Summer Lovin'

Here is the 411 on my last weekend.

Friday:

KaraLee, Ryan, Trent, Brandon and myself went to the Lehi Rodeo Roundup. I can proudly say in the last fifteen years I've never missed it. I love the cowboys and animals. Before we knew it the sky was looking like this...


I thought the rain Gods would give us a break, I was so wrong. It poured for over a good half an hour. I tried to stay under an umbrella as much as I could, although I still ended up looking like a drowned rat.


It didn't matter though. We still had a blast.







Saturday:

I cut my hair off. Every summer I'm always saying I will keep my long hair, but I just can't keep up with it. Who wants to spend over an hour doing your hair anyway? Ughh. So after a visit to my mom and a good cat nap we met up again with KaraLee and Ryan to watch the soccer game. I've never been to the new Rio Tinto stadium and it was beautiful!


It was also the first soccer game I've been to that they actually won. Brandon, KaraLee and Ryan must be their lucky charm.



Sunday:

Brandon and I went to a park to read. The weather was beautiful. He also made me some really great pizza that night for dinner. Amelia came over after, and we watched The Fall. I have to say, I was very impressed. The movie is beautiful and touching. It is now on the top ten of my favorite movies. I should probably not give Brandon such crap for his taste in movies. I'm learning more and more about who he is just on what movies he loves.


So here I am at the office on a Monday, wishing it was Friday night all over again.

Last Night...

I learned that scrubs heals my soul.

Only the right kind of people in my life understand what I'm talking about.

Secret Sunday

This weeks secret -

I've had four shrinks in my life. Yeah, I'm a little messed up.

Happy TYDTW

Today is the official "take your dog to work day" [Don't believe me? Look it up]. I'm a little bitter my office doesn't celebrate this great idea. Who doesn't want to hang out with this guy all day?

Broke as a Joke

I've had it coming for a while now... and let me tell you, it ain't pretty.

I officially have $2.16 in my savings. ouch.

My wonderful ride has had a shady tire for a while now. The last time I got an oil change they told me I'd have to keep an eye on that tire because it was getting worn down. Well, today my friends was my lucky day. I had my first (and hopefully last) tire blow out. No worries, I am fine and the car looks for the most part the same. I got my car to trusty big o's and not only was I in need of getting that tire replaced they said my other front tire had the same problems.

I think I've been robbed by how much it takes to replace my tires. I'm more worried about my money then anything else. I might be dumb with my money at times, and sure I could always use improvement but I haven't ever gotten to the point with no savings. I've always had that safety blanket. So today I am officially panicking over it. At the end of the day what can you do?

Can I pull out the "this economy sucks" card?

Oh well, I'm sure I'll figure things out. I bet I'm not the only person who has been where I am at now. It sure is scary though.

Note to self: Save more money.

Being Fake

Getting my nails did is always one of my favorite past times. It's amazing what a couple of fake nails can do to your self esteem.


Now that I am out of school for a break that means I have no clinic shifts. No clinic shifts = no need for short blunt nails.

Being a girl does have its perks.

The boys at work are excited for my nails too. They see it as an investment into a great back scracher. Two have already come by my desk today for some fake nail lovin'.

FREEDOM!!

Hello life!

I am so glad to have you back! It's been far to long. What with me being in school, working full time, and trying to keep my laundry from piling up, I've completely neglected you. [ Random fact - I had to google and make sure "piling"is spelt that way. Don't judge]. Now that I took my last final and have a three week break I intend to sufficate you with my presence.

I started off the celebration by getting my nails done [ah, I feel like a woman once again], going to the Lehi rodeo and hitting up an REAL Salt Lake game this weekend. What more could I ask for? I will now spend my free week nights reading, having dinner with friends, watching ANY T.V. show I feel like, and well hell - pretty much doing whatever I damn well please.

Isn't summer amazing?

Bring on the popcicles, cowgirl hats, soccer jerseies, shorts, swimming suits, fireworks, BBQs, friends, roadtrips, books, hot weather, family, late nights, and dog parks.

Dad[s] Day

Dear Dad,

I would never be who I am today. I would not know how to love people for who they are and to not judge. You taught me how to laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. You opened my eyes to a world beyond what I've ever known. Your heart is pure gold and it always shines through when I truley need it the most. I love you with all my heart and will always be there for you. Always.

