I love the way the sun slants the shadows in the evening. And the golden rays are warm. And the air is cool. And the clouds are grey and glowering. But happily. As if they know that they are loud, but loved.

I love the first drops of rain that fall before the rest. They are the pathway for the sprinkles that come after, and they unleash the earth smell that only rain can make.

I love the green of early summer grass. It is better than any color of any other time. It just is green. Like you never understood what true green really was until you saw that lawn of early summer spread out before you both brazen and shy at the same time. Saying, you may look at me if you like. I am the fresh green grass that comes out when no one expects it. And I am beautiful.

Oh, and the trees! I love the trees of summer. They are fat and full and proud. If they were ever not healthy before, they are now. As if they dare not be sick when all their brothers and sisters put out their best and are. Their shade is the most glorious and perplexing coolness that you can ever know.

I love the water. How it sparkles with the sun, not just because of it. We notice water more in the summer. How it drains away. How it stays. How it looks. Especially how it looks! What is more lookable than a lake of shining water during the heat of a summer day when you know that you will join it soon. Splashing and swimming under the sun in the thing that refreshes you as well as lets you live.

I love June. For that is the time when the roses bloom out and show the world what it's been missing. We are the most beloved, they say, because we are the wild rose of summer, and we bring you the scent of our souls, and of heaven.

I get to be Gwendolyn Fairfax in my Acting in Realism final!

I need to register for classes!

I have to do lots of homework I detest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just drank a sublime cup of tea!

Jessica likes Todd Agnew better than Bebo Norman, and sometimes I have to agree with her. I've recently listened (over and over again as I do with favorite songs) to his song called Wait for Your Rain. Some choice lyrics: “I cannot believe I’m this dirty, and I’m ashamed to even ask to be clean”. What kind of relationship with his savior must he have to really see his sin in such a way?

Lately I’ve been asking God to really teach me to hate my sin and to not want to go back to it again and again like I do. Like we all do. I shake my head in amazement at David, the man after God’s own heart. Who learned from his mistakes and did not visit them again. David had his share of sins, but he chose to bring his heart and soul before his God and break them at His feet. That God might see and know and forgive.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

“Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” Psalm 119: 132-133

Parents are wonderful things. We need them – desperately. More than when we are small and cannot feed or clothe ourselves, but also while we are growing. And when we are done growing, we will still need them, as long as they live. God was amazingly smart to have made his plan involve children with mothers and fathers. It makes me angry and confused when people say we don’t need them, or when parents don’t do what they should as parents, or we are fine with two of the same gender. That was not how God designed the world to function, why do we think we know better than God? My parents were never perfect, and they still miss the mark by a wide margin. But I thank God every day for giving me to them, that they might be the role models they are. There are, of course, certain characteristics of theirs I hope never to have and I try and rid myself of the ones I already possess that are not favorable; but I pray I am like my parents in many ways when I am older.

My mother is one of the most unselfish women I know. I have noticed lately how much she has taught me by simply living it out in her life. She hardly ever complains, she has never been vain, she is hospitable and gracious, and true. I see her take time out of her always busy days to have time alone with her Lord. She is cheerful and funny and kind. I remember once when I was younger, a friend told me she couldn’t ask he mother something right then because she was in a bad mood. I tried so hard to think of a time my mom had been in a “bad mood”, and couldn’t recall a single time!! She is patient, especially with my pesky brother, but most especially with me.

My father, especially lately, has become something of a hero to me. He can be hilarious and then quite serious when there is a need for it. He has taken such good care of his family that I am ashamed of what I used to think of him when I was younger; but then again, he has changed and matured so much since then that I am amazed at who he is now. He is one man I don’t doubt would die for his God if ever asked.  He counsels with the Lord on decisions and day to day life, he works hard and well at a job he doesn’t like to support the family he loves. He has sacrificed much that we all might be financially stable and secure. My dad has a huge heart for ministry and devotes much of his time and energy to it. He has supported me, prayed for me, and loved me all my life; both my parents have, for which I will always be eternally grateful.

I want to live my life without coming to the end and wondering how the outcome would have been different if I had given everything I was to God. Everything; not most of the time, but all the time, every time. So now begins the painful process of becoming more like Christ; and it will be worth it all.

