Kindness is Contagious: Toledo Edition

If you follow me on Facebook, then you may be aware that I was awestruck my an act of kindness and friendship from one of my newly acquired friends, Tammy Super.

Now, I must admit that I have "known" Tammy since about August when I first joined Renegade Fitness, and admired her from afar for some time. But we did not really start talking until recently... And, we have lots in common. Let's see we are both "addicted" to working out, have husband's who think we are crazy for our hobby (i.e., working out), have husband's that we are trying support (or nag) to stay healthy and work out, goal oriented, enjoy staying busy, eating healthy, and the list goes on...

Like I said, I have admired Tammy from afar for awhile. Renegade has several members with GREAT bodies, and Tammy is one of the ladies on my "I wish I had her (Fill in the Blank) list. Tammy's arms are envy worthy. She always covers her stomach but I am pretty certain she has a 6-pack that I would drool over. She's petite and just so stinking cute.

So let's go back to her arms. Now, she did share with me that she did a fitness competition about 3 years ago, and well she's not too far from jumping back on that stage! She has arms that are femininely defined, you know the one's who wear tank tops and have great shoulder definition, biceps nicely sculpted, those one's that it's never a question if she works out! Yes, those kind of arms!

Now give me a gallon of water to carry or a 15lb dumbbell and my muscles come out! I am envious. I always enjoy working out with her because she's my fitness model. What weight is she using?  How many reps is she doing? I am trying to use the same weights, reps, etc. as she in efforts of getting that BODY!!!!

And then throw in her bubbly, fun personality and I am won!!!

So last night after our Renegade workout as we were leaving, Tammy hands me a pink bag from Fiddle Stix Boutique (A super cute store in Perrysburg, OH!!), and says "I just got you a little something!" I kind of stood their dumb-founded like what is going on here?!? Shouldn't I be gifting you something since I have been envying you for months? You have been my fitness inspiration, lol!

I get home and open the present and what do I find? The kindest note as well as two Alex and Ani Energy bangles! And the water wells (better known as Michelyn can't stop crying) came flowing....

 I was emotional for so many reasons. Her personal note was very touching. I won't get into the details but she too shared that she follows my blog. I started blogging while writing my dissertation as a "study" break of sorts. Hours upon hours, followed upon days after days of researching, reading, and writing a dissertation takes a lot out of anyone. I began my blog as a "fun" outlet to those dreadful days in the library. I would take breaks and write about something random. In those days the blog was simply, Brains & Beauty.

Then Jason and I got engaged so I figured I should also include my life as a basketball wife and "basketball" starts with the letter B, so we were all good. Now, I feel like my blog has evolved into a compilation of my life. I know I do not have many followers, and I am still developing a niche, but it's another outlet that I enjoy. I do think this basketball family life can be kind of crazy, so perhaps a few of you out there find it interesting, So I was pleasantly surprised to know she "follows" me. Thank you!

Her choices in the two bangles are so meaningful and purposeful, as she intended. The silver-tone bangle, "Live in the Moment," is so fitting. I blogged on Monday about the Words of Wisdom shared by Kelly Ryan, and this bangle goes along with that intention. On the description card it also states that words are powerful, and I am interpreting that as a message for my blog. If I can give inspiration to others to be active, live a healthy lifestyle, get a degree, find happiness in the little things all while enjoying some basketball - I am one happy camper!

The second, bronze/gold-tone bangle, "Piece of the Puzzle" is a reminder that life has many pieces that all together to form one's life! Toledo will forever be a piece of the Team Kemp puzzle that I will forever cherish. I can not predict the future, but I can live in the present knowing that one day the pieces will all make sense. I do know that all of my past has shaped the woman I am today. The people I have met in Tampa, Gainesville, Madison, Fargo, Toledo, and next Athens have shaped and will continue to shape who I am and my family!

And then on a really superficial front... I really love two-toned jewelry which Tammy would not have known, but just has great taste! Last night I shared this tidbit with her. I typically (actually never) wear my wedding ring to workout! In short, the rings are set in platinum, yet I also have two yellow diamonds and yellow gold hearts adorning the ring. (It's hard to explain.) My mother is a gemologist so she designed the ring, and Coach Kemp footed the bill! I too often wear a yellow and white gold nugget ring, shown below, daily. I think the bangles compliment my rings nicely.

Taking a picture with your left hand (as a right-handed person) is not easy especially when trying to cut out your non-manicured finger nails. Mani and pedi are scheduled for Tuesday!

