tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38266138369995075602024-03-06T00:30:46.216-05:00Keri MikulskiYA Sporty Chick Author Blogs About Balls, Books, and Bits About Random ThingsKeri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-47376264350620865182010-02-19T20:47:00.000-05:002010-02-19T20:48:40.956-05:00Come on Over...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr_9-fbXLKlhWR3DWaKNJlohX85eX1oQLyQTAxisdgrov1whEh8wJmAbtixfhSeN60XDdqAuQ3eHLRg_o-TjCl_2IKymZqWDHi6t89df19VtzzoHxP12tgq-RQuqz2s9V5X_jYqi4Yddr/s1600-h/prettytough_mockcover3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr_9-fbXLKlhWR3DWaKNJlohX85eX1oQLyQTAxisdgrov1whEh8wJmAbtixfhSeN60XDdqAuQ3eHLRg_o-TjCl_2IKymZqWDHi6t89df19VtzzoHxP12tgq-RQuqz2s9V5X_jYqi4Yddr/s200/prettytough_mockcover3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440136502232336450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left; ">Hey, Everybody!!</div><br />As of February 1st, all my blog posts can be found <a href="http://www.kerimikulski.com/">here</a> on my super new <a href="http://www.kerimikulski.com/">website</a>.<br /><br />Please, stop on by! I'll be posting exciting Sporty Saturday interviews, CHANGE UP (SCREWBALL Series: Book 2), events with the KidLit Authors Club, a new author crew I'm joining, more Book Club interviews (including an exclusive with Kristin Walker, author of A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL) and all the inside scoop leading to the 2011 release of the Pretty Tough Series (Penguin/Razorbill).<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by and see you soon! ;)<br /><br />Hugs,<br />Keri :)<br /><a href="http://www.kerimikulski.com/">http://www.kerimikulski.com</a>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-70438617517174005042010-02-03T10:12:00.006-05:002010-02-03T10:38:11.064-05:00FREE!<div style="text-align: left;">I have exciting news!! :) As a thank you to my SCREWBALL readers and in honor of <a href="http://www.aahperd.org/nagws/programs/ngwsd/index.cfm">National Girls and Women in Sports Day</a>, you can now download the entire CHANGE UP (SCREWBALL 2) novel for free <a href="http://kerimikulski.com/books/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 77px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUz6uMyZjrp44J64zvtssRNKdXPyXnR_D2w5B99AXxT2GNw6YkPLEw_NczMxQaLAx5oZD6zn5j4p2v9hxdd3ISz162o3SCbJvwesiFg9C6m-xxqBs_bBP-aVKALl6MSF7VTU-4zdlDia7/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434035980355105874" /></div><div>Enjoy and Happy Wednesday!! :) </div></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-61098698068455738062010-01-27T07:37:00.005-05:002010-01-27T08:11:55.472-05:00Whatever Wednesday: Amazing!Did you watch the Hope for Haiti Benefit last Friday? What did you think? <div><br /></div><div>This performance by Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono, and the Edge blew me away. :) Amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zQe2faE12rs&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zQe2faE12rs&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Wednesday! :) </div><div><br /></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-31061487730170739372010-01-22T22:04:00.001-05:002010-01-22T22:06:50.903-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-265" href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-265" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a><br /></p><p>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-two year old kayaker and skydiver, Samantha Brunner. Check out Samantha’s interview below where she shares what it’s like to compete in kayaking, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Samantha Brunner <a rel="attachment wp-att-503" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-15/attachment/0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-15/attachment/0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-503" title="0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s.jpg" alt="0907ee77-a13f-4c2a-8391-60f471760619s" width="250" height="166" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span>22<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s): </span>Pro whitewater kayaker, but I also skydive and like most outdoor sports<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown: </span>Memphis, TN<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School/Middle School/College: </span>I am currently a student on full scholarship at the University of Memphis. I graduate in May with a bachelors in Exercise Sport Science, then its off to Physical Therapy school<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been kayaking? </span>I have been paddling for about 6 years.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>The first time I ran a creek that I had to fully memorize. The small creek was so consistent that I had to remember all of the lines because there was no time to stop in between rapids. This made me learn to trust and rely on myself.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?<a rel="attachment wp-att-504" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-15/attachment/9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-15/attachment/9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-504" title="9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l.jpg" alt="9671c6af-94fa-4877-a6ac-13ec82b2c6e0l" width="333" height="500" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>To trust myself. Kayaking, for me, is all about pushing your physical and mental limits and learning to trust yourself. Only you can truly know what you are capable of, nobody else can tell you that. Kayaking is a way in which I learn what I am capable of; it helps me become a more independent person and puts a lot of life’s experiences into perspective.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Always be a team player. Getting down the river is a group effort. Your friends depend on you to know your skills as much as you depend on them to know theirs. Also, to always be respectful and truthful. Also, kayaking is a pretty poor sport, so you have to learn how to work to make the bigger trips worthwhile and how to do them within a budget. With that being said, I have learned to be able to put a lot of work and preparation into my trips to make them work and be beneficial for both my sponsors and myself.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>It is the only way to be successful, you can’t do everything all by yourself. Everyone has something to bring to the table and is better at something than you are. It teaches you when to lead and when to listen.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Haha, that’s the hard one. I know that school is more important and I have the rest of my life to kayak. Being in Memphis makes me a weekend warrior when it comes to kayaking. I plan my major trips around my breaks in school.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List the sponsors that you currently have:</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Pretty Tough, Jackson Kayaks, Stohlquist Waterware, Keen Footwear, Kavu Clothing, SnapDragon Sprayskirts, Gaia Paddlesports, Grateful Heads Helmets, Freestyle Watches, H2O Audio, Zeal Optics, Colorado Kayak Supply</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you plan to use your sport to influence others?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>When I get out of Physical Therapy school I plan to start a non-profit, whitewater kayaking camp to fight childhood obesity and eating disorders. I find that kayaking is not only enjoyable; it can be a great motivator to get into shape. I want to show how fun kayaking can be and I think that when one is having fun it is easier to be motivated to stay active.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Haha, I think it would be to dress up. So much of what I do requires pants and flats or sneakers (not that I’m complaining) so when I have a chance to have a date night with my boyfriend, which comes once every few months haha, I like to dress up. I’m usually “one of the guys” so this helps remind me that I’m not always. Also, I kayak in waterproof mascara which makes me pretty girlie ;)<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Samantha! Best of luck with your amazing career.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-8544763421389502812010-01-19T18:48:00.003-05:002010-01-19T19:05:18.278-05:00I Love You, Grease 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p>The other night I caught my all-time fave childhood movie on VH1. Nope, it wasn’t ROGER RABBIT, a Disney princess movie, SUPERMAN, GREASE or even PRETTY IN PINK.</p><p><br /></p><p>It was… GREASE 2.</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-489" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/i-love-you-grease-2/attachment/images-9/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/i-love-you-grease-2/attachment/images-9/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-489" title="Grease 2" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images.jpeg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images.jpeg" alt="Grease 2" width="116" height="116" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>At five-years-old I wanted to be Stephanie Zione. I even bought big hoop earrings (clip-ons), cut bangs, begged my mom to make me a Pink Ladies reversible black leather jacket, sang and danced to <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Cool Rider </span>(I was real bad), and chomped on Bubba Hubba bubblegum like a cow chewing grass. While Sandy from the original GREASE was quiet and nice and girly (except at the end), Stephanie had edge. Stephanie had attitude. Stephanie liked motorcycles, being on the back of one, and bad boys who rode them.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, my parents were worried about me.</p><p><br /></p><p>And to this day every time I watch GREASE 2, I fall in love with it all over again.</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-495" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/i-love-you-grease-2/attachment/images-1-8/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/i-love-you-grease-2/attachment/images-1-8/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-495" title="grease 2 - 1" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images-11.jpeg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images-11.jpeg" alt="grease 2 - 1" width="97" height="132" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Stephanie, I still heart you.</p><p><br /></p><p>How about you? What was your favorite movie? </p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday! </p></div></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-18701965469749391762010-01-15T21:14:00.001-05:002010-01-15T21:19:06.498-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a><br /></p><p>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fourteen-year-old BMX racer and road cycling mountain biker, Mary Mae Duarte. Check out Mary’s interview below where she shares her fave BMX moment, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Mary Mae Duarte<a rel="attachment wp-att-482" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-14/attachment/img_0912/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-14/attachment/img_0912/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-482" title="mary-sporty saturday spotlight" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/IMG_0912-200x300.