New Mindset

I am NOT on a diet. I am NOT exercising. What I AM, is in training for a 5K thanks to www.C25K.com. Doesn't that just sound better?

I haven't "ran", and I use that term very loosely, since high school track, more years ago than I care to remember. I didn't really enjoy it then. But I am enjoying it now. A friend asked last night if I felt any different yet. Physically, no, I don't feel different, except my knees are aching more. But mentally, I feel amazing. I am not a morning person but to have my workout done before 6:15 am in an amazing feeling. Watching the sunrise each day as I move my body is an amazing feeling. Reaching for a goal, challenging myself, making new routines...all amazing. You get the picture.

I feel my life changing. I have logged in fifteen workouts in June so far. I am watching less television. I am going to bed earlier. I feel more in control. These are all great things and I am feeling hopeful. I can do this!

I WILL do this!

Extreme Bathroom Makeover!

I got the best Mother's Day gift this year...a bathroom makeover. We loved our house at first sight, the bathroom was the one sore spot. We only have one and it is small. Really small. And it had really old linoleum and a stained sink and a tiny cabinet. Over the past four years, I have painted it, added a bright shower curtain, painted it again (a different color), added some decorations...and still it was a dingy little bathroom. And to top it all off, I was afraid that the floor was going to cave in at any minute.

I had been asking to have the floors redone since we moved in. So for Mother's Day, Kevin tore up the old linoleum and the sub floor and rebuilt it. He then put in ceramic tile and a new pedestal sink. I have always wanted a pedestal sink! The coolest thing though, was that Kevin picked out the faucet handles himseld with no input from me and they were exactly the ones I wanted! Here are some pictures of my bathroom. It's still tiny but I am loving it! It feels fresh and new.

Piano Men

I realized that I haven't said anything about the big concert we went to last week. Was it really only last week? It seems like months ago. Well, in a word, the concert was fantastic! I am not a big concert person but this one was amazing. How can you go wrong with Elton John and Billy Joel? Mom sent me this review that was in the Omaha paper so I thought I would include it here. It describes the concert better than I ever could.

Review: Sir Elton, Piano Man put on an electric performance
BY KEVIN COFFEY
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Sir Elton and the Piano Man sure know how to put on a show.

In front of a sold-out crowd Tuesday at the Qwest Center Omaha, Elton John and
Billy Joel played all of their own hits, plus a few by other artists.

The evening was - in a word - electric.

The two musicians have slightly different styles, but both put on performances
that had fans on their feet, singing along, waving their hands in the air and
dancing in the aisles.

Joel - in a simple black suit - acted like a goofball. He twirled his
microphone, danced on top of the pianos, pantomimed smoking a cigarette while
John performed a solo, walked around like Frankenstein's monster and cracked
jokes between songs (drawing laughs when he referred to seats at the back of the
arena as being in Council Bluffs).

John was flashy as can be, both in his piano playing and his attire. Wearing his
trademark sunglasses, a bright, shiny shirt and a long, black coat decorated in
a rainbow of colors, his fingers danced up and down the keys. And after each
song, he walked around stage shaking hands, waving and blowing kisses to the
audience.

This stop on the duo's "Face 2 Face" tour was more like a face-off. Each
appeared to be trying to one-up the other, which consummated in a piano duel
during John's "Bennie and the Jets."

Like a piano-styled question-and-answer session, each improvised a solo more
complex than the other. The duel ended with Joel and John playing together to
finish out the song.

Though nearly every song was a memorable hit, some songs had some extra depth as
duets. The performers sang each other's lyrics in their own style, giving new
twists to songs such as "Uptown Girl" and "The Bitch Is Back."

As for the audience, despite the priciest seats in the arena approaching $200 a
pop, more than 17,000 fans packed the Qwest Center, filling the arena from the
floor to its highest reaches. Most in the crowd looked like veteran fans of John
and Joel, both of whom have been performing since the '60s. Quite a few young
folks also dotted the audience.

And, boy, was the crowd loud. Whether screaming when the duo took the stage or
singing along to John's "Tiny Dancer," the crowd filled the arena with cheers.

The show started with Joel and John taking the stage together and alternating
songs. John then took the stage with his band, encouraging fans to sing along if
they knew the words (which they did). Joel then took the stage with his band,
leaving the piano only twice (to play electric guitar on "We Didn't Start the
Fire" and do his best Elvis Presley dance impersonation during "It's Still Rock
and Roll to Me").