There is another song, an old hymn called I Have Decided to Follow Jesus that says “Tho none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back, no turning back.” We sang it in chapel at school the other day and it stayed with me. I suppose you could say I really realized that if no one else I know goes with me after Christ – I still will; because my life is complete and satisfied with Him alone, and not in anyone or anything else.

I love how much I can rely on God. Faithfulness is my favorite characteristic of His, with good reason. Through many circumstances in my life - some painful, some pleasant - I have chosen to trust God during them. And He has never let me down. Not once. I can’t say that of anyone else I know.

I believe I have made a new record for myself in that I have posted two whole days in a row! I'm not sure how I feel about that . . .

Acting class today. Too short. Learned about the Energy Cycles while reading a script or acting a part. Extremely interesting and makes loads of sense.

As Friday's are my "I don't do homework on Friday's" day, I will not be doing homework today. But will (it's to be presumed) do it on Saturday and Sunday.

I might go to Disneyland this afternoon. Depends on if I get a certain affirmative phone call or not.

Okay, enough of the short, indecipherable sentences! Let's discuss Roommates. I have one. If you are married - you have one. If you share a room with a sibling - you have one. If you live with anyone at all - you have one. (Dogs,cats and moniter lizards do not count on this one.) I have one roommate who has been my same roommate since my first year of college (last year) and she is pretty crazy. All you who know her (I'm assuming that the only person who would know her on HSB is Jessica) will agree. She has had a pretty crazified - it's a word, keep reading - life and likes to tell people this by 20 piercings and a tatoo on her foot. We are even more opposite than my best friend Jessica (mentioned above) and I. Which is a pretty big feat! But we get along suprisingly well and though we're not the best of friends she tells me things she doesn't tell anyone else. She lets me hug her and she let me decorate our new studio apt. which is bonus points for her! Our favorite movie to watch together is Center Stage. "Yeah Charlie!" I'm a sucker for dance movies and she loves horror, so to get her to even watch something like that was a bit difficult. But she watched, and we love it! Through all the praying I did for her last year God heard. And He is now bringing her back again to His way. If you ever happen to think of her during the weekend it would be wonderful if you could pray for her to stay on track and keep seeking after Christ. Thanks.

~Katalina

P.S TIME!   Actually it's Russain time, I've got to run and go sit at a cafe and speak Russian to people for my class. Not random people, Russian speaking people. Yeah, that would make more sense.

Greetings! To all you who I know and all the people I have yet to meet (and still probably won't meet as we are most likely in different states or different parts of the globe).

Let me do a quick intro for the scads of folks who read this hungrily EVERY SINGLE DAY: My name shall be Katalina on this blog as my father is freaked out my identity and saftey will be compromised by me saying anything too personal on the net. I don't balme him - not with all the creepy crazies out there and plenty of stories to back him up. Well, my best friend decided last year that I needed a blog to write on since I was going off to college. She figured I would love to write all about myself and she would love to read it. . .  (She's laughing now, I can tell). Whatever the purpose or expectations may be for this . . . thing . . . let me say that I do for the most part enjoy it. My problem is finding time or inspiration to write and answering comments. Don't get me wrong! Who doesn't like a good comment every now and then?! Leave me one and some day in the near future you should get a reply. I hope.

Now it is my second year in college down in southern California. Good luck trying to find me, there are a million colleges down here! (Actually it's a University, but who's bragging?) I am a Theatre major and hope to teach Junior High performing arts someday. Yes, I'm crazy. But I was once a junior higher and know they desperatly need SOMEONE who cares. I also hope I can get involved or even help start an after-school-program type of thing for kids who need a safe place to go and be accepted. Doing this with performing arts is so amazing as it is one thing where they feel some sort of belonging (I know, sounds corny, but it's very true) and are able to come out of whatever shell they've been hiding in and be themselves. What is amazing is that by doing this I will get to be a Christian example to them  and will have the chance to shine Christ's love in their lives. Of course this all depends on God, right now that is my tentative plan but I keep praying that this is what He wants me to do. And that if it isn't, He will show me where to go next.

