I finished my third/fourth semester of college, passed my EMT practicals, and got myself a better boyfriend than I could dream of having. He treats me like a princess and might very well be the best person to come into my life in a long time. Now I have four months off, and said boyfriend will be up in the great state of Idaho starting his own college career. Over the next four months, I'll take my written EMT exam and hopefully get myself hired on with an Ambulance company. I'll continue to work at the movie theater in the interim, and I think I'll start writing again.
Part of me can't believe the semester is over. It was such a crazy one, but I'm going to really miss Idaho. Heads almost rolled during finals week though, that's for sure. I'm glad to have a break from school. That being said, I'm also glad to be done driving. For my latest trick, I drove from Provo to home...alone. I stayed the night with the family somewhere kind of in the middle, but still. I'm glad to be home.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
In Which I Learn to Lead
I am not a leader.
At least, I was never much of one. I spent years following orders and doing my best not to ruffle any feathers. In college, I have been put into a few leadership positions, nothing consequential. Each semester teaches me some new fundamental aspect of being human, though, like taking care of myself, and learning to trust.
This semester, I have learned to lead. It started with my calling as the second counselor in my RS presidency. I was given jurisdiction of sorts to lead over a few specific committees, where my specific job was to lead. It took some getting used to, but I eventually got the hang of conducting meetings, giving assignments, and receiving input from those around me.
The learning continued in my classes. In some, I was content to ride in the passenger seat and let the more ambitious take the reigns. That is not allowed in EMT. Can you imagine going into cardiac arrest, and the two techs responding are going back and forth with:
"You can do compressions."
"No, no, you can do them."
"Well, would you like to hook up the AED?"
"Only if you don't want to."
Five minutes later, nothing is done, and you're dead. That's bad. To prevent such terrible occurrences, we'd occasionally be assigned to lead when doing skills. No one acted without the leader's say-so, and if something was done incorrectly, it was the leader's fault.
I remember one particular lab day when we were learning to do scene assessments. Colton, the Paramedic student instructing the skill, asked for someone to start. I deferred, saying that I really wasn't as strong with that assessment type. He calmly looked me in the eyes and said, "then you're leading". The Paramedic students pushed the EMT students, and sometimes it felt like a lot, but they really helped me learn and grow.
It wasn't until this past Saturday that I realized how much I'd changed. My class was participating in a Mock Scenario. My group of eight suited up, prepared our jump bags, and drove the ambulances to the local high school, where the results of a fight had been staged. We wheel the cots in, but my teacher stops us before we get to the scenario room. We needed leaders assigned: one for each of the two groups of four, and then an Incident Commander, or IC, who was to lead the entire group. Two kids snapped up the team leader job, but no one was volunteering for the IC. Behind me, someone speaks up.
"I nominate Katie."
No. I was already a nervous wreck. Everyone knew that. So they wanted to put me in charge?
Suddenly everyone was looking at me, and before I knew it, I was donning the white IC vest. My job was to examine each of the six patients, determine who was highest priority for transport, help everyone with their patients, and, well, lead. I coordinated the movement of tables from on top of patients, fetched supplies, triaged, and helped students move the patients onto backboards and cots and then carry those cots up and down stairs. Did I mention that those patients were our Paramedic student instructors? Scary. The hardest part for me was determining which patients were most critical, and organizing transportation for six patients in two ambulances. Somehow, I managed to do it.
My teacher critiqued us after, and my classmates made sure I knew they thought I did well. It was incredible, and the experience was incomparable, but the biggest thing I learned:
I can lead.
This semester, I have learned to lead. It started with my calling as the second counselor in my RS presidency. I was given jurisdiction of sorts to lead over a few specific committees, where my specific job was to lead. It took some getting used to, but I eventually got the hang of conducting meetings, giving assignments, and receiving input from those around me.
The learning continued in my classes. In some, I was content to ride in the passenger seat and let the more ambitious take the reigns. That is not allowed in EMT. Can you imagine going into cardiac arrest, and the two techs responding are going back and forth with:
"You can do compressions."
"No, no, you can do them."
"Well, would you like to hook up the AED?"
"Only if you don't want to."
Five minutes later, nothing is done, and you're dead. That's bad. To prevent such terrible occurrences, we'd occasionally be assigned to lead when doing skills. No one acted without the leader's say-so, and if something was done incorrectly, it was the leader's fault.
I remember one particular lab day when we were learning to do scene assessments. Colton, the Paramedic student instructing the skill, asked for someone to start. I deferred, saying that I really wasn't as strong with that assessment type. He calmly looked me in the eyes and said, "then you're leading". The Paramedic students pushed the EMT students, and sometimes it felt like a lot, but they really helped me learn and grow.
It wasn't until this past Saturday that I realized how much I'd changed. My class was participating in a Mock Scenario. My group of eight suited up, prepared our jump bags, and drove the ambulances to the local high school, where the results of a fight had been staged. We wheel the cots in, but my teacher stops us before we get to the scenario room. We needed leaders assigned: one for each of the two groups of four, and then an Incident Commander, or IC, who was to lead the entire group. Two kids snapped up the team leader job, but no one was volunteering for the IC. Behind me, someone speaks up.
"I nominate Katie."
No. I was already a nervous wreck. Everyone knew that. So they wanted to put me in charge?
Suddenly everyone was looking at me, and before I knew it, I was donning the white IC vest. My job was to examine each of the six patients, determine who was highest priority for transport, help everyone with their patients, and, well, lead. I coordinated the movement of tables from on top of patients, fetched supplies, triaged, and helped students move the patients onto backboards and cots and then carry those cots up and down stairs. Did I mention that those patients were our Paramedic student instructors? Scary. The hardest part for me was determining which patients were most critical, and organizing transportation for six patients in two ambulances. Somehow, I managed to do it.
My teacher critiqued us after, and my classmates made sure I knew they thought I did well. It was incredible, and the experience was incomparable, but the biggest thing I learned:
I can lead.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
In Which I Pretend to be in Control
If we're being perfectly honest, we'd admit to ourselves that the majority of the time we only look like we know what we're doing. Maybe I'm generalizing too much. If I'm being perfectly honest, the majority of the time, I only look like I know what I'm doing.
Case Study #1: Codename Blindie (yes, she gave me permission to make it her codename) was working at the school market, at which point she sustained second degree burns to her right hand due to prolonged exposure to boiling water. At first, I was thinking okay, I'll check it when I stop by between classes. Each text made the case sound more urgent, though. In about 3.6 minutes, I was at Blindie's side, fishing for gauze in my backpack and admiring the fleshy blisters. My train of thought was something like: okay, she ran it under cool water for about a minute...probably should do more, but whatever. She put burn gel on it...red flag. Wait, that's a red flag, right? Nothing on burns...I think. Crud, we don't cover burns until next week. Okay, think. Cool water, keep it dry. We need more gauze. I convinced Blindie to leave her register and help me find a decent first aid kit. We wandered upstairs, found the general manager, and followed him through the kitchen to the most beat-up, out-of-date kit I've ever seen in a professional establishment. The first thing he fishes out: burn cream. He tries to hand it to Blindie, and I emphatically shake my head. "No cream." GM does a double take. It should be understood that at the time, I was in full EMT uniform, pants, polo, scissors and all. "Oh, okay," he says, as if unsure of trusting me or not. I quickly scan the container. "No gauze rolls...so...lots of that gauze pad size, that tape, and that tape." Please sound confident. Make it sound like you know exactly what you need. Please let me be right! "I'll bring the leftovers back." Out Blindie and I go to the MC Commons, where I begin wrapping each finger with gauze squares and taping them as gently as possible. I gave Blindie strict orders to take it easy and hydrate. I stayed close to finish homework, since I was ditching class anyway, and then went to my EMT lab. After that, I immediately scoured my textbook for correct answers. To my elation, I did everything as I should have.
Case Study #2: I developed an infection last week that required daily trips to Community Care for wound management. Every day I'd walk into that office, smile at the nurses, and wait to be taken back. They'd call me back to room 1, the room especially for body fluids and trauma. Here we go again. "Ready?" Yep. Nope. Holy goodness! Oh my goodness this hurts so bad. Oh my gosh I'm going to die. "Doing alright?" Yep. ARGH! Okay, I think they're done. *breathes* Oh crudmuffins nope they're not done. Finally, peace. "Alright, you're good to go until tomorrow. You alright?" Yep! Thank you so much! Just give me a sec, I'm not ready to move yet. I've realized that if I go in there every day and scream my head off for the entire thirty seconds they're causing me excruciating pain, they're going to hate seeing me, and nothing's going to make the doctor want to be nice. So I smile, pretend I don't want to smack the PA's hand away whenever he comes near, and try to make each visit as pleasant as I can. But KT, that's not your job. THEY should be making YOU comfortable. Well, yeah, but I've worked healthcare too. I love seeing happy patients. It makes the job suck so much less. Besides, every time I suffer through those thirty seconds, I wind up feeling so much better afterwards. It's brilliant.
Case Study #3: "Hey KT!" Roommate/friend/family member exclaims, "so I went to the doctor/was scouring webmd today, and he/it said that I have [insert medical condition here]. What does that even mean?" -or- "Hey KT! So whenever I [insert action], my [body part] [does something it probably shouldn't]. What do I do?" Okay, think. That's a respiratory problem/sign of allergic reaction/muscular reaction. Step 1: Do I have any prior knowledge of the topic? If yes, share. Step 2: Has is been covered in class? If yes, scour brain for details, and share. Step 3: Is it something you learned to do in lab? If yes, proceed to practice skill on the sick/injured questioner. Step 4: Are you lost? Textbook. Still lost? Webmd. STILL lost? Consult roommates codenamed Devin (future RN) and Mamabear (future MA). Step 5: Totally out of your league? Send to Urgent Care/Call 911. So far, my system has not failed me.
I realize that all three of my case studies were medical-y things, but to be perfectly honest, those are what filled my last week and a half. The same holds true in all aspects of my life, though, be it Capstone or Family Foundations classes, real life or labs. Fake it 'til you make it, a friend used to tell me. But what about being real? Well, are you capable of being real? Will anyone benefit from you being 100% honest right now? Or would it be better for you to be confident on the outside? Well, would you walk into a job interview and tell the interviewer that you were really worried about those pictures on facebook that you didn't want them to see? Or walk into a test and through your hands in the air after three questions because you don't think you know anything? No. You fake it.
I'm certainly not encouraging anyone to go out and lie. Don't become conmen and hustlers, capable of getting anything out of everyone by sheer will of your charisma (no matter how fun it is). Just be confident. Be yourself. Be what is needed, when it is needed. The world might need my maternal instincts tomorrow, and my shoddy knowledge of Sign Language the day after, so that's what I'm going to give.
Wow, long post. Oops.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Midterm Report!
So I thought I'd go over things I've learned so far, since midterms have just passed. These things range from the simple to the complex, that's for sure.
