Life's New Obsession: Snickerdoodle Cookies

Thoughts running through my brain:

1.  I wanted a snickerdoodle cookie last night.  The weather was horrible.  Mom told me she wasn't going to buy dough in this weather and I surely wasn't going out.  We had those sugar cookies with the frosting on them. Took the cookie, scraped the frosting off, sprinkled cinnamon, microwaved, and shazam.  Cookie.

2. I am home for Christmas break!  I'm so happy to be home for awhile.  I love AU so much but it's nice to be at home where I grew up and see my family.  No matter where I live in my life, this is always going to be home, and I've grown to be perfectly content with that.

3.  I'm really excited about next semester, especially now that I've straightened my schedule out.

4.  These past couple of months, I've grown obsessed with Glee.  I mean if anyone should be obsessed with this show, it should be me, right?  Show choir, dancing, the whole nine yards.  I want to be on this show or better yet, have tons of Glee moments in my life when everyone bursts into song and starts dancing.

5. My mom's preschool children are absolutely adorable.  I went and helped out there this week.  They are such good kids!

6.  If you remember, in my last couple of posts, I had really been praying about where God wants me this summer.  Well, I really weighed my options and really felt like he was leading me to work at a summer camp. I grew up going to Fuge.  Fuge has always had a near and dear place in my heart.  So when I found out that Centrifuge lowered their age from 21 to 20, I knew I had to apply.  There was no doubt in my mind.  So I filled out my application and went for my interview.  I felt like it went really well but I knew there were some odds against me because I had never worked at a camp before and because I was still young.  But, I knew if that's were I was supposed to be, it would happen.  So about a month passed and I figured I would hear around them in January or so.  However, Monday night, I opened my email and it said "Your FUGE placement for 2010!"  My mouth dropped.  I opened it and I've been placed at Ridgecrest in NC this summer!  I'm so excited!  God is so good!  He is going to do so many awesome things and I'm so thankful he is going to use me and is allowing me to be a part of this!

7. I bought two new awesome hats yesterday.  They are warm.

8.  OK,SC.  I'm going to need you all to stop freaking out about the weather.  Just because Mr. Weatherman on tv says that it MIGHT snow, DOES NOT MEAN A BLIZZARD.  My word.  If I saw one more facebook status today saying "where's the snow" or "man why isn't is snowing?" or "the weather man is dumb, all we have is rain." I'm going to scream.

9. I've taken a nap almost everyday since coming home for break.  I'm perfectly content with that.

10. Starbucks and I were fixing to have a fight.  In the past two days, I've gone to get coffee THREE times at THREE different locations.  The first two were out of stuff to make the Caramel Brulee Latte (which by the way, if you haven't had one, it's heaven in a cup.  I'm serious.  I'm sure there are so many served in heaven.  I can't wait!)  Needless to say, I was not happy but was very content with my peppermint mocha.  So tonight, in Rock Hill, they have Caramel Brulee Lattes!  Hurray!

11. Christmas is Friday.  That's pretty crazy.

12. Ms. Bates and I are taking a little road trip on Monday!  I'm excited!

13.  I went tonight with SA and Ellison to see Denise in Narroway's Christmas production.  I kinda wish I had gotten involved with this theatre company when I was in high school and lived closer.

14. That being said... I miss theatre.... A LOT.

15. Oh I turned 20 two weeks ago.  That's scary. That's old. Two whole decades.

16. I really need to prepare tomorrow's Sunday School lesson!  We're talking about the Wise Men!

17. I miss my first floor Rouse girls!  I love you all!

18. I went shopping with my parents today.  My favorite moments are when my dad and I are walking behind my mom and we start singing Christmas Carols... very loudly for all to hear and she speeds up and pretends like she isn't with us.

19. I saw the cutest little old man at the dentist the other day.  His name was Harold.  I'm positive that I'm now in love with my dentist because he didn't tell me I needed my wisdom teeth taken out.  I'm terrified of that.

20.  My awesome mom bought snickerdoodle dough tonight..... :)

Have a safe Christmas preparation week!
-Katie

Top Ten Things I am Thankful For!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope everyone had a fantastic day spending time with family, eating lots of turkey, chasing children, spending time with loved ones, and most importantly giving thanks for the freedom to do these things and to Christ who has given these things to you.

Some things I am thankful for:

1. My little brother.  
My little brother is quickly leaving little brother annoyance stage and becoming one of my closest friends.  Since moving to school, it's been really hard to be away from him so much.  I feel like I'm missing out on a bunch of important events of his life.  He is such an awesome kid and I love him to death.

2. My parents
Not because it's Thanksgiving and I'm automatically supposed to be thankful for them.  But because they are honestly the best parents a girl could ask for.  They are the most supportive people in the world.  For example, just last week they drove all the way to Anderson just to hear me sing two songs.  They understand what is important to me and know it means a lot for them to be supportive.  They are two of the best reflections of Christ I know.  They are self-sacrificing, way more than they should be.

3. Anderson University 
I love Anderson University.  I'm even more thankful that this is where Christ wanted me to get an education.  The environment is so uplifting and encouraging.  My walk with God has really grown in the past four months and I can't wait to see what will happen next!

4. Nature 
I'm thankful for nature because it's one of the easiest ways to see Christ yet so many times we overlook it.  As I was driving home the other day, I was on 85 and on a short stretch, you can see the outline of the mountains. It's beautiful and it's so majestic.  Then a short while later, I looked to my right at a stoplight and there sat a beautiful sunset.  I was reminded that the God who made these beautiful scenes loves us and calls us his children!  How cool is that?  I should pay more attention to nature.

5. Freedom in Christ
Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." The slavery Paul was talking about in this verse had to deal with the Gentiles and Christ being their salvation instead of the Jewish law.  If taken out of this context, the slavery in this verse can be anything that applies to your life and is holding you back.  For me, it was being enslaved by past relationships. I was so chained and held back by them that it constantly distracted me from other important things in my life.  Through scripture, prayer, circumstance, and experiences, Christ has allowed me to place these behind me so I can focus on the future. However, I'm so thankful these relationships were in my life because it has shown me that I deserve someone who respects me, pursues me, and most importantly loves Jesus and walks with him daily.  

6. Worship
I'm first and foremost thankful that I have the freedom to worship my Jesus freely and without any restrictions.  Worship can be defined as many different things.  One of my favorite definitions is "love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess" Love unquestioningly.  Wow.  That takes a lot of faith.  But then again, who am I to question God.  Um that answer would be, nobody. 
On to something a bit lighter...

7. Music 
Music is one of the biggest parts of my life.  I feel that so many people can be reached by music.  It's such a powerful thing.  I'm thankful that Christ is allowing me to major in music but still in a way that is serving him.  Yessss!

8. My friends
Especially the ones I am super close to and invest a lot of time in and they invest a lot of time in me.  They allow for some fantastic memories and great times!

9. My small group
Oh my I love this group of girls with my entire heart.  They are some of the most amazing girls I have ever known and I look forward to next semester as we are able to dig into God's word together even more.  I'm even more thankful they live on my hall.

10. Coffee, Chickfila, Rita's, and all other delicious food.  Most importantly, the Thanksgiving meals today!
Um enough said.  A. It's delicious.  B. Many people are not fortunate enough to have a huge meal.  Thank you Lord for blessing me beyond belief.

forget regret
-k

Life.

