Do you hear what I hear?

Silence. Silence is what I hear in our apartment this cozy winter night. Aside from the hum of the dryer it is completely silent. It seems this is my new "grown up" Sunday night ritual, with a cup of tea in hand I'm always the last roomate up left to ponder my thoughts, do laundry, and even clean... I simply cannot sleep on Sunday nights, as a result I end up being quite productive.

Right now I am sitting at the kitchen table staring at my first grown-up Christmas tree. Doesn't seem like it should be that big of a deal but as I sit here I realize just how much has happened since last Christmas. It's been a busy year! I've owned my first car, graduated college, rented my first apartment, moved to a new town, gotten my first job... It's been a whirlwind, truly.

2009 has been a year of many firsts for me, and I'll never forget it. Everyday there is some new "first" from registering for new tax forms in Taney county to my first time changing our porch light on a cold, cold night. (Much to my happy surprise there were no tools necessary for this adventure) They may seem like small things, but all those small firsts sure do add up.

2010 will bring another first for me now. I've never been to Virginia but will be traveling there in March for the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Summit, CLT2. It stands for "Campus leaders today, community leaders tomorrow." http://odk.org/news_and_events/news?mitem_uid=49 It is a real honor to be chosen and I cannot wait for March to get here now. This definitley gave me the boost of energy I needed right before our off-season and something to look forward to. I should be getting my text in the next few weeks and although it sounds geeky I am SO EXICTED. At first I got slightly nervous about studying since I am a little rusty, but now I cannot wait to crack open the book again and feel like I have a purpose again!

As I was telling my Mom this news she was very proud (of course) but made a very funny observation. Last year at that time I was "following the civil rights trail" with woods around the world program. http://wwuwatw.wordpress.com/ While both are very nice things to do it is not your "typical" spring break type of activity. Guess this confirms my true geekiness. Oh well, I'd rather be doing these things anyday. I simply cannot wait.

This was really a great Christmas present to me so my Christmas has started early this year. I hope you [my mystery reader] have a wonderful Christmas. Tomorrow I am actually finishing my Christmas cards... anything postmarked by December 24th counts, right?

Loyally,

Kristin

Good Advice: Never Make Anyone/thing A Priority If You Are Only An Option.

It's been a rough/long couple of weeks- I'd be lying if I said it hasn't. On top of everything I've been sick, had to miss work which makes me feel automatically behind, and am only halfway done with my Christmas shopping and barely started on Christmas cards. Wow- feels good to get that off my chest.

Speaking of getting things off my chest, thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Even if you just read it because you have nothing better to do- it means something. A few posts ago I put up some pictures for my Mom- since she doesn't "do facebook". I was thinking she was the only one who reads this and actually thinking of stopping updating it and just sending email updates to friends/family instead then over the last 2-3 weeks I've been getting so many kind comments about my writing. Thank you to those in my life who took the time to say something- the confidence boost couldn't have come at a better time.

"I read some of your blog the other day... I really enjoyed it, you have a very thoughtful, conversational style of writing that makes it all flow nicely. You are also my inspiration, as you seem to be fearlessly mastering 'the real world' while I hide in my dorm room, hoping to never leave the security of college." This comment about my blog actually made me cry. For one because it came from someone whom I'm not necessarily close with but who I respect very much who did NOT have to take the time to say anything and two because this is just what I wanted to do with this blog- show people my age there IS life after college (and also keep people updated on my escapades- of course). To this fabulous and strong woman- if you are reading my blog- I have no doubt you will do amazing things after college, you will have to leave your dorm room at some point though- haha!

About the photo- I was feeling particularly grown-up one day at work last week. Wearing my cable knit sweater and coordinating polo with peals. Those are-of course- my pink folders in the background. Although I enjoy the challenge that my job brings daily and the line of work- I was finding myself missing school and learning a lot. Then I realized, I'm learning things everyday. My current challenge is an exciting one- social media and non-traditional revenue, we (as a company) are just on the cusp of these topics and I'm excited to be there for it.

