well, what a whirlwind month this has been. it seems as if there is so much to tell.
parents' weekend
parents' weekend at school was slated for the weekend of february 25-27, with most events scheduled for saturday the 26th. of course, this coincides with my birthday, which falls on the 27th.
Julie's parents were coming up from oxnard and everyone I know had at least one family member showing up. unfortunately, my mom and dad told me it would not be possible for them to come. i couldn't blame them – if there was any way possible, they would have been there.
in lieu of this, i decided to invite my oldest brother and future sister-in-law, who live in san francisco. at least i could take them around campus and show them about my life here at school. Brian and Carla have been supportive of me and I’ve benefited from being near them as i go through my freshman year in college. we decided they would meet me at my dorm at about 8:30 saturday morning, start with a tour, and then do a video conference with my parents and other siblings back home in portland.
i got up saturday morning and something seemed off. just a little weird. i dismissed it and headed out for my 3.2-mile morning run, which i do four times a week. Julie was up and talking on the phone with her parents when i left.
i made my way around my little course and park to the parking lot where i passed my car. Julie was out near it and urged me to walk with her back inside.
i stopped. froze is more like it. i saw the impossible, and it took my breathe away.
in front of my dorm, milling around and smiling, were my dad, mom, youngest brother Keith and two youngest sisters, Angela and Monika. they had surprised and shocked me. they'd kept this visit a secret, which is not easy to do in my family the size of mine. i would find out later that they had someone on the inside. Julie had not been on the phone with her parents; she had been on the phone with mine!
as our conversations transpired, i was informed that there was never any doubt my parents would show up; just a question as to how many of and which of my siblings would accompany them. they basically pulled a fast one on me!
we went to my room and talked for a while and caught up. it was Keith and Angela's first time to meet Julie so they enjoyed talking to her. Brian and Carla showed up right on time. i had seven visitors for parents' weekend and i was beaming. Brandon, Jessica and Kevin each had conflicts in their schedules and were unable to come. apparently the plan was for my parents, Keith, Angela and Monika was to drive to san francisco after they got of work on friday and stay the night with Brian and Carla, then meet me after my run.
i played tour guide most of the day; showing them where all my classes were, introducing them to people and basically sharing my college life with them. we joined Julie and her parents for dinner which was really nice. i absolutely loved having them there.
my birthday was sunday so we spent most of the day together before they were to leave at around four or five in the afternoon for the drive back to portland. we hung out in the morning then had a nice celebration lunch for my birthday.
i had the best gift for which i could have asked for this birthday, but there was one more surprise. all my family pitched in for a present which shocked and astounded me. it was a 32” lcd flat screen television. that was just about the only thing Julie and i did not have in our dorm room (we've been using a 13-inch emerson hand-me-down!). it's perfect. i love my family immensely. i could not have asked for more that weekend.
that guy
it was just about a month ago when Julie and i decided we would go out to a club to listen to some music. we were talking about it in the lobby of our dorm when a couple guys we had met a couple times previously overheard and asked it they could tag along. why not; the more the merrier. so we all went and had a pretty great time.
the four of us hung out all night then one of the guys and i ended up staying up the rest of the night getting to know each other better. he's really interesting and, unlike some guys, is very good at listening once he asks a question. we began seeing each other right after that.
now, to be honest, i don't have the best track record with relationships. it's just really a matter of not finding someone compatible. the guy and i always seem to be going in different directions. while i'm not necessarily looking for anything long-term, i know that it's just about at that time when that kind of things happens. i don't know what's going to happen in the weeks and months ahead, but i'm enjoying being with him right now. he's very considerate to my schedule and goals, which is extremely important to me.
i've met a couple of guys here and there, and i've mentioned them by name to people and on websites. those potential relationships didn't work out. this time, i decided to give him a nickname. thus, i am referring to him as That Guy.
he even came by and met my parents during their visit during parents' weekend, and i had the chance to meet his father.
but alas … that's another blog!
~ Kassandra
About Me
- Kassandra
- I'm Kassandra an Oregon girl at heart. Attorney at Law. My parents are both U.S. army veterans and continue to serve in the military in other capacities. I have four brothers (two older, two younger) and three sisters (all younger). I love each of them for all of their individualities and their commitments to the examples set by our parents. Aside from my family, I have several friends who mean a great deal to me. Notable are my best friend from high school and my best friend from college, I'm strong in analytical thinking. I am able to process things from several viewpoints simultaneously. I'm open and honest. Note: I'm interested in receiving feedback on this blog, but I request that the comments pertain to the actual blog itself, and I do not approve anonymous comments.
Showing posts with label dorm mate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dorm mate. Show all posts
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
back in the swing of things
well, i've been busy lately. i was trying to come up with a better word for it, but "busy" seems to be the best word to describe it.
following christmas break, i returned back to school for the beginning of my second semester. i made it a point to become immersed in this semesters classes as i had in in the fall. my classes are again challenging, but i have no doubt that i can do just as well.
