check list
CreComm is a marathon. You don't run it like you're running a sprint- you run knowing that it is a journey with hills, valleys, and of course moments when you might hit the wall.
However, being in CreComm is not like a marathon in the fact that activity levels turn you more into a couch potato, not less. Since being in the program (and juggling work) I have had little time to do things like exercise (my own fault I know- but saddening non the less). That is why when there was an opportunity to get back into the a running routine I JUMPED at the chance. I, along with four others are entered into the Manitoba Marathon Relay. I'm excited because it gets me back in the running routine, and because I find I am a challenge driven kind of girl.
Believe it or not, the last time I ran with any amount of purpose was back in 2009 when I decided I was going to run the MB Marathon... all 26.2 miles of it! It was the first race I had ever entered and I was excited beyond belief to take on the mother of all challenges. I had been watching The Biggest Looser one day and figured if they can run a marathon- then I can run one. So I signed up. And clearly there was no backing out for me.

Weekends took on a whole new meaning- running 20 plus miles closer to the end of training. I remember people asking what I was up to on the weekend and I would tell them I was running to the perimeter and back. They looked at me with a shocked expression, probably because I live downtown and for some people driving that distance seems to be a task. I remember on my off days having "short runs" of 6-10 miles= ha! By the time the marathon came I was logging countless miles and drinking gallons of water.
Running the thing was a whole other matter- probably one of the craziest experience I have ever had in my life! When the gun went off - with Chariots of Fire playing- I ran for the first 10 miles without blinking. I was in a sea of people and just moving! I hit the "great divide" (the point where full marathoners and half marathoners split) I was still running off the initial adrenaline. But as I saw the "serious" being weeded out from the "sissies" it hit me that I had just been running the same pace that people running half the distance were running.... eeek. By mile 13 I my legs were in pain and all I could think was "If I had signed up for the half I would be done by now!" At mile 16, they said it was getting to hot and they were shutting down the course for anyone who hadn't made it past mile 14 (this was a nice kick in the pants to keep me movin!). At mile 20 with no bathroom in sight - I ended up running into a complete strangers house to use theirs= I'm forever indebted to them!!!! At mile 24 I don't even know if I was running anymore or just walking at a quickish pace. And when they called my name when I entered the stadium I nearly lost it when I realized I still had to run the track to get to my destination (the free popsicles, chocolate milk, and bagels! lol).
The next day I went to work (NEVER do I recommend going to work the next day) - and found my name in the list of finishers for the marathon. Goal completed!
But still sooo many more goals to accomplish- and if I can finish the marathon, I can certainly finish CreComm... and I an finish the 5.6 miles I'll be running this fathers day. *(secretly I'm hoping it will get me into the groove so I can run the marathon again... because like all good things= It's addictive! And one day checking off the Boston Marathon, or New York Marathon, or one in Hawaii would be a very COOL THING!)

marathon*ish

At 3:15 today it was official... I embarked on a new year of life. I can't really lie... I've not always liked birthdays- mostly because it means I'm getting older and my list of things to do is still long. But this year was amazing= it was the year of class!
I had ambitious dreams this year. I made myself a list of 26 things to do... and surprisingly a lot of it got done!
At the top of the list was-
  1. Get into CreComm= CHECK!
  2. Do a legit photo shoot (ie. get paid for taking photos)= Double CHECK! *I even tackled a wedding!
  3. Travel outside of North America!= I think Thailand would classify as a Check on that one. *see photo above... oh, only in Thailand.
  4. Read 8 books willingly (not for homework/assignments)= Check!
... and the list went on.

There were some things that were ongoing projects; like flossing my teeth on a daily basis (its on the list cuz it's a classy thing to do).
There were things that were half done- like my one of two sewing projects that I finished.
And sadly there were some things that didn't... like memorizing an entire book of the Bible, or running a half marathon, or design a canvas print for my dining room...
But alas- you can't do everything in one year!!! So here is to putting them on the list of 27 with all the things that will get done. To all the sewing, running, traveling, the creatively inspired, photographically amazing, and  randomly awesome things that will happen= this year is for you.
But first, a name needs to be chosen for a year of this magnitude.
Any suggestions?!

new*year

It's the week of projects and due dates... and I'm workin overtime here in CreComm vill.
In moments like this 2 things happen:
1. I'm usually found on my kitchen floor eating out of a peanut butter jar- Thankfully because of this challenge for another project I won't be doing it because... well... the peanut butter I like to eat has sugar in it! WHO KNEW!?
2. I LOVE to make up random playlists of music to listen to- and hit the repeat button. Currently I have only one song on that list...

and though I should share my love.
Here's to surviving , enduring,   acing the week!
[k]

background*noise

Like I mentioned here, I have a LIST of things to do before my 26th year is up. One of those things being that I need to read EIGHT books willingly. I emphasize the EIGHT because... well... I don't read much, and it's probably eight times more books then I read in the previous year. I add the willingly because I have to read stuff for school... and I figured that shouldn't count.
Believe it or not (with over a month before deadline) I FINISHED my eighth book!

