Jersey Girl

One of my bestest friends in the whole wide world, Christy, has lived in New Jersey for a little over a year now. I miss her so much, and just like I feel with my Rochester friends, I miss having her near me to talk to and hang out with. I was so spoiled having her a door away in college, and it's been hard not being able to see her whenever I want to. I really, really, really need to make a visit to see her new place, and how life is now that she is married. And by the way, her hubby is AWESOME, and I miss him so much too.

Christy and I have been playing phone tag for oh... 2 weeks I think, and I'm pretty sure she checks this, so I'm dedicating my blog to let her know that I will get ahold of her one of these days, and to also let her know that I'm missing her like crazy, and that we will see each other soon!!!!!!!

The Greatest Band Alive

Mike is one of the biggest U2 fans out there, and when he got the opportunity to get tickets to a concert, he pounced. Now I'm not going to hold it against him that he asked like, 5 people before he settled on taking his not so rock and roll wife to the concert. But I have to say that I am SO glad that nobody else could make it, because it was seriously the best concert that I have EVER been to. I've never seen Mike so exctied and giddy before. John, Amy- remember when we all went to the Air Force show, and Mike was like a kid in a candy store? Yeah, multiply that by 10. The only difference was that he stayed with me, and didn't leave me stranded in the middle of the highway-er, stadium.

But anyway- Bono is an incredible entertainer, and the band is to tight. But that wasn't even the best part of the concert. The music wasn't about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. It was about world issues, and religion... their songs were informative. The very first song was "City of Blinding Lights", and the lyrics at the end of the song were: "Blessings aren't just for the healers"- and then Bono looked up and raised his hands, and said, "Luckily" - and it was worshipful. He just created all of these moments throughout the concert and I was so taken back by how emotional it made me. It was very cool. I wish I could explain all that happened, but I wouldn't do it justice. But I'll leave you with this- even if you aren't a huge U2 fan, you should make a point to go to a concert before they retire. You will not leave disappointed.

Here are some shots that I got of my brother and his team.

It's Family Fun Night, and Gosh Darnit, We're Gonna Have Fun!

This past weekend I went home to see the fam, and it was SOOOO much fun. My brother is a senior, which scares me, and all us sisters hiked back to our old stomping grounds to watch Josh play his last home soccer game. It meant a lot for all of us to show Josh support, and to embarrass him to no end by cheering him on with our loud - well let's face it- unusually loud mouths. But no matter what Josh says, he loves every minute of it.

This weekend was unlike any other weekend that I've ventured home. There were so many people that a. I wasn't expecting to see, and b. hadn't seen in years, so that was an added bonus. So thank you to Jon A., Eric, Cuca, Brooke, Julia, and April for being the icing on the what was the already delicious cake.

I took my sis back to Rochester so I could see my newly engaged friends, and it was both wonderful and sad. It was wonderful because i got to see the ring (which is the classiest ring I've ever seen- well done John), and because I got to catch up with two of my favorite people. But it was sad because I realize that I'm missing so much of their lives because I'm not there. But I guess that's why they call it growing pains...

I stayed up way too late with my bro-in-law, but it was totally worth it because I miss that man to no end. Thanks, Denis, for listening to me talk for hours and hours. It meant so much. And thank you to Becca and Allison for being the best sisters around, and making me laugh 99% of the weekend. You rock.

Usually it's always hard to hug my mamma and daddy goodbye and head back home, but for some reason, it was a little harder to bring myself to drive home. It's not because I don't like where I live, or because I wasn't excited to see my husband (because I totally was)... I think the most frustrating thing out of it all is that I didn't really know why. But after tears were shed, I took a deep breath and traveled onward. Allegany will always feel like home in a sense, I guess.... and I'm okay with that.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

Here are some pictures that I took while I was at the park with my new camera!





There is so much I can do with this camera! I don't even know what to do with myself!

These are the roses that Mike got me for our anniversary. He's so sweet!

My New Camera

So I've been waiting and waiting, and saving, and saving to get a digital camera, and today I finally got it! I've never been so happy to see a UPS man! The camera is the Canon 20D, and it's a lot like the 35mm I had before, so I can use the lenses. I remember when I got my Canon 35mm Rebel 4 years ago at Christmas, I didn't move from the couch for an hour because I was engrossed in the manual. Well, today was just the same, and when I finally got a handle on everything, I got in my car and headed to the park. I got some good shots! I've posted a few just to show ya! I love it!

A toast to one of my favorite couples!

