Firsts For The New Year

2012 is starting out well for yours truly. It's all about starting off fresh and new. I have a lot of firsts for the year that I am going to share.

First book I've read

First album I've listened to

First movie I've seen in theaters 

First purchase (I get comments on these bad boys all the time)

Favorite Snack

First crush of the year

First craft project of the year - making a tie blanket for Brandon. It looks a little sketchy, but it was made with love.

Thats all folks. Good times ahead! 

Out With The Old

Wow. I am horrible at updating anything in my life. Probably because I've been so busy dealing with all sorts of things that I am going to pretend never happened. Either way, I hope to blog more than I have been.

Remember that awesome job I took a few months ago? Turned out it was not so awesome at all.

In fact I really didn't like it there. Although, if you asked me I'd probably tell you it was fantastic. Actually, I really loved working with the dogs, but the owner and a few of her older staff members were out of control. I felt like I was constantly under a massive microscope, and it all came to a head last week when I was verbally abused by the owner. A lot of things were said that could never be taken back, and the next day I quit. I feel a lot lighter as a person, I just wish I knew where things went from here.

I'm starting the job search all over again, and trying to still have faith that I have better things ahead. I have great friends and family who support me in anything I do, I am lucky to have them.

Christmas was good, the holidays were great. I loved seeing family and friends. I'm also really loving the Utah weather! No snow as of yet, which is my kind of winter! I rang in the new year with my dad, Brandon, and friends. Every time a new year begins, I feel as though I have a clean slate and can do anything. I am looking forward to 2012, and the new adventures it will bring me. No matter what I am always moving forward in my life. I hope the new year brings you and yours joy as well!

Job Problems

Remember how I haven't had any job bites in a month? Well hold your tiny ponies, because this girl has gotten three interviews set up in the last week!

Whoa?!?

Everything coming in at once is nice to know that I am wanted out there. My first interview was at a dog daycare and I seriously rocked it! I have a second interview on Monday with them, and a Vet Tech interview on Tuesday. I also did an online interview today - who knew people did that? I am so out of the loop.

Anyway now I have the awesome problem of picking where I want to go with my life. As of right now, I am actually leaning into the daycare. They have a lot of potential to grow, and I like that idea. A ton. I am very lucky, and thankful.

Wish me luck!

Am I A Hater?

I try really, really hard to give people a clean slate when I meet them. No matter what so-and-so has told me, or the stories I've heard, I try not to judge. Seriously, I really do.

But, can I be honest for a minute? I really try to like people - but there are some people, I just don't like. If my instincts tell me something isn't right, well it is pretty much over for me and that person. Is that wrong of me? Am I a hater?

Because of this relationships have dimmed, to almost the point of distinction. How do I get out of my head and see what everyone else seems to see with that person? How can I get myself not to drift away so much? I don't know, but I have noticed it is happening, and maybe I need to change. Or maybe I need to just listen to my gut and get over it.

Somewhere between here and there

Ok - my last post was a mad one. But, it made me feel better, so sue me. I find myself strong in a lot of ways, but also am very weak when it comes to others. I usually take things too personally when really bad things are said about me. So I left that place with a very bruised ego and very little confidence in myself. I hate showing weakness, but that has to happen to make me stronger. God has a way of pushing me until I break, then I become more humble, things get better, and then I am suddenly being pushed again.

A vicious, vicious cycle I tell you.

I can say now life is on the mend. I found a better vet hospital who took me in with arms open wide. It has only been a week of me being there, but I think this is where I should have been from the start. I hope they feel the same way about me. I am still walking on thin ice, thinking it might crack at any moment. I think that will have to happen until I feel more comfortable and know they are not going to dump me for no real reason. They have to learn to trust me, and I have to learn to trust them as well.

Also, I survived August. It is always a freak show parade of birthdays. Between Brandons, Rons, Angels, Spencers, Trents and my birthday keeps me on my toes all month. Just when I feel like I can relax, Halloween is right around the corner.

I am ready for a new start, a new season, and my favorite holiday. I'm also way beyond ready to graduate and start being a grown up for real. I mean, after all - I am 24 now!

I'm A Blogger (Sorta)

I seriously just don't know what to say. Somehow it is already July 15th, and my brother is turning the big 16 this weekend. Where does all the time go?

