Love the Day

Awesome Short Film

2012-01-26T08:09:00.002-05:00

Neat concept involving gravity and how it can be manipulated with stop motion film making:

GRAVITY // UN RÊVE DE DEMAIN from Filip Piskorzynski on Vimeo.

Marine Screaming in a Slingshot

2012-01-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

This is hilarious and I love it even more because he is wearing the Georgia G. :)

World Covers of Adele

2012-01-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

My favorites are the ladies at the 1:03, 2:15, and 3:15 marks. Cool composite.

How One Brave Teacher Came Out at School

2012-01-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

What a brave and thoughtful educator! Really loved this story.

Update about 30 before 30

2012-01-16T18:06:00.005-05:00

So as I'm packing for the move, I'm trying to remember my 4th resolution to declutter my life. I definitely have a growing pile of things to donate, but I have to admit that this is really difficult.

For some reason when I come across something I haven't used/worn in years, I convince myself I will use it now that I remember it's there or that eventually I will fit into it again. So finally I had to print out this little reminder for myself:

My friends Samantha and Miranda are currently living on top of a huge pile of clothes in my living room.

One resolution that has been a little easier is number 11 or calling my family more. Unfortunately, one of the reasons I've been on top of this one is because my Grandmother has not been doing very well lately and is currently living with my parents. On the more positive side, the other reason it's been easy to remember this one is because my parents give awesome advice, and I've been needing a lot of it lately. Whether it's been about what car to buy (more on this later), what route to take from DC to SLC, or worries about the living situation, my parents have been awesome. Probably the only thing they haven't been able to help me with is how to achieve resolution number 15.

However, I've been doing pretty good work on my own with that one. Although, I have yet to come in 1st place when driving Rainbow Road on Mariokart for Wii, yesterday I made it to 2nd place! In the moment I was so ecstatic, I felt like it was the best achievement of my life. Clearly this is not true, but I was celebrating like it was. In fact my reaction was a lot like this kid's:

Seriously, my happiness over a virtual car race exceeded my joy over getting an actual car. That's right, go ahead and cross off number 18 and consider it my 29 before 30 list! Want to see what my new friend looks like?

Cute little SUV right? Hopefully it will help me get across the country and used to life in the snow and mountains.

Not bad for the first half month of the year! How are your 2012 resolutions coming? Hope they are going equally well!

Krispy Kreme Muffins

2012-01-16T17:58:00.002-05:00

So my friend Carolyn sent me this awesome recipe for Krispy Kreme muffins, which has to be the most genius idea ever. I don't want to be stingy, so I thought I would share the recipe. I haven't tried it yet, so if you get to it before I do, let me know how it goes.

When I get a chance to try it out, I'll share some pics and thoughts. However, I probably won't get around to it until after the move.

For the Batter
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 to 1 ¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg, to taste (I used ¾)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk

For the Glaze
3 tablespoons butter; melted
1 cup confectioners’ sugar; sifted
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons hot water

Directions
1) Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin. Or line with 12 paper muffin cups, and grease the cups with non-stick vegetable oil spray; this will ensure that they peel off the muffins nicely.
2) In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugars till smooth.
3) Add the eggs, beating to combine.
4) Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
5) Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and making sure everything is thoroughly combined.
6) Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan, filling the cups nearly full.
7) Bake the muffins for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they’re a pale golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the middle of one of the center muffins comes out clean.
8.) In a medium bowl, prepare the glaze by mixing together the melted butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth.
9.) When muffins have cooled slightly, dip the muffin crown into the glaze and allow the glaze to harden. At this point, you can leave them as is or go for the double dip. I glazed my muffins twice.
10.) Serve warm, or cool on a rack and wrap airtight. Muffins will keep at room temperature for about a day.

Science can be Fun!

2012-01-15T20:46:00.002-05:00

Bad Lip Reading: Rick Perry edition

2012-01-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

Ultimate Dog Tease

2012-01-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

XKCD awesome post

2012-01-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

This is from the genius that is XKCD. If you're a geek like me, you'll appreciate the cartoons. The creator not only doodled the one I've included below, but also made my favorite comic ever. Enjoy!

2012 Resolutions: 30 before 30

2011-12-31T16:01:00.015-05:00

Recently one of my friends and colleagues traveled to Hawaii to celebrate her friend's 30th birthday. She had wanted to see all 50 states before the big birthday and left HI to last.

I thought this was incredibly cool, but knew I couldn't see all the states in the next year. (my current salary and workload = you're not traveling very often) However, I knew I could see all 50 before 50, and I remain committed to this endeavor. (Although hopefully it will happen before 50!)

So as I thought about my 2012 resolutions, I realized that this is going to be a really big and awesome year. Not only do I turn 30 on Nov. 4, but I'm also starting the year with a new job and a cross country move. In honor of this INCREDIBLE year, I thought it would be way cooler to commit to the 30 Before 30 project. So here it goes...

1. Enroll in a Ph.D. level course

The University of Utah has a program that is practically calling my name, since it combines my two professional passions of higher education and social justice. I'm hoping to take a class in fall 2012 to determine if I want to apply for enrollment in 2013.

2. Refresh my French language skills

I remember the day when I could hold my own in a conversation among Francophiles, won awards for writing in French, and read French literature and poetry in the language in which it was originally written. Sadly, despite having a Mom and brother who are both French teachers, I haven't kept a good handle on these skills. Whoever coined the phrase "Use it or lose it" definitely hit the nail on the head. I'd been meaning to enroll in an Alliance Francaise class while in DC, but somehow the 3 years slipped by without me making time for it. Time to make a change!

3. Make new friends

With the move, this is kind of a necessity. But I think what my goal really speaks to is adventuring out past the comfort of my wonderful current besties to seek out new great girlfriends and connections to couples in the Salt Lake area. After all, if I had only stuck with my UGA connections in DC, I would have never met my BFF Aeriel!

4. Declutter my life

Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just enough baggage.

5. Earn the respect of my new colleagues

This won't occur overnight, but I hope that by seeking first to understand and then to be understood this will come over 2012. Bonus points, since 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was introduced to me by my first mentor in the field in which I've based my career. :)

6. Give others the benefit of a doubt

Recently I attended the Social Justice Training Institute. It was one of the most amazing experiences, and many things about the time spent at SJTI moved my heart. One of them was a ground rule that we agreed to as a group: assume that everyone is doing the best they can. This really resonated with me, and after reading this great article by Mike Robbins in the Huffington Post, I felt compelled to make it a priority in my life in the future.

7. Commit to be a better social justice advocate

I want to continue to grow as an advocate against oppression, which means I need to continue my education as an ally, try to be more aware of what I do and what occurs around me, reflect, and learn from my and others' mistakes.

8. Take better care of my body

Less Diet Coke, more exercise. I feel like that sums this category up pretty succinctly.

9. Learn how to use Photoshop

So I have a sweet friend who is an Art Director for ABC and a two time Emmy award winner for his graphics. Many times in the past few years, he has offered to teach me how to use Photoshop and other applications to make great images. However, I've never made time for it, but in 2012 that will all change. I'm not promising that I'll win any awards, but maybe it will be good enough for a meme or two. :)

10. Cook more often

I have so many recipes I've never tried. And I need to learn how to cook some of the things I crave all the time like Pho Ga. If you have a good recipe for that, let me know!

11. Call my family more

My family is awesome, and I should definitely keep in better touch. Enough said.

12. Remember I Corinthians 13:4

When I get in tiffs with my partner, it is often because I've forgotten the following words of wisdom: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. In 2012 I hope to more intentionally incorporate this verse into my relationship with him and others.

13. Start house hunting!

Something I've been looking forward to for the past decade is now a realistic goal! I can't wait to stop throwing my money down a black hole.

14. Have less screen time

It's easy to be captivated by my iPhone, laptop, tv, etc. It feels great to power off and focus on the real world around me. I currently don't do it enough, so hopefully I will start cultivating better technology habits before I'm 30.

15. Come in 1st place when driving Rainbow Road on Mariokart for Wii

This one is very specific and tends to make others laugh, but I'm serious. No matter how hard I practice, I'll never be as good as this guy:

16. Get to know my new home of Salt Lake City

My brother and sister-in-law have already helped me start this goal with one of my Christmas presents.

17. Volunteer consistently

This past December I got to volunteer at Bread and Roses Cafe which is run by my former student and current friend in L.A. and at Martha's Table in D.C. In college, I made service a priority, but have not intentionally carved out much time now that I'm a working professional. I've been given so much, it's time I again consistently give back.

18. Buy a car!

19. Invest in myself and my future

Fiscal responsibility and better financial planning are needed since I'm halfway to retirement. Crazy!

20. Support the arts

Back in the day I was a theater major, but I've never had season tickets for anything. I feel like I'm finally in a place in my life where I can afford this pleasure. Also, I totally want to attend the Sundance Film Festival since I will be right there. But that might have to wait until 2013!

21. Plan a great trip with my partner

So many great things near and in Utah. Lots of great national parks, and we have friends in the surrounding states of Colorado, Montana, California, and Washington. Sounds like it's time for some road trips!

