More Pictures!

So I admit, I'm a nerd!!! I have to say my favorite way of taking pictures of me and others is to simply do it myself! Yep, I take the camera, hold it out, aim at us and CLICK!!! So here are some pictures with some of my wonderful family!

This is a picture of me and my cousin Kendra! We are just a couple of years apart. We don't see each other much now that we are adults; however, when we were kids we were great friends. Kendra, my sister Shannon and I were like the three little amigos. Her husband Josh doesn't quite understand how we have so many great memories, as we don't get to see each other much these days! She has two great kids Kennedy and Dawson and one more on the way in August...Carsten! Love ya Kendra!!

Oh, my favorite Grandpa! What a great weekend he had....he looked good...no he looked great!!! He sure does enjoy having people over to talk with and share stories with! Can you believe he is 79 years old! He'll be 80 in January!!!!! And he's been married to my Grandma for almost 57 years. And we all know he is the grandpa of one great gal!!!
This is my Uncle Dave...my mom's oldest brother. He is just plain fun...or is that funny! He has five kids and something like eleven grandkids...the newest being born on Friday to his son Cory...Miles Douglas is his name! Dave is married to my Aunt Helen!

And this is one of my favorite aunts....Helen. She is married to Dave up above. She always has wonderful things to say to me...right along with all the blunt and honest things she has to say about the world in general. I love talking with her because she is so honest...maybe that is where I get it from, because it sure doesn't come from my mom and dad. Helen is also a great encourager of all the things I do!

Landscape Design

Tis the season for all of us to go to parks and enjoy the sights! One of the most viewed sites at parks and zoos are the beautiful landscaping designs. Now, is it possible to get this same look at home? Of course it is! One day I plan on having a nice home and a beautiful yard; however, I don't want to be the person who designs the layout and such. I will leave that up to the professionals. Don't you agree that it would be best to have someone come in and get a feel for what you want and then plan your landscaping around that? But more than what you want this Landscape Design Team also incorporates into the design: traffic flow, children, pets,and how your landscape will grow in years to come. They also look at things that we might not think of: want kind of lines do we like (curved or straight), which door do we use more often to go out onto our property, what's your budget, and much more. See they are the people who look at the big picture. And more importantly they check in with you over the years to see that your landscape design is holding up and fulfilling its role, plus they give you tips to keep your property looking top notch. They listen to what you want!!!

This is a sponsored post

Baseball

I went and had a ton of pictures developed today from my Memorial Day Weekend in Eastern Washington. I'll post some of my favorites up throughout the day! I thought I'd start with this cute trio of pics....That is my cousin Shane helping my nephew Mason learn how to swing a bat and hit the ball. Mason is normally pretty shy around people he doesn't know, but he sure was getting into the whole baseball thing!

The second picture shows Mason swinging hard and the ball still on the Tee! Why didn't the ball go sailing out into left field? Hmmm, I think I'll try again!

"I did it!" The bat is past the tee and the ball is gone! Just like it should be. I'm imagining that Mason's dad Ernie is going to be one happy camper to find out he has a son who enjoys sports......typical dad!

Team Switzer

Yeah, some of my favorite people have joined the blogging world....with a bit of encouragement from me!!! My friends Holly and Rodney have decided to take the plunge and join all us here in bloggerville...Team Switzer is up and running. No, there isn't much on there right now; however, Holly will be working feverishly to get tons of good stuff up on their site soon: pictures, links, posts, etc! I can't wait to see what she does...and even better I will be able to keep tabs on her when I move.

Speaking of Team Switzer, they have also entered a contest on whogets.com and have been entered into the finalist section for the movie Fever Pitch. Go now and vote for Team Switzer to win!

Dentist

Ugh, I haven't been to the dentist in years. I know, I know...not the greatest plan. And I know that I need to go for a check-up, get some cavities filled and get my teeth cleaned, but I need to find a good local dentist. Do you know any good dentists in your area? Well, if you live in the greater WA DC area, over in Virginia than you are in luck. Charles Brown DDS pc,one of the regions top dentists as listed by the Washington Area Consumer Council, is a dentist at the Hayfield Dental Care Clinic. He is available by calling 703-971-2220. Of course, I know all of you do research on the doctors you visit, but rest assured Dr. Brown has had zero complaints on his record at the Virginia Board of Dentistry. Pretty impressive seeing as he has worked for the Hayfield Clinic for 10 years...this seems like a man that can be trusted.

