Old Enough to Know, but too Young to Care.

Happy Anniversary to me!

2010-05-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

Well folks, It's anniversary day for me! 2 very important things have happened to me on May 10th of 2008 and 2005.

First, May 10th of 2008. I graduated from Western kentucky University! I can't believe it's already been 2 years! Everyone always assumes I am still in school or that I just graduated. When they hear 2 years ago" they proceed to tell me I look like I'm in high school. Thanks.

happy happy!!

Hooray for Graduation!

The other anniversary is not so joyous, but it has still had a significant impact in the person I am today.

5 years ago today my life turned upside down and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My family doctor told me the day before that it might be a possibilty, but I just didn't fit the text book type. I was puzzled, confused and worried. At that point, I thought diabetes was for old people, or you were diagnosed at a really young age.

But, as unlikely as it was, I had it. Amazingly, I had had it for 3 months before ever having it detected. It's a miracle I didn't end up in the hospital as I was in my first year of college and ate nothing but junk and had nothing that remotely resembled a normal schedule.

It took my whole family by surprise. No one in my family had type 1, but it didn't matter. There was some kind of trigger set off in my body that attacked my auto-immune system and the inner workings of my body decided to shake things up!

Honestly, for an 18 year old college girl who was just told how her life was going to change, I handled it fairly well. I was pretty upset for about....3 days. After that I decided it wasn't worth it. It's something I am going to have to live with an no amount of crying, denying or refusing was going to change that. I had to accept it and deal with it so that I could live just as long and just as healthy as anyone else.

So that's what I did. Starting out was much easier. I was still in my honeymoon phase and took 1-2 shots a day, and neither shot had very much insulin.

As i came out of the honeymoon phase and I stopped producing insulin, things became much harder. My blood sugar was out of control. At one point my a1c was 14. (It should be below 7).

It became increasingly difficult to manage as I was taking 6 shots a day and was essentially planning my life around diabetes. That was one thing I never wanted to do, and the fact that it was happening became stressful to me.

As much as I tried, nothing was working to keep my blood sugar levels manageable. Diabetes was dangerous itself, but it was also intensifying all other sicknesses I had, including a bladder infection for which I ended up in the ER.

Finally, my endocrinologist (who is absolutely amazing) insisted I get an insulin pump and that it was necessary for my health.

What should have been a month long process was trimmed down to a week and in no time I was sitting in an insulin-pump class with my supportive sister.

Since then, my life has been so much easier. My blood sugar levels are manageable, I am improving in overall health, and I don't have to plan my days around my shots.

I still have my days, where I wonder why this happened to me, or why my blood sugar levels are way high or low when I've done everything right, but no amount of "why" and "what if" can change the fact.

So, while I say that this anniversary is not as joyous as any other I have...it is definitely one of the most important. I wonder what I would be doing with my time spent volunteering or raising money for JDRF? I wonder what my health would be like if I wasn't forced to eat right and exercise?

I've been lucky enough to have a storng, wonderful support system. Tyler is such a strong person. He has to sit by when I'm feeling bad, or when I'm in the ER or when I'm trying to just get my blood sugar levels to balance. He can't do anything but try and comfort me. He does a great job at it, but I know he wishes he could do more.

My family was amazing while I was living at home with this. They brought me back up to normal, happy Rachel when I was feeling like I couldn't even deal with it anymore.

I am a strong person, but without my family and my friends, i never would have made it!

So here we are. 2 special occasions on one day. Wonder how many more I can fit on here?

Mary Kay foundation

2010-04-20T09:26:00.001-05:00

Goal
To raise $50 for the Mary Kay Foundation ($50, that's easy!!)

What is the Mary Kay Foundation?
The Mary Kay foundation is dedicated to ending Women's cancers and domestic abuse. For more details about the foundation, click here to be taken to the website.

When is the deadline?
May 12th of 2010.

How do I Participate?
Just let me know! I can grab a check or cash from you whe I see you, or you are more than welcome to simply mail it to me. Remember, it's tax deductible! But more than that, it's a great cause. last year Mary Kay gave over $5.8 million!! Here are some highlights of the 2009 Foundation Year:

-Granted 150 domestic violence shelters $20,000 each – a total of $3 million

-Awarded 13 respected doctors and medical scientists $100,000 each in cancer research grants – a total of $1.3 million

-Donated $500,000 to CancerCare Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free professional help to people with cancer, for its Touching Hearts program

-Contributed $300,000 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence with $200,000 earmarked to support the Amy's Courage Fund, which provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and their children.

-$200,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation for Nature Explore Classrooms at five domestic violence shelters across the United States

-Raised $136,957 in the Team Up For Women! Challenge

-Raised $378,110 from donations at Seminar 2009

-Raised more than $76,700 in sponsorships in the 5th annual MK5K®

So won't you help me in my challenge?

Gasp! A blog?

2010-04-18T22:47:00.001-05:00

I know i know, it's been forever since I've written in this blog. Since March 9th to be exact. Last time I talked to you folks, Tyler had just got an internship. Hasn't been that long ago, but so much has happened since then!

He really...really...REALLY loves his internship. And he is GREAT at it and everyone he works with knows it. The next job opening is his. he gets to record people in the studio, play drums, drive Doc's hummer, pick up super famous people from the airport, you know stuff that most people wouldn't dream of doing their whole life. It's almost a dream come true for him. (Getting paid would complete the dream! haha.) We got to meet Darius Rucker at The Opry so already this thing is going well :)

So yeah, that is something exciting and great happening in our lives. Something else exciting and great?? We are going to see LADY GAGA!!!!! Yes, I found out she was coming to St. Lois, and we have been wanting to go to STL with my parents for a while. (Tyler has never been, and that's where my parents are from.) So we bought tickets as a way early birthday present for me. (The concert is in July so I figured it's close enough!!!) Decently priced too. Duh, or else we wouldn't be going. So yes...lifeling dream will soon be fulfilled :)

We also got another Dog! Her name is Dori and she is SO SWEET! She is a year old and we got her for free on craigslist :) She is such a sweetie and her and Ellie are getting along just fine! She is scared of loud noises and very nervous around new people, but we think she will be fine in no time!!

Ah, I just have so much updating! Well, at the end of May Tyler and I are going to Gatlinburg for our 2 year anniversary! Our anniversary is the 18th and we are leaving on the 28th. It's memorial day weekend so I have 4 whole days off! two 4 day weeks in a row? Love it.

Work is going well, but the last 2 weeks have been more stressful than usual. Not really sure why, but I'm sure it is just the fact that we are a little busier, I am trying to study for the GRE, and really pick up my Mary Kay business again. Not to mention fitting in a social life!

My Mary Kay business IS going really well though!! The last 2 weeks have been amazing for my MK momentum and I can't wait to see what's coming. I am hoping to add 2 more team members by the end of June so I can be a "red jacket" at this year's seminar!! I really need to find another circle to fit into so I can meet more people!

I have really enjoyed meeting new people since we've moved back to Nashville. We've created so many more friendships and it's so great! if you know me, you know I love making new friends and *trying* to keep old ones.

If there is one thing I've learned in the past 2 years, it's that no matter how long you've known somebody, or how well you know somebody, sometimes the friendships are just not going to last. You have to just appreciate the time you were close, and "move on" I guess. People grow, change become different people, or even just stay the same, while you become a different person. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be hard to accept sometimes. I used to be the kind of person that would try absolutely everything to hang on to a friendship, but then i realized that if they don't care enough about me to hang onto me, why should I care so much about them? i have better things to spend my energy on!! Not to say that I don't try my hardest to give everything to my friendships... I want my friends to be around forever, but you know...sometimes it's just not realistic!

I have also learned that i love my dogs way more than most people a lot of the time. :)

Well anyways. I'm rambling. You can tell I've had my nose in a GRE test prep book most of the day. My mind is scattered! sorry I haven't posted ina while...I'll do better. I still love keeping up with all of you!! :)

Semi-Important Decision!

2010-02-24T16:39:00.000-06:00

Ok ladies and gents. After [nearly] 2 years of not being in school, working and getting some work/life/everything experience, I have made the decision.

I am going back to get my Master's Degree.

I knew I wanted to go back to school but there are several reasons i didn't go right after college.
1. The thought of 2 more years of school made me want to shoot myself.
2. I had no work experience. What if I didn't like what I ended up going to school for?
3. I was going to have to take another standardized test.

The thought of going back to school doesn't upset my insides anymore. I have at least a little bit of work experience...enough to know what I do and do not want to pursue in life. As for the standardized tests...well I will always dread those and want to punch whoever thought that those scores should matter in any kind of decision.

I just think it's the right time. Got a little of experience under my belt and my life isn't too hectic right now...i.e. we don't have kids. Not saying it will be easy...but I will be able to get through it :-)

I want to go into some kind of program focused on group organization, leadership, communication etc, etc. I fel like I will really be able to hone in on the skills I already have, and that it can help me in various careers through my life.

I haven't applied anywhere, and still not exactly sure where I'll go. But I want to start in the Fall semester. Which means I need to take the GRE soon. Blech. I will study and prepare as hard as I can but I suck so badly on those kinds of tests!

I guess I am just nervous in general. It's way more involved when it comes to admissions for grad school. I know, at least, my letters of recommendations will be spectacular!

So there you have it. I'm going to Grad School! [as long as i get accepted.]

Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!

2010-02-16T19:11:00.000-06:00

Last time I was at the Grand Ole Opry it was for the taping of 5 Wheel of Fortune episodes. I was in High School. The last time I went backstage at the Grand Ole Opry I was 9, and I wasn't even supposed to be there. My godfather, Steve, snuck me and my sister in :) Now before you go thinking my godfather is some kind of crazed criminal, let me clarify....he plays guitar for a well-known country singer, John Conlee. John plays the Opry nearly every week.

Well, backstage happened again on Saturday night. Steve put mine and Tyler's name on the "so awesome they need to be backstage" list! IT. WAS. AWESOME.

We got there WAY early so we could be total fans and look at everything and get pictures of everything well before the show started. We walked through the stage, on the stage, through the audience seating, and took pictures of everything along the way.

My supervisor from my internship with CMA has a sweet gig at the Grand Ole Opry and was working that night, so we got to stop by, say hi, and convince each other we were NOT creepy for knowing everything about each other's lives because of twitter and facebook. (it's not creepy. we are just informed.)

About 45 minutes after we got there, my godparents walked in with John Conlee's ~~secretary~~ office manager. Soon after, John and the rest of the band came in. I think every conversation began with "You remember Jeff and Pat...?" or "Remember when you were little, and..."

My godfather, Steve, godmother, Jane, me and Tyler

There were lots of cutesy little kid stories to be told.

When it was time for John to perform, we all headed to the stage (like it was no big deal that they are about to play THE OPRY.)

Tyler and I watched from the sidelines in awe. How COOL to go out in front of all those people in the most well know venue of Country Music and play!

Not 10 feet away from me was Luke Bryan. He was just walkin around, chillin out before he had to play. After some serious convincing and a little push from Tyler, I asked him if I could have my picture made with him. Here is how the conversation went:

Me: Hi, excuse me...
Luke: Hey baby doll! (in that country voice all country vocalists seem to have)
Me: I was wondering if I could get a picture with you
Luke: Yeah! yeah...(puts arm around my shoulder...checks text messages on phone...i wait...)
SNAP! Picture. done. glorious.

*squeal*

Luke, with his drummer's little boy

Now...if we can just get backstage when Dierks Bentley is there..

After a lot of the musicians got off the stage, they just packed up and went home...LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL THAT THEY JUST PLAYED THE OPRY.

Tyler and I had such a great time. Tyler's favorite part was when Steve told him he would take him out on the road with the next time they have a little trip. What Tyler wouldn't give for that!!!

goofballs!

It was a great pre-valentine's day celebration and we can't wait to do it again! Enjoy two cute pictures of us! :-)

Superbowl festivities

2010-02-08T10:51:00.000-06:00

Saints Won! Colts Lost! And I don't care!

I didn't have a dog in this fight, I just watched it for the commercials. I do like to watch football, though and I did enjoy the game.

Our friend, Adam, invited us over to his friend's place to watch the game. I really really enjoyed myself. Adam's girlfriend, Sam introduced me to a couple of her friends there and we all had a really great time just talking and being girls.