22. Be better at sticking to my personal budget

My weaknesses are restaurants, movies, and shopping. If I try to cut back on the first and last, I can keep indulging in the middle one, right?

23. Challenge myself to try new things

I don't even know what this one means...yet. :)

24. Read more books written by authors of color

I realized I read mostly books written by White women, followed by many books written by White men. This isn't bad, but it certainly limits the perspectives of the novels. I already started trying to expand my literary spectrum this past year and would like to continue to challenge myself to find more authors of color that I enjoy.

25. Invest in a new bedroom set

I bought a "grown up" living room set in 2011. Time to expand to the bedroom!

26. Spend more time outside

I think this might be easily done with views like this in Salt Lake City:

27. Try winter sports

This will probably be more like cross country skiing, rather than snowboarding, but maybe the whole resolution to try new things (#23) will help me be more adventurous.

28. Harness my creativity

Excited to take a class at my local crafts store

29. See the Grand Canyon

Remember that comment about road trips (#21)? This is one I'm committed to.

30. Float in the Great Salt Lake

I've heard you emerge cold and smelly, but who can resist this?

If you've read this far, you should be congratulated! I'll keep you updated on my progress throughout 2012. Happy New Year everyone!

Update: 12 before 2012

2011-12-31T15:45:00.002-05:00

So I achieved 5 of my goals, 3 are in progress, and 4 are at a standstill or haven't been started. Guess I just have to make up for it in 2012! :) To see how I did, check below.

My list of twelve before 2012:
Updated: 12/31

bold = finished!
italic = in progress

1) Have a "grown up" living room
-Purchased an awesome sectional, table, console, and new gigantic flatscreen tv
-Painted :)

2) Learn how to use Photoshop - this one was no bueno. Adding it to the list of 2012 resolutions!

3) Donate/Sell things I no longer use
-Sold 2 pieces of furniture
-Donated loads of clothes to Goodwill
-Started sorting through things and getting rid of stuff we don't need. This will continue in January 2012, since we're moving. :)

4) Plan a trip abroad with my partner - this was intentionally delayed for 2012, since we are moving across country now!

5) Stop drinking soda - I'm doing a lot better. I now mostly only drink soda when I got out to eat. However, this is going to be added to my 2012 resolutions.

6) Start taking my lunch to work - um, right. Well, I'll continue to work on this...

7) Workout at least 3 times a week - So I was working out about 2 times a week, until the holidays hit. This one definitely needs to get better.

8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day - I'm up to consistently drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day. On a good day I'm hitting 8, but I still have some work to do with this one.

9) Complete training so I can volunteer for the online National Sexual Assault Hotline
-So the sad thing is that I did my 80 hours of online training, but I'm moving before I can do my 20 hours in person training. Unfortunately, the in person training is currently only in DC and NYC, so instead I want to encourage all of you to look into volunteering if you have access to these metropolitan areas.
-I did, however, ask for my friends and family to donate to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) for my birthday. Together, we raised over $500!
-Also, when I move, I intend to volunteer at the local rape crisis center.

10) Create and send "We've Moved!" cards - They were so cute! Unfortunately, I will need to start over with this since we're heading out West.

11) Sort through t-shirts for another t-shirt quilt - still working on this one. I should be finished by the end of January 2012.

12) Buy a fabulous pair of boots for dealing with bad weather - done! They are super cute, too. Want to see? I got them in brown. :)

My New Blog

2011-12-25T00:19:00.001-05:00

If you're interested in my thoughts on gender, check out my new blog: http://ferventfeminist.blogspot.com/

12 Before 2012

2011-10-26T08:35:00.003-04:00

New Year's Resolutions are so last year! Why do we need January to set objectives for ourselves? I've decided to create 12 goals to be completed before 2012 begins. Here are mine, what are yours?

My list of twelve before 2012:
Updated: 10/26

bold = finished!
italic = in progress

1) Have a "grown up" living room
-Purchased an awesome sectional, now need to find an equally wonderful table
-Signed up for a painting class with my partner so we can design our own artwork

2) Learn how to use Photoshop

3) Donate/Sell things I no longer use
-I've identified two pieces of furniture to sell
-I've talked to my Dad about another piece of furniture he can have
-I've started to sort through books and clothes

4) Plan a trip abroad with my partner

5) Stop drinking soda

6) Start taking my lunch to work

7) Workout at least 3 times a week
-I've started running twice a week with my work friend

8) Drink 8 glasses of water a day
-I've started carrying my water bottle everywhere

9) Complete training so I can volunteer for the online National Sexual Assault Hotline
-I've submitted my online application

10) Create and send "We've Moved!" cards

11) Sort through t-shirts for another t-shirt quilt

12) Buy a fabulous pair of boots for dealing with bad weather

Breathtaking

2011-06-01T19:01:00.001-04:00

Incredible time lapse video

The Arctic Light from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Day 63 - She's a bad ass but it doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings

2010-03-04T22:18:00.001-05:00

"Be quiet, I'm into it, let's talk...I wanted to lose weight before this."

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 62 - I'm going to puke...

2010-03-03T23:53:00.002-05:00

A good reason not to shop at Victoria's Secret and some other stores. I'm going back to Hanes, because they are wrapped in plastic!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 61 - Oxford

2010-03-02T22:57:00.007-05:00

When I was in college I studied abroad at Oxford University in the UK. I've been thinking about that experience a lot lately, because two of my friends and former students are heading there in a few days.

The two best parts of that study abroad trip were the people and the incredible academic experience. Although I sound dorky saying this, I loved getting to take classes in Oxford. It was an incredible challenge and I felt like I learned a ridiculous amount in a short period of time.

The other best part of Oxford was the social experience. Not only were the people I got to be around incredible, but we definitely had a work hard, play hard mentality which served as practice for the consulting job looming in my future.

Almost every night we were writing papers, and almost every night we were hanging out in pubs. It is was a ridiculously fun and enlightening experience, which I feel like rarely go together. And I left Oxford with some really great friends and a more personal relationship with Jesus. (We lived in Jesus College. ;))
I was really blessed to stay in touch with many of them for years past graduation after that experience. Although I must admit that I have lost touch with some, I do still regularly talk to 3 of them. If you ever want to hear a funny story, ask me about the time they got rowdy one night and booed my exboyfriend. Haha.

So here's to Ace and Deuce as they begin their own journey to the birthplace of the Inklings, Alice in Wonderland, The Hobbit, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I hope it holds many fun beginnings for them as well.

And although this advice is unsolicited, I will say that the best thing you can do in Oxford is lead the calling of the Dawgs with your classmates in a pub of Brits looking at you like you're insane. :) Oh, and stay off the grass. They actually will try to arrest you for that.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 60 - OK Go

2010-03-01T19:32:00.002-05:00

Another inventive music video from OK Go:

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 59 - QUACK! QUACK! QUACK!

2010-02-28T23:04:00.004-05:00

Today I watched the USA and Canada compete for the Gold medal in men's hockey. Sadly, we were edged out by the Canadians in overtime, but the game did remind me of a favorite movie series where the USA can always win - The Mighty Ducks! (For those of you who don't remember, in D2: The Mighty Ducks, Gordon Bombay coaches the American hockey team for the Jr. Goodwill games.)

So when I got home, I checked Netflix and the first Mighty Ducks movie was on instant demand. I'm not going to lie, I probably enjoyed watching it just as much as I did when I was a kid. And since I was eating Girl Scout cookies and drinking lemonade at the same time, I kind of felt like a kid again. :)

Maybe team USA just lacked a good Coach Bombay pep talk today. In case you're of need of one, too, check out the video below. (The only way that scene could have been better was if Rufio from Hook was in it. Haha.)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 58 - So This Is Love

2010-02-27T22:13:00.003-05:00

To quote one of my favorite poets Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

I felt like this was a great description of how I felt when my boyfriend appeared at my doorway with the best gift ever. He bought me movies he knew I loved! (including some he hates :))

How does he love me? Let me count the ways:

Enchanted
The Devil Wears Prada
Julie & Julia
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Slumdog Millionaire

Now, whenever I watch them, even if he isn't with me, I will remember how much I'm loved! (Times 6...haha.)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 57 - Fabulous Friend Friday: Crystal

2010-02-26T17:45:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I haven't introduced y'all to one of my best friends yet!

Crystal and I have known each other since middle school, and

like wine, our friendship has only gotten more fabulous with age. :)

Whenever I go home, I know I'm going to have at least one crazy night out with the diva herself.

For someone who once had an email address that was AllHailtheBlackQueen@---.com,

it is not surprising that we have a royally good time.

So how did it all start? Back in middle and high school,Crystal, Nena, Lisa (not pictured), and I were a fun foursome in a predominantly white school system. Being the soulful and sassy women of color that we are, we became great friends and had a wonderful high school experience.

Now, Crystal and I remain the type of friends that can giggle over a cute guy, vent about frustrations, call each other at 4 am with an emotional crisis, and eat Red Lobster til we bust.

