This blog has been created by and for the Kinast Family. As we begin to grow and branch out, we thought it might be fun to create a place where we could learn and share about one another. In this blog, you will hear stories about funny situations we have been in, current status on family, things that have helped us to grow as people and other positive impacts that we have each experienced in our lives. So, sit back, take a few moments to relax, and learn about those you love who will always love and support you in your life...

11.28.2011

Let me just say that playing 'tour guide' for the bus trip down to Austin was easier than figuring out what I was going to blog about here. It was easier writing a guest post for Kate's own blog. And it's not that I'm not doing anything (I'm pretty busy these days, even though a recent bike accident has slowed me down finally), it's just that I'm not sure what is worth telling about and what not.

Post accident photo. I didn't really need that wrench, unless I was thinking that I could use it to 'fix' my knees...

The most important work I've been doing this semester is learning a little academic irresponsibility. I visit Dr. Geenen (not my academic adviser, but certainly a life one) every Friday at noon for about an hour with another friend of mine. We eat lunch and talk about classes, his college experience, technology (Dr. G is a little confused by it all), and philosophy. I made mention one time of how irresponsible I felt I had been with my week and Dr. Geenen gives me this funny look: "why, because you didn't do your homework?" He seemed a little 'incredulous.' For Dr. Geenen, both his undergraduate and graduate years were spent doing hardwork--and learning how to fly fish, play foosball competitively, practice his tennis and ping pong and soccer and ultimate frisbee and mountain biking. I admire him more than I do my actual adviser because, for Dr. Geenen, it's not about how far he's getting by one's standard measures of success but rather how well he's balancing his obligations with his happiness and how well he's answering the questions about the world that genuinely worry him (he's an anxious fellow). My grades still matter to me, but along with the helpful influence of another excellent friend, some other things matter a little more. People come before papers if need be.

As a sidenote, Dr. Geenen has also asked me to mentor his freshman seminar, which I'm extremely excited/flattered about. He's also going to have some difficulties with it, because he's not sure how to teach them things like time management, when, clearly, he may not always have been the best exemplar of managing his own time...and then there's me with my sleep experiments...

I've also had to stop my sleep cycle (I was experimenting with a polyphasic sleep cycle of small naps in place of a large block of sleep). I was doing quite well for several weeks, but Daylight Savings Time, and a few experimental changes I made to the cycle, threw things off too much for me to adjust to. Since I was going to go back to monophasic over Christmas break, I just did it a few weeks early. It was a worthwhile experience though, and I enjoyed it. Even if getting 4.5 hours of sleep a day was hell for a while...

Going forward, I have a few plans. Westminster College needs a better carpooling program, so I'm working on that. Bike Club wants to see some community bikes around campus. Philosopher's Corner has some big debates in a few months. I'll be completing all of my general education requirements next semester (I'm taking Leadership Studies, International/Cross Cultural Psychology, Philosophy and Science Fiction, Ethics of Genetic Modification, Informal Logic, tennis, and two one hour credits for tutoring and mentoring).

Ignore the numbers, but this is what Westminster College's Ridesharing Program will 'look' like. I'm as proud of this graphic I made as I am of the idea I had for the program.

11.21.2011

A Few of Our Favorite Things...

Still in NYC and loving it so in honor of Thanksgiving coming up, I thought we would list a few of our thankfuls aka favorite things...

Kurtis' Favorite Things:

in NYC:
1. food
2. friends
3. abundance of work
4. the fact that I can find anything I want at almost any time of day.
5. Brooklyn Bridge

about work:
1. traveling
2. having my own shop
3. the fact that it's never the same thing
4. the studio space
5. health insurance

Mary's Favorite things:
about the Subway:
1. seeing the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge everyday
2. being able to read and do things to/from work
3. having an unlimited pass
4. multiplicities of routes to get around
5. people watching

about work:
1. enjoying what I do
2. being able to help others
3. the look on people's faces when I tell them what I do
4. the camels
5. enough flexibility to feel refreshed and appreciated


One more fun little thing to enjoy....a picture of Mary with one of her favorite work things!


Happy Thanksgiving! And, see ya'll in Texas(those who are coming, those who are not - we'll miss you)!!!

11.12.2011

I'm Growing Up!!!

Hi everyone,
My fall has gone by fast. As you all know I moved into my own apartment in early October. Soon than expected but I had found the perfect place so I was happy. I was also blessed enough to receive a chair, dining room table and lamps from Grandma's dear friend Nancy Sherman. I have "grown-up" furniture and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my apartment looks like a twenty-three year old's rather than a dorm.


Shona loves the apartment and enjoys watching all the activity in the parking lot and chasing the neighbors cats on her potty break at 10:00 p.m.

I loved decorating my apartment and I often have my good friend Alli over to collage, do other art projects, watch silly T.V. shows and cook. Thank you for all the magnets for my birthday. They are displayed in my bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. I love magnets.















Speaking of my birthday, thanks to all of you I had a wonderful day. I loved having a birthday party and being surrounded by everyone. It was a much different birthday than in the pat two years and I loved being home to celebrate. It was special in every way. Form my Oreo dessert to being interrupted opening my present by Adelynn who insisted I read her a book to even having Dave's help opening my presents and his fashion commentary. 

A Birthday many years ago. Dave still helps today and I don't mine. I love you cousin.

I'm still looking forward to (actually an understatement. I'm ecstatic about it!) getting my service dog. And I have an official month which is May!!!! I am sure I'll write again before that so I will have an opportunity to tell you more when I know more! You are all invited to visit my apartment anytime. My address is 7627 East 37th Street North #1408 Wichita KS, 67226.

 So that has been my fall. I must say it has been a wonderful time of transition and growth. As always I'm chronicling it on my blog fightingmywayback. 
Love to all of you.
Kate