New Romantics

♪ 'Cause, baby, I could build a castle

Out of all the bricks they threw at me ♪

One night we were sitting there like normal, and I looked over at you and said, "One of these days I'm going to write a blog about you. You just wait!" At the time I thought it would be about something exciting and fun. I thought it might be about our adventures together in Topeka or maybe something cute that you did for me. To quote one of my favorite musicians: “I used to think one day we’d tell the story of us, how we met and the sparks flew instantly.” But little did I know, I would be writing this without you in my life. With you becoming a complete stranger. As if nothing had ever even happened between us.

Taylor Swift recently released her 1989 album and on the deluxe Target edition there are three extra bonus songs. The last song is called “New Romantics” and like all of her songs, it just speaks to me.

When it comes to guys, life has thrown quite a few curve balls my way. I've laughed, I've cried, I've been pissed off, I've been filled with excitement, as well as extreme disappointment. I've experienced just about every emotion imaginable due to these guys.

I've been thrown brick after brick and I could, without a doubt, build a pretty immaculate castle. At the time when those bricks were hitting, it was some of the worst days and I didn't understand. I went through months of depression. I felt defeated and like nothing could possibly go right for me. There were times I wasn't even hungry. I would go days without hardly even eating. All I could think about was "Why me?" "Why does this have to happen again?" "When will I catch a break?"

These last couple of months have been no different. I'm in a new city, at a new job, and meeting new guys. It isn't the same as it was in college. I've had new experiences I never imagined would ever happen. But then those bricks still seem to hit me.

Taylor writes in the chorus:

"Baby, we're the new romantics

Come on, come along with me

Heart break is the national anthem

We sing it proudly

We are too busy dancing

To get knocked off our feet

Baby, we're the new romantics

The best people in life are free"

This just confirms to me, that life isn't going to be the fairy tale I've always dreamed of. Times are going to be rough and it'll take a while before I find my future husband. I need to experience all of these bricks. Because through these experiences, I'm going to come out of it better. I might as well just live my life freely and take the bricks as they come. Just keep building. Just keep dancing.

And although it's never worked out with any of them, every single one of these guys has changed me in one way or another. From gaining confidence in myself to giving myself a voice. Knowing I don’t have to make him a sandwich or fall into female stereotypes to make him happy. Knowing I don’t need a guy to rescue me. To make me happy. So instead of being hurt or bitter or upset with these guys for giving me the bricks to build my castle, I instead need to be thanking them. So thank you, to each and every one of you. Whether you added one brick or a hundred bricks, you made me a castle I can love and dance in and be Free.

Until next time,

The Chronicles of Kirsten Continues

Apple.. I'm a little disappointed.

So, I feel it's pretty obvious that I'm Team Android for Life and most of you know this. With that being said, I'm just going to give my two cents on Apple's release yesterday and you can take it for what it's worth.

Every time Apple has their huge release on a product, there's always a lot of hype. This time is no different. Driving to school this morning they were talking about it on the radio and how great it is. Snapchat even created a Live Story where users attending the release could submit video clips and photos from the event.

So one of the new things that Apple is releasing is their Apple Watch. Funny thing, Samsung has 5 different "smart watches" and the first one has been out for almost a year now. There's a new one coming out that doesn't even require the user have a phone. Pretty sweet!

Okay, so the next "new" thing is that you can make a purchase with your iPhone. Guess what, I've been able to do that with my phone since I got it back in March and there are other Android devices that could do it long before mine. Hmmm... seems like we have a trend going here...

Another new feature of the new phone is its size and shape. They are releasing two new sizes, both bigger than anything they've had before. What's ironic is that the new shape is a more round shape that is "easier to hold". Yet another thing that most Android phones have been for as long as I've had one.

I don't know about you, but I thought that Apple was all about innovation. Seems to me they are just continuing the trend of fitting in with other phones and not standing out like they used to do. They've done this in the past with changing features to be more "Android-esk".

I know this blog post might seem negative, but I'm more just disappointed in the lack of innovation on Apple's part. Come on Tim, you can do better than that!

Until next time,
The Chronicles of Kirsten Continues

Twenty-three

My 23rd year was quite the year. I've had so many things happen this last year and it's been a very memorable one. What started off in Anaheim will shortly be ending in what has become my home.

