tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90896245874243558402024-03-05T05:25:28.652-05:00StarburstsKate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-81139361821784004272013-09-16T21:54:00.001-04:002013-09-16T21:54:51.381-04:00Why Hipsters (and all other subcultures) are a Joke
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">The radio
is a success story of ruining songs after repeated use: “Blurred Lines” by
Robin Thicke being the prime example. My eardrums have been trained to repel
the unfortunately catchy tune, making it painful when I hear the first strains
wafting from my c</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">ar stereo</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";"> for the 700<sup>th</sup> time.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79qGTa0pS568Y6JJRzE2kOf6WCjs_3W3-j80jSxF9ihCGdJIAEOpEWaw-0-mLfrhN3hCeW6OgfB6GPmfIKSrBnGzran_pkJ-Qq0LtXcCJY3yqDV-MadOL_zQeoYK50bKiRvTVXNqNEA0/s1600/nerd-90s-hipster-2011-erkel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79qGTa0pS568Y6JJRzE2kOf6WCjs_3W3-j80jSxF9ihCGdJIAEOpEWaw-0-mLfrhN3hCeW6OgfB6GPmfIKSrBnGzran_pkJ-Qq0LtXcCJY3yqDV-MadOL_zQeoYK50bKiRvTVXNqNEA0/s400/nerd-90s-hipster-2011-erkel.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Overplayed
songs make me seriously consider taking the hipster-y “radio no-go” approach to
music. According to my own observation as well as commonly held stereotypic</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">al beliefs</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">,
someone who labels themself as a “hipster” carries a vintage safety pin in the
pocket of their plaid, flannel shirt to “pop” culture, letting the media buried
under the Billboard charts and box office rankings ooze awesomeness into their
earthenware mugs of black coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Maybe that’s why they seem so
chill</span></i><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">, I
thought. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Not listening to the radio eliminates
the rise in blood pressure from grossly overplayed songs</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Subcultures
(such as that of hipsterdom) are pervasive in the American macro-culture. The
human consciousness is attracted to building walls and drawing lines, assigning
people and things to categories based on similarities. Hipsters are just one example
of a subculture having its own uniform, language, and thought patterns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Despite
subcultures like indie rockers, athletes, rednecks, swaggers, techies, youth pastors,
dead beats, preps, and emergent professionals holding their own unspoken
constitutions and pre-conceived notions by onlookers, no culture is sterilized and
boxed existing only in conjunction amongst others like eggs in a carton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Every
person, within every subculture, beautifully bleeds across lines drawn in our
minds into a messy, amazing conglomeration of being. I’m sure I could find a
hipster that secretly jams out to Chris Brown, or a redneck that reads
Tennyson, or a football player that collects vintage photographs. People limit
themselves to cultural lines based on an idea of “normal” that only exists because
those it constrains have never thought to fight it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">While
Robin Thicke’s obnoxiously overplayed song is about lines in a different
context, I think every line dividing people is “blurred.” Every person on this
planet is “an exception to the rule;” a blend of character and interests and attitudes
that create a striking jumble of interesting imperfectness, unable to be clearly
defined or categorized. And this is why, not only hipsters, but every
subculture, is a joke. Because every dividing line between people with
perceived differences is blurred; common experience and shared perceptions
blending together to create uniqueness within every person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-68000061419754535832013-09-11T22:08:00.000-04:002013-09-12T10:15:58.118-04:003 Non-Techy Things I've Learned from my iPhone<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The Apple has once again been chucked
into the global lake of technology when the iPhone 5S and 5C were officially announced,
and I officially won the round of <i>Battleship</i>.
Cue worldwide fanfare as the splash creates a digit</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';">al</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';"> tidal wave.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGJ-5C7pfrgGKIwhHlzejkAbJyymGg0r5R86knWOSI-zriRpcM-0D_PiAjBdyIXzIjr2ssCjA5Swh95xepV2atm5zG6lUdUD2PjAUcbM1XNIHTXeYE8xJzUjpmAmRqe8-UdSKhKOybko/s1600/Evolution-Of-The-iPhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGJ-5C7pfrgGKIwhHlzejkAbJyymGg0r5R86knWOSI-zriRpcM-0D_PiAjBdyIXzIjr2ssCjA5Swh95xepV2atm5zG6lUdUD2PjAUcbM1XNIHTXeYE8xJzUjpmAmRqe8-UdSKhKOybko/s320/Evolution-Of-The-iPhone.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">My feelings on emerging technology are
ambivalent. My iPhone is certainly a handy piece of equipment, and I can give
you the entire spiel of why mobile apps are an essential marketing tool (for
$25, of course), but in the corner of my brain housing a rocking chair and
knitting needles, I keep my “old-fashioned” preferences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Now, contrary to popular belief, one
neither has to completely accept or reject technology in their daily dealings.
I think a 26-year-old guy who doesn’t remember how to use a pencil is just as
unfortunate as the 72-year-old woman without a digital alarm clock. Like many
other facets of life, I’ve learned technology is another area where balance is
essential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';"><br /></span></div>
1. Downloading your entire library to one place is super convenient, but what happens when you want to show of your collection to a friend? How anti-climactic to see a screen full of titles as opposed to this:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy96aO6h7G9tvp0bpa_e1s1k53cIuG8jx5KlH31-Nq88KV3QZZE5FHmY9cWBYbbjdYp1BXjCefS53MiSz4r-ZHPofTrzSJ6_wR7AJQB7XXlZQhdpeyLYXyp89OFsZT0wos1MPX6LXz8sc/s1600/beauty-the-beast-beauty-and-the-beast-1705808-960-540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy96aO6h7G9tvp0bpa_e1s1k53cIuG8jx5KlH31-Nq88KV3QZZE5FHmY9cWBYbbjdYp1BXjCefS53MiSz4r-ZHPofTrzSJ6_wR7AJQB7XXlZQhdpeyLYXyp89OFsZT0wos1MPX6LXz8sc/s320/beauty-the-beast-beauty-and-the-beast-1705808-960-540.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">2. Getting emails to my phone rocks,
especially when they say class is cancelled. But, I fear the feeling of opening
the mailbox to find a crisp, hand-written letter addressed to you will soon be
lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">3. Posting
</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">a way-artsy, vintage photograph on
Instagram is a creative way self-expression, but, I’ve found, the things in
life worth being captured in a photo are the things that are impossible to capture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDHNpqg05-wE4I8EmZ5IPhS1VvugmRrEKBArEh4NiwraLuX81NuksIDMiM3xJ4ljOKPRUGqGmLdC4LXwmHyKYE08o8U8HyEPy6uonKDqCZRtp_2Bs0iVh62tT9pPX6i7Vk5axmZKV-u4/s1600/photo-3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDHNpqg05-wE4I8EmZ5IPhS1VvugmRrEKBArEh4NiwraLuX81NuksIDMiM3xJ4ljOKPRUGqGmLdC4LXwmHyKYE08o8U8HyEPy6uonKDqCZRtp_2Bs0iVh62tT9pPX6i7Vk5axmZKV-u4/s320/photo-3.PNG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";">Bring
on the iPhone 5S, 5C, 7J, 13xy, but let us not forget th</span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">at life exists outside of a screen. </span><span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-77335362373139225732013-09-06T10:19:00.002-04:002013-09-06T10:19:26.158-04:00Under-appreciated Things in Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgD6ZrtbMtpUpSJwYd9AFm8W4Jux7xTPX3d2iy85WXdA1FySyBSaLxGL7tIKxP2d4AoFYg0iiR0gotK-UjWCQ_0V_qAyxuZWYfwQ3Vaf-P0t-QHX3ueO6wRW9_jW_M3GUkzDMdMZuKGc/s1600/IMG_2941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgD6ZrtbMtpUpSJwYd9AFm8W4Jux7xTPX3d2iy85WXdA1FySyBSaLxGL7tIKxP2d4AoFYg0iiR0gotK-UjWCQ_0V_qAyxuZWYfwQ3Vaf-P0t-QHX3ueO6wRW9_jW_M3GUkzDMdMZuKGc/s320/IMG_2941.jpg" width="238" /></a>Hello friends.<br />
<br />
Contrary to popular belief, I did not fall off the edge of the world and into washed-up blogger oblivion. Hooray! For the past month or so, I have been so busy carpe-ing diems, blogging became a bit of an afterthought, and I took an unannounced hiatus of sorts. With that said, I'm back with a vengeance, bursting with words to send into the sky for all to see.<br />
<br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light'; font-size: 16px;">After </span>all, words are just one category of things <span style="font-family: "American Typewriter Light"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I've found th</span>at receive much less appreciation than is truly deserved.<br />
<br />
Here are some others.<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Old family photos<br />
2. Curry<br />
3. Sunglasses<br />
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4. Well-worded quotes<br />
5. Strong coffee<br />
6. The perfect pancake<br />
7. Markets<br />
8. Check marks<br />
9. Cool, Indian-summer nights<br />
10. Perfectly executed victory dances <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'American Typewriter Light'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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11. Getting so lost in something that time, usually grasped tightly, escapes<br />
12. Lists, especially the bucket variety<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjk6as473o-SOc7n3rl2uSS4JhPl3K5Yxl4NgfvmP2_65KFp1GhUJbRhnZevJRn3ySExSJ0zF3fBRlvrpU6JaCm5JzqZeW8L-SCUM_2RGfQsjIq5Pl7-FhYouMn6HdV5g1HR6d4odfjo/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjk6as473o-SOc7n3rl2uSS4JhPl3K5Yxl4NgfvmP2_65KFp1GhUJbRhnZevJRn3ySExSJ0zF3fBRlvrpU6JaCm5JzqZeW8L-SCUM_2RGfQsjIq5Pl7-FhYouMn6HdV5g1HR6d4odfjo/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" width="240" /></a>13. Climbing trees<br />
