0054.

I wish I could get my head out of the sand

'cause i think we'd make a good team

and you would keep my fingernails clean

But thats just a stupid dream that i won't realize

'cause I can't even look in your eyes

without shakin'--and I ain't fakin'

I'll bring home the turkey if you bring home the bacon.

The other day I got asked the dreaded question of what my favorite band is.  It really shouldn't be that hard of a question, but it really is; however, I'm one of those people who could also never pick a favorite animal.  Maybe I'm just indecisive about things like this.  It's hard though becuase You favorite band/book/album really does say a lot about you and you don't want to mis-advertise yourself.  I also want people to know things about me: personality, traits, dislikes..... so on, because they have taken the time to get to know me, not because they can spout off things I've told them about myself.

There are also so many bands that mean so much to me and I don't want to forget one of over look them and their contributions to me.  Even so, there are a few bands that will always hold an esteemed place in my heart.  Bright Eyes, Weezer, and Modest Mouse.  But thats just a drop in the bucket.  So many bands and songs remind me of my friends back home, my friends in Idaho, my friends on missions, my friends who aren't my friends anymore, my sister, my parents, my pets, good times, bad times, people I wan't to forget, and people i can't forget.  And this is just secular music...

I could tell people my favorite songs--maybe.  But bands, i don't know why but it's completely different.  And even if it was songs I would need at least ten slots.  and the bottom three would probably rotate.

1  El Scorcho

2 The First Day of My Life

3 The Remedy

4 The World at Large

5 From a Balance Beam

6 Waste of Paint

7 Take it Easy, Love Nothing

8 Chain me Free

9 Katie Come True

10 Alien Christ

I think I can be fairly confident of my answer of Bright Eyes though.  

0053.

I decided to take the day off from work so I could work on cleaning my room,  here is a list of the treasures I have found so far.

-A trapper keeper

-An Avril Lavigne collage that I have no idea where it came from because I never liked her until she collaborated with lil' Mama, and by that time i was beyond making collages of celebrities i liked...

-Shoes I though were lost for ever

-Clothes I haven't even worn

-books

-art supplies

-sunglasses

The one down fall is i have no idea what happened to my Heath Ledger poster.  I don't think I would have thrown it away because I still have pictures of him on my wall!  Obviously I never went through an anti phase.

All around cleaning my room always leads to treasures.  Balling.  I started packing today to get rid of some bulk.  How crazy is that?  I'm close enough to leaving for Idaho that I can legitimately start packing.  I'm so excited for summer 09!  And next fall (if i stay, which im leaning toward now)  I'm going to live with Cody Paige!

0052.

Today I worked in the locker room for Century High School, basically I got payed close to 10 dollars an hour to play my mom's DS and unlock the door ever 45 minutes, then re-lock it 15 minutes after that.

0051.

I think that I need to spend a lot less time talking and a lot more time thinking and listening.  Something about institute really just changes my whole persona and makes me just want to sit there like a sponge and absorb everything sister Wilson says.  She is crazy, but really funny and a really good teacher.  I love institute.  I love writing in my Church Journal and I love that i get to teach a lesson to the achievement girls about journaling!

Elder Webster asked me the other day how many missionaries I am writing, because i told them Max got to baptize someone in the ocean and that i can already see how they are changing through their letters.  He told me to write them every week.  I think that is going to be a new sunday activity.  it's only three (soon to be four)  so it's completely doable.

0050.

I think I will make the 2000 dollar quota for this summer, so it looks like I'm going back to Idaho!  I registered for classes yesterday!  I got Zoology!  And interpersonal, comm. writing, Teachings of the living prophets, and Visual Media.  

I also think I'm going to be able to stay with Kaitlin's grandmother that week before classes start, so I wont get charged 15 dollar a night for having to move in a week early.  

I am so excited for summer, I'm glad La Jolla has  Gym, complete with a BOW FLEX!  Balling.  Maybe I can get in shape for the first time in my life.  

Im also excied for porter park, star gazing, and getting horked.

0049.

Today i worked at Jefferson again with the Autistic program.  It is always such a neat expierence working with those kids.  I worked with Reese and Seth today.  They are really funny, even if they loose it sometimes.

We had the over missionaries for dinner tonight, except with all three of us working full time, we had to take them out, so we went to Cici's Pizza Buffet!   It was good, and it's always fun to see them and hear about the missionary work in the ward and city.  

