Curious Minds Want to Know

Christmas Time

2005-12-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

I would rather drive on Pelham Road during lunch, Haywood Road on a Saturday, and Woodruff Road at 5:30 than drive on Clemson Blvd right now. It sucks so bad. Why must Anderson feel that it can only extend itself on this one road. Are we not intelligent enough to find Best Buy or Walmart on a road other than Clemson Blvd. Aughhhh.

On a positive note. New Spring's Christmas eve service (which I did not attend on Christmas eve) was great. As I stood in the back, I watch a packed house focus on Jesus Christ. It was good.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas Spirit

2005-12-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

My homeroom adopted a 4 year old to support during Christmas. We raised money and then I went to Target to get him his gifts. First, he's four. I don't know what 4 year olds are like. Second, he's a he. I can't even buy for guys my age let alone 4 year old boys. So, I called mom. We got him the coolest stuff. I hope he likes it. He wanted an esclade with real spinners but my budget said no. That thing was like $75!
Anyway, here is my soapbox for today. While I was at Target I got very frustrated. People were arguing about money and how someone else was getting more than them. Families were being ugly to each other (in public) etc. Please, this season, can't we forget ourselves for a while? Adopt a child, do toys for tots, give money to a needy family at church, cook for someone, give money to salvation army or somewhere. We must think beyond ourselves. What may be a cute pair of shoes for us could be food for someone else.

Don't speak what you don't Wish

2005-12-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

I have two new things to talk about today. Ready? Ok.

First, last Thursday I realized that I am obsessed with TV. At any given time, I could probably tell you what I could be watching. For example, on Moday its CSI-Miami, Tuesday is House and Sex and the City, Wednesday is CSI-NY (which I don’t really like) and Sex and the City again (same episodes, I know), Thursday is CSI-Las Vegas and W/out a trace, and in between all of this I flip like crazy. I live through Gilmore Girls and I could watch CSI-Las Vegas, Law and Order SVU, and the Food Network constantly. Oh yea, don’t forget VH1. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Terrible right? I do not claim that this is a good thing. And, just to try to rationalize my behavior I am always doing work during these hours of tv. I grade papers and make tests and stuff like that. However, there is really no excuse. I have no quiet. Quiet makes you think which leads to painful realizations about yourself.
Anyway, back to Thursday. Thursday I told Jesus that I was spending way too much time with the tv and not enough with Him. The first thing I do when I wake up is turn on the tv, not spend time in meditation with Him. Not a good road to travel. Sex and the City CANNOT be my god. Anyway, I told Jesus the tv comment in passing and didn’t think a thing about it. I continued on in my tvaholic ways.
So, Friday night I went to watch my students play basketball, went to Randy’s and hung out, and then went home. I fell asleep to the tv. Saturday morning I got up, flipped on my one year old awesome Toshiba tv on and got ready to go a wedding. Went to the wedding (more about that later) and came home. I flipped on my tv and guess what? Nothing, that’s what. The little red light came on and went right back off. My tv is broken. SuperBatman (aka Daddy) came to check it out yesterday and he confirmed something is defiantly wrong. God has such a sense of humor. I am tvless, musicless, and weatherless. I deserved it.

Secondly, my friend Daniel and I drove all the way to Blair, South Carolina to go to a wedding. We arrived to the church 30 minutes early. That’s pretty good for I us. We have plenty of time, right? Wrong. We were escorted into a room with about 100 other people. What was at the front of the room? A big screen tv. We watched the wedding on tv. I felt like I was in the overflow room at church. Pretty amazing. Apparently, this church had sentimental value to the bride and it was very old. The church only held about 70 people so the other 100 of us watched it through the gift of video camera. I’ve never heard of this before. It was awesome.

The hope of our future

2005-11-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting at my desk and my room is full of students. I am not teaching but my room is being used by a roaming teacher. It's the Monday after Thanksgiving break. I've decided that Thanksgiving is a tease. You get out of school and it's so wonderful...but wait you still have three weeks of school left until the REAL break. Bummer.
I am truly concerned about America and its future. Are my kids the future of this country? Boy are we in trouble. I am an easy teacher. I bend over backwards to help my students. I really do. I live at this school and a I am willing to help in any way I can. However, one class average is a 65. Ummm, thats failing by the way. Do they care? No, not at all. I gave my students a project to help their averages. They had to create an ABC booklet. The booklet needed color, creativity, and math orentation. I even gave a rubric and a glossary to help. The students had 3 45 minute class periods to do it in. What did I get when all was said and done? Crap, just crap. Now I have to subject myself to grading crap! What am I going to do???
My students have no work ethic what so ever! Granted, it is not all their fault. Where are their parents? Do they really not care about their offspring? What the crap?!

Three more weeks until Christmas break.
I know, I know, I should be thankful for having a job!
If one more person tells me that teachers have it easy and that we get off at 3:30, I will slug them!

I need a hug

2005-11-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

I need a hug.

This may seem like no big deal to anyone else but it is to me. For years I have been "no touchy." I didn't really enjoy hugs, cuddles, or any touching of any kind. I cringed when people forgot this very large detail about me and went in for the side, frontal, or any other wierd position. I've dealt with this phobia for a while now and I've come to a couple conclusions.

First, I realize that I created my "no touchy" to protect myself from pain. However, I'm coming out of the phase. I realize that I enjoy hugging people and being close to them. Now, don't get carried away. I will still beat you for touching my hair or making me feel smothered. The penalty is death for these. I think that time is the most healing piece of the puzzle. God has done a huge healing process on me and its taken a long time. He's comforted my soul and held me in his arms as I've fallen. I have slowly emereged a different person, than before. I realize this through my hugs. They are much more freely given because my wounds are no longer open sores but merely scars. Scars are sometimes tender. Tender is much better than flowing with blood and pain.

