Author Archives: Kara

Who am I?

Posted in Education, Growing Up by

I’m currently sitting here watching Glee, and it’s made me wonder who I was in high school. I think it’s safe to say that I fell into almost every clique throughout the years.

When I was in Grade 8, I was a part of the “popular” group, or at least as far as Grade 8’ers go. That was, until Grade 9 when I had a falling out with my life-long friend. She made new friends and I found a new one, along with my (kinda-loser) boyfriend. I wound up grounded on more than a few occasions for seeing my loser-boyfriend behind my mom’s back.

Then, at one point in Grade 9 I got a new loser-boyfriend. He got expelled/suspended from school and eventually broke up with me. Then it was back to the original loser boyfriend, at which point I got a new best friend and gained some popularity again. Then, almost out of nowhere, I decided that it would be a good idea to start being “cool” and skipping school and doing drugs. Okay, it was “only” pot, but apparently even my loser pothead boyfriend thought I shouldn’t skip so much school.

Eventually, my mom caught onto my ways and I got in soooo much trouble. And, eventually, I snapped out of it. Did I really have to do drugs to fit in? Not so much. I became great friends with a couple guys, and I kind of became (more) of a “jock.” I spent the mornings before classes started in the gym playing basketball (or just throwing the ball at the hoop like the girl I am), and I dabbled in the run club as well as soccer (which I never quit to begin with).

When I started dating Kyle in Grade 11, I slowly started to figure out who I was. I learned that you don’t have to put on an act for people to like you. If they don’t like you because you don’t smoke, do drugs, or party every weekend, so what? Kyle liked me just the way I am, even though I was unsure of who I was. He didn’t force me into being someone I wasn’t and he was patient while I figured it out.

I don’t know who I was in high school, but I do know right now that I try to just be myself. I’m a mixed bag of craziness, and really, I don’t fall into one category. I love the UFC but i can’t wait for the next Sex and the City movie to come out. I go to the gym but I eat like it’s the last meal of my life. I love a good gong-show of a party but love quiet nights at home.

I guess I’ll just keep not knowing where I fall in life, but at least I’m happy with whatever I am.

What group did you fall into in high school? Jock? Geek? Popular? Not? What about now?

Ten on Tuesday

Posted in Lists, Ten on Tuesday by

Hello boys and girls! Here’s another lovely Ten on Tuesday, brought to you by Chelsea at Roots and Rings!

1. What was your high school superlative (if you didn’t have one- what would it have been)?

First of all, I had to Google what that meant and after figuring it out, I really have no idea if I had one. I don’t even know what it would be today.

2. What sports did you play in high school?

I played volleyball for one season (We sucked horribly bad) and soccer every season.

3.  What was the best part about your wedding (if you’re not married yet, what are you looking forward to)?

I’m not married yet, but I have no idea what part I’m looking forward to. Probably marrying the love of my life! After that … the party! I like to through a good bash :)

4. It’s your last meal– what Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entree and Dessert would you choose?

Appetizer: Mushrooms Neptune or Artichoke & Spinach Dip
Soup: My Grandma’s chicken soup
Salad: Greek salad, except for no peppers or onions and lots of cucumbers and olives.
Entrée: King Crab with Steak (medium rare), topped with mushrooms and Kelly O’Bryan’s Pachos on the side.
Dessert: Chocolate Tiramisu Cake. Hells yes.

5.  What song is your guilty pleasure?

Miley Cirus, “See You Again.” No lies. I really don’t like her music otherwise.

6.  What is your favourite professional sports team, and why do you like them?

The Vancouver Canucks (NHL). Why? Because they’re an awesome hockey team, despite the fact they haven’t won a Stanley Cup, and they really give back to the city they call home.

7.  What is your favourite reality show and why do you like it?

I really enjoy watching Survivor. The way people trick and lie to each other is rather amusing. I would probably lose my mind if I was on the show, but it would be fun.

8. How would you classify your home decorating style (modern, classic, French country)?

I would say I have modern tastes with a touch of Asian flare, but I really haven’t been able to put them to use yet. Once I have my own home though, that will be a different story!

9. Pizza- deep dish or thin crust? White sauce or red sauce? What toppings?

My favourite pizza has regular crust with tomato sauce, topped with feta, tomatoes, kalamata olives and red onions. Then I dip it in ranch dressing with Frank’s Red Hot sauce mixed in. Woot!

10.  Favourite weekend getaway within a two hour driving radius?

Probably to my hometown to visit my Grandma & Grandpa. As long as it’s in the summer. The Ashcroft heat is lovely in the summer :)

Distances are challenging

Posted in Friends, Kara and Kyle, Life by

A couple days before my birthday last week, I nearly cancelled my plans. I realized that I have no friends, or at least none in town. All my friends seem to like to move or relocate a couple years or so into the friendship.

Example:

– B, one of my closest and dearest friends moved all the way up to Fort. St. John to be with her boyfriend. I miss her terribly because she’s the only girl I can joke and jest with and she won’t take offence and be bitchy about it.

– Melissa recently just moved to Vancouver to chase her dream of becoming an amazing reporter. (Or something like that! Sorry if I got that wrong Mel!) We shared a lot of good times while we were in J-School and I’m so glad that we became friends, even though our first meeting was slightly awkward.

– C will soon be moving to Vancouver to pursue her career in acting/directing. Despite all the personal issues with her dating the Roommate (which I’ve gotten over) I’m really going to miss her! She is an amazing friend and is so kind to her friends and family.

Okay, so maybe three people moving shouldn’t be such a big deal, but when you’re that close with someone, it’s really hard. My life will continue on, even though my friends move away. You can’t make people stay anywhere, and that’s one of those things that’s hard to accept.

I remember once upon a time Kyle had applied for a job in Langley (About 3 hours away) and he went down for an interview/welding test. He did well and was offered the job and I cried a mix of happy and sad tears. I was happy that he got the job but was so terrified of being apart from him. After hearing how upset I was, he declined the job offer.

Part of me was relieved, the other part was mad because my personal issues shouldn’t have gotten in the way of Kyle pursuing his dreams.

I suppose what I’m trying to say is that I shouldn’t get so overwhelmed when my friends decide to pursue their dreams. The majority of the time, you have to relocate to find what you’re looking for. I’ve been lucky enough to find it without moving.

I need to remember that my friends are still my friends, no matter how many kilometres separate us. The distance may even bring us closer since we would cherish the moments we do get to visit.

So, while I may not have many friends in town, at least I have some amazing ones far away.