Martini Momma

Impossible....I think not!

The Original Martini Mommas hit the streets last night for the Paisley concert and like usual, when in their company, the show is never dull.  We 4, Kath's sister Jacklyn included, sat 14th row on the floor discussing the prospects of ever making it to front row.  We decided that while it is on most bucket lists, it is near impossible unless you:

a.  Win tickets on the radio playing some dumb game

b.  Know some person of great influence in the music industry

c.  Have a very tight relationship with the one and only Brandi Parnell

Clearly the third choice is going to be my only option and she NEVER disappoints. 

It started with this picture:

 
It was a hopeful entry in a radio concert that just didn't come to fruition. My friend does not take "No" for an answer and we giggled our butts off while she paraded it to several unenthused security guards before she came across a senior gentleman in charge of guarding the entrance to the back stage.  From a distance, I watched the conversation unfold.  Lots of pleasantries, polite smiles, a show of the blackberry displaying this photo, an explanation.  "Brad told me to show this picture to you and asked that I come backstage to meet him again".  Really?  "I met him in Hawaii"  Really?  "Kuaii, actually"  Really? I'm pretty sure that Brad has never been to Kuaii. "Oh".  A tap on the arm by this kind man says it all, even if I wanted to let you in, I love my daughter-in-law too much.  He reveals his backstage name pass to show "Dad Paisley".  Yep, only Bran would be able to find Brad's father in the mess of people. 

 

Shortly after, she is ushered quietly from our seats to the side to talk with another security guard who wants a peek at the famous Brad photo.  He glances over at the 3 of us left in the seats, we wave like 16 year olds.  He motions us over.  "You can stand right here, just look like you belong and I won't say a word."  At this point, we are 10 feet to the side of the stage.  No problem.  As if fate hadn't stepped in enough, another official looking gentleman tells us to scrap the side of the stage and stand right nose to toes with Brad.  That's right, instructing us to go and stand with our chests pressed right against the speakers, elbows resting on the stage.  Guitar picks, Jumbotron appearances, smiles from the band, a rub of Paisley's boot, a slap of Hootie's hand, could it get any better??  Yes, if you're Brandi Parnell and Brad Paisley's father is also taken in by your charm.  The lights turn on at the end of the show and there is Doug Paisley, calling her name, handing her the set lists off the stage for her to keep as a momento.  Really?  Only Brandi.  It was AWESOME and just when I thought box seats couldn't be topped, my friend manages the absolute impossible.  To think some people just go to their assigned seats, watch the show and go home.  Can you imagine?

 

 

Thanks to the Village

My long lost husband returned to us tonight, which is probably why I have a minute to sit down and type this out.  The kids want their daddy to do bedtimes for them tonight, two weeks is a long time and they have missed him tremendously.  It's funny, I was so worried about how I would manage to keep my head above water that  I never really considered that his absence might be really tough on the kids.  The last couple of days, I noticed my Ty was quite sensitive, teary at simple frustrations, not too keen on heading off to school in the morning, obsessive about the day of the week.  I think he missed his daddy fiercely and when I saw him drop the backpack and literally run to his waiting arms after school when I showed up with Daddy, as a surprise, to pick him up, I fought back a few tears myself.  The reunion tonight was filled with lots of hugs and kisses, a few presents, and lots of smiles from Dad as he caught up on what he had missed. 

I have not only a better understanding of the sheer work that single parents handle on their own but also a respect for the stamina they have to uphold to keep their lives on track.  I would say we "managed" around here, we did not thrive without Daddy but we did alright.  I didn't get to the deep down cleaning, I missed a garbage day, the van smells a bit off, Jazzy barely got walked.  I stayed up late EVERY night, thankful for just a few minutes to myself at the end of the tasks and tidying. The upside, I got into a great routine of laying out clothes, jackets, shoes, backpacks, notes, all the stuff that can send the morning out of whack in an instant.  The house was clean at the end of it all, the kids are happy, and I haven't lost my mind, I would say we are a success story.  The truth of the matter is that I have a village that always pitch in wherever they can.  My Mother-In-Law and Judy and Dad wound their way into my life over the last 2 weeks.  Elaine sent home supper one night.  Judy brought lasagna another night.  Elaine watched the kids so that I could do a whirlwind tidy one day and sneak in a photo shoot one beautiful Sunday afternoon, allowing me that few hours away from my kidlets to regroup and reboot.  Judy showed up on my doorstep one evening, prepared to do bedtimes so that I could run and take Jaz for a walk.  Elaine came to keep me company on Wednesday, bathing them so that I could organize the garbage and recycling for the next morning.  She also took one look at my elements and proceeded to dismantle my stovetop and scrub and polish the thing until it shines like I shouldn't use it again.  Dad called to announce a McDonalds delivery for the kids one evening and last night when I got home at the end of my open house evening at school, Judy was seated in a freshly cleaned and tidied house.  I found out later that she had also resocked our kids shampoo that she must have noticed we were out of.  And of course, my katie, called and visited whenever she could and I voiced the days frustrations on her more than a few times.  I used to think it was a sign of defeat to accept help, and then I heard this woman speak at a fashion show in Lee River this summer.  She was a cancer survivor and explained the help that her friends had provided to her during her battle.  It was their gift, the one thing they could offer, their time and their efforts.  By not accepting their help or by saying , like we often do, "I'm Ok, I can handle it."  or "Don't worry, I'll be fine", we are actually denying their gift.  It struck me at the time and it resonated with me this week.  I put aside my pride, I let them in, I wasn't offended and I was more than a little grateful.  Their gifts of food, time, pick-ups, and clean ups made these past 2 weeks bearable and at most times completely manageable.  To my village, thank you for all you did. 

