When Did I Become a Junior??

Happy 1st Day of School!!

I'm pretty excited to be back on campus and in my school routine. Working and hanging around for the summer was nice, but I missed the structure schools gives me. As much as I love it, I'm super glad this is the first of my last three semesters!! That's right, I'm almost done with college! I sort of wonder where the time went, but I'm grateful to be close to the finish line.

From the way today went, this semester is going to be a good one. I'm in five classes including: Media Law, Grammar, Psych 1010, Creative Non-Fiction, and PR writing. My law prof seems like a pretty chill guy. He's a practicing attorney and reminds me of one of my other professors from my freshman year. Have you ever seen the movie "What About Bob?" Well my Pysch prof is Bob. He's youngish and seems like he's going to make Psych fun. The class is full of mainly freshman and dang do I feel old!

I feel like such a Rock Star today! Obviously everyone knows books are expensive. A couple of my books were over $100. I bought them because I thought I needed them, but after a little bit of internet searching, I found both books for about the same price the one was going to cost me. So I returned the books to the bookstore and hopefully my books will be here by Friday!!

If you're ever in the need for textbooks try
www.campusbookrentals.com
www.chegg.com

I'm feeling pretty confident about this school year. I have good classes, a JOB, and a good roommate. The other's in the apartment seems pretty cool, but I haven't really hung out with them. We all just do our own thing, which is totally fine with me.

So school is starting, it's hopefully going to cool down a little bit, and I'm going to the lake on Monday! It's going to be a good week.

Rachael

Everything's Changing

Things never go the way you think they will. Life's funny like that. I'm pretty OCD and a major planner, so obviously I had tons of plans for this summer and the way I wanted my life to be. But apparently I'm not immune to curveballs (though I wish I was.) You see, a lot has changed in the last 24 hours. I know the decisions I made are for the best, but it seems like everything exploded all at the same time.

The first major decision came at work yesterday. I've worked at the bowling ally for the last 3 and a half years and there has been a lot of ups and downs. Ownership and management has changed a couple of times and people have come and gone. Through it all, I stayed simply for the fact that it was a job. Some days were better than others and I was grateful that they agreed to work around my college school schedule and allowed me to work weekends. 

This summer though, going back was rough. There was a lot of stuff going on including stupid high school-esqe games. Some people got away with things that should never have been allowed, without punishment, like not showing up for shifts and texting in front of customers (there is supposedly a no cell phone policy.) While some were allowed to shove their duties onto others, people like me and a few of my other hard-working co-workers were required to pick up the slack. No one ever asked if we would, it was just expected that we would. With the games going on in the place, my stress-level was sky high. Yesterday, I hit my snapping point. I am so over the games and when I was told that I needed to stay later than my already 7 hour long shift because someone wouldn't be in until around 7 pm (shift changes are at 4) I lost it. I went straight to the bosses and turned in my 2 weeks. 

The minute I made up my mind, I felt so relieved. I don't have to play the games or lie through my teeth anymore. I got out and have so many other big things happening for me because of school. Basically I have all of August to be a kid and hang out with friends. My last month of summer vacation isn't going to be ruled by a crappy job. 

The 2nd major decision was not as easy to make. You see, this one involved my heart and it hurt a lot.

I met one of the nicest, sweetest guys at the first of May. He came into work one night and we exchanged numbers. One date turned into two and within weeks we were a couple. He was really sweet and being with him made me happy. But the longer I thought about the relationship, it just didn't seem right. I didn't see a future for us, and felt the best thing to do for everyone involved was to end it. Unfortunately, it ended last night.

It was not an easy decision by any means. The thought of ending it tore me up inside, but I knew it was something I had to do.

So now where do I go? I start school in 6 weeks and know there will be a lot to do there. I'm pretty sure I picked some hard classes that will require more work than I've had to do before. So there's that to look forward to. I'm going to try to complete Camp Nano (it's like the writing competition I do in November, only in August.) And of course I have good friends who keep my laughing, even when I don't feel like it. 

The biggest change for me is that I've decided I want to go back to church. Don't ask why, but I do. Maybe I need to start trusting God more. He clearly knows what's going on even when I don't.

