New Direction

I have a plan. I have spent the past year and half applying, writing, and searching deep within to figure out my next step.  It has been stressful and I feel very grateful that my roommates have allowed me to stay with them for so long. I combined many lists of my strengths, dreams, skills, and ideas for my career path along with seeking guidance from my wise and inspirational friends, past supervisors, and family members.

On Tuesday, I spontaneously drove to Butler County Community College and signed up for classes that could transfer to Kansas State University. I immediately then drove to Wichita State University to sign up for a class that could also transfer to KSU.  I am currently applying to the Graduate Certificate in Teaching for a license in Secondary Education (Biology) and a Masters in Education.  If all goes as planned I should graduate by next May and teach by next Fall in the Kansas area.  I look forward to making science fun and hands-on as well as having summers off to travel and see primates in the wild.  Since I have a MSc currently and will soon be getting a teaching license I will have the option to teach at middle schools, high school, and community colleges.  I am hoping that this increases my chances at obtaining a full time job that is both interesting and purposeful.

Is this the right direction? I have been asked many times why I am not pursing a PhD since I already have a MSc.  At this time, I have not found a program or study that I am interested in enough to spend the money or years of my life on.  It will always be an option for my future.  So for now, it is back to the books and being poor.  

Tallgrass Film Festival

What: 11th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival
Where: Wichita
Why: Sharing experiences via film.
When: October 16-20, 2013
Rate:  5 stars. Do it next year!



I have lived in Wichita on and off for many years, but have never attended the Tallgrass Film Festival.  I am embarrassed to admit that I actually hadn't heard of it until last fall. This year, due to a friend on staff, I decided to partake in the festivities.  I volunteered with another friend to not only check out the festival, but to have the chance to see independent films for free. The staff and atmosphere was inspiring and the movies I watched were very thought provoking. I definitely recommend this event for any Wichitan who loves movies. Is there anyone who hates movies?  I just can't fathom that thought. You can volunteer like I did and see the movies for free, pay $10 per movie, or pay $195 for the VIP TALLpass with many benefits. Either way, you'll be able to see celebrated movies and meet amazing people.

The movies I did see that Tallgrass were showing are:

Blue Caprice
Shotgun Wedding
A Band Called Death
and soon....Blackfish

Some of these are on Netflix right now and Blackfish was aired on CNN last week.

SIDENOTE:  The Tallgrass Film Festival shows movies throughout the year so check out their website . I hope to attend their next show "After Tiller."

Walter's Pumpkin Patch

What:  Walters' Pumpkin Patch
Where: 10001 NW U.S. Highway 77, Burns, KS
Why: Pick pumpkins, corn maze, and fun things to do
Price: $10 admission + 50 cents/lb. pumpkin


Our clan took the annual trip to the Walter's Pumpkin Patch last weekend. You can't visit a pumpkin patch without some kiddos so we borrowed Laci's for the day. We had some coupons so we were able to save on admission and most of the attractions were free. First, we took a hay wagon out to the patch to pick the prettiest, or in my dad's case, ugliest pumpkins we could find. We shelled out the cash, more expensive than grocery stores, and loaded them up in the trunk. Then we ran around the whole farm feeding goats, driving pedal cars, jumping on air bags, trekking through a corn maze, and watching the pumpkin gun cannon. If you live in Wichita and haven't experienced the Walters' Pumpkin Patch, you should check it out while you still have time!

Most hilarious moment of the trip.