Well, the real reason I wrote this post wasn't to ramble for a few paragraphs and toot my own writing horn. It was to make a big announcement in my own life. Most of you know I love to write almost anything. For about four months now I have been writing a book, yes- a book. Strange, you bet- but also not totally uncharacteristic of me. One night I just had a glimmer of an idea and took off with it. I've been having a LOT of fun writing it (especially chapter names) and it's a great de-stressor. I feel like by making this announcement public it will MAKE me finish it in a timely manner, I always seem to have trouble with endings (eesh, too true). I may never even send it anywhere but finishing it will be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life and I'm learning alot about myself through the process.

So, to re-cap it's 2 weeks to Christmas and instead of writing my cards I've been writing a book... ouch, don't feel bad it's nothing personal. I will get more motivated this week- so long as I can find the time! Time is winding down here in B-town, only 3 real weeks of the tourist season left.... I'm a little afraid of just how desolate it will become.

Loyally,

Kristin

"I'm perfectly lonely... because I don't belong to anyone and nobody belongs to me." - JM

Happy Thanksigivng to everyone!

The holidays are one of the worst times to be single, I found these new John Mayer lyrics to be very fitting for my feelings this Thanksgiving (Yes, I am going to be talking about and quoting the new JM album for a while- get used to it). I feel like perfectly lonely is a very good way to express my relationship sentiment right now. I am SO Thankful for my friends, roomates, co-workers and family who support me in the fact that I won't "settle" just to be with someone. Even though, it is rough this time of year for sure...

So, onto the second part of my grown-up adventures. In my last entry to revealed that I was the first to set off our fire alarm while cooking bacon. Embarassing. However, not as embarassing as my next epic adventure I am about to reveal...

It was two or three weekends ago now and roomie B had just left for work. Roomie C was already at work and I was alone in the apartment. I just finished lunch and wanted to clean up the kitchen a bit. I went and threw on some houseshoes and a jacket (luckily) to take our trash out. I ended up taking our trash AND myself out. Out of habit I pulled the door shut and locked myself out of our apartment with no cell phone or car keys. I was also in the sweats I had slept in and was looking pretty rough quite honestly lol.

I stood there for a long time trying to figure out what to do... It was a horrible feeling of homelessness. I looked into our apartment complex lot and there were only two cars other than my own there, none of which I recognized. While in my deep contemplation our CRAZY neighbor came home and started to head over to our apartment to see what was up... he is so strange I didn't know what else to do but run. I ran and I ran FAST (If you knew him you would understand). In fact I ended up running most of the way to my work which is about two miles away.

On my journey to work I sprinted through a field as a short cut and saw two snakes and NO LIE was almost picked up against my will by a biker man. By the time I made it to our punch code door at work it had already been quite a journey. Luckily, I foresaw a need to have spare keys so I grabbed them out of my desk along with two bottles of water and made my way back to our apartment.

This time I wanted to avoid the field so I took an alternate route which took me by a gas station where a man asked me if I was hungry like I was homeless or something. I also had a close encouter with a pit bull in a nearby trailor park. About 1 minute from home a random man came out of a storage shed and cornered me between it and a fence suggesting I needed a ride. He was clearly on drugs and he looked like he was on his last leg. It was terrifying and he kept asking where I lived and calling me "purtey" -- I think he meant pretty??

So, I lied and told him I lived in a different apartment complex, walked there then a while later when the coast was clear made my way over to my own. When I got back there were no signs of my crazy neighbor but a cute little neighbor boy was outside. He greeted me with, "Are you okay? You look tired!" Ha... if he only knew. I told him I was very tired and to always be sure to have extra keys to your house in case you get locked out. He nodded his head and I went inside my apartment about 4 hours later than I took that stupid trash out.

I am thankful for a lot of things in my life. Right now, I am especially thankful for spare keys and the grizzly mace I purchased to protect myself in future endeavors. It was the most random journey of my life, but one I don't hope to repeat anytime soon.

Have a Happy Turkey Day :0)

Loyally,

Kristin

Adventures in Adulthood.

