1. I was in bed and ready to go to sleep at 8:15 last night. After a short conversation with a friend, I rolled over, watched a small amount of TV and was a sleep by 9:05 I am certain.
1a. School starting is kicking my tail.
2. I tend to get on kicks with songs and can't stop listening to them. A current favorite is "Never Alone" by Jesse Bonanno. I heard the song for the first time at the Sonshine concert I went to a few weeks ago and liked it...then heard it on Pandora and realized I really liked it and downloaded it as soon as I could on iTunes. Seriously. So.Good.
3. Choir has started back at church. I couldn't be happier.
4. My niece is about to be 12.
5. My nephew is about to be 8.
6. My sister is about to have a birthday, too.
6a. My grandmother just had a birthday, as did an aunt and I think a cousin--I know, I should know that information for fact. August is a busy month. My mom kicks it off on the last day of July.
7. My apartment and room look like it is the first week of school. I am forgiving myself until next week for that.
8. I have Open House on Thursday. While Open House itself isn't bad, I am just saying: Friday, come quickly. My room is no where near ready. Friday means it will have been and was.
9. Seriously? Go listen to Never Alone. I'm singing it in my head while I type.
10. I still love Boy Meets World...but now I am waking up with the Taylor Family from Home Improvement. I feel like this is a good choice for a few weeks. I'll keep you posted because I know you care.
peace love and applesauce.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Summer 2011: A Letter
Dear Summer of 2011,
You are going to go down as one of my favorite summers in recent memory for a few reasons. Let me count the 10 ways in which I loved you.
1. I was able to fully enjoy all you had to offer. With my master's behind me and no classes to hang over my head, I had very little to worry about from day to day. No assignments, no papers, no projects. After two summers filled with classes, I completely embraced having none of those responsibilities. {VICTORY.} Being done with that allowed me a little bit of this:
2. I had a new roommate. Not so much of the human kind, but of the rodent kind. Toms visited us for the summer from Emily's classroom and I loved having him around. He could only be cooler if he'd curl up on the couch with me and take a nap.
3. You brought me season 6 of Boy Meets World. This needs no explanation.
8. I got to do fun things with friends because I didn't have papers to grade. This is one of my most favorite things about you, Summer. No papers to grade. Let's just let that sink in for a minute.
10. I got to spend time with family. With Sister being a teacher too, and Mom's library schedule being different and the monsters not being in school either, things in our family get a lot more relaxed when you are around. I love my family so this is an especially nice perk of you being around.
Well, Summer, that's my top 10 things. Several of these have multiple stories that go along with them but you will be remembered in my heart and through pictures. Thanks for giving me some weeks to rest, relax and take in how blessed I really am...'cause let's be honest, sometimes when Fall, Winter and Spring try to kick my tail, I forget that all too easily. While I am excited about the things that your friends, the Seasons, have to offer, I am very grateful for all you brought about, too.
You are going to go down as one of my favorite summers in recent memory for a few reasons. Let me count the 10 ways in which I loved you.
1. I was able to fully enjoy all you had to offer. With my master's behind me and no classes to hang over my head, I had very little to worry about from day to day. No assignments, no papers, no projects. After two summers filled with classes, I completely embraced having none of those responsibilities. {VICTORY.} Being done with that allowed me a little bit of this:
2. I had a new roommate. Not so much of the human kind, but of the rodent kind. Toms visited us for the summer from Emily's classroom and I loved having him around. He could only be cooler if he'd curl up on the couch with me and take a nap.
3. You brought me season 6 of Boy Meets World. This needs no explanation.
4. With you around, I was able to go downtown and meet my grown-up friends for lunch. This, for whatever reason, made me feel like a grown-up as well. You also allowed several trips to a favorite restaurant. Behold the rolls:
5. I got to work at PTS and enjoy helping new teachers find things for their classrooms. During the school year, teachers are often in a rush to find what they need and move on. Summer, you allow people, especially teachers, to move at a little bit of a slower pace and enjoy wandering. I like this about you.
6. You brought along this cute little squeeze. I'm excited to watch her grow up.
7. I got to go to Atlanta for a little down time away from the little bit of crazy that you provided. It wasn't a bad thing, the crazy, it was just starting a little too fast, so I escaped. Thanks to you, Summer, I was able to do that. Fall doesn't let me run away...and neither does Winter or Spring. Only you, Summer, only you.
8. I got to do fun things with friends because I didn't have papers to grade. This is one of my most favorite things about you, Summer. No papers to grade. Let's just let that sink in for a minute.
9. You always bring around VBS at church. There's just not much that's better than about 1,000 kids singing songs and dancing in the sanctuary.
10. I got to spend time with family. With Sister being a teacher too, and Mom's library schedule being different and the monsters not being in school either, things in our family get a lot more relaxed when you are around. I love my family so this is an especially nice perk of you being around.
