HELLO AMERICA!
I'm back from England and soaking up the sunshine in California! Once I have beaten the jet lagg that is currently overwhelming my life I'll be back into the blog swing of things! Lots of fun stories about my last few days in England, fainting on the airplane, signing autographs and you know...just life stuff.
It's so good to be home-ish....
Idaho...I can't wait to be back!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thought of the Day
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating- in work, in play, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thank You, Eric Hutchinson
So, I was given the Eric Hutchinson CD for Valentine's Day and lately have been grooving to the laid back crooning and funky guitar sounds. One of the lyrics to a fave song on mine on the albums is...
"And I never know what I'm looking for, but it's always on my mind"
For the last few years of my life, this lyric perfectly describes my life. For as long as I can remember, I've been insecure and comparative. I never saw myself anyone who could really achieve all that I wanted to so I really didn't let myself dream. I mean, I've always had dreams but I never believed that I could accomplish them. I've always compared myself to my friends and let myself believe that their lives would always be better than mine, that their dreams were achievable because they are everything I thought I wasn't. I never was the beautiful one, the smart one, the fun one, the stylish one, the career orientated one...or so I thought.
Hearing that lyric by Eric Hutchinson really shook me. I kid you not, I have thought about that lyric almost daily since Valentine's Day 2009. In some ways, I think it helped me find the courage to move to England. Now being in England has not in any way shape or form been easy. The polar opposite of easy is probably the best way to describe it. Yet, it has been 100% worth it. I've paid huge prices to be here and sometimes it feels like it hasn't been worth it but if I really sit down and think about it (or have a massive conversation with my mom) I realize that this season of my life was definitely needed. I needed to learn to live more simply and to see that my life isn't going to be great because of a place or a purchase or a person, but because I am content with who I am. I needed to learn to be more patient, to be more frugal, to be a servant.
For the first time in years, I know what I'm looking for and working towards. I have a goal and the confidence to achieve it. I have incredible family and friends who are all unique and equally as great as I am. I no longer need to be recognized in comparison to them. I no longer worry about what someone will think of my job or university choice or clothes. I am who I am and I'm on a path to being a greater version of myself. I'm going to grow Spiritually, academically, socially and in love.
It's a liberating feeling to have a goal and have the courage to see it thru despite the opposition.
I'm not sure how it's all going to work but for the first time in a long time, I'm ok with being me. And I'm confident that me is the best thing to be!
Hearing that lyric by Eric Hutchinson really shook me. I kid you not, I have thought about that lyric almost daily since Valentine's Day 2009. In some ways, I think it helped me find the courage to move to England. Now being in England has not in any way shape or form been easy. The polar opposite of easy is probably the best way to describe it. Yet, it has been 100% worth it. I've paid huge prices to be here and sometimes it feels like it hasn't been worth it but if I really sit down and think about it (or have a massive conversation with my mom) I realize that this season of my life was definitely needed. I needed to learn to live more simply and to see that my life isn't going to be great because of a place or a purchase or a person, but because I am content with who I am. I needed to learn to be more patient, to be more frugal, to be a servant.
For the first time in years, I know what I'm looking for and working towards. I have a goal and the confidence to achieve it. I have incredible family and friends who are all unique and equally as great as I am. I no longer need to be recognized in comparison to them. I no longer worry about what someone will think of my job or university choice or clothes. I am who I am and I'm on a path to being a greater version of myself. I'm going to grow Spiritually, academically, socially and in love.
It's a liberating feeling to have a goal and have the courage to see it thru despite the opposition.
I'm not sure how it's all going to work but for the first time in a long time, I'm ok with being me. And I'm confident that me is the best thing to be!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Going Without
So, I've been feeling really Twin Falls/Idaho/America sick lately and I decided to blog about what I miss and why...(feel free to mail me any of these items that can legally be sent..ha ha) And these are in no particular order...
1. My brother and sister - I know, I know. It's a given....but REALLY...I miss them SO much. There is nothing in the world that can make me laugh until my abs are overworked and I can't breathe as when Travis and Emma are just being themselves. I am truly blessed with the best siblings EVER.
