Katybeth 101

15. On a final note...

2008-12-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

As we wrap up a semester of blogs, I have found that some blogs were easier to write than others. It was not easy keeping up with and finding new things to journal about each week, but through it all I learned a few things about myself. Although English has never been my strongest academic subject, I still work hard if not harder to accomplish what I need to. In keeping my blog entries up-to-date, I have proved to myself that staying responsible and getting things done on time can happen. All it takes is good planning, a great topic and enough time to get it all done.

As glad as I am that blog entries cease to be a responsibility, I will miss the valuable lessons learned from other people's blog entries. Some people's mental processes are far more developed than mine. In reading what others had to say and the way in which they approached it, I was challenged in my own thinking to become a better writer. I believe that was a goal of this class and the whole point of taking English 101. I now realize that blogs are a short journal entry each week, which make for a quick and easy way to show one's progression in writing over the course of a semester.

My beginning entry was sadly lacking in comparison to some of my later ones. I had never before done a blog entry and was unsure what to expect or quite how to do it. Over the course of the semester and by reading and commenting on fellow classmates' blogs, my writing improved. As the old saying goes "Practice makes perfect." I probably wouldn't consider my blogs "perfect" by any stretch of the imagination, though. However, my blogs did improve with each entry. I am grateful that these counted for 10% of our overall grade because I was able to keep up with them over the semester. Hopefully that will bring up my grade. My three major essays are finally done and it's getting late. My final is at 8:00 in the morning so I must get to bed soon. As we wrap up these blogs for the last time, I wish everyone luck on their exams and much needed rest over the holidays. Have a safe and wonderful Christmas!!!

14. Life Lessons from an Ice Skating Rink

2008-12-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

While I was in Washington, D.C. during Thanksgiving break, I got to see the brand new ice skating rink that is not far from my sister's apartment. Although it is not very big, many people were gliding around having fun. Since we don't have any of those down here, I was of course fascinated and wanted to throw on a pair of skates myself. My dad and I planned on going Sunday before my flight left later that night. However, much to my dismay I woke up that morning to find it pouring down rain. I suppose I'll just have to go back someday soon and try it out when the weather's nicer. As I watched the ice skaters earlier in the week, I realized life lessons can come from even something as simple as ice skating even when you aren't the one ice skating.

Watching other people ice skate is both fun and entertaining. All kinds of people both young and old eagerly put on ice skates to glide around in circles for who knows how many times. Yet it's certainly fun for both amateurs and professionals alike. I for one would fall under the amateur category but that's beside the point. I was mesmerized by the young girl who seemed to be pretty comfortable doing spins and other cool tricks. I had to laugh when a little boy kept falling down time after time. He'd just be skating around and then all of a sudden he'd lose his balance. Yet every time to his credit he would get right back up and continue skating. The more I watched him, the more I thought how life is sometimes like that. One minute you're under control and everything is smooth sailing. The next minute you find yourself on the ground or momentarily off balance. The real challenge is being able to get right back up and keep going learning a little along the way.

Another thing I learned from ice skating was that you have to find your balance in order to keep from falling. Unlike roller skates that have wheels on both sides of the foot, a single blade goes right down the middle of the ice skates. This of course makes it a little more difficult to stay on your feet. Life is all about balance. School, church, devotionals, family, friends, and so many other things demand our time and attention. Without finding the right balance for ourselves, we can never get everything done without forgetting something. Of course we have to find time for ourselves as well so balance is of the utmost importance. Sure nobody's perfect and we all make mistakes and fall every once in a while. Yet what really counts is getting right back on our feet and learning something new every time.

13. Breaking Tradition

2008-11-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

This year Thanksgiving will be different for my family. Instead of having all the extended family over for a big meal at our house, this holiday will spent in Washington, D.C. My sister lives there and works at the White House. My mom and dad left Friday morning and got in late that night. For the past two days, they have been together having a good time while I've been stuck here all weekend doing homework. Thankfully, Tuesday is almost here. My flight leaves at eight that morning and a friend is driving me to the airport. Tuesday night will be a wonderful family reunion for the four of us.

