USA Today Blog Post

I'm published!

http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/blog/graduate-with-the-clock-ticking-are-you-livin-it-up

Check it out.

Update 10.2010

My classes are going well. I am in four journalism classes, which I enjoy or at least try really hard to. I also have a night History class, which I do not enjoy much at all, but I'm learning a lot.

Tomorrow is a big day for me.

At 10:08 I will boarding a flight to Santa Barbara to visit Kailey VanderBaan. My visits with her have become something I cherish and look forward to. Fortunately they haven't been to sparse the past three years either.

I enroll for Spring Semester tomorrow. With graduation is three semesters away, my class selection is getting smaller and my decision-making is more pertinent to graduate.

Happy Halloween everyone! Please send me pictures of all of your costumes! But don't send any candy - I'm trying to cut back.

100 Day Series

There are 100 days until my 21st Birthday.

Should I or Should I not do another 100 Day countdown series?

My thought is: Yes. But what I ask myself. I do not know. Thus, I ask you, my small but wonderful blog readership audience: What should my next 100 Day countdown series include? Tell me Tell me!*

**Please submit ideas soon because it will quickly become more like an 80 Day countdown series.

Bucket List #122 and #119

Bucket List #122 : Surprise Someone

I surprised Alex with two tickets to a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field.

Alex has been a Cubs fan for as long as he can remember, yet had never been to Wrigley - one of the best baseball fields in the World. Alex would argue it is the best. So when he and I decided to head up to Chicago for a weekend in May, I knew I had to get him to a game. I did. I bought two tickets online without telling him. The hardest part of all of this was not telling him. Some said I should wait until I got to Chicago to tell him, but with that weeks away, I knew I couldn't contain my excitement. On a Friday night he took me out for a wonderful romantic date. At the end of the evening, I pulled out two tickets for the Cubs vs. Pirates.

His face was priceless.

I had never seen someone that happy and truly surprised. It was glorious. I successfully surprised Alex last May. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had.

Bucket List #119: Cheer on the Cubs at Wrigley Field

On May 16, 2010 Alex and I went to our first Cubs game at Wrigley. We had a great time at the game. I loved being there with him. Alex loves baseball and is incredibly knowledgeable about it. The Cubs game is the best baseball memory I've ever had.

Bucket List: #139 Have a Job I Love

Bucket List: #139 Have a Job I Love

I have been watching Livia a few days a week for nine months now. With my busy schedule and hectic life at college, going over to hang out with Lil' Liv is exactly what I need. I started when she was only three months old. In less than a month she will celebrate her first birthday. I have seen her grow from a baby with not too many tricks up her sleeve to a lil' lady who pulls herself up and thinks she can crawl faster than I can run - sometimes she's right. She still falls asleep in my arm and steals my heart every time I hear her belly laugh. I am happy to say that I have a job I love.

South Korea

New obsession: South Korea.

I've been reading up on it and I think it is time to go. Anyone feeling adventurous?

See beyond Seoul, South Korea.

We could road trip Korea.

It's beautiful.

We can teach English there.

Some say S. Korea is the second best place to teach English in.

KU Football

One of the main reasons I love KU: Football Season.

Waving the Wheat. Yelling provanity in the crowd.
Standing up proud and tall for the Crimson and Blue. Go KU!

We will call the first game of the season the upset of the season.
They set the bar pretty low for the entirety of the season.
But our team came out strong against Georgia Tech this past Saturday.

The World Traveler Interns Meet Their Italian Loves

I want this internship because this girl knows what's up.

Profile Piece: Sarah Weaver

A fellow classmate of mine and friend, Ben Pirotte, wrote his Journalism 415 profile piece on me. I was flattered when he asked and impressed once I read it. Here it is:

Profile Piece: Sarah Weaver

by Ben Pirotte

Michigan, New York, California, D.C., Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia. That’s quite a list.

It’s even more impressive once you find out that’s the list of places that Sarah Weaver, a junior from Overland Park, visited over just a few months last year when taking a semester off.

Fall of 2009 became her time to take a break from school and travel the world. But it wasn’t necessarily what she had planned for that time of her life.

“Taking a semester off wasn’t a goal of mine, it just happened,” she said.

A series of events fell into place to create around seven months of pure adventure.

But this idea of adventure in epic proportions was not something Weaver was born into, as many might think when meeting her. Family vacations were never extensive or out of the ordinary.

“No cruises, no Mexico, no Hawaii,” she said. “We went to Florida once and we drove."

