Out with the Old...

Got the idea from my cousin's blog about making a list of the best and worst of 2011, so here it is...

BEST:

- Fake Patty's as Alumni: Met up with college friends to spend the day in Aggieville... from sun-up to sun-down. As always we had a good time, made some new memories regarding old "friends" and made some new ones. Ohhh dear.

- Finished my first of of teaching: WOOHOO!! 1 year down... 39ish to go? Anyways, I completed my first year in Spearville as a fifth grade teacher. Also, started my second one.

- MEXICO!!: A trip with friends that was a long lists of firsts for me. First time out of the country, at the ocean, parasailing, eating octopus, and probably some others. This trip definitely put the love of traveling in me. When's the next one?!

- Warrior Dash: A year isn't complete without a near death experience. The Warrior Dash is mine. Who would have though this girl would run muddy paths, climb spider walls, do some other ungodly tasks, and finish it off through wading in a mud pit? Yep, I did it and ached for days after. We had fun though... the best part was taking pictures with our free gear. Be afraid, be very afraid.

- Sent my baby brother off to be a KSU WILDCAT!: Haha, I win. He may still be a Jayhawk fan or wear purple to the games he attends, but at least we all know which is the better school. This picture was taken the day he left for Manhattan.

- Assistant coached volleyball: Although stressful at times, this experience has been a lot of fun. Volleyball was something I loved in high school, and I was impressed with how much that I remembered. I was in charge of the JV team and when that season was over I ended it with the varsity girls. It was a great ride; ended up fourth in the state. Proud of these girls!

- Cousin's wedding: My closest cousin, Karlee, got married in October. It was a beautiful wedding and great to spend some time with family that I don't get to see very often.

- Best friend got engaged: Shortly after Karlee's wedding, Rachel got engaged to her (now) fiance Josh. Now for the fun part... wedding planning. My year will start off with traveling to Topeka with her mom to go dress shopping, can't wait!! I will be bringing the tissues.

- German Sparkle Party: This is by far the most AMAZING party I've ever been to! Dress in sparkles and go crazy is basically how it works. In an undisclosed location, underground bar, and underclothed people it was awesome to see a different lifestyle. I would totally go again. Here's a little peak at my outfit... if you ever need lime green furry leg warmers, just ask.

- 1st game as real Alumni: We've gone to games before, but this was the first time we hadn't sat in the student section. Although it rained the whole time, we still had fun and enjoyed watching our friends' Cyclones get defeated by our WILDCATS!

- Paint the Towne!: I have had my eyes on this painting class in Denver, but then I stumbled upon one in Wichita by accident! You choose the day by what painting you want to do, and they teach you how to do it. It's also BYOB, if you choose. I talked my dad into doing it with my on fleur-de-lis night... he's the best dad ever! :)

WORST:

- gained some unwanted weight

- bad relationships, yet again

- more stupid health problems
ALL OF THESES WILL BE FIXED IN THE NEW YEAR!!

So looking back on this year, I didn't realize it was so great until I made this list. The Good definitely outways the Bad. I am definitely blessed, and can't wait to see what all this next year has in store for me!!

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

'Til The Season to Decorate

The best thing about owning your home and Christmas is the decorating!! The last week was spent getting my living room all sparkly, matchy matchy, and semetrical. Finally, I think I got it all put together after a fight with the lights on the Christmas tree, the wreath hanger on the door, and the evenly space ribbons on the new Christmas window treatment I made.

Picture of the tree from last year... pretty much the same this year. Goes with the rest of my house :)

Favorite ornament from last year, the acorn

New ornament from this year, gold fleur-de-lis!

Full view with the TV stand

Happy dog, lit tree, and Chelsea Handler... 'tis the season.

Hours later over the course of two days it's nailed and wired up there. May have to stay there all year long, whoops!

Everything!

In Hobby Lobby I found my Christmas Swag.... Holla for the Holidays! Haha.

Cheers to Christmas Time,

Audra



Kids Say the Darndest Things

One of the favorite things about my job is the fact that you never know what could come out of a kid's mouth... or personal comic book.

Sounds like he has more of life figured out then most guys my age! :)

My favorite quote by a student would be when a student did not want to do his homework he informed me, "Usually men have to be married for this type of abuse!!" Like I said, you never know what may come next with ten year olds. I keep a quote book from the kids and I'm willing to bet that there will be many stories from my kiddos on here within the next year!

