A Decade in Review

After I finished my last post, I thought about all that's happened not just this past year,but this past decade! All the news websites are doing this type of thing, and it's amazing to do that on a more personal basis..... so here goes:

1999: Graduated high school, started full-time at Tomball College, struggled with headaches and other health issues, tried to figure out what it would take to transfer to Texas A&M, started working at the FLC (Family Life Center) at church working the early morning shift.

2000: Continued my studies at Tomball College, also continued to struggle with health issues and finally had my back surgery, which caused me to take a semester off of school. I started working with Dot Hill as her assistant in Premier Designs, Inc and absolutely loved it. I was in the choir at church and loved being the dancing snowman in the Christmas production.

2001: Got accepted to Texas A&M! That summer I was an intern at Champion Forest and really enjoyed learning more about what it really means to run a youth ministry. I started school and 2 weeks later 9/11 hit and all our lives were changed. I loved my first year at A&M, but found my share of struggles due to lack of a car and cell phone. But boy was I in shape from riding that bike everywhere!

2002: In the Spring I made the Dean's List and that summer I got my certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. I spent some time in the back of ambulances, in firehouses, and many hours (it seemed) in the ER, practicing my skills and observing many amazing things. In the fall I got a job at the on-campus Rec Center as a medic, which is the best job I've ever had.

2003: Continued studying at A&M, but finally had a car! Actually I had the big blue minivan, which was fun taking all my friends all over town in style. In December I received my Aggie Ring, which was an encouragement to me to keep going!

2004: The Spring semester was my last on-campus, and it was a doozy! In the summer I did my internship at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston in the Volunteer Services office. I was in charge of managing all the Junior Volunteers for the summer. It was kind of fun at times, but let's just say I got reeeeeallllly good at fixing paper jams in xerox machines. In August I graduated with my BS in Community Health and a month later started working at The Health Musuem in Houston as a Science Educator. I taught field trip science classes and dissected all sorts of animal organs for an audience. No, actually, that was the best job I've ever had.

2005: Worked at the Health Museum until May, then moved to Indianapolis for a new job at Summex Health Management, now WebM*. And I am still there. Oh and in December I met the man of my dreams.

2006: I dated Mike. That pretty much covers it.

2007: Mike and I were engaged in February and married on July 14th. I have never learned so much about myself in such a short period of time!

2008: I started my Pampered Chef business and celebrated my first anniversary with Mike in the same week! I also switched from Supervisor to Health Coach in my job (which was a step down) but it was totally worth it.

2009: See above post.

Wow, so much! So to sum it up: In 10 years I had a major life-changing surgery, went to college, went to another college, graduated, got my first real job and got my first real boyfriend and husband (all in one!).

A Year in Review

2009 was without question the worst year of my life and I am glad to see it go! There. Got that out of the way!

However, I am glad to say that I came closer to any 2 New Years Resolutions than ever!

1. Reading the Bible. This time last year I resolved to read through the entire Bible in 1 year following a plan from the Discipleship Journal. Due to the looooongness of the Old Testament, I am only about 1.5 months behind! I got up every weekday morning, took a shower, read the Bible, and then ate breakfast. This was made possible by me beginning to work at home in January. I found that sitting on the bathroom floor (with the shower running--- don't judge--- it's my favorite sound in the world) with my Bible was my favorite part of the day. Thank you, Lord!

2. Flossing. Every year I vow to floss my teeth every day, and each year I get better. This year was probably the best for flossing, and it showed at my latest dentist appointment! Score!

This year was full of lots of ups and downs. Pros and cons. Happiness and tears. You get the idea.

The Bad:
** Mike was in England on business for 5 months, when it was originally supposed to last 2 months.
** My PC sales went down the toilet (early in the year) because I didn't care about anything and had to work hard just to get up every day from January through May.
** Work was so stressful that sometimes I just break down in tears because I'm so exhausted, tired of dealing with it!!
** I struggled with more discontent and had more stress than any other time in my life! (see previous bullet point)

The Good:
** I got to travel out of the country (England) for the first time to see Mike. Now I finally have a stamp on my passport!
** My sister Melissa got engaged and married, and we were able to travel to Savannah, GA for the wedding and then a vacation. It was such a special week!
** I learned how very much I love my husband.
** After a rough Spring, my PC sales bounced back up and I met many of my goals!
** In January I started working from home which is a huge blessing, considering how awful winters can be! Life is a lot better when you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to scrape off your car and hope you don't die on your way to work.
** (more recently) Mike and I got to visit Texas for Christmas and I got to see more old friends than any trip in the past!
** I learned how to sew
** I learned how to live as a single-but-married girl for 5 months, which was the hardest thing I've had to do. Looking back on it, I still can't believe we made it! I have a whole new respect for you military wives out there!

So... on to 2010! I am so excited and am really looking forward to all that will be in store for us in the upcoming year. I've been thinking about it all week, trying to come up with resolutions, and honestly I don't have any, except just to keep up what I've been doing... flossing, reading the Bible, exercising, etc.

Do any of my readers have resolutions?

PS: This year, one of my resolutions is NOT to blog more. I always fail at that one!! LOL

Grandma's recipe is always the best

Today I emailed my mom, asking her to find my Mimi's recipe for Sweet potatoes... you know the kind you have on Thanksgiving with the nuts and sugar and marshmallows? As a kid (OK and today...), that was always the dish that I most looked forward to. And since I moved away from home, I don't think I've had it! So this year, I decided that I would make it for the Couts Thanksgiving!

It made me think.... where did Mimi get the recipe? Where did any of our grandmothers get their recipes? Were they all chefs and made them up? Maybe yes, maybe no.

When I have kids and grandkids, they're going to say, "Oh, Mom's recipe (or Grandma's recipe) for (fill in the blank) was the best!"

Little did they know that most of the recipes I use are from some cooking website or a friend.... who probably got it from their grandmother or some cooking website.

So the nagging question.... Which came first: the recipe or the grandma?

It makes me think of "The One with Phoebe's Cookies":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW__D7NY1Yo&NR=1

Ideas

OK. So even though I barely have enough time in my day to remember my name.... I have decided to start a recipe/food blog! Someday I would love to be a good enough cook to make up my own recipes from scratch, but I'm not there yet... so this will be a blog for me to review recipes that are acceptable in the Couts Kitchen.

So now I have to come up with a title for it. Any ideas? I was thinking about something like "Couts Kitchen Approved" or something about food or recipes or something along those lines.

Suggestions are welcome! If you suggest a title and I choose it, I will actually send you a Season's Best Recipe Collection cookbook from The Pampered Chef!

Let's hear 'em.

Correction

In my last post, I mentioned that being a wife is a medium-fun job. As I read it, I thought, "Oh no!" Being a wife is the most fun, but what I meant was that the work it takes is more medium-fun. Just wanted to clear that up!

By the way, I've been thinking about making a cooking blog... basically trying out recipes and giving my reviews. Any thoughts?

Does anybody read this? :)

Balance

I've been struggling a lot recently with this. Balancing a job that is high-stress, low-fun and another job I love that is low-stress, high-fun (Pampered Chef) and my most important job of being a wife, which is high-stress, medium-fun, but by far the most worthwhile and rewarding job. I just have a hard time finding the correct balance.

I spend 8-10 hrs/day on the main job, cook dinner (my outlet), then spend about 45 min-1 hr/night (that I don't have a show) on PC, try to get on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and then spend the rest of the night cleaning. It's amazing the mess that 2 exhausted adults can make in such a short period of time.

