Many Thanks.

We are about to embark on this awesome journey but we couldn't have done it with out the support from our family and friends. I'd feel guilty all the way to Rome if we didn't take the time to give our thanks. I'm writing, but the appreciation comes from Luke as well.

Mom and Dad: ah hem. Writing this the day before departure is probably not the best; I'm trying to do this with a giant lump in my throat! I was glad the shock factor wasn't as bad when, a year ago, I mentioned this trip. I guess a lifetime of "katie" surprises such as the shooting and traveling to Africa alone, doesn't make Ireland seem so outrageous. Since the beginning you were calm, cool, and very supportive. You've been such an example for Luke and I and have never shown anything besides love and an abundant about of encouragement. THANK YOU for loving me, for loving the man I love, and for being the rock in our family since day one. I love you, i'll miss you, and I look forward to sharing our adventure together across seas, once again. No Malaria this time, mom :]



Mark and Roxy: Where do I begin? Both of you have taken me into your home like your own daughter. Without your casita, coffee in the morning, and dinner every night we could have never prepared for this upcoming endeavor! I'm just kidding, kinda. Truthfully, your family has become my own and I am so thankful and blessed to share my life with you. Luke and I have learned so much from our daily conversations, and casual lazy evenings. I really can not express my gratitude enough for raising Luke the way you have; he's a fine young man and you both deserve two thumbs up. Thank you for accepting and loving the "katie" in me. I love you both, and look forward to hopefully spending Thanksgiving with you in Ireland!!!

Mel and Fred: I'm sure gonna miss you two. Who lets people live rent free? YOU DO. Financially, you helped us save some bills. However, living with you was such an example and a learning experience for me. I love all the late night or early morning conversations. I feel like the luckiest sister to have such an inspiring couple as my example. Luke and I have a lot of live up to but your protection, prayers, and guidance is much appreciated. Thank you for loving me, loving Luke, and supporting us along the way. We certainly could not have done this with out you.

Nicole and Andy: I thought I was lucky with my own family, but having you guys is the cherry on top. As a couple you have encouraged, guided, and loved us ALL along the way. Watching you get married, and plan a life together has been such an incredible experience to watch. We are constantly eyeing in awe and are so proud and honored to be so close to you. Andy, Luke has looked up to you since the day we knew you existed. He is so in love with you and I'm lucky he has such an awesome mentor. We love you both and still hoping you'll surprise us in the Emerald Isle!

Kelly and Jared: Lessons. Love. Patience. We have learned so much from you, both. Your realness and love for each other is one of the greatest examples we could see. Thank you for making us a part of your life while supporting and loving us all the way from a different state. Kelly, I cannot WAIT to see you in Ireland. As sisters and friends I'm so thankful I have such willing and supportive people that are traveling around the globe just to see me. You are one of the coolest, intelligent, and most unique individuals and your own traveling experiences have given me the courage for this trip. I love you. I'll miss you. I'll see you soon!!!

To all of our friends, extended family, and anyone I didn't specifically mention above. With a gracious heart, THANK YOU. To the girls at school who inspired and supported me from the beginning, thank you for that little going away shin-dig. IT. WAS. AWESOME; it made me feel incredible special.



For those of you who spend most weekends or night at four kegs with us, thanks. You're friendship has been built off nothing but laughter, fun, and a significant amount of love. Thanks for dancing with us at the Bon Voyage party, you rule!!!












Bestest friends, I'll miss you!!! It's the best feeling that no matter what part of the world were in, we will be forever close. You make my world a much brighter place. Thank you for your patience, devotion, and support the whole way through. I'm hoping to see you across the world!!!!

Jesus, above all, thank you. Not a day goes by that I do not feel blessed. Thank you for showing each of us how to love and be loved. Without you, we'd all be nothing. I appreciate the curiosity and zest you supply. You've created in me, a new heart. I love you.

Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra 10:4

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE THE JOURNEY POSSIBLE!!!!!!

<3

T-Minus 11 days. Crap.

