2017 Goals

Before Katie Kaboodle launched, I had another old gem of a blog that included my bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die. When I reevaluated my life a month ago, I thought that I should update my bucket list. Unfortunately, my old blog is long gone and was taken down due to inactivity years ago. Fortunately, I began adding items to my bucket list on Bucketlist.org a year or two ago so not all hope is lost. I will be adding on a bucket list tab to the top of this blog some time this month. For now, I wanted to share some goals with you that I have planned for 2017:

1. Create bucket list for blog
2. Pay off all of my debts [Done in mid-January 2017]
3. Reach my weight goal of 135
4. Visit my mom
5. Have a spa day
6. Read 20 books
7. Learn to crochet/take a crochet class
8. Take a yoga class
9. Try macaroons
10. Submit a DNA test to Ancestry.com
11. Learn Spanish (or at least begin to)

I will add more ideas onto this list as I think of them.

Do you have a "to-do list" for 2017? What are some goals you have that you are eager to complete?

Why I'm Changing My Major

Hallo, it meeee!

It has been a hot minute, ya'll! I was in the shower yesterday thinking, "Wow, I really loved to blog, why did I ever stop?" Well, mostly just because of work and school getting in the way. But then after having a lot of time to myself and reconsidering some things in my life, I thought it would be appropriate to post something.

When I first got out of high school, I already had experience with one job: the veterinary field. After being in the veterinary field, I decided I wanted to pursue veterinary science as my major in college. However, after deciding that I did not want to become an actual veterinarian, I played around with the idea of changing my major to dental hygiene. Once I moved to California, I decided to just go biochemistry and branch out from there into what science field I wanted. I have always been in a science field and have loved science since I was a little kid.

Working and going to school at the same time is no easy feat, but I noticed I lacked the excitement I once did to finish my biochemistry degree. I had made the choice of transferring to a university to add a clinical study of nutrition degree on top of biochem, but I wasn't excited about it. I couldn't imagine myself sitting in a laboratory day in and day out conducting experiments for the rest of my life. While I love that aspect of science, it's not what I felt would make my life fulfilling. I figured I could teach in my spare time, because I always wanted to teach.

I sat down and reevaluated every aspect in my life, where I want to go and what I want to see change. I decided I wanted to enrich myself more this year with more books, more literature, more plays, more poems. And then I realized. . .if I have always enjoyed reading and writing in my spare time and have always wanted to teach, why not be an English teacher? And just like that I changed my major. I am officially going in tomorrow to announce my declaration of major and it feels weird not being a science major. Science has, and will always be, a huge part of my life. While I will never let my love for nutrition and biochem die, it's not as prevalent as it was in my life years ago. English has always been a huge love of mine since I was a kid. No joke, I used to get in trouble because my report cards were sent home with notes that I was reading instead of doing in-class assignments. . .whoops.

I have already started my path to my English transfer degree. I am finding myself enjoying going to class more and soaking up more information to enhance my knowledge. I was really afraid to make this change because my parents always saw me as an intelligent, lab coat wearing, formula-inputting science machine. But in reality, biochem just isn't for me. I suck at math, I struggle in chemistry although I find it interesting. If anything, I am more your biology and geology kind of girl. I want to set myself up for a future that I will always be happy to do. I had wonderful English teachers that made me love English even more. I want to do that for others, too. I haven't decided which grade level I want to teach, but I know I prefer kids that are high school level or older just so I can talk more in-depth about important pieces of literature, rather than going over the ABC's.

I was scared at first of officially making this decision, but my heart and mind are in the right place and are eager to start. If you are a teacher, holla! Come talk to me sometime. I want to hear everyone's stories.

Readathon Books, Snacks, and More!

I ordered a few paperback books off of Amazon on Monday.  While my first package arrived Wednesday, my two most anticipated books were set to arrive on Friday by 8:00 P.M.  The readathon begins at 5:00 A.M. PST Saturday, so needless to say I was a bit worried that two out of the three books weren't going to make it on time.  Alas, they arrived Thursday night, much to my relief.  What did I end up with?

The books

1. The Husband's Secret    I chose The Husband's Secret to read first, because I have been intrigued to read it for the past few months but never quite got around to doing so.  A woman's husband wrote her a letter that was meant to be read after he passed away.  The wife finds the letter while the husband is still very much alive, and this letter contains a very dark secret.  Needless to say, it turns her entire world upside down.

