The Homestreach

Spring break has come and gone in a flash...(thanks homework)....and now all I have left is approximately eight weeks of college classes left. Ever.

And then what? That seems to be the hot question everyone keeps asking me.

Well. I'm not exactly sure. Hopefully a job that will earn me some money so I can start my life and make a living. I've been looking for jobs. That's for sure. Devon and I ended up going to a job fair a few weeks ago in Kansas City, and I seemed to have some good luck with one of the employers. He was looking for exactly what I've been looking for in an entry level job. I was excited that he was interested in hiring me, but disappointed that he needed someone now and the chances of him hiring me were very slim. Dang it. Here I was trying to look for jobs early enough thatI can get my resumes in...but all of the jobs I am interested in want someone NOW. Ugh. So frustrating.

I just have to get through the next 56 days until graduation. Then. I have no idea. I know everything works out in the end. Everything happens for a reason. I have faith.

All I know is that after that Kansas City trip, I have become more excited for what life has in store for me after college. I've had way too many problems with my college experience, that sometimes it's been hard to enjoy. But I can't say that college was a waste of time. I mean because of college I got a wonderful education, I was able to travel the world with some amazing people, and most importantly I met someone that I hope to spend the rest of my life with.

Life is truly amazing.

Love, Peace, & Fate.

Breaking the Habit

Everyone has habits. Hair twirling. Knuckle cracking. Nail biting. 

In my case, it's nail biting. It's horrible. I know. But I've had this habit for as long as I can remember. I don't know if it's from stress. Or worrying too much. Or both. Or what? But it's horrible and bad and I hate it! And I have always wanted to stop. But I've never had the will or motivation to do it. I end up worrying more...it's a vicious cycle. 

I've always wanted to get my nails professionally done, but I am WAY too embarrassed to actually go in and do it. This summer I decided to try the cheap-o fake nails from the dollar store. And they actually looked okay. So for the past six months or so I would wear them for special events or just for fun off and on.

I wore them last week and when I took them off, I noticed my nail had turned green. GREEN. What the hey? After doing some research, I discovered it was because it had gotten wet underneath the fake nail and a bacteria had started to form. I guess it's common for people that wear the cheap-o fake nails. But it seriously freaked me out. I mean, I love the color green. But it was just weird. And not normal.

At this point I decided that I was going to make a true effort to try and NOT bite my nails. I need to break the habit and start to not feel so self conscious about something as stupid as my hands. The human hand is probably my favorite body part. They are so fascinating. Call me weird, but it is the first thing I notice about a person. Weird? Probably. Who cares.

I also decided I needed to quit this habit when Devon mentioned something that made a lot of sense. For the past year or two I have had issues with my jaw locking (TMJ). One of his fraternity brothers is studying to be a physical therapist, so when Devon mentioned something to him about my TMJ he mentioned something about pressure on the front of the teeth being bad and I should exercise the muscles in the back. Maybe my TMJ flares up because I bite my nails. I mean it does happen when I am stressed or worried. 

Love, Peace, & Feeling Good. 

Reflection

So I am in bed tossing and turning and trying to sleep and I just can't. So, I decided to get out my [new] computer and just reflect on the past week or so.

Like I said. I have a new computer in my possession. Devon got a new fancy tablet, so I bought his Macbook Pro from him. My old computer was close to being a piece of junk anyway and I have been wanting to get a Mac for some time. Boy, I have a great boyfriend.

School has been...okay I suppose. I am already very overwhelmed with my classes and just everything. I am just NOT really appreciating it. But...what do ya do? I'm set to graduate so I may as well just suck up these next 100 days.

Yes. I said 100 days. Can you believe it?

Ridiculous. I just hope it hurries up. I am ready to be done.

As of tonight I am all caught up on homework...other than a few minor things for my advertising class. But that's something that I can wait until this weekend to do.

This past weekend was nice. Devon surprised me with a visit (through that terrible blizzard and everything!!) He made it to Vermillion safe and sound. It was a pretty low key weekend. We went to the wellness center on Saturday. That was actually a lot more fun than I had anticipated. I certainly wish he was here permanently so I had a workout buddy! I really need to start getting into a routine of working out though. It felt good.

