tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22325491398632437562024-03-12T20:04:30.858-07:00Good Story KelStories of my day to day randomness.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-91640369916094200082012-07-06T14:55:00.001-07:002012-07-06T14:55:25.942-07:00ProcrastinationHello all! Today is Friday! Hooray. We all love Friday's. I am mainly writing today because I have a lot of work to do for school, so I thought this would be the perfect time to write. Obviously, I will regret this decision later, but for now we move on.<br />
I have taken up the sport of golf, which I am sure I mentioned before. My hubby and I have been going weekly to the course down the road. It's a nice course, nothing fancy, but nice. To give you an idea, I wear mesh shorts and my sleeveless workout shirts to go. Nothing fancy. <br />
In five days, we are traveling to Denver. I am super excited for this trip. We are meeting up with my hubby's sister and it's just going to be a rockin' good time. I am a little nervous though, we have made a tee time for a nice golf course right outside Denver area. It's at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The views look stunning. However, my normal golf attire won't due. And, it will probably be busy and we will be paired with someone and I will feel rushed. I know I shouldn't worry about such silly things, but for some reason I will. I am going to try to make a pact with myself that it doesn't matter how well/bad I am doing, I am just going to have fun and enjoy myself.<br />
We are also going to watch the Phils play the Rockies. I am super excited. My "boyfriend" as I like to call him is back! Ryan Howard is back starting tonight, and hopefully by the series Roy Halladay will be back too. Hooray! The whole team, as intended, will be back together. Now, since they haven't been playing well, they better get on the ball and start winning some games. No excuses since everyone will be back!<br />
It's going to be a very fun trip. I am excited because I love seeing parts of the country I have never seen before. After, I will post some pics and tell all my blog readers (all 2 of you) all about it. <br />
The even better news is that the weather is supposed to cool down a bit too. It's been over 100 here for like three weeks. It's really super hot today. <br />
Can you tell I don't want to do my work, I just keep babbling on. Alright, alright, I will go. Until next time.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-44523513853565129752012-06-19T18:13:00.002-07:002012-06-19T18:13:30.709-07:00Vodka = Kiss<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0LqE4mP4DuQjZ6tr_TX_VmV1hV_mX1CHIDUSApc9iOyxVjexy-39BA-lz5YutDoGJOeR1kz-jQFQTKxHKF9EJD15Uh7i1ceaVTZ9QcdbhaELizeSJKTfEcL4aRhmcF4SMA01IMyVOQ/s1600/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0LqE4mP4DuQjZ6tr_TX_VmV1hV_mX1CHIDUSApc9iOyxVjexy-39BA-lz5YutDoGJOeR1kz-jQFQTKxHKF9EJD15Uh7i1ceaVTZ9QcdbhaELizeSJKTfEcL4aRhmcF4SMA01IMyVOQ/s400/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of M2 Photography</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Rob Upton Photography</td></tr>
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On June 10th, 2006 my hubby and I said "I do". What a better way to spend our 6th anniversary together at my dear friend's wedding in PA! I am so honored to be able to share the day with her. I believe that June 10th is a very lucky day to get married. I mean, my hubby and I have an awesome marriage, so they should too. It's all in the day. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHjsk6KRVFv7FjuSR_V3OOC2OwDkx4s9VEc4gs8_vHf9Q_DTNVwlDETPNAOZFYKqN7Wxa67x9dNCpmuXbmopVd-SxH1OtLV_i9aDhiAUzWfyhIQN5K4Yycsor-YKraDuz1cp9ghBrxw/s1600/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHjsk6KRVFv7FjuSR_V3OOC2OwDkx4s9VEc4gs8_vHf9Q_DTNVwlDETPNAOZFYKqN7Wxa67x9dNCpmuXbmopVd-SxH1OtLV_i9aDhiAUzWfyhIQN5K4Yycsor-YKraDuz1cp9ghBrxw/s320/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of M2 Photography</td></tr>
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This wedding was epic. I mean of legendary status. There was a lot of drinking, and a lot of dancing. It was the most interesting wedding I have ever attended. It was a mix of two very different cultures, Russian and well, American. They had the most food/courses I have ever seen! The whole event was beautiful. My friend looked amazing. Her husband looked amazing. The bridesmaids looked amazing (and yes, I was one of the lucky girls standing up for her). The groomsmen were hilarious. They had this thing about high heels and felt the need to tell me about it alllll night. They didn't get it - I don't wear high heels. Cannot walk in them, dance in them or well...wear them.<br />
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The reason for the title. The band leader was trying to teach us some Russian. He said that if we said the word "groyka (I am sure the spelling is completely wrong and maybe even the word) that would mean kiss and the bride and groom would have to kiss. He said it kind of sounds like vodka, so if you say vodka...it's the same thing. Of course, with a few drinks (and some vodka), I just kept yelling VODKA for them to kiss. It worked! :)<br />
It was a very busy weekend. We had a great time with great friends and family. <br />
I was also very lucky to share in a surprise baby shower for my wonderful friends. I am so excited for their baby to arrive. <br />
All in all, it was a very awesome weekend. To my hubby of 6 years, thank you for the best 6 years ever. Here is to many, many more happy years together. To my friends who now share our anniversary, may you have many happy years ahead, filled with laughter and love.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of M2 Photography</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiab5nYNl7pDPQm7imqKPOFK6U20Mrt32bHfDAAkbZmCN4yyfIKamtu-RpXU8EagoNMLkn8PtJ0ldiwaBMe7sC-a3lDpk3OI33fWv7OHoYoSDivvfNBHfRCQJKZsalG4KMBrmr0aRI_iQ/s1600/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiab5nYNl7pDPQm7imqKPOFK6U20Mrt32bHfDAAkbZmCN4yyfIKamtu-RpXU8EagoNMLkn8PtJ0ldiwaBMe7sC-a3lDpk3OI33fWv7OHoYoSDivvfNBHfRCQJKZsalG4KMBrmr0aRI_iQ/s320/Leon-Amanda-Wedding-07.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of M2 Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-43263516943698977652012-05-21T16:45:00.003-07:002012-05-21T16:45:41.867-07:00RememberToday is a sad day. Around 1:45pm my time, I learned that a great friend's father passed away. He had been in the hospital, and had his ups and downs. People always say to remember the good times and the fun memories of those you loved. So today, that is what I am going to do. <br />
My friend's dad was always so happy and smiling. When my friend and I started to hang out in high school, I worked at Weis. The competition to where my friend worked. His dad however, shopped at my store (that is right because we were more awesome). Everytime he came in, he always stopped and talked to me. Never in a hurry, never a "hey" and run. He always, always took the time to talk. Always asked how I was doing, how my family was. It was so nice. Always had a smile on his face and joking around. <br />
Even when I went away to college, and came back to work at the store, he always remembered me and took time out to chat. He was so friendly and it always made my day of work that much better.<br />
