This is a little creepy but a pretty song nonetheless.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Help!
I have a confession to make. I’m addicted. To what you ask? Two things actually: CCCBs and eBay.
Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears are the delight of the universe and I can’t get enough of them. My dealer brings them to me almost weekly from his underground suppliers to feed my addiction. This is a major problem. I have figured out the source of this addiction: I relate to the delectable treat. Both of us are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy and in the shape of something cute and cuddly. Never mind the fact that you bite the poor bear’s head off. Now that’s I’ve figured out the problem, I just need to learn to stop!
As for eBay, well, that’s another problem altogether. A bigger one in fact. All of a sudden the Bidding button on my mouse keeps taking control and overpowers my ability to refrain from the incessant online war that results in injury to my credit card. I will not mention my recent purchases as they are gifts for others (at least I’m getting a start on my Christmas shopping) as well as a few spoils for myself (like I said, I can’t resist). Someone help me!
Are my problems significant enough that I should consider rehab?
Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears are the delight of the universe and I can’t get enough of them. My dealer brings them to me almost weekly from his underground suppliers to feed my addiction. This is a major problem. I have figured out the source of this addiction: I relate to the delectable treat. Both of us are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy and in the shape of something cute and cuddly. Never mind the fact that you bite the poor bear’s head off. Now that’s I’ve figured out the problem, I just need to learn to stop!
As for eBay, well, that’s another problem altogether. A bigger one in fact. All of a sudden the Bidding button on my mouse keeps taking control and overpowers my ability to refrain from the incessant online war that results in injury to my credit card. I will not mention my recent purchases as they are gifts for others (at least I’m getting a start on my Christmas shopping) as well as a few spoils for myself (like I said, I can’t resist). Someone help me!
Are my problems significant enough that I should consider rehab?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Roc the Mic Right
I've been reading a book for class called Roc the Mic Right that deals with the culture and language of Hip Hop. It's an interesting book though I wouldn't recommend it. However, it did contain this absolute gem! (quoting a Hip Hop artist discussing the Cipha, or verbal battle ground where they duke it out in rhyme and invent all kinds of new words. Here is a conversation by the artist using some of the unique Hip Hop terms)
What’s crackulatin, pimpin? I was choppin it up wit my playa-potna last night on my communicator—then we got to marinatin, you underdig—and I come to find out that the homie has so much fedi that he was tycoonin, I mean, pimpin on some real boss-status, you smell me?
Stay tuned for the translation... :)
Oh, and Happy Friday the 13th! 13 is my lucky number so maybe this will be my lucky day. My paper is mostly done so the day can only get better :)
What’s crackulatin, pimpin? I was choppin it up wit my playa-potna last night on my communicator—then we got to marinatin, you underdig—and I come to find out that the homie has so much fedi that he was tycoonin, I mean, pimpin on some real boss-status, you smell me?
Stay tuned for the translation... :)
Oh, and Happy Friday the 13th! 13 is my lucky number so maybe this will be my lucky day. My paper is mostly done so the day can only get better :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
NFL OWNER, PAUL ALLEN, of The Seattle Seahawks Speaks Out on Mormons
Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers and co-partner with Bill Gates in Microsoft, wrote this editorial in the Santa Clarita, California newspaper:
I have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young, I
dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.
I'm talking about the Mormons.
Paul Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks and the Portland Trail Blazers and co-partner with Bill Gates in Microsoft, wrote this editorial in the Santa Clarita, California newspaper:
I have heard and seen enough! I have lived in the West all my life. I have worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young, I
dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.
I'm talking about the Mormons.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Blessings Galore!!
What a gorgeous week we’ve had! Granted, I’ve spent most of it inside :) but I try to steal a few minutes out each day to store up sun before winter. The beauty of each day and my Relief Society lesson on Sunday about gratitude have put my many blessings at the forefront of my thoughts. I am just SOOO grateful for life! I have been so blessed and I thank the Lord every day for the wonderful and abundant blessings I have been given. I will spare you my list, but it is long. Thank you to each of my friends that have truly touched my life. Thank you family for your constant love. And thank you Heavenly Father for joy and life and, well, EVERYTHING! Thanks for sending warm days in November postponing the winter woes. :)
During testimony meeting on Sunday, many people got up and also expressed gratitude for the sun and warm days. Then, our Elders Quorum President got up and said that the Lord loves them in rainy Oregon, too. All I can say is, I’m grateful for sun and I’m especially grateful I don’t live in Oregon! :)
Here's my family out enjoying the beautiful leaves and weather. I have the greatest family!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
100 Days of Eks and Katie
Today I celebrate 100 days with my boyfriend. Yeah! That's a record for me. In the past I haven't been good at the long term relationship thing so this is a big step. No, I'm not making any announcements; we're just taking it one day at a time and enjoying the moments. He's a great guy and makes life an adventure. For instance...on our second date, he took me up American Fork Canyon late at night, stopped by the reservoir, pulled out an inflatable kayak, and we went kayaking under the stars at midnight. It was fantastic! Dating is fun! :)
I only write this post as part of my explanation for my disappearance on this blog. Not that anyone reads it but just in case :)
Other updates on my life include a new job and grad school. This summer I started the Technical Writing Master's program at Utah State University and began a new job at another network marketing company as a project manager for the Marketing Communications department.