I'm completely worn out. After a full day of work, Mike gets to come home, eat dinner, and chill the rest of the night. I don't know the meaning of chill. And when I sit down or lay down for more than a few minutes, I have this feeling of guilt, and the dirty toilet or tub or the fact that the dishwasher is full of clean dishes just won't leave me alone and I eventually get up and take care of it. I like to have it taken care of, it's just that I never get to relax. And we don't have kids yet! Isn't this supposed to be the time that I'm supposed to remember as relaxing? I can only imagine how tough it's going to be if I have to work when we have kids!

Sometimes I feel like I'm still new to this whole "wife" thing, and life is full of adjustments. Another part of the problem is that we are busting out of this apartment and there is just not enough room for all of our stuff, which stresses me out more than anything. I'm having to come to terms with the fact that this apartment will never ever ever ever be really clean until we move... which is hard if your main job is to "keep home." I love Mike so much and want to be the wife he always wanted.

A good step I made is to try to complete a little bit every night instead of waiting until the weekend to have a cleaning fest. That helps out tremendously. And I've also let go of the fact that when Mike helps, he's not going to do it exactly like I do and it's OK. I'd rather have his help!

Can anyone relate? Any ideas? Words of advice? I'd appreciate it so much! Oh, and thanks for listening!

A random thought that came to me last night....

"You know, maybe if I got a cold or the flu, then I would actually get to rest for a few days."

Am I crazy or what? Can you believe I actually thought that? I'm afraid that since I'm so busy and stressed, that it will kill my immune system and this may happen....

let's hope not.

Too Busy to post....

No really. I've been too busy to post!

We have had the craziest past few weeks... crazy, but very good! From September 24-29 Mike and I went to Savannah, GA to attend my sister Melissa's wedding and we stayed a few extra days for vacation. What a GREAT time we had! I have neither the time nor the energy to upload a bunch of pictures, so you will have to go to my Facebook page where I uploaded a few hundred! Since we've been back, we have both been insanely busy with work and squeezing out the last bit of outdoor fun before the cold weather and snow takes over!

Here's just a preview though.... while we were in Georgia, we did the following fun things:

-got to hang out with my family whom I see once a year, twice if I'm lucky

-watched my sister get married 

-got to visit her new house with her new husband

-put our feet in the Atlantic ocean at Tybee Beach

-ate enough fresh caught seafood to sprout gills

-walked around historic Savannah, hand in hand

-took a trolley tour around town

-visited Fort Pulaski, a civil war fort that is still in great condition

-climbed 178 steps to the top of Tybee Lighthouse

-ate at The Lady & Sons, Paula Deen's restaurant

-took a million pictures

-met all of Melissa's Savannah friends

Now don't you want to go check out pictures???

Have a great day, all.

Read this book

This is the best "diet book" that I have ever read, and take this from someone who has heard of everything. God bless Bethenny for putting into words everything I try to express to my participants over the phone each day! Her methods aren't revolutionary, they are just common sense, but in this day and age of instant gratification, they may seem revolutionary. And look for her next book, coming out in December!

8 years ago

This is the time of year when everyone remembers how our country was attacked and thousands of civilians lost their lives. People have been including it in their facebook statuses, and some are poking fun at those who do. This week is when Discovery Channel, NatGeo, A&E, etc does all their 9/11 specials, about various topics like engineering, architecture, personal stories from survivors, and even conspiracy theories. For many of us, it is still very fresh, and no matter who you are, you were in some way affected by it.

That morning started like any other for me, as pretty much everyone, I guess. It was my first year at A&M (junior year). I got up, ate breakfast, and watched the morning news with Liz (one of my housemates) for a few minutes. I remember her saying that not much must be going on b/c the biggest news of the day was that Bethel Johnson, an A&M football player was out with an injury. I pedaled to my first class, HLTH 331 with Dr. Wylie in the insanely cold GRW 267 classroom. After class we went outside to thaw for a while before Dr. Dorman's HLTH 210 class immediately following. Someone rode past us on their bike, telling us what had happened, that the World Trade Center had collapsed. We chalked it up to a rumor or a story blown out of proportion, and headed back to class.

When we got back to class, Dr. Dorman came in and announced, "Due to the cold temperature in this classroom and the recent turn of events in our country, class is cancelled today." Wow. He never cancels class.

My friend Alicia and I went across the street to the Koldus building to where her mom worked in the Office of Student Activities. The Director of Student Activities was actually stuck in Newark, trying to get back to CS. We sat in that office, glued to the TV for several hours. After a while I went home, biking alone on the A&M campus... nobody was outside. It was so weird. At home, the TV was on, and because we spent all that time in front of the TV, the housemates got a little stir crazy and we re-arranged the living room. Ma was not happy about that.

Like I said before, we have all been affected in some way by it... politics, safety, air-travel (what a pain!!!), war, lost loved ones... but something my Dad said that day stuck with me: "You know, God was not surprised by this." Wow! He has our lives in His hands and cares about the big things and the small things. This is something that we may know, but often times forget.

Don't we serve a great God?

Hittin' the road with my best friend

When you're saving for a house as furiously as we are, life can get rather dull. So that's why we got out of town this weekend and explored the incredibly boring countryside of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

On Saturday, I suggested that we do something fun, and with no money, and the fact that we've done everything free that Indy has to offer, Mike decided to hit the road. He absolutely LOVES Jack in the Box tacos, even though I am quite repulsed at the sight of them. So we drove to Illinois to get Jack in the Box. Yes. However, we ended up traveling much further than intended, and ended up in Troy, IL, which is about 15 miles from St. Louis. And after Mike got his tacos and I ate a pathetic chicken pita, we hit the road again. 6 hours total for the day!

So happy

We like spending time in the car together. Sometimes it's good to talk and have no interruptions, but there is also a time to be silent. Both were experienced on this trip. It's a good thing we like to do this because we are planning to drive down to TX this year for Christmas.

I spent most of the day Sunday (day of rest? yeah right) baking and preparing for our journey to Mike's Aunt Sandra & Uncle Keith's home in Cincinnati... which is a much more reasonable 2 hours away.

And on Monday morning, we slept in, ate a nice breakfast courtesy of a coupon from Chick Fil A for a free chicken biscuit!! Around 11am, we hit the road, bound for Cincinnati! Indiana is incredibly boring and flat, but once we entered Ohio, I was taken aback by the beautiful rolling hills! I hope we get to go that direction in the next month or 2 when the leaves start to change! That will be just gorgeous! We spent the day at Keith & Sandra's, laying around, taking advantage of "Labor Day," enjoying some good conversation, Rutgers vs Cincinnati, and of course an NCIS marathon. Here are some pics from the day:

Welcome to Ohio!

Uncle Keith, Aunt Sandra and Shawn

The Sweetest In-Laws to walk the earth

Me with my one and only!

I hope everyone else had a safe, fun holiday weekend. Now it's back to the grind... grrr.

I'm so excited because.....

My sister Melissa gets married ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!

OMG I get another brother-in-law! I am pumped. Although I've never met Jake except for a few Skype chats, I think he's gonna be a great hubby for my sister. Wow that sounds so weird. Aren't they just as cute as all get out? (I've heard that all get out is really something, hence the comparison) Check out their wedding website: http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleid=5174784490155557&pid=2712317

Life is changing. Holly just finished her college internship and is now a Child Life Specialist applying for jobs. Melissa is getting married! Not much is happening for Mike and me, we're just carrying on with life, trying to not get run over in the process!

