A New Year

It's New Years Eve. Surprise! Just kidding, I am more than sure that you already knew that. But just in case you didn't, now you know. And with a new year comes reflection and looking ahead, and thinking about all of the things that you want this new year to bring with it. I for one will be sad to see 2014 go - with all of its adventures and learning experiences and new opportunities and laughter and answered prayers and challenges and so much more. It's been one heck of a year, as I have mentioned over and over again, and though there were certainly both ups AND downs throughout the entire year, and it maybe didn't end the way I expected it to (but when does life ever go according to plan?), I'll still chalk 2014 up to being one of the very best yet. That being said, however, I am excited to ring in 2015, and see what surprises it holds. I could go back and wrap up all that 2014 brought me, but I feel as though I've done that quite a lot lately, so I'll spare you that trip down memory lane, though it would certainly be a good one.

I have no complaints, no regrets, and no sadness when I look back at this year. Because I put a lot into it, and I got a whole heck of a lot out of it. I will cherish every single memory that was made, every laugh that I laughed, every tear that I cried, every decision that was made, every change that happened, every moment spent with friends and family, and so much more. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, and I have so much to look forward to, and because what would a new year be without some new resolutions, I'll share a few of mine with you.

I want to love bigger, and I want to tell people how much they mean to me. I want to show love through my actions, and I want to be a source of encouragement to other people.

I want to try new things - things that scare me, things that I might have otherwise brushed off, things that might be out of my comfort zone. That includes signing up for a sand volleyball league, because that is so out of my comfort zone and will help me to meet new people, something that isn't always easy for me.

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I want to continue to be active, and that means running 2,015 in 2015. Before you look at me like I'm crazy, I am going to do this challenge, inspired by Run the Edge, with my friend Amira. Because running 2,105 miles on your own means running approximately 5.5 miles a day, and let's be honest, we all know I'm not going to stick to that, running 1007.5 miles apiece seems much more manageable. That comes out to about 2.75 miles a day, which also won't happen, but a 6-mile run here and there takes care of a couple of days. I love a good challenge, and this will certainly challenge me.

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I want to find an organization that means a lot to me, and become an active volunteer. Lately I've been thinking a lot about Girls on the Run, because running is something that is such a huge part of my life, and something that a lot of people associate in a negative manner. I like what Girls on the Run stands for, and I hope to make some extra time to do that.

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I want to see the great in every day. A very wise person once told me that "Every day isn't going to be great, but there is something great in every day." And I firmly believe that. And I hope in 2015 that even on the no good, very bad days, I can find at least one redeeming thing about that day.

I want to be present. Too much of my time is spent looking at my phone screen, and while I will be the first to admit that technology is a great thing, it is also very consuming. I want to unplug a little bit more often than I do, and get outside and enjoy what's around me. I want to enjoy the company I am in, I want to forget about social media and FOMO, and learn to be content no matter the circumstances.

I want to forgive more readily. As someone who has been forgiven in the biggest and most powerful way possible, I want to learn how to forgive more and bigger, and to not hold grudges the way that I definitely know how. To forgive someone is the highest form of love, and that goes back to resolution number one.

I want to read more. And that will be hard, as an English teacher (is that an oxymoron or what?), but I found a great Reading Challenge (on Pinterest, of course) that sounds like something that is right up my alley. Chances are, I won't get to all of them, but it will prevent me from rereading the Harry Potter series for what is probably the seventh time (not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that).

I do want my own library one day, though maybe a bit more organized than this one! (Source)

I want to be the best me possible. I want to complain less, I want to dream big, I want to dedicate myself 110% to the commitments I make. I want to worry less, I want to relax more, I want to treat myself to things and not feel guilty. I want to travel, I want to blog more, I want to write more, and I want to challenge myself to be the best me I can be each and every day. I want to reach out to old friends, I want to make new ones, I want to be the best teacher and coach and daughter and friend and sister that I can possibly be. I want to be able to forgive myself, and give myself grace where I need it, because I'm an imperfect person, but I am a daughter of the King. I want to wake up every morning and choose joy. I want to laugh more and be genuinely and consistently happy. Because tomorrow is the first day of a 365-page book, and there is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus hasn't written me one that is just what I need. I can plan my own steps, but He's up there laughing at me, telling me to trust Him and all that He has for me.

