one hundred and one things #4

#4 I always order the 6-inch turkey at Subway.

yeah, a little boring, I know...but I've always been one to stick with what I like. ;) The toppings I choose are always the same as well: spinach, tomato, pickles, green pepper, onions, and spicy mustard. The coolest thing about this is that a whole Subway meal--my sandwich, baked lays, and a diet coke--is a total of 10 Weight Watcher points. 10 points! :)

another thing I always order...Southwest Eggrolls at Chili's.

hey, predictable may be boring...but makes decision-making a whole lot easier! ;)

published!

During the middle of February, it's often difficult for me to plan ahead for the summer...much less get excited about anything that may happen during that time. But, this week I received some exciting news that will occur later this summer...

I will be a published author!!!!!

How cool is that?!? :) About a month ago I submitted an article to the Journal of Christian Nursing and I learned that they decided to print my writings on school nursing in the summer issue!!! I'm so geeked about it, I can hardly stand it! I've been writing stories, papers, and various other thoughts down on paper for years...my poor mother can attest to this as she was--and still is!--always my unofficial editor. And now, finally to have something actually printed in an official nursing journal............so cool.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the little people that helped me acheive this goal....*ahem* ;) no, seriously--my mom deserves a lot of my writing skill credit as she has always been my biggest supporter, fan, and editor-in-chief. I officially dedicate this article to her!

the park

For those of you familiar with where I live, you probably also know that one of my favorite places to be is Riverside Park. Being the very "outdoorsey" girl that I am, I love the fact that there is a small haven of nature for me to retreat to as I live in the city. A half mile down the road from me, I can find a peaceful bench to read a book or a quiet path on which to walk or even take a jog. Having lived in my house for almost 6 years now (wow!), this park has really become just an extra backyard for me.

As I made a trek down there this afternoon--I love going there year round--I reflected on all the important life moments that have happened to me in that park. Too numerous to mention, but all significant enough to know that park will forever be a part of me...

I believe it's important to have a special place to retreat to...a place to renew, refresh, find perspective on life when it's becoming unclear...

where is that place for you...?

i'm listening!

So, I believe God moves in mysterious ways...but I also believe that sometimes he speaks LOUD and CLEAR to get His message across. Well, this weekend He did that with me...

It all started innocently enough. My dad had a couple free tickets to go to a Dave Ramsey event, and asked me if I would like to join him as my mom didn't want to go. I was mildly interested as I've heard that his message is a good one about how to manage your money and become debt-free. I know my church holds the Financial Peace University, but I've never attended. I know he has authored several books, which I've never read. Honestly, I was a little nervous about attending, simply because I thought it would be boring to listen to someone speak about money for 5 hours on a Saturday afternoon...so when my dad called back to say he had acquired a couple more free tickets to go to a private luncheon with this man before the event even started, I thought, great! let's make the toturously long day even longer! But, I figured, at least I'll be spending time with my dad, which I haven't done too much of lately...so I accepted.

So, we arrived at 11:30am to discover that the luncheon was part of a Platinum ticket package in which we were able to partake in a deliciously catered meal, shake Dave Ramsey's hand, and be part of a small group (50 or so people) who had the opportunity to have a question & answer session with him. And, to my amazement, the ticket also included a free gift bag full of all of the books Dave has ever written! Then, to top it off, we got to special front row seating during the event and special catered breaks up in our very own break room with all of the other back stage pass people!

Seriously, I was feeling a bit guilty as I had barely ever heard of this guy and his message and here I was being treated to a steak dinner and sitting in the front row of his event that had over 7000 people in attendence!

Needless to say...his message is a powerful one and God used him to speak to me about an area of my life that I would rather just ignore at times. There was no mistaking the fact that I was supposed to be there that Saturday afternoon.

Then, just in case I didn't get the message...my pastor spoke on the power of money in our lives today. He not only used the same Bible verses that I heard D.R. speak yesterday, he even referred to D.R.'s message in his own sermon!

Yup, got it, Lord! There is no mistaking this one............time to cut up the credit cards and live like no one else so later I can live like no one else!

One hundred and one things #3

#3 I like Star Wars.

