The Little Things In Life

The other day I was in the grocery store getting some things. And by things I mean chocolate chips. And when I went to check out I found 2 of my favorite things there, just waiting for me. My impulsive nature means that of course they're coming home with me! "What are these mysterious things?" you ask yourself. Well don't ask yourself! Ask me! I was there! I know the answer! And the answer is...

Pepsi Throwback and strawberry gum.

"Ah, but of course" you say in your best nasally French accent. (Well that's how I'd say it anyway.) Who doesn't love Pepsi Throwback and strawberry gum? Idiots! That's who. This is even Orbitz strawberry gum, a kind I've never had before. It smelled a little funny, sort of sharp, like it may have been strawberry mint, which I refuse to enjoy.

Mint Rant: Mint is a freshener. It's used in things like toothpaste and gum to make your breath all fresh and nice for kissing and close talking. It's a gum flavor that is more for other people as opposed to like, fruity gum which is mostly a flavor for you to enjoy in the privacy of your own mouth. Mint should not be mixed with things. Especially things that are already tasty on their own. Things like chocolate and fruit. So to me, that whole, Thin Mint cookie or other bullshit flavors that combine chocolate and mint are guh-ross.

Anyway, I was afraid that this gum was strawberry mint, so I was slightly apprehensive as I unwrapped the first piece and put it in my mouth. Hooray! It's normal strawberry gum! One of the unfortunate ways it's like normal strawberry gum is that the beautiful burst of flavor upon first chew dissipates disappointingly quickly. it lasts less than 3 minutes on average, I'd say. As someone who will chew the same piece of gum for hours on end, this is less than optimal.

It makes me sad that there isn't a good long lasting strawberry gum, but I'm happy that there is a new, more legit brand that sells this delightful confection. I plan on chewing it as often and as long as I can. It's one of my favorite things. Along with girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, brown paper packages tied up with strings, silver-white winters that melt into springs. You know, shiz like that. And Pepsi Throwback. That just tastes yummy. It's perfect. Don't ever change it.

Bake-a-lake

Okay, so I didn't actually bake a lake, but it's a rhyme-y type thing and it sounded good so shut it before I punch you in your mouth.

I'm just cranky because I haven't yet eaten any of my COFFEE CAKE that I baked this morning. Now, why would I bake such a delicious thing and then not eat it? Well, my friends, it is because I am taking it to my Agricultural Team Meeting.

Yes, dear reader. (I am assuming that Amy is still the only one reading this since I have not publicized it elsewhere.) I am a member of the Conner Prairie Agricultural Team.  "But Rachel!" You might be saying to yourself, which is weird because you're talking to me. "You don't know shit about agriculture!"

And to that I say: "You are correct, dear sir and or madam. I do not know shit about agriculture. BUT! I do know shit about teams! And meetings! And I have a desire to learn more about agriculture!"

"But is that enough to be part of the Agricultural Team Meeting?" You would then rebut. (note: spell check says rebut is the correct spelling and that rebutt is not. Interesting.) Which is again, odd, because then I am speaking in your head and the imaginary me is giving the same response as real hypothetical me which is either a coincidence OR psychic on your part. So, go you!

Where was I? Oh yes, well, apparently it IS enough to get me on the Ag Team and I love it! I've been learning about pig ear notching and feeding animals and aaalllllll sorts of things.

But back to my original reason for this, my coffee cake. It is the most wonderfully delicious thing you've ever put in your mouth. I mean, seriously. It's one of my mom's recipes so you know it's good. As I was advised by someone when describing this amazing treat to them as being totally BOSS, I got this reply which made me laugh out loud, so swallow your latte, Amy, or else you'll choke.

"Then I bet it's more than BOSS. It's got to be DISTRICT MANAGER or something higher."

Yeah, I thought so too.

I'm gonna try really hard, guys

So, tonight I went to a Manchester College men's basketball game at Anderson University. I don't go to many college men's basketball games, but I enjoy them when I do. In fact, at almost any sporting event, something happens to me.

I start to care.

I begin to yell things like "Get it, Black!" and "Let's go MC!" and "REBOUND!" I clap when the refs call a good foul on the other team and when we come down with the ball. This happens at almost any sporting event I attend, excepting maybe Pacers games, because when I've been there, we've sat in the nosebleeds and so I know it doesn't make sense for me to yell.

The game tonight was particularly good. Manchester and Anderson are fierce rivals and in the HCAC they were tied in the standings. Anderson won by 2 points in one of the closest games I've ever seen. But we also heard that first place Hanover, who were previously undefeated in the conference got beat by Rose-Hulman. Heh. Nerds.

You may ask yourself, why is Rachel talking about this at all? The answer is that I don't know. I didn't know or care about the HCAC men's basketball standings until tonight, when I went to the game and got sucked in. Do you ever get that way? Do you ever not care about something until you're right there and then BAM it's important? Tell me about it.

Welp...

I hope you're happy Amy. I'm doing this for you.