Slogan Satisfaction

To all my Virginia Tech Hokies - this blog is dedicated to you.
                    it is a plea, a call for your advice

As I have been sitting at home the past week doing various things, the job of choosing two slogans for the 2011 Hokie Effect shirts has been weighing on my mind.

(For those of you who don't know, these are an example of the 2008 shirts...you get the concept)

So here is where I need your help. I am going to list some of my favorite slogan submissions, and you need to let me know what you like and don't like. In the end, I have to choose a top two for each shirt and go from there...ready:
*NB: These are in no particular order at all.


1. Enter Sandman, Exit Victorious
        *now, as great as it would be to have this on the shirt, there are some legal rights that I would have to work out/have been trying to work out, but it is not as easy as it seems.

2. Every play is a Ho-Key Play

3. Enter Sandman. Beamerball. Ut Prosim. Winning is our tradition.

4. Hokie Football: 66,233 Teammates Strong

5. Victory comes standard with the Tech package.

6. Defining Home Field Advantage since 1872

7. Start Jumping, Respect the Game, Remember the Moment

8. All Out, All Game, All Season

9. A Lunch Pail Threat You'll Never Forget

10. Tech Package: Standard
      Safety Restraint: Optional


These are the top ten - take it or leave it.
If you have more suggestions for slogans or for myself, submit your comments and ideas at www.hokieeffect.com

Let me know your thoughts, they would be greatly appreciated!

finals finale

Finals week: the worst time for a college student.

Oddly, I have not been feeling a lot of stress lately. Maybe it is because most of my grades are set and there isn't really anything I can do to change them. Or maybe it is because all I have wanted to do is spend time with my roommates/friends/watch old episodes of the OC and Laguna Beach? Maybe.

Williamsburg is just around the corner, and as unexciting as that little town can be, I cannot wait to be back for a while.

I wanted to share something with all of you from a blog I avidly follow:

"That life isn't about our understanding of it. Life is about enjoying what you've been bestowed and looking forward to going Home. And meanwhile, he gives us gifts--people, relationships, situations--bad, good, stupid.... We aren't supposed to understand them, but we are supposed to love them. And we don't have to work so hard."

That is from: The Bakery blog

Food for thought. Good luck on finals and have safe travels everyone!


Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas.

kels

busy bee

Hi, my name is Kelsey Heiter and I have been a busy bee lately. I apologize for being MIA to anyone, but finals time is slowly but surely approaching and everyone has a ton on their plate this year. Here is what is going on in mine:

SGA: Hokie Effect is starting off on an amazing foot this year. I am very impressed with SGA and everyone that has helped already with making it a success - thank you. The long-awaited Spirit Bus is a success, and slogan contest is going well - can't wait to see the final results.

Collegiate Times: I am working to re-vamp my training director position for next semester, which I am very, very excited about. The rest of the semester will be spent finishing up some training and de-briefing with new CT-ers. The CT is my little family and I am very thankful for each and every one of them.

Kappa: My ladies. I love you all and this semester has been amazing, I cannot wait for January for all day 'errday with you all.


That is all I have for now. OH - and it's snowing in lovely, cold Blacksburg, for those of you who are not here.

-k

hair

Small, annoying strands that you are bothered with from day to day. Pieces that take hours to look socially acceptable - the joys of having long hair.

Today I got a hair cut. Now let me preface this statement: Every haircut I have gotten for the past three years I have been extremely disappointed/angry with after the matter, so I was expecting the same after today's endeavor. I was more than wrong. I love my new hair cut, love, love, love it.

To all you ladies out there who don't trust anyone with their hair, I completely understand. I promise you though, one day you will find some hairdresser who will change your life, and it will be great.

thankful

As I was at the gym this morning, I was thinking about all of the people/things I am thankful for and why. These past few months have been very selfish months for me, with school, activities, etc., I have been thinking about my life and what needs to be done, so now is the time to say thank you to those around me.

-My roommates: You all are seriously the best. I am basically never home, and I feel guilty about that, but for the most part you all understand that I am really busy and that won't see me but if only for a few minutes here and there getting myself ready for the day, or coming home and grabbing a sweatshirt to take to the Empo. I love each and every one of you, and I am very thankful for you all.

-I am healthy, vibrant, and am so thankful each and every day.

-I have a loving and caring family who support me with all of their hearts.

-My involvement at school: I am so lucky to be involved in everything that I am, and I am thankful for the people who make that possible and make those activities/involvement worth it every single day.

-My sisters: Kappa ladies - where would I be without you all? I love every one of you, thank you.

-I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, that I am not struggling monetarily, that I have sufficient nutrients, and that I have the chance for the great education that I am receiving.


What are you thankful for this year?

"So often we dwell on the things that seem impossible rather than on the things that are possible. So often we are depressed by what remains to be done and forget to be thankful for all that has been done."

one-hundred.

This is my 100th post.

Over the past 99 posts I have shared countless memories, thoughts, pictures and poems. I started this blog last December for several reasons, one being that I would have an outlet to put down all of these thoughts and memories that I could somehow share with people if they pleased. Another reason was that I wanted to make someone's day. I hope that something I have written has impacted you in some (hopefully, positive) way - because after all, that was the point.

You could almost call it a social experiment. How many people will read this? Does this matter to anyone? I know that I personally check the blogs I follow on an, at least, bi-weekly basis, so I wondered if people do the same with my blog. I can check statistics, sure, but I will never know if anyone enjoys reading what I write or if people think this is a complete waste of my, and their, time.


I want you all to find something that gives you a break from the day-to-day routine of this world, something that you enjoy and want to continue with after just one time doing so.

