Living in the Moment

Sick Day

2012-01-27T08:23:00.000-06:00

I am one big snotty mess this morning. I like to pride myself on rarely being sick but today is not that day. My nose is running like a faucet. I have drank so much tea, my eye balls are swimming. Being at home or being at work isn't going to made a difference, so I'm going to see how it goes this morning before I give in and call it a day. The best cure for my ridiculous snot mess - my old comfy sweatpants, my couch, tons of tissue, chicken noodle soup and some hot tea.

Little Boxes

2012-01-26T08:11:00.000-06:00

DSM Art Festival 2011

Tim Gunn has been celibate for 29 years. "Do I feel like less of a person for it? No!" he said. "I am a perfectly happy, fulfilled individual." It's nice to see someone highly visible promoting single life as perfectly normal and that someone can lead a life without a partner and feel fulfilled. It's so hard for society to understand or even accepted differences even though we promote acceptance of diversity all the time. When someone doesn't fall into that the perfect little box, we don't know what to do with it. I have had many instances when people have said the craziest things to me because I'm single at my age - Like I'm an old spinster waiting for some man to marry me to make me happy. Is it really that hard to believe someone could be happy living their life without a partner?

Thoughts

2012-01-25T08:34:00.001-06:00

I have found when I get an obsessive thought in my head that I just need to find a replacement for it. Chalk it up to an Anxiety Disorder or to a manic phase. (Not sure why I have this OCD kind of pattern but I know it has something to do with my anxiety.) Sometimes it's pretty ok, because I can channel that energy into a project, like painting my house or cleaning out the garage or getting a crazy amount of work done in a short amount of time. Most of the time, the obsessiveness just makes me feel like a CD that skips and it won't move forward. I work really hard so that most people around me won't notice this little trait, but the people closest to me have experienced this little annoyance first hand. It's really not fun at times. I'm dealing with such a thing right now, so I stepped out of my comfort zone and put myself out there so I could give my brain a rest on one particular topic. So far, it seems to be helping.

Thoughts

2012-01-24T10:32:00.000-06:00

Random thoughts for the day:

I'm probably dying my hair blonde again.
I really want a new winter coat since mine is old as sin and showing it's age. The one I want is out of stock in black but they have a white one. I love white but I think that would be a bad choice in the long run.
I hate when I obsess about things that are completely out of my reality.
Getting paid before Christmas in December makes for a very very long January.

Weekend Happenings

2012-01-23T13:33:00.001-06:00

Nothing like having a busy weekend to help you get things done. Saturday morning started with a clogged up toilet. So with a little help from Google, hot water and some dish soap - toilet fixed. No joke!

And I got to spend some quality time with one nephew and the niece watching basketball games and then just hanging at my place. Nothing like having a nine year old to keep you on your toes! Belle likes to come to my house just so she can cuddle with my cat and the pups. Not to mention, she gets to play games or make bracelets and watch movies while eating a Happy Meal.

While hanging out, Belle informed me that there is a show called American Stuffers and that I should *do* that with Minnie and Arlo. I said, "Do what?" She exclaimed, "Ya know, stuff them!" WHAT?!? Pretty sure I'm NOT going to do that EVER!! LOL!

Thoughts

2012-01-20T08:28:00.000-06:00

One of my students the other day asked me what *was* my end game? Meaning - where did I see myself ending up? (We were talking about life and dating if that makes any sense.) And I can honestly say, I don't know. I'm happy where I am right now. I don't know if that means I will marry or not. Or even to date or not. Is it my ultimate goal in life to be married? No. But I'm open to it. I just haven't met anyone I'd like to spend more time with. So I told him, I'm perfectly happy where I am. Sometimes it's ok to just be. I really do strive to be a good role model for my students. And I think it is good that they see someone who is content and happy but also someone who doesn't have to follow the conventional rules of life. And just think how boring life would be if we were all the same. Happy a good weekend everyone!

Joys of Aging

2012-01-18T12:44:00.001-06:00

Why is it that I am dealing with age spots/sun spots at my age AND acne?? So unfair. One or the other but not both please.

Conversations

2012-01-17T10:21:00.000-06:00

Scene: Working with one of my basketball players, who happens to be 7 foot tall. Talking about life after college.

"I'm too tall! I gotta be successfull! I can't be working at the Wendy's flipping burgers. I would look like a clown I'm so tall!! I would have to swim to an island where no one knows me if I end up working at Wendy's. I gotta be successful"

And he will. Oh how these kids makes me laugh.

MLK

2012-01-16T14:36:00.002-06:00

In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies,

but the silence of our friends.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Winter Wonder

2012-01-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

I know I shouldn't say this but I'm so glad we have had a warm winter. I know the farmers need the moisture but I am super glad I haven't had to bundle up as much, and I'm happy I haven't had to drive on ice and snow. The dogs and I have been enjoying short walks on the weekend too. In a normal winter, their time is limited to a couple minutes a few times a day. And being cooped up for so long does not bode well for any of us. So again I'm totally ok with the warm winter we are having right now.

Brrrrrrrr!

2012-01-12T08:05:00.000-06:00

Arlo is one grumpy puppy!! After waking up to 45 mph winds and negative wind chills, Arlo promptly decided to not go outside this morning to take care of business. Minnie, who is 3lbs when soaking wet, who hates to wear anything that resembles clothing, put on her coat and went out like a little trooper. Arlo stood by the door shivering and whining like he was in pain. We were outside for no longer than 2 minutes tops. Guess winter decided to show up after all, and my little chihuahuas are not happy one bit!

Thoughts

2012-01-11T08:21:00.001-06:00

Campus - March 2011

The more I work with young adults the more I want to educate them and mentor them. It's been a hard couple of years at the college. The economy hasn't done us any favors and when enrollment is off even a little bit, you are definitely going to feel it across the board. Yesterday, it was announced that 10 positions will be cut. And as you can imagine students are completely up in arms. No one wants this to happen but hard decisions had to be made. It makes me sad because I know friends will lose their jobs. And for the most part these are people who live for our school and the students they work with. The interesting part is how many students have voiced opinions and how uninformed they are about these decisions that were made. I'm not sure what my reaction would have been if the same situation happened while I was in school. I do remember that the college had some of the biggest increases in tuition the school had ever seen in it's history while I was a student. (Today students can expect 4-5% increase most years.) So where does that leave me today.... just some rambling thoughts of the last 24 hours.