1. The right ventricle pumps to the lungs.
2. Everyone gets oxygen.
3. The fire alarm in my apartment is super sensitive.
4. Life is going to throw really tough decisions my way later on. I need to decide how I'll handle them now.
5. Sometimes, running to California on Friday and back on Sunday is totally worth it.
6. Occasionally, every apartment should have a meeting to discuss problems and find solutions.
7. I don't need to be an insomniac. It's kind of fun going to bed before midnight sometimes.
8. The best roommates are the ones who stick with you, even when you're at your worst.
9. Baking my own bread is tastier and cheaper than buying it every week. Plus, it's way fun.
10. Sometimes, fixing a problem hurts worse than the problem itself. Once you get it fixed, you can finally start to heal, and even if there's some pain or scarring left over, it will always be better than before.
Some of these lessons, I've definitely had to learn the hard way. Like when something has been bothering you all week, and when you finally go to the doctor he asks why you weren't in a week ago. Or when you think you're insane and crazy, and you're thinking screw butterflies, there are stampeding elephants in my tummy, but you end up having the best time ever. Or when the fire alarm goes off because of the steam from someone's curling iron, and you think nothing of it, and the firemen come over while you're in the shower.
Regardless, I've learned a lot since September, and am excited to continue learning and growing. Simply put, I love where I am in life right now. I wouldn't change a thing.
1. The right ventricle pumps to the lungs.
2. Everyone gets oxygen.
3. The fire alarm in my apartment is super sensitive.
4. Life is going to throw really tough decisions my way later on. I need to decide how I'll handle them now.
5. Sometimes, running to California on Friday and back on Sunday is totally worth it.
 |
| See? |
6. Occasionally, every apartment should have a meeting to discuss problems and find solutions.
7. I don't need to be an insomniac. It's kind of fun going to bed before midnight sometimes.
8. The best roommates are the ones who stick with you, even when you're at your worst.
9. Baking my own bread is tastier and cheaper than buying it every week. Plus, it's way fun.
10. Sometimes, fixing a problem hurts worse than the problem itself. Once you get it fixed, you can finally start to heal, and even if there's some pain or scarring left over, it will always be better than before.
Some of these lessons, I've definitely had to learn the hard way. Like when something has been bothering you all week, and when you finally go to the doctor he asks why you weren't in a week ago. Or when you think you're insane and crazy, and you're thinking screw butterflies, there are stampeding elephants in my tummy, but you end up having the best time ever. Or when the fire alarm goes off because of the steam from someone's curling iron, and you think nothing of it, and the firemen come over while you're in the shower.
Regardless, I've learned a lot since September, and am excited to continue learning and growing. Simply put, I love where I am in life right now. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Pikchas
Here's a bit of an update on how my first few weeks up here have been...In picture form!
Roommate Dinner at Big Jud's
The Old Room, right before I shoved all that junk into boxes and said bye-bye for the last time.
The New Room
My official EMT student uniform, pants, badge and all. I feel so cool.
I get so excited for every class!
The roommates at a corn maze that almost lost us for good.
Ward Opening Social
Roommate Dinner at Big Jud's
All six of us split this burger, an order of fries, and two orders of onion rings, all for about $4 each. College eating rarely tastes so good.
Well, that's my semester so far in picture format. I'm trying to see if I can make it all semester without seeing a doctor this time. I've failed two semester in a row on that front. Otherwise, I live and breathe for my EMT class. It's amazing, to say the least!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Things I've Realized
You know you're in the paramedic program when:
1. given a case study in bio lab, instead of trying to figure out how the poison affects the patient's system on a molecular level, you create a plan for treating the patient when first on the scene.
2. you make a game out of trying to identify the make and model of stretchers used in tv and movies.
That is all.
1. given a case study in bio lab, instead of trying to figure out how the poison affects the patient's system on a molecular level, you create a plan for treating the patient when first on the scene.
2. you make a game out of trying to identify the make and model of stretchers used in tv and movies.
That is all.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
On Being 19 and 10 Things I Learned
I think I like being nineteen. I've been an adult for more than a year now, and have worked out a lot of the kinks that come with getting thrust into responsibility. At the same time, I still have a year left to be a teenager. That means I still get to make stupid mistakes and blame it on teen-dom. At the same time, most people actually treat me like an adult now. It's not that creepy if I still want to hang out with some highschoolers. I still pay a ton in car insurance, but the rate went down just because I turned nineteen. It's like the company was congratulating me on successfully surviving childhood. Granted, I'm still holding out for the 25-year-old discount jackpot, but I have a few more years for that. I'll just enjoy being nineteen until the next summer, when I'll have to jump that strange hurtle: Twenty.
This blog was supposed to go up a day or two ago, so I'm a little late with this post, but:
Ten Things I Learned During My First Week of School:
1. Guilty pleasures are a lot more fun when the entire apartment is in on them. Example: Twilight. There, I said it. My roomies and I had a Twilight movie marathon this weekend.
2. After a long week of school it is entirely possible to sit in a living room for nine hours, watching four-and-a-half movies, eating junk food, and downing massive Horkley's sodas.
3. In the food chain of paramedicine, no one is lower than Ambulance Drivers (according to my department head).
4. Even two hours of law and ethics can be bearable if the overlying subject is interesting enough.
5. It is possible, but not advised, to live off of brownies.
6. It is possible for all SIX of my approved EMS instructors to be called out on the same morning, causing class to start an hour late.
7. At any given accident in Rexburg where an ambulance is called, one or more of my teachers is probably on said ambulance.
8. I have to practice saying "We're going to do everything we can," instead of "you're going to be okay" for everything. I don't like it, but I have to learn.
9. Everyone gets oxygen. (Unless you're hyperventilating)
10. My roommates are incredible. I really lucked out with the apartment jackpot this semester.
This semester has started off beautifully. I'm happy and healthy, and excited to learn something every day. I've also been called as RS 2nd counselor. I've never had an RS leadership calling. Heck, I spend every week I'm home in primary, teaching small children the basics. I can keep them entertained with coloring pages and bribe them with goldfish. While my roommates insist that I can still bribe with goldfish, it's very different, having a calling like this. I've met with my presidency once so far, and I love it.
As for the rest of life, I kind of feel like I can conquer...pretty much anything. I'm nineteen and fearless. So you know what, World? Bring It On.
This blog was supposed to go up a day or two ago, so I'm a little late with this post, but:
Ten Things I Learned During My First Week of School:
1. Guilty pleasures are a lot more fun when the entire apartment is in on them. Example: Twilight. There, I said it. My roomies and I had a Twilight movie marathon this weekend.
2. After a long week of school it is entirely possible to sit in a living room for nine hours, watching four-and-a-half movies, eating junk food, and downing massive Horkley's sodas.
3. In the food chain of paramedicine, no one is lower than Ambulance Drivers (according to my department head).
4. Even two hours of law and ethics can be bearable if the overlying subject is interesting enough.
5. It is possible, but not advised, to live off of brownies.
6. It is possible for all SIX of my approved EMS instructors to be called out on the same morning, causing class to start an hour late.
7. At any given accident in Rexburg where an ambulance is called, one or more of my teachers is probably on said ambulance.
8. I have to practice saying "We're going to do everything we can," instead of "you're going to be okay" for everything. I don't like it, but I have to learn.
9. Everyone gets oxygen. (Unless you're hyperventilating)
10. My roommates are incredible. I really lucked out with the apartment jackpot this semester.
This semester has started off beautifully. I'm happy and healthy, and excited to learn something every day. I've also been called as RS 2nd counselor. I've never had an RS leadership calling. Heck, I spend every week I'm home in primary, teaching small children the basics. I can keep them entertained with coloring pages and bribe them with goldfish. While my roommates insist that I can still bribe with goldfish, it's very different, having a calling like this. I've met with my presidency once so far, and I love it.
As for the rest of life, I kind of feel like I can conquer...pretty much anything. I'm nineteen and fearless. So you know what, World? Bring It On.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
3 Med+1 Psych+1 El-Ed+1 Home Ec
= My New Family.
Not even kidding, the combination is hilarious.
I've lived in my new apartment for seven days now, and man am I in love! My roommates are all amazing, and we've spent more than half of our nights together up way too late talking about the most random things. Plus, we have one pre-nurse, one pre-medical assistant, and one pre-paramedic. We're always comparing notes, asking questions, or having weird conversations like:
"Check out this picture in my book!"
"Where are his clothes?!"
"He's wearing socks..."
"Is he pooping?"
"No, he's dead. It's a picture of Dependent Lividity!"
Basically, life is going amazingly.
I have a great apartment family, I live for my EMT and capstone classes, and spend more time with my nose in textbooks than I have in a while. I even got to watch my first mock accident today in EMT lab, when the paramedic students got to drive up in a school ambulance and everything! I'm so excited to get my license! My teacher explained it perfectly. Most people see an accident and feel helpless. People who go into EMS are the ones who hate that feeling enough to do something about it. And I'm definitely doing something about it.
Anyway, it's late, and I'm waking up early to study tomorrow (plus my roommate is asleep. I'll write more later!
Love always,
KT
Not even kidding, the combination is hilarious.
I've lived in my new apartment for seven days now, and man am I in love! My roommates are all amazing, and we've spent more than half of our nights together up way too late talking about the most random things. Plus, we have one pre-nurse, one pre-medical assistant, and one pre-paramedic. We're always comparing notes, asking questions, or having weird conversations like:
"Check out this picture in my book!"
"Where are his clothes?!"
"He's wearing socks..."
"Is he pooping?"
"No, he's dead. It's a picture of Dependent Lividity!"
Basically, life is going amazingly.
I have a great apartment family, I live for my EMT and capstone classes, and spend more time with my nose in textbooks than I have in a while. I even got to watch my first mock accident today in EMT lab, when the paramedic students got to drive up in a school ambulance and everything! I'm so excited to get my license! My teacher explained it perfectly. Most people see an accident and feel helpless. People who go into EMS are the ones who hate that feeling enough to do something about it. And I'm definitely doing something about it.
Anyway, it's late, and I'm waking up early to study tomorrow (plus my roommate is asleep. I'll write more later!
Love always,
KT
Saturday, September 10, 2011
100 years
Twelve years ago yesterday, my family officially moved to our home in T-mec. Yesterday, my mom picked up the keys to the new house. Last Tuesday I spent fourteen hours in a car, drove through four states, and landed in Utah. Thursday I was on the road again by five a.m., and four hours later I was moving into my new apartment in Rexburg. It's amazing how much can change in short amounts of time, and how little over the span of years.
Change is good though. I'm not talking about promised change coupled with propaganda messages, I'm talking about growing up, moving on, developing into who you were always meant to be.
Growing up is hard, though; this I know. In packing up my bedroom back home, I filled an entire black trashcan (you know, the kind you put all your other trash bags into to wheel to the side of the street for the garbagemen?) with stuff from my room. There are three trashbags full of consignment stuff from me alone, and one is filled entirely with stuffed animals. There was a lot of trashing, and scarily, a handful of things saved for...wait for it...my future kids. Almost my entire life is packed into four or five boxes, two of which are filled with books. Everything else I own is up here at school with me, and all of it fits into an apartment shared by six girls.
