Sentinel DVD

Ok, so I am in the finals for yet another DVD from whogets.com. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually win something soon! For those of you who are counting...this is my sixth finalist spot in the last few weeks. I am, at this point, winning the Minority Report DVD...however, there are still six days for people to vote.....so anything can happen! Well, if you are bored, or you just want to help me out....vote for Rachel's Sentinel DVD and all the others!!!!

PS...you really, really should go to whogets.com and sign up and join contests of your own. Hey I keep entering into the finals....whose to say you wouldn't get into the final contests....they have a camcorder entry right now!!!!

What I want for my Birthday

So this post is for my Mom!! She always wants to know what I want for birthdays and Christmas...so I just thought I'd let ALL of you know..just in case! :)

So, since I have a fairly low paying job right now, I am really interested in gift cards to the following:

* Vons (Safeway): So I can go grocery shopping
* Starbucks: So I can enjoy a good cup of coffee while reading free books at Barnes & Noble
* Walmart or Target: So I can stock up on essentials!

Granted, I am always open for tangible gifts too! I just wanted to give my Mom a heads up because my birthday is in a little over two weeks!

Tickets=Court?

So, I haven't admitted this to everyone! But I got a parking ticket my second or third night here in Oceanside!! Really, it wasn't a big deal, but hey, I got a ticket. Here in Oceanside they come through the neighborhoods with street sweepers...my car was still parked on the street at 7am (7am!!!) and therefore I had to fork over $50...what a scam. I'm sure that there are many of us who have gotten traffic tickets of some sort...and some really are worth fighting for. Or you might find yourself in traffic court one day! So if you do find yourself in this predicament....this town-court.com site helps you out with information about your local traffic court...I was able to look up (just in case!) the traffic court for California...if need be, I guess I'll be headed up to LA County...but I don't think I'm that busted....YET!!

This post sponsored by town-court.com

A little Seattle Trivia For You

What is widely believed to be the cause of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889?

The tipping over of a glue pot.. There are many different stories of how the Great Seattle Fire started. Regardless of how it started, it destroyed, among other things, 29 city blocks.

Paul Allen and Bill Gates, who were both born in Seattle, were co-founders of what successful software company?

Microsoft. Who would have guessed that two boys from Seattle would get together and form arguably the largest software company in the country?

All of these musicians were born in Seattle. Except...

Kurt Cobain. It is a common misconception that Kurt Cobain was born in Seattle. In actuality he was born in Aberdeen, Washington, a good 50 miles south of Seattle. He did move to Seattle eventually.

Which company was founded in Seattle?

Starbucks. Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! Seattle is generally accepted to be the coffee capital of the United States. Other companies founded in Seattle include Amazon.com, Nordstrom, and Rainier Beer.

Since 1981, what is Seattle's official nickname?

The Emerald City. Did you think it was The Evergreen City? That's actually the nickname of Washington State. Seattle used to be known as The Queen City. In fact, we have a casino called The Emerald Queen Casino. The Empire just came out of my head.

Which of Seattle's skyscrapers was at one time the tallest building west of Chicago?

The Smith Tower. Constructed on July 3, 1914, it held the distinction for 50 years. At the same time it was also the fourth tallest building in the world. And it still boasts the last manually operated elevator on the West Coast.

Seattle has many sister cities. Which is not one of its sister cities?

Paris, France. Some of our other sister cities are Chongqing, China; Christchurch, New Zealand; Preah Seihanu, Cambodia; and Perugia, Italy.

Which of the following professional sports teams does not belong to Seattle?

Silvertips. The Silvertips actually belong to Everett, a city about 30 minutes north of Seattle. The Seahawks are our NFL team, the Marniers are our MLB team and the Sounders are our USL team.

Seattle is the seat of what county?

King County. In 1852 King County was named after William Rufus King, Vice-President under President Franklin Pierce. In 1986 it was renamed after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thurston County's seat is Olympia, which is also Washington's capital.

What discovery helped put Seattle on the map?

The discovery of gold in Alaska. Thousands of prospectors traveled from all over the country in the 1800s to try and strike it rich in Alaska. People had to travel through Washington State to get there. There was a little town that provided everything that the prospectors needed. That little town was Seattle. Thanks in part to those prospectors, Seattle has become a thriving, melting pot of cultures.

Inside Every Woman

No it's nothing weird! Just a book written by a top-notch entrepreneur...Vickie L. Milazzio! She has written a book that has been an Amazon and Wall Street Journal best seller! The name of the book is Inside Every Woman, and talks about the 10 strengths you never knew you had to get the career and life you want know! The ten strengths (or Feminine Forces) are: Fire, Intuitive Vision, Engagement, Agility, Genius, Integrity, Endurance, Enterprise, Renewal and Female Fusion. I particularly like the strength of Fire as it talks about the passions within a woman....passion to pursue goals and dreams that we have. So many woman have dreams yet don't feel as if they can pursue those dreams....having passion about something makes a woman go after those dreams and desires! If you'd like a free "Inside Every Woman" bookmark email vickie@insideeverywoman.com! You can also find her book on Amazon.com. Enjoy!!