The point of this is to say thank you to the individuals who read this, whoever you are. You may be my best friend, you may be someone I know but not very well, you may be someone I am just Facebook friends with but have only spoken to once before - or maybe never before. Whoever you are, thank you. I hope you enjoy what I write and/or enjoy reading about my various experiences/thoughts/poems, etc - because that is why this is here - for me, and for you.

a life of my own

If I was to grade myself on my blogging creativity/success in the past month, I would give myself a "D-" - not good at all. For the past few weeks I have wanted to blog, don't get me wrong, but I have been trying to think about something interesting to write about - and I have not been successful in the slightest. But here it goes. I am sitting in the Collegiate Times office on a Thursday afternoon and I am going to write a very self-absorbed post, so I apologize in advance. But hey, it's my blog, so I can do what I want right? I vote yes. So here it goes.

Things you (most likely) never knew about me:

1) I am an old-soul. I am kind of already over college, as sad as that sounds. Now let me clarify; I am not over the friends part, but I am over the people-being-immature/partying every weekend part of college. So over it.

2) My laugh is obnoxious. It is very high-pitched and if you really get me going, I sometimes snort.

3) I love coffee - a lot. The problem is that it upsets my stomach in very intense ways that makes me sick for the rest of the day. It disappoints me every time.

4) I could spend entire days in bookstores of any kind, especially used bookstores. There are little treasures around every corner.

5) I believe in fate - 100%, wholeheartedly. It may be naive of me to do so, but I do.

6) I hate, hate, hate, hate brussel sprouts. I will never eat one, ever.

7) My dream job would be to live and work in Washington D.C. at a prestigious company handling their public relations activity...and wear business professional clothes.every.single.day.

8) My grandfather, Dobie, is my favorite person on this entire earth. He is perfect.

9) I do not think grades are the most important thing about college. There, I said it - go ahead and argue with me.

10) If you do not write a professional email to me, I will most likely respond to you with a snippy comment and/or I judge you - every single time.

11) I want to go to Greece for my honeymoon. I will fight hard for this one.

12) Only very important people in my life are allowed to call me "Kels." If you do so, and I give you a mean look, I apologize - you just probably are not one of those people.

13) People's eyes fascinate me.

14) Growing my own garden is something I must do when I grow up and own a house.

15) I could wear two pairs of shoes (Rainbows and Sperrys) for the rest of my life.


And there are fifteen random things you most likely did not know about me. What don't people know about you?

october 6

I wish I was better at this. I miss being able to write down all of my thoughts every day - but the times have changed and I have become busier than ever. I feel like I always say that, even though I feel like in my current life it is completely true in every way.

Last night was Ring Premiere for our class, the Class of 2012 - scary because that means graduation is so soon. It got me really thinking about the future, which is even scarier. Applying for jobs, graduate school, LSAT - all thoughts that have gone through my head for possible future plans. After living in D.C. this summer, I truly think that I want to (ideally/hopefully!) get a job in D.C. and live there for a few years, then go to graduate school in the city, then advance farther in my career. Dream world? Yes. I know for sure that I want to take a break from school before I go to graduate school, so for now, that is my only set plan.

Living in D.C. fresh out of college, by yourself, is a scary, scary thought. But I want to do it more than anything. I want to be independent, successful and a big shot right out of college - yes, I said it, go ahead and call me egotistical. I know what I want, now it is seeing whether it will happen for me or not. I am now realizing how little time I have left in college, sorry for the debby downer realization, but it is true. Every day that goes by is one less day I have to walk around the beautiful campus of Virginia Tech, see the smiling faces of my friends every day, visit the Math Empo, live in Squires, and bask in the beauty that is Blacksburg. Sappy, but true. Call me an old soul, but I am more than ready to be in the "real world," but I am also very scared and sad to be leaving college in only a few short years.

Take my word of advice. Cherish every moment you have in college, with your friends, etc, because they are escaping little by little - don't wish the days away. Yes, we are all guilty of it (I sure know I am) but we should try not to as much as we can.

So live it up. Do what you want, be with who you want - just be careful. Lesson of the day.

Advice for myself:
1. Stop spending so much time at the Empo
2. Stop talking about how busy you are/your involvement
3. Spend more time with my roommates
4. Cook more
5. Pick back up reading for my own enjoyment
6. Stop being a boring grandma on the weekend

lovelove, Kelsey

september 21

Hello blogosphere.

I want to apologize for not living up to any expectations that I set this summer as far as blogging went. I was very successful for a string of months, and then as school hit, I fell off the gravy train - my fault.

Coming back to school has been a whirlwind of emotions and excitement all rolled into one. Not only am I the busiest I have ever been, but, somehow I feel the most in control I have ever felt. Having every day and almost every moment of those days planned gives me this feeling that nothing can touch me, no one can change what I am trying to do and no one has say about what happens except for me. It is sort of like a power trip, but not in a bad way, in a way that I feel good about.

I love my apartment and my roommates, but I feel very guilty that I do not get to spend more time with them during the week. I seem to leave my house between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. everyday and do not return until 10 or 11 p.m. at night - which obviously leaves little time for socializing.

I honestly cannot complain about this year with classes and activities, but there is one thing I wish would change, and that is people asking "why, how, are you insane?" sort of questions on an almost daily basis. I think that it is a personal thing as to how involved/how uninvolved/busy you decide to be in college, and if I want to be involved in lots of things and have my days planned out to a tee, then it is my right and privilege to do so. I don't think I need to get dirty looks when explaining myself to others. Just something I needed to rant about, but now that is done, so I can move on.

Over the past few weeks I have been really contemplating future career paths and researching ideas and careers like it is my job (HA - get that? I am funny, or at least I think so). Sometimes I wish college was over and I just go into the "real world" right now and start my life, but then I bring myself back down to earth and remember that college is one of the best times I am going to ever have and I need to enjoy every minutes, so I am trying to remember that each and every day.

I have learned a lot over the past few months about myself, and I finally feel like I feel completely comfortable with the place I am in and the decisions that I am making, and honestly, have never been happier with myself and my actions.

I hope everyone that is reading this has had a very successful start to their school/work year and that you make the most of it, because what is there to lose? Seize every opportunity possible, you won't regret it - I promise.

with love and hope,
Kelsey

thoughts at 8 a.m. on a saturday morning

Confessions
1. I am behind on school work and reading
2. I wish I could cook more often
3. Sometimes I feel like driving far away and staying for a while
4. I wish I read for myself more often


- I am going to math emporium for the majority of the day today so I accomplish all of the reading and school work that I have not done yet. Let's hope it is a success.

