Short and Sweet- My Class Reunion

The night before my 10 year class reunion, I was having nightmares that nobody I was excited to see showed up, only people I didn't like very much or had no interest in catching up with. The fake ones, the ones who were my friend up until graduation day and then that was it. But guess what. It was amazing! I felt so good walking into the room, loved my outfit, I had a smile on my face, took a deep breath, said "okay," and went down the last step. Instantly got hugs from former classmates. Between the hugging and looking over to see Tiffany, one of my closest friends throughout high school running over to me, I knew I was in for a great night. A lot of my night was spent hanging around with my normal group that I had back in the day and that was amazing, the last time I saw them was when Dan and Lacey got married.. That was a while ago, by the way! I loved dancing the night away with them, I left with a smile on my face because of moments like that. I also absolutely loved walking around and talking with people whom I rarely connected with in school, it was after graduation that we were Facebook friends. When I wasn't dancing, that's what i was doing and I loved it. I didn't want the night to end, but it did and I was back in Albertville by midnight. I've been talking about it and telling my friends about it all week and explaining to them how happy I am that I went, I'm so happy I danced, caught up, played in the photo booth and even met new friends. It was my favorite night that I've had in a while and I mean that. Like I said, short and sweet post tonight, but don't worry because I also learned that night that you guys actually enjoy reading this thing and I NEED to get better at this! That being said, I've got two more that I'm working on as you read this. Thank for you reading my random thoughts and terrible at times writing, I like to write how I speak, I think that makes it even more real than it actually is. Oh! here are a couple of pictures from that great night, Osseo, let's not make it another decade!

Osseo Kicks 2006!

If you had asked me 3 months ago if I'd be attending my 10 year (HOW!?) High School reunion, chances are I would have said "no". No, I didn't really have a bad experience in school, most of that happened in Jr. High. I had two guys pretend to have a crush on me because it's funny to play a joke on the fat girl, and I had one REALLY mean girl named Kenosha, she went on to another school not even in by district and I'm not even sure she graduated. As for the mean boys, I remember one of them saying "who would want to wake up in the morning next to Katie Toupal?" Yeah. That hurt. No wonder I lack confidence in the dating department. One of them went on to Park Center, and the other left me alone, even when we had a class together. Back to my original point, I'm rambling. I would have said no just because I was extremely embarrassed by where my life was heading. I was unemployed pretty much, just serving lattes, living at home and extremely single; I got the invite a week after being fired! Well, one of those has changed and I'm damn proud and excited to talk about where I'm working. I've dreamt of working at this station since it launched. And I went through absolute hell to get here. But I did it! I'm still living at home, yes. That'll change with time and it's not like I want to, I have no financial choice. And my dating life? Well.. yeah. Single.. Perpetually and hopelessly devoted to a guy who could care less of my existence.. But that's okay, I'm independent and dating is absolutely exhausting, the right guy will come when we're both ready... Or some cheesy thing like that. A friend asked if I was bringing anyone, nope.. I got one ticket. "But Katie, who are you going to hang out with?" One thing I've always been proud of myself for is how I handle a social situation. Sometime back in 8th grade, I snapped and decided I wasn't going to be shy anymore. Awkward? Absolutely! But quiet? no. I had my go-to friends in high school and I'm so excited to see them and visit with them and their spouses but i also know that I'll be okay mingling and chatting with people whom maybe I never spoke to in school. It'll be fun! Here's A throwback Pic for ya! Another reason I can't wait is because I am NOT that girl anymore! That girl was eating fast food and sitting on the couch with ice cream every night and was left out on the field for mile run day! I'm proud of that. call me arrogant, that's fine. But I earned the right to be happy and proud of myself, right!? The big night is Saturday (post-Luke Bryan hangover will be in full effect!) Check back here for how an update sometime next week!

28, Feelin Great.

