3360 shout out!

I love my students! They really are the best, and I love teaching the class. They always have an energy and they each as individuals bring something unique to the class as a whole. They are super eager to learn and they will do whatever it takes to go the extra mile. I am so proud of them, and I love watching them progress. I wish I could take the credit, but I really can't, they are such a talented group of girls!

I love teaching the class at the end of the day. I know my students aren't super thrilled about having a class at 5:00 in the evening every Monday, Wednesday and especially Friday, but I love teaching as the last part of my day. No matter what happens during the day, I just can't teach that class with a bad mood! Plus, it's quite the picker upper! I always leave the class so happy and fulfilled. I learn a lot, too!

I love when they participate and ask questions. The best part is, "they think I'm funny! They laugh at me!" (This quote is from a show, and if you guess it right, I'll give you 17 points and a double-high-five). Okay, seriously though, they think I'm so funny, and they laugh when I'm doing my impersonations, impressions, and especially when I'm telling stories. I love it! It's like having my own audience all the time! For those of you who knew me in high school, you KNOW I love having an audience. :)

3360 class... girls, I love you! Thank you so much for making this semester such a wonderful experience for me! You are all truly wonderful!! Keep up the good work!

...and 8 hours of sleep later

Whew, I was on one yesterday, right? I'm sorry about that folks! When I was telling Travis my woes, he very sweetly comforted me and told me that everything was going to be okay, and that when I wake up in the morning, everything will be alright and I'll be feeling much better. Needless to say, he was sooo right! Everything seems worse when you're stressed out! :)

Looking back on that post I realized I was a little harsh, and in reality it wasn't as bad as it seemed. I'm doing much better! Last night as I was reading my scriptures and saying my prayers, I came across a quote by Elder L. Tom Perry, that really helped put things into perspective for me.

"You are children of promise. I hope that you do not plan to just be common but that you plan to excel. There is no place in this world for mediocrity; we need to strive for perfection. You can obtain perfection in so many areas as you seek and work toward the goals you have established."

I realized that although I am not superwoman, I can still try. Besides, I'm fulfilling and magnifying my calling and even though that can be stressful sometimes, it truly is a blessing. So again I apologize for that harsh post! We're all just doing the best we can, and that quote pretty much sums it all up. There is no place in this world for mediocrity. I love it. I don't want to be mediocre, and if that means taking whatever comes my way, or learning to say no, or whatever it may be, I'll do it! :)

I'm not superwoman.

I am the beehives counselor in my ward, and I have enjoyed serving in young womens now for about a year. I was called in March last year, and around the same time, I was called to be the girls camp director. Mind you, camp was only 4 months away, and I had NO idea what I was doing. I don't even know what they were thinking when they called a 22 year old to be the girls camp director! Obviously I had something to learn. I didn't learn it at the time, but tonight, I think I have.

Tonight for mutual, the girls were learning the music for the new beginnings program in March. I was asked a short while ago to teach the music for the entire program. There are 6 songs. I have never heard the music before, and the first time I laid my eyes on the music, was only two days ago. I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to teach the music, because even though I have a piano at home, it's not tuned at all, and I didn't even hear the melody until tonight, during mutual. I technically had yesterday to prepare, but I was busy all day with school, until 4:00, then I had to take a huge math midterm in the testing center. After that I ran home, and ate some dinner. By the time I was finished with my homework, I went straight to bed, exhausted. I guess I should have prepared. My bad.

Tonight did not go well at all. I was THE ONLY person in charge. I was trying to control 25 young hyper girls and teach them the music, learning it for myself at the same time. (I'm not the best in music, although people seem to think I am?). I had to use a plate of cookies as bribery and motivation for them to learn the song. Tonight we only learned 1/3 of ONE song. Yes, it was that bad. The leaders were chit-chatting amongst themselves the entire time, leaving ME all alone. Not only that, people were becoming frustrated with me because I didn't get the timing right on a few things. I understand it's my fault; I wasn't prepared. But could they cut me a little slack? Nope, I'm supposed to be superwoman.

Which brings me to my point. I am NOT superwoman. I don't have all the energy in the world, and I'm not the best at improvising and flying by the seat of my pants. I was trying to be a good sport about tonight and not completely lose it, and I think I handled myself well. I tried my best. Problem is, my best isn't good enough for people. I don't know why, but people think they can throw anything my way last minute, and that I'll handle it, or I'll get it done. YES, I will get it done, but it'll be shotty work.

