What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's What I'm Loving Wednesday time! We hit 10 link ups last week! Let's keep growing!! :) Don't forget to link your post back to mine or Jodi's blog. Feel free to use this button (code is below). Also, be sure to leave a comment on some blogs. Everyone likes reading comments! :)

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I'm loving...

That I got two free days off work this week (thankfully my company pays us when the office is closed, we don't have to use our personal time). My work decided Monday night to close Tuesday as well. I think they mainly closed because all the school districts in the area were going to be closed again (so they figured employees with kids would need to stay home). The ice on the roads was pretty much melted by late Tuesday morning (when temperatures got above freezing) and by that evening they were almost dry (at least over near where I live). My company texted that we will be open for regular business hours today. As nice as the time off has been, I'm ready to get back to the office (I can't believe I'm saying that). I am going to be crazy busy trying to catch up.

I'm loving...

That Dr Pepper replied to my tweet. Now, if they only knew who Mordecai really was- lol! :)

For you new readers, this is Mordecai

I'm loving...

That I started a Lois and Clark marathon today. As I mentioned last week, Dean Cain is appearing at the Dallas Comic Con, so my friend B and I got tickets in hopes of meeting him. Yes, I'm not (too) ashamed to admit that. Lol. I love watching TV shows from the early 90s. No smart phones (really, no cell phones at all), no internet, interesting wardrobe choices. Ah- I remember that life. Lol.

I'm loving... That I started listening to classical music again. I used to listen to it all the time. I've found that listening to it while reading is very relaxing. :)

Little known fun fact: I can play this piece (Fur Elise) on the piano

I'm loving... All the tweets in my Twitter timeline from Rangers Spring Training. Baseball is just around the corner- I cannot wait!! :)
Happy Wednesday y'all!! Be sure to link up below!

XOXO!

One Word...

I was going to write a deep and thoughtful post about this, but honestly, the words are not formulating into coherent sentences, and I don't want to keep putting this post off. So, you lucked out, you will get something shorter.

Thank you to everyone who sent me what word they felt describes me. I'm trying to surround myself with positive thoughts this year. I actually told a friend of mine that this is the Year of Optimism (he's had to call me out a few times when I've slacked on it, but overall, I'm doing okay). Having wonderful friends who are always there for me is a great start to staying positive.

I've eliminated a lot of things (including some people) that were causing negativity in my life. Nobody has time for that, and let's face it, it's just not healthy.

I wrote down all the words I received from y'all and put them in a jar. If I'm having a bad day, I can take a word from the jar and know that despite what is going on- someone out there thinks I'm "fun" or "unique" or "beautiful" or "thoughtful". It might sound silly to you, but reminding myself of this is a good way to keep negativity from creeping in. And let's face it, a kind word can go a long ways.

Again, this post might not make a lot of sense (I'm having the worst case of writer's block at the moment) but even if it doesn't, thank you for being a friend (insert Golden Girls theme here). Much love to you all....

"No man is a failure who has friends." -Clarence, It's A Wonderful Life

XOXO!

An Icy Mobile Monday!

So, I'm sitting at home today because north Texas is paralyzed by a huge ice storm. Okay, it wasn't really a huge ice storm, and as of right now, we are not really "paralyzed" (but I'm still not leaving the comfort of my 70 degree apartment). We maybe got about an inch or two of ice (if that), BUT, in the state of Texas, if you say the "i" word (ice) or the "s" word (which could be sleet or snow), we all start going like this...

...because we can't handle it. No seriously, we can't. I know, all of you who live up north are laughing at us. And you know what, that is okay. Because I don't want to live someplace where cold is normal. Or where 27 degrees (above freezing) isn't consider an "Arctic Blast". I also don't think I want to live in a place where the threat of ice/sleet/snow doesn't cause school and work closures. 

It's true...

Last night before it even started sleeting, most school districts were canceling classes for today because of the threat of sleet and ice throughout the night and the early part of today. My boss texted me a little before 8:00 last night saying our offices were going to be closed. We rarely close for bad weather, so I was super excited. In fact, this was me after I got the text...