So today, raise your glass (preferably filled with a fruity, girly drink) to Miss Crystal and all hail the Black Queen! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 56 - Jimmy Chin

2010-02-25T17:45:00.003-05:00

Today I went to an event one of my student groups planned. It was a lecture by Jimmy Chin, the renowned adventure photographer. Not only was his photography gorgeous, but his stories were incredible. I definitely encourage you to learn more about him and to see him speak any time you are able to.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 55 - Honeymoon Ended

2010-02-24T21:10:00.003-05:00

I have to say that a 6 month honeymoon period is impressively long. I also have to admit that this era came to an abrupt halt this week.

It's not that I don't love my job or my place of employment, but this week the reality of slight annoyances and frustrations came to light as the twinkle of excitement and new-ness began to fade. Also, I started to feel incredibly homesick. Yes, I have missed things about the South like sweet tea and a Chick-Fil-A on every block, but this week I really missed home - the familiarity, my family, my friends, owning a car, going to Kroger...all the things that I don't have up here.

So the honeymoon is over, but soon the comfort of normality will begin, which is a nice stage to be in, too. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 54 - Winter Olympics

2010-02-23T21:09:00.006-05:00

No matter how well you think you know someone, they can always surprise you. Take for instance, my boyfriend. Even after knowing him for 3 years, he continues to challenge my perspective of him.

In my opinion he is very masculine and manly. This month, I've been a bit shocked to learn that my meat-loving, romantic-comedy-shunning, football-watching, violent-video-game-playing, Al-Bundy-hand-down-the-waistline-of-pants boyfriend loves watching...

...Wait for it...

WOMEN'S FIGURE SKATING!

No seriously, the same man that rolled his eyes when I said I wanted to see the Nutcracker apparently has devoted multiple nights in a row to ice ballet. He has even planned his evening schedule around it, including when we can talk. lol.

I love it. I love that masculinity does not have to mean that a man cannot enjoy such a graceful and enchanting sport. I love that my guy cheers on women athletes with the same passion he does for big football players. I also love the fact that he knew Kim Yu-Na was South Korean by looking at her, because she was beautiful like me (his words, not mine).

If it takes the Winter Olympics to get my macho guy to say such sweet things and to watch dance, then I am all for the Olympics even though I have missed my regularly scheduled programming. Maybe I can even find a Nutcracker on ice performance before next Christmas... :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 53 - Forward Movement

2010-02-22T21:03:00.005-05:00

My ex got engaged today. It was a weird feeling, not because emotions are still there, but because when you hear things like that, it makes the past seem so much more recent in your mind. All of a sudden I remembered happy memories I hadn't thought of in years and felt a little wistful. But despite the good times shared, I eventually also remembered why I decided it wasn't meant to be a forever love. However, calling to mind all the reasons he is a good person let me feel genuinely happy that someone so kindhearted HAS now found his forever love. :)

So congratulations to someone who taught me a lot about love and relationships by sharing both of them with me once upon a time. Without the things I learned from being with you, I couldn't be the woman that my current boyfriend fell in love with. (And I'd like to believe the opposite is true, too. :)) Which just proves that one time broken roads, end up leading to happy endings after all.

If you care to see his engagement, check out the youtube below.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 52 - Lots'o'Movies

2010-02-21T21:01:00.003-05:00

This weekend I went nuts and saw 4 movies with the BF: Wolfman, Crazy Heart, Shutter Island, & A Town Called Panic. None of them were too great, and watching them made me feel guilty because I never update my movie blog any more. I need better inspiration I guess...

Anyway, I have gotten into Roger Ebert's blog a lot more lately. I don't always agree with his reviews or opinions, but I do love the way he writes and describes movies. You can tell he is just as passionate about movies as I am, if not more so! I can't wait to watch his interview on Oprah.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 51 - Valentine's Day, Part 2

2010-02-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

This was one of my favorite Valentine's Day presents from the Boyfriend this year. His name is Murphy and he is a reminder that a real version will be coming soon. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 50 - Fabulous Friend Friday: Megan

2010-02-19T20:54:00.003-05:00

I love my fabulous friend Megan! Not only is she one of the most fun girl friends I have, but she is a warm hearted, spunky, and great at giving advice.

Like so many of my fabulous friends, my friendship with Megan started when we were both Orientation Leaders back in 2003. Ironically, I originally thought she and I would have nothing in common. Thinking about that makes me laugh now, because she is someone who thinks eerily similarly to me and also has similar life goals as I.

Megan and I have a relationship that grows and adapts to our lives with each year. While some friendships get stagnant or stop being relevant when one or both parties change, Megan and I somehow have remained close despite our differences and life changes. One likely cause is the significance Megan places on friendships. She works hard to maintain them, and I for one am thankful for that!

Whether getting together for a football game or a lengthy phone call, chatting with Megan is so easy no matter how long it's been. She is planning a visit to see me this spring and I can't wait to get some quality girl time with her!

I loved getting to be a bridesmaid at Megan's wedding, and I can't wait to be a witness to many more future happy occasions. (And eventually have her be a witness to mine. lol.)

Thanks for being a FABULOUS FRIEND Megan!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 49 - Anniversary

2010-02-18T20:23:00.006-05:00

One year my parents forgot my birthday, and no one could understand how that could happen. However, to me it made sense, because that wasn't the special day for my family since they weren't a part of my birth. However, my parents have never forgotten to commemorate my anniversary, the day they first met me and were able to take me home. Today is the 27th anniversary of me entering America, being a part of my family, and even being named the name I now go by.

My Mom sent me an email today and a part of it said:

February 18, 1983 was the day you flew into O'Hare and I first saw your solemn little face gazing up at me from an airplane seat. When I picked you up I felt that my life was finally complete. It was such a happy day for me, Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa--who were all waiting at the top of the escalator to meet you.

Below is the only picture my parents had of me before they met me and the adoption announcement they sent before I arrived. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 48 - Whatever Baby

2010-02-17T18:02:00.001-05:00

My Mom thinks this reminds her of me. :)

Funny "Whatever" Baby @ Yahoo! Video

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 47 - No Words

2010-02-16T20:09:00.000-05:00

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 46 - Happy Birthday!

2010-02-15T22:30:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone has had fun celebrating George Washington's birthday today! Some of you may have even had the day off. Although this holiday is known as President's Day, I have an issue with the grammatical mistake. Technically it's "Presidents' Day", with the apostrophe after the "s". Yes, when I write it this way, people correct me, but it pleases me to know that in my heart I am right. (I really am that dorky.)

"Why does this matter so much?" I hear you ask.

Well my dears, for a long time in our nation's past we celebrated only Washington's birthday. However, after Abraham Lincoln's impact on American history, we decided we should celebrate two of our founding fathers' birthdays. And since they were born in the same month, we could combine the two into one holiday that the U.S. was already used to celebrating.

Thus, Washington's Day became President's Day...or more grammatically correct "Presidents' Day". And whether you call it the Civil War or the War of Southern Independence, it is impossible to deny that President Lincoln's term led to modern America, and we all love America. <3

So hats off to both of our founding fathers today. If nothing else, it kept the Metro clear since government employees had a day off. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 45 - Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:39:00.003-05:00

Today I watched Enchanted and decided this song perfectly describes my thoughts about Valentine's Day and keeping romantic relationships strong. :)

How does she know you love her?

How does she know she's yours?

How does she know that you love her?

How do you show her you love her?

How does she know that you really really truly love her?

How does she know that you love her?

How do you show her you love her?

How does she know that you really really truly love her?

It's not enough to take the one you love for granted

You must remind her or she'll be inclined to say

"How do I know he loves me?

How do I know he's mine?"

Well does he leave a little note to tell you you are on his mind?

Send you yellow flowers when the sky is grey? Heyy!

He'll find a new way to show you a little bit every day

That's how you know

That's how you know he's your love

You got to show her you need her

Don't treat her like a mind reader

Each little something to lead her to believe you love her

Everybody wants to live happily ever after

Everybody wants to know their true love is true

How do you know he loves you?

How do you know he's yours?

Well does he take you out dancing just so he can hold you close?

Dedicate a song with words meant just for you?

He'll find someway to tell you with the little things he'll do

That's how you know

That's how you know he's your love

He's your love

That's how you know he loves you

That's how you know it's true

Because he'll wear your favorite color just so he can match your eyes

Plan a private picnic by the fire's glow

His heart will be yours forever

Something everyday will show

That's how you know

That's how you know he's your love

That's how you know

That's how you know he's your love

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 44 - Fine Young Cannibals

2010-02-13T21:52:00.004-05:00

You know when you think you know the lyrics to a song, but then you really listen and the song is about something completely opposite? My boyfriend and I have been talking a lot lately about songs that remind us of each other. (It's a ringtones issue...lol.) And recently he was thinking about how "She Drives Me Crazy" by the Fine Young Cannibals reminded him of me. However, when we looked up the lyrics, we laughed at how ignorant he was of what they actually were. Example being, "Fatal last truth/Things go wrong/They always do". Haha.

Anyway, it is a wonderful song and we had a great laugh about it. If you don't know the song I'm talking about, shame on you. I've included it below. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 43 - Fabulous Friend Friday: Corey!