Julie and i continue to have fun in our dorm room and there have been numerous nights of little potlucks with our neighbors. these are always a lot of fun, since it's like a mini party on our floor. in fact, the opponents of our lingerie flag football game during last semester's secret snowflake came up (clothed) and hung out one night. that was a huge amount of fun.
of the three weekends since the semester started, i've spent two of them at Brian and Carla's apartment, including this weekend when they weren't there. that's no issue since i have my own room there so i can get away from school if i need to.
it's been a fun weekend of a lot of solitude and a couple of get togethers at neighbors, whom i've previously met. it's not like they were strangers, so it was nice getting to know them a little better.
the past weekend, i met someone and became involved for what i thought would be a solid time. as it turns out, he ended up being like a lot like previous guys i've met. i understand wanting to spend time together; however, i don't tolerate ultimatums when it comes to disregarding my studies to spend time with him. that is unacceptable and i quickly told him goodbye.
i still connect with my family as often, and even more so than i did the previous term. things are going well back at home, and speaking via any method with them never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Dad
my dad is doing exceptionally well after his angioplasty before christmas. in fact, he's doing so well that he returned to work about a week and a half ago. they say he's pretty much back to normal, and he says he's no longer going stir crazy at home. i absolutely love him and i know he's best in his element.
Aubrey
readers of this blog may remember my trip to new mexico last summer, and my cousin Aubrey. she e-mails me at least once a week and we talk on the phone a couple times a month. in september she began her tutoring to deal with dyslexia. she just e-mailed me a copy of her grades for the first half-year of school. one A, five B's and a C. that's a 3.00 average ... up about 1.50 points from before the dyslexia diagnosis. i knew she had it in her!
~ Kassandra
following christmas break, i returned back to school for the beginning of my second semester. i made it a point to become immersed in this semesters classes as i had in in the fall. my classes are again challenging, but i have no doubt that i can do just as well.
Julie and i continue to have fun in our dorm room and there have been numerous nights of little potlucks with our neighbors. these are always a lot of fun, since it's like a mini party on our floor. in fact, the opponents of our lingerie flag football game during last semester's secret snowflake came up (clothed) and hung out one night. that was a huge amount of fun.
of the three weekends since the semester started, i've spent two of them at Brian and Carla's apartment, including this weekend when they weren't there. that's no issue since i have my own room there so i can get away from school if i need to.
it's been a fun weekend of a lot of solitude and a couple of get togethers at neighbors, whom i've previously met. it's not like they were strangers, so it was nice getting to know them a little better.
the past weekend, i met someone and became involved for what i thought would be a solid time. as it turns out, he ended up being like a lot like previous guys i've met. i understand wanting to spend time together; however, i don't tolerate ultimatums when it comes to disregarding my studies to spend time with him. that is unacceptable and i quickly told him goodbye.
i still connect with my family as often, and even more so than i did the previous term. things are going well back at home, and speaking via any method with them never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Dad
my dad is doing exceptionally well after his angioplasty before christmas. in fact, he's doing so well that he returned to work about a week and a half ago. they say he's pretty much back to normal, and he says he's no longer going stir crazy at home. i absolutely love him and i know he's best in his element.
Aubrey
readers of this blog may remember my trip to new mexico last summer, and my cousin Aubrey. she e-mails me at least once a week and we talk on the phone a couple times a month. in september she began her tutoring to deal with dyslexia. she just e-mailed me a copy of her grades for the first half-year of school. one A, five B's and a C. that's a 3.00 average ... up about 1.50 points from before the dyslexia diagnosis. i knew she had it in her!
~ Kassandra
Sunday, December 5, 2010
i dare you!
so, the past week is what's known as dead week, which is the last week before finals. one of the traditions here is what is known as the secret snowflake.
no, it's not a hidden snowflake that we must find. this is something completely different. it's an in-dorm thing where people anonymously send someone a set of three dares which the student must perform, one on consecutive nights from wednesday to friday. most students accept and perform the dares, laugh and move on with life. the only rule is that there are no rules to each dare -- anything goes.
i was the recipient of a set of dares.
1. flag football with a twist
my dormmate and i were each sent three dares, one of them being one to perform together. we were challenged to a game of football against two girls from the floor below us. the game was set as a two-on-two, and the first team to score two touchdowns, wins. oh, and one more thing: all four of us players' uniforms were to consist of lingerie.
Julie and i were "dressed" in black and our opponents in white as we took the field. each team had a coach and there was one referee.
the third floor girls had the ball first and scored.
Julie and i, who comprised the fourth floor team, completed a couple passes then our coach came out and talked about some plays. he mentioned that he had a play to the right, a double screen option as he called it. the only catch is that we needed a left-handed pass. he was a bit surprised when i told him to draw up the play for us. see, i'm left-handed! we lined up, started the play and Julie tossed me the ball. i started to run a little forward and to the right. both defenders came at me. i threw behind me and on the run to my dormmate who caught it and sprinted for the touchdown. there were cheers from the sideline.
our opponents had the ball next. they completed one pass and threw two incompletions. taking two completions to make a first down, they went for it on fourth. i counted aloud ... one cardinal, two cardinal, three cardinal ... and rushed the quarterback. she threw the ball, but it was short and right into Julie's arms. she stopped for a second. i heard our spectators yell, "RUN!" and Julie sprinted down the field and into the end zone for our second touchdown!
we won!
sure, there were a lot of guys watching, but instead of leering at us in our "uniforms," they lined up with hands up. the four of us slapped their hands as we were congratulated on a good game from each of them. we even hung around for a few minutes with a group and chatted for a bit.
2. a little minor fund-raising
on the second night, i was given a dare in which i might make a little money. my objective was to knock on each dormroom door on my floor and ask each person i encountered for a penny.
this seemed a little corny, but kind of cute. so, at about 11 p.m., i proceeded to go from door to door.
i got a lot of laughs ... and i also got 38 cents!
