My 10 Things

The Internet can be such an ugly thing. I have been hurt and hurt people through the Internet. Lovely. However, it can also be such a beautiful thing, too! One of my favorite uses of the Interwebs is reading the blogs of people that I know personally. My friend, Hayley and I knew each other in college and over the past few years, I have grown increasingly saddened that we weren't good friends at that point. I think we are more alike then we ever realized! :) She has started a new endeavor at The Tiny Twig and I strongly recommend checking it out! It is one of my favorite things to see pop up on my Google Reader. Hayley tagged me in her recent blog post 10 Things that Make Me Happy and I am thrilled to do my own post about 10 things that make me happy! In fact, some of my things are right in line with hers-- maybe we should move to North Carolina! ;) Hales, keep up the good work, girlfriend. Hopefully Tyler and I will make it down to see you, Mike, and the boys sometime soon. What fun it would be!

So... here are my 10 things (in no particular order)!

1. Getting personal email. Rarely do I get a personal email from a friend or someone I know, but when I do, it just makes my day! My friend, Meg, is really good about this. I need to get better at emailing people just to say hi! It is so exciting to see the address of someone I know and a little message. It's not snail mail, but I still enjoy it! Our small group which includes some of my dearest friends here in Cincinnati will send out these group emails on a semi-daily basis that absolutely make my day and crack me up. I love, love, love those emails (and those people, too!).

2. A new magazine in the mail. Oh, there is no joy like seeing a new magazine at the beginning of the month! I get so thrilled when I see a new magazine lying on the floor of my foyer (we have a mail slot). I subscribe to the Food Network Magazine, Cooking Light, Country Living, Southern Living, Everyday with Rachael Ray and Real Simple. Don't worry, most of those were free (school magazine drive teacher reward!) or $5 subscriptions! I always have lots to look forward to at the beginning of the month. Oh, and if you're a foodie like me, I highly recommend Cooking Light & the Food Network Magazine!

3. A fresh manicure and pedicure. Now, as lovely as it would be to be able to get manis and pedis in a salon, we're not made of money. As much as I love getting mani/pedis, I also don't mind painting my own nails. I just love a fresh coat of polish on my fingers and toes. It's the little things! Ha! This is also my favorite shade of nail polish: OPI's Tickle My France-y. It is the perfect neutral shade that goes with any season. Although I do prefer something brighter on my toes no matter what the season!


4. French Onion Dip and Potato Chips. This will be my snack of choice in heaven. Is it embarrassing that one of the things that makes me happy is chips and dip? Maybe. Do I care? NOT AT ALL! I would eat this every single day if I wouldn't weigh 1,000 pounds. And the best French Onion Dip is not made with caramelized onions. No, no. It's a carton of sour cream with a packet of Lipton's French Onion Soup Mix. OH THE DELICIOUS! However, contrary to the picture below, I do prefer my dip with Ruffles chips. :) Mmmm, I might be drooling. MIGHT.

5. Cardigans. Oh, how I love the person who invented the cardigan! It is so versatile. You can dress it up, you can dress it down! Two of my favorite cardigans came from Walmart of all places! I am a big fan of solid cardigans and patterned cardigans, like the one below!

6. The library. I stand true to the fact that the Cincinnati Public Library is the most fabulous library system ever! Eventually, when we move out of Ohio, I will miss it so much. The online system is very user friendly, it's easy to find books and place them on hold, the librarians are so sweet at my local branch and I've never looked for a book just to find that they don't have it. I could get lost in the downtown branch with a hot drink and be the happiest camper. In fact, I have done just that and plan to make that a part of my summer routine at least once every few weeks!

7. My friends from home. I am very blessed to have wonderful friends from high school, college, and now, my adulthood. But today, in my 10 happy things, I would like to introduce you to some of the people that hold my heart. Many of you blog readers probably know them, but these are my sweet friends from home (Michigan). I love these people so much that my heart could just burst! One of the things that I take for granted most often is that I have solid roots. Other than the first few years of my life, we lived in the same place. I went to the same Christian school and church for my entire life and many of the people that you see below have known me since the age of five (one of them since we were toddlers!). Since then, Meg (to the left of me) married Chad, who is now one of Ty's best friends. One of these handsome guys below is now married to my precious friend, Tali and two of them are getting married to the most darling girls that I just love! One of those girls happens to be a close friend that I met in college-- welcome to the family, T-ster! I just wish I could Photoshop the girls and Chaddy in, but we'll just have to make an extended family picture soon. :) I miss them so much and always look forward to the next time we can all be together! I love you guys!
8. No traffic! Everyday, I take three different highways to get to work. It grows quite tiresome on a normal day, but if you add in traffic, it is exhausting! Luckily I have an iPod that keeps me company. However, it just makes my day when there is no traffic and I can truly just zip home in about 15 minutes flat. It's the little things, right?


