Garnacha Refresh and Election Day

I am spent. A school lunch still needs to get made. My glass of Garnacha needs a refresh.Two shows from Sunday are waiting on my DVR. Books in my Kindle Fire need to be read. How do you feel as Election Day ends?

Election Day, Government Tests and Garnacha

Exclusive Interview With Frankenstein

I know Halloween was last week. But, my daughter, Issa and her classmates had an exclusive interview with Frankenstein. School personnel kept the interview top-secret per a gag order from Frankenstein's people. Parents attempted to gain access via our state's Sunshine Laws, but failed. Frankenstein's publicity and security teams cited something about sun light intensity and delicate skin. They didn't fool me. That's Dracula's excuse. Plus, this is Michigan we're talking about. Intense sunlight — especially this year — was not a concern.

On Friday, Frankenstein's people finally relaxed and signed-off to allow select excerpts from the interview to be published. Issa's was one of them. You have can now read the untarnished truth about Frankenstein before the National Enquirer mucks it up.

An Interview with Frankenstein

Work It Out: Procrastination

This morning I had every intention of running on my elliptical. I dressed in my workout gear. Strapped on my shoes and fueled my body. But, upon return from helping my kiddos on the bus, I stopped at the coffee pot. I poured myself a second cup and sat in my writer's chair.

The minutes ticked off the clock. But, as I gazed at my watch, I kept telling myself "just five more minutes". I still had plenty of time to knock out a 20-minute run, hit the shower, and make a meeting at my local Panera. 

As I lingered in my writer's chair, I checked Facebook and e-mail. I noted LOFT was offering an extra 50-percent off on already-reduced merchandise I didn't need. But, I still had to check out the deals. Those precious 20 minutes disappeared at warp-speed.

So, I decided to write a quick post about procrastination. Read it and tell me your tricks for sticking to a fitness program. I had one Facebook friend who gave me idea for sticking with a regular, aggressive fitness program. She suggested keeping a log of my workouts; and that for every 25 I complete I get to purchase something special for myself.

A Worthwhile Cause

The reach of this post is bit limited. But, my local audience needs to be aware of some animals that are in need of some extra help. One of the nature centers I visit is experiencing pressure from township officials to get rid of its animals as a way to cut costs. A solution for keeping all the animals is to call upon individuals, groups, families, etc. to adopt each of the animals. To read more click here.

Thanks for reading, today!

Kate

Thinking About …

What are you thinking about this evening? I'm thinking about how tonight feels like it should be Friday. But, it's not. One more school/work day; and it'll be time to turn on some football and go pumpkin hunting. Hopefully, my teams will get it together.

Anyway, earlier this week and this morning, I was

Thinking About …

School Days: Domestic Rituals I Despise

Where does the time go? My writer chair was looking for some company late this morning. So, I thought I'd tell you about all those pesky, repetitive jobs I hate to do around the house.

School Days: Domestic Rituals I Despise

Which chores do you avoid?

Hope all is well. TTYL.

School Picture Day

Remember picture day at school? Today is the day for my kiddos. The following includes my class composite from third grade.

School Picture Day: Third Grade

Last Days of Summer and Back-to-School

This Friday is it. Summer is officially over, folks. Admittedly, this is a sad fact. While I love many things about autumn (especially football), this summer has been absolutely spectacular. Hence, my reason for sporadic posting to my blog. I was just too busy with having fun to sit and write.

So, a summer recap is in order. The cliff note version: read great books, enjoyed family and friends, played in the heat and sunshine, and took some fun mini-vacations. For more details read …

Drink It: Dailys Frozen Cocktails 

Schools Out: The Rest of Week 3

Schools Out: House Guests and My Big Beautiful Family

Twisted Hues

Lovely Sisters

Last Days of Summer: Katniss, Beautiful Revisits, Classic Rides, Missing Husbands and Fifty Shades of Fudgery

Also, back-to-school, means back-to-blogging. I am in Week 3 of the 2012-2013 school year in Michigan. Both Issa and Riff are in school full-time, which translates into more time to write. Here's what I've had to say so far …

Life Replays: Remembering 9-11

Love is in the Air: 'tis the Season for Football

School Days: Mr. and Mrs. Movie Star

Finally, thanks in advance for reading. Hopefully, I'll prove to be a much better blog pal now that my two are back to their books.

School's Out: Weeks 2 and 3

It has been hot, hot, hot. In the suburbs north of the "D" 100-plus temperatures are not the norm. But, I do not mind. In fact, the hotter temps. encourage Issa and Riff to enjoy all kinds of fun splashing in sprinklers, pools and nearby lakes.

