Taking Stock...

Bunbury Music Festival w/Danielle

Sometimes it takes looking back through pictures to remember just how great life has been. I was scanning through a bunch of photos I was transferring from my phone to my computer and a thought struck me. Lately, I have been feeling like life has been at a bit of a standstill; that nothing new or exciting has really happened. Almost two years ago, I took the plunge and moved to Chicago...not knowing what would await me once I arrived. There were so many new experiences and challenges to face all at once. New apartment, new job, new church, new friends, new neighbors, cafes, favorite restaurants, faces, sounds...it was a lot to take in. At times, it was overwhelming. But mostly, it was exhilerating. I felt so alive. My adrenaline was at a constant high. I was traveling all across the country for my job and I was suddenly singing on a worship team with Dove award-winning artists. It all felt a little surreal. Now, almost two years later, things have slowed down. I'm not really traveling for my job anymore. Still not dating anyone special. I've moved into my second neighborhood in the city. Life is feeling pretty routine. But then I started looking through these photos and I was quickly reminded that I am incredibly blessed. I have a WONDERFUL family, amazing friends, both old and new, a stable job (I hope!) and have been offered so many fantastic opportunities with the worship team at Harvest. I am blessed, no doubt about it. And these pictures are living proof of how great life has been this past year or so.



Becoming friends with Tara over the
last year has been one of the most rewarding
& gratifying things to happen since
moving to Chicago. I value our friendship & the
wonderful memories we've already made.

Vertical Church Band photo shoot for the new album. What a fun day
that was & so exciting to get to be a part of the VCB recording.



One of the BEST things about
Danielle turning 21 has been all
of the concerts we get to attend
together. This was a quick snapshot
from the bathroom at Schubas when
we went to see Andrew Belle. Such a
FUN night!!  

The Lone Bellow has quickly become one of my FAVORITE bands!
I have had the priviledge of seeing them twice this year and both
shows were so unforgettable.





This year, I had the pleasure of meeting the
newest "Merle Girl" & baby of Margaret and Vince.
Victoria Hope entered the world bringing w/her
hope & comfort during a difficult time for her Daddy,
who said goodbye to his mom the same day he welcome his
daughter into the world.She's the sweetest & is
starting to look like her big sis Emma.



This year wouldn't be complete without a
trip to see the fam in Minnesota. It was
 so much fun surprising the kids and
seeing Samuel & Serenity perform in
Disney's My Son Pinnochio. I was incredibly proud
 & beaming with joy. And it was extra
special to have some hang time with
my little brother that I miss so much!






Summertime hangs & Fourth of July fun at
North Ave beach with great friends...Tara, Shawn &
Charlotte, Jess, AJ & Silvy and new friends
Cait & Brett. What a fun filled day!



My dad, the trooper! Here he is, just one day
after knee replacement surgery, and already
getting it done at group therapy. So proud of
his discipline. And proud of my amazing
mom who takes such good care of my
dad.





What DO men really want? Heck if I know!

My blog entries follow the same sporatic pattern as my own journal entries...very few and far between. Which I hate! I'm a writer...I LOVE to write. But I guess there are always a million and one excuses why I don't do it often enough. Besides...these blog entries are really not intended to be some literary pieces of work but more so a glimpse into my sometimes crazy, sometimes pathetically boring life. And I just plain don't mind sharing (because I highly doubt anyone actually reads this thing anyway).

I was having brunch with a very close friend the other day. We were discussing life, relationships, and my non-existent love life. As I rattled off all the reasons why I'm such a "good catch" and how I can't understand why no one seems interested, my dear friend made a comment that hit me like a ton of bricks...."Kel, you come off unavailable." I was ready with a swift rebuttal but stopped short because I then wondered if there was truth to her statement. Could I be coming off as unavailable to the small pool of gents I have encountered thus far?

I've been stewing over this new information for days. What does it mean to be "unavailable"? What does that look like? And how do I avoid it? I most certainly don't want to be that girl that comes off needy, annoying and desperate. Guys can't want that, right? And although some people would maybe see me as confident, I think that just comes from age. I'm 34 now. I've lived and learned and I know who I am. But I'm also insecure about dozens of things. I don't think I evoke this tough, unapproachable exterior. At least I hope not!!

I'm not a wide-eyed inncoent 22 year old, right out of college, looking for the proverbial "Mr. Right" to sweep me off my feet, take me to Neverland, and leave rose petals on the bed every night. I just want something real. Great companionship & friendship, realistic romance, laughter, adventure, a mutual passion for & commitment to the Lord and a desire to challenge each other as we grow old together. BUT...that's not exactly the kind of thing you come right out and say after meeting someone new. Not within the first five minutes, at least. And unfortunately, other than initial introductions in group settings, I haven't had many opportunities for those follow up conversations.

As progressed, experienced (and I mean that as purely as possible) and open-minded as I am, I'm still kind of old-fashioned. I mean, I would just love someone to ask me out on a date. In this social media-laden world of texting, Facebooking, Instagraming and Twittering, everything feels so impersonal. Just dial my number and ask me out. I will more than likely say yes.

So what is the right formula? The perfect balance between available but not desperate? Approachable but not needy? Intouch with my emotions and sensitive side but not a basket case? Well, I just don't know. I guess the bottom line is that I have NO idea what men want. I thought I knew, but clearly the jury has turned it a very different verdict.

In the event that someone actually does read this blog, I am ALL ears! Chime in...