Hey yall!  It's been forever since I've posted!   I sincerely apologize!  Here are some random thoughts that are going on in my brain....

1. South Pacific was magnificent!  I loved seeing the show again!

2. Thanksgiving Break cannot come soon enough!  Miley Cyrus, Bobby time, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Carolina/Clemson game, Trans-Siberian Orchestra!  It's gonna be good stuff!

3.  I went to a Clemson game this season.  And wore orange.  And didn't die.

4. I'm currently praying about where God wants me this summer.  I've applied for several camps and I hope that is the direction he wants me to go but if not, I have to be ok with that.

5. I changed my major from Music Ed to Worship Leadership.  I'm so excited!  It's going to be awesome!

6.  It's officially the Holiday Season because there are red holiday cups at Starbucks!  Praise!

7.  I love Christmas music.  Even before Thanksgiving!

8. My birthday is very soon!  Hurrah!

9. This week, I will not procrastinate!

10. Tomorrow will consist of dinner with one of my best friends, SA!  I can't wait to catch up with her!

11. Life has been hectic and full of surprises and adventures in these past couple of months.

12. I'm praying I don't get sick.  Too many germs flying around!

13. Since the last time I have blogged, I went to a four opera.  It was interesting.

14. We had our first powder puff game last night.  We lost.  Oh well.  Go Purple People Eaters!

15.  Morgan Roese has basically become my second roommate and I love it.

16. The Princess Diaries 2 has definitely become my favorite current movie.  The Sound of Music still takes the cake as the first.

17. I only have one more lesson before Jury.  That scares me slightly.

18. I hope my Gamecocks pull out a win next week... I don't foresee it happening.

19. I've really enjoyed Perry Noble's series "Don't get Married Until...." Good stuff....

20.  I'm going to Passion in January and I'm stoked!

21. Charlie Hall was in concert last week.  Freaking awesome!

22. I'm going to be late for powder puff.....

23. I can't wait to spend next Thursday with the people I love the most!!!!

forget regret
-k

Dear Lord,

Give me assurance.  Give me patience with the people who frustrate me.  Give me the ability to love.   I pray for understanding for things that I cannot see.

Keep it Positive....

1. Musical Masterworks will be the death of me.


2. Joya Sellers is amazing.  She invited us over for dinner.


3. I love coffee.


4. Small group is the best time of the week.  Honestly.


5. Krispy Kreme is bound to be a slight taste of heaven.


6. People should not pretend like it's step team or freestyle time in the coffee shop while studying is occurring.


7. Visits with Sara Ashley make me smile.


8.  The sun has finally come out!


9. We passed room inspections thanks to Morgan.


10. Fall Break cannot come soon enough.


11. I hate procrastination. Even though I haven't procrastinated on this paper, I feel as if I am behind.


12. It is nice to talk to old friends on the phone who you haven't spoken with in awhile.


13. There was a piercing party on our hall last night.... I did not participate.


14. Those Gamecocks better win tomorrow.


15. I'm really tired.


16. I am going to live in the library tomorrow afternoon.


17."Well if that's love it comes at much too high a cost."


18. Super ready for next Wednesday to be over!  Paper turned in and Master class singing will be completed.


19. I don't think I'm going to schedule anymore 8AM's.


20.  I am so thankful Grandmommy is home from the hospital!


21. I keep forgetting Glee comes on.  Can someone please be my Glee reminder?! :)


22.  Just discovered my picture is scrolling on the TV in Java from move in day.  EEEP.


23.  I'm so thankful for my life.  Even though I'm stressed out a little, I know Christ provides and is sovereign and will get me through this next week.


24. Therefore, I am going to go to bed and not stress about this paper anymore tonight and work on it with a fresh mind.


25. "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4


-kar

Swing Dancing, Football, Bridge Jumping, and Church Hunting!

Before you read this post, I apologize for the way things are off centered later on in the post.  I can't get the words to move.  On to more important things...

This weekend was so so so so so fun!  That's just all there is to it.  Just a good time.  On Friday evening, RUF sponsored swing dancing so we all went and had a great time!  Everyone wore cute swing dancing clothes.  Lots of polka dots, black, and pearls!  I had never been swing dancing before, but it wasn't too hard and it was a ton of fun!  Here is Jeanette and I attempting to dance together!

 

After swing dancing, a bunch of us went and rented Madea Goes to Jail.  Madea makes me laugh.  End of story. 

Saturday was very eventful. It started off with a little sleeping in.  That was pleasant.  Then Jeanette and I watched the Florida game and supported her Gators!  They won of course.  Then we were going to go watch the Notre Dame/Michigan game in the lobby and there was a group going bridge jumping.  We figured it would be fun to go watch but they made us change into swimsuits just in case we changed our minds.  So we drove to the bridges and people started jumping.  Well I was super nervous but figured that I had taken precious time out of my Saturday afternoon, so I decided "Why Not?"  Then we all were supposed to jump at the same time to have a super cool picture made.  I chickened out of that jump.  It took me forever to jump again.  The water was FREEEEEEZING.  It was a great time though.  

                                      

After bridge jumping. we went to Five Guys and it was then time for CAROLINA FOOTBALL!  GO COCKS.  It was a heatbreaking loss but I am extremely proud of how the Gamecocks played well!  I thought it was going to be a massacre but it wasn't!

Then today, Jeanette and I went to visit Utica Baptist Church.  I really really enjoyed worship and Sunday School both!  They were pretty great!  Church hunting is a lot harder than one would think.  I am praying for guidance about where to call my church home while I am at school. 

Then we went to Newspring tonight for worship. 

I know there is much debate about Newspring here at Anderson.  Some people like it, some people don't.  I personally like worship there however, I do not want to consider it my church home.  I enjoy attending the 6:00 service at night.   For my church home, I prefer something multigenerational and a tad smaller.  Some people do not agree with some things that Perry Noble says.  I personally think that he is an incredible preacher and can relate to his congregation very well.  I have never been a part of a church where I agreed with every statement that left the pastor's mouth.  Perry speaks in a real way that applies to the world we live in.  It challenges me to think about where I stand in certain areas of my faith and through the thinking and studying my faith is strengthened.   I think Newspring is reaching an incredible amount of people bringing them to know Jesus Christ and that is what it is all about.  

Tonight's service was mindboggling.  Hundreds of people were baptized!  It was AMAZING.  906 people were baptized between the four services.  NINE HUNDRED AND SIX.  A good number were first time decisions and others were baptized because they accepted Christ after they were baptized.  It was so uplifting to see people who live in the dorm beside me, people I have class with, and just individuals I see around campus get baptized.  People of every age came out and it was just... WOW.  Glory to God forever!

This week should be pretty exciting!  Small Groups start Wednesday!  Dinner with Lala!  Field experience for education!  I can't wait!

forget regret

-k

Labor Day Weekend

It's Labor Day weekend!  What a great holiday!  No stress, a day off from class, and just time to relax!  Since Anderson decides we labor enough normally, they give us Monday off!  Praise!  Therefore, I came home for the weekend and brought Jeanette with me!  Hooray!

Friday: We left Anderson and stopped at Chick Fil A!  Joy!  Then we were on our way to Lancaster.  After a lovely drive, we stopped and unloaded the car then went to Rock Hill to eat with Eargle, Jonathan, and Mikey.  It was nice to see Eargle and Jonathan and catch up with them.  Eargle also made brownies.  I'm pretty sure it was heaven in my mouth.

