Katie in the Kitchen, EEK!

When I was a little girl (I’m still a little girl so this still applies), I wake up with urgency. A need in which should I choose not to satisfy, I cannot function. Those around me know it, and go into hiding until they know my need has been satisfied. The world around me is colorless until my slippers cross the perimeter of the cooking room; also known as the kitchen. For then my green eyes grow larger and colors begin to exist again because I KNOW that the growl will soon calm. When the toaster beeps signaling the wheat bread is now toasty, and the two egg whites sizzle communicating to me it’s time to terminate, I’m happy. You know why? Because it’s time to eat.

Okay, here’s the deal. I’m a foodie; a major one. I think about my next meal as I’m half way through to one in front of me. I love food!

I didn’t always know I loved food; I just thought I loved not being hungry. Of course, I loved a tasty meal, when I made the time for it, but that was rare. I tried to be healthy (not when I was younger, I just loved anything salty and terrible for me), but every effort to be healthy caused resentment towards healthiness. The lack of salt, portions, and sweets was enough to make me binge worse than I would have if I never deprived my poor tummy in the first place. So, eating what I thought was “healthy” never lasted long; it was always a let down.

Since I’ve been in Ireland, life has slowed down, a lot. It’s the first time I’ve made efforts to cook consistently. I’ve searched beyond my egg whites and occasional chicken and broccoli. I’ve found myself copying recipe books I find at school, researching spices, and even attempting baking. I’ve found great delight in fresh foods, color, and incredible textures. In the past, I was too impatient for cooking. However, this new hobby has created a new Katie, a more domesticated one, too!

So, I’m making it public, I love to cook! I’m a new cuisinier, (my spell check is telling me this isn’t a word, but I’m still using it. Booyah Webster!). Sorry for the crassness but I feel my cooking virginity has just been taken from me, and oh baby, it’s euphoric! However, I’m lacking experience. My life was filled with frozen veggies, string cheese, and protein bars. Now, I’m on the road to talent, it is however, a very long road.

This is a longer post then I intended, but the words keep flowing. Cheers to those who have managed to remain entertained! So this afternoon I was enjoying my alone time. Luke was at work, the house was clean, and I wasn’t tired. A recipe for some relaxation! My sister has been telling me for ages that she swears I have severe food allergies. The “nurseness” in her (and my constant flatulence) convinced her. She has encouraged me to try eliminating gluten; my first reaction was HA! Me? nah. First it was the whole “deprivation” mentality that wanted to say no, but really, it was the lack of confidence in myself to actually do it.

The idea has been floating in my thoughts for a while now and today was the first time I actually sat to research it. Before today, I didn’t even know what gluten was. I just knew it was in practically everything, eliminating it was near impossible and no fun! Well, I thought.

I was dead wrong! The gluten research and recipes had my mouth salivating. For those allergic to gluten, it changed their lives. They were happier, healthier, and way less tired. I’m still “in research mode” but my curiosity has been peaked. Soon, I think I’ll be ready to take the plunge. Any thoughts or suggestions from those who are also gluten-free? Help!

So, as I was reading about gluten-free foods, I stumbled upon a delicious recipe with a poached egg. Poached egg, what is that? That question was answered a few weeks ago during breakfast at a cozy bread and breakfast (I meant to say BED in breakfast but chose to leave it because I thought my error was funny!) in Ireland. My sister, Kelly, so kindly filled me in. Since my newfound knowledge of poached eggs, I seem to see them everywhere. Where have I been for the last um, 23 years? I don’t know, but what I did know is that I wanted to try it. I wanted to poach an egg. So, I googled how to poach an egg; Boil water, place the egg in. Simple, right?

HAHAHA! Little did I know there is an art to egg poaching. Here I stood, panicky over this silly egg. As I was sautéing some veggies, and toasting bread, I was hysterically laughing. Yup, out loud, all alone, just laughing at no one but my self. I thought I was getting better at cooking, but as my egg was NOT poaching and turned to bazillion white strings, I was put back into reality. My egg was nothing but a ghost.

This may have been my first time attempting a poached egg, but I assure you it's not my last, damn’ t.

Needless to say, I still ate the remnants of my attempt. Although I was disappointed I couldn't make this gluten-free, the veggies, olive oil, and sort of poached egg was a delicious treat, and a healthy one too!

