Rachael_from_FOX's Blog

I know that I said I was a scrooge before, but I take that back now.  I had a wonderful Christmas!

My cousin flew in from Florida on Friday... she's like my sister and I love her so much!  On Saturday, we all went to my mom's brother's house for "Cookie Day 2007."  What is cookie day you ask?  Well my mother is the youngest of 10 children, so you can imagine how big our family is.  I have over 90 cousins on that side of the family!  On Christmas Eve, we all gather together for a huge reunion.  We eat A LOT of cookies, so we have to have a cookie day where all we do is bake cookies.

Each person has her own job.  There's a pourer, mixer, spooner (not cuddling, but spooning the mix onto the cookie sheet), timer, taker outer, etc.  I came a little late this year, so my job was taster.  Okay, so maybe I planned it that way:)

Anyway, Cookie Day 2007 was a huge success.  Over 20 dozen cookies! 

On Christmas Eve, I saw family that I haven't seen in a year.  I ended up staying really late and eating too much, but that's what Christmas is for I guess.

On Christmas day, my family and I exchanged gifts.  I think my dog Shadow had the most presents under the tree.  He seemed to know exactly which ones were his, and he opened them all by himself.  What did I get?  Here's my top 5 presents this Christmas:

1. Nintendo DS from my brother (I've been playing with this all day, don't tell my boss)
2. vacuum cleaner (I am officially a boring grown up)
3. Money
4. 2008 Rose Bowl Illini shirt
5. pumpkin pie (seriously, my cousin Missy makes it from scratch and it's a little slice of heaven.  She made one only for me this year.  Loved it!)

Of course, the beauty of Christmas isn't getting gifts, but giving them and being with the ones you love.... but I still really really enjoy getting gifts. :)

What did everyone else get this year?  Did anyone give anything really great? 

Next up, New Years!  My best girls and I are traveling to Nashville.  As for a New Year's resolution... I'll get back to you on that!

I hope everyone had Happy Holidays!

~Rachael

Usually I'm a bit of a scrooge during the holidays.  I hate all of the music and commercialization of Christmas.  But I must say that this year, I'm a little more festive.  I actually decorated my apartment.  I have a tree, lights, garland and even little red ribbons everywhere.  It's really putting me in the Christmas mood!  This is what I've been missing.  I even find myself listening to holiday music (Blake from WDBR did a remake of Soulja Boy, and it's my new favorite.  Check it out on www.wdbr.com)

I am struggling, however, with finding the right gifts.  All I need to buy for this year is my mom, dad, brother, dog and grandma.  If anyone has any good ideas, let me know. 

Another thing that put me in a better mood was my friend Brandy's Ugly Holiday Sweater Party.  See the photo below.  When do people ever think it's okay to wear sweaters like that for real?  Are they made specifically for other people to make fun of them?  If anyone has any better ugly sweaters, please email me a picture!  ratchison@foxillinois.com

My mom asked me what I wanted this year for Christmas.  Usually I can name about 10 fun things I really want, but not this year.  I feel like I'm really a grown up now... here's my Christmas wish list:

1. Electric Blanket
2. Energy efficient space heater
3. new skillet
4. chopping knife
5. Vacuum cleaner

What the heck is going on here?  When did I turn responsible and boring?  Maybe it was the second I put on that hideous Christmas sweater....

Is anyone out there a haunted house fan?  I LOVE THEM... even though I am so scared of them. 

Anyway, we're doing a really cool promotion on FOX 55/27 Illinois called Wicked Wednesdays.  Every Wednesday at 5pm in October, we'll be airing a Simpson's Treehouse of Horror episode.  I've also had the pleasure of touring some local haunted houses, and we'll be giving away tickets to them on this website.  Make sure to enter and you could also win a Simpson's Prize Pack. 

What is everyone's favorite local haunted house?  What is everyone going to be for Halloween this year? 

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday... check out my costume from last year, and keep checking back for more info on this spooky contest!

