I'm Over Here...

I needed a change, so I moved, kelliwgoesviral.blogspot.comkelliwgoesviral.blogspot.com  Same me, more emphasis on music and articles, but still lots of different things.

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You won't be sorry you did. Unless you hate music in which case we don't have that much in common anyway.

Spark

I wish I were a glow worm,
A glow worm's never glum,
'Cause how can you be
grumpy, when the sun shines
out your bum?

When I read that I smile. And then I imagine what people would look like if their bums were glowing and I giggle. I hope you smile!

And here is something to help you with that:



Cheers Theme Song

Much Love,
Kelli

Commitment

I am going to come out and say it: As a thirty year old single woman I am a bit of a commitment phobe. Although not when it comes to humans and dogs... Everything else though, that is open to discussion.

I have never been someone who knew exactly what they wanted to do. Too many things interested me, and the idea of working at one job for the rest of my life gives me hives.

This also explains why I haven't settled into this blog yet. I don't like to be tied down unless it is on a roller coaster, and then it is fine. I'm scared of heights you know. Therefore this blog has no difinitive theme. That would box me in, and I can't have that. Remember the hives?

Furthermore it is the reason I can't choose a favorite song, band, album, movie, or TV show. Too many good ones. So many more to come. Who wants to stay on just one? I can't even pick a favorite soda: Coke, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Sunkist, A&W Root Beer, Sprite, 7Up, Cherry Coke, Cherry Pepsi, Ginger Ale, even Fresca.... okay my family would probably tell you I do have a favorite, Cherry Coke. Maybe that was a bad example.

I know, favorite color. Don't have one. I love the rainbow. Now there are some I'm partial to such as red and green. And then yellow, blue, pink, and purple. And the shades in between. Especially if they're bright. Not neon, but bright, like Kelly Green.

What is the moral of this? Nothing. I just wanted to give you some insight into my brain, and why with me, change happens, often.



Move
by Mercy Me

Much Love,
Kelli

On A Sad Note

I haven't posted for a few days. On Thursday I found out my co-worker's, Lisa, husband was diagnosed with cancer. He has a 22 cm mass in his stomach and the cancer is wrapped around his gall bladder and pancreas. They aren't sure where it is coming from. He is only 46 years old. And they have a 12 and 1 year old together. Any prayers you might be able to spare them would be much appreciated.

Then on Saturday while celebrating a friend's birthday my mother texted me that my grandpa's wife passed away. (I would use the term step-grandmother, but it just sounds odd.) My heart breaks for my grandpa. My grandmother died one (1!) day before their 50th anniversary. And now his second wife has passed...

So, I will be on my way to the funeral, it takes place on Tuesday, but because the trip is eight hours we will be leaving tomorrow.

Hold the ones you love close!

Much Love,
Kelli

One Tree Hill

I started watching this show back in the fourth season because my baby sister started watching it and I wanted to see what she found so interesting.  Three episodes in and I was hooked.  So good, bad, or ever so soapy, I have happily watched for the last five years.

I thought I would take a moment and reflect on some of my favorites of this show:

Favorite Character: Haley. There are so many differences between this character and I, but so many things I see that we have in common. She is sweet, tenacious. fiercely loyal, and ever loving. She is played by the ever so cool, Bethany Joy Galeotti, and is one of the reasons I kept coming back year after year.  And on a vain note: love her hair.

Favorite Couple: Nathan & Haley. My romantic heart just adores this couple. They are probably the real reason I keep coming back season after season. They have been together since Season 1, and One Tree Hill would not be the same without them.  I was never about the Peyton-Lucas-Brooke triangle. I was all about this young love finding its way.

Favorite Season: The 3rd Season. With Haley and Nathan on the verge of divorce (she left him for the spot light), the shooting of beloved Uncle Keith, and the continued downward spiral of villain Dan this season brings out the best of the show.  Obviously my couple reconcile, but the heart of this show was displayed so well here. If you watch any season at all, watch this one.

A really great show.  And the video below encompasses what made it so wonderful. My favorite One Tree Hill Cast Video ever, and so perfectly in-tune to this moment.



All We Are
by OneRepublic

Much Love,
Kelli

The Moment of Nerd

I once read, "I do my best proofreading after I hit send." I thought... how do they know I do that?