Okay, it's as simple as that really--but it amuses me what kind of opinions of me that statement can often bring about...so I'll clarify for those who may be concerned. :)

My dad is a fan of science fiction and being that as it may, it seemed only natural for him to make sure his children are also fans of the same. I honestly don't remember a time in my life when I did not know the words to all the Star Wars movies. I've read all the books, I've played Star Wars Trivial Pursuit and done pretty well, I even own a Star Wars version of Monopoly. I've seen all six movies in the theatre--even a couple at a midnight opening--and one in an IMAX version. I admit that I probably have a pretty unusual amount of Star Wars trivia in my head for someone my age/gender...

But, having said all that, I also want to say that I enjoy the stories for the pure entertainment value. I don't go to Star Wars conventions, I've never dressed up as one of the characters, and I don't really believe there is a "long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." Fiction stories are just that--fiction. It really is just a fun story.

So, does anyone know how many people fall into the sand pit monster on Tatooine? ;)

lap dog?!

I love this picture...it reminds me of what the phrase "stress-free" should really be like. :)

I would like to introduce you to Jason's dog, Harley. He is a 6 year old, 130 pound American Bulldog who thinks he is a lap dog. He probably has the strength to knock over tall men, yet one of his favorite things to do is cuddle on the couch--even better if there is a blanket to cover him. He loves any toy that squeaks, chasing squirrels up trees, and playing tug-of-war. He'll rumble with the best of anyone who wants to wrestle--yet, I've seen him lick the head of a small baby. He believes it is his mission in life to tear out the stuffing of his toys, yet he loves his pillow bed.

Funny story--and I won't be ashamed to admit it!--but we recently bought Harley a coat and boots for his winter jaunts in the outdoors. For being such a large dog, he really doesn't have a very thick coat of hair--so even though he loves the snow, he would be ready to go back inside much too quickly for our tastes. The first time we dressed him up, I was laughing so hard that I was crying! But, after a couple of runs with it in this very wintery winter, he absolutely loves his new snow gear. He even was complemented on his boots by one of the neighbors down the road!

Dogs really do make me smile. :)

valentine's challenge

so I received my valentine's day present last night...and I have to say, by the end of receiving it...I teared up. Jason took me to see the opera version of Romeo & Juliet. It was definitely a moving experience. The entire thing was sung in French (english subtitles were shown), but just the passion and the emotion in the characters' singing and portrayal of such a tragic love story literally had me in tears at the end.

why is it that we've moved away from such passion and depth of emotion in relationships today? With the divorce rates higher than ever before and the number of single people now higher than the number of married people in the US--it saddens me to think of how few people probably ever get to experience the depth of love that Romeo & Juliet shared.

some may say I sound rather cynical, and perhaps I am...and don't get me wrong, I know this is a fictional story (blah...blah...), but I still think it could present just a small challenge to all of you who love someone: when was the last time you were passionate about the love of your life? ;)

birth order

I've always been fascinated by birth order and how this plays into a person's personality and view on life. By birth, I technically am the oldest in my family; I was born 4 years before my brother. But, in reality, I was an only child for the first 6 years of my life as my brother is adopted and became a member of our family when he was 2 years old.

I found this website that gives the most concise description of birth order.

For me personally, I see many of the first born tendencies within myself. I took this fun little quiz that revealed the following about me:

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them.
In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

I often will joke with my parents that I'm thankful for their decision to adopt my brother. (gee, thanks, mom & dad for giving me a little brother!!) Seriously though, I am thankful I have a brother. The sibling relationship is one that is unmatched in any other human interaction. One of my only child friends commented one time how surprising it was to hear comments made by one sibling to another that only a sibling could possibly get away with saying. It seemed an odd comment to hear, but then I began thinking about how true that statement really is...think about it (for those of you with a brother or sister)--has there ever been a time that you said something to your sibling but would never dare say to anyone else? The relationship shapes and molds you in such a way that no other relationship could. From a young age, you learn how to deal with emotions like jealousy & competition, protection & defense, but then let's not forget compromise & teamwork! :)

My parents come from larger families--my dad the second of five, but the oldest boy--my mom the second of four, but the oldest girl. I thought how birth order affected me was interesting until I started reading up on how it affects children in larger families. And then, not only does birth order affect you & your siblings, but it plays a part in your marriage relationship as well! For instance, two oldests will probably have a more volatile relationship (both struggle for leadership), whereas two middle children may have a relationship where neither wants to argue or disagree because both tend to be peacemakers. Ideally, opposites should marry: a first with a middle or youngest, or middle with a youngest, etc....and onlys? Well, I suppose who ever gets stuck with them should be pretty flexible about getting their own way... ;)

