Are You There God? It's Me, Rachel!

I know my blog is silly a lot of times, because, well, I'm a silly (but delightful and charming) person. But I'm gonna go all serious on y'all for just a minute (I promise to return you to my normal silliness soon, just give me a second here). I've been struggling with some issues lately (no, I'm not going to go into them, I have to keep SOME things private), but it's gotten to the point where they are almost wearing me down. I try to be a happy-go-lucky person and not show that anything is wrong (I sometimes succeed at this, and I sometimes fail miserable at this). Lately I've just felt so...lost. Honestly, I can't even really put it into words, but I've almost hit a breaking point. I posted last week on Facebook that I wanted to write a book and call it, Are You There God, It's Me, Rachel! Although I have a feeling if I did, I'd get a lovely letter from Judy Blume (well, her lawyer at least) letting me know I couldn't do that.

I never try to make people think I'm this perfect Christian (because you know what, there aren't any. If anyone claims to be a perfect Christian, tell them to read the Bible. And if they are on TV and say it, don't send them your credit card information). You know y'all, I make mistakes. I screw up on a daily basis (yes, daily). I AM NOT PERFECT. There, I admitted it. I really hope I don't lose followers for admitting I'm not perfect! ;)

This morning I was catching on my daily Bible reading (I may or may not have been a few days behind on it). BTW, I love my Bible app on my iPhone because it has the audio version, so I can listen to it while I work. As I was listening to the scriptures for today, I realized that it's been a long time since I just sat and talked to God. Don't get me wrong, I mean, I've prayed and all, but I realized I haven't just spilled my guts to Him about what's on my mind (which is funny because He already knows it, it's not like I'm hiding anything from Him). I have no problem when it comes to praying for my friends' problems, issues and heartaches, but I tend to skip over mine when praying. No, I don't know why, I just put my heartaches and issues to the side.

Confused? Well, the best way I can describe it is like this: you know how you can comment on a friend's Facebook status (or "like" the status), so you've been "in touch" with them, but the two of you haven't really sat down and had a heart to heart talk? That was how I was feeling about God. I've "liked" His status and commented on His page, but we haven't really spent time together. (Yes, God is up there shaking His head that I just compared my relationship with Him to Facebook). I find it funny that I'm asking God where He's been when he's like, "um, helloooo, I'm right here, where are you?" Okay, I really don't think God ever uses the phrase "um, helloooo", but you know what I mean. I realized that God hasn't put the distance between us, it's me. Now, how do I go to Him with my problems/issues/heartaches when I haven't really been talking to Him in the first place?

Still with me? I promise this train of thought has a caboose, thank you for bearing with me. So, I was actually trying to get motivated to write a Tuesday Tunes post today and starting thinking about an artist to feature and I thought of Jeremy Camp (I love him). In my YouTube search to find videos of his songs, this one came up. 

For those who don't feel like listening to the lyrics, here they are (but I really think you should listen to the song, it's good):

The reason why I stand

The answer lies in you

You hung to make me strong

Tho my praise was few

When I fall I bring your name down

But I have found in you

A heart that bleeds 

Forgiveness replacing all these thoughts of painful memories

And I know your response will always be

(Chorus)

I'll take you back, always

Even when your fight is over now

I'll take you back, always

Even when the pain is coming through

I'll take you back

You satisfy this cry of what I'm

looking for And I'll take all I can

and lay it down before

The throne of endless grace now

that radiates what's true

I'm in the only place that erases

all these faults that have overtaken me and 

I know your response will always be

(Chorus)

I can only speak with a grateful heart 

As I'm pierced by this gift of your love

So, why did I feel the need to post this particular song? Honestly, I don't know. To me it's a reminder that God is always there, ready to "take me back", no matter how "distant" I've been. Maybe there is someone else out there who needed to hear/read the lyrics today (I can't be the ONLY person out there feeling like this, can I?) I don't know who all reads my blog. Maybe you have been a follower for a while. Maybe you found my blog through someone else. Maybe you saw the link on Twitter and thought you would check it out. Maybe you are a lawyer for Judy Blume. Whoever you are, I would like to think I wrote this post today to help at least one other person out who might be struggling.

Wow, that was a long post today, sorry about that. Wait, you know what, I'm not sorry. I truly believe I was meant to write this today. Thanks for reading my friends!! Love you all!

