Christmastime

My GG (great grandmother, Sarah Zielke) passed away August of 2012. I came home from college to visit GG as I knew she was ill and during my visit home see passed away. A week later I came back down from college to help out/lend a hand to my grandma and her siblings as they cleared their mother's apartment. 

My GG had some books by an author I like (Mary Higgins-Clark, if you're curious) and she would give me a new book of MH-C's to read some times when I came to visit her. As no one else wanted to keep any of the books from her collection, they were all boxed up and set aside to be given to me. I didn't really want the books but felt guilty just giving them to goodwill. 

We finished cleaning it all out and headed home. When I got home, I decided to open the box of books and pick out the ones I would keep then donate the rest. The first book that caught my attention looked more like a little gray journal. It read "COLLECTED WHISPERS" in shiny gold font with a a bunch of butterflies on the cover. I opened it and read the subtitle: The International Library of Poetry, CopyRight 2008. Intrigued, I turned the page and read this:  

Christmastime

All things are hopping

We're Christmas shopping, 

Baking cookies too

Addressing card and wrapping gifts, 

Doing tasks long overdue

Trying hard to keep in touch 

With new friends and those from the past

Making sure not to miss those we love,

Although sometimes they're last

It doesn't mean we love them less

Quite often, it is more

It's just doing things are slower now

Than they've ever been before

We still take time to remember

Our gift from God above

It makes things so much easier 

When we also share our love

- Sarah Zielke

I started to cry.

To think, I almost donated this box without much thought . . .

Who knew that it held treasures,

 a poem my great-grandma had written, published and on the first page of a book. 

Nobody knew this poem or book existed. 

If I would have donated it, we may have never known about the poem/book.

I am so glad nobody else was interested in her books and I was the one to discover her poem.

Merry Christmas, friends! 

<3 KC

A white Christmas after all

We left our apartment and headed home for the Holidays, I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas! This year was a terrible, no good, very bad crappy year, so I'm not sad to see it go. Helllllllo, 2014.

Since I forgot my camera, I borrowed this photo my Aunt posted this to Facebook of her back porch!
It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas here in the Mitten State. . .   : )

Birthday Countdown: 20 days until I am 23! 

My mom only had one day off of work during the time I am visiting so I am staying with my Gram. We've had a great visit and I love the QT with my favorite ladies.

Saturday was my mom's only day off, so she came over to help us bake Christmas goodies. She invited her best friend(same best friend she had in high school) to come join us in baking! It was a great time and we have more than a ton of cookies to show for it.. Candy cane, peanut butter blossoms, chocolate drop, pecan crescents, neiman marcus, white chocolate macadamia, and sugar cookies! And 3 varieties of fudge. Don't worry, we aren't keeping it all, I've already eaten MORE than my share...

Yesterday we had plans to shop for groceries for a traditional Christmas dinner for 6 families facing difficult times. My gram, mom, & I are all members of the American Legion Auxiliary under my grandpa who served as a Marine. My Gram and her friend Nona led this project. They contacted local area school social workers to find 6 families who needed a little help this Holiday season and had a member of their family who has/is serving in the U.S. Military.. One of the families we helped, the mom had tears in her eyes and hugged each of us. Her husband just returned home from Afghanistan and will be home for Christmas this year! As her eyes welled with tears, mine did also. What an amazing Christmas her family will have now that her husband is home and they will have a Christmas meal together as family.    :  )

We spent less than $25.00 per family and purchased a lot: a ham, yams, green beans, corn, mac n cheese, bag of potatoes, stove top stuffing & a bag of oranges! My gram and I were in charge of delivering to 3 of the families and Nona had the other 3 families. In place of a pie, we gave each of the six families a platter of all the Christmas cookies my family baked. They were so appreciative and it felt great to help others. My favorite thing about this time of year is giving to others!

This has been the best week of Christmas I've had in at least 5 years! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!  I may or may not hop on here for a quick post tomorrow but in case I do not...

<3 KC

Holy rant, Batman!

