Beth.

Monsters.

2011-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Everyday.
Everyeveryeveryday.
My students do this.
I love magnets and especially my monster magnet.
Roar!
I love it.
Gotta love monsters and the little things that make me smile.

I was laughing...

2011-11-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

and then somehow I was crying.
i had laughing tears.
if you need a good laugh watch this. i know i sure needed a good laugh.

Note to self.

2011-11-06T20:53:00.001-08:00

The seat in front of the emergency exit row does not recline.
Go figure.

Things that have been and things to come

2011-10-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

I'm one year older and wiser too! Here's to 24.

Last weekend I flew to home sweet home. The first thing that I did after my long plane ride was grab some tasty Pappasito's and my trip went up from there. My mom knows exactly what I need and I grateful to have more time to spend with her. I also spent time with Kaylee, Tammy, Aunt Kay, Uncle Jim and and my adorable Grandma and Grandpa. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

gotta love the expression, the i'm-getting-ice cream expression.

kaylee approved. it's delicious.

the girls.

My aunt and I took some pictures of butterflies, Grandpa's woodpile, and a perfect Texas sky.

I loved spending time with my mom and we spent a few hours making my halloween costume. Let's just say it has involved lots of netting and a crock pot. Thanks to pinterest my dormant inner crafter has come to life. And I'm enjoying it! Here are some elusive photos of the costume.

If you know what my Halloween costume is, no guesses. It's a secret for another 72 hours.
Halloween this year is going to be fantastic!

10 things that make me happy

2011-10-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

In no particular order

1. fall color
2. getting into a down comforter bed that has been made
3. text messages from my mom
4. sunshine--the just right kind that doesn't blind you, the just right kind you know?
5. blue bell ice cream and anything pumpkin
6. smoothies with vanilla greek yogurt (it's gotta be vanilla)
7. the smell of new books
8. chatting with friends until 2 am and getting text messages at 8 am
9. cooking with friends
10. going home

This weekend

2011-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, I watched lots of General Conference. What a wonderful thing.

By Sunday afternoon, I was a little tired of hanging around the apartment, so I went on a drive and took some fall pictures.

Why does water always look cool?

Big Springs Trail

Fall Color!

Gorgeous area. The covered trail opened up to a field.

The trail would lead off to bridges. I stepped real lightly on this one and thought skinny thoughts.

This is probably my favorite shot.

I'm still learning to use my camera--who knows if I will ever know all of the in's and out's--but I'm sure enjoying it.

Stuck in my head

2011-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

i love bieber. but this girl has something.
just some reality tv for you.
it's stuck in my head.
enjoy.

This is important.

2011-09-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

here

Sometime soon...

2011-09-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

I would like to see this...

in 3d.

And make this

for my door--where are my crafty genetics when I need them?

And make this as well

for my lunch/dinner next week. any takers?

Currently, I am reflecting on this (which I've posted before--but I just love President Uchtdorf)

It puts things in perspective. Improve. Beautify. Extend. Cultivate. Smile. Develop.
Conference is just around the corner!

classroom domestication

2011-09-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

I really like for my classroom to feel cute and put together and organized.

I'm working on the organizational part, but this is my guided reading board.

Each group gets their own clipboard that has a sheet attached to it with book, reading assignment, writing response, cool words to look for, as well as the members of the group.

Above it are two prints. One that says "Reading one book, is like eating one potato chip" and another quote from Harry Potter about the reality of imagination.

This is my confession

2011-09-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

I can go to Kneader's once a week, maybe twice.

No problem.
I love their TBA (for those of you who don't know the lingo, turkey bacon avacado)
Also the turkey and artichoke panini.
And their Sunrise Smoothies.
They have the best chicken noodle soup--with homemade noodles.
But most of all...
I love their ice.

Ridiculous? Yes.
Regrettable? No.

Now how many hail mary's do I owe for that?

I saw this...

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

I didn't think it was possible...

Maybe it's a nickname or grandma's car...

And couldn't help but think of this...(watch it alll the way through)

And this...

So, basically one event just led to another.
So many cat people out there.
So little time to watch all the crazy youtube videos.
Tomorrow is Thursday. Hey. Hey.

For some reason...

2011-09-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

After Monday is completely over, the rest of the week seems so doable.
Why is that?

Probably just the weekend blues. You know, when the weekend was so great that you have to scrape up optimism just to get out of bed because you are in denial that you actually have to go to work. I had one of those weekends.

What do you do with lipstick? Oh, just put it in your ear.

Why do we eat cake with forks again? This way is so much better.

Such a good weekend. A survivable Monday. Now here's to the rest of the week!

7999

2011-08-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

I have 7,999 items in my itunes.
What should be my 8,000?
I feel like it should be something great.

Yes. I have a music addiction.
I hear it.
I see it.
I buy it.

Don't judge me. Just come listen to music with me.

Oh, hello there.

2011-08-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

Dear,

Good reads
Groupon
Borders
Barnes and Noble
Victoria's Secret
Williams Sonoma
Redbox
Staples
BYU Athletics
Sur la Table
and
Groupon once again,

Thanks all of the mail this morning.

Showering

2011-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. It's time for Showering. You know, like in April right before finals, beginning of August, end of November, and right before finals in December. Bridal Showers.

Today I went to one of my friends Bridal Showers and it was so fun to see Melinda, Hannah, Amy, Sandee, and the rest of Amy (and Hannah's) family.

Fun Dallon Sisters!

Forever Roommates!

Fun!

We took a fancy to Bruce the Moose, who's actually an elk. He received lots of attention.

Amy got a great loot of fabulous housewares and I can't wait to see her on September 2 and call her Mrs. Clements!

An assortment of things

2011-08-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

So the packing has begun.
I cleaned out several school bags and purses and found a goldmine of:
Quarters--I can never find them when I need them.
Dollar bills--I am so used to swiping my debit card that I hardly use cash. So when the occasion arises that I do use cash, I just forget about it. Thank goodness for forgetfulness because now I feel dolla bull and quarta rich.
Gum--Another thing that I can never find. Spearmint, cinnamon, mint, I've got it all covered now.
Aleve--Without this I could not survive. So with my new found stash I will surely live eternally without pain.
Other drugs--I found where the little elf that steals my Tylenol Sinus, Benedryl, and DayQuil hides all of these things. (You know, the same elf that steals your socks)
Bobby pins--It seems as though I buy a new package of these and within a week they disappear.
Pens and Pencils--I was always the student in school that had five extra pens and five extra pencils incase the world came to an end and I lost them all, or all but one worked, or nine of my friends would need a writing utensil. Old habits die hard. So if you need pens, pencils, or markers--I'm your girl.

What's the coolest thing that you've found in a purse or a bag that you've forgotten about? Bueller?

July...in a nutshell...part uno

2011-07-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

I came back from paradise--or Ft. Walton, Florida

And this place that's like heaven on earth---Disneyworld

The teacups were fantastic

There were even fireworks

And Tinkerbell

Then we went to the city that smells like a hangover--New Orleans-- and took some artsy shots

I met up with Vanessa at Starbucks

I played with my cat

And I had a weekend long play date with Kaylee

And Dan came to visit me in Baytown and we went and saw Harry Potter

Help yourself...

2011-07-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

I would be a selfish person if I did not recommend this book. I had a giggle fit during this book. I cried. I fell in love with the characters--Minnie is my favorite for the record. Read the book and then come with me in August to watch the movie.

OREGON!

2011-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

This past week and I went and visited my friend Emily in Oregon. We spent lots of time with her mom and dad, Bo (the infamous dog), Kurt Juenling, and sleeping in. It was fun helping her 'nest' in her cute apartment as well as shopping (all an effort to boost Oregon's economy).

I was stuck in the Boise Airport on my way to Portland and if it weren't for these little friends, I would have been very disgruntled.

Do you spy it?

These birds hopped all around and kept plenty of children entertained.

We went up to Silver Falls to celebrate Mama Gooch's birthday. And amidst the scotch broom I saw three deer, so I grabbed my camera.

Scotch broom: It's easy on the eyes, not on the nose.

So cool!

It was just beautiful and so cool to be able to (quietly) take pictures of the little deer.

Me and Emily standing beside the Stayton sign.

Oh, Bo! It was so much fun to have a dog for a few days.
Oregon was so relaxing and so much fun and this is just the beginning of the traveling.

Next stop: TEXAS!

Wednesday Morning Pancakes and Ramblings

2011-06-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Summer! Summer! Summer! It's just about the best thing.

Today I woke up to the sound of roofers pounding on the roof.

So I made pancakes. With raspberries.

Delicious explosion of wonderfulness.

I uploaded some photos of my kids acting like they always did.

Gotta love them.

Hahaha...they make me laugh!

I told them to talk to their neighbor--at least they learned how to carry on conversations in 6th grade.

