If you haven't read Part One of this two-part post, please do not continue. I must release that I have permission when writing this post to disclose personal information about my partner and I's pasts.

I thought, another faux paus I should talk about that has been causing the most obvious roadblock for myself and my intimate relationship is the fact that I live such a different lifestyle than Mark's immediate family (who, I am blessed to have a healthy relationship with).

Both of our parents' parenting styles are looked down upon from different groups of people. Which you may choose to look down upon, reader, I don't know. I think both sets of parents have their curses and blessings, and both have done right for their own children. I'm here to bring criticism and gratitude to the surface, to sum up an issue affecting my life, advocating for close relationships between parents and their teens.

My parents have a very alternative way of parenting, not the norm you find in most Southern states and traditional, religious family backgrounds. For me, this worked. It certainly will not work for every kid, that's why I call it The Kathryn Parenting Style. My parents have techniques fully built upon the trust within our relationship. If I screwed up, I got a punishment (no TV for a few weeks, no sweets, no "playdates" with friends, etc). If I didn't listen or didn't do what I promised I would, I would be scolded. I was given a very large amount of freedom as soon as I hit my pre-teen years. Of course, at that point I couldn't have the boys I liked over, but I could go to stores alone and buy my own things--I was trusted to buy appropriate clothing, which taught me how to. I was taught how to get groceries as soon as I got a car (another way of them celebrating my freedom), giving me money management techniques, while still having my financial portion of life taken care of and provided for until I can find a steady job in College, due to this ever-changing American economy.

Mark's parents have a pretty traditional way of parenting, with a few better alterations to make their rules more modern. They like to set boundaries about the littler things before testing the waters, which I must admit, is the type of parent I may very well become in my future. Now, I'm no parent, but with my education in Soc and Psych, when I see a parent so worried about something that they can't explain their reasoning properly, it sends off a red flag in my mind that maybe they have a lowered trust level with this child and can't give them the freedom, because the parents feel they don't deserve it. This is the case with Mark, whether it's obvious or subconscious. He went through a rebellious phase, met all the wrong people and made some pretty bad choices. As for the financial aspect, Mark has had to work, as he says: "for every dime I've ever made". Of course, his parents provide food and shelter for him, and love, but not the extra things. This taught Mark the value of money early on. A positive difference between my parents and his.

I am talking so intimately about this matter, to the level that some might call intrusive, because my voice cares to make a difference in the lives of teenagers and parents. I feel this parenting situation in particular is something so common in our society and shouldn't be: The Age Factor. My parents never saw age, they saw how much they could believe me. Of course, they listened to the law and didn't let me get into trouble, but they set limits based upon my dignity and trustworthiness. Like I explained, this only works for Kathryn, because she has been so dormant regarding rebellion all her life--personal life choice. Mark's parents also never saw age, in the opposite way. No matter how many years progressed, Mark didn't get the free experiences I have been able to capture while I was younger. I've been with Mark for nearly 2 years now, known him for 11, and have always seen him moreso sheltered than myself, which again, isn't necessarily a bad thing, and Mark doesn't fret about it--it has merely affected both our lives since we began dating.

Here's an example of what I mean... Mark and I tried hard to pitch the idea of a 48 hour trip to Port Townsend, Washington, one of the days sleeping in lodging alone without parents, getting picked up the next morning. Keep in mind, Mark and I both don't engage in unprotected sex, drinking or drug usage, and both sets of our parents are aware of that. His parents declined the idea without much of an explanation, which I'm not going to beat to the ground, because I respect that was their choice. My parents liked the idea. They looked at it as a way for us young adults to be out on our own, living life and learning how to get our own groceries, transportation, setting boundaries in every-day life situations. Maybe Mark's parents weren't raised in such a way of having extreme freedom. My mom, on the other hand, experienced more freedom than any of us. Her mom, my grandmother, let her go to Scotland right out of high school with her partner. I know what you're thinking--she probably came back with police escort, or #3 on the way, right? Wrong. She learned how to manage herself in society and loved learning about her family's rich history. Put this into perspective: Mark and I were asking for a 2 day trip, not a 20 day trip.

Either way the cards decided to be dealt, what I couldn't seem get over was why Mark had less freedom than I did, when he was of legal age in the U.S. to do whatever the heck he wanted to without his parents' consent. Then, the thought struck me: until he moves out, and has his own steady job, his parents will set their own rules. I never realized that this entire time, my parents weren't just throwing around freedom without setting boundaries--they were looking in my best interest and well-being. They are two of the rare parents that are so in-tune with what their child needs, that they found a path that best works for their child. One day, Mark will look back while sorting through the goods and the bads within his childhood, and thank his parents for raising him the way they have. For whatever reasons they have behind their restrictions, I know the intention is a positive one. One I may never work with or understand, but will accept and learn to admire.

Mark has this tolerable personality, you see, one that makes it easier on his parents to get what they want from him. Yes, I am chuckling as I type this post. He lacks a strong backbone, has an automatic selflessness nature and wants everyone to be as happy as they can be, and is willing to sacrifice his own happiness for theirs (a trait at least one of his parents shares very strongly). A lot of my parents' guidelines stemmed from my personality and theirs growing up as well--freedom-thirsty, independent, blunt, and intolerant. While I physically rebelled the least, I emotionally rebelled the most. To this day, I am not pregnant, have not engaged in unprotected sex, have not taken a beer at a party, nor a cigarette, and am happy without touching an illegal substance. To this day, Mark is not engaging in any of the above, and supports me in my pure choices, making them his own. We have both changed a lot for each other, for the better. I love our parents for making us who we are--the two kids that fit so darn well together, regardless of their opposites.

I mentioned I had a very intricate relationship before, didn't I? The guy is Mark. You remember, the sweet man who swept me off my feet and made me an honest woman, whatever that may mean. Relationships are never peaches and cream, and I wanted to share my biggest relationship faux paus from an objective point of view--I want younger people to take from this post a little bit of inspiration to embrace their own relationship's pitfalls.