This past New Years, we had the honor of going to my friends house and spend it with him, his wife and his family. We had so much fun that night, we even got his dad to do a shot with us. We played games, told stories, watched the ball drop. It was a really great New Years. Never in a million years would I have thought it would be the last time I would get to see him.<br />
It is days like today that make me look back and realize how great my life has been. The friendships I have made, the families that I have had the chance to get to know and enjoy. My friend's father was a great person, a loving person, and I am a much better person because I was able to know him.<br />
Many thoughts, prayers, and love go out to his family now. May you find comfort knowing he will be missed by many and remember him for the loving, genuine person he was.<br />
In Memory of Mr. G. 05/21/12.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-31241020171354311952012-05-19T17:36:00.002-07:002012-05-19T17:36:33.098-07:00Summer TimeAh, summer is almost here. It has been nice and sunny and warm the past few days. Summer is by far my favorite season. I love the sun and warmth. I love the smell of people grilling and sitting outside with cold beverages in hand. <br />
I just put together a huge fruit salad. Strawberries, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Grapes, Bananas and Pineapple. That is another great thing about summer time, fresh fruit is in season. Same with ice cream. I love ice cream all year round, but there is just something about getting ice cream on a warm summer night.<br />
Today would be my perfect summer day. First my hubby and I went golfing. Now, I made my huge fruit salad, my hubby is grilling chicken and we are watching the Phillies on the TV. Ah, baseball is back. The Phils aren't doing really great right now, but they are doing okay. Hopefully, Utley and Howard get back in the line-up soon.<br />
Well, back to enjoying my favorite time of year. I hope you are all enjoying your night too. Here is to the best summer yet. :)-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-48465325416117501752012-05-14T21:19:00.000-07:002012-05-14T21:19:13.590-07:00New HobbyI am trying to make an effort of blogging more. I am really trying. :)<br />
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A few weeks ago, I turned 31. I had the BEST birthday ever. My hubby really spoils me...of course I don't mind. <br />
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I went to work like every other day, but I took a half day, so I left at noon. My hubby and in-laws bought me a golf set for my birthday. Now, before he bought this for me, I have only gone golfing twice before. Always using his clubs, which are for men, too heavy and too long. He got me my very own set, made for women and they are a pretty blue sparkly color. My length and not heavy at all. So on my half day off, what did we do? We went golfing. We drove to Macon, MO and tried out their course. It's a 9 -hole course. It's really pretty nice, well kept. It's weird they don't have anyone working the club house and they go on an honor system. Basically, you write your name down on a sheet of paper, you take the cart keys off the cork board and drop your money in an envelope on the first tee. Then away we go. It was a really warm day, sun mixed with clouds. It was perfect. It took a while getting used to my new clubs, and after I stopped trying to kill the ball - I actually didn't do half bad. I figured out my 6-iron is my favorite club to use, and that my pitching wedge is the devil. Man do I hate the pitching wedge. Actually I like it just fine, it hates me. I had a 67 in 9 holes, which for my 3rd time golfing ever isn't so bad. Now, however, I am hooked. I LOVE golfing. It's my new favorite hobby and I want to leave work early every day to go. It's addicting. I also love riding around on the cart. <br />
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After golf, we went to AJ's to eat dinner (and have a few drinks - remember celebrating my 10th reunion of my 21st birthday). It was delicious. The onion rings are so good there. If you live in Missouri (Northeast) I highly suggest you go there. It's awesome. Or for my PA peeps who do or do not read my blog...if you come visit us ever...I will take you there. You will love it. Then we went to the movies to see The Hunger Games. Very good movie, the books are so much better, but the movie is really good too. Then we had ice cream cake for dessert. Like I said, best birthday ever. You are totally jealous now right?<br />
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Anyway, golfing is my new favorite hobby. Since my birthday we have gone three times. Even leaving work early one day last week to go. Last week was my first week golfing 18 holes. We walked the course that day, getting 5 miles of exercise too, score! In 18 holes I finished with a 112, which I thought was pretty good, considering it was my 5th time golfing and 1st time golfing all 18 holes. I had a 56 on the front and a 56 on the back nine. Consistent. <br />
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I am going to golf as much as possible so I get that much more awesome. Then maybe when I retire I can join the seniors tour and make lots of money. Okay, that will never happen, but I really enjoy golf. Something that I can still enjoy as I get older, and maybe one day join my dad and brother out on the golf course. I also really enjoy the fact it's just another thing my hubby and I can do together. I love hanging out with my hubby, he is my best friend. :) Thanks J and my awesome in-laws for my awesome birthday gift! Thanks J also for my awesome birthday! Love you.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-90637941416079535092012-05-10T17:51:00.001-07:002012-05-10T17:51:24.412-07:00CH-CH-CH-CHANGESHello to all my followers. :) I have been MIA for a while. Let me explain...I have just been busy. I have no real great explanation...just life I suppose. Right now I am taking to classes and working full time, and volunteering. I have a lot to talk about, but maybe I will stick to one subject at a time.<br />
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First, I think I will discuss changes. Change is an interesting thing. No one is really ready for it or necessarily excited for it...but yet it happens to all of us. Usually for good, hopefully rarely for bad. Change is hard to deal with sometimes. For me, change makes me feel really old. Maybe it's because in a week from today I will be celebrating my tenth reunion of my 21st birthday. Right, for all the math people out there...I will be turning 31. To me, age is really just a number. Just another year gone by celebrating life. You know that saying "you are only as old as you feel," well most of the time, I feel about 21. Lately I am really starting to realize that I am no longer 21, and neither are my friends.<br />
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Last year my two good friends had babies. My brother also had another baby. He is younger than I am, and now has two children. Our nieces are adorable. I love them to pieces. My friends babies are my nieces as well. I love being an Aunt. Seriously it has to be the best thing in the world. I get to spoil them, buy them things, play and then go on my way and leave them with their parents. When they are crying, or puking, or just sleeping. I have found this is a really great thing, especially when you don't plan on having your own kids. I get my fill of kid fun, then I return to my normalness of life. <br />
