so I don’t mind in the least that my car usually is not immaculate
course I still gotta get rid of some of the crap and vacuum it out sometimes
(line of propriety)
but overall it’s NOT my top priority
AND THAT IS OKAY!
Don’t ever give me crap about my car again (it’s not that bad anyways!). I ain’t lookin’ to be offended, but just don’t talk to me about that subject, k?
ya right, you’re better off tryin’ to freeze hell!
My naughty Nissan FINALLY passed its emission inspection!
And I bought myself a huge bottle of chocolate milk to celebrate
🙂
Folks, it’s real important to do our best to stay on top of responsibilities like this (If anyone knows what it’s like to get overwhelmed by car stuff, it’s me! But thankfully I’ve come a long way). One way to think of it is being a wise stewardover your stuff. Seriously, try to maintain your vehicle so you can keep yourself and others safe and happy. Sound good? I just knew you’d see it my way…
“We are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties.”
FRIENDS!
1) What things are YOU a steward over?
2) Why is wise stewardship so important?
3) How can you be an even better steward?
Okay, gotta go drink down my yummy treat.
Hmm, maybe I should pour it over a bowl of LuckyCharms!
PS. I think that is one of the dumbest lyrics ever written, but I was driving a few days ago when it came on the radio and I immediately thought of this famous scene from “SandLot.”
is a very talented, innovative, and creative individual. However, many of her outfits, songs, dance moves, and overall life choices are highly objectionable (duh!) And that is not merely my opinion. That is a FACT. To borrow the words of Ms. Natasha Bedingfield, [Lady Gaga] is not the kind of girl you bring to mother.” Still, I cannot completely overlook her artistic gifts!
So what is one to do about this paradox of trash and talent coexisting in the same woman? I have coined a phrase that I believe perfectly captures this problem (and even offers a solution!). Check it stat:
is one of the things I take into consideration when writing this blessed blog. It is certainly not the only thing (duh!), and it’s also not necessarily the mostimportant thing either. But it still clearly holds clout in the court of Kat’s mind. It is a priority. A major one, too. And it’s not that I’m afraid of being called in to my Stake President for chastisement when I occasionally employ a pseudo-swear or playfully tease my viewers with the exposure of a juicy shoulder. Not even close (I do not fear excommunication or any other lesser form of Church discipline). It’s just that I have many different identities. One of them is Mormon. One of them is disciple of Jesus Christ. Those things are not necessarily exactly the same, but there is definite overlap, huh? 🙂 And those particular identities strongly influence (but do not completely dictate) my choices. And my outfits. And my words. And my puns. And my music. And my song lyrics. And my pictures. And my jokes. And my videos. And my topic/subject matters. And my posts. And my entire blog! And although the Church is merely a vehicle through which to fully live/experience the gospel, it is a vehicle we must help keep clean.
(check out that last General Conference link/ talk: it’s BOMB! and it is heavily influenced (or even appropriately plagiarized) by the Great Mormon thinker Eugene England. Also, after my vehicle metaphor, I realized I need to vacuum my car this week…)
~Gavin Degraw (Listen to this song, too. SO GOOD!)
So back to the main point of this post. Just remember this:
Katherine Cares about the Church.
And although I am still pretty new to this whole blogging thing, I am conscious of some of the repercussions I may cause (and am causing!), in whatever small/medium/big (or completely microscopic) way . Mormonism is my mother tongue, my homeland, and, although I love to travel, when it comes to my faith, I ain’t never leavin!
So hopefully the Church’s image isn’t hurt when I post pictures like this:
And I think now would be an excellent time to remind you that Mormons no longer practice polygamy (if they do, it’s some off-shoot brand that is not recognized by the Brethren), and also that I wrote a smashing article about a girl who was born into a polygamous family, then later joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Check out the published piece of pie! Oh, and just so you know, Vilate’s story has gotten even wilder. Like, out of this world crazy. In a good way, though. Stay. Tuned.
And for my beloved readers, how clean do YOU keep the image of your church (or family name/affiliation, etc.) How clean do you keep your literal car? And which is more important (trick question…)?
Watch this video to find out the ONLY church ttopic
But both it and I are still pretty cool, I think. And while we are on the subject, “perfection” is an interesting idea. It can make us strive to become our best selves, or it can drive us insane. There has been a lot said on the idea, including studying the etymology of the word itself. Christ spoke of it in the book of Matthew. I wish to further explore this idea in another post, but for now, allow this LDS apostle to shed some light and insight onto the idea of realistic perfection:
Tonight I drove to a Family Home Evening activity. I had the directions, but as often happens, I got a little lost! I saw these 2 cute girls and I just had a feelin’ they could help me out.
and they did! I found where I was going in no time. Pretty, athletic, nice, and street smart all in one. Thanks girls!
The following poem is written by my friend Mackenzie. She is a good friend who likes to write poetry (obviously!), prepare for her upcoming LDS mission, and rock out in the car with me to Kelly Clarkson. This poem is a beautiful expression of her trials, but also her faith. I publish this with her permission.
Much Longer
I can’t do it any other way unless the Lord is on my side
In this small peep-hole my life seems like a long ride
I need to trust my faith when all else is failing me
Trying to envision just who God wants me to be
If in failing I lose all sense of self, I know God will be my spiritual wealth
I’m so many broken pieces learning to find my way
But with the Lord on my side, I can never go astray
I need to get my license, that broken piece chips my eye
So many unneedful crystal clear tears that I cry
I want to serve the Lord, that broken piece chips my aching heart
With my faith in all sorts of parts
How much longer will my confidence sink?
