It's Friday, Friday

...gotta get down on Friday!

Who's heard this joke of a song? C'mon, it's only the best song ever created. Did you know that  yesterday was Thursday, Today is Friday, tomorrow is Saturday and Sunday comes afterward?

I know those of you who have heard of it secretly sing it too. It's pretty horrible singing, but I will say that it has a catchy tune. Fun, fun, fun, fun. Ha!

Impressively, it has nearly 90 Million views on You Tube. Who knew horrible singing with equally horrible lyrics could get you that!?

Ok, now let's talk about my crazy week. Work got crazy. The second I think I will have a slow week...BAM! I get hit with a semi-truck. Not to mention I was out of the office for two whole days for a conference. You would think that sitting through seminars and break-out sessions would be a nice change of pace from work, but nope, all I could think about was how much work is piling up at the office.

Looks like next week will be loads of fun. And the entire months of May, June and July. Why you ask? Oh, only because my department of TWO (yep, only two of us coordinators in the good ole marketing department) will be diminished to ONE. That one being me, flying solo for three whole months. Why? Because my counterpart is going on maternity leave. 

Can you tell I'm super excited about taking on the workload of two people? Honestly, I can't complain. Comes with the territory. They did let me hire an intern which I'm super excited about.

She's a K-Stater (we only hire the best and the brightest) and the sweetest girl you'll ever meet! She seems a little more reserved than me, but I'm hoping I don't scare her too much....I really hope she likes tolerates me.

And doesn't mind the occasional F-bomb. What can I say? It just tends to come out sometimes.

So, this weekend I will be surrounded by seven boys. Eight if you count Jake. My half brother, two nephews and three other high school boys will be staying at our house.

Not sure if I'm ready for this, but it will be an experience:) They are coming for a national wrestling tournament. I come from a family of wrestlers and it's pretty much a sin if you're a boy and don't wrestle in our family.

We will be spending all day in a humid convention center transformed into a gym that will reek of smelly teenage boys.  But, I'm excited to see my nephews kick butt.

How are you getting down on this Friday?

Winter Woeland

Why do I live in Kansas? Seriously, I question this quite often when it's an arctic misery outside.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas time and the occasional fall of fresh snow. But, these freezing temps give me the woes.

What makes it even worse is having to wear a dress in Kansas during this lovely season of winter. Am I bitter? Well yeah. It's just sooooo hard to get anything done or have any motivation when it's this cold out.

Other than attending our company holiday parties, I did a lot of this:

Yep, lounging around watching TV and movies, with a fire going of course. My laziness was mostly due in part by the way I felt on Sunday, but also because of the dreary weather.

Oh man. I felt like I got ran over by a bus. I'm just getting old and can't hang quite like I used to.

But, we did have a great time attending both of our company holiday parties on Saturday. We both work for amazing companies, for lack of a better word. Competitors to be exact, so it keeps things interesting:).

My party was at Crowne Plaza downtown. Great venue, 360 degree view of the city, live band. Brian's was at the Argosy. Made an entrance arriving late, and stayed way too late watching the boys gamble.

Too bad we couldn't bring home any earnings. Only sorrows from losing. Sigh.

And, I didn't take any pictures!! I know, I was shocked the next morning when I realized. I don't know how I made it through the night without taking a single photo.

Luckily, a coworker of mine caught one at our party.

 
Oh, and I finished up my craft projects! More to come on this. I'm super pumped about how everything turned out. Anyone looking for a last minute project as a simple holiday gift? Stay tuned and you might like what you see. :)

Give and Get

A few weeks ago, we had our annual United Way Campaign at work. A week full of events and activities encouraging people to donate, with all proceeds going to United Way.

Each year, the prizes that come with giving your money get better and better. And the more you give, the better chances you have at winning.

This year's prizes were an iPad, an iTouch, a Playstation, a 50" TV, one week of extra vacation, and two plane tickets to Hawaii.

Did they just say plane tickets to Hawaii? Uhhhh...Sign me up!

Boy, did I want that trip, but I had an overwhelming feeling that I was going to win the TV. I even had a dream I won it and turned our unused partial basement room into an actual functioning living space.

Well, I wasn't fortunate enough to win me and the husband a trip back to Hawaii or a new TV, but I felt good about giving some of my paycheck to those in need. What's even better, it all goes to folks right here in Kansas City. What a great feeling to give back.

So, what does one do when they don't win a TV at work that they fully expected to win?

Trip to NFM! And that's just what we did.

First, let's get a few things straight...so people (mainly my parents) don't think I'm a crazy person and just went out and spent tons of money on an impulse buy.

We have talked A LOT about finally turning our basement room into something we can be proud of. Something we can use and enjoy. Let's get real, once kiddos come around, we are going to need the extra space. It's something we have kicked around for a long time, just haven't had the funds to see our dream come to reality.

