Heaven on Earth

Today is my girl, Katie's, birthday and I must say it's been fabulous.  The last few days have been absolutely wonderful.  This Christmas has carried such different meaning for me this year than any other year.  Christmas eve for the Field's was somewhat of a disaster what with two cases of the flu and no one making it to church.  But after driving myself home from the Auntie's and laying down in bed with a heat pack watching White Christmas I fell asleep to awaken feeling wonderful and ready for my Christmas caramel roll.  

I awoke at 8:30 and rolled out of bed to find my father tampering the kitchen with a hot pot of coffee at the ready for me.  I must say I thought it was heavenly.  My mom was putzing around and had already popped the caramel roll in the oven.  This Christmas morning was different than any other in that our whole family rolled out of bed leisurely, ate brunch together as a slow pace (rare for our family) and then casually suggested perhaps moving into the living room to do stockings.  Generally, we run down the stairs rush to the stockings, rip open packages and then get around to doing breakfast. I must say, this relaxed way of doing things was just up my alley.  After sitting around and opening a few gifts each, we broke to wait until the whole rest of the family showed up, after which all hell broke loose and Anna and Gabe came in like tornadoes ripping open all their presents. I loved not being the center of attention when it came to present opening. Heavenly.  

Afterward, I went for a Christmas day walk with my Aunt and Uncle from California and my Dad.  I love walking in the snow and it was uncharacteristically warm for a late December day.  When we returned late lunch was ready followed by sitting by the fire, guitar jam sessions and lots of merry making. How I love all that is Christmas...  

That evening I went with my immediate family minus Laura to see the movie "Marley and Me". I have never cried harder in a movie.  I don't even like big dogs but the central message of death was too much for me to handle. I ended up hyperventilating in the car on the way home I was crying so hard.  I think the next few months are going to be incredibly painstaking while we watch my grandpa whither away.  I am just thankful I have my wonderful family to lean on in this hard time.  

As I mentioned, today is Katie's birthday.  This morning we rang in the day with brunch at OPH and I have the fabulous Santa Fe omelet with no cheese and dry wheat toast accompanied by delicious black coffee (my third cup for the day :/ no judgement, Jon) Once again, heavenly.  After we went to Papa Bear's hotel (the Westin) and did some hottubbing.  Then we all returned to the Winter's home. Karen joined us and the three of us were once again reunited after a whole, gasp, week.  It was heavenly and we watched the Tyler Perry movie, "Why Did I Get Married?"  Hysterical.  I love those movies.  This evening we got Thai food and now we're sitting in the basement, just Katie's family and I, watching Planet Earth.  Sigh, I love my life.  

Today, I am thankful for my friend Katie's family, who has welcomed me into their family with open arms.  Also, I am thankful I have a family that treks all the way down to the shady part of uptown to listen to some bluegrass band at a hole in the wall pizza joint.  I love everyone in my family and I feel like I couldn't have fallen into a better niche of society.  

Love love love, 

Kate 

Ps. Can you tell I'm in a spectacular mood? I get to sleep in tomorrow! :) yay!

PPs. Above are just a few of my favorite things.  :) :)

Torn

Ok so I must admit I have been losing steam with the whole blogging situation. I blame it on finals really because I just didn't have the time for a little while there and then my ambitions sort of fell flat. Well, since I've last updated I've just been enjoying my time doing mostly nothing, or as close to nothing as I've experienced in a long while. I actually have worked out the last few days which has felt way more amazing than I even remembered.

Today, I finished up the last of my Christmas shopping I believe and I scored some completely killer boots today while out and about. My winter Ugg boots had definitely seen better days as they were going on their third season, so today when I was out and about and I saw some black Ugg style boots with studded flaming hearts on the back I had to have them. They're hard to explain, but they have just the right amount of edge and I love them. I must say I know my idea of being a badass is absolutely watered down compared to a really badass but sometimes I like to pretend. I mean I don't do everything cookie cutter. Tonight, my outfit for the Upperroom consists of my signature ballet pink sweater, skinny jeans, a gold ribbon in my hair for a headband and my boots for a little spring in my step :)

This morning I went to a church by my house with my family which was actually lovely, because I love the advent season and it was particularly amazing this morning because there were multiple positively delectable boys there. I mean obviously this is where they've all been hiding out. I must go back next week so see who I can find...

