Update 9/4/11

Another long period between posts I'm afraid! Things seem to get busier and busier as time goes on and we are now looking at Fall already (which I shall welcome with open arms).

We got moved into our new apartment, and Matt came to visit for a few weeks. We had a lot of fun and got to go to Disney, take him camping on the beach, and several other adventures. The time went way to quickly though!

In other news, I have been working on starting up my own cake business! This has happened over the course of several months! I have been making and decorating cakes for some time, but finally made the decision, or more likely... I finally LISTENED to all the people who have been telling me I should try it out. It has taken off faster than I could have ever imagined! I created a Facebook business page a mere 3 weeks ago, and I am already booked with cake orders every week in September, and already have a cake order for October and November! This is exciting because it is something I love to do and it help pay bills! :) SO, if you would like to check out my up and coming "business," check out my Facebook page, Treehouse Cakes by Kat to find more cakes like this one! Also, you should like my page because I have a lot of monthly contests, coupons and other fun events planned throughout the next year! My cakes are affordable, because they are donation based! I have my customers cover the costs of ingredients and make a donation that they can afford in addition! Custom cakes at custom prices ;) Because everyone deserves a special cake on their special day without the stress of a big price- tag!

That's pretty much all that is new with me! The school year has started so life will get a little more hectic as Josh enters his final stretch in grad-school at FSU! This is his next to last semester and he will be working on his dissertation, student teaching, and several pieces he has and will compose. Then next year I can officially say I date a doctor ;)

Last but certainly not least, I would just like to point out there are only 111 days until Christmas!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Update: Better Late Then Never?

I realized this morning just how long of a break I took from my blog! Sorry for the lack of posts - - life has been a little crazy lately. It's taken me a while to get back in the swing of things after grandpa's funeral. It helped that instead of coming straight home, we made a pit-stop in Texas on Mother's day to surprise Josh's mom and visit everyone. It was a lot of fun, and a good distraction. After that it was back to Tallahassee, work, and life in general. It's been a little over a month now, and it's getting easier. I only tear up when I drink orange juice, smell Listerine, eat sugar cookies, or think about it too much. Also when I have to watch Barney at work, but that is un-related, lol ;)

Speaking of distractions, a rather big one has come up. We are moving.... again. This time un-planned. Heather and I are moving into a 2-bedroom (we are currently in a 3-bedroom with a roommate); but we aren't going far. It's actually the same apartment complex, and the new one is just across the lake. Sadly though due to this being a last minute decision we are frantically trying to move and the apartment has become a sea of cardboard boxes. We sign the new lease tomorrow and hopefully will be getting the keys then or early next week. The official "moved in by date," is June 22nd. Then, on the 23rd Josh and I will be headed for Texas! A trip I am very excited for :) We are there about a week and then we hurry back so that I can be back to finish up the apartment in the way of paperwork, and so I can get ready for July 7th when my little brother arrives!

So as you can see, it's a busy month. Throw in doctor's appointments, my new work schedule, and *giant smile* my cake baking classes and we are already well into July. Though I guess we should finish this month first!

Until then...

Creatively yours,

Kat Callaway

Funeral

Hello all, I will be taking a break from blogging for a bit. Grandpa passed away on my birthday, April 28th, early in the morning. Heather, Josh & I will be driving to Kansas for a week or so for the funeral. Thank you for all the love and support during this very hard time.

- Kat

April: Sexual Assault Awareness/Prevention Month

Ok friends, tough subject time: Many of you may know that the entire month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I know that I don't bring this subject up often, and that I usually steer clear of bringing up extremely personal things in my blog - - but I feel like admitting that this cause hits close to home personally will express just how important this post, and your support, is to me.

With this in mind, I would like to dedicate this post to raising awareness and showing my continued support for RAINN. "The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotlines' free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual violence; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual violence, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice" (RAINN's mission statement taken from rainn.org).

April also happens to be my birthday month :) I would like to ask again this year that if you were thinking about getting me a gift, to instead make a donation to RAINN in honor of awareness month. It's pretty easy to do! Just go to http://www.rainn.org/ and follow the directions. Their goal this year is $50,000 and as of today they are only $9,707 away from it with a current total of $40,293.

You can also donate/show support by purchasing the RAINN Hope Necklace, new to the campaign this year. 80% of the profits will be donated back to the non-profit organization. I haven't purchased it yet as it is a little out of my price range, so I don't know what it looks like in person - but judging by the online pictures I think it is pretty cute! Plus, it is one more way to show your support!

