Weekends of Woe

Rachel's Randomness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No one can think more highly of the understanding of women than I do. In my opinion, nature has given them so much, that they never find it necessary to use more than half." - Henry Tilney (Northanger Abbey) 

As I sit at work, listening to Pandora, surfing the Internet for story ideas, thinking of how fast these past few months have passed, Michael Buble's' song, "Home" starts playing. Oh, how appropriate that the lyrics play to my heart throbs. 

Do you ever feel that people who may or may not claim to be your "friends," often use you as a last resource or thought? We are such selfish human beings, some of who give so much more love, loyalty, affection, than we receive. But I feel like King David in the Psalms, when I say, praise God that we are not alone and that did not Christ suffer SO much more than we ever will? He is so gracious and longsuffering towards us. Those thoughts alone should humble and bring us down on our knees in thanksgiving and lift that burden off our shoulder. 

These past few months in Washington, D.C. have been great for me in so many ways and have revealed to me things about myself. At times I think I'm strong in and of myself to fight temptations but before I know it I end up thinking, "How did I, of all people, get here?" It reminds me of what my dad has preached and taught me throughout my childhood, and I'll never forget it, "Pay attention, don't wander," he would say in his deep, grave voice.

I have been blessed in so many ways and just reflecting on them brings a smile to my face and melts away my complaining heart. There are millions of things we can find to complain about in a day - it's a better challenge to find and reflect on what blessings that God through Jesus Christ has blessed us with. Take a minute to name a few and you will see what I mean. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "So we do not lose heart...For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

All that said, I am just going to quickly point out how frustrated I am that my computer decided to commit suicide last night. Yes, a mere MONTH after the year warranty from Dell expired. Never thought I'd say these shocking words, but say them I will, I detest, no HATE Dell! I feel they plant time bombs in the computers so you have to buy a new one every year - I've definitely decided it is a conspiracy of some sort - I'm onto them. My hard drive is completely done for - a lot of my life is on that computer. I think I might cry. Thank goodness I've put most of my pictures on facebook. Dell, I'm SO done with you - Apple, here I come!!! But the "Pollyanna" side to that is I was able to post pictures I took in Williamsburg as well as watch "Northanger Abbey" on youtube with Michal.

Williamsburg was lovely but very hot. My favorite part of the entire visit was the Colonial period dancing on Saturday night. They asked for volunteers after demonstrating various dances, such as the minuet. There are two-couple, three-couple, and four-couple dances! As they asked for volunteers from the crowd for the four-couple dance, I raised my hand in high hopes of being selected, since I was in the back of the non-to-well-lit room. A gentleman (Daniel was his name) in a red velvet waist coat picked me! I was so glad I decided to wear my pink sundress from J. Crew. I felt like I was transported back in time and had become a part of Jane Austen's world - I could almost envision Mr. Darcy dancing across from me. 

Michal and I decided to go for a run last Tuesday night, not expecting the torrential downpour that was brewing. Halfway across the bridge over the Potomac, the storm unleashed its unrelenting fury - as if it were crying angry tears for me. (This was a hard week for me at that point) I had never before been scared of a storm until that moment, when I felt so exposed and as the wind whipped around us and the rain stung our skin. Within seconds, Michal and I were drenched and we could barely see in front of us and had to keep blinking the water out of our eyes. I groaned aloud, "My iPhone is SO going to die now!!!" We got home and the speaker wasn't working. I called AT&T and they recommended putting it in a bowl of rice. Thank goodness Michal had some. Praise God that the next day it worked like a charm. Now I can wait to upgrade to the iPhone 4 until they fix it.

The exciting part of the beginning of last week is that on Monday, my article on women and their struggle with pornography made the front page of The Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/11/more-women-lured-to-pornography-addiction/ 

Thank you all for your continued prayer, friendship, and for taking time to read my blogs. It shows me that you truly care about me enough to follow what is going on in my life. Until next time.

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Rachel's Randomness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A dream I won't wake from. A story that will never end. The ground your feet walk on, let me be there..." - For My Love

This is one of those moments where my sleep-deprived brain is frantically scrambling to kick into gear and stay on track because of the information overload it has from all the details I want to get out and write down in some sort of organized, simple fashion. See, I am even writing run-on sentences that probably didn't make a lick of sense to any of you but me - haha!

I will do my utmost to tell all of this past week's highlights in a nutshell - which is probably just as futile as telling the world to stop moving.

Ah, yes. I did tell you all to expect a huge ta-do about, and me mooning over Eclipse (no pun intended - haha). Hillary (another Washington Times intern) and I pre-ordered our tickets the day before for the 8 p.m. showing at a theater in Chinatown. We were both like giddy girls and felt like such dorks for pre-ordering our tickets. We got great seats. The movie was more fantastic than I was expecting. I was floating on cloud nine afterwards and was in a daze of awesomeness. It was so cool because a month or so before the movie came out, I had bought the Eclipse movie soundtrack and had listened to the songs so many times that I recognized them throughout the movie and even knew some of the lyrics - haha - wow! Edward really redeemed himself in this movie - the humor was well balanced, the story was solid and easy to follow, and some of the lines were unforgettable and brilliant! "Doesn't he own a shirt?" - Edward -- "Let's face it, I'm hotter than you." - Jacob -- "I will fight for you until your heart stops beating." - Jacob. There are many other parts that really struck a chord in my own heart - especially with Bella - I feel this is the first movie that better captured her character in the Twilight books and gave her a movie script with more substance. Anyways, lots of hotness going on - two thumbs up!

I have to say that I was almost embarrassed at how obsessed some, if not most of the audience members appeared to be. There was a ton of clapping, hooting and hollering going on - lol. At one point where Edward formally asks Bella to marry him, and before Bella has a chance to reply, one of girls in the audience yelled (in a creepily orgasmic manner) "YES!!!" Wow - there are no words.

Friday, Michal and I went on a "double-date" at Sculpture Garden to hear live jazz and sip sangria with Jeff and Brian - TON of fun! Jeff even got all fancy and brought actual wine glasses so that we didn't have to drink out of the plastic cups. After that we made our way toward this place recommended to us called Cafe Burma. Michal and I split a meal - it was pretty delish. Then we strolled the street-lit sidewalks to get some yogurt at fro-zen-yo. Tons of laughter all around - great times to be cherished always!!!

On Saturday, I got to go to the Home Depot with Andy and Brian to scout out materials Brian needed to build a back porch and we got stuff for a car wash (hose, hose head, sprinkler, etc.) - I just enjoyed watching the guys do their thing and joking along with them - I felt like I was back in Texas that day, just because I was at Brian's house and not an apartment, riding around in a car, and away from the press of downtown festivities. We swung by and picked Michal up and washed Brian's car and then we all ran like kids through the sprinkler like wild banchees - I was definitely squealing - not gonna lie. Then, wonder of wonders, guess what people?!!!! I got to drive A car for THE first time in about TWO MONTHS!!! Michal and I drove to get groceries and make dinner for the hungry men - it was delish of course. We ate out on the patio then the boys played guitar for us and we sang along. Board games were in order but Michal and I ended up introducing the guys to the world of Brian Regan -- suffice to say -- we spent the next hour straight, a laughing heap on the couch.

Sunday was 4th of July - what a happy one it was too! It was pretty awesome to celebrate America's independence in Washington, D.C. - a bunch of us went to church at Frontline at 5:30 then we had a cookout - which I helped run and (wo)manned. We then all got into cars and made our way over to a bridge off the highway that overlooks the Potomac. It was a breathtaking view with all the lit boats on the water with the Washington monument in view. The fireworks were glorious and made more magical as they reflected off the water. The spot we were located gave us a 360 degree angle of fireworks from around other cities.