Random and Hilarious Batman & Robin dancing to 'single ladies'
You're welcome.  : )

One of my biggest pet peeves -- that does not involve people driving like idiots -- is hearing/reading ignorant arguments statements... yeah impossible to avoid, I know! But specifically religious or political based beliefs. I think it may be of importance to note that I am not easily offended and I am a very tolerant person.

Aside from racism/hate, engaging in criminal activity that harms others, etc. I do not waste my time worrying about what others believe in or spend their time doing. 

YOUR Religion? Doesn't matter to me. 

YOUR Sexual orientation? Doesn't matter!

You get the idea. . . if it's YOURS and doesn't involve harming others, then I don't care.

I am 100% for freedom. That includes choice of religion and personal opinion/belief systems! That being said, I die a little inside when I hear/read a hypocritical or overtly ignorant statement/discussion/argument!

I have never watched A&E's hit series Duck Dynasty. 1) I do not have cable. 2) It just never seemed like something that would interest me. Having said that, the increase in social media discussions of this show, caught my interest. 

I HAD to know why so many people were debating free speech, religion, anti-christian debates. I am a fan of the Phillip DeFranco Show on YouTube and when I saw his new video included this topic I quickly pressed 'play'. I think he summed up my opinion of the situation perfectly!  

I aimlessly browsed Facebook today and couldn't stand to read anymore comments/statuses about this situation. . . I literally was disgusted after reading so many misinformed and downright ignorant remarks. Remarks ranging from "There is a reason the TV remote has a channel changer, if you don't believe in the bible or support this shows views, you don't have to watch it" duly noted. to America is anti-christian. . .

1) I am ALL for freedom of speech. Unfortunately with that, comes good and bad speech. If you support this right, you support both speech you agree with and speech you do not agree with. 

2) Religious freedom and Freedom from religion. As Americans, we all have the right to choose our own belief system.  
      >  >  > As a 'good' person, I also personally believe in respect. This includes respecting the beliefs of others even when they differ from my own. I believe the true issue at the center of this situation, is the way his answers were recorded. While I am not part of the LGBTQ community, I was slightly offended that "gays, drunks and terrorists" were lumped together in one of his interview answers. I thought he sounded very offensive and believe his message could have been relayed a lot simpler with " I believe in the bible ", enough said! Often people disregard feelings of others and speak unfiltered, but that is their right. 

3) As an American who enjoys the freedoms and rights we have as citizens.
       > > One last note of the DD debate, yes the Duck show guy expressed his personal views in a GQ interview, despite being offensive, had that right as an American citizen to believe in Christ and the bible & to speak freely of his views when asked! On the same token, as an 'employee' of A&E Television Network, his "bosses" aka the network, also have rights. The right to hold their own beliefs. The right to disagree and speak out against the Duck Dynasty member for being offensive. 

In summary, I copied & pasted my comment on a friend's Facebook Status:  

I have personally never seen the show. His comments were kind of offensive, and definitely could have been stated in a better manner but it's no secret that he's a christian and holds the same beliefs as the bible. I also think it's rather silly that A&E is so worried about his comments causing damage to their fan base who do not share the same views as the duck guy. A simple statement from A&E about "not supporting some of his views" would of sufficed. Who cares THAT much about TV? So many people just jump at any chance to battle it out over politics or religion. Annoying.

Haha, This post could have been shortened to that comment alone. Happy Thursday, friends! 

<3 KC 

New traditions

Ohhh, December. How I love thee <3 

It's quite Chilly here in the Mitten but my area has no snow right now and I'm okay with that. : )

Because I was a Scrooge last Christmas last few Christmases, this will technically be the first Christmas J & I celebrate together - at our apartment! I just wasn't in the Christmas spirit the past few years. My papa passed away on Dec. 15, 2008. It was especially hard for me and is still difficult around Christmas time. However, my outlook on things has changed and I refuse to let life's hard times ruin anymore holidays for me. 

So, I am all about the Holidays this year. . . 

Hellooooo, fellow Griswolds of the world blog-land!  