Is anyone out there a haunted house fan?  I LOVE THEM... even though I am so scared of them. 

Anyway, we're doing a really cool promotion on FOX 55/27 Illinois called Wicked Wednesdays.  Every Wednesday at 5pm in October, we'll be airing a Simpson's Treehouse of Horror episode.  I've also had the pleasure of touring some local haunted houses, and we'll be giving away tickets to them on this website.  Make sure to enter and you could also win a Simpson's Prize Pack. 

What is everyone's favorite local haunted house?  What is everyone going to be for Halloween this year? 

Halloween is by far my favorite holiday... check out my costume from last year, and keep checking back for more info on this spooky contest!

Hey gang,

I finally took a much needed vacation!  I visited my cousin and her husband in Tampa, Florida this past weekend.  My other cousin and their mom joined me, and we had the most relaxing family vacation ever.  We made it a point to not have any plans, so we could relax on the beach every day.

It took a little while for me to warm up to the ocean... I know most people are afraid of sharks, but not me.  I'm deathly afraid of eels!  Everytime I felt a piece of sea weed on my leg, I thought for sure I was being attacked by a deadly electric eel.  I think my fear stems from watching the Little Mermaid as a child.  Remember those scary bad eels? 

After my illogical fears subsided, I had a blast.  We built sand castles like we were 5 years old again, and even had a sand fight.  My favorite part of the trip was parasailing.  We went 800 feet in the air, and it was the most peaceful feeling I've had in a long time.  My cousin Erika and I went together, and I was really happy to share that experience with her.  She and Tiffany (who we visited) are like my sisters. 

Of course, I couldn't visit Florida without eating a ton of seafood!  I had grouper, tuna, salmon, mahi mahi, and enough crab legs to last until my next trip. 

Check out these pictures of my parasailing adventure.  You can find the rest of my vacation pictures on my myspace page.  Enjoy!

Hey gang,

I finally took a much needed vacation!  I visited my cousin and her husband in Tampa, Florida this past weekend.  My other cousin and their mom joined me, and we had the most relaxing family vacation ever.  We made it a point to not have any plans, so we could relax on the beach every day.

It took a little while for me to warm up to the ocean... I know most people are afraid of sharks, but not me.  I'm deathly afraid of eels!  Everytime I felt a piece of sea weed on my leg, I thought for sure I was being attacked by a deadly electric eel.  I think my fear stems from watching the Little Mermaid as a child.  Remember those scary bad eels? 

After my illogical fears subsided, I had a blast.  We built sand castles like we were 5 years old again, and even had a sand fight.  My favorite part of the trip was parasailing.  We went 800 feet in the air, and it was the most peaceful feeling I've had in a long time.  My cousin Erika and I went together, and I was really happy to share that experience with her.  She and Tiffany (who we visited) are like my sisters. 

Of course, I couldn't visit Florida without eating a ton of seafood!  I had grouper, tuna, salmon, mahi mahi, and enough crab legs to last until my next trip. 

Check out these pictures of my parasailing adventure.  You can find the rest of my vacation pictures on my myspace page.  Enjoy!

Hey gang,

I know, I know, I haven't written in a long time... again.  This time I have a good excuse.  I've been in Orlando for a FOX promotions meeting!  Isn't it sad that I have to go to Universal Studios for work?  I have such a horrible job ;). 

While in Orlando, I met so many great Promotion Directors from around the country.  I'm so excited to learn from some of the very best in the business because I think I was the youngest person there.  I also finally met my FOX Affiliate Marketing Representative from L.A., Betty.  It's so wierd when you talk to someone over the phone for so long and you finally see them in person. 

I hung out with some of the other FOX Affiliate Marketing Reps from L.A., and they are all so fun!  I have pictures, so make sure you check those out in my photo album.

Now, don't feel sorry for me yet for having to work like a dog... I also had a few great hours relaxing at the pool.  We stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort, and it was beautiful! 