When I write this post, you must understand that I mean no hurt feelings; I'm purely stating facts and feelings from my perspective. I do not feel it is acceptable to write a lifestyle, "inspirational" young blog without releasing every detail about your life that is socially accepted or that you feel comfortable with. The situations I am about to discuss have been serious roadblocks in my life for quite some time, and I feel it is okay to come clean to my loyal blog readers, family and friends. I'm coming out of the relationship baggage closet, per se, and throwing out all my old, kept secrets (or ripped up/torn clothing, you could also say) along with this change. This is not a debate post or a call for action--this is merely therapeutic release to put my worries at ease and start a new chapter in this great big book called Life, pushing these long-kept conflicts off the pages.

Ever since I began to hold a intimate relationship with my sweetheart, a portion of his family began to dig nasty vibes in my direction, or at least from what I could tell. I heard quite a decent amount of gossip that they had nothing but negative connotations to make in regards to who I was or how our relationship apparently panned out on numerous occasions, never getting a straight answer when I would politely inquire about the matter. Whether this happens to be true or not, I can feel the tension in the air when I'm around them, and to be quite honest: it makes me queasy.

How can people who barely know you make such harsh judgment about you from the get-go, or exclude you from certain social events? I don't know, and maybe never will. All I know is that my sweetheart and I are the best thing to have ever happened to each of our lives. I have held him when he had a bad day, let him cry on my shoulder about bigger things and laugh on my tummy about littler things. I have seen him angry, sad, gleeful, hopeful, and extremely confused. We have been through any personal pitfall you could imagine, and it has made us the strongest couple we can be at this moment. We wasted no memory and no new experiences.

This makes me think about the morale codes that different people hold in this world about boundaries, regardless of the color of their skin or the country they were raised in. My morale within relationships is this: regardless if you are family or family-friend, you are to be included in family gatherings (to an extent) and accepted, even if not liked or adorned. If there is a wedding party or baby shower, and you know there may be a "plus 1" after 6 months of a relationship, you make the seating work. Fellow humans are everything to me and I certainly won't exclude them from my heart and soul without a fair chance. At my wedding party, and baby shower, I will make the new teenager that has just met and formed something special with my family member feel welcome. That's the kind of gal I am--welcoming and sincere, no matter your background or burden.

Speaking generally, and in context: What possesses some people to be so close-minded and unable to accept change? People are going to live their lives and make a personal choice to love who they love, and life will continue on, no matter what you have to say about it. Why can't we all be loving, embracing, strengthening, and healing to other, equally weak human beings? Why can't they come to social dinners or informal parties? We don't need to count them as family, or even as a friend--just human. We don't need to wave hello, or even smile. Just include them and make them feel as if they matter, even if our personal agendas skip a beat. Reach out a hand in their time of trouble and rejoice in their happiness--don't attempt to destroy it or dabble in it providing your "two cents". It just is. Once you learn to accept, you learn to forgive what you cannot change.

This is my belief. I am curious about yours. Maybe you could shed some light on to something I am perhaps missing, coming from my point of view and background. God loves each and every one, even those I cannot seem to understand. From that stems my peace. "The hard part is that we often need to let go over and over again. It isn’t like pulling off a band-aid. Old wounds have a way of resurfacing as we stumble, learn, and grow. This doesn’t make us weak. It makes us human. Today if you find yourself clinging to a painful memory, ask yourself: How can I focus on healing in the present, instead of living in the past?" ~ www.tinybuddha.com

With the release of my own personal YouTube vlogging channel, theunstoppablekatia, I am speaking out about my favorite style items, what has been going on in my life "behind the scenes" of UnstoppableKatya and talking about the hobbies and interests that engage me the most.

I have been gaining subscribers and views/likes every now and then, but need your support (my loyal readers, of course!). If you like this idea, please support by sending me a few comments or a message on my channel. I need as much feedback as I can get--I don't want to be doing something that's a waste of my time when you guys possibly prefer a different style of vlogging better.

Which would YOU like to hear more about? Leave me a comment anywhere - email, Facebook page, channel. Style? Shopping? Lifestyle? Opinions? 79 Things in video format? Cooking? Travel? Figure Skating Reviews? Let me know!

At the beginning of last summer, partner Mark and I began our kitchen journey of cooking up scrumptious meals for my family and ourselves.

We are no experts, nor do we always calculate the ingredients quite right according to the recipes, but we do have some pretty awesome stomachs that love. To. Eat!

While blogging for this post, I asked Mark to grab me "our recipe book". What does he bring me? A Living magazine copy. I laughed at the irony.

Deciding to purchase our first recipe book, here are a few of our favorites that were added first...

Ravioli with Herbs
Serves 6. Prep time : 15 min.  Cook time : 4-6 min.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, halved
800g (1lb,10oz) ricotta-filled ravioli
60g (20oz) butter, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions:
1). Combine oil and garlic in a small bowl; set aside. Add ravioli to a large pan of rapidly boiling water and cook until tender.

2. Drain ravioli well in a colander and return to pan. Add oil to pasta; discard garlic. Add butter and herbs to ravioli and toss well. (As a variation, use fresh coriander instead of parsley). Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Veggie BLT Basil Ciabatta Sandwiches
Serves 5. Prep time : 20 min.

Ingredients:
4 ciabatta square buns
tomatoes
pesto spread
cheese of choice (swiss works really well)
lettuce

Directions:
1). Cut each bun in half, making 8 buns out of the 4 total. Spread pesto sauce on buns.

2). Add veggies and cheese, creating a nice, bright sandwich (1/2) for a summery dinner or lunch.  * Perfect for picnics!

Variety Bean Garden Salad
Serves 2.  Prep time: 5-10 min.

Ingredients:
bag of greens (mixed)
pinto/black/etc beans - canned
3-4 small radishes (or any other veggies)
1-1 1/2 cups green beans - cut off stems
ranch dressing

Directions:
1). Mix up greens and wash thoroughly. Chop radishes and green beans in half. Add any other veggies you wish. Open and drain/wash beans and set in individual bowls for nice presentation.

2). Create make-your-own salad area for guests, and go from there!

