One Word 365

3:49 pm ByFiled Underkat facts, life

Aaah, 2012. Here you are. I could be cliche and say, “Wow! You sure snuck up on me. Where did the past year go?” But in all honesty, I know where this year went. I lived, cried, laughed and grew through it. I think, for the most part, I came out of it a better and stronger person.

Last year I participated in Big Picture’s ‘One Little Word‘ class. My word for the year was ‘Grace’. I loved spending the year embracing, reflecting, exploring and living with grace. In fact, I loved my word so much I tattooed it on my wrist!But alas, 2011 is over and I must find and embrace a new word and a new challenge: One Word 365. A word that will challenge me to change and grow in all aspects of my life. A word that will resonate with me. A word that will inspire. My word you wonder? My word is:

I will say, I think it is kind of funny how words jump out at you. When I signed up last year I knew my word immediately. I knew what I needed to work on. I knew what I needed. Flash forward another year and I am smacked in the face again. Once again, I know what I need to work on, I know what I need in my life – I need to believe.

I need to believe in myself. I need to believe that love conquers all. I need to believe that there are good people in the world. I need to believe in happiness. I need to believe I can do anything I put my heart into. I need to believe I can write. I need to believe in my children. I need to believe that someday, everything will make sense. I need to believe that it is okay to walk away from the laundry, computer,etc. and hang with my family. I need to believe that sometimes ‘good enough’ is enough. I need to believe that I can make mistakes. I need to believe in forgiveness. I need to believe in grace.

What would you pick as One Word for this year?

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2011 in Review

7:12 pm ByFiled Underkat facts

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Got a bikini wax – first and last.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions but I did stick to my change of eating lifestyle…. well until Thanksgiving. It has been all down here from there. I WILL be revisiting it starting January 1st! Hello vegan!!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes.  My best friend from high school, though I haven’t gotten my hands on that nugglet yet! I also had quite a few close Blissfully Domestic friends give birth. Yeah for babies!! THIS JUST IN – my brother went to the hospital as I was typing this to give birth to their first baby – a girl!!

4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully no.

5. What places did you visit? Las Vegas, Nashville, Colorado, Michigan, Honduras, Utilla, Cabo and Boston.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? Patience, a sense of calm and organization.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? November 15th – Bear had two teeth pulled and I found out I won a trip to learn to surf at Las Olas Surf Safari.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Getting the negative people out of my life and surrounding myself with people who truly love me and make me happy AND expanding my abilities as a writer.

9. What was your biggest failure? Letting mean people win. It took me quite some time to realize the haters are just truly jealous. Life is too short to let the haters win.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Thankfully pretty healthy, just one knee issue that hampered me for a week.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My Hubby’s 40th birthday present. The look on his face when he opened it was priceless and I think (in fact I know) I rocked the Best Present EVER Award.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? The Love Drop Team. Every month they help a different person or family – for no other reason than the goodness in their heart. You rarely meet truly ‘good‘ peeps. These guys are good peeps.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The Pen State debacle. It sickened me to the core.

14. Where did most of your money go? While I would love to be snarky and say Hubby’s ex-wife, I think more money actually went towards our mortgage (but not much!).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our trip to Utilla. A week alone on an isolated island with my Hubby – divine!! Plus I got to see where his family came from and learn about his roots.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011? LMFAO – I’m Sexy and I Know It.  This song has been a constant in our house and has provided me with hours of entertainment watching the boys dance to it.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

  • happier or sadder? Definitely happier
  • thinner or fatter? thinner though this last month has given me a cookie belly.
  • richer or poorer? I am richer in my faith, my walk with God and am blessed everyday beyond what I deserve.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I had more time to read real books.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worried, dwell on the negative and not taking the time to live in the moment.

20. How did you spend Christmas in 2011? With my entire family – first time in years. It was a great day.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011? I fell more in love with my husband everyday.

22. What was your favorite TV program? NCIS (both versions), Hawaii 50, Criminal Minds and Survivor.

23. What did you do for your birthday in 2011? Hubby threw me a surprise birthday party and my most favorite Michigan friend wrote another birthday homage that made me cry for days. I love both of them very much for making my day special!

