Small Steps Into Fitness

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                          Steps. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I started an exercise routine for myself, and no one else. I want that to be heard loud and clear. My body is the concern, not my body being on display.

Senior year put physical fitness to rest. I was done with gym class, but at the time I still was somewhat active. However, academics were sending a tidal wave into my life. Community College came crashing down, and I went to desperate measure to stay somewhat healthy. Avoiding the elevator at all costs, even when I had to go to the third floor, and being too poor to have anything but a dollar bag of animal cracker for lunch. That last one was an unintentional win I suppose.

While reporting for my schools newspaper I attended a heart fair. An exciting enough topic, full of music, freebee nic nacs and a large blowup heart. Blood pressure was being checked at one of the tables so I headed over. The stretchy band was placed around my arm and I was totally unconcerned. Healthcare issues had kept me out of the doctor’s office for two years at the time, but I still thought I was doing well. Then the door slammed in my face.

My blood pressure was too high. I wasn’t about to keel over or anything, but a 19 year old doesn’t tend to have the same health problems as their parents. The doctor told me exercise would help so I made a plan.

Image                         Sports equipment. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Free time wasn’t exactly part of my second semester college life, but I tried my best. I started walking around the house more, and I bought a bunch of sports stuff. Some of my more used sports equipment consists of two male lacrosse sticks, a lacrosse ball, a football and a skateboard. The lacrosse sticks come in handy because I can cradle, shoot into a broken couch or play catch with other family members. I’ve been told lacrosse is a healing sport to the Iroquois. I’m not an expert, but it certainly did help with healing me.

When I was 20 I attended another health related fair, this time it was at my community college. My blood pressure had gone down, and I was at a normal rate. Relief draped over me, but I wasn’t free to let myself go.

My current exercise routine consists of running in place for 9 minutes, 25 curl-ups, 25 push-ups and a few other things. Those main three have to do with my muscles. I would visit my cousins and notice the strain I put on myself to even attempt running. I didn’t feel good.

I won’t lie to you, starting to exercise again wasn’t easy. I don’t have money for the gym so it was home bound exercise for me. Even if I had spare cash sometimes you need alone time when trying to get in shape. The first few days left me tired and with some pain, but I still felt good. I was breathing better and I wanted to feel the burn. I wanted to get better and stay healthy. I’m not doing this for a man, friends or fashion magazines. My exercise routine includes the proper mental health requirements. I’m doing this for myself, so the only person to please is me.

-Katelyn Avery

547 words

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Winter’s Receding Hairline

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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Melting snow in Trumbull, CT. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Bald spots are sprouting up upon winter’s head. Their trying to hide it, but this man isn’t fooling anyone. One season is finally receding into another.

Spring is coming to Connecticut, and fighting it is useless. Mother Nature says it’s time to go home. March usually kicks winter out by this month, but its allowed winter some extra days. This week has been a gift to a season that never really sets up camp. Our snow filled months are December through February. That isn’t much time for winter to over stay its welcome.

Goodbyes are especially sad when they last for 9 months, but December will come again before you know it. Although the waiting period can feel stretched out at times, but when it’s over everyone just complains.

Adios amigo. I love you Mr. Winter. Have fun during your trip back home. Get some rest, because I’ll want to hang out next year. Maybe you’ll even come before 2015 hits. We could share some Christmas 2014 cheer. Sometimes you even stop by in November. Until then I’ll have my memories.

-Katelyn Avery

181 words

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In the Mall Mix for Little Mix

Posted on March 8, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                           Crowd for Little Mix, at the Westfield Mall, in Trumbull, CT.                                  3/8/14. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

“Little Mix! Little Mix!” was chanted by the massive group of  teens. The kids were waiting for one of their favorite bands. CD’s in hand they all wanted their moment with the band. A signature and a picture. Then disaster hit their young lives when one of the people in charge announced no selfies were allowed. Their faces dropped but he tried to comfort them by reporting that the mall would be posting everyone’s photo on Facebook. The group chant of “Selfies! Selfies!” followed anyways.

I hadn’t purchased the CD because I only had a vague idea of who Little Mix was. Wikipedia describes them as a four piece British girl group. I’ve heard some of their songs, but I never remember the name, or how it goes. Age 21 has taken my fandom powers from me. Nevertheless, there have only been a few celebrity events in my area, at least the ones that I know of.

Some of them included Nathan Kress (Freddie from iCarly), Bella Thorne (CeCe from Shake it Up!) and James Maslow  (James from Big Time Rush). Those events were free, but I had no patience to wait in lines that seemed never ending. The event at hand did not disappoint with its line length either, so I definitely wasn’t going to step in it. I would have also had to purchase their CD first, but I’m young and broke, so it was a double whammy.

