Mother's Day Gift

Good Gawd, this has been the hardest secret I've ever had to keep in all of my life! The weekend of Mother's Day, Chip and I found out we are expecting our first baby! I know, shock right? Well not so much for us, we were somewhat looking forward to a little one to help complete the circle. We knew it was too early in the game to tell people and the blue line on the home pregnancy test couldn't turn the right shade of blue for Chip to believe it. It didn't matter, we were in it for real. So........

For Mother's Day this year Katie Lou sent my mom and step mom this picture.

That Katie, she is so silly and loves to have her picture taken.

My step mom, Pam, asked if we were getting a new puppy and my mom who always receives pictures of Katie was just admiring Katie's glamorous picture taking pose and not reading her shirt. Once they both figured it out I think I heard them scream from 700 miles away. All my mom could say was "Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me?" I was on the phone with my dad when Pam opened her email and Pam must have had a puzzled look on her face because dad was asking what does the email say? Pam said, "It's Katie Lou in a t-shrit that says I'm going to be a big sister" and my dad paused and said nonchalantly, "Are you pregnant?"

Chip's family was quite hilarious too. We went to Adrienne's (Chip's mom) gave her a Mother's Day card and were just hanging out on the couch. Adrienne asked what's been going on and Chip in the most normal of voices say, "Not much, Rachel is having a baby." I am pretty sure that electricity shot through the chair Adrienne was in because she jumped up like she had been electrocuted and her eyes almost popped out of her head. She was nothing less than shocked, surprised and elated. Breaking the news to Charlie and Joyce (Chip's dad and step mom) was a little more laid back maybe not as surprised, but positively the most emotional of all 4 sets of parents. Joyce had been saying her Novena Prayers to St. Therese for us to have a baby and my goodness it must have worked over night. We all had "happy tears" as we shared the news.

Everyone was shocked and that's the way we wanted it.

Since we didn't have a sonogram and I had peed on too many home pregnancy test to fit into one 4x6 photo to send the parents......this is what I gave them.
Warning: If you are hormonal you will cry every time you read it.

I do not have a face to see,

Or put inside a frame.

I do not have soft cheeks to kiss.

I don't yet have a name.

Not yet can you hold my tiny hands,

Nor whisper in my ear.

It's still too soon to sing a song,

Or cuddle me so near.

But all that will change come next year;

When they say I am due.

I am your newest grandchild;

And I can't wait until I meet you!

All I ask between now and then

Is your love for me to grow.

I promise I'll be worth the wait;

Just think of all the joy we'll know!

So as you're waiting patiently,

Please pray lots of prayers for me.

I cannot wait to be a part

Of this wonderful family!

Happy Mother’s Day 2009

Chip, Rachel & Baby

Ode to Gina

Gina is my friend that I work with, she is also the keeper of the candy on the 3rd floor. She is always very nice to everyone and I felt like I needed to pay a little tribute to her.
I wrote a couple of Haiku's in her honor.

Gina is my friend.
Skittles makes my mouth happy.
She gives me candy.


Provides me with junk.
That ends up on my big butt.
You are nice to me.


Happy smiling girl.
Hi, Barry Winford's office.
Today is Friday.

Thanks, Gina. You are a great friend!

Hot Chocolate in the Summer

I think I have stooped to a new low. Have you ever been so hungry that you considered eating the powder from the hot chocolate mix that's been sitting in your desk drawer for eons? No, no silly. I didn't do it but I really really considered it until I found on the box where it said it expired 2 years ago. I tossed it and now am back to square one. I guess I can wait, I probably won't blow away or anything. I could go to the 3rd Floor again on one of my Tasmanian devil tornadic guilt sprees, but I will refrain. The guilt is what hurts the most.
Ah ha! Guess what I found....the squished and melted Fiber One bar in my purse! JACKPOT! I should probably add Oats & Chocolate to the things I like list- better yet, Fiber One will officially be kicking Special K off the list.

Guess who's coming to dinner?

Ok, so it's not so much just dinner, but for the weekend. Next weekend (the 18th -21st) my dad and Pam are coming to visit me and Chip. They have only been to Kosciusko once and that was when we got married. It will be fun to have them in our home, show them our home and then maybe go to Wal-Mart. Just kidding, there is more to do around here than go to Wal-Mart.

They arrive on Thursday afternoon and I'm not sure what the plan is, but they said to make no plans because they just want to hang out and relax. That's a good thing because after Wal-Mart I just don't have that much scheduled.

Friday, I have to work so I figure maybe they will want to landscape my yard??? Wishful thinking?? Dad said something about helping us find a small old house to move to the back yard to fix up for a guest house or a play house for Chip....as if our adult tree house was not enough? We'd love to have something like that back there and my dad is the guru of making a treasure out of trash for nothing. He should have his own HGTV show, I swear. His latest endeavour was to move a house he bought for $400 onto a different lot, fix it up, and sell it. He's not yet finished with it, but the appraisal came in at like $160,000 or $180,000 I can't remember. It's ridiculous. Anyway, I hope something comes of our house hunt including the winning of the lottery to pay for this potential project.
Then I think that we are planning a ski / boating day out at the Country Club on Saturday. Chip will cook his famous shrimp recipe for a great Father's Day Dinner and then maybe they will finish landscaping my yard and we will take them back to the airport Sunday evening.

Now the things we have to do before they get here........Sigh. They are things that should have been done a while back but much like Leah Maria, special events give us reasons to whip everything into shape at a faster pace.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Relay for Life

Hey all. I have finally had a chance to settle from my busy week last week. It was a melting pot of activities every night apart from working 8 hours each day. Friday night was our local Relay for Life and I just have to say that this little town never ceases to amaze me. It's been about 7 or 8 months of coordinating teams, making sure they have everything they need, recruiting more teams and pretty much realizing they are all very self sufficient. I am so proud of the teams, sponsors, donors, volunteers and others that helped raise over $90,000 to help benefit the American Cancer Society. Money is still coming in and will be until August 30th. Our goal was $100,000 and I can't imagine why we won't hit it. Amazing. Amazing that during the economic times over 30 teams and hundreds of local volunteers raised such a large amount of money in about 5 or 6 months. I still can't get my head around it. It leaves me speechless and that is something that rarely happens.

Before & After

I figured you have all waited so patiently to see the before and after pics of the boat. Here it is. You can see why I didn't post before pictures without having the after pictures ready....you must have vision.

Before: Faded Glory with a busted out windshield. She looks like a lost puppy with mange.

After: All shined up like a new pair of shoes!

Before: Front passenger seat with busted glass and rotten wood and moldy seats. View from the back. I need a tetanus shot!

After: So fresh and so clean clean. Juan's got that tuck and roll going on! He matched it to the original.

Well guys, there she is. We are proud. If you want to come with us this afternoon we will be taking her out and having fun in the sun! If not today, there will be other ample opportunities this summer........just don't forget to pitch in for the gas. Chip said she's a guzzler.

Here is a picture of our summer supplies - fresh out of the attic!

In loving memory of the old boat. She was a good one and served her purpose, but she's letting another family enjoy her now. Farewell old boat you will not be forgotten.

Happy 100th!

Call the blogging Police because it's true........three days in a row. Count them 1-2-3; Wednesday- Thursday - Friday I have blogged. Hell has bound to have frozen over even though it's 2,000 degrees outside. I'm trying to be better my friends, really. I mean I've had this blog for over 3 years and this marks my 100th post! There should be kazoos and streamers and confetti everywhere! I would like to make a speech.