9. Going to a movie. It doesn't matter the night-- I am always excited if I get to go to a movie! Of course, I have to get a big Cherry Coke and a large tub of buttered popcorn to make the experience complete. Previews are also my favorite part of the movie, so I'm always sure to be on time. Hey, I absolutely adored the book version of Dear John. Anyone have any thoughts/opinions on how the movie was?


10. Going to Michigan. Oh, how I love going home! There is nothing like seeing your parents, your brother (sometimes!), your friends, and your church family! As much as I am learning to love and enjoy Cincinnati, it is still so refreshing to go home and enjoy your time there. I am always semi-giddy on our trip up and the ride is generally topped off with a Sonic Cherry Limeaide and some tots. However, the rides back to Cincinnati are getting easier and easier and for that, I am so thankful! :)

So there you have it. Ten of the many things that make me happy! What are yours? Since I was tagged to do this, I am going to tag a few people now. If you get tagged and you don't want to do this, no sweat! I won't be offended. :)

Mandy at Jack and Mandy

Le at The Domestic Chick

Bethany at New Beginnings

Kate at An Airman's Wife

Kara at The Gormong Life

Hope you all are having a fabulous start to your week!

Lindsey Vonn is my twin

I'm afraid that I've been neglecting the blog lately. It's not that I want to be a neglectful blogger. It's just that I've had an insane amount of life to do lately and I can't help but focus on that as opposed to my online journal. But since this is my blog and I do have a moment, I would like to update you on my life as of late. I know you've all been dying to know what is going on day to day. My life is so fascinating that I can't blame you.

As some of you know, I'm training for another half marathon in May. I was just telling my friend Mary that I hate the training but love the race. Nothing could be more true. The training is long and... well... I don't love to run. GASP. I know. However, it does make me feel accomplished and healthier and I love to look forward to the end result. After running on Tuesday, I began to suffer from a knee pain that is leaving me feeling a bit like Lindsey Vonn. You know, other than the fact that she has a shin injury and my knee hurts. And she's an Olympian and I'm not. Other than that, me and Lindsey? We're two peas in a pod. Clearly.

Speaking of the Olympics, I've been finding myself fascinated when I'm not falling asleep. And by falling asleep, I don't mean due to boredom but due to the fact that the good stuff is usually on past my night-owl bedtime of 10:00 pm sharp. Mamaw needs her rest, you know. The sad thing is that I love the Olympics and it's just not the same watching them on DVR the next day after you know who has won. The screaming at the television does not hold them same intensity after you've already celebrated the victory of the Flying Tomato. Oh Shaun White, you are so ugly that you're cute. You're like the mutt in the pound that no one can resist because they feel sorry for it... only with a gold medal or two. Gold medals surely make the mutt more attractive. Gold medals also make the cute dogs (read: Evan Lysacek) even hotter cuter. My word, I saw him on the Today Show this morning and I swooned as only a happily married woman with her husband lying in bed next to her can.

Also, while we are in the spirit of the Olympic games, has anyone ever heard of the biathlon before now? T and I were at dinner the other night and were both thoroughly confused as to what the heck it even was. We ended up chatting with the darling family of six who was seated next to us and wondering the same thing. Afterwards, I whispered to T, "I want to be them." I love people with lots of children. I digress. Back to the games. When my class was writing about their favorite Olympic sport, one child asked me what the sport was where they "skied and shot guns". It took all that I had within me not to say, "Child, that is surely NOT A SPORT." Skiing? Yes. Shooting guns? Maybe. Skiing and shooting guns? Most assuredly NOT. Instead, I informed him that the Olympic event was a biathlon. Unfortunately, many of my boys had chosen this as their favorite Olympic "sport". I guess if it has guns, they like it. Pitiful. What will I do if I have sons? I guess that is what my husband is for, along with other things of course.

