Yesterdays Blog is published Today?

It is 12:12 AM and I am not too happy with my self. If I would of starting blogging about 12 minutes ago, it would be published with yesterdays date. Darn you midnight! Oh well.

So to clarify. I haven't gone to bed yet, so it is still Thursday in my world of happiness.

Bethany believes that I should blog about Birthday Sex. But I'm going to opt out and talk about something different.

Today, I went to teacher aiding like always. But something was slightly different. A large percentage of my students, were not in class due to a track meet. (Congrats Lincoln Lutheran girls on taking first place... Although I feel bad my student aiding school didn't do so well). Anyways, it just so happened that the four or five students that I was left with, where the ones who had a harder time learning, and especially reading.

So we sat down, and began to read our story for the day from the textbook. I knew that my "normal" readers were not in class, so I would have to push to get someone to volunteer to read. So instead, I decided that we would go in a circle and take turns. As the students started to read, I felt bad because I knew that they knew and I knew that they were not the strongest readers and they were embarrassed. I didn't want them to feel that way, but I knew it was going to happen no matter what I said or did. They needed the practice reading. Which was most of the problem, they needed practice. They weren't stronger readers, and they weren't getting better because they don't practice.

So as an education major, I have to ask myself... How can I make sure that my students don't feel like they are being judged? Which, brings about the even bigger question: How can I make sure my student's don't jude on another? Because we all do it. Naturally, we judge one another, and we especially judge those who struggle in certain areas. Like reading. No one likes to admit that they judge one another... but we all do it, even when we don't mean too.

This is a HUGE problem. Not just in the classroom, but in the world in generally. We fight in wars because we judge. We create stereotypes by judging. Sometimes, we can give lose focus on who we really are because we are always being judged by others. We want to live up to their exceptions. Which sometimes, can mean failing.

So the ultimate question is: Why do we judge others? And how can we prevent it from happening?

And unlike most of my blog questions. I can't honestly answer this one. I'm not even sure, there is an answer.

Rachel.

I would like to give a special GOOD LUCK to our middle schoolers at Lincoln Lutheran and Concordia students acting and directing in the One Acts this weekend! Break a leg!

A weekend of Acts.

So as I mentioned in my previous post, this week is tech week. I'm currently working on helping out with two different shows, and it just so happens that they both open at the same time. Literally.

The first show I am helping assistant direct is a one act, written and directed by the wonderful Dan Miller. The show is about two girls. One who was created to be a mirror image of the other. Or what, she thought others wanted of her. It's complicated to put into words, but it is hands down worth seeing!

The one act is part of our one act festival here at Concordia. The festival is held every year and for two weekends, students preform one acts that have been directed and/or written by students! This weekend, some of the one acts include: a story of a group of preschool children who decide to kill their teacher, and two may fairies who have sex. Yes, quite literally. On stage. I'm not too sure that Concordia is ready for this... but its going to happen!

The other show that I am working on this at the local middle school. The show is called Cinderstein. It's basically a children's show that is a cross over between Cinderella and Frankstein. The cast is made up of 60 middle school students, who literally make me want to pull my hair out every Tuesday and Thursday night. Except this week. They just want to kill me, EVERY NIGHT! But I love them anyways!

Rachel

Lady Gaga.

Today is one of my favorite artist birthday, Lady Gaga. Now, I know what your thinking... why in the word do you admire Lady Gaga? She is a complete freak! Which, I will not argue with. But that is exactly it, Lady Gaga is different.

What interest me the most about Lady Gaga, is that she does things that most of us are too scared to even think about. I highly doubt, a majority of Americans have enough courage to get on stage wearing a bubble outfit, or hair shaped like a bow in front of millions of people? Lady Gaga isn't afraid one bit to be herself.

If you look at most of the popular artist today, they are all the same! They all sing about the same things, dress the same way, and use the same styles of music. And then there is Lady Gaga. She's different and she's proud of it! She is not only a singer, but an actual artist. That is not something you find everyday. People tend to get so caught up, in worrying about what others think and fitting this idea society has set as "normal", we forget to be ourselves! And in reality, the question that bugs me the most... WHAT IS NORMAL!

