An Empty Parking Lot Afternoon

I have a complete inability to do two things: 1) make a decision, and 2) understand roads/highways. 

When I say I have an inability to make a decision, I don't think you understand the extent to which I mean this. I seriously think this is like a mental problem and/or block in my brain. Actually, I just googled this and I could possibly have a personality disorder. Thank you, WebMD. 

And when I say I don't understand roads and highways, it means if you speak the words "north, south, east, or west" to me, I will look at you like you are a dang fool. The fact that the iPhone GPS has audio AND video? (raises hand) That's for people like me. 

So on Sundays, I usually drive to Jeff's house, and then he drives us to church. Yesterday morning, I was running a wee bit late (my coffee in bed was just speaking wonders to my soul), so I told Jeff I would meet him at church. Easy peasy nice and breezy. 

FALSE. 

I entered "Gateway Church" in my phone, set out across town, and didn't realize until I pulled in the (completely empty) parking lot, that it was the church's old location. Katy fail #1. So I call Jeff, who is waiting patiently in the correct and car-filled church parking lot, and understand my mistake. Mind you, church started 5 minutes ago. SO - I enter in the correct location in my phone and see that I am 10 minutes away from the correct church location. I do the math in my head, and realize that by the time I park (at the very furthest point of the parking lot) and walk in to the sanctuary, I'm looking at being about 20-25 minutes late for a service that is about an hour long. This is where my inability to make a decision comes in. 

Do I go to church, make my grand entrance during the sermon and "pardon me, excuse me" my way through the Jesus-loving people to find Jeff and my seat, OR just surrender, go home, and give myself an E for good effort.

I sit there for three minutes, realize I can't make a decision, and decide I'll just start driving. 

Katy fail #2. 

I hit massive construction, get all kinds of turned around in a cluster of highways, almost get run over by an 18-wheeler, and then finally pull into an empty warehouse parking lot. And proceed to have a complete breakdown. 

And listen, people. This was the type of breakdown where every little stress you've ever been harboring comes out in the format of ugly cry. The type of breakdown that mid-way through you sincerely hope you have some drive-thru napkins in the console for all of the juices that are falling out of every hole in your face. THAT kind of breakdown.

Side note: all my ladies out there - is it not AMAZING how a good cry can just make you feel fantastic? Spas should add that to their list of services. They could bank. 

Anyways, so as I'm sitting there in that warehouse parking lot, I realize I may not have made the right decision. Or maybe I did, I still don't know. But then it hit me that while God gives us the freedom to make choices and decisions on a daily basis, He always can turn whatever choice you make into good. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

So God plunks that scripture into my brain, and I say to myself, alright, let's reassess. You are sitting in an empty warehouse parking lot. Never mind how you got here; you are here. So what's the next step? With no inner debate, I turned on my Jesus jams, had a little personal worship service in my car, and then stream-lined the sermon on my phone. Thank you, technology. 

I spent an hour with the good Lord yesterday. In an empty warehouse parking lot. After the "service" I pulled back out into construction and realized the way home was actually quite simple: one left turn and then a straight shot on the highway. I drove home with a clear sense of direction and a crazy sense of peace. 

It made me realize that sometimes in life we just may need a parking lot - in both the figurative and literal sense. When you can't make a decision or can't find your way, it's okay to pull over. Park. Let it all out. Chat with God. Recharge. The world will still be there when you pull back out onto the main road.

May your Monday be filled with lots of coffee and needed parking lots :)

Until next time,
Katy

 

KUWK: Why I Blog

Yesterday was my 100th blog post!

Isn't that crazy?! It's hard to believe that I actually made it to 100 entries. Let's face it, we all start several things with great intentions, but sometimes they just don't get the follow-through. I really hoped this blog wouldn't be one of those things, but in the back of my mind I knew it was certainly a possibility. 

I thought 100 entries deserved its own little tribute on KUWK. A tribute of why I blog. 

When I first started this blog ten months ago, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I wasn't even a huge blog reader (I actually only read one). But I knew I loved to write. Always have. I considered being an English major simply for my love of writing. But alas, I majored in numbers and the only writing I was introduced to in my career was technical accounting memos. 