How can you say no?

When I show you these pictures, you will know exactly why I am choosing to put out a little plug for these folks. 

 

These are the same breeders that we bought our Jasper from 8 summers ago.  I knew both John and Carolynne at the time as fellow teachers and have come to know them very closely as Jazzy's grandparents.  She spends at least a week with them every summer when our vacation plans are not so dog-friendly.  I adore them and I adore the puppies they keep breeding.  These are pure bred labs, English descent, so a bit of a smaller lab.  Our Jazzy weighs 56 pounds, which suits us just fine.  This summer, out of sheer luck or sheer craziness, all the litters ended up huge and there are a number of these darlings looking for homes.  There usual lengthy list of prospective families has been filled and a few sweeties still remain.  I almost left with one myself, I think hubby might have packed his bags at that point.  If you or someone you know is in the market, drop me a line and I'll give you the info.  I promise that these people are the real deal, no puppy mills here, they send a birthday card to our Jazzy every year! 

My Clear Lake

This past week marked the very first Kaatz vacation without the anticipation of a newborn on the way and without the added stress that travelling with a newborn brings.  It was our first holiday as a family, a complete family, without bottles and formula, without morning sickness and night feeds.  It was glorious.   I think this is what people meant when they said it is great to be done bearing children so that life could begin.  Indeed, it has begun for us.

We spent a week in a place that I would say without hesitation is one of my favorite places on the planet.  The town of Clear Lake holds many memories for me, it has literally seen me grow up.  My mom used to rent a cabin there over summer holidays when we were little tikes with my aunt and cousin.  The daddy’s would drive up on weekends to meet us and see what damage had been done in the stores along the strip.  Chad proposed to me there, 10 years ago almost to the day.   We spent a few weekends there with Mom and Dad along with our baby puppy, mom made the BEST blueberry pancakes in a dumpy little cottage rental.  While pregnant with Ty and again with Mags, we attended weddings in the park for two of Chad’s best buddies.  I watched him cycle up to the bandstand on one of those funky bike rentals before we spent the night dancing away at Danceland and then again at Elkhorn.  Clear Lake has fond memories to say the least.  This week only added to those memories. 

We stayed at a clean and tidy little rental in the Thunderbird Bungalows, an absolutely perfect place for our little family with Bob, our helpful and super friendly host.  Every day was an absolute adventure from morning till night.  We hiked and took in the buffalo range.  We participated in the scavenger hunt in the park and won second place, never knew my Ty was so competitive.  We meandered between the sand scultpure participants and cheered on the pedal boat racers.  We ate ice cream whenever we could and let go of stringent bedtimes.  We visited the pool and although, I was envious of the mothers able to read books and tan their backsides on a lounger, we immersed ourselves in playtime poolside.  The kids perfected their swimming and Miss Mags got a chance at no life jacket swimming.  She would rather sink like a stone than get help from me but her tenacity really paid off.  We got a taste for geocaching and collected some junk, literally garbage, not sure if geocaching is for me?  They took part in the interpretive theater in the museum and were the stars of the street dance on Friday night.  We sat street side for the kiddie parade and know that next year our kids will bring also dress up their wheels, costumes are already in the works. 