It wasn’t until 15 year-old Weaver decided to go on a summer camp all by herself in Colorado for a month that the travel bug was really instilled in her. Through this camp, with a Christian organization called Young Life, she was able to meet peers from all over the country, and began making connections that led to future travel plans.

Then, the time for making a college choice came around, and although Weaver’s growing adventurous spirit called for her to go out-of-state, KU’s appealing prices and extensive study abroad opportunities helped seal the decision to stay close to home.

Weaver took advantage of one of KU’s study abroad program in Italy last summer, just after finishing her freshman year. She gave herself time before and after for travel in Italy and throughout the continent, and began to really experience the incredible beauty the world has to offer. Her passion for spontaneous travel, though, began when she was traveling in Spain with a friend from the program in Italy.

“He wanted to go running with the bulls, I said, ‘O.K.,’ and next thing I know, we’re taking a bus from Barcelona,” she said. “It just was crazy!”

In Pamplona, Spain, where she in fact did run with bulls, she began to realize her endeavors as true adventures.

“Everyday is an adventure,” she said. “You wake up everyday and ask, ‘what’s on my agenda?’ You don’t have anything to do. You have to eat because you’re hungry, you drink because it’s fun, you explore the city, go to sleep and do it all over again.”

She had originally planned to go to Italy on a program that summer, then start another one of KU’s programs in the fall, the Western Civilization program in Florence Italy, and Paris, France. She ended up deciding to nix the semester program in Europe and opted for Capenwray Bible School in New Zealand after visiting her best friend from high school attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago earlier that year. Her plan was to come back from Europe for the rest of her summer, baby-sit, and save up before her adventure down under. But after returning home for a short stint (a mere four days), Weaver couldn’t stand the suburban bore of her parent’s house, and decided to keep the adventure going as a camp volunteer for Young Life in California between programs.

“Things just fell into place. One moment, I was doing the Western Civ program, and the next, I was going to Bible School in New Zealand.”

Bible School, however, didn’t make the cut after meeting a group of adventurous Australians touring New Zealand on a bus. She stayed in school for less than a week before deciding to jump ship from school and jump on a bus with those Australians. The semester became full of more spontaneous travel.

So even though Weaver’s life as a world traveler started just recently, after all, the idea of adventure might have been something instilled in Weaver from a much earlier age, as a piece of artwork from the 5^th grade seemed to showcase. During a celebration for her graduation from high school, her mom decided to display some of these past masterpieces for all to see, and Weaver recalls catching something she had never noticed after returning from her super adventure. The piece she remembers was for a star-of-the-week-type, with magazine cutouts of things that she thought, at the time, described her. Of course, silly, 5^th-grade-girl stereotypes showed up like a puppy and a telephone, but a suitcase and a picture of Australia made their way on the collage alongside. It seems Weaver’s adventurous life was foretold from an early age.

So will we have to play a spin on “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” for our own Sarah Weaver in the near future?

“First, I’d love to know,” she said. “I just don’t want to be in an office three years from now looking at my seven month stint as, ‘that was it.’ I hope it is the beginning of a life full of adventures.”

Spread Happy (A Modcloth Style Short)

Spread some happiness this week.

Bucket List: Be a Librarian

I am happy to say that I not only got out of bed before ten on a Saturday, but I spent my Saturday morning volunteering at the Lawrence Public Library with KU's Center of Community Outreach 2010 service day. They even gave me a leadership position because I am a co-coordinator this year. Yesterday, Twenty of us re-shelved books, DVDs and CDs. It was weirdly therapeutic and fun. I had a lot of fun.

One important projects we worked on at the library was with LARGE print books. Before the books were shelved top to bottom. For the elderly whom typically read LARGE print books, it is silly to have them reaching high or bending down low. So, we moved books so that they could all be placed at eye level. Hopefully, that was helpful.

Volunteering may seem like pulling hair before you go, but once you do, you're so happy you did. This experience was no different. Plus, I crossed something off my Bucket List.

Bucket List Item:

70. Be a librarian August 21, 2010 CCO service day at Lawrence Public Library

I've always been fascinated with libraries and book stores. If I am in a bad mood, you can find me sitting in the travel section of Borders in Lawrence. It was no surprise being a librarian made its way on my Bucket List. However, I am surprised I was able to cross it off so early and easily.

To add to that, I was a good librarian. When I was restocking the DVDs, an elderly woman in the family movie section asked for my opinion. I recommended a few classics and funny kid movies for her 10-year-old granddaughter's weekend visit. Another woman needed my assistance reaching a book.