Tonight, I am going to Upperroom, as above mentioned, with Ellen and we're meeting Kenny and Ben there. I am so excited to be back there but a little nervous that a certain someone might go which I am definitely not ready for. I'll have to keep you posted...

After Upperroom, a Ms Geller will be having us over to her fabulous home to enjoy the first night of Hanukkah with some brownie making and merriment. I can't wait. I'll get to see Geller, Kate and Tess. What more could a girl want?

I start work tomorrow which I'm really not looking forward to, but I know I will have a great time once I'm there.

All for now!

Tonight I am thankful for my friend Kenny who I stayed up til two last night chatting with about I don't even remember what. When I left I found myself wishing I could stay the rest of the night just enjoying his company but my eyelids became heavy and I still have to trek out to the boondocks so I gave in to my fatigue and drove the 20 cold minutes home. I love my friends!

Mwah,
Kate

Free At Last

Well I know I've been out of touch for a few days here, but hey, what would one expect as finals are upon us...

Now that finals are over.... That means the holiday season is upon us!

Anyone who knows me well knows that this is my absolute favorite time of the year. Eager to avoid succumbing to the dreariness of finals, over the last few days I have enjoyed some very fabulous moments amidst my studies.

Firstly, Katie Harris' cookie decorating party. It was divine. Sunday from 2-5 I designated those 3 small hours to gathering 'round the table for some real cookie decorating. There were approximately one million cookies to decorate and at the end fabulous little pastel boxes to pack them away in for study treats :) This was the much needed break to my weekend of studying I needed.

Then Monday night rolled around and the evening of Jingle Ball was upon us... We purchased our tickets months in advance so I knew that I would have to study in preparation for a night of loud music and beautiful men... ehhhemmm Chris Brown and TI... Let's be honest here, knowing my taste in men, obviously I was enthused. So the concert was lovely and TI was delicious and overall, my finals week from hell is over and I had some fabulous times to reflect upon.

Now, I am back in my bedroom in Shorewood and I am feeling ridiculously content as I type this using my WiFi and basking in the glow of my twinkle lights that decorate the window frame. I am done with another semester... It's amazing how fast the time goes. Honestly, this semester scholastically was not my favorite by far, but overall it was fabulous. I made so many new friends, experienced many new things and discovered just how absolutely wonderful my baby girls at AOII are.

It is the time at last to realize what I have been fantasizing about for the last two weeks, baking cookies with my mother while listening to Harry Connick Jr. Christmas music and settling in for White Christmas, my all time favorite holiday film.

Tonight I am thankful that I was able to go to my grandfather's house for dinner. My aunt made us stirfry and made me a vegetarian version. :) I feel like Karen would appreciate this as I am slowly but surely converting. I am thankful for my vibrant and amazingly chatty 5 year old cousin who I haven't seen since she was two. I was able to spend some quality time with her tonight, playing Go Fish, of course. What else would a 5 year old want to do? She is so fun and her Australian accent is adorable. The innocence of youth really is an inspiring thing. It always seems to renew my faith in the innate goodness of the world.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night,

Love and Peace,
Kate

Ever Changing

This past year and a half has brought so many changes in my life, and it wasn't until recently that I really realized the full extent of it all. It seems as though, in each phase of life, we are thrust into a new world with wide eyes and an unparalleled sense of curiosity. College has been an adventure to say the least.

Coming to the U last fall I could not have been happier. The prospect of saying goodbye to all my best friends was unbearable but they were all leaving so I decided it was time for all of us to move on to the next phase. The first month at school was a whirlwind with highs and lows. I thought I loved everything about school until I joined AOII, when I realized that my life was about to take a 180 I didn't even know was possible. I went for being happy in my little dorm room at Bailey Hall to elated in the stairwell quad of our little 5Th St house.

As I moved through my freshman year, I experienced so many things I would have never expected. I was challenged mentally, physically and emotionally. Emphasis on the latter. I never realized that effect that really loving someone can have on our lives. Last year, I knew who I was. I knew what my future looked like and I couldn't have been happier. But before you know it everything changes. Needless to say, I am in a much different frame of mind this year.