Lady Gaga uses those creative brain cells that God gave her and she uses ALL of them! Even if sometimes, we wish she wouldn't, and I'm sure God isn't always proud of her... but she doesn't give a care in the world what people think! Most of us, can't do that!

Of course, Lady Gaga has her many downfalls. But doesn't everyone? I mean, I wouldn't let my children listen to her or dress like her? Heck! I wouldn't even let myself act like Lady Gaga. But for the most part, she's differently making an impression on people! I dare you, tomorrow when your sitting around the lunch table at Janzow (or where ever you get your gross school food), ask around... see how many people know who Lady Gaga is. I bet more then half of the people around you (unless they live under a rock or in Nebraska.. JustKIDDING) know who Lady Gaga is! Now, ask them how many of them have heard of your Grandmother?... Unless your Grandmother is Brittany Spears... I highly doubt you'll get the same response!

Happy Birthday Lady Gaga!

Rachel

PS. I promise I'll get back on my blogging track soon! It's tech week right now, and I'm working on two different shows! Both happening at the same time! Literally! AH!

Life.

Ah! I can't believe its really been since Wednesday that I blogged? That's crazy! So I guess, I should start explaining and giving you my excuses...

Well, I woke up on Tuesday morning with an extremely sore throat! It continued onto Wednesday and then Thursday, I decided to see the school nurse. So on Friday morning, I went in and she gave me a prescription. But just like, every other medicine in the world, I was allergic. So Friday night I had my reaction.

So I was on benedryl, all day thursday and friday. Slept for about 14 hours straight! Took some more and slept for another 12!

Today I went to urgent care to get my reaction taken care of! Needless to say, I'm doing MUCH better now! And hey! look! I'm awake!

This week I'll make sure my blogs are extra good!

Rachel.

This is Why Your Not.

So while I was getting dressed this morning, one of my favorite songs to bash came on the radio. This is Why I'm Hot, was on the most popular radio songs during my freshman year. When it first came out, everyone thought it was one of the coolest songs ever.

"This is why I'm hot, this is why I'm hot, I'm hot cause I'm fly, you ain't cause you not"

I'm sure most people have heard it before. But it wasn't till a few weeks ago, that I realized the stupidity of the song. The entire song is about the singer telling us why he is hot. Verse after verse we hear "this is why I'm hot". But in reality, the singer never actually tells us why he believes he is hot. "I'm hot cuz I'm fly, you ain't cause you not". Over and over again. There's no logic what so ever.

I'm hot because I just am and your not because you just aren't. We already knew that! Instead of repeating what we all ready know, why don't you just answer your own question and tell what makes you hot.

Personally, I think its a great song. One of those songs that are always fun to sing along and act stupid too. But probably one of the most idiotic songs ever. Don't sing to us about telling us why your hot if your never going to actually explain why your hot. You might as well, tell us your going to give us a million dollars too. Because, it's never going to happen.

As a listener, I just want to know. WHY ARE YOU HOT!?!? .

Rachel.

I'm currently taking benedryl. So I'll come back and fix this later. Because, I keep forgetting what I was talking about.

Lets Kill Pigs with Birds!

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Self, I want to kill pigs by throwing birds". Well, don't worry because thanks to the wonderful Apple... There's an App for that!

My current addiction has been playing "Angry Birds". (So I lied, it has been an addiction for a while now...) Angry birds is a game that can be downloaded and played on Apple Ipods, Itouches, Iphones, and any other handheld device that lets you download apps from Apple's App World.

Angry birds lets you threw birds, of all different shapes, sizes, and "abilities"at evil green pigs. Each bird has a special "talent". Some birds fly SUPER fast. Some birds can split into many birds. Other birds can fly backwards or drop eggs. And some birds at just fat.

If you ever need to waste a few minutes or an hour or two, I highly suggest playing Angry birds. If, however, you don't have hours of time to waste doing nothing, I would highly suggest NOT playing Angry Birds. It is not uncommon to easily become addicted to such a mindless game.

