My knitting and other musings

Finley...

2012-01-26T18:05:00.000-05:00

So, Fin is 5 months old now. He is 40 pounds! We went hiking at Latta Plantation the other day. He does great on a leash until he sees a person... he is like the Walmart greeter of the world except that he wants to give everyone hugs and kisses too! :) Haha. Anyhow, here is a pic I took of him while we were hiking around the lake. I have to say, he is one good looking pup!

We have a meeting with a trainer on Tuesday. I am excited to see what the trainer thinks about everything that Fin knows and how we can improve and learn more!!

Peace.
Kyla

New Year

2012-01-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

I know, I know... I haven't actually written anything pertaining to this year yet! Enough about the past... time for the present and the future. Both are exciting. Both are so unknown. Both are about me working towards God's Will for my life, loving Him completely, loving others, and loving myself. In that order. (Although, I can't love others really the way I'm supposed to if I don't love myself...)

So, here's to BIG beginnings for 2012! So, hang on it's going to be quite a ride! :)

Peace.

Kyla

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts ... December

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Last month of the year 2011... thank goodness the year was over!

I spent a lot of time training Finley. I didn't want my dog (who was estimated to be about 100-120lbs at full grown) to be out of control! He was doing well. Learning to sit, stay, leave it, drop it, come. He enjoyed having me at home for 2 weeks while I was on Christmas break. He got to go to the dog park for the first time. We made several visits there. He loves it. But, the people there are crazy!

My good friends Kim & Jeff had their baby at the end of November. I finally got to meet her in December (thanks to being away for Thanksgiving and then being sick). She was a little peanut (5lbs 2 oz when I met her)! But so cute!

I went to PA for Christmas. Ended up being there about 5 days. The whole family was there plus Kort's dog... packed house. It wasn't too bad... better than I expected. Fin got into his dog food on Christmas Day when we were at my grandparents and ate WAY TOO MUCH. He was sick for the rest of the night and the next morning... Kort's dog ate rat poison and almost died and had to have an emergency vet visit and get on meds. I played in the first annual Chambersburg Field Hockey alumni and current players game. I was the oldest (other than Coach Amsley) by about 8 years... college seniors. And, yes, I kept up with those high school and college players. I was disappointed that no one else my age came to play...

I spent New Years Eve with my friends Chris and Robert. We knit, spun yarn, and just hung out. A very chill way to end 2011. Glad to start a new year...

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... November

2012-01-25T17:16:00.000-05:00

Well, the first day of November I received my brand new iPhone 4s. I had ordered it before it came out in stores but it took a month for me to get it. Siri quickly became a hit... asking her random questions... and getting random answers.

The big news this month is that I got Fin... well, he was named Frank the Tank when I met him but his name was quickly changed to Finley Parker. Finley because of Jimmy Buffett's song Fin. And Parker because everyone kept asking me if I named him after that baseball stadium... Fenway (but they thought it was Finley... I think they were combining Fenway and Rigley...). So, it stuck. My new "little" 10 week old 25lb. Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy came home with me. I met him on a Sunday evening and he was brought home with my on that Tuesday.

He went on many puppy playdates this month... I wanted him to be a social dog... good with people and animals. He went to C & M's house to play with their dog Kaipo... my friends Stephanie & Tim's house to play with their dog Cooper... on a houseboat owned by my friend Jamie and her husband to play with their 2 border collies. We had a great time! We also went hiking at Latta Plantation and went to PetSmart.

Fin and I went to PA for Thanksgiving. He did great on the 6 1/2 hour drive, sleeping most of the time.

This month was mostly about Fin. :) And Holy Yoga.

A Year in Thoughts & Pictures... October

2012-01-20T11:17:00.000-05:00

October might have been one of the best months in the whole year! So much done. So much fun!

A previous coworker of ours got married on Lake Norman. It was a lot of fun. It was cold and windy and the wedding was outside! But, we were the life of the party. Haha.

I went camping to Pisgah National Forest with my roommate and a bunch of people. Lots of fun! We hiked around Mt. Mitchell. We camped at the base of it, drove to the top and then hiked from it to the 2nd highest peak and back.

The next weekend I had my Holy Yoga Retreat. Such an awesome weekend. I got to meet new people, experience new teaching styles, connect with friends, and worship Jesus for an entire weekend. It was in SC on Lake Wylie. I was basically the youngest one there. It was like having one huge family together. Somedays I wish we had never had to leave.

Field hockey ended. We ended the season with a 3-3-3 record. First wins ever for PDS Middle School field hockey! I enjoyed the season and the girls on the team! And I loved coaching!

We had our Fall Festival at school. Lots of fun and lots of people. I was in the dunking booth all night. VERY cold!!

I went to Charleston, SC, for a yogathon. I stayed with my new friend (and Master HY instructor) Rachel and her family. So fun. So much yoga. And, so sore! 108 sun salutations in about 2 hours!!

For Halloween I went to C & M's house to hand out candy. We dressed up. Lots of fun. Grateful for those two people in my life!

What a fun-filled month!

A Year in Thoughts & Pictures... September

2012-01-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

Field hockey consumed my life this month. Practices. Games. The players were learning. And putting it into practice! We were winning, losing, and tying games! I was losing my voice. I was jumping around. Love it!

I knitted a pouf for my friend Dawn's nursery/new baby. It was so fun! And it turned out awesome!

I hung out with my friend Trish. I stayed at her house with her for 4 days while her husband and kids were out of town. We had fun. We went to a fair, a wedding, church, ate lots of food (I "blame" her for getting me back on a normal eating schedule!). It was a great time. Kinda felt like college again.

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... August

2012-01-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

Coaching field hockey started this month. I had never been the head coach of a team before, so this was all new to me. I was very nervous. But, after the first practice, I realized I had no need to be. Coaching, like many other things in my life (knitting, sports, music, yoga), are very natural for me. About 2/3 of my girls had never played before and over half of them were in 7th grade. I new it was going to be a tough season of a lot of basics being taught. (This only was somewhat true by the end of the season...)

Summer camp ended. School started. Nothing more needs to be said about this.

Holy Yoga continued. Such a blessing in my life. My fellow yogis. My instructor. God using it to heal and teach me. Grateful.

I housesat/ pet watched for T & L for a week. That was fun. It's nice to "get away" even if it's just down the road from your house.

Seems like this month was not as busy as the rest but I'm pretty sure it was. I don't even think I have any pictures to post for it... kinda sad.

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... July

2012-01-08T08:09:00.000-05:00

Staying busy. I guess that's the point, right?!? The busier you stay, the less you actually have to think. I'm pretty sure that was my goal for the summer.

During the last 2 days of June and the first day of July, I helped coach a field hockey tournament in Virginia. We had 2 teams going. Our other team won their pool. We took 4th in ours. It was a lot of fun. I loved being back in the coaching role!

My parents, brother, and niece Lexi came in on July 2. We had a cookout that evening for my birthday. About 15-20 people showed up. The funny thing is, only a couple of them were ones who were at my birthday dinner. It was a mix of my knitting friends, church friends, and work friends.

I spent the 4th of July and every weekend at Lake Wylie with my friends Kevin and Tina. I loved just sitting on the dock, getting sun, jumping into the lake, and hanging out with them.

I got to throw out the first pitch at the Hickory Crawdad's baseball game. It was Jimmy Buffett night and they invited our Parrothead club to come to the game and to have someone throw out the pitch. Well, I got chosen to do it with another lady from our club. She was running late and wasn't going to do it. So, it was just me. Made me SOOO nervous! Not to mention there was someone coming to the game who had my nerves on edge anyhow. So, I did it; threw the ball from the top of the mound to the catcher but too high for a strike... haha. And, guess what?!? None of my club members or friends were even in the stadium to see it! Can you believe it!?! They missed the whole thing. Oh well. We did a pretend one at the end of the game so they could film it... But, still not as good as the real one.

At summer camp it was Superhero Week. I had so much fun with this! I made a superhero training obstacle course in the gym where they had to dive threw hoops, jump over buildings, throw things through hoops, do jumping jacks and push-ups and sit-ups, and a whole bunch of other stuff. They had so much fun! We also made capes and masks and superhero identities. By far my favorite week of the summer!

I went to the Rascal Flatts and Sarah Evans concert at the Verizon Ampitheatre with Brittany and 2 of her friends. It was our annual Rascal Flatts concert. We went the year before on the weekend of my birthday. We were in our boots, hats, cut-off jean shorts. Great concert. Great friends.

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... June

2012-01-06T10:49:00.000-05:00

June... bittersweet. So much hurt had happened that month that I was reminded of... and yet, a celebration of my new decade.

School ended. We had graduation for my students. They were definitely my favorite class. (And, yes, I know, I'm not supposed to have favorites.)

I worked summer camp. I had the oldest group of kids which meant we would go on a lot of field trips... and we did!

I got my first pedicure ever... and now I can't live without them. :) I got blue put on my toes all summer!

I spent a lot of time (through the whole summer) with my friends Kevin and Tine at Lake Wylie and the pool at Riverbend Community.

My birthday... my 30th birthday... was on June 28. Tough day as far as memories go. But, new ones and good ones were made. I had dinner with my closest friends at Eez Asian Fusion & a cookout that weekend (which my parents, niece, and brother were in town for).

It was a tough month... I think I said that a couple times now. I missed (and do miss) the person who was my "best friend".
Being 30 has to be better than being 28 & 29...

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... May

2012-01-05T12:11:00.000-05:00

May started just as busy as April ended. On May 2, I played in a field hockey tournament at Davidson College. We played some college teams and some adult teams (mostly college teams though). We should've been undefeated but weren't... Still soooo much fun! It kinda gave me a glance into what it would be like to have actually taken the scholarship and played in college.

I "participated" in a busking (street art) documentary. Well, really, I was just there and hanging with my friend C who was doing art on the street for it. It was a cool thing to see so many street artists/performers lining the streets of Uptown in Charlotte.

I continued horseback riding lessons weekly. I was cantering, trotting, and some other fun stuff.

My little kids ran from Charlotte to Washington D.C. (theoretically; they ran the 433 miles as they ran around the gym every day). We had field day at the end of May. Their team name was the Parakeets (little Parrotheads!). I taught them all about Jimmy Buffett, his music, and the lead-back attitude. It was the last full month of school.

For Memorial Day, Jenn and our friend Dean and I went on a kayak trip down the Catawba River to the largest "colony" of spider lilies in the world. It was a lot of fun and very cool!

Throughout May, I ran about 6 miles with my coworker Lisa every Wednesday, mountain bike 10 miles and ran 3-5 miles almost every other day. Holy Yoga still was the highlight of my week and the thing that kept me sane and giving me peace.

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... April

2012-01-02T20:10:00.000-05:00

Oh, April was full of such fun stuff!

I took some of my students and their moms/grandmothers with me and another teacher to the streets of Charlotte to hand out clothing and hygiene items and food that my students collected. It was an awesome experience to see people who wouldn't normally do this and a family who was very close to being homeless because of financial reasons give to the homeless in Charlotte. Such a blessing.

I did a lot of mountain biking on my new mountain bike. I did some hiking with Kim & Jeff. Spent a lot of time in nature.

Took my class & the 2 Kindergarten classes to the NC Transportation Museum. We had a lot of fun.

I went to Marco Island, FL, and Key West, FL, for Spring Break. I did yoga on the beach in the morning. I spent the whole day sitting on the beach. I talked to maybe 4 people in the 7 days I was on Marco Island. It was Florida's declared Jimmy Buffett Day while I was on Key West. Found Jimmy's studio and talked to the manager for a while. I met my good friends from England on the ferry to Key West. So many pics I could share but I'll just give you a few. :)

I came back from Florida and Jimmy Buffett had a concert in Charlotte 4 days later. The PHCC tailgated for hours. I made the big screens while dancing in the aisle with some really drunk guy to one of Jimmy's songs. I was 7 rows from the stage.

At the end of the month, I helped with Party in the Park. A bunch of 20-somethings form The Cove Church put on this outreach in Mooresville. I was the "bouncer" of the moon bouncer my small group rented with my friend Tonya. I got to take little kids in and bounce them. Quite the workout!

What a fun month! 4 months sober. :)

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... March

2012-01-01T16:29:00.000-05:00

I started doing a lot more things with my friends from The Cove Church. We went bowling, I had a girls night at my house, I started going to the Cove:Remix service on Sunday nights, and many other fun things.

I went to my first Cirque du Soleil show. It was awesome!! I think I sat there for the whole show with my mouth wide open and all my muscles tensed. So fun!

I had my first trip to Charleston, SC. Jenn decided that since I'd never been there, that I needed to go. So we took a day trip. We went to Isle of Palms to eat lunch on the beach. We collected A WHOLE BUNCH of seashells. We went into the city to walk around. It was a really nice day.

My grandparents had their 50th Wedding Anniversary. I headed to PA for the celebration. We had family pictures taken and then a huge party!

I had a car accident the day I got back from PA. My first ever accident!! I sneezed just as the car in front of me stopped in the middle of an intersection even though we had a green light. And I rear-ended the girl. I cracked her bumper. Lesson learned.

I bought my first ever Coach purse from a real Coach store. (Yes, all my other ones were bought in Tribeca/Chinatown in NYC.)

I kept trying to run and mountain bike and P90x my life away. I guess I thought I could run away from the pain and hurt and heartbreak and anger and fear. I kept doing Holy Yoga. It was teaching me to be still and silent again. I was 3 months sober.

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... February

2012-01-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

February is when God decided that it was time I get "moving"... He was trying to move me and I wasn't budging. I first learned about Holy Yoga from a Facebook status from a friend from church. For some reason, it stuck in my head. And then it stuck in my heart. I started going on February 5th...

I went hiking with Kim to Crowder's Mountain.

I was the Equestrian Club coordinator for our school. I cantered for the first time in February. I had forgotten how much I loved horseback riding until I started lessons again.

I joined the Parrothead Club of Charlotte. I was looking for new friends and something to do. Who doesn't like Jimmy Buffett and parties and drinking (well, I gave that up)!! So, these people became some of my really good friends. And, again, little did they know, they were helping me through a very rough time in life. And, little did I know, how close our circles were and would become...

I had broken my wrist in December at self defense class but waited til February to get it checked out (I couldn't play field hockey if I went and had to have a cast!). Doctors said it wasn't broken (well, of course after 2 months it wouldn't be). But they gave me a brace to wear for a while. I don't think it ever really healed right. Luckily, it didn't hurt anymore than normal when I did yoga, painted, knit, or played field hockey.

2 months of no alcohol. Kinda weird being a Parrothead who doesn't drink... :)

A Year in Pictures & Thoughts... January

2012-01-01T09:48:00.000-05:00

As a look back on 2011, I'm going to do a post of pics/thoughts for each month. So, here's January...

I moved at the end of December to Jenn's house. The 2nd week of January it snowed. I was sick and stayed on the couch except to get up and take a pic of the snow and house. Luckily we were off school for 4 days so I didn't have to take time off. :)

I began hanging out with 2 of my now good friends Rachel & Justin. I started going to their small group and we started doing homeless ministry together (going to the Urban Ministry Center and going to the streets to hand out stuff to the homeless). They have become very good friends and I'm so grateful for them. They brought me through a rough time (and they had no clue). Now they are getting married in May. :)

We had Spirit Week at work. I was definitely the most spirited and dressed up every day accordingly. Everyone dressed up on Wacky Tacky Day.

I didn't have a New Year's resolution. Well, not one that I knew of. Turns out, I didn't need a resolution, just a new heart. 2011 is where He began to do that.

Christmas has come and gone...

2011-12-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I drove to PA. The drive is both good and bad. It means I'm headed to my roots but the length of the drive causes so much in my brain to happen. I'm forced to think for a long time without talking to anyone (other than Fin who usually sleeps the whole time). Memories hit. "What if's" hit. "What it could've been" hits. Anger hits. Heartache hits. Hope and forgiveness and grace hit. So much to process still. So much I still don't understand. But, I do know that I wouldn't be getting ready to start this new phase of life if it wasn't for all the pain I've had to go through. I definitely wouldn't have found Holy Yoga if things hadn't happened the way they did... I have to remember that.

I spent Friday through Wednesday in PA. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with family. I got some great gifts this year... all stuff I asked for... all stuff I needed. I got 3 DVDs... Power Holy Yoga, Gentle Flow Holy Yoga, and Kids Holy Yoga. I got the Kids Holy Yoga pose cards. A fun Yoga Dogs calendar that makes me laugh every time I see it. A fun Catahoula Leopard Dog t-shirt and bumper sticker (which probably won't be going on my car). My expensive shampoo and conditioner in large bottles. Some sweet brown boots (I was supposed to get new field hockey turf shoes but we couldn't find any). And some other little things. Christmas isn't about how much we get or how much is spent on us, but more about the time spent together and, of course, celebrating Jesus' birth.

On Monday, we had the First Annual Chambersburg Field Hockey Alumni and Current Players game. We played for 2 hours! So fun! I was the oldest one there by many years (other than Coach Amsley). Guess I'm the only one my age who still is involved in the sport. It was so fun and so good to see girls I used to coach. It's fun to play with and against girls who currently play on powerhouse college teams (Duke, ODU who were in the NCAA Final 4 games).

I was supposed to drive back to NC on Tuesday but with the way the weather was, I decided to wait. I had a headache and was really tired too. So, I slept a little and just rested. We had a family breakfast out at a restaurant... that's always an interesting time... all 7 of us together in our house is one story... out in public is another... Enough said. Kort's dog Winston ("Sir Winston of Brill" to be exact) ate some rat poison my parents had in their house... he had to have an emergency vet visit for blood work and medicine. He could've died if we hadn't figured it all out.

I drove back to NC yesterday. It again is a good and bad drive for all the same reasons.

Today I have no plans. Fin is outside playing... he loves having a fenced-in backyard so he can spend so much time outside playing. We HAVE to get his nails clipped... they're so sharp and long! He's drawing blood on my arms every time he jumps on me. I tried while in PA but they needed his rabbis shot records. They wouldn't accept his tags. I have to do some reading (getting a head-start on my Holy Yoga instructor books) and some knitting. I'm glad I have 4 days to rest until back to school.

Well. Maybe more to write later.
Peace.
Kyla

:)

2011-12-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

"I like smiling; smiling's my favorite." I love that line from the movie Elf.

I don't know if it's the Christmas season or just the season of life I'm in, but I find myself smiling (and sometimes it's randomly).

Last night I was driving after doing some Christmas shopping, realizing how broke I am now, listening to Christmas music on the radio, but feeling a warmth and gratitude and joy that has slowly been returning to my life. I pulled out my phone, opened the Notes app, hit the record button and started talking. A little weird, I know, but I didn't want to type while driving so I let the phone do it for me.

"Lately I find myself smiling. I don't really know why I'm smiling and sometimes I don't even realize it. I laugh about it. I am laughing at myself for it. I find it funny that here I am, a year and a half after I thought my life has fallen apart thinking that there's no reason to go on, and, yet, I'm smiling. And for no reason."

I decided that I'm ok being "broke" (I'm really not, but since I had to go into my savings account to pay for my Holy Yoga downpayment, I decided I'm "broke"). I decided that I'm giving myself the best "material" present (and the most expensive present) I've ever given (or been given)... Holy Yoga Instructor Certification. [God has given me the best present I could ever be given... Jesus... and eternal forgiveness and love and grace and life.] Holy Yoga, for me as a participant, has been life changing. I can't even fathom what Holy Yoga is going to do for me as I go through the training and as I become an instructor! I am so excited!

So, maybe that's why I'm smiling. Smiling because I know God has HUGE plans for me in the form of Holy Yoga. I know I'm bound for greatness because I will be working for the One who has planned out everything for me, for my own good, and for His glory. I will be working to bring people closer to Him through meditations/devotions with hearts and exercising their minds and bodies through the practice of yoga.

And, so, I smile.
Peace.
Kyla

Finatic

2011-12-21T07:33:00.000-05:00

Finally on Christmas Break! Haven't had this many days off since last Christmas break. This morning (yes, it's 7:15am) Fin actually let me sleep til 7. Great way to start off my break (considering he's usually up at 5). But, he's full of himself this morning (and it's only been 15 minutes) and not wanting to listen so he's in his crate for timeout!

Yesterday we had our staff luncheon. It takes place at our owners house. Last year it was catered. This year she cooked everything. The food was good. We did a t-shirt exchange this year. We drew names and had to get a t-shirt that represented that person (either favorite sports team, things they like/like to do, funny quotes, inside jokes, etc.). I drew my friend Emily's name. There are a couple teachers I know really well and she's one of them. She likes sports, the Panthers, UNCC, anything Charlotte... but I didn't take the "easy" way out with her. Instead, I immediately thought about a shirt that says something about choir director/choir practice... We call Friday Happy Hour "Choir Practice" because it keeps the kids from knowing what it really is. Emily is the one who always texts everyone or organizes it, so we call her the "Choir Director". I went on CafePress (if you haven't been to their website, look it up because you can get a lot of fun shirts there) and found one I liked that said "Danger: Hot Choir Director" in the form of a danger sign you would see on a fence or building, etc. When I went to see how much it would be + express shipping, it said over $35!! So, I decided I would make my own! [Designed the sign on my Mac, got the t-shirt and special printer iron-on film, and made the shirt. Instead of the flame next to "Hot", I put a flaming margarita glass. Haha.] We did the exchange and she loved the shirt. The person who had my name sent away for my shirt too but it didn't come in time. She gave me a pic of the shirt... it's from Margaritaville Key West. It says "FINATIC" on the top of it (and something under that but I don't remember). She said she got it because I am a "Parrothead" and my dog's name is "Fin". Perfect! :)

This morning I'm going to the YMCA in NoDa for a yoga class (my instructor teaches there on Wednesday mornings but I can never go because of work... so I'm going this morning). I need to do more Christmas shopping today/tomorrow. And, of course, I still have knitting to do... Looks like some people will get a picture of what they're getting (or a "gift certificate") and then get the item later on.

I'm going to PA on Friday. Fin is coming with me. I will leave PA on Tuesday and maybe head to Baltimore for a day to see my friends Kevin and Laura and their baby Jacob.

Well, Fin is back at his nonsense of not listening so I need to go discipline him (yes, he does get spanked). He WILL be a good dog! (I've been looking into different trainers for him... the one I want is $600+. I will be looking at other ones that are a little more reasonable for my budget.) The life of a puppy mommy...

Peace.

Kyla

Updates and such.

2011-12-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Lately I've felt annoyed about different things... some of those things I might have a small excuse that makes sense... the rest makes me think, "What is wrong with you, Kyla!?!". (I would go into more details about these different things, but it might give people away and anger them, and I don't really want to have to deal with that either! So, I digress...)

Christmas break starts tomorrow... well, we have workdays on Monday and Tuesday and then my break starts. We have DRA training on Monday and a teacher luncheon on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, I plan on doing my Christmas shopping (bought my first 2 presents today --- Lexi and Korbin). I know what I'm getting Mom, Dad, and Kortlyn... not so sure with Krista yet but I have a couple ideas. I'm contemplating getting some gifts for a couple other people who are major people in my life. It kinda depends on the $$. I'm knitting some gifts too (well, they will probably get pics of what they're getting because most likely their gifts won't be done...).

Fin is doing pretty good. He has had some spankings lately... eating a knitted sock (not mine, but one I'm replicating) twice, biting me on my heel, not coming to me when I call him and purposefully running the other way for about 5 minutes. He is getting big. And strong! He eats bones in 2-3 minutes (ones that should last at least an hour). Peanut butter is his favorite treat (in the Kong). He eats almost 4 cups of food (Blue Large Breed Puppy) every day. His rope was shredded today; good thing I bought a new one the other day incase this happened. He wears a "Thunder Shirt" when I leave the house to help with his anxiety. I think it's helping. When he's in trouble, he gets puppy timeout in his crate without the shirt and sometimes I get mad at him and don't put the shirt on him when I leave the house.