My sister and I huddled into one of the groups by the stage. We all squeezed in, keeping the aisle clear because Security needed a free walkway for passerby’s. The anticipation was building so much I thought I’d bust, but the band finally came out. The crowd went wild, and my ear drums took a beating. Thankfully adrenaline kept the pain at bay.

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The back of one of the band members. 3/8/14. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

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The back of one of the band members. 3/8/14. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I barely qualify as a fan but the excitement of the moment was inside me. I felt part of something. It was a small something, consisting of a very nice band coming to suburbia, but it meant the world to me. I try not to miss these events because I know I won’t always have free time to go see celebrities. Especially when they meet my traveling limitations, and budget.

Someday I will want to tell my kids, my friends or maybe even a journalist about seeing these people. They may become super famous, or they might just be big during my youthful years. Either way I have no regrets. I know they are just people, but its always cool to be in the same room as a celebrity. Thank you Little Mix for coming to the Westfield Trumbull Mall.

-Katelyn Avery

443 words

(Feel free to take these photos. Especially if you find yourself.)

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Hitting That Wall : Writers Block

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                           Indoor brick wall. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

The words were locked away. In their room they wanted to stay. Katelyn was a saddened writer. She hunted down a new post like a hungry spider.

I hope you enjoyed my poem because it just makes me sad. The lines are all too true. I was a victim of writers block. So much suffering comes from this virus. It attacks you in a way that is unimaginable. Well if you’re a writer it does. Your livelihood is eaten away.

My wordpress goal is a post a week, but I used to write one every two days. I’ve lost my momentum. Going from every 2 days to 3 to even 4. I once felt like the master of my blog, but now it owned me.

A wall was in front of me and I hit it hard. There aren’t any scrapes or broken bones though. That would be too convenient. I could take a picture of my dismantled body and write a new story. Life wasn’t that kind to me though. All my wounds were invisible.

As my life force slipped away from me I found just enough strength to roll away from the wall. I couldn’t get up but I was still kicking. My attempts were worth it, but I was not yet healed. It will take some time, but I will get up again. Posts will come and I will return to my former state. I may even get better. I will be the writer I want to be.

-Katelyn Avery

251 words

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Take A Breather

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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Bench at Housatonic Community College, in Bridgeport, CT.                                   Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Free yourself from stress by taking a moment to relax. A much deserved rest is in your deck of cards. Calm your frazzled head by letting go of those racing thoughts.

It’s not lazy to sit down, as long as you don’t make the bench your permanent home. It’s more of a hotel room for the overworked heart. The racing one that is taking too many steps forward. You’re supposed to look around every now and then.

Put yourself into vacation mode, even if you still are in your home town. Your living room provides you with an escape. The TV’s right there, but don’t watch anything too mind numbing. Reality TV will only make you hate the world and “Me time” is a hate free zone.

Self-pity isn’t invited either, it’s supposed to be a celebration of yourself. Think of everything you’ve overcome and let your muscles loosen. No more clenching out of anxiety and worry. As you sit let your spine fall back. Whether or not you’re a math fan grab a protractor, and make an angle at 120 degrees. Don’t move now, your resting period has begun.

You may even close your eyes. A nap is acceptable, although the angle needs to be 180 degrees for it to be perfect. Don’t be too rigid about relaxation. Follow the necessary rules to make it fun, but don’t make it too structured. This special time is a gift to allow you to heal and grow stronger.

-Katelyn Avery

250 words

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The College Apps Are Out

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                          Small opening into the world. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I’ve taken a step into my future. I’ve sent out my first college app. Transfer student doesn’t sound like a daunting title anymore.

My app was started in a slow fashion. Every day I would add a little more. Trying to remember all my extracurricular activities, and double checking graduation dates and degrees. Finally I was left with the college essay.

I had matured since writing essays at the end of senior year. I had also lost them because of a virus, but I would have needed a new essay either way. My words needed to show who Katelyn Avery is at age 21. A young woman ready to venture out into the world as a full adult. I was beyond that 18 year old high school senior, still dabbling in childhood.

A small slit has been cut into a wall in my cage. That’s all my surroundings are now. Something I’ve grown too big for, but the door doesn’t just pop open. I had to make my own escape with a plan and a goal. It’s been a nice semester off so far, but vacation can’t last forever.

It’s not a perfect circle, actually there is no shape at all. My chance to better myself isn’t on a silver platter so why should the doorway there be conventional. Different things can be seen but its small glimpses of one big picture. The one I have to add to by doing things myself.

-Katelyn Avery

243 words

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The Proud Tree: Inspired By A True Story

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                                                                  Tree in Milford, Connecticut. Photo by Katelyn Avery. 

Winter rages on, but I’m not complaining. However, for those of you desperate for spring here’s some nostalgia. I was with my cousins and sister, as usual, when I noticed the beauty in front of me. A tree caught my attention.

While many trees surrounded the school we went to play catch at, one stuck out above the rest. This natural bark statue was slightly taller than the rest of the line. One tree taking the lead within natures beautiful play. A proud character ready for their close-up scene.

