I'm ENGAGED!

Drum roll please...

Oops, a month late but none the less I am here to announce that I am engaged.

Maybe I should have thought of blogging about this right when it happened, however time slipped by.

On Saturday November 17th, Mark and I celebrated our 5th anniversary of dating! We were suppose to each plan a date and surprise one another with our dates. However, life swooped me off my feet and decided to make other arrangements. Needless to say, my "day date" never was planned.

Here's how it all went down:

I had worked the night before and went straight to bridesmaid dress shopping for my cousins wedding on Saturday. After dress shopping all of us girls went out to lunch. I got home around 3 and snoozed for a quick 45 minutes. Mark told me we had to leave "no later than 4:30" to make our dinner plans.

I'm normally not like every other girl who takes forever to get ready but somehow I was not ready at 4:30. We left about 4:35 and we headed downtown to Ruth's Chris for dinner. We first had to stop at the Hilton Hotel to check in. Since we were already late, Mark felt super rushed.

When we got to the front desk of the hotel they asked for our name, Mark said his name and the guy goes "Oh you already checked in?" Mark did a quick "NO!" my sleepy night shift brain never thought this was odd, I just assumed Mark was rude because we were in a hurry. (Hint one)

Once we got checked in the hotel dude said "You are all checked in, you have access to the executive lounge with free drinks, appitizers, and breakfast" [my thought process: sweet!]

We then ran down the street to Ruth's Chris for dinner. When we got there they were waiting for us with a nice "Happy anniversary!"

However, awkwardly enough when we got to the table it had heart confetti on it. I remember telling Mark "oh my gosh they think its our wedding anniversary" We awkwardly laughed. THEN.... the waitress came and said "Happy 5th wedding anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder!" OH MY GOSH... NO!!! Mark and I just giggled and kept it to ourselves.

While eating dinner Mark made a comment about how he should have flown me to Disney World like his boss had said (Hint two). It just blew over my head, once again thanks to night shift brain.

After dinner we walked back to the hotel to drop left overs off. Our room was at the very top floor. This was super exciting to me, however my brain started clicking. I asked Mark "how much did you pay for this room, I need to pay half. How did you get a suite?" He came up with some lame excuse, yet, I bought it.

Our room number was 2504, my two lucky numbers...25 and 4. I knew it was my lucky night. Once we walked into the room we could not find lights at all. Then I turned an noticed something on the bed. I instantly asked "What is on the bed?" When I turned, Mark was on his knee with the box.... he then asked me to marry him. I instantly slapped the top of the ring box down and said yes. (Automatic response) Then he goes "Well are you going to look at the ring?"  Oooh, good call!

Right after I said yes I called all my family and friends and skipped and jumped all around the room while Mark just sat there and took it all in. Such a great guy! :)

So the rest is history! ;)

It's crazy to think that I've been engaged for over a month now... it still doesn't seem real to me. I've waited for this to happen for SO long and now it's finally real! We have already booked our church, reception, photographer and dj. We jumped right on the planning wagon. Now we are at a stand still for a while.

I still have no motivation to go try on wedding dresses... maybe motivation should not be the right word. However, it's not something I'm really looking forward to or that excited to do. Soon though, soon!

Anyways, that is all for now.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and have a Happy Happy New Year full of new and fun beginnings!

-Kayla

A stinkin' good laugh

I came across this today and I literally laughed out loud.

The topic... FARTS!


Here is the link to the story, seriously you will laugh. Check it out. Enjoy!

http://hahasforhoohas.com/the-fart-that-almost-altered-my-destiny/

Age is just another number

Greetings!


First off let's just start by pointing out that I am blogging and it didn't take me 3 months from the previous one. Woohoo! If it wasn't for a friend, I probably wouldn't have thought of it. Let's see where my thoughts lead me today.

Actually wait, today's post is about age. I am at the ripe old age of 23.5. That in my mind is pretty old. However, when I truly put things into perspective that is pretty young.