Yes, we have purchased quite a few things from NFM in the past and happen to have a credit card that had a hefty balance at one time. However, we have finally paid off the current balance and were ready for a new purchase:) More of a bonus, Brian happened to manage NFM's recent renovations to the store, so we got employee pricing for one weekend only.

That meant we had to act now. And it saved us about $550!! What. A. Steal.

Now, for the reveal of our purchases: 

Sectional Couch: We are both so ecstatic about this. Especially Brian who hates our couches upstairs and complains they are not deep enough. This will finally put his unnecessary comments to bed. Divine slate gray color, and super comfortable. I have dibs on the chaise lounge!

TV: Brian picked this out, so I couldn't tell you one measly thing about it.

TV Stand: Not much to say, just a simple black TV stand.

Rug: A beautiful pop of color, contemporary rug. The style of this rug was a big step for me. Not one or two -- but three big, bold colors all wrapped into one.

It looks absolutely perfect with the couch. How do I know this?

Because I made the NFM rug sales guy carry it all the way up to the couch in the store just to see exactly what it would look like! Brian thought I was crazy, but I call it efficient. I would have hated to get the rug home and then not have liked it.

Here's the rug and some vases that will go perfectly.

So there you have it! Our soon-to-be new basement room! The only bad part? We won't get the couch for 6-8 weeks.

I'm so sad we won't have it when all our family comes for Thanksgiving:( Time to start painting and getting the room ready!

Gotta love home improvement projects.

Just One of Those Weeks

I know my blogging has been non-existent this week. It's not because I'm a slacker though. And don't think I haven't been thinking about blogging, life just gets in the way.

As you know, I was in Vegas Monday and Tuesday for work. One of my company's projects won a national Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) award, so my coworker and I went to accept the award with the client. Therefore, the past two days have been a constant game of catch up.

Our one night in Vegas ended up being more partying than anticipated. Not intended, just happened.

I realized I just can't hang like I used to. When I went to Vegas in college -- along with 20 of my sorority sisters who happened to arrive in the Sin City all wearing the same pink shirt (yeah, that's how we rolled back then) -- we could finish several of the "yard" drinks and somehow be ready for 10 more.

Not so much these days. We couldn't even finish O.N.E.

I was disappointed in my inability to drink, but we rallied for the evening. Attended the awards dinner where they actually didn't serve rubber chicken and it was an open bar. Then, we took our client out where the night ended with shots and an excessive need for Excedrin.

The trip was good. Short and quick, but something different than my usual sit at a desk all day and leave with blood shot eyes from staring at the computer so long.

I hate airports, layovers, connecting flights and everything that comes with flying on an airplane. One can only hope they don't get sat next to a very large person with bad hygiene. Or, that there is a screaming child behind you. And worst, that your flight doesn't get delayed causing you to miss your connecting flight.

I may hate airports, but they are good for one thing.

People Watching.

I sat and listened to one gal talk on her cell phone for about an hour. She was white but didn't act like it, bright red hair, super long fake finger nails and a missing tooth. The funniest things she said (there were so many) were "I need to get me a new car. I found one already sittin on rims I want." AND "I toad her I'd loan her da money to start her company." What does this chick do!?!?!

I also heard another gal leaving a message for her -- what seemed to be anyway -- significant other. She said, "Hey cuteface, it's me...". I think I found a new pet name for Brian, cuteface.

Anyways, I have some pics to share from the short rendezvous to the Sin City.

Where we stayed. The Mirage.

That damn yard margarita I thought I could hang with.

 Our work event was at Caesars Palace.

It was a beautiful day. A little hot, but lots of sunshine.

As my coworker and I were enjoying our yard margaritas at a little outside bar, this site seer passed by.

I highly debated not posting this (c'mon, I have a conscious), but then decided this could be a valuable lesson that so many people in America haven't learned yet.

When you are having just one of those days, weeks or years for that matter, don't leave the house dressed like this! 

Trip to The Burg

Yesterday, I traveled to Greensburg, Kansas, for the Grand Opening of their new school. Greensburg is located in western Kansas, 5 hours from Kansas City and about 2 hours from Wichita.

If your aren't familiar with Greensburg, this was the town that was demolished by an F5 tornado back in May 2007. Ninety-five percent of the town was leveled, leaving the citizens and community of 1,564 with nothing.

Can you imagine being left with nothing? With no where to live? What would keep you there to rebuild?

Everyone watched the devastation on TV as the little town made national news everywhere.

Together, the people of Greensburg came together and made a commitment to start fresh, build green, and come back better and stronger than ever. Furthermore, they city council passed a resolution that all city buildings must be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) standards. Which basically means they must be designed and built with sustainable materials, functions, etc.

Planet Green, a Discovery Channel Network, even made the rebuilding efforts into a TV series.

Today, the town has many re-built homes, a hospital, city hall, "main street", churches, a John Deere facility, and multiple other buildings.

Three years ago, my company was selected as the contractor to rebuild the new K-12 school. After a long process of coordination with FEMA, obtaining funding, design and construction, the new school is finally revealed.