So, between school, work, boyfriend, working at the temple and my calling in the RS pres, my life is nuts! Hence the lack of posts. I'm not promising more either. I should be doing homework at this very moment. Talk to you sometime!... ;)
I only write this post as part of my explanation for my disappearance on this blog. Not that anyone reads it but just in case :)
Other updates on my life include a new job and grad school. This summer I started the Technical Writing Master's program at Utah State University and began a new job at another network marketing company as a project manager for the Marketing Communications department.
So, between school, work, boyfriend, working at the temple and my calling in the RS pres, my life is nuts! Hence the lack of posts. I'm not promising more either. I should be doing homework at this very moment. Talk to you sometime!... ;)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Another Year and we haven't forgotten
I'm resurrecting this from last year:
Remember
It has been eight years and how quickly it passed. Everyone has a story and remembers where they were on that fateful Tuesday morning. I have my own personal memories that, eight years later, are still not written down. This is for me and my future family, so that we do not forget.
The fall of 2001 found me living a dream. I had visited Washington D.C. as a senior in high school and it had changed me. I fell in love with the city- it called to me- and I knew that one day I would live there. That “one day” came while I was a junior at the University of Utah when I was offered an internship with a media production company called Global Village Communications in Alexandria, VA. It was a season in my life that still affects me to this day. My eyes were opened to a new world and a new me, and I was happy.
My commute to work each morning involved taking the metro and then walking about a half a mile to the office. At one point in the trek, I went up a hill, turned a corner and was welcomed by the sight of the Capital and Washington Monument. The morning of September 11, I distinctly remember turning the corner to that incredible view and feeling an intense feeling that something was wrong. I paused and said a prayer that everything would be ok with my family. Then I entered the office and began my normal day.
We were interviewing a high school tennis player for a video and he had just arrived. Not too long after, a co-worker called, frantic, and started describing an airplane and towers and I didn’t know what else. I couldn’t make sense of what she was saying so she finally said “just turn on the t.v.” We did and immediately understood. We watched in awe with the rest of the world as the smoke swelled from the buildings. Soon they started announcing that the Pentagon had been hit. Sure enough, we opened the blinds on the second floor of our office to a screen of billowing thick, black smoke. Our office was about 2 miles from the Pentagon- close enough that a few hours later we heard and felt an after explosion (or something, we’re not sure what) shake our building and draw all the neighboring workers into the street in curiosity. We stood in the road together, staring into the black cloud, in shock and disbelief at what was occurring.
At word that the Pentagon was hit, our camera crew took off to get some footage, leaving me alone in the office with an anxious tennis player whose parents were both in the White House at the time. He had no way of reaching them or learning of their condition. At the time, rumor was spreading that another plane was headed toward the Capital so we were all on pins and needles. I emailed my dad for a bit and let him know I was fine. (Later that night I received many phone calls from frantic people back in Utah wanting to make sure I was alive. I didn’t realize how panicked they must have been. I knew that the damage was isolated and that I was a safe distance away but all they knew was that I was in a target city).
We spent the rest of the day trying to reach his parents and watching the t.v. along with the rest of the world. By that time, the towers had collapsed, but we continued to tune in for hopes of more information or to find out that this was all just a dream- or nightmare.
I didn’t realize the grandeur of it all until my roommate called. She had been alone in her office on Capital Hill and was surprised by a soldier knocking at her door. They evacuated the entire capital and she was forced onto the metro, then onto a bus around the Pentagon, then back onto the metro, arriving home hours later. She said that Salt Lake was calling to make sure we were all accounted for and she informed me that I was the only one of the 30+ interns still at work. That’s when it hit me how bad this really was.
I went home and spent some time with my boyfriend and on the phone with friends and family from back home as we tried to grasp it all and predict the future implications of the event.
The next day the world was changed. I remember stepping into the metro Wednesday morning to a thick feeling of sorrow. It was nearly tangible- and silent. For a long time the Pentagon metro stop was closed, but after a while it was reopened to individuals with I.D. only. You knew that everyone who got on or off at the stop had been there at the time of the attack.
That night, September 12, I went to a prayer/candlelight vigil at the Capital. All the Senators held a memorial inside while hundreds of us honored outside at the Reflecting Pool. We lit candles and sang patriotic songs. A few of the firemen who had battled the blaze at the Pentagon were there and they had, draped over their fire truck, a flag that had flown at the Pentagon at the time of the attack. It was a humbling experience to be there and participate in that. I was grateful to be close and to be able to take part with hundreds of other strangers as we connected in feelings of sorrow, hope, patriotism and gratitude.
I attended another such prayer vigil at the Lincoln Memorial the following Friday night.
That Friday brought with it a small miracle. It was a day designated by President Bush to commemorate the victims. At noon he asked that the nation pause in a moment of silence. The day had been a gloomy one and started out with rain. Our film crew had gone to the Pentagon to get footage but had forgotten some pieces of camera equipment. Two co-workers and I headed out to bring the materials to them. At the appointed 12 o’clock, we pulled over to the side of the road to observe the moment of silence. Our car was facing the direction of the Pentagon but we could not see the actual building from where we were. We looked up into the sky toward where the Pentagon was and saw the most incredible thing. The clouds and gray sky parted and the sun shone brightly through- just in that one spot. It was truly amazing. My co-worker called a radio station to let them know, through her tears, what we had just witnessed. It was such a remarkable moment of hope.
There were so many other instances of hope and goodness that came from the experience, despite all the horror. Growing up, I had often reflected on how the characters in the Book of Mormon were able to recognize the hand of the Lord in disasters and trials and they were consequently humbled and turned to the Lord. In all my life I had not seen that happened and wondered why disasters in our day did not have the same affect. This one did. For the first time I witnessed that very phenomenon as people turned to God and were suddenly not afraid to shamelessly declare their love for, and reliance on, Him.
