Music Monday

I am not trying to say that I am a music head. I listen to music I like, whether it is classical, r&b, jazz, musical theatre, blues, rock, and something in-between I love having a wide range of music to listen to at any given moment. Lately at work, I have been ignoring my co-workers. Basically, I can throw on my headphones and get taken away…and get a lot of work done in the meantime. Here is a small snipit of what has been keeping my attention as of late. Some old…some new…and some random KJ picks. Enjoy!


Nina Simone: My Baby Just Cares For Me

Doobie Brothers: Oh What A Night

Kanye West: Homecoming

Billy Joel: You May Be Right

MIMS: This Is Why I’m Hot

AC/DC: Thunderstruck

Adele: Hometown Glory


I have more… I can’t give away too much. Then you will know what is behind my madness!


Loves,


Kelly

adventures in homeownership

I own a house! I did it all by myself. Purchased it in June 2010, a gigantic tree limb fell about 2 weeks later and since then I've had a few lessons in dealing with insurance, contractors, and insurance adjusters. It is a feeling of accomplishment, confusion, and many questions... not so much with the answer part. But, I guess that is the fun part.

Lately, I have been trying to stay on top of yard work, and maintaining the outside for the long, ugly Minnesota winter. One of the things I haven't dealt with is turning on the heat. It has been so warm and why-- turn on the heat? Well, the last week it has been more and more cold. And at night I am dragging Hendrix under the covers to snuggle me to keep me warm. Against my better judgement I decided to flip on the heat.

When I did this nothing happened. I went downstairs to the furnace and looked around. Checked everything out. What was I looking for? I had a flashlight, but I was shining into the great unknown. I felt some pipes, nothing was warm, I moved this gas lever around --which was very scary. But still nothing. I took to my twitter account. Obviously. I got the advice to google the furnace. Which I did -- and it showed me how to take off the cover. I was still unsure, so I grabbed the instructions and read through it (Which by the way are really hard to read...it has a bunch of tables and gas charts which seem very unnecessary) I looked through a window thingee and it had a red light on, So its on right? I played with the circuit breaker, flashed around some more and still got nothing.

So I did the next best thing. I went next door to my neighbors. So, I was like... "Hey Steve... Can you come and look at my furnace?" He totally was all about it. "Let me grab my flashlight and toolbox" Now, this sounds like a really great sexual encounter. Its not. If you are looking for that. No. That didn't happen. He came over, checked it out. Took off the door flashed some stuff, played with this switch, turned back on the gas (i turned it off before), and flipped a switch again and all the sudden everything kicked on! It was amazing! I was so excited and I felt this pipe and it was warm. I was so happy.

That is my story. I learned a few things this time around, and I am sure something similar will happen again down the road. Here is what I learned:
1. Ask for help. (I did eventually) 2. Do research (I figured somethings out mostly it was confusing but atleast I can identify my furnace and know the model # and stuff)
3. Don't play with gas (that is self explanatory) 4. Use people that are homeowners that figured this stuff out before. 5. When in doubt ask a mature man (they love helping helpless women)

After all the excitement I am enjoying a glass of wine. Its a lot of work. This house business.
Cheers,
Kelly

Welcome Back Moss!

Sitting at home watching Glee. I am completely transfixed on the television. Reach over to my cell phone. Scroll up to check anything going on Twitter. What? WHAT? WHAT? I jump out of my seat and Hendrix is jumping on me... What is all the excitment? Randy Moss has signed with the Vikings.
The day instantly got better.

I am a huge sports fan. I am a huge Vikings fan. I love the prospect of being tough to beat down the stretch. Seeing the Vikings winless in the first two games of the season was a huge reality check. We obviously have a lot of weaknesses that we needed to address and fast. It's troubling that everyone thinks that this season is going to be similar to last for the Vikings. No way. No how... we had a lot of things going for us last season that just aren't there this season. Favre is one year older...Sidney Rice is not available for another 3-4 weeks. Our defense doesn't seem as up to par as we have been. We've got to make our team stronger, and adding a veteran wide reciever is the way to go.

That being said, for all the people that hate on Randy Moss. C'mon. It was more than 6 years ago when he had some legal, immaturity, issues with the team. Yeah, there was that meter maid that he might of knocked down with his luxury vehicle. And then there was that one mooning incident... That Joe Buck called "disgusting" but I hope the fans and the NFL community give him a chance. Give him a chance to redeem himself. To my knowledge he had little problem in New England. When you look especially at the NFL there are a lot of redemption happening: Ray Lewis, Pac-Man Jones, T.O... Give him a break. Give him a chance to behave badly...then judge him.

I've always had a special place in my afro heart for Randy Moss. And I hope you will too. Go Vikings!

Kelly

I apologize for spelling errors. Blogspot spellcheck is being a handful.

my twitterview

What is a twitterview? Well it's an interview completely done using only twitter. Does that make sense? Sure.. or not. Anyhow, It is with a smart guy named Joel Carlson who created this phenomenon on his own. He does about 6 a week, with all different people from all walks of life in the Twin Cities. Its great to learn about people you may follow on twitter, a nice way to get a little bit closer to the peeps that make social media in Minnesota so special. I still cannot figure out how I was included on it.

I am attaching the link here. Check it out. I was really excited when he asked me if I would take part, and I jumped at the opportunity. Here you go:
http://tinyurl.com/324y9ge

Crock Pot Chili

Just in time for the fall -- I whipped out my crockpot to create some chili before the Vikings game on Sunday. I will admit it. I am not much of a chef. I experiment very little in the kitchen. But this seemed easy enough...a dump and pour -- something I could not fail at.
Outcome? Kinda successful. The chili was good, a little bit bland -- I should have added some sea salt or more chili powder. There wasn't much pow!! I will season the ground beef a little bit heavier next time.