Love,

Sam

Dear Dad #2,

If I had to pick the most perfect person on this earth it would be you. You never yelled at me [Except that "twig" incident], never said bad things about me, and was always there to listen. You tought me that I could succeed in school, when I really thought I couldn't make it. You've never judged me for anything I've done in my life, and most importantly you have given my mom the second chance she deserved. How can I ever repay you?

Love,

Rach

Happy Father's Day.

Secret Sunday

This weeks secret -

I have not done a wink of studying for my two finals coming up this Monday and Tuesday. To be honest, I really don't care either. I just want it to be my summer break already.

To the Ladies -

Let's talk rings! And I'm not talking about your average CTR ring, I'm talking bridal rings baby!

Last night me and my PIC went bridal ring shopping for some ideas to give back to her boyfriend. [Don't get excited people, I am perfectly fine not being married right now]. However, I couldn't help but look around myself. I sure did learn some things like...

A) I apparently have expensive taste. I was told several times by the PIC and the sales men. Which brings me to my first question... how much is too much for your engagement ring? I understand it should be 3 months salary of what your man makes, but I think that is all crap anyway.

This is a ring you will have for a lifetime if not longer, why oh why go cheep? Most of the rings I were looking at were around 3,000 - 5,000 dollars. I personally think that is very reasonable. Am I out of my mind here?

Wait! Before you answer that question imagine yourself wearing one of these pretty babies...

[Priced at 2,200.00]

[Priced at 3,000.00]

Here comes my favorite...

[Priced at 3,300.00]

b e a u t i f u l.

I'm sorry, but if you don't shell out a good looking ring for me - our engagement is just going to have to wait. Ugh, I sound like a giant gold digger, but it is what it is. I view a ring as a promise of what is to come for the rest of your life. No room or time for crap rings. I gasped in horror when I heard a story of a girl at our work getting a two ct diamond ring that was FAKE. Seriously honey, If you want to be walking around with a giant diamond ring like that - you gotta have the real deal.

The PIC was a little more reasonable than me I guess you could say. She really liked the triangle cut.

[Priced 1,700.00]

She liked the band to be simple [as do I, actually] with the diamond that doesn't sit too high on the ring.

Are you writing all this down Ryan?

I have officially decided I want a round cut. I think it is classic and timeless which is exactly what I am looking for.

I also learned

B) If you are a salesman that says "gay", "sick", "idiot", "dumb wedding crap" to me, I'm going elsewhere with my money, thanks.

**On a side note I was totally busted while looking up wedding rings online for this blog. The guys at work seriously have a pool of money about when I am going to get engaged. Most of them are saying either by December of this year or April of next. Are they crazy? Why all the pressure boys? Anyway I was totally caught looking at them by the boys at work. The following conversation happened...

T: What is that?!

[I am frantically trying to minimize the web browser]

R: Uhhh... this isn't what it looks like.

T: Oh I think this is exactly what it looks like.

[My attempts fail and he pulls back up the web browser which is showing PIC's triangle wedding ring picture]

T: Well would you look at that? [Hums the wedding march]

R: Actually, this isn't about me. It's about KaraLee.

T: Oh yeah? And I bet you are going to tell me this is the ring she wants?

R: Actually, this is the ring she likes - I'm more of a round diamond girl myself.

[Long pause]

T: Is it really "KaraLee's" taste in a ring?

R: Yes

T: Oh really? [Sacrastically of course]

R: Really.

T: Really Really?

R:Yep

T: Really, really, really?

R: YES REALLY REALLY! LEAVE ME ALONE!

T: Hey Dan! Get over here! Rachel is getting engaged.

[ The peanut gallery starts making silly comments]

R: Seriously! I'm not getting engaged you can all calm down now.

[an even longer, more awkward silence happens...]

T: WAIT ONE SECOND! DOES THIS MEAN KARALEE IS REALLY GETTING MARRIED?!?!

Oh man, I am still laughing just thinking about it. In the mean time though I'm thinking of buying myself a nicer ring then the ones I already wear.

It's my birthday stone. Isn't it pretty?

So tell me about your thoughts. To splurge or not to splurge?

