Brontide

n. The low rumbling of distant thunder

Google is amazing. How cool is it that when I'm doing something and have a question, I can quite literally type that question into Google search and get 10,000 answers? And then, there are times I find myself getting out of control.. Today was one of those days...

I typed in "What to do with my life post-college graduation"

Not kidding. I'm asking a search engine to help me find direction in my life..

I get tons of responses back with "finding the right job" and "winning the interview" but that was not what I was looking for. Justin, has recently decided to remain at MSOE for an extra year to complete his Master's right away. Which suddenly reminds me that I will be graduating in a year and will have to figure out something to do with my life. This year difference that is now in place between our graduation dates makes me think, "Self, this is a wonderful opportunity to go experience something." The time span of a year seems to perfect, too planned, like God said "Let there be a year for Kayla to go do something," and so, I search. Or rather Google search.

I've considered many of the "traditional" non-traditional things to do post-graduation such as backpacking through Europe, Peace Corps, go live in the middle of Canada by myself foresaking all belongings. But none of these seem right. First of all, I have no money, so anything that requires much money is pretty much off the table. I don't necessarily feel the need to make money in my year of adventure, but making enough to pay for living would be a plus. And the idea of traveling alone has never appealed to me. I'm not nearly confident enough to pull something like that off. So what does that leave me with? Well, not much. So the search continues.. input always welcome from you, my hordes of readers.. ;)

That's me, backpacking through Panama. Maybe... :)

Always,
K

Hirquitalliency

n. Strength of voice

Today, while studying fervently (yea, right..) I happened upon the History Channel, one of my favorite TV channels. Well there was of course a show on that was far more interesting then studying for my final exams tomorrow. It was on the KKK and Aryan Nation. At first I found it interesting simply because I had learned about these groups in school, but did not know what their current status was, or what the groups current actions and goals were. Two and half hours and not nearly enough studying later, I was completely engrossed in the documentary. The program spanned the history of the groups from their start a hundred years ago to today. I found myself asking the same question again and again...

How can someone be so filled with hate?

There was video of rallies of the groups where hundreds of people were all united for the common goal of eliminating so called "inferior" people from the country and Earth. Again and again, I found myself staring at my arm, trying to understand, how can someone look at their skin and determine that its color makes them better then the next guy who is a different color?

Being the social observer that I am, I started to theorize... Perhaps its their own insecurity that makes them feel they need to be superior to someone, anyone, in order to "live" with their shortcomings. Perhaps, they had a bad experience with the members of these other ethnicities or religions. Or maybe, it all comes down to fear. We fear that which is unfamiliar. But none of these were satisfactory, because any of these feelings can be expanded to every human to walk the Earth, what makes these distinct individuals so hateful?

I realized at this point there was no answer and I would remain frustrated and ignorant of the answer for probably forever. But that's not where my day ended. Later, a friend of mine mentioned via AIM that he was sitting across from a person who was bashing homosexuals. Little did that person know, he was sitting across from one. He too was so filled with hate, that the thought never entered his mind that a person he knew and talked too might just be one of those people he was so thoughtlessly maiming. And not much later after that, I came across another group of people expressing hatred for President Obama.

My question is this, why are we so quick to use the term hate, but so hestiant to use the word love? I find myself just as guilty as anyone "I hate this class," "I hate this professor," etc. How awful that is.I do not hate my professor, I simply am unhappy with how the class is going, or felt unsatisfied with my interaction with them. I vow, to my endless audience of readers to use the term hate only to express my hatred for hate. I will find more constructive ways to describe my displeasure with a situation and will never express such a negative attitude towards a fellow human being. Maybe one person will notice and take it upon themselves to do the same thing, and in our own small way, we will influence some small corner of the world to rid themselves of the idea of hate.

Wouldn't you know that today is Mardi Gras, I just noticed. Without even intending I have just decided on something to give up for Lent and beyond(not that I typically celebrate the Easter season like that). I'm giving up hate. :) Happy fat Tuesday all, I love you!

Always,
Kayla

Hemerine

adj. -Daily

So, I am so completely excited for this blog that I feel the necessity to write again. I know this will wear off one day, but I should take advantage of this now to get somewhere with this thing. What to write about? The expanded global market in a time of great globalization and its effect on GDP and inflation? No. I do not even know what I just said...

How about I introduce to my life as a Resident Assistant in Roy W. Johnson Hall (commonly RWJ) 5? I'll try out the "insert photo" option for kicks.

