Thursday, December 30, 2010

Savoring Every Moment

For a Christmas present my mother subscribed me to a magazine about a meaningful and balanced life.  This magazine provides monthly yoga poses, vegetarian recipes, inspirational stories and an insight into the variety of spiritual lifestyles.  For example I took a quiz on Modern Ayurveda and my Dosha.  I was a little bit of everything.   I take on Vata's "Big-Thinker" traits and Pitta's "conquer the world" mentality.  So which am I?  A Big thinker who can't conquer the world or a little thinker who's only going to conquer a miniature version of the world??  And while I feel a connection to the earth mother Kapha with my love of hiking, walking, running, and climbing in the outdoors, Kapha is also a compassionate lovebug which has never been a term used to describe me.

Because I'm not ready for an Ayurveda definition on my life right now, I decided to try another method in this magazine.  I've heard this next "fulfilled life" method before but I never had the guts or patience to try it.  So I headed out to lunch today, chose a local deli, ordered the salad bar, filled my plate and sat down.  I picked up my fork, looked at a piece of broccoli and thought to myself
"broccoli.....green, ..... raw, ......fuzzy....... broccoli"

I put the broccoli in my mouth and continued to think about that piece broccoli as I chewed.  I was being fully present in this one piece of broccoli full of nutrients, vitamins, and God's good green earth in my mouth. 

Swallow. 
Repeat.

"Garbanzo bean .....round, .....creamy, .....nutty, ........ small ...garbanzo bean"
etc, etc, throughout my entire meal, repeating even when a repeat vegetable was found on my fork.
The concept is to treasure and savor every piece of food in your mouth.  Actually use your taste buds for what they are made for and not as a scorched landing strip for food with a final destination to your stomach.  This new concept allows all the senses in your body to be engaged and appreciate what you're putting in your body by seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting, and - wait for it......satisfying your body (and soul).

While I'm trying to find satisfaction in this moment at the restaurant, my evil twin is rolling her eyes and telling me that I am really very hungry and I should just chomp down on a fork full and get it over with.  She's telling me that I'll do this for the first plate, but I'm going back to the salad bar for seconds and I'm going to get that pasta salad with all the processed foods I shouldn't eat.  However, in the end, I finish my plate, I drink my tea and I walk away surprisingly satisfied. 

Satisfied with my meal, my self control and my commitment to an open lifestyle. 

-Rachel
Living Life to the Fullest and Savoring Every Moment!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Rise Up

"Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps. Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at."

I read this quote in a blog and it reminded me of my life goal to "keep company with those you admire"

After moving to Dallas, being near my family and my dear friends I still feel like something is missing.  And it's not a boyfriend.  There's a piece of my life that should be full and it's not (again, it's not my "love tank" lol).  I have a job, a dog, a healthy lifestyle but --- it's on the tip of my tongue and I can not figure out what it is!!! 
Option a) volunteering. In college I was in a community service fraternity and a religious group that had service as a core element.  It was a part of my everyday life.  I'm ashamed to say, now it's just a part of my past
Option b) dancing.  I haven't been out dancing in FOREVER and I keep finding myself tapping my foot and swaying my shoulders when a good tune is in the air.  I love the teamwork that goes into a dance number!  Not to mention the adrenaline and endorphines that keep you wanting more!
Or Option c)  my independence.  In the past 6 mths I went from living in a 1 bedroom home with me and my dog to living in a 4 bedroom home with me, my dog, 4 family members, and 2 cats.  In a household that eats together, plays together and stays together, it's difficult to find time for myself.
So while I try to gain back my independence and pursue a passion of volunteering while dancing to my heart's content.....I will keep company with those who are happily independent, driven to volunteer and those who make GREAT dancing partners!  And (getting back to the quote) if I find that I'm no good at either of those things, I'll be sure to surround myself with people who are!

Any takers?

-Rachel
Living life to the fullest, surround by people I admire

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

In every way I can think of, succeeding is less about being the absolute best of the bunch, and more about being the one that absolutely doesn’t give up

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Surround yourself with people who fill your gaps.  Let them do the stuff they’re better at so you can do the stuff you’re better at.


Don’t waste your time on jealously.  The only person you’re competing against is yourself


Let go of things you can’t change.  Concentrate on things you can

http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/11/01/60-ways-to-make-life-simple-again/

Chatty Cathy

  • Sometimes you hate being the single friend.  
  • Sometimes you wish you hadn't stood by your friend on her wedding day and had actually objected and didn't "forever hold your peace".
  • Sometimes you wish you didn't encourage your girl friend to get back with her boyfriend when they are having that big fight.
  • Sometimes you want every night to be Girls Night


  
But sometimes you love being the single friend.
  • You love knowing people are thinking of you when they get an extra concert, movie or sporting ticket.
  • You love that you're the one your friend can call on Valentines when their husband is out of town on business (hey- sometimes Valentines Day is a week day).
  • and,        I personally love that I'm the friend my girls can text late at night when their guy is laying by their side fast asleep or in the room watching a ball game and not paying attention to them.  Cringe all you want you know it's true.


