coffee shop blogging

Oh, umm, it’s Friday? This weeks has gone by in the blink of an eye. Despite the stress and busy life I currently have, I was constantly reminded each day this week that there is a ton of good in my life. Loni and I sat in her kitchen late Wednesday night and even though we both have had a long day, we couldn’t help but smile. And in that moment I felt great and so happy that I get to be stressed over things like making a heading design or doing laundry. And even though some of my health problems have resurfaced this week, I will continue to keep remembering that thing could be, and have been, much worse.

-k

[photo credit]

25 things before you’re 25 part deux

Second half of the 25 things to do before you’re 25 list!

14. Think you know yourself until you meet someone better than you.
done.

15. Forget who you are, what your priorities are, and how a person should be.
I think I’ve done this more times than I should have.

16. Identify your fears and instead of letting them dictate your every move, find and talk to people who have overcome them. Don’t settle for experiencing .000002% of what the world has to offer because you’re afraid of getting on a plane.
Currently working on this. Srsly, growing up and being an adult is hard and half the time, I don’t know what I’m doing or what I’m going to do, but I do know that right now I am happy and I am working hard and sometimes, that all you can do in the moment.

17. Make a habit of cleaning up and letting go. Just because it fit at one point doesn’t mean you need to keep it forever — whether ‘it’ is your favorite pair of pants or your ex.
I’ve had bad living experiences and a bad boyfriend experience that for the longest time, just letting it go and forgiving was the last thing I ever thought about doing. Forgiving is hard stuff and at the time, it seemed so much easier to live in sadness and hate. But that got me no where. I can’t tell you the exact moment it happened for either situation, but it just happened that I was able to just let it go. I knew at that moment that something so heavy and burdensome had been taken from me and I felt so much more free than I had for the longest time.

18. Stop hating yourself.
I promise I’m trying.

19. Go out and watch that movie, read that book, listen to that band you already lied about watching, reading, listening to.
noted :)

20. Take advantage of health insurance while you have it.
OH trust me, I surely am. #problemchild

21. Make a habit of telling people how you feel, whether it means writing a gushing fan-girl email to someone whose work you love or telling your boss why you deserve a raise.
Oh man, this is probably one of the top things I need to work on. I am so afraid of rejection that I just leave it all on the inside.

22. Date someone who says, “I love you” first.
I don’t think I’ve ever said I love you first.

23. Leave the country under the premise of “finding yourself.” This will be unsuccessful. Places do not change people. Instead, do a lot of solo drinking, read a lot of books, have sex in dirty hostels, and come home when you start to miss it.
I think I’d be up for this except the solo drinking would be minimum, and the sex would not be happening. But I’m all for traveling and leaving the country. I’ve got 2 years!

24. Suck it up and buy a Macbook Pro.
Another sign that I need to get a new computer *sigh*

25. Quit that job that’s making you miserable, end the relationship that makes you act like a lunatic, lose the friend whose sole purpose in life is making you feel like you’re perpetually on the verge of vomiting. You’re young, you’re resilient, there are other jobs and relationships and friends if you’re patient and open.
Done, done, and done. People change and I’ve kept those who truly matter to me. I wouldn’t change my life for the world. It is what it is and I have to be thankful for it. And I am.

Okay, so maybe I’ve got some things to work on, but hey, this is awesome advice for really anyone. Living life to the fullest is so important. You gotta do it.

Have you completed everything on this list? What have you got left? What would you add to this?

-k

{source}

Part one

25 things before you’re 25

I will be 23 in less than a month. I can’t believe it. I don’t feel like I should be turning this age but yet, here we are.
Over the years, I’ve made a ton of mistakes. But I’ve also learned quite a bit and each day I’m becoming that much more mature. (which, to be honest, is hella scary but dude, I’m a freaking adult.)

A while back SrslyLiz posted on her tumblr this list of 25 things to do before you’re 25. Well, I know I’m not 25 just yet, but this is an awesome list and I’d like to share it with y’all.