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

When Happiness Brings Love

On October 15th, I traveled to the Land of the Reeds for the wedding of my cousin, Karlee Gard... wait, now Kinsch! Karlee and I are only about eight months apart, and I quickly surpassed her in size. We were always confused with the wrong mothers, since I look exactly like my aunt and she has blonde hair like my mom. She was always much more girly than I with her makeup, shopping trips with Grandma Reed, and the famous pink cowboy boots, but somehow when we were younger we found so much in common and had a great time together. From sleepovers, dress-up trunks, a giant bathtub, and wrecking rootbeer floats with salt and pepper we never had a dull moment. Naturally we have grown into our own lives and see each other much less these days, but I know that she has found the one person that can make her happy for the rest of her life. Josh, God bless you as you deal with the Reed clan and someday have mini-Karlees running around your house!

During the reception!

Josh and Karlee with the gift that I had made for them. Framed mirror that says,
"Kinsch Family, Established 2011"

May you two have many years of happiness together! Hope to see you all again soon.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

The First List for 2012, no surprise here.

No surprise here, my first completed list for 2012 is my book list. I am an avid reader, as my overflowing bookshelf, Kindle, and extra boxes upstairs would show. However, I also have a case of "shiny syndrome." New books can make my day, especially if it's been a rough one. Another thing I tend to do is get stuck reading the same books, usually mystery/murder books. Therefore this year, I would like to read books from 15 different genres and work through many of those books on my shelf I just haven't gotten around to. So I've made a list of my different types of books, now five each (used to be 4)... this includes a series section so I think the list will be pushing 100 easily. It's going to be tough, but I'm going to do my darndest. Maybe I'll even try to squeeze in some others too.  See my book review site to see what I thought of the books when I'm done. If you haven't caught on, I have a nerdy side to me. :)

(The New) Variety Book Challenge 2012

Animals:
- Stay by Allie Larkin
- I’m Not the Biggest Bitch in this Relationship by Stephanie Klein
- The Purpose of Dogs by W. Bruce Cameron
- Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan
- Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe

Celebrities:
- High Voltage Tattoo by Kat VonD
- Confessions of a Guidette by Nicole Polizzi
- The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad
- Sliding Into Home by Kendra Wilkinson
- Elixir by Hilary Duff

Comedians:
- Life As I Blow It by Sarah Calonna
- Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings by Tyler Perry
- Seriously, I’m Kidding by Ellen Degeneres
- I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max
- Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey

Controversial:
- I am J by Cris Beam
- Unplanned  by Abby Johnson
- The Chose One by Carol Williams
- Tweak by Nic Sheff
- Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

Cultural:
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Sold by Patricia McCormick
- The Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
- A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Historical Fiction:
- True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy
- The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew
- Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
- One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus

Inspirational:
- 5 Love Languages, Singles Edition by Gary Chapman
- How Did My Life Become a Game of Twister? by Mary Pierce
- 20 Someone by Craig Dunham & Doug Serven
- Worn Out Woman by Dr. Steve Stephens & Alice Gray
- Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Living Life:
- Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti
- No Regrets by Sarah Ivens
- Life After College by Jenny Blake
- twentysomething by Margaret Feinberg
- Life is a Verb by Patti DIgh

Memoirs:
- Year of Yes by Maria Dahvana Headley
- Sickened by Julie Gregory
- License to Pawn by Rick Harrison
- Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak
- Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch

Overcoming Odds:
- The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
- Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
- A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
- Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten

Romance:
- There’s Cake in My Future by Kim Gruenenfelder
- Overkill by Linda Castillo
- Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
- PS I Love You by Cecila Ahern
- What Came First by Carol Snow

Science:
- The Secret Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- Forensics and Fiction by D.P. Lyle, M.D.
- Babies by Design by Ronald M. Green
- Bonk by Mary Roach
- Death’s Acre by William M. Bass

Self-Help:
- Single by Jody Ford
- Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti
- Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- Make Peace with Your Thighs by Dr. Linda Mintle
- On My Own Two Feet by Manisha Thakor

Series:
- Women’s Murder Club by James Patterson
- Chelsea Handler Comedy Books
- Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
- Kay Scarpettta Novels by Patricia Cornwell
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy by Stieg Larsson

Teaching:
- Choice Words by Peter H. Johnston
- Teaching with Love and Logic by Jim Fay & David Funk
- 32 Third Graders & One Class Bunny by Phillip Done
- 3 Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
- Freedom Writers by Erin Gruwell

Time/Realms:
- My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
- The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- 10 Best Days of My Life by Adena Halpern
- Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch
- Radiance by Alyson Noel

Cheers to Happiness (and Books!),
Audra

The Happiness Project and a Happy Weekend

So to start this one off... I have officially finished the book, the Happiness Project!