I also would not suggest this game for young children. Because not only does it portray a false imagine of pigs. I'm not sure about where you live, but around here, pigs are pinkish not green? No, seriously. The plot behind the game is that the birds are trying to kill the pigs because they stole their eggs. Violent much? I personally do not believe that death is the best solution for punishing a pig that has stolen your egg. Not to mention, at the end of each round the birds spontaneously combust. Which, sort of makes me feel like its promoting suicide bombing.

"Hey guys! Lets throw ourselves and explode, so that we can kill the green pigs!"

But seriously, it is an amazing game.

Rachel.

This post was requested/inspired by Nike Butcher. Since, he claims to read my blog. But I highly doubt, he isn't lying.

Technology.

Growing up in the 20th century, technology has always been normal to me. I remember the first computer my family ever brought. I was about four or five years old, when a large cow print (it was a Gateway) box came in the mail. My dad convinced me that it was a baby cow. At the time, I didn't know enough about computers, to read "Gateway" and know it was a computer. There were little holes in the side of the box, and every time I would walk by, I would try to stick my finger in but get scared and run away. My family finally, opened the box after I tried to put a handful of grass in the box for the cow to eat.

Does Gateway still make computers?!?

Overtime computers became more and more popular. I remember my mom getting her first laptop. I wasn't allowed to have a laptop because I played to many games. Eventually, she had to get a new one and I got the old one. Since I was in middle school, I have always had my own computer. I used to make videos using blue screens and effects on my computer, so I always had my own computer to process the information I needed.

Today, its all about Apples. I was in middle school when I got my first Ipod. It was a light blue ipod mini. It only played music and had one game (brick beaker). I'm going to age myself here, but it was BLACK AND WHITE. I've gone through a series of ipods. I had a purple ipod nano. A blue Ipod nano. An original Ipod. And for the past four years, the Ipod touch.

Last year, I gave in to the new fad and bought a MacBookPro. Someone once told me, "once you go Mac, you'll never go back". I quickly learned, that saying is VERY true. Honestly, I have no idea how anyone could graduate college today without a computer or laptop. I could barely make it a week without failing one of my classes.

My favorite technology invention? My phone. I have a purple blackberry. I use my phone to text and receive phone calls. But I also use my phone to receive both my personal and school email. I upload my calendar from my computer onto my phone. I use my phone's camera regularly. I receive Facebook notifications on my phone. I use my phone to search the web more then once every day. It's like a personal computer in the palm of my hands.

Last night, I found a new technology related addiction. Apple's Iweb! Iweb lets you create your own websites on your mac. You can then upload your website to the "world wide web" using Apple's MoblieMe. MoblieMe is a website hosting serve (or FTP) that cost 99$ annual. Did I forget to mention that technology is expensive?

It wasn't till today when I realized that my GPS for my car is broken. (100$) My phone is slowly dying because I need more memory (I'm thinking about the Iphone?). (200$) My computer needs a heck of a lot of help (I probably just need a new one). (1500$) I really want to upload my blog using MoblieMe. (100$) I need ink for my printer. (50$) (I also want an Ipad, but I currently have no REASON for wanting one). Technology is changing our lives! Not to mention, robbing our bank accounts.

People used to think that technology was a "phase" or a "fad". But the truth is that technology is a lifestyle. For the average American, we use technology at least twice a day, to complete some type of task. I'm using it right now, and so are you. I'm typing on my MAC and your reading my blog on some sort of internet based electronic. Technology is always changing. New technology is always coming out. I can't even imagine what it will be like in a few years? Let alone, what kind of new technology will be available next month.

So I challenge you, can you list ALL the ways you use technology in your every day lives?!?!

Rachel.

Throw Back.

I'm not going to even say anything about this.

Other then, someone resent me the link.

If you ever want to know what goes on in the head of a 7th grader.

http://rachelxlovzxu.xanga.com/

For the Love of the Game

Baseball has been an American tradition and favorite past-time since the 17th century.