I have been spending my time with friends, family, reading, going to the dog park, and kissing my dogs until they can't stand it anymore. The weather has been so great, I stay up until one in the morning, watching the sun go down every night. Of course I also spend time with my adorable husband. Can't forget that.

Although life is good, I often find myself day dreaming about how I never have to work and I live my life as I please. As in "Oh, it is Tuesday! I feel like flying to Vegas for the night to watch the night life." And I would do it, because I could!

I would buy this big house, and spend lots of money in the decor. Making it feel like home. I'd visit my mom more often, and bring her flowers every Thursday. The dogs would go everywhere with me, and people will start to say around the city "There's Rachel again with those two crazy pups!" I'd sit in the sun and let it melt away the bad. I'd swim in pools drinking any cold beverage I could find. In my spare time I'd volunteer at different shelters, doing what I could for homeless animals.

Yeah, life is perfect in my day dreams. If I close my eyes tight enough, I can hear the ocean tide and seagulls chirping.

Dogs In Uniform

Today at work we had a bunch of police dogs come to work. I think I watched them for over an hour. I was ecstatic. I'm sure you can't believe that, right? Most police dogs are shipped from Europe where they train the dogs, and then ship them to the states. The dogs today listen to commands in Dutch. Pretty fascinating. Look what these bad boys can do!

I Love Me

For the sake of writing something positive on this less-than-exciting Tuesday, here are ten things I love about myself.

1. I say it like it is - I'm known for being blunt, and when I was younger my loud mouth would get me into trouble all the time. I think over the years I've learned how to manage it, and put it to good use. Although, sometimes I can get a little harsh. But, I love that about me too.
2. I love dogs. People just don't get it either. I can't help it, it's just in my DNA to love them.
3. I sing in the car from the moment I close the door to leave, till the moment I open the door and turn off the car.
4. If I could sit and people watch all day, I would.
5. I have great taste in men. Point in case, my sexy ass husband.
6. I can clean really well IF I want to. Thats a big if.
7. I can make people laugh. When I get in a big group of people, or especially when I'm at a party this strange light turns on inside of me, and I become this party animal/stand up comedian. No liquid courage needed.
8. There is no rhyme or reason to my choices in music, movies, or books. I just like what speaks to me.
9. If any Lady Gaga track comes on I must dance and sing to it. No matter the circumstances around me.
10. I can almost name and recognize all dog breeds. Just don't ask me to spell any of them.

Happy Tuesday!

Something Isn't Right

Do you ever get that feeling that something isn't right? You go around and around in your mind trying to figure out why you feel this way, but nothing justifies it?

No matter how hard I try lately I am feeling this way. It is this gut feeling I can't get to pass. My gut has never steered me in the wrong direction in my life, so I take it seriously when I am being told something.

Is it with my friends? Work? School? Marriage? Family?

Something isn't right, but what is it?

The Sick Remedy

Being sick is the worst. I don't know about you, but I sit around all day praying to find the strength to get out of bed, and do something productive. I especially hate missing work and school while sick. I'd rather be faking it and doing something more fun with my free time.

There are some upsides to being sick though. I like to call it Rachel's sick remedy. It involves a classic romantic comedy. Today's choice is It's Complicated.


Along with a lot of coke and sprite to drink, lots of medication, and two adorable dogs to snuggle with while waiting for the husband to come home.

What are your sick remedies? I might keep your ideas!

Journal Love

Last night was the first night Brandon was home after starting his new driver position at UPS. Have I mentioned that? I have a husband who comes home at night and fixes me dinner so I don't starve. Since the beginning of Rachel + Brandon time we have never hung out on the weeknights because he is always working. Now that has all changed, and I like it.

While he was sleeping his life away I decided to write in my journal. I've kept one since I was 12 I think. To me it's very important to document your life, and be honest about it. Especially since after my mom died the journal she had was supa lame (sorry mom). She would have like one entry per year. Not kidding.

This is going off on some sort of strange tangent, but I had a really quirky title and idea of what to write on my blog last night. Of course that thought didn't come to me until 11:30 at night, and I can't seem to recall all that wittiness I came up with then. Why am I always coming up with creative and genius ideas in the middle of the night?

Anywho I was writing in my journal as to keep myself entertained and not wake up the husband. Then it hit me - I have WAY too many journals right now. I have my own personal journal, a marriage/love journal, and a dog journal. Yeah, I said it - a dog journal!