New Beginnings

2012-01-09T08:34:00.003-06:00

The new semester starts tomorrow. I love working at a college because everyone has the opportunity for a new beginning every semester. And who doesn't need a fresh start every once in a while? That means a lot of different things for me. At home it means starting the year off with a tidy, clean, organized house. In the office, it means taking care of any project that fell by the wayside first semester, cleaning out the inbox, and throwing away anything that is just taking up space. I'm a firm believer that you will accomplish much more when your life is in order - Mental clutter included. Simplify and organize are two constants in my life. The Unclutterer is a daily read for me because I feel so strongly about living a simple and organized life. Trust me, this way of life didn't happen overnight for me. It's something that I developed over years. And I am much happier now than I have ever been. If you are interested in becoming more organized in the new year, I highly recommend the Unclutterer's 7 guidelines to help you achieve your organizational goals.

Global Warming

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

While it would be nice to have a huge blizzard of snow, one that makes you hole up for a couple of days, I really am enjoying the unseasonably warm weather we are having here in the midwest. 65 degrees in January?? Unheard of!! The pups are enjoying the warm weather too - we went for a little walk yesterday and I didn't even have a coat on. I cannot remember a time when that was even possible in JANUARY!

Now Showing

2012-01-05T11:56:00.003-06:00

While enjoying my time off, I managed to watch a couple of good DVDs. The Debt with Helen Mirran and Midnight in Paris with Owen Wilson. What makes a good movie to me? One that will hold my attention for 2 hours. I loved the plot with the Debt. Intriguing and nerve wracking at the same time. Midnight made me want to visit Paris with all the beautiful scenery. Typical Woody Allen film but I liked the little twist. Why is it so hard to find a good movie these days?

Back to Work

2012-01-04T09:55:00.001-06:00

Minnie's look pretty much sums up my response to going back to work today. sigh.... Too much time off is not a good thing. This morning was a little rough. Thank goodness I only have to survive a couple of days!

Spotlight

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-06:00

And here we are -The Iowa Caucus. While an important event, I think most Iowans, including myself, are ready to move on. I have never been more unimpressed with the so-called candidates - Maybe it's because I'm older and wiser and not easily swayed by looks and sound bytes - Or maybe it's because I am much stronger in my own beliefs compared to my younger self. While I'm not going to get into politics, this whole presidential race has brought out a whole bunch of hate speak that is really hard to tolerate. It's surprising and disappointing to be honest. All from the people we look to be role models. The only good thing about the caucus is that Iowa is in the spotlight and the world can see what a great place our humble little state really is. And after today, we can all get back to our normal lives.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T14:45:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year! I'm enjoying a couple more days of vacation this week. It feels good to do a little "winter" cleaning and get my house in order. It's been great to have some quiet days to read and watch a couple of movies. I'm not sure what the new year will bring but I look forward to all its challenges and all the adventures that come with a new beginning. A Very Happy New Year Everyone!

Outdoor Ideas

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Just a few more photos of downtown Des Moines. I love all the lights and greenery -Definitely some good ideas for winter flower pots. And what I'm really loving this mild winter we are having - 50 degrees in December! Yesterday, I walked the pups without a coat! Truly crazy weather.

Reflections

2011-12-29T07:16:00.000-06:00

Western Gateway - Downtown DSM

Whiling driving around town the other day, I had some time to think about the new year and assess where I have been in the past year and I think I am pretty darn lucky.

I have a job that I really love,

My relationship with my family is better than it's ever been,

I have many many friends and my closest friends are present in my daily life,

I have a house that brings me comfort and serenity,

and two little pups that bring me tons of happiness.

Seriously, what more could I ask for? I know some might think I should be doing more or leading a more exciting life filled with travel and adventures or pursuing a highly active social life but I consider myself very very lucky to know true contentment. And as the new year approaches, I will continue with my life as it is, but I will be more healthy, I will continue to save more money, I will travel for fun this year, and I will remain content and happy for all that I have.

Celebrations

2011-12-28T07:42:00.000-06:00

It's a week long celebration of the holidays for me - first, Christmas followed by my birthday and finally New Year's. Last night, 14 members of my family and I went out to celebrate my birthday. Talk about anxiety producing! I always feel bad for the waitress who has to deal with a huge group like that but surprisingly everything was pretty low-keyed and the service was awesome. All the nieces and nephews were soooo good and thank god for my new IPhone - little 2 year old Grace was occupied by You Tube videos of Elmo and Bert and Ernie throughout dinner.

So the celebration continues tonight. Connie, my partner in crime, and I will be heading out for dinner and possibly a movie. And Thursday - more celebrations. I'm going to need a day to recover from all my gatherings. Happy Holidays indeed. :)

Busy Bee

2011-12-27T07:39:00.002-06:00

I'm finding that my week of vacation is going by fast. I have plans every night this week. While I love getting together with everyone, it makes for a busy week. And throw my birthday into the mix. Busy. Busy. Busy. I'm glad I took an extra day off next week. I have a few things around the house that I would like to do and I'm finding that it's hard to get anything done. Can someone send the maid over to finish my laundry and clean my house??

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

Bah Humbug

2011-12-23T09:24:00.001-06:00

Last week I got an email from our president of the college. It was decided that everyone could have an an extra day off for the holiday and that day is today - Too bad I actually had a scheduled appointment today. I'm sure I could have rescheduled with my student again, (poor student had two other times that didn't work out previously) and I just felt like that would be such bad customer service to change dates again. So here I am...hanging out in my office....and there is NO ONE else on campus today. Ah well - call it my good deed for the day. I have all my shopping done so it really isn't a big deal. All I have to do is find some gift bags and I'm good to go.

On another note, I'm ready for the gift giving part to be over. I hate this feeling of competition between family members. While I don't feel the need to compete and spend all kinds of money just to buy someones attention or affection there is a particular person who does. What happened to the whole "it's the thought that counts" premise? I realize this person is very insecure and it's the only thing she knows to do but I'm really quite annoyed to have to deal with this person year after year. I feel she is so selfish. And it's just irritating.

So next year, I may just skip out on the whole thing. Maybe I'll take a vacation to some beachy resort for the holiday.

Blogs and Bits

2011-12-21T16:25:00.002-06:00

While trolling the blog world, I found this awesome quote. Not sure where I found it but I like the sentiment. So I saved it on my computer. I save things on my computer all the time, so much so that's the reason I started my other blog, The Home Files years ago. It was just a place I could store all kinds of photos which allowed me to categorize them. Kind of like having your own little mini magazine but without the advertisments. And isn't it funny that now we have a website that actually does that exact same thing?? If you want to check out my Pinterest boards, you can find me here. I'm not completely sold on Pinterest but I like the idea of storing things there and knowing where I got them.