See?  Girl friends will talk about feelings when your guy doesn't... Photo Courtesy

This is a reminder to my future self ....don't forget your single friends! 
They were there for you when you needed them, they wanted to be in your life then and they probably want to continue to be a part of your life. 

Life Life to the Fullest with your True Friends!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Why I love Bloggers

Today I caught up on some blogs.  It is amazing how relevant the blogs I follow are to my current life situation. 

A few examples:

Can You See the Future? written by a dear friend and mini-San Antonio celebrity, Nan Palmero
I love that Nan chose to share these words of inspiration with us.  I find myself encouraging others and was recently told by a friend: "I miss you, you inspire me to be a better version of myself".  I love Nan's title for this blog because while relationships (friends, family or business) are built on the past it is more important to build them FOR the future.  Please visit Nan's article and be inspired!!

Pumpkin Beer - warning, article title is a teaser!  This is written by another San Antonio friend, Choco Valdez.  It was nice to read that he and I share similar views about trying new things.  His main point is as follows: "Now, when someone asks me to try something new, like pumpkin beer, ... I jump at the chance to go because I know I will meet/see someone interesting, or get to experience something different."  I've written a blog about this point and it's nice to see that a) someone else feels the same way I do and b) I have people in my life who value the same things I do.  (kinda proves I'm not crazy)

I am a runner written by a woman I only know from Social Media outlets but she is a woman I find relating to on many different levels.  We have a mutual friends, she works at my past University, loves cooking and eating food and is a active member of my past San Antonio social media life.   This blog was an amazing read for me!  If you're a struggling runner like me, considering reading this blog and relating to her struggles and inspiration!

If you enjoy these reads please consider following my friends' blogs!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Memory Lane

I'm at that age....
you know- that age where you realize you thought you knew everything and it turns out you know nothing.
you look at your friends and you question how you're so different yet still the same
you look at your past and you realize you can't get it back
you look at your future and you step softly and slowly in the hopes of not screwing up the next 25 years

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Think Global Act Local

My University had a week dedicated to the "Think Global Act Local" message.  Silly me, I assumed my fellow friends in Universities were also exposed everything I learned about social awareness.  We're not only talking about the "green/Eco" theme going around the U.S.  I mean seriously thinking about other people before you buy that non-fair trade item, before you smoke your cigarette in a public place, before you throw away rather than give away and before you open your mouth!

I know this is just a little blog and maybe only 2 people read.  But writing this down and putting it out there helps me sleep better at night.  It reminds me of my past, allows me to contemplate my present and plan for my future. 

Back to Thinking Global and Acting Local....with a focus on recent conversations:  Naivety is only allowed prior to a certain age.  If you're still naive to the outside world by the age of 22 you are ignorant and, in my recent experience, prejudice.  It's sickening.  There are more people in this world than you and your loved ones.  Yes, of course, your family and friends are very important and can be put first.  But if there is a stranger in the room or a new experience waiting on the other side of a door you better open that door and invite that foreigner to join you!  You don't need to enjoy the experience or the person but I strongly feel you need to embrace the opportunity.  I think you'll be a better person to the ones you love most by experiencing new things everyday. 

If you experience new and different things, experiences outside your comfort zone, you can do one of two things: 1) you can choose to change accordingly or you can 2) stay the same.  Both options are great!  If you choose #1) It should be a positive change to help a negative aspect of you life.  With #2) Staying the same proves you had it right all along and deciding to stay concrete brings in confidence that only you can have in yourself.

So remember:  You are one citizen on the 6.778 billion people on earth.  Do your part to respect them and the favor will be returned.

Living life to the fullest...for each and every one of you

-Rachel Kellar

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Road Ahead

I've known my best friend since kindergarten.  We are completely opposite, but similar in so many ways.  Just the other day we were enjoying a hot yoga class (in 98 degrees) and the poses that were easy for me were difficult for her and visa versa. 

She chose a University close to home and I traveled hours away from home, however we both "took our time" in graduating.  As I move back to our hometown, she has the opportunity to intern at a west coast vineyard.  I am so happy for her and the move - so happy that I am going to be a part of her trip!  We are taking a 30 hour ROAD TRIP! 

The two route options are:
a) New Mexico, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco
b) Oklahoma, Colorado, Boise, Salt Lake City

The object of the trip is to arrive at our destination safe and sound.  My friend is keeping her car during the intership, so we are driving there and flying back without her.  Vegas is tempting....but I'm not sure it's the best option.  I've never been to Vegas, but I'm sure I will go at sometime in my life.  Salt Lake City, Boise Idaho?  I doubt a friend will have a bachelorette party in either of those towns, so maybe now's the time to visit!