Oh, and before I log off let me talk about Russain!! I hope to go to Russia next summer on a three week mission trip with my school and I'm taking Russian right now. AMAZING!! It is much easier than you might think and learning about a different culture is always facinating. Okay, enough for now. I'll probably go off on something else next time around.  .  .
Pokah (the english spelling of a Russian word that means "so long")

~Katalina

P.S. - Sorry, p.s' are sometimes standard. I'm leaving you with a question: If you had to choose between Ice Cream or Sherbet, which would you pick? And why in the world would you?!

Dear Jess,

Today is Tuesday, I miss you more now than I missed you when I was at school. I don't know why that is, but it's true  . . . this morning I thought I was on a.m. shift and got up at 6:30, only to find out I'm on p.m and didn't have to be down in camp until 3:00! This is the last week of Fuge and the J.P staff ( or, five of us) are going to do a skit for the talent show on Thursday. NOT "Hey Jeremy". Thank goodness. 

Did I tell you I was going to San Francisco with some of the summer staff? Well, we went this last weekend and got back yesterday after stopping on the way to see the Mummy 3. Gag me with a spoon Jess!! How did a mummy movie get to be so bad? Two Words "Rachel Weiz" - she's not in it and that  . . . is THAT! But S.F was so much fun! I got some more of those doughnuts we love on peir 39, yummm!!! We also spent some money to go inside the Ripley's Believe It Or Not - some things in there made me gag and some made me laugh, while others made all of us shake our heads and say "I don't believe it!". I think we reacted quite as expected, don't you think?  I also had a traumatizing experience on a trolley that I will not tell you over the world wide web but will save for later.

I hope everything is going dandy at home, tell Joel I say "Hi", and anyone else who happens to care.

Sincerely yours on this clouded day up in the mountains,

~Katalina

I have just completed my last final of my freshman year of college! I am now going to finish packing up all my many, many belongings (where did I get so much STUFF?) and leave for the open road, and home, by early afternoon. YEA!!!!! I am so ecstatically happy!!! Finals were actually not bad, I'm pretty sure I did well on all of them. Now I just have to get a job . . . ah me!

This first year has been full of new friends. Laughing with them, crying with them, playing, studying, going for jaunts in the car, watching new movies, splashing at the beach, and eating lots of food. Sigh . . . I'm going to miss life in the dorms. I have also (believe it or not) learned a whole new amount of information from my classes. I now can't help myself from recognizing fallacies, I constantly look for circumstances to use my escapes from self-defense, I am starting to think critically, I actually LIKE to sew now, I can function better on the computer, and I might really be understanding math. Might.

I have to go now, I need to finish parceling up all of my memories and material possessions. For those of you waiting at home for me - I'll see you soon!

~Katalina

In my speech class today two people did their demonstration speech on Origami. Everyone in the class got brightly colored pieces of paper and with one girl - made a tulip, and with the other- a super sweet, incredibly cute, rather small box. I did origami this morning. And it made my day.

Today is also Campus Day. The whole college gets together with their living areas, (apartments, dorms, etc.) and compete for a prize. Everyone represents their team with a t-shirt. Ours are brown - great color . . . The fun starts at 3:00! I'm bringng my video camera in hopes of capturing some awesome footage. I HOPE WE WIN!!! Everyone thinks my family is competetive; we are. I'm not as hard-core as my mother and sister, but I can sure get up there on the intense level. A problem for us freshmen is that this is our first time, while most of the upper classmen have already participated and some (of course) have won. We will also be competing against boys . . . who tend to take things like this way too seriously. Wish us luck!

I am ridiculously excited about going home for the Summer next Tuesday!!! I have all sorts of plans and hopes, but the best part will be NO SCHOOL! It's a little sad to be leaving my friends here, my roommate, and my bed, which happens to be much more comfortable than home. But I'm sure I'll be totally fine once I hit the open road and drive the six hours it takes to get back to my beloved central valley! First, however, I need to finish strong on finals.

Last night was the Communication Arts Banquet. As I am a Communication Arts major (Theatre) I was invited. I also got to cast my vote for best actress, actor, etc. of the year. It was a semi-formal affair with me in a black dress and heels, a lovely catered dinner, skits and videos and picture taking (as usual). It was very enjoyable! During the night I got a (this is random) gift card to starbucks from a guy who I had helped with a project of his. A bunch of us had made a movie for his project and even though I was an extra, I got my share of the spot light! He even promised me a DVD - I can't wait to laugh at us when I watch it!