So I spent over an hour and a half writing in each one. Its all a haze really, I don't have the slightest idea of what I wrote in any of them. I guess I am obsessed with writing things down, it might come in handy one day.

Am I the only one out here in blog world that journals a lot, but still considers herself hip and cool and never uses the sentence "I'm going home to journal" even though she sort of wants to?

Anyone? Anyone?

Addicted

I may or may not love the experience of having/getting a tattoo. And when I say may or may not... I mean I do love it. A lot.


Dumb questions people ask me:

• Did it hurt? Yes - its a needle going into my skin over and over again, it hurts.
• Why behind the back of the ear? Um, because I wanted to. Also, it is easy to hide if needed.
• Is that a bone? Yes
• Is it because you like dogs? Yes, you could say that.

I hate trying to explain why I got the tattoo or what it means to me. Because most people won't get it, and already judge because it is a tattoo.

But I love it, and it is apart of me now. Which is pretty awesome.

Answer Me This...

What the hell am I going to do without Oprah?!?!


I am seriously concerned about this. Only 24 shows left, and I am sure I am going to bawl my eyes out at the end. How am I going to know what is hip, trendy, and interesting now?

How will I fill this void?

My dear friend says yesterday, "Rachel, what has happened to your blog?"

"Um, it died?" I reply.

It has been dead for a month for two reasons

A) I'm lazy
B) My life is so boring

But, I figure I better start now rather then later. But to be honest, I don't really want to talk about all the things that has happened in the last month (or at least make a post about each one). So, here is a very brief re-cap for you.

On March 19th I went to The Monster Ball by Lady GaGa. There are no words that can describe how beautiful, and inspirational it was. Basically it changed my life, and I will never be the same. It was like being born again (no joke).




The semester ended for me. I officially passed my surgery and anesthesiology class. So, if you need your dog or cat spayed/neutered I can assist with that. Also, this means I only have two quarters left with school and I am done done done!

I went to the Color Festival. I had fun, but the weather made me feel bitter about going. I'm not sure I'll be going again next year. It is getting too big, and too crazy now.





My dad had his 48th birthday, and I love him to pieces.


And of course if you forgot, I have the most beautiful dog in the world. Who got his picture taken a week ago.




I think that about does it. Everything else in my life is pretty dull right now thanks to all of the school and work I've been doing. But, I should be posting more frequently about stuff.

Happy Friday!

What I Worry About (in my spare time)

Is just me or is everyone else noticing how our world is turning into shambles? No one can deny that things are not like they use to be. I believe just like the way the earth evolved will be the way we go out too. First the plants, then the animals, then us.

Anyway, I am constantly looking up endangered animals and the numbers are just ridiculous. I could go on forever about all the animals in need of our help, but here are my top three I am most worried about.

1 - Amur Tiger


There are only 500 living in the wild. The scary part is not only that, but researches have found only 14 of those tigers are able to breed without giving their cubs defects and diseases. This makes it so they are not able to live a full life, and passing it down to other generations. I can't live on an earth with no tigers!


2 - Blue Whale

I'm sure you've heard of Whale Wars, where pirates risk their lives to catch others poaching to kill this beautiful whale. The whale is amazing. It is the biggest mammal we have ever found on this earth, and the most gentle too. I can't think of one just or logically reason why we would kill them. Which makes me sad knowing we might not have them by the time I am 43. It will be a story I tell young people. About how once upon a time there were massive beautiful whales that lived in the sea. Someone will write a book about it, like Moby-Dick, only less boring, and the whale isn't a monster. And look at the size of their heart - pretty amazing if you ask me.

3 - Javan Rhinos

World Wildlife Fund says this is the rarest creature on Earth, with only 40 known to exist. They have dwindled so quickly due to poaching, disease, and natural disasters. In my top ten list of favorite animals, Rhinos are always in that list. You should see them run and play with each other, right in front of your eyes. Something about watching these big creatures move so flawlessly will change your life and how you view the planet. At least it did for me. Luckily though hidden cameras in Indonesia, is giving hope that they might be having a comeback.

On a more random subject Modern Dog magazine's new cover has Reggie's albino twin.


Ok, the dog is probably not albino. He does however look a lot like Reg. I'm always blown away when I find a dog that looks just a little bit like Reggie, because he is so unique. I should just mention again that my dog is the most beautiful dog in the entire world.


