All four of the readers of my blog must've crossed their fingers and toes REAL tight.
The people who came to look at the house last Saturday (and almost got a peep show minus the person) are VERY interested in the house!
Here's where you need to keep crossing though...turns out their dog is not fat. Their dog is a boxer. And while it's a pup right now - they're imagining that he's going to get big. Perhaps bigger than the 55 pound limit the condo association allows (damn you Condo Association!? So help me, if you ruin this for me!!!!) I've assured them that they do not come around and weigh your dog, that lots of other larger size dogs live in the neighborhood. I've done so about 25 times via my Realtor (though I'm pretty sure he's only told them 1 out of every 10 times I tell him). What I really want to say is, "the association?! Those crazy kooks?! Ignore those screwballs, they've got much bigger issues to worry about...like whether or not you're planting FLOWERS in your dirt out front!" But I haven't quite yet, I mean, I want the people to buy my house, not run as far away from the crazy condo association as possible (and after all, I've learned if you just ignore them, it works out quite well...oh ignore and possibly threaten a cranky old man while waving condo bylaws from time to time). Also - if I can lie about my weight on my drivers license (don't act like you didn't), you can TOTALLY lie about the weight of your dog. I mean no one's ever called me out on that (I would immediately punch the face of whoever tried to though...seriously).
Let me tell you why this is meant to be for two reasons. One, Christian and I already have Boxer picked out in our heads. We've named him, we've imagined him playing with Bella, we practically have an imaginary Boxer right now. Max essentially lives with us in spirit and we're just waiting til we get a house w/ a yard that is fenced in for Max to be a reality. But even MORE meant to be w/ this whole Boxer thing. John, the guy who I bought the house from, had a boxer. And he didn't get kicked out of the association! (Sounds like the Skulls doesn't it? Like it's a secret society they can vote you out of...wait, that's a sorority! OMG, I was totally basically in the skulls...I know, awesome).
So keep on crossin' those fingers and toes!!!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Workin' on my fitness.
Oh Fergie Ferg, you're so creative.
Anyways, I thought I'd update on where I'm at with all these wonderful health goals I set. I fell off the wagon a bit over the holidays (hell, the wagon sort of took a new path, lost its wheels and set up shop in the land of fatties). But I was determined to get back on (even if I had to build a new damn wagon).
My goals are two fold. Exercise and food. Shocking, right? I know, it's a really innovative plan to lose weight - you may not have heard of it before.
I have been eating better - C & I are trying to make more meals at home, searching our favorite Cooking Light Cookbook & website for recipes to make that are new and exciting. We're trying to find substitutes for the meals we INSIST on eating multiple times a month. (Sliders, wings, things primarily fried, covered in cheese and fried again). Things that we can alter just a few things that leave them still delicious but better than had we chosen them off the menu at a restaurant. I have made more meals at home and overall we're eating healthier. Can I still do better? Absolutely. Am I still choosing somethings I shouldn't be? Oh, hell yes. But I'm working on phasing those things out and making them fewer and farther between. So yes, self-induced pat on my back for that.
Exercise (took me four times to spell that correctly - which appropriately reflects my familiarity with it over the last month) has been a bit of a different story. As the competition cheer season came to a close - things got down right hectic. I had practice, games and competition almost every night of the weeknight and getting home at 8:00 only lent itself to EITHER making dinner or working out and (shocker) I chose eating. Then as soon as cheer was over - I got sick as a dog. And I'll tell you right now, it is hard enough for me to drag my ass to the gym (aka my basement) when I'm feeling 100% and literally have NOTHING else to do. So when I'm sick, there's not a snowball's chance in hell that I'm workin' on my fitness (does that still work or did hell get snow this month...ya never know, if FL saw snow, I'm not so sure hell's in the clear! Also - why do I love that "just workin' on my fitness" line so much?!).
Have no fear though - I'm improving. After trying Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred on Exercise on Demand I liked enough to shell out the $10 at Target and actually own it. This was about 2 weeks ago. After moving it from the kitchen table to the kitchen counter, to the table again, then to the other side of the counter, I finally decided this was the week I got back into kicking my own ass on the regular. I'm also still pretty determined that I'm going to shock the world and run a 5k at some point in 2010. So I've found a Couch to 5K program...or as I'm affectionately referring to it, C25K (reminds me of BP2k5). So I've decided I'll alternate. The C25K program gives you 3 workouts a week. I've set my goal to workout at least 4 times a week but secretly (or not so secretly) really am hoping I can get in 5 times. So I'll C25K it and then sneak in some Shred in between there. The funny thing is, on days I C25K I think to myself, "ugh, I SO wish it was a shred day...that work out is so much more fun/easy/entertaining". Then on shred days, I'm all "UGH, why can't it be a C25k day?!"