Saturday:  We went to eat with GM, GD, and Grandmommy.  That was fun!  I love grandparents.  They are some of the most amazing people.  I love them with my entire heart.  They are such a great part of my life.  Then Saturday evening, we went to Olive Garden with Stephanie.  It was nice to see a member of my Rock Hill/York family.  I missed everyone else but I got to communicate with Meredith!  She kept me up to date! :)  Happy Anniversary to her and Corey!  After dinner, we went to the movies with Jamie, Joya, and Max!  We saw All About Steve and it was pretty funny, even though the reviews were terrible.

Sunday:  Sunday was church at First Baptist!  It's always nice to return home for church!  Adam did a really good job of teaching Sunday School this morning in the absence of Chad and Courtney.  After worship was lunch at the Wagon Wheel!  Yaaaay!  Jeanette was introduced to the most amazing restaurant in Lancaster.   After lunch we went home and relaxed until dinner.  We met Jamie, Joya, Caleb, Robbie, Lauren, John, Max and Wendy at Applebees.  Then some of us went back to my house for a movie. Obesessed is slightly creepy.

Tomorrow I'm heading back to AU and won't return home until the end of September.  We are stopping in Spartanburg to have dinner with Jeanette's family!  Hurrah!  Then we are stopping by Wofford and seeing Sara Ashley!  I'm excited!   This next week should be a good one.  Can't wait to see what's in store!

forget regret
-k

Through the Eyes of Christ... not Katie

Hello world,


I'm still alive, flu free, and healthy.  I did not feel well last week at all but fortunately, I am now back to normal!  Hooray!  Last week was a pretty good week.  Nothing tooo exciting but great nonetheless.  Thursday was my favorite day!  Classes went well in the morning then choir in the afternoon.  I love choir. It's my favorite "class" by far.  Then I took a nap and while I was snoozing, my phone rang and it was Ashley!  Her, Nathan, and the boys were in Anderson and they wanted to know if I wanted to eat dinner.  Of course I did!  So Brittany, Michelle, and the Neighbors went to Chick Fil A!  Praise the Lord!  Hooray! Then Thursday night was BCM!  Woo hoo!  It was an awesome time to just wind down from a crazy week and just worship.  Pretty sweet if you ask me!


 Then it was Friday!  I went home to Lancaster!  I didn't realize how much I missed my family until I actually saw them!  I went home for the 40th Anniversary of Andrew Jackson High School.  Please imagine those festivities as you wish.  My parents did an awesome job of helping plan the events though.  Yay Mom and Dad!   Then Saturday night was an adventure like always.  It consisted of a visit to the movies and back to Jamie's house for chocolate cake!  In the meantime, Caleb sticks his head out the window and loses his glasses on Highway 521.  Then thinks we should turn around and look for them.  Nice.  FBC was same old same old on Sunday.  I have missed those people.  There are some awesome individuals in that place.  Wagon Wheel was for lunch!  Praise!  Then a short nap and it was back to AU!  My time at home was too short!  Luckily for me, Jeanette is coming home with me this weekend for Labor Day! I love my family!  I'm thankful for them.  Some people don't care about going home once they get to college but I do.  Call it lame or childish.  I don't really care.  My family is cool and love me.  Why wouldn't I go see them.


Currently I am eating some of my grandmother's chicken salad.  (See.  I told you they are awesome!)  Just got done listening to some tunes for Musical Masterworks.  Who doesn't love a Concerto or a Sonata?  Now I'm blogging before class.  This week is going to be pretty great.  Matty's tomorrow night!  PRAISE!  Maybe swing dancing? I'm not positive.  Dinner Wednesday with Amelia!  BCM Thursday and home on Friday!


Now I should move on to thought provoking conversation.  People.  I've discovered in the past few weeks that people are do not necessarily keep their word.  When does it get to the point where you give up?  Or do you give up?  I think it depends on the situation.  Do you allow yourself to get hurt by the same individual(s) over and over again because you think it will be worth it in the end?  Or do you just walk away.  I think it's hard to say.  On paper, one would definitely say that they would walk away and give up.  But once you are in a situation, things change.  You look at the person, the reasons, and the situation.  You continue to think it is going to get better, but then you are let down once again.  


It happens in all types of relationships with people.  Relationships, friendships, familyships (yes I created that word), and even just mere acquaintances.  Sometimes it feels like we are always in a battle with another person, group of people, or ourselves.  It makes you wonder if you can trust anyone completely and what spoken words actually mean.  Because these people supposedly mean a great deal to us, are we to hold them to a higher standard and have greater expectations for them?  Part of me wants to say yes but people change or sometimes the person we thought we knew, isn't really that person at all. It's so sad and I wish it weren't so but it is.  


As Christians though, we are still called to love just as Christ loves us.  He did not give up on us when he was on the cross.  And to think about how many times I personally turn away from him.  Not intentionally of course but because of human nature, we all do.  Christ still loves me.  His love overcame the cross and the grave for me and for you.  Next time I have to deal with a difficult person or difficult situation, I need to remind myself that I need to love with the eyes and heart of Christ, not with the eyes and heart of Katie.  I must focus on having an attitude like Christ.    


"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2: 5-8


Is this difficult?  Absolutely but we are still called to do it.  Christ did not live an easy life and no where does it say life will be smooth sailing.  But it is an adventure.  One that has good days and bad days.  Hopefully at some point, I will realize why people choose certain actions, change (not always for the better), and sometimes simply hurt your feelings.  In the meantime, prayer is the answer. 


"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12.


God is love and fortunately has surrounded me with amazing people who uplift me and love me. That definitely outweighs the bad.  When I face difficult situations however, my faith is strengthened and Christ can work through me and be glorified!  Praise to him!


forget regret
-k


Ohh.... prayers are needed for a potential summer activity.  That's all I'm going to say now.  Just pray for guidance, for wisdom, and discernment.  Thanks! :)

Finally, a moment to blog!

Hello hello! I'm finally at AU! I moved in on Saturday! Move-in day could not have gone any smoother! It is so hard to believe that I have already been here over a week. It has been great so far! The first several days were great! Tons of activities to take part in. It's been a blast! I am living in Rouse and I LOVE my hall. I have some of the most incredible girls on my hall. They are so much fun to be around! Now a routine of some sort is starting to form. When I say routine...I mean a slam packed schedule! I took my first nap since I've been here today! It was incredible. I am going to try to do a better job of blogging too. I've been a slacker! (Sorry Mr. Eugene! I know you told me over a week that I need to get on that!) This weekend, Sara Ashley came and visited! It was super! I miss her so much! I tell her she should just move to Anderson University.

In church hunting news... Both Sunday's I've been here, I have gone to Newspring. I know there is some debate about Pastor Perry Noble and the way worship is done here but personally, I like it. Do I agree with everything that comes out of Perry's mouth? Absolutely not, but when do you ever agree with everything something someone says. If you always agree, then your faith is not challenged and when your faith is challenged, you grow. I love worship at Newspring, but I don't think it is where I want my church home to be. It's an awesome place to go on Sunday night's to worship but for church, I want something a tad smaller and mulit-generational.

Sunday morning we went to North Anderson Baptist. I liked it but I don't know if it is where God wants me to be. They do not have a college class which is a major set back for a college student. I definitely felt welcomed though and God is doing some awesome things there. I can definitely tell! He is present and alive in the people of that church. I might go back and visit again!

