I'm in Venice now.
For tonight (and the following 2 nights) I'm in this great hostel. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to stay in a little community and meet interesting people.
It's called "A Venice Fish".
Very friendly. Very good location.
I am so tired.
Because this blog has done more evil than good, I've started a new blog.
It's suited specifically for my travels.
www.katiewhitecoat.wordpress.com
Once I become comfortable with the formatting I will post pictures and videos all the time... provided that I'm not actually out being adventurous.
I've been sweating nonstop for 3 days now without a shower.
I won't even tell you the last time I changed my clothes was. Any of them. I think you know what I'm talking about.
Ho bisogno di fare la doccia subito. Ciao.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
one week left...
Those with grace lack propriety.
Those with propriety lack grace.
Y'all gon' make me lose my mind up in here, up in here.
Those with propriety lack grace.
Y'all gon' make me lose my mind up in here, up in here.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
People don't change.
When your shady friends from high school resurface, they will still be shady (if not shadier, and better at excusing it).
No matter how many times a girl asks for dating advice, she will never listen to it.
Girls will just about always respond sexually to negative attention.
You definitely know that person who says (after getting out of another long relationship), "I just want to be alone for awhile." They're lying. They're already dating someone else. They're afraid of being alone.
And, for the ladies...
If you're chasing after a boy who has been to Trinity Vineyard church at least 1 time, you need to give up. We need to accept the fact that there is a virtual buffet of attractive women at their disposal. Have we not learned this by now?
No matter how many times a girl asks for dating advice, she will never listen to it.
Girls will just about always respond sexually to negative attention.
You definitely know that person who says (after getting out of another long relationship), "I just want to be alone for awhile." They're lying. They're already dating someone else. They're afraid of being alone.
And, for the ladies...
If you're chasing after a boy who has been to Trinity Vineyard church at least 1 time, you need to give up. We need to accept the fact that there is a virtual buffet of attractive women at their disposal. Have we not learned this by now?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
no boys allowed.
In the past months, I've finally realized some of my own poisonous patterns.
I have always been the surrogate girlfriend.
Tonight I ran into someone at Fellini's. I haven't seen him since July 4th of last year, when he stopped by the redneck cookout with his girlfriend to quickly wish me a happy birthday.
At that point, I hadn't seen him since several weeks before I left for Perugia.
He and I had been inseparable for almost a year before that. Never dating, but always (I do mean always) calling, writing, hanging out, giving presents...whatever. The fact that he had so much social anxiety never bothered me, but complicated the rest of my life. I kind of lost contact with everyone else. And those who I was still in contact were growing more tired of me by the second. The only stories I ever told were about him, I was always shifting plans around him, etc.
I won't pretend that I'm very wise or even practical. I went back and forth about having a crush on him and totally despising him. I never brought it up.
Then he got a girlfriend, and I was out.
While I was in Perugia, it really sunk in that I had nothing to come home to. Everyone was on Skype all day with their loved ones, and I had to beg him to set some time aside to talk to me. When I called we talked for all of 2 minutes. It basically went like this:
"I'm really homesick. And I miss you."
-"Katie, I'm not your boyfriend."
That's the moment I started feeling at home in Italy.
When I saw him tonight I gave him a hug, and he kissed me on the arm. We talked casually and quickly about how he had heard that Shawn dropped me like a bad habit, and how he is at a serious crossroads in his relationship.
Then he asked me to call him.
When I told him that I wouldn't, I don't think he understood.
He explained that the screen on his phone is broken, and that he couldn't see my name to call me.
This time I added that I am leaving in a month, and that I would not be calling him.
I've had different versions of "that guy" in my life since I was 14. The only difference is that back then I had the courage to be like, "Ok, so, you're my boyfriend, and I'm your girlfriend... k?"
I'm really not as independent as I seem.
But for the first time in years I don't have "that guy" in my life, and I'm really happy about it.
My mom says that I should be someone's real girlfriend.
She's right. I have plenty of friends already.
I'm really not interested in new guy friends. It's taken long enough, but I know now that it just doesn't work that way.
I'm still not that girl who desperately wants to get married or anything. I mean come on. I'm 22.
Just say "no!" to the friend-zone.
I have always been the surrogate girlfriend.
Tonight I ran into someone at Fellini's. I haven't seen him since July 4th of last year, when he stopped by the redneck cookout with his girlfriend to quickly wish me a happy birthday.
At that point, I hadn't seen him since several weeks before I left for Perugia.
He and I had been inseparable for almost a year before that. Never dating, but always (I do mean always) calling, writing, hanging out, giving presents...whatever. The fact that he had so much social anxiety never bothered me, but complicated the rest of my life. I kind of lost contact with everyone else. And those who I was still in contact were growing more tired of me by the second. The only stories I ever told were about him, I was always shifting plans around him, etc.
I won't pretend that I'm very wise or even practical. I went back and forth about having a crush on him and totally despising him. I never brought it up.
Then he got a girlfriend, and I was out.
While I was in Perugia, it really sunk in that I had nothing to come home to. Everyone was on Skype all day with their loved ones, and I had to beg him to set some time aside to talk to me. When I called we talked for all of 2 minutes. It basically went like this:
"I'm really homesick. And I miss you."
-"Katie, I'm not your boyfriend."
That's the moment I started feeling at home in Italy.
When I saw him tonight I gave him a hug, and he kissed me on the arm. We talked casually and quickly about how he had heard that Shawn dropped me like a bad habit, and how he is at a serious crossroads in his relationship.
Then he asked me to call him.
When I told him that I wouldn't, I don't think he understood.
He explained that the screen on his phone is broken, and that he couldn't see my name to call me.
This time I added that I am leaving in a month, and that I would not be calling him.
I've had different versions of "that guy" in my life since I was 14. The only difference is that back then I had the courage to be like, "Ok, so, you're my boyfriend, and I'm your girlfriend... k?"
I'm really not as independent as I seem.
But for the first time in years I don't have "that guy" in my life, and I'm really happy about it.
My mom says that I should be someone's real girlfriend.
She's right. I have plenty of friends already.
I'm really not interested in new guy friends. It's taken long enough, but I know now that it just doesn't work that way.
I'm still not that girl who desperately wants to get married or anything. I mean come on. I'm 22.
Just say "no!" to the friend-zone.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Dear goodness, my self-esteem took a beating last night.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I think I'm a pretty fantastic girl. It's not like I think I'm super good looking, but it actually kind of surprised me to learn that my group of guy friends would take just about any girl on the planet over me.
I learned this by playing one of my favorite little games where you verbally align 2 people, and the other person (people) choose their winner. It's kind of like those little, "Would You Rather..." books... but more like "Who'd You Rather..."
I was the only girl present, and normally I NEVER include myself in the runnings. I know where that goes. But once they asked me which one of them I would take over the other it was on like Donkey Kong.
That was really stupid.
I shouldn't be surprised by these things.
Being a ChaCha guide has taught me one thing: the only thing in the whole world worth talking about must be sex. How frustrating.
(Speaking of which, I sat behind someone in class the other day wearing a fraternity shirt advertising a hunting lodge, which read, "Chasing tail and stuffing beaver since 1905"... that guy is such a virgin!)
I guess the reason that I was surprised is because I thought that people who know me really well would at least like my personality.
I'm consistent, honest, and loyal... and I think that should be sexy.
But we've been indoctrinated by the media.
Me too. I'm not above anything.
Me? I'd take Philip Seymour Hoffman over most.
And Bob Dylan over ANYBODY.
It's ok, guys... I know I'm petty.
I learned this by playing one of my favorite little games where you verbally align 2 people, and the other person (people) choose their winner. It's kind of like those little, "Would You Rather..." books... but more like "Who'd You Rather..."
I was the only girl present, and normally I NEVER include myself in the runnings. I know where that goes. But once they asked me which one of them I would take over the other it was on like Donkey Kong.
