Gratitude for this Reprieve & Life

Since my previous post, I have done quite a bit of reflection and discussions with love-ones about this time off, or ‘reprieve.' Although I did end my previous post with somewhat of a positive outlook and realization that this month break is most-needed, I realized that I should be more gracious since so many others never get this type of opportunity… an opportunity to sit back and relax. As a sign of homage to this period in my life, I also wanted to share the top five things that I am gracious for:

Getting married in 30 days to my best friend! This definitely tops off my list as I am ready for the day to be here. 90% of planning is complete and if it is not planned to date, I am not fretting over it. I am simply ready to be married so that our lives can be forged as one. I know there are many fun adventures in our near future!

Going on a surprise honeymoon. No explanation needed!

I have a job! More importantly, I have a job that I am utterly excited to begin.

Health. I am healthy as a lark and besides Jason’s few dental issues (I pestered him to visit the dentist for 1 year. Guess who didn’t listen….), he is healthy, as well as, my parents and other family members. Praise the Lord.

Summer. It is my favorite time of the year.

So that’s my list- how about you?

<3

Michelyn 

How Many Days Until....

I am sure that many of my followers are thinking that this post is related to my upcoming nuptials. Although I am beyond excited about getting married in 33 days (of course I have a countdown), instead I am referring to my angst of not having something to do!

It has only been nine days since the last day of my internship and I am going crazy. See, my entire life I have been on the go, multi-tasking, even triple-tasking. Whether I was competing in dance competitions, pageants, training for a race, completing my dissertation, or something else.... I have always been moving, doing something, working, or planning my plan for my next move. In the previous post I discussed my need to take a moment to breathe! Ok, I have breathed enough! I have caught my breath and am ready for the rollercoaster of my life as a married woman with her first real job to begin!

Cheers to my current boredom because I am certain the next few years will bring much positive energy and movement to our household.

<3
Michelyn

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?