In the month of November I have learned a lot about living on my own, whether I wanted to or not! I've always been and will probably always be a pretty independent person, however, there are sometimes that just isn't enough...

Earlier this month I was cooking bacon for a sandwich on a weekend morning when I noticed the room was getting a little smoky. So, I turned on the oven fan then went over to crack the front door open a bit. As SOON as I turned the handle to the front door our entire apartment complex smoke alarms went off... great. I was a bit embarassed but I immediately knew I needed to call and tell them it was NOT a fire.

Because I did call ahead we didn't even get a visit from a fire truck, just two nice firemen who basically opened some windows for us then punched in a reset code on the fire box. They did make me feel better by saying the last time they came out to our apartments it was 5am when people were making pancakes... I thought bacon was bad!

Two weekends after the bacon blowout (haha) I found myself home alone on a Sunday afternoon. My roomates were both working and I decided i was going to clean our kitchen, I decided to start with taking out the trash. Worst idea I've ever had...

More on that story to come another night, it's a long one!

Loyally,

Kristin

Kindness is just love with it's work boots on.

I love this simple photo of a portion of our fridge. It says so much about us as roomies [haha]. I was nudged by my dear Mom to write a new blog entry. She says she doesn't "do facebook" so reading this blog is as close as it gets! Truth is- I've been meaning to write for a while now, but had kind of been avoiding it.

It has almost been 6 whole months ince I moved to Branson and I really can't believe it. With so many changes happening in my life I think, okay, I knpw i went into things naively. I seemed to go into my new promotion OVERLY confident and while I'm doing a fine job I can't help but feel naive for thinking things would work out perfect around every corner.

My entire life things have "worked out" for me but ONLY because I was always willing to work hard for what I believed in. Kind of the "sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same" phenomenon.

Just a few weeks ago I was knee deep in "work to do" and afraid to put on my "work boots." I saw this quote once that said, "Kindness is just love with it's work boots on." I really had to apply that to my work life. I guess what I am getting at is I had to realize, "Hey, things aren't perfect and they probably never will be, so stop getting so frusterated and start being someone YOU would want to work with."

It has really helped improve my mood, attitude and view a lot. I was getting so bogged down in what things "weren't" and how it was "different" than I thought it would be I was probably wasn'ta lot of fun to be around. I can't prove this but since my attitude adjustment I've been getting more creative freedom and it's probably because I am simply easier to work with.

We are all only human, so I still have my moments, however, that doesn't mean I have to focus on every mad moment and let it ruin my day- or run and tell others and let it ruin theri day. The power is in the perspective, how is yours?

What I've found is a little slef evaluation can help quite a bit- I hope this helps you. Whoever YOU are that happens to be reading my blog.

Loyally,

Kristin

I'm not a critic, just a fan.

Sadly, summer is gone now. The hustle and bustle of families here in town is pretty much non-existent and it’s time for the tour busses to get here. It’s my first fall as a “bransonite” and I can say that the tourist season change was a little unsettling at first. For instance, yesterday roommate B and I tried to see a “late night movie” at 11:15 thinking surely there would be an 11:30 or 12 showing on a Saturday night. Drove by both movie theatres and no such luck, a few weeks ago that would have been a given but things are starting to die down and the crowd is changing.

It has been a VERY busy summer so I’m looking forward to it quieting down a bit and a beautiful Ozark autumn. The past month or so I have been lucky to see some very incredible shows. Branson is celebrating 50 years of live music shows this year and you can definitely tell that there is a high standard that (for the most part) the shows here meet and exceed.
Here are some of the shows I’ve seen recently: The Duttons, Moscow Circus, Noah- The Musical, Bucket’s N Boards, The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Review, JEERK and GAC Country Nights. I also visited the Titanic Museum and saw my first Springfield Cardinals game. It’s been a busy month as you can tell. I really enjoyed all these shows in different ways.

The Duttons are tremendous musicians and all play several instruments, they also have a great sense of humor and show a blooper reel in every show and a video about their upbringing. It really made it a personal experience. Their children came on stage for a Wizard of Oz song that was too cute for words. It was a very nice show and they seem to be a wonderful family.

