Vlog!

Hey everyone! So here's my first Vlog!

Very short less than 3 minutes long. I recorded this earlier today so that I could upload it and share it with all of you lovely people. BUT this precious video of me was a file of epic proportions and took over five hours to load. Which I was fine with (I guess). But after the 5 hours I was ready to copy and paste it onto here for a new post, and the AUDIO was off! All that time wasted. So I pasted the video onto movie maker. And reuploaded it (in only 6 minutes this time). And here it is.

So be nice. I know I'm a dork, but I hope you enjoy my mini vlog I've made for you all. And shall do every once in a while to keep things interesting. Especially now that I have figured out how to upload quickly.

Thanks for reading/watching.

<3
Cathy

Reader Spotlight

Hey Hey All,

So I'm sure some of you have navigated around my wonderfully redesigned blog and seen a the tab entitled:

 

"What is this Reader Spotlight?" you ask.Well to be completely honest I'm not 100 percent sure. 

Something that I want for my blog is for there to be a sense of community among the readers, which vary from family members, friends and colleagues from high school and college, future colleagues from SPAIN, and other random intrigued people here on the world wide web. 

So here is how it is going to work:

The first person to comment every month will get to have their own picture/bio/personal interview in the Reader Spotlight section, and readers may not have 2 consecutive months as the spotlight.

I do anticipate for this to evolve eventually to who ever comments the most during the previous month to earn the Reader Spotlight. And who knows what it may evolve into that we can't anticipate. 

I hope you all are as excited as I am about this lol. I feel like my blog is really taking off. On my Facebook the other day on the "On this Day in 2010" section, my status said "Just so y'all know, I'm going to be a famous writer someday." Which I'm sure I can trace back to Mi Epiphany. I still haven't started on the book that I'm going to write, but the way that this blog is coming along, is kinda exciting for me. I've gone from 3 to 11 readers, from 100 to 800 views all in the last month or so of revamping. So I'm anxious to see what the future holds not only for myself and my journey to Spain, but for this blog and what turns it will take.

What do YOU think about the Reader Spotlight idea?

Thanks for reading. And who knows come September 1st the Reader Spotlight could be YOU!

Much love,

Cathy

498 Hours

So it's official I'm leaving to Spain on September 13, 2011. 

That's 20 days, 18, hours, 15 minutes and 58 seconds from right now.

And as one of my fellow auxiliar bloggers and I were commenting. It's a tricky balance between keeping yourself calm. Like "Who cares if I'm traveling half way across the world to live on my own as a real adult for the first time, without family for friends? No big deal. Piece of cake." and then you have the part that is like "WOOO HOO!!! I'm traveling to Europe suckers!!!"

So that is where I am currently at. In between- let me hide  under the covers for the next 3 weeks til I have to go out into the big scary world, and dancing around because the adventure of a lifetime is right around the corner. And as my HAU Little Kathy pointed out to me very bluntly "Well you really wanted this, so you're gonna go and suck it up like a big girl." Hahah yes ma'am

As a side note and tip for those who are planning to travel. Tuesday is the BEST day to buy your tickets. I don't know why they are cheaper, but if you're getting airfare try to get it on a Tuesday, I saved a little bit of money along the way, which we all know is a good thing. 

Not that I saved enough money to get the ticket that I really wanted, which was LA to NY to Madrid. So I could say g'bye to some special people I have on the East Side. But I'm not going to complain, because I know that I am blessed, and for the next 498 hours I'm going to try to keep that balance until my feet touch European soil (or cement lol).

Thanks for reading. Comments are always appreciated.

Much Love,

~Cathy

Butterflies

Today is the day that I have been anticipating for a long time... I received my visa in the mail. There it is, stuck to a page on my passport ready for me to take to Europe and embark on this adventure that awaits me. The only thing is, things didn't really happen the way I've imagined them going down. 

All I've thought about is ripping open that envelope and pulling out my visa, the official approval for me to go to Spain. Today I got that envelope, and all I could feel were the butterflies in my tummy bouncing around telling me "Cathy this is really happening, you're going to Spain. Leaving for a 10 month minimum with the possibility of not returning for up to 3 years or ever (okay maybe that was an exaggeration...lol)."

But it still stands, I didn't run around screaming YAAAY! As I thought I would when this day came, instead I sort of find myself semi-retreating from the whole idea. Of course this doesn't mean I'm not going to go, it just means that I feel all of this is coming a little quicker than I anticipated. Don't get me wrong I know this is the opportunity of a life time, and many are jealous/proud that I am able to do so, but part of me at the moment is going " WAIT! WAIT! I really have to go? But I still need to find a place to live, and figure out a commute to work, and figure out how I'm gonna survive til my first paycheck" All things that will resolve themselves once I'm in Madrid, but alas I've always said telling me not to worry is like throwing a pebble at brick wall and expecting it to collapse. lol

If all goes as I want it to, and I get the flight that I want, I'll only have 3 more weeks with my loved ones, and I guess I haven't sufficiently prepared for that goodbye. That time is going to fly by like the blink of an eye and in a few more entries I'll be talking about my flight was and the feeling of landing in Europe. I guess it'll all stay surreal til then...

I know at least some of the other auxilares are feeling slightly the same way as our start date is inching near. Facebook has been a great way to connect us all and share our experiences. It was even the motivation for my to up and "pimp" my blog lol. 

I'm still excited to go on this adventure, just gotta deal with a few butterflies <3

Hasta Luegito,

~Cat

Pay it Forward

An old man once said, "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living"

       This is the quote that serves as the motivation for this post. This was a quote I stumbled upon when I was browsing through my friend's blog. You see I am a big fan of quotes that are inspiring or motivating or just strike out some kind of meaning and/or emotion. I liked this quote in particular, because it's a good reminder not to sweat the small stuff and see the good things that life has to offer. So like I often do I post these things as a status on my facebook to share with my 1500+ friends. I share things because I figure, if  this (insert quote/link/photo..etc. here) made me smile, laugh, ponder, or reminisce then chances are one them will too.

     What I didn't count on is so many people reading and relating to this particular post. As I said before I share and post a lot of things I find interesting and they often get lost in translation in the traffic that makes up the facebook community, but this particular quote got more "likes" than even my status' regarding my diploma, or Spain acceptance. Now I know this probably has to do with this post doing more with humanity than my pride in my accomplishments lol. 

    So beyond the extraordinary amount of "like" notifications I was receiving on my page, came the extraordinary comment that reminded me why posting such things are for good. The comment went like this

"Wow I can't believe this right now.. im having a horrible day based on everything this message says and I thank u for posting it because u didn't know it but this has turned my day around for the better. I have to live by this. im so down, I cried when I read it."