2. The Maze Runner   I haven't read a dystopian in a while, and this one sounds like it's going to be really good!  This is the first book of The Maze Runner series.  From the exerpt on the back of the book: "When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.  Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.  Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.  Everything is going to change.  Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.  Remember. Survive. Run."

3. Along for the Ride  In my early high school years, I read a handful of Sarah Dessen's novels.  They were easy reads, and yet so empowering to embark a journey of finding yourself.  This is a bit more of a chunky book, but it's also going to be the easiest read out of the three books I chose to read for the readathon.  I figured after completing two others books and being exhausted, I'd want to stick with something that was a little less in depth and more of a brain candy type.

The snacks

When you are reading for a long period of time and get caught up in the story line, you kind of forget to eat.  And then before you know it, you're starving.  I remember when I was a kid I would be reading at the dinner table, slowly finishing my dinner because I was so intrigued by what was going on in the book.  I made sure I was stocked up on some snacks and had my meals planned.  Since I work from early morning until early afternoon, my breakfast and lunch will be taken care of.  Once I get home, I have grapes, bananas, kiwis, mangoes, fresh strawberries, chips and salsa, trail mix, baked fries that I can just toss in the oven, tea, plenty of coffee and espresso, and whipped cream to go on top of said coffee drinks (very important).   As for dinner, hubby and I are going to visit a friend and we typically pick up a quick dinner with them.

The game plan

The readathon begins at 5:00 A.M. PST.  I am scheduled to work from 7:30 A.M. until 1:30 P.M., and it takes me roughly 15 minutes or less to get home.  I will not be begin reading until I get home from work.  Tonight, I cleaned house, did all of my laundry, painted my nails and washed my hair so I don't have anything to do tomorrow other than to work and come straight home.  I will begin reading The Husband's Secret.  Sometime in the evening, hubby and I plan to head over to a friend's house where we just chill.  I'll be bringing my books over to snuggle up with hubby as the guys play video games and I read.  The next book in my lineup is The Maze Runner, and then I will be finishing with a simple chic lit, "Along for the Ride" by Sarah Dessen.

I plan on posting a few blog updates here during reading breaks, but I will be most active on my Twitter account.  Please come cheer me on!!!

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon

OH HIIIII!

I came across a video from Little Book Owl a few days ago that talked about Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon.  When I first heard about this readathon, I didn't even think about signing up.  That is, until I read more details that I found on their site.  Although it's a 24 hour readathon, it's extremely laid back.  Everyone around the world begins reading at the same time and finishes at the same time for 24 hours.  During this time, you try to read as much as you can.  You can update your social media whenever you desire.   You can win prizes once every hour, and you can also win prizes for participating for the full 24 hours.  Basically, there are a lot of chances to win some awesome stuff!  Since I work the day of the readathon, I will be unable to participate in the full 24 hours.  This is probably ideal anyways, since this is my first time participating in any readathon.

A few tricks I have learned prior to starting this readathon is to pick short books that have different genres from one another to avoid getting bored.  What might sound like a good read at 2 P.M. may not sound like a good read at 2 A.M.  I will also make sure I have my meals prepped ahead of time, and have plenty of coffee and snacks at hand to avoid running to the store during my readathon session.  I will be choosing at least 4 to 5 books.  I decided for day time reading I will be reading paperbook novels, while at night I can read from my backlit Kindle while laying in bed as to not disturb my husband.

I am immensely excited for this!  If you are interested in joining, check out all the details at http://24hourreadathon.com/.  If you end up signing up as a cheerleader or a reader, please let me know!  I would love to have other people going into this with me.

Incorporating "Me" Time

Warning: Serious and motivational, insightful post ahead!

You have been warned.

A lot of people recognize me as a happy-go-lucky, silly, crazy person.  I take a lot of pride in having a happy personality.  But some days it's not easy to let the bullshit and burden of life not get you down.  How does one manage to lead a fulfilling and joyful life?  By making time for yourself every single day.