For the finale, Joel and John took the stage together with both bands. They
played a few more hits together and even played the Beatles' "Birthday" and
"Back In the U.S.S.R."

They finished off the performance with duets of their biggest hits, "Candle in
the Wind" and "Piano Man." Lights from cell phones and lighters filled the
arena, and voices from the crowd sang along to both songs and screamed every
time Joel played the harmonica solo on "Piano Man."

• Contact the writer: 444-1557, kevin.coffey@owh.com

Copyright 2009 Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved

Back to Work

I'm all confused about what day it is. It took me a long time to figure out why The Bachelorette was on Sunday night! Yep, it was really Monday but I was all confused there for awhile.

So, back to work today although it is going to be a short day. Kate started running a fever last night and still had one this morning. She seems fine otherwise, a slight cough but that is all. Poor baby. Grandma and Papa were good to help out so I could come get a few things done at work. Besides blogging, that is.

We had a nice weekend, didn't do much of anything, but that is nice in and of itself. I got the last of my flower planting done and we got new handles for our kitchen cabinets and drawers. The girls and I had a cookout one night...hot dogs and s'mores...can't beat that! There was a birthday party at the lake for my niece on Sunday. Took the girls to Burger King so they could play in the play place. And that's about it.

I have a ton of pictures to post so stay tuned!

He Did It!

Woo Hoo! Kris won! Can you tell I am excited?

This was the most amazing season of Idol. I loved Adam but was so happy that Kris won. Adam was always just a touch too theatrical for me. I like the artists that can sit down with their piano or acoustic guitar and sing a song. That is Kris. He doesn't need the fog or strobe lights to make you sit up and listen. So I am very happy with the outcome but truly hate to see the season come to an end.

I didn't get to see the whole show last night, I just skimmed through to the end to see the results. I saw bits and pieces and it looks like it was quite the shindig! I did see Adam's rendition of Beth...awesome! I tried to get Kevin out of bed to see Kiss perform but he wouldn't. I'll show him tonight. And Queen! I love Cyndi Lauper so really enjoyed her and Allison's performance. And David Cook! I can't wait to be able to watch the show in it's entirety.

But for now...YAY KRIS!!!!!

Must See TV

I have been glued to the television set this past week or so...

Joan Rivers as the Celebrity Apprentice. I was glad to see her beat that witch of a poker player, Annie Duke. Side note, Jessie James is a hottie!

America's Next Top Model...I was hoping the other girl would win. I have already forgotten her name, the one with the big eyes. I liked her.

Danny Gokey got sent home on American Idol. Unelievable! I love Kris Allen. I think he is the most marketable of all of them. The teenage girls must feel the same way because someone is sure voting for him. I think it will be Adam's win though.

Poor Izzie! Poor George! The Grey's Season Finale was a big surprise (and heart wrencher).

Who did Mike marry last night? My vote is on Susan. Poor Katherine is way too desperate, even for a housewife.

Can't forget about Pam and Jim!

I agree with the folks that think the Biggest Loser lost too much weight. She is skinny!

I don't usually watch the dancing show but I have it recording tonight just to see their final numbers.

I think that is all of my telelvision shows that have had endings this past week or so. I am ready for some new shows to start to help pass the time until fall.

St. Louis Bound

It's finally time for the Elton John and Billy Joel concert tomorrow night. I am so excited for the concert and the time away. Kevin was in charge of finding us a place to stay and I guess it's a surprise because he hasn't told me but has assurred me that he has a reservation.

Kevin is extremely traditional and unoriginal so I have my suspicions. We will either be staying at the Mayfair in downtown St. Louis or in St. Charles at the Boone's Lick Trail Inn. The Mayfair is a gorgeous, renovated hotel that we chanced upon years ago on Priceline. We got a last-minute reservation in an exquisite suite all done in dark cherry wood and marble. It was impressive. We stayed at the Inn in St. Charles for our fifth anniversary. We stayed in the cottage and it was so cute and fun. The Inn is right on the historic Main Street, which we both love to wander and shop. The best part was the huge jacuzzi tub. Either way, it will be a wonderful trip.

Hypothetical Question

Is it bad that I wanted a new CD to listen to on my way to work and the only thing that remotely interested me was the Hannah Montana movie soundtrack?

I didn't buy it.

Lunch Date

I am so excited for my lunch date today. My dear friend Tisha is in mid-Missouri visiting her Mom and is going to drive over for lunch. Tisha and I became friends when she came to work at a home I was managing, back in 1997. As a manager, it's not a good idea to become friends with the people you supervise, but with Tisha, I just couldn't help it. She is one of the prettiest, sweetest, funniest, funnest people I have ever known. She can tell a story, in her southern accent, that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. She is kind and compassionate, the folks that we served just adored her.