Happy Wednesday!

Currently listening to: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Highly recommend.

Reading Books

2011-06-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Now that I have so much spare time on my hands (I love getting to say that without sarcasm), I have finally been able to enjoy a few good reads. I miss reading for pleasure. I have been able to indulge myself a little to much, if that is even possible, at Barnes and Noble. As far as I am concerned I am their number one customer. I know how to get their using back roads. If I want a book, give me fifteen minutes. Anyways, here are my thoughts...

BOOK NUMBER UNO
"mocking jay"

I started this at 4:00 pm and finished it at 1:00 am
Loved it. I was even happy with the ending. After talking to several "Hunger Games" enthusiasts, I had been forewarned to be disappointed in the ending. However, I think that I expected it to be horrible, so it was a logical ending to the series. Peeta broke my heart. Kastniss is awesome.

BOOK NUMBER TWO
"water for elephants"

Sara Gruen intricately weaved beautiful and complex characters as well as bitter and spiteful ones and made the story fit together so well. I loved the circus aspect of the book and reading about how she immersed herself in the history of the grand American shows. I love Camel, Jacob, Marlena, the Jacob-Marlena story, and without a doubt, Rosie the elephant. In fact, I have upgraded my desires from dog to elephant. I distract myself. Wonderful book. The movie was a little different and I never would have paired Reese and Robert together, however, I enjoyed it.

BOOK NUMBER THREE

"the uglies"
I begrudgingly trudged through the first 200 pages of this book and then it became the book that I wanted it too. Scott Westerfield, now I understand, you had to setup the story. I get it. But 200 pages is a really long time to get into the action. Right after I finished it, I get the second book. That's my next read.

Even though I love Barnes and Noble, thanks for the cover images Amazon!

Someone Else's Horn

2011-05-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just have to spread some news and celebrate a little bit about this.
So read the graph below:

Highest test scores
	School	District
1.	Summit School	Cache
2.	Mountain Elementary	Cache
3.	Canyon Crest	Provo
4.	Bonneville School	SL
5.	Mt. Loafer School	NEbo
6.	Dilworth	SL
7.	Westridge	Provo
8.	North Star Academy	Charter
9.	Beacon Heights	SL
10.	Belknap Elem,	Beaver

Okay, I'll just summarize it for you. My school (Mt. Loafer) came in 5th for the top testing scores in the state of Utah. Amazing? Yes. I am so lucky to work with fabulous teachers and brilliant students. Congrats to you all!

Something to submit

2011-05-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

I like ADELE.
Soulful.
Sassy.
Away from my country roots.
But I love it.
Listen to her.

Doesn't this look like fun...

2011-05-17T17:08:00.000-07:00

For about five minutes I watched this little boy run across a football field like this.
Back and forth.
One way, turn around, and then go the other.
So fun to capture this.

If you know me

2011-05-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

You know what who my inspiration is. Well one person, that inspires my domesticness.

If you know me.

But in case you do know me but missed the memo about one person is inspiration, well, you'll figure it out if you're a blog savvy female.

If you're a male and not cooking blog savvy, you'll still be okay.

Anyways, here are shots from inspiration.

These are practice shots.

Working on the hip action

Someday, I will take shots like this in swanky hotels with granite showers. Someday.

Thanks, PW

Someday (soonish) it will look something like this.

(I'm on a roll...picture wise that is)

Oh, I'm starting a scrapbook. Text me, call me, facebook me. Keep me accountable. Make sure I get it done.

I'm off to a good start!

2011-05-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, since everyone else is announcing their en-gag-ments, wedding dates, baby due dates and such,
I'm making an announcement too.
I've got a real camera. I'll still use my point and shoot but I'm playing with my new baby--that I've yet to name.
So far--after I pulled it out of the box--the most challenging thing has been getting the silly neck strap on--once I did that it was much easier to play with.
Hence, the pictures:
Since this is an SLR, it makes the classy myspace picture even classier. See for yourself.

Yay! Notice the lovely beveled mirror that makes it appear as though I have, count them, two pinkies!

Still working on the centering and iso/ufo/lmao stuff. I'll get it right someday. And the mnemonic too.

That mirror was worth all 900 pennies. Oh, and the camera, I'd rather not count those pennies, but it was worth it too!

My attempt at artsy.

As promised, pictures have been posted. It's a grand thing. It's a camera thing.

I really like this too...

2011-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Taking naps on an overcast Sunday.
Then waking up to the splash of raindrops.
Also,
Falling asleep at night
to
the
sound of
rain.
With my window open.
This is a fabulous thing.

Happy week to you all!

Tracking This...

2011-05-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for this baby to be in my hands!
Thanks to a free trial of Amazon Prime (which I have already unsubscribed from) this will be at my house on TUESDAY!
I think I'm set--I have the camera, a memory card, and a filter.
So hopefully I will set the expectation of having more pictures on this blog.
No promises though.
Happy Graduation to Me!

Easter

2011-04-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

I love this. I love my Savior.

Spring Break

2011-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

I finally get a Spring Break. After attending BYU--a university that fails to give it's students Spring Break--those two words seemed very foreign to me.
I get to accomplish a lot of things this week:
   1. Sleeping and Reading
   2. Spring Cleaning at school
   3. Making sub plans for graduation
   4. Applying for jobs across the country (aka Texas and)
   *I most likely have a job here, however, I am feeling a need for change
   **Because Utah is brilliant I cannot apply here until the end of May, or June, or July.
   And I am really bad at the waiting game and impatient about not being able to plan my life.
   5. Movie watching
   6. Lunch with friends
   7. Counting down the days until I see my family for graduation
   8. Cleaning my apartment
   9. I get to do whatever I want to do--it's really good practice for summer

Things that I need to blog about (aka a list to hold me accountable):
   1. Logan, Utah (gorgeous mountains, tattoos, Bear Lake Mansion, king size beds, and amazing friends)
   2. "Country Strong"--good movie, better music--totally made my little country heart happy.

Fever. Spring Fever.

2011-03-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

(lbd)

I love General Conference.

I love the Salt Lake Temple.

And I love Spring.

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" Mark Twain

Double Space.

2011-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

It was magic.

At least to a handful of 12 year olds.

I taught my kids how to double space their papers in "Microsoft Word" (they always refer to it so properly).

There was a wave of "WOAH!" "COOL!" "AWESOME!" "NOOOO WAY!"

It became the coolest thing to do.

So now everything will be double spaced.

Whether it needs to be or not.

Who would have thought? Double Space=Magic.

One of the many things...

2011-02-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

That I Love...

Sweet Tooth Fairy Cupcakes. Red Velvet or Key Lime. Only way to go.

I love a few more things too (well...a lot of other nouns)
-My mom (because she is the best package sender, a remarkably funny text-er, and she is coming in April)
-Birthday celebrations (whether it be Jewish themed or Tucano's gluttonous themed)
-Naps
-My kids/students telling me that I can't get married until the summer. Like I was planning on getting married in March or something. They said they couldn't handle the name change. How territorially sweet of them.
-Starbucks/Tucanos/Malawi's with goodgood friends
-Getting my 57 paged Teacher Work Sample finished (hiiiiya.) and being officially done with BYU
*Not that I am happy to be finished with BYU--I miss being on campus, and taking naps every afternoon because I had time, and walking through the MOA regularly, and meeting friends for lunch in the Cougar Eat, walking up the stairs, the Maeser building, working and knowing the in's and out's of the WILK, going to Devotionals or watching them during the day, going to the Temple in the middle of the day, going through the Bookstore, running into people, being able to look rough, and so many other things--it's just nice to not have to jump through their academic hoop jumps--even though I'm really good at them.

There are a million other things I love. But. For tonight. This will have to suffice.

*Don't mind the parentheses...i've had to be too formal for 57 pages...it was just my mood and that's how I roll.

What does TWS stand for?

2011-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

Oh, you know, Teacher Work Sample.
It's great. Really.
Almost finished.
Then I am having a party.
I'm not sure what kind of party yet.
But a little celebration will be in order for getting this beastly assignment out of the way.
I have killed several trees for this project and by the time the final copy is printed, I will probably be responsible for murdering a rainforest. That's how much paper this project has required. A whole rainforest.

(giving credit where credit is due)

Yay for being productive...and procrastinating by blogging!

I want it now...

2011-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm pretty spoiled. I've already got a KitchenAid. I'm not married. I'm under twenty five. I didn't register for it. I didn't steal it. I didn't even buy it. And I lovelovelove my KitchenAid.
However....