This life goes by in such a blink
I need to build up a light around me so that darkness cannot succeed
Christ’s light is what I thirst, it’s what I need
Wow! Nothing I could say would do this poem justice, so I’ll just let it speak for itself. Love you, Kenz!
to Google Docs! (though sadly now it’s all called “Drive,” which is NOT my favorite word in the world)
This is Todd. Remember him? Loads more to come about this guy, but for now, I’m glad I could bring him into the sweet spot of writing collaboration that IS Google Docs. Dayan would be so proud.
This is Kenneth Christofferson (along with his lovely wife Leslie). He was my LDS bishop and continues to be a great friend and father figure to me and to countless others. This man’s name is no coincidence-he is a Christlike person who defies all stereotypes of the sketchy car-salesman. Bishop Christofferson has helped me out of many a bind, both spiritual and physical (you better believe he’s helped me more than once with my car!). He works at Ken Garff Chevrolet in American Fork, Utah (Ken works for Ken!). If you are in the market for a new car, check them out! http://www.kengarffchevrolet.com/
And yes, I got his full permission for this post. And no, he’s not paying me. 🙂
Readers!
Who do YOU know that shatters negative stereotypes?
And who do you know who confirms stereotypes that writers are a little goofy?
but even if I never earn a cent from this blog, it’s still totally worth it. Just sayin’. And oh by the way, I was still in the parking lot! Now gotta go research ways to scam the American public with a ponzi scheme to make my wallet nice and fat…
We know that the story had a happy ending, but at the time the pioneers didn’t necessarily know the outcome. They were just people of unbelievable faith who were along for the ride and hoping their car wouldn’t crash. Good thing I wasn’t driving…
The other day I ran out of gas and had to walk to a gas station. I took my red gas can, which holds a near permanent residence in the back of my car. Along the way I met 2 nice young men who accompanied me. (one of them talked to me, while one took pictures) Darn, they were cute, I wish it had been one of those days when I hadn’t looked like this, but of course that never stops me from socializing.
Now readers, I know that I pride myself in not censoring ugly pictures of myself. But as far as my face in this last one goes, even I have my standards.
But any potential suitors, rest assured that I can also look like this:
“I never personally considered myself an optimist. And I have dark days…but it’s just about reminding yourself that there are so many tiny little awesome things in life.” –Neil Pasricha
“I’m not intentionally trying to be positive. I’m just trying to be real.” –Andy Grammer
“I am not suggesting that you put on rose colored glasses to try and make the world look better. I plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” -President Gordon B. Hinckley
I love all these quotes. Being optimistic doesn’t mean we never experience pain. It doesn’t mean we pretend those things aren’t real. It means that maybe we can choose to be happy despite the pain, and that maybe there still are good things to come. Now just one final question…can I still wear these?
True story. Probz should have actually cleaned myself up a little, huh? Oh well. Ya’ll know I’m beautiful, even if not everyday. But I digress. This kid Oba is the real deal.
And boy can break it DOWN!
This stuff is good enough to be on the radio. Too good. Puts Chris Brown and Jason DeRulo to shame. This song is another literary gem, teachers. Can you believe this kid is giving up music for 2 years to go on an LDS mission? Now THAT’S dedication. You know homeboy will be winning Grammys in no time when he gets back. Oba if you ask really nice, I GUESS I’ll be your date although it’s such a terrible bother to get a pretty dress and have your makeup and hair all done up and stuff….. 🙂
Gender confusion?
And he liked some of my Natasha mash-up ideas. DON’T HATE THAT!
#those drinks are “Arizona” brand, but they’re not tea! Promise!
I used this phrase more than once in the not too recent past to express how I felt I was doing in life (“mixed metaphors” are a tool that Shakespeare often used and Katherine occasionally experiments with). You know, all the things we’re supposed to accomplish? Career, marriage, family, not crashing your car, stuff like that. It seemed like so many people around me were doing all those things, and I was just praying that I didn’t forget to pay my utility bill! But I’ve since re-examined that phrase. The thing is, gerbils are really cute, I am one of those rare people who enjoy treadmills and even got one for my 15th birthday, and I actually have crossed a finish line or two.
Well, it’s pretty much the same as “if she hadn’t been wearing that/alone at night/flirty/drunk, she wouldn’t have gotten into any trouble. She was asking for it.”
#BLAMING THE WRONG PERSON!
#victim blaming makes me fume…
NO humor in this post.. Usually a lighthearted blog, but there is NOTHING funny about abuse/assault/rape…
#Elizabeth Smart is my hero
#gender-issues
#still use your wits but if anything happens its NOT YOUR FAULT!
#first heard of the idea of “rape culture” at the Charlotte Gilman literary conference
(where I presented my piece on “The Yellow Wallpaper”)
MORE TO COME ON THIS ISSUE!
*getting off my soapbox now (not up here very often…)
nowadays when people ask me “what are your hopes and dreams for the future? I NO LONGER have to say, “Hopes and dreams for the future? I just hope I don’t crash my car on the way to the grocery store tomorrow!”
My full answer remains to be seen. But you can bet it’ll be a good one 🙂
(and that’s me and Ryan Shupe btw, he’s the titular singer of the above song)
I used to be a terrible driver: unskilled, unconfident, and a hazard on wheels. Now it’s been a few years since my last accident, and I drive on the highway like a pro!
#knock on wood
#still prob not gonna become a professional trucker
Dream big ya’ll, cuz if this girl can become a good driver, anything is possible 🙂
“cleanliness is next to godliness, but it’s NOT godliness.” so it’s okay that my car is a total mess right now, right? 🙂 like there could be a dead body in there and you couldn’t tell (maybe by the putrid smell but there’s enough of Katherine’s junk to cover the corpse)
and I don’t have plans to clean it til I move in a month 🙂
ya right, you’re better off tryin’ to freeze hell!
(it’s not mine, I googled it…)
Human/ Mormon/ Woman: KATHERINE 