When I returned from Orlando, my friends and I went down to Huzzah Valley in Steelville Missouri for some camping and canoeing.  I, of course, dominated at the following things:

• canoeing (okay we took a raft, but I didn't even tip)
• jumping off cliffs
• making sure everyone had sunblock! 
• and making the best smores known to man (thanks to my dad for teaching me long ago!)

Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I returned home on Sunday.  It was Eliott's birthday, and all he wanted was for me to cook chicken fajitas.  He spent the weekend with his family, so I was supposed to have dinner ready for him when he returned.... Well, all of you who know me, know that I'm a horrible cook.  I promptly went to my favorite mexican restaurant and ordered take out.  Then I dumped it in the skillet just in time for him to walk in the door.  I succeeded in tricking him.  For about 30 minutes he thought I had learned to cook, then I dropped the bomb.  He wasn't too upset though because Xochimilco makes the best chicken fajitas in town. 

After my crazy week and weekend, I've been sleeping like a baby...  I'll see you guys next week when I tell you about my adventures shopping for pageant dresses and swimsuits... this could get interesting.

Hey gang,

I know, I know, I haven't written in a long time... again.  This time I have a good excuse.  I've been in Orlando for a FOX promotions meeting!  Isn't it sad that I have to go to Universal Studios for work?  I have such a horrible job ;). 

While in Orlando, I met so many great Promotion Directors from around the country.  I'm so excited to learn from some of the very best in the business because I think I was the youngest person there.  I also finally met my FOX Affiliate Marketing Representative from L.A., Betty.  It's so wierd when you talk to someone over the phone for so long and you finally see them in person. 

I hung out with some of the other FOX Affiliate Marketing Reps from L.A., and they are all so fun!  I have pictures, so make sure you check those out in my photo album.

Now, don't feel sorry for me yet for having to work like a dog... I also had a few great hours relaxing at the pool.  We stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort, and it was beautiful! 

When I returned from Orlando, my friends and I went down to Huzzah Valley in Steelville Missouri for some camping and canoeing.  I, of course, dominated at the following things:

• canoeing (okay we took a raft, but I didn't even tip)
• jumping off cliffs
• making sure everyone had sunblock! 
• and making the best smores known to man (thanks to my dad for teaching me long ago!)

Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I returned home on Sunday.  It was Eliott's birthday, and all he wanted was for me to cook chicken fajitas.  He spent the weekend with his family, so I was supposed to have dinner ready for him when he returned.... Well, all of you who know me, know that I'm a horrible cook.  I promptly went to my favorite mexican restaurant and ordered take out.  Then I dumped it in the skillet just in time for him to walk in the door.  I succeeded in tricking him.  For about 30 minutes he thought I had learned to cook, then I dropped the bomb.  He wasn't too upset though because Xochimilco makes the best chicken fajitas in town. 

After my crazy week and weekend, I've been sleeping like a baby...  I'll see you guys next week when I tell you about my adventures shopping for pageant dresses and swimsuits... this could get interesting.

Wow, I haven't written a blog in a while.  Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about everyone, I just haven't had time to do anything!

Last weekend, I went to the Street Fest in Champaign.  The Brat Pack was there... and you all know how I love 80's cover bands!  I had so much fun, and even saw a girl face plant right next to my feet.  Is it bad that I laughed... after I knew she was okay? 

Yesterday was the 4th of July.  I started my day off of work by working... wierd!  A few of us from the station were in the Jerome 4th of July Parade.  I had a blast.  I was driving the FOX Cruiser, taking pictures, filming with my little video camera and throwing out candy at the same time... and I didn't even run anyone over!  I threw out over 15 pounds of candy!  Okay, maybe I threw out 14 pounds and ate a pound.  I can't help myself!

I'm looking forward to the rest of this week... my best friend is in from Pheonix, so we're going out to eat at the Corner Pub tonight.  They actually have a pretty good ponyshoe... I definitely recommend it! 

