The tough stuff...

Where to start?

Last week was a nightmare. I can't even begin to describe the amount of anxiety, inadequacy, and general lack on knowledge that I felt all week long. There's too much to do, and not enough time. Too many people to deal with... How do I address this issue? What do I say to the parents? Where do I start with the kids? How do I navigate this problem? Do I just dip in a little bit at a time or dive in to the deep stuff? If I dive in, how do I get to the heart of the issue? What is the heart of the issue? In the last several months, I have often wondered what in the world I have gotten myself into. Now, I'm wondering how I'm going to stay in or even if I should?

There was this song we used to sing when I was in high school. It goes something like this, "He never promised that the cross would not get heavy, or the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered our victories without fighting, but He said help would always come in time. Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision, and the adversary says give in; just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again." I feel like I'm standing in that valley...all by myself. Where can I go from here? There's nothing to go to right now. There is this great cry within me to walk away...I can't handle this. All I want is peace...to be free. I want to be able to breathe again. To sleep without the torment. To not wake up in tears. I don't want an ulcer!

Pastor talked about living a life of Thanksgiving...of being Thankful in all circumstances. It's a choice I have to make. Because He didn't promise that this would be easy. In fact, it's the hardest thing I've ever done. Someone once said that which doesn't break you only makes you stronger...or something like that. I'm broken every day, and yet I continue on. I hope I'm becoming stronger, because right now I'm so weak. I pray for peace, for strength, for wisdom. My friends pray for me. So many people storming the gates. And He's here...He has to be. And it's my choice...to be Thankful. Even with tears running down my face...with a knot in the pit of my stomach...the dread of the coming days...

I choose to be Thankful.

I choose to be content in my circumstance. To rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

No matter what tomorrow brings...

i am not

Short Update

I suppose it's about time for a new post. I know I promised an update on how the new job is going. Unfortunately for you...that update is going to have to wait. Know this...it's been a stressful, overwhelming transition and it's by the grace of God alone that I'm making it. I believe that I'm where I'm supposed to be for this moment.

I really will update more later on some of the crazy fun I've had adjusting to this job. For now...I'm exhausted. Until some time in the future...

KJo

DO YOU EVEN LIKE ME?

Have you ever had a day when you just said (or thought), "I wonder if God likes me." My roommate and I were having this conversation the other day. Life has been a little beyond interesting lately and the storms have definitely been beating the you know what out of us. Basically, the fire has been a bit hot, friends. God refines and disciplines in ways that are quite frankly painful sometimes.

Now deep down I know I don't have to wonder if God like me. Of course God LOVES me. I know that...He doesn't have to prove it because He already has. But sometimes as a humanoid living in this fallen world, the questions start to creep in and I find myself looking to the heavens and crying out..."God, do you even like me anymore?"

Well...today was just the opposite. I left work saying..."God must really like me today." Now I know the theology is all wrong...I know that. I'm just saying. And I think God is okay with that...in fact, I think He was probably getting a kick out of it. He's like the parent that just sits back and laughs when the kid finally figures out that what the parent said all along was true. How long ago was it that He sent the message to me to just BE STILL...? Three months...I did okay, except for maybe the last couple of weeks. I have been disciplined...and I come back wondering how I ever could have doubted. He didn't promise me anything. In fact the message was just that...Kayla, I'm not promising you anything except MY presence. I'm here...and it's alright (even if you can't pay your bills right now) I KNOW. Trust ME.

Deep down I knew that no matter what, He is a GREAT God. That's not changed in the last two hours. Just because I woke up with one job this morning and left work with another job to start on Monday, doesn't mean that He liked me any better at two o'clock than He did at six o'clock. I'm just saying...though probably not very well.

So, if you ever wonder if God likes you...I've been there too. But for me today... :) Monday I get to be a therapist again. It'll be tough. In fact, Monday evening I may wonder what I've gotten myself into, but I know that for the next part of my journey, this is my place. I can go back to just being still and letting Him be God...why didn't I just let Him in the first place?

i am not

(KJo)

Time for an update...

Well...it's been a while. I'm sitting on my couch listening to the sound of the rain, which I love. I was reading a really great book, but decided I needed to check my email instead. Then...I decided to check Kara's blog and see what's been going on in Seattle. Finally, I figured that it was probably past time that I update my own. So here it is...