If you have never visited Clear Lake, it is quaint and magical.  I ADORE IT!  I love that you can bike anywhere in 1.5 minutes.  I love that flip flops and sundresses are dress code anytime anywhere.  I love that our cabin was a quick stumble to quite possibly the world’s best bakery, The WhiteHouse. Their cinnamon buns are to die for and they are fresh every 10 minutes or so due to the line that forms out the door for them.  I love that I can run along the lake while watching the sunset and then stop to shop in the local merchants until the last customer stops in, whenever that may be.  It’s my dream, a long run and then a good shop at From the Earth Jewelery, where I always find something from that sweet and always smiling lady.  Despite it being summer, beautiful weather, August Long, Wasagaming Weekend, it never feels overpopulated like other national parks.   We managed a reservation at TR McCoy’s, the most fabulous Italian restaurant in town, even the kiddies got a taste for their calamari.  It sits right beside my other favorite store, The Park Bench, where men are often found sitting on the porch waiting while their wives rack up the sales. 

The week was all about enjoying the kids and that much we did.  In case you’re wondering, we also saw a healthy dose of sibling squabbles, temper tantrums, and early mornings, but those things seemed fewer and farther between than at home or maybe a glass of wine on a shady deck is the cure for those frustrations.  We’ve booked for next year already and hope that this little town becomes a BIG part of our family tradition. 

Moving On:)

The time has come to move on...funny how this is the final chapter of what might have been the BIGGEST chapter of in the story of my life. 

The story that I re-wrote when I broke my own rules, the rules of 'others' and opened the store with Brandi. 

Opening the store was a life creating moment - much like having children:)  I will be forever thankful to the friends I made through the store and this blog.  Looking back and reading some of the memories bring me to tears - Did I really blog about my water breaking with Evy and did I really tell the world my husband lost his wedding ring at an Ozzy concert?  I have no doubt that the newest momma Katie will be amazing at helping others through the birth of babies and all the good stuff and excitement that comes.  She is a most welcomed addition!

Tonight, I am moving on.  I am concentrating my efforts and time (that precious commodity) on a new passion that connects with me and my current stage of life.  Balance.  This word means so much more than coaching or standing on one leg.  It is the fine harmony of sense of self and motherhood.  It is a combination of dream chasing and nuturing little beings.  It is putting myself first when needed and being okay with that. It is challenging myself to challenge others.  It is focused on BEing healthy, BEing fit, BEing a mom, BEing driven to success in a career, and BEing myself.

I have partnered with 2 other amazing women who believe in this cause and the beauty that comes from growing into our 30's by taking care of ourselves and commiting to balance and for that I am excited.  We launch our new blog/business this July so please check us out.

I will still be an avid reader becasue where would I be without YOU the readers - us mommas have to stick together:)  and maybe who knows, just maybe I will be welcomed back every now and then for an update post!

Until then, I hope I cross paths with each and every one of you - YOU have changes my life for the better!

Much Love,

Kathryn

So what? SoMed

I will be the first to admit that I live in a bubble:)  Sure -  I blog...I send email...I use outlook calendar to send appointments to my husbands iphone (even stuff like pick up dry-cleaning is an actually appointment - YES, he might no survivie without me:))...I go on FB (mainly to see what the rest of the world - aka my friends without blogs are doing)...I own a cellphone BUT it is rarely charged or with me.

Last week I heard of soMED (social media and don't be embarassed if you too didn't know this term either) and mashable for the very first time.  I am taking a very cool cyber course (EB4W - Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Women) and would definately recomend it to anyone that it might apply.  It has confirmed that although I once came from a field of technology and although I think I am hip to the teens of today - I AM NOT - I am a social media and technology dinosaur.

Well, this bubble that I live in is about to pop - NOW!  Let's face it  - FB might be the best way for me to keep up my kids lives as they grow (sad yes, but true maybe), it is the vessel to a mega kick ass businees, and it is a way to connect with people and leave a footprint and impact on this world - ALL OF IT!

Check out this video:

This video floored me - I had no idea!  It has burst my bubble ten-fold.  What am I doing?   I am currently working on a new page/blog that will reflect my business and talk to my clients.  We are posting DAILY DOSE OF BALANCE TIPS that will change your life - people.  They are seriously changing mine:)  You can read them every day HERE or you can follow me on twitter (kathGompf).

Yes, I am up on twitter and I am keeping up with my tweets.  Tweets actually work awesome for me - I never can get the writing to the blog. I struggle with putting my thoughs on paper - that's why my blogs ramble and use hyphens as some new fancy form of punctuation but tweets have to be short and sweet (max 140 characters) so hurrah.

Twitter is described as a coctail party - it's social....and we all know I LOVE cocktail parties...so join and be my friend - KathGompf

Yes, so my bubble has burst and I have joined the masses (YES - masses - Did you watch the video? Facebook would be the 4th largest country based on population)

Come join me!

The scent of fresh

 
is so in the air.  I love waking up after a rocking rain storm and knowing that the world has been washed clean.  I had a great run this morning and I am powering through a whole list full of stuff that needs tending.