And then I saw this on pinterest and I couldn't stop laughing:

(from Pinterest via Quickmeme)

And that was when I knew I was enjoying a moment of nerd.

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

I need structure and organization, otherwise I forget to do things, decide not to do them, or go off the rails. None of which are very helpful, so I create things for myself to keep me somewhat on track. I can be a rules breaker, usually my own rules...

So, I was in need of a new prayer journal since I had finished my Billy Graham one, and I found the one I had been using before. I read some journal entries that were dated about this time last year, and what I wanted to accomplish or have happen. I was humbled by how much I had received from that list.

So what I am thankful for this week?

1. My job. I enjoy, for the most part, the people I work with, and I most certainly enjoy my pay check. It has allowed me to get a new vehicle and buy little luxuries such as Justified Season 2... However, the reason I bring it up today is that they are changing my schedule from Monday through Friday to Tuesday through Saturday. Hopefully for a brief time, and by reminding myself I am thankful for the job I won't complain...too much.
2. Movies. How awesome are movies? Aren't you glad they were created? Sure some could have been left in the dust...I'm talking to you Vanilla Sky, but for the most part they are quite enjoyable. On Monday I saw Sherlock Holmes II with my sister Lora (which was awesome). And on Saturday I'm suppose to see Mission: Impossible IV. Very grateful for that.

 
3. Friends. Have I told you how awesome my friend Shas and her family are? No? I will dedicate a whole post to my beloved BFF, but the reason she is on here today is because last Saturday we got to spend the whole day together including New Years Eve. We haven't done that in a while, and it was marvelous. It was the best way to end 2011.

(This was us just after midnight)

I am really quite humbled by how blessed I am, and the blessings that are coming. I know I don't deserve them, but am truly grateful for all I receive. A big thanks to you.

I got a $10.00 gift certificate to Amazon to which I bought music. This is one of the songs I bought:

Say It Right

by: Nelly Furtado

Much Love,
Kelli

Resolutions?

Technically my resolutions should have taken place today, but since I had the day off and I still consider it the holiday it all starts tomorrow (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Which will be tough.  Trying to write about this subject and not seem preach-y is nearly impossible. The truth is I always start off with the best of intentions, and by about the second or third week in January have failed.

I did find though that once I changed the word 'resolution' to 'goal' it became easier to maintain. A goal is something to attain, and therefore once I've conquered it I feel better. Whereas to me a resolution means a complete life style change and that seems so enduringly long I usually don't stick with it.

Last year I made a goal of doing a prayer journal and getting my Twitter followers to 40. I have completed my prayer journal (I used a Billy Graham one), and I have read the entire New Testament (Part of the Journal).  Plus, I now have 61 Twitter followers.

So this year I have two new goals:

1. To get in the habit of working out for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night, except for Wednesday and Friday nights.
2. To start using an eye make up remover every time I wash my face. I'm in my thirties now, gotta make sure I take even more care of my skin.

And that's it. I might add, as I do, to the goal list, but I try to keep it more than one, and five or less. Too many and I freak out.

This song always puts me in a great mood, and fits with how excited I am for the new year.



The Finer Things
by: Steve Winwood

Much Love,
Kelli

PS: I adored the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Of course I liked the first one too...

Happy New Year!

"Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man." - Ben Franklin

I can't believe 2012 is here. I hope you all had a most wonderful New Years Eve and are enjoying the new year much like myself. Although I wish I had gotten ready to go to church... not a great way to start the year off spiritually. Still, I thank God for his blessings and His hand upon my life.  I would be no where without Him. His love saves me every day, and I am so glad that we have such a loving and wonderful Creator.

I have some people in my life that are going through some of the same struggles I did, and as I look back to see how I got through it all only one answer comes to mind: Jesus. I hate how sinful I am, how in the blink of an eye I can go from a spiritual high to a sinful low, but I am so very grateful I serve the God of Another Chance. I can't explain his love, but it is one I desperately need and couldn't be without.  I am whole because of Him.

I want to thank him publicly and hope all of you have a most wonderful and blessed 2012!

Much Love,
Kelli

2011 Reflections

What a year! I started off my year rather broke, and looking for some help. I ended it with me having a job with insurance, a new car, and paying my bills. It was what I had been hoping for this time last year.

So, I thought I would reflect on the big events for this year (mostly personal).