I hope your day is great! Adios!

~Katalina

Here is the rest of the tag that I will next let Princess B. take since she wanted it - she will have to copy it from my blog as I don't know how else to do it. I am such a bad tagger of tags!

Have you ever read a book (besides the bible) that changed your life? I have to admit that I have even though I never finished it (it is extremely long). "Le Miserables" by Victor Hugo. The part that changed me was in the beginning: there is a certain bishop who is so unselfish, kind, and god-fearing that it changed my old, mediocre christian growth desires to new ones that I still strive for today.

If you have a car, did you name it? Of course! Rogelio is his name. (Pronounced Row-hail-eo).

What was the last thing you ate? Who ever really wants to know that?! In case you do, I ate Pizza bread, a salad, and Jamba Juice - yum!

What is right in front of you? What kind of a lame question is that?! Of course my computer is in front of me! What? Did you think I typed behind my back?!

Do you tan well? No. And that is all I'm going to say on this touchy subject.

Do you have a favorite song? Not really a favorite of all time, but my current love is "So Close" by Jon Mclaughlin. Oh! So good!! If you've ever seen Enchanted it's the song they dance to at the ball. It sounds better all the way through without the movie though. (look it up on youtube!)

Would you rather wear polka dots or stripes? Definitely polka-dots! My dream is a cream and brown polka-dot dress or a navy blue and white one!

What are you going to do now? I put in this one because I'm off to Self-defense. Hi-ya!

Bye!

~Katalina

I am watching "A Cinderella Story" while typing this. Jess, that line is from Bethoveen Three. Great movie! Anyway, thanks to Jessica and Mrs. H for their prayers. Brittany's friend Megan is not coming back next semester so it's just going to be me and Brittany! I'm praying still that God's Will will be done no matter what. Of course, that's always a good thing to pray!

I decided I wanted to do a tag.

What season were you born in? In summer. The glorious summer! When Kids are free and families go on vacation;  When big movies come out and watermelon is ripe; When the strawberry stand is open, the best Strawberries is the central valley! When you can get wet in your clothes and not care because two seconds later you'll be dry; When shade is a good ten degrees cooler than out in the sun; When we have our Fiesta! When you save your money just to buy as many shaved ices as there are days of the Fiesta; When camping trips are made; When everyone breathes deeper because you feel a little freer; When the days go one forever 'cause the big sun (it really seems bigger) doesn't want to set; When the big dipper is positioned correctly in the sky - waiting for me to say goodnight to it.

What is your favorite flower? I hate to be cliche, but roses. Not those fakey, hot-house wanna be's (although those are nice too) but the kind in my grandma's yard. the ones that are big and fat and open and RED. They smell heavenly.  In the book "Rose Daughter" they had a saying, "Roses are for love. Not forget-me-not, honeysuckle, silly sweethearts' love but the love that makes you and keeps you whole, love that gets you through the worst your life'll give you and pours out of you when your given the best instead."

Have you ever played Rini-toni-tawni? Um . . . noooo . . .

Where do you like to sit in the movie theater? Definitely in a chair. I make sure I get there early enough not to have to sit on the stairs.

Have you seen the movie Pollyanna? If so, what is your favorite part? Oooh Yes! My favorite part is when they have the Bazaar and Pollyanna gets a massive piece of cake and eats it out of the napkin without a fork - no hands! I've always wanted to eat cake like that. Especially that particular cake.

Do you know the person who made this tag? No. I just found it randomly. What joy to have found such a tag worthy of my blog!

What was the last thing you said out loud? "I just have to finish this and then I'll meet you guys at the caf." My friends came by my room on their way to dinner, they are saving me a seat as I tap on the keys.

I'll finish the rest of this tag later.

See ya!

