Why...

...do people feel the need to cover their entire yard with darn light up inflatables?  I have never been a fan of these since the first one I saw.  I don't know what the attraction is to them.  My neighbors down the street have a giant santa sitting in boat fishing...tell me how does that say "Merry Christmas"? 

...do people feel the need to "dress up" their cars like Christmas creatures?  I have seen the reindeer cars many, many times in the past, I have seen the wreath stuck to the front of the car like road kill (side note on that...do you save the wreath year after year or get a new one?  I mean the thought of the shear number of bugs stuck inside that thing just grosses me out!!!!!), but this morning I saw a new one...a car was "dressed" as an elf.  It took me a moment to decifer what was going on because all I saw were the ears...Folks, trust me on this one...it was horrible!!!!

...do the makers of movies make Christmas movies that make you cry?!?!?!? Christmas is a happy time of year...lets make movies that reflect that!!!  I watched the movie "The Christmas Shoes" last night.  Let me say, I cried for a good 45 minutes of that movie!!!  Now if you know me, you know that I am not one to cry.  I was a blubbery, snotty nosed, puffy eyed mess after that movie was over.  I was just glad that it was Monday and I had recorded "Accidently on Purpose" and "Big Bang Theory" because I needed a good laugh!!!

My new addiction...

Many of you may know about my addiction to reality shows, some of you may not.  I think I have made mention of it in the past.  But whatever the case may be, I am addicted to reality shows.  I am more of a sucker for them if there is a guy on them that I find attractive.  My newest obsession addiction is "storm chaser" on Discovery channel.  I am terribly intrigued by these guys passion to chase and catch the "perfect storm" on video.  They are fascinating.  And it doesn't hurt that I am midly attracted to one of the chasers, Mr. Reed Timmer.  Now, I must admit that I am convinced that he does not have a woman in his life, because of a picture that is on one/many websites...

And this my friends is the photo...No woman in his life would have allowed this cheesy-ness to go on any website!  But yet, for some mysterious reason, I still find him attractive. 

Randa's Guide to Driving...

As I was driving to school this morning, I realized that there are some people that just need a guide to driving (not that any of them will actually read this...but it makes me feel better just putting it out there in the universe). Maybe one day I will publish this in phamplet form and distribute it in a very crowded parking lot around Christmas time...

1. Just to make sure we all know...the long slender, vertical pedal on the right is what makes the car go, not the horizontal pedal in the middle. That horizontal pedal actually makes the car stop or slow down.


2. When entering or exiting the highway, no matter what you have been previously taught, it is NOT okay to push on your brakes (a.k.a. the pedal that makes your car stop)---Merge and accelerate people!


3. When turning your vehicle, it is not necessary to come to a complete stop before actually turning the wheel.


4. Going along with #3...When turning your vehicle, it is usually...correction ALWAYS a good idea to turn on your blinker to indicate your intentions. Rather than just slowing down and then coming to a complete stop and then turning your wheel (see #3). Last time I checked blinkers come as a standard feature on all vehicle, you don't have to pay extra for it...so that means USE IT!!!


5. When cruising down the highway DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT apply your brakes for no reason. Now I do understand that there are times in which applying the brake may be necessary, but when there is no one around you, in front of you, etc and you apply the brake, it makes me concerned for your mental well-being. Did you imagine something jumping out in front of you?


6. If you are going to go slow, then stay to the right...don't stay in the left lane and expect everyone to go around.


7. Adding on to #6...if you notice that everyone is passing you, have the decency to move over!

Ok...I think I am done ranting and raving...I mean, helping others know the rules of driving. I am certain there will be more to come!

Let's play catch up...

First of all let me say that I am terribly sorry that I have not been keeping up with this. I have been off for the summer and just not really been up to blogging. For those of you that care...her are some things that have occured over the summer (in no particular order):

1) I "taught" summer school. I was in charge of one of the computer labs, so I had 4 classes a day for 30 minutes each...not a bad gig.

2) While "teaching" summer school, one of the other teachers decided that I needed a man and she was going to assist me with that matter. In order to assist, she created not one but three profiles for me on three different dating websites, which leads me to number 3.

3) I went on a date with a guy from one of the sites. The date was literally 50 minutes from start to finish. Bless his heart, he was shy or something...he didn't talk. And if any of you know me, you know I enjoy the talking. Literally every conversation that was started was initiated by me...not a good experience.

4) Spent the Saturday after my birthday with some of the most amazing women ever!!! Three of my dearest friends from college and three of my dearest friends from now all gathered together at my house for some good old fashioned fun! And let me tell you fun was had by all! I laughed so hard that day! I love those ladies!