Even when asked to do something in advance, I'll most likely always say yes. I realized THAT'S my problem. I say yes to everything and then I spread myself too thin. I simply cannot do it all. I don't like it when people are frustrated with me even though I'm doing my personal best and stretching myself beyond my limits. I let everyone down tonight, and I too am frustrated with myself. Better luck next time? Nope, I don't believe in luck. I'll just have to be better prepared!

Again, I'm not superwoman. I can barely manage my 4 classes, teaching and interpreting. There are some in this world who are meant for greatness, who can handle anything thrown their way, even if it's last minute. I am not that person. I will let you down, and for that, I apologize. I'm trying my best, and that's good enough for me.

sociology

In my sociology class today we were talking about how society shapes who we are and how we behave, and how we "cannot" behave. I made a comment in my class saying that it's so interesting how society gives us a frame and says that we can paint whatever we want inside of it, but we have to remain within the boundaries of the frame. I explained to my teacher (and in front of all 150 students in my class) that I get frustrated because what if I want to use materials other than paint and what if I want to hang flowers and feathers off the side of my painting, and not within the bounds? I said that if I was to do so, people would label me as crazy or stupid because I can't "color within the lines."

My teacher's response was that people actually CAN get rid of that frame, but it means taking a huge risk, and others might make fun, beat them up, or "drag the person behind a truck or something" (exact quote from my teacher). He said, "For example, if I wanted to be a hairdresser, people would automatically assume that I was homosexual. It's not typical for a man to become a hairdresser because that occupation does not fit the role society has created for men. So, some people might mock me, or beat me up, or drag me behind a truck."

Two girls were sitting next to me (I met them this semester in class) and one of them said, "Please don't, Kat, you'll get dragged behind a truck!" And the laughter begins.

Later in class, my teacher was saying that even how you have sex is because of a social construction, and society places boundaries on couples.

The other girl sitting next to me says, "Ya hear that, Kat? No feathers. Stay within the bed"frame"work."

They were picking on me because I'm the only one that's married of the three of us. After class, they apologized for teasing me (I thought it was funny actually) and they said, "Okay Kat, you can get rid of that frame work, but you might be dragged behind a truck!"

Gee, I hope not.

aqui viene el sol

Today the sun is shining and it makes me happy! Yesterday it was shining too, and warm! (You know you've been in Utah way too long when you say "warm" and you mean 49 degrees.) I opened my sun roof and windows and let that sun unlock the Vitamin D in my body! I have been missing the sun and in serious need of Vita D! For real people, I'm vitamin D deficient and I have to take pills.

Seeing the sun and beautiful blue skies gets me really excited for spring and summer! I already want spring and summer to be here, but I can be patient for a little bit longer. We're already halfway through the semester! Travis and I go to Hong Kong in exactly 3 weeks, I'm looking forward to the break!

Gotta run, I think I'm going to talk a nice walk in the beautiful shining sun! :)

T.I.

I came home for lunch today and I was flipping through the T.V. as I was eating, and I saw the Tyra Banks show was on. It said it was about girl fights or something. I thought it would be interesting to see what it was about, but the info on it was actually incorrect. Tyra was interviewing T.I., a rap artist who is apparently going to jail for some reason. I only watched like 2 mins, and that was horrible enough. However, he said something that really hit home. When Tyra asked T.I. if he was afraid of going to jail, he said, "I'm only afraid of God. But even then, God won't take me to what he can't take me through."

I thought that was a pretty cool quote, even if it did come from a rap artist. :)

Math.

I am good at math!!! I have an A in my math class right now, and I couldn't be happier. I work pretty hard at it, but I'm not studying my brains out. It is coming sort of naturally to me now, and I actually enjoy it. AHH! Never thought I'd say those words, but it's true! I think it might have something to do with my brain being fully developed now. I heard somewhere that once a person is 23 years old, their brain is fully developed and functional. (For the most part). Hmmm, now I can officially make decisions, and put together hard equations in my head and understand it all. Yipee!!