Can you believe we leave in 11 days?! Oh my, people! We both are a mix of stress, excitement, and overwhelmed with the current to-do list. I mean, let's be honest, we are slackers! We have been trying to enjoy the company of those we won't see for a long time and the list is just getting l o n g e r and l o n g e r.

But it's okay.

Miraculously, we have managed to really help each other out with out biting each others heads off. While still trying to finish summer school and his last week at work, we've made a great team. On Saturday, I took my Praxis 2 test which is my last and final test to receive my license to teach. This gentleman woke up at 5am just to make me breakfast; it was his day off, too. It's been a nice and fairly smooth planning process. We are 11 days away. Yes, our journey across the world for 5 months is 11 days away.

All of this has brought us so many new topics of discussion. When I was planning my trip to Africa, it was a solo endeavor. Now, I'm expected to share an agenda? YES and I'm happy about it! It's been a research project, duo style. We both are very excited not only to grow and experience as individuals, but as a young couple c r a z y about each other. It's not everyday that you get to wake up and anticipate the unknown. It's enigmatic. Each day closer I get stronger butterflies, only because my life is about to change...considerably.

We've sat down and jotted some goals; a mission.

Here's a glimpse, only a small excerpt.

Pray continually.
Spend an entire day, with out knowing the time.
To smell fresh, Italian homemade bread from a tiny cafe and write about it.
To sip wine accompanying random people in Barcelona.
Skydive over the Swiss Alps.
Meet a Liechtenstein fellow.
To be indiscriminate.
Plan to be unsystematic (oxymoron, perhaps?)
Devote an entire day to hearing.
Fight, and make up.
Savor a pint at Oktoberfest in Munich.
Flirt in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Fancy a stress-free day.
Enjoy the scene of our favorite European futbol game.
Indulge in café au lait.
Write. Read. Sketch. Get lost.


"We seek to delve into the world unknown; The foreign physical latitudes alongside the foreign conscious. We carry ambitions to grow individually and as two people devoted to our adoration. Above all, we desire a shit load of fun."

Our apologies, although were promising to share MOST of our life with the world, some stuff is better kept unpublished. Not in a perverted context. Rather, a camaraderie, esoteric kind of manner. It keeps us fun, fond, and guarded.

We will continue to post our adventures packing and preparing. As of now, we really should attempt getting some rest.

If anyone has any tips or places that are a "must see" please let us know. We are walking in blind and totally open to all suggestions. Keep checking back for updates!!!

Cheerio!

K
&
L

har-de-har

This weekend was too good to pass up writing about it. It was spent in the company of my family in San Diego. Melody and I planned this weekend some time ago when we were looking at each other teary eyed on her couch, missing our family. Since our parents moved, the city of bright lights suddenly grew extremely dark. We booked our flights and long awaited Thursday, July 15th flight number 2274. Now, five days later, I'm sitting sunburned on a half deflated air mattress listening to Alan Jackson's Precious Memories feeling extremely blessed.

Lets be honest here. We all know I'm a creature of many emotions, one that thinks deep and feels deeper. Obviously, after months of being away and one weekend to make up lost time, it was inevitable that I was going to feel... with a heavy beating heart. Oh friends, I feel restored.

Immediately after class on Thursday, Mel and Fred picked me up the from beautiful UNLV campus and we headed straight to the airport. After Southwest seemed to lose my reservation, they recovered my existence and gave me priority seating. I was so excited to board first after business class; I was lucky enough to snag the very FIRST row. Well, big mistake. My giddiness was about 5 steps ahead of any logical thinking because there was so room to store my luggage, or my sisters. I embarrassingly had to work my way through the next 15 aisles, annoying every sweaty passenger, just to find a place to stow. Then, complete the walk of shame and return to my first row...against traffic. The oh so pleasant flight attendant gave me a look, I smiled and felt my face get hot. The worst part is I knew my sister was going to have to repeat the exact process when she stepped on board. Watching her was quite amusing. We giggled and enjoyed a nice conversation with the professional single woman next to us. Needless to say were almost the last ones off the plane due to our predicament; I took the blame. The adventure was a great start to the appealing weekend ahead.