Being the younger sister, I am used to having Mom and Dad to myself while big sister goes off to college. While it was nice having them to myself sometimes, I missed my sister and hated the fact that we were not all together. Now that the shoe is on the other foot and she has them to herself, I know how she feels most of the time. Sure I'm in college but every once in a while I get to go home and spend time with Mom and Dad. She, on the other hand, does not have that option. For that reason and many others, I am glad she has this opportunity to spend time with them. I can't remember the last time we were together as a family.

Traditions are most often made with family and sometimes broken with family. Every Thanksgiving we celebrate my grandmother's birthday since hers is close to Thanksgiving. My mom cooks a gigantic and wonderful meal for all the family. We gather for a devotional, say the blessing and dig in. Not the case this time. I don't know what we will do or what all will be on the menu, but it won't really matter because all four of us will be there. I think Thanksgiving this year will be one to remember in years to come. It could very well be interesting but definitely something to be thankful for. Having family together is the greatest blessing in life (even if it does mean breaking tradition).

12. No Thanks

2008-11-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here, but according to some people, it's time for Christmas. While I was home last weekend, I rode by a few homes that already had their Christmas trees up and decorations on the front lawn. I found this somewhat disturbing and for the life of me, could not figure out why they chose to set up Christmas stuff so early. It's almost as if they deliberately chose to "overlook" Thanksgiving and get straight to Christmas. I understand that Jesus is the reason for the season, but it is important to give thanks for every good and perfect gift that comes from above. So many times we take things for granted and never really appreciate them for their true value. Thanksgiving is a reminder that we are blessed and that we need to be appreciative of all we're given.

Although Thanksgiving does not technically have its own genre of music, it's important to get into the mood and celebrate with family and friends. We dig into the scrumptious meal that Mom prepared without giving a second thought to how fortunate we are to have food in front of us. So many people across the world are faced without food and eventually starve to death. Such a scary thing and yet we do nothing to prevent this from happening. We go right on chewing and leave the others to their fate. Okay so maybe we're not that harsh or thankless but still... in order to be truly thankful, it helps to put things into perspective and realize we have everything (or almost everything) here in America where many people in other countries lack in most things. Perhaps it would be in our best interest to show our thankful hearts by helping those in need and sending hope to a lost and hungry world. Hey, ever heard of Free Rice? That's a great place to start. With only the click of a button, hungry mouths will be fed and empty stomachs satisfied. It's fun and beneficial to the other party at the same time.

I say all of this not so much for my readers as much for myself. I'm a picky eater and definitely forget sometimes about those without food. I never meant for this to turn into what it did but it reminded me of the true reason for Thanksgiving. Perhaps I'll never understand why those people put up Christmas decorations so early, but that's not the point. What really matters is realizing that Thanksgiving is a holiday, it comes before Christmas, and how truly important it is to give thanks. We are BLESSED and we have God to thank for that.

11. If at first you don't succeed...

2008-11-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

As many of you may have read in one of my earlier blogs, I went to Superstep (much by accident) a couple of weeks ago and made a fool of myself in front my esteemed English professor. I had vowed never to return until I worked my way up to that level. However, with a little encouragement from my mother, I reluctantly went back this past Monday night to give it another try. Luckily, I knew what I was getting myself into this time. Besides a few regulars who placed themselves in the front of the room (I happily camped out in the back), I was one of just a handful of college students. This time I braced myself for what would be an hour of sweat-dripping determination.

Once the music started, the wheels of determination began to turn in my head. "If Dr. Miller can do this, surely I could, too," I kept thinking to myself. I was like "The Little Engine that Could," which is a great movie by the way (I watched it when I was a kid). Those four little words helped push me along. "I think I can. I think I can." Dr. Miller added several new moves, which I surprisingly caught on to quickly. Oh, several times I found myself out of step still but for the most part I found I had greatly improved. I even made myself hang on until the very end, which was in no way easy. By the time class was over, I wanted to just lie down and take a nap right then and there. I was so exhausted but proud of myself for sticking it out.