Tisha and I are exactly one month apart in age. My birthday is May 29 and hers is June 29. We came from different areas, had different upbringings, but there was a common bond right from the start. I remember sitting up late into the night, talking and laughing and crying. She had my life story out of me within weeks of knowing me. If you know me at all, you know this is hard to do!

Tisha had to move back south in January 1999 and her move devastated me. This was before email and facebook made it so easy to keep in touch. We've seen each other a handful of times in the past ten years but Tisha is the kind of friend, that makes time irrelevent. We will greet each other today as if we had just seen each other a few days ago. And I can't wait!

TGIM!

After the longest week and weekend ever, I was so happy for Monday to come. Except that I couldn't get out bed for anything. I finally got up, and went upstairs to wake Kaelyn up, and she was sleeping so deeply, I couldn't bear to wake her. I let her and Kate both sleep in. I took them to school and daycare around 10 am so they didn't miss much. It was such a crazy week for all of us, it will take time to catch up.

The recital is over and everything went well. I have tons of pictures to share and will make everyone watch the DVD version when I get it. Highlights of the week included helping back stage for the dress rehersal. Imagine 25-30 little girls (they moved too fast to count!) and six mom's in a very small room for almost four hours. Not so much fun. Someone told the girls that there were bats in the theater so every time we went to go on stage, all the little ballerinas covered their heads and ran. I watched the performance from the audience on Saturday night. It was amazing how it all came together to create a show. I didn't have much hope on Tuesday. Kaelyn lost her tooth backstage Saturday night trying to open her water bottle. That was exciting. We took Kate on Sunday, and she didn't really appreciate the arts and wanted to spend the time going to the potty over and over again. I walked around with her and let Mom and Dad and Kevin watch the show. Afterwards, we went for a celebratory dinner at McDonalds. It was an experience, that's all I can say about that!

Playing Catch UP

My apologies for slacking on my posting. I started last week with a toothache that quickly became a TOOTHACHE. I missed work two days last week...because of my tooth! I finally got into a dentist and they recommended a root canal that couldn't be done until May 26! I did get some Vicodin and antibiotics and the promise that I would start feeling better within forty-eight hours. Forty-eight hours passed and still no relief. I literally cried on the way to work on Friday and Monday because I felt so bad. The crying worked and Mom pulled strings and got me into another dentist. This guy said my tooth appeared to be trying to do it's own root canal...I guess that explains the pain! He prescribed a different antibiotic, more painkillers and I get to go back tomorrow. That I am even writing about this and trying to make light of it, means I am finally feeling human again.

And it is Recital Week for Kaelyn. That means every night this week we have to go to the theater and rehearse for three houses a night. That makes for a very tired kid and mom. Last night went well but it's going to be a very long week. I have a new respect for the dance instructor.

I did catch American Idol when I got home last night. What a great night! I am so loving Kris. I think he is adorable and he can sing too! Of course Danny and Adam were good. I think it will be Matt's turn to go home tonight. No judges save this week. They are all very good, it's hard to predict who will make the final two. If I had to say, it will be Danny and Adam.

What else? I am planning a day long Staff Appreciation Day for Friday. It is finally coming together. I need to go buy some decorations later today.

And that's what's been going on in my world. What's going on in yours?

James

I got a phone call from a reporter the other night. He was writing a story about a man whom I used to supervise when I still worked at Woodhaven. Here is a link to the story.

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/04/16/proud-papa/

Masters Degree

Despite walking through graduation almost one year ago, I have still been working towards finishing my internship. Today, my final internship conference call is scheduled and I will be offically done with this chapter in my life. Soon I will have my Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Administration diploma in my hands.

It hasn't been an easy road. I actually started the program in 2002, almost seven years ago to the day. I got married the weekend before I started school and by August, I was preganant with Kaelyn. I had terrible morning sickness, had just moved to a new home, newly married, so school was the last thing I wanted to do. I made the tough decision to drop out of the program in September. I made the right decision but I did have regrets.

The opportunity came again to reapply in 2005. Kaelyn was now two, so I felt that I could manage her and studying both. This time, Kevin and my sister Tracy, decided to do the program with me. I knew their support would be priceless. Shortly after we started, I was pregnant with Kate. This time I had the support and knew I had to push through and get the program done.

