Summer of Rain '09

So, Friday afternoon myself, Stan, Jo Jo, Aaron, and Narine all piled into my PT Bruiser and started the long, rainy trek down to Florida.
We left about 5:00 so traffic was an absolute nightmare.
The ride down included bad thunderstorms, delicious Cracker Barrel, raunchy farts, and entirely inappropriately-themed Mad Libs. Good times.
We crashed at Matt Gestapo's and Marty's for the weekend; they were awesome enough to let all five of us crash in their living room. We decided that Marty is a pretty bad-ass pit, and he'll fit in very well in Atlanta.

Saturday we met up with Foundation and went to the best damn flea market I've ever been to.
There were Pro-American t-shirts, knives, peanuts, and video games purchased.
From there we destroyed some Tijuana Flats tex-mex and headed to the beach for a few before the show.
As you can see the weather was gorgeous and sunny.

These sexy guys played some frisbee, and we all tried to stay out of the water which was ICE cold.
From there we headed to the show which ended up being a church with a HUGE painting of a black Jesus on the back wall of the room.
Matt Smith, Narine, and myself missed Learn Nothing because what should have been a quick Starbucks trip took forever because this little Hispanic guy kept stealing everyone drinks off the counter.
The Tramps played their tightest set yet.
Atlanta Lifer All-Stars/The Holy Crows also played their tightest set ever including a Cold As Life intro, and two Madball covers: "It's My Life" and "Get Out"
Meantime was sick and got an awesome response. I love seeing bands play their own cities and people tearing it up for them.
Foundation was intense, as always. It was awesome having a huge group of people to represent Atlanta.
Scored an awesome Straight Edge hoodie from Ghetto Josh.
Steak n' Shake followed, where we snapped this group pic.

I consider myself so lucky to know these dudes.

Once again Matt hooked us up at the Vans store and me and Stan blew all of our money. I'm so happy they're making the girly LoPros now.




We went to visit my Aunt and Uncle for a while Sunday during the day and then later on that night we hit up Del Taco with Matt G and Chris. God damn amazing. Best fish tacos ever, and yes I mean the food. Even though I look pissed as hell in this picture.

And here's the crew right before we embarked on our long journey back to Atlanta, through yet another awful thunderstorm.

Best weekend of the summer so far.

-Rachel

Here's lookin' at you, kid.

So, first time using a charcoal grill and I am OFFICIALLY on my way to becoming the GrillMaster.
I got a package of NY strip steaks from Costco, rubbed 'em down with a Southwestern dry-rub, and grilled them to a medium-rare to medium perfection.
Just beautiful.
Obviously I'm still basking in my own glory.
Then Stan roasted white corn on the cob in the oven.
It was a perfect meal.

Tonight is the Gaslight Anthem show. Very excited, since Stan and I aren't always able to afford or attend non-hardcore shows. It's nice to just be sappy and hold hands while listening to music every once and a while.

This coming weekend is not only Mother's Day, but my mom is graduation from college this Saturday! I'm so proud of her.
The graduation is in Chattanooga since she's getting her degree from Covenant College. They offered this great program for her to get her teaching degree while STILL working full-time as a para-pro (teacher's assistant) at Liberty Elementary School.
She has busted her ass for the past three years and I couldn't be more excited for her.
She successfully runs a house of four teenagers with my dad, works full time, goes to the gym to stay in bangin' shape, and THEN was going to school up until last November.
She is Supermom.

-Rachel

Bla bla bla.

Signs That I Am A Dude in a Woman's Body:

1. I do manual labor, and I love it. Hanging off of ladders, rolling walls, sanding cabinets, painting trim...I do it all.

2. I love going to the gym. Granted I'm not grunting while doing bicep curls or entering Ms. Universe competitions, but I do love working out.

3. I take half of the time my husband does to get ready. I hate primping, hate doing my make-up, and HATE HATE HATE fixing my hair.

4. I love to eat meat. I'm talking grilling out, barbecue, steaks...you name it.

5. I would rather be at a good hardcore show than anywhere else.

6. I would take all of my guy friends (and Kelly) over any other girl friend any day. Bros before hos.

7. I like checking out girls. No not in a sexual "I want to make out with her" kind of way, I just know how to appreciate different kinds of beauty.

8. I have a VERY healthy appetite, and I'm never "watching my weight". I eat what I want, when I want it.



If you think of some others that I've forgotten...feel free to send them my way.
I'm off to the gym.

-Rachel