This is a sponsored post

Memorial Day Weekend

WOW!! The sun was out, I was with family and I had an absolute fantastic weekend....as long as I don't think about the traffic I sat in going over to Moses Lake on Friday afternoon and coming home Monday! I drove over to my sister's house on Friday after school for a long weekend away. On Saturday we drove over to my grandparent's house, about an hour and a half away, for a barbeque and surprise 75th birthday party for my Grandma Pat! It was nice to see aunts, uncles, cousins...and all their kids....again. Some I had just seen recently, and others I hadn't seen for a few years. We were expecting my cousin Cory and his wife Kasey to be there; however, their new son Miles Douglas decided he needed to be born on Friday!!!

On Sunday we went to the fair...or should I say local carnival. It was set up in the field behind the middle school and had about 18 rides total, along with a few carnival games. Then across the street were some booths set up with food and your typical stuff to buy at fairs. Even though there didn't seem to be much Brittany, Maddy and Mason managed to stay for at least six hours having fun going on the rides over and over and over and over...STOP!!! Mason like the huge Super Slide the best. I found a spot on a bench and let him have at it. He would get the needed blanket, walk up the huge set of stairs, get situated at the top and then came on down. Then he would walk over to the attendant have his blanket folded up and do it all over again. Each time we stopped at the Super Slide he would go about 10--15 times...hey, he had fun! The girls, or should I say Maddy, really liked the Zipper...she managed to get Brittany on it at least 4 times...just thinking about it makes me want to puke!! We finally left when I was overcome with cold and dirtiness...the wind was whipping hard and making the dirt fly everywhere...my hair, my eyes, my clothes, my mouth....UGH!!!

Monday we just chilled out for a few hours before I headed out the door! Maddy once again tried hiding my suitcase and purse in hopes that I wouldn't be able to leave. She makes me so sad when I visit because she starts crying and makes me want to cry....so hard to leave her sometimes! However, after more than 15 minutes I start to get mad because she refuses to give up the hiding spot of my purse...then I have to go on a hunt...not a lot of fun! But hey, I might get to see her again this weekend, they might come over to visit my nephew Josh.

So how was your weekend?! I hope you got to spend some time in the sun and with family! And remembering why we actually celebrate on Monday, Memorial Day! Thank you men and women who serve, have served and will someday serve in our armed forces. I am a firm believer in our military and believe the President made the right choice to go to war. Men and women who lay their lives on the line every day for me and you are truly heroes that go unnoticed. Thank you and God Bless You. I pray safety for each and every one serving in the Middle East and around the world.

Student Loan Consolidation

Hey all you college grads...how much do you know about your student loan? Do you know the interest rate? Do you know how many different companies you have to pay....yes there is more than one if you took out a sub loan, an unsub loan and any kind of stafford parent loan or a private loan. Do you know you can make your life SOOO much easier by consolidating all your school loans into one?!!!!? Student loan consolidation is not new; I took advantage of this years ago and believe me it cut way back on payments. Basically, student loan consolidation is one company owning ALL your student loans and you paying one monthly payment to that company (and you almost always get locked in to a low interest rate)! Really, what do you have to lose by combining your loans and making one payment? The hassle of making out multiple checks? And for all you recent grads who are going on to further your education (something else I just started as well), check out this site for private student loans.

This is a sponsored post

Happy Birthday Holly!

Happy Birthday Holly Ann! Today is Holly's birthday (Carter's mom!). She is such a wonderful friend...I'm glad that the Lord allowed us to be introduced to one another. We have had great conversations together, digging deep into truth. Not liking some of the things we discuss, but always knowing the Lord has great plans for us. She is a newlywed and a new mom (Carter is her stepson), yet she still finds time to enjoy friends that she had before getting married...and for that I am deeply appreciative.

Thank you for being a wonderful friend! Love Ya!!

