creature of habit?

I LOVE to try new things. I'm always up for a good adventure, going some place new, and especially when it comes to restaraunts. However, there are certain places that I frequent in which I only order the same thing, and I refuse to try something else. (I know, I'm a walking contradiction!)

Did you know that I used to HATE smoothies? I hated them so much that I had never tried any sort of smoothie place (like Jamba Juice, for example) until I was in COLLEGE! I remember the first time I had a smoothie, I was with my roommate, Rhonda, and we went to Jamba Juice after getting grocieries (oh, there's a story along with that one... I'll tell it another day.) The first smoothie I tried was Orange Dream Machine, and I fell in LOVE! I've tried many other smoothies since that day, but I always go back to the ODM. I'm pretty much addicted.

I remember the first time I went to ZUPA'S. I was with my sister. I had just moved here and she said she found this awesome soup and sandwich place. (Count me IN!) I went there and had the tomato basil soup and the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. I was SOLD. Later I tried their salad, "Nuts about Berries" and it was delicious. Ever since then I've only gotten those 3 things in any combination of 2 at a time.

As stated above, I LOVE sandwiches and soup. So naturally, I love Quizno's. I remember the first time I was introduced to Quizno's. I was with my friend Britta, in Gilroy, California. I had never been there before, and she said she was getting the chicken carbonara sub. I decided I'd just get the same thing, since I was pretty much a copykat growing up, and couldn't ever make a decision for myself.

Pure Heaven.

That alfredo sauce and bacon chunks perfectly toasted makes my heart MELT! It's so delicious! I always order that, and made the same way. Hold the mushrooms, EXTRA SAUCE (dripping please,) and add red onions. I have NEVER ordered anything else from that place, except the chicken carbonara! Boring, right? WRONG! It's so delicious. In fact, Trav and I had a 2 for 1 coupon to Quizno's and we just went there last night, which is what inspired this post!

I just thought of this... why is it that all my most fondest memories of people include going out to eat and somehow related to food? (Yes, the way to my heart is through food. Most food really, but including hot cheetos, jamba, anything sweet and sugary, and I'm all yours!)

There are other places I go that I'm more willing to try different things, like Olive Garden, Cheescake Factory, any Indian or Thai food restaurant.... etc. But other places, I'm a stickler because I love my "usuals!!"

never say never!

Travis loves boards. Longboards, Snowboards, Wakeboards, and even at one point, skateboards. As you all know,the last time I was on a longboard, THIS happened:

Needless to say, it took a while before I got on a board. I picked up wakeboarding during the summers, and I LOVE IT!!!

When Travis and I were dating, I distinctly remember telling him (after the longboard and broken collarbone incident),
"I will NEVER go snowboarding! NEVER!"

I was pretty adamant about it, because in my mind I imagined snowboarding as

cold.

wet.

falling.

Well.... I EAT MY WORDS! I went snowboarding Christmas Eve for the first time and I LOVED IT! It was fun! I fell a few times, but mostly I was able to get the hang of it! My wakeboarding experience really helped! Super fun, and I think I'll go a lot more often. Travis is a wonderful teacher! He was so patient with me, and helped me along the whole way! Now Travis has a snowboarding buddy and his season pass won't go to waste!

So moral of the story... never say never, because that thing just might happen, and you just might like it!

merry merry.

Well, I did it. I managed to get decent grades this semester! 4 A's and 1 B. Not bad! I worked pretty hard this semester and at least my grades reflect it!

Now on to the next. Can't believe it's coming so soon! I applied for graduation the other day. Weird! Is it just me or does it feel like graduating college has lost it's "umph?" I've been in my field for about 7 years already (5 of which I would call 'professional') and I'm already nationally certified in what I do.

Does it matter that I'm getting a piece of paper saying I've been doing it for 4+ years in college? Man, it feels like getting a BA is nothing anymore! I'm already looking forward to the next chapter in my life going.... "Is there more? What's next?"

(Don't you DARE say kids!!)

I know it seems selfish that I'm getting a degree and not even that grateful, but it doesn't even feel like it's gonna be worth it. I think I get like a dollar in pay raise. So why did I do it?

Hmmm, I don't know. But I'm lookin forward to being done!

dear printer,

Thank you for being so good to me this semester. You've printed over 250 pages of article summaries, homework assignments, and research papers. Not to mention the several pages of Relief Society announcements I print off each Sunday.

You collate my pages so beautifully, always in order.

Thanks for not wiggin out on me. You've been there for me when I needed you the most, without fail, without running out of ink, and without one paper jam.

As I sit next to you, I watch you print off my LAST RESEARCH PAPER for the semester. It feels so good to hear you beep upon printing that last page.

****I STAND CORRECTED!! You just messed up the second to last page of my research paper. HAHAHAHAHA I spoke too soon, literally! Wow, this is too hilarious.

It's ok printer, one mistake among a few hundred is quite acceptable. I still love you. I'll give you break before next semester, and make sure I fill you with ink. Thanks again.
Love, Kat

mmm, pine cones.

christmas tree, o christmas tree

how lovely are your branches.... (even if they are FAKE!)

the sqweaky wheel gets the grease

...while the other 3 carry the load.

