Monday, August 29, 2005 

Ew. Homework. I don't want to go back to school tomorrow.

Hopefully I meet some cool people in my classes.

Posted by Rachel at 10:36 PM |

Sunday, August 28, 2005 

I talked to Jessica M. today (she came into Old Navy) and she said that drama isn't going to the Renaissance Festival as a group this year. Sooo, Dan and I are planning our own private trip there for Sunday, Sept 11th. If anyone wants to come with us, that'd be cool. Just lemme know so we can get this shindig organized.

Also, don't forget, LAN party, my apartment, Saturday September 17. I'm making brownies! :P

And lastly, does anyone want to come see the White Stripes with me? So far Josh is coming and he offered to drive. Dan isn't sure if he's going to be able to come or not, due to his new job working second shift (=/) so I might have 2 extra tickets insead of one. You don't have to pay me for the ticket ($45) all at once, if you're poor....I just don't want to have to sell any on eBay. Maybe I'm getting a little too anxious - the concert is still over a month away. But still. It's the WHITE STRIPES!!

Uh, yeah. Let me know by like Sept 10th if you want to go. That way if I don't find people I will have time to sell them...

Posted by Rachel at 6:36 PM |

Thursday, August 25, 2005 

I'm cool now, cuz I'm on (in?) facebook.

Posted by Rachel at 7:00 PM |

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 

"Party weekend," part II

Ha. I talk about how I had a party weekend (see previous post) then only write about one (relatively tame) bonfire.

No, the real party of the weekend was that of Aubrey's 21st birthday. I was the only one there not drinking (as usual) - even Dan got in on the action this time. The first phase of the party wasn't overly thrilling, I admit - I even had second thoughts about why I'd gone, knowing that I was going to be the only sober one. Most of the party-goers took to playing some drinking game (which doesn't really even have to involve drinking, as far as I could tell) called Dwindle/"Oh Hell." I sat in a chair and half-watched, half-zoned out, while wholly bored (shh...don't tell Aubrey). Once they finished their game, most of them wandered over to play beer pong at the party next door (myself not included - I stayed behind with Dan and Matt).

Eventually they came back and someone decided that we should walk down to the Wayside (do I even have to say that the Wayside is a club in Mt Pleasant? I think everyone that reads this probably already knows). Well, I didn't have any money for the cover charge (I already had to borrow money from Dan [for gas] to get home Sunday) but Anna offered to pay for me, so we went - I have to admit, my blah mood was quite rivaled by my curiosity to experience this "Wayside" - Anna had told me of her ventures there before, but I'd never managed to go with her.

There was about 9 of us - Anna, me, Carla, Alex, Andrea & her boyfriend, Aubrey & her friend Mike, and Veresh (they called him by his last name - he seemed to be everybody's friend) who ended up actually going into the club - Dan and Matt walked with us but stayed outside to wait for Brandon. We didn't see them again until we went back to Aubrey's (turned out Brandon couldn't prove he was out of high school so the bouncers wouldn't let him in).

Anyway, this is probably more detailed anyone cares for, so I'll cut to the chase. The Wayside rocked. It was kinda like a school dance (in terms of the loud music and lots of people dancing) except with smoke and alcohol (okay, two things I didn't especially care for) and the fact that everyone there was actually there to dance, rather than just going cuz their friend and/or crush was there (though I could be way off on this). I saw way more girl-on-girl dancing than I ever cared to see (and even took part in it myself, with Anna) along with girl-on-guy (shhh...I did that too) and girl-on-guy-on-girl (in multiple different orders). But it was so much fun and the music didn't suck. Some girl tapped me on the shoulder as she went by and told me I was hot, then some guy led me away from the group to dance with him. Anna pulled me back though, which I was grateful for. Admittedly, I'm not much for dancing with strange guys...

Yes, I danced. A lot. My legs were so sore by the time the place shut down at 2am. Alex told me, "It's good to see you let loose, Rachel. Sometimes [at the parties] it doesn't really seem like you're having fun." And I did let loose. Heh, I've had this slight phobia of dancing in front of people ever since middle school when my friend Megan came up to me, laughed, and said, "Rachel, you dance like a dork." And admittedly, I did (and maybe still do?). I went home and tried out a few moves in my bathroom mirror and it was bad - this tall, gangly stick figure, all bones and no curves, flailing around. Okay, I wasn't really flailing, but I might as well have been.

And while I still can't quite shake mah booty with the best of 'em, I like to think that I've greatly improved. If not, well, most of the people at the Wayside were drunk anyway and Dan wasn't around, so I didn't have to risk lowering his opinion of me with my (not so) killer dance moves.