(Photo courtesy of PW)

I saw this today and was felt this surge of envy (for about 1.5 mintues). And I wanted to start singing "I want it NOW." But then the surge was over. I realized how lovely my very own KitchenAid is. (Please no jealous/call-to-realize-your-spoiledness comments below...only requests for cookies :)

I just had to get that out of my system

5 things that I loved about today:
-Getting a new student...she is darling
-Being told that I am the dressiest teacher at my school
-Getting a whole bag of candy
-The unlimited amount of sunshine that was outside today
-Leftovers for dinner (mashed potatoes and green beans rocked my Monday night)

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope it was full of love and if not--then at least monumentally chocolate-y and sweet.

Laughing...

2011-02-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

So just some general thoughts about life, perspective and laughing.
I had a bad day. Forget getting creative and crafty with adjectives.
It. was. bad.
I wanted to get a sub.
And go to Hawaii. Or somewhere warm. But then my overactive conscience kicked in.
If it wasn't for my co-worker riding with me, I would have cried the whole way home.
(And I'm not a crier).
However, by the time I dropped my coteacher off, I was laughing. And I was thinking. I remembered I was in the business of working with people. Specifically pre-teens. Sometimes they are just little you-know-whats. And that's just how it is.

Which leads me to this. (click it...read it...love it)

Come what may, and LOVE it.
Learn to laugh.
I seriously think I was reading this talk Sunday night for a reason.
I love laughing.
Audrey Hepburn says it flawlessly
"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."
I laughed the rest of the evening.

So two important things:
perspective and laughing

And today was perfect. (again with the adjectives...I should know better) I love my job. My students. We had fun.

Here's proof of the fun.

I couldn't resist.

2011-02-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

Loved this ad.
And the Doritos "Grandpa!" one.
And the ridiculous flowers one.
And a few others.

And...Go Packers!

Friday Night...

2011-02-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

This is the tamest story of a Friday night.

After having a week of recovering I am finally well.

I have determined that there is no better way to celebrate that to go to D.I., Barnes and Noble and Starbucks.

...............

Then, I went to D.I. (Deseret Industries---the Neiman Marcus of thrift stores) and looked through books and picked out a few for my classroom.

How can people get rid of treasures like "Charlotte's Web?"

Afterwards, I went to Barnes and Noble to browse real [priced] books.

And I enjoyed a non-fat cinnamon dolce steamer (that tastes even better than "Christmas in a cup").

I resisted a lot of temptation and walked out of B&N with just my steamer.

It was gloriously snowing. Not just puffy snow. But the kind of snow that glistens as it falls down and looks as though someone is pouring a jar of glitter from the sky. The magical kind of snow.

I loved it even more when it melted as it stuck to the ground (this might have been the real magic).

...............

Has anyone seen the Sing-A-Long Version of "Grease"?

It's fantastic, fun, and immoral (ha). And...I love it.

A favorite friend and I sat and sang and couch-danced along to Grease Lightenin', Hopelessly Devoted, You're the One That I Want and We Go Together.

We were laughing, our audience was laughing, and we were completely unashamed.

Chang chang changity chang she bop

...............

The only moral to my short and random story is that Starbucks and snow go together, sing-a-longs and friends are awesome, and tame Friday nights are acceptable every once in a while.

Because I'm a Teacher/Nerd

2011-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Right now we are currently studying THE UNIVERSE in my class. I have loved teaching this because there are so many cool things to learn about our Solar System, the billions of galaxies out there, and the whole shoot-and-shebang universe. One of my students showed me this video and it blew my mind...so I had to share.

Addition to the previous post...

2010-12-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

I mentioned how happy I was to see family, but I failed to specifically mention this little reindeer:

Oh, Miss Kaylee. I think she is pretty darn cute. I can't wait to play. Please don't get sick.
That goes for Tammy and Kris too. :)

16 days 'til Christmas!

Currently Listening To...

2010-12-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

After over a month of listening to Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" on my morning commute, I decided it was time to switch things up.
I am keeping to my country roots and rotating between these two albums:

and

Country makes me feel at home--and I need a little bit of that right now.

Here's to Christmas Break starting December 21st and the flight home on December 23rd. You can bet on December 24th I will be doing some last minute shopping, participating in a wrapping extravaganza, and driving to Grandma and Grandpa's. I can hardly wait. Home, Mom, family, and CHRISTMAS!

Roommate Jackpot

2010-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

I finally hit it!
The roommate jackpot, that is.
Freshman year was fabulous
Sophomore year was spectacular
Junior year was interesting
and
Senior year was....blah...yuck.

Once I got off my roller coaster, in April, I was promising to move in with boys. Just strictly for sanity and the lack of, shall we say, excitement. I had even found roommates and was planning on how to escape abiding by the BYU Honor Code. I was picturing living with people who wouldn't sit on the landing of the stairs and listen in on conversations. Creepy, right? Mind games and drama shows were out of the utopia too. Slamming doors, loud gang-bangin' music, and violent phone conversations would never be heard. And even fewer long hairs would grace the bathroom floor and more importantly, if grace can be used, the shower drain.

So, there was much anticipation for disappointment this year. I was following a steady pattern of living with a crazy (or two). However, much to my surprise, I have the best roommates. In every sense of the word, the best. We work well together, we make quesadillas at midnight for each other, we actually help each other unload and load dishes, and we're friends. It's never about the give-and-take and owing something. Our little home is about making things best for each other, being considerate of someone's rough day, week, or month, sincerely asking about one another's day, celebrating a test or date, and commiserating about boys and our ridiculously tiny fridge. Coming home to a place that feels like a home is one thing that can only be sweetly appreciated.

At the end of the day, there still might be a ton of hairs in our drains, crumbs on the counter, and dishes in the sink. But we'll all take care of it--and each other.

P.S. I'm still practically unreachable and unresponsive to any form of communication, but I love and miss my friends very much. Hopefully I will resurface soon!

Fall and Southern Charm

2010-10-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, fall is here. I have a list of must do's such as making pumpkin whoopie pies, driving the scenic Nebo Drive, and absorbing the crisp Utah air. Watching the leaves change day by day and the drive to work become more colorful with each drop in the thermometer increases my gratitude for the beauty of my mountainous home.

Despite that fall is in the air, the excitement of my upcoming trip home is hard to contain. I love sleeping in my own room, curled up with that cat of mine, under the roof of the walls that watched me grow up with my mom closer than a phone call away to spoil me. Knowing that I am going to drive the back curvy, hilly, tree lined roads to Dam-b, Texas make my heart so incredibly happy. Visiting my grandparents is one of my favorite things to do. Life slows down for a day and all that matters is the weather, the down home meals on the table, and most importantly the people that you love.

So to Texas, I go. Home again, home again, home again. Where people say y'all, ma'am follows every yes, and dinner is referred to correctly as supper.

Doesn't Get Much Better...

2010-09-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

So I LOVE my job. Each day is fun. I have never been more exhausted but it is so easy to go to work when you have the best principal, co-teachers, and students. It has been a journey getting to know each student individually, planning lessons, and staying up at school late.

Here are a few of my goofy kids.

Lining up to leave.

Growing mustaches during lunch.

At the school Fall Festival

My school had a Fall Festival yesterday. Each teacher selected a book and the students brought in items that went with the theme of the book. Then parents and members of the community came and participated in a silent auction while the kids played on inflatables, got their faces painted and their hair sprayed, and ate tons of food.

Out of Touch

2010-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have 7 voicemails that I have yet to listen to.
Many text messages are sitting in my inbox waiting for a reply.
And I just checked my missed calls and I have 13.
If you were one of those people I promise to reply to your text or call you back sometime in May. Maybe Christmas break if your lucky.
I am drowning in the depths of 6th grade. It's fun. But busy. No, very busy. But I love it.
Here's to blogging even though I can't send a text or dial a number.

Summer...

2010-08-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Right now I wish you could last just a little bit longer and I regret realizing this a week before I begin working. I am going to miss so many things...
-Going to sleep at 2:30am
-Pressing snooze multiple times...because I can
-Talking with friends with out the guilt of needing to work or that they are drowning with essays, reading, and monotonous assignments
-Shorts
-Sandals
-Endless amounts of sunlight
-Late sunsets
-Early sunrises-An automatic alarm clock, occasionally
-Otter pops
-Naps
-Picnics
-Swimming
-Pretending to be an adult (I need to perfect my act by August 18th...the 24th at the latest)
-Being free to do whatever
-Sidewalk chalk drawing
-Shaved Ice
-Late night dollar movies on weekdays
-Driving up to Sundance with the windows down (even though the drive is lovely in the fall)
-Reading because I want to, what I want to, when I want to
-Spontaneity

I should look into implementing some of the 'things' I will miss into other seasons. And I look forward to living each day that I have left to it's fullest summer potential.
Summer 2010.
You've
been
real
.awesome.busy.fun.sleepless.relaxing.intimidating.carefree.and.wonderful.

Not that I'm counting or anything...

2010-08-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

days until school begins.

I'm the teacher.

Ready or not.

Whoa.

