1 thing 2 do 3 words 4 you

Great Song..heard it for the first time today...and it's perfect. =)

Check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9u3c65LHIY

So, I know it has been quite a while since I've last written, but things have been so crazy!

I got a big girl job and moved from Denver, CO to Amarillo, TX. I work for an Agricultural Insurance Management company. Currently, I am interning in the Human Resources department and will move into a full time position soon. At the end of Febuary I'll also be finished with my Bachleor's degree in Marketing.

This is all very exciting. I feel kind of responsible now! haha. (not really). I am also considering starting another blog not connected to this one at all. It will be relating to current issues perhaps. Possibly analyzing marketing trends or something like that. I will put more effort into that one and make it nice...hopefully!

I will let you know when it's up and how to find it, so you can check it out if you're interested.

I'm also interested in starting web design in the next year or two...so you'll see some things like that coming out of me!

Well, off to work I go again. Catch you on the flip side!~

Peace, Love, and Patience..

Kristin Howell

Just a quick update and then back to my studies!

Next Thursday (Nov. 20) we are done for the trimester and on Thanksgiving Break. Super excited about that! BUT - that means this week and next is project cram time. Which is always fun, of course. If I can make it through the end of this week and get the majority of my work done, I'll be smooth sailing!

This weekend Bobby and I along with his suitemate, Chris, are going snowboarding! I am waaay excited for that. First time for the season and I can't wait! =)

It's funny...because sometimes I'll get upset at Bobby but like 2 seconds later, I'm giggling all over again. haha. He just makes me smile and he hates it when I'm upset...so it's hard to stay mad at him. I have to actually make a conscious effort to stay mad..and then I still goof it up! haha..oh well, I guess that means something- not sure what though, but I think it's good. =)

That's all for now, lots of homework and projects to finish!

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Complaining Friends...

Finding happiness is about finding what you love. Life is about love. If you love something, it makes you happy - without having to try. If I love to laugh...does that mean I love the source of that laughter? I think it does, but that brings another question. Is that the sole reason...or do I just love that part of the source? Am I denying/ignoring other parts because I love one part so much? I'm not sure...of anything!

Yes, that was confusing. Just a bit of introspective I suppose.

This weekend Bobby is in North Carolina. His sister (Kristine) got married to Pete today. Pete is from New York. I miss Bobby. I noticed earlier that I am not quite as chipper when he's not around. Well...while I'm at school anyway. Around my family I am chipper because they make me laugh just as hard and I love them very much. But, out here...he makes me chipper! lol. Anyway, he is having a great time and I'm glad he got to visit with his family - he's been missing them. He's comes back tomorrow...I can't wait! =)

Last weekend, a friend of mine mentioned that she does not like Bobby because, 1. I don't spend time with her anymore. 2. I do the things that he wants to instead of what I want to do.

I would like to respond to those accusations.

1. I wouldn't spend anymore time with her even if I didn't have a boyfriend. Not because I don't like her, because I love her. But, it is because over the summer I made a commitment to myself not to drink as much. Every time her and I hang out...we drink. Hence, I don't see her as much because I don't want to drink so much. Also, I have a very heavy class load this trimester and Bobby and I only eat breakfast and dinner together...and that is only because we live on campus and I would really rather not eat alone.

2. Bobby does more what I want to do than anything. He makes what I want to do, what he wants to do. This goes back to 1. because she thought I didn't go out with her, her boyfriend, and HIS FRIENDS on my birthday because Bobby didn't want to go out. Truthfully, it was because I was wiped and didn't want to have to be nice to her boyfriend and put up with his friends. It was a little because I didn't want to make Bobby uncomfortable - but I didn't actually ask him if he wanted to go out after dinner or not. And later, he said he would have liked to go out with my friends afterwards. So, really I don't give him enough credit. Anyway, he is also my boyfriend - so YES I am going to sometimes do the things that he wants to do because I like making him happy just as much as he likes making me happy. That's how we operate. We do things for each other because we each like seeing the other person smile and feel good. So sue me. If I didn't like doing the things Bobby likes to do, then I wouldn't be dating him.


ANYWAY...sorry I just had to rant a little. And ladies, if your friends get boyfriends...let them enjoy it for the first few weeks - hell the first few months because you start complaining. Bobby and I have barely had a chance to date before my friends started whining. And PS it is also because my personal situation has changed outside of dating him that I haven't been hanging out with them as much lately. The first month of school I WAS NOT DATING HIM and I still didn't see ANY OF THEM! I have actually seen them more that we have been dating than I did before we started. HAHA..isn't that ironic.

Also, he clearly makes me happy. Even if you don't like your friends' boyfriends...if he treats her well and makes her happy...leave them be. Speak your peace, give them your blessing, and leave it BE! Would you rather hang out with her and have her miserable, or not see her as much and know that she has never been happier? Ask yourselves that next time you start to gripe about how much your friends hang around their boyfriends.