After a lovely greeting on Thursday, we woke up Friday feeling the fresh salt water air consume our lungs. We wanted to see the beach and enjoy the fresh air considering we were practically dried up from the Vegas inferno. We strolled along, windows down, aviators on, enjoying every bit of the peaceful drive to La Jolla Cove. The weekend before I had made a short trip with Luke to San Diego. We ate at this comforting, delicious, elegant joint called Cody's. My mom had the bright idea to order Cody's togo and park our rears on a bench, above the crashing La Jolla waves. We scarfed and were pleased with our dining affair. We broke a sweat as we walked around the cove taking in the beauty and magnificence of God's handiwork.





That evening we went to the Padres/Diamondbacks game. Who can deny that beer, dogs, excellent weather, and 7th inning stretch doesn't set the stage for a happy night? The only thing that was missing was our loves. We missed our boys but it was refreshing being with the original 5 family members prior to wedding rings and prego-ness. It was eventful for all participants.










Saturday was captivated by a family of beach bums. We packed our picnic, squeezed into our bikinis and set sail for Moonlight, maybe Moonlit, beach in Encinitas. IT WAS PACKED. Jared attempted to surf, my pops and I made it to 48 playing shuttlecock (why do they call it that? I mean, REALLY), and we all just chilled. Oh, I also peed in the ocean...twice.





Following the swell day we repeated our windows down, music up, kind of car drive back to La Jolla Cove to watch the sun set. There was an energy at the sea that day. Maybe it was my own childish manner but I was happy to be at that place at that time. Again, I was missing Luke, but the love and presence of my family was overwhelming.







Sunday was a day I knew Jesus loved me. Don't get me wrong, I know everyday, but it was a special day that my heart needed. We attended Kelly's church FLOOD bright and early on Sunday. Getting ready to praise God with your family is a very cool and special bond. The comedian Michael Jr. was a guest that day! OH people, he was HILARIOUS; he created a har-de-har in us all. He made me laugh like a little kid with no worries. It was the first time in a long time that I felt bricks come off my shoulder one by one. Jesus was patching my stressed heart and my soul was rejuvenated. I watched as each member in my family welled in tears at one point or another during the service. It was very real; we all felt very alive in our own way. Thank you Lord, for all your blessings that day. Following the service, we strolled the Hillcrest farmers market. By the time I left you could have rolled me out! The edible material available, blue-grass live band, and the zest among all the vendors made for an accomplished Sunday afternoon. The only picture I took was of a bucket of flowers. It's a shame I didn't capture more but I assure you, my taste buds were capturing much delight. Following the market we rode bikes along Mission bay for nearly two hours. It was a bit hectic at times considering the tremendous amount of tourists but it was still fun to frolic along the bay.

Today, my mom and I had a girls day out. We talked and talked about fun stuff while exercising on the sand. Then we went shopping because I needed some goodies for my approaching Europe trip. We also ate at a secret cafe. Literally. It was called The secret Cafe in Del Mar. Excellent choice. Then we had a girls date with Gamma and my sis to watch the Bachlorette. We are all totally and embarrassingly hooked. It was nice to spend time with the ladies, especially my sister Kelly.

Now, I'm exhausted. It's been quite some time since I really wrote, more like pressed away on my keyboard. My contacts are nearly stone and they hurt. Nonetheless, I'm glad I shared my weekend. Tomorrow will be a sad farewell but I will see my parents again at our Bon Voyage party next weekend.

Holy crap we leave in two weeks and two days!!! Eurotrip, here we come baby!

ciao ciao from the sunny San Diego!!!

Feelin' a bit girly.

After doing laundry because I had no more clean underwear, scrubbing the gross dirt slime of my tub, and making my bed after a month, I just manicured my toes.

Lately, I've been feeling a bit, uh...contaminated. Dirty cups next to the bed, purse full of receipts, bushy eyebrows, and seriously neglected toes; I finally fed my personal life some attention. Embarrassing enough, it's done now so I can express the abundant feeling of femininity. To all my ladies, why didn't you tell me I needed to trim, shape, and shave?!

