Coffee... Photos... and Chocolate!!!

2011-11-11T10:57:00.001-06:00

I've been on Pinterest a lot lately and I've been thinking about doing a totally DIY Christmas present bonanza this year. I also thought about putting the gifts all up on my blog, but I don't really want to take away the element of surprise for my family and friends. Opinions?

I'm BACK!!!

2011-11-08T16:40:00.001-06:00

I took an unintentional hiatus from blogging and I could make all sorts of excuses but that's not what we are here for... we're here for pictures and stories! : ) Yay!

This past weekend was my birthday and here are some shots from the walk that Reilly and I took at the forest preserve!

It was a really pretty sunny day!

I liked these because they kept moving back and forth so gracefully!

Blue and gold? I think so!

This stuff looked like something out of a fairytale!

Making designs in the black sand...

Metal work

I love this beard.

And wearing layers...

Happy Kate ♥

Inspiration 2011 continues

2011-02-01T18:44:00.000-06:00

Today instead of fitness inspiration, I thought I'd bring some kindness inspiration!

This morning I read a friends facebook comment that wondered if postal workers were allowed to accept home made goodies in lieu of all the hard work they do. I thought, what a great idea! Though a large part of me thought... I don't have time to make cookies, I've got other stuff to do! I didn't think much more of it.

Later in the day, I finished a babysitting job, and picked up my friend Nina and we headed to the lake. The forecasters have predicted the blizzard of 2011 is happening tonight so we figured we would go check out the waves. After the adventure of finally getting all the way out there, we found that you couldn't even see the lake when you were standing right in front of it. So, we took a few pictures and headed back.

We stopped for a quick bite to eat and since the storm was picking up even more, I figured I should go get some groceries. So I headed to jewel to pick up some essentials for weathering a storm. Fresh fruits and veggies, good hearty soup and of course, hot chocolate! When I returned home I noticed that a street light was down on the corner and being the adventure lover/ding-a-ling that I am, I decided to walk the two blocks down the street and take pictures of it! I left the groceries in the car and headed for the corner.

As I made my way back to my car to get my groceries and head inside, I started realizing just how cold it was! I had water dripping off my face from the melted snow that was pelting me as I walked into the wind that made my eyes water and I couldn't feel any of it because my face was numb!
I grabbed my bags and headed inside when I noticed someone on the corner. It was 6:45 and our mail lady was still out delivering mail! What a day she must have had! I started thinking back to this morning and whether or not postal workers were allowed to accept food or beverages. I started to run down the block. (Which is quite a work out in boots, with wind blowing in your face and 4 very heavy bags in your hands.) I made it in the door, took off my boots and raced to the kitchen to make some hot chocolate! I happened to have some styrofoam cups in the pantry and so I ran back outside just in time to catch our mail lady across the street. I waited for her by the side walk and when she came out I yelled "I made you some hot chocolate" and she yelled back "hallelujah!" I told her I made it just the right temperature so she could chug it. I also said "Thank you for what you do. You are appreciated." I couldn't think of anything else to say and it was freeeeeeeeeeezing so I smiled, she said thank you and I waved and started to run back across the street. She yelled out "Its delicious!" and I gave her a thumbs up! My mail lady made my day! Knowing that I might have made her smile or feel appreciated makes me feel blessed : )

Inspiration 2011

2011-01-12T09:55:00.001-06:00

First post of the new year and I've been waiting to do this because I wanted to show a few people in person first... I found my fat jeans and boy was I shocked!

This post is dedicated to all of you who have set health and fitness goals for yourself for 2011. If you started a work out program/ diet/ joined a gym/ bought Sweatin to the Oldies or Buns of Steel Congrats! You've taken a step in the right direction. I'm here to encourage you to STICK WITH IT!!!

I started meeting with my personal trainer and changed my eating habits in October of 09. To date I have lost 62 lbs and went from a size 18 jeans to size 8. I didn't set out to make such drastic changes which is probably why I was able to do it. I did my best to look forward to hitting the next 10 lbs and wearing the next size smaller jeans. Every time it happened, I was was very excited and mildly surprised. I realized but it didn't sink in that working out and eating healthy really does impact your body in a huge way.

My advice?
Set realistic goals for yourself and keep a positive attitude. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you when you make good choices (like not having ice cream for dessert). There is no magic pill, piece of exercise equipment, or fancy shoe that is going to do the work for you. Buckle down and stick to it! (It's ok to have fun along the way, infact you should!!)

If you're wondering, I've followed Tosca Reno's Clean Eating book (http://www.eatcleandiet.com/tosca_reno.aspx) and I've been working out at Evolution Personal Training which you can check out here: http://www.evolutionchicago.com/

If you need someone to hold you accountable to your work out plan or just provide occasional encouragement, hit me up! The goal is to be healthy and happy! : )

just call me Cookie

2010-12-26T16:30:00.000-06:00

Grandma does! Every year growing up Grandma C has made the traditional Christmas cookies. As most of you have experienced, one taste of a loved ones baked goods will transport you right back to the magical joy you experienced as a child at Christmas. Since Grandma has come here the last two years, we have started a little tradition of our own where we make cookies together. I love our time together and we usually end up eating some dough and giggling along the way. This year we finished our cookie time by making spritz cookies!

Grandma C and "Cookie" in our matching aprons! LOVE her TONS!

Peppermint Choc-oooh-latte! Yum!

2010-12-15T18:50:00.000-06:00

I walked over to Sbux today and got an Americano. The chick in front of me ordered a peppermint mocha. I should preface this story by mentioning that I used to work at Sbux and spent some of my free time on my shifts creating masterpieces via steamed milk and flavored syrup.
I was quite tempted to butt in and give her my recomendation (which I usually have to stop myself from doing when I'm in line at that particular coffee dispensary) but I have you all instead so I'll share with you how to make that holiday favorite better.
**Disclaimer** this recommendation is not for the faint of heart or one who doesn't thoroughly enjoy coffee/espresso

Next time you frequent your local sbux try this out for a holiday drink that will keep you going long enough to get ALL your shopping done!