Okay...even though there is a time change - I'm tired! Goodnight!

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Happenings...

I am going to Utah tomorrow with our Delta Epsilon Chi (college DECA) chapter. I'm pretty excited, though I'm not really mentally prepared for it. There are just sooo many other things going on right now that requries attention and it is difficult to focus energy on something that is self-contained.

Also this weekend, while in Utah - I get to see Kellie! My long lost friend. =) She is attending the Alumni reception and possibly hang out with us if schedules allow. I'm totally stoked to see her and hear more about her new exciting adventures - and relinquish mine as well. It's going to be sooo much fun fun fun!

Bobby and I, over this last weekend, decided that we are paying waay too much attention to each other. Which is comical, because one would think we wouldn't have any time for each other. So, we make a decision to - during the week - we don't get to hang out with each other with the exception of breakfast and dinner together. Outside of that, is study time. And - it was resolved we would get our homework done over the course of the week and then the weekend would be ours to spend together. Honestly, it has been the longest week already - and it's only Wednesday! Unfortunately, this weekend, as I mentioned earlier, I will be out of town - but! I'll be back on Saturday night, so we are charged to finish all homework by Saturday night so that him and I can hang out. Bugger, I don't enjoy being a manager for my own life.haha...

That's all my ranting has for today - until next time,

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Stress

I'm stressed out to the point where I might freak out...but I'm happy. Stressed - but happy.

Plus,
my blood pressure is 114/61...so I guess I'm not THAT stressed...it's gotta be all that bacon I eat. =)

Life is Funny...

Life is funny. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down. Other times...you are just here. It's especially exciting when all that happens in one day! haha. Isn't it strange how you work and work for something and the slighest alterations of plans can throw you completely off. I need to re-focus my energies..set limits and deadlines for myself..and make sure I meet them. I have done really well at the whole, not drinking so much thing. Hah. That used to take up a LOT of my time...whether those close to me knew it or not. :) It's hard work recovering from a crazy night out though! Anyway, but now I have new distractions. I just keep telling myself that this is the last hard stretch. Granted, I still have one more trimester of classes/internship..this one is a BIG determining factor on my graduation...with honors, or without - that is the question. If I do not succeed, several of the professors on this campus who I look up to as mentors will be immensely disappointed, as will I.

I must push forward and remind myself everyday why I am working so hard.

Peace, Love, and Patience...

New Beginnings...

It's official. I am "in a relationship". Of which, I'm not entirely sure what means. lol. Anyway...all I know is that I love spending time with him and miss him when he's gone. Wow...that was intense, but whatever. I'm not afraid of my feelings! =) I've been so mushy gooshy lately. lol. A friend of mine commented on how happy, energetic, and positive I've been this year. I was extremely happy to hear that because it is something I have really been paying attention to and making an honest effort to acheive. It is nice to hear my hard work is paying off! Of course, it is not solely the work of myself that has caused this shift in attitude.

Frankly, if I were doing it alone..I probably would have given in to not being so energetic and what not..it's kinda of tough sometimes, so I am almost sure that I would have given up by now. BUT, thankfully, I'm not in this alone. Even from day one, when I met Bobby, I've been in a good mood without trying. He is so kind and thoughtful of other people that it makes me want to have the same kind and uplifting attitude. This is very cliche, but he truly does make me want to be a better person. A more kind, thoughtful, and considerate person...along with other things that make me a better person and closer to God (I don't think he realizes that one, though). I'm extremely thankful for him.

It is so crazy too. Because, honestly if I was at any other point in my life before now, we would not have meshed like we do. It's difficult to explain, but oh so true. I needed to go through my trials and tribulations and find myself and begin my transformation of becoming the woman I want to be in order for us to work. And we just started dating, but we work...we work. I know that 99% of the time it is "all in the timing" and...I'm soooo happy the timing was right.

Okay, enough gush.

Peace, Love, and Patience

I Fancy You...

I am so elated I can hardly think sanely enough to write! So, I talked about a new friend and I going to boulder..and about someone inspiring me...well they were about the same person. A boy named, Bobby.

I'm very excited about where this is going. He's is incredible. I'm so glad and fortunate that I met him. I was explaining to a friend, that is it had been any other time in my life...I don't think we would have developed our relationship the way we did. So...I am so so happy that I met him at this time in my life..and I can only hope it is the right time in his life to have met me.

We have a lot in common. And not just, the music we listen to or shows we watch...but our thoughts, ideas, views...we actually say the same thing at the same time...a lot. haha.

I'm really afraid I'm going to mess things up. Sometimes...when he says he wants to get to know me...it is scary because, I do not want the mistakes of my past to ruin my possible future. I don't know.

Here's a picture of us. He took me ice skating..and then taught me how to ice skate. It was a TON of fun. :)

Secrets...

Visit PostSecret.blogspot.com

Here's my Secret...

