( in chronological order):
1. Trip to Baton Rogue and New Orleans with Veronica & Dave tomorrow
2. My favorite Holiday...Halloween!
3. The ballet opens with a world premier of A Midsummer Night's Dream
4. Dad and Patty's visit Nov. 5th
5. My birthday (November 20th in case you were wondering)
6. Chevie's visit on my birthday
7. The Nutcracker all December long
8. Going home for Christmas
9. Getting to see family and friends back in OH
10. Brandi comes out for New Years Eve!
I'm thinking the rest of the year is going to be good and fly by. I guess I can't complain about my life right now.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Bakefest 2008
For the past week I've had the house all to myself. My family took a trip home to Ohio so I took full advantage of having full range of the house. I even skipped choir and ballet. I can't tell you how nice it was to have my own place without having to worry about anyone else or their rules.
I was really looking forward to this freedom week so I could enjoy the kitchen. They left for the airport last Fiday morning and by Friday night I had transformed the kitchen into Rachel Bakefest 2008. I might have been a little too ambitious with my list, but I figured I had to squeeze a year's worth of baking into a short time frame. Over the weekend I went to the grocery store 4 times (3 different stores) and baked the following :
1 loaf banana bread with chocolate chunks
1 batch of linzer tarts
2 pumpkin rolls
2 pans of homemade cinnamon rolls
6 apple dumplings
My list was originally a little longer but I forgot what a pain it was to peel apples so I decided to skip the pies and apple cake. It's probably a good thing because by Sunday I was exhausted. Everything turned out fairly well. It doesn't feel like fall out here so I had to trick myself by baking all my fall favorites. Here are a few photos of some of the finished products.
I was really looking forward to this freedom week so I could enjoy the kitchen. They left for the airport last Fiday morning and by Friday night I had transformed the kitchen into Rachel Bakefest 2008. I might have been a little too ambitious with my list, but I figured I had to squeeze a year's worth of baking into a short time frame. Over the weekend I went to the grocery store 4 times (3 different stores) and baked the following :
1 loaf banana bread with chocolate chunks
1 batch of linzer tarts
2 pumpkin rolls
2 pans of homemade cinnamon rolls
6 apple dumplings
My list was originally a little longer but I forgot what a pain it was to peel apples so I decided to skip the pies and apple cake. It's probably a good thing because by Sunday I was exhausted. Everything turned out fairly well. It doesn't feel like fall out here so I had to trick myself by baking all my fall favorites. Here are a few photos of some of the finished products.
The rest of the week I enjoyed cooking for myself, cleaning (or not cleaning) as I pleased, and having control of the television. It was a much needed break and I enjoyed every minute of it. The family returned Sunday night and I must say that as much as I didn't want to give up the house, it was good to see them again. Richie is as cute as ever and I missed his hugs and babbles. I guess if I have to go back to living out of one tiny room, it's worth it to have him back in the house.
If you like pumpkin, I highly suggest you give this recipe a try. I remember getting so excited when my mom would make this. It's definitely a family favorite.
Pumpkin Roll: (shown above)
3 eggs, 2/3 cup canned pumpkin, 1c. sugar, 1t. baking soda, 1/2 t. cinnamon, 3/4 c. flour. Mix together. Bake in jelly roll pan on wax paper sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 15 min. Place on tea towel sprinkled with pwd. sugar. Roll up with towel. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours.
Filling: 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1/4 c. soft butter, 3/4 c. powdered sugar, 1t. vanilla. Refrigerate until needed.
Unroll cake. Spread filling then reroll. Sprinkle with pwd. sugar. Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice when ready to serve.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
A Love Confession
I’ve always known this deep down in my heart, but I suddenly feel the need to confess my love. I am in madly deeply love with bookstores and cafes. There is just something about the way they make me feel. They can instantly calm my nerves when I’m stressed, make me feel smart, organized, and aware of what’s going on in the world. All is right when in a bookstore or café.