Triple Grande
Soy
Peppermint Mocha
With whip
and an extra pump of peppermint.

The soy makes this drink so hearty you will feel like you should be out in the forest cutting down trees! It really is so delicious though. The extra shot lets you still be able to taste the espresso flavor over the chocolate and peppermint. And the extra peppermint really just adds the kick that makes it the perfect holiday treat!
If anyone does decide to try it, let me know!

Side note, unrelated to the above note, don't be like me and eat an entire bag of Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate with carmel center Chocolates. It hurts your tummy, and its stupid to eat that much candy at once. If you have more self restraint than I in regards to chocolate, PROPS to you but I wont be buying anymore of those anytime soon. And if I do, I'm asking my roommate to hide them! You never set out to eat the whole bag but when they're sitting there staring at you, you start thinking... one more? eh, yeah just one more. Ok, last one, one more. Ie-yie-yie : )
Delicious. Aka, Guilt.

Deck the halls (aka apartment)

2010-12-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

It seems in the movies people are always complaining about the holidays. I don't really understand this. I love the holidays. I am so blessed to have wonderful family and friends and I genuinely look forward to spending time with them at the random get-togethers and holiday celebrations through out November and December.
This year I went and got a tree all by myself! As I was decorating, I ate a few candy canes, lit a few candles and sung all the parts of Christmas carols that I could remember acapella. I'm guessing my neighbor upstairs was probably pretty curious about the commotion, I don't sing quietly, haha!
Here are some pics:

More pics soon!

Rewinding to Africa

2010-11-29T21:21:00.000-06:00

I went for a run in the freezing rain tonight to try and clear my head from all that's been going on lately, (or more like not going on) and when I got back I felt like looking through my Africa pictures from last year. Here's a few that really hit my heart

Mmh, dark chocolate!

2010-11-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting at my apt tonight, eating tiny squares of a large bar of dark dark chocolate, one at a time. I've been thinking way too much lately.
The kind of thinking you do when you have too much time on your hands
and you dont have anyone to talk to during the day

I've come up with some funny inventions (which I must remember to write down) because that's what I do when I'm bored.

Mostly what I've been thinking about is how odd it is that the older I get, the less sure of anything I seem to be. Shouldn't it be the opposite? The more experiences you have and the more people you meet and the more places you go should help you to be centered shouldn't they? Is it only things that are familiar that give you a sense of stability? Can't you carry around the familiar with you and therefore never be unsettled? (Which begs the question, does the familiar have to be physical or can it be mental?)

This is what chocolate does to my brain.

: )

I'm an ENFP

2010-10-12T17:19:00.000-05:00

Extrovert, iNtuition, Feeling, Perceiving

I took a test online to determine my personality type and what kind of jobs I'd be suited for. Oddly enough, I had already considered alot of these, what do you think?

conference planner
speech pathologist
HR development trainer
ombudsman
clergy
journalist
newscaster
career counselor
housing director
character actor
marketing consultant
musician/composer
artist
information-graphics...designer
human resource manager
merchandise planner
advertising account manager
dietitian/nutritionist
speech pathologist
massage therapist
editor/art director

Ch-Ch-Cha-Changes

2010-09-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

So little to tell, so much time to tell it. Strike that, reverse it

Here are a few of the German Fest photos I promised. I realized as I got into the project that I didn't have photos from every year like I thought. Bummer! But, still fun.

Cousin Britt
'08 '09 '10

Cousin Matt
'05 '08 '09'10

Boy-ance Kevin
'05'08 '10

Brother : )
'09'10

Bri
'05 '08 '09

J-Mo!
'05'09

Jim
'08 '09 '10

Moving right along, I'm beginning to think that this time of year is my turning point. Last year as NP homecoming festivities began, I was meeting with my personal trainer for the first time. I was so sore after the work out that as we went around visiting other cousin's and family members homes, I had to take extra time to walk up and down the stairs. Each person's home we visited lived on the 2nd floor or above. Gotta love Chicago! As I look back on that weekend and see how far I've come it still doesn't phase me. I can see the physical difference in myself when I look in the mirror, but I'm starting to feel like the few years in between (when I looked how I should and when I weighed too much) just didn't happen. I'd kind of like to take those years, wipe them clean and re-do them. But, once again, I wouldn't be the person I am now with out them.
So its a year later and you're wondering, what do you mean turning point, whats going on this year? (ok maybe you didn't think that, but I'm leading you there...) It's back to homecoming weekend. I'm 54 lbs lighter than last year and have officially lost 20 inches over all. This alone should give me a new lease on life but that's not all. I lost my job yesterday. I'm choosing to see this as an opportunity rather than a hurdle. I'm looking forward to finding a job that doesn't make me sick to my stomach when I think about going in on Monday morning. Oh the opportunities that await!
So for now, I'm looking back and looking forward. Gaining strength from where I've been and facing the future with trepidation and anticipation. Most important though, I'm looking up. Lord lead me!

Epic Fail

2010-09-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

So I left you all waiting and waiting and waiting for those german fest pics and never posted them. Unfortunatley, I can't help that right now but instead, here are a few pics from downtown the other night! I'll get the g-fest ones up soon!

da bean

I'm sorry, is this Chicago or Gotham city?

thoroughly enjoyed sitting down by the water

Last but not least, the harvest moon.
No that is not a speck on your screen, that little white dot under the moon is Jupiter. Awesome.

Anticipation...

2010-09-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the long awaited German Fest !!!
I have attended this odd little version of NPU homecoming + beer for the last 8 years (only missing one, for being in Sweden and we made a point to go to "Oktoberfest" in Norway even though it was nothing like germanfest, it took away a little of the sting of missing it!)
Today I thought it would be funny to find all my old pictures from German Fest and do a little collage of pics through the years. There are certain people that I'm pretty sure I've seen almost every year that I've been there.
As I got all excited about this new photo project I realized that I have to go back and find all these photos... and I'm not sure where they are.
So, on Sunday or Monday, after 2 nights of Germanfest and hanging with my long lost friends and relatives (who only manage to make it out when some sort of liquor is involved, just kidding! ) I will find said pictures and post them here as a little trip down G-fest lane.