One girl, Amanda is a photographer and goes to Watkins College of Art & Design here in Nashville. She is doing a beautiful art project where she takes extreme closeups of her friends' eyes. WOW. It is gorgeous. The human eye, magnified, is just beautiful. There are so many different colors and textures that you just can't see unless it's magnified. Another cool thing about it, is that you can see the reflection of the background in the person's eye. Trees, houses, windows, doors...this photo project is amazing. I was very intrigued. She is having an art show April 30th and I know I will be there. I will post the information when I get it.

I'm so glad Tyler and I are meeting new people and finding our place in this town. I know Tyler really enjoyed his time with the guys as much as I enjoyed my time talking with the girls. Everyone is just so unique and interesting. Definitely my type of friends.

Anyway, this past weekend we got a washer and dryer. Tyler's parents found a set for REALLY CHEAP and brought it down to us on Saturday. It is old, but it works and it works well!!

After Tyler and his dad hooked everything up we went to my parents house for lunch. It was really great to all get together. I wish we got to do it more often.

Saturday night, Tyler had to work in Bowling Green. Which meant I was stuck at our apartment by myself with no cable and internet that works half the time. So i busted out Season 6 of Scrubs that I hadn't yet watched. It was awesome and I am starting Season 7 tonight! I love TV Shows on DVD!

I also started a new blog, The Skinny Girl With Diabetes. I have 5 months to get my A1c down to 6.7 and it's just documenting my progress, struggles and accomplishments. Please stop by and take a peek :-)

#TheSituation2010

2010-01-31T14:22:00.000-06:00

Pictures from #TheSituation2010....It's a Twitter thing. You wouldn't understand. (Unless you're on Twitter...)

the perfect end to a snowy day was the fire that Tyler built!

Yep, still love Nashville.

2010-01-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

Hidee Ho Neighbor!

Well living in Nashville has been nothing short of fabulous so far! Last week I went to 2 free shows at the Mercy Lounge (Jeremy Lister, Autovaughn, De Novo Dahl, The Features...love them all!) and one very cheap one at the Exit/In. (We got to double date with my sister which was way cool, too!!)

I have been able to hang out with old friends and we get to go out on double dates with new ones!

Tyler has probably applied for more jobs in Nashville than he could ever hope to apply for in Bowling Green.

And getting up an hour later than usual for work is still rocking!!!

We got SO MUCH done in our apartment this weekend. Another good weekend like that and we should be all settled in! I really love our new place. It's old, and it's laid out kinda funny, but we are making it ours and it is awesome!!

Other than that, there is not much else going on. I think that takes up enough of our time to do anything else! Haha.

All my Nashville friends need to call/facebook/tweet/e-mail me to hang out! I miss you people!!!

We're Nashvillians!

2010-01-16T16:24:00.001-06:00

Forgive me for the lack of update! Our lives have been hectic and crazy the past week! Why? Because....we became Nashvillians!!

We finally moved to Nashville on Monday! It was a crazy, tiring day, but a few hours of hard work and a packed 22 foot trailer later (yes...22 feet.), we were moved into our new home!

It. is. wonderful. No more hour+ commutes to and from work, no more packing an overnight bag to stay with my parents and NO MORE BOWLING GREEN! (kind of.) Man, I love this place.

We are starting off our first Nashvillian weekend right by gonig to see the fabulous Jeremy Lister play at Exit/In with my sister and her boyfriend. And NEXT weekend De Novo Dahl is playing the Mercy Lounge! FOR FREE! I have been a fan of both artists for years and I haven't been able to see them perform in forever! I am pumped!!

We did make a trip back to the BG on Thursday, though. As previously posted, Tyler played witha band called Easy Street at Tidball's on Thursday. They did so great!! In the years I've known/dated/been married to Tyler, I've never got to see him perform before. Can you say...proud wife?? I was yelling and screaming and maybe even embarrassing him a little. :) He did such a great job. He is hands down the most amazing, wonderful and talented man in the world. :) Not biased. :)

After the first set, someone yelled "we love the drummer!" really loud! And it wasn't me! Or any of my friends or relatives! (i know, because i didn't have any there...)

Here are some pictures from the big event! (of course!)

I hope to be able to update more. We don't have cable/internet at our apartment yet so the only opportunity I have to get online is at work, or if we go somewhere with wi-fi. But anyway, if you're in or around Nashville, and you want to hang out, call me. Because I live here now. And i can hang out. :)

Update on life-y things

2010-01-08T23:33:00.001-06:00

So here's the run down:

We are packing. Like crazy. There are so many boxes and my back is killing me! Tyler just gave me a muscle relaxer so maybe I can actually move when I wake up in the morning! Tomorrow is not going to be any easier!!

Monday....WE MOVE!!! Monday we become Nashvillians! Then we come BACK to Bowling Green on Wednesday because Tyler is playing drums with a band called Easy Street at Tidball's, a local bar.

So the past 2 days it has snowed.

It was beautiful! But...it prevented me from going to work yesterday and today. TN was ok as far as driving, but KY is what had me worried! So I'm going in on Sunday to make up some time. *sigh* I will be at my parents house anyway so I'm not making a special trip *just* for work, although I probably would anyway. At least I'll have some quiet time with no interruptions!

Right now I'm looking out my window and it is still snowing here. Well, not so much snowing, more like flurrying hardcore.

Oh hey check out this cute little guy! Our married couple friends Michael and Rocky invited us over for dinner (which was delicious AND diabetic conscious!) And we got to see their little one! (and of course I had to take pictures!

Well kids, tomorrow is going to start early and end late and I gotta get some sleep sometime. Next time you hear from me I'll probably be a Nashvillian :-)

Goodbye Oh-Nine!

2010-01-03T01:07:00.000-06:00

Goodbye 2009!

After my last week, I was ready to kick 2009 out in the freezing cold and just leave it there to die. Ok. That was harsh. I apologize. (but i mean it.)

Not saying all of 2009 was bad, but the last week of it sure pissed me off. Work related things, sickness and other random, stupid things were to blame.

2009 was full of wonderful happenings! We bought our first brand new car! (Of course, it was due to my first, real wreck... but still.)

My BFF, Megan, got married to a wonderful man and I am so very happy for her!

I got my first, real, big girl, salary paying job! (which i LOVE...except for last week. did. not. love.)

TYLER GRADUATED! Helllloooo WOOP WOOP!

Tyler and I celebrated our FIRST wedding anniversary! We didn't go anywhere fancy or do anything extravagant, but that was ok with me. I think it's part of the whole broke-newlywed-thing. You gotta go through the hard times, or you just don't appreciate the things you earn and work hard for!

I started my Mary Kay business which introduced me to so many wonderful and inspiring women...and also took me to my first trip to Dallas!

Tyler and I rang in the new year in the VIP Lounge at the Mercy Lounge in downtown Nashville. Yours truly, the social media princess, won the tickets from a twitter contest. (How stupid is twitter, now, naysayers!!!)

We took some fun pictures in a photobooth, listened to some fun tunage and had a great time together! But we always do! :)

Who knows what 2010 will have in store for the Allens! January first 2008 is the day me and Tyler started dating...just 2 years and so much has happened! It's incredible.

Speaking of January 1st...this January first, my very own little sister also started dating quite the guy. (much better than that other sorry excuse for a person she was dating.)

A sign of the times to come? Possibly. They both seem pretty smitten! <--understatement.

I hope you all have a wonderful start to your new year! Don't you wish people got this excited over every new day? I do. (Minus the whole drunkeness thing...i mean every once in a while is ok, but every night is not. That's called alcoholism.)

goodnight folks!

HE DID IT!

2009-12-21T13:07:00.000-06:00

Well, folks. After 4 and a half years, Tyler finally did it. He graduated from good 'ol Western Kentucky University!

Shaking Uncle Gary's hand!

Woo-hoo! Saturday was a day that the both of us have looked forward to since we got married. It was stressful for him to have to go to school full time, work AND be a husband. And it was stressful for me to never see him, especially when I started commuting to Nashville.

But now...NOW, there are no more tests to study for, no more papers finish and no more stupid group projects.

WOOT!

The ceremony itself was....long. But nice, I suppose. At one point they asked the spouses of graduates to stand and it was a proud moment of mine :) They also asked former WKU grads to stand. Another proud moment!

There are definitely things in the ceremony I would have left out. Like unneccessary speeches. There were 1,196 names they needed to call. I could care less about hearing from the chick with the highest GPA.

Afterwards our families gathered at our apartment for some food and post-graduation fun time.

But enough talk. Here are a few pictures for you :)

Tyler and Jordon. Friends since High School! Love 'em.

A proud wife :)

His Family!

And this is my friend, Alli. The one who taught me how to knit! yay Alli!

CONGRATULATIONS TYLER!

Holiday Handbell Concert Review from Rachel

2009-12-15T16:33:00.001-06:00

Holiday Handbell Concert Review from Rachel

Posted using ShareThis

Random things

2009-12-13T23:30:00.000-06:00

Here is my dilemma: I have several things I want to update all of you on out there in bloggie land, but they are all completely unrelated, yet a whole post on each thing seems silly. So, here are life updates on The Allens in no particular order. Enjoy the randomness.

1. I got an iPhone
Finally, after 2 years of waiting, of wanting, of dreaming...i finally posses an iPhone. The best part? My job is reimbursing me for it. Oh sweet, sweet victory. I also bought a case for it that makes it pretty much indestructable. I know it works because they threw an iPhone across the room inside the case and it was A-OK. Sweet. Now, I need app suggestions. Anyone? Free is good, but if it's really good, I'll pay.

2. I am writing for another blog.
That's right kids, because I obviously don't have enough things to fill up my time, I'm going to start blogging for Nashvilleforfree.com. It's pretty self explanatory, they give you a calendar of events of free or very cheap things to do in Nashville, then us bloggers go to said events, and write about them! Check for my first blog sometime next week!

3. TYLER GRADUATES ON SATURDAY
Win.

4. I started a new scarf.
I finished scarf number 1! It's pretty good for my first thing to have knit ever!

And now I started on a new one! I'm excited for this one. I am using really pretty yarn and smaller knitting needles! Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas next year? :)

5. Hayliebug
I got to babysit one of my best friend's little girl on Saturday! Little Haylie Marie. She is so sweet! We watched Dancer-ella, Mickey Mouse and Phineas and Ferb. We also snuggled on the couch and took a nap! She also fell in love with Tyler. When he left to go study for finals, she kept on asking me where he was! So cute. Can't wait to have our own ;-)

6. I won a Twitter contest!
I won tickets to "Happy Endings", a New Year's Eve party at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville! I was excited, because I never win anything!! And this is going to be awesome! You can check it out here. And you should get tickets, (they are still giving them away!) And we can hang out! :-)

I guess that's about it! Christmas is almost here! yay! Oh, but I haven't done any Christmas shopping. Boo.

Love and Marriage

2009-12-10T15:21:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Meet us.

Katherine, Me and Megan.

We have been a terrific trio for 11...12 years...something like that. We have shared lots of great memories together. Trips, graudations, random sleepovers aaaaaaand weddings.

I got married almost 2 years ago.

Then Megan got married this year!

And now....KATHERINE IS GETTING MARRIED!

That's right! Meet the future Mr. and Mrs. Aldo Fernandez!

I am so excited I could scream!! Oh wait...I did. And I jumped around my office like a maniac when Katherine called me. My co-workers thought I was nuts. But HELLO it's my best friend!

Congratulations, you two!

I just love love <3

Thanksgiving in MJ

2009-12-03T20:51:00.001-06:00

Ellie Belly got Thanksgiving dinner, too!

Me and my seester. Can never take a serious picture!

Jennay.

Daddy and Ellie Belly!

MJHS Vocal Ensemble at Providence

Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Providence

Ellie Belly and her Aunt Allie!

January 11th!

2009-12-01T13:20:00.000-06:00

Well people. It's (semi) official. As soon as we turn in all of the necessary crap we have to to get our apartment...we are moving back to Nashville on January 11th!

We are signing a short, 4 month lease at Mission Briley Parkway. It's a nice little place. We have a patio. And a fireplace! And a clubhouse. Already more than what we have now! Plus, since Intern Eric referred us, he gets $200 off of his rent in February! Win-win.

We are signing a short lease because we really want to buy a house, but we need to wait until Tyler can find a full time job. We figured 4 months is a good amount of time to find one!

