Dear Campus Employee Complaining Loudly About Your Wedding (henceforth known as CECLAYW),

We, the students and workers in the school ice cream shop, all appreciate the loud, obnoxious way you let everyone know how stressed you are.  CECLAYW, we all feel really bad that "working, going to school and planning a wedding that is in, like, two weeks" is so tough on you.  Who would have thought that getting married two weeks after finals would not be the cake walk of your dreams?  My sincere apologies and hopes for, like, a brighter day tomorrow.  Try to ease the stress because, CECLAYW, you don't want to break out right before the big day!

Lots o' love,

Rachel

I'm beginning to see this...

i quit.

Almost Done

A little more reading/studying/typing/crying and I am done with this semester! One more class to go and I will be a graduated, degree holding woman. Finally! This has all taken WAY too long!

(photo courtesy of flickr)

I believe in myself. I do not mean to say this with egotism or arrogance, but I believe in my capacity and in your capacity to do good, to make some contribution to this society of which we are a part. I believe that I am a child of God endowed with a divine birthright. I believe that there is something of divinity within me and within each of you. I believe that we have a godly inheritance and that it is our responsibility, our obligation, and our opportunity to cultivate and nurture the very best of these qualities within us. I do not have to be a scrub, though my work may be menial. Though my contribution may be small, I can perform it with dignity and offer it with unselfishness. My talents may not be great, but I can use them to bless the lives of others. I can be one who does his work with pride in that which comes from his hand and mind. I can be one who works with respect for my associates, for their opinions, for their beliefs, with appreciation for their problems, and with a desire to help them should they stumble. 

I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. 

-Gordon B. Hinckley, "Articles of Belief," Bonneville International Corporation Management Seminar, February 10, 1991

I Got Told

My dear friend, Tira, found another spontaneous dance video and she posted it here.  Check it out!  I think it's better than the Single Ladies one, without a doubt!  I got one-upped!  (in a good way)  :)

Hey Utah friends - anyone want to go to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point with me? I'm thinking next week after finals when I can breathe again. Let me know! 

(Tulips are my fave)

Nothing Better to Do

I saw two rent-a-cops have a Segway race in the school parking lot today. What a sight it was!  I missed who won, but from their banter, I could see that they were aware how funny they looked.  Good thing, I wasn't the only one!

Single Ladies

This is at Piccadilly Square in London. I think I need to add "be a part of seemingly spontaneous dance ensemble" to my list of things to do. The ladies are dancing to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce and are replicating the dance she does in the music video. Pretty impressive!

Woo Hoo!

Season 5.

Starts May 21st.

So. Super. Excited.

Kidnapped!

Whenever I'm out and about with Eliza and we see a cute baby, I'll remark, "I'm going to steal that baby!". Depending on my purse size I will wonder, out loud, if it would be feasible to fit the baby in my purse and make a break for it.  Kidding, of course.

Not too long ago, Eliza told me that she gets a little nervous when I say that because she's concerned I might actually take someone's kid. Ha! She better hope she doesn't have kids before me....

Saturday Humor

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money."

- Joe Weinstein

Happy Birthday Jamie

I want to dedicate this post to my dear friend, Jamie. She celebrated a birthday this week and is always reminding us to be more Earth friendly. Love you!

"We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded but never stop reaching heavenward."

- Everett Mamor

(photo courtesy of flickr)

Sleepy

One of my amazing friends sleeps with her knees bent. After observing her do this once, I tried it myself and awoke to two dead legs. Give it a try tonight and...can you guess who????  (She's going to kill me)

Have a great weekend!

i hope you feel pretty today

(photo courtesy of flickr)

The Exception, Not the Rule

In the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" a character comes to the realization that most horror-to-happy relationship stories are the exception, not the rule. Of course, she has to be coached by a very blunt guy about this because no one comes out and actually says this stuff. It's really incredible how they talk about it in the movie and I have done pretty good at taking it to heart.

I've been thinking about how girls will enable each other in this way. I can't tell you how many times I've had a guy do something stupid to me and how most of my girlfriends rush to my aid with a story about how their sister's roommate's niece went through the same thing and now they're blissfully married with a baby on the way. Yikes. We repeat these stories to try to ease our friends pain and give hope. Guess what...that is enabling behavior and those success stories are the exception, not the rule.

The rule is that if a guy likes you, you'll know it. He'll chase and make you feel special. That is the rule. 

