tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241515112024-03-19T05:31:05.793-05:00Married with 2 DogsOf or relating to marriage and a husband / accompanied by / a group or unit of the sum of one and one / domesticated, carnivorous animals with long snouts, acute senses of smell and barking/howling/whining voice.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-86590227659655651162010-10-07T17:45:00.007-05:002010-10-07T19:09:43.813-05:00Baby, It's Been 20 Weeks!Here goes - the whirlwind update before we head to the great outdoors for some well-deserved rest:<br />1) The house is on the market! Remember, when three short years ago, <a href="http://marriedwith2dogs.blogspot.com/2007/08/we-are-proud-homeowners-for-2nd-time.html">it was so exciting</a> to be here? Well, now, it's really exciting to have the possibility of leaving! These links don't last forever (only until the house sells) but if you want to check out our Tiny House's listing, <a href="http://searchne.npdodge.com/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=21019327&searchkey=8927196c-99dc-ce87-b05e-cd58b7187f54&npp=20&sr=1">here it is! </a><br /><br />2) The baby is growing! I can't believe that only 2 months ago, all we saw were armbuds..and now...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuO9OslbuLWuAtheELX0WeazLFBJFG6JBnDUMXPDVn-mloACkWPiMeJK3c6oYnlMwovbROKfWLQFxNh5QTI7QgW4I4MC1hk3snedweTGZ-Dt7ReUSk89zNKzdJbkH4IwucEfZ/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG188.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuO9OslbuLWuAtheELX0WeazLFBJFG6JBnDUMXPDVn-mloACkWPiMeJK3c6oYnlMwovbROKfWLQFxNh5QTI7QgW4I4MC1hk3snedweTGZ-Dt7ReUSk89zNKzdJbkH4IwucEfZ/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525457648649461858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQphu4278kCNwCrjvidIvD1ftv8ZNW8K4INVKVo59RLLWeJCXPSCwzMTzf7Z4jdeYkV7kdo4_crQtKHE7ij2A5tqZUt0I2OnranE_AbyNKTu1OABTlqgVlY2YAs71Iu3VyanYK/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG190.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQphu4278kCNwCrjvidIvD1ftv8ZNW8K4INVKVo59RLLWeJCXPSCwzMTzf7Z4jdeYkV7kdo4_crQtKHE7ij2A5tqZUt0I2OnranE_AbyNKTu1OABTlqgVlY2YAs71Iu3VyanYK/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525456411042242450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiemI5jutHhJ6H4s0E3JLBeAqz1VB549IuLlTDEUABnU6JrVNIw2NMj_czyMbi_pmKzuBQJkG0rIfJ5XuvVS5aVBV3RHPRDV90iZ04EjxbxJ5mCz3XyGhKG0K-OAMRyR-QR-mV/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG192.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiemI5jutHhJ6H4s0E3JLBeAqz1VB549IuLlTDEUABnU6JrVNIw2NMj_czyMbi_pmKzuBQJkG0rIfJ5XuvVS5aVBV3RHPRDV90iZ04EjxbxJ5mCz3XyGhKG0K-OAMRyR-QR-mV/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525456411307090338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB30tUpe0WdL4Ie_H_OmmTJOHzR9nJWb1eQi0Ih3zTYGDN-KB2Utqs8wMzWqkVHu2UAE4rjFOFTkcu8ANMwjUiyppD_SOQXlkWKCd_brz81h-NjIPcXoTHYoo1Lw2lsfiVj72/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG195.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB30tUpe0WdL4Ie_H_OmmTJOHzR9nJWb1eQi0Ih3zTYGDN-KB2Utqs8wMzWqkVHu2UAE4rjFOFTkcu8ANMwjUiyppD_SOQXlkWKCd_brz81h-NjIPcXoTHYoo1Lw2lsfiVj72/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG195.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525456403048438402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUA-QfUax85SDSw2cCQhFIyWf0nRLniVJkbH1b8G1IdLbvMf1c-rL93yka155IEW9TxYe8YKRMGbn2FTtw0TCWJurQROTPerQTwIc4A4CIHJ1-5breu_zCJ9o8TUrpr46MnAi/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG196.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUA-QfUax85SDSw2cCQhFIyWf0nRLniVJkbH1b8G1IdLbvMf1c-rL93yka155IEW9TxYe8YKRMGbn2FTtw0TCWJurQROTPerQTwIc4A4CIHJ1-5breu_zCJ9o8TUrpr46MnAi/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525456398374645362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUcefxJ9QPmgZOogbnuFSehZ7QaZQ5LBlFJPkvv6K2HyW3Qg4VzPFwQLbeWYJd7yho9BCl71zIW19bBE-wFii-0biODFEqohvqN89rJGHNvwEGV_PzjEpnB4GoFmMrk6PSWA2/s1600/SERVER-D6KI8EMG197.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUcefxJ9QPmgZOogbnuFSehZ7QaZQ5LBlFJPkvv6K2HyW3Qg4VzPFwQLbeWYJd7yho9BCl71zIW19bBE-wFii-0biODFEqohvqN89rJGHNvwEGV_PzjEpnB4GoFmMrk6PSWA2/s400/SERVER-D6KI8EMG197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525455927591121698" border="0" /></a><br />These were all taken 2.5 weeks ago when I was 18 weeks along. The ultrasound tech knew this little one's gender immediately, but since I want to be surprised, Eric is graciously allowing us to keep it a secret! Although, if we ever want to know, all we need to do is call... but I think we can hold out!<br /><br />3) Starting to finally think about baby preparations! After 2.5 months of horrible all-day sickness with this tyke, I can finally get excited about preparing for its life with us! :) Started registering for <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4013801">a few items</a>, but the list is not nearly finished!<br /><br />4) And one more baby update: it's moving! And kicking and stretching and jazzercizing (I can only guess) and trying to find just a little more space than it currently has at its disposal! Eric is a little disappointed that he can't feel yet, but I'm doing plenty of feeling for both of us!<br /><br />That's it for now - off to camping!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-51958950852468813532010-08-19T18:40:00.000-05:002010-08-19T18:53:22.894-05:00Life As We Know It...There's going to be some changes the Casa de la Sorensen. Actually, they've already begun:<br /><br />1) My energy is gone. Depleted. Non-existent. I've been sleeping 8 hours a night and napping for 2 hours every day after work. This doesn't leave much time for the rest of life to happen!<br /><br />2) Food has lost its appeal. I get hungry occassionally and have been eating, but sometimes the food doesn't like to stay down. Interesting...<br /><br />3) I haven't been able to work out, run, lift weights or visit the gym in over a month.I heard it might be best to take it easy. <br /><br />4) My visits to the doctor have increased from once a year to at least once a month.