3. a little dip
on the third and final night, 18 of the girls in the dorm were dared the same thing. this dare was a tad more intense and personally challenging. it had nothing to do with any major physical or mental exertion. it was something i had to dig deep to accept. as it turns out, i was one of only four who accepted this dare.
there are fountains all over campus, and one near my dorm. on this night i was to skinny dip into this fountain for exactly 60 seconds. only two caveats were applied to this: the group would shield the fountain in a circle preventing viewing from the outside, and the RA's would police the area to prevent anyone from using their phones to take pictures.
as it turned out, i was the third of the four to go. i came down in my robe with Julie and our RA, Gary, flanking me. i felt like a boxer going into a championship bout!
i watched two other girls take their turns, get out and shiver. my name was then called. i took a deep breath, gave my robe to Julie and entered the fountain. i walked around, splashed a few people (and, i supposed, flashed as well!), and dipped my head under the spout to soak my hair and shoulders. after what seemed like a chilly eternity, the timekeeper called time.
i made my way out of the fountain where Julie wrapped me in my robe and Gary put the towel on my head. ever the sportsman, i stayed as the last girl went her turn (the first two girls had gone inside).
pride
yes, they were some strange dares and i've even heard a couple people criticize the first and third as being immoral and/or inappropriate, but you know something: i'm proud to have participated in this. while there were the aforementioned criticisms, there were many who have commended me (and others) who completed all three dares.
i have made it a point to immerse myself in this culture. i very much don't want to look back and say i wish i'd done that. i can proudly say "hey, it was no big deal, and i'm glad i did it!"
~ Kassandra
no, it's not a hidden snowflake that we must find. this is something completely different. it's an in-dorm thing where people anonymously send someone a set of three dares which the student must perform, one on consecutive nights from wednesday to friday. most students accept and perform the dares, laugh and move on with life. the only rule is that there are no rules to each dare -- anything goes.
i was the recipient of a set of dares.
1. flag football with a twist
my dormmate and i were each sent three dares, one of them being one to perform together. we were challenged to a game of football against two girls from the floor below us. the game was set as a two-on-two, and the first team to score two touchdowns, wins. oh, and one more thing: all four of us players' uniforms were to consist of lingerie.
Julie and i were "dressed" in black and our opponents in white as we took the field. each team had a coach and there was one referee.
the third floor girls had the ball first and scored.
Julie and i, who comprised the fourth floor team, completed a couple passes then our coach came out and talked about some plays. he mentioned that he had a play to the right, a double screen option as he called it. the only catch is that we needed a left-handed pass. he was a bit surprised when i told him to draw up the play for us. see, i'm left-handed! we lined up, started the play and Julie tossed me the ball. i started to run a little forward and to the right. both defenders came at me. i threw behind me and on the run to my dormmate who caught it and sprinted for the touchdown. there were cheers from the sideline.
our opponents had the ball next. they completed one pass and threw two incompletions. taking two completions to make a first down, they went for it on fourth. i counted aloud ... one cardinal, two cardinal, three cardinal ... and rushed the quarterback. she threw the ball, but it was short and right into Julie's arms. she stopped for a second. i heard our spectators yell, "RUN!" and Julie sprinted down the field and into the end zone for our second touchdown!
we won!
sure, there were a lot of guys watching, but instead of leering at us in our "uniforms," they lined up with hands up. the four of us slapped their hands as we were congratulated on a good game from each of them. we even hung around for a few minutes with a group and chatted for a bit.
2. a little minor fund-raising
on the second night, i was given a dare in which i might make a little money. my objective was to knock on each dormroom door on my floor and ask each person i encountered for a penny.
this seemed a little corny, but kind of cute. so, at about 11 p.m., i proceeded to go from door to door.
i got a lot of laughs ... and i also got 38 cents!
3. a little dip
on the third and final night, 18 of the girls in the dorm were dared the same thing. this dare was a tad more intense and personally challenging. it had nothing to do with any major physical or mental exertion. it was something i had to dig deep to accept. as it turns out, i was one of only four who accepted this dare.
there are fountains all over campus, and one near my dorm. on this night i was to skinny dip into this fountain for exactly 60 seconds. only two caveats were applied to this: the group would shield the fountain in a circle preventing viewing from the outside, and the RA's would police the area to prevent anyone from using their phones to take pictures.
as it turned out, i was the third of the four to go. i came down in my robe with Julie and our RA, Gary, flanking me. i felt like a boxer going into a championship bout!
i watched two other girls take their turns, get out and shiver. my name was then called. i took a deep breath, gave my robe to Julie and entered the fountain. i walked around, splashed a few people (and, i supposed, flashed as well!), and dipped my head under the spout to soak my hair and shoulders. after what seemed like a chilly eternity, the timekeeper called time.
i made my way out of the fountain where Julie wrapped me in my robe and Gary put the towel on my head. ever the sportsman, i stayed as the last girl went her turn (the first two girls had gone inside).
pride
yes, they were some strange dares and i've even heard a couple people criticize the first and third as being immoral and/or inappropriate, but you know something: i'm proud to have participated in this. while there were the aforementioned criticisms, there were many who have commended me (and others) who completed all three dares.
i have made it a point to immerse myself in this culture. i very much don't want to look back and say i wish i'd done that. i can proudly say "hey, it was no big deal, and i'm glad i did it!"