I don't want to be the exception though. Is it too much to ask for an open, honest guy who isn't going to play games with my heart? I think not. I want to be the rule. Boys no longer have such a confusing role in my life and I LOVE IT. 

Sorry about the weirdo post, it's just been on my mind for several months and I'm happier for it. I still love boys but I still (and will always) think that the majority of them are sloppy idiots.

Let's Keep In Mind...

Life IS good! I have definitely been accused of overreacting and being pretty self-centered when it comes to my problems. So I propose that we all chill out and count our many blessings! Have a great week!

"Everyone's a star and deserves the right to twinkle." 

-Marilyn Monroe

Porter, Haven and Naomi

Naomi - she'll be 2 on the 23rd!  

Haven - making her "mean face"

Porter - the perfect new addition to our family

I'm Weird and That's OK

This happened in my car today. I love it when stuff like this happens!

Hope you had a good Easter

Summer Plans Part Two

Looks like my summer plans have changed! It's not so much for the better or worse, but I'm VERY excited about what's in store! If all goes as planned, I will be...

...going to Gallaudet for 3 or 4 weeks to take some courses! One of my professors found a summer course series and basically told me that I'm going. I had to immediately and whole heartedly agree! I am SO excited for the opportunity! I am absolutely overwhelmed when I think about it! Hopefully my amazing friend, Kat, can go with me as well. Our friend Kati will be going there in the Fall to begin her graduate studies and we are all so happy and excited for her! We will only be getting a taste of what is in store for her. Congrats Kati! We're all so proud!

Another amazing upside to this is that I get to spend time with my incredible friend Hannah!  She's getting married in May but I'm sure I'll be able to steal her away from her husband from time to time.  Love this girl!

Next I am trying to put together a month in Costa Rica at a Spanish language school. I used to be pretty good at Spanish and I miss it! I can't take credit for the idea, my lovely friend Sariah will be spending 2 months in Mexico to learn. I totally stole the idea. I think that pretty much sounds incredible!

So, it looks like my summer will be:

Six weeks of summer school

A week in Oregon, interpreting for the snowboard team

Three to Four weeks in DC at Gallaudet

A month in Costa Rica

A cruise to end the summer with my sister and hopefully my friends Jerilyn and Christi

Hooray for adventures!

"Want to improve your relationships? See love as a verb rather than as a feeling."

- Stephen R. Covey

Monday

Next Monday is one of my favorite days of the whole year. You may be scratching your head in confusion, but please let me explain....

...50% off Easter candy at Target! Best day of the year :) I might have to call in sick to American Fork High School so I can be first in line when they open the doors. I just might.

I'm a Big Girl Now

I'm graduating very soon and I can't believe I'm saying this....I"M NOT READY! I have too many big projects I need to complete before school gets out in three weeks. AND, I really, really love my program! I don't want to think about not being around these people everyday. 

Time must march on and I need to try out these wings I've been working on the past few years, but I can still be a little frightened of where this journey will lead.  I already don't like being an adult so now, a full time working adult...ugh.

Love Her

I love calling my dear friend _______, complaining about my love life and having her so sweetly remind me that at my age she was dating a drug dealer and was working on a cruise ship.  She's now married to her soulmate with one of the most adorable babies I've ever met.  Yeah, no more complaining for me!  

Thanks for the reminder, you are the best!  I can't wait to see you guys!  

( I get first dibs on babysitting, I'll wrestle your mom for it)

(I left her name out because I'm not sure she wants EVERYONE to know she used to date a drug dealer)

I'm Belle! I knew it!

Cinderella:
[ ] One of your parents is dead
[x] You are expected to do a lot of chores
[x] You love to dress up
[x] You love animals
[x] You are waiting patiently for your Prince Charming
[ ] Your mom is really strict
[x] You have sisters who seem kind of jealous of you
[ ] You’re afraid to speak your mind sometimes
[x] You have left your shoes at a friend’s house before
[ ] You have blonde hair
TOTAL: 6

Belle:
[x] You’ve kissed someone your friends didn’t like
[ ] You’ve been lost in the forest
[x] You love to read
[x] You are not shy at all, and not afraid to speak your mind
[x] One of your family members is a bit weird
[x] You have done volunteer work
[x] You have a wild imagination
[x] You love to take care of people in need.
[x] You’ve had guys like you only because they think you’re pretty
[x] You’ve rejected at least one person when they’ve asked you out
TOTAL: 9

