Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Pictures :)
I am SOOOOOOOO thankful that we are still enjoying time off and that Doug was here and did not have to travel to Chicago for class this weekend--YAY!!!
This Thanksgiving, we drove down on Wednesday night (after work) to spend Thanksgiving day with my 92 year old Grandmother (Grams) in Decatur, IL. She was DELIGHTED to say the least. :) Doug and I were her only guests this Thanksgiving...so, although we could only stay until the afternoon, we had a wonderful time together (every minute of the trip was worth it to see her so happy!).
Since we came in rather late on Wednesday night, Doug and I had the opportunity to see some of my very best dearest and closest friends, Brooke and Ted (both grew up in Decatur, IL as well and I attended college with both too). I also saw some old/close friends, Liz & Nate (along with wife Audrey). The entire evening was just a TON of fun...to catch up ,laugh, and laugh more. :) We spent the evening at a cute musical outlet/bar in Decatur called BLOCKS. Thanks you guys!!!! I miss you a ton.
SO, after our visit with Grams, Doug and I drove a couple hours to see my Mom and sisters for Thanksgiving. As usual we had an awesome time at my Mom & John's...wonderful company (family), great food, lots of laughs, and a very loving casual atmosphere (my favorite). :) Thank you again, Mom & John!
ABOVE are just a few pictures from Wednesday night and Thursday --ENJOY! Love, Kate & Doug :)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Doug and I are so thankful to God for His unconditional beautiful love and all the gifts he has given to us…..for our FAMILY and FRIENDS (many of whom read this blog—thank you!) who often model such beautiful love to us in our lives. We thank God for breath, a home, jobs, for hope, good health, hugs (especially BEAR hugs), the ability to exercise, the gifts of site and hearing (amazing gifts!), freedom, the opportunity to go after our dreams (we don’t take this for granted…with great opportunity comes great responsibility), for warm beds, LAUGHTER, courage, the gift of mobility, smiles :0)….the list goes on and on….
May you SEIZE THE DAY…everyday….and find gratefulness….
Thank you God,
Kate
To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
Author: Johannes A. Gaertner
There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy.
Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep.
Author: Felix Frankfurter
True thanksgiving means that we need to thank God for what He has done for us, and not to tell Him what we have done for Him. -.
Author: George R. Hendrick
Sunday, November 23, 2008
P.S. My Favorite Quote of the Weekend :)
(In a very sweet, sincere and serious tone)
"Auntie Katie.....my dogs might eat your kitty-cat, but don't worry....I'll buy you a new one, okay?!" -Alyse Nicole, age 4
LOL :) :)
"Auntie Katie.....my dogs might eat your kitty-cat, but don't worry....I'll buy you a new one, okay?!" -Alyse Nicole, age 4
LOL :) :)
Week/Weekend Pictures!
This week was a busy one...and a fun one! Our monthly LADIES book club meeting (next we are reading "The Butterfly Sisters"), the Indocara Anniverary celebration/cocktail party (Indocara is an eclectic Asian inspired designer furniture company in downtown Madison), and my niece and nephew (Alyse and Tryistan) visiting were just a few of the highlights. Honestly, a huge highlight was getting to hang out with my hubby today. I LOVE Sundays.....and treasure this day I get to spend with Doug. Between Doug's work and his MBA and my work and all the networking and fun activities I have going on,we have learned to truly seize the moments we have together :)
SO, since one picture can say a thousand words (as it has been said). Here's a bunch..... :)
Alyse & Tryistan (I think their smiles are histerical!!)
Cute Alyse getting ready to bake Brownies with me. :)
Tryistan, playing one of MANY video games, here at the Smith House ( Hmmm...I think I know why he likes coming over--lol).
Baking brownies in a TUTU? How could we do it another way??? Haha....she's so funny!
Tracy & Meredith at K.C.'s house for Book Club :)
K.C. & Cincy....enjoying our book club meeting...I love this picture :)
Fancy Cake at the Indocara Party (I LOVE fancy cakes...so, I thought this was delightful!)
Picture of the party at Indocara on Thursday night....it was fun! Thanks for inviting me Elizabeth!!!!
Have a great week & Happy Early Thanksgiving!
Kate
SO, since one picture can say a thousand words (as it has been said). Here's a bunch..... :)
Alyse & Tryistan (I think their smiles are histerical!!)