     How powerful is it that something that I posted merely from my own interest and entertainment can I turn around and effect someone else miles and miles away from me, whom I haven't spoken with in years, and yet this simple action, had a great reaction. I felt really happy to hear this from her because it makes me think that I'm doing something right, no matter how insignificant. It actually kinda felt like one of those moments on tv when the teenager is like "blah blah blah...I don't matter" and some kind of supernatural action allows them to see how different the world is without them, and shows them their significance in life. Lol I know now the world would be different without me! haha just kidding ;)

     I guess that just another example to prove how social networking and today's age where everyone is watching what you say and do, allowing us to be connected in ways that we don't even realize.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your thoughts, your favorite inspirational quote (you never know who's day it'll brighten). Comments are always appreciated <3

Much Love
Until Next Time
~Cat

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours... :)

Hey Hey y'all,

    So today when I got home from the courthouse I was blessed to read the email that I've been holding my breath for. "The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles Appointment Visa Process Notification" I eagerly clicked on the link and awaited for the message that was inside. There waiting for me were the magic words that I'd hoped for 

Status- Completed

Visa- APPROVED!

      A breath of fresh air. My visa appointment was on Friday, and 6 days later I am getting the okay. The only thing left to do now is to get at the mailman til  he gives me my goods. This is definitely a giant weight off of my shoulders, and it makes things just that much closer to being real. 

      Next step with visa in hand is buying a plane ticket, and putting a date on this adventure so I can start one of my famous countdowns. The difference this time is it's not "200 days til I turn 21" or "112 days til the end of the semester" or "74 days til Puerto Rico" or "55 days til graduation." This countdown is going but much more short lived, more like 20-ish days (CRAZY!)

In other news...

       Today I finished my goal of completing 100 hours at the Self-Help Center. It's kind of a bittersweet moment, because on the one hand, I am going to miss being there. There are a select few of people that I'm glad I've had the opportunity to meet (and those who know me, know I'm always networking). On the other hand, it's going to be kind of nice to just have a few days with no responsibility of waking up and driving somewhere, to make it on time to somewhere, to not have someone be impatient with you because they had a different idea of what the process is for court paperwork. Also, with all of my economic woes that are bound to come in the near future, not having to spend gas or lunch money helps. I've learned a lot in those 100 hours, giving me a little more insight, a little more to think about as I try to decide if I really want to pursue law school. 

Well that is all for now. Thank you for reading. It's always appreciated.

Much love, 

Cat <3

Makeover

Hey Hey!

   As I'm sure you've noticed by now, I did a few changes to my blog. If you didn't notice, then it's probably your first time here, so welcome :) lol.

Anyway...Recently I have been reading the blogs of others who either are going to Spain this year, just like me, or were in Spain in the past, or both. Seeing all of the different blogs and how cool they were sort of made me feel a little inadequate in my blog creating abilities jaja.

Which in turn made me change the background, a separate about me section, and photo section, with comment abilities so that you all can tell me what you like or don't like.

So here we are with a fresh look for our fresh adventure that is just around the corner. I'm sure I'll be checking the mail every day now. But once I have that visa, I'll buy my plane ticket and all of this is going to feel a little more real.

Thank you for reading. Comments are always appreciated.

<3 Cat

Mo' Money, Mo' Problems?? I wish...

Hey Hey all!

I'm back, and here with the relief that MY VISA PAPERS ARE IN. All there is to do now is wait for the mail :)

My packet that I had to turn in...including a $18.73 stamp on that envelope -_-

It was a semi-smooth adventure, in the race against time to get to the consulate on the 2 trains and 1 bus I needed to get there (which I thought I'd missed when I got off of the train, but there was another bus right behind it-whew!). Once there it was the same kind of hostile environment that I anticipated after watching this video (which also inspired me to keep a mini stapler in my purse lol). I was called to the window, handing the clerk every document that he asked for. Then came the FBI background check, apparently the wording by the notary was off and the slight rip due to the staple situation mentioned in my previous entry, was enough for him to go ask his supervisor if they were going to accept it or if I would have to jump through those hoops again. Fortunately, they were going to accept my imperfect apostille, but that's all that matters.

It's a big relief to have that part of the process over and done with. Once I have that visa in hand I'll be able to get my plane ticket, and this whole thing will be just a little bit more real.

Speaking of reality, the part that inspired the title for this entry- I really wish that my problems came with the fact that I had too much money instead of my situation which is Imma be hella broke lol.

So this summer I was not able to find a job and save that extra cash for my European adventure, instead I'm resume building at an internship at the courthouse. Spending money on gasoline and other expenses for this whole visa process, keeps my bank account dwindling down slowly.

There is a harsh reality that I have to face is that the $2,000 I have saved to get myself there and sustain myself til I get paid, is probably not going to be enough. Why? Because as soon as I get to Spain my $2,000 turns into €1400. Those €1400 have to get me started and last me until I get paid at the beginning of November? Oh wait but there are a bunch of upfront costs when I get there, right? First month's rent and a deposit on an apartment, bus pass to get around and figure out how I'm getting to work, odds and ends like outlet converters for my laptop, and of course food. So essentially even though I am now a college graduate my lifestyle will continue to be that of the poor college student. Given the economy and my ambitions I can't help but feel like I might someday end up holding a sign similar to this man:


Of course I kid, I kid, but it's realizing that I am going to have to lean on those who have supported me the most through everything, my family in order to keep my head above water for a while. As my good journalist friend Ashley puts well it in her article for the Daily New in LA- we are reluctant to ask for help because we feel accomplished but circumstances don't leave us any other choice. Don't get me wrong, as soon as i get to Madrid I am going to be scouting to give some private lessons and live as cheaply as I can, we'll just have to see how it goes for now.

That being said, with all of my future money woes pending, I am trying to hold onto every penny I have as long as I can. A dilemma I am facing now is that there are a lot of important people to me that I haven't had the chance to say my last "goodbye" to. My family lives about 70 miles from the concentration of friends that I have, and gas alone to get down there is a pinch and then whatever we decide to do, be it dinner or whatever is another few expenses that I don't know I can afford. I'll have to figure out something in the next few weeks, whether it be sucking it up and shelling out a few bucks to that my heart can be content in the hardest of times when I'm homesick in Spain, or set up some skype dates and hope for the best. 

Any thoughts or advice?

As always I'll keep you all on the up and up on what's going on. Thanks for reading, and comments are always appreciated :)
<3
Cat

Without or While or Cancelled?

Hey all,

Hopefully you all enjoyed the wonderful musical selections from my 50 Song Challenge, now it's time for a real update. Seeing as in we are inching closer to the time that I leave for Spain, and I am a basket of emotions.

I don't have a set date for when I am leaving, all I can say at the moment is that my "target" date to leave is mid-september, because I am waiting to have visa in hand before I buy my plane ticket in order to not have to pay anything extra in case something gets delayed. Which at this point, I'm not sure if there will be or not.