Have I ever mentioned that I love the mountains? No?...well, I do. Since I've been out of a job (more coming on that topic very soon) and my parents decided to go on vacation a month later than normal, I decided I'd go with them. So...the one good thing about being unemployed was my second trip to the mountains this year.
One beautiful day we rented a jeep and drove up the mountain to the beautiful lake in the picture above. Despite my claims that we almost died three times, Klay actually did a very great job driving. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to attempt the hour and a half long drive up that sometimes extremely narrow, sharp-curving, super steep drop-off, rocky road he so expertly drove us up. Kudos to you Bink!
It was so cold when we got to the lake...seriously, we were almost at the top of the stinkin' mountain, but I decided that I actually wanted to make it to the top...or at least attempt to make it to the top. What you can't see in the pictures is just how steep this mountain is. Somehow, I convinced my uncle Wayne and my little brother that we should start hiking up the thing. Klay eventually puttered out on us, but Wayne and I made it over half-way up before realizing that we didn't have enough time to make it to the top. We had to stop every so often to catch our breath and make sure that our hearts didn't beat out of our chests...something about high altitude, I don't know. It was a nice hike though, thanks to the big horned sheep trails. Maybe next year we'll actually make it to the top.

Here's a look at the lake from where we stopped climbing. It looks so little from this vantage point. It was a beautiful view.
So...these pictures are just a few of my favorite river shots. I love the sound of the water rushing down the mountain. My cousin Matt and his wife Emily were able to come out Labor Day weekend and join us. They've got two of the cutest kids on the planet. This picture of Wyatt is my favorite. Nana and Darla were making him laugh and he kept wrinkling his nose. It was way too cute.

It was a great trip to the mountains with the family. I was sure glad to get home though.

So...job news...I've got one. I start this coming Monday at TLC in Olathe. I'll be a Residential Case Specialist at the Residential Treatment Facility for adolescents...hopefully in route to therapist. We'll see. At any rate, it's a job. Praise Jesus! However, it looks like for the time being I will have to get a second job to make ends meet...still working on that one.

Everything else in life is still moving along as it always was. Nothing too excited to report...other than it's football season again. :) Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Not much else happening... I'll be sure to update sometime next week with how the new job starts out. Until then...I'll be enjoying the rain.

KJo

Last day...

So...today was my last day of work. Still no new job. Maybe that will change tomorrow. I'll eventually update and let everyone know. These last several months have definitely been a test of faith and patience and so many other things. I've had to reassess everything I believe about God and why. In many ways I feel as if my faith has been put to the fire. I've been disciplined...and I know I'll come out of this with a refined character...one that hopefully looks a little more like Jesus. More than ever before I'm learning to rest in the shadow of the Almighty...to live in the present and trust the future to the God I know to be true and good. I don't get it...any of it. But then...I don't have to.

So...after four years, today was my last "official" day with the McKnight boys. I'll still be around. That family has become like my own...I don't really expect that to change right now...except I won't see them every day. It was definitely an emotional day for me, so I took the boys to the zoo. I love the zoo and I love taking Duncan there (Sammy too). Since D was little he has loved animals. It's incredible that a three year old could actually tell you the difference between African and Asian elephants...and identify which is which. One of my favorite Duncan memories was when he tried to tell one of the zoo keepers what a certain animal was. I think that was about a year ago. It was such a fun moment. Below are a couple of my favorite pictures of the day. I have so many more, but I don't think I'll share just yet. Here's a look at one of the Ring-tailed Lemurs just hanging out. He looks a little bit sad...just watching life go by. Kind of how I felt today.

Duncan walking a head of me on the way to see the Leopard. He was so excited about his new clothes that his mama sent him from Michigan. A bit big on him, but oh so cute. This kid is one of a kind.

I love this picture. I was walking a head of the boys on the bridge and just turned the camera behind me and snapped. This is what I got. Such a special kid...the King of the Sillies (as Duncan and I like to call him).

So it was an emotional but good day. Praying that tomorrow is another good one...and not nearly as emotional. We'll see. I'll update more later. I've got mountain pictures to post too. Until then...

i am not

Jobs and Mountains

I suppose it's time for an update. So much going on and yet nothing is going at all. The job search continues. My last day with the McKnights is August 13th. I'd really like to have a job lined up before then, but...who knows. I actually have an interview on Friday and am excited and hopeful about the possibility of that. I'd still have to get another part time job so I'm thinking I'll head down to the nearest Starbucks and bug the manager to hire me. I think I'd make a pretty decent Barista...I can control myself enough to not spend my entire paycheck on coffee drinks. I think.