I have learned so much about myself. Many of the ideas I had about who I was have remained the same, but quite a few have changed. I no longer have any idea where my future will take me, and for once I am perfectly fine with that. It's a sense of freedom I've never truly allowed myself to feel. For those of you know know me, you know that I am a bit of a control freak and need things done my way. I have learned that my way is definitely not always the best or right way. I live with two very different girls from me and I love everything about them. They brighten my day simply by being themselves and doing things the way they want them done.

More than anything I have learned to love the people around me to the fullest extent. I can't express the level of appreciation and love I feel for all of my friends and family. I think that falling in love last year opened my heart in so many ways I never knew possible. My mother used to worry that I would never be a compassionate person. If you asked her now, that would not be anywhere near her list of worries. Now, I want to be a prenatal and family dietitian, i'm working at the pediatrician's again this winter and starting my new job at Kindercare next semester. A far cry from the girl who couldn't stand children until she was a senior in high school.

What makes me truly happy in this life are the connections I have made with people and my ability to show them how much they mean to me. My mom once told me that people were put on earth for one reason and one reason only: To make connections with other human beings and show them the love from within. I agree with this statement with all of my heart. I think it is so easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like the world is coming down around us. The old end of the world theory as my dad's always told me. If we take a second to think, it's easy to see that no matter what happens everything will be alright as long as we open ourselves up to the possibility of love.

I don't know what happens to change people but it's important to realize that while people come in and out of our lives,no matter what they all deserve the same love and respect you show those you claim most dear. Every person has a special gift and something wonderful to offer. I know that some of this may sound sappy but it has been occupying my mind for the past couple of months. I am so blessed to have so many people in my life that I would do anything for.

My friends from high school remain my soul mates to this day. Whenever I hear people around me talking about how they just don't feel the same way about their high school friends as they once did I am reminded how amazing it is that I still have that support group to lean on who knows they can lean on me for anything.

My college friends have been the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Allowing me to be who I am and become who I'm supposed to be without the preconceptions of those I grew up with. I have found myself here at college and am continuing to define what really matters to me.

That brings me to my family. In this category I feel I have changed the most over the past year and a half. Being in college has opened my eyes to the miracle that I have in my family. They are always supportive, always looking on the bright side and always there to love me. I have two amazing parents, the best sisters a girl could ask for and three fabulous grandparents. It hurts me to say that for the past 20 years I've taken them all for granted. Things change and although I wish it hadn't taken me this long, I have realized their importance now. The sacrifices that have been made for mine and my sister's sakes are unimaginable. I hope that I am able to show my family this holiday season how much they mean to be. Because as someone who was once the closest person to my heart told me, "If someone can't tell how you're feeling, the emotions are wasted so why not do everything you can to express yourself?" Very wise.

Time is limited in this world, a fact which has become abundantly clear to me this past month since we found out my grandpa is sick. So now, more than ever, I want to show everyone how much I care.

Today I am thankful that I am done with four out of six finals and although I feel like I don't have the energy to push through to the end I know that I will because it's what I do. I can't wait to be home with my family baking cookies and watching holiday movies. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

All my love forever,

Kate

Longing for Home

I know that I only live 40 minutes away from my family, but I have to say sometimes it feels like an eternity. There is so much going on in my family right now and living on campus makes me feel so separate from everything. My cousins just flew in town last night from Australia to spend one last holiday with my grandfather. Even just typing that out is hard for me. I refuse to believe that the man who has always seemed like the most fit, most fun-loving and one of the most interesting people I know will soon be gone from this world. As I sit here going through the end of semester motions I can't help but feel like I am missing out on some of his precious last moments. Just yesterday, my mom told me that his health is rapidly deteriorating and it's extremely painful for her to watch.

This holiday season has already meant so much more to me than any other. Maybe it's because I'm older and actually have some more perspective on life or maybe it's just because it took me until now to realize just how fabulous my family and friends are. I honestly have no idea what I did to deserve such amazing companions. They are so supportive, loving, funny, loud and most of all they're the cornerstones of my life. This season I just want to be able to spend quality time with all those that I love. I want to cherish every moment and really try and bond with my sisters, appreciate my parents, and revel in the moments I do have with my grandparents who are apparently not as invicible as I once thought.