Well well well, for those interested, Luke graduated!!! yay!!! Three years long distance, and we did it! I'm so proud of him!!! Cheers love!!!! <3

Things have been busy busy ever since Luke moved home. He started selling shoes at nordys (we just can't get enough, apparently) and I've continue to maintain the emotional and stressful Katie that i've been the last um....... 8 months. I'm now in my second practicum in a third grade class. It's interesting. Ha. I have one student with Tourettes Syndrome, and one child with Autism. They d o n o t l i k e e a c h o t h e r. It's a handful to say the least. HOWEVER, I am learning a great deal and have come to laugh and absolutely love both of them. It's quite fantastic actually.

I'm still adjusting to having my parents gone.... i miss them damn it! Life just isn't the same :/ It doesn't help that I'm jealous that they watch the sunsets 4 times a week and I'm sweating as soon as the sun sees me. On the contrary, we have developed a alternative forms of communication. Since my mother and I are obsessed with weddings she emails me these super creative/amazing wedding blogs. No, I'm not engaged.... yet. But I can still dream and plan for one day, right? If you are getting married, come to me, because I have some GREAT ideas and since I can't plan my own right now, I'll plan yours! BUT I won't give you all my glorious ideas. I'm saving them for myself. Just sayin'.

I'm fully engrossed.

Other than trying to budget my money, I'm getting very excited for the future. There are thousands of little blessings all around me and I enjoying watching them mold me and those around me. See life through a different lens, it's awesome.

Anyway, I'm not feeling witty or like I have too much else to say. I think i'm going to extend my girly day and go have one of these!!! Ciao ciao!!!

feeling flirty, katie.

Thursday, at 1:00.

New job, new home, new beginnings. It's been a crazy semester but it's only temporary... right?

I've been so busy I haven't even had time to do laundry, dishes, pluck my eyebrows, or catch up on my guilty pleasures (maybe that's good!). My lunches consist of string cheese, granola bars, and anything else packaged. hurry. quick. gotta go!

However, it's thursday, at 1:00. nothing due tomorrow; no work tonight. just me, cafe rio, red box, and my keyboard. convivial.

Yesterday was my last day with my first graders. It was so bittersweet. A little more on the sweet side than the bitter. Their tender little voices stood in front of me and one by one and read me a card they made. Need I say more? I lost it!!! It was extremely humbling; it confirmed my decision to become a teacher and gave me the courage to remain patient while trying to finish school.

While wrapping up finals and classes, my professors have all left us making the statement about teaching. "It's not a profession you choose for money; you're choosing to make a difference". It's hard to feel like I'm making a difference, but, I do know that those little faces are changing me and altering my inner core. Instead of helping, I'm being helped. It's a great feeling to recognize that everything I'm working towards can and will have a large impact on my life. Here's a youtube video that my professor played in class today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpog1_NFd2Q

Watch this video, you won't regret it!

Anyhoo, Luke moves home in T minus 16 days! I can hardly believe it. I remember when we first started dating and we were non-chalantly discussing future plans. We knew that we would spend three years long distance if were serious about dating; it just didn't seem possible. Then we fell in love and haven't looked back! I'm so proud of him for graduating and so very excited to FINALLY have him home. hooorayy!!

I recently went to Reno to surprise Jessica for opening night of her Grease play. She was amazing!! I'm not just being biased, she was incredible! I was just like a proud parent! I was choked up the whole time! She was glowing!!!!

Looking past the stress, this semester is coming to an end. 5 years down, summer/fall to go. Graduation, here I come. hayyyyy now.

Flights are being booked, plans are in the making.

sayonara,

KATIE!

running = best stress cure

This it totally unedited, completely raw; un-cute. I just ran and feel completed rejuvenated and felt the need to just write.