I start my yoga instructor training on January 12. Sooo excited for this! I am practicing yoga almost every morning from 5am-6am before work. Keeps me focused! :)

Still haven't drank any alcohol. 372 days. Haven't decided when/if I'm going to start...

I go to PA this week... probably on Friday.

I'm trying to come up with a post to write that's more than just "what's going on with me." So... keep an eye out for that.

Until then.

Peace.

Kyla

Finley play time video

2011-12-14T17:14:00.000-05:00

My puppy Finley might just be the coolest dog ever! He's 15 weeks old (tomorrow) and is over 30 pounds! Haha. He is learning (and remembering) so much!! Here's a short video of him playing with my roommate Jenn's one dog Gambit. Finley thinks he's as big as Gambit... haha. He's been enjoying time at a dog park and meeting new friends too. Such a good dog!

366 days

2011-12-11T21:50:00.000-05:00

Today is the 366th day I haven't drank alcohol. That makes yesterday the 1 year mark... I would've posted yesterday but I really didn't have time.

It was 1 day from the last time I drank alcohol, drank too much alcohol, and then ended up not remembering being in a car with 2 people, not remembering telling them EVERYTHING, not remember walking into the house or going to the bathroom, but DEFINITELY remember throwing up and passing out (in that cycle) for about 4 hours and wondering if I should go to the hospital. I DEFINITELY remember an argument, a want to go "home", a thought of trying to walk there (although it was 20 minutes by car and it was late at night), overhearing conversations about me, the way you took care of me and the things you said, the shock of being driven to your house instead of taking me to mine. I remember the bed, getting sick there too, and the dreaded next morning where my actions and words were all revealed and the look on your face, the harsh tone in your voice, and how you didn't say good bye. I remember that that was the last time you talked to me or that we saw each other in person until July. I remember thinking that I wasn't going to drink for a long time...

It took me over 6 months to be able to even smell alcohol without feeling like I was going to throw up.

I know I said things that night. I know I did things that night. But, the fact I don't remember those things are exactly why I had to stop drinking. Alcohol had become my coping mechanism when you were around and I didn't know what to do... so I drank.

But, I look back on that night...and realize that I have come a long way. Not because of my not drinking alcohol because it was really a limited number of times I did but it was how I did those couple of times. It is more because I have given it all to God, I have allowed people to weigh into my life, I have started doing the things I love (field hockey, yoga, horseback riding, etc). :)

So, the big question seems to be: "When are you going to start drinking again?" My answer is I DON'T KNOW! But until then...

Peace.
Kyla

weekends are for busy-ness

2011-12-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

This weekend went by so quickly... I can't believe it. Time is flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it! And, for that, I am grateful! I can't wait for Christmas break!! I haven't had that much time off since last Christmas!

On Friday night I went to Rachel's house to help her, Justin, and Justin's sister Heather and her husband sort through all the clothes we had for the homeless. We had a lot! Rachel and I drove around trying to get boxes to put them all in but couldn't find any. While we were out and about, Justin, Heather, and her husband made up bags of water, soda, soup, and snacks for each homeless person. I went home then and fell asleep on the couch with Fin.

Saturday morning Fin thought it would be nice to wake up at 4:30am! Ugh! I dragged him into my bed to sleep with me (again, this will NOT be a habit!) for a little longer. We slept until 7:15... I was supposed to be leaving my house about that time... oops. I quickly dressed and headed to the streets of Charlotte to hand out the clothing and food to the homeless. Along with Rachel and Justin, our friend Jessica and her friend Emily, and then our other friend Kim and Justin's friend all came too! We handed out a lot of stuff and the people were very gracious. After serving them, I headed to Holy Yoga class for a workshop session. It was on the Bethlehem star and our "gaze". Yes, it was a good class! I am still a little sore from it. We did a lot of backbend poses; using our gaze to go farther back in the pose. So fun! I got a very deep backbend in modified crescent lunge. Sarah said I looked like some famous yogi (can't remember her name) and we all thought she said I looked like a reindeer and we all started laughing! :) I got to be the example for wheel pose... one of my favorites! After class I went home and let Fin out for a while and I took a nap! We then headed to C & M's house for a puppy playdate with their dog Kaipo. Those 2 were fun to watch! I took Fin home and then the 3 of us went to Ikea.

Sunday was good. I was up at 5:30am thanks to Fin. I did some knitting, watched a Christmas movie, snuggled with the pup. :) Then I headed to church. The talk was so good! This series is so good (on "hope"). Bruce made a sad announcement at the end of the service... he's retiring from preaching in May. There were lots of gasps and tears. Some people are only at W242 for Bruce, so I'm guessing people will leave after he's gone. He will be teaching full time at Queens. He will be missed. We just need to pray that the right person takes his position.

After church I spent all day at Kim and Jeff's house. Kim had her baby right before Thanksgiving and I didnt' get to see little Reagan because I left for PA and then when I got back from PA I got a cold. So, this was my first day seeing her! She's just a little peanut... 5lbs 2 oz! Kim and I got to hang out and knit and watch football. Jeff made us turkey soup when he got back from a funeral. If I haven't said it already, I am grateful for that family!

And, today is Monday... yeah... work. I'm taking Fin to get his last puppy shots and rabbis shot after school. Then Holy Yoga class tonight! Woohoo!

Til later.
Peace.
Kyla

Final Step.

2011-11-29T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well, my "down payment" for my Holy Yoga instructor certification has now been paid!! Woohoo! And, I found out that I got a $500 scholarship for my training! Even a bigger WOOHOO! Now my certification will only cost $2200... and now since my first $500 is paid, I only owe $1700ish. And, that is going to be paid over the next 8-10 months. Usually they only go up to 6 month installments, but they told me I can do 8-10 month installments. Again, a woohoo!

I'm so excited! If you can't tell... haha. Now, I wait til January 12th (well, and I have to get my books) to start classes!

Peace.
Kyla

Yoga Girl Music Video

2011-11-29T17:50:00.002-05:00

I just had to share this. Love it. Watch it! :)

getting sick...

2011-11-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

I'm coming down with a cold... how I got this little bug, I don't know! Runny nose. Stuffy nose. (And, how is it possible to have a runny and stuffy nose!?!) A little cough and sore throat from the draining. A slight headache.

Now, I don't get sick very often but when I do... watch out. It usually hits me hard! In January I was confined to the couch for over 4 days straight from "just a cold". Good thing it was over that "snow storm" and I didn't miss any school.

It's funny that since I started eating (and eating good things) and getting sleep and doing lots of yoga, that it's THEN that I get sick... not those months where eating and sleeping weren't options and I was running myself ragged with "busy-ness". But, whatever, this too shall pass. :)

I had a good Holy Yoga class tonight. We are doing a 4-week advent series. As "gentle" as it was, I know I still got a workout because I focus so much on stacking and engaging. I am thinking about heading to Charleston on Friday afternoon for a Holy Yoga Christmas class that my friend Rachael is teaching. I would stay over til atleast Saturday. But, there are 2 conflicts with that... 1.) I now have a puppy and someone would have to take care of him for the amount of time I'm gone. 2.) I don't want to miss my Holy Yoga workshop on Saturday morning. I haven't missed a class since starting HY with Sarah as my instructor! So, who knows what I'll end up doing!

Counting down to Christmas break! I'm hoping these next couple weeks go quickly at work. I have my last horseback riding lesson on Thursday (til March). I have field hockey on Wednesday night.

So, as you can see, this is NO time to be getting sick!!

Peace.
Kyla

Puppy trouble!

2011-11-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

Last night and today Fin is trying my patience! Where did all his good listening go!?! What happened to his ability to sit and stay? Or to sleep through the night? Ggrrrrr..... He has had puppy time-out a couple times and gotten a couple swats on his butt (which I don't like to do but when he repeatedly doesn't listen about the same thing... like NOT EATING the other dogs' food!!)!!! Anyhow, he's now sleeping with his head on my lap and is SNORING! His trouble-making has tired him out! ;)

I need to send him to puppy school... any suggestions?? ... I don't want to (and can't afford to) spend a huge amount on his training (otherwise I would ship him off to be trained and then sent back to me as a "good dog").

For now...

Peace.
Kyla

Grateful.

2011-11-26T20:31:00.000-05:00

I stole this from my friend Audrey's blog... Because I didn't have internet access at my parents' house in PA over Thanksgiving, here's my Thanksgiving post...

1. Who do I appreciate?

I appreciate my family as much as I probably don't say it or show it. I appreciate those friends who know ALL about me and love me anyhow (Kim, Melanie, and Laura). I appreciate my Holy Yoga instructors and friends Sarah and Rachael. I appreciate my faith leaders at my church. I appreciate my friends who have kept in touch over the years and the new ones I've made here in NC.

2. How am I fortunate?

I have a savings account that has a decent amount of money in it. I have food in the fridge, more than one pair of shoes, socks, pants, and shirt. I have a car that runs. I have a job. I have a roof over my head.

3. What material possessions am I thankful for?

I am thankful for my Jeep, my knitting supplies, my iPhone and MacBook Pro. I am thankful for my yoga mat.

4. What abilities do I have that I'm grateful for?

I am grateful for my ability to knit... to be creative and to create... to give the gift of knitting to others through teaching them to knit and making things for them. I'm grateful for my ability to do yoga and other sports. I am grateful for my ability to play the guitar and piano.

5. What about my surroundings (home/neighborhood/city/etc.) am I thankful for?

I am grateful for the city of Charlotte. I am grateful for the house I live in... it's big and in a nice neighborhood. I'm grateful for the 2 roommates I share this house with.

6. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for?

I'm grateful for the experiences I've had that have shaped my faith. I'm grateful for the things that have tested my faith and made it stronger. I'm grateful for the chance to love (regardless of the outcome). I'm grateful for the experiences I've had through field hockey, yoga, and knitting.

7. What happened lately that I am grateful for?

Today: I'm grateful for the chance to see Melanie and Laura A. all in the same day even though we all live in different parts of the country (PA, MD, and NC).

Yesterday: I'm grateful for the chance yesterday to take Fin to PetSmart and that he is such a good puppy!

This week: For the chance to go to PA and see my family and friends and eat really good food! And that 2 of my friends both had baby girls this week, that they are all doing well and are healthy!

This month: For all of the chances to hang out with friends and grow relationships.

This year: For yoga. For how it has taught me to be still and silent again. For the strength (physically, mentally, and spiritually) it has given to me. For the friendships that have come from it. For the opportunities it will give me in the future as an occupation.

8. What opportunities do I have that I'm thankful for?

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve others... the homeless in Charlotte... the children and staff in my school... my friends...

9. What have others in my life done that I am thankful for?

I am thankful for the friendships that have shown me unconditional love and grace. I am thankful for the fact Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for my sins so that I may have eternal life in heaven... the ultimate sacrifice for such an undeserving person!

10. What have others done that I am benefitting from in my life (even if I don't know who these people are)?

The people who have prayed for me. The people who have served with me and served me. The people who have hurt me (but more importantly the lessons that came from the hurt). The start up of my school so that I could have a job. The start up of Holy Yoga by Brooke Boon and the ministry that has come from it.

11. What relationships am I thankful for?

Kim & Jeff M. -- Laura & Kevin A. -- Melanie K. -- Carlleena P. -- Marcy F. -- Jenn G. -- Trisha A. -- Rachael & Justin -- Miki O -- Megan D. -- field hockey peeps -- knitting peeps

12. What am I taking for granted that, if I stop to think about it, I'm grateful for?

My health. For so long I had an "issue" (healthwise) every year... broken bones, sprained/strained/torn ligaments and tendons, pulled muscles, not-working organs, etc. Over the past couple years, my injures/health issues have been very limited. Also, my ability to play sports/do yoga/etc. because of my health.

13. What is there about the challenges/difficulties I have experienced (or am currently experiencing) that I can be thankful for?

The love & loss of it. The brokenness that came from it. The being at the lowest point in my life where I didn't want to live. The grace, forgiveness, hope, and love of God that I have experienced because of it.

14. What is different today than it was a year ago that I'm thankful for?

A year ago, I didn't eat, rarely slept, drank my hurt away, was broken and hurting, didn't care if I lived... today I eat, I sleep, I haven't drank in almost a year, and I have hope.

15. What insights have I gained that I am thankful for?

That God really does love me no matter what I've done. That I am forgiven no matter what I've done. That Jesus' blood does cover my sins and I am redeemed. That God does have a plan for my life and it is good. That I want to spend my life serving Him in whatever way that looks like (being a yoga instructor, teaching kids, etc.).

Holy Yoga Step 2

2011-11-21T18:17:00.000-05:00

So, I know I've talked a lot about yoga lately, but, guess what, I'm talking about it again...

I just got off the phone with Joanne from Holy Yoga. It was my "step 2" in getting ready to start the program. Step 3 is the financial stuff...

The conversation mostly was about my questions. I didn't have many. Mostly the financial stuff because I don't have $2700 to hand out right away. All my questions were answered and found out I could possibly get a scholarship. That would be nice!

At the end, Joanne asked if she could pray for me. As she prayed, without even realizing it, tears started streaming down my face. I know God is calling me to this. I can feel it. He's confirming it more and more every day.

Pray for me as I continue the registration process and start this journey in January!

Peace.
Kyla

Weekend.

2011-11-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

It went by so quickly...

On Friday evening, we had our school Thanksgiving service. Enough said on that. Afterwards I headed back to my house where 2 birthday parties were happening... one for my roommate Corrine and one for our friend Chris (who is from Tampa but currently working in Atlanta). There were lots of people (and some kids who annoyed the dogs a lot) over and lots of food being eaten and a bonfire going into the wee hours of the morning. I think I went to bed sometime around 1am (after falling asleep on the couch with Fin).

Saturday morning, Fin actually slept until 8am... unfortunately, I woke up at 6:30, which that technically is sleeping in for me since I usually get up at 5am. I took Fin to PetSmart to buy some treats and have a little social time. Everyone commented on how cool of a dog he is. That makes me happy. He was really good in the store too. Every time I stopped in an aisle, he laid down and waited. Every time he met a new dog or people friend, he was very good about not jumping or anything like that. I got him a tag finally for his collar... I guess that makes it official. :) After we left there (which he was pretty tired from all of the excitement), I took him to the Mallard Creek Greenway for a walk. Well, I wasn't really thinking and our walk turned into 2 hours of walking... 4 miles. I was practically dragging him on the way back. Haha. He was TIRED! He was so tired that when I went through the drive-thru at Chic-fil-A, he didn't even try to eat my food but he did fall asleep with his nose right next to my bag of fries. :) I returned to the house and I guess he felt rested enough because he had about 30 minutes of wrestle and run time with Gambit. I got ready for Trish's birthday dinner and then headed to Birkdale. I got there early and put our name in for a table. I headed to Claire's to buy some new nose rings and then met up with Trish to do a little more shopping until we were paged. Lisa came to dinner too. Eez was sooo good. I had edimame, spring rolls, and chicken satay. The 3 of us went to Target and Kohls after... shopping with Trish is always a fun time. Since I have to be "in the mood" to shop for myself, it's fun to watch and be with people who are always in the shopping mood. I came back to the house around 11:30 to find Kim, Jeff, Jenn, Chris, and "Farmer" Chad at the house playing poker. I fell asleep again on the couch with Fin and finally went up to bed around 1:30am. They stayed up til 5:30am to finish their game (which I didn't know until Sunday morning!).

On Sunday we started a new series at church on the book of Colossians titled "Hope". I think it's going to be a great series. I kinda wish they would've done the series last year at this time because that's when I needed hope the most. But, God's timing is everything so we shall see how this fits with my life! :) After church, a bunch of us went to lunch at Zoe's Kitchen. I love that place. The food is always so fresh tasting! After lunch, we all went back to our house and turned on a movie (Hannah), made a fire in the fireplace, and just chilaxed (everyone else napped through the movie since they were up so late). I knit most the afternoon/evening. Eventually everyone left and I was left to watch a Christmas movie and keep the fire going and knit and play with Fin. I like a little peace and quiet after a busy, people-packed house and weekend.

This morning Fin woke up at 2:30am... I think it's because Corinne was still up doing school work and he heard her. But, he went back to sleep after I let him out to use the bathroom. I ended up going back to sleep and when my alarm went off, I reset it for an hour later... I figured Fin would wake up at some point in that hour and start barking. He did not. I ended up having to wake him up at 6:45am to feed him and let him out before I went to work. He didn't even get his morning walk in.

And, now, it's Monday. The good news is, is that it's only a 2-day work week... and tomorrow I'm showing a movie. :)

Tonight is my phone interview with Holy Yoga on getting my instructor certification starting in January. I'm a little nervous about it because I had to write some things out beforehand and send it to them about my life and faith-walk and how Holy Yoga has impacted my life. After the interview, I am going to my Holy Yoga class, so it'll be a good ending to today! :)

I head to PA on Wednesday with Fin and will probably be back on Saturday. But I'm sure I'll write before then.

Peace.
Kyla

3

2011-11-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

So, I realized yesterday that my 3 years anniversary of being in Charlotte was this past week... Nov. 14. (It's funny how the 14th of some months -- and the double of it, 28 -- has had such ties to my life since moving here.)

It's been quite the 3 years! There was life. Then love. Then love & I were lost. I was broken. Then I experienced God's grace and forgiveness in more ways that I ever had before. Then there's been growth and healing... which is where I am now.

It's funny how God is changing me... changing what He wants from me... changing my life direction.

I will be hopefully starting my yoga instructor certification in January. I'll finish it in October. I'll have my kids yoga instructor certification in May. The goal is to not have to be a school teacher (well, at least not a full-time school teacher... I might have to substitute or a tutor). Plus, I have my knitting to bring in some income. But, again, this will only happen if it is really God's will and not my own. I'm not worried about money. He's provided more than I could ever want or need over the past year (I have completely replenished my savings account back to the amount I had in it before I moved to NC and had to use all of my savings to get here... and all this happened over the past year and a half).

I still knit. A lot. Haha. :)

I have some amazing friends... friends who accept me no matter what I've done. I have yet to explain my past couple years to some friends who are crucial in my life, which I will eventually have to do if I want those friendships to go deeper.

I have field hockey again! Something that was so crucial in my life back in PA, that I missed out on for the first 2 years here, is now a huge part of my life. I'm coaching again, playing again, and enjoying it!

I have an awesome church family and place to worship. I don't have a small group right now. My Holy Yoga friends are like that for me... they are my encouragers, sisters in Christ. We engage in spiritual learning and worship together every time we practice yoga. I always leave there feeling blessed and full.

Speaking of yoga, that's the newest thing in my life. I've been practicing it since Feb/March and it has made the biggest impact in my life. I have learned to be still and silent again. God uses those times of quietness and those times of holding poses to get into my heart and strengthen it and speak to me. I know I would not be where I am right now if it wasn't for it Holy Yoga. I am so grateful for this ministry (which is why I'm so excited to get my instructor certification).

Do I miss PA? Not really. I do miss my family and my friends back there. Do I ever plan on moving back... absolutely not. If I move again, I am going farther south... tip of Florida or some island. :)

But, for now, I know that Charlotte, NC, is where God wants me. I am blessed beyond what I ever deserve and for that I am grateful. I am forgiven and given grace far beyond what I should be and for that I am humbled.

I am His and He is mine.
Peace.
Kyla

A New Favorite Song...

2011-11-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

"Something Beautiful" by Alexi Murdoch
Such a beautiful song. I love his other songs too (some I have on the playlist on my blog). You will want to pause the music at the bottom of the page to listen.

Peace.
Kyla

Life.

2011-11-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

I realize I haven't actually posted anything other than my "November pics" lately... so let me catch you up on my life. :)

School... school is ok. I mean, it's school so it goes as well as it could. Teaching 5th & 6th grades isn't bad. They are pretty good kids and I rarely have behavior problems. We are in the 2nd marking period and it's going quickly! I'm in a "war" with another class to see who can collect more Boxtops for Education. It's a close competition (we have about 100 less) but we only have half the amount of students than the other class. So, if you have Boxtops and don't have anyone to give them to, please send them my way!!

Yoga... yoga is going great! I was doing it every morning at 5am but haven't been able to over the past week since I got my puppy. I am in step 2 of starting my yoga instructor certification through Holy Yoga. I have a phone interview on Monday afternoon. Hopefully that goes well. :)

Knitting... I've had a few "chicken moments" with knitting lately. I was working on "the project" but have put it down to work on a baby blanket for Trish's friend (who just adopted a baby boy). I'm making the 10-stitch Twist (the square one). It's super easy and pretty quick to knit. Once I finish that blanket, I need to start on some things for my friend Kim (her little girl is due the first week of December) and start thinking about Christmas presents, cold-weather gear, and such. I have a list of things people would like knitted (none of which are actually for pay other than the cost of the yarn --- but that could change if they want their item to move up higher on the list). Busy times! Knitting with a puppy isn't necessarily the easiest either!

Finley... he's 11 weeks old (he turns 3 months on the 21st) and weighs 25 pounds. He has paws that are HUGE so he is going to be a big dog. I found out from a lady at PetSmart that the Catahoula Leopard was originally bred as Civil War dogs (they were the main breed used --- I think --- by the South). Then they were taken to Louisiana for wild hog hunting. After some research, I found out that his breed was originated by mixing Mastiff, Boxer, Greyhound, St. Bernard, and Newfoundland breeds. So, did I mention how big his paws are which means he is going to be BIG (I'm told around 100 pounds or a little more). I have taken him for playdates to 5 different friends' houses to play with their dogs, to PetSmart, to Starbucks, to Latta Plantation & Mountain Island Lake. He does great with playing with other dogs, listening to the command "sit", not peeing in his crate, being crated at night (sleeping from 10:30pm to at least 5am), getting better at walking on a leash beside me (not in front of me or pulling me), and is really doing great at learning "stay" (we've only been working on it this past weekend and he almost has it down). He doesn't like to be crated when people are at the house (after I leave for work), but because he's still a pup I know it's better and safer for him to be crated.
Here's a recent pic of him...

Um, I guess that's it for now...
Peace.
Kyla

Next couple pics.

2011-11-15T12:51:00.001-05:00

A childhood memory (pencils at school), something blue (my sticky notes), & a sunset (yesterday at Latta).

November Pics (I'm a little behind)...

2011-11-13T09:48:00.002-05:00

#8 A bad habit... Speeding
#9 Someone I love... My new puppy Fin

Finley

2011-11-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it... I got a puppy. A Catahoula Leopard dog (or Catahoula Cur). I named him "Finley" but will be mostly calling him "Fin"... think "It's fins to the left, it's fins to the right" (Jimmy Buffett's song "Fins")! :) He's 9 weeks old and weighs 25 pounds! He is going to be a very large dog! :) He's smart. He knows vocal and hand commands for sit and was trained to hit the bell on the door when he needs to go out. Now that he is in a new house, the sit command still holds, but I don't have a bell for him... which has led to him peeing on my bedroom floor and on the living room floor... I am going to get a bell for each of the dog doors because it'll teach him to use them.

He is doing well being in the crate all day. I don't think he's peed in the crate at all while I've been at work. He definitely cries and whines a bit when I put him in it, but I don't have a choice until he gets older and house-broken and until Nollie tolerates him being around more (stops snapping at him). I moved his crate from my bedroom to the living room so we will see how that changes things.

This morning I took him on his first vet visit. I have picked the Dilworth Animal Hospital to be his veterinarian thanks to a recommendation from my friend Stephanie. They were awesome there! And they loved Fin! He got his 2nd round of puppy shots, checked for internal parasites, and was microchipped. He did great and got a clean bill of health. I then took him to Freedom Park for a nice long walk. I know he likes not being crated for the day (since I had off work)! He got to meet some new friends (people and dogs) and even met another puppy named Fin! :) And, of course, when people asked what kind he was and I told them, they looked at me like I was crazy and then asked me about his breed. Good thing I read up on them! Haha.