The Moscow Circus I was a little skeptical about. I thought it might be childish; however it was a great love story with all kinds of acts in between. This show did an exceptional job of warming the crowd up with a volleyball game. They perform in Yakov’s theatre and he narrates the entire show, so you know it is at least a little funny.

Noah- The Musical was simply incredible. I really can’t compare it to anything in Branson because there is no other production of its caliber here. Not only is it an incredibly touching Biblical story it is also a beautiful theatre and a larger than life set. I was blown away by this production and now understand why it is a must see. Take your families and loved ones to see Noah, it is a one of a kind experience.

Bucket’s N Boards is a very new show that I believe is currently finding a more permanent home. Not sure where they are playing right now, but I will definitely keep this blog updated whenever I find out. I was honestly not expecting to be so entertained. Every person in the theatre, young and old was laughing and clapping along. Between their comedy and their amazing rhythm I was certainly surprised. I had seen them performing at The Landing, but their show really stepped it up several notches.

The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Review was voted best new show in 2008 by bransoncritic.com. Knowing this I expected a lot and they truly delivered. I think Mark Rankin’s impersonation of Elvis was better than other full time impersonators I’ve seen and their variety really kept me interested. Meeting them after the show was great, you can tell they are very down to Earth and appreciative guys. Great show!

GAC Country Nights was the Echo Hollow show at Silver Dollar City this summer. I think all the performers and musicians were very talented, the scripting was a bit off for my taste but it was still a fun show. It can’t be easy to perform out in the heat and still look and sound great, so big props to that cast- they did a great job.

The last show I will mention is JEERK. Funny name… I know. I laughed about it when I first heard it but when I first started my job I went to a commercial shoot at SDC and one of the spots was the JEERK show. I quickly realized how talented they were. I really can’t describe the show other than amazing. They sing, they dance, they hit things- it’s all just great. Seems they are coming back to the US soon- they are one to see if they come to your area. Check em’ out. www.jeerk.com

Well, it is always a great time to come to Branson to visit (me) lol or just to relax. Hope to have some more visitors soon but until then I have made a promise to myself to organize a few boxes I just threw stuff into when we moved. I am also promising myself to go the gym for a CLASS at least twice a week and I’m always staying busy with work and my new promotion. Things are going great here, enjoying the town, the job and the people I’m surrounded by every day very much. Can’t ask for much more

Loyally,
Kristin

Growing Pains.

I said my next entry was going to be about shows, I lied. I am going to see a show tomorrow night and on Saturday, so I’d like to wait and do a more complete update after those.

Things are going well in my world. I’ve adjusted well to the 8-5 world and have been making progress in the sales world even. I just enjoyed an AMAZING weekend with some of my AXO sisters in St. Louis and have been blessed to have many visitors including my beloved Aunt and this weekend S and B will be here to hit the town.

The real reason I wrote this entry though is to say publically what I have been seeing happen for about a year now. I am growing up, as sure as Branson loves God and Country I am becoming an adult. Not to say I’m all settled down in my ways but I’ve had a few hints lately that have me convinced. Allow me to make my case:

Exhibit A. I call this one the ringer. I am now looking for a wedding ring on any man’s hand whom I believe to be between the ages of 18 and 40. Why so young? You would not believe how young people get married down here! It shocks me daily and I consider it research. Why so much older than me? I’ve learned that I have a HORRIBLE sense of age. If I think a guy is 40 he may very well be 25. True story.

Exhibit B. Two people and a baby. While at the Fenton Wal-Mart last weekend I approached the Blimpe counter to order a sandwich and in front of me was a young couple with a child in tow. They were both in athletic gear leading me to believe that on a Saturday morning they worked out together and were now grocery shopping with their child. They cooed at the baby and looked so lovingly at one another. Last summer I would have not even watched the family long enough to remember these details. Now I find myself intrigued by their world and their adorable little family outing. I never EVER thought I’d say that.

