moments

lots to love

2012-02-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

i love when my class actually listens for 5 minutes at a time.

i love when I feel appreciated by my students.

i love cuddling baby j.

i love having a roommate that is an awesome running partner.

i love my kellie, jess and kent "family."

i love cooking with jess and kellie...one person reads the directions, one measures, one stirs...perfect.

i love knowing that i did a fan-freakin-tastic job at bluffdale and that they miss me.

i love finding nutella recipes.

i love having people that are willing to go off of refined sugar with me for lent.

i love girl scout cookies (a little too much).

i love that zupas is in arizona.

i love revenge (as in the tv show), big bang theory, new girl, and the firm.

i love that although i don't like my job I am blessed with being able to stay caught up

(more than I ever have).

i love going to the temple.

i love the random money making ideas that one of my roommates always come up with.

i love juicing.

i love sister hardisen's institute class.

i love people watching at institute.

i love the current arizona weather.

i love saturday adventures.

has that bad place frozen over?

2012-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd like a pair of running shoes...or running...but I'm learning!

I've had crazy awesome running roommates in the past but, I'll be honest, they intimidated me. They'd run 10 miles by the time I woke up on a Saturday.

But now I have a crazy awesome former non-running roommate who is the best running partner ever.
And, whatdayaknow? We're not too shabby for beginners.

d-bag in training

2012-02-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Kent sent me this picture the other day of Baby J poppin' his collar....

Later that night I had the following conversation with Baby J:

Me: "You're not going to grow up and be a douche bag."

J: {coos and smiles}

Me: "You're going to be a nice boy."

J: {cute baby noises}

Me: "Yeah, you're going to be nice."

J: {rumbly gurgle from his bowels} Blowout. Poop all over his back, on my shorts, the couch, down my legs.

D-bag it is.

*Mrs. O'C expressed her concern over teaching an infant the d-bag term. Let it be known I was not the one to introduce this term to Baby J.

it made me laugh

2012-01-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

Background:

Yesterday I was texting (well technically iMessaging now that I've joined the amazing iPhone world) Kellie.
She has this friend who is a dentist that she wants to set me up with.
I mentioned the fact that I needed to find a dentist....

(that weird blank spot is where his name was)

I'm still laughing.

In other funnies.....

A friend of a friend recently found himself phone-less.

His alarm is the sound of a rooster.

The family cat happened to be sleeping in his room.

We all know cats don't like birds.

What we didn't know is cats don't like phones that sound like birds.

Rooster alarm went off...

Cat attacked bird (er, phone)...

Result:

An awesome story to tell when you go buy a new phone.

The best tattles of the day:

"He told me that I was uglier than Freddie Jackson."

"He said I looked like a hobo."

"It all started with a Big Bang!"

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have recently developed an obsession for Big Bang Theory.

By obsession I mean since December I've watched Seasons 1-5.

I just get hooked, kinda like I did with Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and My So Called Life.

I deal with TV addictions the same way I deal with a box of Girl Scout Cookies.

The faster I eat/watch them the faster the addiction is over...you know, kinda like ripping a bandaid off...maybe?

I suffer a side effect from these additions. Like when I watched Gilmore Girls I started talking really fast, there was more drama in my life when watching Grey's Anatomy, and infinitely more paranoia when I watched Criminal Minds. Seriously, I was afraid there were dead bodies on the side of the freeway when I drove to Arizona last January.

I recently found myself in the Big Bang Theory. And I don't mean just a little. It was major.

My ward has these breakfast groups on Sunday mornings. (They used to be dinner groups but our RETARDED 2:00 schedule threw that off.) It was Big Bang Central.

This guy shared his equation for marriage. And it was intense, like multivariable equation intense. Like I have never had to do such math intense.

I walked away with 2 thoughts...

1. This is why I am not married, guys these days are weird.

2. Do I need to brush up on my math? Is that why I am not married?

pretty bird, pretty bird

2012-01-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

Up until I was probably 18 I thought it was impossible to hit a bird while driving. I guess I thought that birds had amazing spacial reasoning or something. I soon learned this was not the case and was left traumatized for the remainder of my drive to Snow College.

Since then I've heard some pretty good bird hitting experiences.

For example, Tara O. (I know I should say Tara C., but old habits die hard) saw a duck that was hit on Van Winkle. It flew strait up into the air and when it landed his poor webbed foot keep twitching.

This spring Melanie called me in a panic because she had hit a bird on her way home from practicing the organ and it was still alive. After laughing at her I took her some cardboard and gloves to rescue the bird while I videoed the endeavor. Melanie succeeded and the bird hopped off after she moved it off the road to the field.

Then there was this guy I knew that killed half of the birds his dad had in their backyard. Although I have to give it to him, he performed some pretty extraordinary measures. Extraordinary measures as in shoving a tube into the birds stomach to give it food. Sadly, no amount of tears could bring them back. Does it make me a horrible person that I couldn't help but laugh when I got a text that said something to the effect of "What did I do to cause these innocent creatures to suffer?" I mean, it's not like he did it on purpose and there is something called the circle of life.

Most recently my roommate hit a bird. She was reminded of this fact for the next few miles as feathers kept popping up and hitting her windshield. After 2 weeks she happened to see something hanging from her front bumper. Whatdayaknow...the bird decided to haunt her.

What is your bird story?

I just shared 5. You must have at least one.

sometimes it's the little things

2012-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

sometimes it's the little things in life that make your day...

like a copy machine that works without jamming

or new dry erase markers

or the lid to your roommates juicer finally coming in the mail

When I was in college...

2012-01-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

recently one of my roommates went back to school for the first time in 10 years.

after her first day of class she commented on how college is completely different now.

said conversation resulted in a walk down memory land reminiscing on the good OLD college days.

when I started college (12 years ago...ugh...I'm old):

iPods weren't invented, and forget about iPads

we saved things on floppy disks, boy did I love the bright colored ones

our apartment had a land line, we had an answering machine, we took messages for each other. we used calling cards

very few people had laptops and forget taking them to class to take notes on

no one really had cell phones

there was no blackboard or web ct

napster was still up and running

there was no youtube, i passed all my classes without watching tutoring videos on-line

we took notes in a notebook, not on a laptop, not on the notes we printed out from our professor

*for fear of making me feel really old I would just like to add that by the time I graduated from college the majority of the above points were no longer true.

One last look back

2012-01-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

Last night I read this talk by Elder Holland. To sum it up it Elder Holland talks about how we should learn from the past but have faith to move forward in the future.

I am a completely different person than I was a year ago.

Really, everything in my life seems new/different.

Here's my look back:

I moved to a new city and state.

I saved my pennies for a MacBook Pro.

I became a bit of a shoe and jean whore.

I said goodbye to the Maxima and said hello to a pretty Camry.

(with an amazing iPod adapter)

I made new friends.

I participated in my first 5K.

(notice I said "participated" not "ran")

My testimony that blessings come from regular temple attendance was increased.

I learned that everyone has agency.

I drove a tractor!

I've been able to get to know extended family better.

I went on a fabulous trip to Boston and Maine.

I learned not having to say "What if..." is a great feeling

I found the iPhone commercial to be true.

"If you don't have an iPhone, you don't have an iPhone."

I gave up a job that I adored and the amazing people I worked with.

I learned peace comes from following promptings, even if it is really hard.

Ultimately I learned the Lord knows best. As I look at the things that happened this year and the people they involved it is clear to me that the Lord is in control.

There you go.

That is the knowledge I am taking into 2012.

No looking back on the things that I would have changed, I'm looking forward.

Here we come 2012!

I hope you have more to offer me than going back to school on January 2nd and 2:00 church...not gonna lie, you're going to have to be pretty awesome to make up for the 2:00 church thing.