That was really stupid.
I shouldn't be surprised by these things.
Being a ChaCha guide has taught me one thing: the only thing in the whole world worth talking about must be sex. How frustrating.
(Speaking of which, I sat behind someone in class the other day wearing a fraternity shirt advertising a hunting lodge, which read, "Chasing tail and stuffing beaver since 1905"... that guy is such a virgin!)
I guess the reason that I was surprised is because I thought that people who know me really well would at least like my personality.
I'm consistent, honest, and loyal... and I think that should be sexy.
But we've been indoctrinated by the media.
Me too. I'm not above anything.
Me? I'd take Philip Seymour Hoffman over most.
And Bob Dylan over ANYBODY.
It's ok, guys... I know I'm petty.
Friday, July 18, 2008
holy s***, batman!
Is it possible to win Best Actor postmortem?
It freaking should be.
Movie of the year.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
it all makes so much sense!
Until now, I've never understood why parents wouldn't let their children go to concerts.
I was always allowed to go, but my friends had trouble getting permission.
Seriously, I've been to, like, a thousand "shows" or "concerts" in my day, and I have never once encountered something that would make me think, "boy, I'm glad my parents don't know about this!"
It occurred to me last Saturday night, while sitting in the Fox Theater just why my generation's parents would be so nervous about allowing their little babies to experience the brutal world of rock and roll...
because they themselves are nuckin futs!
Seriously. They can't hang.
It was exclusively the middle+ aged men and women who were out of their assigned seats, running up and down the isles, drinking excessive amounts of smuggled liquor, screaming, flailing, bumping, "upgrading" themselves to stolen seats...
I've never met a teenager who does that. I mean, they're crappy just because they're teenagers... but at least they keep it to themselves!
Pull yourselves together!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
let's be honest here:
These last 7 days have been 7 of the worst days of my life.
The only thing on my immediate agenda is Daniel Johnston tomorrow night. Alone.
Couldn't be more appropriate.
The furthest into the future I can see is July 5th.
Tom Waits.
After that... we'll just have to see.
The only thing on my immediate agenda is Daniel Johnston tomorrow night. Alone.
Couldn't be more appropriate.
The furthest into the future I can see is July 5th.
Tom Waits.
After that... we'll just have to see.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
very interesting post, you are...
Your results:
You are Yoda
(This list displays the top 10 results out of a possible 21 characters)
Click here to take the Star Wars Personality Test
You are Yoda
| Wise and all knowing you are…yes. Tall, dark, and handsome? Not so much I'd say.  |
(This list displays the top 10 results out of a possible 21 characters)
Click here to take the Star Wars Personality Test
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
uhhh...
I was just on the phone with a veterinary clinic...
Did anyone here know that cats can get zits?
Seriously. That's just nuts.
Did anyone here know that cats can get zits?
Seriously. That's just nuts.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
unexpected things:
Atonement is awesome.
Sweeny Todd is awesome.
I biked to and from Octane tonight.
I'm in pain.
Sweeny Todd is awesome.
I biked to and from Octane tonight.
I'm in pain.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
okok. i take it back.
The verbal smack downs at Trinity softball are awesome. I was being sensitive before.
It's really difficult to not be too hard on myself sometimes.
Like, when I was playing sports at a competitive level, I was so emotionally invested in the game that I felt like a complete failure if I struck out, or if I ball got past me, or if I overthrew. And if I didn't feel like a failure, somebody was going to remind me that I should.
Every time I walked somebody last week I felt like I was letting my team down.
And... that's kind of lame.
So, knowing that no one takes this too seriously, I think I can start having fun and getting to know lots of new people.
I also strained my left quadriceps.
I didn't delete my last post because while I may have been over-sensitive, I don't think I was being irrational.
And above all, I meant what I said about feeling abandoned by my friends in the church.
I went through something that was really different for me this past fall, and it kind of blew up in my face. And nobody was there to remind me to show some grace. The whole experience just left me a little duller around the edges than I was before, but with a sharper, meaner whit.
I was on campus just a little bit ago, and a bus was heading in my direction. The front of it said, "JESUS," and I thought to myself, "now that's a little overkill".
When the bus passed by, I read "RescueAtlanta.com" on the back. I've been to this website before. It's something that I had once hoped to become involved in.
Then I realized that I'm much more of a humanitarian than a Christian these days.
I try so hard to be a good "Christian" while maintaining a certain level of cool.
My prayer is to become foolish again.
I'm leaving for Venice in less than 2 months.
I don't know what to do. Sometimes I spontaneously burst into tears.
Not really. But I do get emotional.
It's really difficult to not be too hard on myself sometimes.
Like, when I was playing sports at a competitive level, I was so emotionally invested in the game that I felt like a complete failure if I struck out, or if I ball got past me, or if I overthrew. And if I didn't feel like a failure, somebody was going to remind me that I should.
Every time I walked somebody last week I felt like I was letting my team down.
And... that's kind of lame.
So, knowing that no one takes this too seriously, I think I can start having fun and getting to know lots of new people.
I also strained my left quadriceps.
I didn't delete my last post because while I may have been over-sensitive, I don't think I was being irrational.
And above all, I meant what I said about feeling abandoned by my friends in the church.
I went through something that was really different for me this past fall, and it kind of blew up in my face. And nobody was there to remind me to show some grace. The whole experience just left me a little duller around the edges than I was before, but with a sharper, meaner whit.
I was on campus just a little bit ago, and a bus was heading in my direction. The front of it said, "JESUS," and I thought to myself, "now that's a little overkill".
When the bus passed by, I read "RescueAtlanta.com" on the back. I've been to this website before. It's something that I had once hoped to become involved in.
Then I realized that I'm much more of a humanitarian than a Christian these days.
I try so hard to be a good "Christian" while maintaining a certain level of cool.
My prayer is to become foolish again.
I'm leaving for Venice in less than 2 months.
I don't know what to do. Sometimes I spontaneously burst into tears.
Not really. But I do get emotional.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
maybe she's born with it... maybe it's pms.
My girls have left the country. Now who's going to eat with me?
Both Tom Waits and Daniel Johnston will be playing in Atlanta within two weeks of each other. How much money am I going to spend? It doesn't matter.
Trinity softball started yesterday. Everything hurts.
I pitched the whole game and then got bulldozed by a 3rd baseman in the last inning.
Let's not tiptoe around this: I got really angry. Like, sinfully angry.
Is it acceptable to talk trash at a church softball game?
Really?
Oh, I guess I forgot why I quit playing sports.
The injuries don't bother me, the practice doesn't bother me... it's the fact that everyone thinks that if they were in someone else's position, they wouldn't make the same mistakes. I decided it was time to quit sports when God asked me to get over myself. I assumed He would ask everyone else to do the same.
And when I originally found out that there would be multiple teams, I said I wouldn't play. Why? Because that inevitably means that there would be an A-squad and a B-squad... and I just think that's sick. I decided to play again when they formed our own league of bunches of teams.
However, there's still an A-squad, and the rest of us are B-squad.
Maybe listening to people talk trash about something as unworthy as pitching is a good thing. It's the most anyone from church has thought about me since I left for Italy this time last year. Wow... as I wrote that, I realized that it's true.
It's a really, tremendously fun time.
You may not believe me, considering the rant above...
But all the things that I'm annoyed with are really just crap.
People will wise up, or I'll just callous myself into not caring.
Man, so much stuff happened in the last month that I'm too over to even talk about: Landlord drama, unlivable stench, dead animals, homelessness, bondage-breaking forgiveness... whatever.
Both Tom Waits and Daniel Johnston will be playing in Atlanta within two weeks of each other. How much money am I going to spend? It doesn't matter.
Trinity softball started yesterday. Everything hurts.
I pitched the whole game and then got bulldozed by a 3rd baseman in the last inning.