Studying

Finals are right around the corner. Four days left to be exact. Right now I should be in a library somewhere studying my little brains out, but instead I spend my evenings with friends. How will I ever find time to study when I can take silly pictures with Michael?

Well, there is always tomorrow to study... right?

A Blood Bath

I find this quite hilarious...

Although I have to disagree on a few things.

• Let's be honest here... Bill Compton would kick Angels ass anyday. Angel would be too worried about if his slicked back hair was out of place or not. Bill is way to skilled for him and has no problems killing. Also I understand the Spike vs Angel show down would be amazing, nevertheless Bill would have really won.
• REALLY? Louie looses to Blade? I am totally sick to my stomach thinking about it. Although Blade is defently ruthless.
• Eric would have beat Angelus in a fight as well. I am a trueblood fan though. That will never change.

I really wish it would have ended in Eric and Dracula fighting. But now the final round is Spike and Dracula.

Who do you think wins?

*Note to self - read and watch other things sometimes, without vampires.

Boy #1

Do you even have to wonder who the number one boy in my life is? It's painfully obvious I'm talking about Reggie of course!

A few weeks back my BT called me up and said "Hey! Let's take some pictures... and bring the dog while you're at it."

So I got all dolled up [Ok - not very dolled up, but hopefully presentable enough to be in pictures], roped up Reggie, and headed up the canyon with the BT. We ended up going on a hike [he would say walk... which is complete BS. If you are walking on an un-paved road with rocks and trees in your way on an incline... its a HIKE!]. I complained and called him words that should never leave a young lady's mouth. [Oopsies] But eventually we made it to a clearing with a bunch of beautiful Aspen trees.


So here are some ridiculously beautiful pictures of the number one boy in my life... [and a few with yours truly].

What can I say? Reggie is a beautiful dog and the BT is an amazing photographer [You can get in contact with him or check out his other work by clicking HERE]

I'm sure this will be one of the many photo shoots I have of Reggie. I'm just the average crazy dog lady - guilty as charged!

Catching up

Most of my time last weekend was spent with my family. It was long overdue. I've been so caught up with school almost ending, chaos at work, and trying to find some time to sleep that I have neglected my family.

Shame on me.

This weekend my good cousins from Colorado came out to see us and reminded me of how short I am.

Stephen and Justin are hunching down in this picture. They tower over me and are several years younger than me. Gez. If I were a man I would feel isignificant standing next to them.

Here are my siblings and some cousins.

Here is also the cutest boy I know...

Sunday afternoon I saw my mom. She is still frequently in and out of the hospital and all of us are doing the best we can. I am still positive soon enough she will get better. I can't believe how different she looks these days though. In the last three months she has lost over 50lbs.

She is my hero for going through all of this and still being able to smile.

What did you do last weekend?

Secret Sunday

This weeks secret -

I wear glasses. On rare occassions of course. Everytime I wear them I feel like everyone is stairing at me. I'll stick to contacts, thanks.

Let me count the ways...

Yesterday my PIC was talking about things she loves. Things that make life worth while. I've been thinking about it. As I come across more things I will post about them.

Today what makes life worthwhile are pedicures with your best friend.

I love getting my feet rubbed. And lets face it, I can't paint my toe nails like the professionals can. Sometimes you just have to have pretty toes - it's in the "Being a woman" rulebook. I love looking down at my feet and seeing these pretty babies...


On a random note later on that night we went to dinner with my PIC's new boyfriend. At the end the night he ended up spitting on me (an accident of course). KaraLee got a good laugh out of it, as did I.

However, I'm pretty sure at this point I've tasted more of his saliva than she has...

HAHA!

Nap Time

When did society find it unacceptable to take naps during the week? I need to find a job that allows you every once in a while to catch up on some zzz's.


Although, I am not the type of person that can recover from a nap easily. The rest of my day I am usually mopey until it's time to go to bed. By then I am conveniently wide awake. I need to solve this problem on sleep. Living the college life is stressful and on top of that you never get any sleep.

Bring nap time back!

Tired of fighting.

You probably will not be able to relate to me on this, however I need to get it out of my system.

