questions of the soul

Why is it ok for guys to go run around the city without a shirt on but I have to wear pants?

Why did an entire box of Cheerios fall off the top of the fridge, covering me and the kitchen in honey nut flavored cereal?

Why did it snow yesterday?

Why did I put my ski gear away 2 weeks ago?

Why is the inside of my car covered in hair?

Why did I shave today and then wear jeans?

Why does that man have pizza and I don't? 

Why doesn't he share with me?

Why do some people breathe really heavily out of their noses?

Why was I convinced that I couldn't breath out of my nose until 8th grade?

Why did 8th grade even happen?

Why don't I ever wear my retainer?

Why couldn't I finish my book before it was due?

Why did my little sister look fabulous for her prom while I had a wardrobe malfunction for mine?

peace and preguntas

that's "questions" in spanish. no i'm not pregnant.

rrw

life's good.

Welcome to the post in which I talk about how good my life is. Yep. That's all I'm about to do so if you're hatin' on happiness right now, well...then...go watch The Fox and the Hound and just cry. Because that's all you can really do in that movie. Or you can stay here and revel in my life. Your choice is obvious, so just make sure to pop some popcorn and take a tissue box because when the words "when you're the best of friends" start being sung, you're going to need them.

Anyway. My life is great because I just ate two brown sugar cinnamon poptarts, which I got for free and are by far the best flavor of poptarts. I also woke up an hour late this morning but still managed to get a shower in and make it to class on time. that's right family. up, showered, and out in under 30 minutes. Plus I'm wearing poofy sleeves that I like to think make my muscles look "swoll." swole? swoul? i'm obviously not a man who goes to the gym. so...good news there! I ran into friends on campus, a cute boy said hi to me twice on separate occasions ok ok ok. i totally sat in the exact same spot where he walks but i mean that's alright and my phone battery lasted all day. I also got the most hilarious text from my little sister that totes made me lol right in the middle of my professor's long winded, jargon filled, intellectual rant about the weaknesses in the Progressivism ideas of reaching a perfect future and blah blah blah.

As a background, my sister is taking the same AP Literature course I took in high school from the same teacher I had. And I quoteth,

"Today in English Thackeray was asking all these questions about Our Mutual Friend and what the symbolism was for a character. I was the only one who knew all the answers every time because you had written them in book. I felt like Harry Potter using the Half Blood Prince's potion book."

I will grow up to be Professor Snape. Which is just one more reason to love my life.

oh hey sister. nice job on that jump.

love me some east millcreek.

peace and new socks
i submit that putting those on is one of the greatest feelings in the world
which, surprise surprise, was also part of my day today

rrw

heels

Ohmygosh New Years was a blast. I have bruises on my feet because I decided to be brave and try heels at an all night dance party. But oh hey, let's give 500 life points to me because despite my footwear I didn't fall or roll my ankle once. While dancing. This is a big deal.

Also,  my little sister is having a party tonight with her friends. I swear, she has more friends in this house than I ever did in all of junior high and high school combined. But you know who I did and still do have?

My best friend.
Shoot dang did we have a riot on New Years.

It's amazing what determination, self timer, and a tripod can do for ya. Aka. I have dozens and dozens of these photos. And I love everyone of them.

peace and sparkling cider

rrw

my life is boring

I'm not in a super mood to blog right now, and yet here I am, typing up a post. My host sister asked if there was nothing interesting for me to post about. I just looked at her while I sat in a kitchen in Kiev, Ukraine, holding a bowl of borscht I helped make and remembering how delicious the batch of syrniki I had made earlier was, listening to a Russian symphony that was filling the room through speakers sitting on the table in the kitchen...in Kiev, Ukraine.

Yeah, that must be it. Nothing interesting is going on in my life.

I mean, it's not like that same host sister and I had a conversation about the different professions her English text book said were possibilities for those who spoke English. Nah, we didn't really laugh at the idea that her text book said that American's often chose the profession of milkmaid. I mean heck, I'm considering changing my major as I type.

