Making it Happen, Taking a Chance

Motorcycle Ride--CHECK!

2009-05-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I traveled to Jacksonville, Florida for my cousin's college graduation (Congrats, David!!).

Not only did I have lots of fun, I was also able to put a BIG check mark next to something I have been wanting to do for a long time--Go for a ride on a motorcycle. I'm officially a biker babe ;-)

My Uncle Dave took me out on his "FAT BOY" Harley-Davidson. All I can say is that I could not stop smiling :-) Thanks for the ride Uncle Dave!!

Give me whatcha got!

2009-03-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up, looked at my calendar and realized that I will be graduating from SDSU in 9 weeks. Part of me is extremely relieved and excited that I will be done, and the other part is deathly scared of what lays ahead. At times all I can do is smile, and other times I want to cry because I know I have a lot of work ahead of me.

I'm constantly bombarded by one question and one question only: What are you going to do after you graduate?

Let's see, my answers range from simple ("I think I might do some non-profit work, and see where it takes me"), perplexing ("I'm going to go to Africa and study the mating habits of elephants"), unexpected ("I'm going to try my hand at acting and plan to be the next Kate Winslet"), and the normal ("I have no idea").

I often hate telling people the last response only because it yields even more questions than what I am willing to answer. It's been my experience that the minute someone has even the slightest idea that I might not know what to do with my life they feel sorry for me, are worried about me (because not knowing has never been my forte), or think that I wasted my fours of college only to find that nothing caught my interest.

The truth of the matter is I want to do anything and everything, I often dream of being one of those women who know about all facets of life. I want to be able to tell you all about Italian history while pointing you to the perfect sidewalk cafe in Venice, or show you how to bake and decorate a fabulous cake, and maybe even teach a class on Shakespeare. I want to travel around the world and document it for everyone to see/read. I want to make a difference in the lives of others. I want to be in a movie and maybe even work the Today show here and there just because that show makes me smile. I want to do it all. I do not want to be forced into thinking that there is only one way and one path to go.

So, here it goes everyone, my answer to that burning question you all have in your minds. After college I simply plan to follow my hearts desire. But at 21--almost 22-- it appears daunting and I don't have the slightest idea of how to start.

Now it's your turn to be in the hot seat, these are my questions for you: What should I do? How should I do it? Given the current state of the economy, how do I survive? Would you work and then travel? Or travel and then work? How do I save? Do I do Grad school? When should I do grad school? WHAT DO I DO??

All I ask for is your advice as I make my transition from one monumental place in life to another. This is your chance to tell me what you wish someone told you. I am all ears :-)

E*TRADE BABY

2009-02-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Why I love the E*TRADE baby:
1. he's smart
2. he's clever
3. he makes everything sound effortless
4. only he could make the economy look adorable ;-)

Another favorite:

Things I love

2009-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

What I love about being on vacation from school

1. Watching Jon and Kate plus 8 almost every night without having to worry about this or that paper.

2. Knowing that I could walk out the front door at 1 am to grab some In n' Out with my roomy--although this hasn't happened yet, but it's possible...

3. Reading for pleasure--I got stuck on Twilight like every other woman in the country

4. Scrapbooking again. I still have yet to finish my Italy book, which I started almost 4 years ago.

Resolutions

2009-01-05T20:47:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

For New Year's Eve some friends and I had some fabulous fun dancing the night away in Downtown San Diego. It was tons of fun minus the minor walk down Montezuma at 3:30AM because our cab left us stranded (long story, but it was a fun night none the less). The funny part is while we were walking so early in the morning--heels and all--not only was I thinking about getting home, but my mind was trying to think of New Year's resolutions. None stood out to me :-(

So, here I am 5 days into the new year with still not one clue as to what I should be doing to change things up a bit. Do I resolve to do something wild and crazy? or do I stick with the simple things?

What I have realized far too often is that I get wildly agitated when I hear or see someone doing something I have always wanted to do. I hate that I have missed out on things and I hate the thought that I could be missing out on things. So, I guess the one resolution I can think of is simply the same thing I have been trying to do through this blog: Not let opportunities pass me by, don't be discouraged by situations, and have fun.

what's next?

2008-12-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

Let's see, it's been about 2 months since my last blog. And as I am sure you have suspected the reason I have been gone so long was due to school. As much as I am sad that I have not been updating frequently, I am proud to say that I have finished my last first semester, I am on a much needed month long break, and will soon be getting ready to begin my final semester of my college career.