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/IMG_0912-200x300.jpg" alt="mary-sporty saturday spotlight" width="200" height="300" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age:</span> 14</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s):</span> bmx racing and freestyle road cycling mountain biking</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown:</span> Riverside, California</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School:</span> Citrus Valley High School</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport?</span> bmx racing</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite moment while racing bmx was when I finally jumped for my first time.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Never give up! And once that gate goes down keep it pedaling!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>When you’re all together we all equal as one person. Nothing will be able to happen if one person doesn’t get along with someone else.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My dad makes me finish all my homework before I can go anywhere or do anything!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite male would have to be Brian Deegan and my favorite female is Danica Patrick! (:</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">question)</span></p><p><br /></p><p>HA OMG! The girliest "things" I LOVE to do are get my nails<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "> </span>done, go shopping, make sure my makeup is perfect! haha (:</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Mary! I agree. Danica Patrick is amazing. Best of luck with your sports career.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-16131764567589237782010-01-13T08:28:00.003-05:002010-01-13T08:49:29.146-05:00A Penguin Present<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p>Last Friday my tribe and I took our annual birthday day trip to Atlantic City. Although we left with empty pockets, my daughter gave me the best present ever.</p><p><br /><a rel="attachment wp-att-472" href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/a-wedding-and-a-present/attachment/100_0817/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/a-wedding-and-a-present/attachment/100_0817/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-472" title="penguin" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/100_0817-225x300.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/100_0817-225x300.jpg" alt="penguin" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a><br /></p><p>She said I'm always talking about Penguin so I must really like them. :) </p><p><br /></p><p>How about you? What was your best birthday gift ever? </p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday! :) </p></div></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-14134867250979983062010-01-08T22:39:00.002-05:002010-01-08T22:46:42.339-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>Not sure what you want to do after you hang up your cleats, board, glove, sneaks, shin guards, or stick? This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on Trish Bare Grounds, an athletic trainer from <a href="http://www.bareessentialssportsmedicine.com/" mce_href="http://www.bareessentialssportsmedicine.com">Bare Essential Sports Medicine</a>. Check out Trish’s insightful interview below where she shares her amazing career and fave sporty moments.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Trish Bare Grounds<a rel="attachment wp-att-462" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-13/attachment/oct-31-2009/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-13/attachment/oct-31-2009/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-462" title="sporty.saturday.spotlight" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Oct-31-2009-225x300.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Oct-31-2009-225x300.jpg" alt="sporty.saturday.spotlight" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span>44<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s): </span>Dance, Equestrian, Track, Cheerleading, Soccer, Marital Arts -- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for just about every sport there is at some point during my career but I focus now mainly on action/extreme sports, martial arts, cheer & dance<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown: (Just since January) </span>Rebersburg, PA<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School/Middle School/College: </span>Linton Stockton High School, Linton, IN; BA from DePauw University, MS from University of Miami; Yet to finish 2nd MS & PhD at University of Florida<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Number: </span>10<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Position: </span>Nowadays Certified Athletic Trainer & Owner of Bare Essentials Sports Medicine Co LLC<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Everything! My favorite sports to cover as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) for the past decade and more have been BMX (freestyle & Racing), Skateboard, Motocross (FMX & Racing), Snowboard, Skiing (Freestyle), Taekwondo, MMA, & Cheerleading ...you know very similar sports! I tend to drift towards the non-traditional sports with more adrenaline these days although I have worked and loved everything from football, basketball, baseball, soccer, & track among many other of the more traditional sports<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been playing your fave sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>I have been an ATC for over 20 years and see no signs of slowing down yet; in fact I thinking I am working more now than I did even 10 years ago<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?<a rel="attachment wp-att-463" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-13/attachment/1031091132/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-13/attachment/1031091132/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-463" title="sporty.sat.spotlight.1/2010" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1031091132-225x300.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1031091132-225x300.jpg" alt="sporty.sat.spotlight.1/2010" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite moments come after I have helped an athlete return from an injury, especially injuries that could have been detrimental to their sporting careers (or that thought were career ending), climb up on the podium. Just seeing them reach their dreams are the best moments of all, and I have many from pee wees to high school, to college to Olympic to Pro, and they all mean a lot to me! It is especially cool when that athlete steps down off of the podium and hands me their flowers in thanks for helping them get there, or after their sporting career they return to school to become an ATC themselves!<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Patience and persistence no matter how frustrating things gets...and always look ahead with a glass half-full mentality no matter what!<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Same...patience & persistence win the game even when people try to knock you out, and always have a glass half-full...and always, always, always respect everyone no matter who they are.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Teamwork is amazing! Things get done so much better and quicker when you work together and let others help you...everyone can contribute to make it all happen. When someone thinks they are all that is needed that is when things go terribly wrong.<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>For me it is balancing motherhood and sport coverage, and as a single mom that can be rough, but my daughter travels with me to whatever sporting event I am working and she gets to meet some really incredible people...some day I will tell her how famous the athletes she hangs out with were! I have to keep things in perspective, family is always first for me, although I have many sons and daughters out there, just come to an event and you will hear them scream MOM!! Love it! But I have learned over the years that I have to make time for me as well as for family, friends and my athletes, otherwise I go crazy. Since I love my work this is very often a hard concept for me to remember. School, research, and writing take a back seat but somehow seem to get done.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some awards or accolades you’ve received.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>NATA Service Award given to a select few ATC's each year who have volunteered and given back to sport and community over a period of 15 years or more; NCA Trainer of the year for the past 12 years; I have been priviledged to have worked some really cool events from World Cups, to World Championships to Olympics, to Dew Tour & Winter Dew, to local and state events in just about every sport, but the greatest award/reward I have received are the thank-you's I get from my highly appreciative athletes every day.<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Hmmm, rough question there are so many! I think Donna Vano (snow & skate) would have to be one of my all-time favorite females, but so is Diana Lopez & Kay Poe (TKD) and so many more that I have worked with over the years...as for the guys wow I work with so many incredible people who are also amazing athletes, including Daniel Dhers, Chad Kagy, James Foster, Drew Bezanson, Brandon Dosch, Anthony Napolitan (BMX), Austen Seaholm, Ryan Sheckler, Christian Sereika (SKB), Steven Lopez, Jason Neville, Josh Coleman (TKD).....I could go on for days!<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Tell us about your profession.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Athletic Training for me is a way to still be a part of sports I love, especially action & extreme sports, where what I do can mean the difference between being able to compete or not. I can honestly say I love what I do. I get to go to work everyday and simply watch some tremendously talented athletes play the sports they love, and in the process meet some pretty awesome individuals. I give them the added support for development and care of their mind and body that often helps them reach their highest dreams<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Why did you choose this profession?