Along with some friends, my family and I enjoyed the firework display at Stony Creek Metropark on July 1st. Prior to watching the show, Issa challenged me to a ride the Rip Slide at Eastwood Beach. I expected Issa to chicken-out when we reached the top of the three-story, inflatable water slide. But, my girl surprised me. She went for it. Woo hoo! It was so much fun!

Check out these other posts to see what's been happening this summer.

Drink It: Dailys Frozen Cocktails and Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2010

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday — Tonight Tonight 

School's Out: Weeks 2 and 3

Independent, But United

Moms' Escape Night to Partridge Creek

Celebrating Freedom

More About That Week 1 Post

I have more to share about Week 1 from summer break with my two kiddos. We had so much on our calendar. This week is much calmer, but still just as fun.

School's Out: Week 1

School's Out: Week 1

Here's a glimpse at the first week of summer (damnation). Oops! Did I really say that? Please excuse the typo. Truly, I meant vacation.

Back Health Issues
See It: Rock of Ages
Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday — School's Out

What a Pain!

I am not usually one to complain. But, since Sunday, my lower back has been a pain. The story on how that happened is kind of funny.

Back Health Issues

Sailing the Great Lakes

My dad is a sailor. Before marriage and children, my dad purchased Veliero, a 32-foot Galaxy. He raced and cruised Veliero from Bayview Yacht Club until 2009 when he sold it at age 80. His love for spending breezy, sunny afternoons sailing the waters of the Great Lakes took hold of me before I learned to walk and talk. To read more about childhood summers spent sailing Michigan's freshwater shoreline, check out the link  that follows.

Life Replays: Those Sailing Scenes on the Great Lakes

Forward is a Pace

I was supposed to run errands this morning. But, I became inspired to write a post about two 5ks I am running, this weekend and next, respectively. Both runs seek to increase awareness and support for two causes I advocate for. To learn more, read my post ;)

Forward is a Pace

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday — Be Good To Yourself

Only three point five days left. School year 2011-2012 will be history. It's rewarding to witness accomplishments and to be an active partner in making the progress happen. There is definitely something to be said for the talent and commitment demonstrated by various members — I have worked with — in our school district.

Be Good to Yourself

See It: Xanadu

A million lights are dancing
And you’re here with me
Eternally

Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
In Xanadu
Xanadu Xanadu (now we are here)
in Xanadu

Xanadu
your neon lights will shine
For you Xanadu.

— Jeff Lynne, performed by Olivia Newton John

Just saw an amazing live production of Xanadu at Meadowbrook Theatre. It was a truly superb performance.

See It: Xanadu Live at Meadowbrook Theatre

The Lost Week

A stormy day begins to calm. Photo credit: kateschannel

While enjoying the Lake Huron shoreline in Port Austin, Mich., I became stuck in the scenes from the three-day, mini-vacation I spent there with my family. Located in Michigan's thumb, Port Austin was the escape we needed for celebrating Memorial Day weekend properly. Read more about our break from suburban life.

This Week in May

The following are posts from my blog for this week. .

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday — We Are Young

College Life Replays: Print Journalism Lesson #2 — A Riot Mixing Grain with Grapes

Twilight Hum

Tumultuous and Beautiful

Thanks for reading. TTYL :)

Bonus Posts for Friday

This weekend is shaping up to be spectacular. In advance of spending time with some girlfriends, my hubby, children and parents, here are two final posts for this week.

College Life Replays: Print Journalism Lesson #1 — Go For It!

Lyric Status Friday — Beautiful Day

Thinking About Mother's Day

May 13 is Mother's Day. I am fortunate to have a very close relationship with my mom. She and my dad only live about 20 minutes away; and we talk on the phone almost daily. Her helpful, outspoken, generous and classy nature inspired both of the following posts. The later I published earlier this week. But, provided a link here for easier clicking.

My A-Team: At the Helm With Mom

In Honor of All Mothers

Thoughts About Motherhood

Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday. So, don't forget to let your mom know how loved and special she is. Even if she is no longer with you in this world, she is still listening and watching.

In Honor of All Mothers

First Holy Communion

My daughter celebrated her First Holy Communion, Sunday. Her family is incredibly proud that she made this very important sacrament.

The Invitation

Bonus Post Friday

I have two posts for you today. One was meant for Thursday night. But, storms prevented me from making my self-imposed, 11 pm deadline.

7 at 12:25: Things to Know About Me and New Kreativ Blogs I Love

Then, there is this Friday tradition I began two weeks ago. My cousin Joe inspired it.

Bonus Post Lyric Status Friday: Outshined

May 3 Posts from Kate

It must be the time of year. I am feeling a bit nostalgic for the days when I called myself a college student. So, I started a mini-series of posts featuring college life replays from time spent at Western Michigan University. They will be released in chronological order.

