Random

Another Milestone – Post #55

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

Happy Sunday evening – I had a great weekend. I hope you did as well.  Spent yesterday doing a little spring cleaning – really trying to get rid of stuff (Memorial Day weekend I got rid of 6 contractor bags and 1 large garbage bag). Looking to meet or exceed that by June 20th. I never really got a chance on any of my last moves (from Dallas in 2001 and Edison in 2005 – so I’m due). And today I got to see my niece play soccer locally – and they got it in before the storms hit. They were 1-1 and they ended their season on a high note. And the bonus was hanging with my Aunt and Uncle most of the day.  We always have a great time and spend most of it laughing!  Here’s to the start of a new week!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Where you can find me in the Fall

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

I write this post with a heavy heart (and tears shed today).  On any given Saturday in the Fall you will find me at a Penn State football game in Beaver Stadium – ‘The House that Joe Built’ or avidly watching on TV at a Football Watching party.

I’ve been a fan of college football for as long as I can remember.  I remember hearing on the radio – ‘The Bear is dead’ – 1981 referring to Paul, the Bear, Bryant, former Alabama head football coach (I was 12).  I remember watching Penn State win the National Championship game in 1982 – and I knew at that point I would go to Penn State!

I started at Penn State in the fall of 1987.  It was the best 4 years of my life.  I made lifelong friends and in many aspects, became the woman who I am today because of my Penn State (and of course my parents had a big impact on who I am too) experience.  Of course, I haven’t come to realize this until recently (I’m sure I knew deep down before this – lots of reflection of late).

Joe Paterno had a greater love of Penn State than any of us.  He taught us that family and school were more important than football.  He showed us how important it was to give back to Penn State and your community. 

I had the opportunity to hear Joe speak at the Quarterback Club before the 2010 Michigan State game.  It is something I will never forget.  He was full of life, joking and typical Joe – when someone asked him about an article written about him in Sports Illustrated – he was very humble (it was never about him).  I received the Captains’ Letters to Joe for Christmas.  I read it and there was a common theme – he had a positive impact on each and everyone of their lives – no matter the graduation year.

Joe Paterno was by no means perfect, but then again none of us are. It is my hope that Joseph V. Paterno will be remembered for all of the great things he has done and taught us since his arrival at Penn State.  I know I’m a better person for ‘knowing’ him.

“Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things.”- Joe Paterno

Joe – you made a difference – Angelo is proud!

And lastly, my thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the entire Paterno family as they go through this very difficult time.

#45 – One of my favorite places

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

This is my 45th post! Thanks so much for reading. At some point I hope to get in a regular cadance with my blog.

Last Sunday, I took a ride down to Ocean City, NJ to drop of my first payment for my summer rental. I didn’t get my invoice until right before a business trip and just didn’t get a chance to mail my check. And I’m so happy I didn’t mail the check. It was a cold, sunny day. I got a bit of a late start and got down to Ocean City around 2 pm. Dropped my check off…drove past the rental and drove past where my Aunt and Uncle will be renting as well (needed to see how close it was) (and it is close…they have an ocean front view).

Next stop the Boardwalk.  I walked up by Shriver’s (the only place in OCNJ that makes it’s own salt water taffy).  There were more people than I expected on the boardwalk.  I even stopped and took a picture of a group who wanted their first picture all bundled up.  I enjoyed my walk down to the Jewelry Hut (was hoping to see if they had any new OCNJ charms..they weren’t open…bummer).  I stopped into the Christmas shop to look around.  And before I went back to the car, I had some Manco and Manco pizza (formerly known as Mack and Manco).  It was yummy!  And of course I swung back by Shriver’s and picked up some fudge.  It was a great afternoon and it made me realize how much I do love OCNJ no matter the season.

Still a kid at heart…first snow

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

I’m a big fan of all four seasons.  I know some are not big fans of snow…but I do love it.  I don’t mind shoveling it (although nowadays I don’t have as much to shovel as growing up…we didn’t have a snowblower…and when we were done with our house we would help the neighbors – and I still help).

Our snow wasn’t suppsed to start until 1 am Saturday morning.  I work up at 2 am to see if we had any snow on the ground yet…bummer (and I’ve been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning waiting for snow).  When I did get up this morning (early for a Sat morning) there was beautiful snow on the ground.  Enjoy!

 

 

Channeling my inner Stephanie

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

Plum!  A week from today One for the Money hits theaters.  It is a movie based on the Janet Evanovich book by the same name.  Stephanie is a bond enforcement officer (aka bounty hunter)…and she isn’t very good.  She cracks me up along with her family, Lula and her two hotties – Ranger and Joe Morelli (I’m a Morelli girl)!

It is Friday night and I’m having a slice or two of a Trenton style Tomato Pie, pint of Boddington’s (I don’t think Stephanie drinks anything as fancy) and curling up with my Kindle reading Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich.

Now if only I had a hamster named Rex!

Happy Friday!

PS:  I’m still waiting for the pizza delivery guy to come back with my change (don’t worry he got a great tip already)!

Kicking the Coffee Habit…

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

As you will recall part of the Clean program is kicking the coffee habit. I kicked it while I was on it. I had my first cup on Labor Day…and didn’t really enjoy it.  I have had coffee on most days since then (but not every day) and usually only one cup. I haven’t been doing it for the caffeine pick me up, more of the breakfast ritual when I’ve been out. I haven’t made any coffee since I’ve been home. Yesterday, I did want a Dunkin’ Ice Coffee around 10 am (and I got it, but I got a smaller one than I used to get).

I just found this blog that gives some good tips for kicking the habit: http://crazysexylife.com/2011/summer-iced-coffee-detox/.  Check it out if you are looking to kick the habit or just cut back.  Some great options.  Another thing I’ve found is using Natural Calm in the morning does help too with the headaches (has magnesium in it).

I don’t think I will be completely off coffee, but I am definately drinking less, which is a good thing in the long run.

TGIF!

 

I think I’m in love…

Posted on by keepingupwithkate91

with my Vitamix blender! I broke down and purchased my Vitamix a couple of months ago. However, I never had a chance to open the box and try it. About a week ago, I finally opened up the box and reviewed the menu book. I got excited all over again as to why I made the purchase in the first place.

Today, I finally used it. First of all it is easier to keep clean then a blender. I had some fruit that I just didn’t feel like eating…so I put a cup of water and about a cup of chopped fruit in the vitamix…and in about 90 seconds or less…I had a nice, shake (as the consistency was more like a shake than juice). Yummy!

This will be my ‘go to’ appliance for my morning / afternoon protein shakes!