I also heard studies have shown a correlation between math and piano/other musical instruments. Maybe that's why I'm able to pick up the guitar so fast? (Truth be told, and Travis can attest, I am doing very well at guitar.) I'm also able to play the piano better recently. Coincedence? I think not! I rock at math, and that is affecting my piano playing and now guitar playing skills. I used to hate math, and now that I'm good at it, I like it. I just love learning, and I am really enjoying my classes this semester. I love being a student!

present

Travis bought me a cute red guitar just like this one for Valentine's Day! I've wanted to learn how to play the guitar for like 7 years and I know a few chords just from other people teaching me, and now I have a guitar of my own I can play! I have been laying the hints on pretty thick the past few weeks that I wanted one. Okay actually I was pretty blunt about it. I've been trying to teach myself, and surprisingly, I'm picking it up pretty fast. Although I must say my fingertips are a little sore already! Good thing they are nylon strings. :) I'm excited to have something new to learn and accomplish. I've been wanting to learn how to do something, like sew, be a better cook, or play the guitar. One thing at a time, right? I already know how to play "You are my sunshine," and I look forward to learning more! Happy Valentine's Day!

do you like cheese?

If you don't, please stop reading. :)

On Sunday night we had a little fireside at our Sunday School teacher's house. We had finished our 8 week marriage/family relations course and he wanted to throw us a little party. We played the newlywed game, had great food, and chatted with fellow ward couples. Before we went to the party, our teacher gave each of us an assignment, to write a poem about our spouse and we were going to share it (read aloud) at the end of the night. Here's what Travis and I wrote about each other! :) (VERY VERY cheesy. If you don't like that mooshy stuff, then just stop here.)

*Travis' poem to me:

Let me tell you about a little girl I know.
She’s the kind of girl who’s got a lot to show.
She’s been there, done that, she has even jumped from a plane,
When it comes to being on stage, she’s had her 15 minutes of fame.
She’s short, she’s thin, and she’s very funny,
And you may have guessed by now, she’s my honey.
She’s my buddy, she’s my pal,
She’s my good times gal.
We’re going to be together forever,
Never to be apart, no not ever.
Now to introduce the girl who’s all that,
My dear sweet wife, my darling Kat!

*My poem to Travis:

Travis is a funny guy,
He always laughs; he never cries.
Of his family, he’s the most sweet,
And of his friends, he’s the elite.

Travis is so patient and kind,
A guy like him is hard to find.
Travis can fix anything he starts
And that’s a good thing after he’s taken it apart.
He loves food and boards and extreme sports I’ve found,
But above all that, his love for me abounds.

I love that he’s so big and tall,
I love him most; I love it all.
I love his hands and his tender touch,
And when he’s gone, I miss it so much.
He holds my hand while I sleep,
And he holds my hand when I weep.

I’ve never doubted his true love for me,
Although much has changed since he got down on one knee.
Everyday I feel his love for me so strong,
Even though we haven’t been married long.

We will be newlyweds forever, cuz we have made a pact
Travis Cook I love you, and that’s a known fact.

I finally did it! (New blog)

I've been wanting to create another blog for a while now and today, I finally did. It's called "Kat food." I know, not that clever, but it's better than "fine dining." The blog I created was basically a restaurant guide/review. I love eating out and I pretty much love all food I eat, so I decided I would be qualified enough to write reviews for these restaurants. I'll post about restaurants from Provo area all the way to Salt Lake. I'll talk about the atmosphere, location, menu items, prices, service and much more. Enjoy!

Click Here for the site!

walking

I love walking. Today I left one of my classes because I had to go to the bathroom and as I was walking there, I instantly became aware of my body. Not only the pain in my bladder because I had to pee so badly, but I became aware of my legs. Each step I took felt sooo good on my legs, especially after sitting all day. I just love walking. During the summer one of my favorite things to do is to go on a walk with Travis. (He doesn't let me go off wandering alone, but I actually like the company). I am so grateful for my legs. Thank you legs for taking me everywhere I need to go. Thank you for picking up the slack and running when I am late. Thank you for wiggling and bouncing when I'm bored and fidgety. Thank you for not giving me razor burn when I shave, and most importantly, thanks for just being there, and functioning.

Hairstyles

So you all know I've had lots of different hairstyles. Some of you have seen me with a ton of varying looks, even in the short time you've known me. Well, here's some pictures from when you didn't know me. This is just a FEW of the hairstyles I've had. This doesn't even include all the hairstyles I had while up at Utah State! (Rhonda, you remember!!) Enjoy. :)

:)

Life is so good. That's all.