May - I got a new job. Scary, but good. I've enjoyed it so far, but it has certainly made me want to be corporate not work for corporate.

June - I turned 30. 30!

August - Shas gave birth to Baylor. Isn't he a cutie?

September - Lora left for Michigan.

November - Bought a new car! Very scary and exciting.

Of course my biggest challenge will be tonight as I struggle to stay awake until midnight.  Then again if it does become a family affair and we play Classic Rock Trivial prusuit it could become a blood bath. And one does not simply fall asleep during a blood bath.

I would like to say I'm kidding about the intesity at which my family plays a trivia game involving music, but I am not. You're welcome to come, but you're on your own and if you don't know, don't speak.

Okay, now that I've revealed that...

Have a happy and safe new year everyone!

Much Love,
Kelli

Melissa

A few months ago I posted about my sister, Lora, and now it is Melissa's turn. Melissa is my second  sister, and from the moment she was born I was in love with her.  She was so patient and very smart as I had to teach her everything I learned while in school.

(This is Melissa and Grandpa W.)

She left us after she graduated high school to the rocky mountains, and has stayed there since. Still as smart as ever. I still remember when I helped her move into her dorm room.  In Kansas we saw a dirt tornado that I have never seen duplicated.  Good memories.

Her love and passion for music is certainly something I share, but perhaps not our taste.  However, there are a few we do agree on: Placebo and Mumford and Sons. There might be more, but Melissa's a dancer and I have two left feet.

Her ability to calmly argue with anyone on anything is remarkable. She is always funny, and has a unique outlook on the world and the way it works.  But like her Twitter describes her, she is a slow driver, but her commentary while driving makes up for it.  You should hear it sometime.

Always an original, and following her path with Christ Melissa is unlike anyone I have ever met or known. I'm blessed to have her as my sister and I pray that her burdens be light.

So for a song she introduced me to:



The New Sound
by: The Capricorns

Much Love to Melissa,
From Kelli



Thankful Thursday

Did you have a wonderful Christmas? I did. I feel overwhelmingly blessed by it. My dad and I drove to Kansas on Christmas morning and then drove back on Monday getting back at about 8:00, as I had to work this week. However, hearing my grandpa say it was one of the best Christmas he has ever had was certainly worth it.

Which leads me to:

1. 3 Day Weekends. Aren't they wonderful? I start my new work schedule next week: Tuesday through Saturday, so I won't have many of them for the next few months, but I will so enjoy this one.
2. Family. Because they understand. In Kansas I got to see some cousins I haven't seen in years. We ended up discussing Grandma's food and all of us mentioned her Waldorf salad. (She always took the celery out for me.) And her friend chicken. It was so nice to talk with them and know they knew how awesome she was.
3. Presents. I love giving and receiving them, and I especially love when I get some extra cash that I can actually use to go shopping. Which I will be doing Saturday. Hopefully. Can't wait!

Oh, I'm also on Pinterest, if you want to find me: kelli_restored.

I so enjoy this song. My favorite line is "I've been 'Yes' and I've been 'Oh Hell No'" Cause I have:



Save Me San Francisco
by: Train

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

Goodness I forgot what working retail was like during the holiday season.  I think everyone who had an attitude decided to show up at my place of work yesterday.  Thankfully today I got to take the afternoon off, and stand in line with those people...  which makes me thankful for the following:

1. Christmas Season - It is my favorite time of year. Sure rude people, nasty drivers, large crowds, and crazy people do not deter my love of this season. They put a damper on it for the moment, but it is still a great time of  year.  Yes, I am that woman that sings Christmas tunes while shopping. Ducking down now.
2. Casual Day - Tomorrow I get to wear jeans. That makes everything better.
3. My Dog.  He's just so darn cute.

 

Tongue Tied

by Grouplove

Much Love,

Kelli

Thankful Thursday

I think this week has moved a little slow only because I've been anticipating breakfast and shopping with my mother on Saturday. However, since I love the Christmas season, and I have had such a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit lately I think it is good it is moving slow. I can enjoy it longer.

With that said....

1. Rain. It has rained this week. If you are not in Texas I'm sure you've heard of the drought we've been experiencing and the water restrictions. I'm very thankful for it. A nice slow, gentle rain, which will certainly help.
2. Christmas Parties. I love party food. It is that simple.
3. Style. According my sister Lora, I acquired some while she was gone. I resent that, as I've always had style, but if people think I'm looking good I'll take it.