Check my twitter for updates on the road!!

Living life to the fullest...one interstate at a time

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Reminder: Don't take anything for granted.

Yesterday at the Dallas Cowboys training camp we catered a meal to wounded Veterans.  These were guys in wheelchairs, missing arms and legs and still covered in fresh bandages.  One guy had 2 metal legs and looked like a robot from the waist down.  Another was covered from head to toe in a protective suit from what I assume was a burning accident.  He only had holes for his eyes, mouth and nose.  I had never seen these heros in person before.  It was the most humbling experience I've had in a long time. 
    One guy brought his 5 year old son with him.  The dad had lost his arm but his little boy was sitting next to him and you could just see the twinkle in his eye every time he looked at his dad the war hero.  Forget the Dallas Cowboys, my Daddy's home from overseas!  He didn't lose his life, just his arm.  We can still play catch and he'll see me grow up to be a football player or even a hero like him.  Wow...
     I've been in San Antonio for 6 years and I've respected the military men and women I see all over town but this experience was just what I needed before I leave to Dallas.  I will not have the opportunity to see this Dallas because there aren't any military bases.  But I will not forget the men and women who do serve my country and make sacrifices for my safety everyday.

I also just heard from my friend in Afganistan who told me the following story via facebook chat:
"today we had a major weather storm out here and we were out on mission.
so i wanted to finish first, which we did, but on the way back we saw a village near by was flooded
people everywhere and they ran to us asking for help cuz there were women and children stuck in houses and they had no way to get to them
so i made the decision to stay and help and we pulled out all the kids, infants, and women but one. we couldnt reach her in time
but they thanked us for trying our best and we took photos of the whole thing but my "bosses" only saw that my people were out of uniform
they didn't give my boys any credit for saving that village, all they said was where is his gloves, where is the eye protection, etc
we were in a flood the gloves were soaked and useless

the eye pro were fogging up and blinded us but they got mad cuz we didnt wear them"
It is unfortunate that leadership in every profession can be frustrating to deal with but the next time I hate on my boss for making me wear pantyhose, I'll think about how I'm just coordinating breakfast, lunch and dinners, not saving a village from a massage flood!
 
And (because good things come in 3's) I'm so happy my friend Tanya's brother is home safety from his active duty!!
My friend Ricky's Platoon

Living life to the fullest...and grateful for the freedom to do so!

-Rachel Kellar

Monday, June 28, 2010

Goodwill

My favorite new store is GoodWill!!

Check out these 'vintage' purses I bought for $8.00 total!  ($4.00 each).

I can just picture that straw clutch with my bright green 'golf' shorts, a flowy white top and bright wedges.     The colorful clutch would be great with an all white outfit or an all tan outfit.  I think it would really pop!  The bright pink sticker is just the price tag I haven't taken off yet.


Living life to the fullest...with Good Will

Friday, June 25, 2010

Times Change and so does Business

   There are people in my life I receive advice from, business and personal advice.  I've found that someone who gives me business advice shouldn't be giving me personal advice (and shouldn't really know about my personal life).  So I need to learn which friends or colleagues I should consider advice for each area in my life.
     Someone who gives me business advice and knows that my personal goals are to have a family may not encourage me to work hard because it may sacrifice a family in my future.  On the same note - A business friend may not consider me for a job because they think I'm ready to move home to Dallas due to my personal lifestyle which gets me up to Dallas every other weekend.  I would rather you tell me everything you think I need to know - I'll decide what's a sacrifice and what's an opportunity I cannot refuse.
     And a personal friend may not ask me to be a part of their wedding or invite me to an important moment in their life because they know I am busy with work and think I have no time for them. So not true! I make time for people I want in my life
     It's my life and I can decide how to live it, where to live it and with whom to live it with.   Yes, my business life is busy.  But business changes and I can choose to change with it or not.

     On that same note: I am young businesswoman but I've saturated my life with this hospitality/communication industry and I feel incredibly comfortable planning a wedding for 8 or a dinner for 8,000.  Easy-peasy! 
     I understand there is a time for "yes sir" and "yes ma'am" but the business world (and possibly the nation as a whole) is becoming more relaxed and more laid back.  Hand shakes are customary, but I've been known to receive a high-five from my CEO. 
     Southwest Airlines is a wonderfully run company and their staff, planes and pilots are laid back, which makes the entire flying experience more comfortable.  Look at hotels in your town - they aren't stuffy and unapproachable.  They do whatever they can to accommodate your needs whether you are in the penthouse or the discount room. 