Gobal Warming

2011-12-21T12:15:00.001-06:00

There was a small dusting of snow this morning but it's gone now. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago when we had just a just tad more snow than today. There is no snow in sight for Christmas either. And I'm perfectly fine with that. My car is at a point where I don't feel very comfortable driving it on snow or ice at all. But I just want to get through another 6 months before I have to start consider a car payment. It's hard thinking about a car payment when you haven't had one in a very very long time.

Oh the Places You Go

2011-12-19T09:25:00.000-06:00

I met up with a friend and her daughter for a little frozen yogurt at Yo to Go last night. It was such a cute place I had to take a few photos. Look at all the fun stuff you can add to your yogurt! And you can sample as much as you want before you actually choose. I went with a chocolate cappuccino with a few heath bar sprinkles. And I did sample the snickerdoodle frozen yogurt and it REALLY tasted like a snickerdoodle cookie! The only down note was the amount of calories my dessert happened to be - you think you are being somewhat healthy but no...not really. Oh well. It was a nice treat just hanging out with a couple of good friends in a really cute place.

Girl Stuff

2011-12-16T09:23:00.000-06:00

Hmmmmm....It's Friday so that's a good thing. I don't know if I have anything inspiring today or not.

One funny thing this week....the guys that have come into my office this week have commented on my outfits. (What the heck! I expect comments from the girls, but the boys?!) One mentioned that wore the same fannel shirt a couple days before. Another mentioned that I have way too many boots. And somehow my hair color became a topic on facebook this week. Guess I'm going to have to step up my game!

After seeing Emily Henderson's post, I checked out Lands' End Canvas. I love me a good shirt dress with some boots! So I bought a couple - here's to hoping they work!

Finals Week

2011-12-15T08:36:00.000-06:00

Sorry everyone - it's finals week and most of my thoughts and time have been with students. Many many MANY final papers this week so that means I am editing and proofing a ton. Lots of students are testing in my office and that is always a test of my patience trying to be sure I have the right student, at the right time, with the right test. It's a bit like the game CLUE - sometimes I'm right and sometimes I'm not. So let's just say my brain is fried.

And I'm not the only one - I was talking to a professor yesterday and just as we were finishing our conversation he said, "Love you" as he hung up the phone. This is not a usual dialogue between us!!! So I just laughed and chalked it up to all of us being exhausted.

Friends

2011-12-12T09:29:00.001-06:00

Not much a weekend to talk about since I spent most of Saturday on campus helping a couple of students and then watching the basketball game. I also spent some time with my old friend. It's amazing that so many years can pass by and yet we picked up just where we left off. It's good to have those kinds of friendships that have no barriers and you can just be yourself without worrying about being judged in any way. I guess I have been very lucky in my life without even realizing it.

Homecoming

2011-12-09T08:43:00.001-06:00

I had the privilege of catching up with a very good friend last night. We haven't spoken for a very very long time but I guarantee if you saw us chatting last night you would have no idea it had been years since we last talked. Sadly, she is in town because her mom isn't doing well. I am so sad for her and having dealt with my own mother's death only makes me want to want to shield her from what is most likely to come.

Visiting my friend at the hospital reminds me so much of my mom and the time we spent in the hospital when she suffered an aneurysm. My friend's mom is in the very same hospital building - just one floor away. My mom spent over a month recovering from her head trauma so I know that area like the back of my hand. Oh the memories... What a crazy time that was...

I feel so lucky to have this friend in my life again. She was my first friend after my family moved to Iowa and she was one person I could really count on when I needed her most. We really had each other's backs growing up. Both of us agreed - we dealt with much to much chaos in our younger lives but we turned out ok in spite everything. It's going to be great to continue our chats and I am really looking forward to having this friend in my life again.

Have a good weekend and I'll catch everyone next week.

Quote for the Day

2011-12-06T08:28:00.001-06:00

Death of a Cellphone

2011-12-05T11:20:00.001-06:00

Things I did not plan to buy this month: Apple Iphone 4S

My Blackberry Storm is about 3 years old now (a whole year over my contract upgrade). And its currently on life support. We have had a couple of scares in the last few months but somehow he always came back to life - if even a little less each time. Last Thursday, I thought he was officially a goner. I was just checking my twitter feed when suddenly he went to blackscreen. I tried to resuscitate him - pushing the off and on button, pulling the battery out and replacing it again, I even plugged in the charger. Nothing worked. I was stunned. He was gone. Really gone. As I finally came to terms that my cell phone was dead, I grabbed my coat and headed to the store to find his replacement. The happy-go-lucky salesperson greeted me at the door and asked what I was looking for. I told my sad tale of the dead blackberry that my phone had passed on but he wanted to try just one more time. Gingerly, he plugged my broken phone into a charger and my blackberry's faint little red light came on! "Hang in their little buddy!" I exclaimed. Just hang in there for a few more days until that big green and purple truck arrives with my Iphone in hand. And then you can pass over to that big cellphone store in the sky. Godspeed my friend...Godspeed...

Outdoor Ideas

2011-12-02T08:42:00.001-06:00

How's this for an inspiration photo? While driving downtown last weekend, I got to admire all the street decorating. All the trees with lights and garland hung in store windows - so sparkly! And there was some great ideas for outdoor pots in the winter. (I really need to go back and take more photos.) Some were just incredible and you could totally recreate with your own flowerpots. This is the look I want to recreate for my house.

Simple Things

2011-12-01T07:39:00.001-06:00

I picked up some flowers for my sister for Thanksgiving - of course I had to test them out in my house first. Not bad for $10! Thank you Trader Joe's!

Puppy Love

2011-11-30T08:14:00.001-06:00

Can't believe it's only Wednesday. Thought we could all use a little puppy love this morning to get through the rest of the week. I was just thinking this morning that I wish I could take Minnie to work with me. She is such a good little girl. I'm pretty sure she would curl up in a ball on my lap or in her bed and she would be content to hang out everyday. The other pups are Evie (with my dad) the happiest pitbull ever. Evie lives with my sister and the last little pup is my sister's neighbor's pup. She is a tiny little peanut too just like Minnie. So there's you puppy love to help you get through the rest of the week.

Oh the places you go

2011-11-29T09:22:00.001-06:00

One of these things is not like the other

Over the holiday weekend, my good friend, Con and I ventured out to the new hot spot in town - Zombie Burger and Drink Lab. It was crowded like we expected but we managed to find a couple of seats at the bar shortly after we arrived. After perusing the menu, I decided to have the Planet Terror burger. Con also had a burger but opted to add cheese fries as her side. (I'm still dreaming about that cheese dip!!) The atmosphere was just plain fun and the menu is super creative. It's definitely my kind of place! If you are in the East Village you really should check it out!