Tomorrow I work at Bamber Valley,  I guess that Ban from last winter got lifted.... About time, honestly, solitaire on down time should be the least of their concerns.  no one has ever cared how I use down time this year: reading, coloring, drawing, writing in my journal, writing letters to my friends on missions... etc.

I think I found my new project.  We'll one of several I need to work on more.  Thanks big sister!  

I am still so excited to get back out to Idaho.  I love being home, and this winter has been so much more fruitful then last winter was for me, but I am still super stoked to get back out west.  I can't believe it's already almost time to make another pilgrimage!  I never realized how far it was to Idaho (or how north Idaho is) until I drove it myself this past time I went out for fall.  I think it's kind of nice though, makes it feel more like im on my own and away from my home and puts more of a fire under me to be mature and responsible... Or at least try to.  

THIS SUMMER IS GOING TO BE GREAT.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE.

0048.

I will be on my way back out west in 33 days, 20 hours, and approximately 30 minutes.  I miss the mountains, and the sunsets, and the people.  I think the thing I miss most about Idaho is the atmosphere it has.  I miss the spirit of ricks.   This summer is going to be a lot different than last summer, but I also know it will be a good one.  I'll miss Max and Dallin and Taylor, but I know they are where they need to be.  

I think this is going to be a summer of changes, in a completely different way that summer 08, but just as epic.   I'm going to really try and not be home except to sleep and eat, and spend as much time as i can out side, in the library, and working out.  I need to make summer 09 count ever more than summer 08.

I THINK WE SHOULD START TAKING SUGGESTING FOR A TAG-LINE FOR SUMMER 09

I think it should be "choose your own adventure"  like Iowa state, and those games.  That seems to fit.

Summer 08: Make it count.

Fall 08: It was great, but it could have been epic. 

       It was actually pretty epic, well a few days were at least.

Summer 09:  ???

Here are my GOALS for summer 09:

Get my grades up:  I would really love to get a 4.0, but since I've never done that in my life, i will set a 3.5 as acceptable, but bottom of the barrel.

Go to Devotional every week: I've learned, especially lately, that if you put in even the tiniest bit of effort, the lord will make it rain (blessing wise) on you.  Example:  I went to institute for the first time in a few weeks this past week, and on the way home I really wanted some ho chocolate.  I went to Kwik Trip and tried to get it but the machine was not working.  Because I "had trouble with the machine" the girl behind the counter gave it to me for free.  Coincidence?  I don't believe in Coincidences.

Don't skip any classes:  Seriously, just go skate after class.  It's like 2 hours wait.

Don't skip church, or even "just go to sacrament" unless I'm deathly Ill: Nuff' said.

Stop sipping haterade: This has been one of my goals for about a year, but its HARD.  Especially when people I'm around a lot complain and talk negatively about people they know.  I never want to call them on it because I hate the feeling when someone calls you out...  I'm going to try really hard this summer though, and friends, please keep your haterade off me.

Write a poem/song/piece a week

Always have an art project

Be one of those people that is ALWAYS reading a book

Journal

Scripture Study

Prayer

Here are the PLAGUES of summer 09:

Breaking Curfew

Skipping Class, Devotional, Church, Relief Society, Prayer

Wasting energy, tears, and time on people that aren't worth it

Putting myself first

Wasting Money

I am so excited for summer 09.  I am excited to be back in La Jolla, I am excited to be back with Amy and Beki and Makana.  I am excited to be living with Kaitlin.  I am excited about super sketch, half baked plans of going to California, to Arizona to visit Monica, and to Portland to see Maria.  I am excited for my classes--hopping I get the ones i want.  I am excited to see what this summer holds for me.  I think the thing i am most excited for though, is to continue to see how missionary life changes Max, Dallin, and Taylor.

0047.

SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!

At last!  Life has been craaaazy lately:  work, pets, cleaning, thinking about starting to pack, figuring out how I'm getting to Idaho, letters from missionaries, letters to missionaries, more letters from missionaries, more letters to missionaries, church callings, church events, eat, sleep, breath.... life moves so fast sometime. I absolutely love it.  It;s like being part of some awesome movie or book. 

I'll be back out in Idaho in just over a month!!  Balling.  

Another sunday has come, and I find myself, once again,  loving it.   We got a new missionary, Elder Webster I think.  He has a stopwatch/combination lock looking thing dangling from his backpack and looks like a kid I use to work with at Panera.  We have had at least 4 missionaries in a row from Idaho.  Sacrament meeting was really good today, even though i was really sleepy.  Sunday school was on prayer and was also really good, and relief society was on leadership, and was...good, go figure.  Even with day light saving's robbing me from an hour of sleep, this was a over all great sunday.