Growing up, Holidays were a big deal to my family. My Grandma and Papa (mom's parents) hosted dinner. Their four kids and all of us grand kids came to enjoy dinner, stockings & presents with them. Looking back, we were beyond spoiled and so lucky to have our family holidays. After my grandpa passed, our family stopped ALL things holiday. Super sad face. . .  Long story short, the dysfunction in my family's relations coupled with the loss of my grandpa resulted in no more celebrating. Huge bummer; I still celebrate with my mom and my grandma though, which I love! And my boyfriend's family does some fun family things too. Last year his aunt hosted an ornament decorating party. So much fun. 

My beautiful Gram & handsome Papa {prior to his cancer diagnosis} 

One of my ornaments from the decorating party -- a snowflake!

 Nostalgia sparked my idea to create new traditions for Josh and I. I told him that we should both think of a tradition for us to share each December. He liked my idea and the tradition I came up with. My new tradition: purchase mini stockings to hang on our Christmas tree. Inside we will place a hand written letter to each other. On Christmas day we will exchange stockings/letters. I have a feeling this will easily become my new favorite "present"! J hasn't decided on his tradition just yet. 

My mom bought J & I a little chocolate advent calendar a few weeks ago. I've never had one before but they're so much fun. Each day when we wake up, one of us will go grab our calendars and race each other to find the numbered day to open and find out what the chocolate's design is for that day. It's truly the simply things in life, friends. I can easily see this becoming a new tradition for us too.

Do you have any unique Christmas traditions?

<3 KC 

Buzz, your girlfriend...WOOF!

FINAL Thankful November:

# 28 I am thankful for Holidays. Life is full of ups and downs and it's too easy to focus on the negative and get caught up in the business and hurried lifestyle! Holidays to me, mean a time out from 'reality'. Where my family spends a whole day dedicated to each other and nothing else. Weather it be, spending a morning in the kitchen preparing a ton of delicious food for Thanksgiving Dinner and then stuffing our face while watching the Lions get a WIN! OR Bake a huge variety of Christmas cookies from recipes I've grown to love since childhood. I just LOVE the few days each year that nothing else matters except family & tradition. <3 <3 <3

& Because I laughed out loud (in real life) at this E-card, I had to share

HA! Man, I was really hoping that the political jargon would dissipate after awhile, I've got some real die hards in my Facebook news feed and while I care about politics and our country. Hearing the hatred (from either side) day-in, day-out gets tiring...  

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday! Unfortunately my boyfriend's mom couldn't make it here for Thanksgiving like we had planned. She had some health issues going on but thankfully she's been mostly cleared of it being serious...However, we missed having her here and plan to visit her around Christmas now instead. : )

Does anyone else have an overwhelming urge to watch Home alone (1 or 2) or Christmas Vacation? 

Ha! Those movies are my favorite movies once December hits.   

Thanksgiving was so great! 

I ate too WAY too much, as always.

I cannot resist pumpkin pie even with a fully belly! 

Heeyyyyy, it's only once a year...so I'll consider that, moderation.

Josh & I put up our Christmas tree on ''Black Friday''. Well, sort of . . .

Our larger tree is in storage at my moms since out apartment is on the tiny side. So this year we borrowed a small/table top fiber optic tree from my gram. 

It's cute and perfect for us this year.I'd share a photo but I've been too lazy with picture taking (it's all that turkey & mashed potatoes from Thanksgiving!)

<3 KC

Happy Thanksgiving!

'Early graduation ceremony honors Western Michigan student battling brain cancer'

It's not everyday that something inspirational or even meaningful flows through my Facebook newsfeed. That was not the case yesterday. A friend of mine (still attending WMU) shared this article and encouraged everyone to read it. I was bored and I love articles and WMU so I glanced through the photos and then read about a truly inspiring young man. 

Chris Boes is a student at Western whom, despite battling brain cancer, persevered and continued his study of public law at the University! Because of all of his hard work and his truly inspiring story, Western honored him with a special early graduation ceremony. 

