I had a most interesting experience today and I use the word "interesting" loosely. My step-pappy called and said he was on his way up to OKC to visit the Bass Pro Shop and asked if I would meet him there. I cringed only slightly but decided what the hey....I'd go. Many months ago I had made a solemn vow to never set foot inside the OKC Bass Pro. First of all, what business do I have going there? I'm hardly outdoorsey. Second, I protested B.P. out of principle, considering the back door shenanigans the OK City Council did in loaning them several million to build the place when hundreds of other stores in OKC go bankrupt.
So, we wandered around the store for about an hour and a half. I can tell you that I've never seen so much camoflauge and cowboy boots in my life, and that was just on the customers. I can totally understand why it's a big draw for the hunting/fishing types--indeed they are well stocked. It just is not a Rachel store and of course the world should revolve around me.

In other news...
Actually, there's no other news for today.

Do you like my new hat?

I have always liked Dr. Seuss books. The play on words and rhymes are somehow soothing. The animation is superb as well and that's probably what sticks out in my mind the most. When I was a kid, one book I liked (can't remember the name) had a dog or something that wore crazy hats. The dog would say to someone, "do you like my new hat" and the other person (dog, whatever) would respond, "no, I do not like your new hat." Then they would exchange goodbyes. My mom and I always used to spout that bit of dialogue to one another, but using fake British accents. It still makes me smile to think of it.
A few nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night talking to myself, repeating the whole "do you like my new hat" bit. As my eyes focused and brain stirred, I realized why I was doing this. My cat was sleeping on my head. She likes to sleep at the top of my pillow so if I stir too much I bump into her. I usually sleep with my head at the very bottom of my pillow, so there's plenty of room for Aspasia (the cat) to stretch out. I'm sure she also likes the warmth that radiates from my head because of course my massive brain is working hard, even when I am at rest. HA HA HA HA.
I refer to this as my Cat Hat and I wear it with love. There's nothing quite like the affection of a pet. Even when she sheds hair all over my pillow.

Do you hear what I hear?

Well, the new season of American Idol is off and running. I will admit that I do not watch the actual competition, only the episodes of auditions. Some of those people singing really stink! I know some of them are trying to be bad singers because they think it will get them t.v. time (and it usually does). I generally agree with the judges on their decisions and I don't know how or why they let some people sing for a long time. But anyhoo--that wasn't the purpose of this post....Tonight, I got to thinking about the bad singers who really think they sing well. They all spout something about "well my mama says I sings good" or "my bestest friends made me come up here to be the next Idol." Ummm, yeah. Maybe they are tone deaf. Maybe their friends and family would rather lie to them and watch their loved one humiliate themselves on national television. Maybe singing off key is a new musical trend that I am not aware of. Soooooooo.....I pride myself as a musician. I am a singer, looovveeee to sing but (lately) have been mostly singing for myself and not performing. I usually know when I've hit a wrong note or just not hit a phrase right. I am my own worst critic. But here's the fear I have lurking---what if my friends and family have been being nice to me and letting me THINK I can sing when I really can't. Maybe I'm one of those freaky Idol contestants that I always make fun of. I'd rather people be honest than be polite (when it comes to my vocal abilities). You don't have to be mean about it but if I suck, please tell me.

P.S.--at least one of my brothers will chastise me for using the word "suck" here....it was the only word that adequately conveys my passion. deal with it. *innocent grin*

Apply yourself

I did it--I finally applied for a master's program. Today I sent in my application, $$, and transcripts for the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Oklahoma. It will pain me to be a Sooner, but I suppose there are worse things in life...
It's about time I got a master's degree, since I dropped out of my first one several years ago. I know that in time I'll want a job change (preferably something with more money). I'm also the only child without a graduate degree and there is a bit of pressure from my stepdad to "do something." Ok ok....I just can't decide what I want to be when I grow up. I chose the MSW because I like social work, I'm good at it, and I'm pretty sure I can handle the program. Some other programs were ruled out because they required math, required the GRE, or reading their descriptions put me to sleep. If I get in I'll go part time to classes for two years and then spend my third year in a practicum. I have no idea how I'm going to financially do all this but I'll worry about that later.

Let's just hope I get accepted....stay tuned.....................

For love of a cat

Well, the trip to the vet today was not great. My kitty, Aspasia (which means "welcome" in Greek) has been a little sick lately so we trotted of to the vet this morning. When I adopted Aspasia several months ago I was told her had FIV, which is a feline immunodeficiency virus, different from HIV in humans but similar names. Her having FIV was not an issue for me because I fell in love with her when I met her. I asked the vet to confirm this diagnosis so they did a rapid test and it turns out she does NOT have FIV, she has feline leukemia. This is also an immune suppressing disease but the life expectancy is much shorter. For now she is relatively healthy and happy and I intend to keep her that way. Aspasia is my baby, I love her very much. I pray we have many happy years together.

