TBA...

ukulele!

2012-02-13T21:44:00.000-06:00

It's just fun to say, and even more fun to attempt to play something that sounds somewhat recognizable on my new ukulele. I'm getting there. It's quite the learning curve cause I've never played a stringed instrument. But, it's on "the list." You know, the list of goals that I made 5ish years ago. I've been a bit behind on "the list" but better late than never! Other good things? The ukulele fits in my car. This is a requisite of the things that I acquire in my life. If it doesn't fit, I don't get it. A good strategy for a minimalist lifestyle.

This was not the case this past summer when I inherited my grandparent's player piano unexpectedly. Awhile ago (high school times?) I think that I mentioned to my grandpa that I would eventually like to have it. High school Katie had no idea that 30 year old Katie would move around so much, it sounded like a good plan at the time. Well, my grandpa never forgot. So when South Dakota opened the levies which caused flooding of my grandparent's house/farmland/community/roads; the piano, which sat in their basement, made a move to my parent's house. I love that piano. I'm so glad that I "have" it (especially since my grandfather passed away not long after he gave it to me) but it's not easily moved to say the least. So, there's my rule broken about possessions and acquisitions. But it's okay. I've got my ukulele until I have space and the means to have the piano. It's all working out.

I've found that Ukulele Hunt is a great website for not only beginners, but to inspire you to play some new (and a lot harder) stuff. The first song I learned? Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones. It's not pretty, and I can't play it quite as fast as those guys do, but it's easy. I'm toughening up my fingers, and you don't really have to be a great singer for this one. I'm also challenging myself to learn a sweet song by Eddie Vedder from his album aptly named Ukulele Songs. It's so, so good! It's going to take some practice though. I promise to invite you all lakeside by a bonfire to premiere this one. I feel that's the only way to go about it.

listening to this...

2012-02-07T22:23:00.001-06:00

I know that I can be pretty behind the times as far as music goes. But I'm listening to this ("212" by Azealia Banks) a bit obsessively even though I know it's been out there for awhile.

This is NOT for your children to hear, or if you're offended easily by foul mouthed-ness, or to be played at work (well, I guess it depends where you work, but let's all err on the side of caution).

This IS for your morning run, a kitchen dance party, or getting amped up to punch someone in the face.

She's playing at Coachella soon...I wish I had tickets!

Getting to know the neighborhood

2012-02-03T00:56:00.001-06:00

The running continues, and it's not necessarily easier, but I have no excuses now. The weather is unseasonably sunny and warm, and all the Jewish grandmothers encourage me as I pass by them on the sidewalk (you know, saying things like, "good for you!" and "keep going, that's just great!"). They're super cute! So yeah, the neighborhood is quite fantastic. Not super hipster Portland, but rather the everything Jewish part of Portland (there is a store called "Everything Jewish") and it's nice and more my small neighborhood style. Everyone says hello, and people step off the sidewalk so I can run through. Also, I never have to worry about getting hit by a car. Oregon drivers are soooo much more considerate than Californians. It's true!

In other news, I finally (FINALLY) got my ukulele. It's super pretty, and that's about all I know about it right now (I just got it, like a couple of hours ago). More musical musings to come. Goals are getting accomplished! Yeeehhhhhaaaaaaww!

2012-01-23T18:45:00.003-06:00

Running is hard. It's okay until I get that stitch in my side, and then feel like I want to die. It doesn't help that it's been raining HARD. So what little motivation I have decreases any more. It gets better. Right? I tell myself that it's like anything, you need to practice before you get good at it. Now I need to sign up for a 5K. Not wanting to embarrass myself should be really good motivation.

Kinda pissed off at the universe lately but realizing that it's all my fault. Well, not all of it. Some of it. Another death in Yosemite and this time one of my friends. Granted not a super close friend that I talked with a ton, but an awesome co-worker who was always so helpful. I diverted many thank you notes to him (they would come to my office with just his first name...so I had to open them to figure out who it was to!) and that's all I can think about. How they all basically remarked how kind and patient he was. It's the truth...I don't think I could crutch someone out 3 miles (because it takes a really long time) or soothe a family who's kid has gone missing, or take a look at a broken ankle and be so calm about it, or put myself in danger just to help someone who I don't know. I was often on the trail and if I needed anything he was usually the one that responded. He was great. It's not fair that freak accidents take people like him out of our lives. My condolences, love, and prayers to his family. You'll be missed, Ryan.

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

2012-01-16T12:57:00.000-06:00

Some good stuff that maybe we all needed to be reminded of. Okay, maybe just me. Linking to another blog right now!

Kickin' it at the Kauffman Center

2012-01-08T20:33:00.000-06:00

One fine piece of architecture: The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

There's something really fun about going back to your hometown and doing some exploring. Exploring places that you've been, maybe just once, maybe hundreds of times, lets you rediscover the familiar while also taking in all the changes. That was my mission when I went downtown with my momma. We wanted to see the new architectural masterpiece that "changed Kansas City's skyline." My mom says that it reminds her of Half Dome. I, on the other hand, just think it's really pretty, but also cannot help thinking about snails when I see it. I'm really sophisticated when it comes to art and culture. Believe me. It's pretty impressive though, regardless of what you think. This is the new home to the Kansas City Symphony, ballets, plays, concerts, things that I cannot afford to attend. But, you can walk in the doors, for free! And that's about the right price so we were good to go. It very, very bright in the foyer (so much so that I had to put my sunglasses on, the security guard was wearing some as well!). The front side is all windows, and the building seems to be constructed by large metal pulleys and thick cables. But what was so awesome is the clean, pristine of the place due to everything in there being white. The walls, the stairs, the benches, the doors, the floors, all white. Which makes me sad for the cleaning crew if it rains or snows. It's beautiful though. Check it out the next time you're in KC!

We also discovered First Fridays at the Crossroads. The art galleries stay open late, and there are a lot of people out and about. I guess during the summer it's like one big block party with street performers and food cart vendors. Even though it was pretty warm for winter, they didn't have that many activities outside of the galleries, which was okay. Still a really good time! My mom remarked, "We're becoming a real city!"

Interesting thoughts on KC (after being gone for so long): No one walks around here. I think of Portland, DC, and there are always tons of people on the sidewalks. So there is my frame of reference. I made my mom walk 5 blocks to Christopher Elbow Chocolates (um....so good, and so pretty, and he's a local guy that we know!) and she was very hesitant because "it's downtown and you don't walk around here for your own safety." I don't know if safety is the issue (I felt safe) or if it's just that the city is so spread out, and parking is so available that Kansas Citians don't really need to walk to get from place to place. I think it may be a combination of both, but what an eerie feeling to be the ONLY people walking on the sidewalk, for 5 blocks, in a city! That's something we need to work on.

BUT, despite the walking issue, I miss this place.

The inside

My Momma (she's going to hate this)

Kauffman Center gingerbread style

This is chocolate?! Almost too pretty to eat, almost. Christopher Elbow Chocolates is where it's at!

2012-01-04T20:06:00.000-06:00

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June

- Jean-Paul Sartre

I quite agree!

The Darkling Thrush

2011-12-27T20:33:00.005-06:00

By Thomas Hardy (one of my favorites! and a fantastic winter-ish poem)

I leant upon a coppice gate

When Frost was spectre-grey,

And Winter's dregs made desolate

The weakening eye of day.

The tangled bine-stems scored the sky

Like strings of broken lyres,

And all mankind that haunted nigh

Had sought their household fires.

The land's sharp features seemed to be

The Century's corpse outleant,

His crypt the cloudy canopy,

The wind his death-lament.

The ancient pulse of germ and birth

Was shrunken hard and dry,

And every spirit upon earth

Seemed fervourless as I.

At once a voice arose among

The bleak twigs overhead

In a full-hearted evensong

Of joy illimited;

An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,

In blast-beruffled plume,

Had chosen thus to fling his soul

Upon the growing gloom.

So little cause for carolings

Of such ecstatic sound

Was written on terrestrial things

Afar or nigh around,

That I could think there trembled through

His happy good-night air

Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew

And I was unaware.

so emo?

2011-12-13T15:52:00.000-06:00

That's what I think when I look at my new blog design, so emo. But yet, maybe appropriate for these times in my life. Time to move on again. So I guess I feel windswept, with a light sprinkling of snow and rain. Gray and blue and dramatic (but the red text in my design I am not liking or feeling at all). I love it when people ask, "where to?" The answer to that is unknown right now. Thank goodness for good friends and comfy couches to crash upon.

I was looking at the date today, and in the deep recesses of my brain, I recognize it as an important day. It finally bubbled to the surface that my one and only niece is turning 6 today! It doesn't seem like she can be that old! But she is so fantastic and lovely and loves all things pink and girly. She's a constant source of entertainment and with her strong will, seems like she's giving her parents a run for their money. I love it! I am excited to see my favorite 6 year old soon!

I spent the weekend in Monterey (well, more like Marina) and Santa Cruz. It was really great to be by the ocean again. I stayed with my Crater Lake roommate in her super cute, sunny apartment. One of the highlights was biking the Monterey Coast Trail. This trail used to be the railroad, and run along the ocean. We got to ride by several state parks and the vegetation these days is a lovely green, orange, purple, yellow. So beautiful. We didn't bike the whole thing but biked 10 miles to Monterey (Cannery Row) and back. We stopped at Fisherman's Wharf to eat some snacks, to find kettle corn (unsuccessful) to enjoy the sunshine, and when we went to unlock our bikes, we found that my combo lock would NOT work. It would NOT open. Gah. So there we are, bikes locked, no way to get back, no one to come save us. Enter Monterey police and bolt cutters. He believed that the bikes were ours but we still had to give him our names and IDs incase the bikes ended up stolen, Thankfully we don't have to worry about that. They're really ours ("you can check, our DNA is on the bikes and the helmets" -Kari)! So we made it back. I had never ridden a bike 20 miles before so no I can check that off the list!