Please note, this post is a tad wordy. But srsly, take the time to at least read the 25 things. :)

1. Make peace with your parents. Whether you finally recognize that they actually have your best interests in mind or you forgive them for being flawed human beings, you can’t happily enter adulthood with that familial brand of resentment.
I was definitely one of those kids who fought with their parents constantly all throughout high school. But I now know that my parents were really just wanting me to be my best and I can’t thank them enough. I love my parents to death and I know that no matter what, they are always here for me.

2. Kiss someone you think is out of your league; kiss models and med students and entrepreneurs with part-time lives in Dubai and don’t worry about if they’re going to call you afterward.
Bahaha, okay I don’t think I can mark this one off the list but I will always think my first boyfriend was a bit out of my league at the time. But really, all the boys/guys/men I’ve kissed have been pretty much in my league, haha.

3. Minimize your passivity.
Okay, if you’re like me, you had to think about what this one meant for a bit. My conclusion is that you need to learn to not be so uptight about things. I’ve got this one checked off. I’ve learned that things happen and they way you react them makes a world of difference. Bad things will happen to you, without a doubt. But if time is spent dwelling on them, then that gets us no where. You’ve got to learn from them and move on and make it better.

4. Work a service job to gain some understanding of how tipping works, how to keep your cool around assholes, how a few kind words can change someone’s day.
Check! I’m pretty sure my bro has definitely got this one checked.

5. Recognize freedom as a 5:30 a.m. trip to the diner with a bunch of strangers you’ve just met.
How about weekend trips to Chicago just because I can? :)

6. Try not to beat yourself up over having obtained a ‘useless’ Bachelor’s Degree. Debt is hell, and things didn’t pan out quite like you expected, but you did get to go to college, and having a degree isn’t the worst thing in the world to have. We will figure this mess out, I think, probably; the point is you’re not worth less just because there hasn’t been an immediate pay off for going to school. Be patient, work with what you have, and remember that a lot of us are in this together.
Well…I’m working on the degree part.

7. If you’re employed in any capacity, open a savings account. You never know when you might be unemployed or in desperate need of getting away for a few days. Even $10 a week is $520 more a year than you would’ve had otherwise.
DONE.

8. Make a habit of going outside, enjoying the light, relearning your friends, forgetting the internet.
I think somedays I need to be reminded of this as I get frustrated with my design work, but I love enjoying the outdoors and living in the beauty of each day.

9. Go on a 4-day, brunch-fueled bender.
Haha, what? If this means eat brunch for 4 days straight, then I have got to get on this.
If this is referring to waking up late and then eating, then man, I’ve done this at least 20 times.

10. Start a relationship with your crush by telling them that you want them. Directly. Like, look them in the face and say it to them. Say, I want you. I want to be with you.
Noted :)

11. Learn to say ‘no’ — to yourself. Don’t keep wearing high heels if you hate them; don’t keep smoking if you’re disgusted by the way you smell the morning after; stop wasting entire days on your couch if you’re going to complain about missing the sun.
Saying no to myself is so hard to do sometimes. I hope I can get this down by the time I turn 25.

12. Take time to revisit the places that made you who you are: the apartment you grew up in, your middle school, your hometown. These places may or may not be here forever; you definitely won’t be.
Princeton is on my list of place I want to visit in the very near future.

13. Find a hobby that makes being alone feel lovely and empowering and like something to look forward to.
Reading, crafting, solo photography adventures, bike riding to the farmers market…:)

Okay. That’s enough for today. Check back tomorrow for the rest of the list! I’ll post a link to the original that I found :)

-k

a letter to my natural self

Oh hello Face. You are looking quite clean. Which is a good thing since I just gave you a good washing. You look different than you did earlier today. Around the eyes were so heavy and dark and your lips were quite colorful. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. But I tend to like you without all that. I actually tend to like you a lot more. Why do you put a mask on every day? Are you afraid of someone seeing your imperfections? I know there are a few blemishes residing upon you but I know they’ll go away soon. Are you afraid of someone knowing the real you? You shouldn’t be. You are quite lovely and I wish you like yourself just as much as others do.
Face, you’ve got some nice eyes. It makes me sad sometimes when you try to make them look better. I think they are wonderful they way they are! I know you can’t really see or read that well but please don’t feel silly wearing glasses. They help you see the beauty in this world and in others.

