FREE Root Beer Floats

That's right!! FREE Root Beer Floats!

When? Where? Why?

Well, on Monday June 16th from 2pm--8pm...you can get a FREE float at A&W! Sweet!

My understanding is that A&W started this a few years back to celebrate the first day of summer. The news release this year is that they are doing it to give everyone a break from high gas prices! Whatever...FREE Root Beer Floats!! YEAH!!

Happy Birthday Cassie

Today is my niece Cassie's Sixteenth Birthday!! Happy Birthday!

I don't get to see her much as she lives in Gig Harbor ... but I still love the girl!

One of her favorite things to do is text message me BEFORE 7am...what is wrong with that picture?

Teenagers...gotta love them! Happy Birthday Cass!

Happy Birthday Brandon

My nephew Brandon is turning 18 tomorrow!! Wow, that means my sister is getting old...shhh, don't tell her that!! LOL.

I remember when he was born, and now he is an adult...where does the time go? Goodness gracious I'm starting to feel old!

This picture of Brandon catching air on his skateboard is one of my favorite pictures of him.....it shows the freedom you can have! As well as the sense of adventuresome that a person must have as well!

Brandon, I pray God's blessings over your life as you go into the next journey of your life!

Love ya!

Why do...

....singers of one genre think that they can successfully cross over into another genre of music? Have they conquered the genre that they are in, and are trying to conquer another fan base of listeners? Have they quietly been kicked out of their music scene because they haven't released anything in eons?

I think they do it so that I can blog about it!!

Who am I ranting about?

Darius Rucker

AND

Jessica Simpson

Darius used to be the front man for Hootie and the Blowfish...EXCELLENT group and EXCELLENT music! Don't get me wrong, I think this guy is fantastic. But to go from pop to country? Really? Doesn't really strike my fancy.

And Jessica....oh Jessica! Words fail me sometimes. I know that she initially wanted to be a Christian singer, but was "shot down" because of her looks and such. Then she entered the pop scene where she has had a major career. Now? She just released a country CD!!! Why oh why????

Singers...if you read this (I'm sure that my blog could get into the hands of someone famous!) stay where you are!!!! Glorify God with your voice but don't change genres unless you are ABSOLUTELY 100% sure that it will work and that the listeners will appreciate it!

8 Stupidest Morons

Thanks Charlie for sending this to me via email...I hope that all of you in bloggerville enjoy!


WELL, IT DOES TAKE ALL KINDS

TOP 8 MORONS OF 2007

1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP? AT&T fired
President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual
leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's
not Walter who's lacking intelligence.

2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS: Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After
firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was
standing beside them in the police line, shouting, 'Please come out
and give yourself up'.

3. WHAT WAS PLAN B? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper
proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.

4. THE GETAWAY! A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for
all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

5. DID I SAY THAT? Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who
just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: 'Give me all your money or I'll shoot,' the man shouted, 'that's not what I said!'.

6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING? A man spoke frantically into the phone: 'My wife is
pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart,' 'Is this her first child?' the doctor asked. 'No,' the man shouted, 'this is her husband!'

7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED! In Modesto, CA, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his
pocket. (hellooooooo)!

8. THE GRAND FINALE!!! Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, CA, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No
matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 foot boat, going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power they applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted into a nearby marina, thinking someone there may be
able to tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition The engine ran fine, the out-drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check
underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard.

NOW REMEMBER...THIS IS TRUE....

Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!

Surprise! Surprise! The girls of Cafe Espana made a cake for Susana's birthday which is on Saturday (shhh....she will be 34!)

Susana went next door to her Dad's shop; when she came back they all surprised her and sang "Happy Birthday" to her!

This is Wilma, Vanessa and Carmen. Vanessa and Carmen work at Cafe Espana and Wilma comes in every day for coffee. She is a super sweet lady, she gave me a fun little notepad just because!

This is Carmen, Raine and Laura. Raine and Laura are both Washingtonian transplants! Funny how you meet people from home so far away from home.

