Stuff I Like and Stuff I don't Like

Yeah, its been awhile....

2008-11-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hi, My name is Kate and I am a bad blogger.

But I have been really busy since I last blogged.

I turn 28.

Start paying major student loans.

I was hired permanately at my job at the real estate office.

Crazy election fun!

Oh and I made 3 babie's costumes for Halloween; an olive, a ladybug, and Lucy from the Peanuts cartoon.

Also I got drunk and agree to make a Elvis costume for my dad's good friend Mark. It turned out great, but for 2 weeks I was ass deep in Elvis...

I promise to post pictures of these costumes soon.

Also, as it is a fact that I can not be creatively idle (I just made major costumage, yet the itch was not scratched...) I started making felt play food for christmas and for my friend Lucy's 1st birthday party today. Below are the pictures of the Tea Party Treats that I made to go with the tea set my mom bought for her. The reason why we chose a present that she will not be able to play with for a while, is because she and her parents are moving to Texas.

Ain't they cute?!

Peace,

Oh how I love this cat!

2008-09-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Fidel Catstro
Photo by Andy (brother)
check out his wife's photography site www.shellygoodmanphotography.com

I like this....

2008-09-14T09:08:00.001-07:00

Time for a better world....

2008-09-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Holocaust survivor prepares for bar mitzvah

Berie Marks, 78 years old is finally getting his bar mitzvah. A holocaust survivor, Marks turned 13 in a Nazi ghetto in Poland before being taken to Auschwitz. Considering the Nazi's weren't to keen on allowing Jewish religious practices Marks was not giving the symbolic passage into manhood. Marks is now getting the chance to fill the dreams of his father and grandfathers (both rabbis) on Sept. 20th. Go read the story here at the Sacramento Bee, it is heart warming and is a good thing that is happening in this country. Also, there is a video attached to the artical that is worth the watch.

Mr. Marks is an amazing person, speaks 10 languages, Holocaust survivor, served in the Korean War, father, husband, and grandfather. In fact it is his granddaughter who will start the passing of the Torah (which also survived Nazi Germany) to Marks.

This story makes me smile and I hope it does the same for you!

New Blog Added!

2008-09-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

To all my politically minded readers, I am adding Elizabeth Audley's new blog "Audibly" to the list to the right. Check offen...
http://elizabethaudibly.blogspot.com/

FYI Elizabeth is the author of the tips a few entries downs.

Harry Potter Fans, you MUST watch this!!!

2008-09-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hitler Reacts to the Half Blood Prince Movie Delay

Oh, I like this!

2008-09-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered where in the world your last name was most poplular? Well now you can find out! Head here: http://www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames/Default.aspx

Have fun!

10 Practical Tips for Not Losing Your Shit When Faced with Republicans, The Undecided and/or Apathetic.

2008-09-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

This was posted on Facebook by my friend and wonderful actress Elizabeth Audley. I really feel her advice had to be shared. I also believe that this is good advice for dealing with people in general.

10 Practical Tips for Not Losing Your Shit When Faced with Republicans, the Undecided and/or Apathetic. by Elizabeth Audley

First of all, let us agree that losing your shit when trying to sway voters is a bad thing. We know that if you let your anger/fear control you, you not only can't do a good job of anything, but you will probably actually sabotage any efforts you are making, and, in addition, will be causing yourself a lot of unnecessary emotional distress. Let's agree that the best way to convince someone that your point of view is reasonable, if not correct, is to BE reasonable -- not angry, weepy, shrill, desperate, or anything other than intelligent, balanced, open minded, and articulate. So, these are the qualities we will strive to cultivate and maintain, in the face of serious challenges. Here's how to do it:

1. Breathe. Practice taking long, deep breaths in your nose and out of your mouth without making a weird face or any heavy breathing noises. It totally defeats the point if people can hear/see you taking big deep labored breaths. Look in the mirror – see how little your mouth needs to be open for you to exhale out of it. Practice breathing like this in front of a mirror until you can easily switch to this kind of breathing without anyone noticing.

2. Read some Pema Chodron. When you are faced with someone who drives you crazy, first, breathe, then send them as much love and generosity from your heart as you can possibly muster. Say it in your mind: "I wish you love, happiness, peace and joy." You have to mean it, too. Read a little bit of Pema Chodron every day to remind yourself to be compassionate and generous.