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, originally thought I wanted to be a surgeon but also wanted to be there when the injury happened all the way until the athlete returned to full participation in the sport they loved, so it had to be Sports Medicine, and I kind of fell into Athletic Training as a means to be there, and not just the office, but actually working on-stie with athletes. When I first joined this profession I was told girls would never do well and to make sure I had a "back-up" profession, which only made me want to prove them wrong, so I set on a path to work to the highest level of sport and hopefully make a difference in athlete's lives, as well as hopefully open the door for other girls who wanted to do the same. If it were up to me I would work for free for all the sports and athletes who appreciate the care I provide if only I had no bills or at least more sponsors that reduced that burden since so many athletes I work with do not have health insurance, so they often go without care unless it is free.<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What kind of schooling did you have to complete?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>You only have to have a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine but I went onto get my Master's and trying to finish up a PhD so that there are never any excuses from my education not being high enough to be hired. When I sat for my Board Exams you also had to have completed 1800 hours of practical work with athletes, after working with over 50,000 athletes during my career I have lost track of how many hours I have put in to this point!<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your day like?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Depending on if I am at an event or just checking on the athletes while they are training, I have to be prepared to handle any kind of injury that can happen at anytime, and of course I tend to work those sports which have a greater chance of serious injury even in training. Event coverage usually is anywhere from 10-14 hours/day, while training is generally less than 6 hours of work. I also have to spend time on the computer and phone trying to get events to work, staff to cover the events, supplies for the events, and sponsors and/or donations to cover the cost of traveling to and covering events as most of the sports I cover have little to know budget for medical care among athletes who probably need it the most. I work anything from charity events to help support a local skatepark all the way up to highly televised events, and love caring for all the athletes no matter what age or ability level, they all have their own place in the sporting world.<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>I loooooove pedicures! And since I wear flip-flops or sandals anytime I am not working the toes have to look good!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Trish!!</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-27045079830325291922010-01-06T08:04:00.005-05:002010-01-06T08:23:39.776-05:00January Book Review Club: Prada & Prejudice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdW81j5ykOwl02P8EBnmNxjYiak73HGGvvPNcwZ7VHef58Ip6G_Qb7eLHCt8X1XzIRodQjoD-3xTYOmSz_ZzGsEK1sYO16-j35_ZSn8Z5doBYYfMW-oAQDQFm40_MrD5CASiRxHJVoUMW/s1600-h/BookReviewClub-Button.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdW81j5ykOwl02P8EBnmNxjYiak73HGGvvPNcwZ7VHef58Ip6G_Qb7eLHCt8X1XzIRodQjoD-3xTYOmSz_ZzGsEK1sYO16-j35_ZSn8Z5doBYYfMW-oAQDQFm40_MrD5CASiRxHJVoUMW/s200/BookReviewClub-Button.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423616289443208002" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p>Yay, 2010! Doesn’t feel amazing to begin a new year? I feel refreshed, refocused, and renewed.</p><p><br /></p><p>The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Book Review Club</span></a> hosted by <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Barrie Summy</span></a>, author of the I So Don’t Do Mysteries series. Today, I’m featuring the fabulous<a href="http://www.mandyhubbard.com/" mce_href="http://www.mandyhubbard.com/">Mandy Hubbard</a>’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prada-Prejudice-Mandy-Hubbard/dp/1595142606" mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/Prada-Prejudice-Mandy-Hubbard/dp/1595142606">Prada & Prejudice</a>. Mandy is amazing and so is her debut.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here’s a quick synopsis – During a school trip to England, Callie straps on her brand new Prada heels (attempting to impress the popular girls), trips, and is transformed to Nineteenth Century England.</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-458" href="http://kerimikulski.com/books/january-book-review-club-prada-prejudice/attachment/images-1-7/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/books/january-book-review-club-prada-prejudice/attachment/images-1-7/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-458" title="images-1" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images-1.jpeg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/images-1.jpeg" alt="images-1" width="90" height="135" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; "><br /></p><p mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; ">Five Reasons Why I Enjoyed Prada & Prejudice:</p><ol><li>Loved spunky, clumsy, Callie</li><li>Energetic and fast-paced</li><li>Unique time-travel adventure</li><li>Sweet and fun romance</li><li>Hubbard kept me guessing</li></ol><p><br /></p><p>Prada & Prejudice was a blast and exactly the escape I needed to end the holiday season.</p><p><br /></p><p>Check out the rest of the fabulous Book Club reviews <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Disclosure:</span> I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.</p></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-29447292483585259292010-01-04T09:15:00.003-05:002010-01-04T09:18:31.757-05:00My Favorite Gift...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHshJkJuw0JHH-6OAjhC_oAExSjRASD01wVifVekbrly_qTYuxLR_XkT4ryhVchkSHIh4N5l37fFAbjyujQOPTXqr_lswkNmDuof-d0KdRFFAyIHfVS8obtfxqd7NxMbOqN7a-egKnP6cl/s1600-h/100_0799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHshJkJuw0JHH-6OAjhC_oAExSjRASD01wVifVekbrly_qTYuxLR_XkT4ryhVchkSHIh4N5l37fFAbjyujQOPTXqr_lswkNmDuof-d0KdRFFAyIHfVS8obtfxqd7NxMbOqN7a-egKnP6cl/s200/100_0799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422888339328026498" /></a>Santa brought Benji a Snuggie! :)<div><br /></div><div>How was your holiday? </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 2010! </div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-546773572407758542009-12-21T08:39:00.016-05:002009-12-21T16:54:17.847-05:00Visions of Revisions Dance in my Head<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p>Here’s what I’ll be doing during the holiday break…</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-416" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/visions-of-revisions-dance-in-my-head/attachment/100_0729/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/visions-of-revisions-dance-in-my-head/attachment/100_0729/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-416" title="computer" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/100_0729-300x225.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/100_0729-300x225.jpg" alt="computer" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>I'll be working on revisions for Pretty Tough Book 3 in between eating a ton of cookies and hanging out with family and friends. Total bliss. :) </p><p><br /></p><p>And although I didn’t blog about it much, 2009 was a year of extremes. Extreme sadness and extreme happiness. </p><p><br /></p><p>So, bye, bye, 2009! Hello, 2010! </p><p><br /></p><p>I’ll be back January 4<span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; ">th</span> with more Sporty Saturday Spotlights, news from the publishing front, my journey to publication, and the entire book CHANGE UP (the sequel to SCREWBALL) chapter-by-chapter.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the meantime, check out <a href="http://yafresh.blogspot.com/2009/12/keri-mikulskis-favorite-holiday-movie.html">YA Fresh</a> today. I'm chatting about my fave holiday movie and YA book.</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-417" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/visions-of-revisions-dance-in-my-head/attachment/100_0761/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/visions-of-revisions-dance-in-my-head/attachment/100_0761/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-417" title="Kaci" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/100_0761-225x300.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/100_0761-225x300.jpg" alt="Kaci" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Holidays, Everyone!! Thanks for visiting my blog this past year and have a terrific 2010!!</p></div></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-9165141757243399582009-12-18T21:01:00.002-05:002009-12-18T21:05:57.655-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-265" href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-265" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-one-year-old motocross rider, Ashley Jackson. Check out Ashley’s interview below where she shares her passion for motorcross and much, much more. Plus, check out Ashley’s amazing action shots.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Ashley Jackson<a rel="attachment wp-att-408" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-408" title="m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b.jpg" alt="m_5ba21d40c6f14b7d8f218a8c6b344d2b" width="170" height="254" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span>21</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s):</span> Motocross<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown:</span> Orlando<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School/Middle School/College: </span>Connecticut School of Broadcasting<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Number:</span> 681<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport?</span> Motocross</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been playing your fave sport?</span> 14 years<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What is your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>When I was at Nationals, I got 9th overall out of 42 other girls.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?<a rel="attachment wp-att-409" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-409" title="m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3.jpg" alt="m_09685743c0064a60bb694f89d09faff3" width="170" height="254" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>It takes a lot of discipline and hard work, and your sport has to be something you are willing to do, and just something you live for.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Train as hard as you can and make certain days where it is all about motocross, and just be the best you can be at all times you are on the bike.