What a blog slacker I have been! I know there are other bloggers that have Facebook pages, too, and somehow manage to do both. But, I apparently am not one of them.
I still love my blog but it requires me to write...to put thought into word form and post it; whereas Facebook has a nice tidy little box with "Katie is..." already entered. All I have to do is type "very sleepy." or.... "going to pick up the box of spilled Cheerios in the pantry." There is really not much brain power required.
But I do miss writing and will attempt to do a better job of posting here.
See...look, this entry was practically a novel!
:)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Cleansing Autumn Rain
This morning I awoke
To refreshing drops.............
Kerplunk! Drip, drop, drip......
On the green grass outside my door
Cleansing autumn rain
Cooler temperatures
A slight breeze
ruffles the curtains
My soul rejoices
In the sound of the voices
Of raindrop conversations
Drip, drop, drip
Splatter.....Kerplunk!
On the green grass
Outside my door
A soothing way to start the day..........
To refreshing drops.............
Kerplunk! Drip, drop, drip......
On the green grass outside my door
Cleansing autumn rain
Cooler temperatures
A slight breeze
ruffles the curtains
My soul rejoices
In the sound of the voices
Of raindrop conversations
Drip, drop, drip
Splatter.....Kerplunk!
On the green grass
Outside my door
A soothing way to start the day..........
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hotel Shampoo Doesn't Lather and Other Reasons I'm Happy to Be Home
6 nights was a long time to be away.
I departed for Indianapolis last Wednesday ready to implement another event. My excitement was tinged with the requisite nervousness that creeps in right before a big conference. A nice, straight-as-an-arrow, 5-hour drive awaited as I plugged in the iPod, opened the sunroof and settled in for the trip.
A full moon in the sky and good music were my driving partners for a majority of the trip and, I must admit, it was luxurious to get lost in song lyrics and let all the other details swimming in my head fade for a while. It was 40 miles outside Indy that the bottom dropped out. It just so happened to be 11:30pm and fatigue had set in. A desperate search for a Starbucks-type establishment had turned up empty and the rain was coming down so hard my wipers couldn't keep up. Big trucks would amble by, sloshing buckets of water my way...luckily, as I approached downtown, the can't-miss-it glow of Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) was a welcome beacon in the night--since I knew it was next door to the hotel.
I was there.
The next few days were abuzz with details, arrivals, meetings, greetings. I received some nice compliments about the weight loss and, yes, received a few more to add to "the list" ..a compilation of backhanded compliments that are actually quite funny. One of my favorites from this trip was..." Katie! Oh my gosh! You don't even LOOK like the same person. You look GREAT!"
Um, thanks? LOL. I know they mean well...
We did end up having an absolute blast at our Sunday evening event. We rented a historic train station across the street from the hotel and brought in dueling pianos for entertainment. It was so. much. fun! We had 6 buffet stations, bars, a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar...it was a hit! Suffice it to say, I called my pal Cindy (who thankfully comes and helps at these conferences) at 5:45 the next morning and said, "did we REALLLLY do the electric slide to Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious"? LOL It was a fun evening.
The next evening was our dressy gala held offsite at the beautiful Indiana Roof Ballroom...built in 1927 in a dark, Spanish-style architecture with balconies, coves and a ceiling complete with stars, a night sky and even simulated thunderstorms...it was perfect.
After a successful event, I loaded the car down and headed south. My boys were certainly happy to see me and I showered them all with kisses. Jacob looked like he had grown a foot and Daniel was full of details about school and his online football game and "can we go throw the football, Mommy? Huh? Can we? Huh? Huh?"
There was no meeting room to prepare, no projector to set up, no tour set to depart and no florist arriving in 10 minutes. There was a sandy-haired boy with a football in his hand and a toothless grin spread over his face.
It was so nice to be home.