Best.Christmas.Present.Ever

2011-12-30T11:52:00.001-08:00

My roommate and I are slightly obsessed with zombies and the show The Walking Dead.

Seriously, we had a conversation about them one night in the hallway at 1 am.

Naturally she gave me a zombie kit for Christmas.

Pair it with the food storage I got from my parents and I am set for the zombie apocalypse.

Speaking of the zombie apocalypse did you know that the CDC has a website devoted to the zombie apocalypse. Awesome huh?

As for #9....

Everyone on The Walking Dead is hooking up.

Thus we have learned one must be prepared.

New goal...be able to use them before their expiration date.

To my future suitor

2011-12-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal, I have these friends that are pretty awesome.

Kent and Jess.

But really, how many married couples do you hang out with on a regular basis?

Case and point. Doesn't really happen very much.

Really, they are like family.

Let's be honest they like me more than some members of their family and vice versa.

And I'm one of Baby J's aunts...so yeah, family.

isn't he uh-dor-able?

You're probably thinking 'What do they have to do with me?'

Well, you're going to meet them at some point,

and to be perfectly honest you will need to make a good impression because I value their opinion.

Because of this I am going to give you a little bit of a heads up.

There are no boundaries with these two, especially as sleep deprived parents.

So...

you may be shown a birthing video

(not theirs, gross, they do have some boundaries),

they may tell you disgusting things about me

(none of which are true...well the efy prank one is but if Kent's mom still likes me after hearing the story I think we're probably good),

but these are all part of what makes them so great.

(If you think I'm joking about any of this including the video I assure you I am not for I have witnessed member of the friend group bringing a new guy over....lucky for you I am warning you first.)

So just go with it.

It's amazing what 52 times will do

2011-12-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

New Year's Resolutions are tricky business.

It seems like I can never accomplish one.

Really, has anyone? I want to hear if you have.

In efforts to curb my long standing failure of resolutions I decided to set small goals each month in multiple areas.

FAIL.

Fail 12 times to be exact.

But don't you worry I wasn't a complete failure.

Despite failing in every other area, in January I set a goal to attend the temple once a week.

And whatdoyaknow I did it

and it was wonderful.

So I decided to do it again in February and then March and April and May. Then I decided it should be for the rest of the year, after all I'd come so far.

Well, I must confess...

I missed a week in February and September but instead of thinking of it as a goal train wreck I thought of it as a mere hiccup. So I made them up along with the weeks the Mesa temple was closed.

Hiccups are much easier to handle than train wrecks.

Today I went to the temple for my 52nd time this year.

(it may have been my 53rd...I can't remember)

It was uh-maze-ing.

Not only did I have an amazing feeling of accomplishment but I was able to do baptisms with some family names, including one of my aunts.

Best feeling ever.

I can't think of a better way to end the year and finish my goal.

As I sat waiting in the temple a couple weeks ago I pondered on the blessings from this goal. At first I couldn't think of anything awesome. Then I realized that few blessings are BIG blessings (not that I would mind a big blessing such as a husband...just being honest) but more often they are small. It was then that I realized how blessed I really was. Sitting in the temple I was able to remember specific answers to prayers, promptings, conversations with friends that were exactly what I needed at that specific time. And let's be honest, I would not have survived this year without the peace the temple brings to my life. There is power in the temple and covenants made in the temple.

Here's to 52 next year too!

just dance

2011-12-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Jess graduated from ASU on Friday. She's kinda awesome like that.

best.graduation.ever.

45 minutes.

Lady Gaga.

Balloon Drop.

(plus it was a great excuse to take a day off of work)

I kinda want to get a Master's Degree just for the balloon drop.

What makes Saturday's awesome!

2011-12-18T00:08:00.000-08:00

yes, we tested it out

What do a triangle curling iron, an Anne Frank action figure, Girl Talk, Jack Black on a boat, a sombrero and a Christmas cats pillow have in common?

fyi...all of these random action figures are becoming "side kicks" to help my kids on tests

Thrifting.

(or as auto correct will call it....thrusting)

Half-off Saturday at Goodwill to be exact.

So many treasures to be found.

a collection of thoughts

2011-12-11T01:02:00.001-08:00

1. I thought you would want an update on my search for freebies/good deals...

Yes, I did get 3 free meals from Zupas. I even stepped out of the box and got something new.
I found not 1 but 2 pairs of TOMS for $19 a pair at Last Chance. Amazing!
I watched New Year's Eve for FREE.
Kellie and I used her awesome student discount at California Pizza Kitchen.
I got half off at Mojo (frozen yogurt)...courtesy of Twitter.
I attended FREE Shaved Ice Day at Bahama Bucks.
I won free juice (at least that's what I think it was) via Twitter.

2. I discovered dry shampoo. I highly recommend Big Sexy Hair's. Now I get to sleep a little later in the morning!

3.     I wonder what made December 10th such a popular engagement day. I got not one, or two....but THREE texts announcing engagements. (ok, I found out about one on facebook.) Either way 3 seems a little excessive in my opinion. If there's going to be so many couldn't they have waited until the 5th day of Christmas...you know 5 golden rings?

4. I had to have some wood cut at Home Depot to make a gift for my mom (said gift is the reason I am still awake at 2:00 in the morning). I wasn't sure if they would do it for me so I made sure to put lip gloss on. I walked out with wood cut. I'm attributing it to the lip gloss (although the person in front of me had on hideous overalls).

5.      I usually don't listen to the radio on the way to work but one day this week it captured my attention. The topic of conversation was 'The Worst Christmas Songs.' I was terribly disappointed that I got to work before "Christmas Shoes" was said. Let's face it..."Christmas Shoes" is the worst Christmas song ever made. It is definitely worse than the donkey song that they were discussing on the radio.

6.      There is something about winter that makes me crave vanilla ice cream cones. Doesn't make any sense to me but I may have had 3 in a 2 day period. One of which was before school.

7.      I am full of hilarious ideas. Most of which cannot be told to the world wide web. Let's just say one involves the combination of photoshop, a muppet, and a Christmas card.   If you are lucky enough to figure that one out it's hilarious.

8.      I'm done rambling. I am going to bed.

A week of free!

2011-12-01T22:19:00.001-08:00

Remember how I love freebies!?

My friend Kellie is social media queen and is up to date on awesome places to get freebies. Like VS Pink events at ASU. No one goes which means you are pretty much guaranteed a prize.

Kellie, Brittani and I went to one such event on Tuesday and we all won! Well, actually I won twice, as in 2 identical shirts...Merry Christmas Jess! Not to mention all the free stuff we got for just showing up...which includes FREE tickets to the movie New Year's Eve.

Plus....tonight Kellie and I hit up the new Zupas location in Phoenix. The fact that Zupas was not in Arizona was totally on my "Con List" for Arizona when I was making my decision to move. Apparently I was blessed for making the right choice because Zupas is holding a Pre-Opening Party this weekend which includes a FREE MEAL! And by FREE MEAL I mean a meal AND a drink and a dessert (Have you seen their desserts? Uh-maze-ing!). Words cannot describe the happiness I felt...all is right in the world...there is a Zupas in Arizona.

I may or may not be wearing my glasses a disguise so they won't recognize me when I go back tomorrow with Kellie and Kent and Jess. Don't judge. Have you had Zupas before?

Now, if I only would have thought quicker and invited the cool guy we met at Institute to partake of Zupas with us on Saturday. Yes, we did in fact make 3 reservations under 3 names. Again, don't judge.

why are jalapenos so tempting?

2011-11-28T13:20:00.001-08:00

Why you would serve a side of jalapenos to elementary school students on nacho day is beyond me.

Except I teach in the ghetto...that could be why.

Sides of jalapeno result in 3rd graders daring each other to eat them.

Today I thought I was safe, the typical jalapeno eater was absent.