Another side note, I need more friends. I called/texted about a half dozen people who all were "busy" and didn't accept the offer to taste my Chili. Except Tiffany. She enjoyed it and even got to take some for lunch the next day. The downside of being fabulous and single is that I have chili for days y'all....I froze 2 tupperwares full and have some in the fridge...Guess what I am eating for the next few days? Yum. Here is the recipe, If you make it tell me what you think.
xoxo, Kelly

Christy’s Chili




2 lbs ground beef


29 oz can kidney beans (with liquid)


29 oz can pinto beans (with liquid)


29 oz can tomato sauce


1 cup diced onion


1/2 C diced green chilies


3 medium tomatoes or one large can of diced


1 1/2 tsp black pepper


2 C water


2 tsp salt


3 T chili powder


1/4 C diced celery


2 tsp cumin


Brown ground beef until done and drain off fat. In large pot (or crock pot), combine the beef plus all remaining ingredients. If in pot, bring to a simmer over low heat and cook, stirring every fifteen minutes, for two to three hours.


If in a crock pot, stir to combine and cover. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

BPC: after thoughts

So, I did finish the BluePrint Cleanse. It was much more challenging than I expected and I felt really accomplished that I finished it. The final day I went to a Twins game. BIG MISTAKE... Huge... ((that is a reference to Pretty Woman)) The smells, atmosphere, it was a bit much. The person sitting directly next to me was eating a brat, then chicken fingers, then a Tony O --cuban. I was not impressed.

Other than that. I did well. The last day I didn't finish #5 or #6 because it was too much. You'd be hugely surprised of how filling the juices were. I couldn't drink them at all. So I went to bed and woke up feeling energized. I was thinking of what I was going to eat that day but I made it through mid-morning without eating anything other than some water. I am sure my stomach was shrunken. Is that a word?

Anyhow, I feel awesome. A lot of people had opinions about this cleanse and whether or not I should have done it. I got a lot of criticism too, which was kind of unnerving. It wasn't a reason to drop pounds quick, it wasn't something I did not carefully consider. It was a good experience and I would recommend anyone to do it --if they do research & find out if it is right for them.

Cheers,

Kelly

BPC: Day Three

Overnight observations: I haven't been able to drink all of #6. It is hands down the most delicious, but its thick and by the end of the day I just am kind of "done" drinking liquids. I saved the two swallows of the night before to drink the next day-- to get me ready for the Green Juice, but I never did. I hope tonight I will want to slam it down. We'll see. Also I had crazy stomach growling when I was reading last night. My tummy doesn't like cleanse time. Or does it?

Everything is fine. Although I am pretty hungry. Low energy level today. Although I woke up after 12pm. Green Juice #1 went down okay, the Green Juice #3 did not. I finally poured 1/3 of it down the drain. I couldn't take it. I am drinking #4 the Spicy Lemonade. Its nice and light.

I had 2 issues today. I smelled some yummy delicious greek food and that almost pushed me over the edge. And I am going to the Twins game tonight at Target Field -- that is going to be REALLY tough. I am going to have a good time, but without food.

Full Update on the completion of BPC coming tomorrow.
www.blueprintcleanse.com

BPC: Day 2 CONTINUED

Disclaimer:
You pee a lot when you are cleansing. There is a lot of bodily fluids. Well, not like that.

Green Juice doesn’t get better. I am chugging it now. Its 1:45pm and I haven’t finished #3 – it tastes like a
rotten time in my mouth. I have to remember I only have 2 more times to choke this down. Only hurdle is this juice. I also have that la-la feeling. I think it returns when I drink the "Green Juice"

Do I have a glow? I can’t tell.
http://www.blueprintcleanse.com/

BPC: Day Two

I am still alive after one day of juicing. And I was actually okay. This sounds like a surprise to me too, I haven’t consumed any solid food for more than 24 hours and I am still managing to walk around and have a bit of energy.
I woke up much earlier this morning because I had to work. So I thought this would be a huge advantage to drinking the awful Green Juice. I started drinking this at 8am, and by 10:15am I still hadn’t finished. I finally plugged my nose and slammed the rest down. I am sure the BluePrintCleanse folks did not think this would be the picture of their cleanse but seriously, that stuff is gross.
It’s barely 11:30am and the 2 is nearly gone. It takes me no time to finish this juice. I love PAM. Yummy. But, I slow down because I know once I finish this #3 is Green Juice again. Popped a couple Advil because I have that lingering headache that won’t go away. I felt like I had more energy this morning but its slowly wearing off and I feel a bit loopy. Could just be my work environment
I am going to keep plugging away. So far so good. I have read a few reviews and it says the Green juice will be even grosser if you have a toxic body, meaning I probably have eaten crappy, fried, processed food and my body is just revolting at the taste & texture of fresh, green vegetables.
Fun.
www.blueprintcleanse.com

BPC: Day One

I reluctantly decided to do a cleanse for my buddy Melissa Specken. (@MelissaSpecken) if you are the twitter type. I am not your normal beauty regiment type of girl. I actually don’t usually participate in fad diets, or anything of the sort. So when she asked if I would do it, I jumped and said YES! I was excited, especially after State Fair time. I indulged a little too much. So when the juices were delivered in their tidy, cute, and modern bottles I was stoked. Day One Here I come!

When I woke up I was looking forward to a granola bar or something light. Oh wait. I have something very light… 6 juices!!

1: Green Juice: this stuff is NASTY. It took me over an hour to slug this down. It is gross. Here is the juicy breakdown: romaine, celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale, parsley and lemon. First of all. Yuck. I hate this juice. It tastes like I shoved old lettuce in my mouth.
I was getting hungry and I felt like every time I looked up I saw an ad for some type of tasty delicious meal. I started up with my 2nd drink of the day.

