Katrina

Remember to pray for the people on the Northern Gulf Coast. I think that it is too early in the century to call it the storm of the century....but it looks bad!
Beach Day
I can't tell you how much I love the beach. It is the best part about living here! I don't know if it is because I live inland for most of my life but it is awesome. I also learned that the beach is really cool when a storm is in the Atlantic. The hurricane went through south Florida but we had some awesome waves!!! Too cool....of course it also brought in the sharks....but that increases the adventure aspect! Rachel and I went down to the beach played in the water even though it was raining some....we were going to be wet anyway....and it was just rain....no storms.
After leaving the ocean, we went and ate at Olive Garden (did you really think it would be anywhere else???). We then went and played a few games of mini-golf and ended the day at the mall.
It was a good day! Compared to today - it was a great day. Cleaning is on today's agenda.
Hope you have a good one!
You'll never believe this!!!!

Like I said in the earlier post, Deb and I went to the movies tonight. We went to see
The 40 Year Old Virgin which is rated R. I walked up to the window and asked for two tickets. The cashier looked right at me and said "can I see your ID?" I know I had a baffled look on my face. I said "really, my ID?" She asked how old I was. I said 26. She replied "well you just look really young". I thanked her profusely!!!!!
Wow! That means I look younger than 18!!! Awesome!!!!!!
I'm not a prude...but this is ridiculous!
Just a rant....
Deb and I went out to watch a movie tonight. We went to see
The 40 Year Old Virgin. The movie looked to be humuorous and admittedly it did have its funny moments. However, the amount of cursing in that movie was ridiculous. As I said in the title, I am not a prude. I am around people who curse on a daily basis and truth be known I probably have said a curse word here or there but this movie would have been just as funny (if not more so) if every other word wasn't a curse word.
E-harmony
This is what E-harmony says about me:
By analyzing your answers to the Relationship Questionnaire we have created the following Personality Profile. Everyone has a set of subconscious wants and desires that drive their choices and attitudes. By asking you questions about a wide range of emotional issues, this report has established general patterns in your values.Some of the following information may seem inaccurate or incomplete. Remember, that this profile is a snapshot of your personality at a specific moment. It is not intended as an in-depth analysis of your complete being, but as a tool to aid in self-discovery.
-You may be well thought of because you rarely antagonize others or rarely want the spotlight.
-When treated fairly, you can be sound and stable and seen as a dedicated and devoted individual.
-You hesitate to say no and will seldom, if ever, attack.
-When meeting new people, you may be rather unassuming and mild mannered.
-You will be cooperative and easygoing in social groups and family events, because of an inherent need not to make waves or cause hostility.
-You are rather quiet and modest.
-You tend not to show assertiveness and are never domineering or egocentric.
-You prefer others to be in the spotlight rather than yourself.
-You become most comfortable in situations when the best offense is a good defense.
-You seldom act aggressively towards others, but will demonstrate a passive resistance from time to time.
Each person has a unique way of communicating. We use a combination of body language, facial expression, verbal tone and word choice to share ourselves with others. The following statements offer a look at the natural behavior you bring to an interpersonal relationship.
-Your style shows you to be a much better listener than many other styles. You will listen carefully and attend to what others say. People who are talkative by nature may seek you out because of the natural audience you provide.