Are you as excited as me? : )

There's something fishy going on...

2010-09-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

I was running a little late for lunch today. Trying to get some things tied up before I took my break.

I ended up running (walking slowly) over to Wendy's next door. On the way I thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, and brisk temperature. I walked along thinking how nice it was outside.

When I arrived at Wendy's, two polite gentleman held the door for me as I walked in (thank you very much) and there was no line so I was able to order right away. Lunch began so well!

With a little bounce in my step I walked back to the office. Went in the front door, said hello to the receptionist (who was opening a package of some beautiful flowers), and turned down the hall towards the kitchen where my lunch buddies awaited my return.

The moment I stepped in the kitchen, everything changed.

My nose was abruptly and violently OFFENDED! Apparently, just moments before I had arrived back to the office, SOMEONE had decided to warm up the STINKiest fish I have ever had the dis-pleasure of smelling. Oh good grief, the smell was so strong, so pungent and over bearing that I considered finding said offender and sneezing in their food so they could be as upset as me. How could you RUIN my lunch like that? You know its bad when you breathe a smell and you can taste it. Now im destined to spend the rest of the day with this nasty fish odor in a cloud around me because my sweater thought it would be funny to grab the smell and take it with us as we left the kitchen.

Dear Co-Worker,

Shame on you. Eat your fish at home.

Thank you.
Me

Upside down or RIGHT side up?

2010-09-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

As the years go by, lately even months or weeks, things seem to be changing so fast

Not little things, big things

And I've taken a lot for granted
because things came easy

But now they're not so easy
and I'm trying to figure it all out

By myself

Which is kind of really neat
and kind of scary

Mostly, I miss all my friends
and being in community with people who get me

I have so much to be JOYFUL about!
but once in a while

I let all the swirling whirling _____
overwhelm me. I allow it

Because sometimes you have to feel it even if you don't want to

Today I'm: confused, EXCITED, scared, tired, annoyed, THRILLED, amused, frustrated and BLESSED!

Are you really sure that you're right?

2010-08-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I'm at work and a Dr calls for information, they are very very certain that they are correct. They could be calling for any kind of information (log-ins, web addresses, evaluation processes) but when they ask you a question, they really don't ask you anything. They tell you what they are doing and that the website is broken.

(guess what? it's not broken)

Then they will proceed to explain to you every detail of what they have done and what they are trying to do. I usually use this time to look up their information and confirm what they are talking about. (All along, I know the answer to their question but I let them continue to talk) When they stop to take a breath, sometimes I politely interrupt and sometimes I just wait until they talk themselves out.

When I finally have a chance to explain what they need to do and why what they were trying to do was wrong, all the sudden the Dr will become very very pleasant and sometimes quite sheepish.

My advice? Trust that the person in the "call center" knows what you're talking about and give them a chance to help you...

But if you get stuck with someone who is clearly incompetent at least be a bit patient, people yell at us and talk down to us all day.

As a sidenote, I'm having an awesomely fun day and I'm not grumpy at all, I just thought i'd share my random musings on phone calls

Hidden flavors

2010-08-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have the same cup of coffee every morning. Large, Black McDonalds coffee. More often than not I drink about 90% of it. Due to the way my morning goes, I'm done eating by the time I get to my nice warm beverage. This also means that I have been cheating myself out of some quite surprising experiences.
Today, I had half a donut (eep! I know! Don't tell me trainer, lmao). Now, I knew that coffee was meant to be had with treats (ie, fika in Sweden) but I had forgotten! The great delight I experienced after taking a bite of doughnut and then a huge swig of coffee just brightened my morning! To think, I have been drinking the same thing every morning. Tasting the same thing. Experiencing the same thing, day in and day out. All this time I could have been experiencing something new and exciting. The flavors that the coffee/doughnut mixture made in my mouth were so rich and pleasant.... I fear I might get chunky again just trying to re-inact this morning. hahaha (just kidding, doughnuts aren't worth being chunky)
I worked at sbux for a few years and we did pairings and tastings all the time and I have to say, I really miss it. I can also see how people would really enjoy doing tastings with food and alcohol as well, though after a while, I'd guess that almost anything would start to taste very good. haha.
All of this has got me thinking that there are probably many areas of my life that could be much more exciting and thrilling if I just let them. If I were open to pairing my daily activities or responsibilities with different "goodies" I might be a much happier person. I've felt stuck lately and instead of trying to get un-stuck maybe I should let God show me how I can enjoy the little things through him.
Happy Tuesday!

Lack of patience or an abundance of it....

2010-08-18T10:39:00.000-05:00

Dear Prince Charming/ Future Husband,

I'm going to stop looking for you because I've been told that if I stop looking you'll find me.

So I'm going to go about my daily stuff and you just feel free to interrupt me whenever you find me.

Ok, see you soon! (hopefully!)

Thus far...

2010-08-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

I'm having one of those days where I want to update my blog and post something amazing and funny that will make you cry and laugh all within 3 minutes but I'm at a loss. Instead, I'm going to share with you everything that has happened this summer

I think going to Vegas officially kicked off the summer. I went with Jes and Reid, we're Huey, Dewey and Louie.

We had a great time and I know I want to go back... : )

Next I headed off to Memphis for work. We were helping to host the National PTA conference. We got to go down town to hang for a bit and I found a street sign that was my birthday!

After Memphis I went to North Carolina for the Anderson family reunion! What a blast! My family is hysterical!

And now, I'm leaving tomorrow for Minnesota for my brother and soon to be sister-in-law's wedding!!!! I can not wait, I'm so beyond excited for them and we are going to have such a great time. Pictures will come eventually, I promise

Its been a good summer for the most part. There have been some very hard times too but you grow from those and they shape you as a person.