~Katalina who is not hungry but would like to get out of her room for a little while so will walk down to the caf and eat some salad probably

I have to make a difficult decision soon. It might at first sound so simple but don’t let it fool you, my happiness for the next school year depends on it. The decision I have to make involves roommates. I was going to get a five person apartment with a group of my good friends. The problem with that was that the fifth person would be either my current roommate, Brittany or my friend Lauren’s current roommate, Jasmine. Brit or Jas were both deciding whether they were coming back to our college next year or not. Well, Jasmine is leaving (so sad!) and Brittany is staying. I love my roommate! Brit is the best and we get along as roommates (and friends) well. Now a problem was my other two friends who had nowhere to go; Cayla and Biz. I made it clear that whatever was decided, I wanted to be with my roommate. So when I got back from spring break my friend Sarah tells me the arrangements they’d decided. Lauren, Sarah, Cayla and Biz and Cecily would be in one apartment and me and Brittany (with Brit’s friends Megan) would be in a three person apt. “Well that’s good!” you might say. The problem is that I’ve only met Megan once and she and Brit together were pretty crazy and “ghetto” – if you know what I mean. I was wondering to myself if I could do this. So I talked to my friend Marian about it and she said she and her roommates need a fifth for their place next year and the door is open to me. I LOVE MARIAN!! She is one of my really good friends here. I also love her roommates, who are international students from China. They all would love it if I lived with them, but what about Brit? I’ve been praying about it, and I would like any advice you care to give. If there are any questions you want to ask about this to help me make a decision, let me know. Thank you, thank you, thank you . . .

~Kat

Jess, I realized that you made this blog for me so that I could tell you what was going on at school. I don't seem to do that, sorry. But this post I will! Are'nt you excited! Ready? Okay, so this week was "Crasy!" (said with Nacho accent) and I am running on very little sleep. Even right now I'm rubbing my tried and blood-shot eyes. I'm not exaggerating. The play went so well! For the most part . . . there were plenty of hectic moments with me running for saftey pins, glue guns, sewing machines, hats, Yamakas, you name it! Before the show I take care of about three people's make-up, and any last minute costume fixes that always seem to happen last-minute. But lately (especially Saturday) there were very few things (or less things, I should say) that demanded my attention. So I was able to watch the show from the balcony upstairs were we have a video feed for cast members to watch for their enjoyment or for cues. On Friday night I was watching the end of the show on a bench (a cushy one) and a blanket from the costume room. I fell asleep before the show ended and let me tell you Jess, it was lovely! Of course I was woken up by busy bodies who HAD to see if I was really sleeping and then I was up - just in time to eat dinner at Denny's (people always go to Denny's after shows. Must be an 'open all night' thing).  It was great to see my mom, grandma, aunt and their friend Saturday night! Marian enjoyed their hilarious conversation at Denny's later (see! we went again!).

Enough of the show. So this morning I did my persuasion speech because I on Friday I had no voice from allergies and late nights. I think it went pretty well, how did your informative speech go? I'm sure you dominated the peeps who thought they'd be graded on a curve and are now grasping at straws. I have that much confidence in you! Of course . . . you have that much confidence in Yourself, we might have a problem here . . .

Now people, please leave me some comments. Especially TJH because he never leaves me comments any more. What did I do?

Bye Jess!

~Katalina

Now is the time to ask yourselves some questions. Questions like, "why are cats so evil?" and "what is the difference between Chinese food and Japanese food?".  You might answer the first question with "but cats aren't evil" Oh no my friend!! There is where you are wrong! Cats ARE evil and you only think they aren't because they make you worship them. They seduce you into giving them everything they could possibly want in the way of comfort and then let you pet and/or play with them for a moment to keep the goods coming. I know. I just spent a weekend housesitting and two cats resided in the home. Luckily I was with other girls who adore the creatures and kept them off me while I played with the lovable and adoring dog.  Now you might be confused by the second question. Where did it come from? Why does it matter? What IS the difference? If you are knowledgable in the way of exotic food you might know the differences, you would also know what they were if you were from either location. As I am neither asian nor food-freak I cannot know. The knowledge will never be mine and I will live in hopeless darkness forever.

Let us ask another question of you: "Why do we think it is so fun to feed fish?". Seriously! We go to a pond at a park and toss the greedy things something edible and watch them bob and jerk to be the first to swallow whole something water-logged and probably stale. Or we buy fish and tanks and give them gaudy decor they will never thank us for. We also buy those hideous smelling fish food flakes and pinch it into the water. Watching to make sure that everyone gets their fair share and no fish is left behind. Mesmorized by the sucking of their delicate lips, we stare at them and pucker back - what a fool we make of ourselves in front of the fish tank.