<br /><br />All of these little changes are leading up to the biggest change of all: a brand new Sorensen has joined the team! And even though you won't meet him or her for another six months, I think it'll be well worth the wait!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-1451597372647943032010-04-06T22:02:00.004-05:002010-04-06T22:32:51.487-05:00Three Months of My LifeWork. Work. Book. Work. Work. Work. Work. Book. Work. Work. Work. Work. Book.<br /><br />Let's not focus on the work, but let's talk books!<br /><br />#1: The Bible. I know, the book all "good" Christians will take with them to a desert island. However, this is the year that our church is trying to read through the whole thing in one year! Eric and I are a bit behind on the schedule, but are excited to see how far we've come already! (Have you ever really read Numbers? Wow.) To challenge us to think and not just read to be done, we bought a side-by-side <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Message%C2%AE-Parallel-Study-Bible-Personal/dp/0310939844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270609917&sr=8-1">Message/NIV Bible</a>. Sometimes we read the NIV, sometimes the Message, and sometimes both. If you want a peek at the plan we're using, check it out <a href="http://www.trinityomaha.com/downloads/1yrBibleReadingPlan.pdf">here</a>!<br /><br />#2: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/1591843162/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0">Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?</a> One of the most inspirational books to do your best and keep pushing. Hope you're up for a challenge!<br /><br />#3: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Less-Clutter-Noise-Bulletins-Brochures/dp/0979589959/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270610751&sr=1-1">Less Clutter, Less Noise</a>. You won't really love this one unless you're in church/non-profit communications, but if you are...? Look out! Great stuff.<br /><br />#4: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Big-Things-Pursue-EXCELLENCE/dp/0061894087/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270610801&sr=1-1">The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence</a>. Only half-way through, but am finding great gems, like "Work Harder." Truly. It's in there. (This is a huge book, by the way. Don't let the "little" in the title fool you.)<br /><br />So, if you're looking for something new to read, these are what I've been using to keep my mind occupied while off the clock.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-69123200693095439322010-02-27T15:19:00.000-06:002010-02-27T15:35:42.447-06:00Blogging has been tough lately - no, not because I'm trying to update with my Blackberry (although I am today) - because I'm think this being done with school and getting my bearings has been tougher than I expected. I'm very lucky to have had my part-time job turn into my full-time job as soon as I graduated, but the reality of the working life has hit me. And made me question a lot of things. So, any advice from those who've "been there, done that" would be great! (Since I'm using my phone for this, it's REALLY hard to steer clear of text-speak!)<br /><br />On another note, 2010 has been dubbed "The Year of Health and Wealth" in our house. Eric and I joined a gym, got personal trainers, and are kicking it 5 times a week! Also, now that we're not paying tuition anymore, the money situation has greatly improved! Now, Eric has a great job and we were so blessed to not have any debt coming out of the education years. However, school is expensive! And now that we're not writing multiple-thousand-dollar checks to The University of Nebraska, the accounts are procreating quite nicely. House projects are coming! So, sitting good health wise (or getting there), money wise and job wise. But trying to figure out: is this it? No more adventures? Is boring the price we pay for financial and job security? <br /><br />Final thought:<br />Beg, borrow or steal (or buy) the book "Linchpin" by Seth Godin. Amazing. Lifechanging. Motivational. (Would link to it, but don't know how from my phone. I got my copy from Amazon)<br /><br />So, I'm back! (Aren't you glad?)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-63507725111963739512010-01-27T16:11:00.000-06:002010-01-27T16:12:08.748-06:00One Word<a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/">iPad</a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-76225247530059062792010-01-15T13:45:00.004-06:002010-01-15T14:31:19.652-06:00So, what's new...1. Finished school. Can't believe I have a degree, but there you go.<br /><br />2. Spent Christmas in the mountains. Had an amazing time and trying to figure out how to get away again, as soon as possible!<br /><br />3. Did some planning. Realized that our life goals were a little unrealistic, but are shooting for them anyway!<br /><br />4. Had a tough conversation. Remember that <a href="http://marriedwith2dogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/lovin-it.html">mean person</a>? Yep, that's the one. I came out on top!<br /><br />5. Was promoted! Well, technically, not really promoted. I had already worked myself into a new position and am now paid for it. This comes complete with benefits! Yay!<br /><br />6. Have been working out. This time, for real. A personal trainer, a gym membership and everything. Can I just say, ouch!<br /><br />7. 9th Anniversary and 29th Birthday. Yes, five days apart. (Whose idea was that anyway? Oh yeah..) Seems surreal and anticlimactic. Let's see what happens for the 10th and 30th!<br /><br />8. Snow, snow, snow, snow and snow. This poor area has received THIRTY SIX inches in less than a month. My back hurts just thinking about it!<br /><br />9. Taking a breath. Realized how little I had been breathing in: oxygen, relationships, relaxation, etc... Ready to get to a place of real living again.