And here's to knowing that 2015 will come with good days and bad days, successes and failures, accomplishments and letdowns, gains and losses. But here's to also knowing who holds my future, and I can walk confidently in that.

Enjoy your evening, be safe, and think about what you want from 2015. I'd love to hear from you. And again, thanks for keeping up with this little blog of mine - it brings me a lot of joy, and I absolutely love it when it gets read. Call me a narcissist, but I love sharing what I learn with you all, even if it's in the form of a silly old workout.

The Miracle Mile

Good morning! Do I have a workout for y'all! This post has actually been quite a long time coming, when my brother and I went up to Stratford one time to workout together (yes, this was a one-time thing). He told me about an old football offseason workout called "The Miracle Mile." When he explained what it consisted of, I knew I had to give it a shot. This workout has been something I have wanted to do for a L-O-N-G time, but gaining access to the Stratford track is always a guessing game. Yesterday evening I went to burn off some energy at the famous hill, and I decided that I would finally give this workout a shot the following morning, aka this morning.

The Workout:

• Run up the bleachers
• Run across to the next set of stairs and run down
• Repeat until you reach the end of the bleachers
• Run one lap around the track
• Repeat x4

Hence, the "mile" at the end of the name "Miracle Mile." I'm not entirely sure where the miracle part comes in, but I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that finishing the workout is a miracle. It's a toughie, but it's definitely a goodie, and one that I hope to do again very soon. BUT, it should be noted that I may have cut this workout a little bit short. I learned since returning home that I was supposed to run down and up the same set of stairs before crossing over. Whoops - next time! And while I won't be running any hills in the Houston half (hallelujah for a flat city), I recently signed up for the Austin Half Marathon taking place in mid-February, and that one has a killer hill at mile 12. If you've ever run that course before, you know which one I'm referring to. Darn you, Enfield. So anyway, this hill and bleacher training will be put to good use.

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And now I am going to meet one of my dear college friends for lunch, and I get to have dinner with some of my dear high school friends. It's a good Tuesday, folks, and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I anticipate enjoying mine. Adios! And I promise I will share a new recipe with you guys on my next post - if you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you have been anticipating it! :)

Student Quotes

Two days in a row. I’m on a roll. But, what else is there really to do? I’ve been sleeping in later and later each day – the real world wears you out, and setting an alarm doesn’t sound very appealing – and I need to feel like I’m doing something productive.

I did manage to finish a 400+ page book this morning (yes, that I started just two nights ago) – it was a very quick, dumb little read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I may have majored in English, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a good “beach read” every now and again. Anyway, football in Texas is always something I can get behind, even if the school in this book had a big rivalry against my very own Longhorns. Hook ‘em Horns, by the way! I’m hoping Charlie Strong will get to bring home a final 2014 victory, before rocking 2015 with all of these new recruits we’ve locked up.

 

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I also went for a run around my neighborhood, followed by some very pointless wandering of the Houston Galleria. I made zero purchases, but there are quite a few good sales out there. I followed up my shopping expedition with lunch at the new Whole Foods on Post Oak, where I enjoyed a delicious salad filled with lots of protein and veggies. I also stocked up on a few ingredients for a new recipe that will hopefully be making an appearance on the blog sometime tomorrow. It’s not a Kelli original, but it should be delicious (and dairy-free!) nonetheless.

And for a little end-of-the-year humor (because who doesn’t need some of that with the post-Christmas sadness?), here are the top 10 best quotes from my students in the fall semester of 2014. Many of them are face-palmers, some are sweet, some border on inappropriate, but I guarantee all of them will make you laugh, or at least smile. So, without further ado:

10. “Miss, your eyebrows are on fleek!”

Once I received this compliment, I knew I had made it.

9. “My favorite character is Katniss because she is very brave and very hot.”

