Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge- Day 8 & What I'm Loving Wednesday

Day 8: Fall Travel/Road Trips/Vacations

Sadly I don't have anything planned this fall vacation wise. I think the last time I took a fall vacation was when I went to New York in 2007 (wow, I think I'm well over do for one!) :)

On my way to see Miss Liberty in 2007

I'm loving...

Baseball. Today is the last day of the regular season, BUT my Texas Rangers will be playing in October once again (hopefully until the end of October!) I mentioned the other day that the Rangers won the American League West Championship on Friday. I was fortunate enough to be at that game with some friends. The highlight of the game was when Craig Gentry (insert sigh) hit is first major league home run. And it was an inside the park home run!! So glad I got to see that in person. Hoping MLB lets me embed the video, if not, click here:

In order to win the AL West, the Rangers had to win and the LA Angels of Anaheim had to lose that night to the Oakland A's. The Rangers won about 10pm Texas time. The Angels game started at 9pm Texas time so it was still going on after the Rangers game ended. After the post game fireworks show, the Rangers put the Angels game on the jumbo tron for fans to stay and watch the game. Somewhere between 7,000-10,000 fans stayed to watch. A lot of the Rangers players and their families were on the field watching the game as well. At one point the Rangers fans were chanting "Let's Go Oakland". The Angels went on to lose their game 3-1, giving the AL West title to the Rangers for the second year in a row! I have about a 9 minute video on my iPhone of the celebration, but I haven't uploaded it to YouTube yet. Maybe sometime this week I'll do that. The Rangers were spraying Ginger Ale on each other (since Josh Hamilton and C.J. Wilson don't drink and avoid alcohol, out of respect, the Rangers spray Ginger Ale at first so everyone can participate in the celebration.) :) As we were leaving, they announced that AL West Champions shirts were on sale in the gift shop, so of course, we had to go get one!

The players celebrating with Ginger Ale. Photo courtesy of my friend Pam since I was filming it on my phone.

Celebrating with friends

Waiting in line for a shirt at the gift shop.

My new shirt, I like that the Ballpark is on it!

I'm loving...

That I'm on my way to hopefully working out on a regular basis again. I just got some new workout DVDs and so far, I like them. I like the instructor of this DVD much more than Jillian Michaels (of the 30 Day Shred). I'm sure I look silly doing some of these "dance" moves, but that is why I work out in the privacy of my own home by myself.

I joined Team Beach Body (well, the free portion of their website) and ordered  their Turbo Jam workout DVD. It came with free hand weights. Let's see if this works!

Happy halfway through the week my friends!

XOXO!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I found this blog hop through a friend, thought I would participate today!!

I'm loving...

That my niece Alice is coming to visit me tomorrow (she is the mother of C and E). Since we are so close in age, we grew up together like sisters, I can't wait to spend time with her!!

At a Rangers game last year!

I'm loving... 

The Ben and Skin Show on 103.3FM ESPN. I discovered them last year (thanks to C.J. Wilson retweeting a podcast of theirs). I LOVE them! They are greatness. I've been a "full 3" listener for almost a year now! If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I try and #GROWtheSHOW. If you love sports, check them out. Even if you don't live in Dallas, you can listen online, click here from 9a-noon (CST).

Hanging out with Ben (r) and Skin (l) at the Rangers Opening Day this year!

I'm loving...

Brad Paisley's This Is Country Music CD. I got it for my birthday. I simply adore him- I'm hoping to see him in July when he comes to Dallas. He is AWESOME in concert!

I'm loving...

My baseball homegirls. We all bought a 10 pack of tickets this season (and have bought some extra games along the way). It's fun being with fellow baseball fans who don't mind acting a little crazy (and admitting their baseball crushes). #TeamGentry

A picture we took Monday night to send to Katie, letting her know that we miss her here in Texas!!

I'm loving...

Chick Fil-A milkshakes. In honor of my promotion at work this week, a friend is taking me out for lunch today and getting me one. Yummy!!

I'm loving...

My Rangers Captain pillow pet! My friend Khrystal got it for me for my birthday! He's adorable!! :)

I couldn't post today without wishing a VERY HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my nephew James. If anyone asks, I was 4 when he was born (okay, I was 12, but he likes telling me I look 25, and I let him!!) Happy birthday sweetie, love you and I'm so jealous you are going to the CMT Awards tonight!! BUY ME SOMETHING!

He was a fat baby- he weighed 11lbs and 4oz at birth! I'm very serious (he's proud of that by the way).

He kinda looked like the Michelin Tire baby!

Loving on his little sister

He's always loved baseball!

With his little brother and sister

All smiles.

With his favorite aunt at his high school graduation

He's like my little brother- we are really close!