So though the healing process I am becoming proud of my scars. Scars are interesting and they always have a story behind them. I like that. As I appreciate my community that surrounds me I can hug them with no fear of bleeding out because my God has done the bleeding for me.

For those of you huggy people who refuse to respect my bubble--thank you. You have helped being Jesus in the flesh.

All the Way

2005-11-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

When somebody loves you
It’s no good unless he loves you
- all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you
- all the way
Taller than the tallest tree is
That’s how it’s got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue see is
That’s how deep it goes - if it’s real
When somebody needs you
It’s no good unless he needs you
- all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years
- come what may
Who know where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you’ll let me love you
It’s for sure I’m gonna love you
- all the way, all the way

(Ole' Blue Eyes)

I have a NEW CAR

2005-10-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got a new car. Its been a long time coming and Bertha is finally laid to rest. I know I'm supposed to be excited and I really am but I feel a real sense of grief. Bertha and I survived everything together. College, near death experiences, the fire, Crossroads, boyfriends, traveling, and hauling everyone around. I feel like I'm cheating on her or trading her in for a better model. How would I feel if someone did that to me? Now, my dad is like "Rachel, it is a piece of metal!" but I just can't see it that way. This new car and I have yet to bond. What if we never do? How terrible. Anyway, I think something is wrong with me. I have problems like this all the time. I feel bad for a pair of shoes if their not being worn. Shoes were made to be worn and if I'm not wearing them then I am helping them not fulfill their purpose in life. We all know how terrible it is to not be fulfilling our purpose. If I hold my purse in one hand then I make sure to hold it in the other too. Just to be even. Anyway, I hope you get a kick out of my oddness. And, I hope me and the new ride bond b/c I am really saddend by this. Pray that Bertha doesn't get bought by some trashy redneck family who smokes in her. I don't think she can handle it.

New Level

2005-08-16T05:11:00.000-07:00

I reached a whole new level at the Lee/Justin/Sandy house last night. A little frightening.

I'm Home

2005-07-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I'm HOME!!!

Old School

2005-06-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we had an old school party. Have you ever been with a group of people and just felt totally relaxed? That's our group. Jon was psycho analyzing everyone (secretly). Julie got cuddling time. LiLi got to see Heath Ledger in The Patriot. Jacob was himself. Tavaras was "na shoot"ing all around. Randy was the gentleman. Susan was tired. I got to see everyone together. We had good food and good fun. I think my cholesterol went down from laughing so much. My bubble was popped often. I can't explain how great these people are and how we interact as a group. It should be a science experiment or something. I love you guys.

Anyway, I'm gone to the beach with the fam for a week. Always a good time. Then off to Crossroads for a month. I'll be back July 22. Please call, send packages, and come visit. All are appreciated and loved. We have an amazing coffee house across the street so please drive 80 miles for a good cup of coffee (and to see me). Pray for Crossroads and the kids that come. Pray that they will changed in their Heart and not just their emotions. Pray that they see God for who He is and that we display that correctly.

Tacky--Just Tacky

2005-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

So, has anyone really put any thought into how tacky school rooms are? I am sitting at school all week this week with the summer school program. I say sitting because I’m not really teaching. I’m sitting and if you know me at all you will remember that I do NOT sit well.
Anyway, school rooms are tacky. Can't we all remember something horrific on the walls of our high school? The Garfield posters are from the early 90’s at least if not earlier. The bulletin boards are rainbow colors and childish. There are these random mobiles hanging from the ceiling. Now, Surprise by Design I am not but I can say that this room does not promote creativity. Who thinks this is cool? Some one must. I understand the lack of budget (really I don’t) for interior decorating but come on. Walmart/Target people—we can do this. Let’s move to the late 90’s at least. Baby steps to cooler schools.

He's Just Not That Into You (Again)

2005-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday I was exhausted. On Memorial Day we hung out at Lee C’s house. Great dance party, burgers, football, frisbee, and National Treasure. I stayed WAY too long to have to get up at 6:30 to go to work. After getting little sleep the night before, I went to school. Here is what we’re doing at school—sitting and talking. Now, while I am female and I do love to talk I do not enjoy having hour long conversations about saggy pants, hats, tardiness, and parent conferences. I feel as though my life is being wasted away (I’m melting, I’m melting). Does it really hurt a child’s learning capability if they’re wearing a hat? Oh the school system. What have we done?

Anyway, I went to bed early last night trying to catch up on sleep (I realize catching up isn’t possible but you know what I mean) and at 10:30 I got frustrated. Sleep was not there. So, I pulled out the old "He’s Just Not That Into You." I needed to remind myself of the title. I read a little bit and one passage jumped out. "Ladies, treat us as we are, not as you want us to be." Don’t we do that, ladies? What if God treated us like we treat the guys? When we come to Him in prayer, God would be angry that we hadn’t come sooner, or that we weren’t fasting, or in Boswana. God loves us right where we are when we are there. I am so thankful that this is not performance based. My God loves me when I jump out of the bed in the morning. He loves me with messy hair, mismatched pjs, and funk breath. He takes what little I give him and spins it into gold asking nothing but my love and devotion in return. I need to be like Him when dealing with others.

Our Hearts

2005-05-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it careful round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impentrable, irredeemable...The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers...of love is Hell"

C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves

For those of us who tend to lead towards the skeptic side let us not forget this important passage. We must love. It is what we were created to do.