In other news...I'm headed west on Friday to spend a few days in the mountains with Nana and Papa. They were planning on being out there next week and since it's my birthday I begged them to let me come crash their party. I didn't have to beg too much. Traditionally, my family would be leaving on Saturday for a week in Red River, but that's not happening for another month. So I'm really excited about going out to the mountains. I love 'em and can't wait to wake up to the cool, crisp, clean mountain air.

Well...I'm so sleepy. My friends and I went to see The Dark Knight last night. Great movie...but I was up way too late. It's catching up with me right now. So I think I'll sign off for now. I'll post more later on some of the lessons I've been learning through this job search. Or maybe I won't. I don't really have a good record of blog posting lately. So well see. Until then...

i am not

aka KJo

Of jobs and such...

It's time for an update...and of course, I have to add a few pictures because just plain ol' text is boring. So...in honor of Independence Day... This picture was taken after one of the Royals ball games last year, but it's the best fireworks picture I've ever taken...and plain and simple, one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. So...there you have it. I hope everyone had a Happy 4th! I know I did. I definitely enjoyed a much needed day without an interview (I'll explain more later) and simply enjoyed a day of rest and an evening with friends. Several of us went to Theater in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park. We got to see Beauty and the Beast and what turned out to a really great fireworks show. The show was great, even though the Beast was anything but beastly and I fell asleep half-way through the second act. I guess I'm getting old. It was after ten after all. :) Oh well...the fireworks made the night.
Random picture number two: This was taken a couple of weeks ago when my small group went to the Royals game. There were also fireworks that night in what was supposed to be the biggest fireworks display ever at the stadium. It was fun, but I was a little under impressed. Seriously, the 4th was much better. My friend Steph and roommate Jess are the two ladies on either side of me. Even though the Royals lost it was a great night.

Okay...as for the job search...it continues. I did have three interviews last week. The first was a thirty minute phone interview for a counseling position in Leavenworth. It would be quite a little drive, but the money is better than anything else I've seen, and I would be doing therapy. The other interviews were for a position as a probation officer. The first was on Wednesday and was THREE hours long. Yes...I said THREE. It was a panel interview with all the applicants present. It was a little different but I survived. I figure that after that, I can do just about anything. It must have gone alright because I got a call for a second interview the next day. That one only lasted one hour and was with the two supervisors for the positions. I haven't heard anything yet and am really not sure what to think. I can imagine not taking the position if it's offered, but then wouldn't really be disappointed if it's not. We'll see. It's in God's hands. As for the other position...I should hear later this week about the possibility of a second interview. I also just sent in an application to the community college just down the street. It's actually the position I am most interested in. So...I just keep praying and trusting in God.

Well...there's the latest happening of my oh-so-exciting life. No sarcasm there at all...except that it has been more eventful in the last couple of weeks. I will definitely keep you all updated. Until then....

Much love

KJo

New Look

...for the blog that is. And to celebrate...here's a picture of some of the fireworks from after the Royals game on Friday!

More to come later...I still have that trip down memory lane to post. :) Until then...I hope everyone has a GREAT week!

KJo

Coming soon...

...a trip down memory lane...Or several trips.

So...I was browsing through my photos just a little while ago and found some from college graduation. Wow...that's all I can say. Kara, I found a couple of the two of us. :) I'll post a few of those later...when it's not an hour past my bedtime.

But for now, here's one that can serve as a preview of things to come... this is a picture of Jay and me. It would have been taken just a couple of weeks before I started my senior year at MNU. Man, I miss that puppy...but definitely not the hair. Ah...good times.

More coming soon...I promise

KJo

I've been tagged...

So...apparently I've been tagged. Here you go Kara :)

Five things on my to-do list today

1. Work Out
2. Do Laundry
3. Feed the Dogs
4. Go to the store and buy something for the Church picnic tomorrow evening.
5. Whatever I want...

Snacks I enjoy

1. Yogurt
2. Wheat Thins
3. Apples with peanut butter or just plain
4. Starbucks mocha light frapp
5. Strawberries

Things I would do if I were a millionaire

1. Pay off my student loans
2. Go on vacation
3. Buy a house
4. Buy my dad a new car that gets better gas mileage...and me too.
5. Give it away

Places I have lived

1. Elkhart, KS
2. Olathe, KS
3. Overland Park, KS
4. I spent a summer in Ashland, KY...does that count?
5. I've also spent enough time in Red River, NM that that almost counts too.

Bad habits I have

1. Forgetting my clothes in the dyer.
2. Losing my check book.
3. Stacking the mail all over my desk and not dealing with it...except that I do pay my bills on time.
4. Killing plants.
5. Crashing in front of the TV when I have things to do.

