The Storm is Subsiding

I have to admit, the last two weeks have brought a whirlwind of emotion. I have finally gotten back into the swing of blogging, which took a backseat especially the first week after we learned that we would be moving to Athens! That first week, I was a mix of emotions.

Tuesday, was most certainly my lowest. I cried about four times throughout the day. Everything moved so quickly for this transition, and I am just now at a point where it has all digested. Now, I am a person that cries when she is sad, mad, happy, excited, hormonal - you name it!

My first crying session erupted during Coach Saul Phillips press conference at about 2:00 pm. He noted that my husband was his first hire, and at that moment, tears of delight came thundering down. Then, the whole press conference simply had me in a tizzy.

My second cry fest occurred later in day, after work when I went for a run. Yes, this lady cried while running! I know, who the hell does that?!?! Well, let me explain. While running, Emily Ryan began texting me a number of Athens-related questions, and I simply became overwhelmed. Now, what in the world was I doing looking at or even responding to text messages, is besides me. Her questions were very appropriate - basically about Athens, schools, the city, etc. but it just got me so flustered because I felt so unprepared for this move. But, I am so happy that I have been able to assist us ALL in this move; whether because I obviously have a little more time on my hands, (I have no little ones running around) or just being a sounding board, or the one that will do some investigating if needed. We have all been each other's assets in this move and I am very gracious to Nicole and Emily!

My third cry fest occurred while watching Dave Richman's press conference at 7:00 pm! This was the ugliest of cries, I might add, but 100% joyous! Coach Kemp and I are beyond enthused for the Richman Family. Coach Kemp and Coach Richman are really close, I mean he was in our wedding! Stephanie took me under her wings while in Fargo, and I am forever grateful for her friendship that continues to blossom. (Ok, I am getting teary-eyed just writing this paragraph!).

Then my final crying session occurred while trying to go to sleep. Many college basketball coach's wives will share that the basketball season is fun, but it is also very long and trying on your relationship and marriage. I was really looking forward to the end of the basketball season to relax, unwind, and celebrate another successful season, but there I was in my bed alone. I felt overwhelmed because hadn't I just spent a few summer months alone in Fargo while Coach Kemp moved to Toledo!?! How in the world were we in this predicament again?!? Luckily, Ohio University is not a long drive from Toledo, so I am glad we are able to see each other on the weekends, but it still is hard especially since he and the rest of the staff are extremely busy re-building the OU team. Currently, they are piecing together the final members of the 2014-15 men's roster which entails lots of travel. And to make matters worse, that first week I believe I was only able to talk to him for a total of 30 minutes! It was absolutely crazy. I had my father and his family members calling me, asking why he hadn't returned their calls, etc. I was like, well I have only spoken to him for like 30 minutes the last few days, so I am not sure what to tell you! I can't even begin to tell you how many phone calls and text messages he was receiving, honestly it was absurd.

So I thank each of you for continuing to visit BBB while I was on a little hiatus. I think I am back to my old self, blogging and not feeling so overwhelmed. I also have developed a to-do list which has subsided some of my anxiety about this move. I knew when we married that each move would become more and more challenging, and owning a home plus our little Prince has added a layer to the logistical planning that predominately lies on my shoulders. Now, do not get me wrong, I would not be very willing to give many, if any, of these responsibilities to Coach Kemp, so that is not a complaint, just the truth. In addition, I am very aware that this move may me a little more challenging than Move #1, but overall, this is pretty simple compared to Nicole and Emily who both have children to consider. So, I will stop my complaining for this post, and simply be happy!

Go Bobcats!

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

Packing on my Brain

This morning I received the sweetest text from my mother which read: "I hope you enjoy your last working 'Monday' in Fargo, ND."

It would behoove me to admit that I have packing, boxes, and moving, in general, on my brains...


I have these types of materials not only in my office, but also in my house. If you follow me on Instagram, then you saw my recent picture post of my office. In the midst of all this craziness in the world of Team Kemp, I am also planning a statewide conference.


Honestly, a girl needs a break! When is my vacay?!?!

Whayyy, I want to cry like a baby since I have visions of my moving looking something like this:

 Fortunately, I will not have to actually load up or transport many items. Who am I kidding... A weeks worth of my clothes and necessities takes TWO large suitcases... The Venza, may indeed, look something like the picture above.

I know, I am such a drama queen.

Michelyn