Holiday Traditions

In the spirit of Christmas! I thought I would share with you some family traditions that will live on forever in my heart. Some good old recipes. Also some fun decorations and activities my Mom always did. There are countless more, but these are some that stick with me. I love my family and my Mom's Christmas spirit that lives on through everything she does.

1. Elfie- A present before Christmas that a little elf would leave me. It was always something small like a fairy trinket (I collect fairy things) or pajamas


2. Our tree- it smells lovely and has a random mishmash of ornaments that tell our family history.


3. Hokey Pokey Cake- Yes! My family makes Hokey Pokey Cake. We don’t dance or anything ridiculous like that. As a young child, I thought it was just fun to say “Hokey Pokey.” So I think that’s mostly why I liked it. But its an amazing white cake with Jell-o in it, red and green for the spirit of Christmas. It’s delicious!


4. Stockings- This may be my favorite tradition of them all! Stockings were huge overstuffed and overflowing. I have had the same stocking since preschool. My mom put a pretty angel on it. Every morning, at the crack of dawn Nick would run into my room and say, “Amanda Kate it’s Christmas! Look Santa came! Oh my gosh Amanda look what you got!” And then we would grab the bulk of our stocking unable to carry all of its contents into my parents room and wake up our parents and show them all the cool things Santa brought. To this day my brother and I still love our stockings!


5. Little people village- We don’t do it anymore, but we have one of those fabulous villages with all the little people and houses. I always set it up as a child. It was so much fun. I had my favorite houses, I loved the post office. And I made up stories about them.


6. Sugar cookies- No, no these weren’t your ordinary sugar cookies. Half the dough was dyed red and occasionally we used some green. We pulled out the cookie cutters. But the best part was twisting the candy cane cookies. We did it by hand with plain dough and red dough making cute little candy canes. Of course we ate the dough along the way.


7. Cinnabon Cinnamon Buns- Every Christmas we eat Cinnamon buns for breakfast with hot chocolate of course!


8. Candle Light Service at the Presbyterian Church- It’s very traditional, but that’s why I like it. I love the organs and the Christmas story. It’s what Christmas is about Jesus. And I love that.


9. Christmas Music- Of course, this is one of the best parts. It’s tried and true. Always the same, but new singers and renditions play on the radio station. The car station is set to Christmas music channel from December until Christmas day.


10. White Christmas- It’s a classic of course and rarely does a year go by where we don’t watch Bing Crosby sing and dance about Christmas Day. It is so happy!

Getting Ready

My brain is fried. I went shopping today with Mom. Seriously, got such a great value on all of these amazing items in Nordies. $400 for like a gazillion things that I will wear forever. All high quality stuff that will be amazing in D.C. for both work and play! Mostly tops though, so soon I need to tackle the pants and the shoes. My least favorite things to shop for. Pants are annoying and I have ultra wide feet with fat toes and skinny ankles. It’s a lovely combination. And now that I have pointed it out to you my attractive-meter has probably gone down a good 10 points. At least I can recognize my flaws, right?

After my retail therapy of happiness and joy, I had to slave away at internship stuff. You know those awful nightmares where you need to run but you go in slow motion, that is how I feel about this D.C. preparation experience.

I am more than excited about this opportunity. I mean how often do you get to do something like this? Once in a lifetime. A huge city with new people and an opportunity that could change the direction of my life.

However, the getting ready process has been like that horrible nightmare feeling I mentioned above. But, not like you are escaping from a scary monster, more like you are going to be late for the magic school bus at your nearby bus stop. It would be very disappointing if you didn’t get to experience one of Mrs. Frizz’s magical field trips for yourself. Yep, its kind of like that. An awesome opportunity awaiting, but getting to the bus stop is going to be a bit of a push.

I still am waiting on an emotional breakdown. The floodgates are going to let loose any day now. We may need buckets, tissues, and some humorous and mindless youtube videos to get through it.