So in just 41 days, my commute to work will go from an hour and 10 minutes to 2 minutes exactly. I will get roughly 12 hours a week of my life back. In 41 days I will be closer to most of my friends! In 41 days we will live in a place that actually has stuff to do on the weekends!

While I will not miss Bowling Green itself, there are things IN Bowling green we will miss. Number one-our church and church family. We belong to a truly wonderful church. But they won't be rid of us forever. We have already decided we will just have to come back and visit as often as we can.

Our friends in BG/Franklin will definitely be missed, but luckily we are only an hour away! So, come on down and stay with us! :-)

Our chiropractor, Dr. Owsley. (The only doctor I ever saw in Bowling Green while I lived here...nearly 6 years.) It's hard to find someone you trust to snap your neck....Excuse me...adjust your neck.

Hmm..what else, what else. I will probably occasionally miss driving by campus, or going down to the square, but I mean...that's pretty much it. Nothing a quick day trip up there can't fix!

So, I think it's party time.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T21:05:00.001-06:00

Is it really the end of the weekend already? Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow? The Thanksgiving Holidays seem to have passed by quickly. Too quickly, but I enjoyed them very much.

Wednesday night after I got off of work, Tyler, Ellie and I headed to Liberty for a couple of days. Thursday, the in-laws house turned into family central as both sets of grandparents came over, one of my sisters-in-law, her husband and 3 boys AND our niece. We would have had more, but my other sister-in-law had mono and her husband had pneumonia. That is one sick household!

We didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, because we were all going to have those at someone else's house. No, we had hot wings, chicken casserole, macaroni salad and potatoes. Tyler and Hannah made a delicious apple pie (all from scratch!) and me and Hannah made a cheese ball. (much less difficult, but definitely within my skill level.)

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Ellie was in the middle of it all!

Our niece and nephew attacking Uncle Tyler!

Me and Reece!

I love getting to spend time with our nephews and niece. We do't get to see them very often. They are the cutest little kids and I always have a lot of fun getting to know them better as they grow up. They definitely have their own, very different, very sweet personalities.

We had a great time with his family. The next day, we went to Danville waaaay after the 4 am crazies. We went later in the afternoon just to look around and eat a late lunch. Although we did go into K-Mart and Tyler just about had an anxiety attack. Something about rednecks in their pajamas scratching their butts and fighting over hannah montana dolls really gets to him.

Friday night we drove back to Bowling Green to get some sleep and regroup before we headed to my parents house.

Saturday morning we headed to Mt. Juliet. My sister and I found some old journals from when we were in elementary school. Later on I will post some entries from my 4th grade journal. Let me tell you, they are awesome.

Around 6 we went to Providence for the tree lighting. The High School's Vocal Ensemble performed and we got the pleasure of seeing Santa Claus and his little helper, who at first we thought was a way too young Mrs. Claus.

Today, we helped my parents go through their storage unit ad move to a smaller one. Found some old, great stuff including my Backstreet Boys books and video tapes :) And our game boy! Some great memories packed away in that storage unit!

Also, in really super exciting news, Tyler and I saw New Moon!!! Woo hoo! It was really great, and I definitely want to see it again. Any takers???

Now I am just sitting here missing my husband and puppy. I am staying in Mt. Juliet tonight to save some drive time for work tomorrow!

And now I am watching a news story about someone who shot another family's dog just for the fun of it on Thanksgiving. I hope that person dies a slow painful death and burns in hell forever.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

On my way to Domestic goddess-ism

2009-11-23T11:40:00.001-06:00

When one thinks of the word "wife", there are generally a few things that come to mind. Cooking, cleaning, babies and the magical ability to fix buttons, rips, zippers and any other clothing disaster that may come our way.

If you know me, however, none of those would come to mind. Well, maybe "babies" but it's only because I love them so much!

However, this weekend I became closer domestic goddess-ism. I learned how to knit.

I know i know. Jaw dropping, right? The fact that i can sit in one spot and do the same thing for like 3 hours? And only screw up a couple of times?

See, Tyler's mom has tried to teach me twice before, but then I get home, screw something up and she isn't there to rescue me. But this time I went over to my friend Alli's and she guided me down the highway of knitting.

Here are a couple of pictures of my progress. Don't pay attention to the random holes in my scarf, mmkay? Thanks.

And I don't even have a picture of the progress I made yesterday! Alli came over and we knitted for like 3 hours. Difference being she finished up a really cute floppy hat and I just struggled my way through a lot more of my scarf. :)

Maybe one of these days I'll get the cleaning and cooking part down. Maybe.

*edit: Here is a picture of the progress I made on Sunday! Proud?

Guess What We're Doing Tomorrow?

2009-11-20T16:11:00.000-06:00

[Forgive the lack of pictures in this post. I know it makes things more interesting, but my computer at work is not being picture-friendly right now.]

Saturday will not be a day filled with rest. Believe me, I need a day filled with rest, but it will have to wait until Sunday. Want to know what we're doing tomorrow???

Setting up our Christmas tree!! Hooray!! I usually don't like to set up Christmas stuff early, but our apartment is already Christmas-ified from my Mary Kay open house last weekend. Plus, we are going to be gone Thursday-Sunday of next week and wouldn't be able to get the tree up until the weekend after that! So...we're doing it tomorrow :)

We are also starting to pack up stuff in our apartment. I am looking forward to/dreading this whole process. I am SO excited to move, and I am also SO excited to go through our stuff and get rid of some junk. But. Who really likes moving?

And even BEFORE that, I am going to the chiropractor (8 am blech)...then getting my hair done at 9. Just a trim and color. Getting more purple in my hair :) Last time was an "introductory" period for me when it came to hair color. Now I'm ready to take a bigger step!

Oh, hey guess what else?

TYLER GRADUATES IN 29 DAYS!!!!! WOOT!

Coming Soon!

2009-11-17T15:14:00.000-06:00

You know when you're at work, or in other social situations and somebody says or does something that just irks you to no end?

Well, that happens to me. A lot. So much, in fact that I am going to start a brand new blog about it! I have been compiling a list of things people do that bother me, and things people should know how to do, but don't.

Believe me, the list so far is random, so don't expect much of the same thing. I hope it will be entertaining and maybe even insightful for you. :-) Haha!

Anyway, look for the first post soon!

Why people don't like Taylor Swift

2009-11-12T15:28:00.000-06:00

Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year at the CMA's. And you know what? She deserves it! Lots of people are pissed. Want to know why? Well, I will take you through what I believe to be the reasoning.

But first off, *most* of everyone who says she doesn't deserve this award (i would say "all" but there is probably that oooone person...) has never seen her concert before. So they don't know what a great performance it really is. So to those of you who complain, but have never seen her concert....just shut up. Where's your record deal? That's what I thought.
Ok, back to my list.

1. Everyone else likes her.
So many people don't want to "jump on the bandwagon" or conform, so when they hear everyone else saying how much they love taylor swift, they automatically think to themselves "i can't like her because everyone else does." Hey, news flash: It's ok to like something or someone if it's GOOD. (Oh, and why do people automatically think artists "sell out" as soon as they make it big? I don't get it.)

There's a reason so many people like her....

2. High School girls think she's cool.
Just because your little sister has a Taylor Swift t-shirt doesn't mean she's only for little kids. She's a damn good song writer for only being 19 years old. I doubt you can do any better. That's why she's famous and you're not.

She writes songs that people can relate to. I'm 23, but I love "teardrops on my guitar" because she pin pointed exactly how i felt...and every other girl felt in their teens.

Oc course she is going to write about that stuff...she started writing when she was 12 YEARS OLD PEOPLE. Do you expect songs about how tough life is? No one would take her seriously if that's what she came out with.

3. She's famous.
It's true. There are people who hate people simply because their famous. It takes more than just a voice to make it big, kids. I'm not saying that's how it should be, but if you want really want to be on top, you have to be able to perform. You have to be "marketable" and that's exactly what Taylor Swift is. She's young, beautiful, cute, funny and talented.

4. They play her on pop radio OMG!!!
Have you listened to the pop versions of her songs versus the country versions? They are totally different. Her country versions are made for country, and pop versions are made for pop. Good for her if she can make both. Is there a rule that you can't "cross over"? Is that sin? is it in the Bible? No? Ok, then shove it. It's not like she's Jessica Simpson, who's career was going downhill so she had to do something and fast! Freakin' Jessica Simpson..you want to talk about talentless...

5. She only made it because her dad is rich.
Really? First off, how many people in country music "make it" just by singing in the street and in random clubs around town. Not many. EVERYBODY "knows somebody." So don't EVEN play that card. If she really had no talent, her fame would die and quickly.

I'm not saying everyone has to love her. I don't expect every dude to go out and buy her album. I don't even expect a lot of dudes to do that. All I'm saying is that before you say that someone doesn't deserve what they have been given, check all aspects of the situation.

If you don't think Taylor Swift's fame is deserving just because you don't like her, then you're ignorant. If it's just not your kind of music, then just say so. I don't particularly like George Strait (*gasp*!!) but he's a talented artist and obviously there's a reason he has lasted so long in the industry.

Obviously, I do like Taylor Swift. I mean, the radio over plays her songs, as they tend to do with most artists, and I will change the radio station when "You belong with me" comes on, but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to see her live.

I feel this way about a lot of artists, too. I just think that too many people are too quick to say "oh they suck" just because they don't like that one song that's on the radio. You gotta give everyone a fair chance, people.

New sexy jeans-the perfect ending to any week.

2009-11-06T21:36:00.000-06:00

I think I went crazy this week.

I only think this because I don't really remember what happened. Work was crazy. All week. crazy, busy, and some more crazy. Not necessarily in a bad way, but by the time I got done with my mind-boggling publications meeting this morning, my brain had had enough...and it quit. And that's why I don't remember anything.

I celebrated the end of the week by buying some super awesome jeans from the Gap. Which, by the way, I am a Gap jeans only girl now. Their pants fit me like a glove. And therefore look amaaaaazing. Not bragging, they just do. Anyone who wears a perfect fitting pant will look amazing.

Next topic before I start rambling about fashion!

Let's talk about Tyler!

[isn't he cuuuute?]

Tyler graduates in 43 days! WOOP WOOP! He made a 97 on a test today that counts TWICE and he also made an 88 on a 20 page paper that he wrote.....yesterday. I am a proud wifey! I also made a fan page for him on facebook the other day. He has 60 fans! (he isn't even one of them!) Just goes to show how much he is loved. and how cool he is. and how lucky i am!

I am sure others are jealous. and that's ok.

Let's talk about my car!

[yes, i still looooove it.]

Yoder is getting its (still don't know of it's a he or she) first oil change tomorrow! That's right, I've had it for a grand total of 6 weeks and 6 days and it has 5,100 miles on it. (...it had 2, yes, 2 on it when I bought it.) Debating on whether or not to take "first oil change" pictures or not. Don't know if the mechanics would appreciate that.

So should Yoder be a boy or girl?

There's not really a whole lot more to report on. Tomorrow is my Alma Mater's homecoming. I will be going to the School of Journalism & Broadcasting's Alumni luncheon. But that's pretty much it. :-) I never even went to the football games when I was actually a student.

Happy Weekend everyone!

Creative Title for My Halloween Blog.

2009-11-01T20:24:00.001-06:00

Ok, I know my post title is lame, but everything I was coming up with was just cheesy so deal with it.

Halloween. I was looking forward to it for a while. I, personally, love Halloween. I like dressing up (not as a slut, like everyone else...i mean if it's your thing, then that's fine...) and getting together with friends and having fun. I guess that's why I love all holidays, is because there's always a party somewhere.

This year, we went to my friend Mollie's place, then headed to Karma in downtown Nashville. (Or Smashville, as I keep hearing it called now.)

I would type out everything that happened...but I'm kind of lazy and don't want to. Plus, would you really read it? How about some pictures with captions instead?

Tyler was supposed to be like a mobster/sopranos/mafia guy. By the end of the night we heard everything from Miami Vice to Jonas Brother. [Jonas Brother? Really??]

Probably my favorite costume of the night. I mean...holy crap, that's hilarious!

Eric cheering on Tyler.

"It tastes like.....burn" -Tyler

I'm not sure what happened or what was so funny, but look at Tyler's face! Love it.