14. Crisp apples<br />
15. Earning your bedtime<br />
16. Making up raps<br />
17.The perfect pair of shoes<br />
18. Espresso<br />
19. Old keys<br />
20. Chewy popcorn<br />
21. The perfectly twisted ice-cream cone<br />
22. "7's"<br />
23. Shiny pennies<br />
24. Plot twists<br />
25. Filing cabinets<br />
26. The first sentence of a book<br />
27. The last sentence of a book<br />
28. Colorful movies<br />
29. Unexpected metaphors<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfsbC_kROGC8GlXJCsRnABCv3xU2dnWHjj6mbl78c_pM1PIW_yaxFmOSbaptVYDrZkNzl36qYIpAVqJn0omJhYd58Woq-Qa7zp4L9ApJ7I3OBPEJ3zOnGBsSelY-O30AqZmWh6vye59w/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfsbC_kROGC8GlXJCsRnABCv3xU2dnWHjj6mbl78c_pM1PIW_yaxFmOSbaptVYDrZkNzl36qYIpAVqJn0omJhYd58Woq-Qa7zp4L9ApJ7I3OBPEJ3zOnGBsSelY-O30AqZmWh6vye59w/s200/IMG_2196.JPG" width="200" /></a>30. Used bookstores<br />
31. Someone's "to-do" list left on the sidewalk<br />
32. Remembering your dreams<br />
33. Deja vu<br />
34. Ice-cream that slightly melts as you scoop it<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
35. Cacti </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
36. Black and white photos</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
37. Finding perfect food combinations</div>
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38. Catching fish</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
39. Cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
40. Mail </div>
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Happy Friday! </div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-22955345973146663592013-07-22T08:31:00.000-04:002013-07-22T12:19:24.488-04:00The Grown Up Life Wrap Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MO1iQXvaUFc7YKqyArXjvOHmn5OIayQtSwxqLoLcCkNdMJGg829S0GeDYz6C4DJ5D0Jeqpy99Wi5otQysaw3btsU3xSlluvGIhODzQUkNqsjch4VCTy9_WXIq4ysSbVRd09priuusCY/s1600/IMG_2469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MO1iQXvaUFc7YKqyArXjvOHmn5OIayQtSwxqLoLcCkNdMJGg829S0GeDYz6C4DJ5D0Jeqpy99Wi5otQysaw3btsU3xSlluvGIhODzQUkNqsjch4VCTy9_WXIq4ysSbVRd09priuusCY/s400/IMG_2469.jpg" width="400" /></a>I don't get time. And, quite frankly, I don't like it. Regrettably, I'd like to launch into a rant about how "It feels like just yesterday summer started..." and "it is almost August. How the Hello Kitty did that happen" and "it all goes by so dang fast." Ugh. So cliche. But so true.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't get time. Part of me is convinced its all a big joke. How else would an hour making cold calls feel like 3 days and an hour spent galavanting around downtown feel like a minute? I think time warps exist. Loosing ourselves in something we enjoy is the time-space equivalent of flooring it on an empty highway, where the not-so-fun stuff feels like trying to run with weights strapped to your ankles.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today marks the last day living in my humble apartment abode, and the beginning of the last week of my internship. I've been an (almost) full-fledged adult for two months now, and I can say with confidence that the experience as changed me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb4Es27eYdenDMdjhRGHoa73Eg_hYjGCOSNVgYNu1X60TuKVL1n-eLQJMiQXFJaQv_DDcT7iVgAMvjfK-sH2F5_QZFuH6EHrRIHDhTv55JtWWKaHZFQztmU_pfnkaJG79-bKIxvNYE94/s1600/1-Downloads20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb4Es27eYdenDMdjhRGHoa73Eg_hYjGCOSNVgYNu1X60TuKVL1n-eLQJMiQXFJaQv_DDcT7iVgAMvjfK-sH2F5_QZFuH6EHrRIHDhTv55JtWWKaHZFQztmU_pfnkaJG79-bKIxvNYE94/s640/1-Downloads20.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
1. I've fallen even more in love with what I do. Content creation is my official professional love language. Whether its copy for an eBook, text for a blog post, or a pitch to a reporter, writing in the PR realm is my favorite way to get lost. My biggest PR accomplishments this summer have been crafting a blog post using thermodynamics as the main illustration (just as difficult as it sounds) and landing a story on the company in one of the top 50 newspapers in the country (that one still gives me goosebumps).<br />
<br />
2. I've learned the science of sales. UFC's ain't got nothing on me. I'm eternally grateful for the skills I've been taught when it comes to sales communication. Talking to people is fabulous fun for me, and practicing how to steer conversations in different directions is something I know will be put to future good use.<br />
<br />
3. My dad was right when he said, "never assume anything." "<i>I'm just going to skip the chapter on sales</i>," I thought to myself one day last fall, sitting at McConn with my marketing textbook. "<i>I'll never need to know that stuff." </i>Wrong. "<i>I'm done with Spanish forever,"</i> I thought, walking out of Spanish 112 after my final exam freshman year. "<i>I'm good with being mono-lingual." </i>Wrong again. "<i>I can go 85 on the freeway, no problem. They'll never take me alive!" </i>I thought, pretty much every day. Wrong, wrong, wrong.<br />
<br />
4. Never stop seeking friendships. In just two months, I gained a new member of my future bridal party. PB&J partners in crime for life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O1vaZdIJK_3SruQEVD6RADWOW5jbdkOTYF9zHgG1oE0f7rYVH_7VulItjqEt85mGO1HZAjV8OfomZc2vdEF4IbyyTzmok7BrySh3PlJFxv0MPrLvKyC2YP_sLXHREmt-4Gz_juIqQko/s1600/1001751_10151507505086519_1780960927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O1vaZdIJK_3SruQEVD6RADWOW5jbdkOTYF9zHgG1oE0f7rYVH_7VulItjqEt85mGO1HZAjV8OfomZc2vdEF4IbyyTzmok7BrySh3PlJFxv0MPrLvKyC2YP_sLXHREmt-4Gz_juIqQko/s400/1001751_10151507505086519_1780960927_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Being one-track minded is way harder than I originally thought. I used to think the ability to only focus on one thing at a time was a positive, but I've learned it is something I'll struggle through the rest of my life. I've found that, in diving head first into work, other things get left behind, like the laundry that has been sitting in the dryer for 4 days and the several internship journals I have yet to turn in on Blackboard. Most importantly, though, I've learned that maintaining a relationship with God in the midst of life's manic pace is a hardcore commitment that takes work. And, to be honest, I've kinda sucked at it. Being intentional isn't optional. I know that now.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, let's take a look at my summer bucket list from <a href="http://shiningintheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/04/cabin-fever.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(In no particular order)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. Document my junior year {working on it}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. Finish freelance "Words and Color" project {Halfway. After trekking back to Ohio I'm pulling it back out of the catacombs}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. Read books. Lots of em {I've done pretty well. <i><strike>1984, The Great Gatsby, A Simple Plan, Miss Peregrine's, The Stranger, On the Road.</strike></i>}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4. Make a significant dent in "642 Things to Write About" {Ooo, not so much. I need to get on that}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5. Catch up with old friends over lunch/coffee {Halfway.}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
6. Learn a new trick on the trampoline {Not yet. How about....a full!}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
7. Train for a half marathon {YES. Significant progress.}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>8. Get super tan</strike> {I'm Venezuelan}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>9. Move into the new apartment!</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>10. Buy a new professional wardrobe</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>11. Explore my brand new city</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>12. Learn a new language (Sales and Marketing speak)</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>13. Write several inspirational corporate blog posts</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>14. Cook an entire meal</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
15. Run the July 4th 5K with my Dad {It was pouring down rain. We opted out. Raincheck on that one.}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>16. Dairy Shed</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>17. Tube it up at Dale Hollow</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>18. Make new friends</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>19. Go to a concert</strike> {Tim McGraw, Wilco & Bob Dylan, several concerts in the park, and soon JOHN MAYER!}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
20. Collect data for my Senior Project {Starting that in August}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
21. Talk to Jesus LOTS {Not as much as I should have. So sorry Jesus...we'll be catching as soon as I finish this, I promise.}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>22. Go thrift shopping</strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strike>23. Expect the unexpected</strike> {Oh, the irony.}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
24. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Carpe all diems. </span>{A work in progress. Always. :) }</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1CJav20iTonJENfsUrDyFcUKnmEf54wYr8uJICtf5EpTFQcpY0J4i2HcJdgq5nsovWJWv4luC15zvIMK2r7_AHYCM7x37Bu7X4a-Ul-C7r7k0KR9fk3esFhCnXYyXH_1KRpA87VZ7c/s1600/IMG_2373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1CJav20iTonJENfsUrDyFcUKnmEf54wYr8uJICtf5EpTFQcpY0J4i2HcJdgq5nsovWJWv4luC15zvIMK2r7_AHYCM7x37Bu7X4a-Ul-C7r7k0KR9fk3esFhCnXYyXH_1KRpA87VZ7c/s400/IMG_2373.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-68316212255712204702013-07-17T12:24:00.001-04:002013-07-17T12:24:22.132-04:00Pop Theology: "Work Hard Play Hard"If you've read <a href="http://shiningintheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/06/7-ways-to-make-running-more-bearable.html" target="_blank">this post,</a> or happen to live within a 5 mile radius of Rach and my's bachelorette pad, you probably know that I jam out on my morning runs. If the song doesn't have at least 160 bpm, its out. One of my new favorites just so happens to be David Guetta and Ne-Yo's "Work Hard Play Hard." Man that song gets me pumped.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a knee, yo.</td></tr>
