I Went MIA

Most of you know about Bleu by now. We are still trying to figure out how to cope and do things without him. Its not easy, but we are trying and making some progress. Part of that progress is getting a new puppy. We decided that Bleu would want us to give a good home to another deserving dog and wouldn't want Lola to be lonely. And one just happened to seem like a good fit at about the right time. He is half lab, half blue heeler. We get him this weekend. I am sure Matt and I will both post pictures once we bring him home. I am pretty nervous to have a puppy around the house. The last time I had a puppy, I was in elementary school. And I am nervous how Matt and Lola are going to react to him. Lets be honest, those 2 are pretty finicky about who they like and who they don't like. I will keep you posted.

So lets talk TV...
Biggest Loser - biggest bore finale. No one likes Helen, so who cares. Tara should have won. And who would have thought the biggest at home loser would be Jerry!?

How I Met Your Mother - If that indeed was the series finale, I would like a spin off of Robin and Barney, or Lilly and whats his face... Same cast, writers, just new story. I need more Neil Patrick Harris in my life. And the writers = genius!

Desperate Housewives - I wish Susan and Mike would get back together and it is Susan's wedding, but somehow I doubt that. Surely she wouldn't have a big church wedding to her ex-husband. Who knows...

Gray's Anatomy - I don't want Izzie OR George to die! I want them both back. I don't want to see Alex dealing with losing his wife and going crazy again. Because let's be honest, that isn't going to be pretty. George is the only sane, and often boring, person on staff, so he can't go. And I don't even want to think about what is going to happen with Meredith and Derricks post-it note wedding!

Brothers and Sisters: Yawn... I am still going to watch next season, but yawn...

What else I have been up to in the last month that I am sure you are ALL dying to know.

I am officially a wedding coordinator, and love it. I really want to do more of it, so if you know anyone who needs some help, send them my way please :) And I still need a name for my business. Ideas?

Matt and I filled in the infamous mud pit out back with rocks and it looks 5000 times better already and we are not even done.

I need to paint/seal my deck and build a new fence. Anyone want to help???

Kelly's wedding is basically planned. WTF? She might be the most on the ball bride I have ever seen. I am in charge of brides maids dresses now, and that is no easy task.

The bulbs I planted last year are blooming! And my hostas came back! I must have a green thumb or something. However, my new orchid is not doing so hot. Any suggestions?

I went to Houston about a month ago for Ad Federation with Paige. Paige had a contact at Live Nation and they got us tickets to see Etta James at the House of Blues, and the Foundation Room (which I had never heard of, but apparently its a pretty big deal). She was awesome. We also enjoyed an amazing hole in the wall bar - and you all know how much I all enjoy a good hole in the wall bar. We THEN went to some authentic Mexican restaurant where they serve beer after hours in red iced tea glasses. I am not sure why, but after hours beer tastes SO much better!

I think that is about it. Did I miss anything? Sorry I haven't been around much, didn't much feel like talking until recently. But I am back for good, have no fear.

My Calling is Calling...

I have always liked party planning - why, I don't know, but I have. I have helped several friends plan their weddings and last weekend got to run my first HIRED reception. It made me realize how much I actually like doing it. So, now I have the bug and can't wait to start working on the next wedding. I also need to come up with a name for my business. Any suggestions are welcome. Here are some pics of Kathy and Clay's wedding. If you know anyone who is getting married soon, I HIGHLY recommend Melissa Claborn. She is amazing!

I will post later to get everyone caught up in the goings on of my life :) Check back soon. I promise to be better!

Bleu Bear

Matt, Lola and I lost our precious Bleu Bear this weekend. It was the worst day of my life so far, and hopefully, ever. He was doing what he loved - running, and fought so hard. It was so shocking and so unreal, like a bad dream you can't wake up from.

I do not think we could have loved him more. We miss him so much. Please keep him and our family in your thoughts and prayers.


You will always be with us, Bleu. Always. Thank you for making us a family.