Fin slept a lot of the day today! As did I! :) I put a nice fire in the fireplace. Put on some Netflix tv shows and movies and curled up with Fin. He played a bit with Gambit too! [Gambit seriously is a different dog than 3 days ago! He has grown up! He lets Fin play with him (even lays down and lets Fin pounce on him) and doesn't get too rough. He watches Fin's every move and shows him what to do sometimes!]

I was supposed to go to Asheville this afternoon for my friend Kat's art show but I don't know if I should leave Fin and there is another reason (or should I say person) which could be "hazardous". So, it looks like I'll be staying home. There's a concert tonight at the Bojangles Coliseum with MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Group 1 Crew, and some others. It's only $10. I don't know if I'm going or not... I'm actually really tired. (Fin was up at 2 and 4 last night.) And I do have stuff to knit.

If you have a puppy or dog and you live in the area, let me know and we'll set up a playdate. Fin gets along great with other dogs and people! I want him to be socialized as much as possible!

Enjoy the weekend.
Peace.
Kyla

November pic - fruit

2011-11-08T07:12:00.001-05:00

Pear.

November pic - looking up

2011-11-08T07:11:00.001-05:00

In the Jeep

November pic - from above

2011-11-07T06:56:00.001-05:00

My guitar and new puppy. (Well, most likely will be my puppy after tomorrow). :)

November Pic for Friday

2011-11-05T08:20:00.001-04:00

Something green... My bottom layer yoga mat...

November Pic 3 - Clouds

2011-11-04T08:43:00.001-04:00

Nov pics Day 2

2011-11-03T08:44:00.001-04:00

What I wore "today" (actually yesterday since this was to be yesterday's post)...

Siri...

2011-11-01T23:32:00.000-04:00

Today my new iPhone 4s came!! :) I set it up tonight and I love it! Haha. Overall, with daily use, it isn't much different than my old iPhone 3g... except for Siri! She is amazing. It's fun to ask her questions ad it funnier that she answers them!! :)

Tonight was our field hockey banquet. It was nice.

Tomorrow I have a field trip to JABiztown. The prep for this trip has been a thorn in my side! But it should be fun! Atleast I get to wear jeans! :)

I'm finally not feeling like I got hit by a car! My muscles and ligaments and tendons are not so tight. I haven't done my daily yoga this week bc I just couldn't move. I think tomorrow will not be a yoga morning... I'm too tired.

Off to bed.
Good night.
Peace.
Kyla

November Pic Day 1

2011-11-01T23:25:00.003-04:00

It's supposed to be a self portrait, but I'm going with a pic from last night... :)

Picture-a-day

2011-10-31T17:20:00.000-04:00

Definitely going to try to do this! (especially since my new iphone 4s was shipped today and it shouls be here this week!)

Source: whitepeachphoto.com via Susan on Pinterest

108

2011-10-30T21:38:00.000-04:00

Friday after school (we had a teacher workday and parent-teacher conferences), I drove to Charleston, SC. I was going to stay at my friend Rachel's house and do a yogathon on Saturday. The drive was quick... no traffic, no police. :) I cruised right along and made it in 3 hours (almost exactly if not a little quicker). :)

Now, I don't know Rachel that well. I mean, we only met at the Holy Yoga retreat a couple weeks ago. She was my small group leader there but it's not like there was any real one-on-one interaction. So, going to stay at her house with her and her family was slightly "scary" in that neither of us knew each other that well.

Friday night I went to a spa party with Rachel to check out some Swiss oils. I ended up buying some (well, I should say, that I spent more money than I expected... haha). But, I think this stuff is pretty good so I'm not too upset about it. :) I just can't wait until the order comes in so I can use it! It was nice to meet new people there too. When we got back to her house, I got to meet her husband Casey. We sat around and chatted and they got to learn a little about me. Of course, once I said that I worked in a prison and played field hockey, I was labeled a "bad-ass". :) Haha. (But, as I found out on Saturday, Rachel's quit the bad-ass herself!)

On Saturday morning, Casey (who's a chef for a living and they own 2 restaurants) made raspberry and chocolate chip pancakes... they were really good! He went surfing after breakfast so Rachel, her boys Liam and Grey, and I hung out at the house. We were planning on going to a car show in her antique car but it was raining so we found other things to do at the house. There was the Halloween dress-up time where the boys and Rachel dressed up in their Star Wars costumes and had a Nurf war. We played a little bit of Parcheesi. And we watched Soul Surfer. The boys and I talked silly bands and wrestled a little... haha. It was a lot of fun! (It reminded me of previous times in my life.)

We dressed for the chilly temps and headed to the yogathon. Rachel was doing some of the calling for the kids portion, Liam and Grey were participating in the kids portion, and I was doing the adult yogathon. The kids did 25 son salutations and I did 108 in less than 2 hours! We had one break in the whole thing when we could go to child's pose for about a minute. Some people dropped out. Some people didn't do them all and kinda just sat there. But, me, I did them all and only went to my knees 3 times for plank to chataronga. It was really interesting for me because I've only ever done Holy Yoga (a Christian meditation and spiritual purpose). It was interesting for me to hear all of the instructors take the eastern culture's version of yoga. To me, it felt like "just exercise" if I didn't bring my focus to God and using it as a worship experience (so I did it in my head while the instructors and pretty much everyone else took it in the eastern way). There were times in the yogathon where I looked up and I couldn't tell if my head was spinning or it was because the clouds were moving but I got a little dizzy. Some of the instructors called the flows so fast that I couldn't keep my breath insync with the movements. I just did my best. I ended up raising $95 (thanks to the few of my friends who sponsored me). I would've loved for more people to sponsor me but I guess money is tight for a lot of people. I ended up giving $50 then of my own money to the charity. They were raffling off a stand up paddle board which I've really been thinking about getting in to so I bought some tickets for it. I would LOVE to win it!

Can you find me in these pics!?! :)

After the yogathon, Rachel and the boys and I went to one of their restaurants called 5 Loaves Cafe. It was so good! I don't think I ever had a BLT that big before! Then we headed back to the house for a minute and then headed to Target. I left their house around 6:30 and made it back to Charlotte at 9:30. Again it was a really smooth ride! About halfway I got a really bad headache (and really tired) which I'm sure is from dehydration. I drank some water and just kept driving. I had my music blasting and just sang along to keep myself awake.

I came home and went right to bed! Haha. I was out immediately! I woke up this morning around 5:30 but forced myself (a couple times) back to sleep until about 8:15am.

I went to church this morning at Warehouse 242. It was a pretty good service. Afterwards I went to lunch with Kim and Jeff and then headed to Yarnhouse. We had a Halloween party at the Yarnhouse but I was the only one who REALLY dressed up. I had my full pirate costume on. :) I changed before I left the store because I had to go grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. Then I came to the house and built a beautiful fire in the fireplace and sat and knit. Now I'm getting ready to go to bed... I'm still tired. Oh, and did I mention how SORE I am!!! I couldn't even touch my toes this morning and usually I can go straight to palms on the floor! My arms are killing me too! Haha. I normally feel it 2 days later, not 12 hours later!! ;) Oh well, tomorrow will probably be rough! Atleast I get to wear my costume to school! :)

Well, good night.
"No guilt in life, no fear in death, from life's first cry to final breath!"

Peace.
Kyla

Lazy Monday...

2011-10-24T19:53:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I came back to the house after work... This is the first night I haven't had something to do! I thought I was going to knit in Davidson but realized I had the wrong date and missed it last week. :( So, I sat on the couch, watched some random stuff on Netflix. I'm currently watching a documentary on the Homeless Soccer World Cup. Charlotte is talked about with hosting the USA Homeless World Cup team trials. I think we actually hosted it last year. The Urban Ministry Center here in Charlotte hosts a team (and I think the USA team is "based" here). The documentary is really good. It's interesting how a homeless individual's outlook on life can completely change by being given an opportunity like the Homeless Soccer World Cup and how they go from being seen as a "nobody" or menace in society to celebrities and professional athletes.

I am going to knit a little tonight. I need to finish the shawl and send it off... I need to let it be a release for me. I need to work on the yoga mat bag for my friend Kristin and send that off to her. I want to make my own yoga mat bag. I have such a list of projects for people... I don't know how I'll ever get them all done!! I know I will, but right now it just doesn't seem possible. :)

This week we have our school fall festival on Thursday. Guess who is going to be sitting in a dunking booth... yes, ME! It's going to be cold! I am not sure what exactly I will wear (I don't want my under armour to get soaking wet, so I need to figure something else out...). I wanted to dress up in my costume, but I won't be able to. I have thought about wearing my pirate costume to my yogathon on Saturday in Charleston. That would be fun! :) I will be dressing up on Halloween for school and to hand out candy Monday night.

Well, off to knit a little. :) Or maybe play my guitar. Or both... just not at the same time! Haha.

Peace.
Kyla

Help End Childhood Obesity!

2011-10-23T21:54:00.000-04:00

I'm dong a yogathon in Charleston, SC, next Saturday. I NEED sponsors. Please! :) I might even be doing the whole thing in my Halloween costume... haha.

Go: HERE

Just search for my name and give!

Thanks.
Peace.
Kyla

Sat.ur.day.

2011-10-22T21:33:00.000-04:00

Some of you might have "sat ur day" away today. But, not me. I was up at 6am. I loaded my car with clothes and hygiene items for the homeless. I drove to Pfiefer Street (or is it Avenue, I can't remember) to meet my good friends Rachael and Justin. We emptied their Jeep and mine of the boxes of clothes and hygiene stuff and set them up in the parking lot. I would say about 100 homeless men and women came to our spot to get stuff. Rachael and I helped the women find pants and shirts their sizes and handed out plastic bags to the men and women. Justin helped the men find clothes to fit them. About halfway through the hour we were there, a man named Easton came up to us and told us he would like to pray for us. Now, I have prayed for/with homeless people but I've never had a homeless person want to pray for me. You could feel the sincerity and how it truly came from his heart. It was beautiful... there we were, the 4 of us with our arms around each other as the other homeless people dug through the piles of clothes and shoes and he thanked God for us and asked God to bless US! Not once did he mention himself or the people around him. After everyone had a chance to get what they wanted/needed, the 3 of us headed to Amelie's for breakfast. Sooo good. :) It took everything I had not to get a salted caramel brownie for breakfast. Haha.

I left breakfast and headed to my hair appointment. My roommate Jenn's ex-step-daughter (don't ask...) Nichole is going to the Paul Mitchell school and is now able to take clients. So, I needed a hair cut and wanted some color so I made an appointment with her for 10am. Was I hesitant to go to a student? Kinda, but I figured, hey, it's just hair... it can grow back or be dyed a different color. :) But, there were instructors there helping and watching the entire time, so I wasn't THAT worried. They decided to strip my hair of the box dye I'd been using. Then they washed and dried it. Then colored it a really beautiful shade of brown. Then washed and dried it again. And then she cut it. I told her it couldn't be above my shoulder because I needed to be able to pull it back in a ponytail. So, she cut a couple inches off (atleast 3 -- mostly dried out ends) and then added some layers to it. When the instructor came around to check the cut for mistakes, they didn't find any! She did a great job. Another instructor commented on how great it looked. I like it a lot. :) I ended up being there 3 1/2 hours though! I watched a lot of students practice on their mannequins. Kinda funny actually to just see a head being worked on! :)

I left there at 1:30... I was supposed to be helping set up for Kim's baby shower at 1. I was late. And, if you know me at all, you know I truly hate to be late for things! I didn't get to the shower until 2:10... and I had the one drink and 2 side dishes! Oh well. Got there. Got things put out. And the shower was lovely. We cleaned up. I left Kim's house at 6:30pm. I came back to my house and started a fire in the fireplace and I have been sitting next to it since. Haha. I was supposed to be knitting, but instead I've just played on my computer. :)

I'm ready for bed. I'm tired! It has been a long and busy day! Tomorrow I have church (going to the late service because I want to sleep a little). Then probably lunch. I might be going to Nichole's bridal shower. I need to knit. I really want to go hiking or something because it's going to be a beautiful day. So, who knows where I end up and what I'll end up doing. Either way, I know it'll be a good day.

[Side not/chicken moment/butterfly moment 1.... I somehow missed a payment on my car insurance, so they cancelled my policy. When I got that letter, I emailed them (10pm on Monday night). By Wednesday I was covered again. Thanks Erie Insurance and my agents at Summit in Huntersville. Sorry for my mistake and the hassle I caused but you all rock and got me covered pretty darn quickly! :)]

[2.I'm doing yogathon next weekend in Charleston, SC. If you'd like to sponsor me, leave a comment and I'll send you the link to do it. I'm staying with my new friend Rachel -- Master Holy Yoga instructor -- and her family. :) I might even wear my pirate costume while doing yoga since it's Halloween weekend! Haha.]

Well, I'm going to bed (atleast to my bed, who knows when I actually fall asleep). Good night.

Peace.
Kyla.

And He did.

2011-10-20T21:14:00.000-04:00

I know my last post was very vague, but I really couldn't put in to words my thoughts, feelings, experiences, etc. I still don't know if I can but I will try.

Last Friday I went on a retreat... a Holy Yoga retreat. I knew from the moment this retreat was announced months ago that I was supposed to go and that God would do big things in my life there. I didn't know what those things were (and still kinda don't). I didn't know how I would have the money to pay for it, but I saved up what little I had (didn't get paid very much over the summer) but I knew God would provide if He really wanted me there. And He did.

The entire week leading up to the retreat was "trying". I had issues at school with a student's parents. I had issues at field hockey with a player's parent. I was trying to be positive about things but my negative attitude was taking over. I have always known and experienced that when God is ready to move in my life, things get tough... Satan tries to bring me down and keep me from the experience God wants me to have. It was happening last week. Friday was the "rotten cherry on top" of my week... I was screamed at by a parent (really... nasty too!). I left work in tears (mostly out of anger since I held it all in during the whole thing) as I drove to the Holy Yoga retreat at Camp Canaan in SC. I almost had thought to not even go because of how I was feeling. Again, I recognized this pattern in previous situations and knew I was supposed to go the retreat. God was going to do BIG things. And He did.

I arrived at the camp right at 4:30... I am a stickler for time! Other than the instructors, there was only one other person there... Kristin. Kristin and I became friends on Facebook about a month ago. She added me when she saw that I was going to the retreat. She was coming from Florida and wanted to have a connection to someone before she got there. We had chatted once or twice and it was good to finally meet her. I was shown my cabin and the bunk I assigned. Kristin was in the same cabin so that was nice. All my HY classmates arrived shortly thereafter. We had dinner... whole wheat (or gluten-free) noodles, vegan or turkey meat sauce, and salad. I wasn't sure how I was going to do with this type of food... But, it was really good and I obviously survived! :)

We had orientation and then a Bible Study and met with our assigned small group where we "set our intentions" for the weekend. The weekend's focus was "Freedom." My small group was led by Rachel, a master HY instructor. We had 2 other instructors, an instructor in training, and 3 other people in my group. After group we had a gentle yoga class led by Rachel and then headed to the fire pit for a bonfire and S'mores. Kristin and I got the fire going (Sarah's dad had come up and built it up and we got it lit). It was fun to just hang out around the campfire. We didn't stay up too late (everyone seemed pretty tired).

I slept pretty well that night. I did wake up at 5am and every half hour after that until we had a yoga 101 class at 7:30am. No sleeping in! :) Breakfast was good. We then had an exercise in Freedom through Silence. We sat for 10 minutes in silence. Then we walked for 10 minutes in silence. Then we partnered up (without talking) and walked with our partner for 20 minutes in silence. As I sat, still and silent, God spoke to me. No, I didn't hear an audible voice, but more of a feeling and thoughts. I watched the ants crawling on the ground, the birds flying through the air, the trees strong and tall swaying in the breeze. The verses in Matthew 6:25-27 came into my head:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

[I worry a lot actually. Before the summer, I worried about how I was going to make enough money to pay my bills with my summer job. God provided big time. Now I worry mostly about the things I've done, the things I've said, the things that go against everything I had believed and do believe, whether or not I'm forgiven or loved by God because of the things I've done.] God kept telling me in that silent and still time that I need to stop worrying and just KNOW I am forgiven and loved.

We had a class with Claire after our session on silence. An interesting class that was, to say the least. "Ta-da Lord, here I am!" :) We had about 20 minutes of free time after the class. Kristin and I headed down to the river to take yoga pics on the rocks that we had seen that morning... but we forgot about the fact they let out the damn on Saturday mornings and the rocks that were completely bare earlier were completely under water. So, no pics. Kristin and I became fast friends... 2 peas in a pod! Really. We were having fun. We had lunch and then another Freedom session: Freedom through Forgiveness. Wow, what a session that was! We asked God to reveal things to ourselves that I need to forgive myself for... words, judgements, guilt, shame, etc. We wrote those things down. Then we wrote down the names of any person or organization of those who have offended me. This exercise definitely caused my heart to ache... But, I knew I had things that I've been holding on to and people I've been holding on to. "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free and realize that the prisoner is you." We had a great outdoor class with Rachel. Kristin, Rachel, and I were the only ones who stayed in the sun the whole time. I got to do crow and Kristin took an awesome pic of me doing it. We got to do a Freedom through Creativity session then. We made a poster of receiving and releasing...

"Storms make trees take deeper roots." [I have been through some storms over the past 2 years and they have made me stronger in my faith than I could ever realize or expect.] After the creativity time (which I was so glad I had the opportunity to be creative), we had another yoga class outside led by Sarah. I love getting to experience other instructors, but nothing feels better than having your usual instructor lead! :) Supper was good. I was actually enjoying the food there (as vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, raw, health-nut as it is... haha). We did a small group session where we talked about what God is revealing to us while we are there and some of our "stories". I didn't share much other than that I used to be really good at being still and silent and then I went through some things in my life and how during my still & silent exercise God spoke to me about worrying. Kristin shared about some things going on in her life and I really related to it. Some of the things she said about the trials in her life over the past 3 years really made sense to my life and experiences. God spoke to me that I was placed in that group for a reason... I was to become a HY instructor... it is in His plan and he revealed it to me this weekend. We had an evening yoga session with Ellen. She spoke a lot into my life and recent experiences (past 2 years) during the meditation and just her telling her story. Everyone was so tired after the many hours of yoga that we all went to bed. I slept all night until about 5am when, again, I woke up every half hour after that.

On Sunday morning we had a session with Claire. Her session crack me up. Nothing like getting in a circle at 7:30am and dancing around to "I Like to Move It, Move It." Haha. We ate breakfast and then Kristin and I quickly went down to the river to try and take yoga pics on the rocks. We had to wade out to the rocks (the water wasn't as low as it had been the morning before) about up to our knees or a little higher. We got out there and took some awesome pics... Kristin (being an instructor) definitely took better pics but I like mine too.

Kristin doing tree

my tree pose

Kristin doing dancer (so good)

my dancer (diff angle from hers)

We took a group photo ...

"Namaste"

We had an awesome flow class taught by Rachel. Maybe one of the best flow classes I've ever taken. We headed into the woods to walk to the end of the island (but never found it) and ended up at the pavilion of the sports fields. We sang. There was communion. There was the leaving of our "stone" (we had to find one that reflected our relationship with God) and getting a new heart...

Ezekiel 11:19-20

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them;

I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

They will be my people and I will be their God."

When I left that stone on the pile with the others, I was leaving things behind. I was leaving my past and guilt and hurt behind. I was leaving people behind. I was leaving an old "me" behind. I have needed a new heart... well, I thought I needed to find the pieces of my heart that were broken and scattered, and then try and put it back together. But, obviously, I needed a new heart and to get rid of my old one. The key to the old one is gone... so the only thing left to do is give me a new one. And He did.

I said goodbye to my new friends. I was sad to see Kristin go. We had really connected and wish she had lived closer (although I have a good reason to go to FL now!). Plus, when I go to FL for Spring Break again in April, she lives close to my uncle's house on Marco (she lives in Naples) so we will get to hang out then.

The people whom I did know from class before retreat were acquaintances before but now were friends, sisters in Christ. We have this connection now that goes deeper than seeing them on Monday nights. I am grateful for those deeper relationships that were made!

As I drove back to Charlotte, a different person than when I drove to the retreat, I was determined to live FREE! It's a process... I am willing to try and rely on God. :) It was a life changing weekend. God is still working and teaching me everything from that weekend... so, as much as I wrote a lot now, I'm sure there will be more!

I am grateful.

Yes He did!

Peace.

Kyla

Freedom.

2011-10-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

So much to say and to write... But, not right now. Still processing through it all.

All I know is that it has started a change in my life.

So grateful.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. -- Ezekial 36:26

Yes.

More to come...

Peace.
Kyla.

A to Z

2011-10-12T19:43:00.000-04:00

I normally don't do these but I'm bored...

A. Age: 30

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: dishes

D. Dogs: nope

E. Essential start to your day: a shower

F. Favorite color: lime green, black

G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5' 3 1/2"

I. Instruments you play: guitar and piano

J. Job title: teacher & coach

K. Kids: nope

L. Live: North Carolina

M. Make of car: 2004 Jeep Wrangler X

N. Nicknames: Ky

O. Overnight hospital stays: gull bladder removed

P. Pet peeves: people who drive the speed limit (or under it) in the passing lane

Q. Quote from a movie: I love smiling. Smiling's my favorite. -Elf; Carpe Diem. O Captain, my captain. -Dead Poet's Society

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: 2 sisters & 1 brother

T. TV Shows: COPS, Law & Order (all of them)

U. Underwear: I guess

V. Vegetable you hate: mushrooms, onions

W. What makes you run late: traffic

X. X-Rays you’ve had: way too many!

Y. Yummy food that you make: I really don't cook

Z. Zoo animal: monkey

Your turn....and let me know if you post this...I'd love to get to know you better too!

long time.

2011-10-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

So, I guess it's been a little since I've written. I've been pretty busy.

Since I've written last...
I stayed at Trish and Luke's house for 4 days because Luke went out of town and Trish didn't want to stay alone. It was a fun time.
On the first night I stayed there (Thursday), Trish made dinner. I hadn't had a real home-cooked meal (or a full meal in general) in a while. It was nice. Then we headed to Bed, Bath & Beyond to shop for a wedding present for our one ex-coworker's wedding. That shopping trip was just as bad as the last time she and I went there for a gift. It took forever. We stopped at Denver Days on the way back to her house. Trish hadn't been to the fair in a while. I like fairs. The rides were too expensive and didn't really look that safe, so we just walked around for a little. Then we went to Cookout and got milkshakes. Yum!
On Friday after school (and after I got "home" from practice), we went to the Epicenter to go to the movies. We stopped by Blackfin where my student's dad manages/owns (still not sure on that one). (Trish tried asking some questions about why I don't drink anymore. I told her someday I'll tell her the whole story.) The movie theatre there is really nice (it's inside the Mez). We went to see Contagion... very interesting! It was funny that when we went in, we were dressed somewhat appropriately... when we came out, we were WAY under-dressed... you know, they were all wearing hoochie-mama, super short skirts, etc. I slipped on the popcorn buttered floor and almost fell on my face. Then Trish almost fell down the steps of the Epicenter. We were a mess. Haha.
On Saturday I got up early to go to yoga. It was a tough class! I learned to do a yoga headstand and worked on crow a little. After yoga I ran to Target and then headed "home". We got ready for the wedding (it was an outdoor wedding on Lake Norman and it was cold!). The wedding was nice, cold but nice! We had a lot of fun hanging with some of our coworkers. We took a lot of funny pics (took pics with all the cameras they had on the tables...).
Sunday I went to church with Trish. I like their church. Her brother is the pastor. We got lunch after church and then did work around her house. I mowed their front lawn (well, I offered to do the half Luke didn't do but then decided to do both sides because it would look uneven again if I didn't). I did it so quickly that Trish didn't even have time to tell me not to (she was Skyping with her parents who are missionaries in Europe). Then we did some laundry and cleaned her house. It was actually quite fun. (It reminded me of some previous times I've had...) Then we did speed grocery shopping. I don't grocery shop very often and, when I do, it's usually not a week's worth... but we did it for a family of 4 in less than 30 minutes! It was impressive. She had her life group that night. I went. I forgot how much I loved the community/small group atmosphere. Maybe I'll join their group.
I left Monday morning. It was a fun weekend of staying up late, eating, chatting, hanging out, laughing...

