Consider this a prelude to Katie's Random Advice Post KRAP
This has nothing to do with future KRAP posts, but the topic is random and it seems to impart some form of wisdom...somewhere.. No, don't ask me where. I said NO! Don't make me come over there...
Anyway, this is some advice I have on Procrastination:
The American Heritage Dictionary that I received from the principal as a 5th grader because some stupid kid put a wad of gum in my previous dictionary while it was sitting peacefully and unprovokingly in my desk...defines procrastination as the act of "putting off, especially habitually, doing something until a future time. It comes from the Latin word "procrastinare." If the dictionary based off the definition of procrastination based off of my life, it would simply state "the act of living, especially habbitually."
I have no idea when it started. Something must have clicked somewhere in grade school, between grades 1 and 3. By third grade, I was waiting until the last minute to study for tests, cramming the multiplication tables we had to memorize, and taking my sweet time getting ready for school so that I almost always had to rush on my bike. But those were small things, trivial things that I didn't do all the time. The first strong memory I have of a REAL act of procrastination is my 4th grade research report.
The 4th grade research report was a milestone. Never before had any of us poor, unsuspsecting students known what it was to...write an entire research report. Evidently, I still didn't know after the teacher explained it to us. I had the handouts, followed the instructions, and managed to pretty much bomb the paper. It was a tough blow, a B -. Why did I bomb the paper? Good question, I'm glad you brought that up. Each student was required to write a report on a country. A country!! Don't ask me how a 4th grade student was supposed to write a 3-4 page paper on an entire civilization, but we were. I had Mexico.
I don't remember why I had Mexico. I have a feeling I chose Mexico. Seemed like a good idea at the time--likely because I had actually seen a little of Mexico (a really not-so-nice border town, but to me it was enough..I was so prepared to write this 3-4 page paper summing up the nation). I was well armed with sources--several books about Mexico, and my trusty World Book Encylcopedias that I was dependent upon for any report from second grade on up (until I realized sometime in late middle school that those World Book authors from 1981 weren't really good at telling the future). And so I scanned my books, picking out any facts that were easily summarized and accessible, like facts out of an encyclopedia. Travel books were the best--they had neat lists of cities, museums, shopping centers, and other tourist attractions. Those lists were undoubtably MUCH easier to absorb and spit out into report form. I diligently worked...the night before. Considering my age and my parents, I doubt I was up until even 12am, but it certainly seemed late. I struggled to make my paper long enough, frustrated by the boring chapters describing various customs that were too time consuming to write about. With what I thought was a stroke of genius (she'll never know!), I resorted to listing various hotels, motels, and camping areas. It was a masterpiece.
You can imagine my surprise when I saw the B - penned on a piece of note paper, thoughtlessly stapped to my beautiful cover page, complete with a Washable Crayola Marker rendition of the Mexican flag and a sombrero, the title "MEXICO" neatly scrawled in black marker above the flag...and sombrero (which was kind of floating in the bottom right corner). I even borrowed a neat looking clear covered binder folder from my friend Angela, you know, to add that Professional spice. And I got a B -...I mean, if you wanted to know about Mexico, wouldn't you be concerned about what trailer parks you stow your RV in?
So, let this be a lesson to you all out there. Procrastination isn't a habit, it's a lifestyle. So if you have any children who are taking on procrastinator virtues, I suggest you...well, actually, I have no idea what you should do. You probably were procrastinators too when you were a child. Heck you're probably procrastinators too--so THAT'S where she gets it from! HA! Well!....oh, where was I, oh yes, what to do if your chilid is a procrastinator...eh, may as well just say screw it--there's no reforming him or her. May as well embraced it...and remember: At least the kid is DOING the work!
and that concludes this edition of...KRAP!
Saturday, February 22, 2003
Today I had an orientation meeting for the London student teaching program. EXCITING! Except for the whole issue that no one seems to know exactly when we'll be leaving, where we're being housed and what school will be like there. But have no fear, invest $800 of the non-refundable fees (not including tuition and crap) and THEN we'll tell you. ::sigh:: At least I have a ROUGH idea of when I'm going--October 31-December 20, but of course, I'm going to tour for a while afterwards. I'm just wondering what the school system is like that I'll be teaching in. Is it really similar? or are the classes shorter, longer, every day or not? Things like that buzz around my mind. And then I'll have to eventually start thinking about lesson plans...it certainly will be interesting teaching English class to British students.