Shut up wheel.

You're making it harder for the rest of us.

girls

The other day I was at lunch with a friend at Zupas, and as we were leaving, we walked past a table of 2 girls, who were giggling and chatting, like most girls do. In passing, I heard one of them say, "See?! This is why I am so glad we're friends! It's moments like these that I really I cherish your friendship."
The other replied, "I know! I feel the same way!"

The other night, I had a "craft night" with my friend Melanie. We went to target, and roberts to get our supplies, and the whole time we kept saying we were so glad to have each other as friends, and how excited we were to be doing crafts and being super girly. We made wreaths from assorted (and scented) pine cones, and we put brown and gold glitter on them. We inhaled so much glitter, burned our fingertips multiple times with hot glue, and made a mess in her kitchen. We didn't finish til about 1:20am, but the we were having so much fun, and really wanted to get it done!

Yesterday I took some photos of a friend who is graduating, and needed one for an announcement. We stood out in the freezing cold and snow to get the perfect picture, laughing and teeth chattering the whole time. Several days before, I went shopping with her to find the perfect outfit. (Because don't all girls know that if you're gonna take photos like that you need to buy something new?)

Then today I was walking with another friend at school and we were talking about certain parts of our body that we would change if we could. Then we started complimenting each other, saying that we would definitely trade, if we could. I distinctly remember a conversation in the girl's bathroom during junior high with my friends Britta and Juliet. I think I got Britta's legs, Juliet's butt and *chest*. (I can't remember what they wanted from me, though... I was hideous in Junior High!)

When my friends come to visit my house and see all my shoes and clothes, or when I go to a friends house and see all her cute clothes or amazing accessories, we drool over each other's stuff! We immediately size each other up to see if we can trade and borrow.

In light of all these events, I've come to appreciate the differences between boys and girls. You don't often hear a couple of boys walking down the hall saying, "I'm so glad I have you, I really cherish our friendship!" -or- "Oh my gosh I hate my thighs, wanna trade?" ... "Ok, but only if I can have your great hair!"

Granted, there are things men do together that us girls think is wierd, too. Like getting dirty and working on cars, going shooting, or playing video games for hours on end. I used to get upset and think that I wanted Travis to do all the girly things with me, but it just isn't the same. Both of us don't have as much fun because Trav is forced to participate, and I'm thinking to myself, "this would be so much more fun if I was with a girl friend!!"

We appreciate things together as a couple, but also seperately, as different genders. I must say though, I loooooove being a girl!! It's so much fun.

This is Sparta! or Halloween!

Travis Here...
I am a Major Halloween enthusiast! I really enjoy the holiday! I just like to dress up as different characters and be that character for the day. I just have a very active imagination so I have daydreamed about being in different ages and being warriors and all sorts of stuff that is embarrassing. And what better place to state embarrassing things than a public blog! yay! So with out further adieu, here is my halloween costume this year!

Spartan King Leonidas!

So as you can see i even grew out a beard and died all my hair black for the occasion. what can i say, im a nut! I've even been able to get Kat into the Halloween spirit with decorating and stuff and she dressed up as Queen Gorgo (queen of Sparta and wife to King Leonidas). Somehow we managed to not get a good picture of her in her costume or even both of us together. oh well, we can do that later since we own our costumes. i have been putting together my costume piece by piece since last halloween. Its almost all metal(the shin guards are hockey pads sprayed gold). basically, i am a huge nerd! (said like a 60's robot). i even won 2 costume awards.

so now that its December i am finally posting about Halloween. cuz thats how i roll. deal with it! :)

One down, three to go.

I just finished a research paper during the break. It ended up being 16 pages. I haven't done my final final revisions so who knows what it'll end up like, but it does feel so good to finally write that last sentence. It took me 7 weeks from start to finish!

Now I have other papers to work on, billions of articles to read and summarize, one last big presentation and this semester is O-V-E-R. I envy those who have already graduated or are graduating this semester. (Girls, you know I'm talking about you.)

Again, sorry for the boring post! My life isn't super blog-worthy right now! ...But I had to write something, even if no one cares about my dull life!

I got no kids (ain't plannin it soon)
Just working
Goin to school.

Not much else!

Except that Travis and I gave talks in church today. 15-20 mins each. I must say I had a lot more fun writing my talk for church than writing presentations and research papers!

best part about tomorrow...

Sparkling Cider.

Just give me the whole bottle.

Thanksgiving break?

This break I had it all planned out; finish my research papers, get caught up on neglected homework, prepare a group presentation for Tuesday, and play a little in between.

Then yesterday one of my teachers gave us 4 long articles to read and summarize, due Tuesday when we come back.

No rest for the wicked, right?

So much for a break.

too funny... and too true.

As I was working on my research paper last night, Travis came in with a bundle of small brochures and gently set them on the table next to my computer. He said, "I found these, and I think you should take a look at them."