Well, Summer, that's my top 10 things. Several of these have multiple stories that go along with them but you will be remembered in my heart and through pictures. Thanks for giving me some weeks to rest, relax and take in how blessed I really am...'cause let's be honest, sometimes when Fall, Winter and Spring try to kick my tail, I forget that all too easily. While I am excited about the things that your friends, the Seasons, have to offer, I am very grateful for all you brought about, too.
So...
Here's my offer...I'll be back next year for Summer: Version 2012 if you will be...see you then? {Check YES or NO}.
Here's my offer...I'll be back next year for Summer: Version 2012 if you will be...see you then? {Check YES or NO}.
Love,
Karyn
Karyn
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Fast Five
It is THURSDAY. Fast Five. Here we go.
1. There's nothing better than moving over in your bed and finding the cool side of your pillow. I am trying to soak in these final few days of being able to do that before school crazy starts. (Side story: When I was little, I used to prop my pillows up against an air vent in my room so that it would be super cold when I went to bed that night.)
2. I am ready for fall. I need a caramel apple spice from Starbucks. While I realize I can get that year 'round, it just isn't the same when it is 100 degrees outside.
3. I love to play board games. After having some people over on Saturday that were my roommate's friends, I have rediscovered my love of the game Clue. I'm still terrible at it, but I love it.
4. I think one of the things I am going to miss most about summer is being able to meet friends for lunch. I feel like an adult when I do this. I have no good explanation as to why I feel this way, but I do. So there it is.
5. You need to do the following:
Read this.
Listen to this.
Shop this.
(EDITED TO ADD: I am only saying these things because the links go to products I love or things I have read that have made me think. Dave Hunt is the only person of one of these links that knows I exist and he didn't ask me to link to his music. I just like it a lot. This album in particular. So there's that. Not that anyone cares, but just to clarify.)
1. There's nothing better than moving over in your bed and finding the cool side of your pillow. I am trying to soak in these final few days of being able to do that before school crazy starts. (Side story: When I was little, I used to prop my pillows up against an air vent in my room so that it would be super cold when I went to bed that night.)
2. I am ready for fall. I need a caramel apple spice from Starbucks. While I realize I can get that year 'round, it just isn't the same when it is 100 degrees outside.
3. I love to play board games. After having some people over on Saturday that were my roommate's friends, I have rediscovered my love of the game Clue. I'm still terrible at it, but I love it.
4. I think one of the things I am going to miss most about summer is being able to meet friends for lunch. I feel like an adult when I do this. I have no good explanation as to why I feel this way, but I do. So there it is.
5. You need to do the following:
Read this.
Listen to this.
Shop this.
(EDITED TO ADD: I am only saying these things because the links go to products I love or things I have read that have made me think. Dave Hunt is the only person of one of these links that knows I exist and he didn't ask me to link to his music. I just like it a lot. This album in particular. So there's that. Not that anyone cares, but just to clarify.)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sonshine
I went to Sonshine's home concert for the first time in probably 7 years on Sunday. (For those that don't know, Sonshine is the youth choir at a church I went to my junior and senior year of high school.) Watching the videos of their concerts on the tour, listening to the songs during the concert and sitting in the sanctuary that came to mean so much to me brought back a flood of memories. I joined choir because I needed to leave the situation I was currently in and I can honestly say that was one of the best decisions I've made. I absolutely, hands down loved every minute of it. The people I sang with became some of my dearest friends during that season of my life. Those girls showed me what true sisterhood and friendship was all about...and the guys were truly some of the best.
I took two friends with me to the concert and told them both that this was a small glimpse into my former world...I don't know what either of them were expecting but I think they walked away enjoying the evening...at least that's what they said. :) I loved getting to share this piece of my past with them. (Hi, y'all, thanks again for going!)
I took two friends with me to the concert and told them both that this was a small glimpse into my former world...I don't know what either of them were expecting but I think they walked away enjoying the evening...at least that's what they said. :) I loved getting to share this piece of my past with them. (Hi, y'all, thanks again for going!)
I wish I had other pictures to post...but these are a few I could find from the stockpile that I have on this computer...most of my tour days were before I had a digital camera (remember those days?!) Some are from my freshman summer of college when we did a College Tour and one is from my Senior summer of high school on a night we all hung out...Just needed a little trip down memory lane. :)
College Tour
College Tour
College Tour
St. Meinrad's. One of our stops. (Fun fact: the tour this year stopped here too. I love this place!)
College Tour
I would be remiss if I didn't include a picture of this kid. College Tour
Mr. Beckman. He's one of the men we met at the Senior Center we went to...and yes, he's playing the harmonica.