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>School is number 1, to balance both I just think I can't ride or anything unless I do well at school.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some awards or accolades you’ve received.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Plaques and trophies are pretty much what they hand out. I also get contingency money.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?<a rel="attachment wp-att-410" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-12/attachment/m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-410" title="m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c.jpg" alt="m_0dccedb72fd845aa94ab8dc767927e2c" width="170" height="113" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>James Stewart and Travis Pastrana</p><p><br /></p><p>Ashley Fiolek and Jessica Patterson</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I like to shop, but that's pretty much it.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Ashley!! Your first name is one of my faves... Best of luck with your motorcross career and Happy Holidays. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p><p><br /></p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-12438415089326163772009-12-12T07:45:00.003-05:002009-12-12T07:50:03.979-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on motocross rider, Lori Garcia. Check out Lori’s interview below where she shares tips on balance, maintaining a positive attitude, and much, much more. Plus, check out Lori’s amazing action shot.</p><p><br /></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Lori Garcia (AKA Lolo)<a rel="attachment wp-att-400" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-11/attachment/5728_1021808404998_1818859086_47596_8148284_n/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/sporty-saturday-spotlight-11/attachment/5728_1021808404998_1818859086_47596_8148284_n/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-400" title="lori.garcia.motocross" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/5728_1021808404998_1818859086_47596_8148284_n.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/5728_1021808404998_1818859086_47596_8148284_n.jpg" alt="lori.garcia.motocross" width="308" height="423" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span>17</span></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s): </span>Motocross/Hill climbing</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown: </span>Dixon, CA</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School/Middle School/College: </span>Dixon High, Senior - Class of 2010</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Number: </span>291</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ride: </span>2005 KX100</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br />What’s your fave sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Motocross is definitely my favorite sport for sure! Hands down! Haha.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been racing?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Well, I have been riding for 8 years now but, I’ve only been racing competitively for 6 years and I love it!</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br />What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite memory that I have from racing would be the year that I won 1st place for the first time. It was a year after I had began racing hill climbs, I was only 13 years old and even though I there were only three girls in the class I was competing in, I was the only one to actually make it over the hill, giving me 1st overall. So it was a very exciting moment for me and I will never forget it!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>The biggest lesson I have learned from my sport would be that you must always have a positive attitude no matter what. It’s a MUST, to be confident in yourself whenever you throw your leg over a dirt bike, it just makes things a whole lot easier; because if you go out there with negativity, it won’t do you any good when you’re riding. So just always be confident in yourself and you will be good to go out there! And if you don’t do good at one race, don’t let that bring you down, ’cause just remember, there will always be other races.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br />What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>That you must have a lot of dedication and you have to work extremely hard to get to where you want to be in this sport. You have to give it your all whenever you’re racing or just out there practicing because in the end, it will all pay off!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Well, I’m first going to start off by saying this, the rules in my house are that if you don’t get good grades in school, you can’t ride or race. So with me, since I am a senior now I get out of school at 12:00pm pretty much everyday; I come home do all of my homework and make time to go out and practice on weekends, since Saturday and Sunday are the only days that we can make a two hour drive out to the riding park where my brother and I can get some practice in on hills. On race weekends, if, I have homework I have to take it along with me and finish it in the toy hauler before I can go out and hang out with my friends or ride. For me though, it’s not as difficult as other athletes to balance school and sports since most of my races are on weekends.</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br />List some results or awards you have received.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Past results/trophies:</p><p><br /></p><p>#1 Plate for getting 1st place overall in the 2008 Skip's Promotions California Amateur hill climb points series, girls 16 & under 85cc "b" division</p><p><br /></p><p>#1 Plate for getting 1st overall in the 2006 California AMA Amateur hill climb points series, girls 16 & under 85cc "C"</p><p><br /></p><p>Some of my 2009 results:</p><p><br /></p><p>1st place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 1, women’s 100-125cc "b" division- March 2009</p><p><br /></p><p>1st place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 2, women’s 100-125cc "b" division- April 2009</p><p><br /></p><p>2nd place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 2, 125cc stock "b" division- April 2009</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br />Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Male: </span>Ronnie Faisst, I love him!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Female: </span>Ashley Fiolek, she’s awesome and I look up to her so much!</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>The girliest think thing that I like to do would probably be getting my nails done. Haha! I love having my nails done.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Lori!! Congratulations on all your awards and accomplishments. Best of luck with your career. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p><p><br /></p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-54475320144979357252009-12-11T08:52:00.004-05:002009-12-11T09:55:34.249-05:00My Fairy Agent<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-386" href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/1548056897_6828a15050_t/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/1548056897_6828a15050_t/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-386" title="fairy1" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1548056897_6828a15050_t.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1548056897_6828a15050_t.jpg" alt="fairy1" width="80" height="100" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p>Did you ever want to shrink someone and carry him or her around on your shoulder all day? Like a fairy to help you make uber important decisions, keep you company, or just a bud to bounce things off of? Okay… maybe I’m kind of strange, but I've always wanted my own personal fairy.</p><p><br /></p><p>And now I'm lucky enough to have one… A human sized one. Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency is my fairy agent.</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-387" href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/1406010444_c4f81083dc_t/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/1406010444_c4f81083dc_t/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-387" title="fairy2" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1406010444_c4f81083dc_t.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1406010444_c4f81083dc_t.jpg" alt="fairy2" width="100" height="100" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Why is Michelle so amazing? Michelle is a fabulous agent and more… She’s a friend, a confidant, a lion in my corner, a teacher, a mentor, a guide, and most importantly, patient and honest. She's someone I admire. She's the best. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for making my dreams come true, Michelle. Happy Agent Appreciation Day! :)</p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-388" href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/3993988500_c2bb672309_t/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/stuff/thanks-to-my-fairy-agent/attachment/3993988500_c2bb672309_t/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-388" title="fairy3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/3993988500_c2bb672309_t.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/3993988500_c2bb672309_t.jpg" alt="fairy3" width="100" height="66" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>And thanks to <a href="http://kodymekellkeplinger.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://kodymekellkeplinger.blogspot.com/">Cory Keplinger</a> and <a href="http://lisa-laura.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://lisa-laura.blogspot.com/">Lisa and Laura</a> for organizing this important day!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-309758346848687882009-12-09T16:24:00.004-05:002009-12-09T17:46:39.056-05:00Still Sore and an Interview<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p>Two weeks ago, I was invited to play in my hometown's annual Thanksgiving alumni soccer game...</p><p><br /></p><p>Here we are.. Representing Maple Shade High School Classes of 1990 - 2000 something, one coach, one son, and one cousin..</p><p><br /></p><p mce_style="text-align: center;" style="text-align: center; "><a rel="attachment wp-att-371" href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/still-sore-and-an-interview/attachment/alumni-soccer-game/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/news/still-sore-and-an-interview/attachment/alumni-soccer-game/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-371" title="alumni.soccer.game" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/alumni.soccer.game.JPG" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/alumni.soccer.game.JPG" alt="alumni.soccer.game" width="480" height="360" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Something about strapping on my shin guards and hanging with teammates and friends.. I felt like I was a teen again. Uh.. I'm not. In fact, far from it. And I'm still sore. But, it was a blast and well worth the pain.