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

2005-05-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we had Kid's Day and it was AMAZING. Kids were everywhere--climbing, eating, getting baptized, riding trains, and bouncing all over the place. It was so neat.

Anyway, I had been asked to this wedding on Saturday night. I ran home got ready and looked pretty dang cute if I may say so myself. Jacob picked me up and we walked out the door. Now, I live on the second floor of my apartment building. I love high heels--I wear them daily and can pretty much do all physical activity in them. But, today was not a normal day. Jacob stepped back to let me go down the steps. One step down, two steps down, and then....bam, bam, bam, bam I ended up at the bottom of the flight of stairs. I'm telling you I have no idea how it happened or even what happened. Some how I rode those steps down on my rear and I've got the bruises to prove up. When I fell my left let caught the brunt of the ordeal. It stay bent behind me on my roller coster ride. My foot is all cut up and blue and so is my right rear cheek. I'm talking nasty bruise.
Jacob stood at the top for what seem like ages, in shock. When he did make it down the steps he didn't know what to do and neither did I. Slowly, slowly I picked myself up, gasped for breath, and tried to not ruin my makeup. I started off the evening well. For those of you who know Jacob know that Jacob would laugh his head off if his own mother tripped and fell. Well, Jacob didn't laugh so I knew it had to be bad. There are literally black marks on the steps to prove my downfall.
Now, I'm so sore I can barely move. In the future I'll let the guy go first. Next time he can catch my fall.

God vs. Doctors

2005-05-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

So, I jumped in the car on Friday and headed to G-vegas. From there my family jumped in another car and drove the 6 (it should have taken 5) hours to Raleigh. All of my dad’s side resides up there and my grandmother is very sick. So, in the turmoil of playing with tons of cousins I watched my grandmother show up.
Let me set up background for you. My grandmother is awesome. They live on a farm and raise tabacco and cotton. There is no t.v. and you go get your eggs out of the back yard. Its very cool. Anyway, my grandparents are also pastors and have been their lives. They love the Lord very much and they display that love by serving others. However, while they are Christians it is a backwoods, hell-fire and brimstone, kind of a thing. My grandpa doesn’t really believe in doctors. He believes that God is The Healer (which he is) and that if you really need to be healed—God will do that.
So, my grandmother needs hip replacement. She has always been a very spunky person, working her fingers to the bone in the ground and in the kitchen. Not this weekend. Grandma had to use a walker and was in so much pain. It was very sad to see. And, they haven’t decided anything about the surgery yet. Grandpa is fasting and praying that God will heal her if she is to be healed. He doesn’t think that God works through doctors. I think that he feels like he is turning his back on God if he uses modern medicine. Why is it God or doctors and not both? I think the Lord is holy enough to use whatever means he sees fit.
To me it’s simple. She needs surgery—one that’s pretty normal. However, they just don’t see it like me and there is no talking to them. God can heal her but he has also given us all these resources to use. My family is praying that God will tell them what is best and that my grandparents will listen.

Bi-Polar I think

2005-05-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Your #1 Match: ESFJ

The Caregiver
You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.
You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

Your #2 Match: ESFP

The Performer
You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others.A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic.You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally.You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic.
You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor.

What's" Your Personality Type?

Ok, I stole this little survey off of Anna G's blog. Does anyone else think that my two top matches seem totally opposite from each other. Maybe I am a little bi-polar. It would explain a lot. Well, I don't know how well these actually fit me but at least they're fun.

12 more days of school! My kids and I are so ready to be OUT.

I miss seeing everyone. I need to do better on that. Michelle's headed west soon. Susan's been sick. Haven't seen JT and the Lee crowd in a while either. Man, I'm a slacker! I'll try to be better with that.

Went to see Kelly Clarkson last night--amazing. That girl can sing!

New Engagement

2005-04-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

Well, congradulations to Lisa Mann. She got engaged Monday night. Yea!!! The first of the 204 Ridge girls to go.

Oh yea, I'm going to the prom Friday night. I'm 23 and going to the prom. Hmmm

Attacked on the Sly

2005-04-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

I've been very grumpy and ill since Sunday. Sorry for that. Haven't been sleeping.

Next, Tavaras and I discussed this topic Sunday night and I just wanted to clue you other guys in.

So, a girl gets a crush. It may not be a big one. It may just be a little heart flutter. (Girls, if you'll sit on that feeling for about three weeks, they normally go away) However, when a girl gets this little crush the over analyzing and thoughts start churning. She knows the next possible siting of you and has already played out how the conversation should go. Yes, this is sick I know but its what we do. In her mind the conversation should go this way, yet, it doesn't. It never does. Then, low and behold she becomes angry at you. She's taking shots at you and acting mean! What the heck? She is hurt and you didn't even see it coming. You couldn't have blocked it if you tried. I know that I did this recently and I've watched others do it their whole life. Sorry guys but there's just no way to win that one. It's a lose lose situation. Girls if we wouldn't jump ahead of ourselves then this wouldn't happen but who am I kidding--that won't happen. We recognize a good guy when we see one but sometimes--he's just not that into you.

Psalms 143

2005-04-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

Psalm 143
A David psalm

Listen to this prayer of mine, GOD; pay attention to what I'm asking.
Answer me--you're famous for your answers!
Do what's right for me.
But don't, please don't, haul me into court;
not a person alive would be acquitted there.

The enemy hunted me down;
he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.
He put me in a black hole,
buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.
I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,
my heart heavy, like lead.
I remembered the old days,
went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
Stretched out my hands to you,
as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.