This is Aurora and Juanita. Aurora is the cook/baker for Cafe Espana. She is simply FANTASTIC. I've had ham/cheese/mushroom empanadas; tortilla de patata (spanish omelette), cakes, cookies, salads and more that she has made and all are DA BOMB!!! Juanita is Susana's mom and a wonderfully nice lady!

Of course, it would be complete if I didn't include a picture of me and Susana. These are the last days of both of us being 33!!! LOL....in just a few days she will be 34 and I get to wait until September before turning 34.

Fayetteville, NC

Here are a few pictures from downtown Fayetteville

This is the Marketplace in the center of downtown.

I found this sign quite humorous...we don't like panhandlers in WA either; however, we don't make signs to discourage the act!

Unfortunately, we didn't go into this store, but I thought the name was hilarious!!! White Trash & colorful accessories!

This is in front of the Special Forces Museum. All the flags are up in honor of Memorial Day!

Is a funky house in Fayetteville. Doors, doors and more doors! Evidently they go nowhere! It looks like a house was plopped on top of the roof, and there is a door up there as well...I said that is where the bad kids are sent!!

Wilmington, NC

Yesterday, Susana and I took a little drive to the Ocean to Wilmington, NC.

This is Wrightsville Beach we went to yesterday in Wilmington, NC. It was hot, but windy! I went swimming in the ocean and LOVED it--even though I felt like a big salt block afterwards. I do have to say that the one thing about living in Washington is that the beaches and ocean aren't quite the same as on the East Coast.

This is me in front of the Battleship North Carolina.
**This is my wenchy picture according to Susana....I have a new swimsuit and I don't really have the chest to fill it out all the way!! Hope no one is offended!!*

This is a fun little shopping center that we went to. It is the size of a city block enclosed with cutesy shops inside. We had a great conversation with the owner of the Ladybug store...she was hilarious!

Inside the City Market was a wall of autographs from celebrities. This one is from Josh Jackson who was on Dawson's Creek which was filmed in Wilmington, NC. One Tree Hill is filmed there now.

We went down the river walk and this picture of Waldo was on the corner! We thought it was funny...great drawing of Waldo!

TV Show Reminiscing

OK!

I thought I might be going crazy...but thankfully I'm not!!! LOL!

Stephen Kilbreath from KMPS was talking about the TV show Boomerang the other day on air and I was surprised but delighted. I used to watch that show all the time when I was a kid! Yesterday Susana and I were talking about old TV shows, and since that was fresh in my mind I said, "Hey how about Boomerang!" She gave me the look like, Hmm you crazy dorky friend! I insisted that it was a real show and even called her sister today to ask her...she didn't know it either.

So between Susana's sister and I we did some internet searching and found a website that talks about BOOMERANG...YEAH!!! The reason for my possible craziness? It was a local show in the Seattle area...it wasn't everywhere in the US!! It ran from 1980 to 1984 with some re-runs. Do any of you remember this show?

Another show that I remember (well at least remember watching re-runs) was H R Pufnstuf! Now that was a weird show. Susana and I have come to the conclusion that everyone creating kid's television shows in the 70's was high on something! Have you seen some of this stuff?

To prove it...here is a little bit for you to watch!

Need a reason to visit....

....the St. Louis Airport?

Well, they have these bright blue rocking chairs everywhere for you sit in while you wait for your flight. How cool is that? They obviously are moveable so you can scoot it by your friends/family or strangers that you might be flying with! For people like me who have a THREE hour layover, they are quite nice. I actually was sitting in one for a few minutes, but then I went on a plug-in hunt so I could get on the computer. (I admit that I purchased Internet here at the airport!! UGH!!!).

Well, I'm going to finish surfing the net and checking email before my flight is called!

Happy Armed Forces Day to all past, present and future military men, women and the families that support them~

Going Green

I'm not a green person. I don't profess to be, and honestly, I'm lousing at it! However, since I have green friends who are EXCELLENT at being Earth friendly (aka...Marcie!!!) I am starting to learn easy ways of being green and just soaking in the information that comes my way via Marcie's blog.