Do you know what should be an Olympic sport? Pregnancy. Not that I'd know from personal experience, but my good friend Emily is nearing the finish line of her pregnancy (how do you like that sports analogy!?) and she has been a champ (another one!). Baby girl will be arriving in about a months time and I for one cannot wait. I see Em at least once a week and I have been privy to some pretty entertaining things that other people have said to her throughout the duration of her pregnancy. Case in point, an actual conversation that Em sent me a few days ago.

Man: When are you due?
Emily: Next month, March.
Man: It seems like you have been pregnant forever.
Emily: I know.

People, PLEASE. Think before you speak. Clearly, she has not been pregnant forever. A woman is pregnant for NINE MONTHS(or ten, depending on how you look at it), not INFINITY MONTHS. Idiot.

Anyway, I really do love the Olympics and I get the chills every time they play the National Anthem. I especially love it when the athletes sing along or play the air guitar (thank you, Shaun White). I love what the Olympics do for our national pride, even if it's only for two weeks. If they left out the guns, it would be near perfect. As I'm sure you've concluded, I'm not a fan of the gun in any way, shape, or form. It's my more liberal side coming out. But I'll take the Olympics with the guns rather than leave it altogether. Sort of like I'll take People magazine with the candid pictures of celebrities rather than leave it. Only not, because that might be my favorite part of the magazine. Might.

As for now, just as I was about to finish up this gripping and informative commentary on the Olympics, I kid you not, I heard the Olympic theme song start playing loudly outside my classroom. My first thought, sadly, was, "Someone read my blog post and they're playing a trick on me!" No, Rachel, no one read your blog post because YOU'RE STILL WRITING IT. Unreal. It was actually the kindergarten class having their opening ceremonies of the Kindergarten Olympics. The timing was sublime. People, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

You all have a great weekend. Go Team USA!

Heard in Room 3... Again

J: I always have trouble mixing up the the Netherlands and the Netherglades.

Think he meant Everglades? :)

Heard in Room 3

While talking about the Winter Olympics...

A: My dad used to downhill ski in Korea. (Her dad is from Korea.)
Me: That's fun. I didn't know they had skiing in Korea.
A: Yeah. It's pretty much how he got to school everyday. Korea is really bumpy.

Sophie

Yesterday, we had a sad thing happen. T's childhood dog, Sophie, had to be put to sleep rather unexpectedly. We are so sad about this. Sophie was a delightful little dog and so full of energy. You would have hardly guessed that she was 13 years old! Sophie was a miniature schnauzer and such a petite little thing. T and I were laughing last night at how she had a "smokers bark"; it was so raspy, but very, very cute.

As we were talking about Sophie last night, the sweetest thing happened. Whenever we are at T's parent's house, I always take pictures of Sophie because I find her to be so precious. I knew that I had taken some pictures at Christmas, so I got out my camera. We were so thrilled to find a video that I had taken of Sophie being, well, Sophie. I'll be honest, I don't even remember taking this video and I know I've never taken a video of her before. It is such a treasure and we kept talking about how happy we are to have it.

This little video just shows you the essence of this sweet puppy! We will really miss her and her raspy little bark. Sophie just couldn't sit still for one second which was something we loved about her. If any of you have ever lost a pet that you loved dearly, you know how sad this can be. We are thankful that Sophie lived a long life that was full of love and treats. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did and please, forgive my "dog voice". I don't know why this baby/alien/munchkin voice comes out when I talk to small children or dogs. I need to work on that. Also, please ignore Sophie's glowing eyes above. My camera does strange, strange things. Maybe it's the camera that makes my voice sound weird. Yes, lets go with that! :)

We'll miss you, Sophie. You were a precious and sweet little companion. We love you lots and you'll always have a very special place in our hearts.

I only love snow...

...when it gets me out of work (and on Christmas). Lots of snow last night=snow day for Rachel! Snow days might be the best part of being a teacher. You know, besides impacting children positively. I will be blogging about my glorious day (complete with pictures) soon, but for now, just a few things to ponder.

This conversation that Mandy documented was perhaps the best time I've ever had on Twitter. It also makes me thankful for the vast Interwebs that has allowed me to meet new friends that I wouldn't otherwise have known existed.

I read this post today that gave me chills and sent tears running down my cheeks. What a beautiful, honest, raw, and thoughtful story. I loved every second of it and I think you will too.

