The Teens: A Decade in Review

This past decade has changed me a lot. I dreamt of and achieved my goals. I made and lost friends. I got to know Jesus more  and so much else. For this post I originally wanted to recount good memories, but I found myself writing my memories too detailed and long, so instead I condensed it to memories that stand out from each year. 

2010
I was in 4th grade.
2011
The best part of 2011 was probably attend a latin mass. The women were veiled and Lance and I waved to moths.
2012

I loved 2012! I had begun to make so many new friends, including friends I'm still friends with.

 I attended Yves St. Laurent: A Retrospective that year and was exposed to haute couture! My favorite looks were a black suit peeling from the mannequin to expose a sequined dress and a big, beautiful, electric green fox fur coat.

 In September, my synchronized swim team was putting on a swim show of The Little Mermaid. My teal team and I were sailors. While, being sailors my friend, Kaia and I didn't want to sit properly, but instead how sailors actually sit. Before a performance my other friend, Brandy and I were walking around and in the hall where food was to be served there were large vases filled with shells and real goldfish. An hour later though when we walked by we realized there were no fish. Apparently, they died because of the Australian sea salt shells. In synchro, once small routines started getting figured out Kaia and I were determined to have a routine together. We decided we’d mimic each other during practices. We’d get out of a figure at the same time, make the same mistake, etc. It ended up working because we got what we wanted.

The end of the world was also coming that year (and it did for that guy who predicted the world would explode by timezone because he died around that day), I was fine, but I was really worried for my upcoming birthday because I’d become a *gasp* teenager and I wasn’t ready (I even got a Barbie for my b-day that year).

2013

I loved 2013 too.

One of the best/worst parts was a synchronized swim competition in pink tree adorned LFK (Lawrence Freakin' Kansas)! In the morning, my whole team (like 60 people) and I boarded the bus parked in the Colfax K Mart parking lot. I sat with my friend Brandy. We mainly talked, explored our entertainment bags, and played candy crush. I even convinced Brandy to let me use her phone, so I could listen to my then fave song "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia. We eventually arrived to the rachet (slang term of 2013) hotel. It was complete with always unlocked keys doors leading to the outside, out of code railings, a kitchen that smelled like my grandma's house, a bullet hole in the window, screeching faucets, wet mattresses, used condoms, falling headboards, and more to make a mediocre trip great! The next day, the swimming was fabulous because the water felt like rain! It's my favorite pool to this day. My friend Kaia and I played in the underwater classroom, swam our trio, and later ate gummy worms in public and no one stopped us. That night, my teal team (8 people) and I hung out and did face masks, while the moms went clubbing. The next day was good too, we swam our teal team routine and it was time to leave! My mom and I didn't take the bus, but instead toured Lawrence a little and saw her BFF. I also tried ihop syrup and received my first pair of Miss Me jeans before driving home.

Later that year I swam for my middle school swim team. Before swim meets my friend, Nai and I would take selfies and watch the movie "Gingerdead Man." We competed against other schools in the district and it was well, sad. Quite a few girls couldn't swim, so they'd push off the bottom or hang on the lane line, once a coach even jumped in to save a girl. At one, poop was found in the pool, so that meet finished early. At another, I finished one race and since everyone was slower than me, I hopped up on the block and started waving at everyone! But, my teacher told me to stop.

That Christmas for my friends I decided to have a photo shoot with each one and give them those pictures framed in frames I painted and all for them! It was super fun and I'm so glad I have the pictures to remember friends by.
I also finally accepted my natural curly hair and wore it that way!

2014

I grew a lot in 2014. I left my comfortable middle school and entered my new homey high school.
I had the best birthday that year, even if it was two months after the actual day. I had like 25 people there at the outdoor mall and had a scavenger hunt. My dad and brother wrote clues and we collected either a bag or picture to prove we were there. It was kinda cold and windy, so my group walked backwards because that's what they do in Russia. We then went to a hotel for pizza and my cake that looked like a pool. Later, we swam in the pool all together which was kind of funny. I got so many great presents that year including a gift card to Plato's closet in order to purchase Miss Me jeans.