The Police

Did you think I was going to blog about a police stop due to the crazy holiday weekend? Well, you're wrong! The Police CD is on its way to stores...yes that's right, The Police....ya know the band that started back in the 70's??? They are releasing a CD with tons of awesome Police music on it. Every song that you can think of is on here....oh the hours of enjoyment that you can get from just this one cd. I think Sting is great as a solo artist, but HELLO, as a member of the Police he was simply over the moon. I personally would LOVE to have this Police CD check out all the songs you get on this 2-disc set--28 tracks in all:

Disc: 1
1. Fallout 2. Can't Stand Losing You 3. Next to You 4. Roxanne 5. Truth Hits Everybody 6. Hole in My Life 7. So Lonely 8. Message in a Bottle 9. Reggatta de Blanc 10. Bring on the Night 11. Walking on the Moon 12. Don't Stand So Close to Me 13. Driven to Tears 14. Canary in a Coalmine

Disc: 2
1. Do Do Do de da da Da 2. Voices Inside My Head 3. Invisible Sun 4. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic 5. Spirits in the Material World 6. Demolition Man 7. Every Breath You Take 8. Synchronicity I 9. Wrapped Around Your Finger 10. Walking in Your Footsteps 11. Synchronicity II 12. King of Pain 13. Murder by Numbers 14. Tea in the Sahara

So, I'm your typical run of the mill kind of girl and I have to say that the popular Every Little Thing She Does is Magic and Every Breath You Take are probably my favorite Police songs. I know those are the most common, but come on they are classic Police! Who doesn't sing along with the radio when those two songs come on? Even little kids know those songs...they are timeless classics!

Oh yeah, PPP can you see me rocking out on my Ipod (once I get the new CD of course and download the songs onto my Ipod!!) I would love to have a chance at winning this CD. Even better? How bout going to see them in concert? That's right they are also going back on tour? Oh yeah...I wasn't old enough to go see them when they were still a band; however, now I am and I would totally love to see these guys in concert...imagine the energy in the arena? Sounds like fun!



This is a sponsored post

Happy Birthday Carter!

Oh my, another birthday! May sure is a busy month! Today, Friday May 25th we are celebrating Carter Switer's 3rd birthday. I am auntie to Carter as his parents Holly and Rodney are my good friends.

This little boy is absolutely adorable...just stinkin' cute. Happy Birthday Carter, I hope you have a fun day and you enjoy your ice cream party tonight with all your family! I pray God's blessing over your young life, and pray all the best for you!

Happy Birthday Susana!

I have to tell you that the 70's produced a lot of GREAT, AMAZING, WONDERFUL individuals. I would venture a guess that 1974 was probably one of the most productive (pun intended) years in the entire decade! Why you ask? Well, two individuals in particular were born during 1974. One is me (but we'll talk about that in September!), the other is my best friend Susana---her birthday is Thursday May 24th!!

What can I say? She is my best friend! We travel the world together, we laugh together (obviously you can see that by the photo on top...that is pretty typical of us! I wonder what we were laughing about so hard?), we talk to each other A LOT, we understand each others families, we are sounding boards for those times that aren't so hot, and we generally just get along and have fun together.

Susana, have a fantastic 33rd birthday....I hope you have a wonderful day. I also want to tell Lilly Happy Birthday as well...Lilly is Susana's dog, and her first birthday was just last week!

I love Vacation!

So I did one of those getting to know me emails that periodically go 'round. It asked where you would rather be right now...all three of my answers had to do with the beach. Do you think I have an affinity with the beach? It simply speaks to me, calls out my name on a regular basis...oh to be on the beach! So to appease my love of the beach and my desire to vacation I have found yet another fantastic site for vacationers such as you and me. Vacations.net is your vacation resort international hot spot, it has so much great information and help for you as you plan your next vacation. This site tells you all about inclusive resorts, and let me tell you I have been wanting to do an all inclusive for a long time.....the life of leisure! It also tells you about top destinations, vacation styles and the inclusive vacation experience. You can also get practical info such as reader reviews, who to call, tours and more. I think that if you have ever wanted to experience a top-notch vacation this is this best way to go.

This is a sponsored post

Happy Birthday Shannon!

Happy Birthday to the Middle Child!! Wednesday May 23rd is my sister Shannon's birthday. She is 32 years old (she probably didn't want me to tell you that). And for those of you who don't know us very well, my sister and i are the same age until my birthday on September 16th!!! Yep, we are both 32 right now. How is that possible, hmm....maybe that is for another day!

Anyway...my sister: Wife of Ernie (he is a great guy), Mom of Brandon, Brittany, Madalyne, and Mason. Step-Mom to Josh and Cassie. Proud horse owner of Kingston!! She is a great sister adn even though we've had our differences over the years we are great friends now.

So Happy Birthday and have a great day!!! The picture above is Shannon with her youngest Mason and below with my bad, bad Mexican Maddy!