I wish she didn't pay so much attention to him and
Their friendship makes me uncomfortable.


I guess it's not really a secret anymore is it?


I'm adding to this secret...that was an emotional secret. Here's the edited version...

I wish she didn't pay so much attention to him and
Their friendship makes me uncomfortable.
But, I refuse to give into juvenile jealousy,
And I know how important a friendship like his and like hers can be
So, I am okay with being uncomfortable until I am more secure...
Because I want their friendship to grow into something beautiful.


Peace, Love, and Patience...

Hmm..Interesting

Have you ever met someone that inspires you...and you want to write. But, in reality you can't stop thinking about that person and you would rather spend time with and talk to him/her instead of writing...or whatever. It's interesting.... =)

Peace, Love, and Patience

Boulder

Two friends and I went to Boulder today. Just an afternoon trip. It was TERRIFIC! I could have laid on that moutain alllllll day. Incredible. It is soo nice to be able to excape from the city for a few hours. They are both new friends too, so it was really nice to get to know them a bit more. One is a food service management student, the other a culinary nutrition student - both very enjoyable to spend time. One took tons of pictures. He really enjoy his photography. He keeps asking me if I want my picture taken, of course I do..but I usually say no. lol. Don't ask me why..I'm just strange I suppose. Perhaps I feel by saying yes it eludes to a sense of vanity I do not wish to possess. Really not sure though. Anyhow, perhaps I'll display some photos from the eventful day...once I steal them from my new friend. :)

Peace, Love, and Patience...

I HATE eating alone...

Have you ever felt alone in a crowd? Gone into a crowded restaurant and had the waiter bang away at the silverware removing it, oh so subtly, from your table? Have you ever sat in a park and watched lover's stroll by engulfed by the other's face, kids running so quickly down a hill, they might as well roll down it...and then they do, and watched best friends throw a frisbee or play football while you sit alone on your blanket with a "good book" (of which we ALL KNOW is a cover...you know no one is coming to join you...and so do I.) If you have experienced any of these...you know, that it is possibly the WORST feeling in the entire world.

Now, I am a fairly confident person most of the time. For the past several years, I have partaken in all of the above NUMEROUS times, and sometimes...I just want to curl up in a ball and hide in darkness in the corner...and I'm scared of the dark, but at times I would rather be terrified than alone. Which is quite a peculiar thought, because it is often terrifying to be alone!

Today I ate dinner alone, again. I also don't like to feel sorry for myself, but sometimes...I fight back the tears (for example, right now). I don't know a whole lot of people that eat on campus...scratch that, live on campus...much less that eat on campus. So...when I go to the lunch room, I know very few if any. Which leads to sitting by myself. Well, tonight I pulled out a book and proceeded to read while I sat and ate alone. I swear to God there was a table go on about me. I could fucking hear them. Which, that in itself, pisses me off. Sometimes, not always, but sometimes I hate looking around the lunch room and catching wandering eyes that have noticed I am sitting by myself, so I typically keep my head down for the most part. Then when I was putting my stuff on my tray, this very very nice boy that lives in my residence hall was walking past to his table and offered to throw it away for me because he was on the way to the trash can anyhow (except...he didn't have anything in his hand but an empty glass). I thanked him and proceeded to leave, as I'm walking past the table that was previously talking about me, they all busted up laughing and go "that was random".

Like I said, I am now currently fighting the tears. It is bad enough sitting alone...but that was unnecessary. I'm probably going to start getting box lunches from the cafeteria and resort to eating either at my desk or in my room. This option is still rather pathetic, but much less embarrassing.

Next time you see someone sitting alone and eating...join them, you may never understand the difference it will make.

You Don't Know Me!!!

Your Personality is Very Rare (ENTP)

Your personality type is optimistic, curious, enthusiastic, and open. Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 3% of all women and 5% of all men. You are Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

I Love Life!

I love life. When I first came home I was a bit depressed and just wanted to get away from everyone, blah blah blah . It's all in a past post if you wish to catch up, haha. Anyway, now...I'm so happy! I've lost almost 10 pounds. And it's funny, because I actually look like I didn't lose anything unless you look really close, ya know. But I can tell that everything is tighter and I just feel healthier.

I've also been stretching a lot lately to get back into really really good shape so I can start doing gymnastics again. Of course not all 4 events, but getting back into the gym and do the "gymnast workout". I'm very excited! Watching gymnastics during the Olympics really made me miss it. I actually had a dream last night that I was competing again! It was soooo weird. I had a different coach but I was competing against my old team, all grown up. And it was funny because we get to warm-ups in my dream and I'm starting to warm up on the floor exercise and I realize that I hadn't practiced or learned and of the routines! Floor, beam, or bars! So he was all, okay don't panic because I'm going to figure it out and let you know. And watch the people in front of you and just do what they do! So, I lined up for the vault with my old teammates at my level (who were still on my team and still the same age we were back then) and then I realized I hadn't done a vault since I quit gymnastics almost 10 years ago! Then I woke up...then I went back to sleep and tried to remember my bars routine..which I did, somehow, remember!