~ Kassandra
Sunday, November 28, 2010
a wonderful visit
it's been a long time since i can single out one particular week as an example of what makes me the person i feel i am.
i am a very driven and determined individual, perhaps even to a fault at times. i have goals in college and in life which i've repeatedly and proudly told others are my primal focus in life. i'm talking about my future and those things which i want to attain in my professional life. with focus, i know there's nothing i can't accomplish. i feel as if i have all the tools to reach these things; genetic intelligence, determination, and the personal support of those closest to me. to simplify, i will not let anything derail my plans.
of all those tools, one in particular is pushing me and is at the front of my mind right now.
other than my oldest brother, Brian, the last i'd seen my parents and siblings had been the second week of september when i said goodbye to Angela, Jessica, Keith, Brandon and Kevin at our house in milwaukie, oregon – then shared endless hugs with my baby sister, Monika, and my parents right before they drove away from leaving me at stanford the following day.
my relationship with my dorm mate has been an incredible one. we share many things in common and have gotten along incredibly well. Julie and i have formed this little foursome with our neighbors across the hall which has served as a wonderful foundation as i began my freshman year.
but the obvious lingering absence from my life has been my family. i probably seem to show more affection for my sisters than brothers, but i feel as much love for each of them as any other. i have a special connection with each of them. i feel fortunate to find a common denominator with each. this does not even mention my parents who have been everything for which i could have hoped. through successes and tragedies, my parents have been the rocks to which i can cling. they've allowed me to grow without letting that growth get out of hand.
my mama will always be my biggest supporter. i truly don't know how she juggles a husband, eight kids, service to her country and overseeing a business into which we recently became partners. one day i may ask her that … if i ever think she can find time to respond to that question. actually, i know she would always make time for the inquiry. she's just amazing like that.
my father told me something as he saw me off at stanford on that september 14th morning which took me aback. i had no response to it then, and i'm still not so sure what my response would be if i had to come up with one. when it came our turn to say goodbye to each other that morning, i said some things thanking him for his love, patience, instruction, lessons and everything else which has made me feel confident in my life. in response, he said the following: “thank you, Kassandra, for truly teaching me how to be a father.” i am as speechless today as i was in the two-and-a-half months since he said that.
i can only assume that after having two sons, he had to learn a few things when it came to having a daughter. he learned them in abundance; and it's a good thing since he would have three more of them!
thanksgiving break from school was this past week and the plan always has been for me to drive up from school and spend the week at home. true to plan, i made the trip north for the holiday (refer to previous blog). i knew they would all have their lives and priorities and, in a way, it was really interesting to see that from outside of the immediate situation.
i spent a lot of time with my sisters and youngest brothers. Brandon was busy with search and rescue events (including serving meals to abandoned children), but we had a nice portion of the day on friday where we were able to really catch up. he's a senior this year and pondering college or entry into the county's firefighter training program following graduation. i basically told him two things. the first that it is early and he's got some time to decide, but to apply to those colleges in which he might be interested; no matter what, to keep his options open. the second was to ask his big sister (he's 14 inches taller and nearly 100 pounds heavier!) for any advice at any time, and that she'd be there for him whenever.
Angela is really focusing on writing and tae kwon do; two things which she really enjoys. she's also been a tremendously wonderful surrogate mother to my cat, Nikki. i couldn't have made a better choice. Keith informed me that he decided not to play basketball at school so that he is able to be at his best for when baseball season comes around. he continues to collaborate with Jessica on their shared love for music, and continues to perfect his skills on the guitar.
Kevin, my second-oldest brother lives on his own and was somewhat in and out of the house during the week. he's actually doing quite well with small remodel jobs such as bathrooms and kitchens. it can't be easy with the economy the way it is.
Monika, almost like a daughter to me, is so precious. i had begun teaching her to read about a year and a half ago, and she made it a point to show me the progress she's making under the tutelage of Jessica and Angela, reading the entire Book of Mark from the New Testament to me the day after i got home, and she knew what it said. i'm very impressed with her comprehension.
i've always felt that my sweet sister, Jessica, is the strength of all of us. i know that when there have been times when i've needed to tap into some of that, and she's never failed to be there for me, or her other siblings for that matter. i had a lot of time to talk to Jessi about how things were going. with me gone, she's pretty much running the household when my parents aren't there and she admitted that it's a bit daunting. all i could do is reassure her that everything seemed to be going smoothly and that our parents trust her judgment as much, if not more than they trusted mine. she's also reinvested in writing her own compositions and is a major force in her high school's band, serving her second year as first piano. i'm so proud of her.
my parents are solid. i've mentioned them before here, and i was able to have some long discussions with each of them. it was really a give-and-take, as they opened up about what's going on with the new business, my dad's national guard base, my mom's reserve duties and the family. i opened up to them with the things which are of concern to me. we had one very long and comprehensive conversation which really made me feel good about their confidence in me. i knew of that confidence, but it's always nice to be reminded of it from them.
i would be remiss if i failed to mention seeing my best friends from high school on wednesday night. it all started with Shawna when we met for dinner. we then went to a club to hang out, and were joined by Ted, Lori and a few others. It was like nothing had changed, but that we were older and more mature. forget that we didn't get home until about three in the morning; it was these connections that i had hoped to maintain on this trip. i also had a chance to do some shopping with Shawna on friday. When it comes to shopping with her, let's just say we're very good at that!
while i've missed everyone, i've not been lonely the first months at school. however, this was a trip home i really needed to make. i think in a way it was therapeutic for me. i feel as if i keep proving to myself that i can do all this. there's never been much doubt; this serves more as a confirmation than anything else.
i learned a lot this trip, and i don't know that it could have been any better. it was relaxing, comfortable and exactly what i needed.
and to think, i'll be back there in just a couple of weeks.