The whole visa process is pretty extraneous. So many papers to have, copies of everything, running from this office to that office...and here I am, possibly having to start one part of it over because some lady decided to make the simplest instructions in the most absurd way. So here is a little background so that you all can understand what went down. In order to get a visa you have to get an FBI background check with an apostille on it. No, I'm not talking about a biblical apostle (lol). This apostille is a paper that comes from an agreement that many countries signed in order to accept documents between other countries who signed the agreement. BUT in order to get the apostille it's kind of tricky-

Step 1
Get FBI Background Check
(Done- I had to have it done back in May in order to apply for the program)

Step 2
Write a letter stating that I am the person from the background check
(Done)

Step 3
Get that letter notarized
(Done $10)

Step 4
Get the notarized letter authenticated by the county clerk
(Done- $9, and luckily I could get it done in Lancaster and not drive all the way to Norwalk)

Step 5
Take Notarized letter with the authentication from the county clerk to the California Secretary of State Regional office in Downtown LA
(Done- $25 for a metrolink ticket to DTLA, and $26 for the apostille)

So as you can all see the process to get the apostille is kind of a lot. So the snag in my plan to perfectly execute this mission in the name of getting my visa to Spain comes when the lady at the Secretary of State couldn't give good directions. I get there to the office building, after not sleeping at night, getting up super early and traveling 2 hours, and maneuvering my way there. I have all of my documents with me Authentication, letter, and notary paper stapled together, and the copy of the background check was not stapled to the packet. So the lady flips to the last page of the packet and tells me that the background check needs to be stapled to the back of that page and what I heard was WITHOUT being attached to the rest of the papers. Therefore I removed the back page of the packet in order to staple it to my copy of the background check. As soon as I do that she says in her incredibly irritating singsong voice "Oh my God, what did you do? Now it's not valid..." umm WTF? Apparently what she said was that it need to be stapled WHILE being attached to all the papers. In which case WHY did she flip to the back page and give those kind of instructions instead of just saying it the most logical way that the background check needed to be stapled to the back of the packet?! So she proceeds to tell me that they are not responsible if Spain doesn't accept my documents...etc. I WANTED TO SCRATCH HER EYES OUT...but instead I smiled and said thank you.

So not all is lost. I have my visa appointment this Friday, and I am hoping that they don't throw it out because of the tiny rip from a staple on the second to last page. If that does happen not all is lost. I have heard others going and not having that part done and they tell them to come back, so I'll just have to do it all over again. But as you can see with all of the costs to do it over again, it's taking away $70 THAT I COULD USE WHILE IN SPAIN!

I'll keep you all updated on what goes down.

In other news...and more wasted money so to speak. The alumni play that I was working on with my high school got cancelled. Originally we were doing a full length play, but then people couldn't keep up with the commitment, so with a month to go everyone who was still game got new scripts, but it just wasn't enough time to do the show justice. In part I am sad, because I was excited to perform again, especially back in my hometown where I got my start. Another part of me is even more disappointed because of all of the money I spent on gas to get from my east Palmdale home to Rosamond twice a week, again money that would have been useful while in Spain waiting for my first paycheck.

Tis all I have to say for now. Until next time, I hope to bring you all good news and good times. Leave the love. Comments are always appreciated <3

~Cathy

50 Day Song Challenge- COMPLETE! :)

Hey Hey everyone!

So today I finished the 50 Day song challenge that I had started on facebook. If you don't know what that is, pretty much it's a list of prompts that you find a song for, once a day, for 50 days. So I thought it would be cool to share it with you all in one place my blog. So here it goes:

Day 01- Your Favorite Song
India Arie- Video
Feel good song, keepin' it real :)

Day 02- Your Least Favorite Song
Web Star- Chicken Noodle Soup
It's songs like this that make me really believe that I can get a record deal someday.

Day 03- A Song That Makes You Happy
Avenue Q- Schadenfreude
I know it's kind of messed up but you gotta love it :-P

Day 04- A Song That Makes You Sad
Don Omar- Muñecas de Porcelana

Day 05- A Song That Reminds You of Someone
AJ Rafael- She was mine
Love has no distance, baby no...

Day 06- A Song That Reminds you of Somewhere
Guru Josh Project- Infinity 2008
Jammin' at el 8 de Blanco in Puerto Rico!!

Day 07- A Song That Reminds You of a Certain Event
Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
Improv Final 2011- Jon and Mary Claire did great <3

Day 08- A Song You Know All The Words To
Will Smith- Just The Two of Us
...Just like me we can see, gonna be tall, makes me laugh cause you got your dad's ears and all...

Day 09- A Song That You Can Dance To
Pitbull- Bon Bon 2010
I didn't realize I used the same song twice, oh well, I'll dance to anything... :)

Day 10- A Song That Makes You Fall Asleep
Michelle Branch- Something to Sleep to
In my mind everything we did was right...<3

Day 11- A Song From Your Favorite Band
Black Eyed Peas- One Tribe
One Love <3

Day 12- A Song From A Band You Hate
Korn- Freak on a Leash
Hate is such a strong word...but this'll do

Day 13- A Song That Is a Guilty Pleasure
2Gether- Calculus
Talk nerdy to me <3 U+ME=US

Day 14- A Song No One Would Expect You To Love
El Potro de Sinaloa- El Vaso Derrama
Don't get me wrong though...a girl can only handle so much banda...

Day 15- A Song That Describes Me
Jordin Sparks- This Is My Now
Cause it is...

Day 16- A Song You Used to Love and Now You Hate
Offspring- Pretty Fly For A White Guy
Lol

Day 17- A Song You Hear On the Radio Often
Bruno Mars- Just The Way You Are
Her eyes, her eyes...

Day 18- A Song You Wish You Heard On the Radio
Defying Gravity
I'm a sucker for showtunes <3

Day 19- A Song From Your Favorite Album
Brandy- Have You Ever?
My First Album too<3

Day 20- A Song You Listen To When You're Angry
Terron Brooks- Down
Why complain about tomorrow when today the sun is shining all around...

Day 21- A Song You Listen To When You're Sad
Carrie Underwood- So Small
Just a grain of sand...

Day 22- A Song You Listen To When You're Happy
Owl City- Fireflies
How can you not smile?

Day 23- A Song You Want to Play At Your Wedding
Gabe Bondoc- Life Love Everything
Now I just have to find someone to get married to...

Day 24- A Song You Want At Your Funeral
Whitney Houston- Count on Me
My anthem...cause you can count on me...

Day 25- A Song That Makes You Laugh
Avenue Q- What Do You Do With A B.A. in English?
Just so many from Ave. Q to choose from :)

Day 26- A Song You Can Play On an Instrument
Pomp and Circumstance- Graduation March
Band Geek <3

Day 27- A Song You Wish You Could Play
Alicia Keys- A Woman's Worth
Or anything Alicia Keys plays...

Day 28- A Song That Makes You Feel Guilty
Ludacris- Runaway Love
I know I am a fortunate one...