AhhUhmmm...

Dearest No Really....This is My Life Reader(s),

These past 3 years have been extremely life changing for me. Each of you have helped me evolve from a roller coaster of emotions after moving to The Land of Koz. There have been moments of insanity and a few scary times, there has been a bit of humor and the silliness of those oh so lovable babies of mine. You have been my sounding board for everything. I mostly bore you all with a bunch of blabber that looking back seems dumb.....but it's my dumb blabber and all of my two loyal readers keep coming back for more. Even when I fall into a coma you continually keep checking my page - having faith that one day, one cold cold day, I will blog again. Unlike you all, I don't have a green thumb nor am I Martha Stewart, I never take the literary time I need to like you all do or blog as often as I should, but you all love me anyway. And I love you guys too!

This all started as a means of communication between me and my Oxford girls smsquared, showerfreshgarden, thejanii, the findings of me, and mel-o-drama (who is now famous and switched to bitchin' fiction) Anyway, I don't forget my roots and my peeps. You all were my friends when I was my only friend here in the Land of Koz; and for that I am eternally grateful.

We have all been through so much! Moves, marriage, jobs, trips, birth, birthdays, family time and even just getting things off our chest. So to all my readers I thank you for the past three years they have been phenomenal. I hope that within the next three years I can provide another 100 posts (no promises).

In the mean time, this is my 100th post speech - - as for what you have done the other 995 days of the three years I have not posted is a non issue, right? I still appreciate the daily click just to see if I had written something. That is true friendship or boredom.

Love you all,
RCH

Guess what I got?

A Hammock!

How fun is that? I've been talking about a hammock for 2 years and finally I found one I like that was on sale for Father's Day. My Chippy bought it for me and hung it up by the tree house.

He tied it to the trees and decided he would be the brave one and test it out......I truly wish I had a video camera. My hubby is the most graceful fall on your bootie while landing on your back hammock tester I've ever met. He just sort of looked at me like "are you gonna help me up?" but I was laughing so hard I couldn't do anything. I am horrible, why is it so funny when people fall? He too was laughing so I wasn't being mean.

After a couple of trial and error knots he figured it out. It looks kinda high in the air, but it works once you are in it.....if the mosquitos don't carry you away!

I will post a picture of the hammock once I take one. I am going to have to learn to keep a camera on me at all times to get action shots during Chip's projects.....you all miss out on the hilarity of our lives. We are constantly cracking up, and wouldn't have it any other way!

Thanks for the hammock poo, I love it and you!

It was the grunk!

I was sitting at work and fell into a funk. I then remembered the 3rd floor candy drawer and could hear it in the distance calling my name - telling me it would make me feel better if I just had a couple of the mini snickers, mini kit kat, mini 3 musketeers, mini york peppermint patties, mini hershey's special dark chocolates, mini milky way, mini dark chocolate milky way and my weakness the mini heath bars.

I tried to fight it off but the grunk that lives in my head went to the elevator (didn't even take the stairs,) went to the 3rd floor and rummaged through the candy drawer and took out every single one of the above mentioned candies even two of some and went back the grunks desk and ate all of it. I kid you not. I consumed no less than 490731468726 mini candies. I had so much chocolate that I had to go refill my water bottle because I got parched.

The cleaning lady will empty my trash can and think I had fallen into a diabetic coma or had one heck of a party at my desk, but no...it was only me, all by my lonesome in such a short time span that consumed all of that sugary goodness. I'd go through my garbage and count how many wrappers I have in there, but I don't know that I can count that high....nor do I think I have the energy to bend over.

No such luck

I had full intentions of updating what my page looks like, but have not had the opportunity.

Maybe when I update the format I can upload the before pictures of the 'new' boat. No after just yet because she's not done!

Chip and I have worked really hard on making her pur-dy. Chip took the upholstery to Jackson yesterday to be redone. This go round I am not doing it myself....I want everything done right. It's not like I didn't recover the seats right on the old boat, but it was not any type of fancy tuck and roll job. More like fold staple then staple again and then maybe again over here. This is Chip's dream boat and I don't want it rigged up.

I did put a little elbow grease on her last night, Step 3 of the 3 step shine process, and I think I need to go back again and do step 2 a couple times and then go onto step 3. When we got her the paint was not a bit shiny - more like a big blob cloud. You will see what I am talking about once I upload pictures. You have to have vision. Most all of my friends are creative so either you will think we are on drugs or see the same beauty we do!

We don't know how red-neck-ish it would be if we named her. We want something quirky and fun. I'm up for suggestions....maybe we can have a contest once she is finished.

Well, we are going to New Orleans this weekend to hang out with my brother and his lady friend. Maybe hit up the Jazz Fest, maybe not. It will be great fun to play with the always ridiculously stupid Jason. Should be in for a good time! I will try to remember my camera so I can get evidence of the silliness!

Don't know if I will talk to you guys again until I return. If not, have a safe weekend!

Coma

I think I have been in a coma for a few months....but don't worry - I am now awake. I am caught up on everyones blogs and feel like I have missed half of their lives. One friend got married, two friends are traveling, one friend is expecting her first baby, one friend had her baby baptized and one friend hosted a nice Easter party and does fun creative stuff with her kids all the time.

I on the other hand am boring.

I can think of a couple of fun things though like I have lost 25 lbs. We had our 3 year anniversary. We sold our boat but just to buy another one a couple of weeks later. I cut Katie's ears short - they are like cute tiny nubs, she looks funny but don't tell her. I went to TX to visit family (fun to see them, not fun occasion). I did some yard work. Bought a pressure washer - it's like TIVO, how did I live without it before?

Oh yeah, and then the best thing that has happened to me in 3 years.........my Chippy is home! The hell you say! It's true. My husband, the guy that after 6 months of marriage became my weekend husband while he worked far far away to bring home the bacon during the week will now be providing local bacon. He's baaaccckkkk...not in some frightening horror movie tone but in the shout it from the roof tops glee "he's baacckkk!"

It's fun with my Chippy home. It's like we are married, what a concept. We get to hang out all the time and talk and do productive things around the house and I can still go to bed early. It's a dream come true! I am still having to learn about sharing the bed with one more person because me, Foster, Foxy and Katie have called dibs on the king size bed for forever now. The pups are like, who do you think you are sleeping on my side of the bed? They get put out about it.

Anyway, Hubby has opened up an independent firm and since times are slow it's the opportune time to take a few classes since he only lacks a few hours to have a degree in finance, his specialty. So until transition is complete yours truly from Truly My Life will be bringing home the proverbial bacon.

I love bacon....it reminds me of Jim Gaffigans' latest stand up from King Baby. Since I do not have access to youtube at my current locale please make a point to go and google - Jim Gaffigan bacon. You will not regret it.

I miss you all and will try to be more involved in your lives. Please don't disconnect me from your links on your blog. I will try to get out of my coma.

Parties and Rubber Bands

I guess you all have stopped checking my blog because I don't ever write. I completely understand 2 months is a long time to go without writing.
Tonight I sit here in my robe on the back patio after just getting out of an extremely hot bath sipping on wine and conversing with my laptop. A long overdue date.

Things have been really hectic lately - I will complete the third and final Christmas party that I have planned in the past 3 weeks come Saturday. That's what I get for not showing up to my extra curricular activities planning committees. Live and let learn - right?