Tonight I went to Safeway to buy just a few groceries, and walked by the Safeway organic green grocery bags that you re-use each time you go shopping. I thought to myself, "Hmmm...I should really buy one of those and quite getting tons of plastic bags." Well, I got to the check out and had forgotten to get one, and so I was just going to blow it off until next time; however, the checker must have noticed that I was "missing" something and asked me if I needed anything else. I told her that I needed one of the re-usable bags, and away she went to get me one.

So this girl is starting small! But at least I'm trying. What are you doing to make our Earth a better place to live?

Hi

I feel like I haven't written anything in forever!

Work has been crazy busy. A new term of school started. I seriously cannot wait to be completely done with school...no more studying for tests and so on and so forth. I'm also leaving tomorrow for a week!! Yeah!! I'm heading to North Carolina on Saturday to visit my BFF :) for a few days before spending the holiday weekend with some friends round and about Moses Lake!

I just wanted to let you know I'm still here...I haven't gone away...just busy.

PS....I'm so excited that it is David vs. David on American Idol finale!!!

Flowers

Look what I got last night....flowers!

From Maddy and Mason? Nope...

from the kids that live in my little unit of townhouses! They were actually trying to "sell" me some flowers when I got out of my car; however, once I gently said no they started giving them to me. They left some on the doorstep, and then they came, rang the doorbell and gave me more. I thought they were really sweet!

Scrapbook Retreat

Of course...one of my self-portraits.

Me, Holly, Heather, Barb, Shannon and Diane all went scrapbooking this weekend! Yes, that's right a scrapbook weekend. Lots and lots of scrapping, drinking (not our girls), taking pictures, making new friends, catching up with old friends, staying up late and simply having fun...fun...fun!!!



This is what time I left the scrapbook room on Friday night! Then I was back up at 8am to scrap on Saturday!




This is Jennifer and Stephanie doing the penguin song and dance....Jennifer owns the scrapbook store, Scrapbooks ETC up by Longston Movie theater in Puyallup...Stephanie is her sister....this is what happens when you drink, scrap and stay up REALLY, REALLY late!



This is me showing off my favorite layout at midnight or later....fun times.


This is our scrapbook room at the Liberty Inn in Dupont, WA. We stayed at the hotel, had catered lunches and dinners and scrapped all day and all night long. Anyone who is interested in coming to a scrapbook retreat (HOLLY ALEXANDER THIS MEANS YOU!!!) there is going to be another one the first weekend of October at the Liberty Inn.

This is Good Sportsmanship!!!

By Associated Press

MONMOUTH, Ore. (AP) - A senior with a .153 career batting average hits her first home run, a three-run blast, to help Western Oregon move closer to a spot in the NCAA's Division II softball playoffs.

That was improbable. To 70-year-old Central Washington coach Gary Frederick, what happened next was "unbelievable."

Sara Tucholsky, the 5-foot-2-inch right fielder, sprinted to first as the ball cleared the center field fence Saturday in Ellensburg, Wash. Given that she had never hit a ball out of the park, even in practice, she was excited. So excited she missed first base.

A couple yards past the bag, she stopped to go back and touch it. But she collapsed with a knee injury."I was in a lot of pain," she told The Oregonian newspaper on Tuesday. "Our first-base coach was telling me I had to crawl back to first base. 'I can't touch you,' she said, 'or you'll be out. I can't help you."'

Despite the agony, Tucholsky crawled back to first.

Western Oregon coach Pam Knox ran onto the field and talked to the umpires. The umpires said the coach could place a substitute runner at first. Tucholsky would be credited with a single."

The umpires said a player cannot be assisted by their team around the bases," Knox said. "But it is her only home run in four years. She is going to kill me if we sub and take it away. But at same time I was concerned for her. I didn't know what to do."

An opponent did.

Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman, the all-time home run leader in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, asked the umpire if she and her teammates could carry Tucholsky around the bases.

The umpires said nothing in the rule book precluded help from the opposition.Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Tucholsky and resumed the home-run walk, stopping to let Tucholsky touch the bases with her good leg."

We started laughing when we touched second base," Holtman said. "I said, 'I wonder what this must look like to other people."'