I'm going home the next two weekends so we'll see where I'm led after I come back.... stay tuned for that.

In other news, you think I attend AU, but actually I attend SFU! Swine Flu University. There is an outbreak of the regular flu and two cases of H1N1. Joy. People are being sent home and they have canceled campus worship tomorrow. It's bad when AU cancels worship. I have been sick this week but not with the flu. Just a horrible cough and when I say horrible, I mean I almost coughed both of my lungs up. It was pretty bad. Hopefully though I will be completely well tomorrow and stay FLU FREE!

I really know that I am in the right place here. This is exactly where God wants me to be. I know that God has put me here for a reason and a purpose and I am going to thrive and have a new experience each and everyday. I have seen God at work already here. First thing first, in October, I met Jeanette! I had no clue then she would be living on my hall and three doors down from me and a music ed major AND in three of my classes. God is good!

I had also been praying for a way to minister and really get involved in a ministry here at AU. I asked God for a way to be a light and be able to share what he has done for me with others. Well, a few days after I got to AU, I was asked to lead a small group in our dorm. I am so excited and thankful that God has blessed me with this amazing opportunity. I am excited about studying the Word of God with the people who I live the closest to! God is good again!

A few weeks before I left for Anderson, I had the opportunity to teach Sunday School and the Lord led me to teach on provision. When the Israelites were in the desert, God told them to trust in him and he would PROVIDE. In Exodus 16, we see the Israelites complaining to God and the Lord tells them exactly what to do and he keeps his promise. Over and over in the passage we see God provide for the Israelites. They cried out to him, and he was there. Just like the Israelites, God has provided for me. God has provided me with a great roommate and best friend, an amazing suite, great hall, great friends, great professors, and just an overall awesome experience so far. I am learning everyday that my God is enough and I need to find complete satisfaction in Him alone. He will protect, he will provide, and he has a plan. I can't wait to see what happens next...

forget regret.

-k

A New Chapter

I am writing this in a quick quick hurry as Dad is loading some bunk beds on the trailer and Mom is getting ready! Today is the day! It's finally here. After a loooooong 19 years I am finally ready to move out and be on my own. It's very bittersweet. I was looking at a yearbook the other day as I was packing and it said: "Bittersweet: Bitter because you are leaving the ones you love but sweet because you are starting a new advernture." That is entirely true. Am I sad to leave my family? Absolutely! They are my rock and my support system. But I know that will not change just because I am in another part of the state. I am excited about what God has planned for me because I know that "they will be to prosper and not to harm. Plans to give me a hope and a future!" Jeremiah 29:11. It's time to go pack the car! See you guys when I'm at AU!

forget regret
-K

"There's a life that I am meant to lead. A life like nothing I have known..... There must be some where I can be... Astonishing" -Little Women

Baltimore - Sunday-Tuesday afternoon

Sunday was a great day! We had the opportunity to worship with Graceway Baptist Church where we are serving this week. They truly opened our eyes and allowed us to worship in a way that many of us had not worshipped in a very long time. Our youth choir sang and lead the congergation in several songs. Patti- you would have been proud! After worship and lunch, we began to set up for VBS! I love VBS! It is so much fun After VBS we went to the chuch and got geared up for our first full day of ministry!

Monday.... was farm day. I looked like the farmer in the dell in my overalls and my straw hat, I am NOT a farmer.First we pulled weeds which was fine and not too difficult. After weed pulling, we then shoveled goat ummm nasty stuff for three hours. It was so joyful. Then was the first day of sports camp! Sara Ashley and myself both led cheerleading! We taught them a dance to ''Walking on Sunshine!'' They were so cute! We also had a basketball group and a kickball group. Sports camp was great!

Sorry this is all I have right now! I know I promised to blog everyday but my cell messed up and I didn't have internet connection to hook my Mac up to! I will update you all on the rest of the trip soon!

forget regret!
-k

Baltimore- Saturday

Well we finally made it yesterday! We left FBC around six thirty Saturday morning. After stopping at Bojangles for breakfast we were on our way! The ride was rather pleasant. No leaking air conditioners, the air worked, and no bus problems. We hit a little traffic going into DC but other than that, it was smooth sailing! Once we arrived, we unpacked then went to Pizza Hut for dinner. I had Hawaiian Pizza and it was gooooood. After our delicious pizza, we made our way to Graceway Baptist. This is where we wll be leading a sports camp and VBS. We met the pastor and set up the puppet stage. After setting up the puppet stage, we had a quick youth choir rehearsal then it was time for bed. Yesterday was a pretty good day. This morning, we will be going to worship with Graceway Baptist, then we will set up for VBS and lead it tonight! I can't wait! Please continue to pray for endurance and strength for the team. Pray for excitement and motivation. Please also pray for Graceway Baptist and the people we will minister to. FBC- Thanks for all the love and support!! I will update later ttoonight or tomorrow about today!

forget regret
-k

Hello world!  All is well in Katie land.  We just wrapped up VBS last week and it was fantastic!  We had eight children accept Christ as their Lord and Savior!  Glory to God!  

This week has been oh so hectic!  I had orientation at Anderson Thursday and Friday!  It was great!  I can't wait to go in the fall!  God has amazing things planned for me!  I can't wait!  Tomorrow (Saturday) a team of thirty something people are leaving to go serve the Lord for a week in Baltimore, Maryland.  God is going to do some awesome things through this team.  The team is an intergenerational team with the youngest member being eight and the oldest being.... well a senior citizen.  We have a construction team that will be doing several projects.  The ministry team is working on a farm in the mornings, leading a sports camp in the afternoon, then leading a VBS at night.

 I've never worked on a farm.  I'll take pictures of me in overalls and a straw hat haha!  The food grown on this farm is taken to homeless shelters and given to those who are in need of fresh food.  Hopefully one day this week we will get to venture to the homeless shelter and deliver food and visit and serve those who are in need of a fresh meal.  The sports camp is going to be awesome as well!  We will get to minister to children through something the majority of humans have in common: sports.  Then VBS will be at night and this is where we will really get to share the gospel with these children.  

How You Can Pray:

1. Please pray for each person we will come in contact with and that Christ is already working on their hearts to receive what he has to say through us.  

2.Please pray for the team itself for endurance, strength, and motivation.  As you can see, we are going to be quite busy so pray that the schedule itself doesn't wear the team down. 

 

3.Pray for Satan to steer clear out of our way.  He has a sneaky way of trying to malfunction with Christ's work.  Whether it be through a leaking van, disagreements among team members, no showers, change of ministry plans, and just each one's own selfish ambitions.  Pray that the team can resist him and that Christ overcomes.

4.  Safe travel.  Enough said.  Pray for the drivers and for all the vans to work, not leak, and all air conditioners work.  

5.  Pray for the construction team.  Pray for strength for this team.  Pray that God will allow them to reach the people's houses or buildings they are working on.  Pray that God will use their skills to glorify his name. 

6. Pray for the kitchen crew.  Their job is demanding and their job is longer than any other team.  They put in tons of hours before we even set foot on a van.  The cook three meals a day for forty people and we are blessed to have such an awesome crew!  (PS.  one is my mom)

7. Pray for the ministry team:  This team is doing several different activities that require them to shift gears in the day.  Pray for patience with this team as we are going to be rushed quite frequently and pray for guidance when leading VBS and sports camp. 