I am so appreciative to Tammy for this act of kindness and friendship. I am a huge believer in the power of positive thinking and kindness. I have mentioned this before on my blog, especially because Nicole Phillips, First Lady of Ohio Basketball, has a blog/columns, "Kindness is Contagious." I felt it important to share this act because being kind is contagious. It makes the giver happy, the recipient, as well as others. So that is the whole purpose of Nicole's weekly blogs and why I wanted to share my receipt of an "act of kindness" with all of you!

I hope each of you has a splendid weekend with family and friends. Please show respect and appreciation to all the men and women who have served our country.

Michelyn

EXTREME RESULTS: Toledo Style Workouts!

I have shared my fondness for Renegade Fitness on this blog a number of times, but I also must share my second workout addiction in Toledo - Extreme Results by Vince!

Now while I was training for the marathon I took a little hiatus from these crazy workouts. I could not truly fathom working out three times in one day. Yes, I did give it considerable thought, but then came to my senses!

Wow! Is the first word that comes to my mind when I think about these workouts. Its a combination of martial arts, kickboxing, boot camp, and pure hell!

I remember my first class like it was yesterday... I thought I was going to die for the first 15 minutes, and I was certain that we had been working out for at least one hour! Coach Kemp frequented the place one time, and thinks I am simply CRAZY for going often!

Ok, so why is it so crazy? You couldn't get the picture from the video above? Well, the workout is really a non-stop cardio and strength-based workout for 60 Minutes! Like I think the trainers start a timer or something because even if a class starts five minutes over, the class is still freaking 60 minutes!

Oh, and the whole class you do exercises on your fists! Like burpees which they lovingly call Sugar Cookies... You do lots of those, and then they add in SugarCookie Push-Up... Or SugarCookie Jump. Or even better - Sugar Cookie-Push-Up-Jump! What the Hell!!!

All the Different ER419 gloves through the years!

I have come to the conclusion that they have a cult following around town. You can drive around and see their bumper stickers everywhere... Walk around UT campus and you will see a number of coeds with Extreme sweatshirts, tanks, and T-shirts!

Today I met a personal goal... I took two Extreme Classes back-to-back! I used to hear fellow gym-goers proudly boast they were taking two classes, and think they were freaking crazy. I do think it is crazy, but it was something I had on my bucket list! Well, I was able to accomplish that feat. And... It was pretty grueling. The whole day I was reconsidering my desires to do two classes back-to-back... What was I trying to prove? Why did it matter? Why was it so hot on the day that I had planned to take two classes.

Here is my picture after class #1! Trust me, you don't want to know what I looked like after class #2!

Today my first class was taught by one of the "newer" trainers, Chelsea (she's been teaching since December 2013, so not that new). Well, about 2-3 people left mid-workout it was that intense and hot! I was able to push through and figured my goal was to get through half of the second workout. I had done the Sunday Funday workout which is only $5 and 1.5 hours, so I figured I would be proud of myself if I could match that!

Well, Tabitha had other plans!!! We did a workout in which each person individually goes to one station and then you go round robin! So I had no way of dipping out... Yikes, I cursed her in my head and thanked her in the next breath. If it had not been for that workout style which I know she "borrowed" from Lindsay, my ass would have dipped!

All smiles before the Sunday Funday Workout

If you are in the Toledo area, I highly recommend you stop in Extreme Results by Vince! You will thank me later! Oh, and they have great deals so it is really affordable! Oh, and if you prefer cycling, yoga, hip-hop, and even TRX they got those classes covered too! I did not even have time to venture to that side of the facilities, but I am sure those classes are awesome too!

Michelyn

Question of the Day: How many gyms do you frequent? Do you go to several to get a full workout?

Toledo Tough: Final Edition

If you would have asked me 11 months ago if I would be writing this post, I would have said absolutely not! However, in this world of college basketball, I have quickly learned that one must never say "absolutely not." Before marrying Jason, my father, a former professional football player, tried his best to consult me on the life that I was embarking on. One in which entails frequent moves and living in all parts of the country. Two years ago, when we were still engaged, I kind of shrugged off my dad's comments, seemingly thinking that Jason and I would not fall into that category of "frequent movers." Well, maybe I should have read all the articles he sent, asked a few more questions, and took those conversations more seriously!

Now, I am very proud of my husband and the 10 strong years he has spent in this business, and I knew when I signed that wedding certificate on August 11, 2012, that I was embarking on the roller coaster of being a coach's wife. But, I did not know I was buckling in the Kingda Ka !