We had a pool party on Monday to do something chill to recover from the madness of the flurry of festivities of the July 4th weekend. After swimming, a group of us headed over to Old Town to Hard Times Cafe - even Jeff joined us there. They have pretty awesome wings, chili, and cornbread. I drained three full glasses of diet Coke because I was SO thirsty! Good times at Hard Times - haha!!!

Like I've said before - there are so many details that I miss or slip my mind as I write these blogs - wish I could preserve and right down more perfect memories than I do. At least I can give you all a small glimpse of what my experiences and feelings are. Hope each of you had a Happy 4th of July!!!

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

All the Craze

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You’re a Grace Kelly to her Katharine Hepburn.” - Michal Elseth

I didn’t know that sipping diet cherry Pepsi with ice cubes from my Anthropology coffee mug, after a long, hot run could be SO delightfully refreshing! I’m one happy woman right here and right now just because of that – haha!

Michal and I decided to go on a five mile run – a break from our normal gym routine – after work today. Yes, you read “five miles.” I have a hard time believing it myself. Oh my gosh – news flash – I forgot that every Tuesday night the Navy band plays at Iwo Jima, right where we run. Can you say, “WOW!” Hundreds of men in their sharp Marine and Navy uniforms – I almost swooned and stopped my run just to soak in the sight. The sight of it all reminded me of “Pride and Prejudice” when Mrs. Bennett, Lydia and Kitty scurry into the town of Merrytown to greet the long line of militia and flirt with the officers. Kitty says to Lydia, “But how will we meet them?!” Lydia replies, “Easy. You drop your handkerchief, they pick it up, and then you’re introduced!” Silly girls. Michal and I looked sharp ourselves though and definitely got checked out – mmhmm – haha!

On the run back (I had never pushed myself this hard), when we had run back past the busloads of Marines and Navy officers, I had to stop because of how tight my chest had gotten. One of the Marines asked, “Are you okay? We have water if you need some.” Gasping for sweet air, I replied, “It’s okay. I may look like I’m dying, but I’m fine.”

I think the iPhone/iPod is one of THE most genius of inventions. Music brings me so much joy and I more often than not want to burst into song – but I think I would get stared at by passer-bys – alas one of the luxuries of having one’s car.

Tomorrow is Eclipse!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY! It seems so surreal and almost wrong that this day is already here. I’m going with Hillary, another intern from The Washington Times – we even pre-ordered our tickets – whoo hoo!!! Go Team Edward!!! And no, I don’t have OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder) – okay maybe a very mild case – haha! Okay I’m done with Twilight for now – I know how it makes some of you cringe or roll your eyes – but go ahead – I’m not ashamed.

Oh, and get this, does it ever seem that when you’re have a great day and life is beautiful to you, that everyone else’s day is like their WORST day ever?! My timing is so off but then a part of me is glad, because then I’m there to support and cheer them up. I’ve been working on my positive outlook on life and keeping things in an eternal and spiritual perspective helps me to do so. I seriously don’t see how people survive without the joy and fulfillment that can only come from Jesus Christ.

Time for bed! Hope you all have a great 4th of July weekend with friends and family! I know mine will be WILD!!! Parties and activities all weekend! Remember to pray for my younger brother Haden, as he leaves for his five week internship in China tomorrow! Brace yourselves, most likely my next blog will be all on Eclipse – haha!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Not Too Sweet, Not Too Sour...

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Mr. Collins is exactly the sort of man that makes you despair of the entire sex.” - Elizabeth Bennett

Wow, my internship is halfway over. “Doesn’t it go by in a blink?”as Bill Parrish said in the movie, “Meet Joe Black.”

If you think coming to Washington, D.C. is a way to escape the Texas heat, let me knock your delusions out of the ballpark right now. Trust me, it might be a few degrees cooler, but the humidity more than makes up for those degrees – haha.

Yesterday was interesting to say the least. You know how when people say, “It was interesting,” it can take on one of two meanings? Yeah, well yesterday took on both of those meanings. So yes, Michal and I decided to brave the heat of the day and go to Eastern Market. Really neat place, full of random knick-knacks, vendors, and fresh produce scattered here and there, under rows and rows of white tents.

The first vendor we stopped at sold homemade soaps and shea butter products, which he told us Whole Foods sold. A lot of the soaps smelled so good. I’m a person who likes to smell them all. So I reached to smell one, that I didn’t realize at first was called, “Sexy.” Yeah, so as I put it up to my nose the vendor told me, “You don’t need that one, you probably woke up looking like that.” Wow – TMI anyone? I ended up buying this scent called, “Beautiful,” because I loved the combo of cinnamon and rose. Of course he said, “Oh, you don’t need that one either.” How corny, and I think I was stupidly blushing. I’m not used to people being so bold with their compliments, even if they aren’t sincere.

Next, we stopped to try some of the fresh-grown peaches they sell there. So scrum-diddely-umptious!!! I bought three. A vendor selling fresh flowers caught my eye and I slowly made my way over. Reaching the vendor, and as I bent to smell and take in the fragrance of the various flowers, I saw two guys out of the corner of my eye, glance over in my direction. One of the guys made his way over and said in a somewhat loud and uncertain manner, “Lisa? Lisa?” At first I thought he was talking to someone else. I looked up at him through the shades of my sunglasses and realized he was looking directly at me. Somewhat taken aback, I said, “No, my name is not Lisa, sorry.” They guy looked at me and said, “I could have sworn you were this girl I once knew. She was cute like you, so that’s a good thing.” I again shook my head and told him I wasn’t this Lisa girl. Instead of apologizing for his mistake and walking away, as I expected, he just stood there and said, “Are you just playing games with me now or what?” I looked coolly at him and said, “Why would I want to do that?” and walked off.

Michal and I walked into the inside portion of the market that sold baked goods, meats, and cheese. There was another flower vendor and my eye was immediately drawn to some beautiful Gerber daisies. They are such a happy flower – they are my second favorite after red roses. They represent two different moods for me. The rose is all about the romantic, whimsical, dreamy, dramatic side of me; the Gerber daisy is about the spontaneity, fun, girly side of me. Anywhoo, I didn’t want to buy one at that moment because I didn’t want it to wilt. I wanted to buy it to put in the empty wine bottle we have at the apartment. So I decided to come back when we were leaving.

The flea market portion of the market was next on the agenda. Lots of random knick-knacks that no one really needs. After perusing the merchandise for awhile, Michal and I decided it was about time to head back. Turning around to walk back towards the entrance, I was horrified to see the two guys from earlier walking towards us and quickly turned to warn Michal about their approach. The guys spotted us and swaggered toward us. I groaned inside. The guy who had spoken to me earlier said, “It’s the Lisa girl.” His friend did the whole obviously checking us out head swoop, undressing me and Michal with his eyes. I shuddered internally and thought of the line from the movie, “Just Like Heaven,” where Elizabeth says, “I think I just threw up in my mouth.” I seriously am still getting over feeling violated. Michal and I quickly moved around them and they said to our backs, “It’s hard to have a conversation with you walking away.” Exactly.