8. Pray for our team leader, Hoppy.  Ole Hop is my dad and I think the world of him.  He has put in tons of hours preparing for this trip.  Pray for guidance and wisdom as he leads this team in the right direction.  Pray that he does not grow tired and that he is able to do a successful job. 

9.  Finally pray for Graceway Baptist church.  This church is where we are doing VBS and sports camp.  Pray for the members of this church and for their lives to be touched by this week.  Also, pray for kids to come out to the activities. 

I know this seems like a lot, but trust me.... prayer works.  This week, please remember these individuals or groups in your daily prayer time.   The word of God tells us to "pray without ceasing."  1 Thessalonians 5:17 Each prayer is heard and this team will be so thankful and so blessed by your prayers.  

This is going to be an exciting week!  God is going to do some amazing things!  Hopefull, I will be able to blog everyday.  I should be able to post a short one each day at least from my cell phone, but hopefully I can find some internet connection at the church to give a more detailed update everyday so keep checking back! To him be all the glory!

forget regret

-k

All Aboarrrrrd!

This week is Vacation Bible School at FBC and I'm pretty worn out but having the best time! Brittany and I are teaching music again! Where else would we be?! This year the theme is the Boomerang Express! We have ventured to the Australian Outback this week! Needless to say, it was much more difficult to decorate this year compared to last year's tropical theme and the year before sport's theme. However, we did our best to transform the FBC youth room into the Sydney Opera House! We did an alright job! The important thing is that our children are having a great week! I hope they are having a good time! We try our best to make Music Opera House the coolest place on the block. The children say that their favorite stop is music class so hopefully they are having a great time but most importantly, learning about Christ through the songs and motions they learn during the rotation.

Today was ABC day. Please lift up the children that heard the gospel presented today. Pray for the decisions that were made and that the seed that was planted will grow. Also pray for energy and endurance for the workers. With two days left, everyone is getting a little tired. Pray that they will keep the prize in sight, which is winning children over for the Kingdom of God! Tonight is family night at FBC. In a matter of hours, many families will attend this service that is all about Vacation Bible School. Pray that we are able to reach those families who are unchurched and do not know the Lord.

VBS is definitely one of my favorite weeks of the year! AND this year I get to do THREE! One at FBC, in Baltimore, and Jamaica! Woo Hoo! It's a good thing I like it otherwise, I'd be up the creek! I'll blog later this week with a VBS wrap-up!

forget regret!
-k

My Bucket List.
Things I want to do before I die. I'm not finished with the list but here it is!


-Visit all seven continents, minus Antarctica. So technically I want to visit six of them.

-Go on a mission trip to Africa, preferably before I graduate college.

-Write and compose at least two songs. One for my husband when I get married and praise and worship song.

-Live in a big city for at least a short amount of time.

-Perform on a Broadway stage.

-Learn another language.

-Visit the Grand Canyon.

-Snorkle in the Great Barrier Reef.

-Be on the Amazing Race

-Be on Survivor.

-Go to the Olympics.

-Learn how to ride a horse.

-Accept the fact I am not visually artistic, but spend an afternoon painting or drawing.

-Learn how to play the guitar.

-Record an album.

-Travel any chance I get.

-Learn to cook amazing dishes.

-Take ballroom dancing lessons.

-Become an excellent photographer.

-Watch a sunrise and a sunset with the person I love the most.

-Learn to sew.

-Embrace my creativity and let it shine.

-Visit all 50 states.

-Do a better job at keeping a journal.

-Direct (or be the musical director) for at least ten musicals.

-Win a Tony

-Get my Ph.D in.... well something.

-Dance in the moonlight.

-Go to the opening night of a Broadway show.

-Go to a Super Bowl.

-Write a book.

-Celebrate New Years in NYC.

-Go to Macy's Thanksgiving day parade.

-Marry the love of my life.

-Go on an Africian Safari.

-Travel Europe.

-Kiss under the Eiffel Tower.

-Ride in a hot air balloon

-Zipline in the mountains.

-Go to a park, by myself, and just enjoy the day and reflect.

-Tell someone how I feel one day, and not feel bad about it.

-Stand up for myself.

The Day I Surprised My Boyfriend... And Almost Failed.

So Thursday night I had the brilliant plan of driving to Greenville to surprise Paul and see him play soccer.  Sara Ashley went with me so I would not do all that driving alone, especially in the dark.  That would have been scary.  You might ask why I would just not drive to a home game to see him play, instead of driving thirty extra miles.  Well, one I wanted to be an extra supportive girlfriend so I drove the extra mile, or thirty, to see him.  Reason two, I had stuff to do when he was playing home games and part of them were during exam week.  So I decided to go to this one!  

Sara Ashley and I begin this adventure around 4:15 when we left her house. The game was at seven, so that gave us just enough time to get to the field.  We had a lovely ride up.  Chatting about anything and everything.  I'm glad she is going to Wofford and will be less than an hour away!  YAY!  So we drive into downtown Greenville and find the soccer field fairly easily.  Now i should warn you, SA and myself are not avid soccer gamers so we didn't really know which side of the stadium to sit on.  We felt like we should sit behind the team but nobody was sitting over there, so we went with where the people were and just kinda hoped we didn't look really weird.

When we sat down, the team was warming up.  I had not told Paul we were attending so he had no reason to know we were coming to the game or to look in the stands for us.  The game started and we were sitting right where Paul was playing during the first half.  We tried several ways to get his attention but didn't want to 1. cause a commotion, 2. get him in trouble, 3. look like massive idiots.  Therefore, we stuck with small hand waves or like a clap here and there.  We were sitting by ourselves so we figured he'd look up and see us.... NOPE.  The two of us decided we should have brought a large camera and gone down to the bottom of the stands to take pictures and then he would have seen us.  OR... we should have sat in the bottom corner of the bleachers where a random soccer ball went sailing.  We definitely would have been noticed at that point.  Unfortunately, because we wanted to blend in, the entire first half went by and Paul still had no clue that we were there. 

Halftime arrived and they had a little peppy talk, yadda yadda. 

Then the second half began and Paul was on the other side and far corner of the field.  Fail.  We gave up on attempting to announce our appearance and just hoped they win so he could talk for a moment after the game.  Dorman won!  2-1! Yay! 

So we then began to walk to the gate and just kinda stood there and waited.  We see this pack of blue shirts and lots of boys walk by, but none are Paul.  Then finally we see him!  Hooray!  He was surprised and very excited!  It was a happy moment!  *snaps*

SA and I then trek home.  We stopped at Steak and Shake... YUMMMMMMMMMM.  :)  We love Steak and Shake.  Then we drove back to Lancaster!  We made it home before midnight so it wasn't too late!  It was a very enjoyable evening!

A weekend/mothers day blog will be up either later tonight or tomorrow!

-forget regret

k

Best Weekend :)

This weekend definitely ranks as one of the best weekends ever.  Seriously.  It was fabulous. There was not a dull, bad moment AND there were lots and fantastic moments!  For real. It rocked.  Let's begin....

Friday evening was RELAY FOR LIFE!  It's one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons.  It kinda kicks off outdoor spring and summer events.  I always know summer is right around the corner when it's time for Relay.  Relay for Life is such an inspirational event.  Knowing so many people who have been affected by cancer, two of my grandparents in particular, makes this cause so worth while.  It's awesome to see so many people, young and old, join together and fight for a cure.  The only downfall was it was on the soccer field and not the football field.   That's ok.   It still was a fabulous evening.

