the Cleveland countdown...

as i prepare to graduate and begin a fresh chapter in my life, i am very aware of the tremendous impact that Cleveland--both its people and offerings--has had on my person. these past four years have been uniquely transformative and the beautiful people whom I have encountered have left an indelible imprint on my heart. for that, i am grateful. it is my intention to demonstrate my gratitude by highlighting 25 of my most memorable moments in Cleveland. without further adieu, i begin my tribute. i hope you enjoy!

iRun

please visit this event-specific blog (http://irunforjam.blogspot.com/) that i am literally building as i type, and click on the yellow-highlighted link at the bottom of the first post. you will find more information about a particular event in which i am currently invested.

if you can contribute to these worthy causes, great. if money is tight, no worries. please do all of my fellow runners and i a favor and pray for our health & safety on the morning/afternoon of sunday, may 15th.

in that same breath (they don't come as easily as they used to, after training for a half-marathon!), please send me an email with the name(s) of those for whom you would like me to RUN. i plan on running each mile for a different individual (i.e. child that i met in Jamaica, deceased loved ones, etc.). i would be more than happy to wear the name of your loved one literally on my sleeve, if you would like.

be healthy,
tk

thank goodness for tagless garments

#22 Eliminating those plastic thinga-ma-bobs that stem from your new shirt or pair of pants




This discarding process, which seems especially privy at this time of year, really shouldn't be as difficult as it oftentimes is. I think what makes it so challenging is the fact that after your intial clip or rip of the tag(s), sections of each tend to fall onto the floor or hide along the inside of your shirt or pants and thereby continue to harass you. For me, I just want to try on my new article of clothing without having to fidget with the annoying stickers, tags and plastic extensions that are poking at or itching me.

One of the craziest things about this nuisance (that I have experienced) is that if you happen to acquire a tagless garment, you begin thinking that an actual tag or plastic piece exists, and you start checking for it! It is like a disease that has taken over your mind! Oh, see here it is again. I'm shifting in my chair right now and trying to shake the itch free from my neck. It is like that feeling you get after you return from the hair salon or barber. So annoying...


Here's to fine fortune at finding your tags!

a message from our sponsor :)

selections for this special season

as our Christmas season continues, there are still more gifts to be opened. i have put together--what i believe to be--some of the best tunes of this season. click on each title, adjust your computer's volume and don't be ashamed to sing along...

*nsync's merry christmas, happy holidays
andrea bocelli's adestes fideles
jackie evancho's  o holy night*
michael buble's let it snow!
james taylor's santa claus is comin' to town
sarah mclaghlan's happy christmas (war is over)
glee cast's deck the rooftop
indiana university singing hoosiers peforming we need a little Christmas**

*she's 10 years old!
**i do not endorse the Walmart company; however, this commercial was too precious to let go!

continued Christmas peace,
tk

another ADVENTure is about to unfold...

so today i decided not to go to Mass for various reasons (one being that it took the patriots defense to the last minute of the 4th quarter to stop peyton manning and his high horses). ok that's no excuse, but i think it was a good decision on my part to stay home, especially since the initial shame & guilt that i felt for not attending Mass seemed juvenille and unjustified. to me, it is amazing what one can learn about oneself, if he or she takes the time to let those emotions completely unravel. i mean the interesting thing about it is that for the past 4-6 years, i have enjoyed daily/Sunday Mass wherever and with whomever i have celebrated with. i do not feel it is right to inflict punishment (i.e. "Okay, i'll pass on Mass tonight, but I must go to daily Mass all week!") on myself for s k i p p i n g  Mass. is there someone keeping score upstairs? even so, God invites us to his table in every decision and every encounter that we make. today, for one reason or another (they are all valid), i did not attend Mass and that just has to be okay with ME.

for Christ will continue to govern my life & be my king.

Jesus, remember me, when i meet you some day.

butterfinger

#23 Watching your ice cream scoop(s) fall to the ground...

This is one of those instances when you WISH you could--just this once--reverse time. This occurrence does not defy the laws of gravity nor does it make you the least bit happier, after you have just spent $4 dollars on a few good bites. No worries though, because...

the next scoop is on me :)