Jobs I have held

1. Nanny
2. Office Assistant
3. Tutor for autistic child
4. Office cleaning person
5. Counselor (thought I didn't get a pay check...it was definitley work)

There it is...

KJo

Birthdays, Mother's Day, and David Cook

So...here is what I've been up to lately...hold on because it is so exciting!

Really, there's not a lot to tell, which is pretty much the story of my life right now. But... I've had a good time doing nothing. My roommate Jess celebrated her 26th birthday a couple of weeks ago so several of our friends took her up to the Legends for an evening out. We had a great time watching drunk people try to ride the mechanical bull. Dinner at Johnny Carrino's was great, as always. Here is a picture of Misty, Marcie, and I after dinner. Here's one with the birthday girl, herself. We have a good time. If there's one thing you can count on Jess for, it's a laugh.

Here is a picture of me with my Nana. My brother Kyle decided to surprise my mom for Mother's Day by going to Manhattan this weekend. Nana and Papa decided to go visit as well...and I couldn't be the only one who wasn't there...so I went over yesterday. Mom was surprised...which was the goal.
This one is fun... I've been watching American Idol over the past couple of seasons and this year a Kansas City guy is one of the top contestants. David Cook was in town on Friday and was honored at the Royals game. He threw out the first pitch and later sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." My little brother had called on Wednesday afternoon to see if I wanted to go to the game, so I didn't go because David Cook was there, but it was definitely a plus. He's been my favorite on AI this season.

And since it was Friday night, there were fireworks after the game. These were my favorite shots.

So...there it is folks. There has been virtually no movement on the job front. Oh well...something will come a long soon. Until then...I'll just enjoy the spring weather.

KJo

So...it's been a while. Obviously, my Jayhawks won the NCAA tournament. It was awesome. My roommate and friend and I went to the celebration parade in Lawrence. It was crazy. I don't think I've ever seen that many people in my life. It was a great time though.

In the picture below...Coach and Mrs. Coach Self are riding by. It was nice that a couple of days after the game Coach announced that he'll be staying at Kansas for what I hope is a really long time. This is a picture of my roommate Jess and I at the parade. Marcie used one of the "special features" on her camera to filter out all colors but blue. I'm sure there is a technical term for that but I'm not sure what it is and I really don't care to look it up right now.

So...there it is for now. Nothing really exciting happening. I'll post more later...when I have more energy. We went to the zoo today...good times but a lot of walking. So...anyway, I've got a couple of pictures taken over the last couple of weeks that I'll post. Oh...Kara, we need to talk. I've got a scheme going and...yeah we should really talk.

More later, I promise.

KJo

And then there was ONE!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU!

Then there were two...

"There's no place like Kansas."

It all comes down to tonight...I think I might have said that in my last post, but it's really true today. Saturday was awesome...and then it was terrifying...and then it was awesome again. I hope that tonight is just awesome...at least at the end! This is extremely cheesy and you can make fun of me all you want, but I've waited my entire life for a Kansas National Championship. I hope that ends tonight...not for my sake, but because Kansas basketball is the best.

I don't remember the 88 Championship. I was too young to pay attention to what was going on. I remember my parents watching...I remember later raiding my dad's closet for that National Champions t-shirt that he bought. I remember stealing it and wearing it to bed (because I was only six and it was too big to wear anywhere else). I remember the heartbreak of 91...at least I was heartbroken...because that was when I started to care. I'm pretty sure I can tell you who we lost to each year after that...because even though I'm "just" a fan...it matters. The sun doesn't rise and set by the Kansas Jayhawks. My world is not complete when they win. I'm not going to die if they lose. The sun will rise tomorrow morning regardless of what happens tonight. But it would sure be nice if we win!

If you're not a fan or even if you are a fan but are new to the whole thing, you really don't understand. Give it a few years...and you might. Regardless of what happens tonight, this year has been amazing! It's been so much fun watching my good friend come to love my team. It's been a blast introducing all the traditions that make Kansas basketball so special to the people in my world. It's been fun sharing this ride with new and old friends alike...as well as with family. I've said for a long time that one of my favorite subjects in all of the world is Kansas basketball. That's not going to change, no matter what happens tonight. It'll just be a little bit sweeter...hopefully.



Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

KJo

Dancing tonight...

"There's no place like Kansas."