Stagnance

2010-08-05T10:12:00.001-05:00

All around me it seems things are moving forward.

Yet somehow I'm still in the same spot
(well, not literally because I just moved apartments...)

Friends and family are getting married, moving away and having children

I'm ready for something new, my heart is bursting with excitement for the next chapter of my life

Now, if only I could find that first page to give me just a tiny bit of direction...

We're workin, we're movin'...

2010-06-22T12:19:00.000-05:00

we're in the zone, we're groovin!

Since October, I've been working with my personal trainer. As an update to my loyal readers, i'd like to share my progress with you!
I had been at a plateau for about 2 months, loosing one or two lbs at at time (which drove me nuts). However, in the last month, I dropped nearly 10 lbs! woo hoo!

Here you can see the progress...

(these are from last summer)

(john and kari's wedding)

here are some from the halfway point (near christmas)

(i cant be blamed for the bill cosby sweater, we had an Ugly Sweater Christmas party)

and here are some of the most recent pics of me...

(andra and I at libertyville days)

(i found this sign in memphis, it's my birthday)

(uberstein in Vegas!)

So far I believe the grand total of weight loss is 34lbs! I've got a ways to go but now I'm even more motivated!

In other news, I'm getting very excited for Tim and Ali's wedding in August and for Kirsten to have her baby (it's a girl!!) in August as well. It will be a great month!

Never Ever

2010-06-17T12:24:00.000-05:00

Never ever have I felt so alone
even though I am surrounded

Never ever have I felt this numb
even though everything hurts

I want to sleep
but it brings me no rest

I want to laugh
but I know it will make me cry

I only held her once
it was too soon to say goodbye

She looked just like a baby doll
dressed up in Sunday best

Our precious little baby girl
too early laid to rest

Mia you are sorely missed
the joy you brought was pure

You're resting in our fathers arms
of this we can be sure

Baby, you're no longer here on earth
realizing that is hard

These broken hearts will someday heal
but there will always be a Mia sized scar

Peace and comfort to the Reblin and Salegio family. My heart is broken for you.

Baby Holder

2010-05-18T13:18:00.001-05:00

Ive been accused of being a baby holder.

I say accused because in my head that sounds like baby hogger...

But, i'm not a baby hogger, people just give me their babys

I don't really know why...

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I'm always gushing about how I love babies!

But, come on.... how could you not?

Side note, if there's not a picture of your baby on here, don't be offended, I'm sure I love your baby too. aaaand, also I can't wait for my cousin Kirsten to have her baby!!! Woo Hoo!!!

But I'm not a baby hogger... I'll share, if you ask... more than once...
: )

Hoppy Easter

2010-04-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm cheesy, deal with it.

First things first and then my story. My brother and his girlfriend of 3 years are ENGAGED!!! I am so excited for them and all I keep saying is that I've always wanted a sister. Now I have to admit that she has come along at the perfect time because I had a hard enough time sharing with just one sibling as a kid... 2 would have been a little much, haha. Anyways, I am beyond excited for them and just have love pouring out of my heart. I hope they don't get too fed up with me being so excited! Here they are:

Ok, so here is a little story that I have heard 5 or 6 times now recently....

Apparently when my brother and I were in college, (he's 3 years younger but 2 years different in school) we woke up early, ahem I mean, I woke up early on Easter to find all the Easter eggs before him. Now tell me, anyone who knows me knows that I will sleep in all day if I was allowed. I love to sleep so much that I almost didn't believe this story was true... but then I started to remember.

I did get up, but it wasn't extra early. My brother just didn't come downstairs right away... so I peeked.
and peeked
and peeked all around the house
and found the eggs
all of them.
all of those glorious little sugar filled treasures.... mmmh

So, when he finally came down and my parents said we could look for them, I found them all rather quickly. (Mind you, the entire time I was giggling to myself )
"Mit" gave up and just waited until I finished finding all the eggs and sat there with a sour look on his face.

Well. Whadya expect? I like surprises, I was up and he wasn't, I got excited! He always used to beat me. How do you think it feels loosing to your little brother. Not good I tell you, not good.

When I had realized all of this had actually happened I went out and bought Easter eggs and candy to make it up to him. (this is now present day) This Easter, when he was able to come up to the burbs after work, we did an egg hunt for Mit, his fiance "Akiko" and her sister (insert cute nickname here: _______ (ill come up with one later)). My parents and I laughed and watched as these 3 grown kids ran around the living and dining room. Mit pulled a Hulk a few times and physically lifted large pieces of furniture to find things quicker. This amused me greatly but not so much my Mother who just kept saying his name with a bit of amusement/annoyance/worry in her tone.

Fun was had by all, and I have officially made up for the time I stole all the Easter eggs.

Hey Shorty!

2010-03-25T13:54:00.000-05:00

Before I begin, I'd like to comment that I've had two helpings of coffee already today including a quad venti non-fat carmel latte with whip and drizzle (ultimate fav) and a medium black coffee. I feel nothing extra special but a little tired. How can this be? Come ON caffeine, work your magic on me!!!

This post is titled "Hey Shorty" because I have a bone to pick. When I went to Dunkin Donuts today to get my coffee, I had a rather unpleasant experience. I wasn't ready to order yet so I stood pretty far back from the counter. I was clearly on my phone asking a co-worker what kind of bagel she wanted. Both employees behind the counter repeatedly asked me what I wanted. First, I worked in that type of environment and I know that what they did is completely inappropriate. Second, IM ON MY PHONE!!! Third, I stepped away from the counter, far away, so that it was clear that I was not trying to place my order.
Moving on, when I finally got up to the counter, both short little ladies just glared at me. I said "hello, im ready to order now" in the most polite tone I could muster. The one says "waddya want" in a tiny quiet yet somehow rude voice. I asked for two bagels toasted with cream cheese and she walked away. The other one goes (with disdain dripping off every word) "whad didsha ged"? This little one was not quiet and I couldnt even tell if she was talking to me or the other person. I answered her so as not to be rude and she replied "anithing elsh?" so I said, "yes please, I would like a medium cup of black coffee" and she said "anithing elsh?" so I said, "just the coffee, thank you" and she replied "anithing elsh?!?!?" so at this point I said "NO THANK YOU" rather loud. She slammed my coffee down on the counter and took my money. She provided no receipt and didn't say another word.
Now, I would like to know what I did to so severely tick these women off that they felt the need to behave that way. I did everything I thought I could to be respectful. Moving away from the counter until I was ready to order, speaking clearly about what I wanted, having my money ready, being as polite as possible, etc.
I'm 5'9". I'm no giant but I'm certainly not short. I appreciate my height but I have to say, I never notice that people are short unless they have a chip on their shoulder about it. My advice, quit being angry about being short. You have one life, and one body. Love yourself, make yourself the best version of who you can be and LIVE. Brush that chip off your shoulder and the with the weight lifted, maybe you'll feel a little taller.