Point is - I am not yet back into that "Hooray! It's time to work out, I just can't WAIT to get to working out!" mode. Yeah, I was there once, back in 2008 for like a month. I was almost there again at the beginning of this year and am really hoping it's right around the corner.
Anyways, I thought I'd update on where I'm at with all these wonderful health goals I set. I fell off the wagon a bit over the holidays (hell, the wagon sort of took a new path, lost its wheels and set up shop in the land of fatties). But I was determined to get back on (even if I had to build a new damn wagon).
My goals are two fold. Exercise and food. Shocking, right? I know, it's a really innovative plan to lose weight - you may not have heard of it before.
I have been eating better - C & I are trying to make more meals at home, searching our favorite Cooking Light Cookbook & website for recipes to make that are new and exciting. We're trying to find substitutes for the meals we INSIST on eating multiple times a month. (Sliders, wings, things primarily fried, covered in cheese and fried again). Things that we can alter just a few things that leave them still delicious but better than had we chosen them off the menu at a restaurant. I have made more meals at home and overall we're eating healthier. Can I still do better? Absolutely. Am I still choosing somethings I shouldn't be? Oh, hell yes. But I'm working on phasing those things out and making them fewer and farther between. So yes, self-induced pat on my back for that.
Exercise (took me four times to spell that correctly - which appropriately reflects my familiarity with it over the last month) has been a bit of a different story. As the competition cheer season came to a close - things got down right hectic. I had practice, games and competition almost every night of the weeknight and getting home at 8:00 only lent itself to EITHER making dinner or working out and (shocker) I chose eating. Then as soon as cheer was over - I got sick as a dog. And I'll tell you right now, it is hard enough for me to drag my ass to the gym (aka my basement) when I'm feeling 100% and literally have NOTHING else to do. So when I'm sick, there's not a snowball's chance in hell that I'm workin' on my fitness (does that still work or did hell get snow this month...ya never know, if FL saw snow, I'm not so sure hell's in the clear! Also - why do I love that "just workin' on my fitness" line so much?!).
Have no fear though - I'm improving. After trying Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred on Exercise on Demand I liked enough to shell out the $10 at Target and actually own it. This was about 2 weeks ago. After moving it from the kitchen table to the kitchen counter, to the table again, then to the other side of the counter, I finally decided this was the week I got back into kicking my own ass on the regular. I'm also still pretty determined that I'm going to shock the world and run a 5k at some point in 2010. So I've found a Couch to 5K program...or as I'm affectionately referring to it, C25K (reminds me of BP2k5). So I've decided I'll alternate. The C25K program gives you 3 workouts a week. I've set my goal to workout at least 4 times a week but secretly (or not so secretly) really am hoping I can get in 5 times. So I'll C25K it and then sneak in some Shred in between there. The funny thing is, on days I C25K I think to myself, "ugh, I SO wish it was a shred day...that work out is so much more fun/easy/entertaining". Then on shred days, I'm all "UGH, why can't it be a C25k day?!"
Point is - I am not yet back into that "Hooray! It's time to work out, I just can't WAIT to get to working out!" mode. Yeah, I was there once, back in 2008 for like a month. I was almost there again at the beginning of this year and am really hoping it's right around the corner.
Quick, everyone, cross your fingers & toes!
Apparently the couple who came through the house on Saturday is one after our own hearts and doesn't mind if a house isn't spotless! They really liked it and have expressed "serious interest" according to my Realtor.
They had a couple questions...like "how big is big when the condo association says they have a weight limit on dogs?" (apparently they have a dog w/ a bit of a weight problem). My response was I don't even know who this alleged, "association" is, but they've never come by to weigh my dog.
Secondly, they asked if I have a washer & dryer. It's no wonder they didn't see the clutter or mess - they entirely missed the laundry closet!
And finally, they asked about a crack in the tile in the kitchen. To which my first thought was, "Crack? What crack?!" Hey, I said they were a couple after my own heart and my heart has never exactly been described as overly perceptive. I've lived here 4 years and never really noticed the tile was cracked. Then again, I lived here for over 3 years before I realized all the vents on the main floor were closed. Again, never been described as UBER perceptive.
At any rate, hopefully they get over the cracks, believe I've got a washer and dryer and them & their fat dog puts in an equally fat offer!
They had a couple questions...like "how big is big when the condo association says they have a weight limit on dogs?" (apparently they have a dog w/ a bit of a weight problem). My response was I don't even know who this alleged, "association" is, but they've never come by to weigh my dog.