And on a final and very important note, did ANYONE see the dance that Tenley did for Jake last night on The Bachelor? That dance was a TREASURE for sure. T and I were sitting on the couch with red cheeks the whole time. She may have just sunk her own ship with that choreographed number. We'll have to wait and see. I don't care who wins as long as it isn't Vienna. That girl scares me with her fierce personality and yellow hair. Ick.

Oh, and have I mentioned that So Long, Insecurity is kicking my rear end in a very, VERY good way? My highlighter and pen are moving at a rate of speed that I didn't know existed. I am just soaking up Beth's wisdom and drinking it in as quickly as I can. I highly recommend this book for all women, whether you think you struggle with insecurity or not. Is anyone else reading it? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I am going to go enjoy the remainder of my snow day. Stay warm!

Random Assortment of Goodness

Just now, while trying to type the title of this incredibly riveting blog post that you are about to wade through, my caps lock did something wonky and my typing LoOkEd LiKe ThIs. I'm sorry, but have you ever seen someone type like that on Facebook or some other social media forum? Irritating times 11. If you do make it a point to type like that on a regular basis, I ask you, is it necessary? It looks like you are a fourteen year old girl typing a love IM (Instant Message) to Joey, your TRUE LOVE FOREVER, because if love isn't forever at age fourteen then what is? I am honestly trying to figure out who I was in love with at fourteen. Probably Joshua Peterson, because WHO WASN'T? And to those of you who don't know who Joshua Peterson is, well, I am sorry for you because you didn't get to go to SCS and experience him and his cool points.

Onward and upward.

I finally uploaded (downloaded? WHO KNOWS.) some pictures to my computer. Hope you all enjoy them along with the incredibly witty descriptions that come hand in hand with my photographs. I always blow myself away with my captions, so I figure everyone else is probably in awe too. Oh, and since I am so on top of things, I am posting my Christmas pictures in FEBRUARY. I also blow myself away with how timely I am.

The first big snow in Cincinnati this winter made our house look so lovely. Even though we still had our Christmas lights up mid-January when the snow hit, we decided to be redneck and turn them on for the sake of a few pictures. If you know me, you know I am a true redneck if nothing else.

For the past two years, I have made the support staff and my parent helpers a homemade Christmas gift. This year, I decided to personalize ornaments. It was easier than I thought it would be and they were a huge hit! I did a more Christmasy version and then a few with the leopard print ribbon and color scheme. I was so tickled with how they both turned out.

I picked up these sweet (no pun intended) little boxes in the Target dollar section. I wrapped each ornament and made a little tag for each one. I used my Sharpies which just made me the happiest girl on the block. Does anyone else have an unnatural love for new Sharpies and pens? Seriously, a new set just makes my day. And, moving on.

Little man is getting so big! He is one of the most expressive babies I have ever had the pleasure of being with. He has such a sweet spirit and I am just loving being a part of his little life!

Missy Miss and I were matching at Nana's New Years Day party! We spent lots of time together that night chatting and eating. We are such good girlfriends.

Avery is the daughter of one of my closest friends, Michelle! Michelle and I went to college together and she lives in Michigan near my family. It makes my heart ache that we can't live closer, but it does make me a lot more appreciative of the time we do get to spend together. This was during our girl's lunch over Christmas. After eating, we walked around the mall and saw a woman pushing a shopping cart full of children (hopefully hers!)-- IN THE MALL. It was one of the highlights of my Christmas for sure. I miss you and love you, Mitchy!!

And now for a short video of the wonder that is Avery. This child is HILARIOUS. I have never been so entertained by one who cannot speak. Speaking of speaking, please ignore my irritating baby voice. Lord only knows what it will turn into when the offspring happens to be mine.

Fashion Friday

Recently, I started reading a blog that I absolutely love. My Brunette Reality has amazing fashion and decorating sense and so many pieces that I just drool over! Through her blog I discovered Lulu's and their dresses are so darling and affordable! I really love wearing dresses at all times of the year. They are just easy and they make you look so put together. We are going to Florida in March and I can't help thinking that I need a few new dresses for our nights on the town! Here are a few of my most recent favorites.

Goody Two Shoes Dress-- $33

Reptilia Dress-- $39

Table for Two Dress-- $43

(I would probably hem the tulle at the bottom-- I'm not wild about that look.)

Hand Drawn Dress-- $33

About Town Dress in Mustard-- $37

So many of these dresses could be dressed up with a gorgeous pair of shoes or dressed down with leggings and a cardigan or jacket. I love, love, love dresses that can be versatile! I also enjoy their accessories...

