MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Just a picture or two to describe my Christmas:The tree!

My brother and father with their new hats!

Sending all my love to you and yours on this marvelous day,
Wishing you health and happiness,
Katelyn :)

10 Things I'm Looking Forward to this Break

Finally after the long grueling week of finals, I have made it safely home to central Connecticut. Now as I wait for grades to be posted, this is what I will be preoccupying my time with:

Cleaning
This is my first time home for a long time since last winter break. I've started to reorganize and go through my room, getting rid of clothes and things I don't use anymore. Considering I left my room in a disarray after packing for freshman year, this thoroughly cleaning and organization is long overdue!

Knitting
Thanks to my friend Kayley, I've picked up knitting! I brought my knitting home with me and I hopefully will get needles and yarn for Christmas (hint hint parents!)

Running
Since I don't have a job, I plan to get more in shape and start running on the treadmill and taking my dogs Bella and Mojo for walks. I'll be looking for things to fill my time and might as well get in shape!

Watching movies
Going to college makes it harder to go to the movies; granted I got to see The Help and Lion King: 3D while at school, I plan on seeing more movies at home (plus it's cheaper). Top of the list includes Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (click to see the trailer!). I'm looking forward to watching some old Disney movies as well as the classic Christmas movies too!

Traveling
This break I plan on traveling to NYC multiple times to see the city decked out in all of it's Christmas glory. I also love driving around town and looking at all the houses with Christmas lights up.

Visiting with Friends
I can't wait to visit some college friends as well as my SHA girls! It's been ages since I've seen them and we have LOADS to catch up on!

Splitting wood
My dad is basically a lumberjack. We have piles and piles of wood in our yard as we heat our house using a wood-stove. While I enjoy the warmth, the process of running the log splitter and stacking wood isn't my favorite. Needless to say we have lots of wood from trees that have fallen down from Hurricane Irene and wood isn't going to chop itself!

Volunteering
I hope to volunteer at the Humane Society that near me - I used to go there during high school and I love giving back and seeing all the animals. We adopted Bella and Mojo there and I hope that all the other animals there will have a home.

Applying for Study Abroad
My goal for the end of the break is to finish what I need to do for my study abroad application. I hope to go to Bath, England in the fall with an internship either in Theatre or History. My passport came in last week and I can't wait to get out of the country!

Last but not least, SLEEPING!
Catching up on sleep is very crucial during this time - recuperating from all that hard work last semester! It paid off as I got the best GPA yet. Let's hope this is a good sign for the future! Feeling refreshed and ready to start classes again will be goal out of this break.



Sending happy and positive thoughts to those still finishing finals! You're almost in the clear!



-Katelyn :)

End of the Semester!

Now that the end of the semester is in sight, many on campus are feeling the stress dealing with papers, projects, finals, and only God knows what else. Now is the time to take things in stride. Though it may not feel like there are enough hours in the day, everything will be okay. The last few days I've been taking it easy before the craziness of finals. Most recently the arrival of SNOW yesterday with decorating gingerbread houses, my friends Allyson, Alex, and I walked in a winter wonderland singing Christmas carols and walking through the townhouses to look at the Christmas lights. We even stopped to visit my friend Kaitlin and sang Jingle Bells for her! Tis the season!

Because of the season I've done some changes to my blog - a bit more wintery theme, a new picture from my Buffalo Trip last January, a new picture with me and my little house! I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit and that's what's getting me through the last push of the semester. I'm ready for a switch of classes - my next semester's schedule is more theatre-focused. Check it out! With this new schedule I'm ready to take on all that the spring semester has to offer. I've loved taking the classes I am in now but I'm ready for next semester and planning for study abroad! YIKES!

Well, I'm off to Christmas dinner with some friends, and then off to my date with Durick! The library and I have a love/hate relationship so we'll see how this turns out.

Sending all my thoughts, prayers, and love, especially to the Stonehill and Virginia Tech communities. May you stay strong in this troubling time.

Hoping this finds you happy and healthy,
Katelyn :)

HOPE Works!

