No Place Like Home

This past weekend, Lisa, Baby B and I headed back to Kansas for a much-needed reunion. And even though we didn’t get to see stars up in the sky, we still had our Mi Ranchito, Mama/Papa Z day, and surviving on Peanut Butter M&Ms traditions.

“Oh, you’re the best friends anybody ever had. And it’s funny, but I feel as if I’d known you all the time, but I couldn’t have, could I?” — Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

Rockin’ a new Spring ‘do at Kati’e Belated Birthday Celebrations

Baby B getting her Jayhawk shopping on

Meet and Greets

Between the holidays, the never ending Polar Vortex and a busy work schedule, life as gotten the best of me. As I sit here hyped up on some Alka-Seltzer on yet another Work From Home day (thanks to those tundra temperatures), I figured I should take some time to update.

Within the past two months, I met two people I’ve been waiting to meet since 2004. And three weeks ago, I got to meet a tiny little lass I’ve been waiting to see and hold since August.

First up, the Bernings. Fate dealt us one sweet card when Matthias and his parents ventured down to Chicago the same weekend Mom was in town. We’ve heard a lot about Matthias’s parents over the years, but we’ve never met, as they don’t come to the States all that often. This meeting/reunion of sorts was my absolute favorite part of the holiday season. We all easily fit into conversations with each other, though Matthias had to jump in every now and then and wow us with his seamless German-English-German speech. The weather wasn’t the best, though I spent the whole day in fits of giggles and smiles. A Christmas miracle? Nah, just much overdue.

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After some time Facetiming with Lisa and Baby Beckett, I ended up having a work trip out to Colorado. Lucky for me, the presentation was on a Friday, which meant I could take the weekend with the Watsons down in Colorado Springs and finally meet Baby B. I was pretty excited and anxious as well as a little more than nervous. I cannot tell you the last time I held a baby. After a drive (and gossip sesh) from Denver to the Springs with just Lisa, I arrived to Watson Manor ready to meet Baby B. We both played coy. And during the Kansas game the next day we moved into the “hold me” phase. Thankfully, there’s one thing Baby B and I cannot get enough of…books.

Sharing some book love while dressed in Rock Chalk attire

Even with the mood swings of Old Man Winter, it’s hard to complain too much. Especially since Restaurant Week is going on and Sundance U.S.A. is this Thursday. Needless to say, there’s not much meandering around the city though enjoying the quiet, downtime of “too-cold-for-tourists” season.

Nights of Glee

A trip. A movie premiere. Finishing a great book. A date. Seeing family and friends. A concert. Whatever it is, I find myself in a complete state of glee the eve of a day when something fun, stellar or amazing is about to go down. I lay in bed like it’s First Day of School Eve. Tossing and turning and smiling and unable to think about anything than that specific greatness awaiting.

Hell, even the promise of a sunny day from the Weather Channel gets me amped. Just the mere idea of what tomorrow holds doesn’t give me anxiety, it gives me excitedness and eagerness. And I find it hard to harness.

Needless to say, this is pretty much me all day, every day:

*Last night’s glee totally tied to the KC trip to see the Kansas family*

 

 

Someday, I’m Gonna Come Out of that Tunnel

When we spent weekends with my Dad growing up, I always remember two things: eating Beef & Broccoli and watching Rudy. That film was more than just a movie about football. It was a movie that reiterated the fact that whatever I wanted to do, I could do if I just had enough determination. And I’m pretty sure it was the first time a movie score ever really spoke to me. And moved me.

Well it’s finally come. Despite having friends that attended Notre Dame, I’ve never been. I’ve never seen the sight Rudy proclaims: “This is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen!” And I’ve never seen the Grotto with all its candles.

Last month, when Notre Dame was in Chicago, I met up with an old friend from Oakville and Kansas, Ally, who works for the Athletic Department for Notre Dame. We rendezvoused, sang songs and enjoyed some long overdue dancing time. And I got a little taste of The Fighting Irish life. Needless to say, I wanted more.

Come Friday, I’ll be en route to South Bend via the train that only cost $11 (say whaaa??) to see The Golden Dome in person. And I’m 100% certain that I will be channeling Mr. Ruettiger the whole time while running around campus with uncontrollable glee.

 

 

Walkin’ on Sunshine

Still reeling from the amazingness that was Saturday.

And then I saw this, Jon Hamm and Jason Sudeikis at a KU Watch Party in LA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then the sun decided to shine so brightly and while walking to the library, iTunes thought this song would be appropriate.

 

It’s alright for a Monday.

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…

Working for Happiness

I always get nervous when I come across studies based on professions. Because I get it, I know my field is rough. It’s why 85% of girls at Kansas answered the “What’s Your Major” question with “Journalism!” I know the advertising and public relations fields were super competitive. Which is why I pseudo-switched what I wanted to do for a job. I knew I wanted to do something rooted in journalism, but I didn’t want to be a reporter. I hated writing. I needed other outlets and interactions with people while being allowed to dream up crazy things. Granted, I’m writing a ton, but I appreciate it now. And cannot imagine calling myself anything but a writer.

Came across this infographic and couldn’t help but smile. via The Grindstone

It is written. 

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.

Sunrise Anniversary

Life has been pretty insane lately, which is why I think I’m completely blindsided that tomorrow is September 1. And that Summer Fridays end this week. As well as Summer Hours. Hell, Summer! Sigh.

After a pretty intense 2 Werk Weeks, I feel like I’m finally coming back up for air after swimming defiantly in a changing current. And it feels good. Because not only do I feel like I had a major accomplishment to tuck in my pocket, but I got to know some of the MDub team that I never really work with it. And since these weeks were filled with late nights and changing ideas, I learned to lean on them when I needed it.

Really, all of my co-workers. Everyone in the office knows how important this pitch was and really rallied to help me stay sunny throughout the process. Whether it was Jon sending musical inspirations for the day to help keep me from going postal (his best is below), or Sarah making sure we bike, pilates and zumba on a Saturday morning, I realized how blessed I truly am. And how I wouldn’t trade this place for anything (except maybe a TV show, movie and book deal, but they’d have to be rolled into all three).

And funny that this realization of how amazing my co-werkers truly are just so happens to land on my one-year anniversary with the company. This is officially, the longest place I’ve worked since the Dole Center back in Kansas (glory days).

I only hope everyone has the kind of support system I have here. Because it’s more than just being a team player. It’s that “Bud Light Fairy” who leaves you a brew when you go for a bathroom break at 9:30 at night. It’s those inside jokes you make when trapped in a room at 11 p.m. on a Wednesday when all you do is stare at the deck and laugh. That’s the best kind of support system. The green and orange walls are my Sunrise on Avenue C.

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…