I thought I would take a break from my day long Murdoch Mysteries marathon and do a quick Mobile Monday update (again, I don't think this is a link up anymore, but I'm using the idea).

Laugh all you want, but I've spent the day in my warm, comfy bed (complete with flannel sheets), drinking hot tea, and streaming TV shows on my laptop. :)

I met up with the BFF on Saturday (back when it was a balmy 60 degrees) for some MUCH NEEDED girl time (we haven't been able to hang out, just the two of us, in I don't know how long). We had lunch at this great pizza place called Campania. I had never been there before (so I can add that to my 101 in 1001 list as the 7th restaurant that I had never been to.) We spent a few hours there talking then headed over to Barnes & Noble (because why wouldn't we?) I was strong and didn't buy anything. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I managed to walk out of there book-free. It was a miracle. Lol.

BFFs!

I forgot to post this last week. My sweet manager gave all of us daisies (which so happens to be my favorite flower). This was during that bad week I had, so it made me feel a lot better! :)

Sometimes a friend will send you a message that is just the reminder you needed to hear. My sweet friend Christie sent me this the other day. I definitely needed to read it!

My niece Rebecca texted me this picture of her son, J, earlier today. My sweet boy is growing up so fast, I haven't seen him in so long! Those cheeks are just begging for kisses from Aunt Rachel!

See- these are the last pictures I have with him. I definitely need a trip to see him. He's getting so big! He won't even know me.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday! :) Stay warm and safe, wherever you live! :)

XOXO!!

Thoughts For Thursday...

-I'm still working on my blog post where I asked people to tell me one word that describes me. I was hoping to post it today, but alas, it didn't happen. Hoping for next week! I promise, I did have a reason for asking! :)

-We had nine link ups yesterday for What I'm Loving Wednesday! I like that we are growing each week. Maybe next week we can reach double digits! :)

-I seriously need Mother Nature to stop it with her mood swings. This going back and forth between warm and cold is killing me. And my sinuses. I will never breathe normally again. 

-I'm thankful for the kindness of strangers. Saturday morning I was driving to the Fort Worth side of town to see one of my best friend's son play in a basketball game. I got a flat on my way there (along I-30, for those familiar with the Metroplex). Now, I know HOW to change a tire, I just suck at it (my upper body strength needs work). This nice stranger named Mike stopped to change it for me (he probably took pity on me standing by my flat tire with a look of "well, crap", on my face). I'm also thankful for Discount Tire's warranty and the fact the new tire I had to get only cost me $18 (which was the price of insurance for the new tire). 

-After reading my Facebook news feed and Twitter timeline this week, I think I'm the only person who didn't watch the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary special. I didn't watch the show growing up and I don't watch it now, so I really had no desire to watch a special on it. That being said, I also feel like I'm the only person who doesn't watch Saturday Night Live.  Lol.

-I'm not sure I have ever found a quote that described me better than this one. Thank you Danu Grayson.

-Hope everyone is surviving the week. The weekend is in sight. Stay strong! 

XOXO!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

EEK! I so slacked off on my blog over the past week. I'm so sorry about that! 

It's time once again to link up with Jodi and I for What I'm Loving Wednesday! Please link up below and join in on the fun! :) Be sure to leave a comment on another blog that has linked up. You never know what new blog you might find to follow (or what new friend you might make!) :) Also be sure to link your post back to mine or Jodi's blog so others can join in next time! :) Feel free to use this button code below!

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I'm loving...

That this link up seems to gain new followers each week! I'm excited about it! :) Please spread the word to your friends. I loved all the posts that I read last week! :)

I'm loving...

These pictures of my sweet munchkins, my great-nephews C and E, and my great-niece K. These pics were posted on Facebook over the weekend and it made me miss them! I need a visit from them soon. It's been a rough few weeks, I need hugs! :)

Pictures courtesy of my beautiful niece, Katie

I'm loving...