Source

In my final edition of "Toledo Tough" I must graciously thank a few of the amazing individuals that I have had the pleasure of befriending.

I have been really lucky to meet some awesome coach's wives with the two staffs that I have been a part of, thus far. I am so enthused that I will be rejoining Nicole Phillips and Emily Ryan who I knew well while at NDSU, and the ladies at Toledo did not fall short on amazingness.

First, I have to thank Julie Kowalczyk, wife of our head coach Tod Kowalczyk. She showed an energy and enthusiasm for making all of our families feel at home. Her kindness was evident from the time we left for our trip to Greece in early August.  She should definitely be complimented for consistently dressing Race and Rose to the tee at all Rocket games!  Most importantly, she has supported the wives and shown us togetherness, which made a great season of Rocket basketball even more enjoyable.  Such a sweet lady!

A lady I knew well, prior to even meeting in person was Allie Kalsow. I have spoken fondly of Allie in a previous post, but we bonded instantly especially since our husbands have been friends for like 12 years. Allie introduced me to Renegade, and we all know how much I love Renegade. Before she had to head off to her job as the Cleveland Cavaliers Sideline Reporter, yeah she is kind of important in the state of Ohio, we frequently went on runs around the city. She introduced me to the many parks and trails that Toledo is known for. She was my workout/running buddy while we vacationed in Greece. I have fondly lived through her as she beautifies and dresses for her job! Ok, so obviously I sometimes wish I had reasons to get all glammed-up on a more frequent basis!

My game-time BFF because of her crazy, in-game commentary is hands down the lovely Rebekah Bennet! It must have been interesting this season watching the two of us during games. Rebekah accurately yelling at the refs/players for various reasons, and me just yelling complete nonsense! Ha, gosh watching games was so much fun sitting next to Rebekah! I have been quite honest to my ignorance to the sport of basketball; Rebekah was my "ace boon koon" because she knew what she was yelling/talking about! Although we were both high school cheerleaders, she was obviously way better at following the game than I. Did I also mention that she has three of the most adorable boys around! She "allowed" me to get a little parenting practice, which I am forever thankful because I am predicting my doom luck of having only boys! Oh, and she is an educator, so many conversations were had about public education, students academic progress, etc. Overall, Rebekah was my buddy for education-related conversations as well as topics about Toledo Basketball!

And last but certainly not least is the beautiful, LaTisha (Tish) Carr, wife to Jordan Mincy! I knew the minute I met this DIVA, that we would have a connection! We first met after her late night flight into Toledo for her first visit which also happened to be my first visit as well. She was dead tired, but still rocking her Louis Vuitton and Gucci! The Kowalczyk's hosted a welcome BBQ, and somehow the ladies conversation was on beauty and fashion, and Tish's expertise in this area is insurmountable. Not only is Tish a beauty, but she is also a thoughtful, caring person. We both had a few emergency situations when the husbands were out of town, and it was very reassuring that we were both able to rely on each other for support. Being a coach's wife can be stressful and lonely, and knowing you have others to assist you in times of need is wonderful.

The coach's wives impacted my stay in Toledo, but I also must thank a few additional Toledo folk for their generosity and kindness.

First, to Ed and Janet Schofield who we were introduced to by the AD at NDSU, Gene Taylor. Who would have thought that we would have had a Fargo connection in Toledo, but one was waiting for us! Ed and Janet opened their home to Jason and I, invited us to various events, and have just been simply kind. Hoping I am able to see them and their children one last time before I head south!

I too need to thank Brian Jones, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, and his family. Brian welcomed Jason and I upon my arrival, and has just been awesome this entire year. And I have a special place in my heart for his daughter Avery. Her bedroom is purple (my favorite color) and she also loves pink. Uhm, she could be my daughter, and is adorable! Zach is pretty handsome too :)

I would be remiss if I did not thank Larry Burns, Vice President for External Affairs. Wow! I have been so impressed with him from his dress, to his personality, and to his commitment to the university. Larry has such an infectious personality; I am always glad when I see him. When I first moved to Toledo, he took me on a personal tour of the university. On that tour I was most impressed with the friendliness that he showed to all the students we passed while riding in the university golf cart. We would pass students, and he would great them, ask then how they were, and even knew many by name. I was completely taken aback, and hope that the students realize how fortunate they are. And of course there is his dress, which is dapper for all occasions. If you aware about the Toledo MBB Tie One On fundraiser for prostate cancer was the brainchild of Larry Burns! He wears bow ties on a daily basis, and I always look forward to his suit and dress shirt combinations!