     I am having another life crisis today and I realize while I have a professional job, I can make it what I want.  If my client seems laid back and relaxed I can approach them in that way.  Being stiff around a laid back client will challenge the business relationship.  On the opposite side, some clients are uncomfortable with a laid back work place and they would find words like "awesome" inappropriate (even though I first learned that word from my stuffy english teacher during a spelling bee.) 
     When in Sales we need to relate to our clients, we need to adapt.  Not each year, not every month, but every minute of the day we must adapt.  When I answer my phone I never know who's on the other line and what different version of Rachel I can be.  But I do know that I love and enjoy being every version of myself that there is. 
     I hope to never become a version of myself I can't stand. 

Living life to the fullest...every minute of the day!
-Rachel

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

It's not a Need it's a Network

I'd like to point out that I am still very good friends with many of my ex-boyfriends.  I choose to do this for the following reasons:
     a) they are someone you let into a private part of your life....You wouldn't want someone to share that private side of you out of spite
     b) they are very talented and good men who I am honored to know personally
and
     c) you never know when you might need something. 
One is a chef, one is a clothing designer, another is in politics, one in real estate, another does alot with the church and yea, there are some who are just there - but I'm sure they'll do something GREAT in the future.  You never know....

For example, the other day I went out to dinner to my ex's restaurant.  He said business was slow, so I invited a girlfriend and we went out to eat there.  It was nice to see him, he gave us an appetizer sample along with a dessert sampler, and the food was delicious! 

A few weeks later I bought a chicken for $4.00.  I could have bought 2 chicken breasts for $7.00 but an entire chicken (which comes with 2 breasts, right?) for $4.00?!  My mother didn't raise an idiot.  I understand you are paying for the convenience of the 2 breast being cut, skinned and packaged but I don't have a deadline for dinner time.  I can sacrifice a few more minutes in the kitchen for the $3.00 I saved. 


So I bring home my whole chicken and I realize - I have an entire chicken in my refrigerator!! And I have no idea how to go about cooking it.  I should obviously use some type of fat (oil, butter) and some seasoning, probably some herbs because I like herbs.  But at what oven temperature?  For how long?  Do I cover it or leave it open for the heat to seep in?  Come in ex-boyfriend who is a chef!  "Hey, how's is going.  Thanks for everything you did at dinner the other day.  It was a great seeing you.  I'd like to repay the favor by inviting you over for dinner on one condition 1) you teach me how to cook a whole chicken and what to do with all the extra pieces to make it last."

You may be happy to hear I successfully cooked a chicken and enjoyed a thigh and a leg with a healthy sweet potato.  I will be having chicken stir-fry tonight with the breast meat and some rice and veggies.  I also created a broth from the roasting product including the bones, so I'll enjoy chicken soup sometime this week and probably save some for a later date when comfort food is needed.  My friend also wins on this because now I can/will rave about his restaurant and the fact that he can do private cooking lessons.

Moral of the story: you never know when you might need to reference your past.  And when you do, don't think of it as a need, think of it as a networking opportunity. 

Living Life to the Fullest - with my network of friends!!
-Rachel

Thursday, June 17, 2010

If you bring an accountant a muffin.....

A couple weeks ago I came into work starving! I could not concentrate on my work and I needed something to eat immediately!  I raided the break room to no success and the rumbling in my stomach could be heard down the hall!  An accountant heard my agony (I'm so dramatic!) and offered me her muffin.  She had stopped by a near-by deli and bought a breakfast sandwich and a muffin.  She had eaten the sandwich, but wasn't going to eat the muffin.  I accepted and gobbled that muffin up!  p.s. This was also my first time to eat a muffin with butter - umm YUM.

Yesterday, I was in a great mood and arrived extra early for work.  I decided to stop by a deli to purchase a muffin to repay the accountant.  I walked in to the office feeling good about returning the favor.  I waited for her to walk by my office and surprised her with the repayment muffin.  She was very grateful.  However, everyone else in my office was upset I didn't offer them a muffin or bring them anything. 

Moral of the story: If you bring an accountant a muffin, bring enough for the entire office!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/589153

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Where did the time go?