On one of the roller coasters at 6 Flags

James with his favorite Rangers player- Derek Holland (the Dutch Oven).

His favorite aunt got him tickets to her company suite a few years ago! Yes, that is Fox Sports Southwest's Ric Renner in the background (Fox suite is next to ours).

James and Copper

A plate of food in his hand is not an uncommon site. At Thanksgiving, he has to be last in line. We want to make sure there is enough food to go around!! :)

Hope everyone has a great day!! Peace, love and chocolate milkshakes to you all!

XOXO!!

Catching up!

I know, I know, I keep saying I will be better about updating my blog. It seems to be a "pie crust promise -easily made, easily broken." I'll send you a $100 bill if you can tell me what movie that line from. Okay, I'm lying, I won't send you $100- BUT, I'll send you a PICTURE of a $100 bill if you tell me what movie that is from. ;)

I decided to spend this post sharing some randomness that has been in my life recently. Are you ready?

1. I've lost count on how many Rangers games I've attended this season, I'll have to check my ticket stubs at home, but it's at least 12. I'm actually going tonight, and Wednesday! My Texas. My Rangers! :)



This was used a few years ago for an advertising campaign. Still one of my favorites! ;)

2. Speaking of the Rangers, I have a new baseball crush (for those of you who follow me on Twitter, yes, I realize I pretty much am crushing on the whole team- with a few exceptions). It's no secret to my regular readers (and "tweethearts" as I call them) of my on-again-off-again crush on pitcher C.J. Wilson (it's actually off right now- even though I still think he's really good looking!) He has been replaced by outfielder Craig Gentry (**insert sigh here**). Sorry C.J. ;) 



Me and Craig Gentry at Rangers Fanfest in January. I must say that he smelled really nice (just something I notice about a guy). :)

3. EXCITING NEWS! I got a promotion and raise at work!! I actually just found out about it today. Funny story how I found out- my boss sent me an IM (we have an inner-office instant messaging system here) and she said, "I need to see you in my office when you have a free moment." GULP. Usually she uses smiling faces or other "emoticons" when she sends IMs, so it concerned me a little that was all it said. I get in her office and she tells me to close the door (something we never do unless it's my yearly review time. Or we are gossiping. I mean, we don't gossip, what are you talking about?) She sighed and was like, "I've been following up on you for a while now and have been noticing some things." Then she said, "I feel we need to talk about it." Insert panic mode here- my heart might have stopped. At this point she busted out laughing. She was like, "girl, you are getting a promotion and raise, I was just trying to freak you out." Rachel's heart starts beating normally again. I love my boss, she is great. I'm going to be doing exactly what I have been doing, I just now have a fancy title and more money to go with it. **insert happy white girl dance here** I guess being too busy at work has paid off (literally!) :)

4. I've been watching the later seasons of The Waltons on INSP and I must say, I'm not really a fan of "John Boy 2.0". After season 5, Richard Thomas (the original John Boy) left the show. For two seasons the character was written out of the main storyline. In season 8 they decided to bring back the character- but he was portrayed by Robert Wightman (no offense Mr. Wightman, I just prefer Richard Thomas). Yes, I like The Waltons and Dick Van Dyke, and I also cross stitch. I'm a 80 year old trapped in a 25 year old body. Okay, I'm not really 25, but I would like to think I have the body of one! ;) 

Robert Wightman, John Boy 2.0

My friend Mel and I got to meet Richard Thomas a few years ago when he was in town for a play. SUPER NICE guy! Of all the celebrities I've met, he's probably one of the nicest!

 5. I love the interviews that my friend Katie's future husband Tim Tebow has been doing to promote his new book, "Through My Eyes". He is an awesome guy! And what an amazing story!

6. I still really want tickets to the NKOTBSB concert on June 26 at the AAC. If anyone has free ones, let me know!! ;) (Okay, so, I WANT tickets, I just don't want to pay for them). ;) Yes, I know that NKOTB are no longer as young as I remember them being, but still, the 12 year old Rachel inside of me wants to go! :) Together my friends, we can make this happen!!

If not for me, for 12 year old Rachel!!

7. I saw Fast Five over my birthday weekend. You must be asking yourself: will I ever get tired of seeing Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in a movie about cars? The answer is no, no I will not! ;)



Nope, doesn't get old at all. ;)

8. I got to hang out with one of my besties last Friday night. A lot has changed in the recent years of our friendship (not necessarily for the worse, just different), but one thing still remains the same: we both still think that Tom Welling is really, really hot.



Just...wow. ;)

9. I've been slowly working on my World Series 2010 scrapbook. I got a few pages done yesterday. I always forget how time consuming it can be. I spent like 6 hours working on it and only got 3 pages done! Oh well!! :)

One day I'll have this thing completed!

