What in the world is happening here??

So, technology--a great thing right? Yes yes, but has it lead us into a world of less communication and personal interaction?? I think so. Not that I don't participate in all these but--MySpace, FaceBook, Blogger... Now there is absolutely no need to call someone or e-mail even to find out what is going on in their lives. I mean I know its more convenient and saves some time, but can we not take a little time out of our days to catch up with good friends?? Which brings me to the next subject--TEXTING. A glorious invention, maybe. Again, convenient when you simply want to get a small piece of information to a plethora of people. Or if you are in class or work and simply can't talk aloud. OR, if you are a little nervous about talking aloud to that new someone you met on Friday... Its definitely an ice-breaker because lets face it--everyone is a little more bold(whether flirtatious or confrontational) when you don't have to say what you want out loud. For some reason, its just a little harder to open your mouth rather than exercise your thumbs.
And what about when you text someone and they don't respond?? Don't you just feel stupid? And then wonder (because it HAS happened before) if the other side just didn't receive your text? Well... its not like your going to send it again, just incase. So then your left boggled and confused...worried, maybe sad... so many emotions just from one little text. IF you had this conversation over the phone instead--all of that would be avoided!

Well I guess I find myself a little fed up. In reflecting on the text and wall posting conversations that I have had--I just can't believe I let myself get comfortable with conversing, flirting, or confronting people in the least-personable way possible. In some cases, a chill conversation or joking in writing can come across wrong because the other person cannot hear the tone in your voice. Mine usually suggests "I’m obviously kidding". And sometimes I want to get across that "you are really upsetting me", but the other just might not take it serious. It’s all in the tone.

The reason for this vent of frustration is that I find my happiness dwindling, and when really REALLY thinking about why—I find that one of the biggest reasons is because I have lost touch with people I care a lot about. I mean, I keep in touch a little here and there through these 'techno' sources in which I have discussed. But does that really count? It sure doesn't feel like it. I don't have as much friendly interaction in person. People need this interaction--it makes you feel good--and that is not just my opinion. It’s scientifically proven, this personal interaction--having a good laugh, an enlightening conversation, even just exchanging smiles--releases endorphins. THE HAPPY HORMONE! Well technically they're "neurotransmitters produced in the brain that reduce pain", same dif. :D

So, when I receive a text-message from one of my best friends exclaiming that she had her baby with the essential details, I feel a little sad. I know that there are probably a lot of people that deserve the information but not quite via a personal phone call. But have I really fallen into this category of "people to text" rather than "people to call"?? From one of my best friends??? Or have people just gotten so used to the convenience of text that calling is no longer considered? Either way, it definitely didn't feel good to receive such big exiting news through a miniscule emotionless screen.
This, combined with a small tiff with a friend who won’t see me in person to talk because the only form of confrontational communication she feels comfortable with is text?? WHaT The FrEAK. It’s killing me. So, I don’t know if there is much I can do about it—-but I can at least vent and share my thoughts...which I am oh-so hypocritically doing via Blogger. Thanks for reading!

Go ahead... have a laugh at my expense!

Alright... I hate to admit this but it is a pretty funny story. There are a lot of crazy phrases that manage to make their way out of people's mouths at work--but I may have just topped the WORST list. A lot of people slip up and say something in which someone could blurt out "that’s what she said!" which always results in a room full of chuckle. But me?? I had people rolling, in a totally different category. So here goes...

Sarah: So you guys, I have a dream (interrupted by Erin)

Erin: OH no, you had a dream??
Rachel: Another one??

**side note, I have a few crazy dreams that I share with them--crazy enough I used to have a blog dedicated to them**

Sarah: NO no, I HAVE a dream..... like OJ Simpson? Ya know, "I have a dream!" (said quite proudly)

.....A few confused/blank stares later.....

Rachel: You mean Martin Luther King???

Sarah: OH.... right, well you know I wasn't thinking I--I mean I imagined Martin Luther King, Jr. but SAID OJ Simpson... simple mistake right?

Rachel: Yeah really, what’s the difference between a murderer and a human right's activist?

EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE ROOM IS LAUGHING THEIR ACES OFF! At this point, there is nothing I can say to cover myself...what a blonde moment. I felt a litttttle stupid and embarrassed. But seriously, I know the difference between the two. Just a simple slip. I can't lie--I had to laugh off the embarrassment with them, you know change it into the whole "Their laughing with you, not at you" scenario! :)

But really, can you blame me??

Travelers, beware...

So, as great as traveling the world can be (or at least the Mexican borders), I must send a fair warning... You can never predict what will stun your eyes! For instance, while enjoying myself under the rays of a hot, sunny day--I slowly turn from lying on my back to lying on my stomach. In my maneuvering, I happen to lay my eyes on quite a piece of art. Stunning really, so stunning I couldn't help but let my photographic instinct kick in, take over, and snap a few photos. Do I regret that? Not one bit. Now not only do I get to stare at this glorious sight any hour of any day, I now get to share it will all who care to look on.