Class of 2002 So many of us are married now, having kids and all around the country doing amazing things. I don't get to keep up with many of them but know they are all doing well and doing great things thanks to the world of Facebook. Grateful for the time we got to spend together...they are some really incredible people and a part of some of my most cherished high school memories!
P.S. The Thursday fast five is up as well...right here. I know...two posts in one day. WHAT?!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Today has been a family kind of day...
I got to have lunch with my sister, my brother-in-law, my niece, my nephew, my brother-in-law's employee (I have no idea what her title is) and my oh, so famous and fabulous grandmother. It was nice just to sit and chat over some yummy food. I love them all. :)
(Oh, and my grandmother? She's better than your grandmother and I'd dare you to try to prove me wrong. I hope I can be just like her when I am 90. That's right, she'll be The big 9-0 in August on her birthday. I love her. Love.Love.Love.Love her.She deserves a post all her own.)
Then, to make a long story short, I kept Nicholas with me after lunch and we eventually landed back at my apartment. As we were driving back though, I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station in the area and smiled listening to Nicholas sing the songs that were on the radio...I think it was actually a commercial at the time I realized he was singing, but I loved hearing him sing the truths that they play on there.,..even in little snip-its. Sweet, sweet music, his little voice is, sweet, sweet music. He and Lauren both are growing up so fast I love spending time with them. Right now, Nicholas starts almost every sentence he is speaking to me with "KK, um,...." or asks "Right, KK?" after he says something. I love this. I hope he's still saying it when he's 18 and headed to college. Lauren is almost as tall as me, but she will always be the sweet bundle I held and loved to rock while telling her that boys are crazy and I'll always be willing to listen to her stories. She doesn't remember that, but I sure do. Oh, and that I was going to call her Kenzie...but that didn't last...the listening part will though. :)
While on the way back, I got the grand idea of having some friends over for dinner so I texted a few of them to see if they'd be interested in a little family dinner. Around 6:30, some of my favorites showed up at my door and we got to hang out and spend time together for the evening. I wish my wallet would let me do that every night and have as many people over as I possibly could. But since I can't, I soak up these opportunties when I can. I love having people over and in my home. I always pray that it would be a place of refuge for people to step into and allow them to walk away from life's crazy for just a few hours. We always laugh and I love having them around.
So here's what I've decided.
Family is what you make it.
I have a lot of different people in my life that act as my family...because that's what I have allowed them to become. Here are 3 of the fabulous families I get to spend my time with...
My "real" family--the ones that I'm tied to by blood--are some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. I am who I am because of who they helped me become. They are the ones that will always be on my side no matter what. And since there are days I can be extra-extremely ridiculous I am really grateful for this. I could talk about them all day long, but it will all just equal the idea of this: My Family= Extremely awesome.
My school family--the people I work with day in and day out in this crazy world we call education are some of the most caring, loving individuals that I have ever known. I firmly believe that no one will ever really understand what it is like to be a teacher unless you have taught. You may know the lingo, but you'll never know what it is like to shut the door and teach kids 5 days a week for 180 days and be responsible for all we are responsible for...it is just a world unto itself. Having a sweet family of teachers around makes this overwhelming task more than worth it and definitely bearable. I am beyond amazed at the heart that they have and am so fortunate to have them around to learn from.
My friend family--I've talked about them before, but having them all over tonight just reminded me (again.) how blessed I am to have them. They truly do help make crazy days better and make sure I don't take life too seriously. I love them with my whole heart and a little bit more. We've lived a lot of life together and I am excited about what else is to come.
Family is important...whatever that might look like for you...but here's my challenge...make sure to find that group...to find those people who challenge you and are like-minded and will love you for you. But make sure that those people are the kind that will make sure you don't stay where you are...that they are the ones that will challenge you to be better. Those are the people you want to surround youself with...those are the people that make this crazy thing called life a lot more fun.
And then?
Love 'em well.
(Oh, and my grandmother? She's better than your grandmother and I'd dare you to try to prove me wrong. I hope I can be just like her when I am 90. That's right, she'll be The big 9-0 in August on her birthday. I love her. Love.Love.Love.Love her.She deserves a post all her own.)
Then, to make a long story short, I kept Nicholas with me after lunch and we eventually landed back at my apartment. As we were driving back though, I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station in the area and smiled listening to Nicholas sing the songs that were on the radio...I think it was actually a commercial at the time I realized he was singing, but I loved hearing him sing the truths that they play on there.,..even in little snip-its. Sweet, sweet music, his little voice is, sweet, sweet music. He and Lauren both are growing up so fast I love spending time with them. Right now, Nicholas starts almost every sentence he is speaking to me with "KK, um,...." or asks "Right, KK?" after he says something. I love this. I hope he's still saying it when he's 18 and headed to college. Lauren is almost as tall as me, but she will always be the sweet bundle I held and loved to rock while telling her that boys are crazy and I'll always be willing to listen to her stories. She doesn't remember that, but I sure do. Oh, and that I was going to call her Kenzie...but that didn't last...the listening part will though. :)
While on the way back, I got the grand idea of having some friends over for dinner so I texted a few of them to see if they'd be interested in a little family dinner. Around 6:30, some of my favorites showed up at my door and we got to hang out and spend time together for the evening. I wish my wallet would let me do that every night and have as many people over as I possibly could. But since I can't, I soak up these opportunties when I can. I love having people over and in my home. I always pray that it would be a place of refuge for people to step into and allow them to walk away from life's crazy for just a few hours. We always laugh and I love having them around.