2. Tim's Jalapeno Chips - Living in a country where the chips bacon, lime and pickle, steak or various other not so normal types really makes me CRAVE good ol' Tim's jalapeno chips. (I plan on going to the closest Fred Meyer and stocking up within hours of coming back to the States.)
3. Driving - Walking nearly everywhere has been really great for me but is not always the most time friendly thing. Nearly being mugged and stalked home 3 times in 10 days makes me really wish I had a car for safety and Independence sake.
4. The Parental Unit - Nothing beats a black and white movie with running commentary from my mom and a bear hug from my dad. I'm 24 and still love sitting on my dad's lap for a few minutes. And the stops off's to my mom's classroom with a 16 oz Vanilla Latte no foam were always a great part of my day.
5. Propel Water Packets - Man alive, most people think they're disgusting but I love those Berry and Grape flavored ones. Water is so much easier to drink when it's the Propel flavors.
6. Java Breakfast - I have yet to eat anything in England or France that is as good as a breakfast from Java Twin Falls.
7. Texting - Having a pay as you go fun is kind of liberating because it's too expensive to ever use but I miss being able to have instant contact with anyone whenever I need it.
8. My Sunday Morning Girls Group - They're great and Godly and so unique. I'm hoping that each one of them is experiencing abundant blessings in their life.
9. My own room and shower - I miss the freedom to sing as loud as I wanted in the shower and dance around to whatever was playing on my IPOD. And I miss my bed. *Sigh*
10. Mountain Air - I always wanted to leave Idaho and everytime I do I can't wait to come back. I miss the simple beauty of the place I call home.
11. Waving at people and having them wave back - I think this is mostly a cultural thing and although I appreciate my friends here, I miss Americans.
12. Him - Enough said.
13. La Casita - I can't wait to eat a burrito with enchilada sauce and tomato's ......ahhhhhhh.
14. Christine, LeeAnn, Kiley, Erin, and Jacq - my girls. They've all stuck by me since being here and I know these are friends for life.
15. Barnes and Noble - Coffee, magazines and an endless supply of books. It's my much needed fix.
16. My parents house - It's home. It smells and sounds and looks just right. They better not ever move!
17. Langer's Cranberry Juice - The. Best. Ever. I really am not sure how much longer I can live without it.
18. Pedicures - A simple pleasure that shouldn't be so darn expensive in England.
19. Life being cheaper - Need I say more?
20. Really buttery and salty popcorn - I know what you're thinking...melt some butter and add some salt. Been there, tried that. It's not good.
21. Sour Starbursts - The best pucker provided by any candy!
22. Lemon Grass Tea from Java - In a country where tea is their life blood- nothing compares to a good cup of Java tea.
Ok....so...I could go on and on and on...but I'm not. I'm going to choose to find joy in my life here...
But really...feel free to send a package...or a letter.
1. My brother and sister - I know, I know. It's a given....but REALLY...I miss them SO much. There is nothing in the world that can make me laugh until my abs are overworked and I can't breathe as when Travis and Emma are just being themselves. I am truly blessed with the best siblings EVER.
2. Tim's Jalapeno Chips - Living in a country where the chips bacon, lime and pickle, steak or various other not so normal types really makes me CRAVE good ol' Tim's jalapeno chips. (I plan on going to the closest Fred Meyer and stocking up within hours of coming back to the States.)
3. Driving - Walking nearly everywhere has been really great for me but is not always the most time friendly thing. Nearly being mugged and stalked home 3 times in 10 days makes me really wish I had a car for safety and Independence sake.
4. The Parental Unit - Nothing beats a black and white movie with running commentary from my mom and a bear hug from my dad. I'm 24 and still love sitting on my dad's lap for a few minutes. And the stops off's to my mom's classroom with a 16 oz Vanilla Latte no foam were always a great part of my day.
5. Propel Water Packets - Man alive, most people think they're disgusting but I love those Berry and Grape flavored ones. Water is so much easier to drink when it's the Propel flavors.
