Take A Moment And Breathe…

As I sit back and reflect on all that has surpassed in these short 10 months since moving to Fargo and even the journey through my doctorate and tenure as Miss WI USA, I am amazed at how much I have accomplished. More importantly, I am trying to take a moment to breathe, meditate, and appreciate my journey thus far. I have honestly been on the move for 6 years constant.

The other night while watching television with the fiancé, I exclaimed: “What should I be doing right now!” You see, in the past, it was a rare occurrence that I ever watched television or read books for leisure. Slowly, I am making these changes in my life, and I think it is good. I must attest that after that statement I arose to continue work on the wedding program. There always seems to be something wedding-related to be done. Although I have a fabulous mother who has done awesome and a wedding planner, I must admit that I am still trying to manage from the sidelines. I am going to promise to sit back and relax (with a few adult beverages) the day of the wedding. I pinkie swear (with my toes crossed, lol). On a positive note- a few hours ago I got returned from signing my contract for my first REAL job! Sure, I have had summer and part-time jobs before, but this is career-- not simply something I am doing for a few months. Next week I plan to deposit my dissertation and then I only have six more weeks of my internship!  So in honor of these celebrations, I picked up a six-pack of Summer Shandy and placed two lawn chairs on our balcony. I am simply awaiting my Love!

But seriously, I need some tips on ways to relax. What do you to unwind?

Here are some things that I currently do and one’s that I am thinking to pick up.

Leisure Reading on my Nook Tablet!

I must find a yoga studio in Fargo!

Treat myself to a relaxing massage.

A Word of Thanks!

On Friday, my dream and goal came to fruition. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with my doctorate in Educational Psychology. The days leading up to Friday were quite intense as I also passed my dissertation oral defense on Wednesday. Even though it made for many stressful days, I am glad that I packed it all in. To be hooded during the School of Education's Hooding Ceremony and then to walk across the stage during the Ph.D. Commencement knowing that I was D-O-N-E is a feeling I can not explain.



The six years leading up to my graduation would not have actualized if it were not for the many wonderful family and friends that I am surrounded by (some pictured).






I am not certain why God placed them in my life, but I am fortuitous and appreciative. I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

<3
Michelyn

Coaches Corner

Welcome to 'Coaches Corner' where one can learn some insider perspectives about those 'living' the sport of basketball.

I felt it was fitting to start off this inaugural series with an interview with my beloved fiancee, a Division I college assistant basketball coach. Let's see what he has to say about his profession:

What is the formal description for a Division I assistant basketball coach?

The role of an assistant coach is very diverse and includes a number of responsibilities.  The first and most time-consuming task is the recruitment of quality student-athletes.  Another aspect of the job would be coaching and player development on the court.  The most important responsibility as an assistant, in my opinion, would be the development of a trustworthy relationship with the student-athletes.  One of the cornerstones to the success of any program is the ability to create a healthy environment for the players you have recruited to your school.  The assistant coach plays a large role in making that happen.

Ok, so what do you actually do?

Simply put?  We recruit, coach in practice, then we recruit, do scouting reports, recruit, attend booster functions, recruit…oh and then we recruit some more!

What is the best part of being a college basketball coach?

I would say working with young people is the most rewarding aspect of coaching.  Also, as a competitor, the rush you get from coaching games is amazing.

What is the most difficult aspect of being a college basketball coach?

There are a lot of difficult aspects of being a college coach when it comes to recruiting and the pressure of winning games, however, I couldn’t think of a better profession.  I can go to my job every day feeling as if I am not working.  It’s the best!

What is your most memorable basketball experience to date?

My most memorable experience was winning the Summit League Regular Season Championship in 2009 at Oral Roberts.  Going into the game, we were in a situation where if we win, we would attain the outright title.  A loss would end in a tie for the conference championship.  We got down by 11 points in the first half and came back right at the end of the game to win 77-74.  A week and a half later we qualified for the NCAA Tournament, again in dramatic fashion. 

Thank you Coach Kemp for providing us with an inside perspective into your field. It always amazes me with the number of individuals surprised that he does not also teach courses or hold some other job on the university campus. I think so much of what the assistant coaches (and even head coach) do occurs behind closed doors. Little discussions surround the many hours spent analyzing film and developing players. Even less is discussed on the more important role the coaches have on developing the student (hence student-athlete). 

Blog Facelift Edition 1.0

It has been nearly 10 months since I last updated my blog. I am here to announce that I am officially BACK to blogging and had the pleasure of receiving a facelift! My wonderful, oh so fabulous fiancee spent the last few hours working his magic on Adobe Photoshop. So, what are your thoughts on my new looks? I am not apposed to some periodic enhancements... This is simply the first of many to come, hence Edition 1.0.

As you can also see the name of the blog has been updated to include my newfound affinity to basketball. Affinity in the sense that I am "marrying into the field." I would consider myself more of a cheerleader than a basketball oficionado. For this reason- this book will be purchased A.S.A.P....
 
