Guess what?

I'm off to Florida today with my family! Two weeks in the Florida sunshine awaits me!

When I get back, school starts but I'm also going on a retreat with the elementary school that I graduated from, so that will take me out a couple days... I promise to write the moment that I get back in the school library! :)

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! Hope everyone has an amazing school year!

rachelrae xx

The Bridge To Terabithia

Remember that book? I read it in Grade five for language arts (yup, back in elementary school English is called Language Arts. It's weird...)

I also remember when I went to go watch the movie. This was before Josh Hutcherson became known as the super hot Peeta in the Hunger Games. It was a good movie, it was a good book. I liked it a lot.

My view of that changed today.

No, don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad... it made it so so so much better, like nothing I ever expected. You showed me this place that I have never been to.. the ironic thing is, I've driven past this place all my life. I had no idea on what to expect.

I put my trust in you, and look where it got me. I found a new hiding place, somewhere peaceful and serene... a place that you trusted me enough to show me.

I am honoured that you brought me there. The way we stood under the big trees on a bridge in the middle of nowhere.... it was priceless. You can never find a place so stunning.

I maybe making a big deal - "It's only trees and a old wooden bridge and stuff, but it's cool. Like Narnia" - but it was personal, and you were the first person that brought me there.

Just the quiet and the beating of our hearts after our long walk, it was so worth it. We were just two people under the majesty of our Lord... it was incredibly breath taking.

And you are just equally breath taking.

Don't take it personally if I don't look you in the eye; i'm terrible with eye contact. But just being there with you under these huge trees and the summer sun made me feel more alive than I ever had in such a long time. You held me close to you, and I could hear you breath and your heart beating against my back.

I missed your touch, smile, and hugs.

Welcome home <3

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So basically I'm going to be in Florida for the next two weeks... can't wait, can't sleep, so excited.

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE :) I had the most wonderful day, and it's taught me that if you randomly walk around, you can find the coolest places.

love,

rachelrae xx

Florida Countdown!

Well, sorry for the abrupt last post, but guess what? NO MORE EXAMS TO STUDY FOR!

The exam went pretty well :) Thank goodness it's all done and over with. Now I just have to wait another 6 weeks until I get my results... cannot wait until I get them ! #excited

The countdown to Florida is upon me! I cannot wait to experience the Florida sunshine, walk on the beach there, visit Nassau, and of course, go to the amazing Disneyworld!

So I got some questions from all over while I was doing the last minute study for my exam... let's tackle them! :)

Q: I was in Florida for spring break, and I met this amazing girl there. We still message each other through FB to keep in touch, and she said that she is moving to my city! Do you think I can make a move? - via Tumblr

JAAG: Woooo, Florida! I can't wait to go... maybe you can tell me a little about this place :) Well, it seems like you are still keeping in close contact with her and you guys are still good friends, despite the distance between you (thank goodness for internet, right?) Did you tell her how you feel about her and where you potentially want this relationship to go? If you have, then this should be a great step in that direction for you both. If you haven't, I don't blame you for holding back. You don't want things to be weird between you two. The thing is, since you were both practically strangers before this vacation, even if she doesn't feel the same way, then you won't have the pain of seeing her every day after she has rejected you, or you won't be compelled to still talk to her. See where this goes and ask her what her thoughts are on relationships... and take it from there :)


Q: First date ideas for me and my girlfriend? - via Twitter

JAAG: Honestly, I am terrible at date planning because I am such a boring person! LOL ;) What I really like are picnics because they are low maintenance and they are a cute way to not only spend time with each other but get to know each other too without the pressures of a fancy restaurant and getting interrupted every so often by a waiter. Just pack a couple finger foods and drinks and bring her to a park or something and just relax. First dates are supposed to be fun! Other ideas are movies&dinner, the beach, bowling (hey, bowling is fun!) or a skating rink (just make sure that one of you knows how to skate!) Good luck, and have fun!