Next up was my couch-crashing friend Matt's family dinner, followed by drink at The Red Room in Santa Cruz. I have not been to a bar in a college town on a Saturday night for some time. It was good to catch up and the people watching was even better. Can I just say, I'm glad I'm not in college anymore?!

All in all (in all) great trip! I should be applying for jobs, or packing, but obviously procrastinating in any way possible is winning right now. I bet if I looked back in the blog 3 years ago, I would be doing the same thing: job searching, moving, procrastinating. I'm working on a change. I realize that I need it.

If you're reading, thanks for reading. And who thought blogging was dead?!

[little tree]

2011-12-13T01:40:00.000-06:00

By ee cummings

little tree

little silent Christmas tree

you are so little

you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest

and were you very sorry to come away?

see i will comfort you

because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark

and hug you safe and tight

just as your mother would,

only don't be afraid

look the spangles

that sleep all the year in a dark box

dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,

the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms

and i'll give them all to you to hold

every finger shall have its ring

and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you're quite dressed

you'll stand in the window for everyone to see

and how they'll stare!

oh but you'll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands

and looking up at our beautiful tree

we'll dance and sing

"Noel Noel"

you know what's good?

2011-11-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Lundy Canyon and a beaver dam

- Dog sitting a hyperactive but lovable brittany spaniel named Hondo

- Attending a wedding that involved a train ride and fake lit up palm trees

- Resurrection of Margarita Monday

- A trip to the east side to see Lundy Canyon fall colors and the ghost town of Bodie

- Finding a $10 blue jumpsuit with "Suzanne" stitched on the side (Halloween costume easiness!)

- Hazelnuts and plums, it's a great combo that just might change your life! Recipe right here

Bodie: once a booming mining town, now just creepy, decaying buildings

- Multiple Halloween parties in which much dancing was involved (currently recovering from one this morning), along with aforementioned jumpsuit, and my pink wig (I would wear it everyday if I could)

- Trying to complete @GOOD's #30daysofGOOD challenge. Which means I need to take a picture everyday. Challenge accepted? Yes? I mean, YES! I will do it!

I am really diggin' fall so far!

a week away

2011-10-25T17:12:00.001-05:00

Okay, now to revisit a few things. I just switched to working part time for the park which I thought would give me lots of time to search for jobs, learn new skills (like what InDesign is all about and how to type using home-row), and make delicious healthy dinners for myself. So far, I have spent a lot of time travelling, going out to eat, and being addicted to social media networks (why, twitter, why?). Awesome. But with these things have come fun times. Enter my San Francisco trip.

I combined a lot of things into this trip: a sightseeing adventure with my brother and sister-in-law, a music festival, and a chance to catch up with a friend that made the move from the east coast to now living a mere block away from the Full House park. Yes, that park. Do I know it's real name? Uh, no. Added bonus: seeing my college roommate and the newest little addition to her family: baby Ty!

So sightseeing in San Francisco included a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (of course), a ferry ride to Sausalito (beautiful), accidentally finding Lombard Street (is it really the crookedest of all streets?), eating a delicious burger at Gotts and a latte at Blue Bottle Coffee (love the Ferry Building!), honing my navigating skillz (yes, skillz), hiking through Muir Woods, and examining the tide pools full of starfish at Muir Beach. Whew. What a great, busy, fun-filled day.

I then navigated my way to Amy's for a Full House Park photo shoot, Mojo's Bike bar (such a great happy hour), Amy got me drunk and we ate pizza? Uh, yes? Then the next day travelled to the far away, (but no so far away) lovely Treasure Island for a music festival. When people asked what kind of music was playing, I could only reply with indie electronica? And said it like it was a question. I am not really sure myself only I do know that I danced. A lot. And it was super fun. Some of my favorites like Geographer (SF band!) and YACHT were there, and some surprised me by how much I liked them (thanks The Naked and Famous and Battles). There were other activities there: a ferris wheel, a fake tattoo parlor, a human-powered postcard machine, lots of cool vendors (one who gave us some of the whiskey she snuck in!), trampolines, Grandma's house (think of mid 20 year olds dressed up and acting like your grandmother), a DIY arts and craft tent, the poemstore (aforementioned) and silent disco. The music was so amazing, the food was delicious, the beer was costly ($9, yikes), but what a great time! It might become an annual tradition (as long as Amy lives there).

poemstore

2011-10-16T14:41:00.000-05:00

I headed to San Francisco this weekend to go to the Treasure Island Music Festival (lots more on that later). One of the interesting things I found there was a poemstore. It consisted of a guy (Zach, of zachhouston.com) and a gal (Maya, website unknown) who both had typewriters. For the mere cost of any donation, they would write a poem for you about a topic of your choosing. Amy got 2 poems about "many a things, outdoors, music in the out of doors, beer" and mine was about "transient living within parks". So very interesting and one of my favorite things I did yesterday. The guy (Zach) was super nice. I guess he spent his summer in Kansas City at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum. Oh the connections of life. Not knowing this until just now, I talked to him about the closing of California state parks and how crazy the whole deal seems. Anyhow, that's a small snippet of my wonderful day yesterday. Now, my poem, by Zach Houston:

now the parks are closed
we can roam freely
no range of
spectrum
from nature
to close
thats why
they call
it that going
next to where
you were
a moment ago
closed parks
open road

weekend love

2011-07-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Okay. It's almost August...and we're making it! And we're going to make it! This weekend consisted of some pretty fun things. Some planned, some unplanned. One said planned event was heading to the Mountain Sage for a Crooked Still show to celebrate a birthday for my good friend, Crystal. I LOVE the Mountain Sage. It's a plant nursery/coffee shop/store with local goods/visitor center/concert venue all in one. Great coffee too (we had breakfast there following the show)! Crooked Still was amazing as well. Love me some bluegrass!

Next up, my college roommate and her husband were up for a quick trip to Yosemite. Such great times to see them as always. My friend is 8ish month pregnant so I wondered if there might be a baby born in my apartment. Good thing is...despite altitude and walking around quite a bit...no baby (yet)! My friend is a trooper!

I had big plans for today to head up to the high country and do a 14 mile hike. I packed my lunch, got all my stuff together, and set the alarm for 5 am to make the 2 hour drive and get up there around 8. When I woke up this morning, I thought it was too light for 5 am...and it was because it was 9:00! I had totally slept through my alarm, dashing my dreams of a 14 mile hike. So what's a girl to do? Head to the river and swim. Super nice, and my chaco tan is getting pretty awesome (along with my ranger's/farmer's tan). Summer is here and I need to take advantage of it! But still looking for those jobs, like always (like many people are these days)!

And I would just like to say to the month of August, please be nice to us...it's been a tough year already!

coping...

2011-07-20T20:27:00.001-05:00

So we had some tragic events happen in Yosemite yesterday. Several people died. It's amazing to me to think that one minute you're having a good time on vacation, and the next second, you could be gone. Now, I understand the public wanting to know what happened and the details. I wanted to know myself. But now that I have this knowledge, I am done. I don't want to talk about it. Unfortunately, my job does not warrant this. This will be the topic of conversation potentially for the rest of our busy season especially since it got national coverage. How do I convey to people that I'm a little traumatized (no exaggeration) by these tragic events when they inquire about what has happened and if they'll be safe when on the same trail? This is of course coming at a time when situations in my life have been a bit rocky. It makes me wonder if all the things that I love (have loved) in my life will eventually disappear? Some gradually, some suddenly, with no warning? So I'm coping, I guess; and that's the best I can do.

Mammoth times

2011-07-20T20:14:00.000-05:00

I just think the days go by faster and faster. Last weekend I had too much fun in Mammoth. Okay, maybe not too much, but a lot. A lot of fun in Mammoth. There was full moon hot spring-ing (if I could capture that moment in time forever, I would. It was amazing), figuring out that 2 people can indeed sleep in the back of my car (although you can't straighten your legs all the way), waking up and seeing the beautiful Sierra, eating a delicious breakfast complete with a chai tea latte at Base Camp, driving around, hiking around, making new friends, petting all kinds of dogs, trying not to pass out from the carbon monoxide at Horseshoe Lake (so sad, such a pretty lake! And yes, am kidding about the passing out part, we were fine) and going on a epic search for Search and Rescue (or Backcountry) home-made granola bars (unsuccessful). I really love Mammoth. I think it has to do with all of the water, and none of the crowds that Yosemite receives. On the way back we took out time and got a monstrous milkshake from Mono Cone. Oh Mono Cone, I dream about you at night! We took our time driving across Tuolumne and I'm happy to say that there is still a TON of snow up there. Beautiful, just beautiful. So because I had so much fun last weekend, this weekend was all business. Looking for jobs, hardcore. Not my favorite but it needs to be done. Does anyone want to take a look at my resume? Does anyone want to just hire me?!

2011-07-01T16:01:00.000-05:00

A Haiku for a Holiday Weekend

a mountain setting
all I see are people, cars
wilderness? wildlife?

I'm going to make it. I don't really have a choice. (To be fair, the majority of people I run into are very, very nice and excited to be here, regardless of the ridiculous holiday crowds).

2011-06-19T19:26:00.000-05:00

Somehow (somehow!) people are still reading my blog. So for those (2) people...the update. In numerical format:
1) I am back in Yosemite. My job today was a combination of biking, hiking and junior ranger-ing, all 3 things that I very much enjoy. Sometimes my job includes being locked in the visitor center. I do not enjoy those days as much as biking/hiking/outside days.
2) I turned 30 a week ago. Yikes. But I'm still here and feel the same (except for the need to run a half marathon and learn how to play the ukulele...and if you can help me accomplish either of these things, let me know). I spent my birthday at a super sweet backcountry cabin that we canoed to. Does anything make me happier than paddling? The answer is no. Needless to say, I loved my birthday weekend AND found some peregrine falcons (the fastest animal on earth!).
As far as an update goes...it's a brief one. Pictures soon, maybe?

travel run-down

2011-05-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

Okay...this year in travel, so far, get ready? I think I can remember it all...