So here I am, anxiously at the ground breaking of a new gold mine ahead of me. I haven’t been this excited over a new hobby in ages. It feels refreshing to be so bad at something yet so eager to learn, perfect, and explore. This whole new world of cooking, possibly gluten-free, has got my toes tapping.

It feels electric.

Stay tuned if you want more "Katie in the Kitchen!".

.k.

THE moment.

As a little girl with a theatrical imagination, my love story began long ago in a far away land. I still treasure my innocent memories of embracing my stuffed monkey dreaming, hopelessly romanticizing, that he was my prince charming who longed to rescue me from the wicked castle (which was really my wooden loft that my dad built for me). My childish artistry of playing house and baby dolls came naturally; the deep seeded passion to love and be loved existed not only as a 6 year old in an enchanted land, but followed me to this very moment. The moment I said YES.

You see, folks, the appetite to say YES did not just begin the day Luke and I met. The hunger for love began as individuals living a life that was once foreign to each other. My engagement story would lack genuineness if I went straight to the punch line; life before Luke has allowed me to answer the most valuable question ever to be asked. That question being, “Will you, Katie, marry me and be my wife?”

Life prior to Luke was filled with dance recitals, best friend forever necklaces, and crushes at summer church camps. I still remember being in 8th grade listening to a church lesson about decision-making. “The decisions you make growing up will affect your future. All of your choices and actions now will impact your relationships in the future”. It was then and there when the realization of a “spouse” set in. I knew from the deepest depth that my one-day-to-be husband was out there, existing in the same world as me.

I was young, but overwhelmed with questions, thoughts, and dreams about this person who I would one day call my husband. Who was he? What was he doing? What was he like? Is he cute? Does he wonder about me too? When will we meet? What are his interests? Where does he live? What is his story? I wanted to know it all, the curiosity soothed me to sleep night after night.

From then on, I began to pray. I prayed for HIM to be safe. I prayed for HIM to be wise and make good choices. I prayed that HE would have a heart for Jesus. I prayed that HE was happy. I prayed that once we met, he would love me forever. I asked God to pick the perfect man for me and watch over him so one day I could hold him and love HIM forever, too. No joke, I even prayed that if I were really lucky he would be tall, dark hair, and have green eyes. I guess God really does listen. My heart grew beautifully heavy for this boy; God and I knew that I was undeniably already crazy about this mystery boy.

Well what do you know, this boy turned into a man and one week and two days ago, this man got on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Here is my memory of the moment I said YES.

I eagerly greeted my sisters, Kelly and Melody, Thursday afternoon at the Galway City bus station. I am very close to my sisters and was beyond thrilled to show them my new life in Ireland. Luke knows how much I value my friendship with my sisters and he was extremely supportive and excited himself to spend some quality time with them. My sisters and I had previously planned places we wanted to go, and things we wanted to see. What I didn’t know is that Luke was in sneaky communication with them, and had some alternative plans in store. I was so focused on my sister’s arrival that being proposed to was in a far distance.

Now let’s rewind here a little. I knew a proposal was on its way. I just didn’t know where, how, or when. We have been together for over three years and we knew we didn’t want to ever be with anyone else about 6 months into our relationship. We have talked seriously about marriage for quite some time, we’ve gone ring shopping, and anyone close to us knew it was on its way; they also knew that I was very excited/eager for it. However, Luke, is so Luke. I mean that in the greatest way. He’s patient, sneaky, romantic, and reserved. Luke has been on his own plan; which makes this all the more special. He knows what he wants when he wants it and will wait for the perfect moment. That is just what he did. You got me Luke, you got me good you, sneak.

Okay, back to the excitement over my sisters. Thursday was filled with lots of hugs and catching up. We enjoyed a few pints while listening to live music and enjoying what we knew would be such a special time as sisters. Little did I know how special this would be. We went home, and before bed I mentioned going on a walk in the morning. What I didn’t notice was the smirks and giggles being passed across the room as my backed turned…

I went to bed all smiles simply because of the presence of my sisters. My sisters and Luke went to bed with butterflies because they knew what the next morning held…

The morning started early because we had a long day ahead of us. Friday was the last day before midterm break at school. My sisters were escorting me to work that day to meet my students and see where I teach. My students had planned a whole party for them; it was already going to be an eventful day. I was a little stressed about time. I wanted to allow time for a walk, coffee, breakfast, and get ready. Luke was extra lovey; he was giving me hugs, kisses, and just happily looking at me. Unfortunately, I was a little annoyed because I was trying to pick up the air mattress and he wouldn’t stop hugging me! Thank goodness I apologized for being slightly stressed before I left the house. Phew. He just laughed, he knew his life was about to change, too.