Saturday was PROM!  Seriously it was a ton of fun.  It began with Melissa doing my hair and makeup.  Normally she tells me I am her most difficult client but I was quite easy to get along with on Saturday.  I didn't complain about how she was fixing it or anything.  That's why I love Melissa though.  She lets me tell her if I don't like it, and she'll fix it.  She's the best.  Go her.

Then it was time to go to Spartanburg!  Woo hoo!  Mom followed me to take pictures and help me get dressed.  She's the best mother in the world. Really.  Don't try to tell me she's not or your mom is better.  NO.  Kathy wins.

Then we got to Paul's house and I put my dress on and all that jazz.  Did the picture thing there and headed out into the heat to Nick's house to take many more pictures.  About a hundred pictures later, we all get ready to leave.  Then everyone discovers they have left their prom tickets at their houses.  Before dinner, everyone had to stop and pick up their tickets so we could get into the dance.  Then we went and ate dinner at Lieu's and it was very lovely.  We had a fantastic time.  After dinner, we went into downtown Greenville.... that was an adventure.  We got sightly lost but never fear, Nic got us downtown safely and we walked around and took some pictures on this pretty bridge.  Then it was time to go to prom itself.  We got there but we didn't stay very long because it was 3908390403 degrees.  Literally.  So we then went back to Paul's house to get our stuff to go to Nic's.  While we were there, Molly introduced me to chocolate soy milk.  Thanks girl!  We changed and then went to Nic's and went swimming and stayed at his house.  When we woke up, Mrs. Hasty made breakfast.  We had a lovely time.

Sunday afternoon, we went to eat dinner for Paul's grandpa.  He's such a sweet man and we ate Wades. :) Yummmmmy.  Then it was time for me to go home, :( but it was ok because it was soon time for LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL! *snaps*

Mom of the year, Stephanie, Brett, Sara Ashley, Mrs. Gedie, and myself went to Ruby Tuesday's to eat.  They were unusually SLOOOOOOW.  I was growing very impatient because I was ready to see the show.  Once we finally filled our stomachs, we went to Ovens to see the show!  It really was, as they call it, an "elle" of a show!  I had seen it in New York and it was a little more elaborate but hey, mad props still!  During the show we had some... flamboyant individuals sitting beside us.   They were freaking HILARIOUS.  The one thing I missed in this show was Orfeh as Paulette.  She can sing the HECK out of Ireland.  Snaps though Natalie Joy Johnson still. 

Then we stage doored!  Wooooo Hooooo!  We met Becky who played Elle!  I don't have my playbill in front of me so I do not have everyone's name.  Natalie Joy Johnson was Paulette and we met her and Lauren Zarkin who was on 'The Search for Elle Woods' Snaps to the cast!  It was great!

Classes are OVER!  Two exams! One Paper!  Summer is here!

Hold my hand :)

  Hahah Candid!

So cute :)

Pretty  :)

Group!

-forget regret

k

Weeks in Review

Oh dear!!!  It has been almost a month since I have blogged!  Here is the catch up!

Waiting for Lefty went fantastic!!!!  We had a good audience each night and the piece was very well received.  I am so thankful that I was a part of the show!  I met many new people and made new friends with the show.  Each person contributed something different to the cast and the show would not have been the same without each one of them. 

Ladies in the show!  

So after Waiting for Lefty, we had a lots of free time. That week we went to see "On the Verge" at Winthrop.  It was a unique choice of show but we had a great time! 

The next weekend was Easter!  I love Easter because it is such a happy holiday!  Everyone wears pretty bright colors to celebrate the risen Christ.  For Easter, everyone came to Grandmother's house!  The Charleston clan was there as well!  It was so much fun!  I love my family.  They are fantastic.  

 

Family! 

Then Grandmother had back surgery and was in the hospital. :(  Poor thing.  She's so precious but is doing much better. I love her.

Then this weekend I went to the horse races with Paul and his family!  We had so much fun!  It was very very hot and we all were sunburnt, but it was great!  It was nice to see him since I had not seen him in several weeks.  We had a fantastic time!

Paul and Myself :)

The Group!

It's been a pretty busy couple of weeks!  Will blog again soon!

forget regret!

-k

life

Hello world.  I am stressed out.  I do not like it.  Sunday at around five o'clock cannot come soon enough.  My life will be destressed at that time. 

1.  Waiting for Lefty.  This weekend.  Come see it.  Friday. Saturday. Eight.  Sunday. Three.

2. My eye is itchy.  It's puffy.  Stupid allergies.

3. People are stupid, mean, and inconsiderate.  They should be nice. 

4. Paul and I have been dating for six months.  Awww.  This should have really been in a blog last week, but between rehearsal, work, class, and stuff... blogging took the back burner.

5.   I survived the major tech rehearsal day and almost all of tech week!.  The show is coming together.  It's going to be good. 

6. I'm looking forward to the month of April! :)  It's going to be SO fun!  Prom!  Horse Race!  Legally Blonde the Musical! Easter!  It will be great!

7.  The Blumenthal Center's show line up.... OMG.  I am going to have to sell my soul, win the lottery, or find a millionaire to buy me tickets.  If you are a millionaire and you willing to purchase... let me know! 

8.  I'm so ready for April 27th.  NO MORE CLASSES. 

9.  I am glad people have gotten the drama out of the theatre.  There is a time and place for your personal problems and tech rehearsals is neither one.  

10.  I was running late this morning so I couldn't go get my coffee until AFTER my first class.  :(  

11. Easter is next weekend!  That's pretty exciting!  It's always a nice holiday with a purpose.  Unlike Halloween etc.

12. I will be moving to Anderson in four and a half months.  That is very scary and I don't know what I think about it.  Part of me is SO SO excited but I don't want to leave my comfort zone. 

13. Speaking of comfort zones... God calls us to step outside of them and sometimes challenges us to do things we are not used to doing.  Fortunately for us, he gives us the strength and the peace to know that he will see us through. 

14. I'm so excited that my dad got to see what we will be doing in Baltimore.  God is going to do amazing things there and I can't wait!

15.  I'm also ready to go to Jamaica!  I am thankful that Glenno found us a hotel to stay in!  I was nervous about staying with Jamaican families (see number 13.)  But I'm ready to meet the people and just show them the love of Christ. 

16.  The Edge Theatre company is doing Rent.  I really really REALLY REALLLY want to audition, but I will be in Jamaica for part of the performance dates.  

17. I tried to play an April Fools joke on Paul last night... it didn't work. Fail.

That's about all I have today kids!  Come see Waiting for Lefty this weekend!   

forget regret

-k

Hello world!  It's time for thoughts from Katie's brain!

1.  The last time I posted I had auditioned for a music scholarship at Anderson and I got it!  Woo hoo!  :)  Thank you to all who helped me prepare, gave me words of encouragement, and lifted this up in prayers.  I had said that if I didn't get a music scholarship, I was going to change my major.  God has a funny way of working sometimes.  With the economy the way it is right now and jobs being cut right and left, I wanted to major in something where it would be highly likely I would get a job.  Well today, it is appearing that absolutely no field is safe and cuts are being made everywhere.  This leads me to believe that I should major in something I love and be happy for the rest of my life.  Instead of majoring in psychology (like I almost did... fail) or something of that nature, I am going to teach the world to sing!