Today I was a total ball of stress. I woke up at 8! I was supposed to wake up at 6 45. I was late to my school to teach. Then one hour after being there I realized I forgot summer registration was today. I ran home, tried to register and ran into issues with the college of education. surprise surprise. I ran back to the school finished teaching about leprachans and rainbows for St. Patties day and tried to catch a break. I came home to an email from my dad that was so sweet, so incredibly thoughtful. My dad is an amazing man and he has a tendency to make me cry.. happy cry. This time it was happy but the tears just made me break down! I've been completely overwhelmed with school, work, the move, scholarship letters, deadlines, and life. Out of exhaustion, stress, and possible PMS I just broke.

That's when I put on my running shoes. Three miles later and some black eyed peas I was a new woman! Its a beautiful day outside and here I was whimpering over nonsense. Now i'm well, cured.

That's all, nothing valuable to the outside world.

just me,

K.

park it.

Lately, there have been so many little blessings that I fail to really, genuinely appreciate. Usually when they occur, my heart softens, and my brain immediately translates feelings to terminology on scraps of paper. I babble. However, lately, I have had lack of effort and time to really park myself, ponder, and assign the little moments of gratitude to others. Some things aren’t sharable; particular thoughts are boring to those attempting to listen to Katie’s babbles. But lately, many rather cool changes have occurred; it’s time to park it.

My parents are moving to San Diego. I should punctuate that sentence with an alternative mark called an exclamation point, but it would be inconsistent with the way I’m feeling. That’s rude. The blessing is that my dad said many prayers when he lost his job in December. Watching my parents survive, thrive, and persevere has been medicine for me. THAT is a blessing. Sadness overwhelms my selfish side because it leaves insecurity about the stability in our family. However, they are so happy to live in their favorite city, so happy to be in love, and so thankful that God answered prayers better than expected. BLESSING.

This semester has been a massive blur of commutes, cute voices and little hands, rubrics, and children’s literature. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been completely overwhelmed, exhausted, tired, bushed, and did I mention fatigued? Still, I’ve seen the glimpse of graduation/Ireland approaching. The blessing in the tiredness is that I’m learning. I’ve been in a first grade classroom this semester and I can’t explain the little joys those young devils bring me. For example, I was teaching a lesson on the 100^th day of school. The creative workshop was to draw a self-portrait of yourself as if you were 100 years old. A cute little devil raised his clammy hand and with wide blue eyes and concerned trembled voice asked, “Ms. Jozsa, will I go to heaven when I am 100 years old?” I wasn’t sure whether to laugh, cry, or just marinate in the moment. So, I did just about it all. BLESSING.

An unmentionable name about an unmentionable topic has really made me laugh lately. This friendship is unswerving, authentic, and extremely agreeable… forever. Thanks to YOU for all the phone calls and fun adventures. BLESSIN’ ya’ll.

Although the entire globe knows I’m mad about Luke, it never seems a sufficient amount. That’s just the way I wanted love to be when I dreamed about it as a young woman. I wanted to scream to humanity on the top of a cliff so the entire universe could be informed. Even if that were scientifically achievable, it wouldn’t be adequate. We’re not perfect; yet it’s irresistibly ideal. Valentine’s day was just what the doctor would have ordered for a bad case of stress. It wasn’t because of the flowers, notes, dinner, or presents. Those materials were just the cherry on top of a handsome man who knows how romantically articulate his emotions on an ever so often occasion. It’s like my dad towards my mother. A true anecdote of romance; a true vivid and wildly imperfect BLESSING.

There’s one more. My senses. While recently visiting Santa Monica Pier, I took a moment just to appreciate my senses. What I heard was soothing. What I saw was magical. What I smelled was welcoming and powerful. What I tasted was salty. What I felt was tenderness. It’s the little senses that we take for granite each and every day. Although I’ve taken the time now to sit and appreciate, I spend the majority of my time letting stress and frustration get the better part of me. It’s revitalizing to share, energizing for the soul.

Psalm 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

Really,

Kates.

PS: Andy and Nicole's 80's birthday bash this weekend. so exciting!

What are your blessings?

share.