One thing I will say is that I definitely went out with a bang these last few weeks of being twenty-three. I've graduated from college, said good bye to two great roommates, signed paperwork for my new career, put down money for my new apartment in a new city, chopped my hair off and donated 13 inches of it, found a great guy, and bought a new car. To say things have changed would be an understatement.

I am so thankful and so blessed for all the memories this last year has brought and I cannot wait to see what all twenty-four has in store for me. Here's to everything that is to come.

Until next time,
The Chronicles of Kirsten Continues

Emporia Bucket List

With two weeks until graduation, I've realized I have a limited time left to finish off the things on my Emporia Bucket List. It's crazy all the things I've accomplished and experienced here in Emporia these last four years and I can't believe my time here is coming to an end shortly.

So here is what is remaining on my list. If anyone has a way to/wants to help me check some of these things off that would be fabulous.

•Have a meal in Skyline
•Pet and/or feed a campus squirrel
•Go to every Fraternity (I've been to Sig Tau, Sig Ep, and Sig Pi)
•Go to Chi Omega
•Eat at Radius
•Eat at J's Carryout
•Eat at Las Brisas
•Graduate

Hopefully I can knock these last few items off and maybe have a few more accomplishments here in Emporia. I will definitely miss everything about Emporia and have been so blessed with my time here.

Until next time,
The Chronicles of Kirsten Continues.

The Life of a Walmart Employee

Since yesterday was my 90 days of working at Walmart, I've decided it's finally time to write my blog post I've been planning to write for a while now.

I've shopped at Walmart my whole life it seems like. Growing up in Great Bend, I remember what the old Walmart looked like as well as the excitement that came with the new Walmart Supercenter. Walmart was always the place to go when we got bored in high school. It's created many memories and once again added a new adventure to my life this last November.

Since becoming a Walmart employee, my view of Walmart has definitely changed. Being a cashier has made it change even more. I don't think I will be able to go into a Walmart again without having a different mindset.

I've come up with a couple of different lists from these three months. From what to do and not to do as a customer to some of my favorite parts about working at Walmart.

First: Some things that you should do as a customer coming through the checkout line:

• Say Hi! We're nice people, I promise. It makes the whole process a lot more enjoyable even if it is just small talk.
• If you're buying alcohol or cigarettes, have your ID out and ready. 
• Please be patient. It's Walmart.. It's going to take some time. Plus it just makes it seem worse if you're being impatient.
• Put your items on the belt how you would like them to be bagged. This helps us out a lot and speeds up the process if like items are next to each other. (i.e. cans, cold items, chemicals, etc.)
• If you're in an express line, it also helps us out a lot if you slide your items closer to us. We don't have the belt to help us out with that.
• If you're paying with a card, slide it after we scan your first item. This is another way to speed up the process. If you're paying with a check, having that out and ready to hand to us also speeds up the process. (Side note about checks, you don't have to fill them out anymore.)
• Take your bags off the carousal if you notice it's getting full. If it gets too full, this is another thing that will slow down the process. Also, if you want to be extra helpful and nice, opening the bags for us after you take yours off is a wonderful thing!
• If you are going to price match, please be ready and tell us before we scan your items. Also, if you want to put the price on the item somehow (either a sticker or with sharpie) this helps out a lot.

Second: Some things that you should Not do as a customer coming through the checkout line.

• Don't go through the express line unless you have less items than the number required! I cannot stress this enough. This is my biggest pet peeve as a cashier. Not only does it slow us down, but it is also builds up a line of people who only have a couple items. 
• Don't get in the back of the line if the light is off. That means we're closed. A lot of times we are finishing up the customers who were in line so we can go to break or get off work. 
• Don't leave your basket or cart in the line. You brought it to the line, take it with you. 
• Don't be rude. We are trying to hurry and trying to make the process the best it can be for you.
• Don't lie about price matching items. Also, don't get offended if we question where your price matching is from. We are just trying to do our job the best we can, while still giving you low prices.
• Don't get offended if we check your bills. You wouldn't like it if we gave you a fake $100 bill because we didn't check it when it was given to us. 

Lastly: Some of my favorite things about working at Walmart.

• When specific customers always come find me and come through me line. 
• When customers remember small things about me from previous conversations and ask how things are going. Such as my student teaching.
• Inside jokes with my CSM. Such as telling him that I need him.
• When couples (or anyone for that matter) awkwardly come through my line buying condoms, pregnancy tests, or anything like that.
• When Wrecking Ball comes on, I always know One Direction will be next.
• All my Walmart friends and coworkers. I've made some great bonds these months and some lasting memories.