This week I am thankful for....

Letters from Elder Dallin Weeks.

Movie nights with my parents.

Pinkerton

Charrotte

Liver

Coming out of church to a parking lot of swirling snow

Propel Fitness Drink

Hair growing out

Squaw Bands

My new Gratitude Journal, complete with QUOTES!

Berts Bees Lip Chap

Baby Oil and lotion

Missionary Sunday School

Missionaries

0046.

Tonight was the new 5th wards Ward Ice Cream Social.  It was pretty fun, I talked to the elders mostly and the lady sitting at my table, she was pretty funny.  The ice cream was okay and the brownies were good, so all around a good way to spend the evening.

I got a letter from Dallin today.  He is so solid.  i am so blessed to know him, thank you Cody.  His letters never cease to amaze me.  He is so silly but so serious all at once.  He is such a good boy.  I think his mission is going to make some incdedible changes in him, and I can't wait to see them.

On a completely different note, abby has been being extremely nice lately; maybe she knows her days are numbered.  ily flabby.

Happy day before sunday.

Katherine

0045.

Lazy Thursday.

I can't even remember if I fell asleep last night.  I'm sure at some point I did, but it was well after 2.  At least i had a good long job today that equals lots of cheddar, even if all i did was sit behind a desk at the main entrance of Century High School, which by the way, has about 7 offices.

I am tired tired tired.  I think I'll be going to bed at about 10 tonight.  

I started reading Frankenstein today while I was siting doing nothing for seven hours, and before the chapters start, there are four letters written from the main character to his sister--Margaret I think.  They are beautiful.  I wish people still took the time to be eloquent with their speech and writing. 

I finished the Horse and His Boy and after I read Frankenstein I think I am going to read The Magicians Nephew and The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe.  I made a list of the books I want to read this year.  

PLEASE TELL ME GOOD BOOKS YOU HAVE READ SO I CAN ADD THEM TO MY LIST.

0044.

This is what my days consist of now.

-Work

-Nap

-Hanging out with Pinkerton

-Movies

-Food

-sleep

5 more weeks.  I really need to make it count because I know things will get crazy once I return to school.  

0043.

I can not believe that I am already almost two years into my college life.  Two years, thats a full time mission.  It's had it's up and downs and pain and joy.  I've cried I've laughed and I've met some of the best friends and most solid people I could have ever asked for.  I've grown, leanred and developed. It feels like I've been there for ages and just got there at the same time.  I think the highlights of college so far are:

Fall 07:

-stealing TP from the MC because our roommate hoarded it.

-monica jacking up her ankle.

-renting movies from the lobby

-fort Thai.

-living with monica

-elementary school Halloween festivals for extra credit

-breakfast in the galley

-Last night of the semester. holla.

Summer 08:

-the high school boys

-bonfires at the temple

-max and taylor

-sundays at sundown

-the plastics

-horkley's runs at 2 am

-sundays in porter park

Fall 08:

-Maximilian's visit

-getting my first letters from missionaries.

-writting my first letters to missionaries.

-the ward, and the people in it.

-danbury manor

-makana

-falling asleep to general conference talks

-going to devotional

-rabies shots

Summer 09 is going to have to bring a lot to match the semesters past, something tells me it will though.  All i know for sure is that I love Rexburg Idaho and that I can't wait to go back.

Balling.

Katherine

0042.

I was looking at some stuff on youtube last night when I couldn't sleep, and I found out about a new genre of music called Hipster rap--personally I think they should call it Hipster Hop--and it's really fresh.  In my personal, most likely discredited, opinion It's like Chris Brown (a parallel universe version that doesn't beat women) and Travis from Gym class heros joined forces with the Beastie Boys and N.E.R.D.    Maybe even a little Sugar Hill gang.  Maybe.

And they dress well.

BONUS.

Apparently one of the token attributes of Hipsters is irony, so this genre is completely formed around the concept of irony, even if it is unintentional.  I guess, I'm still new to hipster rap.

According to the video I was watching, The hipsters who make this their music of trade amp up the irony by  mixing the hipster style and attitude with the rapper image and apparently that equals irony.

see for yourself

ARTISTS:

Kids in the Hall

Cool Kids

Kid sister

pretty much anyone with the name "kid" in their name, as stated in this youtube infomercial.

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