6. Java Breakfast - I have yet to eat anything in England or France that is as good as a breakfast from Java Twin Falls.
7. Texting - Having a pay as you go fun is kind of liberating because it's too expensive to ever use but I miss being able to have instant contact with anyone whenever I need it.
8. My Sunday Morning Girls Group - They're great and Godly and so unique. I'm hoping that each one of them is experiencing abundant blessings in their life.
9. My own room and shower - I miss the freedom to sing as loud as I wanted in the shower and dance around to whatever was playing on my IPOD. And I miss my bed. *Sigh*
10. Mountain Air - I always wanted to leave Idaho and everytime I do I can't wait to come back. I miss the simple beauty of the place I call home.
11. Waving at people and having them wave back - I think this is mostly a cultural thing and although I appreciate my friends here, I miss Americans.
12. Him - Enough said.
13. La Casita - I can't wait to eat a burrito with enchilada sauce and tomato's ......ahhhhhhh.
14. Christine, LeeAnn, Kiley, Erin, and Jacq - my girls. They've all stuck by me since being here and I know these are friends for life.
15. Barnes and Noble - Coffee, magazines and an endless supply of books. It's my much needed fix.
16. My parents house - It's home. It smells and sounds and looks just right. They better not ever move!
17. Langer's Cranberry Juice - The. Best. Ever. I really am not sure how much longer I can live without it.
18. Pedicures - A simple pleasure that shouldn't be so darn expensive in England.
19. Life being cheaper - Need I say more?
20. Really buttery and salty popcorn - I know what you're thinking...melt some butter and add some salt. Been there, tried that. It's not good.
21. Sour Starbursts - The best pucker provided by any candy!
22. Lemon Grass Tea from Java - In a country where tea is their life blood- nothing compares to a good cup of Java tea.
Ok....so...I could go on and on and on...but I'm not. I'm going to choose to find joy in my life here...
But really...feel free to send a package...or a letter.
Quoteable Quote
"Who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear what you're saying."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
It must be true that actions speak louder than words. This quote caught me off guard. I can say that for myself, I do tend to look at a person acts more so than what they say because if they're actions don't match their words, Iconcerned don't trust them. I know in my life, there have been times where people haven't been convinced of my words.
Since being in England, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is to be consistent. Be consistent in friendship, in work, in exercises, in follow thru. If actions speak louder than words, then shouldn't actions parrallel the words?
What does who you are say about you? What speaks louder than what you are saying?
Since being in England, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is to be consistent. Be consistent in friendship, in work, in exercises, in follow thru. If actions speak louder than words, then shouldn't actions parrallel the words?
What does who you are say about you? What speaks louder than what you are saying?
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Few New Pictures of My Recent Adventures!
I've decided that at some point in every young adult's life, a night with a bouncy castle is imperative. This night is one of my favorite memories in England this far!!! 
Not much is better than a Sunday afternoon spent in the sun with friends, fellowship and coffee's. Unfortunately, Starbucks happens to be all too convenient...but when The Brit, Korean and Spaniard come to Idaho, rest assured we will be at Java!!!! I'm so thankful for each one of these friends...my summer here would not be the same without them and I look forward to many more adventures together! (Me, Helen, Young and Ainoa) 
This picture is at the top of Sugar Loaf Hill in Folkestone, the town I live in. It's a gorgeous walk up and I love looking over the city and seeing the sea on the horizon! Great way to start or end any day!!! 
I absolutely LOVE this picture. This is Alice, the little girl who's family I rent a room from. She just turned 2 and is just too cute. Currently, her favorite thing to say to me is "no" and "Me do it, Katie, ME!". She is super fierce, very cheeky and one of my favorite little girls.
I completely think I should market this into a postcard! I'm really proud of it! This is the Folkestone Harbor. Summer days by the sea are like none other....now I just need to meet someone with a sailboat!
HAPPY SUMMER!!!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Quote of the Day
Some men feel the need to love a thousand different women, but a Real Man knows how to love one woman a thousand different ways.
A very interesting perspective...and highly accurate in my opinion.
What are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts?
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