</p><p><br /></p><p>Did you check out Suzanne Young's <a href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/2009/12/ny-scbwi-annual-winter-conference.html" mce_href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/2009/12/ny-scbwi-annual-winter-conference.html">fabulous interview</a> with Razorbill President, Ben Shrank? :) It's a goodie and Razorbill rocks!</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday!</p><div><br /></div></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-58878006731824043812009-12-05T07:15:00.008-05:002009-12-05T07:29:21.005-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on wakeboarder, surfer, skateboarder, and kiteboarder, Claire Lutz. Check out Claire’s interview below where she shares her fave athletes, great advice, amazing action shots, and much, much more.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name:</span> Claire Lutz<a rel="attachment wp-att-361" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-361" title="6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n.jpg" alt="6289_581960155507_48608277_33968833_5376622_n" width="408" height="594" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age:</span> 22</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s):</span> Kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, skateboarding</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown:</span> St. Joseph, MI</p><p><br /></p><p>Currently living in Cape Hatteras, NC</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">College:</span> Western Michigan University studying marketing and public relations.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Dreams:</span></p><p><br /></p><p>To work in the kiteboarding industry in marketing, and hopefully as a pro kiter so that I can travel the world.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Kiteboarding</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been playing your fave sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I started one year ago.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite memory was finally learning my first unhooked trick, the Raley.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>To be confident but not over confident. And to share the love of the sport. No one likes selfish people who want all the spotlight for themselves..</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>You must work very hard!! It’s important to have a good attitude on and off the water, and always try your very best.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?<a rel="attachment wp-att-362" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-362" title="5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1.jpg" alt="5209_583538821847_48608277_34035310_5241602_n-1" width="402" height="604" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a><br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It’s important to support each other, your teammates should always have your back!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I spend 6 months of the year on school and the other 6 months focusing on kiteboarding only. When I’m in school I work on snowboarding.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Female would be Lisa Anderson, who is a legendary Pro surfer. She has been very inspirational to all women because of her hard work and determination. She proved to everyone women can do anything.</p><p><br /></p><p>Male would be Jason Slezak, who is a Pro Kiteboarder. He has been in the industry since the beginning, winning hearts with his great attitude towards life and others, along with being a caring supportive friend.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I’m a fan of painting my nails. It makes me feel more girlie to have hot pink nails, versus chipped dirty nails from being in the water ☺</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Claire!! And thanks for sharing your fabulous pics! Wow. Kiteboarding looks fun and amazing. Best of luck with your career. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></p><p mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; ">Happy Saturday!</p><p mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><br /></p><p mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left; "><a rel="attachment wp-att-363" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/5031_579863492237_48608277_33873481_5445283_n/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-10/attachment/5031_579863492237_48608277_33873481_5445283_n/"></a></p></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-45111549946986581822009-12-02T08:43:00.002-05:002009-12-02T08:45:40.202-05:00December Book Review Club<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB1AVasFNX3z68q3LGl5574swVCsTHxCudlg0z8n3wTnq4G1da49pgBf1O2w9rCGqMoHNfhGv-kpK4wg0p7hIBck0uw-MSPoS4NDDGhAj-4buHlEBQVlaW2S8ZGmMhyphenhyphenbY67dOp8PQAeUL/s1600-h/BookReviewClub-Button.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB1AVasFNX3z68q3LGl5574swVCsTHxCudlg0z8n3wTnq4G1da49pgBf1O2w9rCGqMoHNfhGv-kpK4wg0p7hIBck0uw-MSPoS4NDDGhAj-4buHlEBQVlaW2S8ZGmMhyphenhyphenbY67dOp8PQAeUL/s200/BookReviewClub-Button.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410634261871247810" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:11px;"><p>Happy December! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I absolutely love this time of year. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Book Review Club</span></a> hosted by <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Barrie Summy</span></a>, author of the I So Don't Do Mysteries series. To celebrate the beginning of the winter sports season, I'm featuring <a href="http://bedazzledink.com/?page_id=250" mce_href="http://bedazzledink.com/?page_id=250">P.V. Beck</a>'s basketball book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Turnaround-P-V-Beck/dp/1934452238" mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Turnaround-P-V-Beck/dp/1934452238">SWEET TURNAROUND J</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Check out the review below which was also featured on <a href="http://www.prettytough.com/" mce_href="http://www.prettytough.com">Pretty Tough</a> last month.</p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-355" href="http://kerimikulski.com/basketball/december-book-review-club/attachment/51ixkvuobrl-_sl500_aa240_/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/basketball/december-book-review-club/attachment/51ixkvuobrl-_sl500_aa240_/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-355" title="Sweet Turnaround J" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/51iXKvUObRL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/51iXKvUObRL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="Sweet Turnaround J" width="240" height="240" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Looking for an enjoyable basketball book to read this winter season? Check out P.V. Beck’s <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Sweet Turnaround J</span> published by Bedazzled Ink.</p><p><br /></p><p>Told over the course of a basketball season, <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Sweet Turnaround J</span> follows sixteen- year-old spunky All State basketball player Janey Holmes through the most tumultuous season of her life. After her school suddenly closes, Janey must join a new team at a new school that hasn’t won a basketball game in over three years, leaving Janey to wonder, is her basketball career over?</p><p><br /></p><p>As the Riverside Ravens transform from the worst to the best team in the league, Janey’s tumultuous temper, toughness, and first love are tested and begin to threaten the basketball team. Will the Ravens win the championship for the first time in school history? But, before this can happen, Janey has to overcome all the obstacles tossed her way. A fun book for the basketball player and fan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Check out the rest of the fabulous Book Club reviews <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday! :)</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Disclosure:</span> P.V. Beck’s book arrived on my doorstep courtesy of the author's publisher. I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.</p></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-89483439117030494262009-11-23T10:39:00.006-05:002009-11-23T10:47:34.469-05:00Happy Turkey Day!<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Thanksgiving!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-VQo2v64v9pvl_1jHwnr97nKuIwb6vcQaKt9wKhse7CP6S-IJnuRJhB8eMtElLDtZpLlnQFrFVYkiD6VacrY3DNVimKQRScmoGXoHfxBa3hFtuEpyMwNmMAiAx3NlPaS47wTgyjWXj9f/s1600/2054985334_8e35f6af0f_t.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 79px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-VQo2v64v9pvl_1jHwnr97nKuIwb6vcQaKt9wKhse7CP6S-IJnuRJhB8eMtElLDtZpLlnQFrFVYkiD6VacrY3DNVimKQRScmoGXoHfxBa3hFtuEpyMwNmMAiAx3NlPaS47wTgyjWXj9f/s200/2054985334_8e35f6af0f_t.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407325058113469554" /></a>I'm off to my hometown to spend Thanksgiving with my family, participate in an alumni soccer game, and eat lots of pumpkin bread with cream cheese icing. Love this time of year. <div><br /></div><div>What are you doing this Thanksgiving? </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy! :)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-10953389114611852532009-11-21T07:00:00.010-05:002009-11-20T23:54:47.342-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on wakeboarder and snowboarder, Lucille Rogoff. Check out Lucille’s interview below where she shares how she went from feeling scared to snowboard to making money doing it, her fave athletes, an action shot, and much, much more.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Lucille Rogoff</span></span></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3p55Lmc1l_LLq0YdC9XNElPzfUB1aGBs5vvwyVnfkuGKqYVU5UCRhmXfk1q3WsoWj6Zze9X6LnGUxM52_lNoUsiXBLqRs0wSnFMhE0CXyBl1bQwvkwjbDQPHd90vLAVwG2x8i6S8SjDB7/s320/lu.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406414514579697442" /><b><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">40</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s): </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Snowboard, Wakeboard, Wake skate, wake surf, and trying to learn to barefoot</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Monroe, NY</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">High School/College/Grad School: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Monroe-Woodbury High/Ramapo College of NJ/ Univeristy of Phoenix</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sponsors: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Freestyle Watch Co, SMX Optics, Fuel, SixSixOne, SockGuy, SnowGirls, Tooks Int’l, Kinesys, GoPro, Member of the Monster Army</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I love all sports and would have a hard time choosing just one, but I make money snowboarding, and I compete as well, so its probably my most lucrative sport.