Lasik Surgery

I know that there are thousands of men and women who have undergone Lasik eye surgery over the last decade or so. There are so many wonderful stories of how well people have enjoyed their restored vision; however, there is always another side to the story. There are cases of people who have experienced Lasik complications. There is a website that wants to let you know that there is help out there for those who have experienced complications after Lasik surgery. This site offers information that helps you such as problem resolution and an online community forum to talk with. They also have a list of specialized doctors that help with lasick complications. Not only does the site help those with complications, but it also helps you with accurate information if you are considering surgery with referrals to good doctors and the benefits of different types of surgery.

This post sponsored by complicatedeyes.org

Life Update

I haven't been pumping out the blog posts as normal, and that includes my payperpost blog posts as well. The reason? I've just been plain busy.....

....so I thought I'd give you a brief update of my life:

* I started school May 1st, and I am almost finished with my first class. I'm into my second class as well. It is going well, but I am having to get used to being on task and disciplined with schoolwork as it is all online.

* Work: Been busy subbing, and I'll probably be busy through the end of the year. School is out June 20th, so I'll be done probably the week before. Also keeping very busy with KMPS and the various other jobs I have!

* Church/MC: It is almost time for another class of Masters Commission to graduate from my church, Puyallup Foursquare. Our graduation is Sunday June 10th, and our graduation breakfast (up at the fantastic Salish Lodge) is Monday June 11th. So I have been buys getting invitations out, buying gifts, making certificates, putting together the order of service, and on and on....The last month of MC keeps me on my toes. Plus with me transitioning out, and a new director transitioning in we are trying to meet and swap information and have me help him as much as possible. Busy!

* California: Yes, I am still planning on moving. Although I am looking for a few things, or should I say asking God for a few things. The major thing being some type of vehicle. I am praying that someone feels impressed by God to give me a car. So I'm not even going to voice the other options that might be available. I feel like it might happen....but I also know that it might not. I have faith, but I'm not naive to know that God answers prayers in the negative sometimes. Still don't know an exact date that I plan on moving down...I'm waiting for some money to come in that I am expecting and hoping that someone would like to drive down with me! Plus, I then need to find a job through September and a house to live in. Details, details, details!!!

* Finances: So if anyone was to ask me what my finances looked like, I would be very honest and say, "CRAPPY". I admit I made some major credit card mistakes when I was a young teenager/adult and now I am paying for those mistakes. However, I have been diligently trying to get out of debt...it is hard, but it is doable. I still have about $8,000 (it used to be over $13,000), but I will have at least one more credit card paid off and closed BEFORE I move to California....YEAHHHHH!!!!! Slowly but surely whittling down my debt and man does it feel good. PLus I know that I haven't been able to fully move in ministry owing debt like I do.

Anything else that I need to tell you all? Hmmm....I don't think at this time I have anything, but if I think of anything I'll let you know.

Have a wonderfully blessed week. Jesus Loves You and so Do I!!

Motor Insurance

All of us have motor vehicle insurance; however, we all know that sometimes doing price comparisons and a little shopping around may save us money. The insurance world is constantly changing, and as a general rule of thumb I call in and inquire about my insurance every six months. I want to make sure that I am getting the best deal for my dollar. I'm sure that you want to also! There is a site that deals in motor insurance, they have have great discounts going on right now including introductory discounts.

Some of the benefits that this company has are:
free courtesy car
free 24-hour Emergency Helpline in the event of a breakdown
free Europe-wide cover (yes, this is a European insurance company)
free uninsured loss recovery service
free Legal Advice Helpline
recovery of the vehicle to a suitable repairer
up to £250 medical expenses covered
up to £250 personal belongings covered

So, so much more is offered through this company. If you are in the UK and need a need insurance quote, please check them out and see what they can do for you.

This is a sponsored post

Family

Here is a picture of me with my sisters and my mom. This was taken on Easter Sunday. Next to me is the middle sister, Shannon (who is actually only 8 months younger than me!). Then the baby, Camille...you can also call her Gypsy Princess (she just LOVES that name), and then my mom Connie. Could we all look any different from one another? Somehow I don't think we all looked this lovey dovey in our younger years.

PS...Mom, I stole a few pictures from your myspace!

Web Based CRM Software

What is CRM Software you ask? Let me tell you, CRM is customer relationship software. This software is an online based program that allows you to focus more on sales and less on learning software. This crm software allows you to focus on gaining more customers, without the hassle of learning how to track all your customers on hard to understand software. There are so many software programs out there to help you look for new customers, track those customers once they are yours, and how to eventually keep them; however, most of these software programs are hard to understand, hard to navigate, and usually end up frustrating an individual. With this online software you get online forum support, a free trial period, low implementation cost, and ease of use. So if you are in business of looking for new customers and wanting to know how to achieve the greatest level of customer relationships then you need to check out this site.