So here's what I've decided.
Family is what you make it.
I have a lot of different people in my life that act as my family...because that's what I have allowed them to become. Here are 3 of the fabulous families I get to spend my time with...
My "real" family--the ones that I'm tied to by blood--are some of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. I am who I am because of who they helped me become. They are the ones that will always be on my side no matter what. And since there are days I can be extra-extremely ridiculous I am really grateful for this. I could talk about them all day long, but it will all just equal the idea of this: My Family= Extremely awesome.
My school family--the people I work with day in and day out in this crazy world we call education are some of the most caring, loving individuals that I have ever known. I firmly believe that no one will ever really understand what it is like to be a teacher unless you have taught. You may know the lingo, but you'll never know what it is like to shut the door and teach kids 5 days a week for 180 days and be responsible for all we are responsible for...it is just a world unto itself. Having a sweet family of teachers around makes this overwhelming task more than worth it and definitely bearable. I am beyond amazed at the heart that they have and am so fortunate to have them around to learn from.
My friend family--I've talked about them before, but having them all over tonight just reminded me (again.) how blessed I am to have them. They truly do help make crazy days better and make sure I don't take life too seriously. I love them with my whole heart and a little bit more. We've lived a lot of life together and I am excited about what else is to come.
Family is important...whatever that might look like for you...but here's my challenge...make sure to find that group...to find those people who challenge you and are like-minded and will love you for you. But make sure that those people are the kind that will make sure you don't stay where you are...that they are the ones that will challenge you to be better. Those are the people you want to surround youself with...those are the people that make this crazy thing called life a lot more fun.
And then?
Love 'em well.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Fast Five
1. My roommate and I decided that our evening last night should end with a little of this. One word: Awesome.
2. Sunday, when the kids led worship from VBS (and I was on stage with them), I was reminded one of the reasons I like to teach...Because kids (at least the age I teach...I realize older ones are different) don't care if you look ridiculous. Dancing to "Bi-Bi-Bi, Bi-Bi-Bi Big Apple Adventure" in front of the entire congregation is...well...humbling. I'm just not a dancer regardless of how badly I want to be one. ha!
3. It has been so hot outside. Everywhere I went today was hot. The poor air conditioners just can't keep up. Yuck.
4. I've heard rumor that TeenNick is going to be replaying some old school Nickelodeon TV shows including Doug and Clarissa Explains It All. The only thing missing from the fantastic lineup is Hey Dude. It is on DVD though apparently so I guess I'll have to made do.
5. I got to hang out with a pretty rockin' 3 year old this afternoon while his mom went to go get her toes pampered. He's about to be a big brother so we made a trip to make a special friend for him to take to the hospital when Baby E arrives. And of course he needed one, too! I love this kid.
3. It has been so hot outside. Everywhere I went today was hot. The poor air conditioners just can't keep up. Yuck.
4. I've heard rumor that TeenNick is going to be replaying some old school Nickelodeon TV shows including Doug and Clarissa Explains It All. The only thing missing from the fantastic lineup is Hey Dude. It is on DVD though apparently so I guess I'll have to made do.
5. I got to hang out with a pretty rockin' 3 year old this afternoon while his mom went to go get her toes pampered. He's about to be a big brother so we made a trip to make a special friend for him to take to the hospital when Baby E arrives. And of course he needed one, too! I love this kid.
Named and ready for their new home!
His hands are blurry, but I love this of him giving them a big squeeze!
When he picked out his cookie, the man working at the counter said "This pink icing is the most likely to stain...so just be careful." Nice.
"I like the cookie. But I really like the icing."
Yep, I'd believe that.
We walked to the bathroom to clean up with me saying "Hold your hands up! Don't touch anyone or anything we walk by!"
This sweet cookie face is going to be a fantastic big brother for Baby E!
And 6 for the bonus:
6. The movie-turned-16-part-webisode that I had the honor of helping out with has now aired the finale. If you're interested in seeing it all from the beginning, head to http://www.thetimecloset.com/ I know this project was a long time coming, but I am so proud of the people that I got to work with on this project. They are going to be doing great things for the rest of their lives and I love that I got to have a small part in that.
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