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!!!!!

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!

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 :)

An Update :)

So I made it into the dance major, yes? (I believe I mentioned that a month ago...) Well, last week, I auditioned and made it into a dance group called Kinnect at BYU! I am very excited! This group has many, many performance opportunities, and everyone in the group gets to choreograph things.... AND we get to go into elementary schools to perform and do little workshops with the children! This is an incredible opportunity. And as if it couldn't get any better... I also got accepted to be a part of a dance that the Graham Company is coming to place on dancers next semester! Amazing!!! I am hopeful that I will be able to fit all of this into my schedule, but I definately feel blessed to be accepted to be a part of it.
Aside from dance things, life is wonderful! The end of the semester is drawing near, and I'm just trying to stay on top of things (work, school, social, spiritual... the hole shabang). I've recently been in an open relationship with this one guy... yeah, he's cool ;) His name is Lee, and he's Chinese, so that makes things fun, haha. Hmmm... what else.... Christmas is just around the corner!!!! This is very exciting! My family started a new thing last year where we now draw names for Christmas. This is good so that we can get actual good presents without going broke, haha. This year I drew my older sister. Since she will be getting married at the end of the school year, I got her some things that she can use in her future home (kitchen stuff), and some jewlery. I'm excited for her to open her gifts!!! :D
Okay, that is what I call an update!!! Okay, maybe not the best form of an update, but it has good stuff in it :) As I get back into blogging again, I will probably remember things that I want to mention.
For now, make it the best day ever!!! Peace ;)

"Best Day Ever!"

Question: How ya doin?

Answer: Best day ever!

Life can be overwhelming sometimes, but what makes it the "best day ever" is the way you look at. :) So go ahead, make today and the rest of your days the "best day ever"!

Happy Hershey

In my room, I currently have three bags of Hershey Kisses. Of course, I am using these yummy chocolates to encourage the girls that live in my building to be involved in our weekly discussions. However, I find myself sneaking some of these treats for myself throughout the week. I love Hershey Kisses. They are like a little piece of happiness. Of course the fact that they are chocolate is an impactful factor, but also the shape and size of the chocolates is delightful.

I am starting a new habit. Every time I eat a Hershey Kiss, I like to think of one moment that day that has brought me joy, or a time that day that I was able to bring joy to another person, and then give thanks to Heavenly Father for that experience. When I do this, I am able to more fully see how many blessings I really do have in life. Of course, I don't eat Hershey Kisses all throughout the day, but it does make me think of happy things when I do eat one.

So the next time you are eating a Hershey Kiss, think of at least one happy moment that you have had that day personally, or a moment that you were able to make another person happy. Then you will enjoy that delightful piece of chocolate so much more!

We got a new bathtub!!!!

So.... we got a new bathtub! Our old one had a 3 inch crack--- who knows how much growth was under it! So earlier this week, the maintenance people came and installed a NEW BATHTUB! It's so cool :) We were very happy to have it. I mean, how often do you get to use a new tub?