I didn't incorporate much "me" time until a few years ago.  I lived my life in a manner which pleased others, which meant my happiness was sacrificed in a lot of situations.  Eventually it wore me down and I got upset that I would get walked over like a doormat or when people took advantage of me.  Know your self worth and be your number one fan.  I'm not saying go around being an egotistical prick.  However, if you don't have any self confidence and if you don't know your self worth, how can you expect to be treated with respect when you don't respect yourself?

I work full time, I'm a college student who takes night classes, and I'm married.  There are moments in my life where I am mentally and physically spent that I just feel like a robot going through the motions of daily life.  We all tend to be very busy individuals, in our own busy world, too busy to take time for ourselves or others.  How overlooked the small things in life are, yes?  How lucky we are to be able to arise to another day full of adventure.  Stop looking at the big picture for once.  Goals, while important, often hinder us from enjoying the steps we take to get to those goals.  "I wish it were Friday!"  Why don't you take a moment to enjoy the small things during the other week days?  What kind of life are we leading when we only wish to embrace three out of seven days of the week?

Set aside some time for yourself every day to do the things you enjoy.  Take this time to savor everything.  Use all of your senses and enjoy just BEING.  Wake up a little earlier to enjoy a cup of coffee during a brisk morning walk.  Take a ten minute break at work to Instagram some inspirational quotes.  Set a little time before bed to read that book you've been wanting to, or write some poetry.  Whatever your heart desires, do it.  We are not promised tomorrow.  Appreciate life in each moment.  When you take a shower, really take your time to enjoy the warm water on your skin.  Give yourself a scalp massage when you shampoo your hair.  It's as easy or complex as you want it.  But always, always make time for yourself.

Tonight I am embraced by chilly, fresh winter weather through my new windows, all lights off with a faint glow from my candle warmers which host relaxing scents, a warm cup of delectable hot chocolate, reading a good book in a heated bed while listening to a rain and thunder soundtrack (Relax Melodies is the best app ever!), and being embraced with the presence of a sleepy, sick husband with a fuzzy noggin.

What have you slowed down to appreciate today?  How have you made some time for yourself recently?

Kindle Vs. Books

When I got my first debit card at the age of sixteen, I wanted nothing more than to spend my paychecks on Hollister.com clothing and Amazon books.  Mostly Amazon books.  I would compile a list of books I wished to read and bought about 10 to 15 paperback novels at once.  I loved checking the mail to see if I had received a silver plastic shipping bag that contained my orders.

The summer after I graduated, my mother offered to buy me a brand new Amazon Kindle Keyboard.  I wasn't sure what to make of this new contraption.  Why would I want an electronic device to read my books off of when I can embrace the touch and smell of a real book?  I heard much excitement around these new e-readers.  Curious, I researched the Kindle Keyboard.  My mother reminded me that if I wasn't satisfied with the Kindle, I could return it to Amazon with no questions asked.  On those terms, I decided to give it a try.  If you happen to follow me on Instagram (click here to follow me!), I'm sure you've seen my Amazon Kindle reader debut itself a handful of times.

One of the many Amazon Kindle selfies on my IG.  Somehow these pictures always include some sort of coffee.

Some people are more fond of traditional books, while others prefer e-readers.  I'm talking e-readers here, people, not tablets.  I have owned two different Kindles in the span of five years.  So which do I prefer?

I grew up reading books.  I love the smell and feel of a physical book.  To this day, there isn't much I love more than walking into a bookstore and browsing around for hours.  I have fond memories of my mom and dad taking me into Barnes & Noble and buying me an entire series of books.  As the years passed, I started running out of room on my book shelves.  I tried to give away books to people who would enjoy them if I wasn't planning on reading them again.  However, that didn't seem to help my expanding book collection.  The storage on an e-reader is one of the major selling points.  I am able to store 1,500 books on my particular model.  After three years, I upgraded from the Kindle Keyboard 3G + WiFi to the Kindle Paperwhite 3G + WiFi.  My Kindle Keyboard was in perfect condition and held up through the years without any problems.  I switched because my first generation keyboard was not backlit.  This was countered by using a clip on light specifically made for Kindle.  However, I experienced a lot of glare.  I mostly read at night in bed before I go to sleep, so I felt that after three years, the upgrade to a touch screen, backlit Kindle was justified.  I am also able to learn new vocabulary words by touching and pressing on a word I am unfamiliar with, and the definition of that word will show.   Did I mention you can change the font size and spacing to what feels comfortable for you?  I do a bit of traveling, so I decided to purchase the 3G + WiFi model instead of the WiFi model.  Wherever I am, I can purchase a new book.  This has proven to be useful a handful of times when I was on a road trip or out of town and I finished a book and had no WiFi connections available.  I am able to connect to the Amazon store right from my Kindle to purchase a new book.  I find that Amazon offers e-books for a fraction of the printed version price.  I have saved so much money on books, the cost of the device has easily paid for itself.  Better yet, I can try a free sample of any book before I purchase. 

