What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving...

My. Texas. Rangers. It's hard to believe there is only ONE month left in the regular baseball season. It makes me sad. It seems like only yesterday it was Opening Day (check out that post here). I'm HOPING (and possibly praying) that the Rangers will once again have a post season. I got spoiled last year during their World Series run. As of now, I have tickets to at least six more regular season games. There is a chance I might become a half season ticket holder next year. Details to be posted if that happens.

At the game last Friday with my friend Beks.

My view at the game last night- thanks again to my buddy Donny for the ticket!

The guy in front of us was wearing these boots. There are no words for them. Oh my...

Too cute not to post. Aunt Rachel's little Rangers fan E!

I'm loving...

That I've been able to meet up with some of my "Tweeples" in person. If you are on Twitter, follow me here. Yes, most of the meet ups happen at Rangers games! :)

I'm loving...

That I'm finally learning to use my George Foreman Grill. I cooked steaks last week for the first time (so, yeah, I'm a little slow on the whole "learning to cook" thing). Move over Rachael Ray, there is a new cook in the kitchen (**and she spells her name correctly**).

Yum...steak.

I'm loving...

These Audrey Hepburn glasses given to me by my sister Martha! :)

She knows me so well!

I'm loving...

That both of my sisters sent me little "pick me up" messages this week. I love them! :)

I'm loving...

That at 5pm TOMORROW my four-day weekend will officially start! I plan to clean my apartment (I know how to have a good time, don't I?) I possibly have clothes on my couch from when I did laundry LAST weekend. It's time to do some cleaning, maybe a little organizing/reorganizing. I might even get my fall decorations out of storage so they are ready to be put up in a few weeks.

After the great cleaning of 2011 I plan to...

Finally watch all, well, at least most, of the TV shows/movies on my DVR. With new episodes of my shows starting in a few weeks, I need a clean DVR! 

This is the only picture of my TV that I have, I just bought it last month (along with seasons 3 and 4 of Psych). ;)

 Do a little scrapbooking.

I FINALLY finished my elementary school scrapbook. I need to update my 101 in 1001 list!

Do a little reading.

I spent last Saturday dusting my book cases and getting rid of a few books I didn't want anymore. Sadly this is a VERY small portion of my books. I think this was one shelf worth. I'm not joking when I say I probably have over 300 books!

Watch a little college football. I'll be honest, I almost like college football more than the NFL. In order to keep peace in my family- I had to make sure I included all of these. Got family members who have attended (or are CURRENTLY attending) one of these schools! Gig 'em. Hook 'em. Get your guns up! I personally went to a small, private university, so we don't play with the "big dogs". BUT, we were on ESPN3 one time (it was exciting!) ;)

Hope everyone has a great day!!

XOXO!

30 DBC Day 30 and Tuesday Tunes

Yesterday my friend Monica and I got our tickets to see Huey Lewis and the News in October, so for my Tuesday Tunes, I thought I would share some of my favorite Huey songs! Thanks to my Bubba for introducing me to Huey Lewis and the News when I was 6! :)

Picture with me, if you will, a six-year-old Rachel dancing around the house, singing this into a hairbrush...

Who Ya Gonna Call...Ghost--oh wait, it's not that song...




My motto at work (and my ringtone for my co-workers on my iPhone)...


You knew this one was going to be on here...




So, I finally made it through my 30 Day Blog Challenge! Wahoo! :)

Day 30: A picture

Since it didn't specify what kind of picture, I leave you with this (I have this hanging up at my desk at work).

XOXO my sweet friends!!

30 DBC Day 27, Day 28 and Day 29

Day 27: Pets

I don't have any pets right now. Growing up I had a dog named Nicky and a cat named Elvira. I do want a dog, just not right now. I've always wanted a pug, but after watching videos about Tillman the skateboarding bulldog, I might want one of those too! He's so adorable!! :)

Blogger won't let me embed videos for some reason. Click here and here to see them.

Day 28: Something that stresses you out

Work

Traffic jams

Day 29: Three Wishes

Are we talking realistic wishes? I mean, of course most people will say (in their best "Miss America" voice) that they want to end world hunger and have world peace. But let's face it, sadly, that is not going to happen. I'll go with wishes that could possibly happen.

1. To be debt free. I don't need millions of dollars. If I could just not have any credit card or loan debt, that would be enough to make me happy! I could honestly live happily and comfortably on what I make now (minus the debt of course).

2. To be at the game when the Rangers win the World Series (notice how I said WHEN. It's gonna happen my friends, one of these days, I can feel it).

3. To meet the man of my dreams and live happily ever after (well, that's kind of reaslistic, I mean, it could happen, RIGHT?? RIGHT??)