Hurry with your answer, GOD!
I'm nearly at the end of my rope.
Don't turn away; don't ignore me!
That would be certain death.
If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,
I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you.
Point out the road I must travel;
I'm all ears, all eyes before you.
Save me from my enemies, GOD-
you're my only hope!
Teach me how to live to please you,
because you're my God.
Lead me by your blessed Spirit
into cleared and level pastureland.

Keep up your reputation, God--give me life!
In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
In your great love, vanquish my enemies;
make a clean sweep of those who harass me.
And why? Because I'm your servant.

Overweight

2005-04-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you Justin and the guys for the cookie cake last night. It was so thoughtful.

WARNING: superficial article below

So, Saturday afternoon I was outside the Mall of Georgia (heaven) frantically looking for a very large charter bus that seemed to have been misplaced. I had spent 4 days with 50 teens who got up at 5:00 AM to get ready every day. I passed by three guys sitting on a bench. They were slightly skater, slightly grunge, and one was kind of large. Thanks to my amazing sonic ears I heard one of the guys say "Now there’s a girl your size" to the husky guy as I passed. Not fun. I teared up, swallowed the big knot in my throat and escaped to Barnes and Noble to regain composure. My heart was wrenched. I can’t get the comment from replaying in my head. Somehow I forgot that I am overweight. It doesn’t matter about my new haircut or color, my makeup, the fact that I stand up straight, or that I am pretty graceful, it matters that I am overweight.

Now all of the Christians jump to encourage and demand that it’s the inside that matters and that God made us beautiful anyway. I know all that. I understand all this info so please do not comment with pick-me-ups. I am not looking for fluffy encouragement. I know that I am a good person with great qualities. However, I don’t always show them because I hide behind my weight. Always crossing your arms to make you look smaller, hiding behind counters, cleaning to feel useful, not hugging, etc…

Girls, our weight seems to matter so much to us. It shouldn’t, but it does. We eat out of frustration, boredom, sadness, and so many more things. Losing weight has such simple principles yet it’s so hard to do daily. I hate being overweight. I have been skinny before. Then I was called pretty, hot, etc. Now, I’m overweight and called "cute".

This is not fun.

View into Fusebox

2005-04-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

So last night at Fusebox Chris Brown and the band rocked the house. They do so amazing stuff. While this isn't quite up to par with Chris' version, we sang this last night and the kids loved it. I just love the lyrics.

Happy Birthday to Me

2005-04-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE birthdays. I always get so excited in anticipation of what will happen. Yesterday was my birthday. Thanks so much to all of you who called, sang, and made an effort. After coming back from the Spring Break trip I was so tired that I think I will celebrate next weekend. Yea. Thanks to Sandy for buying my dinner and to Lee who offered. Thanks to Michael and Morgan for the cookie. And, thanks to my 7th grade girls for making me feel special. Sometimes your heart just hurts to feel important and wonderful and you guys filled my heart. I really, really appreciate it. I will be celebrating all week by the way. I am 23--an odd and a prime number which I both hate! Can you tell I love math?

Spring Time

2005-03-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

So, we've had a few days of great weather. Great weather means great things to do. Here are some of the things that have been running through my mind. Some of them are couple friendly but most can be done stag. Men, feel free to use my ideas for brownie points.

Fly a kite
Dwn Twn G'vegas
Walk through ATL
Jump in Hartwell (hint--it will be cold)
Go hiking
Play wiffle ball
Play Frisbie, tag football, etc
Go to Furman and play
Go to Botanical gardens for a picnic
Take a walk anywhere!
Take a blanket and some coke, climb on your roof and count the stars--(my favorite)
Eat outside when you can
Bundle up and jump in the boat
Commerse
Drive to the Beach/Charleston for the day
Cook dinner with somebody
Pinkie Swing
Go play on a playground
Go see a play
Play the guitar outside (or have someone play to you)
Ask the girl you like out
Send little hints to the guy you like--they wont get them anyway
Eat Clemson Ice Cream
Snuggle
Curl up and watch a movie
This one takes effort--Get a projector and show a movie outside with blankets and popcorn--gotta have connections for this one

Feel free to add more if you think of any. Put them to good use.

PMS

2005-03-04T05:13:00.000-08:00

So, do you ever wonder why or how those little warning stickers have to be put on everything? I was thinking back to when Coke began making their drink and distributing it in bottles. Now you know that the first couple of 100 people probably shook their Coke before opening it. It seems like the right thing to do. You shake OJ. Why not shake the Coke bottle. And, we all know what happens next—face full of Coke and sticky fingers. So, word got back to the big wigs at Coke and they came up with the bright idea of DO NOT SHAKE right on the bottle. Makes sense huh. One too many people got Coke in the face so they had to fix it.
Here’s what I think. I think that women should have a DO NOT MESS WITH on their forehead during “that time” of the month. Now this is not a blog to the ladies who have serious complications or very painful girl stuff. Since I am a girl, I can relate to the pain and misery. Yes I see that hand. Bless you, I see that hand. However, I am sorry to say that some ladies (if you could call them that) use their girl excuse to act like a witch and take advantage of the opposite sex. Men, if your girl is using PMS, during MS, and Post MS—you need to think. I would suggest you drop her like a bad habit. She’s being a jerk and getting away with it. Not cool at all.
Ladies we all get ill, angry, sick, and very SENSITIVE (that’s me) about once a month but those feelings are no one’s fault. It just is. We cannot take it out on our fellow brothers, crushes, friends, bf’s etc. If you have incredibly bad PMS then go into a cave and hide for a couple of days. Do what is expected of you but don’t give yourself the option of being a jerk to others. Most guys are very understanding of the PMS thing, however, it gets old when it’s an excuse for practically everything. Men—do not be fooled by the PMS deal. Use your judgement to decide when it’s for real. Then, there will be less eggshells to walk on. Ladies—buy some Midol. The guys thank you.