So yeah, I'm making a lot of decisions right now, but I know they are all for the best. I'm going to take some time, let my heart heal, figure out exactly what I want, and try to make a road map of how to get it. I do know one thing, I'm headed in the right direction. 

**Rachael 

Inspired and Happy

It should come as no surprise that I'm a katycat. I went to the California Dreams concert last July and have followed Katy for the last two years. It's kind of hard to explain why I like Katy so much, but she really inspires me to just be me. Sure she has some songs that are fun and kind of stupid, but then she also has lyrics that I, as a normal human person, can relate to.

Anyway, being the fan I am, I signed up to be a Paramount Katy Captain for the release of Katy's new movie "Katy Perry Part of Me." At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to sign up, but then I realized I was being stupid and just did it. 2 captains were chosen from each state and the Canadian Providences. I was chosen as one of the Captains for Utah (and possibly the only one, since no one seemed to know who the other was) and the adventure began.

I was given a hoodie, some awesome iron on patches for said sweatshirt and the best prize of all: A chance to see the fan-sneak preview of the movie for FREE tonight. Of course I had to drive all the way to Sandy, but it was totally worth it. I brought momma along and we ventured down to see the movie. When we got there, we had to wait off to the side for the rep to come with my tickets, since I was on the VIP list. We got our tickets and the rep gave me a official movie poster, even though only the contest winners were supposed to get them. Everyone else got this way big cartoon-ish Katy one (I picked up one too, but I really wanted the official poster). Being the studio rep, I was also given a T-shirt that was supposed to only go to contest winners. I felt so flippin' special. Momma and I get into the theater and start looking for our seats. Come to find out, we had a whole row to ourselves that was specially taped off. It was great. Front and center-seriously some of the best seats in the place. My inner fan-girl didn't go too berserk, but I def had a massive smile on my face for most of the film, except for the really sad parts.

Obviously being me, I'd seen/read/watched a lot of things about the movie, but nothing could have prepared me for what the hour and a half film contained. I laughed, I cried, but most of all I felt inspired. It's not really a secret that some really sucky things happened in Katy's life last year, but she never let it stop her from being her. There were times that she was exhausted and falling apart, but she still slapped a smile on her face and carried on with the show so she didn't disappoint her fans-the ones who she is more than aware put her in her position. Seeing her able to overcome the bad things and still come out on top (she tied a record only Michael Jackson holds) gives me so much strength to push through the hard things.

A lot of people say "oh she's a celebrity. It's what she gets for putting herself in the spotlight," but I think it's 10x worse for those who put their live's out there for everyone to scrutinize. I saw this thing on tumblr the other day with a bunch of the current pop stars photos and it said "you don't have to like them, but you have to respect them" and I feel that it's a very true statement. Celebrities are real people too, they have feelings, and bad days and obstacles just like the rest of us. Seeing someone, especially someone I really admire and look up to, go through them and still come out smiling is really inspiring.

If Katy can do it while the whole world is watching, I can make the tough decisions and choices I need to. I too can be a FIREWORK and inspire others. Maybe it will be through writing, maybe it will just be through being me. I don't know. I just know that there's a reason (well many) that Katy Perry and her music make me happy.

I recommend it to anyone, even if you're not a Katy fan. I'm almost positive that you'll come out with a "can do" type of attitude.

Katy Perry Part of Me hits theaters July 5th.

**Rachael

I Know a Post That Get's on Everybody's Nerves

And this is it.

Aw the dreaded complaint post. I hate reading them and try to avoid doing them, but this one is feeling inevitable. I just need to vent a little bit and then I'll feel better and be able to get through the rest of the summer.

So what do I need to complain about?? The thing everyone whines about...

WORK

It's pretty common knowledge that I work in a fun center, but lately it's been anything but fun. Maybe  it's like the 3 year itch or the knowledge that there are so many better things/opportunities for me out there, but since I started back full time, all I can think about is how bad I want to get out. I made a list of all the reasons I can't wait to leave. Wanna see it?

Rachael's list of Fun Center Cons
1. D.R.A.M.A- Life is full of unavoidable drama, but I feel like there is an excess amount amongst my co-workers. Between contention between workers that gets shared with everyone and personal life issues that everyone seems to feel the need to drag into the building, there is enough to write a soap opera. Maybe I should. It'd be a good ticket out.