2. P.A.M Yummy Yum time. This juice was a welcome change from the yuck-ola drink I slammed down before. This one was a light juice of Pineapple, Apple, and Mint. Yum. It was so light and refreshing; it tasted similar to a mojito. This took me less than 45 minutes to get down. I had to slow down from slurping it all up.

My energy level was low. I also had a lull headache. It wouldn’t go away. I felt really sluggish and wanted to just stay on the couch. I was tired and funny feeling. And not in the good way. I was dreaming about Shrimp Scampi. I think I saw a Red Lobster commercial.

3: Green Juice (Again) I don’t know. I hate this. I want to quit. This green juice is hellish. If I had to bottle hell it would be labeled green juice.
It was about 4pm by now, and I was increasingly worried that I wasn’t drinking fast enough. I didn’t want to speed drink but once one was done, I was onto the next. Unsure if this is okay but I went with it.

4: Spicy Lemonade: This one wasn’t bad; I thought it tasted like Lemonade. It has a hint of Cayenne pepper, and filtered water with Lemons. It is very Master Cleanse if you know what I am talking about. I didn’t mind this juice at all. It was actually pretty tasty.
My stomach started to ache. I don’t know if I am hungered or what. I also had to pee all the time. I was constantly going to the bathroom. Only pee. I would tell you if anything else happened.

5: CAB. I hate you. This is a mixture of Carrot, Apple, and Beets. I think. I don’t know. I refused to look at the bottle. This was like grinding up dirt, with food coloring, and then shaving a carrot in there. It was not nice. It also had a thick consistency. It wasn’t as terrible as “Green Juice” but – at this point in the day I was hungry so drinking it wasn’t a big deal.

6: Coconut Milk: Water, Raw Cashew, Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon, And Agave. I heard from Melissa (my new cleanse guru) that this was the best juice of the day! I was so excited to drink it. I was not disappointed. It tasted like a milky, sweet, goodness. It was so good! Yum. Good end to my first day of cleansing. *BUT* I didn’t finish the whole bottle. I think it was a little too much for me.

So far so good. I felt okay going to bed. Day 2 – and I have to head to work. So I hope everything goes well.  Want to learn more? The BluePrintCleanse website is top-notch.
Even more information and access to testimonials
Check it out here: http://blueprintcleanse.com/
Cheers!

Hot & Cold

This blogging thing is still an incredible experiment. I go in spurts of extreme "I've got so much to say" and then I go to "all quiet on the western front" I don't mean to do that to all of you readers out there. I just have been kinda of blah, and then busy. Then blah again.

I might jump around with my subject matter, so hang on tight. Or not.

Summertime in Minnesota is unbeatable. Honestly. No place I would rather be. I have been working out religiously --and by religious I mean about 3-4 times a week with a good friend. I love it. I have so much more energy and feel better. My breathing, my attitude, I don't know how I survive without it. When we don't feel like going in the gym we hit Lake Nokomis. Which has been a nice change of pace. I also bring Hendrix. He loves it. I imagine him snoozing the rest of the day after we go for a 6am brisk walk around the Lake. I love it. What will I do in the winter?? Probably stock up on workout DVDs --a little Jillian Michaels? Something called P90X. Perhaps!!!

Since I haven't invested in Cable TV -- I have been watching crazy amounts of DVDs. It is always nice to check out your personal collections again. All your DVDs do anyway is collect dust. My favorites are still: Love Actually, and Bridget Jones Diary. I did watch Bustin' Loose and Finding Nemo last week. Random I know, but both very good in their own special way. I also had the opportunity to borrow Mad Men from one of my co-workers. I LOVE THIS SHOW. I am watching it Season to Season. I am still on Season 2 but -- I will be done before the week is over. I can't believe I didn't watch this before, When I had full access to Cable. Jeez. I was sleeping on this show. The characters, the authenticity, the plot and story lines. I am in love with a TV show. I hear Season 4 just debuted. I don't know what I will do when I finish Season 3... Maybe get Cable? Doubtful. I love this show.

The Radio Shows are going well. I am learning alot and continue to be so grateful to have the opportunity to host these shows. I am quite fortunate in that respect. If you do listen, please drop me some feedback. I want to strive to get better each week.
The new house isn't really new anymore. I am working on a few projects and loving the home ownership. I honestly cannot believe it is "my house". I hate bugs, and had to be coerced (?) over the phone to kill a centipede. In my defense it was hairy and had about a billion legs. I eventually killed it, but screamed the entire time and had to wear rubber gloves and use about a half a roll of paper towel to dispose of it.

I do have local channels on a converter box and I watch the news often. (Duh) One show I can't miss is Big Brother. Go ahead and laugh and make fun but I really love this show. It is very interesting to see what will happen when people are shoved into this house with all the cameras. There is bound to be a romance. (Showmance they call it, and its icky) and deception, and backstabbing, and alliances. It's such a corny show but I am just drawn to it. I -- wish that I would be cast on this show because know I would go far. I can read people and don't let too much BS get past me. (or so I say...I could be the direct opposite) Being away from TV and Radio, and Newspapers and current events for an undetermined amount of time would be crazy. I don't know what I would do. I will say Big Brother is one of those shows either you like it... or you don't. I take no offense, most people DON'T.

Summer is slowly winding down. I hate it. Make me anxious and sad all at the same time. Trying to take full advantage by being outside as much as possible and partaking in all the sweet things the Twin Cities has to offer. Wish me Luck!

Next blog is about Flugtag. I had an amazing time. Stay tuned for that.
Out,

Kelly

Tongue-In-Cheek

Okay. So I am really confused.