WMU's President, John Dunn, with student/alumnus Chris Boes

AMAZING. Such a wonderful article to read & story to know about; especially before the holidays. 

One of my former professors, Dr. Ashlyn Kuresten, with the new graduate and his parents.

When I wake up on the 'wrong side of the bed' or even struggle with a negative attitude some days, reading stories like this one really puts things into perspective! 

So what if I get a flat tire a week after I purchased new ones, 
So what if my hopes are high for a job and then get a "thanks, but no thanks" letter
So what if I can't afford some of the things I want but do not absolutely need 

Bad things happen. Bad days happen. But It's not a bad life, it's just a bad day and we have to keep pushing forward. Thinking about the struggles and serious adversity other's may be facing easily encourages me to stop being negative and worrying about the little things so I have room to appreciate the big ones. . .

A flat tire is nothing because at least I have a safe vehicle.
I am an unemployed, poor recent college graduate but I have an education and the support of my boyfriend through this financial and mental struggle.
I can super glue my winter boots' ripped seam and use inserts to make them work for one more winter. 

There are many, many, many things to be thankful for. Every single day. It's funny how much easier it is to remember to this, during the holiday season.

Thankful November

# 23 I am thankful to be a Bronco! While I didn't always enjoy some of the challenging work or the amount of debt I am in because of my schooling, I am SO thankful to have had the opportunity to attend Western Michigan University and just be part of such an amazing school that cares about the student body. It's a great day to be a Bronco!  ; )

# 24 I am thankful for my boyfriend's family. A family I hope to become my future in laws. It's tricky to figure out who's home to celebrate which holiday at etc, so this year I will be celebrating with my mom and her mom. While my boyfriend celebrates with his dad's side of the family. When finding out I wasn't going to make it to their dinner this year ,his dad said " aw, that's too bad" His statement made me smile, I love my second family, they're great people <3 

# 25 I am thankful for good cooks. While my Gram, Daddy, & mom are all great cooks. I am lacking in this department. My grandma and dad have been cooks for a living. People RAVE about their food and for good reason. I am thankful I get to enjoy another home cooked thanksgiving with my grandma.

# 26 I am thankful for the men and women who serve and protect this country. While military men and women are probably what you're thinking I mean even more than them. The healthcare professionals (*think* EMTS and others) and police officers/firefighters too!  All of them sacrifice so much most importantly time with their families and sometimes their own lives for the safety of ours!! I am beyond thankful for all that they do for us. 

# 27 I am thankful for my driver's education. Michigan roads can be trying this time of the year. Add in careless drivers and disaster awaits. I was mad at the time, but looking back -- my grandparents & mom making me wait to take driver's ed. until Winter time was one of the best decisions they ever made. I am a good driver and navigate these icky roads like a boss! ha, sorry...I just had to. Anyway, tomorrow my boyfriend and I will be traveling about 45 minutes to our hometown. Our hometown plows are struggling to keep up with the snow! We got more than a 12inches in some areas and roads are icy and accidents are nonstop. I wish safe travels for all! And remember it's better to be late than never arrive >> slow down!

KC <3

Jingle Balls?

Happy Friday, Friends! 

Boring but good night over here!

Other than checking my email constantly for news on my interviews, we're just having a 'Parenthood' marathon and I plan on tidying up our apartment for the Holidays.  

My boyfriend's mom future Mother-in-law ; ) is driving four hours to come and spend the holidays with us this year and she will be staying here for a week. 

Sooooo, naturally I'm going on a major cleaning spree!

I hope that hoarders is still on Netflix, that always helps me toss out stuff we don't truly need OR have space for!  

Ohhh, Monica. . .  : )

While I do not want to wish away the last of 2013 (Hellllo! Bring on the turkey, pumpkin pie & ALL THINGS Christmas!!!) BUT I am really excited to bring in the new year. . . 

Here's to hoping 2014 is better than this not-so-great year! 

Speaking of Christmas, 

have you seen this funny hilarious commercial?