This post sponsored by insideeverywoman.com

Finally...

....I'm leaving my comfy chair at Barnes & Noble and start working again!! Yeah.....I am totally excited if only for the fact that I have been completely bored out of my mind the last few weeks. Let me tell you, living in a new city with only a handful of friends and not a whole lot of money doesn't exactly leave a girl lots to do! So I start at 9am tomorrow morning and work until 5pm....then I have to go back in on Saturday.....not sure if I am working in the morning/aft or aft/evening on Saturday (I told her I didn't care)....what is going to suck is that I haven't been going to bed until 2am or later every night and sleeping in...so I have to go to bed earlier tonight and up and at em early in the morning! And it is also weird thinking that I am going to be working retail...I have never really done that....so I have to get used to the fact that my job is open until night time and on weekends! Oh well!!! I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

Fun Blog to Visit

I, of course, like to roam through the internet...more specifically I like to roam through people's blogs. It is fascinating to read through the thoughts of a person and what makes that person tick! Some blogs are obviously WRONG, and some are in foreign languages (of course, I skip those!) but some blogs are actually worth looking through and reading. One blog that fits that description is Karl's blog by Karl Moore! He is funny and inspirational...making you think when you read some of his blog entries. He gives his readers a Random Act of Kindness encouragement....meaning he gives you an idea for a RAK and you go do it!! He also gives out random bits of trivia and information during his Friday Factoid posts! Hello....I love random trivia!!! Here is a bit he gave: "Based on the actual battles mentioned, it's calculated that gentle Melanie's pregnancy actually took 21 months -- as opposed the slightly more traditional nine." Hmmm...I might need to research that or use it as a fun fact in my social studies classes!!! So if you are looking for a nice clean blog to read that will encourage you and give you something to laugh about, check Karl's blog out!

I got a JOB!

Hey there! Just got a call from EverAfter Scrapbook Store....I got a job!!! I start training on Friday at 9am.....I don't make a lot (actually, I make minimum wage...that kind of hurts), but hey I have a job and God always seems to provide for me no matter what!! But hey it is a Scrapbook Store!!!

Owen Wilson

OMG.....I was reading the news over at Komoradio.com (it is the local online paper for Seattle!), and yesterday they had an article about Owen Wilson being in the hospital and that he was recovering...but didn't give the reason for his being in the hospital. However, today's article stated that the paramedics were there for an attempted suicide call. IF IT IS TRUE...how sad that someone who seemingly has everything...money, fame, girls, etc, etc.....would attempt to end his life. It goes to show that everyone...music stars, actors, politicians and your next door neighbor ALL need JESUS! It is a hard thing to think that famous people need to be given the message of salvation...some of us place people of that magnitude on a higher level thinking we will never talk to them. Well, someone has got to do it!!! I'm not saying that I am in a position to talk to all these people either, but if we were, would we? Hmmmm......can we even talk to the "normal" people around us! Just thought I'd give you something to think on!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Got a Hot Date?

Need a hot dress? The site Elegant Mart has a fabulous evening gown for you! Are you looking for long and elegant...some black tie affair that you have? Are you looking for short and flirty....some cocktail part that you are attending? You can find what you are looking for here!!!! Shop with ease and confidence, as Elegant Mart has free shipping and 120% guarantee on all their dresses. I'm sure you will find some fantastic gown for whatever occasion you have happening.

This post sponsored by elegantmart.com

Man on Fire DVD

Yep, another contest for me over at whogets.com....sheeshh...that is five that I am in right now...and I am winning one at this point (Minority Report with Tom Cruise). So the latest contest is for the Man on Fire DVD starring Denzel Washington. Hello, that man is um, hot!!! If you help me win, I'll let you watch it with me one night!! :)

2nd Interview

So I had a second interview today with Marriott, and it was a group interview. You know I really don't like group interviews. Anyways, we introduced ourselves, worked in partners to sell a Marriott Ball point pen and played the "Guess which name is on my back game"! UGH! I get why they have us do this...they want to see how we interact with other individuals, as these are the people who will be making up a brand new team for this hotel. However, I still don't like them. There were about twelve of us in the group, and I was part of the six that was told, "We aren't saying No, but we aren't quite sure yet!" She said that they had more specific questions for some of us and were trying to figure out where the best fit would be for everyone. Needless to say I didn't walk away with the greatest feeling in the world about this interview. However, as I was driving home I simply prayed, "Whatever your will for my life God. I will be ok with a closed door just as I will be ok with an open door." My checkbook is screaming for an open door somewhere; however, where does that get a person? No where!!! You have got to life your life in FAITH that God is doing the right thing. Maybe Marriott isn't right for me. Maybe it is and God is just wanting to test my faith a bit more! One way or the other I will find a job that is right.....I'm just praying that it is sooner rather than later!