The first pamphlet said, "Stress Management for Busy People." (I knew where this was going). There were hints and tips on how to relax and reduce stress. Another pamphlet (looked more like a bookmark) suggested "101 ways to manage stress." The third brochure said, "Signs that could mean too much stress." I picked up and we read it together.
*Dry Mouth (at the moment I was very thirsty)
*Headache (I've had a perma-headache for 3 weeks now)
*Sighing
*Confusion (happens all the time lately)
*Nightmares (don't get me started!)
*Indigestion (TMI)
*Skin Problems (Breaking out like crazy)
*Hypochondria
*Clammy hands (always)
*Ready tears (indeed, I cry more often these days, over silly things!)
*Leg wagging (I'm doing that right now)
*Depression
*Feeling faint
*Inability to talk
*Nervous cough
*Chain smoking
*Excessive giggling (SO TRUE!)
*Overeating/Undereating (don't worry, I've gained 8 pounds... and counting)
*Diarrhea/Constipation/Nausea (again, TMI... except the nausea)
*Stroking beard/mustache (hahaha!)
*Hair twirling/pulling/tossing
*Mouth noises
*Fingernail biting (or in my case, picking my lips)
*Talking too much/too fast (shoot, I have this problem even when I'm NOT stressed!)
*Menstrual irregularities (hmmm what about the guys?)
*Anger/irritability/resentment
*Desire to "run away" (I have been complaining how badly I wanna go to Disneyland...)
*Muscle spasms/tightness (Sometimes I accidentally kick people)
*Fatigue/weariness
*Continual boredom (not me. only boring people get bored)
*Sleeping too much/not enough (yes, the latter)
*Heart palpitations
*Proneness to errors (I just made 4 mistakes in typing the last sentence)
*Decreased productivity


Well.... I have lots of those symptoms, but to be honest, laughter is the best medicine. The pamphlets all emphasize the importance of laughing and having a good time. As I read all these signs, I was laughing my head off. Kinda ironic, but it was fun to read. Yeah... I'm stressed, but I'm doing ok!

I get distracted easily these days. Anything to ignore my papers for a bit, right? :) Anyway, have a good day, and don't be too stressed! Remember what my sister said? You're too blessed to be stressed!

unbalanced

...Just a little.

I keep telling myself it's temporary... it won't last forever. But it feels like forever. This ridiculously tall tower of books are sources for 2 research papers, and the required texts for my classes this semester. And on the left... well, you know those. Scriptures. At night when I have a choice of reading scriptures or articles for a paper/summary... I choose the article. I'm not proud of that, and I hate to admit it. I try really hard to read my page a day. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

Sorry if you're getting sick of hearing me ramble about school! It's kind of all there is to me right now. Not much else. Kinda boring. I'll be tackling this tall tower of texts until December 17th. Oh I can't wait.

tonight

K: "What?"

...
K: "Travis, I can't play right now, I'm working on my paper."

...
K: "Seriously."

...
K: "I wish I could, but I can't!"

...
T: "Ok fine, I'll read my book next to you."

...
K: "I don't wanna do this anymore"

...
K:"I think I'll make some popcorn"

And I'm done working on my paper... for tonight.

indulge

It was 11:30pm, and I couldn't spend any more time on my research paper. I was craving a slurpee and hot cheetos. (Could there be a worse combination?) A midnight run to 7-eleven did the trick. Thanks Trav. I can only predict more events like this in the future. We should stock up on junk.

it took me 3 hours

...to write 4 sentences.

This research paper is due Dec. 3rd.

And 3 other papers due that day as well.

I think I'm losing hair.

I haven't done any other homework for 2 weeks.

I live, eat, breath, sleep RESEARCH PAPERS.

But I graduate April 30th.

That's all.

all things salty

I have been craving salty things for quite a while now, and I can't seem to get past it! I love salty things like pickles, popcorn, pretzels... hmmm.. all these things start with P! (That was a coincedence, I swear).

No joke, I eat popcorn EVERYDAY. It used to be only like twice a week but now I eat it everyday. So bad for me, I know! For some reason I just love the salt!

**Disclaimer** no, I'm not pregnant, so don't go there.

a very nice compliment

Today as I walked into class, a fellow student said, "I need some of your medicine, Kat." I was assuming he was talking about my Loritab I was using from my wisdom teeth surgery over 2 weeks ago. I have some left, but I was sure was not going to give them to him. Without trying to call him out on being a druggie, I said, "I'm not sure what you're talking about..."

His response was, "Everytime without fail, you come in here smiling, cheerful and happy. I'm not sure what you're taking, but I want some of it."

No one has ever said that to me before! I've been on this "trying to be positive" kick for the past several months now, and it's finally paying off! It was challenging at first, but it gets easier everyday. It was super nice of him to say that. It made me want to be even more positive and happy.

Lately I've been thinking that any time I hear something positive from someone else about another person, I've made it my goal to approach that person and let them know the positive things that are being said about them. I used to do this with gossip. Oh you better believe that if something negative was said about someone, I'd run to that person and say "Oh my gosh, you won't believe what this person is saying about you!!!"

Not anymore.

I still say that same sentence, but the following comments are always positive. I'm trying to make sure that gossip stops with me. I can't ensure that other people won't talk badly, but I can try to make sure it doesn't continue because of me.

