How to get your guy friends to your Bachelorette viewing party

So far this summer, I've learned a thing or two about the sales process. When I'm pounding out cold calls, I like to think of myself as a detective. It is my duty to wipe the tears from the church marketing person's eyes when they realize the millions of dollars spent printing those pesky bulletins are in the same dumpster as the dirty diapers from the nursery. There is an app for that, ladies and gentlemen.

With the help of some key selling techniques, anyone can learn to take on a challenging situation and turn it into gold. While I've had the pleasure of handling quite a few difficult people on the phone, not one has presented a challenge as large as coaxing the guy friends into our living room on Monday nights for The Bachelorette. And I do love a challenge.

I am happy to report that, with the help of a little sales knowledge and sugar, Rachael and I have a 100% conversion rate among the guys in the office under the age of 25. The feat is not as impossible as it sounds, ladies. Time to get your detective on and get the guys in front of your TV tonight.

Step 1: The Upfront Contract (UFC for short). One part brutal honesty and the other part mystery, a good upfront contract sounds something like: "Hey, you should come over for the Bachelorette tonight. Can I tell you why I'm saying this?" Ending with a question is like a dangling a fishing pole with Justin Beiber tickets in front of a group of 13 year old girls. Consider attention caught.

Step 2: Find the pain. In sales, you're not trying to sell a product, but a pain reliever. These guys have something missing in their life that you can give them. Pick two of these pain points after your UFC.

1. "You'll just spend 3 hours playing Halo otherwise." 

2. "You get to hang out with awesome people."

3. "You can make fun of it all you want."

4. "Our house smells good."

5. "We just went grocery shopping."

6. "We miss you."

7. "There are no games on tonight."

8. "Our couch is more comfortable than yours."

9. "We can skip through commercials." (if you have DVR)

10. "We're making dessert."

In my experience, numbers 1 and 10 work the best. 

Step 3: Pound the pain. Not to be graphic, but in sales, once you've found the "bruise" on your prospect, punch it. Our people have a giant hole in their lives where sugary treats should reside, so we know to make cookies, peanut butter bars, and cherry squares the main focus. Ask what kind of food the dudes want, and the sale is as good as yours. 

Step 4: Resistance. If you run across a more difficult prospect, let them talk out their issue. Be kind, and always validate ("I totally understand why you hate the show, but let me tell you why it will be worth your time"). Keep the conversation going by asking more questions, and try to understand where they are coming from. Some people's pain just requires more digging than others. If all else fails, a classic guilt trip is usually effective.

Step 5: Close the deal. Send a calendar invite and get those cookies in the oven. 

If at first you don't succeed, be patient and keep pounding the pain. Some will take longer to convince than others, but, in our experiences we've found they will all come around eventually. 

Happy Bachelorette Monday! ;)

A Look Back

Most people claim it is impossible to go back in time. In first grade at VBS, our Kid's Church room held the world's first and only time machine. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I watched as volunteers walked into the time machine before walking back out as "babies." Embarrassing as it is, it took me a little longer than the average six-year-old to figure out the whole thing was a sham.

To some extent, however, I believe time travel is possible. This belief fuels my journaling habit, as I love nothing more than to look back over years gone by and marvel at how my life has changed. By taking photos, writing things down, and collecting tidbits of life as days come and go, I have the secret superpower of going back in time, even if its only possible through memories. God even charges us to take a look back every now and again, just to remind ourselves of His faithfulness. 

So without further ado, at this time last year....

 1. I was still a cheerleader. My hectic schedule included games and practice almost every night of the week. At this point, we were preparing for NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL and I was equally terrified and excited. After 8 years as a cheerleader, I finally hung up my poms for good this fall. I felt God was leading me to bigger things, and after much prayer, I knew what I had to do. I treasured my years cheering on both the Warriors and the Wildcats and have no regrets!

 2. I had some brand new friends. God ushered these friendboys into our lives at the perfect time! Spring last year was filled with hilarious game nights, football on the roof, Lord of the Rings parties, "homework" nights in Teter, embarrassing 1-10's, and galavanting around Indianapolis in the unusually gorgeous weather. I looked forward every day to getting to spend time with these crazies every free second I had.

3. I was questioning my life calling and contemplating going into Forensic Science. Just kidding! While I enjoyed my Forensic Science lab last spring (that's a real human skull I'm holding, by the way), I was just beginning to grow my passion for public relations. Since this point, my love for the field has only progressed, and I am beyond excited for my future as a PR princess.

4. I was skilled in the art of the snarky note. Ok, so I guess not much has changed in that arena. But seriously, who wants to use a towel after knowing someone else used it right before?! Sick!

5. I barely knew the people who would become my best friends. Last year at this time, I was praying fervently that God would bring more friends into my life. Throughout my time in college, I always envied the friend groups who studied together, hung out on weekends together, ate every meal together. Thanks to the grace of God, I now have one of those groups. Joelle, Nicole, Bre, Sidney, Elese, Heidi, and Kristin, I'm so glad you are now a part of my life!

