CARA VAN METER
Living Editor
Between challenging classes, loads of homework, the requisite weekly club/event/board meetings and a mile-long list of must-see TV shows, many students find it difficult to steal a few moments each day to simply enjoy the view. Freshman Natalie Berger said she is determined to beat the system and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds Pepperdine no matter how many distractions come her way.
A native of Mahtomedi, Minn., Berger said she enjoys movies, shopping and reading as well as the great outdoors. Monday, she took full advantage of the class-free holiday to sit outside with a good book, soaking up sun and soaking in the bright glow of the Pacific Ocean.
What are you reading?
It’s called “Vanishing Acts.”
That sounds interesting.
It’s good. It’s about a girl who’s been kidnapped from her mother by her father, but she doesn’t know it.
Wow, that’s kinda spooky.
Yeah.
It sounds a little like that book “The Face on the Milk Carton.” When you were younger, did you ever wonder if you had been kidnapped and didn’t know it?
I don’t know that I’ve ever thought about being kidnapped, but now that you bring it up … hmm, that’s interesting. I hope not.
Are you doing anything special to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
No, just enjoying the time off.
You said you like to watch movies. Have you seen any good ones lately?
I saw a lot of movies at home over the break. “Just Friends” was cute.
Oh, was Ashton Kutcher in that?
No, it was … I forgot his name. He’s dating Alanis Morissette. A lot of the big new movies were good too. I liked “King Kong.”
What are some of your all time favorite movies?
“Wedding Crashers,” “Anchorman,” “Old School,” and “Dodgeball.”
So, what else do you do in Minnesota for fun?
In the summer or in the winter?
Both.
In the summer we go swimming. There are a lot of lakes in Minnesota. Then we go out at night.
Are there clubs in Mahtomedi?
No. It’s a pretty small town, but it’s right outside the twin cities —maybe 30 minutes away.
What do you do in the winter?
We go sledding, skating, ice-fishing.
Ice-fishing?
Yeah.
That sounds cold. Have you ever caught anything while ice-fishing?
No. Sometimes the people that I’m with have caught something, though. You have to be really patient.
So you’re very outdoorsy then?
Yeah, I like to be active when I can. I play tennis, and I like to run here.
You don’t run at home?
I can’t imagine running in Minnesota. It’s so cold there.
Do you play any club sports or anything here?
No, I was going to play tennis, but I didn’t. I’m interested in rowing.
Are there any other interesting facts about you?
I don’t think I’m that interesting.
Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do? Any lifelong goals?
I’ve always wanted to go skydiving.
Hey, that’s interesting.
Skydiving and a hot air balloon ride.
Where would you go?
Nowhere particular.
It’s just enough to be up the air, huh?
Sure is.
01-19-2006