I was grateful for the time that I had in D.C. We visited NYC 11 days later and witnessed for ourselves Ground Zero and the devastating effects the attacks had had there. We saw the buildings covered in ash and visited the church that housed so many people during the frightening first few days. But I also saw the resiliency of the cities and the people there. I attended a press conference in the Washington National Airport as they addressed new security measures. I witnessed the reopening of the airport weeks later and panicked a bit as it looked like the planes were again flying right into the ground as the airport is in the middle of the city. D.C. continued to experience difficulties- a tornado, Anthrax scare, and plenty of uncertainty- but it was an exciting place to be at the same time. It was life changing for me to participate in a great change in our nation and to be so close to all that was occurring.
Remember
It has been eight years and how quickly it passed. Everyone has a story and remembers where they were on that fateful Tuesday morning. I have my own personal memories that, eight years later, are still not written down. This is for me and my future family, so that we do not forget.
The fall of 2001 found me living a dream. I had visited Washington D.C. as a senior in high school and it had changed me. I fell in love with the city- it called to me- and I knew that one day I would live there. That “one day” came while I was a junior at the University of Utah when I was offered an internship with a media production company called Global Village Communications in Alexandria, VA. It was a season in my life that still affects me to this day. My eyes were opened to a new world and a new me, and I was happy.
My commute to work each morning involved taking the metro and then walking about a half a mile to the office. At one point in the trek, I went up a hill, turned a corner and was welcomed by the sight of the Capital and Washington Monument. The morning of September 11, I distinctly remember turning the corner to that incredible view and feeling an intense feeling that something was wrong. I paused and said a prayer that everything would be ok with my family. Then I entered the office and began my normal day.
We were interviewing a high school tennis player for a video and he had just arrived. Not too long after, a co-worker called, frantic, and started describing an airplane and towers and I didn’t know what else. I couldn’t make sense of what she was saying so she finally said “just turn on the t.v.” We did and immediately understood. We watched in awe with the rest of the world as the smoke swelled from the buildings. Soon they started announcing that the Pentagon had been hit. Sure enough, we opened the blinds on the second floor of our office to a screen of billowing thick, black smoke. Our office was about 2 miles from the Pentagon- close enough that a few hours later we heard and felt an after explosion (or something, we’re not sure what) shake our building and draw all the neighboring workers into the street in curiosity. We stood in the road together, staring into the black cloud, in shock and disbelief at what was occurring.
At word that the Pentagon was hit, our camera crew took off to get some footage, leaving me alone in the office with an anxious tennis player whose parents were both in the White House at the time. He had no way of reaching them or learning of their condition. At the time, rumor was spreading that another plane was headed toward the Capital so we were all on pins and needles. I emailed my dad for a bit and let him know I was fine. (Later that night I received many phone calls from frantic people back in Utah wanting to make sure I was alive. I didn’t realize how panicked they must have been. I knew that the damage was isolated and that I was a safe distance away but all they knew was that I was in a target city).
We spent the rest of the day trying to reach his parents and watching the t.v. along with the rest of the world. By that time, the towers had collapsed, but we continued to tune in for hopes of more information or to find out that this was all just a dream- or nightmare.
I didn’t realize the grandeur of it all until my roommate called. She had been alone in her office on Capital Hill and was surprised by a soldier knocking at her door. They evacuated the entire capital and she was forced onto the metro, then onto a bus around the Pentagon, then back onto the metro, arriving home hours later. She said that Salt Lake was calling to make sure we were all accounted for and she informed me that I was the only one of the 30+ interns still at work. That’s when it hit me how bad this really was.
I went home and spent some time with my boyfriend and on the phone with friends and family from back home as we tried to grasp it all and predict the future implications of the event.
The next day the world was changed. I remember stepping into the metro Wednesday morning to a thick feeling of sorrow. It was nearly tangible- and silent. For a long time the Pentagon metro stop was closed, but after a while it was reopened to individuals with I.D. only. You knew that everyone who got on or off at the stop had been there at the time of the attack.
That night, September 12, I went to a prayer/candlelight vigil at the Capital. All the Senators held a memorial inside while hundreds of us honored outside at the Reflecting Pool. We lit candles and sang patriotic songs. A few of the firemen who had battled the blaze at the Pentagon were there and they had, draped over their fire truck, a flag that had flown at the Pentagon at the time of the attack. It was a humbling experience to be there and participate in that. I was grateful to be close and to be able to take part with hundreds of other strangers as we connected in feelings of sorrow, hope, patriotism and gratitude.
I attended another such prayer vigil at the Lincoln Memorial the following Friday night.
That Friday brought with it a small miracle. It was a day designated by President Bush to commemorate the victims. At noon he asked that the nation pause in a moment of silence. The day had been a gloomy one and started out with rain. Our film crew had gone to the Pentagon to get footage but had forgotten some pieces of camera equipment. Two co-workers and I headed out to bring the materials to them. At the appointed 12 o’clock, we pulled over to the side of the road to observe the moment of silence. Our car was facing the direction of the Pentagon but we could not see the actual building from where we were. We looked up into the sky toward where the Pentagon was and saw the most incredible thing. The clouds and gray sky parted and the sun shone brightly through- just in that one spot. It was truly amazing. My co-worker called a radio station to let them know, through her tears, what we had just witnessed. It was such a remarkable moment of hope.