You should know that your chin, nose and teeth are just as beautiful as your eyes. I like you much more as this, in your natural state. Yes, you may be vulnerable, but you are undoubtedly my Face and that is something special because you are the only face like this in the world.

Please remember that you are beautiful, Face.

love,

-k

thankful

credit to Swiss Cottage Designs

I know, I know, Thanksgiving was yesterday. And it was a wonderful day. I had to work till 11 the  night before so unfortunately I wasn’t able to head home till Thursday morning. But it was so wonderful to come home to a warm house, loving faces, and delicious food. And having a small break? Wonderful! Not having work or school till Monday is such an incredible blessing. I mean really, I’m incredibly blessed. And so, here are some things I’m thankful for.

My two kittens. Okay, these squirts can be so darn ornery but goodness do I love them to death. Living on my own isn’t the easiest things for me and I don’t know what it is, but coming home to two adorable faces, greeting me on the back of the love seat is the best thing ever. And waking up in the morning to their small bodies curled up on top of me is a feeling I just can’t describe. They are my little family.

My hair. My family has blessed me with a lot of dark colored hair but really, my thick hair is wonderful. Yeah sure, I have bad hair days but I just need to remind myself that I was blessed with beautiful hair.

Wine. Oh I just love wine. And there isn’t much more to say about it.

My craft supplies. I have so much crafting materials and I’m so incredibly thankful that whenever I want to be creative, I have the means to do so.

Books. Real, paper books that you can strum through with your fingers are the best things ever. I love the smell, the feel, the taste (okay I’m kidding about the last one) of a new book that you’ve never touched before. I’m hoping tomorrow while mom and I are in town, we can stop at Jane Addams Book Shop. It’s probably one of my favorite places.

The Foundation. This place is such a haven for me. I’ve met some of my best friends here and I’ve grown stronger than ever in my faith. I love being a peer minister there. This also goes along with that I’m thankful for my jobs…even if I am still very much a poor college student.

All my completely wonderful friends. Okay, Lord knows I’d be NOWHERE without everyone who loves and accepts me just the way I am. I don’t know how any of them put up with my complete weirdness but they do, and that is very awesome. And it’s always nice to have people try out my cooking :)

My ever loving family. These people are the best. First off, my mother is a nut. But not in a bad way! She’s quirky, silly and cute. And she’s a great cook. She gives such good advice as well. My father? Hilarious. He’s such a great photographer and I love talking to him about my faith. And my dear brother. He is so smart and talented and funny. I love him to death. And he has a pretty good taste in music. Which is awesome. My family is there for me always. They love and support me through everything.

And there you have it. I am indeed blessed.

-k

early birthday present

See this beautiful record player? Well say hello to my birthday present!

I am beyond ecstatic. I’ve been wanting a vintage record player for some time now and today while we were in downtown Kansas City, mom, dad, and I stopped in this lovely store called Thistle. I have gorgeous photos I took to upload later but I seriously just wanted to live in that little shop. We were looking around and dad first found this record player. We inquired about it, tried it out and I just fell in love with it. And I bought an old french LP, too (ever heard of Jacqueline François?). I’m way excited about setting this up in my living room in my little duplex.

This weekend has been wonderful. I really couldn’t ask for a better mini-vacation. Ashley and Kyle’s wedding was perfect, both my immediate and extended family are awesome, and I couldn’t be happier. Also, mom killed a huge spider for me tonight after I texted her from Pat and Marilyn’s living room, since I couldn’t make noise because others are sleeping. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!