Holtman got her answer when they arrived at home plate. Many people were in tears.

The second-inning homer sent Western Oregon on its way to a 4-2 victory, ending Central Washington's chances of winning the conference and advancing to the playoffs."

In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much," Holtman said. "It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain and she deserved a home run."

Frederick, the Central Washington coach, said he later got a clarification from an umpiring supervisor, who said NCAA rules allow a substitute to run for a player who is injured after a home run. The clarification doesn't matter to those who witnessed the act of sportsmanship.

"Those girls did something awesome to help me get my first home run," Tucholsky said. "It makes you look at athletes in a different way. I

t is not always all about winning but rather helping someone in a situation like that."

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Tomorrow is .31 cent scoops of ice cream at Baskin Robbins from 5pm--10pm!!!

That's right...you can go to BR and get .31 cent ice cream cones...how cool is that!!! There is a limit of 10 scoops per person, but hey go as a big group and you can buy tons!!!

Yum, I'm going to get a Jamocha Almond Fudge and Chocolate Chip Mint Cone! My fav!!!

American Idol

Ok, so not everyone cares to hear about American Idol; however, this is my first post of this season. Last night's departure was a complete shocker!! Really America how could you vote to keep Jason Castro on and not Carly Smithson? Granted, I don't think she would have won...I believe one of the David's will take that honor...but still, Jason Castro? He didn't sound good this week...he didn't really know who Andrew Lloyd Weber was...he didn't know that Memories comes from the musical CATS and he didn't take Mr. Weber's advice on how to sing the song!!! It is sad that this is a population contest and not an actual singing contest as Simon tells us constantly!

From Snow...to Heat Wave

All in one day!

Yep, I went out to my car this morning and saw snow on top of my poor baby! Yesterday, it was nice out...windy, but nice. And now this evening, I'm melting from the heat of the sun shining through the windows. I'd like to be one of those people that talks about "Mother Nature" but I know it is God who has the say about the weather....is he just trying to make sure we are all awake and paying attention? Is he trying to get our attention for some reason? Hmm....me thinks He is trying to show us something.....I mean really, SNOW on April 21st?

In other news....Happy Late birthday to my baby sister Camille! She turned 26 last Wednesday the 16th...she's not really a baby anymore...she's a mom of a 3-year and MEGA prego with #2.

Yesterday, Maddy and I went to visit my Grandparents. It was my Granma's birthday yesterday! They are doing well. A bit frustrated with all the medical issues that my Grandpa is still facing. He doesn't really seem to be getting better, in fact, he almost seems worse. He has a hard time talking to you, and is constantly tired. The talking is due to the loss of salivary glands and the tired is because his blood seems to always be low. He was in for another transfusion last week, and they go into "town" every week so that he can have dialysis and be checked by the doctors. My Grandma is hoping that in a few weeks they will be back up and running with dialysis at home and won't have to go into Spokane constantly. Another sad realization that he isn't going to get any better is that they are selling their boat. To some that doesn't seem like a big deal, but for them it is life changing. They are very active outdoors people, but haven't been able to enjoy the activities that they normally enjoy such as fishing and hunting with my Grandpa being sick. Keep him in your prayers!

Today I met with the principal at Moses Lake High School to talk about doing pre-clinical experiences at his school. These are clinical experiences PRIOR to me actually student teaching in January. I'm a bit nervous. You wouldn't think so since I've been subbing for a few years; however, there was never a "real" teacher in the classroom critiquing me!!! AHHH...the joys of becoming a teacher. Breathe, Rachel, Breathe...it'll be all right!

To end this update of my life in a nutshell (where did that phrase come from anyway?) I want to honor my Green Friend Marcie (no she isn't related to Kermit)...she is green in that she is doing her best to be Earth friendly, recycle, reduce, and reuse. She has lots of great ideas over at her site...and I've been thinking of her all day because she sent me an incredibly funny email about her husband the recent purchase of a VW Bus!!! If you are lucky she will share with all of us in bloggerville the story! Till then...TTFN!

Flummoxed

Nice word isn't it?