Day 29- A Song From Your Childhood
El Bard0
My momma would sing it all the time

Day 30- Your Favorite Song At This Time Last Year
Eminem- Love the Way You Lie

Day 31- A Song You Sing In the Shower
Ave. Q- There's A Fine, Fine Line
Between Love and a Waste of Time

Day 32- A Song that Uplifts You When You're Feeling Blue
India Arie- Beautiful Day
Life is a Journey Not a Destination

Day 33- A Song You Never Get Sick of Hearing
NSYNC- God Must Have Spent
90's kid all the way

Day 34- A Song That Reminds You of A Family Member
Christina Milian- Am to Pm
We made a good routine :)

Day 35- A Song You Find Annoying
Huey- Pop, Lock and Drop it

Day 36- Your Favorite Rap Song
Montell Jordan- This Is How We Do It
Woot Woot

Day 37- Most Listened To Song On Your Music Player
Tommy Torres- Fin de Capitulo
Story of my Life

Day 38- A Song You Would Perform In Front Of People
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
And I did a few times

Day 39- Your Favorite Song from The 80's
Irene Cara- What A Feeling

Day 40- Your Favorite Song from The 90's
Destiny's Child- Say My Name
7th grade talent show :)

Day 41- Your Favorite Song from The 2000's
Natasha Beddingfield- Unwritten

Day 42- A Song You Hate But You Listen To Anyway
Ke$ha- Tik Tok
If You can't beat'em, join'em

Day 43- A Song that Evokes Good Memories
Brad Paisley- Ticks
Jammin' at 3am in Torre Norte

Day 44- A Song that Evokes Bad Memories
All American Rejects- Dirty Little Secret
Oh No I Won't...

Day 45- Favorite Song From A Movie
Aladdin- A Whole New World
The first movie I saw in theaters

Day 46- A Song You Wouldn't Sing at A Karaoke Night
Celine Dion- All By Myself
Lol that is not for the public's eye

Day 47- Best Girl Singer Song
Selena- Dreaming of You
RIP

Day 48- Best Boy Singer Song
Chayanne- Atado a tu Amor
My fave

Day 49- Best Party Song
Pitbull- Bon Bon 2010
See...used twice..oh well... let's party lol

Day 50- Best Duet
James Taylor- You've Got A Friend
For my Bestie Josie

Well there you have it folks 50 days all in one place. Please feel free to click on the song name to go to the youtube video of each song. You can comment on my choices or let me know what yours are for any particular day. I hope you all enjoyed the challenge as much as I did...thanks for following, keep up with me on fb for the last 10 days of the photo challenge. Until next time, comments are always appreciated :)

Much Love,
Cat

Past-Roots, Present-Life, and Future-Seeds...always intertwined

Hey Hey all!

So I think this is good, within 10 days of my last post I'm creating a new one (go me!) lol actually I was inspired to do this post a few days ago, but alas the calling needs of the PRESENT at times prove to be an obstacle.

What actually inspired this was a conversation that I had with my abuelita (grandmother). She was telling me about her life in El Salvador. She shared with me things that I hadn't known before. What stuck out the most to me, is that she was telling me stories about when she was La Presidenta for the board of her community, San Vicente. She had also been a leader in the church. She was someone who spent time raising funds for good causes, helping out people who needed it. This struck me because it shed light onto where my ambitions come from. I always knew that my family supports me in my endeavors, even as crazy as they seem. What I failed to realize is that perhaps my knack for leading isn't something that just sprouted out of nowhere because I thought it was a good idea, it was something that was in my blood my PAST driving the FUTURE.

There are so many more stories that I'd like to get out of my family before it is too late, although I am scared to, because I know it can provoke horrible memories of a tragic time in a place where some of my raíces-roots come from. This semester I took a Central American Studies class and reading about stories from that area, just makes me more hungry for that personal history. I need to know those stories, so that I can pass them down to my children, and grandchildren, and make sure they know their raíces. I'll find the courage to one day open that Pandora's box, I guess I just need to figure out the right way to do it without unleashing too many demons.

Speaking of demons... lol Last week was a very tough week. At the courthouse there was a situation that made me upset, because I felt helpless against the system in order to help one of the many people who come to see us there. Even after it was all over my body still felt tense and upset, for the rest of the evening. To make matters worse, that day I received a letter from CSUN stating that I hadn't completed the requirements to graduate. Right there stress levels through the roof, rant all up on my fb page, makin' phone calls trying to get business handled. After a trip to the valley, a few phone calls, and emails later, I can say my diploma's in the mail! Just waiting for me to rock the FUTURE and show the world what I can do as ALUMNI.


So I guess what I'm going to take from all of this is that from the roots grows what life may be, from there we bask in the fruit life gives us, and leave the seeds to replenish our future--lol I guess I'm feeling a little extra poetic today.

Thanks for reading. Comments are always appreciated :)

<3 Cat

Plays, Papers, and Machines....Oh my!

Hey All,

Seeing as we inch farther and farther away from my last post, I thought today would be a good time to update everyone on what's been going on :)

So first of all, as I'm sure won't come as a surprise to anyone that knows me, In true Cathy fashion I have filled up my schedule pretty well for the summer. Yes, I know that it's summer and after the kind of semesters that I put myself through at CSUN I should be enjoying the chance to do NOTHING, but alas I don't think I could stay sane that way.

The first thing that got tacked onto the agenda is "Play On" an play being put on by RHS Alumni :) At first it was very strange to be back, especially given the fact that I was pretty much the oldest alumni of the bunch, but now things are better. I went from understudy to regular cast this week, so come check me out as 'Smitty' at Rosamond High School August - 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20.

I also started volunteering at the Self-Help center at the AV courthouse. The Self-Help center is a place where people go to get help on certain paperwork that needs to be turned in to the court be it divorce papers, evictions, domestic disputes, child custody...etc. This too was overwhelming at first, because all of those papers look the same, and the girls that were already volunteering there go through them so quickly and their eyes know exactly where to go and where to check, and where to see whats missing. For the first few days I was shadowing the other volunteers, but last week they "threw me to the sharks" and had me do a divorce. I know its the only way to learn, but I guess what is most intimidating is that you're dealing with people's lives when you're handling this kind of paperwork.
A lot of people have asked me why I would go out and do something like that, when I don't have to, or because it's really depressing hearing about other's hardships, but I guess there are a few reasons why I'm there. One, I guess it makes me feel more like I have a purpose for my summer, not just lounging lazily cooking in the desert heat. Two, law school is still a good possibility for me and I have set a goal to get over 100 volunteer hours this summer before I head out to Spain. Lastly, other than looking good on my resume, I actually do like helping out my community, and if I can give back a little bit by easing someone who is going crazy because of a million forms then that's great :)

Something that I have committed to doing this summer is something that I've been griping about my whole college career not having time for...I got a gym membership! I'm really excited because it's like I graduated college, now it's time for a new me. Still trying to get a good routine going since everything is still kind of far from my house, but I'll get there :)

OH! I got my letter with the details of my job!! I'll be working with middle school and high school students! It wouldn't be my first pick, but I think everything happens for a reason, and perhaps I'll learn some things about myself along the way :)

Thanks for reading!! Comments are always appreciated!! :)

~Cat

We Are Not Invincible

Hey all,

Unfortunately the motivation that I have for coming and writing this blog is not one of joy, or excitement, or laughter. I'm here to share my thoughts and feelings after something very tragic happened this weekend.

A young man, loved by many, passed away. Taken away from those who love him far to early, leaving behind heavy hearts and wonderful memories. I didn't know this young man personally, but his story hits close to home. Not only because this tragedy happened in Rosamond, my very small home town, but because of the circumstances.