2010-02-12T07:10:00.001-05:00

I'm not going to reinvent the wheel when Taylor Swift already says it so perfectly.

Corey finds another way to be

The highlight of my day

I'm taking pictures with my mind

So I can save 'em for a rainy day

It's hard to make a conversation

When he's taking my breath away

I should say

'Hey, by the way'

You're beautiful, every little piece, love

Don't you know, you're really gonna be someone

Ask anyone

And when you find everything you looked for

I hope your life leads you back to my door

Oh, but if it don't, stay beautiful.

But seriously, Corey is so wonderful, it is hard to find the words to describe him. I'm thankful to have a friend like him in DC. He is amazing, and I don't know what I would do without him, his gchats, or my fun movie dates with him.

Since the boyfriend is at a conference this weekend, Corey is my Valentine's Day date, and I am happy he is the person I get to spend the day with since I love him. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 42 - The Olympians

2010-02-11T21:23:00.004-05:00

The rest of the Percy Jackson series came today! :) After being shut in for so long, it is so nice to have some new books to read!

And the movie for the first book comes out tomorrow. I hope it is good despite the bad reviews. Come one C.C., work your magic like you did when you directed the Harry Potter movies!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 41 - Getting Stir Crazy

2010-02-10T18:46:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I just got the call that we are not going in again tomorrow! So if we don't go in on Friday, then we will be out of the office until Tuesday since Monday is Presidents' Day. That means we would have had an 11-day vacay. Unbelievable.

Also unbelievable is this awesome video. Enjoy! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 40 - More Snow, but More Importantly...

2010-02-09T18:53:00.004-05:00

Again, no work today due to snow. Although it did not start snowing again until 5 pm, so wah wah. But I'm not complaining. :)

A few things that have made me happy during this 5 day weekend.

Percy Jackson - My dear friend Jonathan suggested I start to read this series since I love Harry Potter. I bought the first book yesterday evening and finished it this morning. Tomorrow, the other 4 arrive in the mail (in case I am out of work again). It's really a great young adult series. More juvenile than Harry Potter, but still enjoyable, especially if you love Greek mythology (like me!).
One of my student Coordinators sent a text to me and the other 4 student Coordinators. It said, "When I go to the gym I think about the five of you to get pumped up!! Woo!" Since this Coordinator is also a student athlete, you can imagine how pumped up he has to get and how often he is in the gym. It's things like that which make me feel more highly paid than I ever did in corporate America. :)
As mentioned previously, I continue to be amazed by Skype. I was able to Skype into 7 hours of meetings during the snow days and continue serving students. Although I am glad to have gotten some lazy time to catch up on sleep, movies, and books, it was also nice to continue to get to work with students from the comfort of my own home.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 39 - No School!

2010-02-08T18:40:00.003-05:00

I didn't have to go to work today. So I took some more pictures!

I really wanted to see the Obama girls playing in the snow, but no dice.

I thought this looked like cotton in the South! :)

At this point, I fell on some ice. lol.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 38 - Snowplow!

2010-02-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'd never seen a snowplow before. Crazy thing!

Watching this kid make a snow fort made me think of the movie Where the Wild Things Are. :)

The snow ate the van.

Me and my roomie!

The Metro escalators turned into the Alps.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 37 - Snowgasm

2010-02-06T18:27:00.001-05:00

Legit. Check this out.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 36 - Early Day

2010-02-05T18:24:00.001-05:00

Today Georgetown employees got sent home early because it was a...

!!!!!!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 35 - Brother!!!

2010-02-04T18:13:00.005-05:00

Today my brother is 24. I can't believe it. I can still remember the day he came home from the hospital and I got to hold him the first time.

From that point on, we were inseparable.

Sometimes we even looked alike. LOL.

We've celebrated each other's triumphs, supported each other when things were difficult, and enjoyed everything in between.

So raise a glass, wherever you are, to my dear brother.

Happy birthday Love. You deserve a celebration bigger than even a Harry Potter book release. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 34 - Sleep Deprivation

2010-02-03T18:09:00.001-05:00

Today was a struggle. As of now, I have worked 40 hours this week and it is only Wednesday. And I will continue to be at work for a few more hours still today. It's a long week with all the Captain interviews going on, but it's also a lot of fun getting to see former staff members in the office. I just need to figure out how to stay awake by the time Friday hits!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 33 - Skype

2010-02-02T18:07:00.000-05:00

I couldn't stop thinking today about how cool technology is. We had Skype interviews with students who had applied for NSO Captain but are currently studying abroad. We spanned 4 continents. How awesome that students are still able to apply for leadership opportunities even though they are studying elsewhere! Today I love Skype for allowing that!Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 32 - Captain Interviews

2010-02-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

Today began the first day of Captain interviews for NSO. And by began, I mean we had 6 hours worth from 5:30 - 11:30 pm. I kept having to remind myself that even though I don't always love student schedules, I do love students. Haha.

I can't wait to have a full team again!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 31 - Winter Song

2010-01-31T18:01:00.000-05:00

In honor of this wintery day, one of my favorite songs. (In fact, it was the inspiration for my tagline on this blog. :))

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 30 - Snow! :)

2010-01-30T17:56:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning to snow everywhere! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 29 - Fabulous Friend Friday

2010-01-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about my dear friend Kaitie. She is the wonderful mother of Ethan from earlier this week. (Want more stories about Ethan? Check out Kaitie's blog.) Not only was she an Orientation Leader with me in 2003, but that summer she shared her faith with me and encouraged a deepening of my own.

Kaitie is one of the most open minded people I have ever met. She holds her beliefs tightly to her heart, but does not allow them to blind her from compassion and love. Because of that, she is an incredible friend who can celebrate your joys with you and who can share in your failures without judgment or reproach. I've never met anyone who so completely lives the gospel by loving everyone with such abandon.

Kaitie is also one of the funniest and fun people I know. Granted, if you appreciate dry or sarcastic humor, you may not agree with me. But being a goofy cheeseball like myself, Kaitie makes me laugh until I have a stitch in my side. Recently Kaitie shared this joke with me,

What did the mother chicken say when she saw her brown chicken having a romantic moment with a brown cow?

"brownchickenbrowncow"

Also, Kaitie has called me Mini Me since she has known me. (She thinks I'm smaller than the average person. LOL.) This is to the point where some of her friends have actually thought my name is Minnie. I think I have heard her call me by my real name only a handful of times. Last time I saw her, she gave me a cut out from a magazine. On it was a photo of two tshirts, one for an adult and one for a child. Of course, the kid's shirt said "Mini Me". :)

And if I may, I would love to plug Kaitie's burgeoning new business. Several Athens stores are now selling her awesome t-shirts. Check out her online store here. I'm so proud of my inventive and creative friend!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I love Kaitie and I hope that one day all of you get a chance to know her as well! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 28 - Chairing a Planning Team

2010-01-28T17:23:00.001-05:00

In my role as Director of New Student Orientation, I chair an Orientation Planning Team. Today was the first meeting where I acted as chair. Although I've chaired meetings and spoken to large audiences before, for some reason I was incredibly nervous. Within the first 2 weeks of being in my current position, I gave 3 speeches. One was to the 218 person NSO staff, one was to the over 1800 person audience of all new students and NSO staff, and one was to nearly 1,000 parents and Georgetown administrators. Somehow I was as cool as a cucumber. However, speaking with 30 peers in an intimate setting was terrifying and my knees were knocking.

It's easy to be brave when my eyes can't focus on any one person, when they are scanning quickly through a crowd. It's also easier when there is a microphone separating you from the audience, and they can't really talk back to you. But having none of these options, I was thrown out of my comfort zone.

I know it sounds like this blog entry is about my fears and anxieties of my job, but it is actually about my excitement and expectations. I'm so glad I've been put in a position to grow and to challenge my talents. Every day I learn more about myself and the ways I want to improve as a professional. And every day I'm given that opportunity and the support to be successful.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 27 - State of the Union

2010-01-27T22:37:00.012-05:00

My top 10 thoughts about tonight's State of the Union address:

1. I watched it on ABC and it annoyed me how after it ended, the commentator talked about how ballsy President Obama was to take an hour and 10 minutes to speak. If we don't have 70 minutes to hear about our country, then I think we have issues. Also, if you can talk about the state of our country in less then an hour, I'm not sure how much we're getting out of it.

2. Note that President Obama said he wants to allow gays in the military but did not touch the topic of gay marriage. Glad to know he's changing the rules for how you might die, but not for how you might LIVE! (Meanwhile Cindy McCain publicly supports gay marriage. Curiouser and curiouser...)

3. If you can't stay off your blackberry for the State of the Union, you shouldn't be an elected official. It's embarrassing to see how many of them are not paying attention when they campaigned to get to have the opportunity to sit in the Capitol. And that is a nonpartisan call out.

4. Favorite quote: "In the United States of America, no one should go broke because they decided to go to college." ~ President Obama ♥

5. Easiest way to get a nonpartisan standing ovation? Talk about how great America is. Runner up option is to talk about how bad terrorists are and how we will defeat them.

