You Get What You Give...

Pardon my rant for just a moment...just humor me ok? There is a person in my life (who shall remain nameless) that has been known to treat me...what's the right word?...like a crap bag. I do not understand for the life of me how this person can treat me, or anyone for that matter, like they are nothing. And me, being the person that I am, always forgive the aforementioned individual and remember that there is a good person deep down....somewhere. In the past couple of weeks, I have realized that it is not fair for me to keep putting myself through such a roller coaster. This person will never change and will never learn from these mistakes even after they have been caught in their lies. Karma is a beautiful thing my friends.

Itchy and Scratchy!

Throughout my life I have periodically gotten hives creeping up my neck and face, but normally only when I am upset or nervous about something. In the past month or so, I have gotten them on a very regular basis and sometimes for no reason at all! It is almost embarrassing when I unknowingly start scratching my neck only to have a co-worker tell me how red my neck is. This only embarrasses me more which makes my face grow a deeper shade of crimson. I am not sure what is the cause of this culprit, but until then...don't be surprised if you see red blotches all over me.

Many Mighty Miracles

I can't believe how quickly the last two years has gone by. This past week, I realized that it has been two years since the infamous car accident. In some ways it feels much more than that, but it is also very hard to believe so much time has passed. So many blessings have come from that night with five wonderful people that I will forever be connected with from this amazing experience. We were truly protected that night and have been blessed immensely since. Our lives have all gone in very different directions in the past two years but I am very grateful for all of them and this miracle that we all share.

A Tribute to Grandpa Karren

Keith Obray Karren

1926-2008


Over the past week I have been reflecting on my favorite memories of my sweet Grandpa Karren. He was one of the happiest people I have ever known. Always had a smile on his face. He was so curious about the world and loved to learn. He loved being surrounded by his family. I may not have been lucky enough to grow up with him, but he never treated me any different than the rest of his grandkids. He loved my Grandma and they were such a great example to all of us. I loved when he would open a present. He would immediately have to put it together, or read through it or figure it out. He would always say, "Look at that!" I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to know him over the past 5 years and am very blessed by all the things that I learned from him and his life. He will be missed by his family and all that knew him.

Hollywood in KC??

I got a phone call today from Quinci telling me to look at a website. This wouldn't be an abnormal request since we are pretty random most of the time. Anyways, she wanted me to look at the website for the Celebrity Basketball game that was going on downtown tonight. Don't worry, we totally went. I could lie to you and say that I wasn't completely excited, but I totally was. Don't judge me! The celebrities that were there that are worth mentioning are Dean Cain, Stephen Colletti, Brody Jenner and James Lafferty. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves! Quinci and I felt like teenage girls again...that's ok though, right? Don't be too jealous, ladies!

Dean Cain AKA Superman

Stephen Colletti from Laguna Beach and One Tree Hill

James Lafferty AKA Nathan Scott from One Tree Hill

Brody Jenner from The Hills

I have no words...

I thought tonight was going to be just another night at the Menssen's...but alas...I was sadly mistaken. It all started on the way to our typical Friday night snarf fest (AKA Jose Pepper's.) Anywhoo...there we were, singing a little off-pitch Carrie Underwood (ok, a lot off-pitch) when out of nowhere, I hear Quinci yell, "What did I just hit?!" We clearly couldn't stop (because of the aforementioned snarf fest) so waited till we got to our destination to check out the situation. Low and behold...we were caught right in the middle of a murder.
Bird murder.
Vehicular birdslaughter of the worst kind.
All in the name of yummy Mexican goodness.
After we screamed like the adults that we are...ahem...we proceeded to throw up in our mouths (just a little...) and then we continued to solve the murder mystery, that actually wasn't a mystery at all. Here is the crimescene photo:

Poor little guy didn't even have a chance to make a getaway from the reckless driver that is Quinci. We then had a small, private ceremony and yet oh so...not...due to the fact that we were surrounded by cars...anyways...here is the eulogy given by Quinci and myself in a British accent of course.

He was a good bird.

Everyone liked him.

The end.

Rest in peace our little feathered friend.

We won't soon forget you and your fowlish ways.

The real the end.

This is how we chose to mourn the loss of our fallen friend. Rather than focusing on his untimely grill-meets-bird death, we decided to celebrate his life. He would have wanted it that way. So enjoy this celebration of life because we sure did...

I'm an aunt...again!

Noah Riley Dinning decided to grace us with his presence a little earlier than expected! He was born June 16th at 8:00 pm. He is a tiny little guy! Only 5 pounds 10 ounces and 18 inches long. I was able to go up to St. Joe after work tonight to see him and I must say...he is adorable! He kept scrunching his little forehead and would keep one leg stretched out at all times. Following in our family tradition...Jaxon pretty much wants nothing to do with his new baby brother. He kept saying that Noah was going to live at Nana's house. It should be interesting to see how this one pans out!