And it's not like I totally caught a fly out of the air in between my fingers like a full-on ninja.

I can't possibly have been teaching English to Ukrainian kids for the last month and a half. I mean, that would mean that I've had children stroking my hair and hanging on my legs and pulling on my hands and throwing things across the room and sneezing all over me and hugging me and sitting on my lap whenever we "fall down" during Ring Around the Rosie.

I'm not the most popular kid at the elementary school here. None of the kids want to talk to me and tell me their names and ask me how I am when I go to pick up my 8 year old host sister from school.

I couldn't possible have gone on an overnight train this last Friday. And then spent literally all day on the same train that Sunday. no really. did that really have to happen? that couldn't possibly be real. there's no way i would have done that...ok fine. i did.

But it's not like I took that train to see castles and fortresses in Kamanets, Ukraine. No... Because if I did, that would mean I have a ton of pictures...

And this dog didn't follow me everywhere, photo bombing basically every picture I have.

We obviously didn't have a very much fun with self-timers.

And we totally didn't get scammed into taking pictures with these birds.

oh how i wish that ^^^ were true.

#whileinukraine 

We didn't decide to take a nap on a bench in the middle of the city.

And we definitely didn't watch/film two Ukrainians get engaged while standing on yet another love bridge.

i swear, i'm putting a lock on the next one we see.

i don't care if i have no love in my life.

it will say "Rachel + Cheese = Happiness Forever"

or something equally profound.

Nope. My life is so utterly boring. I have absolutely nothing to blog about. So I'm going to leave now and send good vibes to my little sister, who is running in the State Cross Country meet today. Fly C-Gull, FLY!

peace and russian lessons
say hello to the worst student in the class. 
"privet"
^^^that's hello in russian.

rrw

4 Pics 1 Week: strangers, si, and snowcones

-After going to one of the best Mexican restaurants I can ever remember eating at thanks to a Tracie-friend who is too good to me, I got a call to go mini golfing. With a kid I had briefly met once before. And all of his friends. I was told to start heading to a certain destination point to be picked up. As I ran down the street a car full of men honked at me, pulled over and I heard, "Rachel?! Quick, get in the car!" I jumped in, introduced myself, and proceeded to have one of the funniest mini golfing experiences to date. But...maybe I should go back and learn more about stranger danger. Whatever. That kid and I are best friends now so it's all good. #blacklightsmakeeveryonecool

-My friend is getting married tomorrow. I'm a bridesmaid. We joke about how we met freshman year because I was for sure crazy that night and she was going on a date with an RM and that was the coolest thing 18 year old me had ever heard of. And then we were roommies and sang to Anastasia together. And now she's getting married. 

-It's blasted hot everywhere. So I met up with some old friends and we decided to get snow cones. The things were huge. Ah, summer. I'd love you so much more if you didn't melt my skin on the way home from work. But, I guess that's what the pool is for, no?

-Duck Dynasty. Uncle Si. Go google this youtube video and laugh. I think Caroline and I have found our new favorite person and tv show i'm sorry say yes to the dress! i'll always love you. but you don't have an uncle si. I have a new goal in life: become a redneck.

peace and chicken-go-wraps

rrw

must be tuesday

I woke up late today because last night I was super smart and stayed up super late talking with my best friend on the phone. After that conversation I decided it would be a good time to put coconut oil in my hair because apparently that's supposed to help with moisture and strength and blah blah blah. Basically it made me look like a grease-pot and my hair feels just the same as it always has. This greased up hair made it so that I HAD to shower, because seriously guys. Draco and Snape would be jealous of the greasiness that was my hair this morning.

So I was double late to work, forgot my phone, sunglasses, and book. Oh, and my makeup. But whatever. I'm over that stuff. When I finally arrived at work I was informed that I was about to be automatically terminated (aka fired) because I'm not signed up for classes in the fall. Oh BYU. I love the hoops you make all your students and employees jump through. You and me, BYU, we should enter the circus together. I'll be the monkey that you yell things like, "Dance circus monkey, DANCE." to. And you better believe I'll dance.