I think growing up often means realizing what you can live without. It helps you eliminate the inessentials and think about what's important. One of those five boxes is filled with fragile pictures, teacups, and other heirlooms that represent the things I own of value. It's amazing how much we think we need until it comes time to downsize and get rid of it all.
We do that with our minds eventually, too. We think about the important things, we realize which memories we need to hold onto, which grudges we need to get rid of, and which "tough-stuff" things we finally need to accept and move on with.
I read an interesting blog entry from ThoughtCatalog, "A Checklist For The Age 19". It seemed appropriate, being nineteen myself. I really liked what the author had to say. My favorite, though, is the last on the list:
I think 19 is the year to get it all out. To be a little bit more wild and rebellious than you have been and will be again. To start paying your own bills (if you haven't already). To really figure out what you're doing with life. I'm working on it, but I still have plenty of time. The thing is, I think nineteen is the time to realize that you don't always have plenty of time. Eventually, you'll be degree-less, jobless, and homeless if you don't realize that time runs out. Thank goodness mistakes are expected in this life. I would fail at being 19 otherwise.
Change is good though. I'm not talking about promised change coupled with propaganda messages, I'm talking about growing up, moving on, developing into who you were always meant to be.
Growing up is hard, though; this I know. In packing up my bedroom back home, I filled an entire black trashcan (you know, the kind you put all your other trash bags into to wheel to the side of the street for the garbagemen?) with stuff from my room. There are three trashbags full of consignment stuff from me alone, and one is filled entirely with stuffed animals. There was a lot of trashing, and scarily, a handful of things saved for...wait for it...my future kids. Almost my entire life is packed into four or five boxes, two of which are filled with books. Everything else I own is up here at school with me, and all of it fits into an apartment shared by six girls.
I think growing up often means realizing what you can live without. It helps you eliminate the inessentials and think about what's important. One of those five boxes is filled with fragile pictures, teacups, and other heirlooms that represent the things I own of value. It's amazing how much we think we need until it comes time to downsize and get rid of it all.
We do that with our minds eventually, too. We think about the important things, we realize which memories we need to hold onto, which grudges we need to get rid of, and which "tough-stuff" things we finally need to accept and move on with.
I read an interesting blog entry from ThoughtCatalog, "A Checklist For The Age 19". It seemed appropriate, being nineteen myself. I really liked what the author had to say. My favorite, though, is the last on the list:
Every so often, you will need to scream. That’s okay. That’s allowed. Scream. After all, you’re just a kid. You’re only 19.It's true, you know? I've been a legal adult for over a year now, but at the same time, I'm still a teenager. Once again, I'm the youngest in my apartment, but strangers trusted me with their lives for almost a thousand miles of driving. Before I turn twenty, I'm going to have an EMT license and will be trusted with people's lives from inside ambulances, but I still can't rent a car and I still call my mom almost daily.
I think 19 is the year to get it all out. To be a little bit more wild and rebellious than you have been and will be again. To start paying your own bills (if you haven't already). To really figure out what you're doing with life. I'm working on it, but I still have plenty of time. The thing is, I think nineteen is the time to realize that you don't always have plenty of time. Eventually, you'll be degree-less, jobless, and homeless if you don't realize that time runs out. Thank goodness mistakes are expected in this life. I would fail at being 19 otherwise.
Monday, September 5, 2011
This is Me Collapsing To The Floor, Part 2
I know I haven't blogged all summer, but not that much has really happened. I went back to work for a little while, my parent's house entered Escrow, I helped find a nice rental house, and I started packing my bedroom...last week. The most exciting thing to happen otherwise was burning myself on the popcorn kettle, and the burn ending up looking exactly like a guitar pick.
All said and done, tonight is my last night in this house, and then it's bye-bye forever. It's not too bad, I guess. I'm excited to go back to school and start the next semester. I've cleaned out my room and consigned, well, almost everything. Seriously, there are huge trashbags sitting around waiting to go elsewhere, full of clothes, knick knacks, stuffed animals, and tons of other stuff. My next task is finishing my closet and packing all the little things in my room into a box, so come moving day, all the boxes in my old room can be moved to my new room and wait patiently there until Christmas. That's the game plan anyway. Let's see if I can get that done today, shall we?
Next post: Coming From Rexburg with Love
All said and done, tonight is my last night in this house, and then it's bye-bye forever. It's not too bad, I guess. I'm excited to go back to school and start the next semester. I've cleaned out my room and consigned, well, almost everything. Seriously, there are huge trashbags sitting around waiting to go elsewhere, full of clothes, knick knacks, stuffed animals, and tons of other stuff. My next task is finishing my closet and packing all the little things in my room into a box, so come moving day, all the boxes in my old room can be moved to my new room and wait patiently there until Christmas. That's the game plan anyway. Let's see if I can get that done today, shall we?
Next post: Coming From Rexburg with Love
Thursday, July 21, 2011
This is me collapsing to the floor
Just after nine pm on my last day in Rexburg until it's cold again. Eight finals later, if I did everything as well as I hope I did, I'll end this semester with 3 B's and 3...A's!!!! It's been a while since I had that kind of grade report. I think it's safe to say that this semester kicked my trash up one alley and down another.
I woke up this morning, studied a bit for my last final, and after said final was done, came back to the apartment to clean. After an entire day getting this room "white glove clean", my hands are soft and vinegary, I'm exhausted and hungry, and I'm so done with this apartment (until next semester, anyway). Tomorrow I get to wake up, make the vanity "white glove" status, pester my manager until she clears my work, and then I am getting out of Dodge! (in a dodge...teehee)
I'll be in Salt Lake tomorrow night, and then, if I'm really lucky, I'll be back in T-mec by this time Saturday! I just got a rush of jitters--I'm so ready to be home. Did I mention that my trash has been kicked? 'Cause it has.
Finally, I'll get to join my friends who have all been out of school for a month now, and actually have a summer! Technically, I'm going back to work for those couple months, but that's beside the point. Yay jobs! Back to the theater, back to my family, back to my Cali friends. Sigh. I've missed everyone. Yes, even you, obscure blog stalker, even you.
Now to go kick back in front of the TV for a little while, eat something (if I can find food), and tomorrow, I'll conquer the task of fitting two grown men and six suitcases (and then some) into my car. Thank goodness my car is a beast.
Next time I post something, it'll be from the Golden state. Hallelujah!
Thank you everyone for all the support and love you've shown me this semester. I love you!
I woke up this morning, studied a bit for my last final, and after said final was done, came back to the apartment to clean. After an entire day getting this room "white glove clean", my hands are soft and vinegary, I'm exhausted and hungry, and I'm so done with this apartment (until next semester, anyway). Tomorrow I get to wake up, make the vanity "white glove" status, pester my manager until she clears my work, and then I am getting out of Dodge! (in a dodge...teehee)
I'll be in Salt Lake tomorrow night, and then, if I'm really lucky, I'll be back in T-mec by this time Saturday! I just got a rush of jitters--I'm so ready to be home. Did I mention that my trash has been kicked? 'Cause it has.
Finally, I'll get to join my friends who have all been out of school for a month now, and actually have a summer! Technically, I'm going back to work for those couple months, but that's beside the point. Yay jobs! Back to the theater, back to my family, back to my Cali friends. Sigh. I've missed everyone. Yes, even you, obscure blog stalker, even you.
Now to go kick back in front of the TV for a little while, eat something (if I can find food), and tomorrow, I'll conquer the task of fitting two grown men and six suitcases (and then some) into my car. Thank goodness my car is a beast.
Next time I post something, it'll be from the Golden state. Hallelujah!
Thank you everyone for all the support and love you've shown me this semester. I love you!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Nineteen
Sorry to any loyal readers who've missed my blogs in the last few weeks. I've been off the map, as far as blogging goes.
My nineteenth birthday came and went, I started a new journal (as I do every year on my birthday), I went to classes (a birthday first for me), and had a lovely little party that my roommates threw together for me. First, a big thanks to everyone who sent me birthday love. Even the facebook comments made me feel less stranded.
The semester is finally winding down, we've started packing up the apartment, and I start finals this week. It's insane, realizing that the semester is over. Part of me can't believe I survived it outside of a looneybin.
I drive to SLC on the 22nd, the rest of the way home on the 23rd, and then I'm calling my old boss, telling him I'm home, and hopefully starting work again the following weekend. Which could not come at a better time, because I'm pretty much broke again. Whoot! I swear, one of these days, I'll figure out how to finish a semester with something left in my account. It doesn't matter how much I start with, I always end with zero. Oops.
As far as news goes, we have another orchestra concert this Wednesday, which will feature Simple Symphony and St. Nicholas by Benjamin Britton. I already mentioned finals and packing...that's about as exciting as my life has been lately. Really just kind of ho-hum. The most exciting thing that happened in a while was coming home from church today to discover that the lawn right outside my bedroom window had flooded and seeped through the walls to soak a huge portion of my carpet. The baseboards and one of the bedframes got a little soaked, but nothing else has sustained too much damage. We had to figure out how to move the sturdy wood desk and captain bed away from the wall in our already tiny bedroom. Our manager said they'll likely wait until we've moved out to repair the damage, and luckily we're not being held liable for it. All the same, the disarray of the furniture in my bedroom will definitely make packing my things that much more stressful. I don't do well in cramped places.
That's the best I can do as far as blog updates go. This is probably the most boring thing I've posted in a while. Sorry, the creativity just hasn't been here.
Love always,
Katie
My nineteenth birthday came and went, I started a new journal (as I do every year on my birthday), I went to classes (a birthday first for me), and had a lovely little party that my roommates threw together for me. First, a big thanks to everyone who sent me birthday love. Even the facebook comments made me feel less stranded.
The semester is finally winding down, we've started packing up the apartment, and I start finals this week. It's insane, realizing that the semester is over. Part of me can't believe I survived it outside of a looneybin.
I drive to SLC on the 22nd, the rest of the way home on the 23rd, and then I'm calling my old boss, telling him I'm home, and hopefully starting work again the following weekend. Which could not come at a better time, because I'm pretty much broke again. Whoot! I swear, one of these days, I'll figure out how to finish a semester with something left in my account. It doesn't matter how much I start with, I always end with zero. Oops.
As far as news goes, we have another orchestra concert this Wednesday, which will feature Simple Symphony and St. Nicholas by Benjamin Britton. I already mentioned finals and packing...that's about as exciting as my life has been lately. Really just kind of ho-hum. The most exciting thing that happened in a while was coming home from church today to discover that the lawn right outside my bedroom window had flooded and seeped through the walls to soak a huge portion of my carpet. The baseboards and one of the bedframes got a little soaked, but nothing else has sustained too much damage. We had to figure out how to move the sturdy wood desk and captain bed away from the wall in our already tiny bedroom. Our manager said they'll likely wait until we've moved out to repair the damage, and luckily we're not being held liable for it. All the same, the disarray of the furniture in my bedroom will definitely make packing my things that much more stressful. I don't do well in cramped places.
