The Well-Traveled Check

I received a check a few weeks back. In the span between then and now, I somehow misplaced it. The reality of the situation was that I did not misplace the check. I had lost the check!

As I began to retrace my steps, I truly believed that I lost it at Wild Oats or somewhere along the path back to my house. Like the saying goes, "easy come, easy go." Until I picked up my parent's mail yesterday. Someone at the Kroger on Mendenhall found my check, put it an envelope and returned it to me.

Thanks to the kindness of a stranger, the story of the well-traveled check ends up in my favor. And that check will soon become money in the bank!

Gone for Good

Sarah Silverman vs. Jimmy Kimmel

Sarah and Jimmy have been keeping me in stiches over the last week with their on-air antics. If you haven't please check out their videos:

"I'm F*cking Matt Damon"


"I'm F*cking Ben Affleck"

KU vs. UCLA - 12.2.95 - Rock Chalking Old School

This was hands down the best basketball game I ever saw at Allen Fieldhouse and probably my entire time at KU, if not ever*. It was my freshman year and I lived across the street from the Fieldhouse. I remember walking over with my friends really early on a chilly December morning to meet up with some other friends who had been camping out for us for seats since we got back from Thanksgiving. We ended up with prime seat selection under the basket for this showdown between these two historic basketball programs.

The Kansas Jayhawks' started Jacque Vaughn, Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, Scot Pollard and Jerod "Floor Burns" Haase against the defending national champion UCLA Bruins. I couldn’t contain my excitement as the game progressed. It was certainly chilly outside, but things were definitely heating up in the “Phog.” KU came back from being 19 down to beat UCLA (for the first time) by 15. It was probably one of my most favorite memories of KU and KU Basketball! So please watch and enjoy (and maybe you can find the Freshman me too):



*This could be my favorite basketball moment, but I have to admit going to the Final 4 (even when we lost) was a pretty darn good experience too.

Veggie Kind of Life

I had an interesting conversation yesterday with one of my oldest friends. Typically I make it a habit not to share these conversations in my blog, but I have to say I’m actually quite impressed at the challenge she and her boyfriend are about to embark on.

Wendy and Gordon* have announced yesterday that they are going vegetarian for 30 days. And if it works out during the trial period it might become a permanent life style change.

I’ve known Wendy has been reading a book called the “Skinny Bitch” because we’ve had some discussion about it at length. The book, which is on/was on the New York Times bestseller list, definitely provides a controversial approach/discussion to diets and veganism. But whatever your personal stance on the situation may be in regards to the book, it makes people think (which is half the battle).

This book and living a healthy lifestyle was enough to inspire them both to take a chance. So yesterday they made it official! Wendy and Gordon are ready to try out this lifestyle (vegetarian not complete veganism). And Wendy had just completed the grocery shopping to prove it. Funny, I see many more trips to Whole Foods/Wild Oats in their future.

And hopefully they might allow me in the future to report again on their progress and challenges as they face the world as newly inducted vegetarians.

*The names have been changed to hide their identity, which allows me to blog about it with permission!

Smoothies, Movies, Hoops and a Total Lunar Eclipse (of the heart)

I’ve picked up a bad habit at work the last few weeks. It involves me having lunch with some co-workers at tropical smoothie across the street. It’s usually the same crowd, but the topics rarely change. Usually the following occurs:

·Debate over what to get - should I have a Blimey Limey or a Toucan Delight smoothie today? Do you think I can go for breakfast wrap still or should I settle with a popeye’s favorite? Hey – do you think we will be charged for this meal now or next month*?

·Someone starts quoting from the likes of Tommy Boy, Billy Madison, Spaceballs, The Three Amigos and more…Then a debate ensues about a quote or a character which means someone has to pull their blackberry and prove they are right.

·A heated discussion involving college basketball is a given on each and every trip. Usually there is a discussion centered around the merits of KU vs Memphis Basketball (which means I’m usually outnumbered). But we will always round out the conversation by talking about Mississippi State, Tennessee, IU, Duke, UNC and Texas. Specifically we love chatting about the coaching smack talk – ya know Roy vs. Coach K., Bobby Knight retiring the team to his son or when will Kelvin Sampson get his walking papers…

·At least one educational tidbit is inspired by the plethora of flat screens located in Tropical Smoothie. Today’s discussion revolved around space, specifically because we will experience a Total Lunar Eclipse tonight. Previous weeks we were obsessed over politics and super bowl predictions.

Ahh, where these conversations start, skew and lead to are up to anyone at the table. But these tropical smoothie lunches definitely provide a stimulating lunch hour away from the office.