Also, if I see a good behavior or trait in someone that I want to develop or that I think is good, I tell that person. I think people don't hear it enough, and sometimes they truly don't know that other people feel that way about them. My mother-in-law says that any time we have a person or a thought about them pop into our minds, it's because Heavenly Father wants us to give that person a hug for Him.

I can do that. Maybe that person just needs to feel loved, and if I can be the instrument for Heavenly Father, then I will. Or maybe it's even more simple than that. I just want people to know I think they're awesome. Don't we all want to hear it?

last semester

I can't believe it but I just signed up for my last semester of college courses! I never thought I would be doing that! If you talked to me 2 years ago, you would know that I had no intention of continuing my education. Then I got wise and realized that I needed to get on the ball and graduate. I talked with a counselor and found out that I didn't have too many classes left, so I decided to just go for it! I can't believe the day is so soon! I graduate with a BA in Deaf Studies on April 30th! After this semester I'll only have 4 classes left. I still have a ton to do this semester! Hopefully I'll make it through!

17

In this most recent General Conference, I remember a General Authority say something like, "When was the last time you turned to your spouse to say I love you?" (I'm probably getting this all wrong, and I can't even remember who it was, but I remember the point.)

I remember thinking, "People don't say it often? Not even everyday?" I was pretty shocked at this, considering Travis and I are the king and queen of PDA. Mooshy is our motto and love is our game.

So the other day, I decided to count how many times Travis says it. Be it through texts, phone conversations or in person. By the end of the day and as we were going to bed, he had said it 17 times.

To the general authority who posed that question, I answer... "2 minutes ago."

Lessons from Anne Shirley

While I've been in recovery from my wisdom teeth removal, I've had a ton of time to watch movies and take very long naps. We recently signed up with Netflix, and I planned on taking full advantage of it in preparation for my surgery. First on the queue was "Anne of Green Gables." I knew Travis wouldn't want to watch it, so I ordered it and decided to watch it while he was at work. I haven't seen the movie in forever, and I forgot how much I loved it! (I'm a total nerd, I know.)

I find it fascinating that when I am in the most pain, feel like crap, LOOK like scuz, can't eat, can't talk, and sick to my stomach, I am in a place to be taught, and compelled to be humble. While watching the movie I learned several truths about myself and was actually quite inspired to be better.

Here's some lessons I've learned from "Anne of Green Gables."
-It's better to be smart than to be pretty.
-Tomorrow is a new fresh day, with no mistakes in it. Yet.
-Imagination is important, it can help you endure the hardships of life.
-Work hard so you can come in first.
-Find joy in the subtle things.
-Apologize even if you're only "sorta" sorry.
-No one likes a Drama Queen (except old ladies who need the entertainment).

why everyone needs to learn ASL

Why? Well, this is why. I got my wisdom teeth out today, and for some reason I thought the nurses and Travis new sign language. So I persisted to sign to everyone. Even if they didn't understand. Dang, even when I'm doped up and sedated, I can still produce good ASL. haha. Travis recorded me, and I have NO recollection of ANY of the following events. I "came to" after we got my prescriptions and came home.

I REALLY hope you think this is as funny as I do. I was laughing so hard! I look so stupid, and I risk everyone making fun of me here, but I couldn't let this one slide. I HAD to post it on my blog, even though I am super embarrassed. Plus, it's hilarious watching me sign, and practically falling asleep standing up.

Listen carefully, and watch til the very end, even through the boring parts. If you don't watch it all the way through, you'll miss something. :)

Enjoy.

Oh, and if you don't know sign language, get with someone who does. It's funnier that way if you know what I'm signing. Well, actually, it's funny either way. I showed it to my dad and he was laughing too. (And my dad doesn't laugh often. So.... it's a guaranteed laugh, or at least a giggle.)

This is the nurse giving instructions to Travis and me getting into the wheelchair



here is the car ride home.

too blessed to be stressed

(This picture was taken at "Beer Cans" Beach in Aptos, CA. It reminds me of good times.)

If you've been around me at ALL lately, then you've heard the following phrases more than once:
"I just don't have time."
"I can't, I'm too busy."
"I'm so stressed, I have papers to write, summaries, articles to read, etc."
"I'm sorry, I want to sooo bad, but I have to work!"
"My head hurts."
"I didn't have time to eat."
"I can't talk right now, I'm almost finished writing this paper."
"When I finish school, things will be much better. I'll have more time."
"I can't wait until Friday."
...and more.

I have a few things to say about this. First of all, "I" am the subject of each one of these sentences. I've realized that I spend so much time thinking about me, and my problems, and the things I have to do, that "I" don't have time for anyone or anything else.

Time management is definitely one of the hardest things for me right now. I can't seem to find that balance of work, school, play, "me" time, volunteer work, church responsibilities, etc. I'm really trying to manage my time better, but it's not working out as I had hoped. I miss hanging out with my friends, being lazy and working on various projects. Summer went by way too fast.