A capture of the way I'm feeling:



We Need A Little Christmas
by: Johnny Mathis

Much Love,
Kelli

Relieved!

Yesterday I had been accused of being in a bad mood. I don't know that I was in a bad mood as much as I was in a quiet mood, but I was outnumbered in that assessment. (I really wasn't though!)

As timing would have it as I was driving home last night I heard Creed's "My Own Prison", which is one of the few songs of theirs I truly enjoy and still listen to.  I started singing the song out loud, thankfully alone. I still have some lingering cold and I sound more like a moose looking for a mate than a singer. Poor God. He had to hear that.

The lyrics to "My Own Prison" have always had an effect on me, and last night was no different. I was imagining the scene of someone who knew that their time was up and no amount of regret was going to change the situation. For a split second my heart was in my throat as I felt the fear of that day.

However, I know I will not have to ever bear witness to that scene, my peace came flooding back. Just then though my heart broke as I thought of those who have denied their Creator. I have several loved ones who don't accept Christ as their savior, and to know they face that...

And it isn't so much death either as knowing what they are missing out on now. Constant access to peace, love, strength, joy, compassion, healing, relief, hope, wisdom, and so much more.  While I was in my prayer time last night I had to take a moment and thank God for being God.

Where would I be without Jesus?  When I was in high school would I have taken my life because of the bullying?  Would I have gone into a tail spin when my beloved grandmother died and I was already feeling so lost? My answer would be I hope not, but I can tell you with all certainty that had it not been for Christ and His love for me I would be in a very different place than I am right now.

His overwhelming love for me, and his constant patience with me as a sinner is incomparable and unwavering. I pray for my loved ones to feel this, to know this for themselves. And I pray it for all of you.

The best part? It doesn't matter what religion you are, where you are, what you do, what you've done, or your political beliefs (that's a joke, but seriously...), all you have to do is accept Christ as your personal savior.

How easy is that? It is for everyone in the world, no matter of background. And you don't have to belong to organized religion at all.

Truly, praise Jesus!



My Own Prison
by Creed

*Feel free to discuss any of what I said with me in the comments.

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

A little late today, but I'm here.
Does anyone else watch Sons of Anarchy? Was that finale not phenomenal? My goodness!! Season 3's finale is still my favorite, but Season 4 just blew me away.
Okay, back to what I'm thankful for:

1. My ears. I've been sick this week, and have had a tough time breathing, and nothing makes appreciate the norm like not having it. However, when I got a little spastic about my car not recognizing the new song on my USB I realized  how thankful I am for my ears. And the Broadway channel on XM.
2. My parents. Awe... I know. Honestly though I really do have amazing parents. Still married, in love, driving each other nuts and giggling about it, loving me and my sisters beyond reason, and going out of their way to ensure a good life for us. I am more than blessed with these two.
   
   
   
   (Back Row R-L: Lora, Me, Dad, Mom  Front Row R-L: Melissa, Andi)
3. Jesus. Sometimes I get carried away with life. Sometimes I get caught up with the have nots, and hard pathway, and then I remember the joy that comes from knowing Christ. The peace, the love, the joy, the compassion, the grace, the healing, the help, the favor... and I remember why this man changed my life. And why I've dedicated my life to following him.

So what song was I having a cow about? It is a cover of "House of the Rising Sun", but the lyrics have been changed for Tara/Jax on Sons of Anarchy and done from Tara's point of view.  Just phenomenal, and I hope you take a listen:



House of the Rising Sun
by: The White Buffalo & The Forest Rangers

Much Love,
Kelli

We Interrupt This Posting....

So from Thursday to today (Monday) I have had no less than five major technological issues.

1. My phone on Wednesday night gave me the white screen of death. Dead it was. Sad, so very sad.
2. My laptop decided it didn't need to have a bright screen.
3. My camera hooked into my computer. My computer recognized my camera. However, it would not let me take any of my photos (which is why I still haven't posted any new hair pictures).
4. My new car doesn't recognize my new phone.
5. When I logged onto my computer at work today my mainframe was... something. Technical support had to un-install and then reinstall to get it to come back.

Perhaps #4 isn't a major one, but after everything it is a pain in the butt.