I am looking forward to this Saturdays party though....it's The Hawkins Christmas Party. Always a fun event. Chip and I invite tons of people and just let loose. We understand it's an awkward day (the Saturday before Christmas) but you'd be surprised how many people are ready to leave their family gatherings to tie one on with about 40 of their closest friends. We try to provide a good time.

I don't have any holiday plans. Thursday is Christmas and a day off from work. I hate looking at it like that, but it's the new found truth of my life. Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. The Friday after Christmas when I get off work my mother in law and I plan to travel to the coast to visit my sister in law. I'm looking forward to it. Chip will be at his 5th Annual Mountain Man Retreat and out of site doing boy things with his boy friends.

Once we get back from the Coast, that next week Chip, his mom and I will be traveling to Dallas to watch the Cotton Bowl. Go Rebs!!

Lots of changes going on at the workplace. I think they are all positive. A triple increase in my partner and my workload, but it's a learning experience. Today I placed a rubber band on my wrist so anytime I talk smack, I pop it. My wrist was red when I left work. Trying to keep my chin up - it's only been 2 days since the new process started. Therefore the blog, because I feel either I will not be able write for a while or I will need you guys as an outlet. We shall see.

It's been so long have I told ya'll we sold the Ghetto House? What a monkey off my back that was! Now hubby is wanting to take on different ventures in land. You know what they say about land - They just don't make it anymore. Hardy Har Har. Sigh....my patience are thin, thus I revert back to the rubber band.

2009 will be great! I have no doubts! Chippy and I are on a great start to losing weight. I've lost like 15lbs and he has lost almost 20. We have the Biggest Loser bet going on with Hawkins vs. Overstreet (his sister and brother in law). The stakes are $1,250 come May 1st and which ever couple has lost the most % in body weight wins the pot. Go Hawkins!

The 4 legged babies are doing well. Foster has even joined the Biggest Loser competition and is down from 116 to 107! Go Bubs! We all wish we could eat Science Diet r/d aka "The Magic Food" and lose such a high percentage of our body weight!

That's my update. I hope you and your families have a safe and joyous holiday season!

Much love, RCH

Meet our new couch

I love our new couch! I think it was made for our house!
The Ashley sofa won, but not by popular demand.

http://www.betterrenovations.com/Bermuda/Store/ProductImageBrowser.aspx?productId=39494

This weekend, the poor couch got a good taste of how it will spend the rest of it's life. Hubby never once got up off of it. He even slept on it most of the night. I mentioned we may need to go ahead and purchase another center cushion from him butt pivoting from one end to the other every 15-20 minutes.

Costume

What are you going to be for Halloween?

I need everyones vote. Chip and I have finally narrowed down our couch search after over 3 months. If you haven't been to our house to know what it looks like, shame on you, but vote anyway! :) Your choices below are Lane or Ashley.

Keep in mind the throw pillows aren't a necessity.

Click on the link and check out the Lane Couchhttp://www.lanefurniture.com/Products/ProdInfoDet2.asp?MasterNo=23713&LHF=

Click the link then click on the small picture at the top that is second from the right. It gives a good view of just the Ashley sofa.http://www.betterrenovations.com/Bermuda/Store/ProductImageBrowser.aspx?productId=39494

Much appreciative,
RCH

I will let you know the final decision in about a week. :)

Yay! Safe and Sound.

My family is safe and sound from Ike and that is all I could have asked for! There were a few things here and there that could have been catastrophic, but they miraculously worked out.

My brother had a huge tree limb fall on his house that had it come through would have landed on him as he slept in his bed that night. My mother was at his house that night (two blocks from her house) so it was a good thing her neighbor came outside in the middle of the storm and looked over and saw a limb had fallen on the electric wire that goes to her house and the wire was shooting out flames everywhere. He called the fire department and electric company and it took them a few hours to keep it from igniting from the wind. Had the neighbor not seen this, her house may have burned.

My dad, step mom, niece, and a few others lost power soon after they ate dinner that night. They had a hurricane block party in a couple of locations before the winds picked up. All is well and my dad and step mom are in Dallas for a conference this week. That worked out nicely.

Mamaw, Meredith, friends and acquaintances were all safe and withstood little or no damage. Thank you for your prayers. It's good to know we have God on our side.

Prayers

Thank you all so much for the continual flow of calls and prayers for my family and friends in Texas. Everyone is in their designated safety spot in preparation for the hurricane that will be hitting down in the uncomfortably near future. Everyone is boarded up, supplied with food, water, booze, flashlights, candles, generators and playing cards. Wharton County, where my mom and brother are does not have a mandatory evacuation, but near by counties do. Same for my dad, stepmom, grandmother and niece in Fort Bend County. They are steadily calling and checking in with me so that I too can keep my sanity 750 miles away from every single one of my loved ones in the middle of a potentially catastrophic time. Sigh.......

I will keep ya'll posted and again thank you for the prayers.

Hurricane Ike

I'm starting to get really nervous about Hurricane Ike headed right towards my family. My mom and brother will be together so that makes me feel a little better. My dad and stepmom will be together and I am going to have to call my grandmother to see what her plans are. She may be going to visit my cousins in Dallas. If Meredith will answer her phone I can find out about her safety. Here is a map of my loved ones. They are all really near the coast. My home town is about 35 miles from the coast. Please keep them in your prayers. I will try to keep you posted.

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=28.796546~-95.701904&style=r&lvl=8&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&sp=Point.nw2qfm6z8d5p_Mom%20%26%20Brother's%20House_El%20Campo%2C%20TX___~Point.nxsw1k70ttw6_Dad's%20House_Sugar%20Land%2C%20TX___~Point.npd7hz6xbkwp_Meredith's%20House%20%2F%20Dad's%20Beach%20House_Rockport%2C%20TX___&encType=1

When the dog bites, when the bee stings

Next time Hubby and I go to the hunting land we have to remember the 4 B's.

B #1 - when you are on your 4-wheeler and come to the open land you need Binoculars so that you can see if there is any wildlife in the distance.

B #2 - when you are riding through the woods it is always fun to bring a cooler of Beer to wet your whistle and partake in a bit of relaxation.

B #3 - when you have to jump off the back of the 4-wheeler to mount the new game camera to a tree and your husband accidentally parks on top of a yellow jacket nest you need Benadryl to help you feel better. This was scary because I have never been stung before and didn't know how I'd react. My dad is DEATHLY allergic so hubby rushed me out of the woods to get home just in case I was too. He's sweet.

B #4 - when you are rushing out of the woods and the loggers have just been through cutting down trees they leave big ruts. With all the rain there was a ton of mud you need Boots so that when you get stuck and there aren't any trees around to wench to you have to step knee deep in your old tennie hoppers and jeans to pick up the back end of your ATV so you can get home.

So when you plan to play in the woods don't forget the 4 B's.
Binoculars
Beer
Benadryl
Boots

Where in the World Is Rachel?

It's like that Johnny Cash song, "I've been everywhere." You know the one on the hotel commercial where they say really fast all the places they've been. Well that's me.

Chip and I went to Destin, Florida for his summer regional meeting and I turned it into a work related event so I didn't have to take vacation time. His company paid for the hotel, mileage and most of the food while my company let me visit our branches, briefly, and call it work so I didn't have to take time off. Which was nice because I spent way too much time in their fabulous outlet malls and my new favorite planned community Baytowne Wharf. Sign me up twice for retirement!