You have no idea how excited I am to finally be able to plan my life apart from school. My Lovely boyfriend has started a blog (which I like to think I inspired, since he has always made fun of me for blogging, hehehe) talking about his Transition from the military to real life. We are both moving into new parts in our lives and I am proud of both of us for trying to figure things out in the best way possible. Neither of us want to miss out on anything.

Making Strides

2008-10-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

The best five miles I have ever walked happened this weekend.

Me and my roomie raised some money, and walked five long miles in the early morning to help make strides in the fight against breast cancer.

It was fun walking with hundreds of others, it was sad to look at some of the "In memory of" stickers posted to walkers backs, and it was humbling to be apart of something as huge as this cause.

This is something I plan to keep doing because its the least I can do.

The Holidays

2008-10-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have just realized and informed my family that for the first time EVER, I am unable to make it home for Thanksgiving :-( This sad realization brings me to tears because 1) I love the holidays, 2) I love my family, and 3) I love cooking/playing games/being ridiculous with my family.

However, I am going to take this opportunity to make this an optimistic moment. I've never hosted a holiday on my own, so why not do it now?

So, that's that! I am going to create a fabulous Thanksgiving day for me, my boyfriend, and his roommates, because we are all far from home and those we love. I have come to know these guys as my family while being in San Diego and I feel like I am up for the challenge of preparing a fabulous Thanksgiving meal; turkey, cranberry sauce (yuck!), stuffing, and all.

And since this is a first for me, I feel it only necessary to put it on my list (which, I have come to forget about as school has taken over my life completely).

My mind is already scheming about how the day will be, thanksgiving parades, football, and food. This will turn out to be an alright thanksgiving afterall, even if I won't be with my family.

:-)

sadly

2008-10-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

I miss blogging, and it is driving me nuts.

Lecture

2008-09-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Currently reading(trying to read): The Last Lecture

Quick review: Love it! Little lessons about life told by a guy who really seemed to have it all in perspective. My favorite chapter so far is about apologies. Oh and another favorite is about being a Tigger or an Eeyore. I would like to be a Tigger, who wouldn't?

I definitely recommend this to everyone. It's simple and straightforward.

Read it!

To my dismay

2008-09-22T00:19:00.000-07:00

It has been quite some time since I have blogged last and I fear this may be a growing trend. School has been distressing me as of late and most of my time has been spent reading, writing, and other various forms of homework.

All I want to do is blog and create my list of things that I need to accomplish in life, but I feel if I spend time blogging that is less time to focus on school work... Oh the things that us college kids have to endure.

All I can say is that at some point I will get into the swing of things and begin my writing once more, but as of right now it is at a standstill :-(

will a shark eat me?

2008-09-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have been living in this sunny city for quite some time now, and most people I know have one common past-time: surfing. I think I should suck up my fear of being eaten by a shark [chances are quite slim--at least, that's what the "experts" say. But slim still means there is a chance (plus, Shark week on the Discovery channel doesn't help either), hence my lack of enthusiasm until now] and attempt to surf. If all I did was sit on the board while out on the ocean I would consider it an accomplishment. LOL.

Sitting on the beach this weekend, watching the sailboats come in, seeing the surfers carry their boards out, was just a nice feeling. Now my research begins; where is a good spot for beginners? who would be willing to teach me? and how much of an idiot am I willing to look like? how much salt water is too much for my body to intake (because i anticipate falling off the board a lot)? are you sure a shark won't bite me??? Very serious about that last question, I didn't even put it in for comedic effect...

So, here's to surfing being added to the list.

Therapy

2008-09-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

I have finished my first week of classes, which for me is only two full days, and I am sitting here now debating whether or not this is going to be a good or stressful semester. Stressful is a given, school is always somewhat stress filled. But this semester is going to be stressful. I mean, in a serious way, like the kind of stress you feel when you wake up every morning thinking you are missing class, or when you feel like you totally forgot about an assignment.

There is one class I am in, Health Communication, which strikes my fancy. The first day my Professor asked the class, " what do you do to keep yourself healthy?". I, not wanting to think outside the box on the first day, was only allowing myself to think physical health. So, of course as everyone else gives their answers, which mostly involved surfing (also now on my list), I was at a loss when it came my turn to share. My answer was, "well, umm. yeah, i have been slacking on the whole taking care of myself thing. I guess I try and eat healthy, which I fail at about 80 percent of the time." I got a few laughs, always a plus.

Anyway, class went on and we finished the conversation, and I walked away being completely unsatisfied with my answer. What do I do to keep myself healthy, not just physically, but mentally as well. Realizing that I had to have something to keep me sane for the duration of this semester I began racking my brain for things that could keep me well-balanced. Tons of things popped in and out of my head (the gym, dancing, running, sleeping, etc...), and it wasn't until yesterday in a different class, with a different activity that I realized this blog with the whole "make me adventurous" theme is one of the things that keeps me happy. It is my therapy when I am happy, sad, thinking, and who knows what else.