Let's not tiptoe around this: I got really angry. Like, sinfully angry.
Is it acceptable to talk trash at a church softball game?
Really?
Oh, I guess I forgot why I quit playing sports.
The injuries don't bother me, the practice doesn't bother me... it's the fact that everyone thinks that if they were in someone else's position, they wouldn't make the same mistakes. I decided it was time to quit sports when God asked me to get over myself. I assumed He would ask everyone else to do the same.
And when I originally found out that there would be multiple teams, I said I wouldn't play. Why? Because that inevitably means that there would be an A-squad and a B-squad... and I just think that's sick. I decided to play again when they formed our own league of bunches of teams.
However, there's still an A-squad, and the rest of us are B-squad.
Maybe listening to people talk trash about something as unworthy as pitching is a good thing. It's the most anyone from church has thought about me since I left for Italy this time last year. Wow... as I wrote that, I realized that it's true.
It's a really, tremendously fun time.
You may not believe me, considering the rant above...
But all the things that I'm annoyed with are really just crap.
People will wise up, or I'll just callous myself into not caring.
Man, so much stuff happened in the last month that I'm too over to even talk about: Landlord drama, unlivable stench, dead animals, homelessness, bondage-breaking forgiveness... whatever.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
let's talk about me!!
There's not much in my life quite more exhilarating than watching a midnight showing of an anticipated movie at Atlantic Station. So, my friends and I took up an entire row of seats tonight to see Prince Caspian. I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia, although I have the entire collection in Italian (sort of pointless, really, since Mr. Lewis was an Englishmun). So, imagine possibly being the only person in the theater without a clue as to how things are going to unravel... fists pumping; butt-cheeks clenched!
Here are my self-centered notes:
1. Hotties.
2. I really, really want to ride a hoarse at full speed.
3. I wonder at the budgetary allowance for body makeup to cover the centaurs' tribal tattoos. They're showing so much skin, it must have cost a fortune!
4. I am more ready than ever to go to REN FEST on Sunday! And yes, that's relevant to the movie.
5. This story captured a lot of what I've been going through lately. Not knowing where the Lion is, or why He would let the world fall by the wayside. Asking questions has always made me feel like a number, but it's nice to know that I've been waiting alongside characters much greater than myself throughout history and fiction. In light of His glory, all is forgiven... or justified... or completely insignificant.
6. I looooooove epic movie soundtracks. Throughout the entire thing I was moved continuously by the swelling of strings, and and the subtle manliness of horns... but sweet goodness... who decided to sneak that last song into the mix? Almost ruined the whole thing for me. This isn't a GAP ad, folks, it's an allegory!
7. We'd all do well to remember the Kingship of Christ.
8. Every time I see any kind of movie with battle scenes... I can't imagine what it must be like to fight like that. I can't say with confidence that I know a single person who would be willing to stare down his or her own bloody mortality to protect the world we live in. I guess I'm speaking exclusively to Americans. Maybe I need braver friends. Maybe we've all lost our nobility. I think we all (I) have a tendency to not look past our (my) immediate interests, and ignore the bigger picture. Heaven forbid we see the giant canvas in a digital world.
K. I'm done with that.
In real people news, I've decided to take the high road by making use of the university gym. It would be easier if I lived on campus... or if GSU actually had a campus. It would also be easier if I weren't too scared to go alone. Or if I had money to park. Either way, my friend Ugo designed a routine for me that should stop my knees from buckling out from under me so often. Even my good knee hasn't been doing the job lately.
Has anyone seen "Yo Gabba Gabba"!? Best show ever. Thanks, little Judah, for showing me. That little baby already has supreme taste.
I'm waking up in a few short hours to try to purchase Tom Waits tickets. They cost a fortune, and I'm not even sure I'll be able to snag one.
Aaaaaaaaand this week in thankfullness... I am thankful not to have a man. I have men... handsome ones!
Here are my self-centered notes:
1. Hotties.
2. I really, really want to ride a hoarse at full speed.
3. I wonder at the budgetary allowance for body makeup to cover the centaurs' tribal tattoos. They're showing so much skin, it must have cost a fortune!
4. I am more ready than ever to go to REN FEST on Sunday! And yes, that's relevant to the movie.
5. This story captured a lot of what I've been going through lately. Not knowing where the Lion is, or why He would let the world fall by the wayside. Asking questions has always made me feel like a number, but it's nice to know that I've been waiting alongside characters much greater than myself throughout history and fiction. In light of His glory, all is forgiven... or justified... or completely insignificant.
6. I looooooove epic movie soundtracks. Throughout the entire thing I was moved continuously by the swelling of strings, and and the subtle manliness of horns... but sweet goodness... who decided to sneak that last song into the mix? Almost ruined the whole thing for me. This isn't a GAP ad, folks, it's an allegory!
7. We'd all do well to remember the Kingship of Christ.
8. Every time I see any kind of movie with battle scenes... I can't imagine what it must be like to fight like that. I can't say with confidence that I know a single person who would be willing to stare down his or her own bloody mortality to protect the world we live in. I guess I'm speaking exclusively to Americans. Maybe I need braver friends. Maybe we've all lost our nobility. I think we all (I) have a tendency to not look past our (my) immediate interests, and ignore the bigger picture. Heaven forbid we see the giant canvas in a digital world.
K. I'm done with that.
In real people news, I've decided to take the high road by making use of the university gym. It would be easier if I lived on campus... or if GSU actually had a campus. It would also be easier if I weren't too scared to go alone. Or if I had money to park. Either way, my friend Ugo designed a routine for me that should stop my knees from buckling out from under me so often. Even my good knee hasn't been doing the job lately.
Has anyone seen "Yo Gabba Gabba"!? Best show ever. Thanks, little Judah, for showing me. That little baby already has supreme taste.
I'm waking up in a few short hours to try to purchase Tom Waits tickets. They cost a fortune, and I'm not even sure I'll be able to snag one.
Aaaaaaaaand this week in thankfullness... I am thankful not to have a man. I have men... handsome ones!
Friday, May 9, 2008
update:
Klaus is cute.
I've been making cupcakes from scratch, which is a good deterrent from eating sweets. Seriously.
My roommate has a new boyfriend, and I think they're pretty precious.
I semi-accidentally spray painted my entire left hand black today.
I have officially caught the bouquet at 100% of the weddings I've ever gone to.
My dad said, "welp, it's probably from all that softball."
Which, ironically, is probably the reason that I won't be the next to be married.
TOM FREAKING WAITS is coming to town!!
I saw Radiohead last night. I could watch the baby-raptor dance all day long.
My lady Jessie Donaughy is leaving the USA for 4 months, at the end of which I will be leaving Uncle Sam as well.
I can't believe I'm not going to see my friend for so long.
I've been making cupcakes from scratch, which is a good deterrent from eating sweets. Seriously.
My roommate has a new boyfriend, and I think they're pretty precious.
I semi-accidentally spray painted my entire left hand black today.
I have officially caught the bouquet at 100% of the weddings I've ever gone to.
My dad said, "welp, it's probably from all that softball."
Which, ironically, is probably the reason that I won't be the next to be married.
TOM FREAKING WAITS is coming to town!!
I saw Radiohead last night. I could watch the baby-raptor dance all day long.
My lady Jessie Donaughy is leaving the USA for 4 months, at the end of which I will be leaving Uncle Sam as well.
I can't believe I'm not going to see my friend for so long.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
I got an e-mail today that I'm expected to write a letter for my little sister's youth group graduation banquet by tonight. It's Saturday, and I have a huuuuuge paper plus an exam on Monday. I don't really know squat about my exam, and the paper has to be written in Italian. But, you know, whatever.
It was actually nice to sit for a while and think about exactly what I would want to tell my little sister before she goes off to college. Plus, I'm honored that she considers me one of the 3 "influential people" in her life.