Secondly, they asked if I have a washer & dryer. It's no wonder they didn't see the clutter or mess - they entirely missed the laundry closet!
And finally, they asked about a crack in the tile in the kitchen. To which my first thought was, "Crack? What crack?!" Hey, I said they were a couple after my own heart and my heart has never exactly been described as overly perceptive. I've lived here 4 years and never really noticed the tile was cracked. Then again, I lived here for over 3 years before I realized all the vents on the main floor were closed. Again, never been described as UBER perceptive.
At any rate, hopefully they get over the cracks, believe I've got a washer and dryer and them & their fat dog puts in an equally fat offer!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Bad blogger.
I have been informed that I am a bad blogger and have not provided nearly enough updates! Which makes me feel guilty enough to blog and also cool enough that people are actually reading this! (and by people I mean the 2 people I know who read it and then ask for more).
It was a busy busy weekend! Christian and I took off on Friday to head up to Minneapolis. It had been a few months since we were up there last and after the 1 1/2 years of going up there VERY frequently, I was going through MPLS withdrawal.
There's a story within a story here - which I'll tell first. We left the house in a bit of disarray...we haven't finished up w/ our painting project and so there was some of that strewn about. We had just finished doing about a weeks worth of dishes that morning so they were literally taking over the sink / counter space. I had dug through the hamper to find clothes I needed to pack (yes, now you know, I do NOT wash my jeans after each wear...so there). We were on the road for about an hour when I get an e-mail, followed by a call, followed by a text that someone wanted to come look at the house Saturday afternoon. My mind immediately traveled to the underwear I knew had made its way out of the hamper and onto the closet floor. I saw flashes of the folded laundry (again, some underwear) on the chair in the living room. (Side note: I realize this post makes me sound like the messiest person ever, but for real, I'm usually slightly neater than this. And I am being honest, because I did say "usually" and "slightly". I know I'm not a neat & tidy person - no matter how much I wish I was!)
I immediately put on my spazzy pants and Christian (sick of my spazzing I'm sure) told me to just say no to the appointment. This made sense, I'll just say no and they'll find another time to come. Perfect. No more worrying about the private showing of my delicates collection.
About a half an hour later (and after removal of my spazzy pants), my realtor called me back. The potential buyers were from out of town. Only here for one day. And were looking at other condos in my neighborhood. GAH!
My wonderful mother agreed to hide the delicates when she came to pick up the dog. And they even went way deeper. They vacuumed, they cleaned, they picked up and they made the house look presentable! (I'm much more comfortable w/ my mom picking up my underwear than ya know...my realtor - I'm pretty sure commission doesn't cover that).
So in the end, it worked out. They came through on Saturday and looked at the house. And get this...the bastards didn't even buy the house! (ok, maybe bastards is a little harsh....and maybe it was a TAD presumptuous to assume that just because they saw my house they'd immediately be leaving a briefcase of cash on the kitchen counter...)
It was a busy busy weekend! Christian and I took off on Friday to head up to Minneapolis. It had been a few months since we were up there last and after the 1 1/2 years of going up there VERY frequently, I was going through MPLS withdrawal.
There's a story within a story here - which I'll tell first. We left the house in a bit of disarray...we haven't finished up w/ our painting project and so there was some of that strewn about. We had just finished doing about a weeks worth of dishes that morning so they were literally taking over the sink / counter space. I had dug through the hamper to find clothes I needed to pack (yes, now you know, I do NOT wash my jeans after each wear...so there). We were on the road for about an hour when I get an e-mail, followed by a call, followed by a text that someone wanted to come look at the house Saturday afternoon. My mind immediately traveled to the underwear I knew had made its way out of the hamper and onto the closet floor. I saw flashes of the folded laundry (again, some underwear) on the chair in the living room. (Side note: I realize this post makes me sound like the messiest person ever, but for real, I'm usually slightly neater than this. And I am being honest, because I did say "usually" and "slightly". I know I'm not a neat & tidy person - no matter how much I wish I was!)
I immediately put on my spazzy pants and Christian (sick of my spazzing I'm sure) told me to just say no to the appointment. This made sense, I'll just say no and they'll find another time to come. Perfect. No more worrying about the private showing of my delicates collection.
About a half an hour later (and after removal of my spazzy pants), my realtor called me back. The potential buyers were from out of town. Only here for one day. And were looking at other condos in my neighborhood. GAH!