The end of 8th grade was fun. During gym one day I was wearing a swim shirt that read "D7 Power" and I thought it was lame and thought people would also think it was lame, but it ended up being an incredible day. We got to play Frisbee with foam disks (gifted and talented kids can't play sports), so I was happy because I couldn't get hurt. The teacher also played Justin Bieber "As Long As You Love Me", while we played. On my team were the two boys I loved as well, so whenever I had the frisbee they'd both be shouting my name! I loved it.

 I had a real good time with boys that year, I even hugged one! Funny story about that. I was about to hug a boy after field day, but I was wet after the slip n' slide and wore booty shorts, so I figured that was way too intimate. I did give a hug at continuation though.

S' ghetto

I ended synchro that summer as well. I wasn't enjoying it anymore as I was used to raise my group to another age group and as an alternate. However, i did still help new girls and was greeted by my team shouting "Katherine!" when I walked through the door. Oddly, after I quit other people did too.

I wasn't sure where I was going to attend high school that year. My family and I were in the middle of a move because we didn't like the local school, but we weren't moved yet. I was inspired by my aunt to apply for my dream school, so I did. After months of waiting, crying, explaining, hoping and praying o Jesus I got in! It is my own miracle!

I also got to view the glass work of Dale Chihuly. It was fun and beautiful. I will have my own one day.

One of the best parts was probably high school swimming that year. The very first day of practice I was up at 4am. I opened the front door and my neighbor's cat Boo was there! Swimming was hard, I tried to be my best by always stretching my splits and all. I was even told I looked intimidating by a friend years later. At the first swim meet Missy Franklin came! I was in awe that we were breathing the same air. She might've seen me swim! That was amazing!

2015
2015 was a wee bit more difficult, but I did begin talking to more people and begin my obsession with Lilly Pulitzer.

JC and Me!

In the spring I got to take a wonderful theology class about Catholic social teaching, valuing oneself, hope in dire circumstances, and much more. I even take what I learned in that class today and helped me make friends by joining the Pro-Life club.

Cute skirt, Tacky shirt

That May I attended a synchronized swim meet with my dad in the springs. I was hanging out with friends and realized a friend of mine wasn't there and found out crushing news. I remember going to the Broadmore after the meet and crying and trying to hold back my tears, while I tried Lilly Pulitzer dresses on in the boutique. That news had hit me for almost a year, I'd cry in bed and pray over and over again.

Old HouseView

Old House View

New House View

We were selling our house that summer. Our house was on the market for 3 days and we had over 80 showings happen. We got a buyer, but they kept having difficulties and seemed to hope we'd let them go, but if we did we'd leave the down payment as well. Eventually, it worked out (they did end up foreclosing the house this past year) and we moved into my new house on the first day off sophomore year.

Not from 2015, but it features my beautiful skirt!

I also found out I had failed freshman algebra that summer. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to retake it in the summer and even a few months into the school year. I had convinced my parents to get my a Lilly Pulitzer skirt once I completed my course. I received my first Lilly (not counting the Lilly water cup from the Broadmore) and it was gorgeous! It's still my favorite skirt.
 It seems like a sad year, but I  had a good time too in the fall. In theology freshman year I learned so much about valuing yourself and am really glad I got to take that class. I also did aquatic sports in the fall and loved it and made many new friends.

 I really started growing into myself that year.

2016

2016 was also a really good year!
 In January of that year I had a swim meet against the school that Kaia had gone to. I had been praying for her the past year and was so nervous to see her. I was standing around and someone waved to me, but I didn't wave back because I couldn't clearly see who it was. I saw her mom at the end of the meet and after dancing with my team to "My House" said Hi to Kaia. I was so worried to see her, but it was so nice to hug, laugh, and talk with her again.