That Dean Cain will be at this year's Dallas Comic Con. I have never attended a Comic Con event before, but I might embrace my inner nerd and go for a chance to meet Superman himself. :) **insert teenage Rachel sighing here**

I see a Lois and Clark marathon in my near future. I possibly have all four seasons on DVD.

I'm loving...

That I'm starting to plan my trip to Chicago for this summer. I can't wait! :)

I'm loving...
That former Braves pitcher Mark Wohlers tweeted this picture of him and former teammate Steve Avery. In case you are new to my blog (with this link up, there is a good chance of that) Steve Avery is the Avery behind my social media handle, Averyfan. Shameless plug, follow me on Twitter here and Instagram here. It's a long story (I'll save it for another day), but I've been an "Averyfan" since the early 90s. :) **insert teenage Rachel sighing again**

Steve is on the left, Mark is on the right. Photo stolen borrowed courtesy of Mark Wohlers Twitter

I also love that Mark replied to my tweet about it. Lol.

I'm loving...

The text conversations between me and my best friend while her students are taking a test. :)

I'm loving...

That I might actually be making progress on my story (novel, whatever you want to call it). No details yet, I'll let you know when I'm ready to share. :)

I'm loving...

This pin from Pinterest. I'm the worst at over-thinking things- even little things that most people wouldn't give a second thought to. If you know me well, you probably are nodding your head right now in agreement with me. I'm really trying to be better about it. Honest!

We are halfway through the week! Please link up below! We would love to read your What I'm Loving Wednesday posts! Again, don't forget to comment on a new blog. :) XOXO!

Thoughts for Thursday

I found another blog hop for Thursdays (for when I want to take a break from It's OK Thursday, which isn't even a link up anymore). LOL. Thanks to my friend Jodi for mentioning this one to me! 

-I'm excited that we had five people link up yesterday for What I'm Loving Wednesday. You might laugh that we are excited about only five people, but hey, that's five new blogs to link up! I'm looking forward to where this blog hop will take us. I like that it is holding us accountable to blog at least once a week (so far I've been good about blogging at least a few times a week). That's better than my track record over the past year. 
-I'm overwhelmed with the responses I got on social media when I asked people what one word they thought of to describe me. I'm working on a blog post where I'm going to use them (I did have a reason for asking it). I honestly thought a few people would answer and I would get "typical" answers. I'm blown away with the responses. If I ever say something about not being loved or nobody caring about me, you have the right to Gibbs slap me.

-I'm so over things right now. I'm over Kayne West. I'm over 50 Shades of Grey. I'm over Brian Williams. I'm over Tiger Woods and his "retirement". I'm over Jon Stewart. Wait, I really don't have a beef with Jon Stewart. Never mind. Honestly, I've never watched his show so I have no reason to have a beef with him. Best of luck in your retirement (or whatever the reason is you are leaving your show). I'm waiting for the day when one of those topics is not mentioned on my Twitter timeline or Facebook news feed. Hurry up baseball season so my timeline can be filled with Rangers news once again.
-I have about 40 hours of shows and movies recorded on my DVR (sadly, this isn't an exaggeration), and what do I do when I actually have time to watch TV? I start watching Supernatural season one on Netflix. For the umpteenth time. Again, I'm not obsessed (but in the near future I might be willing to admit there is a slight addiction). Does anyone else remember how nice and "normal" season one was? They were just two brothers on a journey to find their dad ("saving people, hunting things, the family business"). Oh, if we only knew where we would end up...

-My sinus infection is still lingering, I'm still having breathing issues when I try and sleep. I took some Benadryl a few hours ago, hoping it would help me be able to breathe and fall asleep early (I'm typing this post on Wednesday night), but alas, I'm still wide awake. I think this is the most I've been awake all day. Sleep isn't even on my radar. :( I don't usually take Benadryl, but I think it's one of those drugs that keep me awake instead of making be drowsy. Sigh. This is going to be another long night.
-After being told twice last week by two different people that they could tell I've lost weight, I so have been slacking with my diet and working out. I've only worked out once this week (I'm so ashamed). I really need to get back on track. But on a good note, I had my biometric screening done at work this week and I've lost nine pounds since December. Yay! Also my cholesterol and glucose number look good. Whew! :) We are almost to Friday my friends! Hang in there!