My wonderful mother agreed to hide the delicates when she came to pick up the dog. And they even went way deeper. They vacuumed, they cleaned, they picked up and they made the house look presentable! (I'm much more comfortable w/ my mom picking up my underwear than ya know...my realtor - I'm pretty sure commission doesn't cover that).
So in the end, it worked out. They came through on Saturday and looked at the house. And get this...the bastards didn't even buy the house! (ok, maybe bastards is a little harsh....and maybe it was a TAD presumptuous to assume that just because they saw my house they'd immediately be leaving a briefcase of cash on the kitchen counter...)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Valentines Day - Eating out version
We had two Valentine's Day celebrations when it came to breaking bread. I'll post them separately - the eating out and the eating in version. Eating in version includes my mom and I making Filet Oscar for the men in our lives and ends in quite a success!
The eating out version is as follows...
Monday evening Christian and I dined at La Merenda. I have so many exciting things to say about this place, but I'm going to try to keep it in an orderly fashion (which you know I struggle with!).
First things first. La Merenda. It's on National Ave, just east of 1st street in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood. If you're not looking for it, it's a little hard to find. However, it seems as though plenty of people have no problem locating it! It gets busier and busier each time I've been there. It's Milwaukee's only TRUE international tapas restaurant. (tapas, for the unknowing, are small plates meant to be shared). The menu features small plates of amazing delicious food from all over the globe.
My favorite part about La Merenda is how flexible it is. The first time I dined here, it was when I met Christian's Dad & boyfriend Tim for the first time. The 4 of us each picked 2 of our favorite menu items and we had the perfect amount of food for the table. The second time was for my birthday. There were 6 of us and we did the same thing. Everyone pick 2-3 favorites (this time we ordered 2 of each) and we'll share around. For Valentine's day it was just Christian and I and we each picked 3 favorites and it was perfect. No matter if you're dining with a small or large group - you can get just the perfect amount of food. And for the indecisive (me!) it's perfect because you get to try a ton off of the menu! Without going into too much detail (because at the end of the day I am NOT a professional food critic) here's what we tried this last time:
And the most wonderful surprise, we found out Monday nights are 1/2 price bottles of wine - on their ENTIRE wine list. And let me tell you - they've got quite the list! We were even able to find a red we could agree on, the Macquis Lien Super Chilean - both loved it! (Now I just need to find where I can buy it!)
If I may just go on for a bit more about this place (I swear - they're not paying me). Two other fantastic things that make this restaurant unique and appealing to me. First, the decor is adorable. The mismatched chairs, unique vases and collection of random artwork on the brightly colored orange walls make you feel as though you're dining with family in Columbia. It's quaint and it works.
Finally, the owner makes his presence known. He'll occasionally deliver your food himself. He'll stop by to see how you're enjoying that bottle of wine you've selected. He'll recommend something else you might like based on your selections of food and wine. He stops from table to table to see why you're there, what made you come, how you heard of the place, suggestions you might have. It's a rarity in dining and it makes you feel his sense of pride in his establishment. He truly cares what you have to say, and quite frankly, it brings people back!
One other small side note, I would recommend making reservations - as we've tried to dine a couple times and there's generally a lengthy wait on weekends!
La Merenda International Tapas Bar125 E. National AveMilwaukee, WI 53204414-389-0125
The eating out version is as follows...
Monday evening Christian and I dined at La Merenda. I have so many exciting things to say about this place, but I'm going to try to keep it in an orderly fashion (which you know I struggle with!).
First things first. La Merenda. It's on National Ave, just east of 1st street in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood. If you're not looking for it, it's a little hard to find. However, it seems as though plenty of people have no problem locating it! It gets busier and busier each time I've been there. It's Milwaukee's only TRUE international tapas restaurant. (tapas, for the unknowing, are small plates meant to be shared). The menu features small plates of amazing delicious food from all over the globe.
My favorite part about La Merenda is how flexible it is. The first time I dined here, it was when I met Christian's Dad & boyfriend Tim for the first time. The 4 of us each picked 2 of our favorite menu items and we had the perfect amount of food for the table. The second time was for my birthday. There were 6 of us and we did the same thing. Everyone pick 2-3 favorites (this time we ordered 2 of each) and we'll share around. For Valentine's day it was just Christian and I and we each picked 3 favorites and it was perfect. No matter if you're dining with a small or large group - you can get just the perfect amount of food. And for the indecisive (me!) it's perfect because you get to try a ton off of the menu! Without going into too much detail (because at the end of the day I am NOT a professional food critic) here's what we tried this last time:
- La Merenda Salad (arugula with strawberries, pine nuts, Gorgonzola & balsamic vinaigrette)
- Bread & butter (I usually skip the bread and butter as I'm trying to save room for the good stuff - but whatever they do to their butter is MAGICAL. I had 3 slices just so I had a reason to eat butter).