Weird.

Unreal.

Exciting.

Awesome.

Continued

2010-07-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

So California. So Disneyland. So Awesome.

In case you're wondering F is for BEF'F' (whenever little kids can't say me name)

One of us has to be normal. I took one for the team.

Mickey Rice Krispy!

See the amazing bald head? World of Color was magical and worth the hour and a half wait for the tickets.

I met Mickey. Stroke of luck and good timing allowed me to be the second person in line (meaning, I didn't have to wait to meet Mickey).

A fabulous trip

So Vegas. So SCARY. We made a stop in Vegas. The scariest place ever. But the M&M store was fun!

We made it there and back safely. And my car now has over 10,000 miles on it. Thanks Mom for taking care of me and for a great vacation!

Aren't Mom's the Best?

2010-07-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

What would we do with out our mom's? Seriously, who would spoil poor college kids that are beginning teacher internships? Who would take us grocery shopping, buy us clothes, take us to Disneyland? I am so incredibly glad that my mom came to visit for two weeks, helped me with my classroom, got me some awesome new clothes, filled my cabinets, and funded a trip to the most magical place on earth.

Oh yeah, and mom's are good (almost too good) at taking pictures. Here's a me in my classroom!

It's a pirate's life for me! Here's the decor around the entrance.

The front

My huge writing bulletin board

And my classroom library. Complete with Pirate Mr. Potato Head

My classroom is coming along! It's craze to think that in a little over three weeks there will be kids in here. I am so excited!

I'm Going To...

2010-07-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Happiest Place on Earth!

Or one of them at least! My mom is coming into town (which I am also extremely happy about) on Tuesday and we are working on my classroom, shopping, and playing until Monday. Then we are driving down to Disneyland to spend two wonderful days there! Our ParkHopper passes arrived in the mail today and I literally could not contain my excitement. I was talking to my mom on the phone saying "I'm going to Disneyland! I'm going to Disneyland!" Bring on California sunshine, Mickey and Minnie, and the place where dreams come true.

The Rope Swing

2010-07-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

Provo likes to party. At least for the Fourth of July. People camp out to watch the 4th of July Parade and run motorcycles, crack fireworks, and yell late into the night. I call that crazy. However, it felt so patriotic to stand and watch a parade with so many people that were celebrating America. The streets were lined with tents, blankets, and people you and old to get glimpses of the parade.

One of the coolest parts of the parade was the mass of boy scouts holding American flags...and celebrating their 100th year.

After the parade we went to Mona. Now what could possible be in Mona? ROPE SWINGS, of course. If you drive south on I-15, take the Mona exit. Go straight until you hit the "main" road, turn left when you see "The BIG Burger" restaurant, then you turn on an unmarked and unpaved road. And the you reach this:

Pretty little pond, eh?

But don't let this pond full you, it is about 20 feet deep. I saw across it and all I could think about was "Just keep swimming."

Here is one of the rope swings...without a platform...whomever jumped off of this was rather brave.

Just climb up the tree, jump, and swing.

Across the pond were trees with rungs to climb up and platforms to stand on...I jumped off of that one. But someone else has the pictures (or the proof).

What a way to continue celebrating...old fashioned fun, friends, and sun.

I can do anything good...

2010-07-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

I love watching this. I think every one should do a little daily affirmation or two in the morning.

Sea to Shining Sea.

2010-07-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well to begin... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!! You've come a long way!
Tonight I went with a lot of my friends from church to watch the "Stadium of Fire" fireworks. We sat at the field inbetween the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and the Provo LDS Temple. Talk about prime seating. It was so fun watching families and friends gather in a huge field and play games, chat, or throw around frisbees. I love seeing families. Here is a shot of the field at the beginning of the gathering:

There is nothing better than sitting around in a group and playing catch phrase and laughing.
There was a gorgeous sunset:

The fireworks were spectacular. Fireworks take me back to being a kid. Feeling excited and anxious and wanting to stop the moment and enjoy it. Fireworks also cause me to remember how lucky I am to live where I live. I can do what I choose, say what I feel, and believe what I want. I am thankful for the countless and inconceivable sacrifices that have been made so I can live as freely and richly as I do. Bob Dylan is quoted as saying "Behind every beautiful thing there is some kind of pain." I love that this quote recognizes that anything important and worthwhile was not easily achieved. For decades, men and women have devoted their lives, time, families, work, and efforts to building and securing our nation. It's so easy to forget that, but so important to remember. And for freedom, and so many other things, I am incredibly grateful.
Happy 4th of July!

The Body Guard.

2010-07-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

So I went to work today. Twice. The first shift that I worked was count-the-ceiling-tiles kind of boring. Then I went to work at the "Freedom Festival Banquet." I thought it was just going to be some fancy-schmancy soiree full of snooty people. However, it turned out to be one of the best nights that I have ever had to work. Well, first the Governor of Utah's body guard (who was nice...and by nice...I mean he was nice in every way...and must be referred to as The Body Guard from here on out), came up to Megan and I and said, The governor is going to entering here...I just wanted you all to know." And I did a quick ring check...he was ringless. Then the Governor came by and said "Hi." No one ever talk to us. But now the the governor does.
Then all of these 50+ women start asking us where the bookstore is and then coming back the a loot containing "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones to Schools" by Greg Mortenson. I thought that was strange...What was the big deal about getting those books from the BYU bookstore? Especially since I could almost guarantee you could get it cheaper elsewhere. Well, I asked one of the attendees "Is Greg Mortenson here or something?" To which she replied "Yes, he is speaking and signing books the evening, that's why I ran to the bookstore...And guess what? I got the last copy of his newest book."
Sweet, I'll get to hear Greg Mortenson speak...not so fast...it gets better. Then Greg Mortenson walked past Megan and I, smiled, and said "Hello." Amazing. His speech was wonderful and I am so glad that there are advocates for education that span farther than the borders of the United States. He focused his talk on the importance of literacy, educating and empowering females, and shared stats about education in Afghanistan and Pakistan. For example, 10 years ago only 800,000 children went to school in Afghanistan, now 9 million children are attending school. This 800,000 to 9,000,000. This happened in ten years. Okay, I will spare you the rest of the nerdy, passionate, educator comments. Amazing, amazing, is all I can say.
Back to The Body Guard. So, Megan and I were sitting listening to our intestines practically devour each other when the Body Guard came up to me and asked if we wanted food. I just told him it wasn't a big deal and we would not want to cause any commotion. He then suavely smiled and said, "I know what it feels like to be in the back...that's my job too. I'm getting you two food. I'm with the Governor, I can do that sort of thing without a problem." So 2 minutes later, Megan and I were feasting on steak, salmon, grilled asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. Then, a catering guy brought us out grape juice and the most delicious virgin bread pudding (meaning without bourbon) that I have ever had. Seriously, I need a body guard like that all of the time.
So to Greg Mortenson, BYU Catering Guy, and the Body Guard that has my heart...thank you for a wonderful, fantastic, and (I'm going to say amazing again) amazing evening.

This Week...

2010-07-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Monday I went and saw this movie:

L-O-V-E-D it...especially for seventy-five cents!
Tuesday, I finished this book:

Here's a brief synopsis from Goodreads.com--What happens when Joey and his sister, Mary Alice--two city slickers from Chicago--make their annual summer visit to Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town? In the tradition of American humorists Mark Twain and Flannery O'Connor, Richard Peck has created this memorable world filled with characters who, like Grandma herself, are larger than life and twice as entertaining.

I found myself reading this at 2:00 in the morning laughing...fun, fun, and funny.

Wednesday,
I learned how to play Pool and Mariokart on the wii.

Thursday I went and worked on this:

This is a two week old picture of the front of my own classroom! I have made a lot of progress since then and will post pictures whenever things are closer to being finished. I am having a lot more fun decorating and supplying books for my classroom than my bank account would like me to have. Who needs food, right? I love Mt. Loafer Elementary, my principal, my facilitator, and like my fellow intern (it's a guy who is married) a lot. Everyone is so supportive. I also got my first official i.d. badge, signed life insurance papers (I am literally worth--monetarily--more dead than I am alive), and signed up for new teacher orientation.

And I went to Megan's Birthday BBQ in Heber.
And I watched I am Legend.

Friday:
I will work EFY elevators (meaning that I sit in a chair, read, and explain to too many inquisitive people that I am there so they do not have to ride the elevator with 50 14-17 year olds going for a joy-ride). But good thing I have this book to keep me occupied:

Happy Friday and 4th of July!

I Keep Comin' Back

2010-06-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

No matter how far I am from home, I always make it back-at least for a little bit. And in that little bit of time, a truth was a reaffirmed, that Texas is bliss. I was in the comfort of my own home, my own room, spending time with my incredible mother, and my fluffy and oh-so moody cat.

