memorial day

I have officially moved into my living arrangements in Colorado Springs! This Memorial Day weekend certainly has been memorable in the sense of the adventures of moving. While I was driving across Eastern Colorado, my passenger windshield wiper blade decided to take a flying leap, literally. I drove from the Kansas/Colorado border to Colorado Springs with 1 wiper blade in scattered showers and downpours. Pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. The Air Force Thunderbirds have been practicing outside today for the upcoming Air Force Academy graduation. Amazing how sound travels slower than the planes. By the time you hear the noise, the planes are past you already. Yesterday, we had people over for Memorial Day. We started talking about how this federal holiday was designed to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty protecting our freedoms. So easily we forget the price paid by many to live in the comfort and peace that we have in this country. Here is just an excerpt from an email my Dad sent me when I was getting ready to go to Hawaii and see the USS Arizona Memorial. You see, my great uncle Bill Curry was killed in the boiler room of the Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Just to help you understand what my Dad is initially talking about, I had asked a question about the stars that military families hang in their windows, knowing that the blue is for those deployed, but remembering that there were other colors too:

The stars system was blue stars on a flag were for those in service and gold stars were for those killed or missing in action. Your great-grandmother Curry had 2 flags in her window in Lexington, MO, with at one point 5 blue stars and 2 gold stars. (The famous Sullivan family of Waterloo, IA, had 5 gold stars and 1 blue star for the 5 brothers lost on the USS Atlanta off Guadalcanal and a sister who served in the Navy later in the war.) The blue stars were for Grandpa Curry, great uncle Charlie, great uncle Byron, great uncle Nate and great aunt Laura - all who served in the Navy. Your great aunt Laura was a navy reserve nurse serving in a hospital in New York. The gold stars were for great uncle Bill and great uncle Bob.

Your great uncle Bob was captured on 23 December 1941 when Wake Island fell to the Japanese and spent the rest of the war in prison camps until liberated in August 1945. When he was captured, he weighed 190 pounds and when he was liberated he weighted 98 pounds. When asked why he didn't try to escape, he said that at 6-2 with blonde hair and blue eyes he was not going to blend into the population in China or Japan (the places he was held captive).
When you visit the WWI Memorial, remember that your great-great uncle Roy Curry (for whom Grandpa Curry was named) served in the 35th Division (Missour-Kansas)in France during World War I. He was wounded with shrapnel in the leg in the Meuse-Argonne battle in 1918. While waiting at the aid station to be treated, the Germans fired poisonous mustard gas on the station. He walked with a limp and wheezed from the lung damage for the rest of his life. He died in 1964 and is buried right in front of Grandpa and Grandma Curry.

So if you ever wonder why the American Legion Post at Parnell, Mo, is named the Curry-Richardson-Sparks & Wahldier Post, our family has paid the price to be so honored. Great-great uncle Roy was a charter member of the post and it has become a point of honor that all of the Currys who have served have joined the post. Currently, your great uncle Nate, my first cousin Robert Curry (who served in the Navy during Vietnam) and I are all members of the post.

bittersweet

This weekend has been such a bittersweet time for me. Friday was my physical therapy class's hooding ceremony, and the first time that I've seen many of my classmates since December. Saturday morning was the official School of Allied Health graduation ceremony, followed by a KU Alumni Association luncheon (I had a strong urge to wear purple & start doing the wabash, but I refrained). Saturday evening was my class's graduation party and was a great opportunity to see many more of these incredible people before we all scatter to various places for work. My class suggested superlatives for different people, and here is what was listed for me: "Most likely to be organized and on top of assignments, hence the slogan 'What Would Natasha Do?'" I laughed pretty hard, even though I'd heard about the phrase before from another friend & classmate. I guess it's a compliment?
I'll try to post some pictures from the weekend soon, too. My mind still has a difficult time fathoming that 3 years ago I started this long, arduous process and didn't think the end would ever come. Now, I look back and see how much I've grown as a person and how much I've learned as a professional in this time frame. And this is just the beginning! I will miss my classmates and instructors - it really was a group effort to get to this point.

girls weekend

This past weekend was such a blur, I don't even know where to begin! I arrived in Kansas City Friday afternoon after waking up at 4am and just not being able to go back to sleep. I set out on the drive just before 5am and got coffee at one of the stops. Big mistake! Instead of my normal 3 stops for the entire trip, I had to stop 5 times to go to the bathroom!
Saturday I felt so blessed to spend some time with great girlfriends from college. Even though I live in the same town as most of them, we hardly see each other. Two of us are moving to Colorado Springs. I am so thankful that Rachel will be out there too!