Oh, before I forget, you MUST go check out my friend Judy's AWESOME homemade soap giveaway!! (No, NOT Judy Blume). :) Click here (or on the picture below) to be directed to the link. If you want more information on her soaps, click here. Giveaway ends THIS Friday at 10pm. While you are checking out her giveaway, take a look around her blog and tell her howdy! She's one of the sweetest people I know. She has posts of the best recipes (warning: she usually includes pictures of what the dishes looks like, so beware, you will get hungry just looking at them!) :) I also love her pictures of her vacations to London. I told her next time she goes, I'm sneaking in her carry-on luggage! :)

Photo courtesy of Cranberry Morning

XOXO!! Have a blessed day y'all!

#?&! and Blog Journal Day 14

Ever have one of those days? Seriously, since 8:00 this morning, I've wanted to put this sign outside my office door:

 

Without going into too many gory details (just because some people from my office might read this), I feel like NOBODY wants to take responsibility for anything around here. My job is to basically make sure that projects for my department get done on time. I'm in charge of keeping up with schedules, making sure the right people approve jobs, and making sure deadlines are met. When people are behind on their tasks, it's my job to bug them (I'm like a hall monitor- I tattle on those who are late). Yeah, I'm not the most popular/favorite person in my department. I have no doubt when my name and extension pop up on people's phone, they just let me go to voice mail. They don't make eye contact with me in the hallway either. There are days I check to make sure the brake lines on my truck haven't been cut (okay, it's not THAT bad).

When I ask people about a job I get, "oh, that's not my responsibility" or "I'll get to it when I can" or "I can't do that" or "it's not my fault it's late". Then they turn around and want me to do things that aren't "my responsibility" and they want it done "right then". Of course I do my best to do it (because I'm an insanely nice person), but then I complain about it on my blog for all of the internet to read! :) I also get the people that start freaking out saying "this job is due Friday, I need you to hurry it along." Really? You've know about this job for two months and you "sat" on it. NOW you want to make me look like the bad person rushing people around? Umph!

So, Kevin Fowler's Video for Pound Sign (#) just came out on CMT (dot) com. I figured it suited how I was feeling today, so here it is! (yes, it's country music, bear with me, it's a funny song).

Kevin Fowler   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

**deep breath**

Wow, sometimes venting just makes you feel better, don't you think? Thank you for letting me vent!

Okay, moving on to something that's not venting. I mentioned this last week but on September 27th, Chili's is donating 100% of their proceeds to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. You can go here and design your own pepper to show your support of St. Jude (and also make a donation). Here is the one I designed! :) I call it "Hope of Spring".

And what would my blog post be without mentioning the Rangers. My friend Vic suggested that the team  should pay me for each time I mention them. I LIKE that idea! Or at least get me free tickets! There is a cool video on MLB (dot) com about them. I can't embed it, but you can watch it here.

While I'm on the topic of the Rangers, I had to post this video. My friend Monica is probably laughing at me right now. Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson does a lot for the Children's Medical Center in Dallas. He has held a few charity fundraisers for them. Children's Medical posted this video on Youtube. It's so sweet. The picture of him holding the little baby almost makes me look past the fact that he says "like" "ya know" and "whatever" 100 times during his interviews! But really, he's a pretty cool guy. Thanks C.J. for all you do for Children's! :)

Day 14: A non-fictional book

I really should put the Bible (especially after going on my little rant) so I'm going to. This is actually the cover of my current Bible (as you can imagine, I've had a number of Bibles over the years). : )

Have a great day!!

Thursday Thirteen

I've noticed the past few weeks that some of my friends seem to be struggling in different areas of their lives. I've either heard it from them, read about it on Facebook or read it on their blogs. So for my Thursday Thirteen I wanted to share 13 songs from various Christian artists that I hope will help them get through their "rough patch". If you are struggling with anything, or just having a "blah" phase in your life, I hope one of these songs helps you. I couldn't embed all the videos, so click on the name to take you to the Youtube video of the song. Love y'all!! :) And thanks so much for taking time to read my blog! It means so much to me! :) Be blessed friends!