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-68854770646952980192009-12-24T15:44:00.004-06:002009-12-24T15:50:01.796-06:00Christmas in the Mountains<div>Merry Christmas everyone! </div><div>We hope you're staying warm and safe this holiday season.<div><br /></div><div>After the whirlwind semester, we packed up the beasts and headed west. Skiing and spa-ing was great yesterday, but it was too overcast for good pictures. However, here's the condo area complete with a background of mountains and lots of snow...</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgCN0KJwSkEMeqiE5m_wDyisCBgAzBz99KCTpMp1kZGHBjlcARZuibyF8zO-Bg9l3gc79AUPzrkb2EpFMGJR0nQ0hUh2wk1qdTLRjPD0W1CuN-n6GyMJ0HmyHxcny-padnlhV/s1600-h/DSCN0019.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgCN0KJwSkEMeqiE5m_wDyisCBgAzBz99KCTpMp1kZGHBjlcARZuibyF8zO-Bg9l3gc79AUPzrkb2EpFMGJR0nQ0hUh2wk1qdTLRjPD0W1CuN-n6GyMJ0HmyHxcny-padnlhV/s400/DSCN0019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418922862076386770" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgCN0KJwSkEMeqiE5m_wDyisCBgAzBz99KCTpMp1kZGHBjlcARZuibyF8zO-Bg9l3gc79AUPzrkb2EpFMGJR0nQ0hUh2wk1qdTLRjPD0W1CuN-n6GyMJ0HmyHxcny-padnlhV/s1600-h/DSCN0019.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayCaIqIj3A8fbBiDexPDKVesN68nezvX72puRdXJkrq43uOEE36pkeZF2C2WRUfTFYmJ46o6qOxvz7bSZZWUVZlDjUjj012BfrqKk_Cd0xvO4mxi4SgpPw-3DlEA2eQKTWRKa/s1600-h/DSCN0020.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayCaIqIj3A8fbBiDexPDKVesN68nezvX72puRdXJkrq43uOEE36pkeZF2C2WRUfTFYmJ46o6qOxvz7bSZZWUVZlDjUjj012BfrqKk_Cd0xvO4mxi4SgpPw-3DlEA2eQKTWRKa/s400/DSCN0020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418922852542140546" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayCaIqIj3A8fbBiDexPDKVesN68nezvX72puRdXJkrq43uOEE36pkeZF2C2WRUfTFYmJ46o6qOxvz7bSZZWUVZlDjUjj012BfrqKk_Cd0xvO4mxi4SgpPw-3DlEA2eQKTWRKa/s1600-h/DSCN0020.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoAr7UPozYmG-VbXwN2P-4OI041rQ29_EWXSdG0H4XvQ5q8WMZLNmVWFJypp8wxUllEz9i9hFaqTjEwuo85yMXfuj9MI2Y97Ff92zNauGbHmziodt7wp-O4eWIJEY7_0O7XQd/s1600-h/DSCN0008.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoAr7UPozYmG-VbXwN2P-4OI041rQ29_EWXSdG0H4XvQ5q8WMZLNmVWFJypp8wxUllEz9i9hFaqTjEwuo85yMXfuj9MI2Y97Ff92zNauGbHmziodt7wp-O4eWIJEY7_0O7XQd/s400/DSCN0008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418922845661252194" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoAr7UPozYmG-VbXwN2P-4OI041rQ29_EWXSdG0H4XvQ5q8WMZLNmVWFJypp8wxUllEz9i9hFaqTjEwuo85yMXfuj9MI2Y97Ff92zNauGbHmziodt7wp-O4eWIJEY7_0O7XQd/s1600-h/DSCN0008.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIreG8tNDskayMwlB6Po7m6CZTRlSFcqbKL2NIDN2HvmL0NLjGpTJejZ0bqRfFAt2uBwhAq4vPuN_rpWiqEh9zMDJF-QDl0E8oeK6pFXOxaNyguDfra7E-sD0CeFX0OJ2DVKy/s1600-h/DSCN0018.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIreG8tNDskayMwlB6Po7m6CZTRlSFcqbKL2NIDN2HvmL0NLjGpTJejZ0bqRfFAt2uBwhAq4vPuN_rpWiqEh9zMDJF-QDl0E8oeK6pFXOxaNyguDfra7E-sD0CeFX0OJ2DVKy/s400/DSCN0018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418922843997955602" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIreG8tNDskayMwlB6Po7m6CZTRlSFcqbKL2NIDN2HvmL0NLjGpTJejZ0bqRfFAt2uBwhAq4vPuN_rpWiqEh9zMDJF-QDl0E8oeK6pFXOxaNyguDfra7E-sD0CeFX0OJ2DVKy/s1600-h/DSCN0018.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg8YcV3r3T8sFGCgs-IUXOYdxaYJJdDM-QxhVaEzMHbcO7Gw4a5xOrQbnzecEv6EV8yzdrW11KOaOzwu2YTSUv49HC19NXjciL7adkhYvgcCXSB3BP-d0drt0zIbARBzbeL2z/s1600-h/DSCN0001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg8YcV3r3T8sFGCgs-IUXOYdxaYJJdDM-QxhVaEzMHbcO7Gw4a5xOrQbnzecEv6EV8yzdrW11KOaOzwu2YTSUv49HC19NXjciL7adkhYvgcCXSB3BP-d0drt0zIbARBzbeL2z/s400/DSCN0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418922839607940914" /></a><br /><br /><div>We'll post some good slope pictures tomorrow! </div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-449549131317080802009-12-24T15:33:00.004-06:002009-12-24T15:43:56.667-06:00Graduation<div>After 10 years, two majors, tens of thousands of dollars, no debt and not much sleep, we finally made it!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmagO9cTjpZeoksuo6uo1uBFtUjow7k3cpLBaePUrbhHAd1K-PkbrQeV94nY20uRls4AIdyTT1nkDexJGfVYoXau8OUBIhbGHkBPC1Ah-Im8Owd4dCzkKxRFLCvLM-Ms8_qxz/s1600-h/DSCN1652.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmagO9cTjpZeoksuo6uo1uBFtUjow7k3cpLBaePUrbhHAd1K-PkbrQeV94nY20uRls4AIdyTT1nkDexJGfVYoXau8OUBIhbGHkBPC1Ah-Im8Owd4dCzkKxRFLCvLM-Ms8_qxz/s400/DSCN1652.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418920979056991106" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>A Bachelor of Science in Communication, Journalism/Public Relations & Advertising Major and a Music Minor is MINE! </div><div><br /></div><div>But I am sharing it with Eric...couldn't have done it without him! </div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-7614226750696572672009-12-18T00:15:00.002-06:002009-12-18T00:18:40.426-06:00The Day Has ArrivedMark your calendars folks.<br /><br />I have just completed my final final, of my final class, of my final semester of my final year of college! Today (it is12:15am) I will graduate with a B.S. in Communication - Journalism Major with PR/Advertising emphasis and a Music Minor.<br /><br />I have my cap, my tassle, my gown and my honors medallion!<br /><br />I need to sleep, or prepare for our vacation to the mountains in 2 days, or do something resembling folding laundry....<br /><br />But I graduate today!<br /><br />YAY!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-46731965734723798332009-11-24T12:10:00.005-06:002009-12-02T21:23:45.296-06:00My Cowboy Cousin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA_FF8Vm2CJbQChtNJO4uOi4u2UPLMrXQiQPo8aTqSkJltusWtM70MKZcNz3lEUrAuXFSSGySPwUPkiMjfh5zoScap1un-z1q7tlK3IvxbVzoGrXpOaDDfCd_03R_6HOIsXRT/s1600-h/1A48AD0F-536A-4C7B-8E3A-B02FABFE1EC3i-1_012954.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA_FF8Vm2CJbQChtNJO4uOi4u2UPLMrXQiQPo8aTqSkJltusWtM70MKZcNz3lEUrAuXFSSGySPwUPkiMjfh5zoScap1un-z1q7tlK3IvxbVzoGrXpOaDDfCd_03R_6HOIsXRT/s400/1A48AD0F-536A-4C7B-8E3A-B02FABFE1EC3i-1_012954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410844425844967026" border="0" /></a>Strange thing, death. But, we have hope...