I think my love for bookstores stems from my early days in grade school when my mom would let us order books from the book order program or from the book fair. We never had money to splurge on new toys, but she couldn’t tell us no when it came to books “because it was educational”. Unfortunately that mind frame has created trouble for me because my mom’s motto rings through my mind as I run my hands across all the bright colored books so conveniently placed on the bargain or suggested reading table. If I put it on my credit card, it’s not a bad thing “because it’s educational!” Last night I confessed to Jordan that I loved being in B&N and would be so happy and peaceful to sleep in an aisle surrounded by so many books. Weird, yes, but so true.
Café’s are similar to bookstores in the way they make me feel. Maybe it’s all a false pretense and I’m just being a poser sitting in a café writing letters to far away friends or blogging about silly love confessions, but I’m a sucker. I will gladly buy that latte to use your free wireless internet and have the brief sense of peace with myself. It’s not often that I’m content with who I am, but for some reason, sitting there I’m alright. And what could be better than a bookstore with a café in it? Nothing (ok maybe there are a few other fabulous and important things in the world, but right now I’m blinded by love).
Whenever I’m running into a café for my break at work, I instantly get jealous of the people lounging in the chairs sipping on their coffee and reading the paper or the latest book. How do these people get the privilege to do this during the day? I would love to be afforded that luxury in life. Until then, I’ll have to be content with my late night visits to escape from my living situation. I guess I have my living arrangements to thank for reuniting me with my love so frequently J
P.S. Even though I have a pile of books I need to read, if you have a suggestion to add to my list please let me know!
I think my love for bookstores stems from my early days in grade school when my mom would let us order books from the book order program or from the book fair. We never had money to splurge on new toys, but she couldn’t tell us no when it came to books “because it was educational”. Unfortunately that mind frame has created trouble for me because my mom’s motto rings through my mind as I run my hands across all the bright colored books so conveniently placed on the bargain or suggested reading table. If I put it on my credit card, it’s not a bad thing “because it’s educational!” Last night I confessed to Jordan that I loved being in B&N and would be so happy and peaceful to sleep in an aisle surrounded by so many books. Weird, yes, but so true.
Café’s are similar to bookstores in the way they make me feel. Maybe it’s all a false pretense and I’m just being a poser sitting in a café writing letters to far away friends or blogging about silly love confessions, but I’m a sucker. I will gladly buy that latte to use your free wireless internet and have the brief sense of peace with myself. It’s not often that I’m content with who I am, but for some reason, sitting there I’m alright. And what could be better than a bookstore with a café in it? Nothing (ok maybe there are a few other fabulous and important things in the world, but right now I’m blinded by love).
Whenever I’m running into a café for my break at work, I instantly get jealous of the people lounging in the chairs sipping on their coffee and reading the paper or the latest book. How do these people get the privilege to do this during the day? I would love to be afforded that luxury in life. Until then, I’ll have to be content with my late night visits to escape from my living situation. I guess I have my living arrangements to thank for reuniting me with my love so frequently J
P.S. Even though I have a pile of books I need to read, if you have a suggestion to add to my list please let me know!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Twinkle Toes Tuesdays
I’ve now had 4 adult ballet classes and I’m so glad that I got the nerve up to join. It’s not only a great workout (we’re talking sore calves for 4 days) but it’s such a great way to relieve stress. It just feels so right to be in the dance studio. Now, I’m not saying that I look as good as it makes me feel, far from it actually. But I try to ignore the fact that I’m hopping around trying to mimic everyone and instead focus on the improvements (if any) I've made from the last class. I’ve had to retrain my muscle memory. Not only do I have to listen to the teacher’s instructions while showing us the combination, I have to remember what each term means, the proper way to do it, and then try to get my body to do it all at once. The fact that the teacher is from Scotland only complicates it as I have to decipher is accent! Although, I really don’t mind listening to his accent and watching him as he demonstrates. He’s young, cute, and a dancer from the professional company ;)
Since I never had the opportunity to run around in a tutu when I was younger, I’m learning to take advantage of it while I can in my 20’s. I’ll never be a real ballerina, but I still look forward to Tuesdays when I get to pick out a leotard and tights and pretend.