Outdoor Ideas

2011-11-28T08:23:00.001-06:00

Even though I love Christmas and all that comes with it, I don't think I'm decorating this year. I just don't have the energy for it this year. Pulling everything out and then turning around a few weeks later just to put it away isn't very appealing right now. But I would like to do something outside. Coming home and seeing empty flower pots and dead grass and a leaf-less tree is just so depressing. So the pups and I walked over to the local garden shop to gather some ideas. I think some greenery and some color would help my lifeless little patio.

Thanks but No Thanks

2011-11-25T08:10:00.007-06:00

And another holiday in the books. I do enjoy getting together with everyone but I also enjoy just laying around, reading a book and watching some cheesy holiday movies over the long weekend. Today, I will be avoiding any shopping like the plague - unless it's online. I hate the whole idea of spending money just to spend. Not to mention these crazy deals that make people just go berserk! Already this morning, I have heard that 50,000 people were shopping at one of our malls in the wee hours of the morning, one person was choked for a video game, and there was a shooting at one of the other malls. Sooo I'm happy to stay home - curled up on my couch, watching the Today Show with my cup of tea. Happy shopping to those of you venturing out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:18:00.000-06:00

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.--Estonian Proverb

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday!

Quote for the Day

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

No longer forward nor behind

I look in hope or fear;

But, grateful, take the good I find,

The best of now and here.

--John Greenleaf Whittier

Counting Down

2011-11-22T08:51:00.004-06:00

Today is the last day of classes before Thanksgiving break and it is eerily quiet in the library and on campus. I don't have much on my plate today since the students don't want to come in - they just want to get the heck out of here! We're all -students, professors and the rest of us - just counting down the hours until we can break free and enjoy a couple of days off. Luckily, I have a few things on my calendar to keep the day moving, like meeting with a prospective student who has a very famous uncle, (I'm a little worried I might get star-stuck even though the uncle isn't even here!) and I have a little photo shoot today where I'm an extra for a local grocery store. Let's just say I had a little moment this morning where you would have thought I was a high school senior getting ready for senior portraits. What can I say? I'm a little vain!

Conversations

2011-11-21T06:28:00.005-06:00

Summer 2010

It was recently my dad's birthday and he likes to get everyone together for the occasion. So we had an early dinner with my dad, my sister's fmaily and me at a local BBQ joint. And when I say early I mean 4:30pm - cause that's when old people eat. :) My dad is celebrating 69 years so we'll give him a little slack. But use your Bob Newhart voice when reading the following conversation.

Scene: local college sports bar - Dad just arrives and walks to corner of the bar where rest of the family is watching the Bears game.

Dad: Ooooo it's a little loud in here. Do you think they could turn it down a bit?
(Which they did. And the manager checked in with us to see if it was ok.)

(Spend about an hour or so, eating and chatting. Loud cheers in the background every so often.)

Dad (somewhat surprised): Well....This is more of a bar than an eating establishment.

Me: Hmmm....What gave you your first clue...all the people....the beer....loudly cheering....or all the flat screen TVs?

Dad: chuckling in amazement

Pup Pics

2011-11-18T08:33:00.003-06:00

I love this little face! How could you not? Even though he is one crazy pup, he makes me laugh on a daily basis. After a busy day at work, it's nice to come home to the pups and see their wagging little tails, of course all they are thinking is, "Hey it's dinner time!"

Success

2011-11-16T12:59:00.001-06:00

"It's in that uncomfortableness that we learn the most." This is a direct quote from one of my students. Man, if I were that smart at her age...the places I would go! This particular student is from the projects in NYC. She is a rough and tumble kind of girl who likes to make people squirm in their uncomfortableness. Some people find her incredibly abrasive, but I find her colorful and interesting. There is something about her that is so compelling. Yesterday, she stopped by into my office and wanted to share her poetry with me. And it was raw and graphic in a way that really moved me. It's students like her that make me smile and laugh. And they make me proud when they come in and want to show me their talents, their good grades, and their success. It reminds me that not everyone has a support system from their family to help push them to strive for their best. Sometimes we just need a person in our lives to say, "I'm proud of you."

Do The Best You Can

2011-11-16T09:16:00.004-06:00

My poor office at work has been floundering for a while now. It's an awkward space with awkward furniture and I have been struggling with what to do with it since I started this job seven years ago. I've moved my desk around a couple of times but I've never quite been happy with the space. Contrary to popular opinion, I feel like my work space should reflect my personality. I want it to be a space that people feel comfortable in - warm and inviting is what I want and a splash of color. That's not so much to ask for, is it??

I purchased this print for my office earlier this week. I love the quote and the color is just perfect. I have a couple other ideas rolling around in my head so we'll see how things evolve. You can check out more of Native Vermont Studio work here.

Not Happy

2011-11-15T08:05:00.005-06:00

Dear NBC executives:

There are only a couple of shows I actually watch on NBC and Community is one of them. WHY in the world would you put this show on hiatus. WHY!?! This show is actually FUNNY and creative and each week is better than the one before.

QUIT promoting your lame, horrible shows and support the one show you actually have going for your network.

Sincerely,
Former Fan of NBC and Must See TV

Conversations

2011-11-11T08:55:00.005-06:00

Me: Isabelle, your mom said you didn't do any of your homework last week. What's that about?!?!

Isabelle: Ummmm.....want to talk to mom??

Isabelle: Mom, Aunt Kara's on the phone.

Ready or Not

2011-11-09T09:43:00.003-06:00

Waking up to this in the morning is not my idea of a good thing! And I don't remember my weather person saying anything about our area having to deal with the white stuff- I distinctly remember something about rain - not wet, heavy, SNOW!!

As is well, I'm guessing by the afternoon the snow will be melted and I can stay in denial just a little while longer.

Questions and Secrets

2011-11-08T07:43:00.003-06:00

"What's the worse thing you have ever done?" was the question one of my students asked me yesterday. My honest answer was, "I'll never tell, because I'm still embarrassed and ashamed to this day." I have only told a couple people of this event and it was over 20 years ago. I will probably keep this secret until the grave. Maybe people don't think it was really that bad but *I* do and that's what counts. How about you? Do you have something in your past that you plan to keep close and never reveal?

Pup Pics

2011-11-04T08:18:00.001-05:00

This crazy pup and I are going to enjoy a quiet weekend that might include a trip to Petco and some Netflix. Happy Weekend everyone!