- Empenadas (stuffed with pork & apple)
- Lumpia Shanghai (cigar thin egg rolls)
- Tostones (fried plantains w/ probably my favorite guacamole EVER).
- Savory Crepes (filled w/ chicken & mushrooms in a rosemary cream sauce)
- Mushroom Ravioli (in a rosemary cream sauce w/ white truffle oil - this was a special and was the favorite of both of us...Oh it was SO amazing...I would've ordered 8 of these & called it a day!)
- Porcini crusted Ribeye (another special - served w/ mashed potatoes and a white truffle butter)
- Almond Joy Creme Brulee (so rich, but so good)
- Chocolate Banana Egg rolls (served w/ ice cream - that paired DELICIOUSLY with the creme brulee).
And the most wonderful surprise, we found out Monday nights are 1/2 price bottles of wine - on their ENTIRE wine list. And let me tell you - they've got quite the list! We were even able to find a red we could agree on, the Macquis Lien Super Chilean - both loved it! (Now I just need to find where I can buy it!)
If I may just go on for a bit more about this place (I swear - they're not paying me). Two other fantastic things that make this restaurant unique and appealing to me. First, the decor is adorable. The mismatched chairs, unique vases and collection of random artwork on the brightly colored orange walls make you feel as though you're dining with family in Columbia. It's quaint and it works.
Finally, the owner makes his presence known. He'll occasionally deliver your food himself. He'll stop by to see how you're enjoying that bottle of wine you've selected. He'll recommend something else you might like based on your selections of food and wine. He stops from table to table to see why you're there, what made you come, how you heard of the place, suggestions you might have. It's a rarity in dining and it makes you feel his sense of pride in his establishment. He truly cares what you have to say, and quite frankly, it brings people back!
One other small side note, I would recommend making reservations - as we've tried to dine a couple times and there's generally a lengthy wait on weekends!
La Merenda International Tapas Bar125 E. National AveMilwaukee, WI 53204414-389-0125
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
So much to say, so little being posted.
I have a lot to post but haven't figured out the format until just now. There's two main topics. Home Improvement & Eating.
For today - home improvement. I have been putting off this post because I wanted pictures to accompany it, but by the time I get home, I forget I have to charge my camera battery and therefore can't take pictures. So I'll post now and hope my memory improves tonight so I can have pictures tomorrow!
Saturday, Christian had to work until 4 and when he got home we went to church and then to Home Depot. Now while this may sound like a boring start to a Saturday night to most people. I was in domestic bliss! First things first, I LOVE Home Depot. It's a close race between that and Office Max. I could seriously do some damage at both places. Luckily, I had Christian (the voice of reason) in tow to convince me that it probably wasn't the right time for new appliances...and cupboards...and flooring.
Instead, we picked up a few things that created minor damage to the pocket book and major improvement to the house! I've been wanting to paint my bedroom & upstairs bathroom for a while now. I'm hooked on HGTV and if I've learned anything, neutral calming colors help sell the house! Also - I have never had hardware on my kitchen cabinets! So we grabbed some adorable knobs for the cupboards and drawers. Finally, I've had a wooden toilet seat in my upstairs bathroom for the last 4 years. I despise that toilet seat. It's a total bachelor pad / up north cottage feel. Did you know toilet seats only cost like $6?! I had no idea (for some reason I thought they'd be super expensive - which then can be if you shell out for the one w/ the whisper close technology - which Christian was very interested in).
I'm happy to say these minor improvements really did make a big difference. I'm obsessed w/ the new color in the bedroom and quite pleased as I do psych myself out when picking from those itty bitty swatches knowing they'll soon cover ALL THE WALLS. I know you can buy sample jars & all that jazz, but really, who has the patience for that?!
I'll do my best to have a memory when I get home and snap some pictures.
For today - home improvement. I have been putting off this post because I wanted pictures to accompany it, but by the time I get home, I forget I have to charge my camera battery and therefore can't take pictures. So I'll post now and hope my memory improves tonight so I can have pictures tomorrow!
Saturday, Christian had to work until 4 and when he got home we went to church and then to Home Depot. Now while this may sound like a boring start to a Saturday night to most people. I was in domestic bliss! First things first, I LOVE Home Depot. It's a close race between that and Office Max. I could seriously do some damage at both places. Luckily, I had Christian (the voice of reason) in tow to convince me that it probably wasn't the right time for new appliances...and cupboards...and flooring.