This is what I wrote to her:
Boodha-face,
I’m so happy that the little caboose is finishing high school. You’re going to love college.
I never really got any instruction as to how this should be written… so I guess it’s time to bestow upon you my worldly wisdom (whether or not anyone asked for it):
1. Be responsible. Don’t let anyone convince you something is a good idea if you have even a hunch that it’s not.
2. Lock your doors. For some reason people haven’t figured out that stealing from dorms is, like, the worst idea ever.
3. If it’s in a red cup, you probably don’t want to drink it. Plus, single-use items are totally wasteful. Respect the earth, and reduce your impact on landfills.
4. Money comes and goes. Don’t let it worry you too much.
5. At the end of each semester, your teachers will assign grades somewhat arbitrarily, and then you’re done with that class forever. So treat your friendships well, because they’re the only real things you’ll take with you after you’ve gotten a silly little degree.
6. Strategically sit by someone cute, but –and I cannot stress this enough- never talk to them. They’re probably stupid, and it will ruin the fun of putting your make-up on before school.
7. “Foot baggers” are rarely as cool as they think they are.
8. You’re probably going to lose touch with people from high school. But that’s ok. We’re just growing up.
9. If you find yourself in a church that has an ATM, heal-toe it out of there. It’s a trap.
10. Campus ministry drama is the worst kind of drama… So, if you choose to become involved in one, show them how to keep it real. You're way above all the fuss.
11. Read for recreation sometimes.
12. I guarantee that someone in your building will have a poster of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” taped up on his or her wall. Call me when you find it. We’ll giggle. I guess that’s not really advice… more like a scavenger hunt.
13. Watch documentaries. Not only are they enlightening, but quoting them makes you sound smart in courtyard conversation.
14. When you're stuck, read a Psalm a few times over.
15. Pride is possibly the easiest, and most destructive of all sins. Live in humility to avoid humiliation. As Woven Hand says, "The world will bow/ the knees will be broken for those who don't know how." Now I'm not a doctor or a scholar... but I'd avoid that if I could.
And, most importantly,
16. Learn to love what God loves.
You are a precious treasure, and I love you very, very much. Congratulations. Now go, therefore, ad change the world.
katie
It was actually nice to sit for a while and think about exactly what I would want to tell my little sister before she goes off to college. Plus, I'm honored that she considers me one of the 3 "influential people" in her life.
This is what I wrote to her:
Boodha-face,
I’m so happy that the little caboose is finishing high school. You’re going to love college.
I never really got any instruction as to how this should be written… so I guess it’s time to bestow upon you my worldly wisdom (whether or not anyone asked for it):
1. Be responsible. Don’t let anyone convince you something is a good idea if you have even a hunch that it’s not.
2. Lock your doors. For some reason people haven’t figured out that stealing from dorms is, like, the worst idea ever.
3. If it’s in a red cup, you probably don’t want to drink it. Plus, single-use items are totally wasteful. Respect the earth, and reduce your impact on landfills.
4. Money comes and goes. Don’t let it worry you too much.
5. At the end of each semester, your teachers will assign grades somewhat arbitrarily, and then you’re done with that class forever. So treat your friendships well, because they’re the only real things you’ll take with you after you’ve gotten a silly little degree.
6. Strategically sit by someone cute, but –and I cannot stress this enough- never talk to them. They’re probably stupid, and it will ruin the fun of putting your make-up on before school.
7. “Foot baggers” are rarely as cool as they think they are.
8. You’re probably going to lose touch with people from high school. But that’s ok. We’re just growing up.
9. If you find yourself in a church that has an ATM, heal-toe it out of there. It’s a trap.
10. Campus ministry drama is the worst kind of drama… So, if you choose to become involved in one, show them how to keep it real. You're way above all the fuss.
11. Read for recreation sometimes.
12. I guarantee that someone in your building will have a poster of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” taped up on his or her wall. Call me when you find it. We’ll giggle. I guess that’s not really advice… more like a scavenger hunt.
13. Watch documentaries. Not only are they enlightening, but quoting them makes you sound smart in courtyard conversation.
14. When you're stuck, read a Psalm a few times over.
15. Pride is possibly the easiest, and most destructive of all sins. Live in humility to avoid humiliation. As Woven Hand says, "The world will bow/ the knees will be broken for those who don't know how." Now I'm not a doctor or a scholar... but I'd avoid that if I could.
And, most importantly,
16. Learn to love what God loves.
You are a precious treasure, and I love you very, very much. Congratulations. Now go, therefore, ad change the world.
katie
Saturday, April 26, 2008
p.s. i'm funnier than you.
I had an awful dream last night. One that I've had before, but this time with a new twist...
Once again I was getting married, and as always I knew that I didn't want to. The difference is that this time I went through with it!! The day after I told him I wanted a divorce. Making it an even worse version of my regular nightmare.
Optimism. I has it.
Tonight I sifted through a box of old notebooks/sheet music at my mom's house. Here is what I uncovered:
- That I learned NOTHING in high school.
- That I'm way cool for having composed a string quartet version of Elliot Smith's two waltzes on XO in 11th grade.
- That I must have started pretty early on the whole having-awesome-taste-in-music thing.
- Just how much time I devoted to choral music.
- That Sarah and I once planned a hard core band called xDIExARIAx.
- That I used to think Cornerstone was the coolest thing ever.
- That I was sooooo emo.
- That at one point I wasn't awful at drawing.
- That I start writing in lots of notebooks... but have yet to finish one.
- That I used to have a really good friend named Phillip.
That last one sent me through a loop. I found a letter he had written me some November 20th. I didn't even have to look at the return address. I just know that writing.
We've always lived in different cities, but in the booming years of internet, cell phones, and Napster, he wrapped letters around mix tapes. He was one of the greatest friends I've ever had.
He wrote this particular letter about how God had met with him one morning while visiting me at my parents' house. I was asleep upstairs ("snoring like a bear"). He was so full of faith, and when we would talk about things, they just seemed to make much more sense than they did before.
The last time I ever saw him, we were praying feverously across my kitchen table.
If what people have told me is true, Phillip still writes. He's also still in the business of telling people about music they had never heard of before. He gets paid to do both (as he should).
There are certain things that I think about every day. Phillip and his wife are one of those things.
They'd probably hate to know that.
I did an awful thing to a batch of cupcakes tonight.
Once again I was getting married, and as always I knew that I didn't want to. The difference is that this time I went through with it!! The day after I told him I wanted a divorce. Making it an even worse version of my regular nightmare.
Optimism. I has it.
Tonight I sifted through a box of old notebooks/sheet music at my mom's house. Here is what I uncovered:
- That I learned NOTHING in high school.
- That I'm way cool for having composed a string quartet version of Elliot Smith's two waltzes on XO in 11th grade.
- That I must have started pretty early on the whole having-awesome-taste-in-music thing.
- Just how much time I devoted to choral music.
- That Sarah and I once planned a hard core band called xDIExARIAx.
- That I used to think Cornerstone was the coolest thing ever.
- That I was sooooo emo.
- That at one point I wasn't awful at drawing.
- That I start writing in lots of notebooks... but have yet to finish one.
- That I used to have a really good friend named Phillip.
That last one sent me through a loop. I found a letter he had written me some November 20th. I didn't even have to look at the return address. I just know that writing.
We've always lived in different cities, but in the booming years of internet, cell phones, and Napster, he wrapped letters around mix tapes. He was one of the greatest friends I've ever had.
He wrote this particular letter about how God had met with him one morning while visiting me at my parents' house. I was asleep upstairs ("snoring like a bear"). He was so full of faith, and when we would talk about things, they just seemed to make much more sense than they did before.
The last time I ever saw him, we were praying feverously across my kitchen table.
If what people have told me is true, Phillip still writes. He's also still in the business of telling people about music they had never heard of before. He gets paid to do both (as he should).
