Archives

Confession of a Jayhawk…

Mar21

If you’ve ever met me, you know that I will start talking about some sport within about ten minutes of meeting you. Probably football.

And, if we’re talking about football I’ll immediately mention that I love the Philadelphia Eagles, and will then probably spend the rest of the conversation dismissing any criticism you have about anything to do with the Eagles, including who our quarterback is.

Michael Vick

Maybe, baseball. Which I’ll quickly tell you I am a Phillies fan. How I jumped on my couch like a maniac when they won the World Series. That I cried – actually cried – when Harry Kalas, a man I never met, died.

Celebrating their World Series win.

Phillies Broadcaster, Harry Kalas

And, if we’re talking college basketball, I will, within about forty-seven nano seconds begin prattling about the Kansas Jayhawks. How I freaking love them. Think Bill Self is amazing. Class act.

Thomas Robinson – love the kid.

The Morris twins (now playing in the NBA) – hail from my hometown of Philly.

And go on and on and on. I’ll rattle on about them so passionately you would think the University of Kansas birthed me from her campus. But, I have a confession to make…..

I’ve never even attended the University of Kansas. Never taken a class. Never been enrolled. Stepped on campus three times in my life – twice to attend a game at Allen Fieldhouse and the first time ever, to get into the Fieldhouse while it was empty (which I did – and it was awesome).

My first ever trip to Lawrence, KU and Allen Fieldhouse, six years ago.

Why on Earth would I love a team from a school I’ve never even attended? Well, for starters, my boyfriend did attend KU. So, there’s that. And he has a lot to do with my passion for the team. I mean, if it weren’t for him, I probably never would have sat down and watched a KU game. But, man, am I glad I did.

I read another blog today that talks about what it’s like to be a Jayhawk, and you should definitely read it, too. While reading it, I was thinking, ‘yes! I completely agree!’

I know it probably seems silly to get so wrapped up in a sports team – especially one from a school I didn’t even attend – heck, I’m not even FROM Kansas.

But there’s something about them. The passion. The drive. The love. The EXPECTATIONS.

You see, Jayhawks expect to win. Every year. Not the conference, which they’ve won eight consecutive years, by the way. Not the Big 12 Conference Tournament. But the NCAA tournament. They expect it. Despite losing most of their team to the NBA draft or graduation. Despite the NCAA clearing house declaring players academically ineligible to play. Despite whatever else is thrown at them – injuries, sanctions, whatever. There is an expectation to win. Year in and year out.

So the losses. The losses to teams with names that start with B. The losses to the UNI’s and VCU’s. They hurt. And they hurt bad. They cut deep. The expectations in Jayhawk nation are so high that you’re shocked, truly shocked, when they lose.

Because it just seems unimaginable. Lose? We don’t do that.

I’ve only been cheering for the Jayhawks for a little under six years, but the moment I became a Jayhawk, the moment I truly felt like I was one, came in San Antonio, in 2008.

I believe in miracles

I was fortunate enough to be present for the shot pictured above. “Mario’s Miracle.” He made a believer outta me. And I felt the Jayhawk blood starting pumping through my veins. Up until that point, I was merely a sideline fan who cheered for the team because her boyfriend went to the school.

And always hoped they won because those rare losses put him in a grouchy mood for the rest of the day.

But on that night, I was cheering for them to win, because if they lost, I’d be grouchy. I’d be crushed. I’d feel like it was my fault. That I didn’t cheer hard enough. Because there was an expectation to win.

So with the NCAA tournament in full swing, and my Jayhawks headed to the Sweet 16, I am fully anticipating being giddy with excitement, nervous with anticipation, anxious with expectations.

Just like the rest of Jayhawk Nation.

Because, I’m a Jayhawk – and proud of it.

Rock Chalk!

X-Factor Audition

Mar16

I mention in Spring Break, that I was going to audition for X-Factor.  I didn’t mention really when, or even where!  So, let me give a little more information.  For starters, I am enrolled in two schools, the University of Central Oklahoma (which is my degree issuing institution) and the local community college (I live in Olathe, Kansas), Johnson County Community College (where I am taking my final math class).  Because I am enrolled in two schools, I have two different start and end dates and two different spring breaks.  UCO started a week earlier than JCCC (even though their spring break is a week later, figure that one out).  So, JCCC’s spring break has been this week.

X-Factor started their audition this week in Kansas City.  My audition was Wednesday, March 14th.  Here’s the story:

Monday, March 12th – Registration begins.  I head down to Kemper Arena to pick up my wrist band and ticket.

Image

This bad boy means I will be auditioning and is my key to getting to the floor!