Exhibit C. White Wedding. I entered a Victorian boutique on Monday to deliver a proposal for advertising. As most people in sales would I looked around the store to get a feel for the product. There were beautiful Victorian style jewelry sets and bonnets. I rounded a corner into the “dress shoppee” and my breath was literally taken away by an ivory satin wedding gown with light pink ribbon and lace rouching. I stood there stunned by the dress for a moment then realized that was the first time I really ever thought about how a specific wedding dress would look ON ME. I’ve seen gorgeous ones in the past but this one I wanted as my own. So badly I checked the price and considered buying it to save for my own “big day.” Just a few months ago the thought of marriage made me uneasy, how I’m shopping for wedding dresses???

On top of all this shocking evidence I am now taking an interest in cooking and baking. Who knew? It’s actually kind of fun now that I give it a try. I’m not a 5 star chef by any means but I am trying and that is a miracle all of its own.

I’m beside myself when I really think about all of these things at once. I’m still very much the same person I have been, but I think my new open mindedness has improved my character immensely. I only hope good things come from “growing up.” If not, I could always audition my story for a Toys R’ Us commercial, right?
Loyally,
Kristin

Is it like being on vacation everyday?

The title to this blog entry is the number one question people ask me about my most recent move to Branson. I would have expected, "Is the traffic this bad all the time?" or even "Do you ever get sick of the tourists?" but being on vacation is an interesting question.

The answer is, yes. I know I work a full-time job, which is new and exciting and I love it (by the way for those of you who hadn't heard, I started my new job last month). Let's talk about my "job" I get to meet interesting people everyday, I am not chained to a desk all day long and I get the privilege of representing an amazing television station and resource all the time. I thank God daily for this blessing in my life.

It is challenging, but that is what keeps me interested. I work with great people who are helpful and very supportive. Things are going better than I would have expected just a few short months ago at graduation. Each day IS like vacation. Each day is filled with opprotunity and each day I am working surrounded by the tourism industry, not to mention all the great food and entertainment that go along with it.

Speaking of entertainment, I have seen some amazing shows lately. I will have to dedicate my next post to entertianment because there is a lot to say. There are so many dedicated and talented performers here, that is for sure.

Feel like a vacation now? haha. Come visit! It's been so great having so many visitors so far, I hope it stays this way! :)

Loyally,

Kristin

Apartment Pictures!

So very sorry these took so long. It took me a while to decide how to share these with you. I first thought a slide show but then you can't stop and look at them for long periods of time. Then I thought I would be able to sign up for some photo hosting online and put the links here, that didn't work either.

So... Good ole facebook to the rescue!

If you click the links below you will be able to see both of my apartment picture albums on facebook. If you have facebook and we aren't friends, make sure to add me!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013300&id=188100038&l=d485541e15

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2013308&id=188100038&l=47fea6ef61

Much more to update on soon! Until then...

Loyally,

Kristin

I'd like to see this show... FOR FREE.

Ah, this title reminds me of one of my favorite youtube videos... so good. I'm sure you know it if you have seen it ;)

Since my arrival in town, I'm proud to say I've had the opprotunity to see 5 shows, all for free (even better). It is wonderful to work in the entertainment industry around here because you do get some great discounts (aka free stuff) all around town. *4 of those tickets seen at the left*

Of course you can't like all shows equally we have seen so far the Acrobats of China, Liverpool Legends, 12 Irish Tenors, Pierce Arrow and tonight Island Fire.

The Liverpool Legends were by far my favorite. Musically, the cast was hand-picked by George Harrison's sister... can't get much more accurate than that. I, of course, wasn't around when The Beatles were the craze (unfortunately) but have always loved their music. This show did an awesome job of showing all the hype and letting some people reminisce about it and some learn (like myself). They didn't need a fancy set, they WERE the band, they just needed a couple dozen wigs and costumes and to make it enjoyable- I really respect that. It is easy to impress with jazzy sets and quick costume changes, it's harder to be authentic and enjoyable- they definitely were.

Island Fire was a really neat show and it just made you smile the entire time, so neat to get to see their culture. Poor roomie C got pulled on stage to learn the fast hula- SO funny. She had a look of DEATH on her face when she got up there.... loved it.