<br /><br />"Spencer John Miller, 24, was born on September 21, 1985 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to William L. Miller and Maureen Petersen Miller. Spencer passed away on November 15, 2009 as the result of an automobile accident in Pueblo.<br /><br />Spencer graduated from Calhan High School in 2004 where he was extremely active. He was the 2004 Class President and the Football Team Captain. After high school, he attended and graduated with a degree in finance from Colorado State University in Forth Collins. He was a cowboy first in his professional life and a well-respected banker in the community. <span id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ContentPlaceHolder1_ObituaryTile" class="ObitsTile" style="min-width: 200px; display: inline-block; width: 615px;"><br />Spencer was an outgoing and personable man with a love for God, his family and friends. He would light up a room just by walking through the door. He enjoyed getting together with people for events of all types. His life was a testimony to his Christian faith. He has expressed his love and devotion for Jesus since his baptism at age 14 by Rick Cofer at the Living Word Church in Calhan.<br /><br />Being a professional rodeo contestant was paramount in Spencer's life. He made impeccable choices in the friends he kept. His roping partners are incredible mature men that mentored and counseled Spencer in many walks of life. In his younger years, he was a member of the Little Britches Rodeo, moving to the Colorado High School Rodeo Association and ultimately a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.<br /><br />Spencer is survived by his mother, Maureen Miller; father, William L. Miller; brother, Stuart Miller; grandmothers, Regina Miller and Jeanne Petersen as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He knew and had a personal relationship with each one of these important individuals.<br /><br />Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Swan Law Funeral Directors. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mountain Springs Church, 7345 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs. Private interment will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Spencer's name to the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. P.O. Box 3010, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80934."<br /><br />- Obituary from the Colorado Springs Gazette<br /></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-78425117632859079402009-11-06T12:47:00.004-06:002009-11-06T13:37:05.569-06:00Dear Mean Person,This has been a long time in coming, but I think we're both ready now. I came to a revelation today. And because it was all because of you, I feel you should be the first to know:<br /><br />I.Don't.Like.You.<br /><br />What? I can imagine you saying.<br /><br />You heard me! I don't like you!<br /><br />I don't get to choose everyone I come in contact with. Some people,I choose to be around, some people I get to be around and some people I <span style="font-weight: bold;">have</span> to be around. I have a lot of relationships that fall into the "choose to" and "get to" categories. But you, mean person, are in the third.<br /><br />I don't like being around you because you don't treat me well. You're borderline rude, outright snarky and often just plain old mean. I've excused you for months now with inane comments like: "You're just having a bad <span style="font-weight: bold;">day</span> (which turned into bad week, which turned into bad month...)" "You don't know me well enough yet. I can still win you over!" "You're just stressed right now."<br /><br />However, the excuses are over and done with. I've observed enough and heard enough to realize it's not me, it's you! I will respect you and be polite, but beyond that - nothing. I'm giving myself the freedom to stop trying to like you - you make it too hard! The dread before our encounters is not worth it. The stress headaches after our encounters are not worth it either!<br /><br />I'm still going to give other people a chance. I'm still going to cultivate meaningful relationships. I'm still going to keep putting myself out there. But just to show you this isn't all about me, I wanted to let you in on a little secret. Ready?<br /><br />You don't have to like me either.<br /><br />Most Sincerely,<br />KateKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-51779517767769467422009-10-11T23:13:00.002-05:002009-10-11T23:19:13.360-05:00Nine Short WeeksIn nine short weeks...<br /><br />...I will be walking across the stage towards a very special piece of paper.<br /><br />...I will be done writing checks with phrases like "Tuition" or "Books" or "Parking Pass" in the memo line.<br /><br />...I will be working. <span style="font-style: italic;">Just</span> working.<br /><br />...I will be going to bed at 9:30, or 8:30 if I want to!<br /><br />...I will be missing the smell of new textbooks.<br /><br />...I will be slowly forgetting how taking tests feels.<br /><br />...I will be writing. For fun. And myself.<br /><br />...I will be relieved. At peace. And done.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-5709598775614983622009-09-28T22:09:00.003-05:002009-09-28T22:33:53.037-05:00Who I Am<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMyWxEeQq4dCtD-cpe3pSU34vbjmSwkJ2ADa-egEWhGB7t-7Tem263h2knt4mItWR9ts0T0eXFKA9UFuOuylIAxwYtcw6EQR4_OQi_2iu9l-NQUwjFN5cEH8A7LTGVyJEYqXS/s1600-h/love.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMyWxEeQq4dCtD-cpe3pSU34vbjmSwkJ2ADa-egEWhGB7t-7Tem263h2knt4mItWR9ts0T0eXFKA9UFuOuylIAxwYtcw6EQR4_OQi_2iu9l-NQUwjFN5cEH8A7LTGVyJEYqXS/s400/love.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386725458137081746" border="0" /></a><br />Competitive<br />- sometimes to a fault.<br /><br />Talented<br />- and now not afraid to say it.<br /><br />Responsible<br />- to the point of exhaustion.<br /><br />Needing Encouragement<br />- never realized this one, until five months went by without it.<br /><br />Strong<br />- I will stand up for others and now - finally - myself.