Oh, but don't you worry...another student stepped up to the plate.

This student decided it would be a great idea to drink a ton of water right before eating her jalapenos.

Tons of water and jalapenos = projectile vomit.

Multiple times.

Projectile vomit multiple times = other student dry heaving.

Projectile vomit multiple times also equals student throwing up on himself while throwing away his lunch.

Chain reaction of vomit = me contemplating a career change.

the best dollar I have ever spent

2011-11-27T18:26:00.001-08:00

While roaming Joann's I found a mold for a chocolate rat.

For a dollar!

How awesome...a chocolate rat...everyone needs a mold for a chocolate rat...and it was a dollar!

I had grand ideas for Halloween but sadly they never happened.

With all of the baby shower preparations (aka chocolate mustaches) it was the perfect time bust out the rat mold.

Meet Templeton.

As the night of baby shower cooking went on and on and the slap happiness set in we made Splinter.

Meet Splinter complete with strawberry jam guts.

Best dollar ever spent.

mustache bash

2011-11-21T19:47:00.001-08:00

A few months ago I came across this super cute baby shower idea on Pinterest and fell in love. Lucky for me Kent and Jess are having a little boy, naturally I volunteered to throw a shower and the pinning began.

kellie, jess, me

the spread

oreo truffles, chocolate mustaches, cupcakes, white chocolate citrus cookies, chocolate chip cookies, homemade oreos, chicken ceasar pasta salad, and broccoli salad

games

we played "how much is in the 'stache" (guess how much candy is in the bottle), "guess the mustache" and last but not least, the game where you freeze a tiny baby in an ice cube try and guests race to melt the ice to free the baby

(? is that how I should say it, sounds a little morbid now that I type it)

jess and jameson with their mustaches

favors

I made mustache glasses using the new Martha Stewart paint and a stencil..they were a hit!

Special thanks to Kellie. I could not have done it without her! She happily went along with all of my crazy ideas and spent hours fixing mustaches on glasses, making chocolate mustaches, calming me down when the cookies didn't turn out the way they usually do, etc, etc, etc.

Here are all of my files from the shower...feel free to steal if you want them!

Word.

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

their, they're, there

to, two, too.

every girl

2011-11-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Every girl needs a friend who works at Nordstrom in Women's Shoes that allows you to play dress up in expensive shoes.

and this was just in the shoe department...you should have seen the dressing room

Ever girl needs a friend that pulls clothes for them and lets them try them on in the "Personal Stylist" dressing room.

Every girl needs a friend that says "Have you lost weight?"

Every girl needs unlimited funds for shopping.

I have 3 out of 4.

I always wanted sisters...

2011-11-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Having a 1st grader call me Miss Besch has become quite common.

Apparently I now work with my long lost sister who happens to have a real life twin.

We decided to have a little fun with it for Halloween.

What do you think? Can we pass as triplets?

The Frizz

2011-11-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

I have a dream to have one of my crafty endeavors pinned on Pinterest.

I thought my Miss Frizzle costume was the ticket. However, thanks to the flash it appears that my dress has two shades of purple.

so.not.pinterest.worthy.

pinterest fail

(don't even think about pinning it just to make me feel better)

Don't worry, I think it's awesome...

even if some people had deprived childhoods and don't know who Miss Frizzle is and confuse me for Mother Nature.

Stay tuned for a Pinterest worthy post, it may or may not have something to do with the reason I was able to get Kent and Jess to help me cut out dinosaurs, trees, spaceships, etc.

Fat Smacked!

2011-10-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

If these aren't the ~~grossest~~ coolest ads to be found on the Boston T then I give up.

Speaking of being fat smacked...Boston totally fat smacked me.

With foods like cannoli's from Mike's Pastries, baked brie, whoopie pies, Italian grilled cheese and mac and cheese, yellow curry, cookies from Paradise, pizza, nachos, authentic Italian pasta, and the need for a "treat" after every meal my pants are definitely tighter than when I left.

it's another efy miracle

2011-10-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

I recently went on a fabulous trip to Boston and Maine.

Our first night in Boston I had quite the experience on the T.

You see my suitcase weighed 49 lbs and as we were navigating our way to the hotel using the T we switched to the green line.

I hate the green line.

The green line has 3 stairs up to the seats.

Stairs + a 49 lb. suitcase + Erin are not a good combination.

A hilarious combination but not a good combination.

The moment the doors opened I knew it was going to be a problem. So what did I do? Started laughing which caused more of a problem. You can't lift 49 lbs. while dying of laughter. And what did the other people on the train do? Laugh...although one guy did eventually help me.

The above story deserved a facebook status, so it got one.

Said facebook status created an efy miracle.

One of my former participants is Miss Smarty Pants and decided to just apply to MIT, and whatdayaknow she got in. Seeing my status she commented offering a tour of MIT and we scheduled a time later in the week.

In the mean time another one of my participants also happens to be in Boston attending Northeastern sent me a message that broke my efy counselor heart.

I wanted to call and change my flight right then and there. Then I thought there can't be too many singles wards in Boston maybe both participants would be in the same ward.

During my tour of MIT from Miss Smarty Pants I told her the story. As luck would have it they really are in the same ward and she assured me that they would find her and get her to church on Sunday.

Boy I love those efy miracles...especially when they happen years later! Heavenly Father truly is in the details of our life!

P.S. Although I haven't heard how the story ended...but I did just do a little facebook stalking and they are now friends:)

it's official...

2011-10-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

1. This post should have been written over a month ago.

2. This is the year I start to lie about my age.

3. I LOVE birthday freebies!

that's right all of this goodness was absolutely free!

4. I love birthday freebies so much that when my alternator went out on my car the day before my birthday I rented a car so I wouldn't miss out on any of them.

i got skillz

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

You know those "get to know" spotlight papers you fill out in as a Primary teacher that are used to make you feel special on your birthday?

I always told my mom she should say that she had nunchucking skillz when it asked for talents. I'm so funny.

While I may not have nunchucking skillz (which for the record my mom doesn't have either), I have smell skillz.

Every week after institute a dinner of sorts is served. Tonight I sat in institute overwhelmed by the smell of dinner as I tried to figure out what would be served. Then it came to me...fried chicken. A few minutes later my smell skillz added potato wedges to the list.

After being spiritually fed from the words of Isaiah we made our way into the gym....

only to find...

fried chicken and potato wedges!

I got skillz.

Enjoying the Candy Bars of Life

2011-09-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Aren't the oompa loompas from the school play last year so cute!

Saturday, during the Relief Society Broadcast, President Uchtdorf gave an amazing talk. From what I can tell every woman who watched it is confident he was speaking to them.

He talked about 5 forget-me-nots, things we should not forget. One was not to forget to be happy now. He related this counsel to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. The characters in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory were so concerned with obtaining a golden ticket that they forgot to enjoy the candy bars that had once had been happy with.

Of course I have my "golden tickets." I want an eternal marriage and to be a mother and stay home with my children. I want this with all my heart. (I want it even more today after one of my students opened his backpack only to find that his little brother had put cat poop in it. SICK!) There are many young single adults that feel this way. It's not a bad thing, just like President Uchdorf said we should have goals and we should have hope. But I realized that I need to enjoy the candy bars of life more often...and after all if we don't enjoy the candy bars how we will we ever find our golden ticket?

Here are some of the candy bars that I am currently enjoying....

good friends that tell me like it is, even if I don't want to hear it
Nutella hot chocolate
the anticipation of 3 little babies that are coming in the next 6 months
knowledge that I am where I should be
an amazing institute class
the temple
a trip to New England in 10 days!
people that make me laugh
the way BYU played in the BYU vs. Utah game this year
planning a "mustache" baby shower
making new friends
living close to awesome cousins
fabulous new shoes
notes written by students

I've been waitin' all my life for this...