On-wards and Up-wards...

I have pictures to share because I had a great time last Saturday with my Momma up in Lake Geneva. I really needed to get away but I think she did too. We hung out and went out for dinner and shopped a little. It was such a nice respite from all the craziness that's been going on lately.
Here is a little photo story:

This is the Lodge we stayed at

This is Sunday morning when we stopped at Covenant Harbor to buy some Maple Syrup but they were all sold out!

The blue chords are running from tree to tree collecting sap and letting gravity carry the sap down the hill!

That's sap from the maple trees!

Official greeters at Cov Harbor!

Me and my Momma. This picture is pretty indicative of our weekend. Me being being cheesy and mom laughing at me.

Loved it.

Faith, Hope, and Love

2010-03-09T08:54:00.001-06:00

Lately my life seems to be all black and white. Anyone who knows me well knows that I live in the gray.

When I live in the gray, I can fly by the seat of my pants. I make light commitments so that if I can't handle something or I need desperately to do something else, I can. It helps me to feel free and not confined to expectations or limits.

Now that I've been living in the black and white, I'm finding it isn't as horrible as I thought and I can schedule some free time *which, to me, feels like the epitome of an oxymoron*. Some of the b&w has been thrust upon me and is not in my control. One of the biggest things for me is family and friends going through big life changes *marriage, babies, houses, moving...etc*. I've been feeling un-needed lately. I do need to mention though that I don't feel un-wanted. I can see and feel my family and friends making efforts to keep me involved in their lives and I love and appreciate that more than I can express.

I've got some big things coming up. Life changing decisions and I pray for the strength to meet them head on and power through. I get stopped up when I need to make big decisions because I wait and wait for someone to help me decide. At some point i'll learn and be comfortable in the fact that I only need God and my own instincts, and that both are trustworthy.

Here's to living in the black and white and gray.

Seriously?

2010-03-08T14:08:00.001-06:00

These are the kinds of calls I get on a daily basis:

Me: Member Services, this is Kate, how can I help you?

Lady: Hi, I went to a meeting and my husband and I went to the same meeting and I went to the meeting and I need my certificate because I went to the meeting and I need to know how many credits I earned from the meeting because I went with my husband in 2005 and he went to the meeting too.

Me: Ok, do you need a copy of your certificate showing how many credits you earned at the meeting?

Lady: Well, I went to the meeting with my husband and I need to do my certification so I need to know how many credits I got from the meeting.

Me: Alright, we can send you a copy of your certificate from the meeting showing how many credits you earned, but it costs $15 for the reprint

Lady: Well I went to the meeting and I earned the credits and I need to know how many credits I got at the meeting and so does my husband. I am trying to do my certification so I need to know my credits, can I look it up online?

Me: Unfortunately we don't have a section on our website that shows how many credits you earned. I can look you up in the database and confirm whether or not you attended the meeting, or I can take your credit card information to have a certificate resent to you.

Lady: Well, no, I went to the meeting and I need to know how many credits I have from the meeting that I went to with my husband so I can, um, so I can, um, so I can do my certification.

Me: I understand what you are looking for, at this point your options are that I could confirm you attended over the phone for free or you can pay $15 to receive your credit information

Lady: No, no its free, I already paid for it.

Me: I'm sorry paid for what?

Lady : The certificate, the meeting.... I went to the meeting and I did the stuff so I could get the credits in 2005

Me: Yes ma'am, I understand you attended the meeting. Would you like to purchase a copy of your certificate that shows how many credits you earned?

Lady: No, I already have enough credits anyways, I was just wondering how many I had.

*click*

Me: (under my breath) Thanks for calling have a nice day.

(completely futile, since she has already hung up on me)

Now, hang up and repeat approx 40 times a day. On a good day.
I would just like to comment that I am not a jerk. I know she didn't want to pay for her credits. But, I have no authority to send them to her for free. There is nothing else I could have done for her and in all fairness, if you lost a certificate from 2005 whos fault is that? not mine.

Grumpy here. Justified? Maybe.
Wish I was doing something much more fun? Yes.

Curtains!!!!

2010-03-04T10:08:00.000-06:00

Today I received an email from the Spark Ventures staff with pictures of the new curtains that Hope Ministries was able to buy. These curtains are especially special to me because I was able to donate all the money for them! Last summer when I visited Zambia and Hope Ministries, I felt called to donate the money for the curtains and I had a little extra money that I had saved from selling jewelry for my trip. It fills my heart with joy to see and share these pictures with you:

(sidenote, im done with the coffee review, if i find something amazing, ill let you know.)