1. Sing Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns

2. Take You Back by Jeremy Camp

3. Cry Out To Jesus by Third Day

4. So Long Self by Mercy Me

5. What If His People Prayed by Casting Crowns

6.  Walk by Faith by Jeremy Camp

7. Word of God Speak by Mercy Me

8. Sing A Song by Third Day

9. Live Out Loud by Steven Curtis Chapman

10. Strong Tower by Kutless

11. King of Glory by Third Day

 

12. I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

13. Slow Down Time by Jeremy Camp

So, I promised my girl Vic over at Freckles and Fudge (check her out, she rocks my socks), that this week for my Thirsty Thursday I would post a picture of the outfit I would wear for the occasion. I didn't have time to prepare a really super cute outfit (sorry girl, my week got away from me), so I'm doing something a little different (hope she doesn't mind). I decided to post a picture of where I WISH I was for my Thirsty Thursday. Instead of desk-side in my office (wearing my "business professional outfit") drinking a Dr Pepper from RaceTrac (and snacking on some M&Ms), I wish I was lake-side, soaking up some of that Texas sunshine, enjoying a cold, refreshing Dr Pepper from the ice cooler and a hamburger from the grill!

One last quick note. Have to give two birthday shout outs. Today is my brother Stephen's birthday (I don't think he would appreciate me mentioning his age, so I'll refrain). Happy birthday Steve!!

 

My brother Steve and my nephew Jonathan-taken in June at Jon's graduation

Today is also my great-nephew "C"'s 2nd birthday! I can't believe he is already two!! I'm sad I am missing his big birthday party tonight (since I'm leaving for Atlanta tomorrow, I couldn't make the trip). I know there will be lots of pictures, I can't wait to see them! XOXO from Aunt Rachel!

 

Big brother "C" (right) and little brother "E" having fun on the slide

Happy Dance Time...It's Friday!

I'm so happy it's Friday that if I was still young enough, I might do a back flip (who am I kidding, even when I was young, I couldn't do a back flip). I'm very excited about this weekend. My niece Alice is coming to town for a visit (we are close in age, so it's almost like we are sisters or cousins, instead of niece and aunt). For regular readers of my blog, she is the mother of "C" and "E" (go here for pictures of them). : )

Tonight we have plans to go see the first place Texas Rangers (I love saying that) at The Ballpark and tomorrow night we are going to see Rascal Flatts (insert teenage girl **sigh**, **squeal** and **happy dance** here). We actually saw them together about 4 years ago. I know she is looking forward to a "get away weekend". Her husband is staying home with the kids to have a "guys weekend" (and with a 23 month old and a 9 month old, I'm sure it won't get too out of control!) ;)

Me and Alice at Rascal Flatts in 2006

I don't know how many of you have seen the Youtube videos of Tillman, the skateboarding Bulldog, but I think I've decided along with Pugs, I want a Bulldog. He is too cute!!

It's Five Question Friday Time!! Welcome to all new visitors! Thanks for stopping by!

1. What were your school colors?

I'm assuming you mean high school. They were blue and gray. My junior high colors were purple and gray. Oh, and my college colors were purple, white and gold.

2. What's the best compliment you ever received?

I had someone tell me one time that they could see God's love shining in me by my friendships and the way I treat other people with care and kindness. WOW. The ULTIMATE compliment in my book. :) I'll be honest. I can think of many times where I don't have "love and kindness" in my heart when dealing with people (usually while I'm driving-rush hour is never fun). It makes me want to strive to not only have that kindness all the time, but to be able to show it.

3. Do you buy cheap or expensive toilet paper?

My close friends know that I have no problems going with generic brands of products in order to save some money, but toilet paper is one of those items where that is NOT the case. My freshman year of college I lived in a dorm with a community bathroom. I don't know what kind of toilet paper they had, but I have no doubt it was in the "sandpaper" family. I'm all about the name brands (I'm partial to Angel Soft and Cottonelle). There are some things worth spending a few extra dollars on!

4. Have you ever had a surprise party thrown for you? Or have you had one for someone else?

I have never had a surprise party thrown for me, but I have thrown a few for other people. When my dad turned 60, we threw him a huge surprise birthday party at our church. We were all surprised my mother was able to keep it a secret (she's a terrible liar- I guess that's not a BAD trait to have). But we pulled it off!