Well...today is the day. The longest week in the history of man is finally over. I will either go to bed tonight a very happy Jayhawk or....not a happy one. It's time to let the players decide it. I've heard all the commentaries and why everybody thinks so and so will win and why. Not many are "predicting" Kansas to come out of tonight's game, much less win the whole thing on Monday night. I think our guys are okay with the whole underdog thing though.

One last statement on the whole Roy Williams thing... I, for one, am glad that Roy Williams is not the coach at Kansas. I have no problem with Roy Williams. I certainly have no problem with him not being the coach at Kansas. Because...if he hadn't left, Coach Self wouldn't be our coach. And I'm really glad that Bill Self is our coach.

Tonight is about Russell Robinson and how he is the most overlooked and undervalued player is this Final Four. RussRob might not be best scorer in the world or as fast as Ty Lawson or as good as Derrik Rose...but that's okay. He doesn't need to be. He just needs to be the Jayhawk that he is...the one that's been the heart and soul of this team the last three years. Tonight is about Mario Chalmers and the way he quietly, yet very effectively takes over games. It's about his passion and quiet confidence. It's about Brandon Rush stepping up his intensity and putting it all on the line when the team needs him the most. Brandon's had his moments, but there is no one that I'd rather have on my team right now. Tonight is about Darrell "Shady" Arthur playing to his potential...against a player who has been heralded as the best and the toughest in college basketball. It's Shady showing his worth...and if you ask me, he's invaluable. Tonight is about Darnell Jackson...what do you say about Darnell? The guy has faced so much adversity...and he's an over comer. He's a winner. I know his back has been bothering him, but there is no player who is more inspirational than Darnell Jackson. Tonight is about Sasha Kaun playing like the beast he is. Sometimes people get down on Sasha because he doesn't exactly have the softest touch, but hey...how can you not love the big Russian? Tonight is about Sherron Collins...our little spark-plug. Sherron has this uncanny ability to turn a tense moment into something entirely different. He's as quick as anybody and plays with so much toughness. Tonight is Rod Stewart breaking his knee in practice having fun with his teammates. It's him staying to be with his team...when he should be at home having surgery. It's Jeremy, Cole, Ty, Connnor, Matt, Brennan, Chase, Brad, and Brady...doing everything they can to make the rest of the team the best they can be...even when that means that they don't get to play much. The game is Coach Self coaching in his first Final Four...it's him loving and giving his all to Kansas because Kansas is the best place in the nation to coach. Tonight is about Kansas...nothing else.

So...I'm hoping it's definitely a Rock Chalk night...because I'm not ready to say goodbye to what has been one of the most fun seasons that I can remember. And mostly because I just want to see these guys win it all. That's mostly it...:)

Rock Chalk!

KJo

Why it's not about what everyone is making it about...

Okay...here's the Final Four talk of the day...it's actually more of a rant.

If you've been following the news stories this week surrounding the Final Four, you would most likely deduce that the game is Roy Williams against the Kansas fans...or something like that. Now Coach Williams has spent the entire week trying to remind the media that the game is actually between the Kansas players and the Carolina players, but somehow it still manages to come back to Coach Williams versus his old school, Kansas. I read at least two articles today about that very thing. The media just doesn't get it. All they want to talk about is how bitter the Kansas fans are against Roy Williams for leaving five years ago. It's all North Carolina people saying "get over it..." It's Roy Williams trying to defend his decision by saying how he gave his heart and soul to Kansas for 15 years...it's all about what he gave to Kansas. I'm not disputing the fact that Roy Williams gave all of or at least most of himself to Kansas for 15 wonderful years. I'm not hating Roy...I loved Roy at Kansas. But you can't blame me for not exactly cheering for him at Carolina...because it really has absolutely nothing to do with Roy Williams.

I think that Roy Williams is one of, if not the greatest college basketball coach of my lifetime. Notice, I said my life...not ever. He inspires a great amount of loyalty from fans and players. He's one of the most passionate college coaches there is. He's a winner...plain and simple. If Roy Williams had left Kansas the first time I don't believe there would have been any "hard feelings" whatsoever. Everyone expected that to happen...I don't know for sure, but I'd venture to say that Roy Williams himself expected it too. Kansas fans wouldn't have blamed him a bit for choosing to leave. Who wouldn't want to coach at their alma mater? It would have been okay...

Here's what is not okay about the whole situation...

