It's been a while.

I hope everyone's Christmas break has gone well.

Mine has been marvelous. I've moved home- quite the chaotic situation at first- but now, it's on the up side. I've been with family a lot, which I've loved. This will probably be the last time we're all living together. Kind of weird. I've also been reading a lot, and I realize now how much I miss having time for that!

I've been thumbing through some Elisabeth Elliot, and I've also started Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Excellent, gritty so far. It's going to be a wonderful redemption, friendship story. I love those.

I don't have much more to say right now. Getting ready to head to Tampa/ Orlando for the bowl game and Disney World. Yay :)

Finals

The entire purpose of this post is to delay studying. I've actually almost decided to totally stop studying (or avoiding) tonight and just wake up early and go all day tomorrow and Wednesday. I'll have the rest of Thursday afternoon to study for my last final Friday. I think that will work. I hope that will work. Either way, I'm really close to Christmas break. Even though I need to study during the break for the exit HESI that I must pass to graduate. I'm going to stop talking about HESIs now though or I will get really stressed and convince myself to study tonight.

On another note, here are some things I've really been enjoying lately:

1: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, particularly their Christmas album, especially track one, two, and nine. Check them out.



2: New drink from Starbucks: Caramel brulee' late'. Very yummy. I'll be drinking lots of these with extra espresso this week. Frappucino version is delicious.

3: This Vivo Dead Sea mineral lotion/ manicure set. I'm a sucker for buying this sort of thing from people who let me sample their product and bargain prices with me. I'm a champ at buying things simply because they're on sale. Then I get home and realize that I really didn't want it. BUT, in this case, glad it's in my possession. The lotion really does work so well! I don't know if it's because it's natural elements or what, but it's awesome. Plus, the lady started at $75 and ended up giving me all this for $25, and a 15% off coupon for my next purchase. The lotion was worth it. Go get some... Village Mall (fabulous place) near the food court. You probably won't be able to miss it; the little lady who sells it will run you down.



*Ya'll, I did not know about the Dead Sea scrolls until I bought this lotion. How am I just learning about this?

4: Fire in the fireplace. I know, college students should not have the kind of home I'm living in right now. I'm totally going to take advantage of it while I can though. Having a fire reminds me of home. And it makes this house feel more home-y and more my style :)

5: The Office. I really, really love that show. I also love that TBS is showing episodes now. Tonight they played the episode where Michael declares bankruptcy. Oh my goodness, so funny. That show never fails to make me happy.

Ok.

I should go study now.

I think I'm probably the only nursing student that isn't studying right now.

I believe in all nighters.

Beat Bama.

Tim Tebow has more media coverage than any other college football player probably ever has, possibly ever will. I'll even admit, it can be a bit much sometimes. But, he is an incredible athlete, plays inspired football, and seems to be a truly grounded guy. He's just fun to watch. Plus, he wears a Bible verse on his face every game, that's some kind of witness.

I'm counting on him this afternoon. Not because he's the only player for the Gators, but because he can motivate, and he won't go down without a fight. That's how Florida is going to have to play today. I'm sure they will, I hope they will, but dang, Alabama can just get lucky sometimes! And they've got some talent, I'll give them that.

Ahh, games like this really make me nervous. Can you imagine the thoughts and the pressure going through those players' heads right now?! Wow. All the grueling practice, the anticipation, the fans, the dome- roaring. Gosh, I would love/ hate to be there.

I'm queasy about it, and I'm watching it on my couch. This game is huge. Watching the Cincinnati v. Pitt game, the announcers showed a chart with stats for the SEC championship game, and they're pretty tight. Pretty close. But Florida has Tebow, and ya'll I really think he's what makes the difference.

I am excited though, 'cause me and Say-ruh are makin' chick-n-dumplins (that just makes me feel country, figured I'd share) and homemade chocolate chip cookies. Oh and biscuits with honey butter! And fire later. Oh, and I'm not studying all day. More games to watch and nursing books to avoid.

Happy Saturday! Go Gators.

possible snow :)

Always exciting. Probably won't happen, but here's hoping! At least it'll be warm enough for a fire.

Also, found this comment and really liked it:

"When we heard of the Auburn fans chanting at the end of Fridays game "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger" we knew there was something special about the excitement around this football team. The Tigers have everything we are looking for in a New Year's Day team. They are a tough, exciting team, extremely well coached and... have what might be the best fans in college football." -Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President/CEO

Thank you for some credit, and I'm very glad to be part of a fan base that really supports their team.

