The Sun Came Out...

I was thrilled today when the sun came out for the first time since Sunday.  Now, this was short lived, but occured at optimal park time.  After getting to pick up my daughter earlier than usual, I asked her, "Honey, do you want to go to the park?"  A normal response from her is something like, "That would be a really great idea!" or "Sure." pronounced with three syllables. 
However, today the answer was no.  It was no all three times I asked.  So when we got home, I asked if we could play Play-Doh.  "No."  I tried coloring, painting, and watching TV together.  Instead of any of those fabulous activities with mom, she just told me she wanted alone time in her room, and up the stairs she went.  So, I turned on the monitor in my bedroom, layed down in bed and took a little nap! 

A Letter to my Tigers...

While, I started this blog to discuss how I try to have fun everyday, some times I know that we have a low point.  Last week, a great disappointment occured for Mizzou Tiger fans across the country.  We lost, unexpectedly, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.  While it has taken me a bit of time to get over the disappointment, I wanted to write a brief note of thanks...

Dear Mizzou Tigers Mens Basketball Team - 

A year ago when our coach left, we felt abandoned.  Several months ago, when injury hit a key player, we felt great disappointment.  When our new coach, Frank Haith was hired, we felt bewildered.  As the season approached, we felt no apprehension, we were just prepared for mediocrity.  With this combination of events, we just couldn't set our sights too high.

You blew us away.  The team we watched play as individuals trying to gain attention for themselves became selfless team players who understood their role in a system.  The coach Tiger Nation rejected vehemently, proved through his actions we had misjudged him, and for that we are truly sorry.  

As a long-time Tiger fan, I thank each member of this Mizzou Tiger basketball team. You brought home the Big 12 Tournament title and Frank Haith was named coach of the year.  We did ask for more as the season began its conclusion, but in retrospect we have enjoyed and loved the incredible fun we have had watching amazing basketball played by talented young men. 

Thank you for loving the game and helping us love it a little more each time you stepped on the court.

With great admiration and respect, Tiger fans thank you!

Go Tigers!

That is really all I have to say until after the game. I am so excited for my Tigers to begin their journey to the Final Four...Zou Orleans here we come!

Grandma & Grandpa's

Nothing could be more fun for my three year old than visiting grandma and grandpa! She is a ball of energy that goes from one fun thing to another while we visit. Watching the joy on her face while she is able to "get away" with things here, is enjoyable for me - even knowing the consequences I will pay when we go home.

Yesterday we went to the park and she had grandpa bury her feet in the playground sand. She hand grandma come and watch anything and everything she did (and grandma of course obliged with contant reassurance that what she is doing was amazing and awesome). Mom and dad were simply there - and frankly of little use since we don't suggest ice cream and marshmallow cereal after every activity.

In conclusion, the last day and a half of fun for me has been watching her pure joy. I know this level of excitement for seeing grandma and grandpa is fleeting. As kids grow older the reactions change and the pure joy is harder to see. I will spend the next day and a half enjoying it a bit more before we return to the routine of being home.

What has your "recess" been lately?

Spring Weather

Today should have included more fun than it did!  The weather was sunny, warm, and absolutely beautiful for March in Kansas City.  Unfortunately, every attempt at fun out doors was thwarted with work, meetings, or a cranky three year old!  Tell me about the fun you had today, so I can try again tomorrow! 

March Madness Continues

The fun of March Madness is an intangible most struggle to adequately describe.  Those of us who are sports fans become a bit "mad" throughout the entire process regardless of our affiliation.  In fact, most of the time our teams have been knocked out quickly during the playoff process. 

Let me start with this, I had the opportunity to attend two games during the Big 12 Tournament.  This was amazing for two reasons:  1)  Even though I have been in Kansas City for 12 years, I have never managed to attend a Big 12 Tournament game.  2)  With Mizzou leaving to go the SEC, there will never again be a reason for me to attend a Big 12 Tournament game!  What a storybook ending to spend my first time watching my beloved Mizzou Tigers win the Big 12 championship.  For those of you who are not Mizzou fans, this season has been the kind that is astounding.  Based on where we were a year ago, the struggles the school/team/players/coach had throughout this process makes it rather incredible that we ended the season with a Big 12 Tournament victory!  Go Tigers!

Now the story continues as we move towards the Big Dance.  It will be a week of more excitment for all Tiger fans.  We are an excited crew that sticks with our Tigers through thick and thin.  We just hope this is the time we finally make it to New Orleans to play in the Final Four and then the Championship.  Who knows?  Maybe our storybook ending hasn't actually happened yet...maybe the perfect ending is yet to come!

So...when March comes around, this is my fun.  This is what I enjoy watching and discussing.  You start with the selection, fill out the brackets, enter the pools, and count your wins.  At the end of the process, you have shared a national traditions with many, many others.  Here is to March Madness - and Go Tigers!

I love March Madness!

I know it is just beginning, and I love the excitment in the air, the fervent fans and their gear, and the passion displayed on the court and in office pools.  There is speculation, cheering for the underdogs, and lamentation when your favorite teams loses their last game.  I LOVE March Madness.

This year, I love that I get to start it a bit early by attending my first and last Big 12 Tournament.  My Tigers are leaving for the SEC, so I will never again have a reason to spend time at the Big 12 Tournament.  However, this year, the last year we are part of it, I get to go!  I have been excited since I secured my ticket.  Fate wanted me to go this year because it was by chance/accident/strange coincidence I even became aware of the opportunity.

Now THIS is going to be fun!  Go Tigers!