So next time you go to Walmart, I hope you think about some of these things. It doesn't have to be a place you dread going to. I know I'm pretty thankful for this opportunity and new adventure in my life.

Until next time,
The Chronicles of Kirsten Continues
 

2013

2013 was a year full of adventures. From 9 different states, 38 different cities, and 22 "firsts", many different memories were created.
Even though the month of January is already half way over, I still would like to share with you all some pictures from my 2013 and recap the wonderful year that I had.

Derek and Troy are like my brothers. We sadly had to say "see you later" to Troy as he moved to North Dakota earlier this year. :(

Emporia State University celebrated 150 years this February. It was such an honor to be able to be a part of this celebration and help out at the Gala. It was amazing seeing the campus come together to celebrate such a wonderful thing.

Snowmageddon 2013 hit and I survived at home with the pups. I love these two girls so much!

I competed at State for PBL. I got first in state in three of my events and second in my other. Qualifying me to compete at Nationals. 

The Missouri Valley Regional Meeting for BAP was hosted this year in Kansas City. As ESU's Chapter President, I was able to help out with the host chapter from KU. It was yet another great learning experience to be able to attend this conference.

April also brought something wonderful in being able to finally buy my first pair of cowboy boots! I had been wanting a pair for a long time so it was really exciting to finally be able to own them.

ESU's Blue Key Honor Society put on a 150 Students Making a Difference Banquet. It was a pretty cool honor to be selected to attend this.

The Spring semester brought my first two Business Ed classes. It was pretty exciting to finally be learning about my content and I even completed this final. Which took 19 1/2 hours. I am very thankful and fortunate to have had Dr. Railsback for part of my teaching program and I miss her a lot!

The end of the semester also brought along moving time. I lived by myself during the Spring semester and was looking to find a roommate. A couple of my friends were also looking for a roommate so I moved in with them. All my giraffes also made the move and are all now safe and sound in our new home.

My grandparents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. It was great to see all the family get together to celebrate with them. My grandparents mean the world to me and I love them so much!

I was able to work the Women's College World Series again this summer in Oklahoma City. It was yet another fun time and started off the summer well. While we were there, we experienced the widest tornado ever (2.5 miles wide). Luckily it turned and went south of us, but it was still scary.

Russell, Me, and Chelsea on the plane headed out to Anaheim, California, for PBL Nationals. This was my first time to go to California as well as my first time to compete at Nationals. I was able to take two of the four events I placed in at State. I chose Desktop Publishing and Business Presentation.

PBL Nationals were held at this hotel. My group didn't actually stay here, but instead got to stay in a condo. We had a blast with us 6 living together. We had many #condoquotes and #condomemories. We also found Del Taco and also go to spend time at the Downtown Disney District.

While in Anaheim, we were also able to go to an Angels' game! It was pretty exciting to experience a new field because the only other time I've been to an MLB game was at Kauffman Stadium. Our seats weren't too bad either!

Another first that was had this summer was getting to see and go into the ocean for the first time. We went to Huntington Beach on our free afternoon. This was probably one of the most joyous moments I've ever had. Russell and I jumped around and played in the waves. I cannot wait until the next time I get to see the ocean!

 Competition wise, I didn't do too shabby! Chelsea and I took our test for Desktop Publishing because we had already sent in our other material ahead of time. Jessica and I competed in Business Presentation. Our first presentation put us in the top 15 and into finals round. Which just so happened to be on my birthday! The night of the awards ceremony was a nerve-racking, yet exciting night. We were in the front row in front of thousands of other PBL members from across the nation. They went in alphabetical order through the events. The top 10 in each event were called onto the stage and then given their trophies. Business presentation was called and sadly, we didn't make it into the top 10. This was very disappointing and devastating, since this was our event to win. After the initial shock, I eventually calmed back down and waited for Desktop Publishing to get called. Chelsea and I made it in the top 10 and were called onstage. We ended up getting 8th in the Nation! It was such a great feeling and I cannot wait to compete at State this year and try to make it back to Nationals!

The next week after we got back from California was the biennial Weis Family Camping Trip. We went to Milford Lake again. This is always a good time to spend with the family.

A cool picture I took of my cousins watching the sun set one night at Milford.

I was able to check something else off my bucket list this summer in completing my first triathlon. It was just a tiny one, but was still quite an accomplishment. I also placed second in my age group!