Small town, WI (New Year's fun and snowiness/iciness), Kansas City MO, DC (a job starts! and so many friends in the district), and now I'm getting out my calendar cause I can't remember what happened, oh...yes, Portland OR (a break!), New York City(food carts, and a red lit Empire State building for Valentine's Day), Portland OR, Baja (the sun, the paddling, the camping...amazing), Chicago IL (cold, all I remember is cold), Kansas City MO, DC, Ypsilanti MI (whoo-hoo?), Albuquerque NM, Kansas City, Orlando FL (Disney-time), New York NY, Irvine CA (a job finishes), and finally...back in Portland (for a few more days).

I really don't want to step onto an airplane anytime soon. But the travel has been good, seeing friends from all over...even better. I am very excited to be steady, and stable and stay in one place for awhile. And by awhile, I mean 5 months. Onward to wearing the green and gray! I can't wait!

I'm going to Disney World!

2011-04-08T19:39:00.002-05:00

It's true! I'm going, with my whole family. We haven't had a family vacation with all of us for, hmm, 17 years? That sounds about right. It should be interesting. Hopefully we'll all survive. The nephews and niece are super excited (niece especially about Disney princesses galore, littlest nephew about "I hug Mickey") but their excitement does not compare to my 24 year old sister's. I don't know whether that's funny, or just plain sad :) So on the road again, but this time, for fun, not work. And I dig the idea of a real vacation! Whoohoo!

music time? if you want it.

2011-04-05T19:02:00.000-05:00

Such a complainer I am. My life is fine, everything will eventually be good again. So...since I haven't posted anything fun for awhile, here is a great cover of Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me done up right by Butch Walker. Do I like Taylor Swift? Not really, but I think her songs are catchy, and I do know them. When I heard this cover in a bar in DC, I immediately went back to my friend's place and did some research and have been dancing around to this tune since then!

decisions, decisions

2011-04-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

I realize that maybe it's time to grow up. Well, at least a little. I have tired just a bit at my nomadic lifestyle, sharing rooms, and packing up and leaving every 5 months to move on to a different place, a different experience. Not that the things I've done in the past have been in regret, I just need a more permanent lifestyle. I'm well into adulthood and I no longer want to live in a place where there are community bathrooms or you have to drive 6 miles to the closest shower (yeah, Alaska park offered me a job...I just can't do that everyday!). I would like to buy some stuff, move, make some friends, and stay awhile. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten any opportunities to try it. I realize there are a lot of people in this unemployment boat right now. Any job offer that I get, I am very grateful for. The catch? There is a job, in a place I love, with lots of friends, but a job that's going to be sort-of difficult for me to do. And it's only for 5 months. I just wonder if I am prolonging the inevitable? Should I focus on my "settling in one place" plan or should I go have one more fun summer? One moment I think I know the answer, the next second I talk myself out of it. And I thought I would have it all (okay, not all, but at least the job part!) figured out by now. Argh.

west coast best coast

2011-03-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

So glad to be back in Portland and to have a bit of a break. I also get to celebrate my friend's/roommate's birthday! And it's sunny today. And I'm doing normal life things like laundry and cooking and staying in one place for more than 2 days. It's nice. It's what I needed. A retreat from everything that is crazy. New/Old Music That You Should Be Listening To Wednesday? Alright...I'll give you this. A little known band from Alberta. Alberta is my favorite province for it's proximity to Glacier. Banff is beautiful, and Lefthbridge is also a nice retreat from middle of nowhere park life. And Calgary Roundup? Only good memories from this part of Canada! So these guys are great, but also have a good name association for myself. Here you go: "Stamp" by The Rural Alberta Advantage

New/Old Music That's Good, That You Should Listen To, or Maybe You Already Are

2011-03-16T18:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you for indulging me in world's longest title for a blog post. I'm sitting here in my hotel room in Michigan trying to look for jobs when I came across this song stolen recently from my friend's apartment in DC (I didn't steal it in the sense that I took it, I just downloaded the CD!). It's kind-of sweet, kind-of sad, kind-of relatable. Now I know a few Joshua Radin songs, but his whole album: Simple Times is most excellent. Especially this song (You've Got Growin' Up To Do) where he teamed up with Patty Griffin. The harmonies are pretty much amazing. Enjoy!

DC times

2011-03-14T12:47:00.002-05:00

Being in DC is kind-of like being home. I do believe that if I added up all of the time that I've spent working and visiting here, it would add up to about 2 years. And that's longer than I have lived anyplace else. I can see myself staying here, but not because I love the city (even though I do, there is always something going on) but more because I have a great group of friends here who are rock solid. It's nice to be surrounded by that type of support. So while I dream about the west coast, it may be that I end up on the east coast? Good to see all the DCian's this week!

And now, plans for tomorrow include the DC Environmental Film Festival, Potbelly's (I know, I know...it originated in Chicago!), Library of Congress, Newseum? Fun day!

frustrated

2011-03-09T17:55:00.002-06:00

While more and more of my friends get jobs (and I'm so very happy for them) I continue to struggle and get rejection letters. It really wears on one's self-esteem. I don't want to apply for jobs anymore. Anyone up for living off the grid?

in KC for the moment

2011-03-08T16:31:00.003-06:00

Fun things happened when I was home. Let's just put it this way...it's much (MUCH) better to be at home for 2 1/2 days then to be home for 2 1/2 months. And having a job to keep you occupied in the meantime is a very good thing. I have realized that work is vital to my well-being. I do not function well without places to go, people to see, tasks to accomplish, goals to achieve. The busier I am, the more happy my brain is. I'm sure it's that way for many people...but nonetheless, it's good to know about yourself.

So home, dog, parents, nephews, a niece that is so happy to see you, brother and sister-in-law. Dance 2 on wii (I beat Jason...once...it's true!), homecooked meals, and I know I'm behind the times but I just watched "The King's Speech" with my momma. It was fantastic! Colin Firth continues to be pretty much amazing. Off to DC tomorrow for more work, but also to see friends. Pretty excited and hoping for warmish weather? Please?!

beautiful Baja

2011-03-07T14:14:00.002-06:00

I didn't just get back from Baja, but I went from there immediately to a conference in Chicago and worked 55 hours. So needless to say, blog posting was put on the back burner for other things to take place like sleep, and figuring out what the heck I'm saying to these kiddos the next day. ANYHOW, Baja was great, fantastic, fun!

The first night we stayed in a hotel. I got some quality pool time and soaked up the sun. The weather wasn't as warm as I thought it would be, but it was still very nice (low 70's, a little cold for swimming!). The people of Loreto are very nice, some too nice. I had a couple of offers from guys asking if I needed a Mexican boyfriend. I would laugh, they would laugh, I would walk away quickly. But overall a beautiful small fishing town that makes it's money on tourism.

After the first night in the hotel, it was kayaking/camping time. One of our guides was local, so it was really interesting to talk to him about the town and life in general. Very nice and knowledgeable! He fixed my kayak on day 3 when it broke. Something happened with the cables for the rudder, so we couldn't steer. Instead of paddling in circles, Antonio made semi-repairs in the water, then total repairs when we got to the shore. Just another good reason to go with a guide! The food was amazing, the sunrises and sunsets epic, and I just enjoyed paddling. I could paddle all day long. We saw some amazing sea-life in the tide pools and on shore, but one day we saw a huge manta ray! Very cool!

The last day we woke up early to head to the Pacific side to watch gray whales, their babies and dolphins. I had been on a whale watch before in New Zealand, but this was much better as we were on a smaller boat, saw baby whales, and we also got to see some dolphins interacting with the whales (one dolphin decided to jump OVER the whale instead of swim around and put on quite the show for us!).

There was also a lot of beach time, meaning relaxation time, and I was all about that. No computer, so I couldn't look for jobs, no cell phone so I couldn't contact anyone. It was just me and my thoughts, which is what I needed. I'm still trying to work through not getting the job at Yosemite. For awhile I thought I was sure it was going to happen, then not so sure, to it didn't happen. And now it's time to regroup. With some options disappearing, I've realized on this trip that I need to go in another direction. These thoughts are pretty new and still forming, so we'll see what happens. But beach time was good. And beach time often turned into nap time, and there's nothing wrong with that! I was also pretty proud of myself because I had never been camping for 5 days...but I did it! All without a shower, and a sink, and a flushing toilet!

Go kayaking in Baja. It's wonderful.

My love for the Avett Brothers continues...

2011-02-18T16:32:00.000-06:00

2011-02-17T21:29:00.002-06:00

Portland - Kansas City - Washington DC - Portland - New York - Portland - what's next?

BAJA!

I'm so excited to do a lot (6 days worth) of sea kayaking around the Sea of Cortez. It's my early birthday present so I feel like it's worth it. And right now I have time to do it...so why not? The only unfortunate thing is that while I was in NY working, I caught some type of terrible cold/cough/fever thing. I have never had a more miserable cross country flight. Thankfully my good friend was able to pick me up from the Max station...I was barely functioning and would have had a hard time trying to figure out how to bus it home (thank you, Jolene!). So I'm still in recovery mode and leave tomorrow. So here's to feeling much better and accomplishing all of my tasks (shopping/packing/laundry/applying for jobs/cleaning) tomorrow! Right? Right?! Ugh. Once I'm there I think it will be just fine.

Sunshine and whales...I'm coming for you!

startled morning

2011-01-12T16:03:00.003-06:00

Eating breakfast this morning, (which, let's be honest, was at 10 AM...I don't have a job!) I'm enjoying the beautiful snow, reading the paper, glad to be inside, not out where it's -5 and I turn around to look at the birds out the back window. Instead of birds, I see a giant guy, with dreads and an orange safety vest. So naturally, being startled, I screamed. My screaming, sent the dog into a fit of barking. The guy looked up and waved, laughing as he did so. Good morning meter-reading man. I obviously wasn't expecting you today.