Thank you all for all the Toledo memories!

Michelyn

Our Newest Edition

It's been awhile... I know. Like I said, I most likely will be receiving the Worst Blogger Award for 2013. I have multiple excuses: starting a new job, painting two rooms in our house, my computer crashing, but most importantly, we got a PUPPY! Without further ado, please let me introduce you to Prince F. Kemp

The picture above is from the morning in which we rescued him from the Toledo Animal Shelter Association (TASA)! For those of you who know me, I will simply confess that the decision to get a dog did not come to fruition in typical Michelyn form. You know, months of planning, the reading of books, researching the web. Rather, on a Thursday before I began working I was pursuing the web, particularly petfinder.com, and came across a few cute puppies. I saw Finn, now Prince, as well as his two siblings posted and sent the picture to Jason while he was at work. His response was very simple: "Yes, please!" I was a little astonished. Yes, please as in you want to get the dog or what? You see, when Jason and I were first dating he was completely opposed to getting a dog. I, on the other hand, was truly longing for a dog since I had grown-up with a lhapso apso and missed that companionship and affection that small dogs can show. So, with the go ahead, I contacted the TASA and inquired into the status of the three puppies. In the meantime, I learned that we could come visit the dogs. Well, long story short, we went to TASA on Thursday once Jason got home from work, completed the application while there and were approved to rescue a dog. The catch came when we learned that there was another couple interested in Finn (now Prince) and that they would be given a deadline to complete their application. (What type of deadline, was the only thing on my mind. Uhm, I need specifics and was left with nothing!) So Friday came along and I was somewhat depressed and anxious. Were we going to get the dog? Should I begin purchasing supplies? I even went out and began price checking some essential items! Coach Kemp though I was absurd, and clearly told me to NOT purchase anything. Well, on Saturday morning we received a phone call at 9am that we could come and pick-up our puppy! See, I should have bought the pet supplies! Yikes, so we scrambled out of bed, yes it was 9am and we hadn't moved, rushed to Target and TJMaxx to buy some things and then made it to TASA by 10:15am to complete the rescue process!

Here is out little guy napping on his first doggy bed. Yea, that one was purchased from Target for only $9.99 but since has been destroyed!

That's my boy sound asleep! Yes folks, he sleeps on his back. Isn't it the cutest! LoL

But, do not let this cute face fool you! We have been to the veterinarian twice for his puppy vaccines and he is a complete drama king. Ok, I think he gets that quality from his momma! And, he despises being left alone and is quite the momma's boy like his father, Coach Kemp. I keep telling him that he's got it good since I work from home and am here 75% of the time. What would he do if I worked a 9am-5pm?

Quick Facts:

Name: Prince F. Kemp
Age: 3 months
Date of Rescue: August 31, 2012 (Ally and Kalsow's wedding day!)
Breed: Pomeranian Mix (1/2 Pomeranian, 1/4 Maltese, 1/4 Shih Tzu)
Current Weight: 5.2lbs (as of 9/13/2013 vet visit)

Michelyn

Move-In Update!

Well hello from Chick-fil-A!

I had to return a few items from our wedding registries that we got multiples of and decided to get a Diet Dr. Pepper and share some updates on our progress.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that the movers arrived bright and early yesterday! Coach and I stayed up until past midnight opening boxes! We only took two breaks - one for brunch and the other for dinner. Each of those breaks also consisted of visits to Home Depot and Lowe's. I have been to two of the many Home Depot's in the Toledo area. And, today we again went to Home Depot and Lowe's! It was a nice change in pace to get dressed for the mall for my returns at Macy's and Williams-Sonoma's, despite the fact that I ran in and out quite quickly!

I am proud to state the HUGE process we have made in opening boxes. Sorry, no pictures but I can share that there are NO boxes in the Living Room! Woot woot. But, one would not want to enter our garage! Pure mayhem! Do you know if local trash service providers will retrieve large amounts of trash on off-days? Our weekly pick-up is on Fridays, but we can not wait until then, and more importantly, all of our trash will not fit into our curb trash receptacle.

Well, I am off to start organizing the kitchen! Yesterday we purchased an additional storage unit from Lowe's, pictured below, and Jason completed assembling it this afternoon after another trip to Lowe's. Lowe's and Home Depot are man's best friends. He has gotten so many toys the last few days....