2011-09-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

okay,

not really...(but I do love the HSM reference I just used)

Last week (as far as I am aware) was the first time my name has been found written on a bathroom stall.

When our secretary came to show it to me I couldn't help but wonder what it said. However, I was kind of disappointed in what I found, I expected it to be much cooler. Written on the wall was "Beth," "Ms. Willy" and "Shut up girl." It appears someone just liked writing on the wall.

Needless to say my girls did not go out to recess...and won't be going until I get the truth.

But what did I do when I wasn't in front of my kids? Laughed and took a picture.

like candy

2011-09-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

It's lunchtime at school. My students have had a few issues (post to come) and someone is not fessing up to the deed so their heads are down.

I'm disappointed...but life is good.

I'm enjoying a Fage Greek Yogurt.

A couple months ago I started my search for the best greek yogurt. I sampled many a brand. I thought I had found the best. I thought wrong.

Jess and Kellie win the prize for introducing me to the rich, creamy goodness.

Fry's also wins a prize for their 10 for $10 deal this week.

The Family Proclamation

2011-09-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'm a teacher. I'm going on my 6th year working in the education field. I know there are problems with the education system and know that it can be improved.

Yet I do not think any amount of money will "fix" the problem.

I've seen 3rd graders who are responsible for getting themselves to school. I've seen children respond to conflict by hitting and yelling because that is what they see at home. My heart breaks for children who only eat what is served to them at school. I've watched the heartbreak as a student tells you that their parent was arrested and put in jail the night before. I've seen the students miss school because they had to go to a parole hearing with their parent. I've seen students blatantly disrespect adults. I've seen students struggle through abusive parents and homelessness. I've had many students fall asleep in class because they don't have a bed time.

How are these students supposed to learn?

Don't get me wrong, I try my hardest. But if you were put in one of their situations would you be able to focus on math when your stomach was growling because you didn't eat dinner the night before?

It is my opinion that the "education problem" facing our country transcends to a "societal problem."

The Family Proclamation states:

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

Can you imagine what a difference it would make if every parent followed this counsel? Can you imagine the potential of children that had all of their needs met? Can you imagine how different the world would be?

I gave in to my loyal readers...

2011-09-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Remember the blog about my 3rd grade love?

To be perfectly honest I wasn't going to write back...but you all persuaded me to do otherwise.

Yeah, I admit it, I can be a pushover.

Here you go...

My thoughts...

When I was 8 what screamed "I'm going to get married young and have 8 kids?"
Meeting up with him...AWKWARD.

Love

2011-09-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

source

I love the lightening.

I love the downpour.

I love the smell.

I {heart} Arizona monsoons!

P.S. I love that as I type I can hear thunder.

What the FREAK!

2011-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

We're going to take a scroll down memory lane...all the way to 3rd grade.

The background: First, my dad was in the Army when I was younger and from 1st-4th grade we lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. Second, I have always been pretty obedient. My mom never really had to punish me when I was little because the punishment could never compare to how hard I was on myself. Third, from a young age we, as members of the church, are taught to wait to date until we are 16 years old.

Now the story...

There was this little boy in my 3rd grade class that had a crush on me.
Everyday he would wrap up the treat from his lunch in his napkin and give it to me.
I always felt so guilty...I was never going to agree to be his girlfriend because I had been taught not to date until I was 16 (remember how I was an obedient child?).
I was horrified the day when he found a ring on the playground and wrapped it in his napkin and gave it to me.
I hurried home and hid it...so ashamed.
I had anxiety over what I should do.
I don't remember how I solved that problem, but I do remember a few weeks later my best friend was the boy's "girlfriend" and it made me laugh.

Flash forward....

Thanks to facebook this conversation happened:

What the freak!

It would be one thing if we had a mutual friend, or he had explained himself by saying he happened on to a class picture. But "you have been an unforgettable part of my life" and "Ever since I left Alaska I have always wondered if you were doing okay."

What the freak!

Great minds think alike...

2011-08-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Remember how I recently bought a couple pair of shoes?

Well, my roommate, Chelsea, loved them too. A couple days later she informed me she had bought a pair of TOMS in the same color. No big deal (to be perfectly honest I bought the same ones my cousin did).

Then at FHE I noticed she also had the pair of flip flops I had bought but in a different color. I joked around with her that she should just come with me the next time I go shoe shopping since she will end up buying them anyway.

But the similarities weren’t just with our taste of shoes….

One day we both awoke early in the morning with charlie horses in the same leg.

Last Sunday I came upstairs after changing out of my church clothes. I was wearing white capris with a grey shirt….she was wearing white capris with a black shirt.

Friday I changed to go to the gym with her. We were both wearing black capris and pink tops (when we got to the gym we realized we weren’t the only ones either).

After the gym we came home and showered before heading to a friend’s house. I came upstairs wearing black basketball shorts and a teal shirt. She was wearing black basketball shorts and a blue/green tie-dyed shirt.

Weird, right?

I've changed but the weather hasn't

2011-08-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

I’ve lived in Arizona for 8 weeks now. Sometimes it seems unreal to me that I actually moved.

Just before I left Utah a friend commented that there’s a point when you finally feel like you have adapted to your new environment. One day you realize it has happened.

The past week I had my moment. While there are still things that I encounter that “pop my Utah bubble” I feel like I have acclimated to Arizona.

I run into people I know. Someone told me they saw me driving on the freeway. My dependency on Navigation has decreased. I have my weekly routine figured out. I’ve formed new friendships with a variety of people. I’m learning the best places to go for certain items. I understand the freeway system (at least the parts in my area). I’m planning trips with new friends. The list could go on and on…

Pretty much, my Arizona life is good.

175 more days...

2011-08-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

...the teacher in the classroom next door informed me of that at the end of the day. I always forget how tired I am the first weeks of school. I'm considering it a miracle that I was able to safely drive home.

I was pleasantly surprised when I met my new class. I've never had such a diverse population of students. Not to sound racist or anything but I didn't realize I could enjoy such a diverse population as much as I have this week.

My first day as a 3rd grade teacher.

My favorite moments of the week:

We were working on an "all about me" project. They were supposed to write something that made them unique. One of my girls thought about it for a minute and replied with "I have blonde hair." I looked around the class and realized how true her statement was.

One of my boys told me he likes my "Keep Calm and Teach On" print.

During DOL this morning they were able to explain to me the proper ways to use their, there, they're, your, you're, are, our and 's. Rocked my world! I told them they were smarter than a lot of college graduates.

On Tuesday I read my class this book...

The gist of the book is that we all have invisible buckets that affect how we feel. When our bucket is full it makes us want to fill others buckets, when our bucket is empty it makes us want to dip out of others buckets. We are either bucket fillers or bucket dippers. My class can write nice notes to each other to fill their "buckets."

Today was the day when I handed out the notes that had accumulated in their "buckets." I had a little boy come up to me after he had read his notes and said, "That is the first time someone has told me I am smart."

My heart melted on the spot.

P.S. I am still adjusting to the fact that I am no longer working in Jordan School District/Utah. The school was only allowed to buy dinner on Parent Teacher Conference nights. For the past 3 weeks (minus 3 days) the school has provided lunch for us. I swear I have gained 10 lbs. Today to "celebrate" making it through the first week and moving into our new building we went out to lunch at a ghetto Mexican restaurant. The principal was more than willing to purchase drinks for everyone which led to fabulous drinking stories of my co-workers. I'm like the blonde girl in my class...

Yo...this is a story all about how my life got switched turned upside down

2011-08-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling like my life is 180 degrees different from what is was ~~a year~~ three months ago.

Different state.

New roommates.

New ward.

New calling (if you can call RS Housing Coordinator a calling).

When a temple is closed the closest one is 3 hours away.