There are certain things that I think about every day. Phillip and his wife are one of those things.
They'd probably hate to know that.
I did an awful thing to a batch of cupcakes tonight.
Monday, April 21, 2008
reflection.
Some might say that I've not been my usual self lately. I guess this could be due to the fact that I took the mirror off my wall, and forgot to ask God each day to make me new. I think I fell back into being someone that I don't like.
Yeah. So I'm kind of, like, wallowing in self-pity or something...
But please understand how much I love melodrama:
My mother gave me a scale, which gives me the good fortune of knowing that I'm 20lbs heavier than I was this time last year. No joke.
Despite that, I've come to the realization that I got "dumped" last semester because this guy didn't like my personality. Which is... awesome.
I read some 2 year old emails the other night. I realized what a raving lunatic (stronger language desperately needed) I was to someone.
I couldn't have possibly been more insulting. And so needlessly.
So much so that if I have a soul, I will start crying the next time I see him.
I don't know how this guy could ever believe that I'm truly sorry.
I caught the bouquet at Dave and Tanya Gordon's wedding the other night. It helped that I was one of 3 single women left standing there.
On that note, I had asked almost every available guy that I feel close to to be my "date". They all turned me down! Every one of them.
:edit::Did I forget to mention that I have been lied to more times this past month than I had ever hoped to be?
Did I forget to mention that every instance of untruth was brought forth by card-carrying Christians?
FINAL EXAMS!!!!!
Yeah. So I'm kind of, like, wallowing in self-pity or something...
But please understand how much I love melodrama:
My mother gave me a scale, which gives me the good fortune of knowing that I'm 20lbs heavier than I was this time last year. No joke.
Despite that, I've come to the realization that I got "dumped" last semester because this guy didn't like my personality. Which is... awesome.
I read some 2 year old emails the other night. I realized what a raving lunatic (stronger language desperately needed) I was to someone.
I couldn't have possibly been more insulting. And so needlessly.
So much so that if I have a soul, I will start crying the next time I see him.
I don't know how this guy could ever believe that I'm truly sorry.
I caught the bouquet at Dave and Tanya Gordon's wedding the other night. It helped that I was one of 3 single women left standing there.
On that note, I had asked almost every available guy that I feel close to to be my "date". They all turned me down! Every one of them.
:edit::Did I forget to mention that I have been lied to more times this past month than I had ever hoped to be?
Did I forget to mention that every instance of untruth was brought forth by card-carrying Christians?
FINAL EXAMS!!!!!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
pray for this.
It's been kind of a mixed month. I've been a bad student. My body is all out of funk. Maybe it's the time of year. This time last year I couldn't even drive myself down the street to school.
My goal is to have this knit before I leave for Italy:
I knocked on my roommate's door the other day. When she opened it I skipped the salutations and asked, "you realize that we're the only two virgins in Atlanta, right?"
She pointed out that there is at least one other. So... at least we're not lonely.
It's almost enough to make me regret not going to a Christian school. I mean, holding down the fort by myself hasn't been a problem, but it gets old when people (even of your own faith) constantly tell you how naïve it is to be so old fashioned.
Yeah, that was awkward... but I just came from a bachelorette party... so I'm feeling liberal. May be deleted in the morning.
My goal is to have this knit before I leave for Italy:
I knocked on my roommate's door the other day. When she opened it I skipped the salutations and asked, "you realize that we're the only two virgins in Atlanta, right?"
She pointed out that there is at least one other. So... at least we're not lonely.
It's almost enough to make me regret not going to a Christian school. I mean, holding down the fort by myself hasn't been a problem, but it gets old when people (even of your own faith) constantly tell you how naïve it is to be so old fashioned.
Yeah, that was awkward... but I just came from a bachelorette party... so I'm feeling liberal. May be deleted in the morning.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
spring break 08.
Spring Break started for me last Thursday. It's been a strange mix.
That night we all played video games before the house show at icanfly. As it turns out, I'm really skilled in the virtual fighting arena. Had no idea.
Friday I went to get my hair done at a salon in Newnan. It wasn't a bad experience... but somehow my hair is back to being darker than it was before I started the process. It's also been trimmed down to an awkward length, and is... you know... falling out.
So, it's getting cut off entirely on Wednesday. I should have done that in the first place.
Then my older sister and I went out for birthday sushi with my dad. On the way we stopped for a beer at a place where dark figures from my past work. It put me in a really strange time-warp.
I don't really talk about my life before I became a Christian. Rest assured that you don't want to hear it.
The fun began when we all went to a cabin in Elijay.
It was nice to sit in the quiet for a while. To enjoy my friends without the distractions of television, cell phones, internet, traffic, school, etc.
It was nice to sit down to eat together around one table.
Spiritually speaking, I'm not in the best place that I've ever been. But I must say that I have a much healthier view on community than I ever have.
Lately I've been hearing a lot of "where have you been?"s. And this is my answer:
I've been living.
Being part of such a growing congregation I feel a little lost, and very bored.
What I love about who I have been spending my time with is that we are not homologous. Some of us are Christians. Some aren't. And with that, we don't all have the same moral compass. We don't all do the same things on Sundays. We don't all want nuclear families. We don't all want to graduate. We don't all go to the same places to drink coffee. We don't all smoke cigarettes. We don't all read the same books.
The only thing we all do together is eat and talk. But we do it transparently.
Despite all of our differences, I've never met a group of people who loved each other so boundlessly. Or people who think that each day should be lived 100% intentionally. Or people who aren't afraid to be alone for a little while. Or to ask and answer tough questions. Or to tell an off-color joke. Or be humiliated every so often.
I think that what I stepped away from was the feeling that I needed to be validated by people I find more interesting, or more influential, than myself.
In a way it's no different than my mom not wanting to leave her monetarily corrupt church because her husband is on the "board of trusties".
The problem with Christians is that we think who we are and what we do is so important.
I'd like it better if I thought that who God is and what God does mattered most.
That night we all played video games before the house show at icanfly. As it turns out, I'm really skilled in the virtual fighting arena. Had no idea.
Friday I went to get my hair done at a salon in Newnan. It wasn't a bad experience... but somehow my hair is back to being darker than it was before I started the process. It's also been trimmed down to an awkward length, and is... you know... falling out.
So, it's getting cut off entirely on Wednesday. I should have done that in the first place.
Then my older sister and I went out for birthday sushi with my dad. On the way we stopped for a beer at a place where dark figures from my past work. It put me in a really strange time-warp.
I don't really talk about my life before I became a Christian. Rest assured that you don't want to hear it.
The fun began when we all went to a cabin in Elijay.
It was nice to sit in the quiet for a while. To enjoy my friends without the distractions of television, cell phones, internet, traffic, school, etc.
It was nice to sit down to eat together around one table.
Spiritually speaking, I'm not in the best place that I've ever been. But I must say that I have a much healthier view on community than I ever have.
Lately I've been hearing a lot of "where have you been?"s. And this is my answer:
I've been living.
Being part of such a growing congregation I feel a little lost, and very bored.
What I love about who I have been spending my time with is that we are not homologous. Some of us are Christians. Some aren't. And with that, we don't all have the same moral compass. We don't all do the same things on Sundays. We don't all want nuclear families. We don't all want to graduate. We don't all go to the same places to drink coffee. We don't all smoke cigarettes. We don't all read the same books.
The only thing we all do together is eat and talk. But we do it transparently.
Despite all of our differences, I've never met a group of people who loved each other so boundlessly. Or people who think that each day should be lived 100% intentionally. Or people who aren't afraid to be alone for a little while. Or to ask and answer tough questions. Or to tell an off-color joke. Or be humiliated every so often.
I think that what I stepped away from was the feeling that I needed to be validated by people I find more interesting, or more influential, than myself.
