Day Twenty

Someone You See Yourself Marrying

Well seeing on how we have been together for almost seven (!) years, I'm gonna have to go with Tre

We met in Ms. Paredas' fourth grade class. I had a little girl crush on him until.... him and his friend Dennis made fun of my lips and told me I had "fish lips" (common when I was that age). I distinctly remember saying, "I don't like you anymore Tre". And his friend, Dennis said, "see! I told you she liked you". I replied back with a witty remark: "I meant just as a friend! I don't even like you at all anymore!"

Then, honestly, I don't remember seeing or thinking about Tre for many years. His friends hated me and my friends in 5th-8th grade, because we thought we were so smart and cool (which we were!). Then in 9th grade, my school started "team fridays". Because we both had last names that start with S, we were on the same team and he was the ONLY person I knew in there so we became friends. I had another boyfriend at the time, but I started to have a crush on Tre, yet again. I remember writing Tre a note (cuz that was the cool thing to do!) asking him to go to the Halloween Dance, but only if he liked me back. He ended up coming and we danced a couple of times. Our group of mutual friends were just watching us and you know how you just basically spin in circles while you dance at that age? Well, anytime Tre would be facing them they would tell him to ask me out. On the last slow song of the dance, Tre asked me out and I said Yes. First order of Business? Go home and call my other boyfriend to break up with him (scandelous!).

We've had our problems along the way, but in the end we have always ended up together.

Currently, Tre lives in Missouri finish his schooling and to play basketball. It's been the hardest thing that we have had to do in this relationship, but I know if we can get through this then we can make it through anything.

He can bring out the best in me; he believes in my whole-heartedly and makes me feel as though nothing is out of reach for me. Whenever I have a bad day, I call Tre and he can help me through whatever I may be facing at the time. I don't really like talking about my relationship, because I feel like people are so cynical and because we have had problems in the past, they expect and hope to see us fail. But Tre and I both live to prove people wrong. That's what we plan on doing.

I love him. My family loves him. If we were to end up together, I would be perfectly content with that.

I love who I am when I'm with him and only hope that I do the same for him. I know that if we are meant to be, the Lord will provide the way and there is no need to worry about it.

Day Nineteen

Nicknames You Have and Why

oh me oh my....

From My Mom:

• Pauline (my middle name)


• Dolly (probably because I'm the youngest and only girl)

So when I worked with Kristin at Grandma's restaurant Kristin gave me the nickname:

SMACHEL

which then led down a slippery slope of names to follow:

• Smachen


• Shmachel


• Shma


• Shmigion


• Machen (Still commonly used)


• Machie


• Mach

My girl-friends from high school called me Spraychel (she was a cartoon for a commercial).

My work friends and college friends call me Rae Rae (college spelling) or Ray Ray (work spelling)

Rob calls me Baby Ray or R^2 (Ray Ray) Because our group of UPC friends had a family story where Rob was the Dad "Papi"; Alison was the oldest sister, then ashley, Jeremy and Erin were twins (Er-Bear and Jer-Bear); then there was the tween: Meesh and Baby Ray.

I like them all because I love all the people who gave them to me and it's more personal.

Day Eighteen

Plans/Dreams/Goals You Have

short term:

*don't procrastinate: do assignments as they are assigned to reduce stress levels
*get good grades this semester as well as the next 1,2,3 (I don't really know how close I am to graduating...)
*save as much $$$ as possible
*take better care of myself: wash my face every night, keep my room clean, etc.
*get my patriarchal blessing

long term:
*graduate with more than good grades (3.7+)
*do well on the DAT (dental admissions test)
*get into dental school (as close to home as possible)
*get married in the temple
*be financially responsible enough to own a house
*have children (i think that if I was put on this planet for one reason-it is to be a mom)
*Be completely happy

some things from my bucket list:
*swim with a dolphin (i plan on doing this on my honeymoon)
*go sky-diving
*learn a foreign language-fluently!
*learn to say "no"
*go skinny dipping
*stay at lake powell on a house boat
*sit courtside at a lakers game
*learn how to take amazing pictures
*fulfill jury duty on a (semi) high profile case (perfereably murder-i watch enough shows)
*cliff jumping
*rent/buy a really expensive car
*horseback riding on the beach
*learn sign language
*visit all fifty states before 50

Day Seventeen

Someone You Would Want to Switch Lives With For One Day and Why

hmmmm. . .

I would have to say Miss Rihanna

1. She is absolutely gorgeous!
2. She is strong woman. She got beat up by her boyfriend, and she wasn't ashamed. Instead she came back with a vengeance: releasing her best CD yet.
3. She is funny. Did you see her on SNL?
4. She is extremely talented. I love her singing voice. That is one talent that I covet.
5. You can just tell, by the way that she carries herself, she is way cool.