I know I am 21 and should be all independent and adult like now, but the truth is the thought of leaving Oregon, my family, my friends, everything familiar for 4 months is horrifying. Change is hard for me. I get nervous, shy, confused, frustrated, lonely. So basically I am human. Does this affect my attractive-meter? Would it be better if I was an alien or mermaid? (I do have wings though, but I am still human.)

Enough with the yuck-yuck blick-blick of this message. I would like to take this time to tell you the ways I do feel prepared.

First of all, my family has given me everything I need to be who I am. They are my balance. It’s going to be hard not to have them there for me to vent to. My parents tolerate everything about me, including my sassy attitude I get when I am cranky. They also encourage me. Their encouragement is what led me to the decision to go to D.C.. They told me to never give up and follow my dreams. This has helped me chase what I want. There love has always given me strength.

Second of all, my friends are the best. Each one of them is different and has helped me in one way or another. I started to write little blurbs about each of you and got to the fifth person and realized I would be up all night. So, I will do a bigger blurb that includes everyone I care about (and there are many of you).

No matter when we met whether at Elementary School, Junior High, High School, Genesis, College, beach trips, newspaper, coffee shop, or through a friend of a friend I am so glad we met. The time I have spent with you all, I love. We have laughed, cried, talked much about nothing and nothing about much, caused classroom disruptions, gone on random adventures, had awkward moments, maybe even had a rough patch (or two…or three), have some classic photos together, or facebook videos (your going to check facebook now, aren’t you?), drank coffee amongst other beverages, and have had some classic moments we will probably talk about until we are 120 years-old.

You have taught me caring doesn’t care about distance. And that we can all do anything and we will all likely end up doing a little bit of everything before we settle on a something. This has made it easier for me. I have come to the realization that no matter where and what, if we are indeed friends, we will always be.

Thirdly, I have learned a lot at school. Go figure! My education has done me some good and I don’t even have my degree, yet. Last week was the worst. I mean the worst. It was my last week at Fox for a long time and instead of saying goodbye to my friends, I was burning brain cells trying to remember the importance of Jesus for Life of Christ, the purpose of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, how to spell words correctly, and do HTML coding. THE WORST.

But I have learned. Maybe I need one or two more lessons on why I shouldn’t procrastinate though. I did learn how to apply my education, how to write better (this blog may not be a good example, I am going to blame it on just getting over finals week), how to do HTML coding (nerdy and cool), the importance of politics, history, ethics, religion, and the meaning of life. I am kidding with the meaning of life, I don’t know that one yet. I learned that the more questions I ask and absorb all the information, the more I understand the world around me. And I am prepared to learn more. Learn things I want to learn, or maybe not, and how to apply those to my life, education, and work. Also, my professors pushed me and encouraged me, again this was helpful in my decision to go to D.C..

Finally, in God making things work out for me. I have a place to stay my first night in D.C. I am so grateful for that and people’s immense generosity. I have help from someone with some past experience, who has been so kind to take the time to ease my nerves and explain the process. When strangers reach out, its just more of an affirmation that this it the right move. People are willing to help, and things will fall into place.

That was a lot more ushy-gushy than I intended. Writing is good therapy I guess. I am so excited for this journey. I appreciate all your support, love, and prayers. I hope that during this Christmas Holiday, you are not stressed and can all get rest. We all need it! Also, I leave in three weeks, so Oregonian area people I better see your faces before I depart. Goodnight all!

Get Ready Washington DC

Dear D.C.,

I will be entering your city in about three weeks. Seeing as we are not acquainted, I figured I should introduce myself.

First of all, I am from a hippie state with lots of trees. There is no humidity where I come from, so we may have issues. I will probably whine about the weather for the first several weeks, especially since I am coming in the dead of winter and you will likely be snowing on me. Snow is not my favorite. Please be nice to me and don’t snow more than you have to. Feel free to rain though, rain reminds me of home.