There were so many other instances of hope and goodness that came from the experience, despite all the horror. Growing up, I had often reflected on how the characters in the Book of Mormon were able to recognize the hand of the Lord in disasters and trials and they were consequently humbled and turned to the Lord. In all my life I had not seen that happened and wondered why disasters in our day did not have the same affect. This one did. For the first time I witnessed that very phenomenon as people turned to God and were suddenly not afraid to shamelessly declare their love for, and reliance on, Him.
I was grateful for the time that I had in D.C. We visited NYC 11 days later and witnessed for ourselves Ground Zero and the devastating effects the attacks had had there. We saw the buildings covered in ash and visited the church that housed so many people during the frightening first few days. But I also saw the resiliency of the cities and the people there. I attended a press conference in the Washington National Airport as they addressed new security measures. I witnessed the reopening of the airport weeks later and panicked a bit as it looked like the planes were again flying right into the ground as the airport is in the middle of the city. D.C. continued to experience difficulties- a tornado, Anthrax scare, and plenty of uncertainty- but it was an exciting place to be at the same time. It was life changing for me to participate in a great change in our nation and to be so close to all that was occurring.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Woes of Dating...but life is good :)
Two things have been on my mind lately. In reality, they are quite contradictory but regardless, it is my life at the moment.
The first is the Woes of Dating. I recognize that I live a pretty good life and I am so grateful (see next section) but there are times when I would like to just MOVE ON! Single life is great but, naturally, I am drawn to want to find that special someone to love me forever. Who doesn’t want that, really? :) And so, I continue to subject myself to endless dates (most of which are fun) and social activities (nothing wrong with playing hard while I’m looking) in hopes of finding ‘the one’ and have gotten stuck on an emotional roller coaster to which the conductor keeps pressing ‘GO’ and won’t let me off. If this continues I might get sick :)
So I put out the call (via Facebook, mind you. Probably not the smartest move as it resulted in more dating woes, but it was entertaining none the less):
Katie Barton has a job opening for Boyfriend. Applications available.
The position is part-time with the option to become full-time and permanent depending on the execution of the new hire in performing the job requirements. Qualifications include, but are not limited to: independent guy with good sense of humor, loyal, caring, generous, intelligent, and ambitious. Must be adventurous and show genuine interest in spending time with me. Hot pursuit and benefaction will most likely be necessary to win me over. Musicians, dancers, travelers and fans of the outdoors encouraged to apply! Extra points given for University of Utah football fans. MAY, just may, consider a fan of the other school if the candidate is exceptional in all other qualifications. Good conversationalist also a must. Nice eyes are an additional bonus. Excellent benefits package once the probationary period has been met.
I will be utilizing a more stringent application and interview process in an effort to avoid dismissive and unqualified applicants. Will consider a referral bonus for help in locating the ideal candidate.
The position is still open so if you, or anyone you know who fits the qualifications and job description, are on the job hunt, head my way. :)
(Hey...everyone needs a good laugh every now and then, right!) :)
The only thing on my mind is gratitude. While I would love to move past this point in my life, I know that I have been so extremely blessed beyond words and that my life is pretty darn good! I have learned some great lessons in the past few days from General Conference, the temple, and experiences. Here are a few:
Fears can be overcome and most often have no merit.
Greater appreciation for the Savior and His life of service
That I need humbling
I can not be so quick to assume or to judge
The Lord is in charge and I need to let Him be
You never know what people are dealing with or have been through
Family is so important
Everything testifies of the Savior, even our very lives
We are given everything we need to get through anything that will be thrown at us
Loving shouldn’t happen because of pity or charity. We need to learn to give our whole hearts in love for others because we genuinely care
Not everyone lives or thinks like I do (shocking, I know) :)
This is a sampling... there are more too personal to mention. I can not begin to express how grateful I am right now for all my blessings and mostly to the Savior for all that He is and does. I’ve loved this Easter week to spend extra time thinking about His final moments on this earth. He was teaching, loving and healing until the very end and there is so much to learn from pondering this sacred week. I am grateful that He has taken the time to teach me and share life changing insights, especially in the temple.
This month marks a year since I began as a temple worker at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. I love it! These past few weeks, especially, my shifts have been incredibly spiritual for me and the Lord is truly instructing me. I am grateful for the chance to serve and connect to the patrons who visit the temple and I am grateful for their service. This is a great work!
This is what the temple looks like as I leave my shift.
The first is the Woes of Dating. I recognize that I live a pretty good life and I am so grateful (see next section) but there are times when I would like to just MOVE ON! Single life is great but, naturally, I am drawn to want to find that special someone to love me forever. Who doesn’t want that, really? :) And so, I continue to subject myself to endless dates (most of which are fun) and social activities (nothing wrong with playing hard while I’m looking) in hopes of finding ‘the one’ and have gotten stuck on an emotional roller coaster to which the conductor keeps pressing ‘GO’ and won’t let me off. If this continues I might get sick :)
So I put out the call (via Facebook, mind you. Probably not the smartest move as it resulted in more dating woes, but it was entertaining none the less):
Katie Barton has a job opening for Boyfriend. Applications available.
The position is part-time with the option to become full-time and permanent depending on the execution of the new hire in performing the job requirements. Qualifications include, but are not limited to: independent guy with good sense of humor, loyal, caring, generous, intelligent, and ambitious. Must be adventurous and show genuine interest in spending time with me. Hot pursuit and benefaction will most likely be necessary to win me over. Musicians, dancers, travelers and fans of the outdoors encouraged to apply! Extra points given for University of Utah football fans. MAY, just may, consider a fan of the other school if the candidate is exceptional in all other qualifications. Good conversationalist also a must. Nice eyes are an additional bonus. Excellent benefits package once the probationary period has been met.