In a way it's no different than my mom not wanting to leave her monetarily corrupt church because her husband is on the "board of trusties".
The problem with Christians is that we think who we are and what we do is so important.
I'd like it better if I thought that who God is and what God does mattered most.
Monday, February 25, 2008
1, 2, 3, 4.
my sister got lucky
married a yuppie
took him for all he was worth
now she's a swinger
dating a singer
i can't decide which is worse
but not me baby
i've got you to save me
aw, you're so bad
the best thing i ever had
in a world gone mad
yer so bad
my sister's ex husband
can't get no lovin
walks around dog-faced and hurt
now he's got nothin
head in the oven
i can't decide which is worse
but not me baby
i've got you to save me
aw, you're so bad
the best thing i ever had
in a world gone mad
yer so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-tom petty and the heartbreakers
I love being a girl and having girl friends.
married a yuppie
took him for all he was worth
now she's a swinger
dating a singer
i can't decide which is worse
but not me baby
i've got you to save me
aw, you're so bad
the best thing i ever had
in a world gone mad
yer so bad
my sister's ex husband
can't get no lovin
walks around dog-faced and hurt
now he's got nothin
head in the oven
i can't decide which is worse
but not me baby
i've got you to save me
aw, you're so bad
the best thing i ever had
in a world gone mad
yer so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-tom petty and the heartbreakers
I love being a girl and having girl friends.
Friday, February 22, 2008
my german half...
"i really think that the low selfesteem of girls is the greatest gift that the corporate world and the media have ever made to men, maybe the only gift too. i wonder if any guy in the world would get action if not all the girls would be totally emotioanlly wrecked and neurotic and would hate their bodies.
a women who realized how beautiful she is, that is a real theat to society."
Ladies and gentemen... ICQ and Raphael Köster.
a women who realized how beautiful she is, that is a real theat to society."
Ladies and gentemen... ICQ and Raphael Köster.
regularity.
Just walked into Octane, like I do most days.
Only today I was greeted by 2 baristas with a question/statement:
"So katie... I hear that you have a really funny blog."
Well, what a coincidence... because I just happen to be hilarious.
I actually read over my blog a few nights ago. The whole thing. All 60something angst-filled posts.
I don't love how much I complain. I guess I do because I feel so urgently about change.
Maybe I was harsh in my last post. But I don't feel like I need to justify that. I assume that it speaks for itself.
After losing my stash, I got copies of some of Elliott Smith's discography last night. Oh. XO! I'm listening to it right now. It's like being all alone in high school again.
Some of my favorite bonds have been made over this album.
I mean, this was practically the peanut butter that held the katie culp/brian smith sandwich together back in the day.
I don't care what you guys say. This is happy music.
For the last month and longer there have been 3 things circulating through my mind:
1. Crime.
2. Motherhood, and how that looks for me.
3. This unknown song...
This one time when I was a kid, my family took a little vacation to a cabin in Wisconsin. It was on a complex with lots of other cabins, and a recreational lodge.
In this lodge I played my first game of ping-pong, worked on legos and puzzles, and probably pet a wood bear statue.
There was this group of teenage girls who would hang out there, too. They controlled the jukebox. There was this song that they played over and over again, and I've been trying to find it.
I remember this one specific instance when one of them shouted, "Woo! It's time for the 'You're So Bad' girls!"
I remember the drums, the guitar, the melody, and the timbre of the voices singing. I remember all the grungy, brown-haired girls walking in rhythm, on top of furniture, circling a beam in the center of the room.
They sang,
"You're so bad. You're the best I ever had. Has the world gone mad? You're so bad."
It sounds corny, but I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be just like those girls. They were completely relaxed. They seemed to really understand what it meant to love something they couldn't hold.
I summon the early 90s. What is that song!?
Only today I was greeted by 2 baristas with a question/statement:
"So katie... I hear that you have a really funny blog."
Well, what a coincidence... because I just happen to be hilarious.
I actually read over my blog a few nights ago. The whole thing. All 60something angst-filled posts.
I don't love how much I complain. I guess I do because I feel so urgently about change.
Maybe I was harsh in my last post. But I don't feel like I need to justify that. I assume that it speaks for itself.
After losing my stash, I got copies of some of Elliott Smith's discography last night. Oh. XO! I'm listening to it right now. It's like being all alone in high school again.
Some of my favorite bonds have been made over this album.
I mean, this was practically the peanut butter that held the katie culp/brian smith sandwich together back in the day.
I don't care what you guys say. This is happy music.
For the last month and longer there have been 3 things circulating through my mind:
1. Crime.
2. Motherhood, and how that looks for me.
3. This unknown song...
This one time when I was a kid, my family took a little vacation to a cabin in Wisconsin. It was on a complex with lots of other cabins, and a recreational lodge.
In this lodge I played my first game of ping-pong, worked on legos and puzzles, and probably pet a wood bear statue.
There was this group of teenage girls who would hang out there, too. They controlled the jukebox. There was this song that they played over and over again, and I've been trying to find it.
I remember this one specific instance when one of them shouted, "Woo! It's time for the 'You're So Bad' girls!"
I remember the drums, the guitar, the melody, and the timbre of the voices singing. I remember all the grungy, brown-haired girls walking in rhythm, on top of furniture, circling a beam in the center of the room.
They sang,
"You're so bad. You're the best I ever had. Has the world gone mad? You're so bad."
It sounds corny, but I knew that when I grew up I wanted to be just like those girls. They were completely relaxed. They seemed to really understand what it meant to love something they couldn't hold.
I summon the early 90s. What is that song!?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
so many things...
I really don't even know where to begin.
After the snow day, I had one of the worst weeks of my life.
My glasses broke, my car got stuck in the mud, I awoke to a stranger staring through my window (waving at me!), and my car got broken into... twice.
So to summarize, I completely lost both my identity (red hair/big glasses), and then lost my security.
The Lord did wonderful things with that.
The next week was uneventful, on account that I had contracted the flu. On that Friday I went skiing with some friends. It may not have been the best idea... but it was fun.
I watched a documentary that had me weeping. The Corporation.
Since then I have been scheming ways of releasing freedom and dignity back to the citizens of the world.
I am failing.
Maria, Charlie, Adam and I went to see the Thrashers play this past Wednesday. For free. I did a cartwheel in front of a crossing guard.
Yesterday was by far the most fantastic Valentine's Day I could have ever hoped for.
I officially have the most incredible friends.
For one reason or another we decided to dress ourselves in mysterious garb, created by things I had lying in boxes of sewing material. We painted our faces like Native Americans (or the way they are portrayed by Disney) with art supplies and make-up samples left over from younger years.
We ate veggie chili, hummus with pita, salad made of edible flowers, and chocolate cake. We drank sweet tea and lemonade. We played for hours. We sang hits from the 90s. Nathan and I took turns playing songs we had written.
It's been forever since I've been with a group of people who simply enjoy each other.
This is an official shout-out:
icanfly boys and cabbage town girls... you have been the best additions to my life.
The way you all love each other, and the way you all love Klaus... it really touches me. I cannot put into words how special everyone is. How gifted and how considerate. I'm actually trying, and I cannot vocalize it.
This, however, is not so special.
My room mate was driven home tonight after a party by a group of 4 Trinity goers. When they pulled up they realized that her car wasn't there. In fact, it had been stolen.
What strikes me, in not such a tender way, is that she was all alone when she called me.
Yes, it was awful that her car was stolen, but that's almost to be expected. Come to find out, we live in the most criminally active zip code in the southeast.
What's terrible is that in a group of believers, not one person stopped to consider how they could be a blessing to someone else.
I was in a restaurant with Maria and Nathan, who immediately dropped their plans so that I could get home. Not a moment's hesitation. They offered their homes, their energy, their time, etc.
This is me drawing a line in the social sand:
Kris has been right to call us out as the young congregation.
