#instagram

Someone told me recently that I needed to get a twitter and instagram account. I am not one for all of the social media stuff but thought that I would add one at a time. After all, it is the 21st century and we are only becoming more tech savvy as time goes on. 

So here it goes. I'm on instagram. KLAGALE. follow me. I'd love that :)

2 grams down, a lifetime to go... 

#firstgram #travel #sbbound

The tallest is off to college tomorrow.
#soproud #goodluck

And on that note, I will elaborate on my second gram. 

Lenny is on his way to college, right now! The little Lenny that used to be a bit chunky, loves meat, hates vegatables/fruit, and enjoys time on the couch will attend South Dakota State University starting...today! He is taking summer school classes to get ahead and work out in the athletics department. Why? Because he's going to play football, 

Can't wait to see him out there on the field in blue and gold (and in South Dakota in the fall, spring, and summer). 

That's it for now. 

done. Done. DONE!

Hello friends!

I don't know how to say this because I am so giddy with excitement and I could not have done this without all of you supporting me... but here it is: 

I AM DONE WITH GRAD SCHOOL!!! 

I cannot say hallelujah, praise the Lord, or amen enough times to really get my point across. This school year brought more work at work than ever. Additional responsibilities that I was not expecting. Family trials. And time management skills that I had not yet perfected. But, through it all, I took it day-by-day (and sometimes minute-by-minute) and did it!

I am proud of all of my work. My comprehensive exam was turned in on-time. I never had to pull an all nighter. During late night paper writing sessions, I tried new flavors of tea and discovered that the $0.99 cent store has fantastic teas...and they're less than a dollar! I have made new friends and forged lifelong relationships. I used the same schoolbag from day one. I've conquered APA format. I've illegally walked across the street to the Education building more than 100 times. However, I never lost my mind. For these reasons and so many more, I am proud, thankful, filled, encouraged, and happy. 

In three statements, here's the wrap-up: Papers are complete. Classes are done. Summer is here!

Celebrations are as follows: 
Mimosa Monday
Tequila (margarita) Tuesday
Wine Wednesday
All you can eat Thursday (Lenny's graduation)
Department Graduation on Friday
Whatever comes my way Saturday
UCSB Grad Division Commencement Ceremony on Sunday!
Relax and enjoy life Monday-->eternity :)

I'll be watching tv without being forced to multi-task for the first time in 9 months. And I can't wait. 

Pics will come shortly of my life lately. I have found some time for fun and relaxation lately. 

Now, this is THE life. 

Songs: music for the heart and soul

My go-to songs of the moment are the following. As you may know, Gospel music is my favorite. These goodies have hit my fancy and I can see them in an album on repeat in the near future. 

These songs have hit home, provided strength and motivation, and most of all, comforted me in times of need. Click, Watch, Listen, and Enjoy!

Fantasia Barrino - I Believe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gfBMrgBa34&feature=player_detailpage

Yolanda Adams - Never Give Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUXN0KXBunI&feature=player_detailpage

Fantasia Barrino - I'm Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HIbgFc9TLaY

Ruben Studdard - Flying Without Wings
http://youtu.be/bD4rmB1shsk

Ricky Dillard - God Is Great
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V9I6QZVJ0s

I think I can, I think I can...

Spring quarter is half way over. Which means that I am FIVE weeks away from graduating from grad school. 

I can hardly believe how fast times flies (but then I remember each and every day of my hard work, late nights, early mornings, headaches, and sacrifice). 

Today, I celebrate being half way through my last quarter. 

Today, I recharge for the next five weeks ahead. 

1. This is a great quote for me right now. I am strong enough to get through work, school, and life's responsibilities. 

2. I decided to try Track and Field, try driving, try cooking, try working in Athletics, and try going to grad school. These decisions were not an accident. They are well thought out, conscious decisions to try something new. 

3. SO true! I am going after what I want. I like that, "I am stepping forward so that I will not always be in the same place". I am stepping forward.

4. Perseverance - enough said. I haven't had to persevere like this in a long time. My patience has been tested. So has my mental capacity. And my time management skills. As well as my desire to earn this degree. But, I will persevere and produce a great work. 