I will be utilizing a more stringent application and interview process in an effort to avoid dismissive and unqualified applicants. Will consider a referral bonus for help in locating the ideal candidate.
The position is still open so if you, or anyone you know who fits the qualifications and job description, are on the job hunt, head my way. :)
(Hey...everyone needs a good laugh every now and then, right!) :)
The only thing on my mind is gratitude. While I would love to move past this point in my life, I know that I have been so extremely blessed beyond words and that my life is pretty darn good! I have learned some great lessons in the past few days from General Conference, the temple, and experiences. Here are a few:
Fears can be overcome and most often have no merit.
Greater appreciation for the Savior and His life of service
That I need humbling
I can not be so quick to assume or to judge
The Lord is in charge and I need to let Him be
You never know what people are dealing with or have been through
Family is so important
Everything testifies of the Savior, even our very lives
We are given everything we need to get through anything that will be thrown at us
Loving shouldn’t happen because of pity or charity. We need to learn to give our whole hearts in love for others because we genuinely care
Not everyone lives or thinks like I do (shocking, I know) :)
This is a sampling... there are more too personal to mention. I can not begin to express how grateful I am right now for all my blessings and mostly to the Savior for all that He is and does. I’ve loved this Easter week to spend extra time thinking about His final moments on this earth. He was teaching, loving and healing until the very end and there is so much to learn from pondering this sacred week. I am grateful that He has taken the time to teach me and share life changing insights, especially in the temple.
This month marks a year since I began as a temple worker at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. I love it! These past few weeks, especially, my shifts have been incredibly spiritual for me and the Lord is truly instructing me. I am grateful for the chance to serve and connect to the patrons who visit the temple and I am grateful for their service. This is a great work!
This is what the temple looks like as I leave my shift.
Friday, February 27, 2009
New Adventures
What a week I’ve had. At the beginning of this month I found a graduate program that finally excited me, so... in a whirlwind rush, I took the GRE and applied. Hopefully I’ll get in. Cross your fingers! Most of my time in the last few weeks has been studying for this ridiculous exam and finishing up my app. At the same time, I found out my car was going to cost as much to fix it to pass registration as it was worth so I set out on a job hunt. Lots of life changes all at once but exciting ones, including a few other possibles I won’t mention until they are definite. So...life got crazy but I’m happy. And yesterday I bought a new car! I LOVE IT! It’s a black Pontiac G6 hard-top convertible. I can’t wait for the sun to come out so I can put the top down (of course I woke up to snow this morning. Curses!)
Another fun adventure...I went to a cabin over Valentine’s Day with 100 other singles. It was a blast! We hung out, ate food, played games, went snowmobiling, snowshoeing, had whitewash wars, played lots of foosball, and danced the night away! Being the dance and foosball fanatic that I am, this was a great way to spend the weekend. Not to brag or anything :) but another girl and I beat two guys (self-proclaimed foosball greats) three games in a row. Champions!
What can I say...life is good! :D
Doesn't get much better than this :)
Isn't it a Beaut! It's fantastic :)
Another fun adventure...I went to a cabin over Valentine’s Day with 100 other singles. It was a blast! We hung out, ate food, played games, went snowmobiling, snowshoeing, had whitewash wars, played lots of foosball, and danced the night away! Being the dance and foosball fanatic that I am, this was a great way to spend the weekend. Not to brag or anything :) but another girl and I beat two guys (self-proclaimed foosball greats) three games in a row. Champions!
What can I say...life is good! :D
Doesn't get much better than this :)
Isn't it a Beaut! It's fantastic :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feet
Did you know...Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than they are during the rest of they day.
In my case, however, the size is never constant. To demonstrate, I was shoe shopping the other day and found a pair of shoes I loved at half price. What could be better then that, I ask you? Unfortunately, they only had the shoe in size 10 and size 8 1/2 whereas I generally wear a 9 or 9 1/2. I decided to try them on with the hope that they would magically work. What happened is nothing short of a phenomenon. My left foot has always been slightly bigger than my right but it is not often a huge issue. This particular instance, however, the size 10 shoe fit my left foot just fine (ok, it was a bit big) and the 8 1/2 fit my right foot! It was bizarre. Of course the salesman was not cool with me buying one of each but they did offer me a discount to buy both pairs. In the end, the discount would have given two pairs of shoes for $4 less then the original price of the shoe. Not too bad for two pairs. Too bad it only equated to one pair for me so I had to pass. Tragic indeed! :)
Another fun, useless fact: A Valentine's Day party in Victorian times would find young ladies writing their name on slips of paper. The young men would draw a slip and pin it to their sleeve, which is there the expression "Wearing your heart on your sleeve" comes from.
In my case, however, the size is never constant. To demonstrate, I was shoe shopping the other day and found a pair of shoes I loved at half price. What could be better then that, I ask you? Unfortunately, they only had the shoe in size 10 and size 8 1/2 whereas I generally wear a 9 or 9 1/2. I decided to try them on with the hope that they would magically work. What happened is nothing short of a phenomenon. My left foot has always been slightly bigger than my right but it is not often a huge issue. This particular instance, however, the size 10 shoe fit my left foot just fine (ok, it was a bit big) and the 8 1/2 fit my right foot! It was bizarre. Of course the salesman was not cool with me buying one of each but they did offer me a discount to buy both pairs. In the end, the discount would have given two pairs of shoes for $4 less then the original price of the shoe. Not too bad for two pairs. Too bad it only equated to one pair for me so I had to pass. Tragic indeed! :)
Another fun, useless fact: A Valentine's Day party in Victorian times would find young ladies writing their name on slips of paper. The young men would draw a slip and pin it to their sleeve, which is there the expression "Wearing your heart on your sleeve" comes from.