And really folks, that is about all. So sorry there is not more exitement for you...but I will try to keep you all updated on the excitement which is my life.

It's not okay...

Have I come to a point in my life that I no longer am surprised by the actions of people? I know that I have not experienced as much as some in my life, but I feel the experiences I have had are what make me who I am. Some of those experiences are good, and i would not change them for the world. Others, I would not wish on anyone. Have those added together made me calloused? In the last year, things have happened either to me, my family or my friends, and honestly I can't say most of it surprised me. I can almost say I didn't have much of a reaction. This is not okay!!!! I want my emotions to be sincere. Sometimes I feel that I am reacting a certain way because that is what is expected.

Now, don't get me wrong and think that every emotion, everything that comes out of my mouth is fake, because it isn't...I do genuinely care about those in my life that are closest to me, just sometimes have a hard time reacting/feeling the way that I am "supposed to".

Tagged (again)...

Thanks Angie for tagging me in this wonderful world of blogging. And since I am sitting at work with NOTHING to do, why not...

Here are my 8 things:

8 things I am Looking Forward To:

1. Paying off student loans
2. Having a restful summer
3. Seeing my niece grow up
4. Seeing what the future holds
5. Letting God take control (I am always working on this, and don't know if it will ever really happen, but I am looking forward to it happening)
6. Texas Rangers baseball
7. The year that I don't have to attend multiple weddings
8. Being out of debt

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Finished my 5th year of teaching
2. Took a nap
3. Watched "So you think you can dance"
4. Had a few text message conversations
5. Made a fantastic salad for dinner
6. Thought about mowing the lawn
7. Emptied the dishwasher
8. Got everything done at work that I needed to get done, so I have nothing to do today.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Not be afraid of the unknown
2. Have a little more self-discipline
3. Quit talking about stuff and actually do it
4. Go out of the country
5. Find my "Prince Charming"
6. Renovate my house
7. Take chances
8. Find a summer job

8 Shows I watch:

1. The Office (oh how I love John Krasinski)
2. Ace of Cakes
3. Law & Order:SVU
4. American Idol
5. Survivor
6. The Amazing Race
7. CSI
8. The Bachelor/Bachelorette

8 People I tag:

1. Anna
2. Andrea
3. Kandy

...sadly that is all I can think of....

Pictures as promised...

So...here are a few photographs from the Memorial Day trip to Arkansas to visit the sister and her family...

After we got there, my sister wanted to go visit a place that had a "Natural Bridge"...so away we went. Arkansas is FULL of hills...and on the way to the "Natural Bridge" those hills showed up in full force. As we were going down a very steep hill, the car decided to not want the brakes to work...fine timing I know...

Me and the sister on the randomly placed picnic tables in the "park"


Me and the sister and Aileigh in front of a cave (which only went back about 5 feet...maybe). We could never get a picture with Aileigh looking at the camera, she was too worried about the bugs.


This wagon wheel was in front of the "park" so how about some good 'ole fashioned fun!


A little peaking out from behind the trees action...
My mom thought this was the GREATEST picture ever. We were in Conway, AR...home of Kris Allen, American Idol winner. We went to eat at the Waffle House...I guess when in Rome...and they had this on the window...my mom then found it very entertaining that the window stated "We love Kris" and then my brother-in-law (Allen) was also in the picture...

Outside our hotel in Clinton, AR...Aileigh insisted that my father (her poppa) and me take a picture with her...we can't disappoint the niece.

Ailiegh in her Rangers shirt with her favorite dog...Daisy.

An attempt to get a picture in front of the ballpark in the Rangers shirt holding up a #1...Aileigh couldn't quite get just one finger up.


My momma and niece kind of in front of the ballpark.

Aileigh standing in front of the new Cowboys stadium...

Make over...

So I have decided that it is time for a blog make over. Nothing to terribly drastic, just a little somthing to make me happy!!! The old one was nice, but felt very dark and winter to me. The new one is very happy and springy/summery (those are probablly not words, but work with me). Hope you enjoy it. I will post some pictures very soon of my adventure to Arkansas with my parents to visit the sister. Hope all of you are well...I know I will be come 4:30!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suprise...

Do you ever feel like things that are happening can't be real? The last week or so, there have been events that have been happening, and not so much in my life but in the lives of those around me. These events almost feel like at some point someone should bust out with "April Fools!!!!!". Except that day was 21 days ago. None of the events are bad by any means, but just unexpected to say the least.

26...

So I came up with another thing to add to the random things list...