It was time to go, and I walked back into the inside market, excited to purchase the Gerber daisy (I don’t like any other kind of daisy). There was a different lady vendor there now and she was showing two African American ladies a plant right around where the daisies were. Instead of asking the ladies to move, I decided to try to be as unobtrusive as possible, not wanting to inconvenience them at all, by stepping over their stuff to get to the flower I wanted. The vendor stepped in front of me, got in my face and said loudly, “You were SO rude to just step over these ladies’ stuff and cut them off.” (because obviously you’re cutting someone off when they aren’t moving…lol) I was so taken aback and I probably turned ten shades of red, in anger or embarrassment, I could not tell you. Turning around I was expecting to see the two customers to be like, “Oh, no worries, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it!,” with kind faces. No such luck. Stone-cold faces with bulging, offended, eyes glared accusingly at me. Flustered and at a loss, I apologized for my seeming rudeness as that was the least of my intentions. They appeared very skeptical of my apology and rolling her eyes one of the ladies said, “Mmmhmmm, okay.” Well all joy of buying the flower was gone and I did not want to give the vendor any business since she was SO rude to me.

But all in all, it was a very good day indeed. Michal and I were so tired from the afternoon heat that we came back home and slept for two hours. Yes, I forgot my camera – alas. Today we watch “Much Ado About Nothing,” starring Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branaugh, and Denzel Washington. Great movie – Shakespeare knows how to keep one in stitches.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

"These are a Few of My Favorite Things..."

Rachel's Randomness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die." - Jonathan Edwards

Last night I had one of those phone conversations that lasted for hours but neither party noticed. It reminded me of Jane Austen's novel, "Persuasion": "My idea of good company is of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation," said Anne Elliot. To which, her cousin, Mr. Elliot replies, "You are mistaken. That is not good company - that is the best."

During this lively conversation, the Lord again convicted me that I have SO much to be so happy for and rejoice in. I feel too often that we (and I am referring to myself as well here) take all we have been blessed with for granted; that or we merely assume we have a right to these things. God through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, has richly blessed us beyond all measure and way more than we deserve, can ask, or think.

Most of the time, it's so easy to just see what we are lacking in our lives, to find something to complain about. We end up missing the treasures the joys that are right there in front of us. The "little things in life that make me happy," as I like to call it - haha! So through this conversation last night, I have thus been inspired to write down a list of "some of my favorite things." ("Sound of Music," in case you missed the reference) Sorry, I can't help but think in terms of songs or movie lines. Yes, I'm a dork - but the most awesome kind of one - haha!

I also want to write down a short list down of some of my life resolutions. Life is too short to not have a rough draft of future goals - which are always flexible to change depending on where the Lord takes me. Like my dad says, "It's better to have a goal than no goal at all." It will be good to finally have them down in writing. I also hope in doing this that each of you will not only get a laugh out of some of what I'm sure you'll see as ridiculous, but that you all will be encouraged.

A few of my favorite things:

- having the Holy Spirit reveal a verse, I've read dozens of time, in a new light so that I can peel back those layers to understand it in a deeper way

- driving my black Audi A4 '07 across the open highway and me just singing my heart out or getting lost in the lyrics.

- chocolate milk with animal crackers

- fresh, hot, giant, soft, chocolate chip cookies

- someone unexpectedly saying what I feel is the sweetest thing ever in the way of encouragement

- red roses or just flowers - add such color to life!

- laughing until I cry

- hugs

- finding joy in the details and adding flourishes to every area of my life

- a new pair of sharp, classy heels

- dresses or any excuse to dress up

- when my mom puts together an outfit for me and sends it to me and I actually love it

- sipping a glass of wine with my girls, watching a movie and using it as an excuse to have a good cry

- GLEE or Twilight

- conversations that you don't want to come to an end

- loving on, listening, and crying with people - doing little things to cheer them up and spiritually uplift them

- writing with flair and color (as in my blogs)

- quoting movie lines back and forth with friends and family

- knowing I'm loved and treasured by God, friends and family

- praying for my future husband

- having a random adventure and trying new things/places

- curling up on the cool leather of the recliner with a book or to blog, and letting it soothingly cup my body

Okay, so that's just the short list (had to edit a lot out - of course).

A few of my more interesting life resolutions:

- get really good at one form of dancing - either swing, salsa, or the two-step

- travel all of Europe and beyond it

- memorize several chapters out of the Bible besides the ones I already know

- do martial arts or kickboxing

- be able to be effective at shooting a gun

- learn to sail a boat

- drive an Audi V10 R8 at least once

......to name a few - things will always be added......

Well then, this was different. I bid you all a goodnight and a great day!!!!!!

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

For the Amore of Annapolis!

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Ya know, sometimes you gotta learn to love what’s good for you.” – Charlie Swan (New Moon)

I have been both charmed and seduced. Okay I know at this point you must be thinking what Westley in “Princess Bride,” said with a quizzical brow, in response to Inigo asking him if he happened to have six fingers on his right hand: “Do you always begin conversations this way?” – haha! Let me finish before we jump to conclusions shall we? I find that I could very easily live in Annapolis. We went there for a day trip (my family and I). It was a perfect day and very fitting for celebrating Father’s Day! This is the second time I have been to Annapolis. I liked it “okay” the first time I saw it – but today I had more time to explore, take pictures, and explore a lot of its nooks and crannies. Its charm definitely crept up on me and before I knew it, got the better of me, and it was love – haha! I was very jealous of all the people out on their boats – one of my favorite things is to be racing across the open water with the wind whipping my hair around and the sun kissing my skin!

I am always sad when the weekend is over – but I think it’s one of those rare occasions where I’m sadder than usual about it all being over. This was definitely one of the best weekends ever for several reasons. My family has been in town since last Wednesday and they are leaving Tuesday morning – this is a sadness. The bright side is that not only did I get to spend Father’s Day with my dad this year, but that mom will be coming to visit me again in July!!!

Annapolis was wonderful – actually that’s a pathetic word for it – fail. There were a few hilarious episodes that happened while we were there, that kept me in stitches. So I’ll share some with you. The first happened, right after we found a parking spot when we arrived. I had dozed on and off during the trip there – I find that I can pretty much fall asleep anywhere these days. Anyway, back on track here: We were walking along the sidewalk towards the center of the town – Mom was in the front, followed by Dad and Haden, then me a little further behind getting my camera out. An elderly woman was approaching us and so I moved over a little on the narrow sidewalk to make room for her. As she passed me, I heard this sound, which sounded like a squeaking, deflating balloon. At the same time I figured out what the sound was, Haden cocked his head, looked back at me and said, “Rachel…” At that point I exploded in pealing laughter, bent over double. I explained to them that it wasn't me – we were still laughing and Dad and I were so tickled – actually Dad was more tickled at how tickled I was. As we continued to walk we passed this sandwich shop called The Big Cheese. Yeah, you probably can already guess what I thought and what I said to Dad. Turning to Dad I said through my fits of laughter, “I think she definitely enjoyed her lunch at The Big Cheese.” (ya know, “cutting the cheese”?) – haha! Dad pretended to be shocked and said laughingly, “Prissy!” (yeah, that’s my dad’s nickname for me – don’t even think of using it.)

We visited this little shop called Capitol Tea that all sorts of teas and accessories in it. I sampled some of their Peach Tea. It was good but you could more smell the peach than taste it. That’s why some teas have always been frustrating to me. I like flavor and richness to hit my pallet every time. I looked at the guy (who looked like the last person in the world who would be selling tea. He was around my age, ear piercings, dark hair and clothes) and observed that the taste was “dull” and “bland.” He looked at me and said, “We in the world of tea prefer such elegant words as ‘subtle’ (etc.)…” I just looked blankly at him and shrugged. Whatever, he and the world obviously don’t appreciate how my own vocabulary brings something more to the table, enhances ordinary words, and brings a new meaning to life – I of course say this in the most humble, manner of fact way – haha! There was also this garden that mom discovered and showed me, although you had to peep over a stone wall to see it - it felt like a version of "The Secret Garden." There was a wedding reception going on there - SO romantic!!!