-she gets off her soap box and exits stage left

Amazed

2005-02-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

Well last night we had Amp and Ignite and I must say that I was taken back by a lot of thing. First, I managed to muster up as much energy as I could to hang out with 45 sixth graders and then 102 seventh and eighth graders and if I do say so myself, God has blessed me with a lot of energy to muster up. I'm thankful for that. Dustin spoke on Spiritual purity and he brought it. It was amazing. I was amazed at the students raising their hands to worship a God that they're finally getting a taste of; a God who is real and personal. I was amazed at the dookie water and how so many of us choose to be that instead of the pure water. I was amazed at some of my girls finally taking a stand for their own purity. I was amazed at how much I loved these girls. Sometimes I forget that.

Meg Ryan: ode to Powers

2005-02-16T04:44:00.000-08:00

This blog is dedicated to Tyler (aka Powers). Lets talk about Meg Ryan and why every guy drools over her.

First, Meg Ryan is hot. She's beautiful with the blue eyes and blond hair. Perfect body and great delivery. I'm a big fan of her movies (not all in one day, mind you.)

However, Meg Ryan is great because of her normality. She does not dress very lady like yet she cleans up well. Doesn't that ring true with most us girls? She's clumsy in her movies and gets herself into the craziest prediciments (sp?). She just seems real to us as we watch her character. I like that. She makes me want to take risks. Plus, don't we all want to be hot? She gives us hope that we will all be fallen in love with (yea right).

Anyway, Powers is a big fan of Meg so I though I would take a minute to appreciate his appreciation. Random I know.

Valentine's Day

2005-02-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day...uhmm...

Ok, so I don't really think that V-day is so bad for single people. Everyone whines and complains about being lonely and single but yesterday was just a normal day--with a lot more candy. I had a date with 50 math tech factoring tests. The average was a 58. Not so good. Guess I'll try again tomorrow.

I DO NOT like that feeling that you get when you suspect that someone likes you and you don't like them back. It makes me a little squirmy and gross. Guess its cause I don't like confrontation and to mess up friendships.

We are out of school on Monday--so excited. My roomie from college, Kathleen (some of you know her) is coming down from New Jersey. I am so excited! I can't wait. She is the most amazing person I know and all of you would agree if you knew her.

While I appreciate Meg Ryan films very much, if there is another one on TV tonight, I'm going to scream (and not like she did in When H met S). There has been a serious overdose of Meg this weekend.

Ok, I'm done.

Long time No Blog

2005-01-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

Well guys--it's been a while to say the least. I have been fussed at for not blogging so in attempts to get back in to good graces let me update this thing.
First off, I am not dating anyone. Somehow, rumors got started that I was off the meat market. Don't know how it got started but I do know that its not true. All of a sudden I was getting emails about this and I was very perplexed.
School's good, teaching it I mean-not going. My students have been pretty bad lately. I think they're burnt out. Trying to motivate 90 students every single day drains your entire body and spirit. I love my job. I really do. But, I have yet figured out how to do it without killing myself in the process. I know that you guys think I've disappeared but by the time I through teaching and tutoring I'm like a dried up shell. A dried up shell is no fun to be with!
I live in A-town now which is amazing. You guys would not believe (except Sandy and Lee) how wonderful it is to come home and change when you get off work. It's awesome. My roommate is wonderful. I really like her and the place. All are welcome there any time.
Well that's life. I've got a lot more info but I can't seem to organize my thoughts correctly so that's all for now.

Slacker

2004-12-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry but I haven't had time to blog lately. Here are a few random things that have been running through my mind. They have nothing to do with each other, unless your Freud and then everything has something to do with something else.

-"I like the word soul. I like the word mate. Other than that, you've got me." -mr. big

-I haven't made a Christmas list yet and my mom's gonna kill me

-Cool things happend to Tyler T at Jittery Joe's on Wed. Ask him about it.

-Blue Like Jazz is over and I am sad. I really liked those peeps

-Writing exams is about as bad as studying for them

-I get to go to dinner with an old friend tonight (Rusty). It's always good to see old friends and learn new things about them. I love that.

New Friends

2004-11-30T05:07:00.000-08:00

Well, we had Blue Like Jazz club last night but we never opened the book. It was great, maybe the best time I've had there. Sandy, Julie, Justin T, Lee, and me just hung out. We talked about the most random things. Is there another type other that type A and type B? Wait till JT's groomsmen get a hold of him! etc... It was good times and I loved being there.
Thanks you guys.