I am so thankful that I was able to grow up in the same city as the majority of my family. As a result, I will have lifelong memories to cherish. Here are a few:

• Dancing the jitterbug with my grandpa in his living room
• Making dolls with grandma Diane and sorting through all her fun jewelery in the craft room
• Playing cards and drinking ginger ale and eating Drumstick ice cream cones at Char's apartment, the same apartment where I spent every single Christmas eve until the last few years.
• Castle and cribbage with Gramps
• Movie nights on Poplar Dr.
• Every Christmas morning giving my Grampa Turtles and watching as he gave the same reaction over and over
• Playing "I spy with my little eye" on the Christmas tree
• Making Char eat cookie dough and play basketball for the first time in her life
• Basketball with Gramps

You get the jist. I have fabulous grandparents. I couldn't be any luckier.

Fondly,
Kate

Knocked up for a night

Alright, so for those who haven't seen the movie, I was indeed Juno for the K Sig date party last night. I am so proud of Alex and I for throwing our outfits together last minute we were both a little bit lax on figuring it out. My pregnant belly lasted for all of 15 minutes and then it was on to another dance party and night of shenanigans. All I have to say is that I've had enough fun this weekend to last me a lifetime. Last night was a ball followed by a greasy Chinese food run this afternoon with Ellie, Matt and Alex. What could be better?

Now reality strikes as I stare down the face of finals week. But at least I got to kick it off with a bang. I know that if I can just push through the next week and a half I will feel like I've accomplished an absolute ton. This semester has been really tough but it's nearly at an end and I couldn't be happier. Next semester with include living with Katie which I can't wait for, but it also means that I'm losing my partner in crime, Karen. We just won't think about that for now. I mean last night was one of the first nights we've been separated in a while. Haha

Well I'm off to shower and get ready for my long evening of sorority meetings and hopefully some productive studying!

Today I'm thankful for my sorority sisters. Last night a lot of kind words were exchanged between the six of us that were at the date party and I have to say, I don't know what I'd be doing without all of them. I absolutely love this house and I wish nothing but good things for all the girls who call themselves AOIIs.

Lots of love,
Kate

Bringing In The Holidays

I just have to say, give me a dance party any day and I'll be the happiest girl on earth. In a word, formal was fabulous. The night started out with a beautiful dusting of snow that made everything look magical and the ride a little bit longer to the Science museum. I went with Alex to the dance and he was the perfect date. Not every boy could handle being with the sober girl who's in charge of "managing the risk". Just one of the many perks to my position in the house. So while the evening wasn't flawless, it was perfect. I think that everyone had a great time and overall, spirits were really high. As we head into finals next week this is what everyone needed. I am constantly reminded of how amazing my friends are. I don't know what I would do without them and I don't know what I did to deserve them. Alex, Karen's date, remarked how weird we were but then followed it up by saying, "Not that that's a bad thing. " That's how I like to think of us. Weird in a good way and a way that bonds us all together. I mean how many times have Karen and I asked ourselves if other people do the types of things we do in the confines of our little room 4. Dancing to flogging molly, bed bouncing(you know what I'm talking about girl) or baking brownies at midnight because we can't go any longer without our fix of chocolate. Harris is more than likely the funkiest girl I know and that is the reason I love her. She went to the dance with Alex's roommate Joe. Joe was perfect. He was just as quirky and fabulous as the rest of us and even put up with Katie's turning rose petals into snow... see above.

So while I can't include every last detail of the night, rest assured that formal was everything that it should have been and more.

Finally, I am SUPER excited because I just booked my plane ticket this morning to go visit my lover Kenny out at West Point. I'll be going to a fabulous ball and pretending like I belong at some ridiculous Military Academy. Anyway, it should be perfect and I'm so excited I get to go. I couldn't imagine a better date for such an occasion than the one and only Kenneth Arthur.

Tonight is Alex's date party and it's famous couple theme. True to form, we don't know which couple we're going to be yet, but hey there are more important details in this life. So this afternoon I'm hoping to relax and gear up for the big evening ahead. Should be yet another fabulous dance party. Sometimes I can't believe my luck.

So today I'm thankful for the beautiful snowfall last night because the world looks so shiny and new. Also, I am beyond thankful that I got to come home last night, wash my face, brush my teeth and go to bed until I woke up with no other agenda than just being warm and comfy under the covers.