Wisco love...

2011-01-05T17:58:00.002-06:00

I have never been to Wisconsin, until this past week. I stayed in a beautiful cabin in the middle of the woods, looking out over a lake. It was RAINING (argh!) on New Years even though I was ready for huge flakes of snowglobe like snow. Oh well, we got one good day to snowshoe about...which made me feel a little better about all of the cheese curds and beer I consumed. Can you ever have enough of that fabulous combo? Oh yes, and don't forget about all the processed meats! So delicious, and not so healthy, but well worth the indulgence. Wisconsin, I love you! Now it's back to work, looking for jobs, running, and eating less than a pound of cheese a day. I hope that you had a fantastic New Years. I have a good feeling about a new start...

restless...

2010-12-06T15:09:00.003-06:00

I need a job. I realized that I really like to work. Well, for the park service that is. Please government...somehow make a permanent job available for me. It'll be good for you, and even better for me. Thanks...

favorite convo of the week

2010-11-17T00:24:00.002-06:00

I went to the city to visit a good good college friend of mine. She has an adorable, tiny 2 1/2 year old who is quite the talker and calls me by both my first and last name (adorable!) and this conversation took place while I was getting my bags out of my car.

LL: Where is KC going?
LL's Dad: Out to the car to get her bags.
LL: What does KC have in her purse? I want to see what's in there!
LL's Dad: KC doesn't have a purse, she lives in the woods
LL: Oh. Squirrels live in the woods!

Love little LL. Thanks for entertaining me!

new links!

2010-11-17T00:19:00.002-06:00

Check it out! The right hand side is now full of goodness! I'm especially into cooking websites these days. Not that I will actually cook, but more like dream about cooking the delicious things that I see. There is no doubt...I'm still a disaster in the kitchen.

too much?

2010-11-16T23:34:00.001-06:00

no one blogs anymore...should I stop too? I just think in this day of facebook and twitter...how much is too much? Do you really want to know what I ate for breakfast, or see pictures of my latest airport adventure, or where I am in the US these days? Hmm...thoughts to ponder. Until then, I'll still be a infrequent blog poster, I guess. And wait for the demise of blogging?

drinking and thinking...

2010-09-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

They say life only grows short, I say the road only grows long

2010-05-03T17:30:00.003-05:00

cheap entertainment

2010-04-11T18:34:00.000-05:00

San Fran fun take 2

2010-03-08T19:27:00.004-06:00

Chowders: (Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco) Sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder following a long, awesome day at Alcatraz! Beautiful and really great audio tour. Lots of interesting stories and amazing history. The view of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge can't be beat! Nice set-up NPS!

San Fran fun

2010-03-05T18:57:00.005-06:00

We went to San Francisco...my first official trip there! (I had been there once before but I didn't see the Golden Gate Bridge, so it didn't count!) One night was designated for fancy-pants dress and nice dinner followed by dancing at a high-class nightclub. The nightclub didn't work out so well but there were 9 of us...so the party was where we were!

Dinner at Vicoletto: beautiful setting, delicious food, amazing chianti!Full bellies, lots of wine, ready to dance!

for my newest blog reader...

2010-02-15T20:34:00.002-06:00

I was hoping to get some more information about this interactive piece of art but nothing really informative comes up when you google "noodle sculpture, Austin TX" (if you wanted to know wouldn't you look up the same?). I did however find out that it is no longer there. Good thing we made it when we did! Even though just barely! We were in Orlando the day before, and it was the end of our youth conference...so we were celebrating. Needless to say, 2 of our group of 4 had a rough time the next morning. Everyone recovered eventually and we had a fantastic time in Austin watching bats flying out of bridges, art galleries, the state capital, a presidential library, BBQ, Feist, and paying our taxes! A great trip...I miss these girls!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-15T00:13:00.002-06:00

Sugar Pine Cafe: Red Velvet Cake

What a delicious way to end the day. The best part is that there is a thin layer of dark chocolate in between the cake and cream cheese frosting. So damn good and so pretty looking! Happy Valentine's Day to me!

one of my new favorite things

2010-01-23T18:28:00.001-06:00

pomegranates and vanilla ice cream...delicious!

snow!

2009-12-27T13:17:00.002-06:00

Snowing again today! I can tell even before I get out of bed in the morning because I hear the scraping of the snow plows as they try to keep the road clear. I love the snow, especially since I don't have to drive anywhere! Work, the store, the gym, the post office...it's all right here! I assume once the clouds lift it will look a little something like the photo above...

2009-12-26T20:18:00.002-06:00

It's Christmas again, and the years keep ticking by, faster and faster. I wouldn't really notice the years that have passed but my niece and nephews make it an undeniable fact. The oldest is 5 and the youngest a year and a half. That means Aunt Katie is getting older too!

I didn't get to go home, Missouri is just too far away and plane tickets at this time of year are just too expensive. Plus I used up all my annual leave time for a 2 week trip to Italy. So I'm here, and while at the start of the day I was fairly depressed, I started to think of all of the things that I have to be thankful for. I have many, one major part being employed right now in a place that I love, and I job I love (most days), with fantastic friends. So I'll take that over spending Christmas at home. I wasn't ALL alone for the whole Christmas. My housemate and I went to the employee dinner in Curry. It was much better than anything I could have made and they had 6 different types of pie to chose from (with fresh whipped cream)! Nice! And why it was a fairly low key Christmas, at least I wasn't snowed into some airport waiting for a standby seat. I hope that you weren't either! Next up on the list...Vegas for New Year's, and a trip to Death Valley. So excited! Happy Holidays

2009-10-30T12:00:00.002-05:00

I love casual Fridays! Any day not wearing the costume is a good thing...and I don't get mobbed with questions while waiting in line to buy some lunch (not that it's bad to be mobbed...it's a part of my job...it's just nice to have a 1 day break from it!) And I'm wearing my hot pink scarf...it's a good day.

Can't wait for Halloween because I'm dressing up! There's nothing quite like looking foolish and dancing the night away. It's a party with the concessionaire kids so you know it'll be crazy times. Pictures to come later...and no, I won't be going as Lady Gaga this year...

2009-10-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

The special guest this weekend? The Secretary of the Interior! Did I meet him? No. My parents where in town so I decided to show them around instead. We had a really good time and the weather couldn't have been better! The day after they left we got a lot of rain that has made the waterfalls start to flow again...it's nice to have them back in the landscape...and it's making the visitors really happy. Always a good thing!

Work is work. I try to multi-task a lot because I still need to plan my trip to Italy! Maybe tomorrow...Fridays are always super slow. Got a new roommate in the RC that seems nice and normal...so it should be good! I'm also counting down the days until Margarita/Mojito Monday!

2009-10-06T19:02:00.002-05:00

Cold and SNOWY here on Sunday! Now just nice and fallish...which is good. Time to listen to some John Mayer and fall in love (2 things that go with fall...well, I think so...even though it is a little strange).

It's a big weekend here with a lot of important people coming through. Maybe someone who works directly under Obama. I'm not at liberty just yet to tell. But other important people visiting: my parents! I'm excited!

Tomorrow I'm out with a Scandinavian journalist crew. We're hiking the Mist Trail and I just hope that I don't trip, fall and totally embarrass myself. There is a strong possibility of that happening. I'll try to think some better thoughts...

2009-10-02T13:19:00.001-05:00

Just doing the work of the American people...

all caffeinated up (2 cups of coffee this morning...whoa!)

Facelift

2009-09-25T13:23:00.002-05:00

This weekend is the Facelift for the park. Basically, a bunch of people volunteer and clean up the mess that's been made over the summer. So a lot of picking up trash and other miscellaneous items. I found a pair of underwear (nice!), bunches of candy/granola bar wrappers, and some glass. Overall, I picked up 2.4 lbs of trash. I'm challenging my co-workers to beat me...

2009-09-22T21:37:00.002-05:00

So I think this job is going to last for awhile. They say April, and for the first time in a long time, iIhope it's true. I would like to stay that long, things are just starting to get interesting. Besides, I hear the winters are amazing in the park! The majority of the visitors are gone and everyone breathes a sigh of relief, having made it through the summer season. If I make it until April I will have been here 1 year. ONE YEAR! That, for me, is an amazing feat. This month, I'll celebrate 6 months...look at me and stability! I can do it!

2009-09-21T17:57:00.002-05:00

Resurrect the blog? I don't know. Things are slowing down here a bit...maybe I'll have some time.

mid-week fun

2009-07-08T23:37:00.002-05:00

Every Wednesday I get a field day. It's more like a "field" day...a day in the field...of interp. I will be giving my first tour of the Valley, on a tram, 2 HOURS long! in 2 weeks. So, today I just shadowed 3 tram tours. Two were good, one was not. It's good to see both good and bad and strive to do better. I'm 50 percent excited, 50 percent terrified! But I have to remember that tram tours used to be done by our concessionaire, and tram tours are done by 18 year olds that have a lot less public speaking skills than I do. I'm excited to develop my tour! I must go read now. Eventually I will be a wealth of knowledge!

Lazy Sunday

2009-07-05T23:46:00.003-05:00

I had a fairly great weekend. I didn't do a whole lot, but what I did do...was a good time:

Sal' s Taco Truck: every Thursday (payday!) there is a truck that parks in the town where most of the employees live. The line to get some mediocre Mexican food is long. So very long that to pass the time you drink, and socialize with people that you don't get to see on a regular basis (or maybe you do and you get to actually talk to them longer than 2 minutes!). After finally getting your food, if you have been drinking in the meantime, you are fairly drunk, and the burrito that you just ordered will taste like the best burrito you have ever had in your life. It's true, I've experienced it. After lamenting with your friends about how every single one of your relationships has failed, and there are no more tall, single boys left in the world, your friends drive you home.