During the holidays I wasn't exactly the perfect example of sobriety or productivity.
That's hard for me to admit, but I wouldn't be honest if I ignored it.
It was a rookie mistake that has been corrected (no thanks to faithful peers encouraging me to "let loose every once in a while").
It's not a party if it happens every night.
I fail to see what's so amusing about stumbling through crowds of people or constantly having the micro-analyze your love life by saying "WHAT DOES THAT MEEEEEAN!?".
It makes me sad that what God intended to gladden the hearts of men and ladies has become a crutch by which we pass off responsibility.
If you're too consumed with your next move of the night to comfort a friend who just had her CAR STOLEN from the front of her home... if you said "oh that suuuuuuuuucks" and drove off... if you left your friend completely alone while knowing how vulnerable she is... you're a bad friend. Period.
Grow up.
After the snow day, I had one of the worst weeks of my life.
My glasses broke, my car got stuck in the mud, I awoke to a stranger staring through my window (waving at me!), and my car got broken into... twice.
So to summarize, I completely lost both my identity (red hair/big glasses), and then lost my security.
The Lord did wonderful things with that.
The next week was uneventful, on account that I had contracted the flu. On that Friday I went skiing with some friends. It may not have been the best idea... but it was fun.
I watched a documentary that had me weeping. The Corporation.
Since then I have been scheming ways of releasing freedom and dignity back to the citizens of the world.
I am failing.
Maria, Charlie, Adam and I went to see the Thrashers play this past Wednesday. For free. I did a cartwheel in front of a crossing guard.
Yesterday was by far the most fantastic Valentine's Day I could have ever hoped for.
I officially have the most incredible friends.
For one reason or another we decided to dress ourselves in mysterious garb, created by things I had lying in boxes of sewing material. We painted our faces like Native Americans (or the way they are portrayed by Disney) with art supplies and make-up samples left over from younger years.
We ate veggie chili, hummus with pita, salad made of edible flowers, and chocolate cake. We drank sweet tea and lemonade. We played for hours. We sang hits from the 90s. Nathan and I took turns playing songs we had written.
It's been forever since I've been with a group of people who simply enjoy each other.
This is an official shout-out:
icanfly boys and cabbage town girls... you have been the best additions to my life.
The way you all love each other, and the way you all love Klaus... it really touches me. I cannot put into words how special everyone is. How gifted and how considerate. I'm actually trying, and I cannot vocalize it.
This, however, is not so special.
My room mate was driven home tonight after a party by a group of 4 Trinity goers. When they pulled up they realized that her car wasn't there. In fact, it had been stolen.
What strikes me, in not such a tender way, is that she was all alone when she called me.
Yes, it was awful that her car was stolen, but that's almost to be expected. Come to find out, we live in the most criminally active zip code in the southeast.
What's terrible is that in a group of believers, not one person stopped to consider how they could be a blessing to someone else.
I was in a restaurant with Maria and Nathan, who immediately dropped their plans so that I could get home. Not a moment's hesitation. They offered their homes, their energy, their time, etc.
This is me drawing a line in the social sand:
Kris has been right to call us out as the young congregation.
During the holidays I wasn't exactly the perfect example of sobriety or productivity.
That's hard for me to admit, but I wouldn't be honest if I ignored it.
It was a rookie mistake that has been corrected (no thanks to faithful peers encouraging me to "let loose every once in a while").
It's not a party if it happens every night.
I fail to see what's so amusing about stumbling through crowds of people or constantly having the micro-analyze your love life by saying "WHAT DOES THAT MEEEEEAN!?".
It makes me sad that what God intended to gladden the hearts of men and ladies has become a crutch by which we pass off responsibility.
If you're too consumed with your next move of the night to comfort a friend who just had her CAR STOLEN from the front of her home... if you said "oh that suuuuuuuuucks" and drove off... if you left your friend completely alone while knowing how vulnerable she is... you're a bad friend. Period.
Grow up.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
recipe for a perfect day:
10 year old boots
2 pairs of socks
1 pair of stirrup pants
1 pair of blue jeans
1 tank top
1 short sleeve shirt
1 long sleeve shirt
1 hooded sweater
1 pea coat
2 gloves
1 scarf
1 faux fur hat
We'll get back to that.
This week Lauren, Berly, and myself moved into the most perfect house in Atlanta. Beautiful historic streets, skeleton key locks, mail delivery by foot... I cannot think of one single downside.
Lots of people helped us. Lots of strapping young men and women.
Have I ever mentioned how stressful moving is?
We had a house warming/ happy birthday Lauren party last night.
Parties aren't really my thing, but it was quite enjoyable.
Someone went #2 in my toilet and didn't flush. I'm not complaining or anything. Conservation is key.
All of that accumulates to today: the most perfect day of a truly fantastic week. The day that I had set aside for hours and hours of homework.
I arose to a phone call around 11:30 (don't judge... I couldn't sleep last night), inviting me to come sledding in Piedmont Park. "Sledding? In Georgia?" I asked.
I hadn't looked outside yet. Our little city was blanketed in a thin, unfamiliar, and welcomed layer of snow.
If you've been living here for the past 16 years as I have, you know how uncommon this is.
In which case, do you remember the blizzard of '93? Glorious.
I was picked up by my friend Daniel, along with 3 adorable children from Vine City, and driven to the house he and his wife live in. Then we walked roughly a mile (maybe) to the park. We mostly ran in excitement.
Somewhere around 100 people were running up and sliding down this hill in garbage bags, laundry baskets, and cookie sheets.
It didn't even occur to me how ghetto we all are. It was that intoxicating.
The Trinity congregation was ever present. Big thumbs-up.
(+ many)
After a few runs down the hill, things progressed to a Trinity-wide snowball fight at the top. After being hit in both eyes (pictured below)
(um... ouch), a large group of adults surrounded us and waged war. For about an hour we plotted, advanced, and retreated. People that we would normally never stop to talk to became our amiable enemies.
A nicely dressed man walking in solitude under an umbrella, talking on his phone, was assaulted by a dozen of us (not me... I'm not cruel). In a split second he had tucked, rolled, and retaliated using his umbrella as a shield. That was the closest I've ever been to a laugh-cry. He was a champ.
A finely primped newscaster gentleman posed with some children on the hill. They shot a few takes of him pushing the kids on their boogy-boards down the makeshift slope. By that, I mean that they sailed for about a solid foot, and then face planted from the friction.
Then he was assaulted with snowballs. By Trinity. Naturally.
Fast forward to hot chocolate, pajamas, pizza, and nostalgia at Kyle/Blaine/Ian/Casey/Jon's house. Old friends and new neighbors.
In conclusion, we have God to thank. By sending one single inch of snow, He slowed down a hardened city and brought Atlanta together for a day.
And also, by providing Kyle with talent and a camera, this fine day was able to be documented.
2 pairs of socks
1 pair of stirrup pants
1 pair of blue jeans
1 tank top
1 short sleeve shirt
1 long sleeve shirt
1 hooded sweater
1 pea coat
2 gloves
1 scarf
1 faux fur hat
We'll get back to that.
This week Lauren, Berly, and myself moved into the most perfect house in Atlanta. Beautiful historic streets, skeleton key locks, mail delivery by foot... I cannot think of one single downside.
Lots of people helped us. Lots of strapping young men and women.
Have I ever mentioned how stressful moving is?
We had a house warming/ happy birthday Lauren party last night.
Parties aren't really my thing, but it was quite enjoyable.
Someone went #2 in my toilet and didn't flush. I'm not complaining or anything. Conservation is key.
All of that accumulates to today: the most perfect day of a truly fantastic week. The day that I had set aside for hours and hours of homework.
I arose to a phone call around 11:30 (don't judge... I couldn't sleep last night), inviting me to come sledding in Piedmont Park. "Sledding? In Georgia?" I asked.