Cabo a Go-Go

So we are having a little competition at work...ok...more than a little competition. Grantham is sending 18 employees and a guest to Cabo San Lucas for a week in November. The results came in for the first week of the competition and yours truly is in the running! Not going to lie...spending a week surrounded by gorgeous beaches, palm trees, and sunshine sounds much better than working in cold Kansas City. Not only is Grantham sending the winners to Cabo...they are paying for everything and giving them $100 spending money plus still getting paid for that week. Can't go wrong! I don't really want to jinx myself or anything but was just kind of excited that I was even close to being considered! You all had better be nice to me...I might have a plane ticket with your name on it! I might have a little competition of my own.... :)

Daddy's Girl

4 years ago...

I never thought I would be surrounded by a room full of strangers that knew me 18 years ago. I had no idea who anyone was or how they were related to me, but somehow I felt at home. I grew up always wondering where I came from. Where I got my blonde hair. My freckles. My height. My chicken legs. I never felt like I would ever completely know who I was until this moment. The moment when my best friend and I knocked on my long lost uncle's door.

"I think I am your niece."

Tears. Hugs. Questions.

"You won't believe this, but your Dad is on his way over here right now."

A whirlwind of emotions. Could I really do this? Could I meet my Dad?

"Rick, I'd like you to meet your daughter."

That one sentence forever changed my life. It simplified things and complicated them all at the same time. I was finally complete. In that instance, I became a daughter, a step-daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, a cousin, a niece. I know that four years doesn't amount to a lifetime, but it has meant the world to me. I can't imagine my life without these people in it. I'll never forget that day but especially what my step-mom said to me as Kensey and I were leaving. "Sweetheart, you just made your dad's life."

This may seem kind of random, but I often find myself thinking about this moment and trying my hardest to never forget how I felt. With one knee-knocking, heart-pounding, nerve-wrecking knock on the door, so many lives were changed. I am so grateful for my Dad and the love he has so freely given to me...not only in the past 4 years but throughout my entire life. Even if I wasn't able to reciprocate that love until 4 years ago.

Call me Martha Stewart!

So I have finally gotten the rest of my furniture and decorated my house the way I want it! It has only taken me 3 months...better late than never! Last weekend, Julie came over and helped me arrange the furniture and make this stunning flower arrangement! (FYI: Julie is a closet Martha Stewart too.) Here is also a picture of my newest furniture from NFM. Now I just need to find something to hang in my eating area and I'll be set! Oh and P.S. They accidentally delivered the wrong color of chair, so please don't judge me...just sayin'.

The Latest!

I know that I have been terrible about updating this...I wish I could say that there is nothing to update you all on, but life has been crazy the past couple of weeks! Here are some highlights...

I am FINALLY done with training at Grantham...seven weeks later! I am loving being out on the sales floor and am excited for what lies ahead. Not to mention I am grateful for the new (and stinking hilarious) friends that I have made thus far!

After four glorious years, I am selling my Honda CRV. It has been a good car for me, with many fun experiences. I am buying Quinci's 2001 Honda Accord (of course, it's a Honda!) It's so stinking cute...silver, 2 door, sunroof, leather interior...can't wait!

I am still getting ready to run the 5K in the fall. I never thought I would actually like to run, but I have gotten to the point where I feel weird if I haven't run for the day. Not a bad addiction to have, huh?

I think that's a good enough update for now...

We are the Champions!!!

I never thought this day would actually come! I always hoped for it, but could never fully imagine how wonderful it would feel to see my Jayhawks win the NCAA national championship. Year after year, whilst filling out my bracket, I always get ridiculed for putting Kansas all the way through. This year was no different. But I had faith in my team! Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

Rock...Chalk...Jayhawk...K-U!!

Ok so I was officially nervous during the KU-UNC game! I thought we had it in the bag pretty early on, but UNC gave us a run for our money! But alas, good old Roy was not victorious! I am pretty stinking excited for Monday! Memphis who??

Random fun pictures!

Sick of the games...

When did everything get so dang complicated?? Remember the days when there were no ulterior motives? When there was no need to worry about someone misinterpreting what you do or say? I know this is making me sound much older than I am, but it's true nonetheless!! This week has been jam packed full of different instances when all of these things have happened, all with different people. Needless to say, this is what I want to do!! Ok...I'm done now.

All settled in...finally!

I am so excited to finally feel at home in my new surroundings. I just finished my second week of training at Grantham and am starting to feel confident in the things they are teaching me. I am absolutely loving my apartment and living on my own. It is nice not having to worry about anyone else for a change. The one thing I could do without is this crazy stalker cat in my complex. It scared me to death one day as I was walking up the stairs to my front door and then was waiting for me as I left. I thought it was a one-time occurrence, but the other night I was at the gym and it was staring at me through the window! It freaks me out so much! I'll keep you posted on any more crazy cat sightings...

Flip Flops in February???

Raise your hand if you're a fan of taking two week long vacations to multiple states...is your hand raised? Mine is!! After leaving Utah, I went to visit Sunny California for a few days. I was so excited to stay with Marci and spend some time with her and Jake. Here are some of the Yay moments from my California Adventure:

• Pedicures with Marce
• Playing PlayStation with Jake
• My first experience at Laguna Beach
• The G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S weather
• Two words: Sushi :)
• Double date with Chris and Marci & Garett
• Jake's first baseball game
• Attempting to venture out on my own without getting lost
• Sunday afternoon nap...haha that one is just for Garett!