10. I mentioned before I'm going to the Rangers game tonight. Some friends and I made signs. Look for me on TV, this is one of them. 



Rules for doing the wave (if you absolutely feel that you must): You do NOT do the wave when the home team is up to bat. EVER. NO EXCEPTIONS. You do NOT do the wave during a close game (if the lead isn't more than 7 runs, don't do it).

Hope everyone is having a great day!! Peace, love and Rangers wins!!

XOXO!!

101 in 1001 Update

I'm SO BAD about posting updates on this, which is sad since I'm supposed to blog like once a month about my progress on my list. For those new to reading my blog, back in November I created a 101 in 1001 list (click here to view it). It's 101 things I want to do/complete in the next 1001 days. I started on November 30, 2010 and have until August 29, 2013. I know, I know. I still have over two years, but, I don't want to be like I was, I mean, some people were, in college and wait until the last minute to try and finish a project. ;) Just as an FYI, you can always find the list via the header at the top of my page. I try and update it as soon as I complete (or start) a task. I'll try and be better about blogging at least once a month about my progress!!

Completed tasks (since my last update):

#28. Carpool to work 2 times a week for 3 months. I've actually done better than this. I've been carpooling for over three month. There are three of us in the carpool and we drive in together Monday-Thursday. Two of us are off early most Fridays, so we don't carpool that day. It's really nice only have to drive every two weeks. It has saved A LOT on gas money!

#39. Check out job postings in other departments, preferably the public relations department. I have been doing this on a monthly basis. Unfortunately we don't have many new job openings right now. I'm not saying I'm not happy in my current work position (I love my department and my boss is the best), but I'm always looking at opportunities to advance! And if I could write again, I would love that. It would be nice to use my Communications degree!! ;)

#42. File away old jobs at least once a month. We recently went "paperless" on most of our jobs so I no longer have a mountain of paperwork to file each month. **insert happy dance here**

#62. No video, computer or iPhone games for seven consecutive days. Okay, after I got over my Angry Birds addiction (don't get me wrong, I still like it, I'm just not playing it every day anymore), this wasn't that hard to complete. I might have even gone two weeks without playing. I rarely play computer games (maybe an occasional game of Spider Solitaire) and I don't own video games. This was really more for iPhone related games, I just wanted to include all kinds!

#79. Give a generous tip for a job well done (either at a restaurant, hair salon or nail salon). Two weeks ago a friend and I ate at Uno Chicago Grill in Fort Worth. The poor kid who was our waiter had to put up with me and my friend debating like 20 minutes over the menu (and we asked A LOT of questions). I had never been there, I needed to be sure I knew what I was ordering. :) There was a TV with the Rangers game on right in front of us (you know where my attention was- not the menu- so every time he came by I was like, "I'm sorry, I haven't looked yet"). He thought our comments about the game were funny though (they weren't that busy so he came by our table a lot). Then after the game he was nice enough to put on the closed captioning on the TV so we could at least read what was being said during post game interviews (they aren't allowed to turn up the volume). He made sure we had plenty of Dr Pepper throughout our meal (which in itself is a reason for good tip). So, I left him a pretty good tip, he deserved it!

#91. Go a week without complaining in traffic. You know, I didn't specify that I had to be driving while I was in traffic. On weeks I don't drive the carpool, I don't complain at all! ;) 

#95. Be in bed before 10pm every night for a week. A few weeks ago, I was pretty much asleep by 9:30 every night (granted, I wasn't feeling good, but still, I was in bed early that week!) 

#96. Watch a sunrise. I woke up extra early one morning and couldn't get back to sleep, so I watched the sunrise from my apartment window.

#97. Watch a sunset. A few weeks ago we were having awful thunderstorms/tornadoes watches, etc. One of those days, late in the day, the sun came out. I watched the sunset from my living room. The sky looked so pretty. I wish I had thought to take a picture! :)

In-Progress tasks (since my last update):

#17. Go through my closet once a year and donate clothes to Mission Arlington (1/3). About two months ago, I filled up 4 bags of clothes/shoes to donate to Mission Arlington. And yes, I used that as an excuse to go clothes shopping! :)

#47. Go for a walk 20 times (6/20). I've found myself doing this more often than I thought, I probably could have made it 40 times (but I'm not changing it). :)

#50. Eat at 10 restaurants in Dallas/Fort Worth I've never been to before (1/10). I've already mentioned it, but I went to Uno Chicago Grill in Fort Worth a few weeks ago. I know it's not a "Dallas only" restaurant, BUT it's the only location in the state of Texas! :)

#51. Learn to cook 10 new meals (that don't include the microwave) (1/10). I made chicken spaghetti a while back (maybe two months ago). It was pretty good! I love pasta....yummy!

