Katie's List of Highly Unlikely Professions

What do you want to be when you grow up? As a child, my answer to this question changed daily.  At one point, I do recall establishing myself as a future “ballerina nun.” I was indeed creative and compromising.  With the progression of time, you would think my focus would be narrowed to fields related to my strengths.  However, I still love to dally in possibilities of all various occupations.   Some may call me too open-minded.  While it is a wonderful thing to believe so strongly in oneself, I also find it necessary to be aware of limitations.  In an attempt to define what I can do, I reflected on all the things I do poorly. Yes, I am closing all of these doors, but that is only to open cooler, more fulfilling windows!  Here is a list I have comprised of jobs that would be caustic to my health and happiness.

1.Gardener

Flowers are so pretty, but also so pollinated.  A severe pollen allergy significantly restricts my comfort among nature.  While I do love the beauty of roses and daffodils, it is in no way worthwhile to be sneezing all over creation for eight hours a day.  Nobody needs to say, “bless you” that many times!  Instead, I prefer to paint flowers. Inside.

2.Any sort of military soldier/officer/personnel

I wore a uniform or dress code for 11 years of my life. I AM NOT doing it any longer.  And as if that was not enough of a reason, I know I lack the physical ability and/or motivation to be as fit at those people.  And then there’s my fear of guns and shooting.  And bad eyesight.  And the curved curse of scoliosis, which means I can’t stand up as straight as everybody else, and everyone knows people in the military have impeccable posture.  Facts of life. 

3.Chauffer, truck driver, pilot, golf caddy

Due to my horrid vision and serious lack of coordination, I do not possess a driver’s license.  I know, I know, GASP.  I think it goes with saying that an ability to drive is a requirement of any vehicular occupation.  So…that is out.

4.Scientist or mathematician

 I don’t get math. Like at all.  Numbers and I get along like toothpaste and orange juice: the result is a horrible aftertaste. If you like math, I do not understand you at all, but I applaud your intelligence nonetheless.   I accept I will never be good at number-crunching; the foundation is missing, and thus my mental house is rickety and unreliable. More than a few math screws are loose in my head, but you know what? There are other kinds of knowledge that are just as sufficient. 

5.Dancer

I really didn’t want to have to put this on the list.  But the fact remains that I cannot spin without experiencing serious vertigo. If I ever figure out the proper art of spinning, I suppose dancing could become removed from this sordid list of don’ts.  For realism’s sake, I must pursue other artistic forms. ( AKA underwater mermaid impersonations)

6.Priest

It has come to my attention that I am female.

7.Farmer/fisher/ hunter

Farming, fishing and hunting require hardiness and patience, two adjectives that do not describe me in the least.  Plus, I need a least a small amount of sparkle to be happy. The only thing glamorous about farm life is the potential for elaborate webs crafted by a very famous spider known as Charlotte. I long for the city life.

8.Doctor/dentist/nurse

Blood freaks me out, and I do not really understand how people get over that.  Hypnosis? Also, much of being a doctor means making quick, informed decisions, and having the mental clarity to save lives.  God bless you if you can do it, but I don’t believe I can be that level headed.  You’re welcome.  Come to think of it, I am saving lives by choosing not to be a doctor. I am a hero!

9.Abortionist.

Well, I am pro-life.  So this is an impossible occupation.  Obviously.

10.Construction worker of any kind (includes plumber, and electrician)

Building stuff involves too much manual labor, and I am not a fan of labor. These are skills Daddy did not pass on to his little girl. Not to mention, am I the only one who still has a slight fear of electrocuting myself when I use an outlet?

11.Athlete

I think you need to be athletic to be an athlete.  If shopping ever becomes a sport, I will win a gold medal.  From Tiffany’s. And then eat breakfast there.

12.Lady of the Evening

I just worry that I would loose too much sleep, that’s all.

13.Santa Claus

Maybe if I gained a lot of weight, as well as the ability to grow a beard. The North Pole is too much of a commute for me as well.

14.Drug Dealer

I watch Breaking Bad, so I know second hand that dealing drugs is a very scary, temperamental thing.  I don’t think I could handle the pressure!

