20 Years

Well, today is my birthday. And what am I doing on my birthday? Working haha! But that's okay. I came into work this morning to a Mocha Iced Coffee on my desk courtesy of my boss. They ran out of Caramel (go figure). How does one do that? Any who, the slew of birthday greetings has started - in person on my way to work, texts, tweets, and Facebook posts. Secretly, I love all of them! It's weird being 20. I feel that birthdays are just passage of time, not really a day where you're supposed to feel older immediately. It kinda stinks turning 20 when all of your friends around you are 21 or older. But that won't stop me from having fun on my birthday! 

Things I'll be doing today:

1. Working (woohoo $$$)

2. Doing homework (bleh)

3. Working out with Sami - yay fitness!

4. Going to American Flatbread with Jake! It'll be my first time eating there so I can't wait!

5. Possibly going to Ri Ra's to meet up with KK and some of her friends.

6. Organizing my room. It's pretty dirty. Such is the life of a working college student.

While all that doesn't sound abnormal to a regular day, I can't wait to do what I want to do. Doing all of the 'work' stuff will make my free time so much better! 

And now, for some memories that make my 20 years so memorable:

1. 2nd birthday: Sticking my toes into my Cookie Monster cake. Little did I know it would foreshadow my nickname with one of my best friends KK (Elmo).
2. 7th birthday: Bringing in goodie bags on the last day of class because my birthday is during the summer. Yep, the curse of a summer birthday meant everyone brings in goodies at the same time. 
3. 10th birthday: Running into my Kindergarten Running into my Kindergarten teacher and telling her that I had turned the big 1-0 aka double digits. She could not believe it! I wonder what she'd think now...
4. 12th birthday: On a road trip to Disney World, I celebrated my birthday in Florida at the Wronski Wresort! Had an AWESOME time complete with lei's, limbo, swimming, and general birthday festivities. "You put the lime in the coconut..."
5. 17th birthday: Went to Olive Garden with the girls after seeing a movie with Danielle, Kim, Heather, Brittany, Liz, Brianna - so excited about my Black Tie Mousse Cake!

6. 19th birthday: Going to get seafood by the beach with Brianna, Jenna, and Brittany! That lobster roll was so good I want one now!
7. 20th birthday: Finally got my third ear piercing on my right side! My mom has the same style and I've been wanting to do it for some time so yesterday, on the eve of my birthday, I just did it. I love it so much! I was in desperate need of a change and I'm so stoked! It wasn't much fun trying to sleep on it though...


I shall keep you posted on my adventures and I hope you have a wonderful day! 
Enjoy your summer, I know I am!
Katelyn :)
 

Update!

Hey y'all! I haven't forgotten about ya! 
Posting's been on the backburner as summer is starting to get into full gear! Be on the lookout for:
 - A video post about my room
 - A summer activity update
 - Some summer books/movies I've enjoyed
 - And any summer adventures that come my way!

I got a formspring question the other day which was fantastic! I LOVE QUESTIONS! So look at the dooblydoo on the side there and send me some! 

I hope your week is spectactular!
Sending well-wishes your way, 
Katelyn :)

Formspring Question!

Hi Katelyn! I really like your blog! I'm hoping to be a theater/ English major and I was just wondering, since I've read in your blog you're a double major, is is tough for you to manage a social life with academics? Thanks a bunch!

Sorry for the late response! I've been away from my computer for a vacation! I'm so glad you read my blog. Congrats on choosing a major (especially theatre!). It's definitely easier in the long run knowing what you want to major in.

With the 4/4, SMC makes it easier to double major. For me, a few classes have 'double-dipped', which means fulfilling a major requirement as well as a Liberal Studies requirement. I always am on the look out for those so I can utilize a schedule that works for my four years here. I recommend looking for an Intro to Acting class or Life in the Theatre for your fall semester - and at least one will go as your Fine Arts LSC.

As for balancing a social life with academics, it's all about the semester schedule you create. For instance, I took 4 theatre classes last semester and while it wasn't as demanding as a physics major perhaps, but it was demanding in other ways that I didn't expect. You have to find the balance of getting your work done. Usually classes are every other day, allowing you time for homework and hanging out with friends. My friends and I sometimes combine the two with a study date with Durick! I usually try to do all my homework in the afternoon so that way I can relax with my friends at the night.

I realize I kinda got a little winded there but I hope this answers your question! You can also e-mail at kwhitman2@mail.smcvt.edu if you have any other questions. Feel free to ask me anything!

IT Helpdesk!

In today's world, Information Technology is extremely important. Luckily for me I get to work at the IT Helpdesk at Saint Michael's during the school year. Like last year, I have the privilege for working up here for the summer! 