This guy looked EXACTLY like Kenny Chesney!

Funny funny guys. But if I hear eric chant "Toga! Toga!" one more time, I am going to kick his face in.

Debra, Mollie, Giovanna and me at Karma after everyone got drunk at Mollie's house. [Except me, I wasn't drunk. yet.]

Me and Tyler at Karma. We are so dang cute.

Tyler and Eric. The 2 people who hate school more than anyone on God's green Earth.

Me and Eric. Our intern is way more fun than yours.

And that, ladies and gentlemen was our night, for the most part. We all had a really great time and I hadn't slept that hard in a while. [I'm an old lady now and usually go to sleep at 10. We didn't get home until 2!] I had a dream that we were all downtown again, same people, same places, but instead of partying, we were fighting evil villians.

Hope you all had a hauntingly happy halloween. Now, what to be next year?

Double Double Toil and Trouble

2009-10-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

At work, we are just a bunch of witches. [and Harry Potters.]

At least, we were for our annual Election Night. Every October GNAA elects our new Board of Directors. But we don't have just a normal, boring election. We mix it with a costume party and a live auction. This year's theme was "The Witches Ball." [Hence, the witches costumes. what you can't see in the picture are our sweet purple and black striped tights!]

We raised a lot of money for the Nashville Rescue Mission with the auction. And I think everyone had a great time. Some people even had a great, drunken, time!

Here are a few pictures from the evening:

A couple of the Titans players [aka Kevco Carpets & Vinyl]

"Hey, who came dressed as Ted Kennedy?" -Eric the Intern

This husband and wife duo had the best costume of the night in my opinion.

Me, Harry Potter and Hedwig!

Luckily I only had to work a half day the next day. And even more luckily [i don't know if that's correct....] it was the afternoon half so I got to sleep in!

When I got to work, though, I found out that some guy shot himself in our building the day before. I am glad that we were all gone decorating for Election Night. I would have freaked. But now we have a haunted building, I'm sure of it.

After my 4 hours of work, Tyler and I headed up to Liberty to stay with Tyler's parents for the weekend. Tyler got some stuff done with his DJ lights and I got to sleep. A lot. And it was wonderful. Tyler lit some stuff on fire. Hannah and I just watched and prayed that no one/nothing got hurt.

My little pyro

I also got to watch the season 4 opener of "Criminal Minds." I stayed up til 1am to watch it. See, I saw the last episode of season 3 earlier this week, and it left me hangin like the Richie Rich's parents on Mt. Rushmore. After it was over I tried to find the episode on iTunes, Amazon...I was even going to download it illegally. But it was nowhere to be found. So I got on tvguide.com, found out when my episode was going to be on and watched it. It was totally worth it, too.

My favorite character.

Other than that, I just took it easy and enjoyed the time with my in-laws. I am very, very lucky to have in-laws who I love so much. It was a great, relaxing weekend.

Now I am watching Beetlejuice and getting ready to go to bed. Another work week ahead. Plus, it's about time to get our butts in gear and look at houses to move in to. Only 2 more months until Tyler graduates!!!!! Hooray!

Spelling Lesson

2009-10-21T19:51:00.000-05:00

I love the internet. I love social media. I love e-mails, facebook, twitter, blogging, etc etc.....

What I don't love, is how it has destroyed the english language. So here, let's all take a refresher course on how to spell, ok? Ok.

Incorrect: Laffing, Laff, Laffed
Correct: Laughing, Laugh, Laughed

Incorrect: Skewl, Skool
Correct: School

Incorrect: Kool, Kewel
Correct: Cool

Incorrect: Kno
Correct: Know

Incorrect: Tho
Correct: Though

I could go even further and ramble on about using apostrophes for plural nouns, or ending sentences with prepositions, or using "was" when you should use "were"....but I won't. We'll save that for another blog. Maybe. I'm not sure anyone would be interested in a blog about prepositions. Well, not the people who would need to read it anyway.

I am not saying I am perfect, but come on--It is not THAT much harder to type "laugh" instead of "laff".

Dream expert, anyone?

2009-10-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

I usually don't vividly remember my dreams, but I remember this one like it really happened. [Probably because I wish it did.]

Ho'okay so...here is the earth it starts with me and Tyler in this music venue. I've never been there in real life, but inside is kind of dark with "mood lighting" and brick walls. There is a lot of standing space and in the back there is theater seating. To the left of the stage is a huge table covered in paper.

The main attraction tonight was the one, the only, Mr A to Z, Jason Mraz. Anyone who knows me knows I have a slight infatuation with Jason Mraz, so it only makes sense we would be going to see him. He was wearing all white, no shoes, and a black and white hat.

After Mister Mraz was done singing my life story with his songs, Tyler and I went over to the table covered in paper. He was looking at some photos on the walls and I started writing down the lyrics to "I'm Yours" with a purple crayon, in cursive, which is weird because I never write in cursive, but hey it looked pretty. All of a sudden I feel a hand on my back and a voice says "Hey, that's my song!"

It was Jason Mraz!! OMGFTWBBQ!

I said "yep, some of my favorite." I kept writing and he leaned down on the table and said "you know, you are really pretty." I smiled politely and said "Thanks, my husband thinks so, too. He is a drummer. Do you need a drummer?"

And guess what? He did!

So I introduced the 2 of them and he hired Tyler as his new drummer.

The [very happy] end.

Things I don't understand.

2009-10-18T00:30:00.001-05:00

These are in no particular order. Just as I have thought of them.

1. Why people watch "Girls Next Door."
I feel dumb if i see 5 seconds of it. "Oh, but Rachel, it makes me feel better about my smarts." -Well then that's not saying much. "Oh, Rachel, but I wish I could look like that!" -Oh, and have people just look at your boobs instead of....anything else? ok. "Oh, but Rachel, it is just mindless humor to me." How is retardism mindless humor? [yes, i am pretty sure i just made up a word.]

What gross old man.

2. Guys who take pictures of their muscles and post them on facebook.
You either have no self confidence and need to fish for compliments, or you are making up for something...um....smaller. Or both. OH, or you might just be a total douchebag. Can't forget about that option.

side note, when i googled "guy muscle pictures" google wanted to know if i meant "gay muscle pictures."

ha! yes, same thing.

3. The shortening of words.
OMG like what a fab, presh dog you have!!!!!! Really, I can tolerate it once. Maybe twice. But after that, no. No, no, no.

4 "I don't like the taste of water."
If you can taste your water, you should get a Brita filter. Other than that, it's just an excuse to drink soda. Hello...crystal light to go?

They are delicious, I swear.

5. Conversation Dominators

You know what I mean. You're with a few friends, and one friend (What Dane Cook would call, a "Karen") who just won't shut up. And he or she won't shut up about STUPID stuff. Like, how they hate the taste of water, or the latest episode of Girls Next Door.

6. People who are against interracial marriage.

"I just don't agree with it." Oh yeah, I am totally against 2 people who are in love getting married, too. Jerk.

7. People who are always late.

And not so much always late, but people who can be on time for a job interview, but NEVER make it on time to meet you for lunch, or to go to class or something. Every once in a while is ok, but come on. I know you got it in you. Just be on time!!

8. Getting married because you are pregnant.

I would wait until you knew you were in love, instead. Because if you don't, you'll jut have to deal with a divorce later and a kid that's probably going to end up with slight mental issues [i mean, really who doesn't have slight mental issues these days anyway] that you won't deal with and then they will grow up and do the same thing. Vicious cycle.

9. "I only smoke when I drink."

I will never, never, never understand this concept. What about alcohol makes people think they need to smoke? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact, I secretly roll my eyes when people tell me this after they light up. Not so secret anymore I guess.

10. Why some people put everything in quotes [or worse...air quotes] for emphasis.

This is grammatically incorrect. You put an emphasis on words by italicizing them, bolding them or using CAPITAL LETTERS. Not by using quotes. Go back to 6th grade and learn why.

That, my friends, is the list for tonight. This just scratches the surface, but it's 12:30 in the morning and I must go to bed.

What don't you understand?

Pattern?

2009-10-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

These are the shows I have been watching a lot lately. Pattern? Next life calling? Nah, I'll leave it to the professionals actors.

Ok, So I've been watching this one for a while, now.

This one, too

Loving Criminal Minds

Jumping on the NCIS train.

And the Psych Train.

Can I Borrow Your Kid?

2009-10-13T16:20:00.000-05:00

I am going to need to borrow someone's child. 1. because I don't have one and 2. even if I were to discover I was pregnant today, I still wouldn't be able to take him or her to see this movie coming out next month!!!

It's in 3D! I would feel a little silly going to see this movie without some sort of child. And I don't think Tyler is going to dress up as one. So...can I borrow your kid?

Nice surprise!

2009-10-11T18:36:00.000-05:00

This afternoon i not so surprisingly laid down on the couch and fell asleep watching tv. When i woke up, I rolled over and on the table I found these!

Roses, a card, candy corn, hershey's bars w/almonds ...

and brownies were cooking in the oven.

Thanks, sweetie! You're the best!!!

I love my job.

2009-10-09T22:01:00.000-05:00

Today, my work day consisted of Mimosas, a FADDS Party Bus, beer, free lunch and an all around good time. What did we do, you ask? Did we just decide to have a party? Were we celebrating something? Maybe a "new member mixer"?

No, no..and no.

We toured 4 apartment communities. That's right, GNAA had our annual Apartment Tour where we feature 4-5 apt. communities and property managers and vendors alike go on this tour...and party.

this is our intern. on a dancing pole on our party bus. do we have an awesome job or do we have an awesome job?

We hopped on the Party Bus about 9, toured 1 community, decided we needed alcohol, got alcohol, and started drinking at 10:30 am. I had one beer and one mimosa. That's about 1/287566 of what some people had, haha, and it was pretty hilarious.

I did find 2 apartment communities I'd love to look at to live in when Tyler and I move. Both in the Hendersonville area and both absolutely beautiful. I also met some really interesting people and got to know some cool people even better.

I also got to leave at 4 this afternoon which was the perfect end to my work day!

I love my job.

Fancy Buttons and A Cool Website

2009-10-05T20:25:00.001-05:00

Saving money is cool, right? [correct answer: right]. I have a few cool websites that my mom e-mailed me that I thought you out there in internet land would like, too!

First is Wise Bread. They have a ton of great articles on how to save money in various ways. Like how to cheaply show off your art, how to save on car insurance, etc. They also have "daily deals" where they post links to very very cheap things. Wonderful!

Next is Groupon. The only thing better than waking up to the smell of freshly ground coffee beans [does anyone really wake up to this smell? i mean, it would be nice] is waking up to a coupon for a great restaurant or clothing store in your home town. Welcome to groupon! Just go to the website and enter in your city and you will get coupons specifically for activities in your city! Sign up here.

I think there were a couple of other sites, but I can't really remember them right now. But that's ok. It's better to spread out goodies like this anyway, right? I mean, when you bake cookies do you eat them all straight out of the oven? ...Ok, bad example. When you get a bag of m&m's do you just sit there and eat the whole bag? ...Crap. Another bad comparison.

Whatever. The point is I will blog about them when i remember them. Also, I put cool flash button's on our website at work today and my boss thought it was supa fly. She didn't say that, but she did say that she liked them and thought they were really nice. [She hates our website, so anything I do to make it better earns me major points.] I don't know how many points I got today, but it was enough to let me come in late tomorrow so i could go to the chiropractor before. :D

My Little Hot Dog

2009-10-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Target because I needed several different things and I refused to go to Wal-Mart on a Saturday. After I got the paper towels, the car detailing stuff and the bread, I saw this.

This super adorable Hot Dog costume! so....I bought it. Won't Ellie Belly look so cute? I think so.

It was a good, successful shopping trip. Except I forgot the trash bags. Crap!

Fall is Here!

2009-10-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

This week's weather has been fall fantastical! The briskness of the morning has me wanting to drive through Starbucks every day on my way to work for a Pumpkin Spice Latte. [I have yet to do that, though. i get up early enough as it is, I'll take the extra 10 minutes of sleep right now.]

As a matter of fact, I was in such a wonderful fall weather mood I made my first fall-weather purchase. This beautiful sweater dress from Old Navy.

so cute, right?

Now to get some of those boots....

And that dress in every color.

Love having a job that requires some sort of dressing up!