These are just a few of the girls. One friend's husband called it "ditch the dorks weekend," which I have found incredibly funny, and laugh every time I think about the phrase.
Sunday was the Open House for my graduation (yes, I know I don't technically graduate until next weekend, but the timing was better this weekend). Once again, I felt so loved and blessed by all the people that showed up to congratulate and support me. Unfortunately, I was busy talking with everyone, and I wasn't able to take pictures (bad!). You'll just have to imagine the general splendor of the event.
All of these things have caused me to think about how much I'll miss Kansas City, even though I've been so excited to leave. It will probably take me years to develop the caliber of friendships that I have here. I'm just trusting that God is sovereign in the midst of it all!

advice from Louise

Words of wisdom passed along from my Aunt:

"You know what they say: Absence makes the heart grow fonder...of someone else!"

"Italian men don't make good husbands. They can be very domineering. My mother always said marry a Jewish man. They are much better to their wives and families."

"It's a good sign if couples are fighting. It means they are communicating."

I find these comments interesting and in some instances comical! Anyone else have words of wisdom to pass along from their aunts or other family members?

10 chick flick cliches

I found this clip (click here) while perusing Amazon.com to see when "He's Just Not That Into You" comes out on dvd. It's one of those days where I need some movie like that to make me laugh and feel a little bit better about myself. Probably just a fluke day, since it's overcast and I've missed my Colorado sunshine. Anyone who has seen any number of chick flicks will appreciate the clip and probably laugh a little bit at the truths about the cliches listed.
On another note, we're looking at houses/apartments again tomorrow. Hopefully we'll find something that we absolutely fall in love with and I won't have to put all of my household goods (that sounds funny...I don't have a "household") into storage for an indefinite time frame and continue to live out of rubbermaid bins. I'll keep you all posted!

hope

I have been able to take a step back and really try to take one day at a time recently. I started reading in 1 Peter as part of my devotions, and decided to see what Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible had to say about the book, and the first chapter in general. The book is addressed to believers throughout the nations. What I found particularly insightful was Henry's description of hope: "Hope, in the world's phrase, refers only to an uncertain good, for all worldly hopes are tottering, built upon sand, and the worldling's hopes of heaven are blind and groundless conjectures. But the hope of the sons of the living God is a living hope; not only as to its object, but as to its effect also. It enlivens and comforts in all distresses, enables to meet and get over all difficulties."
I want my hope to be grounded in Christ. I want to know that the effect of hope in my life produces a desire for things beyond the scope of this world. A hope that brings comfort in the most uncertain times, enabling me to step toward the challenges, knowing that this is not where my hope lies. I want to extend that hope to others - a hope that isn't built upon an uncertain longing for some sort of goodness. But, instead a hope that is life giving and a guiding lighthouse in the storms and quiet seas.
That said, we looked at quite a few houses on Friday and found some that we liked, but are going to look again this coming Saturday. Please pray for us to find the exact house that the Lord would want us to be in. One that would allow us to extend hospitality and life to those around us. Also, please pray for us to find a third roommate. The houses that we liked would require that we find one other person. I know that the Lord will provide in exactly His timing for all of these requests. Thanks for being a part of my life and for lifting up these needs!

overwhelmed

As the week has progressed, I am feeling more and more overwhelmed. I have been working close to (if not over) 50 hours a week, I need to finish my special project for this rotation, put together my inservice, find a place to live and study like no ones business. I had to shovel the thick, heavy, feet of snow twice from the driveway due to the crazy winter storm that attacked our area and prevented me from getting away to Colorado Springs this weekend. Timelines are starting to light up like Christmas strands all over my planner. To make matters even more tough, I need to move on from lots of different things in life. It's hard to move on though when there's not much to move on to at this immediate time.
All this to say that prayer is much needed and appreciated (as well as me spending some quality time in the Word). I can't do this alone, never have been able to and have always seen the importance of community in supporting people through all different times in life.
Now I need to get back to my projects and studying...

love letter

I've been reading a collection of love letters recently, and came across one that I thought was particularly touching that I thought I'd share. The author is Major Sullivan Ballou, who was with the 2nd Regiment of Rhode Island Volunteers during the Civil War. The letter was written to his wife, Sarah, right before the Battle of Bull Run, in which he was killed. I remember hearing this letter when I was a child, watching the PBS Civil War series.