A collection of my favorite latest happenings through photography for the months of July and August 2011, including my room remodel process and blog foodie shoots, PFLAG dinner with Steve Schalchlin, HAM Radio Field Day and a very recent home shoot. Bellingham, Portland and San Juan Island photography will be their own separate vlogs - look out for those coming soon!

* Be sure to check this video out in awesome 1080p High Definition!

Many of you probably noticed my recent posts regarding my journey with finding my birth mother, the love I have found within counseling and many of the past details about my bullying experiences and aggravation as a child. I figured I would share the tips I use when discussing very personal life situations, with the hope that maybe this will help a few of the young bloggers out there feel a bit more comfortable releasing their feelings on life situations, but not the full nitty-gritty.

1. First off, I never EVER mention names. If you accuse someone of saying or doing something poorly, for example, raping you, or even disagreeing with you in a harsh manner, if you use their name, you could get in some pretty dangerous (and perhaps legal) trouble. It’s not like I’m telling you something you shouldn’t know already. Regarding the examples of individuals involved in personal situations given at the beginning of this post: I believe my birth mother, counselor and my former bully reserve their rights to remain invisible individuals on my website and everything I tell my blog and montage viewers. I never give their residing location, or the names of their family members. To me, last name is the particular issue, and any names of people within an individual’s personal life is crossing a line.

2. I also think, if it’s not necessary to your story, you should leave the city in which this personal incident occurred in out, as well, and if it is your current city, certainly leave it out! It is all about Internet privacy and keeping yourself protected.

3. If you get threats or poor commentary for posting what you posted, respect the person’s issues with your post and alter it, but don’t take it down completely unless the situation prompts that extreme course of action. You are entitled to your beliefs and your right to free speech. Technically, by not mentioning any personal information about that person’s life or whereabouts, you are not doing anything wrong, merely standing up for yourself and explaining to people who care about your life what you have endured within it.

I talk both negatively and positively about people in my life, and encourage those in my life to talk negatively and positively about me if they need to rant and get something out, on their own blogs or personal journals. I request the same top 3 rules above from them as well. Those who I grew up knowing in person would most likely know the first names of my birth mother, former bully and maybe even counselor, but those are the people I trust to put two-and-two together.

In my opinion, blogging is the door that opens many other doors. It is the chance to express who you are to the world that may be watching. It is also a chance to be extremely therapeutic and let your guard down. No matter who may not like what you have to say, what you are blogging about comes from within. Lifestyle bloggers do a very courageous thing by letting each and every person know the details of their lives. Those who criticize don't have that much of an argument unless they know how helpful therapeutic blogging/writing can be. Judgments will carry with you through life, but being able to push past them will present you as a fearless leader who believes in what they have to say.

This is a add-on post from “Mother, Father, Mom, Dad”.

My high hopes for communicating with my birth mother went down the drain, it seems, as she continued on telling me the complicated stories of her journey to keep me close to her and escape from her abusive father, who seemingly forced my adoption upon her, even when I requested that we please move on and that the past was the past. I kept getting mixed stories from others, contradicting things she said herself, while she didn’t let up. It was, so-and-so this, and, so-and-so that, never giving me the chance to express how this roller coaster ride was making ME feel.

I created countless videos, pouring my life’s story out to her (a very hard thing for an adopted individual to do, I might add), attempting to make some sort of connection. Even a montage in honor of the feelings I held for her, and a video of myself reading a poem to her children, one I meant to read to my future child. Yet, she neglected to watch them until people pressured her to. To this day, I don’t know if she’s seen the heartfelt montage, or the poem, or even the rest of my story. I give her the benefit of the doubt, dealing with so much emotions and hard aftermath of finally hearing from her daughter of 17 years, so this isn’t my biggest worry. From my interpretation, she felt my parents were a simple addition on my life’s legacy, and that she deserved much more credit than I believe (and I say I believe very strongly) she should be allowed.

So, here’s the credit I am willing to give: Yes, mother, you gave birth to me. You endured hours of incredible pain, and the aftermath of your jiggly belly fat and getting back into shape. Yes, you held me and cared for me when supplies were scarce and at a loss, after your abusive father neglected to care for either one of us that well. Yes, you did have to endure the hateful remarks of your father’s racial beliefs, and rebuild your life after he forced you into adoption. But, I know inside you knew that was what was best for me. Your little baby, looking up at you with her big brown eyes, wondering if she would ever receive a innocent life, away from this abuse. She did, and it is her mom and dad by law that raised her, cried with her, shared the joyous moments with her, and boy did they so deserve a child of their own. You should be extremely grateful.

But, she seemingly isn’t, and contradicts my parents’ parenting, when she hasn’t seen even half of the videos I sent her explaining how much they had been there for me. It’s like I wasn’t even heard out. No parent is perfect, and by all means, she should understand that from having to raise five kids herself, and what she had to endure as a child. Would she rather I was spanked, even worse: beaten, every day? Would she rather I have endured the trauma she had as a young woman? I doubt it. But, it still seems like she wishes negativity upon my life, when in her heart she means good.

Apparently I’m a no-good teenager, trying to connect with the birth mother I never had a chance to know. And, apparently it’s off limits to ask her about her life and expect decent answers, and what can I do but respect that? I do assume I will stay in contact with my birth family, and relate to my aunt, grandmother, and would-be step father for days to come, but who really knows at this point. All I know is, she deserves someone to be on her side. I guess that myself wanting to know what was true from what was fake just wasn’t good enough. Not good enough that I dug out all the legal papers and tried to shed some light on what was buried in the past, the subject in which she seemed so intrigued to discuss. 

I showed active response in wanting to figure out who I was and where I came from, and, true, this entire encounter did just that. It made me realize how LUCKY I am to have the family I do. How lucky I am to have supportive and understanding Mom and Dad. How much material and emotional wealth they have shed upon me for 17 years, and how blessed I am from God to have that unconditional gift every day.