Haha, okay that was super random. But I thought it was hilarious! Anyhow, I am just so happy right now. I almost dread going back to school because I don't want to lose this, but I don't think I will. I just have to remember to take that time for myself no matter how busy I get. Some people think that I should remember to have a "social life" but right now, for me I think it is more important to make sure I work in that time to focus on myself, such as a good workout or a soothing bath or escaping into a really great book.

Anyway, my mom and I are going out to dinner and then going swimming at the youth center tonight. It's the little things that make life great! :)

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Cousins and Weddings...

Hahaha..I love being home! It's so fun to just sit around and goof off and hang with the fam. I also really enjoy (even though it's a pain sometimes) taking care of my cousins. Here are some pictures of the youngest, Dakota. She's freaking adorable!

We also have other visitors...Dakota's brother, Phillip. He's cool too, BUT EXTREMELY ROWDY! My stepdad, Bob has a son who has moved to our little town in Texas and he has two little girls. They are pretty cute, but kinda of..ok really really bratty. But, oh well..what can ya do. This is a pic of Dakota, Phillip, Alexia (the blonde and oldest in the white shirt) and Alyssa.



Also, it gave me a chance to see my brother's fiance's dress. It's so pretty, below is a picture of me and her. That's my bridesmaid dress...I hate dresses. lol

Mistakes

Mistakes are a part of life....No Regrets.

Here's my plan for life..
A. Work hard
B. Play Harder
C. Begin to check off things on my "Life's To-Do List"
D. No Regrets
E. Forgive
F. Never Forget. (In memory, OKC Murrah Building & NYC Twin Towers)
G. Above all else, Be me...NO MATTER WHAT...even if I'm not completely sure who that is. :)
H. Most importantly, the opinions of others are welcome and usually interesting, but are not allowed to affect my life, change me, or make me doubt myself. I'm the one who has to live with me at the end of the day. :)

I don't know, just in reflection of this last year..I've come to realize that I have done a lot of things to "fit" it..or because I thought it would make someone else happy. It's time to make me happy. In all honesty, my freshman year of college I got a C in 2-3 classes just to prove, to myself, that I could do it. (I'm an A average student, typically) I also did it to piss my parents off. hahah. OR I did things because I saw something/someone I tried to be that wasn't me. Which is stupid..you can't be anyone else. You can try to be great...but you have to do it your way, not how someone else did it.

Those were two totally different topics...but still kind of related.

Ugh- I'm so screwed up in my head something. lol

Let it be, Let it be...just let it be

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Summer's Winding Down...

Well, my training is going excellent. My butt hurts a lot though! A quick easy way to start shaping your legs is to wear ankle weights around the house and what not during the day. It adds just a little bit of extra weight with minimal extra effort..and you can really feel it at the end of the day/beginning of the next day! :) Oh, and don't forget to stretch it out!!!

I am really enjoying being home. I've made a lot of progress on remaking my grandmother's flower bed/garden thing. I put down liners on the side of the front entry walk. I put down red mulch and monkey grass and made the orders out of sticks. It looks pretty. :) I'm still working on the path through the garden. I'm not sure if I'll get to the flower part of the flower bed because the walk part is taking longer than expected, but we'll see.

For the first time, I'm not really looking forward to going back to school...I'm loving my time at home..very relaxing! :) And I'm nervous about finding an internship. We'll see how it goes!


"Let it Be"
-The Beatles

The Olympic Games

So...while watching the 2008 Summer Olympic Games I have thought about training for 2016 Summer Olympic Games. hahah. I'm not sure which event yet...but ummm I'm sure something will shine through!! :)

Peace, Love, Patience...and Endurance..haha

A New, scratch that, A Better Friendship...

So, I just want to put this on paper. I love thinking about it...and I just want to share it. :)

Anyway...I have started well actually let's say developed a beautiful friendship with an amazing person. He is light hearted, charming, funny, spontaneous, unpredictable, handsome as all get out, and an accent that makes me weak in the knees. I would tag this as "starting something" but we live over 10 hours away from each other and both know pretty much know, ya know. It feels great to have something to chat with every once in awhile that isn't right in the thick of things and I'm not gonna lie, I get a bit giddy when he calls. When I get nervous I either hardly talk...or talk WAY too much because I'm either afraid of rejection or trying to impress someone, respectively. All I'm gonna say, is that I talk way too much when he gets me on the phone. haha.

When we each first left Denver for the summer, I sent him a care package. I wasn't going to tell him about it and try to get his address secretly, but I'm awful at keeping secrets of that nature. I get super excited about stuff and just want to share it with people before they get it so that person will be just as excited! So..I'm not great at surprises. hahah. As one of my old Dean's said, I wear my emotions on my sleeve - I can't help it!!!