24. What was the best book you read? Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

25. What did you want and get?  A yummy green B Makowsky purse (thanks Hubby)

26. What did you want and not get?  The last word. But maybe that is a good thing.

27. What was your favorite film of this year?  I loved introducing my boys to the Muppets.

28. Did you make some new friends this year?  Yes! I made a great new friend and she makes me laugh every day. KKP!!

29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?  I hate to say it, but I can’t think of anything. While my year has had its ups and down, I truly think I am a better person from all the negative experiences. That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger!

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?  My own. I fluctuate between jean and converse, cords and Berks, sundresses, sassy boots – the whole gamut.

31. What kept you sane?  Writing, music, dancing, coffee and vino.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I do fancy me some Bradley Cooper.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?  I think most politics make a bigger deal of things then they need to.

34. Who did you miss?  I miss my friend in Nashua and my Grandma – every day.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. People are never who they appear or pretend to be so don’t always try and be the nice lassie.

How would you answer these questions? I would love to read your answers. I will also take a moment to point out that, while I am not a fan of meme’s, I did enjoy the reflection this one brought. Sometimes we move from one year to the other so quickly, that we forget all the things we learned. Thank you Yoga Mom for making me take the time to reflect.

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I Will Follow You Into The Dark

6:45 am ByFiled Underkat facts

In honor of Hubby’s and my anniversary I am posting one of my favorite songs. It makes me cry every time. Oh alright, I know I cry at everything but still! There’s some sentiment here. And while it is not your typical sappy love song, it embraces the depth of my love.

Happy Anniversary Hubby!

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Making My List And Checking It Twice

2:55 pm ByFiled Underkat facts

The glorious gals at Todays Mama have teamed up with Just Ask to host a giveaway of a lifetime. No, I am serious. Think bucket list worthy. AND – they are giving away one of my bucket list items! (insert squee here)

Surfboard on Maui beach. I made my Bucket List some time ago and have been slowly checking off my progress. Number 28 – enjoy that one everyday. Number 5 – yeah, won’t be doing that again! Number 19 – love that I shared it with one of my besties. Number 9 -learn to surf is still not completed.

I have wanted to learn to surf for YEARS! It also doesn’t help that Hubby surfed and still has his boards in the basement. Being an ocean girl, I hear the waves calling me. What better way to become one with something so powerful than to embrace its power atop a piece of wood. And while it looks so easy, I know it is extremely difficult and I look forward to conquoring that challenge.

Wondering what the top 15 on my list are? Well then, here you go!

  1. Learn to surf
  2. Take a road trip in an RV
  3. Visit Cuba
  4. Bicycle through Napa Valley
  5. Backpack through Europe
  6. Walk on a frozen lake
  7. Try escargot
  8. Order dessert first in a restaurant
  9. Play paintball
  10. Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
  11. Take a belly dancing class
  12. Read Gone With The Wind
  13. Attend an Olympic competition
  14. Throw a brick through a window
  15. Cook a three course meal

Yes, I know I have a wide array of Bucket items but I think that is what makes it so much fun to complete. Plus, if it is on a list I have to be able to check it off. I wonder when Hubby is booking our trip to Fiji?? (Number 60 on my list)

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details. 

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It Feels Good To Feel Alive

7:37 pm ByFiled Underkat facts

I am in the midst of week two of my Dream Tending class. I will also point out that I am a week behind – sigh. So as part of our inner exploration, we must take a written journey. Here are my responses to this week’s (cough last weeks cough) assignments of Seven Things and Seven Minutes:

Seven Ways to Feel Alive

  1. Running
  2. Writing
  3. Taking pictures
  4. Walking along the ocean
  5. Spending time with my family
  6. Driving (fast) with the top down
  7. Dancing

Seven Minutes of Writing: Sometimes…

… I am feeling exposed and raw – tears streaming down my cheeks as my brain stops thinking and allows my pen to start feeling. Feverishly attacking the paper with emotions that were tired of being submerged.

Sometimes I feel like my best isn’t good enough. That no matter how hard I try, I am always one rung short of missing the top. There always seems to be someone better.

Sometimes I can sit and enjoy the silence – allow myself to get lost, drifting through my thoughts without worrying what needs to get done next.

Sometimes I am brought to tears by the bounty of God’s blessings. I am far from deserving, yet he continues to provide.

Sometimes I catch a glimpse of my boys that I wish I could freeze forever – capturing their pure happiness and youth that fills my heart with love till it is ready to burst at the seams.

Sometimes I wish they would just stop bickering and long for the days when laundry doesn’t lurk around every corner.