Know what it means?

Confused...Perplexed....

Why do I share it with you?

Because I am flummoxed at this point in my life as to how to study for a test that isn't happening until JULY! Yes, you heard me...JULY!!!

I hear you all saying, "Don't panic Rachel, you have lots of time!"

You don't understand what this test entails! UGH!!!

I sat down last night to start studying and hit a wall. The amount of information I need to know is overwhelming. Where to start studying is overwhelming. How to study is overwhelming. Yes, it is just ALL overwhelming!

If anyone has an OVERWHELMING desire to help me study for the Washington State Social Studies Content Test (aka...the Praxis) feel free to drop me a line....you are more than welcome!

I Love Jesus

The finalists on American Idol always sing a song together on elimination night, tonight was no exception. However, what was different tonight was me sitting in my chair with tears streaming down my face.

Why?

Because I love Jesus, and remarkably His presence hit me through American Idol.

The finalists sang, Shout to the Lord, probably my favorite worship song. I love singing worship songs to the Lord, and this is one that simply means a lot to me. And I sat there and thought , WOW...they are singing to God and thousands and thousands of people are hearing it. God is trying to get someone's attention tonight!

Here are the words for you...

My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

(Chorus)
Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in
YOU!

(chorus)
My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

(Chorus)
Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in
YOU!
(bridge)
let the earth sing
i declare your great name
all of my life i will
with all of my breath
i will praise you
lift it up, life it up

(chorus)

nothing compares to you
i shout your praise
nothing compares to you
Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU!

Stunned Stupefication

I am a TV nut! Yes, I admit it! I love TV and I can talk to you about entertainment news for hours...in fact, I have done this on occassion. But enough of that!

Of course, being a TV addict I watch TV (ahem, alot!!!)

As I was flipping through the channels last night I came across a new "reality" show (I love reality) and sat in my chair with my mouth hanging open and a glazed look in my eyes...it was something called....The Secret Talents of SuperStars...uh, ah, um, well....it was LAME!!! OMG....they are taking celebrities and having them "explore" their secret talent and then perform...you the viewer then goes online and vote for their favorite during the actuall broadcast (so I don't know how us on the West Coast even can vote) and then the two with the highest scores move on to the Semi-Finals, and then all of those in the Semi-Finals compete! I watched the "directions" of the show and the first star...Sasha Cohen and had to turn it...it was turning my mind to mush!!! Like celebrities aren't stars already...and many of them have branched out into arenas other than the one they started in...do we need to give them this? Really?????

And to top it off? The host is John Hurley! He is an ok guy...but his hosting skills are lacking...he is so droll and boring...UGH!!!

I'm sure this is one show I WILL NOT be watching much of, actually NONE of it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE: READ THE NEWS ARTICLE I JUST FOUND...

By Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - The secret talents of celebrities will remain hidden. CBS is axing its new reality show "Secret Talents of the Stars" after only one episode.

The first airing Wednesday had former "Star Trek" actor George Takei singing "On the Road Again." Only 4.6 million people tuned in - and thousands tuned away as the hour continued.

The reality show also had Clint Black doing standup comedy and Mya tap-dancing. Danny Bonaduce is among the celebrities whose secret talents will be kept to himself.

CBS officials say news programming is expected as a temporary replacement.

9:16

This is my 916th post!!!

I wasn't going to write about this specific post number; however, 916 is an important number to me!! It is my birthday: September 16th....9:16!!!!! LOL!!

If you don't know me very well, then you don't know how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE birthdays...especially MINE!!! I'm all about celebrating birthdays and making a big deal that it is your day! I mean come on God did decide to let you be born on that SPECIFIC day!!!

Anyway, I came to say I am still here, even though it has been a week or so since I posted. Life is ok....not grand, not spectacular but ok. But you know what? It is fine to be ok...as long as you are still depending on the Lord for everything in life...and I do! I know that He has my life under control and in the palm of his hands. There are multiple reasons for just ok...not going to get into all of it...because not all of it is mine to share. But I am struggling with living in Moses Lake. It is hard to be in a place where I don't really know anyone or have any real activities to go to. I go to work and I go home. Occasionally, I go to the bookstore for free internet and free books (LOL...that is where I am at right now) and I go to church on Sundays. I am complaining but not really complaining...just letting you know where I am at with life.