New school.

New grade to teach.

New personalities of co-workers.

Co-workers with different standards.

No longer need a snow scraper, instead I need the window visors (is that what you call them?).

New demographics of the school I teach.

No document camera in my classroom (yet).

Everything that was strict at Bluffdale is lax at my new school and vica versa.

New climate.

New friends.

Higher price to pay at the movie theater.

My new school can actually buy us lunch.

My whiteboard isn't magnetic.

I don't have a kidney table in my classroom.

the list could go on and on.

Not gonna lie...it was hard. And it still is a little.

However it is beginning to feel like things are falling into place with my new Arizona life and that makes me happy.

Although I still hate being asked why I moved. I have no idea besides the fact that the spirit told me to. Which P.S. apparently has happened to quite a few people that live here. I haven't quite figured that one out.

(I think it is funny that I label things "Arizona." Does this mean I should label old posts "Utah?")

Blessed

2011-08-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

If I could sum up my week with one song it would be this:

(minus hearing my children or seeing my husband…because you know, I don’t have any children or a husband. You get the idea though.)

Here is why:

I had a fabulous visit with Dave and Amanda and crew Sunday night. Their awesome neighbor even helped fix my car or so we thought. (I just have to add that I felt like I was back at Bluffdale as they just got an iMac and I gave a quick overview of it’s amazingness complete with a session of PhotoBooth.)

Monday my car broke down as you read in a previous post. I was so impressed with the responses I received when I sent a text out asking for info on who could help fix it. (If you need the number of a mechanic I have 3 now.) Even people I hadn’t talked to in months offered advice.

Despite my cursing of FHE earlier in the day I went and low and behold a guy in my ward offered his help. Steve spent a couple hours Monday night as well as Tuesday trying his hardest to replace my alternator. Come to find out he doesn’t have a ton of experience with cars but his parents are both mechanics so he turns to them for direction on what to do. How amazing is it that he was willing to help even though it was something he wasn’t comfortable with? (I could make a gospel analogy right here but I will refrain.) When a nut proved no match for our amateur car skills Steve called his mechanic and got me hooked up.

Tuesday as we were in the Carl’s Jr. parking lot working on my car a couple came to see if we needed help. The guy helped Steve for a bit. It appeared like things were going well and the new alternator would be installed in no time. I had left my new alternator in my roommate’s car and she was still at work so the girl took me to go buy a new one. How awesome is it that random strangers would offer to help?

I was without a car on Tuesday and Wednesday. I had roughly worked out a ride to work but needed a ride home. I texted a girl I work with for a ride home and not only was she willing to take me home but she offered to pick me up as well which made things so much easier on me. I’m not exactly sure where she lives but I’m know it was out of her way to pick me up. Blessed.

I went to the temple on Wednesday. I feel so blessed to live close to a temple. It always amazes me how the worries of life seem to melt away after attending.

The school I work at just built a new building. Move in day is Saturday. School starts Monday. I happen to be one of a handful of teachers getting new furniture. Luckily TJ (one of my old co-counselors from EFY) is awesome and is going to help me assemble it.

Like I said, I am blessed.

Ghetto Superstar

2011-08-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

You know you teach in ~~South Phoenix~~ the ghetto when there are gunshot holes in the school bus.

Wish me luck.

The day I called Monday

2011-08-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Missed my exit on the way to work. Boo.

Reigned in the other 3^rd grade teacher’s ADD and was actually somewhat productive. Yeah!

Lunch with Brianna (a new co-worker I adore) complete with a side of facebook/blog stalking. Yeah!

Walmart for school supplies. Eh.

Running more errands when car decides to die. Boo.

Due to the fact I JUST replaced my battery (thanks to my cousin’s awesome neighbor) I diagnosed the problem to be my alternator. Boo. But Yeah me for my car smarts!

Realize my mechanic/brother is in Utah. Boo!

Awesome roommate Chelsea picks me up. Yeah!

Send out a mass text to awesome AZ peeps and get many a response. * Yeah!

Chelsea and I curse FHE/our lives/being single as we attempt to fill 100 water balloons for FHE. At the end we had 40 and were soaked. Not to mention hating life. Boo.

Out of desperation I declared that I should be blessed for filling up the dang water balloons. Soon to be Yeah!

Get a text from my favorite spouse of a friend offering her dad’s help if I can hold out till Wednesday. Yeah for an option!

Phone call from a friend informing me of the attractive men in the Scottsdale Nordstrom shoe department. Boo said friend did not find her husband despite the hotness she encountered.

Accompany Chelsea to FHE. My car problems are mentioned in passing. AWESOME GUY offers to FIX MY CAR! Yeah for nice guys! Yeah for the blessings from filling up water balloons and getting soaked.

Auto Zone has my part. Yeah! Boo for all the money I have spent on my car this summer.

Awesome guy starts fixing my car. Yeah!

We realize it will take quite a while to fix and decide to reconvene the following evening. Yeah for awesome guy being willing to help 2 days in a row.

Text co-worker for a ride home. She offers a ride to work as well. Yeah! Love her.

Lesson Learned: Don’t be hatin’ on FHE.

*Favorite textersation from the evening:

{JP (awesome wife of KP) and myself}

Me: Do you know anyone good with cars? Apparently I need a new alternator.

JP: Umm, I used to know how to change an alternator but it’s been a long time. Do you need your car by tomorrow?

Me: Umm, I am way impressed by that statement…I would hope to have a car tomorrow but I’m not knowing if that is an option at this point.

JP: I’ll ask around and see if I can find someone.

Me: Awesome, thanks!

JP: Hey Erin, I know you need your car fixed asap but my dad is coming down Wednesday and can fix it if you haven’t had any luck by then.

Me: Awesome, I’ll let you know. You are the best…seriously, did KP pass along the message that you are my favorite spouse of a friend? Cause you are.

JP: He tries to get me from getting a big head like him haha but thanks!

{KP and myself}

KP: I’m sorry I don’t.

Me: Lol…and yes you do know someone…your father in law that is coming into town on Wednesday. Yet another reason JP is my favorite.

{JP and myself}

JP: I just wanted to make sure you knew you’ll most likely have to buy a new alternator but have someone replace it.

Me: Yeah. I think I just found someone at FHE. I laughed when KP texted me saying he didn’t know anyone.

JP: I don’t think he knows my dad that well…and in his defense my dad lives three hours away. It even took me awhile to put two and two together but I’m glad you found someone sooner.

Me: Lol. I got a good laugh. Yeah, I suppose I shouldn’t hate FHE too much anymore.

Some things just don't mix

2011-08-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Remember how I now work at a school that focuses on sports? Well, I do. And yes, you may laugh at that fact....I still do.

My 3rd graders will have "workout" twice a week. The coaching staff decided that we, as teachers, needed to experience what the students do. Today working out was on the agenda.

All I can say is that I already think my kids are amazing! It was tough and intense and constant and lasted 3 hours. We were literally dripping sweat on the floor. I am confident I won't be able to walk tomorrow.

Needless to say I looked pretty gross when I left work.

I should have gone strait home and immediately jumped in the shower but I've had my eye on a pair of TOMS for quite awhile now. I happened to check Google Latitude before I left and noticed my friend was working at Nordstrom at the time and decided today was the day to buy them. I decided to treat myself to a pair as an "I found a job" present.

Now, remember how I looked?

GROSS!

So I walk into Nordstrom and spotted KP, unfortunately he was already ~~using his flirting skills to sell shoes even though he is married~~ helping a customer. So I wandered around for awhile. NO ONE else asked if I need help!

Let that be a lesson to you all...if you want service, don't look gross.

Luckily KP is a great friend and found me my shoes and even let me try on the expensive shoes for fun. Let's be honest, I let him play dress up on my feet.