-You would most likely not consider yourself an extremist on various issues, or in socializing with others. You do not need to be the center of attention like others, and in fact may feel rather uncomfortable when in the limelight.
-You generally communicate with others in a mild-mannered way. You do not like to make waves and create disharmony. As a result, you may defer your own ideas to those of others.
-Because of a need to avoid confrontation, you may not express an opinion. As a result, you may go along with others, even if you disagree with the activity, sacrificing your own self-interests to accommodate others. -In some new situations you may become somewhat unsure because of your need to feel secure in most activities. You will warm up to the new people or event in your own time.
Following are some of the specific strengths and/or personal characteristics that you bring to a relationship. These may form the foundations of many of your friendships and dealings with other people. Some will seem obvious, but you may be surprised by others. Take a moment to reflect on each and consider what role it may have played in your past successes, and even failures.
-You tend to bring feelings of security and stability to a relationship.
-You take pride in being very loyal to friends and family.
-You are good at helping others to reach their goals.
-You are generally very patient with people.
-You are excellent at listening to the concerns and ideas of others.
-You are a dependable and caring partner.
-You are good at reconciling (i.e. you don't like to sulk after a conflict is resolved).
-You like to gather facts and think things over before offering a strong opinion.
-You are excellent at listening to your partner.
-You are very supportive of other people.
-You tend to be a very calming influence in heated situations.
For the most part, I think this is accurate....hmm....
Admission
So I am thinking about trying the e-harmony thing. I can't belive I am thinking about it. One of the questions on the personality profile is this:
"Other than your parents, who has been the most influential in your life and why?"
This was my response:
I have know my best friend for eight years now. We have been together through the good and bad times and have made each other stronger. We live 1300 miles apart now but are as good of friends as ever. It is great to have someone who makes you a better person just by knowing them.
It went well!!!!
Second interview next week!!!!
Slacker or Conversationalist????
I have been accused of being a slacker by presenting several one-liner questions over the past several weeks (see the comments section of the previous post). I think the questions have led to some good discussions...but I guess it is time to catch you up on my life (because I know that is what you guys live for...lol).
Late last week I found out that I had an interview for a management position with the company I work for. Our company requires you to have a form signed by your current manager before starting the interview process. I worried all weekend about telling my current manager because I absolutely love my current job and didn't want her to think that I am looking for a way out. I got to talk to her yesterday and she was great. She didn't know if this job would be the best thing for me but she was going to talk to some people and find out what other opportunities there might be for me. She was great!!! I really value and respect her opinion, so I may not take this job if offered. It is difficult sometimes trying to figure out what the best career move is. I will pray about it and will be given the answer I am sure!
I had a good weekend. I went bowling with Stacy, Michelle and families on Saturday. On Sunday, I met my friend Kristy in Columbia for lunch at Red Lobster and a movie. We saw Wedding Crashers! It was great. It was the funniest movie I have seen in a long time!!!
Well, that is about it. Pray for me at noon today...that is the time for my interview!
Happy Tuesday!
Someone asked me...
What my favorite movie of all time was....and I don't really know.
What is your favorite movie of all time???
Big Brother Rocks!