Peach Nectar Necklace-- $16

Little Lady Necklace in Amber-- $19
I can't express how much I adore this necklace. I am absolutely ordering this for my jewelry collection.

Bamboo Darling 48 Gray Suede Ruffle T-Strap Sandal--$17
I seriously LOVE these sandals! I am a huge fan of anything with ruffles and I'm also totally ready for sandal weather.

Thanks for the website, MBR! What do you gals think? Any of these just complete misses? Any of them that you absolutely think are darling? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have a wonderful weekend!

All images courtesy of Lulu's.

Paper: The Snack of Champions

Why, hello there! I forgot I even had a blog! Life has been a whirlwind around here lately and the icing on the cake was that I came down with some cold thingy this weekend compliments of my little darling. I thought I had sanitized adequately, but that myth was quickly debunked by the fact that I woke up looking like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on Saturday morning. Add that to the fact that I had to wake up at the crack of dawn to be a judge at a spelling bee and my morning was just a JOY.

The weekend shaped up to be a lonely one though because T had to go into work on Saturday afternoon and was there until 3 am. During that time, I laid on the couch and tried to find something stimulating on TV but let me tell you, there was NOT A THING. Not even an episode of Teen Mom, which I happen to find hilarious. My favorite quote from the episode I watched the other day? “I have something called empathy. That means I can see myself in your shoes.” HA. Anyway, now that we’ve covered the fact that there was nothing worthy enough of my attention on television, I would like to tell you what I did do. I watched Food, Inc. IT WAS BRILLIANT. I was buying some organic meats and veggies before, but I am now completely convinced that we are going all organic, all the time. It was very impactful and I’m glad I watched. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is a “foodie”, who feeds a family, or frankly, WHO EATS. The conditions that these chickens, pigs, and cows are in are simply disgusting and horrifying. I don’t want to make this into a blog post where we get in a huge discussion about food, but I am even more pro-farmers market and CSA after watching this movie. My friend Lindsey wrote a great post on this movie which inspired me to watch it. Go read what she said and then let's move on.

The next morning, T got up and was at work by 10 am. I left at 11 for lunch with one of my BFFs and then an open house for work. All of that didn’t put me home until about 5. UGH. That is not typical and BOY I am thankful. I really love our weekends and it was sad to really not get to see each other much. Is it bad that I’m already looking forward to Friday? It also helps that my parents are coming to visit. That always puts me in a very joyful mood! We’re also having a Super Bowl party on Sunday. Let’s be honest—I don’t look forward to the Super Bowl for football. I get pumped about the food and commercials. Does anybody understand what I’m saying to you?

Speaking of food (let’s not kid ourselves, I am always speaking of food), I made the most DELECTABLE CrockPot meal the other night. I am telling you—divine. It is from the CrockPot365 blog that I absolutely love. I have Stephanie’s book, which I would highly recommend for anyone, but this particular recipe was on her blog. Chicken Enchilada Chili, I love you. You complete me in all of your enchilada-y goodness and organic chicken-ness. ;) There was absolutely nothing bad about this and it is a healthy recipe! It essentially is enchiladas without the tortillas! It takes about 5 minutes to assemble and 7-8 hours later, you shred the chicken and BOOM—delicious! So, so, so, so, so, so good. I served it with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and it killed me. We’re still eating it.

On one final note of randomness, the other day I had to punish two of my boys for eating paper. People, this is why I love being a teacher. At what other job, besides a mental institution attendant, would you have to speak to a human about why you don’t eat paper? Teaching is more of a joy every single day. You think I’m kidding but I’m not. I about laughed myself silly after I spoke to the boys. Ah, what a life I have.

That wasn’t the final note of randomness after all! Today, Beth Moore’s new book So Long Insecurity is in stores today. I have a gift card from Christmas (thanks, Mom!) for a local Christian book store plus a coupon, so I am heading straight there after school to pick up my copy! I can barely wait. Is anyone else planning to read this book? I know it wasn’t on my reading list, but since I have administrative privileges on this blog, I am officially adding it! I’m sure it will be amazing. Beth is such a Spirit filled woman and I love reading and hearing what she has to say. I am already so looking forward to the Beth Moore study I will be doing this summer with some friends! It does my heart so good to have some wonderful Christian women to do life with here in Cincinnati. He is good!