Say it with me now....wamp wamp.

My friend (and roommate at the time) Lauren told me several times that I should start a blog. I chuckled and said it would be fun, but had absolutely zero idea what I would write about. I'm not that interesting of a person. I'm not married. I don't have kids. So, what? I write about me and my dog? 

I was so used to writing for a purpose. Back in 2010, I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma (aka a really rare form of eye cancer). I started a caringbridge journal to keep family and friends up to date on doctor visits, treatment, recovery, etc. Well God had bigger plans for that little journal. People all over the country were reading about my battle with cancer. I now know some of the nicest people I've never met :) I loved writing that thing - but again - I was writing for a reason. 

I started seriously thinking about starting a blog, and realized I really missed writing in that journal. I don't miss fighting cancer, but I missed pouring raw emotions into words. I've never been an overly private person, so writing is sort of therapeutic to me. 

Fast forward to almost a year ago, and my job was consuming my life. I was losing sight of what made me Katy and it terrified me. I wanted to do something for ME. Work was still crazy, so it had to be something small and simple enough that I could do it frequently. So I just started. Again - I had absolutely zero idea what I was doing, but I just took the first step. 

And then I completely fell in love with blogging. 

Granted, it took me a little while to get my mojo, but now I so look forward to waking up at 5 a.m. (I mean who looks forward to 5 a.m?!), pouring a steaming cup of coffee, and writing. It's like I'm making time for myself before the world wakes up. Because let's face it, when the world wakes up, time is nowhere to be found. 

Where do I want to go with this little blog? I have no idea. Right now I'm just writing. If God has bigger plans for this then He'll let me know. But even though I'm 100 posts in, I still feel new. I'm still trying to understand and get involved in the blogging community (that is outrageously huge by the way), and make these entries for me. I already love looking back and reading posts from a few months back, so I know in a few years I'm going to be really happy I did this. 

I'm a firm believer in doing something for yourself. Doing something that makes you happy. Doing something that makes you feel like you have a doggone purpose in this fast-paced crazy life. I'm still trying to figure out the whole "do what makes you happy" and "have a purpose" thing, but hey - baby steps :) 

So that's why I blog. And why I plan to continue to blog. And why I'm oh so blessed and honored that you take time out of your day to hop over and read my little blog. 

I just hope you're doing something for your happy, too. 

Until next time,
Katy

I'm back!

Hellooooooo!

Man I've missed y'all! I have been all over the place the past 10 days, so this describes my morning. On cup three and counting. 

I got home at 3:30 last night this morning. Did you get that? Three:Thirty. SO, needless to say I took a personal day and slept in until 10 a.m. Charlie didn't even whine or wake me up to go outside. Best dog in the world. Also, shout out to boyfriend of the year, Jeffrey Daniel, for picking me and my sister up at the airport at 2 a.m. 

But let's take it back a few days. 

Last Friday, I took off to Chicago! I had training there all last week, so a group of us went up the weekend before to do all things tourist: 

Friday morning I had to leave Chicago and head to South Carolina to celebrate the life of my adorable grandmama (or as we fondly called her, "Gee"). She went home to meet Jesus and be reunited with her entire family last weekend, so we all got together to celebrate the wonderful and incredible woman that she was. 

The service was hard, but incredibly special. She was a true example in this world. An example of faith, of a mother who loves no matter what, of a grandmother who knows no distance, and of the sweetest commitment to the love of her life. PS - she surprised her hubs in Heaven on his birthday. Does the girl know how to make an entrance, or what?! :)

We will miss her dearly and think of her often, but I know she's having the time of her life up there on those streets of gold! 

OH - and she gave me my dimples. So I'll always have a little piece of her with me :)

And then there was yesterday. Amy and I got to the airport in South Carolina at 12:45, headed to Charlotte for our connecting to DFW, and then got delayed for SIX HOURS. Seriously, the pilot came on the speaker and told us "good morning." Not okay. Get it together airlines. Get it together. 