Here is my post tropical smoothie playlist for your enjoyment:

1. Pot Kettle Black – Wilco
2. You You You You You– The 6ths
3. Life is Beautiful – Vega 4
4. Howl – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
5. Ache for You – Ben Lee
6. Friends – Ryan Adams
7. Hope – Jack Johnson
8. Magic In The Air – Badly Drawn Boy
9. Bullet Proof…I Wish I Was – Radiohead
10. Bring On the Night – The Police
11. #41 – Dave Matthews Band
12. Moonlight Drive – The Doors
13. A Bad Dream – Keane
14. Safe European Home – The Clash
15. Swallowed In the Sea – Coldplay

PS – Maybe one day soon (when the temp rises) we will travel to tropical smoothie on a short walk, thus reducing our carbon footprint :-)

*Tropical Smoothie had an issue with their credit card batching process, which somehow reflected in most charges showing up on our statements in February. Guess this is a trial an error process when you open a new store, but I’m thinking we need a free smoothie for the inconvenience.

Sleep Well Tonight

Indigo Girls Revisited

The Indigo Girls returned last night to play the Rose Theater at the University of Memphis. The venue is kind of small (for a theater), which made the setting very intimate. The music was crisp and vibrant. I was glad to see both Amy & Emily return to Memphis instead of canceling the concert out right, like a lot of musicians do.

This is probably the 5th time I've seen the Indigo Girls perform live and they always leave me wanting more. They just consistently put on a good live show. They balanced out their set with old and new tunes. And I love how they constantly say, "Thanks Y'all" after every song. I was a little bummed that they skipped out on a few songs I wanted to hear, but I guess those are the breaks...no worries, I sang them to myself as I fell asleep last night.


Power of Two

Here is the complete set list from the Memphis show:
Yield
Pendulum Swinger
Become You
Hammer & Nail
Three County Highway
Power of Two
Ozilline w/ Michelle Malone
It's Alright
Dairy Queen
Let It Be Me
Shame On You w/ Michelle Malone on harmonica
Get Out The Map w/ Michelle Malone
Go
You & Me of the 10,000 Wars
Jonas & Ezekial
Least Complicated
Money Made You Mean
Prince of Darkness
Johnny Rottentale
Closer to Fine w/ Michelle Malone

Encore:
Gone Again w/ Michelle Malone
Galileo

Alternate Universe

I've been living in an alternate universe the past few days. Mainly due to the fact that I've been achy and cranky with some sort flu like symptoms. It's almost like I've been in mirage...

In the past few days my co-worker seems to be exercising and working at the same time. She has gotten me into the stupid habit of sitting on the ball when she is in meetings. Check it out, how can you resist?


And then to top things off KU lost to Texas on Big Monday. It was quite a sad evening, but what saddened me the most was Parker’s loyalty. Sitting with the longhorn faithful….please!

Flamenco

What a great tune by The Tragically Hip. It's soft, sweet and a bit somber. I guess it kind of reflects my current mood. I rediscovered this song off a mix cd that I found last week from an old friend (i think the cd was given to me about 6 years ago). I've been listening to it on and off the past few days, but it was a perfect back drop for driving around and running a few morning errands on Saturday. This song however, just seems to evoke a lot and I love the following lines:

"maybe I'll go to New York,
I'll drag you there
you said, "no one drags me
anywhere"

Does it diminish your
super-capacity to love"

Sleep The Clock Around

And the puzzle will last till somebody will say
"there's a lot to be done while your head is still young"
If you put down your pen, leave your worries behind
Then the moment will come, and the memory will shine

Wonders of Wheatgrass

This morning I ran into Wild Oats on the way to the office to get a smoothie. I usually reserve the fruit smoothie as a treat to myself when I'm not working or after a workout, but today I was feeling a little blue and it’s still so gray/gloomy from the storms last night. So I decided what the heck - Mango Colada time it is!

I paid for my smoothie and walked up to the bar, where they prepared my drink. While I was standing there a very chipper guy (another customer) started talking to me. He was getting his daily wheatgrass & juice fix. Here is a bit of our conversation:

Wheatgrass Guy: “Hi, good morning to ya!”

Me: “Umm, hi…”

Wheatgrass Guy: “What are you getting?”

Me: “The mango smoothie…”

Wheatgrass Guy: “Ohh, that’s good. Have you ever had a wheatgrass shot?”

Me: “Umm, nope…”

Wheatgrass Guy: “Well they are great for you. It helps your heart, improves your digestion, fights cancer…It’s pretty much good for well everything”

Me: “It’s grass.”

Wheatgrass Guy: “You should try one. I’d like to buy this lady a wheatgrass shot. Make me another. Will you please try it?”