15.Bee Keeper/ exterminator

Bugs seriously creep me out so much.  I have an intense fear of miller moths that has only gotten worse with age.  I get goosebumps just thinking about it! (Actual bumps, not the book series, to clarify)

So there you have it! The top fifteen jobs I am avoiding.  On the positive side, that leaves many other professions (artist, singer, wedding planner, fashion designer, graphic designer, and princess) to experience!  And do not these jobs sound like rainbows, sparkles, and joy? I think so too.  So go out and make your own list of unlikely professions.  You may discover more about yourself than you thought you would!

Whimsically,

Katie 

Every Beating Heart Deserves a Chance to Love

As many of you know, I am very active in my Students for Life group at Loyola.  We have done a lot of work to spread the Pro-Life mission to our campus and the surrounding area.  We even sent 40 students to the Washington D.C. March for Life in February! Today, I wanted to share with you the story of why I am Pro-Life.  It is a very personal story, but one that I think properly explains my passion.  I wrote this for a poster that went up on Facebook and around campus.  Enjoy!

Cathy Petersen had a stroke while giving birth to her fifth child.  Luckily, her daughter, Dee, was born a happy and healthy baby.  Cathy, unfortunately, experienced many physical changes after her stroke; half of her body went numb and her speech was limited.  Her life would never be the same.  Five years later, she became pregnant with her sixth child.  Despite her disabilities, and the knowledge of the health risks involved with pregnancy, Cathy chose to carry this baby to term.  On June 15^th 1965, Karen Petersen was welcomed into the world.  Karen is my mother.  Had my Grandma decided that five kids was enough, my mom would not be here, and neither would I.  I just lost my grandma, but I cannot imagine my life without her.  She continually proves to me that everyone deserves a chance at life, regardless of circumstance. Her selfless love and strength, even in the toughest situations, gives me hope.  My name is Katie, and this is why I am Pro-life. 

On June 1st, my hometown of Colorado Springs is doing a Walk+Run for Life.  I am participating in the walk, because I know it is important to stay active in the Pro-life movement wherever I am.  If you want to donate to my team, check out my fundraising team here.  All proceeds benefit the Life Network, which provides pregnancy resources to expecting families in the Colorado Springs area.  As an example, we have a Mobile Pregnancy Center, which runs five days a week, entirely from donations, to provide pregnant women with free services such as ultrasounds and prenatal care. Every little bit helps, and your caring assistance will only bring women comfort and happiness. If not, prayers and wishful thinking are also appreciated!  

Whimsically,

Katie

What I've Learned in College So Far....

Fun fact about me: I have two younger brothers, and both of them are graduating! One is graduating from middle school, and the other from high school.  As the oldest child, I feel as if I have been the guinea pig on the spinning wheel of life; I just keep running, and hope that I am moving forward.  The realization that my brother, Sam, is making the great transition into college has primarily caused me to freak out, but also reflect on what sisterly advice I can impart to him.  I pray that my siblings can learn from my experiences as the first born, and make new mistakes instead of repeating mine.   Hopefully, I can pave the way for them.

So here it is, Samuel Paul.  Here is everything I wish someone had told me before I went to college.  Or, more accurately, things people did tell me, but I wasn’t listening. 

  1.Just because you’re in college does not mean you have to party.

I know the stereotype… the keg parties and wild ragers, living life on the edge, and the nightly shenanigans that always end in a haze.  The media, your peers, and even those you look up to will not only hold this to be true, but also celebrate it.  I hope you know that the values and goals attained in those four years at college extend far beyond beer pong.  Here is where you figure out the person God is calling you to be, and you decide where you want your life to go.  The partying lifestyle is fun and exciting, but it does not build your character. In fact, I guarantee that the happiness you find in true friendships, real experiences, and honest achievements will last much longer. Trust me… there are plenty of people who lead wonderful, exciting lives, without getting wasted.  Look for yourself in the activities you pursue, not in the bottom of your seventh beer can.  Think not of what “everyone else is doing,” but of what you are doing. Your best memories are the ones you actually remember. 

  2.Find common ground.