That's the best I can do as far as blog updates go. This is probably the most boring thing I've posted in a while. Sorry, the creativity just hasn't been here.
Love always,
Katie
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cool Thing #2
So about a week ago, this book website contacted me and asked if they could feature me as an "Author of the Week" type thing. I looked into it a bit, and agreed. After numerous emails back and forth, the result is this: http://arisbooks.net/44901.html
How cool is that?
How cool is that?
Unfathomable
(If you recognize this post from my writing blog, it's because I couldn't contain my happiness)
Two pieces of crucial information are required before this post will make sense:
First, there's this boy, Codename: Sam. Sam is serving a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Washington D.C., and he teaches in Spanish. He is not allowed the modern conveniences of Facebook, is allowed thirty minutes each week to email family members, and can only call home twice a year: Christmas and Mother's day. For the past twenty months, he and I have communicated solely by means of handwritten letter and the old fashioned postoffice.
Second, my birthday is soon upon us.
In one of Sam's last letters, I was told that I'd be getting my birthday present from him soon, but he wasn't specific about when it was coming. He just asked that I wait until my birthday to open it. Well, today I collected the mail and found a large, flat box with my name on it, from some indiscernible company. Curious, and not thinking, I began to open it.
First, I saw this:
I thought I read it wrong, and couldn't help myself. I tore off the packaging.
I was in shock. I turned over the sturdy, hardcover book in my hands, and found this:
A message from him on the back:
411 pages of my writing. In a hardcover book.
I'm still dying. I don't think I've ever laughed and cried when I received a present before. I was struck speechless for almost an entire half-hour, and my mom thought something was seriously wrong when I called to tell her. It's just so beautiful!
If you helped this come to fruition in any way, thank you so much!
Two pieces of crucial information are required before this post will make sense:
First, there's this boy, Codename: Sam. Sam is serving a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Washington D.C., and he teaches in Spanish. He is not allowed the modern conveniences of Facebook, is allowed thirty minutes each week to email family members, and can only call home twice a year: Christmas and Mother's day. For the past twenty months, he and I have communicated solely by means of handwritten letter and the old fashioned postoffice.
Second, my birthday is soon upon us.
In one of Sam's last letters, I was told that I'd be getting my birthday present from him soon, but he wasn't specific about when it was coming. He just asked that I wait until my birthday to open it. Well, today I collected the mail and found a large, flat box with my name on it, from some indiscernible company. Curious, and not thinking, I began to open it.
First, I saw this:
I thought I read it wrong, and couldn't help myself. I tore off the packaging.
I was in shock. I turned over the sturdy, hardcover book in my hands, and found this:
A message from him on the back:
411 pages of my writing. In a hardcover book.
I'm still dying. I don't think I've ever laughed and cried when I received a present before. I was struck speechless for almost an entire half-hour, and my mom thought something was seriously wrong when I called to tell her. It's just so beautiful!
If you helped this come to fruition in any way, thank you so much!
Monday, June 20, 2011
No Way
I think--between long talks with my cousin, brother, and parents, long walks alone, and helpful conversations with other people I've needed to talk to--that things might actually be smoothing out for me. I say it's about time. Part of me is incredibly wary though, that I might be getting a few-day respite just to prepare me for another big drop. I'm still in the tree, but I think the rocks are leaving less of an imprint now. It's kind of nice.
I'm still putting up with a ton of wrist pain, but it's a bit more manageable now. I have one FHE brother up here who's had to have CT corrective surgery, so he's been teaching me some stretches and wrist exercises that have been helping too. It's progress, but if anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears.
My orchestra concert went really well on Friday, and I'm so glad Shelly was able to come up to listen! Hopefully I can get a CD or DVD to send home, so maybe those can circulate through the family to anyone who's interested.
I registered for my fall classes, and am at 15 credits with only four actual classes. So far, it's looking like this:
In theory, by the end of next semester, I'll be an EMT!
In other good news, my boss at the theater is willing to take me back for the 8-week summer session, so I'll be able to go back home and to work!
I don't know what it's like for everyone, but I was recently struck by the fact that I'm still younger than missionaries, but in about two weeks, I'll be the same age as missionaries. That's weird. I'm so used to thinking of missionaries being guys much older than me, and then RMs at school are somehow "my age". Plus, I'm so excited to start a new semester in which, when everyone goes around the circle and lists their name, hometown, major, and age, I'll proudly be able to answer "not eighteen!" I haven't minded being eighteen, I'm just tired of getting looked down on as "the baby" when everyone else in my group is older. It's like I'm back at youth dances, when the cute boy asks you to dance, and everything's going fine until he asks how old you are. Anything less than sixteen, and the conversation is immediately done. People look at me funny when I say I'm eighteen and have forty-eight credits.
Ok, enough of proving my immaturity by whining about not being older. I hope everyone is having a fabulous, warm summer. I know I am...not!
One final bit, because I want to brag a little. Some of you know that I spend a lot of time writing fiction stories. In fact, I finished writing my first novel just before classes started this semester. It's a simple little thing that's up on a website for whoever wants to read it, really just a first draft that I'm working on editing. I have two cool announcements regarding it though: first, I submitted the online draft to the US Copyright Office, legally documenting that my book is mine, and no one can ever steal it from me. Second, a website called Ari's Books found my story, read a bit of it, and liked it so much that they're making me the featured author for the next two weeks! It won't be up until Thursday, but I'll post a link. I'm so excited though! They asked me to at least make an eBook copy of it, and offered to sell it for me, but I won't do it until I've edited the novel more. Sigh. We'll see where this crazy train takes me.
Love you all!
I'm still putting up with a ton of wrist pain, but it's a bit more manageable now. I have one FHE brother up here who's had to have CT corrective surgery, so he's been teaching me some stretches and wrist exercises that have been helping too. It's progress, but if anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears.
My orchestra concert went really well on Friday, and I'm so glad Shelly was able to come up to listen! Hopefully I can get a CD or DVD to send home, so maybe those can circulate through the family to anyone who's interested.
I registered for my fall classes, and am at 15 credits with only four actual classes. So far, it's looking like this:
In other good news, my boss at the theater is willing to take me back for the 8-week summer session, so I'll be able to go back home and to work!
I don't know what it's like for everyone, but I was recently struck by the fact that I'm still younger than missionaries, but in about two weeks, I'll be the same age as missionaries. That's weird. I'm so used to thinking of missionaries being guys much older than me, and then RMs at school are somehow "my age". Plus, I'm so excited to start a new semester in which, when everyone goes around the circle and lists their name, hometown, major, and age, I'll proudly be able to answer "not eighteen!" I haven't minded being eighteen, I'm just tired of getting looked down on as "the baby" when everyone else in my group is older. It's like I'm back at youth dances, when the cute boy asks you to dance, and everything's going fine until he asks how old you are. Anything less than sixteen, and the conversation is immediately done. People look at me funny when I say I'm eighteen and have forty-eight credits.
Ok, enough of proving my immaturity by whining about not being older. I hope everyone is having a fabulous, warm summer. I know I am...not!
One final bit, because I want to brag a little. Some of you know that I spend a lot of time writing fiction stories. In fact, I finished writing my first novel just before classes started this semester. It's a simple little thing that's up on a website for whoever wants to read it, really just a first draft that I'm working on editing. I have two cool announcements regarding it though: first, I submitted the online draft to the US Copyright Office, legally documenting that my book is mine, and no one can ever steal it from me. Second, a website called Ari's Books found my story, read a bit of it, and liked it so much that they're making me the featured author for the next two weeks! It won't be up until Thursday, but I'll post a link. I'm so excited though! They asked me to at least make an eBook copy of it, and offered to sell it for me, but I won't do it until I've edited the novel more. Sigh. We'll see where this crazy train takes me.
Love you all!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Forever [Too] Young
My weeks seem to have become one slew of insanity after another. Between a bajillion and two doctors appointments, midterms, exams, and personal life, this weekend could not come soon enough.
Take heart, only one of the bajillion doctor appointments was mine. Most involve my lovely roommate and making sure she can function like a normal human being. Mine involved a trip to the student health center because my hands and wrists have been bothering me for the past three-ish weeks. As a writer, student, and violinist with an upcoming concert, hand and wrist pain isn't something I want to ignore. So I went to the doctor, explained the abuse I put my hands through, and he said the same thing that, I promise you, nearly every doctor I've seen in the past four years has told me: "Well, it sounds and looks a whole lot like _______, but you're too young to have that." This time, Carpal Tunnel gets put in the space. I guess my body just wants to be older than it really is. Regardless, he strapped me into clunky black braces (facebook has a picture), gave me some anti-inflammatories, and told me to see him in two weeks. Meanwhile, hand writing is near impossible to do legibly, typing takes twice as long as normal, and I slept with knee socks up to elbows last night so that I didn't attack myself with the Velcro. It was quite comical, if I do say so myself; the socks are lovely, blue, and striped. I went to wipe my hair out of my face in the morning, and clubbed my head with my sock/brace stump. Better than anything though, was the almost instant realization by everyone who's read my book that my braces look almost identical to the bracers my characters wear for protection while fighting. It's true: I could cause some serious damage in them!
Well, anyone who's going to be in Rexburg next Friday is welcome to come to my orchestra concert. My life is pretty boring, otherwise. Just the daily dragon fighting, not much else.
Oh, and if you see my sister today, wish her happy birthday!
I love you small child!
Take heart, only one of the bajillion doctor appointments was mine. Most involve my lovely roommate and making sure she can function like a normal human being. Mine involved a trip to the student health center because my hands and wrists have been bothering me for the past three-ish weeks. As a writer, student, and violinist with an upcoming concert, hand and wrist pain isn't something I want to ignore. So I went to the doctor, explained the abuse I put my hands through, and he said the same thing that, I promise you, nearly every doctor I've seen in the past four years has told me: "Well, it sounds and looks a whole lot like _______, but you're too young to have that." This time, Carpal Tunnel gets put in the space. I guess my body just wants to be older than it really is. Regardless, he strapped me into clunky black braces (facebook has a picture), gave me some anti-inflammatories, and told me to see him in two weeks. Meanwhile, hand writing is near impossible to do legibly, typing takes twice as long as normal, and I slept with knee socks up to elbows last night so that I didn't attack myself with the Velcro. It was quite comical, if I do say so myself; the socks are lovely, blue, and striped. I went to wipe my hair out of my face in the morning, and clubbed my head with my sock/brace stump. Better than anything though, was the almost instant realization by everyone who's read my book that my braces look almost identical to the bracers my characters wear for protection while fighting. It's true: I could cause some serious damage in them!
Well, anyone who's going to be in Rexburg next Friday is welcome to come to my orchestra concert. My life is pretty boring, otherwise. Just the daily dragon fighting, not much else.
Oh, and if you see my sister today, wish her happy birthday!
I love you small child!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happiness Can Be Found, Even In The Darkest of Times...
if one only remembers to turn on the light.