Also, these photos are from Thistle’s flickr site :) I’ll take some more pictures of it once I get back home to my kittens!

-k

that accomplished and satisfied feeling that you can never fully describe

Greetings from a hotel room! My weekend is coming to a close and I’m at a lost for words. I feel happy, excited, scared, overwhelmed, tired and a million other things. But mostly, I feel satisfied. There is this realization that just overtook me and I feel so compelled to just shout it from the top of a huge building. I know I’m finally doing what I’m called to do with my life. I’m  doing something that I’m genuinely good at. Amazing.
I honestly just want to bottle up this feeling forever, opening the jar it’s kept in every so often when I feel unsatisfactory and no-good. Wouldn’t that be cool though if you could bottle up all the good feelings?

-k

P.S. I finally figured out some stuff blog wise and I just feel so happy about it. I almost wish I didn’t desperately need sleep so I could hold on to this feeling.

it’s friday i’m in love

You’d think by my face that I am having a terrible day…but in reality, I am loving life to the fullest right now (the sun was just in my eyes). I’m sitting in an awesome coffee shop called Crazy Goat, listening to chill music, reviewing my pictures, looking at a map and resting my feet.

Sometimes in life we need to do things for our soul. It makes you grow as a person and it can really change your life.

The smile on my face has become a permanent everyday accessory :)

You have something eating away at your soul or heart and you just need to do something to make it better? Do it now. Life is too short to wait my dears! We have so much to live for and so much life that needs living. And I’m just beginning to learn how to live it to the fullest.

Have a lovely weekend <3

-k

ABC’s of me

A. Age: 21
B. Bed size: A tiny twin. It’s okay though…it was free!
C. Chore you hate: Dusting. Both my allergies and I dislike it very much
D. Dogs: I’ve never had one! I do have a little hamster :)
E. Essential start to your day: A good morning stretch, juice and meds!
F. Favorite color: Forest-y olive green. Yes, I know that’s not a real color name but that’s the only way to describe my favorite shade of color
G. Gold or silver: Silver
H. Height: er…like 5′ 2″
I. Instruments you play: I used to play the clarinet. And I aspire to be a rad tambourine player someday
J. Job title: Ice cream server
K. Kids: Not even married…so none.
L. Live: Charleston, IL
M. Mom’s name: Karen
N. Nicknames: Kait, Kaits or K
O. Overnight hospital stays: Are not an ideal for me. When you’ve been a problem child your whole life, hospitals are something you are just not a fan of.
P. Pet peeve: Currently…allergies. And this cold weather that just won’t go away.
Q. Quote from a movie/show: “Do what you love and f*** the rest”
R. Righty or Lefty: Righty
S. Siblings: I have a pretty awesome brother named Andrew. I kinda love him a lot.
T. Time you wake up: Generally between 8:30 and 9
U. Underwear: Uh, Hanes? Whatever is most comfortable I guess :)
V. Vegetables you dislike: Not sure! I’m a pretty big fan of all kinds.
W. What makes you run late: My forgetful mind
X. X-rays you’ve had: Oh lord, where to begin, my knees, my wrist, numerous ones on my teeth…
Y. Yummy food you make: I make a lot of yummy things :) But my chicken dishes are probably the best
Z. Zoo animal favorite: Giraffes :)

found from Shawni’s blog :)

 

I’m not dead! I’m getting into the groove of life again and I’m practically all unpacked!
I have a wonderful roommate, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful life, a loving family and great friends AND I have a fun and exciting weekend ahead of me :)

-k

dear deer

I have officially decided that packing is one of my least favorite things to do. Okay, it’s not THAT bad, but I’m not really a huge fan. And cleaning Felix’s cage. I’m definitely not a huge fan of that (but having a stinky hamster is something I dislike more so…).
I kinda like to take breaks (a lot of them) when I pack. I think I have some form of ADD, but I digress. The whole point of this post is to show you this cute video I discovered and it made me just super happy.

Enjoy!