View From my Office

2011-11-02T16:14:00.005-05:00

No more beautiful fall weather. I took these pictures earlier in the week and now the sky is grey and the rain took a lot of the leaves off the trees. I think we can officially say, "Break out the winter coats."

Sleep Tight

2011-11-02T08:29:00.004-05:00

It's taken me a while to figure out what to do with my bedroom and how to make it a room I love to hang out in and I think I can finally say, I think I got it! There's still a few things I will tweak but for the most part I like it alot. Arlo wanted to begin the tour and show off the room he has deemed his own. He likes to hang out on my bed and play with one of his many toys or sometimes he is just chewing on a bone or even sometimes he will hide in my closet when no one is looking. (Strange dog he is!) So there you have it. Nothing spectacular but I like it.

Pretty Powerful

2011-10-31T08:30:00.007-05:00

Is there anything better than feeling like you look great? I went to the mall this weekend with the intent on updating my makeup. I have been a long time user and faithful fan of Bobbi Brown cosmetics but I haven't had a "makeover" in a while. So it was high time to make an appointment and let someone else help me figure out what would look fresh and pretty right now. I didn't take before/after photos and I wish I would have. My face was so ruddy and red when I walked into the mall (yikes!!) but when I was finished - I felt like a million bucks!

I absolutely love Bobbi's philosophy. She is all about looking your own personal best. "Bobbi believes that, 'makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.' " It's not about wearing makeup, in fact, she's the queen of creating the "gorgeous, no make-up" look. All her make-up is light and clean. I never feel like I have a face full of make -up. I really feel like she gets it. (This is a unpaid endorsement but if the people at Bobbi Brown want me to try out some new stuff I would gladly accept.)

Too Tired Today

2011-10-27T08:39:00.003-05:00

Wish I had some awe inspiring words today, but it seems that my students are zapping up all my words of wisdom. I'm off to work on some western civ with a student - yeah me. Catch everyone tomorrow.

Monday Musing

2011-10-23T07:40:00.007-05:00

My friend and I go to lunch almost every Saturday afternoon. Most people are sleeping in on a Saturday morning, but I get up in the wee hours of the morning to work at my second job. So my little treat for not getting to sleep in is to go out for lunch with my friend. We always hit the same place because it's close by and they make a good muffin! This weekend, my friend grew tired of me talking about the cute waiter we sometimes have so she decided to take matters into her own hands and she gave him my number. And guess what? He called.

We got together over the weekend and had a lovely night. Talk came easily and it was just fun to be in his company. I even had a nice little ego boost while my date was in the restroom, another guy sitting at the bar came over to chat with me and later told my date that I was just adorable! Talk about an ego boost!! So what's the problem? My date was only 28 years old! And he was equally was shocked to learn I was in my 40's. Oh, the curse of looking young! None-the-less we had a lovely time and I'm glad I didn't chicken out when he called.

Karma

2011-10-21T08:02:00.004-05:00

Oh Karma you are a silly girl, aren't ya? Monday, I went out to lunch with an old friend and I couldn't help but think, "Now this is the guy I should be dating." The only glitch is that he's married. We had a lovely time catching up and laughing about old times, talking about life and all our hopes and dreams. It was a really nice day. And of course... I can't stop thinking about him.

Here's where Karma reels her ugly head. In college, he was the one who was interested in me but I was the one who was in a relationship. He was sweet and fun but I decided to stay with the jerky boyfriend instead of dating the nice guy. I won't say I led him on, but I certainly didn't push him away either. We maintained a friendship most of college and like it happens, we graduated and moved on. A couple of years ago, we reconnected thanks to facebook, so we chat once in a blue moon. Monday, he just happened to be in town so we went to lunch. No big deal but I can't help but think, Karma is a bitch.

Fall Break

2011-10-20T08:19:00.005-05:00

Some of the issues that I have dealt with this semester with my college students: sexual harassment, abortion, brain injuries, break-ups, food stamps, anxiety, depression, bad grades, death of family members, cancer. Is there any wonder why students experience midterm meltdowns?

Luckily, we are on fall break for the next couple of days. Having a couple of days without students on campus gives everyone a reprieve. I will enjoy a relatively quiet office for the next couple of days. I'm guessing some students will still stop by but, at least I will have time to actually leave my office if I want and do crazy things like...I don't know...going to the restroom! I also plan on going through the mountain of email I have in my inbox and maybe getting out of the office to enjoy the lunch hour, instead of cramming a sandwich down my throat at 3pm in the afternoon like I did most of this week. All joking aside, I'm looking forward to the quiet for the next day or two and then all my crazy kids will be back, just the way I like it.

Midterms and Meltdowns

2011-10-19T08:11:00.003-05:00

So what the heck? I guess when I'm gone for a couple of days - my students freak out. Since Monday, my office door has been revolving with students in and out ALL DAY LONG! Not to mention the bucket of tears and the amount of tissues they have gone through in that time has been enormous. Midterm time always brings it out the emotions. The hardest thing for me is when the students share their very private and personal stories. I will carry their stories with me for days and days....sometimes years and years. This last week a couple of my male students have broken down telling me about some very painful events and since then I haven't stopped thinking about them. Being a young adult is hard. Making life decisions is hard. All I can do is give my advice and hope that they are ok in the end. My students probably have no idea how much I think about them when I'm at home at night.

Travelin Man

2011-10-16T18:07:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the hiatus last week, my sister, brother and I took an impromptu trip to Florida to work on my mom's house. I'm not even sure where to begin... The death of a parent is such an on-going process. I suppose you could just walk away from everything but that's not how I'm built - too many memories and too many things to deal with. Slowly but surely, we are near the end of sorting through the material things. Now we just have a house to figure out. I guess like everything - death is a process too.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-10T15:41:00.002-05:00

I haven't bought my pumpkin yet, but I'm thinking it's a "must do" this weekend. I really want to find a couple of white/grey ones. Or a whole bunch of little ones to put in my flower pots. But then I think, "How ridiculous to spend money on something that won't last through November." How about you? Do you go all out? Or save the money?

Weekend Update

2011-10-10T08:32:00.003-05:00

An absolutely beautiful weekend! The pups enjoyed rolling around in all the leaves and I enjoyed the sunshine on my face. Let's all hope this lasts just a little while longer.

Blue Sky

2011-10-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling pulled in many directions today. So I'll leave you with a pretty picture and I'll talk to you tomorrow. :)

A Walk in the Park

2011-10-05T07:46:00.003-05:00

Just a few photos from my long walk on Sunday. The pups were in heaven jumping through the tall grass with the 5 million grasshoppers. Wouldn't it be great if Fall lasted until November?