However, the following happened:

1. AT&T replaced my phone with a new one, same model.
2. Thanks to Google and Boards to get my screen back all I had to do was press the fn button and the arrow up button - to brighten. Much better.
3. I haven't tried the camera and computer together. One issue at a time.
4. My car still doesn't recognize my phone. Will probably have to employ the Google/Board combo again.
5. After 30 minutes this morning my computer is back to good.

So while there should be a nice post here of my long hair before and short hair after there isn't.  And due to those issues no pictures of the Pineapple Upside Down Mini Bundt Cakes. Oh well. Hopefully I'll get to bake some cookies this week.

Oh, new song I like:



Start A Fire
by Ryan Star

Much Love,
Kelli

Thankful Thursday

Thankful people are happier people, or so I am told.  The Bible certainly backs up this thought, so why not dedicate a day to being thankful. We could call it something like Thanksgiving...have it in November when the cold wind makes you hungry...

Perhaps that already is a national holiday, but being thankful at least once a week is not.  So, I am going to try every Thursday to post three things I am thankful for.

1. My new car. - The engine was about to drop out of my beloved mustang. Plus, I don't have much credit, so the fact I was able to get the exact vehicle I wanted is nothing short of God's grace and favor on me. I am most grateful.
2. My sister being home. - Lora surprised us on Thanksgiving by coming home. I've missed her.  I know there are opportunities for her to leave again, but I am thankful for the time she is home.
3. Not having to work this Friday. - I got to take the day off and still get paid for it. I don't think you can get much better than that in the working world.  So I plan to get my hair cut off (donating to locks of love), and making pineapple upside mini bundt cakes for my bff, Shas, for her birthday.

I will be posting pictures of both my new hair and recipe after Friday.  Until then I hope you find three things you are grateful for, and I hope it brings a smile to your face.

Good Life

by OneRepublic

Much Love,

Kelli

Sour Cream Cherry Streusel Pie

(Tastes & Looks Better than the picture!)

Adapted from Sugar Plum's Chocolate Chip Struesel Topped Cherry Sour Cream Pie

I changed a few things for convenience... and with it being a day before Thanksgiving some ingredients had already been taken from the shelves. However, it turned out beautifully and tasted wonderfully.  I made this for the office, but I will make it again soon, and this time I will use white chocolate chips as my family are not big chocolate fans.

Ingredients:

Pie:

1 Can of Cherry Pie Filling

1/2 Cup of Sour Cream

1 Pie Crust - you can make your own or buy it.

Streusel:

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into tiny pieces

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the cherry filling and sour cream. Should look neon pink. I really wish I had a picture of it.

Place pie crust into baking dish (if you actually made yours, well there are instructions for that).

Then pour the filling into the uncooked crust.

I baked mine for 15 minutes without the streusel because my oven is wacky and would have burned the streusel before even getting to the pie. (So in real oven terms you're looking at 20-25 minutes).

While the filling is baking put all of the streusel ingredients together. I ended up just cutting my butter with a knife into the topping and then with my hands combining it all together.

When the filling had baked I took it out and covered it in the streusel.  Then I put it all back into the oven and baked it for another 15 minutes (again, if you're oven is normal 20-25 minutes).

It really was delicious. I can't wait to make it again.

As for the song... I just couldn't resist:

Cherry Pie

by Warrant

Much Love,

Kelli

Busy Body

As some might have noticed I've been a little MIA lately.  I took an unannounced break from blogging while I focused on different perusals, like Pinterest. Ha! Except I have been on pinterest a little too much for saying I'm a casual visitor.

Blessings have been abounding in my life. I read posts from myself this time last year and to say that God has more than abundantly blessed me would be an understatement.  Just keep leaning on him if your season right now isn't exactly what you had hoped for.

To make this easy I've compiled a list of things that have changed:

1. I got a new car:
   

It was exactly what I wanted.

They even ended up having to give me a great amount on the trade-in of my much beloved yellow mustang.  The best part was I did it all by myself. No parents.

I really am starting my thirties out much more differently than I did my twenties, which I am more than grateful for. I know this is going to be a great decade for me. I can't wait to see what else happens.

As for other things... no... that might be about it actually... not to worry though I have lots of stuff coming up.  I've been baking up a storm, and on Friday I'm chopping off all my hair and donating it to Locks of Love.



In the meantime I have this gem:

Love & Memories
by: OAR

Much Love,
Kelli