<br /><br />Adaptable<br />- until I realize I no longer should be in certain circumstances.<br /><br />Valuable<br />- to those who can see past the ends of their own noses.<br /><br />Accomplisher<br />- as I cross off item, after item, after item, after item...<br /><br />Perfectionist<br />- dust must go and laundry must not pile...unless homework incapacitates me.<br /><br />Trainer<br />- of myself, others, dogs...<br /><br />Tough<br />- I will not let others treat me like I wouldn't treat them.<br /><br />Just<br />- I give people a chance...sometimes too much of one...<br /><br />Creative<br />- I need time to mull over an idea, but when I do - Amazing!<br /><br />Particular / Anal<br />- what an asset! Unless the paper is due right now.<br /><br />Loyal<br />- until you prove yourself unworthy of that loyalty.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Loved </span><br />- by God, my husband, my families and my friends. (Oh - and two dogs!)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-85387652277937144452009-09-15T19:01:00.002-05:002009-09-15T19:06:30.472-05:00Is this Ok?Can I write an entire blog post using only questions? Not a single answer? Will you get sick and click that "x" or keep reading?<br /><br />How do we spend more time with those we've chosen to have in our lives? How do we get beyond the "should'ves and gottas" to spend quality moments - and lots of them - with the people we claim to care about?<br /><br />How do the responsibilities grow so large that they block the sun, the light, any hope for a peaceful future?<br /><br />How do I just STOP it all and take a peaceful moment? And find the time for healthy choices, healthy activities and healthy relationships?<br /><br />How do we move beyond the stress of work and find the joy?<br /><br />Does it ever get easier?<br /><br />(Aren't you glad you encouraged me to get back on the blogging wagon?)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-12639029052634479452009-09-14T19:54:00.004-05:002009-09-14T20:17:49.669-05:00The Sound of SilenceI've been pretty quiet lately...and was chastised for it last night! So, to keep my extensive readership happy and knowledgeable, here's what I haven't blogged about over the last couple/many weeks:<br /><br />1. I did not lose my job! However, a guy in my dept. did. This leads to me taking over all of his responsibilities after his final day on Sept. 27 and making my crazy life just that much more insane.<br /><br />2. I nearly lost the tip of my finger to a my dogs teeth: While breaking up a fight between Sadie and another dog, my right-hand index finger got in Sadie's mouth (don't even ask - it happened too fast. All I DO know is I remember the moment when her teeth cut through my flesh. Not a fun memory.) I got five stitches from edge to edge. Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch and ouch. I've since discovered the great sensitivity of finger tips.<br /><br />3. My final semester of school has begun. I feel like there should be an exclamation point behind that sentence, but I'm waiting for the elation to set it - it hasn't yet...<br /><br />4. I'm still pondering the diet thing - we'll see.<br /><br />5. I would love to post some great pictures of our amazingly redone kitchen. However, I'm NEVER home during the day for good light. So, try to be patient. Maybe this weekend?<br /><br />6. I had a great weekend with my newly-turned-11-year-old sister! We did a spa day, went to see UP (a great movie! I cried. Twice.), went shopping and had some good chats. Happy (belated) birthday Janna girl!<br /><br />And that's what's happened while I've been inaudible here. More audibility to come. Promise.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-81021268278300589352009-08-21T08:25:00.004-05:002009-08-21T09:14:17.659-05:00Perfect TimingI made the decision about <a href="http://marriedwith2dogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/small-stuff.html">which job I was going to keep</a>. (Job #1)<br /><br />I had my farewell lunch with co-workers from my former job yesterday.<br /><br />After that lunch, I went to my new job for the afternoon.<br /><br />Where I found out that next Thursday, 9 or 10 people from the new place will be laid off.<br /><br />Do you see the irony here?Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-20090601621079678022009-08-07T08:50:00.005-05:002009-08-07T10:00:25.456-05:00Trip Down Energy Lane(I promise to get back to the <a href="http://marriedwith2dogs.blogspot.com/2009/08/three-words.html">three words</a> - and please don't think scantily-clad women! Chemicals, people, chemicals!)<br /><br />I'm thinking about embarking on a quest. This is a lingering idea that always formulates in the back of my head when I get particularly run-down, stressed and lose all energy and time for exercise. A few years ago (ok, it's been more than a few - closer to five!), I was "diagnosed" with chronic fatigue syndrome. I say "diagnosed" because, after finding a low level of the mononucleosis virus in my system, assuming it has always been there - and will always be there - and having no other good ideas, the doctor said I probably had chronic fatigue.<br /><br />Since then, I found some things that mask this "thorn in my side": Coffee (a lot, first thing in the morning), running (which I hate and don't think I could be paid enough to start up again), and 10 hours of sleep a night, plus a 1-hour nap in the afternoon (this is a completely unrealistic option - no one has this kind of time).<br /><br />So, after rotating through these options, and doing some research, I've come across two other remedies that dovetail nicely and could bring about a measure of relief. Both involve food. Duh, duh duuuuuuh. (ominous strings).