It's been a pretty hectic week up here, and I've learned a lot. There's this...I don't know what you'd call it, but maybe a rule that fiction writers keep in mind when making an interesting story line:
It's seemed lately that as soon as I start to make headway with one trial, another (or two) gets thrown at me. I've learned, though, that sometimes little victories lead to big defeats, and sometimes little defeats help prepare you for big victories. The key is remembering after each big victory that there's always going to be another battle after that. You can't just accept the big defeat and call it quits, you have to use the failures to prepare for the next war, and the victories to propel you onward.
I've also had to learn (and accept) that sometimes you really do need to ask for help. As the Queen of ICanSolveMyProblemsMyselfland, this was very difficult, but I'm trying.
In the midst of my world feeling like it is crashing down around me, I've been given small blessings and happinesses to keep me going; things like getting a 96% on the first real English essay I'd written in over a year, figuring out how to change a headlight without needing to ask some guy to do it for me, noticing the beauty in Spring, the birds chirping, appreciating the sunlight as it peeks through for the first time in weeks, having loving roommates, and being (mostly) healthy. In the midst of my trials, I've definitely come to appreciate the little things.
I also take comfort in knowing that it is practically required that the Author eventually help the heroine down from the tree.
It's been a pretty hectic week up here, and I've learned a lot. There's this...I don't know what you'd call it, but maybe a rule that fiction writers keep in mind when making an interesting story line:
Sometimes, as a writer, it becomes necessary to chase your heroine up a tree. And then throw rocks at her. Then you have to help her down.I, personally, have done this to my heroine many times. It's kind of fun. Until, of course, the tables are turned, you become the heroine of your own story, and the Great Author is at the 'throwing rocks' stage.
It's seemed lately that as soon as I start to make headway with one trial, another (or two) gets thrown at me. I've learned, though, that sometimes little victories lead to big defeats, and sometimes little defeats help prepare you for big victories. The key is remembering after each big victory that there's always going to be another battle after that. You can't just accept the big defeat and call it quits, you have to use the failures to prepare for the next war, and the victories to propel you onward.
I've also had to learn (and accept) that sometimes you really do need to ask for help. As the Queen of ICanSolveMyProblemsMyselfland, this was very difficult, but I'm trying.
In the midst of my world feeling like it is crashing down around me, I've been given small blessings and happinesses to keep me going; things like getting a 96% on the first real English essay I'd written in over a year, figuring out how to change a headlight without needing to ask some guy to do it for me, noticing the beauty in Spring, the birds chirping, appreciating the sunlight as it peeks through for the first time in weeks, having loving roommates, and being (mostly) healthy. In the midst of my trials, I've definitely come to appreciate the little things.
I also take comfort in knowing that it is practically required that the Author eventually help the heroine down from the tree.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Addicted
I'm kind of in love with this guy, and his voice. I want the EP, but I don't want to spend $5 +S&H on his 4 track EP. Oh well. I'll just content myself (for now) with quadrupling his youtube playcount, and share it with all the world. Ok, just my blogs and facebook friends.
Monday, May 23, 2011
In Awe and Wonder
I have about...seven minutes before I need to run to class. I felt I just had to share something:
I love the priesthood.
My roommate Cat was having massive migraine problems yesterday. For me, that sends up massive red flags. She decided to stay home from the first two hours of church, and I agreed to come back for her before Sacrament. (We have an inverted schedule. I don't like it.) The entire two hours I was gone were torture. I could't help but worry about her, and was habitually checking my phone. When I came home to get her, she was so deeply asleep that I couldn't wake her (another red flag when it comes to Cat). So I thought about it, asked the Lord what I should do, and got the feeling that just this once, it was more important that I stay home with Cat. She finally woke up hours later, at which point we both insisted she get a blessing. We haven't met our home teachers yet, so we called our FHE brothers' apartment, and five minutes later we had two young men dressed in Sunday best waiting to give a healing blessing to my beautiful friend. The blessing was very reassuring, and let both me and Cat know how best to proceed (I had been ready to drag her to the ER). Cat said as soon as the young men sealed the blessing, her migraine immediately shifted to a much more tolerable headache.
I am so grateful to live in the kind of place where, even though our fathers aren't around to be our priesthood holders, we have so many young men who are not only able and worthy, but willing to come to our aid.
Sigh. What an amazing Sunday.
I love the priesthood.
My roommate Cat was having massive migraine problems yesterday. For me, that sends up massive red flags. She decided to stay home from the first two hours of church, and I agreed to come back for her before Sacrament. (We have an inverted schedule. I don't like it.) The entire two hours I was gone were torture. I could't help but worry about her, and was habitually checking my phone. When I came home to get her, she was so deeply asleep that I couldn't wake her (another red flag when it comes to Cat). So I thought about it, asked the Lord what I should do, and got the feeling that just this once, it was more important that I stay home with Cat. She finally woke up hours later, at which point we both insisted she get a blessing. We haven't met our home teachers yet, so we called our FHE brothers' apartment, and five minutes later we had two young men dressed in Sunday best waiting to give a healing blessing to my beautiful friend. The blessing was very reassuring, and let both me and Cat know how best to proceed (I had been ready to drag her to the ER). Cat said as soon as the young men sealed the blessing, her migraine immediately shifted to a much more tolerable headache.
I am so grateful to live in the kind of place where, even though our fathers aren't around to be our priesthood holders, we have so many young men who are not only able and worthy, but willing to come to our aid.
Sigh. What an amazing Sunday.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
This Is Me Wishing I'd Saved The Last Blog Title For This Post
Why? Because it involves a lightning storm.
I've decided if one combines the determination and stupidity of Mormon college students, and promises them even a morsel of food, one will have the best work crew imagined, and quite a force to be reckoned with.
On Saturday this past week, my ward planned a service project at one of the local cemeteries. We were just supposed to clear the creeping grass from the headstone edges, and because a gigantic flood had once devastated this entire valley, and therefore the cemetery, many headstones needed to be raised higher, and some dug up completely. Amazingly, at least fifty students showed up, on a Saturday afternoon, none the less, to help out.
We carpooled the ten-or-so miles to the cemetery, got our instructions, and set to work, the guys cutting sod, the girls pulling it up and throwing it into the truck. We ignored the pitch black clouds to the west and the occasional lightning strike, and focused on the blue skies above us and the task at hand. Not even twenty minutes into the project, it starts to sprinkle, and within seconds, we are being barraged by pouring rain coming at us sideways. Almost everyone immediately ran for cover beside, inside, and beneath cars and trucks. Some (like me) tried to work through it for a few minutes until the hail came, then we ran for cover as well. Then, of course, there's always the handful of boys who prove there manliness by never ceasing through the rain. You just don't get that kind of rain in T-mec. You'd expect us to call it quits at that point, load up the cars, and head back to school, but no. As soon as the weather let up in the slightest, we were back out there working. We were completely soaked, and the rain was still falling, but we wanted to do what was asked of us. For two and a half hours we worked in everything from a drizzle, to pouring rain, to hail. Luckily, the last half hour brought sunshine, and we ended up finishing half of the cemetery. I then rushed home to the comfort of a hot shower and sweats.
What did I learn? As said before, Mormon college students are amazingly determined and kind of stupid. I mean, we worked through the hail. Still though, if a group of kids can do all that, what else could we do? Better yet, how much can an even larger group of adults accomplish? Finally, what better group of people could there be to spread God's word than groups like these?
At school, we're told over and over that we're attending a DTC: a Disciple Training Center. If my little ward is any example, I think the training is working. I feel so blessed to be involved in a group like this one. We have another service project on Tuesday. I'm so excited to see what will happen this time!
On a side note, my Bestie Breezy is back at her school in Provo, but before she left we took this picture, and I just wanted to share it:
I've decided if one combines the determination and stupidity of Mormon college students, and promises them even a morsel of food, one will have the best work crew imagined, and quite a force to be reckoned with.
On Saturday this past week, my ward planned a service project at one of the local cemeteries. We were just supposed to clear the creeping grass from the headstone edges, and because a gigantic flood had once devastated this entire valley, and therefore the cemetery, many headstones needed to be raised higher, and some dug up completely. Amazingly, at least fifty students showed up, on a Saturday afternoon, none the less, to help out.
We carpooled the ten-or-so miles to the cemetery, got our instructions, and set to work, the guys cutting sod, the girls pulling it up and throwing it into the truck. We ignored the pitch black clouds to the west and the occasional lightning strike, and focused on the blue skies above us and the task at hand. Not even twenty minutes into the project, it starts to sprinkle, and within seconds, we are being barraged by pouring rain coming at us sideways. Almost everyone immediately ran for cover beside, inside, and beneath cars and trucks. Some (like me) tried to work through it for a few minutes until the hail came, then we ran for cover as well. Then, of course, there's always the handful of boys who prove there manliness by never ceasing through the rain. You just don't get that kind of rain in T-mec. You'd expect us to call it quits at that point, load up the cars, and head back to school, but no. As soon as the weather let up in the slightest, we were back out there working. We were completely soaked, and the rain was still falling, but we wanted to do what was asked of us. For two and a half hours we worked in everything from a drizzle, to pouring rain, to hail. Luckily, the last half hour brought sunshine, and we ended up finishing half of the cemetery. I then rushed home to the comfort of a hot shower and sweats.
What did I learn? As said before, Mormon college students are amazingly determined and kind of stupid. I mean, we worked through the hail. Still though, if a group of kids can do all that, what else could we do? Better yet, how much can an even larger group of adults accomplish? Finally, what better group of people could there be to spread God's word than groups like these?
At school, we're told over and over that we're attending a DTC: a Disciple Training Center. If my little ward is any example, I think the training is working. I feel so blessed to be involved in a group like this one. We have another service project on Tuesday. I'm so excited to see what will happen this time!
On a side note, my Bestie Breezy is back at her school in Provo, but before she left we took this picture, and I just wanted to share it:
Sunday, May 8, 2011
And When The Storms Come...
...I say let it rain. I was here first.
And also:
It's a little before midnight, but most of my roommates are already asleep. Honestly, even though I proudly hold the title of Resident Insomniac, I might join them soon, because the weekend has been kind of crazy. On Wednesday I sent an email to my Breezy, the girl I've been closest to for the longest time. When we both got accepted to both BYU and BYU-I, the hardest choice we've ever made was parting ways. In a way it was good for us, as hard as it was. Anyway, I sent her a quick email letting her know what was going on in my life, and that everything hadn't been all peaches and cream lately. She got the email in the afternoon, immediately called my roommie, settled things with her classes, and arranged to come visit me for the weekend. Within 24 hours she was in Rexburg, and I was so excited I thought I was going to burst. It took all of a couple hours to readjust to how we'd each changed, but in almost no time we were finishing each other's sentences, making random animal noises to express our emotions, and giggling at secret memories. Breezy did her homework while I went to class, and we were able to spend the rest of the time just talking. I guess life has been kind of scary for the both of us lately, and we needed the confidence that comes from years of knowing each other better than we know ourselves. On top of that came the long walks that are our trademark, whether it be around the meadow and lake at home, up and down the beach, or through the gardens and up to the temple. How I'd missed them!