So that's what I've been up to! It's good to be back after 10 days of living out of a suitcase. I'm still sipping coffee, watching DCC: Making the Team, and trying to find my motivation to go to the gym and work off all that Chicago deep dish. Ah, routine. 

The rest of this week we have recipes, book reviews, favorites, and more! But until then, have a fantastic Monday! (Pssst, it's already half over!!)

Until next time,
Katy

 

KUWK: Looking Funny

Yeah. I'm addressing it. Because one, we do real life over here. And two, because sometimes it's hard. Some days are harder than others and I know I'm not the only one out there who may not look in the mirror and always think "yeah girl. You got it going on."

So let's talk it out. 

For those of you who don't know me, 5 years ago I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma (a really really rare eye cancer). If you have a good amount of free time on your hands you can read the journey here, but for purposes of this post you just need to know the following: I had two surgeries and five rounds of radiation. I lost all of my eyelashes in my left eye, it has a consistent level of red and puffy, and thanks to no longer being able to see out of it, it no longer looks center. 

I'm model material :) 

But this isn't a woe is me post. Cause here's the thing: it is what it is. I never really understood the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" until I had to learn to live with looking a little different. This is what makes me, me. This is my thing. This is my struggle. Everyone has one. Even those people you don't think have one. Some are on the inside, some are on the outside, but everyone has an insecurity. The fun part is learning how to overcome it :)

When I was first diagnosed, I was 21 years old and getting healthy wasn't my primary concern. I just wanted to look normal. I wanted to enter the post-college "real world" looking like a normal young adult. No one could guarantee that for me, but I took my chances. And guess what? It didn't quite turn out like I hoped. 

Y'all I prayed DAILY for my eyelashes to grow back. Every time I thought about it I prayed about it. For the 6 months after surgery I had to wear sunglasses day in/day out. For a year I didn't even wear eye make up. I couldn't understand why God wasn't listening to me. Why he wouldn't just let my left eye match my right eye....like it once did before. 

But alas, we're five years down the road and it's beginning to make sense. Some days I like looking a little different. It's like my trademark. I overcame something as a young adult that many people will never have to do in their lifetime. It's my battle scar. 

And then some days it's really hard. It still hurts when the grocery store clerk asks what happened to my eye. I cringe when I meet new people and they stare a little longer than appropriate. And it still stings a little when I look at pre-cancer pictures and "remember when." 

But you gotta remember this, people. You have to remember that your magnitude of beauty lies in your own perspective. It's hard to be a female in this world. I get it. I see the magazine ads, I watch TV, I understand what you consider your "measuring stick." To hell with it all. THIS should be your measuring stick:

 Word to yo mama. This is what matters. People only see what you portray. And if you want to portray that you are beautiful - then you have to believe it yourself. 

BECAUSE YOU ARE.

 I'm all kinds of on my soapbox right now. I just want to go talk to teenage girls all over America. I get it. I thought I'd never want to take a picture again. And have you seen my instagram? I'm such an overgrammer. I thought I'd for sure become a social recluse. After about 4 months of a pity party I was back to having zero free time. I thought no one would want me to be in their wedding like this. Been a bridesmaid seven times now. I thought I'd never find someone who would love me if I looked like this. Well I found one, and ironically, he didn't even meet me until after surgery. Hook, line, and sinker :)   

Again. It's hard. I get that, too. I'm not proclaiming to never be bothered by it. I am here to tell you that I am absolutely dreading the whole engagement picture/wedding picture situation. Instagram has some awesome filters, but a camera that close to my face? Gives me the heebie jeebies. 

You (and your negative thoughts) are your biggest obstacle. Well, negative thoughts and a negative attitude. No one cares how gorgeous you are if you're rude. I doubt you have anyone you put in your "hot and mean" friend group. I usually don't like to admit my mom is right, but she grew up telling me "pretty is as pretty does." Yeah. My future kids are so going to be hearing that phrase in their sleep. 

Plus from what I hear, as you get older things sag, turn gray, and get veiny. So you might as well fall in love with yourself now...cause it might be downhill from here :)

Five years ago I would have looked at this picture and immediately deleted it. Now I'm posting it on a blog for everyone and their third cousin to see. Because now I just see a picture of a really happy girl at a baseball game with her dad. 