I can't believe it's already June!  This year has FLOWN by!  I didn't blog much in May because I could barely sit still!  I was up in Dallas for family graduations, my sister's dance recital and a wedding. 
My friend Ally, Bride, Groom and Me!
.
         When I was finally back in San Antonio I was focused on work.  June 4th and 5th I worked the 7 am breakfast until the 7 pm reception. To recover from my 24 hour working weekend I took a trip to Corpus Christi and went fishing in Port Aransas on the 10th and 11th. I didn't think I was a fan of fishing. Why sit around all day for the possibility of catching something (you don't know what, but something). As you can tell, I only participate when I know the end result is a sure thing. This is why I'm hesitant to gamble or play the stock market. This may also be why I am single and not on the career path I prepared for in college.
          The fishing trip was nice if you disregard the sea-sickness and the friendship that tragically ended. The 2 story fishing boat was air-borne at least 3 times and the rocky waters went on for an hour and a half! I didn't eat breakfast, so the only thing that came up was the champagne from the night before. Yea- eww!!
          And as for the friendship: I’ve come to realize as flattering as it is for someone to want to spend all their time with you, it can be draining and unhealthy. My mental, physical and emotional health were being sacrificed for the satisfaction of having someone who will "always be there".
         Always be there for what?
         Always be there for who?
The only person who needs to "always be there" for me is me. I don't say that in a selfish way, I say that because I'm not always there for me. I depend and let other people be there for me so that I don't hold all the responsibility. The person on this trip was always there for me but they would take a part of me with them, leaving me empty, drained, and lacking in self satisfaction and even self love (why love yourself when someone else can?)
          After the trip and after I guess "finding myself" in the Gulf of Mexico, I came back to San Antonio and finally felt at peace in my house. I had never really considered it "home" but after being on an island of awkwardness for three days, by Sunday I was able to relax in the comfort of the home I've created for myself. Which if I might add is FABULOUS!
         As I'm re-connecting with friends in town I'm choosing to only let in positive and healthy people. To only share my time (note: not give my time, but share it) with people who will make me a better person and friend. People who love me and I freely love in return.
Because really, at the end of the day, all you need is love.







-Rachel

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I told myself the cloudy weather was why I couldn't get out of bed in the morning...this morning the sun was out and birds were chirping as I rolled over and went back to sleep...
This week has been draining - I don't know what it is but it's not productive.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I survived

This was my first Fiesta in San Antonio.  Scratch that, I've lived in San Antonio for 6 years and this is the first time I attended Fiesta for the fun (not for the volunteer work or as a St. Mary's student who must eat at Oyster Bake because the Cafeteria on campus is closed). 


So my first Fiesta and I survived!  Fiesta is on the weekends and the weekdays...I was a trooper and attended weekday events - AND showed up to work on time the next day.


The first weekend of Fiesta it rained, and I was conveniently in Dallas for a bachelorette party.  The neighbors at my house hosted a party, but I missed out. 
My House all Fiesta-ed

 However on Monday I did see the river parade beginning at my HBGCC office and then ended on my end of the river:
 

Tuesday I went to NIOSA with the boys....
 Only to be pinned with my FIRST Fiesta metal EVER by my good friend and fellow #snail...


NIOSA was exhausting...the crowds are ridiculous!  You go for food, drinks and music - but why? when it's you and 30,000 strangers.  I guess I'm a big loner, I'd rather eat, drink and listen to music with a few close friends in the privacy of my own home.  My fellow #snail had a private party in the 2nd story of an art gallery in the middle of NIOSA.  That made the evening 10x better.

I guess I took a break Wednesday, or at least I don't have the pictures to prove I did anything fun.... 

Thursday I attended the SA Current, Best of SA party, thanks to my good friend Choco.


I ran into a few friends and another #snail! 


Pretty fun night.  Lots of characters at the event

Friday I picked up my bff from St. Mary's who moved to Miami...it was Bachelorette party #2 this weekend.  Tons of fun with Maddie...with a little hiccup due to the King Williams fair in my front yard and me eventually losing the keys to my house.


So I guess this was more of a picture blog than a story, but for Fiesta #1, it was safe, satisfying and fun!!

Until next year...

Monday, April 12, 2010

I just kicked genuine love to the curb

When the NCAA Women's basketball tournament was in town the company I work for was to be at the Alamodome all weekend. I was to be with the crew in getting them fed and hydrated. My co-worker was dedicated to the teams locker rooms and all that. But on prep-day I got this HORRIBLE pain in my backside. I showed up to work and walked miles around the dome, but when it was time to put on a smile for the client I burst into tears because of the pain!

That night the pain was so excruciating I couldn't sleep - I drove myself to a Texas Med Clinic was given a steroid shot and a pain killer shot in my buttocks, sent home and passed out. Only to wake up the next day in even more pain! I have no family in San Antonio - only (drinking/college) friends and ex-boyfriends. So I called my ex and he drove me to the doctor - but he needed to be at work and left me at the doctor to find another ride (hence why he's the ex) I called another friend (we'll call him an ex too, even though it was a VERY short-lived relationship). This guy picked me up and took me home. He's old-school and who really believes in that "rub an egg on it" trick. Well, I didn't let him rub me down with an egg, but he did help me.

I won't go into details - but the source of my pain was very awkward. And this guy stayed by my bedside for 2 days and nights. He made a hot bath for me every night to help me relax, he cleaned my apartment, he popped a pain pill in my mouth when I woke up crying from the pain. Seriously - I didn't know I had anyone in my life who would do that - and I especially didn't see these actions coming from this person. I'm not sure if I have anyone in my San Antonio life that I would do that for...kinda sad, I know.