Any donations are appreciated; but if you cannot afford to donate right now that is ok too. There are many ways to show support for the cause, the organization, and for the survivors :)

Love and as always creatively yours,

Kat

Quick Update 4/25/11

Hello all - - there haven't been many updates lately but hopefully soon. There seems to be a lot going on in life lately and I just haven't had the time to dedicate to a full post on Blogger. I have been catching up on 302 days of journal writing and brainstorming ideas for a project my sister, Josh and I plan to work on this summer. I have also been working on a more personal piece the last several weeks. A lot is changing with my grandparents - my grandfather especially - and I'm so far away I can't really help and feel kind of helpless in the matter. So one night when I couldn't sleep I found it helpful to start writing about him. Before I knew it I was filling page after page with stories about my 96-year old grandfather. I liked it so much I decided to continue it and see where it lead.

Work is still going good, the twins are getting taller - - meaning they are able to get into more mischief and keeping me on my toes. They are 1 and a half this month :)

Summer is just about here, which we are all ready for - - minus the over 90 degree weather. It will be a busy one this year. May will be fun with a 4-day vacation for Josh and I with my sister and roommate. Our destination is Disney and we get to eat in the Disney Castle (which we had to reserve over 4 months in advance). June will be busy with work and end with a trip to Dallas, Texas the last week or so to visit Josh's parents before he flies out to Prague where he will be for most of July (I've never been to Texas, so I'm pretty excited)! Then I will fly back and that same week (the beginning of July) my little brother will be flying into Tallahassee to stay with me for a few weeks. I can't wait to see him, I miss him a lot :)

So like I said, a busy, busy summer! I am also in the process of figuring out what I want to do school and career wise. A few things are changing right now (but for the better) so I am ironing out the fine details before I announce anything. I'm pretty excited though. I feel like the last year things have just started falling into place. A few bumps here and there, but nothing that I can't handle!

I hope everyone is doing good :) Until next time...

Creatively yours,

Kat

Busy Bees, Babies, and Birthdays... oh April - - wait what?

When exactly did April get here? o_O I realized this morning that it had, and that I turn 23 on the 28th of this month! It snuck up on me as last time I checked my birthday was still several months away, ahh! Time has been flying, and it seems like things have managed to get even busier over the last few weeks. My work hours increased a bit and I just found out that they may go up again majorly in a month or so (which is a good thing, I need the hours)! So I have been spending a lot of time with the twins, which honestly, I don't mind a bit. They are getting so big and at the age where they seem to have learned something new everyday. This morning for instance, we went on a walk to the park for a bit. We played for quite awhile, until Joey grabbed my hand and made the noise he makes when he wants to give you a kiss. I bent down to give him one and received a sloppy peck on the cheek followed by a finger point to the stroller and a very firm, "GO!" He then walked to the stroller and waited. When I plopped him down and fastened the buckle, he began to sing his own version of The Cat in the Hat Show theme song. "Here we go go go go, on an adventure, the thing-a-majigger is up and awayyyy," is generally how it goes. Though his version was goes a little something like this; "Go go go go go go ahhhhh laaaa laaaa enture aaaa hooo oooo aaaa go go go go go go!" Pretty darn cute :) The entire time they were both busting out the dance moves!

As far as writing goes, there has been a whole lot of ideas, but not much writing due to lack of time. Though I am about to begin a project with Josh and Heather! I don't have time to give that the post it deserves, so I will write more about that in the next post. It involves combining 3 creative venues and we are pretty excited about it!

More later, but for now, it's nap time in Twinville!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Warmer Weather, Dolphins, and Visitors!

Melissa and I shortly after picking her up from the airport!

Summer has definitely made its grand entrance the last weekend as the temperatures here have shot up into the 80's; proving once again that I am not quite yet used to the heat! Though we made the best of it by spending a great deal of the weekend at the beach. My friends Melissa and Kyle were visiting from Kansas so we headed down to St. George Island to cool off and have fun. It ended up being even more fun when Josh and I ventured way out into the deep blue sea (though it was more like he pushed me out on a pink inner-tube because a) I had twisted my ankle the night before jogging on the beach and was unable to swim long distances and b) I may still be irrationally afraid of sharks). We just kept going and going until he could barely touch and then floated for a bit. It was a beautiful view, but the best part was by far when we were surprised by some special guests; a group of dolphins! One swam right in front of us, maybe 10 yards away! It was an amazing experience (after Josh had assured me several times that they were not sharks and I was able to calm the inner 5-year old down). They swam around for a bit, slowly getting farther and farther away before we were no longer able to see them. We realized after turning around that several people on the shore had figured out what was going on as well as they were snapping pictures as quickly as possible. Sadly we didn't have a camera with us, but if I had to choose between being on the beach taking pictures of the dolphins far away, or being the 2 people swimming with the dolphins... I'd stick with what I got ;) It was such an amazing weekend and we all desperately needed the break!