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been playing your fave sport?</span></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytbUQDGvcXf7Dp9An9GhjcTNZ1s2vx9YWTt0yCLLGw7XVwYB26zzY26N4Kkm-f-G11RcFV5_8NskSt7cpwUaekR-DP9zG5_NuHrpGl0Bzg2IkAST_X8JOn-u3OVCkhiEtIA5rbxlzUVfJ/s200/wsurf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406414786662805554" /><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Funny thing is I have actually only been doing all my sports for going on 4 years, this will be my 4</span><span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> season snowboarding, and I am in my 4</span><span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> season wake boarding,less for all the other water sports.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It took me forever to want to learn to snowboard so my favorite memory is when I was finally able to ride all over the mountain with my friends.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?<br /></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Respect gets Respect, not that I didn’t know that before but to see how frequently in lessons it is stressed that.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some awards or accolades you’ve received.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ranked 2</span><span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">nd</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> in Central Vermont and 7</span><span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> nationally for Slalom and Giant Slalom.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Hannah Teter/Dallas Friday are my favorite female athletes and Rusty Malinoski/Danny Kass are my favorite male athletes.</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I am tomboy at heart, but I love to put on a dress and look like a girl whenever possible, and nothing beats a good manicure/pedicure to go with that.</span></p></b><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Lucille!! Nice pics and I love the Yankees jersey. Best of luck with your career!</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday! :)</p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-8694341544250727132009-11-18T11:58:00.005-05:002009-11-18T12:01:17.365-05:00MTV's The Jersey Shore<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Last night during </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Hills</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, this commercial appeared on my television... </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Seriously? Is this how America see us.. The Jersey Shore?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif;font-size:13px;"> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="344" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QVWRXZWGzzI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QVWRXZWGzzI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object> </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Okay, in my defense, I live near Cape May about ninety miles south of Seaside Park and my hair is no longer big. I mean, it used to be, but that was a really long time ago. Fist pumps? Again, a long time ago. And yes, I love malls. But, seriously who doesn't? </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Can't wait to check out this new reality show. :) </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">What are you watching? </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Happy Wednesday! :)</span></span></span></div></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-84513932899456662652009-11-14T08:28:00.003-05:002009-11-14T09:15:52.713-05:00Saturday Sporty Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-283" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-7/attachment/sportyspotlight3-6/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-283" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight32.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on 2006 Queen of the Track, Cyndee Schwartz. Check out Cyndee’s sensational interview below where she shares how she stays balanced, her thoughts on winning, and much, much more.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: </span>Cyndee Schwartz<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Sport(s): </span>Drag Racing<br /><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: </span>50 (yikes – how did THAT happen!)</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hometown: </span>Colfax, CA<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">College:</span></p><p>Strayer University alumni (BS Computer Info Systems - 2006 )</p><p>Currently attending Sierra College - Administration of Justice</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Number: </span>G759/7759 SST<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s your fave sport? </span>Drag Racing<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How many years have you been playing your fave sport? </span>6 Years<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>It seems like every year I get more memories to add into my fave list… so this is a tough question. One of my favorites was a race two years ago where my friends, Katherine, Nancy, and I decided to compete in a small trophy class race. There were about 30 cars in the class, and we three girls did our best to not have to race each other. One by one we took out the guys we raced, and in the quarter finals, we were still in. We each again took out the guys, and then met each other in the semi final round. Katherine and I ended up in the final round. She cut a better light, so I ended up taking runner-up that day. We shared so many laughs that it was really impossible to get stressed over the race – which is probably why we did so well. That was the most fun I have ever had during a race day.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Winning is a combination of attitude, skill, and luck. All you can control is the attitude you have, and your prep for the race. If Bad Luck gets in the way of a win, don’t let it get you down. Just continue to do your best no matter what.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Show up, prepared to work, and with a good attitude, no matter what else is going on in your life – and you will succeed.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>The hardest thing is that it ISN’T all about you - it is about the team – and many times the spotlight will be on other team members. Love it and celebrate it when your teammates do well and you don’t. Be there for your teammates always, for the good and the bad. They are your family.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I have a five way balance thing going – God, family, work, school, and drag racing. That is the order of priority that I have to keep them in. I tell you it can be tough! Drag racing is part of my life and who I am, but without the other parts - drag racing can’t exist.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some awards or accolades you’ve received.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My absolute favorite accolade was King (ahem… Queen) of the Track in 2006 during an all-truck race. I was unbeatable that day!</p><p>Final Round Wins: 5</p><p>Final Rounds: 9</p><p>Semi-Finalist: 1</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>For male – John Force. He’s an NHRA pro driver that’s had some pretty tough spots over the past few years. He cares about everyone on his team (even the one’s that AREN’T related), he has a winning attitude, and he is just an inspiration to watch.</p><p><br /></p><p>For female – Peggy Llewellyn. Another NHRA pro in the Pro Stock Motorcycles class. She is a treasure. She has a great personality on and off track, and tough competitive spirit. I have never seen her lose her cool – no matter what the circumstances. She is a great role model.</p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I get together with my daughter-in-law, and some friends, and we either scrapbook, or make some crafty creations with stamps. To me that is WAY girlie… especially after being in the garage tearing an engine down the day before.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Cyndee! Great advice on winning and the importance of balance and best of luck with your Drag Racing career.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-75868268578584164772009-11-07T07:00:00.002-05:002009-11-07T08:49:26.741-05:00Sporty Saturday Spotlight<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; padding-top: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; background-position: initial initial; "><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-265" href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/sporty-saturday-spotlight/sporty-saturday-spotlight-6/attachment/sportyspotlight3-5/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-265" title="sportyspotlight3" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/sportyspotlight31.jpg" alt="sportyspotlight3" width="250" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a><br /></p><p>This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-two-year old Fabienne Lanz. Fabienne hails from South Africa and is a history making Motorsport Racer. Check out Fabienne’s interview below where she shares a must read tip for athletes, how she handles competing in a male-dominated sport, her strong faith, and much much more. And don’t miss some great Fabienne pics.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Name: <span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">Fabienne Lanz<a rel="attachment wp-att-307" href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-8/attachment/09-c-t-national-picture-taken-by-steve-wicks/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/pretty-tough/sporty-saturday-spotlight-8/attachment/09-c-t-national-picture-taken-by-steve-wicks/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-307" title="09 C.T. National picture taken by Steve Wicks" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/09-C.T.-National-picture-taken-by-Steve-Wicks-300x200.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/09-C.T.-National-picture-taken-by-Steve-Wicks-300x200.jpg" alt="09 C.T. National picture taken by Steve Wicks" width="300" height="200" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></a></span></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Age: <span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">22</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Sport(s):</b> <span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">Motorsport - Karting</span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Hometown:</b> <span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">Kyalami, South Africa</span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Number: </b><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">96</span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Position for 2009</b>: <span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">3</span><span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; "><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">rd</span></span><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; "> in the South African National Vortex Super Rok category.