Being a College Graduate

Graduated!

Family picture

Eating at Olive Garden after the Graduation

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I am now an alumni of Bethel University. Crazy. However, it has been so hectic since the graduation that it hasn't really sunk in yet. I think it will sink in when my roommates go back for one more semester, and I don't. I wrote a letter to myself when I was 18 and packing up for my first semester of college. I wrote on the envelope "Don't open until you've graduated from a 4-year college". I read it last night and I can tell I have learned and grown a lot since then. I asked myself in the letter if I stayed true to myself and if I remembered where I came from--and I can honestly say that yes I have. My perspectives on life are very different now...but I will always remember where I came from. I'm glad I never got caught up in the materialism that can happen at a higher-priced university. I'm glad I went to Bethel because it has helped me think globally. My major has opened my eyes to the world and its needs. Although I now have a degree saying I know something about sociocultural issues...I still feel like I have alot more to learn by actually DOING, and putting my knowledge into practice. But that will come with time. As of now, I have one life goal complete.
Next life goal: Get a job =).

Making A Happier Life

For a going away and graduation present from my boss at my work study job on campus, I got the book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and It's All Small Stuff". It's just a little book with a huge potential to change your life in some way or another. I love that it has short, simple suggestions on how to be less stressed and happier in your own well-being and in relationships with others.
Here are some examples I've read so far:
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Do something nice for someone else, and don't tell anyone about it.
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Don't interrupt others or finish their sentences.
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Let others have the glory.
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Allow yourself to be bored.
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Once a week, write a heartfelt letter.
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Smile at strangers, look into their eyes and say hello.
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Although these are simple concepts...think of how much difference they can make in your life and the life of those you come into contact with every day!
I challenge you to join me in practicing some of these little tips for "making a happier life!"!

I Prefer the Sugar Rush to the Caffeine

Thursdays are "Commuter Days" at Bethel. This means, everyone who commutes to school gets a chance to enter a drawing for free gas money, eat some donuts, meet other commuters, and the best part---free coffee. My favorite part of Commuter Thursdays is the chance to make my coffee just the way I like it---with a little bit of everything. Couple pumps of hazelnut creamer, a splash of half and half, a small pour of french vanilla creamer, and my favorite--peppermint flavoring. Add a little sugar and its JUST right. Oh...I suppose I should add some coffee too. But just a tish. Honestly, the best part of coffee for me, is everything BUT the coffee. Fattening or not, I only drink my version of "coffee" once a week or less, so I don't really care. Call me a little kid, but this is the way I like it. The only thing missing today was some whipped cream and little Andes mints to sprinkle on top!

Love at First Sight...

If you know anything about me, you know I love to learn about other countries and cultures. While studying abroad in Guatemala I saw this book at a local touristy book store. I fell in love. It has two full pages dedicated to every country in the world, filled with vibrant, beautiful pictures of that country and its people. I didn't get it the first time I saw it because it was too pricey for my "Guatemalanized" sense of money. However, I could not stop thinking about the book so a couple days later I went and splurged because I knew I would always enjoy it. So far, I have not been disappointed. I love to look through it and escape from Minnesota for awhile. I am amazed by how this book so beautifully portrays the uniqueness of every country. Needless to say, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who truly loves to travel and learn about other countries and cultures!

Snow..Or Lack Thereof

I think it must be documented that it is December 2 in Minnesota and there is still no snow in the Minneapolis area. In fact, the grass is still surprisingly green. I have always been one to love the first snowfall...but hate snow for the next 7-8ish months. However...since it is getting closer to Christmastime and the Christmas music is already in full swing on every radio station, I'm starting to wait and watch for that bittersweet first snowfall. As long as I can watch it through the window while wrapped up in a blanket, sipping hot apple cider, watching tv, without having to go drive in it...I will be happy.

Time to Step Out of the Boat?