In college, you are given a fresh start.  And so is everyone else.  All of you are looking to find brand new friends, and it is easy to loose yourself in the masses.  Do not forget the things that make you happy; be it soccer, or Jenga club, or ridiculous music.  Keep in mind these interests, and join related clubs on campus, or in the area. Not only will you enjoy doing your favorite activities, but you will also meet other people who partake in those same hobbies.  It sounds so obvious, but I have encountered many a lonely person who was afraid to branch out.  Even if you don’t find something you enjoy right away, an open mind and a perseverant heart will lead you to good people.  Eventually, something will just stick!

  3.Work hard, and plan ahead.

True statement: college is harder than high school.  Truer statement: At first it will seem easier.  I was shocked at how few assignments I had in my first semester of college.  High school is all about busy work, with a large number of projects, tests, and homework to boost your grades.  This is no longer the case.  In college, the few test grades and assignments you do have are worth far more points.  You must consistently turn in high-quality work, because you do not get second chances. Teachers are not there to sprinkle fairy dust and rainbows on all of your work; they tirelessly expect the best from you.  Keep track of your assignments and allow yourself the proper time to get them done. At the beginning of every semester, I put all of my future test dates and project deadlines into my iPhone calendar.  This way, I can anticipate the busiest times and manage my schedule accordingly.  The college course load is a lot easier if you plan ahead. 

  4. …But also take a chill pill!

I don’t really have to tell you twice to enjoy yourself in college.  But seriously, do not get so bogged down that you have no time to relax. I have made the mistake of getting too busy, and it is miserable.  Plan your class schedule with time to spare.  I can guarantee you’ll need it.  I cherished the hour I got to watch Dance Moms every week because it was not only bonding time with my roommates, but it allowed me to rest for a while.  It is perfectly acceptable to take some time out to do things for yourself.  It will keep you sane.

  5. EXPLORE.

You will hear time and time again about how you “discover yourself” in college.  Part of this means trying new things.  Do things that scare you, but not things that endanger you.  Some degree of fear is healthy, and in expanding your comfort zone you will learn so much about the world around you.  Go to that program your school is holding about Japanese dance styles.  Take that class on silent film.  Eat a samosa.  (Find out what a samosa is.) Your school offers all of these different and unique opportunities in hopes that you will seize them. Education goes much farther than the number of credit hours you take a semester.  The more you know and experience, the more well-rounded and interesting you become as an individual.  Plus, the more information you intake, the more creative you will be! And we all know creativity is the spice of life. 

  6.You are what you eat.
   Ramen, cheap and easy, is a college student’s best friend.  Yet do you really want to be identified as “cheap and easy?” Really though, junk food is horridly enticing, but you will regret it later when you feel like crap and cannot focus.  The healthier your food choices, the better you’ll feel.  This directly affects how successfully you perform in school.  So think twice the next time you pop those noodles in the microwave. Real chicken is far superior to chicken seasoning, and your body will thank you.  Also, be grateful of your meal plan while you still have it; there will come a time when you must fend for yourself in the hungriest of Hunger Games. 

  7.R-E-S-P-E-C-T- Find out what it means to you.

As pervasive as the partying scene is in college, so too is the hookup culture.  I cannot stress this enough: AVOID AT ALL COSTS.  Sure, everyone likes to tell you it is all about having fun and none of it matters, but it does.  Feelings are involved in one way or another.  Maybe you hook up with someone who sees nothing of it, but deep down, you are feeding her insecurity.  Remember that every girl is worth talking to, and so is discovering the beauty that lies in her personality, her thoughts, and her sense of humor.  Hooking up is easy; it requires little self-control or respect of boundary.  But to truly know someone for who they are is a beautiful and admirable thing. Anybody can partake in the hookup culture, but it takes a very strong individual to see and want something above this.  I hope you are a man that can not only celebrate a woman’s choice to put her heart, mind, and soul before her body, but also live up to these standards as well.  Do not simply respect another’s limits, but set high limits for yourself. You will be much rewarded in the long run, I promise you.  Keep in mind that, like with the food example, you get what you are.  If you act like a gentleman, you'll end up with the woman of your dreams.  

  8.Take time for God.