Josh and I on the beach at St. George Island

Website Under Construction

As of next weekend my website (not to be confused with this blog - they are two different things) will officially be under construction! I bounced the idea around for a few months and finally decided why spend a great deal of time updating the old one when I could be utilizing that time to start a new and improved one? So grab your hardhats! To visit the old site visit: http://www.freewebs.com/katcallaway/

I hope to have the new site up and running in a month or so, just in time for summer conferences. Look back here for updates!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Two Best Friends, Seven Novels, One Goal: The Jane Austen Challenge

Recently, I introduced my best friend to the world of Jane Austen through the film Pride and Prejudice. Like most girls do, she quickly fell in love with Mr. Darcy! Soon, we couldn't get enough, which quickly led to the desire to watch another movie. The Jane Austen Book Club was up next; and we weren't disappointed. By the time the credits were scrolling up the screen, however, we craved more than just another film, which led us to a challenge and ultimately to the bookstore where we both purchased "The Complete Novels of Jane Austen." As you can see in the photo, it's far from a quick read! Though all seven novels are there, buried in the 1278 pages! Our goal is to read one novel a month, and then have an improv book discussion at a coffee shop to discuss what we thought.

I have only read a bit of Pride and Prejudice, but not enough to truly say I have experienced Jane's written work the way it should be appreciated! Thus the journey begins! I have always been told that to be a great writer, you must appreciate the greats. I feel like Jane Austen is a great start! I will post updates of my progress here, and if you feel like joining in on our literary journey please do!

Island Getaway Weekend

Island relaxation with my best friend made this weekend beyond perfect. We visited Pass-a-Grille Island to visit Uncle Clint and Aunt Marge. It was beautiful and the weather was amazing. Here are a few pictures, enjoy!

The "pink castle" on the island, which is actually a hotel.

Random photo of the island.

There were many sailboats out this weekend enjoying the warm weather.

Heather enjoying the view of the sunset at "The Hurricane."

The restaurant we ate dinner at Saturday night!

The sunset was breathtaking! Each night someone on the beach is selected to "ring in the sunset." This means they ring the bell as the sun sinks below the horizon and you can hear it throughout the island. It's a very beautiful tradition!

Uncle Clint enjoying some beach time!

Uncle Clint's backyard!

Best friends :)

SCBWI Florida Chapter!

Thank you to my tax refund I was finally able to update all my accounts including my SCBWI membership! Back on track and officially a Florida Chapter member! Up next? June conference in Orlando at Disney World, yes please! :)

Creatively yours,

Kat

S'more Updates!

I am happy to report that there were bathrooms in the wilderness ;) St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was where we pitched our tent, rather than St. George Island (I got the locations mixed up in my last post). As it turns out, our location has been voted the #1 beach in the USA for the last 2-years! It was absolutely beautiful and perfect for a spring break getaway. I ate my weight in s'mores and would be perfectly content to never see another hot dog as long as I live!

Now however it is back to work, writing, and a mandatory trip to the laundry-mat as everything I own has a rather pungent memory of the campfire we spent the weekend huddled around!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Spring Break and Camping

Spring break has finally arrived and Josh and I are headed out near St. George Island with a few of his friends to camp on the beach! It should be a lot of fun, though I haven't been camping since I was 12 and therefore have the slightest idea about what to pack. Furthermore, I have very important questions, like is there a bathroom in the wilderness? And, should I bring my hair dryer? Yes, I am clueless... but excited! Stories later I am sure!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Goldfish Sparks Book Idea

Dino, my goldfish that Josh won for me at the fair several months ago, has inspired a new book idea! I don't want to write about too much as it is a very fresh idea and I want to focus on it and mold it into a better story before revealing it. Though I will say that it is inspired by the question, "What do goldfish do?" I know this is incredibly vague but I am very excited about it and had to post something! Look back here later for more updates on this!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Valentine's Day in Tallahassee

Click here to listen to the song that played when she walked in!

We are celebrating my first Valentines Day in Tallahassee. My best friend and I started it out with a bang by surprising our roommate with the ultimate Valentine. Guran works as a waitress which often means late hours and crappy shifts. Not only did she have to work the night shift the night before Valentine's Day, she also had to work on the holiday as well. So the night before while she was at work we covered the living room in everything pink we could find! Shades of pink and red splattered the walls in form of hearts, streamers outstretched from the center of the room, and red, white and pink balloons filled the floor. Nothing was left untouched by our creativity! When she got home, we had "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," sung by Elton John from the movie the Lion King playing in the background. I could go on and on about this, but I feel as if this is definitely one of those situations where a picture is worth a thousand words... or in this case, a thousand hearts! So enjoy these pictures, and Happy Valentines Day! :) I'm on my way to see Josh and go to dinner at Little Italy to celebrate!