He then proceeded to spend another few minutes convincing me of the benefits of the daily wheatgrass usage and that I might actually like it. I finally just gave in and drank the darn thing.

By then my smoothie order was up, I thanked the Wheatgrass Guy who said, “No problem, off to work, have a good day!”

He then put on his headphones and walked out. I probably had a very puzzled look on my face as I started to sip my smoothie, because the silence was broken by the guy behind the Juice bar. The juice bar guy said, “Rachel, you two are both in here enough that I’m sure you will see him around again.”

Needless to say it was just another chance encounter that makes up a composite of my life. And now I’m left thinking about the wonders of wheatgrass, this weird after taste and the randomness of life.

Super Tuesday/Fat Tuesday

I hope everyone, of legal age of course, is taking advantage of their opportunity to go out and vote today. Times like today are some folks only chance to voice their opinion.

Black or White, Right Wing or Left Wing, Jewish or Christian it doesn't matter; the choice is left up to you and your vote. Sometimes the candidate you back wins, sometimes they lose. But at least you are allowed to be a part of the process, which isn't the case for many folks around the world.

I've been exercising my right to vote since 1995 and hope to continue to be able to cast a vote as long as I can read the ballot. I followed the election for work in 2000 when I worked for a newspaper, which nearly burned me out on politics forever. But I surprised myself by helping campaign for a candidate a bit in 2004. Like I said before, the process intrigues me.

So again, I encourage you to vote today. Research, read and learn about who you think would work best for you and your community. And rock the vote – it literally takes about 2 minutes.

PS – Some people fondly call today Super Tuesday (for the election), but it also coincides with Fat Tuesday this year…Ahh to be gluttonous and partake in some Mardi Gras action today. A king cake, some bead tossing and a few adult libations. Definitely a better way to spend the day, instead of being cooped up behind a desk.

Indigo Girls Postponed

I'd been excited all week for 2 days of Music. First seeing Band of Horses and the following day the Indigo Girls. Unfortunately my musical evening ran dry last night. As my friends and I were eating dinner we were informed that the show had been cancelled. At first I was choosing not to believe it, but as word spread like wildfire throughout the restaurant, I realized this was no hoax.

It didn’t stop us from driving up to U of Memphis campus to see the signs for ourselves.


I was bummed, but seriously why does SPE look so darn chipper? Whatever the case may be we will now have to revisit this topic on 2.13.08. And I hope Amy feels better soon!

Band Of Horses

What can I say...I'm still blown away by the Band of Horses show I went to last night at the Hi-Tone. Great Music. Great People. Great Fun. Best of all the show was $13. It's probably the best live music bargain I've gotten in a while.

Many of you know I've been raving about the Band of Horses over the last few months. That or maybe I've just inundated you with some of their songs. But really I can't help but gush over them. I just can't help but to sing along! I love sound and the lyrics. And every time I spin either album I discover that I don't want to tune them out or skip a song. So they've become a heavy favorite in my rotation.

Plus they put on one heck of a live show, even with all the bearded/mountain men in attendance or performing. Here is a short clip from last night:



Hopefully in the coming days I will be able to provide a complete playlist. Until then you will have to suffice with my memory of them playing some of my favorites like Ode To LRC, No One's Gonna Love You , The Great Salt Lake, The Funeral & Cigarettes, Wedding Bands. Plus they sprinkled in a Chicago & CCR cover.
I would highly recommend listening to a few Band of Horses tunes or seeing them live. They will not disappoint!

PS - Yes, the prospect of some good tunes really did ease my pain about KU's lost to K-State.

Inspector Rachiley

One of my coworkers is always coming into the office with fantastic hats, boots and coats. Her style is very natural, playful and funky, yet always professional. Ahh let's just call her hip, fashion corporate barbie. Anyway, she comes in daily with always one piece that attracts attention. Actually most folks in my office have a very good since of style. And because we all sit so close, a lot of discussion seems to ensue about clothes, hair, celebrity gossip, etc.

So yesterday I decided that maybe, just maybe despite my wacky hair that I could partake in this hat craze. Especially since it's been so darn cold as of late. So here I am below attempting to try on one of fc barbie's hats:


GO Rach GO!
Ok, maybe I'm not ready to pull off that fashion trend like that since I look more like inspector gadget - the tacky khaki trench coat...Maybe I'll just stick to the conversations celebrity gossip, books, movies and music.

Children’s Benadryl – Grape Flavored!

I’m sitting at my desk this afternoon hopped up on Children’s grape chewable Benadryl tablets.