Once the Wayside closed, we all walked back to Aubrey's; Anna and I on either side of Verish, arms around each other, discussing the prospect of Anna and I as supermodels (we're both taller than he is) and he as our wardrobe manager (he preferred this job over managing our money cuz it meant he got to decide what we did [or didn't] wear). I don't know what time we got back, but it was after 3am when Anna, Alex, and I dragged a half-passed-out Dan over to Alex's to crash for the night (against the wishes of a drunken Brandon and Matt, who left messages on my phone for me to bring him back to Aubrey's).

And all I can think of to end this with is, "oh, what a night." Okay, it wasn't like all out wild and stuff, but I still enjoyed it. Heh, I'm already waiting for the next party to come around - CMU's "welcome weekend" is coming up, I hear...and I don't even go to CMU. But I know people who do...

Posted by Rachel at 1:56 PM |

Sunday, August 21, 2005 

I almost wish that I hadn't finished my Harry Potter book so quick last week. Now I don't have anything to do. I have no money that I can spend, no gas worth mentioning, and no worthwhile destination on a Sunday night even if I did have money and gas.

But I guess it's okay (as if I have any choice in the matter). I could probably use an evening to wind down after my "party weekend," ha ha.

Friday night was Luke's bonfire, where I got to see/talk to a lot of people I haven't in awhile - like Luke, for example. I love that kid, and he seems to have mellowed out a lot during his overseas army travels...he's not so hyper and "in your face" like he used to be.

Nacho and Ruzena and Jake made appearances too, among others. I haven't seen much of any of them, either (not that I've had any reason too, though I'm gonna have to get ahold of Ruzena one of these days - she's fun).

The only one there when Dan and I got there was Cherie (who doesn't really count - it's in her job description to be there). After dark more people started to gather; I was impressed with the turnout - many people from the "old crowd" in high school (computer nerds and drama geeks), along with a bunch of Luke's cousins. I got some good pictures of people, despite their grumbling about my bright flash in the otherwise-dim lighting...my photo album is lacking in pictures from recent events, however, and who knows when I'll see half of these people again.

Perhaps here would be an appropriate place to mention that there's going to be a LAN party here at my apartment September 17 (a Saturday about 3 weeks from now). Free cable internet for everyone who comes (yay!). Technically Dan is hosting; he said he wanted to have one and I offered up my place. I don't know what time yet or any of those details; as far as food goes, we'll probably copy Nick's LAN party and go in on Panda Express (not sure on that though either). And Dan and Matt seem to think I should make some brownies, so I probably will.

I'll post when I have more details. If you need directions to said place, just comment or IM or email me or something. It's pretty easy to get to.

Posted by Rachel at 8:53 PM |

Friday, August 19, 2005 

I bought 4 White Stripes concert tickets this morning from the ticketmaster at Marshall Fields (I was a little upset when I came home and searched for tickets on the ticketmaster website - I could have gotten slightly better tickets, but it would've cost quite a bit extra in shipping and fees...). Anyway, I got section 24, row I, on the main floor.

The concert is Friday, September 30, 730pm, at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit. Anyone want to go with me? Tickets were $45 each, with the extra fees etc....anyway, lemme know soon, otherwise I'm gonna end up listing the extras on eBay.

Yesssss...I'm excited. :) I'm going to see the White Stripes!!!

Posted by Rachel at 10:36 AM |

Thursday, August 18, 2005 

Argh! Where is everyone?? White Stripes tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10am - they've added another date to their weekend at the Masonic Temple in Detroit and I WANT TO GO. I'm buying at least 2, because I'm sure I'll be able to find one person who wants to go....does anyone else want to go? I can buy up to 4....I can buy them all at once too, so we can sit together, and people can just pay me back.

Posted by Rachel at 9:37 PM |

 

I realized yesterday that there are less than two weeks until I have to start going to class again. And I also realized, while I was on campus at the bookstore (to find out what other books I need) that I really don't mind so much anymore. It'll kind of be nice to use my brain productively and to see people again (maybe not any of the same people I saw last year, but meeting new ones can be fun too). I'm borderline broke from all the books I've needed for my classes, but I've also managed to save a few dollars by ordering them online.

I read an article in the paper that more kids are starting to order their books online (as opposed to the college bookstore). It seems I've started (or just become part of) a growing trend. So far I've saved at least $60 on 3 books...And maybe I'll be able to sell them on eBay after I'm done. Or try to sell them back to the bookstore, lol. I don't know if they'd take them though, seeing that I didn't buy them from there.

Of course, the article brought up potential negative aspects of ordering books online (long shipping times, kids ordering the wrong editions) but hey, if you're smart like me you figure out how to get around that. Like, you know, writing down what edition is in the book store, and making sure that's the one you order...

Anyway. I know I saved at least $100 last semester on books. So the risk is worth it to me.