Jasmine:
[ ] Your dad is very rich/important
[x] You are clever
[x] You’ve been with someone way different from you
[x] You’re unique and different from everyone else
[x] You’d never marry someone just because they were rich
[x] You have set a lot of goals for yourself
[ ] You don’t have a lot of friends
[x] You’re independent
[x] You are wealthy (WOULDN"T YOU LIKE TO KNOW!!!)
[ ]Your parents try to control your life
TOTAL: 7


Ariel
[ ] Your parents expect a lot from you
[x] You really try to follow the rules, but it’s hard for you
[ ] You’re a bit of a trouble maker
[ ] You’re the youngest in your family or in the last 2
[x] You have a lot of sisters (3 or more)
[x] You collect something
[x] You have/had long, hair
[x] You have/had a pet fish
[x] You’re extremely curious
[ ] You believe everything people tell you/you’re a bit gullible
[ ] Your middle name is Ariel
TOTAL: 6

Snow White;
[ ] You know that you’re beautiful
[ ] Sometimes it seems like your mom is jealous of you
[ ] You’ve almost been killed
[x] You have at least seven good friends
[ ] You’ve had food poisoning
[ ] You have/had short hair
[x] You get along with almost everyone
[ ] All of your friends are different
[x] You love to have a good time
[ ] You’re happier when you’re out of the house than in
TOTAL: 3

Mulan;
[x] You can be a tomboy sometimes.
[ ] People wish you could be a bit more girly
[x] You’ve pretended to be someone you’re not
[ ] You’ve had a physical fight with someone
[x] You have/had considered running away from home
[ ] Your parents try to plan your life out
[ ] A lot of your friends are boys
[x] You sometimes find yourself in bad situations
[x] You love your family so much that you’d do anything to protect them
TOTAL: 5

Aurora;
[x] You live/have lived with someone other than your parents
[ ] You almost died at a very young age
[x] You are gentle, loving, and/or thoughtful
[ ] You have a decent singing voice
[x] You like to sleep in late on the weekends
[ ] You spend most of your time outside
[ ] You’re adopted
[x] You’re very romantic
[x] Pink is a color you are ok with
TOTAL: 5

Pocahontas;
[x] You love to walk around and explore big cities
[x] You are more spiritual than religious
[x] You’ve been in an interracial relationship
[ ] One of your family members is dead
[ ] Your parents are very protective of you
[x] Someone you know has been in war
[x] You love nature (pretty much only the ocean though)
[x] You have/had black hair
[x] You would love to move somewhere exotic and beautiful
[ ] You’re very adventurous
TOTAL: 7

I knew I was going to be her! She is my very favorite Disney girl of all time. She's feisty, clever, fun and a great dresser....um, hello?!?! That's Rachel to a tee!

Decisions, Decisions

I'm thinking about moving home. Not Hyrum, Utah where my parents live but back to San Diego. I feel like I have nothing for me here in Utah. I love, love, love the friends I have made here but I dislike so much about everything else.

Pros
I still have a lot of friends there
I could interpret a ton
I miss and love the amazing weather
No snow...ever
A lot less Mormons (don't take offense, i just prefer it!)

Cons
It would be away from my family
I have amazing friends here
I would be walking away from all the networking I've done the past 2 years
A lot less Mormons (dating potential goes up or down...hmmmm, I don't know)
Expensive

Help please! I need input!

"In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back."

- Charlie Brown

Single = Awesome

I found this article online this morning about the perks of being single in this rough economy.  Check it out...

I still think that being with someone and having that companionship cannot be overrated but it's nice that there are writers out there being positive for us!  So many things about today are working to ensure that I have a great week.  Hooray!

Where's Waldo?

Yesterday, students at Rutgers University dressed as the children's book character Waldo in an effort to break the Guiness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of Waldo's. They succeeded by getting 1,052 Waldo's together and set a new record.

Congratulations Rutgers, be very proud of yourself!

Getting Ready for Summer

Here are some helpful hints to help you get better prepared for the upcoming summer season.

Kissing fish should be left to mermaids and other sea life.  Apparently, drinking alcohol can be dangerous for many reasons we never learned about in school.

Always look for posted safety signs.  They are helpful and upbeat and provided for your safety.

Don't eat a big lunch before swimming and always wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim.  Or else this could be the outcome.

Ok summer....I think we're all ready now!  Come out and play with us!

I'm having one of those days.  I have cried about 7 times today and just about everything is causing the tear free-fall.  I still have 5 hours left of today but I would really just like for it to be done with because I'm pretty sure I'll be crying at least twice more.  

yuck.