This summer is a bit different since I am living in the suites along with other work-studies, Fire and Rescue, student researchers, and students taking classes. It's a different dynamic not knowing everyone you live with, but it should be an interesting time!

Right now, I am working in both the Helpdesk and the LLRC. Each has its perks; being able to work with great bosses who get you food and provide a fun workplace is one of the reasons I enjoy working in IT so much. 

A coffee provided by my wonderful boss!

We got a delivery of 26 iPads for our new iPad cart!

My co-worker DJ sitting in the box the cart came in!
Looks like it's fort time!

Working in IT has given me the ability to become more computer savvy which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I would say I'm pretty good at Windows 7, but when it comes to Macs (except for setting up printing!) I'm basically clueless. The good thing about working at the Helpdesk is that my boss Erik (yep there are two eric/eriks in the office!) uses each time we don't know something as a teaching experience. Without him, I wouldn't know half the things I do! 

Saint Michael's is largely a PC campus and has our campus HP program  which I chose to utilize. Now, I might be a little biased, but this program is awesome! Should I ever accidentally trip and drop my computer, spill coffee on it, or the screen gets cracked, campus HP guy Eric can fix it at no extra cost! It's all included in the price you pay and that warranty is good for four years at Saint Mike's! While I haven't had any problems like that...yet...it's just one part of the wonderful service the Helpdesk provides. 

Customer service is really crucial in this area considering many of us, including myself, get frustrated when this don't work the way that they do. Maybe you've spoken to me on the phone, seen me in our office, or gotten an e-mail from me  - I hope it has always turned out well in your favor! We try to cater to you at the best of our abilities and with a smile. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true! Sometimes I think that makes all the difference. 

P.S. A new and exciting thing happened yesterday! Instead of having to call the Helpdesk to rest your Mikenet password, you can do it yourself! Just click here and enter in your username, SSN, and ID number and voila! You have the ability to reset your password to something you can remember.

On that note, I will be writing another blog post about the LLRC probably next week - I'm still finding out awesome things that I didn't even know existed! 

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day and enjoy your weekend! 
Feel free to ask me a question, tweet me, or comment below :)
Sending all my love, 
Katelyn :)

"It's Not Goodbye, It's See You Later."

There are so many things that are happening in the next few weeks that are truly wonderful, but totally incredibly scary. Friends, family, and members of the SMC community (as well as many other college and high school communities) will be saying adieu to the class of 2012. Here is a tribute to those in the SMC class of 2012 whom I have grown close to and will miss not seeing. 


Denise - Meeting you on LEAP was fantastic. You brought such spunk and energy and just gave it your all dancing to "Your Blue Sky". You are the best hand-hugger around. You always manage to bring a smile to my face even though we mostly saw each other in passing. I wish you the best; you deserve it. 

Heather - What a tremendous lady you are! You are one of the strongest people I know. I aspire to be like you one day. Commanding the herd of Drama Clubbers, directing an awe-inspiring show, and running the Playhouse? Girl you are so impressive; I can't wait to see what you'll do next!

Sami - You made Celtic Christianity more interesting and certainly impacted my short Celtic Knights career my freshman year. Do you see a trend of Celticness? I think it is destined we must travel to the homeland (Ireland) together. Be on the look out! 

Keelia - Getting to know you this year through KK has been amazing. Just like Heather, you two are my career role models. Everything I've seen you design is unbelievably fantastic! That dream sequence in APPetite still gives me the chills. I love your style and I know you will do great things! And come on, who doesn't like Game of Thrones?!

Brian - Working with you at the Helpdesk for the past two years has certainly been an adventure.  And I have you to thank for that fabulous nick name of mine...and I don't hate it. YT for the win. Plus running into you on Senior Week with Fr. Brian - oh the hilarity. 

Fitz - Oh Fitzy.  Where do I begin? I still remember that first day we met on that Drama Club scavenger hunt, you being my proxy mentor. It's been all downhill from there. How I shall miss our conversations and the fun and not-so-fun times. And you must come back because I need to stay awake through Ratatouille in its entirety. 

KK -What a long, strange trip it's been. I would have never thought that I would find such a person like you at SMC. We all know you're a little crazy but in the best way possible. You are so much to me that I can't even begin to list everything. You've contributed so much to my happiness this past year and I am eternally grateful. You know I will always be your rock and Cookie Monster, wherever the road takes you. 

LEAP Seniors: (Brittany/Jordan) It's always wonderful seeing the two of you out and about now after LEAP. I wish we had more time to get to know each other but I already know how marvelous and spectacular the both of you are. Your determination and kindheartedness is seen in all you do. You will go on to do terrific things. Don't forget if you lose your way, you get back up again!




I love you all and wish you the best in your future endeavors. You've made my experience at SMC more than exciting. I know you will keep SMC in your hearts and spread the lessons you've learned here. Wherever you wander, be sure to visit! I shall miss you all - and I will see you later.


Sending all my love on this graduation day, 
Katelyn :)

Finals Week

These past few days have been wonderful. Here's a little play by play of what my finals week looked/looks like:

Wednesday 5/2: MikeCheck concert! A few of my favorite selections were sung by our all-male Acapella group including Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show! They're always a laugh and put on a great show. It was a good way to start off my finals week.

Thursday 5/3: Study Day! I spent the day working on my dress for Costume Crafts. 

Friday 5/4: Fourteen hours later (over the course of two weeks), I 'finished' my dress! It was time for our fashion show where we could see each others' projects come to life. All my hard work paid off: I got an A- on it! Not too shabby at all. 

Kayley and I also took a walk around campus to enjoy the gorgeous sunset and get out some anxious energy we had after dinner and the Sleepless Knights concert!

 Saturday 5/5: Cinco de Mayo and Suite Celebrations at Olive Garden! Our suite was a part of Residence Hall Tours this semester and as a reward for letting prospective students and their families come visit, we got treated to Olive Garden. After Kayley, Mary, Nate, and I went across the road to enjoy the blustery day!

Suities outside of Olive Garden!

Me, Taylor, Kayley, and Mary taking a picture! (Photo cred: Nate!)

 Sunday 5/6: Another relaxing day! Started to get my work together since my finals start and end on Thursday (WOOHOO). Went to McCarthy Underground, an end of the year event with the Drama Club, with my friend KK and had a blast! 

Also started looking at flights for Bath 2012! Crazy!

Started packing and since my bed was covered in things, I decided to sleep in the bathtub in our common room! SO COMFY.

THE BATHTUB!

Monday 5/7: Got up bright and early to go to work at the Helpdesk. Because it's finals week, it's generally quieter. I caught up on some of my shows and started outlining what I need to do for my finals. 

It was a GORGEOUS day so Kayley, Angelica, Abbey, and I went to this coffee shop in the Winooski Circle. I got an Iced Chai Latte with Vanilla and a vegan cinnamon bun. Delicious! 

Kayley, Jake and I also sat outside to catch some rays. 
AND I GOT THE NEWS THAT I GOT AN INTERNSHIP AT THE THEATRE ROYAL IN BATH WHEN I GO IN THE FALL! SO EXCITING!

Today 5/8: Went to work and got a welcome present from my boss:

 And now I will work on outlining Brockett for my Theatre History, setting up my Celtic Christianity papers, and the general like. 

Wednesday 5/9: More studying and paper writing. 

But at 4:30, my Celtic Christianity class is going to RiRa's for a treat from our professor for handing in our papers! WIN!

Thursday 5/10: My Theatre History final! YIKES. Then a Senior Week meeting as it starts after finals! Go Seniors!

Then by Monday, my summer will officially begin! I start my summer job at the Helpdesk on Tuesday and enjoying the short homework free time before I sign up for an online class. 

Also be on the lookout for a tribute to the Class of 2012 next week!

Hope your week is going well and I'll catch ya on the flipside!

Katelyn :)

Two Down, Two to Go

Eep! Finals Week is upon us. I can't believe sophomore year is basically over. That means I've got two years left of my SMC career...YIKES! I think I'll share with you an idea I saw from fellow bloggers Ben and Alex, my SMC Bucket List!

Snowshoeing to Abbey Pond! #1

1. Go on a Wilderness Trip. 
2. Stay in Alliot for an entire day (24 hours) 
3. Go in the Special Collections room in the library. My O-Leader said it reminds him of the library in Beauty and the Beast, but on a small scale.
4. Do a MOVE Activity. 
5. Live in a Townhouse.
6. Go to Sloane, our alternative dining option. 
7. Go to Canada!
8. Learn a new language. Parlez-vous Francias? 
9. Sleepover in the Chapel.  Thanks to VITA Girls' Night!
10. Become a Tour Guide.
11. Stargaze on the library lawn or the 300's field.
12. Stay at SMC for a summer. 
13. Go to a concert at Higher Ground.  
14. Design a semester show in McCarthy.
15. Take a bus into Burlington. 
16. Go on the MOVE service trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah!

17. Attempt to go vegan for Spring 2013. 

18. Go to the gym at least 3x a week. 
19. Eat at every restaurant on Church Street. 

20. Take a class that doesn't have anything to do with my majors or minors, just for pure enjoyment!

Keep watching for updates!
Hope you stay well-rested and energized as finals come this week. 
And congratulations to all high-school seniors! You're almost done! (Special congrats to those coming to SMC and to my brother for deciding to go to Lasell!) 


Enjoy the weekend, sending happy thoughts your way!
Katelyn :)