College
Jenna F
“It gets better, just keep going and don’t give up.”
When Jenna and I first met almost three years ago in a drug anthropology class, we could have never anticipated how things would unfold. These past few weeks have brought the past full circle and I couldn’t be more grateful that this human is part of my life. Jenna is a gentle pixie with the heart of a lion and soul of someone who has lived far more than twenty-one years. I was so fortunate to spend these past three weeks in Bolivia with her on a course about democracy and development with an extraordinary professor. It is this professor that started our friendship three years ago in her classroom. One class and one person transformed both of our lives on levels that have impacted us both forever.
Bailee M
I think back to how I met this amazing human and it comes down to that we were both adopted from China and our paths happened to merge here at CU Boulder. Bailee is an amazing, exuberant lady who has endless passion and is the human version of the energizer bunny. She casually drops that she ran nine miles in the morning before class frequently. Don’t we all. Born in China and raised in Boulder, Bailee is a self proclaimed “boulderite” who is currently training to be a yoga instructor, making her own kombucha and planning a running road trip around the USA this summer. I honestly don’t know how she does it all! One thing I love about Bailee is her spirit of adventure that even comes down to her hair which is currently dyed a vibrant pink. After our physical anthropology class one day, we sat down on a beautiful day outside a talked life, cute running boys and plans for the future. (Ps. She is single).
Life Lately
“You change your life by changing your heart.”
-Max Lucado
I haven’t done a type of this post as often as I would like to; however there is no better time to start than the present! Life lately has been fairly wonderful. I know I have said this before…but there is something about this time of the year that is so magical, but with that magic also comes a lot of change.
Eggplant Parmesan
Fall Feels: Pumpkin Baking
(Photo is of some chocolate chip oatmeal pumpkin cookies that I made…will post the recipe soon)
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion”
-Henry David Thoreau
Hey ya’ll!
I just got back from a trip to New York City (will share later) and had a great time soaking in the East Coast and hanging out with some of the absolute best friends in the world. It was a wonderful few days of break and I am happy to be back in Boulder and in my cozy apartment. Being in New York made me miss my kitchen (as NYC kitchens are basically like a mini cubicle) and reminded me of all the delicious pumpkin baking I have been doing and can’t wait to keep doing! Baking is so much more simple than people make it and as long as you have the basics down, some intuition and put lots of joy (and sugar and butter) into whatever you make…it usually turns out. And if doesn’t, you still give it to your friends and they still smile. Or don’t have tastebuds.
Duncan
They say that college students are getting younger and younger these days. Apparently they really are, to the point where humans who have only been on planet earth for three years are now attending astronomy lectures. I met Duncan, age three, when I went into my astronomy professors office hours to discuss an exam when he dropped by with his mom and proceeded to give me two cookies and a kiss before he left. Already such a lady-killer! The next day to my surprise, little Duncan and his massive personality showed up in my classroom where he proceeded to sit next to me the whole lecture. To be fair, I had fresh-baked cookies with me; turns out that friendship can indeed be bought. He was the epitome of a good student during class. He raised his and asked his papa (the professor) for more goldfish, told everyone his favorite planet was mars and shared with the whole class that he thought we got the answer wrong. This kid is going places. Before class, I asked Duncan if I could interview him and he said yes, if I gave him another cookie.
Favorite Pastime: Cooking and Baking
I decided to add another page to my site/blog about only of my favourite topics in life! Food! Growing up with a grandma who made everything from scratch and a family that made sure I knew how to cook was such a blessing. There is something so special about being able to cook for other people and yourself. Not only does it taste better and is healthier, but it is very nurturing and a great way to relax and connect back to yourself and the world.
I have never understood people who eat to live and don’t live to eat.
I guess that there is a healthy balance between the two, but food is amazing! The myth that eating well is more expensive is so false. I plan on having a long, healthy life which means taking care of myself mentally and physically.
So here is to food. Lot’s of it.
-Kaila
Life is Limitless
What a past few weeks it has been! Settling back into Boulder and college has been a whirlwind and I am overall so happy with everything that is going on and am beyond stoked for what the future holds. I have some super exciting plans coming up ahead amidst the classes I am taking and am loving the present moment as well. The highlight of the past week has been going on a hot air balloon! It was beyond anything I had every imagined.
A New Season, A New Cycle
This has always been one of my favourite times of the year since as long as I can remember. The excitement of a new year, almost more important than the January 1st celebration. It comes with reuniting with friends, new inspiration and a fresh start for everyone. I also know that eventually this cycle will end when I finish school (will that actually ever happen? I love school and learning so much, that regardless if I am in a classroom I will forever be curious and learning something new).
Kaila in the World 