Field hockey...
We tied our field hockey game on Monday 2-2 and lost the game on Tuesday 0-1. I ran the girls hard on Wednesday and Thursday. They had a 4-day weekend so I wanted to make sure they worked hard those days. We have a game tomorrow against Country Day. It'll be a tough one. We have the ability to win. We have 2 games next week. Then the season is over. And then my season begins.

This past weekend... I went camping. My roommate Jenn plans a trip every Fall and every Spring. The Fall trip was this past weekend. I went to the campground on Saturday morning. We drove to the top of Mt. Mitchell and then hiked from Mt. Mitchell to Mt. Craig. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Mt. Craig is the 2nd highest. It was beautiful (the hike and the weather). We camped out on Saturday night (yes, I put up my own tent and slept on the ground -- no air mattress). I slept pretty well. Saturday morning we got up, made breakfast, packed up the stuff, and headed back to Charlotte. On the way back to the house, I stopped at AT&T and ordered the new iPhone 4s. I hadn't had a new phone in 3 years so I decided I would treat myself. :) I got the black 32Gb phone. It goes on sale this Friday but mine won't ship for about 3 weeks... that's what I get for waiting 2 days passed the presale date. I'm excited. I also get to turn off the "batphone" next month. That'll be a hard thing for me... it represents a lot of stuff and I have paid for the phone for 2 years now. Who knew that it would go unused for soooo long...

School/Work...
It's going well. I have gotten to know a lot of parents in the school (not just my class). All the kids pretty much know who I am (I definitely know how to make my presence known!). The marking period will be over at the end of the month already! I can't believe it! I love having Trish as the principal. She's doing such a great job. It's easy to go to her with problems/concerns/questions. I was a little worried about it since we had become friends but it really hasn't been an issue.

Knitting...
I've been knitting quite a bit... mostly at the house. I finished a pouf for a coworker/friend. I need to stuff it and give it to her. I'm working on "the project"... I have a HUGE list of items needed to be knit for people. I just need to get my butt in full knitting gear!

Anyhow, last night's yoga class kicked my butt. I feel it today! Thursday I will hopefully hang out with Trish a little. (If my girls win on Wednesday I might give them off on Thursday or see if my assistant can run a "fun" practice). I'm looking forward to the yoga retreat I'm going to from Friday til Sunday. It's going to be spiritually renewing and will definitely challenge me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I'm looking forward to it!

I guess that's all for now. There's been a lot going on.
Peace.
...yK

Summer Movie Series 2011

2011-09-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

So, we finished our summer movie series at W242 last weekend. There were so many good things talked about over those 5 weeks that I thought I should write them down and share.

The Social Network & The King's Speech
Motivations drive/spur our actions. Things happen at the heart level (internally) that spur our actions (externally). The Bible says, "Above all else, guard your heart!" If you want to see your life change, you have to start at the core -- your heart. Romans 7:15-20 talks a lot about questioning our motives... "I continue to do the things I don't want to do. I don't do the things I really want to do." WHY!?! Why am I so unpredictable and inconsistent?? We have 2 sides... broken and beautiful. If we don't dissect our broken side, we allow it to drive us. Romans 7:24-25 The cross and JEsus can directly change and unearth the beauty of the life we want to live. Romans 8:1-2 I am not condemned because of my faith. I am no longer dominated by my failures. I no longer have to act out of pain but instead out of principle. I feel "wrong" and allow my failures to drive me. I cannot let the pain dictate my actions or act to cover my pain/failures. Far too often the parts of my life I am not proud of are driven out of the brokenness of my life. Romans 8:1-6 The Holy Spirit is my advocate, coming alongside me. I can be led by my brokenness OR I can be led by the Spirit. He tells me "This is the way, walk in it!" I am my primary accuser! I need to no longer live out of the broken parts of my heart.

Exit Through the Gift Shop
Identity can be veiled, lost, never discovered. The Bible claims that the most important thing is the revelation of our character... who we are/ who we were supposed to be. Romans 8: 14-17 We focus on the story line too much. Romans 8:18-19 We wait in eager expectation of who we are supposed to be... an "heir" of God. When we see that, we want to know "What do I get?" "Why do some get more than others?" Psalm 73 I get God. I get an eternal ground for my existence... a BIG picture. Even in my ups and downs, God tells me that my soul is stable in Him. I need to know that there's a deeper truth to my soul. How I feel about myself is LOWER than who I really am. I let my storyline (the things I've done) tell me things that really aren't true. I get caught up in the plot instead of my identity. Psalm 16 tells me I am created for JOY (even in my sadness).

Paper Heart
We have a love-hate relationship with love. But, we were made for love! It is difficult and absolutely critical if I seek to be happy and live! Matthew 22:36-37 At the core of living I am to love God and people. Love is awkward, we are resistant to it, and it can break my heart in the end. We are drawn by beauty. Philippians 4:8 says that "whatever is beautiful (etc.), we should think about these things." Beauty draws the soul; it causes a desire to be in the presence of that person/thing. We want to be passionately engaged with that being. When I don't love God (or feel like I love God), it's because I don't really see Him. A connection with Him makes us ALIVE! In my human relationships, I only get a piece of that feeling. A lot of the time we have a great, deep desire to heal the brokenness and hurt in others so they can become whole and can be filled with beauty. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us to weigh into other's lives, putting aside my own desires and wishes so that the other person becomes healed and whole (just like Jesus was sent by God). Galatians 5:22-25 tells us that God's Spirit teaches us to love other people. We often push God's Spirit out of our lives. We breathe and repent and accept God's Spirit. When I am brought to a place of anger/etc., I need to stop, breathe, and remember God's Spirit is with me and then be brought to a place where beauty and hope is. I need to remember what I am made for... LOVE!

Waiting for Superman
Education is a societal problem... Who's responsibility is it if a kid fails and poverty continues!?! So What?!? Why should I care about someone else's problems?? What obligation do I have for other people's children? What obligation do I have for problems that don't personally affect me?? I can respond in different ways: I don't need to respond. I can do it for self preservation and so society will be better. I will care about the problems because I care about the fact that there are soul-crushing issues and it's a noble response! Romans 8:18-21 Suffering is not taken lightly. The real despair doesn't even compare to the hope we have. We need to weigh into suffering because the reverse of it is stunning and beautiful! There is possibility for beauty in someone else's soul! Isaiah 61:1-3 Jesus suffered for the joy set before him. He left the comforts of heaven to suffer for the return of nobility in my life. I would like to be inspired where something rises in my that's beyond duty, that I can't live without.... I want to be compelled! Lives change because someone lives noblely! Isaiah 30:21 "This is the way, walk in it!" I have to make time and ask and God will show me! I want to say that I didn't just "get by" but instead I lived beautifully. The temptation will be to not to live that way! Isaiah 30:16-16.

So, this movie series taught me a lot. These are just my notes written down from the sermons. I like to respond to them on a more personal level, but maybe these things will help you. Check out http://www.achurchforthecity.com to listen to the podcasts and hear for yourself!

Praying for you.

Peace.
...yK

Rainy Sunday

2011-09-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

Woke up to rain. I think I will end up going to sleep to the rain. Rain, rain, rain. I know that rain is a good thing (have you heard the country song... rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey...). Anyhow, sorry for that chicken moment. The rain is nice but I prefer sunny days. But, I did make good use of my rainy day... lots of knitting got done!

This morning I got up and went to the 2nd service at Warehouse. So good this morning. The pre-talk song was really good...

The talk for the morning was the first talk in our new series and it was on "the kingdom of me". It was about how we have our own stuff (not good stuff) that influences our lives and the lives of others but instead we need to surrender to God's influences (love and joy) so that we can live how we are meant to live. I'm looking forward to this series!

After church I went to lunch with Kim, Jeff, Jeff's dad and stepmom, and his sister and nephew to celebrate his stepmom's birthday. These people are very much like family to me. I spent Easter with them this year and think fondly of them. They are so grounded in Christ and are good influences for me.

After lunch I headed to Huntersville to knit with Julie and her friend Becky. We stayed there as the rain poured outside. I knit half of the knitted pouf I am knitting for my friend Dawn (Scarlet's mommy). Nothing like knitting with 3 strands of bulky yarn (used 9 skeins) and size 19 needles!! We went to Red Mango after! Oh Red Mango, how I enjoy thee! Haha. :)

I came back to the house, turned on the US Marshalls tv series I'm been watching and finished the pouf. I just need to stuff it and drawstring the top of it. I think it'll turn out pretty cool. Well, atleast I hope it does.

I need to work on my lesson plans for school (technically for tomorrow). I need to do progress reports (but of course I left my grade book at school) that go home on Tuesday. And, I need to knit again on "that project". Oh how I can't wait to finish it and send it off! Haha.

Well, that's all for now. A friend of ours is at at the house. I'm listening to him and my one roommate discuss feminism, racism, etc. and the wages women and other races get vs a white man. Could get heated soon! Haha. I'm still watching this tv show I'm hooked on. Ate a bowl of ice cream (I think I could eat more but I know I shouldn't) -- I don't think the Red Mango I ate for dinner really counts as dinner, but neither does that bowl of ice cream. Haha. Maybe I'll go find something REAL to eat (I do have leftovers -- mashed potatoes, cooked carrots -- from lunch). :) Yes, I actually want to eat right now... so different from my normal days of my friends bringing me breakfast/lunch so that I actually do eat. I'm sorry, I just don't "enjoy" eating... I only do it when I'm hungry.

Have a good night.
Peace.
...yK

A night in...

2011-09-23T20:26:00.000-04:00

It's Friday night and I have decided to stay in. I was going to see a concert in NoDa (Dave Barnes) but I decided not to go. I've been a fan of Dave Barnes for about 4 or 5 years. He's got some great music. I didn't find out til Tuesday about him being in town. Wish I had known before! I might have actually gone tonight.

Instead, I'm chilaxin on the couch, watching movies on Netflix onDemand, watching British romantic comedies and other random movies. No one is home (Jenn's in Canada for 10 days; Corinne is at some meeting). I don't think this house has been this empty since the beginning of August. It's kinda nice, I'm not going to lie... I'm knitting on "the project"... that project that I had put away for 2 years and is now back out. I'm 70+ rows into it. I think I have one mistake in it but I'm not quite sure. It's looking beautiful regardless. Icarus wanted to fly... I'm trying to knit that fast!! I need to knit something for our art teacher at school. And, as people learn about my knitting, the list of wanted things is growing and growing... I am definitely not knitting fast enough. Haha. And, yes, I am a pretty fast knitter.

There weren't any field hockey games this week. And we only had 3 days of practice thanks to the rain and PDS homecoming! We don't have a game until Wednesday so I am really ok with having the 2 days off. We play the club team on Wednesday and it should be a good game. We have another game on Friday but it's in Winston Salem so I don't know if I can make it there by game time from work so my assistant might have to coach for me.

Lots of other stuff going on next weekend and the next 2 weekends after that (camping, yoga retreat). So, for now...

Peace.
...yK

about a week...

2011-09-21T17:54:00.000-04:00

I realize it's been a week since writing. So I've been a little busy...

I did some house/dog/cat sitting over the weekend (Friday night - Sunday afternoon) at a house on Mountain Island Lake.

On Friday night I went out to dinner with Kim, Jenn, Corinne, and Chris. My friends left me... literally... I was sitting on a chair waiting for our table and they walked away (I thought to go to the bar). But, on the the way to the bar, the hostess stopped them and took them to the table. As I sat there waiting (over 10 minutes), I just figured they were hanging at the bar. When I decided to go check on them, they weren't there... they were sitting at the table already. I was mad and disappointed that my friends wouldn't even come check on me to make sure I knew they were seated or even if I was on the phone or something, WHERE we were sitting. Nope. Nothing. Instead, they laughed at me. For a while. I didn't particularly like this. So, I didn't say much for the entire dinner. Luckily my friends Rachael and Justin happened to come into the restaurant so I could talk to them and vent a little.

On Saturday I went to the Yarnhouse in the morning to help them clean and get ready for the yarn crawl. I cleaned the windows inside and out. I swept the floor and mopped it. I cleaned the bathroom. I cleaned and organized the supply closet. I helped do the front window display. I did it from 10am-5pm. Friday night I went to chicken wing night at a friend's in Mooresville. They make amazing Caribbean chicken wings, black beans, rice, mango salsa, etc. It's a great night with a lot of people/friends.

Sunday was church. The talk was on the movie Waiting for Superman (a documentary on public education in the USA). He didn't necessarily spend the time talking about education but of making a difference in the lives of others. Good stuff. We went to dinner at The CowFish at Southpark. Sooo good. I watched movies and knit all Sunday afternoon (My Big Fat Greek Wedding... windex! You don't like meat? Ok, I make lamb! HAHAHAHA!)
School's going ok. Next week is half way through the first marking period all ready. Field hockey is going good. We don't have a game until next Wednesday so I've been working them hard. Yoga was awesome this week. She worked us hard! I hadn't been practicing the crow pose lately so I tried after class and I did it! And not only was I able to just do it, but I was able to hold it!! I am soooo looking forward to the yoga retreat I'm going on in October!

Well, that's all for now.

Peace.
...yK

The Big W!

2011-09-15T21:19:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to say that my team bounced back from yesterday's loss to win tonight's game 5-0! Go Chargers! I unfortunately was stuck at school for curriculum night and had to rely on my assistant coach to do the coaching. I didn't have any doubts in her... more that the players would've been so disheartened from yesterday's game that they wouldn't "show up" to play today. But, as usual, the worrying wasn't really needed! I am very proud of them! No practice tomorrow since our next game isn't until Thursday.

Starting tomorrow night I am housesitting on Mountain Island Lake for the weekend. I love housesitting at that house. I love being that close to the water... it calms me. I hope to do some yoga on the dock. I will so much enjoy being able to be by myself, to be able to walk around in my pjs or sit on the couch for hours and not feel awkward. I will get some knitting done for sure!

On Saturday I am going to the Yarnhouse in NoDa to work. I'm actually going to be cleaning their shop to get ready for the Charlotte yarn crawl! I did it last year for them (just because they're my friends) and they've asked me to come do it again. They want to pay me to do it (either in yarn or in $$). I love being there at the store... makes me think about the dream of opening one of my own (and the dream that was once shared...). I love that I can be there without ever having to explain why. I love the colors of the yarn and the company of Robert and Chris. I love feeling like I'm a "part" of the store.

Anyhow, maybe I'll knit a little before bed. I'm sleepy from spending over 12 hours at work today. Glad tomorrow is FRIDAY (and pay day!). :)

Peace.
...yK

I don't lose well...

2011-09-14T19:21:00.000-04:00

I don't lose well. Never have. I remember a picture my mom took of me after a game that I had loss when I played field hockey in high school. I was walking towards her with all my gear in my arms and just looked pissed. I'm pretty sure I had that same face on when we were down 3-0 at the half against Country Day today. I have to say, they are good... I mean, I'm pretty sure those girls could probably play better than some of the local high school teams (there aren't many...). But, we lost 4-0 when it was all said and done. They kicked the last goal in... even their coach apologized for that one and said it shouldn't have been a goal. My assistant reminded me that we were already down so to put the 2nd string girls in. Again, not something I like doing. To me, even at the middle school level, if you don't put in the effort at practice, I don't think you should be able to play (or play much) during a game. If you can't run one lap at practice without getting winded, why should I put you in the game for more than 2 minutes!?! Anyhow, again, it's over and we lost. Their coach and I played over the winter together. She came up to me after the game and told me not to be so discouraged and hard on myself... She said we were the hardest team they'll play and that for the first time in 9 years, we were the only team to stick her girls who pounded the posts of the goal (usually scoring a lot). They also said usually PDS doesn't get the ball over the 50 yard line... (we did... many times... we just couldn't get the finish of the ball into the goal). Those are great compliments and I should be happy. But, in the end, we still lost. And I HATE to lose.

Not just in sports do I do badly at losing. When I lose someone I love, I don't recover well. When I lose something I've lost, I go crazy til I find it. But, definitely, in sports do I really get down on myself.

I know I couldn't have done any more than I did tonight at our game. It had to come down to my players and the other team's players. So, why so hard on myself? Because I still feel like I didn't teach them enough or push them enough or make them want it enough.

Thank goodness for my assistant coach because I pretty much shut down at the half. I had nothing to say to them. I couldn't get encouraging words out. I wanted to yell at the girls who were joking around and not seeming to care that we were losing. So, instead, I didn't say anything.

And, tonight, I came home and ate a bowl of ice cream... What!?! I don't drink alcohol (I'm past the 9 months!!) so what's the next best thing (or should I say the original best thing)... ICE CREAM!! I'm going to know tonight too. Lord knows I have a lot of that to do!

Tomorrow is another game. I won't be there. That bothers me too. I have a parent-teachers (3 teachers and Trish plus the parent) conference and then curriculum night at school. We'd better win tomorrow or practice on Friday will NOT be so fun. There WILL be running... lots of running.

Anyhow, I need to email in a game recap to PDS and then I will knit.

Peace.
...yK

Knit. or Reknit.

2011-09-13T21:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight I NEEDED to knit. My mind wouldn't stop. Psychologically I wasn't where I should be... I mean, with the life I have, the things I do, the talents I've been given, etc., I shouldn't have been "there" in my mind. But I couldn't break it. So, I knit hoping it would go away. It didn't.

I started a project that I had originally started over 2 years ago and put it down when life got... well... better (or so I thought... who knew!?!). It's been sitting in a box this whole time. The yarn was bought August 1, 2009. The project started soon thereafter. And then, yes, about 2 months later, it was put away.

I picked the book and yarn up out of "the box" on Sunday morning. I really didn't plan that well. I mean, I was already emotional from watching the 9-11 rememberance ceremony. Then I pulled out that book. I don't remember putting those pictures in the back of the book. I don't remember putting those letters in the book... you know, the ones dated a couple months and then a year from when you wrote them... Yes, that made me lose it for a little. Once I composed myself and got myself to church, I was a little better. Who knew the topic at church would be LOVE. Seriously... Sunday afternoon I picked up the yarn and book again. I tore out what had been knit because I couldn't figure out where I was in the pattern. I always did love tearing projects out. But I wasn't the one who should be tearing out this project. This project had stood for something. Shouldn't the one who tore that something apart be the one to tear out this project?!? Nah, let me do it... it's good therapy!

Anyhow, it's Tuesday evening and I picked up the yarn and book again. I have knit over 25 rows on it. Not to jinx myself, but I knit more this time around without having to start over a couple times then the first time. Don't worry, you'll still get it when it's done... I always said it would be the death of me to finish it... I guess I am wrong about that... maybe it'll be the "life of me".

So, this weekend I actually knit a little project in less than 2 hours. Another "Love With a Postage Stamp" project. That's 2 projects ready to hit the mailbox. Now, if I only had time to send them!! Here's what I've made so far...

Malabrigo fingerless gloves (took about 5 hours to knit)

wool/acrylic blend "strand of pearls" necklace

I don't know who these will go to. One will probably go to my friend Kat. Maybe I'll send the other to one of the random people whom I don't know in the group...

Anyhow. Maybe I'll post some pics of this new project as I go... we'll see. Maybe I'll leave it a "surprise"...

Back to knitting before bed tonight as I jam out to my new favorite music genre... I call it "Angry Country Girl". Haha. :)

Peace.

...yK

Woohoo!!

2011-09-12T18:42:00.000-04:00

I can't stop smiling.

Today we had our season opener against one of the toughest teams in the area... Charlotte Latin. Usually their high school team goes to states and/or wins states. Their high school team was even featured in the Charlotte Observer back in the beginning of August as a powerhouse team in the state. Well, behind every good high school team is a good middle school team. So, how was I feeling about our first real game being against them... nervous. Majorly nervous. I think the girls were more nervous than I was! I mean, we did good against the teams we played on Saturday but Saturday didn't count for anything but experience. Today's game did.

We started with the ball and Latin immediately took it from us and headed to the goal... I immediately began to worry. My standout players were just standing, feet glued to the field. My defense was getting pounded. I was worried. But, after some time and me pulling out players and getting tough on them, we got it together. The 2nd half of the game was a different story than the first. We dominated the entire 2nd half. Latin only got the ball down the field 2 times. Our goalie only touched the ball 2 times in the entire game (that means we have one heck of a defense!). Halfway through the 2nd half, we scored on a penalty corner! That's right! We scored! We only had to hold them for 10 minutes left in the game! And, WE DID! We beat Charlotte Latin!!! Oh my gosh! I'm still smiling and the game's been over for an hour! I just can't believe it. The girls were so pumped about the win. They just kept thanking us!! Haha. They were trying to credit us for the win, but I kept telling them it was THEIR win because we can only push them so much before it becomes something THEY want! Oh gosh I'm so excited!!!

The parents were so excited. They were making fun of how excited my assistant and I get during the game about everything... we jump around, yell (yes, I don't have a voice right now), move up and down the sideline, etc. The athletic director was excited. His first win against Latin in any of the sports (it's his first year at PDS too).

So, now I have yoga and I need to figure out how to channel my excitement and energy into being still and silent... haha. Yeah right!! :)

Go Providence Day Chargers!!!

Peace.
...yK

A Week...

2011-09-10T14:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I realized just now that I haven't written in a week! A whole week! Where did it go!?! I dunno! Let's see if I can remember what has happened over the past 7 days...

Last Sunday I went to a coach's clinic at Wake Forest University. It was one of the best coach's clinics I've ever been to. WFU's coach is internationally known for field hockey and it so knowledgable. I learned a lot of new drills (which we had to do there). I was kinda nervous about doing the drills in front of their coach because I didn't want to mess up. I actually did really well. :) I headed to Lake Wylie when I got back for a celebration for my friend Kevin (and also Dirk and Allison) who finished the Ironman Race. It was a fun time with my Parrothead friends.

On Monday I had off work! Yay! I knit with my friend Julie... I got a lot done (and so did she). I went to Michael's to get some yarn for a project for a friend (I needed bulky acrylic yarn -- oh joy!). I also went to Barnes & Noble for some books for my classroom and to teach from.

Tuesday... hmmm... I had school. I was supposed to have a game but it got cancelled because of the rain. I went to the bank and to Panera and to Red Mango for fro yo for me and Trish for the PTO meeting. The PTO meeting was just that... a meeting.

On Wednesday I had school and practice. I ran the girls hard (and I did run with them). I went with my roommate Jenn to a concert for Manu Chao (check him out!) at the Fillmore. It was fun... interesting, but fun.

Thursday was school and practice. Then I had a Parrothead social at Boardwalk Billy's University. Always a good time with them!! I came back to the house and played my guitar a bit.

TGIF! I look forward to Fridays. I had school, practice, then family/kid's yoga, then back to Providence Day for middle school night at the football game (the team had to go out on the field at half time). I finally got to the house about 9pm and was wide awake til about 1am. I couldn't sleep. I made a playlist for the field hockey pregame warm-up. I redid the playlist for this blog.