Be who you are - just the way you are. Believe it, be proud of it, and no one else will be able to see anything else besides it. 

Until next time,
Katy

Still Owning Crazy

This is my third post attributed to owning my crazy. 

Sometimes it's just good to make fun of yourself. Don't take yourself...or life...so seriously. Be a complete nut job. You don't see boring people complaining of having too many friends :)

Word. No one tells it like it is better than a cat in a striped top hat. 

SO - I have ten more reasons supporting why I'm a bit off my rocker. Let's discuss. 

When I have to stop and put gas in my car - I become irate. There is really not much that annoys me more than having to stop for gas. And I know I need to get over it because - hello, 13 gallon tank - but I just haven't yet. It's beyond aggravating. I'm waiting for the future car that runs on solar power. Texas summers are all kinds of ready for that. 

About 5 years ago I legitimately thought I was going to marry Zac Efron. It was right after I kicked cancer in the hiney and I thought anything was possible. I fervently prayed to marry that boy. I dreamed about it. Y'all, we were SO cute together. But then it just didn't work out and I realize God knows a thing or two thousand more than me.

When I trip while walking, whether in front of a crowd or just in front of my dog, I yell something to the effect of "oh my gosh I just tripped!!!" really loudly. It's like I'm vocally supporting the fact that I just looked like a fool and want everyone (or lack thereof) to know that I am a-okay with it. So if you're walking in my neighborhood and hear someone notify you that they just tripped......hey. 

I HATE things that stick to me. Like in baby ballet I explicitly remember running past Miss Keely so I didn't have to have a sticker put on my hand after class. That category also includes.... oh sweet mercy I can't even say it. I'm shivering. I'll give you a hint. "I am stuck on ____-___ brands cause germs don't stick on me." EW. So gross. I can't stand those things. People just take them off and leave them places. As my dad would say, it makes me want to P&V...."puke and vomit." I mean if my kids scrape their knee I'm just going to wrap them up in paper towel and saran wrap because those things will NOT be in my household. (gagging)

My closet? Color coded. By attire type (dress, pants, tops, etc.) and within each attire type by category (tank top, short sleeve, blouses, sweaters, etc). If I find a blue tank in the red sweater section there's gonna be a throw down.

On that OCD note, I am obnoxiously organized when it comes to most things. My Erin Condren planner is like my third arm. BUT - can't believe I'm admitting this - I have 11 thousand unread emails in my gmail account. I KNOW. It's awful. I'm one of THOSE PEOPLE. But it's like one day the advertisements overwhelmed me and it's been a downhill slope ever since. Soooo if you need me....text me. 

Sometimes when I need a break at work, I just go sit on a toilet. Just sit there. And breathe. And not talk. And play on social media. People probably think I'm doing the poo but in reality, I'm just escaping. 

You know how I love to bake, right? Pies, cakes, brownies, etc - I love to bake it all. Well, my baking arch-nemesis is the slice and bake sugar cookie. I've tried SO many times to slice and bake and they end up burnt and brittle every time. The last time it put me over the edge and I literally went and had an ugly cry breakdown in Jeff's room. For 30 minutes. Over a sugar cookie. Poor sweet boy, he signed up for some crazy. 

When on a road trip, I'll sometimes drive Indian-style cross-legged (isn't that the PC way to say it now?). I know it's not really that safe but it's way more comfortable. 

And finally....

Last weekend I was talking to my dad, and somehow presidents came up and I legitimately asked my dad if we had ever had a black president. ((crickets)) Sometimes my mind seriously scares me. 

And those are my recent crazy realizations! See the other batches here and here. 

Peace, love, and Dr. Seuss. 

Until next time,
Katy

Owning More Crazy

Happy Thursday everyone!

This morning I'm linking up with Christina and doing another rendition of Owning My Crazy.  To see my first confession session last month click here. 

Word. 