Well, maybe that last part doesn't happen to everyone. But it's what my night consisted of! After returning to the valley, we proceeded to take a moonlit walk and lay out on the boardwalk. I like night-time here...you're usually the only one around...there are no cars, no bikes, no gapers. It's pretty fantastic.

Friday was a cleaning/laundry day and I watched Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. Eh...not super-impressed. I also watched the traffic gridlock from my back porch! Have a great holiday weekend...I'm sorry that you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, visitors!

I went up to Tuloumne on Saturday. This is considered our high country and right about now the weather is absolutely perfect there! I went to Cathedral Lakes and got eaten alive by mosquitoes. It was a really gorgeous hike and good to get some mileage under my belt. Then it was time for fish tacos and mango margaritas at the Mobil. The Mobil is a gas station but so, so much more. If you come to visit, I'll take you there!

And today. I decided that Sunday is my cooking day since I don't do a lot of cooking the rest of the week. Even though I'm a disaster in the kitchen, I like to try to make delicious things. Some are a hit (oatmeal raisin cookies) and some are a miss (a concoction of pasta, artichoke hearts, chicken, olive oil and peas? The verdict is still out).

So happy July 4th from the "first" national park! We survived the weekend!

back?

2009-06-24T22:42:00.002-05:00

I'm here, in California. I am in love, but not in love with the place. Mostly in love with the fact that I have a cush job (don't get me wrong...at times it can be exhausting but for the most part, it's easy-livin'!) I walk to work, my rent is $220 TOTAL, I share my work-space with some pretty amazing people and during my free time I go climb mountains and float down a river in a national park. So after saying all of this, I like it here...but not as much as the Tetons, definitely not as much as Glacier. What the hell is wrong with me? I was trying to explain this to one of my co-workers when we were trying to come up for good ideas for my tram tour (yes, I finally get to do some interp things!) and when he asked me what I thought about Yosemite I replied, "I like the place, I'm not in love with it though." So how can I make others feel connected to the park when I, myself am having trouble. The only answer I have is to keep exploring. There's got to be something here to make me long for Yosemite when I leave. I just have to find it.

2009-04-21T21:00:00.002-05:00

April has been out of control busy! Seeing as how my days usually consisted of waking up at 10 AM (11, if it was rainy) watching talk shows for most of the afternoon, working out for as long as I wanted (this varied from 5 minutes to an hour or so), and then "settling in" for evening TV programs. Then start the day over. Wash, rinse, repeat. Well, I'm exaggerating, although about 1 out of every 10 days or so actually did turn into the above schedule. Anyhow...April has been nothing like my unemployed lifestyle I have become accustomed to.

I took my NOL S course. Basically it teaches you how to react to medical situations in the backcountry when you don't have various medical supplies at hand. It was an amazing 5 day course with lots of hands on learning. We all got to act as the patients sometimes...so I got to use my acting skills! I met some really amazing people who all love the same things that I do. Always a plus. I also made a friend who is working in Alaska...and said I can visit anytime! I have friends throughout the lower 48...that's pretty easy...but Alaska? Now I've got it covered!

In the middle of all this, I got the chance to youth conference it up in Nashville. So as soon as my class was over, I drove back to Portland, did my laundry, threw all my things from one bag into another and flew out early to Music City. Unfortunately, all I saw of Nashville was the inside of the hotel. I did get to see some old friends though...and share and Easter lunch of Jack In the Box with Lo. Again, the kiddos in Nashville were mean to each other. I had the same problem last year. I don't understand it as they are so polite to me! I can't get enough of the "yes, ma'am"s! It was a challenge to say the least. This MAY have been my final conference. No promises!

After that, I flew home to KC to see my family. My grandpa ended up in the hospital (he's okay now) so I drove to IA to be with him and keep my grandma company. I LOVE my grandparents. They have so many great stories...and what better place to be just waiting around than in a hospital. So while it wasn't ideal, we still had plenty of time to visit.

Now I'm back in Portland for just another couple of days. Before long, I'll be packing my car to head to Yosemite. I'm really excited and ready to start work! I ordered my uniform online...if you know anything about me and shopping, you can guess that this experience is a little stressful. When I shop, I usually try things on twice in the dressing room, and then once more at home to make sure it really fits/I really like it. So I'm figuring my uniform will not fit on the first try.

march madness

2009-03-28T17:56:00.002-05:00

First things first. Thank you so much for all the congratulations and support for my new job. You guys are the best!

Now on to...basketball. I just finished watching Mizzou vs UConn in the Elite 8. We gave them a run for their money! My sister was here last week and we had a conversation about how bad Mizzou was at the high-profile sports (men's football and basketball) when I was in school. And it's true. I never had a chance to go to a bowl game, and all I remember is watching NIT tournaments. So I'm glad they've gotten better. It's exciting to be a tiger. However, I don't feel as connected...especially out here in Portland. They don't really care about Missouri, or even the Big 12 for that matter, so I've had to watch several NCAA games online because Portland thought it would be more important to show the Duke/Villanova game?! But to be fair, I haven't been the best fan. I'm usually multitasking while watching the game. I miss the days when I knew the players well and would sometimes run into them on campus. But now that I don't really know anything about the players...I don't care as much. Katie = bad Mizzou fan.

news

2009-03-26T02:50:00.002-05:00

Good news! Well, better than good; great, fantastic, amazing news. I GOT A JOB! Yes, after being mostly unemployed in Portland for the better part of 6 months, I finally got a job. However, it's not in Portland, it's in Yosemite National Park!

This job has been a long time coming as it will be my first step in my career as a ranger. I actually have career goals? Yes, yes I do. And it's about 90 percent exhilarating and exciting and 10 percent terrifying!

I think I always knew I wanted to work in national parks ever since high school. Why I pushed it aside? I probably thought it wasn't very conducive to "real life" so I majored in something much more practical, something where I knew I would always have a job. There's the story of me picking my tassel up for graduation and it being the wrong color for nursing graduates, but rather the color for the Parks and Rec graduates. I don't really believe in signs, but that's a bit ironic! And all my nursing classmates headed right into their first job as a nurse immediately after graduation while I took the summer to sell trinkets at a gift shop in Glacier. It was that experience that has forever changed my life in greater ways than I ever knew at the time. I always thought of it as my "last fun summer job" not something that would eventually lead me where I am today. Here's the thing though: I can't deny it any longer. I honestly think that this is where I belong and what I'm supposed to be doing. I've never been so fully on board with a job before...it's so exciting!

I am also very grateful about this whole experience of finding THIS job at this time. It almost seems like several stars had to align and everything had to fit together just right for it to occur. I have to give all credit to the person who made me apply for ranger jobs, and was/still is a constant source of encouragement, and believed in me and what I had to offer even when I didn't think that much of myself. So, many thanks, A! I'm such a lucky girl! I don't quite know what the set-up for this summer is going to be like, but I'll try to get back on board with posting. And if you're ever in NoCal, let me know!

2009-03-11T20:42:00.000-05:00

I'm addicted to Lost...and you should be too!

spread the word to end the word

2009-03-10T22:55:00.002-05:00

Please read Erin's blog. I totally support her feeling and opinions in today's post. She is an amazing writer and tells the story of her daughter's life beautifully. Check it out.

My parent's visit

2009-03-10T22:30:00.003-05:00

My parents came to see me! We did a bunch of fun things including: a hike to the top of Multnomah Falls (my mom made it...and she's afraid of heights...so I was proud of her!), Edgefield, a trip to the cheese factory (my dad now loves cheese curds just as much as I do), to the beach (we ate lots of seafood), to Clatsop Fort (where Lewis and Clark spent the winter after their expedition), to Ikea (my mom LOVES this place now...and we ate Swedish meatballs), to Powells (of course we bought books), Pioneer Square Courthouse, and drank some fantastic coffee at Stumptown Roasters. So that's pretty much an overview of the short trip to Portland. I love my parents!

2009-03-05T19:40:00.002-06:00

I don't know what it is about working in this city...but it's difficult. The new staffing agency never returns my calls to tell me why they don't want to hire me? And the other staffing agency, I just want to be done with. There is an issue of me training on a hospital's computer system, but the staffing agency is unable to get me a shift. Therefore, they can't pay me for the time I put in for training? I don't get it either...and I need to get mad about it and demand it...but I'm not that kind of person. But I just want to be done with this agency. They're not so truthful and THEY AREN'T PAYING ME! Argh! But it's okay...there are promising things on the horizon if I can just be patient. I hate waiting though...and honestly, it scares me to not have any kind of plan. So yes, I'm trying to be all zen and meditative. Let's see if it works.

Last week was fantastic. Home was great! My oldest nephew along with my sister and dad were at the airport gate. When I got off the plane, I got the biggest hug and smiles from my Jake-man. I miss my family (and dog) so much. But it was good to spend time with them, and we had pseudo-Christmas with a full Christmas dinner! Awesome!

Pittsburgh was great also. My co-fax was a mid-westerner (yeah, midwest!) who was fairly new at the faculty advising gig. So it was nice to feel knowledgeable about something. We also had the same flight back...at least to Denver. And he's looking at law schools in Portland next week...so yay for making friends that I'll actually see again! Oh, and my kids were good...that's always a plus!

My parents are coming this weekend...and it's supposed to snow...grr. I think that the weather is pretty decent until someone comes to visit...then all hell breaks loose. I guess it was 80 degrees in MO today. PDX is cold, windy and super-rainy. Should be an...interesting trip.

One more month in Portland...and I can't believe it. I'm a little sad. I wanted it to work out, I really did.

2009-02-16T16:40:00.003-06:00

Things that I've been doing:

Church at Imago Dei - that's Donald Miller's church, the guy that wrote Blue Like Jazz, a book I highly recommend...and I LOVE this church, even though it's huge!