Sometimes I become so swept up in the moment that it reminds me just how lucky I am to have married my best friend.

Sometimes I just want to be me – and believe that that is ok.

Live it to the Full: Online workshops and destination retreats for navigating life's transitions

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Bucket List – Another One Down

7:49 pm ByFiled Underkat facts

going topless Ah the bucket list. That little list that holds you accountable for those things you feel you need to do in your life span. That list that, thanks to technology, your husband knows about and reminds you when it may serve in his favor. Sigh…

Hubby and I travelled to Utila to visit his family and while there, discovered many hidden wonders and a lot of tranquil beauty. We also discovered many private and deserted beaches. *ahem*

So, at one of these visits I decided to check off #42 on my bucket list. (Sorry Dad! You may want to stop reading here.) While it took some talking into I am really glad I did it. Ironically, so is Hubby.

Though, if you know an Irishman, you know he is not one to be upstaged. No, he has to puff out his chest and one up you because, well, he’s just that guy.

Damn I love that man!!

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Thursday Ten – Remember me??

2:06 am ByFiled Underkat facts

Oh hi! Remember me? You know, the one who hasn’t written in weeks. Uh, yeah. That’s me. No need to scold, my Catholic guilt set in about a week and a half ago. Please don’t think I abandoned you, I’m not that kind of girl.

In lieu of my absenteeism, oh yeah – that’s a word, I decided to comprise a list that people have been asking me about for a long time. “Kat – WHAT can’t you live without?” So without further ado, my list of selfish necessities.

  1. Eight O’Clock Coffee. Every morning, at least 4 cups. I have even been accused of over loading my coffee mug by said Hubby. The nerve!
  2. My CHI flat iron. This lassie was born with a head full of curls, and while I do embrace them, sometimes a girl has to go straight just to spice things up a little bit.
  3. Pandora Radio. Love, love, LOVE. Looking for a great station to run or workout to? May I suggest Pitbull radio. Many a miles have been run to that glorious station!
  4. Speaking of running, I am SO in love with my Jockey Modern capris. While they are not my ideal running pant, I do tend to wear them obsessively. Just between you and me – these pants make you butt look fabulous!!
  5. Pierre. Oh Pierre, how I love you. You don’t know Pierre? Well, Pierre is my Scooba. He washes my floors for me and doesn’t expect a thing in return. Sigh….. He is SO swoon worthy. I wonder if he can cook? Hmmmm
  6. Purex Crystals – My new laundry friend. These pure crystals infuse your clothes with the longest lasting, and yummy, scent you can imagine. These crystals work wonders on stinky lacrosse clothes!
  7. Freschetta by the Slice – Want delicious pizza but only on slice? Look no further! Freschetta has made delicious pizza, one slice at a time. This has been my go to meal during lacrosse season. Yum!
  8. Victoria’s Secret Pink Sweet and Flirty - The perfect light everyday fragrance that will get you tons on compliments. I love that it is soft, yet not over powering.
  9. Bath & Body Works Orange Ginger Body Lotion. I can sum this up in one word – divine. This lotion is my ALL time favorite lotion and I have been addicted to it for several years. One sniff and all my troubles melt away, at least for a little bit anyway.
  10. My list would not be complete without one Bioelements product. Yes, I am a self proclaimed Bioelements junky, but what can I say? If I had to chose a favorite it would be Absolute Moisture. This is my ‘go to’ cream, especially at night. The texture and fragrance won me over at first try and I just can’t imagine life without it.

So there you have it – a little glimpse in the things that help this lassie survive day to day. Could I survive without them? Well, yes. But darn-it – sometimes its the little things that make life that much more enjoyable!

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Mozzi Love Bomb

4:51 pm ByFiled Underkat facts
Blissdom 2011 by Mishelle Lane Photography

Blissdom 2011 by Mishelle Lane Photography

Anyone who knows Casey loves her. You have to because… well, it’s just too darn hard not to. I can also tell you that my love for her was solidified over sushi in Nashville last year. Who can deny a love solidified over sushi?? That new love was further amplified in the depths of Skype. Stories and daily happenings were shared and the news of Mozzi arrival was made. Yeah Mozzi!