So...let's hope I can work it so that I'm NOT immediately, automatically, abruptly and forcefully terminated from life as a TEDSEC. Although the thought crossed my mind that maybe, must maybe, being terminated wouldn't be such a bad thing. That thought immediately left my mind as I considered my other options for employment. I mean, I've paid my dues to Papa Smurfs and Coldstone. I actually really like coming home from work NOT smelling like pizza sauce and old caramel.

Basically, it's Tuesday. And the fact that I was just on vacation all last week makes being here that much more difficult. I mean....really? This compared to that?

Whateves though. Whateves. oh hey. it's the fourth couple of the family. ^^^^ #sisterpride #sistershame? #sisters

At least I got a dollar off my Turkey Harvest Croissant sandwich at the MOA Cafe. At least.

And now I can't find the song I really wanted to share today. Cool beans. COOL BEANS.

You know, maybe I need to calm down. This song helps me clam down. So actually really cool beans. I'll post that.

peace. just peace today.

rrw

welcome to june

Taylor Swift came to Salt Lake and it was a big deal and lives were changed and tears were shed.

In other, less important news, I went on an adventure Saturday morning because I woke up and felt super antsy. I learned how to navigate American Fork probably not as difficult as i was making it discovered that you have to pay to go up the canyon there, was totally turned off by that, decided to hike for free somewhere in the wilderness, did so, and came up with a life plan in case I were to get bit by a rattlesnake and have to have a leg amputated. the things i think about when i hike. i tell ya. it's deep.

Then I helped a friend move, packed for next week's vacation, forgot my swimming suits i ALWAYS forget something. at least it wasn't underwear this time. #familywillneverletthatgo #sheesh picked up my friend Tracie, and went to Salt Lake. I seriously love that city. We admired all the brides swarming the temple grounds, enjoyed the wonderful weather, and stuffed ourselves at the Lion House Pantry ok, only i did. but you can't say no to one of those rolls and honeybutter. just can't. unless you're Tracie. 

I had a great time showing Tracie the Salt Lake temple, telling her about when I saw the entire Quorum of the 12 and First Presidency there, how to get to the cafeteria, the tiny bathroom and super cool doorhandles. You know, all the important stuff. I realized I had missed that temple more than I thought. It was great to be back. 

Then we relaxed in the hammock at my parents home, I talked with an old friend on the phone loving this whole missionary-coming-home thing that's going on all summer we did our hair and makeup like we were right out of a cheesy Hairspray or High School Musical movie, and went to a wedding reception with Italian Sodas and really good meatballs. We danced, ate cake, and I met a cool guy going to Ukraine with me in the Fall yesssssssssssss. i'll have a friend there. maybe he'll keep me safe-ish. 

whatever. i'm going to be fine. i got my immunizations today. i'm untouchable. 

We returned to the Weiler residence where we spent time bantering with Caroline and making a new game called "Grab the Flab" easy for me and my dad to play. difficult with Caroline. i mean, LOOK AT HER.

this picture scares me. we all agreed that it was a bad angle and that her legs don't actually look like that. but it's funny to bring up the fact that she looks like a newborn colt in this thing. :) love you caroline. promise.

where was i?

Right. Grab the Flab. Well, after that, Tracie and I went back to Provo and had some good heart to hearts on the drive down.

also, let me clarify that Tracie didn't participate in the Grab the Flab game with us. we're crazy, but not THAT crazy.

The next day I woke up, went to church, was extremely grateful for the things I learned there, got in the car, and made my way back to Salt Lake to have dinner with Spencer and Annie, who just returned from a climbing trip to Greece. yeah. i walked up a hill this weekend. they got nothing on me. They had some fun pictures and videos to show us. We even figured out how to show them on the TV without the help of Wes, our technology guru. we missed you burninghams. 