2. Not everyone plays by the rules- Life is unfair. I am more than aware of this, but in the workplace I feel like everyone should follow the rules set down by management and there should be punishments for those who don't. It makes working so much easier/happier. We have a no cell phone policy, but several of my co-workers don't like to follow it. There's supposed to be penalties, but they aren't enforced and the main offenders happen to be the boss's kid and his two friends, so nothing will really be done. It sucks.

3. Work has taken over my life- I mainly get night shifts. I understand the reason that the people who ALWAYS work days, get days, but nights are rough. I can't really hang out with friends or go out with guys because I spend every night working. By the time I get off, most everything around is closed. I'm 20. I want a social life!

That's just the top 3 big items. There's lots of little things, like not getting the time off I requested a month ago for Disneyland and having to shove my shifts onto other people. I know I should be grateful for the fact that I have a job, but sometimes it's really hard when everything seems so bad at the job. One more summer. That's what I keep telling myself. If I can get through this, next summer I can do my internship and be one step closer to a job that I actually want.

Thanks for reading my little rant. I feel so much better.

Rae Marie

I Did It!!

Another semester has come and gone. It really hasn't set in yet. I feel like I'm just home for the weekend and I'll have to pack up Sunday afternoon and go back. But I don't. I think I figured out where to put everything for the summer so it looks like I'm here for the next few months.

I'm back to working full time at the fun center plus still managing the social media. It's good. Keeping me out of trouble and giving me the ability to pay for my final 3 semesters of college. That's right. I only have 3 left and then I'll be done. Not sure how I feel about that...

Still haven't heard anything on RockStar but I pulled out last years book and have started working on it again. It's going pretty well, but I have a lot of work to do with it. It kinda surprises me how immature my writing seems compared to now. A year really shouldn't make that big of a difference, but it does.

Today is kinda special. It's the one year birthday for Veronica. Kinda strange that I've had her for a year. She's been a good little car, getting me back and forth from Logan for the last year. Here's to many more trips through Sardine Canyon, Ronnie!

**Rae

Slightly Less Than Productive

So it's dead week, which is supposed to mean that things are dead so we can all get ready for finals. But that's only what the professors want us to think. I personally think it's called "dead week" because by the end of it, we're all going to be dead. This week alone I have:

• 2 group projects-one for PR that hasn't been horrible and one for Communication Research that felt like a nightmare, but is slowly getting done. Both are due on Thursday.
• A Perspectives of Lit final-the professor decided to hold it this week instead of bogging us down during finals week. I still have 12 stories to review that I've been reading since the middle of March
• A paper to write about one of the most influential aspects of 19th Century lit for my Lit history class.
• And maybe catch up on some sleep. 

I'm really ready for this semester to be over. I've hit the point that I'm worn out, constantly tired, and have lost most of my desire to care. It's kinda funny how that works, because I know that come the middle of August, I'll be jumping for joy to come back. I think I just need a break.

I went and saw Titanic 3D with Jaycee on Saturday. In case you didn't know, Titanic is my absolute, hands down, favorite movie EVER!! Like seriously, there was a time that I used to watch it at least once a week. I can pretty much quote the whole film and known a bunch of random stuff about the making of it. My ultimate celebrity crush is Leo DiCaprio just because of that movie. To be honest, it was kind of an obsession for a while. 

So needless to say, I was pretty excited when I heard that it was being re-released. Seeing it in the theater, on the big screen, with surround sound was A-MAY-ZING!! I noticed things I've never seen before which was pretty cool. To make the experience even better, I got to introduce my best friend to it. Jaycee and I have been friends pretty much since the 3rd grade. Yet, in the past 10 years I have never had her watch it with me. Getting to share something you love with someone who doesn't know about it is a great feeling. 

http://via.me/-t889q8

I'm being stupid and can't get this photo to upload. Click the link and check it out. I always wanted a pic with them.

I'm still waiting on the book. I called the publisher and they told me that the current wait time is between 12 and 16 weeks. So hopefully soon.

Among all of my school stress, I've really been thinking about my writing. The publisher is currently looking for clean romances, something I can do. I wrote a book last year that fits into that category, edited it, started rewriting it, and then quit so I could write RockStar. I've been thinking a lot about it, and a BIG part of me wants to pull it back out, rework it, and try to send it in. Writers always say you should write new things, but isn't writing supposed to be shared?? 