Anyway, so I was talking to him on the phone the other night and he oh so casually mentioned that he needed to put my present in the mail. I go, PRESENT! I get a PRESENT!! I am sooooooo excited! I tried to get him to tell me what it is, but he's not as forthcoming as I am! He said he was out n about and spotted it and knew I'd like it...and I might have a couple other presents too - he's not sure yet ;)

So, I'll just have to sit and patiently wait until it comes in the mail. :) OH I'M SO EXCITED!!!

Okay, that's all for now...I am driving my grandma to the city (1 1/2hrs) tomorrow starting at 6am, so I need some SHUT EYE!!

Peace, Love, and Patience...

My Current Journey

My brother is getting married on Sept. 27 and my cousin is getting married the weekend before on the 20th. I have a goal of losing about 40 lbs before my cousin's wedding and definitely before my brother's wedding so I look pretty in a bridesmaid dress. You are welcome to join me on my journey by observing my progress over to the left. I've already lost 6 pounds..so I'm well on my way!! Enjoy~

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

I've only been home for...4 hours..and not even home home, just to Amarillo which is 1 1/2hrs from actual home, but it already feels so GREAT! I felt so much pressure on my shoulders and in the back of my mind I knew all the things I needed to accomplish at home that my wasted time in Denver was not helping accomplish!

I also figured something out while I was in Denver...towards the end of my trip - i figured out what I love coming home so much. It is because I can truly be ME. Every weird, stupid, dorky, silly, ridiculous, shabby part of me can be me. I can be myself so much more at home than anywhere else. I may be one of the few 22yr olds, I've come to realize, that actually prefers loose regular ole' t-shirts as opposed to tight fitting cutesy t-shirts. Sure..this probably doesn't help with attracting the opposite sex, but I'm 22yrs old! I've got my whole life ahead of me and when the right guy comes along...he's not going to care that I wear t-shirts that are too big the majority of the time. During school and such of course I dress nicer for class, but during summer..I just want to wear my comfortable t-shirt! What is so freaking wrong with that!?!??!? PS...I DON'T CARE IF WE ARE GOING TO A PARTY OR A BAR...I'M STILL WEARING MY COMFY TEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel like I am always being nagged by my friends because I'm not wearing my make-up heavy enough (when in fact I DO wear makeup, which is getting less and less frequent everyday) or my shirt isn't tight enough or cute enough or low enough. Oh, I'm sorry that I HAVE RESPECT for myself and my body and I do NOT feel the need to exploit myself in order to attract some disgusting tramp of a man. No thank you! The only reason any of my tighter shirts are as tight as they are is because I've gained weight since I bought them and I'm too lazy and loathe shopping too much to buy new ones! Not because I think it's "sexy" or cute or whatever you want to call it...Ewe. I don't wear the right shoes, my hair is done wrong, I put black with brown.

I DO NOT CARE ! ! !

How many times do I have to say that before it gets through to anyone?!?!??

How is a girl supposed to love herself when the people closest to her are tearing her down at every turn? It is a messed up world we live in and we should be building each other up rather than slowly and discretely making digs at one another and tearing apart the fragile self we currently have.

Perhaps I should also be in search of new friends who love me for me and not for who they wish I was...wouldn't that be an interesting social experiment...friends that love every thing that's wrong with you just the way it is, like a soul mate - but several of them and as friends. Hmm...someone should try that! :)

Just a little rant there....had to get it out!

A Reflection on Ethiopia

I wrote this reflection shortly after I returned from my service trip in Ethiopia. Enjoy...