Day Sixteen

My Hiatus is over. I had to study for my four exams last week and so the blog had to take the backseat.

Then the topic for today was dumb! "Another Picture of Yourself". Oh brother, there are a million and one topics you could assign to write and they repeat the same one in 30 day time period? So I'm gonna talk about

My Weekend

it started Thursday, I got done with my week of school at 3:30PM. *Sigh of Relief* I thought this week was going to be super hard, but guess what? If you study and prepare, even four tests can't get you down! (I need to ingrain this in my memory so that I quit procrastinating all the time!) After class and meetings, Me, Joyce and our friend Fonzie went to dinner to catch up.

Friday, I woke up, attempted to clean my room (fail), then went to shopping and lunch with Alison. She buys tons and I buy nothing, typical.

That night, Me, Joyce, Alison and Rob went to dinner at Olive Garden and then went to the homecoming dance. It was better than last year, but still not great. But hey! we had fun anyway. After the dance, we all went and slept over at Rob's new place.

Saturday, I worked (and for the first time--in a long time-- Work was great!) then me and Joyce went to our friend Nuthaniel's place.

All in all, it was a really good end to a stressful week. Good friend, good times and fun. Just what the doctor ordered.

Day Fifteen

Put Your iPod on Shuffle and Record the First Ten Songs That Play

1. Ciara- My Love
I don't even know/like this song.
2. Lady Gaga- Bad Romance
She is a genius. Went from nobody to a huge star so quickly because people can't quite figure her out. We hate to not understand.
3. Leona Lewis- Angel
A good song, but there are better on her album. She is really talented.
4. The Black Eyes Peas- Missing You
Love Song turned Techno.
5. P. Diddy ft. Keyshia Cole- Last Night
I have this song because of KC-her CD "Just Like You" is one of my favorites.
6. Nelly- E.I.
I like Nelly. He is so gangsta :)
7. Ginuwine- So Anxious
I think Brandon gave me this CD "100% Ginuwine" when I was little. I would listen to it as I cleaned my room.
8. Kenneth Cope- White Dress
My favorite religious musical artist! His lyrics make me cry, even if I've heard the song a billion times. Get his CD "Hear My Praise".
9. Saving Jane- Girl Next Door
Just like Taylor Swift's "You Belong To Me". Except this song came out way before.
10. Maroon 5-Harder to Breathe

Wow! My music selection is so random!!

Day Fourteen

A Picture of You and Your Family

Me, Tyler, Janet, Kristin, Dad and Brandon
Real Salt Lake Soccer Game 07.24.10
Me, Mom, Becca and Erica
Making Peanut Butter Fingers in Hawaii
December 2008
Erica and Me
Hawaii December 2008
Brent, Me, Brandon, Kristin, Tyler, Ann, Mom, Dad, Grandma Hepworth and Grandma Sellers
Christmas 2007
Mom, Dad, Ann, Tyler, Kristin, Brandon, Brent and Me

Thanksgiving 2008

Our Family and Randy's Family
Boating July 4, 2009
Ann, Kristin and Me
Twilight Premier 2008

Day Thirteen

A Letter To Someone Who Has Hurt You Lately

uhmmm.. I can't think of one and even if I could, I don't think I would air dirty laundry.

so I'm changing this one too. It is now:

A Letter To Someone Who Has Made You Smile Lately.

Mom,

I don't ever want you to go one day feeling unappreciated. I recognize all that you do for this family and I want you to know that I appreciate it all. I wouldn't be the strong, independent woman I am today, had it not been for a strong, independent woman standing behind me 100% of the time. I know I can always count on you, and that helps me get through any tough thing that is thrown in my path. You are such a good person, and I look up to you in so many ways. I love you so much.

Day Twelve

How You Found Out ABout Blogspot and Why You Started One

Well, I already talked about this a little bit on the second day of why I named my blog what it is, But here we go again...

Brandon started a blog for Kristin as a surprise for their wedding. I always enjoyed reading what either of them had to say. I decided that I would start one (because I have so much free time, ya know?) to keep the cyberworld (AKA, Grandma K) informed about the busy lives of Dad, Mom, Brent and I. I mean, people probably don't really care because I'm not funny or particularly interesting, but whatever. My Grandma likes it, so I will continue to do it.