Image

But, I won't be going anywhere, if I don't have this as well!

Tuesday, March 13th – I stress all day about the audition the next day.  Practice several songs, prepare 5 and ultimately decide to go with Sunday Morning by Maroon 5.

Wednesday, March 14th:

4 A.M. – The alarm goes off telling me that my audition is TODAY!  I spend the next hour and fifteen minutes getting ready.  Brett is wonderful and makes me some toast and gets a protein shake for me.  I make sure I have my i.d. and put some snacks and drinks in my bag, and we head out the door

5:30 A.M. – We arrive at Kemper Arena and it is swarming with excitement.  We pay the parking attendant and head over to get in line.  As the morning progresses, more and more people show up.

7 A.M. – Taping for the show begins.  There are cameras, helicopters, music, everything.  The show’s crew is walking around talking to people and encouraging lots of singing and dancing.

9:30 – Taping commences and we start heading indoors.  By now there are about six thousand people in line.

Image

10:15 – Everyone is finally inside and the producers start announcing information about the process.

10:30 – The first section of people are taken down to audition.  I’m in the fourth section.  It’s been a long day already, and I’m starting to get really nervous.

12:00 – Two sections of people have been taken to audition, but now that it’s lunch time, some of the judges have gone to eat and things are not moving along as quickly.

1:45 – I am hungry, so Brett goes to buy some lunch.  He comes back with some Nachos for me and BBQ sandwich for himself.  I have been drinking water like it’s going out of style trying to stay hydrated.

2:15 – My section has been called down to audition!  I am so nervous.

Image

The set up inside. Somewhere down there is a judge who will be deciding if I advance today...

2:30 – I meet my judge and do my audition.  He thanks me for coming out, but it’s a no today.

2:45 – I meet Brett outside of Kemper and we head for the car to go home.

While I am disappointed I didn’t make it through the first round of auditions, I am so proud of myself for doing something that has frightened me in the past.  I know that I gave a good audition.  I also know that I haven’t auditioned for anything in ten years!  So, I am proud of my audition.  Ultimately, looking back, I think I chose the wrong song.  It all comes down to song choice.  But now that I know what I need to work on, I can work on it, and try again.

Who knows, maybe next year I’ll make it through the first round!

I hope you enjoyed sharing my journey as much as I enjoyed going through it.  It was a really long day, but it was so worth it – even though the answer was no.

The main thing I learned from this is to try.  I have talked myself out of many scary things in the past, simply because I was too afraid to try.  I’m so glad I tried this.

Spring Break

Mar7

Spring Break is almost here and I know most people are really looking forward to it (especially my teacher friends)!  Some will be traveling and others will simply being catching up on things they feel they’ve neglected.  As for me, I will be making sure I don’t make any missteps and compromise my upcoming GRADUATION!!!!!!

Today, I received my graduation tickets and I could not be more excited – I even did a song and dance in the kitchen, much to Brett’s amusement.

In addition to making sure I graduate, I’ll also be job searching – something I dislike only slightly less than moving, which I will do almost anything to get out of doing.  While losing my job was definitely a shock, it puts me in a unique position to pursue whatever field I desire – perhaps something degree related?!?!  I’ve already reached out to my contacts and I’ve begun updating my resume, so I believe that I’ll be able to find something.

Also, during the break I will be doing something really exciting – something that I’ve thought about doing for awhile, but never had the courage to follow through…. I’ll be auditioning for X-Factor!!!  I was going to audition for American Idol last summer when they were in St. Louis, but I was too scared.  I figured that since I’m not working right now, this is the perfect time to face my fear and do it.  Best case, I make it through the first round of auditions.  Worst case, I don’t but I’m a better person for having done it.

I’m really nervous, but I’m also pretty excited about it.

I hope you have a wonderful break as well, however you chose to spend it!

Reflection of 2011

Dec21

We’ve almost completed another year.  Another year filled with memories and moments.  I’m sure we all had high moments and low moments.  Feel free to share yours here, in the comment section.

As I sit here looking back on the year that’s passed, I can’t help but feel so fortunate and realize how truly blessed I am.  I know that there are others less fortunate, so I try not to take anything for granted.  Here are my reflections on the year:

1) This year we were able to support more charities.  Our first event was in February, The Bacchus Foundation’s yearly ball.  I posted about it earlier this year and posted photos from the event.  Then in June (my birthday month!) we went to Jazzoo again.  Instead of presents, this year I asked for donations to the Kansas City Zoo.  They currently don’t have penguins, which are my favorite animals and I think it should be a crime to not have them!  I also posted about this earlier in the year.  I am happy to report, however, that construction for the penguin village has begun and penguins should begin arriving around 2013!  I can’t wait.