That night I learned a very important lesson. We don't always get things right the first time. The good part, though, is that it's okay. There is always room for improvement and a chance to try it again. Sometimes it takes someone else to encourage us to take another shot. That "someone else" doesn't want you to fail and knows you can succeed. He or she has faith in you and pushes you to be your best. Thank goodness for people like that. Now as someone who's been there before, I encourage you to try Superstep class at least once. Sure, you'll probably have a good laugh, but you'll get a great workout. Who knows? You might be surprised and want to go back. No matter what you try or do, though, just remember. If at first you don't succeed, try try again!!!

10. A Mystery to Me!!!

2008-11-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

Friday night turned out to be a fantastically wonderful night. My tribe Nenamoosha had MYSTERY DATE in which we wore a guy's tie and had to meet him at a certain place at a certain time. I was both nervous and excited at the same time. I had no idea who my date would be and could not wait to find out who my tie belonged to. I got to the Kugle and anxiously waited for my date's arrival. A few minutes later a tall red headed guy came and walked up to me. He introduced himself as Andrew Magers, which immediately rung a bell in my head. His brother was the president of Civitan, which just happens to be Nenamoosha's brother club. This made for great conversation.

Once I returned his tie, we took a picture and headed towards downtown Clinton where a jazz orchestra was playing. We saw other couples already talking and eating so we started walking around and talking to everyone. Andrew was very nice the whole night and although he had to leave early, we enjoyed some great conversation, not to mention the Aristocats, which was later displayed on one of the walls of the buildings. One of the funniest things we discovered was that we are in the same psychology class and had never realized it until that night. It took someone else in our psychology class to make the connection for us. Oh the things you discover on a date!!

As I was walking around and enjoying the company of such good friends, I realized that I am truly beginning to call MC my home away from home. Ever since I pledged and became part of a tribe, I have met so many people and would not trade it for anything. The moment I stepped onto MC's campus to take a tour last fall, I knew this was where I would end up coming. I couldn't be any happier with my decision and look forward to the new friendships I am making and will make in the future.

9. Second semester coming up...

2008-11-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that we are almost through with our first semester in college. I look back and wonder where did the time go? Besides focusing on school work and trying to make good grades, I spent a great deal of time with tribe stuff. It seems like I'm constantly doing something tribe-related. It's fun at times but it is challenging to have to balance it with school work and everything else. I know in the end, though, it will be worth all the friendships and good times.

Luckily, I had a free weekend with no tribal activities so I packed up and came home. My mom and I spent some time Friday night looking at required classes and what all I needed to take. If everything goes as planned, I'll have an easy Monday and Wednesday with two classes. My Tuesday and Thursday will be swamped with classes, but I'll have Friday off. It is not very easy coming up with a workable schedule because only so many options are available for each class. Planning classes for a semester takes patience and perseverance to try and get all the classes you want at a good time.

To me, it's a little fun because it's like a jigsaw puzzle. You have several pieces of the puzzle and the object of the game is to put them together and form an overall picture, which in this case is a semester's worth of classes. The other challenging part is found in the missing puzzle piece, which would be a class you need that is not offered during that time. (I hope this made sense and is somewhat right because I'm not the best when it comes to analogies.) I wish everyone luck coming up with a good schedule for next semester and hope that the rest of the first semester goes well.

8. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you...

2008-10-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air and the trees are being stripped of their leaves. We all know it's coming. You can see the excitement on the faces of little children. Costumes, candy, and pumpkins all help make this one of the best holidays of the year besides Christmas. Halloween is just around the corner and it's sure to be filled with thrills, chills, and scary decor.

According to pictures and my family, one of my first costumes was a pumpkin. I don’t remember being forced to wear such a hideous costume since I was just a baby. However, my sister remembers it very well. (Did I mention she had a matching costume? You could say we were quite a pair!!!) As the years went by, I got to dress up in more sophisticated costumes. Dalmatians were my favorite dogs, which inspired the spotted puppy costume. Oh and how could I forget my absolute favorite costume- the 50s outfit complete with a poodle skirt?