First though I have two pieces of good GREAT news.  Last Friday, just before happy hour, I got news from my Doc's office that my mammogram came back perfectly normal.  That was a HUGE relief for me.  My momma had breast cancer in her 40's so finding a lump and getting a mammogram within a week of detection made my head go a bit nuts!   Thankfully, I am ok and that is a reminder to treat this body with respect.

Second piece of good news... (insert drumroll) I BROUGHT GRAMPS HOME last Friday from the hospital.  It was a 6 week journey that was so exhausting for all of us, but especially Gramps.  When I finally wheeled him out of his room, there was a barrage of nurses waited to bid him farewell.  One in particular was so good to Papa, Shannon.  She came over, gave him a huge hug, kissed his cheek and told him not to come back. 

So, my long weekend was spent celebrating, getting Gramps settled, planting flowers and reconnecting with The Winos.  It was also a weekend for scrubbing and shopping and bike rides.  I am sooo excited to find an Avon lady so I can order what sounds like the best popsicle holders ever.  Thanks Shauna.

Today, like every other day in a parent's life will be full, however the highlight for me will be a visit with my pal Reg.  Today my friend celebrates her birthday.  Reg, you are the baddest ass nurse I know.  You are a woman who leaves a path wherever you go.  24 years of friendship.  You helped me so much while Papa was sick.  You were my medical dictionary, my sounding board and my counsel.  I cannot thank you enough for all of your support but more importantly your friendship.  Cheers Reggie.

Shout Outs

 
Ok, we all know fabulous people and businesses that make us smile, happy or just make our lives better.  So in today's post, I am giving shout outs to fabulous people/businesses who are really making a difference.

1.  I have ordered my boys' birthday cakes for the past few years from a St. James single mom who is trying to put herself through nursing school.  She is amazing and her talent is crazy.  Here's her flickr site with photos of some of what she has done.  In my opinion, she doesn't charge enough - her cakes are super reasonable.  Check her out.  You can also reach Karen by email at [email protected].

2.  Our good blog friend, Mara and her mom, are working hard to raise money in efforts to help someone they love battle breast cancer.  How?  Mara's momma is crocheting the most adorable hats.  They are $10 each and are available in girls with a flower or in boys in a camo print.  If you'd like to join us mommas and help these fabulous women to raise funds for their friend Filo.  Let us or Mara know.

3.  My last shout out is for a new bakery that has opened on Roblin Blvd. in Charleswood.  It's a sister (brother) store to Oma's bakery from Henderson Hwy.  ONLY this one is 100% GLUTEN FREE!  Imperial cookies, cakes, brownies etc!  GLUTEN FREE.  So many people now adays know someone who is dealing with gluten intolerances of one kind of another, send them to Opa's.

Tuesday.  Horray. 

Your Daily Dose of Balance

Live a Balanced Life is still a work in progress but we just can't keep these tips to ourselves anymore - they are changing perspectives, health, habits, and bodies in women who our taking our course and they are changing us too.

The reality is that too often women let themselves go.  We become wives and mothers and begin to put ourselves on the back burner of our life!  This means putting on a few pounds, exercising a bit less, becoming 'frumpy' (I hate that word and yet somedays that is exactly how I feel), giving up things we love because of guilt and time.  Slowly, we become resentful, stuck, empty, and crabby and we begin to wonder if the pot will ever sparkle again.

The truth is that you can have it all!  You can be first and still be an awesome mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.  We can show you how....

Live a Balanced Life is powered by real women and moms who are doing it right now.  They will give you the tools to get off the back burner of life and start to sparkle again. These experts can 'un-frump' you with holistic nutrition tips and physical training programs that are realistic, energizing and hold you accountable.  They will walk you and help you through the guilt, the bad habits, the empty slump and teach you how you can become first again and why that is mandatory for your family and your future.

Stop waiting and feeling overwhelmed – join us and partner up now with women who have done it and can show you how!

What can you do?

1.  Visit our site daily for you daily dose of balance! Subscribe to our blog to get real-time info.

2.  Subscribe for our newsletter!  Encourage a friend to do so....when we reach 1000 subscribers we will draw for a free space in each of our 3 upcoming sessions.

3.  Follow us on twitter - see what we are up to and how we are putting balance into action in our own lives (kathgompf, wendynovotny, nutritionnat)

4.  Jump in - take a course - find that sparkle again!

How was your day?

I have to say, blogs are pretty cool for planting ideas on how sharing your visions.  My mom's day was probably THE best ever.  Just before I hopped into bed, I opened my email and found this from my MIL. The perfect end to a perfect day.  So cute. 

How did you relax???