This Christmas we'll have 2 married couples visiting my parents house. So far, it looks like the newlyweds will get Melissa's old room, and we'll be out on the sofa bed. But if I'm only able to make it to TX once a year to see my family, personally I don't care where I sleep. Just so I'm there with my family. And it will be fun to watch Jake observe the Emerson family Christmas traditions for the first time. Funnier because Mike is starting to catch on....

So anyway back to the wedding. Mike and I will be leaving on Thursday 9/24 for Savannah, GA where Jake & Melissa live, and also where they will be getting married. On top of that, we're staying an extra 3 days for our vacation! Good thing they live in a vacation spot! This will be my first wedding as a "Matron of Honor" and it makes me feel so experienced and old! Haha! Mike and I are SO in need of a vacation, so we are really looking forward to this.

Until then, we have to keep our noses to the grindstone and keep praying that God gives us patience! I have a feeling that this fall is going to fly!

My Love

Our 2nd wedding anniversary was over a month ago, and with the busy-ness of work, work, and work, I never got to dedicate a post to my wonderful husband, Michael. I posted something similar last year, but it's time for an update. Being married for 2 years has had its share of ups and downs, but it has definitely been a fun ride. I'm so glad that God led me to Indianapolis to meet him and start the next chapter of my life. Here are some wonderful things that I have learned about Mike since we got married, and the things that I love most about him:

• The boy could watch cartoons all day long. He mostly favors GI Joe, Batman, Superman, and Star Wars. When we were dating, once I invited him over for breakfast and Saturday morning cartoons. To me that meant Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry. To him, that meant superheroes.
• He prays with me every morning before he leaves for work. I am usually an hour away from having to wake up, and even though I'm more than half-asleep he takes the time to go to the Lord with me in prayer.


• He prays with me each evening before we go to sleep (that is, unless we hit the sack at different times).


• He complains all week about having to get up so early, but he often up and at 'em early on Saturday mornings.


• One of my favorites: he can swish Listerene for several minutes without it burning his mouth. After 30 seconds my eyes look bloodshot and I'm almost in tears! And YES, he does spit it out.


• He supports me in my Pampered Chef business so faithfully. He does a great job of selling too! We were in David's Bridal a few mos ago and while I was in the dressing room, he was talking to the lady who works there about my business! Hilarious!


• He taught me to fish this year. I'm still not baiting the hooks, but I grabbed the fish I caught off the hook!


• When he hears a song on the radio or on TV, he starts dancing and it is SO funny.


• He has become more disciplined (which is influencing me of course) about saving money for our future house.


• He tells me I'm pretty even when I don't feel pretty.


• He puts up with my whining, which I am working to reduce.


• He likes to watch The Real Housewives of .... with me. Oh and The Hills. His commentary on all of it cracks me up. He draws the line at The Golden Girls. I draw the line at Star Trek.


• One of our favorite things to watch together are reruns of Friends. We just sit in the bed and laugh together.


• He never ceases to amaze me... last year we did a 5K and on our practice walks, I always leave him in the dust b/c I walk pretty fast. But he took off running at the race and finished several minutes before I did! I didn't know he had it in him!


• I have learned that it probably isn't a good idea to travel with him to cities that have toll roads... toll roads Mikey no likey.


• He loves to read instructional do-it-yourself books about electrical work. I look at it and it makes no sense to me. He has the knack.


• He gets the paper for me every Saturday at Meijer so I can get my coupons.


• He helps me carry in the groceries.


• I find the Bible out on the table most mornings when I wake up. It makes me feel good that my spiritual leader is spending time in the Word almost every day.


• When I come home on Tuesday nights, exhausted from work and being at Riley, he welcomes me into a big hug.

Oh I could go on for days! But maybe I'll save some for next year.

Thanks for being the best husband ever! I'll try to be the best wife I can be. I love you, Honey!

What's up with us?

Thanks everyone for listening to me in my post yesterday. It was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders to get all that in writing! I read it over and over and over, debating whether is was post-worthy or not. But then I realized that it is pretty relatable material, and decided to go for it.

Mike and I have been extremely busy over the past month, and I wanted to update everyone on what's been going on.

1) The second weekend of July I went to Chicago for the annual Pampered Chef National Conference. I took the Megabus up there all by myself and it was no big deal! Got to Union Station and hailed a cab to the hotel. I'm a big girl! I had so much fun learning about ways to grow my business and was able to soak up some knowledge from some very "seasoned" consultants! I even sat on the shuttle bus next to one lady who was being honored for $1 million in sales! Wow! Then again she's been at it for 18 years! Here are some pics:

Here I am in the video kitchen at the home office. This is where they do all the instructional recipe videos online! Fun!

Opening session kicked off with song and dance! I was impressed!

And this was one of the most exciting moments! This is me with Doris Christopher, the President and Founder of The Pampered Chef! She started the business in her basement almost 30 years ago as a way to make money and stay home with her kids. Thanks Doris!

"Pampered Chef America!" Haha.

Here's Ashley and I with WAHOO Woman!

On our last night following the Executive Banquet, we got our DANCE on!

And on Saturday morning I was invited to a "first-timer's" breakfast with Doris Frame, who has been in the business 18 years! She is so helpful.

This conference was so much fun and really got me extra-excited about working my business around my crazy work schedule. I left with a camp high! And all the while, my sweetie was here in Indy, probably watching all the GI Joe cartoons he could stand and eating all the McDonalds his body could hold. Life's tough. :) More pictures from the conference can be viewed on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/rachelcouts.

2) Mike came to pick me up in Chicago and we spent the day there. Mike HATES this city b/c of all the traffic and the toll roads. Me, I'm used to it from growing up in Houston. But b/c I was there and he knows I like the city, he came and got me. We spent the day walking around Navy Pier, eating ice cream and some good seafood.

This post is already really long, so I'll only post one pic of the trip. These can also be found on my facebook page.

I hope to keep up a little better. Good luck, huh Rach?

Anger

Wow, that sounds ominous, doesn't it?

No really. Our pastor has been doing a sermon series recently entitled "How to Kill Relationships and Irritate People." I had no idea how convicting it was going to be, and I don't think anybody else did either. If you want to take a listen, visit www.yourchurch.com. Be ready to feel 2 inches tall.

I've always known that I get frustrated with things easily, and it always depends on what else is going on... but I never translated that into "anger" because it is never long-lasting. I get more short bursts of anger. One thing that the pastor said (among many) that really made me listen, was a challenge that Jonathan Edwards gave to himself:

"Try to never become angry at an inanimate object."

Sounds kinda dumb, right? Yes, but incredibly relatable for me. I become angry with my work computer (not my Mac) on a regular daily basis. Like really angry. I work at home, so letting my feelings out is a little easier than if I were in the office. Our retired neighbor who is home all day long probably thinks I'm a psycho b/c of all my outbursts in frustration with this machine. I don't get frustrated with people nearly as much as I get angry with inanimate objects. My computer. My hair. The kitchen floor (it has these little grooves that harbor dirt and I can NEVER get it out). The dishwasher.

I become extremely frustrated with things I cannot control. But wait... isn't that one of the things that anger is borne out of? The fact that we want to control what goes on in our lives? Isn't that what they call "pride?" A-HA!

