Time to Dance

It’s here, it’s finally here! After a hellish February in the city (and to be honest, it’s still going on what with this icing rain falling this morning?! It’s almost April Mother Nature…cool it), let the madness begin!

Last week, my gal pal Katie sent me a Gchat saying “Come to Kansas City and watch Big 12 tourney games with me.” Seeing as I couldn’t quite do that, I instead, booked a trip for the next weekend. Well that weekend is just four days away and what do you know? With a #1 seed in the South Region, Katie and I will indeed watch Kansas tourney games together.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been back in Kansas City (let alone Lawrence). And I for one am so ready to escape Chicago for a little reunion with a ton of Jayhawks. Plus I’ll get to stay in the room under the stars at the Zeller Casa. Throw some Rock Chalk time on that and man oh man, this little gal pal weekend is going to be oh so stellar.

Our last game viewing streak ended pretty well in 2008…

Conference Play Begins

After a disappointing end to the Jayhawks’ season last year, it’s finally here! Conference play began last night with an overtime win by the ‘hawks at Allen Fieldhaus.

And I for one am so very excited. Mainly about this:

Cooking Up a Rivalry

As Mizzou bows out of the Big 12, Adam and I only had one more opportunity to place a Kansas/Mizzou bet. We remember how the last one went–me “losing.” Loser had to bake a cake of the other person’s school and then sent out an email to the whole office alerting them cake was available and that the Winner was the greatest human being alive.

Despite nearly a month passing, Adam paid his debt last week. Rock Chalk indeed.

Baker's Man

Place Your Bets

I’m a pretty loyal Kansas basketball fan. Surrounded by those schools that I just loathe: Kentucky and Mizzou. When Kansas played Kentucky either this year, made a bet with Kentucky man, the loser had to wear the winner’s jersey. I lost. And I’m pretty sure wearing a Kentucky jersey burned off a few layers of skin.

Last weekend, made a bet with a Mizzou alum. The stakes: you have to wear your holiday party attire (it’s formal). So I did what any creative gal would do, I figured I could wear a tiara and carry a scepter and wear pearls. Oh, and do it all in a hideous dress in a rock chalk blue hue.

People in the office have finally likened me to a princess. Not sure if I really lost here…

Border War

Growing up, I went to Missouri football games. And I knew Kansas as the school with the bird that did pretty well during the month of March. The fact they were terrible, century-old rivals never even occurred to me. Until I applied to Kansas and got in. And then decided to go there.

This rivalry was always something I looked forward to, mainly because so many of my friends went to Mizzou. The trash talking and emails during “Border Showdown” week is right up there on my favorite times of the year. And this year has proved no different, despite the fact I’m not on campus. Mizzou “released” this absurd video and the Jayhawks responded.

So ready for tomorrow!

Beware, this is a bit hard to stomach and sit through.

 

And the classy response.

 

Kansas: 171
Missouri: 94

Enough said.

Back-to-School

First off, I know the typical back-to-school season is in August, but this Saturday, I’m returning to school. GREER, my favorite store in all this land, will host The Letter Writers Alliance and create homemade Valentines for Monday.

Let me say that again, we’ll make vintage, homemade, handmade Valentines. I’m so ecstatic for this that I’m missing the Kansas game against Iowa State. I mean, how many chances does a gal get to create things with her hands in her favorite paper store along side some fantastic ladies?

I’m sure I’ll sing the praises of this activity after it happens; after all, The Letter Writers Alliance is write up my alley (see what I did there?). They promote the skill of handwritten letters and postage. I cannot tell you the thrill I get when I receive an unexpected envelope in the mail with “KIMMIE” written in the return address box (that’s Kelly, after seeing My Best Friend’s Wedding, we thought the scene from the White Sox bathroom was hysterical). And it’s no secret my happiness level after spending a few hours in the card shop and picking out some favorites to send to people.

I did have a goal in life to create a greeting card…

Breaking Down Walls

At work, we have windows that connect us to other people in the office. They slide open and close (think drive thru window). The guy I share mine with has always kept ours closed since the day I started. One day I asked him why:

“Because you went to Kansas and I went to Kentucky. We can only talk to each other during the Summer when basketball isn’t in session.”

Fair enough. So began our war of post-its and emails of “I’m-better-than-you-because.” The stink eyes when we see each other out of the office walls and around the office hallways. The sarcastic, “What’s your rank this week?”

Then yesterday he says, “I’ve made a resolution to be nice to opposing basketball school alums.” And proceeds to crack our window open about 5 inches. Gone are the stink eyes and here are the “Why hello Hanna, that top looks lovely”s. We capped off our momentous day with a cupcake contest where I challenged him to stuff 5 cupcakes in his mouth. He did.

Today, I come in, window still cracked. Which means we’re still on the path for a verbal relationship. The only problem is, due to a swollen throat, I have no voice. So I do what any copywriter would do, write a post it.

“Mornin’! My throat hurts. Speaking in notes.”

He passes the note through the window where I find on the back he wrote:

“Hello” and a taped Halls cough drop.

It’s a brand new year folks. A Kentucky Wildcat and Kansas Jayhawk are getting along. Caring for one and other. We’ll see if birds-of-a-feather still flock-together through March Madness.

The Little Things in Life

I’m one who truly believes the little wonders of the world truly make it go ’round. Seeing a great headline, feeling a perfect breeze, the smell (and sounds) of a light rain. I could go on and on.

I also believe that showing your excitement over something is key. One of the better excitement moments for me was when Kansas won the Championship. I was near tears. I was shock. I was literally hoping that time could stand still. I also feel a sense of wonderment when riding along Lake Shore. Seeing the sun rise or set is truly breathtaking. Now, I’m holding out for a double rainbow. via The Dating Optimist