As excited as I am all week for class, as Tuesday night draws near, I get really nervous and don’t want to go. I don’t know why I put myself through that crazy process every week because once I’m there I’m fine. I was so close giving in to the nerves and not going this week especially when my friend from work, Natalia, told me she wasn’t going to make it. I wanted to be lazy and just go home and read, but I was good and forced myself to go. I am so glad that I did! I talked to another girl in my class and she was really cool. We chatted before and then went over the combination together after class. It might be sad that talking with someone is so exciting to me, but I feel like I finally have made a new friend! Unless you’ve moved to a new city or across the country, you don’t know how hard that can be to accomplish. I’m looking forward to getting to know her a little better and to have another friendly face at class. It's also exciting to meet a new friend through dance, because that's where I've created some great friendships. Personal Foul and Dance Company brought some great girls into my life and I couldn't imagine college without them. Hopefully my new dance scene will continue to bring friends into my new life out west :)
Since I never had the opportunity to run around in a tutu when I was younger, I’m learning to take advantage of it while I can in my 20’s. I’ll never be a real ballerina, but I still look forward to Tuesdays when I get to pick out a leotard and tights and pretend.
As excited as I am all week for class, as Tuesday night draws near, I get really nervous and don’t want to go. I don’t know why I put myself through that crazy process every week because once I’m there I’m fine. I was so close giving in to the nerves and not going this week especially when my friend from work, Natalia, told me she wasn’t going to make it. I wanted to be lazy and just go home and read, but I was good and forced myself to go. I am so glad that I did! I talked to another girl in my class and she was really cool. We chatted before and then went over the combination together after class. It might be sad that talking with someone is so exciting to me, but I feel like I finally have made a new friend! Unless you’ve moved to a new city or across the country, you don’t know how hard that can be to accomplish. I’m looking forward to getting to know her a little better and to have another friendly face at class. It's also exciting to meet a new friend through dance, because that's where I've created some great friendships. Personal Foul and Dance Company brought some great girls into my life and I couldn't imagine college without them. Hopefully my new dance scene will continue to bring friends into my new life out west :)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Weekend Updat 10.3-10.5.08
Friday night Jordan and I went to see the new Nicholas Sparks movie, “Nights in Rodanthe”. If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly suggest you bring along a few essential supplies, mainly Kleenex, and then makeup. I knew it was going to be a tear-jerker (they usually are) and I knew it was going to be a sappy love story. Sometimes I wonder why I torture myself by watching romances that real life just can’t seem to live up to. The movie was good, but by the end I was no longer trying to hold back the tears, but trying to hold back sobs. It was pretty ridiculous. There were a lot of quiet scenes and you could tell everyone in the audience was sniffling along with me.
After the movie ended we stopped by the restrooms and the sight I caught in the mirror was hilarious. My entire face was bright red and puffy and my eyes were a mess. Honestly, who cries that much!? Luckily I had some eye-drops to help and as a mark representative my purse was fully stocked with the makeup necessities. Touch ups were definitely in order ☺
Saturday was a day full of calories. I went to the Fiesta Bowl office to watch college football. They always have a huge spread of pizza and bread sticks so I couldn’t resist. Beer was also supplied. It’s pretty much the perfect way to spend a Saturday. The only thing that could make it better would be a trip to Target…oh wait we did that too. Jordan and I made a mini trip to get our fix and then went back for a few more hours of football with Veronica.
The three of us went to the “Way Out West Oktoberfest” in Tempe after the games. You should have seen the excitement on our faces. I was bummed to miss out on the Loudonville Fair and the apple-dumplings and it was fair week in Veronica’s hometown as well so it was a good substitute.