XOXO!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

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Welcome to another edition of What I'm Loving Wednesday! We are hoping to grow each week, so please link up below. Even if your post isn't about what you are loving, leave your blog name anyways, we would love to say hi! :) If you would like to link up, feel free to use this button so others can join in too! :)

I'm loving...

That I was asked to be a writer for the Rangers fan website ShutDownInning. This website is operated by fans who love writing about the team that they love the most- the Texas Rangers (through thick and thin, for better or for worse, in wins and in painful losses, we are fans for life). I do love that I will get an opportunity to write about sports again (if you didn't know, I used to be a sports writer). :) Check the website out here.

I'm loving...

My sweet friends who send me a message when I'm having a bad day. I had a horrible day on Tuesday. I got a few texts and tweets that cheered me up. My friends are amazing (yes, that means YOU too. You know who you are). ;)

I'm loving...

That some of my favorite TV shows have already been renewed for next season (I know, that seems kinda silly to be loving that, but I'm still recovering from my bad day. I'm having a hard time thinking of things I love right now). Lol.

I'm loving...

That I always seem to have a cup of Ramen noodle soup in my pantry for those days when I'm not feeling all that great. Best 29 cents I have ever spent.

I'm loving...

That in less than two months, I will be at the Ballpark watching my Rangers play. Hurry baseball, hurry!

So, what are you loving today? Please link up below! :) Be sure to check out a new blog and leave a comment (you never know, you could make a new friend). :)

XOXO!

Mobile Monday

Current pictures on my phone...

Last week I had to go see the nurse practitioner at work for my sinus infection. This is me killing time in the waiting room. 

I know someone who had dental work done last week. I obviously have no sympathy. Lol. 

This was recently installed in the third floor break room at my office. My diet is officially over. Lol.

I should never be trusted in a bookstore. I went in to buy ONE book. I walked out with four. 

So Saturday night I was in bed and all sorts of comfy (watching Netflix on my laptop) when a friend called and told me he was at a party near my house. After a little guilt trip (possibly some bribing), I agreed to make an appearance. I ended up with a hat to wear while I was there. Lol. I had fun though, I'm glad I went.

If you live up north, don't read this. Yesterday was a beautiful 72 degree day in the Metroplex, so I sat outside by my pool and read for a while. 

I love Gobstoppers. I will eat this whole bag in two days if I'm not careful. I gotta pace myself. Lol.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

XOXO!

Friday Confessions

I have a friend who posts random confessions on Facebook every Friday. I thought I would steal borrow his idea for my post today.

Confession 1:

I don't like mint and chocolate mixed together. That's right, I said it. I don't like peppermint in my hot chocolate, mint chocolate chip ice cream, or Thin Mints (although to be fair, I don't like any kind of Girl Scout cookie).

Confession 2: 

Twice this week I overheard conversations about the Rocky movies. I have never seen any of the Rocky movies. None of them. Not even the first one. I do know that the song Eye of the Tiger is from that movie though, but when I hear it, I think of this video below, and not Sylvester Stallone.  

Yes, everything in my life does seem to loop back to Supernatural. I am NOT obsessed. 
Confession 3:  I'm so ready for all this talk about Fifty Shades of Grey (the books and the movie) to just be over and done with. No, I haven't read the books. No, I don't plan to (I don't care if the "other" part of the story is really good, I'm just not interested in reading it). And no, I am not going to see the movie. I'm just ready for all the tweets and posts about it to be out of my timeline and news feed. Mainly I'm ready for all the bickering between those for and those against it to be over with.
Confession 4: This is a big one. One of the main reasons I put it here is in case people just skim my post. I didn't watch the Super Bowl last weekend. I really like football (it doesn't hold a candle to baseball in my sports heart but it is my second favorite sport), but I didn't watch it. Mainly because I had been sick in bed all day, and when I realized what time it was, it was after 7:00 and I had missed the first half of the game. And honestly at that point, I just didn't care. You can blame it on me being sick or that I was just very apathetic about both teams in it. I hate Tom Brady.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

XOXO!

