A clear conscience.

Random thoughts and story:

So I've been waiting for approval from the Department of Homeland Security to become and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for BYU's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Basically all that jargon means my boss thinks I'm good enough to get a title and high-end securities. I feel so privileged and very trusted. My application went in almost 3 weeks ago and every day when I walk into the office, my boss tells me he hasn't heard anything. The first week, that was normal. You know how long government applications can take. But every day after that, he started to joke about my dirty secrets that DHS must be discovering, about my black ops in Spain, and all the seedy things they must be uncovering from my past. Today, he approached me with a very solemn face and said, "Katie, I really need you to tell me what's happened. I just got an email from the Department of Homeland Security....." [pause for dramatic effect and an opportunity for me to get squirmish] "....and you've been approved!" *huge sigh of relief* We all laughed and had a good time. My boss felt pretty cool that he'd had me going.

The truth is -- I didn't feel guilty at all. Thinking about it later, it's a huge blessing that I have nothing to be afraid of if the FBI suddenly decides I'm a suspect or something. I've watched enough crime shows to recognize that moment when the guilty party sees they're caught. My boss was shooting for that moment, but I came out clean. It was a great feeling! I live my life in such a way that I never have to think up a phony alibi, run from the law, or be afraid that people will find out the truth. I live in truth. And I love it.

Happy 4th of July!!

I've been back for two and a half weeks and I'm just starting to talk myself back into reality. It's time to face the facts: I am back in America and I have a lot of explaining to do. There is so much you guys don't know about Spain!! It's unfair, I know. So here begins the catch-up and the chance for me to relive everything. Before that, though, let me take a moment to say that I love the 4th of July! I love all the festivities that come along with Independence Day in the United States of America. The fireworks, the barbecues,
the pool parties, the outdoor adventures -- I love it all! I've been pretty lucky to have experienced some great Independence Days. Two years ago, I was working at Disney. Let me tell you, nothing will ever top those fireworks. Ever. Disney fireworks are my favorite by far, but 4th of July was even better. With the music and the magic, *sigh*. Last year, I was in Houston and my parents took us girls to the downtown area for a country music concert. Now that was some classic Texas! There was music there, too. Country, of course. Mom and Dad were disgusted, but us girlies were loving it, even at their expense :) I think we also saw a movie. It's kind of a recent tradition that we go to the movies on holidays like 4th of July, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve. Then this year, I'm in Provo. As dismal as that might sound (compared to Disney and the heartland of Country), it is so great! I got to do everything that makes a 4th of July. I started the day on Utah Lake in a boat and on a surfboard -- lots of sun, water, fun, and awesome people. Then I went to a family barbecue by the pool -- so perfect. And when it got dark, I got to watch fireworks, sitting on a hill in a park. The weather was perfect all day and it was one fun thing after the other. Basically, I love traditions and memorials and patriotism. As much as I love Spain, and as much as all these next posts are going to say that I miss it and wish I was still there, I love my country. I am so blessed by all the freedoms I enjoy and amazing life I get to live. God bless America.