I finally got an apple dumpling! yay!
However, I must say their apple dumplings do not compare to the ones back home. First of all they use whip cream instead of ice-cream (practically a sin in my book) and they had the sauce all wrong...but at least I got one. We planned on partaking in the beer garden, but the long lines didn’t quite seem worth it to us so we ended up spending the rest of our tickets on food, food, and more food.
A "get under it" shot with our apple treats.
After eating so much at Oktoberfest, I needed to veg today. Sundays have become my lazy days and I look forward to them all week. I sleep in, attempt to clean my room a bit, and then let Richie come play (and proceed to rearrange everything within reach). And now I’m ending the weekend at the bookstore with Jordan enjoying a chai latte. I just wish the weekend could go on a little longer....
After the movie ended we stopped by the restrooms and the sight I caught in the mirror was hilarious. My entire face was bright red and puffy and my eyes were a mess. Honestly, who cries that much!? Luckily I had some eye-drops to help and as a mark representative my purse was fully stocked with the makeup necessities. Touch ups were definitely in order ☺
Saturday was a day full of calories. I went to the Fiesta Bowl office to watch college football. They always have a huge spread of pizza and bread sticks so I couldn’t resist. Beer was also supplied. It’s pretty much the perfect way to spend a Saturday. The only thing that could make it better would be a trip to Target…oh wait we did that too. Jordan and I made a mini trip to get our fix and then went back for a few more hours of football with Veronica.
The three of us went to the “Way Out West Oktoberfest” in Tempe after the games. You should have seen the excitement on our faces. I was bummed to miss out on the Loudonville Fair and the apple-dumplings and it was fair week in Veronica’s hometown as well so it was a good substitute.
I finally got an apple dumpling! yay!
A "get under it" shot with our apple treats.Although I've come to the realization that I have a fear of heights. They were able to convince me to ride the Ferris Wheel. Luckily it was the bucket kind and not the wobbly bench type that scares the heck out of me. It was really pretty and a nice cool breeze.
After eating so much at Oktoberfest, I needed to veg today. Sundays have become my lazy days and I look forward to them all week. I sleep in, attempt to clean my room a bit, and then let Richie come play (and proceed to rearrange everything within reach). And now I’m ending the weekend at the bookstore with Jordan enjoying a chai latte. I just wish the weekend could go on a little longer....
Monday, September 22, 2008
A Sound Track of my Life
Gavin DeGraw was in town tonight for a concert and it kinda killed me inside that I couldn't go. Some songs become a soundtrack for certain parts of our lives and his Chariot cd was definitely THE soundtrack for my sophomore year of college (and Ace of Base comes in a close second haha). My friends Emily and Ally introduced me to his music and we immediately became obsessed. I think we listened to it over and over again and probably annoyed everyone around us. I went through a breakup at that time and I can remember singing my heart out along with Gavin in the car.
I have seen Gavin 2 times in concert (and funny enough I've only been to 3 real concerts in my life). Each time Ally and I went and were belting out every word with him. We even got to meet him as he signed our tickets. I didn't really have anyone here is a fan and I'm just not that brave to go by myself, but I did get to hear his interview and a song live on the radio today. It brought back a rush of so many feelings from college. I cannot listen to him without thinking of all those great times (and the not so great times) I had while listening to him. I like his new c.d. but it will never compare to his old one. You know, at first I thought it was the songs, but maybe it just comes down to the memories and feelings connected with his last c.d.
Somehow the burnt cd I had of his no longer works...hmm wonder if it's because I over played it? So in honor of Gavin being in town and for a walk down memory lane, I went to Target and purchased it again. And it's every bit as good as I remember. I love how certain songs are associated with certain memories. Looking back through my music is like a walk down memory lane. I'd love to hear what songs everyone associates with a certain time in their life!