PS....I'm still waiting to hear back from the Scrapbook store as well. That interview sounded so much more promising with the exception of the pay....but then again....GOD knows!!!

Wedding Dance....Hilarious

I was perusing blogs today and came across this wedding dance video...hilarious! And since Rodney and Holly's first anniversary is Saturday, September 1st, this is for them....enjoy

Christmas Shopping

"What!" I can hear all the frantic screams from everywhere here in CA!!! Yes, Christmas shopping! I know, I know....it is only August, not even the end of summer yet and I am talking about Christmas shopping. I'll have you know that I've already bought Christmas gifts for some of my family!!! I try to buy gifts from August thru December so I don't have to spend all my money at once!!! However, like any girl with a nose for deals....I like to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.....known as "Black Friday"! You can get some killer deals on those days....especially at Walmart! So the only downfall to Black Friday shopping is that you have to get up at like 3am and be in line by like 4am in order to rush into the stores frantically....and you MUST know what that particular store has on sale--but those circular ads don't come until Thanksgiving day or the day before--and who really wants to check out ads during Thanksgiving Day??. No use going to the store and just browsing...come on people this is a major shopping day!!!! And not going until after 10am? Might as well forget it!!! Now wouldn't it be nice if you could see all those ads before the came out in the paper? Well, now you can!!! There is a site that gives you updates on all the sales that are going to happen on Black Friday! Cyber Monday allows you to find what is on sale, where and if you can purchase it online or not--so you don't have to stand in all those pesky lines!!!! The site already has ads up for retailers right now (yes, it still is only August, but they know what they are going to be selling!!!)...I have Walmart linked above....$3.44 DVDs, TVS, Games, etc....and Target is going to have a digital camcorder for $98....maybe, just maybe, I'll buy myself an early Christmas
present...hmmmm. Really, if you want to hit all the sales on Black Friday but either have to work, or don't like getting up early, or don't like lines....then shop online using the information off this site. Or if you are a crazy shopper use the information to locate everything that you want to buy that day and go out with a strategy!!!

Happy Birthday Mason!!!

Oh, I so wanted to put this up early this morning; however, I haven't been able to access the Internet all day...dang wireless!

Today is Mason's 4th Birthday!! Yeah, Mason! I keep asking him, "Whose birthday is coming?" and he answers, "Masons!!!" I love this boy!!!

This picture of him on the Slip 'n Slide is probably one of my favorites right now!! That is pretty much how he lives life...Full Steam Ahead!!

Mason is probably one of the smartest, funniest little boys that I know! When I was in Moses Lake during his accident, he was riding in the back seat in his car seat and not fully buckled or sitting down. I told him to turn around and sit or the cops were going to stop me and he would be in TROUBLE! He didn't miss a beat and said back to me, "I'm not the one who is driving! You'd get in trouble!" Sheesh...where do kids come up with this stuff



I always have to beg to have him take a picture with me!!! Usually, it ends up like this one where someone quickly snaps a picture while he is trying to get away!!!! Slippery little kid!

And for all of you who prayed for him when he was attacked by a dog...thank you from my family to you!! He has recovered amazingly...some scarring, but you'd never be able to tell that it happened except for some scarring around his eye. And he is having a bit of a time liking dogs (other than his own).

Mason, I love you so much!!! Love Auntie!

Entertainment Search

I don't know about you, but I like to search the net for information on movies and music...especially once I watch a movie and like it...I want to know more about the movie....who made it, who starred in it and more (yes, Susana and I are those people who sit and watch the ENTIRE movie until the last credit rolls by). There is a new site that helps you quickly find all the entertainment that Amazon has available. The site is called Rapid Search...and you can find anything!!! Ok, so I had to do some searches and see how my favorites popped up!!! When I searched Hairspray, not only did the original Rikki Lake movie show up, but the new soundtrack and the Broadway soundtrack popped up as well...I'm thinking I need to listen to the Broadway soundtrack! Of course my favorites are Goonies, Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!!!! These are movies I look for all the time....I love these good old fashioned movies and want to see if anything new pops up....like soundtracks, special editions and such!!! Lots of good stuff on this site...check it out!