Q: I really like this boy, and I am determined to get to know him better and possibly get my name in his mind. The thing is, on his tumblr he always posts pictures of himself and this girl that I have never met. He always tags it with two initials. What should I do? - via Tumblr

JAAG: Firstly, there is no harm in talking to this guy, no matter what you see on his Tumblr. Make it your mission this year to talk to him more and to get to know him, even before you consider taking things beyond just friends.
Now, regarding this Tumblr mystery chick - I say, don't assume until you know all the details. Don't overthink what he and this girl are doing, or if they are together. Worry about getting to know him first. Try not to bring up the topic of his "girlfriend" until much later - most guys don't like to talk about that right off the bat with someone they don't know very well. Of course, this guy could also be one of those guys who enjoy talking about anything and everything in their lives to anyone who will listen. If he brings it up, don't jump on the topic with an accusatory tone. Be impartial and take it as it is. You know what, even if this guy is taken, who cares? At least you have gained a new friend, and honey, there are many other boys that I can promise you that are ten times cuter than this sweetie :)

LOL RANDOM PICTURE! This was me in Beijing, China, with a bunch of stuffed pandas! #cute

Anyways, you know what, the above saying is true. If you have to continuously chase someone who doesn't want to be chased, then forget about that person. There are plenty of other people out there, people that will want to love you for who you are. Swim with those fishies instead, because they will make the time spent worth it.

As I count down the final days until  I get on a plane to Florida, as well as the final days of summer vacation (which btw, there are 21 days left!) I just have one thing to say:

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! Enjoy summer while it lasts, lads. It is slowly slipping away from us. Can you believe how fast the time goes? To think that next month is already September, it begs the question, where did 2012 even go?

I'd like to hear what your highest point this summer was: be it that ultimate beach party, the super awesome vacation to Europe, getting that summer job you always wanted, acing summer school, or scoring the boy/girl of your dreams... Tumblr, Twitter, Email, whatever! Get them in and I will post them all in my next post, most likely in September! Still so baffled on how fast time is going...

love in the sunshine,

rachelrae xx

Freedom at last!

Finally, I am free from tedious studying and mindless staring at pages of words that I cannot fully comprehend! The wait is over and I can finally enjoy my summer without thoughts of an exam looming over head <3

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! :) I know I am...

from the blogger who is now a lot happier and less stressed,

rachelrae xx

Studying in the Summertime ):

Well, I guess the bright side is that my exam is on Friday, and after that I won't have to study for another test until September rolls around. Fingers crossed that my exam will go smoothly, and that maybe, just maybe, my first major test for school will be in October?...

Three questions today:

Q: How can I tell my boyfriend to stop making fun of my friends? - via Twitter

JAAG: So here's the thing, this should be a signal to you that this boyfriend needs re-evaluating. At the same time, this signal should be LOUD and CLEAR. If this guy is dissing your friends and shows no signs of stopping his immature behaviour, you need to talk to him. Have a werious conversation with him, and tell him that not only do your friends not appreciate the words coming out of his mouth, but you don't either. Tell him that you aren't joking around and that this could be the end of the relationship should he choose to not listen to you. All in all, follow your instincts: if at first he does well but ends up reverting back to boyfriend 1.0, then you can kiss this relationship goodbye.

Q: I see on your Tumblr that you like both Niall Horan from 1D and Logan Henderson from BTR. Which one do you like the most? (my money is on Logan since you have a blog for him) - via Tumblr

JAAG: Well honestly, I like both of them equally. If you really want to get in deeper, I liked Logan more just because BTR came out before 1D did, but it really is difficult to choose. Also, check out my blog again and ask me again whether or not I can choose between Logan, Niall, or Vin Diesel. There is no competition there... :)

Q: What are some of the things that you look for in a boy?  - via Twitter

JAAG: I've stopped looking at solely appearances, because I learned that 1) that gets you nowhere and 2) sometimes it may get you in trouble. Now I look for someone who is respectful, responsible and funny. If I like a person who can't respect me, my family or my friends, then this relationship is clearly not going to work out. If you wnat to love me, you will have to love all of me, and that includes the people that are dear to me. Also, it would be a bonus if the guy is cute <3

Okay, well that was exhilirating.. thanks again everyone for bearing with me! I might have another post up next week depending on the time I have after work, but then after that, its adios amigos!  I'm off to Florida for two weeks, and then school is going to restart. Where did summer even go?...