Anyway, here's my latest musical obsession. Hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIK2Z1uebtg

**Rae

Music Weekend

I think it's pretty common knowledge that I am OBSESSED with music. I sang my way through jr high and high school, dabbled in band during my awkward 7th and 8th grade experiences, and pretty much go throughout the day with my headphones in or the radio on. So it seems like a no-brainer that I spent my weekend watching the Coachella livestreams on Youtube.

But what's Coachella you ask?? Coachella is a 3 day music festival held in Indio, California. Bands play sets all day long and attendees can bounce from show to show. Those that have gone compare it to Woodstock.

Now I know what you may be thinking: If you love music so much, why didn't you go? Well, tickets were something like $350. Add that to the cost of getting my little self to California and the fact that I still have 3 semesters left of college to pay for-and you come to the realization that I don't own a money tree. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to go one day, but right now all of my funds are pretty limited.

Thankfully through modern technology, I was able to kinda experience Coachella. Youtube picked some of the bigger acts and livestreamed them for people like me who couldn't go.

Friday M83 played and it was amazing. I blogged a few weeks ago about how I was loving their stuff, and their live set didn't disappoint. I didn't know a lot of the songs, since I'm still discovering them, but my favorite was definitely "Midnight City" just because of the crowd's reaction. It was their second to last song, but everyone there went nuts! Watching in my little dorm room, I totally fangirled. They also played this song, which might just be my new fav from them.



Sunday night, Gotye's set was supposed to be streamed. You may have heard of his song "Somebody that I Used to Know" but he actually has quite a few other great songs. The thing with his album "Making Mirrors" is that each song is different. One of his songs "I Feel Better" has a mo-town flare to it, while "In Your Light" finds gospel roots. Needless to say I was super excited to see him play. Something happened though, and his livestream got canceled. Words cannot describe the disappointment I felt, but something good did come out of it.

Check this song out


Florence and the Machine also played Coachella. Because of the way things were set up, her livestream fell at the same time as Gotye's. I was torn, but ultimately decided I wanted to see Gotye. With the cancellation of his set, I was able to watch Florence instead. I am so glad did. Her voice is amazing, and dare I say, even better live!! She sang her heart out more than once gave me goosebumps. I can't imagine what it was like being in the middle of the crowd. She played a song called "Never Let Me Go" and I have ultimately decided it will be played at my wedding, if I ever get married.



If you made it to the end of this novel of a post, thanks. I just wanted to share a little bit of the joy I experienced this weekend, in hopes that it will make your Monday better.

**Rae Marie

I promise I'm not dead....

Hey ya'll

It's been a while since I last posted anything. I guess things have just been going crazy around here lately. Trying to keep up with school, two jobs, and somehow manage to sleep (ok, so I get more than enough sleep, but sometimes it's really hard to convince myself to actually go to bed.)

Figured I'd just give you a little update on the book. I've been getting a lot of questions about it lately. If you remember from a few posts back, the publishing company's website said it takes around 8 weeks to get a response, but sometimes longer. Well, we're on the longer end of things. Last Friday marked 8 weeks since I sent it out and I have yet to hear anything. My mom thinks I should call them, but I don't want to to seem like that needy, desperate chick and bug them about it. IDK what to do with it. From the get go I was like "if it's meant to happen, it will" but I don't think I can live by that anymore. I need it to happen for reasons that I can't even explain to myself.

So yeah, just waiting and waiting. It seems like I'm waiting for everything lately. Waiting to find out about the book. Waiting for it to get warmer. Waiting for school to be done. Waiting to graduate. Waiting to find a real job. Waiting for "Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection" to come out (Monday. It will be here Monday!) Waiting sucks!!

I started working on a new project last night. I love the feeling of getting to know new characters, but the struggle of introducing everything and everyone is rough. I wish I could just skip to the middle and work from there, but I can't. I've thought a lot lately about pulling out "D+K" from last year and re-working through it, but I'm tired of those characters. I feel like I told their story (three times mind you, through edits) but every now and then I think of them.