- Cooking is something I love doing, because it involves both routine and risky behaviors. Routine because a)you are either using a recipe you have used 100 times before and you know exactly what to do to make it taste delicious or b)you use the same mechanics while cooking: spatula, whisking eggs, breading chicken. Cooking can be risky when a)you are trying out a new recipe and you aren't sure exactly what the outcome will be or b) when you are trying to make something like chocolate souffles, which can be temperamental and can be disastrous if left in the oven thirty seconds too long.

- The mountains are my favorite (I would take the mountains and snow over the beach any day). Sometimes I just want to drive out into the beautiful mountains of southern Virginia and just stay a while. The thing is, I would never do that by myself because that is dangerous and not to mention I get lost just about everywhere I drive. To me, mountains mean several things: freedom, unrestrained, magnificent beauty. I feel that I am able to clear my mind and just be who I want to be when I am out in the open mountain air - feeling nothing except the breaths of the hills roll across my sun-kissed hair.

- I love books. Books are one of those tangible objects that I cannot ever get enough of. For some women it is shoes. Well, I do not particularly like shoes: I like books. The problem is however, that I never seem to have enough time to sit and read books (now that the rush of the semester has begun) that I actually enjoy. I would not say that the Principles of Public Relations is something I would pick up "just for fun." I need to make time to do that. I will today.





and that folks is how Kelsey Heiter thinks on a saturday morning at 8 a.m.

give thanks

Never take what you have in life for granted.

Sometimes life gets the best of us and we let it pass us by, complaining about that slow driver we were stuck behind for ten minutes today, or the elderly woman in front of us at the post office. We don't realize how well off we are - how fortunate we are to be blessed with the family, friends and possessions around us.

Today I was told a story. A story about a young, mentally handicapped girl who was always as happy as could be. She came from a rough home life and was not raised with the best of parents or surroundings. One day, the young girl's mother decided to give her a present "just because." The next day the little girl came to school with her present, ready to show it off proudly to the rest of her classmates. The present was a dusty old jacket from her mother, something that most people would have stared at in disgust. But because that jacket came from that little girl's mother, she wore it like it was the finest gem in the world.

What if we all portrayed that same attitude? Thanked our parents each and every day for what we have, and never took one simple gesture for granted ever again. Yes, it seems difficult and near impossible, but how would that change our world. Putting a positive outlook on everything around you can make all of the difference in your day-to-day life.

My personal goal, as I embark on this new school year, is to truly be thankful each and every day with what I am privileged enough to have: a loving family, caring and loyal friends, healthy and accessible food and water, and the material possessions that I not only need but also want.

What are you thankful for? Tell me your story.

things I love about this week

1. My old room
I love being back in my room. The room where I got ready for middle school dances, woke up on the first day of high school, cried over boys, had sleepovers with my best friend, cut my own hair for the first time, sat on my window seat and read mobs of books, got ready for prom, reminisced the morning before high school graduation. This room holds so many memories. The room I packed with "ready for college" things: clothes, shoes, books - stuff. The room where, right now, is a collection of first apartment, summer in D.C., and college remnants. The room that truly feels like home.

2. Being home and spending time with my amazing parents. And cat.
Home cooked meals, talks about the future, watching sunsets, watching shark week - all those fun things.

3. Braces off. Tomorrow. Enough said.

Goodbye middle school braces, take two.

4. Blacksburg on Friday.

5. My first townhouse with three best friends on Friday.

6. SHARK WEEK
7. The Bachelorette Season FINALE tonight.


I love weeks like this.

lessons learned.

This has been one of the best summers of my life.
I have learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

I have a plan. I know where I want to go in life, I know what my hopes and goals are - and that makes me all the more confident in my day-to-day decisions.

I have become the person I want to show to others; the confident, intelligent, independent, outgoing, fun, spontaneous, loving, driven, hard-working individual that I have been searching for.

There is nothing else to say about how much this summer has changed me and made me a better person. With it's ending comes a bittersweet goodbye, a goodbye I have longed, and not longed, to reach for months now, a goodbye that cannot be thanked enough for what it has given me.

I have one week and three days to continue on my D.C. journey - but I hope to be here again after college, living in the big city and learning more and more with each passing day. Thank you D.C. for teaching me what I could not have figured out otherwise.

alone.

June 27

“Nobody knows me at all…”

Breaths stop short as cars pass by, pass by
One pair of eyes – a break in the crowd
No one stops to stare, every person consumed with individual thoughts
The day is a blur – wake, work, eat, sleep


***

Fast-paced, exposing my weakest moments one day at a time
Alone, independent – call it what you want.
No one; only me
I crave more, I want to share it
- with you.
My experiences, my days, my everything – let’s go back
Back to how it used to be
When I would tell you everything,
- now I am alone, alone in this big city,
maybe you should just say something.

Darting

April 21

      ***
Eyes dart inward
No understanding of the presence you bring
A peaceful, serene sea of eyes
Pull on my heartstrings –
Notes sing throughout my body

Mirror images become reality
How can I lose such control?
Dart in, around, above, below – me
Imagination runs through mountain peaks
Only stops to pick up gatherings of flowers,

A beauty that still cannot reach the equivalent
Of you and me

Lingers rush as a leaf rolling down a stream
Rushes through – with a haphazard soul
Never abandoning the stream

The river of the earth runs deep through my hands and feet
Grounding me to the stabilities of life
My river is the blue of those darting eyes
Growing rapidly through me in a way
That I cannot push back

sunburst

This is why I love my internship. 

Nearly 4,000 staff members gathered on July 1 to create the Smithsonian's symbol, the sunburst, for a group picture. Unfortunately, I am not in the picture because I was at home that day for my Dad's birthday, but a lot of my colleagues were. 