I have never lived in the city. I have only taken public transportation a few times, usually with large groups so I do not get lost—I get lost easily. For instance, today I went to the grocery store with my parents and went to put the cart back. I forgot where they parked and was lost. My mom peaked her head around from another car about 15 yards away and said, “Amanda are you lost.” Mom knows I am directionally challenged. So, if you see a blond girl wondering the streets in confusion or looking at the metro map intently trying to figure out whether to take the blue or yellow line, well that is probably me. I wanted to get chipped, like they do to dogs, but apparently you can’t do that to people.

D.C., it is likely you have not seen anyone with as much pink as I have. I have a lot of pink. I wear lots of pink. I smile and jump for joy when I see pretty pink or sparkly things. Why you ask? Pink is like the sunshine, I can’t help but be happy in its presence. Accept it. Appreciate it.

This will be my first time being so far away from home for so long. I live less than 30 minutes from my university. Mommy helps with laundry, takes care of me when I am sick (like when mono ruined my 21^st birthday and the last month of school), and takes me out to coffee when I have a bad week. My friends are all close by. I know no one in your city. I will probably get homesick, I will probably be a nervous wreck some days, and with my luck I will accidently throw a red shirt in with my whites. Just be understanding, and don’t laugh to hard if I turn my white tank top pink.

D.C., I am excited for this adventure with you. I am ready for this change. A new place, a new chance, and a possibility to begin pursuing all my dreams. You are my opportunity and I am so thankful for that. I am also scared, like anxiously horrified. You are different, unfamiliar, and HUGE! You have all these people of power. You are the voice of America! I think I can dominate it though—I hope! And I know this will be a great semester, possibly the best. ;)

See you in 23 days!

Sincerely,

Amanda Kate

In response to "How I Became a Bed-Maker" by Kate Torgovnick

Growing up is not for me. I have a severe case of what I call “Peter Pan syndrome.” Of course I will take on my adult responsibilities, and use my adult privileges, but actually admit that I am an adult? Never.

I could relate to Torgovnick in the beginning of her story. My room is a mess of papers, clothes, and make-up products. My sheets are falling off the sides of my bed. Like Torgovnick, organization is not one of my primary skills. I could relate to her, her young mindset; but then she grew up.

It is a simple task, but it defines her growth and her transformation into adulthood. In this past year, I have felt significantly older, but by no means have I reached adulthood, and to be honest I am not too keen to. I like my childhood imagination, I enjoy appreciating the simplicity of life, I like feeling reckless and spontaneous. I do not want to let go of my Neverland. In fact, if I have to sacrifice Neverland for adulthood, I will take Neverland.

I notice the fact that my priorities have shifted, that my definition of drama has drastically changed, my plans for the future have become more real. I also notice that fairies still line my walls in my room, my favorite color is still pink, I own coloring books, I sleep with BoBo (my raggedy childhood bunny), I have a tutu, I have fairy wings, and my make-up case contains unnecessary amounts of childhood glitter.

Torgovnick grew up, and she realized it one morning as she made her bed.
“I won’t grow up, I don’t want to wear a tie, or a serious expression in the middle of July, I won’t grow up,” said Peter Pan. Me neither, Peter, me neither.

106 Days

106 days until Washington D.C.!!! CRAZY!

Barbies and Blonds

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/29398/journalism-barbie-marks-the-end-of-real-news/

I am a blond. I like pink. I am also a journalism major.

Does this make me irrelevant?

I have a journalism in Washington D.C. nest semester, I have a great G.P.A. and my goal is to do something worth while in my life. I want to impact the world, not stand their in front of camera men reading off TelePrompTers. Journalism may be changing, but is not become obsolete. If anything itis expanding through means of other media.

"Barbie isn’t stupid—there are astronaut and doctor Barbies out there, and even a CEO Barbie—it’s really her fans (10 year-old girls and Rachel Zoe) who are dummies. At the New York Toy Fair last February, a spokesperson from Mattel announced that the 125th anniversary edition of Barbie would either be an architect, a computer engineer, an environmentalist, a surgeon or a journalist, and that it would be up to a world-wide vote of Barbie fans to decide which she’d be.