For the time being, I've resorted to looking forward to the destination rather than enjoying the journey. I know it's wrong to have that kind of perspective, but for me, it seems to be the only thing that's working right now. I look forward to Fridays more than anything in the world, and that's what gets me through the week. I also have other things to look forward to, such as parties, the dashboard concert (Trav bought me tickets!!!), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas... etc. Just don't remind me that I have a short while left, because that adds more stress, thinking about all I have to do in the meantime, instead of how little time left I actually need to endure.

I got 3 letters from my sister this week. (For those of you who don't know, she is on a mission in England.) Her letters always come at the perfect timing, and she is always so positive and full of advice. It's what I look forward to, I think even more than Fridays! She always has a scripture or a quote for me to read and I love (and need) her encouragement.

Today she said the only thing she wants is for me to be happy. She said, "I just want to know you are happy. I know you are crazy busy as you always are, but try to remember to be grateful for what you have. I hope you have a great week, and don't get too stressed. Remember: You are too blessed to be stressed."

She couldn't be more right. When I really think about all the positive things we have right now, I am so grateful, and it eases my burdens a little bit. Things could always be worse, and right now, I'm doing pretty dang good, all things considered. Everyday I try to see the positive in the little things, and I let myself dwell on them for longer than usual. From finding a parking spot close to school, a friend buying me jamba juice (thanks Callie) to looking at the changing color of the leaves, I enjoy the little things, and they really do make me happy.

So that's my message for today. Enjoy the little things, and remember: You're too blessed to be stressed. Thanks to Lizzie for the reminder.

such a grown up

I am proud to announce that we finally have the internet! Yay! After 4 1/2 months of not having it, I sure was ready! We did not get cable or TV, but we did get a netflix account, which has become our past-time now-a-days! We can instantly stream several videos to our Xbox, and since we have super fast internet, it works out great! We're catching up on the Office seasons 4 and 5 right now. :)

Also... (and this is the reason why we feel so grown up) we have a HOME PHONE!!! Oh my heavens, I always wanted a landline I could call my own, and now we do! It's so fun! So far no one has called us on it, except each other. I'll be upstairs and call the home phone and make Travis answer it. We like to play around with it!

Anyway, I'm glad we finally have internet and a phone service. Now we can give our home phone number to the ward people instead of our cell phone numbers. hehehe. (Am I so bad?)

before pictures

I realized that I didn't really take any "before" pictures! I only have these two, but it still gives you an idea of how it used to look before we made the changes. AND, you can see how outdated the old couches are. SO glad we put slipcovers on them!



See below for the after pictures!

long awaited!

Here's some pictures of our recent upgrades!! Last weekend we did a ton of work! We painted, changed light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, etc! It was so much fun though!! We replaced the "grandma" looking ceiling fan that was in our room, with this nicer sleek looking one. :) Much much better!We painted 3 of the 4 walls in our bedroom a light gray color. It looks better in person.

You can see the difference with the 2 shades of gray

The dresser and some decorations

Our bed

The room looks pretty bare, but we are adding some accessories and decorations pretty soon. It's been such a blast adorning our home!!

Now, for my next favorite room! Our front room, the living room. We painted the wall a great purple color *(called purplicious) and it is gorgeous! We're making pillows and curtains. We have some fabrics picked out but we're on the hunt for more.
Here is the pic of most of the room, including that awesome mirror and chandelier!! We got slipcovers for our old couches, and I have to say, they look great! (Slipcovers can be difficult sometimes, but we found some for a GREAT price!)

awesome rug we found for 50 bucks!

The chandelier. We found this at an AMAZING antique shop, for a super good deal It's so pretty!! It has some cute crystals already, but I think I'll add some more sparkles to it.

The end! I'll add more pictures when I make the pillows and curtains. It'll really change the room to add some trinkets, color, and more patterns with details. I LOVE decorating my house, it is soooo much fun! Thanks to Callee for helping me out, and thanks to Trav for letting me do what I want, and not complaining. He may not see my vision at first, but he always thinks it looks good after we put it all together. More to come!

we didn't start the fire!

Actually, I did.

During conference weekend I made french toast and bacon. Someone told me that our house isn't really "ours" until we cook bacon in it. So, I decided to take their advice and make some. Besides that, I really do LOVE bacon! Travis doesn't care for it. (Weirdo!) I only cooked about 6 pieces, since I was the only partaker. I had a few left over, so I put them in the fridge.

Yesterday morning I was in a hurry and decided to nuke the bacon for a bit and then take it on the run to school.

I pressed "quick min" and I thought I would just watch it and take it out after like 7 seconds. Well, I got distracted and went into the other room. When I came back to the kitchen, there was a distinct fettid smell coming from the microwave. I opened it up and there was a small flame!! I literally burned my bacon. Sad. I put out the fire and opened ALL the windows to air out the room. It smelled so bad! Luckily the smell has localized only to the microwave, but still, everytime I open it, the fumes come wofting out and sting my nostrils.

Needless to say I will be watching my mircowave more closely in the future.

I have been so accident prone lately! When I was 13 I was a horrible wreck! Falling, tripping, bumping into things and people, dropping things, burning everything, etc. I had more than 5 bruises during any given time. I complained to my mom one time and she said, "don't worry honey, you'll grow out of this awkward phase."