How amazing is that?

love/hate relationships

everyone has them -- we love the snow, hate the cold. love to cook, hate the clean-up. love summer, hate the bugs.

I was thinking about some of my love/hate's on my drive home today, so I will begin with this:


I hate trucks on highways. They sway back and forth and I always think they are going to hit me, hence my speeding quickly by them to avoid any scares. But I love driving, because I love singing out loud/out of key, because no one can judge me for listening to songs that 13-year old girls would like.

I love writing poetry, it is complete release and unique way to get out what I am thinking into a concrete unit. Although, I hate figuring out what to write about, because it never seems to just 'come to me' like it should. But once I get going -- there is no stopping me, and I find that wonderful.

I hate sweating, it is gross, disgusting, smelly, and wet. Eww. But I love working out, releasing endorphins, and listening to music that keeps me going. I have discovered that "Enter Sandman" is probably my favorite song to begin a run to -- if that doesn't get you pumped up, I don't know what will.

I love feeling like a grown-up and being responsible in D.C. -- wearing professional clothes, my work badge, riding the metro with important people; it's a great feeling. Although, I hate how I have become of the those people who works in D.C. and only thinks about themselves as I commute, meaning that I have become pushy, developed a thin line of patience, and don't want to wait for anything.


This is what this summer is all about - figuring out what makes me, me.
Here's to you summer 2010.

"my new life"

never underestimate the power,
the power of a simple smile, kiss, hug
take nothing for granted.
tell those you love how you feel,
spend time with family and friends.
laugh until it hurts, smile until you can't smile anymore,
take advantage of rare opportunities.

never let life pass you by.

These are the Nielson's; they were in a near-fatal plane crash about a year ago.
Here is their story, My New Life.



"appreciate the little things..."

music and books

'Lay Me Down' - Dirty Heads
'Comes and Goes' - Greg Laswell
'Lovers Without Love' - Joshua James
'Sweetheart" - Supernatural
'So You Are to Me' - Peter Bradley Adams
'Take it All' - Ethan Goodson
'Nobody Knows Me at All' - The Weepies
'Sweet Ride' - Courtney Jaye

Most of these songs were found by accident on YouTube, others I have been listening to for a while and they never get old.

Since being in D.C., I have learned many things, one specifically being that I need to be more well read, especially when it comes to politics. So today I went to the Williamsburg Regional Library, because I am home this weekend, and asked for some advice. Result? I came home with the following books:

"The Age of Anxiety" by Haynes Johnson
"Nothing to Fear" by Adam Cohen
"Advise and Consent" by Allen Drury
"The Audacity of Hope"  by Barack Obama
"Protect and Defend" by Richard North Patterson

I am starting with "Advise and Consent," which is a mere 600 pages about presidents, politics, and the Senate. Light summer reading, no big deal...
We will see how it goes.

growth

"Growth means change, and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown."

- The Shack

One of my lovely roommates sent this quote to me today with a note that said "This made me think of you," which made my day. 

I have been doing a lot of self-growth so far this summer, and this quote describes exactly what I have been going through lately. I hope everyone takes the time to grow, and therefore change for the better, stepping into a world unknown to them, only to discover more surprises the lie ahead in life.

Fearless.

I am fearless.

This summer has presented me with so many opportunities to show who I really am, and I have done so without holding back. I have never been more confident, willing to put myself out there, independent, unsure, confused, or stable.

Complete independence in a big city, working at a job in the "real world," conquering year-long fears, new experiences, expressing my true, raw emotions, learning what is truly important in life.

This summer is about me, about MY strengths, and about discovering life.
I know who I am. I know what I represent. I know what I want in life.

I am carving my own path.

dad

he is my rock, my idol, my strength.
he holds more knowledge than humanly possible.
he knows just what to say when I am upset.
he came to every soccer game, cheerleading competition, ballet recital, band concert, and swim meet.
he taught me how to mow the grass.
he taught me how to love unconditionally.
he taught me to always make sure you are put together
he knows when I am weak.
he taught me to love and respect our military troops in all that they do.
he taught me how to be a daughter.
he celebrates my victories and condoles my heartaches.
he taught me to be punctual.
he taught me to never be too critical of myself,
never push myself to too harsh of extremes.
I have his sense of humor,
I look like him - face structure,
I have his, what used to be, curly blonde hair,
his blue eyes
he is wise beyond his years
he has seen sights no one can possibly imagine or begin to understand
he grew up in rural south dakota
he taught me how to appreciate small town living
he taught me how to drive a car, slowly but surely
I will always be his little girl, and he will always be my daddy.

I love you, Dad.

Happy Father's Day.

the thrill

Today I rode four roller coasters for a total of seven rides.

This is a HUGE deal. I hate, despise, and am scared to death of roller coasters. The last time I was on one I was 12 and decided it was something that I was never, ever going to experience again.

Well, today that all changed. As I entered King's Dominion with some friends from school, I was, let's just say "strongly persuaded" to go on a roller coaster. I was persistent in my efforts to avoid them, but, somehow my friends got me to go on one of the scariest coasters there. I closed my eyes the entire time and focused on breathing in and out, in and out.

Thankfully I came out fine in the end. I was done, that one ride was enough. My friends next endeavor was a coaster that I was no way, no how, ever going to ride, so I waited that one out. Throughout the day, my fear lessened, I loosened up a bit, and I ended up riding for a total of seven times. I even put my hands in the air, once, for about 15 seconds. It's a start.

Roller coasters are not something I am a huge fan of, although today, after I loosened up a bit, I kind of enjoyed them - but only a little bit.

 

This is "The Dominator." I rode this one FIRST today. Can you say thrill?

 

New experiences.

That is my motto for the summer.

Today was one more exciting thing I can add to my list.

new books equal happy endings

Everything about today was completely amazing:

1. Woke up at 7:30 a.m. out of early-morning-waking-up habit that I have formed. But soon went back to bed.
2. Made banana nut (fiber one!) muffins with Jess
3. Laid outside, tanned, and read a book
4. Finished one book, began another
5. Slept more
6. Went to the local library with Jess, where they were having a book sale! Bought SEVEN books for $13! Success.
7. Went to Noodles & Co. for dinner
8. Went on an adventure to Georgetown
9. Went to Georgetown Cupcake!