While there I wore my cute new b-suit which I was going to post a picture of (not with me in it, but the cute models on landsend.com), but went to the lands end website and want to cry now that they are having their end of summer sale. Poo. We went deep sea fishing which is so much fun. Gots lots of snapper to eat! I do have to say that I prefer fishing from our favorite Biloxi charter than Destin. Oh well, loved the opportunity and had a blast. On the way home we stopped and bought the largest shrimp I may have ever seen. And being that everything is bigger in Texas (I'll get that joke later) I'd figured I'd seen the largest shrimp ever, but no ma'am these shrimp were 9 count. That means 9 shrimp make 1 lb. Whoa buddy can't wait to wrap you up in cream cheese and bacon and smother with scrumptious cheese!

Last week I went to Texas to visit friends and family and it was absolutely delightful! I flew into Corpus Christi and May picked me up and we went to her new house in Rockport. She just moved there like week before last so things were still a little boxed up, but that didn't stop us from finding the box that stored all the wine! My brother joined us for the weekend of the 4th and I truly enjoyed his company, not that I normally don't, but we had a blast hanging out. You see the 4th is a big deal at Rockport. You have a boat parade, party all day in the water with party barges and volleyball nets in the water, Fireworks at night, the Sanders annual cookout and all the booze you can drink. Ummm, it was awesome. Good times, Good times. I got to see my dad and step mom and aunt and uncle - they have houses down there too. George Strait was there at his house and it was good to see him and his fine self. He is 56 years old and is so good looking (all those old balls.)

Now to the everything is bigger in Texas joke. After drinking the best pina colada in the whole world at MoonDogs in Rockport (a must visit). I went to the bar and ordered 2 miller lites, 1 bud lite and the bartenders t-shirt that says "Everything Is Bigger in Texas." Yup, I received everything I ordered even the t-shirt off his back! I gave him my shirt, well May's shirt (haha!) and switched with him. I smelled like the cologne 'Curve' all day, but who cares! Priceless and fun!

Monday - Thursday I spent in my hometown hanging with my mom, brother, and friends. It was therapeutic and much needed. Thursday afternoon I went to spend time with my grandmother. I think at 88 years old I will still be the same smart ass just like her. She's a pain and I love it. I'm her favorite person in the whole world and I know it and she'll confirm that to you if needed. After over 70 years of driving she gave it up. What a great hurdle to overcome in giving up independence. Chip sold her a Toyota Camry brand spanking new in 2001 or 2002. Anyway, it's a 2002 Camry with 16,168 miles on it. Yes, you read it right - sixteen thousand one hundred and sixty eight miles. We purchased it for mere pennies and will love and cherish her forever and ever and ever until the wheels literally fall off of it. Thank you Mamaw! Also something else during my visit that is completely special was that she passed down some of her jewelry to me. The original wedding ring and band my grandfather gave her. She had to get a new one because she really wore it until she couldn't. It has worn until it is no longer a circle - it's a 'C' shape. It's such a simple ring that tells so much history. This year would be their 70th wedding anniversary, but he passed away in 1986. Later she remarried and he too passed away not too long ago. I have inherited her wedding ring from him which is absolutely precious. Among other things were great Aunt Lee's broaches and a few necklaces that Mamaw rotated, but wore religiously every day.

Friday I spent the day with my niece and we had a blast. She is 7 and straight cracks me up! She informed me that she is no longer wearing lip gloss because it is tested on animals. WHAT! Who are you? You are 7! It was a steady day of random silliness and I ate it up!

Saturday morning I woke up at 4:00 am and drove my bootie back to Mississippi and made it to the river by noon to hang out with a hubby that I missed tremendously and fun friends to play with. I received a terrible sun burn and was working on an 8th wind to stay alive.

I have survived and have made so many memories in just a one week span! What an awesome time. I truly cherish my friends and family - they are my soul, my energy, my being. One thing going to Texas did for me was that it took me out of my daily routine, some may say a rut, and put things into perspective. I hope my new found perspective lasts because it's such a blissful feeling. I don't want to worry so much about work, living for my career, the petty crap. You know what I mean? We only get one shot at this life - why live it for someone else? Live life for who you want to be and choose who you want to live it for and with. That's my deep thoughts by Rachel.............have a good one kiddos! Love ya.

Oh, the silly little games I play.....

I want to give you the random challenge of the day. I love the word Onomatopoeia (occasionally spelled onomateopoeia or onomatopœia, from Greek ονοματοποιία). I love to say onomatopoeia it's fun. For those of you that can't remember what it is; it is a word or a grouping of words that imitates the sound it is describing, suggesting its source object, such as "click, "clang," "buzz," or animal noises such as "oink", "slurp", or "meow". You may remember them from back in the day when Batman and Robin would punch someone the words would pop up.....

- - - even though "POWIE" and "ZLOP" are still under debate in my book - - -

I challenge you to use as many Onomatopoeia's today as you can.

Let me know what you come up with and how you use them.

How do you like your steak?

Here is my favorite place to eat within a 20 mile radius of my house. I ate here Saturday night and had a phenomenal medium rare filet with their scrumptious marinade that I want to rub all over my body. In my book it is right up there with Yocona, but more of an au jus.

Today, as you can see from this picture, it exploded. I am sad for the owners of this restaurant and for the owners wife's father. He was badly hurt during the propane explosion and had to be airlifted to Jackson. A few of the workers from the gas company were injured as well while they were changing out some type of valve. I hope everyone has a speedy recovery and open back up with a bigger better facility closer to my house.....like in my back yard, maybe.

I do owe each and everyone of my three readers an apology for not blogging in 2 months. That is absolutely ridiculous on my part and I have no excuse. My mother in law is doing much better, but other than that I've felt like a big poo head with no good news. You know like Debbie Downer from SNL. I will have to think of something interesting to talk about and get back to you....not in two months, in no later than a week. Call and harass me if I don't post - - - (Susan)

Love you all too manies and thank you for your forgiveness.

Go Me!

Yes, you read the time stamp right (actually it's wrong it's 6:50).....anywho - it is too early in the morning and I am awake. Not only am I awake, but I have spent the last 40 minutes exercising! What? Who is this crazy fool typing? No need to fear, you have the right blog - It's me.....Rachel.

I couldn't sleep, not for any particular reason but I figured I'd make the best of the situation. I mean swim suit season IS around the corner and the thought of that scares the day lights out of me. I'm not sure why it scares me because it's not like the last 28 years of my life I hadn't worried about it; one would think I'd just accept the fact of being the girl swimming in a t-shirt. We got the ski boat out and moved it to the garage I guess it has been sending me subliminal messages as I come and go throughout the day and reminding me that I will have to put on a swim suit in the all too near future.

So I will keep you posted on how that's going. I probably won't have any awesome recipes to post like SM2, but will fo sho try a few of hers! Speaking of food and health - let me tell you where my mind was this morning as I exercised......typical me....I was doing this DVD that has dance moves on it (try not to get a visual)and the instructor said ok guys, don't forget to breathe......now let's do the salsa! My mind immediately thought of Chips and Salsa! Yum-o! Who eats Chips and Salsa at 6am - or thinks about Chips and Salsa at 6am - whilst they exercise! Really now.....this is a bigger problem than I thought!

Ok, off to take a shower. Maybe if I continue this routine I will post more often too. Yeah right, let's not push it. One thing at a time and I'm starting with this swim suit issue.

Have a good day!

Tuesday Night

I will be at Casa de Susan Tuesday, March 4th for girls night at around 7:00. I am looking forward to seeing her beautiful face - along with a few others and having a beer or two. No late night though, I have a seminar early Wednesday and her and her hubby have a meeting extra early the next morning too.