Last week I was privileged enough to attend the unveiling for the renaming of the Women's Rape Crisis Center located here in Burlington. My friend Kaitlin is an events intern there and invited me to go along with her. The event was held at the SEABA (the South End Arts and Business Association) gallery, set with an art exhibit "Transcendence: Mooring the Storm". Artists Carol MacDonald and Erik Rehman worked with a group of survivors of sexual violence, listened to their stories, and created unique, inspirational artwork that embodies their healing journey and depicts a sense of hope. Pictured below is a drawing by Rehman that I particularly found interesting. If you look closely, you'll see that the buds of the tree are actually closed hands. I also liked this print done by Carol MacDonald - the print was actually layered so you can see more dragonflies underneath! Check out the link posted above for more information about the exhibit!

This event brought in a vast amount of supporters, staff, interns, Congressional representatives and even Governor Shumlin (pictured below) who provided a speech about the issue of domestic and sexual abuse. He unveiled the new name of the center: HOPE Works. This new name reflects the services that they offer and is more inclusive for all.

The wonderful staff of HOPE Works! My friend Kaitlin and I in front of the new sign.

What is HOPE Works? It is a program Ending Sexual Violence through Healing Outreach Prevention and Empowerment. Dedicated to end all sexual violence, they serve the Chittenden County providing free and confidential services such as crisis support and advocacy for those who have experienced sexual violence. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, please contact HOPE Works: 802-864-0555 or the 24-hour hotline (802-863-1236). Click the link for more information!

On the Anniversary of your 21st

I know this is a tad bit late, but hey - better late than never eh? One of the many philosophies I employ.

Here are 22 reasons why we're friends:

1. We share the same name.
2. We're basically the same person.
3. Cookie Monster and Elmo
4. Holding up the Helpdesk
5. Volleyball
   
6. Our addiction to TV shows...
7. DAMIAN MCGINTY
8. One word: uniforms.
   
9. Our mind-reading abilities.
10. The endless hours we spend together.
11. The fact that we were able to live together for the summer and not want to kill each other...
12. Getting dressed up all fancy like.
13. ROADTRIPS ROADTRIPS
14. Your random facts.
15. How we influence each others' eating habits.
16. Scoping out the freshmen. (FRESHMEN, FRESHMEAT)
17. Shawty.
18. Coordinating clothes...
19. Shopping. Candles especially.
    
20. Adorable animals like this one, your favorite.
21. Nerds.
22. And last but not least, SEXY-60-AND-SINGLE!

Love you so much KK :) Cheers to making your 22nd year the best yet!

Man's Best Friend

"I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying." ~ George Bird Evans


These three pups have made my life so much more enjoyable. I still remember the first day we went to go pick up Fuzz; I was in second grade and I was so excited that we were getting a puppy! I remembered which one right down to the blue collar he was wearing.

Second Grade! Crazy!

His birthday on the 21st and it was a little tough. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer in March and passed away in April. I went home the week before Spring Break to be with him because they weren't sure how much longer he had. I hated leaving but I never got the call that he had gone. I came home for Easter in April and on Good Friday, we decided it was time to say our goodbyes. It's one of the toughest things I had to go through. I was glad to have my family with me - my mom said that Fuzz waited until I was home to go. That brought on more tears but I was glad to get the chance to say goodbye.

Being away from home makes me miss the dogs. When I went home for break two week s ago, I was excited to see my family, but most of all Bella and Mojo! It's the best feeling in the world seeing how excited they get when they see me. They're so tiny that it looks like they're shaking from head to toe!

Because they are so tiny...my mom has taken to dressing them in outfits. Here's Mojo in his winter coat and Bella in her rain jacket. I don't know how I feel about this. Granted they LOVE being clothed...I just find something about dogs in clothes being odd...







Speaking of which, it's Halloween! So OF COURSE I'm going to have some pictures of some animals in costumes. Some of these I just can't help but love. Call it a double standard if you will, but I think the costumes for Halloween are acceptable, just not for everyday use. Enjoy!

Looks so tasty even he wants a bite!

The force with him this one has.

One small step for man, one giant leap for dogs!

What a cute little devil!

Three heads, triple the cuteness

If you notice, there's actually a
picture of the dog on the iPhone!

Bad to the Bone!

Cat undercover?

Catosaur!

Tiger Shark!