In response to my very first post...I might soon be stepping out of the boat. I was going to get my ESL Certificate at the U of M, but because of many reasons it probably won't work out. So instead I might take it through LanguageCorps. In Spain. In February for 4ish weeks. I will have to travel by myself and go there not knowing a soul but as of now it seems the way God is leading me. He has closed other doors and seems to be shining his flashlight towards this door I had never noticed before. I have applied, but still need to pray about whether or not I will actually go if I get in. If it is truly where God wants me to go, I will go. It may be scary and my family and I may be nervous...but I would be much safer there than I would be in my own home of that is God's Will.
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Stay tuned to see if I am led to step--or rather jump--out of the boat =)



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Quick Visit

300 miles here, 300 miles back. Only about 9 waking hours spent with me in the cities. Gotta love parents =). This time they decided to stay with me at my apartment which was fun!
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We chatted about everything from A-Z with the roommates.
My roommates fiance' almost ran over my dad in the parking lot
We ate yummy apple crisp, and went to bed.
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The next day they came to school with me! If you don't know my dad...he LOVES to talk--to anyone and everyone which made coming to a class with me verrry interesting. They came to class on the day we were talking about Feminism--of which my dad is a bit critical...but still open minded towards. Needless to say, he loved that the class was highly discussion based. He started getting really into it and answering many of the "opinion" questions...which was fine.... until he started finishing the professors sentences...then I had to tell him to shush. =). But my professor thanked him for being so involved in class--because it got all the students really into the topic as well.
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Then we went shopping in the Bethel store and each got something..Thanks dad!
They also came and did my quick 45-min post office shift with me...after waiting for my dad to finish talking and joking with my boss=).
After working we had a [surprisingly] delicious lunch in the Dining Center...which my parents also loved because they could "people watch".
Then they came with me to my department's offices and met some of my professors--with whom they had very lively conversations with!!
All of my professors said they really enjoyed meeting and talking with my parents and commented on how talkative and enthusiastic my dad is.
It was a quick trip so my parents could see my school firsthand before I graduate in December.
Quick...but packed with lots of fun and entertainment! I love my family...a family who can have fun even during a typically mundane tuesday at school.

I decided to make a hat...

I sat down one evening and decided to crochet a hat. I had no pattern to follow and no one to ask for advice. It turned out way better than expected..and although I don't think I'll ever wear it because its not really my style, it was still a fun little 20 minute project=)

Lemon Water

Today I filled my waterbottle with lemon water.
Yes--water with lemons in it.
It's my favorite.
Today is a good day =)

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Halloween!

"The Danielle Pose"

Everytime we hang out lately Danielle makes me do this pose for a picture with her=).This time it was during Halloween! We had a blast--she had a referee costume and I was Batgirl. I made my own costume this year by putting together random stuff I already had and making batman symbols out of tagboard and permanent marker. We had fun! Oh--AND I got to paint my nails black--for the first time ever which was a momentous occasion! We had a Gopher football game at 7:00 which we had to dress warm for! But it was fun to see everyone's costumes even in the cold--which demands a little more creativity!

Dear [Birth] Mother,

Dear [Birth] Mother:
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You may never read this,
As I may never find you,
I may decide to never look,
Or you might not want to hear from me.
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Either way, I want to thank you.
Thank you for giving me life.
Thank you for thinking of my well-being,
Even though it may have been very hard for you.
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I don’t know the situation
I may have ruined your life
Your reputation, or your relationships.
I may have been the biggest mistake of your life.
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But you still decided to give ME life.
And it has been an amazing one!
Through your decision, I have acquired the best family ever.
I am daddy’s little girl, and my mother has a heart of gold.
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Many who are adopted feel neglected
They feel they don’t know their true identity.
Not me. No, I have a birth mother who cared enough
To do what she thought was best for me.
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I now have a family that loves me unconditionally.
They encourage me in all things,
They taught me to love the Lord,
I know who I am—a daughter of Christ.
That is my true identity.
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I feel like I belong 110% in my small little family.
There are only three of us,
But more love and understanding than you can imagine.
Although not genetically, I am a part of them.
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I love telling my story. I am not ashamed—but proud!
I love that I was adopted, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I would not be the same person if I wasn’t adopted.
It took one couple’s genes, and another couple’s love
To make me who I am today.
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I don’t know where you are, or who you are.
I may have brothers and sisters! Wow…
I may look like you, or laugh like you.
I may never find out.
And that’s okay.
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I don’t need to meet you to feel whole.
I just want to thank you.
I am doing well. I hope you are too.
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Love, Kirsten.