Instead, we picked up a few things that created minor damage to the pocket book and major improvement to the house! I've been wanting to paint my bedroom & upstairs bathroom for a while now. I'm hooked on HGTV and if I've learned anything, neutral calming colors help sell the house! Also - I have never had hardware on my kitchen cabinets! So we grabbed some adorable knobs for the cupboards and drawers. Finally, I've had a wooden toilet seat in my upstairs bathroom for the last 4 years. I despise that toilet seat. It's a total bachelor pad / up north cottage feel. Did you know toilet seats only cost like $6?! I had no idea (for some reason I thought they'd be super expensive - which then can be if you shell out for the one w/ the whisper close technology - which Christian was very interested in).
I'm happy to say these minor improvements really did make a big difference. I'm obsessed w/ the new color in the bedroom and quite pleased as I do psych myself out when picking from those itty bitty swatches knowing they'll soon cover ALL THE WALLS. I know you can buy sample jars & all that jazz, but really, who has the patience for that?!
I'll do my best to have a memory when I get home and snap some pictures.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Twentyten State Champs!!
we won! we won! we won!!!
After a ton of work, lots of effort, struggles galore, tears here and there, I am so excited to say that I have again successfully coached a cheerleading squad to a state championship! Honestly I had no idea what to expect going into Saturday. Up until the past week, things had been somewhat shaky at best - the talent was there but it hadn't come together in a cohesive effort before. Until Thursday. Practice Thursday was FLAWLESS. They performed the routine 5 successful times with only the most minor of errors. I didn't know which squad was going to show up on Saturday!
We were up against some of the strongest competition in WI. I had gone into the competition hoping to place in the top 3 and was sure I'd be happy with top 3. Come awards on Saturday - I had the itch. I wanted so badly to win.
Overall, the weekend was perfect. I got emotional more than I thought I would. It reminded me just how much I'll miss being involved in the program. It made all the hard work seem worth it. And when they announced New Berlin Eisenhower as State Champs, I cried my eyes out. I was so proud of those 17 girls who came together as a squad. Proud of my co-coach and I for having the patience to get them there. It was just as amazing of a feeling as I remembered it to be.
And my, oh my, it was the best way to go out possible! On top!
I'm hoping to get the video soon...I know you're all dying to see it! :)
(side note: I'm one of the 5 blurs at the front of the stage - nonstop jumping up and down! I can't remember the last time I was freaking out that much!)
After a ton of work, lots of effort, struggles galore, tears here and there, I am so excited to say that I have again successfully coached a cheerleading squad to a state championship! Honestly I had no idea what to expect going into Saturday. Up until the past week, things had been somewhat shaky at best - the talent was there but it hadn't come together in a cohesive effort before. Until Thursday. Practice Thursday was FLAWLESS. They performed the routine 5 successful times with only the most minor of errors. I didn't know which squad was going to show up on Saturday!
We were up against some of the strongest competition in WI. I had gone into the competition hoping to place in the top 3 and was sure I'd be happy with top 3. Come awards on Saturday - I had the itch. I wanted so badly to win.
Overall, the weekend was perfect. I got emotional more than I thought I would. It reminded me just how much I'll miss being involved in the program. It made all the hard work seem worth it. And when they announced New Berlin Eisenhower as State Champs, I cried my eyes out. I was so proud of those 17 girls who came together as a squad. Proud of my co-coach and I for having the patience to get them there. It was just as amazing of a feeling as I remembered it to be.
And my, oh my, it was the best way to go out possible! On top!
I'm hoping to get the video soon...I know you're all dying to see it! :)
(side note: I'm one of the 5 blurs at the front of the stage - nonstop jumping up and down! I can't remember the last time I was freaking out that much!)
Friday, February 5, 2010
2010: My Senior Year.
I leave in a few short hours for what will be my last competition as a cheerleading coach. As my fourth year, or what I refer to as my "senior year" comes to a close a wave of various emotions is right around the corner.
This past year has been a test to say the least. It's been the most frustrating, overwhelming, heartbreaking, passion draining year I've faced. I've looked at this year as the Big Guy telling me it should be my last and that I should close this chapter. All the various struggles this year each serve as their own reiteration of the message, "Don't Come Back." However, no matter how difficult this year was, I know without a doubt I'll miss this.
I've dedicated four years of my life to the New Berlin Eisenhower cheerleading program. I've spent hours upon hours (upon even more hours) in a high school cafeteria. I've woken up before 7 more Saturday mornings than I care to count. And I'm fairly certain I'm one of few 25 year olds who can say I've logged more than 20+ hours on school buses w/ over 40 high school girls (without it being illegal or highly judged). And even though I've had to defend my sanity in doing so, I wouldn't have traded a second of it.