I would call that a successful Saturday. Tomorrow I get to go see Rachel! I cannot wait.
Best weekend of the summer thus far.

living the safe life

I have always played it safe. Routines, planning, future goals, understanding of what is coming next. This summer I am changing it up - this is a summer of new opporutnities, new experiences, a new me.

I came in to summer with the following intentions:
-Gain more independence
-Learn more about myself
-Understand what a job in the fast-paced "real world" of D.C. feels like
-Learn to live alone
-Make the most of what I am given
-Forgive and forget
-Seize every available opportunity


I have never felt so alone in my life.

I don't know how I feel about it. I enjoy it for a majority of the time, but other times, I wish I had my friends here with me. I want the comforts of school, the surroundings, the people, the college experience.
I am not ready for the real world yet, and now I know that. I will take even more advantage of my college career, and enjoy every last piece of what it represents.

Tomorrow I am going into the city, most likely by myself, to go exploring. A weekend of adventures, take one.

the opposite of love

I am reading an insightful, amazing book right now called "The Opposite of Love."

This quote makes me think about what I really know about myself.

"Here's what I know: I eat mass quantities of red meat, curse religiously, sing out of tune but with conviction. I cry when it suits me, laugh when it's inopportune, read The New York Times obituaries and wedding announcements, out loud and in that order."

-Julie Buxbaum

Here is what I, Kelsey Heiter, know:

I read or write whenever I have the chance, sing at the top of my lungs when I drive alone, analyze everything and overplan. I admire people's habits and learn from them, as well as apply those observations to my own life; I understand what it takes to be a good friend, as well as accept good friendship; I want to succeed, I have a drive, a need, to succeed; I criticize myself too often. Sometimes I need to just calm down and take a minute to breathe. I cannot wait to start a career, get married, settle down, and have children. I am neither a dog nor cat person, I love both equally. I think my Grandpa is the best thing since sliced bread. I love fresh vegetables from my mom's garden. I could watch "The Holiday" a million times and never get tired of it.

That is what I know. Think about what you know about yourself - it is interesting what you discover.

june 9

I found this today on Six Billion Secrets:

You're beautiful. Everything about you is mesmerizing, you have no imperfections because anything that could be imperfect about you makes you that much more perfect. There's not one thing I would change about you. Ever. I just thought you should know that.

Quote of the day:

"A man who doesn't trust himself can never truly trust anyone else." -Cardinal de Retz

I am enjoying the city, independence, and time to myself more and more everyday.

june 5

Happenings from week one:

-Surrogate family
-Two new pets
-Successfully mastering the Metro in D.C.
-Becoming even more independent than I already am/was
-Understanding what it is like to wake up at 6 a.m., commute, work until 4, commute home
-Explaining scientific research
-Putting together important presentations
-Purchase orders
-Meetings
-High heels and dresses
-Sleeping on the metro
-Cute boys on the metro
-People watching
-Lots of iPod listening
-Becoming more aware of my surroundings
-Walking with a purpose
-Feeling grown-up
-My own desk, chair, computer/half of my own office
-Getting lost in D.C.
-Finding my way in D.C.
-Seeing someone getting arrested
-Reading three books
-Running
-Being even more responsible than I was
-Enjoying time in a big city
-Exploring D.C.
-Surprise adventures around D.C. with my boss
-Frozen yogurt
-Mastering Google Earth and making programs on it
-Understanding what it is like to have a brother and sister
-Much more independence and alone time

"Everything is something you decide to do, and there is nothing you have to do."
             -Denis Waitley


Week two begins on Tuesday.

if she wants to rock, she rocks

"'Cause if she wanna rock, she rocks
If she wanna roll, she rolls
She can roll with the punches
As long as she feels in charge

And if she wanna stay, she stays
If she wanna go, she goes
She doesn't care how she gets there
Long as she gets somewhere she knows"


Independence, maturity, new experiences, adventures, understanding, real-life experiece.

Summer in the city week one is off to a good start.

home with a new family: part one

I am unpacked, settled, and ready to begin a summer full of excitement and new adventures.

This is going to be a summer of pictures. Get ready.

Here are some things I have encountered so far:


                          Hello D.C. !

These are two of the great six people I get to live with this summer:

    
                                      This is Bandit

                                 And this is Kiki: She is my favorite, she is also huge.

This is already starting out to be an amazing summer.

top ten guilty pleasures

There are things that we all enjoy doing, without anyone, or few people, who know.


These are my top ten:

Bookstores
Any kind of bookstore really. Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, Borders. But these types are my favorite:

The hole-in-the-wall type bookstores that you find on vacations or when you aren't looking - those are the best kind. Books lined wall-to-wall in a small store. I could stay in these kinds of bookstores for hours.
One of my goals in life is to have a mini-library in my house of books I have read and collected over the years, so I started about three years ago collecting a LOT of books. I can't leave a bookstore without buying at least one book - it's sort of an addiction.






People watching

Everyone does this, and if you say that you don't, you are lying. Class, walking around campus, airports, restaurants, out shopping - we do this everywhere. I do this everywhere. I don't sit and judge people, don't get me wrong, I just like to observe how everyone has their own quirks and what makes us all different. It is sort of like a little game that I enjoy. Sometimes you can begin to understand people by looking at them for only ten seconds, that's why I find it so interesting.




Nike running shorts
I would wear these everyday for the rest of my life if I could - not.kidding.
They are my absolute favorite. I actually have these exact ones.
I have ten pairs, in all different colors - they are the best. I really would wear them everyday, anywhere, but that is not socially acceptable, so I don't. When I come home from school or work, these are the first things I put on, complete with some sort of comfortable t-shirt, and I also sleep in them, so I guess I do wear them everyday. Just in secret.