I would encourage each of you to 'own your crazy.' You don't have to publicize it anywhere, but next time you're sitting in traffic, taking a bubble bath, or just have some down time....think about all the things that make you, you. I promise you'll get a chuckle out of it. And you'll likely have a new sense of pride, too!

So here we go!  Ten more crazies.

Everyone I meet thinks I'm uninhibited and outgoing. 85% of the time that is true, but when that 15% of shyness creeps in, I literally have to give myself a pep talk. When my friends say things like "oh Katy will do it - she's not shy," I have to take a deep breath, pep myself up, and let my extrovert take over. And I'm okay with it - it pushes me out of my comfort zone. 

I absolutely prefer cold cake. Room temperature cake is okay. But put a cake in the fridge and I'm all over it. When I was in high school, my mom made a cake and put it in the freezer to use a few days later, and I ate half the cake. Straight out of the freezer. Cold cake is my kryptonite.

I think the perfect of coffee has one and a half splenda/stevia/truvia, whatever. Not one, not two, but one and a half. I've tried to adapt, but it's just not the same. Which really poses a problem when I make coffee in the morning. Save the half splenda packet or throw it away? It's a struggle. And I"m totally that girl who orders 1.5 splenda in her Starbucks coffee.

I mentioned this in my original post, but I sleep with my heating pad every.single.night. Winter or summer, spring or fall - I have to have the heating pad. My mom and sister are the same way. It's a Reeves thing. 

Similarly, I absolutely hate being cold. Heat makes me happy. The other day I got a slight chill in the car so I turned the heat on high. Then I looked at the outside temp and it was 89 degrees. High heat inside and 89 degrees outside. That's how I roll.

When I work out on the cardio machines (elliptical, crosstrainer, etc.) I choreograph dances. I have done this since high school. I pretend I'm on DWTS or SYTYCD and choreograph countless dances in my head. The thing is, choreography makes me happy, so I often smile while I'm doing this. So to the other gym members, I probably just look like the girl who's having the time of her life on the elliptical.

If there's one thing I hate in life, it's raisins. I love grapes, but the dried version is just nasty. .....but I love dried cranberries and blueberries. Tell me how that makes sense.

Sometimes my mind wakes up before my body and it scares the bejeezus out of me. I'm awake, but can't move, and so it's this terrifying paralyzed feeling. This happen to anyone else? No? Okay maybe I should get this checked out.

I think odd numbers are ugly. If the stars align to where I'm supposed to get married in an odd year, I'm likely going to have a super short or super long engagement. Give me all the even. 

I wear my shoes into the ground....and can't part with them. I get a lot of compliments on my shoes, and in my head I'm like "please don't look too close." Chances are they have holes in the soles, teeth marks on the heel from when Char was a puppy, or they're tearing from overwear. I know. It's a problem. 

Whew! That's enough crazy for today. I'm so weird. Have a fantastic {almost} Friday everyone! 

....and OWN IT, PEOPLE.

Until next time,
Katy

Owning the Crazy

On this Thursday we are owning all the crazy. 

I'm a quirky person. Hey guess what, you are too. That's what makes people-loving so fun. We all are unique individuals who enjoy the common and laugh at the uncommon. 

Never be normal. Never be boring. Be you. We love you for you. People love me for me and I am here to tell you that it ain't always easy :) I'm a little crazy. But that's okay...cause today I'm owning the crazy :)

-- Every morning, I check to make sure I've turned off my curling iron/straightener/coffee maker about 5 times before I walk out the door. I've even been known to take pictures for peace of mind. I'm terrified of burning the house down.

-- Similar to that above, Kelsey's dog, Gatsby, is a smaller dog who tends to like to escape out an open door every now and then. One day last week I circled around the block and came home three different times to make sure he was still in the house. Needless to say I was late to work that day. 

-- At the workplace I am very much Type A, but in my personal life I have so many Type A friends, that I like to kick back, relax, and just let them take care of me. I can go from Type A to Type F real quick.

-- I only will drink water out of water bottles. It's due to no reason and is not a personal preference. But I promise you if a bottle of water is on my desk, it'll be gone within 10 minutes. If a glass of water is on my desk, it'll sit there all day.