Just to clarify, this post is not to tell you that I hate Nordstroms and will never shop there again. (I love the shoes I just bought and am seriously contemplating another pair that I tried on.) I just found it funny...and let's be honest I wouldn't have approached me either.

Random thoughts:

I hear Nordstroms' shoe department in Scottsdale has more than just shoes (if you catch my drift) and you better believe I will look my best when I walk in those doors.

Also, did you know that the employees in the shoe department have their own cards? Even better their job title is "Certified Shoe Fitter."

I'm not in Kansas anymore

2011-08-02T23:36:00.000-07:00

I left my world of being the majority and am now a minority. I don't work with upper middle class white kids anymore. I now work with a mostly hispanic population in a Title 1 school. The majority of my coworkers aren't LDS, in fact I am fairly confident I am the only one. I can't communicate with all of my parents in the same language. I can't pronounce half my student's names. I'm no longer working with the little kids (really, I haven't wrapped my head around thinking like a 3rd grade teacher yet). I have coworkers that live with their boyfriends, smoke a pack a day, and can't wait to get home to drink a beer. I'm no longer one of the few people at my school that isn't married. My students eat lunch in my room (yes, this means no lunch break for me). I'm not in ~~Kansas~~ Utah anymore.

Don't get me wrong, I am excited for this new opportunity. It's just different.

I won't be taping my ruby slippers together anytime soon.

P.S. I think I met my favorite student today at Open House. He chatted my ear off, is super excited (especially for Fun Friday's) and came back 20 minutes after I met him to take my picture even though I was a sweaty mess. So cute.

I don't have an excuse

2011-08-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure if you were to walk into a house on a Monday night where a group of girls live you would find a certain guilty pleasure show being watched.

Yes, I watch The Bachelorette and I may or may not be excited to watch Bachelor Pad.

It's funny, I am okay not watching a season if I didn't start it but if I watch that first episode I am in for the long haul.

Enough about that. ABC's choice in Monday night programming is slightly funny. From 7-9 you watch a boring skinny girl try to find love on The Bachelorette. From 9-10 you see massively obese people trying to lose weight on Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

Now, I typically don't watch weight loss shows (Biggest Loser) but since it is on right after The Bachelorette my roommate, Chelsea, and I get sucked in. Seriously, it is amazing to watch 400+ pound people do things that I can't even do (or at least have never attempted).

I am in love with Chris Powell, the trainer. Not only is he some sweet eye-candy but he genuinely cares. He is so excited for them when they reach a goal! He gets worried about them if they aren't checking in. He knows all the right things to say to push them to keep going. He wants them to succeed. Really, take this for example...(go to 42:45), he'll have you going to. All we could say to that was "We don't have excuses."

Last week Chelsea and I may have spent a good half hour tonight googling Chris to find out more. Turns out he lives in Arizona. Another case and point of why I moved to Arizona. Arizona=cool reality TV starts, Utah=crazy reality TV stars.

Exploring

2011-07-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

It's kinda fun exploring a new city, figuring out where things are, and learning how to not depend on Navigation. Seriously, I am so proud of myself when I find places without it, or when I am able to navigate my way home without using it. (By the way, I love my phone. How did people ever move to new cities/states without an awesome phone to guide them around?)

With the help of family and friends I have found some awesome places....

Superstition Ranch Market

Cheapest produce ever! I've learned that I feel better when I eat produce but I always hated buying it. I (being one person) could never finish it before it went bad and since typically produce is so expensive I hated spending money on something that I knew would most likely go bad. But now I don't mind if I don't get around to eating my 25 cent cantaloupe, 20 cent cucumber, 15 cent red pepper, 50 cent lettuce, or my 33 cent strawberries.

SAS Fabrics

Although I get the feeling this store is hit and miss you can definitely find some great deals! I bought fabric for 3 skirts and my total was $11. Awesome. The same knit I saw at Joann's for $10/yard was $2-3/yard at SAS. And holy lace selection. I have a feeling I may become obsessed with this store.

Alpine Bakery

You can find day old loafs of good bread for 50 cents! The only drawback to this place is their hours...especially now that I have a job.

I'm also super excited to check out Treasures for Teachers. I hear you get a bag and can fill it for $5 and that there is also an amazing free section. Stay tuned.

Social Media

2011-07-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

I learned something today. Social media can actually lead to real life friends.

Let me explain.

Last night this was posted on my facebook wall:

I decided it had been way too long since I had talked to Emily so I gave her a ring and we had a great life chat. She told me I should be friends with her friend Katie that also lives in Arizona.

So she posted this on twitter:

This morning I received a facebook friend request from Katie resulting in the following comments on Emily's initial wall post:

This evening I was invited to a get-together-of-sorts at Paradise Bakery. It was one of those events where one person plans it and the text just keeps getting forwarded.

That is when I knew this cyber friendship was meant to be a real life friendship.

That's right, there was Katie in true human form.

The miracle of social media.

1 Nephi 3:7

2011-07-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

For the past few months I have been pretty OCD about checking websites for education jobs. I don't even know how many jobs I applied for. No clue.

I'll be honest, I did get discouraged. Many schools in Arizona start towards the beginning of August so I knew the window was starting to close.

A week and a half ago I was offered an aide position but ultimately declined it. It was crap pay and no benefits. It felt so right to decline it even though I really didn't have another option.

Last Thursday I interviewed at two charter schools. The schools as well as the interviews were polar opposite.

The first school I interviewed at focuses on testing. I interviewed for about 45 minutes and things went really well but they wanted to check my references before offering a job. There were a few housekeeping details that I wasn't a fan of...but I knew it could work. Once I knew my references were checked I knew a job offer was coming...so I ignored the phone call because I wasn't ready to make the decision on Friday.

The next school focuses on sports and the discipline needed to be successful in sports as well as academics. I interviewed for 5 minutes. I was so shocked wondering how one school could love me and not even 15 minutes later have another one be done with me in 5 minutes. Honestly, I found it hilarious. Yet on Friday I got a phone call telling me that they had filled the Kindergarten position that I had applied for but they had a 3rd or 1st grade opening and asked me to come back this morning to meet with the principal.

I put off the "testing" school until I had met with the "sports" school. I feel in love with the "sports" school after chatting with the principal for about an hour. Plus the pay is more and I get 10 sick/personal/vacation days (pretty much whatever I need them to be...love that they do it this way).

Much to my excitement the "sports" school called and offered me a 3rd grade position. Although 3rd grade is new to me I am excited! I was even more sold on the idea when they told me I would have a SmartBoard and document camera (something the other school didn't have...they still have overhead projectors).

So, to all of those nay sayers that told me it was dumb to quit my job before having another job lined up I say "o ye of little faith."

It is amazing how things work out and how the Lord does provide a way for you to accomplish the things He asks you to. Really, I feel so blessed and my testimony of faith and trusting in the Lord has increased.

In my book

2011-07-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Call me old fashioned but I am a lover of books in their true book form.

Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to technology and the wonderful inventions that make it possible to have an endless amount of reading material in the palm of your hand. I actually find it quite convenient...for example, I forgot my Gospel Principles manual last week in Relief Society...no big deal... I had my phone with the Gospel Library app. Want to read something more worthwhile than trashy magazines while getting a pedicure? Read a book on your phone. Going on a trip? Just take your Kindle/Nook/etc. to make packing simple. I learned this the hard way when reading the Hunger Games series...it's no fun when you are dying to find out what happens in the next book and it is in your checked luggage. Like I said, I'm not opposed to technology that puts and infinite amount of reading material right in front of you.

However, maybe it's the teacher in me, but I love seeing a well loved book.

I love that my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows has tear marks on the pages where Harry's dead loved ones are with him in the forest.

I love reading a book with silly voices (I especially love my Junie B. Jones voice) to a class of students and showing them the pictures.

