Katie and Scott

Time flys...whether you're having fun or not.

2010-04-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hi All~

A little time from my last posting, but if I had a free second I promise I would've written much sooner. All is well and aside from a few gray, dreary days the weather has been quite nice, which in my opinion makes everything better.

School is good, TDI (Total Drama Island), but good. I've learned so much and found interests that I had no idea I even had. We have 2 weeks left in the Junior room and then we move on to the clinic floor. We'll be able to take walk-ins, so working with actual clients will be pretty cool. This week we're doing manicures and pedicures, next week is a big review week and then we're off to the floor.

There will be advanced classes along the way that will last anywhere from 1-4 weeks at a time such as long hair design, men's haircutting, color class, facials (which unfortunately I can't opt out of) etc. Then at the end of the day I should graduate mid-January. I have a nice chuck of credit hours towards my license because I'm an esthetician as well, however with the time I'll be taking off for wedding stuff it should even out in the end.

Speaking of wedding, things seem to be on track. Of course consulting so many different checklists doesn't help...according to one of them I still have 68 things overdue. Talk about unnecessary stress! But I think we're doing just fine. I'll be meeting with lots of people during my visit home in May to finalize the cake, flowers, etc so I'm thinking that will help me feel more on top of things than I do now. I constantly feel like something has been forgotten, but I guess there's only so much we can do at 4 months out. If anyone has helpful tips, please share.

Scott is super busy at work as usual, but busy is good especially in the commercial real estate business right now. I'm also working at the GAP anywhere from 15-20 hours a week so there are days that we seriously see each other for about an hour total. I leave around 7:30am and if I work that night I don't get home till usually 9:30/10:00pm....and I suppose we should get some sleep. So those days are hard, but it makes me appreciate the days I have off that much more along with the little bit of free time we have together.

We're getting our Knot website finalized soon, so stay tuned for the web address. Hope all is well! KO

Skool is Kool!

2010-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I know a few of you have been wondering how it's going... and it's going well! I can give a decent haircut and it's only been a week! Who knew?! It was a slow couple of days getting started, but with all of the interesting personalities (and there are plenty) it's been just fine. We're doing cuts almost daily and starting on perms this week, ha! So it's moves right along and cuts to the chase pretty quick.

Life is good, Scott enjoyed a 'Guy's Weekend' up north for "Tip Up Town", which involves partying on the frozen lake and drinking wayyyyy too much...my kinda party! It sounds like a blast and I'm still not quite sure why the girls were left out, but they're all still feeling a little rough so I think they had some fun :) The weather is cold and dreary, nothing new, and I'm ready for some damn sun. At least now I'm on a schedule/routine so I'm slowly gaining my sanity back. Peace from the mid-east!

Wedding Planning!

2009-12-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

For anyone who actually checks our blog, if you would like to follow the wedding progress my great friend Patrick is keeping a blog. Please check it out!

http://patrickjclayton.blogspot.com/2009/12/wedding-planning-starts-for-katie-and.html

Bring on the Fall!

2009-09-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

I've never been more ready for the Fall. This summer was pretty questionable adjusting to the outrageous humidity and all of the rain...I'm ready for more jeans and long sleeves, plus my fall/winter wardrobe is much better anyways.

We had our first visitors this last weekend!!! My dad and brother came in last Thursday morning and stayed through sunday afternoon. Scott and I had planned quite the whirlwind tour with lots of flexibility of course, but we pretty much stuck to the program. We saw every area of town possible, Motown and all of the sites, a Tigers game and plenty of our favorite hangouts. And it certainly doesn't get easier when it's time to go home.

Work is the same for me, slow but hopefully sure, however Scott is busier than ever! Which is good, but more stress which really weighs on him. Not too much as far as wedding updates...I think flower and cake decisions are next on the agenda. We'll be back the week of October 13th ( a week later than expected) so we'll be doing engagement photos and meeting with Riverside then too! One thing at a time.

Ahhh nasty nasty mold!

2009-08-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is a few weeks late, actually 3 weeks this Friday. Since everyone that reads this already knows this "story" there's no need to expand, but yes we ARE engaged!!! Go Team Barrie!

8-7-10 Wedding plans are underway, my mom has already been a huge help checking out things back in GI and next week I'm meeting up with family friends Pam and her son Patrick who will be an awesome addition to the planning.

We had a great time in Cabo, it was nice and relaxing with the right amount of crazy :) But we tried some new things and it was well worth it...and some fun ideas for the next trip.