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My good friends Jen and Josh are also expecting. Last night we found out they are having a girl! Which is very exiting. I could not be happier for them both.<br />
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This change is really great though. I cannot wait to meet their child, find out if he/she has red hair and see what type of personality he/she has. I cannot wait to see who their child looks like. While this officially makes me feel my age (on occasion), I am so happy to be another "Aunt" again. I cannot wait to add another little person to our ever growing gang of friends. This is one of those great changes in life.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-26575262803279235202011-11-25T10:52:00.000-08:002011-11-25T10:52:43.162-08:00FamilyYesterday was Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. I mean, what is better than sitting at home stuffing yourself full of food, napping and watching football all day. It's like the perfect holiday. You can spend time with your family without worrying about presents. Don't get me wrong, I love presents. :) I especially love buying presents for people. If I were rich, I would just buy stuff for people all the time, not limit myself to just one day a year.<br />
The holidays is a great time for families to get together and have a great time. Yesterday I was with a great family, my husband of course, and our other PA native Josh. It was a nice time with a small Kirksville family. <br />
Family is so important, and it's important to stay close to them not just on holidays. I cannot wait to go home to PA for Christmas. I am so blessed to have a great husband, an in-law family that I just adore, and my family who I love more than anything. The holiday's is a great time to be thankful for all the wonderful things we are so blessed to have. I am also so thankful for all of my awesome friends I have made over my 30 years of life. Without them I don't think I would be the person I am today. I am thankful that I have gotten to know all of my friends families over the years as well. They are so loving and supportive of not only their children, but their children's friends. <br />
I cannot wait to go home and see everyone. As of today, the countdown is at 28 days. Now, on to some Black Friday shopping.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-80516179307226076462011-10-08T13:49:00.000-07:002011-10-08T13:49:27.007-07:00OctoberWelcome, fall. Even though as I write this today, it is sunny and 84 degrees here in Missouri. Usually I am excited for October to arrive. Halloween, orange and black decorations, beautiful fall colors surround me. Usually I am excited for playoff baseball. Not this year.<br />
Last weekend started baseball playoffs. I love it. The Phillies have been hot, I mean they had the best record in baseball. The last day of the season, the broke the franchise record and won 102 games. They also knocked out the Braves from the playoffs. Yet, they drew the short straw. Their opponents in the first round...the St Louis Cardinals. Ugh. They got hot late, had great offense all season. Yet, it shouldn't have been a match for the best pitching rotation in MLB right? WRONG! It was all wrong. Living in Cardinal nation usually isn't a big deal. But now that my team and their team were playing, it's all I freaking heard about. People who don't normally stop in my office to say "hi", now stopping by to talk about baseball. Seriously? <br />
J was already gearing up to lose the series. His words "they are going to lose the first round of the playoffs and get knocked out by the Cards". I didn't believe him, but then again I never do when it comes to sports. He is more a pessimist, I on the other hand, am an optimist. Always have been. Believe they can pull it out at the end, as they have so many times before. <br />
Last night was game five of the series. Winner moves on, loser starts their golf season earlier. Phils main guy was pitching, Doc. I mean he has been great all season, minus the first innings of games. But, it's just the first inning right? You still have 9 chances to come back. And the game was at the Bank. The 10th man would bring it. He would be there. He was one of the only ones to show up last night.<br />
Everything was wrong, just wrong. Doc had a typical first inning, the kind where he gives up runs early. He gave up a triple with the lead off hitter. Before you know it, they score. The game is 1-0 Cardinals. After that inning, Doc was himself. Stellar, stopping any other Cardinals from crossing that plate. Getting himself out of jams. I thought, they have to come back right? I mean, they are down by 1 run. One swing of the bat can fix that. I sat in my chair, hopeful, they wouldn't let me down.<br />
I tried shifting, I tried waving my imaginary rally towel. We even ate the same dinner we did when they won in game 3. Another must win game.<br />
By now, everyone knows how it ends. The Phils did not come back. Ryan Howard, ending the season like he did last...by not getting a hit. On top of that, he tears his achillies tendon. Great.<br />
My hubby, I love him, but he gets a little crazy. He is in a funk, and probably won't get out for a while. I understand. We all bleed Red in the summer, Green in the fall, Orange through the winter. We are passionate. We are all passionate. Are we too passionate? Some might say maybe. Maybe we are crazy when we live this much through our sports. We are up when they win, but when they break our hearts...man are we down. Probably more down than the players themselves. They put our emotions on a rollercoaster. You think they know the ride they force us on? <br />
Last year when the Phils lost to the Giants in the NLCS...we cleaned and rearranged the living room furniture. My husband just had to do something, anything. I must say it looks really nice. Last night, he was ready to move again. So there we were at 12:30 am starting to rearrange our bedroom. Something we haven't done since I moved out here 5 years ago (rearranged that is, not cleaned). I wonder if cleaning and moving is a way we deal with all the emotions. Clean our slate, get it out, wipe it down, so we can start all over again in April. I must say though, I love the way we arranged our furniture. It looks so nice. <br />
While we finished after two am, I was up early today to go support the organization I volunteer for in the homecoming parade through town. Today is Truman's homecoming. The parade started at 9 am, but we had to check in and be there by 7:15. I am tired. And as I sit here, the sting of last nights game has not yet gone away. Like I said I live in Card Nation, and I had about a half dozen people apologize to me during the parade today. Really, you bring it up already? Luckily I can let it go easily. I mean being a fan of Philadelphia sports, you get used to say "well, there is always next year". Maybe I, we, are not lucky enough to feel the high of more than one championship in our life time. I mean, they did just win in 2008...what were we expecting anyway, a dynasty? We aren't the Cardinals, or the Yankees. Afterall, we are just Philly fans.<br />