I love having my niece/nephew/nicins/nephins* sit on my lap as I read them a story.

I love watching my students excited over checking out books from the library.

I love the fact that I currently have 8 bins full of my school books waiting for a home in a classroom...ok, maybe I don't love that they are currently in my room, but boy do I love the books inside of those bins.

And book orders...I heart book orders. Don't you remember being so excited to order a book when you were younger?

I love the random treasures that you happen on to when re-reading a book (boarding passes, ticket stubs, notes, random phone numbers, children's drawings, to-do lists, etc.)

I love when the gold fades from the page edges of my scriptures.

I love when the cover of my conference issue of the Ensign falls off.

I love coming across scriptures that are marked or thoughts/impressions/understandings I have written in the columns of my scriptures.

I love writing new thoughts/impressions/understandings in my scriptures/Ensign.

Even more special is when I come across tear marks in my Ensign or scriptures. I know when I find those water damaged pages that the spirit truly spoke to me.

So go ahead, call me old fashioned, but I sure hope the phrase "in my book" is around for quite awhile.

My niece at 4 months already loving books. I just have to add that currently (at the end of 2nd grade) she is reading above grade level.

*I'm close to several of my cousins that have kids. I don't like the way "first cousins once removed" sounds, they seem more like my nieces and nephews. So my cousin Caroline and I made up our own words to describe the relationship.

My collection

2011-07-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

I may or may not have a collection of Yogurtland spoons. It is not uncommon to find 5-10 green or pink spoons in my purse at any given time. Not that I go to Yogurtland that much or don't ever clean out my purse. Ok, maybe it is a combination of that and the fact they are the perfect yogurt spoon and I typically eat my breakfast (yogurt) in the car on the way to work.

So imagine my excitement a couple months ago when they were celebrating something (I think their anniversary, but who knows) and I got a PURPLE spoon. Melanie was so jealous...let's be honest she coveted it.

Today I stopped by Yogurtland on the way home from an interview (cross your fingers) and what to my wondering eyes did appear? HELLO KITTY SPOONS! Not that I'm a Hello Kitty fan but it adds another out of the ordinary spoon to my collection. I was so excited.

Pretty sure the cashier knew how excited I was as I admitted to my spoon collection (or found me extremely good looking) so he gave me 2 extra Hello Kitty spoons. SCORE!

You know, sometimes it's the little things that can totally make your day.

PSA

2011-07-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dear pretty much everyone,

Do you think I don't know I need a job? I do. Do you think I'm not frustrated? I am.

Be warned if you ask me if I have found a job or tell me I need one I will most likely not talk to you until I find one.

Just thought I'd let you know,

Erin

You tell them Hermione!

2011-07-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.

- Emma Watson

P.S. Speaking of Harry Potter have you watched this? So tender.

You know those friends...

2011-07-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

First, I am going to start with a disclaimer...I am not a huge fan of singling out amazing people on my blog (although I know I have in the last few posts). I think my reasoning falls along the same line as how I would never let students pass out birthday invitations unless the whole class was invited. So, if you have not received a blog post about you on my blog don't feel bad. It doesn't happen very often...and let's face it, it probably wouldn't be hard to write one about you (assuming I know you). Just a thought...maybe if you comment I will write one.

You know those friends that you know without a shadow of a doubt they are supposed to be in your life? Well, I have a few of those.

Here is one...

Meet Meghan.

Meghan joined my ward in South Jordan a couple months before I went away to efy and ultimately moved out of the ward. I remember meeting her at a Ward Temple Night and learning she was living with some girls in my ward. Then I gave a talk about patience in Sacrament meeting. I may have related patience to a 1st grader wanting to read Junie B. Jones books. She thought that was pretty cool as she is also a fan of good ol' Junnie B., she whispered to our common friend that she thought that they should be friends with me. The friend replied that she already was my friend. And we became instant friends, all because of Junie B.

Now, Meghan is absolutely amazing! She has had quite a bit of life experience and converted to the church while in college. She has such a unique outlook and a strong testimony. She is always looking for ways to serve and share the gospel. She is such an example to me.

For the past year we were "temple friends." When we got together we would typically go to the temple and then out to eat. The poor people at the restaurants probably thought we would never leave. I always went away from our get togethers uplifted. We had great conversations about the gospel and life. I feel like there aren't a ton of people that I can have conversations like that with. She never judged me or told me I was dumb for thinking a certain way. She's one of those people that you can go a couple months without seeing and instantly things are the way they left off.

Currently Meghan is working on her Master's Degree and job hunting. She has been job hunting for a year now, but I have never heard her complain. The other day I got a text from her telling me that she was thinking about me and praying for me. And that is what impresses me about Meghan, although she has her own trials she is still concerned and genuinely cares about others.

See, I told you she deserved a post:)

Normal

2011-07-12T00:38:00.000-07:00

I had the following exchange via e-mail today*:

Mel: and p to the s...i think i've found two normal roommates-who would have thunk it!

Me: I don't think you are capable of finding normal roommates...I think I was just a fluke:)

Mel: bwah ha--little do you know you were not classified as "normal"...anyone who can whip out hair flowers or skirts within 24 hours are not "normal"

Me: Yeah, well anyone who runs extremely crazy amounts early in the morning on Saturdays isn't normal either.

So...who is normal?

*Well, there was more to the conversation...like the part when she said "don't worry you'll find a job soon...except if you don't, because sometimes you won't."

It's all about the freebies

2011-07-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

I just love getting things for free!

Today I visited Michelle (my awesome participant from Flag 1 last year) and she hooked me up with a free Bahama Buck! So yummy!

Later my cousin convinced me to borrow her "cow attire" and go get a free meal from Chick-fil-a. Yes, I swallowed my pride for free food.

And no, there is not a picture to prove it.

Farewell Utah, Hello Arizona

2011-07-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Finally, I don't have another Utah/Arizona drive planned. And after the one I did last Saturday it will take a lot for me to do it anytime soon.

First, after all was said and done I left an hour after I had originally planned to leave.

Second, I like to have control over my surroundings. Having the majority of my belongings in the back of my grandpa's truck did not make me feel in control, resulting in me not driving as fast as I usually do.

Third, in attempts to keep the bugs off my mattress Chris and I put a blanket over them and attempted to secure it with duct tape. An hour out I realized it wasn't working. I pulled over and added more duct tape. Half hour later I gave up on the idea and pulled the blanket off. With the blanket removed air was getting between the mattresses causing one to flop around. I called my brother in a panic. We decided I should duct tape them together. Only guess who used up the duct tape trying to attach the blanket? 14 miles later I found a gas station that carried duct tape and duct taped those puppies together. Amazingly it stayed for the remainder of the trip. But, although I was ultimately impressed with the duct tape all of this stopping added time to my trip.

Fourth, the truck with furniture in the back did not have very much power to climb hills or pass cars for that matter.

Fifth, an hour out of Mesa I came across an accident. I kid you not, it took me over an hour to go 7 miles. Needless to say, I was quite ornery. I had several bad thoughts about my situation. 1-The only thing that could have made the drive worse is if 4th roommate would have come. 2-I didn't care if anyone got hurt...the fact that the accident was inconveniencing all these people made me mad. (Seriously, if I am ever in an accident I will feel awful about making other people late.) I told you they were bad.

Finally, fourteen hours from when I started my trip I arrived.

Now, if you know me, you know how I don't ask for help very often. Ok, I had students do stuff for me all the time, but that was stuff that I didn't want to do and kids love helping teachers. So imagine how awful I felt when there was an accident and my fabulous Google Navigation app on my phone told me that I would be getting to Mesa at midnight. I was mortified.

Luckily I have some dang awesome family and friends. Really, how many people would help you move at midnight? Although, it is probably one of the best times to move in AZ. My cousin David and his friend helped unload stuff and my friends Kent and Peter helped me get things situated.