My Birthday was last week and I had what everyone should have, a Birthday weekend! I know you've all been sitting at the edge of your seat to hear all about it, so here you go! Two of my closest friends had a Birthday on Friday and I knew I'd want to celebrate with me, so we had our mutual friends over at My friend JT's house and had a barbecue with some drinks and a fire. Did I follow my diet that night? No! I ate really good for most of the day, ran 5 miles and then I allowed myself to eat whatever was at this gathering. Let me tell you, I'm still not to the point where I don't hate myself for indulging a little. I took one bite of our ice cream cake and instantly felt guilty and I continued to do so until the next day at the gym. It's okay that I splurged, I know that. I'm better today about it because I got right back to the foods that do my body good. I'm over it! Friday was a day of catching up with friends over lunch and coffee, one was Steph, I met her through the gym and she never fails to motivate me to keep going. We talked about how life has been going, how out fitness is going and yes, Our dogs. Love her! Another was my friend Jason, I met him about 10 years ago working at Caribou! No, he didn't work there, our friendship is a reminder of why you should always strike up a conversation with someone you don't know, it could turn into something great! Saturday was AMAZING! My wonderful friend, Amanda, got tickets to the Twins game from work and took me with her!

The game was on a rain delay, so we wandered around and along the halls there, they have names of the lakes on Minnesota, I had to stop and take a picture of the white bear lake name. I spent weekends there as a kid with my grandma and grandpa. My grandpa was my hero, he still is even though I don't get to call him or see him anymore.

After the game, we met up with ladies from the gym and they were determined to make sure I was happy and having fun. They succeeded. I'm so lucky to have met this group of girls, and to think, I never would have met any of them had I not started working out with our trainer. That's crazy to me! My birthday felt incomplete until I celebrated with them, it was a night that will forever put a smile on my face!

They aren't in that picture, but my friends Mike and Kallie came out with us, Kallie joined in on the fun to find me a "Tommy" (listen to Trisha yearwood to know what that means.) They didn't succeed, but they will, I'm pretty confident in that. I love you all, thank you for making it an Amazing weekend and thanks to everyone who reached out to wish me a happy birthday, I felt the love that day and that feeling is still around today!

What The Grey's!?

Tis the season of Shonda! Shonda Rhimes, that is!

If there's anyone who owns Thursday nights and cliffhangers, it's her and with it being finale week, who knows what she has up her sleeves. 

Tomorrow is the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy" and it's no stranger to having jaw dropping endings, and based on what cast members are saying, this one will be no exception. 

They're teasing it to be a bigger catastrophe than the death of McDreamy, Derek Shepard. How!!!? 

Since we're so close to the finale, here are my thoughts on a few situations. If you're not all caught up, stop reading! 

My favorites first. Jackson and April: get your shit together and be together!!! Their relationship has been a disaster, yes, but a beautiful one. They're best friends and they truly need each other. It's in the way they look at each other and talk about each other. My favorite moment, okay, my two favorites happened a few weeks ago when he was looking at their marriage documents and he went to april saying he was done fighting and that she was his favorite person, then she had him feel the baby kick. Classic Japril moment! My second favorite was last week, she was on the stairs and they were talking, he reached out to touch her belly and quickly pulled back. I cried like a baby! They need to be together. End of story. Come on, Shonda!Meredith: she only hooked up with Riggs to get back at Owen for his relationship with Amelia! Both Mer and Riggs have been super frustrated and haven't liked each other and some times, that's how we get over it. Hopefully it's just a fling... Please? I love the friendship she has with Dr. Karev, he's the only one allowed to put her in her place now that Yang and Derek are gone. Do I think she overreacted last week during her blow up with Amelia? A little. But there's usually more to the story and I'm sure we'll find it out later. I get it, everyone's life is coming together while hers is still in pieces. Why should she be happy? I wouldn't be!Jo and Karev: is she freaking crazy!!!? She said she couldn't marry him! Why!? I've been hoping for them to be married since she got into the picture. They're both dark and twisty, they're tough and came from a tough up bringing. They're perfect together! I'm sure things about Jo will be coming out, there has to be a method behind that madness. Right? What do you think? Another question, my mom is hoping for Karev and Meredith to come together. I'm slowly coming around to that, what do you think?Owen and Amelia: I can't stand Amelia. I don't understand why she's here and I especially don't get that relationship. Maybe it's because I loved Christina Yang, maybe it's because they're on again/off again is annoying or maybe I just don't like her. Maybe it's all of the above? Either way, not a fan and who knows if it's actually going to happen. Arizona and Callie: GOODBYE Penny!!! I hope she's gone to New York and never comes back. That whole story line to me was ridiculous. She was a constant reminder that Derek was gone. How could Callie love her? And she loved her enough to think about giving everything up! I've never been a fan of Arizona until this season. I've always thought she was whiny and gross, but in the courtroom episode aired, I, along with everyone there, quickly became a fan. I'm happy about the way things played out there, Callie had it coming. With the finale coming tomorrow, I'll wait a few days and then come right back here for a recap! I'll let the important blogs/magazines spoil everything first!