I never did.

I'm still waiting.

don't touch your eyes

Yesterday Travis and I went to my parents house for dinner. My dad decided he wanted to teach me how to make some salsa (HIS special way). It was raining like M-A-D yesterday and he said we needed to go out and pick some tomatoes from the garden. I looked at him like he was crazy, but we ran out into the pouring rain and picked several tomatoes for the salsa.

Drenching wet, we came back into the house to cut up all the ingredients. Tomatoes, onions, cilantro...etc.

Then, the peppers.

My dad said, "Whatever you do, don't touch your eyes." Every time I brought my hands anywhere near my face my dad would quickly tell me not to touch anything.

Even inhaling the fumes from the peppers was enough to agitate my lungs! We kept coughing and wheezing!

We finished the salsa (which was amazing by the way) and I went to get Travis to come taste it.

For a split second, I forgot that I hadn't washed my hands.

Then.

I.

touched.

my.

eye.

I didn't even rub it, I just touched the corner of it for one second!

I instantly started screaming, "DAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!" He comes over to me and he knew exactly what happened. I washed my hands while my eye was watering and it hurt so bad!

I was laughing and screaming at the same time, totally embarassed but I thought it was so funny!

My dad said, "Now you know what pepper spray feels like!"

Oh man! My eye was swollen forever! My mom gave me some eye drops and it instantly neutralized the sting. SOOOO painful!

I was being so careful the entire time, until the very end. Shoot.

Yep, you got it!!

The previous quote is from "Joe versus the Volcano," and it's one of my most favorite movies of ALL TIME!!! Rhonda, you should have just said it! I was hoping you would comment first, and you did!

Rhonda and I were roommates our freshman year at USU and we quoted that movie literally 100,000 times! Everyday we'd find a way to use some quote from that movie. A few listed here...

"I'm sorry I was so grotesque last night"

"Daddy told me not to ask where you're going or what you're doing, and not to tell me. I'm a flibberty jibbit."

"I'm not arguing that with you. No, I'm not ARGUING that with you!!"

... and many more! Can you think of others? I watched the movie a few nights ago and it brought back so many memories! It's a good one! For those who haven't seen it, go watch it, it's hilarious!

movie quote

"Would you like to hear one of my poems? 'Long ago... the delicate tangles of his hair covered the emptiness of my hands.' "

You get major points if you guess this movie correct! NO CHEATING!! I don't want you plugging this into google and finding the movie. Let's go by the honor system, okay? (That's for you, mom! No stalking!) Either you know it or you don't.

Like I said... MAJOR points if you get it right. :)

Dear Scoops,

Little do you know that I have been very disappointed with your current candy selections. I have entered your premise several times last week and not found what I was looking for. I only get one break a day, and I look forward to that time in which I can peruse the shop. For the past 2 weeks, I have wanted to grab myself a baggie and fill it with an endless supply of runts. Every single time I have been there, you have left me empty and runtless. I find it hard to believe that it gets emptied within a matter of hours. Is it that so many people on campus love runts as much as I do, or do you see a lack of runt-eaters and decide NOT to replenish the bowl?

Either way, it's not right, and I won't have it any more. Today at 3:00pm, I have a break from work. I expect to see a huge pile of runts in that bowl. You've had 2 weeks to fill it up, and even 2 full weekends to do the job. Please don't tease my tastebuds this way. I go in there and I see 3 lonely runts. A banana, an orange, and half a heart; MY HEART. My heart that I should be devouring in between classes. Instead it is torn in two, while someone else enjoyed it for a fleeting moment.

Wasted.

Unfortunately your plethora of other candy items do not tickle my fancy. Please don't let me down today.

Sincerely,
Kat

we all have to try new things

Okay, this may sound really weird, but I actually remember the day I graduated from taking a bath, and moved on to taking an actual shower. I remember thinking how odd it was to stand up while bathing myself, and not lay down to dunk and wash my hair. No more water filling my ears and getting wrinkly from sitting in the water too long. I think I was about 6 years old, right around the same time I got my ears pierced, and I remember thinking that I was such a grown up, because I could take a shower standing up. Then it became second nature and it wasn't as exciting anymore, and I wished I could go back to taking a bath. Now-a-days, adults usually take baths for the relaxing factor, or for romantic purposes, not to actually to bathe themselves. Showers are faster and therefore, more efficient. (Although I think they waste more water that way?)

Side note: We have a garden tub in our new house with jets, and after a really hard day, I love to take a bath, listen to some soothing music, and relax.

Well, for as long as I can remember, I have ONLY showered in the mornings. I feel it wakes me up, and I like feeling super clean first thing in the morning, to start my day off right. I used to think people who showered at night were totally weird! Baths are a night time thing, and showers are a morning thing!