"July the 14th, 1861
Washington, DC

My very dear Sarah,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure - and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine, O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain the Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows - when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children - is it weak or dishonourable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death - and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honour that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistably on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honourable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar - that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftetimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot, I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night - amdist your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do no mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan"

inside cooking day

The wind was rather nasty today, but otherwise, the weathermen were not on target with the pending "blizzard." I did stay in though and started off the morning with strawberry baked oatmeal that I found via Marie's blog. We used 1 cup of steel cut oats, and it still worked great!
The next great cooking adventure was making sweet potato gnocchi. We used a bag of frozen sweet potatoes that you can then mash, which saved time on the baked potato part. Then you add 1/2 t. salt, 1/2 t. nutmeg, an egg and flour until a soft dough is formed (1 1/2 - 2 c). We then rolled the dough into little balls, like those pictured below.


Next you bring salted water to a boil and drop in the gnocchi. When they are floating on the surface, they're done!


We served them with homemade pasta sauce and eggplant (with a glass of red wine, of course!).


After dinner, my aunt made pie crust, which I think I may start using her recipe for that as well. She then put together an apple pie the way my grandma would, using tapioca in the filling. Believe me, it's actually great! I'll have to make it again and take some pictures. For now, I think I've had enough grand adventures in the kitchen for one weekend.

antique-ing

My boss gave me today off since he's gone, which was great as I got to spend some time with my aunt and watch the sky for the impending doom of the blizzard that is on the way. I miss Kansas City spring thunderstorms!
On this lovely day off, I got up, ran and then my aunt and I went to a little dive looking restaurant that serves the most delicious pancakes! We tried a sampler of Lemon Blueberry, Bananas Foster, Tiramisu and Strawberry Cheesecake pancakes, all of which were so tasty. After this adventure, we went to an antique mall where my aunt's friend has a booth with beautiful furniture and other pieces. I was on the hunt for some antique cordial glasses and ended up coming home not only with glasses but with Currier & Ives plates. The antique mall is one of those places where if I'm not careful I could end up with a lot of useless but fun purchases. The plates were something that really struck me because of the different color of blue and the scenes that make me think of the song "Over the River and Through the Woods" - definitely Americana. I only bought 4 plates, and have decided that I will use them for decorating at this point, but I may decide to find more of them in the future to actually use. Although, the plates will remain in the basement of my aunt's for now until I actually move into some housing arrangement in Colorado Springs.
My aunt and I have also decided to do some cooking tomorrow while we get loads of snow. Look for an update about making sweet potato gnocchi and apple pie (the way my grandma used to make it!). I'll try to include some pictures too!

fountain

In the past few days I have taken up the cause of finding housing for Nicole & myself by perusing craigslist instead of studying for my board exam. Probably should be doing the latter, but it's an excuse for a few minutes of not studying. As I've been looking at housing in the Colorado Springs area, I've noticed some fabulous finds....in Fountain.
Let me explain why I have an immediate aversion to Fountain. For those of you who do not know, my dad is a retired Army officer, which means that he had a college degree and my family was typically around other officers' families. I grew up at an Army post that was primarily an officer installation due to the school that was located there. My first real experience on a large troop housing base was going to Ft. Riley in college, and I was pretty shocked. I try not to dwell on stereotypes, but there are just some very common ones with enlisted soldiers and their families that can drive me crazy. Also, every large military base seems to have this part of town (or just a town) that is full of sketchy motels, gas stations, bars, etc. Fountain is this to Ft. Carson.
So, needless to say, when I've passed along ideas for Nicole, I definitely avoid the whole Fountain area. We could probably get a great house for lots cheaper, but I'll take sanity first, thanks. In reality, we both would like to live near downtown anyway, and Fountain would probably be a good 25 minute commute for me to work. I will keep looking for a cute house near downtown with lots of character for us to live in!

job!

I feel like my life is flashing before my eyes, but today I took a position as a pediatric physical therapist in Colorado Springs! Hard to believe that it's at that point in my life. I will start receiving a salary, paying off student loans (finally), and beginning a new chapter of my life in yet another new city. I'm absolutely thrilled about the environment that I will be working in and my new co-workers. I will definitely be busy, but I will learn so much and be challenged in so many good ways. Please continue to pray for the process of finding a place to live (anyone need roommates in Colorado Springs?) and entering into a new community. These times of transition are so good in providing me with new ways to trust Father for great things. I'll be moving to Colorado Springs over Memorial Day weekend and will start work June 1, which will be here before I know it. I'm sure that I will be posting more about this entire journey as more develops. But for now, I need to get busy studying!