Monday, February 2, 2009
25 Things About Me
This is going around Facebook but I thought I'd add it here. 25 Random things about me:
1. I have been bit by a dolphin.
2. I jumped off a ski lift while on a date. One of my MANY blonde and embarrassing moments.
3. I have never been stung by a bee.
4. I have been to the last remaining wonder of the original seven (the Pyramids) and have visited three of the seven new world wonders (Chichén Itzá, Colosseum, Petra).
5. I absolutely LOVE the moment when you climb into a newly made bed at the end of a long day and can finally snuggle up under the comforter and relax. On the topic of beds...mine is so tall that I have to jump into bed each night.
6. I have not very flexible- I can’t touch my toes which made dancing (something I LOVE) difficult. That's one reason I social (country, latin) dance now -requires no flexibility.
7. I always loved travel and geography so when I was younger I wanted to be an archeologist.
8. I’m a sun goddess. I live for sun on my face and do my best writing while sitting outside under the rays. I love a good sunset and will often call or texts friends and family members when there is a particularly good one to make sure they don't miss out.
9. During college I never worked, went to school or lived in one place for more than a year. I’ve always been very restless. I have been to ten different schools from elementary to college (party because we moved once and they kept building new schools every where I went).
10. I keep trying to move out of Utah but can’t seem to leave.
11. I’ve only dyed my hair once and it turned bright orange.
12. Ever since I had my wisdom teeth pulled, you can touch a certain spot on my chin and can feel it shoot through a nerve up to my upper cheek by my eye.
13. I have hitchhiked.
14. I have a weird thing about death. Often, mostly while driving, I will think about what would happen if I were to die at that moment. Then I think about how many people would come to my funeral or how messy my room is for people to have to go through all my stuff. Kind of morbid, I know.
15.I attended a prayer vigil in D.C. for 9/11 and a press conference at the Reagan National Airport shortly thereafter to discussed increased security measures they would have to put in place before its reopening.
16. I passed out at the SLC Olympics and was diagnosed with walking pneumonia.
17. My favorite ice cream is vanilla with brownie and caramel. Occasionally I throw in raspberries.
18. I start reading books but I rarely finish them. I was a book worm when I was younger. My favorites were the Babysitters Club and Mary Higgins Clark.
19. I have cared deeply but never been in love.
20. I am not a fabulous writer and don’t really love to do it, but it is my career and I am about to go back to school to get a Master's in writing.
21. Even though I don't love to write, writing a novel is on my bucket list. I woke up from a nap one day while I was home sick in 2004 and all of a sudden decided I wanted to write a book. It has stuck with me ever since.
22. I love the ocean. It replenishes my soul. I go through withdrawals if I don’t get to the ocean every few months. I really want to learn to surf.
23. I threw up while eating squash while I was little and am only now beginning to be able to tolerate it. I can’t eat pickles, and even hate the smell, because the acid stung my cut finger when I was little.
24. I don't drink soda unless there is absolutely nothing else to drink. I hate carbonation.
25. Other things on my bucket list include riding in a hot air balloon, doing a dive-aboard in the Great Barrier Reef, taking a photograph that is worthy of blowing up and framing in my house, painting a picture I can also hang in my house (even if its only good enough for a bathroom), attending an ethnic wedding.
1. I have been bit by a dolphin.
2. I jumped off a ski lift while on a date. One of my MANY blonde and embarrassing moments.
3. I have never been stung by a bee.
4. I have been to the last remaining wonder of the original seven (the Pyramids) and have visited three of the seven new world wonders (Chichén Itzá, Colosseum, Petra).
5. I absolutely LOVE the moment when you climb into a newly made bed at the end of a long day and can finally snuggle up under the comforter and relax. On the topic of beds...mine is so tall that I have to jump into bed each night.
6. I have not very flexible- I can’t touch my toes which made dancing (something I LOVE) difficult. That's one reason I social (country, latin) dance now -requires no flexibility.
7. I always loved travel and geography so when I was younger I wanted to be an archeologist.
8. I’m a sun goddess. I live for sun on my face and do my best writing while sitting outside under the rays. I love a good sunset and will often call or texts friends and family members when there is a particularly good one to make sure they don't miss out.
9. During college I never worked, went to school or lived in one place for more than a year. I’ve always been very restless. I have been to ten different schools from elementary to college (party because we moved once and they kept building new schools every where I went).
10. I keep trying to move out of Utah but can’t seem to leave.
11. I’ve only dyed my hair once and it turned bright orange.
12. Ever since I had my wisdom teeth pulled, you can touch a certain spot on my chin and can feel it shoot through a nerve up to my upper cheek by my eye.
13. I have hitchhiked.
14. I have a weird thing about death. Often, mostly while driving, I will think about what would happen if I were to die at that moment. Then I think about how many people would come to my funeral or how messy my room is for people to have to go through all my stuff. Kind of morbid, I know.
15.I attended a prayer vigil in D.C. for 9/11 and a press conference at the Reagan National Airport shortly thereafter to discussed increased security measures they would have to put in place before its reopening.