I asked my reading students to tell me who their favorite character was, and why, in the book that they were reading, and this particular student had a thing for Katniss from The Hunger Games. Can’t blame him, to be honest.

8. We were reading The Odyssey, and I was talking about how money can’t buy love. One student responds with, “Yes it can! You can buy strippers, and that’s love!”

7. Thunder sounded one day, and we were experiencing quite the rain and thunderstorm. A student asked me, “Can I go home? My hair don’t like this weather.”

6. A fellow teacher walked into my room and asked a student, “Oh, your teacher isn’t here yet?” This isn’t uncommon – I am often mistaken for a student. But this time a dear student of mine replied, “I know, she’s too cute to be a teacher, isn’t she?” I won’t lie, I was flattered.

5. Because I teach both reading and English, I have some of the same students twice a day. I have one student first period, and then again fourth period. He wasn’t in first, but he sauntered into fourth. When I asked him where he was, he said, “You know I was hitting up Chick [Fil-A] for the free breakfast.”

4. Again, while reading The Odyssey, a student remarked, “See, you women just marry us for our money.”

They learn the ways of the world early.

3. Please, just Urban Dictionary what ‘THOT’ means. And as a student advised me, “DON’T say that in reference to your mother!”

2. When I asked a student where she had been the day before she replied, “Oh, I was getting my hair done!”

Thanks for the honesty.

1. And finally, while taking an exam over The Odyssey, a student asked me this, “Miss, is Odysseus a boy or a girl?”

And I thought I was doing an okay job.

 

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Like I said, my students constantly keep me on my toes, and while they frustrate me to no end sometimes, they also keep me laughing, and remind me that I truly, truly love my job.

Until tomorrow, and Hook ‘em Horns!  

Back, Back Again

And here I am again, with another month off from blogging. It’s turned out to be much more difficult than I thought – holding down a full time job AND keeping up with my blog. It has clearly been neglected, but I really am going to try and have more regularity with it in this new year. It’s just hard because I’ll have some free time, and the last thing I want to do is stare at a computer, for fear that I’ll start doing something school-related, as opposed to doing something for myself. But I am going to try.

Anyway, it would be much too difficult to sum up the past month for you, but can you guys believe that I have a whole semester of teaching under my belt? Sometimes I still can’t believe I get paid to do this, because while it’s very difficult, it just doesn’t feel like real work. That might not make any sense to you, but until you’ve been in the situation, you probably just think I’m talking nonsense. Maybe the 15-year-olds are getting to me. Anyway, it was a wonderful semester, full of learning experiences and frustration and humility and laughter and yes, a few tears, and reassurance that I’m in the right place and lots of support and growing up a lot more than I thought I would. I have much more appreciation for my former teachers, as I am sure that I have mentioned before, and I wish I could go back and individually thank each one of them for not only teaching me something, but for caring about me as an individual. As much as I want to love each one of my students, some of them make it very hard. But then I remember that each one of them has a different story, and that it matters, and that my greatest goal is to be a bright spot in each one of their days. Talk about philosophical, huh?

I love Bellaire and again, I am so thankful for this sweet opportunity that I have been given. What a place to start my teaching career!

And because it’s Sunday, let’s do a little survey action. Because I can’t think of any better way to get back in my blogging game. I am sure you have learned by now that you can’t necessarily trust me when I say this, but here’s to getting back into the food and fitness writing sooner rather than later! There’s a strong possibility that I’ve done this survey before, but I’m sure the answers have changed a little bit.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

On school days, I always take some scrambled egg whites with spinach and salsa (yes, this breakfast is still around!) with me to school, but on weekends, and holiday breaks, I tend to eat yogurt and granola or fruit, or some of my banana-oatmeal-almond butter muffin “dough.” Or sometimes I sleep in so late that breakfast becomes lunch. So sue me!

2. How much water do you drink a day?

I drink a LOT of water, especially at school. Which probably accounts for the fact that I often have to squeeze in a bathroom trip between every single class! But dehydration is a very real thing, so I almost always have a CamelBak water bottle on hand.

 

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3. What is your current favorite workout?