I also met up with one of my best friends for his 21st birthday. It was fun to see him and just hang out for a while. It was a very memorable night. Drumroll please.........I pet my very first pug. It's true. His name was Dirt. How awesome is that? Check that off the bucket list!

So, what's up with this weather lately? It does nothing for months then all of a sudden in one weekend the skies open up it's freezing crap? What gives? I just hope it all melts away fast. I was getting used to the nice weather.

Love, Peace, & Stress...

Last Semester Ever...?

So it's true. I am officially graduating this spring. May 5. That's in 110 days for those of you that aren't counting. I am. But that's besides the point.

As mentioned in previous posts, I'm so ready to be done with school. But at the same time absolutely terrified for what the future may hold. I'm getting excited about the idea of moving to a new place and meeting new people and all that jazz. But terrified to just make that step. That's just who I am. Take it or leave it.

Until I get to that point, I have to complete this last semester of classes. Last semester I added Advertising as a specialization along with Public Relations. I only needed the one class, so why not?

My semester consists of a healthy amount of advertising and public relations classes including my capstone class to complete my major, a little bit of acting and film to complete my minor, a dose of a pointless cross disciplinary class to complete my gen eds and a dash of choir to make me complete again.

Last week was our first day of classes. I only had my Thursday classes, since I don't have classes on Fridays this semester. This meant I had all of my classes but one.

I started out with my cross disciplinary class....the dreaded and soon-to-be-dead XDIS. This is the class that they've been trying to get rid of since I got to USD. This is the last semester it is being offered and I need it to graduate...otherwise I would not be taking it this semester. From what I have gathered it's pretty much like a debate class. I hate debating. Bah. I get to class and of all people who decides to sit in front of me? Devon's ex-girlfriend. It's not that big of a deal...but we all know "that" feeling...It's just awkward. Let's just hope that we don't get assigned the same group...otherwise it will be a long and awkward semester.

My Ad Copy & Layout class wasn't too bad. I sat next to some people I knew and we grouped up into an "agency" that we'll be with for the rest of the semester. Our client is the flower shop. I think I will be enjoying this class!

My Acting class wasn't too bad either. I think I will enjoy it. I miss the theatre and acting and I hope this will fill my need until someday when I can be involved in a community theatre. The same goes for my choir I'm in.

And finally was my Digital Filmmaking class. My brother is in it with me so that'll be fun. And it's a way  for me to be creative. I just need to find those creative ideas.

This is going to be a time consuming semester. I just hope it goes by fast. In this semester I still need to complete a senior portfolio and apply to jobs (and get accepted). I have applied to a few and have already gotten "Sorry...we're not interested letters." I can just imagine there will be many more of those. But I just need to find the right jobs and get applying.

Here's to the last semester of USD ever!

Love, Peace, & Counting Down.

Long overdue...

I finally have a little bit of time to catch up and wrap up the past few weeks!

I can proudly say that I passed all of my classes, including Media Law! Success!

Finals week went well--I had three finals and two projects including my Video Production profile project which you can find here. The worst part of finals week was that I missed a free Carnival Brazilian Grill meal with Devon's holiday party for his work! Bah!

The Saturday following finals, John and I met my parents in Sioux City for some shopping. Another success!

I spent a few days in Sioux Falls and Mitchell with Devon and his family. I got to meet a bunch of Devon's high school friends and experience night life in Mitchell. It was a really fun night!

I spend Christmas and my birthday here at home. I like spending time with my family. We didn't do anything special, but we did have fun. You can tell in this video of my sister opening a gift. Warning if you do watch it, it is a little loud! :)

My birthday was uneventful. I mostly spent the day watching old home videos, eating cake, keeping up with Facebook birthday posts, admiring my new ring and playing with my new Kindle Fire.


I look forward to this weekend. Devon will be visiting and spending New Year's Eve here.


I have a lot of stuff I still need to do, though. I need to work on my senior portfolio, revamping my resume, and start applying for jobs/figuring out where I want to be.

Love, Peace, and Being Home--

The Final Countdown

I currently have:

•  100 words to add to my news story
•  A 90 second video profile
• One media law paper
• Four tests

Standing between me and Christmas break. 