I don’t currently have cable so I had to hear it from my twitter followers (& those I follow) about the Finale. I wasn’t really anticipating the finale because I have not really been a fan of the show since LC left. She was really the backbone of the Hills and I really tuned in to see what she was talking about. I felt like the other characters were just background characters. None of them, in my opinion, had the personality and charisma of Lauren, and the plot lines and scenarios of the other characters really lacked depth. (Yes, I am still talking about the Hills….That one MTV show)
So for you that don’t watch, or like me had to read all about it, there was a tongue in cheek moment where the final scene of the show has Brody Jenner hugging Kristen Cavallari and as Kristen gets whisked away in a towncar to live in London or something – the camera angle widens and it is revealed he is on a soundstage and its fake. Crew members appear and it looks as if a scene is wrapping. Oooh !!
This is CRAZY twist of fate. Not really, we knew all along that this show had some grey areas when it came to its authenticity. However, it is really crazy that they ended the series like this. When it comes to reality TV we know that some of it is going to be orchestrated, but one thing that this immediately reminded me of—is every time I sat around and watched…was it fake? It is kind of a bummer. The other thing that is disappointing is this series that started off basically as a spin-off to “Laguna Beach” really made the careers of several random no-name super duper D list “celebrities” Now we are left with Spencer Pratt, Heidi Montag, and Audrina Patridge as household names.  Ewww, make me cringle slightly. And even though they were rich, privileged young people before…they are even more rich, spoiled, entitled, and rotten than before.
For me, it doesn’t really change much. I stopped watching a few seasons ago, and only catch up with this bunch when they are on the cover of People or Us Weekly. It just brings up the question of reality TV, As much as I enjoy it, it’s not really REAL and hasn’t been for a long while.
xoxo
Kelly

This & That

this blogging thing definitely goes in waves. I had 2 posts in one day and now a few weeks later I am back on the train. I don't know what gives. So - I apologize to you 14 followers that are ready, willing, and able to read my posts.

I have noticed that if I keep these posts nice and tidy --short and efficient more people tend to read and comment so I might keep that going. It also helps that I haven't done too much in the blog worthy stratosphere, so that is also another excuse for the lack of blogs.

Exciting news! I started yet another job! Its another Radio hosting gig on ESPN 1500 Twin Cities. I am so excited-- It is a Men's Health Show and its on Saturday at 7am. This is kind of an issue for my crazy social life. But, I don't really have much of a social life. So there's that. Anyhow, each week a new doctor comes on and we talk about different topics. This week was with Dr. Nick Wills, and he was so awesome! The link isn't posted online yet, but it will soon and I will share. I was a bit nervous, a bit anxious, and I was just overall kinda of scared! It went off without a hitch. The doc was great... the subject (spine care/surgery) was good, we got callers, emails, it was a relief. Now, if every show goes like this I will be one happy girl. I hope you listen-- if you get a chance. Otherwise hit up the podcast.


I had the opportunity to go check out Streetcar Named Desire last week at the Guthrie and I was all about it. My friend, Sarah loves watching TCM and we just recently watched Streetcar on TV, it is such a great film so to see the stage version was really good. I was impressed by the entire production. I normally like going into a theatre performance not knowing much about the play, I couldn't really avoid this. In college we studied Tennessee Williams --so I had a good background on the play. It was very well done, I was so enamoured by the actors. They did an amazing job, the portrayals were spot on.

The only thing I would say is that it was rather long. I have a short attention span and it was testing me towards the end. I should work on that. Also,  Ricardo Antonio Chavira (he plays Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives) plays Stanley, and he did a masterful job. At some parts in the play I could hear Carlos talking to Gabby. It was very strange but very good. If you have the chance to check it out...you most definitely should.





Here is something I am mildly ashamed of admitting. I watched the Jake and Vienna drama on ABC last week. It was like watching a trainwreck, over and over and over again. I was glued to my TV. I also tweeted throughout the night. I am sharing them with you now. Go crazy. It is in descending order.

Jake is a goofy slimeball. He is just not truthful.



via mobile web


Jake is such a fake. she looked really surprised that he was like "shut up" LOL! this is like a trainwreck


8:54 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


Clearly Jake doesnt like an "underminer" Tenley is so happy that Jake picked Vienna.


8:51 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


guys hate getting directions. Jake is such a punk!


8:48 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


Why is Chris Harrison soooo concerned about Vienna doing any interviews? #ABC is trying to censor it's "reality" stars


8:46 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


Jus' Sayin': When you have to ask a guy to kiss you, that is NOT a good sign.


8:43 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


i really doubt Vienna stoped being passionate about Jake. although he does wear mock turtlenecks.


8:42 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


@Bethenny as much as i dont like Vienna i think she's telling the truth. no pet owner forgets when someone is talking s*** about thier dog!


8:36 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


 its getting good! who do you believe? #Jake #Vienna ??


8:34 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


He has shifty eyes. so that means Jake is lying.


8:31 PM Jul 5th via mobile web


Vienna looks like crap. Her hair resembles a ratty mop.


8:27 PM Jul 5th via mobile web

 #ABC dressed Jake tonight. he is such a fake!

I really don't have much more than that. Just working. House stuff. Hanging with the Pup. Enjoying the summer.

Cheers!
Kelly

Soccer Studs

In honor of the World Cup. I am giving it up for Soccer Players. (Say what?)

Listen, I am not jumping on some out of control bandwagon. I don't know anything about soccer. I can't even pretend to know a rule. Or a series of rules. But, here is the deal peeps: Soccer players are sexy. They are just fine. Their bodies are delicious and they run very far distances. These guys have run through my heart. Sorry. I apologize in advance. Here are some hotties!

Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!

WTF LOL GG SMH

Can I just comment that I love abbreviations?