Luckily for me, the Eagles and the Flyers are in season now. Time to bleed Green/Orange and give probably too much of my life riding this crazy rollercoaster of sport fandom. For some strange reason, I wouldn't want it any other way.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-30322336989188834612011-08-21T11:30:00.000-07:002011-08-21T11:30:00.151-07:00Back To RealityWell, we have gone to Jamaica and are back...already. :( Sometimes, time just goes by too quickly. Although our vacation was fantastic and we had awesome time with really great friends...I wish we were there longer. In a way, but in a way the amount of time we were there was perfect. Almost everyone has asked what we did on our vacation. My answer is absolutely nothing. It was perfect. We would wake up and meet for breakfast. Then we would go to the pool, or the beach. Maybe join in on some pool volleyball (okay we only did that once). Mostly we would have adult beverages, swim, and lounge either pool side or on the beach (I almost always fell asleep on the beach). It was the most relaxing vacation I think I have ever been on. At night we went to dinner, had some more adult beverages. We went to a couple shows...the steel drum band was awesome and the talent show was good too. We ate at a different restaurant every night, my favorite is a toss up between the Italian place and the Jamaican restaurant. We hung out at the Piano bar where there was a guy playing the piano every night and the crowd in the bar would sing. It was pretty cool. Every day there were two guys in between the pools. One guy had jerk chicken and the other had fresh pineapple and fresh coconuts that he was cutting up. We had the jerk chicken and coconuts several times. The coconuts were great! They would chop the tops off until there was a hole, then they stuck a straw in it and you would drink the coconut water. Yum. It was great to spend the time with our friends Jen and Josh too! :) J and I are ready to go again next year. <br />
The first week back was tough though. Work was long and it felt like the week took forever. An interesting story came out the weekend we got back. The journalist is from the KC Star, and he wrote a story about sports and the rich and the poor. His idea I believe was a good idea. He was basically showing how athletics can help the poor have chances for something better. With college scholarships, or even just having a sense of belonging. He used Kirksville as a "poor" town for his example. While there are areas in Kirksville that are poorer areas, the area he chose as the poorest area in either the state of Kansas or Missouri was the campus of Truman State University. And he painted a poor picture of Kirksville. The way he went about it was just wrong. My hubby wrote a nice editorial in response to KC Star's article. However, what got me boiling the most were a lot of the comments I read. People saying that sports in our public education are way overrated. I believe strongly in our education system. I feel it is extremely important for all children to get a quality education. Academics are very important, and that should always be at the top of our education goals. However, I also believe strongly in extra curricular activities. I am a softball coach, and see first hand how athletics help children become productive members of society. Athletics can teach discipline, responsibility, a sense of belonging to something important, setting goals and problem solving to reach those goals...most importantly athletics teach teamwork and how important it is to work together toward a common goal. I also believe that students need something other than academics to make them a well rounded person. It doesn't have to be athletics, students need to find what they are good at. Whether it be the arts, volunteer programs (Key Club, Junior Achievement), or athletics. Students need more than just books and information to teach them, and all extra curricular activities help them become better members of our society.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-30746988414633428802011-07-28T16:25:00.000-07:002011-07-28T16:25:08.842-07:00Counting Down This time, one week from today....I will still be sitting in my living room. Actually, I will probably be packing. 9 days from today my hubby and I are leaving for Jamaica. I am extremely excited, and ready to go! We are going with some great friends, Josh and Jenny G. :) I am so happy to have a week to hang out with them. It will be great. Sitting on the beach (which I haven't seen in about three years) and drinking nice cold drinks. It will be fantastic, I may never want to leave mon!<br />
Let me tell you how much I love Skype. It has to be the best invention ever. I have Skype, some of my friends are on Skype..my parents are on Skype. That is why I love it so. Recently, my parents were babysitting my favorite niece Olive. She is just so darn cute. I got to skype with her and my parents, and she is just so funny. She talks up a storm, and loves for me to be on the computer...I have no idea what she is saying half the time, but she does and that is all that matters. Last weekend I started singing head, shoulders, knees and toes (yes I know...it's in my head now too), and she was doing the motions along with me. She could say head and toes. Shoulders and knees were a little harder for her to grasp. In fact, her shoulders were her arm pits. It's okay .. she will figure out the body parts soon enough. Most of the time she went straight from the head to the toes, and just skipped the shoulders and the knees. It's fine...you don't need those parts anyway. It was just so funny to see her do this. And then we stopped, and about 10 mins later...she started the song again...on her own! Little kids are just so smart. I think they are way smarter than us adults. The things they can do at such an early age is just amazing. I think my niece is a genius (but then again, who doesn't think highly of their own family?) I cannot wait until my next Skype date with them. Hopefully it's soon. I cannot wait to go home in September. She always seems amazed when I am there...like "how did you come out of that computer screen"? One day it will all click for her. But if you don't have Skype...get it! Call all your family and friends that are far away or down the block. It is the best thing ever! :)-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-50105629306316053252011-07-16T17:57:00.000-07:002011-07-16T17:59:40.833-07:00Motivation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHLRuw7704ndKpxGzbk2hr_XxcOGuOXKWOZgddALueh_5luClI7bVNa19j-27aMzw5l0wwKwopaCmdmPaREGnu3xtuBZQV8l0QID7al_vzxlStyjol2sTZbFDFUaTuRyhHygSOO1Vzg/s1600/Race+pictures+2+310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHLRuw7704ndKpxGzbk2hr_XxcOGuOXKWOZgddALueh_5luClI7bVNa19j-27aMzw5l0wwKwopaCmdmPaREGnu3xtuBZQV8l0QID7al_vzxlStyjol2sTZbFDFUaTuRyhHygSOO1Vzg/s320/Race+pictures+2+310.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J and I at the finish line of our second 5K race :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I just read my friend Jenny G's blog, and it made me want to write my own post. Her blog was about her first 5K race. :) I am so proud of her for just going out there and running. We talk every day through email at work (yup it is listed as party of my daily duties). We always talk about running and training...kind of motivating each other to our running goals. <br />