Hope to see some of you there!

Oxford Bound

Mark your calendar..........this coming Tuesday and Wednesday night (March 4-5) I will be in Oxford. I have a bank seminar on Wednesday and Thursday during the day at the Downtown Inn. I am not sure what the agenda for the seminar is on Wednesday - it may last a little after 5 and include dinner. So the best night for together time is more than likely Tuesday night, if anyone is up for it.

I will be staying at Casa de Susan, if they accept my imposing in their beautiful home.

Again, I ask for nothing more than the steady flow of wine or beer and a good friend or two to hang out with. How fun does that sound? Sounds a little like Heaven in my book!

Hopefully I'll see some of you soon.....if not maybe next time.

Crack Me Up

I love my friends. I love reading their blogs and cracking up laughing and the funny antics they recreate for my entertainment. Keep on posting and don't ever stop - you guys help me keep my sanity, especially here lately. Things with my mother in law are going well. As I tell everyone when they ask how she is doing....she is doing way better than any of us! She came and stayed with us for almost a week since her husband contaminated her house with the flu. She is absolutely a hilarious nut case. I wish I could blame everything on drugs or a brain tumor.....it is obscene. It freaks people out when she says it, but those that know her know how funny it really is. I am still in awe at all of the people that continually call, stop by, bring food or flowers, etc. I told her she was going to have to leave my house because I have gained weight from all of the awesome food people keep bringing. I feel morally obligated to eat it, I mean really - they went through all of that trouble to make it then bring it to my house. She went back home Tuesday and I am still relishing in the left overs. YUM-O to good food, I want a brain tumor! I did have the stomach bug last Thursday, nobody brought me anything but Gatorade and a thermometor as they wore a S.A.R.S mask. I was shunned to my father in laws pool house so that I wouldn't have contact with anyone. Thank goodness it was only the 24 hour bug, I thought I was dying. I was making out my Last Will and Testament and picking Bible verses I wanted read at my funeral as I steadily talked to myself and fell in and out of consciousness. I even called my mom 800 miles away and told her she better come soon if she wanted to see me alive again. She didn't come. That's ok...I will remember that folks. Glad I pulled through. This weekend is my nieces birthday party - she is 2. It is at my house since I live in Switzerland. Those of you that come from divorced homes should know what I mean. My house is neutral ground. I don't really live in Switzerland. That's about all I know. I am at my mother in laws house waiting for her husband to get home from work.....(it's 7:00 p.m.). She can't be alone for the next 30 days so at 5:00 when I get off of work I come relieve her friends that hang out with her during the day until he gets home. He should be here soon, so I will sign off for now. I am in dire need of an Oxford weekend....Susan I may come visit soon!

'll remember that folks.

Sabbatical

Here is where I will be posting from for a few days/weeks.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriennewamble

We recently found out my mother in law has a brain tumor. They will remove it Tuesday and we will know more once that happens.

Please keep us all in your prayers ~ we really need them.

Goose

My Katie Goose got groomed today and I had them shave her beard off....she literally looks like a goose now with her little head and long snout. I keep telling her how pretty she is, even though it is pretty funny looking. Her head is so tiny and her body is soo big ---no she's not possessed the camera gave her red eye and I didn't fix it.

Bout' Time!

I know, I know, it's about time I blogged. What a better time than right this very second....I'm feeling productive as I sit in bed watching CBS News Sunday Morning (what a great program), catching a glimpse out the corner of my eye of my freshly organized closet, and the last load of laundry in the wash. Yes, I am feeling productive. Get ready for all reading and no visuals!

As some of you may know I can't fully function until everything is in it's place. I've always been that way - in high school I had to complete everything on my to do list before I started homework, in college I had to have a clean apartment before I could focus on my studies. I'm still like that with my desk at work and especially in my home. I think it's some form of OCD? Long story short, Christmas decorations are down, leaves in the driveway and back patio are blown off, house is decent and the puppies lay sweetly in my bed resting their eyes. Good feeling.

Where is Chippy? He is at the 3rd (or 4th?) Annual Mountain Man Weekend. The last weekend of every year him and his buddies go to one of their cabins and drink, play cards, hunt, grill out, scratch their butts, watch football - anything that involves great volume of testosterone. Come Monday they will start planning for 2008 Mountain Man - this is a 365 day process. It's almost like a fraternity. Let's just say they start growing their beards out around Thanksgiving and this will be the first year I've spent New Year's with Chip in the past 3-4 years since it falls on a Tuesday. We have no plans for New Year's Eve, but I have big plans for the year 2008.

Resolutions:
1) The ol' cliche resolution that always makes the list - lose weight. I started prepping for this one early with the help of my doctor. I'll let you know how it goes. I feel with my accomplishing day number 43 of clean lungs this is a good mindset to change habits and become more motivated.

2) Listen more.....My mind always runs 7439 miles per hour and goes from one thought to the next and I most always have something to say. I read an article that said the average human has between 50,000-60,000 thoughts per day and 80% of them are usually negative. I want to change the negative thoughts and learn to listen better.

3) Continual Education. I want to focus really hard on learning the calculations and formulas that will help me in my job.

4) Read more. I've been reading this book on leadership and have really enjoyed it - Developing the Leader Within You. I have started a list of a couple of books I'd like to read next. I hope this leads to trips to the library.

5) De-Clutter. Is that a word? You catch my drift. I've already started on this 43 days ago. I don't want any "stuff" just sitting around. Maybe become more of a minimalist - I need simplicity in my life.

6) Save $. Again, cliche...but I have done a ton of research this past month on ways to save and cut corners and managed to save us about $140 a month on house phone, cell phone, Internet (which will triple the speed), pest control and then once we sell the house from hell (no it still hasn't sold) that will be an extra $150 in my pocket. So potentially $300 a month in savings. I'll let you know if my plan worked once I receive my bills for the things I have changed up next month; then if it works I can share with you what I have done. I still have to research our car and house insurance and if we can save more by switching agents.

7) Find a hobby. My hubby loves to fish in the Spring/Summer and hunt in the Fall/Winter leaving poor Rach-y bored. Once I finish "de-cluttering" I need to find something to preoccupy my time. I was thinking once Spring comes I will be able to work on my yard. Lisa...wanna come help? I need ideas!! We fenced in the back yard and it's taken away from the woodsy ambiance that once was, makes me sad. I don't have a green thumb or the financial capability to do what I vision, but I can try to make do.
Another hobby is to bust out Mamaw's sewing machine. I want to make a T-shirt Blanket -- I've already put all of my college t-shirts in a pile and then have another pile of my favorite t's to do a second quilt. If it turns out - I'll make you one too!

I think these resolutions are feasible. I will need all the moral support I can get. What is/are your New Year resolutions? I'm determined 2008 will be great.

Adios 2007!

Last Post....

No silly head! This isn't my last post EVER, only until I get my new laptop. Should be in this week....if not then I shall talk to you upon it's arrival. Chip is taking this dinosaur to Alabama 2 days after he made it super fast by adding more RAM. That punk - he probably knew all along he could do that! This piece made me pull out every hair on my body waiting for it to do well, anything. This is Rachel, signing out from the hunk of junk hopefully forever! Until next time when I will write you from my super speedy, state of the art, probably takes pictures of it beauty while scratching my back and types what my mind is thinking - machine.
HOLLA!