Right is Wrong

I just don't get it. So much going on in the world today and one of the lead stories is how Dr. James Dobson (Focus on the Family) is criticizing Spongebob Squarepants for allegedly being gay. Ummm, yeah. Priorities. I don't particularly care for Spongebob, mainly because the theme song annoys me. It doesn't help that my co-worker Gaila will sing the theme song for hours on end, but that's another story....But it's a cartoon. Come on people, it's a children's cartoon and there is NO HARM being done. I would suggest to anyone who makes Spongebob the center of their board meeting or daily discussion that they need to prioritize their lives and get back into life.
Link to the article--
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/20/politics/20sponge.html?

Happy Birthday Dynanners

Today is the birthday of my very lovely and funny friend, Dynanners. She's a little bit wild and crazy but in a tame sort of way. When I first met Dynanners, I was cordial and polite and everything but I never expected (or intended) to become good friends with her. I was going through a push-people-away phase in my life. Well, she hung in there, loved me unconditionally, and sure enough, we have grown to be close friends. I think what forms some of the solid basis of our friendship is our willingness to be completely honest with one another. Believe me, if she doesn't like it she will tell you! :-)

Anyway, happy birthday Dynanners and wishes for many wonderful years to come. Thanks for keeping me grounded and real.

True charity

You know, true acts of charity are ones that are done anonymously. If one receives recognition or praise for the act then it is not selfless. I've made a resolution to practice more anonymous acts of charity. Kindness is contagious; if we spread a little joy then maybe others will catch on. So ponder this one--what selfless acts of kindness have you done lately?

A good day

Today was a good day. This is not to imply that most days are bad, because they are not, but today was just a good one and I felt like blogging about it. As is typical for a Sunday, I got up and went to church (can you see the halo over my head?). Our regular pastor was not preaching today, instead, my friend Trina was giving the sermon as one of her steps towards ordination in the United Methodist Church. I've known Trina since college, where she was my Kappa Phi little sister and fellow Religion major. She is a gifted preacher and it was great to hear her today. As an added surprise, several of our college friends were at church to hear and support her as well. Mandy was here from Kansas City, Kristin dropped by, and a few others were around. It was like homecoming or something!

So, after church was our 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off in which I swept 2nd place. I am quite proud of myself. Of course, it's not really based on who's chili is the best, it's how much $$ is put in their basket. But hey, I'll take 2nd place! :-)

Then, this evening I went out to eat with Mandy and her partner Angela (they were really in town because Angela had guard duty), Kristin, Rachael, Malea, Rana & Kenny....all college folks. We talked, laughed, talked about other college friends, and generally just enjoyed catching up with one another. It was kind of amusing how the talk turned to finding out who's pregnant, who has kids, who wants kids, and who needs to NOT have children. I probably fall under that last category but they were too polite to tell me. Ha.

It was just a good day, spent with dear friends. I'm kind of a sap when it comes to things like this. What's that old Girl Scout song we used to sing? Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. Yeah, that's it.

peace.

I learned something today...

Now, I'm a firm believer that learning is a life long process. We should always be challenging what we know and letting ourselves be open to new ways of thought and practice. Here's what I learned today: don't let my friends Pat and Diana pick a movie. We saw the worst film today, White Noise, with Michael Keaton. I hope I'm not violating some sort of trademark laws by naming the film (and if I am I plead ignorance) but folks, it is a really bad movie. I won't give it away in case you WANT to waste your money and go see it but I'd really advise you not to do it. See, anytime I go to the movies with Pat and Diana and a few more of our friends I always end up hating the movie. It's not rebellion because I didn't get to choose--I just think that the Film Gods are not with us when the decision is being made.

I'm pretty much over my cold (if anyone cares) and I'm making a powerful batch of chili for our church chili cook-off tomorrow. No, I will NOT be sneezing into the chili and I'm an excellent hand washer.

Oh, congrats to my brother, Reverend Dan, for being elected Moderator of his Presbytery. Who wudda thunk it? *wink*

that's all for today kids................

cough cough sniff

hello world, i have a cold. this is my SECOND cold in 5 weeks. needless to say, i am not happy. this one hasn't been too bad but the whole runny nose thing bugs me. i did stay home from work today b/c i felt pretty bad and i didn't want to contiminate the office. i made this nice cozy palet on the sofa and camped out with my cat most of the day. i can tell she's wondering why i'm home and she's probably mad because she can't get into as much trouble as she usually does when i'm gone. oh, and she doesn't like the gas fireplace because she can't get to the flame and she obviously wants to play with the fire.

when i was a little kid, my family called me Niagara Nose because i always had a runny nose or cold or something. i am definitely living up to that name right now!

but enough about me and my sickness..........

(pause)

wow, how sad is it that i can't think of anything else to post. i'm sure there's something going on in my world but i'm so doped up on cold medicine i can't think of it.

adios peoples.