All the Craze

Rachel’s Randomness
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“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
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“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

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"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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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“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