College Life Replays: The Drop-Off and Wrong Way Home

Also, Susan, author and blogger at Sillyfrog's Blog presented me with the Kreativ Blogger Award, Tuesday afternoon. This followed a tumultuous morning with my two school-aged children.

Good People Find Good People: Kreativ Blogger Award Acceptance Speech

Post for Tuesday, May 1

46 days until school is out. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. You tell me.

Nine Ways I Diffuse Stress

Bonus Post Friday

What song is playing in your head today?

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday — Crazy Train

My Post For Thursday April 26

A Head Full of Posts

A Wednesday Post Near the End of April

Gotta Love Johnny Depp

A Tuesday Post at the End of April

Thanking My Lucky School Stars

Happy Hour Friday

Looking for an inexpensive, but amazing bottle of red to help you ease into the weekend? I just uncorked a Garnacha and am heading to the kitchen for a refill. To learn more check out my post for this evening.

Drink It: Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha Calatayud 2008

Bonus Post Friday

I typically limit posting to Tuesdays and Thursdays so that I don't stay in my writer's chair forever. But, I just couldn't help myself. So, here you are. Just one more for the week.

Bonus Post: Lyric Status Friday

Finding Good People

Whew! I barely made it. Here's a link to my expanding blogroll at WordPress. I'll be making updates to this site, too. But, check out the list. You'll find some good people as well as good reading.

Good People Find Good People

First Thursday Post and Ageism

The post I am drafting for today is still being crafted. To tide you over, here's something to check out. Talk to you later.

My Thursday Morning Post and a Question Regarding Ageism

My Tuesday Afternoon Post

Today was such a beautiful day near the "D". I am mostly recovered from that nasty sinus infection I was battling last week. The experience left me with a better understanding of those who deal with migraines. The following is my Tuesday afternoon post. Enjoy!

A Season of Beauty, Growth and Meaning 

Just Have to Share

For those who stop in to read my writings, here, I wanted to point you to my latest post over at WordPress. I've been battling my first sinus infection since last Saturday. Spending hours of quiet time without technology (i.e. television, mp3, computer, etc.) Thursday-today gave me lots of time to think.

So, here's my share … Please feel free to comment. I love conversation.

Beautifully Said … 

Marchin' On

March was madness. Do you read me? I sure hope so. Here's what I touched on beginning with the most recent.

See It: Moneyball 
Where Were You Yesterday?
When I See Something I Like
Real Housewife Business Advice
Being Irish and the First Day of Spring
Book It: Party Room - Kate Policanis, The Lustre
Writing is My Therapy
Outta My Chair
Change vs. Stagnation
Literacy for All Minds
So, What's Your Excuse?
We Are Family
Storytelling With Issa: A Dragon in My Backyard
What I Learn from My Dad

Today, I just posted to a new category called Drink It. There, I detailed the fun I experienced expanding my wine knowledge. Check it out. Maybe it will help with making selections for your Easter, Mother's Day or other springtime celebrations.

Call Me Wino

In closing, I just wanted to point out something. Tomorrow, the Detroit Tigers celebrate their Opening Day with an afternoon contest versus the Boston Red Sox. While I have a day-long date with Issa at the Cranbrook Science Museum, I have my Tiger apparel ready; and 12 Bell's Oberons are chilling in the fridge waiting for a Thursday-night salute to our ball club and summertime in the D.

The Lost Month on Blogger

Hey Blogger Fans,

Can you believe February is nearly done? So far, my part of Michigan has escaped any major snowstorms. Here's a list of what I've written over at WordPress.com.

What I Learn From My Dad
Writing for Self Vs. Audience
Fat Tuesday Italian Style
A WTF Moment: A Call You DO NOT Want From School
Inspiration: Light My Fire
KISS: Keep It Simply Sweet
Why I Blog: Seven Reasons
Staying Home
Nine Years Ago
Schedule It
A Seemingly Harmless Flirtation: Angry Bird

I try to stick to a regular posting schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Tuesdays my topics are focused mostly on family matters and stuff happening around my community. My Thursday posts usually pertain to writing, professional subjects and adult (not porn) conversation.

To keep better track of me, consider signing up to follow me on WordPress. Just click on the link below and subscribe to get e-mail notices when I post something new.

http://kateschannel.wordpress.com/

KATESCHANNEL PROTESTS THE PROTECT IP ACT

Do you want the government censoring what you read? I don't. Censorship is stifling and tyrannical. Access to the information I want when I want is a freedom I want to maintain. That's one of the values I love about our country. What about you?

Many websites are blacked out today to protest proposed U.S. legislation that threatens internet freedom: the Stop Internet Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). From personal blogs to giants like WordPress and Wikipedia, sites all over the web — including this one — are asking you to help stop this dangerous legislation from being passed. Please watch the video below to learn how this legislation will affect internet freedom, then scroll down to take action.