Posted by Rachel at 10:39 AM |

Wednesday, August 17, 2005 

Yay! My first eBay listing!

Posted by Rachel at 11:44 AM |

 

It seems like always in movies and books (and in real life sometimes too, apparently) the thrilling and exciting boy who sweeps you off your feet and turns your life upside down is apparently also prone to being more than you bargain for - whether he has has a problem being faithful or else has certain addictive behaviors, etc...Everyone has their flaws, of course...it just seems like the boys who have (or are portrayed to have) all the exceptional good qualities maybe balance it out with exceptional flaws.

I suppose this can be the case for girls too, though I've never dated one (and don't have much interest in trying it, really) so I couldn't be positive.

I've previously considered the idea that maybe there is no such thing as a "soulmate" - maybe it's just a matter of finding someone whose flaws you can overlook, or tolerate. Finding a person whose good qualities are worth overlooking the flaws for. And someone who can overlook our own (in my case, many) flaws. There's bound to be more than one person in the world who fits that description, right? More than one person that you could be happy spending your life with?

They say you just "know" when you find that "one." The supposed soulmate. Of course, they can't tell you how you'll know. Doesn't everyone always have doubts?

Dan doesn't want to move in with me. At least, he doesn't seem too enthusiastic about the idea (though we have discussed the prospect rather in detail at times, so I really don't know where he stands with it). I guess I can't blame him, we've only been together for 11 months. But I guess I'm slightly concerned with the fact that he doesn't share my desire for us to see each other as much as possible (my stepmom claims that she knew after 2 weeks that she wanted to live with my dad once they first started dating. This, of course, did nothing to console me).

Maybe he's just being cautious. Maybe I'm not being cautious enough? (I have noticed a certain tendency in myself to follow my feelings without thinking something through rationally). Either way, I've stopped bringing it up. I don't know what our future holds. And I don't think that us living together (if it ever should happen) means that we have to commit to marriage or something. I guess I try not to think too much about all that. I don't really know what he has in mind for us in the future, if anything at all.

Don't I deserve to have someone who's enthusiastic about me? Enthusiastic about seeing me, being with me (and someone who would actually tell me so)?

Someone once told me that in a relationship, there's always one person who feels more strongly about the other than the other does about them. And sometimes I feel like I'm that person, the one who feels more strongly. Not necessarily that game of, "no, I love you more!" but...oh, I don't know how to say it without sounding cheesy. But I wouldn't want to have to convince someone to be with me (or in this particular case, to live with me) because I like to hope that I deserve more than that, that I would deserve to have someone just as enthusiastic about the idea as I am, or would be, or could be(?)....

Though how would I know what I deserve, right?

I've read some books and saw some movies that have apparently got me thinking lately. It's been a strange train of thought....I hope I don't regret publishing this in the morning.

Posted by Rachel at 2:01 AM |

Monday, August 15, 2005 

I think I've become a shopping addict.

Shame on me for moving within 5 minutes of the mall. And shame on me for not coming up with anything better to do with my time.

I got applied for a Capital One card last week (or the week before) and got approved for a $500 limit. They let me pick out a picture to put on the card too, so that I will "enjoy using my new card." And it's a good psychological trick -- I picked a shot of the NYC skyline, and it is pretty, and it makes you just want to pull out the card and slide it across the store counter after picking out something expensive and say, "I'll put that on my Visa."

'Course, my other Visa card is tacky tan and gold and I still have no problem pulling that out and swiping it in the card reader. Apparently I went over my limit this month (oops) so I had to make a $60 payment over the phone today. Then I returned a book, a camisole, and some jewelry that I'd put on the card since, well, I suppose I did go a little overboard on last week's shopping escapades. Then I took my new card out for a trial run today...sigh, I can see how people's finances get away from them so easily. It's so appealing, the idea that you can get something big and expensive (or just many many small things) and just pay for it a little bit at a time but still take it home right then.

Maybe my love for buying stuff is just a psychological side effect of having (at least) two of everything when I was growing up. My dad wouldn't let anything go back and forth between his house and my mom's house (not even clothes). So I had two beds, two sets of art supplies, two wardrobes, two stereos, etc.; even two copies of my most favorite CDs.

It could be a logical explanation.

Either that or I'm just materialistic.

I don't think that's it either though. I just like new things. I don't have any problem getting rid of older things -- I'll be the first to admit I have too much stuff. Gotta start selling old things on eBay to make room for new things. Because shopping isn't half as exciting if you can't buy anything, and shopping is the only thing I have to do around here that I don't mind doing by myself. :P

Posted by Rachel at 9:52 PM |

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 

Today sucked, if you want to know the truth.

I worked 6 hours, not terrible, except it was right in the middle of the day (I hate those shifts and would highly prefer a morning or night shift -- day shifts always seem to last twice as long).