Aside from the good times and happy memories made in those various costumes, one thing never changed. Despite costume changes each year, I realize that I was- and still am- the same person on the inside. It doesn’t matter what we look like on the outside. What really matters is what we look like on the inside. As 1 Samuel 16:7 states, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." While this verse may not necessarily pertain to Halloween costumes, it certainly seems to go along with the idea, I think. No matter what we wear, we should always be the same person on the inside.

7. No Looking Back

2008-10-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Whenever I'm on the Natchez Trace heading towards Jackson, if I look in my rearview mirror I can see the steeple of my old church. It brings back memories of all the things my family and I did while active members there. My mom served as the children's minister for several years and everyone in the church knew my family very well. People I didn't even know would come up to me and ask how I was doing or wave to me in the hall. People still do that whenever they see me around and I just smile and act as if I knew all about them.

When I was growing up in that church, my aunt used to live in Jackson and we would travel to see her often. It was then that I looked back in the rearview mirror and saw the steeple reaching up to the sky. I would watch it until it disappeared behind the trees. Looking at the steeple, it was as if I was saying, "I'll be back soon." I was involved in many things as a child such as GAs, choir, Sunday School, and Bible Drill. I guess in a way I felt a sense of belonging in that church. Even though my mom was the children's minister, I still had lots of fun and even got to help her with things. It wasn't until my senior year of high school that everything changed.

Really it was the year 2005 that took a turn for my family and me. My mom brought an idea to the other staff members who argued that it would not be good to accept. After disagreements and getting nowhere, my mother decided it was time to resign in respect to the other staff and church members. I quickly realized that the rest of my family seemed to bow out of the picture as well. My sister was in college at the time and found it easy to stop attending. My mom and dad both quit teaching Sunday School and stopped being involved in the church. Other factors had helped lead to this situation but the ultimate one was my mother's resignation. I, however, was the only one left still coming. I decided to stick it out until my high school graduation.

That's where my senior year became so difficult. Since I was the only one, everyone wanted to know how my family was doing and it was as if they never asked much about me (I guess since they could see me). It was fine for a little while, but as the year went on, I wanted to just be left alone. I quit being involved in so many things. By now I only did Sunday School and youth choir. It wasn't easy showing up every Sunday knowing that people would be asking about my family now that they quit coming. I managed to survive my senior year and after the baccalaurette service I quit going as well.

Now when I think about it, it's not that I hate my old church in general. Most of the people I see who are still members there and even ones who aren't, I still say hi and don't feel any resentment or bitterness. No, the people aren't the reason I don't go back. I have come to the realization that sometimes you may have opposing views with the church, and instead of fighting it, it's just better to move on and not look back.

Now that I travel towards Jackson on the Natchez Trace for college, I discovered that I no longer notice the steeple in my rearview mirror. Maybe it's because I'm in the driver's seat now and too busy looking ahead to what my future holds. Perhaps it's because I realized I needed to move on and leave the past where it belongs. Either way, I'm not looking back and that's the way I think it should be.

6. A Step in the Wrong Direction

2008-10-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Monday night I decided to try a new aerobics class. My mom and sister had been talking about their step classes and wanted me to try one so we could compare instructors, experiences, and classes. When I saw a basic/super step class met at 5:30, I made plans to go. I could not find anybody to go with me, but I thought that it would not be that bad. I would be totally fine and would catch on fairly quickly. Was I ever wrong!

I got to the classroom where people were already getting their steps and risers and warming up. As I was gathering my own equipment, I noticed out of the corner of my eye an all too familiar face. It was so familiar that I found myself cracking up in disbelief. The instructor of the class was none other than my esteemed English professor Dr. Miller. After seeing him in class everyday dressed up to the nines complete with a tie and glasses, it was hard to imagine that he dressed up any differently. I casually looked around to see if anyone else from my English class was here to share in the adventure. When I realized I was the only one and one of about three other college students, I buckled in for a hilarious and sweat-dripping hour of non-stop moves.