Either family would have been great in their own ways, but I do feel like this day sums up my long-held belief: Everything happens for a reason. As my biological grandmother says, I was supposed to be adopted, and was supposed to have these loving, active parents, or else I wouldn’t be who I am. Where I came from would have been answered from a relationship with my birth mom, but I already know who I am. I am a beautiful, yet flawed, young woman, enduring the road wherever it takes her. I may not know it all, or many of the details to life, even, but most women would love their daughter to hold such a strong sense of self, and maybe my birth mother appreciates it, but it’s not obvious on the surface quite yet.

I know numerous individuals who have grown up to write novels and autobiographical books about this sort of situation, and I may do just that in my later years, but I felt the need to share this piece of news with my real family here in Washington, my loyal readers and YouTube viewers from all over the world, who have all supported me with consistency and admiration for the work I do, both online and offline, regardless of how morally corrupt publishing this on the Internet may be (and no matter how short of a autobiography this is).

I understand my birth mother has access to this web page, and if she is reading, I just want to say: I love you. I love everything you provided for me, before and after we reconnected. Thank you for reconnecting me with my soul’s deepest needs and for reassuring that everything I have done to get to this point where I am today has been correct, with the guidance of God. We all make mistakes and we all say harsh things, but in case you didn’t know, I’m the type of person that no matter what, gives forgiveness out like lollipops—and sincerely. Maybe it’s a flaw, but it will let me move on from this hurtful, confusing experience with ease and reassurance that life is beautiful, and that God rewards those with good hearts. Thank you for that lesson, and I wish you luck, wealth and happiness until whenever we meet again. XOX

I was in need of a big change. My scrunched up “walk-in-closet” could barely be stood in, let alone dressed in. That’s when I asked my parents about the small storage room across the hall from me. We immediately began switching things out and loading the storage downstairs. My mom had said that she always wondered when I may have asked to use this small-ish room, and that it would be more-than-convenient in my College years. This new, generously big “walk-in-closet” is still in the works, but it has gone through an entire spruce up and is ready to begin its legacy.




Going in to this project, I absolutely knew my vision. I wanted a dark brown or dark purple hue for the walls. A salon-like, neutral area to relax and get beautified in. Not only would this be where my clothes and shoes were held, but it would be a place for memorabilia, photo frames and my entire make up and jewelry vanity collection. A place for a girl to dream! The above lamp I bought from the back-to-College Target selection for only $8 on clearance.

I bought the paint from the premiere collection at Lowe’s hardware for about $40 per gallon. Expensive, but worth it. Because it was a darker color than orange, it needed no primer, and the premiere paint added a nice finishing coat. The paint job (performed by myself and partner Mark) took a total of 10 hours of hard labor during two different days, but was very worth the outcome. It’s no Ty Pennington, but it will do.




The next detail to be born out of this room was the idea of photo framed memorabilia. I created a collage of memories in each frame of my grandmother’s, which are shown above in categories: Skating, Sentimental, Friends/Events, and Travel. I don’t have the most extensive collection of memorabilia, but it will grow with time, now that I have a reason to collect it!




The second step was to put in a new window (one that wasn’t 20 years old and rotting) and create a fine-finish frame around it. My dad, the lovely handyman, created a beautiful frame and also created a 10-cubby shelf where I chose to store my jackets, sweaters, scarfs, and all things in between. I made simple labels by printing out text and taping the backs of the paper onto the storage boxes. Tacky, but good enough for me.




I went to Jo-Ann’s Fabrics & Crafts and picked out a set of three boxes and a matching basket to store my make up products in, to give my table a sense of organization. It was a bit of a splurge, but all under $20. I am using my grandmother’s old kitchen table that has collapsible, removable sides as my vanity table.




My favorite splurge out of my own pocket is the 9-piece polaroid photo frame set by Umbra for $18 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I used Instagram Apple effects to create the look of the photos for these delicate frames. The frames are writable, so you can use dry-erase markers to create captions for your memories.

There are a few more changes to make to this room, a wardrobe piece to be crafted and a few mirrors to hang, but I am prepared to start cherishing this room as my baby as of today. I invested my sweat, time and energy in to it, and I love the awesome group effort that was put in to it.

Well, boys and girls, a major change has occurred in my life this past week. For the first time in my entire young legacy, I have seeked my birth mother and biological family out like a bloodhound on the hunt, and succeeded!

I was a normal adopted individual, seeking answers from those who held them. I didn’t really know what I was coming for or how long I would stay, but then immediately I realized why I was there. I wasn’t really there to learn about my diverse family background or common diseases (although that would be helpful in the long-run). I was there to learn about where I came from. What was my biological mother like? Father? Their families? What did they struggle with and exceed in after I was gone?

In this process, I strengthened the bond between my biological grandmother and aunt, and formed a friendly relationship with my would-be step-dad. Discovered some nasty, troubling honest truths, and talked to my half sister for the first time. She said: “It’s just amazing, talking to you, my sister.” It is amazing. How a one day chance encounter on a White Pages .com ad, and a trip over to Facebook had changed my life forever. How I would have another family now; other lives that depend on me to stay alive and prosper.

Knowing that they always sang me a happy birthday and said prayers for me brightened my spirit and all high hopes I had for our family. Sure, my mom and dad are the ones here. Those who raised me and cared for me, cried with me and shared my laughter. Those who fed me, put a roof over my head and provided beyond enough material and inner wealth to make my heart soar. But, there is this family. The family that holds the key to my spiritual connections, blood history and personality preferences. I even share the same genetic disorders and a favorite movie with my birth mother. I also learned I have two more siblings that I never knew about - a girl, and a boy. I have a total of three sisters and two brothers. I’m the first, and the fourth girl in our family.

Will I seek out my birth father? Someday soon. I am interested in his life - what his children are like, what career he holds and what his inner hopes and dreams were for me. Of course, other unanswered honest truths will need to be answered, and the nitty gritty will need to set itself aside from love, but I am looking forward to it. Just one step at a time for now. One family at a time!

I spend a good portion of my summer out and about, living the freedom-driven lifestyle until school starts up again. So, I don’t have too much time on my hands. I have been experimenting with recipes lately that take absolutely no cook time. Some of these have corresponding photographs, some I was SO anxious to taste that I forgot all about grabbing a few snapshots of my finished masterpiece!