It's OK Thursday...

It's OK...

...that I only got 2 hours of sleep last night (okay, it's really not OK, but what can I do about it)? Since I can't sleep, I'm up writing a blog post before I have to get ready for work.

...that my inner tween self enjoyed this sketch on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon a little too much. Team Zack forever. 

...that my week was totally made yesterday when a co-worker asked if had lost weight. Perhaps my diet and working out is paying off. :) 
...that I shamelessly try and bribe my favorite authors to do a book signing in Dallas. :)

...that my DVR is almost full because I've either been busy reading or watching Netflix (or watching Ed on YouTube). I really need to sit down and catch up on my shows. Oh, and I possibly have like 15 hours of Growing Pains episodes thanks to a cable station called UPTV that airs reruns of old shows. Don't judge me. :)

Throwback Thursday to 2009 when I met Kirk Cameron at a book signing. It was outside and had been raining (which is why I look a mess). We couldn't pose with him, but I got the next best thing. Are you really surprised I'm holding a Rangers poncho and a Chick Fil-A bag? Yeah, I didn't think so. :)

...that despite the fact I started this post like an hour ago, I've been taking my time and I'm now running late for work. EEK! Gotta go! :)
We are almost to the weekend, hang on everyone!

XOXO!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

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So, my sweet friend Jodi decided to help me with this blog hop and will be my co-host! I'm new to setting up a blog hop, so I'm hoping everything works out with the link up below. If not, we will try again next week (it's a learning process). :) The above button will be for this week only, I'm going to create a new one that includes Jodi's blog as well. To make a long story short, I've been sick so I haven't been able to devote as much time to set this blog hop up. But, I didn't want to skip this week after saying last week I would do it!

If you are just stopping by my blog and don't have a What I'm Loving Wednesday post, please feel free to leave your blog name and blog address below so we can swing by and say howdy anyways! 

I know a lot of blog hops require that you comment on so many blogs if you are going to link up. I don't believe we are going to set any rules, BUT, it wouldn't hurt if you stopped by a new blog and made a new friend. Drop them a line (because everyone loves getting blog comments). In fact, Jodi and I became friends through our blogs! :) It was through some blog hop a number of years ago, I just can't remember which one. Lol.

Okay, enough of all this, on to What I'm Loving Wednesday....

I'm loving...

That a second Harper Lee novel will be published this summer. To Kill A Mockingbird is my favorite book of all time and I never dreamed we would get another novel from Ms. Lee. It seems this book was actually written BEFORE To Kill A Mockingbird, but it is basically a sequel (since it takes place with Scout as an adult). I cannot wait to read it. I'm possibly nerding out a lot a little over it. Lol.

I'm loving...
That I got to hang out with some of my sweet friends last Saturday night. I hadn't seen them in a while so it was good to catch up.

I'm loving...
That I have someone helping me out with this blog hop (thanks again Jodi!) Like I said, Jodi and I actually met through our blogs. I'm really blessed with great friends that I met through my blog and social media.

I'm loving...
That I have friends who text me just to see how I'm feeling (it's nothing serious, just a sinus infection). I feel bad enough to be miserable, but not sick enough to stay home from work. Sigh.

I'm loving...
The projected forecast for this weekend. Last Saturday it was rainy and kinda cold (I can hear all of my friends up north laughing at what I call "cold"). This Saturday looks like perfect weather to sit outside and read. :)

I'm loving...
That football is now over so we can focus on what is really important in my life....BASEBALL!! The Rangers home opener is April 10. I already got my ticket ordered, I will be there! :)

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you are having a great week! Please link up below. Like I said, even if you don't have a What I'm Loving Wednesday post, please link up anyways!

XOXO!