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Christians get a bad rap (pun not intended) when it comes to having fun. The unfortunate stereotype in our culture pictures us sitting around on our high horses with noses in the air and hands folded, watching as the rest of the world dances. We're pegged as boring and judgmental; our only amusement in life being fist-pumping to the Veggie Tales soundtrack.<br />
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Isn't it sad that this picture is the exact opposite of what Jesus had in mind for us?<br />
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I think, as Christians, we should be the funnest people on this planet. We have the one thing that makes life worth living - a relationship with the Creator and confidence that this world is not our end destination. Shouldn't that be reason to celebrate and live joyfully every single day?<br />
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Jesus worked hard. No doubt about that. If Jesus was hanging out on earth today, He would be on the cover of every leadership book written in the last decade. But what we fail to take into consideration is the fact that Jesus knew how to have a good time. He played hard (maybe not in the context Ne-Yo describes, but Jesus was human. He enjoyed life).<br />
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Hold on to your hymnals, people.<br />
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1. Jesus had a big group of friends. The Marion B-Dubs would be so annoyed if Jesus and His disciples came rolling in on a Friday night. Thirteen dudes with long beards and big appetites would have the wait staff scowling until they left unusually good tips. I wonder how Jesus would have liked His wings.<br />
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2. Jesus told the best stories. There is always that one friend who captures attention at social gatherings with entertaining tales. In the BC's, these were called <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=NIV" target="_blank">parables</a>.<br />
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3. Jesus went to parties. Once again, I say "parties" cautiously, because I can assure you that biblical parties looked a little different than the parties of today. But Jesus went to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-11&version=NIV" target="_blank">weddings</a> and other social events to hang out. I'm a little jealous of those couples who were blessed enough to have Him in the audience. I want Jesus to do the toast at my wedding. Talk about perfection.<br />
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4. Jesus loved <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A14&version=NIV" target="_blank">little kids</a>. This one gets me every time. In His perfect humility, Jesus held babies and let toddlers sit on His lap. The Son of God forwent His busy schedule every now and again just to love on little kids. Um, wow. Pass me the tissues.<br />
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5. Jesus loved <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:7-12&version=NIV" target="_blank">people</a>. Relationships are the essence of life and what it means to be human. Building friendships with people is what we were created for, and our charge as Christians. Thus is why "high horse" stereotype is so frustrating, because it completely goes against our purpose on earth. Instead looking down our noses at everyone, we need to be right beside them, our arm around their shoulders.<br />
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Its time to get rocking and rolling and show the world what we're made of. Let's play.<br />
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<br />Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-72976411783941283592013-07-12T12:56:00.001-04:002013-07-12T12:56:46.900-04:00How to Pack for a Weekend at the Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The end. :)</div>
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Off to another state to tube up the lake and soak up the sun. </div>
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Meanwhile, enjoy Rach and my's <a href="http://open.spotify.com/user/123855855/playlist/1oH0RWzuJlDanx45CWIcGA" target="_blank">Kick-A Lake Day Playlist</a> while you're carpe-ing diems this weekend.</div>
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Hasta la vista, my good people.</div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-68487922288079407452013-07-10T07:49:00.000-04:002013-07-10T07:49:03.377-04:00More Essential Words You've Never Heard BeforeAccording to the Oxford Dictionary, there are approximately 171,476 words in the English language, plus 5, as noted by <a href="http://shiningintheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/05/5-words-essential-to-your-vocabulary.html" target="_blank">this post. </a>So, why is it there are so many persons, places, things and ideas that have not been assigned an official word? For example. The space inside the handle of a coffee cup. Wordless.<br />
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Move over, Webster, because creating combinations of consonants and vowels is my 7th favorite hobby. And, thanks to my helpful sidekick/sister, a new wave of vernacular is about to invade your vocabulary.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>wat</b></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">[</span>wat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(coined by Marissa B.)</span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
-A cat that resembles a whale<br />
<i>The wat buried its head in its food after pancaking the small child. </i><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">coffeeDHD [</b><i>also known as </i><b>Coffee Dependence Hyperactivity Disorder<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>noun</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">-The state of hyperactivity brought about by continual caffeine intake via coffee</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>"My coffeeDHD is flaring up again," she said as she yelled as she pretended the bed was a trampoline.</i></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">gnarsty [</b>nar-stee<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>]</b></span><br />
<i>adjective</i><br />
-The combination of <i>gnarly </i>and <i>nasty</i> used to describe the highest level of grossness on earth as we know it<br />
<i>The smell of sweat mixed with fart mixed with taco meat is straight up gnarsty. </i><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">logoxuria [</b>low-go-zur-ee-ah<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>]</b></span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>-</i>The feeling of a mixture of awe and envy felt when reading a passage you wish you wrote.</span><br />
<i>Logoxuria washed over me as I marveled at the words on the page.</i><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">chog [</b>chog<b style="font-size: xx-large;">] </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>(</b>coined by Marissa B.)</span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
1. A dog that is treated as a child.<br />
2. A child that acts like a dog.<br />
<i>The chog enjoyed sticking her face out the car window and barking at unassuming pedestrians (</i>based on a true story<i>)</i><br />
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Have a wonderfully worded Wednesday!</div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-12379294309905039472013-07-08T12:37:00.000-04:002013-07-08T12:40:51.994-04:00How to get your guy friends to your Bachelorette viewing party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So far this summer, I've learned a thing or two about the sales process. When I'm pounding out cold calls, I like to think of myself as a detective. It is my duty to wipe the tears from the church marketing person's eyes when they realize the millions of dollars spent printing those pesky bulletins are in the same dumpster as the dirty diapers from the nursery. There is an app for that, ladies and gentlemen.<br />
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With the help of some key selling techniques, anyone can learn to take on a challenging situation and turn it into gold. While I've had the pleasure of handling quite a few difficult people on the phone, not one has presented a challenge as large as coaxing the guy friends into our living room on Monday nights for The Bachelorette. And I do love a challenge.</div>
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I am happy to report that, with the help of a little sales knowledge and sugar, Rachael and I have a 100% conversion rate among the guys in the office under the age of 25. The feat is not as impossible as it sounds, ladies. Time to get your detective on and get the guys in front of your TV tonight.</div>
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Step 1: The Upfront Contract (UFC for short). One part brutal honesty and the other part mystery, a good upfront contract sounds something like: "Hey, you should come over for the Bachelorette tonight. Can I tell you why I'm saying this?" Ending with a question is like a dangling a fishing pole with Justin Beiber tickets in front of a group of 13 year old girls. Consider attention caught.</div>
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Step 2: Find the pain. In sales, you're not trying to sell a product, but a pain reliever. These guys have something missing in their life that you can give them. Pick two of these pain points after your UFC.</div>
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1. "You'll just spend 3 hours playing Halo otherwise." </div>
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2. "You get to hang out with awesome people."</div>
