last to Know

This day in {my} history, plus pictures that I may not have ever posted.

2013

2012

• Springtime in MinneSnowta
• Oh Life Post - Full day. Up early for Deo Rehearsal. Nice lunch with the group. Dad brought bread mom made - yum. After rehearsal we met everyone at Jen’s and said goodbye to mom and dad. Carsten and I then went and washed my car and took a walk at Medicine Lake. We had a really nice time. At then end of the hour long walk we made boats from a magazine I had in the car. We tried to float the boats in a huge puddle but while we had fun making the boats we were not successful in our floating efforts. I brought Carsten home, and I had a pancake dinner with them. I came home and crashed. I think it reached 65 today...so nice!!!!

2011

Work Fashion

2010

Kids' Choir - Listening to a Missionary during Missions Conference

What did you do last year on this day?

{Throw Back Thursday} Island Style

I found this letter to family and friends in my files and thought I would share on my blog. Remember while reading this that I was only 20-something, I was living on Guam, and it was pre-Facebook!

If I get a chance, I'll scan some pictures.

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December ‘99

Dear Friends and Family,      

Hafa Adai! My second Christmas on Guam—I can hardly believe it!  Things at the office are winding down for a much-needed break.  The school kids are extremely eager to get on with their Christmas Holiday.   The teachers and staff are also ready for them to be well on their way!

God’s Blessings Year Round

January—Guam brought in ’99 with a big bang!  The fireworks I saw—I should say felt—at Tumon Bay were very exciting!  We had front row seats, right on the beach.  The grand finale' was enough to give a not so hearty person a mild heart attack!  People had said the fireworks were quite a show, but you had to feel it first hand to know what they meant.  I also went with my good friends Patty, Brenda, and Cristin to a church family’s home for a Filipino New Year Celebration before the fireworks.  The food was pretty normal, I guess, but maybe I'm just getting used to eating lumpia and pancit. 

February—Jennifer came for a short visit towards the end of the month.  We had a great time.  I was able to show her around the island, and we also went parasailing, an exciting adventure we’d never tried before.

March—I had some work to catch up on because I took the afternoons off while Jen was here.  Report cards came out and I was busy entering grades into the computer—with 550 kids in grades 3-8, each student taking 7+ different subjects, that’s almost 4,000 grades I had to enter in a few short days!

April—Spring break came and went with not much excitement—a few days at the beach here and there.  Our church choir and drama put on a semi-big production for our Easter cantata. The church platform was given a face-lift and a huge platform with steps leading up to the baptismal was added to reenact the Easter story.

May—Does the school year ever end?  This was a question we often asked ourselves during the month.  The kids are eager to be gone and the staff definitely felt the same!  I spent most of my time working on final exam schedules, signs for graduation, book inserts for a gift that the principal was working on, field day ribbons, student awards, entering more grades, etc.

June—On my own?  June 6th my roommate, Christa, left me to spend some family time at home before she got married on July 10th.  I did come to enjoy the quietness that I had to adjust to, but I don’t think it’s a life-long calling.  June was also a slow time at work.  With teachers and students gone, there’s not much to do exept work on the files.

July—Stateside visit at last!  After a very, very long flight from Guam to Honolulu to Houston to Chicago, I spent my first week of vacation in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Jennifer picked me up at O’Hare and the next day I headed to Illinois, for my roommate’s big day.  We got them married off and headed to Puerto Rico.  That Monday, Jen, Jess, Anna, and I started our trek to our new house in McPherson, KS.  I enjoyed the Flaming Family Reunion that weekend and also had a nice time just being at home.

August—Back in the saddle again.  August brought me a new roommate and Harvest also gained a few new teachers and staff members.  My new roommate is Missi Evans, a fourth grade teacher here at Harvest for over 6 years.

September—School is in session once again and I spent a lot of time getting to know the kids’ names.  I give the students frequent flyer miles when I know their first and last name and who their teacher is—that means they've been tardy way too many times!

October—I think everyone here got one kind of virus or another, anything from the flu to the chicken pox.  Thankfully, I got by with only a sinus infection.  A typical week for me was usually quite full.

Monday and Wednesday after school I tutored a Korean ESL student.  Monday night was also Bible Study or “Family Night” at Danna and Abe’s (married friends of mine) with Cristin, Brenda, Patty, Scott and Kendra.  Tuesday and Thursday after school I worked in Extended Care—for the leftover kids whose parents didn’t pick them up until 5:00pm.  Wednesday night was AWANA.  And Friday Brenda and Cristin usually have something planned—babysitting a church family or some other outreach kind of activity.  Saturday night they usually have something planned as well—One weekend we had a Mexican Night at their house.  Sunday, of course, was church.

November—I had a great Thanksgiving at some new friends, the Webbers.  We enjoyed an outstanding time of fellowship, food, and fun.

December—I just got back from a lovely four-day vacation in Rota, a small island north of Guam.  I enjoyed our quiet, relaxing time at many different beaches with my good friends, Cristin and Brenda.  We also enjoyed visiting their small zoo and a trip around the small island—interestingly one road takes you around the entire island, unfortunately, only one side of the island has the road paved. I also tried my hand at poetry…

Another year is goes out the door. I can’t believe I’m twenty-four! 

On December 18th, the big day arrives!  I thank the Lord that I’m alive!

