Oh Life.

Why does it always get to be so difficult?

Why are we so blessed as to struggle and cry and whine and get hurt and hurt others?

There are always two sides to every story, and usually both end in irritation or anger.

It is so easy to get angry. Or, even worse, vengeful and bitter. We want others to suffer because we are obviously right. Right? Or wait, what if, just for a moment we think of that one other. Why did they choose to do those things? Because they want someone else to feel their pain. Sharing pain is a very dangerous thing; there is a large difference between sharing a friend's burden and pushing your own onto another.

Every day I get angry at someone. Every. Day. And I usually just think angry thoughts and take out my frustration on a facebook status, or to my friends.

But recently I've been reading a book called Crazy Love. And though it hasn't really changed any of my already present beliefs it HAS helped me realize how I can fulfill them. I was saved by an ever gracious God. Who the heck am I to cast my anger on others when I do the same things? So instead of brooding, I'm trying to just pray. Pray to a God who knows who was right, who was wrong, and loves the both of us anyways.

I've never tried or pretended to be perfect, and a lot of my word choices and decisions are wrong. I'll be the first to admit that.

Recently, a facebook status was aimed at me in a very "low blow" kind of way. I was angry. Infuriated. Ready to go commit some vandalism or something. But you know what? It doesn't matter. This, crazy and unconditional love I have, still needs to be pointed at this person, and every other person I come in contact with. They may be right, I may be right. It's all in the eye of the beholder. So, in all of my unnecessary self righteousness, I'm sorry.

I make mistakes, and it disappoints me that such things need to be said on facebook instead of to my face.

Katherine

Words.

Oh dear.

People. People. People...

STOP.

Stop what you may ask? Stop the ignorance.

Stop assuming. Stop not caring. Stop to think.

In a world of ever-changing and evolving appearances, status, and money it is unprecedented that someone can fully come to understanding everything. It's ridiculous. Yet still, because the world is changing, people must change with it.

Change is like a huge wave in the ocean that tosses you into a flurry of foam and salt water spray. Anger arises. You are now soaking wet and all your friends are laughing at you. How dare that wave think that it can push you around like that?! You are just here to wade and take a few baby steps into the massive expansion of water. Wait. Now that you're wet, the sun doesn't seem as hot anymore. It is the beach after all...hey look! The wave brought up some shells. Everyone else is jumping in the water now too...Oh wait. Weren't we upset about that a minute ago?

Life is sometimes a collaboration of events that seem detestable. The normal pathetic human is always whining about how hard and busy and exhausting their life is. But hold on, afterwards...these events don't seem as horrid. Dealing with people that are..."difficult" is one of these such burdens thrust upon mankind.

People are jerks. They don't think about what they say until it's streaming out of their mouth and into your pride, your look, your livelihood. Public forums allow anyone and everyone to roast whomever and whoever they please with no cost of their own. "It's on Facebook. It doesn't matter." Well, if you're attacking someone...it kind of does. Whatever you say reflects your belief and moral systems for everyone to see. Usually this equals...how hypocritical you are?! Oh good! More material to work with for more attacks. So what does one do to prevent this? Newsflash. YOU CAN'T. There are just some people that are destined to be an ever obnoxious wall post or drama queen. It happens.

So what can you do? Get over yourself.

Person 1: *whispers* Holy Cow! Did she just say that out loud!?

Person 2: But I love myself! I'm the coolest, smartest person ever! I have 1,087 friends on Facebook!

The largest thing lacking in today's society according to...well...me, is restraint. People do not have the tact or intelligence to realize when to stop talking, texting, blabbing. I am in full support of sharing thoughts, music, beliefs,...pretty much anything. But (you knew there was a 'but' coming didn't ya?) when people feel the need to take private business or over-dramatization to the public feed, I have issues.

Now I know it's hard...trust me. Sometimes you really do need to control yourself. I've seen multiple examples of people 12 yrs - 40+ yrs avidly making fools out of themselves. Everyone does it. Even I have the occasional complain moment. How can we solve this epidemic of stupid?!

Get off Facebook :p

Keep your business personal, and deal with difficult people in private messages or phone calls or meet with them or send them an email or write them a song....the list goes on and on! It is possible I promise.