I kissed Luke goodbye to go on our walk and said I’d see him in about an hour. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate leaving for a morning walk and returning a wife-to-be.

The time with my sisters was priceless. We walked along the calm ocean, took pictures as the sun rose, laughed, hugged, and casually chatted. I watched them breath the fresh Ireland air. The morning wasn’t about me, it was about them, I thought. They looked relaxed, and genuinely at peace this quiet morning. Even with out a proposal, it would have been a beautiful morning with my siblings.

Luke and I have a spot, you see. We call it “Pride Rock”. Yup, from Lion King. There is a large memorial rock placed in a beautiful spot by our home. We often go walk over there and sit on a bench that over looks the ocean and a lighthouse. It’s an extraordinary place; a place we called our own. I had casually discussed “Pride Rock” with my sisters previously and they insisted on walking over there this very morning. I offered to go home and be the first to shower while they go check it out but they wanted me there. I wonder why?

After our tasty cappuccino and scones, we strolled along the Salthill promenade and found ourselves nearing this special area. Their cameras and Flip (for video) were out all morning. I knew they were admiring the landscape, I didn’t realize they were really admiring my oblivion. Kelly asked me to show her this distinct bench and told me to stand on it while she took a picture of the capturing Galway Bay behind me. While I hopped on the bench, I noticed a man holding an umbrella on the rocks yet I never thought twice about it. I stood on the bench, did some goofy pose like I was asked while Kelly snapped a quick picture. At that very moment, I turned around to find….

Oh man, my heart is racing all over again while I replay this very moment. My hands are shaky and my tummy is bouncy with excitement.

I turned around to find this tall, dark, and handsome man positioned next to me. This man who satisfied my prayers for so long was reaching for my hands while stealing my heart for the millionth time. His brilliant green eyes were sweet, tender, and candid. His posture was proud with intent. He was glowing, for this was his moment as much as it was mine.

His look gave it away, along with the paparazzi pictures from my sisters too. It was that moment that I squeaked, “holyyyyyy cooowwwww.” I knew this was the moment I dreamt about for so long.

Luke continued to stare at me, never losing focus, for he had waited for this as long as I had. His eyes grew glossy, never shedding a tear, but pouring out devotion with each breath. He found the perfect words that were unselfish and charming to my ears. He calmly, coolly, and collectively talked about the adoration since day one, memories together, and the desire to build more…

My heart was racing and my insides felt like I had just jumped out of an airplane. I couldn’t believe THE moment was finally here. The moment I spent countless nights pondering about. I was elated! Not because I could begin planning a wedding with pretty flowers, rather, I was about to say YES to my best friend.

Before I knew it, Luke was on one knee with a little black box in his hand. With confidence he asked, “Katie, I love you, will you marry me?”

“Yes”.

The little black box did not have a girl’s best friend in it; it was better. In the little black box perched an Irish tradition, a Claddagh ring.

The Claddagh ring is worn by people all over the world as a symbol of love, loyalty, friendship and fidelity. The hands are there for friendship, the heart is there for love, for loyalty, the crown is raised above. The Claddagh ring is said to have originated in the Claddagh village on the shores of Galway Bay (where we live). The distinctive Claddagh ring is notable for its design, two hands holding a heart which wears a crown. This design is explained in the motto, “Let Love and Friendship Reign”. In the Claddagh village, it was the traditional wedding ring for hundreds of years.

Now and forever the Claddagh ring will hold an even more valuable meaning for us as a couple. In the very spot he proposed was the very village this significant tradition began hundreds of years ago. Although it is only a temporary engagement ring (he made sure to mention that I can pick my real ring when we return) it encompasses an even deeper meaning than a silly little diamond. His words, thoughtfulness, and careful consideration made for the perfect 30 seconds ever to exist.

Naturally I soon asked, “Do my parents know?” It was a silly question, really. He had Skyped them nearly a month ago to ask for their blessing. Both our families are extremely joyful which I already knew they would be. I called my parents and woke them up in the middle of the night (due to the time change). It was then that the tears began to flow. I was so freakin’ happy.

And that was it.

We’re engaged, and it feels awesome.

The Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Thanks Lord, for all the faith.

Faithfully, kates

Sneak Peak!