Thankful November

# 22 I am thankful for my mom's best friend. My "aunt" Dawn. She is such a blessing for my mom and I and I love her like actual family. I can count on her more than actual family and friendships like that is rare. My mom is lucky to have her and I am thankful that my mom has a such a great, true friend. 

<3 KC

Questions & Nerves - OH MY!

As I mentioned last week, I had two interviews this week. These interviews were easily the most important ones I've ever had. Huge opportunities to finally begin my post-college career in the field that I actually studied! No pressure or anything . . .

I am a very anxious person and interviews are my biggest trigger; I become queen of awkward town and babble like a goofball when being interviewed. As soon as I get over five minutes of excited feelings, anxiety steps in and I dread the interview until it's over  I know if I've got the position or not! 

Okay, I might not be as awful as I think I am. Yesterday my last boss emailed me that she had already been called from the first interview I had, she said it went well and they actually told her "I am a top candidate" 

My first interview was for a position assisting felony probation/parole agents in the field. 

A great entry level position, good pay, and I want it so badly! I'm really excited to begin my career and I feel this position is a great place for me to start!  << this is the one that I'm a top candidate for . . . *fingers crossed*

My second interview was for a booking clerk position at the county jail! Holy guacamole, such an amazing opportunity. I want it so badly! After the interview I took a personality test and asked for a quick tour of the facility. It was great. I wasn't feeling very confident with this interview (maybe because a captain and two lieutenants in full uniform were conducting my interview) Once I felt like I was bombing the interview, I seriously couldn't wait to get out of there . . .

HA!

 The hardest part, as they say, is o-v-e-r. Now the waiting game! Oh joy!

Thankfully, I have the holiday season to distract me from worrying *too much* about the interviews every single waking moment! 

Thankful November!

# 16 I am thankful for kindness. A smile or simple words of encouragement can change someone's mood or entire day! It's amazing and I love being the recipient of kindness almost as much as practicing kindness. What can I say, I'm a smiley person . . .  : )

# 17 I am thankful for my car! Living forty-five minutes from my hometown (& immediate family) I rely on my car to go and visit with them. Now that the colder months are here, having a good running vehicle is important to me and I am thankful for my decent car.

# 18  I am thankful for photography! Life is constantly changing and that's why I believe memories are such treasures. Having a photo to bring back memories from a photo of old friends, lost loved ones, or funny times. . . I LOVE looking at old photos and taking new ones to look back on in the future!

Max smiling & waiting so patiently for me to throw his toy!

# 19 I am thankful for community volunteers/supporters. With the chaos that occurred during the tornadoes and severe storms, many people were left with no power and major home damage. Without places/people like the American Red Cross, those affected may not have had a warm place to sleep or a meal to eat. We all need the support of others. I am thankful organizations like this, exist. 

# 20 I am thankful for the hard workers that worked hard to restore power in my hometown and surrounding states affected by the weekends severe weather! My family was only without power for 48 hours and I am very thankful that my mom and pups all had a warm place to stay while the power was being restored. (thanks for watching my doggies, Gram)

# 21 (yikes I am really behind!) I am thankful for blogging! Since moving away from home (and my best friends) Blogging acts as an outlet for me to share happenings in my life or thoughts I have in my head the day I write a new post! Whether I have 0 or 5,000 readers, I truly enjoy blogging!

<3 KC

When you volunteer. . .

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful  committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Small groups that come together and plan out events, large or small, that aim to help another out are truly inspiring! Last November, a group I was associated with at college did many volunteer events in the community. One event I attended/volunteered at was Project Connect. This event turned out to be my second favorite event/organization I've ever volunteered for..{During High school, as part of National Honor Society, I helped out at Special Olympics. It was such an amazing opportunity.} 

Poverty Reduction Initiative or PRI hosts PROJECT CONNECT twice a year. It's purpose is to connect the community to free on-site community service, including: 

• health and medical screenings
• children’s & parenting services
• financial & legal
• housing & food assistance
• employment & education
• personal (haircuts, clothing, etc.)

The event is free – including public transportation, entertainment, and lunch! Around 300 volunteers sharing their time, energy, and knowledge. And between 600-1000 attendees per event.