It's kind of terrible that I am admitting this. The only reason I think it's "terrible" is because, we should be able to convey our thoughts and feelings in longer than 3-4 letters. Despite my reasoning behind feeling guilty about liking them so much, I have compiled a list of some of my favorites. Let's move beyond the LOL's people!!  I am going to include quite a few abbreviations that I absolutely love. Some of these were created by some of my fun loving girls-- who I also absolutely LOVE. I would encourage you to use these abbreviations too!

** hope i don't offend anyone **

COL- chuckle out loud

SF- snatch face
GG- good girl
ST- sure thing
VG- very good
TD- true dat
SMH- shaking my head
SYF- shut your face
TMI- too much info
RO-right on
LYLT- Love you long time

:) Cheers!
Kelly

Mame!

So last night I had the distinct pleasure of seeing a play called Mame.

It was put on by local theatre house- Minneapolis Musical Theatre. I was blown away. I thought it was so well done, and the creativity and unique elements made the show really different. I knew very little about the production, so when I heard that a man was going to play the title character I was excited to learn more. Men performing in drag is nothing new for me (huh?), and it can easily be taken in a strange direction. This was NOT the case. The actor, Kevin Hansen was magical. His voice was top notch and his character was believable and fun. You immediately wanted to be friends with the character, Mame and I was beaming every time he... I mean SHE hit the stage.

My co-worker, Christian Unser played a southern gentleman... Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside. I was so excited to see him "in character" his accent, his jokes, the singing and dancing. I was really impressed by the whole play and all of the actors and musicians who made this show possible.

I like plays. I like the arts and seeing people who have full time jobs do this on the side. It's just amazing to me to see the amount of talent incorporated into a single production. This musical was very a funny, likeable adaptation. The story was one that any theatre-goer would latch on to. There was few dull moments, and all the characters were smart, witty, and generally well liked by the audience. 

I've been fortunate enough to catch a few MMT productions and I have never been let down. If you have the opportunity in the next few weeks to check out Mame, I would definitely recommend it. Warning, I am not a critic, but I do know goodness when I see it. 
Few quick plugs:

Who: MMT's  "Mame"

See It: Through June 27th

Where it's AT: Illusion Theatre, 528 Hennepin, Downtown Minneapolis
(Upstairs from the Lonetree)

Tickets: $28-$25

IMHO I think you should go check it out. Have a good weekend, folks.
Kelly

Love-Hate NBA

Kelly claims to be such a huge NBA fan but hasn't blogged about the NBA finals at all.  Here's the deal, I have a love hate relationship with the NBA. There I said it.

I have never been someone to listen to conspiracy theories of how David Stern waves his magic wand and the Lakers magically appear in the Finals. But seriously, I am sick of the politics and I have gone on record saying this before but... I don't like sports dynasty's.  I will almost always root for a underdog and I just hate seeing both the Lakers and the Celtics in the final. That being said, I hope the Celtics win. I like scrappy, I like players who all come to bleed on the court, and I like athletes who generally give a damn about their squad. And I just hate the Lakers. I have never been a fan, I think they are pathetic and I am still questioning how they got Pau Gasol for first round draft choices and gave up Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittenton. That is just amazing to me. Yes, I have been thinking about this for 2+ years.

I have caught a very limited amount of the Finals on TV. For the NBA fans out there, they are making it worthwhile. Some of the highlights show two teams that seem somewhat desperate to win a title. And Boston seems fed up with the hype that is the LA Lakers. I will say that Kobe Bryant is making a case of being the Finals MVP-- and will most likely win if the Lakers turn this thing around and force a game 7, Boston is a little bit more tricky. I say it will be Paul Pierce again. He hasn't had the cleanest games or even been a high scorer but he has been effective on both sides of the ball. Pau Gasol has been a game-changer when Kobe hasn't shown up in the 2nd half.

Okay ENOUGH. I am over the Finals, and will watch NBA basketball when Dirk plays Summer League. I love you DIRK!

xoxo,
Kelly

Sound Senses

What is the SOUND you most like to hear?
This is really weird, but I was just thinking about the sounds I love to hear. And one of them is: children laughing/giggling/singing.
Just had an awful thought if this is my biological clock ticking loudly. Barf. And no, I am not talking about children singing Kid Bopz at the top of their lungs. When little girls make up songs when they are playing or they are humming, its the sweetest sound you will ever hear. Or when kids are genuinely laughing at something that made them laugh, its so endearing.

Worthy Others:

Ocean Waves

When a Golf Ball is being hit really hard

Tiny Sneezes

Frogs and Crickets (I should say that if a Frog and or a Cricket were in my presence I would shriek and soil myself but hearing them from afar is just splendid)

Classical Music

Am I missing anything?

Kelly

i'm BACK!

i know... i know.. i have fallen off the blog train. And I sincerely apologize to my 13 readers. :) HA HA just kidding. But really, I have been so overwhelmed by the move, work, other stuff, that I have really stopped blogging all together. Many apologies.

The move was incredible. I have some of the best people in the world in my inner circle of friends. They helped out immensely and -- I am so thankful to have them in my lives. Right now the unpacking is causing me to go crazy. I need a professional organizer to work on my mounds of clothes and shoes. I have started to purge though!! Getting rid of clothes I haven't worn since my days in St. Cloud. Yeah. That OLD.

What has been keeping me busy?
Besides the move? Hendrix. He is adjusting slowly to the new digs. Barks like crazy at the neighbors who have all been really sweet. I am taking him on walks to make him familiar with the 'hood. I think he likes it so far. Work has been very busy. The start of the Summer leads to a lot of events, and even more segments for TCL. I like the pace and during the summer I feel like stories are easier to come by. I created a new series and the excitement about it has been AWESOME. I love it. I will tell you more soon.