All my apologies for the delay! I can't wait to sip a soy cappuccino, listen to tunes, and write about the moment I said YES.

I've been soaking in the time with my sisters while reflecting on the biggest decision I've made thus far in the life of Katie. Thanks for your patience and also thanks for the eagerness! We feel completely undeserving of all support and love that has been poured out to us since the proposal. Simply stated, thank you.





More to come... I promise.

<3 Future Mrs. Gums

ms. Giddy.

Okay, the students call me Ms. J.

Today, is Ms. Giddy.

My sisters arrive in approximately 5 hours! They are currently flying over the Atlantic, hopefully sleeping, while I just woke up!

I feel like a little kid before Christmas. I feel asleep with butterflies taking over my tummy!!

Thank you, sisters, for taking the time away from your families, jobs, and life JUST to see me. While I was writing on the board last week a student asked me, "Why are they coming to visit?". I stopped dead in my tracks, turned around, and with a grateful smile replied, "Just to see me." Her reply was, "Wow, Ms. J, you must be very special!."

As the baby little sister of two amazing women, I do in fact feel incredibly "special".


Now, how am I supposed to turn off Ms. Giddy and become Ms. J for a few more hours?

color.

Webster defines color as:

1. That aspect of things that is caused by differing qualities of the light reflected or emitted by them, definable in terms of the observer or of the light, as:
a. The appearance of objects or light sources described in terms of the individual's perception of them, involving hue, lightness, and saturation for objects and hue, brightness, and saturation for light sources.
b. The characteristics of light by which the individual is made aware of objects or light sources through the receptors of the eye, described in terms of dominant wavelength, luminance, and purity

I was engaged in some insightful reading yesterday; while reading I was flirting with the idea and interpretations of color. Now, I was reading inadvertently about color, but my mind was racing. I began to think basic. What are some brilliant colors? I jotted down a quick list of things with vibrant pigments.

-a child's finished finger paint
-Autumn leaves
-a homemade Christmas stocking (like the one my mom made for my dad)
-parrots
-confetti cupcakes (yum!)
-Mardi Gras

I was trying to understand the written words, "The heavens declare the the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

It's pretty friggin' inconceivable how much color is all around me; planned and perfected just for human kind to marvel at it's amazing adorableness. It's a shame at how often it's taken for granite. I started thinking of color in people. Not contrasting skin tones, but unique experiences in each individual that create a "colorful" past. I was intrigued that the definition of color states "in terms of the individuals perspective". What is your perspective of color beyond the norm?

I was trying to capture each rapid thought like a photographer captures the perfect shot. I couldn't. I still can't. All I know is that I'm thankful for the physical colors planted around me, and gratified by my own colorful past. I admire the brilliance and pray to continually applaud the creator of such splendor.

I hope I never lose appreciation for the "individual perception" of the wavelength composition, we call color.

Philippians 2:14

First things first. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROXY! Wish we could be there to celebrate but we are thinking of you, and love you so.


The reading passage for my daily devotional was Philippians 2:1-11. The bold text following said "shining stars"; it caught my attention through my sleepy morning eyes. 2:14 says, "Do everything with out complaining or arguing".

Gulp.

It hit me. How much precious time do I spend complaining? Or arguing? Considering all the blessings my Savior has offered, I'm consistently too eager to complain, and too anxious to just relax. I perpetually have too many expectations and when life hands me something unexpected, my reaction isn't always accepting.

So, this is an addition to my prayer list today, and hopefully yours reading this, too.

Let's have a day of rejoice, with no complaints, deal?

<3
k.

Prost!!

There are 1000 other things I should be doing. Lesson planning, laundry, sleeping, exercising, unpacking, writing emails, the list continues. All I want to do is peacefully position myself so that I can mold into the leather sofa, hot lemon tea in hand, and not have to think about a thing.

So, I will.

There is so much to articulate but my attempt is failing, I suppose I’ll just start blurting and hope it all makes sense. My current mood is: weary.

With good reasons, I sit here exhausted with a sore throat, missing one of my favorite boots, and a heavy burdened heart.

First off, last week was an excellent week. I finally felt like myself again, which was a very freeing sensation. After weeks of feeling defeated, I need to get back on my feet. I’m feeling much more comfortable in the classroom, beginning to build routines, and best of all, constructing relationships. Additionally, Luke finally got a job! He was really stressing and I’m thankful to see his spirits raised a bit. Also, we left on Friday for Munich! We have placed a map on our kitchen wall and have been meticulously tracking our adventures thus far. The scribbles and markings are beginning to look like a finished word search puzzle, and we constantly wonder how the heck we have been so blessed! Adding Munich to the map felt great but bringing back the memories feels even better. To say it bluntly, we had a fricken blast.