Michelyn

Hip hip Hooray for Friday

So, in my last post way back in May, the title also expressed my excitement for a looming Friday. Well, today my Friday excitement is magnified times 1,000 since tomorrow we MOVE-IN to our FIRST home!!!! (Hmm, thinking I can't express my true excitement in multiple exclamation points, but I think you folks get the picture.)

Wow, it's been a long 6 weeks since Coach Kemp originally left Fargo for our new adventure at the University of Toledo. Yes, we spent nearly six weeks apart. Let me tell you, those weeks flew by especially the month of June. Is it really July?!? 

I will need to do a better recap because it was filled with me hosting the 3rd Annual North Dakota Response to Intervention Conference, my 5 year Miss USA anniversary trip to Vegas, a quick trip to Toledo, a few job interviews, and packing/ finishing of reports in Fargo!! Yes, people I did all the packing solo. Wait, wait let me take that back. Coach Kemp did pack a few items that he was certain I would "accidentally" forget to pack. Dag, how does that man know me so well, hehe! I, of course, was eyeing a few things to " forget", but he made that task impossible!! Actually, I did rid ourselves of his worn-out office chair! Michelyn - 5 Coach Kemp -0. 

Overall, the whole packing thing wasn't too terrible.  I did do quite a lot of moaning and complaining to my husband, but overall, pretty simple. Lets see what I think tomorrow when the movers come. I admitted to Coach that I did a haphazard job labeling boxes. I did get to a point, where things were being placed in random boxes simply because they fit. There are also a good number of boxes with no labels. Don't judge!!! I'm sure by our 3rd or 4th move that I will be a professional. If I may toot my own horn for a second, it's my blog so I can do that, our moving specialist did comment how well I did. He sees packers everyday, so I'm patting myself on the back for a job well done. 

Then, I drove solo from Fargo to Toledo on a multi city Midwestern tour through Minneapolis, Madison, and Chicago to visit with some friends and family. It was impossible to see everyone, but I got in as many visits as Michelyn possible (3-5 people each day :) )!! 

For the past eight days, Coach Kemp and I have been residing in an extended stay! Check out the cute kitchen. 

 I'm currently doing laundry, packing our bags and getting ready for the movers arrival at 8am!!

Hope your summer has been swell. 

Michelyn

Is it Friday Yet?

I am beyond ecstatic for Friday. Why you ask? Because then I will be united with my love, Coach Kemp! He has been in Toledo without his better half for almost three weeks… The first week was pretty smooth, I must attest that I have grown accustomed to multiple days solo with Jason’s coaching schedule. But, three long weeks has been a little too long in my books. So, I am glad that we will be able to spend a fun-filled week in our new city.

What do we have on our agenda? Hmm, I am not so sure but I am hoping that we are able to explore a few things like:

The Toledo Farmers’ Market

After living in Madison for five years, my expectations for farmers’ markets elevated substantially. Madison’s Market is pretty well-known and is set-up around the capitol square – making it even more of a sight; it is such an experience. I am looking forward to exploring the Downtown Toledo Farmers’ Market on Saturday. We do have a recruit visiting, but I am hoping that that is not a daylong endeavor.

42^nd Annual Old West End Festival

In an effort to learn more about the various neighborhoods in Toledo, I think it would be fun to join the fun in the festival. From the Internet I learned that the Historic District is comprised of over 25 city blocks squared and hosts some of the finest architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the festival, official events include house tours (love); a beer pavilion and food tent (for Coach Kemp); and a vendor’s alley! Sounds like a winner to me.

University of Toledo Campus & Athletic Facilities

Obviously this is a no brainer but I am enthused to see the wonderful Rocket Athletic facilities as well as the beautiful university campus. Perhaps, I will even be able to get a run or two in while there. Running is my favorite way to explore a new city, and university campuses tend to the safest locale for a novice in a city.

Dining Out

Jason has dined at a few Toledo local favorites, all of which he has raved about. I am thinking we will dine at a few of these joints over the week and explore some new ones.

Michelyn

Coach Kemp is Officially a Rocket

I am a few days behind on my news for my blog; those that follow me on Instagram know that Jason announced this past Tuesday that he was departing NDSU. Although I cannot speak for him, I do know that this was a very difficult decision for him... He has truly enjoyed his last 8 seasons as a Bison - the players, coaches, and fans. NDSU was his first Division I coaching job! One cannot take those memories away, yet in basketball you can't allow an opportunity to pass you up either. He is so ready to take on this next challenge and I am beyond ecstatic to join him in our new home state of Ohio.

Toledo Athletics

Have you ever been to Ohio? Where should I visit?

Michelyn