6. Biggest bummer was having the Republican response immediately after from Governor Bob McDonnell (VA). Although it was neat that both speeches were in my neck of the woods. Also, even though I disagree with his point of view, I think Governor McDonnell spoke very eloquently.

7. CRAZY to think that President Obama is just down the road from me. Seriously, I was watching the State of the Union on tv and then realized that it was happening where I live!!! So cool.

8. People need to control their faces. Obviously you are on tv if you are there. Obviously commentators will make fun of you afterwards no matter what party you're from. Obviously you shouldn't look like a fool. (Again, this is across parties. Republicans don't need to look so insanely angry, Nancy Pelosi didn't need to look so manic, John Kerry didn't need to look so bitter, and the Supreme Court Justices didn't need to look like they already had one foot in the grave.)

9. Yet another reason to add to the long list of why I couldn't be President: I could never call out the other party so out rightly. Every President does it, but dang it makes me feel nervous all over.

10. It exhausts me watching them stand and sit and stand and sit. And I'm even a Democrat! lol.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 26 - Happy Day

2010-01-26T22:28:00.003-05:00

Two favorite parts of my day:

1. Kari calling me and getting some quality catch up time.

2. Special hour after a student organization's meeting where I answered questions from individual members and got to spend some time getting to know them better. Break through moments with the group! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 25 - Little Friends

2010-01-25T22:44:00.004-05:00

So I know I talked a little bit about being an Orientation Leader when I wrote about Andrew, but it really was such a meaningful summer. Not only did it turn into a career, but more importantly it led to some of my most cherished friendships. One of these is with my dear friend Kaitie. Not only has she shared her wisdom, wit, and faith with me over the years, but she has also shared her husband (when I've needed help moving), her home (when I needed a place to stay), and most recently her dear little starfish Ethan.

Sadly, Ethan met with an unfortunate accident recently that left him in a very uncomfortable spica cast. This has been a hard situation for him and for Kaitie and Jared. However, in their normal wonderful fashion, they have handled it with humor and faith. The highlight of my day lately has been getting to read about their adventures on her blog. I highly recommend it to you if you need some perspective and your heart warmed.

Recently, I got to visit with Kaitie and her dear starfish and had a wonderful time. I'm pretty sure Ethan had a great time, too! :0)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 24 - Love

2010-01-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

Being in love with your best friend is the best. That is all.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 23 - Andrew

2010-01-23T22:20:00.000-05:00

So although it is Saturday and not Friday, I thought I would honor a very fabulous friend. Andrew and I met freshmen year when we both lived in the Hill Community and went to see a horribly play at the suggestion of our friend Derrick. However, the friendship wasn't deepened until 2002 when we were both selected to be Orientation Leaders for the following year.

During that time, I came to respect and like Andrew at a whole new level. Although he is someone whose perspective on life is sometimes very different from mine, his values and heart are usually in the same place as my own. Additionally, there was the very important component that we both enjoy rockin' and rollin'...particularly to some Whitesnake.

This is how we normally dress when we hang out.

Although we both graduated from our dear alma mater, life threw us back together as we ended up in the same graduate program. I am really thankful for the additional two years that were given to us because we were able to deepen our friendship yet again. Particularly, one critical moment in our relationship was when we were cast as models for an up and coming new book. I almost forgot this happened, but luckily my dear friend reminded me by tagging me on facebook.

Our first photo op with a few other friends.

Overall, Andrew is someone I know I will be friends with for life. We have great conversations about life, love, and politics. We laugh and trade stories. And most importantly we share a passionate love for UGA. So today, I celebrate you Bulldog! lol.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 22 - Sick

2010-01-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

I missed work today because I was sick. However, the Captain applications still went out, which is very exciting. Soon our Orientation family will grow from 6 to 38! (And not soon after we will be 39 and then 219!)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 21 - Protest!

2010-01-21T22:03:00.000-05:00

General Petraeus spoke on campus today. As you might imagine, he was a slightly controversial speaker. Some of our students organized a protest, which means that we needed a free speech moderator inside the event as well as outside of it. My supervisor was in the event making sure that both General Petraeus and the audience members had the right to speak, while I was outside making sure that protesters had their right to free speech protected...while staying within university policies.

This was my first protest to work, and although there were some unfortunately things that happened within the event, it was relatively calm outside. It was a good first experience, except for the fact that it was FREEZING and my feet went numb in the 2+ hours I was outside. Luckily my fabulous friend Bill came outside to give me a 10 minute break from the elements and to keep me company. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 20 - BoBo

2010-01-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

So today I got to be a part of a special project. My Uncle George knows some pretty cool people, and one of his friend's Mom's teaches kindergarten in Ohio. Well this class of 5 year olds has a very special friend named Bobo. (Facebook profile can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000732241059&ref=mf.) As you can tell, Bobo is slightly inconvenienced by his inanimate state, but nonetheless loves to travel and share his adventures with his group of young friends back home in Ohio.

BoBo in my living room!

After a fun vacation in Memphis, BoBo is visiting me in DC. I'm going to take a lot of pictures of him visiting some of the famous sites and I've even arranged for him to meet a DC kindergarten class as well. My friends Jesse and Ginny are kind enough to show him around Baltimore, too, while he is in the area. However, he will probably be staying in the DC area only a short time and would love to see the rest of the world's cities before he must return home (by Memorial Day).

Since I have fun friends who live in such cool places, I thought I might help BoBo plan some more trips after he sees me. So far friends in NY, Seattle, San Fran, Atlanta, Philly, New Orleans, and Athens are hosting BoBo. If you would be open to hosting BoBo in your city, taking pictures of his trip, and then sending him on to the next location, please let me know! In case you want to see the types of things that Bobo likes to do, his Memphis adventures are posted in a photo album on facebook.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 19 - Lunch with Lauryn and Jenna

2010-01-19T21:43:00.002-05:00

So today was really fun because I had lunch with two of the student Coordinators from last year's Orientation team. I am so thankful that I was able to hit the ground running this past year and form some incredible student relationships. Although I only got to spend a month with the 2009 Coordinators before we started searching for their replacements, the relationships that developed have been really meaningful to me.

I am undoubtedly blessed with many things that have nothing to do with my talents or goodness, and the encouraging relationships I have with Lauryn and Jenna and the other Coordinators are among those blessings. I am thankful to have been accepted and liked, not because I proved myself immediately in any significant way, but because they are such loving individuals. Students like them reaffirm my commitment to the field I have chosen. I am so thankful for the opportunities my career have provided, because all of them have led to really fruitful relationships.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 18 - Old Town

2010-01-18T21:38:00.000-05:00

So my Mom and I spent our day off in Old Town Alexandria. We ate and window shopped and had a wonderful day before she had to go home. We had an awesome pastry snack at a fun French bistro which concluded our French restaurant weekend tour. :)

Surprisingly, this picture is one of the many things we did NOT buy on our excursion. Haha.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 17 - Georgetown and Capitol Steps and Smithsonian, Oh my!

2010-01-17T23:39:00.001-05:00

An art exhibit at one of the Smithsonians.

My Mom and I thought it was very clever!

Saturday, my Mom and I visited Georgetown University where she got to see my office and my campus. Then we went to this wonderful French bistro called Cafe Bonaparte. Basically, since my Mom teaches French and loves France and French culture, I made sure we went to a lots of fun French restaurants while she was in town. However, what I had not planned was that it would be Restaurant Week. That means a lot of really nice restaurants offered prix fixe three course menus in addition to their normal fare. So we got to have a lovely three course meal for a third of the price before heading off to...

The Capitol Steps! (If you don't know who they are, check out the website, because they are awesome!) We laughed pretty hard and then went home and passed out.

Today, once we woke up, we met up with my friend Sara and did some real damage! First we spent 4 hours in the National Portrait Gallery where we saw incredible pieces such as:

LOL, ok so most of them were very old and incredibly historic, but the first thing we saw was this wonderful painting of LL Cool J. Haha. Classic.

However, the real adventure began after we left the art museum and realized we were ravenous. So we went to La Tosca, a fun Spanish tapas restaurant. Keep in mind that this is still restaurant week so we go unlimited tapas! Such a wonderful/awful decision that was! Keep in mind that my mom is smaller than me (she's 5'2" and very petite) and that Sara is also smaller than me (my height but very slight). And I'm not exactly a huge monster myself (standing at a proud 5'4"). So what a surprise that among the three of us, we downed 19 tapas! (Most people eat 3-4.) Then we proved what real stomach divas we were by topping it off with 3 desserts!

To keep us from the inevitable food coma, we went to the movies and saw It's Complicated and laughed ourselves silly (see my review here). Giggling helped us burn calories and make room in tummies that we didn't have to roll home.

And the best part of it all is that I get my mom all to myself again tomorrow! Best long weekend ever!!! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 16 - Mama's Girl

2010-01-16T23:34:00.002-05:00

My Mom came to visit me! I love it! Longer update to come on our fun girls' weekend, but just know that I am with my favorite lady!!!!! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 15 - Fun Friend Friday!