God is Just So Funny Sometimes....

Before college started up this semester, I randomly volunteered online for World Relief helping new immigrants. Well awhile later they called me and asked to set up an appointment to see when I was available. This was when school was about to start. I said I would have to wait and see how my homework load and classes went. They have called me back twice since then and I missed the calls...and never called back because sometimes I'm just too selfish with my time. Well today I came home from Chipotle and was telling my roommate Tricia (who went to Guatemala with me) how much I want to get my Spanish back..and how i need to speak it more often or i'll completely lose it. Half hour later...Call from world relief. Ignore the call. Listen to the voicemail..."Hey Kirsten, just trying to still get ahold of you....We just got a family from Mexico and its a very unique case, and we saw you spent 4 months in Guatemala so we assume you speak some Spanish...Give us a call back if your interested!" God...your so funny sometimes. Needless to say...I finally called them back. The mom is recently separated from her husband and evicted from their home...5 little ones...limited English. Whew! Well...at least I know God's behind on this one! More updates to follow I'm sure =).

Picking up an old hobby...

I first learned how to crochet in Middle School. I made a few potholders and scarves through high school, but thats about it. I had also made a very simple baby blanket for my cousin Jamie who had a baby two summers ago. My freshman year of college I decided to try making my mom a blanket for mother's day. It definitely had its mistakes, but it was made with love and has been placed on our couch ever since. Well, almost three years ago now I started making another blanket. But because the college homework load is always burdensome, I never got around to finishing it. I would just do a little if I had free-time. Well I pulled it out again today since I don't have homework due until next Tuesday...and figured I'd post a picture of my work in progress. I still need to connect the squares and add another row or two, but it's getting closer!

I originally started making it for my roommate Lindsay who asked me to make her one...but since it is made from baby colors I might give it to the next friend who has a baby....but knowing me, it probably won't get done for awhile. Maybe i'll keep my word and just wait until Lindsay has a baby=).

Chapel

I have never faithfully attended chapel at Bethel until this year. I now wish I had always made time to go, as I missed out on so much the past 3 years!

Three days a week.
45 minutes.
Amazing worship music.
Insightful and Biblically based sermons.
Godly campus pastors and world renowned speakers.
Bethel is blessed.

7 Layer Bar

Bethel has a new baker as of last year..and he makes AMAZING desserts. My favorite: 7 layer bar. I haven't tried making them yet, but found this recipe if your interested! They are very rich, but sooo good.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Place butter in 13 x 9 inch pan and melt in oven. Swirl to coat bottom and sides with butter.
3. Spread crumbs evenly over bottom of pan. Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and nuts over crumbs. Pour condensed milk over nuts. Sprinkle coconut over condensed milk. (You can vary the order of layers for different tastes)
4. Bake until edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool.

Where God is Leading Me....

I have been having quite a time deciding on what I want to do after I graduate. However, I think I have decided what I'm going to do! My boyfriend's mom once mentioned that she thought I might make a good ESL (English as a second language) Teacher...which I didn't think too much of because I just thought of teaching kids which I just don't have a passion for doing. So I decided to join this career focus group at Bethel, which includes taking the Strong Interest Inventory. (Thats the test that shows you good potential careers for you, etc.) Well my top three suggestions included education. A teacher?! Me? Well, after talking to my roommate Tricia, she said it just takes a couple of months to get your ESL certificate. She also said there is a need to teach newly immigrated adults English and also just basic cultural skills...Something I think I would LOVE doing!!