This post sponsored by aimpromote.com

I'm a Contest Finalist

Do y'all remember that post about whogets.com I posted a few posts back? It was for a new online game site that was spam free. Essentially, people signed up on the site, entered the contests that they wanted to win and waited to see if they made the final stage. Once a contest reaches the final stage, the winner is chosen by votes!

Guess What? One of the contests I entered has gotten me into the final stage. This particular contest is for a table lamp! But I need your help to win!!!! I'm running third (out of six) in votes right now, and in order for me to win I need people to go online and vote for me!!!!!! Click on Rachel's Contest Final and vote for rachelannmac....then go and tell all your friends. And then once you are done voting enter contests of your own. They said the chances of getting into contests finals are pretty good right now as they are a new site and not many people have gotten on the bandwagon yet. You can enter to win movies, bed sets, sunglasses, Ipod shuffles and more!!!

Thanks in advance for helping me out. If you enter and make it to contest final stage I will vote for you as many times as they let me!

Help and 600th!!

I'm not afraid to let people know I need help. Here is what I need, can you put the word out there!!???

1. A relatively inexpensive car to buy--mine is dying and won't make it to CA. I don't have a lot of money, but need something that will get to Cali and drive around for awhile. I wouldn't mind taking over payments for someone who is trying to get out of car payments! Or who would be willing to let me make some monthly payments for a few months.

2. Anyone want to drive to CA with me this summer? I am going down in July, probably towards to beginning of the month but after the fourth. I need to drive my own car down and will probably have a moving truck as well. I am moving to the Oceanside area, which is Camp Pendleton if anyone knows any military moving down to the base!

Thanks for keeping these in mind...you never know when you will hear something come up!

So now my 600th!!! That's right this is my post #600! That is a lot of blogging to have done in the last year and a half! I'm the kind of girl that gits 'er done!

Camping

So next weekend is Memorial Day weekend! One of the most popular weekends in the year to go out and go camping. Are you a camping family? Do you have great stories about camping? I grew up in a family that "camped", or so we tried to camp!! My friends had me camping throughout my college years as well...let's just say that those camping trips were stories in of themselves. Then we have all those youth group and MC camping/overnight trips throughout the years. We've also done GPS "clue" searching games.

Wouldn't it be fun to combine the two? Camping and GPS treasure hunting?!? I think this would be a blast. And I know a great place to get camping and GPS rentals? This site has everything you need for you and your youth group to have a fun weekend hunting treasures...kind of like your own mini-Amazing Race! What's even better is that this site specifically talks about youth groups and addresses what they need specifically to have a fantastically run event. If you have never done any kind of GPS treasure hunt then you need to organize one. Yes, this is great for the kids in your youth group (and believe me they will love you), but it is totally a blast for all you "BIG" kids too! They give you all sorts of tips on backpacking, bears (Ok....I don't think I'm going anywhere with bears...oh wait, I have been to Montana and seen a few!!), tent care and set-up, geo-caching, what the right gear is, what you should pack, and much more. But my favorite topic that they list is, "Suggestions for Good Sleep!" So if you are a youth leader or you have kids who are in youth group and they need good ideas suggest a GPS treasure hunt/camp out experience. I guarantee you will all have a blast!

This post sponsored by lowergear.com

200,000

OMG...what do you think 200,000 means?

* The number of fish in the river?

* The number of sugar crystals on a cone of cotton candy?

* The number of seconds in type A driven individuals work week?

* The number of bugs you've caught on your windshield over the years?

* The number of times you've ever said, "UM..."?

What does 200,000 mean to you?

Well, to me it actually represents the numbers that showed up on my odometer yesterday! WOW! That is a lot of stinkin' miles to put on your vehicle. It's still running, albeit not as well as it should or could, but it's still truckin' on down the road!

Bucky Pictures

Here are some pictures from the concert I went to the other night! Bucky Covington, contestant on last year's American Idol, was the opening act. Here are a few shots of him and his band. They were actually pretty good. He started playing a little harder "Southern Rock" at the end, which is ok; however, this was a Rotary show for a scholarship fund so you get a lot of the regular donors attending. Not usually a problem, but most of them are shall we say, old!