~ Kassandra
ps: for those who read my last blog; dad has my car purring like a kitten!
i am a very driven and determined individual, perhaps even to a fault at times. i have goals in college and in life which i've repeatedly and proudly told others are my primal focus in life. i'm talking about my future and those things which i want to attain in my professional life. with focus, i know there's nothing i can't accomplish. i feel as if i have all the tools to reach these things; genetic intelligence, determination, and the personal support of those closest to me. to simplify, i will not let anything derail my plans.
of all those tools, one in particular is pushing me and is at the front of my mind right now.
other than my oldest brother, Brian, the last i'd seen my parents and siblings had been the second week of september when i said goodbye to Angela, Jessica, Keith, Brandon and Kevin at our house in milwaukie, oregon – then shared endless hugs with my baby sister, Monika, and my parents right before they drove away from leaving me at stanford the following day.
my relationship with my dorm mate has been an incredible one. we share many things in common and have gotten along incredibly well. Julie and i have formed this little foursome with our neighbors across the hall which has served as a wonderful foundation as i began my freshman year.
but the obvious lingering absence from my life has been my family. i probably seem to show more affection for my sisters than brothers, but i feel as much love for each of them as any other. i have a special connection with each of them. i feel fortunate to find a common denominator with each. this does not even mention my parents who have been everything for which i could have hoped. through successes and tragedies, my parents have been the rocks to which i can cling. they've allowed me to grow without letting that growth get out of hand.
my mama will always be my biggest supporter. i truly don't know how she juggles a husband, eight kids, service to her country and overseeing a business into which we recently became partners. one day i may ask her that … if i ever think she can find time to respond to that question. actually, i know she would always make time for the inquiry. she's just amazing like that.
my father told me something as he saw me off at stanford on that september 14th morning which took me aback. i had no response to it then, and i'm still not so sure what my response would be if i had to come up with one. when it came our turn to say goodbye to each other that morning, i said some things thanking him for his love, patience, instruction, lessons and everything else which has made me feel confident in my life. in response, he said the following: “thank you, Kassandra, for truly teaching me how to be a father.” i am as speechless today as i was in the two-and-a-half months since he said that.
i can only assume that after having two sons, he had to learn a few things when it came to having a daughter. he learned them in abundance; and it's a good thing since he would have three more of them!
thanksgiving break from school was this past week and the plan always has been for me to drive up from school and spend the week at home. true to plan, i made the trip north for the holiday (refer to previous blog). i knew they would all have their lives and priorities and, in a way, it was really interesting to see that from outside of the immediate situation.
i spent a lot of time with my sisters and youngest brothers. Brandon was busy with search and rescue events (including serving meals to abandoned children), but we had a nice portion of the day on friday where we were able to really catch up. he's a senior this year and pondering college or entry into the county's firefighter training program following graduation. i basically told him two things. the first that it is early and he's got some time to decide, but to apply to those colleges in which he might be interested; no matter what, to keep his options open. the second was to ask his big sister (he's 14 inches taller and nearly 100 pounds heavier!) for any advice at any time, and that she'd be there for him whenever.
Angela is really focusing on writing and tae kwon do; two things which she really enjoys. she's also been a tremendously wonderful surrogate mother to my cat, Nikki. i couldn't have made a better choice. Keith informed me that he decided not to play basketball at school so that he is able to be at his best for when baseball season comes around. he continues to collaborate with Jessica on their shared love for music, and continues to perfect his skills on the guitar.
Kevin, my second-oldest brother lives on his own and was somewhat in and out of the house during the week. he's actually doing quite well with small remodel jobs such as bathrooms and kitchens. it can't be easy with the economy the way it is.
Monika, almost like a daughter to me, is so precious. i had begun teaching her to read about a year and a half ago, and she made it a point to show me the progress she's making under the tutelage of Jessica and Angela, reading the entire Book of Mark from the New Testament to me the day after i got home, and she knew what it said. i'm very impressed with her comprehension.
i've always felt that my sweet sister, Jessica, is the strength of all of us. i know that when there have been times when i've needed to tap into some of that, and she's never failed to be there for me, or her other siblings for that matter. i had a lot of time to talk to Jessi about how things were going. with me gone, she's pretty much running the household when my parents aren't there and she admitted that it's a bit daunting. all i could do is reassure her that everything seemed to be going smoothly and that our parents trust her judgment as much, if not more than they trusted mine. she's also reinvested in writing her own compositions and is a major force in her high school's band, serving her second year as first piano. i'm so proud of her.
my parents are solid. i've mentioned them before here, and i was able to have some long discussions with each of them. it was really a give-and-take, as they opened up about what's going on with the new business, my dad's national guard base, my mom's reserve duties and the family. i opened up to them with the things which are of concern to me. we had one very long and comprehensive conversation which really made me feel good about their confidence in me. i knew of that confidence, but it's always nice to be reminded of it from them.
i would be remiss if i failed to mention seeing my best friends from high school on wednesday night. it all started with Shawna when we met for dinner. we then went to a club to hang out, and were joined by Ted, Lori and a few others. It was like nothing had changed, but that we were older and more mature. forget that we didn't get home until about three in the morning; it was these connections that i had hoped to maintain on this trip. i also had a chance to do some shopping with Shawna on friday. When it comes to shopping with her, let's just say we're very good at that!
while i've missed everyone, i've not been lonely the first months at school. however, this was a trip home i really needed to make. i think in a way it was therapeutic for me. i feel as if i keep proving to myself that i can do all this. there's never been much doubt; this serves more as a confirmation than anything else.
i learned a lot this trip, and i don't know that it could have been any better. it was relaxing, comfortable and exactly what i needed.
and to think, i'll be back there in just a couple of weeks.