First off, I like a simple salad. I like to start with regular greens, add some veggies, sprinkle cheese and some slices of hard-boiled egg on top and add artichoke hearts and sunflower seeds on top, with a nice, raspberry vinegarette. Aside from that deluxe salad, I like greens with ranch dressing, sprouts and different types of canned and drained beans (such as kidney and black beans) and sliced mushrooms. Beans add the perfect taste without overwhelming the taste of the ranch-covered greens. Or, a salad similar to the above.

Another great recipe I tried out (and ADORED) was Martha Stewart’s Living magazine’s own tuna marinade with baguette. You start with some olive oil, oregano, sherry vinegar, kalamata olives, salt, pepper and mix it up in a stretched out pan. Then, wash and drain canned tuna and let it marinate in the fridge for 15-25ish minutes (we dug right in and it was delicious). Serve when ready with fresh baguette.




Another non-cook recipe similar to the tuna marinade is the fresh ricotta with mint and baguette recipe, which I must advise you all to try at your own risk, as plain ricotta has nearly no flavor at all. You mix ricotta with a generous amount of sugar and chopped up fresh mint leaves to create a yummy, semi-sweet paste for your baguette. Definitely an acquired taste which I unfortunately do not have. Experiment to your liking, and maybe try out different cheeses.

As for lower calorie sweets after the main course…




I have come up with an alternative for the sugar junkie that doesn’t want to eat a cookie or a doughnut after dinner, but still likes their ice cream fix (especially the lactose intolerant or dairy-allergic, like myself!). I came across Trader Joe’s “Soy Creamy” non-dairy frozen dessert ice cream, which is vanilla ice cream made with organic soymilk and cane sugar. I have been around the soy ice cream block more than a couple times, and I can tell you, this ice cream is no joke. It is melt in your mouth de-lish-ous! I like to serve it with peaches - a nice, not-too-sweet fruit that lets the ice cream have its moment in the spotlight.




The last thing: I like pasta (YES, I know you have to cook pasta, but I couldn’t resist adding it to this post!). The other night, I cooked a plain penne pasta coated in garlic, salt and pepper, and Parmesan cheese (not to be served alone) in all under 20 minutes. Experiment with your own favorite tastes in mind and create a easy pasta that’s just right for you.

Any non-dairy, non-cooked recipes you’d like to share with me? I’d love to hear your ideas (and review your recipes) at ukatmc@aol.com!

My evaluation based upon the answers given by the KnockKnock Inc.’s Vs. book assessment on personal preferences of everyday life. Refer to this post to see what I am talking about! Please don’t read this. Just don’t. No! I said don’t. This is probably the most annoying, and world’s longest Internet bio posting. I saved this on my blog because I want to have a way to relate to my young self when I grow older, that and have future employers/friends know a bit about me. It’s really just a dairy entry, open for the world to see. I compiled this across the past three days/nights, and am proud with the finished piece I came up with, but really, you REALLY don’t have to read it!