Here are some picture highlights...

Marci surprised me with such a sweet birthday present. We were at Laguna Beach and she asked me if I remembered how we met. I told her that I did (We met at Girls Camp... we made bracelets together and decided to sell them on streets of SanFran). She then pulled out two matching bracelets to take the place of our original ones. Such an amazing friend!

Huge Honkin' Ride!!

So I rented a car while I was in Utah...it was supposed to be a Chevy Cobalt-ish, but low and behold, this is what I was blessed enough to drive for a week! Jess and I dubbed it the Huge Honkin' Ride...or the Hunky Hot Rod...take your pick.

While I was in Utah, I was able to go out to dinner with a few of my most favorite people in the entire world. There is definitely never a dull moment when we are all together, and I am always so sad when we have to say goodbye. Gotta love our UCMT days...Um...what if??? :)

I couldn't post this without including this picture... definitely a person that I hope will be in my life for a very long time. David and I decided after meeting for the first time (and talking for over an hour in my office at UCMT) that we were soulmates. He is such an amazing person and I love him tons...who else would I drink a shot of wheatgrass with, try on a size 8x shirt, and go on Dr. Pepper runs with?? :)

A Much Needed Vacation...

I have been kind of bad about updating this, but it has been a crazy week! Last Thursday was my last day at the bank, I moved into my apartment in KC on Friday, had Jessica's going away party on Sunday, didn't sleep at all that night and then left at 4 am for our 16 hour drive to Utah! So I would say that I have an excuse for my slacking!

We did make it to Utah in one piece (and without falling asleep at the wheel!) We have been running around what feels like the entire state of Utah trying to get Jess all settled into her new home. It has been wonderful seeing my family and friends since being here. We were even able to con a former missionary from our branch to help us move some furniture! Bless his heart. Now that we have most of the moving stuff done, we can play for the next week till the next leg of my trip to California. Can't wait!

Hallelujah!!

So...guess what?? I got a job today! I have been interviewing with this place for the past few weeks...and actually thought my last panel interview went

H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E.

Apparently I was wrong, because I received a formal offer today. I will be Grantham University's newest Admissions Rep (I know, I know...Admissions, again?? What am I thinking?!) I can't believe how much of a blessing this will be...the money is great, benefits are great, location is great...everything is great! I am pretty much the happiest girl on the planet right now! I will be starting there the day after I get back from my Utah-California trip. HOLLA!!

Know Thou My Son...

Last night our branch had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Liberty Jail for FHE. I have obviously been many times, but am always so amazed at how strong the Spirit is in that building. During the tour, there is a part where section 122 of D&C is narrated over the speakers. It is such a powerful section of scripture, and I always close my eyes and can just feel Heavenly Father's love for us as I hear those words. "Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than He?" This has always been one of my favorite scriptures and one that has brought me much comfort during difficult times in my life. After our tour, we were able to have a little testimony meeting right in front of the jail. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such giants in the gospel! I know that my testimony was strengthened by those testimonies that were shared. I am always amazed by our little branch...and am so grateful for their examples and love for those around them! Just something I was thinking about a lot today...

Cute right?

So I went a little crazy...and bought some new bedding for my apartment! Oops. Oh well...I need it right? :) I will also probably end up getting this couch from NFM. Tell me what you think! I need your opinions!

Count Your Blessings...

I have been very aware lately of Heavenly Father's hand in my life. Everything has fallen into place for my big move to Kansas City...finding an apartment, tons of job interviews, getting the rest of my settlement money from the car accident (finally!) I am so grateful for all of the many blessings that I have been given and just wanted to make you all aware of that fact!

9 Days and counting...

I officially have 9 days left of work...then onto a much needed VACA!! I decided to make a little list of things I am excited about:

1. Moving into my own apartment
2. Not having to drive so far everywhere I go
3. Making the loooong drive to Utah with a crazy girl
4. Seeing my Utah fam
5. Utah Adventure #2 with Jess
6. Being in sunny California
7. Starting a new job
8. Buying new cute furniture

Yay for all of these things!! :) That is all...

Happy Birthday to me!

I am officially old! I turned 23 on Tuesday, so this past weekend Jessica arranged an amazing birthday celebration for me. We started out the day by going rockclimbing (one of my new favorite hobbies!) I can't say that I'm very good yet, but I love it nonetheless! After we went rockclimbing, we met 26 of our closest friends (yeah that's right!) at Stix for some delicious sushi! Our Hibachi chef was...interesting...to say the least. I am pretty sure my face was bright red the entire night. I love my friends and couldn't have asked for a better birthday!

I got sucked in!!

So I figured that I spend enough time looking at my friends' blogs, that I may as well cross over to the dark side! I'm not sure that my life is interesting enough to entertain anyone, but I'll give it a shot! Please be patient with me as I get everything organized ok? :)