It seems that most of my anger and frustration comes out of discontent. I become bored very easily and I like change, to a point. If I had my way, we would be living in a house, have at least one child, Mike would still be working, and I would be at home with said child, doing Pampered Chef full-time. That is my dream. And I want it now. I wanted it like a year ago. So far, no dice. My job is currently soul-squelching, exhausting, and I am totally, completely 100% burned out. Sometimes I even question if I want to stay in the health field. We are living in an apartment that is wall-to-wall stuff, and I can't do anything about it. I like to have my home clean, and I just can't get it clean because of all the crap. There's just not room for it. We are busting at the seams right now. And of course, because of the lack of space, there are no kids. I am doing Pampered Chef part-time and it's actually going really well. It's just that I know it would probably be going AMAZING if I had the time and opportunity to do it full-time.

I go to church, read blogs, and see people who are exactly where I want to be. Their life may not be glamorous, but it's what I want. And I think something that makes it harder, is that I'm probably closer than ever to actually having it. It's like it's so close, yet so far away!

It's interesting how we change as we grow. My biggest source of anger used to be traffic. Now it seriously doesn't get me like it used to. Indianapolis mellowed me out.

I know that God is using this time to mold me and get me ready for what's next.
1. Living with a roommate the year before Mike and I got married definitely prepared me for a spouse.
2. Allowing me to start a business with PC before I can do it full-time is allowing me to get good at it so that when the opportunity to go full-time approaches, I'll know what I'm doing!
3. Making me wait for kids is giving me more time to observe families around me, and learn about what to do when that time comes for us.
4. Dealing with an apartment that will never actually be clean is teaching me that the world doesn't end if the bathroom floor isn't swiffered today. I would love to see the statistics for death by clutter. Hmmm.
5. Living with a man who watches more cartoons than most children must be preparing me for the household of boys we'll end up with some day!
6. Having a hubby who is a picky eater is getting me ready for the kids who consistently ask, "What's the green stuff?"
7. And last of all, only having to care for one person (Mike) has given me more opportunities to reach out to others too.

I want to ask for prayer from any/all of my blog-readers that I would continue to see my anger and frustration and not view it as failure, but as a way to grow. And that I would "breathe grace." I want to be a woman Mike looks forward to seeing every evening, not a haggard, exhausted, over-worked person who has no time for him. I think that Satan uses my job as a way to tempt me to sin over and over and over again. I need to look at all my responsibilities and view them as blessings, rather than headaches. Chances to learn.

There. I did it again. Called the computer a freakin' piece of crap.

This isn't going to be easy.

Seeing myself on screen

Saturday, Mike and I saw Julie & Julia and I have never related so much to a character in a movie as I did with Julie. Wow. It was weird. Through the entire movie, Mike and I would exchange glances and know what the other was thinking. "oh my gosh, that's me."

First of all, this is a very sweet movie for both men and women, but I guess it would fall under the "chick flick" category. But there were plenty of men in the theater, but they were with their female significant others.

If you don't know the premise of the movie, then head over to http://www.imdb.com/ and look it up.

There were glaring similarities between myself and one of the main characters, Julie Powell.

J: She works on the phone in a cubicle and takes complaints for a living.

R: I work on the phone (used to work in a cubicle) and listen to people complain for a living.

J: She is married to a sweet, adorable, encouraging man who listens to her and supports what makes her happy.

R: So am I.

J: Her family lives in Texas. (Her mother was not supportive, but mine is, so that's a diff)

R: I have family in Texas.

J: She wants to change the world.
R: So do I.

J: Cooking is her stress-reliever.

R: Oh boy, I don't know what I would do if I didn't like to cook!

On that, somewhere in the movie, she said something like "It's good to know after a long day where nothing is certain, I can come home and know for sure that chocolate, eggs, and flour will make a cake." I totally identified with that. After a long day of zero certainty, I can come home and know that powdered sugar + butter + vanilla extract + milk will always equal an amazing sugary glaze. That is so comforting. It always works.

There were several conversations in the movie that Mike and I have had. Times where we sit on the bed into the wee hours of the morning, talking about our feelings (OK, I talk about my feelings) and about our dreams/plans for the future. Some conversations are tearful, and some have us in stitches!

There were times in the movie where her husband Eric came in and helped her when she couldn't take it anymore, and Mike would totally do the same.

Now I want to make it clear that while watching this movie and noticing all the similarities, I wasn't exactly proud of the fact that I was just like her.... she was a brat and possibly difficult to live with sometimes. And I know I definitely am at times.

It is difficult being a wife sometimes.... working full-time with too much overtime, having a part-time job (that I really love, but it takes time away), all this while trying to keep our apartment livable and a husband happy and fed. I can't imagine trying to do it all with kids too! Sometimes it's hard to create priorities, and find the work/life balance. As it turns out, according to surveys, this is the thing that most women find the most difficult to do.

All this to say, hats off to Nora Ephron for Julie & Julia. And Meryl Streep was adorable as Julia Child. Have you ever watched JC on youtube? You can see her programs, and I love how she's imperfect and totally OK with that.

We could all learn a little from both these women!

Twitches

OK so no pictures yet. I've been so insanely busy recently that some days I just cry because I'm so tired at the end of the day!

That being said, my left eye has been twitching since last Tuesday, and it's weirding me out. It's only a minor twitch, but strange nonetheless. Anybody had this problem before? Interestingly enough, it ceased twitching on Saturday and Sunday.... I wonder what the trigger could be???

Fun and pictures to come soon!

SO I went to Pampered Chef National Conference in Chicago last weekend, and I can't wait to blog about it! However, they do their conferences back to back since there are so many consultants in the country, so I have to wait until this weekend to share my stories and pictures. I don't want to ruin anything for the ladies and men who haven't yet attended!

Stay tuned!

Busy Bees

We have been so busy recently! I have been working a lot of overtime, plus taking care of our home and staying busy with my Pampered Chef shows, so much that I barely have time to remember my own name! But it's good though, much better than being bored!

June has gone by so quickly, I can hardly believe that Mike has been home from England for a month now! Since then it feels like we've started over, and in that newlywed phase again... in a good way though! We take advantage of more time together, but still enjoy a little separation every now and then.

Two weeks ago, Mike and I went over to Eagle Creek on Father's Day to celebrate with his family! I've never been much of an outdoorsy girl until I moved to Indy and started hanging out with Mike and his family... but I love it! The weather in the summer is hardly ever too blazing hot to go out and do something fun. Very different from growing up in TX. Mike's family is mostly men, and they all love to go fishing, something that I have always thought was gross and a bit barbaric....

... but after some coaxing from Glenda, Margaret, Kerry, and of course Mike, I gave it a try. Kerry had his pole and let me reel in a fish. It was the coolest feeling. So then I had him bait my hook and caught another one. And another one. And another one.

There you have it! I'm hooked on fishing! Then again I'll always have to get Mike or someone else to bait my hook and take the fish off, but I love it! Here are some pictures from our Father's Day get together:

Couts men fishing (Kerry, Kevin, Dad, Mike)... and all those buckets are of course... ours

This is the fish that I reeled in. A Blue Gill.

This is the first fish that I caught all by myself. Look at the expression of sheer excitement! And everyone cheered for me too!

Waiting for a bite...

I got one!



So did Mike!

My cute fisherman. :)

Then last weekend Mike and I went up to Lafayette to visit his former church, Faith Baptist. He went there for about 10 years after college and made many friends. Lots of them came to our wedding, and it's been fun keeping up with them on facebook, even though Mike's not on there... yet. It's also fun to visit because some people knew that he got married, but have never met me, and they would say, "Is this her?" Fun. He likes introducing me as his wife.