Can you find Bruce in this sea of red and pink?

We even decorated her Fireman Calendar! ;)

Just an Update, or Two

Not much is going on except work and more work. It's starting to warm up here a bit, but there are still some chilly days here and there. I am ready to get back to the beach! I haven't been writing as much lately because my work hours have increased so I come home and fall asleep! Hopefully I get used to the schedule soon and can get back on track. I subscribed to a magazine that gives contest information out monthly so when that starts coming I plan to start entering those! I think its a good form of motivation and a good way to get my name out there, especially if I will some awards. More updates soon!

Creatively yours,

Kat

6-Month Anniversary and a Disney Surprise!

It was our 6 month anniversary yesterday, so I surprised Josh with a ticket to Disney world on Saturday, the 29th :) We went through McDonalds for lunch and I told him he should get something light because I had made fairly early dinner reservations. So he got a Happy Meal, in which I snuck the ticket. He opened up his meal and had to MOVE the ticket to get to his hamburger and he didn't say anything. Keep in mind, he also has yet to realize we not headed back to my apartment but towards the highway which takes us to Orlando. We wait a bit longer seeing if he notices, until finally I can't stand it anymore and ask, "Hey, what did you get in there?!" I was hoping to get his attention directed towards the ticket, but instead he pulls out his happy meal toy and says, "OH COOL, A TONKA TRUCK!" Luckily, he also then pulls out the ticket and says, "And a coupon for Disney?" I then explain that we have a babysitter for the dog, and the trunk is full of our stuff, and that we are in fact, on our way to Disney this very second. It took awhile to set in but about an hour later he turns to me and says, "Holy crap we are going to Disney!" Love this guy so much! It's been 6 very happy months, and so many more are ahead!

Maya Angelou

“God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us- in the dreariest and most dreaded moments- can see a possibility of hope.”

This was among many things said tonight by Maya Angelou. A woman I thought I couldn't possibly look up to more than I already did... until I had the opportunity to be in the same room as her and listen to her stories - both of struggles and triumphs. She told stories about her past, and shared her philosophies on life. The message that I felt most connected to was that we are ALL capable of achieving things. No one is "more capable." The difference is being willing to dedicate yourself to what you want, and above all, believing in yourself. "Be the rainbow,' she said time and time again.

There were many things that Maya said, and a lot of what I loved about her was for very personal reasons. So I would like to share some of the quotes I heard tonight as a way of retelling my experience. Enjoy!

“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?”

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”


Also, this wasn't said word for word tonight, but it was on a site and I was inspired by it:

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it
seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that
you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things:
a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that
regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're
gone from your life. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as
making a life. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both
hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I've learned that whenever
I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've
learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that
every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or
just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you
did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou Coming To Tallahassee!

I can hardly sit still as I write this! Approximately 3 hours ago and 15 minutes ago, I was driving home after meeting Josh for lunch when I decided to flip over to the radio and see if there was any chance of sunshine this rainy, rainy day. During my mindless flipping, I heard a name that caught my attention, Maya Angelou. I quickly reversed my channel flipping in an attempt to re-locate the station I had heard it on. Sure enough, I soon came across a brief news update on a local channel. Not only were they talking about Maya Angelou, they were speaking of an event that she would be at IN Tallahassee! Tomorrow night, at 7:30 she will be reading a selection of her work at FAMU. Could it get better? The answer is yes, because as of 2 hours ago, I became a ticket holder to this event! I will have to get dressed at work and leave straight from there and pray for no red-lights, but I should arrive right on time, possibly with a few minutes to spare!

Maya is not only an amazing writer, but a phenomenal woman. She has overcome many obstacles in her lifetime, and continues to push forward and speak out about them. The first piece I read by her entitled "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," was back in middle school. It was part of the assigned reading for my English class and I absolutely did NOT want to read it. Though shortly after leafing through the first few pages, her story drew me in and I found myself reading by flashlight late at night not in attempt to meet the reading deadline, but because I could not bear to put the book down. From that day, I have been very fond of her works, and in Maya herself. I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege to see her in person. Tomorrow could not come fast enough!

Creatively yours,
Kat

To learn more about this amazing lady, visit her official website:
http://mayaangelou.com/

Sister's Get-a-Way Weekend and a Wedding

This last weekend Heather and I headed down to Orlando for a friends Wedding and decided to make it a Sister's weekend. We spent a few nights at the resort where the wedding was held and went to Disney World! Here are some pictures, enjoy! :)