Work, on average, was ok this week. My day was ether super great, or just kind of blah, so I guess the average would be "ok."?

I did get stuck on the phone with incredibly stupid people and I also got e-mails from grown men that sounded like they were from angry 13 year old girls. Please. I don't have time for your crap..I don't know if you realize but I have REAL work to do, thanks.

[side note: the new "kellogs makes fiber fun" commercial is soooooooo cute!...can you tell I'm watching TV?]

I am looking forward to this weekend. Do you know what I have planned? Nothing. Nothing and it's glooorious!

Want to see a cute picture of my dog? Thought so!

Hope you cats and dolls have a hip, swingin' weekend! *wink*

Welcome Home!

2009-09-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

Dear MacBook,

Welcome Home! I have missed you so! 3 months without you was hard...I mean....I had to use....I don't even want to say it....a Dell. I know I know! But I had no choice! You understand...you understand. Anyway, I am so glad you are home, in all your 5.2 pound glory. Those d-e-l-l-s are heavy! But alas, I have you back. I will love you and take care of you ~~until it's time to replace you~~ forever.

Love,
Rachel

Apple Festival!

2009-09-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

First I just want to say...we have such a cute, sweet little dog! She was very very sick last weekend and Tyler and I were a total wreck. She had to stay at the vet from Friday night to Monday afternoon. We were very sad doggie parents...but look at this face! You would be too! Anywho, on to the Apple Festival!The last weekend of every September belongs to the one and only Casey County Apple Festival.

This past weekend Tyler, Ellie and I headed to Tyler's hometown for said festival. And boy am I glad I brought my rain boots!

It rained. and rained. and raaaaiiinneeedd. Unfortunately, the whole rest of my family was sick so they couldn't come, but I told them they picked a good one to miss. It was just...wet.

Not to say that I didn't have FUN, because I did! I had a list of things I needed to eat. I conquered all of them plus some! Here was my list, for your entertainment:

1. Pork Burger

2. Funnel Cake

3. Deep fried oreos

4. Gyro

5. Bloomin' Onion

6. Deep fried snickers

Plus, Tyler's dad made his super delicious chili, and then their friends/family brought all sorts of sweet deliciousness.

Keep in mind this took place between 3 pm Friday and 10:30 pm on Saturday. That is a lot of eating, my friends.

I walked around town several times looking at the booths and..well...eating. I mostly walked with my MIL and SIL because they don't mind the shopping. :) Tyler and I walked around a couple of times, but he has seen the festival a bazillion times, so it's all the same to him. He mostly hung out with his dad and other interesting characters. They sure kept me laughing! I could not have asked for a better in-law family!!

We also got to see one of our nephews, Noah. He is just so adorable.

And he has a new girlfriend, Laci and we got to hear a little about her. Tyler asked him if he gave her a smooch and he immediately started throwing punches at dear ol uncle Tyler! Haha, just a little embarrassing to a 9 year old I suppose. :)

I also had a little impromptu Mary Kay party which brought in a few extra bucks so that was super awesome, too!

All in all it was a great weekend. We ate, slept a lot, ate, talked with friends, ate, hung out with family and....ate. :)

Who wouldn't have fun??

New Car!

2009-09-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

This past week was slow moving to say the least. Probably because I was way way way excited about buying a brand new car this weekend. So finally, Friday came! It was here and all I had to do was go home, eat dinner with my husband, go to sleep and dream about driving a sharp, new, wonderfully-smelling car.

Well, we all know how life sometimes just takes our delicious plans, eat them up and then poop them out.

I did get home. I did get to eat dinner with my husband. But sleep was far far away and my dreams had nothing to do with brand new, sharp looking cars.

We came home to Ellie, who knocked down her gates that we keep her behind while we are gone. No big deal....usually. But tonight, she decided to break out, eat 1/4 of a huge bag of m&m's and 13 pieces of sugar free gum.

We weren't worried about the chocolate. We worried about the gum. There is a chemical in sugar free gum that can be very deadly to dogs, which luckily, Tyler had just learned.

So at 10pm, we call and take her to the vet for emergency care. We love love love her vet. He has a special place in his heart for our baby and we know she couldn't have been in better hands.

He induced vomiting and most, if not all, of what she ate came back up. So that was a good sign. The vet is keeping her on IV's until Monday, which we are not so excited about, but it's only because we miss her so much.

I stayed up til nearly 3 this morning just worrying. Tyler did not go to sleep until the vet called us at 8:30 this morning to tell us that she did well through the night and is continuing to do well.

We were a total wreck last night. It's amazing how such a little doggie can make such an impact on our lives. She is really like a kid to us. She means everything to us and just the thought of losing her absolutely breaks my heart.

So as for now, she is doing fine, and we can't wait to have her back!!!

Ok...so now...the car.

After some debating, and negotiating and being thankful for college grad cash back offers, we settled on 2010 metallic gray toyota corrolla. It. is. beautiful.

Want to see?

Oooo...aaaahhhh...

This is my "artistic" picture

And this is me in front of my new, beautiful car.

It's the top of the line version of the car, too which makes it that much more awesome.

So really, it's been a good day, but it would have been a great day if I knew that my baby wasn't sick, in a kennel without her mommy and daddy.

Is it Monday, yet?

tomorrow!

2009-09-18T11:06:00.000-05:00

I'M GETTING A NEW CAR TOMORROW!!!!
Check back tomorrow for pictures. :-)

Short weeks. You pay for them.

2009-09-11T21:31:00.000-05:00

Let me just say, I am so glad today is Friday. If it were Monday and I had a day like today, I might have shot myself in the foot.

It was just a very hectic day. Very. Hectic. Day. Not so much in a bad way, but there was just so much to do that my head was spinning. Luckily I work with supa fly people who also happen to be quite hilarious. It makes for a great working atmosphere so even when my to-do list is 5 miles long at least I am not stressing about jerks from work.

I love what Brittany, a girl I work with, told me. "This isn't the ER. No one is going to die if you don't get it done today." So true.

I had the perfect ending to a hectic week, though. Tyler and I had a nice date at one of our favorite places, Maggiano's. He met me there after I got off work. It's nice to go to a calm atmosphere...no dishes in the sink or papers on the desk to distract us, no begging puppies, no phone calls, just us. We need to do that more often.

I think that people so often think that just because they are married they don't need "date nights" or anything. Or they fall into too much of a pattern of work, eat, sleep, etc. and they put their spouse on the backburner because "they will always be there." I think it's important to date your spouse, quite honestly.

I love that feeling of when we were first dating (even though the dating part only lasted 12 days...ha) and it just being us, and the carefree-ness of it all. I mean, I love being married, but sometimes it's just good to let go of all the stresses of life for a couple of hours and just be together.

Ok, didn't mean to go on such a ramble about that, but it's important to me :)

In other news: Another week down. Another week closer to moving OUT of Bowling Green. Thank goodness. Happy weekend everyone. :)

Work work work, all day long

2009-09-03T09:09:00.000-05:00

"...Crank it up, back it up, bring it on home." [Craig Morgan]

yes I HAVE been working working working all day long! But it's not such a bad thing. At all really. I am writing press releases, creating flyers, doing website stuff and getting PAID for it all! This is my 2nd week at my new job and it's going really well! Everyone I work with is really awesome. I am lucky to work closely with such cool people!

Last night we had our Membership Mixer at Cabana in Nashville. That place is so freakin awesome! Very...cabana-ish. :-) If you haven't been. Go.

Tyler started his LAST semester at WKU last week! I am so very proud and glad! I have been graduated for quite some time now, but still feel like I'M in college sometimes, too.

Last week I got my hair cut. Well, It's still long, but I got my bangs cut. I was a little freaked, because I haven't had bangs since I was 11. But they look really cute!

So. Who's looking forward to labor day?? *Raises Hand* SLEEPING IN!!!

Week 1 Down!

2009-08-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Ah, my first week at the new j-o-b is complete! And it was great!

From the first day I got to jump right in and start working. No dilly-dallying around! Well--this morning was a little slow, but it was only because half of the office was out and....it was Friday.

Everyone is so nice, so helpful, and so understanding to the fact that it's impossible to retain every bit of information thrown at me this week. :)

Most importantly, I like the organization I work for. And I love getting to meet new, different people all of the time. There are all types of people in the Association. From Chimney cleaning and Roofing to Property Managers and Marketing professionals.

With all that said, I am very, very thankful for the weekend. I am not a girl that is used to getting up at 6am every day. Although, I better get used to it. Especially when we have kids. And ~~we send them to school.~~ I take them to school.

The weekend will be good to us. I have a chiropractor appointment. (Thank the good Lord), I am getting my hair cut and then there is a Motown themed concert tomorrow night! Tyler is setting up the stage and doing sound. It's going to be a ton of fun! AND it will be a great opportunity to bust out our new awesome camera!!!

Don't worry, I'll be sure to get plenty of rest in preparation for week 2 at the big GNAA!

(ps- I just ran spell check. no spelling errors. WIN.)

New Camera!!!

2009-08-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Well, our new Canon came in today!!! As soon as I got home from work, we headed downtown to mess around with the camera and take some pictures. It was fun! It could totally be my job. To just take pictures. Here is my favorite from the evening.

I am glad I was busy at work today or else the day would have drug on just thinking what was at home waiting for me!

Speaking of work-it's going very well! I really really like it and am quite proud of myself! Every day is totally different so far (which it's only been 3 days...) and it's a lot of information to take in. It will probably take me a while to feel really really comfortable with everything, but I am going to have a good time doing it.

Today I met my BFF, Megan, for lunch today. I am lucky enough to work 5 minutes from her now. We are going to try and have lunch at least once a week now! I feel so.....grown up! And official!

This has been the greatest week ever! (minus the week I graduated and was married of course...)

First Day!

2009-08-24T21:07:00.001-05:00

Ok, here are the dirty details of my first day at the GNAA!

I was only in traffic for like 15 minutes. Maybe. I left at 7 and rolled in the parking lot about 8:20. Much better than I expected. Rachel: 1 Evilness: 0
There was fresh coffee waiting. Rachel: 2 Evilness: 0
I met everyone in the office and some associates and everyone is really nice and helpful. Rachel: 3 Evilness: 0
I have my own office. MY. OWN. OFFICE. Rachel: 39484354 Evilness: 0
On the way home, I got stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.....6 miles outside of Bowling Green. Rachel: 39484354 Evilness: 1

I still win.

Anyway...The day went really really well. Granted, it was a crap ton of information and I maybe maybe felt a little overwhelmed at one point, but everyone said I would catch on in no time and they were there to help. So then I felt better and went along my happy little way.

I am really looking forward to working there and I can't wait til I actually know what I'm doing! Haha!

You're Only A Day Awaaaaay!

2009-08-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this website. Expect it to look better soon. Tomorrow I start my new job. And I am officially nervous. Really nervous, actually.

And I'm not JUST nervous about the job itself. What if I oversleep? What if I get stuck in traffic for 3 hours? What if the intern is a jerk? What if they end up working me 80 hours a week? And they can...because I'm on salary.

I know it's silly silly stuff. And I know if I don't take Tylenol PM tonight I am never going to get any sleep. So I am taking Tylenol PM to not only help me drift off to sleepy land, but also to relieve the muscle pain in my back I am STILL feeling from Zumba class. (Which was super fun. But I am sooo out of shape.)

All nervousness aside, I am VERY excited to start. It will be new and exciting and I finally feel like 4 years of college education and extra curriculars are paying off!

Oh, I'm very excited for this, too:

GNAA Awards!

My Husband is the BEST.

2009-08-22T18:36:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know that I have a teensy little obsession with taking pictures...and then editing them in Photoshop. Sometimes, I can sit down for 6 hours editing photos and never even realize it.

Well, folks, today is a very exciting day in this photo lover's life. We finally got the money to for me to buy this:

This, my friends, is a Canon EOS Rebel XSi. Also, a wonderful starter camera for me. (That I have wanted FOREVER.) Tyler had an "extra" drumset lying around (he traded a guitar for it) and we sold it today!

I think it will be a great addition to our family. :)

Car update

2009-08-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

Well folks, the saga continues!

I got a call from the adjuster who looked at my car. "It was deemed a total loss by Kentucky law." Yes. he said it exactly like that. I figured it would be totaled, but geez, can't you just say "It's totaled."?

Good news. I get $5,200 for it! We looked it up and it was only supposed to be like $4,300! Which is great, so now my dad can get his $500 in repairs for my car back. (Yeah, he spent a crap ton of money just a couple of months ago...)

Even better part? Tyler's parents are giving us like $2,500 to go towards a down payment for a new car. That's right. I said it. New. Car.

SO Tyler and I went car shopping yesterday. I want a Prius. I just do. It gets 50 mpg highway and 43 city!! Which will be great for all the commuting I'll be doing with my new job! And it's really affordable! My rental car right now is a new toyota corolla and it's really cute, too.

Who knows. I've never really bought a car before...I mean, my parents pretty much picked out my first car. just said "ok!" and we got it. This is me and Tyler's first big purchase together! It's exciting! And Nerve-wrecking!!!

So anyway, that's what's up. :)

Exciting News!

2009-08-11T10:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, you may remember in an earlier post, I said I had exciting news to share! Well..now I can finally share it!

I have a real deal, full time, salary paying job! That's right! Starting August 24th, I will be the newest addition to the Greater Nashville Apartment Association.

I will be doing some marketing stuff as well as diving in to the world of social networking. (right up my alley, right??) Also I will be helping plan events and will be going to D.C. once a year for fun, legislative type things. :)

Finally! My education paid off! (Or..it will in a couple of years..haha!!) I guess I can quit discouraging kids to go to college now. Ha! Just kidding! I'll still do that. ;-)

While I will miss doing stuff at Just My Fit, I know Erin got a really great start to her business and can find someone to carry on our legacy, haha!

I will be commuting back and forth until Tyler graduates (December 19th!!) Then we will move down to Nashvegas! Woot woot!

A couple of pictures of my car.

2009-08-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

Eeeeep!

Reason number 1293784 why I love facebook.

2009-08-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

So I am browsing facebook last night and was looking at my friend's mom's page. I scroll down and see "Cheryl has written on Jennifer Bice's wall"

I freak out. Jennifer Bice? Jennifer Bice! Jennifer Bice is my bestest friend from KINDERGARTEN! When we were 5, we were inseparable. 2 peas in a pod. Her phone number was written on a page in a notebook of mine with Goofy on the cover. You could find us on the playground swinging together, sliding together, or doing whatever it is 5 year old girls love to do. She had to move after kindergarten, though and I was a really sad little girl who wouldn't be able to start 1st grade with her bff.

So I add her immediately and she was just as excited as I was!

We are already planning to meet up sometime and catch up on the last 17 years of our lives, haha! I am so happy to see that she is doing well, and just so happy to reconnect in general.

See? If it weren't for facebook I would just always randomly think, "What ever happened to Jennifer?" But now i know! Back off facebook haters!

So anywho..here is the latest in car wreck news...

My car is not driveable. Which I could have guessed but the guy at the wrecking service had no good news for me. But he was really nice so it made everything a little better, haha. I am now waiting on the other driver to contact her insurance agent so I can get the ball rolling and get a rental car!

I have another chiropractor appt. today and I am nervous. I mean, I've been going for about a year, but I have a feeling that this adjustment is not going to feel so awesome. I mean, it will afterwards, but probably not during!

Speaking of, I better get ready and head to my appt. Then to the wrecking service to get all the crap out of my car!

Mary Kay, continued. Oh yeah and a car wreck.

2009-08-06T20:15:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to continue my little Mary Kay series, but life gets in the way sometimes. Especially today.

I had a really busy day today. this is how it was SUPPOSED to go:

9:30-12:30: work

1:30-2:30: In Franklin for Mary Kay stuff

3:00-4:00: talk with someone about starting social networking for their business

6:30-7:30: My FIRST zumba class!

Here's how it REALLY went:

9:30-12:30: work

1:30-2:30: In Franklin for Mary Kay stuff

2:45: car wreck

4:00-5:30: At the chiropractor

Yeah. So, I am fine. My left wrist hurts like crazy, the seatbelt left a red mark and i am stiff and achy, but nothing broken and nothing blew up. But my car is in pretty bad shape. If my phone hadn't been dead I would have taken pictures.

I was pulling into the turning lane and at the same time, a lady was pulling out of a sonic going the opposite direction and BAM. we collided. I was freaking out. When the officer got there though he told me to calm down, it wasn't my fault. Hooray!

So that's what happened today. Would you like to know more about Mary Kay? Thought so!

Our company is great. In the expo part, there was a place where you could write a note to a woman who was a victim of domestic abuse. Isn't that great? The Mary Kay foundation is dedicated to ending women's cancers and domestic abuse. Great, huh?

Anyway, the rest of my time at seminar was amazing. It was inspirational and motivational.

Did you know the woman who had the most personal sales this past year also lost a lung this past year? that's right. A LUNG. i have no more excuses. None.

I got to see "So you think you can dance"'s winner from last year, Joshua Allen, perform, as well as American Idol contestant, Jasmine Murray. I also got to see a funny youtube video of Mary Kay Corporate Execs (all men, by the way) doing the "Single Ladies" dance. Oh yeah...it was hilarious.

I have come to the conclusion that if you don't go to seminar, even if you've been in mary kay for 20 years, you can never truly understand what Mary Kay is about. It's not just peddling lipstick. it's helping women and making them feel good about themselves.

I also really love how they include spouses in EVERYTHING. They have a spouse class, and have a fun men's day out where they do fun stuff in Dallas. Tyler can't wait to go!

Mary Kay Seminar: Shine On!

2009-08-03T19:20:00.000-05:00

Wow. So I just got back from Mary Kay seminar late on Saturday night and what an experience! It was a lot, so I am going to break it up into several posts. 1. It's a lot to read 2. I don't have enough patience to type it all!

OK. DAY 1!

Well first of all, I flew in a day early so I could spend time with a long lost bff from high school, Jessica. She lived in Dallas and actually moved back to Nashville the day after I got there! I was glad I caught her before she left! We had SUCH a great time together! Didn't feel like we hadn't seen each other in 5 years!

The next day started Seminar and it was AMAZING. First, I met 2 women from my unit who I had never met before because one lives in SC and one lives in GA. We took a tour of the manufacturing plant and corporate headquarters.

The plant was AWESOME. All the different departments set up displays and dressed up and was dancing and it was just a really fun place.

Then when we got to headquarters, they had a red carpet set up outside, and cheerleaders cheering, and when we walked inside the staff said "Hi! Welcome to your company!" It was so cool!

We toured the museum, saw all the offices, and I had my picture taken in front of Mary Kay Ash's office. So cool!

That night we all dressed up and had our Regional Area Awards Night. There are 2 awards nights: one for the whole seminar and one for our local area. They give out awards to people who had the most personal sales, who added the most team members, most improved unit, etc. We didn't win anything this year but next year for sure!!!

On that note, I am signing my FIRST team member on Tuesday! And I have 2 other girls that are interested in the career opportunity! I will be in my first free car in no time!!

Anyway, that pretty much sums up the first day. It was tons of fun. Stay tuned for more!

My director, Deb, and I at our Regional Awards Night! We look good, eh?

Me in front of Mary Kay Ash's office.

In front of headquarters!

Making lipstick! Sweet Nectar, that day.

The woman who started it all...Mary Kay Ash!

Me in the first career car I can earn.

Deb, me, Tabatha and Shirley!

Me and Jessica at Texas Roadhouse!

Hi, this is me NOT packing

2009-07-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not packing. No, I'm not even at home. I am sitting at the computer lab on campus wasting time on the internetz. Tyler is in Nashville today so he has the computer. (And mine isn't fixed yet...almost!!). So here I am, not packing.

Today I went to TJ Maxx for the heck of it and got a super awesome shirt for 10 bucks. Reason number 18375 TJ Maxx is the happiest freakin' place on Earth. I also ran into an old friend today, there, too. So that was cool. I can't go anywhere without running into someone i know. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

I have clothes in the washer. I need to put them in the dryer. And I need to put everything in my suitcase. And I need shoes and a clutch to match one of my formal dresses for seminar.

I guess I need to get off of here. I am so unmotivated.

Where to start?

2009-07-25T22:01:00.000-05:00

I'm a planner. I make lists for everything. And usually more than once. I always re-do them because I either don't like my handwriting and I want to re-write it, or there is a better way to organize my list. I know i know i know.

I am leaving for Dallas on Tuesday morning for Mary Kay Seminar (and to spend time with one of my bff's from high school!!). And my problem is...where do I start?

Always the hardest part. It's like, when you are about to move and you have to pack. There is SO MUCH to do you don't know where to start and you don't even want to start!

Well, I did some laundry...ironed a few things...just doing everything that doesn't involve physical packing. But that has to change tomorrow. Because I leave Monday.

But, before I do that, I think I'll update my iPod first. :)

Celebrity Status!

2009-07-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

So incase you didn't know by my plethora of posts and status updates, I was on WBKO MidDay Live here in Bowling Green yesterday with the girl I work for. It was super fun and I think we did a great job! You can watch it here!

I got to meet several people that work there, including the people I follow on Twitter! Haha!

Sorry my posts have been lacking lately. Life has been happening at a very fast pace lately and I'm struggling to keep up some days. Clare and Tyler are really working hard to get their EP done. The President of Universal Records in Nashville is going to listen to it at the end of the month or beginning of next month! (squeal!!)

I am also working hard on getting the press kit done. We are almost there! Just a few finishing touches and we should be good to go!

Anywho...I have some really exciting news that I can't tell you right now, but will officially be able to tell you within the week. I am very excited and can't wait to share! (and no, i'm not pregnant.)

Keep you updated! :)

RIP Walter!

2009-07-17T23:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, the man was old, but really..so many deaths way too close together.

Walter Cronkite. When I saw he was a trending topic on Twitter i knew exactly why! I immediately was brought back to college and hearing about him and talking about him in every single journalism and PR class I ever took. He was "the most trusted man in America" and a superior journalist. There will never be another like him-and that's the way it is.

RIP Walter.

(This was his farewell statement as his last day as anchor on the CBS Evening News.)

This is my last broadcast as the anchorman of The CBS Evening News; for me, it's a moment for which I long have planned, but which, nevertheless, comes with some sadness. For almost two decades, after all, we've been meeting like this in the evenings, and I'll miss that. But those who have made anything of this departure, I'm afraid have made too much. This is but a transition, a passing of the baton. A great broadcaster and gentleman, Doug Edwards, preceded me in this job, and another, Dan Rather, will follow. And anyway, the person who sits here is but the most conspicuous member of a superb team of journalists; writers, reporters, editors, producers, and none of that will change. Furthermore, I'm not even going away! I'll be back from time to time with special news reports and documentaries, and, beginning in June, every week, with our science program, Universe. Old anchormen, you see, don't fade away; they just keep coming back for more. And that's the way it is: Friday, March 6, 1981. I'll be away on assignment, and Dan Rather will be sitting in here for the next few years. Good night.

But...What do i wear?

2009-07-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

It's true. I am practically almost a celebrity. I am not sure if people know the power of asking, but here is an example.

I am trying to figure out how to get some good advertising for Just My Fit. For free. I thought about our news station here in the BG and thought "How do we get on the mid day live show??"

So, I e-mailed one of the anchors at WBKO and gave her the link to our blog and told her who we are and what we do. 10 minutes later she e-mails me back. She loves the blog and wants us on the show!

HELLO!

SO on tuesday, Erin and I are going to be talking about the importance of fit and how what you wear can affect your own attitude and also how people perceive you. We are going to have a before and after model, too! Pretty much why a tailor should be your best friend. :) Hopefully it will turn into a series of how to dress every body type! We are so excited!

So anyhow. What am I going to wear??? Big decision here. I'm going to be on TV!!

Fabulous Fruit Tea

2009-07-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I've never made fruit tea before, but I have told my Mary Kay director's daughter, Alyssa, that I would bring her some. She's never had it and I thought she should experience it!

So I made it for our unit picnic tonight. And it was delicious. So I thought I'd share the recipe!

Ingredients:

12 cups water-divided

1 1/2 cups sugar

9 tea bags

1 can frozen lemonade, thawed

1 can frozen pineapple-orange juice, thawed

Directions:

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil

Stir in sugar until dissolved

Add tea bags and let sit for 5-8 min.

Take off heat

Discard tea bags

Stir in juice concentrates and remaining water (8 cups)

Serve over ice

I also added slices of pineapple, lemon, orange and lime. Delicious AND pretty! Enjoy!

My Birthday party and Bride Wars.

2009-07-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

Tonight marked the end of having any more excuses to celebrate my birthday. (haha). I had a little shin dig at our apartment to celebrate the fact that I am one year closer to cheap car insurance! Yee Haw!

Erin and Jimmy came, along with more members of Just My Fit, Jill and Mary. Then Rocky came with the little one and finally Donna came to make our party complete!

I guess the estrogen level was too much for Jimmy and Tyler, so they went back to Jimmy's apartment and smoked hookah and hung out and got to have whatever the equivalent of "girl time" is to guys.

Eventually, most everyone had to leave to go various places, and Donna stayed for a while and we watched Bride Wars. It was so cute. It actually had more of a meaning behind it than I expected. And Anne Hathaway is my new favorite. I am such a girl and totally wanted to cry at the end-ish parts (like I did at the end of 27 Dresses). But I sucked it up. :)

My wonderful friends got me a bottle of wine, a book to learn to play the mandolin, and a gift certificate to Spencer's! My friends know me so well and I love them!

This weekend is going to be filled with lots of fun activities! We have a unit picnic for our Mary Kay unit tomorrow and Sunday Clare is coming up to record and go over more press kit stuff. Her and Tyler are playing at the Maxwell Millennium Hotel Monday night at 9 (so you should come.)

And if you haven't read all the fun stuff that is happening with them. Please read below. :)

Clare Dunn and the Moonshiners

2009-07-10T09:57:00.000-05:00

It's (semi) official. Clare's band is going to be called The Moonshiners.

Yesterday, Tyler went to Liberty to play music with his dad and his band and while he was there he took care of some Apple Festival business.

He let the banks who are sponsoring them hear Clare's demo and they went crazy over it. So much so, that a radio DJ in the room said he would play a few of her songs a couple of weeks before they festival! (Hello!!)

They also got ANOTHER sponsorship from another bank! So now, all 3 banks in Casey County are sponsoring Clare! They also get a booth to sell CD's, merchandise and sign autographs! How awesome is that??

That same radio DJ also wants to do an on-air interview with Tyler and Clare a week before the festival!

So needless to say, Clare and I were busy bees last night! We looked over some pictures that I am going to spruce up, made a facebook fan page (don't worry, i'll invite ALL of you to be fans later) and discussed a general look and feel of...well...everything. A press kit is well in the works as well as demo. Hopefully an EP to come soon!

Here are some youtube videos of her playing. The quality is not so good, but believe me..Clare IS.
Burnin' Moonlight
Fall Away

So yeah, I have a feeling we are going to keep pretty busy with everything going on. And I couldn't be happier!

A birthday weekend!

2009-07-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

4th of July is great and everything...but it's the 2 days after that are really the most awesome part of the weekend!

Sunday was my sister's 21st birthday. Tyler and I trekked to Mt. Juliet and had a super nice, super awesome, super delicious dinner at Maggiano's in Nashville. (If you've never been there, go. now.) Since me and Jenni's birthdays are just one day apart, we usually have a combined birthday dinner on the 5th.

We met the Cathers, Klahns and Waggoners and feasted on pasta, chicken, and cheesecake.....and much much more. (I'm STILL full!)

Afterwards, Tyler, Jenni, Daniel and I met some friends over at Jackson's. The guest list included the newlyweds, Megan and Damien; the soon to be married Chelsea and Jordan; and The "old married couple" Brienn and Andrew. It was a fun bunch and it was really great to be in everyone's company.

I got some really fabulous items which included a super cute apron from Chels and Jordan and very cute home decor from the Corlews. Unfortunately not everyone can get off of work for my birthday (maybe one day, people.) so the party ended around 9 so everyone could get a good amount of sleep. :)

Today, my actual birthday, was great from the moment I woke up until this very second. Tyler and I went to Opry Mills to try and find a replacement white heel, as Ellie had chewed up my other beloved white heels.

Bowling Green mall and stores were not good to me when it came to the hunt for a new pair of white heels...but Off Broadway shoes was nothing short of amazing. A whole SECTION of white heels! I found my perfect pair!

I also found the most adorable earrings you've ever seen in your life for only $5.00 at Forever 21. That is my favorite place for accessories EVER.

While I was shoe shopping, Tyler ventured off to the chocolate factory. (And many other places...I was shoe shopping for quite some time.) Tyler came back with like a pound of fudge, a peanut butter cup that is about 8 times the size of a Reese's, and WHITE chocolate peanut butter cup.

Oh my. Delicious.

After we headed home to the big B-G, I decided to shop some more and spend some of my gift cards. It was a wonderful time (I mean..duh..its shopping) and I found a really cute Ed Hardy wallet for only 20 bucks! Steal of the year!

All in all, my birthday has been wonderful. I'm not going to lie-I love a day that's all about me! Haha, and I love all of the Happy Birthday texts, phone calls and facebook messages!

I don't think I am going to be one of those people that just decides to "quit counting" and not celebrate. it's too much fun :)

RIP White heels

2009-07-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

Dear White Heels,

You were nothing short of amazing. You were supportive and always there when I needed you. From the first time I wore you at my high school graduation, up until Ellie chewed you up beyond recognition, you never let me down. But you are in a better place now. Probably catching up with my brown heels and black boots. I can only hope that one day I can find another pair of white heels that are half the shoe you were.

Thanks for everything,

Rachel

Thunderfest and why I need to get out of Bowling Green!

2009-07-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, Tyler got a job with a company called Third World who does sound and stage set up for concerts and events. Tonight he had to work at an event called Thunderfest.

Thunderfest is an event where they have inflatable stuff for kids, hot air balloon rides, a band and....fireworks! I have never been to this before, but everyone hyped it up to be the most awesome thing you've ever seen in your entire life.

It wasn't. Wasn't even close. It was Mt. Juliet quality fireworks. (No offense, MJ peeps. I've always enjoyed them.) BUT I also knew that MJ fireworks weren't going to be Nashville Riverfront or Atlanta, GA quality. Thunderfest fireworks=lame.

Ok, now let's talk about the people. Oh lord, the people. For whatever reason, events like these bring out every hillbilly redneck in and around Bowling Green.

Before the fireworks, a 3 or 4 year old child was separated from his parents, so he went to someone near the stage and the Emcee of the night got on stage and described the little boy and asked everyone to do a "kid check"..this went on for EVER.

FINALLY after entirely too long, this woman with frizzy curly hair, short shorts and an ugly tank top came running down a hill, across gravel-BAREFOOT- to the stage to get the little boy.

Seriously? Did it really take her that long to figure out her kid was missing?

Anyway, the SAME thing happened at the end of the night, too. Seriously? Seriously.

So not only were the people there barefoot, but they were horribly dressed and a lot of them.....were fat. Not that I have a problem with plump people, but when they start wearing spaghetti strap tank tops that show side boob and tummy flab and shorts that their butts hang out of...that's where I draw the line.

Shew, I am so over Bowling Green and the people in it. (Well, most of the people in it...) Times like these just reaffirm the fact that Tyler and I don't belong here. Don't get me wrong, we love the friends we've made, the church we've joined, and other things like that, but something about this place just isn't us. I just know it's not where we were meant to be (for long).

I wouldn't trade any of my experiences here for anything, but I am very ready for May, when our lease ends and it's time to move somewhere new.

Getting Ready for a weekend of craziness

2009-07-02T15:45:00.000-05:00

I love love love 4th of July weekend. First of all, there is the Independence Day celebration which usually entails food that has been grilled, a Delicious dessert and always includes fireworks. I *love* fireworks.

The next day, July 5th is my sister's birthday. This year she is turning 21. I got her a very cute gift, in which I will reveal later for fear that she might read this!

Then...the next day...July 6th....is *drumroll* MY BIRTHDAY! Yahoo! I will be 23. Not very exciting, except that I'm one year closer to cheaper car insurance.

Tyler is working today, tomorrow and on the 4th. Lots of music/fireworks/random things going on in Bowling Green that is keeping the company he works for super busy!

This year, the hubs and I are going to my parents house on Sunday to celebrate our birthdays and visit with her military boyfriend who is going to be home for a couple days. We will be going out to dinner, then hopefully afterwards my friends and I can get together and do something.

This is what I am asking for for my birthday. So I can buy this. A plane ticket to Dallas for Mary Kay seminar!

Even though my throat is trying to kill me slowly and painfully, I am determined to have a super awesome 4th of July weekend like I've had every other year before!

Clare Dunn and the....?

2009-07-01T16:15:00.001-05:00

Clare Dunn. Remember that name because one day she's going to be on every country radio station in the US. And Tyler is her new drummer. And I am their publicist. :-)

Last night they played at a little bar in Nashville at a writer's round. She pretty much blew everyone away. About a million people told me "She's really got something" or "She's gonna make it." And let me tell you, you've never heard a voice quite like hers. It's powerful and strong. Her vocal range is amazing and she can eat up a guitar!

Clare is coming over tonight so she and Tyler can start recording their EP. Whenever I can get a song I will definitely post it. Everyone needs to hear this girl sing! I will also post some pictures when I get them.

Now we are just trying to book book book! When the right person hears her, it will be a done deal. I predict it won't be long. That kind of talent can't go unheard for long!

So now all they gotta do is come up with a name for the band...Clare Dunn and the...?

Here are our ideas so far:

The Moonshine Band

The Moonshiners

The City Slickers

Thoughts? Ideas?

What to do when you wake up from a nap at 9:30...pm??

2009-06-24T22:29:00.000-05:00

5:30 pm- The Hubby and I are sleepy. We decide to lay down to take a nap and eat dinner when we wake up.

9:30 pm- We wake up.

Oops.

So now, it's 10:30 and we are wide awake. So I thought I'd just let everyone in on what's going in our lives. Maybe I will be sleepy again by the time I get done writing this!

Tyler is playing drums for our friend, Clare Dunn. They are playing in Nashville at Norm's River Roadhouse on Tuesday and I am working on getting them set up to play at the World Famous Apple Festival! I am also going to be calling pretty much everywhere in Nashville to get them some more gigs. They sound really good. And when I say really good..I mean amazing. I mean I see a record deal within a year. They are going to be recording an EP soon!

I have been really busy over at Just My Fit. We are really picking up business! So much so that we are expanding into the room across the hall and hiring another person to sew full time! Once we get all that done, we are going to expand into style consulting! I am thinking about getting certified in it, mainly for the credibility. It's exciting! I think it will really help out my Mary Kay business as well.

As for Ellie Belly...well she is still just as sweet and cuddly as ever!

Ok, well this took almost 20 minutes of my time. Am i sleepy yet? ::checks:: nope.

::Sigh:: Off to the next time consuming project!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2009-06-22T13:22:00.001-05:00

I met her on the playground at W.A. Wright Elementary. We had a lot in common, you know. We were both continuously chased by boys on the playground during recess. We even had matching outfits. It was instant friendship. Megan and I have been best friends for 17 years. In Junior High, we met Katherine and what a terrific trio we make!

We have all been through a whole heck of a lot together...and we just crossed one more thing off the list...another wedding! Megan and her husband (whew that feels weird typing that!) tied the knot at Grace UMC on Saturday! What a beautiful day it was. Megan looked gorgeous, Damien was very handsome and everyone had lots of fun!
Megan met Damien at TN Tech University where they both went to school. I can still remember our phone conversations where she wasn't quite sure if she wanted to date him or not. He pursued her forever before she finally agreed to a date! (Strong man!) And she even denied him a kiss when he asked on the first date! (Valentine's Day, btw.) But she finally let him do it a day later and the rest is history.
The couple of days before lots of friends and family came in. All of us bridesmaids got together with some other girls for her bachelorette party and had such a great time! We went to Wildhorse and danced our little hearts our little hearts out! it was nice for everyone to come together. Katherine flew in from CA and 3 of others drove up from various places around TN for the special occasion.
There is no better person for Megan than Damien. He treats her like a queen every day of her life and loves her with everything he has! I can see it every time I see them together! I am so happy they found each other and with that found a life time of happiness!

It brought me back to my wedding day and everything I was feeling and thinking. I can't believe how far we have come since then! And it's only been a year! I am so thankful for a loving and wonderful husband like Tyler.