Service

2004-11-22T05:11:00.000-08:00

Now, I am writing this in slight frustration so forgive me if this blog is offensive. Your blog is supposed to be for what you think and your opinions but with others reading it we have to be careful about what we say.
Last night in Dustin’s message we talked about worship. One thing stuck out above the rest: we worship because we can’t help it. We have to. It’s in our heart. Well, without getting into the whole works deal I want to talk about service. If you know me at all I hope you will know my opinion about service. To me service should be like worship. We serve because we can’t help it. We have to. It’s in our heart. It’s in our blood. I am not sure that service is like that for everyone. When we become a believer our selfishness is still there. Its something Jesus Christ shows us how to overcome.
Lack of service comes from one thing – selfishness. I think that our view of life is skewed. We don’t see every minute of every day as an opportunity to serve. "Well," you say, "I just don’t think about it." Of course you don’t. I don’t either, but that doesn’t mean its ok. Serving is every where. Its giving up your seat, opening your house to others, encouraging, setting up at 8:30 for the children’s team, making a loving phone call, changing the oil for a friend, sitting beside someone who needs it, secretly making someone’s life better, putting others needs before your own, making others feel important to life, walking people to their cars, and about everything else in life that isn’t selfish.
No, these things may not immediately be the first things that pop into your heads but they should get closer and closer to the front of your mind. Just because you didn’t think about the light being red doesn’t excuse you from stopping at it. Think. Constantly. Eventually service become as natural as bad breath in the morning. It just happens.
Maybe I’m not being "tolerant" or "sensitive" but I cannot understand how we can just sit around and miss out on some serious opportunity to love on people and God. We’re missing out on being part of the plan. We’re denying others the chance to be loved, to be cared for on earth. It breaks my heart to see God give us a higher order thinking brain when we don’t use it. Service is biblical. Service is right. Service is expected. Service is worship.

TIGEROAR!!

2004-11-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Gone to see TIGEROAR. Hope I don't drool too much but man those men can sing! See ya there.

Props to the "Table for One"

2004-11-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

So, Jennifer H, Julie, Whitley, and I were hangning out at the DQ before Blue Like Jazz (I know it sounds redneck and it is, don't worry) and we were talking about the upcoming season. The sunset was amazing yesterday. Pinks, reds, yellows, and every other color was spread across the sky. As the coversation rolled it naturally turned to love lives (or lack there of). The conversation always goes there, no matter what--its kind of sad but what can you do?? Ideas like "cuddle weather" and "having someone to watch the sunsets with" all began to form and Julie states that this is the "single awareness season." Well, while we would like to have someone to spend the cold weather with I felt the calling to remind us of the good things that come with being single. Allow me to elaborate. I tried to make these male and female friendly.

1. No dinner with the inlaws
2. Save money on buying your sig. other a present
3. Save the stress of picking out a present for your sig. other
4. Don't have to lie about loving the horrible present that they picked for you. I've done that one. Its stressfull
5. No Christmas party with his/her fellow workers that you're stuck at for hours
6. Eat whatever you want, no one's watching
7. Don't have to watch football all of Thanksgiving Day. Who's to say you can't watch Lifetime all day?
8. Get to make up elaborate stories to family about why you're not married yet, like you've joined a cult who doesn't allow marriage--only scrabble and white tennis shoes
9. Pick the Christmas tree YOU want
10. Only have to eat greenbeen cassarole twice, not four times.
11. Use the money you would spend on a sig. other and by your friends really cool presents--they'll love you being single!

Can anyone else think of more?

Because I'm Bored

2004-11-12T06:46:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. This is dorky but...

1. WHAT IS YOUR FULL NAME? Rachel Leigh West
2. WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING? brown
3. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Norah Jones, poor student attempting my test
4. WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Frosted mini-wheats
5. DO YOU WISH ON STARS? sure
6. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Aqua-marine
7. HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? raining
8. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED ON THE PHONE WITH? Cheryl, my aunt
9. HOW OLD ARE YOU TODAY? 22, not 28 as Parker said
10. FAVORITE DRINK? Sweet Tea
11. HAIR COLOR? Naturally light brown but I pay good money for blond. Blonds have more fun
12. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES? Glasses and contacts
13. SIBLINGS? 1very cool sister
14. FAVORITE MONTH? October-fall is my favorite season and football is on
15. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian
16. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Wedding Planner—I love going to sleep to Matt’s voice
17. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR? Let you know when I get married
18. WHAT DO YOU DO TO VENT ANGER? Cry, dance, call old roomie
19. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD? Kid sister
20. SUMMER OR WINTER? winter
21. HUGS OR KISSES? Don’t invade the bubble
22. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? chocolate
23. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS? with the parentals at the hizzy!
24. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? On the way home from campus group after watching passion of christ
25. WHAT IS UNDER YOUR BED? nothing
26. WHO IS THE FRIEND YOU HAVE HAD THE LONGEST? Brandon, we grew up together
27. WHAT DID YOU DO LAST NIGHT? Went home and watched CSI
28. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fall, cut grass,
29. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Godly women
30. WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? Being alone forever
31. PLAIN, BUTTERED OR SALTED POPCORN? oreos
32. FAVORITE CAR? Blazer
33. FAVORITE FLOWER? tulips
34. NUMBER OF KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING? 6
35. CAN YOU JUGGLE? umm, no!
36. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Monday
37. WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? Surprise b-day party which was awesome
38. HOW MANY STATES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 2
39. HOW MANY CITIES HAVE YOU LIVED IN? 2
40. HOW MANY CARS HAVE YOU HAD & WHAT WAS THE FIRST CAR THAT YOU HAD? 2, chevy cavy and blazer
41. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Raleigh

not for the light hearted

2004-11-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

Last night at campus groups we showed the first part of Passion of the Christ to our middle schoolers. Now I had already seen this movie but I was slightly distracted b/c I found out my apt. was burning down in the middle of the movie. However, last night I was truly convicted. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He goes right up to him and plants a kiss on his cheek. A soul for finiancial freedom. Oh, I hated Judas. Then, it hit me. I'm Judas daily in the small ways. Jesus waits on me to come to him daily and I turn away. Not enough time, pride, selfish ambition. It doesn't really count how I betray Jesus but that I do. I don't want to be Judas anymore. I don't want the pain in Jesus' eyes to be because of me.
I couldn't be God. (Duh, I know) As I realized that I was Judas I looked around to see 20 something beautiful kids taken in by Jesus' glory through this movie. They are beautiful, creative, and amazing. After I get hurt enough by the same person, I become pretty numb to it. I tune it out. If God did this with us there would be no kids, no sunsets, no sunrises, no joy. Yet he makes everything new again and again despite our rejection.