Dedicated to You G'Ma :)

Day Eleven

Another Picture of You and Your Friends

(gee...they must have run out of ideas)

Ali-Shon, Baby Rae, Jer-Bear, E-Rhino, Swappy and Schmob

Kenz-O, Spraychel, Madi, Schmorg, Allee-Mo-Ballee, Yoyc and CarolAnne OrangeHead

Me, Nut, Ted, Jess, Ty, Allee

Meesh, Alison, Me and Swapp

Day Ten

Songs You Listen to When You're Happy, Mad, Sad & Hyped


Lyrics really speak to me and so I can listen to almost any genre as long as the lyrics are good. I mostly listen to rap, hip-hop, top 40 and love songs. With that being said, this is a really tough question to answer because I don't listen to a particular song with each emotion. Anyhow, here's what is playing on my iPod right now:


Bruno Mars- Just the Way You Are
I think it gives a good message to a society obsessed with the "perfect image"


Eminem ft. Rihanna- Love the Way You Lie


B.O.B. ft. Haley Williams and Eminem- Airplanes Part II


Chris Brown ft. Tyga and Kevin McCall- Deuces


Taylor Swift- You're Not Sorry


Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars ( a subtle love song )


Drake- Find Your Love


i LOVE finding new music. So I'm open to suggestions.

Day Nine

Something You're Proud Of

I am proud of my persistence. Two years ago I was set up perfectly for this position at my school. I tried hard to not get caught up in it, but when the people selecting keep telling me how great I was and how perfect I fit the job, it was hard not to. I had put in so much time and dedication my freshman year and when I didn't get the next position, I was more than disappointed. I was notified that someone else had been selected while I was at work; I cried so much that they had to send me home.

The thing about me is that I have a lot of passion. So when I had given everything I had and it wasn't enough, it was devastating. I thought about quitting the organization altogether because I was hurt and a little embarrassed. I decided instead that I was going to show them that they had been wrong in not selecting me. I worked even harder than I had the year before- even as just a volunteer.

My work paid off and I was selected as the Director position of the Crimson Nights board. Through that position, I made some of the best friends in life and learned so many things about myself and about the world.

It would have been easier for me to throw myself a pity-party, but I didn't. I made the conscious choice to make the situation better for myself, worked hard and then enjoyed the reward-thoroughly.

I am proud of myself that I didn't let my pride get in the way of something that I really wanted and even with a bruised ego, I picked myself up and earned it all in the end.

Curtis, Erica, Me and Shab
Community Service Board 2007-2008
Position: Associate Director

Me, Erica and Steven
Crimson Nights Board 2008-2009
Position: Volunteer/Board Member

Ashley, Alison, Me and Erin
Crimson Nights Board 2009-2010
Position: Director

Me, Joyce, Jeremy, Kelsey, Andrew, Neena and Alyx
Union Programming Council Directors 2010-2011
Position: Executive Director

Day Eight

Short Term Goals for This Month

1. Stop procastinating and stay on top of my school work

2. Get a grade I can be proud of on my first anatomy test: September 23rd

3. Finish this 30 day challenge and not give up like everyone always does (ahem...Kristin...Alison)

4. Reduce the amount of cuss words I use each day (sorry grandma :/)

5. Keep my room semi-clean (clean-clean is just out of the question)

I will let you know how these pan out.

Day Seven

A Person/Event that has changed your life.

I thought of many pivotal moments in my life that could be the answer to this question. When it boils down to it, there is only one event in this life that dramatically changed the course of my life.

On November 30, 1997 my family was driving home from Tyler's soccer competition Thanksgiving weekend. We got home and I remember hearing my mom screaming from downstairs and thought to myself "Oh mom! She probably saw a mouse or something". I walked out of the bathroom and Brent and Tyler were sitting on the staircase trying to hear what Mom and Dad were talking about so I sat with them. Brandon came upstairs and said, "Jory died." We started to cry.

Jory was my oldest cousin from my Uncle Kim's family. He had just gotten back from a mission about 8 months earlier and we just learned he had died.

The four of us kids went downstairs to my parents' room where they were talking on the phone to someone who delivered more bad news: it wasn't just Jory. Our cousins Heath and Rick had passed away too.

Their whole family was driving home from their aunt's house. Uncle Kim, Aunt Darlene, Kimi, Kelly and Shannon in one car. Jory, Heath and Rick following behind in Jory's brand new mustang. Uncle Kim watched them the entire drive home through his rear-view mirror, so he saw when Jory's car was side-swiped by a semi-truck which blew the tire and caused the car to steer into oncoming traffic. They were then hit by an oncoming expedition. They ran to their boys' aid and saw the Jory and little Rick, only 11 years old, were already gone. Heath, who had been asleep in the backseat, was alive but in critical condition. They life-flighted him to the hospital and tried desperately to save him, but couldn't. In a flash of an eye, their family had been cut right in half.