When we arrived, we were informed that it was Lake Day, and everyone was going over to Melissa Eikenberry's parents' lake house on Lake Freeman in Monticello, IN to ride jet skis, lay out, and play at the lake. Originally, Mike and I had planned on going rollerblading on the Purdue campus after church, so we actually already had a change of clothes. But we headed to Wal-Mart to get towels and Mike got some swim trunks. My favorite was when MIke said, "Yeah, we'll go to Wal-Mart, and I'll pick up some trunks and you can pick up a swimsuit!" Yeah right. Like I can walk in a store, point to one I like and take it home.

Oh, dear, you have so much to learn.

Anyway, here's us at the lake. Mike was in heaven. Just a few pics:

I didn't want to get completely wet since I didn't have a suit, so Mike found this tube for me, and Jeannie tethered me to the dock. This is me chatting it up with Elizabeth and Renae, new friends. :)

That sums up what's been going on with us lately! Actually there's a lot more, but it is not remotely interesting, so I'll spare you! Happy 4th!

Mike and I saw 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' last night. I was going to write a movie review of my own to describe the whole mess, but I found one on msnbc.com today that captures everything that I want to say, but better! This was a movie made for men: hot girls and explosions. For no reason. Read on....


Alonso Duralde Film critic writes:
Artist and filmmaker Peter Greenaway once famously noted, “Cinema is far too rich and capable a medium to be merely left to the storytellers.” Still, when he suggested a move away from narrative, I can’t imagine that he was advocating a movie like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” a cinematic avalanche in which Michael Bay eschews anything resembling plot or characters and instead screams at the audience’s eyes for two and a half hours.
And before any of you launch into the usual riposte of “This isn’t supposed to be an Oscar-winning drama, it’s just FUN!!!!” let me point out that there are good giant-robots-walloping-the-tar-out-of-each-other movies and there are bad ones, and this second “Transformers” movie falls squarely into the latter category.

Trying to take in this movie is akin to shaking up a snowglobe and paying attention to glitter shard No. 432,581: When two similarly-colored CG robots are simultaneously morphing and punching each other in the head, it’s impossible to figure out where one ends and the other begins, resulting in a visual cacophony that goes hand-in-hand with the bowels-rattling bassline and the shrieking, incoherent dialogue.

And then there’s what passes for story, which has all the lucidity of a toddler-on-Red-Bull’s fever dream. It goes something like this: The good-guy Autobots are still on Earth but are being kept a secret from the general public. They’re working with the U.S. Army to wipe out occasional appearances from the nasty Decepticons, and intel suggests that something big and nasty is around the corner.

That would The Fallen (yes, it’s a character), a rogue Autobot who had once attempted, millennia earlier, to snuff out the sun. He plans to use a shard of the All Spark, which brings these robots to life to… wait, actually, I can’t even remember what the shard, which happens to be in the possession of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), has to do with his evil plan, but eventually the bad guys figure out that Sam has some mystical knowledge embedded in his brain that will help them to locate the Matrix of Leadership (as opposed to the Axis of Evil, perhaps) that will restart the sun-destroying machine.

The storyline, such as it is, exists mainly as an excuse to reassemble much of the cast of the first film, including Sam’s sexpot mechanic girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox), conspiracy theorist Agent Simmons (John Turturro, who also voices cranky old Autobot Jetfire), and Sam’s goofy parents (Kevin Dunn and Julie White). Many of the robots from the last movie return, including the “twin” cars whose speech and behavior patterns are appalling stereotypes of young African-American men; the movie should just name the duo Step and Fetchit or Shuck and Jive to drive home the point.

There’s no wiggle room here for anyone to do any actual acting — and yet, Tyrese (as a soldier) still manages to be stiffer than anyone else on screen — and those who want to look for it can find a pro-George W. Bush subtext. (Diplomacy is for wimps! The French eat gross stuff!)

But with so much to despise about “Revenge of the Fallen,” there’s no need to get caught up in matters of performance or ideology. This movie is an assault: It doesn’t look good, it doesn’t make sense and it pummels the viewer into submission when it could just as easily have been entertaining and exhilarating.

“Transformers” is ostensibly about saving mankind from exterior forces, but humanity itself is sorely lacking from the finished product.

Summer is Funner

Yay! It's finally summer! Then again, we have to wear jackets in the evenings, and had highs in the 50s some days last week... but here in Indiana, you gotta take what you get!

We have been super-busy since Mike returned, trying to catch up on 5 months being apart... poor Mike, he just wants to sit home some nights and relax, but I've been dragging him to all sorts of fun things!

Last Friday night we went to an Indians game with my company, who paid for the tickets and a yummy hot-doggy meal. Our seats were kind of cool, very close to the field in foul-ball territory. But hey- it's Victory Field... I'll sit anywhere! We had a good time socializing and watching "the tribe" play a decent game. Oh and Mike got an iPhone last week so he spent a lot of the time playing with his new toy. I would have rather he look out for foul balls to protect me, but whatever. He did protect me one time though. :)

This is us at the Indians game

Alex and Megan with the ball that he caught!

My Megan and Me


Then on Saturday night we went over to Kerry & Glenda's house to celebrate the triple May birthdays! Mike, Uncle Kerry, and Grandpa all have birthdays around the same time, so they always celebrate together. I love going out to their house because it gives me a little taste of the country. We ate some good food, opened presents, ate ice cream cake, started a fire (in the firepit, it's OK) and I got to shoot a gun. Don't ask me what kind, I don't know. I was pretty good!

TARGETS

Checking out Glenda's garden... I want one someday

Mmmm ice cream cake

Happy Birthday!

In other news, my sister Melissa is ENGAGED!! She will become Mrs. Jacob Yellig in September and I could not be more excited. It just kills me that I won't meet this kid until the weekend of the wedding, but that's one of the things you deal with when you don't live near family. But I totally trust Melissa and her instincts and from what she tells me, he is a doll. Mike and I were talking about it the other day, discussing how this year so much is happening, and he made the comment that next year at Christmas, there will be 2 married couples (not including Mom & Dad) at the house! I guess the newlyweds will get Melissa's room and Mike and I will be on the pull-out couch. Haha! Honestly it doesn't matter to me, I'm just so excited that our family is growing and that my dad has some more male companionship!

Well that's just about all that's going on around here. Other than that, I'm staying super-busy working overtime in my normal job and having a ton of fun with Pampered Chef.

Rachel<><

Bumper Stickers

The other night at Wal-Mart we walked past a car with quite a few bumper stickers on it. My opinion is that people who have more than 5 bumper stickers on their car are usually obnoxious and often liberal. Anyway, here are 2 of the bumper stickers that made me go hmmmm....

"Choice: It's a beautiful right."

AND

"Say NO to animal cruelty."

Thoughts?

I got my baby back, baby back, baby back

Mike is finally home, y'all! We could not be happier. The word came in on Sunday morning, and it was a very nice treat on my hardest day of the week.

He got home last night, and after dinner with his parents and grandpa, we went home and he started looking verrrrry sleeeeepy... and I just wanted to be with him... so together, we went to bed about 8:30! Of course this was very early for me, but it was his 1:30am! We both woke up this morning, completely rested and in a good mood. I guess that's what 11 hours of sleep will do to you! His driver's license expired on Saturday (his birthday) so I had to take him to work this morning.