Luck o' the Irish to Ye

Just a little something to get you in the spirit of the day.

I'm Back, Baby!

So I ignored my blog for awhile, so sue me. I would explain what has gone on since then, but, frankly I don't want to, so I won't. There is too much happening to go into the past.

For one, Kelly Allen is engaged and I am planning her wedding! I am so excited - both for her and to plan the wedding. I am not sure why I love doing it so much, but I really do. I'm a freak, I know. And Trevor did the ring shopping all on his own. I am both impressed and shocked. That takes courage, Trevor! If you get the chance, check out Kell's newest sparkle addition - its ptetty awesome.

For two, my Mom is coming into town this weekend. I will spare you the details, but I could really use some Mom love right now. You know how sometimes, you just need your mom? I need my Mom. So thats awesome. BUT she is bringing her boyfriend for the first time. I don't know how this is going to go down. I feel like a little kid. I have met him several times and he is a super nice guy and they are like adorable together, but still. I'll keep you posted.

For three, I went to New Kids on the Block on Monday, and it was everything I wanted it to be and more. Screaming ridiculous girls. All the old classics. Some new stuff that Tracy apparently loves (hilarious by the way!). Free beer in a suite. Five middle aged guys who used to be cool taking their newly revived music career WAY too seriously. All and all, it was an awesome experience and totally money well spent. That is one life goal I didn't think I was going to get to check off. Life is full of surprises.

My motto for March (It's a tie this month): What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger AND God wouldn't give you more than He knows you can handle. However, every now and then I think the Big Guy might see a little more strength in me than i really have. Let's just hope He knows what He's doing :)

Happy Spring! (I am just assuming that the warm weather is going to make a quick comeback!).

I am so sorry, dear blog

Work has been super crazy lately and I have neglected you. I am an awful blogger, but I promise to be better.
So much to catch up on!

TV Recap and Reviews

I know that you have all been wondering "what does Rachel watch and what does she think about my show?" I decided to tell you...

Biggest Loser - I am not sure how much I love this season. The 2 people I was originally pulling for, Jerry the old guy and Danny the young SUPER fat guy, are both gone. Who am I supposed to pull for now? And Joelle, she just annoys me. Sometimes I feel bad disliking her because I honestly think she might be retarded.

Desperate Housewives - I fully appreciated that they have embraced how ridiculous they are. Dave the creeper has got to go. And if he gets Porter sent to jail, there will be Hell to pay. Susan is no longer my favorite as she has become more annoying than usual. I now love the gay couple and Lynette the most.

Brothers and Sister - eeh... whatever. And PS, if my husband ever decided to think about running for governor and DIDN'T talk to me first, shit would hit the fan! Also, I don't really need to see Sally Fields hooking up.

Damages - Do you watch it? I recommend that you rent season 1 and get caught up. LOVE IT!

Big Love - I am not sure why I like this show, but I do. I feel it is both entertaining and educational. Not really, but whatever.

Flight of the Concords - sorry guys, just never got into it. They are just so dumb!

How I Met Your Mother - I love Duggie Howser, MD. Again, stupid, but I love it.

Two and a Half Men - Stupid, but love it. PS - how many facelifts has Charlie Sheen had? My vote is atleast 2.

Top Chef - I think I might have a foreigner crush on Fabio. I think he might play it up most of the time, but I love how he gets phrases all messed up. Also, what about the cheating hook ups last week? How awkward is it now that neither of them got kicked off, everyone knows they kissed AND got whatsherface sent home?!

Using Only One Word

USING ONLY ONE WORD

I stole this from Kyla's facebook page... I was bored and did it... You can steal it from me if you like. If fact, I recommend it.