I am not a very sportive person, so I agree my athletic abilities are little to none. I am quite overly obsessive. I don’t have mommy issues, nor am I good at mathematics. I am very systematic, one-two-three. I like to view myself as less complex, and I am impatient at times. My will to overcome impatience has grown over the years, however. I agree I can become self-involved and am *very* verbose, as well technologically competent. I do complain, but I am a hard worker. I am pretty awesome. Certainly not a “wet blanket”, although I seem to be called that a lot in this survey. I do have a few inclining tendencies toward writing fiction. I am enthusiastic, and have traveled more than some in my young life, however I wish I could travel at the snap of a finger. I’m not introverted, but I am thoughtful. A twin? We’ll see. I am fatalistic (I’ve explained why a lot before) and sexually charged. I’m a very physical-sensing person. “Mature, well-educated and discriminating” may just be my bio. I am romantic but not idealistic. I don’t have a lisp. I am practical and cheap. Ha. I am pragmatic and of course, in situations, can be inferior to others (I believe in holding proper status in comparison to others). I am not unruly, and I hate practical jokes. I can be cerebral, but I do listen to emotions. I don’t see myself suffering from illusions of grandeur. I am a free spirit, as you can tell from my Internet bios (I’m such a geek), and do believe I have semi-latent pessimistic abilities. I love being tidy, and in a emotional sense, I am well-proportioned. I am outgoing and somewhat agreeable, and do *agree* that sometimes I am not that well-read in certain educational aspects. I don’t think I’m boring… am I? I’m not that much of a daydreamer. I’m not laid-back, but sometimes can feel smug. I do find myself self-sacrificing for those I love. I demand autonomy in a professional setting. I am simple, and sanguine, but definitely not a frequent drinker (if at all). Did I mention I’m status conscious? I am productive, most of the time, and describe myself as “anal” often. I’m not bitter, but I would run a business quite well. “Articulate, observant and mildly obnoxious” could also be another bio example. I do have an eye for detail. I’m not irrational, but I dream up big plans that sometimes fall through. I’m slightly superstitious, and very loyal to who and what I love. I am a traditionalist. I think I’m reasonable? I can be aggressive, competitive and impatient—especially when someone is moving slower than I’d like them to be, which I can say is effective. I AM HELLA HUNGRY! ALWAYS! I am combative, in a friendly way, and have way too much time to kill. There comes Facebook! I am spoiled, but by no means an indulgent milquetoast—those people make me tick. I like to think I make good choices. I’m pretty autocratic and do respect authority just so long as they deserve it. I’m not phlegmatic. I am blunt. “Lazy, unemployed, with great hair” is another self description, even though I’m going on the job search soon. Without going in to detail or grossing people out, I’ll skip over the voyeur statement—let’s leave it at a “maybe”. I am a normal citizen, I suppose. I don’t think I’m less seductive “than people think” because I usually get the “prude” stereotype. I’m not mawkish. I do crave structure and am somewhat alternative. I’m not a “sellout”. I do resign to fate. I am enthusiastic and am willing to try different things sexually. As you can tell, I’m more than likely not self-effacing. I am modest at times when I feel I should be. I’m not superficial as a solid trait, but have superficial qualities at times. I’m highly expressive. I am passionate, somewhat melancholic and strong-willed. I’m not pangloss, and sometimes people who are get on my nerves. That, to me, is the opposite of realism. NOT a masochist. I am sensible and parsimonious. I’m not mercurial. I can be playful, but definitely not insouciant. I can get preoccupied with external validation, but not so much that it disrupts my life. I am a profound thinker, but not exactly “incredibly shallow”. Geez. I didn’t know “tempestuous” could be used to describe a person. Even so, I don’t think I am. I am used to getting my way, because most of what I shoot for can be achieved based upon my own will. “Noble, generous and prosperous”—what are we describing, Gandhi now? It’s your call! I have had my bouts of confusing sexual attraction for something more. I am very confident and individualistic. We are all cowardly in our own ways, and I am for certain. I don’t consider myself to be absentminded, but I am a big arguer/debater. I am a creative control freak! I am health conscious. I am fettered by my own fettering… if that makes any sense. I like it that way. I do suffer from power, because I know how important not making a poor choice in certain realms of life is for those who may look to me (even though we all make “mistakes”—there’s a difference between morale and mistakes). I am very anxious, naturally. I’m not a conformist, sorry. Earnest and enterprising match me, yes. I am meticulous. And I am small. I am inquisitive with periodic impulses and remain consistently objective. I am trusting with those who deserve trust. You could consider me a “libertine”, but I do conform to many of the morale spiritual individuals hold—only not religious. I am highly prepared, but not a good runner. “Brooding and introverted” sounds like a completely different person than the one blogging to the world about who she thinks she may or may not be deep inside her soul filled with flaws and insecurities like a diary entry. I’m just saying! You see? I am a little odd. I have a genetic disorder, so I suppose I am “prone” to it. I am a hypochondriac—one look at a Internet symptom list and my brain goes in circles. I am spiritual—not religious. Considering I advocate everything but being a bully, I have to disagree that I am one. Bully is a strong word, in my language, not to be used in the case of someone picking one item or action over another, unless it’s like Punch vs. Don’t Punch. Get what I’m sayin’? So, maybe I’d pick punch… I’m still not a bully. Yes, I am a semi-lateral thinker and do have a rigid belief system. I do everything but excel in mathematics. We are all sanctimonious, no one more than another. I am a opportunist. I like to think I’m established, at least a bit, and am satisfied with the life I choose to live/blase. In relation, I don’t delay gratification. Again, I’m not a pangloss - I’m also not a pollyanna. These statements may be pissing me off more than those kinds of people themselves. However, I am cheerful and pleasant. I can be a weak-willed sensualist, but I stand my ground when I’m not feeling it. Therefore, moving on: I am a smart choice maker, most of the time. When I want to be, I’ll be ingratiating, but that’s not my default. Of course I am sycophantic—who isn’t? Perhaps I’m a bit self-loving, but knowing yourself and being proud of who you are is not having conceited beliefs, it is having, technically speaking, “a over-inflated sense of self”—is that arrogant? Nah. It’s called self knowledge! I’d rather live my life conceited than lost. I am straightforward, and I do enjoy a meal out, while I stay true to my home cooking roots. So, supposedly I created my entire persona and morale, and now I’m “conventional” over “courageous”? Too shaky of a twist for me. I’ll go with the latter. I’d be dead if I were conventional. Yea, I’m just a tad narcissistic. I’m not that concerned with my outer appearance, but take measures to ensure I look “all right”. I hope I’m level-headed. I think of myself as trustworthy. I’m a pretty good listener, and keep secrets well. I am driven, and quite ambitious. I CRAVE human attention—I’m such a socialist, I don’t know what I’d do without. I’m not divorced, so we’ll see how that one turns out. I like to think I’m unpretentious, but it’s hard sometimes. I’m not restrained, but I am respectable. I am not Texan, which I am happy about. I like to please people, so you could call me a people-pleaser. I am good with my hands—they are fluid and full of motion, let