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3. "You can make fun of it all you want."</div>
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4. "Our house smells good."</div>
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5. "We just went grocery shopping."</div>
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6. "We miss you."</div>
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7. "There are no games on tonight."</div>
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8. "Our couch is more comfortable than yours."</div>
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9. "We can skip through commercials." (if you have DVR)</div>
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10. "We're making dessert."</div>
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In my experience, numbers 1 and 10 work the best. </div>
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Step 3: Pound the pain. Not to be graphic, but in sales, once you've found the "bruise" on your prospect, punch it. Our people have a giant hole in their lives where sugary treats should reside, so we know to make cookies, peanut butter bars, and cherry squares the main focus. Ask what kind of food the dudes want, and the sale is as good as yours. </div>
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Step 4: Resistance. If you run across a more difficult prospect, let them talk out their issue. Be kind, and always validate ("I totally understand why you hate the show, but let me tell you why it will be worth your time"). Keep the conversation going by asking more questions, and try to understand where they are coming from. Some people's pain just requires more digging than others. If all else fails, a classic guilt trip is usually effective.</div>
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Step 5: Close the deal. Send a calendar invite and get those cookies in the oven. </div>
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If at first you don't succeed, be patient and keep pounding the pain. Some will take longer to convince than others, but, in our experiences we've found they will all come around eventually. </div>
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Happy Bachelorette Monday! ;)</div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-23084075576000103642013-07-01T08:00:00.004-04:002013-07-01T18:02:57.418-04:00Imissionation: Where am I going in lifeThursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet with two Indy-based PR professionals who are rockstars in the industry. Wide-eyed and with pen in hand, I tried to make like a sponge and soak up every word they said while scribbling bits of the conversation in my trusty composition notebook (almost identical to the ones sitting in front of them. Take that, iPads).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHgrhb-Y_l5GJ58XTz1Ip-KrLOUXKeflYym3mGmG-JghKJXzH8rcfjaJH00ktaHJZed1mwsa5wRVeIPeQaUJ37XALGB9s_FT6NfWB6WMM8kA879HziV9Vv-QJmUKgaYwW_FNmh4_Gi7Y/s1600/photo-93.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHgrhb-Y_l5GJ58XTz1Ip-KrLOUXKeflYym3mGmG-JghKJXzH8rcfjaJH00ktaHJZed1mwsa5wRVeIPeQaUJ37XALGB9s_FT6NfWB6WMM8kA879HziV9Vv-QJmUKgaYwW_FNmh4_Gi7Y/s320/photo-93.JPG" width="245" /></a>Like gum to the bottom of a shoe, the advice they offered that has stuck with me since that meeting has been the cruciality of strategy in communication. Every word an organization utters, whether it be on a social media outlet, in a press release, or on the company website, must somehow fit into that organization's goals and vision for the future. You must have a plan in which every action fits. </div>
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So that got me thinking. I found myself rewinding to stormy Tuesday night, grabbing a midnight snack with my best goons and talking about life. We were playing "The Question Game" (probably my favorite thing ever), and inquiring about random things. The question, "What is your mission in life?" came up. Dots connected. The same way a strategy must be implemented into a communication plan really should also be a factor in life. </div>
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How often do I find myself just meandering through the day-to-day, with zero forward thinking and no rhyme or reason to my actions? </div>
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I need a plan. And a mission. And imagination. </div>
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I need imissionation. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">imissionation</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> - </span><i>noun</i></div>
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1. the culmination of one's life mission and vision for the future</div>
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2. an attitude which drives one to creatively seize the day</div>
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3. a rejection of complacency as to live life to the full</div>
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Here we go.</div>
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Main Mission:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To spread the love of Jesus in a way that creatively redeems the broken elements of a fallen world. </span></div>
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I think sometimes, Christ-followers get stuck in the idea that we must either reject the world completely, or throw all caution to the wind and dance on ice with it. I believe, in following in Christ's example, we are called to engage with culture in a way that redeems it. God is in the process of redeeming all creation to Himself, and if we're not helping that process, we're hindering it. A Christ-followers reactions to most situations are the exact opposite of any old human's. With Jesus guiding you, people will notice a difference. And that is exactly what I want. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Goal 1:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Put God first, others second, and myself third on the priority list. Always.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Goal 2:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Live up to the responsibilities God has given me in being a role model. </span></div>
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My family is such a unique and beautiful construction. Being the oldest child (by 7 and 10 years), I'm humbled and honored by the role God has given me in my two little sister's lives. Its something I don't take lightly, because I have a responsibility to set a positive example and come alongside my parents in raising them to be Godly women. Burkhardt Babes for life.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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Goal 3: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Carpe all diems. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I refuse to let opportunities slip through my fingers. My bucket list gets longer every day, and every day Today, Monday, July 1st (holy smokes its already July!?), I'm the oldest I've ever been and the youngest I'll ever be again (thanks for that, Eleanor Roosevelt). Time to get carpe-ing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Goal 4:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Lifelong bestfriendship with the King of Kings.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;">Galatians 1:10</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">If any word, thought, or action doesn't fit in with the imissionation I have laid out, its got to go. Life is short, people! Live it up.</span></span></div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-81051141631249699272013-06-28T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-28T16:42:31.992-04:00The Modern Apartment Renter's Guide to NeighborsDo you hear footsteps above your head? What about below the floor boards? Does another front door exist 2 yards away from your own? If you have answered, "yes" to any of these questions, you have building sharers, more commonly known as neighbors. With the world's population increasing every day, space on the good ol blue planet is getting tight (actually, if you saw most of the state of Indiana, you may think otherwise. Fields on fields on fields). Therefore, instead of going the traditional, horizontal co-habitation route, some choose to stack living spaces, thereby creating apartments.<br />
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After living in our apartment for a month (our appartmentversary was the 19th!), we've had some time to casually observe our fellow home stackers. I've noted several species of neighbors that I feel are pretty common in most apartmenthoods.<br />
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1. The hateful pooch. Our neighbors up one and to the left's little pride and joy stands on the balcony waiting for someone minding their own business to walk by so he can freak out on them. Every time I see that little brown head pop out if the railing I prepare my ears for several minutes of manic barking. And he's not even cute.<br />
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2. The sweet old couple. Don and Lisa's front door is a mirror image of our own, minus their "Welcome!" sign and rocking chair (I'm not even kidding). Both always smile "hi" in passing, sometimes even stopping to make conversation! I want to bring them cookies sometime.<br />
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3. The angsty dude. Every morning, I see the same guy (about our age) take his dog out, and then again later. Every time, he seems to be in a bad mood. Maybe he's just not a fan of the dog, but some people just born party poopers.<br />
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{UPDATE! After this post was written, said dude introduced himself to Rachael and I. He's not actually grumpy, except when his dog eats an entire bottle of ibuprofen.}<br />
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4. The chic career woman. Pretty Asian Lady is always looking stellar when she leaves in the morning. I would guess she spends her weekdays working at Saks, as a realtor, or at a magazine. I think we would be great friends.<br />