What I've Been Up To

First off, thanks to an Instagram follower for calling me out on being a terrible blogger and not updating for a while and asking for an update!

Secondly, I'm sorry! I've told you, I'm bad at this. I've gone around in circles daily wondering what to write about, and nothing made me so fired up that I had to write, so I didn't. I'm sorry!

Here's what I've been up to the last two weeks:

I started full time back at the coffee shop. 39 hours a week, 12-7:30 each day. I've had to re work my workout schedule, my eating schedule and say farewell to my social life, or so it feels. 

I could write about that or post here when I get home at night, but I want to walk my dog and eat before dark.. And then I fall asleep. Sorry! 

Something cool did happen there last week; a woman who I met at my original store came in and didn't recognize me. Once I started a conversation with her, she realized who I was. She said she didn't recognize me because I look so different than the last time she saw me. In the back of my mind, the whole time I've been losing weight, I always wanted that to happen. It sounds dumb, but that was a victory. That moment made the last few years worth it. It put a smile on my face that had been missing for months! 

The job front:

I posted that I want this mug on my first day at a new radio job. What I should have said was "once I get a new radio gig, I'm rewarding myself with this mug."

I've had a ton of interviews, reached

out to personal connections and sent hundreds of demos. I'm trying. Hard. 

I met with a local small station here a few weeks ago, it wasn't for a country spot, but it was mornings and it would hold me over until I found something. Had my heart set on that. My friend there called me today and apologetically said he couldn't take me on as a paid employee. They just don't have the money like he had hoped. I'm crushed. But I respect him for being honest with me and caring enough to call and keep me in the loop. He actually wants me to succeed. 

I also had an interview for a station in Wisconsin, it went good, the guy was great and super nice to me. He said he was impressed with my knowledge and passion for the industry. It's a top 40 station and mornings, nothing came of that interview, but I'm glad I talked to them strictly because of the nice things that guy had to say. 

In more positive news, I do have a contract somewhere. I've been in contact with this station pretty much since I was fired. I'm not going to announce where it is or my time slot until I find a place to live. I've been struggling and stressing about that and it's hard to get excited until that slightly important factor gets taken care of. Stay tuned. (What's the proper blog term for that?)

To all of my supporters and followers, hold tight, I'll be back in your radio/smart phone soon. Sooner rather than later. I promise. 

I've had people reach out to me on Twitter and Instagram asking when they can hear me again, you guys will never know how happy those messages have made me. They have made me miss country radio and the microphone more than I already did. I love you guys. 

I'm heading to Las Vegas this weekend to see my best friend, Leah. God, I miss her and I need her! Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @RadioKatie1 for our shenanigans, I cannot WAIT! 

Have a good week, and thank you

For calling me out on not posting ;). 

Dealing With Cravings And How I Resist

I asked and someone delivered! 