Kate the Accumulator's Top Spring Break Picks

Strutting through the airport last week, I think I had three different boarding passes stuffed into my wallet at one point. Something about the slick pieces of paper brandishing proof of my travels seemed too sacred to throw out. This was not an odd phenomenon, as I sometimes feel a little like a faulty vacuum cleaner: picking up random junk as I go through life trying not to trip over things. My incredible week in Florida for Spring Break with my main compadres was no different. Over the course of seven sunshine saturated days, I accumulated...

5 boarding passes
2 take-menus
2 church bulletins
1 free CD
3 seashells
1 piece of a coconut
....and that was just the stuff I found!

I have often heard it said to collect moments, not things. For Kate the Accumulator, however, this is much easier said than done. But on this past Spring Break trip, the memories in my heart way outnumber the objects in my pockets.

13 Best Moments from Spring Break 2013

13.  Celebrity status at church. Being the only attendees under the age of 65 at Jo's grandparent's church, we were asked to stand and introduce ourselves in front of the entire congregation! Our new elderly neighbors for the week seemed so happy to see us. The feeling was definitely reciprocated!

12. Making a friend on the beach. I met Zach the half frog half dog half human half fish when he hopped past my towel one afternoon. Poor little guy had no one to play with, so I struck up a conversation. Then he asked for my phone number. Then he asked if I could come over. He was sweet, don't get me wrong. I just wasn't feeling the 16 year age difference.

11. Old TV show reminiscing. We literally spent an hour laying on the guest bed trying to remember theme songs to old TV shows. Frustrating, but awesome.

10. Tuesday beach day. Iced coffee in hand, sun on skin, not a cloud in the sky, and Greek food for lunch. Perfection.

9. Fish tacos and live music. Nuff said.

8. Dinner conversations with Grandma and Grandpa Cobbs. I could have listened to the two of them all day! Their bits of wisdom sprinkled with hilarious comments kept us constantly entertained. They were the absolute sweetest, making us feel special all week long, especially when they laughed at our "stories." 

7. Operation Scare Lauren. Lauren walks into bathroom. Nicole, Jo, and I squeeze into closet. Lauren searches house. Lauren walks back in. Closet door opens. Mission accomplished.

6. Tornado trek to McDonald's. We braved four lanes of traffic, winds that could flatten a small town, a toxic swamp, and a woman with a lazy eye to get our McFlurry fix one afternoon. So worth it.

5. Card night. 7's and euchre for hours with some ice cream on the side. The four of us were feeling hyper and mischievous...you know, that mood where EVERYTHING is funny? Even black suits and crow mating calls?

4. Beach tumbling. I still got it. ;)

3. Deep conversations till almost 3 in the morning. Nothing beats a great talk with your best friends after a good movie. 

2. Falling asleep every night exhausted and happy, knowing the next day would be even better than the one before.

1. Marveling at how God brought two sets of roommates together who barely knew each other at this point last year. I would have never guessed that the girls living right across the hall from me in which I only exchanged casual hello's would end up being some of my best friends. 

Kimberlyn's Grand Adventure

Before this weekend, I didn't think I could love the city any more than I already did. I was wrong. 

Friday morning I hit the road bound for Chicago to see one of my best and oldest friends. Sick of spending yet another weekend sitting around in one of America's most boring towns, I resolved to do or die as I hit the road, tank full of gas and pocket full of toll road fodder. 

After my whacked out GPS Rhonda decided it best for me to see the heart of Scary Gary on the way, I squealed when the Chicago Skyline appeared on the horizon! Forty five minutes later, I was sitting in Kim's adorable apartment, stoked beyond belief to spend a weekend adventuring with my best friend.

Friday evening was splendid, as Kim gave me the grand tour of her gorgeous college campus before hitting Lincoln Square for some gelatto. We ended the night in typical Kimberlyn style with watching Pitch Perfect and eating kettle corn. 

Saturday morning I woke up ready take on Chicago. After bundling up, Kim and I braved icy sidewalks to the train bound for Belmont. I firmly believe the best days begin with a great breakfast, so we strolled into Anne Sather’s for some legendary cinnamon rolls and coffee. Once the caffeine and sugar began to take saturate our consciousness, we hit some eclectic shops brimming with amazing stuff that caused my poor wallet to shed a tear.

Once we had our fill of Belmont, we hopped back on the brown line headed for the city. My considerate friend let me take the seat by the window, which my eyes were glued to as the skyline came into view. I had been to Chicago multiple times prior to this trip, but it still made my heart race.

After we climbed off the train, we headed for the Bean. As we pounded the pavement, Kim and I laughed at signs warning against falling bikes, mice, and ice and exclaimed in amazement about the perfect quality of the day. The windows of the towers kissing the sky glinted in the sunlight, as the abnormally clearness eradicated the winter doldrums in eyes of passersby. The gentle touch of the sun gave the crisp air a sweet and comfortable climate. I thanked God for the unusually amazing weather, knowing it was Him alone who granted me the incredible gift of a beautiful day in the city as well as Kim’s enduring friendship through the years.