Looking back I feel as though God has led me to this place. Studying a foreign language in Guatemala gave me the experience of what its like to be on the "other side". My major--Sociocultural Studies--has prepared me for encountering different cultures and has given me a passion to learn about them. I am now in the process of applying at the U of M for my ESL Certificate, so we will see if God keeps opening the doors in this direction =).

My Favorite Movie of All Time...

It is the 70th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz movie this year! There have been big screen showings at various theaters, and they have now come out with a blue ray disc of the classic. The Wizard of Oz has always had a very special place in my heart. Actually, I would even go so far as say its my favorite movie of all time. When I was in middle school my aunt and I hosted the coolest Wizard of Oz themed birthday party for my younger cousin, Bryana. My grandma made her a Dorothy costume and we gave her low braided pigtails with a bow-ribbon like Dorothy. We glued red sparkles to dress shoes for all the little girls, and the little boys got tin-man hats. We had melted witch punch that was green with a hat floating on top. We made a "yellow brick road" from chalk in the front driveway which led into the house, which had witch legs sticking out from it, as in the movie when the house lands on the wicked witch.

After this birthday party I realized how much I really loved the movie. I then created my own "Wizard of Oz" website! It had all the lyrics, the bios of the actors, movie bloopers, pictures, and lots of other fun stuff. Ha, it was more of a "summer boredom" project, so it didn't last long, but it was still fun to do my research on the movie.

Needless to say, I am no longer that obsessed, but I do really enjoy the movie and think it will always be my all-time favorite movie. I still cannot believe my own boyfriend has never seen the movie. I think a movie-date is in order for the near future!!!

Also, shout-out to Danielle who also loves this movie =)

So Today I Had Coffee....

I hardly ever drink coffee. I used to hate it, but after Guatemala I can stand the taste, just not a huge fan. Also, I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine so have opted to stay away. (However, I do have an occasional vanilla frappe because there is not much caffeine and it tastes kinda like ice cream) But today, for some odd reason, I decided to get a white chocolate mocha. It cost me $4.20 which was ridiculous and made me even more thankful I don't drink coffee. I was feelin good--it warmed me up and woke me up. However, about 45 minutes later I noticed a change. My hands started shaking, I had a sudden desire to write on everyones facebook wall (I didn't...) and I would see something and in my mind would say it repeatedly..for example: newspaper newspaper newspaper newspaper....computer computer computer computer....etc. I admit it was kinda fun in a twisted sort of way, but i felt like someone that should be put away in some institution. Caffeine just has too much power over my mind and body. I think i'll stick to apple juice.

The Fall Season

Today is the first "official" day of Fall! I have just started to notice the sights and smells of Fall--and I love it. The leaves are starting to change, and there is just a different feel in the air. I have always loved Fall because my dad and I used to rake up the leaves, and we would jump in them together. Also, since my birthday is in September, I have always had a special place in my heart for Fall. It isn't sticky hot out, but its not yet cold. You can wear jeans and a sweatshirt and can still enjoy being outside. It means football season and pumpkins. It means apple-picking and season premieres of our favorite shows.

I guess I can only think of one thing I DON'T like about Fall.........it comes before Winter.




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Kissing frogs=)

It was a windy last day of our weekend camping trip and although I have already found my prince, I couldn't resist =)

Last Firsts

So yesterday and today were my last "first" days of classes! Very weird feeling. One part of me still doesn't feel old enough to be finishing my last semester in college, but at the same time I felt like I was hearing the professors explaining the syllabus for the billionth time. I knew exactly what to expect, I wore sweatpants the first day, and everyone around me looked so young. I guess that officially makes me a senior. Mostly the sweatpants part, though--as almost every girl walking on Bethel's campus the last two days has looked all gussied up, ready to impress. It makes me a little sad...watching all the freshmen eagerly making new friends, with the look of exciting anticipation for what the next 4 years will look like. I miss that. However, I love the feeling of knowing where I'm going on campus, recognizing most of the faculty, and many of the students. From elementary school to middle school to high school to college and then through the many layers of the workforce...life involves lots of moving from a small fish in a big pond to a big fish in a little pond then back again!! Well, all I can do is to make the most of my last semester at Bethel University! Wish me luck!