I am satisfied knowing that I can send my thoughts/dreams out into the world via this account and whether I have a lot of readers or just a few (really just a few) it doesn't matter because this helps me. I like that I can keep adding to my list of things that I should experience, and document them as they are accomplished.

Blogging is my therapy, take it or leave it.

Ode to Summer

2008-08-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

Since the summer is coming to a close, and I am only three days away from beginning me final year in college, I thought it only appropriate to showcase my summer highlights.

Beginning with none other than time with my family. This is just a few of us at a Giants game in beautiful San Francisco.
I must say the best part about my summer was welcoming home my Sailor from his third and final deployment. As far as I know there is no better feeling than watching the man you love pull into the dock on that big metal boat, pick you out of a crowd of hundreds and mouth the words I love you.

And there is definitely nothing better than holding him, knowing that this was the last one, and the final year. I am proud of my Sailor and all that he as done. He's one of those people who will always to great things.
But of course, it would be just my luck that on the same day I welcome home my man that my car decides to breakdown-- this was an official Debbie Downer moment. And of course, being the person that I am can't afford to not document the irony of the situation, uniform and all trying to fix my car--sorry your whites got dirty :-/

Despite the fact that this minor thing ruined the day I had planned for us, it was still a moment that highlighted my summer. Now I have two reasons to never forget this day.

Then there was the SD fair, with fun, friends, and lots of fried food :-)

Once again I went home, for about a month to spend time with family and work. The best was spending time with my cousin, who came to visit from Florida. We had our various and random adventures, but we enjoyed all of them.

Driving to the city (on the left) was the beginning of it all. Followed by family parties galore, where, as you can see we always have a good time :-D For us, family is most important, we're all we've got and we try and remember that one family gathering at a time.

I could never leave out our family walks at the marina. Some how this has become somewhat of a summer tradition, it basically works like this: we walk/run, start huffing and puffing because we're all out of shape, finish the exercise, feel accomplished, and then drive to Aunty's where we fill up on very fatty--BUT VERY DELICIOUS--food (Thanks, Aunty!).

The Fourth of July was special for me and "my favorite cousin who is my age" because we realized that in a family as big as ours, we were finally the adults to the younger ones (who, if you take the time to count, outnumber us by a lot). With this in mind, we felt it obviously necessary to christen the moment by trekking out to San Francisco with the whoever was brave enough to be under our "watchful" eyes.

We came, we saw, and we conquered the city--which was insanely crowded--we should have known given the holiday. To our dismay, the city was also getting very cold and foggy, which would be no good for viewing fireworks. So, we left to return home to our older "Pyro" cousin, who generally is in charge of the family firework show.

After a long visit home, with some unexpected jury time, I was finally back in San Diego :-)

So, in a nutshell (a big nutshell) that was summer for me. It was fun, it was long, and it could have been longer ;-)

Wish me luck as I finish my last year of college, and on all the many things I still need to accomplish.

My Sushi Experience

2008-08-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

I tried Sushi! This may seem stupid (not like this was on my list or anything, but i think it can be added maybe under a new section entitled Small Stuff ?I digress), I mean who doesn't love the California Roll, right? Well, me. I did not enjoy the California roll, or any other kind of roll involving raw fish for that matter. I've tried sushi before at random points in time, and have never warmed to it.

However, in an attempt to not "miss out" on the simple things most others seem to enjoy, I hopped in a car with my close and personal friends :-D and headed downtown for some famous Sushi Deli 2 (ya can't forget the 2).

I was shocked at how much I enjoyed myself. Of course, I was a bit skeptical seeing as how I ordered teriyaki chicken as a precaution. I tried Crunchy Rolls, Dragon Rolls, and (the best roll they have, pictured above ;-) the Katie Roll. It was all very good, and the atmosphere just added to it.

So, in the end I am glad I gave this simple pleasure another shot. It may not be super adventurous, but at least I tried it.

Just in case...

2008-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

you thought i'd chicken out; My #2: Get a Tattoo, is in the works

:-)

#1: Accomplished

2008-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

As you may recall a few posts ago, I had mentioned that I was in the process of completing Goal numero uno: Read a book other than a text book. And may also recall that the book I chose to read was non other than The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.

Well, I am pleased to say that I have finished the book, and it was nothing short of amazing. I cried several times--no joke.