Where's Rachel???

Here I am!!!! Yes friends, I did fall off the face of the earth, but I am back. I have tons to talk about --you haven't heard the last from me! Good news! For Christmas my lovable hubby bought me a new laptop with super speed and a bunch of things I don't need. YEAHH!! So I will actually have the patience to write you lover-ly peeps more often.

Where do I start. First I want to apologize for a couple of things. 1)That it has been years since I have informed you of the ongoings of Koz and 2)There will be no pictures only text in this blog since Chippy has the digital camera.

Last I remember blogging was over a month ago when I was going to Texas to be in a wedding. Wedding was fun and my boobs didn't pop out of my bridesmaid dress as I thought they may. So that's good. I got to spend a lot of "Girl Time" with my wonderful fun friends and received bonus points from my husband and all of the males that were forced to do wedding mumbo jumbo with their wives because I shipped hubby off with my dad, brother and uncle to go fishing for the majority of the pre wedding crapola.

Work is going well. I'm learning a lot and still liking all of my co-workers. They are all willing to lend a helping hand when I don't understand what is going on. Pretty soon the two analysts that were there before me will be moving on to bigger and better things. Then my side kick, Jeremy, will have to deal with all of my idiotic questions.

Thanksgiving was fun. My mom and brother drove up from Tejas to hang out and bring me fun goodies. I inherited many many wonderful things that fulfill my life...my maternal grandmothers dining room table 8 chairs and buffet that are absolutely gorgeous, my paternal grandmothers china cabinet that has seen better days- but serves it's purpose and I love it, as well as the record player my grandfather gave my grandmother for their 30th wedding anniversary. I also received my Mamaw's sewing machine which is a blast from the past since I haven't used/seen it in over 15 years. I remember being a wee little Rachel watching and "helping" her sew dresses and curtains and most all of my clothing - for hours - especially on Tuesdays when I spent the night with her. As I opened the bag of goodies she sent with the machine she still had the same tape measures, thimbles, pin cushions, tracing papers - as if time had stood still. For a moment in time it was as if I were still that precious little pure angel. Stop laughing.

On a more serious note......
The other life changing thing happened today. I witnessed and was a part of something wonderful. It's sad that it took someones misfortune to see this, but today I saw the true meaning of love, compassion, care, selflessness and it was humbling. As part of a local civic group I attend meetings, do my hours, meet my quotas, volunteer, etc, etc. I never tangibly see the difference it makes. As the contact person for a local school, I received a phone call from the counselor that 2 children lost their home this past weekend in a fire. They lost everything, shoes, socks, winter clothes, school supplies, and that doesn't even scratch the surface. This counselor reached out for these children and withing 10 minutes from hanging up the phone and making 1 phone call they had been furnished school supplies and money for new clothes. This is truly awesome. As I shopped for their school supplies tonight I walked around buying them probably more than they will need this next semester. I looked around at all the "things" in the store and it made me so sad that I take so much of the stuff I have for granted and these kids have absolutely nothing.

So to you, my friends, I say....this holiday season as we get our new laptops and adorable boots and jackets, take the time to go through your closet or a shelf with knick knacks and give to your local shelter, helping hands or salvation army. Some people have been struck by tragedy, people we may never know. So, as you make your 9045th trip to WalMart this week pick up a toy for the Church toy drive. Are you having a Christmas Party this year? Make it an invitation where they have to bring a gift if they come. You can think of a philanthropy or get a list of things needed for families in need, elderly people that may not be able to afford heat or food for the winter, the Veterans Home, there are millions of programs. My mom's best friend did that a few years back and when we delivered even the simplest of things like nightgowns their faces lit up! It really makes a difference not only your life, but most importantly someone else's.

Tis the season guys - don't forget.

Peace out!

Don't forget about me

Here I am. I didn't want you think I dropped off the face of the earth. I will write hopefully this weekend.

Procrastination Station

Hi and welcome to procrastination station. That is what I will call this blog because I could be doing about 47039876 other things but choose not to. I am sure you understand because if you weren't procrastinating you wouldn't be reading my blog. So - we're even.
I was doodling on my reality notebook of bills to pay and decided I wanted to escape into the blog-o-sphere for a bit since I miss you all so dearly! During my daydreaming that had nothing to do with plumbers, utility bills, laundry, barking dogs, commercial loan applications, meetings, or the fact I need to lose 100lbs.....
I was thinking about school - high school and college and what a freaking life my friends and I led - our most nerve wracking times were OMG! Did he really just wink at me or did he have something in his eye? or - I saw Richard driving through town in his awesome decked out truck and he honked....at me! He probably wants to have like a thousand of my babies. or - Mary thinks that I said her outfit was oh so awful - if I'd have thought that I'd have said it to her face...stupid beotch, we are so in a fight. Those were the days when money seemingly grew on trees and was there when we needed it and if it wasn't then we figured out ways to still have fun and hang out and become the ever so dreaded beer bums at parties.
I now give you this opportunity to list the things you miss most about la la land - take the time to reminisce - it does the mind, body and soul really good. I think it's actually therapeutic to think about the good ol' days and how they got you where you are today.....Talk amongst yourselves (via my comment link). It's not like you have anything better to do - we are all procrastinating right?

LSU vs Mississippi State

Yes, you have the right website, it's Rachel - not some crazy football, Sports crazed, ESPN lovin' blogger. I couldn't think of a title and since I have been immersed in State Fans talking, talking, and talking all day about the State / LSU game tonight it's embedded in my brain.

What a different culture. I come from a land far far away where we do have football rivals, but it's not like an "I have nothing nice to say to you because you pull for the other team" type of rivals. The utter hatred that people have for the opposing team is quite humorous to me. My being from Texas - you do have your people that bleed orange for the University of Texas and your Aggies from Texas A & M, but I really don't think they go to either school because of the football team. I could be sadly mistaken, but I know I didn't go to Ole Miss because at the time Tubberville was kicking butt as coach. We've been through 3 coaches in my tenure with Ole Miss and each time it stirred way more commotion than voting for president.

Don't get me wrong - I love my Rebels and have stuck by them through thick and thin, but really....the hatred that my husband and his friends (some for the opposing teams) have for their rival is absolutely hilarious to me.

I may be hit by a sniper when I leave the house in the morning for saying this or if my husband reads my blog we may be signing divorce papers next week, but I like LSU. I pull for my Rebs over LSU, but I must say I am pulling for LSU over State tonight (don't tell anyone I work with.) I've had some fun times in Baton Rouge (best friend went to LSU) and I admire their team spirit, some say they are evil, and they may be, some say they are rowdy, which they are - but I've had not one bad experience at an LSU game. I cannot repeat that out loud, I'm not a traitor, I'm loyal, but I guess I just don't take it as seriously as most - or maybe since I'm not form these parts it just wasn't pounded into my head as a child?

As I was saying - the culture is different. I've spent the last 9 years in Oxford, home to the Rebels and now living in a town closer to State I catch flack all the time. At least the CEO of my company and my boss went to Ole Miss, so I won't lose my job when we beat State this year.

I'd like to share with you a conversation that took place a few weeks ago between a die hard MS State fan talking about two girls - one went to State and one went to Ole Miss - they both live in New York now......