• And one more semester...

Standing between me and graduation in May! I'm so ready to be done.. I will admit it. I am ready to move on!! 

Love, Peace, and Finals--

Slacker

How did I only blog three times in November? I'm such a slacker! However, being a slacker did pay off in No Shave November. ;)

Success.

I am so ready for a break. My Thanksgiving break was pretty much occupied with homework with little breaks of eating turkey, playing cards with grandma and taking my sister back to her home. We did go see The Muppets, though. Highly recommend it! :)

A few weeks ago, I got to see my Morningside friends.I surprised my friend, Katie for her birthday. And caught up with other old friends. It was a great time and I needed it!

We only have one more week of classes. It's insane. I'm not sure if I've mentioned on here yet, but I am officially graduating in May. I'm so excited and nervous and scared and anxious all in one. So many emotions!! I've been looking at jobs, but I don't exactly know where I want to end up or do. But...that's not something I want to vent about right now.

This weekend some friends are coming up to Vermillion and hang out. I'm quite excited.
Next weekend is Devon's birthday party and the choir concert! I also plan on putting in a few hours at the humane society!
Then it's finals week!
THEN CHRISTMAS BREAK!! A much needed break where I will probably work on my resume and start applying for real jobs.

AHH! the topic keeps coming back. On that note, I'm calling it a night.

Love, Peace, and Catching Up--

Green is the best.

 If you don't like green you can no longer be my friend. Ok. Kidding. But really. How can you not like green? Green is the color of nature. The color of money. The color of emeralds. The color of St. Patty's Day. Green is the color that brought me and Devon together..or was the subject of the first time we talked to each other on Twitter.

On September 28, 2009 I wrote something along the lines of using a green pen to write in my green notebook while wearing my green ring and green sweatshirt.
@kjstumpf - "It's true. I like green."
@devonschreiner - "At that point, you were probably my favorite person ever. Green is the best."
@kjstumpf - "Let's be best friends?"

Little did I know that we would actually become best friends. Over the color green?! Ok. Not quite. There were several other things that came into play. But, hey! We both love the color green! I even gave Devon a pair of green shoes for Christmas one year! What an awesome girlfriend, right?! :)

So tonight, I did my nails. I asked Devon what color I should paint them... Anything for him! :*)

Love, Peace, & Green, Stolen Helicopters--

Been away for too long

I have neglected my blog for too long. I have been up to my eyes in homework. I just finished a ten-page media law paper and on top of other random homework, filming, editing and speeches I had the past week. Last week was super busy and quite frankly was kind of a pain in the patooty, but Saturday made me completely forget about the horrible week that I had.

Saturday morning was my orientation at the humane society. Despite the fact that a lot of it was common sense and there was a couple of really annoying people in the group, it was really interesting to learn about the organization. And of course walk the puppies!

This weekend, Devon and I spent over four hours out there walking and playing with puppies. They are all adorable and just so sweet. All they want is love!

There was one that absolutely stole my heart. His name was Dom. He's some sort of Spaniel and he was just the coolest cucumber of a dog ever. He was a snuggler and liked to randomly punch you in the face, but most of all he was an absolute sweetheart. He literally brought me to tears. I wanted to take him home so badly, however I cannot. I just hope he ends up in a good home that appreciates him!

I cannot wait until I have my own place that allows pets so I can adopt my very own dog!
Love, Peace, and Volunteer--

For the love of a dog.

Hi. My name is Katie. And I love dogs!
*insert "Hi Katie"*

So it's true. I am addicted to puppies! But it's a good thing!

Last week, Devon and I took a trip out to the humane society When I'm at college I cannot have my own pooch in my apartment. So going to the humane society gives me a chance to shower the puppies in love.

On this trip to the humane society, we walked three puppies. The first one was a Yorkie-Poo named Cooper. He was super sweet and very chill. I love dogs that look like perpetual puppies. And Cooper was one of those pups!

After we walked through the trail we went back inside and walked two Pit Bull pups! The first one was Kobe who was VERY full of energy. He was very strong, and a little too much for me to handle.

The last one was Rasco. He was SO sweet and chill and one of the best dogs to cuddle with! I loved him and wanted to take him home. Whoever ends up with him will be a lucky family!