We left super early Friday morning to catch the train to Dublin. The journey was about 3 hours and was actually very enjoyable. I was excited to have a weekend away and had butterflies in my belly. We had to wait at the Dublin airport for hours but we sipped some coffee, chatted with fellow travelers, played cards, and people watched. It was not a problem at all, we both agreed.

Our hotel was better than we were expecting! Considering we booked late, it was the last weekend of Oktoberfest, and the price was reasonable, we weren’t expecting much. Upon check in I was greeted with a pretzel, and a mini beer. Need I say more?

We woke the next morning EARLY. We were told that we had to get to Oktoberfest super early in order to get a seat in the tent. So, we took it seriously and that annoying voice on the wake up call broke my slumber while being way to cheerful in the process. Yet, I was ready for the festivities that day. We planned our outfits that week and I must say, for 10 euro, we pulled it off pretty good.

We eagerly boarded the train, and laughed at all the other traditional German clothing. It was no joke that people dressed up! I was feeling a little silly at first but we were so happy we dressed up after all. By 8 am the place was PACKED. I couldn’t believe the amount of people ready to party so early in the morning. We got in line for the Hofbrauhaus tent, and literally charged our way through the crowd. Luke took off to find a spot while I patiently waiting for him to call me in order to reduce my chances of being run over. Our plan worked we were seated by these awesome Australian people who made our whole experiences so much better. We instantly made friends while toasting with a liter of beer, performing dance moves on benches, and loudly singing along with the live music. With thousands of people from all over the world in one tent, singing, chanting, laughing, and drinking, it was electric and oh so much fun. The day continued, literally all day. We met up with some friends from back home, rode some rides, attempted to see more tents but there was so room, and simply enjoyed the festival that has been highlighted on our bucket list for far too long. I consumed far too many calories and still feel like I’m digesting my intake, but it was so worth it. I will admit, I think I’ve had enough beer, bratwurst, and Lederhosen to last me for quite some time…

Sunday morning felt a little slower. I was obviously “worn out” from the festivities the day before but I wasn’t gonna let it stop me from exploring the vivacious city of Munich. Luke had been asking for a while to see a concentration camp so we made our way to Dachau Concentration Camp just out side of Munich.

Wow.

As we entered the memorial site, I didn’t know how to feel. We walked in, and all we could do was squeeze each other’s hands. Words just never came. It was hard to fathom that I was standing on the grounds were nearly 200,000 people were violently tortured, starved, and murdered. Watching movies and documentaries are helpful and educational, but nothing could have prepared me to witness this. My heart was heavy and burdened, and my stomach was unwell.

While standing in the authentic gas chambers and oven crematorium, I grew angry, confused, and helpless. I prayed. I just didn’t know what else to do. I was a spectator of a place in which history, trauma, agony, and fear was too real. It wasn’t just in my 11 grade history book, this was evidence.

I brought pictures to my students today and we briefly discussed the camp. They had so many questions and were so interested. It was an honor to bring back such an experience and nearly 24 hours later, my heart and head is still troubled. I don’t consider that overwhelming feeling will ever disappear. God Bless those who ever entered Dachau, and those who never returned to life outside the prison gates.

Here’s the memorial site if your interested:
http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html

After the numbness faded, we enjoyed dinner at a traditional German restaurant. I must say, Germany was pretty amazing. My dad was born in Germany and my family relations are still existent there. I thought about my Dad, a lot. That same day, he completed his first triathlon. I am such a proud daughter and so very thankful for my family and our admiration for each other. My Dad is the best man I know…

Yeah yeah, I have lumpy throat all right. I miss my family!!

Anyway, our journey home was so long. I was so wiped from the busy weekend and stressed because I knew I had to be at work in a matter of hours. We made it home at 3 am this morning, and my alarm went off at 7. Hence, my weariness.

Overall the weekend was one to remember. It felt good to see a new place, have fun, and learn. This entire journey continues to leave me thankful, blessed, and hopefully, wiser.

<><
k.

ps:
My missing boot fell out of my purse, somewhere in a heap of leftover Oktoberfest chaos. RIP.