New Single

I just heard today that Jack Johnson has a new single. Good times. It's been a while since he's released an album and I'm hoping that means a concert tour. However, living in Albuquerque has been somewhat of a downer when it comes to live music. Ok, I'm sure there is some good live music in town but I have been unmotivated to seek out the good stuff. It's like I'm waiting for my favorite bands to stop by but they never do. So all I can hope for is that Jack is touring in England when I live there. That would be fantastic!

What is the best concert you have ever been to?

For me? Hands down: John Denver. I may have been too young to really remember but all I can say is that it was my first and best.

It's that time of year again!

For the past two years Victor has asked me what's on my Christmas list. I blogged about my list in Nov 2005 while I was living in Auburn Washington on internship so let's see if anything has changed:

All I want for Christmas is:

-Everyone in my family to visit me where ever I am-Well, most of them came for graduation in May 2007- that was awesome

-a real "home"- the one I have right now counts but I can't wait until I get to choose my own...or at least "our" own

-for my apartment to actually be "furnished"- this didn't happen then and let me tell you, there are still things missing from the kitchen that should be there---cupcake pans?

-a roommate- done and done!

-someone to take me camping or hiking or biking or kyaking or something fun outside when it's not raining- Well, that didn't happen in Washington (no big surprise) but Vic and I get out when we can. Of course it never rains in Albuquerque!

-a car top bike rack for the focus- I got a bike rack for the hatchback that works better

-a new wardrobe (and I'm not talking about the one containing Narnia...or maybe I am)- This, I'm afraid, will take YEARS!

-to be an inch taller- I'm sure that from now on I'll be shrinking

-everyone to give at least one gift this year from a Fair Trade organization or Heifer International--Oh, my bad- although I have been getting better at this!

-to be able to go dancing with my boyfriend somewhere really fun any time I want- Easier to do now

-to audition for Rent but not make it-Good luck with this one!

-someone figure out why there is still a war going on in the Middle East- Two years later and we still haven't got a clue

-my two front teeth- So I can wish you merry Christmas

and finally the number one thing I want for Christmas is

World Peace- One day, one day

Maybe my list this year will be a little different, maybe not. Some things never change.

How did it get so cold?

While we were away in the frozen tundra of Montana it snowed in Albuquerque! Of course it has since melted but man is it cold outside. When I left last week the highs were in the 80's and now we have our heat on during sunlight. Weird.
It's exciting to go through the seasons but sort of a bummer that we're moving in the summer. Only one year of New Mexico for me! But that's sort of how my life is. I've been moving at least every nine months for the past ten years. No, that's not true. I lived in Washington for 11.5 whole months a few years ago. Living in England for two years is going to be a struggle but I think I can handle it. My biggest concern is what the heck I'm going to do while I'm there?

So here's the question of the day:

What is Katie going to do while she lives in England for two years?

Just two lonely truckers from Great Falls Montana....

Well, I'm back in Montana! After my weekend at the high school retreat in Colorado I jumped on a plane and headed up North to Great Falls. It was snowing when we landed and it's been beautiful ever since. Not too cold but just right.

It's nice to have some relaxation after such a hectic weekend. Being in Montana is fun because I get to see Nicki (Vic's sister) and his aunt, uncle and cousin. Plus we get to see some friends we haven't seen in a while.

I'll be back home on Friday and then it's back to reality. YEAH!!

Non existant theme

I've noticed that many of the blogs I read have a theme: knitting. Maybe that's because I know a lot of knitters but I was thinking that many of the blogs I have seen have themes to them. One might be daily Bible lessons or what it's like to be a cab driver in NYC. Where I admire these people for being able to centralize their blogs I just don't know if I could do it. I mean, last night I was watching Finding Nemo and I realized that my friends are right...I am just like Dorey. I can't seem to focus on one thin...

Oh look! Something shiny!

dress, birthday, good times and green weddings

I decided on my dress yesterday and I'll try to keep it a secret just for fun. But since I fit so well in the samples, I was able to save money by purchasing the dress I tried on for $300! Originally the dress cost $800+ so not only is it made out of sustainable and organic material but I'm getting it recycled! How great is that?!

So, I'm trying to have my wedding be as "green" as I can. It's working out pretty well by doing what I can and not trying to go overboard with the whole thing. The ceremony and the reception are in the same location (no driving!) and it's at a farm/garden so we don't have to buy flowers. The owners said I could cut flowers for my bouquet the morning of the ceremony. We're looking into printing our invitations on recycled and tree free paper. I found a site on the internet that has the exact style I want (seal and send) with tons of designs! There is a local (Akron is local, right?) organic and all natural market that caters events who is willing to work in our budget. I've decided to make skirts and buy matching tops for my bridesmaids rather than have them buy $200 dresses that they are never going to wear again. Who knows, maybe I'll find some nice organic material? This is just too much fantastic-ness for one wedding.

And last night I was at Buca di Beppo for my birthday dinner. I had about 18 friends come out to have dinner together from all different walks in my life. It was great! I think it worked out really well and after it was over I was exhausted:) I love to throw parties. Maybe that's why I'm having so much fun with planning this wedding.

Cat puke part deux

So today is my birthday and as I was cleaning out the litter box this morning I thought "I'm cleaning out a litter box on my birthday. I must really love these cats!" And then I walk back to the computer room I notice spots on the carpet that don't look like carpet. CAT PUKE!!! So now I'm thinking "It's my birthday and I'm cleaning up cat puke! I must REALLY love these cats!" But I think I've come to the conclusion that it's better to find cat puke a few hours after it occurs. Why, you might ask...well, you see when it's fresh it's still a little wet and gooey. But when it dries it comes off the carpet better.

Just some birthday thoughts for you to ponder.

It's down to the two finalists

Thank you all so much for giving me your two cents on the dress issue. I wasn't sure how this would work but I must say it was a great experience! It was just like I had all of you there with me in the process except without having you all there. So, after gathering all the comments and emails I have decided to narrow it down to dresses #2 and #3. I'll go back to the store for some more decision making and then it will have to be a surprise! If you have any more comments on these two dresses then speak now or forever hold your peace.

Engagement Ring

This is my engagement ring as requested. I took a few photos of it on my hand and it looked weird up close. So here it is on the tile of our living room.

I picked it out myself on the suggestion from a friend who said boys never really know exactly what you want unless you tell them. It's from a local store and I know that the light blue is turquoise and the orange is from a shell but I can't remember the other two.

Wedding Dresses

Ok, I tried on some wedding dresses today and against my better judgment, I'm going to post them and ask your honest opinion.

DISCLAIMER: These dresses were fitted for samples only. If some of them look like they don't really fit me it's because they don't really fit me. Keep this in mind. Thanks. Oh, and don't make fun of my facial expression or my tummy...I'm a sensitive soul.
#1










#2











#3










#4











#5







So that's it! Let me know what you think and I'll file that away for when I need to make my final decision. Thanks:)