I know I never posted about the Iron Bowl. I feel like my feelings are similar to most Auburn fans out there. I'll just sum it up:

-I am truly proud to be an Auburn fan. I see really good things in store for our team in the future. We never gave up, and for the most part, I thought the coaching was awesome.
-That game was phenomenal. Some of my favorite football memories in my time at Auburn were made during that game.
-If ever there was a moral victory, it was this year's Iron Bowl. I don't think I would've been more proud of Auburn had we won.
-Also, this may seem a little strange, but I'm glad, in a sad way, that the Bama defender batted the ball away on the last play of the game. I only say this because think of how even more heart wrenching it would have been if one of our guys had dropped the ball, or it slipped out of his hands, or something. At least there wasn't a chance for that. Sorry, I know it was still so, so sad.
-Nick Saban's attitude drives me crazy. His ego is pretty ridiculous. I hope that Florida shows up and plays their best game all season this Saturday!
-And, I really do believe in Auburn, and love it.

25 years ago (plus one day),

My parents were married. Last night I took over a picture that all four kids chipped in to get enlarged. As my dad opened it, he got emotional and said a few things about how much his wife and his family meant to him. How blessed he feels. He bought my mom an anniversary band, and placed it on her finger like he had twenty five years ago. My dad is a simple man, sentimental all the while. Ya'll, that was a beautiful scene. I've seen my dad cry twice. Twice. And in those times I saw how much he loved and cared for the uncle who was more like a best friend, and for the black Lab who was another member of our family- a true companion. And last night, I saw (although I already knew) just how much he loves and cares for me, my siblings, and my mother. It was truly one of those moments that I know I'll look back on with such fondness. I'm getting emotional just writing this, and I'm not even a good writer! I just can't seem to capture the moment vividly enough.

My parents believe in marriage. They knew when they said their vows that they would make it to this day as long as they lived to this day. Life hasn't always been easy, but they've worked it out, learned and experienced much along the way. Through it all, they've stayed side by side. Had four children, raised them. Stayed part of a church family that's gone through many changes. Worked long and hard days. Stayed up many nights. Loved all of us unconditionally. Even though yesterday was in many ways another ordinary day, they were able to celebrate twenty five years together. That's a pretty amazing testament. In fact, my dad brought up that this anniversary marks the year that my dad has been married more than he's been single in his lifetime. Pretty remarkable, to me anyway :)

I know I'm probably the most sentimental one out of my close friends. (Sorry I'm always asking for pictures :) ) I hang on to pieces of paper with just a scribble, or a ticket, an single earring, whatever little thing it is. I love hearing stories about people. I don't care who they are. I want to hear about life. Trials, and redemption. Love that triumphs it all. Faith that brings joy, and peace when we're unsure. And even tragedy. It all makes this crazy life work. And after almost every story, I'm reminded of the Lord, and how He has ordained this all to happen. Every piece. He is the constant in this constantly changing day to day. Liking stories doesn't make me sentimental, I guess, but getting wrapped up in them does. I especially love hearing seasoned people talk, ones who have been through much, even if it's all been pretty "normal". I love hearing my dad talk, share about our family's legacy and all of that. I'm glad I got that from my dad, that desire to hold on and to hear and to appreciate the past, and to long for a future. And strive for the eternal, of course.

So, Happy 25th, mom and dad! So very thankful for you both, and for your commitment to each other and our family.

I know, it's been like fifteen minutes.

I am just frustrated with this blog thing. I can't get it to look the way I want it- the way that will look cute to other people- etc. I get mad at the computer, mad at myself for not being creative "enough". That just leads to this whole, long overwhelming thing of you're boring, Rachel. You're no fun, Rachel. You shouldn't be spending your time doing this for so long, Rachel. Gosh, Rachel, you're being pretty much miserable right now. On and on it goes.

So, I'm stumbling along other people's blogs trying to get ideas. I get to Claire's. I read some old posts. Here comes to punch to the face :

"I know of nothing more agitating to the soul, nothing that so unsettles and disquiets, as the contemplation of the self."

-Elisabeth Elliot

Hmm, interesting. And although I wasn't thinking specifically about how horrible of a sinner I am and how I'll never be good enough, etc., I was still thinking about little 'ol me. Very unsettling, and it certainly makes my brain go to war with itself, very loudly in fact, until everything else just gets drowned out, and all I want to do is sulk.

You know what? Here's another I believe:

I believe in grace. Thank goodness!

Now! Back to the blog! :) I've added a list of blogs that I follow. Sorry if you didn't know I read your blog all the time, ha. If you want me to take the link down, please let me know. Also, I'm working on a header, if you're wondering. You probably weren't though, because usually I think people are so worried about me and how I look and how my things look. Usually, not true. Anyway, I'm working on it. It makes me feel better to say that.

Well, hope everyone's Tuesday has been lovely. I've been pretty worthless, but so enjoyed myself. Slept, ate, and watched a movie, a very cute one, by the way.






It made me want to watch this one really, really bad:



Don't Emma Thompson and Natasha Richardson look identical to you?