All this talk about the trip makes me want to leave RIGHT NOW!!!! This semester is so not very exciting. I mean, I'm having fun with friends and all, but the classes leave something to be desired and I'm actually sort of getting tired of the college scene.
All this talk about the trip makes me want to leave RIGHT NOW!!!! This semester is so not very exciting. I mean, I'm having fun with friends and all, but the classes leave something to be desired and I'm actually sort of getting tired of the college scene.
Thursday, February 20, 2003
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Sorry for the delay on the KRAP. I assure you, it's coming along. Just give it some more time; a little more time is all it needs and then ::bam!:: KRAP will be here. Until them, amuse yourself with this:
one fun comic!
two fun comics! what fun!
I was introduced a year or so back to this site called Penny Arcade and even though I'm not quite sure what they're talking about half the time, I thoroughly enjoy what I DO know, and can pretty much wing what I don't know know. Either way, it's fun seeing such a unique and well done comic by a couple guys that remind me WAY too much of some other guys I know ;)
Not much else to say--I'm not really in the mood to blog much. My grandpa had open heart surgery today and seems to recovering alright from it. My backpack strap broke yesterday morning and I have yet to replace the backpack, which should make walking to class with 2 anthologies, 3 notebooks, and 3 folders tomorrow rather interesting. Other than that, nothing too new. Catch ya on the flip side!
one fun comic!
two fun comics! what fun!
I was introduced a year or so back to this site called Penny Arcade and even though I'm not quite sure what they're talking about half the time, I thoroughly enjoy what I DO know, and can pretty much wing what I don't know know. Either way, it's fun seeing such a unique and well done comic by a couple guys that remind me WAY too much of some other guys I know ;)
Not much else to say--I'm not really in the mood to blog much. My grandpa had open heart surgery today and seems to recovering alright from it. My backpack strap broke yesterday morning and I have yet to replace the backpack, which should make walking to class with 2 anthologies, 3 notebooks, and 3 folders tomorrow rather interesting. Other than that, nothing too new. Catch ya on the flip side!
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
What's going on in Katie's life lately? I know you're just dying to find out. So I'll tell you! Let's see:
V-ball tickets:I got one call back, which got my hopes up...until I realized that the stupid bastards want to scalp those tickets for all they're worth. How do I know that? Well, having them ask, "So how much are you offering to pay for them?" was a bit of a clue. I said, well, "face value 2 of them would be $50." They said, "Well, we bought 4 of them, with 2 extra so we could make a bit of a profit." I said, "Ah, I see. Well I can understand that, for going through the trouble and all. I might be willing to pay a bit more, though it isn't exactly kosher, for your trouble." (at this point I was already disgusted). So he said, "I'll have to check with my friend about it, since he helped pay for them, but I have your number, and I'll get back to you." There was more to the conversation, but whatever. I know I won't be hearing from them, the fuckers. I wish I could just catch them in their act....SCALPING IS ILLEGAL!!!! grrrr
New health kick: Let's just say it's a slow start. I went to hydroaerobics last week, but skipped it last night. I had cake and alcohol on Friday. I didn't do much of anything the rest of the weekend. And I've been still snacking a bit. HOWEVER, I plan on going for a walk or at least going down to the fitness room this evening. AND I have eaten a bit better--trying to have more healthy meals and drinking less soda. And tomorrow I'm going to hydro no matter what...no good quality conversations are going to keep me from trimming up MY ass.
Schoolwork: I feel incredibly lazy in this department, and it's not because I haven't been doing my work. It's more because there really isn't that much work to do yet. Granted, there's some out of class stuff I really should get on top of, like taking care of the 25 clock hours I need to put in working with people in minorities or with disabilities, but it's not due til the end of the semester. Otherwise, I kind of laugh hearing people in class talking about how much reading they HAVE to do...when really it's not that hard...especially compared to past semesters. But then again, I'm an English major--I like reading.