2.  I don't really think rude people should be allowed to exist around others.  I don't think they should die or anything like that, but if the room is full of polite, kind, generous people... this group should not be forced to tolerate that one mean human being.  That is all. 

3.  "Make a wish and do as dreamers do.  Trust your heart and all your dreams will come true"-Disney.  

I love this.  It is part of what they sing in the Wishes fireworks show at Disney.  Your heart doesn't lie to you. 

4.  This summer, many of you know I'm going to Jamaica on a mission trip!  Well, we have changed the city in Jamaica and we potentially will be staying in people's houses.  I'm kind of skeptical about this.  I am really going to have to pray about it.  

5. I'm ready to be in a musical again.  This show I'm in now is nice but I miss the lights, the pizazz, and the glamour.  I'm ready to sing and dance.  

6. So awhile back, I wrote a blog and it contained information about covering your entire bush with Christmas lights, not just part of it.  Well the same applies for easter eggs.  If you have a small tree in your yard (and when I mean small, I mean very small.  These people could reach the top without a ladder), one should decorate the ENTIRE tree with eggs, not just the bottom half.  

Tree decoration fail. 

7.  I still think the governor is an imbecile.  My opinion has not changed. 

8.  I want to see the new facebook home page.  Everyone keeps talking about it but I do not have it yet. 

9.  I love spring break.  I am going to see Thoroughly Modern Millie Saturday night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :)  I have the best boyfriend in the world.

10.  I love sleep as well... especially when one is leaving in the morning for Anderson at eight. 

forget regret

-k 

Music, Rita's, The Lion King, Scavenger Hunts, Benjamin Button, and Snow!

Hello blogging world!  Today I am going to fill you in on the past couple of days.  They were oh so very eventful!

Ok Friday.  I went to Anderson!   I love it there!  I'm so excited about going to school next semester!   I had an audition for a Music Scholarship.  I think I did pretty well.  I don't know if anything is going to come out of it, but I did my very best and that is what I intended on doing when I went in there.  Then... I got to hang out with my best friend!  I'm super excited about living with her next year!!  Brittany, Mom, Patti, Matt, and myself then went around to each dorm so we could decide where we want to live.  Then (fanfare music goes here...) We went to RITA'S!  It was amazing and is going to make me incredibly obese next year.  After Mom and Patti went home, We went to eat dinner at Chili's and then went back and watched The Lion King! :)  Then the next morning Brittany and myself went to eat breakfast then I headed to Spartanburg! 

Once I got to Spartanburg, Paul and I went to eat lunch at Thai Taste.  It was really good.  Then once we finished, we went to the movies.  We saw Taken and it was really good.  Anyone who is traveling to a foreign country should see it.  Take lessons from these dumb girls.  Like sharing cabs with stranger boys.  Failure.

Then after that I sent Paul on a Scavenger Hunt!  It was really cute and really dorky but it was fun. :)  Once the Scavenger Hunt was over, we played the Wii!  We bowled and I lost by one point. :(  Boo.  Then it was time for Katie to return home.  This is where the real adventure starts...

So I decided to go home via Interstate 85.  Now I normally drive home on Number 9. Now ` I had ridden this way numerous times but I have never driven it myself.  So I start clicking it along 85.  The ride is going pretty well, lots of rain but nothing major.  So I start to approach the 485 exits.  One way goes back to my house and the other goes in the other direction.  So I see one sign pointing to Columbia, then I see one pointing to Pineville/Statesville.  I thought that was sort of odd but I figured it was right.  Then the second signs I saw which were displayed right at the exits said to Columbia or to Charlotte/Statesville.  Yet again I figured going towards Charlotte is weird but that's the way I got off.  Once I started down 485 in this direction, nothing really looked familiar and started seeing all kinds of signs for Mount Holly and all these places north of Charlotte.  I started thinking... "hmm is this the right way???"  So I called my dear Padre and he told me that I was going in the wrong direction so I needed to get on 77 and head back the other way since I was right near it.  Well if you know how far up 77 is, you know that I was almost in uptown Charlotte.  Howdy Doody.  I was like great, it's a monsoon, dark, and I was going the wrong way.  So I finally hop on 77 and it's pouring and you can't see the signs until you are almost right up on them.  So once I passed all of the city of Charlotte, I am approaching my exit to Pineville.  Well due to the monsoon, I missed the exit.  Katie Fail.  So I keep going down 77 and go through Rock Hill.  Then, I'm finally back in Lancaster and I get to the stop light where Bojangles and the Texaco station is.  I am in the right hand lane at the traffic light so I need to get over one lane to get on the bypass.  So I just hop on over and start heading on the ramp.  Well all of a sudden this car comes FLYING up behind me and rides my batonkous the entire ramp.  Now it is not safe to do that in the sunny clear weather, much less when it is a monsoon, dark, and dreary.  So I look in my review mirror, and I see that it is a policeman.  I was like "why is this cop following me?"  Then all of a sudden his little nice blue lights appear.  I was like geez.  So it's POURING rain and all of a sudden this nice little cop man knocks on my window making my car nasty and wet.  He says "I bet you have no clue why I pulled you over."  Ok if a policeman has to say that... why in the tunket are you pulling the person over? I mean seriously.  So I said,  "No sir.  I do not."  He was like "well first of all you have a headlight out.  Then you changed lanes of traffic without using a signal." Seriously man?  Come on.  Soooo he looks at my license and all that jazz and goes back to his little car.  Then comes back and gives me a warning (fortunately).  But still.  Ugh.  Driving Experience Failure.

So my hour and a half trip from Spartanburg took me approximately 2 and half hours.  

But I made it to Jessica's birthday party!

Then today, Sara Ashley and I took Tomoya to the movies.  Tomoya is a Japanese foreign exchange student staying with a family in our church.  We went to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  It was FABULOUS.  One of the best movies I have ever seen.  Very unique and VERY well down.  It had lots of substance and was not full of stupid crap like unnecessary cursing, sexual scenes, or crude humor.  It was great. 

Now!  It is snowing!  No class tomorrow!  Hope the ground will be fluffy and white in the morning!  

xoxo 

Katie

Love is in the Air

Valentine's Day.... some love it and some hate it.  

Exhibit A:  Brittany Johnson.  As I am typing this she goes.... "blahhhhhhhhh."  She is an Anti-Valentine's Day Supporter!

But whether you love it or you hate it, it comes around regardless.  This year, Valentine's Day for Katherine Anne Roberts was pretty enjoyable.  It began on the Wednesday night before Valentine's Day.  It was the world famous Valentine's Banquet at First Baptist Church.  There were some great acts!  My dad was the MC. Mr. Barnes sang "We Ain't Got Dame" from South Pacific.  My mom and Cindi Vincent sang "Friendship", Dr. Still did a hilarious one man act.  Several youth sang different solos.  A group sang "Super Troupers" from Mamma Mia.  And there were even more!

Sara Ashley and myself sang 'Popular' from Wicked.  We made her green so she could play Elphaba and I wore a pink(ish) dress.  We looked completely adorable.  I started losing my voice on Saturday and by Tuesday, I could not talk.   It was nothing short of a miracle that I was able to sing.  It went pretty well considering and we had a ton of fun!