Also, this year we went to the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (NAIFA) first annual charity gala.  The theme was a throw back to the old days of glitz and glamour and had a casino.  The proceeds of the event went to Operation Breakthrough, a local charity that supports children.  To learn more about their work visit their website. Finally, we also attended NAIFA’s annual Firefighter of the Year banquet; an event held by the Greater Kansas City chapter to show appreciation for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line everyday.  The honorees are amazing people, doing amazing things within their communities and it was awesome to be a part of it.

2) There were some sad moments throughout the year.  My grandmother in Philadelphia passed away in March, and Brett’s uncle   in October.  Throughout everything, we were reminded that we have the best people in our lives.  Thank you to anyone who said a prayer; sent a card, text message, phone call; or just stopped to ask us how we were.  We appreciate you all more than you know.

3) There were some amazing adventures in 2011 as well.  This summer we spent a lot of time at the lake house.  The expansion is complete and it looks amazing!  It’s nice to have a place where the whole family can come together just to be together.  We also got to take a HUGE family vacation to Mexico.  There were 17 of us.  We threw a surprise birthday party for Brett’s aunt.  She has no idea we were all going to be there and was so surprised to see everyone there when she arrived.  It was a wonderful week, full of wonderful memories.  One of the coolest adventures we took this year was going to the freaking World Series!  We went to Game 7 in St. Louis!!!  It was so much fun (even if the Rangers lost) and possibly one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.

4) Last year I mentioned that there were lots of weddings, babies and engagements.  Well this year we celebrated those things.  My brother and sister in law welcomed another daughter to the family in August, Scout Marie.  She is adorable and looks like my brother.  My sister Janine got married in August and my cousin Elyse tied the knot in October.  THIS year saw more engagements and next year is going to busy with weddings.  By my count there are six!  Congratulations to all our friends and family that will be wedding within the next year!  We look forward to celebrating with you!

5) I wrote last year that I had started school again and that I was hoping to report that I’d be finished by now.  Well, I’m not finished yet, BUT I believe I will be finished in May!  I couldn’t be more thrilled, so start looking for graduation announcements in the spring (be sure I have your email address, phone number or home address so you can get an announcement).

6) Finally, like last year, my favorite thing from 2011 is that it’s another year Brett and I spent together (number 5!).  I know it’s cheesy, but it’s true.  Each year we spend together just reaffirms what I already know; I love our life.  He makes me happy and was an amazing support when my Grandmom died.  I couldn’t ask for a better partner!

So, that’s my year in a small recap.  I hope your 2011 was everything you dreamed it would be.  And, if it wasn’t, I hope 2012 is the year of YOU!

Happy Holidays and a truly Happy New Year!

The War on Christmas

Dec12

So I’ve been seeing and hearing an awful lot of noise about this “war on Christmas.” And I can’t help but shake my head in disappointment. There is NOT a war on Christmas. Let me repeat that, THERE IS NOT A WAR ON CHRISTMAS!

Advent Wreath

I get so irritated when I hear someone say “happy holidays’ and the person they say it to responds with something along the lines of ‘oh, you mean happy Christmas.” No, jerk. I mean happy holidays. If I meant happy Christmas I would have said that. You know why I didn’t say that? Probably because if I don’t know you, I don’t know which holiday you celebrate.

In case you have forgotten, Christmas is not the only holiday in December. Just because you don’t happen to celebrate any of the others doesn’t mean they don’t happen. And to insist that other people say happy Christmas is not only ignorant, but incredibly rude, intolerant and downright stupid.

Just because you celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean you get to force Christmas on everyone else. And that goes for the other holidays, as well. If you celebrate Hanukkah, that’s awesome. Kwanzaa? Fantastic! And for those of you who get annoyed and upset because you’re starting to see more and more Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stuff at the stores, why are you upset? Why can’t those holidays be just as over commercialized and their meanings just as lost, too? Are we really so selfish as a society that we’re also trying to control who’s holiday gets to be the most commercialized?

Menorah for Hanukkah

So, when I say Happy Holidays, I’m not saying it to wage war on Christmas. I’m saying because I don’t know which of the many and wonderful December holidays you celebrate. And if you were a polite human being you would respond with a simple, ‘thank you. And a Happy (insert your holiday here).” Since I’m a smart person, I’ll figure out you’re telling me which holiday to tell you to enjoy the next time we should meet.

Kinara for Kwanzaa

So, Happy Holidays, Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Festivus to all of you. And if you don’t celebrate at all because you don’t believe in any of it, well then, Happy Solstice and Happy December.

Happy December

Happy Winter Solstice