3. If the above proves challenging, imagine that the person you are talking to is a beloved elderly relative. Someone who you would never want to upset, someone who you respect, and someone who you will be your best self around.

4. Listen. This is the hardest thing to do, and the most effective. Really listen to what people are saying. Be present. Try not to think about what you are going to say in response before someone has finished speaking – people can always tell when you're doing that. Really, really listen to what people are saying. Look at their faces, look at their body language. Don't assume you know the end of the sentence or phrase -- it might surprise you. Listen respectfully. Don't ever cut someone off. Don't nod and verbalize too much ("uh-huh" "sure" "I understand.") -- when you're responding like this, you're not listening anymore. Just put all of your attention on listening. Avoid knee-jerk reactions or give-away facial expressions by breathing deeply throughout. Keep your face relaxed, and your jaw unclenched. Think of that beloved elderly relative.

5. When you're finished listening, breathe, and then respond with "I" statements. "The reason that I like Barack Obama is…" or "I've been frustrated in the last 8 years because of…" "I'm worried that…" However, when you do this, it's important to not seem like you are "one-upping" or otherwise dismissing what people have just said. Be respectful. You have to really believe that people think what they think for a reason -- whatever that is, it's as strongly held as the reasons you believe what you believe. Ask questions -- but only if you really have a question, never for the sake of argument.

6. Try not to use "you" statements – even if it's something like "But don't you think…" or "Can't you see…" or "don't you realize…" Nobody ever wants to be told what they think, or should think. Ever. Instead, offer up your own experience. "I started to get interested in Barack Obama because…" or "You know, my parents, neither of whom had much confidence in Obama even a few months ago, are really impressed with his judgement and economic plan, and are now going to vote for him."

7. Use facts, not feelings, to make arguments. So, have a lot of facts at your disposal. Read a lot of different news sources – liberal and conservative – so no one can accuse you of being biased or uninformed. Have information about policy and issues at your disposal.

8. See what you can agree on. "It is really great that the Republican party has nominated a woman for vice president. That's great, and such a big step forward for women. However, I'm worried about her being on the ticket because of her stances on x,y, and z."

9. Don't be an asshole. Don't argue, don't attack, don't fight or try to trick or trap people -- don't try to prove anyone wrong. Let them come to you. No one is interested in listening to a person who is aggressive or argumentative or clearly has an agenda. People can smell desperation. Instead, play hard to get. Be cool – you know, like Obama. Offer your own perspective as clearly and as persuasively, and as personally as you can. You're never going to argue someone into changing their mind, but you can appear to be a person who is balanced, respectful, intelligent and thoughtful who has come to this particular conclusion. Usually, if you give people space, they'll see your point of view, and if you have composure, they might admire you for it. That might not make them change their mind in this moment, but might give them that much more respect for you, and what you stand for – which, over time, could add up them changing their mind.

10. Know when to let it go. If someone is fighting just to fight, or doesn't want to listen to you, or is really stubborn and hateful, back off. Don't get mad. Breathe, send them some love (and mean it), smile (for real), imagine that they are your beloved elderly relative, and say something like "I guess we have really different perspectives on these things." Let it go. Use that energy to register new voters.

P.S. My sister also reminded me of some good advice my grandfather gave once: "Whenever I'm not sure what to do, I think to myself, 'what would a smart person do?'" Yes. (Yes we can.)

Thank God! I got a job!

2008-09-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Holy cow friends, I finally got a 5-day a week job. This is something I needed while looking for a more permanent position. The best part is this job is 3 blocks away in a real estate office, so NO gas as I can ride my bike or walk very easily.

New Artist Monday

2008-09-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Richard Sierra is definitely not new to the art world, but I wanted to feature him here in case anyone had not heard of/experienced his art work. His huge steel sculptures are some of my favorites, creating environments that can be imposing, invoke movement with in the viewer, comforting, and/or confining.

I have had the privilege of experiencing Sierra's sculptures in Seattle, New York and here in St. Louis. Yes friends we have our own Sierra right next to the arch, go check it out!