The simple plot is this; a dad and his son are traveling on a road (umm, I'm sure you could have guessed that given the title) post-apocalyptic point-in-time, trying to survive on near nothing, while trying to evade "the bad guys". The whole story really captures the Dad's struggle to protect his son from anything and everything that might taint him.

Now, just so ya know, I am not as good at the books reviews as my mother and cousin are, and I don't want to risk ruining anything for those who may read it, so I'll just lay it out like this.

the son is adorable and innocent
something good happens just when it is needed
the dad is sad, yet strong/heroic
the way McCarthy writes kind of bothers me, but you will have to be the judge.
the story is heart aching, and really makes you think--at least it made me think.
I can only hope and pray that our world does not mimic that of the book.

And that's that. I give this two thumbs up, and highly recommend this to anyone. Oh! and this author is the same guy who did All the Pretty Horses, and No Country for Old Men, so if you were a fan of those you should like this too.

Now, if you have already read the book (and hopefully this won't ruin anything for people who haven't), then maybe you can help me out with something. What drastic thing do you think actually happened in the world to make everything the way it is?

Ciao!

Thank You

2008-08-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

I would just like to say a BIG thank you to the nice scooter man, who so kindly stopped on the side of the road to help me, my roomie, and her boyfriend carry in our brand new table.

It would have been difficult doing it on our own, but your help we got it in our new apartment with no problems.

People who are nice make me so happy, and this act of kindness almost brought me to tears--silly, I know. But still, it meant a lot to me and my roomie.

So, Thank You, Scooter Man! You made our day and as you can see from the picture we have already put our table to good use :-)

Proof Reading

2008-08-14T12:34:00.001-07:00

I really need to learn how to be patient with things, for instance, my blogging. I have no patience to go through my post with a fine-tooth comb, and therefore I end up with misspelled words. I hate it when I do that. It drives me nuts.

On another note, I have been reading away in my book, The Road. About half way done, and I have already cried about several different times. I have to keep reminding myself that it is just a book, and that (God willing) we will never have to live in a world like the one Cormac McCarthy depicts in this amazing novel.

At this point, I DEFINITELY recommend this to everyone else.

Starting out slow

2008-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Looking at my calendar I realize that school is just around the corner (SENIOR YEAR--YAY!), and I have only a few weeks to get some stuff done before I have to start focusing on classes.

I took a look at my To-Do list and was attempting to figure out the best way to get things done. This is what I have decided; Once a month I will have to accomplish one thing on my list. So, for the month of August I am going to finish a book other than a textbook.

Last night I started to read The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. And at the moment, I am loving it. It is sad, but heartfelt. I can completely relate to the Dad in the story, because I know I would act and feel the same way.

I won't give you much detail right now because I want to get a little further into it before I start giving some tidbits of info. Just know that I think it is worth reading.

Adding one more

2008-08-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

My cousin has informed me that I should add one more goal to my list of "Things to do before I die" and I agree wholeheartedly. The list continues:

6. Bungee jump :-D

From this point forward

2008-08-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Alrighty, here's the deal. For the last month--actually its been much longer than a month, probably more like months, maybe even years-- I have been thinking this one particular thought in my mind: Katherine, stop thinking so much about everything and just do it!

But do I ever "just do it", of course not. Why? Because I probably think a lot more than I should about things. I will always be the voice of reason, and I will always be waaay too responsible for my own good. Actually, let me say it this way; there is nothing wrong with being responsible and thoughtful about the happenings of my life, but I do think that it stops me from attaining and enjoying the simple things most 20-somethings should experience.

One night not too long ago it hit me: get others involved, have them read along with what I want to do, have them push me to do the things I have always wanted--even if you don't necessarily agree ( for instance, my tattoo idea :-), use the blog!

I have had a blog off and on for the last year, and I love it. However, every now and then I lose sight of what it is I am trying to accomplish, I get bogged down with other nuances of life, and shy away from writing what I am thinking. It shall be this way no longer! I will write, I will post, and I will achieve my goals in life--as simple and insignificant as they may seem.

The criteria for which to accomplish these I have not yet decided, or if there should even be criteria. I will figure that out all in good time :-) Until then, these are some of the things I want to accomplish--they are simple, but nonetheless things that I want to do.

1. Read a book other than a college textbook--something I have truly missed since I have been a college student
2. Get a tattoo :-)
3. Document my life in pictures for a whole month
4. Ride a motorcycle--something my high school friend has convinced me I should do
5. Dye my hair--done it before, but feel I need another change

So, from this point forward you, my lovely readers, will see and read as I make myself more adventurous.

Ciao!