In 2003 Kansas was playing in the Final Four...their second in as many years. It was supposed to be their year...the year Roy Williams finally took Kansas all the way and brought a Championship back to Rock Chalk Land. Now here is what happened... North Carolina fired their coach three days before the Final Four began. Immediately all the talk switched from being about Kansas in the Final Four and about the Kansas seniors who represented themselves and the University with unbelievable poise and passion. It was no longer Kansas' Final Four... it was all about Carolina. It was all anyone would talk about... "Is Roy Williams leaving?" You know, he turned down Dean Smith and Carolina before, surely he won't do it again"...blah blah blah. I don't think I'll ever forget one of the interviews at half-time of the championship game...that Kansas was playing in. It was a former Carolina player talking about Roy Williams coming to Carolina. Now why anyone would interview a Carolina player during a Kansas ball game, I have no idea, but that player proceeded to make a comment that has been the epitome of why Kansas fans have such a problem with the whole Roy to Carolina thing. He said, referring to why Carolina deserves to have the best coach in the nation, that Roy Williams should leave Kansas because "this is North Carolina." Well bully for you. This is Kansas. The issue now is with Carolina turning Kansas' Final Four into "we deserve to have the best coach in the nation because we're Carolina" that makes Kansas blood boil. Have some class...Carolina could have waited a week to fire their coach. Then maybe Kansas fans wouldn't hate them so much and this Final Four would be about who and what it should be about.

My problem is not with Roy Williams going to North Carolina. Granted, I didn't like it at the time. I learned to love college basketball while Roy Williams was at Kansas. I was so excited when he announced that he was staying at Kansas in 2000. I loved Roy Williams coaching at Kansas. Yeah, I was upset that he left Kansas...even more upset that Jerod probably would have been sitting on the Kansas bench the next year as one of the assistants. However, I don't now or have I ever hated Roy Williams. He left...we moved on. And we have an awesome coach in Bill Self. I couldn't be happier with our Coach and staff now. I love Coach Self!

That being said...don't write articles telling the Kansas fans how they feel about Roy Williams and then criticizing them for it. And don't write articles telling me how I should feel about Roy Williams. You're putting words in our mouths. Really...for most, if not all of the Kansas fans I know, their "issue" if they have one has absolutely nothing to do with Coach Williams; it has everything to do with Carolina. I once cheered for North Carolina every time they played anyone other than Kansas. That stopped five years ago. Don't criticize me for that... The game on Saturday isn't Roy Williams versus the Kansas fans. It's Kansas versus North Carolina and I for one, hope we kick their Tar Heel tails.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Road to the Final Four

So...my next few posts will most likely be about the Final Four...and hopefully a KU Championship! Unfortunately, I still have no computer at home so I'm not exactly sure how this will all work out. I'm excited and nervous for the game Saturday. I think this week has just about been the longest week known to man. I'm ready to get this show on the road, while at the same time trying to enjoy every second of the wait. I'm so excited, but the buildup to the game is also stressing me out. That's not the only thing stressing me out, but it's a good excuse. :)

I was reading the Lawrence Journal World today and there was an article about Jerod. My family will remember that Jerod Haase was my favorite Jayhawk when he played here. To be honest, he's still my all-time favorite Jayhawk. A couple of weeks ago when I posted about senior day, I noted that Russell is my favorite since Jerod. It just dawned on me this morning that my two favorite Jayhawks ever are both going to be in the Dome on Saturday evening. One will be playing while the other sits on the wrong bench. I suppose I won't hold it against him though. :) Seriously...there is a reason these two have been my favorites. Jerod played all out...heart and soul. You could always count on Jerod to give his all to help the team win. I loved that intensity...that determination. That's also why I love to watch Russell play. Coach has said it many times...RussRob is the heartbeat of this team. He does whatever needs to be done to help this team win. He's also tough as nails. So...RussRob has now superseded Jerod as my favorite...at least until after the game on Saturday. Hopefully it won't be the last time RussRob puts on a Kansas jersey.

Sappiness aside...it's exciting just being in the Final Four...and will be even more so when we win. At least that's what I'm hoping for. Carolina is a good team though, and even though it's no longer March, anything can happen.

So...there it is. My thoughts for today on one "match up" in the Final Four. Silly, I know...but I do love my Jayhawks. So...until next time...

Rock Chalk!

KJo

Time to go...to the Final Four!

I was in the middle of updating my blog last night after the Jayhawk Victory when my computer crashed. Hard. Not good. It's still not cooperating so I'm using someone else's computer to update. I was going to post pictures, but that's not happening now. Looks like it will be boring text only for the time being. Oh well...what do you do?