I also had a brush with audience particiation the other day at the 12 Irish Tenors (mine was perhaps more enjoyable). I had a beautiful irish fellow choose to serenede me then come back to do the twist with me later. Granted, we were in a 10 AM show where the average age was old enough to qualify for AARP- I still like to think he would have chosen me anyway.

I must say we have had a variety of experiences while here in B-town so far. B had her own brush with fame when she saw and LA Laker basketball player shopping for size 42x36 size pants today (I wasn't even aware that was a size). C and I ROCKED OUT tonight to the Ting Ting's in the convertible tonight and entertained some mini-golfers with our dancing at a stop-light.

All-in-all things are going well. We have taken apartment pics (my next entry) and, well, errrrr, we DID have a video tour on my camera (all 20 minutes of it's glory) and I am pretty sure I accidently deleted it. My bad.

If you have a webcam I now have an ooVoo account to do some video chats in hopes to keep up with people that way and leave video messages. I'm KGinBMO- search for me!

Loyally,

Kristin

"Here in this diary, I write you visions of my summer."

Thank you 'The Ataris' for this most excellent blog title lyric.

Life has this incredibly funny way of working out, sure it may slap you in the face first (sometimes literally- sorry C) just to show you who is boss but it seems to work out better than you imagined it would realistically in the end.

On move in day just a few weeks ago I felt trapped in an awful mistake. There were neighborhood kids shoving lizards in my face and roaming the neighborhood at will, neighbors making screeching noises at us just to get attention, neighbors avoiding us at all costs like we had swine flu and about a million boxes I didn't know what to do with.

Just as I was getting settled in and adjusting work started and it just wasn't what I had expected at all. Then day by day things got better and better, new beginnings ARE scary and not easy. Our apartment pulled together nicely and just sitting at home on a day off I got a call for basically my dream job. I interviewed and two days later I am on the path to a new career in marketing and broadcasting.

Reflecting on the last month or so of my life I am reminded that hard work DOES pay off in the end. I worked really hard in and out of the classroom in college and eventually ended up with a great GPA, humbling awards and an amazing job. I realize I am truly one of the lucky ones, but if this isn't the case for you yet just keep putting in %110 percent, it WILL pay off.

And now, for me, June 15th marks another new beginning with my new job. June 13th also marks a new beginning- my first float AND CAMPING trip (stay tuned, this should be a hoot).

Now, it's just time to hang on and enjoy the ride. I have a feeling it is going to be a fun summer.

Loyally,

Kristin

Footloose and Fancy Free: "Free to act as one pleases; not hampered by any ties."

Hi all,

I thought this might be a good way to keep everyone updated on my adventures in Branson. Although I'm just 3-4 hours from Jefferson City and Fulton it seems like a lot farther. I plan on visiting often but when I can't make it home, come back here and see what I'm up to (I'm planning on jazzing up the blog a bit as well- probably with some pictures and video). Right now I'm working a variety of hours so I can't always return calls right away- I promise I'm trying!

I am REALLY lucky to have the opprotunities that I do right now. I am fortunate to have a supportive and loving family, fabulous friends (who I miss very much already), and roomates who are so much fun and always keep things interesting. I feel like this move has been a success already and with the opprotunities I see on the horizon it should just keep getting better.

If you should need to get ahold of me my cell phone is still the same and my email is kristinlouise@live.com (plus facebook and myspace). If you need my new address just text, call or email and I'll get it to ya.

If there is one thing being out on my own has taught me so far it is don't be afraid to spread your wings, you can't fly if you don't try. Take a risk, meet new people and have fun doing it. Life is WAY too short to worry about "being cool" so sing loud (even if you don't know all the words) dance in the rain (even if your neighbors think you're crazy) and NEVER take yourself too seriously (even if that means spying on your neighbors or running for fake elections of any sort).

I would like to extend an open invite to come visit, it is hard to know schedules too far ahead but chances are one of us will be at the apartment or off anyway and we would love to have visitors. Check out www.flybranson.com GREAT deals! Until then feel free to leave coments here anytime :)


Loyally,

Kristin