Just half of the clothing donations for this year's November event! Amazing... : )

Upon arrival, Josh & I immediately helped a gentleman unload his car full of dog food and kitty litter! Holy cow there was a lot, awesome addition of pet supplies that I do not remember being available last year. 

Next, we unloaded TONS of boxes of clothing, sorted them all by type and size. I helped the caterer bring in his yummy smelling Thanksgiving style meal for participants and then helped with MORE clothing sorting! Finally help was needed checking in/registering all of the service providers and directing them to their booths! 

I wish we could have stayed for the entire duration of the event but being on 3rd shift kinda stinks! This year most of our work was done before the event even started but I know there was a great turnout and I am so happy that we were able to help from 9 to 12:30! By then, we were so tired, we let other volunteers relieve us of our duties and we headed home for a nap. 

Some time through out the course of the morning - while I was @ Project Connect - I missed a phone call! 

I was mortified and wanted to cry! The call I had missed was a potential employer trying to reach me for an interview! I immediately tried to call back and it was a "non working" number aka they don't accept incoming calls. I was so bummed out but I couldn't change the situation so I continued working until it was time to head home. After I was home, I finally fell asleep only to get a second phone call -- they called back and I have an interview next Wednesday afternoon!  Yahoooo!

The cherry on top? 

I got another phone call today 

I now have a second interview next week at a job that's also in my field! 

Say Whaaaaaaat?

Months of nothing and then suddenly TWO 

interviews for different positions actually in my field!?

Thankful November:

# 13 I am thankful for comedy and laughter. To quote one of my favorite bands - life is not always rainbows & butterflies, days when I'm in a grumpy mood, I love nothing more than searching YouTube for funny videos or looking at gifs for my next blog post...ha! It truly is the simple things, ya'll friends. : ) 

# 14 I am thankful for my love of reading! Books are WAY better than the movies and I love finding a good book that I can just get lost in. Similar to curing a bad mood with funny YouTube videos, I enjoy escaping reality sometime through reading and getting caught up in the story. Nicholas Sparks books make my heart smile, cheesy or not they are right up my alley!

# 15 Family traditions! I love a good family tradition and I cannot help but get overly excited thinking about baking Christmas cookies with my mom and my gram <3 I am so thankful for those little traditions that remain unchanged throughout my life. Means so much more than any gift I could find under the tree. 

<3 KC

Snow Day?

Wow, I am pretty terrible at writing consistently on here.I blame my 3rd shift lifestyle laziness!

My boyfriend works in a law enforcement agency and that's the route I'm planning to go down as well. "Crime never sleeps/stops, neither do we" is a saying I've heard repeatedly throughout my undergraduate study...but gosh, 3rd shift life is pretty rough! Even on his days off we're on the opposite schedule as everyone else. Awake some days until 9 a.m. and sleep often until after 5 p.m. -- I never have energy & I'm not a fan!

Anyway, I was shocked to wake up and hear about this:

Downtown St. Joseph, MI morning of 11/12/13.

Michigan *specifically the South West region* was hit hard with snow. Reports of between 9 and 15 inches of new snow across Berrien County {my mom & Grandma live here} Many area schools even closed due to weather/road conditions! 

Interstate 94 near Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, MI

Similar to what it looks like outside near where I live! Ha ha, nothin'

Crazy how a short 45 minute drive has such different outcomes! The good old 'lake effect'.

I love having less snow where I live because that means less shoveling and less work cleaning snow/ice off the car! But I also love living 45 minutes from where I grew up, and where we always get bombarded in the Winter time!

Now that I am not walking in a blizzard across campus, wishing I had skipped class, I enjoy the snow much more. I couldn't imagine living where I didn't have snow during the Holiday season. : )

Thankful November

# 9 I am thankful for social media! Crazy as it sounds to list this so high in my thankfulness, I truly am thankful for the opportunity to connect with family members/friends who live far away. Before Facebook I had to rely on snail-mail and then email but with Facebook, Skype, blogging, etc. I am afforded the luxury of truly connecting with family & I'm thankful!