Kinda expounded my playlist a bit lately. Listened to a little bit of Lana Del Rey (not a huge fan, but I'll give her props for doing something different), decided I want to marry Baptiste Giabiconi. He's French, sings and models. Best combination in the world!! And today I just discovered M83. I don't know how to classify them, but I really like it. Check out "Midnight City", probably my favorite so far.

Anyway, I think I've prattled on long enough. Smile!!
**Rae

New Favorite...

It feels like it's been a while since I last posted anything. Not much is going on. Just pushing through classes and work. Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my life, but then I think about all the cool things I'll get to do in the PR world and I know that this is all worth it.

Still waiting to hear on the book, but I'm almost halfway through the waiting period. Hopefully I'll hear something soon. I want to know. I NEED  to know, but at the same time the longer it takes, the more time I have to finish editing everything! I already know there are a few chapters that need to be re-written, but I just can't convince myself to do them. The internet has way too many fun things to look at.

Anyway. I didn't really just post this to rant about my boring little life. I wanted to share my new obsession. I've known this song since it was leaked over a year ago. I fully believe in the power of music and the impact that it can have on people. This is one of those songs that helped me through a rough spot last year and now it's finally been released. If you follow me on Twitter (@rachaelwabel) you'll have already seen my posts about this song. But I have to share. I think it is so pertinent for anything, not just relationships. Now that it's finally been released, I'd like to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fko7_SV3Lc&ob=av2e

Happy Love day everyone!!

**Rae

Reading List

Maybe I’m a little late to the party, but I finished the best book last night! Jay Asher has a book called “The Thirteen Reasons Why” and it seriously is probably one of the best books I have ever read. The writing is good, but it makes you think. Like really think.

The book covers a pretty serious subject. Suicide. Thankfully I feel like it’s not as taboo as it used to be and we as a society can talk about it and try to prevent it. The book tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high schooler who committed suicide. She makes tapes detailing the 13 people who influenced her decision. The writing is good, but it is the thought process that makes this book so memorable.

I finished the book last night, but I’ve been thinking today about every person I’ve come in contact with. How am I making them feel? Did I possibly do or say something that hurt them?

Tolerance, and I am certainly part of this problem, is something that we as a country have a HUGE issue with. We spend so much time judging others and tearing them down, but what if we spent our time making others happy?? What if schools cut out the dumb Emerson and Thoreau reading that no one understands, and replaced that time with Asher’s book? Would it make it a difference? Would we be a more understanding and concerned society?? Maybe it wouldn’t change the world, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Guess I’m just thinking too much.

In other news, look at how amazing the LA sunset was last night. Thanks Twitter peeps for sharing this gorgeous piece of heaven with the world last night.

*Rae

8 Weeks is a LOOOOONG TIME

I know I wrote about finishing the book, but I didn’t tell you that I ACTUALLY MAILED IT!! In the past, I’ve talked about mailing something out, but I never have. None of my other projects have ever been close enough to me feeling like I could share it with the world, though last year’s “David” was pretty close (except it was too short for publishing requirements.) So I actually did it. And of course since it is me and my family, I photo documented it.

This is what the final packet looked like. I didn’t get everything printed and put together until about 1 am Friday morning.

I took it home so I could take it to the post office and get it all weighed. Didn’t want to be short on postage and risk not getting it sent.

This lovely photo was taken at the post office right after I handed over my envelope. Of course the mail lady looked at us like we were crazy. I mean really, who takes pictures when they mail something??? Well, besides me.

Okay, so I had a picture of me standing under a sign that said “mail it” which was kind of like my Nike “just do it” slogan, but I’m being challenged and can’t get it to paste. It was blurry anyway, so I guess its okay.

So I mailed it and there’s nothing I can do for 8 weeks!! That’s how long the website said it usually takes to get a yes or no back. And so the waiting begins. I thought the 10 weeks it took to write it was a long time, but 8 weeks feels like forever. I keep thinking about things I maybe could have changed or done differently, but there’s nothing I can do now. It’s all in the hands of fate.

I said I was going to take a week off from writing, but I don’t think I can go that long. I want to start editing and cleaning up the rest of it. I had a few people read what I sent out and they said they wanted to see what happened next. Guess that gives me an incentive of sorts. We’ll see. I still have some fun reading to do! My twitching fingers make me feel like a true writer. There’s a line in the book about my main character loving music and
“need(ing) it like air.” That’s how I feel about writing.