But, having said all that...I will conclude that birth order is not the only thing that should be taken into account when choosing a mate or even determining how someone will react in a certain situation or relationship. It is all just a fascinating look at life and how we all move through it! :)

snow day thoughts #2

I almost embarassed to say it...but I have another snow day! As if the one wasn't gift enough, I got another one! Therefore, I'm trying hard to get something actually accomplished today--besides the half-hour nap on the couch... ;)

Today I had a conversation with a fellow co-worker at the gym (she too on a snow day). We began talking about passions in life. What is your passion? What is it you feel God calling you to do with your life? I have to say, I always have had an answer to this question. Without hesitation I could always answer school nursing: working with kids and their families to promote their health and well-beings. But this school year has been a struggle for me. My role as a school nurse has become more managerial and less hands-on with kids. And now with the possibility of a promotion to even a higher management level in school nursing, I suddenly am at a crossroads of what to do with my life. Is my passion changing? Is God calling me to stretch myself or simply stay put? I know I still am helping kids, but I really miss the one-on-one contact I had with them.

There have been many times in my life when I wish God would speak to me through a simple letter in the mail.
Dear Rachel,
Currently I am doing (blank) in your life. It may be a bumpy ride right now, but rest assured we will end up (blank) in the end. The following is an itinerary of what steps I will be taking to get you where you need to be in the end...
--GOD
yeah, I know it doesn't happen like that, but wouldn't that be awesome? :)

well, just more thoughts on a snowy winter day. I do know, from 30 years experience, that God will give me direction. He has never failed to provide a roadmap for me in the past, so as long as I pack my compass--I know I'll always be on the right path.

snow day thoughts

there are definitely some perks to working in a school...the best one being SNOW DAYS! I decided that these days are just a little present--a gift, if you will, for a free day to with whatever you choose. And, no matter what you decide to do with it--you haven't lost a thing because it was a freebie! Therefore, my two hour nap this afternoon was the biggest accomplishment of my day... :) No, I did go to the gym prior to that--so my day wasn't a complete farce.

I also had some time to reflect on the significance of February 4 in my life. I always find a sense of wonder when I look back at past events in my life...how God weaves things together in ways I never thought possible. But, this particular day has some significance that only those who are closest to me will fully understand. Two years ago, on February 4, 2005, I "adopted" a new boy into my life. A little fuzzy, furball of a puppy whom I named Walker. I had never had a dog, so being that it was a step of faith for me, his name was derived from Peter (in the Bible) whom had walked on the water in a step of faith. I found his presence in my life to be a treasure of a learning experiences--both good and bad--but all preparing me (I knew!) for something interesting.


Then on February 4, 2006, I met the man that I do believe I will marry. Another year of learning experiences--and you can call me crazy for saying this--but all experiences I'm sure I probably would have dealt with differently if I had not had Walker in my life. During these two years, I have learned so much about no longer being just an I--but a We. I was always the first to admit that I'm a pretty independent person; but things change--and change is not a bad thing. I love having someone else in my life; someone to be real with, to laugh with, to cry with, to experience whatever God hands your way with, to forgive and be forgiven, and to love unconditionally.


Anyway, life is an interesting thing........February 4, 2007 didn't bring a whole lot of significant changes in my life--but I don't doubt in the least that God will continue to amaze me with his timing and perfect plan!


***I should note here that Walker is no longer part of my life. It's a sad story, one I still can't always share without choking up a bit, but I can tell you he is in a better place--as I do believe that all dogs really do go to heaven!

One hundred and one things #2

#2 I collect children's books

It's a funny thing because I really didn't realize this about myself until Jason asked me one time if I collected anything. No, I replied, I don't collect anything....well, then he caught me this summer. We were in a bookstore and there I was in my natural state of gravitation to the children's book section. I inevitiably end up there in any bookstore--and yes, pretty much always walk away with another book for my shelf. I admit it! I do have a collection--children's books. I could give a full listing of my library, but I won't bore you with those details. Although, in case you're interested in seeing what is so fun about children's books, I will give you one title to start with: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Start with that one and you'll see why I can't stop reading them... :)