Stylish, smart, sophisticated: Barbie Kittel, 43, is a Paducah Tilghman graduate and mom. By day, she works for Lone Oak accountant Russ Morgan. By night and weekend, she pursues a criminal justice degree at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC).Barbie Kittel, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! You're a Paducah gal through and through, yes?
Yes, I am from here, born and raised. I went to Paducah Tilghman and graduated in 1983.
I graduated from Mayfield High School in 1982. I bet we were at the same football games!
Mayfield was Tilghman’s biggest rival. We always had the burning of Mr. Mayfield before the games.
Oh, Lordie, yes. I remember. Such rivalry! But we can be friends now, right?
Absolutely!
Barbie, I love your name. Did you get teased as a kid?Barbara is my legal name, but I have never gone by that. I still get the standard joke of, "Where's Ken?"
Where's Ken? The more important question is where did you get your gorgeous blue eyes?
I got my eyes from my dad. My brother and I both have blue eyes.
They're beautiful! So what are you doing these days?
Right now, I work for Russ Morgan, an accountant in Lone Oak. And I'm majoring in criminal justice at WKCTC.
What prompted you to pursue criminal justice?
My brother is in law enforcement. It's a field that has always fascinated me. I'm not sure what branch I want to go into yet.
Are you enjoying it?I love school. The challenge is the best part — proving to myself that I can do this, and that you are never to old to go after your dreams.
What will you do with your degree?
I am not for sure just yet. This choice of career has so many options. I probably won’t know exactly which field until I have gone for a little while.
I hear you used to be quite shy! That's awfully hard to believe!
It's true! Up until 1991, I wouldn't talk to anybody because I was so shy.
What happened?
I started working out, and I won first place in a bodybuilding contest in the lightweight division in Evansville. That gave me a lot of self-confidence. Now, I never meet a stranger. I'd talk to a wall if it would talk back!
And you have a daughter, right?Yes, I have a beautiful daughter. Miranda is 22, and she recently married the man of her dreams, Brandon Cooper. She, too, is attending school in hopes of going into nursing.
Are you two study buddies?
Miranda is very smart and creative. She is going to be a great help on my essay papers.
Barbie, I love your fashion sense. Where do you like to shop?Dillard's and JC Penney — the mall in general. But, I have to say Kohl's is my favorite.
What kind of a guy are you looking for now?
Kind of guy...hmmm... that's a hard one. I would like to meet a guy who loves life. And enjoys riding four-wheelers — but, at the same time, enjoys a nice dinner out.
Is it super hard to find folks in this area?
It is very hard to find a nice guy to date in this area. Seems like the ones my age want them 20 years younger.
I know! Maybe folks should date within their own decade?
I agree. But, you have to admit there are several young hotties out there, too.
Totally! Paducah is filled with young hotties! What's your idea of a great date?I would say a nice dinner, then a drive — maybe toward the lake area — so you can talk and get to know each other.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I love to ride four-wheelers, and I love boating and motorcycles. I really enjoy going to my mom and dad's on the weekends and hanging out with my niece and nephew, swimming and grilling out. Or just hanging with friends at Cynthia's or Fat Moe's.
Love Cynthia's and Fat Moe's! What favorite cause do you support?
I work with the American Cancer Society projects as much as I can. I am very interested in breast cancer awareness. There have been several people in my life who have died from cancer, or who are survivors.
I'll also be working at the Laurel Foundation booth at BBQ on the River.
Excellent! We'll have an iList Paducah booth there! Barbie, you are beyond darling. You're a DOLL!