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5. The Rando's. Either some of our neighbors are secretly shape shifters plotting to take over the neighborhood or different people are in and out constantly. Besides the regulars observed, we watch the population of a small country coming and going over the week. The Rando family is massive.<br />
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Overall, our neighbors ain't half bad (with the exception of Bob the Barker over there). Hopefully before we move out, I can test my hypotheses and learn more about our fellow vertical dwellers!Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-80075512837060065272013-06-26T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-26T14:45:00.370-04:00Make-shift Pad ThaiBeing a regular Asian food craver with very American fridge and cabinet contents, I sometimes find myself in a pinch. In my mind, I have three options behind three doors. Door #1 (the front door): I can go get takeout. Door #2 (the refrigerator door): I can make it myself using what I can find. Door #3 (the cabinet door): I can eat some fortune cookies. From the title of this post, I'm sure you can guess my decision.<br />
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You'll need...<br />
1 package of chili flavored ramen<br />
cilantro to taste<br />
shredded carrots (I shredded mine with the veggie peeler)<br />
crunchy peanut butter<br />
chopsticks (absolutely essential)<br />
Sriracha (optional)<br />
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Ready, go!<br />
1. Follow the instructions for cooking the ramen on the back of the package<br />
2. Drain most of the water before stirring in the seasoning<br />
3. Dollop that peanut butter into the noodles and stir until melty<br />
4. Add carrots<br />
5. Add cilantro<br />
6. Serve with chopsticks<br />
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เพลิดเพลิน!</div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-36713214988342702632013-06-24T10:00:00.001-04:002013-06-24T18:49:22.985-04:00Pop-theology: "We Can't Stop"Like many other high-profile Disney Channel alumni deciding to take U-turn on their kid-friendly image, Miley Cyrus is giving the world an eye-full. And, like watching a derailed train hurdling straight for an ice-cream truck, the world can't look away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the day. </td></tr>
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I was driving along, minding my own business a few nights ago when I heard my trusty driving companion known as "The Radio" announce Miley's new song. Curiosity peaked, volume up. <br />
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<i>It’s our party we can do what we want<br />It’s our party we can say what we want<br />It’s our party we can love who we want<br />We can kiss who we want</i><br /><i>We can see who we want </i><br />
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Oh boy.<br />
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That ice cream truck is doomed.</div>
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After some more rhetoric concerning girls with big butts and bathroom lines (not those kind of lines, the <i>other </i>kind), a few verses really caught my attention. </div>
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<i>Remember only God can judge us</i><br /><i>Forget the haters cause somebody loves ya</i><br />
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Hmmm. She may have a point there. It is true only God's opinion truly matters. With that said, I find it interesting how easily the phrasing just rolls off the tongue. I don't know about anyone else, but Judgement Day, to me, sounds like no joking matter. In fact, it kind of scares the fire and brimstone out of me. In Matthew, Jesus says we will have to take responsibility for EVERY word and thought and action. Whoa. Thinking about standing in front of the Creator of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Lord of Lords, who knew me before I was born...WOW. I cannot even fathom that conversation. </div>
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How often to I say and do and think things that are not pleasing to God, but I just try to shake off the Holy Spirit because, hey, it doesn't matter, somebody loves me, its not a big deal, etc?</div>
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The song continues...</div>
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<i>It’s our party we can do what we want to<br />It’s our house we can love who we want to<br />It’s our song we can sing if we want to</i><br /><i>It’s my mouth I can say what I want to</i><br />
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Miley, Miley, Miley. I hate to burst your bubble, but if the whole world operated under this philosophy, it would have burned to the core about....1,000 years ago.</div>
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The idea that its your party, your house, your song, your mouth, so to the incinerator with what everybody else thinks, as well as what happens as a result, is pretty backwards. In American culture, the notion of instant gratification without thought to consequence (see also, YOLO) is a common lifestyle. Many believe that, A. my choices only affect me, and, B. my choices do not impact the future. </div>
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What Miley fails to consider is the law as old as time known as "cause and effect." Actions have repercussions. We (myself included) often get stuck in "the now." It is an easy mindset to fall into, because "now" is all we see. However, in 2 Corinthians, Paul states, "but we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the the things that are unseen are eternal." So why are we wasting time doing things that "feel good now" but have absolutely no eternal value? </div>
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One of these days, we will all look back on our lives and how we've spent them. One of my biggest fears is getting to this place and realizing I was a bad steward of time. When I stand before God when my time on earth has ended to give an account, I want nothing more than for Him to smile and say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." </div>
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Where in my life do I need to re-prioritize to make sure I'm not stuck in "today"?</div>
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Miley, though I don't agree with your philosophy, thanks for getting me to pause and evaluate life for a second. </div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-20630565766091515812013-06-20T20:09:00.001-04:002013-06-20T21:09:05.885-04:007 Ways to get Creative Juices FlowingI'm not a huge fan of juice; I always drink apple juice on airplanes and OJ with scrambled eggs, and that's about it. But creative juice is the one type I could just swim in. Unfortunately, however, creativity is sometimes harder to summon than a returned phone call from a prospective client. Therefore, in order to get your brain going and your fingers moving, I've compiled a list of things that help squeeze that juice into a tall glass of productivity.<br />
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1. Drink at least two cups of something warm and caffeinated. I cannot stress the importance of coffee in the creative process. If "creativity" were an actual plant, it would be watered with caffeine.</div>
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2. Let your mind wander. Being lost has such a negative connotation. Sometimes getting lost in your own ideas is a deep, cleansing breath of pure O2 to the head. Just let one thought flow to the next until, <i>DING DING DING</i>! We have a winner.</div>
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3. Move. Staring at a blank computer screen is such a creativity killer. Go for a walk. Go for a run. Do handstands. Hula hoop. Do the dougie. Whatever. Regular rhythms (like running) help clear your head.</div>
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4. Chuck the box. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"Thinking outside the box" is so cliche. How about tossing the box and running as far away from it as possible. </span>Who says you can't eat ketchup with a spoon? In what country is it illegal to make up your own words? What would life be like if streets were replaced by ziplines? Do you think in a few years people will vacation on the moon? What if cars ran on water instead of gas? What would happen if rain drops bounced?</div>
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5. Read other people's stuff. When I get stuck, I love seeing the manifestations from uber-creative people. It just makes me want to never sleep ever again.</div>
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6. Write stuff down. If an idea pops into your head, just accept the fact you will not remember it later. Get it in ink! Or megabytes! Or charcoal! Or lipstick! Just WRITE IT DOWN!</div>
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7. Talk to people. Conversation exposes ideas you didn't even know were in your mental filing cabinet. Knock noggins with a pal and all the sudden people will be scrambling for shelter from a massive brain storm raining creative juices everywhere.<br />
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Drink up!</div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-73806681891812670792013-06-19T07:58:00.001-04:002013-06-19T07:58:00.719-04:00BBQ Chicken Pizza so easy, stranded islanders could do itIf I was stranded on an island (think <i>Lost</i>), and I stumbled upon a BBQ sauce tree and a herd of chickens, I would set up camp and prepare to spend the rest of my existence laying out on the beach, eating BBQ chicken, and hanging out with Sawyer.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the variations are barbeque chicken are endless. One of my personal favorites, easy on the wallet as well as absolutely delicious, is BBQ chicken pizza.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37RGJJdRuPGqjsZ0lSytLY_l9EBd0SvHG9TdD0-rduUCjx_DoYT24MhL5G5N4MP3fwIE6vCbcpd8UT1WTQ_Di3RHDd7Sjh5WTqeO-TWLxBiqIsLv1Bqyir1FKbESKLf5YFNstn6NPCyM/s1600/bbq.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37RGJJdRuPGqjsZ0lSytLY_l9EBd0SvHG9TdD0-rduUCjx_DoYT24MhL5G5N4MP3fwIE6vCbcpd8UT1WTQ_Di3RHDd7Sjh5WTqeO-TWLxBiqIsLv1Bqyir1FKbESKLf5YFNstn6NPCyM/s400/bbq.JPG" width="352" /></a></div>