It seems as though the girls who used to be obsessed with Barbies grew up into journalists and voted this new doll into existence. Whenever I meet an astoundingly dumb, over-dressed female, it almost invariably comes up that she majored in journalism. It seems the journalism major is the new psych major. And now we’re all on Lexapro."

Yeah, I like Barbie. I did not know of this vote, but if I did I am sure I would have voted for a journalist. I do not appreciate the sexist approach. I am a young women, but I am not trying to enter the media world to sleaze myself out to camera sections. I want to make a difference in this world.

Precious Life Summer 2010

Wow, summer is coming to an end. I head back to the good old GFU in less than three weeks. This summer has taught me a lot. None of it has been intentional, but I have come to find that in life you can accidently learn things that may impact the future. These lessons have not been easy to take in. In fact, this whole summer has been an emotional rollercoaster.

It started off with some friends graduating, some friends getting married, and some friends getting crazy. Then I hit Southern California to spend time with one of my best friends, Meredith Kaloogian. It was a great time from San Diego to Anaheim and everywhere in-between. However, the good time came with some grim news, Meredith will not be returning to Fox this fall. She will be attending University of Arkansas.

Meredith was the friend I had been praying for. She is someone I could be completely me around. Someone, I can laugh with, cry with, and complain too. I was excited to have a roommate that I could easily share my space with, without drawing an invisible line down the middle. It will be hard without her, but the truth is despite the distance, she will still be one of my best friends for life. That means more to me than anything, and reminded me how true friendship really works. A true friend thinks about even when you are a plane ride away. A true friend invents ways to hang out with you even though you are not actually physically together.

Most importantly, a true friend supports and encourages you to do what is best. I support her choice, and encourage Meredith to embrace this change and make the best of it. She is worthy of happiness, and can handle this challenge. I believe she will shine.

I discovered something else in California. While standing in line to see a live taping of Jay Leno, I checked my e-mail to discover I was accepted to attend Washington Journalism Center in D.C. for their spring term. I was overjoyed, but as time approaches I realize what a strain this will be. I have never been that far from my parents for that long. I have never been to D.C. I have never had a professional internship. I have never taken publication transportation alone, and up until California flown alone. I am excited, but realizing I have a lot of growing up to do before I embark. These next few months will be crucial as I focus on developing the skills I will need to have prior to this adventure. I will express and write more about this as time goes on.

After Disneyland, Hollywood Boulevard, and the San Diego beaches, I returned to a bleak and gray sky Oregon. I was excited to see my parents again, and my mom and I to do our daily things. Shopping, errands, talking, and laughing at everything always keeps us busy. However, my Grandfather has not been doing well. So, I have helped her on a daily basis, with the exceptions of the days where I am in Newberg working part-time, so I have some money. It started out just bandage changes to some wounds on his foot; it progressed to a serious staff infection known as MRSA.

No more Tinkerbell and daydreaming of being rich and famous, reality set in. About 10 days of hospital visits occurred. I hate hospitals, although I do not think anyone particularly likes being in one. He had three surgeries. He is 88 years old. My Mom is such a giving person; she has helped him for several years, but this was something out of anyone’s control. Something that causes a lot of health issues, and for an 88-year-old man is very debilitating.

He is currently residing in an elderly rehabilitation facility. It is hard to watch someone you love grow this old, and this tired. I have seen him age over the years, but this was a drastic turn. The lesson in this is more than I can take in.

First and foremost I have realized family is absolutely everything. This is something I have known. It has just become more apparent through this. I have not been seeing many people, I have not prioritized my social life; it is not really existing. I spend time with my family at night relaxing from the emotional stress of watching someone we love become weak, and their fight slowly fade. It hurts.

Another cliché, but still these events have reminded me how true it is, life is far too short. My Grandpa has lived a good life. He has down a lot of things, seen the world, was in love, was successful, raised a family, and everything one can hope to do in a lifetime. Although, I am sure there is so much more he wishes for. This helps me remember to stay in the present and not rush the future. I need to make more of each day and make sure I am doing what makes me happy, so when I am 88 I can look back and say it was good.

