CONGRATS!

Just wanted to quickly say congratulations to friends Carrie Robinson on her upcoming wedding and Katie on her baby on the way.   I appreciate both of you and I am really happy for you!!!

Covey Center Mayor's Series

I heard Stomp was coming to Provo.  While investigating tickets I found that I had to buy season tickets in order to purchase Stomp.   I talked my best bud Missy into forkin out some dough and there you go.  We are now season ticket holders.

Last night we saw Jason Hewlett.  I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard.  He was so funny.  What a talented guy.  I think that it has been years since my cheeks hurt from laughing like that.

His impersonations are so good that it is like going to lots of different concerts in one night--except they are funny.

It was a great Friday night.   On Saturday Missy and I decided to see "This is It"  and we got there early so we could catch the second half of the BYU-WYO game after.

It was basically a documentary about what was supposed to be the final concert.  I had a hard time watching it, at first, because of what Michael had become in my mind.  I was such a fan in my youth but seeing him makes me a little sick as an adult.  Allegations of child abuse, a bizarre fascination with plastic surgery, the obvious drug use, and the strange crotch grabbing is disturbing to me.

However, about half an hour into the movie I remembered why I liked him in the beginning.  He is a masterful performer.  The man worked hard and had amazing moves.  It was hard to believe we were watching a 50 year old man dance around the stage and sing his heart out. 

Seeing the remake of the Thriller song was worth watching the whole movie for and he sang all the old favorties.  It would have been an amazing concert and I felt bad for all the dancers and crew that worked so hard to create a perfect show that never opened.  I think I am finally sad that he is gone.

HALLOWEEN

I totally love Halloween.  I love being a witch.  I think if I wasn't a staunch Mormon I would be investigating the local coven.   I love movies about witches and history of witches.  I would love to cast spells.  Voo Doo and Hoo Doo fascinate me too.  Have you seen any great scary movies?  My favorites are Skeleton Key, Blair Witch Project, and The Shining. 
Anyway, I am always a witch for Halloween.  Every year I get something else to add to my costume.  This year I got these super cute spider earrings from Ronda's mom.  My Mom got me some orange crocs.  I totally love the new additions to my costume.   Maybe next year I will find a nice warlock to go along with my costume. 
Until then, I will be very happy to screech and cast spells on all the nieces and nephews and shelter kids.
This last weekend Grandma had her little kid party which has become a tradition.  the scavenger hunt ended at my condo. 

Weston put on a scary mask and scared them to death as the walked to my back yard through the path.

After the scavenger hunt there was pumpkin decorating, games, pizza and then dancing to monster mash.

I made the kids candy leighs.  They had a good time.  Grandma and Grandpa Kowallis totally had a blast.  My sister Jane totally dogged the photos and Matt was at the Utah game.  They are the only 2 I didn't get in the pictures.  Happy Halloween!  Can't wait for Halloween at Jane and Wes's house!!

Happy Boss Day

I really like my bosses.  I really like to remember them on boss day.  I especially appreciate them this year because the economy is so bad.  I feel very lucky and blessed that they kept me around in spite of budget cuts and the lack of funding. 
Thanks Dennis and Ronda at the shelter and Eddie and Kathe at the care center.  You guys are great to work for and I enjoy you all immensely.  Honorable mention goes to my former boss at the care center-Rob Steggell!
I will now tell you my favorite things about them from this year.
Dennis Hansen:  I love his iconoclastic streak.  For instance, it is October and he is still wearing his shorts on his days off.  He really cares about people and wants them to be happy.
Ronda Gates:  I like that she will share feelings.  She has a mind like a steel trap--I really appreciate that because I sure don't.  She remembers the details.  I also like to travel with her.  Watching her get ready for bed is like watching a dog turn circles on his pillow before settling in.  She seriously cocoons herself and her stuff in.
Eddie Keele:  I like his enthusiasm and humility.  I hope to get to know him better.
Kathe Martin:  She truly wants to do everything perfectly.  I really like that she is so detail oriented.  I also like her tender heart.
Rob Steggell: Rob sort of switched from boss to friend somewhere this year.  We went through some drama together and bonded.  I am grateful for that because of his untimely and unwanted removal from the care center.  I think it turned out the best for him and I wish him well in his new job.  He was a good boss!
Thanks guys for being so great to work for.
Happy Boss Day!

Note of Gratitude

I have been going through some changes at one of my jobs. They didn't affect me personally-yet, but I have lost several people to layoffs. People that I really care about and who have become good friends. One especially, has become a touchstone to my sanity. He was kind, encouraging, and I consider him to be someone I would like to emulate. I have watched him go through some tough times in his family and at work and have been amazed at the goodness with which he handled all of it. I really admire him.

Sad time for me. However, I have been prayerful about it and know that what has happened will lead him somewhere really great. I have felt the peace that he will be fine-even in this economic climate. I will very much miss his daily influence in my life.

The gratitude, that I have been pondering, comes in the fact that I have friends, family, and co-workers at both jobs who have helped me get through it, and for that matter many other things. I am so lucky to have the people I do in my life. I really am grateful for the many rocks I can depend on.

So to all of you who have listened, been supportive, or just made me laugh, THANK YOU. I am very grateful to have you in my life.

~Kim

Weekend with Gracie

Friday night my niece came to stay over. We got up early Saturday morning to go to Salon K. We had lots of fun. Gracie enjoyed the experience and so did I. Gracie got a super cute haircut and hot pink glitter toes!Here she is the whole pretty pink girl! After the spa I took our little artist to Color Me Mine. She is really good at painting and drawing. It was very fun. I can't wait to see how they turned out!Then we went to the mall and got her ears pierced. She was so brave and I am so proud of her! After that we went to Pirate Island Pizza. We had fun soaking up the atmosphere and playing the games. I have to say for a kid themed place the service was awesome!!!
After the fun lunch we saw the movie partly cloudy with a chance of meatballs.

We had a really great girls weekend. I had so much fun! I love you, Gracie!

Shelter Conference

I spent the last 3 days in SLC at a conference for domestic violence shelter workers and treatment providers that was planned by the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. I learned a lot and thought about some stuff I haven't in a while, which I think is productive.

I especially liked the diversity type trainings and the Keynote by Moises Prospero.

I had some fun with my co-workers along the way and met some new people. We had a nice dinner at the Melting Pot-my first time there and I have always wanted to go.

My very favorite thing about the whole conference was the night I roomed with my boss and friend Ronda. Watching her get ready for bed is seriously entertaining. I appreciate Dennis, Ronda, Suelen and Emily, along with the outreach staff. We are all so different but we truely care about our clients and I think each other. It is a pleasure to work with them.

I am very glad to be home. I missed my sweet Suki and my own bed. I especially missed the security of knowing I am not sleeping with bed bugs. Yikes!!! I don't think I will stay in that hotel again.