“Thanks for the Adventure”

Hello,

I apologize for being remiss in my postings, but I am back with a few more pictures and adventures to relay.  Last weekend Drew and I splurged and went up to spend the night in San Francisco  for a nice little get away.  We used the ingenius invention of hotwire to find a 4.5 star hotel at a price we could more reasonably afford.  It was just what the doctor ordered after the combination of the stress of Drew’s schooling, the anticipation of our baby, and the tiny apartment we currently occupy.  We had a lovely time in our luxurious room just relaxing and “getting away.”  After a delicious meal at a quaint French restaurant down the road from where we were staying, we settled in for the night to watch the movie “Up,”  which elicited many sniffles and full out tears.  My goodness, I don’t know if that is a good movie to watch when your hormones are raging, and you can tear up at the drop of a hat.  I used to think something was wrong with me because I didn’t cry during movies, but no longer do I have that problem–pregnancy has cured me of that!  Who knew that Disney’s Pixar characters could get to you like that!?  Ellie’s adventure book really made me think and for those of you who have seen it, the touching, scripted note, “Thanks for the Adventure,” is a reminder to us all that everyday life can be an adventure if we only have the eyes to see it that way and the courage to embrace it as such.

We enjoyed the San Francisco drizzle the next morning as we walked around the Union Square area in search of breakfast, a much harder task than originally thought.  Finally, we found a 50’s style diner and sat down to  breakfast, two damp and very hungry travellers!  It was a wonderful little trip and provided us with some much needed rest and relaxation.

For Thanksgiving Drew and I got the closest we could to home, venturing to Pittsburg, CA (notice the spelling difference, it is intential) to spend it with some of my relatives who we connected with out here due to my grandmother’s diligent work on our extensive Italian family tree.  It was special to spend Thanksgiving with family despite being so far from home.  Being at an Italian family Thanksgiving, we enjoyed  delicious pesto and cheese dips as appetizers followed by the traditional turkey and mashed potatoes–reminding me once again why I love Thanksgiving so much!  (The baby got his first taste of Thanksgiving too!)

I have a small confession to make,  while I usually adhere to the “No Christmas music until after Thanksgiving ” rule, I just couldn’t make it this year!  I think it is due to the fact that Christmas means I will be home and anything that can remind me of that thought is a welcome reprieve from my homesickness!  I tried, but when I accidentally came across a Christmas music station on the radio, I couldn’t resist!  I am safe now that it is not only past Thanksgiving but December 1, and we have been indulging ourselves in Christmas music, probably more so than past years just to remind us that we will be on our way home soon (and to make up for the evident lack of signs of Christmas–snow, frost, cold weather, etc.)

Okay, so here are a few pictures of the little tummy as well as from our getaway to San Francisco.  When Drew obligingly took the tummy pictures, I kept wanting redos hoping for a “normal” picture until it dawned on me that when you are pregnant there is no such thing!  The whole point of the picture is to show that you are not looking normal…so here they are!

~Rebecca

San Fransisco, Big Sur, and Monterey Bay

The past couple weeks have been busy…marked by a visit by my parents (who actually met out here 25 years ago, and haven’t been back here together since!), the anniversary of our engagement on October 24, and a visit to Monterey Bay to see our dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Nilson, which included a gorgeous drive along Big Sur and a trip to Ghiradelli Ice Cream Shop located right on the water (can it get any better!)

The pictures below give a little snapshot of our adventures (and the growing tummy, which seems to be growing every day!)  Drew and I returned with my parents to the spot where we were engaged exactly a year before.  It was so wild to be standing there a year later where we had begun our journey towards marriage and the start of a family now with a little baby on the way!  I don’t think I could ever have imagined it back on October 24, 2008, but that is the beauty of life, the unexpected twists and turns it takes.

After seeing “the spot,” we took my parents to the charming French Bistro where we dined following the proposal, this time managing not to run out of gas at the Golden Gate Bridge!  However, we had the same waitress who remembered us saying, “Oh, weren’t you the couple who was late f or your reservation because you ran out of gas or something?” We had a delicious meal and enjoyed relaxing in the peaceful setting–the only thing bad about eating such good food when you are pregnant is that it leaves you with yet one more thing to crave!