St Cupcake - a friend from Wyoming works there so we stopped by to see her, and got 4 mini cupcakes. They were delicious but supposedly do not compare to Babycakes in Kansas City. My quest for the most amazing cupcake continues...

New Nurse Staffing Agency - long story short, my old staffing agency sucked. So I signed up with someone else, maybe they can get me some work...here's hoping!

NOLS - in my continuing quest to work for NOLS, I'm taking the first step and just signed up for a Wilderness Upgrade for the Medical Professional course. It's 5 days, in Washington and I'm excited/nervous. It's been awhile since I've been to a "class".

Travel - this week I'm headed home to KC to see everyone and celebrate my sister's and grandmother's birthday. After that, Pittsburgh to hang out with some 9th graders. I would like to think that this might be my last conference, but I never can be sure...so I don't say things like that anymore

Multnomah Falls - Jolene and I went and hiked to the overlook. It was pretty sweet, and a great workout as it was all switchbacks

TV - being pretty much unemployed, I watch a lot of it...which is unfortunate. I can't get enough of The Bachelor, Lost, The Office, 30 Rock and of course, so excited about the new season of the Amazing Race. Yeah, I spend my free time wisely!

impromptu road trip

2009-02-09T15:10:00.003-06:00

I was craving cheese curds, it was a nice day...so Jolene and I decided to drive to Tillamook. So how far will I drive for cheese curds? 3 hours, I guess! It was well worth! After eating all the dairy products we could consume (they also have excellent ice cream!) we headed to the coast. Cape Mears to be exact. There is a lighthouse there...and there is only one more like it in the world! Amazing!

fantastic...

2009-01-25T18:45:00.002-06:00

weekend that it. The rundown: Lincoln came to visit! YAY! He has several friends in the area and so we spent some time drinking beer, hanging out and eating good food! We also attempted a trip to Mt Hood but never made it due to my fear of snow/ice/fog/sleet/hail, inclimate weather conditions, and 4 guys having to push my car up a hill cause it was stuck in the snow. Bummer. Sorry, Lincoln! But I had a really great time meeting up with everyone again (Chris, Jason and Shelly) and maybe making some new friends (Amanda). There ARE cool people that live in PDX!

My sister is coming for spring break...I'm excited!

Jolene and I tried to watch "No Country for Old Men". Didn't like it, but I really don't like anything with extreme violence. AND I'm not smart enough to get the deeper meaning of films.

The hospital gig starts in a week. I think I may try (TRY!) to work a couple days this week...even though it would be long term care. I'm feeling really restless, and having a little income would be nice!

what, what?

2009-01-22T16:03:00.002-06:00

Guess what you guys? My blog is semi-famous! Well, in the cheese world. I'm excited. Check it out!

The day...

2009-01-21T21:26:00.002-06:00

...Obama became president was a good one. Seeing as Jolene and I still don't have jobs, we got to see all the festivities. Pretty much a freakin' big deal. I was thinking of all of my co-workers currently working a youth conference (I guess they had 15,000 scholars total...whoa) and my other friends that live in/around the DC area. Part of me is really sad that I had an opportunity to go and didn't take it. Another part of me is glad to have missed all the craziness and watch it all unfold while being very comfortable on my couch. Either way, we celebrated by making an inaugural cake...looks pretty good...I can't take any credit as Jolene decorated it...but I am doing my part in eating a lot of it! So...good times...and it's fun to think 4 years ago I was in New Zealand for the inauguration...and didn't have a tv...so I missed it!

exciting times...

2009-01-19T20:37:00.000-06:00

Day of Service

2009-01-18T17:43:00.002-06:00

Then a call for service. The president-elect asked citizens to spend Monday — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — to honor the memory of the civil rights leader by volunteering.

“On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington,” he said. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others — no matter where you live.”

What can you do? Obama suggested going to USAservice.org to find out what your community is doing or to organize your own service event.

Free stuff

And if you do step it up and do some volunteering, you can get some free coffee. All you have to do is go to Starbucks and fill out a pledge card stating that you will donate five hours of your time to a volunteer opportunity and you can get a free tall coffee.

Through this campaign, Starbucks is hoping to generate one million hours of volunteer service

I think this whole thing is pretty amazing and I'm really excited that a lot of people are going to participate. The free coffee is just an added bonus! Tomorrow I'll be volunteering where I usually do, the Nature Park. I urge you to get involved! Happy Inauguration!

and done!

2009-01-14T23:04:00.002-06:00

I worked at a long term care unit (aka nursing home) today as an agency staff nurse. It made the hospital look pretty damn good...and I'm never working LTC again. It was a long, sad day :(

I like winter?

2009-01-13T20:33:00.002-06:00

Well no, I still don't like winter. But you would be proud to hear that I spent this past weekend in the mountains of Idaho (Sun Valley-ish area) in a yurt, playing in the snow. I went with Lincoln and 12 of his friends. I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first. I don't mix well with winter, I'm NOT a good skier (for some reason I though ski skills and snowshoe skills were similar), I had never been snowshoeing before, and I was going to be the new-kid outsider to the group. Lincoln assured me that as long as I could walk, I could snowshoe. And he was right. As far as his friends,; they couldn't have been nicer to me...and were so much fun to hang out with. I had a fantastic time sledding, socializing, snowshoeing...and it was amazing beautiful out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for inviting me, Lincoln!

Cheese!

2009-01-05T21:04:00.002-06:00

I forgot to mention...over the holidays, Jo's (my roommate) parent came up from Texas. We needed something to do so we decided to go to Tillamook and visit the cheese factory. This was kind-of a big deal for me because a) I love cheese and b) when I worked in Glacier, I had a friend that lived in Washington and always raved that Tillamook cheese was THE best (pepper jack especially). So it was "like meeting a celebrity" in my roommate's words. I don't know about you, but I could watch them make and package cheese all day. It's really fascinating...even baby Ari liked it! The best part...free cheese tasting! What a great day!

I'm a nerd...I know...but if you come and visit me...guess where I'm taking you!

holiday update

2009-01-04T18:16:00.002-06:00

I'm glad that the holidays are over. Especially since I wasn't able to be home for Christmas. It just didn't make much monetary or timing sense. I looked at plane tickets about 3 weeks before Christmas and the cheapest one was for $700! Really?! I could fly home 2 1/2 times for $700 at any other time of the year. AND I'm still unemployed. So no, I did not go home for Christmas and yes, I was pretty bummed about it.

However, I DID get to spend the holidays with my roommate (Jo), her sister (Jess), husband (Kurtis) and their 1 year old baby (Ari). It was fun times...we opened presents, and Kurtis made a much better version of the old elementary school lunch standby: chili and cinnamon rolls. Someday, Kurtis hopes to open a bakery/cafe/coffee place of some sort and I will be one of the first people he hires! That would be a nice way to get a job! So anyhow...he makes really delicious food...and I always love going over to their house!

For Christmas I got some pretty amazing things including a replacement "The Family Stone" because I recently realized that my roommate from this summer borrowed it and never gave it back (aka stole it...thanks), The Office Season 3 which I am currently LOVING, and my parents gave me an external hard drive per my request. I just don't trust my computer and am afraid to turn it on one day and find that everything is gone. So now, I am struggling with the process of figuring out how to work it. I set things up wrong initially and need to look at things a little more closely to get everything on the hard drive. Oh, how I wish I wasn't technologically handicapped.

So yeah...I hope that you had fantastic Christmas/Hanuka/Kwanzaa and a most excellent new year's. Bring it on 2009...I'm ready!

snow

2008-12-18T00:34:00.002-06:00

One of the reasons I moved to Portland was the promise of no snow. People that lived here kept telling me over and over...we rarely get snow, and if we do, it doesn't stay around long.

Well, this is an exceptional year as I have been snowed in since Monday. Part of it is my own doing (I have a terrifying fear of driving in snowy/icy conditions) and part is Portland's fault. Two inches of snow and the city shuts down. They don't salt the roads because...I don't know why...they say it's too cold for the salt to work. But what about places like North Dakota, Minnesota and anywhere in Montana? Obviously places who are used to a lot of snow and cold weather cope...handling bad weather is not a mystery!

Being stuck in the apartment is just another issue on top of many other issues that I'm upset about currently...I'll be better soon (hopefully).

quote

2008-12-10T22:30:00.002-06:00

I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.

~John Muir, 1896

twilight

2008-12-08T18:43:00.003-06:00

Edward Cullen: tortured, mysterious, sexy, a vampire...what more could a girl want?! I totally bought into the Twilight hype but I read the books WAY before the movie came out. This makes me a better person than everybody else who jumped on the bandwagon after seeing the movie. AND I thought (against my better judgement because he was like 16 at the time) Robert Pattinson (the guy above) was super-cute as Cedric Diggory in that one Harry Potter movie. I saw the success of everything coming from far, far away! I am awesome!

Really though, don't underestimate the buying power of teenage girls. Several of my students said that when the movie came out they were going to see it as much as they could in the theaters (much like "Titanic" was for my generation) and said that they owned all the books. I will confess...I saw the movie...ONCE and I read all the books borrowed from the library...ONCE...and I'm good with that. So maybe I'm not AS awesome as I though previously.

conference time

2008-12-03T18:58:00.002-06:00

I went away for awhile and was actually busy WORKING. Yes, working...a fairly foreign concept seeing as I didn't work for a solid month. It's almost enough to make a girl crazy...good thing I had my youth conferences to fall back on. I picked up 3 cities and had a good time in each:

Atlanta: Getting there was rough...never fly US Air if you can help it. After I arrived I met up with some friends from Wyoming. It was so great to see them but our time was limited due to the fact I had to get up at 7AM the next day...and with the time change I was fading fast. My kids that week were fantastic...they all loved each other so much that at the end of the conference, every single one of them cried...it was sweet. Then on to...