Every year thousands and thousands of fans enjoy going to and watching baseball games.

Baseball has been bringing families of all generations and backgrounds together for years.

I myself, have been too and watched many baseball games in my lifetime. My younger brother used to play baseball for a local minor league team, and my family has always enjoyed Friday nights at the field.

But, baseball is more then just a game. It is an experience in itself. At the beginning of every baseball game, American's are given the opportunity to come together and sing the National Anthem. During the game, fans indulge in eating classic baseball food. Nachos. Pretzels. Cracker Jacks. Popcorn. And who could ever forget, hotdogs with all the toppings one could imagine. And lets not forget, listening and singing to everyone's favorite baseball song, Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

For years and years, people from all over the country have been enjoying the experience of watching and being apart of baseball games. Weather at an actual game, or watching from your TV at home. There is nothing better, then enjoying a game of baseball with your friends and family.

Rachel.

Bookaholic.

Books that I hope to have in my personal "library" before I get old and die.

Top 10 Children's Books

1. Good Night Moon

2. The Cat in the Hat

3. Oh! The Places You Will Go

4. Doctor Dan, The Bandaid Man

5. Llama Llama Red Pajama (the entire series, I'm still missing a few)

6. Corduroy

7. Rainbow Fish

8. The Hungry Caterpillar

9. Where the Wild Things Are

10. The Giving Tree

In case you are wondering about where I got my impression for this post? While, I was searching around the web this morning, trying to find new ways to help my ear ache, I came across another blog (goggle can be an epic fail sometimes), that talked about this artist, who literally draws bookshelves. For 150$, you can send a photo of your favorite books and she will create a painting of your "idle" book-shelve. And as we all know, a picture can say a thousand words. And so, I was inspired.

Love is Perfection.

Today during One Act rehearsal, our director Dan, asked me if I was going to the improve show tonight. I had said that I didn't have a ticket and I wasn't really sure. He asked me if I heard anything about it and I said "not really?". He told me he was working house and that he would save me a ticket because I had to go. I didn't understand.

So at 730, me and my headache drug ourselves over to the black box.

The show was actually pretty funny. If I didn't have a such a bad headache (now, considerable a migraine) I would of laughed harder then I have ever laughed in my life before.

Then, right there in the middle of the show, one of my theatre-related friends, proposed to his girlfriend.

They have been dating for years. and I know for a fact that improve is his passion. And I'm pretty sure it is some what hers too. I hate to say, but I kind of saw it coming. It's kind of funny, because while they were on stage, improving about a pineapple, I said to myself, I bet there going to get married one today and be a great family. But it was still none the less, one of the most romantic events that I have ever witnessed.

Two people who love each other. Doing what they love. In front of all their closest friends and family.

A few blogs ago, I talked about how I was lost and confused by this whole idea of perfect. Tonight, it finally all made sense to me. Perfect is what you make. Pro-possing in the middle of an Improv show isn't exactly perfect for me. But Improv isn't my passion. But I bet, to those two, it was more then perfect.

We create our own perfect. We make it. We mold and shape it. We decided what is good and what is bad. We even have the power to change it.

And that is what love is. It is perfection. Love is simply finding that one person, who is willing to bend and grow with you, to create, your very own perfection. After all these years, and I finally understand it. It's amazing, how you can ponder your entire life, and then BAM! in one short second, you completely understand.

Perfect. The most wonderful feeling in the world.Feeling like you can fly. Feeling a joy and happiness so great that you could exploded. That sense deep inside of you, that nothing could go wrong. Some people might call it love. I call it perfection. Because that is exactly what love is, feeling like everything is perfect, even your doubts and falls.

Congratulations Marty Krois and Heather Eden.

I hope you find your ultimate perfection.

Rachel.

True or False

If I told you that I had, had five kids (girl triplets and boy twins) within the past four years while in high school, you would probably tell me that you I was lying. Of course, in this instance you would be right, but who is to say that I wasn't telling the truth?

Jade and I have been talking today a lot about this. And just like everything else, it got me thinking. What exactly is the truth?