Hope you have a good week. I'm looking forward to my upcoming four day weekend. One day down, three to go.

XOXO!

30 DBC Day 26 and Five Question Friday!

Along with my new blog layout, I also have some new buttons over to the right sidebar. I wanted to mention one in my post today. My friend Brian lives in New York and is trying to raise money to help the Special Olympics. If you would be interested in helping him reach his goal, please click on the button and make a donation. Even if you don't live in New York, it benefits all athletes in the Special Olympics! :)

Day 26: A picture of your family

Since my family is so big, there are very few pictures of all of us. Here is a picture of my folks with their six kids last year at Thanksgiving!

I haven't done Five Question Friday in AGES, so I thought I would participate again!

1. Did you make any fun purchases this week?

Yes, in fact, it was just made this morning. A buddy of mine emailed saying he heard that Dick Van Dyke and his brother Jerry were going to be in Dallas doing a play next month. For anyone new to my blog: Dick Van Dyke is my FAVORITE actor of all time. I did a quick Google search and found out it was true (I was hoping he wasn't toying with my emotions). I found a link to buy tickets and emailed it to him asking if he wanted to go. He said yes and actually went ahead and ordered the tickets right then (I'll pay him back). We are going to be on the SECOND row from the stage, stage right. I'm beyond excited right now. If there is any opportunity to meet him, you can bet I'll find a way. Click here for the article about it.

2. If you could go to any musical concert, what would it be?

I want to see George Strait in concert. I had tickets one time, but wasn't able to go (painful memory, I'd rather not talk about it). I would like if Garth Brooks would tour again, I would totally go see him. Obviously, I never got to see Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley in concert- that would have been cool!

3. What is your least favorite and most favorite house chore?

Let's be serious. Who really LIKES doing chores? I guess my least favorite is sweeping/mopping. Although doing the dishes is a close second. I honestly can't say I have a favorite chore. I do like when I clean out my closet (but only because I feel the need to go buy new clothes). :)

4. Would you prefer new appliances or clothes?

Um, hello....CLOTHES!

5. Miracle Whip or Mayo?Oh gag, neither. Blek. The only time I will EVER send back a hamburger at a restaurant is if I ask for no mayo and it's on there. It doesn't matter how much you wipe it off, you can still taste it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

XOXO!

30 DBC Day 25 and It's OK Thursday!

So, notice something different today? Yeah, I redesigned my blog (just a little). Hope it turned out okay! :)

Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 10 songs (to hear the song, click on the name).

1. Fishin in the Dark: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
2. Who Are You When I'm Not Looking: Blake Shelton

3. Pour Some Sugar on Me: Def Leppard (most of you are shocked I have Def Leppard on my iPod, aren't ya!) ;)

4. You Are Loved (Don't Give Up): Josh Groban
5. God of Wonders: Third Day
6. I Want It That Way: The Backstreet Boys (and I'm not afraid to admit it!) :)
7. What If His People Prayed: Casting Crowns
8. Bubbly: Colbie Caillat
9. She'd Be California: Rascal Flatts
10. I Can't Help Falling in Love With You: Elvis Presley



I'm linking up again with Neely and Amber for "It's Ok Thursday".

It's Ok...

...to spend your lunch break redesigning your blog.

...that the Rangers have lost a few games. There is still a whole month left to play.

...to eat peanut butter out of the jar at your desk.

...to order off the kid's menu when you go out to eat.

...to leave your clean laundry spread out on the couch for a week because you are too lazy haven't had time to hang it up.

...to write reminders on your bathroom mirror because you will forget otherwise.

...to wish that the vehicle in the HOV lane with only one person in it would get pulled over by the cops.

...to yell at that same car in front of you who is going 30 MPH in the HOV lane.

...to wear earphones at work when you are not really listening to anything, just so you won't be bothered.

...to sit and cry while watching videos on WelcomeHomeBlog.com.
...to be counting down the hours until your four day weekend.



So, what's OK with you today? Link up with Neely and Amber!

 

We are almost to the weekend my sweet friends!! Hang in there! XOXO!

What I'm Loving Wednesday and 30 DBC Day 24

Day 24: Something you've learned

I've learned a lot. I learned recently that a watched pot never boils. NEITHER does a pot sitting on a burner that is NOT turned on (we all have blonde moments, let's move on!) ;)

It's been a while since I've done this, so, here is my What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving...

Last.fm. It's a great website (or app). You can listen to music (you just pick an artist or song you want to hear similar music of and it will play unlimited songs- with very few 30 second "commercial" interruptions). It's like Pandora (but I think I like Last.fm better than Pandora). And the best part- it's free! I love free stuff!