Luckily, my roommates quickly fell in love with Breezy and welcomed her back anytime, which is good for both of us. Turns out 200 miles isn't too big of a separation after all. It was sad to see her go this afternoon. Luckily, the miracle of modern technology means I can talk to her whenever I want.
Which fact segues nicely into Mother's Day! Why, you may ask? Because modern technology also allowed me to see my mother's beautiful face via Skype today, along with my dad, sister, and dog (now if only we can discover a way to let me pet my dog from 1000 miles away...). Hopefully modern conveniences won't fail me, and the letter and gift I'm sending in the mail with get there quickly and safely. Maybe next time I write I'll post a picture of what I'm sending her, because it's so cute and I'm in love with it, but mom reads this, and I want it to be a surprise. I'll post a picture of something I really want though:
It's called 'Brother and Sister' by WillowTree. Isn't it just so cute?
Anyway, Mom, because you'll likely be reading this eventually, Happy Mothers Day, know I love you and am so grateful for all you've done for me. I wish I could have been there to spoil you and pamper you to no end, but a small blip in my blog will have to suffice.
There was a bit of excitement today at church. See, last week my Bishop had discussed being the Relief Society Music Specialist this semester. Of course, I agreed, no big deal, and today I was sustained for it in Sacrament Meeting. A minute or two later, though, my name was called again as a member of the Temple Committee. I looked to the Bishop in confusion, but stood and was sustained for that as well, sure that a mistake had been made. When I talked to him before being set apart though, he said it was no mistake, they had simply forgotten to ask. This will make me one of a very small number of students with two callings this semester, but I'm sure I'll love them both. If nothing else, it just means that soon I'll get to attend the temple regularly, which will be amazingly awesome. I mean, have you seen this building?
It definitely comes in close second to the San Diego temple.
Finally, I shall wrap up this ridiculously long blog entry with my new motto:
It's one of the many things I've become obsessed with lately. I want to find a decent copy of it and put it on my wall.
For the record, I'm also currently obsessed with:
Crackle nail polish
Wearing multiple watches and hunting for 'new' ones at DI
Denim jackets
Mail/ Writing Letters
Have a great week everyone. Much love from Rexburg,
Katie Helen
2582
And also:
"I love this crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life."
It's a little before midnight, but most of my roommates are already asleep. Honestly, even though I proudly hold the title of Resident Insomniac, I might join them soon, because the weekend has been kind of crazy. On Wednesday I sent an email to my Breezy, the girl I've been closest to for the longest time. When we both got accepted to both BYU and BYU-I, the hardest choice we've ever made was parting ways. In a way it was good for us, as hard as it was. Anyway, I sent her a quick email letting her know what was going on in my life, and that everything hadn't been all peaches and cream lately. She got the email in the afternoon, immediately called my roommie, settled things with her classes, and arranged to come visit me for the weekend. Within 24 hours she was in Rexburg, and I was so excited I thought I was going to burst. It took all of a couple hours to readjust to how we'd each changed, but in almost no time we were finishing each other's sentences, making random animal noises to express our emotions, and giggling at secret memories. Breezy did her homework while I went to class, and we were able to spend the rest of the time just talking. I guess life has been kind of scary for the both of us lately, and we needed the confidence that comes from years of knowing each other better than we know ourselves. On top of that came the long walks that are our trademark, whether it be around the meadow and lake at home, up and down the beach, or through the gardens and up to the temple. How I'd missed them!
Luckily, my roommates quickly fell in love with Breezy and welcomed her back anytime, which is good for both of us. Turns out 200 miles isn't too big of a separation after all. It was sad to see her go this afternoon. Luckily, the miracle of modern technology means I can talk to her whenever I want.
Which fact segues nicely into Mother's Day! Why, you may ask? Because modern technology also allowed me to see my mother's beautiful face via Skype today, along with my dad, sister, and dog (now if only we can discover a way to let me pet my dog from 1000 miles away...). Hopefully modern conveniences won't fail me, and the letter and gift I'm sending in the mail with get there quickly and safely. Maybe next time I write I'll post a picture of what I'm sending her, because it's so cute and I'm in love with it, but mom reads this, and I want it to be a surprise. I'll post a picture of something I really want though:
Anyway, Mom, because you'll likely be reading this eventually, Happy Mothers Day, know I love you and am so grateful for all you've done for me. I wish I could have been there to spoil you and pamper you to no end, but a small blip in my blog will have to suffice.
There was a bit of excitement today at church. See, last week my Bishop had discussed being the Relief Society Music Specialist this semester. Of course, I agreed, no big deal, and today I was sustained for it in Sacrament Meeting. A minute or two later, though, my name was called again as a member of the Temple Committee. I looked to the Bishop in confusion, but stood and was sustained for that as well, sure that a mistake had been made. When I talked to him before being set apart though, he said it was no mistake, they had simply forgotten to ask. This will make me one of a very small number of students with two callings this semester, but I'm sure I'll love them both. If nothing else, it just means that soon I'll get to attend the temple regularly, which will be amazingly awesome. I mean, have you seen this building?
Finally, I shall wrap up this ridiculously long blog entry with my new motto:
For the record, I'm also currently obsessed with:
Crackle nail polish
Wearing multiple watches and hunting for 'new' ones at DI
Denim jackets
Mail/ Writing Letters
Have a great week everyone. Much love from Rexburg,
Katie Helen
2582
Saturday, April 23, 2011
One Week Down...
...thirteen to go.
I admit, it has been a crazy week. My classes have hit the ground running and, well, I'm running. This is what my schedule looks like on any given week:
Two classes have me reading essays left and right, two have me reading gigantic chunks of the textbook each day, one requires a healthy amount of Book of Mormon study, and one requires three hours of outside practice each week. That being said, My FDSCI, Anatomy/Physiology and FDENG teachers all remind me of Bill Nye the Science guy. They're all ridiculously passionate about what they teach, a little goofy/awkward, and frequently wear odd shoes and ties that clash with their shirts. My humanities teacher, on the other hand, is actually a theater teacher here. He reminds me of Chris Farley in his motivational "Down by the River" sketch on SNL. Except...a bit more positive. My book of Mormon teacher is a little like Mr. Rogers, and my orchestra conductor is just awesome. He's the one who coined the phrase 'Never look back, and if you're going to make a mistake, make it in a grand manner'.
Well, I foresee a great many long nights and notecards in my future, and hopefully I'll get that 4.0 that I'm working towards. Maybe, if I'm really lucky, I'll decide on a major this semester. Who knows?
I admit, it has been a crazy week. My classes have hit the ground running and, well, I'm running. This is what my schedule looks like on any given week:
Well, I foresee a great many long nights and notecards in my future, and hopefully I'll get that 4.0 that I'm working towards. Maybe, if I'm really lucky, I'll decide on a major this semester. Who knows?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Suddenly: College
Here I am, back at the I. I'm officially moved into my dorm, have met two of my new roommates, and love one of them. The other, I've really only seen with her boyfriend...not a whole lot of Roomie bonding going on yet. Catherine and I, of course, are still getting along great. My new apartment lacks the cinderblock walls and classroom-style industrial carpeting of the dorms making it instantly more home-like.
Oddly, I find myself wondering what to do with my life. I'm considering, more and more, finding work. I know, unfortunately, that I need a 4.0 this semester, and that would likely be an impossible feat with a job added on. I just feel so weird without a work schedule, without the knowledge that a paycheck is coming every two weeks, without suiting up and meeting my friends for a day spent over cash registers and popcorn poppers. I really hope that once classes start, I'll be so busy that I'll have to remind myself to eat and sleep. All I can say for now is that I'm jealous that Catherine gets to go to work on Monday. Right now, I'd do ANYTHING to break the monotony.
The biggest shock of all for me this semester was how little of a shock it was at all. I mean, I moved in yesterday, drove my mom to the airport, and moved on as if I've always lived here, on my own, a thousand miles from home. I miss my family, of course (and my dog) but it just feels so normal to be living here. Not so normal is a kitchen without a pantry and an apartment without a linen closet, but hey, that's just me.
I guess, when all is said and done, I'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.
A tasty fun tidbit.
Oddly, I find myself wondering what to do with my life. I'm considering, more and more, finding work. I know, unfortunately, that I need a 4.0 this semester, and that would likely be an impossible feat with a job added on. I just feel so weird without a work schedule, without the knowledge that a paycheck is coming every two weeks, without suiting up and meeting my friends for a day spent over cash registers and popcorn poppers. I really hope that once classes start, I'll be so busy that I'll have to remind myself to eat and sleep. All I can say for now is that I'm jealous that Catherine gets to go to work on Monday. Right now, I'd do ANYTHING to break the monotony.
The biggest shock of all for me this semester was how little of a shock it was at all. I mean, I moved in yesterday, drove my mom to the airport, and moved on as if I've always lived here, on my own, a thousand miles from home. I miss my family, of course (and my dog) but it just feels so normal to be living here. Not so normal is a kitchen without a pantry and an apartment without a linen closet, but hey, that's just me.
I guess, when all is said and done, I'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.
A tasty fun tidbit.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Change
In about nine hours, I'm climbing into the front seat of Clark, who is, at this moment, anxious to be loaded. Mom will be riding shotgun. I'm putting the car in gear and kissing California goodbye. Again. The problem is that I've just barely started appreciating the beauty of where I grew up. The weather is so nice, the people aren't terrible, and I've loved being back with my family. I have some color on my arms now, and was just starting to hope that my legs would follow suit. Let's face it, I'm the kind of girl people walk up to and say, 'You're from California, right? So you go to the beach all the time, don't you. Shouldn't you be, like, really tan?" I then calmly explain that I spent every summer since I was sixteen working indoors, and they change subjects like nothing happened. I always counterbalanced their stares with 'Yeah, well Pale looks better than Skin Cancer!'
Oh well.
As of the beginning of this semester, my major is officially undecided. My parents and I had a long discussion about it yesterday, so I'm more directed than I was, say, the day before that.
I'll say this though: I am really considering staying in Idaho all summer. Frankly, this moving every 14 weeks (and in summer's case, 7) is getting really old. I'll be happy when that aspect of my life is over.
I'm closing this up so I can finish cleaning my room and get some sleep. Look out for my next blog post, coming to you live from Rexburg!
Oh well.
As of the beginning of this semester, my major is officially undecided. My parents and I had a long discussion about it yesterday, so I'm more directed than I was, say, the day before that.
I'll say this though: I am really considering staying in Idaho all summer. Frankly, this moving every 14 weeks (and in summer's case, 7) is getting really old. I'll be happy when that aspect of my life is over.
I'm closing this up so I can finish cleaning my room and get some sleep. Look out for my next blog post, coming to you live from Rexburg!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Better Than I Could Ask
I turned in my Two Weeks' Notice this week. It was pretty weird typing it up, and my general manager hasn't even been in the state to read it, but he already knows I'm leaving, so oh well.