This morning I woke up at 5am... wide awake!! Ugh! I finally fell back asleep after 45 minutes and then my alarm went off at 6:30am. I had a field hockey jamboree (mini games with different teams) this morning from 9am-12noon. We played 3 other teams... 7 vs 7, half-field for 20 minutes. Then the last game we played 20 minutes with 11 vs 11, full field. We lost our first game 2-0. Tied the second game 1-1. Won the third game 1-0. Won the last game 3-0. They got better as the day went on!! Improvement is a great thing. They really worked hard. Their endurance was good (thanks to all of the running I make them do). The team went to lunch together and I got to interact with a lot more parents. That's always fun.

And, now, I'm chilaxin on the couch, watching Paper Heart (all about love... interesting...), and getting ready to do a little school work and knitting. Grateful for the weekend!

Maybe a more personal post later today or this weekend... But until then...

Peace.
...yK

5th Wheel

2011-09-03T22:13:00.000-04:00

So, today I'm realizing what it's like to be the spare tire on the brand new car (or the car with 4 brand new tires). Not the 3rd wheel but instead the 5th one. 2 girls, 2 guys, and me... so instead, I decided to go to bed (well, atleast to my bedroom and after this I will go to bed). We have had lots of conversations in the house lately about dating... both roommates are (or were) into online dating. That just doesn't appeal to me. And, really, honestly, I'm not ready. My heart's not ready (there are still too many pieces not put back together and some just completely missing). My mind's not ready (there are still the dreams at night and sometimes during the day). And, I don't have time (I know, I know, I'd make time if it was something I really wanted... guess it's not.). It's kinda uncomfortable with the situations here every once in a while just because of my personal feelings still. But, not uncomfortable enough that I need to move out. I guess it was nice being in a house where no one was in a relationship but now all of the sudden one is and the other is seriously looking. It is what it is.

The first week of school is over. I really need to start the countdown til summer. I really want the school year to be over already. I mean, it's not THAT bad, but I am starting to wonder if I'm really meant to be a teacher... I am grateful for my job and coworkers, but I've hit that wall. I have another lead... I've been playing phone tag with the person I need to talk to. I am waiting to actually talk about the job til I know some more details. Let's just say it's one step closer to what I've always WANTED to do for a living. I would hate to up and quit the teaching job because I know what it does to the kids, my coworkers (and some of those coworkers are my good friends), and how it makes the school look. But, on the other hand, I think about all of the stressful, unhappy, unpredictable times I've had there and use that to balance my decisions. So, more to come with this...

I've finished some knitting projects. I made the large blanket for baby Scarlet. I made the smaller version of the blanket for big sister Sully. Today, I started a pair of fingerless mittens/gloves for a knitting exchange I'm in. I did 1 glove in about 2 hours. I'm using Malabrigo worsted weight yarn. The gloves are turning out nicely. I hope to have the other one done tomorrow and maybe start a new project on Monday for the exchange. I'm going to seriously start thinking about some knit graffiti/ yarn bombing. I was inspired by a street art documentary we watched for the movie series at church. It got my creative juices seriously flowing!!

Field hockey is going well. We are supposed to have our first game on Tuesday but there is a 70% chance of rain so I doubt it'll happen. The girls were pushed really hard this week. They managed to hang pretty well. I'm still slightly disappointed in some of their attitudes and laziness. They just won't see as much playing time as those who worked hard! I'm heading to a coach's clinic at Wake Forest University tomorrow with some of the other coaches from Providence Day. It'll be a good clinic (they are making us actually do the drills they are teaching us).

No school on Monday. I have a couple options of things to do. I know there's a chance of rain, so who knows what I actually end up doing.

Peace.
...yK

week 1 of school -- tiring.

2011-08-31T20:23:00.000-04:00

Day 3 of school -- over! One hundred and seventy-some more to go... or something like that. Today I had a staff meeting at 7am and then another at 3pm. It was a long day! I have good kids as far as behavior goes... academically is a different story. They are all over the board. That's not bad, but just makes things tricky. We don't have specials this week so that means going all day with the kids without any breaks. It's tiring. I've been assessing the kids on spelling and reading. I will do writing tomorrow.

Field hockey is going well. Yesterday we scrimmaged against/with the high school jv team. My offense and their defense VS their offense and my defense. My offense actually scored a goal! I was so excited. If the average person walked by and saw the scrimmage, they wouldn't have known 1/2 the players were in middle school!! My girls had intensity! I was proud of them. Today I had a parents meeting to introduce the coaches and answer any questions and hand out some rules and such (so that's 3 meetings I had on top of teaching all day!). Tomorrow we have team pictures and practice. Then we are off til Tuesday when we have our first game! I'm nervous but I think they will do well!

I'm knitting a 2nd swirl blanket. It's going to be smaller because it doesn't need to be as big. It's for Scarlet's big sister Sully. She wanted one when I told Dawn I was knitting a blanket for the baby. Sully said she wanted one but smaller. So, I'm almost done with hers. I have some more knitting to do for Dawn (a knitted pouf) and some knitting for a knitting exchange I'm involved in. Here are some pics of the blanket and it being used in a photo shoot with baby Scarlet!

For now...
Peace.
...yK

Day 1. Over.

2011-08-29T21:30:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning... the butterflies in my stomach were fluttering! I got to the school early... around 7am! I have only been to school that early about 4 times in the past 2 1/2 years. Haha. I needed to feel comfortable in the classroom before the students got there. I needed to get my nervousness out.

I ended up having door duty with Trish this morning. That was a blessing in disguise. Really. I got to get my nerves calmed by greeting the students and their parents as they came in. I got to see my little kiddos from last year. I think I miss that age a little bit. Even after the pretty good day I had with my current students, I think I miss those little TK kids a bit. But, this year will be good. I know it will. I'm feeling pretty good about it but who knows day to day how I will really feel.

After work I had practice. We had a good practice. I gave out the uniforms and named our team captains. The 3 girls I picked for captains have worked above and beyond what I've asked of the girls on the field and off the field. I know they will do well. We were supposed to have our first game tomorrow but it was a misprint on the schedule. So, our first game isn't for another week. Atleast that gives us some time to get even better!

Well, off to knit a little and then go to bed. I'm exhausted! Haha. As I should be! :)

Peace.

...yK

STRESSIN'

2011-08-28T21:16:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh, I think my head just might explode! Really! I mean, tomorrow I start teaching 2 new grades and 2 new subjects... 5th & 6th grades Writing & Literacy. I can't seem to figure out why I'm so nervous and why I'm stressing so much. I mean, I'm a good teacher, I have low student numbers, I know Writing and Literacy (but on a much higher --- and, I guess, lower --- level than these grades), I have textbooks, I have a classroom, I have a job, I have coworkers whom I like... so why the stress!?! Maybe because I want to do this so well... I want the kids to succeed and I feel like if they don't, then it will be my fault. I guess it kinda will be... Ugh!

I'm also stressing because I'm tired. Yes, I am tired. After all of the running around I do, the "going, going, going", the need to keep going as to not have to think about life... it has caught up with me and I AM TIRED! And, being tired, I have become very easily agitated with certain people and situations and very non-social. I don't want to hang out with people at the house. I don't want to be around people who even (in my mind) could remotely cause me to become agitated. That sounds so awful! I know!!! But, right now, it's the truth...

I am loving coaching field hockey... it's become my stress reliever. Tomorrow I am giving out uniforms and probably picking team captains. We have our first game this Tuesday against Charlotte Latin (at Latin). I'm so nervous about this game!! So nervous! I want to win, I want the girls to win, I want the girls to want to win. I am afraid they aren't ready enough (but according to them, they are more ready now than they were ALL last season). I know there are high expectations put on me (and ultimately put then on them) for this season, so I worry about that too. I don't want them to lose the first game and have that set their mindset for the rest of the season. We have a team parents' meeting on Wednesday and our team pictures on Thursday. They don't have school on Friday or Monday but we have a game that next Tuesday... that's a lot of time of not practicing before a game... I wonder if I can hold practice on non-school days... ???

Today I went to church and the talk was on our 2nd movie series movie... Exit Through The Gift Shop. It's a documentary on street artists... or someone who just gets lucky and "becomes" one. The talk was on identity (the guy in the documentary has issues with this... that's the connection) (and I might have a post to write about that topic too). My good friend Carlleena came to church with me.... I invited her because of the art connection. And, a high school field hockey volunteer coach also decided to try out Warehouse. It was kinda cool to have 2 new people with me. They both seemed to enjoy the service. After church I went with C & M to Greensboro to take some of C's art for a show. I had never been to Greensboro before. We walked around the downtown a lot. We went to some shops... even a yarn store! :) It was a good time. Supposedly I did a lot of venting throughout the day (oops... guess I was just needing to release it all instead of continuing to hold it in).

Tomorrow is school. (there is NO enthusiasm in my voice as I type that... let's try it again...) Tomorrow is school... (yeah, still not there. oh well.) I will go to bed soon... by 10pm so I can get a good night's rest and try to wake up with a positive mindset and a grateful heart, remembering that my identity is in Jesus, that I am an heir of God, so it's not what others think of me but that my identity drives my actions and motivations.

Good night.
Peace.
...yK

Waiting for the canvas to dry...

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday night. I'm waiting for the paint to dry on 2 canvases. I had the urge to paint tonight after a long day at work (orientation night after a teacher workday). I'm listening to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Radio Margaritaville. I need to get to another concert...

This week has been overwhelming... teacher workdays every day (getting my classroom ready took all week) and then practices after work. Tonight's orientation seemed long. I got a little upset at the end of it over something stupid... I think I am just tired and overwhelmed with thinking of all of the planning I have to do for the start of school on Monday.

Practices this week have been good. There has been a lot of improvement in the girls' playing! They have even commented on their improvement and compared it to last year's lack-there-of. I think they are excited to win games!

I swear, this week, if I had a dollar for every time someone said they were surprised by my ability to do something (knit, paint, play the guitar, play field hockey, etc.), I'd be rich. Maybe it's because I met our new coworkers, I got a new roommate at the house, and have new field hockey players... just a lot of new people learning things about me. I also got told that I remind someone of the beach. I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before... maybe it was my Jimmy Buffett t-shirt, my tan, the fact I come to work in mesh shorts and a t and flip flops, my carefree attitude, the fact I go "natural" with the whole makeup-thing, the Jimmy Buffett music blasting from my classroom... whatever it is, I was kinda surprised to hear my coworker say it. I never thought about being compared to the beach. Kinda made me laugh.

Tomorrow is my roommate Jenn's birthday and my sister Kortlyn's birthday. Jenn is having a party on Saturday evening but I am going to a movie and dinner with Trisha and maybe some other people. Not really up for the whole party thing this weekend... I just want to chill and relax before school starts. I was supposed to go to PA for my grandfather's surprise 70th birthday party but it's not convenient for practice ending late Friday evening and having to be back Sunday afternoon. So, I won't be going. I feel bad but it's just not a good weekend for me to go there.

Anyhow, tomorrow night I am going to W242 to watch a documentary on graffiti art. W242 has started their movie series and Sunday's talk will incorporate the documentary. It should be interesting since W242 is so art-centered.

Well, I think my canvas has dried... I was going to paint something for my classroom, but I don't know. We'll see... Jimmy is singing Volcano right now... "don't wanna go to no 3 Mile Island, don't wanna see my skin aglow!" :) (I used to live very close to 3 Mile Island.)

Off to paint (or maybe just go play my guitar for a little... we'll see...).
Peace.
...yK

Monday, Monday...

2011-08-22T23:12:00.000-04:00

So, today was the first day of teacher workdays/the 2011-2012 school year. Oh yes, some things just never change!

I pulled into the parking lot to find our school chickens loose in the parking lot. (We got those chickens our first year open... my class had named our chicken Olive... like "Olive Juice".) Olive and the other chicken were just running around the parking lot and I almost ran them over! Oh my! What the way to start the school year! So, I got out of my Jeep, inspected the chicken coup to see how they got out (someone left the back hatch open), and called to the chickens to follow me. And they did! I couldn't believe it! They actually walked the 30+ yards behind/next to me to their coup. When we got to the coup, I just picked each one up and put it in. It was quite funny.

I worked in my classroom most of the day. It was good to see my friends whom I only saw once or twice over the summer. I put together my desks. I got my class rosters (6 students in my 5th grade class, 2 students in my 6th grade class). I put paper on 2 bulletin boards. I organized all my stuff. I had lunch with Trish. The normal chaos was still the same...

After work I headed to practice. We (the girls and I) ran a mile and then started practice. They practiced hard! I had 15 girls show up which is good. I am looking forward to the season. The girls are fun, I love coaching, I love field hockey... it's going to be a great season. We WILL win games!

After practice I went to Starbucks on Randolph Rd. for a little to just hang out til yoga at 7:30. Yoga class was great! Really great. I got a great workout. I'm getting strong. I'm learning to be still/silent.

I have workdays the rest of the week. I don't have much to do throughout the week in the evenings after practice. I will probably get a lot of knitting done. Maybe I'll paint. Maybe I'll play my guitar. Maybe I'll go mountain biking or something like that. Who knows.

I have a post I am thinking of writing that has a little to do with Sunday's talk. I have a couple posts I've thought about writing on some other topics too (knitting and such). So, we shall see how much I write this week. Til then...

Peace.
...yK

Everything else...

2011-08-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

I know, I didn't write all week so 2 posts today should be ok, right?? :)

So, on Monday, I had my first day of being the head coach of the Providence Day middle school field hockey team. Phew, I was nervous! I mean, I want to do this well and I want my girls to win and be successful at field hockey. Half of the girls have never played before... that's a lot of teaching for me to do! Everything from the rules to how to hold the stick to how to dribble/pass/shoot/etc. Luckily my assistant coach was able to come on Monday to help me! We had 10-12 girls come out every day. You need 11 girls to make a team. This was the first year they had practices before the school year started so that's a pretty good turnout considering that.

I started the first practice with a 1 mile run. And, yes, I do the runs with them! Some of them didn't do so well... I was kinda disappointed because it was only a mile! What are they going to do for 50-minute games! I made them run the field around the football practice... yeah, the girls didn't like that so much because they asked me not to make them run around the football players because they didn't want to look sweaty and gross in front of the cute football players! Oh, I forgot what middle school girls were like! Haha. I didn't promise them that I wouldn't but I would take it into consideration. I would think it would make them want to run (not walk) since they would be seen. Anyhow, I worked them pretty hard that practice with dribbling and passing drills. On Tuesday I gave them a 2-laps around the field in the beginning but did sprints at the end of practice. We did pretty much the same drills that day because we HAVE to get the basics down or we aren't going to be very good! Wednesday I had them do a fartlek run. They start out jogging and depending on how many whistle blows I do it tells them what they do next... 1 was a jog, 2 were a sprint, 3 were walk. I had them do it for 15 minutes or so. It wore them out! I couldn't do it with them because I was the one blowing the whistle. We did our basic drills again and did some half-field play. Yeah, we need to work on actually playing the game... On Thursday I had them do an Indian run. I did this one with them. We jog/run in a single-file line. The last person sprints to the front of the line. When that person hits the front, the new last person sprints to the front, etc. all while jogging around the field. They did about 12 minutes of it (and I had 4 girls drop out to walk). I made them do a couple sprints at the end of practice too. We did a couple dribbling and passing drills with a little keep-away game too. Since they worked pretty hard all week, I gave them Friday off. We will start hard again on Monday. Our first game is in 1 1/2 weeks! Yikes. And, it's against a hard team! Why we have to start off with a hard team I don't know!

On Wednesday we had a 2-hour-long coaches meeting for all of the Providence Day middle and high school coaches! It was a long meeting, especially after working all day and having practice right before it. But, they did give us nice coaches shirts, a whistle (I love me some whistles!), and a nice catered dinner after. It's nice to feel appreciated by your employers. That school is amazing. If I had kids and could afford to send them anywhere, it would be there! It's nice to not have to get the water for practice and haul it to the fields. It's nice to not have to wonder where the trainers are because they are making their rounds on golf carts. It's nice to work with people whom I actually know and have played with and we all get along really well!

On Monday I was sick... I had the worse headache! I took my summer camp kids to Carowinds that day and didn't even ride any rides! You know I'm sick when I don't race the kids to the front seat of every roller coaster! After practice I went to yoga thinking it might help my headache... WRONG! I felt like throwing up half way through yoga but I pushed myself through class. I almost passed out on the way home from the pain in my head and stomach. I went back to the house and went right to bed (about 9:30pm). Poor Jenn was so excited to hear about my first day of practice and all I could get out to her when I got to the house was that I would love to tell her about it but I might throw up if I try. I text our administrative assistant at summer camp to tell her I wasn't feeling well and might not make it to work on Tuesday. I woke up the next morning not feeling much better but went to work anyhow because I knew I would be going to practice and I shouldn't go to practice if I can't work at summer camp. And, we really needed teachers at camp this week so I went. But, thankfully our numbers were low and I was able to go back to the house within 2 hours of getting to work. I slept all day and went to practice anyhow. I took 1000mg of Tylenol which helped my head a little. Wednesday I felt much better. This morning I woke up with a slight headache so I'm not sure what's going on. My friend Kim asked me if I had the brain-eating amoeba... that scared me so I looked it up online. I don't think I do. I haven't been in a lake in a couple weeks so I think I'm ok.

My friend Dawn had her baby this week. Scarlet Rae was born on Thursday. She was a couple weeks early but came out a healthy 5lb 13oz baby girl! So glad she and her momma are doing well! I know her daddy and big sister Sully are excited. BUT, I am knitting a blanket for her and I wasn't expecting her to show up for a couple weeks so now I need to knit til my fingers fall off! Haha. The blanket is turning out beautifully. I love it! I might have to make one for me. I can't wait to post pics of the finished piece!

Friday was my last day of summer camp! Praise Jesus! I was getting burned out from dealing with the kids all summer! I know that sounds bad but I hadn't had a day off since I took two off at the end of June to go coach in VA. Our workdays start on Monday. I have A LOT to do in my classroom! I have A LOT of planning to do! I met with the 3rd & 4th grade Reading and Writing teacher (my friend Stephanie) on Tuesday after practice. Oh, I'm feeling overwhelmed after talking with her. I've never taught 5th & 6th grade so it's going to be a rough one I think. I might need to make some friends with people who teach these grades! I got an interesting email while I was meeting with her about 1, maybe 2, opportunities that excited me! I can't go into details about them just yet but if it's God's Will and if I'm pausing to make sure, then it could be very exciting! (I know, now you REALLY want to know don't you!?! Haha. Patience!)

I'm housesitting this week (from Wednesday to Sunday) on Mountain Island Lake. Yesterday I got off early so I enjoyed the afternoon laying out on the deck. I might head down to the dock today if these clouds burn off! I might take their kayak out on the lake. We'll see. I have lots of knitting to do to get little Scarlet's blanket done! So, I'm sitting here listening to the music I have on here and writing and getting ready to knit.

Peace.
...yK

"Be still...

2011-08-20T08:08:00.000-04:00

and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10a)

Still. Silent. I used to be sooo good at that. I could sit with my own thoughts for hours and not have an issue with it. I could sit and listen to others for hours or just take in my surroundings (looking at the lake or the ceiling). Over the past year or so, I lost it. I couldn't (and still sometimes can't) stand to be with my own thoughts. I couldn't (and still sometimes can't) stand to be "still".

It's fitting that Bruce spoke at Warehouse 242 on "Silence" last Sunday (the would-be-2-years). He posed the question, "Where do I live... the past, the present, or future?" There are a lot of my thoughts and such that are of the past, mostly the past 2 years. I live somewhat in the present; I try to live for each day. I know I don't live in the future... I'm not looking for the "what's next!?" I (we all) have the URGENT NEED to PAUSE! But, I, like many people, have the tendency to fill that needed pause time with other things. To force a pause doesn't create the rhythm a real pause creates; I am already overloaded with things so if I try to force one more thing in my day, it's not going to work.

He used Ephesians 5:14-17...

(14)For the light makes everything visible. That is why it is said,

"Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

(15)So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.

(16)Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

(17)Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."

So many people what to know what is God's Will for their life. I mean, who doesn't want to know why they are on this earth!?! These verses tell us that the only way we can even know is to pause and listen! But, why am I so uncomfortable with silence now? Why can't I sit with myself and let thoughts flow and let my mind and worries go? Bruce said that if I don't create time for pausing, I can't consider what is happening (or has happened), how to act based on that, and what God is wanting me to do/why it's happening. If I don't create that time for pausing, all I am doing is acting and reacting to situations. 2 years ago, I spent HOURS in a pausing moment... I waited and listened before I acted... And, in the end, I don't know if I did what God wanted me to do. I don't know if the year after that was part of His Will for my life. And I definitely don't know what that whole time is/was supposed to teach me or mold me into (I have some thoughts on this but I'm still waiting on that confirmation and don't want to jump into conclusions).

Did you know that "sabbath" means "sustation"(which I don't know if it's a real word because it is in some dictionaries and not others) but it really means to STOP! In John 15:4 it says:

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."

God is saying, "stay, don't go, don't ask 'What's next?'" Even Jesus needed to remain in the Father, to be WITH the Father. If Jesus needed to remain in and be with God, how much more do I need to remain in and be with God. To do that, I need to PAUSE! To make the most of my life, I need to know what to do. And to know what to do, I need to STOP/PAUSE. I am in danger of not taking in my own life when I don't stop/pause. If I wait too late and wait til I'm overwhelmed to do it, that's not pausing... that's called CRASHING! I can't afford to wait! I've crashed too many times over the past 2 years for me to allow myself to crash anymore!

God is not silent. He is always speaking. I need to stop/pause to hear Him.

(Most of this -- except when I use "I" comes from the notes I took during the talk. So, giving credit where credit is due... Bruce Marcy, pastor of Warehouse 242.)

Here's to relearning to be still and silent...

Peace.

...yK

Memories

2011-08-13T11:12:00.000-04:00

Well, I've avoided writing most of this week. It's a week of memories. A week where I was brought back to 2 years ago in my mind whether I wanted to or not. I swear I tried to not remember but my dreams didn't let me. Every night you were in them... every night there were the "what if's"... every night there was the pain of waking up to the reality. And, so, here I am. Tomorrow will be 2 years ago everything changed. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember what I was wearing, what you were wearing, the drink, the temperature of the air, the conversation, the blanket, the chairs, the fear, the hurt, the confusion, the wonder, the prayers, the tears, the next morning... I remember it all. My heart is heavy and tears swell in my eyes even in writing that sentence. I miss my friend. So much. So. Much.

Tomorrow will be 2 years. I wonder if you will even think about it. I wonder if you even care.

And, here I sit... my week of housesitting for Trish and Luke is over. The house where I live is empty right now. Jenn is away. Our new roommate is moving in tomorrow I think. So, it's me and Jenn's dogs. Part of me wants to be like Forrest Gump and go for a run and then just keep running til I decide I'm done and then walk back. Part of me just wants to sit on this couch all day and not move and let the tears come. Part of me wants to get in my Jeep and just drive... somewhere... away... I feel alone today. I have nothing to do today. I should be happy about that, right?!? I mean, isn't that what people want their weekends to be like? Not me. I don't want to have to think... I want to be busy... I want to be around people. And, yet, I want to be alone.

None of it makes sense.

My life doesn't make sense. Believe me. I don't understand a day that goes by, the things that happen, the things I'm given, the thing's I'm not... I know that there are reasons for the things that happen (or don't). I know there are blessings in disguise with every hurt/pain. My faith isn't any less today than it was yesterday or 2 1/2 years ago when I moved here or 16 years ago when Jesus became by Savior. I don't have any less hope. I don't have any less grace. I don't have any less love.

But, today is another day that I've been given. So, I plan on living it with gratitude and hope. I plan on living it in love. I plan on living.