5. What is one material possession that you "can't live without"?

I'm guessing my iPhone. It's amazing. I went YEARS without a cell phone (21 to be exact), then after that, NOT having a phone with me felt weird (my family jokes it's surgically attached to my ear or hand, and sometimes, it feels that way). I finally jumped on the "smart phone" wagon last year and broke down and got an iPhone. Now it's like, what did I do before I had this? It's kinda sad. But now with the ability to update Facebook, update Twitter, check my email, check my blog, play games, check sports scores, watch Youtube videos, how did I live without this?

Have a great weekend y'all!!

Thursday Thirteen

Here is my weekly Thursday Thirteen! I hope you enjoy!!

13 Random Things About My Week (in no particular order)

1. At 5pm last night they finally fixed the AC in my apartment (despite telling me it was done at 9am yesterday morning. I'm letting it slide, this time. Next time I will unleash the wrath of Rachel!) It took a few hours for it to finally feel comfortable. I went to Subway for almost 2 hours and read while it was cooling down. It was 90 degrees in there when I got home. This morning it was finally about 75.

 Sorry so blurry. The left is when I got home yesterday. The right is when I left this morning.

2. The past few weeks (okay, maybe a month or two) I've been having that feeling of, "Are you there God? It's me, Rachel?" again. I got this email from my sister yesterday. It was one of those, "Oh good gosh, I so needed to read that!" And yes, I just said "good gosh"! ;) Why do I ever doubt God? Why do I ever question His ways? One of these days I'll learn.

3. I'm very excited that Michael Young of the Texas Rangers got his 1,748th hit last night. He passed Pudge Rodriguez's record of 1,747 hits as a Texas Ranger. Young is now the All Time Hit Leader for the Rangers. And the best part about the hit is that it scored two runs, helping the Rangers with a 6-3 win over the Marlins. That is four wins in a row (on the road) for the Rangers.

Michael Young's at bat (photo courtesy of the AP)

Michael Young in a post game interview (courtesy of Fox 4 Dallas)

4. My sweet friends Steve and Linda gave me my birthday present this past week. It was a "Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock" shirt.

The game has been around for a while, but we learned about it on the CBS show, The Big Bang Theory.

5. I started re-reading Eclipse this week (that's the third book in the Twilight series). It's been well over a year and a half since I read it, and with the movie coming out June 30, I want it to be fresh in my mind. I know, I'm a nerd. I can already tell by some of the previews that that they have changed it up a bit.

6. I just realized I haven't been to Chick Fil A in almost 2 weeks. I think that is a new record. I might have to go there today. I'm starting to go through withdrawals! I can feel my eye twitching as I type this!!

Chick Fil-A milkshake: Manna from heaven

7. I got my dad a really cool Father's Day gift. Since he sometimes reads my blog, I won't post about it until after Sunday. I'm excited about going to my folks tomorrow and seeing my family. It will be the last time I get to go "home" for a while. July and August are pretty busy months for me at work and I can't get away.

8. I won tickets for my company's suite at The Ballpark. The suite is nice. There is all you can eat hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and soda. There is an inside section that is air conditioned and there is an outside section too. 

9. I started watching Season 1 of Chuck this week on DVD. So far I like it (I have a newly found love admiration nerd crush on Zachary Levi). He is absolutely adorable, especially in interviews. And he has that goofy, dorky quality that I seem to like in guys! ;)

10. As I've posted before, I played soccer in high school. Now, I haven't been watching every single game for the FIFA World Cup 2010, but I am looking forward to the final match-up. I'll be honest, the soccer playoff system confuses the snot out of me. The point system, the groups, etc, I don't understand it. But, I found this really cute picture I wanted to share it! Everyone has World Cup fever!

11. I just saw on my uncle's Facebook page that Blue Bell ice cream is on sale at Kroger. Pints are $1 each!! That just made my week a little bit better! 

12. I finally drove by where Texas Stadium used to be (I know, it's been gone a while, but I haven't had any reason to go over there until this past week).  

Yes, I took this out my truck window. But I was watching the road and just aiming my phone (one reason it's kinda off centered).

13. After a four month hiatus, I finally started working out again. I didn't go to my office gym,  but I worked out in the "mini" gym we have at my complex. I was very frustrated about my AC situation when I got home yesterday, so I used that energy to work out (probably not the smartest move to get even hotter when my AC was broken). But after a 45 minute workout, I went to Subway, had a turkey sandwich and read Eclipse for almost two hours. Not a bad way to spend my evening.