A few recaps of the content will be shared for all of you unknowledgeable to the game of basketball. Or for those that would like to chuckle as I try to make sense out of the X's and O's.

<3
Michelyn

Countdown to 2012

Typically, I am not one to create New Years resolutions because so many of us, including myself, do not fulfill our promises. However, 2012 is going to be a BIG year for me in so many ways that I thought it may be advantageous to develop a few personal goals for the remaining 6 months of 2011. I have 6 categories with a few goals under each:

1. Running: Incorporate hill workouts and speed training into my regular running regimen.
2. Nutrition: Embody the "clean eating" philosophy, specifically emphasizing my water consumption and decrease my dairy intake (that is not a component of "clean eating", but a personal desire).
3. Dissertation: Complete my proposed edits from my proposal hearing as well as write the Results chapter.
4. Mind/Body: Embody calming and de-stressing techniques specifically the practice of yoga and pilates. In addition, I must get in the habit of stretching post-runs (I rarely do this). 
5. Enjoy cohabitation: Moving in with my fiancee (YES, we are ENGAGED) at the end of the month!
6. Plan my August 2012 wedding.

Does anyone re-evaluate their New Year resolutions mid-year? What do you think of my goals/aspirations?

Shellac-Em

Are you sick of your nails chipping after 2 days? Or, accidentally nicking a nail the MOMENT you step out of the salon? We have all dealt with post-manicure devastation in our day.

Save that frustration and try- SHELLAC!

Pros:

• 14-day wear (you can actually go like 20)
• ZERO dry time
• Shiny finish
• Comes off quickly & pain-free
• No nicks, smudges, or chips!

Cons:

• Few color choices vs traditional nail polish

Visit their website to find a salon in your area!

<3

Michelyn

Restful Retreat: Lake Geneva Style

A few weeks ago J surprised me with a celebratory and relaxing get away to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa! For some time now I knew that he would plan a restful retreat the week after my dissertation proposal, but he outdid himself. Here is the picture of The Lodge where we stayed at Grand Geneva.

I was so excited to go to Lake Geneva for the weekend as I had heard great reviews. Lake Geneva has a long history of being a popular summer retreat for Chicago's wealthy termed, the "Hamptons of the Midwest." The town is so cute with a scenic downtown area filled with boutiques, fudge shops, and other great fooderies!

Our room faced the golf course and lake

Although this shot was taken from their website, I think it is a pretty close estimate of our location from the 2nd floor balcony. 

And we had a tv INSIDE the bathroom mirror! How cool is that?

The weekend was filled with many firsts!

Our first FIRST: We went horseback riding!!!! I had never been horseback riding and have shared with J my desires to so one day. When he told me to dress casually in jeans and tennis shoes for our ride from Madison to Lake Geneva; I was a little skeptical as to what was in store. I NEVER wear jeans and tennis shoes! (The only time I wear tennis shoes is to go running or to go to the gym!) When I saw the jeans J was wearing to pick me up,  I was still clueless. Clueless because he was wearing jeans that I despise and the whole car ride down I was thinking how I should have disposed of those particular jeans last summer when we purchase two new pair! To make matters worse- we checked in, walked around the resort and even downtown Lake Geneva with him IN THOSE JEANS! When we pulled up to the barn I finally got it! I began to cry out of pure excitement! I have found a man that truly listens!

Our second FIRST: Wine tasting!!!! Now, I have partaken in plenty of "wine tasting" in my day, but never with professionals! Now, that we have one under our belt, I am ready for more. I so enjoyed the interesting facts the wine guides (I am not certain of their official name) shared during the wine tasting. We tried 6 different wine (3 white, 3 red) and we even found a red that Jason and I both enjoy. The food at the wine tasting was also ah-ma-zing! They had mustard pickled dried fruit that was simply delicious, so light and refreshing. I am sure many of you are thinking eww, but do not turn up your nose until you try it for yourself. And there was so many other good yummies to accompany the dried fruit like breads, cheeses, olives, artichokes, the list goes on..... Yum! Next time we go on a wine tour, one of us has to be the note-taker like Js mother does when his parents visit Napa Valley. She does not drink alcohol, so Dr. K enjoys the wine tasting and she takes notes!

Our third FIRST: Couples massage!!!! Before our Lake Geneva Retreat J had never gotten a message! It was his first time getting a massage, my 100th, but both of ours first couples massage. It too was so nice. They gave us a foot bath prior to the massage and really made us feel calm and relaxed. J was so relaxed that he fell asleep and began snoring softly. It was so cute and I just smiled checking in on him periodically from my table.

Our fourth FIRST: Lake Geneva Boat Ride!!!!  It was so neat going on a narrated excursion of the Geneva Bay area of Lake Geneva. This portion of the lake houses all the elegant estates and summer homes of the very wealthy including: the Wrigleys, Schwinns, Maytags, and countless others. Simply breathtaking!

Thank you Love for a wonderful, restful retreat and I look forward to many more to come!

<3
Michelyn