This is Neal McCoy, who was the headlining act that night. It was a weird concert as a mentioned last post. He stopped a lot, told a lot of jokes, spoke to the girls who were leaving the auditorium for the bathroom and actually stopping the show for a while as he waited for them to return (ya know, those girls never did come back to their seats...), sany other people's songs, let us band sing...it was more of a country variety act than a concert. Don't get me wrong, it was good, just different.


Yep, we got to meet the guys as well. We were in the VIP sponsor room and they came around talked with people and signed autographs. Now, I'm not a total autograph hound, but I do like sticking them in my scrapbook. I admit, I'm a bit anal about what they can actually sign...I don't usually like people signing my tickets or name badge....the autograph is too hard to read then. So usually, I find some type of cardstock and make a sheet (small, med or large...whatever works) for them to sign....then the autograph goes in the scrapbook next to our picture together. PS...the other girl is Kirsten, who also works wiht KMPS.

Bucky Covington

Ok all you American Idol fans (that means you Jessica)....I got to meet Bucky Covington tonight!! He was performing at the Auburn Rotary Scholarship Fund Concert at the Auburn PAC tonight with Neal McCoy. Bucky is actually quite a good singer. Of course as an avid Idol fan I already knew that (as I am one of those that voted each week for him!). Working in radio (especially when the big bosses are out of town) definitely has some perks. They had a VIP barbeque in between shows....normal VIP people got to eat dinner in one room while sponsor VIPS got to sit in another room! Oh yeah, I got in the sponsored VIP room....and in this room Bucky and Neal actually went around signing autographs and taking pictures with people. One of the girls I work with had her camera so the pictures of us are on there, but as soon as she sends them to me I'll post them up here (SIDE NOTE: I really, really, really need my own digital camera...this relying on others for pictures kind of sucks). Anyway...it was fun!

New Rock Band

Funny that I have the opportunity to review a new rock band, because my niece Brittany called me yesterday and asked if I ever just "ROCKED" out! I said of course I did!!!! There is a new band of four guys called Madison Ambush and they sound pretty good....I think I could rock out to these guys. Their website has the song "Stray Time Bomb" playing when you enter the site...not bad...good beat. And the best part is that I can actually understand the words. You can buy their CD for only $4.99! I think they might do well!

Blake Lewis

I wish I was going to the Mariner's game tonight, if only to play the fanatic American Idol fan!! Our own Blake Lewis is home for a few days and he is singing the National Anthem at tonights game. If you are an American Idol watcher you know from past seasons that they film the final three going home. You get to see all the hoopla that the contestants city has done for them. I think they are also having a parade in honor of Blake! It will be fun to watch American Idol next week and see WA State/Seattle on TV!! Although, it is going to be hard...I have to switch back and forth between Idol and the ACM Country Music Awards. It is important to see how everyone looks and who is singing what!

**Side Note** I was just reading KOMO News and Blake did a concert down in Westlake Center today with none other than Sir Mix-A-Lot (Baby Got Back!!).

New Online Game....

...with NO SPAM!!!! Yeah, I love to play games online where you have a chance to win actual prizes; however, I hate all the spam email and pop ups that I get in return. Makes me think that I'll never win anything (at least online, heh Marcie!). So this site whogets.com has a new game where you can win prizes worth $10 to $600. It is done in rounds, with a semi-final round and a final round. They are saying that your chances to win right now are pretty good as this is a new thing for them...I'm sure that thousands will jump on the bandwagon once they find out about this great new game. If you get to the final round you do have to write a statement on why you want to win the displayed prize, and then the statements are voted on by whogets.com members and the chosen one wins the prize!!

This post sponsored by whogets.com

Suspension

Should I feel bad that two of the kids in my class today got suspended from school until Friday?

Or should I be jumping with joy that the two hardest kids to control will be gone until Friday?

Those are the questions!

Seriously, today was probably one of the most stressful days I've had at school in a long while, and I mean long! I'm in the same class all week, so I should probably be expecting it tomorrow as well. Not only is it a hard class to start with, but we are doing WASL this week as well. And well, it's spring and it's a test. No kid wants to take a test, especially one where there is such strict rules for being quiet afterwards.....we are given 2.5 hours to finish one section. Days like these are days that I feel totally unqualified to be a teacher. That isn't a good feeling to have when my school work came online yesterday and I really need to get going on it!!!

I hope you enjoy the sunshine. And if you are a parent of a student taking the WASL test go easy on them....cut them some slack when it comes to schoolwork this week.