From the Bean, we picked up some free Caribou hot chocolate (another Kimberlyn tradition) and headed for the Magnificent Mile: Michigan Avenue. We explored floor after floor of things we pretended we could afford, rolling imaginary luggage carts around full of clothes and household items we just couldn’t live without. We stopped in the American Girl Place to re-live our childhoods, and nabbed some free chocolate at Ghiradelli before enjoying a little good conversation over a sushi snack. It has never ceased to amaze me how Kim and I can literally be half a world away from each other but still maintain a friendship that I consider to be one of my closest. Even though years passed during which we were on separate continents, we have consistently grown closer and have chased similar dreams despite the distance. The two of us did the majority of our growing up apart, but I’m convinced our minds have always been on one accord. Almost creepily so.

After almost two hours of talking nonstop, we decided it was time for a caffeine boost. The sky had faded navy by this time, but it was by no means dark outside. The buildings illuminated our path as we continued to explore, Starbucks in hand. We went for Round Two  at Ghiradelli’s before meeting up with Kim’s roommate at Giordono’s for some classic Chicago deep dish. The pizza felt like it took years to bake, but the end result was worth the wait.

When we climbed on the train to head back to Kim’s apartment, it had been almost twelve hours since we had first set out. If only it had actually felt like it had been that long. I assured Kim that I would most definitely be back again, this promise the seal my favorite weekend of 2013 to date. 

Let me introduce you to my party people

It's Monday morning. The frigid Indiana air hisses outside my window, sending snow swirling into the faces of sleepy people hiking the sidewalks. The sky is overcast, colored by the groans of students beginning another week of class.

I couldn't hear said groans however, because what should have been another dreary Monday had escalated into a full out party in our room. With the morning coffee taking full effect on my roommates and me, Pandora DJ'd an instant dance party in the bathroom. In between bustin' moves I ran in and out trying to finish last minute items while yelling and laughing at my roommates. And to think, half of us aren't even morning people. It was truly a Monday miracle.

Spontaneous bursts of crazy randomness with my 7 roommates is not unusual. I get a daily ab workout from laughing to the point of tears at the shenanigans that seem to follow us. But even better than just being loads of fun, each one of my roommates is a steadfast friend and a woman of God that I know I can look to for advice and Godly counsel.

So, without further ado, let me introduce:

1. Joelle. Also known as JoJo, I barely knew this lady until the beginning of fall semester. For a few days at the very beginning, we were the only two in our entire suite. After one night of watching (and screaming at) Pretty Little Liars, eating peanut butter M&M's and drinking coffee, I had a feeling we would become great friends. Together we down Starbucks at alarming rates, brave apocalyptic weather conditions, tear up the Just Dance floor and have deep conversations on the regular. She is my newest friend and also one of my best, and I'm so thankful I live with her.

2. Sidney. Sidney Suzanne is one of the sweetest, most genuine girls I have ever met. I love talking with her and hearing her thoughts on life. She is an extremely hard worker, and pours her heart and soul into all she does. I have a lot of respect for her, not only because she drinks her coffee black. I have loved the opportunity to live with her this year, and very much admire her work ethic and personality.

3. Lauren. In 2nd grade, when Lauren and I first became friends, I would have never guessed she would one day end up as my roommate. I'm so thankful that she did! Lauren has a wisdom beyond her years and I know I can always go to her for advice. I've always loved our conversations, whether during a drive to a high school football game, on my trampoline at midnight or just getting ready in the morning. I appreciate all the memories we've had growing up together and hope for many more to come. She is a rock solid friend to me, and I look up to her in so many ways.

4. Bre. The queen of exaggeration and the life of the party, a moment with Bre around is never dull. Her light hearted nature and mischievous ways have helped remind me not to take life too seriously time and time again. Along with being a ton of fun, however, Bre is an amazing human being who stands firm in her faith and convictions. I'm so thankful for her friendship and the laughter she brings me daily.

5. Addi. As long as I've known her (which has been awhile), Addi has had a knack for naturally lighting up a room. Her positive outlook and infectious laugh boosts a mood in seconds! She is such a woman of faith who lives out her love for God everyday. I appreciate the accountability she provides me, and I could never thank her enough for the love she has shown to me over the years through trials in growing up. Addi is a ray of sunshine!

6. Elese. The artistic one of the group, I love Elese's eye for the little things of beauty in life. She is a very talented and dedicated both as a photographer and a friend. I enjoy hearing her insights and opinions as well as her somewhat unfortunate and hilarious stories from her job last summer. I love when her goofy side comes out and am thankful for all the fun she brings to our room!

7. Nicole. Dependable and authentic are two words I would use to describe Nicole, and she is honestly one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is always honest with people but at the same time very sweet, a difficult combo to find in people these days! I'm so thankful for the fact I can count on her to have my back. Her testimony is incredible, and I have loved watching her grow in her faith as well as help me in mine. Nicole is a rockstar.

I love these girls with all my heart!