As I reminded my girls from time to time (on the bad days), I didn't do it for the money. (I was paid what worked out to be less than $1.00/hour). And as much as I'd like to think being the coach of the State Champion Cheerleading Squad brings high levels of respect, I don't do it for the glory either. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The moments that are truly heart warming and rewarding may be slightly fewer and farther between than the frustrating ones, but when they do happen, it makes every one of those tough nights worth it.
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon one of the most successful programs in the state and am so thankful such a fortunate accident occurred. And in being a part of it -I was able to coach two squads to a runner-up finish at State and one squad to a first place State Championship finish. As I leave for my last state competition, I'm happy to see the end of the season (again, it was a rough one), and I'm excited to see how the weekend will end. But most of all, I'm thankful I have been able to experience such a dedicated group of young women working together to accomplish their goals. I'm happy I was able to learn so many of life's important lessons through working with over 100 high school girls. Lessons that have already applied in so many different areas of my life. I'm glad I have been able to affect so many lives and have my life affected by so many others.
I welcome with open arms the spare time, the clearer calendar and the reduced level of drama. But it's not without a little sadness I realize it's all nearing the end.
This picture gives me little chills every time...it's literally seconds after they announced a state championship win. It completely shows exactly why all those hours of work are worth it.
This past year has been a test to say the least. It's been the most frustrating, overwhelming, heartbreaking, passion draining year I've faced. I've looked at this year as the Big Guy telling me it should be my last and that I should close this chapter. All the various struggles this year each serve as their own reiteration of the message, "Don't Come Back." However, no matter how difficult this year was, I know without a doubt I'll miss this.
I've dedicated four years of my life to the New Berlin Eisenhower cheerleading program. I've spent hours upon hours (upon even more hours) in a high school cafeteria. I've woken up before 7 more Saturday mornings than I care to count. And I'm fairly certain I'm one of few 25 year olds who can say I've logged more than 20+ hours on school buses w/ over 40 high school girls (without it being illegal or highly judged). And even though I've had to defend my sanity in doing so, I wouldn't have traded a second of it.
As I reminded my girls from time to time (on the bad days), I didn't do it for the money. (I was paid what worked out to be less than $1.00/hour). And as much as I'd like to think being the coach of the State Champion Cheerleading Squad brings high levels of respect, I don't do it for the glory either. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The moments that are truly heart warming and rewarding may be slightly fewer and farther between than the frustrating ones, but when they do happen, it makes every one of those tough nights worth it.
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon one of the most successful programs in the state and am so thankful such a fortunate accident occurred. And in being a part of it -I was able to coach two squads to a runner-up finish at State and one squad to a first place State Championship finish. As I leave for my last state competition, I'm happy to see the end of the season (again, it was a rough one), and I'm excited to see how the weekend will end. But most of all, I'm thankful I have been able to experience such a dedicated group of young women working together to accomplish their goals. I'm happy I was able to learn so many of life's important lessons through working with over 100 high school girls. Lessons that have already applied in so many different areas of my life. I'm glad I have been able to affect so many lives and have my life affected by so many others.
I welcome with open arms the spare time, the clearer calendar and the reduced level of drama. But it's not without a little sadness I realize it's all nearing the end.
This picture gives me little chills every time...it's literally seconds after they announced a state championship win. It completely shows exactly why all those hours of work are worth it.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
No title.
This post isn't getting a title because I can't think of squad in the creativity department today. In fact, I'm surprised I'm even writing a post - but I'm trying to keep up with it more often, you know for the 3 fans I have out there!
Just a little update...
My house is still on the market. So far a whopping TWO people have come to look at it. I swear my house is really awesome. I'm hoping it's the season that's making things slow (yes, I'm aware, winter = worst time to sell a house. Especially if said house is in WI). So we just keep rolling with the punches here. I've decided (after countless hours of HGTV and the constant desire to copy what I see on TV), to make some minor cosmetic changes to the place that will really up the WOW factor in showings but will be minimal on my checking account (thank you Sabrina!).
My plan for the next month (read: whenever there's a weekend that miraculously me, Christian, AND my parents are all free) is as follows:
Just a little update...
My house is still on the market. So far a whopping TWO people have come to look at it. I swear my house is really awesome. I'm hoping it's the season that's making things slow (yes, I'm aware, winter = worst time to sell a house. Especially if said house is in WI). So we just keep rolling with the punches here. I've decided (after countless hours of HGTV and the constant desire to copy what I see on TV), to make some minor cosmetic changes to the place that will really up the WOW factor in showings but will be minimal on my checking account (thank you Sabrina!).