I departed for Indianapolis last Wednesday ready to implement another event. My excitement was tinged with the requisite nervousness that creeps in right before a big conference. A nice, straight-as-an-arrow, 5-hour drive awaited as I plugged in the iPod, opened the sunroof and settled in for the trip.
A full moon in the sky and good music were my driving partners for a majority of the trip and, I must admit, it was luxurious to get lost in song lyrics and let all the other details swimming in my head fade for a while. It was 40 miles outside Indy that the bottom dropped out. It just so happened to be 11:30pm and fatigue had set in. A desperate search for a Starbucks-type establishment had turned up empty and the rain was coming down so hard my wipers couldn't keep up. Big trucks would amble by, sloshing buckets of water my way...luckily, as I approached downtown, the can't-miss-it glow of Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) was a welcome beacon in the night--since I knew it was next door to the hotel.
I was there.
The next few days were abuzz with details, arrivals, meetings, greetings. I received some nice compliments about the weight loss and, yes, received a few more to add to "the list" ..a compilation of backhanded compliments that are actually quite funny. One of my favorites from this trip was..." Katie! Oh my gosh! You don't even LOOK like the same person. You look GREAT!"
Um, thanks? LOL. I know they mean well...
We did end up having an absolute blast at our Sunday evening event. We rented a historic train station across the street from the hotel and brought in dueling pianos for entertainment. It was so. much. fun! We had 6 buffet stations, bars, a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar...it was a hit! Suffice it to say, I called my pal Cindy (who thankfully comes and helps at these conferences) at 5:45 the next morning and said, "did we REALLLLY do the electric slide to Stevie Wonder's "Superstitious"? LOL It was a fun evening.
The next evening was our dressy gala held offsite at the beautiful Indiana Roof Ballroom...built in 1927 in a dark, Spanish-style architecture with balconies, coves and a ceiling complete with stars, a night sky and even simulated thunderstorms...it was perfect.
After a successful event, I loaded the car down and headed south. My boys were certainly happy to see me and I showered them all with kisses. Jacob looked like he had grown a foot and Daniel was full of details about school and his online football game and "can we go throw the football, Mommy? Huh? Can we? Huh? Huh?"
There was no meeting room to prepare, no projector to set up, no tour set to depart and no florist arriving in 10 minutes. There was a sandy-haired boy with a football in his hand and a toothless grin spread over his face.
It was so nice to be home.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
I Promised I Wouldn't Discuss Her Mad Navigational Skillz...
...so I won't! ;-)
I had the DISTINCT pleasure of meeting one of my bloggy buddies in real life tonight! The lovely Cindy at Still His Girl was kind enough to drive over an hour to come to Indianapolis to have dinner with me! I have read her blog for a blue forever (that was for you, Cindy) and I can assure you that this woman is the real deal.
As cliche as it may sound, she is as nice and funny (and adorable!) in person as she is on her blog. She is a dedicated, caring, loving Mom and wife and I am certainly blessed to now consider her one of my real-life bloggy friends!
After a brief moment where she did NOT GET LOST, she ABSOLUTELY DID NOT GET LOST, my other friend Cindy and I jumped into the car with her...at the same time jumping into the skin of a comfortable, easy friendship...much like putting on a new sweater that is oh-so-comfy and fits like a glove!
We dined on a scrumptious dinner (and an even more scrumptious dessert!) and really enjoyed talking face to face!
Cindy-- thanks for making the effort to come see me. You are a doll and I now want to go back and re-read every post you ever written. :) I had a blast!
I had the DISTINCT pleasure of meeting one of my bloggy buddies in real life tonight! The lovely Cindy at Still His Girl was kind enough to drive over an hour to come to Indianapolis to have dinner with me! I have read her blog for a blue forever (that was for you, Cindy) and I can assure you that this woman is the real deal.
As cliche as it may sound, she is as nice and funny (and adorable!) in person as she is on her blog. She is a dedicated, caring, loving Mom and wife and I am certainly blessed to now consider her one of my real-life bloggy friends!