Where is your cell phone? Desk
Your significant other? Home
Your hair? Long
Your mother? Loving
Your father? Supportive
Your favorite thing? Puppies
Your dream last night? Math
Your favorite drink? Cokes
Your dream/goal? Retirement
What room are you in? Office
Your hobby? Everything
Your fear? Masks
Where do you want to be in 6 Yrs? Retired
Where were you last night? Studying
Something that you aren't? Punctual
Muffins? Top
Wish list item? Car
Last thing you did? Meeting
What are you wearing? Dress
TV? DVR
Your pet? LolaBleu
Friends? LOVE!
Your life? Fascinating
Your mood? Rushed
Missing someone? Matt
Drinking? Tea
Smoking? Never
Your car? Old
Something you're not wearing? Coat
Your favorite store? Target
Your favorite color? Pink
When is the last time you cried? Sunday
Who will resend this? All
Where do you go to over and over? Home
Five people who email me regularly? Matt, Tracy, Blaze, Emily, Jackie
My favorite place to eat? Carrabas
Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Beach

In case you thought it was me, it wasn't

I was getting ready this morning and heard the news anchor say "Tulsa gets it's own reality show" and for a split second, I thought, I'm getting my show finally and this is how they are telling me. Then I came back to reality and realized, "I don't want to be on TLC."
In case you heard this too, and thought it might be me, it isn't. Sorry to disappoint. Even more disappointing: it is the RIDICULOUS Nosak show. In case you aren't familiar with Nosak, they cut down trees. Seriously. They are tree trimmers. Also, they are completely fake and obnoxious. They have a "show" on one of the local channels here, but it isn't a show, its an infomercial. They don't have commercials and they pay for the air time. It is is painful to watch, again, because they cut down trees and are rednecks. On the news this morning, the main person had on a huge, what I am assuming fake, fur hat with a back mullet/mudflap type thing happening.

Just to recap, I still don't have my own show, but now there is a show about tree trimmers in Tulsa. If that doesn't make for good TV, I don't know what does.

Sea Kittens

Let me begin this by stating the fact that I am against animal abuse and am for animal rescue, after all, the best dog in the world, Lola, was a rescue dog. But I have to say, PETA is out of control. I didn't mind when they protested fur, I don't mind that they suggest alternatives to meat and animal products. I even laughed at the Pamela Anderson campaign - you know the one I am talking about. But now I realize that PETA is out of control and I no longer recognize them as a serious organization. Heres why...
They, in all seriousness, are attempting to rebrand fish, from what I can tell, as an entire species, as Sea Kittens. (there is a dirty joke in there somewhere, but I havnet found it yet.) SEA KITTENS!!! They think if people call them kittens, they wont eat them. I wish I could come up with something this ridiculous. What this really makes me wonder is what names did they throw around and out before they just came up with Sea Kittens. And why fish? Why not chickens? Why not cows? Or are they next?
The other thing that PETA has done recently that made me say "nope, no more, you now cease to exist as an organization in my head" is write a letter to Ben and Jerry. You know Ben and Jerry, they make some delicious ice cream (one which was called PHISH food - I'm getting closer to a joke, I know it!). They asked Ben and Jerry to stop being cruel to the cows and quit using their milk. The alternative they suggested was mother's milk - as in YOUR mother's milk. So instead of hooking up cows to the milk machines, they are going to hook up nursing moms? They don't think that is a little cruel!?
I am now suggesting that PETA is no longer a serious organization. Their existing budget should be eliminated and go to feeding and clothing needy kids somewhere, their members laughed at, and their employees strapped into a milking machine.

Just in case you don't believe me:
Sea Kittens
Ben and Jerry's newest flavor

Something to get you over a case of the Mondays

So one of my clients sent me a link to review a viral campaign. Ok, those can sometimes be interesting. On the blog, they had this video posted. It is long, but so worth it. Watch it and we will discuss...




For a big guy, he can really dance! My friends are pretty cool, but I am not sure any of them are dance montage cool! Please, someone prove me wrong!

What I thought about this morning...

1) Damn its good to be a Florida Gator. I did puke a little when I said that, but it had to be done. Florida is probably one of my least favorite SEC teams, but they are an SEC team none the less. And OU fans are SUPER obnoxious! So yeah, its good to be a Florida Gator.