Now, another item is crossed off my List. Another memory was had. It was a good first weekend of the semester.

Update 8.16

I am nearing the end of recruitment. Yes, I am surviving rush. It isn’t all that bad. I’m having good conversations and making friendships with lovely Thetas – all the reasons I joined a sorority in the first place.

This summer I completed six hours of journalism. The classes were hard and not what I expected. I swear to you that someone out there – someone I’d like to find and have a talking to – that said summer school was fun. Lies. Summer school was anything but funny. Before I become Debbie Downer, I will simply say: I am happy to be done. Twelve hours of journalism down and only 18 to go – only. Speaking of classes, fall semester starts in less than four days. FOUR DAYS!

Summer 2010 flew by and I have six measly hours to show from it. No European adventure. No summer camp. No spontaneous road trips. But you know what? That’s okay.

I lived with an awesome girl who is now a dear friend of mine. I went to 3 weddings and celebrated the marriage of three lovely couples with my lovely boyfriend. Yes, I have a boyfriend and have managed to keep him around all summer. I sublet my first apartment. It was in the “student ghetto,” had purple pillars and even came with a cat, Scat the Cat. I loved it. I cooked for myself all the time and didn’t open a packet of instant pasta, Mac n’ Cheese or Ramon: not once!

GREAT NEWS: A spot just opened up in a journalism class that I need to graduate. The class openings website has been my homepage for over two weeks. Just this morning a spot opened up! Thank you God! Now, I have an interesting class schedule; I only have Tuesday/Thursday classes. This will give me a good amount of free time that will be filled with the nine zillion activities I involve myself in. Why I feel the need to sign up for everything plus some? I do not, but that tends to be my norm if not destiny.

Surprisingly, I have no trips planned, but of course, I am never against the spontaneous endeavor away from college.

I hope to take a good hard look at my bucket list and create to a good list of goals for the semester. Once that is completed, and of course, perfected, I will publish it. Hopefully something will trigger something in you or at least make you laugh (maybe roll your eyes to my over-achieving and unrealistic nature). Keep your eyes out for that.

As for now, I will keep my chin up as summer officially ends.

Love is in the air

This video is just a feel good montage of love from oceanwide studios. They do a great job of creating a story with their video. It's lovely.

brad + jen from oceanwide on Vimeo.

Must See Movie: stand by me

In honor of summer coming to an end, I have decided to shout out to a summer flick that made its way into my heart early in life. I vividly remember this being one of the first R-rated movies I had seen. Every curse word made my mouth drop. I made others' mouths drop when using those same words the next day at school. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Stand by Me follows four young boys' epic summer adventure. The jokes still have me rolling laughing and the story never fails to impress me. The movie is a story of true friendship and the sticky situations those good friends put you in.

I hope that every one of you have had a summer like these boys. If not, there's always next year. If you haven't had the pleasure of watching this 80s flick, grab a good blanket, a good friend, a good bowl of popcorn and pop in Stand by Me.

Thank you, Skype.

Favorite thing about waking up early: being able to skype Sam Spurlock

Miss you!

the Philippines

anyone want to book a flight to the Philippines?

Boracay, Philippines from ktrifonov on Vimeo.

or what about Indonesia?

Bromo volcano from ktrifonov on Vimeo.

Detail http://ktrifonov.livejournal.com/13895.html

Another Like You

"Another Like You," by Sean Fournier. Click here to go to his website for some more good tunes.

This song is beautiful- as is Love. Spread it.

Hard work pays off

I have amazing news! I earned an A- in Multimedia Reporting (easily, one of the hardest, if not, the hardest class I've taken in my life). I earned a solid A on my last two stories. I've never worked so hard for a class, especially one I disliked a little bit.

Here is my latest story about the University of Kansas' retention rate and graduation rate. This summer I taught myself how to make charts online. I wasn't very good and needed help. Thanks, Alex. Here are the two I made for my retention story.

This summer I also learned how to do Broll, which means putting together a video package story using video. Click here to see my latest video.

I learned a lot from journalism 415: multimedia reporting, but I'd like to never take a class this hard ever again - fat chance. This semester and the semesters to follow will be hard, but I do know how to work hard. I have an A- to prove it!

Picture Party

I found that on Picasa you can see all the photos that I have ever posted on my blog. Crazy enough, I have uploaded exactly 100 pictures. You can see them all here at the Picasa website.

Here are some photos that prove you don't have to go very far for a beautiful photo. These are from when I hit the road in good ol' Iowa, Midwest USA.