So how are all of you?

New Musical

My friend Karen had this over on her blog and I just had to share it with all of you...especially Susana...it is made by the same people who did that improv in Central Station.

Look at the faces on the bystanders...WOW!!!

There website is improveverywhere.com and I have provided a link on my sidebar for future references and those moments when you need a little pick me up!

Fortune Cookies

Last night Maddy, Mason and I went out to dinner so their Mom and Dad could have some time together. We went to a Chinese restaurant where Mason pretty much had a plate of fruit (he cracks me up...he gets fruit and not much else every time we go out!) and Maddy had some noodles and a few other bites and then was asking me for ice cream.

At the end of our dinner we got fortune cookies of course, and I was reading Masons to him and Maddy was reading hers. I told Mason that his fortune said "You are the handsomest boy around." and he said, "No, I'm the bestest boy you know!" I agreed wholeheartedly.

Then Maddy was reading hers and we got to talking about fortunes that she got when she was younger (Interpretation: fortunes Auntie Rachel read to her before she could read). Her comment on Mason's fortune was, "I just to get fortunes like that ALL the time!" Meaning that her fortunes (every time Auntie read them) said, "You are the most beautiful Princess around!" She said it like her fortune should be that, and I don't think she has caught on yet that I made up her fortune every time! I love her innocence and belief in herself, that YES she is the most beautiful Princess around!

My fortune last night? "You are pretty" In my opinion....a lame fortune!

PBR Pics

Here a few pictures from my weekend fun of PBR at the Tacoma Dome! Here I am in my cowboy hat and brand new BOOTS...although I forgot to take a picture of those brand new BOOTS for you to see! But trust me, they are nice. I ended up having to buy a pair of ankle high zip up boots in mens, because my FLAT FAT FEET just don't work in normal cowboy boots! Oh well, you only see the tips of them anyways and these look just like regular boots!



These are my friends Brittany and Jessica Reich. Brittany (She is on the right in the cowboy hat) and I are PBR buddies...we've been to the Ellensburg Rodeo, and to a few PBR events together. What am I going to do once she moves away for school?

This was Jessie's first PBR event. We assured her that she looked "normal"--lol--no purple bedazzled jacket, no bright pink boots to match the shirt, no holes along the side of her fancy pants (yes, these are all observable outfits at the PBR...sheesh...whatever happened to a simple pair of jeans and a shirt!). She said she had a lot of fun and would go again...I think I might have a possible new PBR buddy!

This picture is all the PBR "official" type people getting ready to open the chute for the next bull and rider to come out and see if they can make it 8 seconds. 8 seconds doesn't seem like a long time, but when you are on the back of a massively huge bull who may have massively huge horns it can be an eternity!

And this final pic is of one of the riders doin' his thang! Yeah, I don't think this particular cowboy made it 8 seconds.

PBR

If you aren't in to PBR action then check out the video above of J.B. Mauney who rode for 8 seconds at the Tacoma Dome! This kind of bull riding is why I go to watch the original extreme sport!

School

Wanna hear a little frustration? I'm sure you don't, but you are ever so gracious to listen any ways!

I fell through the loop!

What does that mean?

Well, my school transferred links to our Pre-Clinical Experiences from one website to another. I never saw the first one, and when they transferred they didn't put me into the new one. Why is this such a big deal. Well, these are things that I should have been working on and finished oh let's just say 8 months ago....YES, 8 months ago!!!! So now, I'm scurrying around like a mouse trying to get the initial stuff done so I can get the application part and work on that.