The Ole Miss girl will be looking for a new roommate soon and the State girl will be needing to find a new apartment. Voila! one would think - they should room together, right? Oh con-tra-ire mos-sier, the State fan telling me about this alleged predicament absolutely could not fathom these two girls living together - "I mean really, how would that work? I guess they could divide the house in half and one put MSU stuff on one side and the other put Ole Miss stuff on the other.".............................Ladies and gentlemen - I kid you not. That was the conversation. How could they live together? There would be absolutely no way - they pulled for different football teams.

If that doesn't sum it up for you - maybe I'm the idiot? I rest my case...........

Hey Team

Well hello there friends, it's me! I have a few seconds to blog before I head to Jackson to go on an eating binge at Amerigos - - - - yes, I am getting the Bow Tie Caesar Pasta Salad and the infamous Tiramisu.....yum-o I can taste it now.

So far I've had a decent week. I got my dryer fixed, which leads to loads and loads of laundry to catch up on, but I don't mind. I started to get worried because after a week and a half of my underwear stash diminishing I didn't know what I was going to do. Thank you nice Mr. Repair man that fixed it and prevented me from having to purchase a new dryer. My family makes fun of me because coming from a divorced home I became a good packer - every other weekend to my dads or my moms - inevitably I took no less than 8 pairs of panties for a 2 day trip. Not that I used them all, but just in case I needed them. I still to this day can't tell you why, but I own about 20 something pair. Ok enough about panties......

I started teaching my Spanish class yesterday - it is rough. By no means am I a teacher. I understand that I know the language, but it is hard teaching predominant people in town elementary level stuff without making them feel like infants. I received some feedback, so I feel a little better about tomorrows class. Pray for me, please.

This week the new Credit Analyst started. He seems nice and smart. We were going through and talking about financial spreadsheets and tax and balance sheets today and he pretty much understands it all - which I am extremely thankful for because I have not a clue what is going on. The program I am in is geared more so towards people straight out of college - therefore they can take what they learned and apply it immediately. I on the other hand, can deal with the people and the meetings and the organization and mundane things, but the financial end is where I need the most help. I have been out of college for 5 years now and dodged the finance classes like the plague. It will be challenging, but fun and educational ---- I think.

I miss you all dearly and have a few FNCers in my thoughts as they begin the APUC tomorrow. I hope all goes well, any updates from my old fellow co workers would be great!

Just as Tired as You are

I'm just as tired as you are of clicking on my blog and nothing new going on.

I am a lame duck, nothing interesting going on. I have been doing a lot of work for a few civic organizations in town which has kept me really busy. I still love my new job - next week I think I will finally be able to be at my desk ......I think my training is almost over. It's been a lot of fun.

I start teaching a new night class at the local community college next week - - - haven't even come up with what I'm going to teach yet, I should get on the ball about that.

I gave blood the other day and am waiting for my online cholesterol test results to appear - that's pretty neat.....the excitement makes me feel old and like a fuddy duddy.

I have a busy weekend coming up. Friday I may make a cameo in Oxford, but not too sure yet. Katie Lou has a groom appointment Saturday in Sardis, (long story of bad Koz experience - imagine that), so I can kill about 2384956 birds with one stone if I come to town. Saturday day, I have to clean my house, cook party food and I have even enlisted Chippy to pick up petifores (not to be confused with pedophiles) early Saturday morning. Sunday we are giving my sister in law a baby shower at my house. My other sister in law from the Coast will be arriving at about midnight Saturday night - should be fun times filled with laughter.

I decided against going to my 10 year class reunion. Saturday night was the only fun event that was going on and I'd hate to go stag and just for one night and pay my airfare and pack and try to see all family members and then come home exhausted needing a vacation. So, in October I'm in a wedding back home anyway and as of the other day the bride has a list with 928 people attending. Who needs a class reunion when they are inviting everyone in a 100 mile radius anyway - - right? I have to be able to fit in this brides maid dress. I decided to not eat after 6:00 and consume more H2O. After I gave blood I felt less bloated and got on the scale and lost 5 lbs......maybe I should give more often? Their slogan should read - - "feeling bloated? give blood!"

Ok my friends, I love you and miss you. Call me Friday and see if I'm in town (Oxford) if you want to hang out for a bit. Hugs and Kisses XOXOXO

Inspire

I have the need to be inspirational today or tell everyone something that they can ponder on.....but I can't think of anything. So, now I want to be funny and entertain you guys with my silly antics....but I have none.
I can only bore you with the mundane things like I bought new suits to wear to work this past weekend because as fashionable as I am...I have to wear a suit. I have to say that it boosts your self confidence a little. You feel like you look nice all day and that you should demand respect with your pant crease and buttoned up jacket. I have to wear closed toe shoes too, so the pointedness of my heel is a little intimidating - like don't cross me or this has a special place it fits.
I'm not rude, arrogant or pompous as I stroll professionally down the halls. In fact it's quite opposite. People like me and want to be my BFF because I take the time to listen about their husbands kidney stones, I answer questions in meetings that start off with "well, you see Mr. ____ the pricing index compared to our continual growth," and I also willingly lend a helping hand with out being asked. Who is this wonderful person everyone is speaking of??? It's me, the girl with the tailored look and "pretty face." Gah, don't you know?
You guys probably think I'm not right in the head, but I was day dreaming in an earlier meeting today because I had read articles about how to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Through my 23970546 mph thought process this tid bit of fantasy (if you will) was what I pictured. Not all of it's fake, I do wear a suit and closed toe shoes and listen to people talk about their husbands kidney stones, but it's not glamorous......even though everyone still wants to be my BFF...............right!?!?

Everything Changes

Change is a part of life, we all know it and we all come to expect it. But really now friends, have I accidentally distanced myself too long to where EVERYONE has had a major change? If you look to my left at my daily readings everyone has had a major change.

The Janii has settled in her cross country move and her sister is married off now.
SM2 is another year older (and traveled to Seattle)
Mel-o-Drama and family are relocating (and she went to her writer's convention)
The Pioneer Woman has given away a gigantic Photo Contest prize that I missed.

Sigh...I have no exciting dramatic news. The only change we have made is that we are a little "greener" - we bought a Prius. It's nifty and will help out hubby on gas costs. He averaged 48 mpg on his way to Alabama this morning. Go us, doing our part....I guess? (Sorry no pics - I need to get a new battery for the camera.)

We have been skiing in the boat these past few weekends. Let me rephrase that - I have been sitting in the bow of the boat being chauffeured around the lake whilst I drink my beverage and tan. I'm glad we bought the vessel and fixed it up ourselves - I have more of an appreciation for her.

My only fun friend in Koz has traveled to Florida for a full week and I am lost, so I thought I'd tackle the slowness of this DOS era desktop we have inherited. I can't complain - she does her job, slowly, but surely. I better post this incase she gets a little crazy and stops working.

I miss you all and keep on changing and I'll do my best to keep up!

Best Wishes

I hope everyone had a happy 4th of July! I did a little cleaning and went swimming and then headed to a friends house to watch the fireworks. It was low key - hubby wasn't in town.

We finally got our boat from the boat repair guy, 2 months later. Can't complain because he did a great job on the couple of things we needed tuned up and charged us "half of what it would have cost anywhere else" - - - I still thought it was expensive, but everyone else was raving on what a great deal it was. So long story short, the boat is in motion. We went out on it Sunday and had a good time, then lounged in the lake. I'll get pictures this weekend because I know we'll be going out again. I'm still a little weenie when it comes to doing things aquatic because of my ear - even though it is fine and healed. I'm a little over protective of it.