# 10 I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my tummy. Often I catch myself complaining about the run down apartment I call "home" or the lack of food options in the fridge. But I try to remember, at the end of the day. I still have a place to call home, I am thankful for the warmth inside my home as we're entering a cold winter season and thankful for every full tummy I have after meals we've made and eaten. 

# 11 Tomorrow morning J and I are volunteering with a group whose primary mission is poverty reduction. They hold an event twice a year where community resources {free haircuts by the beauty college, DHS to assist with information and helping people complete the paperwork for government assistance, homeless shelters, women's shelters, support groups, clothing and hygiene products that were generously donated by the community for those in need, etc} are all made available under the same roof with free transportation and a free lunch provided for anyone in need that attends the event. My heart is so full when I help out with events such as this therefore I'm thankful for the opportunity to volunteer my time with organizations that do so much good in communities. note: I intend to recap this year's and maybe last years experience later this week or early next.

# 12 I am thankful for my college education. As much as I cringe at the thought of my $20,000+ debt in student loans and the stress of all things college university related, I am so so so thankful that I was able to attend and complete my bachelor of arts degree in a subject that I am very passionate about. My education changed my life. Throughout those four years, I became a much more open-minded and well-rounded individual. For those qualities and a great sense of accomplishment/pride, I am beyond thankful!!!



<3 KC

GIVE IT TO ME!!

Tomorrow my mom is coming to visit and take Josh and I out for brunch, I can't wait! : )

Next Wednesday Josh & I are volunteering with the Poverty Reduction Initiative in Kalamazoo at the Project Connect event, I'll post more about that next week...

Exciting news that I debated not sharing but ultimately decided I can't hold it in any longer...I've finally got a lead for a job! The Sheriff's office contacted me via email to say that my application was pulled to continue further into the hiring process. I had to fill out a second application and now my fingers are crossed. This is HUGE! I've been applying to all kinds of jobs near the city I live in and have had very little luck. This job is directly related to my schooling and I am very hopeful that this is the break I've been waiting for! 

Wish me luck or say a prayer, this job would be life changing...

I know very little next to nothing about cameras. I have an outdated semi-decent camera of some sort but I hardly ever take photos because 1) it's outdated and takes less than good quality photos 2) I'm forgetful. When something exciting is going on I don't always remember to snap a photo. But I did the best I could with some photos I have saved on my computer to compile a picture-filled Thankful November post to catch up on the days I've missed.

# 5 I am thankful for animals, specifically my pets. I am so in love with my dogs. They have become more than just dogs or pets, they are part of my family. I feel so amazing when I come to visit them and they can't even contain their emotions of excitement!

Romeo; Are his lovins' not super adorable? I just LOVE him.

This is Maxwell aka Max. He's 'patiently' waiting for me to throw his toy...

(Oh, please excuse the flooring, my mom was getting new carpet installed. ha!)

# 6 I am thankful for cousins. As an only child, growing up was much more fun when I was hanging out with my cousins! John a year older, Katie (his sister) a year younger than me...well we were two 3 peas in a pod. Those two happen to be the ones I have always been closest to but I am a very lucky girl in the cousins department. I am smack dab in the middle when it comes to age, and I love it!  

My three "baby" cousins. Liz, me, Doug, & Stephanie.

The one on the left is now a freshman in high school; Holy cow!

# 7 I am thankful for my country. Specifically the freedoms we have and often take for granted in America. I have never experienced life in another country or culture for that matter but I am very thankful for my life here in the good 'ole mitten state, US of A! Just knowing that I can choose to purchase groceries or grow my own; I can choose to use swear words or not; I can choose to believe in religion or not believe; I can choose to be a republican, democrat, or other and I actually get a say vote. The mere choices I have at my disposal as a citizen of my country brings me joy and I am very thankful for the freedoms I have.  

Spotted this while looking out of the ship (USS Midway) on our San Diego vacation 2011.