And for all you fiestypants out there who feel like I'm totally wrong...bring on the attacks...just do it in a message or text please.

restrained,

Katherine

Oh Thy Beaver with Buck Teeth.

An epidemic has spread across Texas.

Something so indescribable that it can only be shown by photo.

Dun dun duuunn.

Buc-ee's.

Why am I craving beaver nuggets? Or buying this tshirt with a beaver in a ball-cap? WHY?!

Some people might ask...and many do, why in the world do people alter their roadtrips just to stop at this gas station?

The bathrooms.

I know you just laughed.

You just chuckled at this ridiculous idea that people change their direction to use these porcelain thrones.

I am, as always, completely serious. So serious, that ABC news even did a special on it. Their bathrooms are so nice it's NEWS! (how depressing does that make you feel!) I know you still have your doubts. So I'm here to prove it to you.

SEE! What now! HA! Told you so.

What amuses me is that people are endorsing these lovely bathrooms all across Texas. Not a day goes by that I don't see that...adorable beaver grinning his buck teeth at me from a cotton camiseta (yeah. I just said that). People! Texans think Buccee's is cute! They wear the tshirts and the pajama pants...to CLASS. Where people can SEE them! Geez Louise.

And if that wasn't enough, people dress their dogs in Buccee's (don't believe me? Go check out the fan photos on the website). We can thank this viral fashion statement to Beaver. Good 'ol Beaver. Owner of Buccee's. It takes a brave man to be proud of a name like that. I mean...what were his parents thinking?!

Scenario:

Buck(dad): woah momma...we dun be havin a baby!

Sally May(mom): oh mah staars! what oar we gunt to naim it?!

Buck: Weeell...i dun saww one of dem beeverrs makin a dam dis mornin whilst i wus fishin.

Sally May: my child be naimd beever! we bettr chainge der spellin so it be mor sofistikated!

Buck: weel den beaver it is!

I rest my case.

munching on some beaver nuggets,

Katherine

Oh dear.

So...I ashamedly step foot into the arena of blogging yet again. With my head low I make absolutely no promises to continue on this journey I set out for so many times only to be submerged in a non-blogging life.

I have recently been told that I have a mini following on facebook statuses, and have decided to embark on another (hopefully complete) weekly blog(for my fans ^_^).

I'm not sure yet what future posts may hold, but I can promise that they will most likely be intuitive and laced with sarcasm.

To all you lovely readers out there,

I shall try my hardest to keep up this blog for the sake of mankind....and my mom :D

thanks and axe 'em,

katherine

The City that Never Sleeps -NYC Pt.1

Wow.

Can New York really ever be described? I'm not sure. It is a multifaceted city maxed out with businessmen, tourists, school groups, and the typical new yorker. In case you were wondering, the average New Yorker must have at least these attributes to even be considered legit: an angry voice, nasty words to be used with the angry voice, an aggressive attitude, and overall okness with ramming into poor children.

Not to be bashing all the lovely folk that probably live there, but still. We ain't in Texas anymore Toto. In fact, if we even thought about bringing Toto he would probably be squished under someone's foot.

My first thoughts on the Big Apple? fast. FAST. FAST!

No one stops.

If you stop

you die.

Or get a death glare that might really kill you.

So while I'm dwadling along with our small group of 28 I'm sure we received more than enough mean stares, glares, and squinty eyes for our massive takeover of the sidewalk.

The first day was indeed the longest in our journey. We woke at 3(and that is a.m.) to shower before departing for DFW Airport. Our flight took off sometime a bit later and we began our journey. My row consisted of the delish Caleb White and bff Jessica Johnson.

After our layaway in Milkwaukee, we boarded another plane headed for New York. After airport shenanigans we road into the place I would call home for the next week. Let's just settle in and relax...not! Hurry! Grab lunch then meet back up! We still have to go to Times Square and the Empire State building!

Until my next NYC tale,

Kath

The End and The Beginning

Well, though I have gone through a drought in my blogging, I do believe a regular schedule will soon be in place. I have finished high school. Finished! Fin! No more!



It's very strange. Very. very, strange.