Myself, along with my mom and Cindy after our races. My mom competed in the two mile race and Cindy did the triathlon as well!

This was the start of our Ram Rodeo Series tour in July. My first rodeo! Austin, Chris, and I along with some others traveled to Shawnee, OK to the IFYR. We then went to Rock Springs, WY and Cheyenne, WY. We had a lot of ups and downs throughout the month, but it was a good time overall. The three of us hadn't been together for this amount of time for quite a while and it was good to spend some quality times with both brothers. We met a lot of fun people and made some lasting memories.

This whole summer, everywhere we went, we took the crazy weather with us. This picture was from Cheyenne. Almost every day we were there, it rained. We experienced a crazy hail storm one day. Even though I've lived in Kansas my whole life and have experienced a lot of crazy weather, I had never experience anything like this before.

Something that was Really exciting for me this summer was that Kate Middleton had her baby! Rumer had it that the due date was July 13th, which ended up being a lot earlier than when she ended up having him. So there was a lot of wait and excitement for the little guy to arrive.

The next thing to get checked off the bucket list was to attend a Taylor Swift concert. My roommate was able to score two tickets to the Wichita concert and asked if I wanted to go with. Of course I said Yes!

Her Red concert was seriously so great and I was so freaking giddy! She will always be one of my favorites!

That very next morning we headed to New Orleans! This was the second year that I was able to go to the CASE ASAP conference with ESU Ambassadors. This was another first for the year in being able to go to New Orleans. I had never even been to Louisiana before. We all loaded up in the big van and made the trip down there.

While there, we met up with a friend we had met the year before in Indy from VCU. It was fun to get to catch up and experience some memories in New Orleans together.

This is the whole group of students who went! My wonderful Ambassabuddies. (Plus Nikki) While there, we were able to experience Bourbon Street multiple times. That place never sleeps. I also got to go to my first NFL game as we watched the Saints play the Chiefs. Taylor, Daniel, and I even went to a casino our last night there and also walked around down by the river. We also got to experience Cafe Du Monde. Overall, such a great time with lots of bonding.

Another first was being able to experience Power and Light district in Kansas City. I had heard about Shark Bar but experiencing it was a whole other experience. It is a blast!

I got to see two wonderful friends get married this fall! It was a beautiful wedding and so exciting. Congrats to Amanda and Levi! (Onward!)

Myself, Rachel, Tayler, and Anna. My roommate from New Orleans and my roommate here in Emporia both won Homecoming Queen!

This is Nala. One day when I was driving home, she was in the road and was scared. If anyone knows me, they know I hate cats. Like for real. Hate. But I fell in love with this little girl. I took her home in hopes of keeping her. Sadly she was sick and we weren't able to take care of her. Plus our apartment complex doesn't really allow us to have animals. We had to say good bye to her, but I'll always have a place in my heart for this little one.

Halloween with the roomies. I was Twitter :)

Myself, Micah, and Erica at the National Fall Leadership Conference in Grapevine, Texas. I had never been to a conference like this before. We stayed at a fabulous resort (Basically a city in itself) and got to bond as State officers. We even took a trip to Dallas one night and Fort Worth the next. We hung out with the PBL National President and Vice President of our region. I also drove the whole time through all the crazy traffic!

One more cousin got added to the family! Beautiful Oakley Jade! I can't wait to see her grow up like I've been able to see Cooper grow up. <3

The month of November brought some pretty exciting CD releases. Lady Gaga released ARTPOP, One Direction released Midnight Memories, and Jake Miller released Us Against Them. All three of these CD releases brought with it some interesting memories!

Thanksgiving Day was my first day on the floor at Walmart. Luckily I didn't have to be a cashier yet, but since then, I've experienced a lot of crazy things. Walmart is one interesting place. I do enjoy my job though and have made some pretty good "Walmart friends".


 
 Last but not least, I was chosen to be a part of the #ImAHornet campaign for the School of Business. There are a couple of these pictures of me hanging around Cremer Hall, some flyers that are sent to prospective students, and I even have a video on YouTube. You can check it out at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPHwVlDsmQU

Overall, 2013 was a great year and I wouldn't have changed any of it. There were Many more memories that I could make this post go forever. Thanks to everyone who I met and continued to grow closer to over this year. You all have impacted my life in one way or another.

Until next time,
The Chronicles Of Kirsten Continues