. . . yes, I finally walked!

Here is a photo of me and pooter after a LONG day (well, not quite two hours!) in pouring, pouring, pouring rain! But, as Ross reminds me, "It made your graduation very memorable!" And, he is right. I actually began thinking if the opposite were true--HOT! If it were boiling hot I would not have bothered . . . so having only rain to deal with is appreciated and acceptable.

And here are a few other posing opportunities--not me, but the rain!

Hip Hooray! Not yet sure what to think about this . . . not sure if NOT being a student feels "right!"

And we will celebrate!!

This year shall and WILL be a lovely season! We finished a yard sale last weekend . . . actually enjoyed all of it. The best part was having FIVE neighbors participating! We have a new energy for sure. Everyone walked around buying each others "stuff" and enjoying the chit chat opportunities we miss with our simple waves each time we pass. Our new neighbors had the most and Ross was a bit scared that we would be "overshadowed" . . .I told him they would simply be the draw! Just checking in and wishing all a happy season!!

Happy HOLIDAYS!!

I just cannot resist a little Jib-Jab! We are the Kenwood Clan! Coop and Brooke pluckin' vintage gee-tar~Em on drums~Ross kickin' it (check out his mid-air splits!)~Connie smilin' and vocalizing A LOT! Get your singing ON! 

SO . . .

Two down ONE exam to go!! I liked the way this last one turned out. I am not over-thinking things as it is ok to feel good. AND, it is also ok if I am asked to defend my response. Either way, I have to remember, I am allotted two hours for each exam. I think some people would come out with a true extract of AMAZING in just two hours. Did I? We shall see. I did like that I spent two hours writing about Title IX--I think it might be here (in my brain and my heart) FOREVER!

Tomorrow will be my last response--based on theory and communication. The professor administering this exam also ROCKS! So, I am off to study! LOVIN' it!

And I have had A LOT of help . . . these little rascals should have a degree!

Round TWO!

I am only taking a break for a small teeny weeny moment and then back to doing a little prep for my exam today! This will be exam 2 of 3... the exciting part is that I will get to chit chat (or is it write-write) about Title IX. I guess it is one of the topics I have spent a lot of time on during my time as a graduate student--though it is much more realistic to suggest that I love Title IX because it is the ultimate mix--gender, sport, legislation, education, history. I know the list continues BUT I am simply exploiting my Blog to get my writing started for the day.

SO, I am OFF and  . . .well, not running but OFF!

LoOk WhAt I aM dOiNg!! . . .

Updating, posting . . . something other than cramming down the last bit of studying before MoNdAy at 12:30!! I do not know how to effectively scream here . . .AHAHAHAHAHAH  HA! There!

I have been studying BUT in my extra time (really? what extra time?) so in my EXTRA TIME I ordered some new undies--so very much needed. . . and maybe a really cute hoodie with zzzooper cute pocket zippers! It would not be cute enough if I did not also order a matching white long sleeve t-shirt (IDIOTIC--I couldn't help it--ALL were on zzzale!) I also received an e-mail from Crocs.com--it spoke out to me. My fave flips were on sale--in Cranberry. PeRfEcT! The holidays are coming and an AZ gal needs cranberry flip flops! I also realized a few days ago I really needed a new wallet. I did. So being a rather pragmatic gal, I entered "wallet under $50" via google. What did I find--some serious cuteness! Then, from Franklin Covey --- the wallet even carried an awesome theme "Her Point of View"--obviously named FOR me! And quite the bargain! Oh, there were other wallet options but after A LOT a few minutes of careful consideration, I chose the best--from my point of view!! ;) 

Let's see . . . what else? Yes. Safeway--found meat on sale AND a very kind butcher! We have more meat than 2 people ought to have--but it was a learning experience! And I am trusting meat again--for awhile.

And Oh Dear. I have chatted with Ross more than he cares to hear! I think he is looking forward to having a different Connie. Grad school has been AWESOME and I think he has enjoyed it, too. But we are already making plans to read (or listen) to books at night. Maybe I will cook . . . maybe I will cook!!!

I am not really nervous but, instead, battling my home spun scenarios. I find myself saying--"technically I won't be held back." As a matter of fact, if I somehow unleash 2 hours of typing craziness I will simply be called in to "orally" discuss my  . . . take on the questions! Though I do not want to sit in front of 3 of my favorite professors and attempt to explain my home spun craziness. EVEN STILL, I cannot be held back! I won't continue on this track . . . I will say though--I have "heard" of "others" not doing so "well" on their comprehensive exams, asked to "explain" and then they walk in a gown to a special place to get hooded! I am not nervous-just tired!


Now, I am committed to 2 more hours--tonight--of getting my act TO-GETHER!  IF POSSIBLE, and I KNOW I am being a bit self centered--or, I think it is fair to call it self committed--positive thoughts will be of great assistance . . . specifically this Monday and then on Friday and then again on the Monday after (18, 22, 25)! thank you!!