The class started off fine while we did some warm-up exercises that seemed pretty easy. I easily got the hang of the routine and started having fun. I was very impressed with Dr. Miller. Then about fifteen minutes into the class, I think, we were instructed to get our steps and risers. Oh, was I in for the comedy of my life. He ended up making me look terrible and completely uncoordinated. I found myself wondering left from right and barely able to follow and keep up with him. Everyone else seemed to know what was going on, except two other guys on the opposite side of the room. I was grateful to see them in the same boat as me. Together we suffered and sweated through our first step class. We later found out we were in SUPERstep. Basic step class had been meeting in the other classroom. So much for burning a few calories!

Despite being in the wrong class, I at least had a good laugh and something fairly interesting, I hope, to write about in my next blog entry. More importantly I made an observation that sometimes we just don't give a second thought about seeing someone, like an English teacher, anywhere else and it be natural at the same time. We're so used to seeing them in one place all the time that we're caught off guard when we see them elsewhere. It's like, "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in a classroom." I also was able to see a different side of Dr. Miller. I had no idea he taught an aerobics class and could be so good at it. (I guess you have to be to help others stay in shape.) While I may not be back for quite a while (sorry Dr. Miller), I am grateful for the experience and will challenge myself to work up to the superstep level. I guess in a way it was a step in the right direction.

5. It's not over. It's only just beginning.

2008-10-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

The final RUSH process ended on Thursday with SQUEAL NIGHT. We had to sit in our rooms with the lights out at nine o'clock until they knocked on our door. Then they gave us clues as to where we would go next for more clues until finally we ended up in the room where our new tribal sisters awaited. It was absolutely nerve-racking yet exciting at the same time. Everyone was eager to find out which tribe they were in. The campus was filled with girls rushing around trying to find the clues that would lead them to a room full of anxious excited sisters.

As soon as that door opened to reveal the tribe I would be in, I quickly came to believe why they call it what it is. I was greeted with a sea of red t-shirts and cheers. Someone put a t-shirt on me as a welcome to the Nenamoosha tribe. When I saw some of my friends who were already there, I ran over with a huge smile and gave them a great big hug. Then we talked and mingled until everyone was there. We had refreshments, played games, and took a group picture of our new pledge class. The actives gave us a rose as we left.

Although it may have seemed like the end of something, it was really only just the beginning. Yes, it was the end of the RUSH process, but the fun was only just getting started. Being in a tribe will require much time and more responsibility, but I'm more than ready for what lies ahead. I know it's going to be a busy next four years but in the end it will be worth it all. I'm very excited about seeing what's going to happen now that I'm in a tribe.

4. Fairy Tale Ending

2008-09-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of my own fairy tale ending. I've watched all the Disney princesses find their magical happy endings with Prince Charming and still love watching them. It's almost like watching something different every time I press the 'Play' button. You think something's going to go wrong but they always end up together. And who doesn't dream of their own fairy tale ending someday? Actually it wouldn't be the ending but only just the beginning. Of course, the movies always end with "THE KISS." So we never actually see what happens next. (Oh, I did forget they've been making sequels but usually the first one's much better.)

Now that I watch more "grown up" movies, it seems to be the continuing theme. Fairy tales do come true in real life. (Weddings prove that most of the time.) However, there's usually much more passion and realism in the "adult" movies. Last night I watched "Another Cinderella Story," featuring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley (I think that's right.) Even though it doesn't sound like a more sophisticated movie, it is a more updated version (if you want to call it that) of the Disney princess Cinderella. I enjoyed it because much more dancing was involved and it seemed a little more realistic to me. Of course the whole wicked stepsisters and maybe a few other things were a little over the top, but overall it was a good movie.

Every time I watch a movie be it humorous, action-packed, or just plain romantic, I always think of new "fairy tales" I dream of playing out in my life. No matter how many times I think about it, something new always presents itself and I'm back to the drawing board of fantasies. The best thing, though, is knowing that God has someone just for me and He knows the BEST way to make my fairy tale come true. Hey, I can still dream until that glorious day.