The last day is the day that all high school students count down to, and prepare for. But as soon as it's there, everyone wishes it wasn't. My english teacher wrapped up the year by reading us a little story called The Giving Tree. Have any of you ever read The Giving Tree? Aka not the best book to read on the last day of school. I was blinking so much just to try not let the dams burst.



Then one of my favorite teachers had the entire class talk about fun memories in the past to distract her from crying. Geez. Not cute.



Anywho, I am indeed full of a little more free time until I start working this summer, so I figured I could get into the habit of writing so that all you lovely readers can be updated when I dash off to college.



until next blog,



Kath

"it's about time!"

Yes, that title is quoting my lovely mother. She so lovingly harasses me to blog day after day. Well, here I am. Hello blogworld!! How's it going? That's good. Me? I'm doing alright. Senior year has been...interesting. So many things to do! I'm class secretary, and with that comes many responsibilities including the class shirt. Oh dear. When things like this come into play I'm all for representative democracy (as we're learning about in government). During our class officer meeting, a certain person decided she/he wanted gold shirts. Gold. GOLD. I mean, come on. Seriously. Do I even have to comment on that? After I bypassed the suggestion as quickly as possible we moved on to more complicated matters. Like, what crazy thing can we put on the back to make us stand out? Cus you know, we're seniors and we just have to think of the most complicated things. Set the standards. Show everyone up. Go where no upperclassman has gone before! (Detect an sarcasm in my voice?Good. Cus it's there.) The final decision? A top ten list. (Which I was totally against) of the accomplishments of our class members. Aka "oh look! the people who accomplished things are the people wanting the list!" Forget the other 49 people in our class! Let's go show them up! Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear. Why me? Why must I sit and watch this injustice? And why is the school treasurer planning the shirts? Please let me know a logical explanation for that.

Tune in next time to read my next installment: My new(old) honda! woot.

Can you say, "in over my head"?

Ah ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present my newfound hobby, basketball. People have said that teenagers are crazy, and right now I am representation of that fact. Junior year has been very enjoyable and I'm even enjoying the learning(katherine say whhaaaat?). One random day as I was complaining about my deteriorating muscles, my friend Sarah and I started talking about how it was be cool if we played basketball for fun. We would be the bench warmers, but it would be fun, right? Two weeks later I found myself enrolled in the GPA basketball program. Much to my father's delight, I asked him to teach me everything about basketball. Three weeks into it, and I am the only newbie. My friend can't practice because of failure in two classes (she has her grade back up but is considering quitting because she's so behind). It's been...hmm...what's the word? CRAZY!!!! Starting a sport on a varsity level is not something I recommend. The first day I could barely keep my head on straight. But as time progressed, I have gotten a little better (for never playing EVER). I also believe I am a shoe in for the "Most Improved" award. XD I'll keep all you devoted readers updated on my skillz as  time progresses. But for now, spanish homework is calling me(got to keep up those grades you know!).   

Breaking News at Seven

Quite recently there has been a ghastly occurrence at the Holmes household. Early this morning, a rather unfortunate squirrel found his death in the pool. Preserved by the water, at approximately 40 degrees, the squirrel remained in the same position all morning. Towards mid morning, my father was compelled to put the squirrel out of its misery and change the scenery a little bit. So, the squirrel was removed from the pool and placed on our concrete wall. Why it was not disposed of, I do not know. But the incredibly shocking part of the incident is what we discovered later this evening. A mob of, shall we say, very small people had surrounded the squirrel and inflicted on it several wounds. Whether the squirrel had been a common enemy, or an unkind neighbor we do not know. We are still looking for a motive. All small persons were carrying knives except for one, who held a very small pistol.The youngest girl was the culprit with the pistol. Very disturbing, seeing children so young carrying guns...


That's all the news we have tonight folks...until the next big story, I'm Katherine, reporting live from the Holmes house.