What's even worse? Well, I am supposed to complete 80 hours of observation in a classroom....these are hours I could have done while I lived in CA and actually had one or two weekdays off and it could have been spread out over a longer period of time. Now? Now I have to cram a ton of hours in in a very short time....which means I have to take time off of work! Luckily I have a sister who is very understanding and will cover for me; however, it is a BIT FRUSTRATING!!!!! UGH! To make matters even more complicated is that by the time school has processed everything appropriately school will be almost over.....ughaljfasdklfj! (Yes, that was me typing in a fit of anger/pity)

So, pray for my sanity! Because on top of all this I have to begin preparing for my state content exam in July!

Starbursts and Popcorn

We went to see Horton Hears a Who last night. It was a cute movie. The only part I thought was really cheesy was when they did this whole cartoon (not Pixar type animation, but old school cartoon) portion when Horton was imagining a fight. That was the only part that drew a groan out of me...otherwise...not bad.

However, the greatest part of going to the movies? Well, the kids bought starbursts as their snack and of course we bought popcorn because everyone knows you can't watch a movie in the theater without your hand in a popcorn bag. But have you ever tried the two of them together? Oh, it's like heaven in your mouth!!! First you chew a bit of the starburst (that's the sweet) and then you throw some popcorn in your mouth (that's the salty) and you chew them together!! Oh-la-la!!!

I think I like it so much because it reminded me of eating my Grandma's popcorn balls. Which she makes from a marshmellow creme and jello mix along with the popcorn!

Go on, you know you want to try it! I bet it would work with Skittles too!

Amnesia

No sillies, I don't have amnesia!!!

But there is a new game show called Amnesia. It airs Friday nights at 8pm on NBC! Why do I tell you this?

Good Question!

Tonight's contestant is Shannon Kapp, my pastor from Oceanside, CA! He filmed the show while I was still down in Cali, so we've known about it for months, but they haven't been able to give us too many details! I do know that he won some cash, but don't know how much!

He is one of those people you will actually like to watch. Cuz he is stinkin' funny and has a great personality. Plus, come on...he is a PASTOR on TV and ACTS like one without being "religious"!!!

So go on...you don't have anything better to do on a Friday night (well, ok you might...but do it tomorrow night!)

PS...I was trying to find a picture without Dennis Miller (the host) because I'm not a big fan of his; however, I couldn't find one. So I "borrowed" this picture from nbc.com...Thanks NBC!!!

Strawberry Sundaes at McDonald's

Our work is busy, busy, busy!!! Usually, my sister Shannon will work late and I'll swing by and pick Mason up from daycare on my way home...then she'll pick him up on her way home.

He is generally not a happy camper when he sees me walk through the front door of daycare...in fact, he's yelled at me quite a few times that he wants his Momma and only his Momma to pick him up from school!

So in order to not hear the crying, screaming and yelling I bribe him. Yep, I'm not afraid to admit that I resort to bribing my nieces and nephews! LOL. Yesterday, I once again picked him up and the bribe was a toy from the dollar store (he decided to buy two nice stick ponies) and a "snack" from McDonalds. A cheeseburger and a strawberry sundae!!

This last picture is my favorite, as it shows his HAMMY side of life. I ask him to smile and he always gives me the cheesiest grins! LOL.

Quick Observation

Why is it that this morning, the FIRST day of SPRING, Sadie (my car) had ice all over the windows? I haven't had to scrap my windows for weeks, and then Spring comes along and here I am scraping my windows again. Doesn't the weather know that it is supposed to be getting nicer and warmer now that Spring has Sprung!!!!???!!!

Anyways...Happy First Day of Spring. Enjoy!

Wanted: Rodeo Buddy

I was looking at the Puyallup Fair's website today (you do realize that the Spring Fair is coming next month: April 17-20!!)...anywho...back to the original fair....

I was looking through the rodeo events and noticed that you can buy a season's pass to all five rounds of the rodeo, PLUS entrance to the two country concerts. Chris Cagle will be playing after the rodeo on Friday Sept 5th and Bucky Covington will be playing Sat Sept 6th. The cost for all five rounds and two concerts is only $95! Personally, I think this is a great deal!

However, I need someone who wants to go with me!!! My normal Rodeo/PBR friend Brittany is heading off to college in August. My friend Barbara who sometimes goes with me to events like this will be taking care of her daughter (my friend Holly) who will be having her baby right around there sometime!