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You'll need....<br />
1 standard flatbread (we used the Flat Out brand)<br />
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce (you can use another kind but it won't be as good)<br />
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese<br />
1 can of chicken breast meat<br />
<br />
Ready? Go!<br />
Step 1: Load the flatbread with BBQ sauce.<br />
Step 2: Layer on the chicken.<br />
Step 3: Sprinkle mozzarella.<br />
Step 4: Grill until crust is crispy and cheese is melty.<br />
Step 5: Be prepared to fight off hungry neighbors.<br />
<br />
See? So easy you could make one on a deserted island.<br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday!<br />
<br />Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-60637868845298430862013-06-12T08:01:00.001-04:002013-06-12T08:01:59.490-04:007 Ways to Make Running More Bearable"I'm out," I said to my roommate just yesterday morning, stuffing my feet into my running shoes.<br />
<br />
"Ok, have fun!" she cheerfully replied.<br />
<br />
Ha!<br />
<br />
"Not counting on it!" I called back.<br />
<br />
Ironically enough, I actually did enjoy that run yesterday, which was nothing short of a Monday miracle. I'm about 1 for 14 when it comes to runs I actually enjoy, as usually my morning jaunts consist of a 30+ minute mental pep talk and pretending like I'm not dying when passing other pedestrians. However, I have found a few key "must-haves" for a successful jog that will make the post workout endorphins so much more worth it.<br />
<br />
1. A solid pump-up playlist. Without good music, you might as well just sleep in. My tried and true "Get Hype" mix not only helps me run faster, but puts me in a good mood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECDzG9ZayeZkfxsZCEVbgBj17oM7scNGA2XFQrOJaUcmBtXVrjsAPJDxSu50mbYmpiAc-1TTerlh-uISXQojp4H0SRoMuZBZWgTRoRAePpV254bcw6iOlvw9fpHJvVs0-ECYl23rJ-oE/s1600/1-First.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECDzG9ZayeZkfxsZCEVbgBj17oM7scNGA2XFQrOJaUcmBtXVrjsAPJDxSu50mbYmpiAc-1TTerlh-uISXQojp4H0SRoMuZBZWgTRoRAePpV254bcw6iOlvw9fpHJvVs0-ECYl23rJ-oE/s640/1-First.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
2. Don't wear make-up. The uglier you look, the less chance you have of ending up on an episode of Dateline.<br />
<br />
3. Drink coffee beforehand. Without a little liquid energy, I can barely make it out the door, much less pounding pavement. If you're not shaking, you need another cup.<br />
<br />
4. Don't wear pink. Your outfit reflects your run, so if you feel all dainty and girly, you'll run like a T Rex trying to balance a tiara on its head.<br />
<br />
5. Count cute animals. Seeing baby ducks and puppies will help you forget what you are actually doing for 2.5 seconds.<br />
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6. Beware of slick sidewalks. Last nights rainstorm + grass clippings = disaster. I know from experience.<br />
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7. Don't run in the rain. If you're like me, bad weather puts a damper on an entire day. Instead of spending a miserable time getting soaked, sleep in and take the day off. You deserve a break anyway. ;)<br />
<br />
Happy Running!Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-40964995861601205292013-06-07T10:25:00.001-04:002013-06-07T10:25:19.032-04:00My "Resume" Part IIA little while ago, I was in the throes of internship hunting, wishing I could include some of my more obscure skills in my <a href="http://shiningintheuniverse.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-resume.html" target="_blank">resume</a>. Five months later, I'm loving getting my feet wet and hands dirty in the professional world and sprinkling bits of "buzz" while keeping my PR princess tiara straight. Therefore the time has come to update both my actual resume and the one I find both most entertaining as well as totally useless.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Katelyn Burkhardt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shingingintheuniverse.blogspot.com</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Seeking to become a PR princess of an organization in which I can use my education, previous experience and leadership skills to royally manage all communication activities and have a lot of fun doing it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Relevant Experience</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabfjH3lbBZsWtwpDFHVYZGwDOcozmjjPzGLdhobZnDhEMqaQlvfSGZnEGfZ87bF72Yt3HRvwmCUxhFWqJg2oJHNVSqv62iiV9IURB6kNsDZDHIJh1UKhkqdi2zBl3ylDKyekFiigsJ_k/s1600/556786_177465309062866_2017039704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabfjH3lbBZsWtwpDFHVYZGwDOcozmjjPzGLdhobZnDhEMqaQlvfSGZnEGfZ87bF72Yt3HRvwmCUxhFWqJg2oJHNVSqv62iiV9IURB6kNsDZDHIJh1UKhkqdi2zBl3ylDKyekFiigsJ_k/s400/556786_177465309062866_2017039704_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Fluent in the language of Movie Quotes</b></div>
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<b>-</b>Able to carry on complete conversations using only lines heard via the cinema</div>
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<b>-</b>Specialist in character voice impersonations</div>
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<b>-</b>Expert in dialects including <i>Bridesmaids, Baby Mama, Hitch, </i>and <i>Pitch Perfect</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrRgKpB25PWa34Alep-9zuh3xhPL1Zfguh_y6IlgMAfbA9_Na73ffoif7gsIRokYlc8-AogqfHlp5_pE4wM3QbRcR-pisZW0pjt05TaCwBvdNl1KFCI5uxKLeqPqGKDtiqfWJST5DC2o/s1600/photo-84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrRgKpB25PWa34Alep-9zuh3xhPL1Zfguh_y6IlgMAfbA9_Na73ffoif7gsIRokYlc8-AogqfHlp5_pE4wM3QbRcR-pisZW0pjt05TaCwBvdNl1KFCI5uxKLeqPqGKDtiqfWJST5DC2o/s320/photo-84.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sock Bun Stylist</b></div>
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<b>-</b>Perfected the art of the sock bun</div>
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<b>-</b>Yep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Xk4CZMEZd5jR0gepJ6Zse9G4-hkMjoqpSB2hi2SOzoZ1NxhGYvaJOfJA7gzSOeSA3DPjUVX-zWeAV7yhf53Kh-rVmy8w_hiT5lV85k0FSInxDBP0KSQqjDK-kfRjr74v1RmScm4YRc/s1600/photo-86.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9Xk4CZMEZd5jR0gepJ6Zse9G4-hkMjoqpSB2hi2SOzoZ1NxhGYvaJOfJA7gzSOeSA3DPjUVX-zWeAV7yhf53Kh-rVmy8w_hiT5lV85k0FSInxDBP0KSQqjDK-kfRjr74v1RmScm4YRc/s320/photo-86.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>Big Spider Trapper</b></div>
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<b>-</b>Successfully caught and constructed a prison for a very large arachnid...</div>
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<b>-</b>...without gagging or spazzing out</div>
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<b>-</b>Calmed hysterical ten year old</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DSYi46lpyU-mE80XesTMj4oLB4j_JVXl4-ezE6UiEX1fe9PAmpdoXcMk47cmUH5cwWj8kDcJMWXLlgOhfkEd6YIC1DMWlUZnrFpVWPtCmeHwNx2GvOrGMIZX06MbEH3YehEBGRk5d-k/s1600/photo-87.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DSYi46lpyU-mE80XesTMj4oLB4j_JVXl4-ezE6UiEX1fe9PAmpdoXcMk47cmUH5cwWj8kDcJMWXLlgOhfkEd6YIC1DMWlUZnrFpVWPtCmeHwNx2GvOrGMIZX06MbEH3YehEBGRk5d-k/s320/photo-87.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Ice Cream Connoisseur </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-</b>Sampled hundreds of flavors due to indecisiveness and cone commitment anxiety</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-</b>Self-proclaimed expert on the art of icy perfection</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-</b>Skilled in the art of flavor and mix-in combinations</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaZQK6SZ-rQwpG_esBQTXin2KbilAeizwNfExn_cfmq0ZFX5GhaxLolrDLeeu06y-5dKatAWXzK6WBlFlqP8IHoZs3U6uDVdUPmxeonmCOq9m98WBC1TIkiHnOHLQmIEC7sa6-PVHRp8/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaZQK6SZ-rQwpG_esBQTXin2KbilAeizwNfExn_cfmq0ZFX5GhaxLolrDLeeu06y-5dKatAWXzK6WBlFlqP8IHoZs3U6uDVdUPmxeonmCOq9m98WBC1TIkiHnOHLQmIEC7sa6-PVHRp8/s400/picstitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>iPhone Cat Photographer</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-</b>Successfully captured the essence of feline model pictured above</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><b>-</b>Some say "embarrassing," I say "innovative" (there's a market for everything, people).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Hire me for all my practical and totally useless skills! </span></span></div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-62617427389949691212013-06-06T15:59:00.000-04:002013-06-06T15:59:22.230-04:00{thoughts}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_ZFHzzEtMBf6p0cRvS2_eqAlRZjXPfqGbwiJuMTzMx1yQlqH6D1tuJTzfpzx3_Wl62_chm8UchnOjAn_5Yu_8vlnHPzQWM_nRwhgZBK3FApFlzve3WMtFpC_2SrF_YLl6qmjEZ5vlKg/s1600/1-Collages15-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_ZFHzzEtMBf6p0cRvS2_eqAlRZjXPfqGbwiJuMTzMx1yQlqH6D1tuJTzfpzx3_Wl62_chm8UchnOjAn_5Yu_8vlnHPzQWM_nRwhgZBK3FApFlzve3WMtFpC_2SrF_YLl6qmjEZ5vlKg/s640/1-Collages15-002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-41365812839216208112013-06-04T17:23:00.001-04:002013-06-04T17:23:51.065-04:00The Polar Bear in My LapWhy is letting go of insecurities so dang hard?<br />
<br />
As soon as I start to relax, breathe, get comfortable, the jumbo polar bear that is insecurity lumbers over and sits on me.<br />
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Since starting college, I've struggled with the way I see my body. Satan saw a golden opportunity my freshman year when I entered the competitive world of collegiate cheerleading looking to prove my worth amongst a team of seasoned professionals. The more weight I lost, the tighter my new "pet" clung, and the heavier my heart felt. I was stuck trudging through each day with a bear on my back.<br />