After sitting on the red couches in our basement - which are things of beauty and wonder and are not allowed to leave our ownership ever - we were all challenged to a game of croquet by Spencer. That was entertaining. Mainly because Spencer got a ton of lucky shots and overreacted with his celebratory dances and electric guitar moves on the croquet mallet. It's normal. But really, it is.

It was the perfect weekend to sendoff May 2013 and welcome June 2013. I have such a good life, you know?

Oh, and in case you didn't know, Taylor Swift came to Salt Lake City. It was a big deal.

peace and peanut butter cookies

made and ate all of those with the fam.

rrw

PS. Want to feel bad about the amount of physical activity you do each day? Click here to read about my brother and sister in law.

To specifically read about their trip to Greece click here.

They had a professional photographer or something with them there. I can't wait to see those photos. You better believe I'll link those up when they come. So...stay tuned.

Here's a teaser from Spence's blog.

4 Pics 1 Week

-Do you think I've seen Warm Bodies enough times? And this is minus two ticket stubs. I can't help it.

...Speaking of movies, Rise of the Guardians was fantastic. Had me all sentimental for childhood like any good movie should do. Get it at a Redbox near you!

...Also, Iron Man 3. It wasn't my favorite but let's focus on the positive anyway. Likes: the cool suits flying all over the place, some of Robert Downey Jr.'s lines, the sweet technology, the way Tony Stark loves Pepper Potts.

-It was a lonely and boring Friday at work last week, similar to today, when Professor Brad Wilcox asked me to park his car for him. Naturally coworks and I took a small joy ride around town. I drove because my legs were long enough to reach the pedals without readjusting the seat. And because I had my license.

-On my way to the tulips last Saturday I was just minding my own business singing along with P!nk about how she needs a reason i've yet to figure out what she needs a reason for though... when I looked at the car next to me and saw Harry's patronus (aka. a stag) looking right back at me. Terrifying. So obviously I had to jeopardize everyone on the freeway's safety and take a picture.

-I was stalking my little sister's instagram to see why she's so much more popular than me on that thing when I saw some comments between the two of us regarding tie dye and ponchos. Brilliant. #shehad16tiedyeshirts #iworethesameponchoallsummer2009



peace and zumba
i have never moved my hips in such an aggressive manner. loved it.

rrw

shmorgishborg

The things I want to write about on this blog are usually the things that I'm thinking about, things that have happened to me, or things that I notice about the general public. Today I cannot share those things with you because they are either too personal, too mean, or too out there and would make no sense to anyone. So instead I decided to showcase my finally newfound talent in figuring out how to put my blasted videos up.
It's a shmorgishborg up in here.

This is also an exercise in humility for me. As I look back on videos I've taken I realize how immensely awkward I am with a video camera in my hand. No, really. I say weird things, kinda sorta look at the camera/my reflection, laugh to myself, and wave the camera all over the place. It's always been this way. It will always be this way. So enjoy.

*****

1 - From March 2. Caroline wanted to show off her ski skills by whipping around a sign post and continuing on down the path through the trees.

I'd give her a 3.6. But hey, doesn't she look good in that new jacket of hers? #skiinginstyle

*****

2 - Don't be deceived by the freaky colorful lines below. This is an actual video of my dad's golf talent taken on March 20. We were celebrating his and Caroline's birthdays. Remember? Can you spot the prankster trying to mess my dad up? #itsnormal

Dont' worry about it. He was on his high school golf team. And soccer team. And basketball team? Plus he sang in the Madrigals. #i...singwithmylittlesister? #weharmonizetobrotherbear

*****

3 - This was taken in the bathroom of the Flying J/Denny's hybrid building after Lindsay and I had our adventure. Remember? I'm wearing Lindsay's beanie and I love it so let's get real, I just wanted to show that off. 

My mom asked if I wore fake eyelashes. The answer: no.

Who is "mama bunny?" Answer: Lindsay's mom.

Am I standing on that bathroom floor with no shoes on? Answer: Yes. You may shudder now.