Online Encyclopedia

I love encyclopedias...where else can you go to get so much informatin about a subject!! I know that it seems weird to be an information gatherer, but that is what gives me the nickname "Random Rachel". So there is a new online encyclopedia site. It is a bit different in that there are different categories, and within those categories are articles posted about a subject within the category. For example, the Music & Movies category has posts about all sorts of movies and differents bands. Someone might want to read about Castaway and others might want to check and see who the Dave Matthews Band is (gotta support the local music scene). It really is quite fantastic as there are tons of categories to puruse....cars, computers, education, humor, kids, relationships, religions and tons more. Visit and gain some new information that you might not have known before!

This post is sponsored by encyclocentral.com

Page Rank

I have been trying so hard to get my page rank up, and finally it moved up a notch! Yeah, for me. I know that doesn't mean a lot to most of you...but for my paid blogging it helps to have a larger page rank. Now how you actually get that page rank, I'm not quite sure! I know that I am a regular blogger and I think that helps. And I have a page counter on my site, and I've noticed that I've been gettng more visitors lately...which I know helps out a ton! So whatever has happened I'm excited.....now I need to go see what paid posts I am able to take so I can make more money (I have very expensive school books to buy right now!)

Orlando Vacation Rentals

So I mentioned how to get your Orlando area entertainment tickets for a discounted price. Now how about where you are going to stay while in Orlando! Do you simply find the "cheapest" place to stay or are you one of those who stays in the lap of luxury while on vacation. I'm going to say most of you are like me...middle of the roaders....don't want cheap but can't afford mega bucks! But I still want the great locations, the great amenities and the feel of luxury!! Where can you and I find great Orlando vacation rentals? Funny you should ask...I have a great site for you! Check the site out to find the perfect place for you. If staying near the beach is for you, they have it! If staying a block from Disney Parks is for you, they have it! Golf courses? Yep, they've got places for you! They find the best place for you to stay...usually vacation homes for less than what a popular hotel might cost you. Have fun in Orlando!

This is a sponsored post

Paris Hilton

I don't know Paris Hilton. We are not friends. But I am glad that our judiciary system didn't allow her "Hollywood" status to interfere with their court decision. She was arrested for drinking and driving last fall (reckless driving), ordered to pay fines, put under probation and ordered to attend classes. Pretty simple rules to follow. However, some people feel as if they don't have to follow the rules. She was in fact given a pretty lenient decision in my opinion the first time around. Most of us would have been given much worse. However, Ms. Hilton decided not to enroll in the mandatory classes and was stopped on other traffic citations. For this she received 45 days in jail. Her lawyers are calling it the most ludicrous decision they've seen...WHATEVER! You play the game, you pay the price. Way to go to the judge who made the decision. We are lucky she didn't cause an accident and kill someone while she was driving intoxicated.....would her lawyer have called it ludicrous if she had?

5th of May

Yes, most of you are thinking that today is simply Cinco de Mayo! Go on, eat and celebrate Mexican Independence Day (crazy that we Americans celebrate this!). BUT even more important than Cinco de Mayo is that today is National Scrapbooking Day...YEAH!!!!

So let's check!

I've got my scrapbook supplies!





I've got my pictures and my albums!











I've got my Scrapbook Buddy, Barbara!



I think I am ready to go! We are heading up to the Scrapbook Store (Scrapbooks ETC...owned by a great lady, Jennifer Woolery) and we are scrapping from Noon till 2am...yes, you heard me right....14 hours of fun. I consdier this absolute fun. For me it is a great opportunity to get projects done! Finished, and not sitting on my craft table!!! I have an album that I'm making for a friend, my cruise pictures, and a few other "craft" gifts to make today. So I have plenty to keep me busy!

Disney World

Are you a Disney fanatic? I know that Marcie is!!!!! I love everything Disney...Walt sure hit on a winner when he created his famous mouse and then created "The Happiest Place on Earth!" Now Disney Land is great, but Disney World is even better. It's bigger and more intense, without losing the feeling of Disney! Summer is coming up and if you are thinking of a fun place to take the kids on vacation....or if you're like me and single, just a fun place to vacation with friends.....consider Disney World. You can get your Disney World Tickets online at a discounted price! Not only can you buy discounted Disney tickets (to all Disney parks), but you can buy discounted tickets to other attractions such as: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure (I've been here and it is a blast), Arabian Nights Show, Medieval Times Show, and other "nighttime" shows and activities. Go on, have some fun this summer...enjoy Disney!