Two people would be in the same place at the same time, but could see and remember the same event completely differently. Who is to say who is right and who is wrong? I'm sure both people thought they were correct.

Thats the funny thing about the truth and life. We all think we know the truth. We all believe that we know ourselves best. We know our friends and family. We believe thousands of things without having proof. And even with proof, who is to say that its still the truth?

As a Christian, of course I believe that only God knows the truth. But there are still times, when I think I know the truth about myself. But is that even true?

What exactly is the truth?

"Elphaba, Where I Come From, We Believe All Sorts Of Things That Aren't True. We Call It History." - Wicked the Musical.

Happy 40th post.

Rachel.

A not so Irish, Irish tradition

Growing up in South Jersey, there are lot of traditions and culture-related “quarks” that I grew up with. (For those of you who aren’t familiar with South Jersey, you’ll need to know that South Jersey is heavily influenced by “Philadelphian culture”, as well as Italian heritage.) Many of these traditions or culture based ideas come so natural to me, that it wasn’t until I moved away that I realized it was “just a South Jersey” thing. Think about it. Seriously. Stop reading this stupid blog and think. Do you have culture influences or traditions that seem normal to you, but might not be as popular in other areas? Yeah. Ok. Stop thinking. Chances are, you probably can’t think of any because you won’t think of them as anything but normal. To which, I suggest you get a life, stop stocking mine, and go make some friends with different backgrounds. JUST KIDDING!

Every year around St. Patrick’s Day, the store shelves are stocked with Irish Potatoes. Irish Potatoes aren’t, in fact, Irish at all or contain any sort of potato. Irish potatoes are an extremely sweet candy, made out of white coconut rolled into a ball and covered in brown cinnamon. These little balls of goodness and joy are shaped and sized to look exactly like Irish Potatoes during the time of the famine. Irish Potatoes were originally made to help commemorate and remember the Irish famine. And when’s the best time to market such a product? St. Patrick’s Day!

Everyone knows what Irish Potatoes are. We used to make them every year in grade school. Every store in town sold small green boxes of Irish Potatoes. It is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition.

It wasn’t until I moved to Florida that I learned (and rather quickly) that Irish Potatoes were not a popular item outside of South Jersey. Most people never even heard of them! How insane?!?!

There’s an old candy story in Lincoln that is owned by an old lady from Philly. So every year at St. Patrick’s Day, they sale those famous green boxes of Irish Potatoes. As soon as I found this out, I was sure to make sure I bought enough Irish Potatoes to teach everyone about this tradition.

The best part of all these nonsense? This year, when I picked up that famous box, I saw something that I never before noticed in my life. Right there, on the side of the box, in big green letters. “A Philadelphian tradition for over 100 years.” After 19 years of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Irish Potatoes and walking through stores every year and seeing thousands of these famous boxes, and there it was, right on the box. “A Philadelphian tradition.” Needless to say, I apologize if I ever made fun of you for not knowing about Irish Potatoes, because clearly, I didn’t read the box.

If you’re still confused as hell as to what Irish Potatoes are. OH’RYAN’s is the name of the only company that makes them. I can’t promise you’ll like them, but it’s a cultural experience that’s worth trying!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Updates.

It's been a while hasn't it loves?

Well, I have been busy.

I'm back at school now. Which means I have a LOT of work to do. And I need to get back into the swing of things.

Spring break was good for the most part.

But I shall write much more later.

Right now, it needs to be bedtime.

Spring Break.

It's spring break.

So blogging isn't all that easy.

But I'll give you the break down.

We made it to Florida.

It's amazing.

Yesterday we went shopping in the O-land.

Today we went to the beach.

My best friend (from Florida) Ashley came with us. Amy and Ashley have really taken a liking to each other. Well, Amy just thinks Ashley is funny. That makes me happy. I am really glad that my friends like each other. So I get to spend this entire week with my favorite people! Its amazing!

Amy has also really taken a liking to my brother. but in a noncreppy way. But for the rest time, since I can remember he is being nice and talking to us. That also makes me happy.