*****

That's probably enough for now, don't you think? There are more to come, though, so keep a watch out for videos such as "BMXing Weilers," "Space Jam in a Mini Van," and "I Share my Bed with Louis Armstrong." don't worry. it's totally in line with the honor code.

peace and rice krispy treats

got one for student appreciation week. i am so appreciated.

rrw

ps. Is anyone else loving the new "missionaries can email friends" rule as much as I am? Because shootdang. I'm lovin it. get out of my head mcdonald's jingle!

you know it's been a good weekend if

*you just pick up and leave for the weekend and know you have a nice, always welcoming, fun place to stay only 40 minutes away
status: poet.

*you were perfectly content to go to a movie and dinner with your parents

#lincoln

#socool

#datesareoverrated?

#ikeeptellingmyselfthat

*you were able to convince your little sister to spend the day skiing with you

*while skiing you accidentally hurt your sister twice by skiing into her but she forgave you

*you spent most of lunch laughing at the pathetic meal you packed that morning

*the nice people at the table next to you heard you complaining that you were still hungry, so they gave you their chips

i felt like oliver

*two guys asked to sit down with you, realized you are eating carrots and brownies, looked at their overflowing beer cups, stood up and left.

you laughed harder than before.

#represent

i don't know why or how that applies but it's cool

*you're little sister has no inhibitions and decided to do a super cool trick in front of everybody.

so naturally you recorded it.

[this is where i would show you the video but blasted blogger is struggling right now and won't let me.]

#moreupsetthanishouldbe

*you decided that was so super cool that you want to record something else.
like you skiing down the mountain.
so you go all go pro.
but you only have your phone.
so you rig up your own "no go pro" by sticking your phone down your sisters goggles.
it was her idea
you press record, and then you ski.
she looks like a fool.
but it's super hilarious.
at least to us.

[see above.]

blastedblogger.

um...don't mind my crazy hair (awkward trying-to-grow-the-bangs-out-AGAIN-stage)

*you played a rhyming game while sitting on the life. key phrase: blue skies and...
results:
...cute guys
...chicken pot pies
...flabby thighs
...bleary eyes
...mcdonald's fries
(any additions?)

*you got to eat pizza factory breadsticks
i'm going to be investing in those more often,
because,
dang.
they're good.
wanna join?

*you got to feel like a little kid again, staying up late reading a book and just loving it
it was seriously completely refreshing to read an actual book with actual paper. 
remember when that's what we did?
please.
go try it.

*you got to attend the blessing of your newest cousin and be with family and eat parfaits and quiche and cookies and play concentration with your 7 year old cousin who also treated you like a set of monkey bars and you realized that you want to spend a lot more time with her.
concentration...64...i'll go first...i'll go second...category is...
remember?
what does the 64 mean?

*you eat stuffed chicken breast for dinner and don't know what to do it's so good

*you spend all sunday night laughing with your mom and sister for really no apparent reason

*your face is peeling from the sunshine absorbed during the ski day

*you wake up to go back to provo and re-decide that you absolutely love the rockies

 great western ski lift at brighton ski resort

and...this is me.
"rock-in r"
panel one: yeah i'm sick dawg wassup homie here i be.
panel two: wait, i'm a white girl...
panel three: shame

mt olympus
aka
my backyard



peace and blue skies
little white lies

rrw

mlk weekend p.2

the previous post was all about logan.

now let's talk about how fun the rest of the weekend was.

i tell you what, those three day weekends can seriously pull through.

after dropping my friends off back in provo saturday evening, i went to my apartment, watched an episode of modern family (guilty pleasure! guilt.) while clipping my fingernails, and then crashed.

i slept from 7pm until 7:30am.

what!?

seriously.

after rising, washing, prepping, and packing, i made my way back up to slc.

and now i feel guilty again. i have added my fair share of pollution to this mess of a valley.

guilt.

i arrived just in time to pick up lindsay-friend.

i dumped her newspaper all over the front porch while trying to be helpful.