2) I love the facebook status change based on how the game is going. The most telling, and most true, was my boss's "I am not sure who is more holy, Obama or Tebow." It is a very valid question.

3) Biggest Loser is frustrating me. Spoiler Alert if you aren't caught up. They kicked almost half the contestants off! This is the biggest season yet - I'm talking almost 500 pound people - they need to be there the most, and you kick them off the 1st episode?! I am starting to wonder if the show is really in it to help people and not just sell gum, Brita water filters, and 100 calorie packs.

4) Damages is back. Very excited. I didn't get to watch the premiere because I was watching the game. Why would you schedule your premiere the same night as the national championship game? Stupid. People should really think before they act, or atleast consult with me first.

5) We are going to Fayetteville this weekend. I gave Matt basketball tickets for his birthday. It should be fun, considering they look like they are actually good this year. And I am doing some scouting for UK. Joppy, I don't care if it gets awkward between us, I need Pelfrey working for UK where he belongs!

6) Matt and I are going to have to buy a new car soon. I am really dreading it. Any recommendations? I saw the Ford Flex last night and for some reason I kinda want it. But I think we will buy used, not new. How are we this old and never bought a car?! Help?

7) My new hair stylist and I talked about going to grad school and what I could do to earn extra money and she opened my eyes. Car Dealer. I know what you are thinking: I quit ad sales because I felt like a used car salesman; the economy is in the crapper and getting worse; I am nervous about buying a car, how am I supposed to sell them? Well lets look at the facts. I would only be doing it part time for extra cash, not for a real living. I love to haggle and strangely, really like cars when I am around them alot. I don't like car shopping, so I would put others at ease - no high pressure sales here. I am not your typical sales man :) Thoughts?

8) I ate McDonald's for breakfast this week, and I hadn't done that in a VERY long time... now I want it every day. I think they might put crack in it.

Just a Quick Realization

I made a new resolution this weekend, and so far, it is making a HUGE difference. My resolution is this: when I walk in the door, put my keys where they belong, put my purse in the chair (and I am only allowed to have 1 purse out at a time), hang up my coat, and put my shoes where they belong. I know it sounds super simple, but has made SUCH a difference this week! It really cuts down on the clutter, which means I have more time to do little cleaning chores quickly AND the house isn't cluttered, so I am more motivated to keep it clean. I will keep you posted on how this works. If it keeps me on track, I am going to add a new little routine addition every now and then.

And yes, it did take me 25 years and a NY resolution to start doing this. Why judge when you could support!?

New Years Resolutions

Today is the LAST day of 2008. How the crap did that happen?! Since tomorrow is a fresh start, clean slate, new beginning, I need to figure out what I want to do this year and how I can improve. I know what you are thinking, and contrary to what you may think, there is room for improvement.

1) Improve our financial situation - this seems pretty generic, and it is. I don't have to tell you people EVERYTHING! I want my credit cards paid off (knock on wood, that should be in the next month or so), my savings increased, and some sort of investment plan for Matt. I contribute to my 401(k) but he doesn't have anything set up for his retirement. That should change this year. Any suggestions?

2) Health - Matt and I are pretty good about cooking at home and not eating too much junk food. That being said, we aren't very good about going to the gym. We are good about paying our gym membership, but not so much the going part. I am going to try going in the morning so my day can still be over when I get home from work. I like just coming home, changing clothes, fixing dinner and relaxing.

3) Grad School - this is the year, it has to be. Matt and I decided that I either start this year, or not at all. So, I am going to try to start. I am studying for the GMAT and take it in January for my applications that are due in February. Wish me luck. That is really going to put a hamper on the financial situation and the being done with the day when I come home. Its a long term improvement though, right?

4) House - This year I am going to try my darnedest to keep the house cleaner longer. I love the house being clean, it is just so hard to maintain! I also have a few projects around the house I want to do. I want to paint the living room and master bath and do something with the retro bathroom. I also want to work on getting the backyard in order. It drives me crazy.