Right now, with this cooler weather, I’m enjoying running (which is a good thing because I am running a half marathon in exactly three weeks from today), biking (because this girl got herself a new bike), and rollerblading (though I did take a nasty fall a couple of weeks ago. Lots of cardio, as per usual. Maybe I should try and do some more strength training with this new year.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?

I have never counted calories, but with all of the exercise that I do, I don’t typically feel as though I overeat very often. And if I do, I try not to dwell on it. Easier said than done, of course.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Luna Minis (especially Chocolate Peppermint Stick and Chocolate Dipped Coconut), Apple Cinnamon Chobani Yogurt, grapes, Cuties, carrots and hummus, are among a few of my go-to snacks these days.

 

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6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

I’m so boring, but I take the same spring mix salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, Spanish olives, and Kosher Snack’mms Pickles to school for lunch each and every day. And so far, it has not gotten old. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

Probably my legs. From years of volleyball, they are fairly strong, and I can do things with a little less.. struggle!

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

Probably my triceps. Or any part of my arms, really. Which is probably why I neglect to do so much of the time!

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?

I love all things chocolate, and I have a hard time resisting it. Sometimes I think it’s a good thing that I can’t have dairy, because it’s my excuse for saying no!

 

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10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

I mean, okay, I take gummy vitamins each morning, and who knows how much they really do, but I take them nonetheless!

11. How often do you eat out?

Honestly, not that much. Moreso this break when I am catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while, and I ate out MUCH more when I was in Austin than I do now, but I try not to make it a habit.

12. Do you eat fast food?

No, I do not. I’ll occasionally eat a Subway sandwich, grab Chick-Fil-A, or the super occasional Panda Express (guilty pleasure, okay?), but it often makes me feel horrible after I eat it, so I stay away as often as possible.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

My parents, for sure. They never discourage any of my crazy ideas or dreams, and support me every single step of the way, making sure to remind me how proud they are of me.

14. Do you have a gym membership?

I do. I actually currently have TWO gym memberships – the Memorial Athletic Club right up the street, and 24 Hour Fitness, because there is one right next to Bellaire, and I would go workout after volleyball practice instead of battling traffic home. I should probably cancel that, but it’s not outrageously expensive, so we will see!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

Over this break? 9-10. On a regular school day? 7-8. Which is enough, but I am loving this little bit of extra sleep I’ve been getting!

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?

Nope. I have some sort of sweet (usually dark chocolate) each and every day. Some days are better than others, and I’ve learned to be okay with that.

17. Do you drink alcohol?

I do. I actually just last night discovered that there IS some wine that I like! I really enjoy champagne, and of course, the fruity cocktails, but I still think beer is horrendous. But maybe it will grow on me.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

I don’t, but stay tuned for a 2015 exercise goal that kind of, sort of includes an exercise buddy. A workout buddy could either be really good or really bad – I’m ultra-competitive, so it would push me, but it might not be good for our friendship!

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

I’ve always been active – I played sports my entire life, and as soon as my volleyball career ended I found new ways to stay fit, but mainly the happiness that it brings me. I truly understand the “runner’s high,” and the feeling that one good workout can completely change the course of a day. I know some people might disagree with this statement, but exercise is a huge stress reliever for me, and it is something that I hope will always be a part of my life. I have also discovered a plethora of healthy (and delicious) recipes that I am constantly pinning to my “kitchen fun” board.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?

I swam this afternoon, and then I followed it up with a fresh salad from Salata. And then promptly sat on my behind and watched Harry Potter with my friends. It balances itself out!

And on that note, I hope the rest of your Sunday is a really wonderful one. It’s hard to believe that 2014 is almost to an end. There are lots of things that have changed – both good and bad – lots of things that have been learned, lots of things to be thankful for, and I am so glad that even though the year may change, and who knows what will come with this new year, my many blessings will remain the same.

Thankful

It’s that time of year again, and though I think we should reflect on the things we’re thankful for every day of the year (I’m including myself in this), I’m happy for a day dedicated to giving thanks. And I know I did a very similar post last year, but I’m not even going to look at until after this post goes live, when I will then examine both the similarities and differences of these two posts.