Tuesday Thankfulness

I get many emails a day and don't always get to some of them right away (especially the forwards). My sweet friend Jami (aka, my "little sister") sent me an email on Friday that I didn't see until today. It was JUST what I needed to turn my day around (let's just say I wasn't having the best morning). I personally think that God had me not see this email until today. Of course I am going to share it with y'all!

First of all, welcome everyone from Tuesday Tag-Along! Enjoy your visit!!

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God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Father, God, bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their lives be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

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Speaking of emails that made me smile today, my wonderful friend Forrest sent me a "song" that he wrote about me (to the tune of Take Me Out To The Ballgame).

Take Ra-chel to the ball game,

Take her out with the crowd.

She is addicted and that's a fact.

She won't leave when a cute guy's at bat

Let her root, root, root for the Rangers,

Unless they're playing the Braves.

For there's one too many to count

Ways that she is great!

Happy Tuesday friends! Be blessed!!  

Ain't...

A friend emailed me this, I LOVE IT!

Also, in honor of the Texas Rangers taking over first place in the A.L. West (I have to brag about it while I can), I had to post this funny video my friend Beks posted on her Facebook page. A little background for those non baseball fans: In 2008, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton impressed the All-Star Game crowd at Yankees Stadium during the Home Run Derby by hitting 28 homeruns in the first round. That was a new record. This commercial aired on ESPN not long after that.

Happy Monday friends!

Thursday Thirteen...

I've been trying to think of a topic for my Thursday 13 post most of the day. Recently I was "tagged" in a note on Facebook where you are supposed to list 25 random facts about yourself. So, I decided to be lazy and take 13 facts from that list and post them here. So, here you go...

13 Random Facts You May (or May Not) 

Want To Know About Me

1. I am the daughter of a Heavenly King. I know I can get silly with my posts, but I wanted to be serious for a moment with this one. I am proud to say that I know and love Jesus Christ. I am grateful that He loves me and cares for me, even when I am not deserving of it!  

2. I am the great-aunt of four adorable great-nephews!! 

3. My all time favorite actor is Dick Van Dyke. I enjoy watching reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder. My favorite movie of all time is Mary Poppins.

 Mr. Dick Van Dyke

 The intro to The Dick Van Dyke Show

 4. When I was in high school, I dislocated my knee while playing soccer.

Freshman year soccer picture. Please forgive my bangs. My hair took a while recovering from the 80s.
 

5. Not counting the time when I was a baby, I didn't fly in a plane until I was 21. And I've only flown twice since then (once in 2007 and once last year).

6. My favorite dwarf from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is Dopey (yes, this explains my whole "ear obsession".)

7. I had a cat named Elvira when I was 4 years old (named after the Oak Ridge Boys song, "Elvira".)

 Me and Elvira, circa 1982ish

8. I don't like milk. Now, chocolate milk I like. And I can put milk on cereal, but I don't like the taste of regular, plain milk.

9. I own over 3,000 baseball cards. Some of them are in notebooks, some are in protective cases. I've been collecting them since I was 11.

 My baseball card collection

10. I love going to art and history museums. I've been known to plan vacations around what museums I can see in that particular town. My college roommate and I went to New Orleans for Spring Break our senior year. We spent most of the week in museums and on tours. I love having another museum "nerd" friend!! :)

11. I spend entirely too much money at Half Price Books.

12. I turn into a giddy 15 year old starstruck girl when professional baseball players shake my hand. Rangers Fanfest 2009: Josh Hamilton was in the locker room at the same time we were touring it. He made a point to shake my hand and speak to me before he left. Me and my friend Brandy were giggling like school girls for the next hour.

Giddy BFFs!

13. I'm a believer of True Love Waits.

Think Happy Thoughts...

The news has been filled with sad stories the past few weeks. I'm not going to go into them, because the focus of my post today is to list people, places and things that make me smile. Things that make me happy (and in some cases, downright giddy). Life might not be a bed of roses all the time, but there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel. ALWAYS. Life will never get so bad that the sun will refuse to come up the next morning.