It is a stressful time, but I am praying and hoping that something good will come from it. That he will start to turn back to his normal self. That he will have strength to live the last part of his life stronger. The optimism has been low, and I will admit I have almost slightly emotionally been detaching myself from this because it is so hard. Although, I am not proud of this and wish I could have more of my Mom’s strength to carry more of her burden.

This is where my anxiety comes in. That is probably why I am writing so much right now, to lower my anxiousness of everything. My summer has not really been a break, and school is around the corner. I am just worried about everything, and I mean everything. What do I want to do with my life? How will I manage all my responsibilities? Am I in the right classes? Will my apartment-mates get along? Will people judge me? Will I met new friends? Will I have good experiences? Will I make new memories? Will I be overly stressed? And a lot more…

I have been challenged here. I feel as though I have grown up a bit. I have become more independent. I have done what I consider “big girl” things. I am a child at heart, and like to be nurtured. Lately, I have been trying to nurture others and also be less of a dependent upon others acceptance. I have had to find escapes of reality, so my anxiety lowers. My fears are still apparent and some are more intense. I am just discovering my limits and the inevitable. I am challenged to find how to balance my extreme fears and anxiety with what I cannot change. This is a huge struggle and I am facing it with the optimism I can overcome whatever makes me shake.

There is another thing I learned, but I cannot seem to put into words right now. So I must save it for another time. For me, I just hope I take these last couple weeks and make sure I have clear goals, and an understanding of the relevance of this life. I read Charlie St. Cloud, have not seen the movie, but the book discusses how precious this life is. Experiencing and reading about it at the same time is no coincidence. I know God has a purpose for me here, and I just hope I can fulfill it, while staying true to my identity, loyal to my family, and honest to my true friends.

Embracing Change: Where I am going.

I am one of the few people, who has always, with the exception of two difficult years of my life, known the direction I am meant to go. Though I knew I was supposed to pursue writing, I never knew how my journalistic abilities were going to help the world. “Work for Vogue,” people would say, as clearly I am a girly-girl and would not know much outside of the fashion and feminine realm.

Recently I have discovered where I am going and my intentions. The stereotypes of my typical disposition, style, attitude, favorite color, and even my blond hair have bogged me down for years. Constantly battling with whether to wear my pink sweaters and dresses, knowing others would perceive me as “just another blond girl who cannot hold intellectual conversations,” or to change who I am so people would see me for what is beyond their vision. I chose to stay me, pink, cutesy, blond and even flirty. Despite these things I do not hold true to the stereotype.
These past few weeks I have not been so well. I was having issues balancing my life, and trying to figure out my plans for this summer, next year, and how I was going to better myself for what came after college. Then I hit a wall. I was putting enthusiasm and time in to all these application processes for various jobs, activities, and internships to repeatedly here, “we regret to inform you.” The first one did not hurt, the second one was just frustrating, and the third one made me flustered and perplexed.

Another realization hit me, this is not what I want. I am tired of putting myself out there for the opportunities that are not going to push me, make me progress, or support me. My ambitions are too many to list, my hopes and goals to detailed to explain; but, I can tell you that I have high expectations for myself. These expectations are rarely reached as every time I get close, I lose focus or raise the bar another level just because I know I won’t reach. These expectations have helped me though, as I have come to understand that I need to be me above all else.

My main focus behind this blog is that I am about to make some changes in order to go on an adventure. While like my future, I am not sure what this adventure is, but I know where it starts. I am going to finish my next 2 years and four weeks of college with as much experience as possible. I am going to write everything, learn as much as I possibly can about journalism, media, communication, and political science. Understanding these concepts will hopefully put me in a position to advocate and fight for those without a voice, or to make the voices of those who have suggestions that promote humanity louder, and amplify the good hearts and causes throughout the world.

This is what I want to do, this is going to be my future. I will keep you updated with what I am doing, causes to look in to, and people who are trying to make a difference.