The ceremony was extremely touching. I can't tell you how heart wrenching it was to see parents and children wipe their eyes as the ceremony speeches were given, remembering that day back in May 2007. The struggles this town has overcome is truly amazing.

This school is one of a kind, the pictures simply do not do it justice. Here's to Greensburg and their recovery!

 

Many of the guys (minus the ones in suits:) who moved their lives to Greensburg to help with the build.

Cocktails & Culdesacs

What a fun weekend for the Kutters! A hot one, but enjoyable. A little bit of housework, biking, relaxation, and out on the town both nights.

Friday, we went to a Missing Kauffman gig at a new restaurant down south called Sunset Grill. We have heard wonderful things about this place, so we were excited to try it out. I thought it was great, I had the sunset salad. Brian's shrimp tacos were 'just ok' according to him. The spinach and artichoke dip was amazing.

Great time with great friends. Including a surprise visit from HALLER! So much fun to catch up with people you don't get to see everyday:) I seriously have the greatest friends in the world.

Saturday evening, we attended the Stems Soiree event at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. A good friend of mine was the sponsorship chair, so we got the invite.

Pre-event photo at the house. Not the best background, but the sun was blazing in our eyes for the ideal spot.

It was a beautiful event. Tons of catered food, wine and cocktails, live band and other performers, art exhibits and silent auctions all throughout the gardens. They even ended the night with fireworks. The night started out really, really hot, like so hot I was scared I was going to sweat through my dress.

Hey, if I can't talk about my sweating problem on here, I might as well not blog. If you know me, you know I have a perspiration issue when it's really hot outside.

But, I'm glad to report, no sweat this time. Thank God. It's soooooooo not the same for a girl to sweat through her clothes as it is for a guy.

We were lovin' the plates because they had built-in wine glass holders for the hand-painted wine glass favor.

Hey Chinky eyes

Here's a funny story I must share.

We stopped along the lake path to snap a pic. You know me, always gotta take pictures:). Well, there wasn't anyone close around that wasn't in deep conversation and I didn't want to interrupt, so I just set the camera on the cocktail table and set the timer. I know what you are thinking...what a weirdo!
Well, right as the camera took the photo, a group of people walk by and grab the camera off the table to take it for us. We agree to pose again and are appreciative, but doubtful how it will turn out considering how intoxicated they were.

As we are standing there smiling and one of the guys is taking the photo, the others in the group started saying things such as, "Awe how cute!", "Look like you like each other!", "Honey, get their heads in the photo!" A couple of them were even trying to jump in the picture with us.

Then, one of the ladies says to her husband leaning in our photo, "Honey, you can't be in their picture, you're not in college anymore." Then, she sees my wedding ring and proceeds to say (while laughing at herself), "oh, you guys are married, I thought you were just dating and wanted a cute photo!"

What!? Yes, we were just referred to as college kids. It was totally another 'was that just said?' moment. We laughed it off, but seriously. Do we look that young!?

Brian's comment once they left was, "Does a college kid really have culdesacs like this? C'mon people!"

Love that my husband can laugh about his culdesacs, aka "his peninsula," aka his receding hairline.

Maybe it was the brown leather flip flops he had on that gave it away? With his huge boat feet and weird toes all hangin' out.

I told him he needed to get some old man loafers, but he wasn't down for that.

Severe A-D-D

I spent the last two days sitting in a room full of energy-guzzling computers taking a Photoshop class. Both Thursday and Friday, 8:30-4:30 at a computer training facility in Overland Park.

My company is really big on training. They encourage it at all levels. So, as one of my yearly goals, I wanted to take a Level 2 Photoshop class. Really because I needed three goals to achieve, and this was an easy one:)! I know the program to an extent, but it is so complex, I felt I needed the extra knowledge.

After taking the class, a few thoughts:

1. I know Photoshop more than I thought I did (at least some of the material that was covered, I already knew).

2. I'm not cut out for all day training courses. I have uber A-D-D. I kept finding myself fidgeting in my chair, watching the clock, constantly looking at my phone for new emails/texts or waiting for it to be over.

3. Annoying people that ask really dumb questions over and over drive me absolute nuts. I almost couldn't stand it. It was really hard to just bite my tongue and not yell "If you were freakin' listening and paying attention to the instructor, you wouldn't have to ask over and over how to do it! Open your ears and use your brain!"

4. It reminded me of being back in school. My opinion, not fun.

So, I would like to give a shout out to all my friends that are pursuing (or have already) a new degree or Masters! I now understand it's not an easy endeavor at this time in our lives, and I give all of you major kudos!

I think I have everyone:)? Sorry if i left anyone out, but this is who I know of!

Megan Green
Adriane Falco
Bethany Sterrett
Ashley Lang
Mark Wellmeyer
Lauren Bakian
Julie Bowen (she obtained right after her graduate degree, but she still deserves kudos)