MMMMMMM Pictures....

Tonight I got to endure one of the more unfortunate parts of singledom. The Church Pictoral Directory. The time has come for our congregation to make a new photo directory...It's no secret that I love the camera, and I was actually looking forward to getting my picture taken. I was scheduled for the last time slot of the day, 8pm. I carefully straightened my hair...afterall, this picture was not just about me, but about the historical files of the church that I work for...40 years from now I don't want someone looking through the archives and thinking how unkempt their DCO was!

I walked in with my black dress and leopard print heels, feeling quite confident...The photographer told me no one would see my shoes...I asked if I could take them off and hold them so they'd make it in the shot...it was the best part about my outfit! For my craziness she allowed me a few extra poses (none of which showed my shoes...boo) The details of the photo shoot can only truly be appreciated by hearing me retell it verbally...but what was most amazing and, if I'm completely honest, humiliating was the portion after the photo shoot. They bring you in a room with a big set up of pictures, and a computer to view your proofs. She started flipping through my shots and there were a couple really adorable pictures of myself...naturally none of those were photos that you could use as the picture in the directory, for those I had to choose between the boring shots with the grey background. (double boo)

Then the sales pitch came...of course there are all sorts of packages I could choose from. I knew I wasn't going to buy anything but I didn't have the heart to stop her. Then she pulled up a layout where I could have three photos in one frame. Usually these are the frames where the first picture is of the parents, the last picture is of the children, and the middle picture is a lovely photo of the whole family. Since it was just me in the photos, she flipped through them all and showed me what it would look like if I bought the frame housing three different poses of me. It's true that there are few people who enjoy surrounding themselves with self portraits as much as I do...but to see a big frame with room for lots of people, that only had lots of Rachel in it was just a little bizarre.

I told my mom about it when I was leaving the church...I was pretty amused. Her words were this..."I can't believe you didn't get it...you've shown amazing restraint." I think I'll save my 42.95 and take my own self portraits with my camera...cheaper and more fun!

Only because I really want to out-do Ingrid...

Is out-do hyphenated? I don't know.

I'm not sure that I have anything altogether blog worthy to write about, but since my dear friend Ingrid commented on my renewed zeal for blogging, I thought I would toss out another entry.

Yesterday I had my teeth cleaned. (See I told you it wasn't interesting) It's been two years. I admit that I have neglected my dental health, not because I'm afraid of the dentist, or I don't like going. Quite the contrary! I love the Dentist. I love the feeling of freshly polished teeth, minus the gritty mint stuff that always leaves my mouth feeling like I've spent a day at the beach. Yesterday I was told that I have my first real cavity. I have to get a filling. I'm not sure that it's such a big deal, but I have two weeks to talk myself into being afraid of the drill! I hadn't gone to the Dentist in two years because I find it extremely tedious and annoying to find new doctors. Several people suggested this particular office and after being there I can see why. The perfectly worn leather couches in the waiting area were nice. I wanted to grab a cup of coffee and sit there and read all day...I probably would have if I could have thought of a way to escape the lectures from the hygienist about how drinking coffee stains your teeth. The music was completely relaxing, and to top things off, my patient room had floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the non-developed side of Branson (which really is quite beautiful) and I got to watch wild turkeys roam. All in all, it was pretty relaxing! And it made me excited for Thanksgiving! : )

In other news...I'm reading a new book, thanks to Lindsey's suggestion. It's called Chasing Daylight, and so far I am captivated....I'll let you know how it turns out.

Now I'm off to stain my newly polished teeth with a big cup o joe. YAY!

The New Neighbors...

They smoke...they also talk very loudly. That means that when they're out on the front porch smoking and talking I can hear every word of their conversation. I've never been much on eavesdropping, but it's hard to not pay attention when they're yelling at each other and every word seems like it's coming from across my living room.

Tonight they're fighting about finances.

I think I'll invite them over for dinner. Not tonight...it's already 9pm...but maybe another night. Tonight I'll just have to listen to my dog bark at the huge amount of noise coming from the other side of the porch.

I know you want to be me but...

Well it's official. I know that my life is completely glamorous and coveted by others because I have now been the victim of identity theft. That's right folks someone tried to purchase some questionable online material and cable programming with my check card. The jokes on them though...I feel like saying, "Ha Ha sucker...you should have to stolen the identity of someone that has money!"

My checking account (which they tried to use) is driving on the fumes of my last month's paycheck, and luckily there was not enough in the checking account for the perpertrator to actually use my card on the big purchases they were trying to make. So I guess it does pay to be poor!

Take that you identity stealing criminal!!!!

Back by Popular Demand...

So I realize that I haven't blogged in...well, forever. I sincerely apologize to my blog fans, blog stalkers, and those of you out there living your life vicariously through me! I realize that it was very irresponsible of me to leave you hanging for oh so long.

The reason for my absence...chaos. My life has been complete chaos this summer. I realize that there is a contingent in this world that thinks that I do nothing for a living (not that I accuse any of you of having those thoughts) but the truth of the matter is that I actually do work quite hard, and a lot. Some of your know of my workoholic tendencies and try valiantly to help me dispell my need to have everyone at my work place approve of me...but even their efforts proved too little for my crazy schedule that I made for this summer! Work took over!

The past two months have been a whirlwind of meetings, youth trips, mission trips, church events, and the everyday things that go along with my job. Throw in my brothers graduation from seminary and ordination and that made for a packed calender! My parents actually kept my dog for an entire month because I would only be home for 9 of the 31 days! (thanks mom and dad!)

Do I have interesting stories from the past two months...you bet I do! Some I'll get around to tell here, and some I'd rather not relate to the entire blogging world, so you'll just have to call me if you want those details! Speaking of calling me. I've had cell phone issues. Some of you know that my cell phone was stolen, and then I got to use someone's old cell phone until I was able to upgrade the one that I no longer had because of the thugs in Branson...now I have another cell phone...I paid a decent amount of money for it, however, I seem to have paid for a piece of junk. In the mess of cell phone change after cell phone change this summer, I have managed to lose just about all of your numbers...so call me, we'll catch up!

My roommate moves out today and I really should head back to the house to help her pack her car, so I'm going to jet in a second, but I want you to know that stories will be available to read soon...so check back!

Also yesterday happened to be Lindsey's birthday. I didn't get to birthday blog for her...so I wanted to leave you all with a word about my dear friend. So here goes...26 adjectives that describe my dear friend, in honor of her birthday and in thankfulness that God graced the world with her presence and shows his goodness through her! Lindsey...you are:

BEAUTIFUL
fun
Smart
QUIRKY
stylish
kind
Entertaining
merciful
effervescent
NERDY (but in a good way!)
charming
Quick-witted
HILARIOUS
adorable
humane
Talented
clever
faithful
caring
FRIENDLY
loving
jovial
Patient
loyal
Humble
CHILD OF GOD

You are my friend...Lindsey I LOVE YOU! : )