Domestic Life: Sucks. I bought a brand new lawn-mower from Menard's, I figured I would need one and I need to learn how to tackle daily chores of being a homeowner. I unpacked it, put it together, and added gas and pulled the cord thingee. I finally started it on the 4th try and it worked for about 80 seconds. Then I tried pulling the cord and it would only pull out like 9 inches. And I tried everything to make it pull out more. Didn't work. Sooo I have a brand new broken lawn mower and long grass. It really sucks. I should have just paid someone to cut the damn grass, but I wanted to do it myself. So -- the next job is to find someone to fix said lawnmower. Oh-- and DON'T BUY from Menard's -- Once you put gas into a mower you buy there, no matter how soon you bought it, they will not return it. So I am just stuck with it. I am really upset. Ugh!!!!

This is kind of a hodge-podge of thoughts and ideas so sorry if I am all over the place. I promise to write more regularly. Promise!!

Hugs!
Kel

Kelly Belly

Which one of us is pregnant anyway?  I have never been a hypochondriac but I really think I have this syndrome. It’s called: Couvade syndrome, basically it is when the husband or partner of an expectant mother experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior as the mother. The behavior I have taken up is over-eating and emotional eating. I believe I have gained more baby weight than my prego roommate. How is this possible?? And to be technical, I am not really the “partner” of my pregnant roommate… She has a husband, and I have yet to notice him gain weight. I could also have weird hormone levels, morning nausea, and disturbed sleep patterns. None of these things have occurred, but I sure feel more fluffy around my dreaded mid-section.
As my roommate gains weight with her tiny and adorable baby bump, I am also gaining a bit of a bump. But, my bump will not be a bundle of joy. I am hoping to ditch the round midsection sooner than later.
Okay…to be fair I am not necessarily out of shape, but as the weather has become seasonally warmer I have noticed that my body looks a little bit different. I am a pretty slender person but something seems a bit more round around the middle. Does everyone notice a difference when the spring arrives?
Well, in an effort to be somewhat prepared for even warmer weather I have been going on walks every evening with Hendrix. This has made him very happy and me very happy, too.
Tonight I walked around Lake Nokomis with Tiffany and the pup. It has been so gorgeous outside. I have to take advantage. I have a new process…before I even think about it; I lace up my sneakers and throw on my black gym shorts and jet outside. If I even ponder my next step…I will talk myself out of going. Yesterday I walked around my neighborhood with my Zune turned up so loud, and I even jogged. Hendrix likes to stop and smell quite a bit so it allowed for a very easy pace. And he was so tired he even let a few small children pet him. Boy that was a break-through.
I hope to lose this baby weight soon. I would hate for anyone to approach me and ask me when I am due. *smile*


xoxo Kels

OT: & I apologize in advance for talking about my weight. I know how annoying it can be. Cheers to HEALTH!

Fascination with Craigslist

Most of you know that i am planning a big move! i really can't wait. We are still about 3 weeks away from closing and then the real fun begins. Lately I have been on a big Craigslist kick. Searching for new and curious items to fill my house.


One thing that has become painfully apparent, I don't have too many possessions. I have moved all around the country for my various reporting/anchoring jobs and then when I moved overseas I got rid of pretty much everything! So I have to build up my worldly possessions. Anywho... I have been cruising CL for everything from a console table to a bench to mediocre things like I really want a birdcage, and a neat old school coat rack.

I just have one bone to pick. People who sell their items grossly overpriced. Really? I mean, really?? You cannot price your items for the exact same price you purchased it at... like 7 years ago! I am not much of a haggler but when I see a chair that was popular during the Reagan era for sale for over $100.00 I am mortified. Who has the guts to take pictures of these horrendous items and straight up expect to get what you are asking for? It's simply embarrassing.
Here is some of my helpful advice:

Examine the photos on the ad with a fine tooth comb. look at it, and keep looking, and then look again. Find the flaws and ask the seller about them. Usually they are honest, but you don't want a SURPRISE when you arrive to pick up your supposedly "gently used couch"

Look for a reasonable price. Just because the buyer bought it at "Crate and Barrel", "West Elm", or "Room & Board" doesn't mean you have to pay top dollar for it.

Utilize the SEARCH function. If I am looking for a higher end item I will just search for the specific brand. It makes wading through the crappy furniture almost bearable.

Keep an eye out for the desperate seller. It sounds sad that you are preying on people that need to get rid of their stuff but when people are moving, in a bad situation, or need a quick buck you can get some really great stuff. 

Happy Shopping!

ps, here is a sampling of what I found...

Cool piece of furniture not for 899.00

One Man's Trash....

Well used Chaise lounge. 500 bucks?

Awkward

i stumbled across this quote. It made me momentarily happy   xoxo kelly

"awkward is: beautiful/sublime self-deprecation/moments of complete truths/subconscious bravery/where falsities fall away/fun wrapped in situ/ awkward is: human."

Los Suns

Quick and Dirty:



I am big time news junkie, so when I heard that the entire Phoenix Suns team decided to wear jerseys that read “Los Suns” during Game Two of its playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs. Way to take a stand. It’s in part like a silent protest of the new immigration law that has caused a lot of uproar. So many issues come to play when you discuss immigration. Phoenix has a very large latino community. And even though the NBA consists of only about 15% Latino, Hispanic players, its pretty cool that they have decided to take action in a much larger discussion that is sure to effect people living in their community.

You’ve heard the drama behind it right? Well, here is the short version. Basically, the new law allows police in Arizona to demand proof of residency. Some people believe it encourages racial profiling, but others say that it’s a necessary option since there are so many illegal immigrants flowing into the state (I believe, Texas will follow with something similar). I do believe something should be done about the illegal immigration issue that is plaguing the Southern states, BUT… I don’t think this new law is necessarily “fair”. Times like this, I am happy I am not a lawmaker.  