Job: Still haven't gotten a job. But I picked up an application for the Academic Skills Center as a tutor, so we'll see how that goes.
Love life: Same old same old. Been having some good discussions about the past, present and future, and I am trying to have a healthier outlook on the whole romantic part of my life. Like the health regiment, it's going slowly, but I'm at least trying to make some progress. Of course, in many ways I'm still hopelessly stuck, but then, a little dreaming doesn't hurt, as long as it doesn't prevent a person from living....or from driving her friends insane by persistently talking about this guy or that guy.
Future?: Eh, who knows? I think it's all a matter of perspective. Maybe I am rather past-oriented, and sometimes too dreamy...though I think that is a far better fault than consistenly living in the moment, with no regard for past mistakes, future aspirations...or consequences. As Dr. Hanson pointed out in World Lit II today, sometimes, it's those little things, those smallest decisions that are the crucial turningpoints of our lives. I'd like to think that a person can do a little of the steering on those turns herself, if she puts her mind and heart into it.
So now you know...and knowing is half the battle...and more than meets the eye! Of course, my twilight campaign, is easy to explain: there's no case to big, no case too small, and life is like a hurricane, by the power of Greyskull! ;)
V-ball tickets:I got one call back, which got my hopes up...until I realized that the stupid bastards want to scalp those tickets for all they're worth. How do I know that? Well, having them ask, "So how much are you offering to pay for them?" was a bit of a clue. I said, well, "face value 2 of them would be $50." They said, "Well, we bought 4 of them, with 2 extra so we could make a bit of a profit." I said, "Ah, I see. Well I can understand that, for going through the trouble and all. I might be willing to pay a bit more, though it isn't exactly kosher, for your trouble." (at this point I was already disgusted). So he said, "I'll have to check with my friend about it, since he helped pay for them, but I have your number, and I'll get back to you." There was more to the conversation, but whatever. I know I won't be hearing from them, the fuckers. I wish I could just catch them in their act....SCALPING IS ILLEGAL!!!! grrrr
New health kick: Let's just say it's a slow start. I went to hydroaerobics last week, but skipped it last night. I had cake and alcohol on Friday. I didn't do much of anything the rest of the weekend. And I've been still snacking a bit. HOWEVER, I plan on going for a walk or at least going down to the fitness room this evening. AND I have eaten a bit better--trying to have more healthy meals and drinking less soda. And tomorrow I'm going to hydro no matter what...no good quality conversations are going to keep me from trimming up MY ass.
Schoolwork: I feel incredibly lazy in this department, and it's not because I haven't been doing my work. It's more because there really isn't that much work to do yet. Granted, there's some out of class stuff I really should get on top of, like taking care of the 25 clock hours I need to put in working with people in minorities or with disabilities, but it's not due til the end of the semester. Otherwise, I kind of laugh hearing people in class talking about how much reading they HAVE to do...when really it's not that hard...especially compared to past semesters. But then again, I'm an English major--I like reading.
Job: Still haven't gotten a job. But I picked up an application for the Academic Skills Center as a tutor, so we'll see how that goes.
Love life: Same old same old. Been having some good discussions about the past, present and future, and I am trying to have a healthier outlook on the whole romantic part of my life. Like the health regiment, it's going slowly, but I'm at least trying to make some progress. Of course, in many ways I'm still hopelessly stuck, but then, a little dreaming doesn't hurt, as long as it doesn't prevent a person from living....or from driving her friends insane by persistently talking about this guy or that guy.
Future?: Eh, who knows? I think it's all a matter of perspective. Maybe I am rather past-oriented, and sometimes too dreamy...though I think that is a far better fault than consistenly living in the moment, with no regard for past mistakes, future aspirations...or consequences. As Dr. Hanson pointed out in World Lit II today, sometimes, it's those little things, those smallest decisions that are the crucial turningpoints of our lives. I'd like to think that a person can do a little of the steering on those turns herself, if she puts her mind and heart into it.