I didn’t have a video camera on me but my cousin I used our cellphones to create photo art. Pictures snapped of what we thought was beautiful. My cousin went after a nearby rainbow, as did I, but the tree could not be forgotten. Only one sea of green to look at, but it was the best view of the color. The rainbows variety could not coax me into rejecting the shades and contrast of the tree against the blue sky. Clouds providing an excellent backdrop to the scene.

Pride was in the tree. That’s what made me attracted to it. I couldn’t ignore someone who stood on their own two feet. Nor could I say anything negative. Defined by no ones opinion the tree ran the show.

-Katelyn Avery

217 words

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Going Down the Hill

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                              Sled in Connecticut . Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Bumps were under me but I was experiencing too much of a rush to worry about falling over. In my cousins blue sled I was speeding by everyone at the age of 21. Age is just a number after all.

My cousin Alex (Male), twin sister Jen and I decided Presidents Day 2014 should include a sledding celebration. By society’s standard my 14 year old cousin was just past sledding age, while my sister and I were more than pushing it. Thankfully none of the parents and small children paid attention to us at the snow hill. Well one mom did offer me gloves to borrow because like a true young person I forgot to bring gloves during 30 degree weather (I declined because the walk over warmed me up).

Age wasn’t any concern to me because there isn’t any time for restrictions. Life has to be enjoyed because we’re all going down the hill. Before I get close to the finish line I want to live my life. The sledding part of that journey seemed like an excellent place to be.

Sledding paths had been carved out by the people ahead of us but I decided to form my own. The only free place had large mounds of snow and bumps. I kicked some of the mounds out of the way and started my venture into the unknown. Although I tried to keep any ‘Will I flip over” thoughts out of my head. As I cruised down the hill I popped up at a few places, but I was never knocked out of my blue oval shaped sled. When I finally stopped moving I felt so proud of my accomplishment.

Even though I did get a bruise on my leg from later falls and large bumps I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was having fun and felt alive. I was moving and I hope you move too. Life isn’t slow so don’t stand at the starting line forever. Get in your sled and push yourself down the hill.

-Katelyn Avery

342 words

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Looking Up At Choices: College Apps

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                            Looking up. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

As a community college graduate I get to reenter the world of college applications and school hunting. Choices are set in front of me but their higher than my eye level. The things I need so much but they seem out of my reach.

App fees hit me hard. My state school of choice only charges 50 dollars, which is better than the typical 75. For anyone in my cash strapped position there are some schools with free applications. These schools are located all around the country. Just search for the list. There good but it was easier for me to transfer to a school here in Connecticut.

My community college transcript will be sent for free but I was blindsided anyways. My high school transcript is still needed which will cost me 4 or 5 bucks. That’s not a lot but it’s tough for me as a millennial. At least I stuck it out and received my associate’s degree. If I had less than 12 credits completed I would have to send my SAT scores as well. That cost a friend of mine 30 dollars.

The payoff will be great I suppose. Jobs are scarce so I need all the education I can get. Still it isn’t easy when pre good job part is so expensive.

-Katelyn Avery

216 words

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Sweet Treats: The Ultimate Reward

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                    Brownie. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

The baked chocolate smell is hard to resist. As your brownies cook you can barely find the patience to wait for your treat. Hurry fast when their done because once a plate is out everyone in site will want one. You may even eat one that’s fresh out of the oven, while it’s still on the baking sheet.

The look can change everything though. A brownie can’t just be scooped up and served to a house guest. That’s not to say I haven’t destroyed a perfect brownie rectangle when it’s just my family and I. One of my many skills is mutilating brownies, but when a guest is over there has to be an art to how you serve the treat.

Fancy pans that cut the brownies for you work great and I am a fan, but sometimes I’m not into the whole cleanup part. That’s when a regular, one large brownie piece, pan is necessary. The knife and spatula become my chisel as I prepare to create a masterpiece. The piece has to be large enough to scoop up, but not so large that the recipient feels overwhelmed. That first piece will look beautiful but the sizing issue causes problems. I will end up eating a chopped up brownie because the spatula was 2 inches too wide.

Image                                                            Confetti cake. Vanilla frosting and sprinkles. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

For those that are seeking more than brownies one treat never fails. If there’s no birthday in site people will look for any other excuse to have cake.

The frosting looks best in a windswept position, at least to me. I also get particular about how the sprinkles should come down like snow. and not be mixed in the frosting before it is applied. I also like chocolate cakes to have chocolate frosting. Vanilla cakes work best with vanilla or pink frosting. That may be from a childhood of nothing else though.

Whatever your vice ends up being sweet treats can’t be beat. Even if you’re the kind of person who has cake without frosting your still on the right path. No rules should apply to sugar. Enjoy those tasty snacks and be thankful if someone else made them.

-Katelyn Avery

357 words

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