I have seen Gavin 2 times in concert (and funny enough I've only been to 3 real concerts in my life). Each time Ally and I went and were belting out every word with him. We even got to meet him as he signed our tickets. I didn't really have anyone here is a fan and I'm just not that brave to go by myself, but I did get to hear his interview and a song live on the radio today. It brought back a rush of so many feelings from college. I cannot listen to him without thinking of all those great times (and the not so great times) I had while listening to him. I like his new c.d. but it will never compare to his old one. You know, at first I thought it was the songs, but maybe it just comes down to the memories and feelings connected with his last c.d.
Somehow the burnt cd I had of his no longer works...hmm wonder if it's because I over played it? So in honor of Gavin being in town and for a walk down memory lane, I went to Target and purchased it again. And it's every bit as good as I remember. I love how certain songs are associated with certain memories. Looking back through my music is like a walk down memory lane. I'd love to hear what songs everyone associates with a certain time in their life!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Since I Flew the Nest...
It's crazy how time flies. I'm still coping with the fact that I've
1) Been a graduate of The College of Wooster for a year (yikes)
2) I actually moved across the country (and it's already been my 1 yr anniversary!)
Since I've been away from home I have learned that it can be difficult to keep in touch with the people you love when everyone is spread across the country. Whether it be due to complicated schedules or time zones (darn things!) it's just not as easy to keep up with all the little daily happenings of everyone. So in order to rectify this, I've decided to start a blog for anyone that wants to follow my life out here in the Valley of the Sun. Basically this is for you mom because you'll probably be the only one to read it ;)
A lot has changed since I moved 2,000 miles away but a lot has stayed the same. Some things I'm happy with, some things I'm not, but here's a basic breakdown of my life categories.
Living Arrangement
Still living with my Uncle Rod, Aunt Marisol, and adorable cousin Richie. It's a great situation and I'm blessed to have them. They are letting me save money in the rent department in order to start chipping away at those college loans (thanks Wooster). I'm fed delicious healthy gourmet meals daily by Marisol, I have someone to drink beer and watch football with in Uncle Rod, and Richie's smile can always make me in a brighter mood. Unfortunately, we live in a small house and I just have one tiny room to call my own. Let's just say I'm getting cabin fever.
Job
Oh what a roller coaster it's been! I came out here with an amazing internship with the Fiesta Bowl. It was seriously one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many great people, created some great friendships, and had many hours of great work experiences...emphasis on the many haha. I know I was spoiled with the bowl, but what followed was pure evil. I can't even recall how my job as an Account Executive at EventPro Strategies (from here on out it will be referred to as the evil place or job). It's like a bad dream where I have this sickening feeling when I remember it, but it's all foggy and I can't even process the details. All I know is I was never happy, had a stomach ache every day on the drive there, I cried a WHOLE LOT, and I made a lot of phone calls to people all over the country at all hours of the day and night. I don't know how everyone put up with me for that long because I was not a happy camper. But finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel and I got a job as Box Office Assistant at Ballet Arizona. I suppose the evil job was worth it in the fact that I eventually ended up in a place I've been wanting to work at for a couple of years now. Now I work at a non-profit and am surrounded by dance all day. It's a Utopia! I even get to take free dance classes (I'll have to post on that experience later) and get comp tickets to the performances. Finally I can say I love my job.
Love Life
Nothing to report, big surprise haha. I think I have issues.
Friendships
I promise that at one point I had a lot of friends out here...but then most of them had to go move away and spread out all over the country. Luckily I still have 2 great friends here and since we basically only know each other they put up with me :) Now don't get me wrong, we know quite a few people here but our "group" on the weekends consists of Me, Veronica (from LSU) and Jordan (from Texas A&M). We are trying to expand our circle but have realized it's quite difficult to meet people in a new state. The bar scene is not the best and we are open to ideas so please share your suggestions!