There are some others, but those are the main ones. Pretty generic, I know. Who cares... baby steps, people! I get a little better every year and I think that is pretty good!

Alot Has Happened

Since I am back to blogging, it is safe to assume that Matt and I did not stay in Mexico, however it was touch and go for a while. Here is a recap of my "vacation".

1 - stomach virus on the drive to Mobile via Memphis resulting in
1 - drug induced coma
1 - bag of "dressy" clothes left hanging in closet in Tulsa
2 - hours of waiting in traffic before even getting to the place to board boat
0 - times I got sea sick. Bethany is amazing and so is ginger root. Take her advice and take it!
3 - days the wind and waves made the halls of the ship seem like a pinball game.
652 - number of people under the age of 16 on the boat (there were only 1800 people total!)
1 - possible broken toe (poor matt! atleast it was the last day off the boat and not the 1st!)
9 - hours we spent on the boat past what we were scheduled to. Fog apparently makes it hard to drive and park a boat.
56 - hours spent pulling up carpet, finding a plumber, and cleaning out the utility room and garage after a pipe burst in the house while we were on the cruise.
Countless - time I have spent thanking my lucky stars nothing serious happened and that I have great friends and family who will help when the going gets tough.

Lessons learned - Matt and I are not cruise people; we may try again by ourselves or with friends, but that is a long time coming. I am over family vacations. When you go out of town for over a week, get a house sitter. Always think positive. It can (and frequently does) get worse. I decided that this was just a preemptive kick in our pants to get started on our New Years Resolutions to work on the house and clean out the garage. I also donated a large car load of stuff to Goodwill for a little boost in the karma department.

Way to go!

So the people listened, America did not vote Heba into the final 3 on Biggest Loser. You really do listen to me! :) Sometimes I amaze myself. And it is a good thing that we prevailed - Heba would have won if she was in the final 3. I am still a little bitter that she beat Amy for biggest at home loser. Way to go, Michelle!

Is is just me, or did this season not lose as much weight as past seasons? they still seemed like there was weight to lose at the finale. I still say I would like to see how the people from past seasons are doing. And who has kept it off, Jillian's people or Bob's people? My money is on Jillian's.

I think I am excited for the 3.5 ton Biggest Loser. However, the preview scared me that they might actually kill a guy?! That is taking it a bit far, do you think?

Hills - got caught up last night. At first I was annoyed at Spencer for kidnapping Heidi, getting her drunk, and then convincing her to get married. However, after watching some of it, I think she and Spencer came up with the idea together and pitched it to MTV. I just don't believe that she was "surprised" by it. But she did look pretty upset about it the next morning. I don't know about you guys, but upset and disappointed is not how I felt the morning after my wedding, especially when I was in Mexico!

I leave for my Mexico Christmas Cruise on Saturday! I am out of here starting Friday. I know it will be hard, but please try to make it through the week with out my posting. Also, please pray for me and Matt that I don't get sea sick. And if you have any tips on cruises or treating sea sickness, I beg you to please send them my way.

Merry Christmas!

Small Dilemma... Help?

So I told you earlier that I cheated on my old stylist and found someone new I loved. Well, I am not sure it wasn't puppy love. I am supposed to go back next week, but it really doesn't need it yet, so I am thinking about rescheduling. And then my old stylist sent me a Christmas card and said she missed catching up with me (which really just means that she misses my billing, but we do have a good time chatting).

Should I:
a) reschedule with the new person and give her 1 more time and then decide
b) go back to Crissy and beg for forgiveness
c) find someone all together new

I can't decide. Please tell me you have an opinion! I don't really have to decide until after Christmas, but I should try to make an appointment so I can get in before my hair gets out of control.

Does anyone have someone they love who is good with color and fine straight hair?

Get caught up!

