Kristen <3 profile picture

Kristen &lt;3

In those I love, I find a common denominator: they make me laugh.

About Me

I can make you laugh, and usually at my own expense. Among my friends my stories, wit, sarcasm and vocabulary that puts a sailor to shame are almost legendary. I feel you should live with passion, conviction and shameless abandon - and whenever possible, shake it up.

I am fervently addicted to traveling. Two years ago I lived in Scotland and backpacked 11 countries in Europe. Last month I disappeared into the thick jungles and white sandy beaches of beautiful Nicaragua.
Upcoming plans:
New York & Boston to visit my Scotland girlies: December 2008
Calcutta, India for the graduate school exchange with IIM: Fall 2009
... And of course, planning my next big adventure ...
I believe that acts of altruism define your true character. I feel I am at my best when I'm saving the life of a cat slated to be euthanized, building doghouses for misunderstood gentle giants or responding to postings on suicide-watch websites. There is undeniable beauty and undeniable suffering in life - I choose to see both.
I am kicking ass and taking names towards my five-year plan to get my MBA in Entrepreneurship from CU-Boulder and to start my own holistic pet product business. Life is nothing if not a canvas for your passions, your dreams ...A relaxing night for me entails a scorching hot bubble bath and a good book ... and hiding under the bubbles until my toes wrinkle and I can't wait to snuggle up under the cool sheets ::Sigh:: Heaven.
On the other hand, a wild night for me usually involves dancing, bar-hopping and taking many incriminating photos. As you can imagine, I'm a multi-faceted woman.I love my friends because, in many ways, they are my family. And I am a better, wiser person because of their influence.
"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music." - Angela Monet
I have a beautiful life ... and it's only getting better.



This layout was handmade with love by the folks at My space or yours? using original artwork by Marah Johnson. Go get one!

My Interests

Bettering myself emotionally, physically and spiritually, traveling, laughter, dancing (often accompanied by drinking), working out, honing my amateur photography skills, exploring new things and places, reading voraciously, my cats (because they enrich my life and make me smile), being silly, hot bubble baths, people with emotional depth, unexpected moments of romance, positively sinful food, fostering abused and unwanted animals, the smell of a well-dressed man, writing poetry and seeing the world in my lifetime.
"If you hold on to the handle, she said, it's easier to maintain the illusion of control. But it's more fun if you just let the wind carry you." - Brian Andreas

I'd like to meet:

Other like-minded individuals ... people with a good sense of humor & an insatiable zest for life. If you can hold a decent, intellectual conversation AND make me laugh, we're golden.

Music:

I'm extremely eclectic - just listen to my playlist. Music is my muse - and often the perfect expression of my emotions. Feel free to make a recommendation, I'll jam out to almost anything.

Movies:

I am movie junkie and the list would be outrageously long if I typed up all my favorites. Just know that I won't fall asleep during a movie and I'm a fantastic sounding-board after a particularly engrossing film.

Television:

I like TV for background noise when I'm (insert domestic task here)... but rarely just sit and watch the boob tube. My favorites: Law & Order SVU, Cold Case, The First 48, Dexter.

Books:

I am an avid reader. Some of my favorites are: Jodi Piccoult, Jeffery Deaver, Chris Bohjalian, Wally Lamb, Anita Shreve, Frank McCourt, Mitch Albom, Jon Krakauer and Dan Brown.

Heroes:

After traveling most of Europe off the beaten track, I'm apt to say that some of my greatest heroes (and motivators) are the artists, musicians, architects, and everyday people I've encountered along the way. They have redefined my concept of passion (an Italian peddler's depiction of a naked woman arching her back in the throes of ardor), dedication (painting the 300 foot ceiling of the Duomo for 20 years in solitude), and rare, untouched beauty (the hushed breeze on top of the Pap of Glencoe at sundown) ... among many others.
I have also found heroes within my sister: who amazes me in her unwavering determination and quiet resolve against EDS, Vicki: who taught me the frail and uncertain quality of life and Zack: who continues to humble me with his patience, love and companionship after 10 years of friendship.

My Blog

I need a gambler ... come on, take pity on me!

Update: So, I got a callback for the Sales Coordinator job with Aspen Pets ... I had an initial interview yesterday and a longer, second interview today. I spent about three hours with the Sales team...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:39:00 PST

Crossing my fingers ... and toes ...

Bad News: I didn't get the position with Right Management. After six weeks, three interviews, six execs ... they gave it to someone with more experience. And, offered me the same position in Milwaukee...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:44:00 PST

Update ... I know, it's been three months!

It's been a LONG time since I blogged on here ... I guess I've been waiting to post something until I find out about this potential job opportunity. However, that's taking longer than expected, a...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:39:00 PST

T-Minus 12 Hours!

In less than twelve hours I'll be on my way to Atlanta (or as Jojo says: HOTlanta) ... in 48, I'll be on the beach in Charleston, South Carolina. Life couldn't get any better. I'll be out of the inter...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Sat, 29 Jul 2006 12:47:00 PST

Three weeks until the beach! :)

So, today made it official! I booked my trip with Joanna and Kristin to hit the beach in South Carolina. Jojo's family owns a house literally, right on the beach in Charleston, so we'll be relaxing in...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Tue, 04 Jul 2006 09:11:00 PST

Australia anyone?

While I was abroad in Scotland (and traveling Europe) ... I decided I would see the world in my lifetime. Traveling truly broadens your perspective, challenges your convictions and inspires personal g...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:29:00 PST

Still a little drunk this morning ...

So, the birthday extravaganza has begun - last night I went to the Melting Pot with a small group of friends and we had three bottles of wine ... actually, more like I drank an entire bottle myself. (...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:17:00 PST

Birthday Extravaganza!! (And some other random stuff)

I know, I know, I'm overdue for an update! I graduate from DU this Saturday with honors!!! As cheesy as it may seem, I'm really proud of myself. I wasn't the happiest person when I first moved to Colo...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 11:36:00 PST

Update!

So ... it's been a while since I've updated. Life is better since last month when it all hit the fan. You just have to keep rebuilding. I'm still a work-a-holic ... but I'm really looking forward to t...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 10:16:00 PST

Perfect love?

Just thought I would post this quote.... it reminded me of how "imperfect" love truly is. And I figured that some of my friends, who are struggling in their relationships, would find some solace in un...
Posted by Kristen <3 on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 05:44:00 PST