Sleeping In

2010-02-24T15:30:00.000-06:00

Medium McDonalds, black, 6-10

Last night I slept for 14 hours. I started thinking about why it is that I was able to sleep that long. What I figured was that I was just pretty much exhausted from trying to keep a busy schedule.
*work, training, family, friends, boyfriend, knitting, counseling, cleaning, and soon my photography class! (not in order of importance)*

Here is a picture of my friend J-Lynn and I from this weekend

Even though I didn't get to see her for that long, I had fun and I got to see a bunch of other good friends too. I'm finding more and more lately that my friends are a good respite when I'm ready to just crack from all the pressure of my current job.
Starting my photography class is so exciting but also a little nerve racking. Right now, I have had nearly no professional training (I took one class in high school but had to drop it when I got mono) and I am free to be goofy with my pictures, and if i mess something up, its not a big deal. Now, I wont really have an excuse to take stupid pictures. Clearly, I'm free to take stupid pictures up the wazoo, but somehow it feels like the pressure is on. I really just want to get started.
I recently hosted an Arbonne party at my apartment and ordered a bunch of stuff which is set to arrive tomorrow!!! Yes. Next time you see me, my face will be glowing and my hands and feet will be silky smooth.
Hope that all 3 people that probably ever read this blog are enjoying it so far. Once my photog class starts, I promise to provide much more stimulating visual entertainment. *haha, that sounds bad but I didn't mean for it to...*
Best Wishes!

Maaaaaagrarita!

2010-02-19T11:24:00.000-06:00

McDonalds, large black 6-10

Here are some edited pics from margarita night last weekend! It was impromptu fun! Though if I do say so myself, i make killer margaritas so if you're reading this, let me know if you want to come over for one and we'll make plans!

If pictures could talk, these would all say: "yeah Margarita night was pretty much the best night ever... AWESOME. YEAH!" (quote must be read out loud in a Ron Burgundy voice)

Bathroom Antics

2010-02-12T11:45:00.000-06:00

Mcdonalds Medium black 6-10 (it was overshadowed by the shamrock shake that i also had for breakfast, oops!)

Oh me, oh my
How the time does fly
When im sitting on the loo
Just waiting to... (you know)

In our office, we have one large ladies bathroom and one large mens bathroom. This gives way for some very interesting occurrences.
The Silent Sitter
You know what I'm talking about. The person in the stall that is just a few feet away who is just sitting there. You cant hear anything going on, you wonder if they have passed out. Many times I wonder if they're texting or have a shy bladder. My advice? If you're a silent sitter, do the rest of us a favor and blow your nose or mess with the toilet paper. Your silence is creepy.
The Talker
In a public place, I don't like to chat on the pot. I don't need to try and talk over the sound of you "going number 1". In fact, I'm trying so hard not to laugh about the fact that your trying to talk and pee at the same time that I have no clue what you're saying. There is a sense of accomplishment one feels after having a non-ceasing conversation that can with withstand all distractions. However, I really could go with out feeling that efficient most days.
The Stall Spacer
How many times have you gone into the bathroom and found that every other stall is taken. It would make a hysterically funny picture. I don't know if guys do this but ladies do. When given the option I would like to say that most women will skip a stall so that there is a cushion of space between them and the next person. How awkward though when you come into the bathroom and all you can do is take a stall right in between two people? I always giggle and wonder if I'm offending them by doing this. Hey, when you've gotta go, sometimes you don't have the luxury of an extra large space bubble. Deal with it.
The Social One
Much like The Talker, the Social One has no qualms about talking in the bathroom. In fact, I do think that some women specifically plan to meet each other in the bathroom to chat. I have witnessed women standing and talking in the bathroom for as long as it takes me to get in, do my thing, wash my hands and get out. There is no couch, no where to sit, it doesn't smell very good... why not just call each other from your desk? Clearly I don't fall into this category.
The Tooter
Yes. This person will sit in their stall, thinking that their shoes are invisible or having no shame what-so-ever and toot. Sometimes very loud, sometimes very long. Now I know that there are somethings that you can't control but for the love, just wait a moment until the only other person has exited the bathroom before you rip 'em!
The Rebel
This is not a good thing. Don't look at this title and say "yeah thats me" before you finish reading the description. The rebel does not abide by normal bathroom etiquette. The rebel will not wash their hands (disgusting and germ spreading) among other inappropriate behaviors. I refuse to give this type of person any more description because people who don't wash their hands after using the bathroom in a public place wont get anymore of my time.

I'm sure there are more, and feel free to add if you want but I will leave you with this list (which i first read freshman year of college and ended up on the floor laughing) of funny and bad things to do in the bathroom if you feel so daring:

Complement people on their shoes.

Grunt loudly for 60 seconds and drop a watermelon in the bowl from 10 feet.

Yell “On no, my fish!”

Cheer and clap loudly every time somebody breaks the silence with bodily noise

Scream " Oh my GOD! What is THAT?"

Masquerade as a door-to-door salesman.

Play a well known drum cadence over and over again on your butt cheeks.

Say, "Dang, this water's cold."

Say, "Now how did that get there?"

Sing show tunes

Beg passerbies for toilet paper, when you get some, ask for more

"Y'all better not light any matches in here for awhile"

Drop a marble in the toilet and say "oh no not my monocle!"

Say, "D***, I knew that drain hole was a too small. What am I gonna do now?

What? I didn’t have any corn!

Sneeze, burp, and fart all at the same time

Drop a D size bra on the ground and sing "Born free"

Say, "Humus. Reminds me of humus."

Yell "Who does #2 work for?!"

Have a great day and lets all try to practice some good bathroom etiquette.

Overhaul

2010-02-03T13:58:00.000-06:00

Starbucks, triple grande carmel latte non-fat with whip cream and drizzle 9-10 (signature drink)

Many people use the new year as a jumping point. A time of transition and goal setting. As usual I couldn't wait for the new year, I went right ahead and started with goals and transitions back in October. I'm not always a patient person when I get really excited about things.
Anyways, back in October, I went and hired a personal trainer from Evolution Training Fitness. I have been working with him ever since and so far have lost 17lbs! It's big news for me for many reasons. I didn't realize how much weight I had put on in the last few years and loosing the extra lbs has been pretty eye opening! Check out these before and after pics. BTW, I am soooo not done yet but I wanted to share this because i'm finding that the more encouragement I get, the better I do!