This is a sponsored post

American Idol

So we are down to six again tonight! But two are leaving us tomorrow! Who do you think it is going to be?

Blake?

Phil?

Melinda?
Lakisha?
Jordin?
or Chris?

Sad to say, but I think Chris and Phil may be on the hot seat. Unless they can pull off something absolutely fantastic that so totally impresses the judges and America. I personally like all of the top six (at least most of them). I would really like to see Blake win, but who knows! America is a fickle individual.

Bon Jovi is the mentor tonight. Do you think anyone is going to sing "Wanted Dead or Alive" or "Livin' On a Prayer"?

Mediterrean Property

I'm counting down the days (all right years) until I get to go to Greece. It has been my dream the last few years to visit the Mediterrean...it is just so beautiful there. I'm ready to experience the beauty of the ocean and all that the Mediterrean has to offer. As I dream, I also look for sites that talk about the Mediterrean. One site that I found has to deal with North Cyprus Property. Now I'm not looking to live there in a few years, BUT I wouldn't say no to living there either! Where is North Cyprus you ask? I asked too! It is the most easterly islands in the Mediterrean and approximately 40 miles from Turkey...which just happens to be one of the places Susana and I plan on visiting so maybe well island hop to Cyprus. Well, this site offers you tremendous deals on homes in North Cyprus. I think if you were to consider buying a home in the Mediterrean this would be a great place to buy and Wellington Estates, LTD would be a great place to start looking.

This post sponsored by wellestates.com

Happy May Day

May 1st, often called May Day, just might have more holidays than any other day of the year. It's a celebration of Spring. It's a day of political protests. It's a neopagan festival, a saint's feast day, and a day for organized labor. In many countries, it is a national holiday. Remember when we would make May Day baskets in elementary school, put them on our Mom's front door, ring the bell and run away? Memories....

In medieval England, people would celebrate the start of spring by going out to the country or woods—"going a-maying"—and gathering greenery and flowers, or "bringing in the may." This was described in "The Court of Love" (often attributed to Chaucer, but not actually written by him) in 1561:

"And furth goth all the Court, both most and lest,To feche the floures fressh, and braunche and blome; And namly, hawthorn brought both page and grome.With fressh garlandes, partie blewe and whyte,And thaim rejoysen in their greet delyt." (Spelling is obviously not modern English)

Another English tradition is the maypole. Some towns had permanent maypoles that would stay up all year; others put up a new one each May. In any event, the pole would be hung with greenery and ribbons, brightly painted, and otherwise decorated, and served as a central point for the festivities.

May Day was also a time for morris dancing and other dances, often around the maypole. In the 19th century, people began to braid the maypole with ribbons by weaving in and out in the course of a dance. Other later traditions include making garlands for children and the crowning of the May Queen.

Bird Watching Binoculars

Have you thought about taking up a new hobby? How about bird watching? This is an excellent hobby, especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest. Not only do we have your "normal' every day type of birds, but we also have the magnificent Eagles you can keep your eyes out for. There is a spot of Pioneer Road in Puyallup (on the way towards Tacoma) that is a big hang out for bird watchers, as there is a huge nest in the trees just off the road. However, one thing I have noticed with all the bird watchers I pass by is that they have binoculars. You know to have a hobby and do it right, you need the right tools. And bird watching binoculars are a must have! To get the best bird watching binoculars out there check out Eagle Optics...they have: Google checkout payment option; great low prices; outstanding customer service; excellent selection; and free financing on orders over $200. How much better can you get than that?!? For those of you just getting started you might want to look at these binoculars: Eagle Optics Ranger SRT; Stokes Talon; Nikon Monarch; and Vortex Viper. For those of you who have been at this hobby longer you might want to check out these binoculars: Leica Ultravid; Nikon LXL Premier; Swarovski EL and Zeiss Victory EL. There are so many options for you in the world of bird watching binoculars, now get out there and tell me what you see!

This post sponsored by eagleoptics.com

Started School Today

Oh yeah, I'm back in school. Before I do any actual classwork, I have to go through an online orientation type class. As I am going to school solely online, they have to walk us through every step so we know what we are doing. After each topic discussion we have to post a message, I guess this shows them that we actually are going through each step. Honestly, it is a bit boring at this point...I just want to get started and get going. But I understand the need for this. I started a few hours ago, and I am still trudging through it. Hopefully, I'll be finished soon. And hopefully I'm doing everything right!