Something I Read Online!

I have recently been researching this cool, little device called the Fitbit Flex! It is a bracelet that you can wear all the time (even in the shower), and it keeps track of your movement, sleep patterns, and inactivity as well.  All of the information syncs wirelessly to your phone app so you can look at it, and decide to make adjustments if you need to!

Click this link to see people's reviews!

Fitbit Flex!

You can even have a calorie goal! I think the Flex can also vibrate to wake you up...how cool is that?!

Also it's only $99 so I think I will invest soon :)

What do you guys think about this and what color should I get?

somebody told me...

Today's Blog Every Day in May Challenge is to write about something someone told you, good or bad.    I decided to write both a good and bad thing someone has told me.

Let's start with the bad first, and end on a positive note :)

The Bad

Multiple people in high school told me, "You're too skinny...you would be so much cuter if you put on some pounds"

In high school, I was even thinner than I am now.  I didn't even break 100 pounds until my sophomore year in college.  Yes I have a thin frame, and yes I ran cross country.  Anyone who runs that much, will probably lose weight if they don't eat absurd amounts of food like I did.  (I even saw this first hand...one of the boys joined cross country to be healthier, but he ended up losing more than what he wanted to lose!) Bottom line, criticizing someone's weight to their face does no good for that person or yourself.  I have learned to be happy with who I am, and ignoring the "haters" is something I have always struggled with but am getting better with over time.

The Good

Someone told me, "I can tell you are a genuine person. You care so much about making people happy, and I am so happy you work hard to relate to us and make each of us feel special"

One of my campers told me that last summer! I wasn't sure if I was helping the girls in any way, until one of them said this to me.  I was beaming the rest of camp!  This is one of the events in my life that has made me want to become a school counselor.  I love working with kids, and making them feel loved and important is what I feel like I am supposed to be doing in this world.

my worst traits

I have been slacking on the blog everyday in May challenge! Even though this month is almost over, I kind of hope there will be some sort of blogging challenge every month! It has been really interesting to hear things people normally don't discuss on their blogs, and I have discovered some new blogs as well!

Today's topic is your 3 worst traits.  While discussing this may not be easy for everyone, I have come to know myself pretty well throughout my life, and I don't think it is a bad thing to admit your faults.  In fact that leads me to worst trait number one....

1. I apologize too much sometimes

People have told me that I apologize too much on a number of occasions.  I am a very empathetic person (...which leads me to another fault I have - I can be too sensitive).  I want everyone to see the best in me so I feel like I have to compensate every time I do something wrong. Even if it's little.  I realize I need to apologize once, and trust that people take my apology to heart.

2. I am shy

Once I am with my best friends, I am the complete opposite of shy.  However, throw me into a new situation with new people, I go inside my shell (and want to run away sometimes haha).  When I met my campers for the first time last year, they were all very comfortable with each other and I was the new person in the cabin.  I felt very uncomfortable for the first two days.  I slowly opened up, and it felt like home by the end of the first two weeks! 

Another thing to mention, I get terribly nervous for presentations/anytime I have to speak in front of a group of more than 5 people.  I realize this is something I have to work on this summer before I start my Masters program.  I am also nervous about meeting everyone in my program, but I am confident there will be some great girls I will meet :)

3. I am somewhat lazy

One of my favorite aspects of weeknights are the fact that I can come home from work, and relax however I want.  I enjoy my nightly television (which usually includes multiple episodes...guilty), painting my nails, and journaling or reading.  I enjoy the weekends because that means relaxing time with Tim.  (I am so glad he is just like me when it comes to relaxing! We love our Parks and Rec time haha).  I have more pajama pants than actual pants I'm pretty sure.  I don't feel as guilty for doing this now, because I know shortly I will be working and going to school full time, and Tim's job will be stressful and time - demanding.  The weekends coming up in the fall will be much more cherished :)

I hope you all learned a little more about me today! 

My Public Apology

The phrase "I'm Sorry" and this blog post idea is actually a funny one for me...I'm actually trying to stop saying "I'm Sorry" so much.  I am an empathetic person by nature, and I want everyone to see the best in me.  So whenever I think I do something wrong, I immediately say sorry.  