My Secret Love Affair
Before I left for my unforgettable adventure, several people asked me if I was still planning to go on the trip or if I would pass up this once in a lifetime opportunity. Briefly, I would look at them completely bewildered with the thought of, are you unstable? Then, I would realize I was standing on crutches and thus their reason for the question. On the contrary to popular belief, no part of me felt the need to stay home. I could heal in Ethiopia just as well as I could in America. I was getting on that plane, with or without a cast.
Once we reached the compound and the school supported by the efforts of Four Quarters for Kids, we met the most amazing and gorgeous souls. The children crave knowledge so much that some of them walk 1½ to 2 hours every morning to have breakfast at 7:00am and start school at 8:00am. School ends each day at 3:00pm and then sports begin. Some of the children stay as late as 5:00pm either practicing with their team or in the library studying. Then, they begin their 1½ to 2 hour journey. On their way home many are required to fill jugs of water and gather sticks to make a fire. The next morning, they begin again.
Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and one of the most beautiful and magnificent spoken tongues I have been blessed to encounter. Everyone at Project Mercy speaks Amharic. I was asked to teach English. Teaching is difficult enough in itself even with children who want to learn. Now, teaching English to first and second graders, who speak a language I do not, was near impossible. It was the most amazing and uplifting experience. It was moving to see them cram four or five into one desk with elbows, shoulders, and arms overlapping because they wanted to learn. I would do my best to show examples of the words and would dägämä (repeat) everything many times. It was thrilling when the children would run up to me during recess everyday and shout a phrase or word I had just taught, "NEAR! THE GIRL IS NEAR THE DOOR!"
Children in every corner of the globe are precious. In Ethiopia, though, they are different. The children of Ethiopia are not only precious, but also strong, independent, hard-working, smart, self-sufficient, beautiful, and above all else, unashamed to love fully. The young boys and girls have so much love for everything and everyone around them it is hard to ignore. Walking down the road, we often saw two boys holding hands or with their arms around each other. In this part of the world, that is a taboo or at least comes with certain lifestyle connotations, in Ethiopia it is a sign of friendship and complete adoration. It is extremely endearing. I could constantly feel the love beaming off every individual we encountered.
At Project Mercy love fills every crack and cranny of the compound. It would serve everyone well to visit Project Mercy in Yetebon, Ethiopia and experience unsurpassed and unbridled love. Absorbing love from a child, peers, and elders is easy, allowing one's self to pour out love for children, peers, and elders is something many shy away from but all should embrace with open hearts. After all, what is the point of having all that love inside, if it is not shared?
People often leave an impoverished place such as Ethiopia with the feelings of shame or guilt for how extravagant their life is, but they should not. The only reason to feel shameful of your life is if you do not enjoy every single minute. The people of Ethiopia taught me one very important lesson among many. I hope you will take this with you and remember it each morning. No matter how much you have or do not have, always remember to be thankful for it, cherish every moment, and love your life and those in it as intensely as possible.
The dictionary defines love as a love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.
One night before going into the dinner hall I was stopped by a soft whisper of my name. I turned around and there in front of me stood a little girl who sat in the front row of my English class struggling to see the blackboard. Everyday she wore the same blue striped shirt and bright pink sweatpants with a McDonald's logo. Her innocent face and big, brown, beautiful eyes looked up at me with the most love a human being could have for another human being and said, very gently, "I love you."
Yes, I did have the most intense amorous incident, with Ethiopia. Shhh...don't tell America.

Life's To-Do List

I watched the Bucket List and A Walk To Remember the other day..both fabulous movies - cry movies for sure as well. Anyway...but what I took away from both of them is that the time to live life is right now. So many people go through life wishing they could do all these different things...and are jealous of people that actually do those things...instead of just doing them! So...I have started making a list of all the things I want to accomplish/experience before I die. I decided I will take an item or two each summer (unless it is more than a one time thing - learn Spanish for example) and save all year, then make plans and do it. So I will slowly work off my list. This summer I've already been white water rafting, that's one item...and my friend, Kyle, and I are planning to go skydiving later this summer...which is another item on the list. Live life with no regrets, that's my belief and I intend to practice what I preach to the fullest!!

Today, I went and got a manicure. It was wonderful! They massaged my hands and arms...then when my nails were drying they massaged my neck and shoulders. It was great! So..I think I may add getting a manicure once a month to my Life's To-Do List. It may not be the greatest to add since all my minimalism talk...but I think pampering yourself if one of life's greatest necessities.

Well, that's all for now...

Peace, Love, and Patience

Kristin

The Search

So...I saw this bumper sticker on facebook today that said life isn't about finding yourself it is about creating yourself. I'm going to go ahead and disagree with that one. I think that a person has to figure out what is most important to them and what they are passionate about...typically one does not just decide one day to create a new version of himself. And usually if they do...it either does not work out or they are doing it in a sense of losing 200 lbs and creating a more energetic self..which is different.

I also made the determination that I have not quite figured out where I fit in. I never have fit in anywhere my entire life...growing up I didn't fit in with the kids I went to school with or the girls I did gymnastics with, or the ones I did cheerleading with...and now I don't fit in with the people I go to school with nor do I fit in with those I socialize or the really the people I go to church with. I feel it is important to be different and not the same as the people around you..but I also think you should enjoy the same activities and have more than one thing in common.

I don't know...I guess I'm still searching for something, whether it be me, the perfect guy, or the perfect friend. Of course..I'm not sure if any of those exist to be found.

Why is it that I'm jealous of everyone else's life but mine.

Internship

So, some news on the internship ordeal. I spoke with Rachel from HR of the Western Region and basically, I did not receive an answer. She said they work on a revolving system. Which means, a person applies, said persons application (if good enough) is placed into a file and when assistance is needed on a team and someone's experience and interests match up, the person is placed with said team. This means...who knows when that will happen!

Not great news, not fatal news...but not great news.

Fate

I was thinking on the way home today...and I started thinking about fate. It drives me crazy that I have NO idea what tomorrow holds. I have this intense fear that I am going to end up alone with my damn cat. I guess I still haven't truely discovered who I am yet. I feel like I'm going through a mid-life crisis at 22! WTF!

Anyway, so...yeah this fate thing..I don't know about it.