2010-01-15T23:23:00.002-05:00

Bill is on the far left! :)

So I have a fun office friend named Bill. He has been a life saver as I've transitioned into my role at Georgetown. He not only is a great resource of knowledge and facts, but is also fun and fabulous. This Friday I got to hang out with him after hours and had a blast (despite the fact that I'm not really a bar person and he's not really a party hard person). Haha.

But really I am primarily just thankful for the perspective that he always shares with me and for the fact that I have a colleague that I trust as a friend. If you can have those two things in your work environment, then you are very well off. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 14 - I need a 12 step program...

2010-01-14T22:55:00.004-05:00

...because I am obsessed with Farmville (on Facebook). Seriously. It's not even relaxing any more. I just farm so I can win. As friends keep asking me, how do you win? Well, technically, there is no win or lose, but I just want to be in first place amongst my friends. (Since I can't beat them at life, I might as well win in a simulated version of such. JK!)

Sadly, this dream of taking first place will never happen as I joined the game too late. So that means I will continue harvesting crops of eggplants, raising barns, and brushing horses until I am 198 years old. However, at least I don't send those pesky invitations to join me. Instead I just invade your newsfeed with my farming tales. MUAHAHAHAHA! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 13 - Wait, I get an Intern?

2010-01-13T22:41:00.002-05:00

It was only a few years ago that I had the amazing opportunity to serve as a NODA Intern. Although most people in the world don't have any idea what that means, it was one of the critical points in my career. In fact it was the first date I went on with the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA), which has since continue to woo me and win my heart.

But seriously, today was another big day. Not only was it busy since NODA released what candidates matched with my posted position, but it also was one of those "OH CRAP!" moments. I am not only so lucky to do what I love and with people who I love (more on that soon), but I also am blessed with the opportunity to give to someone else what was once given to me. If that's not a reason to yell, "OH CRAP!", then I don't know what is!

That being said, I can't wait to find out who will be our new NODA Intern! I had an overwhelming number of applicants despite the fact that we don't have a stipend for them. (Do it for the love, not the money!) And this made me once again thankful to be living in the vibrant, incredible city of Washington, D.C. Even more fun was the realization that two applicants were from my dear alma mater of UGA. :) I'll be sure to update you when our new staff member is selected!

I had to include the picture above because it is last year's Georgetown NODA Intern. You might ask why I chose this picture in particular. Primarily it is because it looks like he is having an "OH CRAP!" moment, too. But in reality, he is actually just being featured on MTV's The Real World - DC. ;)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 12 - Oriented to Orientation

2010-01-12T22:33:00.003-05:00

Like with most unions, the honeymoon period eventually ends and you begin to notice the work you must accomplish if you're going to meet with success. Orientation is no different. After taking day one to become oriented to run New Student Orientation (NSO), the Coordinators and I got to business making a lot of important decisions that will affect the rest of our year. I won't share with you what they are just yet (would hate to ruin any surprises!), but here is a little sneak peak into our "war room". :)

"This is how we N-S-O!"

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 11 - Retreat? ADVANCE!

2010-01-11T22:25:00.002-05:00

Today began day 11 of the new year, but only day 1 of the NSO Coordinator retreat. However, I think this is kind of a funny name for a period of time that can only be described as an advance...an advance in friendship, an advance in knowledge, and an advance in excitement for what is yet to come. (I know, I know, I love the cheese...)

We managed a lot of conversation about expectations of who we are going to be, a lot of sharing about who we are as individuals, and a lot of learning about who we are as a group.

All in all, I am proud to be connected to 5 such wonderful, passionate, and engaging students! I can't wait to see what they do with NSO!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 10 - Spreading the LOVE in Philly

2010-01-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

I had a great weekend with Reeba in Philly. We did all the fun touristy things like seeing the Liberty Bell and where the Declaration of Independence was written.

However, we did a lot of artsy things, too, like see the Broadway show Wicked and the movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. (See my older blog post.) And uniquely modern Philly things like high fiving the Drexel dragon and visiting the Rocky steps.

But the most important thing we did during my visit was spreading the LOVE all around Philly. :)

I can't wait to visit Reeba again soon! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 9 - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

2010-01-09T23:28:00.004-05:00

...because Reeba lives here! Today we had the most spectacular day or sight seeing, watching The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (my review is here), eating sushi, and seeing the musical Wicked! More details soon, but here is a little sneak peak into our special day:

I'm so thankful to have a friend like Reeba! And unlike Elphaba and Galinda, nothing is going to tear us apart, not even the distance between our new home cities! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 8 - Taking the Weekend Off! :)

2010-01-08T17:43:00.003-05:00

So I told you about how I've been planning the student leader retreat for next Monday and Tuesday. Well, it is now after 5 pm, and this is what I've accomplished.

That's right. I killed a forrest. But I am prepared for the retreat and soon my students will be prepared for the year. :)

And now, in celebration, I am going to visit my super hot friend Reeba who lives in Philly.

I've never been there before, so I'm excited to both get to see her and the city. Additionally, I will get to see my cousin Adam who is there in law school.

Keep your fingers crossed that there won't be any bus accidents with the snow!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 7 - Wound up?

2010-01-07T18:40:00.002-05:00

While driving with my friends, we looked over and saw this in the next lane. Hilarious! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 6- Revisiting Childhood

2010-01-06T21:30:00.003-05:00

So apparently The Babysitter's Club is being relaunched as a book franchise. These were my favorite books once I finished the Nancy Drew series and before I started the Sweet Valley High series. LOL. Seriously though, I bought every single new BSC book as soon as it came out and tried to dress like Claudia Kishi. (Embarrassing photo evidence to prove that last one.)

In honor of this great news, I am currently watching The Babysitter's Club movie. I've never seen it before, and it is completely cheesy. However, cheese is my favorite food, so I'm enjoying the two hours where I get to pretend to be a 9 year old girl again.

This has also reminded me that before the Twilight craze where a love-obsessed girl has sex with a vampire that leaves bruises all over her body, there were innocent books that focused on the intimate friendships a girl can make with other girls. In Twilight, Bella forsakes all her female companions for the dark drama of boys. In The BSC, the girls spend quality time together taking over the neighborhood, saving the world (my first introduction to environmentalism), and proving that women can be entrepreneurs and dang good businesswomen, while only occasionally talking about boys. Just saying...

Oh, and I almost forgot! I loved that there was an Asian-American girl as one of the main characters! I used to think that was soooooo cool. :0)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 5 - Retreat or Advance?

2010-01-05T21:20:00.001-05:00

So all week (and part of last semester), I've been planning for the first of 3 retreats with the NSO 2010 Coordinators. I'm really excited, because the first 2 day, 1 night retreat is the beginning of a revamped training curriculum for the students.

I feel so lucky to wake up every day and be excited about going to work. It's not that I love every part of my job or every moment of every day that I'm in my office, but I just have never felt so inspired and fulfilled by a position before.

What a blessing to have job when so many don't, and to get to do something I love. Sometimes I feel guilty for being so genuinely happy with where I ended up. But then I realize that is silly and continue feeling joyful. True story.

Anyway, I'll let you know how the retreat goes when it ends next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 4 - The Bachelor

2010-01-04T23:01:00.000-05:00

I have to admit a dirty little secret. I love ABC's The Bachelor(ette). It is trashy, it is dramatic, but dang, it is entertaining!

So I have been anticipating tonight for a while. Surprisingly, I somehow convinced my friends Corey and Travis to watch with me. (By convinced, I mean we went over to Corey's, where I fed them my delicious meat pies until they agreed to aid and abet my addiction. If you don't believe my cooking can lull grown men into watching reality tv focused on matrimony, then you haven't read my previous blog.)

Anyway, Corey sent me this article that must have been written as soon as the show went off. As always, NPR is witty and quick. After all part of the reason I enjoy The Bachelor(ette) is to laugh. It's nice to know I'm not alone in doing that... :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 3 - I Miss Grandma

2010-01-03T13:00:00.002-05:00

My favorite meal growing up when I was a kid was my Grandma's Scottish meat pies. For some reason it didn't occur to me until this week that my Grandma was not the only one who could make these. Although they will never be as good as the ones made by my true Scottish Grandma, I thought my first attempt was ok. (I experimented with two different types of dough if you can't tell from the picture.) I look forward to practicing and perfecting the recipe in years to come. Maybe it will be my granddaughter's favorite meal, too. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 2 - Zoological Adventures

2010-01-02T23:29:00.007-05:00

Feeling confident that my new UGGs would keep me warm and toasty (see previous post), I foolishly decided to go to the zoo today with my bf, bf, and her bf. Confused? See Appendix.

Appendix: my boyfriend, best friend, and her boyfriend

Now while it was 27 degrees according to my iPhone's weather app, in reality it was actually -212 degrees due to the wind. Although my feet were indeed happily hibernating in their sheepskin dens, I learned a hard lesson that I need a matching body bag as well. If only UGG made Snuggies...then my world would implode because my two favorite inventions would create a gentle womb of happiness for the rest of my adult life. I'm pretty sure you would never see me in normal clothing again.

But I digress.