Soon after I was invited by my friend, Eliza to join her stag group for the dance and for a sleepover at her house. I had a really fun time. I wore my mom's mink coat and enjoyed people petting me. I felt so belonged. We danced all night and after gossiped about boys and slept in her guest house!
 That summer, I got my first job! Nai and I danced, sang, cleaned, and laughed all day long! It was so much fun and our friendship grew so much!

My dad worked at the local football team's stadium that year and I got to go with him! I enjoyed being with him and exploring the stadium at night. When we were done we'd sit in the empty stadium and see the stars. Once, the cheerleaders were practicing and must've thought I was important because I was sitting in a golf cart and they all said "Bye" and "Thank You" to me. Speaking of golf carts, I learned to drive in the stadium up and down the ramps and around the parking lot. It was so surreal to be alone in the seats. I love that memory.

I also golfed that year! It helped me relax quite a bit. We had trials for the team and I had just learned, so I knew I had to win them over with my personality instead and I did! I had a lot of fun golfing! I also learned a lot and made friends. It was oh so special to befriend upper class women as well. We laughed and learned to golf. I even got to play in a tournament which was fab! We also had matching ribbons in out hair. At the state tournament I thought fashion designer, Ralph Lauren would be there for some reason, but he wasn't. I should really get back into it.

Thumbs up for Hot Guys! 

Welcome to the Ugg store! Try a new pair each week!

That winter was fabulous! I swam again and my friend, Eliza told me that I should actually try, so I did! I did so well in swimming and was so happy to go to practice because I got to see my friends again! During that Christmas break we practiced with boys and my oh my we were in Heaven. My coach's son, Paul walked in to the pool. I didn't know it was her son. He had the body of an Olympian (because he is one). Massive Shoulders, Tall, and a skinny little waist. I think I actually dropped my jaw. I said "He's cute." Then, my coach revealed he was her son and called him over before I got on the block. I was so nervous she was going to tell him that I thought he was cute, but she didn't and just called me her mermaid! I even got a birthday present from my Paul (more likely my coach) of his head shot signed. One day after talking to him I ran out of the pool shouting as I was so happy! There was another boy, Stuart who was also a stud muffin. My teammate after each set would always stop and eye him from the lane over. She swam the fastest she ever did that day. Those were some good days, I just regret not going to practice when I was sick and not talking more.

2017

I had a fun and exciting 2017!

Checking if my eyes were dilated.

I had gotten a concussion that year. I was on the bottom of the pool and pushed up, but didn't look up. One of my teammates was laying on the water and I squished my head on her rock hard abs. I was like a turtle. Then, my head hurt and I had to stabilize it when diving. Later, that day I bumped my head on an open locker above me. I had a team dinner that night as it was before the final swim meets. I ended up throwing up at a teammate's house after chugging/ crushing a water bottle in my mouth. That night, I told my mom I hit my head. In the morning, I went to school to do morning prayer. A friend of mine who was doing the announcements said "Katherine, your eyes are dilated." and I said "I'm pretty sure thy're always like that." and I was told to see the nurse. I went to my college counseling appointment with my parents and afterwords saw the nurse. She said I needed to go to the doctor. So I did and ended up having a mild concussion. I couldn't swim in my final meet and took time off from school. However, I did read The Great Gatsby and was allowed to play golf as long as I didn't get hit in the head by a golf ball, which would probably happen to me.

One of the best parts was a fabulous retreat I had the opportunity to attend! I got to know my classmates so much better and understand that everyone is broken and has problems. But, more importantly I learned how beloved and cherished I and everyone is by God and others. I'd love to say more, but unfortunately I cannot in order to keep with tradition.

During the summer I attended a Bible study with friends and loved it! It was such a safe home and we would talk into the night. I also lifeguarded and found weed in the pool that year, but I threw it away. Nai and I also hung out with my family friend Killa Pimp Green and ordered pizza for the first time!

 I also loved going to football games that fall! I went to almost all of the home games and some away games. I had a blast cheering silly cheers, talking silly things, dancing with my friends on the field, hugging 30 people at once, performing my own rendition of "Sweet Caroline" with the band, and smiling, smiling, smiling!