This morning started off on an early note, as I completed my fourth consecutive TXU Energy Turkey Trot. Remember when I hated running? Yeah, me too, but now I can’t imagine my Thanksgiving without a 7:30am run through the Houston Galleria area. I left early, so as to hopefully avoid some of the traffic I hit last year, and I managed to get a good parking spot, enjoy the warmth of my car, and then hit the pavement for a 6.2 mile run. I honestly could not have asked for better weather, and I am so glad that I got to start out my Thanksgiving doing one of my very favorite activities. And a HUGE shout out and thank you to the many volunteers who were out there at 3:00am. You guys made this race possible, and are the real MVP's!

And because it’s Thanksgiving, and we’re all about to eat our body weight in turkey, here’s a Houston Turkey Trot Fun Fact for you guys:

• “Wild turkeys have excellent vision during the day but don't see as well at night. They are also very mobile. Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph, and they can fly up to 55 mph.”

This came straight from the TXU Turkey Trot website, and now you have something with which you can impress all of your guests.

Now, let’s get to the cheesy part of this post – what I’m thankful for.

Where do I even BEGIN with this post? I have so much to be thankful for that I don’t even know where to start. This new chapter of my life has been such a whirlwind, in the most overwhelming and exciting and humbling way. So I think I’ll start with that.

I’m beyond thankful for my job. That I have a job. That I have a job that is something new each and every day. A job that keeps me on my toes and never gets boring, and kids that simultaneously infuriate me and make me laugh all in the span of five minutes.  I am thankful for such a supportive and encouraging administrative team, who handles everything that comes their way with both class and professionalism. I am thankful for students who (sometimes) listen to me and impress me and make me think really hard about ever having kids of my own (I’m kidding, sort of). They fight me and joke with me and exasperate me to no end, but if I can be a bright spot in even one of their days, I’ve done something right. I’m thankful for my own teachers, because no one can know how hard your job is until you’ve experienced it from the other side. And I can't end this without making the very bold statement that some of my fellow Bellaire teachers are some of the kindest people I have ever met. I'm constantly being asked how I'm doing, if I need anything, and just reassured that I'm doing a great job (which might be taking things a bit far). I'm lucky, and I'm so happy that I am where I am.

I’m thankful for volleyball. Not only for the years that I played, but also for the opportunity to be on the other side of the game and give back to the sport that gave me so incredibly much as a player. When I played my final high school volleyball game just over five years ago, I never would have dreamed that I would be one day be back. But, here I am! I’m thankful for the three other coaches who were patient with me, who showed me grace, who taught me something new each day, who understood that they “threw me into the ring of fire” (Ap’s words, not mine), but still told me that I was doing a great job, and that I have a great work ethic. I’m thankful for the girls' parents who came to every game, despite the fact that they knew it was going to be a blowout, who sent me words of encouragement when I was feeling like I was in over my head, and who were patient with me as I navigated the waters as a first-year coach. I’m thankful for hard-working, funny, and musically-talented (ha!) girls who made the long hours at school absolutely worth it. I have loved getting to know them not only as players, but also as young women, who taught me so much about what it means to love and support other people.

Glory days

I’m thankful for my sweet parents, who welcomed me back home with open arms. Who probably could have told me that my job was going to be hard, but let me figure it out on my own. Who have encouraged me from day one, who have very literally been with me every step of the way, who met me at a place convenient for me to bring me dinner from my favorite restaurant, who came to my volleyball games – both when I was the player, and now as the coach. Who do my grocery shopping for me, who proofread my vocabulary quizzes, who do my laundry and my dishes, and have made my life as a first-year teacher one thousand times easier. Who make sure I actually get out of bed in the morning, and who give me money to buy books for my reluctant-reading kiddos. Who listen to my stories and complaints and successes and tell me daily that they're proud of all that I manage to balance. They have done so much for me and I don’t tell them thank you nearly enough. They have done more for me than I could ever put into words, and to say that I am thankful for them is an understatement.

