They're Back!!!

On my way to my first class today, the early spring morning pleasantly greeted me with the song of birds in the trees. When most of the world is still sleeping and the sun has yet to rise, it is the sound of lively birds that makes me smile and reminds me to give thanks for the beautiful world we live in. I love the birds. From ducks to parakeets, and from peacocks to canaries, I think all birds are magnificent. BUT, according to my boyfriend who is sitting here with me, I have more birds to see. And I quote him, "If only you could see all the birds I've seen". So my new goal is to become more aware of all the different birds I really do see :) Chances are I've seen more birds than he thinks I have! Take that hun ;) See the birds. Hear the birds. Love the birds. Cherish the birds. Birds. :)

birds 1 birds 2 birds 3

The Little Blessings of Life--- Another Blog :)

Before I started this blog, I was working on a different blog: The Little Blessings of Life. That blog has been on hold for about half a year now, but I am ready to put it to use again :) I will still use this blog (Untainted Passions) for most things, but I have decided to use my other blog for more spiritual things. It still has all of the old posts on it, so feel free to check it out sometime! You can click here to access it. Much love :)

P.S.
I love my family :)

Quirky....

When I was younger, I was obsessed with the movie Mary Poppins, so it's no suprise that The Sound of Music found its way into my heart-- both movies starring Julie Andrews. I wanted to be just like her. And just as life would have it be, I find myself having some funny little quirks, like unto Maria in The Sound of Music. "She climbs a tree and scrapes her knee. Her dress has got a tear.... She's always late to everything except for every meal.... " This woman is all over the place.
And I think I am too....
There are some really random things that define me. I'm terrified of fish and deep water that I don't know what's in it. I can't eat melons (they make me feel sick-- all kinds). I have to set two different alarm clocks to make sure I actually get up at 6 for my 7:00 class (one of the clocks is across my room). I go through a gallon of milk in 5-7 days. I don't have a favorite color. I love Dixie cups. I hate nuts. I can't look up when walking down stairs in fear of falling. All of this, and much, much more define me.
But I just want to focus on one little thing for a moment that is just weird. I have to load the dishwasher a certain way.

There is just something inside of me that cannot stand it when the dishwasher is unorganized!!! I'm not saying I organize my dishwasher just like this picture, but it is clear that there is a place for everything in there. It drives me nuts when my roommates put cups on the bottom (especially plastic ones that could melt), or start throwing plates and bowls in the top and bottom without a rhyme or reason. It's just the cherry on top when they try putting pots, cutting boards, spatulas, measuring cups, and who knows what else in there!
I really don't know why I have such passionate feelings about the way a dishwasher is loaded... perhaps my mother trained me to be organized when I load dishes... or I hate the idea of things not being cleaned efficiently in there because it's complete chaos... probably a combination of all sorts of stuff. Sadly, you cannot train an old dog to do new tricks.... (most of the time at least). Only two of my roommates understand this issue I have. The other two... we just won't talk about that. So all in all, I am just trying to figure out what my problem is and if I should just get over it, or try gaining more patience with other people when it comes to loading the dishwasher.... probably the later of the two.
Well my lovelies, I know this is a strange post for me to put, considering how long it has been since I last posted! But I have many ideas stirring in my head for future posts, so let's all pretend their going to come forth in a timely manner and maybe that will actually happen :)
Happy weekend, and for those of you going to the Holi Color Fest, enjoy!!!!!

Handfuls of Kisses

Little. Insignificant. Vulnerable.
A world full of busy, occupied people.
An outstreched pair of eagar hands,
Searching for a way out of these earthly struggles.
Strong. Understanding. Friend.
In the moments right before the darkness consumes,
Before hope for help is lost,
He helps. He gives. He takes the hands.
Kisses.
Kisses for the bruises from physical trials.
Kisses for the heart that aches from being broken.
Kisses for the hands that worked so hard.
Hope. Strength. Gratitude.
The ability to endure to the end,
With handfuls of kisses.
Kisses from Him.
Kisses to share with others.

Hello Provo

Hello Provo :) (On my way to meet up with some friends)

Mmmmhmmmm

Valentines Day was a few weeks ago, ha. Here I am, finally blogging about it :) Let me tell ya... this Valentines Day was extremely different compared to those in my past. Number one, I actually had a boyfriend this year which has never been the case before, ha. Second-- I felt like an idot the whole day! One would think it natural for one to get something for their "significant other" for Valentines Day whether they talked about plans or not, right? Yeah.... well.... basically I failed! After classes that afternoon, I went back to my apartment to find a big white Teddy Bear, 2 gorgeous flowers, and a heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates. With these items was a note from my boyfriend with the time "7pm" written on it. There I stood, a look of shock on my face, and a pit in my stomach for I knew that I had done nothing to prepare for this day. Well, basically I continued the rest of the day feeling like an idiot as I ate a Thai food lunch with my boyfriend, and then had dinner with him and his mother that evening. It made me feel more lame when his mother gave me gifts!!! It was her first time meeting me, yet she was prepared to shower me with gifts!!!
Okay, so I really did have a great time on Valentines Day :) But I definately learned my lesson, and I will do better next Valentines Day whether plans are discussed or not. Thanks to my boyfriend for the bear, chocolates, roses, and for letting me know that I am cared about :*

Retreating Shadows

It's not about me.
Life is too short for us to always be concerned only about ourselves.
Sometimes things don't fall into place. Sometimes I find myself in sticky and uncomfortable situations. Sometimes I just don't feel like taking action.
It's not about me.
Not enough sleep. A lot of hard work put into something, and a very small result. Hope for signs that people appreciate me only to have those hopes diminished.
It's not about me.