#fail

but we laughed?

we went to a homecoming.

he did great.

srsly.

did i srsly just do "srsly?"

see what i did there?

while there catherine-friend arrived!

but only after lindsay-nurse helped a young mother with her sick and throwing-up son.

she's such a great person.

i had to avert my eyes and breathe through my mouth.

again, guilt.

after the homecoming we three chicas chatted in the parking lot next to my illegal parking job.

the two of them made plans to have lunch.

i felt left out.

but then we took a picture.

and i tried to make the voice activation on my phone camera work.

it didn't.

***picture this: three girls huddled together in the parking lot, the middle one holding her phone out, yelling "cheese!" at it***

you are welcome for the mental image.

after we said goodbye and realized that the next time we might all be together again would be catherine's "imma going on a mission talk," we parted ways.

lindsay and i went to her house.

she fed me eggs, sausage, and toast.

i felt guilty for eating all the food. 

so much guilt this post.

but it was so good.

we chatting about boys and memories and funny date stories and boys and pictures and family.

her mom chatted with us.

shout out to momma bunny.

that night i bonded with my dad and sister.

after taking a 3 hour nap.

srsly. what is going on with me?

they gave me advice.

we watched lion king.

we made cookies. 

read "ate cookie dough"

and got our things together for the outing to snowbird scheduled for the next day.

the next day dawned cold and polluted.

we bundled up, layer upon layer, and made our way to the mountain.

but only after listening to the new britney spears song three times on the radio.

let's get real, britney doesn't even sing in it.

after getting an excellent parking spot (we woke up so early, we deserved that spot) we headed to the tram.

three words about the tram:

no. personal. space.

but man, you get up the mountain quick.

after breathing our first breaths of clean air in 2 weeks, our day commenced.

it was a great day.

sure, they could use some more snow.

sure, we had a few cliff encounters.

sure, i almost died.

really.

but overall. good.

the cookies we had made the night before were the perfect end to a massive lunch.

srsly. huge. we had to muscle down the root beer.

i ended up having my dad drink it.

he loves root beer.

the mountains were beautiful.

reentering the valley was not.

here's to three day weekends.

***funny moments from the slopes***

-me chatting it up with the relocated new jersey citizen who works as ski patrol, studied environmental science, moved to utah to ski, lives at the mouth of the canyon, is 28, and enjoys using four letter words.

those four letter words stopped when i told him i went to byu.

MOST. AWESOME.

-dad beginning to tell me to do something (i think it was go pick up napkins) during lunch, only to stop midway and tell caroline to go do it instead.

caroline responded with, "What? Why not her? She's not doing anything."
dad responded with, "She doesn't have to do anything but sit there and look pretty."

bahahaha! greatest moment.

maybe he thinks i need self-esteem boosts?

probably most definitely actually, seeing as he had told me my face was looking good without makeup on it earlier, in the middle of the ski store.

...oh well. i'll take.

YEAH! I HAVE A PRETTY FACE! MY DAD TOLD ME SO!

-when caroline skied over my ski pole, which had been right where it was for a good 20 seconds, stopped on the ski pole, exclaimed that it was in her way, began to tip over, did tip over, and proceeded to fall/slide down the hill.

i laughed the whole way down the run.

my tears of mirth would have frozen to my face, but once you're out of the valley the temperature rises 30 degrees.

so they didn't freeze.

that rhymed

-the three of us simultaneously whistling the theme from the hunger games at the skiers below while going up the lift. 

all we wanted was one response.

we never got it.

but the people on the chair in front of us were probably sick of us by the end of the ride.

#YOLO

ugh.

-listening to my dad chant his own made up jingle about how we need to get to the tram.

and only realizing what is happening after 47 seconds of this chanting.

and then laughing so hard the previously mentioned not frozen tears would have melted and frozen again.

if it had been cold enough to freeze.

but it was beautiful and sunny and warm up there.

#takeoffthelayers