For the longest time, I had several good reasons for not showering at night. Among them was the "weird" factor. Here are the rest:
-When I'm tired, I become incapacitated. I move like a snail, I'm incoherent and all I want to do is sleep. Once after playing in the snow, I walked into the house and fell asleep with ALL my clothes on, including my jacket, snow pants and boots! I was that tired. So, night time is sleep time.
-Sometimes if it gets really hot in the night, my body will sweat, and then I feel dirty. So taking a shower at night is a moot point.
-My hair. If I shower at night, and don't blow dry my hair, it'll dry all crazy and then go off in 11 different directions when I wake up, making it impossible to tame.
-I'm not going to blow dry my hair, just to go to sleep.
-yada yada yada, you get the picture.

Well, on Tuesday night, I did it. I had a hard day, I wanted to take a bath but I didn't want the hassle. I was grumpy and needed to relax. We had been working around the house, and I was so dirty that I didn't want to even lay on my bed in that condition. So, I took a shower that night. I decided to let my hair dry while I slept (killing two birds with one stone! Yes, I can multi-task in my sleep)... hoping that my hair would be somewhat manageable when I awoke.

I slept an extra 30 minutes the next morning, since I didn't have to shower. I woke up, and after straightening a few sections of my hair, I was done getting ready for the day! (after a 5-min make-up application).

I've never gotten so many compliments on how I looked! That day alone people commented on my hair, how I looked and my entire persona than I get in like 3 weeks! Gee whiz!

Last night was round two, and so far, so good! I love this shower-at-night thing now! I'm a total convert, and my hair loves it too. It feels healthier now that I don't blow-dry it!

This is definitely journal worthy. I remember the day I took my first shower, and now I'll always remember the day I showered at night. I'm a changed person! :)

bad and good feelings

It's one of the worst feelings in the world knowing that you have 16 articles and chapters to read IN ONE WEEK, and have to write a 2-3 page summary for EACH ONE. (These articles and chapters aren't short, either.) I think my professors are really trying to emphasize the 1:2 rule. (For each hour of class you are supposed to spend 2 hours outside of class, doing homework and studying.) I guarantee I'm spending more time than that!

I'll do the math for you.
16 X 2.5 = 40

40 pages. YES, 40 pages of summaries. This is what my week looks like, and what my weeks will look like for the rest of the semester.

When am I supposed to do what I want to do, and not what I HAVE to do?!

That all being said, it's one of the best feelings turning in all those pages and getting it over with.

I will graduate, and I'll get a 4.0 while I'm at it.

P.S. I hiked Mt. Timp on Saturday from 1am til 10am. It was a great experience! I could have been doing homework at that time, but really??!... on a Saturday? I probably wouldn't have done it anyway, even if I was home.

who should you be calling upon?

*Warning, warning, this is really church-y**

Several days ago, I was dealing with an issue in which I needed some advice. I was perplexed by the dilemma at hand, and I really needed to talk it out with someone. Most often I can figure things out on my own, but sometimes it helps to just literally talk with someone, so I can put my thoughts together in some sort of order. I've done this several times with Travis. If I'm writing a paper and I need a specific word, I'll read it out loud to Travis, explain what I want and then *bam*, it comes into my head. Sometimes Travis doesn't even say anything; he just listens, and I can figure it out.

Well, this particular day, I was home alone. I tried calling Travis, but he was at work and couldn't answer. I tried calling my mom, and she didn't answer either. (They are my two lifelines). I don't know why I felt such a sense of urgency, but I did. My issue wasn't an emergency, I just really wanted to figure it out, and talk to someone. I called Travis repeatedly, thinking "Pick up, pick up, pick up.... please.... pick up." He didn't answer. I called my mom again, "Answer, answer, answer, answer....." nothing. I called the two in alternation and to no avail.

After some silent thinking, a very clear thought came to mind. "Who should you really be calling upon?"

GULP.

I immediately found myself on my knees, praying. I apologized for not turning to Him first, and asked for His help. Minutes later, I received the answer I was looking for. It was nice to get an answer so quickly, when most of the time we are told to wait.

I've always had a strong belief in prayer as communion with God, but it hasn't been until a couple years ago that I began to gain a testimony of it. I do falter, but I know He forgives me of my follies.

Next time I have an issue I need help with, I'll turn to my number one lifeline. I'll be calling upon God first.

Oh James...

Our neighbors have two little kids, one is 5, and the other is about 2.

They came over the other day and James (5) asks me,
"Kat, are you gonna grow out a son?"

I asked him to repeat himself like three times, because I couldn't understand his words, and I wasn't really sure what he was asking.

After that third time, I realized what he said.

He wants me to have a baby so he can have someone to play with; a son.

Sorry James, not for a while.

Shotguns are fun!

So the last post is 100% true! i just bought a shotgun! its soo cool! here is a pic of it!




Thats my new toy! pretty cool. you'd be suprised, but i'm quite safe with it. So you may be wondering why i would want a shotgun. here is a good reason!


If that doesn't do it for you, then what about this?


and finanlly, a two for one reason.




Basically, i have always liked guns and always wanted them and now i am an adult and have a house and can buy them. so there! :) just let me know when you want to go shooting!

conversation

(Ring Ring)

Travis: Hey sweetie

Kat: Hey hon, how's it going? What you up to?

Travis: I'm good, I'm looking at shot guns right now.

Kat: Oh really? What kind?

Travis: Nice. And Shiny.