As of late, we've had a few apt. issues...mold, yes folks, mold from the shit load of rain we've had this summer! I was putting some shoes away when I realized the carpet on the floor of the closet was soaked! And on top of that there was mold everywhere rotting out the base board and growing on the bottoms of my shoes! I tend to keep my Fall/Winter shoes in the closet and Birks/summer shoes hang on the back of the door for those of you that are wondering how I didn't notice this sooner :) So, needless to say we've had people in and out the last few days, we're sleeping on the air-mattress in the living room and it's created quite the circus around here. Hey we got our carpets steam-cleaned for FREE outta the deal. However until they replace the base board, which is the next promise, our shoes and other closet contents are taking up the entire bedroom. Meanwhile we're playing "camp out" in the living room.

We've started operation "Heathly Eating/Workout" and are in to week 2 going strong! Unfortunately, I've been feeling pretty crappy the last 4-5 days, not sure if it's a change in diet or even being exposed to the mold, but I'm praying it passes soon!

Otherwise, life has been very laid back and quiet with no plans. We have some fun things coming up with a few trips to the lake and my dad and brother coming to visit for the 1st time mid-september!!! Stay tuned!

Homie don't write...

2009-07-14T16:42:00.001-07:00

is exactly what Scott said when I told him "Honey we really need to keep up with our blog!" But I'm trying...it was on my "to do" list if that tells you anything. Things are great, nothing earth-shattering, but good. This last weekend was pretty low key. I was at the spa all day saturday and then saturday night we headed over to Matt and Kelly's for a fabulous dinner, wine, etc. Sunday we went to Lakeville Lake...yes it's really called that, for a little boat action. Actually, it's the same lake that Kid Rock filmed his video for "All Summer Long" on and his parents have a cabin 3 down from where we were. Pretty cool, as we were heading in from the boat his parents came out and hopped in the infamous "Cowboy" for a Sunday evening cruise :)

This week I finally have a few appointments then off to Kid Rock concert Friday night!!! Last minute luck...we weren't planning on going, but over the 4th Matt and Michelle told us the couple they were planning to go with broke up! So we lucked out to say the least, plus everyone in our group of friends is going so it's sure to be a blast.

O.K so as I write some other things are coming to mind. We also saw the Fray at the end of June for my birthday, they were amazing. I swear they were much better in concert which I think is pretty rare...so if you ever get the chance...check em' out!!! And then we are already leaving for the annual Cabo trip next Saturday. I can't believe it's already here! I always look forward to a week away from reality, but this year is kinda special with everyone bringing their "significant others" :) Scott and Penny have been there, but Nikki hasn't so she's super excited. My aunt and uncle from AZ will also be there, not "with us" but they'll be there enjoying their week too. Anyways, I think it will be a lot of fun and certainly a new spin on the trip after 10 years.

Okay kids, that's all for now! Scott says "have a great rest of the summer, we'll see ya on the back side of Mexico!"

OMG...I'm terrible at this!

2009-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

OK I need to seriously get better at this blog writing...I love reading everyone's updates and wish that I had more exciting happenings to chat about. Let's see: well I'm finally seeing clients at FACE. I still have a lot to learn, but we're starting with my strengths :) so I'll be "specializing" lol in Microcurrent (which is an amazing technology that works with the muscles in your face to sculpt, tone and lift) it's crazy...you can literally see at huge difference. It's been featured on Oprah and it's big with the celebrities. Anyways, so I'm doing lots of those, waxing and then coming soon, Organic spray tanning. Oh yeah, everything is super eco-friendly and we offer lots on the organic train :) Eventually I'll be doing more facials and medical peels, but there's so much to know and it of course takes time and practice. Unbelievable how little I feel I know compared to how I felt in school. I'm just trying to stay positive, it's a ton of pressure to get perfection asap, but it's very easy to get down on myself...so focusing on strengths!

My birthday was good, we went to dinner a few nights and checked out some new spots with some friends...lots to do and see. Then, we went to the Fray concert this last saturday night which was amazing, they were so good and I've found such a love for outdoor concert venues. Heading up north for the 4th tomorrow. Scott got to head up today :( but I'm having to wait until tomorrow. I do have 2 appointments though! And got my first paycheck today...very small but very exciting. Ha

I have a ton of new and old pics up on Facebook... I soo wish I could pick though old photos from my picture boxes and post them, don't have a scanner so I'm limited to everything post June 2007. Otherwise life is good, humidity sucks and time is a tickin' away.

2009-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hola~ Quick update here. Nothing crazy or new at the moment...all is great! Training (practice) is a little slow right now with my new boss taking on the space next to us. Between decorating and getting it all ready for clients, it has kinda put things on the back burner for the last week. That's ok though, anxiously looking for sub jobs and studying what I can. I'm heading home on the 27th and found out today that I'm staying till Tuesday June 2nd!!! Decided I better take advantage of the time while I can and I'm able to fly out of Lincoln for my departure. So...Ne. bound soon :) Very excited and hope to come back to a schedule picking up!