The connection I have with this young man lies with one very special person, my sister Lilly. Brett Wallis was 19 years old, and a diabetic. My sister is 19 years old, and a diabetic. From what I am told the reason for Brett's passing is because his sugar went too low during his sleep. When my sister gave me the news this Sunday, barely being able to speak tears down her face, my heart sunk. My sister has lived with diabetes since she was 7 years old, and Brett was one of the few people who could relate to her experiences. Any family who has had to deal with this, knows it's an emotional roller coaster.

It's unfortunate moments such as this that make us reflect and realize that we are not invincible. We are here on Earth for an amount of time, and we can't get an extension, or the chance to really say goodbye to the ones we love.

Which leaves me with an uneasy feeling as I prepare to be 5,792 miles away from those I cherish most. I know I can't be scared to go out and live my life, but I know now I will be saying I love you more often, and holding on a little longer when I give a hug. Skype is going to be my best friend next year.

My apologies to those reading this for my lack of coherency and semantic beauty (haha) that generally accompany my posts, but I just needed to write.

My heart and deepest condolences go out to the Wallis family.

RIP Brett <3

~Cat

Stuff

Hey All!

This post was inspired by George Carlin's stand-up routine regarding "Stuff" (I'll give you a few to click the link and watch the video before I go on...lol)

Okay now that we're all on the same page. I'd like to say that Mr. Carlin is right on target, especially with me...I have way too much stuff. These last few days that I've been at home trying to relax and enjoy the moments of not having any pressing responsibility on my shoulders, no meetings to attend, nothing to prepare, no emails to send, nada. All that awaits me is trying to figure out what I am going to do with my STUFF.

Part of the problem (not including my lack of inspiration to make it happen) is that I am working with a smaller space. My parents moved to a different house last year and therefore I have a different room, a smaller room than before. Strike two has to do with no more closet space in the hallways to be able to stow away some STUFF. Lastly, I have to figure out a good way to keep all of this stuff out of everyone's way and get only the necessary STUFF to take with me for 1-3 years to MADRID! (Where I will acquire more STUFF and have to give away/throw out/ sell upon my return)

You ask yourself.. "Well Cathy, if you're going to give away/throw out/ sell while you're in Spain, why don't you just do that with the STUFF that you have now?..." I wish I had a better answer for this other than, I have an extreme sentimental tie to every piece of STUFF that I own, making it very hard for me to do away with my STUFF. Unless its an absolute necessity-such has I'm leaving the country and have no way of taking it with me- the pangs of separation overtake my better sense of space . (I blame this on my genes because I have a mother and two grandmother's who hold the same sentiment about their STUFF)

You might say..."Well Cathy maybe there is an absolute necessity for you to get rid of your STUFF?" And I'd reply I'd love to think that but my brain is too smart to be fooled into thinking that there is not a little nook or cranny in my bedroom to avoid having to part with my STUFF. To my defense, I did manage to fill a large black trash bag with clothes (that are still good and nonetheless still hard to give away) to donate, and still in progress.

My battle with STUFF will be ongoing til I am able to get my own house to hold my STUFF (or cover for my stuff as Mr. Carlin likes to say). For now I shall just keep working toward preparing my little room to hold my stuff as I venture to Europe.

Thanks for reading. Comments are always appreciated.

Much Love,

Cathy <3

The Let's Catch Up Blog

Hey everyone!

So the time has come for me to update my blog thoroughly and fully as I would have liked to have been doing consistently throughout this year, but alas my crazy schedule that I gave myself didn't allow me to. There is no time like the present so here goes a semesters worth of thoughts, experiences, reflections, and thanks to those who have contributed to my persona. I do not know how long this blog is going to get, but for your (the reader's) convenience I am going to have subtitles for each section I'm going to talk about to make it easier to navigate through, and you can bypass the parts you don't want to read...although I'm sure you'll want to read all of it, right?

The Big Accomplishment:

So I guess that is the big news in my life at the moment is... I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE!! A journey that wouldn't have been possible without so many people. Many of whom will be mentioned later in the blog. My time at CSUN seems to have blown by and be filled with many amazing memories. 5 years well spent exploring and figuring out a little bit more of who I am, and where I am going. It was a great close to a wonderful chapter, and now I'm one of over 200,000 ALUMNI!!!
So I've graduated college and there's only one question that comes out of anybody that you tell you've just graduated (and my fellow recent graduates and college senior know what I'm talking about). What are you going to do now? Up until one week ago this question really freaked me out because I didn't have a real answer for it. I had applied to teach in Spain, but didn't have any definitive answer. Up until the last year and a half I was so sure of my path into an LAUSD class room as an elementary school teacher, and the closer I got to graduation the less I knew what I wanted to do with my life (as you have read in previous posts about new law school aspirations). It's definitely a scary feeling when you're future is uncertain, but I have a little bit more time to worry about it because the next 1-3 years of my life are set. I'M GOING TO MADRID!! On May 27, 2011 I woke up in my Reseda apartment, checked my email, and there was the message I'd been waiting for since NOVEMBER!! I got placed! I literally screamed in my apartment, and immediately accepted the position. The position is with a program between the Spanish and United States to help teachers in Spain K-12 schools with English, and other subjects. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared, and thrilled all at once. It's going to be a pain to finish the process to get there, but alas there an adventure that awaits me :)

My New York Adventure

For those of you who don't know, I took a trip to NYC during Spring Break to celebrate my birthday, last Spring Break as an undergrad, and as a reunion for my AArmy friends who I met while I was studying abroad in Puerto Rico. Those ten days are going to forever going to be in my memory as a fantastic experience. For the full effect, you can see a photo book I created two entries down.