Well that was Sunday. Yesterday after 7 days and 24 hours together I had had enough. I couldn't handle the attention and the service. It was driving me crazy. Aren't I a horrible person? "Hey buddy, thanks for being there when I needed you, but you can leave now."

It got me thinking about this thing I recently heard: The 5 languages of love
This guy’s love language is "quality time" all he wants is to be with you....no need to talk, no need to touch, no need to do anything - just be together. I'm NOT a quality time person. I don't have time to be a quality time person. I'm an "acts of service" person - do something for me and I'll appreciate it and likewise, when I love you I'll provide acts of service for you.
Then it hit me - is this was marriage is like? I mean when you're married you spend all your time with that one person, maybe not all your time, but they are there when you go to bed and there when you wake up (AHH!). Do I need to become a quality time person? I can't just throw out my husband when he isn't doing acts of service like I did to this poor guy. I know there's compromise in a marriage, but yikes! I might need to *gasp* change. or maybe when the right person comes around I will be a quality time person... because I will want to spend time with the person I'll spend the rest of my life with. Let’s hope that’s the case – if not I’ll be calling my ex’s until the day I die.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Places I've never been

New York City
Yep, never been to New York City....I've never had the opportunity to go. "but Rachel, you're the kind of girl who makes her own opportunities" Ok, this is true...Real Answer - I'm afraid if I go I'll never come back!  But it's definitely on my to-do list and I have a friend with a boyfriend there, so I could totally couch surf.





Cumberland Island
My friend recently visited and posted these photos as such a teaser! 

I can already see myself walking along this beach with little pieces of sand picked up by the wind dropped in the crevese's of my ears only for me to find them later in the day on my pillow after an afternoon nap. 


Little Rock, AR


I've heard Little Rock Arkansas is a beautiful land.  Lots of greenery, hills and mountains of tall trees.

Like this from Norwood Creech










Outer Banks of North Carolina (OBX)
With all the weddings this year and my love life at a stand-still.  My girlfriends and I are thinking of taking a single girl vacation to OBX. 

With town names like Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Whalebone Junction, it seems like the perfect place to escape with true friends, a great book and plenty of wine. 



That's all I can think of for now, but let's see where the wind blows.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Cupcake for breakfast

Last night I fell asleep to the sound of rain on my window. 
pit  pat  pit   pat  pit   pat 

This morning I woke up unable to see the sun through that same window, instead only dark rain clouds.  I prepared for my walk to work by stuffing my dress pants into my pink knee high rain boots, buttoning up my rain coat and not even attempting anything special with my hair - humidity wins on this one.

I took all the precautions - I stayed under awnings whenever possible, I avoiding being splashed by cars driving through puddles, I even sacrificed my short cut through the grass just to ensure I wouldn't slip and fall. I stuck to the sidewalk and made it into my office nice and dry.

Headed up the stairs, changed shoes, went to the copy room, poured a cup of water from the water cooler and then... SPLAT my cup of water falls from my hand - water flows all over my pant leg and even shoots up and hits me in the face!!  So much for staying dry today....

that is why I had a cupcake for breakfast

.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Best Morning I've had in a long time!

I was visiting this health website and there was a poll:

"Why do you work out?"
Options included:
a) I have a big event coming up and I need to look good
b) My body is in pain because of the extra weight, so I'm doing it to help myself
c) I don't like the way my body looks
d) Just to stay healthy
e) Oh Hell, all of the above!


Umm yea - I totally chose (e) and 60% of the poll did also. 
"SLAP"
That's the sound of me slapping myself across the face and telling myself to stop putting off running and just go out there and do it!
Holy - shamoly! 
I went running yesterday on my beautiful San Antonio River and it sucked!  I was in so much pain!  I ran with a friend, who helped push me but the actually running process has never been easy for me. 
However, waking up with my alarm this morning - was very easy, walking that same 2 miles with my dog this morning - peice of cake, and coming into work not needing coffee just to be pleasant....well that's just the way it is supposed to be right?


This is a good thing.  I'm not going to let this feeling go


I'll be exploring different running paths throughout the river and this great city of San Antonio.  I'm really looking forward to running Eisenhower Park.



 
Kinda what my running path looks like:
By @ColleenPence

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

white cat foggy street

This morning I was walking my dog down the foggy streets of my historic neighborhood and on the sidewalk catty-corner from us we see a white cat with a gray marking on his face.  We begin to cross the street and the cat does the same.  I stopped in the middle of the street and the cat did too - I look down the street and it was covered in an erie fog that made the green of the trees stand out and the eye search on until it was impossible to see and feel anything but fog.  My eye snapped back to the white cat who was looking right at me.