First off, those are the 5th floor bodyguards, Elvis and Elvis. They've been known to keep things jiving all night long. Well until 11 pm when quiet hours kick in. They are exempt from our "overnight guest policy" because of the services they provide.


This is rainbow guy. I know he has a real name, but I don't know what it is... His main job on the floor is to be a reminder that this is 5th floor not 6th floor (the only other girls floor in our 12 floor building). He's the first guy to welcome you to the floor as you exit the elevators.

This is our 5th floor Message Board where we right positive, happy notes to on another. For example "Yay Almost Break" as a little motivation to get us through Finals Week. Nothing obscene or naughty is ever written on this board. ;)

These are some of my residents. They might be my favorites, but I'm not supposed to have favorites. I will be awfully sad when they leave me next year.

My A-MA-ZING bulletin board for January's Women's History month. I know its February, I'm working on a new one :)


My floor has 35ish ladies living here, with 2 bathrooms, 4 showers (1.8 of which are operational). 5th floor is full of trials and tribulations but I love it :)

I have 32 fellow staff members as an RA whom I love dearly. They truly are my family away from home. Bill and Cheryl = Dad and Mom and will undeniably be the best bosses I ever have.

Our family also includes our fabulous facilities workers and housekeeping staff whom I enjoy working with over the summer.

That about rounds out my resident assistant life. Some people say being an RA is like being a babysitter or police officer, at time that is true. But then there's time when you get to be someones friend or help someone through a tough time and the rewards are unquantifiable. The experiences and friendships I've made on staff truly are memorable and I look forward to another year with them...

I better make this blog a million times more interesting if I want anyone to read it :)

Autohagiographer

N-One who speaks or writes in a smug fashion about their own life and accomplishments

Don't get too excited, it will be a cold day in the underbellies of the Earth when I post more than once to this blog in a week's time, much less a day, but I felt i should introduce myself. Granted, most of the 3 people who will be reading this blog know me quite well, in fact, probably better than I know myself, but in case the wayward traveler passes through, let's give him his money's worth...

First, the title... Nelipot- N- Someone who walks without shoes.

Go ahead, laugh. I like it. It's easy, to the point, and so true.

I'll publish my bio in the profile function, but here's the highlights...

- Female, aged 21

-Attending Milwaukee School of Engineering, indeed NOT for engineering, but for what I like to call, "the I have no idea what I'm doing anymore" major of business management. I originally came for nursing, but, it did not work out. End of story, I will graduate on time however. (Most asked question after hearing I've switched majors)

- Quite madly in love with "enter main love interest" Justin. Several years together and he can still handle me. It's meant to be...

- "Enter family," once upon a time, I may not have listed my family this high on a list about me. Now I can't imagine putting them anywhere else. My brother Kyle is an endless source of fascination for me. I'm sure his trials and tribulations will make this blog at some point.

- I am quite unable to be content.

That's the gist of it I suppose. I hear blogs these days all have some little thing that makes them "unique" (strange that unique has become such an un-unique word). My flair will be the usage of such unusual and quite outdated words. In case you haven't noticed.

The Adventures of Kayla just sounded like too high of a bar to set..

PS. The final decision to get this project up and going is attributed to Ms. Stewart, my 5th grade teacher. After reconnecting with her today and being directed to her blog, I realized how this blog-thing is so my "thing" Thanks once again for inspiring me :)

Adoxography

N - The skilled writing on an unimportant subject.

What a brilliant way to start a blog, no? I had every intention of starting a blog a month ago on my 21st birthday as a little celebration to me for the coming year of adventure, excitement, and change. But let's be serious, I am Kayla and schedules have never been my thing. So instead here I start on February 19th (actually quite early on February 20th), with the thoughts and fears of an undoubtedly shaken woman. Whoa, woman, when did I grow up?

This past week was not good. Not many other words to describe it other than that. My plans and hopes for the coming year in terms of academia, relationships, and jobs have all been completely turned inside out and upside down. I quote a good friend, "If you want to see God laugh, tell him your plans." Well indeed God, you got me this time :) But what I am most bothered by this week, is that I am NOT bothered by these changes in plans. Once upon a time, a full on nervous breakdown might have occurred. I would be lying if I said I did not cry or get mad or sad, but in the end, I knew it was happening for a reason. And I was ok with that. Odd.

So, the beginning of this blog signifies the beginning of truly entering an unknown. Maybe that's a little dramatic, but this is my blog and if I want drama, I'll have drama. ;)