It really was the trip of a lifetime. I scheduled the 10 day trip- over extending my 7 day Spring break. It was a really interesting time because in addition to balancing out all of the exploring that I had to do since it was my first time in NYC/East Coast, I also had to work on my million and one projects/papers/studying/readings. This is because realistically I couldn't take 10 days off and not do any work, so I had to take my laptop and library books along with. So I get to New York 3pm and bravely decide to trek through the New York Subway system to my absolutely wonderful friend Joyanet's apartment. An hour and a half, and 3 trains later I arrived to the right stop by a miracle. I had the directions on my email of my phone, which I thought would stay open, but as soon as I lost reception on the subway the app closed. So I did it all on MEMORY!! It was a very proud moment lol. Once I was at the stop I was waiting for Joy to come get me so that we could walk to her apartment together and I kept getting super strange looks from people (and all with good reason...I was wearing flip-flops). Now to defend my choice of footwear, I must say that I did have my tennis shoes in my back pack ready to go. I hate having to take off and put on my shoes when I'm at the airport, so I wear the flip-flops to make the process easier. The original plan was to wear the flip-flops til I got to NYC and then change them once I got to JFK, but when I got there, the weather wasn't really as bad as I had expected cold East coast weather to be, so I kept them on. Needless to say I definitely got those "Ugh, a tourist" looks as I was standing outside of H&M.
The next few days were filled with great exploring and much needed relaxation. I ate real New York cheesecake (Chocolate Mousse!), and watched a few movies, studied at the New York public library. I met some great people through my friend Joy as well as I got to catch up with some extended family members on the East Side. I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my Aunt Leslie, which is generally a $20 suggested donation (they even have big signs at the front making it seem as if this $20 is mandatory). Leslie and I get out $5 each ready and waiting in line. Leslie goes first and gives her the $5 bill, the attendant asks how many, and Leslie quickly responds "Two." The look on the girls face was pretty hilarious, so off we went inside to explore. In the museum we went to Britain, China, Asia, and Egypt (and got lost in all of the exhibits). That museum is so large you probably could go at least 3 times and not see everything. We were excited once we were able to find the exit. From there we ventured around, until we met up with my cousin Monica in the evening. It was a heartfelt meeting because Leslie and Monica hadn't seen each other in probably over 10 years. It made me feel really special to take part in that wonderful moment. We then went looking for these wonderful mini cupcakes, getting lost again, til we found them, and headed to a movie. It was pretty funny because both Leslie and Monica had the same reaction with the cupcakes "where's the rest of it?" haha they were pretty mini.
I also got to share another great experience with Leslie...going to a BROADWAY musical!!! We saw Avenue Q, which I thought was absolutely funny/wonderful/amazing. My old roommate Beylah and her boyfriend Chris had mentioned this show to me earlier, and so I wanted to check it out. If you've talked to me at all since I've been back from this trip I'm pretty sure I've mention some sort of reference to this show I fell in love with it (enough to buy the soundtrack and vocal sheet music). If you have a chance to see Avenue Q-- GO SEE IT (CSUN Theatre Dept. Spring 2012)
The next day on my birthday the rest of the AArmy crew arrived (Ricky, Isabel, and Treavor), a sweet reunion since we last saw each other in December 2009. Right from the beginning it was one adventure after the other. We had to find parking for Ricky's car, which is extremely tricky on the upper east side Manhattan (and I'm sure everywhere else too). Isabel and I had a great spot marked as we were waiting for the boys to come with the car from the parking garage. They had found a spot, and called to see if we had one that was closer and we said "We got a great one." As they come around the corner, and ask us if it where we were standing is the spot, they show us the fire hydrant that is like 5 feet away from us.(No wonder people weren't fighting us for the spot). So we went off looking again for a spot. Once settled we hopped on a train to head to the Yankee game we had planned to go to, only to find that the $5 tickets we planned on getting had sold out 20 minutes earlier and the cheapest tickets we could get were sold out and the cheapest we could get were $60 tickets to a game that had already started. With some luck and some quick thinking we were able to get into the game, explore the stadium and witness a Yankee win!
The rest was exploring non-stop.Wall street, Times Square, Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, we even went into FAO Schwarts which has the Big Piano from the Movie Big with Tom Hanks. I totally wanted to get on it, but the only people there were like 4 and 5 year olds so I figured it would be inappropriate, and only took a picture of the sign instead.
Our biggest adventure though, came on our way to my birthday dinner. We were off to get some mofongo (traditional dish from Puerto Rico) in Washington Heights. The subway station that we were at (181st St.) doesn't have any stairs, the subway is 18 stories from the ground floor, so the only way out is the elevator. So we get into the elevator 28 of us in there total (7 from the AArmy crew). We start heading up and about a minute in we just sort of stop. One lady that is in there with us quickly makes a joke about, "Sorry guys, but I always get stuck in elevators..." We all sort of laugh it off the elevator operator pushes a few buttons we move a few feet, and then we stop again. Not two minutes after we stop the same girl starts freakin' out hyperventilating and tellin' us she's gonna get charged extra for picking up her son late from daycare. The elevator operator calls the central office to tell them that we are stuck, and they say they are on it. Without any more information than "We are taking care of it," people start freaking out. We didn't know how long we were going to be in there for (almost 2 hours), and it was hot (people were layered because of the cold weather outside, which made it more uncomfortable). The one thing that made me the most irritated was the older couple standing behind me. The lady kept bugging her husband to see what was going on so every 10 minutes he would ask the attendant "What are you doing to remedy the situation?", when we all saw the same thing--she called the main office and help was on the way. Finally, the woman tells the attendant "You don't understand, you're not understanding, you have to help us, you have educated people on this elevator..." lol. Just had to bite my tongue on that one... We also had a 9 year old girl with us who started to freak out along the way, we had her calmed down for a bit, but when everyone started freaking out and banging on the elevator walls it just set off the whole panic attack. The firefighters came to rescue us, as we had to climb a ladder through the roof of the elevator and jump through to the elevator next door. We survived the experience, I admire Rachel for doing it in heels. As horrible as it sounds, I didn't find it that bad, my friends and I were mostly just talking and joking with each other making the experience a little more bearable, and we're famous! NBC, ABC, CBS, Good Morning America, Univision, all had our story, check out the Huffington Post article at this link.
The remainder of our time together went by so quickly. A tipsy Saturday and a wardrobe malfunction leading me to trip over my pants and land right in the middle of the dance floor, a Walk through Central Park, finishing my homework assignment that was due before I got back to Cali, eating an absolutely delicious meal at Serendipity, taking a cab, a waste of money play (NEVER GO SEE A PERFECT MURDER), and a perfect night in Times Square.
I really did fall in love with New York City, and could possibly see myself there for a short while...all that blizzard stuff is kind of a turn off haha. I guess we'll just have to wait for the right opportunity to take a bite into the big apple.

My Improv Fam

New York was one of the things that awoke my need to get back in the performing scene (Glee contributed significantly as well haha), but one other thing that helped me get back into the groove was improv. This semester I was fortunate enough to be able to enroll in an improv class, 6 hours a week, 6 hours of escape from meetings, papers, agendas, books, 6 hours of laughter and creativity. I never would have imagined myself as a person who would take part in comedy world, since show tunes are my forte, but in the summer of 2008 I was looking for that escape from the books and landed in an improv improv class at Antelope Valley College. It turns out I'm kind of good at it (debatable...judge for yourself...video from this semester's final here).
To be honest I was really nervous to come into the improv class at CSUN. It was a class that required the teacher's permission, and an audition (I knew I was an OKAY improviser, but was I really good enough to compete with all of these people who were theatre). Audition came and went and little by little the 26 of us became an improv troupe. The strangers we were at the beginning allowed the ice to melt with our games like scorpion and fruit basket. We became different people when we did our scenes, but I think we were able to let loose most during the lip-sync *click for mine*.
I think that by the end of the class we were like a little family. I feel so appreciative of the fact that I had the opportunity to work with such talented people who have decided to dedicate their lives to an art that brings such joy. It makes me think at times that I took the "easy way out" by sticking to the books instead of the stage (cause I'd still more than anything would love to be on Broadway), but I guess a valuable lesson I've learned with these wonderful individuals is that it's not too late, and maybe I will hit a big break and be "ONE! Singular sensation...lol" I really think I'm going to be looking for auditions in the future :)
The final for our class was a fun and bittersweet experience. We had fun because there is a kind of adrenaline that takes over when you are performing in front of an audience that doesn't know what to expect, and it was bittersweet because our experience together spending 6 hours a week for 16 weeks ended. Dinner at Chilli's was a cherry on top to a semester full of Cathys & Katherines and the many variations that come along with it, questions and statements, the ghetto kindergartners, and the fierce competition to be the winner of Story, Story DIE!