All good times must come to an end – on the drive home, as I was listening to Bethany Dillon’s “For My Love,” I happened to glance out of the window, up at the sky, to have my eyes catch the most unusual cloud – at first it looked like lungs – but looking closer, it looked like the two forms of a man and a woman, strolling leisurely out of the mist on their way home after a romantic dinner and dancing. Their heads are leaning towards each other, her arm hooked through his. He has a fedora on and she an elegant long dress – whispering tender, sweet nothings and laughing about their evening and at each other’s wit. True lasting love shines in their eyes and radiates on their faces. It made my heart ache. Simply beautiful. That is all.

There are pictures of the Annapolis trip on my facebook - yay - I have started fulfilling my resolution to take more photos! I also made progress on my second resolution to wear brighter colors and bought some magenta lipstick from M-A-C.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Feelin' Glee(ful)

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game. Too late for second-guessing; too late to go back to sleep. It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap!” - Defying Gravity

I am listening to Glee, singing along, have my feet up on the cool, white, leather recliner, after walking in the door from being out and about all day – first at work, then out on the town for dinner at Union Station and fro-zen-yo with the parental and my younger brother, Haden. I am one content woman. As Lady Harriet says in “Wives and Daughters,” “Well, that was a good day’s work I think.”

It truly is the little things in life that bring me the greatest happiness. I’m getting so pumped up about Eclipse. I won’t be able to see the midnight showing of Eclipse, since it comes out on a Wednesday – this is a sadness. Oh, and Glee is no more until the fall. I’m so in love with Edward Cullen, Finn, and Mr. Schuster!!! There are so many other things to be excited for and look forward to!

This week, like I predicted, has been quirky. I’ve had an odd past few days. Like Bella says in Twilight, “You know, your mood swings are giving me whiplash.” All I can say is thank God for his long-suffering patience and for blessing me with such loving, understanding friends who reach out with words of encouragement at just the right times. This whole topic of pornography that I’ve gotten so wrapped up in and bogged down with, has really began to wear and tear at me, making my heart heavy, and soul weary. The good thing is that I’ve been turning more than ever to Scripture passages and talking with the Lord a lot more throughout the day. Philippians 4 has been of great comfort to me. I’m to the point to where when I hear Kristyn Getty, read passages from the Bible, in her Irish lilt, I get tears in my eyes. God’s word is so beautiful. There’s nothing like it.

I’m sure you all are tired of hearing this, but I’m just going to say it again: I miss Texas. While I’ve really enjoyed D.C., my heart is in Texas. You know what they say, “Home is where the heart is.” I thank God for this experience and internship here; I can already tell He’s growing me through this in so many ways. This is a milestone in my life and He has a purpose. I feel that going back to SMU in the fall and to graduate will be so weird. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.

Years have seem to have gone by since I’ve been here, but it’s only been ONE month and TWO days – but who’s counting? Haha! My article ‘Epidemic’ Net Porn Cited, is the MOST READ article on The Washington Times online website right now – how cool is THAT?!! Also it has over 63 very controversial comments – some of which are merely laughable. There are 49 retweets, and over 400 Facebook recommendations. It even made the front page of the Drudge report!!!! Here’s the link if you want to read for yourself: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jun/15/epidemic-growth-of-net-porn-cited/

Well enough excitement for one day and probably enough boring rambling for the rest of you. Oh, and one more thing. Besides making a point to take more pictures, Lea Michele (Rachel Barry - Glee) has inspired me to wear brighter colors both clothes and lipstick-wise. That is all. It’s time for bed – goodnight and I love you all!!!!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Reflections and Shadows

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me, while I'm alone and blue as can be. Dream a little dream of me” - Dream a Little Dream

Out of the cool darkness, a gazebo that appears to be made up entirely of lights of every bulb size, magically twinkles. Two of the young couples glide gracefully, while a third couple seems to move a little slower and more awkwardly. Upon closer examination, the girl, wearing a leg cast, has been placed with gentle care, on the tops of her boyfriend’s feet. It is no longer an awkward dance they are doing, but a beautiful one as they dance together as one. The other two couples suddenly exit the dance floor in way too close succession, in my mind’s eye. I puzzle at this.

“He must have gotten his ‘scare’ on,” Michal concluded with a matter of fact voice, in response to the puzzlement that must have escaped my lips. I was so startled by the thought and as it struck both of us as funny, we started giggling. I’ve never thought of Edward Cullen – looking all dashing, dancing with Bella, getting his “scare” on.

Oh, the great girl’s nights full of relaxation and laughter. I have a feeling this week is going to especially long, weird, trying, fun and interesting all at once. After my friends Jeff’s graduation party last night, I leaned forward and hugged Michal from the backseat. I sighed woefully and said, “Michal, I think I’m homesick – I think I need to watch Twilight.” Haha – love my logic there.

This is one of those days where I feel I have nothing particularly clever to say, and one of those weeks, where plenty has happened in the way of life, but I somehow don’t feel it’s worth putting down on paper.

I have to share my dad’s response to one of my statuses on facebook this week. This was also a week of where we girls were talking about love, men, and relationships. Great, insightful, lively discussions that were backed up by Scripture and encouragement. So, I myself wasn’t merely listening this week, I too shared my sentiments. What we talked about was nothing new, but it helps to say these truths aloud. Basically some of the conclusions we vented about were: Men like to have their cake and eat it too – They enjoy having all the privileges without the status – Also they enjoy shirking away from the main point you’re making in order to make you look like a fool and to avoid anything being pinned on them – escaping directly answering anything you confront them with. Anyway, my status read: Men are like politicians; Oh wait, politicians ARE usually MEN. I thought the analogy fitting. My dad’s reply kept me in stitches, so I hope you find it funny: “Politicians are like diapers. They both need to be changed often and for the same reason." Great man, my dad; he’s spoiled all other men for me.

I think my parents have only grown more in love, and more adorable since my brother and I left home for college. My dad and mom will go out on dates with each other and my dad is so insightful and sensitive when it comes to my mom. Mom is so loving, and you can tell she thrives in doing thoughtful little things for my dad and taking care of him. They often love playing around and teasing each other – SO awesome! I thank God for their marriage of almost 28 years.

Speaking of my little family, I am beyond excited to see them for the first time in a month, this Wednesday!!! They are coming into D.C. and staying through next Monday!

Well, I shall hope my wit and good humor returns shortly; I so dislike being stuck in this rut. This week’s resolution, among many: Take more pictures!!! Tomorrow I have work – so I shall bid you all a good night and adieu. Let me know how I can pray for each of you or if there’s anything you want to share with me. I miss and love each of you – even if I’ve been awful at staying in touch. Have a great week!!!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Like a Medley

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Eighty-five percent, cocoa chocolate and organic peanut butter is like a really handsome man with a really great voice asking me to marry him.” – Michal

Today was a banner day for so many reasons!!! But, as Mr. Collins said in “Pride and Prejudice:” “Before I allow my emotions to run away with me….” I will work through the jumbled emotions and reactions in my head in order to work them out on paper for each of you to understand in a more organized fashion.

It all started out with groggily waking up to a head full of allergies – always a cheery way to start one’s morning. Then came the getting ready for work part and the quick grabbing of a granola bar for breakfast before rushing out into the cool, sunny morning on the way to the metro.