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I've come miles and miles since that point, and I'm so thankful to God helping me shake off the big ol burden and move forward. However, it still catches up with me every now and then.<br />
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Finding worth and fulfillment in something (like external appearances) other than God is such a paradox. I know in my head that true freedom can only be found by giving insecurity a massive shove and being out the door hand-in-hand with the King before even hearing the "thud" of it hitting the floor. So why is that so hard to do? Why would I rather bury my face in the fur of the thing on my lap, holding on for dear life KNOWING that ultimately it will only turn around and eat me for breakfast?<br />
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<br />
It's a slow process, good people. Starting a new 9-5 job has left me skimping on reading my Bible and talking to my Father a little here, a little there. And Satan has taken this as an invitation to smack the polar bear on the butt and send him back my way.<br />
<br />
I'm not strong enough to shove it back out the door. But thankfully, I have a Friend who is.<br />
<br />
Time for some re-prioritizing.<br />
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<br />
{If you have ever struggled with body image, self worth, or any other insecurities, you're not alone, and I would love to have a conversation with you! Leave me a comment and we will be in touch. xoxo}Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-91943877801805935392013-05-31T08:57:00.000-04:002013-05-31T08:57:00.339-04:005 Reasons Why Baby Dogs Beat BoyfriendsMy heart is restless. I'm distractible (more than usual). I can't sleep. I can't eat. The apartment is too quiet. The couch is too big. Something's just not right here. <div>
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Now that I am doing things like making budgets, cooking, and paying rent, the sweet aroma of independence is tinged with a desire for companionship. Coming home to an empty apartment is a bummer, and I want someone I can count on to be there for me after a long day at work. </div>
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Cupid has struck once again.</div>
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<div>
I'm in puppy love. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Sure, some may say the solution to my problems is a commitment to a tall-dark-and-handsome who promises to buy me dinner and send me artfully worded text messages that make me go mush, but I beg to differ for a few key reasons.</div>
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<div>
5. Puppies double as vacuum cleaners. As a regular rider of the struggle bus, I drop food on the floor every day. I would only have a 10% chance of getting a guy to lick the pasta sauce off the floor in a heated game of "1 to 10," but my puppy would happily clean up the mess, no strings attached.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4. Puppy owners have rockstar status. In your puppy's eyes, you are someone worth celebrating, every time you walk in the door. No matter the fact you just got done running and look like a wet tomato, in the eyes of the puppy, you are Beyonce. </div>
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3. Puppies love all your girly TV shows and movies. All that matters is that you share the couch.</div>
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2. Puppies eat twice a day. Sorry guys, but your 17 meals a day is tough to keep up with sometimes.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
1. Puppies are just so darn cute. Don't get me wrong, my ex-boyfriend Ryan Gosling is a tough face to beat, but, I mean come on....</div>
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Ding ding ding! Baby dogs win this round, ladies and gents.</div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-19191182200440303142013-05-27T09:37:00.002-04:002013-05-27T09:38:03.052-04:00The Grown Up Life: 10 Facts about my First Go at AdulthoodOne week ago today, I scrawled my massive signature across the document officially making me the renter of my first apartment.<br />
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<i>I'm officially an adult!</i> I thought, crossing the "t" on my last name. <i>I've done it! I'm young, ambitious and ready to rock real life!</i></div>
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"Do you want me to take your picture signing the paper?" my mom enthusiastically asked, bringing the vision of a more sophisticated version of myself leaving a chic apartment successfully in skyscraper heels to a standstill. </div>
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I guess I'm not there <i>quite </i>yet.</div>
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But nevertheless, I had a pretty fabulous first week of "adulthood."</div>
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This week....</div>
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1. I got a new roommate. Her name is Rachael and she rocks.</div>
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2. Several new words have invaded my everyday vocabulary including....</div>
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-App Assessment (see also <i>gold</i>) </div>
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-UFC (short for upfront contract, not the fighting people)</div>
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-List building (a little like being a detective, I think it should be called <i>info extraction</i>)</div>
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-Cold calling (many I've made are pretty much hypothermic)</div>
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3. I learned there are more smartphones sold than babies born in the world on any given day! Shocking it took this long. I mean, babies are great, but can a baby find you the nearest Starbucks?</div>
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4. The refrigerator was no match for Rachael and I...we successfully cooked 4 dinners for ourselves! My most creative contribution? Salad with strawberries, cashews, and avocado. Food Network has already called twice (just kidding).</div>
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5. We were scouted to be hair models! The lady opened the door of the salon and said, "do you two want to be hair models? Hair cuts and colors are for free!" and we said, "sure."<br />
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6. Major adventuring took place. Turns out our neighborhood is overflowing with coolness and hidden gems.<br />
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7. We time traveled Wednesday afternoon. Back to the early 1960's for a company photo shoot. </div>
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8. Nerd Alert: I got a library card! That list of books I want to read has been stagnant for far too long. Hopefully they don't do borrowing background checks....I have close to $10 in fines on my home library card. Oops.</div>
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9. I was able to hang with my company compadres on several occasions. So thankful I'll be surrounded by super cool people all summer long. So much talent up in that office.</div>
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Finally...</div>
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10. This week was chock full of change. Some have been great, others have been tough. I'm learning that there is so much to learn, and to be humble above all. Comparing yourself to others is super unproductive, and keeping a positive and teachable attitude is absolutely essential. Life is trial and error, stumbling before running, bellyflopping before diving. Above all, I'm trying to remember its not about me. All I have I owe to Him, and it is Him that deserves it all. </div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-38644182342936804542013-05-19T23:44:00.000-04:002013-05-19T23:44:17.965-04:00Carpe Diem Project UpdateSomething about the mixture of a cloudless sky, pink lemonade, a brand new pair of shorts and eyes that actually feel awake makes me want summer as my home. If only I could live in the essence of summer, wear the sunshine as perfume, walk to the soundtrack of live music in the park, and sleep under the stars every night after a dinner of sweet tea, barbeque chicken and watermelon....<br />
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....until I got a massive sunburn and my allergies suffocated me and I weighed 400 pounds. But hey, a girl can dream, right?<br />
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Since my summer began a few short weeks ago, I've been attempting to carpe the diems out of the first chunk of my summer. This has meant...<br />
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-Limited social media usage<br />
-Limited TV watching<br />
-Lots of reading<br />
-Lots of creativity<br />
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And the results are in!<br />
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1. I am able to fall asleep faster and sleep better at night. Reading before bed is much more relaxing than having a computer screen shoved in your face.<br />
2. Books are no longer overwhelming. I thought the bookworm in me was long dead and gone, but by limiting my screen time, it was revived at last.<br />
3. Creativity skyrockets when mindlessness plummets.<br />
4. The project is doable. Once staying off mindless media was graced with the kiss of routine, the habit was broken.<br />
5. Without the distraction of impulsive social media checking, I've been able to make some memories that DON'T involve status updates or relationship changes. I'd take a late night trampoline session, a crazy good suspense story, driveway track meets, random dance parties and ice cream runs over sitting on my badonk any day.<br />
