new name

So, yesterday someone apologized because they hadn’t changed my last name on a document. It made me realize that I think I’m not fully used to this new last name of mine. I don’t even have a second thought when I see my full maiden name in print, and when I see my “new” full married name, I still kind of do a double-take and honestly think—wait—who is that again? Oh—it’s me!! :)

Silly, but when you’ve had one name for 30 years of your life, it’s kind of an adjustment to get used to the new one. When we got married, I wasn’t sure if I was going to change it. Jason had no opinion really, and everyone in my professional life knew me best by my maiden name. Options I considered were either keeping my maiden name in the profession realm only, or even possibly the whole hyphenated last name thing. It wasn’t until I was sitting in the secretary of state office that I made my final decision: to change it to VanDenBrink. I knew I had to do it for myself—hanging on to name for sentimental reasons would not have been good for me.

I really loved my last name, it was very unique with very few people actually able to claim that name in the United States. I could “hide” my Dutch heritage behind the name as well—being that it came from across the border of Germany. :) Sure, I always had to spell it for everyone, but I was used to it. Interestingly enough, I still have to spell my last name! It surprises me how apparently difficult it is to spell VanDenBrink; and evidently, not everyone who has the last name capitalizes the V, the D, and the B. What’s up with that?

So, there you have it. A brand, spanking new, Dutch last name, that is looong, AND difficult to spell. Someday I’m sure I’ll appreciate the upgrade. ;) I’m kidding of course; adjusting to this new life path has been amazing!

newest pastime

Okay—I admit it. I am hooked on Facebook. (or “myface” as my mother calls it…) I went on it simply because some friends of mine at church were talking about it, only to find out that not only are they on it, but so are a lot of other people from my past and present! My brother even welcomed me to the 21st century… ;)

I was a little hesitant at first because my previous experiences with internet—you never post your last name or any other identifying information. Come to find out that on facebook, it’s actually best to put your entire name so people can find you! Go figure. So, not only do I have my full name (including maiden name) posted, but a link to this blog too—so I suppose the whole world can now know what Rachel is thinking…

favorite musical

I had the privilege of seeing one of my most favorite musicals today…Jesus Christ Superstar. It was the third time I had seen this program, and I’m to a point that I can actually sing along with the performers. I’m not sure what draws me exactly to loving this musical as it always disappoints me at the end that they leave Jesus dead on the cross. It never surprises me, but it always disappoints me.
I know this musical stirred up a lot of controversy when it first came out—and still probably does. But, if it draws people to find out more about this man named Jesus, then it has done a service for the kingdom of his Heavenly Father.

happy birthday to me!

Happy birthday to me!!! I’m officially 30 today. I’ve decided that it shall be a day of great celebration and not mourning. There are days I feel really young, and days I feel really old—but overall, I’m excited to be in my 30s.

I celebrated this past weekend with my closest friends. We all rented a beautiful cottage at Crystal Mountain resort in northern Michigan. And, it was there that I tried downhill skiing for the first time in my life. It was the scariest, most nerve racking, yet thrilling experience I have done in a long time. But, the point is, I DID IT! I kept thinking: “I’m skiing! I’m actually skiing!” I did stick to the easy hills and only fell twice the whole afternoon—however, I honestly can say I was (and am!) extremely proud of myself.

I cannot wait to see what this year holds for me. I feel like I can take on whole new life challenges now that my first digit is a three. ;)

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...?

ABC's of me

okay, Amy tagged me again--here is more about me... :)

A- Available or married? I’m not available anymore as I’ve been dating someone for almost a year now---but marriage hasn’t quite happened yet either…

B- Best Friend? Ann, Shari Lynn, and Emily—all three girls are extremely important to me. But I have several close friends—all over the US now!

C- Cake or Pie? Pumpkin pie with lots of cool whip.

D- Drink of Choice? Diet Coke

E - Essential Item? my calendar!

F- Favorite Color? blue

G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Bears, for sure.

H- Hometown? Born and raised in Grand Rapids

I- Indulgence? Ice cream

J- January or February? January—not quite depressed with winter blahs yet

K- Kids & names? No kids of my own—but my “nephew” William will always be the boy of my heart.

L- Life is incomplete without? A camera to take pictures of specials times with friends & family

M- Marriage Date? Soon???? ;)

N- Number of Siblings? One younger brother, James

O- Oranges or apples? Apples

P- Phobias/Fears? Sometimes afraid of heights (depending on the situation); I’m also not a big fan of flying—although that’s not really a fear...

Q-Favorite Quote? “Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around wondering about yourself."--Katherine Hepburn

R- Reason to Smile? Being with friends--& always Jason :)

S- Season? Summer & Fall

T- Tag three people! No one I know has a blog to tag this too—unless my brother wants to do it, but I highly doubt that…

U- Unknown fact about me: I once took classes to become a foster parent.

W- Worst habit? I’m a super bad procrastinator.

Y- Your favorite food? Pizza!!

Z- Zodiac? Pisces—I’m supposed to be artistic & sensitive…

interesting facts

My friend Amy posted a "tag" stating that I had to answer the following questions...just some interesting stuff about me, myself, and I!


1. What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (two sentences max)
I love being a camp nurse. The combination of working with kids and being outside as much as possible is perfect!

2. Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max)
I ran 3 miles a day at least four days a week—I want to be back in that groove.

3. Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (one sentence max)
I would like to learn how to downhill ski.

4. What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max)
I would like to be better at playing the piano and I would like to be a better student. Both require greater amounts of discipline of which I often struggle with.

5. If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max)
I would think that maybe someone like Dr. Phil could help me become more disciplined… ;)

6. What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?
Compassionate, faithful, reliable

7. Now list two more words you wish described you…
Brave, confident

8. What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes– three sentences max)
I’m passionate about my family & friends and their lives; I’m passionate about my job as a school nurse and working to better the lives of children; and I’m passionate about my faith and how it plays a part in all aspects of my life.

9. Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max)
What is the one place in the world you would like to travel to? I would love to visit New Zealand someday…if Alaska is a mere taste of what NZ is—I’m already drooling! :)

a new year

i've decided that blogging is going to be fun...mostly because i enjoy writing and getting my thoughts down on paper. i have a goal this year to learn new things--and look! i've already learned one in less than 10 days. 2007 is off to a good start!

hmmm, what next? :)

first time for everything!

there is definitely a first time for everything as i learn how to navigate the waters of internet "blogging"...but, as my 30th year looms ahead of me, i boldy declare that i'm always up for learning something new!

*cheers!* to 2007!!!