My parents went above and beyond the call of duty in their support of all three of us. Once a month or so, they headed to Kansas City with us, and watched Kaelyn, my niece Lily, and then newborn Kate, all in a small hotel room, while the three of us were in class. We couldn't have done it without them.

We finished classes last year spring and then had to do our 400 hour internship. Mine was going to be a breeze, because I could do it at the place I worked. And then I quit my job. I had to rethink my goals and objectives and basically start over. I worked on my various projects all summer until I started my new job. It really helped me get things finished up.

Today. one phone call, and it will all be done. I am so excited and happy, I can't think of anything else. This has been a life long dream of mine and I am finally acoomplishing it.

I think it's time to start thinking about that Ph.D.

Easter Update

It was a wonderful long weekend and Easter holiday. Not that we did much but that is nice sometimes too. We got the girls Easter pictures taken on Friday. Saturday we went to the Easter Egg Hunt at our church. Kaelyn was delighted to see that the carrots she put out on the front porch lured the Easter Bunny in. Kate was delighted to see the baskets of candy the Bunny left. Sunday was a fantastic ham dinner at Mom and Dad's with the family. The four little girls had another egg hunt and more candy. By Sunday night, little Kate was saying "My tummy hurts!"

Ballet Funny

You probably had to be there but I giggled and giggled when the ballet teacher told the class full of tutu wearing little girls, "No more nasty fart noises in my ballet class please!"

You're Invited!

It's time for Kaelyn's birthday so I am busy planning a pirate party! If you have any good ideas, send them my way!

City Museum

I have been wanting to take the girls to the City Museum in St. Louis. Today seemed like a good day to do it. We got up, got ready and headed out for a fun filled day. The trip to St. Louis was not so fun. The girls argued and bickered and demanded attention. But we finally made it, three hours later. It took us awhile to find the museum, located in an old shoe factory in downtown St. Louis. I had direction but with 64/40 closed down, we had to detour a bit. You can read the website to know what the museum is about but let me say, it is visually fantastic. Everywhere you look, there is something to feast your eyes on. The museum exhibits are very hands on. There is stuff to touch, crawl on, crawl over, crawl under, climb, slide, swing...and it is really fun for all ages.
We hadn't been there too long when we made our way to Art City. There was a big table with paints and paper for kids to make their masterpieces. Yea, Kevin and I each made a masterpiece too! There was an area for clay design and another for making masks. I had put smocks on the girls so they wouldn't get paint on their clothes. We were finished painting when Kaelyn wanted to go over to the clay table. I nodded yes, and took Kate to the sink to wash her hands. I really can't remember what happened next but soon after, either Kevin or I noticed that Kaelyn was gone. I remembered that she said she was going to the clay area, right next the the paint table. She wasn't there. We looked over in Toddler Town and didn't see her. Kevin started looking all over that floor trying to find her. Kaelyn isn't one to wander off so I was really getting worried. I was trying to look, dragging Kate behind me, trying to pull me in the other direction, where she wanted to go.

Kevin went down to the front desk to get help while I kept looking for Kaelyn. I went back to the clay area several times to look for her but never saw her. I stopped to buy screaming Kate some cotton candy to pacify her when Kevin came back up. He rudely asked why I was having cotton candy at a time like this, which I ignored, knowing he was panicked. He asked me to go down and wait at the front counter with Kate so I did. I got her settled and looked up to see Kevin and Kaelyn walking down the stairs toward us. I took a deep breath and burst into tears. I couldn't stop crying. I remained calm while she was missing but I guess the fear and the relief just had to come out somehow.

I was so scared. The museum is huge...about 600,000 square feet. There were people everywhere and many dark nooks and crannies. I had no idea how we would find her. Kaelyn was in the clay area the whole time. In my panic, I had forgotten that I had put a blue smock on her and kept looking for her red shirt. Being such a smart mom, I dressed both girls in red so I could keep an eye on them in the crowds. With the blue shirt and her back to me, I (we) didn't see her sitting at the clay table.

I was ready to leave right then and there but Kevin talked me into staying and we did have a good time, once I quit crying and my blood pressure returned to normal.




These pictures are from the website as I didn't have batteries for my camera. I am worn out, emotionally and physically!

March Reading List

Honeymoon by Amy Jenkins
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Seduced by Moonlight by Laurell K. Hamilton
The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky

It seems like I read something else but I can't think of it right now.

Missouri Basketball

How 'bout them Tigers?

American Idol

How 'bout that Adam Lambert?