I know I didn't write much about the things I've done this week... maybe I'll write about that later today. Right now I'll leave you with some quotes I've been given over the past year that have been a stronghold in my life...

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encombered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"But there are dreams that cannot be and there are storms we cannot weather. God doesn't promise that all of our dreams become reality; His promise is His presence... He will walk with you through the Land of Shattered Dreams and Uncontrollable Storms, and it is in this time that you will understand what the GRACE OF GOD really means." -unknown

"I come in to this place, yearning to receive Your peace; I come with my own chains from wars I fought for my own selfish gain. Your my God and my Father, I've accepted Your Son. But my soul feels so empty now, what have I become... refine me. Refine me." -Jennifer Knapp

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." -Jimmy Buffett

"Root down, rise up." -Holy Yoga

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11

Peace.
...yK

Hey Jeep...

2011-08-09T22:08:00.000-04:00

Well, it's Tuesday... That's it...

Haha. Just kidding. :)

I guess I last wrote on Saturday so time to write again. I've been slacking on writing for no other reason than I'm slacking.
Sunday was good.
I went to the 2nd service at Warehouse242. The message was titled "Expiration Date: Debt." It talked about how we can live 2 ways: free or enslaved (but not just to money). Did you know 15% of what Jesus talks about in the Bible is how we deal with money!?! We are stewards not owners of anything; we are entrusted by God to take care of His things. Marc talked about how we can't serve 2 masters (God & money/sin/our own intentions) and that there is a struggle to be internally free vs externally free (money). In Matthew 8:5-13, we looked at a passage that actually doesn't have anything to do with money but yet we were able to apply it to that topic. We learned that we have to profess our unworthiness to God and then submit to Jesus' authority. Marc quoted someone (and I'm going to paraphrase it because I didn't get the whole quote written down in time)... it said, "We have NO right to pick and choose what we submit to Jesus." How true is that!?! I mean, if it's all Jesus' anyhow, what right do I have to only give certain things back to Him?!? I don't know anyone who doesn't struggle with this. I struggle not only with this when it comes to money, but also with other aspects of my life... time, relationships, work... With money, especially this summer, I really worried. I knew I wouldn't make much this summer and I knew my bills didn't get any less... I worried with how I was going to pay those bills on a paycheck less than half of what I normally make. And, on top of it all, I had made a commitment to tithe regularly, continue to support my World Vision boy in the Ukraine, give to people who need it (homeless and others in my community), make larger donations for my Holy Yoga class, etc. But, I gave it all to God and told Him that my money is in His hands... And, can I tell you, I did everything I committed to AND I have more in my savings right now than I did 2 1/2 years ago!! And a lot of it was put in there this summer! All the while, I still don't know why I have been blessed with it because I still feel so unworthy.
After church I had plans of going to the pool to relax but I found out that the guy who was going to look at my Jeep was at his garage and had time to check it out. So, I drove to Pineville-Matthews Rd. and had him check it out. He cleared my shocks as not being my tire issue, he told me that I needed a bearing on the front passenger side and that I had a lot of dirt under my Jeep that was causing some driving issues, and that I should consider getting new shocks since my factory ones were still on but they weren't completely shot yet. So, he wrote up an invoice stating my suspension wasn't bad so I could go back to Walmart and get my tires replaced. And, that's what I did. I went back to the Walmart where I had issues earlier in the week. On my way back, I was getting off the exit and there was a homeless man there. I was about 10 cars back and I could've easily just drove by when the light turned green. But, it was hot out... he probably needed food and water. I had $2 in my purse (I never keep cash on me) and knew that I was going to slow down/stop and give it to the man (even though I had a green light). After the message that morning and the way I've been financially blessed, I was keeping my commitment to take care of those less fortunate than me. Anyhow, I went to Walmart and I spoke to the auto center supervisor who said he would replace the tires but it would be on a pro-rated rate so I would have to pay some for the tires. So now I have (well, my Jeep has) 4 new tires, an oil change, and a new air filter (that I replaced by myself for my first time!). Sunday it will get it's new wheel bearing. Next Sunday there will hopefully be new shocks. I have to buy a knob for my air conditioning/heat from the dealer this week to replace my broken one. My Jeep is getting the spa treatment (since it hasn't in a while!).
When that was all done, I headed to Trish & Luke's house where I'm staying til Saturday. I had to let their dog Philly out. I then headed to Cirque Du Soleil with Jenn and a bunch of other people. The show was Alegria!... I think it means "happy". It was a great show with great music and acts! (But, my first time seeing a show was the best!) We all went out to dinner and had a great time. We met a new friend (of Jenn's) named Mark (from England). He was cool. Loved the accent!
Of course, I had work on Monday. We were on-campus all day. Some guy came with some snakes, lizards, turtles, etc. since it's Safari Week. I was the only one who didn't "wear" a snake... NO WAY was I putting a snake around my waist and my neck. No thank you! The day didn't go too badly. Last night I had yoga class. It was a restorative class so everything was "assisted" with pillows/blankets/blocks but the pose was held for 3-5 minutes. It was a great class and very peaceful.
Today was work. We went to Boomerang Bay. I did a back-to-school class for some kindergarteners. Then I came back to Trish & Luke's, plopped myself on the couch, and just chilaxed for the rest of the evening. I don't have many more days to do this because once field hockey starts, I will be busy every night til the end of October.
Oh, and field hockey... yeah, getting really nervous. It's coming soon and I don't feel ready or knowledgable (not about field hockey but about procedures and such). I got our game schedule yesterday. ... 11 games. I think 7 of them are "home." I heard there's a big buzz about Providence Day field hockey (both middle school and high school teams... middle school getting a coach who cares about actually winning -- yeah, that's me... and high school because the players have really worked hard and should be first in the area).
School starts in 2 weeks... workdays start the 22nd. Things are getting "interested" to say the least. I'll be able to explain more once some things pan out...
Anyhow, I need to get ready for bed. My bedtime is in 25 minutes and I need to knit a little first.
Good night.
Peace.
...yK

When it rains...

2011-08-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

So, on Thursday I washed my Jeep... which is why it rained on Friday. I hadn't washed my Jeep since September 2 years ago (and that turned out to be one of those days where life got crazy... I mean, the handprint on the outside of my Jeep was probably still there). Anyhow, I'm glad the workweek is over. It was definitely "one of those weeks".

Last night I went to C's art show at Southend. It was great! There was a great turnout and she sold some paintings and shirts. Jenn & her friend Pat and Rachael and Justin came too. We headed to NoDa and then to Amelies for a late-night dinner.

This morning I got up and went to a Holy Yoga workshop/class. We focused on challenge poses. I was able to do crow, half-cressant moon, and wheel! All new for me! Today was my 6 month anniversary of doing yoga. I can't believe how far I've come in and because of yoga. I definitely wouldn't be as strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually if it wasn't for the Holy Yoga class. Maybe I'll write a more in-depth post on this later.

After yoga I headed to Huntersville to knit with Julie. We hadn't knit together in about 2 months. I was working on the baby blanket. I got another round finished. I am half-way done with round 4 now. It seriously is cool looking!! I will have to post a pic of it.

After knitting (& Red Mango of course!), I headed back to the house where I took over 1 1/2 hour nap! Then I've been knitting and watching tv/movies for the past couple hours (off and on). My roommate invited me to go out with her, a friend of hers, and these British guys to uptown bars but I decided to just stay home instead. Not really interested in bar-hopping.

Tomorrow I start house/pet sitting for Trish & Luke (and their dog Philly). I will be living in their house in Denver til next Saturday. Tomorrow evening I'm going to Cirque du Soleil with Jenn & 11 other people. Jenn & Kim got me a ticket for my birthday. I loved the last show and am looking forward to going to see this one!

2 more weeks of summer camp. 1 week of teacher workdays. Then school starts (teaching 5th & 6th grade Writing & Literacy). I start coaching Aug. 15 at Providence Day. I'm excited and nervous about all of it!

Anyhow, things were very different this time last year. I thought about it a lot this afternoon as I lounged around. This next week (and especially next weekend) might be difficult for me on a personal level. I just have this feeling....

Well, I'm getting ready for bed. I'm looking forward to the message tomorrow at church. We don't have many more weeks left in this series before we do our summer movie series.

Have a good night.
Peace.
...yK

Since then.

2011-08-02T21:34:00.000-04:00

It's been 3 days since writing... no particular reason I guess... just have been busy and tired.

Sunday ended up being good. I finally checked out Trish & Luke's church (minus Luke because he was sick). Her brother is a good pastor. It's a lot different than Warehouse 242 but not bad. I enjoyed the service. It reminded me of my church in PA. I came back after church and took a nap. Trish and I went to dinner and then Red Mango. I was going to have dinner at their house but since Luke was still sick we went out for dinner. I ate some spicy chinese food... but I didn't see the pepper that was in one of my bites and I was breathing fire after that and couldn't anything else. The last time I ate a pepper like that (in Chinese food) I was in PA (a couple years ago) and I think my mom told me to try it. I remember trying to eat icy freeze pops to help with the burning and it took a long time to be able to feel my mouth... you'd think I would remember that when I order Chinese food... I guess I "forgot". :)

I finished the first season of Accidentally on Purpose tv sitcom. Oh my goodness it made me laugh outloud numerous times. I am going to have to rent the other 2 seasons because I want to know what happens!

On Monday I got to sleep in. I worked 9:30am-6:30pm. I was supposed to work til 6:30pm but our last kid left at 5:55pm so we got to leave early. I hadn't worked that late since last summer (and even then I think I didn't do it that often -- although last summer was a blur that seemed to last forever). After work I headed to yoga. Yay for yoga! Class was good (so good in fact I am sore today!). She had asked me for recommendations on some things I wanted to do in class and we actually did some of them. Good ol' yoga bicycles, warrior poses, plank flows into chatargona, all sorts of good stuff. I even got to demonstrate "pigeon"... I've been practicing yoga for 6 months now and I'm good enough to be the demonstrator (or a pose like pigeon!!). I can't wait to get my kids yoga certification in January and hopefully my full certification by the end of 2012!!!

Today was hot. We went to Boomerang Bay at Carowinds. I pretty much spent the entire time in the big wave pool! I got dark today... I know, I've been saying that I'm getting dark but today I really did. I've gotten so dark that during my kindergarten refresher class, my Hispanic student says to me, "You're legs are DARK! Why are your legs so dark?" Haha. And then like 5 minutes later, one of my "white" students commented on my dark skin too! After teaching the class and tutoring a student, I headed to Walmart to get my tires rotated and an oil change. That was at 5:30. I was there til 8:15. ... Yes, I was there THAT long! So, they do the oil change and then go to rotate the tires and something is wrong with my one tire... it's warped or something. So, I told them that I paid extra for the warranty. They decided that it's a suspension issue which means it's not covered under the warranty. So I ask for the manager. She says she has no clue about suspensions and said to replace the tire. At the same time, the mechanic comes back and says my other 3 tires need replaced. The manager decides not to replace the other ones. Ugh. So, I have 3 tires that aren't too good and one brand new one. And, lately, the Jeep has been running hotter than I think it should, the O2 sensors need replaced, it's hesitated starting a couple times and now my suspension needs checked... Maybe I should just invest in a sign... JEEP FOR SALE. I know, I could never get rid of my Jeep but still! Dang it!!

I did get a lot of knitting done while sitting in the waiting area of Walmart. The baby blanket for Dawn's soon-to-be-baby Scarlet is turning out awesome!! I can't wait to post pics of it!!

I'm glad tomorrow is Wednesday. We are heading to Freedom Park for a couple hours to hang out/walk around/play. It's going to be really hot tomorrow. My kids have a movie in the afternoon. I need to tutor 2 kids tomorrow and then I have field hockey at Davidson College. So excited for that!!

Anyhow, I'm tired. Going to try to knit a little more before bed. Good night.
Peace.
...yK

The Courageous One...

2011-07-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

I read something recently... and it kinda caused my heart to be heavy. I mean, I still just can't believe I'm "not remembered"/ "nonexistent" or at least it's portrayed that way. It's interesting to me how you get to feel what I feel consistently and constantly. It's interesting to me how you can write those things and NOT think, "That's what I did to her,""That's how I treated her"... I also think it's interesting in how things are handled and what is said when you're on the other side of the story. Interesting, huh?

That above paragraph was written earlier today, in between my Saturday naps. I don't know where it came from other than it just needed to come out...

On another note...
I was written something the other day by someone who doesn't really know me other than I commented on her blog once or twice and are friends with on Facebook (but nowadays that makes you friends, right?!?). She wrote me to tell me about her prayer/quiet time the other day. I would love to just cut and paste her message to me, but I haven't asked for permission, so I'll summarize... She asked God to reveal things He has done or prayers He has answered... And my name was revealed. It's amazing the things that she said that God revealed to her about me and my life. But the word that kept coming up is that He says I'm "COURAGEOUS". Did you just read that... GOD THINKS I'M COURAGEOUS. The God of the universe, the maker of all things, & Jesus, the one who had to have the most courage to go through the things He did for my sins thinks that I am courageous! This friend who wrote this doesn't know my story, doesn't know the things I've done, doesn't know how hurt I've felt or the ways I've tried dealing with my loss, and yet the things she wrote me... I don't even know... it can only be from God because otherwise it doesn't make sense. She said that God told her (about me), "She still believes for great things, and she is still believing for the fairy tale." Haha, just so crazy. ... I wrote the word COURAGEOUS on my mirror in my bathroom to remind me.

5 hours later...
I just got back from my Providence Day School field hockey coaches' cookout. I had such a great time! We had great food, a Wii bowling tournament (which I lost... haha), the kids had an awesome dance party, it was just a great time. I am so excited to be working with these friends! Tonight there was a point with things were crazy... parents looking for their kids' shoes, kids getting tired, etc. It seriously felt like "home"for a minute ... I can't explain it. It was the first time I felt that in a while. I look forward to that more often.

Today was one of those lazy Saturdays. I got up, sat on the couch all day in my pjs, took naps throughout the afternoon, then showered and went to the cookout. I can't believe how much I slept today!

Last night I went to the Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans concert with my friend Brittany, Doug, and Samantha (all Brittany's friends). Sara Evans was awesome. She sang "Stronger"... I almost lost it. Good thing I focused on videoing it instead. And, Rascal Flatts was as good as usual. They sang some of their new and old stuff. The concert brought back memories of last year... I saw them the Saturday night 2 days before my birthday, before the life I thought I'd have was suddenly completely ended. There were definitely tough moments for me during that concert. I took lots of pics too which helped a lot.

Anyhow, tomorrow I'm heading to church with Trish... hopefully it actually happens this time. :) We'll do lunch after. I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow afternoon/evening because there is no more field hockey on Sundays. Sad about that. But atleast my season starts in 2 weeks!

Well, getting ready to go to bed. It's early (only 10:30pm) but I'm sleepy. Good night.

Peace.
...yK

What a day!

2011-07-28T21:45:00.000-04:00

So, the day started out like any other... hitting the snooze on my phone alarm... shower... rushing around because I took a too long and too hot shower... running out the door wishing I had time to stop for breakfast. The difference started with what happened when I pulled onto the school's campus... I found it odd to see a police K9 SUV parked at the end of our building but, honestly, didn't think too much of it. That was until I continued to drive to my normal parking spot and saw 4 police cars parked in front of the school entrance. I figured someone tripped the alarm again... probably a parent who thought we were open and put their code in and opened the door when we really weren't open yet (wouldn't be the first time!). Then I drove past the building to the parking area and saw the door to the gym/multipurpose room open with a coworker and Trish hanging out by it. Then I thought that my coworker accidentally tripped the alarm in that building. I parked and got out and walked towards them. My coworker said it was her fault and I thought that she really had tripped the alarm. Then she continued that she had gone into the school and turned off the alarm and went behind the desk to clock in when someone jumped up in the library and ran out the back door. (The library was the only room in the building not motion-scensored or door alarm scensored... "was" is the key word because the alarm company came today and put both types of alarms in!) She had foiled a break-in plan of someone! At first she said she thought it was a kid who had gotten into the building but then it sunk in... it was a break-in. She called the cops. The K9 unit was tracking a scent until it hit the creek and anyone who knows anything about criminology knows that a dog can't track a scent over water. So the guy either knew what he was doing or got lucky. Either way, he got away. Parents were concerned but they trust us with their kids and the safety of them.

The rest of the day was LONG! Today we were supposed to go to the Panther's training camp... I remember last year! It was hot. I got lots of autographs... which I don't actually have... I can't say I was looking forward to going and the memories that came with it. So, instead, we were stuck on campus all day! I timed my kids on the superhero obstacle course. We made our superhero capes. The kids made comics on the Marvel Comics website. They played this superhero game Heroclix... which is actually pretty cool. But then they got out of control and had to make them do "school work"... But, that was the same time I was to leave so they might have gotten out of it since I left. Then I did 2 kids' tutoring.

I went to UPS after work to send my mom's gift to her... you know, with the little pretty blue box... She will be so surprised and shocked! :)

Life Group was tonight. Unfortunately, it was our last one. Over time the group has gotten smaller... like me and Rachael and Justin only being the ones showing up. It makes me sad. That group, whether they knew it or not, has been crucial in my healing. I'm afraid I won't see my friends very often now. I'm afraid that I will have a hard time with studying the Word. I need the fellowship and accountability. I hope I find another one soon. I know with field hockey I will be busy but I NEED to find a group.

Tomorrow will be just as long... we are going to Boomerang Bay for the day after a visit to the comic book store. I should tutor some kids tomorrow but I probably won't. I am excited for tomorrow night... the Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans concert!! I can't wait! I am heading there with my friend Brittany and a couple other people. Cowboy boots and hat are for sure! I'm still deciding on a sundress or shorts and tank top.

Anyhow, time to knit.
Good night.
Peace.
...yK

Happy 50th birthday mom!

2011-07-27T22:26:00.000-04:00

Wednesday. Usually a tough day at work because it's the middle of the week. Today, not so tough... I went in to work at 7:30am and left at 1:30pm. The morning went like this... AM snack from 8:30-9am. Devotions from 9-9:10am. Superhero Training obstacle course til 10:15am. The course was off the hook! I was so excited to make it for them. I hung 2 hula hoops from the basketball backboards that the students had to jump/dive through (onto mats). I had cones they had to weave through ("dodging bullets"). There was an obstacle course through one of the moon bounces. They had to do 10 push-ups/sit-ups/jump rope. They had to tightrope walk and window ledge walk. Then they had to throw extra large noodles through a hanging hula hoop. It was all timed too with superhero themed music in the background. It was awesome. They had so much fun! Then we watched the movie "Sky High"; it actually was a cute movie. My day was over then!

I headed to my friend (and coworker -- art teacher) Dawn's house to hang out with her. She's on bedrest (31 weeks pregnant). We hung out for a couple hours and chatted about all sorts of stuff. I watched her daughter Sully dress up their dog Tucker and I took some pics of it. I made them salad for dinner. I love being able to serve and hang out with that family! I can't wait to meet baby Scarlet!

Today is my mom's 50th birthday. It's kinda sad that I couldn't bet there to celebrate. There's a celebration in the works (I think it's going to be a surprise). Her gift is being sent out tomorrow and she will be really surprised to get that little blue box from that really nice store! :) They went to dinner tonight. I talked to her for a while. Kort is wishing her happy birthday 50 times today... I saw one of her videos she sent to my mom... so funny!

Anyhow, I'm sleepy tonight. BUT I have knitting to do. So, I'm turning on a movie and hoping to not fall asleep while knitting! So, good night for now.

Peace.
...yK

a couple days past.

2011-07-26T19:58:00.000-04:00

This weekend was good... busy but good.

I finished my house/petsitting gig on Saturday morning. The home owners came back from the beach in the early afternoon so I was out of there around lunch time. I headed to Riverbend Pool because it was nice out and I had nothing else to do. Thankfully my friend Dawn gave me her pool pass! Saturday evening I went to "social" with church. Houses of Warehouse 242 members throughout Charlotte were open (people were assigned to different houses). I didn't sign up to go but my friend Marcia had signed up for 2 people and her son backed out so I went instead. The house we were assigned to was in Fort Mill, SC. I didn't know the homeowners but I actually knew some people who were there! I met some new people too! It was a good night of hanging out, eating, getting to know people (or getting to know people better).

On Sunday I was supposed to go to church with Trish and Luke but Trish woke up sick so I headed to W242 instead. I'm starting to think that I am not supposed to go to their church because every time I am supposed to go, something comes up. Or maybe it's that I needed to hear the message at my church that specific Sunday. I think this week was one of them It was a great service with a great message. The acoustic worship was awesome too. After church I met up with my coworker Lisa and her husband and son for lunch and then swimming at Riverbend pool (they live there too). It was so hot out. I actually got burnt on some of my strap lines form my other suit. I had field hockey from 6-8. I had a great time! I played really well. There were new people there too. Unfortunately it was our last "official" Sunday playing since the school field hockey teams are starting next week.

Monday, oh Monday! It was the start of Superhero Week at summer camp. I henna tattooed the kids with their secret superhero marking. :) They loved it. We also made our superhero masks. Let's just say A LOT of glitter was used... and you know how much I love glitter! We played Batman, Batman, Robin (think "Duck, Duck Goose"). Today we had bike day (and of course I forgot my bike!) and we went to Boomerang Bay. We played Kryptonite (think "Hot Potato" with a glow stick and superhero themed music). Fun stuff. Tomorrow is a superhero training obstacle course (I'm building it) and our movie day. We were supposed to go to the Panther's Training Camp on Thursday but that is obviously not going to happen. Friday we are heading back to Boomerang Bay after a visit to Spandex City (the comic store next to the Mountain Island Coffee Shop... yeah...).

Outside of work, it's a busy too.
Last night was yoga. Oh my! I woke up sore today. It was a "gentle" practice but as we are learning "gentle doesn't mean easy!". I am so grateful for our instructor Sarah, the class, the fact it's so Jesus-based, and how much God is using it to change and heal me. I signed up for the yoga retreat (in October). I'm getting certified in kids yoga in January and hope to have my complete yoga instructor certification by the end of next year. I have the Power Holy Yoga DVD (borrowed from Sarah) to start using to kick my butt into full-gear!

Today after work I headed to Southpark Mall. I haven't been to the mall since I bought my computer at Apple in January. Before that, it was to buy a Tiffany & Co. necklace... Today I went for a specific purpose... to go to Tiffany's to buy another gift... a birthday present. (I can't say much more than that for now... I am sending it out tomorrow. ) I went to the mall in shorts and a t-shirt... sooo not the appropriate dress attire for THAT mall. Oh the looks I got... haha... and even more looks from the employees at Tiffany & Co. Now I'm back at the house... I'm watching tv and eating Frosted Mini Wheats... the only food I have in the house. Oh well. I might do some knitting tonight... I need to work on Dawn's soon-to-be-born-baby Scarlet's blanket.

Anyhow, I know these posts aren't deep when I talk about my "daily life". It's just so I have something to look back on... to remind me of where I've come from.

Peace.
...yK

Kindness...

2011-07-24T23:29:00.000-04:00

There have been situations in my life where I had the option to be kind or to really be a jerk (to put it nicely). And, there are good reasons for me to be a jerk, but I haven't been. Why? There is also a current situation in my life where I have chosen to be a jerk (and continue to be)... And, again, I ask myself why? It's very hypocritical of me, I know! I'm working on this... {I'll give some examples towards the bottom...}

As I thought about why I'm kind (or not), why people are kind to each other, and why they aren't, I've come up with these reasons...

*We are called to be kind...