"Summer should get a speeding ticket."

Okay, so before I go, how about you guys take a vote: Who is hotter?

 Logan Henderson ^^

Vin Diesel (sorry I couldn't find a GIF) ^^

Or Niall Horan? ^^

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! Wish me luck on that exam, and I will surely think of you guys while I'm tanning away in Florida ;)

Have a good rest of the summer! A little bird told me that there are only 27 days left until we get back to metal lockers, classes changing every hour and cafeteria food.

cheers!

rachelrae xx

Last day of July!

Whoa, there! July 31st already? Where did July go? Where did the time go??

This is insanity!

Anyways, I got a ton more questions from you guys. You are probably all the coolest blog followers ever!

I just finished another day of camp... excrutiating, but you get through it. Its really rewarding when the kids finally listen to you and understand things and learn new things. So fun but I think my voice is going.. my choir director isn't going to be too happy about that one >.<"

Oh well, here we go. Less talking, more writing, more answering!

Q: I love my girlfriend so, so much. We've been dating since 7th grade, and we just graduated from high school. We're both 18, and I can't wait another day for her to go on as just my girlfriend.. I want to marry her! Do you think its too early? - Don't Wanna Be A Bachelor Forever, via Tumblr

JAAG: Awwe, don't worry, I highly doubt that you will be a bachelor! But you know what, good for yo uand your girlfriend for committing to such a long lasting relationship, and showing to her how much you love and appreciate her! Honestly, it's totally up to you. You and her both have to sit down and discuss this. We aren't talking about a T-shirt that you can buy and return a couple days later because it doesn't fit or because you don't like it.. this is MARRIAGE! You have to decide, and she does also, if you both are ready for this long term commitment (If you ask me, you both seem really ready!) You also need to ask whether or not you are both ready to start a family. Do you both really want to put off school for the sake a your family, or will you finish school first before you have children? There are a lot of variables in place, as well as the financial aspect. Think through this, talk to your parents, and really really think long and hard before you get down on one knee and propose to her. Best of luck and congratulations to both of you for getting this far!!

Q: I think I'm lesbian. What do I do now? - via Twitter

JAAG: I'm the wrong person to ask, because I'm not. Good for you, though, for being true to yourself and realizing that you want to come through with such a big part of your life. I would say continue living your life and continue being the good friend you are. If you haven't told anyone yet, just be yourself. Tell someone that you can trust and that won't blow the whole thing out of proportion or leave you in your time of need. This is a big step in your life! Live it through day by day, and just be you. There is no one else like you.

Q: What are your thoughts on long distance relationships? Like, the ones where I'm here, and my boyfriend is going halfway across the world? - via Twitter

JAAG: This is interesting. I've actually been in a long distance relationship before. My boyfriend at the time didn't go as far as yours did; mine only went across the country away from me, so still fairly close but not close enough where we could both meet halfway and go grab a Starbucks or something. You could look at it as you won't be spending all your time with him, so there isn't the potential "getting bored" that some couples face because they spend all their time with each other. The thing is though, with his distance, even short visits maybe be difficult to coordinate because he is there, and you are here. On the other hand, you may have to take this as a sign of saying that this isn't meant to be. Some people can only tolerate long distance for so long, and sometimes people get antsy (not saying that you will, but its a possibility). You or your boyfriend might eventually fall for someone else, but then you won't be able to date them because technically, you are still in a relationship! It all comes down to how much you love him (okay, that sounds mean). You have to talk to him and communicate to him where you want this to go, so as to not let yourself or him miss out on a potential soulmate. If you do want to continue this relationship, not to worry! We are in the age of instant communcation: we have Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr... You have plenty of ways to talk to him on a regular basis!