"Hello cat" I said

"click" went my brain camera

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gismaster/4127718574/ It was kinda like this - but not really


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

My new place

I am now renting a multi-family house in a very distinguished neighborhood.  It is a $600k house and I only live in 1/3 of it, but I'm going to make it seem like I live in all $600k.  I've decided I need to decorate as soon as I get in the house.  This way it feels more like home sooner rather than later. 
I stopped by yesterday to take some measurements.  The living room is 11'x11' but the walls are at least 10ft tall.  I'm thinking of painting the walls either blue or yellow both with an accent of black and white.

I would consider painting these walls myself but they are 10 feet tall! 
a) I don't own a latter
b) I don't trust myself not getting paint on the ceiling
c) I'd really just like to pay someone $100 and get it over with - is option c even possible?  I'm looking on craigslist for someone.  I bet the paint and supplies would be $100 alone, so maybe a day of my own labor is the best option. 

My kitchen is a small 11'x4' with nice cherry wood floors and those 10 foot tall walls again.  I'm thinking of painting the kitchen green but only going up 8 feet, since it's such a tight space, knowing the height is 10 ft might make it seem smaller.  I could definitely paint the kitchen up to 8 feet on my own.  I have some red accent peices for the kitchen already, so the color palatte would look something like this:

I also want to add these silver tiles as the back splash - my sink is a nice deep stainless steel sink and the vent over the stove is silver, so I think this would look very nice.

Here's the BEST part.  My space is small, but I found these FABULOUS well decals that will work to make the space look larger like this cut out for the kitchen wall from ragingvinyl.com
and this chandalier for the "dining" area.  I don't even have a dining room table yet, but this will define the space for sure! (also from http://www.ragingvinyl.com/

For the bathroom I think I'll use these stick ons from www.2jane.com to look a like tile border going around the bathroom:
Other sticker options:
Bed Headboard at www.dezign.fr.com

This coatrack hanger from http://www.domestic.fr: This might really be the Coat Rack I want to buy (in black?)

There are also some cute decals that would look great in the closet and there is even dish decals that should which cabinet is for which dish (cups, plates, etc.)

Needless to say, there are many options out there.  It is interesting that alot of these decals are from european stores (probably because they don't have much room in their "flats").

I know, I haven't really even gotten to my bedroom yet - but as along as there is a bed in it that room is functional!

Goal for today: stop by Lowes for paint samples and pricing.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Being Nice is Good Business

I just finished reading and commenting on this Nice Guy Blog. I also re-tweeted it so that others could read along. But now I must continue the discussion in my head. Cara Stewart with Remarx Media left the following comment for Peter:


"Peter, after reading this post, I don’t know whether to cry, cheer or break something. You’re right on. I’m nice. And female. Which translates into “she must be weak.”... I always take the first call, meet for that cup of coffee and share a piece of advice that could prove useful to someone. I participate in my community. I trust employees, clients, friends and relationships. Until I no longer do because they’ve proven that they’ve crossed that line; they confuse nice with weak and take advantage or worse...."

I didn't even think of it from a female point of view! But this is extremely valid - it's difficult being a female in the work place vs. being a man. Women can be portrayed many different ways in the work place. A few examples:
a) the 100% complete b*tch - as a woman I am not afraid to say this person does exist
b) the woman having a bad day and people still call her the B word - again, sad but true
or
c) the really nice girl who gets walked all over (and quietly hides her fangs)
Most of the men I've worked with show off their 'fangs' weekly and not to benefit the company, just to make sure everyone knows they are the ones with the bigger fangs. *Note: this is not the case in my current working environment - for those of you who know the men in my workplace, you know they are the nicest guys...and my boss is a woman.

A while back a friend of mine commented on my tweets. He said it was like an extremely happy cheerleader was typing them - overly excited, overly happy, borderline annoying cheerleader. I don't consider myself overly happy - I am happy, but I do see the negative in the world. This person is not a very positive person to begin with. He obviously wasn't reading into my tweets or clicking on the links I Re-Tweet. He would see my avatar pop up, put the high pitched cheerleader voice in his head and portray me in that way he felt fit.
This person is actually a personal friend of mine who I haven't seen in 2+ years. We reconnected on twitter, but we haven't physically seen each other in a while. We've both changed during our absence. He's been traveling the world and I've established myself as a career woman. He might remember me as this overly optimistic person (and heck- I'd love to be that girl again too) but as Peter says in his blog: Nice people have fangs too.

Like I mentioned earlier being a woman with fangs can come across in different ways than a man with fangs. Men are the "hunters" who are out there "killing" for profit. While in some cases it's the women who comforts the client and builds a true B2C relationship. I'm going along with Peter and Cara, I'm going to be the nice person I genuinely am. That's the way I want to do business. I will love my job and my clients better if I am acting as my true self and being true and nice is good for business.


Thursday, February 25, 2010

All these foreigners

2.24.10
Let me preface this by saying: I understand why some people think Social Media, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are a joke and a waste of time. They are looking at the people who sit in front of a computer all day and tweet things like "I just saw a bird that looks like a dinosaur" or "I'm hungry" or "I hate my job". However there is a HUGE world on the other side of twitter full of people who network the HELL out of these social media tools. They not only tweet, they are in relationships other tweeps supporting their businesses, supporting their blogs, their lifestyles, etc.