-- If someone makes me mad/sad/anything but happy, my world will instantly fall apart. I don't have the ability to separate my emotions from....well anything. BUT, in about 30 minutes I'll be pretty much over it. I have a short fuse, and insta-tears, but I can't hold a grudge to save my life.

-- I am extremely incapable of making a decision. Like I just can't do it. Unfortunately, Jeff can't either. The majority of our little 'tiffs' are centered around our inability to pick a restaurant. No joke.

-- I don't wear jeans. But I really want to. I seriously think I'm scared of them. I just don't think there are jeans out there for my body type. So yes, I have a fear of wearing jeans. 

-- When I'm on long car rides alone, I'll turn on some good female country and pretend I'm in a music video. I'll even turn on the AC full blast for the windblown effect. And yes I just admitted that.

-- I've never (ever) successfully completed a diet/cleanse/challenge. Not exaggerating. I have no will power. If I want the ice cream, I will eat the ice cream.

-- If I think about an awkward or uncomfortable moment/situation, I'll say "NO" out loud. It's a problem. It's happened in meetings. No idea why. It's like my subconscious doesn't want to relive it and needs to make it known to the rest of the body.

So there's ten Katy crazies for you. For those of you who don't know me, well, I hope I didn't scare you off and you'll continue to 'keep up with Katy.' (See what I did there?) For those of you who do know me, I'm pretty sure you all just chuckled and nodded in agreement. Thanks for loving my crazy :)

Until next time,
Katy

What's Up Wednesday

HUMP DAY! 

Today I'm linking up on a new link-up called What's Up Wednesday. It's a fun little list of questions that make you think. And while I normally discourage too much thinking on Wednesday, these are fun to think about :)

What I'm eating this week...

This week, well and this past month, I've jumped on the Shakeology bandwagon. Post-busy season I was eating entirely too much and none of it was healthy. I used to eat relatively well and honestly enjoyed it, but I needed something to jump start the process of getting back into it. My friend Emily and her big sister Sarah introduced me to Shakeology and I honestly love it. At first I was a bit skeptical, but after the first week I actually looked forward to that shake once a day! And I'm eating a lot less and a lot healthier these days :)

What I'm reminiscing about...

Italy. Hands down. Last April I went to Italy with my parents and it has been forefront on the brain lately. I just really want to go back! ASAP!

What I'm loving...

My pup. This handsome street dog turned 6 this past month! No matter how the day was, good or bad, I always come home to an eager face that's happy to see me. 

What I've been up to...

My client filed their quarter in April, so it wasn't an overly exciting month - but I DID go to my very first Mavs game this past Sunday! I had never been so Jeff bought us tickets to the playoffs...aaaand we were a couple of good luck charms because they were 0 -3, but they rocked it out on Sunday night! Guess we should have gone last night, too....

Plus we attended the ACMs this month...can't forget about those!

What I'm dreading...

Off the top of my head, I'm really not dreading anything. And I consider that a good thing - so I don't want to dwell too long on trying to think of something that makes me unhappy :)

What I'm working on...

Organizing my life. Kelsey and I have been working on our "adult" lately. We're cleaning out closets, cooking healthy meals, budgeting, reading more, going on nightly walks - but man. Having your life together is no small feat. Oh well, baby steps. It's definitely something I'm working on.

What I'm excited about...

I have my 5-year Boston anniversary this June, so we decided to make a family affair out of it and all take an extended weekend trip! We booked our flights last week so the anticipation has begun! OH - and we bought our Red Sox tickets. I'm smiling just thinking about it. I love when my whole family gets together. So stinking excited for this trip!

What I'm watching/reading...

I've been watching a lot of DWTS this month. This is the show Jeff and I watch together (we're a couple of harsh critics), and thanks to work and busy schedules, we've done a lot of catch-up this month. AND last night they had the anniversary special starring my girl-crush Melissa Rycroft, aaaand since Jeff was working late I asked nicely if I could watch without him. Sweet man obliged :)

What I'm listening to...

....country. This will probably be the answer to this question every month.

What I'm wearing...