~ Kassandra
ps: for those who read my last blog; dad has my car purring like a kitten!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
thriving
the past month has been that of getting adjusted, thriving and downright enjoying life. a lot of things have happened, so i'm going to touch on the highlights.
first of though, i should probably start off by saying; please disregard the comments in the final section of the previous blog. Adam turned out to be nothing i would want to be around. why 'o why do i seem to attract those types of guys ... well not always, i guess.
family
i've had many, many opportunities to keep in touch with my family back in oregon (not to mention my brother in the bay area).
i try to talk to my parents at least twice a week (usually about three times to each of them), and my siblings one- to two-times a week. we chat via webcam, instant message, e-mail and numerous times on the telephone. this has been wonderful. i believe my family knows how hard it is for me to be separated from them.
i've been able to keep up with all the latest with each of them and have been able to tell them of each and every little thing going on with me.
two trips have been made to my brother and his fiance's apartment in san francisco. if you remember, i have my own room in their three-bedroom apartment. those trips have been a great diversion from campus life; a very nice break as i've used the time primarily to study and complete some papers.
school
i go into every semester with a semester-long plan to study and review on a daily basis. i also make sure that once i am assigned a paper or project that i complete it as soon as possible. this is what i call my study plan. not to sound conceited, but i think it's working very well. i have four mid-term papers completed, and i'm prepared for the other three mid-term exams. mid-terms begin tomorrow and i really feel as if i'm taking advantage of this opportunity.
Julie and i continue to get to know each other and we're getting along very well. we seem to have the same priorities and styles as we approach life here at school. we also share ethical and moral standards which make things so much easier and, therefore, more fun.
i've gotten to know the resident assistants (RAs) pretty well. one in particular, Gary, has been very helpful and supportive. if i must say, i think i'm his favorite resident on the floor. being aware that the males in my family are very athletic and active, he's dubbed himself as my "gay older brother and protector."
football and basketball
i absolutely love the atmosphere here surrounding the cardinal football team. i don't know if this is because it's new to me, because we're doing so well or because of both. i'm guessing both. i've been to two games at the stadium (didn't go to the southern cal game because i had the flu). for the away games, a group of us get together in the dorm's rec room to watch the game. we've had about 30-35 residents in there for both games and it's been a really nice way to get to know people. i've met some very fun friends there. we've got five games left -- two at home and three away. i'll be at the stadium for the home games, and in the rec room for at least two of them. there is talk that we should be able to get tickets to the "big game" against cal at berkeley. i really want to be there!
my hometown portland trail blazers open up their season in just two days from this writing. still with some injuries to a couple of our players, i'm confident in the team we're going to put on the court this season. we have steady veterans, an more-than-solid core group and some very exciting rookies. on paper, we should be very strong. i'm not saying we'll win the championship this season, but it is the year we should be able to take the next step.
personal
i'm really just getting into the social life here. watching football in the rec room has been a lot of fun and there have been a few fun parties. i've met a lot of people.
there is a whole different selection of guys than i've seen before. in a way, that makes me feel like a little school girl. i haven't planned on any relationships, but perhaps the occasional fling might be fun. i had a great night during alumni weekend with a sophomore named Chase. he seems sweet. i may just want to hang out with him again.
i'm going to leave that at that.
~ Kassandra
first of though, i should probably start off by saying; please disregard the comments in the final section of the previous blog. Adam turned out to be nothing i would want to be around. why 'o why do i seem to attract those types of guys ... well not always, i guess.
family
i've had many, many opportunities to keep in touch with my family back in oregon (not to mention my brother in the bay area).
i try to talk to my parents at least twice a week (usually about three times to each of them), and my siblings one- to two-times a week. we chat via webcam, instant message, e-mail and numerous times on the telephone. this has been wonderful. i believe my family knows how hard it is for me to be separated from them.
i've been able to keep up with all the latest with each of them and have been able to tell them of each and every little thing going on with me.
two trips have been made to my brother and his fiance's apartment in san francisco. if you remember, i have my own room in their three-bedroom apartment. those trips have been a great diversion from campus life; a very nice break as i've used the time primarily to study and complete some papers.
school
i go into every semester with a semester-long plan to study and review on a daily basis. i also make sure that once i am assigned a paper or project that i complete it as soon as possible. this is what i call my study plan. not to sound conceited, but i think it's working very well. i have four mid-term papers completed, and i'm prepared for the other three mid-term exams. mid-terms begin tomorrow and i really feel as if i'm taking advantage of this opportunity.
Julie and i continue to get to know each other and we're getting along very well. we seem to have the same priorities and styles as we approach life here at school. we also share ethical and moral standards which make things so much easier and, therefore, more fun.
i've gotten to know the resident assistants (RAs) pretty well. one in particular, Gary, has been very helpful and supportive. if i must say, i think i'm his favorite resident on the floor. being aware that the males in my family are very athletic and active, he's dubbed himself as my "gay older brother and protector."
football and basketball
i absolutely love the atmosphere here surrounding the cardinal football team. i don't know if this is because it's new to me, because we're doing so well or because of both. i'm guessing both. i've been to two games at the stadium (didn't go to the southern cal game because i had the flu). for the away games, a group of us get together in the dorm's rec room to watch the game. we've had about 30-35 residents in there for both games and it's been a really nice way to get to know people. i've met some very fun friends there. we've got five games left -- two at home and three away. i'll be at the stadium for the home games, and in the rec room for at least two of them. there is talk that we should be able to get tickets to the "big game" against cal at berkeley. i really want to be there!