My rocks

I’m thankful for a job that allows me to see the sunrise each morning, because we all know by now that they’re my unofficial love language. Dylan laughs at me because he said if anyone looked at the photo album on my phone, all they would see would be sunrises and food. There are worse things in life, right?

Speaking of Dylan, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that today marks 18 months since our very first real date at Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Austin. He has been there through a whole lot – through student teaching and the interview process and the waiting game and now my first year teaching – and he has listened to me cry and complain, and he has listened to me tell endless stories about my students, and he never fails to tell me that I’m doing a great job. He also tells me what I don’t necessarily want to hear (but need to hear) in that he lets me whine and complain but he also gets me to snap back to reality and realize that no, every day isn’t going to be great, but that there is great found in every day. He doesn’t let me feel sorry for myself for long, because he inadvertently reminds me how lucky I am to have the job that I have. That I’m making a difference even when I don’t realize it. He has shown me grace and forgiveness and so much love from afar, and all of this while being an absolute rockstar in Austin. More on that to come. Sure, we've experienced some choppy waters, but they have led to some smoother sailing. He never said one discouraging word when I didn’t even apply for a job in Austin, rather, encouraging me through the entire application and interview process. I think he was more stressed than I was when waiting to hear back from Bellaire. It’s been 18 months of laughter and fun, and growing and being challenged, and I’m so, so happy to have him by my side.

I’m thankful for traffic (yes, you read that correctly), because it gives me more time to listen to music. I’ll admit that I don’t have an active “quiet time” each day, but every day on the way to and from school I listen to KSBJ, and I have learned more and more that Jesus speaks to me through the words of the songs that play on this station. Luckily, I don’t have to sit in too much traffic these days, but if I ever do, I try not to be frustrated, yet look at that as more time to spend with Him. There are perks to living 20 minutes away from where I work, and that is certainly one of them. All of that being said, I still think Houston drivers are the craziest of all.

I’m thankful for weekly walks at Hermann Park with Sarah, for a best friendship that didn't end when the sharing of suite 1 did. Her being a full-time medical student, and me being a full-time teacher, it would be easy to brush off hanging out, blaming it on the fact that we’re both entirely too busy. Lucky for us, Bellaire isn’t far from the Houston Medical Center, and we’ve managed to keep up with weekly walks at Hermann Park, catching up on what these first few months out of undergrad have brought us.

I’m thankful for reunions with roommates. It was weird going from seeing my best friends every single day, without even having to make an effort, to going days without seeing people my own age. I’ve gotten to see Natalie and Sarah, as they reside in the same city that I reside in, but Jamie Lynn gave up a weekend to come visit us, and I was able to squeeze in some time with Katie one weekend when we were both in Austin. I’m thankful for friendships that didn’t end when we walked the stage, and for our Clubhouse group text that demonstrates that none of us have really changed at all, even when living in very different cities.

I’m thankful for legs that allow me to run (I know for a fact that I said that last year) because running brings me a lot of joy and peace, a roof over my head, felt tip pens, food on my table, clean water, high schools friends who make it so incredibly easy to pick up right where we left off, dark chocolate, sunshine, a job that allows me all the same breaks that I'm already used to, gummy vitamins, blankets that keep me warm, podcasts, Happy Socks, chapstick, the sweet Kopy Kingdom ladies, snooze buttons that allow me those extra few minutes of calmness, a car that runs, Longhorn football that improves with every game (Hook ‘em Horns!), and for all of you who have stuck with my inconsistent blogging habits. I sometimes feel weighed down when people ask when there’s going to be a new post, but it only means that you guys enjoy reading the nonsense things I have to say, and that means more to me than I could ever express.

And finally, and most of all, I’m thankful for a God who pursues me even when I ignore Him. I am almost finished with this journal that I started on one of the very last days of 2013. It has carried me throughout this entire year, and I decided to read through it a couple of weeks back. I found what I wrote the day after my interview at Bellaire, and I’m thankful that even when I don’t see Him, and even when I don’t acknowledge Him, He is with me every moment of every day. He placed me where I am for a purpose, and it’s so reassuring to know that He answers prayers and holds me in the palm of His hand. He has a plan just for ME, and that everything is done on His timing. What a sweet promise, and what a reason to give thanks!