I sit down in my cubicle at The Washington Times and set my gym bag to one side and my J. Crew leather bag (which is always a big hit with all the ladies) to the other. Reaching down into my bag I grab my notes to begin writing the article on women and their struggle with pornography – heavy stuff. Michal’s voice floats softly across the mostly deserted newsroom floor: “Rachel, check out The Washington Times online home page.” “Okay,” I thought to myself. “Interesting request.” I hollered over, more loudly than a whisper, “One second!” Opening up to the homepage of the Times I saw the bold headline: “Military abortion issue returns.” It’s the story I had worked on for hours that had beaten the stuffing out of me, yesterday! Whoop, whoop!!!! I was so surprised that I simply sat staring blankly, with my jaw hanging open, at the computer screen. Then came the jumping up and down, and squealing like a high school girl with major hormonal issues. Thank goodness no one but Michal was around to hear me act in such an unprofessional way. I hurried towards the main lobby of the building and grabbed five newspapers. The article has been cut out of one of them in order to hang it on the wall above my bed.

The next couple of items that made this a banner day can most likely, although I’m not promising, be summed up in a few short paragraphs. Oh, the test of space. Wow, there are just so many little neat things about my days that bring me such joy and I wish I could share every one of them with you all – but this will have to suffice. So, tonight was the season finale of Glee!!! I can’t decide but I believe I’m mostly happy, but sad at the same time. What will I do without Glee for the next few months?! It didn’t end as I was expecting, which is both good and bad. Believe me, there was lots of tears and laughter. The moment I had been waiting for all season long had finally arrived about half way through the last episode – Finn told Rachel, “I love you.” Everybody on three – 1, 2, 3 – Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!! The songs equaled awesomeness. Josh Groban even made a guest appearance and Sue Sylvester surprised me most of all. I can’t wait to buy all the songs from tonight’s episode on iTunes!

The Eclipse movie soundtrack was released today!!!! So stoked – June is a great month! The new iPhone 4G is being released in Apple stores near you on the 24th, and I’m due for an upgrade!!! Eclipse comes out in theaters on the 30th – so going to the midnight showing – like I’m so there it’s insane. Oh, and I ran four miles today and felt nothing but greatness and a sense of accomplishment – knowing that I had worked up to that stamina. Thanks to "Coach" Michal – haha!

Well, tomorrow she and I will be covering different events in the afternoon – so neither of us will be going into work. I’m covering something to do with the tea party movement – just up my alley.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

A Klutz's Tale

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I have never met anyone more prone to life threatening idiocy.” - Alice Cullen

Have you ever heard of the expression, “A Jonah day”? Yeah, well, that is a very apt description of my own day this past Friday. But the story must be told. Whether it will evoke empathy, or laughter, or both, is completely up to you. Personally, I feel like it should have been documented for America’s Funniest Videos.

It all started off with me groggily waking up, all cocooned in my down comforter, groaning as the soft strains of “I Dreamed a Dream,” from the television show Glee, came out of my alarm clock. With my eyes blurry and unfocused I reached to switch off the alarm. It is the one time in my day where I resent music. I feel like punching it in the face for trying to force its cheery, upbeat mood on me.

I quickly got ready and left earlier than usual so that I would have time to buy a few copies of The Washington Times. Today was the first day I have ever been published in a major newspaper! I wrote on the glamorous, exciting topic of the Gore’s recent marriage breakup. Yes, I was being facetious or sarcastic – whatever you’d prefer to call it. I interviewed David and Claudia Arp, authors of “Second Part of Marriage,” and founders of Marriage Alive. I also interviewed Jonathan Robinson who has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Lost in thought, I got off the crowded metro and emerged into the semi-fresh air at Metro Center. Fridays are seminar days at the National Journalism Center. Walking towards the National Press Building, I looked down at my phone to check the time. I saw stairs to the left of me so I moved towards the right thinking that the two sidewalks met evenly. Of course they didn’t, of course I was wearing heels – my heel did a weird twisty thing as I fell, full force towards the hard concrete, my iPhone catapulting through the air. My hands and knees hit the ground, my knees taking a good bit of the impact as I twisted my body to land partly on my bottom, so as to not rip my nice, new, black dress slacks. Somewhere in the distance I heard people gasp in horror and concern. My kneecaps felt as if they were knocked out of their sockets, and the first thought I had was, “I’m not going to a hospital, so nothing better be broken.” I felt completely paralyzed and like a klutz. An older man hurried over to my side as I was gasping for the air that got knocked out of me and said, “Oh my gosh, you’re such a little thing. Are you all right?” He reached down to take my hand and I merely held onto his hand for what felt like an eternity trying to assess the damage, but the my first thought after he said that was, “He called me a ‘little thing.’”

A lady brought over my iPhone, which I had forgotten about until now, and said, “Can you move your ankles okay? You didn’t rip your clothes or anything so that’s good and your phone appears to be fine.” Slowly, they both assisted me to my feet and I thanked them both profusely. Getting up I realized my leather bag from J. Crew was leaking fast. With a groan I remembered several things at once: my poor bag, notes from my interview with Joshua Harris, Michal’s cell phone (which I thought she’d want during the day), and my NJC folder. I had brought a diet cherry Pepsi with me, along with my lunch – the can must have exploded when it hit the sidewalk. Quickly I popped a squat down on the sidewalk and dug everything out. I then dumped a good portion of the liquid in the trash, wishing for napkins to wipe off all my stuff. So yes, Michal’s phone had seen better days. But all that has been sorted and I can look back and laugh now.

Oh, and to even make things better, I fell going up the escalator at the Rosslyn Metro later that night – oh so fun. This time I skinned my knee and punctured the bottom of my left big toe, causing a bloody mess. So yes, a “Jonah day” indeed: Two hard falls and single-handedly destroying Michal’s cell phone. But the Pollyanna side of it is that at least these kind of days are few and far between.

Last night my roomie and I laughed over "A Knight's Tale." Prince Edward, despite appearing in a few scenes, is one of my favorite characters - he is so regal and a man of honor and integrity. I love when he says to William Thatcher (Heath Ledger), "What a pair we make. Both trying to hide who we are. Both unable to do so...You're men love you. If I didn't know anything else about you that would be enough." Of course Geoffrey Chaucer (Paul Bettany) is so hilarious. He cracks me up when he says, "Ah, trudging. You know, to trudge? To trudge: The slow, weary, depressing, yet determined walk of a man who has nothing left in his life except the impulse to soldier on."

And trudge through this week I shall. Thanks, Geoff - haha!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

A Run to Remember

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Yeah, I had an adrenaline rush. It’s very common. You can Google it.” - Edward Cullen

I love how music helps to pump up adrenaline in my body. Music speaks to every fiber of my being and if you hang around me long enough, you’ll figure out that I can’t listen to music and not move in some way to it; that or sing along with it – it’s a natural urge.

“Safety Dance,” performed by Glee of course, drummed through my head and set a steady rhythm for my feet as they pounded against the concrete on my run with Michal. She, being the better runner of the two of us, took the lead. We ran towards the Iwo Jima monument (keep in mind that this is Memorial Day weekend). There is a bike trail that Michal found, weaving alongside the Arlington Cemetery for a bit leading us over the Potomac, which sparkled like a shiny, blue sapphire in the sunlight. I found myself grinning from ear to ear as the breeze soothed away some of the heat and humidity of the afternoon – I praised God several times for being young, healthy, and alive. We found ourselves at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and I eagerly dodged in and out of tourists to get to the top to see Honest Abe himself. There he was, sitting all majestic on his throne-like chair. I felt his marble cold, yet warm eyes on me, as if he were saying, “I expect great things out of you young lady. Don’t squander your gifts or lose sight of the eternal things for your own personal gratification.”