My spot in the History Department is History...

The History Department at CSUN since I started working there in September 2007 has been a home for me. Almost four years of answering phones, making coffee, putting the mail where it's supposed to go, making appointments for advisement, delivering important documents, copying/scanning books, shredding, inputting grades, and other miscellaneous tasks. This was only my second "real" job (2nd to working at the bookstore as a cashier 2 semesters), and not only did it teach me to do all of these clerical duties, but I feel that my experience here extends far beyond the coffee beans and copy machine. Through this "in" I learned more than I could imagine about how the university works and an insight a potential career path for me.
As I cleared out my desk, it was hard to leave something that had been so familiar for so long, one of the few things that were stable during my college journey. This job saved me from a great worry about money, and provided some wonderful mentors. My little office in ST 610 will always be dear to me, as one of the building blocks of my character. :)

UA:
Undoubtedly Awesome
University Ambassadors

This year I was blessed to be the President of the University Ambassadors. It was a task I was so nervous about taking, having sort of fallen into to position with the rest of my e-board as the only ones running for the spots, but we sure pulled it together in a year full of transitions. I lived and breathed ambassadors this year starting from meeting every week last summer in order to make an awesome retreat (which we did). Transition from an E-board with experienced members to five first timers, transition from our beloved advisor to another who will unleash much potential. I learned more than I expected this year, which has been a great privilege. We got a glimpse into the professional world as one of the interview committees for the Assistant Director Position for Student Outreach and Recruitment, and all of the professional perks of being able to network with all of the "VIPs".
I've said this during my speeches during banquet, and to various individuals about the program, but I'll say it here so it's in print FOREVER haha... I'm truly grateful to the great organization of Ambassadors that as cliche as it sounds...has brought me life long friends. Because of UA I have created relationships that will go beyond the CSUN walls and venture off to exciting places.
I can only hope that I too have made an impact on others in the organization as well as the program itself because I really gave my all as soon as the title of President was handed to me. Once an ambassador, always an ambassador.

H-A-U-Know!!

The stepping stone to what I am today, lies in an organization created by a group of ladies in Berkeley 1994. Last year at the XV celebration I was honored to be the student speaker to tell about my journey through Hermanas, and what it has done for me. This year my participation in hermanas really wasn't at all what I had anticipated, but I've learned that those obstacles aren't going to hold me back from giving to the organization that helped a lonely freshman girl in 2007 become a college graduate.
5 years, countless social and community service events, 8 retreats, 7 littles, a bunch of study hours, plenty of fundraisers later, and one scholarship later is the ORIGINAL Cathy with a B.A. and determination to use what she learned through this organization to spread the hermandad :)

My CAUSistas

CAUSA was the first organization that I branched to after I joined HAU. I wanted to be a part of it because it was a chance to get to know people that had similar background as I did. I didn't have to explain to them what a pupusa was. What I didn't know is that I bargained for another group of great friends and memories that make me smile. I learned so much about the Central American culture and history, and I know that through the CAUSA I am more aware about issues, and am able to make an impact in my community.

Closing

So I know that this ended up being a super long blog, and I thank those of you who have made it down to the end. It' is kind of like you have made it next to me through this journey that I've had these last five years, and especially the rough waters that were crossed this year (2 presidencies, 19 units, 3 capstone classes). There are so many individuals that I could thank, but then again that would take a lot more space than I've already used, but I guess I'll close with one big thanks to my professors who challenged and supported me, to my friends who have listened and given me a great time, and to my family for giving me the motivation to keep going to make you proud #6 has a B.A.- It's your turn :)

Thanks again for reading, Comments are always appreciated.

<3
~Cathy
La Presidenta (Ahh I have to figure out what I'm going to do with my email signature!! :0/)

Major update soon to come...

Okay so this whole resolution to update more frequently has become an epic fail...Just know there are so many things to tell. We are in the midst of a big transition...adventures to talk about past present and future! For now...I have about a million bags and boxes to fit into my ultra tiny room...downsizing is not my forte...Until later.


<3
~Cathy

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Happy International Women's Day :)

It makes me sad to see that the last entry that I made for my blog was one month ago, but I am here now and that's what matters.

It's so funny how in such a short amount of time, so much can happen.

When I was in 2nd grade (this is not the short amount of time I'm talking about haha), I decided that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I had great role models, and explaining things to people seemed to be something that came with ease to me, and I enjoy helping people. So that was the plan that I stuck with, a plan that held its ground til about a year ago. Since then I have been toying around with becoming a Spanish professor, working in student affairs, and my latest intrigue....Law School.

I would have never imagined that I would be seriously considering law school, but several factors have played into this being a very viable option for me. My mentor, has been a tremendous help in giving me the tools that I need for networking, and getting to know people that will allow me to help people. We even had lunch with the Dean of UCLA law school!! (crazy, right? She's wonderful by the way...) Having that support system really makes things possible that at one point or another seemed impossible.

Another part of that support system that plays into this revelation are the peers that I have. A friend from high school and a few others from college are going along with the same processes that I am, so being able to talk to each other about it and help each other out is awesome.

Right now I am just waiting patiently to see if in September I will be preparing lesson plans in Spain or if I will preparing to take the LSAT or GRE or who knows. It's nerve-wracking to not know what lies ahead in the future. It would be nice if things were like in the 2nd grade, and I could make a plan right now that would last another 15 years with no worries.

As nervous as all of this mess is, there is excitement in the air. I'm beyond ready to meet these new challenges ahead and learn from all of those people who are willing to teach me. For 100 years we have been celebrating International Women's Day, and today this woman is looking ahead and taking a step forward.

Thanks for reading! Comments are always appreciated <3 ~Cat P/S: If you're not on LinkedIn already, you should be...professional networking...DO IT! http://www.linkedin.com/in/cathysmith88

Flashback

Super short post today...remembering a love that couldn't blossom into what it could have been. Siempre en mente...Have a great day everyone. Comments are always appreciated.

My Song

The beginning
A start
The first night I met you
You had my heart
That wonderful night
Come and gone
I thought it was only a memory
Like a really good song
An unexpected turn
In front of my eyes you are
My heart is full
Amazed at the moments we shared under the stars
Thats where it stays
Where the song remains
Too shy to pull forward
To pursue any gain
Long, hot days
Daydreaming of you
With a hopeful heart
That I was on your mind too
Saving this love
For you to enjoy
Pero cuando es tiempo
Sola estoy
Letting the memory fade away
With the tune playing faintly in the back of my head
Trying to move on
But getting lost in the music instead
A cold icy night
Like the blink of an eye
The cd is thrown out
No more chances to try
The song is over
The world is listening to something new
Now that I'm not under this blanket
I can finally hear it too
My music is a good memory
For now, A fairy tale turned tragedy
The quest is on again
For another sweet melody

Many things change...but somethings just stay the same...