Photos by Sarah Weaver

My Multimedia Reporting Government Story

Here is a b-roll I put together for my government story about special taxing districts. You can read my story by clicking here.

For those of you that don't like to read, – shame on you – know that you could be paying more without even knowing it. Kansas has something called special taxing districts, where businesses tack on an extra sales tax. Meaning: you could be paying more. Check out my story. I worked really hard on it, which doesn't mean it's the best, but I appreciate the readership.

John Flynn Profile Piece

I have had the pleasure of meeting the Flynn family and getting to know this past week. This profile piece on John was a great way to get to know an him and his family, who are amazingly talented, amazingly spirited, amazingly gifted and amazing kind. Please take a look at my profile piece on John Flynn. Thank you to all that helped in creating this - the Flynn's, Vintage Church, Ken Chang, Bridget Lamb and Jono Bowles. Special thanks to God for showing himself in everything.

Blog Spotted: Sloan Photographers

I have come across: Sloan Photographers. They have very pretty editing and fun couples' photos. The past three photo blogs that I've featured have been coupled photographers. Too bad Alex's pictures are... well let's just say he looks better being photographed :) Photos by me.

Here is Alex and I at his cousin Chris's wedding in Colorado. Photo taken by Matt Pahls.

Blog Spotted: Lowe Photography

I came across Lowe Photos last week. I've been looking for inspiration and like portraits the most. Here is her website: Lowe Photography. Here is their their blog: Lowe Photo Blog.

I was unable to post any of here photos but here is one of mine that I'd like to show you. A good photo has a lot to do with capturing a moment. I did just that with this photo of friends at Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand.

Brief Thoughts with Bridget

I now present my roomie, Bridget Lamb.

Blog Spotted: Stoffer Photography

Stoffer Photography

John Stoffer and Maura, his fiance, make up Stoffer Photography. This is some of their work. All photos courtesy of John. I love great photography. Plus these two photographers make the best subjects because they are both so beautiful. Yes, you two are so pretty. Good looks aside, they take great photos.

I met John Stoffer four years ago at summer camp in Colorado. Good ol' Young Life summer camp. He was walking around with a Canon back then and still is today. He has mad skills. His website is wonderful.

Here are pictures from way back when. John is the one in the hat. Photos courtesy of me.

John with his backpack and guitar.

"SNACKS!" See there's John's Canon around my neck.

I haven't spoken to John since camp, but I have been keeping up with his photos through his blog, website and facebook. To my understand, a congratulations is in order. Mr. Stoffer is engaged to a beautiful young woman. I love to see their photos.

Keep up the good work. You will always have a friend in me to publish your work.

California Gays Video

Two of the boys in this video are from Lawrence! Love your city.

Summer School Blues

Working my butt off but still have a wooty.

Check out my hard work for my Multimedia Reporting Class.

Blog Spotted: La Dolce Vita

The Dolce Vita Blog is beautiful. Everything is pretty. Paloma Contreras is the blogger responsible for everything pretty on the site. She specializes in interior design but has branched out to feature some really interesting people. I like her style.

On thing I really like that she is Guest Posts, where other people have a post of pictures and blog entry of some sort on her blog. It is always fun to find out who I am reading from on her blog. All the pictures below are taken from her blog, http://paloma81.blogspot.com/.

She recently traveled Barcelona and has uploaded her pictures, so naturally with anyone who travels, I like her more.

Blog Spotted: Travie McCoy

My new summer beat is "Want to be a Billionaire" by Travie McCoy. I'm planning on hitting up his concert in Indianapolis in August. First, I checked out his blog and I like what I see. Keep it up, Travie. I'll see you soon.

He does a good job with this Lazarus Project.

Best Wedding Cake Topping

Wedding Number Three was unlike the rest.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Amanda Pahls. May your lives always been filled with laughter. With a wedding cake top like that, I can't imagine anything else for you two.

I loved their wedding and reception location, outside Limon, Colorado. It was a big, beautiful, red barn set in the most beautiful part of the rolling hills in eastern Colorado. The weather was wonderful.

I've been taking notes with a summer full of three wonderful weddings this summer. One most-have is the photo booth that they had set up in the barn. They had polaroids and deposible cameras set up along with props including hats and mustaches. Check out Alex and I.

Blog Spotted: The Notebook Doodles

I have been blog spotting and fell upon a blogger who loves something that I love: doodling. However, she is quite good at at! Also, she seems like to like quotes that I also like. Maybe we are a blog match made in heaven. Visit The Notebook Doodles blog.

*all by the notebook doodles.