My plan for the next month (read: whenever there's a weekend that miraculously me, Christian, AND my parents are all free) is as follows:
- Paint the master bedroom (I've already chosen a nice neutral color that will look both clean and inviting while simple enough to be applicable to all interested parties).
- Paint the upstairs bathroom (again, neutral, clean, welcoming, screams "buy this house!")
- Add hardware to the kitchen cabinets & drawers (currently there is none. It's never really bothered me, but I know it'll be a nice little touch).
- Change out light switch plates
- Replacing the kitchen counter tops (we're not talking granite here people, just something a little more visually pleasing than the slightly grey, slightly white, slightly creme laminate I'm rocking right now).
- Replacing sink / vanity in the downstairs bathroom
Income Tax Returns - Property Tax Payments = ???
Should this be a significantly positive equation, those will be soon to follow.
I'll try to take some sweet Before / After pics of the process (that is my FAVORITE part of HGTV).
Should this be a significantly positive equation, those will be soon to follow.
I'll try to take some sweet Before / After pics of the process (that is my FAVORITE part of HGTV).
Monday, February 1, 2010
And the Grammy goes to...
Since no one else in the world will be providing their thoughts on the show last night, I thought I'd add my two cents (read w/ heavy sarcasm). And no - this isn't a recap on who wore what. Because that recap is always the same. There's a tad of "damn she looked good" and a whole lot of "who the hell told you that looked good?"
I usually don't watch many of the awards shows - never really got into them. However, everything else that's on Sunday nights Christian and I watch together and since he had to work, I had to stay away from the DVR. (Of course the obvious exception, Keep Up w/ the Kardashians, yeah go ahead judge all you want - you know you've caught a few minutes of it at least once!)
I usually don't watch many of the awards shows - never really got into them. However, everything else that's on Sunday nights Christian and I watch together and since he had to work, I had to stay away from the DVR. (Of course the obvious exception, Keep Up w/ the Kardashians, yeah go ahead judge all you want - you know you've caught a few minutes of it at least once!)
- Swiftly sweeping Awards. I'm not sure why everyone hates Taylor Swift. Do I think she's the most talented musician in the world? No. However, am I CONSTANTLY impressed that she's freaking EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD?! Yeah, quite often. We loved the shit out of Brittany back in the day and she could hardly sing, someone else's songs, played on instruments by OTHER PEOPLE. I am always supportive when Taylor wins because let's face it - she's doing MUCH bigger things than I was at her age. And she wrote her album. WROTE it. And she plays the tracks behind the words. That takes talent, I don't care if you don't enjoy the music she makes, that takes talent. Also - never underestimate the power of 12-18 year old girls. Sing a song they can relate to and you'll be DAMN successful. Even more so, if you happen to fall into said category.
- NOT gaga over that Lady. Damn you Lady Gaga. Freaking psycho has LITERALLY shown up in nightmares of mine. (Seriously, after she wore that freaking red lace thing & that lion mane, I actually awoke form sleep due to the image of her in my mind). And - who was the poor sap who had to sit behind her heinous hat? Also - you're not as cool as you think you are. That is all.
- I wish I could Be-yonce. Seriously?! What cant' she do? She grabbed her crotch (and somehow made it look hot), belted out a slow powerful tune, and then rocked out Alanis Morrisette (and made it sound believable!) Plus - hello?! Her & Jay? Between the two of them, there's very little they haven't done. And on top of it - they both seem so real I'd like to have couples dinner parties with them.
- Zac Brown Band. Whether you hate country or love it - the harmony those boys bust out is fantastic. And tell me those weren't some CRAZY guitar skills? So happy they were able to win - again, I support those who are TALENTED musicians.
- Little Colbert. Clearly you have not inherited your father's acting skills or comedic timing. I was going to throw the remote at the TV if they wasted another 5 seconds panning to her totally unbelievable faces when asked if her dad was cool. No shit he's cool. Would you be at the Grammy awards if it wasn't for him?! Didn't think so.
- sPINKler. Damn. Rock it girl. If I had a body like that chances are I'd be trying to fly above large crowds like a hot human sprinkler too.
- Good to be King(s). If the Grammy awards were decided by who provided the soundtrack to my summer / most listened to song at loud volumes with the window down on repeat - best song category would've ended the same way. I heart Kings of Leon and ESPECIALLY that song.
- Oh Em Green. I was so OMG Ponies during Green Day's performance w/ the cast of their new Broadway Show. I love Green Day and am so a sucker for a edgy Broadway play!
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