There is time to ask yet one more question that has haunted me for a very long time. "Why did God create mosquitoes?" I have no answer for that.  . . . really, I'm speechless . . .  I just lift my eyes to heaven and raise my hands in complete and utter helplessness and let my face go into an expression I like to call "stupified times ten". Why do you think God let mosquitoes out after the flood?

~Katalina

I love the way the sky changes. The way it is grey one day and the bluest blue the next. I love how the wind changes the temperature, the clouds, and my hair. I love  when I sneak a cookie and take it somewhere private and savor its sweetness - gloating at my sneakiness. I love laughing. Who doesn't?! I like laughing different ways at different things, and then laughing wholey and unhindered at something incredibly funny. What makes it funny? I've often wondered what makes us laugh at certain things. Why? Why did God make laughter as a means to relax and enjoy ourselves? It's such a strange thing - laughing.

I like to think about heaven. I know some people don't but I do. I love to imagine its gloriousness and awesomeness! One of my favorite parts about heaven is "The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp." (Rev. 21: 23 NIV) The glory of God gives it light . . .

I like watching a movie and crying at the sad parts. I know, I know, it's not real. But I get so into it and can't help being sad when I'm supposed to. The heartbreaking music sure does its job sometimes. . .

Enough of me, in your comment please say something that you like. That should be fun to think of!

This last week I have watched two epic movies; Braveheart and Gladiator. Glad. for the first time and B.H for the second. You might ask how I get along in this life after watching two such movies in one week. Simple, I scrunch up my eyes at the nasty parts and think of happy things. Works wonders for the brain.

If any of you read a lot you might have heard of  the author Diana Wynn Jones. Well, she wrote a book "Howl's Moving Castle" that a big shot-really good-Anime creater-from Japan-guy made into an Anime movie. (For those of you confused by the term "anime" it is Japenese Animation) The story is a little odd, a little different, but that's what makes this such a good movie! I'm not going to tell you anything else about it because it's a bit hard to describe. Trust me though, it is worth watching! Christian Bale and Billy Crystal are the voices of key characters and so is Emily Mortimer who is probably best known to you as Amy in The Kid (with Bruce Willis).

That said I took a break to chomp down some more on a free In n' out hamburger that I got for voting for student leaders at my school. One of the best burgers! Yum! I also got some free potato chips that I don't know what to do with since I don't like chips . . . but they were FREE!!!!

I went to the beach this weekend with some friends . . . it's really nice of the beach to be so close to college that we don't have to drive far. It's really great that spring is already starting in So Cal (it was in the 80's on Sat) but I kind of missed the winter that never really came. I miss the tulle fog that comes up from the river back home. Nothing like that here except for smog- and I'm not counting that.

I guess I've rambled on long enough to call this a post. I must get to work on work that never ends - homework. It just keeps coming . . . I've noticed that "just" is one of my favorite words to use . . .

I was talking on my dorm phone with my mom this last Saturday, telling her about the night I had spent at Downtown Disney with some girls on my Hall. She was trying to force me to "journal" it and since I despise journaling I said "how about if I put it on my blog?" she didn't seem to like that idea as much as "writing it down", but if I am going to be forced to blog, I might as well do all my forced writing in one place. My mother (whom I love to death!) is not very tech savvy, and will probably never read this post unless I call her and explain in detail how to find and read this post. But I say it's the thought that counts! Plus I just figuered out how to put pictures on my blog!! No laughing, I happened to find it out ON  MY OWN. Which I call a great accomplishment, as I am only slightly better at technology than me mum. So without further ado, here is a picture story of my friday night.

That would be the sign to tell you where you are.

We ate some DIVINE french doughnuts at The Jazz Kitchen, covered with powdered sugar that makes a mess! I'm the one with her back to you. How was I supposed to know Cayla was taking the picture (all these are hers) she didn't say one - two - three.

We were at The World of Disney store and tried on the merchendise. I thought I looked like the spitting image of Jack, don't you?