I just wanted to share the news. Hopefully I’ll have even better news to share soon!

**Rae

It’s Done.

Hey kids!

I would like everyone to take just a second to read over the title. No crazy punctuation, not a zillion !!, not even all caps. That’s kinda how I feel about it. I finished the book Monday night and while it felt good to know that I can stop pulling my hair out about it, and I did do a short three some odd minute victory dance (to “Teenage Dream” mind you), I’m just feeling kinda blah about the whole thing. I don’t know what exactly I expected to feel, but I was sure it would be a much more satisfying experience. I mean, I’ve been working on the stupid thing for 10 weeks. That’s a long time. The last book I wrote took me 6 weeks. Granted it’s shorter and not as good, but still 6 weeks. I feel a little let down with myself. I should have been done a lot sooner. I set so many deadlines to be done, but I finally got there. I guess slow is better than never.

I’m still going to send it out on Friday. I’m editing like a boss to the point that I’m getting delirious and headache-ish from lack of sleep. I didn’t go to bed until about 1 this morning since I was up fixing all my screw ups. Apparently I have a difficult time with punctuation. There were a lot of problems, but that’s what proof-reading is for.

I think my lack of excitement stems from the fact that now I have nothing to do. Of course I plan to read. First up is the Booky Wook series from Russell Brand and then as soon as I can get my hands on a copy I plan to check out “13 Reasons Why”. It’s on the “must read” list put together by some book website. I’ve heard it good. But after I read, then what??

I had an idea for a new project present itself while I was finishing the book. It might be good and fun. May need to find a bowling ally to research in (haha. I’m still working in Syracuse).

So yeah, I just thought I’d let everyone know that I finished. Who knows what will happen next, but it’s going in the mailbox on Friday. Fingers Crossed!!

**Rae

Happy New Year

So I’m a little late since it’s the 6th, but it’s the thought that counts, right?? I feel like there has been a lot of seriousness in the world as of late, so I figured I’d go with things that make me happy. And why shouldn’t I? This is the last “First of the Year” post I’ll get to do since supposedly the world is ending in December. Better pull that bucket list out.

Over the break, we discovered that pretty much my entire family is a hoarder, (and also that I couldn’t spell hoarder). It started on Christmas Eve when my older brother was going through some boxes he pulled from a storage unit. Needless to say there was a lot of stuff he’d forgotten about and even more stuff we wondered why he even had. During this little trip down memory lane, it was determined that he was a hoarder. Subsequently, throughout the following two weeks everyone in my family decided to clean/go through rooms. In the end we came to the conclusion that we are in fact, hoarders. Do they offer family discounts for counseling??

Since this startling (and very upsetting) revelation, I started to wonder what other strange habits and obsessions I have. I’d like to share one with you.

Deep breath Rachael, you can admit it…

I LOVE Jamba Juice! The Strawberry Wild is my favorite. I’m pretty sure it’s an addiction, because the other night I had a dream about getting one, and have craved one since. Needless to say, today was a Jamba day. I’m pretty sure I could live on the stuff, so ya know, if I ever have to have an IV, let’s make sure this gets pumped through. Okay?

I need to finish my book. I should totally be doing that instead of blogging, but let’s call the blog a writing warm up. haha. I have about five and a half chapters left and for some reason I’m dragging my feet. But this weekend, being back in Logan with nothing really to do, I plan to lock myself in my room with a butt load of chocolate and write.

School starts Monday. I’m ready and I’m not. I wish I was farther in my program though, because the department just sent out the notice about my dream internship. Oh well…hopefully next year.

I cut my hair yesterday. Took off about two inches. What is it about getting a haircut that makes you feel so different? I didn’t change anything but the length of my hair, didn’t even color it, but I feel different. Older, more responsible. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m about to turn 20….

I feel really cute today, so you get a picture.

 

Okay, I feel sufficiently warmed up, so I guess I better go write while I have the motivation. I told myself I couldn’t open this giant thing of peanut M&M’s until I finished the book, but we’ll see how well that goes.

Enjoy the gorgeous weather peeps!

**Rae Marie