KJ

Spring Wish List

Dear Awesome Blog Readers, Feel free to purchase anything you see on my Spring Wishlist.
In advance, I love you. XOXO, Kelly



I LOVE ETSY. I mostly just look on here for good ideas, but I really want these pillows. My sectional is brown and cream but I really want to add pops of color. I think these green pillows are just darling.

Pandora is doing a promotion for Twin Cities Live right now,
YES they are known for their bracelets but they sent a really cute ring, its only 80.00 dollars, but I cannot justify spending 80 bucks for a ring when I need to buy a lawn mower, or a weed whacker.

London. I wish I could return. I visited Sarah and Jessica when they lived there --gosh back in 2005. That was ages ago. I had so much fun and would love to go back. Other people have better reasons to return but really I would love to just spend another week enjoying the UK.

Tracy Porter is an amazing designer. Her website features the cutest most eclectic designs. I saw these green candle holders and they are just darling. Do you love them? Pops of color!


Hunter Wellies are so beautiful. Everytime I bring it up about buying a pair my friends scoff. They hate that I am seriously considering the 100.00 dollars it costs to take them home. Yes I realize that they sell them at Target (Exhiliration brand) for a fraction of the cost but Hunter boots will stand the test of time. Seriously. I want a red pair. Something BRIGHT. When I see other women wearing them they make me smile. I love them.





What do you love this Spring?

Out & About

This was kind of a busy weekend for me. I usually don’t hit the town 2 nights in a row but I just felt like I needed to go out and have a good time. This was completely and completely unplanned.



Friday Night: I got an email from my good friend, Katy earlier in the afternoon. I think it was five simple words “DO YOU HAVE PLANS TONIGHT”. Checked my social calendar, and what do you know….Completely OPEN. That makes me sound like a bit of lonely, but some weeks I have plans up the wazoo and some weeks I have no plans. This was one of those very open Friday’s, she convinced me (barely) to come to NE Minneapolis and hit up Gasthof’s. I am a big supporter of Germany –and beer so why not? So we geared up with our crew of Marcus, Katy, and I and headed out. It was a lot of fun. Normally its really packed and its hard to navigate in this basement bar... but with the weather being kinda icky and Spring Jam (Fest) whatever... it was kinda quiet. Even better!! Gigantic beers + Polka Music + No Service on my phone = GREAT TIME. They played “Roll out the Barrel” and I was caught in the crossfire of an old man who wanted to dance. Now this wasn’t your normal creepy old man, He seemed like a sweet old dude, who loved to dance. His wife was currently being danced with by some other non-sober young man.  Long story short, I needed to take my inhaler after he made me dance. I am terribly uncoordinated and drinking a gigantic beer and wearing semi high heels doesn’t really help. We also stopped by the Bulldog and I ran into an OLD college friend from SCSU, she is still in the biz and doing well working as an anchor on a morning show. She seemed so happy and it was so random to run into her because she lives out of state. I will say this about NE Minneapolis. It is such a different vibe, I love it. It’s such a refreshing change from going out in Uptown or even Downtown. Lots more Chillaxin’ and I like it.

Saturday: Was a semi celebration for the newly 30 year old Bridget. We had planned a night out and it finally happened, she brought along her friend, Steph and I invited Katy for another night out. We settled on the W and it was fun. Prohibition makes the best drinks, and I had a few doozies, they don’t skim on the style of drinks they create, and that made the night that much better (I had a cucumber martini and a Rico Suave – both delicious) We stopped by Prohibition but spent the majority of time down in the Living Room bar. Bridget seemed to have a good time and we got in a lot of great people watching. Like a LOT – it’s so hard to decide what people are doing or thinking. It’s so strange. I like watching randoms,and how people interact, this is like some sort of game for me. I know it's weird, but what else do you do when you go out... Oh, I did get “hit on” in a very awkward way. Sparing you the very colorful details – he was not originally from this country and he said that I was a “black nerd” (I sincerely think HE thought it was a compliment) I don’t know how to feel about this one. Sure, I wear glasses but – I wouldn’t classify myself as a nerd per say. I try not to judge, and I try not to let people who have previously consumed alcohol bother me, but this one was one of those strange occurrences where you ask yourself “What?” Wow. There is never a dull moment when it comes to my single life. Sometimes I just shake my head… at what happens. I am sure this happens to other fortunate single girls in the city… Also a guy approached, but he had a disclaimer that he was “married” and simply wanted to know what I was drinking. And the cross-dressing guy who was wearing a Britney Spears type outfit (think – Oops I did it again video, red latex)


It’s nice to go out –after you take a long hiatus from going out, but I think I am going to refrain for a bit. I want the weather to return to perfection. I think I appreciate it more when I don’t go out as often. Ah, the joys of being a Single woman.

Hendrix: Progress Report 2

Dr. Derr stopped by today to check in on Hendrix. Surprisingly he is doing really, really well. I thought that she would be prescribing the doggie Prozac, but that is unnecessary according to the behaviorist. He is still being a bit territorial and growls when people walk past the house, but these are all normal behaviors. I didn’t think the progress Hendrix was making was “normal”. I guess because I see him every day I felt like he hasn’t done too well but he totally is. I am really happy, and somewhat relieved about it. We are going to start to work on Hendrix and his etiquette in the car. He is pretty wild in the car, and likes to jump across my lap when the car is not in motion. So that is my next challenge with him. He was really good with the muzzle on, and Dr. Derr and I took a quick walk around the block and he encountered a dog and a little girl and didn’t bark or express any aggression. I am so happy. I am going to continue to work super hard to make sure that he is adjusting well. I really have to work hard with him because we are moving soon (yippee) so I want that to be a good move, and a positive one since there are small children next door, along with 2 very loud doggies. This weekend, I will set up an appointment with the Vet so that we can get his nails clipped. It’s been so long- I do have to go on a 2+ mile walk beforehand, and muzzle him. We’ll see how it goes. Wish me luck!