Hah. Well right now I'm wearing jammies, a fuzzy purple robe, and my accessory is my coffee cup. BUT - other than that I've been wearing a lot of workout clothes! See my new additions to the fitness wardrobe here.

What I'm doing this weekend...

I'M GOING TO NEWSIES!!! My love for this musical runs deep. Way deep. I'm a musical junkie but this is hands down my favorite. My mom, sister and I went to see it on Broadway during out NYC Christmas visit and I cried I was so happy. Well it's coming to Dallas and I'm seeing it! Twice! But the first time is this weekend - so that's #1 on my weekend to-do list! 

What I'm looking forward to next month...

Let's see - what does May hold? Well, other than seeing Newsies twice, I'm celebrating my sweet mama for Mother's Day and my sweet big sister's birthday! I hope to attend my first Rangers game of the season, Jeff and I are officially joining our church, I might squeeze in a trip to Canton, and probably will continue to work on my adult. But more on that to come in my May goals :)

and the seasonal question for the month...

What am I buying my mom for Mother's Day?

Well, Mama Sue reads this here blog. Therefore, I cannot say :)

Depending on what time you read this - only 2 (or 3) more days until the weekend!

Until next time,
Katy

Take me out to the BALLGAME!!

It's hotdog baseball season!!!

In honor of the Texas Rangers' opening weekend this past weekend, I thought I'd do a little tribute to America's favorite pastime! So, funny thing....I hate sports. I didn't play them, I don't understand them, and I don't really care to watch them on TV. All the people that love me know this. And they accept it.

Since I moved to Dallas in 2011, baseball has really grown on me. I've actually gotten better about sports in general, but I'm constantly looking at the Rangers' schedule and found myself counting down to the start of the season this year. 

Me and Seester (melting) at my first Rangers game in 2011

But I still don't care for sports. So why do I thoroughly enjoy the one outdoor sport in hot Texas summers? 

Here's what I have come up with... 

1. My dad's love of the game

It is no secret that I am a daddy's girl. Well, this is his sport of choice. He's loved baseball since way before me, so I grew up associating baseball with my dad. We even threw him a baseball themed surprise birthday party a couple years ago. This is a pretty big factor because I'm pretty sure if my dad loved football, I'd eventually embrace football. 

Growing up in Beaumont, we were Houston Astros fans. Biggio and Bagwell are the two names that pop out of my childhood. I remember being little (around 10 or so) and the Astros doing something big and my dad started cheering so I started cheering and jumping on the couch (sorry, mom) and being so stinking excited for something I knew nothing about. But dad was excited, so I was too!

Ever since I've moved to Dallas, I've given dad a "weekend in Dallas" for Father's Day and it always includes a Rangers game!

2012 Game

2013 Game

2014 Game - look at that smile!

I bought him that shirt before his first game in 2012 and he's worn it ever since. Maybe I should get him red one this year :)

2. It's not hard to "get"

It's slow enough for me to understand. There are way too many rules in basketball, I always lose the ball in football (hello - there's an 8-person pile up and I'm supposed to know who 'got' it?), I have zero clue about anything soccer related, and hockey games are cold and loud. So baseball it is folks.

3. Good 'girls night/date night' venue

Because it's slow-paced, you can hear yourself have a conversation. How lovely. Yes, there are times when everyone hoots and hollers, but for the most part, it's pretty chill.

Date Nite - September 2014

In fact, me and my girls have been known to buy the 50 cent tickets, sit at the top of the bleachers and just hang out!

This was in 2012. Don't judge the instagram filter....couldn't find the original

 

These are especially nice on weeknights when the weather is still cool. It's a cool venue with a different atmosphere and really good food. Which leads me to....

4. Hot dogs. 

I have a serious (kind of sick) love of hot dogs. I remember I went to a friends' birthday party when I was a kid and ate three hotdogs... so the kid's mom called my mom. I'm like what? I like hotdogs. Gimme them dogs.

And you know what happens every other Wednesday night at that ballpark in Arlington? 

DOLLAR HOT DOG NIGHT!!!

