Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Let me introduce you to my party people


It's Monday morning. The frigid Indiana air hisses outside my window, sending snow swirling into the faces of sleepy people hiking the sidewalks. The sky is overcast, colored by the groans of students beginning another week of class.

I couldn't hear said groans however, because what should have been another dreary Monday had escalated into a full out party in our room. With the morning coffee taking full effect on my roommates and me, Pandora DJ'd an instant dance party in the bathroom. In between bustin' moves I ran in and out trying to finish last minute items while yelling and laughing at my roommates. And to think, half of us aren't even morning people. It was truly a Monday miracle.

Spontaneous bursts of crazy randomness with my 7 roommates is not unusual. I get a daily ab workout from laughing to the point of tears at the shenanigans that seem to follow us. But even better than just being loads of fun, each one of my roommates is a steadfast friend and a woman of God that I know I can look to for advice and Godly counsel.

So, without further ado, let me introduce:

1. Joelle. Also known as JoJo, I barely knew this lady until the beginning of fall semester. For a few days at the very beginning, we were the only two in our entire suite. After one night of watching (and screaming at) Pretty Little Liars, eating peanut butter M&M's and drinking coffee, I had a feeling we would become great friends. Together we down Starbucks at alarming rates, brave apocalyptic weather conditions, tear up the Just Dance floor and have deep conversations on the regular. She is my newest friend and also one of my best, and I'm so thankful I live with her.

2. Sidney. Sidney Suzanne is one of the sweetest, most genuine girls I have ever met. I love talking with her and hearing her thoughts on life. She is an extremely hard worker, and pours her heart and soul into all she does. I have a lot of respect for her, not only because she drinks her coffee black. I have loved the opportunity to live with her this year, and very much admire her work ethic and personality.

3. Lauren. In 2nd grade, when Lauren and I first became friends, I would have never guessed she would one day end up as my roommate. I'm so thankful that she did! Lauren has a wisdom beyond her years and I know I can always go to her for advice. I've always loved our conversations, whether during a drive to a high school football game, on my trampoline at midnight or just getting ready in the morning. I appreciate all the memories we've had growing up together and hope for many more to come. She is a rock solid friend to me, and I look up to her in so many ways.

4. Bre. The queen of exaggeration and the life of the party, a moment with Bre around is never dull. Her light hearted nature and mischievous ways have helped remind me not to take life too seriously time and time again. Along with being a ton of fun, however, Bre is an amazing human being who stands firm in her faith and convictions. I'm so thankful for her friendship and the laughter she brings me daily.

5. Addi. As long as I've known her (which has been awhile), Addi has had a knack for naturally lighting up a room. Her positive outlook and infectious laugh boosts a mood in seconds! She is such a woman of faith who lives out her love for God everyday. I appreciate the accountability she provides me, and I could never thank her enough for the love she has shown to me over the years through trials in growing up. Addi is a ray of sunshine!

6. Elese. The artistic one of the group, I love Elese's eye for the little things of beauty in life. She is a very talented and dedicated both as a photographer and a friend. I enjoy hearing her insights and opinions as well as her somewhat unfortunate and hilarious stories from her job last summer. I love when her goofy side comes out and am thankful for all the fun she brings to our room!

7. Nicole. Dependable and authentic are two words I would use to describe Nicole, and she is honestly one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is always honest with people but at the same time very sweet, a difficult combo to find in people these days! I'm so thankful for the fact I can count on her to have my back. Her testimony is incredible, and I have loved watching her grow in her faith as well as help me in mine. Nicole is a rockstar.

I love these girls with all my heart!

Friday, January 18, 2013

Deeper Waters

Ever since I turned 21, I've been feeling God's pull on my soul. Almost like once I reached this milestone, He looked at me and said, "Ok, Kate. Its time to dive a little deeper in your friendship with Me." 

So, after pacing the beach and sticking my toes in the tide to test the water, I've finally got my wetsuit on, holding my Father's hand for the plunge. 

Some things He has been teaching me:

1. I need Him. It is absolutely impossible for me to change my bad habits and hangups. I need His transforming power to flood my heart in order to make me more like Him. I can't do it by myself!

2. He wants all of me. To be unified with God, I must surrender all that I am to Him. EVERYTHING. My dreams. My desires. My life. I am not my own. How liberating it is to rest in the fact that God is in control.

3. I can always count on Him. He cares about even the smallest details of my life! He is so holy, but loves me enough to answer when I call. 

4. The road will be difficult, but worth it. I'm prepared for the world to hate me and what I believe. But that is ok with me, because I have His hand to hold, and He has overcome the world.


Friday, January 11, 2013

My "Resume"

With cover letters, resumes and applications for summer internships making my head spin, I officially feel like I'm growing up. Weird. And pretty scary.  I've become a pro at tailoring my resume to show my experience, but I always wish I could add some...err....skills and accomplishments that I am most proud of besides those related to PR. So, in order to get this desire out of my system, I have compiled my resume of awesome yet totally worthless information.


Katelyn Burkhardt
shingingintheuniverse.blogspot.com

Professional Summary

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. 

Relevant Experience
(With photos to prove it)

Freelance Chalk Artist                                                                                                             Forever
  • Once covered my entire driveway in sidewalk chalk
  • Artwork lasted for several days before rain washed it away
  • Everyone in the neighborhood was jealous
Starbucks Addict                                                                                                   January 2012-Present
  • Once consumed Starbucks 4 times in 3 days
  • Mastered the art of the complicated order
  • Used skills to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte AFTER said drink was discontinued
  • Kind of maybe almost a Gold member

Cupcake Extraordinaire                                                                                   September 2012-Present
  • Have baked dozens upon dozens of cupcakes
  • Mastered the use of an icing bag
  • Accomplishments in include cinnamon roll cupcakes, cookies and cream cupcakes and Andes mint cupcakes among others
  • Have never burned a cupcake
Mug Collector                                                                                                    December 2012-Present
  • Exhibits excellent taste in coffee mugs
  • Has a vibrant collection of rare and beautiful mugs
  • Realizes coffee in a cute mug is necessary to start the day right
Accomplishments and Awards

High Score on Just Dance 4                                                                                               January 2013
  • Beat my little sister's record for most points on "Beauty and a Beat"
  • Appointed myself as Best Dancer in the House
  • Justin Bieber's next back-up dancer


Who says growing up has to be so serious? :)