College vs. High School

People always told me that the people you meet in College will mean so much more to you than anyone you've ever met in high school. I didn't know how true that was until this last semester ended. I can definitely say I have a new best friend, who I know I will keep in touch with for probably the rest of my life. My relationships with boys also mean so much more to me than they did in high school. These times are hard, but the best times I have had in my life so far. I love being independent in the world, and meeting and getting to know new people.

I came home for a week, and the friends I have here in Canon City, Colorado are so lame! I love visiting my family and I LOVE Colorado, but I think I'm ready for the new semester up in Rexburg. I start classes next Tuesday the 17th. I miss the friends I have in Rexburg, and now the ones that aren't in Rexburg anymore. (Especially Camie Schulthies). Camie wrote me a letter before I left for Colorado. I'll have to put a copy of it on here. It made me cry. I'll also have to put up some pictures of my visit right now to CO. I've been having a good time. :)

Lost but Never Forgotten

‎"The Master Gardener from Heaven above, planted a seed in the garden of love. And from it there grew a rosebud small, that never had the time to open at all. For God in His perfect and all-wise way, chose this rosebud for His Heavenly Bouquet. And great was the joy of this tiny rose, to be the one our Father chose, to leave earth's garden for one on high, where roses bloom always and never die." 

As of yesterday 3 of my friends have passed away and left this life. The first, Abelina. She died more than a year and a half ago in July. This quote was on her funeral program. She was one of my best friends and was my best friend in the LDS Church. The second, Sammi. She was my friend ever since 4th grade. She died a year ago in February. And now the third, Daniel. He passed away yesterday. I wish I knew him better, but he was such a friendly, happy, talented guy. His smile lit up everyone's day. He will be greatly missed. This quote gives me so much comfort in life and I hope that it can comfort any one who has lost a loved one before they were even old enough to really start their life. (Like these 3 friends of mine). 

Pros & Cons

There has been so much change this semester. It has made me realize some things and also want to change some things about me. So here's a little list of the top pros and cons of this semester for me so far.

PROS: 

• Roommates (Seriously, you guys mean so much to me)
• Skype and my cell phone (Except my family needs to use them more often ;) )
• Free time (which equals having a social life)
• Devotional on Tuesdays (Lately all the talks seem to be directly towards me)
• My calling at church (Gospel Doctrine teacher--who knew that would make the pro list)
• New friends (aka my FHE family--I love them :) )
• Boys (We all knew that was coming :P )

CONS:

• No job (Still haven't found anything)
• Rude people (You mess with my friends, then you're messing with me)
• Wind (Seriously! Why does Idaho have to be so dang windy?!?!)
• Having no money (Hence, the job search...)
• Colorado withdrawals (I need me some MOUNTAINS!! and family of course.)

So obviously there are more pros than cons, which is a good thing, but this semester has been such a crucial, important, learning time in my life. I'm learning so much about myself. 

 This is my FHE family. They are all so great.

 This is me and my roommate Anna. I love her so much. I'm so glad to be her last roommate before she gets married. :)

These crazy people are all my roommates, and myself of course. This was our Valentine feast that I made. I love these girls!

Signed, Katrina Marie----> and till next time, stay golden :)

The Marvelous Adventures of Me

Well, I started off my break planning on going to Colorado to spend 2 weeks with my family, but as soon as I got to Colorado I ended up taking a job and flight out to Minot, North Dakota to work on a Santa set in the mall there. I made lots of money. :)

The only bad thing was that I missed Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my family, but I made it to my parent's house at about 10:30 am Christmas day thanks to the help of my Grandma and Grandpa Lehman.

Me and my family had fun on Christmas just hanging out. Then between my parents and friends the rest of my week was booked! It was fun though.

I hung out with my friend Cami one night at the movies, chilis, coldstones, then her house. It was a fun night.

I also got to see my friend April, my best friend all throughout High School (didn't get any pictures :( ). I missed her so much!

Me and my cousin (who is like a sister to me) Evy got to hang out a lot. We always have the funnest time no matter what we do, and we probably have about a million inside jokes together. I love her so much!

Me and my family went and played some disc golf (My dad's new favorite activity). We also played a lot of soccer, played a lot of games, and watched a lot of Harry Potter together.

I also drove my cousin, sisters, and their friends up to Colorado Springs on New Years Eve for a dance up there. They had tons of fun and should be posting some pictures soon (I unfortunately didn't get any).

Those are a few of the crazy adventures that went on these past couple weeks. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I am able to take. I have learned to go with life as it comes. Don't ever miss out on a great opportunity just because it wasn't planned. Taking life as it comes makes it more exciting anyways.

Christmas, Finals, and some roommate lovin'

Well, it's safe to say that I'm officially stressed out. Finals are this week. 'Nuff said. I actually slept through my first class this morning because of how late I stayed up studying for the exam in that class last night. (I missed the exam). This week is going to go by so slow because of how much I have to do.

On a happier note:
My roommates and I exchanged our "Secret Santa" gifts yesterday. Me and Kortney drew each other's names. It was pretty funny when we gave each other our gifts. She got me some Victoria's secret sprays and lotions and I LOVE them! I think she liked what I got her as well. I gave her some slippers, candy, and bath salts and with each object I wrote on a note what it had to do with her life. It made her cry, which I wasn't expecting at all, but it was so good. I love seeing people happy, and I'm pretty sure she was crying tears of sad, happy, joy. (If that makes sense). Another thing that was so good about yesterday is that Anna--my roommate--put together a video of our apartment this semester.

I think all of my roommates and I could say that we weren't expecting to become such good friends, but are so glad we did. 

I will be going home to Colorado for a couple weeks for Christmas and the New Years this Friday. I'm so excited to be able to spend time with my family and friends, and be able to spend some time in the Colorado air (and hopefully mountains).

Top ten things I love about my roommates:

1. Their persistence.  Even if it's for something that will help me procrastinate on homework even more.
2. How we understand each other
3. How we are always there for each other. 
4.  The things we love about each other are the things that make us want to smother each other with pillows. Like true friends. :)
5. The inside jokes we make. (A whole wall of them!)
6. How blunt we can be with each other. 
7. All the honesty! I've never met more open and honest people ever! I love it!
8. All the fun times we have and things we do.
9. How we can do something completely dumb in front of each other, but will only laugh our butts off about it. :)
10. I have 10 shoulders that I know would be willing to catch my tears anytime I need.