I also spent time with my family. I went to Grandma and Grandpa's and brought home a loot of fresh green beans, just-picked squash, and a jar of my favorite--mayhaw jelly. The funniest part was watching an old movie with my grandparents (like they do every night). We watched "Mr. Roberts" starring Henry Fonda. After the show was over my Grandpa commented that he had heard of the movie but had never seen it before. Then Grandma started laughing and said" Well, we only watch movies together and I've seen it three times!" Then we all started laughing.

My cousin graduated from Kingwood High School. And the ceremony was held at Reliant Stadium. Yes, the football, Super Bowl facility, was used for a High School Graduation. Talk about a big graduating class. Kevin gave the invocation and then quickly graduated (thank goodness he is a Bradley!) then Mom, Grandma and Grandpa, and I left early. We got back to my Aunt's house, to discover she never gave us the keys to get in. Luckily, very luckily, the front door was unlocked. And we quickly went to sleep after a very busy day.

However, the best part of that weekend by far was meeting this little roly-poly angel....

I had so much fun playing! I finally got to meet Miss Kaylee in person! She has the most beatiful eyes and eye-lashes. And her laugh/shrieks, are so funny! Talk about a really funny kid...and I am so happy that I was deemed an aunt! Thank you, thank you, Tammy for bringing your family down so I could play!

Other than that, I prepped on getting my classroom ready (laminating, cutting out, contact wrapping books) and selected a theme. PIRATES! We are going to be "The Swashbucklin' Sixth Graders!" Catchy, huh? I hope so.

Home was wonderful. Family was and still is wonderful. Texas was wonderful. Now that I'm in Provo and it is summer--it's wonderful too.

No, I'm Four.

2010-05-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

So I worked a bajillion hours at a track meet.
Adult tickets cost $5, students cost $4, and kids under five were free.
So here's a story:
Mom and son walk up.
Me: HI! How many tickets can I get for you?
Mother: One for me and one for my son.
Me: Okay, well, how old is your son?
Mother: He's four.
Me (talking to the little boy): Well, your free!
Boy: I'm four.
Me: I know you're four but your free.
Then after his mother paid for her ticket
Boy: I'm four...not free.

Confession.

2010-05-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

When it's hot...I like driving barefoot. Just like some associate summer with watermelon, snowcone's, and days at the beach, I love getting the opportunity to throw my shoes off and drive.

Brilliance

2010-05-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

I just finished the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. And now I am watching this...

Book List

2010-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have ambitious reading goals this summer:
Finish the Fablehaven series by Bandon Mull
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Tunnels Series by Brian Williams and Roderick Gordon
Peter and the Starcatchers Series by Dave Berry
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Last Lectureby Randy Pausch
The Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins
Three Cups of Tea and From Stones to Schools by Greg Mortenson
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Long Way to Chicago by Richard Peck
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
The Candy Shop Wars by Brandon Mull
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
and...To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Plus any other books that 6th graders read
Any other book suggestions?

Bye, Bye, Bunk Bed

2010-04-24T22:21:00.000-07:00

Other than watching movies (King Kong, Orange County, Clash of the Titans, Alice in Wonderland, Iron Man, and probably a few more) and spending time with friends before they depart on other summer adventures, I have been packing.

I have lived in the same apartment for 3 years and putting those 3 years in boxes and tubs has been a fun puzzle to figure out. Amidst the move I noticed that I have more kitchen stuff than many of my married friends. Kitchen Aid, baking sheets, bundt and angel food cake pans, dozens of mixers and spoons, and plenty of other nifty gadgets. I did not realize all of the kitchen things that I had collected. Also I have noted a collection of a ton of school stuff that I cannot wait to store in my 6th grade classroom next year. I have books and books galore, a library of cookbooks, plenty of children's books , Fablehaven, and a few shameful Nicholas Sparks novels. I can peer in my closet and see clothesclothesclothes and the most organized rack of shoesshoesshoes.

My mother would be proud because I have also thrown out tons of frivolous school assignments, papers, and just stuff that has accumulated. I have has opportunity to organize the things that i want to keep until I move again.

There are SEVERAL things that I am grateful for as a move. Close to the top is not having to sleep on the top bunk. Never. Ever. Again. And I am not afraid to say never. I love that tonight, I just slid right into my bed, instead of climbing up three rungs, and on nights when I left my cell phone down below, there was cursing going on in my head. No longer will I have to make those trips up and down to get to my bed or retrieve items. Also, making my bed will be significantly easier to do and I will never have to worry about my books slipping through the cracks and hitting the tenant below (woops...just once though). I can crawl into bed without worrying about creaks and squeaks. And even though it never happened, I do not have to hope that I don't fall 6 feet out of my bed and landing on the ground. So, I am extremely grateful for my bed that stands about 2 feet off the ground right now.

The moving status is 80% now and hopefully everything will be moved and situated by Monday night. So my room might not be all together, but I am enjoying my non-bunk bed.

Copy Machines

2010-03-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

Turned 50.
Read about the celebration and history here.

Internship.

2010-03-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

So this is just going to be in an all jumbled up, flow-less order.

Next Year...
I am just so incredibly excited about my internship this upcoming year!!! I will be teaching at Mt. Loafer Elementary in Elk Ridge, Utah. I did a month of students teaching there and came to love the school, staff, and the kids. I am not sure what grade yet. Either 4th (what I would LOVE to do) or 6th grade (I am so NERVOUS about this but so many people have said the older kids would LOVE me and I could totally handle the hormones and the attitude). As soon as I know I will post about it!

The Past Month...
In the meantime, I have been student teaching in 4th grade with two amazing teachers. Mrs. Turner, has taught for over 12 years and is the mother of 3 sets of twins. In case you missed that folks, 3 sets of twins. And she has a 'single' child as well. Imagine her house with 7 children under the age of 9. Just imagine. Or try to. Mrs. Turner, or Jean, teaching Language Arts. Mrs. McKee or Jodi, has been teaching for a long time. She is the teacher that lets kids stand on their chairs, use their glue sticks as microphones while they sing songs about rocks, fractions, and erosion. Also she includes food and candy in everything possible. And she laughs a lot. I loved being able to learn from these two wonderful and kind teachers.

The Interview...
My outfit was awesome. My hair was awesome. My face was clear (thank you, accutane). My interview was beyond awesome. I went into two separate rooms. Each with 15ish administrators. The first room I walked out of and met my favorite BYU professor outside. She told me that I was smiling, and no one had done that. I told her that I rocked it during the first interview. Then I went into the second room, and that interview was better than the first. In both rooms, every person was smiling super big. Another one of my professors, Tamara, decided that she wanted to know what they thought of me. So she went into the room and asked them. Every single school wanted me. Whoo-hoo.

Even though I can step out of my car and hear cows moo and smell cow if they don't make a sound, I love it and cannot wait to be a real teacher next year!

2010-03-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love when this occurs. And everything happens just perfectly.

Yes Sir...You've Got It Right

2010-03-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sir Ken Robinson has so many good things to say, especially about education. Since I am currently teaching 4th grade and LOV-ING it, I see how the education system fails so many students. Too many laws tie the hands of teachers and put them in between rocks and hard places with dynamite...because inevitably someone or something is just ticking to blow up at them. Teaching isn't a numbers business. It's a people business. I just would love for those who are not working in the public schools (aka. state and national government) to realize that the educational system has so many loopholes and laws that are limiting the power of teachers and subsequently failing it's students.

POP-U-LAR

2010-03-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

BYU is the most popular school is America. Awesome.
Here's the proof.

Go Jamie Oliver

2010-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of TED.
It's an website full of ideas worth spreading and people worth listening to.
One of my favorite speeches is by Ken Robinson that you can watch here. It makes me want to be an awesome teacher.
As for the clip below I think people should listen to Jamie Oliver, cook a real dinner, and teach kids about the importance of knowing about food.

Happy Quotes

2010-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

"A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely."
Roald Dahl

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.”
Audrey Hepburn

"Your goodness must have some edge to it, else it is none."
Emerson (love his words)

Weekends...

2010-02-21T22:04:00.000-08:00

I love you so. And I hate to see you go.

Vacation Week...in some ways

2010-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

This week has been wonderful. Classes have been cancelled and my workload is so light that it is hard to accomplish the assignments that I need to do because I would rather watch the Olympics, read a book, hang out with friends, or run some errands.
Here is what my schedule looked and looks like for this week:
Monday: Holiday
Tuesday: 3 hour class cancelled 1 class to go to
Wednesday: 3 Hour class cancelled 1 class to go to
Thursday: Only 2 classes
Friday: 1 class and Girl's Lunch!
Saturday: OlympicsOlympicsOlympics (finish planning a lesson)
Sunday: Well, it's Sunday...such a good day (and I am teaching!)