P.S. I just did an overview of this post . . . I really have not spent that much money. The wallet-$22 --The flip flops $14 (and free shipping) The undies/hoodie/t-shirt $60 total (free shipping) AND I needed ALL! thank you!

I have an announcement!

I am thinking I should come up with a new subject line . . . maybe I can say "I have been thinking a change is necessary" or maybe "I cannot regret my newest decision AND I won't! I am too excited for regret!"

Going on . . .

After many years (and please don't ask me to count) of working on my thesis, and loving my subject more than I can possibly say, and really, really, really wanting to finish what has become a mound of HUGENESS (read: not a huge mess!) I have decided to pack in my research. Holding it close to my heart, or possibly sitting next to it--there is A LOT--and calling it done for now. Instead, I will take the comprehensive exam, which is an available alternative, and one that I DE-clined from DAY ONE of my graduate program, and now I am preparing for THE exam!! Thankfully I have an amazing professor, we have worked together from the very beginning, and she completely understood supported my decision.

I have to finish! And in this, my 40th year of life ~ I AM EXCITED! I have loved every minute of my graduate experience and feel really so grateful.

NOW, to really go and participate in 'making our world a kinder, gentler place.'

Meet Micah Jace King . . .

My BEAUTIFUL new nephew! And, almost as amazing, we SHARE a BiRtHdAy!! WE are exactly 40 years apart . . .You have to LOVE it--I DO!

Welcome Micah Jace!

Megan! A sister that loves, loves, LOVES her little brother!

So excited to have this newest family member! And really SO excited for the many years of stories and growth to look forward to with these TWO darling King kids!

You are BEAUTIFUL!!

I started this morning with my cereal, my beloved Starbucks--along with my beloved roomies--watching the Today show when this segment came on. I could not stop myself from being completely involved with this WONDERFUL~WONDERFUL idea!   Caitlin Boyle decided to begin leaving post-it notes in the most random places as a way to promote positive thoughts about OURSELVES!! I LOVE it!


YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! Have a fabulous day . . . and spread the good word! I will very gladly purchase some new post-it notes (and maybe a cool pen--I love office shops!) and start leaving notes!

A Two-Week Cooking Project!

I found this by fortunate accident . . . and I am posting it because I MIGHT just do it if I have written typed for ALL to see :) I think this is a lovely idea and we might just eat at home every. single. night!! 

If you want to participate you can click on Saving and Giving and check it out! This could be a fun lesson for me PLUS I might be forced to purchase a few extra dishes for freezing! 

I need to visit this place myself . . .

This is the second time, in less than a year, that Ross has visited Havasupai (or Supai!). The first time he went with one of my college roommates (from oh so long ago) and her family and they hiked IN and OUT. He fell in love with this almost imaginary place . . . water like you cannot believe! Then another long ago college mate, and her family, decided to go! He was fortunate to get this invite since using the helicopter was IN-THE-CARDS!! They had such a great time and stayed for three full days and left on the fourth . . . by HELICOPTER! This is why I think it can be in the cards for me . . . someday! Though I think it is important to note, only for Ross' image, that he FULLY intended to hike IN and OUT but took the helicopter . . . because he felt forced (wink-wink!). Look Gawk at these photos and know this IS in AZ!!

Ross taking in the view!

Can you imagine eating and sleeping with this kind of water view?!? And when you leave--with your memories of this wonderful place--NO blisters?!?

---

Playing a little soccer . . . us and the doggies!

 

Click Jib Jab Soccer!!! 

Jib Jab Soccer!

I'm BAAAACK!

Hopefully!! I can only say, as an excuse, that my last template was a bit too frustrating for me to figure out! 

Lots is going on and, at the same time, nothing! I should not say that--I have stuff! 

Like, our new family member. COOPER! He is a tri-color beagle and he joined the Kenwood clan after a stay with Arizona Beagle Rescue. We met him at a meet and greet and fell in love with him. After paperwork and home (read:people) inspection we were able to adopt our little guy! His foster family was amazing!! Prior to adopting Coop we all met at a bark park so he and Emme could check each other out . . . we think he was showing off for Em! He wanted her to know that he is playful! Once the adoption process and medical clearance came through, his foster family came to our home and dropped him off. It was rather emotional as Coop and his foster family had become very close--everyone cried :(

He has adapted well and LOOVES to play! Especially with Ross! He is quite the lap dog--something we were not expecting but, we really LOVE the lap snuggles. Mornings are his time. He likes to sleep in and when he comes out he does a nice stretch, a yawn and gets comfortable. He has also been served breakfast in bed a few times--he is so funny and SUCH a sleeper. But, when he is ready, he GOES!