View From My Window

2011-10-04T07:55:00.005-05:00

This year, we are so very fortunate to be enjoying an absolutely beautiful Fall in Iowa. The last couple of weeks temperatures have been in the low 80's and the sun has been shining. We couldn't ask for better weather right now. The trees are gorgeous on campus right now so I'm trying to soak up as much of Fall as I can because in a moment's notice we could be celebrating winter.

5 Things

2011-10-03T10:12:00.004-05:00

5 Awesome Things I did over the weekend to Relax:

1. Finished a good book
2. Took a leisurely walk
3. Enjoyed a long nap
4. Drank a nice glass of wine - Mad Housewife Cabernet
5. Watched a chick flick - Bridesmaids

Quote for the Day

2011-09-27T08:47:00.003-05:00

"The only thing holding you back... is yourself."

-Unknown

Disappointments

2011-09-26T08:03:00.006-05:00

Things that I have dealt with in the last few days:
Helicopter parents
and
Students dealing with disappointments

Nothing is worst than seeing someone you care about go through setbacks or failures or disappointments but sometimes those kind of things are needed in order to move forward in life. (Especially for adolescents or college kids.) And that's where I spend hours on the phone talking to parents....trying to calm them down...when they just want to make everything all better....but the reality is - the student is the one who needs to figure out how to make it better. Hard situations for sure.

Here's what I know after 20 some years of working with kids (and parents) - As a parent, if you don't allow you child to make mistakes, deal with failure, handle disappointment then you aren't helping them learn how to cope in life. It's a simple as that.

Goals

2011-09-21T09:51:00.005-05:00

So I'm doing a new presentation today. We're talking about goals - Why make them? And what makes a good goal?

I talk a little about goals in my workshop on time management but it's not the main focus. I feel like if you don't know why you are doing something then, what's the point? Why do I even need good time management skills? And I would say to you, "If you want to achieve a certain level of success then you need to know where your time is going." or "If you want to get a 4.0 gpa then you probably need to study longer than the average bear." or "If you expect to be the best on the team, then I would expect you to practice lots and lots of hours, right?" It's easy in college to think about goals and where you are going, but now as a full fledged adult, I'm wondering what are *my* goals?? What am *I* striving for? So I'm going to ponder this a little bit and I'll let you know when I figure it out.

Pride

2011-09-20T08:03:00.006-05:00

Most satisfying part of my day? When I see success in my students. One particular young man has made me so proud. He works hard everyday, checks in with me every week (sometimes more), he's engaged in his classes (his professors mention this to me all the time), he plays football and this young man has nothing. He is basically supporting himself and recently I found out, he helps support his sister and his mom. The reason I bring this up? For the second time this year, a student talked to me about food stamps. Never in my career have I talked about food stamps with students. Nor have students needed food stamps while they are living on campus. Makes me so sad actually. If this isn't evidence that the economy is a mess - I don't know what is.

Monday Monday

2011-09-19T08:45:00.002-05:00

After a quiet weekend, I am back at it and ready to start the day. I am really hoping to catch up this week and get a more than a few items off my "To Do" list. I actually managed to get a few personal items off my list this weekend, like getting a haircut and doing some laundry. That's my idea of exciting weekend plans - clean clothes and hacking a couple inches off. Good times!

That's about all I have for everyone, since my day is already filling up with student appointments.... Happy Monday everyone.

TGIF

2011-09-16T08:40:00.002-05:00

I don't usually get tooo excited because it's Friday. But after the last two weeks, I could not be happier to have survived. I'm pretty sure the first thing I am going to do when I get home is find some sweatpants, then a beer and then a nice warm blanket and my couch. Yes! in that order! I think I have talked to the ENTIRE freshman class this week so I am all talked out. It's suppose to rain all weekend - which gives me permission to watch movies all weekend long and I won't have to say a word to anyone! Happy Weekend Everyone!

Pup Pics

2011-09-13T11:05:00.001-05:00

This little girl should have her own fan club. Everyone loves little Minnie. And she lives the life of a queen.

Warm Welcome

2011-09-13T08:08:00.002-05:00

Went to Home Depot over the weekend to pick-up some mums. They always have the best deals and a nice variety of plants. The barrell mums I purchased were only $9 but for $19 you could buy JUMBO mums! Very tempting but I decided to just get a couple of new plants to mix with my summer ones that are still thriving. The little one sitting by my beer was less than $2. Money well spent in my opinion.

Weekend Thoughts

2011-09-12T08:16:00.008-05:00

10 years ago. Still can't believe it... I decided to head downtown to our state's capital yesterday to see the beautiful display of flags in memory of those who were lost during 9/11. While I was there I also walked over to see the WWII memorial. The top of the monument says, " For those who labored fought and died for freedom." I thought it was appropriate for the day.

And a recommendation for you - If you haven't seen the 9/11 documentary by the Naudet brothers, you should. It was probably the one of most important documents of the attacks that we have. Two brothers just happened to be filming a documentary about a new firefighter, and they just happened to be out on a call filming when the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. All of it caputured on camera. And from that point you will see a firefighter's point of view during the first initial weeks of the attack - inside the towers, when they collasped, wondering who was dead and who was alive, looking for survivors and an update 10 years later. It is incredibly powerful and intense. Watch. It.

Still Shocking 10 Years Later

2011-09-11T06:44:00.000-05:00

I've been catching lots of shows in the last couple of days that have taken a look back at the 9/11 attacks and I can honestly say that is still as shocking 10 years later as it was at the time of the attacks. It's less confusing today but absolutely more heartbreaking. I'd like to say I hope, we as a nation, never experience something like that ever again, but I think we probably will at some point. Terrorism will never be eradicated. Period. Where there is good, there is evil. Where there is light, there is dark. All we can hope for is peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

It's a Beautiful Day

2011-09-09T08:15:00.003-05:00

What a perfect beginning to fall. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous for the last couple of weeks and it looks like the weekend will continue the trend. Tomorrow is the first home football game of the year and you'll definitely see me wearing the red and gold!

Odd situation of yesterday - I'm pretty sure someone saw me driving home last night (he was in the lane next to me) and he followed me to the grocery store. I was pretty zoned out and exhausted from work so I wasn't really paying attention but I was aware enough of my surroundings to notice this pretty blue jeep with out of state plates a few blocks back. (This same jeep ended up parking directly across from me at the grocery store.) As I was walking to the entrance, the jeep owner follows me, picks up his pace and quickly grabs the door for me, so I smile and say thank you. He then says, "Oh there's the smile! I couldn't get you to smile in your car but now you do." (Something of that affect.) Totally caught off guard I replied, "Uh. Oh. I must have been in my own little world." And walked into the store going about my business.