My friends and I were talking at lunch the other day and this item came up in discussion, and I didn't realized that it was strange until they informed me of the fact. And then they told me that I needed to blog about it, so here it is.

26. I MUST wear a watch to bed. And I have a specialized watch that I wear to bed.

Now let me explain myself...
If you are not aware of the fact, I have horrible vision. I honestly can not see the big E on the eye chart without some form of corrective lenses. So when I was in college, I would go to sleep and wake up and have no idea what time it was, because I could not see the alarm clock. So I started wearing a watch to bed so I would know what time it was at all times. Now, the watch that I wear to bed has to have special features, it must be a sport watch with a digital output (at 2:15 a.m. I don't want to be worried with trying to read the hands of a clock) and it must have a light on it. If there is not a light on it, how am I supposed to see the time at 2:15 a.m.? --Unless it is the month of December and my neighbor has the obnoxious Christmas lights on his house, which is a whole other issue.

My 25...

I have been tagged to tell 25 random things about me by Angie. I have done it on facebook, but there are so many random things about me I thought I would do it again. So here goes nothing...

1. I have an obsession with daises. My dog is named daisy, my favorite perfume is daisy, there is at least one daisy in every room in my house, and I intend on having daisies for the flower in my wedding when I one day get married.
2. I HATE shaving my legs. I jokingly (is that a word) called the weddings I was in at the end of the year the "I shaved my whole leg for this events of the year".
3. I rarely finish the last of anything (face wash, shampoo, milk, etc.) I don't know what it is, but I just can't make myself finish the last of it.
4. I am a procrastinator (I don't have my B.S. degree for nothing!)
5. In my 28 (almost 29) years of life, I have only live in 7 different houses/apartments.
6. I strongly dislike cooking...it seems like such a waste to me to cook for only one person.
7. I have a slight obsession with reality shows.
8. My favorite number is 7.
9. My closet is organized by style and color (maybe this comes from several years working in retail)
10. My current vehicle is only the 4th vehicle that I have driven since I started driving.
11. I have only been in 2 wrecks in my life (the first one caused the need for vehicle number 2).
12. I have only received one ticket in my life, and that was from the first wreck (I ran a stop sign). I have been pulled over about 5 times, but have only received verbal warnings...I guess I just smiled at them nicely or something.
13. I love my family...my parents are the greatest!
14. I have only been to the principals office once in my life, and it was a mistake.
15. I love the t.v. show the office and not so secretly want to marry Jim.
16. I also have some pretty amazing friends!!! I don't know where I would be without them...actually I do, at home alone.
17. I have only been in 6 weddings, but have been the maid of honor in 4 of those 6...I know it probably seems like more, but only 6.
18. My favorite actress is probably Jennifer Garner.
19. I have a lot of movies that I would call my favorites, but the one that I could watch over and over again and not get tired of it is probably the wedding singer.
20. Jimmy Fallon is one of the funniest people I have seen in a long time...I loved him in Fever Pitch!
21. I would love to visit every major league stadium one day...right now I have one down, The Ballpark in Arlington.
22. If I could have any job in the world, I would want to be a wedding coordinator or event planner, but be the behind the scenes person.
23. I am somewhat crafty...I like to think I am craftier than I probably really am.
24. My favorite seasons are early spring and early fall...the weather is perfect, and I can wear my jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops with a light weight hoodie. PERFECTION!!!!
25. If I am eating anything with color (m&m's, skittles, chex mix, etc.) I eat it by color...my least favorite first and my favorite last.

The Bachelor...

As I have already mention, I have an unnatural obsession with reality shows. And I will say that it has only grown worse. Recently I have become entertained by the reality show "The Bachelor". However, it is with some apprehension that I admit that I am entertained by "The Bachelor". Here is why...

1. Have we really come to a point in society that girls are so desperate to find "Mr. Right" that they will go on national television with 25 other girls and all "date" the same guy?

2. Really ladies...do you really think that a guy is going to be interested in you if you prove over and over again that you are just as shallow as the stereotype may prove?

3. Last night on "The Bachelor" during a one-on-one conversation with Jason, one of the girls revealed to him that she had a breast reduction (first of all you don't know the guy why would that be in the conversation at all?). But after she told him that, his immediate response was "Why?"---seriously! I know that guys can be shallow, but do you really have to prove it?

4. Most girls would be offended if they found out that a guy they were dating or even interested in was talking to or heaven forbid making out with another girl, but on this show somehow all "reality" is lost and the girls are alright with the situation.