Cheesy relationship novels




Right now I am reading this:

  "How to Be Single"


It is actually a very good book and I highly recommend it. I started reading it yesterday and I am going to finish it today, it is that captivating. I don't know what it is about books like this, they just envelop me and I can't put them down. They are cheesy, they talk about love, lies, relationships, hardships, etc. Chick flicks in a book - the best.








"The Holiday"

Speaking of chick flicks, "The Holiday" is my favorite movie of all time. I have probably seen it 100 times. I know every line, every character, everything about this movie. It is something I watch when I am sad/happy/depressed/excited/anxious/nervous/bored/busy. I can watch it anytime, anywhere.

I think I really like it because I relate to Iris, she is my favorite. And Arthur, I love him.







Fratmusic.com

Unfortunately, this amazing website no longer exists. It was the best party/study/relax music I have ever found. Better than Pandora, yeah, get that. It was frat-tastic in my opinion. For the past few months it was run by two guys at UVA and now that they graduated, it does not exist anymore. Hopefully someone picks it up again very soon. It got me through finals, and I would like that again. Thank you fratmusic.com. Ride or die, keep fratting.



Eyes
Sure, this may sound creepy, but it is the first thing I notice about a person. I think they are beautiful, no matter what colors or shape, they are so unique to an individual and that makes them beautiful. No two pairs of eyes are the same, they vary in some way, shape, or form, and that is why I like them so much. Eyes are, in my opinion, the window into a person's soul. I think you can find out so much by just looking into someone's eyes - amazing.

This is my cat Benson. Even he has gorgeous eyes.


Flowers
Flowers are one of those things that we never NEED, just WANT. I love flowers - any kind at any time. Flowers are always welcome in my mind. My mom is really good about flowers, she knows just when to get them for me. When I come home from Tech for a break, there is always a bouquet of flowers sitting in my room, and they are always beautiful.

                                               I love peonies the best

Home-baked goodies

Cookies, brownies, cakes - all of that. There is nothing better than coming home to the smell of fresh cookies, it is a mixture of "oh I love cookies!" and "It smells like a welcoming home." I also love baking these delicious items, so that makes it that much better. I loved baking with my Mom when I was little. Getting to lick the spoon - that was the best part. Then when my Dad would get home and try something I made he would go on and on about how delicious it was. I guess I just have good memories of baking, so I like to do it whenever I can.


Staying in bed for no reason

Staying in bed on rainy days is my favorite. Either curling up with a good book, listening to music, or just sleeping more - staying in bed is a great thing. Curling up in comfy sheets on a weekend, putting off everything else I have to do for just another hour or two to enjoy some relaxing time where I don't have to think about anything or do anything, except lay in bed and be content. When I am at home, my cat Benson comes and cuddles with me, and then we will fall asleep for another few hours. It is that feeling of comfort for me, feeling like I can just stay there and not have any responsibilities for just a little longer. I love it.




Guilty pleasures make the world better.

taking over

My room is taking over me right now. Basically, I am trying to live between three places, and it is showing with growing piles of stuff all over my house.

1. I have been at home in Williamsburg for the past two and a half weeks. I have unpacked and just put stuff wherever I can put it because half of the stuff, clothes, bags, shoes, etc, I am taking with me to D.C. so I didn't want to put them away for good.

2. Trying to get things together for D.C. Packing and repacking is haunting me. I haven't started packing for D.C. yet and I leave on Saturday...for two months. I need to get it together.

3. Apartment Packing. I have acquired a bed, desk, chest of drawers, and MASSIVE amounts of other things for my apartment with the best roommates ever next year. MASSIVE amounts. I have stuff in every.single.room in my house right now. My bed is in our office, my desk is in our garage, my chest of drawers is in our garage, with two cars as well mind you, my stuff is all over my room and our guest room, and our dining room table and chairs is in our bonus room. There is also random kitchen stuff and accessories downstairs. Okay, I take that back, not every room, but just about.

This is what it looks like:

                                                              My room

                                                           Our guest room

There is stuff everywhere. Do you SEE that shelf in my room?! I swear it is going to break because it has so much on it.

I feel cluttered.

The worst part about it is that I can't do anything because there isn't anywhere else to put things.


                                                         This is how I feel:

I need to de-clutter my life.
D.C. here I come.

acts of kindness give me hope

Have you ever stopped to think about what an amazing place this world is? How kind people can be? It's hard to when a majority of what we hear about consists of violence, hate, crime, death - focusing on the negatives of the world when there are so many positives.

I saw this encouraging video today while exploring around a little:

My New Life

Watch it. I promise you it's worth it.

Also, visit GivesMeHope or LoveGivesMeHope


"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
              Ralph W. Emerson 

scheduling is bliss

Today has gone like so:

-Wake up
-Run for 30 minutes
-Go to the gym for two hours
-Come home to construction workers in my backyard (joy!)
-Clean/wash a tall oak chest of drawers I bought for my new room next year (real wood, antique, $70! Score.)
-Tried to be forced into conversation with said construction workers in my backyard (not fun)
-Made blueberry muffins
-Watched Sex and the City
-I wanted to go lay outside in my bathing suit and read a book, but creepy construction workers put a damper on that plan

Sure, myself, like any other sane human being, loves summer. Although I, strangely enough, HATE, not having a schedule. Hate.

I need to have things to do during the day that are meaningful. For instance: right now I am sitting in my bed, with no lights on, in running shorts and a sweatshirt, listening to Pandora and writing a blog. Sure it's fun and relaxing but I need to be doing something productive with my life or else I feel like the day is almost a waste.

NOW, I know that is not true at all - the "my day being a waste" thing, but, sometimes I feel that way. I try to make the best of each and every day, but on days like this I feel like I have accomplished zero, zilch, nothing.

It's really strange how my thinking about this works. Even I don't understand it, which is very weird/doesn't make sense. Basically, I am ready for D.C. - I am ready to get up at 6 am, run, shower, get ready, take the Metro into the city, and go to work (at least Monday-Thursday). I have long weekends, which is really nice, although I have to come home a lot, so it will be a lot of driving on the weekends but that's okay because I like driving.