Em shares my love of dollar hotdog night :)

I'm pretty sure this picture above is from a 50 cent ticket night. So that right there was a pretty cheap girls night.... 

Don't get me wrong.. I love the chicken baskets, too. Pretty sure on this trip Mercedes and I got 2 hotdogs, 2 chicken baskets, and 2 things of fries to "split".....

5. The seventh-inning "shop"

You may call it the seventh inning stretch, but I always stretch myself over to the Rangers store, so for me, it's the seventh inning shop!! Rangers gear is just so cute. I was just online shopping for some gear yesterday! The more games I go to....the more outfits I need!!

6. Blue Bell in a baseball hat

This doesn't need explanation. All I know is they better get this "contamination" thing under wraps cause if I don't have Blue Bell in 100 degree weather...well...I don't know what I'll do but I won't be happy!!

The "hat" from the ice cream J bought me at our first Rangers game :)

So that's why I love baseball, y'all. It may have absolutely NOTHING to do with the actual game....but does that really matter? Nah. I don't think so :) For me, it's all about the fellowship!

Me and Brooklyn at her first game last year!

Family night at the ballpark!

Prepare to see several Rangers pictures over the next few months! Happy Monday everyone!
And GO RANGERS!

Until next time,
Katy

Planning the Erin Condren Way

If you've read any of my other posts, you're aware that I'm a planner. I live by lists and don't have "free time." On the rare chance that I'll plan to give myself a "free" weekend, I'll have it filled by the Thursday before. Free time gives me anxiety or something, I don't know. Whatever the reason - that's how I am and how I've always been. 

Most people in this day and age live electronically, and the iPhone calendar is what they use. Yes, I agree the iPhone calendar is easy and convenient, but it just doesn't work for me. I like a combination of big picture and detail. Plus I like paper. Call me old school, but I love hard copy. And hello you can use colored pens. Yes, please. 

My 2015 calendar came in this past week, and I'm just so excited, I'm going to tell you all about it. Lucky lucky you :)

I was first introduced to the Erin Condren life planner in 2013 and have re-ordered each December since. I just haven't found a better planner. I love love LOVE this planner!!

Okay so obviously I've had consistent tastes over the past three years...

Why you ask? Here are a few reasons:

• The "big picture" view

At the beginning of every month I sit down and like to look at an overview. What's to come? What do I need to prepare for? Is there a shower coming up? Do I need to get a gift? A party to attend? Do I need to bake? Basically to ensure there are no surprises. This planner opens up with a monthly overview of each month.

• The weekly detailed view

A big picture overview is key, but I also have to have the detailed option to hold my "to do" lists. What chores do I need to get done on a Saturday morning? What bills do I need to pay? What groceries do I need to grab at the store after work? Following each month overview, the planner provides a weekly view. Best of both worlds? I think so! 

Clarification: AA stands for American Airlines. And I likely cancelled those pure barre classes..

• The colors and quotes

Everything is better with color, and everyone loves some inspiration. This planner is the most colorful planner I've ever seen, and the pages are covered with bits of "umph" for those harder, stressful days. 

• The stickers

Why write that you have an appointment, when you could put a cute colorful sticker instead?! Birthdays, appointments, games, concerts, vacations - this planner has them all. And if that's not enough, they give you blank ones to write whatever you want. And if THAT'S not enough, they give you the option to custom make your stickers. There are actually quite a few options - you can even have picture stickers! Y'all - the possibilities are endless.

• The pocket and pouch

 So essentially your life can be maintained in this planner. But what if you need to keep a receipt? Or you make a list on a napkin at dinner and don't want to lose it? Ladies and gents, this planner has a pocket and a pouch. 

And she always sends you a little treat (personalized notecards) in the pouch!

Your life will never be the same.  Okay... it's still just a planner. But I seriously live by mine. I absolutely love this thing. There are so many options available to customize. All of her stuff is incredible. I want to start a family just so I can buy a family chore chart. ...but I'm dead serious. 

Check out her site. She has something for everyone - teachers, travelers, moms, and more. I'm (obviously) obsessed with mine - and I'm confident you would be too :)

Until next time, 

Katy