#74 - Shane Allen

On August 31, 2008 Shane Allen died in a car accident. He was an amazing guy, that everyone looked up to (literally and spiritually). We became friends in the seventh grade. He sat next to me in math. In one conversation he proceeded to annoy me, ask for my forgiveness, and ask me to prom. After I rejected his invite, we became friends. We constantly fought over whose art was better, but he always let me win in the end. He sat behind me in art this year. He had taught one of the art classes last year but when he saw that I was in his class said, " oh, I guess Katherine will have to teach this year." The last Friday I saw him we were arguing about pencils. Which one's were better, and I wouldn't let him see mine. I hadn't seen Shane very much after 8th grade because we had no classes together, but I was excited he was in my art class. Shane's death has brought an awareness to our school, especially our grade, that life is to be valued because it can end so quick. This summer Shane spent a month in Africa helping minister to orphans with AIDs. God took him away when he was closest to him. Everyone said they saw a difference in him. His constant joy and kindness. Our school has done a wonderful job of properly honoring Shane. His football number 74 will be on all the football players helmets. Shirts were made for all the juniors with his number on the back. The first football game of the season, they accepted the penalty for leaving Shane's position open in memory of him. Our junior class is also making sure to remember Shane in special ways. We are placing his number on our junior class shirts and will put his number on our homecoming wall. There is no way Shane will be forgotten, because he was a special friend to everyone. And the best part is, we all know he is up in heaven partying with Jesus, waiting for the rest of us.

complain, complain...

Well people, I have been hounded, and I mean, hounded to do a new blog post! Helloooo
it was summer people!!! Do you think I spend my time on the computer when I have a pool in my backyard?!?! ok yes a little...but still. Mission trips and youth camps!!!vacations and trips to san antonio!!! The occasional tc at starbucks!!!Should I have written about these things? maybe. Was I spending my time better not doing anything at all? no. Did I have a camera to document these things? NO!! it broke!!!!! D: Anyways to all you ladies who have nothing better to do than read a blog about my somewhat exciting but mostly boring life, well there's just something wrong with that. So maybe instead of sitting at your desk mumbling about me not doing a post since may, you should get off your blessed assurance and go by Katherine a camera thus inspiring her to blog and take pictures of the things she does!!!hooray!!problem solved!!!!


tootles!!
:D

oh, summer

today i felt inspired to go outside and take some good summertime pictures.
this one is definitly my favorite. it reflect summertime colors and the hint that water will be squirted or splashed at you at one time.








mom always puts out hummingbird feeders in hope of getting some into our yard, but the only ones partaking in the sugar water....are the ants.









I am very proud to announce that moms hydrangeas have bloomed into a beautiful pink.







ah king. already started to slober everywhere in the heat of summer.






who can do without the essentials of summer?




my darling bunny nibbling on her daily snack (:



and while she eats, bubbles watches.....kinda creepy i know.



age before beauty? of course!

rust before roses? maybe....

A Night to Remember

Yesterday afternoon my friend Sharon and I, embarked on a birthday trip for my friend Rachel. We went to stay in the Embassy Suites in Dallas, and spent the day shopping around. When we first walked into the hotel we went to wait over by the pond while Rachels mom got our room keys. I notice some white feathers in the pond. My first thought was, "Oh no! A goose down pillow exploded from one of the other levels!!!!"I know. I am so stupid. But then my stupid thought is scratched out when my friend Rachel yells, " Look! GEESE!!!!" What Rachel called out, turned out to be swans. Two huge white swans swimming in this little concrete pond thing. We spent quite a few minutes being stupid around the swans, and screaming when they tried to attack us.
Killer swans. On the prowl.

So after a day of shopping and playing with iphones at the apple store, we returned to the hotel to simply goof off. and we did just that.

Kats Tats

Well, for a few months, I have started drawing pictures of random swirls and bright colors. Apparently they are "amazing" because as soon as my friend Sharon had a few on her binder at school, I started getting requests. Soon I was swamped with orders where each person got a picture for a dollar. I even began drawing the art on hands,arms, etc. Which gave way to my friends "creative" name of my biz, Kats Tats. I first started with black and white then moved to color. Here are some examples of my handiworks.
This is a tree i did today in rebeccas room. While i was painting, i came up with the idea of doing stuff like this over the summer. I can paint/draw pretty much anything (except people) so if anyone needs furniture/walls/mirrors decorated, im the one to call!!!offer me a fair price, and ill be even happier :) I am known throughout school as "the girl who draws pictures" which is totally ok with me (:
and this is my mothers day present (: for my mommy who just LOVES diet coke with lime.
i did these in about 30-40 minutes so time isn't a problem! and just now my mom came up with the great idea for an art blog. so maybe later this week you shall see a new blog with all the artness of me :D

What do you want for your birthday?