Cute Alyse getting ready to bake Brownies with me. :)
Tryistan, playing one of MANY video games, here at the Smith House ( Hmmm...I think I know why he likes coming over--lol).
Baking brownies in a TUTU? How could we do it another way??? Haha....she's so funny!
Tracy & Meredith at K.C.'s house for Book Club :)
K.C. & Cincy....enjoying our book club meeting...I love this picture :)
Fancy Cake at the Indocara Party (I LOVE fancy cakes...so, I thought this was delightful!)
Picture of the party at Indocara on Thursday night....it was fun! Thanks for inviting me Elizabeth!!!!
Have a great week & Happy Early Thanksgiving!
Kate
Sunday, November 16, 2008
I'm an INFJ--What are you?? :)
Oh how I LOVE personality tests!!! I believe understanding ourselves and each other is not only useful in our personal relationships, but definitely at work as well. My favorite is the Myers-Briggs. Have you heard of it? It is such an awesome tool. I have about five books analyzing all the types and every aspect of life (just about!). :)
So, I am an INFJ. Below is a rather accurate description of my type (written by David Kiersey). Thank you all for emailing me so often after my blogs...I'd love to be able to respond to you personally (especially about this one). Also, Unfortunately, I could not find a FREE Myers-Briggs test, so if you find one, PLEASE email me (I'll share it ASAP!) :)
P.S. If you actually read about 'me' below, the INFJ. Thank you for your interest....it is actually SO very accurate about me, that's it is a little scary, but I LOVE it. :) Enjoy!!!
Here's the link to the Myers-Briggs:
http://www.knowyourtype.com/
Visionary, Confidant, Counselor, Empath.
Suited best for these types of jobs: Consultant, Designer, Entrepreneur, Lawyer/Attorney, Psychologist
Fellow INFJs: "Jimmy" Carter, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Shirley McClain, U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL), Billy Crystal, Nelson Mandela, Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, Evangeline Lilly aka "Evie Lilly" or "Kate" on LOST (TV Show)
Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare and of all the types. INFJs have an unusually rich inner life: They are gentle, caring, complex, dedicated listeners, and highly intuitive individuals. They are artistic and creative; and live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, often mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people. On the contrary, INFJs are intensely private and true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious “soul mates.” INFJs often have, without formal training, skills in group dynamics. Almost psychically, they are aware of various levels of interaction between and among people. However, such awareness remains largely their own, and efforts to make these observations known to others can be frustrating to INFJs.. For the INFJ, talk is cheap.
INFJs are fiercely independent and place great importance on having things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis, which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They have strong empathic abilities and can become are of another’s emotions or intentions—good or evil—even before that person is conscious of them. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. They trust their intuitive insights, regardless of established authority or popularly accepted beliefs. Problems only stimulate them—the impossible takes a little longer, but not much. One would do well not to underestimate the amount of perseverance, energy, and time INFJs give to their priorities. What they do, they do with an almost religious intensity.
The INFJ external environment may be only partially organized. (like my desk, my car, my schedule…) Their internal environment, by contrast, is anything but haphazard. Their ideas need to fit into a coherent whole that has the pieces in place. Organization of the internal world takes precedence over organization of external world.
INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.
But the INFJ is as genuinely warm and loving as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, especially family conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.
Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a true perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. INFJs are in some ways easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and they don't believe in compromising their ideals.
INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving and fiercely devoted spouses and parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. For INFJs, 'still waters run deep.' They tend to become attracted to someone special and prefer this one deep relationship over many superficial ones. Usually an INFJ will have an extraverted mate.
INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. They are “masters of the metaphor,” and the most poetic of all types. Their friendship circle is likely to be small, deep, and longstanding.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Weekend!
Two people I love: My Husband and my Dad :) (Taken on this past Friday night). :)
This Weekend, I had a wonderful dinner with my Dad on Friday night (just my Dad and I). Doug was out catching up with some of his guy friends and old co-workers in downtown Chicago and Julie was studying for finals (Hope they went well, Julie!), and thus my Dad and I got to spend time together on the Northside of Chi-town. Thank you SO much again Dad for dinner, coffee and everything....I loved our impromptu quality time together! :) :)
Thank you also to Allison, our sister-in-law, whom I hung out with most of the day on Saturday. Allison and I enjoyed a lovely brunch, conversations, virtually unlimited coffee and more conversations :). Allison: please note I did not forget the brunch in this blog...LOL...I owe you (wink wink).
