Day 334: Small Business Saturday

We made it! Fortunately, we made it through another crazy Black Friday. Today is obviously Saturday and the day after Black Friday, but it is also Small Business Saturday. In Tri-Cities, we are lucky to have many local and thriving businesses. However, they would not be so successful if they didn't have such loyal customers. Today those customers are encouraged to shop locally and support small businesses.

                         

I decided to take part and shop at a locally owned boutique that I adore. It is called Pink Pearl and was recently opened this summer. The clothes are not only adorable, but affordable. It is located in the Parkway in Richland and if you are in that neck of the woods, I highly encourage you to take a peak in. You can find them on Facebook!

                         

God bless,

Kailee

Day 333: Candy Cane Craziness

We all know what day it is, Black Friday. This typically means one thing…crazy shoppers. I have never been one to fight the crowds and go out on Black Friday, but I did today. However, I wasn't out and about to get my Christmas shopping done early, but instead to spread a little christmas cheer and take away from the craziness.

                               

I bought 5 boxes of candy canes (60 pieces) and left for the mall. My mom and I walked up and down the mall for two hours finding both shoppers and employees that looked like they needed something to sweeten their day. A few recipients were hesitant to take candy from strangers, but the rest graciously accepted the candy cane with a smile and a "thank you." We even got a, "Merry Christmas," from time to time. It was a perfect way to transition into the Christmas season. I wanted to try, if even for a second, to deter away from the buying part of the season and focus on the giving part. Too often we lose ourselves in the gifts and goods, that we need to step back, again if even for a second, and remember what the season is truly about.

                       

God bless,

Kailee

Day 332: Gave Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is having a very blessed day and I hope we all truly take a moment to express what we are thankful for. If I have learned something this year, it is I don't say thank you enough and I have plenty to be grateful for.

I am thankful for my family.
My mom, my dad, my brother, my grandparents and my extended family. Each member of my family has taught me something different and valuable about life. Their unconditional love never ceases to amaze me. A girl could not ask for a better support system. I can honestly say that I am who I am today because of them. They are a large reason for why I have pushed through this year and continued my blog. I am so lucky to call them all mine, even when they shoot milk out of their nose at dinner. ;)

I am thankful for my friends.
Outside of my blood family, I am so blessed to have several other friends that I could call family. My roommates and I, for example, have known each other for years and although we may have our tiffs from time to time they really are my family. I can't begin to describe how our relationship works, but I can always count on them to laugh until my stomach hurts.  

My friends understand me. They accept me, appreciate me, and always have my back. I know a lot of people grow apart from their childhood friends, but fortunately the majority of my friends I have known since elementary and middle school. In fact, my very first friend in the Tri-Cities and I are still really close after 15 years. I love them all and I don't think they realize how much I appreciate them.

I am thankful for my sisters.
After joining Gamma Phi Beta in March, my whole entire college experience changed for the better. The women in my sisterhood continue to inspire me on a daily basis. In the very short time I have been a member, I have already learned so much about myself, about others and about life in genreal. I thank the Lord everyday for the relationships I have made with these women and look forward to how they will continue to grow. Its a rare thing to be able to look at a group of people and think I can count on them for the rest of my life. Our bond is something that no one else really understands, but to me that  makes our sisterhood so precious. IIKE

I am thankful for my education and my school.
Too often I find myself or hear someone else complaining about homework or a particular teacher on campus. The truth is, I love being an eagle! The fact that I am even allowed to further my education and expand my knowledge is amazing. I think it's one of the most taken for granted things in our country. People all over the world would give so much to be where I am and for that I am truly grateful. The majority of my teachers have inspired me to follow my aspirations and get me that much closer to graduation. The campus is rich with history and the facilities on campus are beautiful. Eastern gives their students many reasons to be thankful and…our football team/ field aren't half bad either. ;)

I am thankful for the Miss America Organization.
If you would have told me just 4 years back that I would be a titleholder in the Miss America Organization, I would have told you, you were crazy. However, taking a chance and competing for Miss Tri-Cities 3 years ago was one of the greatest chances I have ever taken. Not only has this organization inspired bigger and better goals to pursue, but it has also given me the skills and tools I need to pursue them. In addition, I have made lifelong relationships that have taken me all across the state and country! I am a much stronger woman today because of the Miss America Organization and all of their values that they uphold. I also appreciate Oreos a lot more. ;)

I am thankful for sports.
Not only have sports instilled in me determination, teamwork and passion, but they have also helped to keep my body able and healthy. I am grateful for my body and things sports has allowed me to do. I have been involved sports since I can't remember when and some of my greatest moments and most proud moments were made playing a simple game. Some people think it's just that, a game, however, what you take away from the game is something that could never be taught in school. Even though I am not necessarily the player anymore, sports still continue to give me something to look forward to. I hope to pursue a a career in public relations working for a professional sports team and I am excited to see where it may take me.

I am thankful for our troops.
I am proud to be an American. I am grateful for my freedom. Our country and our freedom would not be possible without those men and women who are not with their families today because they are protecting me and mine. No words will ever express my gratitude for our soldiers.