Before we left, I decided to pick up an application to be a volunteer. I had been wanting to do it for some time, but finally decided to do it! I then was accepted and invited to attend orientation next week! I'm so excited!!

If it were up to me I'd adopt all of the puppies! But since one, my apartment doesn't allow pets and two, I'm not an animal hoarder, I will just go walk and play with the puppies!

I start next week! I'm truly excited!!

Love, Peace, & Puppies--

Follow your heart.

I spent the weekend at home. First time in a long time. First time I got to talk to my mom and step-dad one on one about a lot of stuff. Stuff I'm mostly terrified about. School. The future. My job. My relationship. My life. 

I may have shed a few tears, but I really just needed to open up and get all of my feelings and thoughts out on the table. I talk to Devon a lot. He is my best friend and definitely the best friend I've ever had. I'm so lucky.

However, sometimes you just need some other advice. So I went to my other best friend: my mom.

I hadn't had a heart to heart with my mom in a long time. Also had a very nice chat with my step-dad. 

After this weekend, I realized one thing. Something Devon's been telling me all along. 

I can't be afraid. Being afraid makes me weak. I need to be courageous and find the self confidence that I once had. Sometimes to gain that self confidence you just have to do something out of the norm. 

I did that when I transferred to USD. I told a group of 40 strangers that I loved hugs. Prior to me making this statement, I had liked hugs, but only if I knew you well enough. When I told my mom I had told this group that I loved hugs, she was shocked. I had never been one to show affection. When I went to USD. I decided to change and just go for it. I made a lot of great friends with my bold personality and self-confidence. And somehow ended up with an amazing boyfriend. And now I realize that being affectionate is a wonderful thing and I truly do love it. 

I just need to follow my heart and do what feels right at the right time. I may fail. .And failing is okay. I may be rejected. Which is okay too. If it's meant to be, it'll work out in the end. 

I truly believe in fate. Everything happens for a reason. 

I just hope everything works out in my favor. 

It will. If I just believe and go for it. 

Love, Peace, & Taking Chances--

Distracted from sleep

Sometimes I cannot fall asleep.
And by sometimes, I mean most times.
Like tonight.
I just cannot sleep.
Simply because all I do is think about a certain boy.
A boy I love!
:)

Oh look...another test.

*sigh*

I am currently into my fifth year of college. Yeah. I know. What a loser, right? Wrong. It's just taken me longer to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Good thing I think I've found it.

I've been pretty lucky with my schedule, I'd say. I have no classes on Fridays, one class on Mondays at 12:30..which means most of my classes are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. While I like my schedule, I dislike the amount of tests and quizzes I've had to take. In all of my five years of school, I have NEVER had this many. What gives?! Every day I have at least two quizzes. Bah!

It's stressing me out. I'm really hoping next semester is nice to me. It'll be the last (I hope!).

Love, Peace, & Stupid Tests--

Life's short.

This past weekend, I heard devastating news about the passing of an acquaintance of mine. I met Jeremy at Morningside College. We had the same friends. He went to school with my cousin. We played sand volleyball and were at cabin weekend together. When I transferred to USD, I was surprised to run into him and see him sitting at the table next to me! I loved seeing his face in the MUC, getting coffee, doing homework...we always had some sort of connection! I loved it!

After hearing the news, it really opened my eyes to how short life really is. I had never had a friend I knew die before.

I thought a lot about old friends.

Tonight I had not one, but two phone calls from old friends. How random, unexpected, and comforting.

My friend Jeffrey called. We talked about Jeremy and the wake and the funeral and old friends. He told me that he hadn't talked to Jeremy in a long time and regretted not telling him he loved him and how much he meant to him. Jeffrey wanted to let me know he was thinking of me and how much he cared for me. It really made me feel good.

With the transfer two years ago, I have been horrible at staying in touch with old friends. True friends. Friends that only live 30 miles away. I'm hoping to reconnect with them in the next week or two.

Later on in the night, I got another call from my friend Phil. I met him at USD and I would consider him one of my best friends at USD. He transferred to a college in Minnesota. He just called to say hi and catch up! It was so nice to hear from him. I can relate to what he is going through. I'm happy for him! I only want the best for him!!