So now you know...and knowing is half the battle...and more than meets the eye! Of course, my twilight campaign, is easy to explain: there's no case to big, no case too small, and life is like a hurricane, by the power of Greyskull! ;)
Thursday, February 13, 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
Tonight I broke down. For the last few weeks I have been hearing more and more about dieting, working out, cutting carbs...it's just ridiculous. It's as though everyone and their mother is trying to get fit this spring. My mom hasn't gone on a diet for years, and now she's breaking out her old Weight Watchers menus and joining her coworkers at Curves. Jenny W and Chris decided to follow his parents' lead and start the Atkins diet and now they've both lost 15 some pounds. Jenny A's mom started a diet and has lost about 30 lbs. Tricia is doing either skating, skiing, or climbing or some other activity almost every day of the week. Heidi started her own version of the Atkin's diet that she heard about from a friend, and though she hasn't gotten too far in it, she is also going to aerobics, so I'm expecting some results soon. Jenny A mentioned going on more walks. My roomie and her freinds are doing aerobics in the living room. I've hit the point where I give up.....I'll start getting healthier.
I've been meaning to for a while, and now it just seems inevitable that I either join the throng of newly inspired healthmongers or join the throng of the people overweight who gave up caring. Part of me really doesn't care if I'm a size 11/12 or 9/10. Another part of me REALLY wants to fit into my silky black pants to go clubbing. And then there's that part of me that has seen what I look like in a bikini mid January and shivers. It's time to gain a LITTLE control back and eat a little better and get my ass out from behind the computer.
I'm not into these specified diets or higly regimented fitness centers. I may not mind a little aerobics, but I much prefer Hydro-aerobics, where people don't have to see any part of me jiggle aside from my chest when it hits the water (sorry for that visual). And I do like going for walks and biking (though i'm not a big fan of indoor cycles, but I will choose those before any other bit of machinery or weightlifting apparatus). The thing is, I'm not a highly self-motivated person when it comes to fitness.
I do walk to classes, and almost always use the stairs, even though there is an elevator available. That's something at least. I'll typically join a person in some fitness activity if they ask me, but it seems I've gained a self-preservation tactic of surrounding myself with friends who also are not into fitness regimes. Not that my friends aren't healthy, and as I've said, some have recently become more health conscious. It's just like it's a sudden wave of fitness frenzy has overcome them, and though I have tried to stop this tsunami from overtaking me and any other good souls unafraid of being slightly to mildly overweight ("well-rounded" as I like to say), my defenses have fallen and the tidal wave rolls on, swiping even more victims to become...dare I say it....health conscious. Ugh, the words stick in my keyboard almost as much as they stick in my throat.
I think being healthy is a great thing, and I'm quite certain I can benefit from loosing about 15 lbs. Mostly, I just want to trim a little pudginess here and there. With Viennese Ball coming up in a couple months, I will have the pleasure of dressing to the nines. Currently, I have a few dresses in my possession that would pass off well as a "V-ball" ensemble, a couple in particular that I have never actually worn. I do have a stunning dress that fits me perfectly now, but after wearing it to my brother's wedding in Aruba and the reception in GB, I'm ready to move on to the next formal gown. Plus, it seems more like a true "ball" when a girl gets to wear a sincerely poofy dress. It's not obsessively poofy, but it clearly has elements of poofiness to it. AND, it's a very pretty red with little black glittery stars on it....and it's super soft to the touch (the stars are actually a faux velvety material that's super touchable ;) Sounds unique, and I tell you, the first time I saw it, I said it was "interesting" which can mean a number of things when I say it. I was very much amused by it and so I tried it on (especially since it was on clearance from $80 to $25). Unfortunately, the 9/10 ended up having a very unmendable rip in the back. HOWEVER, the 7/8 was in prime condition. This being the end of my freshman year of college I thought, hm....why not? So I tried it on, and sure enough, it fit like a glove.
Needless to say, a good couple years can do a world of difference, and it would be a might too snug in the tummy and chestal regions. That's why this health kick is especially appealing. Not to mention, it can't hurt to look absolutely stunning and fabulous and like an all around princess/sex goddess combo at a ball where who knows one could meet. And more importantly, I'll probably feel better this summer when I put my shorts and swimsuits on again.