As for the Olympics, I love watching them! Friday, we had an "Olympics Party" decked out with flags and bursting with food. It is awesome that so many countries compete and come together for this event. My horizons have broadened, I am now a fan of speed skating and snow boarding. I am looking forward to the rest of this 16 day competition!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know...

2010-02-08T20:10:00.001-08:00

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” -Dr.Seuss

I have a list of book that I want gather, absorb, and ponder about immediately...

And...

I got this book for my grandmother for Christmas. She read all the next day. Then we went to lunch and this book dominated the conversation.

Right now I am on page 5 of this...

The BFG was my first 'real' chapter book to read, and I was enchanted with the imagination of Roald Dahl.

Everyone should read this...and DREAM.

Silver Lining

2010-02-05T19:33:00.001-08:00

So this was one rough week. Monday through Friday there I cannot pin point exactly what was going on...possibly multiple factors. But each day, I looked on what happened and I saw that someone was watching out for me. Today at church I noticed a theme of looking for tender mercies that our Heavenly Father gives us. Friends are without a doubt one of those. Also we talked about the importance of having good friendships. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people to love me and support me unconditionally. Some of the silver-linings included:
-A Frosty from a golden guy friend.
-Running into a friend that used to live close to me.
-Seeing another friend in the RB and talking and catching up.
-Driving and crying...then having 4 friends call me and 2 text me within 10 minutes.
-Getting calls from a best friend back home and talking for an hour.
-Having a friend come to cardio with me.
-Awesome professors that told me how amazing I was...without knowing how rough my week was.
-Having a roomie bring home delicious pie.
-A package from my mom

I am so thankful for friends. And this...

“Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as it is, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful friend will take and sift them, keeping what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blowing the rest away.”-George Eliot

Planet Earth

2010-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

Slightly addicted to this:

I am in a Teaching Science class this semester and we have to 'do' 10 hours of science-y stuff. So instead of going snowshoeing (brrrr...) or paying a lot of money (because I am sooo rich) to go to workshops or conferences--I am watching 10 hours of 'Planet Earth.' I love watching it and learning about our planet and the creatures that inhabit it. My favorites so far have been the Shallow Seas shark attack, watching how they filmed an elephant vs. lions fight, and otters badgering an alligator.

Forget Avatar...this is visually amazing...and it's real!

Favorites

2010-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

Truth in graphs

If you have seen the modern version of Pochahontas (aka "Avatar")

My daily does of Rockstar

AWESOME THINGS!

Dreaming of hostessing a ladybug party

This page in general

Keeping up with Natalie Hill and her Broadway auditions

Thinking about making bread
(I already tried the Banana Oat and for being sugar-less...it's delicious)

Dear Sinus Infection

2010-01-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Sinus Infections of the past and present,

You always come at a time when it is okay:
-In August when there is no school
-During Thanksgiving Break when I have finished teaching
-And on Martin Luther King Day

And each time I go to the doctor something funny always happens
-First I was told to just take tylenol to get rid of you and a sore throat. Two days later I had strep throat and a sinus infection. Stupid doctors. I know my body better than you ever will.

-In November, I had the best doctor ever. Here was the conversation
Doctor: (Doctor looking up my nose) Sweetie, you have a sinus infection from HELL. What the HELL were you thinking driving here? How in the HELL are you going to get home? D$^*. You can go get your prescription. But you have to stay in bed after that."
Me: Just staring at her. If I wasn't in a drug coma I probably would have been laughing.
Doctor: "So I am going to give you some penicillin. And if you take this, you WILL get pregnant."
Me: Thinking so if I take that pill I will get pregnant. No thanks. Maury would not even be about to figure out who the baby-daddy is.
Doctor: (seeing the puzzling look on my face) Wait. I said that wrong. If you are on birth control and you take this pill, then do "the deed" you might have a baby.
Me: Okay.
I seriously love doctors who tell it to you straight.

-Tuesday: I go a see the doctor. She is plain Jane vanilla. And serious.
At least I got drugs. That is all that matters.

But Sinus Infection, it is time to go. The comedy show, tissues, snot, coughing, body aches, bags under my eyes, and headache are not fun.

Thanks.

500 Days of Summer

2010-01-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

Made me smile tonight.

Update...since it has been months!
School is great. I love my major.
Life is good.
Text books are still expensive.
Roommates...well, are roommates.
I love my dinner group. Cooking. Talking. Having the best entertainment ever.
I love my friends.
Thursday Nights make the rest of the week worth getting through.
The Girl's+Fajitas+Grey's Anatomy=Bliss
Zumba is something every individual must do at least once in their lifetime.
I love BYU. I am going to miss walking around campus and running into a friend.
Christmas was awwwesome. I loved being home. With my mom. Grandma and Grandpa. Homemade food (banana pudding). My OWN room. Shopping. Baking. Opening and giving presents.
I am teaching 4th grade this semester! (so excited because I was so scared to teach 6th graders...yikes!)
New cell phone.
Love my nikon camera.
Unlimited text messaging.

Take it Back...All the Way to 1st Grade.

2009-12-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

I miss my classroom...

I miss this kid...

Hayes
Me: "Geeze Hayes, I like your cowboy boots, and your cowboy jeans."
Hayes: "Ms Duvall, these are not just JEANS, they're WRANGLER'S."

This one too...

Adadien: "Ms. Duvall, you're silly...Um...Can we play tic-tac-toe now?"

And I can't forget this one...

Willow: "You're just the best teacher ever Ms Duvall!!!! You're just reallyreallyreallyreallyreally good."

Well, I miss them all! I had so much fun being in First Grade!

One story that can't be left out.

Erik: "Ms. Duvall this says sh$t. What is that?"
Me: "What do you think that says?"
Erik: "Sh#t."
Me: "ShUUUUUUUUUUt, the U says UH."
Erik: "Oh, like shUUUUUUUUUt a door."
Me: "Yes..."

Those are just a few of my first grade tales.

Never Give Up Hope

2009-11-04T21:00:00.001-08:00

Even with all the odds against us and hundreds of women....I GOT A PICTURE WITH REE DRUMMOND (THE PIONEER WOMAN). Good luck to those waiting until midnight for their signature. Thank goodness for tender mercies. Life and Cooking is BEAUTIFUL.

So here is the story:
Megan and I left to make our journey to see the Pioneer Woman on Wednesday (November 4th). I had that day marked on my calendar for months. We got on I-15 and the took the I-80 exit to go towards Sugarhouse. Well, our next exit was closed because of construction. So we had to to drive and drive until the next exit. Then by chance we found a detour sign, another detour sign by luck, and another just because Jesus loves us. So we were now in the Westminster area (richy rich private college) and back on track. Then we drove past the cute, cozy book store. We drove a block up and found parking. We walked down to the bookstore. This is the bookstore that everyone dreams about. Little, mazes of packed shelves. Cute little chairs, rugs, a darling children's section that almost compared to "The Shop Around the Corner" in "You've Got Mail." While in the children's section someone opened up the back door. And there she was. Ree Drummond, laughing and saying "I'm sorry I'm so bossy y'all." Incredible.
So we were sitting at the bookstore for a a while and people started talking about book signing cards that they were handing out at the gallery. EXCUSE ME? I've been sitting here and the bookstore people FAILED to tell ME and MEGAN about the book signing cards. Well by the time we walking to the gallery and dodging wild eyed soccer mom's, all of the cards were handed out. Boo.
Megan and I went back to the bookstore because I wanted to see if I could maybe get a lame, impersonal, previously signed copy. While waiting in that line a bookstore associate came and told us that they might sell out and that we were welcome to wait in line behind the 360 people who had book signing cards to get our book signed. Um...no. That's ridiculous. There were quite a few upset people. Megan and I continued to chill in line we got up to the front and...of course..."We're sold out of the pre-signed ones...but we still have cookbooks." No, thank you, I really like my $13.00 Amazon copy.
With nothing left, I told Megan, let's just go...we tried. We we were walking back to our car and we went by the back end of the bookstore and guess who was there. REE. So Megan and I just said Hi and how much we appreciated her. We kept walking. I stopped and said. "Megan, we should go take a picture." I turned around went up to Ree and asked "Ree, would it be okay if we got a picture with you." In the most genuine southern voice she said "Oh, yeah sweetie, I'm just locked out and waiting...why not? Come here." So Megan and I breathed the same air as The Pioneer Woman. Then after taking the picture she said, "Please e-mail this to me. I'm making a scrapbook of everything. So just send it to me."
Without waiting in line in the cold or in a small, tiny bookstore with a hundred other people. I GOT MY PICTURE!
After all... pictures are better than signatures.

When someone has a b-day

2009-10-08T21:00:00.001-07:00

So today...October 8...is Ali's birthday.
A cake was a necessity...you just can't turn 21 without one.

One just like this...

A closer look...

But wait...that's not all...

