Burnt Out

I am completely burnt out right now. Burnt out and numb. Every once in a while I get in these funks. I have no idea why I have them or where they come from but trying to shake it off is a harder then I thought. It's hard to explain exactly how I feel. Maybe lack of motivation? Life just seems to be passing me by, and I really don't care. All I do is...

wake up
drive to work
work
drive home
drive to school
learn
drive home from school
sleep
and repeat.

I do actions and don't even know I'm doing them. I will be driving in the car day dreaming about something and then I snap back into reality and realize I've driven probably five miles and have no idea how I switched lanes or got to where I am at. I also can't remember what I was just previously day dreaming about.

What's going on here? I'm being a horrible friend, horrible sister, horrible daughter, and especially a horrible girlfriend. I've seen Brandon twice in an entire week (granted I was gone for four days in Las Vegas). Who DOES that? What kind of girlfriend almost falls off the face of the earth? I know that my lack of conversation skills makes people worried about me, but I have nothing to talk about. I don't even know what I day dream about that keeps me so occupied all the time.

Has ANYONE else felt this way?

I was told from an amazing sociologist once that you can never be two things at once. For example - you can't be a mother and a wife at the exact time. You have to separate them and consciously think about switching from one to another. I think I'm just stuck being "student" and "work" Rachel. So thats about where I am at right now. I'm hoping this weekend can give me the right shove I need to get on track and be happy fun loving Rachel.

Time will tell.

Pop Quiz

While the boys at work are off playing golf for the day, I am here bored. So when in doubt, take silly quizzes online and laugh at the results...

What type of guy do I attract? (This is actually very accurate - freaks me out a little)

How perverted am I? (HAHA! Of course I am an angel)

What SCRUBS character am I? (I am a lot like JD, I also always talk to myself in my head...and easily day dream)

What is my perfect engagement ring? (I LOVE this ring! Screw the regular diamond and band)

Which Disney's princess am I? (Oh, I could only wish I could live the life as Belle)

How well do I know men? (Yep, lived with them my entire life - they are not as complicated as us women like to think)

Why will I go to jail? (No comment...)

What kind of shoes should I wear? (PINK PUMPS! THEY KNOW ME!)

Alright, alright, I'll get back to work...

How Rude!

I have a tendency to offend people...

shocker, I know.

This has really gotten me to start thinking about it. I have my opinions, and so do you. Even if we don't agree on a subject, can't we be friends? I have to laugh every time someone tells me that they read my blog and was "upset" over something I wrote.

First of all - Why are you taking time out of your precious life to read my blog if you don't like what I say?

Second - I don't plan what I write. Thats the beauty of this blog. I write how I feel at the time, I swear (Yeah, sometimes I even say shit... the horror!), I make fun of things, most importantly though I am always myself.

I make mistakes and say dumb things, but I don't want to feel like I have to sensor myself for anyone. I love reading blogs where people are honest and speak from their heart - even if I don't agree with what they are saying or not. I know people who "secretly" read this blog and then turn around and tell my other friends and family members about it. I started to get nervous about it and did think about going private. Then I thought to myself...

My views are hilarious (ok - maybe I'm the only one who thinks that), and I have done nothing to be ashamed of.

So fellow bloggers look forward to more questionable content, because I am a horrible person.

The End.

Sin City

Day one: Thursday

I made it to the airport and through security with ease. I decided to be brave and sit next to the window. Little did I know how high up we were REALLY going to be. As we took off I watched the world get smaller and smaller. My friends next to me got a good laugh when I ended up closing the window for a few moments. Eventually I got over my fear and looked out the window the entire time


Finally arriving in Las Vegas - I wasted no time in getting out on the strip before starting up work. My friends Terie, Alaina, and myself took the monorail to the MGM Grand for some shopping. Little did we know at the time, but our destination was entirely on the other side of the strip.

...so we walked, and walked, and walked. I ended being freaked out walking pass the M&M factory by a GIANT Blue M&M (only in Vegas). We also found some strange shops...


After two hours of some major walking (IN flip-flops I might add) we made it to the Fashion Show Mall. Over and over again my friends kept saying...

"Rachel... you got some serious sun, are you ok?"