These past 4 1/2 months have been very difficult for both of us, and there were many people who came to our aid to make life a little bit easier and more joyful for us!

Phil- Thank you so much for buying me dinner when I came to visit Mike. You have been so gracious in answering your phone when a sometimes-frantic, worried wife is on the other end. Thanks for promptly sending messages to Mike's room when he was out traveling.

Holiday Inn Solihull- (even though no one from the HI reads this blog) You gave my hubby such a nice home for 16 weeks, and always greeted him at the door with kindness.

Kelli- Thank you for being such a dear friend to me when Mike was gone. You were faithful to pray for us, and always asked if there was something that you could do. Thank you for always making me feel included.

Erin- Our walks together and time spent watching movies and eating ice cream were so precious to me. Your sweet spirit was always so refreshing on days when I needed a word of kindness. And you, also, thank you for always making me feel included in group activities, even though I'm the old married one. :)

Heather- you are the closest thing to a sister I have in Indy. Thank you for your sweet text messages, and calls, just to see how I'm doing. It was fun to hang out when we were both missing our men, and I cherish our conversations about love and life.

Mom & Dad Couts- Thank you for checking up on me literally every day, just to make sure I'm doing OK. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to get together as much, but these girls who I just mentioned kept me pretty busy!

Ryan & Laurel- Thank you for all the meals at your home, and thanks for always making me feel part of a family. It means so much to both of us.

Mom- I find it comforting to talk to you because, well, your my mom.... and also, you've been a wife of a man who travels a lot. But you had kids to drive you nuts at the time... thanks so much for our sweet conversations and thank you for never seeming to get bored of my rambling. I called you numerous times, in tears, and you kept your cool every time. If you had started crying, I would have felt like I burdened you. Thanks for teaching me how to be a good wife.

Dad- You brought a different perspective, and showed me how to be a supportive wife of a man who travels a lot. Thanks for your humorous email forwards that always come at a time when I need them. I love you!

Melissa and Holly- You girls always seem to call just when I need it too. Melissa, your engagement story got me through last Sunday, and Holly, news of your awesome internship gets me through each day. I am so proud of and excited for both of you.

My girlfriends at church (married and single)- Thank you for including me in your various activities. I was afraid that after I got married, I would all of a sudden lose you, but that didn't happen! I love to be around you girls and encourage you in your lives, just as you do for me.

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!! You have been the one who has carried us through each excruciating day apart from one another. You filled us with gladness and hope when we didn't have each other to turn to. You gave Mike comfort as he was all alone in a strange country (haha) and you gave me peace when I felt all alone in my home country. Thank you for keeping both of us safe and for bringing us back together again.


We have a list a mile long of things that need to be done now that Mike's back in town.... I just need to realize that it may not happen in one week. We have missed each other so much, and I know it will be a huge adjustment, but we're up for it!

So on the count of three....
1
2
3
WELCOME HOME, MIKE!

Update on us

2 posts in one day? Do I have a fever?

Well there isn't much to report on "us," because the manly side of "us" is still out of the country in England on business, and this trip has been 6 weeks. Aaaand we don't know when he's getting back.... we were expecting to see him this weekend or even as late as June 1, but even that's up in the air now due to complications over there with his work. I need my hubby back! I actually have a bit of a hard time imagining what it will be like when he comes home and is here... in the apartment... for real... not just an image on a computer screen via skype. But I'm sure as soon as he and his mess return from England, it will all be back to normal! But I happen to LOVE normal! I hear of all these people going on dates with their husband, and I can hardly remember the last time we did that. Yesterday was the 100th day we have been apart total (not consecutive).

I've had an incredibly stressful week because I'm anxiously awaiting the return of my honey... but on top of that, the internet on my desktop work computer suddenly stopped working on Tuesday, so I've been working in the main office instead of the home office. This is frustrating b/c I don't have all the stuff that I have at home, but it's good to come in and see people I haven't seen in a few months. As it turns out, it may not be the computer's problem, but our modem, so that will involve the cable company, which is never a short process.

On that topic, Saturday marked my 4th anniversary with my company. It's a little hard to believe that I moved here 4 years ago for this same job, and I'm still doing it. 4 years out of college and still at entry level. Yup. I have switched positions in the company several times, but I enjoyed my first role the best. BUT the pay is good, we stay busy, and I'm really really good at it.

Have I ever mentioned that I have the best friends in the world? That post will come soon after Mike returns, whenever that is. They are so wonderful at distracting me and keeping me busy with fun activities to encourage me and help me pass the time.

More info when it becomes available....

Jon & Kate Plus 8 Divided by Two Equals Train Wreck

In the past few years, one of my favorite TV shows has been Jon & Kate Plus 8. Watching those little cuties grow up, learn new phrases, and function as a crazy family unit is pure entertainment. But recent events have turned me into one of those people who will probably never again tune into this show.

Mike and I have watched it together many times, and even before we were married, I told him, "I will NEVER speak to you like that in private or in public," regarding the way that Kate treats Jon like a child and is always very hard on him. Mike has often teased me that I'm like Kate in some ways, and he's like Jon. I'm a little weird about germs and I like to make everything from scratch and use as many organic items as possible... and Mike is very low-key about stuff sometimes. But that's where the similarities end.

Did anyone have a chance to see Monday night's season premiere of the show? It was extremely uncomfortable to see the obviously distant Jon and Kate at their childrens' birthday party, pretending to have a good time. It was painful to watch... they had papparazzi hiding in the bushes, following them to Target, and catching all the awkward moments. The husband and wife didn't even acknowledge eachother's presence, except when Kate needed Jon to do something for her.

It bothers me when tabloids annoy people like this, but these are not people who originally intended to be celebrities, but have turned into them. It's a slippery slope, and they have been sliding down it for some time now. Last month I bought and read Kate's book, Multiple Bles8ings, and thoroughly enjoyed it. She came across in the book as being very real, and after reading it, I feel like I know her. The book helped me to better relate to the Manleys, a family in our church who had quints over a year ago... helped me to learn about the emotions that their mother may have gone through, and may be going thru at this time. The Gosselins claim to be a Christian family, but hey- infidelity, deceit, etc can happen to anyone if they are not strong enough in their faith to fight it off.

I was in denial about all of this because the tabloids were the ones reporting everything, but once Kate's brother Kevin and sister-in-law Jodi came out to the media about what was going on, I knew everything was truly going downhill. I still don't want to believe it all, but this stuff happens.

Despite all of this, they continue to film the show. TLC (The Learning Channel) is famous for providing a great deal of variety in their reality shows, and they are not usually trashy like others... after I watch a TLC show, I often don't have the "my brain is going to melt from inactivity" feeling that I get from watching shows on Bravo or MTV. TLC needs to halt all the filming and leave them alone to deal with their issues. Nobody in their right mind wants to see a family crumble, especially when 8 kids are in the middle of it. I really hope that they get some Godly counsel and can work things out... but after seeing the interviews on Monday night's season premiere, they couldn't even look at each other. Sad.

I don't know exactly where I'm going with this post, these are just my feelings. Any thoughts?

Dear Fashion Industry,

Please stop making clothes so baggy. They are comfortable and feel great, but make some of us look pregnant. Because some of us, as soon as we get married, are constantly asked (even in not-so-baggy clothes), "are you expecting?" Recently the only thing I've been "expecting" is that question. Yeah, not such a fun question to answer.

Sincerely,
Rachel "No, I'm not pregnant, just trying to be fashionable" Couts

4 years ago....