Kat: Oh, cool.

Travis: In fact, I'm holding one in my hands right now, as we speak.

Kat: mmm hmm, I see.

Travis. Yeah, I feel like a man.

Kat: (laughing) I love you.

going back to cali, cali, cali

Okay so it's actually a pet peeve of mine when people call California "Cali", but it's the song, and I felt like singing it/typing it. (I know, hypocrite right?)

Anyway... I'm going HOME tomorrow. Even though we bought a house and are starting to grow some roots here in Utah, I'm going to the place where part of my heart still resides. Hollister, Santa Cruz, San Fransisco, San Jose, Monterey, Gilroy... (the garlic capital of the world).... etc. I can't wait! I'm just going with my mom (which means I'm doing all the driving...) but it's so worth it! Travis really wanted to come but he never gets off work. Poor guy. I don't think it would be as enjoyable for him though, because we're mostly going to be doing sentimental eating, and lots of trips down memory lane.

I can't wait.

turning off and tuning in

There is an Ensign article with this exact title in the August magazine, and it really got me thinking.

I'm back from Lake Powell, and there isn't any cellular service there, unless you climb the top of a mountain, told your right arm up in the air, stick your left foot out and stand still like a tree. I admit that I haven't always loved the fact that when I go somewhere I don't get cell service. I feel like I have to stay connected because if someone wants to get ahold of me and they can't, well that could be detrimental!! Upon travelling to the different countries Travis and I have been to, I've realized to cherish the fact that I'm unplugged and unavailable.

When I have my phone off, and am unable to get service, I feel like everything my eyes behold is something precious. I feel like my conversations with people are less rushed and more genuine. I pay attention better to the people around me and the environment I'm in. I really enjoy those times now, and I look forward to them.

In addition to not having cell service and turning my phone off, we have not had T.V. or internet for over a month now! When we first moved in and sat down to consider our bills and payments, etc, we were thinking about possibly getting TV and internet as a bundle. We couldn't find a deal that we liked, so I proposed an idea to Travis about not getting TV ever. I told him we should just do a trial run for a few months and see what happens; see what our lives are like. It would be nice if we could have internet for when I start school again, and also to keep up with messages from work, but I do ok without it. I use the internet at my parents' house, at UVU, and while I'm at work. Life is totally different without TV! I feel like my language and thoughts are cleaner, I am getting more things done during the day, and I'm not killing my brain cells! :) (Okay not all TV shows are bad...some are good).

Lastly, the stereo in my car is totally busted. For some reason music will play for about a minute and then it just stops. It hasn't worked for about 8 months now, and I don't really miss it. Every once in a while I want to listen to a song while I'm driving, but now I look forward to the peace and quiet I experience while driving. Plus it's much less distracting. It's my time to daydream, ponder and tune in for personal inspiration and growth. I drive about 50 minuntes to work and another 50 mins back (longer depending on traffic) so I have a lot quiet "me" time. I enjoy the silence but during that time I also make calls to catch up with people I haven't talked to in a while. For those of you I've called... you can attest that this is true! :)

Technology is great, and don't get me wrong, I take full advantage of it. :) "I love technology.... but nooooot as much as you, you see...."

I'm just saying that since I've not watched TV, listened to music while driving, turned off my cell phone and not had the internet at home, I've seen some changes in my own personal life. May not be the same for everyone! I have a really thin filter so whatever goes into my brain, sticks. That's why I get nightmares easily! I've decided that instead of trying to create a stronger filter, I'll just avoid those things all together. It's really helped. As for getting the internet? Who knows. Could be a couple months. TV? Maybe never. I don't miss it. Everyone catches me up-to-date anyway on those shows I haven't watched.

Getting off the couch and going out to do things has been very refreshing for me and exactly what I needed. I used to think that people who didn't have TV were absolutely crazy, but now I completely understand!

back in the saddle

After 10 days straight of playing, I'm back at work! But only for today and Friday. I work 8 to midnight right now, and then Friday I work from 1:30 to 6pm and since it's a holiday, I get some sweet holiday pay at work. Too bad my pay raise won't be in effect at that time! Oh well.

-Then- I'm off to Lake Powell for a week starting this Saturday! Weee!! I'm excited to get tan. :) But don't you worry, I'll wear sunscreen.

Advanced

That's what I am. NIC ADVANCED.

Yup, I passed, and went beyond the mark.

**For those of you who aren't interpreters and don't know what this means: I took the national interpreter certification (NIC) and it was a pretty hard test, and long, too! Like 3 hours! It consisted of interview questions of ethical dilemmas, and a performance section to demonstrate my skills. There are three levels; NIC (certified), Advanced, and Master.

I got the second level. ADVANCED. There's only one level in the entire nation higher than me, which is Master. I'm kind of freaking out and really elated. Is this really my life? It's incredible!!!!!!!!!!! This has been a life goal which I didn't think I'd really accomplish until well into my 30's. Who knew I'd pass at the advanced level at age 24? I have everything I've ever wanted. An awesome husband, a super sweet house, great job, and now NIC advanced certification. Next, my degree! I graduate in May!!!