And it looks pretty good on fire too...

Happy b-day ALi!

All I For Christmas is This...

2009-10-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

I started my hunting early this year. :)

This is Success...

2009-10-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Nutella croissants...seriously easy...seriously delicous.
Cupofjo

You remember that time.....

2009-09-29T22:08:00.001-07:00

School.Friends.Church.Work. That's what I've been up to recently. The semester is going well. I actually like my classes because I can apply and use the material rather than filing away in my brain and having it disappear into the unknown.

Now I Can Concert....featuring Firefly and Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband

I had so much fun helping with Jill and Tommy!

Capture the Flag

It was such a cold night that I later went and grabbed my jacket. BYU broke the record of the largest capture the flag game by 81 people.

Squaw Peak in the Fall

Such a pretty drive...cannot be captured in a picture!

Before true blue football...

After true blue football...

Sidewalk Chalk PAINT competition for FHE...

Kelsey...the artist.

So other than that...this weekend is conference.
I have reading to do.
I need sleep.
But....I'm sooo happy with my friends, my ward, my classes, and my life :D

O, Temptation

2009-09-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Watch this:

Oh, The Temptation from Steve V on Vimeo.

Read this

Happy Weekend!

Breaking a world record...Capture the Flag!
And Hiking tonight!

I recommend this.

2009-09-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

Watch this when you need to be calm...

And this when you want to think or be amazed...

I had seen it before but my tech class made want to think.

And this when you can stand a little MJ with a twist...

These guys are pretty good

When you want to hear something uplifting...I love Uchtdorf.

Also a celebration of finally getting youtube on campus :)

Sorry for the cut off video's but still watch them...

First days...

2009-08-31T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I went to my math class today and here is how it went:

Teacher: The only reason why you should not be here is if you are KILLED.

Students: Stunned. Astonished. Not really sure how to respond....then there is laughing.

Teacher: I know we are all scared of the swine flu and all but we are going to have to strike a balance. We don't want to start an epidemic but you need to drag yourself here no matter what.

1 minute later...

Teacher: Well, I would not really like to have children in the classroom but in extreme circumstances we can work something out. You know...I could bring my child to class. He is 35, a firefighter, single, and could show you a good time.

Students: Laughing.

2 minutes later...

Teacher: You know I am not going to tell you the answer to your questions. But don't make that face and crinkle you nose...you'll have lots of wrinkles.

Students: Hahahahah...

I loved my first day of school. Yay for bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, new pens, clean notebooks, and all the happy things that a new school year brings :)

Inside all of us is a...

2009-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

WiLd ThIng.

I am so excited for this film.
I have watched the trailer at least 50 times.
We hold hope, fear, adventure.
The story takes me back to being 5.
I heart Apple HD trailers.

You're awesome Max.

The wild rumpus starts: October 16

:D

How To: Kind of survive a beautiful summer day with a sore throat and other ailments.

2009-08-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

The night before start by baking cookies like these...

And then package them cutely and write nice notes like these...

Then go to sleep

Wake up at 8:00am wanting to die because your throat is twisting, burning, and throbbing with pain. Part of it might be because you are not accustomed to it. Or you just hate that feeling...You know...when it hurts to swallow, inhale, exhale.

Sleep until 10:45. Then sit and think about the dumb gum chewing EFY kids or Danceport people that probably infected you. Shake your fist at your ceiling. But do not scream/yell/or talk to yourself. It will hurt.

Wake up when a friend calls and talk like you swallowed fire (sound like an idiot).
Pop cough drops in a pretty dish and drop them in your mouth all day. Your tongue will be not 'razzle red' but something better...Halls nasty cherry red. MMMM...delish.

Gethalls.com

Get out of your bunk bed and walk down stairs and watch the room spin and then open up a can of progresso chicken wild rice soup...now that is a good thing. And if you get it from amazon...you get a six pack...hmmm...

A friend comes over and you sip your soup until you can't put another spoonful in your mouth. Listen to your friend because you have nothing to really say. Words are not worth pain.

Go back to sleep once the friend leaves. E-mail your boss because you are going to miss your work meeting. She'll send you a nice response like "I hope you feel better."

So with the news that someone other than your mom cares about your health return to your bunk. Take meds. Sleep.

Wake up. Hungry. Fix peach cobbler. It's hot. And after all it has peaches in it. Yum. Since this is a small/mini/petite peach cobbler in a 3x4 dish, feel justified in devouring almost the whole thing. Especially since you have gargled salt water throughout the day and the cough drops that were your last resort and you had to bribe yourself to unravel- don't have that much nutrients in them.

Don't do your dishes. Make a mountain of art out of them and admire. Then take a picture because this has never happened before. And never will again.

Blog about your day. Go to sleep. And have a more productive day tomorrow :)

Gadgets and Gizmo’s A Plenty

2009-08-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I guess it’s time to update. You know, when your blog reaches the end of everyone’s blogrolls and the dreaded “Updated 1 month ago/You haven’t let people know about your life” appears.

So a super concise and completely insufficient (but will have to do) catch up:

I went home/TEXAS. Family-ed. Slept. Shopped. Ate. Got a car. Got a kitchen-aid Roadtrip. Dallas (Tammy/Kris/Kaylee). Santa Fe (Aunt Kay & Uncle Jim). Durango (love). Desolateugly SE Utah. Llamas at a closed down gas station. Provo. Shopping/Outlets. Freedom. Independence. Happiness.

-I am so happy to be back in Provo, which is strange. I never thought that I would say that. With time, I think Utah and I have become friends. Sure, there are some things that I strongly dislike about it (unprotected lefts, ‘righteous’ speedy drivers, ice, snow, short days in the winter). But I now have an appreciation for many of Utah’s stellar attributes. Sunshine, outdoors, flowers, things to do whenever because the heat does not make me want to sweat, suffocate, and die, long summer days, the canyon, perfect sized outlet malls, wonderful people/friends, dollar theatre, and the list could go on.

-My Car…IS AWESOME! I love it! 36 mpg. BLACK. Fast. Freezing AC. Huge trunk. Good sound. It’s almost like I am an adult.

-Kitchen-aid + silver metallic=Lovin’ from the oven wonderfulness.

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

There’s gadget and gizmo…who’s its and what’s its will come later.

Over done.

2009-06-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

via quotebook

I hope I am not alone in the world.

Finals are almost finished.
At 2:50 I will be D.O.N.E.
Going to the airport tomorrow. Started packing. Very unconventionally. Usually everything is carefully rolled-up and packed with preciseness.
Not this time.
Flying to TEXAS/HOME.
LIFE IS GOOD. REAL GOOD.

Weekend Best's

2009-06-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

The best parts of the weekend...
Best spontaneous moment: having girls night and watching 'last chance harvey'
Best discovery: eating chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with graham crackers
Best accomplishment: finishing everything to the best of my ability
Best 'i can now breathe' moment: realizing i am FINISHED with edlf and there is no final (yipee!)
Best song: tie, 'i can break your heart any day of the week' mandy moore
'crash and burn' jesse mccartney
Best weather moment: a thunder/rain/lightening STORM in provo
Best shopping find: too many-2 shoes=$26 gap shorts=$13.00 v.s. perfume=worth every penny
Best friend moment: laughing with liz and facebook stalking people with weird engagement pictures
Best mail: Jill's wedding announcement
Best realization: I am going home and i have really good friends
Best compliment: Marcilynn telling me how excellent my taste in music is
Best fun: dance party at the y parking lot
Best movie: 'The Count of Monte Cristo'--so good. makes me want to watch (edited) 'shawshank redemption'
Best part of Sunday: the 3 hour nap that was wonderful
Best quote: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain
Happy Week!!!

WHOA...IT'S JUNE

2009-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

So here is what has been going on:

I have been working a lot. And fun things happen when we have some free time on our hands. Rachel is one of my favorite people to work with (Lauren, Jill, Amy, and several others are my favorites too). I love blasting Taylor Swift in a 12 passenger van. The ultimate cool.

Other than shuttles I have been working at EFY dances asking 14-17 year old boys to spit out their gum, carrying a 'light saber' that 14-17 year old boys want to 'touch' to fulfill their Star Wars life fantasy, and getting asked to dance by 14-17 year old boys. It sends my self-esteem to sky rocketing levels.And I tell girls who wear 4 inch heels to dances, to put their shoes back on after they have removed them...muahhhhahahahaha.

So much for living cheap:

I had a 5 foot long puddle of water in my hallway for over a week. So if you have dealt with flooding, pipes busting, air conditioners leaking and flooding regularly, finding mold all over a wall, crappy management, a smell so bad you can't gag and just want to suffocate yourself, let's talk. At one point we were brought a fan and there was so much water that the fan blew water all over my legs. Disgusting. So I have relocated to my beautiful Chatsworth home. Thank goodness for Ali letting me stay here!