1) Matt is awesome and got me a new phone for Christmas. I got it already because I could no longer function without the 9 button. Its a Blackberry Bold and I am in love. My work and yahoo email go to it, so email me instead of texting me if you can. Did I mention that I love it? I am not really sure how I functioned with out it.

2) In 1 week, I will be leaving to go on my Christmas Cruise with Matt and my Mom's side of the family. I have never been on a cruise, but it isn't Tulsa, Memphis, or Owensboro, it is warm, and they serve copious amounts of adult beverages. Plus Matt said that we could go swimming with the dolphins and I about pee my pants with excitement anytime we talk about it.

3)Matt and I are going to have to buy a new car in 2009. Any suggestions? Call us spoiled, but it will be the 1st time either of us have bought a car.

4)I am very upset that you could not vote Vicki off of Biggest Loser. If she wins, I am done with the show. They have ruined a perfectly good reality show that tried to do good and help people. Gaining weight for the sake of game play should equal you are kicked off the show. Make room for people who are doing it to change their lives! Also shocking - Ryan from Season 1 has basically gained back all of his weight. See where game play gets you?! Nowhere and fat!

5) I am disturbed with The Hills lately to the point I almost can't watch it. Not because it is ridiculous or stupid. Because I think LC might have a mustache problem and that really bothers me. Bleach it! Wax it! Do something, my God!

6) Brit Brit is going to be in Dallas in March and Tracy and I have decided we are going. If she adds a Tulsa date, even better. You are invited to join us if and ONLY if you can truly appreciate all the glory that is Brit Brit.

I need to escape reality for a bit...

Biggest Loser - Why is Vicki still around?!?! They keep teasing that America is going to get to vote for the person to go home next. If that is the case and I find out anyone I know voted for anyone except Vicki to go home, I am not going to be your friend. Amy should have gotten rid of her when she had the chance, and all it got her was sent home.
Dirty Sexy Money - First let me say that I am truly hurt that another one of my shows is getting canceled. I call BS. Moving on... Is Nick's marriage really over?? I think he is kind of a douche bag, but still. And is Trip trying to out him? So he will be out a job and a marriage? Maybe it is just a ploy to get Nick and Karen together. And I still haven't exactly figured out what Nola is up to. I know she is working for Simon, but Simon basically has what he wants now, so what is he up to? And they are going to leave way too much hanging when they cancel the show. That really annoys me. What annoys me also is when they spend 90% of the season tying up loose ends. Who wants to watch that?
Brothers and Sisters - Starting to annoy me lately. Its borderline Brady Bunch at this point.
Desperate Housewives - I love that the writers came back from the strike and said "screw it, we write for a ridiculous soap opera, lets just make it as ridiculous as possible. No one takes this show serious, why should we!?" It gets crazier and more stupid by the hour. Also, I love that they are slowly making Gabby not ugly anymore, but what are they going to do about those hideous kids?! How much does it suck as parents to realize that your kid is cast as the fat ugly kid on a show of beautiful people? And about this Dave character. He is super creepy and I am ready for everyone else to figure it out. How has no one recognized him from the neighborhood 5 years ago!? Also, leave Porter alone!
30 Rock I love you and am so glad you are back! I wonder how much of it is true to SNL. But, I still miss Sunset Strip or whatever that show was called. Why couldn't we have both. Another example of them canceling my shows.
Private Practice - Who knew Addison was a trustfund baby!? I don't like the new doctor/girlfriend person. It's time for her to leave. Dell is stating to annoy me as well. How is it that the 2 people in a semi-functional relationship are Addison and Cooper.
Graces Anatomy Until you get rid of that stupid Denny ghost, I refuse to like you. And quit making me cry!
Well, that has cheered me up and taken my mind off of the real world for 10 minutes. Hope it did the same for you.

Thanksgiving Song

Think back... When was the last time you really appreciated something Adam Sandler did? Remember when he was funny?! I am just old enough to remember him when he was funny. For those of you who don't, you are welcome.