I started running maybe 2-3 years ago. I completed my first race in March for St Patty's day. I did not run the whole thing, but I finished, in 36:24. Which for me is fantastic. I played softball in high school, but when it came to running the mile...let's just say I had no interest in doing that. I never thought I could. Finally at the age of 27 I went on a healthy/lifestyle change kick. I dropped some weight and thought, why not start running. I started slow...walking/running until I build up to running 2 miles. Then I thought if I can run two miles, why not the 3.1 needed to do a 5K race. I will admit, those thoughts didn't come until March when I actually signed up for my first 5K race ever. With much encouragement from my hubby and my friend Jenny G I set off on that adventure. I survived.<br />
This past week, there was another 5K race in town. The person who runs the gym talked me into signing up, though he didn't have to twist my arm very hard. I was already thinking of signing up. Ever since March I have been working on my running routine trying to finish a whole 5K and shave time off my first race. :) SO...I did. I signed up without my husband even signing up at first. He signed up later, so we were off for our second race together.<br />
Guess what? No I still didn't complete the whole race running (I only made it up 3/4 of the killer hill..but started running again right at the top) but I did beat my time from the first race. I was so proud of myself. At the end of the race, who was waiting for me...my biggest supporter and motivator, my hubby. He was yelling "push it you can beat 36:00 if you push it!". I was so grateful for the extra boost it helped me sprint to the end, where I came in at 35:38. I almost shaved a whole minute off my time. This does not make me an elite runner obviously, but I was so proud of myself that night. :) For the first time, I cannot wait to sign up for the next 5K race. This coming from a girl who hated running. Now I cannot imagine not running. Amazing how sometimes the older we get, the better we get at certain things. Maybe one day, Jenny G and I can sign up for a 10K race together, as that is what I will be training for next. And who knows, by the time I am 40 maybe I can do a half marathon. Thanks to my friend Jenny G and my fantastic hubby for continuing to push me to new levels!-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-30413775577169693172011-06-02T16:32:00.000-07:002011-06-02T16:32:01.316-07:00RattlesI haven't posted for a while. I am sorry all my followers :) I shouldn't ignore you like this. It's just that I haven't had much to say. So, I will just dot down some random thoughts for the day.<br />
It is the wonderful time of year where the Cicada's come out to join us for a month. As I sit here typing this, they are being rather noisy. How rude of them. It sounds like there are 1 million babies playing with rattles. Rather annoying. But at least they are only here for a month, right? Yay, fantastic.<br />
I cannot believe it is June already. Lots of good things going on in June. My hubby's birthday, our wedding anniversary, catching some baseball games. :) It's a good time of year. My 5th anniversary is coming up next Friday. I cannot believe it has been five years already. It feels like it was just yesterday I was gearing up for the biggest party of the year. I also cannot believe I will be celebrating living in Kirksville for five years. Who would have thought we would still be here? Not me. But the town kind of grows on you, and we have made some great friends here. Now if we could move the state next to Pennsylvania that would be even better. Who needs Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana anyway? And would it make a difference if we just moved some things around? I don't think so either.<br />
We got to go home a few weeks ago. J's sister graduated from college. It was really nice. I got to hang out with my family, J's family and of course our friends. Always a good time when we go home. We went to a Phillie's game with J's sister and we had awesome seats. We were two rows behind the Phillies dugout. When I finally get around to loading the pictures on my computer I will post some. <br />
Finally, in 65 days we are going on vacation. I am super duper excited. We are headed to Jamaica for sun and beach and drinking. Our good friends are coming along too! It's going to be one week of partying. I don't want to rush the summer by, but I am ready to leave for Jamaica! Well, not really, I need my passport and to pack. :)-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-54446904586294895112011-04-22T15:51:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:51:47.817-07:00Saying Good-byeToday is Friday April 22, 2011 at 5:37 pm. I have exactly three days left in my 20's (weird, because I was born at 5:23 pm - so I guess a little less than 3 days). Three days of being 29. Then I embark on a new adventure...my 30's. <br />
Last weekend my husband had a surprise birthday party for me. So this past week, I have been reflecting on my last 10 years...that being my 20's. Most people are sad and depressed when they turn 30. I thought maybe I would be this way. Especially now that my high school friends have started to have babies. Babies, I think, officially make us old. As I have reflected, I thought about everything that has happened in the past 10 years. I finished college, which was a huge feat. I was married, which was the best day of my life. I moved away from everything I knew and all my family and friends in Pennsylvania to start a new adventure with my hubby in Missouri. I made new friends, worked a few different jobs. I became an Aunt (have I mentioned she is the most beautiful girl in the world?) Started to think about going back to school. I embarked on a huge weight loss/get healthy adventure. I am still tackling this adventure today. <br />
People have asked me if I feel any different (which I don't yet because I am not 30 technically speaking)...but, I don't think I will either. I have had so many great things happen in the past 10 years, I am wondering what is in store for the next 10. I have decided I am going to welcome my 30's and be excited about it. If my 20's were that good, it can only get better right? I have many great things to look forward to. I tackled my first 5K at 29. Maybe I will tackle a 10K at 30. I am healthier now and feel better about myself now, then I did when I turned 20. I am married to the best person in the whole world, and I get to spend the rest of my life with him. <br />
To me, 30 is just a number - age is really a matter of how you feel. I feel like I am still 21, ready to party at any moment. So welcome 30...I greet you with open arms. Hopefully you are as good to me as the 20's were.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-56977173079855731232011-03-16T17:01:00.000-07:002011-03-16T17:01:30.599-07:00My First...Tomorrow is St. Patty's day. A day to hunt for leprechauns and gold (I hope I find the gold). Eat corned beef and cabbage and drink green beer (or Guinness if you prefer). However, all those things will have to wait for me. Tomorrow, I am running my first 5K race. Its through downtown Kirksville and I am pretty excited about it. I practiced the route yesterday, it's a pretty tough route with lots of hills. I think I should be okay though. It's sponsored by a bar downtown, so that is where the start and finish point for the race is. So I guess I have green beer to keep me running to that finish line. I will be dressed in green as I run through the streets of Kirksville. Then have a green beer to re-hydrate myself obviously...and to finish off my night, well its bowling night of course! I am sure there at the bowling alley is where I will find all the little leprechauns and their gold. Happy St. Patty's day. I will try to get some pictures of this historic event and post after race day.-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-29292028421637816242011-02-26T17:22:00.000-08:002011-02-26T17:22:28.875-08:00Lazy DaysI love lazy weekends. This weekend started off fantastic, and I am sure it will continue that way until it ends. Yesterday I only had to work 2 hours. So, by 10:15 am I was home in comfy lounge clothes on my comfy couch. It was nice to not have anything to do on a Friday. I did some laundry, got some other work done, caught up on my favorite show Glee (which I can only watch when my Hubby isn't home). Then I felt a little ambitious and decided to make a yummy dinner and dessert. It turned out fantastic.<br />