"O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is UNFAILING LOVE and with Him is FULL REDEMPTION. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins."---Psalm 30

Battle of the Sexes

2004-11-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

So last night at Blue Like Jazz book club I was throughly amused. We were reading the romance chapter (alone chapter is better) and there was much anticpation brought to the table. It was so funny to hear that the part of this chapter that Mandy, Melody, and I felt so strongly about Lee, Tyler, and Justin choked through. Some of the guys just skipped that part all together (shame, shame.) It was quite funny.

Notes from the evening:
-Justin wants to be mormen and live in the old testament times.
-We want men to be mind readers
-Communciation is Key
-DTI-define the intentions
-We can't expect another person make us whole. God designed us so that we are only whole in Him.
-We are lovable. Thats a hard one
-Maybe we should all relax a little

Speeding is Bad

2004-11-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

Got my first speeding ticket ever last night. It stunk. I deserved it and ten times more so I simply said thank you and have a good night. I felt so guilty. It put a damper on a pretty good weekend.
The Incredibles is a good movie--it was good to hang out. Westside almost beat Hanna but not really. Lee C was so kind to let us come to his house. I made lots of milkshakes. That was fun. It gave me a purpose for being there. Clemson won. Can you believe it?! Ate Wendy's with two cool guys. They're fun. Watch women play football--always fun.

These Are My Confessions

2004-11-03T05:46:00.001-08:00

Haven’t blogged in a while—sorry, I get distracted easily.

So I had yesterday off. It was pretty amazing. One Tuesday was more restful that three weekends put together. I was in heaven. I woke up at the same time as always (5:30). Bummer. Watched Dawson’s Creek twice and taped it for a friend who doesn’t have cable. I think that DC is better therapy than anything else in the world. Who needs massages or shrinks when DC comes on twice? Ate at Schlochesy’s (I know that’s spelled wrong!) with my old roomie Lisa. It was so good to see her and catch up. We went to the mall to remember what it was like before becoming a teacher. The perfect pair of jeans is very hard to find. I had no luck! I voted which only took 15 minutes and that was awesome and then I ate with my family. Finally I feel asleep to the Wedding Planner. You cannot possibly have a better day than that! I loved every minute of it.

Anyway, a conversation with my friend Lisa brought this blog to mind. Here are some confessions that I’ve been holding back.

Clothes Snob—I am one and my mother was before me. This is my confession. I am a clothes snob and I will always be a clothes snob. Does this mean I am high maintenance. I don’t think so. Hear me out. For the guys at this blog let me explain. A clothes snob is a person (male or female) who is very picky about their clothing choices. They are not one to buy 10 shirts just because they are $2.99 on some sales rack. This is not meant as a discriminatory comment. I long to be one of those people but my inner soul wont allow it. We look at texture, material, color, labels, and over all style and wearability before plunging in to buy an item. I don’t buy scratchy things, labels I don’t know about, or things that make me look fat. Material is very important. You get what you pay for.
If you are over a size 10 you need better material to hold and hide the excess you. Cheap materials show every bulge and bump. They are not flattering no matter how cheap they are. Now, I know this is not nice but I fall into this category so I have a right to speak my peace. Ladies will by 5 shirts at 50% and wear them twice because the look cheaply made. You think you’re getting a bargain but I will buy 1 shirt for 20% off and wear it for 3 years. Who’s getting the better deal? Clothes snobs (this includes shoe snob of which I am the worst) get ragged a lot by those bargain buyers but I ask: who’s getting the better deal?

I have way too much pride. Pride always comes before a fall. Lisa and I reminded each other of that yesterday. We are a lot alike in many ways. Strong-willed, stubborn, and independent always got us in trouble and it always will. I go ahead with my own plans before God answers my questions and then I get burned. Wonder why? Will I ever learn this lesson?

My heart gets too attached too quickly. As Lisa and I sat discussing our old boyfriends and pasts I realized how deeply I love. Lisa and I grew up together so it’s nice to talk to someone who actually knows you. We also have very serious boyfriends at the same time. God changed both of our plans unexpectedly. (thank the Lord!) Now I know you will say that deeply loving people is a good thing and it is most of the time. But, once that deep connection is made its takes so much time to heal the tear. I glad to see my scar starting to fade. Yet, I know it will always be there as a reminder and I know I’ll eventually get more.