I'm loving...

That THIS movie is coming out in November. Yes, I'm 33 years old and I still love the Muppets! ;)

I'm loving...

That all my tweeting about Taco Cabana has paid off. They sent me a message asking for my address and they sent me coupons for two free meals. Score!

I'm loving...

The HOV lane. It's really nice on days when the main lanes are stopped that my carpool and I can just move on through. What would take 15-25 minutes only takes us 5 (unless you get behind someone going 30 mph in the HOV lane, but that is a venting session for another day)! ;)

I'm loving...

That last Friday my friend B and I were able to go to Six Flags and basically walk on every ride with no wait (I think the longest we waited was maybe 5 minutes). Of course, it WAS 107 degrees. I guess no one else was crazy enough to be out there. And yes, I did get my picture taken with Tweety Bird!

I'm loving...

The Penguins app my friend Donny told me to download. There is some place in California that keeps cameras on their penguin area. They are so cute. Nothing like penguins to make you smile when having a bad day! This picture is a little blurry because it's a screen print from my phone. They have three cameras, two on "land" and one under water.

I'm loving...

That I have next Friday off work, giving me a 4-day Labor Day weekend. Wahoo! You can't see it, but I'm dancing right now. :)

What are YOU loving today?

XOXO!!

Catching up on 30 DBC: Day 20, Day 21, Day 22 & Day 23

Sorry, I've been slacking on this blog challenge. Hope this catches me up! :)

Day 20: Nicknames

I did a Thursday 13 on this once (go here to view that post). I'll post a few of the names here.

-Rach (I think most Rachels are called this)

-Ray-Ray (started by my cousin's kids)

-Sugarfoot (one of my mom's nicknames for me)

-Angel (another one from my mom)

-Dumpling (my dad's nickname for me)

Day 21: Picture of yourself

Back when I had long hair

A more recent picture

Day 22: Favorite city

I gotta say the Dallas area (yes, I know, I'm not TECHNICALLY picking one city, but it's hard to choose which one in the area I would pick). I've lived here for just over 7 years and I love it! I really think there is something for everyone here. Here is just a small fraction of what the area has to offer... :)

We got sports...

Rangers Ballpark, AKA, my summer home

Jonestown, AKA, Cowboys Stadium

American Airlines Center, home of Dallas Mavericks basketball and Dallas Stars hockey

We have museums...

We have musicals, plays, operas and symphonies...

We have good food...

I could go on and on, but I'll spare ya! ;)

Day 23: Favorite vacation

Wow, I'm not sure I have a favorite vacation. I went to New York City a few years ago and had a lot of fun. And I went to Atlanta last year with some friends and had a blast! I'm hoping to go on "big" vacation next year. After a conversation I had on Twitter yesterday with some friends, I might be planning another NYC trip next year! ;) 

Hope everyone is having a great week!

XOXO!

30 DBC Day 19

Day 19: Something you miss

Being a kid. I miss spending my summers doing nothing but swimming, playing outside with my friends, catching lightning bugs (AKA fireflies), going to camp, running through a sprinkler in the front yard, and participating in the library reading contest (so I've always been a book nerd, don't judge me). :) I miss slumber parties, playing on a Slip 'N Slide, walking to my best friend's house, leaving messages for my parents on my Lite Brite, riding my bike (to the library), and not having to worry about "adult responsibilities". 

Me and my friend Justin riding our Big Wheels. I don't know why I'm not smiling.

As much as I miss being a kid at times, I'm glad I grew up when I did. Kids today are missing out (I'm officially old, I'm talking about "kids today"). I'm glad I grew up in a time where I could walk down the street and not look in fear over my shoulder (make no mistake, I knew all about "stranger danger", but I didn't live in constant fear of it). My friends and I played outside all the time. If we needed to call each other, we would hope we didn't get a busy signal, (call waiting wasn't a big thing back then). I didn't have an Atari or Nintendo to keep me glued to the TV for hours on end. My Bubba had Pong for a while, but it wasn't something we played all the time. And yes, I still call my brother "Bubba".

The greatness that was Pong. I wish we still had this, it would be worth a fortune. Okay, maybe $20.

I'm glad I grew up when the most scandalous thing you would see on a "kids show" was maybe a kiss. When the toughest issues they dealt with were bullies, smoking (cigarettes), divorce, and sometimes teenage drinking. I know, times are different, kids have other issues today, but still, the episode of Saved by the Bell where they drank alcohol at a party and drove home was the most scandalous thing I had ever seen (well, at age 13). 

So, is there anything YOU miss from your childhood?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

XOXO!