Hey Hey all,

Since I cannot bring myself to be productive tonight I shall do something sort of productive for myself in keeping up (or atleast more so than usual) with my blog. So we already knocked out 2 weeks of the semester. (Krazy!) It seems like the million dollar word for this semester is CAPSTONE (I know, it's my last semester, so it's appropriate...blah blah blah lol) Capstone as in--15 page thesis to receive my Spanish Degree, 10 page capstone paper in children's literature and geography capstone class for my liberal studies degree, all of that on top of a FRIDAY (super lame) 3 hour geography class, a 10 page paper with annotated bibliography for Central American Studies, and a 30 minute group presentation, where my group members aren't even the slightest bit interested in the topic or the Chicano Studies class for that matter. Don't take my mini-rant as a way of discontent with what is to come. I am actually enjoying this semester a lot. I think the cherry on top for me has been my improv class. Even though it is 6 hours a week, I just get to go there and be funny, and mingle with people who I otherwise wouldn't have. I think by the end of the semester I shall be a much better improver and who knows maybe that will be the reason you'll see my name in lights one day...lol or atleast in the program for our final show (May 18, 2011 @ 6 pm).
It never seems to fail that at the beginning of the semester, I have super high hopes of keeping up with everything so that I can keep myself relatively stress free thought the course of the semester, and at a certain point (some semesters earlier than others) all of that optimism goes out the window because it is smacked upside the head with reality. Procrastination (a good friend of mine) sets in until about 3 weeks before school is over then near stress breakdown until the end, only to find that I did pretty well. At Week 2, I am trying really hard not to fall into that pattern, but seeing my to-do list at the end of each day and the time of day that is left, can at times be discouraging. I'll hold on as long as I can especially since I plan at being at the library so much they'll probably start charging me rent :P

A hard part of being so busy with school (and 70 miles from home) is that the time I have with my family between winter and summer is very minimal. In fact before coming back to the valley on my dad's birthday, we went out to Olive Garden, and I picked up the tab and said Happy Birthday to my Dad, my Mom, and my sister Lilly, because I knew I wasn't going to get to see them before their birthday's passed. Speaking of birthday, what makes this "not being able to see my family really" phase a bit harder is that I just had a baby cousin born and it makes me a little sad that I am not there to bask in the whole newborn atmosphere that is going on with the fam. I know he's not going to remember that I didn't meet him til he was 2 months old, but I am. Well, after my graduation (MAY 25, 2011 lol) I'll have some solid time con la familia.

Since 2011 is the year of changes, it was a time for a look change too!!

Before

After

I miss the long locks some times, but soon enough I'll have them again. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thank you if you've made it this far down my blog, Comments are always appreciated :)

<3 Cat

Last first week of the Wall Flower

Hey hey all
It looks like my resolution for 2011 is going to be harder than I thought. The problem with not updating more regularly is that through out all of the time away things happen and thoughts initiate that would be good for it's own blog post, but when they pile up (as I have let them do so) one of two things can happen. The first, would be keep the blog at a reasonable (readable) length and leave out some details that at the time were important but now it won't be the end of the world to leave them out. The second option would be to backtrack and catch up on every detail (making for a very long blog). I'd like to say that I'll be updating more in order to avoid having to make such a decision, but in the event that I am in that situation I'd like to think that I'll take the best of both worlds and not bore you all with a 2 page blog entry, no promises though...hahaha

-I am a wallflower-

Random jump I know, but it's a thought that has been bouncing around in my head for a while now. As much as I am perceived as the social butterfly, I really think that the more dominant part of my personality is the wallflower. I know there are several of you who would argue with this "C'mon Cathy, you're popular you have over 1400 facebook friends for heaven's sake, and everyone is always saying hi to you" But it's not really a question of popularity I guess. It's just more that I suppose most of the time I put others first, I am there and I observe, and only jump in at appropriate times when invited.

This I suppose is going to be another resolution for me in 2011. No not be the permanent fixture in the room. Sure I am always around, but never enough to make a lasting impression, countless times have I heard the phrase "You were there?...Oh yeah..." My goal is to hopefully achieve a more meaningful connection with the people that I interact with and form relationships that are going to matter after I cross that stage (on May 25, 2011 @ 6PM haha).

This first week of school seemed to be a good indication that there is a good chance for me to attain that goal. (Nice transition into a ligher subect, eh eh..lol)

My last "First Week of School" for undergrad...a strange thought.

So far this week I have really enjoyed my classes. Seemingly good interesting teachers, intriguing subjects, nice classmates, everything one would want, right? Right. I guess the only part I am trying to get over is that I am pretty much going to be living in the library from now until the end of finals. So much reading (that I am actually going to do this semester) and papers, and the money word for this semester "capstone"...capstone science class, capstone literature class, capstone Spanish thesis...but at the end of all this when I see all that I was able to accomplish, with the a full agenda will be a proud happy moment. :)

So dear readers (given that you've made it this far down my blog) I will wrap up my blog here with one final comment. I think the class I am most excited for this semester is improv. Yes, it's just a class that I am taking for fun, but I think I am going to learn a lot in there and really take my comedy skills to another level (although, my sister seems to think I'm not really as funny as I think I am, I hope you all disagree with her :P). So look out for future, and hopefully more frequent updates from your favorite (presumably lol) Cathy. Comments are always appreciated :)

<3 Cathy

2011- A Transitional Year

Hey all,

I'm sorry for being away for so long (not that I really have a following anyway... lol) but the good news is that it's a new year, which means new opportunities to seize, new adventures to have, and new lessons to be learned. I know I've said this in the past, about how I am going to write more in this blog, keeping the world updated on what's going on in my mind, but for reals this time (lol) this year I am going to give myself that extra push to document myself in what is what I call a transitional year.

Why Transitional?

The year 2011 is going to behold my last semester as an undergrad. The cherry on top of the sundae that I've been building for the last 18 years. The close to the long run (pretty much my whole life non-stop)of being a student, sitting at a desk and listening to someone fill my mind with knowledge. The rest of 2011 is an unlit path as of yet. Right now, I am hoping that it is a path that takes me to Spain to work there, and if it's right, to attain my masters there. 2011 may have other plans for me, so I'm going with an open mind and open arms. It's time to continue to be a student but allow the knowledge ahead to come from sources of life lessons and experiences, not a book that is going to give me the answers.

So as the days go by that path is going to come a little closer to light, and I'll keep you all posted along the way (if you read this make sure you bug me to update haha).

Another good note, in reference to my last post, winter break has given me a great opportunity to catch up with most things on that list, especially sleep!

Well until next time peeps! I hope everyone has a great 2011! Let's rock this. Comments are always appreciated :)

<3 Cat Things to be excited for in 2011
- Graduation: May 25, 2011 @ 6pm
- My 23rd Birthday- NYC!! Apr 2-12
- Spain!! (or whatever else the next phase is)