Guilty :(

2009-04-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

God, I feel like such a bad blogger...and this was going to be something I was really going to try hard at keeping updated. Well...guess I'll keep trying, but I don't have much to say lately and all of you that read this I usually talk to giving the latest updates. However, no excuse! So, the latest???

I FINALLY got my Michigan esthetics license on Wednesday! After a few weeks of headaches and worthless people on the phone I have it. I had to take a practical test which was a total joke, but it was very easy and I was super over-prepared. Imagine that. The subbing thing has been slow, but I did get a phone call this morning for a job. I went on line and for the first time in a week there were actually jobs posted. However, they were all for today and it was already 8:30am....and today I'm training with Holly at 2pm. But at least i know the system is working and am still hoping for a few jobs before school is out. I also applied at a few other places just for something to do and an hourly paycheck because while the subbing is slow, so is my training. I knew it would be a slow start, but there is soooo much to know and with meeting once a week this could take a while to get going. Costco, Home Depot, Lowes....here I come. According to Scott they pay good! Orange isn't really my color, but hey, I'll rock an apron for a few hours :)

Other than that, it's been a usual quiet week. All of our friends are in Jamaica for a wedding (an expensive one at that, hence why we didn't go) and I've basically been trying to fill my days with little errands and reading the heck out of the Twilight books. Kait, I know you think they're annoying, but I'm soooo entralled and LOve Them!!! Made some cookies for Scott yesterday...hey I may not be the best cook, but I can whip up a mean batch of cookies...also great idea to pass some time Kait :) Scott is great, took a different position at work, which seems to be working out. Just trying something a little different to switch things up a bit. But HE on the other hand IS a great cook. So I leave it to him and I'm the clean-up crew! I attempt to help and have my moments, but until we have a little more space...it's a 1 man job.

Heading home May 27th for my mom's recital. Kathy is picking me up Wednesday morning, heading to Lincoln in the afternoon, then back to GI Wednesday night. Dress rehersal thursday and the show is friday and saturday. Very excited to see how my classes have evolved and the dances have come along. I can't believe how fast it's coming though and to think i've been here almost 2 months! Wow.

That wraps it up here...I promise to get better at this...or at least write more than once a month! Love from Michigan!

I'm Employed!...almost.

2009-03-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, well as of Monday evening I accepted a job with FACE. It's within an athletic club in a very busy part of town. The gal who owns it was looking to expand and grow her business and find someone to basically teach everything she knows to...aka ME! Very excited about it and I hope to start training the first week in April. I'm waiting for my Michigan license biz. to go through and praying I don't have to take another test ;( Anyways, I'm also going to substitute teach a bit because it will be very slow starting out until we get me a decent clientel built up. Scott and I have been looking at houses here and there which is always fun, it's amazing some of the places that are out there just sitting empty. Tons of foreclosures.
But life is good, I'm finally getting the hang of the area and extremely anxious to start working. My new favorite food: Lemon Rice soup and New Biggest Pet Peeve: Michigan roads...they are horrible!

From Michigan with love...

2009-03-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Writing from MI finally...never thought I'd get here, but here I am safe and settled. Actually I was totally unpacked Tuesday thankfully because we left for Arizona early Wednesday morning to visit Scott's mom/family. Had a great time and for as many times as I've been there, I felt like I was seeing the area for the first time. We went to a Spring Training game (Giants Vs. A's), shopped, went to an Art and Wine Festival, lots of sight seeing in the car and ate some great food. The weather was ideal and it was very hard to get on the plane knowing we were coming back to barely 40 degrees :( Anyways, so it's my first official week here! I send out 7 packets to various spas I was interested in so hopefully (fingers crossed) I'll hear something soon. My Garmin has become my new best friend...we found the bank, dry cleaning, grocery store...all sorts of useful things. Now, if only it could find me a great job too!!!

Feb. and the final countdown!

2009-02-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys~ Feb. is almost over and it's time for an update. I've been wrapping up things in GI preparing for the big move this week, which I cannot believe is already here! Woah. I took my state boards yesterday...and passed!!! It was over and done with so fast it didn't even feel like I was really finished. But the hard part is over, my license should come in the next week along with my actual test score...anxious to see what my grade was :) Scott flys in on Thursday morning and then we will head out bright and early on Saturday. THEN next wednesday we're off to AZ to visit Scott's mom/family through Monday. Should be a nice relaxing and WARM trip! I'm sure the reality of moving will set in after we get back and I need to find a little J O B to keep me busy. I have quite a few places in mind along with a Plan B...thank god for big cities and lots of options! Big changes heading our way and I'm sure it will be an adventure to say the least...next time I'll be writing from Michigan!