Extra-Curriculars
Other than work and going out with friends, I've had no activities in my life. I've decided that that is something that needs to change both for my emotional well being and for my social life. In the past month I've joined the Tempe Community Chorus (it's basically a blue hair group lol but it's fun!) and an Adult Ballet Class. It feels good to be joining the arts again and to actually have something on my calendar besides work and reading a book on the weekends :)
Ok well I know this was an extremely long post, but I figure I'd get everyone caught up on the basics from my 1st year here in AZ. I'll try to keep this thing going and post at a semi regular basis.
1) Been a graduate of The College of Wooster for a year (yikes)
2) I actually moved across the country (and it's already been my 1 yr anniversary!)
Since I've been away from home I have learned that it can be difficult to keep in touch with the people you love when everyone is spread across the country. Whether it be due to complicated schedules or time zones (darn things!) it's just not as easy to keep up with all the little daily happenings of everyone. So in order to rectify this, I've decided to start a blog for anyone that wants to follow my life out here in the Valley of the Sun. Basically this is for you mom because you'll probably be the only one to read it ;)
A lot has changed since I moved 2,000 miles away but a lot has stayed the same. Some things I'm happy with, some things I'm not, but here's a basic breakdown of my life categories.
Living Arrangement
Still living with my Uncle Rod, Aunt Marisol, and adorable cousin Richie. It's a great situation and I'm blessed to have them. They are letting me save money in the rent department in order to start chipping away at those college loans (thanks Wooster). I'm fed delicious healthy gourmet meals daily by Marisol, I have someone to drink beer and watch football with in Uncle Rod, and Richie's smile can always make me in a brighter mood. Unfortunately, we live in a small house and I just have one tiny room to call my own. Let's just say I'm getting cabin fever.
Job
Oh what a roller coaster it's been! I came out here with an amazing internship with the Fiesta Bowl. It was seriously one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many great people, created some great friendships, and had many hours of great work experiences...emphasis on the many haha. I know I was spoiled with the bowl, but what followed was pure evil. I can't even recall how my job as an Account Executive at EventPro Strategies (from here on out it will be referred to as the evil place or job). It's like a bad dream where I have this sickening feeling when I remember it, but it's all foggy and I can't even process the details. All I know is I was never happy, had a stomach ache every day on the drive there, I cried a WHOLE LOT, and I made a lot of phone calls to people all over the country at all hours of the day and night. I don't know how everyone put up with me for that long because I was not a happy camper. But finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel and I got a job as Box Office Assistant at Ballet Arizona. I suppose the evil job was worth it in the fact that I eventually ended up in a place I've been wanting to work at for a couple of years now. Now I work at a non-profit and am surrounded by dance all day. It's a Utopia! I even get to take free dance classes (I'll have to post on that experience later) and get comp tickets to the performances. Finally I can say I love my job.
Love Life
Nothing to report, big surprise haha. I think I have issues.
Friendships
I promise that at one point I had a lot of friends out here...but then most of them had to go move away and spread out all over the country. Luckily I still have 2 great friends here and since we basically only know each other they put up with me :) Now don't get me wrong, we know quite a few people here but our "group" on the weekends consists of Me, Veronica (from LSU) and Jordan (from Texas A&M). We are trying to expand our circle but have realized it's quite difficult to meet people in a new state. The bar scene is not the best and we are open to ideas so please share your suggestions!
Extra-Curriculars
Other than work and going out with friends, I've had no activities in my life. I've decided that that is something that needs to change both for my emotional well being and for my social life. In the past month I've joined the Tempe Community Chorus (it's basically a blue hair group lol but it's fun!) and an Adult Ballet Class. It feels good to be joining the arts again and to actually have something on my calendar besides work and reading a book on the weekends :)
Ok well I know this was an extremely long post, but I figure I'd get everyone caught up on the basics from my 1st year here in AZ. I'll try to keep this thing going and post at a semi regular basis.
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