Q: I heard that you were a singer/songwriter on your Tumblr. What do you write about? I want to write a song, but I don't know where to start.  - via Email

JAAG: Wow, something unrelated to relationships! :) That's true, I am a singer/songwriter and I absolutely adore writing songs in my spare time! My piano is my baby! Well, I usually write about songs that are true and relatable to my life. Usually there are three themes to the songs I write: 1) Songs about a boy that I wish was mine; 2) Songs about a boy who is mine and its about how much I love him; or 3) A break up song/I hate you type of song. Trust me, I've written a lot of those ;)
You really have to write about something that has happened to you. I once wrote a song about my Grandmother who passed away a couple years ago. That helped me cope and also helped me reminicse about all the times we spent together. Good luck on your songwriting!

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Alrighty, I guess I'm off. My exam is in a week or so.... take care. Another tiring yet interesting coupld days await me...

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! The sun is shining, and if you're reading this... you're still alive. GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!

love,

rachelrae  xx

Not really summer, but oh well.

Hey :) Just wanted to post, I know there are tons of questions that are waiting to be answered... So far, summer has been pretty good to me, except for the fact that I have a music history exam to take in about 2 weeks or so. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

So last post I told you that I was in need of more questions, and my oh my how well you all responded..

Q: Is it true that if you have sex with your boyfriend, you will feel closer to him? via Twitter


JAAG: I can't say from personal experience...

Errrms, well, I think it would really have to depend on you as a person and your boyfriend. Some people grow closer and make stronger bonds after sex, but that's the whole reason why married couples do it: not just to procreate, but to make a stronger and more loving bond between them. I would say that, unless you plan on marrying the guy within the next 6 months, sex may not be the best thing for you right now. Even if you "love" him and he "loves" you back, take a step back, Does he really? Do YOU really love him? Ask your self that before you make any sort of hasty decision, one that you may regret later on in life.

Q: You keep talking about how God has made one person for each of us, and how there is someone out there for us. I went through 9 different boyfriends, and I still haven't found the one. I'm 20 years old and single! Where is my Prince Charming?! -via Tumblr


JAAG: Let me clarify: God has set out people that He has meant for us in our lives, but sometimes, people are called to a single life. This isn't because God hates us, but it's what God has meant for us because He loves us. Now, to answer your question, perhaps all those boyfriends may have aroused something in your that you feel like he is the "one" and that's why you are so fed up with this whole "soulmate" thing because it's happened not once, not twice, but nine times. I feel for you, I haven't been there as much as you, but I've had three boyfriends now. I realize now that I want to follow what God has destined for me...as much as I would love to get married and start a family one day, I know that I will go nowhere if I'm not following God's Path. Keep the faith, and one day you may find that special someone to spend the rest of your life with.

Q: I've been secretly dating two girls, thinking that it would be okay. Now I just found out that they were best friends! They both think that its really funny and coincidental that both of their boyfriends have the same name, when in reality, its the same person. HELP! -via Tumblr


JAAG: My, my, my. This is quite a sticky situation that you have on your hands, but can I ask you a question in return? Why would you do that? I'm surprised that your girlfriends haven't begun to compare notes on how much their 'boyfriends' share in common, much beyond the first name! I say don't wait until they discover that their boyfriends have the same last name. Come clean, and be ready to face the wrath of two innocent girls that have been cheated and the fact that you will most likely go from two girlfriends to zero girlfriends. Right now the best thing you can offer is not your charm but your integrity and honesty. That way, hopefully after this blows over you can all still be friends.. just not in a romantic sense. And for future reference, never date two girls at one time, even if they are moral enemies. You'll just get into a lot of trouble.