Within the week I will be writing another post about my Halloween weekend! Such a crazy wonderful time. Anywho, my thoughts and prayers are with those who've been hit by the Nor'easter the past few days - back home we've got trees down (even on the car...yikes!), no power, and at least a foot of snow! Right now our Vermont Halloween is just a bit chilly but no snow yet! Or at least none that is still on the ground...

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday and a Happy Halloween!
Sending good vibes your way,
Katelyn :)

Terrific Tuesday!

So a lot has been going on in my life. I've been sick since Wednesday and everything gets pushed further and further back because of it. I finally manned-up and went to Health Services to get my sickness under control. Listed here are the services that they offer. Every time I go to Health Services I know that they mean well and are there to help. You can sit on the comfy couches and wait until a nurse is free. I always get a little nervous going there alone but it's just like going to the doctor's at home. They provide you with medicines that you need, including having antibiotics for a small fee for whatever you're sick with.

Because of my sickness, I've been sleeping loads and missing class. Granted I love the extra sleep, but having to catch up on the work is a little stressful. A few things to do to help when you've been sick and need to get back in the swing of things:

1. Talk to your professors! Let them know what's up and that there's a legit reason as to why you're not in class. Also make the effort to ask about work for the day or if you can meet during their office hours to discuss the work you've missed.
2. Take your medicine! I thought that if I kept sleeping and being hydrated that eventually my head would clear up and I would stop coughing. Granted I took the meds when I remembered but had I taken them earlier I would be better by now!
3. Sleep and Hydrate! I did both of those things and with the combination of meds you're sure to feel better in no time.
4. Plan out your homework hours. Mapping out my day usually helps me get a better idea of my free time from work and class that I can focus on homework and hang out with friends.
5. If you're not feeling better, go to Health Services. It's what they are there for and if you have a sore throat, you might just walk home with an ice pop!

My Tuesday is looking up as my first class I got my midterm back and I got a 95! YAY! My professor congratulated me as well as welcomed me back to class after being sick. It's always nice to know that your professors look out for you! It's one of my favorite things here at SMC.

Another one of my favorite things is SMC in the fall! Currently I crunch my way through the fallen leaves on the way to class and take in the cool fall air, although my nose doesn't appreciate it, I do! I will take a picture of the mountains when I have a free moment and upload it so y'all can see all the trees changing!

More things to come:
1. Pre-Halloween Post
2. Halloween Costume!
3. Crimes of the Heart


Just keeping ya posted! Hope this finds you well :) Enjoy your day!
Katelyn

Fourteen Years in the Making

On this day 19 years ago, one of my best friends was born. Our friendship has lasted for the past 14 years and may it continue down the line. I just wanted to make a post of some of my favorite pictures of the two of us - there are too many memories to be captured in just one snapshot, but enjoy the ones here! Even though we celebrate birthdays apart now, I wish you the best, that this year will top all of the ones that precede it. LOVE YOU LIZ <3

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This quote as truly exemplified my last few weeks of summer. Things are starting to change again and although change is good, it's sometimes hard to accept those changes. I'm being optimistic that people change for the good: they grow, mature, etc. We all have our faults whether or not we like to own up to them and we need to realize that we are only human. Making mistakes is part of our make-up.

I am going to try my best at making these realizations on my own this year - sophomore year is already in the swing of things...almost a month in! CRAZY! I know that this year will be a lot of fun and I'm ready for a drama-free time. Being able to reconnect with all my old friends is what I've been waiting for since May! Sometimes I really dislike how people live in different states - it makes me realize how lucky I am when all my high school friends are home! It just makes all of our times together that much more special. I even got to connect with one of my best friends from home this week - gotta thank the wonders of technology: YAY SKYPE! Love you Maura!


Coming up this weekend is Saint Michael's Multicultural Alumni & Friends Weekend where previous classes and friends will be swarming campus and reuniting once more on the beautiful campus. For me my parents will be visiting YAY! Although it's only been a month, I am so excited to see them! I do miss my brother and the dogs but October break will be here soon enough. So much has been going on that it will be good to catch up with my parents and spend some quality time with them.