#60. Create 3 new craft projects that aren't scrapbooking related (2/3). At Christmas, I made a tissue box cover for a friend. And at Mother's Day, I made a "brag book" for my mom, sister and niece. 

Tissue box cover

 

Brag book I made for my mom for Mother's Day. I used layouts found here and inserted pictures of my great-nephews in them. I then pasted them on 4X6 index cards and punched holes in the top and put ribbon through it. I made a similar one for my sister and niece!

 

 

Just a sample of what the inside pages looked like. Top is pictures of C and E. Bottom is pictures of G and B.

#71. Make a donation to a different charity twice a year (1/6). I've actually already made two donations, but they were both to C.J. Wilson's Children's Charity. I'll make a donation to another charity before the end of the year! :)

With C.J. Wilson at his charity event a few weeks ago. I made the picture black and white because I looked so pastely-white next to a very tan C.J.

#72. Send 10 snail mail letters to friends/family (not including holidays or birthday) (1/10). I mailed a "thinking of you" card to a friend not to long ago.

So, that is my latest update. I promise to be better about keeping you up-to-date. As always, check my progress here. 

I know that I'll be able to mark a few more off my list after my friend Katie's Texas visit next week! We have a road trip planned, as well as some museum visits (and we are going to try out some local restaurants). Wahoo!!

Have a great day! XOXO!!

Baseball loves

In case you are new to my blog, I'm am obsessed infatuated passionate a fan of baseball. I thought in honor of today, I would list a few of my past and current baseball loves. Let the record show that I love baseball for the sport that it is, I can't help that good looking guys decide to play it! ;)

Steve Avery: 

Yes, he is the Avery behind the Averyfan in my Twitter account and my blog address. Go back  in time with me to the early 1990s. Before MLB network and online streaming of sports (yes kids, I remember life BEFORE the internet), you watched whatever baseball was on TV. Since I didn't grow up in Dallas, the only baseball that was on all the time was the Braves on TBS and the Cubs on WGN. I started watching Braves games (honestly because TBS was the first channel I came across). There was a young pitcher named Steve Avery. He quickly became one of my favorite players. I know, he didn't live up to the potential he had when he was young, but hey, everyone needs a fan. I may, or may not, have 103 Steve Avery cards in my baseball card collection. ;)

Steve at the Braves alumni game last year-if he plays again this year, I'm so taking a road trip!

Chipper Jones:

I heard an interview with Chipper not too long ago and he was talking about how he's been playing professional baseball for almost 20 years. I felt old because I remember him being a rookie. Again, following the Braves introduced me to Larry Wayne Jones, Jr, or, Chipper, as he is lovingly called. I can't explain my attraction to him, but he gave Steve Avery some competition as my favorite Braves player! :)

C.J. Wilson:

It's no secret that I have an on-again-off-again crush on Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson (right now it's on). I think he is absolutely adorable in this picture! :)

 

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Salty): 

Last year was a great year for the Texas Rangers. Sadly in the middle of the season we traded one of a fan favorites (at least among some of my female friends). We miss you Salty! He will be back Opening Day when the Rangers face the Red Sox (speaking of which, got my Opening Day ticket last week- wahoo!) :) **happy dance**

 

Jeff Francoeur (Frenchy):
Being a Braves fan, I knew Frenchy when he was in Atlanta. The Rangers traded for him mid-season last year. We loved him, he was great (and despite me not being a fan of guys with facial hair, he pulled it off quite nicely). Sadly, we didn't keep him, he went to the Royals. I'm smelling a road trip to Kansas City this summer to see him play! :) I know he's not in a baseball uniform here, but he looks sharp in this picture! :)

Ian Kinsler: 

I know some guys who will even admit crushing on Ian (names will not be used to protect the guilty innocent). :)

Ian holding my hand last year when he was playing in a game in Frisco. Okay, he was handing me back my pen, but it looks like he's holding my hand! :)

Joe Mauer: 

As a Rangers fan, I feel guilty having a Twins player on here, but Joe is a hottie!! :) Leave Minnesota Joe, come to Texas....

 

I love this commercial of him! ;)

Josh Hamilton:

I love Josh for the Godly man that he is, but he is a cutie too!! :) My mom loves him as well!

 

Tommy Hunter:
Another Rangers pitcher- he is absolutely adorable. And he is such a goofball!! :)

Dirk Hayhurst:

I discovered Dirk through his book The Bullpen Gospels (which is awesome- even if you don't like baseball, I think you will enjoy this book). It's his adventures through the minor leagues. I follow him on Twitter- he is great!! If you want to follow him on Twitter as well, go here. He used to be with the Blue Jays, but is now with the Tampa Bay Rays. Tweet with him and discover the greatness of The Garfoose!

Hope everyone has a great day!

XOXO!