And I forgot to mention this in my last posts, but congratulations to Sarah on completing senior project! Wow. I'm so proud of you!!

ughh.

that's all. just figured i'd share.

Hello, hello.

I hope everyone is doing well this week. Hopefully with family and friends.

Yesterday was my grandmother's (mom's mother) birthday. I went to her house a couple of hours before dinner and just chatted with her. It really was just a blessing to me. She just had so much to offer in our conversation, and her words are always just so wise- seasoned by the years. She has not had an easy life, but she has trusted the Lord and he has carried her. Just like He will (and has) done the same for all of us. Even as we continue to sin every single day.

As the night continued and the rest of my family came, I again realized how blessed I am. The only person we were missing was Emily, but she comes home today :) I love sitting around big tables with yummy food and just talking with people. Truly, one of my favorite things in the world is to eat with family and friends!

That said, I think that could be the start of my "I believe" thingy.

I believe in family. The power of it, and the love that encompasses mine.

I believe in good meals with family and friends. Around a big dining room table, particularly one that has some history to it.

I believe in riding in the car with the windows down. So freeing to me. With good music- even better.

You know what? I think I'm going to stop the list there and try to add an "I believe" statement at the end of every post. Maybe that will become my trademark :)

I hope each of you enjoy time with family and friends... relaxing, and being so, so thankful for the many gifts and blessings that we have graciously and undeservingly received. Happy Thanksgiving!!

More to come...

It's already been so long since I've posted, and I've only had this blog for a week or so. Promise I'll be better. Truth be told, I had posted once earlier this week. It turned out to be just a list of complaints and a paragraph about how much I needed some Jesus time, so I just deleted it.

Anyway, for those of you that read this, here are some upcoming topics from me:

-an I believe thingy
-thoughts on the game/ Athens weekend
-graduation fast approaching
-some others that I cannot remember right now

I also hope to have some sort of layout thing done soon. I would love to do that today, but alas, I must go study for my last critical care test!! Before the final, that is, but still exciting!

I know that all of you that read this probably already know this, but my wonderful friend Kate (I would link her to your blog here, but I don't know how) got one of her inspiration boards put on stylemepretty! She really is so talented... happy for you kate!

Also, despite the results of the game last night, I really am just glad to be an Auburn fan. War Eagle, anyway.

If it rained all day tomorrow too,

I would be a happy girl. Truly, I would be really satisfied if it rained about half the week each week.

Today has been a pretty normal day for me. Class, lunch, more class. I went to Starbucks to study for a while, got caught up people watching and day- dreaming. So, I left. Home to fix some dinner and then hit the books again. It's going to be so hard with this rain. I feel like there are over a million posts that say something similar to this but, wouldn't it be so nice to have a cup of soup/ coffee/ hot chocolate (taco soup for me tonight) and just sit around a fire with some good friends? With the blinds up to watch the rain. Mmm, so soothing.

And how many wonderful rain memories do you have? Stomping around in puddles, racing to your car with friends, maybe even a really good kiss. Rain always makes me want to listen to Patty Griffin, the Weepies, just smooth and beautiful. It just takes you to another place- a dreamy one. Naps are better with rain, music is better with rain, driving is better with rain. I just really like rain. I'm going to stop now.

Ok- one more thing.

I may or may not like it even more than I used to because of scenes like this:

Oh my gosh. I love them so much!

I'm off to my taco soup with the blinds up!

Well, it's about time.

I love blogs. I read them everyday. I spend much more time reading blogs than I do on Facebook, checking e-mail, or anything else productive. I cannot count the blogs that I read nearly daily, and how many of those are of people that I don't even know personally.

I've decided that this is because I love people. I love talking to people and simply hearing about their life, their stories, their people, their history. Even the mundane, everyday. I love finding something relateable with every person, even if I've never met them. Ha.

Anyway, I guess that it's only fair that since I religiously view (borderline stalk) blogs, I should start one of my own. Plus, there's this pretty cute boy that started one tonight, and if he did it, I've got to get started too!

I must admit, I'm not too creative. I have very creative friends, and I often get intimidated by their work and ideas. Not that I'm not creative at all, it's just not my greatest strength. All that said, friends, I'm in dire need of ideas for creative, fun title and blog description. Also, I would love to know where to find the super cute background templates you guys have. All in all, I need help getting this blog worthy to be viewed by the masses. (I'm sure that will happen!) I'm welcoming suggestions... anything at all. And no, that picture is not permanent. It's from a recent memory that I'm still savoring. Plus, I'm on Sarah's computer and don't have many options of pictures of me or something that I've picked.

Also- funny story: I actually started this blog a little over a year ago. Wrote one post, below. I'm not really sure why I didn't keep going, but I plan on changing that this time.

Alright, I'm off to search for blog templates! Goodnight everyone. Hope you all sleep well with all this rain; I love it.