Blessings in Disguise

You know how every once in awhile you have one of those days? Those days where nothing seems to go right, and it takes alot of effort to get your spirits up....Well I am trying to see those days as blessings in disguise. As the cliche goes, If we didn't have the bad days, we wouldn't appreciate the good ones. Usually in the bad days we discover something about our character...may it be a strength or a weakness. If it happens to be a weakness, it can be a time of growing and stretching yourself. If that bad day is filled with loneliness, it is an extra opportunity to lean on God and make sure you are making HIM your #1 instead of someone else. If that bad day is filled with self pity, I encourage you (as I encourage myself) to ask God to show you how truly blessed you are, and to provide an opportunity to bless others instead of being so focused on yourself.

I have recently been "called out" on some of my own character flaws by someone really close to me. Although it was extremely hard to hear, and even harder to humbly face up to them, I hope everyone has someone in their life that holds them accountable. As I strive to become more like Christ, some days I think I have gotten farther away from the goal. It is frustrating, but I think it keeps me humble knowing that no matter what I do or don't do, I am saved by grace. All in all, my new challenge is to find the many blessings that God has hidden in our day-to-day lives, whether it is the "good" day or the "bad" one.

Eating my fruits and veggies...

So I've been known to be one of the worst eaters..not that I just eat junk food, just that I eat very simple, easy-to-make foods. Its not that I don't like to cook...I actually like cooking alot! I just never have time to put anything together...and since I'm just feeding myself I have no ambition to go to much lengths to make a good meal. Well...my roommate has inspired me...and I am starting my food makeover by eating lots of fruits and veggies!!! Perhaps I went a lil overboard...but I'm learning =)

Growing up...

I will soon be starting my last semester of college. As expected...I have SO many mixed feelings about this. I feel like I just finished high school....or at least my freshman year of college. I don't feel grown-up enough to be in the real world yet. I spent last week at home--and it felt "normal". Coming back to the cities makes me feel more independent and grown up, but deep down I feel like i belong at home with my parents. I've always had issues with growing up since I was little. Of course I look forward to the future and what it holds for me...but as always its all a big, scary, unknown. I guess that's where faith jumps in. But just for the record, I'll always be daddy's little girl.


"Too many people grow up. That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They forget. They don't remember what it's like to be 12 years old. They patronize, they treat children as inferiors. Well, I won't do that." --Walt Disney

Banana Bread

I made my first loaves of banana bread today!! I am home in Trf for the week, and was bored during the day so I called up my grandma for her recipe. I wasn't so sure it would turn out because I don't really bake much, and let's face it--no matter what, grandmas always bake their own recipes the best! But it turned out wonderfully!!

Side-note: The last time banana bread was made in our house, the dog jumped up onto the counter (which he NEVER does) and ate the whole loaf!!!

Grill out happiness

Today I got to come home. I was met with hugs and "How was the drive?!" My parents know my favorite growing-up/at-home memories were those days when the lawn is freshly mowed, and we have a grill-out picnic and invite the grandparents. Today, that's just what we did. It was wonderful--the food was amazing and the company was even better. To top it off we had angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream on top. Just thought I'd share=).

Slow down...

Perhaps it is because I grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota. Perhaps it is because i've spent time abroad. Perhaps it is simply because it doesn't feel natural or right. Why are we always so busy? We are always running around doing all of these things--and lose sight of what is important. We stay up too late, eat fast food that is hazardous to our bodies, and most people doesn't exercise because they just are too worn out. We were created to be in relationship with other people. We were created to match the rhythms of the earth--slow, peaceful, calm. I grew up being fairly busy with school and sports, but being an only child I was never crazy busy. I loved it that way. I had time to sit down with my parents and talk about everything and nothing. Even my first year in college I never signed up to be involved with more than I could handle. But the city life seems to be getting to me. I feel like when I have free time, something is wrong. However, I still have not lost sight of who I am and how I was brought up. I have learned never to be idle or lazy, but make sure you always have quality time to spend with those you love, and also to spend by yourself. God can do anything, but I'm sure it makes it alot harder for Him to work through us when we have our own agenda packed tightly into every 24 hour period. We have to make sure we leave some "open space" for Him, too. So this is my challenge: Slow down a bit, take care of yourself, and let God do His thing.