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Tomorrow marks the start of phase 2. In less than 12 hours my first internship will begin! I am beyond excited for the opportunity to practice my PR prowess and do what I love. Stay tuned folks! Time to get down to business. </div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-68614270655297365762013-05-08T21:24:00.002-04:002013-05-08T21:24:53.175-04:005 words essential to your vocabulary you have never heard beforeI don't have much in common with Shakespeare. The guy seems pretty cool, but the hundreds of years and difference in continents would definitely put a damper on any budding friendship. However, I would have liked to pick ol' Willy's brain on our shared love of words.<br />
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Along with writing some pretty influential stuff, W-Shake also invented over 1,000 words still used today. I don't know about the rest of the population, but if 600 years from now, a chunk of words created by me invaded the English language, I'd (posthumously) be pretty stoked.<br />
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So, out with the old and in with the new. Alas, good people, heartily I say unto you, 5 words essential to your vocabulary in which ye have never heard before.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>meteorolie</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> [</span>me-tee-yor-o-lahy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">]</span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>A falsehood uttered by the weatherman regarding the weather conditions to arise during a specified period of time </li>
</ul>
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<i>The girl was distraught by the meteorolie heard before she was knocked unconscious by hail <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">.</span>during what was forecasted to be a sunny day.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>peeplexed</b> [</span>pee-pleck-sd<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span><br />
<i>verb</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>A state in which one is engaging in an intense conversation but urgently needs to urinate</li>
</ul>
<i>The girl was extremely peeplexed while listening to a friend's relationship woes.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>caffeinavore</b> [</span>caf-een-a-vor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
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<ol>
<li>One who depends solely on caffeine for energy and nourishment </li>
<li>Every college student in the United States </li>
</ol>
<i>Beware of the caffeinavores at Starbucks during prime consumption hours. </i><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">mattrecomb [</b>mat-tray-comb<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span><br />
<i>noun</i><br />
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<ol>
<li>The dark, cavernous space under one's bed known to consume articles of clothing and pets</li>
<li>A habitat for various monsters</li>
<li>See also <i>mattress </i>and <i>catacomb</i></li>
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<i>The small child feared the depths of the mattrecomb.</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>spambush</b> [</span>spam-bush<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">]</span><br />
<i>verb</i><br />
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<ol>
<li>A large number of junk emails all arriving in a short period of time time</li>
<li>An attack using popular canned "meat" as the primary weapon of choice </li>
</ol>
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<i>I believe my inbox is about to be spambushed. </i></div>
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Challenge accepted, Shakespeare. More words to come. What are some words you believe should be adopted by the English language?</div>
Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-35237571290214696442013-04-29T21:41:00.002-04:002013-04-29T21:41:51.798-04:00Pop-theology: When God shows up in pop culture
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Living in the same house as a 10-year-old four months out of
the year, I get an all-access pass to all things One Direction round the clock.
I also am kept up-to-date with concert ticket prices and new songs by the “too
cute” boyband. The latter I have actually come to appreciate, because, in all
honesty, the little British buggers aren’t so bad. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRAKdFN_4xOFBEP90zMRgw5BUzVZ-_umDMndc-6-mREuDwR1FbkZX0pvMubZ8kYIU4rY-2ZZhab4vA4TsDAS3H3V2Kf-hVQvaZrp2T9bqo093Je8nrm5gNlUd_VaiMbZ4n5frdMCgxcM/s1600/photo-78.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRAKdFN_4xOFBEP90zMRgw5BUzVZ-_umDMndc-6-mREuDwR1FbkZX0pvMubZ8kYIU4rY-2ZZhab4vA4TsDAS3H3V2Kf-hVQvaZrp2T9bqo093Je8nrm5gNlUd_VaiMbZ4n5frdMCgxcM/s400/photo-78.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{I don't always take "selfies," but when I do, I make sure cardboard celebrities are included.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The
other day, I was in my car singing along to the 1D “oldie but goodie” “What
Makes You Beautiful” and mentally doing the Just Dance routine to the song (it
happens). When I started really listening in to the lyrics, however, I could
have shouted “eureka!” While the song is obviously originally intended for a
bashful British babe, the message of could also be a love song from God to His
children.</div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“You’re insecure,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>don’t know what for,”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At times, I find myself talking to God with my head down,
insecure due to daily screw-ups and hang-ups. But, God looks past my
imperfections and sees me as His own. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“Don’t need make-up, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>to cover up,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>being the way that you are is enough.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t need to work extra hard to please God. All He asks
is that I love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>“You light up my world like nobody else”</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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God loves humanity SO MUCH! We are so special to Him. Otherwise
He wouldn’t have let His own son be brutally killed just so we could be with
Him forever.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“You don’t know,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Oh, oh,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You don’t know you’re beautiful.”</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We don’t see ourselves the way God sees us!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“If only you saw what I can see,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You’ll understand why I want you so desperately,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Right now I’m looking at you and I can’t believe,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You don’t know,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Oh, oh,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You don’t know you’re beautiful.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God wants a friendship with every person so badly because of
His extravagant love. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are beautiful in God’s eyes!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-45974623266121795402013-04-26T22:18:00.001-04:002013-04-26T22:19:12.415-04:00Just the BeginningMark Twain, literary rockstar with a mustache the hipsters would kill for, once said, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead." Oh, the Twainian wisdom.<br />
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<div>
Before this quote crawled out from my memory, I was sitting at a table in Starbucks, sweating bullets over how I was going to stuff my entire junior year of college into one blog post. Well, Mark Twain, challenge accepted. </div>
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The end of this year feels like just the beginning. There is more to life than I ever thought possible. </div>
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Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9089624587424355840.post-76517191531373456452013-04-16T11:16:00.001-04:002013-04-16T16:13:09.525-04:00Cabin FeverIts official. I need summer. Only 11 journals, 4 papers, 2 presentations, and 2 finals stand between me and a little R&R before a brand new adventure begins! Food has lost its flavor, my bed has lost its comfiness, and my ability to focus has been compromised in anticipation of the marvelous day I bid campus, "Sayonara!" This phenomenon, usually occurring in mid-April, characterized by insatiable restlessness is known as cabin fever. And I've got it. Bad.<br />
<br />
The cures for cabin fever are few and far between. However, I have found one temporary relief in one heaping dose of a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">summer bucket list</span>.<br />
<br />
(In no particular order)<br />
1. Document my junior year.<br />
2. Finish freelance "Words and Color" project.<br />
3. Read books. Lots of em.<br />
4. Make a significant dent in "642 Things to Write About."<br />
5. Catch up with old friends over lunch/coffee.<br />
6. Learn a new trick on the trampoline.<br />
7. Train for a half marathon.<br />
8. Get super tan.<br />
9. Move into the new apartment!<br />
10. Buy a new professional wardrobe.<br />
11. Explore my brand new city.<br />
12. Learn a new language (Sales and Marketing speak).<br />
13. Write several inspirational corporate blog posts.<br />
14. Cook an entire meal.<br />
15. Run the July 4th 5K with my Dad.<br />
16. Dairy Shed.<br />
17. Tube it up at Dale Hollow.<br />
18. Make new friends.<br />
19. Go to a concert.<br />
20. Collect data for my Senior Project.<br />
21. Talk to Jesus LOTS.<br />
22. Go thrift shopping.<br />
23. Expect the unexpected.<br />
24. Carpe all diems.<br />
<br />
(Amendments to follow. I'm super open to suggestions!)<br />
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<br />Kate Burkhardthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05559922003410948871noreply@blogger.com0