alone good for carrying my numerous gadgets around! I’d be lost without them. I’m very sensitive, but not that dreamy. I instantly make my dreams a reality. Not a philistine. I’m a bit neutral. Not “rebellious” per se, but I was a tricky troublemaker in my younger years. I can lack will-power, especially when I have money I can spend but have to push myself not to. I’m over seventeen years old by about three months, I suppose that would count. I don’t enjoy working hard for money - my one superficial slip. I’m strong, and yes, cheesy. I enjoy being very analytical and talking a whole lot. I am sympathetic towards others’ flaws and don’t care to make fun of them for it. We all have flaws. I am dramatic, but certainly wouldn’t harm myself. I love meditation and being in a meditative state, but I don’t think I’m menopausal… I am a stickler for detail, if I understand that right. I don’t consider my personality “flaccid”. I do react to conflict, and have a hot temper. I do have WAAAY too many traits that are unexplainable. I’m full of heart and consider myself alert most of the time. I’m no where near “uncommunicative”. I’m a total homebody. I prefer safe and structured places. I can be pretty duplicitous and crafty - I’m witty, so what!? I am opinionated, but not always respected. I’m definitely not lighthearted to a fault. I’m quite fainthearted and deep. I don’t know if I’m as much “charming” as I am socially educated. I’m not an “elitist atheist” - never would become an atheist at all. I’m not that much of an abstract thinker, quite the opposite, actually, but I am annoyingly obsessed with correct grammar. I think I’m multifarious. I set my own trends, so I wouldn’t call myself “on trend” - I don’t pay attention to the magazines. I am detail-oriented and contemplative. I enjoy thinking about life. I am empathetic to others’ stories. I’m maladjusted to the wretched society, but I think I’m far well adjusted in a thoughtful way of living. I am a witty conversationalist because of the humor of the world. How ironic! I don’t suffer from a lack of affection, per se, but I do suffer from a lack of attention from those around me. I’m NOT mechanically inclined by any means, and not a “fashion forward”. I do have a problem or a slight habit of being tardy, but not to classes. Just appointments or meetings every now and then. I do like to take things one day at a time, but always have the “what-if”s in the back of my mind about the next day. So, now I’m highly communicative? I think so. I do crave admiration - don’t we all? Takes a real pure-hearted human to admit that fact. I’m not social awkward, but sometimes I don’t know all the right things to say. I can be submissive, but my nature is dominant. I’m the boss! I’ve gotta disagree on the high libido - I’ve had my good years. Perhaps later on in young adulthood I’ll grab a few more. Sex is overrated—I don’t mind. Nobody embodies indifference. I’m tenacious and persevere until I accomplish something. I’m pretty skiddish around jellyfish, but I gotta say I do understand the unconscious. I do maintain personal boundaries and don’t put up with any less. I can be credulous. Ha. I’m never reserved or unmotivated. Except for Sundays. I am sneaky, at times, especially if I’m thinking of a surprise. I don’t think I’m vapid, or that courageous. I’m not everybody’s first pick, but I don’t consider myself a martyr. I’m shambolic and sophisticated. It’s complex to understand. In transition between Bridgette’s Diary and UnstoppableKatya, I had a Internet diary with “transcendent” in the title, so I would say I’m a transcendentalist, for that and other reasons. I hope I’ve influenced the lives of some people! I’m somewhat of a team player, but I march to the beat of my own drum. Along with my cheesiness, I have some corniness. Cheesy corn? Damn that sounds delicious. I think I’m quite artistic, but not in the normal painting, drawing sense. Didn’t I mention I was the boss? Yes, I can be bossy, and efficient through that. I don’t know what it means to “physically manifest insecurities” - do I form into a giant blob, or accentuate my flaws? Yikes. I do enjoy indulging, so I will admit I’m a bit self-indulgent, when I have the resources to be. I think this was listed before, but yes, I’m a intelligent judge! I wish I did gain employment, but that day has yet to come. I take myself seriously, but I know how to laugh at myself and do so often. Again with the horny thing - I’m not. I’m a savvy sap with a down to earth grounding, yep! I’m very mobile, I like to have all my gadgets up to date and working 24/7. I need to be practical and out-and-about. I think I’m pretty funny. I can be cautious in certain situations with certain people - I think it’s good to keep that thin guard up. I don’t know if “flashy” means nude, or brightly colored. Hm. I am stubborn and methodical, but like to work fast. I consider myself quite egalitarian, but I’m not the extreme of certain civil rights, such as a feminist - many take their pride and belittlement a bit far for my taste. There’s a difference between equal rights and cocky ruling. I am secretly mocked by many because of my commanding presence… and what? Kidding. I do believe I am entitled and privileged by my status in the world, but way less than most people who have achieved great things. I don’t think I’m that prolific in terms of reproduction.. quite yet.. but hopes for someday! I am quite circumspect, I think that’s what charges a lot of my belief system, but I can have fun when the time, I feel, is right. I’m composed when things are right, but can be an emotional mess when they’re wrong. I’m considerably a “yes” to everything before the next. Now, I had to chuckle at the “cocksure”, but I am, at least more than flat-out “arrogant”. I like that word! I smell good? Sweet. Liberal would be correct, but not to a fault. I hope I’m competent and others can depend on me. Definitely not passive - that’s a pet peeve of mine in others. Sentimental is true, fanciful is a bit far. I am passionate about my ideals, but hair gel? I don’t think so. I’m not Danny Zuko. I do accept the facts of life, so I suppose you could call that “insightful”. I don’t think I cared about pre-school - I liked snack time and play time. I don’t remember if I paid attention, but I know I loved it. I’m not a Northeasterner, but somedays I wish I was. I am modern, but I have traditional values. Sometimes I feel as if I don’t have enough going on, but then I realize I do, and I become content with what I have. Growing up more fortunate than some others, I don’t think I ever learned the value of hard work. That’s the only flaw I have with money. I will, soon, and once I begin interviewing others for job fields, I will see what they do for their income. I understand how work gets you money, and how you need to work for money, so I’m not a Paris Hilton, but I definitely don’t feel like I work for my money. I do chores and help out naturally, so I guess I never considered it “work”. I can enjoy parades, and I love being in them. I’m not very compliant, as a kid I would always talk back to my parents if I didn’t like something. I learned that didn’t really work after a while, and learned to respect them. They were good parents, though, and they encouraged me questioning their methods—the only way a child will learn right from wrong. I do suffer fear of abandonment, how spot on was that! I do think I can be overly committed or interested in irony, because I think everything happens for a reason, and if something ironically or coincidentally happens, I think it’s a sign for a certain meaning. I may be a sad bastard, but at least I know how to feel emotions, unlike a lot of people. I actually prefer the company of men - I feel like they know a lot more about women’s feelings and how life works, most women are shaded by their idealistic views of life. From the tests I’ve done, I believe I am left-brained. I’m not often “stuck”, but often contemplatively confused about life matters. I am realistic, and sometimes paranoid about the future. Being joyful and enthusiastic is what gets me through life’s little B.S.es.