Q: My boyfriend cheated on me while he was on vacation. I saw all the pictures on facebook of him and another beach blonde babe kissing while he was in Hawaii. I still love him, but this is unacceptable. What should I do? -via Email


JAAG: You're right, that is unacceptable. You deserve to have a boyfriend that is faithful and true to you, no matter if you are in the same city or not. I guess you should ask yourself a couple questions: is this a first time infraction of your trust? If it is, then ask yourself this: has he told you that he is sorry and wants you back? Talk to the guy and tell him how you felt when you saw those pictures on your newsfeed. Tell him how hurt you are. If he shows no signs of remorse or if he says its "just a fling", you may need to re-evaluate your relationship with him. But, if he is truly sorry, you can consider taking him back, on the condition that he never does something like that again. If he does, then things could end between the two of you. And while we're at it (although I am certain that you won't do this), but don't do that back to him just for revenge. Now that you know how it feels, take the high road and move on.

Q: My parents are constantly fighting all the time, and they are uttering divorce threats at each other. I'm scared because if they get a divorce, I don't know what will happen to me and my siblings...and our family. -via Email


JAAG: I'm truly sorry to hear that, from the bottom of my heart. It is never easy to hear parents fighting with each other, especially if it is a recurrent thing that happens at your house. Try talking to them, one on one (as in, one conversation with mom, a separate one with dad) and tell them how you feel. Don't try and play couples counsellor or pry into their issues, just tell them that you feel sad and scared when they fight. Hopefully if you bring to your parents' attention that you and your siblings feel uncomfortable when they fight, they will a) stop fighting or b) find somewhere else to fight where they cannot be heard or c) realize that this is a problem that they need to resolve for the good of the family.
Also, if you are scared of talking to your parents, talk to a trusted adult. Maybe your relatives, like your aunt or grandmother? Or even tell your fears to a guidance counsellor. That's what always helps me. I really hope that your parents can work something out! Keep asking questions if you ever need someone to talk to :)

Q: Ever since the divorce, my dad has been seeing a steady stream of women. Occasionally he will say that 'she's the one I want to marry', but really, I hate all of them. - via Tumblr


JAAG: I'm sorry to hear about your parents divorce. Now, concerning your dad, unfortuantely the type of people that you will be into may not be reflected on the type of people your dad are into. Ultimately he is the one that is dating them, but you are right, if he ends up marrying them, she will eventually be your new step mom. Remember this: no matter how ugly a divorce is, no one can replace your biological mother. Talk to your dad about these women, and tell him that you want someone that will not only treat you right, but him right as well, and be a good family person. You want someone that will not replace your mother, but be jsut as good as your real mother. You can't really stand in the way of who your dad wants to marry, but he should consider how you feel about someone before he proposes. I hope everything works out!

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Didn't I say there were a ton of great questions? You guys are the best! :)

Like I said before in the above questions, I'm always here. Of course I may not get to your question right away as I am receiving from a bunch of different places, but I will get to them eventually, and you all know that. However if you require immediate talking to (so toe speak) my Tumblr is constantly active, and I will be more than happy to answer your questions, check out and follow your own blogs! Just shoot me a question in my ask, anonymous or not. Just remember that if the question is left anonymous, it will be posted on my blog for everyone to see... just putting that out there. If you have a Tumblr you can ask me and I can answer it privately unless you tell me that its okay. Most of them time I take all the Tumblr questions and answer them here as you can clearly see, but occasionally I will answer them on Tumblr itself.

Oh my, would you look at the time. I should get back to studying. Keep those questions coming! My Tumblr is, of course, http://mariachelle-annaclare.tumblr.com

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE AND DON'T FORGET TO SMILE! Take care, and farewell for now. Thank you for all the outpouring of good luck wishes on Twitter by the way, I'm going to need all the luck I can get for this exam! After that, someone is going to sunny Florida for two weeks!.... #Ecstatic

love and praying for sunny weather and an easy exam,

rachelrae xx