Here are some things you should look out for this weekend:

1. Get a hotel WAAAAAAAAY in advance. Saint Mike's alum LOVE SMC as much as current students do and they pack the hotels both near and far!
2. Be prepared for more traffic in and around Burlington - adjust for time whenever you head into the city, down to the waterfront, or even just a Walmart run.
3. SMCers: so much is going on this weekend! A plethora of events for students and alumnae alike. Check out the full schedule here!
4. Support our teams! There are many athletic events both days including: Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball and Tennis. Go Knights!
5. Most of all, enjoy the weekend! It might just seem like a regular weekend at SMC, but get out and do something! It looks like it will be a wonderful weekend so get out in the nice weather before the snow starts falling. YAY SUN!

I hope you have enjoyed your week and don't forget, IT'S THE WEEKEND! On that note, enjoy a song that has been cycling through my head this entire week: Especially for Glee and Fresh Prince of Belair lovers!

Sending good vibes and happy thoughts your way!
Love, Katelyn :)

Just Another Manic Monday

So if you couldn't tell, I've been quite busy since my last post, all the way back in July...YIKES. At some point there will be an update I promise, but here's a little idea of how my Mondays back at Saint Michael's are going:

Mondays:

9:50 AM Intermediate Greek with Mrs. Prof. Begley

- My second semester of Greek and while Greek and I have a love/hate relationship sometimes, the linguist nerd in me is happy.

11:00 AM Medieval Europe with Prof. Dameron
- After taking the First Year Sem. Joan of Arc last semester, part of me just couldn't stay away! I love the way Prof. Dameron teaches, partially what influenced me to take this course as well as become a History major!

12:00 PM Lunch with the lovely ladies of Pontigny 226
- The same table in the back since last year...God forbid if someone sits there HAHA!

1:00 PM Head back to my dorm room for any of the following:
- Monday Movie/Naptime: This week's featured DreamWorks "The Road to El Dorado"
Fun Fact: Kenneth Branagh, whom is most famous to me from his version of "Hamlet" (which he both directed and starred in) - shout out to ML! - voices Miguel.
- Start homework for the week.
- Cleaning which consists of laundry, dishes, vacuuming, all that fun stuff.

5:00 PM Dinner time!
- Or on days like today, go to rehearsal for the fall SMC Production: "Crimes of the Heart"
I'm assistant stage managing and getting class credit for it - a win/win!

8:00 PM Celtic Knights
- The Irish-step dance club on campus
- Here's a little plug from us from CK: The Celtic Knights is open to everyone with the desire to learn Irish Step Dancing. No previous experience is required. The group is run by students who not only teach traditional steps but also create new choreography for shows and concerts throughout the year. The Celtic Knights perform in three or four shows/concerts every year.
We have lots of fun getting to know the choreography as well as getting to know each other!

9:30 PM Head back to my dorm for more homework And I'd like to say that I get to bed by 11 PM every night...but realistically I head to bed around 1 AM.
Since switching to the 4/4 course curriculum, we students are usually in a classroom per class for 3 hours a week. It's up to us to spend about 7 hours outside of class learning on our own. In theory I agree with, but executing it is a whole another level.


I'm gonna get back to rehearsal now, but I'll leave you with a few things I'm grateful for:

1. Nights with the 226 ladies: Check out Alex's and Kayley's blogs!
2. Shopping and weekends with KK <3
3. Getting mail! - JENNA: watch your mail soon!
4. Disney movies. And just in case you weren't aware, THE LION KING IS BEING RELEASED IN 3D ON FRIDAY! Although I don't appreciate 3D - you can almost be certain I will be going to see it...

Have a wonderful week all!

Manic Monday

Inspired by Adventures of a Volunteer Coordinator by my friend Jackie.

Last week's accomplishments:

1. Had a visit from my mom and the puppies.

2. Got to visit Lake Champlain multiple times.

3. Survived working an entire day by myself.

4. Started my online course for U.S. History.

5. Met new and exciting people.

6. Went to the beach!

7. Finished a book.

8. Had a good weekend.

Goals for this week:

1. Move in with my friend Kaitlin.

2. Have an AWESOME weekend.

3. Survive my sunburn.

4. Give an ultimatum.

5. Do all of my history homework on time.

6. Go on a picnic.

7. Go food-shopping.

8. Enjoy the little things.

Got any accomplishments/goals you'd like to share?

Here's a picture to get you through the rest of Jubilation!


"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Enjoy :)