~Rebecca

The Magician

In his book Orthodoxy, G. K. Chesterton states,

“The only words that ever satisfied me as describing Nature are the terms used in the fairy books, ‘charm,’ ’spell,’ ‘enchantment.’  They express the arbitrariness of the fact and its mystery.  A tree grows fruit because it is a magic tree.  Water runs downhill because it is bewitched. The sun shines because it is bewitched.”

Not knowing the exact reason why these things happened, Chesterton refrained from seeing them as laws of nature, rather he saw them as the magic of nature.  And this magic led him to conclude, “I came to feel as if magic must have a meaning and meaning must have someone to mean it.  There was something personal in the world.”

Too often we lose the sense of wonder, of magic, and enchantment.  Due to the predominance of science, we view everything in terms of laws, tricking ourselves into thinking we understand the course of the world around us and consequently minimizing the splendor of the magician.  Sure you may say we know things fall downward due to the force of gravity, but do we truly understand it at its very root?  We never can truly understand how or why an apple fell on Newton’s head just as we cannot fathom exactly how a chick hatches out of an egg.  This is not to discredit the importance of science or studying the world around us, it is just a reminder to not begin to think that we truly can comprehend all, but to be content living in a world that is still very much a mystery to us.

There is nothing like pregnancy to bring this sense of wonder and awe back to the forefront–feeling the fluttering movements, or hearing the rapid heartbeat through the doctor’s Doppler, or catching a glimpse of the tiny human life forming through the aid of an ultrasound.  These have all been such remarkable experiences that leave me with a sense of awe and wonder and assurance of the presence of the “Magician.”

We had our 20 week ultrasound last week, which came at perfect timing as my parents were here visiting and got to be a part of the experience.  Some of the technician’s first words were “He’s a gymnast”–he is a pretty active little baby, he must take after his father’s squirmish tendencies.   (note: ‘He’ was a generic term the technician used and had nothing to do with the actual gender of the baby.)  It was quite breathtaking for Drew and I to see our baby on the screen, a picture of him now hangs prominently on our refridgerator and constant reminder of the magical world we live in and the presence of the Great Magician who directs it all.

~Rebecca

Get away

There is a bonus to being so far west…the proximity of the beach!  Drew and I took a little day trip to Half Moon Bay and then headed into San Francisco for lunch at our favorite Thai Restaurant.  We finished off the trip with a quick detour to Ghirardelli Chocolate on Fisherman’s Wharf in order to take care of an urgent chocolate craving.  It was a lovely little get away and allowed us to experience some of the beauty surrounding us.  Included is a picture showing the latest update on the growing tummy

Guiltless Pleasures

As I progress in my pregnancy, I am learning more and more to appreciate the little guiltless pleasures that come along with a growing stomach and ravaging appetite.  For instance, I feel fully justified in taking a 2 hour nap at any point in the day (even 5:00 in the evening), taking a trip to the grocery store just to pick up a bag of M&Ms, or getting up around 10 and staying in my pajamas all day (just in case I get the urge for one of those naps).  These are little things that before I may have indulged in, but always with a tinge of “I shouldn’t be doing this.”  Now, it is a whole new ball game–I have never felt so tired nor experienced a craving quite the same way!

In all seriousness, it is nice to have a little break and to feel the freedom to indulge in leisurely naps or chocolate cravings.  However, there is still a strict list of things to avoid eating or drinking and the necessity of a healthy diet and exercise.  I am still trying to find the balance of being productive and disciplined yet restful.  It is a tough one, not only during a pregnancy, but during the whole of  life.  It is easy to succumb to laziness and slothfulness, especially now when I feel I have more of an excuse.  I feel the tension between the two is heightened at this stage of my life.  Needless to say where we fall in this balance, greatly defines and shapes our lives.

In Hebrew, the word for wisdom is hokmah, which has as its root the Hebrew word for  “skill”, and has come to mean “skill in living.”  I think this is worth some pondering.  What does it look like to be skillful at living, to develop a skill for living?  I am sure we can all think of examples of people who have this skill, and those who don’t.  It is funny to think of the distinction–isn’t living just natural, just breathe?  But the examples that come to mind are a testament to the fact that there most certainly is a difference.