In class the other day we were discussing how people first judge you depending on your age, or how you look. Ah, yes! Judging, everyone does it whether or not it is in a harmful way or not. I'm guilty of it, you are too. We were talking about how client's may perceive a therapist based on how young they look. For instance, when I am done with grad school next year I will be 24. Many people who come into therapy could instantly think "What on earth does this girl have to teach me about life?" You're right, I get it. However, I don't think my age has an excuse to not experience pain, suffering, struggles or defeat. I think I have experienced every one of those emotions in my 4 years of undergrad. Does that give me an excuse to "teach you how to live your life" probably not, but it does give a person an understanding that I am human and I my self do not live a perfect life either.

Another example would be this patient I had last week. He was a male in his 50's who initially pinned me as another "non-educated 20 something year old."  The first words out of his mouth were literally "So why did you chose to be a nursing assistant and not go onto school to be a nurse or something?" Don't worry readers, I get this often from white middle-class people. Well, to be completely honest it has made me very embarrassed to say I am JUST a nursing assistant. I'd love to tell people off, but I nicely always put them to shame by simply saying "I'm a nursing assistant because its helping me pay my way through grad school, and I happen to actually like helping people." Yep, quiet down rude nose-y patient, I really am not as non-educated or intellectually stupid as you thought.

Simple judging is often times very inaccurate. It also leads you to looking like a fool too when you open your mouth. This patient proceeded on to tell me that "so many people in your generation are not doing anything with their lives" Once again, good judgement, but he was wrong. I'm pretty sure each and everyone of my friends, or people I know are going to college, went to college, have good paying jobs and are actually making their dreams realities. Age, simply should not discriminate how powerful someone could be.

Onto something else in regards to age. I recently had an epiphany of some sorts. I realized how being young is actually quite amazing. I have so many dreams, that hey, why not make them a reality. Which leads me onto my next epiphany, starting next year I am going to do ONE thing that puts me out of my comfort zone each day. Challenging maybe, maybe not. I am going to do it. Some may wonder why I am going to wait a year, but quite honestly I do not have time to do things for myself at the moment.

There is a song by Ed Sheeran and the lyrics hit just right:

"They tell me you can only dream when you fell asleep But now I'm working to achieve, but sleep is the only thing I never see" 

 This its truly my life at the moment. While I think of grad school as another thing to do, it really is a step towards making my dreams a reality. I work my butt for this to happen, which ultimately leaves me with not much of a social life. This in my mind is just a stepping stone. I am so eager and excited to see where life takes me in a year.

I wish more people had the courage to believe in their dreams. Who is to say you cannot make a dream happen? Don't let people tell you "you can't" because you CAN! If it is going to start with one person telling you that you can, let it be me. Chase your dreams, nothing can stop you if you believe in yourself.

Enough from me tonight.

-Kayla

oops, I have a blog?

Hi all,

I am back. A month late, but none the less I am back. July flew by. I'm not even sure exactly if I experienced it. According to my calander I have up in my room it is still June. Yep, I haven't gotten around to changing it.It's crazy how fast time flies by as you get older.

Speaking of older, I am not exactly sure who gave me the idea that growing up into adulthood would be amazing, but whoever it was, was an idiot. I probably think at least 15 times a day how much fun being a kid was. Adulthood, not so much. At least for my experience. I truly think it is so stressful. Maybe my constant working and going to grad school has a huge factor in that opinion, but when does it get easy? Does it get easier? I hope so.

To catch you up on life, two weeks ago my family and I put down the most beloved dog in the universe. I have never experienced something as painful as that. My mind constantly wonders, does he like it in heaven? Is he suntanning on a dock in heaven? Has he met new friends, is he lonely? I'm not sure I should even write about him yet. My heart is still heavy with sadness. He was a great dog, everyone that met him would agree. McGuire, the best dog ever,ever. The one and only single reason I can say its best that he is gone, is the smell. I don't miss that smell. However, Mauer's breath has started to smell... maybe he feels he needs to do somethings to help feel like McGuire is still with us........ although, I'll pass on that.

My last post I was about to start P90x. Well, I am now on week 7. To be quite frank about it, I see absolutely NO difference in my body. Whomp Whomp. I have seen it work for friends, but I am slightly discouraged and would like my 180 dollars back. Hope this doesn't discourage you from trying it though, you never know you could get a body of a Goddess.

Onto newsworthy things. Maybe this isn't even newsworthy, but rather get your mind rollin.