The people I would like to apologize to the most are my parents.  After countless hours and years of babysitting, I now have a little taste of what my parents experienced raising kids - good and bad.  I was definitely not an easy child to raise (I had my few share of temper tantrums...).  So here it is!

Mom and Dad,

I apologize for being difficult when I was younger.  I apologize for all the stress I had caused you.  Here's to many more happier years together! 

Love, 

Kara

Things I Miss

Even though I am beyond excited to be moving to Chicago in August, the move will definitely come with some anxiety as well.  The only places I have ever really called home are both in Indiana - Bloomington (my college town) and Indianapolis.  I am so thankful Tim and a few college friends will be in the city with me, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous/anxious to move my life permanently to a new place!

I decided for today's Blog Everyday in May Challenge I would be writing about the things I will be missing once I make the official move to the Windy City!

1. My Family

Everyone who knows me definitely knows I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have really gained a new sense of appreciation for them as people and all they do for me! My mom always gives me good advice, and I would never pass up the opportunity to call her! (I would be that girl who would call her mom walking to class on campus haha) 

By the way, Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world!!

My dad has given me great interview and financial advice over this past year.  He's really been there for me when I need someone to talk to about that grown up stuff! My parents don't have a computer at our house with a webcam...I'm thinking of getting them one so we will be able to skype once I move!

I will especially miss my sister! She is beginning her freshman year in college, and I am very sad I will not get to see her as much as I would like.  I've been trying to give her good advice while I'm still here, but I know it's not the same since she still hasn't graduated high school yet! Less than a month left sista sista, wooo :)

2. My high school friends

Ironically, this last picture was taken in downtown Chicago...4 years ago! Although I am so glad I will have a few college friends in the city, I have known my high school friends for about 8 years now.  Our friendship is just so easy.  We understand each other, we can talk (and laugh) about anything, and we can have fun doing anything! I know I will make new friends in the city, but I also know it will take time.  

3. My Church

I have been a member of my church in Indianapolis since I was in second grade! We have had the same priest since then as well.  That church has become a second home to me.  Some of our greatest family friends are members of that church as well.  Luckily, the Catholic mass is the same no matter where you go! 

Story of My Life

Since I am in a bit of a writing/blogging rut (I may change my blog name..), I decided to do the Blog Every Day in May challenge! I'm going to play catch up until I'm on track with the correct days.

Now for 250 words about my life!

I was born in Charleston, West Virginia (people are usually surprised to find out I was born there hah!) January 5th, 1990. I was the only child for 5 and a half years of my life until my parents adopted my little sister from China! I really wanted a younger sister, and I am so thankful my parents added another member to our family through this process! When I was 6 years old, my dad's job relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana and we have lived here (well technically the suburbs) ever since.  Some of my best friends to do this day are girls I met in grade school!

 I decided to attend Indiana University where I majored in Nutrition Science with a minor in Biology.  I had always wanted to pursue a career in the health field, but never thought about a career dealing with psychology until recently! During high school I thought science was easy, but I quickly learned I was very wrong! I am proud that I stuck through it and still earned a decent GPA.  In January of 2010 I met my boyfriend Tim (we began dating in April), and I feel so lucky to have met him when I did! (Especially since I was shy, I never expected to meet anyone!) I am beyond excited to be packing up and moving to Chicago to begin my Masters in School Counseling! Now onto finding a job to get me through school...

May Flowers & Exciting News!

While this spring has not seen many warm days yet, that doesn't mean I don't think about them!    I've been craving warmer weather...since about February! This Friday's Fancies is all about floral prints, and while I don't own many floral print items, I have been day dreaming about adding more to my wardrobe!

May Flowers by karamalo featuring zanzan

I wouldn't normally buy a dress like this, but I am beginning to like this vintage style more and more (only on rare occasions). I think this outfit would look adorable for a day relaxing in the park!

I recently bought this floral tee at Urban Outfitters on a whim, and I LOVE it. It's perfect for throwing on with shorts or jeans. (Maybe even a skirt too!)

Lastly, I received some good news regarding my plans for next year! As I looked into teaching more and more, I discovered that school counseling, as a career, fits my personality more so than teaching.  I applied for programs through two different schools, and I got into my top choice! The school is still in Chicago, and I could not be happier :)