To my beautiful family!

I love you so much!!! I've had the best time playing games, singing songs, opening presents, and eating meals with these people. I only wish that Bryan could have been with us, but he had to work a few extra days and could not make it for this trip. I've had a blast, at any rate. Whether it was seeing a movie and doing a whirlwind shopping tour with my mom or playing Musical Catchphrase with cousins and sister and Mom, or eating Christmas lunch at the farm, this has been filled with wonderful and special activities. There are many more pictures to come. I will put a few on my blog, but I will put probably all of the rest on facebook.
Hope everyone has had as lovely a Christmas!!! Love to all! ^_^

I did it!

I registered. I know, I'm such a slow-poke, but now the computer knows that I'm registered for spring classes. Freud would say that subconsciously, I don't want to return to school. Ellis would swear at me for being lazy and tell me it's about time. Satir would say that it's good that I registered now because I have the potential to be a great counselor because there is potential for change as long as I receive the right amount of nurturance. It's fun being in the counseling program! I learn so many cool things.
So I'm done with Stats.
I'm done with Group--for now.
I'm done with Development, except for physically.
Just one more final.
Why am I typing a blog instead of studying? Well, for one, people come first. For two, if I study one more MINUTE, my head may just explode. I think I will do well. I hope I will do well. Please!! Anyway, I hope my last blog didn't depress anybody too much. I was really trying to encourage, but oh, well. I can't take anything back, so I'm doing what I can to make this one positive.
Oh, and by the way, my last party at church was really fun. We had "A Night at the Oscars," in which we honored people for their achievements and funny quirks. We had a blast and dressed up really pretty for the event. The guys were handsome in suits and girls wore pretty dresses.
Anyway, I hope everybody's doing well. Have fun with the rest of your plans for Christmas!!!! Love to all! ^_^
Kristi ^_^

Renewed Respect for the Elderly

In my development class, we've been talking lately about the elderly and their characteristics. I've learned many things that make me hopeful about the way I age and will one day share my acquired wisdom as they do. Erik Erikson discusses generativity, which "involves reaching out to others in ways that give to and guide the next generation," (Berk, 2007, p. 530). Although this starts in midlife, adults continue this tradition as they age. Unfortunately, although the elderly have acquired a vast wealth of knowledge, some people stereotype the aged in negative ways. "Like gender stereotypes, age stereotypes often operate automatically, without awareness; people "see" elders in stereotypical ways even when they appear otherwise," (Berk, 2007, p. 572). When people believe the stereotypes, they forget to treat older people as human, immediately assuming that they can't do things for themselves, leading to an "other"-fulfilling prophecy.
When I read this, I wrote this poem. I hope you like it. Anybody who knows me knows that I am a passionate person, and I felt that I had to share my feelings with others.

"Who you callin' Old?"

Don't call me old, or I will be.
Don't talk as if I can't hear, or I won't hear you.
Don't act as if I can't see, or I won't see you.
Don't pepper my food as if I can't taste, or I won't like to chew.

Don't patronize me, or I'll justify it.
Don't baby me, or I'll need a stroller.
Don't act as if I'm stupid, or I will be.
Just curious--how do you want to be treated when you're older?

I'm a person, you know it, who deserves respect.
I'm not a person to look down upon.
Love and appreciate me, don't you dare neglect.
I've learned many things since my life began its dawn.

I'm your mother, your father, your sister, your brother.
I've give you love, please give it back.
With patience, encouragement, and understanding
You will find there's nothing that I lack!

The circle of life is a ring of beauty
In its completion from infant to grown.
Respecting this circle is each person's duty,
Sharing a love that everyday should be shown.

So my child, remember these words
As you bound through life in the best shape ever.
The nature of sharing is of utmost importance.
"Laugh often, love much," and be an encouragement giver.

*Quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for listening! ^_^


Factual information from

Berk, L.E. (2007). Development Through the Lifespan. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

By the way, for anyone who's already seen this, I added another question..^_^

Welcome to the Holiday edition of getting to know your friends.


(By the way, when there is clearly a response to another response, the first response is Rachel's answer--when I agreed with her I figured I'd save time typing.)
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? If the gift is already in a box, I wrap with paper. It's fun for me ^_^

2. Real tree or artificial? I prefer a real tree, but we don't have room for one yet. Ours is a sad little artificial tree that sits on a table. Okay, first off, don't knock the little artificial tree--Bryan and i have one too, but this year we're getting a real one. ^_^

3. When do you put up the tree? ASAP after Thanksgiving!

4. When do you take the tree down? January-ish.

5. Do you like eggnog? I like its non-alcoholic equivalent, custard. YUMMMMMMM.

6. What about Fruitcake? Oooh, scary!!!

7. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember screaming for joy when I got "The Little Mermaid". I was equally happy when I bought it again last year.

8. Do you have a nativity scene? No--I really don't care for those. ditto

9. Hardest person to buy for? people I'm just getting to know--hello, gift cards!!

10. Easiest person to buy for? Bryan

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Actually, learning how to respond happily to a gift you don't want builds character--return it afterward. ^_^

12. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail!

13. Favorite Christmas Movie? Claymation Christmas ROCKS

14. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I find the perfect present

15. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so...

16. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Puppy chow!! For those who don't know, this is chex mix with peanut butter and powdered sugar, not real puppy chow...

17. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

18. Favorite Christmas song? By Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Christmas Song and All I Want For Christmas, almost anything by Mannheim Steamroller, although their latest CD was not as good--more Muzak-like, and my mom's Karen Carpenter Christmas tape--it's old--need to find it on CD! She may have already, though...

19. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Lots of traveling--Texas and Arkansas this year!!!! ^_^

20. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, as well as the other one--Olive!!! ^_^

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Whatever's prettiest, although when I was a kid we always had an ordeal trying to keep the angel on top of the tree.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Now that I'm married, I have to do what Bryan wants, which is open them Christmas morning, although since we're spending Christmas in Arkansas this year, it'll be Christmas Eve--Whatever, I'm flexible

23. What is the one present you want most this year? "Transformers"!!!!

24. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Freezing cold weather--AMEN, although you people below the Mason-Dixon line don't have snow throughout May like we do!!!

25. What I love most about Christmas? Spending time with family and eating good food--again, AMEN ^_^

26.--I added a question--What do you miss most about Christmas? Christmas with ALL the extended family and having everybody sing while the cousins--little cousins, now that the cousins are all grown up--play with their new toys. I would so love to see this happen sometime!!!

Love to all!!! I want to hear all of your answers!!!

When I'm a little stressed, I find a joke is most therapeutic...

The Ol' Geezer

Moses, Jesus and some 'ol geezer are going to play a round of golf. Moses tees off and the ball goes right into the pond. No problem! Moses walks over parts the water and hits the ball again, where it lands about one foot from the first hole.

Jesus then tees off and the ball goes flying off to the left, hits a tree, then miraculously bounces to about six inches from the hole.

The 'ol geezer steps up, tees off, the ball heads right for the pond. A huge bass jumps up and grabs the ball in its mouth. Then, suddenly, an eagle swoops down, grabs the bass and flies over the green. The bass drops the ball and it rolls to just about two inches from the hole! All of a sudden a worm pops up and knocks the ball in. A hole in one!

Moses looks at Jesus and says, "You know, I really hate it when your dad plays with us."



Love to all! ^_^ Oh, and I may keep an A in Stats!! I'm very happy about this...