Everyday: walking that same path and up the stairs. It is like a real job, a real schedule, back to normal.

It's such a drastic change going from days at school completely planned out from 9 a.m. until around midnight, with studying and such, to being at home, watching movies, baking random things, working out at whatever time I want. I don't think I like it very much - no structure. I need structure in my life.

I just need to remember not to wish the days away. I found this quote today:

"There is more to life than increasing it's speed."
                                      - Gandhi

Agreed. I will try to keep that in mind.

-

"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
                          - Aldous Huxley

How you see it

                                                Life is what you make it.
This picture inspired this blog post. With the addition of a few fun things to my mouth today, I decided to try and look at it in a positive light: after all, life is what you make it. Pros: you cannot see my braces when I talk (they are only on the top row), I can smile without my teeth and still look normal. Cons: I have to smile really, really big to smile with my teeth, and then you see them. Fail.

The way I put it is that I will be in D.C. this summer with barely anyone I know, so why would they care if I don't smile as much as I usually do - no big deal. They really hurt, so I laid in bed all day and read. I love reading and I am so glad that I have time to do so this summer. Everyday this summer I am going to read. I have a 45 minute ride into the city, so I will take that time to get lost in a good book for a little while. 

I am already to be in D.C. - I am already tired of not being on a set schedule this summer. Sure, I love having free time to do things such as shop, tie-dye, read, knit, run, etc. But I will love summer even more when I have a set schedule where I work, run, and read: everyday. 

Life is what you make it, so make the best of it, as much as you can, everyday. Even if you have a mouth half-full of metal (it does not look as bad as it sounds - I promise) 

a walk down memory lane

Remember middle school - the years of awkward times, not knowing how to talk to boys, acne, glasses and, the worst, braces. Oh braces, how I loathed you. Well, tomorrow I will get to loathe them all over again.

Yep, you guessed it, braces round two begin tomorrow. Although this is not something I would have ever wanted again, it is under the best circumstances this time: it is only the front six top and bottom teeth, it is in the summer in a place where I know about six people, and it is only for three months. Best scenario possible.

I went for a run today, for the first time in weeks. It was one of those days after a steady rainfall, and a cold front had moved through, and everything is green and in full bloom. While I was running I had several things running through my mind: trying to keep myself going, what song is blasting in my ears, and what I love about nature. Sure, that sounds cheesy, but I encountered some beautiful scenery that I encountered when I was running, even if it was only in my neighborhood. I am reminded of the Green River Preserve, my favorite place, the place where I can be alone in nature, while being together with a thousand living things at one time.

That is something I am going to miss this summer, being in nature and taking it in for all it offers. I will be inside a majority of the summer, working, but that is okay, because I plan on spending my lunch breaks outside on the Washington lawn, as well as some evenings downtown.

I think what I am looking forward to the most this summer is Hokie Camp. Three fun-filled days: outside from 6 am - Midnight everyday, perfection. I cannot wait.

lovelovelove.

daydreaming, literally

day dreams.
    those little things you think about during the day when you should be doing something else.          something more important, right? correct.

Today I did that, except I really was sleeping and dreaming (I was sick today and slept for seven hours straight).

I had one of those dreams that did the following:
  - Made perfect sense
  - Involved my friends and people I love
  - Had a story that was something I want to happen in real life
  - Awoke me much to my displeasure
  - Helped me figure some things out

I feel like this dream lasted for the entire time that I was sleeping, so seven hours, but I have no idea how that works (the dreaming/time ratio) so it could have been for two minutes, who knows.

               What I do know is that it made perfect sense - which is the scary part.
Try to make sense of your dreams: it is difficult to do.

"Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you."

my greatest generation

Didi and Dobie, my maternal grandparents, amazing individuals, with enough love to support anyone at any time.

I went to visit my grandparents today for the first time since Christmas. It is really difficult to try and get home while I am at school, so my Mom and I made the trip to Va. Beach today to visit with them and see what is new in their lives, even though all they do is golf, drink wine, eat crackers, and watch FOX all day long - that's okay.

My grandfather recently retired, after owning and working for the Chespeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Shop (The Seagull Pier) for almost 45 years. He bought a new car (super jealous), plays golf three times a week, and reads the newspaper - what a life. He is my favorite person in the entire world. We have one of those relationships where you don't necessarily talk a lot, it is a silent understanding.

           and I love that.
He gets me - we don't even need words to make that known. Dobie: my favorite.

Didi, on the other hand, is kind of crazy, but I love her anyway. She tries to talk to me about politics, which I normally just ignore (like I said before, she just sits and watches FOX all day, nothing else, no other opinions) and she likes to shop out of catalogues.

Today I learned how much our generations are similar, as well as different.

We were talking about the future and where I wanted to go with my life and what my Mom wants to do after she retires and the wine club that my parents just joined and what my grandparents' plans were when it hit me: these individuals sitting in front of me are 70 years older than I am. 

It amazes me. We can relate to each other on a level that makes perfect sense, albeit our age difference.

         I love them.

I am Iris

I am Iris Simpkins from “The Holiday.” Everything about me is represented in her, without the British accent of course.

Here is why:

- Have you read/listened to her opening monologue? If you haven’t I suggest you look at it RIGHT  now – that is my life, to a tee.

- I like to think we look alike (I can dream)
- I am going to D.C. this summer to escape Jasper, and to start looking for a Miles
- Because I am supposed to be the "leading lady of my own life," not the best friend. Ironic.
- I am a victim of unrequited love: I will admit it.
- She cries about her sorrows and wears big comfy sweaters while doing so.
- I love old people, and so does she
- She is looking for corny in her life, as am I
- She is an independent woman
- She also has a Blackberry
- She is a blond bombshell

                this is why I am Iris.
I am all of those things I listed above (in some way, shape, or form).


This summer is my Christmas vacation - it is a summer of "me." A summer to continue my search for independence, how to become the leading lady, how to fall out of love, and how to become amazing.