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." - Colossians 3:12
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke 6:27-31
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."- Philippians 2:3
If I'm really trying to live my life as God calls me to ("love God, love others"), kindness falls right into place. When we chose to live our lives this way, our actions and motivations change to fit what we are claiming to be. Grant it, no one is perfect and I don't claim to be (believe me, I'm the last person to claim to be perfect), but I try to live my life loving God and loving others and letting my actions flow from that (not the other way around). When I chose to love someone, I do it wholeheartedly and my actions reflect that.

*Why not? Seriously... I mean, what does it hurt to be kind to people!?! (And, yes, I do struggle with this!)

*To make us feel good... Honestly, when you do something nice for someone (especially someone who just doesn't deserve it), it makes you feel good. "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." ~Dalai Lama

*To make ourselves look good to others... We care about what others think of us, so if they see us doing good things, they think better of us... right?!? Nah.

*To make the other person feel good/happy/cared about/loved... If we truly want people to be happy and truly love people, then we're going to act so that they feel that way.

*To "kill 'em with kindness"... such a bad motive for being nice but it's so easy to be kind for this reason. It's like rubbing salt in the wound. They might have treated you so awfully and hurt you so badly so you "repay" it by treating them nicely and making them feel badly for what they've done to you. I don't agree with this as a motive for kindness but I know it happens.

*For "good karma"... again, something I don't necessarily agree with but is definitely a motivation for a lot of people. People believe if they do good things, good things will come back to them. BUT, even bad things happen to good people so I don't think this holds true.

Recently, I've had some opportunities to show kindness (or not show it) to different people.

Let's get my current struggle of showing kindness right out there... a coworker... Yes, I have an issue with this person on a professional level (not personal) and chose to not be kind to this person (say hi, help serve snack, say things about them to others) because of how they do their job. I keep saying that I don't have to like my coworkers because we don't have to be friends. But, yes, I really should be kind to them regardless of what I think of that person. When I talked to a friend about this, and I heard myself say that I purposefully wasn't going to say hi to this girl, I really didn't like how I sounded... I am supposed to be a witness to this girl (who isn't a Christian) and I'm not doing a good job of it. I guess I need to work on this.

I recently was able to show kindness to someone who I could've easily been a jerk to. I was at the baseball game on Thursday night. I threw the first pitch and was able to keep the ball. It was the perfect "stress ball" for a while. :) There was a young kid sitting in front of me who kept looking at the ball I was holding and asked me how I got it. Now, this kid has a connection to my life (even though he has no clue) and I could've easily used that situation/connection to be a jerk. The mascot came around and one of the girls in the group (her dad got a foul ball) was getting the mascot to sign the ball. Someone was asking me if I was getting the mascot to sign the ball I had. I didn't plan on it. I looked at the kid in front of me who was longingly staring at the ball and then at the mascot signing the other ball and then back at me. I was thinking to myself, "Kyla, do you really need this baseball? I mean, what are you really going to do with it? Why not give it to the kid... he'd appreciate it, it would probably make his night..." So, as the kid was sitting there, watching it all, I said, "Here you can have the ball." and handed it to him. The look on his face said it all... He didn't know what to say, so I told him to take my pen and go get his baseball signed. No one was watching me. No one saw it happen. No, that wasn't my motivation. I knew he would love to have the ball and I didn't really need the ball... And he did. As others around me realized what happened (knowing what they know), they were in disbelief. I just gave my baseball to this boy who I really shouldn't have been nice to (not because of him but because of other things/the situation). I also remember thinking that I would've given the ball to any other kid in a heartbeat... why wouldn't I do it for this boy because he really had no clue about the other "stuff" (the connection and hurt). The dad even asked if I wanted him to give me the ball back... again, disbelief that I would just give something up to someone I didn't really know. Like I would take a ball back from a kid!?! It happened again later in the night... the same kid and I were talking and he asked where he could get one of those Landshark foam sharkfin hats. I told him where but unfortunately they were all out. So, the guy who booked our group came and sat down with us for a little. He had one of those hats. I looked at him and asked/told him that he really didn't need that hat and I knew someone who did. He looked questionably at me and I pointed to the boy. The guy took off his hat, handed it to me, and I gave it to the boy. There was no reason why I did what I did other than it's just who I am. I love to give. But, in a situation like I was in, with the feelings I was having, I could've been really ugly... but I chose not to. I chose to love. I couldn't have done it on my own... God gave me strength, grace, hope, and love to get past the feelings I was having and to be who I am called to be. For that, I am grateful.

So, there are 2 examples on how situations and people can be given/not given kindness. There are soooo many more examples I could expand on as examples of how I did and did NOT show kindness. Even to the one who has hurt me the most, to the one who has broken me... my kindness and love will never run out or go away. YOU KNOW that!!

I'm sure I will have more to say about this as I process it all. These are the words written as they flow from my mind. 2 days worth of thinking and organizing my thoughts. I know this is a crazy/weird post but for some reason it's been on my heart and mind lately. I'm challenged by my own thoughts and hope you are too.

Phew... sorry about this post and its length and its deepness and convicting words.

Peace.
...yK

Saturday morning.

2011-07-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

This morning I actually slept in. I got up at 8:45am... a huge difference than my normal 5:15am wake up. It felt so nice. I would've preferred to be at my house instead of housesitting so that I could lounge or sleep in more, but I'm not so I had to get up to feed and let out the dogs. The family is coming home this afternoon so this morning I need to get the house back in order.

I plan on knitting today at some point. I really would like to go to a pool because it's going to be HOT! But, really, I have no plans today! Kinda weird not to have a busy schedule. I guess I should enjoy it because it doesn't happen often.

Tomorrow I have church in the morning and field hockey in the evening. I might go to church with Trish and Luke or I'll head to Warehouse 242. I don't know what I'm doing in between them. Maybe I'll get to a pool or lake. We'll see.

I have a post I'm working on to put on here but it's not ready yet... I'm still working through it. It'll be a good one if I can get it right. Look for it!

Well, have a good day. Stay safe in this heat!
Peace.
...yK

play ball.

2011-07-22T00:31:00.000-04:00

It's late. I have to be up in 5 hours but I can't go to sleep. I am tired but my mind has been racing. It's been a long day. It's been a long HOT day.

Today we went to Boomerang Bay at Carowinds. It was HOT (I will probably repeat this numerously). They shut the pool down 2 times which doesn't go well with the weather! I actually got a little red today!

After work I headed to the house (where I'm housesitting), fed the dogs, changed, and headed back on the road. I headed to Hickory for the Hickory Crawdads baseball game with the Parrothead Club. I had never been to Hickory so I gave myself extra time. I got there first by almost 30 minutes. Eventually this guy Jeff came and found our group and took me to go get ready for my special job... throwing the first pitch. I was nervous because another club member was supposed to do it with me but she was going to be late so it was just me. They announced my name in the fun announcer voice and elongated my last name. I threw the ball, and I did get it from the pitcher's mound to homeplate without it hitting the ground. Too bad my friends/club members missed it because they were still in the parking lot. That was kinda sad... all those nerves for nothing because no one was there to see me. I had other things to be nervous about too...

I did get to keep the ball I threw but I gave it to a kid who seemed to really want a ball. And, because my friends missed my throw, we redid it after the game was over (we had to get the general manager to let us on the field because the worker wouldn't let us). They taped me doing it. :)

On the way home, I had a little "come to Jesus" meeting with myself. I mean, I prayed a lot... I cried... I sang... I was silent. I just had things I needed to get out of my system. Things that I had to deal with throughout the evening, things I had to deal with in my head, things that hurt, and things that I was grateful for. I'm glad the ride back went quickly because I was exhausting myself!

There was a lot more to this evening, but I'm tired and need to go to bed.

Good night.
Peace.
...yK

Wednesday...

2011-07-20T22:26:00.000-04:00

Last night, as I fell asleep, I prayed, "PLEASE let me sleep all night and my neck feel better tomorrow... PLEASE!!" Now, believe me, God doesn't answer all my prayers (even those I continuously pray over and over again and REALLY want), but sometimes He definitely does. Last night was the first night in the past couple nights that I actually slept all night AND then this morning I woke up with no neck pain. Seriously, no pain. A little stiff still but the pain is gone.

Today was a quick day at work. I mean, I worked 7-2 and did 1 child's tutoring after work which is still a short day. Today we played kickball outside for about 40 minutes (before 10am) and the kids were complaining of sweating... seriously!?! Sweating? Since when do kids just get to go inside because they get sweaty?? Not with me! After our kickball game, I had the kids design and make a boardgame. They had to come up with their own idea for the game and write out instructions on how to play it and then teach a group of kids to play it and then write a response on how it all went. They did a great job and worked really hard on it (over an hour on just making the games). In the afternoon we had our movie time and then I was done.

After work I headed to Trish and Luke's house. It was "one of those days" for her so I let her vent and we talked about it all. She gave me some chicken noodle soup that she made. Really good! Their 2 boys (Chail and Rocky) are simply adorable! She's really become a good friend! I then went and got a pedicure. It was lovely. Haha. I still have my blue toenails (well, she repainted them but I kept blue). The problem happened when I had to go to field hockey and it hadn't been over an hour since my pedi. I decided to go barefoot til the last possible minute. Well, walking to the field hockey field, somehow I burned the bottom of my feet to the point there were blisters forming while I was playing! I don't remember stepping on cement hot enough to do that to my feet, but I guess I did! And then my turf shoes messed up my newly painted toenails! :( Oh well. The girl told me that it was going to happen and that she would fix them if I came back. So, that's what I'm going to have to do. Those blisters made it a little hard to run today at field hockey but I sucked it up and did my best. It was so hot that we literally were dripping with sweat... literally. I don't know if I've ever had that much sweat run off me. It was kinda gross but not... I don't know how to describe it. After field hockey, I went and got my hair cut. I just went to Great Clips... they aren't the greatest but they're cheap. I had 3 inches cut off. I hadn't had a hair cut in MONTHS! My hair is still about to the middle of my back. I need to get my hair to get thick again... I think there was some stress-related hair issues going on from the past year so I need to figure out how to get my thick hair back.

At my pedicure today and at my hair appointment I met 2 people from Cedar Cliff/Harrisburg, PA (close to where I am from/have lived as a kid). 2 random people who don't know each other but are from the same place and both met me on the same day in Huntersville, NC. So crazy!

Now I sit at the house where I'm animal/housesitting, watching tv. The dogs are sleeping on the floor and are snoring! I had planned on knitting but I need to go shower so it doesn't look like that's happening. Tomorrow is going to be fun! I'm working 7am-4pm (5 of those hours are at the pool). Then I am feeding the dogs and heading to Hickory. I am going to watch the Hickory Crawdads minor league baseball team with the Parrothead Club. Tomorrow night is Jimmy Buffett night there so they asked us to come. Oh, and I am one of 2 of us who get to throw the first pitch!! Yes, I am throwing a first pitch. I'm kinda nervous. I'm kinda excited. I mean, I can throw a ball so that's not a problem (I used to be able to throw from outfield the whole way to home plate but haven't tried that in a long time...). Anyhow, it's going to be fun and, uh, interesting to say the least. :) I will definitely get pics of this!!

So, I am now off to the shower... then to bed. 5:20am comes quickly when you go to bed late. Haha. Have a great night.

Peace.
...yK

tv time.

2011-07-19T22:35:00.000-04:00

Today was long. I worked 9 hours at camp (7am-4pm) and then did an hour of tutoring. At camp today we played human bingo (you wring out a sponge on the head of the kid whose name you call), soccer relays and a 4v4 game, and then went to Boomerang Bay for the day. After tutoring, I ran back to where I'm housesitting to let the dogs back in and feed them before driving to Providence Day School for practice. Practice was good. I have my work cut out for me with their skills. Haha. Then I tried getting to the PHCC social but they were leaving as I was driving there. Oh well. I think this is the first official thing I've missed since joining the group.

Just got done texting my mom... well, she text me and I answered. She asked how my neck was doing. I told her it still hurt... not excruciating but it's definitely tender. I haven't taken any pain or anti-inflamatory meds so of course it's going to hurt a little. And, with yoga last night and hitting the ball around a little at practice, I'm not necessarily allowing it to completely rest/heal. Tomorrow I am playing at Davidson College for 2 hours. My mom is NOT happy about that. Like I'm going to not play! Really!?!

Now I'm just chilaxin and watching tv. I always forget how fun it is to have cable. I keep it on the food channels all the time. I love the cake and the food competition shows. It causes me to stay up way later than normal... the good shows just keep coming!! I know it's late when the dogs are looking at me as if they are begging me to turn the lights out and go to bed. :)

So, I plan on doing that in about 30 minutes (if another good show doesn't come on!).

Well, I'm looking forward to the next couple of days. I have a lot going on. Have a great night.

Peace.
...yK

Oh yeah, check out this article on my friend Miki and our Charlotte Ambush Field Hockey Team! http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/07/19/2465488/meet-the-mompreneur-charlotte.html

I Won't Let Go. Rascal Flatts.

2011-07-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

Because I have and always will...
(don't forget to turn off the music at the bottom of the page... although this song is in that playlist too)

You know.
...yK

Still hurts.

2011-07-18T22:48:00.001-04:00

I'm tired. Last night I tossed and turned ALL NIGHT. I was awake from 3am-4am. My neck was really bothering me.

I had to work 7am-3pm today. My kids and I went miniature golfing (or as people here in the South call it "putt-putt"). I won with a score of 48 in 18 holes. Not too bad. It's sports week at camp so today I introduced a little basketball. We did some dribbling and shooting relays and then played knock out. I love knock out! I used to play in the prison all the time with the guys. I got really good from playing with them. So, we played a couple games of it and everyone seemed to like it. Tomorrow I am introducing soccer... a couple kicking and shooting relays and then maybe a small game of soccer. We are going to Boomerang Bay so hopefully the weather will be nice.

After work I was so tired that I didn't even do tutoring. I came back to the house and took a nap til yoga class. I was so tired that I almost thought about going to bed and not to class. I decided to go to class, hoping my neck would get a little stretch and feel better... WRONG. Now it actually hurts more than before I went. Ugh. It kinda makes me want to cry... seriously... I never thought I'd get a neck injury from field hockey. I'm ok with having to get stitches or breaking something minor or spraining something... but not my neck! Tomorrow I am coaching and not playing so I'll give it a little break before playing at Davidson College on Wednesday!

I am thinking about sleeping on the couch tonight... maybe it'll be more comfortable for my neck (I slept well this afternoon). I am working 7am-4pm tomorrow and then I have to tutor some kids. I have coaching (Providence Day open field) from 6:30-8. In between work and practice, I need to get to the house where I'm housesitting and feed the animals.

Well, it's off to bed I am going to go... I need sleep. I'm hoping my neck feels a little better tomorrow...

Have a good night.
Peace.
...yK

Whiplash...

2011-07-17T22:01:00.000-04:00

Yep, I got a little whiplash tonight at field hockey. I was running full speed and intercepted the ball only to have a girl NOT look where she was going and run straight into me... her shoulder gave me an uppercut to my chin causing my neck/head to snap back way too quickly and way too far and my mouth guard to go up into the interior of my upper lip and my teeth to go into the back of my bottom lip. Luckily there was no blood but my mouth and neck/shoulders/back hurt. I think I might be sore tomorrow... I played the whole 3 hours without backing down but I probably shouldn't have (hey, no one was there to tell me not too!). I also have a cold and it is really laboring my breathing. I took a Claritin before practice tonight and it caused my heart to beat really hard and fast (making me feel like throwing up). Just was NOT my night. I played well (busted my butt to get to the ball and score) considering all those things. My parents tell me I'm getting too old for this... I disagree. There are other things I think people get too old for, but field hockey (playing sports in general) is NOT one of them!

This morning was church at Warehouse 242. Such a great service. I mean, lately I have been thinking about some things and one of them is, "Why do I do things with all my heart/soul/mind/strength all of the time!?!" Is it an obsessive thing, control thing, or do I do it because we are told to and it's the right thing to do... (Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters...") Is this wrong? Should I not? I have loved someone with all my heart/soul/mind/strength. I play sports with all my heart/soul/mind/strength. I knit with all my heart/soul/mind/strength. I care about my friends and family with all my heart/soul/mind/strength. I teach and coach with all my heart/soul/mind/strength. I serve people with all me heart/soul/mind/strength. I just do things with intensity... Today's talk was about the urgency of dealing with our character flaws... because out of our heart (our character/actions are based on our heart) our actions flow. Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." So true. Is the way I do things (with all my heart/soul/mind/strength) a character flaw?? Maybe it is. Maybe this is what I need to work on. I don't know...

After church I had lunch with Kim because Jeff is still camping in the Smokey Mountains (he came back today). We had Mexican food from the restaurant by Concord Mills. So good! Then we went to her house and did more knitting. She's doing really well on her blanket! She got through the first part of the pattern (18 rows). We watched the Women's World Cup... too bad the USA team lost. But I'm happy that Japan was able to win even after all they've been through (as a country) this past year!

Then I had field hockey (and we all know now how that went).

Well, I need to shower because, honestly, I think I stink. Haha. But not until I finish a bowl of my favorite food... ICE CREAM!! And, today, incase you didn't know, is National Ice Cream Day!! Woohoo! :)

Have a good night.
Peace.
...yK

knit.

2011-07-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy past 2 days. I mean, Friday I had work and then tutoring. I rushed to the grocery store, to the house to change, and then to my friend Dawn's house. Dawn is pregnant and due at the end of September/early October but has been on bedrest for the past month (and will be til she has the baby). She has a 4 1/2 year old little girl. Her husband worked nights this week, so, I decided that (as any good friend should) to make her dinner and help her out in whatever way I could. Now, for those who know me, know that I'm really not a cook. I mean, I can cook but I choose (and have chosen for a long time) not to cook. I decided to make salad and cook BBQ chicken pizza on the grill. We also grilled some marinated zucchini. It turned out to be really good! (Yay for me! Haha) I hung out and kept Dawn company for a couple hours. It was a good time!

This morning I got up and went to Holy Yoga class. She kicked my butt today. I mean, it was a good butt-kicking but I think I might feel it tomorrow. I went to the Yarnhouse after to get yarn for a baby blanket I'm making for Dawn (actually it's for her her soon-to-be baby Scarlet). I got Universal Yarn's Classic Shades yarn. I'm making a circular blanket called Ten Stitch Twisted blanket. It looks really cool and so far is easy to knit. I got the yarn and headed to Kim's house to hang out, watch movies, and knit. She is going to be making a blanket for her soon-to-be baby (due in December).

Now I'm housesitting on Mountain Island Lake for the week (for the family of one of my students this past year). They have a nice house! Tomorrow I have church, some knitting, maybe going to Lake Wylie, and then field hockey from 5-8. A busy weekend that is going to FLY by!!

Well, back to knitting and watching tv (it's nice to have cable at the house!). :) Have a good night.

Peace.

...yK

Thursday.

2011-07-15T00:31:00.000-04:00

It's late. I just got to the house. I had Life Group tonight. We finished chapter 11 (of 12) in our study of the book of Romans. Only 3 of us tonight but I still am blessed by our discussions every time. I am grateful for Justin and Rachael and their willingness to show up and prepare and discuss and their friendship! After LG, I got Red Mango and headed to my friend Trish's house for fro-yo and a movie. We watched Bucket List... um, kinda a lame movie. Not very funny at all. I think the only time we really laughed was at the quote: "never pass up a bathroom, never waste a hard-on, and never trust a fart." I don't know why we thought the last part about a fart was funny but we did. When Luke came home, he made fun of us for watching it and even more fun of us for actually finishing the movie. We chatted and hung out for a while longer. Trish is another one of those friends who I am so grateful for.

Today at summer camp we were "building-bound". We had no field trips because of the kids behavior at Boomerang Bay on Tuesday. So, instead, we did our normal morning stuff of playing in the gym and such. During the time we would've been away, the kids had to read for 30 minutes, write about what they read, do some educational worksheets, help clean up a room, and pick vegetables in the garden. Once they did all of that, we made slime with cornstarch and water. That was kinda fun; messy but fun. I did some tutoring after I got off work.

Tomorrow I am working 7:30am-4pm. We don't have any field trips. We are finishing the first Harry Potter movie, doing some fun Lego relays and games, and playing with candy Legos. Should be fun. After work I am cooking dinner for our art teacher Dawn (who is on bedrest til she has her baby due at the end of September). I haven't decided yet what I'm cooking... I have ideas but nothing set or bought. I'm thinking a salad, bar-b-q chicken pizza on the grill, and maybe a dessert. We all know how well I really cook... haha... not! But, it's the least I can do. I mean, people should volunteer to do things for people who need it (whether they express the need or not... but come on! She's on bedrest, a husband who works, and has a 4 year old!). I don't know what I'm doing after... probably just veggin' out at my house. Saturday I have yoga in the morning, I start my house/dog-sitting gig on Mountain Island Lake for the week, and then I'm hanging out with Kim and doing some knitting. Gonna be a good time!

Well, I need to be up and able to function in 5 hours so I'd better go to bed. Good night.
Peace.
...yK

Sometimes.

2011-07-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

"Sometimes there aren't words.
Sometimes there aren't smiles and laughter.
Sometimes there is nothing I can do.
Sometimes..."

I'm not sure why I started this post like that... it's just what came to mind as I put my fingers on the keys to type. I mean, I'm generally a happy person but my heart has been heavy lately. The head PD field hockey coach introduced me to the team as a happy person, knowledgable in field hockey, who doesn't like to lose. Haha. I find it interesting that I'm called a "happy person"... maybe I'm happier than I think. I know I'm more blessed than I deserve... that's something to be happy about.

Todays wasn't too bad. I had to open this morning at work... which means I was there by 7am. It's only 30 minutes earlier than normal but, for some reason, those 30 minutes feel so much more! It's Lego week at camp this week. Today I put together my first ever Lego set. It's some house from Harry Potter. It was actually a lot of fun... like a puzzle! (Haven't done one of those in a LONG time...) My students were working on other sets of Harry Potter Legos... I beat them and I was by myself and they had 4 students in each group. They aren't done yet. We also did Lego mosaics. I gave the students paper plates and had them draw a design on them and then fill it in with Legos. One kid did a really awesome sun with sunglasses on! I was impressed! We watched the first half of the first Harry Potter movie. I can't say I've ever seen the whole thing before. We are finishing it on Friday. I was off work at 2. I didn't have any tutoring today. Kinda nice (but weird) to be done so early.

I headed to the Northlake Mall after work to go to the candy store to buy candy in the shape of Legos. We are building Lego candy houses on Friday too. Well, the last time I was at the mall, I almost intercepted a woman stealing stuff from the mall as she ran right by me. So, as I'm driving to the mall and remembering that episode, I was actually thinking, "I hope that doesn't happen today." I mean, really, like it would actually happen again!?! Well, it did!! Can you believe it! As I was waiting for some people to cross in front of my Jeep to go into the mall, 2 women ran out of the mall with bags, jumped in a car waiting in a handicapped spot, and took off! Seriously! I was tempted to follow them... but decided I really shouldn't. But, really!?! Again!!! How many people can say that the past 2 times they've been to the mall and was going in at the same entrance that there were 2 incidents of shop lifting/stealing and people running out of the mall!?! I can! I just couldn't believe it. Anyhow, I went into the mall, went to the candy store only to find out their credit card machine was down. So, I had to go find an ATM and then go back. $20 later, I have 2lbs of Lego candy! The kids better love me. :) They actually do build on top of each other like real Legos.

So, I came back to the house and waited til I had to drive to Davidson College for field hockey. Well, 30 minutes before it was time to leave, it got pitch black out and really windy. Then the downpour, thunder, and lightening came! The dogs freaked out (the thunder was so loud that our windows were shaking). Eventually it stopped but field hockey got cancelled. Bummer! So, I sat on the couch for a little and thought I was going to knit... but never did. Jenn had small group at the house and our new roommate came over (she's moving in in August). So, I came to my room and played my guitar a little, did some laundry, etc. And now I'm writing.