Not being the most avid reader, I'm always hesitant when it comes to picking up a book. I worry that I won't like it, or I will only make it past the first chapter and then loose interest. So when I grabbed this one my guard was up.
But after a half hour of reading- I was hooked. I loved the story (a man near the end of life sharing his life's insights), the people (Morrie: the professor who as ALS; Mitch: who used to be his college student), and the words of wisdom...
"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." (p.43)

"You have to find what's good and true and beautiful in your life as it is now. Looking back makes you competitive. And, age is not a competitive issue." (p.120)

To hear advice on life, or more so the end of life is bizarre (probably because no one ever talks about it). But it's cool because how often do you think about it? How often do we live life with the end in mind? How would you do things differently when you know you are on a time limit? What becomes important? What do you value?

check*list

Although it is the beginning of the new year, new resolutions (or revisiting old resolutions), and lists of new things to do  I am nearing the end of my own list of things to do. With just over a month until turn another year older younger I am dangerously close to finishing almost all of my list of 26 things to do (more to come on that) in "The Year of Class". Yes... I entitled this past year of my life The Year of Class because well; I feel it just felt like this would be a classy kind of year. And ever if there was a true test of if something should be included in The Year of Class I look no further than Audrey.
Audrey is the epitome of class- in fashion and style, in grace and poise... nothing compare with Audrey.
I stumbled across this photo from a blog that I am serious in love with (if only I knew how he found so many cool things)- and I it has now become the background of my computer.
I love how simple the photos are- yet the capture such an authentic moment in her life... as if they are  letting you into to their stroll down the lane.
sigh- now that is class.
[k]

the year of *class

We are nearing the end of the list...
And to let you all in on the stuff I was working on till all hours of the morning  I would like to introduce to you my official brand!!!!
Things that it includes

Brand Personality: creative, strategic,  pioneer, authentic, faithful
Brand differentiation:
You can’t put k*Sara in a box. She is full of energy, creativity, and loves the challenge of starting something new. And at the core of that start is strategy. She thinks big picture and long term, not just the next few steps in front of her. She is about honesty, integrity, and investing in community.
Brand Values:
Thinking outside the box with direction and authenticity.
Striving for the excellence with sincerity.
Founded in faithful living.
Brand Promise:
life shared *LIFE LIVED

Brand Vision: 
The future of k*SARA...
  • exceeds*ALL LIMITS
  • impacts*THE WAY PEOPLE THINK
  • pours into*OTHERS
  • is*UNIQUE 
  • gives more*THAN SHE GETS
  • learns*CONTINUALLY
  • listens more*THAN TALKS
and last but not least my 
Brand Story:
My Omi is the most spectacular woman I have ever known. Confident to the core, she lived her life giving to others, even when she had little to give. She dedicated her life to her family, pouring her heart and soul into them. Blessed with wisdom, she was quick to listen and slow to speak. Her faith guided her life and anchored her soul. And although the world may say she was unknown- she made herself known to me.
My story begins where hers left off. Named with her in mind, k*SARA is a mix of my first and middle name. And more importantly a reminder of my lovely Omi, Sara.

My Omi and me!




You can also see this classy slideshow that I did...



And if you are super observant you may have notices that my web address has changed.

YES- that's right... Kristin is officially a dot com!!! lol (I don't know why I find that sooo very funny but I actually do... and I also feel like there are a few others who are laughing at (not with) me too! lol) But I'm will now and forever more blame school for this-- and secretly hid the fact that I've always wanted my own dot com site!

And now that this blog post is nearing an end... so is my last check of things to do.
So far I've survived CreComm (assuming my marks come back and I'm allowed in for round two)- and now it is time for a nap. A very long nap.


Who's kidding who-- now that we have spare time... a whole new list emerges... like cleaning the house, doing Christmas baking, plus the entire list of things that I want to accomplish on my Pinboard.
So here is to a break- not from doing stuff... just from CreComm (sigh....)

Keep watching for posts to what I pack every spare moment with!!! (because we all know I can't sit still and do nothing)

[k]

*branding

So much to do- so much to do... It's nearing the end of the semester which means the check list long and the time is short.
Things to do...
 blog (post)

Finish Electronic Pub
Finish Personal Brand
Finish PR Fact Sheet
Finish Creative Writing Re-write
Study for Ad Test
Study for PR Test
Thing I'm sure I'm forgetting...  x3

There is something calming about writing things down- but scary all at the same time. Thus to combat the things to do... we have things that got did...

Things that got did...
 blog (post, post)
Change Tires (and I did... with some help)

TV Test 
Family Farm visit
Make Promo Video : seen here...


When things start freaking me out and I can't do anything about it... then I turn to this list...
or I start filling out a list like this
And if non of that helps then I work plan B. Zoning out in front of the TV with either a season of Gilmore Girls, Greys anatomy, or even better The Big Bang Theory.
Currently I'm working my way through The Big Bang Theory... season 2.. disk 3... this isn't a good start to the week.
Here is to hoping I survive this week.

check*lists

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