OK, now he could have just happened to be going to the store too, but in relation to where we were and the lane he was in, it just seems odd that he decided to make huge u-turn and then ended up parking directly across from me.

So I got to thinking...Was this creepy or was this maybe flattering? I wasn't scared at any point or even picked up any vibe like that. But it made me think about the whole situation. Women can't really relax when out in the world - we always have to be on guard for situations that someone might want to harm us. It's a constant battle, be nice or be on-guard. So when are we allowed to think, Wow that was really cool that someone actually saw me and wanted to strike up a conversation so he followed me to the store? Seriously, where's the balance? I just don't know. I didn't even give this guy a chance to chat me up. I did, however, talk to the long hair, fuzzy beard, sun glass wearing, crazy looking mailman buying Boulevard in the beer aisle. See what I mean?? Where's the balance? :)

Zombies, Hookers and Goals - Oh My

2011-09-08T07:54:00.004-05:00

I've been telling my students all week that small successes lead to big successes. I do a lot of presentations on goals and time management and one of the best things anyone can do is break things into smaller goals or increments. Those small steps can lead you to your ultimate goal. My small success for the week? I can almost see the bottom of my desk!! It's a miracle! My huge list of 'things to do' is slowly dwindling. (Hugely satisfying to cross things off the list.)

Something else I noticed this week when talking with a co-worker - by the end of the day we look like zombies. Not really the look I was going for. WHERE in the heck is all my make-up going??? So today I punched it up a notch - let's hope I don't look like a hooker. :)

Puppy Love

2011-09-07T08:45:00.003-05:00

How could anyone resist that little face! Oh how I love my little Minnie.

Change is in the Air

2011-09-06T08:08:00.006-05:00

Can I put the weekend on "Repeat"? Cause I'm having a seriously case of 'I don't want to be here' blues. Not because I don't love my job, just because I have so much to do and I'm not sure where to start.

You can definitely sense fall is in the air. All my plants are starting to slowly fade and die back. The temps are starting to dip that I even broke out my heavy quilt so I could snuggle in at night and sleep with the windows open. I really love Fall and all things associated with it like: going to football games, making that first batch of chili, lighting the fireplace, wearing my hoodies, breaking out my tall boots. I'm sure my 'back to work' blues will go away soon as the first student stops by my office. Somehow they always seem to bring out the best in me.

Quote for the Day

2011-09-02T08:55:00.002-05:00

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want.

-Bill Watterson

School Days

2011-09-01T08:05:00.005-05:00

It's a good thing we have a 3 day weekend coming up, cause I'm going to need it to recover from this week. I think twice as many kids have come into the office this week than the previous year at this time. Which is totally awesome but at the same time completely exhausting.

My life has completely revolved around work for the last couple of weeks. So if you need a workshop on time management, or need to change your advisor or need to add/drop a class or need to sign up for study-tables or just need some general advice about college - just feel free to swing by my office anytime. :)

Is this thing on?

2011-08-28T19:15:00.009-05:00

I have found over the years that I actually like public speaking. While most people would rather die than speak at a large event, I find myself actually enjoying it...and I think I'm pretty good at it too. Saturday, I was in charge of a session for Student-Athlete parents during Move-In day. (There was easily a couple hundred people in the audience.) And at no time did I get nervous or tense. Most of the time when I do this type of talk, I have no idea what exactly comes out of my mouth but I know I'm totally comfortable doing it and I know when people leave the room they feel good. That's not to say I don't prepare, but in a setting where you do "talks" like this over and over again, it's easy to have a general outline and then ad lib the rest.

So what's my secret to great public speaking? And what are the things that I tell my students? It's really quite simple - You are the expert. And if you are confident, then people will trust what you say is true.

I think, most of the time, when you are in front of a group of people the biggest worry is that you will forget what you planned to say or that someone will know when you totally mess up. And to be perfectly honest - you just might. But the audience has no idea what you plan to say, so how would they know if you messed up? They don't know what's going to come out of your mouth. And when you can accept that you might forget something or that you might changed the order of what you planned to say, then you can sit back and actually let your personality shine through and that is what makes for an enjoyable program. Simple when you think about it.

On the Seventh Day

2011-08-26T09:35:00.002-05:00

Just one more day to work in this crazy, mad, work week. That's seven days straight that I have been meeting, talking, and chatting with all kinds of people. (I'm not sure how political candidates do it.) I don't mind it, really but it does take a toll on me for sure. By tomorrow afternoon, I plan to have a large glass of wine followed by a really long nap.

Mental Health

2011-08-25T10:12:00.005-05:00

It has come to my attention that I suck when I'm off my meds. And I have to agree. I do suck. I'm not myself at all when I don't take that tiny little white pill. So I apologize to everyone. Depression is a beast and even though I know I need to take meds everyday sometimes I get off-track. And this is the result.

If you don't believe me when I say I suck - then read this article or this one. There are people who blog about their own battle with depression and to be honest, I find them unbearably sad and very hard to read, (because I know their thoughts all to well.) But if you live with someone dealing with depression, at least you will have some insight to what they are thinking and dealing with.

So no worries everyone - I'm totally fine, just a small apology to my friends. And I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone that depression is something that can be managed. And it's not something to be ashamed of.

Small Happenings

2011-08-23T08:21:00.006-05:00

Small happenings of my day:

Debating whether or not Michael Vick deserved his punishment on Twitter.

Re-watching my all time favorite show ever, La Femme Nikita on Netflix.

Checking out the new football field and destruction of the old campus center.

Reading Candace Bushnell's One Fifth Avenue.

Meeting lots of new faces on campus as the new year slowly but clearly is creeping up on me.

Considering the addition of mums and asters to my now faded summer plants.

Scenes of the Weekend

2011-08-22T08:45:00.004-05:00

I'm too tired to post.... Catch ya' tomorrow!

Additions

2011-08-19T08:52:00.003-05:00

My new rug arrived from Turkey the other day. What do you think? I really love the colors. And while I like it in my bedroom, the little rug is going to end up in my second bedroom. It looks pretty awesome with the dark grey walls. And I'll find something else for my bedroom.

MOOre Cows

2011-08-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

Conversations

2011-08-18T07:57:00.005-05:00

From: Con

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 10:18 AM

To: Kara

Subject: Mooooorning!