And if not to make it any better, he actually turned around and posed for me! What a kind gent.

Meet Boo...

This is my oh-so-wonderful, somewhat retarded dog. I love her to death, but marvel at all the things that could possibly be wrong with one little pup (if you really look at this pic to the left, you might be able to figure out some of the aesthetic issues which are mentioned later).

My first dog, Tank, was beautifully perfect--her coat was amazing in color, soft and shinny, and she even had a trendy mo-hawk on the back of her neck (just born that way)! Her ears were the perfect size and softness, and her eyes glowed brightly in contrast with her chocolate coat.

But unfortunately, she was dark enough to blend into the road at night. After wandering out one night after our whole family had left....... well you can guess what happened next. I was devastated when I got the call from the driver. Until then, I'd never quite known the feeling of being so overwhelmed with emotion that you'd be literally speechless. I couldn't get a single word out of my mouth--only the sounds of catching my breath in between sobs. I wanted to rush home immediately but was stuck in Park City for an overnight singles-ward event. As my night was completely ruined, I finally asked if my friend would take me home. I just couldn't stay, even though there was nothing I could do about the outcome of the accident.

I was happy to see hours later when I finally arrived home that little Tank's body was in perfect condition--though as stiff as could be--you could not tell that she died from a car accident. We buried her in the back yard with her favorite toy, I painted a small head stone, and placed it above her doggy grave. For weeks I debated on whether to get another dog--Tank just couldn't be replaced that easily. THEN--I found Boo.

Aka BooRad, Bear, Boobie, Boozer, Booey... whatever you can come up with a BOO in front of it. She is imperfect in every way--her coat is a mix of black hair and brown, half covered in short hair, and half covered in long, she has 5 toes on her back paws (there should only be 4), an extreme overbite, her ears are balding, and to top it off--she has allergies. But all these little imperfections make her just perfect for me because it makes her nothing like Tank! The moment we met her (I brought my mom, and little bro Josh, as they were also devastated about Tank) it was a done deal. Because unlike Tank who was very stand-off-ish and scared to let me hold her, this new little pup ran to us and licked us all to death! How could we resist? She has the best temperament and is so sweet to children--and just LOVES people, which is very unusual for a dachshund.

So here I sit, one year later, writing an ode my dog. As "imperfect" as she is, I love her to death and think she is abSOLUTEly perfect!

Vegas BabY!

Man oh man... I just went on such a fun girls trip! I can only handle it every so often, but five of us not-yet-married, freshly-21 year old chicas made our way down to VeGaS this past weekend! And did we have a blast?? Oh yes, we definately did! We stayed at a beautiful Condo provided by Kaydee's dad, just a mile south of Mandalay Bay on LVBoulevard, though we didn't spend much time there... The trip was great! We spent our time enjoying cirque du soliel shows, throwin a few bucks down on roulette, checking out a few of the more classy night clubs, meeting some sexy-ace Canadians(as pictured below), mingling with all sorts of different people(I don't know how this could happen TWO TRIPS in a row, but SWINGERS once again made their way into our vacation!), lounging by the beach at Mandalay Bay, etc... I must spare all the intricate details as I would consider this a 'PG' rated website--haha! But seriously, if you want any juicy stories you will have to talk to me personally!

Ya know, as much energy as I used down there walking the strip in heels all day every day and staying up until the wee-hours of the morning each night, you think I would be completely exhausted! But it was such a good break from work--I have loads of energy and am not one bit tired! So I am very glad I was able to go. I didn't capture enough pictures of our experiences, but here are a few!

Am I the only one who would laugh at this???

Em has reminded me that it has been QUITE some time since I have posted anything, so I managed to rummage through my picture folder at work and find something I could blog about. Its short and sweet... just imagine coming across this in a relaxing, Sunday newspaper reading...



If that didn't make you laugh, here's somethin else. You know how guys sometimes shave words or stripes or whatever into their head/hair?? Check this one out! A master piece of one of my cousin's friends (Thanks PaiGe!)!!

Harry Potter...dead?

Thank goodness, NO. But I had quite a scare when my co-worker Erin received a frightening text message claiming 'Harry Potter DIED!!!'. Obviously, the sender was referring to the actor since all the Harry Potter books are finished, and surprise surprise, the character--Harry Potter--did not die. Daniel Radcliffe still lives!

The real story is, that AN actor for the upcoming Harry Potter movie(which will be the 6th) was involved in a stabbing outside of a club in London, and was unfortunately killed. The actor, Rob Knox, plays Ravenclaw student Marcus Belby in "Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince" which is set to be released this fall. Sad...