The fireworks later were in Disneyland but we watched them from the walkway in between California Adventure and Disneyland. In the park they are set to theme music, even though we could not hear it, the show was still grand!

We took so many pictures of us with all the letters of California! Here is one with me and Biz.

This woman was way too happy to be staying at Downtown Disney, and I was very sad to leave.

That was a little bit of our exciting evening off campus!

Adios,   ~Katalina

I thought I would take the time to actually talk about my life. I seem to love avoiding that subject, maybe because most of you reading my blog already know me . . . whatever the reason, I will now give a little insight into the busy yet definitly nice (for her) life of Katalina.

I am a freshman at a christian university down in southern California (I would tell you the name, but my dad would have a heart-attack and visons of me being sniped). I am orgianlly from the central valley in Ca. and all these freeways and tall buildings kind of scare me. I thought the street my school is on was the downtown!! Not so. Looks can be deceiving! Just because a street has a mall, a university, a ton of shopping spots and two (count 'em, TWO) funeral homes, does not mean that is the center of a city. I was homeschooled since graduating (I really did!) from kindergarten. That last sentence was to clear the air if any questions should arise as to my authenticity of Home-Schooler. (I found out today that there is a Flat Earth Society!!) I also have a habit of being excited about almost any and every thing.                            I am a Christian young woman who decided a while ago that knowing some bible verses and doing the "church" thing is not enough. I want to be like Paul and be able to say, like he did, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Phil. 3:7-11) That is a powerful statement by a man who had everything that his society looked upon as righteousness and gain, and threw it all away to serve a savior he had been persecuting. To share in his sufferings, and to somehow attain to the resurrection of the dead.                                 I have to constantly remember not to place any lasting value on material things and seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness.

This semester is going to be CRAZY as the school is putting on "Fiddler on the Roof" in March. I am a Theatre major and so I have become invloved with the plays. This production I will be working on getting costumes for fifty cast members and helping build/paint the set. The fun thing is that I get to help toss around ideas for costumes and probably also work on props! If you can't guess: I'm excited!!

I'll conclude for now and go check what homework needs to be done. That does not mean I'll do it, just that I'll look.

Until the next time our ways shall converge,                                     ~Katalina