Did you watch Big Brother tonight??? Awesome!!!! I have been watching for the past three seasons and this was the most action packed episode yet!!!! Wow!!!!
Come on Rachel....you can do it!!!!
Friendship
I have seen this article several times and have come to realize that I think it must be true. I don't know who the author is but I have left the copyright of the website that I used to find it. Thank you to all of those who have allowed me to be their friend! Let me know your thoughts....
Why People Come Into Your Life
A perspective on relationships.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met,our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant..
Copyright © Info-PRO 2003. All rights reserved.
A week later....
...and six pounds lighter!!!!
Hypothetical Week 4

If you could have one wish granted, what would it be and why??
Thanks to Chel for this cool question! I will have to think about my answer and add it to the comments section!
Some of my friends wanted to visit family....

So we went to the zoo!!! I went to the zoo yesterday with Stacy and Shorty and two of their kids and Michelle and her daughter Abby. We had a great time!!
I had missed getting to see the penguins last time we were there and they are my favorite!! To tell you the truth, I don't think that I had ever seen penguins before. Very cool.....even the ones who kept staring at the back wall...looked like they were doped up...staring at the wall.
We had a great time! At the very end though, I was a party pooper. It was very hot...and it got to me.....my stomach cramped up and we had to go. I got some meds on the way home and began to feel better,
When I got home, I had planned to go to bed. My friends were painting our kitchen so I pitched in...and then I decided we should reorganize the cabinets...so it turned into a late night project...but it looks great so it was well worth it!!!
A New Day....A New Diet!
I hate diets! Up until recently, I never had to worry with them!!!! It sucks getting old! I started Monday. I thought with the summer drawing to a close...it is time.
As most of you know, I did really well at the end of last year and lost 20 lbs. It was great. I was exercising and things were going well....and then it hit. I got a new job in January and as is the case with most new jobs...I was not comfortable right away...and when I am stressed I eat and sleep. So I of course have now gained all the weight back.
Well, I am upset that the pants I bought in the early part of the year do not fit....and I refuse to buy new ones...so I am back on the low calorie and exercise diet. The good thing about my metabolism is that after I lose the weight, I can eat normally provided I continue to exercise (which I hate...it is not fun for me)....so this time I will have to continue to exercise!
My goal is to lose about 20 lbs before October 20th. Why October 20th...I am meeting Shan in Dallas for her birthday present...we are going to watch Wicked! I can't wait. We are also staying with Stacy....we always have a great time together. I really want to be able to wear the pants I bought early this year....so that is my goal....the goal that follows that is to keep exercising and keep the weight off....because diets suck!!
I tell you this not because you care...but because if I make it public knowledge...then maybe that will give me the motivation I need to follow through.
A Lot Can Happen In A Few Days!
Happy Wednesday!!!!I can't believe it is the middle of the week all ready! Let me play catch up for a few moments...I made it to Charlotte on Friday and we had dinner at my favorite restaurant...On The Border...it was wonderful!!! On Saturday, Chelsea and I went to Carowinds for the day! We had a blast. Chelsea rode her first double loop roller coaster. We rode about six coasters, visited the water park, and rode many other rides! It was great. We followed that up by swimming at the hotel, Chilis for dinner, and putt putt that evening. Yes, I lost...I will admit it...though I hate to lose. It was an off night. Though I did get a hole in one on the eighteenth hole....now you're impressed...go ahead....admit it!!On Sunday, I dropped Lisa and Chel off at the airport....I am still sad!!!! I went back to the hotel and slept a few more hours before Deb and I went to pick up Chloe. We found a cool mall and ate at The Cheesecake Factory...but Chloe wasn't in the mood to shop and Deb and I were tired so we started on the trek home! Went to bed early that night!!!Summer is drawing to a close....back to the daily grind!! It has been a great summer! Too bad it has to come to an end...more to come!
Hypothetical Conundrum - Week 3
Last night's post has spawned this weeks hypothetical question...If you could be on any reality show which one would it be and why...I would have to choose Big Brother. What a great game of strategy!! How great would it be to completely forget about life for three months and play a game!! I better win though...most of you know how much I hate to lose!!!
A night of reality!

Catch up time! Deb and Chel went up to meet Lisa at the airport! I had the evening to myself. I know you must be thinking...I bet he had some exciting plans!!
Well, I definitely had plans!! I started the evening with a trip to the car wash! Washed and cleaned out the car. Followed that up with a trip to Wal-Mart for groceries. Then off to the gas station. Finished the evening activities by doing laundry. What a night! This blog is great reading, huh?
I am getting ready for bed by catching up on Big Brother. I have five episodes to catch up on. I am on the third of the five. Man, I love this show! This is reality!!!!
Prayer Please
Please pray for Shannon and her family. Her Grandpa passed away this morning. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Please also pray for safe travel as Shan and her immediate family are traveling to Indiana.
To the Peters' Family - If you need anything, please let me know. I love you guys!!!
This week


I promise that after this week everything should slow down and I should be able to get back to posting regularly!! Do you see what time I am posting??? I would usually turn into a pumpkin by now!!!
Tracey and Chloe came down on Monday. We have had a great time! We had pizza and played cards on Monday. Last night we went to the mall and had ice cream at home. More than anything, we enjoyed each other's company. Tonight, Chelsea and I went to Florence to go bowling (because the Hartsville Bowling Alley is not open on Wednesday and Thursday - Can you believe that??). I bowled the best games of my life!! I broke 100 both times. I even had 4 strikes in one game!!! Chelsea did not believe that I am a horrible bowler. I told her to ask my brother and sister-in-law...they can verify!!!
Lisa comes back tomorrow so we are off to Charlotte for the weekend....more to come!!!