"Yeah, last year...someone's throat actually bled. Changed their life. It was great." -Wild Hogs

Minimalism

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately...because that is what I do when I have a lot of time on my hands, and especially when I'm doing physical work and not brain drain. And right now, this summer..I have plenty of both of those things!

I have decided that I am going to attempt to become a minimalist. In other words, I am going to make cut back on excessive buying. And...if you know me, that's more of a challenge than anything else in the world for me. When I go back to school in the fall, I plan on leaving my car in Texas. I will have to get my bike fixed and start biking my butt around or taking the bus. This will mean that I have to fly back to Denver, therefore...as few of clothes as possible can come with me. I'll have to cut some of my babies out... :( I have sooo many clothes it's not even funny. So..I will determine which ones are the most verstile and go with those!~ I'll also be on a meal plan at school, so I won't be shopping in order to cut down on food costs. I will make due with what I eat during meal times and make sure that it is enough to last me...perhaps this will assist my weight goals!!~

Then when I go to Chicago (hopefully) I will have a tiny apt with nothing but basically a blow-up mattress and maybe a crate to put my books.

This is going to be extremely difficult for me as I do have a spending problem...and typically expensive taste, especially in shoes!!

We will see how it goes.

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Beautiful

A friend of mine from Oklahoma City is a photographer and I just loved this picture. I think it was wonderfully breath taking and beautiful... Check it out!

Home At Last!

Kharma and I drove all night (6:30pm MT to 3:30am Central Time). I was going to pull over and get a hotel room for me and the kitty, but I packed my car so full that I did not have room for her litter box. So I just kept driving because I did not want her to have an accident or something in the hotel room. And I knew there was a litter box waiting at the house, so I just sucked it up and kept driving.

It feels so good to finally be home! Now I just need to work on getting my life and future sorted out..including planning the officer training for July. Eeek..I'm in charge now, kinda. I'm a bit nervous that I will forget something or do something wrong. But, I have got a lot of support to double check my work and to throw thoughts across too. That feels good to know that my advisors have my back.

Okay, time to plan that officer training weekend.

Peace, Love, and Patience!~

It's Moving Time!~

I am heading back to Denver early in the morn time to head back to Denver. I'll only be there for about a week, it is just to move all my stuff into a storage unit and out of my apartment.

I am pretty excited!! One, to get everything settled, FINALLY! Two, to see several of my friends again! And three, to come back home for the summer! Well...for the most part! haha.

When I get back I'm planning on taking my two little cousins (Phillip and Dakota) to this water-park in Amarilo for Phillip's birthday. It'll be crazy, but I think it'll be a whole lot of fun!

Well, I'm done writing for now.

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Connections Make Life Interesting...and Worth Living

So...I think it is interesting who continues relationships with people when those people have gone. For instance, there are different people who have kept in contact with me once either they have left or I have left and there are certain people I have purposely kept in contact with once we were in different cities.


I am a person who desires not constant, but definitely still need some contact. Even if it is once a week or once a day...contact is important. I tend to distance myself from a lot of people, but I think that is just a wall or barrier I put up because I decided a long time ago that "love never seen, can't be lost" so in order to accomplish this, I close myself off from people. But it is within my nature to be very vulnerable to people. I fall hard and quick, which is rather ironic...considering.


Anyway - I have a friend that recently moved away for "real life" whatever that means, :) and I've kept up contact with him because he's a good becoming better friend of mine. He's a fantastic person too. Everytime I talk to him he makes me feel like a beautiful princess as well. I mean, I don't think anything will ever happen...for goodness sakes we are in two different states! haha..but he is very sweet and makes me smile when I talk to him...even when he texts or emails me he has a way of making me feel wonderful.

When I finally find that person that can live without me but would rather not..I hope he makes me feel that way every single day. That would be my perfect husband...someone who makes me feel beautiful every time I am with him. It wouldn't matter if he cleaned or cooked, was handy, has a good job or not...if he made me feel like a million bucks and I could do the same for him...we would have it made. My best relationships have been the ones in which I felt wanted and needed...those are the ones that last.

I hope I can have that forever one day...

Today was a big day! I went to church this morning with my Grandma and baby cousin, Dakota. Then we met my mom and stepdad at the Country Club for lunch. It was pretty good, probably the most casual country club dining experience I've ever had, but that's small town Texas for you I suppose! Then I took a nap at the house. I'd been taking care of and playing with Dakota all day, so I was wiped! Then later my mom, Dakota and I went and gardened. That was fun. A really really great stress reliever! We were mainly pulling weeds but it felt good to take out some pent up aggression, ya know. I haven't been doing yoga or anything lately so it was nice to have an outlet. Anyway, then the Celtics lost. :( That's okay though because the next game is in Boston, so they'll take that one no problem. Afterwards my Aunt Sally (Dakota's mom) came in and we sat and talked for a long time. It was nice to catch up a little. I mainly told her about things I've been doing, but it was still a good time. I took a couple pictures of Dakota earlier, but I don't have my cord thingy for my camera to the computer so I couldn't upload them, but I plan to as soon as I get all my stuff down here.