I'm going to miss that job. I really am.
Last night, while I was working in the box office, I nonchalantly included on my facebook status that I was lonely, bored, and desired chocolate.
My friends, of course, went above and beyond the call of duty. Within half an hour of posting that, my lovely BYU best friend talked to one of my friends here in Tmec, which led to him bringing me a gigantic symphony bar 'from Bri'. It was a combined effort. They're both awesome. How many people can say their friends send them chocolate from other timezones?
It didn't end there, though. Maybe half an hour before my shift ended, I see another lovely friend walking up with a grocery bag in hand. Through the ticket window she slides a gallon bag of peanut butter m&ms, a 6 pack of cookies n cream hershey bars, and a bottle of Mountain Dew. (This is my college roommate, so she knows what my grocery trips usually consist of). When my manager comes back in to close my shift, he is astounded by the love of my friends.
"They sent you all this because of your facebook status?"
"Uh huh. I feel so loved."
"You are loved, obviously. It's refreshing to see people care about others that way."
Then followed something about him missing me at work because I'm one of the good workers.
How did I get so lucky? How did I land the most amazing friends in existence? I think, most of all, I'm grateful that I don't have to lose them in two weeks, too. Except for Will...darn. Well, I'll make it work. THANK YOU modern miracle of skype.
vc 2504
I'm going to miss that job. I really am.
Last night, while I was working in the box office, I nonchalantly included on my facebook status that I was lonely, bored, and desired chocolate.
My friends, of course, went above and beyond the call of duty. Within half an hour of posting that, my lovely BYU best friend talked to one of my friends here in Tmec, which led to him bringing me a gigantic symphony bar 'from Bri'. It was a combined effort. They're both awesome. How many people can say their friends send them chocolate from other timezones?
It didn't end there, though. Maybe half an hour before my shift ended, I see another lovely friend walking up with a grocery bag in hand. Through the ticket window she slides a gallon bag of peanut butter m&ms, a 6 pack of cookies n cream hershey bars, and a bottle of Mountain Dew. (This is my college roommate, so she knows what my grocery trips usually consist of). When my manager comes back in to close my shift, he is astounded by the love of my friends.
"They sent you all this because of your facebook status?"
"Uh huh. I feel so loved."
"You are loved, obviously. It's refreshing to see people care about others that way."
Then followed something about him missing me at work because I'm one of the good workers.
How did I get so lucky? How did I land the most amazing friends in existence? I think, most of all, I'm grateful that I don't have to lose them in two weeks, too. Except for Will...darn. Well, I'll make it work. THANK YOU modern miracle of skype.
vc 2504
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Welcome to the World, Inhabitants May Be Unsavory
While working at the theater today, I experienced my first real taste of sexism. Apparently, the head usher at my theater, a man, was quite disgusted to learn that two girls, and only girls in general, were assigned to usher with him. So much so, in fact, that he complained to the manager who makes the schedule. It's true, most of the time, only the guys are scheduled to usher. Not to be oppositely sexist, but simply because there are many more male employees, and the females have better track records with working the registers and customer service. The odds of the only two ushers being girls are actually pretty slim. Honestly, though, the guy already gives me the heebyjeebies. He's always standing a little too close, hovering, looming, smelling of weed or whatever it is he smokes to get high before work. This is one man I really don't like, which is odd, because I like almost everyone. I do not, however, like men ten years my senior throwing popcorn on the ground as I sweep everyone else's trash, and then, after I've swept his mess up, have him joke that he was just trying to see if he could make me angry.
Well bud, mission accomplished. Not like I'll ever let you know that. Why on earth would I give you that satisfaction? So you could blemish my perfect record at this job with an event that you created? No, not at all. I'll just furiously blog about it. Hmm...maybe I'll finally tell him off for being a pig on my last day...
See, even though this guy is head usher, he never really ushers. Our job is to make sure the theater is always clean--focusing on cleaning up after each movie--yet I've never seen him walk into a theater with broom in hand. Liz and I cleaned over twenty theaters today, supposedly while under his direction, without him ever setting foot in the theater. Except, of course, the one time he decides to grace us with his presence, only to tell us with the cockiest smirk ever that we left one armrest down. Although, because he does creep me out a bit, I was kind of glad that he mostly ignored me today. Except, of course, when we got into a (calm) dispute that ended with me taking a step back, and acquiescing that we'd do it his way, hinting as strongly as I could that I was only giving in because he's technically my superior and I don't argue...or yell...in public. Because this makes me so angry, here's a diagram:
Many guests who come through the front door don't always see the ticket podium across the lobby. Without that rope barrier, many (especially those coming from the restroom) try to go straight to theater 10, without passing the podium first. If they don't pass the podium, I can't tear (and therefore have tangible record of) their ticket. Head Usher decided today to take down the rope barrier, citing that when the guests leave, they'd have to go all the way around it. I told him that many will try to not go around to get to the screen. Apparently, if that's the case, I must have been doing my job wrong yesterday, if I let them get all the way over there without stopping them and tearing their tickets. Because I can totally leave the podium, ignore the line of twenty people, and run across the lobby to stop one person. You're right, it's much less logical to simply direct them my way first with handy barriers.
Luckily for me, my managers don't like the guy either, and are aware of the problems he causes. They periodically checked on me throughout the day to make sure I was ok, and to help where they could. I guess that makes two cases in the past two days where the head usher has tried to write me up with the managers. Yesterday's cause was equally ridiculous, and each time, the managers have listened to him, then come to tell me that I managed to tick him off again, and that they were refusing his write-up requests on grounds of ridiculousness. Instead, I'm to avoid him where I can, and talk to the managers if I have more problems with him. I'm just waiting for him to tell my general manager that I'm insubordinate. My GM really likes me, and openly says so, but if head pig gives him a bad report and my other managers aren't there to counteract it, I could seriously lose my credibility with the GM.
That man is the one problem I have with my job, but I shouldn't feel so intimidated by my coworkers. I think I might just ask my manager to not schedule me when he's in.
Any other suggestions? What do you think I should do?
Well bud, mission accomplished. Not like I'll ever let you know that. Why on earth would I give you that satisfaction? So you could blemish my perfect record at this job with an event that you created? No, not at all. I'll just furiously blog about it. Hmm...maybe I'll finally tell him off for being a pig on my last day...
See, even though this guy is head usher, he never really ushers. Our job is to make sure the theater is always clean--focusing on cleaning up after each movie--yet I've never seen him walk into a theater with broom in hand. Liz and I cleaned over twenty theaters today, supposedly while under his direction, without him ever setting foot in the theater. Except, of course, the one time he decides to grace us with his presence, only to tell us with the cockiest smirk ever that we left one armrest down. Although, because he does creep me out a bit, I was kind of glad that he mostly ignored me today. Except, of course, when we got into a (calm) dispute that ended with me taking a step back, and acquiescing that we'd do it his way, hinting as strongly as I could that I was only giving in because he's technically my superior and I don't argue...or yell...in public. Because this makes me so angry, here's a diagram:
Luckily for me, my managers don't like the guy either, and are aware of the problems he causes. They periodically checked on me throughout the day to make sure I was ok, and to help where they could. I guess that makes two cases in the past two days where the head usher has tried to write me up with the managers. Yesterday's cause was equally ridiculous, and each time, the managers have listened to him, then come to tell me that I managed to tick him off again, and that they were refusing his write-up requests on grounds of ridiculousness. Instead, I'm to avoid him where I can, and talk to the managers if I have more problems with him. I'm just waiting for him to tell my general manager that I'm insubordinate. My GM really likes me, and openly says so, but if head pig gives him a bad report and my other managers aren't there to counteract it, I could seriously lose my credibility with the GM.
That man is the one problem I have with my job, but I shouldn't feel so intimidated by my coworkers. I think I might just ask my manager to not schedule me when he's in.
Any other suggestions? What do you think I should do?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
All Jammed Up
Listening to: the mismatched ticking of two clocks, but Rhythm of Love is stuck in my head.
Another post from the beautiful city of T-mec, where temperatures can reach eighty degrees in the dead of winter. Life has been going well, lately. So well, in fact, and just well, that lately 'keep on keepin' on' is a phrase that finds it's way into my mind at least once a day. Life at the theater is ever-changing, and it's dynamics are sometimes a little tough to swallow, but I like it. There's never a completely dull day, at least. My managers like me, are trusting me with more responsibilities, and each day I work makes me want to leave it less and less, but I only have thirty-nine days left in T-mec. (No, I'm not counting, I just checked it because I wanted to see how close moving day really is.)
For the record, I'm not ready to move again. I was really hoping to get more of my future plans worked out during my semester off. To top it off, I just learned that I'm technically (credits-wise) going to start my sophomore year this semester. Normally that'd be cool, but BYU-I has a credits cap--if I don't have my degree by a certain point, my enrollment will be terminated. Oh, did you hear that? That sound just over my head? That, my friends, is the whip being cracked, and it just scared the living daylights out of me. On top of all the educational deadlines that need to be met, it's officially time to start getting ready to pack up again. Yes, I did mean 'start getting ready'. It's like planning to make a plan--it's what we crazy people do. It really just involves picking through my things, deciding what I need and what I don't, stocking up on everything, maybe picking out a few new blouses and skirts, things like that.
I'm officially at a loss between my lives. I have a school life, and a home life. Which one is real life?
Another post from the beautiful city of T-mec, where temperatures can reach eighty degrees in the dead of winter. Life has been going well, lately. So well, in fact, and just well, that lately 'keep on keepin' on' is a phrase that finds it's way into my mind at least once a day. Life at the theater is ever-changing, and it's dynamics are sometimes a little tough to swallow, but I like it. There's never a completely dull day, at least. My managers like me, are trusting me with more responsibilities, and each day I work makes me want to leave it less and less, but I only have thirty-nine days left in T-mec. (No, I'm not counting, I just checked it because I wanted to see how close moving day really is.)
For the record, I'm not ready to move again. I was really hoping to get more of my future plans worked out during my semester off. To top it off, I just learned that I'm technically (credits-wise) going to start my sophomore year this semester. Normally that'd be cool, but BYU-I has a credits cap--if I don't have my degree by a certain point, my enrollment will be terminated. Oh, did you hear that? That sound just over my head? That, my friends, is the whip being cracked, and it just scared the living daylights out of me. On top of all the educational deadlines that need to be met, it's officially time to start getting ready to pack up again. Yes, I did mean 'start getting ready'. It's like planning to make a plan--it's what we crazy people do. It really just involves picking through my things, deciding what I need and what I don't, stocking up on everything, maybe picking out a few new blouses and skirts, things like that.
I'm officially at a loss between my lives. I have a school life, and a home life. Which one is real life?
Monday, February 7, 2011
For The Love
Hey everyone, just felt like updating the world...so here it is...my update.
Anyway, I love my job at the theater, and have made tons of new friends. Life is going pretty well; I'm reading and writing in my spare time, and have been making quite a bit of progress in the story I'm working on.