Most of all, I am thankful that years ago a particular son of God died for all of my sins. In doing so, I am so blessed with everything I listed above. Also, thank you for all of your beautiful creations. Glory be to God in the highest!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Kailee 

Day 331: A Thanksgiving For The Dogs

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I sit here thinking about all of the things I am grateful for and how much God has blessed me with. I am definitely looking forward to seeing my family and stuffing myself with my grandma's delicious cooking, but part of me knows that there is still more I could be doing to make someone else's thanksgiving better. I tried to find a place to donate a thanksgiving dinner to a family in need and had no luck. Then, I thought about how I have wanted to help at a humane society. Although I didn't have time to actually hang out with the puppies, I found another way to give back.

My mom and I ran to the store and bought some dog food and treats and delivered them to the closest humane society. Although they weren't open, I left the goodies on the doorstep with a note that read, "everyone deserves a delicious meal on Thanksgiving!" I know it wasn't much, but hopefully a volunteer will appreciate the donations and the dogs will enjoy the treats.

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving and don't be afraid to express what you are truly grateful for!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 330: Typhoon Relief

As I have mentioned before, it is the time of the year to give, especially to those in need. Recently, the Phillipines was struck by a nasty typhoon. They need help and there are many ways that you can text a number to give $10. This article has all of the information to donate.

USA Today Article

In addition, iTunes has just released a special CD in which all proceeds will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross. The CD has songs from everyone's favorites. Several artists are The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, One Direction, Josh Groban, and many more!

Day 329: Why not?

Before I dive in, I need to preface the story for you. About 3 weeks ago, a friend of mine expressed her adoration for country singer, Scotty McCreery. It wasn't but a few days later that we then learned he would be in town on November 25. He would be playing a FREE concert in Spokane. The catch? The only way to get into his show was to win tickets from a radio station. Disheartened, but still optimistic, my friend Logan and I tried to win tickets, but we had no such luck. Then, on the other hand, I must say I am a pretty cautious person. I am not one to take large risks because it actually scares the crap out of me…but I am working on it.

Today finally rolls around and we are all at a friends house for a friendsgiving (Thanksgiving with friends) dinner. Logan was disappointed that she didn't win tickets but hey you don't win them all, right? Then a spark of hope! Another friend at the dinner announces that a friend of hers was at the movie theatre and Scotty was there to watch a movie. Now, keep in mind that while Spokane is a large city with multiple theaters, the outlying areas are vastly smaller and there is only one theatre in Airway Heights with about 8 screens in the theatre. This just so happened to be where Scotty chose to see a movie…most likely to avoid crazy fans (whoops)!

As we sat in the living room, talk started about how cool it would be to be at the movies with him and what are the odds that he is there? Several girls said with a joking manner, lets go find him. Then I finally say, "No seriously. Why don't we go to the theatre. If we see him..great. If not then we get to see a movie." There was a slight moment of hesitation, then a little freak out and then before I knew it 4 other girls and I were in my car and headed to the theatre.

When arriving at the theatre, we had a 1/8 chance of choosing the right theatre. Well, just like that…strike 1, 2 and 3. We may have been down, but not out. We finally settled into Catching Fire. As mentioned before, if we couldn't meet him, the least I was going to do was enjoy a movie. After sitting still for a good hour, my friend Mallory gets up to use the restroom. However, when she returns her whole demeanor has changed. She comes bounding up the theatre stairs and motions for us to come with her. Scotty's movie had just let out and it was now or never to say hello. Except it would seem that we all lost our voices (and courage) and couldn't get the words out. Finally, I think to myself it is now OR never and shyly say, "umm Scotty…may we get a picture with you?" From there on out, it was all great because we were able to say hello and take a picture. Logan was dying and still probably is…I may need to check on her in the morning! ;)

Overall, he was very sweet and courteous. However, meeting Scotty is not the act of the day. The act of kindness is somewhat for myself and somewhat for others. Too often in life we ask, why? When truly the question to living a full life should be, why not? Although every bone in my body was telling me to stay in the comfort of the nice apartment, my gut was telling me to take a chance and just drive. Although, I couldn't find the words to ask for a picture, my heart was telling me it was all going to be ok. And I found that when I stepped up to the plate it eased the situation and allowed others to step up too.

I guess what I am trying to say is, what is life living in the safety of your comfort zone? Do a favor for yourself and live outside…no better yet just destroy that box. When you do, you may just inspire someone to do the same. One of my favorite quotes is "simply live, don't just exist."

God bless,

Kailee 

P.S. Thanks for being so understanding Scotty! 

Day 328: Donated Toys

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well, close enough anyways. It is also the most wonderful time to donate toys. So many organizations are now accepting donations for families that can't afford toys for the holidays. One organization that I was able to donate to is the popular Toys for Tots. Several buildings on campus have set out bins for donations. When I was at Bi-Mart, I picked up a pack of Play Dough and donated it.

        

The other organization I donated to was Operation Homefront. This is an organization run through the Dollar Tree and collects toys for families who family member is deployed in the military. As I was shopping around at the dollar store, I saw a bin of toys. When checking out, the man at the register explained what it was and asked if I would like to donate a dollar for a toy. I got to choose an adorable teddy bear for donation.

                                                  

So, keep your eye out and give a gift to someone who may not get one otherwise.

God bless,

Kailee