Update on Life

So, I have been here in Oceanside, CA, for just about two weeks. Let me tell you....it has probably been two of the most boring weeks I have ever endured. Yes, it is a new place with new things to explore...and I have done that to some extent. However, I think I lost my vim and vigor for going to new places by myself. It is one thing to go and do things all the time by yourself when you are familiar with the area and such...and your friends are just plain busy. It is another thing to go do things by yourself because there is NO ONE to go do anything with!!! I have been spending lots of time at Barnes & Noble drinking coffee and reading books....I have to say KUDOS to B&N for supplying nice chairs to sit in while you read their books.

Plus, it is driving me crazy not having a job....I've been searching and I've actually had a couple of interviews....so I feel like I will have a job in a matter of weeks (if not sooner). I had an interview at Starbucks on Monday...went well, but the pay is crappy. The benefits are great, but still I have to pay bills!!! On Wednesday I had an interview with Marriott Hotels....they are opening a brand new hotel here in Oceanside....and I have a 2nd interview with them on Monday. It is for the front desk person, pay isn't great but it will pay most of my bills, plus they also have some great benefits. You know it would be nice to visit a doctor every once in awhile, but alas, I don't have insurance so I tend to leave the medical office alone! Then last night I had an interview at a Scrapbook store!! A scrapbook store, can you believe it? LOL.....my kind of place to work!!! They don't pay a whole lot either, but you get discounts and it is just a great environment....one I am very comfortable with. The store is hiring full-time and part-time, so I asked if I got a full-time job elsewhere if it was possible to pick up some part-time hours at the scrap store....she said sure. I talked with the lady who interviewed me last night for almost an hour.....she is a scrapper, a teacher and a Christian...sound familiar?!!! They of course are interviewing others, but I felt good about it......So hopefully by the middle of next week I should know about a job or jobs!!!! Maybe that will make me feel a bit more connected here to Oceanside!

Church is good....more people are coming down, and I think September will bring a large increase of Washingtonians to Oceanside. We meet on Wednesdays and Sundays while Shannon teaches us about the church vision, cell groups and how it is all going to work. And as I sit here and tell you about this at 12:37pm, I just realized I was supposed to be at their house at 8am this morning to review some make up lessons! CRAP!!!! Oh well, life goes on!

School is well, I have a few more assignments to finish for my last class of the term and then I don't start classes again until November 1st. I'll spend time between now and then reading text books and working on work that I know is coming up. I am doing really well, and my mentor is surprised about how quickly I am getting things done. Little does she know, I'm not even going at a fast pace....if I was going quickly I'd really be getting things done!!! Thankfully I have been given an amazing aptitude for school and so it really does come fairly easy! I'm actually scared for when I have to take my State Endorsement test (a social studies test) and when I have to Student Teach...even though I have been subbing for a few years, I will finally be responsible for lesson plans, creating homework and tests, grading all that homework and tests and actually responsible for my students learning new information!!! AHHHHH...what have I gotten myself into? No, seriously, even though I'm nervous I"m totally excited to be in reach of a real career.

So that's it in a nutshell....my life right now in Oceanside, CA!!!

PS...My birthday is in a few weeks...just in case you miss the big birthday count down on the side bar! I'm a HUGE fan of birthdays and I'm a little sad that I probably won't have the kind of birthday that I am used to back home with all my friends and family! Oh well....I guess that at some point in time, birthdays need to take a back seat!

Road Trip to Cyprus

Well, actually it will have to be a boat trip or plane trip....I don't think we can drive there! So me and Susana have a list of places we want to travel to someday (and someday is closer than we think, heh Susana!!!) This time I want to go to Cyprus! Doesn't that sound exotic and tropical? And the best part of checking these places out to visit makes me want to buy property and stay there forever!!! Cyprus property is HOT right now!!! Just think a home on the beach with water everywhere!!! Oh, it sounds like heaven....sign me up!!!! I want to be financially independent one day so that I can have properties all over the world!

This is a sponsored post

Tom Petty Contest

Yep, I'm in another contest from WHOGETS.COM....this time for a Tom Petty CD! I know that many of you don't probably go to my contest links and vote for me, but just in case....I'd be honored if you did. Click on Rachel's Tom Petty Link and vote for me! Maybe, just maybe, I'll finally be able to win one of the whogets contest! Come on people, this is my 9th entry for contests here and I REALLY, REALLY want to win......please, pretty please!

Personality Quiz

Ok...so when I am bored at night I LOVE to go online and take all those personality quizzes that are out there! You know the ones I'm talking about! What kind of M&M are you, etc!! :)

There is a great site that has tons of personality and trivia quizzes for you to take. Quizzes on dating personality, religion, office character, fashion, culture and more. Once you take a quiz advertisements are given based on your answers (I kind of like that, see if the ads are connected to your personality, hmm....) and you get a badge that you can post on your blog or on MySpace! That way you can tell everyone in the world your personality type!!! So let's get to it....


This post sponsored by quizrocket.com