birthday blessing

I have just been so thoroughly overwhelmed by the birthday wishes today! Every time I checked my phone at work there were new messages, and my email inbox was overflowing with well wishes from so many people. I felt so loved!
After work, I took a short run in the neighborhood around my aunt's house in the 70 degree weather before going out with my cousins. We went to a little sports bar, because the Irish pub had a line forever long, had drinks and ate. Afterward, we came back to my other aunt's house for Italian Cream Cake and birthday time with the rest of the family that couldn't come to dinner. I just enjoyed being surrounded by so many people that I love on my birthday, and it was the first time ever for me to be with this part of my extended family on my birthday. I must admit that I've liked being a military kid most of my life, but when it comes to family celebrations, I enjoy being with this part of may family so much! This birthday will be a memorable one for so many reasons, and I know there will be more like this to come. Thank you to all of you for the birthday greetings, too!
Here are some pictures from the hike up the incline this past Saturday with Tom & Jessie. Don't I look amazing in running tights? (*not*)

first week

I have officially been in Colorado for just over a week now. I have loved almost every minute of it too! There's something about being here that just captures my heart and brings me to a different place in life altogether. Here are a few things that I have loved in the first week:

- Running after work on trails
- Driving towards the mountains every morning
- Aunts, Uncles & Cousins!
- Hiking the Manitou Springs incline (even if it kicked my rear this time - I will conquer it!)
- Hanging out with dear friends that I haven't seen in a long time (sometimes years!)
- The daily reminders all around me to pray for people

I'm still a little bit in shock that I am here and not at my original assignment. What a tremendous blessing! Another huge praise is an upcoming interview in Colorado Springs. I'm absolutely thrilled about this possible position, so please keep the interview in your prayers. I'm sure there will be more to come on that topic in upcoming months.

kansas city

I leave tomorrow morning bright and early for Colorado! I've been packing, loading my car and cleaning all day. Time for a blog break! Here are some of the things I will miss about Kansas City:
* Summer Theater in the Park with friends and picnic dinners!
* Student discounts at Starlight, the Opera, the Symphony & most especially the $20 tickets for the Lion King that were originally $120!
* Running the Kansas City 1/2 Marathon every October (and the personal best that I did this year!).
* Running on Mill Creek Trail and in Shawnee Mission Park.
* Shopping at Town Center and the Plaza.
* Scooter's!
* The blasted Chinook that flies around Olathe at least once a month (is it sad that I can now tell what it is by the sound it makes?).
* Hot guy Hyvee.
* Celebration at the Station for Memorial Day and the cannon for the 1812 Overture.
* The Plaza lights at Christmastime.
* Sprint Thanksgiving Day 5K.
* Bumping into people in Target and Starbucks.
* First Fridays - art and chocolate!
* Working with some of the cutest children ever.
* Sushi with awesome people!
All of these things would not be nearly as meaningful without the amazing friendships that I've had in the past almost 3 years. I will miss my Kansas City family and will visit frequently!
Now to start this process all over again as I uproot and begin life in Colorado!

snow

Today is the last day of February. As if to make sure that we experienced enough snow this month, the weather has done just that. I woke up this morning to a beautiful winterscape out my window with the lawn, driveway, street and neighboring houses all covered in snow. I'm thankful that I really don't have to go anywhere until later, as I really just want to sit and enjoy the beauty of the falling snow. Something about the flakes gently coming down just soothes me and is so peaceful. I'm reminded of fond memories of playing in the snow with my dog as a child, sledding in the yard and all those other fun winter activities that shape a part of my memory. Recently, snow causes me to think about snowshoeing and skiing, which are some of my favorite snow adventures as an adult. I'm reminded of Colorado, and get more excited about being there with my family and friends. I leave one week from today! Hopefully I will take some pictures of the snow in the yard and post them later today.

pancake day!

In honor of national pancake day, shrove Tuesday or fat Tuesday, I've decided to post a bit on these delightful breakfast treats. Pancakes are one of those things that I automatically associate with Saturday mornings (and usually my Dad coming home from running ready to eat them, cause that's what Army families do on Saturdays, didn't you know?). I've tried many different, delicious pancake recipes over the years, and have a repertoire of quite a few winners. Here's the most recent addition, which is superb - enjoy!

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

1 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp sugar
3/4 c ricotta cheese
3/4 c milk
1 egg
1/4 c lemon juice
2 Tbsp melted, cooled butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest

1. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a small mixing bowl.
2. Combine the wet ingredients in a mixing bowl.
3. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients, gradually adding the dry mixture to the mixing bowl.