Yesterday while on my way home from work the radio stations were buzzing over some dumbass' "schollarly" input. A sociologist, Catherine Hakim sugguested that extra-marital affairs actually strengthen a marriage. I cannot believe someone would even think this. Currently in the United States alone the divorce rates are sky high. According to researchers, 50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce. YIKES! So this bimbo that wrote this in my mind is an idiot. Of those statistics on divorce, 17% of marriages end because of adultery.

Think of how insecure people are in general. Let alone, add another person into the mix of a marriage and bam! You just automatically set yourself up for even more insecurities. This ultimately leads to a non-trusting marraige and ultimately leads to divorce.

As you can see, I do NOT tollerate cheating. That's enough of that.

Here is the link of that article:
http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_an-affair-can-save-a-marriage-says-sociologist_1730853


More exciting things, the Minnesota Get Together... aka the Minnesota State Fair is just a day away. I can hardly wait. I love the state fair! It's amazing to me that people could honestly not enjoy the fair. The sights... oh the sights you will see... commonly refered to as odd human beings. That makes me wonder, do people think I am odd when they see me? ;)

The new exciting foods for this year are anything but diet worthy.

Let's see, there is bacon ice cream, spaghetti on a stick, red velvet funnel cake, and so much more. Oh wait, Mark will enjoy this... this year there is sushi. Maybe he will try that. Seriously though, the only heathy thing there is really just a pickle. YUM! If you're a healthy, food eating, body conscious person, AVOID the fair. Unless you are just there to walk the entire time and sip on water. If that's your cup of tea, more power to you. However, I will be endulging all of my favorite fattening foods I can get my parents to pay for. Yep, I said it... anything my parents will pay for. hehe!

Here is the link to see all the new food creations this year:
http://www.mnstatefair.org/fun/12_new_food.html

That's enough for now. Maybe I'll be back before September. We shall see.

I'm off to do exciting things now... commonly refered to as working.

-Kayla

Just in time for July

Hi All,

I haven't blogged in quite some time. I honestly haven't had much creativity, or better yet, lack of things to write about. My life is the same repetitive pattern: work, school, workout and do it all over again.

July is my fresh new start to many new things. I started P90X and I'm extremely excited to see if it actually works. I have heard many people rave about it, and genuinely seem to enjoy it. So, I figured why not give it a try. I even have workout buddies, I have talked my mom and brother into doing it with me as well! I'm excited to have a support system through it!

July is also my new month to kick the boring repetition in my life out of the window. I'm making a "bucket list" I hope to start many of them now. Any suggestions to some fun things would be awesome! In one of my classes we discussed how many people feel depressed because they lack the spontaneity in their lives, or don't go out to try new things. So here is my recommendation for you- Make a bucket list! Why not, what will it hurt! They can be individual activities or with a partner! I challenge you!

I hope you all are enjoying the warm weather and sunshine! I know I am.

I got a paddle board for my birthday, and that is one of my new favorite things to do!

With 4th of July just around the corner I thought I'd share some fun food Ideas I found on Pinterest. 

I hope this finds you well. I may be back to blog sometime soon, until then Enjoy the Sunshine, family and friends!

PS, need some new summer jams? Here ya go, just a few!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0O0nzkESTI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GUWXF3LIy8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtfBxUTXRY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpFaI0dKAHc


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4

Can I ask for a Favor?

It's that time of year again. I'm going to act like I know what I am talking about here. Each year ISOC does a poll for Fan Favorite Racer Poll. If you would be so kind please vote for Levi LaVallee. He is a small town Minnesota boy who races snowmobiles for a living. I can honestly say I have never met someone who is so humble and down to earth like he is, especially for being famous.

If you could be so kind please go to:

http://www.isocracing.com/2012/03/04/fan-favorite-racer-poll/ and simply click the little circle by Levi LaVallee and scroll down to the bottom and click "vote" :) You can vote once each day and it goes on until March 13th!