my hometown portland trail blazers open up their season in just two days from this writing. still with some injuries to a couple of our players, i'm confident in the team we're going to put on the court this season. we have steady veterans, an more-than-solid core group and some very exciting rookies. on paper, we should be very strong. i'm not saying we'll win the championship this season, but it is the year we should be able to take the next step.
personal
i'm really just getting into the social life here. watching football in the rec room has been a lot of fun and there have been a few fun parties. i've met a lot of people.
there is a whole different selection of guys than i've seen before. in a way, that makes me feel like a little school girl. i haven't planned on any relationships, but perhaps the occasional fling might be fun. i had a great night during alumni weekend with a sophomore named Chase. he seems sweet. i may just want to hang out with him again.
i'm going to leave that at that.
~ Kassandra
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
changes abound
it's been just over a week since my last blog, but life has drastically and expectedly changed for me, in more ways than one.
saying goodbye
on monday the 13th, early in the morning, i said an emotional heart-felt goodbye to my younger brothers and sisters (sans Monika). it's hard to go into, and relate how emotional this was to me. in particular, i did not want to let go of Jessica or Angela during our hugs. finally, i cleared my eyes got into my car, smiled at Monika in the back seat, and followed my parents as we headed toward san francisco.
we made pit stops in roseburg, medford and redding before making it to my brother's apartment by about 6:30 at night. i got to drive Monika down during the first and last legs of the trip, and we had a really great time talking and singing along with some cd's. i also got a chance to talk with my dad (second leg) and mom (third leg). that was a really special time for me. it meant so much to have that one-on-one time with each of them.
we stayed the night at Brian’s, though i couldn't sleep. my mom got up in the middle of the night to find me sipping coco on the deck. i was too excited with anticipation and too deep in thought of the future. my mom joined me for a couple hours. but we didn't speak of what will be. we spoke of what has been. we exchanged stories. stories about a little brown-haired girl asking her mother a million questions about everything; stories about a wide-eyed little girl trying to keep up with her two older brothers; stories about a little girl with a smile so bright as she cuddled next to her father so they could spend time watching sunday football together. it was just what i needed that night. it put a lot into perspective for me. it's just as if, as always, she knew just what i needed.
we arrived just before noon. i checked into my dorm and picked up my parking permit. my dormmate, Julie, arrived about 45 minutes after we did.. it was wonderful to me, like a beginning. on the other hand, it was extremely difficult to say goodbye to my parents and youngest sister. i watched as they drove away and turned the corner, almost expecting them to turn around and realize they forgot to take me with them. of course, i knew better. i really don't know exactly when i stopped waving goodbye.
arriving and beginning school
Julie and i spend most of that day unpacking and getting settling in. we have everything for which we can hope! small fridge (small, mind you, not mini!), microwave, hotplate, tv and … well, anything else two girls might need (except maybe our own bathrooms!). we've connected amazingly well. neither of us seems to worry about the little things.
we toured the campus together, then took an official tour of the campus with our dorm's resident assistants. it was very informative. we also spent part of the day at the beach on saturday (i'm so glad i have my car with me!). we also got tickets to stanford's game against wake forest saturday night. the latter was made even more fun when we clobbered wake! go cardinal.
classes started on the twentieth and my first impression is one of optimism. from what i can tell of the first two days, this atmosphere is catered to my style of learning; reading, listening, reviewing and testing. i can sooo totally do this!
a little something extra
i don't know if extra is the correct word, but i'm going to use it anyway! so thursday we were walking around and decided to sit down outside the quad. Julie kept nudging me and i'm like, “what?” she kept smiling and finally, on the other side of me, i heard this voice. it was asking if we were getting settled, if we were finding out where things were around campus, and if we had our tickets for the football game two days hence.
i turned and smiled. the voice was extremely cute! we started talking and i told him – Adam – that we hadn't planned on going to this particular game because it was only non-conference and didn't count toward our goal to win the pac-10 title, even though we still had to go through oregon, oregon state, usc and arizona to get there.
Adam’s eyes got wide.
he said after hearing my response, he just had to ask me to the game. i said sure (did i mention he's cute?!). he and his friend would take me and Julie to the game under one condition. i had to have lunch with him on friday so we could get to know each other.
we spent most of friday afternoon together and all of us met up for a bagel and went to the the game saturday evening. i had specifically planned not to become involved with someone the first half of this year.
i'm seeing him again thursday night. maybe i'll let you know how it goes!
~ Kassandra
saying goodbye
on monday the 13th, early in the morning, i said an emotional heart-felt goodbye to my younger brothers and sisters (sans Monika). it's hard to go into, and relate how emotional this was to me. in particular, i did not want to let go of Jessica or Angela during our hugs. finally, i cleared my eyes got into my car, smiled at Monika in the back seat, and followed my parents as we headed toward san francisco.
we made pit stops in roseburg, medford and redding before making it to my brother's apartment by about 6:30 at night. i got to drive Monika down during the first and last legs of the trip, and we had a really great time talking and singing along with some cd's. i also got a chance to talk with my dad (second leg) and mom (third leg). that was a really special time for me. it meant so much to have that one-on-one time with each of them.