Left to right, Me, Blondie ,Curls (this is last winter I believe)

This was in April on a trip to Seattle (another "before" picture)

Here is a picture from this December at an ugly sweater party!
I don't have a picture of me that is very recent, but I will post one soon. This picture was after 3 months of working out and eating right. It's not always easy to stay on track but when I eat something bad, I don't dwell on it, I just remember to make better decisions for the next meal.

Other transitions from the last year include glasses and hair color, woah! I had always wanted glasses as a kid and never needed them. When I got back from my trip to Africa in July, I went to the eye doctor and found out I needed glasses. At 26 my wish finally came true, haha! (Sidenote: I now wish I didn't need them and am wondering about contacts, oy)
Hair has always been a thing with me. I like to change it often and I like to make drastic changes. Long to short, blonde to black (which was an accident as I meant to do very dark brown). I think that changing my hair just adds a little excitement and adventure to my life when I'm feeling bored.
I always wondered if I would look more like my mom if I dyed my hair to match hers. What do you think?

haha, we're silly
Later!~

Ring, Ding, Dong....

2010-01-26T21:52:00.000-06:00

Starbucks, tall, black 8 of 10

Ring-a-ring, ding, ding, dong

So much of my life lately revolves around ringing.

Ears ringing

I've been sick for a few days now and its about the point where I start getting stir crazy. I cant sit on the couch anymore. I can not watch another episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. There is a huge part of me that wants to get up and run around and work out and go to work (eep! yes, I actually want to go to work!!!). I know I need to be patient and if I rush the recovery, it will be a longer one than if I am patient and take good care of myself. I know there are others that are hurting more, much more than I am right now, and I am praying for them and thinking of them when I get frustrated with my own current limitations.

Phone ringing

I've been staying at my parents house these last few days. I have to say, this place is like a hotline! Between the cell phones and the house phone, it seems like they're on the phone more than off. They're both so cordial and patient and many times they really do want to be talking to the person who calls. Its just odd to be here and see how many calls a night they take because foolishly, I forget how busy both of them are. I love my parents so much and I look up to them on a daily basis.

Another phone ringing that I am not missing right now is my phone at work. In the last 2 weeks we had training at my office and only half our team was on the phones. In one day I had 141 calls through my phone. Tell me that's not exhausting both mentally and physically. Its nice to have some time away, but knowing that the craziness is over now, I am itching to be answering the phone or emails or something.... "Member Services, this is Kate, how may I help you?"....

Doorbell ringing

Talk about embarrassing... I had to answer the door yesterday. I really thank the UPS man who was subject to my germs. He was so kind and cordial. When the doorbell rang yesterday afternoon, I really contemplated not answering it. I was looking and feeling nasty. Details aside, I wouldn't have wanted to see anyone, much less a stranger who has no idea that this is not always how I look, ha ha. I made my way to the door and squeaked out a "hi". He asked me to sign for a package and I asked him if he could hold the device for me that you need to sign. I explained I didn't want to get germs all over it and he said "aww, no worries, if you saw the back of the truck, you'd know why I don't care about germs one bit!" As I attempted to laugh without coughing, and managed a "thank you" in a voice I didn't recognize, I began to wonder. I know, I know it is highly unlikely but is it too much to hope that the delivery guy meant that the back of the truck is repeatedly sprayed with Lysol every 30 seconds? Therefore, he would have no reason to be worried about germs?

Its good that I was sick, and home at my parents place because it turned out to be an important package. That needed to be signed for.

I'm out for now. Much love to all my friends and family!

baby hats

2010-01-22T10:40:00.000-06:00

McDonalds, medium, black 5 of 10

First, to clarify, the beginning of each post contains my morning coffee and its rating. I won't comment on it any further unless anyone has questions

Ok, baby hats. I love making them. Not only do I love them because they're adorable, i love them because they are a quick and love filled project. I can knit a baby hat in an hour or so maybe 2 depending on the hat. When I knit them, I like to pray for the baby that will wear it. I pray that they will grow up strong and healthy and that their parents can have patience when they're tired. I pray for so many other things, but mostly that the baby will be safe and healthy.
These are pictures of friends babies that i have made hats for recently

This baby belongs to 2 of my very good friends, she is adorable and sweet!

This sweet little one is my cousins neice. I am so excited to meet her and take some pictures of my own! Precious!!!

I have to say when I see these hats (that are full of prayers and hope) on these babies heads, it makes me so happy and full of joy!

I hope to be making more hats soon!

You can take my windsheild wiper....

2010-01-15T10:49:00.000-06:00

McDonalds medium black, 7 of 10

...BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE MY FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!
I got out to my car this morning and someone had taken my windsheild wiper off my car and laid it on the hood. They left the wiper arm sticking straight in the air.
So many things ran through my head, first being "am i being watched right now?" This tends to be my first reaction to things that are odd. I figure, if i did something that weird to someone i would want to sit and watch them to see their reaction.
I couldn't see anyone watching me (which doesn't mean much) so i swore under my breath and began trying to fix it.
I sat in my car for a moment and put my boots on since i was in heels and i hate nothing more than getting snow on the inside of my shoes.
So i bumbled around back outside my car and i began examining this detached wiper. I started to get really really annoyed because this stranger called me out. I have no idea how to put this wiper back on. I fail the wiper challenge. Then, i became indignant. "I can fix this, its not a big deal, i will win (against who? I don't know. the wiper blade.... the stranger (idiot))" So i spend a good 5 minutes turning the blade over and trying to push it gingerly back onto this naked windshield wiper arm coming off my car. I didn't think it was broken and i was becoming later and later for work by the minute. I remembered that my brother "Mit" hadn't left for work yet so I made a road side assistance call to his cell.
I stood outside the running car for a few moments and tried desperately to fix it on my own so I wouldnt look like a fool when he got there. As he came tromping across the street and smiled at me, i gave up. We laughed about how ridiculous the whole thing was.