My family drove to my grandma's house where the rest of the family was waiting for us. I remember the song "How Do I Breathe Without You?" by Leann Rimes came on the radio.

"How do I get through one night without out? If I had to live without you, what kind of life would that be?"

I couldn't imagine an event being more tramautizing. I know that they ONLY way we made it through was by the grace of our Heavenly Father. He wrapped His arms around us and helped us to make it through. This event testified to me the presence of our Heavenly Father-he is real and cares about my problems.

This event taught me the importance of Family. That it's the most important aspect of this life and so we need to make our families our main priority. I know that this is what caused my family to be so close, because we were able to see how fast things can change and so we cherish our time together.

I saw the damaging effects that this event had on people. Some fell away from church, some fell away from family, some fell away from living. This event taught me of the reality of Satan's power. He made people (even me, sometimes) believe that God didn't care about us, because if he did, he would have never let this happen. The truth is, bad things happen to undeserving people every day. This event gave me perspective. I know that Heavenly Father only gives us what we can handle. I know that if bad things happen, it is because our Father knows we have the strength to endure it. Keep that in mind.

It's been nearly 13 years since this tragedy occured and I'm sitting here bawling as I write this, because it feels like it was yesterday. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my cousins and I try to live like Christ so that I can make it back to Heaven to see them again. While I am saddened about the event, I am grateful for the knowledge that I gained from it.

I love you Jory, Heath and Rick.

Day Six

Favorite Super Hero and Why

Well, I'm sure I'm supposed to write about Wolverine or Superman- but that ain't gonna happen-

For Christmas a couple of years ago, my Mom bought me the Season 1 DVDs of Veronica Mars. I opened it, and because I had never heard of it, I was thinking to myself, "oh, gee thanks." (I know! I'm a brat!!) So there it sat on my shelf for quite some time. Finally about a year later, she said "Oh! Let's just watch it. If you don't like it after five minutes- we can turn it off". I reluctantly obliged.

Good thing!

Veronica Mars became my obsession: I couldn't get enough!! I would think about watching it all day. The plot goes something like this: Veronica is a smart-ass high school student who works with her dad as an undercover private investigator. She solves small crimes in every episode while working on a big case throughout the season. The action is intense, the girl is witty and the whole show is just entertaining.

I want to be like her. She is tough and doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. Veronica knows that family is the most important; so flakey friends don't matter. She stands by her convictions and is so sarcastically hilarious. She is all the things that I want to be.

If you haven't already, rent borrow, buy....do whatever it takes to get this show!

Day Five

A Place You've Been

This actually works out perfectly. I was just thinking to myself that I never wrote about the cruise I went on in March so now I can!!

In March, the week of my birthday, I had four midterms and an interview for a scholarship position. Needless to say, I was very stressed. On my (21st) birthday I stayed at the library studying until 11pm-I know! I'm living the college life. haha

So that friday, Me and my three best friends: Rob, Alison and Joyce drove down to St. George for the night. We stayed with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Brook. The next morning we woke up really early and drove to San Diego. We boarded the Elation ship by Carnival Cruises and set sail to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

That was the first time I had ever been out of the Country, my first (real) road trip, and my first trip without any parental supervision.

We had such a good time and the only thing that I fear is that life will take us in such different directions (Rob is applying to Medical School!!) that we won't be able to do anything like that again. If that is the case, I can still smile because we had so much fun and made so many memories.

<3<3<3

Day Four

First of all, I just want to say that I'm proud of myself thus far. I mean, I figured I would have given up long ago. With that being said, we are on Day Four:

A Habit You Wish You Didn't Have


Mine is Cursing

Unlike this little girl, It's not cute or funny when I swear. I have what some might call a bad temper and it makes me feel better to swear. So horrible I know. Kristin always tells me that "Pretty Girls Don't Swear".

I'm going to make a conscious effort to quit swearing!
(or at least cut back :/)

Day Three

A Picture of You and Your Friends

I have very different sets of friends and so I will post a few.

My Work Friends

Colby, Jeff, Krissy, Nichole, Teneil, Elysha, Me, Jonathan, Lacey.

These friends have taught me to be open-minded. That MY way of living isn't the ONLY way. They are a group of the most loyal people; people who stand behind you whether you are wrong or right. I can call them at three am and not only would they answer, but be anywhere, do anything I needed them to.

High School Friends

Teddy, Brent, Trevor, Alyssa, Nuthaniel, Tre and Chad

Katy, Kylee, Whitney, Me, Alyssa, Morgan, Joyce, Jen and Brittany

This group of friends have taught me who I really am; only the good ones made it through high school. We don't see each other often, but when we finally do it's like there was no time in between the last time we met.