we stayed the night at Brian’s, though i couldn't sleep. my mom got up in the middle of the night to find me sipping coco on the deck. i was too excited with anticipation and too deep in thought of the future. my mom joined me for a couple hours. but we didn't speak of what will be. we spoke of what has been. we exchanged stories. stories about a little brown-haired girl asking her mother a million questions about everything; stories about a wide-eyed little girl trying to keep up with her two older brothers; stories about a little girl with a smile so bright as she cuddled next to her father so they could spend time watching sunday football together. it was just what i needed that night. it put a lot into perspective for me. it's just as if, as always, she knew just what i needed.
we arrived just before noon. i checked into my dorm and picked up my parking permit. my dormmate, Julie, arrived about 45 minutes after we did.. it was wonderful to me, like a beginning. on the other hand, it was extremely difficult to say goodbye to my parents and youngest sister. i watched as they drove away and turned the corner, almost expecting them to turn around and realize they forgot to take me with them. of course, i knew better. i really don't know exactly when i stopped waving goodbye.
arriving and beginning school
Julie and i spend most of that day unpacking and getting settling in. we have everything for which we can hope! small fridge (small, mind you, not mini!), microwave, hotplate, tv and … well, anything else two girls might need (except maybe our own bathrooms!). we've connected amazingly well. neither of us seems to worry about the little things.
we toured the campus together, then took an official tour of the campus with our dorm's resident assistants. it was very informative. we also spent part of the day at the beach on saturday (i'm so glad i have my car with me!). we also got tickets to stanford's game against wake forest saturday night. the latter was made even more fun when we clobbered wake! go cardinal.
classes started on the twentieth and my first impression is one of optimism. from what i can tell of the first two days, this atmosphere is catered to my style of learning; reading, listening, reviewing and testing. i can sooo totally do this!
a little something extra
i don't know if extra is the correct word, but i'm going to use it anyway! so thursday we were walking around and decided to sit down outside the quad. Julie kept nudging me and i'm like, “what?” she kept smiling and finally, on the other side of me, i heard this voice. it was asking if we were getting settled, if we were finding out where things were around campus, and if we had our tickets for the football game two days hence.
i turned and smiled. the voice was extremely cute! we started talking and i told him – Adam – that we hadn't planned on going to this particular game because it was only non-conference and didn't count toward our goal to win the pac-10 title, even though we still had to go through oregon, oregon state, usc and arizona to get there.
Adam’s eyes got wide.
he said after hearing my response, he just had to ask me to the game. i said sure (did i mention he's cute?!). he and his friend would take me and Julie to the game under one condition. i had to have lunch with him on friday so we could get to know each other.
we spent most of friday afternoon together and all of us met up for a bagel and went to the the game saturday evening. i had specifically planned not to become involved with someone the first half of this year.
i'm seeing him again thursday night. maybe i'll let you know how it goes!
~ Kassandra
Friday, August 13, 2010
sf bay area rocks!
so far, i am loving the bay area! i know seem to be saying 'i love this' and 'i love that' a lot lately. it's true though; i've been here just a day and a half, but it's been an incredible day and a half!
Brian and Carla
i was met at the san francisco airport by my brother at a little before 5 a.m. thursday morning. after grabbing my luggage, he took me to his apartment where i would be staying through the weekend, which included friday's meeting with my college counselor.
wait, i'm getting ahead of myself a bit.
Brian and Carla have been together a little over a year and became engaged in june. she essentially met my family when he brought her home for my high school graduation. the reception from my parents, siblings and myself was a positive one for her. i imagine it can be daunting meeting your fiance's family of military parents and seven siblings. i, for one, was quite impressed.
prior to my arrival in san francisco, Brian and Carla informed me that they had a big surprise for me.
my brother and i arrived at the apartment from the airport at about 5:30. Carla was already awake. each of them had to go to work in a couple of short hours. i was going to get a chance to rest after my two weeks in new mexico and nebraska.
i was told to help myself to the fridge and cupboards, make myself at home and feel free to watch any movies or listen to any music i found in the place.
then my brother nodded toward his fiance and said she had something to show me. she smiled slightly then motioned for me to follow her. i did so, and Brian followed me. down the hallway and to the last door.
she stopped for a moment, then opened the door.
what i saw brought me to tears. the bed, the chest, the desk. and a theme of my favorite pink.
i was then informed that this was my room, for whenever i wanted to take a break off campus and drive the 30 miles north. this was offered as my refuge by a smiling couple. i was amazed and honored.
Brian had grabbed my bags and he set them inside. he approached me as i was walking around beaming, a smile from ear to ear. what he told blew me away. Carla had remodeled the room just for me. he said she wanted to make a great impression since i would probably be the family she would get to know best.
i smiled at her, went over and gave her a huge hug. i love it!
college counselor meeting
i met with my counselor at the university for the first time in person this morning. she's a sweetheart and i really think we'll be able to work together.
we spent a lot of time on the curriculum and what it will take for me to attain the goals i have for myself. this basically included the courses and overall plan of action for me to earn the degrees for which i'm aiming.
she showed me a layout of my classes for fall and a layout of the buildings on campus. we also talked about my dorm, parking permit and the student union.
she also gave me a special treat. as we were concluding, she said 'ah, one more thing.' she picked up the phone, looked at a paper on her desk and began dialing.
that one more thing was a call to my dorm mate, a blond girl named Julie from oxnard, california. we spoke via speakerphone for about 10 minutes and exchanged phone numbers and e-mail addresses. it's great that we'll already have been talking before we actually meet face to face. needless to say, i'm feeling pretty good about it!
so here i am, in my room near my school, loving ththe bay area!
~ Kassandra
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