My best friend, Devon just called me. I am going to spend the rest of my night talking to him.

Rest in Peace, Jeremy.

Love, Peace, & Life.

Perfect Weekend With My Perfect Boyfriend.

It's been almost a week since I've blogged. I'm getting about as bad as my boyfriend. ;) Just kidding, Punky!

As the title states, I just spent the most wonderful weekend with my boyfriend. Our two year anniversary was last week, but it happened to be the same time as DDays. So he was going to be in Vermillion and he insisted that our anniversary was to be spent in Sioux Falls. I had no reason why, because he kept everything a secret. Ok. Here's the thing with me and secrets. I want them! I enjoy them! But only when I don't know in advance.

Example: Devon surprised me this past Valentine's Day by showing up with wine, roses and a song written for me! Perfect!! I loved it. The anticipation and anxiety wasn't there!

This time, I knew there was something up his sleeve... I just didn't know what and it was driving me CRAZY!!

For the weekend, he INSISTED that I wear a dress. So. Katie bought a new, pretty dress and wore it just for her Punky!

We went to supper at A Touch of Europe. I love the atmosphere of that place. It's downtown Sioux Falls and it's in the basement. It's just the coolest place ever!

After supper we started driving and he pulled out a card from his glove compartment and handed it to me. The card was sweet and inside the card were lessons to go ballroom dancing!! They have lessons every Friday night, but what do you know...of ALL nights, they weren't doing it on our date night. But no fear, we will definitely be using them sometime in the future! And I'm very excited about it!

We then went out to the casino! I was excited! Even though I was a loser, it's still always fun and entertaining. Plus, Devon came out ahead, so it was all good. He claimed he had to go to the bathroom. I decided to just sit and still pull some slots. I was getting creeped out by some weird guys staring at me, so I texted Devon to tell hi to hurry up and find me. He came and found me after being in the bathroom a very long time. He said he wanted to walk around the casino and hotel. We did. We went up the elevator and looked out. It was really pretty. We went back down and I told Devon that I needed to go to the bathroom. He said there was probably some in the hotel. I told him he was NUTS and I refused to walk down the hotel. All of a sudden he starts putting his card into random key slots and one magically opens. What s stinker! He didn't go to the bathroom at all. He surprised me with a beautiful, upgraded hotel room. And my bags were there and everything!

The next morning started rough. I found out one of my friends from Morningside and USD had died! It started my day off on a weird note. But my day got better, because I was with my love. We had lunch at the Pickel Barrel (yummy place! Highly recommend). We got back and watched some Arrested Development (which I got Devon hooked on! You're welcome, world). We went for a motorcycle ride. We rode all over Sioux Falls. We were going to get ice cream and ended up at the Sanford Wellness Center. Devon said there was ice cream there better than Peachwave...Gullible me, I believed him. We ended up going to see a Don....a massage therapist! The stinker got us a couple's massage!! Which was JUST what I needed!

We suppered at Carnaval (the Brazilian restaurant) and spent the rest of the evening watching Arrested Development.

The next morning we didn't have anything planned. I decided to stay an extra day. We went shopping and I got a new coat and some new movies. Life is good. We also got pumpkins to carve. We spent the afternoon carving pumpkins. Mine was a ghost and Devon's was a Guinness glass.

We had supper and watched the Vikings play at Texas Roadhouse and snuggled for the rest of the evening just talking about everything.

I am so lucky to be in love with such an amazing man who happens to be very romantic! Thank you Punky for such a perfect weekend. You may think things fell apart, but in my opinion it was JUST right!

I love you! <3

Sicky McSick

I had to break out the Emergen-C and the Theraflu. It's that time of the year, I suppose. I'm not sure if it's a cold or the beginning of the flu or what, but I have a terrible sore throat.

Yesterday I started to feel weird...I thought I had a bad taste in my mouth, I kept trying to eat chips or brush my teeth to get the taste out of my mouth...but it progressively turned into a sore throat. I felt horrible going to sleep, last night. I couldn't sleep. I woke up this morning at 6:30 with my throat screaming for relief. I went out and took some of that warming Theraflu cough syrup. That stuff is the best. It works. Plus it kinda tastes like a Jell-O shot. I drank some water and went back to sleep.