Anyhow...as the title of this post states...It's time to go to the Final Four! My hawks scared the living daylights out of me last night, but in the end they pulled off the victory. Yay for Coach Self...Yay for the Seniors...Yay for the Jayhawks. Rooooccckkk Challlllkkkk Jayyyyyyhawwwwkkk KKKKKKUUUUUUU! If you're wondering...that's me "singing" the Rock Chalk chant. It's a good week to be a Jayhawk...actually it's a good year to be a Jayhawk.

That's all for now. I'm working on the job thing this morning...trying to find one that is. Hopefully sooner rather than later...seeing that my computer decided it's finished being good. So...we'll see what happens.

Rock Chalk!

KJo

Rock Chalk...March Madness!

So...anyone who knows me at all knows I love my Jayhawks. If there has been any good come from being a nanny for the last three years (which there has been a lot), it's the fact that occasionally I get tickets to KU games. Last Monday I got a call to go to the last home game of the year. How could I turn down that ticket! It was a special night. The five seniors were honored before, during, and after the game. What special group of guys! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the night. This one is the team huddle before the game.

Senior Darnell Jackson getting ready to shoot free-throws. Darnell is a special one. He's gone through so much during his time at KU and every game he gives his absolute all. We'll definitely miss this guy, but he's on to bigger and better things.

Russell Robinson is my favorite Jayhawk since Jerod Haase was here over ten years ago. That thought it kind of crazy, but still...I love watching this guy play. He's been voted Mr. Jayhawk by his teammates for the last two seasons for a reason. I will definitely miss watching RussRob play. In the pic, he is checking out for the last time at Allen Fieldhouse.

The game was an absolute route. Our guys were on fire...and so was the crowd. I've never been to a game where there was so much energy from the team and the crowd for the entire game. What a great time! Rock Chalk!

The seniors gave speeches after the game. It's always an emotional time. Darnell's speech was very emotional. Here is a shot of Coach Self hugging him after his speech. Again, he's such a special guy.

This is a pic of the five seniors taken before the game. I'm so proud to be a Jayhawk fan when these guys take the court. Thanks seniors!

So...March Madness is upon us. My favorite time of year (after Christmas of course)... hopefully this year my Jayhawks will give us something to really cheer for (especially on April 7th). Until then...Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

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Oh to be where it is warm...

It's been so cold here that I thought I'd post this picture that I took last year when I went to Phoenix to visit my friend Linz...just to remember what it felt like to be warm. That was also the weekend that I went to Seattle to Greg and Kara's wedding. How crazy it that they just celebrated their first anniversary! Anyway...it's been cold and snowy and I'm very tired of winter.

I don't really have anything to say...just that I'm tired of cold. And I was tired of looking at the picture of snow from the previous post. There's not really anything else to report. Someday soon I'll upload pictures from my camera and post some new ones on here. (I believe I have picture of the new baby cousin...he's a super cutie!) Until then...I'll try to stay warm.

KJo

Snowy Days

The mark of a true friend- someone who, on the coldest morning in winter lets you sit on the heater vent first.

It's been a crazy winter here, to say the least. Sixty plus degrees one day and snow the next. Ten degrees...then forty. Ggggrrrr...I'm so ready for spring!

So...what to do on a snow day? Play with the camera of course. The following are pictures of D and me playing...:) Fun times with my little buddy.

Yeah....we definitely have a good time. Maybe someday I'll be able to post pictures of us playing at the park. That is, if winter ever ends. Until then...I'll try to stay warm.

i am not
a.k.a. KJo

Happy Birthday Bink!

Today is my baby brother Klay's 21st birthday. Happy Birthday, Bink! This song is for you...from me...sung by Doodle.

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Brother...

I was looking through my videos the other day...I had almost forgotten that I recorded this video at Christmas. It's kind of hard to see (it was a little dark in there), but you should be able hear it alright. Kyle actually wrote this song (copyrighted 2007 by Kyle Johnson). You'll hear most of the second verse and the chorus. I'm a little biased, but I think it's awesome. Let me know what you think...

Hope you enjoy!

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For Kara...part two

Here's the video I promised yesterday. Fun stuff.

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For Kara...

This post is purely for Kara...and not just because she's the only one who reads this. Here's the story for anyone else who just may (read it that is). In February of 2007 I headed out to Seattle to attend the wedding of my dear friend Kara. I had never been to the Emerald City but always wanted to, so when Kara called with the news of her engagement, I immediately made plans to attend. The picture to the left was taken from the Space Needle. Very cool place...literally. It was nice down below, but the wind from the top made it pretty chilly. So worth it though. The city is beautiful!