Congratulations, John and Amy, who got engaged over the weekend! I'm so happy for you both! You are both so special to me, and were there for me during times in my life where I felt like I had no one in the world, and to see the two of you together and in love warms my heart! So tonight, even though it's mine and Mike's anniversary, we will toast to our dear friends who are about to embark on one of the most amazing adventures in life- living happily ever after. Love you guys!

Update from the Mother Ship(man)...get it mother ship- shipman...haha

So maybe someone can clear this up for me.....

Where I work, I don't get any breaks. The only thing I'm allowed to do is leave for 5 minutes at a time to either run to the food court to get lunch, or run to the bathroom. But other than that, I can't leave the studio. And if it's really busy (and most of the time it is), I don't even get that. I worked all last week, and there were 2 days where I didn't get a bite to eat or a bathroom run for 8 hours. Is this illegal? I know that in NY it is, but are break regulations different in PA?

Anyhoo-
I have the rest of the week off, so I'm excited to just relax, and enjoy the fall weather. I was just talking to my mom, and I was telling her that this time of year- with the leaves changing, and the smell in the air brings me back to my wedding day. It so wierd how smells can bring back so many memories. Tomorrow is officially our 2nd wedding anniversary, and Mike and I will enjoy a nice, romantic evening. Two weekends from now (when Mike has time to take off), we will go someplace special for the night, and then we're going to a U2 concert! Mike is so pumped!

This coming weekend I'm heading up to my parents house for the weekend. My brother is playing his last home game, so it's senior night, and all the Freer sisters are going to make a big ruckis, and make my brother totally embarassed- it's gonna be awesome! Can't wait to see everyone!!!!

Shout Out to the West Coast

This goes out to my favorite doctor on the west coast- Dr. Kurt Perkins, who I met my freshman year in college. I had a teeny tiny crush on the guy for oh.....a year, and then he gave me the "I'm so glad we're just friends" talk, and we managed to stay close after I picked up the pieces of my heart. :-)

I was SOOO excited when Kurt did his internship for Chiropractic school in Buffalo where Mike and I were living, and for a year he helped out with the youth at East Aurora, and became a very close friend of Mike's. Now I think that Kurt likes Mike more than me...sniff sniff.... but i love that they are close.

I seriously consider Kurt a brother cuz he's been there for me through all the crap, and all of the exciting times. We annoy each other like brother & sister, and he DOES NOT let me get away with any whining-which Mike caught on to, so now I can only whine to my sisters and my mom.

Then Kurt had to grow up on me and move away to sunny California. Mike and I both miss him tons! Hopefully things are going well for ya, Kurt- missing you!

The Perfect Day Off

I always look forward to Fridays because that is Mike's day off, and we get to spend time with one another. Unfortunatly I have had to work the past few Fridays, so we haven't had a day to just hang out with one another in a while. So FINALLY this past Friday we both had a day off. We slept in (and those who know me know that this is VERY important to me) until 10:30, and we had breakfast and paid bills. We decided we would go to lunch and a movie (Flightplan with Jodi Foster). But after lunch, we decided that it was too beautiful of a day to sit in a theatre, so we went putt-putt golfing. We had SO much fun that we didn't want it to end, so we decided to play 9 holes at their golf course. Those who know me know that I do not play golf well. Mike's taken me to the driving range a couple of times, and I drove the cart once when Mike and Kurt played- but other than that, I STINK. And Mike was so patient with me when I had to take 4 or 5 swings before I even made contact with the ball, and eventually, after many many swings I would finally get the ball in the hole. Then it happened. There we were-on the 3rd hole, and I'm a little nervous because there is a huge pond between the tee deck and the green. Mike gives me a few pointers, and then stepped back to watch. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and then swung. Right before my club hit the ball, the Heavens opened and angles started to chant, "Rachel, Rachel!". Finally, as if my swing was in slow motion, my club makes perfect contact with the ball, and it floats through the air, and the angels give a sigh. My ball lands straight on the green and sticks-about a yard from the whole. Mike stands in total shock, and I jump up and down making a spectical of myself! IT WAS AMAZING! I was ready to go home then-because life was complete. Of course I STANK for the rest of the time, and settled for just driving the cart for the last couple holes-but for just one moment.....I was great.

So once that was over, Mike and I did a little shopping, and then grabbed a couple milkshakes and headed home. We weren't even home for 15 minutes when our friends called and said that they had tickets to the Pirates game, and wanted us to go. So we put on warm clothes, grabbed a blanket, and headed to the city with our friends. And as a sat next to my husband and friends on the 3rd base line, 50 feet from the field, with a hot dog in my hand, I thought- this is what evey Friday should be like....

Perfect.

Then Saturday came....
Back to reality- and back to work- and in a foul mood that I missed my college Homecoming. Oh well- all good things must come to end, I guess.