And a final thank you to all of you who have actually made it this far in the post. This was a long one, but would you expect anything less from me? I hope you all enjoy an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones and reflecting on all that you do have before getting caught up in the Christmas-season frenzy. Here’s to eating lots of good food, watching lots of good football, and spending lots of good time with some of my favorite people. It’s no wonder that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! 

Four Facts Survey

Happy Wednesday! Thanskgiving Eve, and we could not have asked for a more beautiful day here in Houston. Sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s, and I could not be happier. Especially after sharing a delicious breakfast with Dylan this morning at The Egg and I. Delicious though it was, our time at the restaurant was one little mistake after another. We decided to cut them a break, as it was relatively busy while we were there. And even if we were forgotten about in our little secluded corner of the restaurant, nothing can beat cleaning my plate with him. Seriously. Every time we go out to eat we both have absolutely nothing left on our plates at the end of the meal.

Anyway, because I don’t have much more to report, I saw this survey posted on Julie’s blog over at Peanut Butter Fingers and though it’s not Sunday, and I’m fairly sure that I’ve filled this out before, I decided to complete this Four Facts Survey. I doubt my answers will be the same, and if they are, it’s fun to see that some things stay constant amidst change.

Four names that people call me other than my real name:

1. Kel

2. KT

3. KTom

4. Kelli Kat

Four jobs I’ve had:

1. Teacher

2. Volleyball coach

3. Resident Assistant

4. Volleyball scorekeeper

7/9 of the '11-'12 RA's

Four movies I’ve watched more than once:

1. She’s the Man

2. Remember the Titans

3. The Breakfast Club

4. Harry Potter (for some reason these movies are always better when it’s Harry Potter Weekend)

Four books I’d recommend:

1. Redeeming Love

2. Harry Potter (the entire series)

3. Catcher in the Rye

4. East of Eden

(And so many more, but I'm trying to stick to what the survey calls for)

Four places I’ve lived

1. Houston, TX

2. Austin, TX

3. Barcelona, Spain

4. Bellaire High School (I kid, but during volleyball season I did spend more time at school than at home)

Miss that skyline on the reg

Four places I’ve visited (and want to revisit):

1. Maui, Hawaii

2. London, England

3. San Francisco, California

4. Telluride, Colorado

Four places I’d like to visit:

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

2. Interlaken, Switzerland (I’m dying to go canyon jumping!)

3. Alaska

4. Maine

Four things I prefer not to eat:

1. Cheese & Milk

2. Avocado (I love guacamole, but I’m not a huge avocado fan)

3. Applesauce (it’s a texture thing)

4. Mayonnaise

Four of my favorite foods:

1. Frozen yogurt

2. Salmon

3. Dark chocolate

4. Honeycrisp apples

Four TV shows I watch:

1. Boy Meets World

2. Friday Night Lights

3. Dancing With the Stars

4. Family Feud (guilty pleasure)

Four things I’m looking forward to this year:

1. Friendswood Friendsgiving

2. Dylan’s 22^nd birthday!

3. Christmas break, and Christmas-time in general

4. Wilchester mini-reunion

My first Friendswood Friendsgiving

Two girls I can't wait to catch up with!

Four stores I frequent:

1. Anthropologie

2. Target

3. Paper Source

4. Barnes and Noble (I heart books)

Four forms of exercise I enjoy:

1. Running

2. Swimming

3. Rollerblading

4. Walking

And on that note, I’m off to go enjoy the beautiful weather, and maybe get a head start on some of the schoolwork I need to accomplish this week. I always say that I’m going to finish it early so that I can enjoy the majority of the break, and then Sunday comes and I’m complaining about all of the work that I still have left to do. So, hopefully the next time I check in with you guys, I’ve accomplished much of what I want to accomplish! Have a great rest of your day, and I will be back tomorrow with a Thanksgiving post.