I am happy, excited, relieved, anxious, nervous, and ready. 

Bring it on, school. 

A Birthday Shoutout

To celebrate the 27th birthday of my most-awesome sister, I bring you pictures from the past 10 years or so. The baby ones are way too cute and I think you might spend all day looking at those. These are fun and sassy, just like they should be. Lots of pictures coming your way...

Kristen - I love your personality, encouraging words, and heart of gold. You are the best sister for me. And that's what makes our relationship unique. Love. Love is the answer. 

Enjoy today and the rest of forever!

You will always find more drinks than food in the fridge

She's got a great niche for decorating 

We love Lil' Lenny (and try to take a siblings pic every time we're together)

Visiting SB last summer :)

3 Generations

#1 Fan. Always.

Smile with your eyes :D

Just the 3 of us. ATL trip :)

...with Green Apple. Our beloved rental car for the week

Partyyy time

Such a good big sistahhh 

Comforter. Supporter. Friend. 

"A" for awesome. That's what you are!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUU!!!!!

SOOO Much Good Stuff!

Life has been busy. Really busy. Between school and work, I have had little free time. 

But that's okay. There is always a bright side. 

In no particular order, here are the things of greatness in my life as of right now....

The Canon Powershot is A-OKAYYYYY!!!
And this picture is living proof (excuse the mess, tonight is self-manicure night)

Health and Happiness. I've got family and friends who are alive and well. Everyone has a place to sleep tonight. And food to eat. Life is good. 

Bye-bye Blackberry. I'm getting an iPhone. And joining the 21st Century. Finally. 

BE THE MATCH

It's official. I'm official. Yep, that's my donor registration card!

Living quarters are clean, squeaky clean.  

Laundry is done. 

My car is (finally) washed, should have been done 5 weeks ago. 

Grocery shopping for the week is done.

I've finished 3 weeks of school, only 7 more to go. 

Now all that needs to be done is:

Read for Education Policy - due tomorrow

Read for Organizational Change - due Wednesday

March in Review

Well folks, it's official...the Canon PowerShot SD 750 Digital ELPH 7.1 Mega Pixels is going to heaven. As you will see in the pictures below, the PowerShot must have fallen for the 1435748329548 time and now adds an ink blot to all pictures. Not cool. The Powershot has been with me since AT LEAST 2006. Such a great camera that I would recommend to anyone. The Powershot has been to South Africa, traveled the world on Semester at Sea and been on my impromptu/planned vacation excursions around the US. 

We've had an awesome 7+ years and I'm almost positive that no camera will be as faithful to me as the Powershot.

In case you forgot...this is the PowerShot looking fab as usual.

Now on to March. I had the opportunity to travel. One of my favorites things in life, so I jumped on it and took off. I flew to Vegas then traveled with a friend from Semester at Sea (Katie) to see the Hoover Dam, spend two days sightseeing near/at the Grand Canyon, spend two days near Sedona, then 5 days in Phoenix with my sister and a weekend in SoCal for fam time and an Easter brunch. 

The trip was a time for adventure, fun, new food, great drinks, shopping and much needed time with loved ones. I give this one 2 thumbs up! Here are some pics please ignore the black spot on my pics :( ...

1. Vegas breakfast buffet plate
2&3. Hoover Dam

Grand Canyon: A beautiful place in Arizona where the air is cool
when the wind picks up and the sun goes down.

1. Seligman, AZ Birthplace of Route 66 b/c it's the longest stretch of Route 66 still remaining
2. Just like the movie cars :)
3. Famous barbershop along Route 66
4. Williams, Az Route 66

Jerome, Az
Never would have guessed that such a place would be so magical and entertaining and historical.

Our drive home wouldn't be complete without $3.579/gallon gas and Chipotle

Family. Love them. Gotta have them.

P.S. Did you notice that some of my pics don't have the black spot??!! Well, it looks like the Canon PowerShot may have one last leg. Wouldn't that be an amazing, cost-saving, blessing! I'll investigate and let you know what's up. 

P.P.S. It's a good thing that I'm not looking for a new facebook profile picture because my options without a black spot would be limited.