Holy e-book Heaven! Amazon currently offered 1.2 million books as of July 2014.  This number keeps on climbing as the e-reader prevails.

 I can sync my progress from Kindle, to PC and my phone.  This is really nice, as I typically don't carry my Kindle around with me.  Say, for instance, I am at the doctor's office waiting for my appointment, I can sync the Kindle app on my phone and pick up where I left off on my Kindle.  There are so many features on an e-reader that make your reading experience more pleasurable.  I find that the Kindle models are comfortable to hold and easy to read in sunlight or indoors.  The downside to Kindle is that some models do not offer a speaker for you to listen to audio books.  I am not a fan of audio books, so this was a non-issue for me, but it might be a deal breaker to some.

If you have been considering an e-reader, I say give it a try!  I still adore physical books and will buy a book if it's a good deal.  Otherwise, I have read every book in the past five years from my Kindle.  I was so skeptical at first, but investing in a Kindle was one of the best choices I have ever made!  I bought one for my mother as an early birthday gift last year.  She loved it so much, that we both brought our Kindles on our Palm Springs summer vacation and sat poolside and lounged around in the sun, reading our glare free e-readers.  It doesn't get much better than that. :)

Weekly Recap: Helix Healing

Just a very quick recap of the healing process the past week of my new Helix piercing:

Pain level: 3 on a scale of 1 to 10

I practically forget that I have a fresh piercing.  I have experienced no pain other than when someone accidentally bumped into my ear the third day after I got pierced (I thought I was going to vomit from the surge of pain), and the fifth day when my ear inexplicably throbbed in discomfort.  The pain immediately subsided after submerging my ear in a salt water soak for ten minutes and I took one Advil.

Maintenance level: 2 on a scale of 1 to 10

The Helix, thus far, is the easiest out of any of the other piercings I have gotten.  Unlike my previous piercings, I am not using an antibacterial soap.  Firstly, finding a dye and fragrance free antimicrobial soap in stores is damn near impossible.  Secondly, antibacterial and antimicrobial tend to be too harsh for new cells.  You need the good bacteria to help your piercing heal properly with the least amount of complications and in the shortest amount of time.  I used sea salt soaks heavily the first three days.  I sea salt soak when my ear is feeling a bit sore, but otherwise I use H2Ocean once every four hours. Lysozyme is an antibacterial property found in tears and egg whites.  Lysozyme is present in H2Ocean, alongside the healing properties of natural sea salt.  I have used H2Ocean on a few piercings and I love it because of its natural properties.  There are no harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances to irritate and prolong healing of your new piercing.  I look forward to using this spray because it is so soothing.

Inconveniences: 4 on a scale of 1 to 10

1. Getting your shirt over your ear is tricky, but not exactly challenging.

2. Bumping into it in the slightest the first week was excruciating.

3. I'm a side sleeper, and sleeping on one side numbs my body after a few hours.  I've had to compensate by sleeping on my back, which is not very comfortable for me. 

4. Keeping my hair up to speed up healing time.  This isn't something that NEEDS to be done, but it's ideal.  Think about it, we wash our hair, put product in it, it soaks up all kinds of stuff during the day that can irritate a new piercing.  It's easiest to put my hair up to make sure it stays as clean as possible.

I think my Helix piercing is my favorite by far.  It has been the easiest to care for and I find myself looking at it often.  I heard horror stories about how painful the Helix piercing is, and I personally had no problems with the actual piercing itself.  Aftercare has been easier than my ear lobes as well.  If you've been thinking about getting a Helix piercing, don't hesitate!  You'll love it!