January 2009

2009-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009!!

Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season as it was busy as always for us. I started my traveling on the 23rd heading from Detroit to Phoenix to visit Mom and the gang. Outside of the immense 27 hour delay at the airport, I finally arrived in AZ around 4:30 PM on Christmas Eve. Needless to say my patience was tested during that span. Upon arriving to AZ got to see the fam, and hang out in weather slightly warmer than the single digits I left behind in Michigan. However, as always the time went by way faster than you would like, and before I knew it I was on my way to Nebraska for a rockin New years Eve in Grand Island. Katie had a few days off, and we got to hang out which was great because we hadn't seen each other since my birthday more than a month ago. We had a great visit, exchanged some gifts and were able to relax somewhat despite having something planned every day. Then again, I don't know what I would do if there wasn't something planned. I don't do too well with the downtime. After New Years, Katie unfortunately had to return to school, which was kind of a bummer, but I was able to schedule some "Spa" visits so we at least got to hang out during the day. Had my very first ear candle-ing and a back treatment. Both very interesting and quite relaxing. The weather was marginal and although the sun was shining it was VERY cold the remainder of the week. On Sunday, the 4th we headed to Omaha to bum around the stores and have lunch at our favorite place (Paradise Bakery) before having to head to the airport. Northwest stopped their direct flights out of Lincoln so I had to roll out of Omaha, which isn't so bad, but it's a long drive for Katie to do on her own and it takes away some of the hang-out time because we have to leave so much earlier. However, while I was there in Grand Island we researched a bunch of Spa's in the Detroit area (suburbs) for her to possibly get a job at once she moves to MI (can't wait by the way). Not to mention we planned her flight and Katie arrives here on the 15th and is staying until the following Tuesday. In the middle of that we have a wedding reception to attend on Saturday which will be great because a bunch of my friends haven't seen Katie since the summer and have been asking about her ever since. So all in all this will be some great time together because it will give her the chance to explore Birmingham and Bloomfield and the other areas where she would like to find a job. Other than that, just easing into 2009 and the usual January weather in good old Michigan. Cold and snowy!! Well, I think that's about all I got for now. Katie and I both agreed that we will be much better at keeping this updated as the next adventure in our relationship begins, and I know there are alot of people in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island who like to be kept up to date. With that I will say farewell for now. Have a good night, and I will talk to everyone again soon.

1st Week of "Back to School!"

2008-09-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I wanted to give you all an update since it's been so hard to catch up lately. I did start school this last Tuesday, the 9th, and it was a great week to say the least. I feel like I've already learned a ton of info. and gave my first facial yesterday. I passed my test with flying colors today so I'd say things are off to a good start. We crammed a lot in this first week, but def. got the hang of things. There are 6 of us in my class and with 1 instructor that's the max. they will take. The girls are great, all very different :), but everyone is cool. I do have at least a few good stories to tell at the end of the day. And...lots of homework! Kind of funny to go from being the teacher to the position I'm in, however school is a lot more interesting when you actually WANT to be there! So this first week it was client care, facials and massage(scalp, hands, feet) and we're learning hair removal and body treatments next week! Whoopee!

July 4th-14th in Michigan

2008-07-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Well here we are....at the tail end of a wonderful 10 days spent together. Katie is leaving tonight for Omaha and eventually Grand Island, so in the meantime while we waited for the plane, it might be good to get some recap done on this being our most recent visit. Katie flew in last Friday (the 4th) where I waited to pick her up from the airport. Watched some fireworks and basically came home to relax and get ready for the long week ahead where we would spend it together "up north" as it's referred to in Michigan at a place called Houghton Lake, about 3 hours north of where I live. Beautiful, and an "off the map" type of spot where we hang out with friends, go boating, tubing, skiing, sitting around the bonfire, blowing off fireworks, etc...just a great place to escape to and relax. There were 12 of us to start the weekend, but the numbers soon dwindled once the July 8th rolled around as many of the other "campers" had to get back to the real world for work. Fortunately with my job, I am able to stay longer to enjoy the time off, and be with Katie. The weather for the most part was good while at the cottage. Only had a few days of clouds, but it was warm which is important because it can get pretty cold up there sometimes. After several days in the sun we decided to head back home to Berkley on Friday morning to plug back in to the real world, and have some time to ourselves, with quiet nights out for dinner, etc...Headed to Royal Oak on Friday and Saturday nights where we bar hopped, had a great dinner at Red Coat Tavern on Saturday with some friends, hit the town for some drinks, and made it home just in time to pass out. Sunday Katie, myself, and my friends Matt and Kelly used our season tickets and went to the Tiger's game downtown. The weather was perfect, and couldn't have asked for a better day as the home team won, and we still managed to make it back to Royal Oak for an early dinner at Black Finn. Following "Linner" we came home for a nap which turned out to be a little longer than we both expected so we passed on going to dinner and just grabbed some ice cream at Famous Flavors in Berkley. Watched a little boob-tube, saw Miss Venezuela win Miss Universe, then headed to bed. Today, the 14th is yet another beautiful day weather-wise, too bad we aren't at the cottage on the boat. So all in all it was great to spend as much time with Katie, 10 days in all. Just sad to see it be over. Then again that just means we're just that much closer to the next visit. All I got for ya for now. I think we are going to relax a bit on the couch, and maybe watch a movie or something. Until next time....Katie and Scott