First, I am happy that I have a Lord and Savior who loves me, ALL THE TIME. I'll be honest, I'm not loveable all the time, but HE is the one who, despite my mood or attitude, loves me. When the world is a dark place, HE is the light shining through. Second, I am happy that I have a big loving family. For those who know anything about my family, you know there are a lot of us (bonus points if you can match up my nieces and nephews to the correct sibling). And yes, it can be kind of intimidating when we are all together. But we love each other. We might not always get along, but we love each other. We love to talk, we love big meals and we love to hug (not always in that order!) I'm also happy and blessed that God has provided me with some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for. Why on earth ya'll put up with me, I'll never know. But thank you for doing so. XOXO!

Okay, enough being serious and all emotional, I'm wearing mascara, I don't want to get all teary eyed.

My list of some things that make me happy and make me smile (in no particular order):

1. Pugs. You can think they are ugly if you want, but I think they are adorable. I hope to one day have a pug, or two. I will name them Frank and Sammy (after Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr).

2. Baseball. Baseball season is now only 38 days away. Some friends and I got our tickets for the Rangers Opening Day this week. Shout out to my friend Stan for hooking us up with tickets before they went on sale to the general public. Wahoo!

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers

3. Laughing with friends. A friend and I went to the movies on Wednesday night. There were moments when we were both laughing so hard I thought we would be asked to leave the theater. Some of the laughing was at the movie, some of the laughing was at our commentary of the movie. "Hey look, it's Salty!!" Okay, only my friend Monica will get that one, but trust me, it was funny.

Jarrod "Salty" Saltalamacchia. Monica will get the joke.

And possibly Brandy if she has seen the movie Valentine's Day.

4. That I still smile when I see anything about Steve Avery. Before you say, who?, Steve Avery was a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves back in the 1990s. No relation to James Avery or Sean Avery (please don't ask). Yes, I even loved him during his mullet phase (thankfully it was very brief). Last night at the gym I was on the treadmill and Sportscenter was doing a segment on the Atlanta Braves. They showed footage of the 1995 World Series and Steve Avery was on the screen. I smiled.

Steve's rookie card. One of the 196 Steve Avery cards that I own.

5. That Rascal Flatts is going to be guest starring on CSI next week. My favorite band and favorite TV show, together in one. It's like this episode was made especially for me (okay, I know it wasn't, but let me think that).



6. The Dick Van Dyke Show. In case you are new to my blog, one of my favorite actors of ALL TIME is Mr. Dick Van Dyke. If I've had a bad day, or am just kinda feeling, "blah", I can put in a Dick Van Dyke Show DVD (yes, I own all five seasons) and it will turn my mood around. No matter what episode it is, or how many times I've seen it, it will make me laugh. How can you not laugh watching Rob Petrie trip over an ottoman? I'll just go ahead and admit now that I have the theme song of the show as one of my ringtones on my iPhone. There, I said it!!

7. That in some bizzare universe Tom Welling and Shemar Moore might possibly fight over me. Okay, before you think that I've gone delusional and need professional help, I haven't had a Dr Pepper today and I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night, so give me this one. But think about it ladies, wouldn't that be nice?? Go on admit it, you know you wouldn't mind them fighting over you either!!

 

Tom Welling (l) and Shemar Moore (r).

8. Blue Bell Ice Cream. I don't care what you think, it's the best ice cream EVER. In fact just the other night a pint of Dutch Chocolate Blue Bell was calling my name from my freezer. :) I didn't want to be rude, so I got up to see what it wanted. Remember when you were little and your mom made you put the ice cream in a bowl instead of eating it out of the carton? When you are 31 and single, you don't need a bowl. The pint will do just fine!

  


9. Jim Parsons. He stars on the comedy The Big Bang Theory (Monday nights on CBS). He's so adorkable! I **heart** you Jim (even though you are from Texas and mispronounced Jim Bowie's name in that one episode- I have forgiven you and moved on)!



10. Chick Fil A. I've said it before, I'll say it again, it's like manna from heaven!!

11. That Ricky Schroder is still as adorable today as he was back in 1983 when he became my official first crush. And yes, he is going by Ricky again. He was ALWAYS Ricky to me! :)

12. That I get off work at 11:30 today. I have a new schedule at work. I work 8a-5p four days a week, and then either Thursday or Friday (depending on what month, my friend Kelly and I rotate), I only work 8a-11:30a. Thank goodness for flex days!! And today I get to have lunch with my wonderful friend who always finds a way to make me smile! Muah!! XOXO!