After a brief moment where she did NOT GET LOST, she ABSOLUTELY DID NOT GET LOST, my other friend Cindy and I jumped into the car with her...at the same time jumping into the skin of a comfortable, easy friendship...much like putting on a new sweater that is oh-so-comfy and fits like a glove!
We dined on a scrumptious dinner (and an even more scrumptious dessert!) and really enjoyed talking face to face!
Cindy-- thanks for making the effort to come see me. You are a doll and I now want to go back and re-read every post you ever written. :) I had a blast!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Picture Time!
So, maybe I do not have the brain power to put together a cohesive sentence...but I can sho' nuff post some pictures! Everyone loves pictures, right???? :) Below... my new nephew, and time with the grandparents. We had a really good weekend!
OK!!!
Dear MelDrop,
Thank you for your concern and for missing some Roses are Red. My deepest apologies and I promise to post something for you TODAY. :)
Dear Cindy,
I am so excited to get to meet you in person this week! Woo hOO...does that help ease the pain of non-bloggage? ;-)
Dear BKB (aka my hubby),
I will do my best to include all dedication scenarios next time. Thank you for your concern.
Dear Chris,
I am so happy that you still care.
:: sappy music playing ::
Thank you for your concern and for missing some Roses are Red. My deepest apologies and I promise to post something for you TODAY. :)
Dear Cindy,
I am so excited to get to meet you in person this week! Woo hOO...does that help ease the pain of non-bloggage? ;-)
Dear BKB (aka my hubby),
I will do my best to include all dedication scenarios next time. Thank you for your concern.
Dear Chris,
I am so happy that you still care.
:: sappy music playing ::
Long Distance Dedication
a reader from Cumming, GA writes in:
"ok, i know you're crazy busy with all your travels, settling into a new home, getting ready for your big meeting, but i really need me a new blog. i go and check numerous times a day just hoping for one little snipit of "roses are red...", but nothing. :-( Pleeeeease take 10 mins out of your busy day to help your bff in need. thank you!"
Dear reader, this one's for you..........
"ok, i know you're crazy busy with all your travels, settling into a new home, getting ready for your big meeting, but i really need me a new blog. i go and check numerous times a day just hoping for one little snipit of "roses are red...", but nothing. :-( Pleeeeease take 10 mins out of your busy day to help your bff in need. thank you!"
Dear reader, this one's for you..........
Monday, October 06, 2008
Cracks Me Up
Tina Fey for President. She absolutely cracks me up. I thought Queen Latifah did a great job, too....
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Menu Planning Monday
Monday, October 6
Chicken BBQ Chop Salad
Corn Chowder
"Tastes Like Cheesecake" Dessert
Tuesday, October 7
Pork Chop Casserole
Baked Brown Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Wednesday, October 8
Indonesian Pot Roast (crock pot)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Butter beans
Orange Cream Dessert
Thursday, October 9
Grilled Sirloin Steaks
Crash Hot Potatoes
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Friday, August 29
*Fall Festival--no cook!
Chicken BBQ Chop Salad
Corn Chowder
"Tastes Like Cheesecake" Dessert
Tuesday, October 7
Pork Chop Casserole
Baked Brown Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Wednesday, October 8
Indonesian Pot Roast (crock pot)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Butter beans
Orange Cream Dessert
Thursday, October 9
Grilled Sirloin Steaks
Crash Hot Potatoes
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Friday, August 29
*Fall Festival--no cook!
And Then She Proceeded to Ramble
Because I have had the tear-jerker post up there since Thursday, I figured I needed to put something--anything--up here to relieve you of the emotional drain. So, there you go. I posted somethin. See ya later.
Yeah, not so fast.
There is a lot goin on in our household. Well-meaning friends keep asking for updates so here goes:
The Move: Blech. OK, everyone who has had to purchase a separate address book just to hold all the addresses Keith and I have had since we've been married? Toss 'em! We're here to stay. I shall plunk down my white flag, stake this land out as my plot and I shall rock grandbabies on this porch. You think I'm kidding? Take one look out at the Sanford & Son set in my garage and you'll know that I am NEVER. MOVING. AGAIN. ever.