5. Girls would actually go on a show and attempt to find true love based on only surface knowledge of a guy. And then once they meet him are "in love" with him. They then allow themselves to be led on by the man (I will not use the term gentleman, because that my friends he is not) and lead themselves to believe that they are the only one...and are truly heartbroken when they do not receive a rose. I mean really aren't there enough disappointments in life in and of itself that we really don't need to set ourselves up for disappointment?

I think that is enough of my soapbox for now...

I will say that last night on "The Bachelor" was probably one of the best conversations ever...

Jason (aka "the Bachelor") to Natalie during the one-on-one date: "Is there anything else I should know about you?

Natalie: "I like bears..."

Jason: "Like panda and koala bears?"

Natalie: "I mean I had a bear named fuzzy when I was little that made the local paper because I left it at a store"

***Side note: She did not get a rose...so ladies, please note: on a first date, don't tell a guy that you like bears...

But more than actually watching the show, I truly enjoy the time I get to spend with my dear friends...that time is priceless, and really some of the best quotes come from this time...
for example:

"I like my men younger...I mean...with lower voices" -Spring while watching American Idol
"Are we going to pass any gas (lots of laughter)...stations?" -Spring while driving
"We are just going to do a little Minnesota laundry..." -Fox 4 news caster

Moments...

Just a warning, today's entry is kinda serious...

Today was a day that will go down in the history books. Today is a day that we all can tell our kids, grandkids, etc. that we were a part of. Today we watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama live at school. And this is when I realized that we all have a part in history.

I shared this with my class today...

I told them that I hoped that each and every one of them would realize how special today is in our nation's history. I don't care if you are democrat, republican, or something else, it is still history. There are very few days in your lifetime that will have such an impact on history and that will be remembered in such a way.

I told my students that many of them could ask their parents or grandparents where they were the day that Kennedy was shot and they could tell you exactly where they were and how they felt. I also mentioned 9/11. Many of the students in my class were 4 or 5 when that momentous day occurred, so they know that it happened and they have a memory of it (vaguely) but many of them don't share the emotions that so many of us do. I remember when 9/11 happened that I was in college and it was a Tuesday. I did not have class until 9:30 that day. I was sleeping and my roommates came and woke me up and told me that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. To be totally honest, I didn't believe her. I brushed it off and went back to sleep. I then later realized that it was real. I remember the emotions that I felt that day, anger, bitterness, confusion, etc.

In our lifetimes there are very few days that we have the opportunity to experience events that will later be in the pages of the history books. So as I told my students, I hope that you take the opportunity and cherish every minute of today and allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you feel.

I also hope that you don't just remember to say a prayer for our nation and it's leadership today, but everyday. I will tell you, being President is not a job that I will be campaigning for anytime soon (and by anytime soon I mean never)!!!!!!!!!!!

The Secret Revealed....

So last night I was cooking, which in itself is a miracle, and I realized something. Now to some of you this may be life changing...so hold on to your seats.

I realized that just because you have a dishwasher, does not mean that you can not wash dishes by hand.

No lie guys, for the past 5ish years, I have put stuff in the dishwasher and once it was full ran it. If there were other items that needed to be washed, I would wait till the dishwasher was done, unloaded and then put the newly dirty items in.

Let me tell you this new found secret has made my life easier...and by easier I mean less cluttered!

Reality shows...

Well folks, it is another year!

The other night, I was sitting in my house just looking at the t.v. (I won't say watching, because I can't promise that I actually was watching) and I decided to look at the shows that I record on my DVR...

I have come to the conclusion that I watch alot of reality shows!!! I have 29 shows that record on my DVR and more than half are reality shows. I don't know what it is about the reality shows that draws me to them, maybe it is the aspect that someone has way more issues than I do or maybe it is simply the fact that no matter what happens in Hollywood (actors strikes, etc.), my reality shows will still come on.

One that I watched last night that was recorded sometime this past week was a new show called "Homeland Security" or something like that. All in all not a bad show. The part that really annoys me is the narrator.

But, ladies and gentlemen...the best show ever does start back up next week!!!! American Idol.

I simply can't wait to watch this season. I can't wait to see the people who are auditioning and whose "friends" (notice the quotes) have told them they can sing and they should try out. I just get such a thrill from all of it. My friends and I will be texting through the show to comment on all the outlandish outfits, and incredibly bad song choices and all the ridiculous comments that are made only to the camera in response to one of the three judges...I love all of it!!!!!

Now I just have to see if there is an idol contestant this year that can live up to my favorite idol of all time...yes my friends, you know who it is, none other than David Cook!!!