Woke up to my alarm. Took my Emergen-C. Popped in a cough drop. Took a steamy-hot shower. Took some more Theraflu. Got some hot tea. And went to class. And became more miserable as time went on. When I got home from Earth Science, I decided to stay home for the rest of the day. I hate missing class, especially an important one like law, but I seriously barely was able to sit up.

It was then that I thought a hot bubble bath and chicken noodle soup sounded good.
And it was good.

And...here I am. I can't get sick! I don't wanna be sick! I hate being sick. I hate being sick and having nobody to take care of me! :( I just hope I get better before this weekend. Devon has a big anniversary surprise weekend planned. I'm excited, anxious, and a little nervous to see what he has planned!

Love, Peace, & Vitamin C--

Until the end

Maybe I'm weird...but I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish something. Whether it's a book, or an assignment, or a coloring page, or my toothpaste, or my shampoo.

Yesterday I ran out of  hand soap in my bathroom. It's that awesome foamy pump soap from Bath & Body Works. Yeah. It's awesome. And I got such a bittersweet feeling. I mean...I saw that soap every day. It made my hands clean and smell real good!

However, some things must end so new things can begin!

So, you know what that means! I get to start the process all over again! :)

Love, Peace, & Pink Soap!

Two years.

Exactly two years ago today...I had never had a boyfriend. I didn't really date. I never really found someone quite right for me. However, I met this boy and got to know him. I had always thought he was cute ever since the first time I saw him. I even texted my mom the moment I first saw him and told her about this cute boy waiting to see the choir list, too.  We discovered we had a lot in common. Obviously we both liked to sing since we met through the choir...Our very first conversation was at The Roadhouse where we talked about how awesome our Blackberry Pearls were. I discovered he had Twitter...so we followed each other. Through Twitter, I learned that his favorite color was also my favorite color. We got to talking more and more...since we had math right next door to each other at the same time and days. Eventually we went on a lunch date, which led to a real date, which led to a couple of other dates which led to the moment he asked me to be his girlfriend on October 7! I remember it vividly! We were sitting there and he was about to leave my place and we had a little conversation that went like this.

"Katie. I need to ask you something."-Devon
"And that is...?" - Katie
"Will you be my girlfriend?" - Devon
"Well...only if you'll be my boyfriend." -Katie
After a little kiss, bam! It was official!

My first boyfriend.
My first love.
My everything.

Love, Peace, & Love!!

Things I'm thankful for...

So...every single day, I talk to Devon. One way or another. We've been doing this long-distance thing for close to two years now...and let me tell you...it sucks! I hate missing him...but I love having him to miss. If only that kid wasn't so lovable, it would make missing him much easier. But, I'm glad he's as lovable as he is...it's definitely worth it.

So anyway...we communicate in almost every way you can think of. 

Text messages.

Google chat.

Picture messages.

Phone calls.

Twitter.

Facebook.

And my favorite way...Skype! It's the next best thing to actually being with him! I can talk to him face to face! I'm so thankful I live in a time where technology allows me these opportunities! I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to try to do this like 20 years ago, even!

I love that kid. Have I ever mentioned that? :) 

Love, Peace, & Skype--

Something missing...

This school year just doesn't seem right to me for some reason. Maybe it's the fact that I'm living in a new apartment. Or maybe it's the fact that I have a roommate...haven't had one of those in a couple of years. But most likely it's the fact that it's the first time in my life I've not had music as a major part of my life....and I'm not sure I like it. While watching Glee tonight, I realized I really miss singing.

At the beginning of the school year I had made the decision to take a break from music ensembles altogether. I wanted time to focus on my studies and not stress about time commitments. 

Singing in the car is not enough for me. Mostly because half of the time I'm in the car I'm either with my brother or my boyfriend and they make these weird faces like they don't like my singing...I think it's mostly because I'm self conscious about my singing and I end up singing obnoxiously. 

Anyway. I'm just going to finish the semester out and next year join one of the ensembles. Once I graduate, I'll have to find some sort of community choir to join. Music is a huge part of my life and I hope it always will be.