I'm in a wedding on Saturday, so I'll be doing that all day... and I mean ALL DAY.  The wedding is at 11, with a lunch following.  Then there is a pool party with dinner at 5.  THEN, we're all hanging out and camping on the bride's parent's farm.  That's a super long day... I bet I'm sleeping like a baby by 7pm. 

Sunday, I'm looking forward to finally sleeping in! 

Oh yeah, and I still have to find time to watch all the other Simpson's videos from competing states... I've voted for Illinois on every computer I can find... if you haven't voted yet, go to www.thesimpsons.usatoday.com.

Next blog... look forward to meeting 2 new family members!  Nemo and George (my new hermit crabs!)

Wow, I haven't written a blog in a while.  Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about everyone, I just haven't had time to do anything!

Last weekend, I went to the Street Fest in Champaign.  The Brat Pack was there... and you all know how I love 80's cover bands!  I had so much fun, and even saw a girl face plant right next to my feet.  Is it bad that I laughed... after I knew she was okay? 

Yesterday was the 4th of July.  I started my day off of work by working... wierd!  A few of us from the station were in the Jerome 4th of July Parade.  I had a blast.  I was driving the FOX Cruiser, taking pictures, filming with my little video camera and throwing out candy at the same time... and I didn't even run anyone over!  I threw out over 15 pounds of candy!  Okay, maybe I threw out 14 pounds and ate a pound.  I can't help myself!

I'm looking forward to the rest of this week... my best friend is in from Pheonix, so we're going out to eat at the Corner Pub tonight.  They actually have a pretty good ponyshoe... I definitely recommend it! 

I'm in a wedding on Saturday, so I'll be doing that all day... and I mean ALL DAY.  The wedding is at 11, with a lunch following.  Then there is a pool party with dinner at 5.  THEN, we're all hanging out and camping on the bride's parent's farm.  That's a super long day... I bet I'm sleeping like a baby by 7pm. 

Sunday, I'm looking forward to finally sleeping in! 

Oh yeah, and I still have to find time to watch all the other Simpson's videos from competing states... I've voted for Illinois on every computer I can find... if you haven't voted yet, go to www.thesimpsons.usatoday.com.

Next blog... look forward to meeting 2 new family members!  Nemo and George (my new hermit crabs!)

So, Nathan (my office roommate) discovered that my fish Milhouse died this afternoon.

I thought I would write a blog dedicated to him.

Milhouse has been a good fish. He was blue. He was a gift from my secret Santa in December. (Thanks Eli and Michelle.) He never complained much, and he loved to eat. So, if you're out having fun this weekend, pour a little out for our homie, Milhouse.

The memorial ceremony took place this afternoon in the women's restroom at FOX. He will be missed dearly.

So, Nathan (my office roommate) discovered that my fish Milhouse died this afternoon.  I thought I would write a blog dedicated to him.

Milhouse has been a good fish.  He was blue.  He was a gift from my secret Santa in December.  (Thanks Eli and Michelle.)  He never complained much, and he loved to eat. 

So, if you're out having fun this weekend, pour a little out for our homie, Milhouse. 

The memorial ceremony took place this afternoon in the women's restroom at FOX.  He will be missed dearly.

So, I think I'm getting old.  Why, do you ask?  Let me give you 3 reasons.

1.  I found a few gray hairs this weekend.  Isn't 24 a little too young to start getting gray hairs?  This is ridiculous.  Thank God for Rene Shelton, my hair lady.  If it wasn't for her, I think I'd be finding a lot more. 

2.  After only a few hours on the lake yesterday, I am exhausted!  I went tubing on Rend Lake with an 8 year old, and I'm feeling it today.  My back hurts, I'm walking like a grandpa and I will probably be smelling like one tonight after I rub myself down with Ben Gay. 

3.  I use an old lady pill box.  And, I'm kind of excited about it.  I get to put all of my allergy/asthma medicine in it along with my Flintstone vitamin.  It's super handy and now I never forget to take all my medicine.  Oh yeah, and I just said super handy, so that automatically makes me 70 years old. 