Last night I attended a San Antonio tweet up. There is a conference going on next week in Austin and this was a pre-party for San Antonions going to the conference. I know that the internet connects people internationally. I didn't realize that these international relationships existed in a physical sense as well. I'm standing in this room with my fellow San Antonio tweeps and I the more I get to know people the more I learn they are NOT from San Antonio. 2 people from Los Angeles, 1 from Mexico, 1 from Colorado, 1 from Nebraska, 1 from Minnesota...I'm thinking am I the only true San Antonian at this tweet up - oh wait, I'm from Dallas!

I was proud of myself for taking advantage of twitter and making the physical effort of showing up at these events. If I didn't attend, I would be stuck in my St. Mary's University, San Antonio bubble (no offence to StMU, but that bubble is pretty boring to me- esp. compared to these characters I'm meeting).

I'm looking forward to Austin this Saturday for a "San Antonio tweet up" for San Antonians attending SBSW - let's see how many foreigners I meet this time!

Social Media Guru Colleen Pence's Photos from last night

Correction: SBSW San Antonian "tweet up" is March 13th - same day as Luminaria...deciding between the two will be tough!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Why Women hate cars

Everyone dislikes things they don't understand such as: dumb people, taxes, and for women - cars.

I just don't understand why we are supposed to pay $20k++ on an item that we KNOW will break down.  We KNOW it will need new tires at one point and it WILL need oil every few months and it might just stop STOP WORKING all together one day and they only way to fix it is to get screwed over by a man who thinks you're in idiot for not changing the oil (which you are - well, I am) 

I just don't get it.  When I buy a new pair of pants it comes with extra buttons in case one button falls off and when I buy a new phone it comes with at least a 2 year warrenty in which I can take it back for a brand new phone....those 2 years are just enough time for technology to change and a new phone/contract to be purchased and signed.  But the hunk of metal I call my car needs gas EVERYDAY and I have to change the oil every 30,000 miles...(isn't gas made from oil - why both?) and heaven forbid the tires go flat - it may be one tire, but they sell you 4 anyways! 

When you purchase a car we should get extra tires along with a 2 year supply of gas and maybe some of that stupid oil.  I doubt it really costs 20k to actually make those cars - how much is pure profit anyways?  Save the flashy super bowl commercials for someone else - I'd like to buy mine wholesale. 

Ok, I know the 'gas' you put in your phone is the electricity and I do pay my electic bill but still.  My legs aren't broken and after I use my car to move me into my new house, I'm locking the doors and letting the birds have it- as I walk to work everyday! 

go urban.

Monday, February 22, 2010

This is how it should be

Last week I was up at 5 a.m. and in the office by 6:30 a.m. dealing with staff and clients.  As my groups slowly packed up to leave, Thursday afternoon never looked so beautiful. Then my boss walked into my office: "I'm surprised you haven't asked me for the day off yet." What? I started 3 weeks ago, it wouldn't be appropriate.  She completely read my face and responded, "Usually after such a busy and hectic week I give you the day off to recover" at that moment the heavens parted and the tension in my back disappeared.... perfecto!

What a great boss! What a great workplace - this is how it should be. You put in everything you have and it's respected and compensated. If I had to work Friday I probably would have fallen asleep at my desk or at least had a nervous breakdown in the copy room (ok-that's an exaggeration). But less than a month ago I was a workaholic who could barely stay above water only working 8-5. Now, I am at a peaceful and happy place in my comfortable working environment!

Lesson #1 on how to have great employees who respect you and their job.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

When it rains it pours

When it rains, it pours....

As I take the time to read blogs written by my collages and comrades I realize while some blogs are direct and instumental to a certain industry (tech reviews, wedding trend forcasts, etc) many have an underlying philosophical message.

I read one from a self-proclaimed Blackberry addict/enforcer.  His underlying message was to ask for what you want.  If you don't ask, you'll never know what you can't have...

Another "professional" blogger discussed social media in 2010.  The saying "It's not personal, it's business" doesn't pertain to the buisness world anymore.  Today business is extremely personal and on many different levels.  People are putting themselves out there on blogs and they are tweeting what they are doing at every moment because they want you to know!  They want you to know them - they want your product to work for them.  These same people read blogs and their "tweeps" tweets because they want to know you too.  Some people even want you to know where they have been throughout the city all day...

My last blog example: a mother of 5, who I shouldn't be able to relate to at this point in my life, is blogging every day about her children, her past and her future.  I just finished reading her 4th of "100 days of blogging" and I'm excited to read about her journey.  Her thoughts could be any woman's thoughts and  I am any woman.