College, Namely UPC, Friends

Alison, Michelle, Me, Ashley, Jeremy, Rob and Erin

These friends, in one short year, have become the group of friends that I would be the saddest about losing. They are the greatest group of people you've ever met and make me a better person by association.

Day Two

Reasoning Behind Your Blog Name

Well, it's nothing too exciting. Brandon and Kristin started a blog and then I'm thinking "Well, what about the rest of us?" So I decided to make a blog so nobody missed out on all that is exciting here at the Sellers' household. So the Blog name became "What's Left of the Nest".

But it's really just about my life. Like that's a big surprise to anyone, right?

Our URL is topsellerslist because I wanted to incorporate our last name into it and "BEST SELLERS LIST" was already taken.

Like I said before, nothing too exciting.

30 Day Challenge

ALL I hear from Grandma is how I never update my blog and because I love her I'm gonna try one of these "30 Day Challenge" things. Starting with day one: a recent picture of yourself and 15 interesting facts.

1. When I'm walking by myself, I spell my name with each step. Right step: I say in my head "R", left step: "A", right step: "C" and so forth. What's extra weird about that is that when I do this I spell my name RacheAl. I don't know why, I have done this since I was little.

2. I despise socks. Even if it's -10 degrees outside I refuse to wear socks (when I'm not wearing shoes of course). It even bothers me that Tre wears socks. I beg him to take them off when we are together, but he loves socks. One of the divides in our relationship.

3. I don't chew gum. The feel and even the look of it disgusts me. I am currently taking anatomy and we use real cadavers (REAL DEAD HUMAN BODIES), well people have been telling me that I need to chew gum to help with the smell. I'll take my chances, thanks.

4. I have recently started watching "the Jersey Shore". And I've gotten my mom hooked, too. We laugh so hard at all of the ridiculousness. Reality TV is my guilty pleasure.

5. I hate shopping. I'm like a guy that way. I have to go to the mall with intent (i.e. I need brown shoes) or else I get crabby.

6. I hate trying new things.

7. I won't eat ice cream or watch scary movies until it's dark outside.

8. I get embarrassed when people SHHH me or tell me I'm being too loud. Unfortunately, it happens quite frequently.

9. I love weddings. I would go to bridal expos for fun. (Me and Alison (who shares this love of weddings with me) have actually talked about going.)

10. My nostrils flare involuntarily when I laugh.

11. I can take a nap almost anywhere no matter what is going on around me. As a sleep-deprived college student, this is a gift.

12. I love music. I make lists of songs I want to download and then buy 10-15 at a time. I make a playlist and listen to it for weeks on end. Lyrics mean a lot to me and music makes me feel better about any situation.

13. I love shows about murder (i.e. 48 Hours Mystery, 20/20, Snapped) because I am so interested in what motives people have to do such horrible things.

14. A perfect day would be a day at the beach. I love everything about it. When life gets too hard, I always threaten to run away and live in Hawaii.

15. I'm addicted to facebook. I claim that I'm not, but I am. Simply because I like to make fun of the stupid things people put on there.

Life is [complicated] [tiring] [busy], but [good]!

Some exciting things have been going on around here. So exciting, in fact, that I have had zero time to write about them. Well that combined with the fact that I'm super lazy haha.

Summer was good. and hard. We will start with the good. I didn't end up taking summer school, because of the tonsils and I don't regret it. Summers are my time to relax and be with friends and family.

I got a raging waters pass again and spent time (not enough) there with Ali-SHON.

We went to the Real Salt Lake game for the 24th of July.

Went to Kentucky for a leadership conference, I-LEAD. I went last year and was nervous that it would be redundant, but the people that I met there made it a total different (and wonderful) experience.

Probably the best news EVER: I am going to be an Aunty!! Come April, I will have a bouncing baby to play with ALL the time!!Tre came home from Missouri for a couple weeks and so we went to California to visit his new niece and to spend some time together before the BIG move. We had such a great time!







I'm going to try to stay caught up better. But how many times have I said that before? Yeah, seriously.

I'm also going to be starting a "spotlight" of important people in my life each week. So look out for it!


Reasons to Smile:
1. Utah Football has begun! We played #15 Pitt and won by three!!
2. Lots of trips are coming up: (Miami in October, Colorado and Las Vegas in November, Missouri in December).
3. The fact that I have already started buying the cutest things for my soon to be nephew/niece.
4. I finally figured out what my favorite movie is: the Titanic.