Irvine: I was happy to go to Cali if only to soak up some sun...and I did...by the pool. The conference was okay...I didn't like my kids so much...they didn't bond very well and several of them were...not the smartest. There was one girl who didn't know right from left and made a huge deal every time we asked them to move for various activities. These kids are in 9th grade...if you don't know your right from left at that point in life...you have some issues! We also had a disappointing moment where at the Variety Show, the emcees started improv-ing and one kid said, "Get up here and dance like a retard!" We have a whole workshop on appreciating diversity in which we talk about why maybe you should use your words more wisely and using that phrase can hurt someone. And they had all gone through that workshop...we failed at our jobs! The highlight of the week was going to Laguna Beach with Sam, Susan, Cindy and G. Sam decided he's going to live there because "if it's good enough for LC, it's good enough for me!"

Columbus: It was my first "new" city as I have never been to Ohio before! I was ed support which meant I got to hang out with the program coordinators a lot...one of them being my good friend, Amy. I had a fun time sorting papers and forms and checking facebook a lot...all while getting paid! I also got to drive a jeep cherokee around...I almost drove it all the way back to Missouri...I liked it so much! Columbus is also the home of the infamous State interview question: the hotel is located on 3rd and Gay St. The scenario for the question is how you handle students who are making fun of Gay Street. You have to role play this scenario out...it's really awkward and uncomfortable...but if you work State....you must answer it!

So overall, I was glad to be back teaching briefly. And now back to the job search...

pumpkins!

2008-10-27T22:16:00.004-05:00

Pumpkin Time! I don't remember the last time I carved a pumpkin....but I'm glad we did this Halloween. I love digging out the insides...it's ridiculously messy but strangely therapeutic!

Nature Park

2008-10-26T13:57:00.002-05:00

I spent part of the day yesterday at a nature park I found that's not too far away from where I live...I'm hoping to volunteer with them very soon. As I was walking one of the trails, a boy, approximately 7 years old said, "Stop...look!" As excited as he was I wasn't sure what I was in for: a beaver, a rare bird? Even seeing a deer around here would be thrilling (since this park is in the middle of a city)!

It was a chipmunk.

Needless to say, I was not impressed, but the way that the boy was so excited about seeing it, and so proud to point it out to others...it made me smile.

I also almost stepped on a snake, and the biggest slug I've ever seen in my life. It was a big day at the nature park.

jumping through hoops?

2008-10-21T22:51:00.005-05:00

When I applied for a nursing license a couple of years ago...I just had to fill out a form, and pay them.

When I applied for a nursing license this week...I had to fill out a form, and pay them (more money than last time...inflation, I guess), get fingerprinted (going to prison for ANY situation is not fun), AND acquire 7 hours of continuing education regarding pain management.

Portland is making my life difficult...and I might be going back to a career as a nurse.

I don't know what's happening either...

serious coffee

2008-10-09T22:25:00.003-05:00

Here is Portland, coffee is no joke. I figured this out by the number of coffeehouses within a 1 block radius...4! Also, I applied for a job at one certain coffee place and I had two interviews...one on the phone and one in person. Really, Portland? Really?!

City of Roses

2008-10-08T22:33:00.003-05:00

Portland is known as The City of Roses...and we saw today why they call it that. Jolene and I went to Washington Square Park which included the International Rose Test Gardens. It was so pretty there...roses still in bloom even in Oct! Of course it was a foggy, cloudy day...but we're learning to accept that! We also illegally looked over the wall at the Japanese Garden (we were NOT going to pay admission to go into a garden), found random statues, looked at the Holocaust Memorial (yes, there is one in Portland), and went up to "the best overlook of Portland", Pittock Mansion. It was fantastic to be a super-tourist for the day...ridiculous pictures and all!

Job front: 1 interview, 1 more application in...and searching for jobs is exhausting!

missing this

2008-10-07T13:41:00.004-05:00

The Betty House: my refuge for my last couple weeks when I couldn't handle staying with my roommates anymore. It's a pretty sweet house and comes with a few belongings left over from the Bettys, like books in french, a lot of them. Often times there are moose and elk right outside the door. And to be honest....the guys that lived there were pretty fantastic as well. I miss it.

update...again

2008-10-06T22:03:00.002-05:00

Maybe back to blogging? I don't know...it was nice to take a break but we'll see. I'm living in a new city (Portland) with new adventures. Adventures like surviving a 3 day road trip in a Penske truck, buying a bed off of Craig's list, building shelves with my own two hands (okay...it was a shelf from target and you didn't need any tools...but still!). Job front: applied to 4 places...have heard from zero...but it's only been a couple days. More to come soon...I think I'll be back for a little while...

summer

2008-07-29T17:44:00.004-05:00

things I've done since I've last updated (it's been awhile, I know!):

-camping with Team Awesome (Mark, Kate, Trevor and Meagan) in Driggs, Idaho

-going to the Drive-In called The Spud...we were in Idaho...it's only appropriate

-went to Boise to see Lincoln and get away from my crazy, crazy roommate (almost killed a dog while I was there...it was an accident...but nontheless traumatic)

-hiked some (Bearpaw and Trapper Lake, Death Canyon, Hermitage Point, The Grand View)

-Finally went to see a show at The Mangy Moose (it was awesome)

-Teton County Fair (I pet some goats and cows but steered clear of the carnival rides!)

-Yonder Mountain String Band Concert (fun, fun, fun!)

-floated on Flagg Creek (and saved my friend from seriously injuring herself)

-work, work, work (I love my job...but am starting to hate the gapers...hey...it's mid-season...I'm allowed)

-ate a lot of pizza (and still continue to!)

Overall, trying to enjoy the summer...it's almost over...you know!

amazing birthday-ness

2008-06-13T13:59:00.005-05:00

So I turned 27...and I'm not ashamed to say it. I figure there are a lot of people older than me, and a lot of people younger than me...and age is just age. Who really cares? Look at me...all full of wisdom and valuable insight now...awesome.

Had a fantastic two day birthday celebration. It started with dinner at Signal (in which my boss paid for everything...so nice), and then moved to the bar where we did the rest of our celebrating. I'm thinking these days it's good to be friends with the bartenders...they made sure I celebrated well. Combined with the free drinks, the well wishes, everyone telling me I looked pretty (because I did!), and everyone in the bar singing happy birthday to me at midnight...it was a pretty fantastic birthday. I had to work the next day...but it was just making dough (which is good because you don't have to deal with people and there is no pressure for time) and let's just say I didn't keep everything down the night before...so I felt fine in the morning (unlike all of my other co-workers). Worked, went to a lecture about bats (my arch nemesis, but I respect them now), and then had dinner with some of the guys from Signal at Leek's. Kate made me dinner which was fantastic, then they brought a cake out, candles and everything. Really, really great day. I have the best friends EVER! Thanks for all the birthday wishes...and if I haven't called you yet...I'm trying to...I promise!

Oh, and it snowed yesterday...again

I'm going to Jackson...

2008-06-06T20:43:00.002-05:00

Things in the lovely paradise of Jackson Hole are going pretty well. I still think that there is nothing that the mountains, some pizza, and a big smile can't fix...and I get a regular dose of each of those things everyday. However, this lifestyle is not without it's struggles for me...much of what I was feeling last time has returned, with a whole new set of problems involving a new roommate who is young, and nothing like me in any way. But, should be a good experience regardless, being more tolerant of people will be good for me...even "I'll tell you my whole life story the first day I meet you" people. I'm trying to be patient with her but my other roommate, Hannah and I are secretly hoping that she fails her drug test (which means she would be fired) and this makes us terrible. BUT at the end of the day...I live in a cabin, by one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. I'm good for the summer...I think...

and it's snowing here

Into the Wild: the movie

2008-05-08T10:26:00.002-05:00

I was looking forward to seeing this movie so, so much because the book is one of my top ten favorites. However, the movie came out around the time when I was working 6 days a week...and had to walk a half an hour to a movie theatre...so I finally just saw it yesterday. I have to say...I'm disappointed. I think that the book does Chris McCandless more justice than the movie does. Maybe they needed more of his words, his writing, in the movie. I don't know...go read the book...it's better that way.

another chapter comes to a close

2008-05-06T14:57:00.002-05:00

So these past 5 months have been filled with lots and lots of airplane rides...I don't even want to tell you how many delays I've had, or how often I would pass out on the plane before we even left the gate (every time!) but just for the record:

Spain
Washington DC
Princeton, NJ
Nashville, TN
Spartanburg, SC
New Orleans
Atlanta, GA
Irvine, CA
San Diego, CA
Cocoa Beach, FL
Orlando, FL
Austin, TX
then back to DC

Now I'm here...in Kansas City...for a couple of days. Packing up everything to head to Wyoming for the summer. Only time will tell if it is a good decision to go back. I'm not one to do the same job, in the same place, twice.

I really miss my 8th and 9th graders though...teaching and dealing with that age group was so, so good for me. In fact, I loved that job. But I'm ready for the next step...I think...

2008-05-03T14:22:00.001-05:00

I can't wait to figure out what's wrong with me
So I can say this is the way that I used to be

- John Mayer

2008-04-04T10:04:00.003-05:00

Again: not written by me, but put on my blog for me...It's always good to know someone thinks the same way that you do...

I can't say that I ever looked at my parents and said 'I want or don't want that.' And while my dad has always done a great job of leaving work at work, I know he's had struggles and that he gets through them by looking forward to what he loves, hunting and fishing. So I taught myself to just try and pursue the things I love and skip over that 'being unhappy and needing something to look forward to' business. I've had some pretty interesting jobs, but I've also left out American Dream ideas like starting a family or planning for retirement.

The most stability I've had since college was Peace Corps, which was arguably a pretty exotic form of it. A word I have chosen to differentiate my life against the more traditional path is 'routine'. With the exception of where I am right now - knowing I'll be here for another 1.5 years - I often haven't known where I'd be just three months into the future (in fact the longest job I've had since 2004 has been just 3.5 months long). That's a sexy 'life resume' point to throw out in selling yourself as an adventurer, but there are also limits to it.