So its been an amazing few days.

Tomorrow, we are going to watch the boys baseball team in tampa :)

life is good.

Rachel.

Giggles.

Last night was a great kick off to spring break '11. After dinner, Stephanie, Amy, and I went upstairs and laid around watching Mean Girls and worked on our online course for school. Except for most the time, we were just laughing.

Random jokes. Girl Scouts cookies. Facebook. Good Friends. Good times.

I showed off my new hot pink sports bra.

Stephanie and I ate an entire box of girl scout cookies.

Amy explained to me that boys come in singles.

We had a lot of fun. Doing nothing and being friends.

It's those kind of nights that stick with you for life.

Kind of like how Mr. Wood used to say "Remember that night...."

It was one of those kind of nights.

Sweet Carolina.

I'm laying on Amy's floor. Which means, I've official made it to North Carolina.

Today was Sunday. So the usually happened. Church. Visited some friends of Amy's. Bathing suit shopping at Target. Ate an amazing dinner made by Amy's amazing mommy. Thank you Amy's mommy. :)

What made today awesome was the weather. high 60s. Needless the say, I wore a dress to church this morning without tights. and then a tank top today. Which coming from Nebraska (where I hear it is snowing) is freaking amazing and then some :)

Tomorrow is a new day. It was really nice to not have to drive today! but, tomorrow we will drive the long and tedious 10 hours to Florida. But hey, thats the price you pay for a little bit of Sunshine and happiness.


Let's just not talk about that 24 hour drive back to Seward. Twi things I frown upon. Long car rides and Seward Nebraska. Actually, I like Seward. It's Nebraska that is the problem :)


Rachel.

Saturday March 5, 2011

Stop 1: Columbia IL (South St. Louis).
Driving time: 7 ½ hours.
After getting done class on Friday, we packed up the car and hit the road. Our fist stop was going to be at Amy’s cousins house (Paul and Mark) just outside of St. Louis. I’ve met a lot of funny people in my lifetime, but the Theiss family might be some of the funniest people I have ever meet. (Watch out Polzin’s… the Theiss are catching up). Amy’s Uncle Steven and Aunt Sue were very nice to put up with us night. Although, I’m not going to lie, I think they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed them.
As grateful as I am to now have friends in the St. Louis area (I do love making friends), I was more excited to meet the most famous Joel Theiss. (Amy’s Daddy). Hands down, the coolest dad I ever meet. Not to mention, the only person I know to laugh to at my jokes.

Stop 2: Raleigh North Carolina.
Driving time: 13 hours.
Right now, I am currently in route to North Carolina, to Amy’s house and home. Amy’s daddy is also taking the 13-hour ride (or challenge) with three very crazy and cute college girls. Although, I’m pretty sure he is overly enjoying himself, or at least I know that I am enjoying him. Apart from his generosity to drive the first shift of the trip, he’s dancing and radio “sing-along-skills” are some of the best I’ve ever seen.

That’s what makes a road trip “real”. Meeting new people, and enjoying what seems like endless hours of fun with the people that you enjoy being around the most. A few good friends, a tank of gas (which I may point out, does not come free), and a fully load ipod. And your ready to get on that interstate and just drive. I’ll let you know how the rest of the trip goes. Spring Break 2011, here we come! :D

Rachel

The Road Less Traveled.

Thursday. Student Aiding. 7th grade.
I love my 7th graders. During class on Thursday, we were learning about stressed and unstressed syllables. Of course, the example in class fit perfectly with my travel adventures that were yet to come.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”
– Robert Frost
(or according to my 7th graders, William Shakespeare)

Road Trip Step 1.

Clean car = check.
Atlas = check.
Two amazing friends = check.



Almost Friday! :D <3.

Kids Say the Darnest Thing.

"So do you like live in Nebraska while you to school, or do you drive here from Florida every morning?" - Seventh grade student

"My mom says that my skin in a mix between fair and olive" - Sixth grade boy at Rehearsal.

And this is exactly why I want to be a teacher >

Rachel.