Saturday night we held the after party of the 1997 Kosciusko Class Reunion. My sister in law brought a caravan of people over around 11:30 pm and they didn't leave until 2:30 am. I on the other hand went to bed around 1:15am - I'm the hostess with the mostest, right?

New job is still going well. Since we have had 2 Monday's this week I was able to stick around my desk and work on a project with the other analysts. It has been good so far, but I miss chit chatting with FNCers throughout the day. I also miss my Solitaire Showdown Tournaments.

Ok team, I am off now. Sorry I have nothing exciting or insightful to leave you with. Have a good day!

Still Alive

Just wanted to pop in before I headed out the door to let you all know I am alive and well.

Brief Overview....

-St. Louis trip went well, glad to be home. We were able to tour the Edward Jones facility - that was pretty cool.
-Job still going great, I'm in Deposits, Research and Debits this week.
-Received my last pay day from FNC today- sort of the last tie to it all. (tear)

More to come when I get the chance. I'm still trying to keep up with everyone else's blog in the mean time.

Love to all,
Rachel

Lack of Energy

Whoa, what a week. I am completely pooped. I enjoy my new job and love meeting the new people. Today, Friday, I sat in on the Board of Directors meeting. This is where they approve the big loans on though. It was a lot more fun than the Wednesday Loan Committee meeting because one of our long time friends is on the board and he is a hoot - always has something funny to say about everything .... which made time pass by faster. I then moved my way from the proof department to the computer room. I don't have a total grasp on all they do there yet, but will learn more about it Monday and Tuesday. At 3:30 they had a baby shower for one of the girls in the office. I knew her so I pitched in and got to partake on the punch and cake. Yum.
So next week I have Monday and Tuesday in the computer room learning more with Kelsey who thinks that the water park is the greatest invention since sliced bread. She did have on the new Mary Jane Crocs and now I must have a pair. Adorable! Then Wednesday I think I have to go to Memphis for the Loan Committee meeting and then drive around and look at properties we have made loans on - that should be fun. Then I have off Thursday and Friday because hubby and I will be going to St. Louis for his regional conference. Should be interesting and I'm looking to have fun. Chippy is dreading it, he doesn't much care for St. Louis, but I've never been and am looking forward to it. Hopefully I will have time to post some next week, unless I drop dead from exhaustion. I guess I'm not use to eventful days - so this is a good thing. I had become a hermit, which is why I know I needed the change.

Hope everyone has a good weekend! Special shout out to the Janii who is moving cross country this weekend - safe travels and let us know all about the adventure!

Going to hell, but I like my new job

So the new job is great! I get to learn so much before I actually start "my real job," I'll get into that in a minute. First off, I had absolutely no clue how many people and things there are working and going on at this bank. It is extremely impressive, all the machines and people doing different things - it seems so costly to me. I know that sounds silly, but I guess just haven't thought about EVERY operation of a bank. Which leads me to what I've been doing.

This first week I have been going to the proofing department - that is where they enter in the amount of your checks and deposits. I made a little game out of it - you have to make the balance end up at $0.00 so you know it all totals out. I see how many tries it takes me. It's a numbers game, but reminds me a lot of OCR at FNC. You read the scanned item (check or deposit slip) enter the amount, account number and/or routing number (of the ones that didn't scan) and then if it's all good - it lets you move on. It's a lot of numbers and buttons, and I like pushing buttons!

Next week I get to go to the computer room. I've been in there a couple of times already, but never got to touch anything. It's a nifty, fast, expensive piece of machinery that scans the checks and slips and the ones that don't read go to proof to manually enter in. It's all computerized and precise - should be interesting too.

After that I think my journey leads me into a few more months of shadowing other departments like deposits, tellers, CSRs, loan operations, and most any other department you can think of. It's really a neat concept - learn the process as a whole and their main goal is for me to become familiar with everyone in each department....so if I needed something in the future, I'd already have established that rapport with people in that area.

I've made some fun new acquaintances and have run into a lot of people I know as well. So far so good. It's still a small town though, so when someone says - Where are you from? Because they don't know me or I have a "different accent", so obviously I am from somewhere else......then it's the whole 6 degrees of separation type deal - where we HAVE a connection somehow, but we must figure it out now. They all have known my husband since he was in the womb and need to tell me his parents names in case I didn't know. It's amusing. Really amusing. I feel like a foreigner, kind of. It's a good feeling though because people want to know about me - - - and everyone loves to talk about themselves....right, ok maybe I just love to talk about me.

Anyway, it's been fun so far. The other 2 analysts are nice and helpful and a year or two younger than me because they started this right out of college. When they explain things to me they always preface it with, "you probably already know this" because they know I have some experience. They are sweet and I always tell them to explain it to me because I may not know how things are done here. I look forward to hanging out with them more. They are both getting married, not to each other, within the next year.

Today was an introduction to my typical Wednesday. 8am Pricing Committee Meeting where we go over what to set the rates to, how to promote them, keep them in line with competition, etc. Interesting process. Then I went to the Loan Committee Meeting at 9am that lasted until 12:30. It was neat to see what one day I will be doing and know the "lingo" to....but in the mean time - it made me feel really poor. I guess I've never dealt with Joe Schmo who has a net worth in the high millions. It was a long and rigorous meeting and everyone was motioning and seconding right along - or we'd have been there until 3:00 pm. Afterwards, I met with my boss - who by the way I haven't talked about, but absolutely love to death! I had made notes about questions I had throughout the meeting and she sat down with me to answer them. I was surprised with all the things I caught onto and I think she was too. LOOK AT ME KNOWING STUFF! I got to ask question on why they approved specific loans and learn a little terminology all at the same time. This will help me better understand Friday when I sit in on the Board of Directors meeting. In this meeting they go over all the loans over $600,000 or a million (I can't remember because I am poor and it's all a lot of money to me). Should be interesting.

That is my past couple of days in a nutshell. I have really enjoyed it so far. I think once I get the swing of things and more involved instead of observing it will be great!

PS - The highlight of my day ----- I got my supplies in today! I have all colors of highlighters, all sizes of note pads (literally like 5) and sticky notes, a ruler, pens, pencils, tape, binder clips, paper clips, thumb tacks to hang my Grey's Anatomy calendar up, my own printer and computer and phone line and trays and oh it's so exciting! I love supplies! They gave me enough stuff to last me until my AARP card comes in the mail.

PSS - A friend asked me the difference in atmosphere from FNC to M&F and the best way I know how to explain it is that here in this small town where everyone talks about their kids or how they've been there 45 years this fall it's the total opposite end of the spectrum because noone has worked at FNC for 20 years and everyone there is younger and seemingly a little more open minded in a diverse manner. But the one thing I noted is the "jib-jab" gossip is totally different....it's all personal stuff where FNC it was more professional - like (FNC) so and so sent an email to so and so and now we have to come up here this weekend and do a push (M&F) so and so told so and so that Aunt Jane's neighbor had 5 lb squash.

Also, yesterday I said "hell-bent" and I felt like I was going to go to hell afterwards.

New Everything

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is my big day. The beginning of my new adventure in commercial banking. I will let you all know how it goes. I have a ton of new clothes so I am sure to be the cutest girl there. Too bad my Chippy isn't here to see me off for my first day - I'm like a little girl getting all set up for her first day of school. I've laid out my clothes and maybe I will get new supplies - I love supplies. I'll bet they give me my own note pad, pens and hopefully a binder! How fun, new clothes, new job, new people, new challenges, new perspective, new supplies - what more could a girl ask for? Wish me luck team!