My entire life I have been surrounded by people who are gay. I've watched them cry, fight, rejoice, learn, hide, search, and die - all because they were different. Growing up in a strict Mormon city having a gay father was never easy. I was relentlessly teased. I was told I would one day grow up to be my father, that I would be gay, just like him. For a while sometimes I felt as though I was gay. Some type of weird outcast just because my views were different. I felt everyone should be treated equally, no matter who they ended up loving.

I then became angry. I was always the first one to defend gay people. I spoke out in school, church, even my own home over rights for people like my dad. Till the day I die I will always think gay people have the right to be married, to adopt, to be treated no different from other people. That will never change.

Today marks the 26th year Utah has been celebrating gay pride. A three day event, filled with booths, parades, food, music, dance - and a lot of gay citizens. As soon as I was old enough to understand the entire concept, I was there. Every year. Usually next to my dad and fellow friends and family showing my support for something I felt was right.

I did not go this year.

I'm done. Burnt out. Tired. Washed up. I've been fighting over something for so long that really isn't even a battle of my own. I now realize that every year gay pride gets worse. I don't feel the same energy and excitement when I go. I don't look into the eyes of people who are looking for change, for acceptance. Now I see people trying hard to be even more over the top then last year. Figuring out new ways to shock and awe the non believers.

How is walking around in your underwear with glitter rubbed all up and down your body going to get you any closer to your goal of equal rights? I don't think talking with a lisp, wearing daisy duke shorts, or even having great style is going to get you more respect.

Today I may not being wearing rainbow colored beads around my neck. I may not be throwing pennies into the gay flag to help with finding the cure to AIDS. I may not be watching the guest speaker talk about how gay people are no different then everyone else.

Today I am sitting at home, right along with the other gay people who seem to be forgotten. The ones that really don't need a parade, a festival, a protest. The ones that are sad to see the stereotypical assumption about gay people be justified by everyone else just by watching the news. Not every gay person is wearing their daisy dukes, their body glitter, their fairy wings - just to be noticed.

Today, I am fighting for them.

Secret Sunday

This weeks secret -

I am officially now addicted to the show Lost. I've been avoiding it for years now. In a week I am already more then half way through season two. Lord help me.

Today I admire...

Beth Ditto

She isn't afraid of who she is. She isn't afraid to be big or small, short or tall, gay or straight, funny or shy. She is who she is. She is an advocate of positive body image, and able to show others it's ok to be who you are.

Today I find myself struggling with the way I look. Today I wish I was a size five, with beautiful long hair, and straight white teeth. I wish I didn't feel like everyone was staring at me as the fat girl. More importantly, I wish I didn't think like this. The fact of the matter is, if I was all those things, my life would be easier. Alright, maybe I am just in denial here, but it seems like my life would be. Lately I'm feeling ashamed, almost to the point where I don't want to go out and do things out of fear of what people would think. I tell myself that if I was this or that I wouldn't feel this way when in actuality I'd find something else I am not happy about with myself.

So today, I am going to try and change the way I think. I'm not sure how I am going to do this, but I am going to try. I want to start by walking Reggie more. Cooking and eating at home. Surounding myself with positive people. Wish me luck.

Last weekend's highlights

This last weekend was fabulous! I spent my Saturday with the PIC in beautiful Park City -shopping and eating of course. The outlets are always great to shop and find a lot of great deals. I ended up buying more things for the BT then for myself... when did that become ok in our relationship?

We then went to main street to walk around see some shops. This one by far was my favorite.


Oh I am such a sucker for anything that has to deal with dogs. As soon as we walked inside we were greeted with four Newfoundlands. These dogs are massive no picture I could have taken would have done them justice. I wanted to take them home.

Inside they had bunches of nick-nacks and dog stuff. They had beautiful paintings that I shouldn't be able to breathe on because they were so expensive.



Eventually KaraLee had to tear me away to go eat. We went to Zona Rosa - their mexican food is great. The weather was perfect and we were able to sit outside upstairs. I almost felt like I was in an episode of sex in the city - without two other girls... and the sex part... and the manhattan part.



Later that night I met up with this crazy boy...

(I also met up with Amelia and Brandon I just don't have pictures of them. I'm a jerk.)

We watched this...

In 3D!

You need to see that when you get a chance. I cried and laughed a lot. Pixar does it again! What a great weekend. I love the summer.