June/July 08!

2008-07-04T12:45:00.002-07:00

I've been catching a little flack from not keeping this updated so...here it is already July and I've got some info. to share. Over my birthday (June 15th) Scott and I went to Chicago for the weekend! We had a great time to say the least and even though I've been to Chicago before, I felt like I was seeing it for the first time. Luckily, Scott knows his way around pretty good so I had my own personal tour guide :) We stayed at a great location right behind the Hancock Tower, so everything aka shopping was right around the corner. Along the way we also visited Navy Pier and Shedd's Aquarium....both awesome and worth seeing. And, yes we rode the ferriswheel too! Besides all of the above we had some fantastic meals and fun nights out on the town. It was a nice way to spend not only my birthday, but our anniversary as well. Scott says- that even though I've been to Chicago many times it was almost like a new experience for me as well with all of the shopping :) and seeing other things the city has to offer. Overall trip experience- 10 out of 10

Back from NE...

2008-05-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been quite a challenge for me to actually get something posted here so I figured there is no time like the present. Just getting into this "Blogging" world, so bear with me if I get off topic a bit. I tend to ramble. First I would like to say thank you to Katie for another fun and relaxing weekend in the NE...Got a chance to meet more close friends and have some fun with family as well. Flew in last Friday (23rd) to Omaha and basically crashed (no pun intended) because 24 hours prior I had returned from a 5 day "business" trip to Vegas, so needless to say I was a bit tired. However, that always goes away once I see Katie :) I know...I know...a bit corny, but I can't help it sometimes. Anyway, I digress...Headed to Lincoln on Saturday after having a light breakfast and awesome lunch at Paradise Bakery (our usual spot) because I don't have them here in MI...So on to Lincoln we headed...Got to see more of Nebraska that day...I believe we ended up in Hickman for Henry's 1st B-Day party?? I think it was Hickman. In any event got to hang with Kate and all of her college friends including Kaitlyn, Erin & Henry who celebrated a birthday very close to Mom. Also saw Stacey, Amber, and a bunch of others who will have to forgive me for not remembering names...a bit overwhelming with so many people who showed up. I think 35 or so...Not bad Henry for a 1st birthday. Headed to Grand Island after presents and cake to have dinner at Jenny and Mike's...Arrived a little late, but the hosts were very gracious with the tardiness. Following dinner hung for a bit then headed to bed because we were both beat, and had a long couple of days to go yet. Sunday was perfect. The weather, company, sun, pool, Coors light and BBQ...Couldn't have asked for a better day. Sorry....need to stop here...Red Wings are on, and the game is close. Need to watch a bit, but wanted to get some notes up before anymore time passed. I'll finish later

Countdown...

2008-05-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I offically have 4 days left in my teaching career, yikes! I think this 3rd year has gone the fastest, but everyone always said after the first year time seems to fly by! With Memorial Day coming up, there's lots happening. Between moving, traveling, and birthdays September will be here before I know it. Then the real challenge begins! Back to school for this teach!

Debut!

2008-05-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here we are! I've finally decided to join my "up-to-date" friends and get on the blog train. There are lots of changes in 2008, but all for the better. This is my last year of teaching in Omaha for a grand total of 3 years. However, I never imagined I would learn so much in 3 years...especially from teenagers. I'll be living in Grand Island June-January attending Xenon then moving to Michigan after the first of the year. After always talking about getting out of Nebraska one day, it's hard to believe it may actually happen. It's been 6 months for Scott and I and I couldn't ask for anything better. It's true what they say about absence and the heart growing fonder...or whatever it is :)