Then we get to February 14th!  Paul, his parents, and Molly met my parents and me at Outback!  He surprised me with flowers and candy. :)  He's the best boyfriend in the world.  It made for a very lovely Valentine's Day.  

While at Play Rehearsal

Hello world!

I am at play rehearsal and they're blocking a scene I'm not in so I figured it would be a great time to blog.  We just finished a transition into another scene and looks pretty cool.  This one just began and I have no clue where it is going, but it looks like it's going to be pretty nifty!

Random thoughts. 

1.  This weekend was a ton of fun!  I went to Spartanburg on Saturday to see Paul!  Then we went Saturday night to PC to visit Molly!  It was great!  Then Sunday was RENT with Steph!  

2. I can't believe it's already February!  In sixth months I'm packing up and moving to Anderson!  It's hard to believe.

3.  I really want to measure a year in love.  It would be such a beautiful thing.  Seasons of Love asks if you measure it in daylights, sunsets, midnights, or in cups of coffee?  In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife?  Then it says measure in love.  All these are definite, tangible things that you can count, but measuring in love is something you can't count and you really don't have to. 

4.  I have no clue what I want to do with my life.  I think I want to change my major but I don't know for sure.  I think if I do change it, it will be to Christian Studies.  

5.  Staging this scene is cracking me up. 

6. My dream job is to have a musical show on the Travel Channel.  I could be on TV, sing, travel the world, and be entertained.  It would be the best. 

7. NYC... there's something about you.   Enough said. 

8. For the life of me, I cannot understand why people cannot confront people. 

9.  I just heard the word umbrella.  It reminded me of a song from Little Women "Love is Like a Small Umbrella in the Rain."

Rehearsal is over!  Have a splendid day! 

forget regret!

-k

No Day but Today

So this past week, I had a RENT marathon and absolutely LOVED it!   I had seen it twice already... once in Asheville and once last year when it came to Charlotte.  

Here is sort of a background about my experience with this show

Ok.  I grew up in a musical family.  My parents were very concerned about making sure I was cultured.  My love for musicals began at an early age.  However, my interest in Broadway and making it pretty much a part of my daily life began with RENT.  

Now, if you are kinda clueless about this show... you should probably go review a plot summary on the web.  It would behoove you.   While you are at it, learn the background of Jonathan Larson.  Your life will be touched.  Even better... go download the cast recording!  

I love this show.  I do.  A lot of people believe it is overrated and in someways, yes it is.  Let me clarify by saying I do not think this show is the best show ever written.  It's not.  Did it change Broadway?  In some ways.  Is this the only show I like? Absolutely not.  Is this even my favorite show?  It's one of them, but not my absolute favorite.   The background of this story is so beautiful. The writer, Jonathan Larson was a starving artist.  He wrote RENT and saw it come to life while it was at the New York Theatre Workshop.  Then, the show finally made it's way to the Great White Way!  The night before it opened, Jonathan died unexpectedly from a heart condition. Knowing the background to me, makes this story come alive.  This show is so raw.  It's gritty and in some ways considered inappropriate.  It contains bare behinds, lots of language, sexual scenes and references, gays, lesbians, and drag queens.  I wouldn't take a child to see this.  But among that, there so many beautiful messages.  Time and time again you hear "No Day but Today" then "Measure your life in love."  You see all of these relationships develop and you realize, hey this really does happen.  People have HIV and AIDS, people are gay, people are starving artists.  But this show manages to take all of that and turn it into this beautiful piece of art that celebrates a year in the life of friends. 

Now... on to the shows!

Thursday, January 29, 2009. 

Sara Ashley, Brett, Mikey, and myself went to see RENT together.  We had a great time!  It was so exciting!  We left Sara Ashley's house and went to eat!  Then off we went to Ovens to the show!  We bought our merchandise, went potty, and sat down to wait for the show to start.  I really thought I was going to jump out of my skin.  Why you ask?  After all, I had already seen this show.  Well that would be because Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal were back in the roles of Roger and Mark!  They were the original cast members when the show opened on Broadway. Seeing them in these roles was such an awesome experience.  It is like one of those things that you hear people talk about... 

Exhibit A:

Person: "Well I saw the original cast when it was on Broadway."

What I want to respond with: "Well howdy doody.  I was six when this show came to Broadway so frequent trips to New York City were not my priority."  

Anyways...This was amazing to see.  They were so comfortable in their roles and were PERFECT.  After doing this show since 1994 when it was in the workshop stage, you think they would be sick of it.  There are no words to describe seeing them perform these roles they are most famous for right in front of my eyes.  

The entire cast, except for three people, had been with the show in some way shape or form before touring.  These people are the creme of the crop. This cast was so strong.  Some were in the final cast.  They were phenomenal!  Gwen Stewart was the Seasons of Love soloist and that girl can just flat out sing!  She was in the original cast as well!  Justin Johnson played Angel and Michael McElory was Collins.  They were both in the final cast and had a great chemistry.  They were precious when they sang "I'll Cover You."  Nicolette Hart was Maureen and she was a hoot.  SA and myself saw her when we both saw Legally Blonde in New York.  Nicolette's "Over the Moon" was fabulous.  Haneefah Wood was JoAnne and "Take Me or Leave Me" with her and Nicolette was beautiful.  They had great voices that blended so well.  Miss Lexie Lawson was Mimi.  She was new to RENT and played the role of Mimi.  She was the best one I had seen at this point.  She had especially great acting!  

This show was so strong and beautiful.  There were not any weak cast members or any weak songs or scenes.  Since I couldn't see the original cast, this is pretty close to it and they were superb!

Then we stage doored!   Everyone came out and was incredibly friendly!  Everyone was willing to sign stuff and take pictures except for Anthony and Adam.  However, while Adam told me he could not pose for a picture with me, he called me sweetie in the process!  :)

Then we went home and made a fifteen minute video blog which will be up soon!  

February 1, 2009

Then I decided that Stephanie should not be left out of the mix of RENT so we bought tickets to go see it on SUNDAY!  Who needed the Super Bowl when RENT was in town?  Not us!  We went to Ovens an

d picked up our tickets then went through Sketchville, yes it was pretty sketch to find food.  We did not leave the car, no ladies and gentlemen we stayed in our vehicle and got our food to go.  We felt much safer doing this.  Then we went back and ate our yummy cheeseburgers and went to the show!  

The show was basically the same thing the second time around as this one except for one change.  Mimi was not played by Lexie Lawson, she was played by.... KARMINE ALERS!  Now, I know most of you reading do not have a clue who she is, but I was elated!  Some consider her to be the best Mimi of all time and she played the role while she was on Broadway.  She was spot on.  She has amazing vocals!  Out Tonight was outstanding and Without You was heartbreaking.  I'm glad I got to go again and I'm super glad Steppy liked it!!

This show is great!  I'm going to start signing my blogs 'forget regret' because it's from this show and it's so true. "Forget Regret or Life is Yours to Miss."  Don't stay stuck in the past, move on and celebrate remember a year in the life of friends while you measure your life in love!

forget regret

-k

Stage Door Pictures!!!

Still amazed.

Still in Amazement.

There will be a post either on Sunday Evening or Monday about my RENT experiences.  Yes that is plural... experienceS!  I am going with Stephanie Sunday night! Who needs the Super Bowl?! Psh. 

There will be lots of photos, reviews, comments, and the video blog! 

Oh you are in for a treat. 

xoxox

-k