<br /><br />I'm not a little girl, all petite and cute and I'm not obese, but like most Americans, I could stand to lose a few. The main reason: I am a carb-oholic. I love bread, pastries, milk, casseroles, pasta, rice, etc... The problem with these very delicious foods is that they wreck havoc on my body. (Or so I'm coming to think...) I just finished reading the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738212776/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3790998929&ref=pd_sl_55n243ka4x_b">The Metabolism Miracle</a>" and watching the documentary "<a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/67878/the-future-of-food">The Future of Food</a>" on Hulu (most amazing site ever). While devoted to two completely different subjects, both got me thinking. Maybe this horrible lack of energy and bleariness all day long is due to something I'm eating! (A novel idea, no?)<br /><br />When you hear that 75 percent of the things we eat are made from corn products (a very simple carb) and are processed to the Nth degree, it makes you think. When you read about the way some people's bodies react to carbs (insulin spiking then falling dramactially / crashing, causing huge energy swings), it makes you wonder. Then when you realize you have been eating processed food and loving them for most of your life, you wonder why you aren't more exhausted and have even bigger problems!<br /><br />So, I'm thinking about beginning a journey. Perhaps slowly, at first, but as I look towards the future, I can see the possibilities of a life-long change. I've decided there are a few things that could make a huge difference:<br /><br />- Cut out sugars - completely<br />- Move away from milk (have you ever looked at the carb count for a serving of milk? HUGE!)<br />- Get rid of the breads (tearing up a little on this one)<br />- Really get on the bandwagon for veggies at every meal (even breakfast - yikes!)<br /><br />So, this plan would involve recipe research - almost every recipe I own contains carbs; very intentional grocery shopping; willpower in the store to resist the "good-tasting-but bad-for-you" stuff and a little extra time in the kitchen (one of our special words for this week!).<br /><br />There's my quest idea. When I tried to make a drastic diet change a few weeks ago, <a href="http://marriedwith2dogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/vegetables-make-me-sick.html">this happened</a>. And while I don't relish another such episode, maybe I need to buck up and get serious about this stuff. My body may revolt, but like a child (or naughty dog), I need to train it for its own sake.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-33201711627504131782009-08-05T22:00:00.002-05:002009-08-05T22:01:55.588-05:00Three WordsStripper. Kitchen. Decision.<br /><br /><br /><br />If that won't bring you back here tomorrow, I don't know what will!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-34567972441193286162009-07-28T13:29:00.002-05:002009-07-28T14:12:07.003-05:00Small StuffHow interested are you in hearing about my day? I mean, really. It's been tough today. I woke up at 5:15 (per usual), fell asleep while picking out clothes (honestly: sat down on my bed for two seconds and OUT), ate a tiny cereal bar for breakfast (good, but tiny) on my way to work. I've had two mugs of coffee with French Vanilla creamer, finished up a couple of projects at work, and am waiting for the free food to be available after a meeting. My stomach is growling and I'm a little down.<br /><br />I have a huge decision to make. For most, this situation/decision wouldn't be hard. I have two jobs on my schedule at the moment. Because it's summer, I'm working both. But, in less than a month, classes begin. Then, one job must be chucked. Job #1, I make more per hour, but feel completely unstimulated. Job #2 has two amazing coworkers with whom I've made a great connection, but is very "political" - a game I don't like to play. Job #1 is at a place to which I am and will continue to be very connected. Job #1 is further from home, but a comfortable environment. Both Jobs are unreliable in that I don't know if/when they would develop into full-time after I graduate and it's starting to wear at me.<br /><br />So, there's my day. And my decision.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-3655740551212198412009-07-27T10:39:00.007-05:002009-07-27T13:22:31.226-05:00Tension-Free and Me<div>I live in a very "high" state of being: stressed, motivated, competative. I rarely relax - even after sleeping I wake up with a stiff neck or jaw from what I can only assume are tense dreams? This wrecks havoc on my sleeping schedule, my health and I have discovered, my dogs. (I'm assuming also my husband, but that's a post for another day!) My brain was still foggy at 5:30 this morning and I sat down with my granola (YUM!) and my laptop for some internet browsing. After landing on hulu.com, I watched one of the FREE (yay for free!) episodes of The Dog Whisperer. It was a great reminder for me that dogs are perceptive to their humans' emotions, body language and tone. (Sidenote: If dogs are this perceptive, what about the people we're in contact with every day?) I was inspired to hit the pavement. Before I tell you what happened this morning, let me relate the normal dog-walking routine:</div><div> </div><div>1. Eric or I say in an excited tone: "Do you want to go for a WALK?" Of course, the W-A-L-K word is well-known around our house and once spoken, produces frenzies, jumping, play fights, etc. </div><div> </div><div>2. We try to corral Sadie (the older and supposedly calmer one) and make her hold still long enough to lasso the harness around her neck and buckle at lightning speed. Nala will sit, lift the correct paw that goes through the harness and then lean to one side for buckling. She's amazing. I trained her.</div><div> </div><div>3. Sadie picks up the middle of her leash with her teeth and swings her head violently from side to side. Yes, she whips herself in the face. Nala usually stands (semi) quietly while weound up the house key and doggie poo bags. </div><div> </div><div>4. They tear out the door and down the stairs with us in tow. We then tramp back upstairs to shut the door that we were unable to shut in the mad dash for outside.