Seriously, though, who gets to go on such a historic and scenic run like that every day?!! Michal and I felt like locals, running alongside the Potomac as tourists on their buses and with their cameras passed us by. Cool feeling, despite that we are only three-month locals – ha ha! On our run back towards Iwo Jima, we spotted several men and women in uniform and lots of kids with matching t-shirts on. It was pretty crowded. Michal got ahead of me, as I was passing close to the monument, I saw this middle-aged guy yell, “Over here!” and cup his hands in the air in order to catch a ball that I assumed was coming at him from somewhere. Okay, so quick freeze frame here and side note: I’m usually the one with the target painted on my forehead. Can’t figure out why other than I’m tall or just seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s funny because I always know when it’s coming and just brace myself for it – yet it’s like I’m in the kind of dream where you’re running but can’t seem to get anywhere. Back to ball coming out of nowhere. So I literally cringe and squat as I run, hoping to avoid the football - *WHAM!* - right across my right temple – I had to laugh, although I was annoyed at the kid who threw it. Come on! In a crowded park around the Iwo Jima?! I was grateful to find it was a soft football and not a real one, which would have left a bruise. I didn’t need another bruise added to my already flourishing collection.

It was definitely a girl’s day and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was sweet. Michal and I showered and met up with Jeff in Old Town (Alexandria). We did a little window shopping, I snapped photos, and we stopped for dinner at a little European bakery. It was delish! I then treated Michal and myself to the first Starbucks we’ve had since we’ve been in D.C. It had been four months since Michal had had one. Jeff had left to hit up some nightlife before we headed to Starbucks – so we took our times strolling back to the Metro at Kings Street. The trees along the wide avenue were strung up with twinkling white lights.

Getting home after our rendition of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" on the Metro, which had people rolling their eyes at us, we got comfy and sat on my bed for a hot date with Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice.” Of course we sighed and had teary eyes when Mr. Darcy tells Elizabeth at the end, “If however, your affections have changed, I must tell you that you’ve bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. And never wish to be parted from you from this day on.”

It was a banner day. That is all. Goodnight my loved ones!

Note: For more pics of my adventures, refer to my facebook albums, which I update often.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Metro Madness

Rachel's Randomness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I want you to be swept away out there. I want you to levitate. I want you to sing with rapture and dance like a dervish." - Meet Joe Black

The news floor of The Washington Times is full of the sounds of computer keyboards gently clacking, the murmur of various reporter's voices and the occasional ring of phones. It reminds me of closing my eyes, holding my breath, and going underwater at the ocean -- listening to the sounds of people above you, the splashing, and the crashing of the waves. I randomly click on my Jabber chat video feature to check my appearance at 3 in the afternoon. I look tired, pinched, and deeply reflective - I've got to watch the frown lines between my eyebrows - the skin there was almost scrunched together.

I had just finished a great, although brief 10 minute interview with Dr. Douglas Weiss, the Executive Director of Heart to Heart Ministries. Nice man with a soothing voice - but not creepy soothing - he knows his stuff. I would go to him with marriage issues I think. Wait, that thought right there scares me. Scratch that - haha!

Okay, so I'm going to give you all a brief sum up of my week - the main things that stood out in each day - so that you're not tempted to "drop me like third period French." (for those of you who appreciate Ocean's 11)

Tuesday: Our bus driver, Alan, who drives us between Union Station and The Washington Times, thinks everything I say is hilarious and he loves giving me a hard time, but I give him a hard time back. He has dubbed me "Speedy" since apparently everyone here feels that I'm in need of multiple nicknames. Interesting Metro ride home Tuesday night. I stood up from my seat thinking the Metro conductor had completely stopped, only to find myself catapulting backwards grabbing nothing but air. Fortunately I half landed back in my seat, the other half of my bottom bone went *SMACK* into the armrest. Needless to say I will have a knot and bruise there for a long time - haha. Now THAT scene wasn't awkward at all. I had to laugh at myself and shrug it off to get people's eyes off of me. Finally put a collage of pictures I cut out of a Vogue magazine on my wall. This issue featured Matt Morrison from GLEE and Kristen Stewart from the Twilight series. Yay for our apartment looking more girly!

Thursday: Had another Metro adventure. I've figured out that the Metro only likes me every other day of the week. Got trapped on the Metro - the doors would not open on it. So we had to wait for 15 minutes and they still wouldn't open, then went up to the next station to turn back around to Metro Center. It was such a nuisance plus I started to feel claustrophobic and scared. Keep in mind that this all happened during rush hour when everyone is packed in like sardines. I kept muttering under my breath, "Dang it, dang it." When I learned that we would have to go to the next stop I groaned. There was a women in a wheelchair in front of me who looked back at me and said, "They have to go up to the next stop so the doors will open. Just chill - it's no big deal." Ha! Easy for you to say - I've never been trapped in a Metro car before and I don't think you struggle with tight places like I do. Decided not to say that out loud to her. Coming home from working out I noticed that it seemed like EVERY woman walking around or out of my apartment complex was pregnant! I wanted to say out loud, "What the heck?! What's with all the babies? Is there something in the water here?!" I even looked down to check my own stomach - whew - it's flat. Later that night the fire alarm in our building went off. It was so loud and obnoxious. I felt bad for all the firemen who had to come out for no reason. Yeah, Michal and I didn't even sweat about it and stayed in our room - we'd figure since we didn't smell smoke it was good. Took the firemen forever to figure out how to turn the alarm off.

Friday: I officially hate my feet. They look like I've been to battle and back again. I'm all bruises, blisters, pussy sores, and achy arches. Yes, I know I've shared this all before, but if I thought it was bad then, wow, it's nothing compared to now. I had my NJC session with Dr. Bird today. We mostly discussed our reading of this book titled, "The Law." Great but short read; it really broke down what the law should be and what socialism was. One of the main messages of the book talked about legal and illegal plunder and how socialists practice legal plunder and make the law their own weapon. We also concluded from the reading that consensus does not establish morality. I really enjoyed what I learned and what was reaffirmed in class today. Tonight I went to Georgetown for the first time since I've been here. It was so beautiful, cute and picturesque! I mentally kicked myself for not bringing my camera. Can't wait to go back and explore more. I was out with Natalia and Michaela - sweet girls. We grabbed some frozen yogurt which I had been craving since I got to D.C. It then started to rain. I thought of Margaret in Sense and Sensibility telling Marianne (after she said it wasn't going to rain), "You always say that and it always does!" It turned out to be a torrential downpour, which turned the crosswalks into the next best thing after Noah's flood. I've never got THAT accidentally wet before. I had to kick off my shoes and walk around barefoot, which of course felt superb on my open blisters. This whole scenario was so unbelievable that it became comical. Michaela nearly wiped out five times in front of me to which I died laughing each time. I had to admire her incredible balancing skills - I would have hit the concrete each time. She also, every time we'd encounter a puddle would lose a shoe and it would start floating off downstream - ha ha!!!

Tomorrow Michal and I are going to sleep in, (as I glance at the clock that reads 1:15 a.m.) and then workout and go walk around Old Town in Alexandria tomorrow in the afternoon. It'll be a nice girl's day. I shall write more tomorrow and shall be more witty and entertaining. I'm so burned out and can't think of clever movie quotes at the second. I've got a lot of work to do. Goodnight my friends and family!

Peace out,

Rachel Duke

Food for Thought

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Always resignation and acceptance. Always prudence and honour and duty. Elinor, where is your heart?” - Marianne Dashwood

Food. Isn’t that a beautiful word when you’re starving, as I was? For indeed that one simple word was in the forefront of my mind. I had had no food since this morning. My stomach growled hungrily as I stepped through the loud, pushy bevy of elderly French people, into the wonderful mixture of Italian aromas that greeted me in the Olive Garden. What annoyed me the most is when one of the French ladies loudly insist that she walk through the door first and looked at me as if I had intentionally cut her off. Good riddance – and they call Americans loud?! My despair grew as I heard that there would be a 40 minute wait. Forty minutes?! On a Sunday night?! Seriously people?! What foreign planet have I dropped onto? I think Dallas can spare some of their restaurants and send them this way because they seem short of them in Virginia. That is all.