So here's to a fresh beginning....let's hope this lasts more than a week. Envisioning my mother wearing pants sizes smaller than me certainly should help my motivation :P
I've been meaning to for a while, and now it just seems inevitable that I either join the throng of newly inspired healthmongers or join the throng of the people overweight who gave up caring. Part of me really doesn't care if I'm a size 11/12 or 9/10. Another part of me REALLY wants to fit into my silky black pants to go clubbing. And then there's that part of me that has seen what I look like in a bikini mid January and shivers. It's time to gain a LITTLE control back and eat a little better and get my ass out from behind the computer.
I'm not into these specified diets or higly regimented fitness centers. I may not mind a little aerobics, but I much prefer Hydro-aerobics, where people don't have to see any part of me jiggle aside from my chest when it hits the water (sorry for that visual). And I do like going for walks and biking (though i'm not a big fan of indoor cycles, but I will choose those before any other bit of machinery or weightlifting apparatus). The thing is, I'm not a highly self-motivated person when it comes to fitness.
I do walk to classes, and almost always use the stairs, even though there is an elevator available. That's something at least. I'll typically join a person in some fitness activity if they ask me, but it seems I've gained a self-preservation tactic of surrounding myself with friends who also are not into fitness regimes. Not that my friends aren't healthy, and as I've said, some have recently become more health conscious. It's just like it's a sudden wave of fitness frenzy has overcome them, and though I have tried to stop this tsunami from overtaking me and any other good souls unafraid of being slightly to mildly overweight ("well-rounded" as I like to say), my defenses have fallen and the tidal wave rolls on, swiping even more victims to become...dare I say it....health conscious. Ugh, the words stick in my keyboard almost as much as they stick in my throat.
I think being healthy is a great thing, and I'm quite certain I can benefit from loosing about 15 lbs. Mostly, I just want to trim a little pudginess here and there. With Viennese Ball coming up in a couple months, I will have the pleasure of dressing to the nines. Currently, I have a few dresses in my possession that would pass off well as a "V-ball" ensemble, a couple in particular that I have never actually worn. I do have a stunning dress that fits me perfectly now, but after wearing it to my brother's wedding in Aruba and the reception in GB, I'm ready to move on to the next formal gown. Plus, it seems more like a true "ball" when a girl gets to wear a sincerely poofy dress. It's not obsessively poofy, but it clearly has elements of poofiness to it. AND, it's a very pretty red with little black glittery stars on it....and it's super soft to the touch (the stars are actually a faux velvety material that's super touchable ;) Sounds unique, and I tell you, the first time I saw it, I said it was "interesting" which can mean a number of things when I say it. I was very much amused by it and so I tried it on (especially since it was on clearance from $80 to $25). Unfortunately, the 9/10 ended up having a very unmendable rip in the back. HOWEVER, the 7/8 was in prime condition. This being the end of my freshman year of college I thought, hm....why not? So I tried it on, and sure enough, it fit like a glove.
Needless to say, a good couple years can do a world of difference, and it would be a might too snug in the tummy and chestal regions. That's why this health kick is especially appealing. Not to mention, it can't hurt to look absolutely stunning and fabulous and like an all around princess/sex goddess combo at a ball where who knows one could meet. And more importantly, I'll probably feel better this summer when I put my shorts and swimsuits on again.
So here's to a fresh beginning....let's hope this lasts more than a week. Envisioning my mother wearing pants sizes smaller than me certainly should help my motivation :P
Thursday, February 06, 2003
Stay tuned....
for the much awaited....
....yet totally unknown to everyone but me....
Shocking as a 200,000 lightning bugs!
Titillating as a sports bra!
Insightful as a jar of eyes!
It's none other than:
First Official Katie's Random Advice Post (KRAP)
(coming soon to a website near you....like the one you are currently reading)
for the much awaited....
....yet totally unknown to everyone but me....
Shocking as a 200,000 lightning bugs!
Titillating as a sports bra!
Insightful as a jar of eyes!
It's none other than:
First Official Katie's Random Advice Post (KRAP)
(coming soon to a website near you....like the one you are currently reading)