Consider the phrase.  “Skill in living” implies thought and effort.  One does not become skilled at something without practice and knowledge. It takes a diligent effort, a plan, a willingness to keep going when one fails, to correct past mistakes, and be on the lookout for future pitfalls.  In short, it isn’t easy to be skilled at something.  Fortunately, we have somewhere to turn, we know the source of this wisdom, just as Solomon did.  We are not left without a road map or guide for skillful living.

May we be diligent in seeking wisdom and applying it to our lives, that we may truly develop our “skill in living.”

~Becca

P.S. I will post another picture soon.  I have now been approached by several co-workers (some who I hadn’t previously met) who boldly asked me if I was pregnant.  Actually it went more like, “I assume you are pregnant.”  Must be pretty obvious–what a fun stage!

I will just be glad when it becomes a little bit more noticeable so as to leave no question of whether I am pregnant or just ate too much for lunch.  Hopefully then the awkward glances at my stomach will stop

P.P.S  I am very happy to report that yesterday we had a full day of rain!  It was absolutely delightful!  The clouds lingered today and have been such a relief from the constant sun.  It was funny the response of people in California–I would equate it with the response of people in the East to a snowstorm.  People were telling me to “drive safely” (no problem with that, just caught me off guard), and I had a request at the store to send something instead of it being picked up because the weather was really bad.  Being from PA, it seemed pretty normal to me

Life

Drew and I have been enjoying some country music here and there.  In the midst of this very different culture that we find ourselves in, we find it a refreshing reminder of our roots.  We heard this song on the radio a couple of times and were so impressed and touched by its message, one that is not often heard amidst all of the talk of equality, victimhood, and entitlement.  In a world preoccupied with planning one’s life to a tee, there seems to be little room left for the uncertainty which inevitably accompanies life.

We have learned much these first few months of marriage, but one thing that we learn daily (and will continue to learn) is that life is uncertain.  But, as we are coming to learn a fulfilling life comes with embracing this uncertainty, for in that we truly allow ourselves to live.

Sounds Like Life to Me

Darryl Worley

Got a call last night from an old friend’s wife
Said I hate to bother you
Johnny Ray fell off the wagon
He’s been gone all afternoon
I know my buddy so I drove to Skully’s
And found him at the bar
I say hey man, what’s going on
He said I don’t know where to start

Sarah’s old car’s about to fall apart
And the washer quit last week
We had to put momma in the nursing home
And the baby’s cutting teeth
I didn’t get much work this week
And I got bills to pay
I said I know this ain’t what you wanna hear
But it’s what I’m gonna say

(Chorus)
Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

Well his face turned red and he shook his head
He said you don’t understand
Three kids and a wife depend on me
And I’m just one man
To top it off I just found out
That Sarah’s 2 months late
I said hey bartender set us up a round
We need to celebrate

(Chorus)
Sounds like life to me plain old destiny
Yeah the only thing for certain is uncertainty
You gotta hold on tight just enjoy the ride
Get used to all this unpredictability
Sounds like life

Man I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
Sounds like life to me
Sounds like life

Our Cabin

Well, our days in the mansion are over.  As some of you know, we had the opportunity to live in a beautiful multi-million dollar home in an upscale area of California.  The house was on the market, and we acted as housesitters for the place, letting in workers and realtors and preparing it on the days of showings.  It was certainly a once in a life time experience as Drew and I had never been in such a beautiful home (one with an elevator no less!) and certainly don’t anticipate residing in one any time soon!

We have moved to a studio apartment, and even though it is quite the downgrade, we are happily settled in what we call our “cabin,” earning its title from the wood beam ceilings and the tiny living space.  It has become a peaceful haven for us, and it is nice to be in our own space (however limited that space may be).  Another bonus is the curtains which allow us to shut out the penetrating rays of the California sun.  Our next step is to get a “sounds of nature” cd so that we can pretend we are in a rainstorm–a very rare thing this time of year in CA.  (We have only had one afternoon of rain since we moved here!)  I know many of you in the Midwest and East have gotten your fill of precipitation, but next time you are going through a dreary day, know that there are two people in CA who would just love to be in your wet shoes!