All for now and lots of love,
Kate

It Begins At Twilight

Last night was fabulous. AOII and Phi Psi(one of our favorite houses) teamed up to go to Feed My Starving Children and pack food for the starving children of Haiti. I had been excited for it all day and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I was blown away by just how simple it was to pack food for 52 children for a year! That's a lot in case you didn't know. We packed over 8700 meals. This is the second charity event I have done this holiday season and I have to say I don't know if there's anything more satisfying. I'm pretty sure that when I am older I definitely want to adopt a baby from Haiti. They are so fabulously cute. Anyways, sorry about my baby rant. Speaking of, I start at Kindercare next week and I couldn't be happier. Every day when Katie comes home ranting about the hysterical thing that so and so did it just makes me even happier that I'm blessed enough to work there.

Formal is today!!!! I am so happy! Anyone who knows me well knows that there is nothing I love more in this world than a good dance party. It should be a fabulous evening. We're starting our night at Alex's apartment (Karen's date) and then we'll be cabbing it to our fabulous St. Paul Science Museum venue. Always promised are some fabulous photos, divine dessert and of course beaten up feet from roaming the dance floor until we can no longer see straight. I can't think of a better evening.

This morning I'm going to organic chemistry and I'm a little bit nervous to get the test back I just took on Wednesday. I mean, I honestly don't think that the subject matter is too terrible, but if you've taken organic you know that it's a class that demands A TON of time. Time which I really don't have this semester. For those who know me, accepting a potentially less that stellar grade is not something I'm good at. So basically I'm doing the best that I can and going to see what happens. School this semester has been a lot to handle, but when it's all said and done I will have accomplished a great deal. What I'm most proud of is that I've actually learned a lot. Learning with lifelong retention as the goal has never been something I've been good at. Usually I go to class with the intention of getting an A and then forgetting about it. About a month ago in physiology I sat there, not listening as is usual in that class, and this woman raised her hand. She always asks questions but for some reason, on that day, it struck me that she is actually there to learn. What a revolutionary idea! Someone who really cares what the Prof is talking about... After that I decided that I'm here in school with the goal of getting good grades, but if I don't learn anything good luck applying it to my future career. I feel like I've actually done a much better job of just being interested in what I'm doing, and that's exciting.

Well that's all for now. Expect a fabulous post about formal tonight! I'm so excited it's not even funny.

What i'm thankful for this morning is the coffee I am sipping on. Oftentimes, I take forgranted all the work that is put into giving us AOIIs what we need. I feel so lucky to live in a house full of girls who support me. Also, I'm thankful that the changes we have made to the food at AOII (I'm the food liason) are going over well. It is really rewarding to see and hear the good reactions from girls when they notice one of their favorite treats have shown up in our stash of food.

Lots of love,

Kate

At first a cynic

As long as I can remember, I have been opposed to blogging. My stance was simple. I like keeping my thoughts to myself, because after all, they are MY thoughts. But as I have grown older, moved on, and moved in to my sorority I have been exposed to the world of blogging not as a place to divulge all your secrets but rather to keep an account of your days to keep memories from fading.

So why is my blog called gratitude goes a long way? I like to think of myself as an eternal optimist. In my life there have been many ups and downs as I am a passionate person and find myself exhilarated and euphoric at one moment and at others completely thrown off by something small and insignificant. During my moments of clarity I find that when it comes down to it, each individual is just one tiny part of something much bigger. When I look back on my life in 40 years will I still be upset about the grade I earned on my organic chemistry test? More than likely not. It's at these times that I feel completely content with life, knowing that I am beyond blessed just to be here. No matter what happens or how bleak the outcome may look I think it's important to remember that there is always an infinite number of reasons to be grateful.

At the end of each blog post I will write a small thing that I am thankful for. For those of you who have never tried this, I would strongly encourage you to give it a shot. Writing a gratitude journal can be one of the most therapeutic pastimes.

Here's what i've got for today: I am grateful to be in Minnesota where the weather is freezing and walking around campus makes me wonder whether i'll even live to see my next class. When it comes down to it I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love the crisp air, the snow on the ground and most of all the excitement people feel around the holidays when they enter in to a coffee shop or really anywhere that will give serve as a refuge from the blustery weather. This is my favorite time of year and I have to say, for me, this year is not about presents. More than ever it's about being with the people I love and living every day to its fullest.

All my love,
Kate