January 2000—Happy New Year!  I’m not sure what the Lord may bring, but I’m looking forward to a great year serving Him.  This month our church will be bringing out the second pastoral candidate since last December when our previous pastor resigned.  We’re all praying this candidate is a keeper. 

I trust everyone had an enjoyable holiday with friends or family.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!  I’ll be thinking and praying for you in this new millenium!

Love,

Bek

{A Year Ago} on Not the Last to Know

This day in {my} history, plus pictures that I may not have ever posted.

2013

• 
  

2012

• 7 Things to Know
• Oh Life Post - After a nap I went to church to help make sandwiches for the New Member Reception. We had 14 new members including 5 baptisms. Three of the baptisms were from one family. The parents of the family speak mostly Spanish so Sam Horn translated for them. Lindsay was in charge of the reception and she mostly hung out with Chris to show off her ring! The reception really is down to a science, so she wasn't that needed anyway.  :-)

2011

• 
  

2010

Fried Rice - it's what's for dinner.

What did you do last year on this day?

{We, the Savers} February Question

Before I get to the actual post, I have to share a piece of exciting news! For last month's We, the Savers' post, I won $100! I can hardly believe it, but it's true!! I was one of four grand prize winners! I think that was my first paid writing gig! What blessing! I am thrilled! So here's hoping for another $100! Enjoy! :-)

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Winter's been rough. Let’s hear about your spring/summer vacay plans & how you're saving up to make them happen.

To say "winter's been rough" is an understatement for most of us around the country this year. From subzero temps for days on end, to piles and piles of snow, we've had more than our fair share of winter. But what can we do? It's not like complaining will help. Neither will posting the daily temp on Facebook - um, not that I've been guilty of that...gulp!

So what *can* we do about the rough winter? We make plans for spring, of course! Well, in Minnesota, we plan for a few weeks of summer more than spring, because, let's face it, this part of the country doesn't really get much spring. And it certainly doesn't come on March 20th! More like May 20th - ha!!

But since other parts of the country get spring, we Minnesotans still like to talk about spring and plan for Spring Break Vacations. In fact, I'm planning a vacation of my own this year.

It so happens that my brother lives near a balmy beach in North Carolina. It also so happens that mid-January I booked a flight to visit him during his Spring Break. He's a teacher so he still gets one of those, you see. And you can trust me when I say, the countdown has begun!

I'm very blessed to have been able to pay cash for my ticket due to a very nice bonus that I received at the end of 2013. However, there are more expenses for a vacation than just airfare, as you know. To pay for the extra expenses, I plan to also use funds from one of my three CapitalOne 360 Savings account, my Travel Fund.

My Travel Fund could also be labeled my "Go see Lily and Ella" fund. My two nieces are the main reason for my trip and I couldn't be happier to spend the money! I get to see them once, maybe twice a year, so I'm very excited about this upcoming trip to see them (and my brother and sister-in-law).

So how do I build my Travel Fund? Very easily: I have set up automatic transfers each month from my checking account. This is really the only way to go. If something is this easy, then it's much more likely that you'll do it!

What are you saving for this spring? What's getting you through this rough winter? For me it's Spring Break, don't-cha know?!

Bekah was born in Kansas, raised in Wisconsin, and lived three years on Guam. Her Midwest roots go deep though, since she has been a Minnesota resident for almost seven years. Bekah commits daily to serve God, to be healthy, and strives to be financially fit.

This post was originally written in order to participate in CapitalOne 360s WE the SAVERS's blog contest.

{Throw Back Thursday} Island Style

I found this letter to family and friends in my files and thought I would share on my blog. Remember while reading this that I was only 20-something and it was pre-Facebook!

If I get a chance, I'll scan some pictures.

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Christmas '98

Dear Family and Friends,

Hafa Adai and a Merry Christmas to you! I’ve tried to send warm greetings with this letter, but I was wondering if someone could send me some snow – wishful thinking, I know. The weather outside is not very frightful, and we definitely don’t need any fire to warm us – the sun is hot enough. I’ve been on the island of Guam now since July 21st, and I’m continuing to adjust to this lovely tropical climate. Changing of seasons doesn’t exist in the weather forecast out here, except for rain or no rain.

I’m sure some of you would like an update on my job here at Harvest Christian Academy. In July I started working as an accounts receivable clerk in the Main Office, but I was soon bored with just taking money from people.J As of the second week in September, I was moved to the School Office to be one of two secretaries up here.

My official title, if you will, is Middle School Secretary, which basically means I am in charge of 550 students' academic records. I also keep track of attendance for that many students: filling out tardy forms in the morning and recording attendance in the computer. Another part of my job is working for the Middle School Principal. Since November 13th I’ve been the only secretary up here because the High School Secretary is on maternity leave for six weeks. Needless to say, I’ve kept very busy.

Christmas vacation plans are to go to the beach, go the beach again, and go the beach some more! Some of my great new friends and I are also planning to go on a deep sea fishing expedition for a few hours some weekend soon. I think someone is also planning a jungle hike sometime during the break, as well.

Through a special WorldPerks/Northwest mileage promotion, Jennifer will be able to come out here to Guam for about a week in February. I’m really looking forward to showing her the island and introducing her to the Harvest Family.

Starting a life “on my own” was a big step, considering how far I've come (almost 10,000 miles!), but I love every minute! I’d also love to hear from you. I especially like real mail, but I’ll settle for e-mail! J

Miss you all!

Love,
BEKAH