16. I passed out at the SLC Olympics and was diagnosed with walking pneumonia.
17. My favorite ice cream is vanilla with brownie and caramel. Occasionally I throw in raspberries.
18. I start reading books but I rarely finish them. I was a book worm when I was younger. My favorites were the Babysitters Club and Mary Higgins Clark.
19. I have cared deeply but never been in love.
20. I am not a fabulous writer and don’t really love to do it, but it is my career and I am about to go back to school to get a Master's in writing.
21. Even though I don't love to write, writing a novel is on my bucket list. I woke up from a nap one day while I was home sick in 2004 and all of a sudden decided I wanted to write a book. It has stuck with me ever since.
22. I love the ocean. It replenishes my soul. I go through withdrawals if I don’t get to the ocean every few months. I really want to learn to surf.
23. I threw up while eating squash while I was little and am only now beginning to be able to tolerate it. I can’t eat pickles, and even hate the smell, because the acid stung my cut finger when I was little.
24. I don't drink soda unless there is absolutely nothing else to drink. I hate carbonation.
25. Other things on my bucket list include riding in a hot air balloon, doing a dive-aboard in the Great Barrier Reef, taking a photograph that is worthy of blowing up and framing in my house, painting a picture I can also hang in my house (even if its only good enough for a bathroom), attending an ethnic wedding.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The quite force of progress.
This morning I joined millions of others around the world in welcoming in a new president. Although I am not an Obama supporter, I recognized the historic nature of this event and considered myself blessed to be a witness. I am currently reading The Secret Life of Bees which touches on a time in our past where segregation was an encumbrance to our nation. Add to it all the timeliness of Martin Luther King Day and one can’t help but ponder the magnitude of the event. I guess I always assumed I would be alive to see the first African-American President of the United States but it was not something I thought about often. It struck me when Obama mentioned that 60years ago his father would not have been able to enter some restaurants. I had forgotten how recent that time was. As President Obama stated, “This day we mark who we are and how far we’ve come.”
Other gems from the speech:
“We are keepers of this legacy.”
(We are recipients of a legacy established by years of fighting, toil, hurt and perseverance on all sides that have brought us to a place where our nation for the most part is strong and welcoming and a place where dreams are made. We are keepers of personal legacies as well, building on a familial past and entrusted with the duty to leave a legacy of good for the future.)
“Our patchwork heritage is our strength.”
“When we were tested we refused to let this journey end.”
(That has daily life implications and is a reminder to me to be strong, in all things.)
I appreciated President Bush and know that he did the best he could. He is a man of conviction with a good, honest heart. I was grateful for the opportunity I had on November 4th to exercise my right as a citizen and cast my ballot for that which I believed to be the best. Millions of others had that same magnificant right and now we will live with our choice and face the consequences, good or bad. I hope that the result will lean on the side of good and exceed my expectations. I am anxious to see what lies ahead for us all.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Time to Say Goodbye
Eight years ago something very special happened to my family. We were able to experience a celestial member of the Barton clan. Ember Ilene Barton arrived to us stillborn on January 15, 2001. My mom was nearly full term so this was a shock to all of us. We didn’t really know how to react at first but were all deeply saddened. She wasn’t yet someone we could miss but she was someone whose absence we would always feel and someone who we would never had the joy of getting to know. It was months of anticipation lost in a moment. It was all that but so much more...and so much of it good.
The night my mom delivered her, we each had a chance to hold our dear Ember and share a special moment with her. The spirit was so strong in that hospital room. That was a feeling we were blessed to experience for a while to lift us through the difficult time. It was a bonding moment for our family and we know that she is very much a part of us.
Members of the church in our area kindly reached out and supported us at this time of tragedy. They donated money for the casket and were so generous in their giving that there was enough left over for a framed picture of Christ with a little girl.
They brought meals, and a hand of love to my mother. One neighbor, an interior decorator, designed a memorial table in Ember’s honor that displayed pictures, clothing, flowers and a locket. The spirit was always strong in our house at this time but most especially in the room with the table. People would comment on it the moment they walked in the house.
We held a small funeral in our home and then buried her in Alpine. We visit the gravesite often and remember the missing part of our family and the experiences we had with her. She taught us so very much and bonded us as a family.
I never understood before how much it would hurt to lose someone your never knew or to lose a baby. Even though I am not yet a mother, I can sympathize even a little bit now with parents who lose children, having felt the hurt and especially having watched my parents go through this.
My experience with Ember made the gospel so much more real to me. No longer was I just trying to be good to make it to the celestial kingdom. I now had a sister who was there and I had even greater reason to succeed to be with her. The experience made me examine my belief and testimony and, in all honesty, it shook me up quite a bit. I struggled for a long time to wrap my head around the questions this presented. There was a lot of doctrine about babies who die before the age of eight but very little is said about one who never took a breath. Yet I know she is a part of us and is real. I began to question the Plan of Salvation and our very existence and purpose in life. But after I wrestled through my own doubts and discovered answers, the Plan of Salvation became so very real to me- no longer just something drawn across the blackboard with circles and lines- and my testimony as a whole was strengthened.
I don’t have all the answers but I know there is a purpose for all things. I love Ember and am so grateful for her. Through we never knew her, she has had an incredible impact on our lives. Today would have been her eighth birthday. It is the day she does not need. In the church, eight means baptism but because of the Atonement of our Savior, she does not need this ordinance. She is already perfect through Him and I know that, though I am not yet at her stage and, unlike her, need to go through the experience of life, I, too, can be perfected through Him.