Aside from being an old woman, I had another great weekend.

Friday night I went backstage at the Gary Allan concert.  We had a moment where he looked into my eyes, and I looked back.  I think he probably wants to marry me, but I'm taken... sorry Gare Bear. 

Saturday I went to my friend Amy's wedding.  It was beautiful and perfect.  The reception was at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in downtown Springfield.  The food was wonderful, and the company was even better.  My mom, dad and Eliott all went with me. 

Sunday was some more family fun.  We went to Eliott's dad's house and then out on Rend Lake.  Eliott's fun little sister, Allison, and I went tubing.  We all did a little swimming and are a lot sunburned. 

Now today its back to work.  The day is already almost over and I still have a ton of stuff to get done.  I love keeping busy, but I also need a nap.  I might have to dvr my FOX shows tonight so I can catch up on my life. 

Make sure you check out the ENTERTAINMENT section to watch the latest "'Round Town with Rachael" segment.  Let me know what you think of it!

This is shaping up to be another great weekend.  I'm getting ready to skip outta here a little early (don't tell my boss) and go to the Sangamon County Fair.  I am escorting the queen around this evening and hopefully meeting Gary Allan backstage!  Speaking of the queen, congratulations Debbie Dobbins!  She's the new 2007 Sangamon County Fair Queen, and she's wonderful! 

My friends are meeting me out there tonight, so that's always fun.  I have a game plan of what food I want to eat. 

5pm:  Culler's salt and vinegar fries

5:30:  Corn dog

7pm: Gyro and some beers

9pm: mini donuts

11pm:  funnel cake for the ride home

Now if I could just find a way to work off the 5,000 calories...

I'm going to a wedding on Saturday.  Amy Cantral is finally getting hitched!  She was my sister's best friend, and I love her very much. 

Sunday is Father's Day, so Eliott and I are going down to Mt. Vernon to see his dad and go boating.  Fun in the sun with the fam... can't beat that. 

Also, I should give a shout out to my dad.  He might be the best dad in the world.  He's the one person I can always count on to give me his honest opinion, no matter what.  I know he would do anything for me, and I love him very much.  Love you Dad!  Middle child power forever;)

After my great weekend, I'm coming back to work for another great week!  See you all on Monday!

I had a great weekend!  Friday night, I went up to Pawnee Prairie Days with my dad and we had a beer and some ribeye sandwiches from the Boy Scouts... mmmmm!  I love fair food!

After we ate, Dad left and I hung out with some old friends.  The thing I love about Prairie Days is seeing everyone that I haven't seen since the year before.  I got to introduce F5 onstage, so that's always a fun time.

I ended up staying until everything closed down, then walked the 2 blocks to my parent's house.  I always get a little giddy when I stay in the bedroom where I grew up.  I was looking through old photos and getting emotional... I'm a huge dork.

Saturday we took the FOX Cruiser to the Pawnee Prairie Days parade.  I think I ate more candy than I threw out to the crowd.  That might explain the sugar-high.

After that, Eliott and I had a pretty relaxing weekend.  Saturday night we saw Ocean's 13.  I was having dreams about Brad Pitt all night long.  I didn't want to wake up!  I think that made Eliott a little jealous;)

Sunday we saw Knocked Up.  It was hilarious! 

Then, we went to Barnes and Noble.  I'm really excited to start reading my new book.  It's called "Water For Elephants."  Has anyone read it yet?  It's a New York Times best seller.  Ever since I've finished the first 6 Harry Potter's, I've had this void in my life.  I need a book full of imagination.  In July, you better believe that I'll be first in line to read the last Harry Potter book.  Does that make me a nerd?

So, that was my weekend in a nutshell.  This week I'm looking forward to the Sangamon County Fair and the queen pageant.  The pageant is this Wednesday at 7.  I hope to see you all there!