WHAT’S YOUR NAME?  Are you assuming that I don’t know my own name?
WHAT’S YOUR MIDDLE NAME? I know that one too.
HOW BIG IS YOUR BED? Bigger than yours!!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Krista popping her nasty knuckles
WHAT ARE THE LAST 4 DIGITS IN YOUR CELL-PHONE NUMBER? 6677 who’s to know if those are real. . . I certainly know they’re not.
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Peanut butter and honey sandwich. Krista had a cold raisin pancake. Tempting.
LAST PERSON YOU HUGGED? Krista hugged Banda. I hugged me Mum before beddie-bye last night.
HOW IS THE WEATHER RIGHT NOW? Bright.
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? I talked to my old boss, so did Krista – she answered the telly.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING U NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE GENDER? Their hair? Krista said she notices their earlobes, but I think she makes up half the stuff she says.
FAVORITE TYPE OF FOOD? Krista: Banana strawberry yoghurt.  I personally like cold food.
DO YOU WANT CHILDREN? Only if they want me.
DO YOU DRINK? Every day. My favorite beverage is chilled water.
EVER GET SO DRUNK YOU DON'T REMEMBER THE ENTIRE NIGHT?  Not that I know of.
HAIR COLOR? We both have blond hair, but next to Krista I look like a bronzed goddess.
EYE COLOR? I color? I do not understand this incomplete sentence.
Do you wear contacts/glasses?  Not/like/that/
FAVORITE HOLIDAY? Elliot Murtog.
FAVORITE SEASON?  Dancing With the Stars Season Four. Krista’s is track season.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? We both watched “Behind Enemy Lines”.
What book are you reading? La Biblia
FAVORITE MOVIE? I have three:  Beauty and the Beast, The Chipmunk Adventure, and That Thing You Do; all of these because I could watch them over and over again without getting bored too quickly.
FAVORITE COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM? Krista’s is Oregon University. Without a doubt, mine is one hundred and sixteen, the same as Marianne Dashwood’s.
FAVORITE FLOWER? “I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.” (Ever After)
Have you ever loved someone? “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  I John 4:11
HAVE YOU EVER FIRED A GUN? I’ve fired off a twenty-two a couple o’ times m’self, never harmed a livin’ creature afore, as true as I be sittin’ here.
DO YOU LIKE TO TRAVEL BY PLANE? Alaskan Airlines are sweet. From both of us.
RIGHT-HANDED OR LEFT-HANDED?  “Are you lowst?!”
If you could go to any place right now where would you go? Krista would go to bed. Kody would go to China to sue a Samurai. I would go to the moving picture show to see Greta Garbo swoon.
ARE YOU MISSING SOMEONE?  One …two…three… nope! We’re all here!
Do you have a tattoo? Saints no! Heaven forbid I should ever demean myself with such a vulgar practice.
Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? “I would rather die a thousand deaths than to see my mother’s dress on that spoiled, selfish cow!” (Ever After) We thought that would say it better.
Are you hiding something from someone? What?!! Me?!! No! Never, ha ha.  . . . Never . . .
ARE YOU 18?  Well, I’m not.
WHAT IS THE WALLPAPER ON YOUR CELLPHONE? Why all these questions about cellular devices? What if I don’t have one? Wouldn’t you feel guilty?  ----------- It’s rocks.
DID YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP LAST NIGHT? Kody did, as he bounces around.
FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MORNING? The tree outside looks cool . . . Kody: Likes cheese.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE HANDY AT YOUR BEDSIDE? We all sleep with glasses of water by our sides.
GRILLED OR FRIED?  Smultz or Shmag? See, we can do it too.
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? “If we kill them they should think themselves important.” “And unique!” (Peter Pan).
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? Side? Yes, the dark side is scary.
FAVORITE HANGOUT? The Ozdust Ballroom.
WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES? Well put altogether ours are: Poferletterb.
STUCK ON A DESERTED ISLAND & COULD TAKE ONE THING? Krista would take Sammy, The Human Pocket Knife. Kaylee: “I would take food. Oh no, I would take water actually because you could go longer...HHlaaakkk.”  Katalina: “I would my Chinese fighting fish, Earl and Irwin.”
FAVORITE T.V. COMMERCIAL?  Krista: My favorite involves 2 ninjas playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, then when both of them keep playing scissors one ninja takes out his sword and slices the other ninja’s arm off.
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WHEN THE CLOCK TURNS 11:11? Only weirdies know what they do at exactly 11:11.
THE COLOR OF YOUR BEDSHEETS? Why would you ask us so personal a question? We have answered everything you have thrown at us thus far, but we draw the line at this inhumane inquiry.

And that, my friends, is that.

"Uber" is a word. A real word. In German. Meaning: Super. Etc.

My sister is behind me in the kitchen wipping up the instant pudding I gave her for christmas. Pretty good gift, no? I wish I got instant pudding . . . instead I got towels. I am completely serious. TOWELS. But I'm not complaining. "I like them" (Nacho). I just realized that Mrs. D. got me an uber cool towel and wash cloth for christmas, I LOVE them! But my aunt also got me towels, the kind you put in a guest bathroom to look fancy. . . I'm afraid to use them.

Yesterday I went to Wal-mart for my lovely mother and got "Dancing with the Stars - Cardio Workout." My sisters and I just finished huffing and puffing to keep up with the quicklified moves of Maks, Ashley, and Kym. Boy are they difficult!! (No laughing please)

They finally took "F Minus" out of the comics in the paper. What an awful comic strip!! half the time we looked at each other in puzzled horror. What was it they were trying to say?! Did it mean anything at all or was it just some sort of sick joke that attempted to make us laugh while we went through the rest of our lives in utter confusion. Our favorites comics include "Pearls Before Swine", "Get Fuzzy", "Pickles", and the rest depend on the day we read them and how we feel at the moment, as well as the content the spazy writers jotted into the strip. But I think Darby Conley (Get Fuzzy) gives the dog (Satchel) the best faces ever. Uber good.

Let's see . . . that's about four "Uber's" in a post. (Now five). Not bad!

See ya! `KATalina