My tongue is numb from reading this aloud to Mark. Now, to wrap up the most self-involved blog posting ever created here at UnstoppableKatya, I will end this mini series by saying: go pick up a Vs. fill-in-the-blank book near you and figure out who you are, and who you aren’t, available in many bookstores everywhere.

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This is part of the mini-series “A Realization of Life and its Quirks”. Read the rest here…

Compiling all of my 200 some answers to each question within the creative, self-discovery book “Vs”, prompting me to make quick judgments about the world around me, the authors have judged me based upon the explanations of each answer (there may be some repeats and incorrect statements—this book is all over the place):

Tendency toward obsessiveness: Latent Athletic Abilities. Mathematical and systematic; mommy issues. Uncomplicated and accessible, but impatient. Self-involved and verbose; technologically competent. Hardworking and averse to complaining. Awesome. Wet blanket with ambitions toward writing fiction. Enthusiastic. Well-traveled. Introverted, thoughtful, possibly a twin. Fatalistic and sexually charged. Mature, well-educated and discriminating. Romantic and idealistic; may lisp. Practical and cheap. Pragmatic with an inferiority complex. Unruly, enjoy playing practical jokes. Cerebral; suffer from delusions of grandeur. Free spirit, latent pessimistic tendencies. Tidy, well-proportioned. Outgoing and agreeable—but not very well-read. Boring. Daydreamer. Laid-back and smug. Self-sacrificing. Require autonomy in a professional setting. Simple and/our sanguine; frequent drinker. Status conscious. Productive, anal-retentive, and bitter; management material. Articulate, observant, and mildly obnoxious. Great attention to detail. Irrational and superstitious; deeply loyal. Traditionalist (or have a highly developed sense of irony). Reasonable. Aggressive, competitive, and impatient—but effective. Hella hungry.  Combative—with time to kill. Spoiled, indulgent milquetoast. Makes good choices. Autocratic with respect for authority. Phlegmatic. Blunt in conversations—but generally agreeable. Lazy, unemployed, with great hair. Voyeur. Normal citizen. Less seductive than you think; prone to mawkishness. “Alternative”; secretly craves structure. Sellout. Easily resigned to fate. Enthusiastic and sexually adventurous. Modest and self-effacing. Realistic. Superficial; highly expressive. Passionate and melancholic but strong-willed. Pangloss. Entitled masochist. Sensible—but with a tendency toward parsimony. Mercurial and aggressive, but loyal. Playful and insouciant. Outgoing, preoccupied with external validation. Incredibly shallow—or a profound thinker. Tempestuous; used to getting preferred way. Noble, generous, and prosperous. Individualist; highly confident. Easily confuse sexual attraction for something more. Cowardly. Absentminded and creative; often argumentative (or attracted to said type). Control freak, etc. Health conscious. Fettered—and absolved. Suffer from feelings of powerfulness; often anxious. Conformist and/or above age sixty; genteel. Enterprising and earnest. Practical and meticulous. Small in stature—at least metaphorically. Inquisitive with periodical impulses; consistently objective. Trusting. Curious libertine. Good runner and highly prepared. Brooding and introverted. Obnoxious and a little odd. Hypochondriac tendencies; also may be prone to genetic disorders. Realistic, but tense. A good time. Spiritual and/or religious, trusting. Bully. Lateral thinker with a rigid belief system. Excel in mathematics. Sanctimonious. Opportunist. Established, relatively content; blase. Delay gratification. Cheerful, pleasant, and a bit of a pollyanna. Weak-willed sensualist. Smart choice maker. Sycophantic and ingratiating. Conceited with an over-inflated sense of self. Straightforward and forward-looking—eats out a lot. You’d think courageous—actually just conventional. Manage expectations well, fatalistic. Narcissistic. Coastal, smug, and overly concerned with appearance. Level-headed. Trustworthy and a good listener. Driven, ambitious, and pompous. Crave human connection. Divorcee. Unpretentious and simplistic. Restrained and respectable. Not Texan. People pleaser. Thoughtful. Good with hands. Dreamy and sensitive. Philistine. Neutral. Rebellious. Lacks will-power. Over seventeen years of age. Work hard for money. Strong. Cheesy. Highly analytical; big talker. Sympathetic towards others’ flaws. Dramatic; prone to threatening self-harm. Meditative and menopausal. Cynical wet blanket. Stickler for detail—but working on it. Flaccid. Reactive approach to conflict. Way too many things/traits that are not explainable. Hearty and alert. Uncommunicative. Homebody. Prefer structured environments. Duplicitous and crafty. Respectably opinionated. Lighthearted—to a fault. Follower. Charming and socially adept. Elitist atheist. Abstract thinker; annoyingly concerned with grammar. Trouble managing expectations. Pragmatic. Multifarious. On trend. Contemplative and detail-oriented. Empathic. Self-destructive. Maladjusted; witty conversationalist. Suffer from a lack of affection. Mechanically inclined and fashion forward. Habitually tardy. Patient. Taking it one day at a time. Highly communicative. Crave admiration. Socially awkward and oblivious. Submissive. High sexual libido. Embody indifference. Tenacious. In tune with unconscious, unafraid of jellyfish. Maintain personal boundaries. Credulous. Reserved and/or unmotivated. Sneaky. Courageous—but vapid. Chosen (as opposed to martyr). Sophisticated. Shambolic. Resolute and influential. Transcendentalist. Corny. Team player. Artistic but pretentious. Efficient and bossy. Physically manifest insecurities. Fatalistic. Self-indulgent. Judgmental, but intelligent. Pompous, gainfully employed. Pragmatic, sanguine, and optimistic. Lazy. Confident—and horny. Takes self too seriously. Dramatic but overly verbose. Savvy. Sappy. Down to earth. Practical—and highly mobile. Respect authority. Funny. Cautious. Flashy. Stubborn and methodical. Egalitarian but sloppy in dress. Commanding presence, secretly mocked by many. Entitled and privileged. Craves comfort and stability. Prolific and creative, but annoyingly capricious. Often suffers from feelings of inferiority—but loyal. Circumspect, but willing to cut loose when the situation arises. Composed—and sanctimonious. Unfettered. Upright—and rare. Sensible. Anal-retentive—but happy. Assertive, cocksure, and forthright to a fault. Smells good. Liberal. Competent. Passive. Superficial—but practical. Fanciful and sentimental. Passionate about ideals (and maybe hair gel). Insightful and accepting. Competitive, didn’t pay much attention in pre-school. Northeasterner. Confident and modern. Considerate; a touch self-effacing. Harried and often bored—but fulfilled. Understands the value of hard work. Enjoys parades. Compliant—but apathetic at times. Suffers fear of abandonment. Overly committed to irony. Sadist. Joyful and enthusiastic. Impatient. Paranoid realist. Stuck. Sad bastard—but in touch with emotions. Prefers company of women. Left-brained, robotic, and enviably productive.

My next and final post will be my assessment of KnockKnock Inc.’s authors’ judgments of my preferences!

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This is part of the mini-series “A Realization of Life and its Quirks”. Read the rest here…