I hadn't looked outside yet. Our little city was blanketed in a thin, unfamiliar, and welcomed layer of snow.
If you've been living here for the past 16 years as I have, you know how uncommon this is.
In which case, do you remember the blizzard of '93? Glorious.
I was picked up by my friend Daniel, along with 3 adorable children from Vine City, and driven to the house he and his wife live in. Then we walked roughly a mile (maybe) to the park. We mostly ran in excitement.
Somewhere around 100 people were running up and sliding down this hill in garbage bags, laundry baskets, and cookie sheets.
It didn't even occur to me how ghetto we all are. It was that intoxicating.
The Trinity congregation was ever present. Big thumbs-up.
(+ many)
After a few runs down the hill, things progressed to a Trinity-wide snowball fight at the top. After being hit in both eyes (pictured below)
(um... ouch), a large group of adults surrounded us and waged war. For about an hour we plotted, advanced, and retreated. People that we would normally never stop to talk to became our amiable enemies.
A nicely dressed man walking in solitude under an umbrella, talking on his phone, was assaulted by a dozen of us (not me... I'm not cruel). In a split second he had tucked, rolled, and retaliated using his umbrella as a shield. That was the closest I've ever been to a laugh-cry. He was a champ.
A finely primped newscaster gentleman posed with some children on the hill. They shot a few takes of him pushing the kids on their boogy-boards down the makeshift slope. By that, I mean that they sailed for about a solid foot, and then face planted from the friction.
Then he was assaulted with snowballs. By Trinity. Naturally.
Fast forward to hot chocolate, pajamas, pizza, and nostalgia at Kyle/Blaine/Ian/Casey/Jon's house. Old friends and new neighbors.
In conclusion, we have God to thank. By sending one single inch of snow, He slowed down a hardened city and brought Atlanta together for a day.
And also, by providing Kyle with talent and a camera, this fine day was able to be documented.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
surprise.
from...
to...
when it should look like...
It's a long story:
I read up about the toxicity of red dyes and decided to end the cycle of hair funk. After 4 years. Hardly anyone knows me as a non-red-head.
Against my better judgment, I went to my mom's hairdresser.
I should have turned and ran when she said, "You'll like him, katie. He has holes in his jeans!"
Well, dudebro didn't listen to one single word I said.
Without a word he sat me down and put these nasty blond highlights in my head. Let me clarify: bleach blond zebra stripes on top of a red base. The kind that scream "WHERE'S THE MALL!?"
After breaking down in tears in front of him, he slathered a higher concentrate of bleach all over my head. The suburban moms made passive aggressive remarks to me for questioning the brilliance of such a hip man.
After I asked him to leave my hair the same length, he started snipping away. "I'm just shaping things up," he said. "I'm giving you the illuuuuuuusion of long hair".
Now, it's not so bad...
But the point was to go to my natural hue.
I never wanted to do this again, but now I'm forced to start a whole new cycle.
There were plenty of things I could have done instead. In the long run, now I've probably poisoned my brain far more than I ever did before.
Not to mention that my hair is so brittle that I've been instructed to never touch it again.
This is why I don't do salons. They're so "artistic" that it kills their pride when someone knows what they want. If he had told me that he was going to make me look like a Bratz doll, I wouldn't have had to have my hair done twice in 5 hours.
I'm farther away from where I planned to be. But it's fine.
I'm just a little bummed about being in and of a world obsessed with illusion.
I'll say this: waking up this morning was SHOCKING!
to...
when it should look like...
It's a long story:
I read up about the toxicity of red dyes and decided to end the cycle of hair funk. After 4 years. Hardly anyone knows me as a non-red-head.
Against my better judgment, I went to my mom's hairdresser.
I should have turned and ran when she said, "You'll like him, katie. He has holes in his jeans!"
Well, dudebro didn't listen to one single word I said.
Without a word he sat me down and put these nasty blond highlights in my head. Let me clarify: bleach blond zebra stripes on top of a red base. The kind that scream "WHERE'S THE MALL!?"
After breaking down in tears in front of him, he slathered a higher concentrate of bleach all over my head. The suburban moms made passive aggressive remarks to me for questioning the brilliance of such a hip man.
After I asked him to leave my hair the same length, he started snipping away. "I'm just shaping things up," he said. "I'm giving you the illuuuuuuusion of long hair".
Now, it's not so bad...
But the point was to go to my natural hue.
I never wanted to do this again, but now I'm forced to start a whole new cycle.
There were plenty of things I could have done instead. In the long run, now I've probably poisoned my brain far more than I ever did before.
Not to mention that my hair is so brittle that I've been instructed to never touch it again.
This is why I don't do salons. They're so "artistic" that it kills their pride when someone knows what they want. If he had told me that he was going to make me look like a Bratz doll, I wouldn't have had to have my hair done twice in 5 hours.
I'm farther away from where I planned to be. But it's fine.
I'm just a little bummed about being in and of a world obsessed with illusion.
I'll say this: waking up this morning was SHOCKING!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
provoked.
i got hit hard; i'm on the ground.
and if you swing again i'll duck.
and i wish you the best of luck.
you deserve yourself,
and i'll return from my trip to hell
as a headless horseman.
cause, oh, what a loss.
i went back to get my stuff
and it was tangled up and tough.
i stood there and stood you down,
and walked aimlessly around
with a flaming pumpkin head
oh, what a loss.
your soft hands replaced by claws.
you turn me into a stray dog,
from a mighty human man
oh, what a loss.
oh, what a loss.
i miss my closest friend.
and now i cling to rocks and wind.
it's a precious thing we lost.
-The Microphones.
I think we all know that I've never really been one for romance. My fanatical views on chastity and my relational incompetence send me running away from... let's call them pursuers... the moment that intentions turn the slightest shade of pink.
But somehow, about once a year, I commit myself to a truly complicated friendship.
I tend to become supremely attached to these boys. In return, these boys often grow to be rather fond of me in a supremely platonic way. Much like a baby sister. Or a tree.
Things never sour. They never disappoint, and I never change. However, things unfailingly come to a screeching halt when they discover that daylight's wasting, and there are pretty girls all around. I don't know if I'll ever get out of this cycle.
This song always provokes the same memories in me.
Now, I don't think I'm a bad looking lady. I certainly think that I have a pleasant personality.
So, when will you dudes wise up? Seriously.
Sometime soon I'll blog about what is actually consuming my thoughts.
Atlanta, how criminal you are.
and if you swing again i'll duck.
and i wish you the best of luck.
you deserve yourself,
and i'll return from my trip to hell
as a headless horseman.
cause, oh, what a loss.
i went back to get my stuff
and it was tangled up and tough.
i stood there and stood you down,
and walked aimlessly around
with a flaming pumpkin head
oh, what a loss.
your soft hands replaced by claws.
you turn me into a stray dog,
from a mighty human man
oh, what a loss.
oh, what a loss.
i miss my closest friend.
and now i cling to rocks and wind.
it's a precious thing we lost.
-The Microphones.
I think we all know that I've never really been one for romance. My fanatical views on chastity and my relational incompetence send me running away from... let's call them pursuers... the moment that intentions turn the slightest shade of pink.
But somehow, about once a year, I commit myself to a truly complicated friendship.
I tend to become supremely attached to these boys. In return, these boys often grow to be rather fond of me in a supremely platonic way. Much like a baby sister. Or a tree.
Things never sour. They never disappoint, and I never change. However, things unfailingly come to a screeching halt when they discover that daylight's wasting, and there are pretty girls all around. I don't know if I'll ever get out of this cycle.
This song always provokes the same memories in me.
Now, I don't think I'm a bad looking lady. I certainly think that I have a pleasant personality.
So, when will you dudes wise up? Seriously.
Sometime soon I'll blog about what is actually consuming my thoughts.
Atlanta, how criminal you are.
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