Michal and I got the delicious soup and salad. I ordered minestrone soup. Their breadsticks at the “OG” as we now call it, are addicting – so I limited myself to two. After she and I had three small bowls of salad and two bowls of soup – which we scarfed down – we groaned at how full we were. We didn’t know how we were going to get up, so Michal said, “Maybe we should just roll out in these chairs.” It struck us both so funny and it just kept getting funnier. Between fits of giggles I said, “Yeah, can you just see us rolling in these Olive Garden chairs across the parking lot – race you to the car!” More peals of laughter and finally tears were pouring down both our cheeks, as Jeff’s group of puzzled and somewhat concerned friends looked on. Every time we tried to explain, it just wouldn’t come out and we’d laugh all the harder. Brian finally said jokingly, “What’s going on here? Did you all just start cutting onions on the table?” That didn’t help and I was gasping for relief and air. Again, Brian said, “Oh, do you need my asthma inhaler? Oh wait I didn’t bring it. I’m going to die but I hope you all don’t.” I was at the point where I wanted relief from my laughter so much that I was yelling my laughs to get more air. Good times.

Today we went back to The Washington Times. I did research on women and their struggle with pornography and called to schedule an in-person interview with Joshua Harris, writer of “I Kissed Dating Goodbye,” and “Sex Isn’t the Problem, Lust Is.” He also is the pastor of Covenant Life Church in Maryland. I’m hoping and praying it works out. I’m excited.

Although today was a good day in so many ways and got texts and IMs that made my heart smile and made my day, I was very keenly homesick at the same time and was tempted to hop on the next plane. On the Metro ride home, when I was alone with my thoughts tonight, I asked myself in doubt, “Why am I really here? What’s the point?” But then I had to remind myself of how God has guided my footsteps to this place, time, and moment and that He has a purpose for all this, which I cannot see. God has always been and always will be faithful. As my dad is fond of saying to me, “God has a good plan for your life because He is a good God.”

Michal and I worked out hard again today. Wow, I feel more in shape than I have in months. I’ll come home a thinner and more toned woman I’m thinking. Tonight was the series’ finale of 24 – can you say, emotionally raw and INTENSE?!!! It was a great ending and even I teared up at the end. I’m going to miss Jack Bauer – he is my hero – and it is one of the best TV shows ever.

Goodnight my friends and family!!! Continue to lift me up in prayer and let me know how I can do so for each of you.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Running Towards the Goal

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Endure. You can be the outcast. You can make the choice that no one else will face - the right choice." – Alfred Pennyworth

Well I’m happy to report that I made it through week one of D.C.! This has been a day of solace, reflection and relaxation. Michal and I did manage to get a lot of work done and run a little over two miles.

This afternoon I worked on editing a video clip and I began to hear the gentle, soothing notes of the Emma soundtrack. It almost surprised me but then I remembered how Michal was in love with the fictional Mr. Knightley. I prefer Mr. Darcy myself, so it’s good that we are in love with different men – haha! Turning my head and smiling at her I said, “A party is a party, but a party on a winter’s eve….I would rather fall short by two than exceed by two.” We both laughed, remembering the ridiculous Mr. Elton.

Michal and I are pretty much in sync when it comes to knowing the same music, appreciating the same authors, loving the same musicals, and quoting the same movies. We shock each other at how we can finish each other’s sentences or finish off a movie quote. While crossing the street one day, Michal said, “I’m too young to die!” (It is a quote from The Legend of Zorro). Laughing, I finished off the second part of the quote: “I have my whole life ahead of me!” I swear people around us, if they don’t already, are going to get sick of us or think us extremely strange creatures. We even randomly burst into chorus and sing, “Jessie’s Girl,” “Sobbin’ Women,” and “Going Courtin’.” The last two songs are from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Good times.

One of my goals while I’m here is to build up my cardio endurance. Michal is training for a half marathon and we both push each other to exercise, even though it feels like we walk around the entire city ten times. We run two miles this afternoon – we ran past Iwo Jima – wow, who gets to do that every day? It felt good to get my legs pumping in the cool evening air that promised rain. It is a whole new thing for me to go running across crosswalks and through traffic. You can’t help but feel you’re in your own version of Live Free, Die Hard, as your blood is pumping, your breathing is labored, the music is pounding against your ears, and you’re on high alert for cars as you cross the street.

I love how my roommate and I have such similar tastes – a match made in heaven – haha! Michal loves the story of Emma as I mentioned earlier. I told her about the newest Emma that BBC had recently released and she watched it and loved it – I was pleased.

A revelation (you could call it a conviction) occurred to me as I was showering tonight that blew me away. I just have to share it with you all and put it down on paper so I don’t forget. I promise I don’t mean it to offend and it’s for me to tell myself as well. Well, here it goes. People, I think I can safely assume, drink mostly to the point of getting drunk, to get some sort of relief, fulfillment, and happiness which is lacking in their life. Why then, as Christians, do we do the same? We shouldn’t! God and our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, should consume all of that emptiness, discontentment, the lack of happiness and fulfillment. We should be vibrant, filled with joy, so satisfied with who we are in Him that people around us should be asking for the reason for the hope that is within us.

Well that’s my sermon of the week and I’ll end on that I think; that, and how I don’t know how long I can survive in the world of journalism without translating everything around me in a spiritual light. It’s frustrating and shallow how we are so ready to make everything merely a matter of scientific fact. People shy away from the word: sin. I’ve done enough venting for one night. Tomorrow is going to be homework reading day and then church. Hope each of you has an awesome Sunday!

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Anticipation: Makes Ya Stronger, if it Doesn't Kill Ya

Rachel’s Randomness

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve.” - Jane Austen

I make my weary feet move me upstream through the press of people, some stop to turn their heads at my very bold, popping, should be a construction sign, orange and pink workout clothes. It is rush hour here in D.C. and it is “every man for himself.” I must say that I am happy to report and am quite smug about how quickly I’ve learned my way around the Metro system. I even follow the path of the regular commuters as they climb, or run, up and down the left side of the escalators.

It is often uncomfortably warm underground in the Metro. I call Dad while walking down the escalator to catch my ride home. Home; wow that word sounds like an oasis to my weary body and soul. Cannot wait to get home, tidy up, take out the trash, make my bed, and eat some dinner! I’ve discovered something – all underground transportation systems smell the same. It’s hard to explain or place the exact smell, but I’ll give it a shot: dank, mixture of various colognes and perfumes, train fumes, but also like a wet cave. Ok, so that was a random rabbit trail – back to Dad. So as I talk to Dad, and reflect on my experiences in D.C. so far, I realize something; something that took me by surprise, and I was in utter disbelief and almost denial. I HAVE ONLY BEEN HERE FOR ONE WEEK?! That’s right – just one; one week. Seven days, 168 hours. Ok then, well with that revelation flashing in red letters across my mind, I take a deep breath, telling myself to take things one day at a time.

Today has been a long day, just as this week has been a long week. It’s been very demanding, but good. It weirds me out at times to realize that I am an adult and am on my way to becoming a young professional. I almost am tempted to turn around at times to look for me and say, “Where did you go and when did you suddenly go ‘POOF!’ and grow up?!” While being an adult has many advantages, at times I feel like none of them are particularly glamorous. Peter Parker (and yes, I’m about to quote a movie. Deal with it.) in Spiderman best sums it up: “With great power, comes great responsibilty.”