Here are some fun videos of Levi if you don't know who he is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghbdt2G-Y6s&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLF5E7A612A9D8F8A1 crash and burn......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKPgkwFV8g&feature=plcp&context=C43732d7VDvjVQa1PpcFMYxrraHJa9ySD0u89IIfu2H6J7149l8d4%3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIEOjR5hGjI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk8Lw6FoE30&feature=plcp&context=C452db4cVDvjVQa1PpcFMYxrraHJa9yYb8UnBukvB6iMW0o1d612c%3D the jump! eeek!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7bNyX9FC7I&feature=plcp&context=C4a2e98dVDvjVQa1PpcFMYxrraHJa9yeF57NTdsPmYWrIXv2m3-CE%3D view from Levi's cam! New World Record!

So please go vote for him! :)

A yummy treat from me to you!

I haven't blogged in quite some time. While I finally have some time I thought I'd do a couple posts!

Last Monday I had a fabulous dinner with my best friend's mom and his sister! We made this delicious dinner that I'd thought I'd share the recipe. YUM!

Ginger Chicken with Sweet-Salty Noodles

Ingredients

	Salt
1	pound thin long cut pasta, such as capellini
5	tbsp vegetable oil
½	cup flat leaf parsley
½	cup fresh cilantro leaves
1	large garlic clove, smashed
¼	large onion, cut into chunks
3	inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
	Black pepper
1⅓ to 1½	pounds chicken breast cutlets, 8 thin pieces
½	cup rice or white wine vinegar
1½	tbsp sugar
3	tbsp tamari
¼	tsp red pepper flakes
1	seedless cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, then thinly sliced into half moons
1	red bell pepper, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
1	yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
3	scallions, thinly sliced
1	12-ounce sack triple washed baby spinach

Directions

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill on high.
Bring a large pot of water to boil for the pasta, salt the water and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly.
In a blender or food processor, combine 3 tbsp of vegetable oil, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, 2/3 of the grated ginger, and salt and pepper. Blend until mixture is somewhat smooth. Transfer mixture to shallow dish, add the chicken cutlets, and coat them thoroughly. Let chicken sit a few minutes.
While the pasta cooks and the chicken marinates, place a small suacepan over medium-high heat, add the rice wine vinegar, sugar, tamari, red pepper flakes, and remaining ginger and bring them up to a bubble to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil. While it is still hot, transfer the sauce to a large salad bowl, add the cucumbers, red and yellow bell peppers, and scallions. Toss to combine.
Add the pasta to the dressed cucumbers and bell peppers, add the baby spinach, and toss to combine. Cover with foil and reserve covered to keep the noodles warm and wilt the spinach while you grill up the chicken.
Grill the ginger and herb coated chicken for 3 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. Cut into thin strips. Divide the noodles and veggies among serving plates and top them with a pile of the grilled chicken.

Enjoy! :)

Family Therapy 101

You know you're in an amazing class when the only thing you want to do when you get home is share the knowledge you just gained with anyone who will listen.

I'll assume you as a reader will listen ;)

In my Wednesday class I am in a Marriage and Family Counseling class. Let me tell you, this class is so informational, and hilariously enjoyable. Basically in a nut shell we talk about what a "healthy family" is, as well as dysfunctional families. The stories we hear about are so crazy sometimes, that you just can't help to think "wow my family is so not crazy!"

Anyways, today we were talking about divorce and how it is so easy to see when a marriage is about to corrupt and how it normally takes 6 years before a couple will honestly try to work on their marriage, and sad to say...it is far too late.

On the positive side, we talked about how to have a healthy marriage! Some pointers go as follows:
1. Define boundaries with the in-laws. Notice this is rule number one....this is also one of the number 1 reasons why couples divorce.
2. Define yourself as a couple, as well as find your own self. Having separate interests is important.
the list actually names 9 but my favorite and most important one is ... allow yourself to laugh with the one you love. For example, if your significant other tells a joke that they find extremely funny.... laugh also. Just because you're laughing doesn't mean you are laughing with them... you actually may be laughing AT them...This is okay, just don't tell them ;)

Or a common example people say is "if you mess it up enough times they won't ask you do to that specific thing anymore" I like that idea. If only M would think my back massages sucked so then I would never have to give another one again.

My professor said the most important rule though to a successful marriage is this:

·The innermost core of the relationship is by drawing sustenance and renewal from the images and fantasies of courtship and early marriage and maintaining that joyful glow over a lifetime. Intimacy is about narrowing the gap.You have to keep your emotional connection alive and well!