Here is some sites to help introduce you to Richard Serra:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Serra
http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=2866
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1sBpsyRNfM

This image below is my favorite Serra, called Wake, it is in Seattle's Olympia Sculpture Park.

It's Friday, time for a better world...

2008-08-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

So, I am determined to improve my outlook on this country and this world by finding examples on good people doing good things.

I think this is a good one to start with. These tattooed bikers in NYC, known as Rescue Ink, have been rescuing animals around the city. Read this article in the New York Times, it is inspiring and heartwarming. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/nyregion/thecity/24pet.html

I want to give each and everyone of these tattooed, tough, softies a big ol' hug.

And after you read the great article about these guys in the times, head on over to their website. http://www.rescueink.org/

Say My Name, Say My Name...

2008-08-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am having a bit of an identity crisis lately with my name. It is not that I don't like my name, I do, it is just there are so many variations of it I am trying to figure out what to call myself.

In my rather large family is where most of the versions are found. On my mother's side I am called Katie, the name I went by in school as a child, this is also the name that most of my friends call me. Of course on mom's side I am also referred to as Aunt Kiki or Kitty, Katelyn, Kathryn, Katrina, and Girlie. On dad's side I am known as Kate, I was called Katie when I was little but once I got into High School it changed to Kate. I really like Kate and usually introduce myself as Kate. On occasion on dad's side I am called Katryn, a hillbilly take on Kathryn. Now when I go down south to my Great Aunt's I am known as Katie Lynn, everyone on that branch of the family tree calls me that only because Aunt Jewel didn't like Katie and wanted to call me Lynn (my middle name) but my mom didn't like that so Katie Lynn it was.

Professionally I go by my full name Kathryn (or Kathryn Lynn) but what should I have people I just meet call me?

New Artist Monday!

2008-08-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

I come across artists all time, and I thought that every Monday I would post an artist that I have recently discovered.

This week is Steve Schofield. He's a British photographer and his Land of the Free series is a set of photos that addresses the fascination that the British public has with American popular culture and the sub-cultural world of fandom. The fact that he uses the subject's home adds a voyeuristic quality in this found object environment.

With his goal of combining the two genres of portraiture and documentary this artist is has captured an odd world of conflict between these costumed subjects and there homes and the details (really look at the photo's environment) are an example of the artist's talent of successfully combining the two genres he is working towards.

Steve Schofield is my new favorite artist of the week. Thanks Geekologie for the introduction!

photos from Land of the Free series by Steve Schofield

artist's website www.steveschofield.co.uk/

It is great to have little reminders...

2008-08-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I went to my hometown (very small rural, republican, in the middle of Illinois- town) for my Uncle Guido's 60th surprise birthday party. I rarely return to my hometown, but I wasn't going to miss the possible drama that might have occured between my uncle and my cousin who was throwing the party (Uncle G doesn't like parties or suprises and on top of that, his wonderful wife passed away last month..) and so I rode with my Aunt Bev to said party.

The party was held at the local golf course club house. Now this may sound nice but, the club house is a shed that looks like the picture featured and the bathroom is a spider filled outhouse. Did I mention that the outhouse had spiders all over it? SPIDERS. OUTHOUSE. TRACTOR SHED. Oh and it was BYOB. My family is classy all the way. At least they took all the tractors out of the shed.

As the party started many people I knew and some I grew up with showed up at one time or another, and I think that all the girls my age and younger all called each other and decided as a whole to wear a tank top and denim skirt, seriously. Then I look out into the parking area and realized that my car was the one of TWO cars. All the rest was a sea of trucks and SUVs.

So there I was, sitting in a lawn chair, drinking my Miller Lite, in a tractor shed, on a golf course, really having to pee and I was reminded of why I had my car packed at my high school graduation to get the hell of of there.

Substitute Teaching Day of HORROR!

2008-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was my first subbing day of the new school year. I was teaching 1st graders (not my favorite) and was almost late because I had to drive over an hour to get there this morning.