That is my biggest secret: the fact that I am the best friend, in love, and not the leading lady of my own life. Well my friends, today, today it ends. I am free for three months: free to roam D.C., find summer night life, love, friends - it is in my grip. I will be in the grip of my dominant function all summer - get ready D.C., it's on.

begin the journey: summer 2010

It is finally here: the summer I have been waiting for all of my life, my summer. My summer of independence, responsibility and relaxation. It is going to be amazing.

As I lay here on a Wednesday night in my comfortable bed at home, staring at monstrous piles of stuff in my room (which I am dreading unpacking) I cannot help but think about how great/not great/exciting/new this year was. Relationships strengthened, new friendships rose, my GPA rose, I got more involved - overall, it was a very successful year.

This last semester was especially stressful because of the mix of classes and activities I had going on. That is why I am so ready for this summer - the summer of "me."

I will be living in the suburbs on D.C. (Springfield) with family friends, but everything else I will be doing is independent. Figuring out the metro system, riding the metro everyday, walking around D.C. by myself everyday, going to work everyday, taking on an entirely new routine of responsibility - it going to be amazing.

Basically I cannot wait. I leave Memorial Day weekend for D.C. - expect a lot of blogs about my experiences and adventures in the big city.

mom

she birthed me, c-section and all
she sang to me when I was sad or angry
she held my hair when I was sick
she taught me how to do laundry
she knew how to cure any sickness
she wrote notes on my lunchtime napkins
she always makes my favorite birthday cake,
even if it isn't my birthday
she always made me wear a dress on the first day of school
she bought me a puppy,
and then a cat
and then a fish.
she knows exactly what to say when I am upset,
or when I am happy
she is always so excited when I am excited
she celebrates my accomplishments like they are her own -- in part they are
she always knows how to make me feel beautiful,
even when I don't feel it
she can hug me and the world feels okay
she taught me how to cook,
and how to appreciate fine cooking
she taught me to be kind to everyone
she taught me how to love
she helped me deal with loss, disappointment, frustration
i can't eat scrambled eggs because of her, but I am okay with that
she never gets angry with me,
even though I can be so rude

she puts up with everything I do. I love you for that Mom, and I don't know what I would do without you in my life

never alone

I have been writing poetry over the past month and I thought I would share some.
Take it as you will:

everthine

never mind my thoughts and feelings
always one step ahead, one beat behind
my words do not do justice to my emotions felt
understood, experienced, never-ceasing

bring another to the table - show me more
familiar footsteps in my longing
take me away
never land - never mind
ever mine, ever thine, ever ours
- never mind

fragments

my continuity is fragmented - release me
bewildered, overwhelmed
how do I make sense?
no modern precedent, no rhyme
I think this way
broken and severed from my realm of reality
understood - no
I want to understand,
I want to know
cease - now.

bmb

an entanglement of dark wisps
placed by strategy
the familiar scent I know all too well
a jingling of keys announce her presence
bold eyes meet mine: comfort
my best friend

beautiful without lifting a finger
kind as the ocean meets the sea
as the sun meets the moon, any day - willing

questions motives movements
lacks understanding of her own incredibility
dedicated, motivated
peaceful soul
a heart too large to fill the glass half-full

imagine a world free of hate
imagine a soul of a friend more beautiful
none exist
an inner connection
me and you, in it 'till the chorus rings

roommates

Myself and my roommates for next year decided that we wanted to do a little photoshoot so we could have pictures of the four of us to hang in our townhouse next year.

Here is a look at some of my favorites from the day.

Photo credit: Andy Sporrer

Enjoy!

goodbye spring 2010

As spring is coming to a close (I will be home in 10 days and counting), I cannot help but reminisce on the past semester and everything that it has offered me:

- A steady workload of 18 hours of classes
- Sort of teaching a class, grading papers, and interacting with amazing RLC students
- Growing more confident every day
- Writing poetry for the first time
- Love in many ways
- Growing closer to my really good friends
- Meeting new people everyday
- Gaining 150 amazing sisters in Kappa
- A new position with the Collegiate Times and an even newer one for next year
- Another student teaching assistant position for next year
- Co-director of Marketing for Big Event next year
- Learning how to manage my time
- Growing up and becoming more responsible
- Deepening my relationship with my parents
- Frustration due to school and responsibilities
- Learning how to open up and show that I might not have it all together all the time
- Showing more deep emotion
- Learning how to be more patient and listen closely

This semester has been a really good one, even through the stresses of school and everything that goes along with it.

The bonds I have with my roommates for next year has only gone up from the time we decided to live together - I am so excited and ready for adventures with these girls.

There are nine people I have grown extremely close to this semester and I could not imagine my life without them. They are my rock; they have supported me all semester and I love them all deeply for that. You know who you are.

Now we are in the homestretch - it's the final countdown, to quote Europe.

Exams, here I come.

"for the longest time..."

"I have been a fool for lesser things..."

I have been listening to Billy Joel's "For the longest time" on repeat for about an hour now, and somehow I am still not tired of it.

As the next two weeks are beginning, a need something to help me relax a little, and that is what music does for me. Specific songs have such a calming effect, it is amazing.

I am currently writing a poetry analysis for my American Literature and got distracted by Billy Joel and this one song - which has inspired to me to write poetry, so I have been doing that instead of my analysis, but I will get back to the very shortly.

As embarrassing as it is, I have been singing at the top of my lungs for about twenty minutes to random songs because my roommate is not here and it is sort of a stress relieve - laugh it you want, but I promise it helps.


an artist's touch april 29

I feel alive when we -
touch,
as simple as a bed turned down
my heart is turned, piece by piece

a rainbow of watercolors
entangled on a single brush
a collage of feelings
in tune with an artist's hand,
a writer's dictionary
on spot with how I think
no need to even question my dreams -
you know them all

I wish to paint the misunderstandings,
the insecurities -
layed out on one canvas for all the world to see,
not developed by a professional
an amateur, possessive of feelings

covered in thought
spread from hands to paper
made in an everlasting print.
-KDH