</div><div> </div><div>5. The walk itself consists of leaps after rabbits, straining against harnesses, lunging toward other dogs (that are across the street and three houses down) and a general shoulder stiffness (in my shoulder) when we return home. </div><div> </div><div>We know we need to walk these beasts and usually have limited time to do it in. So, we've let ourselves be bullied into submission by 60-pound, four-legged creatures with less intelligence than a kindergartner. </div><div> </div><div>However, this morning I had the energy to try the calm, assertive demeanor that my dogs really do need. After releasing my tension and stress, I calmly walked to the leash basket. Although both dogs saw me, they continued to sit. (I must admit, I was VERY surprised.) I then lifted out Sadie's leash. Remember, this is the one that won't sit long enough to buckle and whips herself. I only employed the trademark "sstt" once and she stayed! I slipped on the harness, buckled it and she didn't even touch the lease itself! Nala's "harness dressing" went as normal. </div><div> </div><div>One of Cesar's BIG rules is: always cross the threshhold of your door BEFORE the dog(s). This establishes dominance before you even leave the house and encourages obedience from the start. A little tough to accomplish trying to hold two leashes and pull the door shut at the same time. However, I did it! And they were calm! (This is still a little surreal to think about - our dogs: calm!)</div><div> </div><div>I wound one leash around each hand so that we would all be walking together and set off. On a normal day, this is what happens (note the outstreached arms and yelling): </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363198788556608562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtdwqm9FqmLQC6q4caJIelJwnQDxyEHFl-zH-3TTBbdRmeOrmeDW8MrK0jxrPTwqPaiIW3drFu13K-Mesg1i6eu50WaplFKy_3rROnxxk0NxlQ7wvOsjeigZzSQXYD0Tdu7vV/s400/No+pull.JPG" border="0" />(And no, I don't wear a skirt to walk the dogs, but stick-figure girls always have skirts, right?)<br /><br />Today, miracle of miracles, this happened (Aerial view. Eric, check out Sadie's side! For everyone else, we make Sadie carry her own waste, of which there is a copious amount every walk.) :<br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363198792468022066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 412px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUMPm7Ct6aZjYrfnM0WrXhvtb8z9LkK77jSBlpcwk_PvaVeETtdzQfInF8acaKQpMG7oDEZebO-V-C3Q7654x62p972vvakPjvYJ0dHvhLlBZNbEYDJQoA81emLZ28ryFvzhyphenhyphen/s400/Nice+walk.JPG" border="0" />It worked! By being calm and relaxed, I had the most enjoyable walkI've had in a long time! We passed rabbits, cats and other dogs. No lunging, pulling or crazed jumping. If a little calm can make this big of a difference in walking my dogs, just think what else could be impacted! And now, because I know you enjoyed this rare glimpse into my freehand artwork, one more for the road: </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363205795975588370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx0kcEJbxzTkaPc0IrAaOGk8wX2L-Q7p118wvm2SwZyTjO_0wQWgyU9_jsj3FwBsybZrGxBW2b6gyoAPHJFSxDym08M2MaIfK5YNlVVIqFFs2hjD9UuGgjNI9hLOVfWHmVXOl/s400/untitled.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><br /><div> </div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-79713267373335953942009-07-17T18:41:00.004-05:002009-07-17T19:01:07.305-05:00...with unhealthiness and taxes for all.I watched a little bit of <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/63283/super-size-me">Super Size Me</a> while I woofed down my drive-through burger (not McDonalds, but still...) and was as thoroughly grossed out as I remembered being the first time I watched.<br /><br />Now, I'm cooking my VERY healthy spinach and mushroom lasagna (as a result of SuperSize Me), and am watching hearings from the <a href="http://waysandmeans.house.gov/index.asp">House Ways & Means Committee</a> on passing the <a href="http://edlabor.house.gov/blog/2009/07/americas-affordable-health-choices-act.shtml">America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009</a>.<br /><br />Both my burger and these hearings are making my blood pressure rise.<br />Burger: bad for my body by increasing fat and salt. Hearing: bad for our country by increasing taxes, limiting freedom and replacing a competitive industry with a government program.<br /><br />Is there a solution? Yes! Stop eating burgers and replace with nutritious food that may take just a little longer to prepare, but will ensure a longer life. And, yes! Take a step back and make sure we're doing the right thing that Americans NEED (not want as a result of overhyped "crisis" reporting! I want a burger, but I need a salad!).<br /><br />Even those who oppose many portions of the Act are going to pass because "the country needs this now!" Really? Really?!<br /><br />About as much as I need another burger...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-86154380613883334432009-07-13T18:21:00.005-05:002009-07-14T22:13:13.630-05:00So, we went camping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYlUL34Nzv4Fg8RQfqzP5sZ-r5dAr54_7CLbUBGe7bvRkisjIw7yfAqx4KezRrXFPUhx1wxrBDK-gHylBenejhHtufoGaUXuvc31mbLqONVs1HmyFO7QFej82RVcamPB9RXrX/s1600-h/DSCN0043.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYlUL34Nzv4Fg8RQfqzP5sZ-r5dAr54_7CLbUBGe7bvRkisjIw7yfAqx4KezRrXFPUhx1wxrBDK-gHylBenejhHtufoGaUXuvc31mbLqONVs1HmyFO7QFej82RVcamPB9RXrX/s400/DSCN0043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358516783193656354" border="0" /></a><br />To celebrate my husband's TWENTY-NINTH birthday (he's so old!), we took a trip to a family friend's farm pond for the weekend. When you think farm pond, do you think of cows in a dirty ditch in the middle of a corn field? Me too! I had vague grandiose memories of this particular farm pond, but things are always cooler at the age of eight. I wasn't sure if this pond would live up to my childhood expectations, but it delivered!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvszeq9VShJ4tc9v9mB5pwyb_CNFFTX8VdE53DAkv-1kbgwu1GdizKCylRW805iDkGlnmINXINDzpD9TfAoJVqnpWyiKCaBa03Fp4YnpHqwwXXctxmxTF4VEjBNvNkB3VBZbT/s1600-h/DSCN0051.