Happy Birthday, Ember!
The night my mom delivered her, we each had a chance to hold our dear Ember and share a special moment with her. The spirit was so strong in that hospital room. That was a feeling we were blessed to experience for a while to lift us through the difficult time. It was a bonding moment for our family and we know that she is very much a part of us.
Members of the church in our area kindly reached out and supported us at this time of tragedy. They donated money for the casket and were so generous in their giving that there was enough left over for a framed picture of Christ with a little girl.
They brought meals, and a hand of love to my mother. One neighbor, an interior decorator, designed a memorial table in Ember’s honor that displayed pictures, clothing, flowers and a locket. The spirit was always strong in our house at this time but most especially in the room with the table. People would comment on it the moment they walked in the house.
We held a small funeral in our home and then buried her in Alpine. We visit the gravesite often and remember the missing part of our family and the experiences we had with her. She taught us so very much and bonded us as a family.
I never understood before how much it would hurt to lose someone your never knew or to lose a baby. Even though I am not yet a mother, I can sympathize even a little bit now with parents who lose children, having felt the hurt and especially having watched my parents go through this.
My experience with Ember made the gospel so much more real to me. No longer was I just trying to be good to make it to the celestial kingdom. I now had a sister who was there and I had even greater reason to succeed to be with her. The experience made me examine my belief and testimony and, in all honesty, it shook me up quite a bit. I struggled for a long time to wrap my head around the questions this presented. There was a lot of doctrine about babies who die before the age of eight but very little is said about one who never took a breath. Yet I know she is a part of us and is real. I began to question the Plan of Salvation and our very existence and purpose in life. But after I wrestled through my own doubts and discovered answers, the Plan of Salvation became so very real to me- no longer just something drawn across the blackboard with circles and lines- and my testimony as a whole was strengthened.
I don’t have all the answers but I know there is a purpose for all things. I love Ember and am so grateful for her. Through we never knew her, she has had an incredible impact on our lives. Today would have been her eighth birthday. It is the day she does not need. In the church, eight means baptism but because of the Atonement of our Savior, she does not need this ordinance. She is already perfect through Him and I know that, though I am not yet at her stage and, unlike her, need to go through the experience of life, I, too, can be perfected through Him.
Happy Birthday, Ember!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Happy New Year!
January is synonymous for resolutions and years in review. My personal resolutions are just that- personal. But here are a few highlights or firsts from 2008 in the year of Katie Barton:
Trained for and completed the Wasatch Back and continued running races
Jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft
Learned to play Ultimate Frisbee and this weekend played ultimate in the snow
Discovered NPR
Hiked to Havasupi- first real backpacking trip
Went sailing for the first time- tipped the sail boat
Went on a cruise to the Caribbean and danced the week away
Learned to “jump” on a wake board
Spent a week in Lake Powell with dear friends
Went to San Diego- Padres game, USS Midway
Spend a few lovely fall days in Seattle
Saw Wicked
Went rock climbing for the first time
Watched the Utes beat BYU in an undefeated season
Additionally, watched Utah beat Alabama and take the Sugar Bowl! Go UTES!!!
Witnessed a demolition derby for the first time
Won a costume contest as King Kong’s captive
Shot an assault rifle and hand gun
Soaked in some natural hot springs
Went four-wheeling lots and discovered snow four-wheeling
Started working at the Mt Timpanogas Temple
Skied a black diamond run and jumped off a ski lift
Snowshoeing for the first time
Went to Moab and Dead Horse Point
Made so many new friends and met some wonderful people
This list is far from comprehensive. It simply includes the things I could think of while taking a break at work. I'll add pictures later. Happy New Year!
Trained for and completed the Wasatch Back and continued running races
Jumped out of a plane at 13,000 ft
Learned to play Ultimate Frisbee and this weekend played ultimate in the snow
Discovered NPR
Hiked to Havasupi- first real backpacking trip
Went sailing for the first time- tipped the sail boat
Went on a cruise to the Caribbean and danced the week away
Learned to “jump” on a wake board
Spent a week in Lake Powell with dear friends
Went to San Diego- Padres game, USS Midway
Spend a few lovely fall days in Seattle
Saw Wicked
Went rock climbing for the first time
Watched the Utes beat BYU in an undefeated season
Additionally, watched Utah beat Alabama and take the Sugar Bowl! Go UTES!!!
Witnessed a demolition derby for the first time
Won a costume contest as King Kong’s captive
Shot an assault rifle and hand gun
Soaked in some natural hot springs
Went four-wheeling lots and discovered snow four-wheeling
Started working at the Mt Timpanogas Temple
Skied a black diamond run and jumped off a ski lift
Snowshoeing for the first time
Went to Moab and Dead Horse Point
Made so many new friends and met some wonderful people
This list is far from comprehensive. It simply includes the things I could think of while taking a break at work. I'll add pictures later. Happy New Year!
Gingerbread Houses Part II
We did a siblings date at our place last Monday night and made gingerbread houses. Mine and Brian's was the (self-proclaimed) winner. :) We had a great time and ended the night with Rock Band and Pounce and another game that will remain unmentioned. ( I demand a rematch! I CAN NOT be beat at foosball! :D)
Prep time
The Master Piece
Check out the stained glass window
The girls
Cute Barton siblings
Ta-Da!
Prep time
The Master Piece
Check out the stained glass window
The girls
Cute Barton siblings
Ta-Da!
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