I made the biggest change of my life (up to that point) and moved here to Indianapolis! I can't believe it's been 4 years! In this time I have learned so much and have grown in so many ways. I moved 1000 miles away from home to a state where I had no friends or family, and (as dramatic as it sounds) one of my biggest fears was that something would happen to my in my apartment (pass out, hit my head, die, etc.) and no one would know it until I didn't show up at work the next day. This was the scariest thing, but was probably one of the coolest things I've ever done.

My mind goes back to when my Dad and sister Melissa pulled away from my new apartment, and I knew it would be months before I saw them again. Months. An eternity. I sobbed so hard for about an hour, then decided to pick myself up and get moving. I went to the store and bought shelves. And put them together myself. Looking back, I remember being so proud of myself for putting together those shelves. Haha.

But it wasn't long before I started to meet people at church and at work who helped me to find my place. God was so gracious to send such a wonderful support system my way, just when I needed it.

This is Abi, Me, and Heather at the Christmas banquet, where Mike and I had our first date

My first summer here I went to Brownsburg Christian Church (now called Connection Pointe Church of Brownsburg) where I met a sweet couple who had just gotten married and needed to get rid of furniture. They gave me a table & chairs, and a couch. The table and chairs were so nice, but they are now in the hands of some lucky Goodwill shopper. The couch is now in Ryan & Laurel's home. After a few months, I visited College Park Church in Indy and fell in love with the teaching, and also the dear friends I met. I don't know what I would have done without y'all! Abi, Nate, Heather, Ingrid, Rachel, Beth, Allan & Karen Harmer... thanks so much for your continued friendship.

Good times! This is Josh, Ingrid, Chris, Amy, and Nate. I think we went bowling that night.

After attending College Park for about 3 months, I met the most wonderful Michael Couts at Timothy's home, watching the movie "Miracle." I thought he was nice and cute, but at that point, I wasn't really looking for someone. But he found me. He pursued me for a few weeks, then we started hanging out more. He asked if he could be my escort for the 20somethings Christmas Banquet. That was our first date. While at the banquet, I pulled 2 of my friends, Lucile and Abi, aside and demanded answers: "What do you know about this guy? What do you think? Do you know his family?" He walked in on us talking, and we played it off. When he approached me, he put his hand on the small of my back and asked what we were talking about. When he left, Lucile burst out, "He put his hand on your back! He put his hand on your back!" That still brings back a smile to this day. We went back to my apartment and watched a very safe date movie, "Elf." And that's when he held my hand for the first time, but not without asking if it was OK. When Buddy the Elf says, "You look miraculous," Mike turned to me and said "that's what I thought when I saw you tonight." At that point, I proceeded to melt.

BOOM. 14 months later we were engaged, and 5 months after that, we were married. And here we are!

I miss Texas more than anything and ask Mike every once in a while if his company has any openings there. I can go anywhere with my job, and sometimes I really do want to get outta here. If the opportunity arose, I would move to Texas in a heartbeat. No argument here! Texas is the best state in the union, and I often joke that I never should have left. Obviously I'm glad I did, but homesickness isn't a rare thing. For crying out loud, my family is there, and we're lucky to see them once a year, maybe twice. But Indiana has been good to me, and I'll stay here with my hubby as long as God wants us here.

I went from being alone in a place with no family or friends, and I now have both. Could I be more blessed?

Oh, and today is my Dad's birthday. He is 57 years wise today. Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you!

Sundays

I don't know if anyone actually reads this blog, but I know that one day I'll be able to look back on this and remember...

But Sundays are the absolute hardest day of the week. I work all week long, waiting for the weekend, do some stuff on Saturday, then dread Sunday morning. I love going to church and seeing my friends, but I feel like half of me is missing without Mike there. I've been skipping Sunday school often because sometimes I just don't feel like being with other people, even though I know it is probably best. I just want to go to the service, then duck out and go home. I want to be with people, but be alone. Weird.

Anybody else been through something like this?

Political Post

I've had one brewing for a LONG time, and I'm still going to hold back because I have a LOT more to say than I will express on this blog. Some of it is not exactly Christ-like, so I'll just hold on to it.

The question that keeps coming back to my mind over and over is:
"How can someone be a Bible-believing Christian and support Barack Obama?"
If someone has the answer to this, I would love to hear it. I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. It seems that most Christians with whom I attend church are conservatives, but I know there are some Liberals out there. Moderates even. That's fine. I can still love them as Christian brothers and sisters.... but I will always have a hard time understanding how they can explain relating their faith to their political opinions. Now I know that we all make mistakes... I make small decisions every day that I immediately regret, and realize that they are sinful. But I do my best to not continue to live that way.

I just don't understand how someone can call themselves a Christian when they fully support a President who is in favor of the following:
-Abortion- not just in our countries, but he repealed a law that bans sending money overseas to help people in other countries get abortions... countries to which we are trying to reach with the GOSPEL of HOPE.
-Embryonic Stem Cell research- this all begins with an abortion
-Socialized Healthcare- Man, you shouldn't get me started on this one... basically I will be paying for other people's healthcare with my hard-earned money... illegals even. Why do you think people come to the US from abroad to get healthcare? We have the best system in the world. Why are people dying in Mexico of Swine Flu? Poor healthcare. They have to wait in line for drugs. People in Great Britain are dying of cancer b/c they can't get the medicine they need b/c the government won't get it to them. Do you want your doctor's office to someday look like the Social Security office or the Dept of Motor Vehicles? Sure, it would be great for everyone to have healthcare, but that's not the way it works. Sorry. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Get a job that offers you benefits, or get private healthcare. There are always options. To rely on the government is just plain silly.
-Redistribution of wealth- again, I'll eventually be paying for the bum on the street who doesn't want to work for a living. Oh, and the illegals again.

And these are just a few. You may be thinking, "What do those last 2 have to do with believing the Bible? Aren't we supposed to help the poor?" And the answer is YES. But that is something that should be left up to us, personally. It is not something that should be mandated by the government. That's what non-profit organizations are for. Think of how many organizations are out there, who may start suffering because of lack of funds once these required taxes are taken our of our paychecks. People may not be able to afford to donate to various organizations. It is as if the government mandates everyone in the country to spend a certain amount of hours serving at a soup kitchen each year, depending on how much money they make. Sound fair? Not really.

Now I haven't lived through very many presidents, but I have tried to pray for each one every day. However, this has been the most difficult one. It is so hard to pray for someone who stands for everything you are against, and is against just about everything that you stand for. How can I support a man who signs the declaration for the National Day of Prayer in silence? It's as if he's doing it just to appease people like me. To "reach across the aisle" I guess. Like his arm was twisted. It makes me absolutely sick to see where our country is headed, and can't believe that I'm praying for the man who is pointing us in that direction. I don't think I've ever been so challenged in that way. Please, fellow Christians, R or D, join me in praying for this man and his staff.

OK so I think I'm done. Like I said, I have many more opinions, but it is probably best that I keep them to myself. These are my opinions, and these are my struggles. And I welcome feedback.

Notes of Encouragement

I sit at a desk all day long, and just like everyone, I have good days and bad days. But there are some notes of encouragement, or just symbols that make me happy that are tacked/taped on the bulletin board above my desk. I thought that I'd share them, in hopes that they might encourage you today!