While my bf cursed his life for falling in love with me and thus agreeing to this misadventure, and while Sara tried to brave the freezing wind, her boyfriend (who went to college in Vermont) seemed to not notice that we had somehow fallen into an invisible magic portal and plummeted to what could only have been a zoo in Antarctica. (Land of the Lost is apparently based on fact, and not fiction as I had previously believed.)

So as the 3 Southerners rushed to the animal houses that were heated (and Adam casually walked behind us as if enjoying the elements), we came across the bird house. Normally, I try to stay away from aviary dens, as they seem more likely to leave a stain on my shoulder than a smile on my face. However, heat is heat and so I happily walked into the building of pooping birds.

While there, a few guys seemed to take interest and kept flying to and coming within inches of us.

And although the birds were cool, the best moment of the day was in the small mammal house where I met a meerkat who wears the same expression as my dog when she wants table scraps.

However, the real humor of the trip was surprisingly not in our numb fingers or windburned cheeks, but in this very real sign that was posted on one of the bird cages. Did I mention, this bird was situated next to a vulture exhibit? LOL.

Maybe if you're lucky and ask really nicely, I'll post the pictures of us being real 'Mericans and posing next to the Eagle statues. I'm pretty sure we were delirious from the cold temperatures at that point.

Moral of the story: Get patent for idea of UGG/Snuggie combo invention...

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Day 1 - New Shoes, New Life?

2010-01-01T18:07:00.001-05:00

I used to think UGGs were stupid. But that was when I lived in the sunny South, and girls wore them with mini skirts. Since moving to the DC-area, I have realized that there are indeed times when sheepskin boots with the fleece warming your toes are a necessity. So far I will even dare to say they have been the best investment of 2010. And by that, I mean investing in a boyfriend who is smart enough to have them be part of your Christmas present. ;)

Will 2010 be the best year so far in my life? I think that keeping frostbite at bay in the ridiculous DC weather will certainly help me along my way to saying that...only time will tell.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Merry Christmas! :)

2009-12-25T11:04:00.001-05:00

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

BBC Documentary on Monkeys - Gives Insight to Students

2009-12-17T17:47:00.001-05:00

Hilarious. Especially the ending.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Sarah Palin fans are just as clueless as she is!

2009-11-25T10:21:00.002-05:00

Now I can understand how a person can be a Republican, because it's just a separate way of looking at the world, our government, and our nation. However, it boggles my mind that people think Sarah Palin could be a great President when she obviously is not as clued in to national politics as some other Republican leaders. Now I realize that the reason Palin has supporters is because they are even more clueless than she is! lol.

As a Democrat, I would love to see Palin get the Republican ticket because I think she has no chance of winning.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

I Love the Muppets and I Love Queen

2009-11-24T19:19:00.001-05:00

Therefore, how could I not love this?

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

The End is the Best

2009-10-30T21:03:00.002-04:00

This made me laugh out loud harder than I have in a long while. Even if you're not a fan of Kellie Pickler, I'm sure you'll be tickled. Click here.

Part of what I like about country music is that it is good clean fun. It doesn't take something vulgar or violent, just silliness.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Another Reason to Love Ellen and Taylor Swift

2009-10-30T20:56:00.001-04:00

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

OMG

2009-10-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

This is so scary.

Why Real Men DO Buy Women Flowers

2009-10-19T09:15:00.002-04:00

A CNN article I heartily agree with! :) http://m.cnn.com/cnn/ne/living/detail/384089/3#___2__

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

I want to be friends with these people...

2009-10-18T14:12:00.000-04:00

http://i.imgur.com/8Swi9.png

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Happiest Part of My Day :)

2009-10-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

Not only do I still love the Backstreet Boys, but this reminded me of my Georgetown students. Enjoy! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Someone please get me this for my birthday...

2009-10-13T13:52:00.000-04:00

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

DC Diary Chapter 1 : Not Being Homeless

2009-10-12T22:50:00.009-04:00

So when I found out I was moving to the DC area, my main focus turned to finding a place to live. It's about 3-4 times more expensive to rent a place here as it was in my previous home of Athens, so that concerned me a bit. However, I worried even more about finding roommates. I definitely wanted to live in a young and nice part of town, and I hoped to be some place roomy, well-maintained, and affordable. I knew in order to have all those, I would need to find a roommate stat. But where to begin? I knew few people in DC, and the ones I knew definitely were already settled somewhere and with someone.

Not actual size. ;)

Enter in my fairy Godmother Corey. Ok, ok, he's not going to like to be called my fairy Godmother, so scratch that, but you get the picture. Corey is, in one word, awesome. I met him through my favorite newlyweds Courtney and Austin. He was their best man, and he became one of my best men as well. Not only has Corey been a really great friend to me since I've moved here (helping me move in, driving me places, hanging out), but he solved my living problem almost immediately.

Corey is neither a hater,

nor a fairy Godmother.

(Ok, maybe a little of both.)

Corey introduced me to one of his fraternity brothers Travis. Not only did Corey tell me that Travis was considerate and nice and intelligent, but (most importantly) Travis had just been told that his roommate was moving out. Since it was looking like I might have to live with a stranger (an idea I was not particularly keen on), I was incredibly grateful to at least live with a stranger that came highly recommended. And after meeting Travis, I realized that everything Corey had told me was true. So true, in fact, that Travis took me to a Nats game (the pro baseball team in DC is the Nationals), where I was able to enjoy three of my favorite things: chili cheese fries, an outdoor sporting event, and making a new friend.

Great pic of Travis.

His personality also wears both

suits and sombreros.

(I know no other way to describe it.)

At this point I was as happy as a bear with a honeycomb, but God decided to make my life even cooler. Not only was I going to get a really great roommate who wasn't a creep, but he lived in an INCREDIBLE location for a really affordable rate. I literally now live right across the street from a metro stop that is not very far out of DC AND I have the world's biggest closet. Move over Carrie Bradshaw! Who needs Big to build you a closet when you have Corey to set you up for a great city girl life? :) (I will not include a photo, because the ones I took really didn't do it justice. So now you'll just have to stop by and see if I'm telling the truth! ;))

Home Sweet Home!

(kinda)

Since moving in, we got another roommate Dan, whose room is the sunroom (this is normal in DC) and who gets us a discount on our rent! (Dan teaches law and also moonlights as a desk officer downstairs.) So far we've all gotten along great, and I've really enjoyed my random chats with Dan. Travis takes me grocery shopping and clothes shopping (more on my lack of a car in a future chapter), so he gets extra brownie points. Although Travis had some big shoes to fill (I LOVE YOU KARI!!!), I've really enjoyed getting to know him. We have great talks about life, and he introduces me to rap songs I would have never listened to on my own. (Seriously, I would have NEVER listened to them. LOL.)

OK, so I actually already liked Jay Z,

but because he is often what is featured

in Travis's car, I decided it was appropriate.

So "Congratulations" to me on not being homeless. And on have fantastic roommates. And on living in a great location. And on loving life. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

One of those days

2009-09-29T15:19:00.004-04:00

You know when things get to you? And you can't seem to brush them off? That's the kind of day I'm having. Overall, my transition to DC and my new job have been great, but today it's like all the rough things have happened at once. On days like these, it's hard not to feel crabby or disheartened, but as I've gotten older I've learned it's all a matter of being self-aware. True, crappy things are happening, but I also know that to feel better I have to talk to someone to get it out of my system. So at lunch time, I called my fabulous friend Ginny. Not only did she offer wonderful advice, but she let me vent and get my emotions out. Then I treated myself to a great lunch, and things got better.

There's a fabulous Chinese proverb that says, "You cannot prevent the birds of sadness from passing over your head, but you can prevent their making a nest in your hair." Luckily, friends and Mexican food are exactly the cure for beating off the birds of sadness. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Mindset of 2013

2009-09-10T22:14:00.001-04:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

I Love Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's stance on international sexual violence

2009-08-21T14:15:00.001-04:00

What I Saw in Goma
By Hillary Rodham Clinton
In 11 days of travel across Africa, I saw humanity at its worst – and at its best. In Goma last week, I saw both.

The Mugunga Internally Displaced Persons Camp sits in a land of volcanoes and great lakes on the edge of Goma, a provincial capital in the eastern Congo. The camp is now home to 18,000 people seeking refuge from a cycle of violent conflict that has left 5.4 million dead since 1998. Chased from their homes and villages by armed rebels and informal militias, these men, women and children walked for miles with little food or water until they reached this relatively safe haven.

Now they live in tents, one next to the other, row after row, some clinging to life, others hanging on to whatever glimmer of hope remains in a region plagued by years of brutality. Many of these people have been robbed of their homes, possessions, families and, worst of all, their dignity.

Women and girls in particular have been victimized on an unimaginable scale, as sexual and gender-based violence has become a tactic of war and has reached epidemic proportions. Some 1,100 rapes are reported each month, with an average of 36 women and girls raped every day.

I visited a hospital run by the organization Heal Africa and met a woman who told me that she was eight months' pregnant when she was attacked. She was at home when a group of men broke in. They took her husband and two of their children and shot them in the front yard, before returning into the house to shoot her other two children. Then they beat and gang-raped her and left her for dead. But she wasn't dead. She fought for life and her neighbors managed to get her to the hospital – 85 kilometers away.