4. Cook on griddle over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side.



We like to eat them with maple syrup and fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, oh my!). If you're feeling especially indulgent, add a little bit of whip cream on the side!

the first born

I am a first born. This position comes with certain quirks and qualities, as I've discovered while reading the Birth Order Book, by Dr. Kevin Leman. Here are a few things that I've learned while reading the book:
#1 As a first born, I am a perfectionist.
This quality is actually really frustrating for me. I tend to have unrealistic expectations of myself and others. This would probably also explain why I end up disappointed and thus angry.
#2 As a first born, I am an artful procrastinator.
Procrastination actually ties into the perfectionist part, believe it or not. I procrastinate when I don't think I can do something to the high standards that I have set for myself. Therefore, I end up waiting until the last minute to complete a project that I'm afraid I won't do well (I know, it doesn't exactly make sense.).
#3 As a first born, I often have a hard time saying "no" and end up taking on too much.
If any of you know me well, you are probably saying "no kidding!" Last year I worked 20 hrs/week as a graduate assistant, was actively involved in student government, was a full-time graduate student and managed to be part of a Bible study. When did I sleep, you ask? From 11pm-5:30am.
#4 I have a huge fear of sharing who I really am because I'm afraid of being rejected.
This plays out in many aspects of my life...I won't go into a lot of detail.
#5 As a perfectionist, little things drive me crazy.
In college, I remember asking my roommate to please not leave the closet door open, because it bothered me to have it block the bathroom door. Can you believe that? I really need to keep working on not sweating the small stuff.
#6 As a first born, I grew up fast.
I attribute a lot of this to being a first born and that I was also the more social child in my family. I interacted with a lot of adults, especially since I didn't have a sibling for the first 3 1/2+ years of my life. I've also somehow felt this need to make sure my family is ok and take care of people, which I also consider part of growing up fast.
#7 Avoid relationships with other first borns and only children.
I find this extremely hilarious! Most of my closest friends are first borns or first born girls, who often display the same tendencies as other first borns. I think that I have enough experience negotiating and peacemaking (thank you, RA experience), that I do a better job of being friends with those in my same birth order. However, I do have strong opinions, and I need to be conscious of not plowing people over with those thoughts.
The book also recommended that first borns avoid marrying other first borns or only children, and instead that the "ideal" match based on birth order is a first born sister of brothers and a youngest born brother of sisters. I find this really perturbing, because I really don't want to "mother" any man and have to challenge him to grow up. Believe it or not, I actually get kind of tired of being the "responsible" one. Picture this -> I was the first born of 2 youngests and have a younger sibling. I feel like I somehow ebbed responsibility from my first breath. Can I for once have someone else take on that role? Thanks Birth Order Book!

the future

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie Ten Boom

I came across this quote in my Bible study the other day and was struck by the certainty with which she appears to have made this statement. One of the verses that I love is Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." The quote and the verse intertwine so beautifully. The future may seem uncertain in my eyes - finding a job, moving, finding a place to live (& hopefully roommates!), making new friends and simply starting over. The Lord knows all of this and more. I want to rest in His peace as this huge time of transition approaches in my life.

Happy Valentine's Day!

For as much fuss as I made about Valentine's day earlier this week, I really have enjoyed it after all!
The evening before my dear friend, Kelly, and I made dinner together (fajitas & yummy tiramisu that I made a couple of days ago!), and then attended the Kansas City Symphony. The performance consisted of works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn, including part of an opera called Leonore by Beethoven, which was sung in German. I loved it!
I woke up on Valentine's day and did some yoga, which reminded me of how much I really enjoy the practice of sun salutations every morning (must do this more frequently). Then we had awesome Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with fresh blueberries and strawberries! The flowers I received from Kelly and my Dad (thanks!) are beautifully arranged in a vase in my bathroom, and have just been so cheerful to gaze at while I'm brushing my teeth and getting ready for the rest of the day. Cathy and I went to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic," which wasn't at all like the book, but still really entertaining and gave me lots of laughs! This evening we went to Sushi House and had amazing crazy lobster, godzilla, philly, spicy tuna and crunchy rolls (pictured below are the lobster and crunchy rolls). For those who may believe that sushi is "unsafe" to eat west of the Appalachians and east of the Rockies, this would have seriously changed your opinions! We ate in a little room that we had to take our shoes off before entering, and basically sat on the floor. The evening was so much fun and will definitely be a lasting impression for a great Valentine's day!


These memories will stick with me for so long. I've really thought quite a bit about my "last" memories of Kansas City as this year has continued to progress. My last Kansas City 1/2 Marathon, last Plaza lights, last time going to Starlight and Theater in the Park. These experiences have been such a part of my life and routine in Kansas City the past 2 1/2 years, and it will be sad to leave. However, I know that God's plans are perfect, and that He will give me new experiences and opportunities as I transition to life in Colorado. I can't believe I start that whole process in less than 3 weeks now!