My Yesterday

8:30 woke up & ate breakfast.
9:15: worked until i ran out of door hangers.
12:00: ate a peanut butter sandwich.
12:30: went to the beach to lay out and watched lil kids fish and build sandcastles
2:00: went to LA Fitness and worked out
3:00: came back home, showered, and got ready.
4:15: headed to u of m and got stuck at almost every red light possible
4:30: hung out with the bf and corey--i cut up some watermelon, yum!
5:15: played the best game of wiffle ball ever!!
highlights: -catching corey's homerun ball out of the trees
- scoring my very first wiffle ball homerun
- nathan and i winning!
7:15: grilled burgers and had corn on the cob
8:30: went hot tubbin!
9:45: watched beiner the gecko eat crickets.
10:15: headed back home and talked to my lovely roommate

i love summer.

Sometimes Songs Say It Better!

So, you know when a song just completely speaks to something in your life? Well..here's mine lately=) It's not the whole song, just a part that says it better than I could!

"Whatever Your Doing" by Sanctus Real

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

A Tribute

About a month ago I decided it was about time for me to stop filling the landfills with my 3-4 plastic water bottles a day. So, I bought this aluminum water bottle at Target. I fell in love. I loved everything about it. It was so pretty, and It served me well--whether I mixed in Raspberry Iced Tea, Propel powder packets, or filled it with just plain old water. However, recently I started noticing black smudges over EVERYTHING! Where did this come from? Who was the evil culprit? Well...it turned out to be the black design rubbing off of my beloved water bottle. I couldn't bear to throw it away, or spend the money on a new one...so as of now, it is temporarily wrapped in a piece of aluminum foil. Not so in love anymore.

Traci Lynn's Birthday Weekend

This year, Traci decided to spend her birthday weekend down in the cities with me! Well, I decided to plan some fun things to do and they would all be surprises to her! I made up little cards to give her before each event to give her clues as to what we would be doing. Needless to say I am not very good at keeping secrets, so I spilled the beans on the first surprise--which was getting dressed up and going out for dessert at Chino Latinos! When I made the reservations I noted that it was for a Birthday, so they put "Happy Birthday!!" on the bottom of the menus!


The next surprise (and I must note that I kept this one secret the whole time!) was going to the Mill City Museum! Traci is quite the photographer so I figured she would love to take pictures in the old building and at the Mississippi Riverfront--and she did!


The final surprise was going to the Horse Races at Canterbury Park. It was quite an adventure for us to learn all the statistics and tricks that go along with Horse Races! It was fun, but what it all came down to was the fact that we forget to wear the infamous hats...


"Even though we've changed and are finding our own place in this world, we both know that when the tears fall or joy comes, we'll go to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much that we're not still friends!"

Flowers

So I bought a flower plant, but within two days of bringing it home, the flowers fell off and the leaves looked pretty rough. Well i placed it into the room with more sun, and waited. And waited. About 4 weeks later it finally started to get buds on it! I was so excited that I decided to take pictures as they bloomed. It now has about 15 flowers on it!

"If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom." ~Audra Foveo

Stepping Out of the Boat...

I was listening to podcast sermons while working yesterday...and one in particular really hit me. The pastor was talking about in order to stretch our faith, we need to try things we can't do. Why would I try something I know I can't do? Because if I don't, growth won't happen.

He also talked about Peter walking on water...how he had the faith to first step out of the boat. I listen to others who have heard the call, taken the plunge into faith and did something crazy (in our eyes) for the Lord--and its amazing. When is it my turn to take that plunge? When do I get the opportunity to walk on water? Well...first I have to step out of the boat...

"Playing it safe is the most popular way to fail."
- Elliott Smith