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What was your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>I am blessed and grateful to say that I have a few very fave moments in Motorsport. I think the most fave moment would be the one in 2007 at the Vortex Super Rok Grand Final in Lonato, Italy, because I as an athlete performed my best and the team was top notch, from the engine engineer to the chassis engineer and the support was phenomenal. I had to learn the track really fast, as I never even laid eyes on that track before. I adapted to the grip level quite quickly as well, which I am very grateful for as many people struggled with it. I had a lot of confidence, I was solid as a rock, and no one could intimidate me. Everything came together in the end, we finished 5<span mce_name="sup" mce_style="vertical-align: super;" class="Apple-style-span" style="vertical-align: super; ">th</span> in the world and we made history as I became the first female to finish on the podium. I was over the moon! I thank god for everything as his hand was over me.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some of your best achievements to date:<br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>2003 – Raced in 3 of the Florida, USA Rotax Max Junior Championship, won 2 rounds and finished 2nd in the third. Finished 4th in the South African Rotax Max Junior Championship.</p><p><br /></p><p>2004 - Finished Runner Up (2nd) in the South African Rotax Max Challenge Championship, won the Rotax Max Challenge NRKC Championship in a South African designed and built Kart (Apex) & qualified to participate at the Rotax Max RM1 International Final at Lanzarote, Spain in 2005.</p><p><br /></p><p>2005 - Made history and became the first female to make it through to the Final day out of 89 competitors of which only the top 34 qualify to the final round.</p><p><br /></p><p>2007 - Finished 4th in the Final at Round 1 of the Rotax Euro DD2 Challenge in Salbris, France. Finished 8th in the South African Vortex Super Rok Championship, qualified for the Vortex Super Rok International Final in Lonato, Italy. Made history again as I became the first female to finish on the podium as I finished 5th out of 50 top class karters in the world. I got my National Colours for our outstanding performance.</p><p><br /></p><p>2008 - Finished Runner Up (2) in the South African Vortex Super Rok Championship, won the Vortex Super Rok NRKC Championship and qualified to participate at the Vortex Super Rok International Final in Lonato, Italy. Finished 13th overall out of 66 competitors.</p><p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-308" title="09 VKC National - start of the race Fabienne in front (96), Tasmin Pepper(31) and Ian Young(18) just behind her picture taken by Steve Wicks" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/09-VKC-National-start-of-the-race-Fabienne-in-front-96-Tasmin-Pepper31-and-Ian-Young18-just-behind-her-picture-taken-by-Steve-Wicks-300x199.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/09-VKC-National-start-of-the-race-Fabienne-in-front-96-Tasmin-Pepper31-and-Ian-Young18-just-behind-her-picture-taken-by-Steve-Wicks-300x199.jpg" alt="09 VKC National - start of the race Fabienne in front (96), Tasmin Pepper(31) and Ian Young(18) just behind her picture taken by Steve Wicks" width="300" height="199" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">In a male dominated sport, how do you handle it and how do they handle it getting beaten by a girl?<br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p>I used to get pushed around when I first started racing until I was told to overtake left, right over or even underneath. The point was to get passed and not to take any nonsense from the anyone. Today other competitors know, if they push me, I push them back. They must not mess with me. Some boys/men can’t take it to get beaten by a girl, but some look at me as another competitor, which is cool.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from racing?</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">There are so many, which makes this sport a real life changing experience! I think the biggest one would be dedication. The preparation that goes into the engine and chassis before the race is so important as this is the starting ground to the weekend’s race. A lot of long hours are spent on getting this right. I try to train at least 4 days a week, mostly on core muscles. Studying of the Kart’s handling and engine performance never stops as every corner needs to be analyzed to get the best combination for a specific track.</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Team work is what completes the racing driver I think. I think the most important people behind the driver are the Kart and Engine Engineer. The driver needs to work with the Kart and engine engineer in order to get the kart on pace. The people who help put the tent up and clean the kart and change tyres are also important as they make mine and my engineer’s work load a bit less and thus we can concentrate on out jobs. Team work is essential with the team mate as we follow each other to study who is quicker at what position on the track and we discuss the different set up we each have. The media person is one of the most important to work with as she/he markets me.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What drives you to compete?</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">I love the speed, the complexity of the set up, engine tuning and race strategy. I love competition and the more there is the more that is game on for me. Sometimes the butterflies get almost unbearable before some of the races as I get so exited to give it my all and try and win, but I would not change it for anything. It is living life to the full for me. To be able to stand on the podium at the end is the cherry on the cake.</span><br /><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-309" title="2007 MSA Awards - Fabienne receiving her National Colours pic 2" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2007-MSA-Awards-Fabienne-receiving-her-National-Colours-pic-2.jpg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/2007-MSA-Awards-Fabienne-receiving-her-National-Colours-pic-2.jpg" alt="2007 MSA Awards - Fabienne receiving her National Colours pic 2" width="320" height="480" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; " /></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What do you aspire to become?</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">My dream is to race a Formula 1 car. I love the speed; the technical complexity of setting up the car to the race strategy to doing what I do best and that is driving the car to its maximum potential and winning! It is the pinnacle of racing for me.</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What tip would you like to give people out there?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Once you have found something that turns your tummy upside down, gives you the thrill of your life and you can’t stop thinking about it, hold on to it. Do not give up on your dream. There is a will, there is a way! God will have his hand over you. Trust and have faith in him. And remember, practice makes perfect. :)<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My favourite male athletes are Michael Schumacher and Lance Armstrong. My favourite female athletes are Danica Patrick, Venus and Serena Williams.<span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)<br /><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; "></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span mce_style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal; ">I think the girliest thing I like to do would be getting all dressed up in a evening dress for an award dinner, looking glamorous.</span></span></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Fabienne for the fabulous and in-depth interview. I absolutely love your tip! So true. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed for a Sporty Saturday Spotlight, email Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday!</p><p><br /></p></div></span></div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-29327391087644280722009-11-04T08:55:00.010-05:002009-11-04T16:37:12.756-05:00November Book Review Club: The Naughty List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDabsKVUHpCvzYhbTz-cC1diBr03HIkedkhDrYAnGiLIk4HDYe4ZUkJh1a6NxSI5CWM9gVFoQlXW5VycoTCZagRQ7WOqYmpYmikNEWC-PdwDtQwq-SJ0WDyFHrKPJn1vbJwoc6GNTE32R/s1600-h/BookReviewClub-Button.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDabsKVUHpCvzYhbTz-cC1diBr03HIkedkhDrYAnGiLIk4HDYe4ZUkJh1a6NxSI5CWM9gVFoQlXW5VycoTCZagRQ7WOqYmpYmikNEWC-PdwDtQwq-SJ0WDyFHrKPJn1vbJwoc6GNTE32R/s320/BookReviewClub-Button.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400246810430587762" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif;font-size:13px;"><p>Happy November! I hope everyone is enjoying gorgeous cool autumn weather and gearing up for the holiday season.</p><p><br /></p><p>The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Book Review Club</span></a> hosted by <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/"><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Barrie Summy</span></a>, author of the I So Don't Do Mysteries series. Today, I'm featuring the sensational <a href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/">Suzanne Young</a>, author of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Naughty-List-Suzanne-Young/dp/1595142789" mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/Naughty-List-Suzanne-Young/dp/1595142789">THE NAUGHTY LIST</a> (YA, 14 and up) series.</p><p><br /></p><p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-293" title="THE NAUGHTY LIST" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/images-1.jpeg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/images-1.jpeg" alt="THE NAUGHTY LIST" width="90" height="135" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></p><p><br /></p><p>Here’s the back cover of THE NAUGHTY LIST (courtesy of Amazon):</p><p><br /></p><p>As if being a <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">purr</span>fect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!</p><p><br /></p><p>When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in <span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">cat</span>astrophe?</p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "></span></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><span mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">The Naughty List</span>. Is your boyfriend on it?