I worked in the kids' department again, which seems to be where I always end up. And also happens to be my least favorite department.

I also rang up customers on the register. We have a sale going on now (in kids', actually) where certain pairs of jeans are 2 for $25. But only certain pairs.

Talk about a headache. Literally. I had two customers in a row bitch at me because they picked out the wrong jeans and wanted to only pay $12.50 for them. Then the one woman went to find the sale ones and came back with the wrong jeans again.

I still have that headache, actually....

I'm going shopping.

Posted by Rachel at 8:16 PM |

Monday, August 08, 2005 

My mom is trendier than me.

Maybe this is why lately all I want to do is go shopping for clothes and jewelry.

Maybe it's my subconscious gently reminding me that parents are supposed to be past worrying about being trendy, going instead for the casual sweaters-and-slacks-with-comfy-tennis-shoes look. Not keeping up with new styles better than their kids, like my mom does.

And I have to give her credit, she's tasteful about it - you don't see her strutting around in stillettos and super-tight ultra-low-rise flare jeans like she's still 19. Every time I go to visit her though, she has to show me the new clothes she's bought since the last time I saw her. So now she's showing me these flowy skirts and cargo capris and strappy sandals and fancy beaded bracelets and necklaces she's acquired since my last visit and I'm just wearing my jeans and the 'East Coast' shirt I bought in Jersey last summer that seems to be getting too small. And probably my Converse shoes that don't really go with the rest of my ensemble too well. No jewelry (aside from the ever-present watch and a silver ring I that wear just about every day regardless of my attire).

That's another thing - my mom loves Avon (she's even been an Avon lady a time or two), which means aside from the Avon jewelry, she's got all this fancy make-up, too, eye shadows and such. I personally am a minimalist - the only thing I can really do with eye-liner is successfully achieve the "I haven't slept in days/I'm on crack" look - and I don't get along very well with many eye shadows. I've always loved mascara though, and I think I've been getting better at the other stuff.

So even though I don't own a pair of stillettos (because for one, I'm not coordinated enough to balance in them, and two, I'm already taller than most of the other people I know) I think I am catching up to my mom in terms of trendiness. Maybe I've even got her beat -- I bought a cool stretchy silver sequined belt AND a pair of those beaded dress slippers that all the mall stores are selling.

Though I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she shows me a pair of her own the next time I see her, along with some sort of fancy new piece of jewelry I've never seen before that's going to be all the rage.

I do frequent the mall often now that I only live three minutes away from it though, so that last part will be difficult. Especially since I just spent an hour scrutinizing one of the jewelry stores and buying $47 worth of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets...

Posted by Rachel at 11:25 PM |

Tuesday, August 02, 2005 

Things I Would Like to Say to Our Customers (but Don't for Fear of Getting Fired)

1. If you knock stuff off the hanger, at least pick it up and put it back on the hanger. It takes 2 seconds, really.

2. You do not have to unfold 3 of the same damn shirt and throw them back on the table in a pile. The third shirt was the exact same as the first two, I promise.

3. Don't bitch about our store being messy when you helped make it that way. Yes, it's the employees' job to keep it clean but it gets a little discouraging to completely fix a section just to come back 10 minutes later and find it destroyed again.

4. If you decide you don't want something, don't pile it on the nearest fixture and walk away. Especially if it's from the women's department and you're now on the other side of the store in kids (helpful hint: the fitting room sorts and processes stuff to go out to the sales floor).

5. Stop being lazy bastards and hanging stuff up in the wrong spot PERIOD, especially when the correct spot is one step to your left or right.

6. Stop messing up the folded stuff on the tables!!

7. When you're in the fitting room, PAY ATTENTION. No one else hangs their clothes on the rack, so you shouldn't either. Don't try to be helpful. Especially since you probably hung the stuff up crappy or wrong. Lay it on the counter, acknowledge the fact that we're doing you a favor by fixing it for you (a simple smile or "thank you" will suffice, we're not too picky) then get out of the way and let the next person in.

8. Don't get bitchy when something isn't on sale like you thought it would be. Nine times out of 10, you read the sign wrong.

9. Don't cause a scene at the register when you don't get it for the price you thought it was. And don't act like the manager is the enemy when they're just following company policies. It makes you look like a childish fool.

10. Don't be rude, period. We're not trying to stop you from getting what you want; we really are trying to help, even if we don't always have the answers to your questions.

11. Thieves, you suck. I hope your houses burn down.

Okay, it's not good to wish harm onto others. But seriously. Stop stealing stuff. Bastards.

Back-to-school season is here in the retail world. Which means chaos and messy stores and wacky customers. But also more hours/money for me.

Posted by Rachel at 4:49 PM |