Tomorrow night, I will be headed to the Fine Line to check out Dustin Lee. More blogs to come about his show. He is an amazing artist, songwriter, and singer. I can’t wait to check him out again.


Cheers.

April Happenings

Very incommunicado lately, here is what I have been up to.
House Update:
All quiet on the Western Front (remember that book?) Nothing is happening, Just waiting for close. The appraisal is set for this week, because there are 31 days in July there were some minor changes in the close date, but everything is at this point great. NOW I just have to stop myself from shopping like mad. I am currently looking at Formica samples (i want to redo the kitchen) and paint colors for the dining room. This is the FUN part. I also did a drive-by a few times last week, I love daydreaming about what I will be doing there in a few months. It’s all so exciting.
Godmother:
I am much too young to be a Godmother. I know, but I AM!! Karyn asked me to be her Godmother to her newest daughter. When I look at her, I am so much in love with this little girl. I see the future, I see promise, I just hope she comes to me and asks me questions and I show her what is positive about her spiritual journey. I don’t know HOW to Godmother but I hope to do her justice. I am working on a special gift for her – its bringing out my arts and crafty side.
Bon Jovi:I was fortunate enough to get tickets to Bon Jovi at the Excel last week. We were in a Suite so we were not down on the floor but the view was amazing! I did really enjoy the show. I am not much of a Bon Jovi fan. I am sorry – I am not (I know about 4 songs, and its mostly drunken Karaoke times) My take: It was a masterful show. He got so close to fans, and really was a great performer. Two observations: 1. People REALLY freaking love Bon Jovi. 2. Richie Sambora is old. When I saw Bon Jovi, I was like, he looks a bit short…I would guess like 5’9 at the tallest and – Richie Sambora appears to be in his middle 60s. Dude has not aged well.
Photo Shoot:
I took Headshots for another venture I am working on. Mums the word on exactly WHAT I am working on but I will share the photos if they turn out. I am no model. The photographer had to direct me, and Tyra would be mortified at how horrible I was. I got sick of smiling and gave up half way through it, and I think she took over 200 shots. I hope to get 5 good ones out of that.

Minnesota Wealth:
I am hosting a radio show! I am working alongside Clinton Gerner and Richard Bunin. They are the brains behind this whole operation. Shameless plug: It’s on myTalk 107.1 on Sundays from 3-4pm and I am TOTALLY excited. It’s all about finance, and learning more about it. How to get it, how to keep it, and how to protect your money. Let's get it straight people... I am not an expert on the issue of finance but I am definitely going to learn. I know a lot of people who already listen to it, so I am hopeful more people will tune in to listen to me. Just letting y'all know. I have years of experience as a reporter/anchor but Radio is a whole new ball of wax. I am excited and nervous but I know that I will make it my own. Thanks for the support, kids!

More Soon! I promise!!


Kelly

Hendrix: Progress Report 1

I've been working really hard with Hendrix. And so far so good. We have been taking walks, and spending time training according to the animal behaviorist. I got his full report and to be honest, it made me really sad.

Statements like: "Hendrix's lack of confidence in the world, coupled with his learned aggressive responses, are unlikely to improve without a significant level of intervention" Awww. |

A lot of people are giving me flack for getting this service for Hendrix because the cost is so great. It's hard to explain, but I really love this dog, and no matter how awful he can be, I love the heck out of him. So, I am hoping the training will work.

I did buy the muzzle this week, and some really yummy treats. (Hendrix is loving the dehydrated liver treats) and he inspected the muzzle but he didn't mind wearing it. Although I got the wrong size, it's a bit too big and he does look menacing wearing one. The roommates call him "Hannibal Lecter" :)

I will keep y'all updated on how its going. I am not going to even think about doggie prozac till May or later. I want to exhaust all options before drugging him up.

This makes me seriously reconsider being a mother. Jeez.

xoxo,
Kelly

Inspection Time!

I had the inspection this morning! It went really well and I learned SO much from my certified home inspector, Scott. He is a partner at Scheunemann Home Inspections.



To be honest, I was kinda nervous about the entire process. This is a make or break if you are buying a house and it’s kinda like the last line of defense before the home is really, really yours. I even called a few friends to ask ... what to expect? One of my friends said that her and her realtor just sat and chatted while the inspection was going on, but with Scott it was different I was all up in it.


The best thing was that I got to "figure" out what everything was. Yes, I could identify a furnace but now I know what to do if something goes wrong. I can correctly go into the basement and re-lite my pilot light. (Oh -- check it out. Scott says if you don’t have a long match you can use raw spaghetti COOL HUH?) He was knocking on windows and showing me window panes, he used his flashlight, measured a bunch of stuff. It was a great time.


Getting down and dirty and measuring inside of a toilet tank, or watching Scott go through a crawl space was pretty neat. Scott also made the time to point out the best ways to figure out the defects on the house. (There were only a few minor ones) All fixable and easy to do. He also suggested simple fixes to make my future home more valuable and increase the market value of the house! Woot!


Long story short, the house is great. A few minor repairs and things that I might want to strongly consider for the future. Things that I am slightly freaked out by: water heater, crawl spaces, and the chimney. Please... birds stay away from my chimney.


For all of you people out there looking for a House Inspector go with Scott. Especially for the young ladies, and families. Also -- he does Truth in Housing reports. So if you are planning on selling. He is an AWESOME resource there too! Good Luck! Click Here for a Link to Scott's website!


Also Scott was a great because he does Truth In Housing reports and that was really good because he would tell me how the report related to what he was finding in his inspection report. It was all very relative and made a lot of sense. I was very happy. Onto the next step!!
Kelly