The Other House: Yep. Still not leased. We're now land barons. If you would like a vacation home in the Nashville area for the weekend at a great price...call me! All you need to bring is, well, furniture...or sleeping bags! Attention church groups-- think of it as camping...but inside with air conditioning! Oh, I think I'm onto something here! Please pray for a tenant to come along so we're not THROWING MONEY AWAY every month. Yuck.
Football: We are mighty excited about our Crimson Tide team...although our boys weren't exactly looking like themselves yesterday but we still managed a win. We went to the game yesterday and had a great time although it was exactly 612 degrees hotter than the surface of the sun. We're 6-0 on the season and looking forward to a down week this coming Saturday for some much needed rest (for the team and for me!)
Nights in Rodanthe: My sweet hubby encouraged me to go see a movie ALL BY MYSELF on Friday night. I hardly knew what to do with myself, I tell you. But my choice of flick. It was baaaaad. I know Nicholas Sparks' movies are usually chicky and sappy and somewhat predictable but I loved The Notebook so I decided to give this one a try. Mistake. It was cheesy, boring, predictable and was basically every sappy movie you've ever seen rolled up into a big ball of nothin.
What is this about a marathon? Yes, the words Katie and marathon would never be uttered in the same breath--in my head for sure. But, I am training for a HALF marathon on April 25 here in Nashville. The Country Music Marathon and I'm pretty excited. Hopefully I'll be able to stick with the whole weight loss (um, I mean life change!) thing and be but a shadow of my former self by then! :) My sis-in-law has agreed to do it with me and hopefully we can cross that finish line together, hand in hand and be on the next video with inspirational music and people crying as they attain their goal. I know I shed a tear when I watched the darn thing. Just the thought of accomplishing something I never dreamed I could would be amazing. Will you be my cheering section??? I'm gonna need it especially around the holidays. My oh my.
OK...enough yapping for now...I'm going to run and try to be productive!
Later,
katiebod
Yeah, not so fast.
There is a lot goin on in our household. Well-meaning friends keep asking for updates so here goes:
The Move: Blech. OK, everyone who has had to purchase a separate address book just to hold all the addresses Keith and I have had since we've been married? Toss 'em! We're here to stay. I shall plunk down my white flag, stake this land out as my plot and I shall rock grandbabies on this porch. You think I'm kidding? Take one look out at the Sanford & Son set in my garage and you'll know that I am NEVER. MOVING. AGAIN. ever.
The Other House: Yep. Still not leased. We're now land barons. If you would like a vacation home in the Nashville area for the weekend at a great price...call me! All you need to bring is, well, furniture...or sleeping bags! Attention church groups-- think of it as camping...but inside with air conditioning! Oh, I think I'm onto something here! Please pray for a tenant to come along so we're not THROWING MONEY AWAY every month. Yuck.
Football: We are mighty excited about our Crimson Tide team...although our boys weren't exactly looking like themselves yesterday but we still managed a win. We went to the game yesterday and had a great time although it was exactly 612 degrees hotter than the surface of the sun. We're 6-0 on the season and looking forward to a down week this coming Saturday for some much needed rest (for the team and for me!)
Nights in Rodanthe: My sweet hubby encouraged me to go see a movie ALL BY MYSELF on Friday night. I hardly knew what to do with myself, I tell you. But my choice of flick. It was baaaaad. I know Nicholas Sparks' movies are usually chicky and sappy and somewhat predictable but I loved The Notebook so I decided to give this one a try. Mistake. It was cheesy, boring, predictable and was basically every sappy movie you've ever seen rolled up into a big ball of nothin.