Still I will trust you
Still I will follow
Still I will listen
to your every calling
While the storm rages on
And I can't find my way
Still I will trust you Lord
-Still I Will Trust You by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

"Hold on to the promises of God, no matter how long it takes. Because no matter what your situation, God is always faithful."
-Some pastor on Moody Radio

"Happy Wedding Day! I'll be thinking of you. Love you much, Meg."
-note left on my desk from my friend Megan the week before we got married

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in you
I will trust in you
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
-You Are My Hiding Place by Selah

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin!
-Before the Throne of God Above, one of my faves

"It's only temporary!"
-Courtesy of Grandpa Couts

"This is the day the LORD has made! I will rejoice and be GLAD in it!"

This isn't a note of encouragement, but it brings back good memories: a pink foam cutout of a baseball bat, painted with gold glitter, "GO ASTROS." I made this at Radio Lollipop in 2004 when the Astros were in the playoffs. Good times.

I also have a double helix keychain that I made in the genetics class that I taught at the museum when I lived in Houston.

Nothingness

So yeah, there's nothing to really blog about. I'm still here. Mike's still there. And will be for another 4 weeks. This is the most un-fun thing EVER. However, Pastor Mark's sermon yesterday really encouraged me, and I told Mike to get on www.yourchurch.com to hear it. Something my Dad would always say in the face of a trial or disaster, "You know, God is not surprised by this." True.

Pastor Mark delivered a message from Matthew 2 about the state of affairs in Jesus' region after he was born. Herod was in control. Herod was also nuts. He ordered the slaughter of all those baby boys under 2. So when Herod got threatened and freaked out, so did the people of his kingdom. There were 3 main points that I took away from this, and I want to share them:

1. God is unstoppable, in control, and always a step ahead, even when we don't see it.
2. Jesus is opposed- actively or passively- by those who are threatened by them.
3. Opposing Jesus- actively or passively- is treason either way. Yikes.

That first one is the most applicable for us right now. Mike has been away for 11 weeks so far, and by the end of this whole thing, it will be about 15 weeks. Why would God do this? Why would he have us apart for so long? If I learned one thing from Pastor Mark's series on Job, DON'T ASK GOD WHY.

You know how when we plan, God laughs? Well I have some ideas of positive things that have come out of our separation. The negatives are obvious, so I won't focus on those. So here they are. Go ahead and laugh, God! My feelings won't be hurt.
1. Mike has become so independent and learned a whole new culture all by himself. He has been given a chance to travel, almost all on an expense account.
2. Frequent Flyer miles... I think as of right now we have enough for 4 round-trip tickets anywhere in the continental US.
3. If Mike hadn't been in England for an extended period of time, then I never would have been able to visit, and wouldn't have a nifty stamp on my passport. (first one!)
4. Since Mike left, I have been more diligent in my quiet time than ever before. And even when he was back for a week visiting, I was still able to keep it up. I may actually read through the whole Bible this year!
5. This has given me more time to spend with my single girlfriends and encourage them in their walks with Christ.
6. God could be protecting Mike from Swine Flu here in the US. You never know.
7. I was sick for the past 2 weeks with allergies that caused a severe cough, often waking me up in the middle of the night several times, as if I was choking. This would not have been good if Mike were in the bed next to me.
8. Plainly put, the apartment stays cleaner with just me. And trust me, I make enough mess for 2 people, but when it is just me, I tend to be neater.

Well lookie there! There IS something for me to blog about! Hopefully in this time apart, Mike and I will continue to grow personally, and then share what we've learned when this whole ordeal is over.

In Mike's absence, though, I have found a new 24 buddy! My friend Jennifer came over last week to watch it with me (b/c neither of us like watching it alone) and we're going to try to make it an every-week type of thing!

May is getting bizzzzzzzzzzy though. I'll try to keep up with the blogging. But then again don't I always say that?

Rachel <><

Rachel's Fab 4

I wanted to spend a moment and talk about the 4 things that have recently made my life fun, interesting, or easier lately!

1. The Slanket! (http://www.theslanket.com/)

Most of you have seen the infomercial for the Snuggie on TV... who hasn't? Basically it is a blanket that has sleeves sewn into it, so you can wrap up on the couch (or in the work chair!) and be completely warm. The Slanket is so much better than the snuggie b/c it's made out of heavier fleece, and is much warmer! I love it and would highly recommend it to those who are always cold, and not trying to run up the heating bill!

2. Stovetop Popcorn

What a bargain! I wish I had learned about this years ago! I have been microwaving popcorn for years, getting frustrated that not all the kernels are popped, some are burned and some are not, and they're not all evenly seasoned... well those days are over! I'm going back to the way our ancestors did it, on the stove. I don't have one of those old-fashioned popcorn-poppers, I just use a small saucepan. Into the saucepan I pour enough peanut oil (or EVOO if I'm eating with Mike) to coat the bottom, turn the heat to medium, put in one kernel of unpopped corn, and wait. When the one kernel pops, it's time to add more. I add just enough to cover the bottom of the pan in one layer, put the lid back on and wait! In the meantime, microwave or heat in a saute pan about 2 tablespoons of 1/2 butter 1/2 margarine and then add to that whatever seasoning I'm feeling that day, usually Mrs Dash Garlic & Herb. The pot of popping corn starts to pop a lot, and oil drips down the sides, so I'm handy with a kitchen towel to catch it before it hits the burner. When all the corn is popped, pour into a bowl and drizzle the butter mixture on top! Voila! It is SO yummy and much cheaper! PLUS 3 cups of popped popcorn has 4 grams of fiber!

And here's the price comparison:

1 box of 5 bags of microwave popcorn (5-10 servings) $3.99

1 container of unpopped corn (50-60 servings) $3.99

3. Jergen's Natural Glow Lotion

This white girl thinks that this lotion is one of the best things ever invented for summer! It gives me a natural, non-orangey tint that just makes me look healthier, not so pale and pasty. I'm big on SPF now, especially on my face, and I don't want to do anything that will cause me to get all wrinkly or give me skin cancer... so Jergens to the rescue! And now they make it firming, and it is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite in as little as 7 days? Gen-YUS! Well I guess I'll have to test that in the Couts lab...

4. The Real Housewives of New York City

Bravo's 2nd installment of the housewives is one of my faves. First there was Orange County (which I also love), the NY, then Atlanta (gross), and coming this summer New Jersey! But I love these housewives... they are hilarious. Their accents, demeanor, and of course the funny way they relate to each other cracks me up. They all claim to be a great judge of character and have amazing class, but as I sit there watching them, they fail almost every single time. Jill is the loud Jewish lady who is spoiled by her husband Bobby and truly loves life. Ramona is the pop-eyed lunatic who thinks she knows everything better than everyone. Bethenny (my favorite) is the confident, dark, witty, cynical single girl who just wants to find love. Alex & Simon (yes, I'm including the husband) always bothered me a little bit b/c of their snobbery and pretentiousness, but they are starting to grow on me... they're happy in their marriage, love their kids, so more power to 'em. Kelly seemed like a pointless addition at the beginning of the season, but as it has moved on, I'm so glad they brought her on... she's a dim-witted model who can't get enough of herself. And last but not least, there's LuAnn... ah, the Countess. I liked her last season, but she won't stop throwing her dumb title in everyone's face... she talks about how she went from being a regular girl, and American Indian to being a Countess.... didn't take a lot of work, actually... all you had to do was marry a count. Gosh. She is so pretentious it drives me nuts! But she's fun to watch!

Check out the Housewives! Tuesday night, 10/9 Central on Bravo! It is mind-numbing, second only to The Hills!