</p><p><br /></p><p>Suzanne Young’s debut, THE NAUGHTY LIST is amazing. Packed with high school scandal, page turning suspense, romance, and girl power, THE NAUGHTY LIST is sure to be a smash with teens and/or anyone who loves the YA genre. Young’s main character, Tessa, is absolutely adorable, extremely likable, and hilarious. I have no doubt THE NAUGHTY LIST will be climbing the best sellers lists this February, along with SOS’s popping up in high schools across the country.</p><p><br /></p><p>Okay, I’ll stop bubbling all over this book. But, it’s seriously THAT good. Here’s the adorable Suzanne Young to fill you in on the rest.</p><p><a rel="attachment wp-att-294" href="http://kerimikulski.com/interview/november-book-club-review-the-naughty-list/attachment/images-8/" mce_href="http://kerimikulski.com/interview/november-book-club-review-the-naughty-list/attachment/images-8/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-294" title="suzanne young" src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/images.jpeg" mce_src="http://kerimikulski.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/images.jpeg" alt="suzanne young" width="104" height="124" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; " /></a><br /></p><p>1. <span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">I would have totally hired SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens) and saved myself a ton of heartbreak in high school. :) How did you come up with the idea for the SOS?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>The original idea came from an unlikely place—Ninja Cheerleaders. And when the first line was, “My pom poms hit the wood floor with a double thwack,” I knew that I wasn’t going to write a serious book. First I considered them just handling high school “justice”, but I didn’t care enough. Stealing school supplies? Lame. But then I realized, what was the biggest deal when I was in high school??? Cheating boyfriend. Bam. SOS was born. lol</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">2. Tessa is adorable. I love her little sayings – Strawberry Smoothie, Oh Applesauce... Is she based on anyone you know?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Unfortunately not. I think I’d enjoy hanging out with Tessa though. She’d definitely cheer me up. And when I realized her perky perfectness, I thought to myself—no way she’d swear. And the more I wrote, the more silly her phrases became.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">3. What is your writing schedule like? Do you write during the day, afternoon, or evening? Are you a panster or outliner?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>My writing schedule totally varies. I’m an all or nothing type of person. I tend to write my books all at once or I sit and stare at the page. So usually when I write I have to take a couple of days near the end and go to a hotel for some isolation. I know. I’m weird. As far as outlining goes, I’m no good. I do write query letters before I start writing though to keep me on track.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">4. When does THE NAUGHTY LIST drop? Can you tell us a little about the sequel – SO MANY BOYS?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>The Naughty List will be released on February 4th, 2010 (yay!). The sequel SO MANY BOYS comes out June 4th, 2010 and follows the squad into their latest catastrophe. A copykitten.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">5. If you could have dinner with any five people (dead or alive) who would you pick?</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Oh, wow. Tough question. First, I’d love to see my grandmother again. She passed away a few years ago and I still miss her tremendously. Who could join us?? Hm… How about Zach Braff, James Dean, Kurt Cobain and maybe Meg Cabot.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks, Suzanne!!</p><p><br /></p><p>And don’t forget to check out the rest of the club <a href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/" mce_href="http://barriesummy.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Wednesday!</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Disclosure:</span> Suzanne’s book arrived on my doorstep courtesy of Razorbill and my amazing editor. I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.</p></span>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-7917012123985078332009-10-31T07:00:00.001-04:002009-10-31T07:21:41.530-04:00Saturday Sporty Spotlight<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjdXR10TY8jePgFxvUpMXLQKD280Oo1K8_D5HQUs_Rkj72DRpyDywtfynZzW-D14iGcZ8nZEhJ8fkeAHzU41ENX_hHeav_fX-zO0jPGCwYXU_TvheKqrz2NczDLk-JIjaF5T7xFRZQcJV/s320/sportyspotlight3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398484845745940338" /><p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Happy Halloween!! I hope everyone is eating and enjoying a ton of yummy candy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on eighteen-year-old college swimmer, Elizabeth Longo. Today, Elizabeth dishes on determination, lessons, and how she balances school and swimming. Check out her interview and gorgeous pic below.</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>Name: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Elizabeth Longo</span></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 117px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3iKNHmXFzaRabIZh3D7K9-fYhgHhkiKGn_NOlDjC7-yXDuE1GINW9XjOce97cqkNscxnlHtUaxYMN69cQv-oghQPhZ1MfhXyl1_20OUaHrH5AeUoVTT0VERq4RllfM_yJOuW3noYsgN7/s320/porch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398484939467022338" /> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>Age: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">18</span></p><p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>Sport(s): </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Swimming</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>Hometown: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Bartlett, Tennessee</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>High School/Middle School/College: </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">University of Memphis</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>What’s your fave sport? </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Swimming</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><b>How many years have you been playing your fave sport? </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">3 competitive</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What is your fave sporty moment or memory?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">Qualifying for the county swim meet.</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">Determination</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="normalchar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Rule 1:</span></span> If you are not bleeding, nothing is broken, and you're not dying, get back in the pool. (The 12 Golden Rules of Swimming) The same applies to school and work.</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What have you learned about teamwork?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">A relay team is only as fast as it’s slowest swimmer</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">How do you balance school and sports?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">School comes first and training fits in around classes. I also get up and going while most people are still sleeping. I tend to get more done before noon than some people do all day.</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">List some awards or accolades you’ve received.</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">18<sup>th</sup> in Shelby County High Schools for the 100-yard backstroke for the 2008-2009 season</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">What is your biggest goal?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">I want to break the world record for a woman to swim the English Channel (the current record is 8 hours and 45 minutes) before I turn 21. Right now, I plan to make my attempt when I’m 20.</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?</span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">Male- Apolo Anton Ohno</p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="normalchar"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Female- Natalie Couglin</span></span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><span class="normalchar"><b>What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question) </b></span><span class="normalchar"><b><span style="font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></b></span></p> <p class="normal" style="margin-top:12.0pt">Shopping for cute clothes (Is there anything better?) and gossiping about guys with my friends.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks, Elizabeth! Good luck with the world record. Sounds exciting! <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Do you or do you know someone who wants to be spotlighted? Send an email to kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Time to trick or treat with my little Nemo… <span style="font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings;">J</span></span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Enjoy! </p> <!--EndFragment-->Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826613836999507560.post-43979588365289034622009-10-28T09:23:00.010-04:002009-10-28T10:11:59.462-04:00Pufferfish and Pure Cybil Shock<div style="text-align: left;">Today, I was going to blog about this little creature Kaci and I spotted during our Monday bay stroll...</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjIawj2GTnLiKPwEIrthziiwvn1j-n1OKDUd9-DHbSCRvH10a-tEJqRoNCG6p7yFvG6ea9L_JNb8TWHocXe1p9BumSaE9QLxFE28lvXz6bNhDrC2uzAZjq0yJVfNIUdRZy6zVK0cQ_sNU/s320/Blowfish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397641912224241618" /><div><div style="text-align: left;">My daughter was so excited to check out an actual pufferfish because she's Nemo obsessed and swore the little creature was this guy, Bloat from the Tank Gang... </div></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv12e6YNgxE6gIKUw-mGTdifmFKaOQwbD5q8GYLnJzMpJB9iHLUd2JmnnHuLc5VQJemB-EoymwpFBZP6xoQ4wMHpJVYd5avT1AjsriFlV8Z0ZCOXpLzuiNwB-VsTqgbBSeCTIwG-z8Lepc/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397641914737246530" /><div>But, then I was scrolling through the <a href="http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/2009-nominations-young-adult-fiction.html">Cybil nominees</a> and I spotted my little sporty book, CHANGE UP. I rubbed my eyes and it was still there. I pinched myself and it was still there. CHANGE UP is nominated for a 2009 CYBIL!! A CYBIL!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!! :) :) :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Wednesday!</div>Keri Mikulskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.com13