Further proof that Seattle is a beautiful city......:) So after walking around downtown for the better part of the day and passing about a million Starbucks stores, Heidi and I decided to start taking pictures of every Starbucks we passed. I believe I have about 17 pictures taken in the last hour of our downtown excursion...and they're all different stores. Now that's my kind of city...

Now for the real reason for the trip (I don't want you to think that I only went for the coffee)...Greg and Kara's wedding. I believe I actually talked about it in a previous post, but let me reiterate how beautiful it was. Kara, honey, you planned one of the most elegant weddings I've ever been to. It was fun and gorgeous and perfectly you. I am honored that you invited me to attend.

So here's a picture of yours truly with the beautiful bride. I look a little pale, but Kansas and winter don't make for a lot of suntanning.

So Kara...basically I can't tell you how much I miss you. My roommate was laughing at me the other day because I slipped into what I refer to as the "Kara voice." You know which one I'm talking about. I've been thinking about you a lot and so the voice just naturally comes out. I would love to come out and see you and if I had the money I'd buy the plane ticket in a heartbeat. Someday soon...I hope.

So, I leave you with what I think is a pretty cool picture of the Space Needle at night...taken from a moving vehicle. Next time I'll post a video from Pike Place Market!

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"The more the big picture comes into view, the more we realize just how small a piece of the whole canvas we really see." Matt Redman Facedown

During my extra long blogging hiatus I went to the mountains with my family. The reason I tell you this and post these pictures is because yesterday was very springy (today was warm but extremely windy...good ole Kansas) and when it starts to get warm I start to think of mountains. So...I thought I'd share of few of the pictures I took while in the mountains, though not too many because a few are rather incriminating. Mom, I think you probably know which ones I'm talking about, and I'm afraid that you actually have a few of those. Oh well... The picture to your left was taken on the ski lift, or to be more accurate on one of the lift chairs. Looks like we were on the way down. Fun times.

We finally talked Dad into renting a jeep and so we had a great day of bouncing around in the mountains. Better in a jeep than on a 4-wheeler. I was an idiot and let Klay talk me into going 4-wheeling with him. Yeah...don't think I'll ever do that again. Actually the 4-wheeling wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't had to keep up with our guide who flew down the mountain all the while puffing on a cigarette. Oh and there was the time that the machine tired to take off without me and nearly flipped over on top of me. Yeah...so much fun. I've actually tried to block those particular memories. Guess it hasn't worked out too well. I may need to go to therapy. My roommate would tell you that I need therapy for other reasons, but no one really listens to her. So anyway...the picture that is now above was taken at Cabresto lake which is tucked away in the mountains somewhere and it took up forever to get there, but it was a pretty ride.

And while we were on vacation I turned another year older...or according to my roommate, I turned old. My dad promptly told me that 25 is not old, and I have to say that I agree with him. I really don't feel old. In fact, not too long ago I had someone ask me if I was an adult. My reply was that unfortunately I was and that I had the bills to prove it. Responsibility is so overrated.

Well there you have it. Interesting day today...I got to the McKnight's to find two of them sick, one mostly recovered, and the other doing surprisingly well. I hope I don't end up with what they had. Needless to say I was home pretty early so I cleaned my room. Fun day! Until next time, which probably won't be tomorrow...

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So...

Wow...it's been a really long time since I've updated. I'm not about to apologize because no one reads this. However, I will update now and maybe someone will read this. So...life is good. There really hasn't been anything too interesting happen since my last post. I still don't have a counseling job. Thank goodness I still have a job with Sid and Abbie. I finally found a church home. I've been attending Village Community Church in KC. I'm making some new friends and generally loving the worship with other believers. We're a new church and it's amazing watching what God is doing. He's pretty awesome! Anyway...I'm loving being in this place with these people and am looking forward to what God is going to do.

In other news...well there really is no other news, but my Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl. I don't know when I've had so much fun watching college football. This past fall I remembered just how much I really do love football. It certainly helps to have a decent team to cheer for. The Chiefs were awful this year, but my Hawks more than made up for it. My other Jayhawks are playing really well right now (I'm talking basketball). I've been able to go to several games this year (many, many thanks to the McKnights), and was even able to take my grandma to her first college basketball game. It was priceless. Anyhow...it's been a great ride so far, and I'm looking forward and greatly hoping for a national chapmionship this year. Regardless...it's been fun.

Okay...so this is the part where I say how much I'm going to try to update more often, but I won't be making any promises. I might just start posting random pictures of life here in KC. We'll see. Until whenever...God bless!

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