While I am by no means a psychotherapist yet, I thought I'd share some tips I recently learned! :)

-K

Words of Wisdom

Happy Monday!

It's been a little over a month since I've blogged last. Quite frankly, while I have been super busy, I truly haven't blogged because I have had nothing to say.
I am currently running from one direction to another to live this crazy thing I call my life. Working nights, going to class in the early afternoon until evening and making sure I get a good workout in daily has left me empty.

On my twitter account my bio reads: "Workout Addict, Sports Fanatic, Dream Chaser, BIG believer! Lake life living, marathon runner. Be a friend of mine and I'll share some wisdom with you." Okay, here is where my title comes into play. I read a lot of different blogs from people all over. While reading some I often wonder "wow where do I sign up?" It's a funny thing, I think most the people whose blogs I read are similar in age, yet its crazy how different peoples lives are.

My "words of wisdom" are often preaching to my friends to do what their dreams are calling them to do. Yet here I am currently struggling with the concept of "Grad School is the next step to accomplishing my dream." While Grad School is the smartest decision I've made all of my life, I often times get lost in the thoughts that scream "You don't have to do this! You don't have to suffer" but where would that get me... no where. Why is it that you can preach to others, yet when you listen to your own advice it never is clicking to make that "ahh huh!" moment? Ugh! I never thought I'd be stressed out to the max. Sometimes quitting and giving up sounds so much easier and better....yet, I know it's not.

I found this quote tonight while laying in bed listening to music. It goes as follows:

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it." — Mother Teresa

With that being said, giving up just isn't an option. My brother once told me this... "The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be." -Horace Bushnell.

All I can say is, hurry up August 2013... offta!

Have a good day!

-K

The best is YET to come

Happy New Year to all of you!

First off I hope you all had a great Christmas and were blessed with family, laughter and joy. I know I sure was! :)

Secondly, Happy New Year! How many of you made the famous "New Year's RESOLUTION" for the year 2012?! I did! While mine were simple, I look forward to making my resolutions happen! For those of you who made the most common one of all- "to lose ___ pounds" (you fill in the blank) I have words of encouragement for you. I found a quote that says as follows:
"It takes FOUR weeks for you to notice your body changing. EIGHT weeks for your friends to notice, and TWELVE weeks for for the rest of the world to notice. Give it TWELVE weeks (hopefully a new lifestyle change) but.... Don't quit!" A goal without a plan is just a wish! Best of luck to all you dieters out there.
My own piece of advice is this- a diet is not a diet, rather a change of healthy eating and active lifestyle. A diet isn't a change for the world to see, but for you to feel/see for yourself- be comfortable in your own skin... be confident! The world who sees a confident person wants to be that person. Working out doesn't have to be a "chore" if do activities that are FUN! Yes, FUN! If you do things that you enjoy it won't seem like a cruel and punishing task!

"We are what we BELIEVE we are!"

My New Year RESOLUTIONS are as follows:
1. Do my first TRIATHLON (May 2012)
2. Run a HALF marathon (April 2012)
3. Run a FULL Marathon (October 2012)
4. Follow my OWN dreams, and to NEVER give up.
5. SEEK my OWN happiness.
6. SHOW the ones I love, the love I have for them ALWAYS!
7. Make a difference in ONE person's life... okay TEN or more.
8. Dance when it RAINS, when it POURS, and when it STORMS. Life is only as bad as you make it.
9. SUCCEED in Grad School and get the best and most out of it that I can!
10. LEARN new things daily.
11. FIND what makes ME happy!

While I think these are quite simple, I hope I can follow through with all of these. This year is my year to FIND who I truly am. I have done so much in the past to do what makes the OTHERS around me happy. I am stubborn, and like to make others happy. However, this year while I hope to continue to be stubborn and make others happy, I hope to do things that truly make ME happy. I look forward to all of the adventures life takes me on this year, and can only shoot for the moon, and hope I land on a few great shining stars.

I hope all of you have a great 2012! Best of luck to all of you and your NEW resolutions. May they lead you to happiness and success! :)


Much Love,
-K