There is a point out there in space that everything revolves around. That point is not me. That point is not you. We live in a world full of people; people that have feelings, dreams, passions, fears, and the ability to love and in return be loved.

Life is too short for us to always be concerned only about ourselves. Instead of fitting everything pertaining to "ME, MYSELF, and I" into our busy everyday schedules, why don't we make time for others? Why don't we challenge ourselves to take the time to think of others, to talk with others, to serve others?

It's not about me.
Life is too short for us to always be concerned only about ourselves.

Me Gusta Leche

Milk, Melk, Malk.

Skim is the best.

With pastries, french toast, chocolates, and cereal.

Skim is the best.

A gallon in 5 days.

Skim is the best.

--TheRMK

photo found here

Anything but Normal

Have you ever come to a point in your life when you thought, "yes... I am a normal person!" ? Me either ;) But I never have thought that I was beyond the norm of what we call 'special'. However, I do have a story for you:
Once upon a time, I went with my sister to a hairstylist where she got her hair cut and colored and I got myself a nice little trim. At the end of our visit, we got in the car, and I began looking in the mirror at my bangs. Now, I had been onto something for many months now, but it wasn't until this moment that it became completely obvious to me. I have a crooked nose. Yes. Yes, I do. To be frank, I think this is quite funny! So in the moment, I began making a 'big deal' about it with my older sister, and we laughed about it much. Eventually we got home, and I felt the need the tell my mother about this. Here is the best part: Lo and behold, my own mother had noticed this long before me!!! (and I mean YEARS before me.) AND she never told me!!! What a life I live :)
I could have handled this in two ways: I could have become totally self-conscious about myself and my funny nose, and from then on acted completely (truly-- not pretending) awkward when taking pictures. OR, I could find the true humor in this and make it my best attribute ;) Okay, not really-- it could never be my best attribute. But I have chosen the later of the two options. I have accepted the fact that, yes, my nose is crooked! So what?! What if in the future a potential husband notices it and then dumps me? So what?! That would just prove how shallow he is, and I would move on to someone better that would love me and my nose :D
So as you go forth in life and become aware of little funny things that are not normal with you (who knows, you may be perfect;), do not fret! You are not alone! But all-in-all, we are all beautiful. Our bodies are wonderful creations given to us by the Almighty God, even our Father in Heaven. None of us, NONE of us have the right to go around putting down others for their flaws. It is our duty to lift others up, and recognize the beauty that everyone has.
You are beautiful. Have a beautiful day!

Hope Enough For Two

This is the video I have been trying to post for MONTHS! Finally, I just ended up creating a youtube account (under the influence of friends ;) and put the video on there so I could link it here, ha. What a process! I hope you like it :)

Virgin Snow

Looking out at the vastness of white

Snow had fallen throughout the night

Footprints in the virgin snow

From whom they come I do not know

(portion from Virgin Snow by Jim O'Donnell)

Once Upon A Mexico

Over Christmas Break, I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Mexico with a group called Builders Without Borders to build homes for members of the church in Tecate. I went along with my father, younger brother, and younger sister. I went to Mexico a couple years ago to do the exact same thing, so I was extremely excited to go back!!!
There is a family in Mexico that I became very close with the last time I went to Mexico (I helped build their home), and the family actually came to help us build homes this time!!! I was so, so, so happy :) The person that I am closest with in the family is named Francisco. Francisco and I ... we are so close :) While building homes, I would help Francisco with his English (which is coming along super great!) and he would help me with my Spanish in return (which still has a looooooong ways to go!)
Our group was able to build 3 homes, repair a few roofs, visit a couple orphanages, help at a food shelter, and do other types of service for the people in Tecate as well as Tijuana. I love the people there. They are always so kind, and I could feel the spirit so strong with every member of the Church that I came in contact with. I pray that I will be able to continue going back to Mexico to do this type of service for as long as possible! Worth every penny for the travel and building expenses. Life changing experience.
So here are only a few of the pictures that I took when in Mexico. Out of the 333 pictures I took, these may not be the best ones, but they protray enough of the trip to satisfy me :) Enjoy!

I Have A Life

It has been a while, yeah? From Christmas to building homes in Mexico, and from dancing a lot to having fun as an RA, my life has been pretty fun.... and full :) For weeks I have been telling myself, "Rachel, today is the day that you will finally catch up on your blog!" Did it happen? No. Do I regret it? Strangely, no. Due to my "slacking" when it comes to posting on my blog, I have been able to use that time to do other things that I enjoy. I will continue to blog, but I have decided that it really isn't going to be something I stress over... I may get in a habit of blogging daily... weekly.... monthly... but I'm not going to stress over it like I used to.
Anyway, I hope that whoever actually reads my blog will continue to read it and comment, because it is nice to know that people care :) I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!! You're wonderful :)