3. DC- Here I Come!!

2008-09-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

My sister lives in Washington, DC where she is a White House Liaison to the Department of Education. She has influenced me to one day pack all my things and move up to a place so far away from Mississippi. I have been to Washington, DC several times and absolutely love it!! It is nothing like living in the South. Most people ride the Metro to work everyday and walk long distances on foot. Some do have cars but the average Washingtonian prefers the Metro. DC is also known for tourist attractions such as the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. People come from near and far to visit such sites. The food differs greatly as well from the South. Fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A are rare and usually hard to find.
Since I am an accounting major, I have decided I would one day like to work at the Treasury Department, which is right next to the White House. Though I've never been inside the building, I've seen pictures of it on the Internet. It seems like a great place to work in the future. If I work hard, make good grades, and build up a strong resume, hopefully I'll get a chance to intern there. It won't be easy but I think I can do it. Perhaps I could one day help rebuild and strengthen the economy with a better money system (not by myself and I hope this doesn't sound like an "I'm gonna change the world" moments because that's nearly impossible).
After keeping up with the stock market on CNN, I am getting concerned about the economy and our money. I don't know much about the stock market yet but I can figure out that things are BAD right now. I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow or the next day but being the optimistic person that I am, I'm hoping that things will take a turn for the better soon and very soon. Otherwise, it will be up to future generations to fix what those before us could not. No matter what happens four years from now, I still hope that I can make it to the Treasury Department.

2. Don't get mad, get even.

2008-09-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is probably a familiar phrase to anyone who has seen "John Tucker Must Die." I watched it Friday night for the first time and thought, "What a perfect solution to all your problems." Although I'm not one whose been in a relationship quite like the girls in the movie, I'm not sure I would get even with the sad little creature who broke my heart. Sure I'd get mad but what reason is there to cook up a scheme and break his heart in return? No, no. The better solution would be to kill him. Right? However cruel that may seem, the guy had it coming. He deserves it.
Then I think about the kind of person I am and realize that maybe I couldn't bring myself to do something so heartless. Besides, who would break a sweet girl's heart like mine? Who knows?!? Even if a guy could find the guts to do such a thing, I'd probably cry 'til the earth experienced a Noah's ark sequel. Then when there wasn't a drop left in me, I would probably grow so angry that the earth would then shake. (By now, the boy would be in his cold dark grave from drowning and shaking.) I would take great pleasure in writing his obituary. (I'm really not that mean, I promise!!!) Maybe I would say ONE nice thing (he DID ask me out, I'll grant him that). But then that's getting even, right?
So maybe I would want to get even but doesn't that require getting mad, too? I mean, let's face it. If you found out someone was treating you wrong, you'd probably get mad, upset or both. Hey, is there a different solution, though? Instead of getting even, why not just get mad and vent your anger towards something defenseless like a punching bag or a fluffy pillow. Sure it may not teach the guy a lesson but you'd get over him eventually and you'd move on. Like he would care. Still it was fun and entertaining to watch "John Tucker Must Die."

1. A Little About Me

2008-09-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

I’m Katybeth Martin and a native of Tupelo, MS. I’m excited about being here at Mississippi College. I enjoy listening to music, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. I’ve enjoyed my freshman year so far and am looking forward to the rest of my freshman year. I know that the road will not always be easy, but taking a few steps at a time, day by day, I will make it through just fine.
After discussing the mission statement of Mississippi College, I feel that I have made a good decision to come here. Sometimes I need a little push or “poke” in achieving things. Knowing that my teachers and professors are willing to help their students succeed, I believe that I have a greater chance at doing my best. I know that I was lead to the right place.
Although I’m not a whiz kid by any means, I work and study hard. My efforts are usually rewarded with A’s. I am a Christian and was saved when I was about eleven years old. I didn’t talk much in high school, but now that I’ve made many friends already, I converse more. I’ve met so many great people here at Mississippi College that it’s very hard to stay quiet these days.