100 Cows to Appear Across Fairgrounds

From: Kara

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 10:18 AM

To: Con

Subject: Mooooorning!

How excited am I?? SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!

From: Con

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 11:02 AM

To: Kara

Subject: Mooooorning!

Might have to bid on one for our yard. ;)

From: Kara

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 11:04 AM

To: Con

Subject: Mooooorning!

OMG! You can GET one??? I MUST HAVE ONE!!!!

From: Con

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 1:42 PM

To: Kara

Subject: Mooooorning!

I see it taking up your whole front yard, and teh the passenger seat in your car....

From: Kara

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 1:42 PM

To: Con

Would that be a problem....

From: Con

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:01 PM

To: Kara

Subject: Mooooorning!

Not if you don't mind him not being buckled in. Click it or ticket....it's the law.

From: Kara

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:05pm

To: Con

Subject: Mooooorning!

I could probably use the car pool lane too....

From: Con

Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:10 PM

To: Kara

Subject: Mooooorning!

Moooooove over..... coming through.....

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-17T10:56:00.007-05:00

I took my last 1/2 day of vacation yesterday. During the summer, campus mostly shuts down on Friday afternoons to enjoy a 2 1/2 day weekend. But since I'm talking to athletes on Friday, I decided to take my last one on Tuesday. I think a 4 day work week should be the norm. I love have the extra time at home. And what did I do on my very last day of freedom? My sister and I worked on my garage. We had a bunch of stuff to go through of my mom's. Slowly but surely things are coming together.

And later in the day, Arlo and I checked out the new Dog Park in Des Moines. And it's pretty awesome!! Too bad the city of Des Moines is going crazy with fees right now. (Red light cameras - I'm talking about you!) Arlo and Minnie may have to wait until next year to visit of a regular basis. (I'm missing a couple of things and that's making it expensive for me.) Otherwise, a Dog Park Permit is $10 for the rest of the year.

Small Changes

2011-08-16T08:09:00.003-05:00

Just a couple of updates in my bedroom. I wanted to see if my old comforter would work with my newish bed and I'm glad to say - it totally does. Black and brown are both neutrals so there you go. And I believe my new rug is sitting at the post office as we speak. So let's hope I love it in person as much as I loved the photos.

Going...going...gone

2011-08-15T08:13:00.004-05:00

It was a picture perfect weekend, except that Michelle Bachmann won the Ames, Iowa straw poll this weekend. I cannot and will not support anyone who spins religion to justify their hate for anyone.

In other news, summer is officially over when the first football player steps on campus. Well, it's over my friends. I had the honor of talking to all the new freshman football players and their parents this weekend after the guys moved-in and as happy as I am to see all the new students, I am so not ready to say summer is over. How about you? Ready for fall?

Thought for the day

2011-08-12T08:28:00.005-05:00

I'm so thankful that I found a really good mechanic. Seriously! Knowing I can take my car in and get solid advice from someone who doesn't try to up-sell me or treat me like an idiot and act like I know nothing about cars, takes a whole lot of stress out of my life. (I think most women who deal with cars probably understand what I'm saying.)

I have been without my car for a day now, catching a couple of rides here and there, waiting to hear the prognosis of my car. Luckily, nothing horrible and not too terribly expensive. So my car and I will be reunited later this afternoon. Have a great weekend everyone - and if you need a recommendation for a mechanic, I highly recommend Chumbley's Auto Care.

Home Sweet Home

2011-08-11T08:26:00.002-05:00

This house holds all my very favorite memories of college. I lived here as a Junior with my roommate and partner in crime, Con and a few other girls. Right next door was my sorority house, which housed some of my closest friends. Every time I drive by I find myself thinking about all the silly times we had and I can't help but smile. We were the first people on campus to live in this house and I like to think we gave that house a sense of spirited fun. Today, this house is the center of woman's studies. Little prophetic don't you think?

Window Shopping

2011-08-10T01:58:00.001-05:00

Just a little window shopping at one of my favorite stores, Wicker & the Works. I can always count on this store for a quirky, out of the ordinary finds for my house or holiday gifts for friends. Not to mention they have every price point - super expensive to crazy cheap. This is my number one go to store when I need a pick me up or I just want something fun and unexpected. Put it on your lists of places to go!

Out with the Old

2011-08-09T09:18:00.005-05:00

View outside my office window

Old student center coming down!

At the beginning of summer, it feels like I have infinite time to work on things. Then August hits and suddenly I'm freaking out. What the heck happened to all my time!!??!! So I'm a little bit stressed with work, but much more excited to have all the kids back on campus again. Big things are happening this year with a new curriculum being implemented and a new campus center being built, out with the old - in with the new. And as excited as I am....I really could use just one more month of summer. :)

Oh the places you go

2011-08-08T01:41:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, the entire family stopped off to try some tender brisket, tangy pulled pork and a load of baby back ribs at the award winning Smokey D's in Des Moines, IA. (Mostly we were there to celebrate my nephew Jack's birthday). And I can tell you that Smokey D's is probably some of the best BBQ I have ever had - my brisket was cooked to absolute perfection and topped with some sweet & sassy sauce - it totally heaven!! I'm pretty sure I would be happy to eat BBQ everyday of the week and Smokey D's would be the place I would go!

You might also remember Smokey D's from the 2010 season of TLC BBQ Pitmasters. And yes, they won.

Summer Projects

2011-08-05T01:37:00.001-05:00

Just one of my summer projects is my nephew, Jack's room. Poor guy really didn't have much more than a bed and a dresser for quite a while. Slowly but surely things are coming together. I'd like to have his room finished before the end of August. Details:

The trophy shelf came from a school being renovated and were snagged before they could be thrown away. I love the rust and patina on the hooks. I have no idea what will happen if Jack wins more baseball trophies but we'll cross that bridge next summer.

The dresser is a hand-me-down and is in the process of getting repainted white and new silver handles will be attached.

The ugly mint colored walls will be painted with medium grey.

For Jack's birthday, I purchased new quilts from Target for his beds.

And I have some ideas for a roman shade instead of the broken mini-blinds. Maybe some navy and white stripes.

Accessories will be baseball inspired.

Considering

2011-08-04T11:23:00.007-05:00

I am a visual learner. I wish I would have realized that in college. It would have helped me a ton when it came to studying. Now days I use my power for silly things like, "How would my bedroom look with a crazy colorful rug?" So I put together a little room board to get a feel for some items I'm considering. The artwork is Tailed Blue Photos found on Etsy. Some of the accessories are from Urban Outfitters. Eventually I will get a pouf. I like the idea of a quirky, eclectic bedroom with a bit of color and texture.