Can't wait for the next wedding...who's it going to be? :)

Pictures of the Festival from my phone

2009-06-16T23:09:00.001-05:00

Taylor Swift
Josh Turner
Jason Aldean
Jake Owen
Luke Bryan

CMA Music Festival

2009-06-16T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hello All!

I know. It's been a while since I've updated. Would you like to know why? Of course you would! Tyler and I have been in Nashville for the past 5 days assisting the media crew with the CMA Music Festival. This was the 2nd festival I've worked, and Tyler's first. (Good going on his part..he married the girl who had an internship with CMA!!)

I had originally planned to break up the stories by day, but since they were all a blur, I will just blog what I remember :)

One thing that I will never forget was Thursday. Reba, who was the 2nd act of the night, got to perform just 2 songs before everyone had to clear the stadium due to "threatening weather." So for 3 hours, we just chilled. Did nothing. What could we do? Finally....after MIDNIGHT...they continued the show. However, rascal Flatts and Julianne Hough left (could care less about Julianne...)And everyone else had to play abbreviated sets.

Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley both played that night and it was awesome. I heart them both and really want to see them in concert!!!

Kid Rock made a "surprise" appearance (that everyone knew about) and it was pretty good. Probably wouldn't buy his CD but would probably see him live again if I got the chance.

The surprise guest on Saturday night was Sugarland and I'm not gonna lie...I was disappointed. I don't like them, but I guess lots of people do.

Tyler and I were lucky and pretty much got to see the whole festival. Our job was to photo run, which means after each set, we take our photographer's photo card and take it back to the media room to be cleared! So we were sitting in front of the front row! We got some awesome pictures. :) I will post them when I actually remember to get my memory card from my parents house! Maybe i'll take some off of my phone.

By far, I was most disappointed with Leann Womack. She was boring. Really boring. You don't even know. But then the Judds performed and it was really awesome!

Tyler got to meet Rich Redman (sp?), the drummer for Jason Aldean (who was also AWESOME..love him.). Tyler had e-mailed him before and Rich said to keep in touch with him so that was awesome for him for sure!

I also want everyone to remember the name Clare Dunn! She is a local singer/songwriter and Tyler is going to start playing drums for her...and I am going to start booking them! So if you know anyone who wants some southern rock/blues music...call me. or message me. or anything.

After the festival was over all of us media folk went to the Hilton and ate and drank and then SOME people went over to Schermerhorn and jumped in the fountain. I stood and took pictures :)

Anywho, it was a lot of fun, and I just always love to see my favorite people perform live! Josh Turner, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan...sigh...it was such a good time! I can't wait for the awards show!

My trip to Dallas at the end of July!

2009-06-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

So I am super excited for Mary Kay seminar in Dallas this year! It is my first one and I wanted to post some pictures just so everyone can see how huge it is! And how awesome it is going to be for me! I really appreciate everyone who has supported me and helped me so far! Especially my hubby. I don't know how I got so lucky with him!

There are going to be over 15,000 women there (plus some husbands!)! Can you believe it? Pretty soon, I'll be one of those women going up on stage to get the keys to MY pink Cadillac :)

My Ad...

2009-06-09T16:58:00.001-05:00

So..Apologies to everyone who looks over to your right to see a huge Trojan Ad. Google AdSense has not yet found "relevant" ads to go with my blog yet...so until then...

(I mean, if it interests you, you can click on it and I will get money! woot!)

The Soup

2009-06-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

I love E! I especially love The Soup. It cracks me up. Especially the latest episode, with the montage of all the random clips...this might be my favorite.

In our newly established family, I have realized that Tyler is the culinary artist. Tonight he made hamburgers and sliced up potatoes and fried them. And seasoned them. And they were the most delicious thing I have ever tasted in my whole life. We could probably open up one of those specialized food joints, ya know? But, we have to find something else to serve besides homestyle fries.

We'll work on it.

Today at work we got a new intern! Turns out I've actually met her a couple of times....like 4 years ago, but still....Anyway, I also write a new blog there so you should check it out here.

I really enjoy blogging for her. Especially about fashion stuff. I like to think I am pretty good at it. It's just something I am really interested in.

This week we are going to be busy busy busy! We are touring a place tomorrow called Dogs Day Out to put up Ellie while Tyler and I are in Nashville. We are working the CMA Music Festival Thursday through Sunday and the CMT Media Forum on Monday. I also have 2 Mary Kay parties to do while I am there. Shew!

Then my BFF Megan is getting married on the 20th. Lots of Bachelorette/Wedding stuff the 2 days before. I am super pumped!!

Today I officially registered for Mary Kay Seminar! I am sooooo excited! It is held in Dallas, TX and it will be my first trip out there! I am very excited to meet new people and get some great ideas! And of course to dress up and go to fancy dinners! :)

On an unrelated, but super cute note, my puppy is asleep on the couch. And is snoring. It is the sweetest thing ever!!! We ooh and ahh over that little dog so much. I can't even imagine what we are going to do when we have a REAL kid!

Well it's about time for me to hit the hay. Have to get up early and shower and look extra good. Going around down town tomorrow on behalf of Just My Fit. Bringin' in the biz-nazz! Speaking of-we had one man bring in SEVENTEEN pairs of pants today! SEVENTEEN! Dag.

Goodnight Universe!

PS- If someone can tell me how to get pictures where i WANT them in my blog, instead of just above or below...PLEASE tell me. kthxbai.

I'm wondering if these cameras are real?

2009-06-06T16:29:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the computer lab on WKU's campus. I just looked up and saw 2 cameras staring at me. Are they real? Hmm.

If you are wondering why I am using the computers on campus, it's because Tyler has stolen my internets from me. :) Actually. he is DJ'ing a wedding tonight in Danville and had to take his computer. And my computer is currently out of commission.

And if you are wondering why I am not going with him, it's because I was supposed to work from 6-10. Supposed to being the key phrase here. They called me, and it's "slow" today so I am working from 8-11. Which they probably don't need me no matter what , so I might end up getting home at 10 anyway.

The point being...I wish I was with Tyler. :)

But we got some good quality time together yesterday with 2 of our favorite couples, the Huntsberrys and the Justices. And of course my favorite 2 year old, Haylie Marie!

We went to Chaney's Dairy Barn and watched Kung Fu Panda and ate some delicious ice cream! I was mostly watching Haylie. She was cracking me up! She was dancing and singing into her hand. And telling us all to shake our booties! She is so precious. I'm so glad Maciena has moved back to BG! I have missed her and her family oh so much! :)

I posted pictures on my facebook page. I would post some on here....but I don't have my computer :)

Anywho, I am going to get out of here and head back home to clean and play with the cutest dog in the world!

Yeah, my life is pretty awesome.

Good 'ol Kentucky Weather

2009-06-03T20:26:00.000-05:00

Ah today.

I had a meeting at 7:00 this morning. Seven....A.M. gross. I know! Anyway, it was supposed to last until 9, so I was just going to go over to Erin's after it was over. It was over at 7:45. Part of me rejoiced because I could go back home and get a little more sleep! And part of me knew that if I went home and got that sleep, I wouldn't want to get up.

I didn't want to get up.

But I did and I headed over to Erin's for work. The 2 of us and our hubbies took a little break at noon to go to Concerts in the Park. Erin conveniently lives on the square so we didn't have to walk far. :)

They played big band music which I was super pumped for! And Tyler and I's Jazz Appreciation professor was playing the trumpet. It was supa fly.

After that we all just kind of hung out for a while. Tyler and I went to Subway and had to brave some serious rain to get out of there. It was ridiculous. I have never driven through so much water in my life!

The rest of the weather for the day went like this: Downpour, sunshine, rain, sunshine, downpour, rain, rain, rain. And now it's night.

Exciting things that have happened:

Yesterday I had coffee with my friend from college, Sarah. She moved to AL today, and starts a new job on tuesday!
Me and Tyler got free root beer floats at sonic tonight!
I got to wear my rain boots today.
My Mary Kay business is picking up!

Tomorrow me and Tyler and Jordon are going to the Hot Rods game! It will be fun. $2 drink specials! Woot! I just hope the rain holds out!

I am getting my hair cut tomorrow. Keeping the length, just want something different! I suppose I should figure out what I want. I think I'll do that now.

Seacrest Out.

Double the P'Zones!

2009-06-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, today me and Tyler went to Pizza Hut to get the famous $5 P'Zone. When our order came out, our server looked at our sorry excuses for P'Zones and said "I don't know how they came out this way....but they are working on some other ones for you." You should have seen them. The looked like the actual P'Zone threw up on itself.

At any rate, it still tasted good, and just as we finished them up they brought out the real P'Zones. So now, we have a whole heck of a lot of P'Zone just chillin' in our fridge.

After we ate, we helped my friend, Maciena unpack. Her and her husband and adorable little girl FINALLY moved back to Bowling Green! Tyler and I put away all of her daughter's clothes. She has some adorable little girl clothes! So cute!!!

Today at work I wrote a new blog. You should check it out! It's all about how to re-vamp your wardrobe on a budget. And there's a new weekly style tip! So read it!

Ok, well The Princess Bride is on. So that means my happy butt is sitting on the couch.

Weekend in Liberty

2009-05-31T18:51:00.000-05:00

...Land of the free and home of the brave! I don't know why, I just kept saying that every time we passed a Liberty or Casey County sign.

Anyway, that's where we took off to this weekend. Liberty, KY. (Land of the free and home of the brave! ha.) Friday night we got there really late, about 11 or so Eastern time. We arrived to a very sleepy couple of parents and a semi-sleepy sister.

We did discover chocolate frosted mini-bites that night. (like frosted mini wheats...but chocolate). They are delicious...or..SUPER delicious.

Saturday we had to make a trip to the Rite Aid because stupid me left my insulin at home. I brought EVERYTHING else I needed to change my pump site with...even syringes, which I don't really even need anymore..but left the frickin insulin! So anyway, got that taken care of, took a long drive in the country, and went with Hannah to see Angels and Demons. We had already seen it, but it was even better the 2nd time around.

The part at the very end makes me want to go to Rome the next time they have to elect a pope. Tyler says it just makes him want to be the pope. Power complex?

Today, as it is every Sunday we are in Liberty, we made our rounds to visit the grandparents. We started out with Mamaw and Papaw Millard. Papaw isn't doing so well, which is the main reason we went this weekend anyway. We hung out with them on their back porch for about an hour or so, along with some of his family I had never met before. They mostly talked about their gardens. Tyler and I agree that it will be great when all we have to talk about is our garden.

Then we went to eat with Mamaw and Papaw Lay at the Depot. It's funny, because, neither one of them can hear very well, so Tyler and I hear the same stories and jokes twice. And actually, they tell the same ones every time we see them, so we can pretty much recite them by now. That's how me and Tyler are going to end up when we are old. But that's ok! We love them.

Ellie had her first swimming experience this afternoon as well. We let her up on the deck and run around the pool. Then Tyler's dad picked her up and put her in the pool for about 5 seconds. Haha, she was so cute! But next time, me and Tyler will get in with her so she will feel a little more comfortable. :-)

Now we are home sweet home, getting some rest for the upcoming week. Lots of working going on, but what else is new?

Now, off to fix dinner and wash some towels. (Ok, so much for the resting....)

This would be the first blog!

2009-05-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

Ok, so for real I am going to start blogging now. I just started a blog for the company I work for and I figured I should do the same for us! By the way...you should check out the aforementioned blog.

Currently Tyler and I are trying to stay sane during this crazy time of the year. I just got a new job in addition to selling Mary Kay and working for my friend, Erin at Just My Fit. Tyler's classes just ended, but he is DJ'ing a wedding next week and is about to get tubes put in his ears and have something done in his sinus cavities.

June 11-14 we are working the CMA Music Festival and the 15th the CMT Media Forum before the awards start. THEN my bff Megan is getting married on the 20th. And along with that, of course, comes the bachelorette party. There might be more...there probably is...but that's all I can concentrate on right now!

My mom and sister and I just got back from Ft. Walton. It was a great vacation and I can't wait to go back with Tyler sometime!

Tomorrow I am driving to Nashville for a Dr. appt. and then I have to be back by 2 for more work training. After that, Tyler and I are headed to his parents house to spend time with his family.

It seems like we are always on the go, but for now, while it's just the 2 of us and our precious pooch, it works :)