2018
2018 brought big changes and goodbyes! I got to travel a lot in 2018. I went to Breckie, D.C., Gunni, and Wyoming and Estes Park!

First off, my trend of not wearing pants continued and I'm very proud of it.

In January of that year I was fortunate to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C! It was my first time being on a plane since I was one and it was wild! I got to see many monuments and find out that the national mall doesn't feature stores. I also got to walk on the pond in front of Lincoln as it was frozen over. The next day we marched and I enjoyed talking with friends. At night we swam, played cards, talked, and played hide n' go seek until an old lady told us to be quiet. The next day we went to Georgetown for a conference and I got to hear the most amazing nun speak about how when we see the face of another person we're seeing the face of God!

 
I also got to go to Gunnison, Colorado that year. I loved the drive up because it was so pretty and so cold. There's a different type of cold there. We also drove through a white out which I thought was cool. At my aunt's house I got to see video of my grandpa standing up while rafting. The next day we headed back and stopped by the Bigfoot museum!
What was also cool that year was how I got to befriend and talk to people I hadn't interacted with much before. I really enjoyed it and got to learn many new things. Even when I see people today I love to say Hi!

Then, I graduated. I attended a mass for graduation with a large crucifix featured, a dinner, graduation, and parties! The mass was nice as memories were shortly shared and we gave roses to our parents. the ceremony was nice too as I was featured in the speech. My graduation party was really fun. I loved jumping on the trampoline and gabbing with my friends. It was so sweet.

That summer Nai and I worked at the pool once again. We had the best time and made sure to not talk to much about college and be present with one another. It was such a good summer! I also went to a wedding for the first time ever and went shopping!
Honestly, I didn't enjoy a lot of college. I did go to Estes Park with two different Christian groups. On one I saw a friend from highschool and got to experience Adoration for the first time which was really cool. I guess that was good.
I also viewed Dior: From Paris to the World at the Denver Art Museum. It was gorgeous! It featured designs by head designers such as Christian Dior, Yves St. Laurent (YSL and Dior went full circle for me this decade), Jean Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Maria Chiuri. I was familiar with many of the designers and their clothing already. I loved the embroidery and sequined fabrics that were presented.  I also saw JLaw's Oscar dress and a neon rainbow gown worn by Zoe Kravitz. The signature perfume, "Miss Dior" was named by Christian Door after his courageous sister, Catherine, when she burst through a door and a colleague said "Voila, Miss Dior!". I guess I'm in good company. I fell in love with the "Miss Dior" dress by Christian. Beautifully sewn fabric petals blanketing a strapless tea length gown. I love fashion.
I loved Christmas mass that year! I got to see, talk, and laugh with my friends again! I was home! I experienced joy and peace in my world again.

2019

The second part of 2019 was pretty good.
Nothing really to report on in the spring, I guess I did attend a marathon in support of my friend, Nai's father. That was fun, the half marathon runners seemed way more tired than the full marathon runners.

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Summer was good!
Nai and I lifeguarded again and had so much fun! I also got to go to Casa Bonita with Nai and Hannah! Talk about fun! It's my fave restaurant! I discussed more in a separate post. I also went shopping quite a bit, found joy in paddle boarding, laughed with Abby, and even got to meet the Father Greg Boyle, whom I love!
The fall was interesting. I had a much better time than the year before. I enjoyed making more friends and hanging out with them while working on projects. It was so much fun talking and laughing with them. I even threw a Christmas Party and invited some over, but only a few came.
During break I went shopping with my dad. We went to Neiman Marcus and boy, I was in Heaven! I love to pet fur coats.

Christmas in College (Not my House)

Christmas Mass was amazing as always. My brother sang and I got to see some wonderful friends. I loved looking at the Crucifix and smiling in such joy.

The Teens were pretty good and I had a lot of stupid, silly fun. I can't believe how much will happen in the 20s. I have to grow up within this time! Yikes! Here's a Champagne Clink to the new Decade! 

God Bless!