I get to school and I am informed that it is Character Fun Camp today. (character as in traits, not cartoons) and that I will be responsible for taking 23 students around to 10 different events throught out the entire day. AWESOME! (not really)

While I was getting the kids ready to go out, the other 1st grade teacher brings in a mother of one of the kids in my classroom and this woman was deaf. It was explained to me that she was going to help out today and wanted to be with her kid. OK, this is a common occurance with days like this, and her kid knows sign language so the communication will not be too bad. THEN, I am beckoned out into the hall 5 minutes later and told that this woman was too be kept away from this child by order of the father who has full custody. So, while the office tried to contact the father I was instructed to "not let her run off with the boy." WTF!

So here I am, substitute, having to coral 23 5 and 6 year olds, plus a deaf woman who had not seen her son in over a month who is bipolar and may "just may" try to kidnap her son.

Unfortunatly, she was later escorted out of the school by the police after the father flipped out that she was there. Totally a huge mess. The one good thing was that this happened while the kids were at lunch and her son did not have to witness the ordeal, but me, I got to witness it first hand as she was begging me to help her and yelling that she was a good woman. I later find out that this woman is also homeless and is having a restraining order put on her so that she is not allowed to come within 500 feet of the school.

The rest of the day went a little better, yet still resulting in a sunburn for me, my voice hoarse from yelling, and the urge to have children ripped out of me...

major decision

2008-08-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

So, I have to make this major decision. Unfortunately the options are not the ideal on either side. IF I go one way, I have to turn away from something I have been doing my whole adult life and what I really love. Yet I will have a better chance at a life outside of work and a more stable future, but possible regret.
To take the second choice is to achieve a goal, but yet putting myself in a worse financial situation.
And again, neither choice has a clear answer and because of that I sit here with this major decision and can't help but wonder, "am a screwing myself either way?"

UPDATE: So I made the decision. I will not be finishing my masters in costume design due to the reality of student loans and not being able to add any more to that debt. Sadness.

There isn't a Hefty bag big enough to hold all of this white trash

2008-08-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

So, I just made a quick trip to the Wal Mart and as I was walking in the door this girl, maybe 14-15, walks by wearing a tiny tank top and a mini skirt so short it was more like a belt and too small that her belly was hanging over the top and out from under the tank top. Add to that some dirty flipflops and the ultimate accessory of the 18-20yo thug wannabe boyfriend who was holding her hand while holding up his pants with the other, I mean really why wear a belt if you aren't going to USE IT! Oh and props on the stained white wife beater, dude.

I was thinking to my self, Who would let their daughter dress like this and even let that guy within 20 feet of her?! Then I saw the answer to my question. There she was in all her 45 yo glory waiting in the cigarette aisle. Wearing the same outfit as her daughter, only she had added the lovely bandage on her leg from where she burned herself getting off boyfriend-of-the-week's motorcycle, hair so bleached it look like if you touched it it would break off in your hand and (my favorite) the bright red bra under her white tank top. My disgust changed to heartbreak. Looking at this young girl who has no chance and seeing her mother so wrapped up in her selfish life to realize that her daughter is following the only example she has had.

And as the girl and her trailer park thug boyfriend join the mother in the cigarette aisle thug boyfriend's hand go right up girl's skirt and I see the circle is already repeating itself.

2008-08-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am attempting to start a blog, again. The thing is I really like blogs, yet I have trouble committing... Anyway I have a good feeling 'bout this one friends. So I thought I would start out with a Like and a Dislike to get the ball rolling.

I have most recently discovered and extremely enjoy the Welcome to Beijing song written for the 100 day count down to the Olympics. I like this song so much that I sing it all the time. The problem with that is I don't know Chinese, so I make up my own lyrics ( unintenually somewhat racist lyrics). But I can't stop singing this song. I youtube it like everyday, my favorite is the first time we see Jackie Chan. So I have included here so everyone can enjoy it.

Now, the jerk penguin at the zoo yesterday who spashed me with like a bucket's worth of nasty penguin water is something I really don't like. The jerk penguin, lets call him Terry, total did it on purpose, I mean, I like had my mouth open and Terry splashed me right in the face. Then Terry swam off so fast that I didn't get a good look at him, but I am sure he looked alot like the penguin in this picture. So if you see Terry at the St. Louis zoo, totally flip the bird at him for me, and do not stand to near the tank, cause if Terry is anything, he is a spashing jerk!