What is this about a marathon? Yes, the words Katie and marathon would never be uttered in the same breath--in my head for sure. But, I am training for a HALF marathon on April 25 here in Nashville. The Country Music Marathon and I'm pretty excited. Hopefully I'll be able to stick with the whole weight loss (um, I mean life change!) thing and be but a shadow of my former self by then! :) My sis-in-law has agreed to do it with me and hopefully we can cross that finish line together, hand in hand and be on the next video with inspirational music and people crying as they attain their goal. I know I shed a tear when I watched the darn thing. Just the thought of accomplishing something I never dreamed I could would be amazing. Will you be my cheering section??? I'm gonna need it especially around the holidays. My oh my.
OK...enough yapping for now...I'm going to run and try to be productive!
Later,
katiebod
Thursday, October 02, 2008
One Moment More
OK, if I can actually quit crying enough to post this, I'm going to share some pretty personal feelings here by way of this video.
Mindy Smith is a singer/songwriter who lives here in Nashville and this song was written for her mother who died of cancer. She could not have captured my feelings better. These lyrics are what my hearts sings out whenever I think of my Mom........
Mindy Smith is a singer/songwriter who lives here in Nashville and this song was written for her mother who died of cancer. She could not have captured my feelings better. These lyrics are what my hearts sings out whenever I think of my Mom........
Tired of Sunrise Pictures Yet?
If so, sorry. But as long as they keep being this pretty, I'm gonna keep postin' them. :) Who could get tired of looking at this, though? They get better every day!
Last Day for Monster Friends Giveaway
OK, I have loved Callie's blog from day UNO. I so (or SEW) want to be her when I grow up. She is giving away 2 adorable "monsters" and a great tote. Today is the last day to enter...so hop on over there (just don't enter or anything cause then I might not win!) Kidding. Sorta. ;-)
Click here to check it out!
Click here to check it out!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Night Sky
With Keith still in Chicago, I was relieved to tuck the boys in bed and have a moment of silence to usher out what had been a hectic day. Fall was in full swing with a nip in the air and I opened the sliding french doors along the back of the house to let the breeze blow through. I stepped out onto the deck and looked up to see if it was a clear evening. What I saw took my breath away. In the silken black of the night sky, millions of stars peered back at me and asked me to join them for a relaxing conversation.
And, of course, I obliged.
I ran back inside, grabbed a pillow and a couple blankets, and ran outside into the dark stillness like a giddy schoolgirl at a slumber party. I picked the perfect spot, spread out the first blanket, laid down and covered up with the other. With my head resting softly on the pillow, I opened my eyes. At first, it was intoxicating and I even felt slightly dizzy as I gazed upward. There were clusters of tiny stars intermingling with larger, sparkly ones that seemed to perch upon clouds and smoke trails. The groupings of stars appeared almost cliquish-- each constellation set apart from the other in hushed conversations.
I actually giggled as I laid there feeling almost defiant-- like I had discovered a hidden treasure and was keeping it all to myself. I dozed on and off and felt completely at peace. After a while, the chill got the best of me and I went inside and climbed into a warm, comfy bed...drifting off to sleep with sweet dreams of my amazing night sky.
And, of course, I obliged.
I ran back inside, grabbed a pillow and a couple blankets, and ran outside into the dark stillness like a giddy schoolgirl at a slumber party. I picked the perfect spot, spread out the first blanket, laid down and covered up with the other. With my head resting softly on the pillow, I opened my eyes. At first, it was intoxicating and I even felt slightly dizzy as I gazed upward. There were clusters of tiny stars intermingling with larger, sparkly ones that seemed to perch upon clouds and smoke trails. The groupings of stars appeared almost cliquish-- each constellation set apart from the other in hushed conversations.
I actually giggled as I laid there feeling almost defiant-- like I had discovered a hidden treasure and was keeping it all to myself. I dozed on and off and felt completely at peace. After a while, the chill got the best of me and I went inside and climbed into a warm, comfy bed...drifting off to sleep with sweet dreams of my amazing night sky.
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