"Yeah! Yeah! I'm fine! I don't know what your guys deal is."

Once I got a chance to look at my face I knew why they were so concerned. It was the color of a very bright red lobster. I am glad they had a good laugh over it though.


After my feet were SCREAMING at me to stop walking we went back to the hotel. I spent that night setting up for the XanGo store to open the next day. After that I headed back onto the strip at night with Jen, Redis, and Mark. I'm not really one to gamble but I did it anyway playing Roulette.

and guess what?

I won $130 bucks!



To be honest I don't remember much else about that night except for when I came home my foot looked like this...

(Keep in mind this is only after ONE day of being in Vegas)

That my friends is a huge blister that kept my feet hurting until I wanted to pass out. Needless to say, I called it a night

Day Two: Friday

I was up and ready by 11 to start working the XanGo convention. This year I was a cashier. Although it is always very busy, you get an opportunity to talk to people and feel the energy they have. This is their life - and they are so glad for everything we do, even if to us it seems so small. Here are some pictures of the store.


We worked all day Friday, when I was able to have some free time all of my friends wanted to go out again, I stuck to my guns and said no. I need a day to recover. My feet were throbbing.

Day Three: Saturday

Woke up at the butt crack of dawn (6am) to get back to work. It really was the same old song and dance. We worked until the store closed and took everything down and finished around 3:30 or so leaving us the rest of the night to do as we pleased before flying back Sunday. I tried to take a nap but ended up just laying around. Finally Redis gave me a call and told me to get out of bed. Jen, Redis, and I went out once again to the strip.

On a side note - thank GOODNESS for Jen! She made numerous trips for me to get me things such as cherry coke, ice cream, and letting me use her pillows to prop up my feet. I know I know...it's a hard life. But I was REALLY hurting!


I told Redis and Jen about this great cafe in the Paris hotel, we spent a good amount of time having good food and good company which is what matters most to me.



The rest of the night was filled with silly-ness. We walked to the Bellagio hotel to see the fountains, gamble and see the flowers.





We went back to the Paris because I wanted to get one a souvenir cup. Lets just say that drink got the best of me - in all the wrong ways.



Day Four: Sunday

I woke up to Jen saying "RACHEL! IT'S 6:50!"

I jumped out of bed in horror. We were supposed to be in the lobby at 7 to catch a plane home. You would have laughed had you seen Jen and I running around the hotel throwing things in a suitcase and running to the bus - only to make it just in the nick of time.

Going through security wasn't so easy this time - I was searched...for a while. I even had other co-workers afterwards asked what happened because I was in that glass box forever. Why oh WHY are you put in a glass box to be searched? How awkward! I then spent the rest of the day sleeping, showering, and recuperating for a blast of a weekend.

Even today I am so tired with little brain activity happening. Las Vegas got the best of me - I will however be back with a vengeance to someday leave that town without feeling wrecked.



For your viewing pleasure...

Secret Sunday

This weeks secret -

In Las Vegas this last weekend, I smoked five cigarettes when I have NEVER really smoked in my life. I'm also not ashamed of it. I wouldn't change a thing about that weekend.

** More Vegas stories coming soon.

A little of this... a little of that...

Here are more random things on my mind...

First of all - today is Earth day. I am no green freak but do try and do my part to not trash this beautiful place. I am excited because after work today I am going to see the movie Earth by Disney.


I've been wanting to watch this for a while now. Anyone who really knows me knows that I can sit and watch any type of earth/animal/space documentary. Discovery channel, Animal Planet, and National Geographic always have my full attention. Also, hello it's about three animal families... this movie was made for nerds like me. How great is it to learn about where you are? Remind yourself there is far more to life then what you see and hear every day. Also within this week every ticket sold Disney will plant a tree. So really - I'm entertaining myself AND giving a tree a place to live. What a good citizen I am.

I am also packing tonight for my Las Vegas flight tomorrow. I will not lie, I am nervous about it. I seem to work myself up all the time with things like this. It's so silly. I know it should be pretty simple. I go get my ticket, check in my bag, go through security and hop on a plane! However a little part of my head doesn't believe it to be easy. I seem to have some strange luck. If something goes wrong or has a possibility to become awkward I am somehow involved. I hate the feeling of being lost or looking lost. If anyone has the handbook of knowledge for all of these grown-up activities please help a sista out and pass it along! I don't fly very often. My dad saw me this morning and asked why I am nervous and I told him the last time I was on a plane was with him.

