Kaitlyn - Plinky Answers

The end of an era, and the beginning of another

2010-05-23T14:43:17-06:00

The end of an era - known as college - recently marked the beginning of another era, known as "the rest of my life."

It's still somewhat mind boggling to me to think that I am completely done with school. It's not just the end of high school, where I need to decide which post-secondary institution is a good fit; no, my friends, I have been hurled into "the rest of my life." I have no homework, no classes to register for, no using "I'm a poor college student," to gain sympathy, and no one asking me what I'm working towards.

I've done it. I've really fucking done it. Instead of telling people I'm working towards becoming a teacher, I can tell them I AM a teacher. I officially have my Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts, with an elementary distributed minor. I'm a teacher, ready to influence the minds of the next generation. I'm also engaged to be married next summer, and live with my fiance. Life is just cruising along!

As exciting as this all this, it's also a bit scary. I think we, as human, get absorbed in the moment. And so, when you're daily life involves college and all that comes with it, it feels natural and like it will never end. Sure, it seemed like a daunting task at times, but for the most part, it felt like what I should be doing. And now...BAM...it's done. I'm sure once September comes, reality will hit me even harder; for now, though, it's simply amazing to imagine that I am now applying for a teaching position, and I am simply beyond all that "college stuff."

Many of my friends are also finished with college or are close to finishing; some of them are married, or are engaged like myself. Some even already have children (or are about to). Time flying by fast is no joke my friends. It's a stark reality.

It's real easy to get absorbed in the moment and truly enjoy life. It's much harder to stop and say "WOW! How things have changed!" I look back to my favorite summer (we all have them) - the summer of 2005. This was a careless summer, full of adventures with my friends, and when Big&Slim became a classic pair. The things we did then we couldn't get away with this summer, that's for sure. And as much as I wish I could have that again, it's simply wonderful to look back and laugh. Oh, how fun life can be. And while I have stepped out of yet another era, this next one should be just as wonderful. As always, I promise to do my best to fully appreciate what is.

Three Daily Habits

2010-03-26T09:44:50-06:00

Drink Coffee
It's the best way to wake up in the morning. There's something about the smell that's awakening. And to sit on the couch in a big comfy blanket with a hot cup of coffee is simply blissful.

I am someone who wakes up slowly in the morning. So, to have that comforting, yet awakening routine is key. It really allows me to ease into my day.

Check my Cell Phone Randomly
And this includes even when I know no one has called me. Heaven forbid I should miss something!

I might even double check to make sure my text messages have gone through...

Facebook.
Anyone who is a regular Facebook user will understand.

Photographs to Make Me Smile

2010-03-21T15:43:04-06:00

I don't know that I could share just one picture that makes me smile. In fact, I have a handful of photos that make me bust out laughing whenever I see them.

I don't know that I could share just one picture that makes me smile. In fact, I have a handful of photos that make me bust out laughing whenever I see them. Each picture I have in my collection is full of a memory, a moment in time during this crazy thing called life.

There's the picture of my littlest brother, Trevor, wearing a pair of glasses upside down; There's one of my other brothers, Garrett, wearing his infamous "funny face;" there's all the special moments my fiance Chad and I have shared; there's the trip to Toronto and Chicago; there's precious family photos that I will always treasure, and there's many pictures of my friends and all of our silliness.

There are also the photographs that bring me peace and tranquility: the many photos I have of the beautiful area I live in. Lakes, sunsets, rolling hills, and aging trees.

I have spent hours on my computer just perusing my collection...and it makes me appreciate everything I have every time I do.

Tackled the Tent, Onto The Treehouse

2009-07-08T15:53:01-06:00

I could spend a week in a tent; in fact, I already have. However, I have never spent a week in a treehouse, but I totally think I could. I think it would be a lot more fun than a tent. And it provides better shelter! And if the house is high enough in a tree, I could easily people watch, which is all the entertainment I need!