I love Gina's Skinny Taste blog. It has all these great recipes and they are healthy for you too, or weight watcher friendly. Last night I tried this recipe from her site <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/sicilian-rice-ball-casserole.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/sicilian-rice-ball-casserole.html</a>. It was delicious.<br />
For dessert, I made her Cinnamon Apple Crips, served warm with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt! Another success. I highly recommend anyone using her recipes as they are so good, and good for your weight loss goals.<br />
Today, frozen pizza...but that is why I like lazy weekends!-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-73549496424780631262011-02-11T17:38:00.000-08:002011-02-11T18:39:16.524-08:00It's Here...AlmostIt's Friday! Which happens to be my favorite day of the week, well not really. But, I do get excited because it means it's the end of my work week. This Friday is extra special. Why you might ask? Well, for starters the Justin Bieber movie comes out tonight, and I am just that excited to see it. Wait, no that isn't it. It's the start of a holiday most women love, and men hate. Valentine's Day weekend is here. Yup, I said weekend. My hubby might kill me for it too. <br />
Valentine's day is really on Monday. I love Valentine's day. Not because I need flowers or gifts, but it's a day where you get to show the person you love, that you love them. I know, I hear my hubby in my head as I write this...but what about every other day? Don't you get to show them your love every other day? Does love only really get one day?<br />
My answer to that is, of course not. I love showing my love for him every day. But, I like the fact that on this day, we try to make it more special. I remember the very first Valentine's day with J. He brought me roses, took me to dinner at an awesome Italian restaurant and then we went to see Save the Last Dance. Which at the time was a movie I really wanted to see. It was perfect. That was 10 years ago. It is hard to believe we have been together 10 years. As I think about our first Valentine's day together, I think about how every Valentine's day after that has been perfect too. We were not always together for Valentine's day, but we would celebrate it when we got together. This year I am doing something special for him. Making him dinner and dessert on Sunday, because Monday I am too busy to cook. With work and class, and then I have to work out somewhere in there, the day will just escape me. So I will show him how much I love him on Sunday, and then again on Monday too. And every other day of the year for the rest of my life.<br />
I am so happy to have such a fantastic husband, I love you honey. Happy Valentine's Day! xoxoxo-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-56756089888582691742011-02-03T16:04:00.000-08:002011-02-03T16:04:53.267-08:00Snow storms and browniesI have been slacking on my posting, and because my hubby and I bowl on Thursdays, I am just posting something really quick. <br />
This week was our first huge snow storm since I have lived in Missouri. We got about 14 inches of snow. It was in fact a blizzard. The wind was 30-40 mph gusts and blew the snow around like crazy. My car was buried under a huge snow drift! It's about time we get a good snow like this. I love one big snow storm. My hubby and I made a good meal of spaghetti (we both got out of work early) and then we watched tv all night. J even made a pan of brownies for us (that is love right?). They were chocolate chip cookie brownies in a box. They were awesome! We ate brownies and drank some chai tea (my obsession) and just laid on the couch and occasionally looked outside at all the crazy drifts of snow. <br />
Our road was drifted shut, the snow was waist high on the one side, and only boot high on the other. Truman, the university in town, actually canceled classes for the first time since the 70's. <br />
My hubby also dug out my car for me. Isn't he the sweetest, what a good way to start the month of February. It is after all, Valentine's Day and Heart Month. Wear red tomorrow to celebrate your heart!-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-81911787182592681972011-01-08T16:10:00.000-08:002011-01-08T16:10:45.596-08:00Holidays are all about ...Welcome Back! We have been gone on vacation, or our annual trip home for the holidays. There is something so wonderful about going home for the holidays. I love flying, but that isn't what makes it so wonderful. I love seeing all my favorite people. Our families, siblings, friends. It's just a fantastic time of year! In 2010, we cut it close and went home the day before Christmas Eve. Then we stayed until Jan. 2nd. It's funny, you think that is a really long time to go home and you can get everything done you want to do, see everyone you want to see. It's not. It never seems to be enough time. Some times our week is booked before we even step foot in the wonderful state of Pennsylvania. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Family party. It gets to be a little hectic. I love it! It is the only vacation where I am up early (usually) and to bed as late as I can stand it. I try to cram as much stuff into 24 hours as possible. The thing I hate most? The first week back. Ugh, my desk is a mess. The week tends to drag on and on. My days seem so long. Some people wonder if vacation is worth the heachache you come back to. I think it absolutely is. Everyone needs to take vacations, get away from the stress. Our vacation home just tends to be a different kind of hustle and bustle than on our normal days.<br />
Reflecting on 2010, it was a good year. We did a lot of amazing things. The years always seem to go so fast. It was nice to end it on a good note, home with family and friends, ringing in the new year. Here is to a fantastic 2011, I hope it can be at least as good as 2010, if not better. Things to look forward to? Lot's of trips home this year, our big "We are turning 30, and let's celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary and our all hard work/weight loss in the Islands somewhere" with our great friends (I am going to have to shorten that title somehow). And of course, we will end the year with our annual trip home for the holidays. May all my family and friends have a fanstastic 2011 with lots of happiness and health. -Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-15657291216863440832010-12-18T14:48:00.000-08:002010-12-18T14:48:16.932-08:00It's Missouri Christmas Day! :)Today is December 18th. Big day on many levels. First, it's my beautiful niece Olivia's first birthday today. I just finished skyping with the family to watch her eat cake (which she wanted nothing to do with) and then open presents...which kind of bored her once she found a box to climb and sit on. It was cute.<br />