"What? That was back in 2001 or so."

"...I know! It's been a long time."

"Are you sure you haven't been on one since then? Not even to South Carolina?"

"Nope, last time I was in South Carolina I was ten."

(long pause)

"Well, you really need to get more of a life then."

Thanks Dad for the ongoing great advice. I'm sure things will be fine I just need to keep my mind off of it. Thus the reason why I am going to the movie tonight.

I also have mentioned my mom is home and is doing better it seems. Very slowly, but better. A lot of stress was off my shoulders when I saw her this weekend and knew she was getting better. We chatted and talked for a long time, and laughed of course. She was so sweet too. I was in the kitchen doing some homework while my mom and dad were outside enjoying the nice weather when I heard my mom call my name.

"Yeah mom?"

"Come outside with us."

"...ok, I have to get this homework done then I will come outside."

"Well then bring your homework outside!"

Ha ha. Why didn't I think of that? Lets see here what else can I ramble on about? School is going well - better then last week at least. I didn't fail any of my quizzes this week and I have my homework done that is due next week. I don't want to come home from Vegas only to worry about school. Gross!

Alright, I am done waisting your time now. Have a fabulous weekend! I'll see you when I return.

The Tunnels

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to go with some friends and check some of the unknown graffiti places in Salt Lake. I personally love graffiti, I do believe it is art. I don't know many people who can create things like they can. I wish we had more legal walls for them to show their art. Until then they will continue to be in places like The Tunnels.




















Not only can you see their artwork but learn odd things as well...














I must go back one of these days. You never know what you will find down there.

The I Do's & I Don'ts

Spring is here, and you know what that means...

WEDDINGS!

Oh my favorite time of the year. I'm always amazed and amused of all the ideas and presentations of people's weddings. For all you future brides-to-be out there, take my advice and don't make these avoidable mistakes.

DO NOT have your wedding reception at the church's basketball court!

I would love to concentrate on you and your lovely wedding dress, but I can't get past the urge to hike up my skirt and shoot some hoops! It is one of my most hated mistakes people make. I know it is cheap but, I would rather be in your parents 4x4 backyard in 40 degree weather then watching you take your wedding pictures in a gymnasium.

Do find somewhere outside for the reception.

If your guests are feeling good and comfortable - you will be too. I will leave it at that.

DO NOT have horrible bridesmaids dresses

I will never forgive you for putting me in a dress like that, or making me look at a dress like that. Also you don't want a train wreck happening down your aisle.

DO have mismatch bridesmaids dresses

I love the idea of shaking it up a little bit. Having three different styles of dresses but in the same color. Lets face it, every girl has their own style and what they are comfortable in. Let them be them (as much as possible anyway).

DO NOT have a redneck cake

EWWW! Please do not make us eat your green frosted cake. Save it for the bachelor party.

DO have a unique looking cake

These are all great and don't give the scrunched-up-ugly-face when first seen. You can still make your wedding cake different without the shock factor.

DO NOT have grotesque decor

GAH! Do I really have to say anymore? These pictures say it all!

DO have simple eye catching decor

I love the idea with the Polaroids. I've also seen photo booths where people can walk in and take pictures of themselves and put it in a wedding book for the happy couple. It gives us all something to do - and for you to enjoy forever and always.

Finally, last but not least...

DO NOT wear a revealing dress

Don't you want some class and respect on your wedding day? Even if people don't think that about you otherwise? This is your time to shine. I don't care if you have a body like Gisele Bundchen, keep it for your new husband. The rest of us will manage.

DO have a timeless wedding dress

Like I said, this is your day, the one you've been dreaming about - look fabulous! You don't need a lot of poof, sparkles, or tiaras to do the job. Pick a dress that makes you shine - don't pick a dress because it shines.

Alright fellow women. Good luck out there! Take my advice to heart - it can't hurt.

And who knows, maybe I am a bitter single woman who really has no idea what the hell she is talking about.

...thats ok too.