I feel this desire to blog every single day because I want each of you to share the same excitement and experience the same passion; to see, feel, touch and smell D.C. with me. But there never seems to be enough time in the day and I have so much to do when I get home that times flies by and I drop, like one utterly spent or dead, into bed.

I sit on my bed, even now, predictably munching on animal crackers and sipping chocolate milk, debating what I want to tell you because there is so much to tell. Well, I’ve concluded that most of the things that I would share would be “boring” according to your mind. Like Inigo Montoya says in the Princess Bride, “I will explain. Wait, no, that is too long. I will sum up.”

Yesterday was my first day with The Washington Times! It was a very other worldly and heady experience; let me tell you that right now. I was saddened to see a lack of young, vibrant people on the newsroom floor, shooting around ideas, dreaming of possibilities, showing off their tech skills. That is what I’m used to when I hang around the journalism department at SMU. Everyone was very welcoming. Michelle Philips, my roommate Michal, and myself, from the NJC, are interning together, but are assigned to different departments. We missed both buses waiting at Union Station because the driver didn’t recognize us. Carleton Bryant, multi media director at the Times, and the man who’s authority we are under, had to come and personally pick us up. Carleton, as he insisted us calling him, is quite an unexpectedly colorful character, but at the same time often a mystery. It’s very edgy being around him. I must take a second to point out that he’s a tall, slender, middle-aged, African American man with gray speckled across his head like ‘snow’ on a TV screen. I thanked God the moment I met Carleton, for all my guy friends He has placed in my life and how I’ve learned how to handle their sometimes quirky humor. For instance, all three of us were in the back seat of his car. I decided that since he had the AC turned off that I would crack the passenger window, which of course mused my hair and smelled of diesel. It was either that or melt. Michelle cracked her passenger window as well. As she did that, I heard a gentle click of Carleton locking the windows and wondered why in the blue blazes would someone lock the windows after they were rolled down? I shrugged it off and then hear him say, “Oh, by the way, the back windows are broken so you can’t roll them up.” Michelle gasped in horror, laughed nervously, and said in a sorry voice, “Oh no!” I rolled my eyes and decided to be bold and give him as good as he gave. I shot back without blinking and laughingly said, “He’s giving us a hard time Michelle. The windows aren’t broken.” Carleton said something like, “Oh no?” I said, “I heard you lock the windows.” He looked taken aback and then pleased. Looking in the rearview me at me he said, “So, you’re the smart one, huh?” We all laughed.

After meeting most of the staff at the Times, and filling out all the paperwork, Carleton gave us a tour of the building – about which there is much to be said. I will say that he was forever giving me a hard time and was very entertained by my knack to explore and dart unafraid into dark hallways, as if I owned the place. Michal whispered to me at one point, after I pointed out all this, “It just means he likes you the most.” I guffawed. Carleton introduced us to Victor, the editor of the National desk. We girls shuffled over to greet him again, having met him in the morning meeting. He smiled and said, “You’re Michal and you’re Michelle.” Turning towards me he seemed to have pulled a blank, but that’s okay since I seem to have that effect on people – haha – he finally just gave up and said jokingly, “You’re ‘the other one.” Wow, now that’s original and doesn’t creepily remind me of the “Others” in LOST. We all laughed and I pointed out that he remembered their names because they were the M&Ms. So yes, that is now my nickname, for better or for worse; at least until I earn another one, which better be fast.

I am assigned to mostly cover the family beat at the newspaper. My mentor’s name is Cheryl Wetzstein and she’s been with The Washington Times for 27 years. Fun, great lady – even better and a sign it was meant to be – she is left-handed, like me, and loves movies! We became acquainted and she told me that she has been doing a lot of articles and columns on men and the issue of pornography. I pitched her an idea about writing an article, or several (depending on all the angles) talking about women and their struggle with pornography because most people generally think it only concerns men. Cheryl loved the idea and already has me researching. I got to tag along to a meeting on Capitol Hill with her and I got an one-day press pass that got me through the basement of the Capitol. It was so cool! It was like going through secret tunnels. We even rode this mine train looking shuttle that whisked us along to the other side of the Capitol. I came within touching distance, for the first time in my life, to several senators and various members of Congress – talk about heady.

Well, my loved ones, my bottom is going numb from sitting so long and I must give this brain some rest. Each of you is sorely missed and I will see things throughout the day that remind me of you in some way. I’ve said just enough to bore you and yet not quite enough for a novel – haha! You all must ask me about the P.O.V. rooftop experience where I got to sip wine and look out through the inky blackness at the magical lights of D.C.

Peace out,
Rachel Duke

Don't Despise Small Beginnings

Rachel’s Randomness
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Is there any felicity in the world superior to this?!” – Marianne (Sense and Sensibility)

The clock seems to tick faster as I am sprawled out, with my legs up, on the plush, somewhat worn and dirty, leather recliner, which used to be white but is now more yellowish in hue. I’ve never understood the reasoning behind people who buy white leather furniture. I think it is rather ironic that people typically buy it because it’s pleasing to the eye yet, inevitably and eventually, it turns into an eyesore. I would call the soft pitter patter of the rain a soothing lullaby and romanticize the description of it had I not been out in it all day long. It has been a constant, annoying drizzle as we walked from Metro to Metro in the D.C. area with merely two little umbrellas shared betwixt four girls.

My feet, if they had a mouth, would be moaning and screaming at me in agony as I forgot to pack flats in my purse this morning before heading over with my roommate, Michal, to the National Press Building. Thank you, Mom, for packing Aleve! You would think I would not have forgotten that important detail, having lived in London for five weeks last summer doing study abroad through Southern Methodist University. I went D.C. for the first time when I was nine, but am enjoying it so much more as an adult, a lover of all things historical, and as a journalist. To me, it feels like a miniature version of London.

I have got to tell you at least a little bit about the apartment I’m staying in, which is located in Rosslyn, Va. It looks like an ordinary brick building, and you have to have a key to buzz yourself in at the second set of glass doors. So you sort of feel like you are in a New York apartment building. We even have a guy at the front desk 24/7. Our apartment number is 236, which is cool because 2x3 = 6 – yeah that’s how I remember it anyway. When you walk a very short distance down the hallway, which they have at Arctic temperature, we are the first door on the left. Inside our studio apartment, the entire left wall is composed of mirrors. It struck me as odd and I immediately thought of the scene in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, when Admiral Croft is about to rent the Elliot estate. He walks into Mr. Elliot’s bed chamber and exclaims when he notices all of the looking glasses in the room, “I’ve never seen so many looking glasses. There’s no getting away from oneself.”

Michal and I are hard at work to make our apartment look more homey and girly. There was a huge American flag hung opposite of the wall of mirrors that we both concluded looked way too much like a bachelor pad. Just this evening, we took down the sign of independence and expressed our own liberation; ironically with a poster of the London skyline.

First day of orientation went fairly well and I really like all the interns I’m with in Group 2. Fortunately, Michal is among them. We were all a bit antsy to know with what media outlet we had been placed with. Both Michal and I squealed and hugged each other as a way of congratulations as we found out that we both were working for The Washington Times. Michal looked over her shoulder grinning and said, “It’s such a ‘God thing’!”

Well, like I said, the clock is ticking fast and reads 1:08 a.m. Sleep is beckoning. Lessons have been learned today, and tomorrow is round two. I begin with The Washington Times on Thursday. I can’t wait to hit the gym or go running around the Potomac! Goodnight my friends and loved ones. As Michal’s friend tells her, “Sleep sweet!”

Peace out,
Rachel Duke