Hot Hot Hot!

Arizona is a tad bit on the warm side - if you consider Excessive Heat Warnings to be warm. If you look at the temperatures for this summer, it really doesn't seem as if it has been as hot as pervious years. That doesn't really do much for you though when you are stuck in the heat constantly. My office a.c. isn't working correctly so I sit in a hot box of over 80 degrees all day...and then walk outside to the 112 degree weather to get in my oven car (be careful with those steering wheels people) and then finally to the safety of my pretty cool apartment. But even to take a walk to the mailbox at night (you know, when things usually cool down) it's exhausting. Just because the sun goes down, does not mean the temp does. We even have been adding humidity into the equation of late. Now really, we only deal with these extreme temps to avoid humidity. You cannot add humidity!

I realized I'm ok with the heat for a little bit and then I hit a wall. Bam! I'm suddenly transformed into a toddler state where I am whiny, and just can't take it. Even eating is unappealing (which only makes me crankier). So if anyone could please send a cold front this way, we Zonies would really really appreciate it. Thank you Kindly.

P.S. Remember this post when everyone is jealous of my nice weather as the rest of you deal with snow ;)

Please Excuse

Oh hello there, remember me? Yeah, it's been awhile. Not sure why I get in those moods where I don't feel like sharing much and then other times you can't get me to shut up, but obviously I was in a bit of a quiet funk for awhile. I don't have any really good excuses except I got caught up in things and daily life stuff. A lot of things have been going on socially, at work, and mentally (in a reflection kind of way, not like a crazy way or anything). Just a little "spring cleaning" and organizing of my thoughts and goals. In my absence I had a little epiphany of sorts. Lately, I've been trying to figure out what side of me to follow. I think I'm a pretty multifaceted person because I like a lot of different things - and things that are complete opposites. Part of me still feels like a country small town girl and the other part of me likes city culture. What one is really me? What one do I chase after? And then the other day I just realized, why do I have to chose? There has to be the right combination out there that fits me. That goes for people and places. So I'm just trying to have a little faith that I will find my fit eventually (and hopefully soon) and then I can stop overanalyzing myself to death :)

See what good stuff you've been missing? Bet you wish I was in my quiet stage a little longer now huh.

Dear Uncle Punch,

You've left us unexpectedly. It's been hard for everyone down here. Those of use that knew you are trying to cope - trying to understand- trying to deal. Those that did not know you have lost too. They weren't the lucky ones. They didn't get to see how positive you were, how helpful, how accepting. I was lucky enough to know you. I didn't have the pleasure for long, but through the few encounters we've had in the past year (thanks to Veronica) I came to consider you a great friend. You were one of the few people that you automatically respect once meeting. You defined the words genuine, fun, and caring. The world truly has lost one of it's best habitants.

I know that this happened for a reason. You were needed somewhere else.

You just recently became reunited with the daughter you loved and bragged about and now you are back with your son who I didn't have the chance to meet. Those of us down here on earth are trusting God that he took you from us for a bigger purpose. For that reason, we all have to be strong and be thankful for the memories you left us with.

Thank you for being family to my roommate Veronica, for making me feel at ease whenever I tagged along, for making this last Fiesta Bowl so much fun, and for inviting me to experience my first crawfish boil (personal instructions and all).

You are truly one of the nicest people I've ever had the honor of meeting. Thank you...and when we all meet again, we'll have a toast of Glenlivet in your honor.

Love,

Rachel Libben

Jordan Hackney...I mean Whitlach

Bridesmaid & Bride

My dear friend Jordan is married. (I just had to pause, phew, that was crazy to even type). March 19, 2010 she changed her name and became a wife. It's still weird for me to accept, but I have to because I was there for the beautiful ceremony. In fact, I was lucky enough to be asked to stand up with her. The whole wedding weekend was busy, but luckily it was full of lots of yummy food and great company. Oh yeah, and a lot of tears.

My roommate Veronica and I were looking foward to helping our friend say I Do. What we didn't know was that we'd fall in love with her family. From the minute we shook hands or hugged, we were hooked. Her mother and father we so loving and caring. Her aunt and uncle always checked to see if we needed a drink (hey, our kind of people). Her cousins were a hoot and her brother and sister were so supportive and fun. So thank you Julia, Chuck, Catha, Kim, Mark, Jack, Cameron, and Will. If you are every looking to adopt a redhead daughter, I'm available. No really, my parents wont mind sharing me.

The venue was spectacular, the food delish, the dance floor was slammin' and the emotions were running high. Tears were shed by all. I knew I would tear up when I saw Jordan come down the aisle, but I didn't expect to tear up again when I saw her brother crying and giving her a huge hug or her cousin clutching her with tears, her dad giving a speech, the first dance, do I even need to go on? Seriously, waterworks. The emotions were so strong

because of everyone's love for the bride and groom. I'm so happy for Jordan to have found such a great man in Chris. She is very lucky to have so many loving people in her life. And as a bonus, they are not only loving but extremely fun.

For a Mother of the Bride's perspective check out Jordan's mother's blog. It's a great read!

Also, make sure you check out the photographer, Caroline Fontenot. Not only is she a killer photographer, but she's also a blast to have around. Check out her work here.

Here are just a few of the candid photos Veronica captured of the big event.

with the Bride (Jordan) and Maid of Honor (Cameron) @ the Bridal Luncheon thrown by the sweet Aunt Catha. FYI Arcadia Farms is delicious. Please go.

My Poker Face Friends - Mark (cousin), Will (brother) and Brittany (Bridesmaid)

Working our Couture model poses aka dislocated shoulder and broken arm pose - Veronica, Myself, and Cameron

Sending off the Happy Couple with sparklers!

A Great Day to Be a Redhead

I've mentioned before my love for St. Patrick's Day. So I don't really need to go into my love of GREEN, wearing green, seeing everyone in green, and how the beer is even green. Also, that everyone treats redheads pretty nice (even though I'm not Irish). This year was especially nice because Heather joined us in celebrating. Chris, Veronica, Heather and I had fun at Mulligans and the Paddies. I might have lost my voice slightly due to allergies but hey sometimes you have to pay a price to celebrate accordingly.

How many more days until March 17th 2011?

How are things?

Oh hi there, just checking in. Yeah, I know it's been awhile since I've kept in contact much. I've been busy you see...and well just plain lazy. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? I'm pretty tired right now and have another busy few days ahead of me, but when we chat again, please remind me that I need to post about a few things. For instance how it was one of my favorite holidays and also the fact that one of my best friends got married. Just minor things ya know.

Just another day at the office

Not everyone gets to see their co-workers in national publications. I however, do. This is one of Ballet Arizona's principal dancers, Natalia Magnicaballi and a review on her performance with the Suzanne Farrell Company. She's kind of a big deal. She's also stunningly beautiful and very sweet.

http://www.dancemagazine.com/reviews/March-2010/The-Suzanne-Farrell-Ballet