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvszeq9VShJ4tc9v9mB5pwyb_CNFFTX8VdE53DAkv-1kbgwu1GdizKCylRW805iDkGlnmINXINDzpD9TfAoJVqnpWyiKCaBa03Fp4YnpHqwwXXctxmxTF4VEjBNvNkB3VBZbT/s400/DSCN0051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358090086207872018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn7W29ghkQA2O9lcExz60U7m9HijeSMDACUua25o_XF8l84jjuWq0M_Mrm_WNQAEeKUYX26V7x-RkS1mNv0jtBeSEiyiMSCuBttIPranIogOyWer5_glHYC6O-qD4ZXFZ2fQA/s1600-h/DSCN0062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn7W29ghkQA2O9lcExz60U7m9HijeSMDACUua25o_XF8l84jjuWq0M_Mrm_WNQAEeKUYX26V7x-RkS1mNv0jtBeSEiyiMSCuBttIPranIogOyWer5_glHYC6O-qD4ZXFZ2fQA/s400/DSCN0062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358090077024310370" border="0" /></a><br />Look at all the trees! And not a single cow was seen the entire trip! (Although we did hear a few off in the distance - it was a farm pond after all.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK06Id8qx7NIGwdQJuGSalJQ_PocRwbwdMyAmXNKsXNf3j3-FlSmpVPmWSce6IIxcn6IejUCr5GTL7uR2LO2E9c_G9EumuHW-so5LQs27TE4pN-VFElv7Wr_wnBd3Z6QcO7E68/s1600-h/DSCN0039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK06Id8qx7NIGwdQJuGSalJQ_PocRwbwdMyAmXNKsXNf3j3-FlSmpVPmWSce6IIxcn6IejUCr5GTL7uR2LO2E9c_G9EumuHW-so5LQs27TE4pN-VFElv7Wr_wnBd3Z6QcO7E68/s400/DSCN0039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358090069684256338" border="0" /></a><br />It was quaint, quiet and just what we needed this weekend! Especially Eric - he has been working way too many hours every week and was in dire need of a getaway! We fished (Eric caught four delicious bass, I caught three - pictured below!), napped, ate (lots of s'mores!) boated, and swam. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjaDSh6Y5qGYDUplc29UHN6e9WMaGlwHOehyCIlr1A5-2nf9fh60YMUW5UUVEto5yCrxphG2ofGAIxphHjYfBJ9rc0QQb8YsMmZ-Plt2sEYCb5Yiv5bCAR7ktSrZAQXVqJkLY/s1600-h/DSCN0076.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjaDSh6Y5qGYDUplc29UHN6e9WMaGlwHOehyCIlr1A5-2nf9fh60YMUW5UUVEto5yCrxphG2ofGAIxphHjYfBJ9rc0QQb8YsMmZ-Plt2sEYCb5Yiv5bCAR7ktSrZAQXVqJkLY/s400/DSCN0076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358516774360954754" border="0" /></a>It was the perfect way to spend a summer weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4HfHfu1wREF4LYsScTDi4UO_OhzIXHRLMZfQ54wJ3EnbgvkjmozyQE93h9EllplbdBCkQt3BW5oeULqsf46OHxl4RT2Vu01bR6ukM6Pe_N2kQ_VVjVNec8U_V7xSNZMqSgoq/s1600-h/DSCN0047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4HfHfu1wREF4LYsScTDi4UO_OhzIXHRLMZfQ54wJ3EnbgvkjmozyQE93h9EllplbdBCkQt3BW5oeULqsf46OHxl4RT2Vu01bR6ukM6Pe_N2kQ_VVjVNec8U_V7xSNZMqSgoq/s400/DSCN0047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358516760517980898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tJ90zXFBSa8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tJ90zXFBSa8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-13565392036827705292009-06-24T16:50:00.003-05:002009-06-24T17:01:12.528-05:00The Way I Start a Meeting...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32HOev91iKroVLsYQsP_6V0EjC66DDeNlwXlUisA9WG_0aonp2R9k4QUEjLrpaHLfOKETiC2bzRMHwk0NFwT7NDRVo_XCE3dTI6BYA88dnq0TbRyRYogkUJz1qVxRSAubvjU/s1600-h/C&H+Quote.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351017454313997410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32HOev91iKroVLsYQsP_6V0EjC66DDeNlwXlUisA9WG_0aonp2R9k4QUEjLrpaHLfOKETiC2bzRMHwk0NFwT7NDRVo_XCE3dTI6BYA88dnq0TbRyRYogkUJz1qVxRSAubvjU/s400/C&H+Quote.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's always better to begin with a cartoon!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk06yZwYrfNXaDhF-u8oqCOcJEUe2BjZK6GJoyvX6Dl9mRWKrM8miQnJoG6azgRWNCE4aZslU5Cf1clac0g8DCzC85w1vy9lOg5CaIcYZKnCmWzpqa-MBsZ16zo48Z_gEtA8H/s1600-h/C&H+Quote.jpg"></a></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-33310927895133373512009-06-20T09:16:00.002-05:002009-06-20T09:28:56.694-05:00Work Out, Smooth Out, Cook OutToday, I'll be doing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tank-Bikini-Belly-Shorts-Bottom/dp/B000MDH5JO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1245507686&sr=8-1">one of my favorite workout videos with one of my not-so-favorite titles</a>.<br /><br />While I'm still "glowing" from that workout, I'll then head to the kitchen. After attaching the Shop-Vac to the orbital sander (Love the orbital!), I'll smooth out the walls I spackled on Thursday, throw on a second coat of mud, and then SHOWER!<br /><br />After cleansing my skin, I'll hop in the car and head to the homestead for a Father's Day Celebration, complete with BBQ chicken, salads and strawberry shortcake - I'm bringing the shortcake!<br /><br />Off to do my working, smoothing and cooking!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24151511.post-46213292093107073822009-06-19T17:35:00.003-05:002009-06-19T17:56:30.591-05:00And...That's All I Have to Say About ThatNot eating sugar, wheat, caffeine and dairy - all at once - does not agree with me. After three days of being sick in three different ways, I decided this elimination is not for me. While the theory of eliminating potentially bad things from my diet is sound, the actual execution proved a little less than ideal for me.<br /><br />---------------------------<br /><br />My Tuesday interview was flawless! I had a great connection with the interviewer and was informally offered the job. I should be getting the formal offer at the beginning of next week!<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><br />I'm working in the kitchen (well, not at this moment...). I will skim-coat the walls (twice), sand them smooth (twice), paint (two coats), scuff sand the trim, paint and we'll see what happens after that! I'd love to upgrade the hardware, but what's there is original and will be difficult to replace. We'll see...<br /><br />That's my week in a nutshell. What three things made your week unforgettable?Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01054976303918428293noreply@blogger.com1