Prayer not only improves your relationship with God, but is also helps you grow as a person. Write in a journal, go to church, go to other prayer services, run outside, do whatever makes you feel closer to God.  We all experience our spirituality in different ways, and the sooner you unlock the methods which best suit you, the better off you’ll be.  Think of it this way: going through life without God, you are only disadvantaged.  In closeness with Him, you better understand your call, and also have a great source of comfort in troubling times.  I have often read, “If God leads you to it, he will lead you through it.” Be patient, and be dedicated.  His plan for you will be revealed with time, but it will be a lot clearer if you are ready to accept it. 

  9. Do not get a tattoo on your ass.
      It makes literally no sense, and I cannot believe I even have to put that in here.  From afar, a butt tattoo will look like some sort of insect or disease.  Not only this, but it will merely serve as a constant reminder to how much an idiot you were.  Don’t be “that guy with the ass tattoo.”  You are much cooler than that.  Even a peace sign tattoo on your arm would be more acceptable.

  10. Share your talents with the world.

God made all people with wonderful and unique talents.  We are not the same, nor should we strive to be the same as everyone else.  Take pride in the things you do well, and look for opportunities to use your talents.  The more you share your gifts, the greater your skills will become.  These talents will lead you to innumerable opportunities, both in the business world and your personal life.  Make a name for yourself, and live up to that name.   People often look to me to make posters or paintings for them because they know I am artistic.  You can have that same success if you are confident in your abilities. 

Now go out, and set the world on fire! I believe in you 100%!

Love, your big sister,

Katie :)

A Rant Against Autocorrect

It is a typical fast-paced day, and I am trying to communicate with all of my friends, because I am insanely popular. (A time goes on, I become increasingly more aware of the demand for a sarcasm font.)  Typing furiously, I send multiple messages among the various channels of social media to which I have become shamelessly addicted.  I am actually surprised my phone has not combusted from overuse; it's radiating heat could cook a small meal.  Ready to hit send on my next beautifully crafted and cleverly hashtagged composition , I pause.  The word "aerosiky..." has soundlessly manifested itself into my precious tweet.  This is not right! This is not what I intended to communicate! Once again, the sneaky fiend that is autocorrect has left me in extreme babble.

I realize autocorrect has some astoundingly beneficial elements.  Sometimes, I do not quite get it all together, and like a good neighbor, autocorrect is there to save the day.  But for the most part, I find that autocorrect just changes all my letters, with so much potential, into mere baby-talk.  I have no clue where these non-words came from, but my autocorrect has an entire library full of them. And if that wasn't dysfunctional enough, these odd pairings of letters are replacing real words.  Nearly every time I try to type the word "because", autocorrect changes it to "becausephilososauce."  I can assure you this term was not of my own creation, leaving me hopelessly pondering its origins. Why does this happen? What kind of messed up spelling and grammar system is operating my phone? Not only is this completely unwarrented, but the amount of time I spend correcting my autocorrect is asinine.  I recognize it is horridly trivial to complain about something as minute as time wasted while wasting time on social media, but I would also be remiss in saying that it doesn't not irritate me. Every time I try and change autocorrect's idea of an appropriate sentence, it is such a power struggle.  I type, autocorrect alters. I backspace, try again, and once more I am rejected like a nerd asking a cheerleader to prom.  A modern Dora the Explorer would assert, "Swiper, no swapping!"It is only after numerous failed attempts do I remember I have to counterintuitively press the little X in the corner of Autocorrect's suggestion box.  I use the word 'suggestion' very generously; autocorrect has made itself very clear that my textual desires are secondary to its verbal tyranny.  This is totalitarianism in a new form.  Perhaps I want to be creative with my vocabulary, and write without restriction.  Autocorrect has a different plan.  Do not freedom of speech and press apply to iPhones? It is enough to drive a textaholic absolutely insane.

I have a dream of a world where we can fully express ourselves, free from the shackles of a controlling Autocorrectonomy.  Someday, we will be able to write what we mean, without feeling constricted by the ideas of a convoluted machine.  I imagine a place of expedited communications, in which autocorrect is used as a vehicle of assistance rather than total domination.  My goal here is not to eliminate autocorrect, but rather diminish its overwhelming ego.  I hope that one day, we will truly have freedom of text.
Until then, I guess I have to live with this. >

  Whimsically,
Katie