But today is a special day because it's Missouri Christmas day. Today is the day my hubby and I celebrate Christmas in Missouri. Instead of lugging all our presents home to PA for Christmas with our families, we just celebrate Christmas here before we go home. That way its less to travel with, and we get to open presents a little earlier. :) I got a lot of good things this year. I must have been a very good girl. :) But, we will get to that another time.<br />
I wanted to blog about the gift I made J. He half kidding (I think) made a statement two weeks ago that he wanted a Philadelphia Phanatic Christmas Stocking. No sooner than he got the words out, the creative gears in my head kicked in. So, I made him a Philadelphia Phanatic stocking. The only store we have here in town with craft stuff is Walmart. I didn't have enough time to run to Hobby Lobby in Columbia, but that is okay. I found stuff that worked perfectly. <br />
First, I got some grey fleece fabric, which my friend Jenny G will be so proud of, because it was on clearance! Perfect. Then I got some felt, fabric glue, googly eyes, and some pom-poms. I found a stocking pattern online, and I had to draw the Phanatic by hand because I couldn't find a large enough photo to trace. All in all, it cost me maybe $10.00 for everything, and a couple of hours of time. The face my hubby made last night when he saw it was priceless. Which is exactly what I was going for. Take a look at the pictures of my stocking making. :) Hope you all have a very Merry Missouri Christmas!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4cXNmhyKewhSPtlFXxsusT4WELyT4h0YrAUC_mwiQu3ORjpURO8A3I4GUUWos21iIayR4rMpL3V0k9QJk1dZsSsaLA2GthJ3ONaEjs3RNfm0EC2UurnU7Jpl3AERMvvpFoxpM296vg/s1600/stocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4cXNmhyKewhSPtlFXxsusT4WELyT4h0YrAUC_mwiQu3ORjpURO8A3I4GUUWos21iIayR4rMpL3V0k9QJk1dZsSsaLA2GthJ3ONaEjs3RNfm0EC2UurnU7Jpl3AERMvvpFoxpM296vg/s320/stocking.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-5759536301112671982010-12-05T20:33:00.000-08:002010-12-05T20:33:07.849-08:00Ah, Christmas TimeI love Christmas time! We have already decorated our tree. It's so pretty. We got a big tree this year because we finally have room for it. We used to have a little 4 ft. tree, which we have now put in our bedroom. <br />
Today, my hubby and I went shopping. It was so much fun! We got almost everything done! This is the earliest we have ever been done shopping! It's nice. Tonight I even started wrapping his presents. See here in Missouri, we celebrate Christmas Deceber 18th. Well, that is the day we are celebrating it this year. We celebrate a little early because we always go home for Christmas.<br />
I am excited to go home for the holidays. One, I get to see my family and my beautiful niece, who is turning 1 in two weeks. And two, I get to see all my wonderful friends!<br />
It is for those two reasons I love Christmas the most! Nothing is better than spending time with family and friends and eating all the yummy food and cookies my mommy makes! :)-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-20075984976040457712010-11-12T19:35:00.000-08:002010-11-12T19:35:34.851-08:00TimeTime to get posting! Sorry, I know you have all missed me. I have been slack-a-lackin' on my blog postin' lately. For that, I apologize. <br />
I have been very busy lately. Between class, assignments, observing and other random activities, its just been a whirl wind. I love to volunteer, my hubby tells me I volunteer too much. It makes me feel good to volunteer. I just love helping out and spending my time doing things that hopefully help others. I have met a lot of great people doing this. Just recently I was on a planning committee for our big fundraiser event. It used to be linked to American Heart Association, but we pulled away from them this fall, and the fundraiser was to raise money for a project that will stay in our own community. There is an organization in town that is trying to bring 50 AED's through our county in the next five years. I am not a life saver person, not a nurse or a doctor, but these things are really pretty neat. And they can really help to save someones life who goes into sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is an automated external defibrillator. The ones that they are investing in are really pretty dummy proof. You attach the "paddles" and turn it on. The computer does an assessment of the persons heart beats and decides if they need to be shocked or not. It continues until EMTs arrive and take over. Its really pretty cool. So I helped to put on the event to raise money. Its a formal event, so I had to dress up for the evening. Thanks to my friends getting married, I already had a dress to wear. :) Perfect. We have a silent/live auction, dinner and dancing. However, when you volunteer you really don't get to "have fun", as you are really working behind the scenes to make sure everything goes well. We had a great committee, the evening was perfect, and it being November...the weather was awesome as well! I am not sure of the final total, but our goal was $40,000.00 and I am pretty sure we came close to $53,000.00. Which is awesome. What helps is we live in a smaller community, with a TON of medical staff (we have a medical school right here in town). <br />
Here is the coolest story of the night. There is a doctor here in town, who also owns a winery. Not only did he donate all the wine to our event, but then during the live auction he was bidding on the child's play house we had up for auction. This play house was awesome. I could easily stand up in side, with a good foot above my head. It had a front porch and mail box. It was just so cute. I could have lived there, if it had a bathroom and a kitchen. :) Anyway, he and another Dr. were going through a bidding war. Well, the wine doctor won it and then GAVE it to the other doctor who was bidding against him because he knew they had young kids and he did not. AMAZING right? I mean, I just thought that had to be the coolest thing ever! It just gives me the warm fuzzies knowing there are those type of people still in the world today. :)<br />
On another note, I hate this time change. I am so tired. I know you are supposed to gain an hour of sleep, but I feel as though I lost sleep somewhere. It gets dark at like five o'clock now and that means winter is fast approaching. I hate cold. Well, if spring starts in March, I guess I have only five more months. Ugh. :(-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-29480913375319377172010-10-18T19:51:00.000-07:002010-10-18T19:51:20.515-07:00Just another MondayToday is Monday. I am not a big fan of Monday's, means the weekend is over, and well...that just sucks. Even worse, no Phillies game to look forward to, so Monday is just another Monday. I started my first class tonight for school, well my first "I have to actually go to campus and sit in a classroom class". It was okay, the professor went over our syllubus and then let us go. Nice. :) Then I went to my Zumba class...and it was canceled!!!!! I couldn't believe it. The one thing I look forward to, and it was canceled. BOO. So I had to actually work out the non-fun way today. Boo!<br />