Some of this is depressing. I've spent a lot of time reveling in the excitement of my short-term lifestyle, promising never to work at one job more than a year or two. I also even went so far as to expect never to have a high-paying job, because Real Jobs with Real Pay bring expectations and responsibility which will extract my soul.

so...

2008-04-02T23:34:00.002-05:00

things I have thus learned from working this job:

"So" is my filler word - My boss was observing me facilitate and in 30 minutes I said "so" 11 times. I guess it would be more drawn out...like "sooooo". What can I say...it gives me time to think of what to say next

my reasons for getting jobs that are temporary/quitting jobs frequently - truth be told, I burn out so, so easily. I invest a lot into my job and I work very hard for the time that I have it. I quit/leave jobs once I start to not forgive myself for the mistakes that I make thinking that they are inexcusable. I guess I feel like when you first have a job that it's okay to make those mistakes because you're new...but once that wears off...I think, "what has happened to me?" And if I leave a job without doing something totally stupid...i think, "Wow, made it out just in time." Also a reason for burnout...I totally overthink everything. It makes me tired but I can't turn it off. When I was working in the hospital...i thought about my patients every night in the sense of what I could have done better that day, if I did a, b and c would that patient's outcome be different? It's the same with my scholars. I had one leave our conference in Princeton and it made me sad...and I couldn't help but think what I could have done differently that might have kept her there. In all reality, she left...and it happened not because of me...it just happened. It's hard to work at a job where you feel guilty all the time...it exhausts you...so that's why i think I leave

Drinking out of a bucket is never a good idea - enough said

I like being really busy - Although I often complain about how tired I am and how much I can't wait for a break...I really dislike my free time of doing not so much at home. Sure, sitting around watching movies all day sounds like fun...unless you have developed a very short attention span in the last few months and cannot sit still...

I have 1 (one!) more conference in Orlando, then a month at home before I head back to Leek's. Please come to Kansas City for that month that I'm there...I'll need something to keep me from going crazy from having no job!

what happened to Mizzou basketball?

2008-02-24T16:14:00.002-06:00

So I went to a Mizzou men's basketball game last night...they played Colorado...and can I just say LAME! Mizzou won, which was a good thing, but it was not so fun to watch.

Maybe we need Quinn and his crazy eyes back to put the passion back into Mizzou basketball. Too bad his firing/quitting was surrounded by scandal and that's never going to happen. Sad.

stolen...again

2008-02-23T00:04:00.002-06:00

Since I missed my annual Valentine's Day entry, I'm making up for it...by stealing from Okay Seriously. I think if I lived in Cleveland I would beg her to be my friend because she is so freaking funny! So enjoy!

Oh, and to preface...I am not a she-woman-man-hater. Every relationship that I've had and failed has been my fault. I know for a fact that there are lots of quality guys out there...however, I would never "settle" for someone who wasn't right for me.

That is all.

you probably won't want to read all of this...

2008-02-20T18:55:00.004-06:00

Since I last left you I think the itinerary goes:

Washington DC
Princeton, New Jersey
NYC
Nashville

I'm home now...and recovering by sleeping and catching up on "real world" things. New Jersey was good. I had good kids...for the most part. There were actually 2 outspoken scholars who hated each other that wasn't so great for the group dynamic...what made it hard for me was that I was not supported by my co-worker in any way, shape or form. Even worse news, they put me back with him when we go to Atlanta. I just sent my boss an e-mail begging and pleading to switch with someone else because I cannot handle another session working with him. And I can work with anyone...so it's bad (just so you know...we have a partner for each group of 24ish students...so you spend the whole conference with pretty much this person and your group of kids). So it was me dealing with all the discipline issues while trying to get everyone bonded in this group. It was hard work...but in the end they all got along...and I will take full credit for that.

Directly after NJ...I took a train (for the first time in the US) to New York to see my former conference roommate, Soo. I had an amazing time there catching up with her, eating amazing food, drinking lots (she forced me to!), and seeing the city. It was cold..so, so cold...and it snowed. We would look at the weather forecast and it would be 15 degrees...but feels like 8. Thanks for nothing global warming! But a big highlight was randomly getting tickets to The Daily Show. For those of you that don't know, I have had a older-man-crush on Jon Stewart for a very long time now. So to see him in person was AMAZING! He is obviously hilarious but also incredibly intelligent and so, so nice! He answered our questions before the show and thanked us for showing up. Soo wasn't a fan before but now she is!..and how could you not be...and he is like 10 times more attractive in person...just thought I would throw that in there. As soon as he divorces his wife...I'm there...

NYC to Nashville was possibly the most miserable travel experience EVER. It had snowed the day before...so the airports were still a mess, but the day I flew out it had warmed up enough to be pouring down rain. Imagine walking 7 blocks, with a rolling suitcase, your backpack, your flipcharts (in a poster mailing tube) and an umbrella in your hands, and the wind is blowing your umbrella inside out, and it's cold, and your wet, and the bus doesn't come, so you finally hail a gypsy cab not caring how much it costs, getting to the airport only to be delayed several hours, get on the wrong flight, get off said wrong flight, wait another 2 hours until your plane leaves, miss your connecting flight in Cincinnati, wait a couple more hours and finally get to Nashville about 10:00 PM. I was not a happy camper but in relatively good spirits. When it comes to airports and travel i just relinquish all control...so I really can't get angry...I was just tired.

Nashville kids...kind-of terrible. They just did not get a lot of the concepts that we teach. For example, we have a workshop on appreciating diversity and we talk about why it's not right to use the phrase "that's so gay" (if you don't understand why this is wrong...let me know...we can have a little chat...I'm good at it by now). I had about 4 kids that realized why it was wrong and the rest, no matter how we tried to explain it, just didn't get it...at all. It was frustrating and sad all at the same time. I can only hope that we reached more kids than I think we did...at least made some of them aware? I can only hope so. It was sad because one of my kids said her teachers at school used it all the time. Yeah, so sad. What happened to teachers being role models? Very interesting to say the least. S0 conference part of Nashville....rough...

Nashville in general...so, so great! I'm such a sucker for live music...and it's everywhere, and the talent in the city is so amazing...cause they're all trying to make it...and they're all really, really good. So it was pretty much amazing. BBQ and country music...I was a happy girl! I booked an extra day into my trip and I thought I would just hang out by myself but it turns out my co-worker Brian had done the same. So we went to The Country Music Hall of Fame and hung out on Broadway and 2nd Street taking in all the live music, debriefing our state experience thus far, and talking a lot about the Peace Corps (Brian trying to convince me to go...he just spent 2 years in Kenya). So things have been pretty great so far. I'm looking forward to resting a bit...and I hit the road again soon!

new jobness

2008-02-04T17:12:00.000-06:00

I really like my job...this week was tough, but in the end, when you have 23 junior high students come up and give you a big hug, and tell you thanks for everything that you taught them, and they tell you what they want to do to change there communities at home; well, I don't really mind the stress, the long hours, and the very few hours of sleep. So yeah, things are good. I'm staying in DC for a few days, then I'm headed to New Jersey. Should be an interesting week.

In other news, my baby sister turns 21 today. That makes me feel pretty old!

Superbowl: great game, but I was SO tired! It was good though because one of my co-workers is from New York, therefore he made me cheer for the Giants. It kept me interested for at least part of the game.

and back

2008-01-21T20:47:00.000-06:00

I know, it's been awhile. I've not been feeling blog-worthy lately. Things are happening...lots of things...but I feel to try and be funny, or do any sort of justice to the events going on in my life...I just couldn't summon the words. But then again, it's not like my writing has been anything great to start with...so here we go....

KC, Boston, Spain, Boston, DC, KC

You wouldn't think that the above is a lot of travelling but all these trips equated to about a good 2 days in the airport...most of it waiting...yeah...that was me trying to call you in an effort to divert myself from becoming increasing frustrated that my plane was delayed due to the fact that there was too much ice and snow on the plane to let it take off.

Spain was amazing! My favorite part has to be all of Gaudi's modernista buildings. No straight lines, nature-like, well lit and ventilated. He really was an architect with ideas way before his time. I didn't have to use my Spanish much...which was a good thing as I remembered hardly any of it. However, lots of cool things to see, interesting things to eat, tours to take, chocolate con churros ("I want to throw up chocolate!") The Olympic stadium and all surrounding sculptures in Barcelona were also pretty cool to see. I think we did a good job of "doing it up Barca-style" (a quote we heard a jerk of an American use...and then joking used it in all situations possible).

yay for holidays

2007-12-27T21:10:00.000-06:00

Hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas! Our family was very lucky once again to have everyone over to celebrate...even though it was a day early...it really doesn't matter. Good food, family and getting together with friends...how can you go wrong?

Upcoming:
-bluegrass with Stephanie (someone is actually coming to visit me in KC!)
-New Year's Eve in CoMO
-Cotton Bowl, baby!
-Freeman comes to KC! (2 people visiting within 1 week...amazing)
-Spain (Spain!)
-back to the District to start the job

Employed!

2007-12-17T14:47:00.000-06:00

Got a job today...not that I thought I wasn't getting it...but they certainly made me wait a little bit before finding out. For those of you who haven't heard I will be working once again for the same company that I have been working for, but a different youth conference that I will lovingly refer to as State. I will be faculty advising (it will be so much better than being stuck in the office) but this time with 8th and 9th graders. AND they pay for your travel...this job is 100 percent travel which is also something I look forward to. The conference is for 4 days (goodbye weekends until May!) but the 3 days in between...they will fly you wherever you want to go in the lower 48. Not so much a money making endeavor...but a good experience (and when making money is my priority in life...slap me). Can't wait to get back in the classroom...and also very relieved to have a job again for a little bit. I can't complain...I'm a happy girl...and I may be coming to see you soon,