**sidenote**this whole time by the way, im sneakly looking up and in windows to see if im being watched. why am I being sneaky you ask? Pshh, because if i catch someone watching me ill know who did this! Though as I say that, i recognize that they could just be watching me becuase this entire thing is ridiculous and entertaining... but NEVER THE LESS they could be the cluprit!! and then ill get them.*** end sidenote***

So, Mit literally popped the wiper right back on and showed me how to do it in the future. I had been attempting to put it back on upsidedown and kind of backwards. (it was logical to me but apparently not as easy as how it was actually made to snap on) I thanked Mit and wished him a good day and hopped back into my poor assaulted car. My wipers back on, and the heat blaring I made a quick call to work before I hit the gas. (I always wonder if they think im making up outlandish stories to cover something boring, like my alarm not going off, but this kind of stuff seems to happen to me alot!)
As I drove along listening to "hey there delilah" on the radio, I began musing about a few things:
1. I could have got to work without my wiper but it may have been dangerous since it had started to snow
2. What possible reason would someone have for doing some thing that stupid? Here are my suspicions:
- someone thought it was their own car and started to switch their wiper blades, then realizing it wasn't their car, got embarrased and walked away
-someone started stealing it and a cop drove by so they left it
-someone thought it would be a funny prank because they were drunk or just plain stupid
-someone started stealing it, planning to take both, and then realized that I only have one good wiper and the other one is a piece of junk so they left it (which would be awesome because then I would benefit from being cheap)

This is all I've come up with. I'm more annoyed that Ill never get an answer than I am that it happened. But, if I ever do find out who did it, I am going to demand $15 for compensation for making me late for work.

Hopefully this will be a fun weekend!

me and Mit

Mmmh music

2010-01-14T12:55:00.000-06:00

McDonalds medium black coffee 6 of 10
I love guitar music. Live, acoustic guitar music. I had a horrible day at work yesterday. Without divulging too much, ill just say that I got so fed up I actually cried (which I don't do at work. Don't).
Anyways, I got home to find my cousin "Sir-sings-alot", his friend "Sir-sleeps-on-the-couch-alot", my brother "Mit" and his girlfriend "Akiko" all sitting in the living room. Sir-sings-alot was bustin out a song on his guitar about my boyfriend "Crotchety Old Man", whom he thought was coming in the door with me, but he wasn't. So, I cracked up laughing, and when Sir-sings-alot realized I was alone, he started singing about me instead. Though everyone was laughing and being raoucus and funny, I took his lyrics to heart because they were sweet and honest. I love my family and last night was one of the best nights I've had with my roommates in a long time. It was just what I needed after a long horrible day at work.

Crotchety Old Man showed up later in the evening with pizza (eep! dont tell my personal trainer!) because I decided that I could cheat on my diet for one evening of blissfull, cheesey pizza.

It was a good night. : )

Why photos?

2010-01-11T12:46:00.000-06:00

McDonalds, Medium black coffee 6 of 10

I love taking pictures. I think its mostly because I love to have physical things help me hang on to memories. You can look at a picture and remember exactly what you were doing and who was there. The picture can capture your feelings or even show feelings you didn't realize you had.
Somehow when you see something so beautiful and you can't have it or take it or touch it, if you take a picture of it, you can. Like a gorgeous flower or a beautiful sunset. You can't go around grabbing peoples flowers out of their yards but you can stop and take a beautiful picture of it. This is a flower I saw when I was out taking pictures one day. The colors were so warm and beautiful and soft. I imagined that the flower smelled like cotton candy and the perfectly sweet perfume that I am constantly on the hunt for. Though it did smell delicious, it was nothing like I imagined, but when I look at this picture, it smells like cotton candy.
To top it off, each picture is like its own little time capsule. It holds everything in the moment the shutter snapped. The exact millisecond. Like an old journal, when you flip back through old entries or pictures you're immediately there... sometimes, so strongly that you feel the emotions again: laughter, tears, joy, excitement, infatuation, relief or peace.
I adore old pictures and I treasure what they do for me. I can meet or get to know my ancestors or those who were taken from us too early. Some of my favorites are from my childhood, things i dont even really remember but love that I did.

I used to think that photography was a cheaters form of art. There is no paint, no clay, no pencil... but when i started to get into it, i realized it is grounded, organic, essential art. You have to have an eye for photography and understand your camera. You have to understand lighting and shutter speeds, movement and color.
I need to learn more.
Here are some of my favorites...

More to come, you know i couldn't just pick 5 but for now, they will do

Ugh, snow

2010-01-08T11:50:00.000-06:00

This morning: McDonalds, Medium black 6 of 10

Usually, I love the snow. It makes everything more beautiful. It covers any blemishes on trees or houses or roads and makes everything looks clean and artistic. A photographers dream!

Today, I'm angry about snow. Both yesterday and today I got faked out by the forecasters. I was lead to believe that it would snow enough that we might get a "Snow DAY" off from work. Well THAT didn't happen. I'm at work, and I'm not happy about it.

In other news, I had a wonderful time hanging out with a couple of my Mrs. friends (they're married) last night. I've decided for now not to use peoples real names. You'll meet all of them as we go along. For now, i'll dub them Señora Sangria and Mrs. Monet (she likes to paint!)
Anyways, I adore these ladies. Every time I am around them, I'm reminded who I am, and who I am in relation to others. They both love on everyone they come in contact with and are supportive and funny. They made my day (and my week) much better than it was.
Never underestimate the importance of good friends, and don't take them for granted because sometimes they move away and then you're left with the foundation you created when you were together. If you don't create a strong foundation when you have a chance to, it's easier to crumble under the pressure of long distance.

Enough for today. Hopefully this weekend brings joy and relaxation.

Not new but not familiar

2010-01-07T11:08:00.000-06:00

This morning: Starbucks, Grande, black Pikes Place 7 of 10

It's been quite some time since I've had a current and updated blog. My plan for this one is to share with you all the things I'm passionate about and of course my daily musings on random things.
Sometimes i'll be funny, sometimes I won't but I will be honest.
I'll share with you my photography and whatever else pops in my head.
Best Wishes and thanks for reading!!!