A Life Not Just Benefitted, But Shaped

2009-06-15T20:17:31-06:00

The internet has completely changed my life...hands down. Or has it shaped my life? Hard to tell since I've grown up with computers and the internet.

I was just having a conversation with someone I work with who wanted to know what all the fuss was about Facebook. It was interesting to try and explain to her exactly what Facebook is...I had never done that before.

The internet is my main way of communicating, finding information, and generally conducting business. If I can't do it online or on a computer, it seems too much like work.

Here's a classic example: I need to look-up an address and/or a phone number. The phone book is my last resort. I instantaneously consult Google, and if Google gives me a funky answer, I continue manipulating and searching until I find what I believe to be a right answer. Forget the phone book.

Another great thing about the internet: online word processors. If I need to write up a quick document and print or finish it elsewhere, I simply use one of them and login elsewhere. No need to get out the thumb-drive.

I don't buy newspapers. I keep an eye on Twitter or visit the newspaper's website.

I don't consult my cookbooks as often as I should. If I type it into my Google toolbar, I can have instant gratification! Well, almost...

I no longer go to the store and put in an order to develop photographs. I upload them online and just pick them up when I feel like it.

And as a future teacher, I feel like the world is at my fingertips. Will there be a need for endless shelves of books? Or just a select few?

This prompt makes me question what my life would be like if I had experienced my "prime years" without the internet. It's an intriguing thought...

Life Lessons

2009-06-01T15:51:50-06:00

Life is so much easier when you don't try and find the bad in people or when you don't get frustrated with people's bad habits.

This came to me in a "deep thought" recently. I was having an in-depth conversation with my future mother-in-law. She was explaining some recent family troubles that I had been around for, but didn't really know the details. After this conversation, I had a completely different perspective on that family. Like all in-laws, the way they do things sometimes bother me. However, it's what they do. And I do what I do...why make such a big fuss?

In addition to all this, I have been quite stressed lately. And just a couple of days ago, I simply told myself I wasn't going to let the little things get to me. I've been noticing the people who seem to float when they walk...so nonchalantly, and seemingly without a care in the world. How do those people do it? I have a feeling it has to do with simply seeing the good and letting things roll off the shoulder, so to speak.

This isn't anything new, but happiness is truly a mind-set. And as time goes on, I find this to be more and more true.

Finally! Some time to read!!

2009-04-16T10:52:06-06:00

Having three more hours to the day would be fantastic!! The days go by way too fast, especially if they're packed with meetings and whatnot.

Anyway, how would I spend my extra three hours? Relaxation! And I could finally read a book or two (that are NOT textbooks).

I try and give myself some "me time" each day, because if I don't, I lose track of things. In other words, stress gets the best of me. However, all too often, that "me time" turns into me fiddling around online (facebook, twitter, whatnot). And then my half hour or whatever is done with and I don't feel relaxed!

Additionally, it has been quite sometime since I have been able to read a book leisurely. I have a bookshelf full of books that are waiting to be read - and they're seemingly great reads too! Over Christmas break (in between semesters) I set a goal: to read ONE book. Not terribly out of reach right? Wrong! I never even picked one up. Okay, I might have picked one up as I remembered what my goal was, but no reading ever got done. Instead, my break was filled with Christmas cheers (4 days in fact!) and miscellaneous meaningless activities (cleaning, etc.). So...to have those extra three hours a day to settle myself down and read would be fantastic!

Anyone else have this problem?

The Polar Express brings me back

2009-03-28T12:44:17-06:00

I'm instantly reminded of my elementary school librarian. She was the first one who introduced me to the book; I can remember my class gathered around her, looking at the wonderful illustrations...

It remains one of my favorite children's books, even though I have lots of them. Perhaps this is why I am becoming an elementary teacher?

Where can I park my Prius?

2009-03-26T13:43:53-06:00

sensible. Sorry Escalade fans, but I don't share your affection for American materialism.