So anyone out there want to do this with me? Or do you know any SINGLE, 30 something guys who want to go? :)

Erin Go Bragh!

Happy St. Paddy's Day to all of you who are of Irish descent and to all of you who just like another reason to have green beer today!!! I hope that you are all wearing your green, have found your lucky four-leaf clover as well as that elusive leprechaun at the end of the rainbow. Remember, it is ok to pinch people today (even strangers) if they don't fall in line with the traditional St. Patrick's Day folklore.

PBR Baby!

Lyrics to Toby Keith's "Gimme 8 Seconds"

I got a good bull roped, I got a brand new bell
I got a hot rod pick up truck she can really set sail
Pushing that red line gotta make that show
Gonna meet my buddies at the rodeo

Just drew myself a mean old bull
We're all smellin' money 'cause the jackpot's full
He's got the fire in his belly and he turns back quick
Son this big devil's got a bag of tricks

Gimme 8 seconds, gimme one more shot
Gimme hell below, gimme strength on top
You gotta be crazy, gotta be insane
To hitch your wagon to a hurricane

Gonna wrap my rope around my gloves real tight
I'm droppin' my hooks down and I'm ready to ride
Say a little pray give a nod and go, stay clean in the middle
'Till I hear that whistle blow

Gimmie 8 more seconds, gimmie one more shot
Gimmie hell below, gimmie strength on top
You gotta be crazy, gotta be insane
To hitch your wagon to a hurricane
Yeah hitch your wagon to a hurricane

Can you tell by the song where I might be going this weekend? That's right, me and my PBR buddy Brittany Reich are headed to the Tacoma Dome on Saturday and Sunday to watch the boys get down and dirty with the bulls of PBR!!! Oh yeah!!! This is one event I go to every year, and I rarely miss it!

To be honest....Brittany actually goes for the sport of it...she is way on top of the standings and money placements. ME??? um, yeah I go for the sport too! The sport of watching so many hunky, hunky cowboys in WRANGLERS!!!

Please Pray

Please pray for my family. I'm sorry that I can't go into detail about the circumstances; however, I do know that you can still go before the Lord on our behalf. I can tell you it isn't about me personally but about one of my siblings...which in turn does affect me. I know that I have some fantastic prayer warriors as friends, and appreciate all the prayers that you can lift up for this situation. I can tell you that peace and forgiveness are much needed prayers.

Thank you and Blessings to you and yours!
Rachel

Fierce

Fierce...the word of the day!

A big congratulations to Christian Siriano winner of the latest season of Project Runway. This annoying little twit actually pulled it off and won the whole cotton pickin' thing.

Actually, I do think he is a great designer, a bit over the top at times, but innovative and not afraid to take a challenge and go for it! Plus he is ballsy....he said all season long that he was going to win this and watch out anyone who would get in his way. He won a good number of challenges throughout the show, and proved to everyone that this 21 year old (the youngest ever Project Runway winner) that he can get it done!

Now for those of you who don't watch this show! Fierce is Christian's way OVERUSED word...from clothes, to hair to attitude to how you simple look at him....most everything is FIERCE!!!

Sun, Glorious Sun

Oh what a wonderful day to walk out of your house and see the SUN shining bright and warm on your face. It makes me feel as if winter really is coming to an end, and that Spring and Summer are on their way! I have to tell you that I really, really, really dislike the cold weather...the wet snow and the fact that I HAVE to wear socks and shoes most of the time. UGH!!! Give me the beach! Give me warm weather! Give me flip flops all year long!!

It truly is a gorgeous day here in Moses Lake. I haven't had to put my jacket on to go to work all week long...granted I'm still doubling up on shirts...one undershirt and one t-shirt over it, but hey....we are making progress on the weather!!!

Just a reminder: Next weekend is daily light savings...remember to turn your clocks forward one hour before going to be next Saturday or you will be late, late, late for church on Sunday (I'm a dork and have been late before because of this stupid daylight savings thing!....which ranks right up with Leap Year...I DON'T GET IT!!!!).

Have a marvelous week!