These Are My

2004-11-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

Silver Lining

2004-10-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

I see the silver lining! Yesterday was one of the best days at WHS I've ever had. My students were great. I showed them their grades for a shock effect (they're mostly failing) and boy did it work. Hands started flying up and students began asking great questions. It was wonderful! I even had a student who was a problem to the whole class moved out of mine. I'm going to survive this semester with a smidge of sanity. Yea!!! God has heard the prayers that we have cried out and now I can sing "I will survive!" I have learned a lot though. I've got to get over this tenderhearted thing. It's way overrated in school.
Got to hang at the Gromel's. It was awesome. Kate G. is such a cool seventh grader. I am always thankful I get to hang with her. She teaches me so much. Campus groups were great. John 19 has a lot in it for middle schoolers to understand. From the arrests, denials, and different trials, it was a lot. Some were lost but there were a few who were getting it. I especially loved one of the boys who said that Peter shot the guard with a .23 and "was Hitler there too?" It made me laugh. It seems that God has designed some people to work with students. You can't help it. If you try to hold back it feels like your going to explode. I see that on our youth workers faces.
I'm done rambling now--gotta go spoonfeed knowledge to students

He's Just Not that Into You

2004-10-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

After a roaring lunch at Fud's Tavaras, Jacob, Eli, Jamie S, and Tyler go back to Jacob's to take naps. No one got any sleep. We never do. Eli jammed on the guitar. Tyler lit socks on fire. Jamie played solitare, and Tavaras tried to sleep. His attemps were in vain. Through all of this, I am trying to read my book. Reading makes you smarter you know. I was keeping the book title hidden b/c being the only girl I knew I would be made fun of. The book of choice is called He's Just Not that Into You and it is amazing. Now, it has bad language and some sex stuff so I don't recommend it if you're under 18. See how I covered my butt there? But if your mature and can handle it, this book rocks. Absolutly sarcastic, true, and encouraging all at the same time. I love it and guess what? The guys love it too. Jacob kept reading parts aloud and he wants to borrow it when I'm done. The boys could not believe how many excuses we'll make for boys we like. It made for a fun afternoon. Girls, if he's not calling you, not making sure you're at every possible outing, not knocking on your door, he's just not that into you. Don't waste your time. You're too busy and cool to drool over some guy that doesn't care.
Anyway, all of Sunday was fun. NSCC, Fud's, Jacobs, Youth, and Wendy's. Did I mention that my 7th graders are the coolest of the bunch?

Special thanks to Caroline M. for the great, great, great weekend. I really appreciated it. She's wonderful

Unbalanced

2004-10-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was reminded of what wonderful people I have around me. Jacob let me hang out over at his crib and then I went to the Hanna-Wren football game. No, Jacob and I do NOT date, thank you Sammy, and I don't pull for Hanna or Wren so I was just there. First let me say that Anna G is cool. I enjoy hanging out with her. I got to spend time with her at the game and she just has a fun personality. You dont find many people like that.
Maybe it was because of the long day or crazy kids but I was just in a mood. This is what I realized tonight. I didn't fit. I don't fit anymore with a lot of people. Now, they haven't changed so it must be me. Bummber. I feel to old to be cool enough for the Clemson crew and too young to hang with the grownups. Just didn't fit. Just didn't fit.

Community

2004-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

"Rick told me, a little later, I should be living in community. He said I should have pepole around me bugging me and getting under my skin because with people I could not grow-I could not grow in God, and I could not grow as a human. We are born into families, he said, and we are needy at first as children because God wants us together, living among one another, not hiding ourselves under logs like fungus. You are not a fungus, he told me, you are a human, and you need other people in your life in order to be healthy."
--Blue Like Jazz
Donald Miller

Seasons Change

2004-10-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

So,
Why does it take me so long to learn lessons from God? And why is it that He gives me so many tries? I realize that grace explains the previous sentence, however, while I know what grace is, I don’t REALLY know what grace is. God is our closest friend. He’s what our mother can never be, our daddy can never be. He loves us like no friend knows how. He loves us like we don’t know how to love ourselves. Logically you would come to the conclusion that the "God and Us" relationship must be the best, most perfect thing ever. And it is…from His side. I don’t that we really know how to love God because we don’t know how God loves us. If he is the perfect example of selfless love and a perfect relationship, we just cannot grasp that anyone would love us the way we are; with no changes. We think that God loves us but we have to clean up in our Sunday best because that’s what people expect. Well guess what. God ain’t people. It’s like we get to witness a miracle everyday to experience His love and I know that sounds cheesy but its true.
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. Some people get spring fever but not me. Spring means two more months until bathing suit season (yuck)! I see God in the fall. I feel Him as the mornings get cooler and the days get shorter. I feel Him as I drive through mountains and see the leaves changing. I see Him as families gather at the local football games. You cannot ask for a better time of year. Fall also makes me a little lonely. You just want someone to snuggle up to; a gentleman who offers his jacket at the first sign of shivers. I can’t whine too much longer or Susan will laugh at me. Through the loneliness, God reveals himself to me in so many ways. He sees the teary eyes and swoops in to bring comfort through Him. And yet, to go back to my main point, I see this rescue and yet I still fail to learn the lesson laid out to me. I am again stunned by God’s encouragement and through this we get to see a glimpse of how much God truly loves us and why we were created in the first place. I really love the fall.

Thank You to the Gentlemen

2004-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was so very appreciative of all the male kindness that flooded my life. Women like to be treated as special. Believe it or not, we really do want to feel like royality. To all my male friends, I want to thank you for the following:

-always getting the car doors
-carrying heavy items even when we're determined to do it ourselves
-running to get any door
-walking us to the car
-walking us to our cardoor first and then to yours, even if we're driving
-dancing with us for no reason
-overlooking our stubborness and bra burning moments
-telling us we look hot, beautiful, fancy, spiffy, etc
-telling us how important we are
-CALLING TO MAKE SURE WE MADE IT HOME
-noticing new clothes
-checking to make sure we have someone to eat with

Many men are afraid to do these things for fear of being trapped into so idea of a crush. Men think that because women read into things wrong and at times we can be stupid. If you do any of the things above--thank you. We just appreciate being appreciate. It makes us feel loved and wanted as a friend. You mean a lot to me.!