And I wonder where all the anxiety comes from. I am some sort of animal freak! We have to save the planet people!

Has The Time Come?

I have to be honest with you, I have nothing of importance to say these days. I am officially a very boring person. I work and go to school all week. Then on the weekends I spend my time sleeping in, taking naps, and eating.

What has my life come to? The college life I guess.

You know you are working yourself too hard when you fall asleep on your books and homework frequently. I often wake up in a panic and run to the mirror to make sure half a page of my anesthesiology book isn't now located on my right cheek. You laugh, but it has happened to me before.

Hopefully this weekend I'll do something worthy to blog about. And hopefully your life is more interesting then mine right now.

Peace out!

2011 [So Far]

New Years Eve:

Brandon and I kicked off the new year right! We went to the melting pot together, which I think will have to be a tradition of ours. It's nice to get out to a nice place at least once a year. After our fabulous dinner, we went to the wise guys comedy show with Trent and Amelia. Then after laughing until my sides hurt we headed to our place to play games until midnight. I must be getting old because as soon as the clock stroke midnight, I was seriously ready for some shut eye!

Brandon's Job:

We are in a pickle right now. He went full time (yay), but it is at night (boo). So we never really see each other during the weeks again (boo). However, there is a good chance in February he will become a driver, because while driving during the holidays the supervisors were impressed with him (yay). He just found out however if he sticks with this new full time job at night, he won't be able to be promoted to a driver until next year (BOOOOO!) So now we are forced to make a choice on if he should stay full time or not and cross our fingers he gets a driving position soon. I really thought we were done going back and forth with his work, but apparently it is just beginning.

My School/Work:

I started new classes this semester which are anesthesiology and small animal surgery. My first day of school was yesterday, which I had to take a break from our four hour lecture to cry in the bathroom for a while. I feel very overwhelmed with how demanding these new classes are. I'm trying to have my head up, but seriously I'm not sure how the hell I'm going to make it for the next 12 weeks - pray for me! As far as work goes, because my new school schedule is in the day time, I get to work three 10 hour shifts and two 5 hour shifts. Today is my first 10 hour day at work, and I hope I can get use to this quickly. I feel as though I am whining about my life when really to others it is most likely not a big deal. I'm just trying to take things a day at a time and somehow not shoot myself in the foot while being at it. Did I mention in my new class I have to practice incubating on a freshly euthanized cat? Yeah, I might throw up and cry just thinking about it.

Life over all:

Like I said, I'm just trying to do the best I can with everything going on. I keep telling myself if Brandon and I work hard, somehow, someway things will sort themselves out. I think in the mean time I'll start myself on some anti anxiety medication so hopefully I don't think the sky is falling down every day. Take my word for it kids, worrying all the time is not the way to go! 2011 is off to a shaky start, but I still have high hopes that this could be the best year of my life.

Cheers!

All I Want For Christmas...

I've been a very good girl this year.

Nervous Energy

So the time has come which I have dreaded for several months now.

The time where I have to try and figure something out with my work about school. I started the program I am in now, because everything was at night, and I could keep my day job. But, a law has now been in place that any animal put under anesthesia must have an x amount of people monitoring the animal for an x amount of time to make sure nothing bad happens. Because no one is staffed to watch the shelter animals at my school at night, any class you take with anesthesia in it must be taken during the day.

So, sure enough next quarter I am taking an anesthesia class, and a surgery class. Both during the day. Monday and Wednesdays from 10:40am - 3:40pm. Which is now conflicting with work. And of course I am in panic attack mode.

Hopefully my work will work with me into figuring out some type of schedule so that I can still work here, and go to school the days I need to. Although I usually always think the worst - that it will come down to me having to choose to do one or the other. Work or school?

Lets hope I don't have to make that choice, lets hope by the grace of God I'll get to do both still.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Thankful Friday

I spaced Thursday, so today will be my Thankful day of the week.

Today I am thankful for having the means to have a place to stay, food to eat, a car to drive, and TV to watch. Lately I've seem to get wrapped up in all of the things that I feel are negatively affecting my life. I let it consume me from day to day in worries. Sometimes I forget that really I am so lucky for the things I do have. So in this next week of Thanksgiving joy, I'm taking this time to remember whats really important.