So, there's this application on Facebook called Owned! And it is basically where people can "buy" photos of you online, but strictly owned status on facebook within this app. Anyway, I just learned that when you upload more than one photo and you stay on the application, so REAL CREEPERS can buy you...seriously, odd. lol, I think it's kind of funny though!

Well, that's all for now.

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Live, Laugh, Love...

I do not often put myself out there in order that I'm not susceptible to unnecessary pain by being vulnerable. Of course, this most likely impedes on the development of relationships in the first place. But, in my mind, if a guy likes me enough to break down my barriers...then maybe he won't break my heart - that's reasonable, right? After all, why would one work so hard just to disappoint?
This is no good for my solving my loneliness, but I am going home to my loving family and I won't ever be alone! My aunt said the kids are now mine for the summer..hehe. She better leave me car seats then..because I like to go places with the kids...I don't do this, let's just play around the house all summer crap. HAHA.

I can't wait to get home...

Ketch - Up

It is official, I am going home next Wednesday. Actually, I should clarify...home is not where I grew up, it is our family ranch in Texas. It is very close to home, I did spend a decent amount of my childhood playing in the weeds in the small town of Lefors. I am so very excited.

I went and worked out tonight. It felt really good. I did the bike for like 20 minutes and the elliptical (sp) for 30 minutes. And did the usual arm and stomach work-out. I am really determined to trim-up this summer. I was sitting on the couch a few days ago and realized how much flabbier I've gotten since I moved to school. I am bound and determined to lose the weight and get back to how I was when I was in high school. A nice little size 2/4. That would be fabulous. :)

Okay, well I got super distracted, so I'm going to bed now.

Peace, Love, and Patience...

And Live in the Moment, Every Moment.

Oh Life. Life is puzzling. Why is it that when it rains, it pours. I am not sure how to put that comment into words...

New Topic:
I talked to my mom earlier today and she asked if I would be able to come home earlier. I'm not sure if it's because they want me to come home now, or because they have work for me to do. No, I'm just kidding..she's asked me a couple times if I wanted to come home now instead of waiting til the end of June. So..I emailed Kim (who I am working for through June) and asked if I was absolutely needed in the office, because if I'm not I want to go home early. I like being out here and the friendships I am forming, especially the ones that are becoming deeper friendships. I really don't want to miss out on those, but in life, one has to weigh the balance of friendships and family. Family always outweighs everything else.

No matter how much my friends might bitch and whine, I'm going home ASAP. Surprisingly enough, I actually enjoy being at home and I am totally stoked to see my little cousins that I never get to see. Oh, also..since I'll be a lot closer to Austin, I probably get to see my best friend, Desiree more too. Or at least once this year, I haven't seen her in over 2 years..that's awful.

So, really..going home for a couple months is the best thing. I need to reconnect with my roots before I go prancing around the country living it up as a 20 something. :)

Oh geez...

Peace, Love, and Patience...

Free At Last, I'm Free At Last!!!

Whoooooooo!!!! School is out for the SUMMA! Now all I have to do is show up at work! Now I just have to wait it out through June...pack all my stuff up, well the rest of it. I've already packed most of my things from the last move! I'm soo excited to spend the second half of summer at home! And then my bro is getting married in Sept and my cousin too!

I can't wait to start an internship in Winter tri..and I'm actually looking forward to the multiple projects I'll be working on this summer..weird. It'll be a fun challenge though I suppose..I should actually get started on those. haha.

Well, I suppose that is all for now..

Peace, Love, and Patience-

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Hi Everyone! I am Kristin and I have decided to start blogging about my internship and about other life things. I have started the application process to several different places and already received an amazing recommendation from a respected professor at my University. I would really like to work at a PR firm in Chicago called Edelman and that is where I am applying first. So, keep your fingers crossed and keep reading to find out what happened with my internship, my last trimester as a college student and my next step in the book of life!


It is the close of another school year here in Denver. I am finishing up my final projects and beginning to work on my internship applications. I will be doing it during the winter trimester because I still have 3 courses I need to take during the fall. Unfortuneately, I was not keeping up on my Honors credits and will now be taking 6 classes and doing Honors projects in 5 of them in order to finish in time to take the Honors Seminar with Dr. Moulton. It is going to be pretty rough because not only am I doing honors in the classes, but they are mostly difficult classes in general and a full time schedule is only 4 classes, so 6 will be challenging. I will be starting work on all my projects during summer, so I will hopefully sail through Fall tri.

Well, I have to finish those final projects I spoke about earlier. Perhaps I'll write more later tonight when I complete everything, perhaps not.

I hope you enjoyed this post and will continue to read as I experience the transformation from simple student to real-life adult.

Wishing you Health, Happiness, and Humility...