# 8  I am thankful for friends! Especially the good ones and I have a lot of those. Mostly from high school, but what can I say? My class and a few of the girls from the class under me are just amazing! : )  

My senior class, Watervliet High School Class of 2009! 

Throwback photo, my senior year. Jessica, me, Katie, and Kelsey LOVE Them.

<3 KC

#Hashtag

Monday already? 

Uhmm, where did the weekend go?

Friday we drove down to our hometown to watch our high school play defeat our rivals in pre-district playoffs. Josh's dad met us there and he & I both agree -- it feels like just yesterday we were there cheering J on...the past 5 years have flown by. Crazy!

Saturday I lounged around pretty much all day. boring and perfect for this cold Fall weather!

 Sunday was spent cleaning our apartment, baking cookies, and watching Parenthood. After finishing all of the available seasons on Netflix of Breaking Bad (it's killing me to not know what happens in the last season!) we I decided to start watching Parenthood. We LOVE it! 

On an unrelated note, I posted this video to my Facebook page about a month ago; since watching it, I STILL can't stop laughing! J & I are constantly doing obnoxious Hash tags with our hands in real life #cantstopwontstop 

Thankful November:

#2 I am thankful for my mother. Without her I would not exist. She taught me so much in life. And I love her so very much. She's always been one of my very best friends! I am so lucky to have her and I am very thankful she's my mom. 

#3 My grandma and papa - my mom's parents - as my mom was a teen mother, her parents helped us out tremendously over the years! My papa passed away 5 years ago this December from Cancer, I miss him everyday, but my love and gratefulness towards him and my gram are infinite. <3

#4 My daddy rob! My biological father is your 'worst case scenario--teen "dad" situation' > needless to say my mom's boyfriend at the time she found out she was pregnant, stepped up to the plate that another guy walked away from. Years down the road my mom and him broke up, and to this day he's still around and still 'dad' and one of my mom's best friends. We love him so much and I'm very thankful for him!

<3 KC

Racist Costumes & Thankful November!

While Halloween has passed and we are beginning the month of November, something I really want to address is the controversy and backlash, actress Julianne Hough received regarding her costume choice this Halloween. 

  

According to Julianne, she is a fan of the show, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she plays: 'Crazy eyes'. BOOM >> *insert costume Idea*. 

When you Google "Crazy eyes", there are almost an equal amount photos of Julianne Hough in her costume as there are of actress Uzo Aduba aka Crazy eyes from Netflix Original Series 'Orange is the New Black'. 

I am not easily offended by things such as a Halloween costume, political opinions/debates, most profanity, etc. But the more I reflect on the situation Hough is now facing, I can't help but think that if her use of "black face" is so offensive and inappropriate, why are the following costumes not offensive in the very same way?

Sexy Indian?

Mexican Serape?

"White Face??" Geisha?

Please! Someone explain the difference in any of these offensive/racist/off-putting costumes?
Why is it okay for a person to be the three bottom options but a controversy for the top costume? If one is wrong/racist/offensive should the other three I've listed NOT be in the same category and ''off limits'' as well? I believe that answer is YES.

All of these costumes can/may be offensive or non-offensive based on the sensitivity of audiences. Just as plenty of other costumes can be / are offensive...I personally would not be offended to see any of the costumes I've listed, however 

I do believe considering one as inappropriate and not considering the rest equally inappropriate,is hypocritical and absurd!

Just something that has been bugging me. 

*End rant*

Tonight, my boyfriend and I went to the first of pre-district playoff games for our High school; they played our rivals tonight...SO fun. To top it off they won 44 to 0 -- Go Panthers!

And lastly, as today marks the first of November, I've decided to share one thing I am thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. I will likely miss days because I do not update daily, but in that case I will double triple up on my thankfulness! : ) 

#1 I am thankful for my supportive and loving boyfriend, without him I truly would be lost. (*rolls eyes*; cliche, I know...but TRUE!) I am so thankful for having him in my life the past five years. 

Handsome man of mine one night in my college dorm. <3 <3 <3

Night of our 4 year dating anniversary!  : )

Happy weekend!