I added new music to this blog. Stuff that is speaking to me lately... I could probably write a page on each song and how it speaks to me, but I'll spare you those posts!

I found out yesterday how small (AGAIN) our circles are... another connection. I can't believe it. I would've never guessed. I am guessing our paths will cross again soon...

Anyhow, I hope you're doing well. Stay cool and hydrated in this heat (I sure am lovin' it!). G'nite.

Peace.
...yK

Hot!

2011-07-12T21:58:00.000-04:00

Today, despite my 2:45am cry in my sleep that kept me up for a while, was pretty good. We had a staff meeting at 6:30AM! 6:30-A-M !!! Yeah, luckily there were donuts and orange juice! :)

We went to Boomerang Bay today. It was hot. (I know there were some people who had cars registering at 102 and 105!!) One of the pools was closed for cleaning. So we headed to the big wave pool. About 2 hours into our time there, a kid walked by me in the pool and threw up! I quickly jumped out and told the lifeguard. And, of course, my telling them would have them close the pool until they can run all the water through the filter! Yes, on the hottest day so far this year, I am the reason (since I told) that the 2nd wave pool had to be closed for 20+ minutes. Oh well. I'm not swimming in puke-water!! It eventually was reopened and the pool looked REALLY clean! My kids disappointed me though... each kid pretty much broke atleast one of our rules throughout the day. So, we are now not going to Boomerang Bay on Thursday...

After work, I tutored 3 kids. Then I headed to the house, changed my clothes, and headed to field hockey at Providence Day School. This was the first time I would get to meet kids on my team and the high school team. I absolutely love playing the sport for sure, but I also love coaching it! I love watching kids listen, learn, and improve! We saw that in the hour and a half we were there. Only 4 of the 20ish kids were actually mine, so we combined with the high school jv kids to practice. We are doing BASICS... dribbling, pushing, slapping, and driving the ball. We did some flats and thru balls. We played some 4v4. I coached one team and Coach Carol coached the other team. My team scored 4 (I think) goals and the other team didn't score at all. I taught them a little about playing in a diamond positioning and they actually understood it and did it! I was very proud of them. And, most of them really worked hard despite the heat. I was definitely pumped after practice. I can't wait to start the season!

Well, off to shower and then bed. I have to be at work at 7am tomorrow morning and I'm working til 2. I have a couple kids to tutor tomorrow after work before playing field hockey at Davidson College tomorrow evening!

Good night. Here's to better sleep tonight...
Peace.
...yK

It's late/early

2011-07-12T02:44:00.001-04:00

I just woke up, crying in my sleep. Tears and all. That hadn't happened in a while. I hate this feeling. It's one thing to wake yourself up by talking in your sleep, snoring, etc. It's something else to wake yourself up because you're crying. The dream was vivid. The dream was sad. My heart is heavy. It's going to be awhile before I can go back to sleep...

Yeah, you know...
...yK

Off my high horse...

2011-07-11T17:43:00.000-04:00

Well, kinda. I started thinking about my post #2 last night and remembered that I forgot something I wanted to write...

So, the talk went a lot with something I experienced on Friday morning. I was riding the bus with the kids (Luke was driving) to the Discovery Place in Uptown. The kids saw a homeless person and started this whole business with calling them "hobo's" and making fun of them. I thought I was going to lose it. I mean, I have invested a lot of time and energy into serving the homeless and here are very well-off kids making fun of them. They don't even know them. They don't know their stories! I mentioned to Luke how there are 3000+ homeless kids in the Charlotte school system. Luke was surprised. The kids continued after I told them to stop. Finally Luke told them to stop. I think I might have to "educate" these kids on homelessness and serving the less fortunate...

Anyhow, today was hot. We went to Carowinds to ride the rides. After 5+ hours of riding rides, I'm tired and feeling kinda woozy. We had 2 kids (out of the 7 who went) throw up... one before lunch and one right before we did our last ride. Ugh! That didn't help me stomach! It's been almost 2 hours and I'm finally settling down. I rode every roller coaster... all but 2 I rode in the front seats. I like being able to see/know what's in front of me and not have to rely on watching the cars in front of me to know. Overall, it was a fun day.

Tonight is Holy Yoga. Yay! I am looking forward to it. It's been almost 3 weeks since class and I have missed it! Tomorrow we have a 6:30am meeting at work before the day starts! We are going back to Carowinds tomorrow for Boomerang Bay. It's supposed to be over 100 degrees tomorrow... thank goodness for the pool.

So, til later.
Peace.
...yK

2-post Sunday #2

2011-07-10T23:16:00.001-04:00

Urgent!

Today people all over the world made decisions that are life and death altering!

Most people don't see the urgency in this until we look at the individual. Look at the news headlines... to just look at the headlines, you probably don't feel too much about the situations. But, if you read the story, you might feel a small connection to the story/person. But, you really didn't care until you found out about it.

The question is, why don't we care (or why is our caring limited) based on how close we are to the individual?!?

Today at church, we looked at the book of Jonah and how this story relates to the urgency of an expiring city (our city: Charlotte, and the city as in the world and individuals).

Jonah prays a prayer from the belly of the fish... Jonah 2:7-9 (TNIV)

⁷ “When my life was ebbing away,

I remembered you, LORD,

and my prayer rose to you,

to your holy temple.

⁸ “Those who cling to worthless idols

forfeit God’s love for them.

^{⁹ But I, with shouts of grateful praise,}

will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’”

Gosh how those words resonate with me...

"When my life was ebbing away..." I've been there. I still feel there sometimes. But, then, I too remember the Lord and I pray.

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit God's love for them." Ugh, really God, must you rub that one in too!?!

Thank goodness that "Salvation comes from the Lord"!!

Throughout the book, Jonah says a couple times that he's "angry enough to die!" I have been there. Maybe not angry... more like sad and broken enough that I felt it better that I just die.

Then in Jonah 4:10-11, he poses the biggest question of all... "Should I not be concerned about this great city?" And that's how the book ends. We don't know how Jonah responds to his own question. We don't know how or where God leads Jonah. We don't know... But, we can pose the question: "What do we do with this?"

Did you know that there are over 3000 kids in Charlotte who are homeless? Have you ever driven by Pfifer Ave in Charlotte on a Saturday morning and seen how many homeless men and women line up for breakfast/lunch? Have you volunteered at a local soup kitchen or donated clothing/hygiene supplies? These are not just "homeless"... they are individuals with stories to tell, individuals who have nothing else and need help. Who knows, the man or woman you choose not to help may die tomorrow... then what!?! What if that sandwich you could've given or the time to sit down and talk with them could've saved his/her life? I bet if you had a connection to that person, you might be a little more inclined to help them... but what about those people who have NO ONE??

I don't write this out of or to make you feel guilty. I write this because it has struck my heart... Many times. This morning's talk just increased the feeling.

Bruce went on to say that "when we are in our best and truest form, we are like God; we love what He loves and hates what He hates... the heart of God cares for humanity (and if you ever question God's care for humanity, all you have to do is look at Jesus' life, death, and resurrection!)." If we are made in the image of God, why is it so hard for us to care for humanity like He does? Because we have so many things in the way that doesn't allow our true self to emerge. Christianity is the story of humanity... lives of people who realize their brokenness, asked God to forgive them and change their hearts, and then move in the world not out of obligation or guilt but because our heart has been changed. Our actions change because our hearts have changed. And, when REAL people act, God changes the world around us. The question is, "What's in the way of my true self emerging" Then I need to get rid of those things.

Oh, that's a lot of heavy stuff, huh?!? But, there IS an urgency... people are dying, people are struggling, people are broken... Are you willing to give up your "self" to allow God to move?

I am trying...

I am grateful for this series at church. If you want to hear the talks from this "Expiration Date" series, just check them out on iTunes podcast (Warehouse 242) or to go www.warehouse242.org and find the podcasts there.

Peace.

...yK

2-post Sunday #1

2011-07-10T21:50:00.000-04:00

Weekend recap...
So, yesterday I got up. That's always a good thing. I thought it was a yoga Saturday but it wasn't. :( So I sat around a little and just chilaxed. I then thought it was a good idea to brush the dogs. They are shedding like CRAZY! I swear that there was enough hair for a whole other dog! I decided to dye my hair DARK... like really dark brown. The sun keeps lightening it so much and so quickly. I quickly showered and then headed to the NASCAR Speedpark at Concord Mills.

The PHCC walked dogs for Project Halo. I got to play with a dog named Licorice. She is a year and half old black lab mixed with something else and has WAY too much energy! And, she loves to be in the water! Her story is sad though. She was adopted from the Humane Society (Mecklenburg County) by a family with small kids. After 6 months, they decided they couldn't handle her energy so they took her back. Well, the Humane Society has a rule that if an animal is brought back (for ANY reason) then they put it down. So, Licorice was scheduled to be put down... Then Project Halo found out about her and took her the day she was scheduled to be put down. Thank goodness!! So, she's living with a foster family on the lake... where she is enjoying the water! I wanted to bring her home but I know I don't have the time she needs. So, I'm not getting her. I know someone will adopt her and she will have a "forever" home. There was also a cool dog there named Ringo. He was definitely a keeper!!

After that event, I headed to Lake Wylie to Mojito Cove. :) Good times.

This morning I woke up. (Again, a good thing, right!?!) I went to church at Warehouse 242. It was a great service (which my 2nd post tonight will talk about it more). Then I headed to Mojito Cove for the afternoon. It was sooo relaxing. Relaxing like that definitely doesn't suck! I had field hockey from 5-8 tonight. Holy hotness! That field was cooking! I'm pretty sure that within 15 minutes I looked like I had been swimming. I drank 4 water bottles just to stay hydrated. It was a lot of fun and I had some really great plays.

Now I'm sitting at the house. Chilaxin. I'm due for a shower soon because, honestly, I'm still gross and sweaty. But, I wanted to eat dinner first and cool down. (I know, you really didn't need to know all that...)

Have a good night. 2nd post is coming...
Peace...
...yK

Friday night...

2011-07-08T21:55:00.000-04:00

It's Friday night. I'm sitting at the house. But, that's by choice. I was invited to go out to a bar. I was hanging out with C & M. But, I'm tired and I am ready to just chilax somewhere I can fall asleep if I want.

I had dinner with C & M tonight. Then I went with them to Lowes to get them more rock for their new patio area. 10 bags! That's some heavy stuff. We carried the bags to their backyard and emptied them. Their little neighbor boy came over. He's 6 years old. He wanted to help. As he was helping me empty the bags of rock, he looked at me and said, "You look Spanish. Are you Spanish?" I told him that I was not Spanish. He then preceded to tell me that I needed to go look in the mirror and I would see that I looked Spanish. Haha. (He's Portuguese so he knows what real Spanish looks like.) We dug up some area for blueberry bushes. As I was pounding the shovel into the ground, he looked at me and asked me if I was angry because of the way I was doing it. Haha. He looked a little scared. He was really cute and had a fun personality.

We watched a movie on a guy who did a juice fast for 60 days... very interesting. I don't know if it makes me want to go out and buy a juicer and $15/day worth of fruits and vegetables. But, it does make you think about things. I think C & M are going to do it for a shorter amount of time.

Today I got my first full summer paycheck... Um, yeah, it's about 1/2 of what I make each paycheck during the school year. Thank goodness for a savings account and tutoring and house sitting because I would not be paying bills otherwise.

I went to Discovery Place in uptown today with my summer camp kids. That place is really awesome. I was there 2 years ago when they were redoing the whole thing and now it's so cool. I made a shoe today. I used this rubber sole from a piece of rubber I cut, hot glue, material, and duct tape. Obviously you can't wear it but it still looks cool. The kids had a great time too.

Tomorrow I have yoga in the morning. Then I'm heading to the speedpark at Concord Mills to walk dogs for adoption for Project Halo with the PHCC. I am hoping I don't come home with a puppy/dog... Haha. We are doing a social afterwards and then I have a chicken dinner with my roommate's small group. It's going to be a busy Saturday. Sunday I have church, probably going to the lake for a little, and then I have field hockey from 5-8. I love busy weekends but am glad for some relax time (atleast right now...).

So...
Peace.
...yK

Life is like...

2011-07-07T18:44:00.000-04:00

Hmmm.... What is life really like? Good question, huh?!? :)

So, it's Thursday! Thank goodness! Why does the week seem to go slower when it's a 4-day workweek instead of a 5-day one?? We stay busy at summer camp but NOT busy enough to make the week go by quicker! I don't have anything too major going on this weekend that I'm trying to get to... I'm just ready for the week to be over. I need a break!

I also need a good swift kick in the butt! If I could kick my own butt I would. I am hating my training right now... I'm hating it so much that I'm really not doing it. I have no energy after my workday. It's not fun running or biking in the sweltering heat at 5pm. I don't have anyone holding me accountable. Agh!! All I want is to be in pristine shape for the triathlon and keep seem to get myself there. I mean, yes I can go run 5+ miles in a decent amount of time and I can bike semi-flat surfaces for 12+ miles and I can swim 1/2 mile without dying... so why am I not able to sign myself up for a tri!?! Why don't I mentally have it yet?!? I guess it'll come... all in due time.

Today at summer camp we went to Boomerang Bay. I thought we might have had to leave early because it was predicted to storm from 1pm on... but it didn't. In fact, it was sunny and hot! I started reading The Tale of Desperaux. I think it's on one of the summer reading lists for my students. So far it's pretty good.

Now I'm sitting at Panera waiting for the rest of my Life Group to show up. We are still working on the book of Romans. I think we have 3 weeks left. Then we are heading to Red Mango! Yes! The highlight of my week!! Haha. Not really, but I definitely enjoy it. I'm going to do some yoga tonight before bed. Tomorrow I wake up (God willing) and it starts all over again.

So, for now, be safe.
Peace.
...yK

tired.

2011-07-06T21:39:00.000-04:00

I'm tired. Really tired.

Today was "on campus" all day at summer camp. We were the only group who didn't have a field trip. It's always hard to fill an entire day with things for the kids to do. I only had 8 kids today. We spent about an hour playing in the gym; the kids played on the bouncers and I shot basketball. After that, we had silent reading time for 30 minutes. They need to read almost every day... they can't get too lax with not doing school things. Then we built rockets... not just any kind of rocket, but the rocket that you put vinegar and baking soda together and the carbon dioxide build-up pushes the rocket into the air. After lunch we blasted the rockets off... well, we tried... We had 2 other summer camp classes watching us and we failed both times they watched. As soon as they walked away, mine shot 40+ feet in the air. The kids could barely get theirs off the ground. I had one that went atleast 60 feet in the air. Pretty cool. Then we started watching October Sky.

I tutored 2 kids after school. Gotta get that $money$! :)

This evening I played field hockey at Davidson College with a bunch of the team and coaches and some high schoolers. I thought I was going to get my butt kicked but instead I did really well. I seriously love this sport! I get such a high when I play!

And now, here I am, resting back at the house... almost ready to go to bed.

Peace.
...yK

One day closer.

2011-07-05T22:54:00.000-04:00

Phew... glad today was Tuesday and not Monday at school. I mean, it's still the beginning of the work-week but Tuesday is one day closer to Friday! :)

Today I made rock candy with the kids... well, I started the process with the kids; it's not candy yet. We boiled the water and sugar and set it with lollipop sticks. In 48 hours we shall see if we have the rock candy we're supposed to have! We also headed to Boomerang Bay. It started out a little cloudy but it heated up quickly. Some of our kids got burnt... I told them to put on sunscreen... I got a little red too. We came back to the school and I did tutoring with 3 kids.

This evening I had plans of doing a long distance run. I didn't end up doing it. Instead I watched a movie ("Letters to God") on Netflix and ate some dinner. I decided to go ahead and do a yoga class/podcast. It kicked my butt pretty good. It was a flow-based class (audio NOT video) with a Bible study/devotion time. Good stuff! It's so much easier to do the hard poses when you're focus is not on the pose but instead on a Bible verse or devotional thought. I was definitely sweating during it (and our house is set on 71 degrees so it's really cool in the house).

Now, it's bedtime. I'm watching America's Got Talent as I write and prepare for resting/sleep. Tomorrow we are on campus aaaaallllllllll day! We are building rockets and I think launching them. We will play some structured games. And, I guess we'll do some sort of craft. It's also our movie day so we'll be watching October Sky. Hopefully the day goes quickly. I'm only supposed to work til 2:00 which kinda makes me mad because I really need the hours. I am the only person relying on this summer job as the main income. Everyone else has spouses who are bringing in the main income in their family. Everyone EXCEPT me! Oh well. I'm trusting that God will provide my financial means and to not worry.

As far as the main news of the day about the trial in Florida... I did not watch any of the trial. I actually didn't know much about it til this weekend when EVERYONE was talking about it. I did hear that we wasn't found guilty... all I can say is that God will be the judge of whoever killed that little girl. And that's all I have to say about that...

So, good night.
Peace.
...yK

Here and Gone

2011-07-04T22:56:00.000-04:00

That's how I feel about this weekend. It was quick. I mean, my parents got here Saturday at lunch and they left this morning. It was fast. I know I kinda wished it to go quickly, but it really did! So, now I sit here, watching the Macy's 4th of July special/fireworks on tv.

On Sunday, I took my family to Warehouse 242 for church. It was a great sermon. The music was good (although my family didn't really know the songs). Then I took them to lunch at Mac's (on South Blvd). Yes, I did take my Mormon dad to a biker bar on a Sunday! Haha. They liked the food. We headed back to the house to change to go to the pool. My coworker Lisa was nice enough to sign in my family to her pool and use 4 of her guest passes. We stayed for a couple hours... it was definitely hot. Lexi got to go down the water slide, so she was happy about that. When I asked her if she liked the pool, she said yes but not as much as the other one... the one with the kid area and the frogs in the drains... a small stab in my heart. After we came back to the house, we changed and headed to dinner. I took them to Brixx in Birkdale. After dinner, Lexi wanted to play in the spraygrounds there, so she did for a few minutes. She was fun to watch.

WOW, these fireworks on tv are amazing! Sorry, chicken moment! (Or, as my one friend says, a butterfly moment...)

Anyhow, after dinner and water play, we headed to Red Mango!!! Yes! And, I had another free one! I don't know how that's possible, but I did. I ate coconut mixed with apricot and banana. Amazing! We headed back to the house and Lexi wanted to go to bed. So, mom and Lexi went to bed. Dad, Korbin, and I watched "Radio". Dad had never seen that movie and I really like it, so we watched it.

Lexi really grew attached to Gambit and Nallie (especially Gambit). She really wanted to take him home with her. Dad did not like the dogs. Mom did not really like them either.

This morning, we got up, they packed everything up, and left. Was I sad to see them go... not necessarily. I mean, it'll be a while before I see them again so that makes me sad. I love my family so them not being near makes me a little sad. I will miss my niece. A LOT! But, I never did like playing hostess and trying to plan things to do with them. Too much pressure. And I got sick of hearing about the dogs and their shedding and such.

Anyhow, after they left, I headed to Mojito Cove on Lake Wylie (ie. Kevin and Tina's house). We cooked out for lunch and dinner. We chilaxed on the floating island. We got sun. Then we got stormed on... lots of wind and rain. It was crazy and came in so quick we almost weren't ready for it. But, we got to have a fun time hanging out inside too. Good stuff.

It's back to work tomorrow. Ugh. After being off since last Thursday, going back tomorrow is going to be hard!! So, off to bed I must go.

Peace.
...yK

Cookout.

2011-07-02T23:28:00.000-04:00

Tonight I had a cookout to celebrate my birthday (since my family was in town too). I bought hamburgers and hot dogs. Everyone else brought sides (sooo good!). I even did the grilling. There was ice cream cake and a bon fire (which was too hot to sit next to!). Kim & Jeff, Gina & Stan, Rachael & Justin, Lisa, Emily, Kelly & his kids, Marcia, my mom & dad, my brother Korbin, and my niece Lexi were all here. (More were supposed to show up but didn't... but I'm grateful for those who did!) It was another night of different aspects of my life coming together.

It blows my mind away every time that happens. I mean, I would never think that my knitting friends, church friends, Life Group friends, work friends, and family could or would ever get together in one place and have a good time. And it hasn't happened just once! It happened earlier in the week when a bunch of my closest friends got together for dinner on my birthday! I am so grateful for the people in my life!

I am undeservingly blessed.
Peace.
...yK

weekend.

2011-07-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday morning. And I'm awake much earlier than I need to be... Oh well. I was supposed to do something with friends this morning before my family gets here at 12:30ish, but it's not going to work out. So, I'm sitting around and chilaxin til my weekend gets busy with family.

The FOCUS field hockey college showcase went well yesterday. We had to get up at 5:15am to make it to the field for our first game at 7am. Charlotte Ambush Purple (coached by Alex) took first place in their flight and won a gold medal. Charlotte Ambush White (the team Miki and I coached) took first in our pool but lost in the 2nd place game (thanks to some really bad officiating!). We drove back after the last game. I made it til we were an hour outside of Charlotte and then I fell asleep. I normally don't like falling asleep when on a road trip and other people are driving (it's not fair to them). But, I did have to sit back with the girls instead of the front seats and it got dark so what was I supposed to do?! :) I slept the last hour of the trip (off and on). I got back to the house at 11ish and was sleeping by midnight. Sooo tired!

And, now, I'm sitting here, watching Netflix, trying to plan my day/weekend... Today: 12:30 my parents, niece, and brother arrive. 5:30pm the cookout happens. Tomorrow: church at 10:40am at Warehouse. Lunch after. Show them a little around Charlotte. Maybe the pool in the afternoon. We shall see...

Now I must go. For now.

Peace.
...yK

Focus showcase...

2011-06-30T09:05:00.000-04:00

I didn't write yesterday... I meant to, but I fell asleep at 8:15pm. Yes, that's right, I was asleep in bed (with my computer next to me) at 8:15pm! Way to go Kyla, the first night after turning 30 and I'm in bed so early! Haha.

Yesterday was hot... My summer camp kids had a trip to the Charlotte Knight's game. We sat from 11-3:30 in the sun... we were dying. The game was slow and pretty boring. They lost 2-1. The kids complained most of the time of the heat. Oh well. I tutored after school and got ready to head to Davidson College to play field hockey. I drove the whole way up there and no one showed. Ugh. So, I went to Red Mango instead. :) Yes! I had a free one for my birthday so I was happy about that. (Plus I have $45 in Red Mango gift cards... haha!) I came back to the house and Jenn was having her small group. I ate and headed upstairs where I quickly fell asleep.

This morning (and tomorrow) I am not going to work. Instead, I'm heading with the Charlotte Ambush field hockey team to Williamsburg, VA, for Focus College Showcase. The showcase is tomorrow but we're heading up tonight. We've rented a 15-passenger van (Miki and Alex are going too). My hotel and food are paid for and I'm getting paid to coach. It's going to be hot but a good time! We get back late tomorrow night.

On Saturday, my parents, niece Lexi, and brother are coming in for the weekend. They are staying til Monday morning. I'm having a cookout Saturday evening for anyone who wants to come over. 5:30, bring a side to share, drinks for yourself, and chairs to sit in. I'll have the grill going. Should be a good time. Sunday I'll figure out something to do with my family. We'll go to church at Warehouse and grab lunch somewhere in Charlotte (maybe Mac's... get them some Southern BBQ). I do want to show them NoDa and Amelies, uptown, maybe Southpark, who knows... Lexi's going to want to go swimming... I hate to break it to her that I don't have "my pool" anymore. Maybe I'll get someone to sign me ino Riverbend or give Rachael a call to use hers. Anyhow, they're leaving on Monday and I'm heading to Lake Wylie to Tina and Kevin's house. It's going to be a hot weekend so I'm looking forward to some lake time!! It's going to be a busy weekend.

Enjoy.
Peace.
...yK