Of course the ending was just as great as the beginning, which had inspired me to make up my own project. (See my book review site: Reed's Reads, that I started this new year - yes I know I am a little behind) I am still compiling all my lists of what I would like to accomplish. I would go ahead and get started but the control freak in me has to start a year long project in January. (Resolution here maybe?!) I just can't wait to start some of her great ideas. Especially something as exciting of publishing your own book through lulu.com. Yes, the nerd in me will come out from time to time. :)

This weekend was a great moment of happiness for the Lady Lancers. I traveled along with the volleyball team to assistant coach in the SPIAA league tournament, and our girls took the 1st place banner home!

They have been so blessed with amazing talent!! Can't wait for sub-state and beyond...

Will keep you posted!

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra



The Little Things

Trying something new and changing things can bring happiness. Even something little as painting your nails. Little fresh paint goes a long way :)

Sew Psyched green with a micro French... mix it up! Try something you normally wouldn't.

three.six.five. beginnings

Who: Me, Audra Reed. I'm just an ordinary 23 year old who was born, raised, and still living in Kansas that wants to better myself and what I get out of this thing called life.

What: My three.six.five project is based off of Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project. She does intense research on what being "happy" is and how you can be a "happier." One of the realizations that Rubin had that inspired her own project was that "the days are long, but they years are short." I couldn't agree more, we are always saying how its been such a long day, but man has the month flown by. This just doesn't make any logical sense! So maybe focusing on the positive of each day and releasing the negative will make time balance. Through The Happiness Project Rubin sets goals for herself with Commandments and Resolutions, which will be talked about more in depth later. I am only 1/3 through the book and LOVING every minute of it. I highly suggest picking up a copy for yourself. I wish I could put all my quotes from her book that I love, but there's so many that I would probably get in some legal trouble for copying her book. So get it for yourself, or better yet borrow a copy!

When: I've already started the basic work with the things I will be focusing on and all of the lists. However, the actual process won't start until January 1st of 2012. Three.six.five. will last all year long, which will be one of the big challenges for me. I have a tendancy to start a project and not finish it, but I think I will find so much enjoyment in the project that it will be almost addicting! :) This project is like New Year's Resolutions gone wild.

Where: Mainly the events taking place in 2012 will obviously take place at my home, in Spearville, KS. Certain tasks will take me other places to find happiness with family, friends, and maybe even on my own. Where ever this project takes me, I will go as far as my resources are able to take me.

Why: It's not that I'm not happy with life, but I know I could be a happier person each and everyday. Sure I've had my struggles and dark days, especially in the last year, like everyone else. One of my key reasons for doing this project is to figure out what being "happy" actually means. To me "happy" is a relative term, because what makes me happy may not make the next person happy and vice versa. Also, sometimes the word happy can be turned around to make you unhappy. For example, next to "It's not you, it's me" or "You deserve better" the most annoy thing I've ever heard from a guy is "I just want you to be happy." Uh, excuse me? Who says I'm not happy? Once again, "happy" is relative. Another thing I always do is focus on making others happy more than myself. Reading this book has helped me to realize that this mindset is completely backwards. Making sure that you are happy, will actually make others around you happy in return. It's a win, win situation. Yes, I realize to some this may sound selfish and self-absorbing, but to me it's a chance to find myself and what I want out of life. I'm at a place in life that the road is endless, and need to chose a path. Focusing on the positives and letting go of all negatives that come may way should help me find my direction with ease.

How: The main way this process works is through the mastering of lists. I loooove lists, there's something about being able to check something off that I've completed that gives me a burst of happiness. I will even make lists a couple times or put things down I've already done so I have one more thing I can check off :) Anyways... the lists for three.six.five may include, but not limited to:

From Gretchen's Project

- 12 commandments: little tidbits to live each day

- 12 areas of life: each one is broken apart during one month for a special focus

- Secrets of Adulthood: Witty advice that should be common sense, but we sometimes make difficult for ourselves.

My Additions

- 2012 Bucket List: things I want to do THIS year... off course it will have a book list involved

- Life Bucket List: things I want to do before kicking the bucket.... or maybe before 30, we shall see.
Blog Extras
- Music Videos
- Lyrics
- Quotes
- Pictures
- Personal Stories
- and any other little thing that brings me happiness

I am super excited to see what this journey brings me, and how my happiness will make those around me happy too. I hope you join me for the ride, because I always would like input as to what I could do better and maybe you can join me in the challenge too.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra