0041.

CUTIES OF THE WEEK.

Hedgehogs: pocket sized porcupines. 

and so cute.

0040.

today I am thankful for:

new weekly list.

-Not being the most socially awkward person I know

              .possibly not even making top ten.

-Being exactly 19 and a half.  balling.

-Pinkerton, Charlotte, Oliver, Abby, and Cricket.

-The time I got with Boomer, and Zuzu.  And all the hamsters, gerbils, fish, lizards, snakes and other animals I've had.

-Friends on missions

-Friends across Ameirca

-Extended Cable

-Rob Dyrdek having a new show

-The fact that subfinder calls you

-Break the fast

-Milk, juice, and ice cold water

-glow in the dark nail polish

-cell phone alarms so i can wake up to "do you know" every morning

-the usual things: the church, my mail box, the BOM, sundays, my family, my house, my job...

-people who can light a fire in you to do something

-music

-Jordan the guitar

-Collin the guitar in Idaho

-Music in general

-callouss forming on fingers 

-discovering how to make my own guitar picks out of paper

-Hua sweaters

0039.

dog of the week:

sleeping hua pup.

so precious.

0038.

Today church was really interesting, in a good way.  We picked up an investigator on the way so we got to sit with her and the missionaries, but we all had to squeeze into like half a pew and no one though to just slid over and let them sit on the end, so they climbed over all of us.  Both of them.  Because they have to go everywhere together.  

This crazy little girl that was sitting in front of us keep touching my knee because I had on purple tights.  Elder West and I both did a very good job at not laughing though.  

I guess that was really all of the commotion, but it all happened in like 10 minutes so it make things seem more extreme.

Ballin'

-Katherine

0037.

I think I have to up the anti to no internet in all forms except checking subfinder and e-mail and other things that are crucial--really crucial--to my existence.  And checking blogs.

Also, having been a vegan and knowing the frustration associated with reading labels, no sugar in the obvious form of candy and desserts should do.  While in at this, no chips or junk food in general either.

Holla.

-Katherine

0036.

when you live in MN, nice weather and no snow on the ground=snowday!  I guess even rumors of snow are enough to get a day off of school now.  Anyway, today pretty much has just turned into a  jam-fest with Stinkerton.  So far I have learned The First day of my life, 7 things, and I can tell that we are going to be friends--or whatever it's called.

Summer 09' get ready for some bonfires and music.

0035.

Tomorrow starts lent, for those religions who partake.  I don't know much about lent, I've never done it, but I figure there is never anything bad about learning self control or reaching goals we set for ourselves.  

So, this being said: for 40 days I vow to give up Facebook, sugar, online computer games, and anything else that is a time suck or an enamel destroyer.  Healthy body; healthy brain.

scouts honor.

Also, on this same brain-wave, since I am not someone who typically celebrates Lent,  I'm going to add to the no-go list a list of things I want to establish habitual behavior in during the next 40 days.

-Write a poem a week.

-reading for lesiure

-reading the BOM

-practicing guitar

-working on songs

PEACE

0034.

I love Pinkerton so much.  Last night she slept in my bed and cuddled with me all night.  Charlotte is precious too, but Pinkerton is the most presh.

Today I worked for TAP again.  It was fun, but it got kind of long because there really wasn't all that much for me to do so I kind of had a lot of down time and didn't have a book to read.  The kids there are all really nice, I helped a boy names Kelvin make some easy mac, and another boy named Brandon type up a list on the computer.  Then I took Gordon and Tony to clean the break rooms and computer labs.   I felt like such a princess because all i was suppose to do was tell hem what to do and when they were done tell them to do something else.

Lately there has been much to be happy with: double letters from Maximilian, fresh lit, time for art projects, cuddle time with the huas, sundays not filled with homework, warmer weather, snowfall, bubbles, Flabby Cat, unlimited nap time, public library trips, time to do my own thing, FHE...  As you can tell I've made winter 09 much better than winter 08.  Even though there are countless blessing I et to partake of every day, there are still things going on that are tragic dissapointments.  Example one:  Chris Brown.  Now that I know he beats women, he's not even as cute as he use to be.  For real, a boy at TAP was watching a Chris Brown video today, and it just.... lost it's appeal.

Another thing that I've been missing lately is devotional.  I had gotten use to it being a part of my weekly routine.  I think I can listen to them online though, and maybe even stream the ones from big b.

holla.

Taffrine. 

0033.

A few weeks ago I got an issue of  the magazine NYLON, but never really looked at it until the other day.  It's actually really neat and lit a fire in my heart for fashion that is usually always there, but gets extinguished by lack of time and laziness.

I've always thought that being a model would be really fun.  When i was about 16 I was at the hair salon with my mom and one of the stylist walked by me and said "Hello!  what's your name?"  so I said "Katie."  Then she said "Katie, have you ever modeled?"  And I said, "No I haven't", then she said "Oh, well you should, because you have a very unique look and could do great."  

Modeling is like the only place I would be one of the sorties.

My mom told me she would teach me to sew while I was home so i could make some clothes for myself and fix up some old thangs.

Holla.

0032.

Minnesota is being so good to me. :)

Why was I so stupid last winter?

Being home is amazing.

I'm so glad I finally learned how to not associate with people who bring me down.

0031.

Day Off!

Today I:

slept in till noon.

ate breakfast.

fed the dogs.

haven't changed yet.

I'm about to:

Do an exercise tape.

Shower and get dressed.

Mail a letter.

take the dogs out.

Later I will:

Go to Cici's for dinner.

Clean my room.

Clean Christine's room.

Take the dogs out again.

Read.

Tomorrow I go back to work, but I get to work with the TAP program again, which is really fun so I'm excited.

I really love working for the school district.  The teachers are always so nice and helpful and I've never been hassled or anything about being 19 and never having my teachers badge.

I've been watching bridezilla a lot lately, It just seems to come on.  I really hope my head doesn't spin around and my eyes don't go red when I get married.  I really don't think I will, because I don't really have to plan a ceremony or anything because Temple marriages are pretty much by the book I think, but who knows.  Maybe my demons will come out.  

But for real, these girls are completely ridiculous; sometimes i don't see how the grooms don't just say, peace and leave.  I hope I am never that mean to anyone ever in my life. 

0030.

today I am greatful for: 

the spirit of ricks

lady liberty and the country she stands for.

forever stamps

literature

poetry

art

Full time missionaries around the world.

Dogs, namely Chihuahuas.

the united states postal service

0029.

Today's highlight:  Phone call from Amy Doll Marie.

Tomorrow's highlight:  Day off!

Maybe I will finally be able to get my room cleaned and clean out Christine's room and get some stuff put in the attic and the trash cans.

My to do list never seems gets any shorter.

0028.

I wish my hair grew faaaaaaasteeeeeeeerrr.

But I'm glad it grows at the rate it does.

I don't think I've had long hair since like, first grade.  It's been longish a few times, but never l-o-n-g.  

Winter 09 had been full of its ups, its downs, its cat attacks, its tease of a weather cycle, and rabies shots.  It was depressing at first to be home.  I had like, no one to hang out with, and little to do--between work, church, FHE, institute, callings, nights in bubbles, taxing my mom to and from work, reading, painting, practicing guitar...

I pretty quickly discovered that there was plenty to do and that despite not being in classes, winter 09 was still shaping up to be a crazy semester.

0027.

to finish off the best week ever right, I got to go with the missionaries today to teach a girl that is investigating; however, she wasn't home so we didn't get to do anything other than leave a sticky note on her door.

Unfortunately, I bet that sort of thing happens to missionaries all the time.

Me and Kaitlin were going to go to the library and look for a geocache that was hidden there, but she never showed up so I just took a much needed nap and played with the dogs and wrote some e-mails and made sushi.

Still a productive day.

Tomorrow is church, then back to work.

Holla.

0026.

I'm about to get sick of these numbering posts, but now that I've started I feel trapped.  They looked so cool on Harpers page and photo albums.  

WORD OF THE DAY

Hello List: The list of people you have to, or want to say "hello" to on a daily basis, especially relevant for students in university buildings, or coworkers in a work place.  Some people might decide to put you on their hello lists, even if they are not on yours; however, reciprocity is typically expected.

0025.

Katherine Ann Fleming is having the best week ever!

Starting my week with Saturday, Feb. 14th, this has been the best week of my life, and will continue to be so until tomorrow--friday Feb. 20

SATURDAY the 14th:  Temple Trip.

I spent Valentines day at the temple with the YSA in my area an dinkytown.  It has been years since I have been--true story (unfortunately)--but it was FABULOUUUUS!

SUNDAY the 15th: Church. :)

This is the first time in my life I hav woken up STOKED to go to church, and it was great.

MONDAY the 16th: Presidents Day

Thank you Lincoln, Washington, Bush, and Obama.  No school= No work.

THURSDAY the 17th= Letter From Elder Maximilian Simnitt. :)

nuff said.

WEDNESDAY the 18th: Day off, Institute.

THURSDAY the 19th: Back to work

Work=Money in the Bank.  Scotharoos=parents letting you nap the evening away :)

FRIDAY the 20th: Temple trip round two.

:) :) :)

0024.

this has been

the best weekend

to date.

0023.

Valentine's Day.

Not your traditional, but still the best one I've ever had.

0022.

[: elpmet pirt.

0021.

I write the songs.

I write the songs!

You said I'm doin'  it wrong.

you ARE doin' it wrong!!

p-p-p-put your crystals under my pillow...

The unicorns are a treasure--they are one of the most precious gem stone possible; somewhere between rubies and diamonds.

Thank you late night skate videos for introducing them to me, and to Collin James Sandoe for bringing yesterday back around, and helping us make up for lost time.

I love how sayings, or speech patterns in general, spread like wildfire--or a plague--among friends.  I've noticed people having whole conversations with the same inflections and dialect I would use after hanging around them for only a few months.  It's hard to tell who things even came from, what is you, and where you picked other things up from.

It's like how people say "you can't tell where one stops and the next one begins" about ples of kittens or puppies.  Everyone's speech patterns melt into everyone else's and noone is unique anymore.  At least not until you go to a completely new clique, then they are all the same within their own krew.

Spoken word is taken for granted, the human voice is one of the most beautiful and powerful things around, but I think sometimes people take speech for granted. For real.

I guess I'm interested in the obscure, basic things that make up the rest of the world more than other people are, but I still think it's kind of sad how monotone the world is becoming.  Not even monotone.  Just--similar, uniform, controlled....  

Laughs aside, If it it weren't for timbre,   I wouldn't even be able to tell at lest 3 of my friends apart when they are talking if i couldn't see them.

Speech is the main way we communicate with eachother.  how sad is it that it's all becoming one melting pot?

...I'm just saying.

0020.

Megaphones over funnels.

What that means to me.

Basically, when you have a problem, you tend to look for the easy way out:  the one solution that will always always always work.  Time in, time out, never let you down.  5+2 will always equal 7.

This is thinking through funnels.

When you expand and look at all the other solutions that could also get you the same, or a similar solution, that is thinking though megaphones.  (1+6, 3+4, 8-1 etc. also all equal 7)

Basically, it's exactly what it sounds like.  Megaphones amplify things and project them much further than they would normally go.   Funnels narrow the travel path of things and force them into places they would never be able to fit--or even try to go-- on their own.

Charlotte got fixed--and got 9 teeth pulled--the other day, and is now recovering.  She is doing well, but it's always scary to have big things happen to such tiny dogs.

0019.

If the world's at large why should I remain?

0018.

Today I spent at least 7 hours traveling to and attending church and church events.  This coming week is going to be filled with FHE, enrichment, temple trips and it's going to be the very best week ever.

Tomorrow is my last day with the kindergarten classes I have been working with the last week and a half.  I'm bringing them in valentines because both groups decorated valentine bags this past week.

One of the things I got to go to tonight was Standards Night for the Lacrosse branch.  The video they showed us was the cheesiest thing I've ever seen, including American Mall, but it was still really good.

I set three goals for 2009 from The Strength Of youth pamphlet.

They told us to make them public so we are more likely to meet them.

-Education:  Take education seriously and do all I can to gain a proper and full education while I am here on earth.  I would really like to get a 4.0 this summer or at the very least a 3.5; I think I should be able to do that if i try hard and stay on top of things.

-Tithing:  Pay a full tithe. ALWAYS.

-Service:  Do my best to make a difference in someone's life.  Everyday I want to do something up uplift someone else.  Just small things like say hello or smile at people.  Once a week I want to do something bigger for someone.

I just love sundays.

0017.

the only think that could have made today better was a letter.

It's friday, i get to go snowboarding, and i get to sleep in tomorrow.

ballin.

0016.

I can't find my glasses.

I need to clean my room.

I still haven't heard from Maximilian.

At least I know Dal Pal is getting my letters.

I am going to finish cleaning my room this weekend and next week and maybe even paint it next saturday.

0015.

I want a French Bull Dog.

I want to get a black and white bull terrier and name it penguin.

0014.

Summer 09 Bucket List.

After a pretty rough and gnasty frosh year, I have decided to stop being so stupid, set some goals, and get over myself.  This semester went a lot better but I know there is still so much I can do better this summer.

-Devotional every week.

-curfew.

-temple at least every three weeks.

-Music Outlet with Saychelle at least once.

-work out  3 days a week

-4.0 (3.5 very minimum)

-do something nice for someone else at least once a week.

-have a great escape at least once a month.  Just me.  maybe once with a friend.

-go to R mountain.

-go to the library between classes.

-get tutors.

-don't eat out.

-don't buy things i don't need, with the exception of art supplies and food i don't really want to buy anything.

-Prayer Rock.

-go for a bike ride every day.

-sunday naps/scripture reading in porter park.

-keep my room clean

-write a poem a week.

-and a song a month.

-say hi to 3 new people a day.

-make time for others in my day.

-get involved.

-go to ward activities.

-hopefully get a calling.

-Look into that internship and hopefully work out a way to do it.

-Eat healthier.

-read the scriptures every night.

-at least never miss more than one night at a time.

-get into the habit of morning prayers.

-read lots of good books and talks and church leader books.

-get into art: painting, drawing, everything.

-start reading poetry.

-spend at least one afternoon a week in the library browsing.... make it thursdays.

-Read my PB every sunday.

-WRITE THE BOYS!

-care packages.

-WRITE home.

-go green.er.

Im sure there will be more to come.

0013.

Institute was canceled tonight.  Grace called me to let me know, and told me about some upcoming activities.  What a peach. 

Still haven't heard from maximilian.

still havent...

0012.

Today was the first night i worked with the achievement girls.  It was really fun, I like tweens.  Believe it.  

We made name tags and decorated cookies.  We just kind of got to know each-other this week.  The ladies I work with are so nice and sweet. 

 I'm really glad i got a calling that isn't nursery while I am home.

Next time we meet there will be games and snacks and good times all around.

It's only every other week, so thats nice.  I already had so skip out on a YSA activity tonight because of Achievement.

Ima go to institute tomorrow though, and hopefully FHE next week.  

If i can figure out when and where it meets.

Pinkerton and Charlotte are cuddling on the couch next to me.  So presh, and flabby is yowling because she wants food.  

0011.

Baby hippos, among many other baby animals, (with the exception of humans) are the most presh.

Although they could break you like a glowstick when they grow up, they are absoutly adorable when they are itty-bitty.

To make them even more perfect there is such thing as a pygmy hippopotamus.

I think this is a straight up hippo, but it's still precious. 

0010.

Something about space and planets has always been very interesting to me.  I use to love going to the planetarium  more than anything in elementary school.  To night as I was driving home from Kaitlin's at about midnight, I noticed the moon was very low in the sky, and very orange.  I drove out a bit into the country and looked at it for a while.

Then I headed home and had the urge to look up into the sky again.  I leaned in over my steering wheel, and my eyes instantly found a shooting star.  I wished on it.  I felt it was there for me.

I could have sworn I even heard the star whizz by me.

I drove home and around my side of town for about 30 minutes trying to find a place I could see the moon from but I couldn't get high enough.

I just really love space and night--borderline morning.

I fell like part of me goes to sleep and the essence of me can come out.  I always feel more at peace late at night that I do during the day.  maybe thats why I am such a night owl.  I wrote a huge journal entry about it once.  I said I felt like after my brain and body shut down, I was left with my only my spirit awake.

That probably seems really weird to a lot of people, because I tend to think in a very metaphoric way and at a very rapidly pace, so it's hard for me to hold on to a thought long enough to put it in terms other people can understand.

Maybe thats why I like Bright Eyes so much.  I feel like he writes the way I think.

I miss Idaho, Amy Doll, Porter Park, Maximilian, and Summer Nights.

Pretty much everything I do, see, or expierence reminds me of one of the above.

I love Pinkerton, and church, and Kaitlin and my family.

I am lucky to have two cities, so far away, and that I can call both Home.

I'm glad I got to go away for college.

I'm glad I finally decided to get over myself and grow up.

And I'm happy that summer 08 happened the way it did, even though I was not happy through most of it.

0009.

So, I'm just at home. alone. waiting for the girl who watched Pinkerton this weekend to bring her back.  so i wont be alone.  I have charlotte and oliver but it's not the same...

She's 20 minutes late.  Maybe I am a paranoid person...

I was late to church today....whoops.

I got my calling.  

I missed my stastaining. 

(sorry I don't know how to spell it... I can't say it either.)

Kristen Welker however was kind enough to tell me i got a calling though after Sacrament meeting was done.  I did already know becuase my father, the bishop of the 5th ward, had told me about it and told me to be on time to get stastained.

I went to sunday school with the missionaries.  We learned about agency and the lords plan for us.

My mom found the GC Ensign for me, and I started reading it today.  

The people who have stinky just called and are going to being her by soon--I have been touched by an angel.

I think I'm going to start painting while I am home and work on poetry and guitar and everything.  

It's not seasonal depression, it's more like locational.

I miss Idaho, I miss having friends, I miss the spirit of ricks.

I hope I don't marry someone who needs to be away from home a lot, because I don't know how well I could handle that.  I do know that if he does I'm going to need a lot of dogs.

It's mostly being home alone with nothing to do that drives me crazy.  I've gotten a lot lot lot better at being alone, it's just having down time that I still can't seem to handle.  I need rules and guidelines and due dates and projects.

I need to have something to do. 

Always.

0008.

Baby Charlotte is the most presh.

When I was helping my Mom clean out her closet the other day we found a bag FULL of stuffed Pikachus.  Like 20 of them, no lie.  It also had some pictures of pokemon, trading cards, and about 50 little plastic pokeballs from McDonald's.  Only about 10 of the toys that came in the Pokeballs were still there.

Charlotte apparently liked this Picachu and took it over as a day bed--along with abby's bed, abby's tent, pinkerton's bed, oliver's upstairs bed and downstairs bed, the couch, and any thing soft she can get on.

0007. Peter Max

 I found a book about the pop artist Peter Max in the library.  Something about the cover drew my eyes to it, and i had to touch it.  then see it.  then check it out.

it was littered with treasures, including an entire essay!

0006.

The more I work in kindergarten rooms, and the more I read about crazy people, and the less I sleep at night the crazier I feel.

No wonder little kids get distracted so easily.  The walls in their class rooms are covered--cieling to floor--with what can only be called crap: pictures, calendars, posters, paintings, steamers, letters, numbers, number lines, animals, shapes, words, art work, fabric, and bulletin boards for hanging even more crap.  

Sure it's good to stimulate their minds, but there is such a thing as over stimulation; which has been knows to lead to seizures, fits, and even death.

Working with kids has made part of me really excited about having a family one day; however, it makes the other part of my want to get my ovaries surgicly removed so I neved have to run that risk.

0005.

There was this fad that went around facebook

no not bumper stickers.  

thats not a fad it's a passtime

like tennis 

or video games. 

This fad was a one way ticket into one's heart and soul

via 25 fast facts.

and no piano.

i love love love stuff like this

like making lists

and the vainness of getting to write about myself is unfortunately rather appealing... 

And so it begins...

1.  I was born without a healthy fear of strangers.  I like people so I talk to them.  I think everyone is worth getting to know, they just aren't all worth keeping up with.  There are too many genuine characters in the world to waste script on posers.

2. I think art is what kept us alive.  If one thing has bridged the cultural gap, age gap, and every-other gap in existence:  it has been art.

3. I want to go to the Hoosier State.... I also want to know what a hoosier is.

4. I love stuff.  Things that other people would usually throw away or over look, that stuff makes me.  Even my own old stuff--I could spend days looking through boxes of old things.  If you ever take me to a flea market, you better have all day.

5.  Pinkerton is Perfect.  Dog and album.  Nuff said.

6. "I feel like I've been asleep for most of my life" -Claire, Elizabethtown.  I think summer 08 was when my alarm clock went off, the 7 week break was when I hit the snooze button, and this past fall was when I layed in bed, turned on the lights, and finally shook of the blankets and awoke from the coma like slump I had been living if for the past years of my life.

7.  I love people really easily.  And I tell them.  I say it a lot, but i always mean it.  I'm really worried that when i am IN love with someone and try to tell them, they wont understand because I am sure I will have already told them "I Love You" multiple times.

8. I don't think I've been in love yet.

9. The mailbox is quickly becoming my best friend.

10.  One of the coolest things about libraries is the things you find in the books.  Not like facts, and stories, and knowledge but things.  Like news paper clippings and receipts and bits of cardboard and paper.  One mans trash is my treasures.

11.  I have a ton of cigar boxes.  I might not be at liberty to tell you how I got them--I got them empty though.  Don't get me kicked out of school.  I use them to keep things that are really important to me.  Like letters from my friends on missions, tithing, and head bands.  I think I might start one for things found in library books and on the ground.

12. I am terrified of the Tower of Terror.  Fitting huh?  When I went to disney land for thanksgiving 07 my sister and her friend talked me into going on it.  I asked the girl who was seating us if i was going to die.  Her responce?  "Someday, yes.  hopefully not tonight."  I also threw my gum down the elevator shaft because I was afraid i was going to choke on it.  I was hoping no body saw, but they did.

13.  I think people in general are really funny. Not like haha pwn the noob funny, but genuinely funny.  So many people are so clever and witty and hilarious if you stop to listen to them.  Especially little kids and african americans.

14.  I hope I find my place in the world before I have to leave it.  I don't know but big ambition and pro status procrastination seem like opposite forces to me.  Adding impulsion and short attention spans seem to be the ultimate K.O. There are so many things that I want to do and see and experience, and I honestly want to do them and am willing to make the sacrifices, I just forget I do a lot.  Like homework.

15.  The l.i.b. is the place to be.  This fall I learned just how lucky we are to have Public Libraries, Libraries on campus, and libraries in general.  I mean you can pretty much read any book you could ever dream of reading, and not have to pay a cent.  Call me cheep but I need to save my money for more important things, like taco bell and shoes.

16.  If reincarnation does exist, I hope I come back as Lil' Mama.

17.  I think Marshal "Eminem" Mathers is extremly talented and clever.  It's too bad he's also extremely perverted.

18. I stayed up for 42+ hours once.  I recomend trying it at least once.

19.  Sometimes I wonder if i need medication.  I took adderall when I was little and I'm not so sure they should have weaned me off of it so fast.  True: it's not very often, but sometimes things get into my brain and I can NOT shake them.  Aslo true:  It made me really weird and borderline zombie-esque.  I guess being slightly neurotic and paranoid is better than being a shell of my former self.

20. I haven't met many people I can't stand.   or even dislike for that matter, but when I do it's like, epic proportions.  I know it's my downfall, not theirs.  I'm working on it.

21. Amy Doll Marie Benkenstein was a precious blessing from above.  If anything living with me has prepared her to be a mother, and she is going to be the best mother ever if my judgement counts for anything.  She is caring, loving, domestic, and crafty.  A triple threat and a bonus jonas.  

22. I probably am a little bit legit crazy.  Like in the neurotransmitters sense... but it takes all types and at least I'm usually good for a story of a laugh--even if it is at my expense.

23. I just want to live.  Could Good Charlotte be any more truthful?  Being alive is necessary, but LIVING is  exceptional.

24.  You don't understand my people.  It took me a long time to get to where I am so please don't shake my little bit of earth I finally got under my feet.

25.  I really am a lucky girl.  I have pretty much everything I could have ever wanted and I am so grateful for it all.  Friends, family, house, job, dogs... I am seriously so blessed.

0004.

I was looking at this book called haunted Minnesota the other day and I was reading about all the places in MN that have ghosts.  

There is even one in a hotel in rochester.

After I looked through I was looking online for more information and I decided to look up Idaho Haunted places too.  

Apparently there is a ghost right on campus in Rexburg.  

A little girl got murdered there when It was still Ricks and her ghost walks from the hart to the romney.  

don't get in her way.

0003.

Today I found out one of the coolest things about the library is finding things in the books there. I found flyers, receipts, bits of cardboard, and some other things.

I got some books today about poetry, minnesota, oregon, portland, and one called 1001 albums you must hear before you die.  Its HUGE but really interesting.

some of the ones I want to listen to, or have heard a song or two off and want to hear more are:

Run DMC: Run DMC

Bruce Springsteen:  Born In The USA

The Smiths:  Meat Is Murder

Afrika Bambaataa and the Souls Sonic Force: Planet Rock--The Album

Beastie Boys: Licensed to Ill

The Smiths:  The Queen Is Dead

Dinosaur Jr.:  You're Living all Over Me

R.E.M: Document

The Smiths:  "Strangeways, Here We Come"

Pet Shop Boys: Actually

R.E.M: Green

Pixies: Surfer Rosa

Daft Punk: Homework

Elliott Smith: Either/Or

Dinosaur Jr.: Bug

Sonic Youth: Daydream Nation

Beastie Boys: Paul's Boutique

Cloutcut: What's That Noise?

Pixies: Doolittle

Deee-Lite: World Clique

Missy Misdemeanor Elliott: Supa Dupa Fly

Pixies: Bossanova

Eminem: The Slim Shady LP

The Dandy Warhols: The Dandy Warhols

Pet Shop Boys: Behaviour

Lemonheads: It's a Shame About Roy

Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes

Alanis Morissette: Jagged Little Pill

Elliott Smith: Figure 8

Gorillaz: Gorillaz

The White Sripes:White Blood Cells

Missy Elliott: Under Construction

Radiohead: Hail to The Thief

the Darkness: Permission to Land

The White Stripes: Elephant

Arcade Fire: Funeral

Franz Ferdinand: Franz Ferdinand

N.E.R.D: Fly or Die

Kanye West: The College Dropout

M.I.A: Arular

Bands to check out:

Public Enemy

The Streets

The Beta Band

The Libertines

The Beta Band

Ozomatli

Liars

Devendra Banhart

yeah yeah yeahs

The Mars Volta

Rufus Winwright

Scissor Sisters

Amy Winehouse

Calexico

The Roots

Furry Little Animals

Ryan Adams

The Strokes

Gillian Williams

Gotan Project

Doves

Robert Wyatt

Goldfrapp

Spiritualize 

Cornershop

Tortoise

The Verve

Beck

Belle and Sebastain

Eels

Lauryn Hill

System Of a Down

Queens of The Stoneage

Air

Beth Orton

Death In Vegas

Moby

Le Tigre

Fiona Apple

Wilco

Main Street Preachers

Everything but The Girl

Ash

Blur

Liz Phair

Nirvana

Jarmiroquai

Portishead 

Tupac

Radiohead

Pulp

Oasis

Screaming Trees

Drive Like Jehu

The Smashing Pumpkins

Pearl Jam

Rage Against The Machine

Dr. Dre

There were even a few albums I already have, but here is my long term projct for the rest of my life.  Thank you rochester Public library.

0002.

dog of the day:

French bulldog. 

This one is named Charlotte, and she was rescued from an abusive home.  She is estimated to be 4 to 5 months old and already shows signs or trauma and insecurity due to her previous owners.

Ariel rescued her and Charlotte is now getting the love she deserves.  She also is showing a desire for attention. 

http://blog.philholden.com/2008/03/25/baby-french-bulldog-photography/

I was looking for a new book to read, and i found this photography book my mom has.  I took it out to school this fall but never looked at it.  It is really interesting.  I figured just because I'm not in school doesn't mean i can't learn.

It's called k.i.s.s. (keep it simple series) Photography. Tonight I learned about box cameras, pinhole cameras, camera obsucras or something like that, kodak, SLR cameras, and the beginnings of digital cameras.  I learned about lenses, viewing sheets, developing and sizes.  Professional photography and leisure.  I learned about photography pioneers and modern day breakthroughs and  development.

Pretty neat stuff.

0001.

Omaha

New York City

Alanta

Greece

SLC

Italy

South Dakota

Washington DC

Vegas

Seattle

Portland

London

Germany

Australia

New Zealand

January 25 2009. 21:30

I'm pushing the reset button on life.

It's time to spread my wings and fly.

Im ready to make the changes in my blueprints i need to make 

I'm ready to be the person who i need to be.

I don't need your blessings.

I just need my heart.

If birds flying south is a sign of changes:

 I WANT TO BE...

I want to be in love 

I want to be one of those people who is always reading a book

I want to be sure of who I am

I want to be quieter

I want to be more sensitive to nature and my surroundings

I want to be so many stereotypes you cant label me

I want to be someone people never forget

I want to be infinite

I NEED...

I need to learn patience

I need to learn to speak my mind in a more professional manor

I need to not forget the things I've learned

I need to not forget where I came from or where I want to go

I need the spirit or ricks back in my life

I need rules

I need to be a nicer person

I need to help other people more

I ned little or nothing more than what i have now

I AM...

I am surprised I made it this far

I am an open book if you care to read me, I might not be inspirational or moving, but I try to be real.

I am proud to say I've never strayed too far from myself

I am finally figuring out what I want

I am really lucky

I KNOW...

I know who Katherine Ann Fleming is

I know a lot of things I didn't know 12 months ago

I know it wasn't all my fault things fell apart so many times

I know it needed to hit the fan though

I know thats what made me grow

I know I'm really lucky

Paper chains 

a million little pieces

is a weird book.

yesterday was the one year anniversary of heath ledger's death.

:(  rip baby

you will always be william thatcher, the knight of my heart. <3

the more i try to avoid the internet

the more i need it.  It's like I'm an addict and it's my drug or something.  But the times i crack (no pun intended) and use it, are some of the times i needed it the most.

-getting maximilian's address

-late night conversations about life and the color of my recent friendships with Amy doll

-catching up with diane.

my favorite thing about my friends and life in general now is how i can actually feel the spirit when we are just talking about things--missions, writing the boys, growing up and getting married...

Thanks to summer 08 and Ben Larson I have learned better than to read into it too far, but i do know that the church is true and that missions are the right thing for my friends to be doing now.

And on the other hand, some things just feel right sometimes, I don't know.  I still have a lot I need to and want to do for me in the next two years.  It's nice to know I'm finally moving forward.

I always have my memories, and my ideas about life when i get doubtful.  

I think i was right :)

I'm glad that i grew up, I'm glad summer 08 happened the way it did; however, i never want to be that stupid again.  Sometimes the grass really is NOT greener on the other side.  It's perfectly green on your side where it's easy to get.  Sometimes even too easy which is why we overlook it and I'm sorry but i was stupid.  I learned now and I'm glad i didn't ruin things over it.

Sometimes you need to fall on your face to see where you are at.  I needed to.

i love everyone that helped me get this far and I am thankful for the true blue friends I finally managed to get, mainly Amy, Maximilian, Dallin, Kaitlin, Diana, Cody, and Saychelle, but there are also all the people who were filler friends.  not in the sense that they were fluff and don't matter, but in the sense that they got be through the rough spots and keep me going.

I think i probably own them the most.

thank you to everyone who never gave up on me and always talked to me and made me feel good about myself when i let boys or other friends take way more energy from me than they deserved.

If you never know misery you can't know happiness.

the love of my life

paper chains

countdowns:

Summer 09

November 2010 

the lovers, the dreamers, and me

I miss amy doll marie benkenstein, but i love modern technology that makes talking from 3 states away just as easy as is was talking from my bedroom to the living room in danbury manor.

I'm glad i finally found some people who are true blue, and amy and bob marley are most def right.

"Truth is, everyone is going to hurt you.  You just gotta find the ones worth suffering for." 

I think i finally found a few, and they know who they are <3 

After looking at my last post.

I realized I really like words that stat with M and dont have any letters that hang down like g's and y's.  Like Minnesota.  Millenium.  Montana.  Millhouse..... those sort of things.

I started a song today.

I went to a youth dance.  lolz.  they havent changed since i was a beehive.

I just love being able to look back and see how i have benefited from the ways things worked out, even though at the given time it would have been easier and more desirable to have them work out differently.

I've pulled some pretty amazing things off for me.  I've learned a lot.  I'm just really happy and sort of sad all at once.  but it's the hopeful kind of sad, because i know this is just a part of it all.  and I know things are going up up up.

Minnesota.

the thing i love most about american apparel is that they tell you everything you need to know on their website to make their clothing, belts, and scarves.  The fabric used, the dememsions, even the finish on the edges.

I just love being home and having access to my mom sewing machine and sewing abilities again.  I'm lucky I guess.  My mom is crafty, and i inherited some of it.

P.S school has been canceled the past two days because its so cold!

hello friend. how are you today?

lately I have ben disappointed in:

the weather

speed racer

martian child

my room cleaning progression

I learned a lot about myself these past few days, like where my breaking point is and how much respect I have for those that are so much stronger than me.  God bless.

I wrote maximilian today, he needed to hear the latest happening in my life.  damn cat.

im starting my project

im cleaning my room

im finding/creating a mural.

im getting steps

im growing out my hair

im working out

...the mainland misses you <3

woke up.

drove my mom to work.

got ready for work.

job canceled.

straightened my hair too see how long its gotten.

its gotten long.

took the dogs out.

player with pinkerton.

took a nap.

woke up by pinkerton whining.

picked her up onto the couch.

fell back asleep.

woke up and called my mom.

roads too bad to go out to lunch.

made soup.

cleaned the kitchen a bit.

talked to amy online for hours.

went downtown got my last rabies shot.

went upstairs got antibiotics for cat bite.

out to eat.

saw my ex.

home.

bubbles.

wrote max about my cat bite.

bed.

I still cant believe how hard abby bit me and my mom last night.  Ill take a picture to document the damage done to my leg.  she is satans kitty for sure!

today we got a new baby gate for the dogs.

heres hoping...

Im not even going to make it through these next two years

tonight as i was playing video games and checking my e-mail, i heard the familiar sound of oliver crying in the kitchen.  My mom asked me to put charlotte in the kitchen  to keep him quiet, like we did last night--and it worked great.  So after charlotte had been in there for about an hour i heard the worst, most terrifying sound ever.  If dogs could scream like humans,  this would have been the most blood curtaling scream ever.  

I ran upstairs preparing myself for the worst:  "Oliver snapped and attacked her..."  but that wa not the case.  Charlotte had tried to squeeze thorugh the puppy gate, on the skinniest slot--the one right next to the wall and had got stuch at her neck.  She was freaking out and yanking her head around and trying to free herself, which only made the problem that much worse.  By the time I got to her she was already almost twisted over upsidedown.  I flipped out an started screaming for my mom becuase i just didn't see how her head could fit back through the tiny opening.  It was really pretty easy, we jus had to pick her up to the top where the opening got wider and pull her out.

To make all this a million times worse, abby was there in the hall with us, went completly ballistic, attacked me and my mom both so bad that we were gushing blood, and now on top of rabies shots, i need to get a tetnis shot.

I might not even make it to max's homecoming, but I will try my best.

today is huhot day! :)

Here's the mail it never fails it makes me want to wag my tail, when it comes I want to wail MAIIIILLLL!!!

This week I got a letter from Maximilian AND Dal Pal.  Both sent me pictures too :)

I'm writting Dallin as we speak, and I already bundled up Maxy's little letter and sent it lovingly on its way.  Ima also write Taylor now that I know the secret ways of Mexican Postal Services.

So yesterday I had the overwhelming privilege to work at Mayo High School, and this, among many others, was one of the priceless conversations I got to hear.  I will first set the scene up:

There were 3 black girls sitting on one of the heaters in the foyer--the one the kids always sit on when they are waiting for a ride--they were all wearing either kicks or boots (with the fur) and were talking on their side kicks.

One of the three girls was talking on her phone to a friend and was trying to get a ride...

"Hey!  Where you at?"

"Can chu come pick me up?"

"Why you gotta be like that? I would never do you like that!"

"So you aint gon' come pick me up?"

"I see how it is"

She hung up (probably on them)  and turned to her friend.

"You think I can walk to my house?"

"Oh HELL no.  Your house is farther than the thing!"

So she called another friend.

"Where you at?"

"Oh Dang! get me an application!"

this was when her friend chimed in "Shoot!  get ME an application"

then they went into a frenzy about someone smacking their cousin and how she was going to beat her ass with a book.

god bless america.

I cant believe

no one has commented on my pictures of bull terriers.  they are beautiful.

these are prefect

Can I get you anything else... the heimlic?

was one of the many questions my family was asked today, and I would have laughed if I wasn't choking.  It was only ice, so i didn't need the heimlic--I just had to wait for it to melt a little.

Regardless it was still really scary.  At this rate it really wont even matter if im stil in rexburg when max gets home because I'll be dead.

Anyways, this is what happened:  We sat down to eat and were ordering our food and drinks.  Ice waters all around, pasta for me, pizza for christine, meatloaf for dad and roast beef for my mom.  The drinks came out, and this is where my near death experience  happened.  The drinks did not have straws, which was the downfall.  Instead of picking it up to drink it I just sipped it out of the top, with it still on the table.  That worked untill the water level got too low, and i started slurping.

"Did you blow your nose into your drink?"  my mother said horrified.

"No!  I just cant reach the water anymore"  I said.

"Oh, well drink it from the other side, with your bottom lip on the backside."  was her solution.

I was skeptical, but it worked--a lot better than i expected.  That is why i sucked water into my lungs and lodged an ice cube in my throat at the precise time that our waiter arrived with our food.  At this point i couldn't even breath and was about two seconds from throwing up the two buckets of pop corn I had just eaten at the movie theater. 

When i was gasping for breath and gaging, that was when the waiter finally asked if i was okay and if i needed help.

I really need my own show on MTV. 

BUCKET LIST

First of all there is all the obvious stuff,

like one day getting married

having a family

I guess eventually learning to change diapers and deal with vomit.

But, aside from all of that, there are the things I want to do for me, for my community, and for the world.

-I want to have a friend in all 50 states so I always have somewhere to stay.

-I want to go to greece, australia, london, italy, india, japan, canada, new zealand, south america, and africa.

-I want to die happy, fulfilled and accomplished.

-I want to read the book of mormon while i am home winter 09.

-I want to learn about the planets.

-I want to make a cd, write a book, and produce a short film.

-Go on a mission trip

-go to seattle, portland, boston, NYC, hollywood, vegas, and omaha

Marley and me.

Dogs are truely man's best friend.  I think the quote in the movie was something about how dogs love you no matter what, you can be funny or dull, fat, beautiful, smart, stupid, a dog is always going to love you; always make you feel important, special, pr unique.  No human will ever treat you that way.  The part I remember for sure is "Give a dog your heart and he will give you his back."

I fell like dogs have been on my mind a lot lately.  Maybe its oliver, maybe its the fact I still really miss zuzu, maybe its actually having dogs back in my life, i don't really know why but i do know that pinkerton has my heart.  Even as we speak she is curled up beside me snoring.  I love her so much; she has my heart, but I know I have hers too.

The Michael Vick Dogs

There is a special on TV tonight about the Michael Vick dogs that were rescued from his dog hell--okay first of all, he named his operation "Bad Newz Kennel".   A z?  Honestly?  Are you a 13 year old girl?

I think that people who use animals for their own personal pleasure, slaves, and entertainment are the lowest of low.  For real, betting on dogs who are abused, terrified, and trained to kill each other.  It doesn't get much lower...  I can't see why anyone would want to participate in that.  And someone running it... doesn't deserve to be alive anymore.

Seeing the ways these dogs act now around people and other dogs makes me want to cry, and seeing the way they were treated before they got rescued makes me sick to my stomach.  

There is so reason people should ever treat animals like that.

They were beaten and abused their entire lives, the ones that were nice and wouldn't fight were either used as bait dogs to train the aggressive ones to fight, or killed by being shot, hanged, electrocuted or beaten against the ground.

He should be locked up for life and go to hell.

The following images are not from a magazine, the internet or MTV. They were taken in a normal neighborhood, by a normal girl.

When I was in elementary school, I took music from Mrs. Sandquist.  She was.....unique.  She always out on the most.... extravagant concerts and recitals.  Ever.  Even though she is old as dirt and possible senile, she still dazzles the town every christmas season with a laser light display of decorations.

I also decided that this year I'm using my new years resolution as lent and giving up sugar, so these last few days i am getting in as much as I can.  Today I did great:  I ate mike and ikes, home made caramels AND turtles, junior caramels, and cookies. 

one good thing comes from being addicted to MTV...

There is this show on MTV called "True Life" which features people with something that they have to live with.  They use to have two episodes:  True Life: I have turrets, and True Life: I have OCD.  They were good, but they got old.  It was good, but it could have been ecpic.  that has all changed though;  now they seem to have a new episode every day!

The one airing today, december 26th, is True Life: Im Deaf, and just look at this precious little dream-boat.

His name is Christopher, he is 16 and lives in New Jersey.  He got a cochlear implant, so he can hear now--after not begin able to hear his whole life.  He is so cute, every time someone walks behind him, or sharpens their pencil he perks up and looks around--like a puppy.  He went to his girlfriends house and heard her say his name for the first time, his dad played guitar for him for the first time, he heard his mom say "I love you" for the first time.

I had the opportunity to work with a blind girl last winter for two weeks.  It was amazing to watch her go throughout her day.  I just think the kids like this who can have something like that in their life and still be so happy and strong deserve a shoutout.

move over Hayley Williams

Cassadee Pope is movin in on your turf!

Hey Monday is a cute little band from West Palm Beach Flordia.  They are known for their pop-punk songs such as "Homecoming" which is featured on the N between Moisha and Dawson's Creek.... I really need to start going t bed earlier. They seem legit, and wear cute clothes from Glamor kills, however, I can't shake the feeling I've seen this all before...

...Oh yea, 6 months ago when I was watching Paramore videos on youtube.

Well kudos on getting big for being exactly the same as the one other pop-punk band with a girl lead singer people care about.

I don't know where that came from....

Im also scared of these:

"you're scared of what?...."

Okay, no one really said that to me, but I did realize today that my current two biggest fears are pretty ridiculous.  And this is coming from someone who is scared of jack-in-the-boxes and clowns.

To date, my two greatest fears are:

1. Maximlian's letters getting lost in the mail

2. stepping on one of the hua's legs and snapping it like a glow stick.

Aside from that, today was Christmas and that means that the whole famdamily got together--at my house.   I really love the fam, but it kinda just makes me crazy to have that many people in my house at once--like its just too much going on....  I know I'm crazy.

For christmas I got

-Shaun White Snowboarding

-The Nightmare Before Christmas Original Soundtrack

-Gift Cards to: HuHot, iTunes, Old Navy, and Target

-Fudge

-Wii Music

-Wii Mario Kart

:)

i miss maximilian

i miss makana

i miss preston

i miss kaitlin

i miss amy doll

i miss mikyla

i miss dallin

i miss tori

i miss zuzu

i miss taylor syddall

i miss saychelle

i miss daniela

i miss landy

i miss nathan reagan

i miss nathan daley

i miss holly

more than likely i miss you too.

So while I was sitting on the couch--not even the couch.  While I was sitting on the love seat, I realized I was really bored: It was then that I remembered this thing called "second life" that Zach told me about; however, this entry is not about second life--sorry sac, it does look pretty cool.  This entry is about elder syddall. :)

So apparently to actually USE second life, you have to like register, and make an avatar, and activate your account through some e-mail they send you. I know!  ridiculous.  So, while I was trying to do this I discovered I had an e-mail from Taylor Syddall!  Yea, I mean who knew?!  I could have e-mailed him this whole time.  I didn't even know you could e-mail missionaries, but i e-mailed him last night, and i already heard back!  Take that snail mail!

I've been sitting here, trying to find myself.

And while I try I am playing pokemon snap, facebook chatting with preston, listening to music and eating an apple.  I don't remember who it was, but someone once told me that multitasking isn't real.  I do not believe them.

welcome back to home ward!

Going back to your home ward the first week back is the most stressful thing ever--to make it even better:  this was my second week back. 

SIDENOTE: we sang easter songs today.

I sat by the missionaries in sunday school though and shared my m&ms with them.  One is from Idaho Falls and one is from SLC.  After class they asked me if I want to go with them to teach some girls that are investigating the church.  I said YES!

After church I came home and took a coma on the couch, then decorated the tree. 

Thats about it.  Tomorrow I'm going to go to the post office and mail some thangs.

peace.