If you are in Provo, go here, until then...just drool at this amazingness:

The Sweet Tooth Fairy on University. O. My. Goodness.

I got the Red Velvet, Strawberry Shortcake, and Vi-NIE-lla Cherry cupcakes (that I shared with friends).

They are super top heavy with frosting, which I am not always a fan of, but they are delicious beyond deliciousness.

Weird fact: I made Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for the first time in my college career the other day. It made me feel like I was 12 again.

Just look at it side-ways. iphoto refused my edit and rotation apparently.

Well, I have to go to class. Priorities. School. Ridiculous. 10 days until I leave and go HOME.

This Little Girl Went to Market...

2009-05-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

If you're in Utah, come here

If you're not in Utah, just know this little city's gathering of veggies, fruit, and an assortment of things is amazing.

So my friend Stephanie and I went here this morning.

Talk about wonderful. Between Maestro's waffles (which I just looked at and gained 20 pounds), BREAD, the best tamale ever, goat cheese, rhubard, coolers full of greens and spinach, flower pens, cutecutecute aprons, and FREE SAMPLES (so go hungry), it was allll great! This is just the pre-season and they say that more vendors will be there in the next 2 weeks.

So what did I walk away with?

The hugest load of sour dough wheat bread from "Flour Girls and Dough Boys"...$4.00

http://flourgirlsdoughboys.com/

3 flower pens...$3.00

3 bars of goat milk soap...$10.00

A Gigantic Tamale...$2.00 (Stephanie had never had one)

A stomach full of free samples...FREE

No fruits or veggies though...I really want to try and make a rhubarb cobbler or pie sometime.

Then I went on a picnic with a few of these girls:

Mary and Megan and then Liz and Breanna were there........so fun!

It's raining in Provo right now....glorious...I love the smell of rain!

Dear Procrastination,

2009-05-20T21:32:00.001-07:00

It might have taken me 21 years, but for the first time in my educational career, I have procrastinated. A. LOT.

My whirlwind of school is coming to a halt...

for now.

So to procrastinate, I bake these:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/09/marlboro_mans_favorite_cookies_oatmeal_crispies/

Or...I get creative on photobooth when school proves to be too stressful.

Do you know how many bubbles I had to blow to get this?

At least 20

Dont' you love the brick walls of my imprisoning ghetto-paradise apartment?

Here's the list of things wrong with it (some of which were fixed by a note or two to management):

--The light/fan in the bathroom was falling out of the ceiling. I thought it might fall out and decapitate me. I got that fixed though.

--It was like a cave/dungeon when I arrived. So, I got new light bulbs.

--The cold water was turned off on the sink...for a reason. When the repair guy told me all I had to do was turn the knob I thought to myself "Duh, but it must have been off for a reason...It is impossible to just by chance twist the knob off." Well, it floods under the sink now. Joy.

--The AC doesn't work. I love 98 degrees in a toasty apartment.

--The kitchen sink was clogged with I don't want to know what. So this guy unclogged it and upgraded our faucet. So now we have the niftiest faucet. It is awesome.

--Crabby landlord who reprimanded me in my p.j.'s for not having 'carpets' down on the ugly matted carpet. However, no where in anything that I signed is there a mention about these mysterious carpets, I read through my contract and the apartment manuel 5 times as...and there is nothing about them. If he comes back, we're gonna fight, even if I am in my p.j's and it is 8 am.

What I do love about this apartment:

--The new faucet

--My roomroommate

--Gas stove

--All of the mirrors

--I'm working on the rest

The end.

OOOOOO...Farmer's Market -- Pioneer Park @ 11...sooo excited!

The Art of Losing

2009-05-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

I could use a personal day.

I miss my cat.

She was one of my favorite parts of home.

3 legs, silly tail, seagreen eyes, gray fur and all...the best cat ever

1992-2009

:(

Let HAPPINESS, SMILES, and FUN BLOOOOOOM

2009-05-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

So, SPRING is here. Can you tell how happy I am to see the sun? My coats, winter skirts, and leggings have been retired. I have pulled out the skirts, the ten million pairs of flip flops that I own, short sleeves, capris, and shorts. Now that it is not freezing at night I can actually go for runs and my knee won't lock up or throb. Life seems so much more laid back even though I am taking spring classes.

Moving: I moved to the Belmont. No, not THE BELMONT, just the Belmont. I practically paid myself to move. $100.00 a month. No utilities. It's a steal. The different part is 6 girls, a new ward, a new stake, the smallest kitchen, like one foot of counter space, and a hazardous shower (the light is literally falling out of the ceiling). At least I am only a block away from Chatsworth...a hop, skip, and a jump away from a home.

Classes: Classes, Smlashes. English 230, Intro to Literature. The professor completely understands that it is a GE, so I think that she is trying to make it as painless as possible. EDLF, law. boring. lot's of talking time though :) Health, way awesome teacher, relevant, goes by so quickly

California: Ali and I went to California, Rancho Cucamonga to be exact. However, I slept most of the time. I guess finals wiped me out because I sure got a lot of shut eye. We went to a soccer game, went to the park, and cooked grilled cheese and waffles. It was low key which was really appreciated.

Mooooovies: He's Just Not That Into You...so much better the second time around. As well as Confessions. I am looking forward to seeing Slumdog, Boy in the Striped Pajamas (my catch-up movies), and many other films that are coming out this summer.

Music: So my wonderful friend, Vanessa, sent me a CD and I fell in love with Ingrid Michaelson. Jesse McCartney's "How Do You Sleep?" AmAzInG. I can dance party to that all day. Katy Perry--"Black and Gold" so wonderful. Lady Antebellum and Eli Young Band definitely fulfill my country withdrawals and cravings. Keri Hilson, Neyo, and Baby Bash are on repeat on my ipod.

Reading: So I am trying to read Secret Life of Bees. It has been a struggle to read anything but my scriptures. I realized the other day how intrigued I am with just reading articles on line. I miss just holding a book on a rainy day and getting lost in a story. Goal...READ A REAL BOOK. Thepioneerwoman.com and her "High Heels to Tractor Wheels"...I wish they would make it into a movie or audio book.

So. There. Kind of. That is what is going on in my life.

Quuuuuuuuick update

2009-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am up to my neck in projects.

I love my major.

2.5 weeks of school.

A few finals.

My mom came and visit. the best ever.

Conference is coming up.

Utah weather is lame.

I love Nikka Coasta...amazing music.

No-bakes are my friend...the butter, cocoa, sugar, oat-y goodness...delish.

We had 2 fish. Mine was Tango.:(

I love Anthropologie.

Happy week to all!

The best F's ever

2009-03-11T19:37:00.001-07:00

Food and Friends. What more could anyone ask for?

So tonight the dears of GP14 (Amananada, Courtie, Rach, and EEEElyse) brought our apartment dinner. Bread, pasta, salad (with avocados) and peas. Delish. Carbs. Heaven.

Sustenance is good but, friends, yes friends are even better. It was so good to catch up, talk about summer adventures, and have some girl bonding time. Since I am away from home who else is better to share a meal with than FRIENDS! I am so grateful for those girls. Lovelovelove.

Other than that today was regular.

-I love my math class. Any professor who doesn't give homework because you "do all the hard thinking that you need to do in class," is pretty much AM-AZING.

-Since Children's Lit is cancelled for a month I had a two hour break to work on projects.

-Drama-Fun games, I was a table now I am a hen, Ashley was a berry bush and now she is an oven, and Jen was a harp and she still is a lovely harp. Gotta love random parts in plays. We also talked about how to cast children in plays without stealing their souls. Were you ever hurt by getting the part of the girl that just walks across the stage? Or by not getting the part that you wanted? Remember? If you don't your abnormal and from Mars or you had a really good teacher. So basically I know how to appease children when casting plays without smushing and grinding their confidence into nothingness. Yessss.

-I love Kelly Clarkson.AHHH KELLY CLARKSON. I've had her new album for 3 weeks (shhh...) and it is amazing and I have a new found developing love for Craig David. Jam. Soul. Chill. Peace.

2009-03-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

So, yeah. A blog. Here it is. For today, tomorrow, next week, another month, and maybe a year or two.

I think that today was great. long, busy, school stuff, ya know.

This video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGydN5k6zDw

made my day. I hope it brings at least a smile and a laugh or two, or more to you. :)

Why today was a day:

-it snowed, in March, which makes me even more grateful for warm sunny days.

-I spent 3 hours in the library AND I am only 17 books away from finishing my children's lit. project (instead of 40).

-I realized that I love my major, which happens just about everyday.

-The "What are you doing?" game in drama.

-Soup bowls.

-I miss the sun in the morning-but love that it is still dark when I come home-refreshing to say the least.

Here's to a happy Tuesday!