I have a request, though. I need some more book recommendations. The library has so many possibilities, but I rarely know where to start. I don't know, maybe one day I'll just start at 'A' and work my way through all the authors to 'Z'. (Though, thanks to The Book Thief, I've already covered my library's collection of 'Z' authors. LOVE Markus Zusak.) Regardless, I love books, and desire more, so what are some of your favorites?
If you're a long-time reader of my blog, you'll remember that way before the food pictures and medical stories, I was quite fond of lists. For old time's sake, here's another:
Books That I Can't Wait To Read, But Have To Because They're Not Published Yet
1. City of Fallen Angels due 4/5/11
2. Mastiff due 11/11
3. Bite Club due 5/3/11
4. Clockwork Prince due 8/30/11
5. Angel due 2/14/11
6. What Happened To Goodbye due 5/10/11
That last one? The Dessen? Super excited for it. Sigh. One day my books will come...
Anyway, I love my job at the theater, and have made tons of new friends. Life is going pretty well; I'm reading and writing in my spare time, and have been making quite a bit of progress in the story I'm working on.
I have a request, though. I need some more book recommendations. The library has so many possibilities, but I rarely know where to start. I don't know, maybe one day I'll just start at 'A' and work my way through all the authors to 'Z'. (Though, thanks to The Book Thief, I've already covered my library's collection of 'Z' authors. LOVE Markus Zusak.) Regardless, I love books, and desire more, so what are some of your favorites?
If you're a long-time reader of my blog, you'll remember that way before the food pictures and medical stories, I was quite fond of lists. For old time's sake, here's another:
Books That I Can't Wait To Read, But Have To Because They're Not Published Yet
1. City of Fallen Angels due 4/5/11
2. Mastiff due 11/11
3. Bite Club due 5/3/11
4. Clockwork Prince due 8/30/11
5. Angel due 2/14/11
6. What Happened To Goodbye due 5/10/11
That last one? The Dessen? Super excited for it. Sigh. One day my books will come...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"Good Things Come...
...to those who do the wave"
The Lord is looking out for me, of this I am sure.
I've been job hunting by category. One day I applied to every hotel in Temecula. After that, I tried every department store I could think of. One day, I applied to every hardware store between here and Elsinore. Over the space of a week, I tried every Fast-Food place I could think of. Yesterday, I did the movie theaters. Last night, one of those movie theaters got back to me.
This afternoon, I had my very first interview, ever. This afternoon, I also had the last interview I'll need to have this spring.
Yes! My persistence paid off, and I have been hired by UltraStar movies, the company who just bought the Tower Plaza theater! I start training Friday night, and I'm so excited! I'm so incredibly grateful, because I know people have been trying to find jobs for months, and my search was a fraction of theirs. I just take this as a sign that the Lord knows that I should have this job, which ultimately means that I need to take advantage of it and be the best employee I can be. That's the game plan anyway. I also have every Friday and Saturday night for the next four months spoken for. Oh well. It'll be worth it!
-Katie
The Lord is looking out for me, of this I am sure.
I've been job hunting by category. One day I applied to every hotel in Temecula. After that, I tried every department store I could think of. One day, I applied to every hardware store between here and Elsinore. Over the space of a week, I tried every Fast-Food place I could think of. Yesterday, I did the movie theaters. Last night, one of those movie theaters got back to me.
This afternoon, I had my very first interview, ever. This afternoon, I also had the last interview I'll need to have this spring.
Yes! My persistence paid off, and I have been hired by UltraStar movies, the company who just bought the Tower Plaza theater! I start training Friday night, and I'm so excited! I'm so incredibly grateful, because I know people have been trying to find jobs for months, and my search was a fraction of theirs. I just take this as a sign that the Lord knows that I should have this job, which ultimately means that I need to take advantage of it and be the best employee I can be. That's the game plan anyway. I also have every Friday and Saturday night for the next four months spoken for. Oh well. It'll be worth it!
-Katie
Monday, January 10, 2011
Coloring on the Lines
I figured I might as well just post something, since I'm in a writing mood.
I am officially starting my fourth week home in California, and have finally gotten used to calling this house 'Home', and Rexburg, 'School'. Separation of Church and State? Easy. Separation of Home and School? Not so much. What do I have to show for all my time here? Well, I've lost more weight (yay me!), I've filled out more applications than I care to consider, I've spent good time with friends and family, I've accepted a calling at church, and I've slept a lot.
Let's see, starting at the beginning. You've heard of the Freshman Fifteen, and the rumors of it actually being the Freshman Forty? Well, I conquered it. Yup, I'm down fifteen pounds from last fall! I have to admit though, not all of it is my fault. My inability to eat much of anything without getting sick for the first two months of school definitely took it's toll. After my surgery (of which, you can read my before and after blog posts) I was finally able to eat real food again. This included the yummy and healthy things, like raw veggies and whole grains that had always made me so sick before! But, because of the way my digestive system works now, I don't feel the need to eat as much. In short, I am happier and healthier than I've been in a long time, and I love it!
Next, applications. I think I've applied to every fast food restaurant within a 15 mile radius, all of the hardware stores, the drugstores, WinCo, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club and so many others, it's crazy. I come up with two major problems though. First, I worked for two years in dentistry. Sure it's two years of job experience, but how in the world will my knowledge of the human mouth help me get a job cooking food? Second, very, very few people are hiring. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "Well, we're not hiring now, but we are accepting applications!" Fantastic. Here it is. I wish I could fill out a generic application and just mail it everywhere. They all ask the same questions. (No, I did not live in Louisiana in 2005. No, none of my dependents are eligible for food stamps. I can work any day, any time, because I will not have any sort of life until you hire me. Please hire me!)
One of the first things I did when I got home was ask my bishop to give me a calling. I loved being home, and I really didn't want to go to our singles' twig, (I kid you not, it's not even big enough to be a Branch) but Home Ward Relief Society and Sunday School are just too...I don't know...grown up for me. Luckily, I've been called as a Primary teacher! I get to play and learn with the ten year olds for two hours every Sunday. My first week in, I actually played with (I mean taught) the CTR 7 class instead, but oh well. I taught my class for the first time today, and love them all to death. I still haven't decided how they'll address me though. 'Katie' is excellent. I mean, it's my name, right? 'Sister Thompson' says 'Hi kids, I'm your teacher, and an adult, so you need to respect me. But Sister Thompson is my mom, not me. So then I considered 'Sister Katie'. I mean, back in the time of the Restoration, everyone went by Brother/Sister [first name], so why not? Well, because it sounds like I'm a nun if I go by Sister Katie. Actually, I'm going to post this as a question to my readers. What would you do?
Last exciting thing in my life: I gave my first Grown-Up Talk in Sacrament Meeting today! A full 15 minutes. By popular request, I'm posting it as one of the tabs on my Blog, so you can read it if you really want to. It was pretty well received, I guess. I mean, I hadn't even left the stand after the meeting before someone had asked for the copy of my talk I had with me, and someone else rushed up to tell me that I'm 18, but speak like I'm 40. I guess that's a good sign? (*sniffle* I'd like to thank my parents, for never giving up on me, and my AP classes for teaching me to write good stuff quickly, and my job for teaching me how to talk to people, and my love of story telling for helping me tie it all together!) Please excuse that drama moment.
Alright, I write way too much. I may be shy sometimes, but once you get me talking, you may never get me to shut up. Sorry. Since my writing, when not required to be professional, often comes across as very conversational, you can bet that my blogs and things will be much the same way: Never Ending. Oh well. Love you all! Good night!
I am officially starting my fourth week home in California, and have finally gotten used to calling this house 'Home', and Rexburg, 'School'. Separation of Church and State? Easy. Separation of Home and School? Not so much. What do I have to show for all my time here? Well, I've lost more weight (yay me!), I've filled out more applications than I care to consider, I've spent good time with friends and family, I've accepted a calling at church, and I've slept a lot.
Let's see, starting at the beginning. You've heard of the Freshman Fifteen, and the rumors of it actually being the Freshman Forty? Well, I conquered it. Yup, I'm down fifteen pounds from last fall! I have to admit though, not all of it is my fault. My inability to eat much of anything without getting sick for the first two months of school definitely took it's toll. After my surgery (of which, you can read my before and after blog posts) I was finally able to eat real food again. This included the yummy and healthy things, like raw veggies and whole grains that had always made me so sick before! But, because of the way my digestive system works now, I don't feel the need to eat as much. In short, I am happier and healthier than I've been in a long time, and I love it!
Next, applications. I think I've applied to every fast food restaurant within a 15 mile radius, all of the hardware stores, the drugstores, WinCo, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club and so many others, it's crazy. I come up with two major problems though. First, I worked for two years in dentistry. Sure it's two years of job experience, but how in the world will my knowledge of the human mouth help me get a job cooking food? Second, very, very few people are hiring. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "Well, we're not hiring now, but we are accepting applications!" Fantastic. Here it is. I wish I could fill out a generic application and just mail it everywhere. They all ask the same questions. (No, I did not live in Louisiana in 2005. No, none of my dependents are eligible for food stamps. I can work any day, any time, because I will not have any sort of life until you hire me. Please hire me!)
One of the first things I did when I got home was ask my bishop to give me a calling. I loved being home, and I really didn't want to go to our singles' twig, (I kid you not, it's not even big enough to be a Branch) but Home Ward Relief Society and Sunday School are just too...I don't know...grown up for me. Luckily, I've been called as a Primary teacher! I get to play and learn with the ten year olds for two hours every Sunday. My first week in, I actually played with (I mean taught) the CTR 7 class instead, but oh well. I taught my class for the first time today, and love them all to death. I still haven't decided how they'll address me though. 'Katie' is excellent. I mean, it's my name, right? 'Sister Thompson' says 'Hi kids, I'm your teacher, and an adult, so you need to respect me. But Sister Thompson is my mom, not me. So then I considered 'Sister Katie'. I mean, back in the time of the Restoration, everyone went by Brother/Sister [first name], so why not? Well, because it sounds like I'm a nun if I go by Sister Katie. Actually, I'm going to post this as a question to my readers. What would you do?
Last exciting thing in my life: I gave my first Grown-Up Talk in Sacrament Meeting today! A full 15 minutes. By popular request, I'm posting it as one of the tabs on my Blog, so you can read it if you really want to. It was pretty well received, I guess. I mean, I hadn't even left the stand after the meeting before someone had asked for the copy of my talk I had with me, and someone else rushed up to tell me that I'm 18, but speak like I'm 40. I guess that's a good sign? (*sniffle* I'd like to thank my parents, for never giving up on me, and my AP classes for teaching me to write good stuff quickly, and my job for teaching me how to talk to people, and my love of story telling for helping me tie it all together!) Please excuse that drama moment.
Alright, I write way too much. I may be shy sometimes, but once you get me talking, you may never get me to shut up. Sorry. Since my writing, when not required to be professional, often comes across as very conversational, you can bet that my blogs and things will be much the same way: Never Ending. Oh well. Love you all! Good night!
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