~Becca

Sympathy Symptoms?

Yes, I believe Drew has a case of “sympathy symptoms.”  He has complained of fatigue, headaches, even nausea and in a rare moment when he slipped and fell backward our tile flooring, demonstrated clumsiness, a symptom pregnant women experience due to their changing bodies. And, just the other day, when driving me home from work he had a “craving.”

No, in all seriousness, Drew has been remarkable throughout this whole process.  During a pregnancy, women, naturally, are the ones who are asked how they are doing.  While this is certainly an appropriate question, I think many forget the toll it takes on the man.  The pregnancy has certainly required a lot from Drew.   As it has changed me for the past few months into a lethargic, tired, and often sick girl (though I can feel the old me slowly coming back, this time with a little bump), Drew has had to put up with my changing emotions, my lack of energy, my cravings, and the sounds of me dry-heaving in the bathroom (not pleasant!) all while keeping up with cleaning, cooking, studying, bill paying, the list goes on and on!

(However, I will say, there has been a few perks for Drew– a less restricted diet as I was eating whatever struck me as appetizing at that moment, and lazy mornings, it takes me forever to wake up now!)

It wasn’t quite how I pictured our first months of marriage going.  I was looking forward to being a homemaker, cooking meals, all of that, but our plans are often rearranged, and as we are daily learning, it is for the best.  Drew has truly demonstrated to me the sacrifice required in marriage, remaining a patient and dedicated servant, putting my needs above his own.  He also emanates a steady and unwavering strength in the face of all that comes our way, which has provided for me an anchor in the midst of my ever changing emotions and tendency to worry.

Due in part to the pregnancy, our marriage has looked much different than what we anticipated, but it has been more beautiful than we could have imagined.  After all, marriage is a refining process, a challenge in servanthood and yielding to the other’s needs and desires.   And I am so thankful for a husband who has shown me what that looks like!

~Rebecca

P.S.  In the middle of writing this post, while joking around with Drew, I learned that while pregnant one should not laugh too hard after eating, it could result in a disastrous run to the bathroom and the loss of one’s previous meal.  Oh well, it was worth the good laugh

Baby!!

When we began this site, we did not know how aptly we titled it-  “Beginnings.”  Beginnings by definition require a change, a new state of being, and that has been the story of our life thus far.  New status (single to married), new names (Rebecca Benson), new state (California), etc. everything about our life is new right now, full of beginnings, with the latest beginning being a baby!  Yes, the newest change has been characterized by nausea, a new definition of hunger, a lot of excitement, and a growing baby bump (refer to the picture at the end of the post, included to answer the big question “are you showing?!”).  I thought it was a pregnancy milestone when for the first time a customer in my place of employment (Nordstrom) asked me if I was pregnant–apparently she could tell just from looking at me!

The current due date is March 11– we are looking forward to being settled in New Hampshire and hoping for no late snow storms (one of Rebecca’s big fears right now).   The question of what the baby is, a boy or girl, is a nagging and nearly torturous one.  The excitement is enhanced by the fact that Drew comes from a family of three boys and Rebecca from a family of five girls! Despite our strong curiousity, we are not going to find out until the birth.  However, Drew has been flipping coins to demonstrate the probability of having a fourth boy in the Benson family or a sixth girl in the Hurley family (economics major, anyone?!).

I (Rebecca) will be updating this site periodically in an attempt to give you a  glimpse of the beginnings of the new baby Benson. It has been hard for us to experience such excitement sprinkled with some anxiety and shock without the nearness of friends and family! Our hope is that this site will serve to bring you all just a little bit closer!

Lastly, thank you to all of our friends and family who have shared in our excitement and supported us through this new change filled with all of its ups and downs (mostly ups though, especially that I am basically out of the first trimester–goodbye nausea and vomiting!).

-Drew and Becca

Home Sweet Home!!

Yes we live here, but no we do not own the place.  Ask us if you are curious about the story.

http://lastcuthomes.com/videos/41_Fairview_Ave

Becca and Drew