 I asked you to let me know what I should write about and someone listened! 

Rachel, she use to come into Caribou all the time and I became close to her and her daughter, Kelsey. She asked a question I get all the time! 

"I would love to know about how you work through days when eating healthy is tough for you. How did you cross that threshold? Any specific strategies that you use?"

That's a great one, considering the other night I had a dream that I was at a birthday party where I ate a half a pizza, two muffins, a cookie, a donut, a cupcake and ice cream all in about 30 minutes. I woke up pretty hungry! 

The truth is, I never get over those cravings, especially in hard times, but I never give in. 

Right. But how!? 

I think of how I use to be, how I ate, how I felt and how I looked or how about the fact that walking made it hard to breathe? What got me there? Giving in to those bad cravings to have a gallon or 5 of ice cream. I use to feel slow and greasy and sweaty all the time, I like how I feel now! And, I know that if I give in to a pile of cupcakes, I will hate myself for a long time afterwords. 

Oh, and I can hear my trainers voice in my head saying "so, how's that nutrition going for you?" (Thanks, Kirk, you're haunting me.) 

I'm not always perfect, either. I do allow myself a sensible cheat every now and then, but I don't do a cheat day... Usually it's a cheat item. My metabolism still isn't in a place where it's use to healthy eating, my body still holds onto a lot of crap if I allow it into my system.. So I choose to avoid it if possible. 

Another tip is to find substitutes! Here are some of my favorites:

-Frozen Blueberries! I CRAVE ice cream daily, hell, hourly. These are a great sweet tooth fix! One cup is 100 calories or less!

-Almond milk, one of my favorite cheat items is to heat up organic dark chocolate almond milk. Boom. Hot chocolate!

- Angie's boom chicka pop popcorn. It's gluten free and free of chemicals and such. I may be addicted to it, but a handful is more than satisfying. But, confession time, I'm not perfect and I have enjoyed a full bag in one sitting. Oops. 

 

-Almonds. Great for energy, buy the emeralds 100 calorie packs and keep them in your purse or desk. (NOT THE FLAVORED ONES!!!) 

-Sweet Potato.. Ever had a craving for a hamburger but don't want the carbs of the bun. Slice a sweet potato into thin, round pieces, roast them. Put your burger between two of those pieces. You're so very welcome ;). 

Another tip, load up on protein and healthy fats. Carbs make you crave things, protein fills you up! 

I also eat more smaller meals throughout the day, not three meals. That's a load of crap. If I only ate three times a day, not many people would like me. You'll be hungry less if you eat 6 smaller meals a day. Try eating a little something every two hours! And it's true, never skip breakfast!!!! I'm absolutely miserable if I don't eat before 9am!

I'm not an expert, I've gone through the lifestyle change and I know what it's like. I'm here to share with you what worked for me and that's all! 

Hope that answered your question, Rachel! 

I'm Really Bad At This!

A couple weeks ago, I made a promise to be better about writing here. Didn't take me long to break that, did it? 

I have a couple of reasons, but neither of them offer up a good, acceptable excuse. 

1. I don't want this to be a depressing place, I want you people to come here and leave smiling 90 percent of the time. And, the truth it, I'm very angry at how life has played out lately so a lot of my thoughts are angry and just stupid. 

I've never wanted to be one of those people who walk into a room and bring the mood down, I take pride in knowing I can make people laugh and smile, I love that. So if I feel like I'm going to be a downer, chances are, I'd rather just not say anything. 

2. I'll have an idea of something to write about and then by the time I get home, I've forgotten it. 

3. I'll have a thought but then I question whether or not anyone wants to hear about things like the job update, my favorite songs right now, finding the perfect trainer and whatever else flows through my mind. So I ask you, what do you want to hear about? Anything at all! Comment on this or tweet me @RadioKatie1 . I want this to be an interactive place! 

I'm working on a blog now that'll talk about my first few days back at my college job, no promises it'll be a happy post!