I came to Goma to send a clear message: The United States condemns these attacks and all those who commit them and abet them. They are crimes against humanity.

These acts don't just harm a single individual, or a single family, or village, or group. They shred the fabric that weaves us together as human beings. Such atrocities have no place in any society. This truly is humanity at its worst.

But there is reason to hope. We have seen survivors summon the courage to rebuild their lives and their communities. We have seen civic leaders and organizations come together to combat this appalling scourge. And we have seen health care workers sacrifice comfortable careers so they can treat the wounded.

In Goma, I met doctors and advocates who work every day to repair the broken bodies and spirits of women who have been raped, often by gangs, and often in such brutal fashion that they can no longer bear children, or walk or work. Caregivers like Lyn Lusi, who founded Heal Africa in Goma, and Dr. Denis Mukwege, who founded the Panzi hospital in Bukavu, represent humanity at its best.

The United States will stand with these brave people. This week I announced more than $17 million in new funding to prevent and respond to gender and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We will provide medical care, counseling, economic assistance and legal support. We will dedicate nearly $3 million to recruit and train police officers to protect women and girls and to investigate sexual violence. We will send technology experts to help women and front-line workers report abuse using photographs and video and share information on treatment and legal options. And we will deploy a team of civilian experts, medical personnel and military engineers to assess how we can further assist survivors of sexual violence.

While I was in the DRC, I had very frank discussions about sexual violence with President Kabila. I stressed that the perpetrators of these crimes, no matter who they are, must be prosecuted and punished. This is particularly important when they are in positions of authority, including members of the Congolese military, who have been allowed to commit these crimes with impunity.

Our commitment to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence did not begin with my visit to Goma, and it will not end with my departure.

We are redoubling our efforts to address the fundamental cause of this violence: the fighting that goes on and on in the eastern Congo. We will be taking additional steps at the United Nations and in concert with other nations to bring an end to this conflict.

There is an old Congolese proverb that says, "No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come." The day must come when the women of the eastern Congo can walk freely again, to tend their fields, play with their children and collect firewood and water without fear. They live in a region of unrivaled natural beauty and rich resources. They are strong and resilient. They could, if given the opportunity, drive economic and social progress that would make their country both peaceful and prosperous.

Working together, we will banish sexual violence into the dark past, where it belongs, and help the Congolese people seize the opportunities of a new day.

I Love Jon Stewart

2009-08-21T07:21:00.004-04:00

I've been loving laughing/getting frustrated at the healthcare town halls. I also love any opportunity to talk about the media's take on politics. I laughed ridiculously hard at this opening segment for the Daily Show. Thanks to my brother for showing it to me.

Oh and Sept. 2, one of my student groups (The Lecture Fund) is bringing the producer from The Daily Show to Georgetown. So exciting! :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Awesomeness

2009-08-19T23:54:00.001-04:00

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Read in order to Live

2009-08-19T10:13:00.000-04:00

So not only do I love movies (http://katlovesmovies.blogspot.com/), but I also love books! I had been wanting to get a new blog off the ground to review novels I picked up, but worried I did not have the time to make it an interesting blog. So I enlisted my friends Courtney and Corey, two people whose tastes in books are exquisite, and together we have created a new blog called Read in order to Live. If you enjoy reading, you should check us out at http://lovegoodbooks.blogspot.com/.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

Really?

2009-08-16T21:07:00.001-04:00

This is awful broadcast news journalism. I cannot believe this is something in such a large market. This reporter should be fired immediately. Another reason I have issues with Fox.

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

I Love Georgetown

2009-08-12T22:16:00.003-04:00

So today was long, exhausting, and really wonderful. It was annual all day training where the first half of the day is for all new employees within the Division of Student Affairs and the afternoon is for all (new and veteran) Student Affairs staff. It was a great way to meet people, a comprehensive introduction to the institution and its offices, an authentic way to see how often offices collaborated, and an enlightening explanation of the basic tenets of Jesuit Catholicism. I can tell you more in detail when I have a little more time, but just wanted to let you know I had an awesome day.

I really like the people in my office so far. They have been very welcoming and helpful. I am currently living in a residence hall meant for a freshman, but with its own private bath. It is a very compact campus so I am literally a stone's throw away from my office. My future roommate is on vacation this week, so I won't get to see my apartment til next week and then will move in the weekend following.

Other than that, I am completely tired not only from the amount of information, but from the energy it takes to constantly be meeting new people. Nothing I can't handle, but I'm looking forward to the weekend. Courtney is driving up this weekend to hang out with my and Corey, so I'm looking forward to that a lot. Also, there are a lot of UGA folks up here who are ready to meet up sometime soon, too. And a close friend from high school is moving here this weekend, so lots of fun reunions with people await.

Anyway, more info soon. I'm going to head to bed now and try to get some sleep so I can be recharged tomorrow. :)

Keep Love Alive. ~ K

I Love Unexpected Words of Wisdom

2009-07-25T10:45:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it's easy thinking that in a friendship where you are older or have more experience, then you are the one dispensing pearls of wisdom. However, this summer has taught me that even when someone declares you their "mentor", you can still learn much from them as well.

In my life and my job, I'm an accepting person. I'm open minded. I see many shades of gray. I'm politically liberal. I'm quick to love. I forgive easily. But in intimately personal things, I am black and white. I am judgmental. I would rather immediately disembody something that could potentially hurt me rather than wait and see what the result is. I am very conservative when it comes to taking risks with my heart in any kind of relationship. I'm slow to trust after an initial disappointment. Although it seems like a very bipolar approach to things in my life, I have always just accepted it.

This week I got a chance to hang out with one of my students. He is 20 and was relaying to me all that he learned from his experience this summer as an Orientation Leader. I was humbled to get such an intimate look into his mind and heart as he shared his thoughts and feelings. So many things he said made me smile, because I remember coming to the same realization after my experience as an OL 6 years ago.

Then he said something that made me pause. He looked me in the eye and said, "I've learned that not everything is an ultimatum. I used to assume people were either 100% for me or they were my enemy. I now know this isn't true."

I was struck by his words and realized a lot of truth in them for the way I sometimes perceive my relationships. If I am met with an obstacle with someone who is a friend or acquaintance but not my best friend, I've been known to discount them and shut down rather than open up to allow more understanding and perhaps a deepening of friendship. Yet in my job, I meet parents and students all the time who desire no relationship or are negative about orientation, and my reaction is completely different. I woo these people. I work actively to create positive experiences with them. I love them even if they do not love me. I overwhelm them with my happiness in their presence, so that most of the time they eventually become more happy about my presence in their life. I'd say that I win over about 90% of the people who come to Orientation and talk to me because they have a problem or a bad attitude.

Why do I do this? Because as the former Director of Orientation once told me, my job is to be kind to everyone. And for me, kindness means more than just being nice. Because you can fake being nice to someone, but kindness requires authenticity. And to authentically be kind to someone means that I need to love those that come through Orientation whether they are lovable or not. And because most of the time people can see that I love them without fail or judgment and sometimes without them even deserving it, they reply back with kindness whether or not they woke up on the right side of the bed or felt cheated by something in our program. And from love and kindness being extended, a relationship is created without any ultimatum.

Yet in my personal life, sometimes I fail to extend the same benefit of the doubt concerning my love. I create ultimatums. I build barriers that I expect people to jump over. I set a list of requirements so that I can see proof that someone cares about me or deserves my time and energy. I make love a prize and not a gift.

My dear young friend learned that relationships are not about ultimatums. And through his willingness to be vulnerable by sharing his struggles and triumphs this summer, he showed me how much I have to work on concerning love and relationships, too. I am so thankful for this summer and the amazing friendships I have been blessed with through my work with Orientation. I've learned much more from my co-workers and OLs than can be enumerated here, and I know I'm leaving Athens a better person for it as I begin my next big adventure.

I Love Interviews

2009-07-15T15:29:00.002-04:00

As my time with UGA's Orientation begins to dwindle, I've been ramping up more on the job search front. After a 2 month hiatus in my hunt for a job, I was worried it would be difficult to get back into the swing of things. Luckily this hasn't been the case.

Although I am not a big fan of phone interviews (I hate not being able to see people's facial expressions!), I really love interviewing in general. I enjoy being able to talk about all the things I love, and since I'm only applying for Orientation positions, I get to constantly chat about my passion for new student programs. And the fun thing about job interviews is that the other side listens! Haha, not that my friends aren't thrilled when I start talking about new student orientation or transition theories, but I do notice their eyes crossing from time to time. ;)

But what I really love about interviews is that it's like a first date. You get nervous and excited, sometimes your palms sweat, and you live on the hope that there will be chemistry on both sides. And when you finally find that perfect fit, you leave feeling like the world got a little bit happier and the sun got a little bit brighter. :)

However, like a dating, there are usually a few duds before the perfect fit is found. But for the most part, those just end up being funny stories and a distant memory once you've met you're match. Or maybe, you find interesting new people to add to your friends or acquaintances, even if they are not added to your co-worker or romantic interest list.

Hope your day is happy!

Keep Love Alive. ~ K