Any of you that know Casey also know that Mozzi has been giving Casey a ride of a lifetime but Casey keeps on trucking. Being the generous and caring soul that she is, she even opened her home to four wayward friends in the throws of intense pregnancy puking, also know as hyperemesis. Not only did Casey open up her home; she fed us, drove us around town and shared her gorgeous Moosh with us. Her strength and determination to be a part of all the action blew me away. While I would have been holed up in my bed crying the woes of sickness, Casey was the hostess with the mostest.

lush twilight bath bomb

Mmmm, fuzzy bath goodness

A little birdie told me that Mozzi has been less than friendly within the confines of Casey’s belly. And while this soccer gal loves to kick the ball around, I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of some killer kicks. So while Mozzi is taking every opportunuty to bomb Casey’s belly with World Cup worthy kicks – I am going to take this opportunity to bomb her with LOVE. I am also going to take this opportunity to bomb her with some LUSH Bath Bombs. Mmmm, bath bombs. I think I may have to splurge on some for me too!

So head on over and give Casey and Mozzi some love! You’ll be happy you did!!

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Karaoke in a bar?? Why yes I did!

7:46 pm ByFiled Underkat facts
IMG_6168.jpg

photo courtesy of Lotus Carroll

An Irish girl walks into a bar…. Nothing strange about that is there? Unless of course she is walking into the bar, completely nervous and doe eyed at the contemplation that tonight is the night she will karaoke. On stage. In front of hundreds of people. Some of which are her friends. (ironically I am not sure that last sentence made me feel any better about the situation) The fact that I was about to do it with one of my most amazing friends did make it a lot easier. Some what. Did I mention there were real singers there too? Yeah, that made me feel better. *ahem*

I tried to pick a song that wouldn’t make me look like a complete fool, because YOWZA! Everyone would be watching me. Which I guess is what technically happens when you hop up on stage, into the spotlight, and start belting out your rendition of Blondie.

So how do you handle this onslaught of attention when you are nervous out of your mind? You stuff your hands in your jeans of course! Cause you know, you look SO much better with your hands rammed in your pockets. All the real rock stars are doing it. No seriously, they are.

IMG_6161.jpg

photo courtesy of Lotus Carroll

You will be happy to know I made it through the song unscathed. I am, however, not sure how everyone else managed. Thankfully they are all still talking to me so it couldn’t have been that bad. And I can cross yet another thing off my Bucket List! Go me!

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go go power rangers

7:04 pm ByFiled Underkat facts

Power Rangers Samurai

The Power Rangers are back for a new season – Samurai style! This beloved show in it’s 19th season, once again centers around standing up for what is right, fighting off Master Xandred and his evil villains and promoting the greater good.

In their premiere episode “The Team Unites“, Mike (aka; the green ranger), struggles with his new found responsibility of being a Samurai Ranger. He experiences doubt that he is not as good as the other Samurais and misses hanging out with his friends. While enjoying some video games at his old local hangout, his new Samurai skills are quickly put to the test when Rofer comes to Earth for a visit and a little mayhem. Mike was determined to defeat him alone but quickly discovered, after taking quite a beating, that he needs his teammates to conquer the evil monster. When Rofer and the Moogers return, the team works together, morphing into the Samurai Megazord and send the monster packing.

I had the opportunity to interview an enthusiastic 5 year old Power Ranger fan after he watched the premiere on Nickelodean Monday night. Here is what he had to say:

Me: What did you think of the the new Power Rangers Samurai series?

5 y/o: It was SO cool!

Me: Who is your favorite ranger?

5 y/o: The green guy.

Me: Why?

5 y/o: Cause he morphs into a bear.

Me: What was your favorite part of the show?

5 y/o: When they all defeated the monster but forming the big Power Ranger guy.

Me: Could the Green Ranger defeat the monster Rofer alone?

5 y/o: No. They had to do it together with their animals.

Me: Would you watch it again?

5 y/o: Well YEAH!!

So there you have it. The Power Rangers new Samurai series has this 5 year old aficionado’s seal of approval. BUT, there is also a bonus for parents. Power Rangers have hooked up with emPOWER Movement to promote confidence, fitness, teamwork and friendship in our children.  Plus, you can nominate your child to be Ranger of the Week! Every week, emPOWER will feature a child that is making a difference in the family, school or community. I wonder if dressing like a ninja for two days straight would qualify? Monkey definitely has some mean ninja skills!

So set your DVR, grab your favorite ninja/samurai and sit back and enjoy another season of the Power Rangers. Your little samurai will thank you for it!

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