I had my little Sony Cybershot in my purse the entire weekend and I only took ONE picture....unbelievable. :) It's at least a good one....I think!.
Happy Monday!! LOVE, Kate :)
Date Night & Ladies Night :)
It has been a busy week/weekend, and I am behind in posting A LOT of photos. Sorry people!! Thank you so much for keeping up with our blog anyway. :)
On Wednesday night, Doug, my music connoisseur hubby, took me for a date night downtown, out to eat and then to see the musical group "Horsefeathers" (a band from Oregon). I know....I know...."Horsefeathers" is quite a name, but this group was amazing. If you like "Iron and Wine," you'll LOVE Horsefeathers... gorgeous voices and lyrics, guitars, violins and a cello. Either way, check them out online if you can.... you won't be disappointed. :)
On Thursday night, I had the pleasure of a lovely ladies night with the GWC ladies (it has been too long)!!!!
Here are some pics.... Hugs, Kate :)
On Wednesday night, Doug, my music connoisseur hubby, took me for a date night downtown, out to eat and then to see the musical group "Horsefeathers" (a band from Oregon). I know....I know...."Horsefeathers" is quite a name, but this group was amazing. If you like "Iron and Wine," you'll LOVE Horsefeathers... gorgeous voices and lyrics, guitars, violins and a cello. Either way, check them out online if you can.... you won't be disappointed. :)
On Thursday night, I had the pleasure of a lovely ladies night with the GWC ladies (it has been too long)!!!!
Here are some pics.... Hugs, Kate :)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Daniela! And, one more reason to VOTE!
This last weekend, I was blessed to have my good friend, Daniela, visit me here in Madison. Daniela and I met while working at Willow Creek in the Willow Creek Association Call Center, when I was still in college (2003) and when Daniela was fairly new to the Chicago area and interviewing for Marketing jobs. We were seated next to eachother and became INSTANT close friends who had a lot of fun and....well....we also often got in trouble together often for being late (those who know me well.... this is no surprise). In our defense, we were only 1 or 2 minutes late (literally) each time, but nevertheless, LATE! LOL So, Daniela and I hung out a lot outside of work....A LOT!!!! I used to go over to her home and hang out with Daniela and her great husband, Dave, as well. I remember talking with them about how I was SURE that I wouldn't find anyone that I would want to marry in Chicagoland, and in fact, would probably need to move oversees and "TRULY discover my purpose" before that would ever happen anyway. Well, over five years later, Daniela is a very successful Marketing Manager and still very happily married to Mr. Dave. I did NOT move permanantly oversees, but to the' far away land' of Wisconsin (JK), and the very next year I met Doug......who (needless to say) changed my mind about a lot of things and I did not need to live permanantly oversees (I learned) to find purpose in life (It is a journey afterall, isn't it?).
On a side note, don't Daniela and I look alike quite a bit? Daniela is actually from Germany (she still goes back fairly often to see family/friends) and I have European heritage, but anyway.....just interesting (we think).
Anyway, we had a lot of fun catching up! We had been out of touch for a little while due to cell/email changes, but we found eachother! (Gotta LOVE Facebook!!!)
So, just one more small reason to VOTE!! Participating Starbucks are offering a free cup of coffee to ANYONE WHO VOTES TOMORROW. If you tell them you voted (HONOR RULE, PEOPLE!! :) :) ) , you get a free cup. :) :) ENJOY! Here's the AD:
http://www.takepart.com/tag/free-starbucks-voting/
Hope you all have a great day tomorrow and am hoping we all don't have LONG lines to wait in tomorrow.
Hugs, Kate
On a side note, don't Daniela and I look alike quite a bit? Daniela is actually from Germany (she still goes back fairly often to see family/friends) and I have European heritage, but anyway.....just interesting (we think).
Anyway, we had a lot of fun catching up! We had been out of touch for a little while due to cell/email changes, but we found eachother! (Gotta LOVE Facebook!!!)
So, just one more small reason to VOTE!! Participating Starbucks are offering a free cup of coffee to ANYONE WHO VOTES TOMORROW. If you tell them you voted (HONOR RULE, PEOPLE!! :) :) ) , you get a free cup. :) :) ENJOY! Here's the AD:
http://www.takepart.com/tag/free-starbucks-voting/
Hope you all have a great day tomorrow and am hoping we all don't have LONG lines to wait in tomorrow.
Hugs, Kate
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