This question has been haunting me for the past weeks because apparently, I am not outspoken enough. I would like to take this time to apologize for being happy with what i have and not being demanding enough. So inspired by all you wonderful people who posed the question, here are things that i like/want/wish for.

I like pictures. It sounds cheesy, but I love getting pictures from people even if they cant draw worth anything. :D Some of my favorite cartoons are from my friends who aren't exactly right brained (if you know what i mean).

I love old movies/musicals. Anything from Annie Get your Gun, to Singing in the Rain, to Grease.


















I love the mall.
It has so much variety and randomness.
I think one of those mall gift cards things could be nice. Plus it's a great place to spend time with friends goofing off and trying to find the red-headed guy and his tail. XD











I LOVE La Madeliene.
If you take me there for lunch you are definitely my favorite person at that moment. And you will be my favorite person ever if they happen to be serving mushroom soup that day. yummmmmm














I like time well spent.
Hanging out with friends, making inside jokes that are so stupid we can laugh over them forever, and just being myself.
















I like shoes.
All to the exception of heels.
flats, vans, converses(preferable).








I like sharpies. You give'em, and I will put them to use. I even have a business, Kat's Tats. (will blog on later) I Can never have too many sharpies!!!












I also really want gel pens.
and not the lame kind. Gelly Roll is the best brand out there in my opinion all of their stuff it fantastic!








All this talk about me has worn me out. phew.

hmph

well, people did not respond to the whole enterprise thing as i had hoped. so i have decided to try my luck at poetry! in english we are writing our own lyric poems. Mine is titled:
the artist

i have paper.
thousands of sheets
just waiting to be made into something special.
each medium calls out,
"Pick me! Pick me!"

i carefully consider each medium
and what it has to offer.
watercolors destroy definite lines
and blend the world through
a glass of liquid.

acrylics smile their bright colors.
brushes tingle with laughter.
colored pencils remain solemn
in their tin
content with the smell of wood.

i pause
as my hand reaches
into a bag of
Sunchips.
french onion is preferable.

i continue with the impossible.
i decide on two best friends:
the pencil and kneaded eraser.
they complement each other.

a basic sketch begins to form
as my hand runs
back and forth across the page.
scribbling, erasing, scribbling, erasing
... days go by.

the wood shavings have piled up.
each line
has been transformed into a carefully placed piece.
each curve
fufills the needs of the picture.

finalized touches have been put into place.
as i step back
to view my finished work
something is missing.

grabbing my finely sharpened pencil
i complete the masterpiece
with two small figures
that lets everyone know
the owner. the creator. the artist.

anyone for cookies?

Hey, you! That's right! You! You look like a nice person. Do you like cookies? Of course you do! Everyone likes cookies! Well have I got the deal for you! Does it seem that you are always at church, spending time investing in that same old children's choir? Well I have a solution that will change the way you do things! Instead of investing time, invest money! And for a limited time only Otis Spunkmeyer cookie boxes are available. With every $15 donation, you will receive a free that's right free box of lovely cookies.The varieties include chocolate chunk, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, M&M candies, and white chunk macadamia nut! These cookies can be frozen up to one year! Just pop them in the oven and whaa laaa! fresh Spunkmeyer cookies! All donations will be put toward the youth summer mission trip to Lytle, TX.
And don't think of it as wasted money, but a contribution to the kingdom of God.




ALLERGY information: Chippery Gourmet Cookie Dough is manufactured an a facility that also produces peanut and tree nut products on shared equipment. Incidental peanut and/or tree nut residues may be present.
M&M's milk chocolate candies is a registered trademark of Mars, Inc.. Mars, Inc. has no affiliation with the product or distributer of the productand has no participation in the production or distribution of this product.

Springtime is here again

Our hard working gardener (: who doesn't like their picture taken. (which is why she doesn't know I'm taking the picture >:D)

I was so proud of this picture. There's a black and orange bug in it. I couldnt get a good shoot because it kept moving. but eventually I shot it!!!