But, I did get to the post office today. Put a cute little package in the mail for my beautiful niece. :) Its a cute little something for Halloween. I cannot wait for them to get the package. :) I miss seeing my niece, it has been way to long. By the time I see her again, she might be able to talk. I am not sure, because well I am not sure how this whole baby thing works. When they can talk, and walk...who knows. It's such a science. :)<br />
On the bright side, tomorrow I get to leave work early to watch my Phils. Let's Go Phillies!!!-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-84656704854870557412010-10-10T15:27:00.000-07:002010-10-10T15:27:17.070-07:00Fall FunI love October. First, playoff baseball happens in October. Which, for me has been exciting as the Phillies have made it to playoff October for the past few years. They are there again this year! Second, I love Halloween! It might be my favorite holiday, next to Thanksgiving and Christmas of course. :) And lastly, it cools off enough that I finally can cook. I love cooking! <br />
I have been seriously back on weight watchers for a few weeks now. So last Sunday, it was a whole weight watcher day. I made two new recipes, mac & cheese and banana pancakes for breakfast. The pancakes were awesome! I also made Krusteaz fat free fudge brownies. They were also very good. I highly recomment them! Here are the other two recipes.<br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/banana-nut-pancakes.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/banana-nut-pancakes.html</a><br />
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and for the mac & cheese<br />
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/05/lighter-baked-macaroni-and-cheese.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/05/lighter-baked-macaroni-and-cheese.html</a><br />
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Then the next day, keeping with the healthy theme...I made ziti. Here is that recipe, because it was awesome!<br />
<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/low-fat-baked-ziti-with-spinach.html">http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/09/low-fat-baked-ziti-with-spinach.html</a><br />
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Now tonight, its back up in the 80's here, so we are grilling. :) Chicken and rice for dinner. Yum!<br />
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LET's GO PHILLIES! I love October!-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-71554764562991173502010-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:002010-10-01T17:43:33.512-07:00I Love A Parade!Today was officially the end of our softball season. How do we finish, well we have a parade of course! It is Kirksville's homecoming tonight. So as middle school softball team, we must line up with other sports/clubs/classes and go straight down Franklin street. Little kids line the street looking for candy, and waiting to wave to my co-coach, Coach Dub. They just love her! She teaches Physical Education at the Primary in Kirksville. She must be one heck of a teacher. The kids eyes light up when they see her. Almost like they are seeing Santa. Or the castle at Disney World for the first time. Most wave, some give fist bumps or high fives, some taking a run leap expecting Coach Dub to catch them (which she does). They almost always jump up and down and yell "Coach Dub". Then today, they told her they saw Coach Wagner up there. The soccer coach is her mentor and co-teacher. He was ahead of us with his soccer team in the parade. <br />
I always think I will dread the parade. Today was fun. Our girls were pretty calm actually. They were getting cars/trucks to honk at them on the way from the school to the parade route. They actually made signs that read "honk if you think we are hot". Surprisingly, not everyone honked. :) Then they got upset. But would cheer when the next car driving by would honk. They are crazy. <br />
It was fun, but sad. My 8th grade girls who I have been coaching for the past three years are all moving on. I will still have most in the summer, but it is still sad. I cannot believe they are going to be freshman next softball season. Makes me feel old. :) Especially because they remind me they can all start driving next year. Great! :)<br />
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Here is a picture of our team on the float today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPxhAltyyp8pY-14G_RPV0RwFyG5A9ognffFZZJehk88SBTVtZhrwryRvD5ja9jVu_-Nq6j1V_anLjW3n6mQaWhHL-87LtrS1-Xgqp8IdDSVbwe7uPWuNf5eDLSs1UF9VfVXIl-uKAQ/s1600/team+on+float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPxhAltyyp8pY-14G_RPV0RwFyG5A9ognffFZZJehk88SBTVtZhrwryRvD5ja9jVu_-Nq6j1V_anLjW3n6mQaWhHL-87LtrS1-Xgqp8IdDSVbwe7uPWuNf5eDLSs1UF9VfVXIl-uKAQ/s320/team+on+float.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And me & coach Dub.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTZ9-wbY0_DDXzH5Cf2z6r3y0sfaplfHweU3LuKHstB0CVecmrzlOANvoykRj-a-dmbXsqYEXx0tylzLal4UFU94gw28UqxplTj4Z5nY6B-PWZQIgnbMkYge6yYDJjk-_nQKk4UhwMw/s1600/Coach+Dub+&+I.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTZ9-wbY0_DDXzH5Cf2z6r3y0sfaplfHweU3LuKHstB0CVecmrzlOANvoykRj-a-dmbXsqYEXx0tylzLal4UFU94gw28UqxplTj4Z5nY6B-PWZQIgnbMkYge6yYDJjk-_nQKk4UhwMw/s320/Coach+Dub+&+I.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two best coaches around! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>-Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2232549139863243756.post-54226253944781750262010-09-25T20:44:00.000-07:002010-09-25T20:44:05.050-07:00Rained outThis weekend, I was supposed to be in Pittsburgh for a friends wedding. I was supposed to be with my husband who is in the wedding. I was excited, because well, I think he looks mighty fine in a tux. :) <br />
Unfortunetly I had a softball tournament rained out two weeks ago, and they decided to make it up today. The day of the wedding. So off my hubby went to Pittsburgh without me, I stayed to coach my wonderful adoptive children. :) <br />
Today started out great, one win for both 8th and 7th grade. The way the day was going, it was possible for us to be playing eachother for the championship. Something both teams were very excited about. Who won? We will never know. After our first games, the rain came. Well it started during our first game. And didn't stop. Finally around 1:00 coach and I decided to call the games. It was cold, and miserable. And raining. Hard. The field was a mess, the bases were slick, and no one could grip the ball anymore. We were done. Okay because I didn't want to get wet anymore, sad because I missed a beautiful wedding for something that ended up getting rained out anyway. But, that is okay. <br />
Tonight, I got to hang out with some friends and we went to eat at the good italian place here in town. So all in all my day worked out just fine. I cannot wait until tomorrow when I get to pick my hubby up at the airport. I miss him a lot. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Our whole relationship has been build on distance...I just hoped when we were married we would never be distant again. But sometimes, things just don't work out. Thank god it wasn't for very long. I would not survive by myself for long. :) Amazing how being married changes that. -Kel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15380047557984895400noreply@blogger.com0