You may be asking yourself two questions:

1. Why the need for Benadryl?
2. And if you do need Benadryl, why the need for the children’s chewable format?

Answers:

A. I had an allergic reaction yesterday, which could have been caused by a multitude of irritants none of which I can firmly pinpoint. But what remains is an itchy rash all over my upper torso area. Lucky me, right?

B. I have a very sensitive palate and honestly sometimes I feel the chewables are much more user friendly. And trust me friends when you are itchy, cranky and don’t want to take any medication you do things to fool yourself. Even if that means taking a children’s tablet. And let’s be honest I’m really a big kid at heart.

In all serious though, I’m currently in one of those weird phases of being sleepy with a slight hint of edginess caused by the Benadryl. I’m pretty sure working is probably not one of my wiser moves after having a reaction, but I felt the need to come in and try to wrap up paperwork on a time-sensitive project. So here I am now sitting, waiting (for the paperwork to be routed back to me) and reading the back of the box of Benadryl which warns me about the following:

*marked drowsiness may occur
*excitability may occur, especially in small children
*be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

OK, maybe I should stop reading the back of this box and head home...

Before I go, here are my first 10 songs that came blaring from my Ipod after I took my last dose of children’s chewables:

1. The Time of Times – Badly Drawn Boy
2. Just Tonight – Jimmy Eat World
3. You Might Think – The Cars
4. Night Drive – The All-American Rejects
5. L.A. Woman – The Doors
6. Panic-Oh! – Los Abandoned
7. So Much Work – Pete Yorn
8. Geek USA - Smashing Pumpkins
9. 5 Times Out of 100 – Hot Hot Heat
10. Take It On The Run – REO Speedwagon

Rock Chalking on Big Monday/Mark Lives in Ikea

Work today was absolutely insane. You know how some of those Mondays can feel, right? I literally felt like I packed in 4 days of work into 1. So by the time I left the office, I could have sworn it was Wednesday or Thursday. With no inking of the actual day I came home and started chillaxin.

All of sudden my phone started blowing up. Who could it be? To my surprise it was KU Crider rolling in the STL. She was on her way to the watch the Big Monday game with the rest of the KU Alums in the area. I had completely forgotten that tonight was the KU vs. OU match-up. Thanks for the reminder Crider, I'm so ready to Rock Chalk, Jayhawk KU!

In other news it's been a while since I last posted and a lot has happened. KU beat VT in the FedEx Orange Bowl (hey maybe we can be a football school too). I'm currently addicted to Scrabulous. I'm way excited to go see the Band of Horses concert at the end of this month. And did I mention KU Basketball is on...Seriously, could life get any better?

One final thought for the evening before I turn my full attention to college basketball. Over the weekend I came across the report about Mark Malkoff experiment living in Ikea. This guy is hysterical! You may remember that over the summer when he visited 171 Starbucks in NYC in just under 24 hours. Well now he's taking refuge in Ikea and making me laugh. So if you have time check it out:



PS: HAPPY BIG MONDAY

Amersterdam

Happy New Year 2008!!!

So 2008 has officially rolled in! I’m just so darn exuberant for the New Year. I can hardly contain myself...Yippee 2008…Can’t you tell?
If I wanted to be official and all I would try to recount my accomplishments from 2007 before allowing you to peek into my goals for 2008. Unfortunately, my legal council has advised me against releasing my reactions to the previous year or promoting my resolutions for this year*.

Instead I hope you all can find a way to personally reflect the sorrows, joys and accomplishments that you received in 2007. And hopefully 2008 will shine a light of
happiness and success on all the roads that you choose to travel.

In the meantime here are first few songs spewed out my Ipod this morning when I got to work:

1. Cigarettes, Wedding Bands - Band of Horses
2. On Earth – The Sundays
3. Candy Everybody Wants – 10,000 Maniacs
4. Love Me Two Times – The Doors
5. One I Love – Coldplay
6. Tomorrow Comes – Edie Brickell
7. Fake Frowns – Death Cab for a Cutie
8. Bodysnatchers – Radiohead
9. Way to Blue – Nick Drake
10. Maze – Phish
11. Something Pretty – Patrick Park
12. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing – Jack Johnson
13. My Happiness – Elvis Presley
14. Cryin’ – Aerosmith
15. Go On Ahead – Liz Phair
16. Jokerman – Bob Dylan
17. Girl – Tori Amos
18. Sweetest Thing – U2
19. Back On The Chain Gang – The Pretenders
20. Anyone Else But You – The Moldy Peaches

What a calm way to shuffle into the New Year!

*This will make me compliant with ISO 9000/Six Sigma/Performance Evaluation Standards for 2008, etc…and will reduce my liability on any past, present or future claims in regards to defaulted resolutions.