After having everything I own made fun of and Kent sitting on my floor looking through one of my scrapbooks I finally had a bed to sleep on.

Hallelujah, the day was over!

Yep...I'm really done

2011-07-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

As of July 5, 2011 I am no longer an employee of Jordan School District. For some reason I couldn't bring myself to write this post until I was officially done.

Let's just say I worked with some AMAZING people.

(And some not so amazing ones that I may have already de-friended on Facebook.)

*FYI-These pictures were taken my last day of work. And I cried. A lot. Some of my students thought I was crazy. So don't judge how I look.

Kathryn

Kathryn and I both quit this year. She is staying home with her family (well, unless something not so demanding as teaching comes up). She was such a great support to me. We were there for each other in our "freak out" moments. I remember going to chat with her when she came back on track just after General Conference knowing that she was really going to quit. I told her what I was thinking...keep in mind this would have been April when I was still quite wishy-washy with the whole Arizona idea...I told her all of the things I had been doing the past year to prepare for the move if it was going to happen. She told me "You have put a lot of effort into this, there have been plenty of opportunities for you to be told no and you haven't. Keep going." Exactly what I needed to hear. There were also several times when I would chat with her and she would come back the next day and tell me that she thought about our conversation when she got home and she thought I should go for it, it meant so much to me knowing that she cared. Plus, her kids are so fun to chat with...and shout out to her son who is a sweeper for grabbing my make-up when I forgot it on a weekend that I really needed to have makeup.

Melanie

Mel knew all along what my plan was and boy did she try to stop me for selfish reasons. I mean I am a pretty great roommate:) I can't tell you how many times I heard "Just stay one more year for my cute class. They're going to be heartbroken." And really, it was heartbreaking to tell them. Really, Melanie is a fabulous teacher. The amount of time and energy she puts into her students amazes me. And with me gone who is she going to let her students play pranks on? Or buy cheap fish for that die in 4 days?

Leslie

Leslie's class was buddies with my class when I taught 1st grade so every Friday we had our weekly chats. One thing I loved about Leslie was that she was older when she got married...so there were never any "Why aren't you married?" conversations that, let's face it, are super annoying when you are single. Leslie is one where you always know where you stand...good or bad, but ultimately she is a very caring person and is willing to do anything for her friends. She was so worried that she had encouraged me to make the wrong choice and people would be upset at her for encouraging me to leave. She was so thoughtful to give me an iTunes card for some new tunes to listen to on my multiple AZ drives.

Martianne

Where do I start? Martianne was one of my best friends at Bluffdale even though she is old enough to be my mom:) Oh the hours we spent chatting in her room. Whether it was talking about the school crazies, her students, her husband and kids, or my life...good times were had. (Seriously, I am cracking up right now.) I didn't even have to tell her I was thinking about moving, she already knew. She spent a good portion of the spring informing me that she was "praying against me" and that she had a son a mission so all her prayers were being answered. Guess it didn't work:) I can remember standing in her room after school one day and she was asking me questions about my AZ plans. I kept saying "Well, it depends where I find a job." She told me I had to decide what I was going to do without a job as a factor. Much to my disappointment she was right, I was forced to make up my mind without having a job to come to. I loved how she had other teachers telling her to not be so hard on me and that it was my decision, that she wasn't my mom. But really I am glad she forced me really think about things.

Then there is Deanna, she was one of those teachers that told Martianne to lay off:) She was also proud of me for stepping out of my comfort zone.

Oh, Stef, she said the funniest things that would catch you off guard...like Lizzie Lezzie.

And Diane, who will probably end up in Arizona in two years if the pattern continues. She was hired to fill my 1st grade spot and now she is taking over in the computer lab. The night I made up my mind we had a very frank conversation about the pro's and con's of moving, it was definitely needed.

Then there is Ken, my principal, I am so thankful he believed in me enough to let me be the "Computer Girl." Best job ever. Plus, he let me take his dunk tank time so I could have one last hurrah with the kids.

What will lunch be without Amanda? The looks we would give each other when the crazies were taking were priceless, as well as our post-lunch conversations about what was said.

Who will talk Christmas Party trash with Tiffany this year? Oh, I am so jealous that she gets to teach an awesome class next year...and that she got to teach some of my favorite trouble makers this year.

Really, the reminiscing could go on and on...

When it comes down to it I was so blessed to have worked at Bluffdale. The examples of the people I worked with truly made me into the person I am today and will continue to influence my life in the years to come.

'Cause all of these things matter so much...

2011-07-01T22:34:00.000-07:00

You know how you learn things from the people you associate with? Melanie and I made a list of everything she learned from me during our days as roommies....

Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn is the best. (Remember when we were sneaky and took some to the movies and it melted the bag?)
Camelback water bottles are amazing. (Remember when you lost yours and gave a student 10 stamps to find it?)
Yogurtland has the best frozen yogurt. (Remember that time we met Jimmer?)
Pinterest is pretty cool.
Keep your laptop charger at home and steal one from a mobile lab for school. (Remember how Megan was worried when your lab was missing one?)
If you need to thin chocolate add oil. (Remember how you taught me the paper bag trick?)
Grey's Anatomy and Gilmore Girls are addicting. (Remember how you watch them in the shower?)
Shrinky Dinks are so much fun. (Remember how much you loved them at 1:00 in the morning this week?)
Much fun can be had when you stay up late. (Remember how you used to go to bed early?)

Note: This post replaces a mushy one about how great she (Teacher of the Planet) is...Melanie, I hope you appreciate it just the same:)

I'll sign autographs later...

2011-06-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Although it was slightly torturous to be back at school today, I loved it too. Here's what made it great...

1. Being mobbed by your former students when you go back to play in the 6th grade/faculty softball game.

2. Having everyone chant your name when you are up to bat...too bad I disappointed them.

3. Kids with their hands out for high fives or bones even though you didn't make it on base.

4. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs.

5. Kids stopping to chat in the hall to tell me they will miss me.

6. Trash talk at the dunk tank.

7. Watching the enjoyment student's faces when they dunk me.

8. Soaking one of my favorites...she thought she was so sneaky:)

9. Being called "Miss Willy." Seriously, it has become a term of endearment in my mind.

Bluffdale's Not Happy

2011-06-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

At first they made me cry....

then laugh...

and here my favorites are for your enjoyment.

"Happy Trails"...so cute. And check out the tears!

"Sorry for all I did bad in your class."

So funny on so many levels. "Friends don't let friends go to the U of U." And Nevada? As for the potato reference, remember this?

"But if that's what you want to do do it."

"You should be a model." FYI-she is my new favorite student:)

So crazy. Bright side and dark side? I'm pretty sure she meant I should have a positive attitude.

"I wish I was a time traveling girl."

So awesome! It made me laugh.

So random!

"Y do U have to leave?" And look at the tears...and this is from a boy.

Love it!

Those tears broke my heart.

I really had the BEST job!

Dear Maxima,

2011-06-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I can get frustrated with you, like when you try to overheat in Arizona. By the way, I am so glad we were able to fix that problem. I'm also sorry I haven't given you a fun name (mostly because I would have had a better title for this post). But, when it comes down to it, I miss you.

I miss the fact that although your clock is 27 minutes fast I always knew what time it was. Today I was so excited when I drove past Sonic at 3:55 because I thought I had 5 minutes left of "Happy Hour." Instead I made a fool of myself because the truck is set to Arizona time.

I miss having key-less entry. It's just so nice to not have to manually unlock a door.

I miss the ability to perfectly position the air vents to keep me cool.

I miss the CD player and having radio controls on the steering wheel.

I miss the "resume cruise control" function.

I miss being able to keep my lights on "auto." Really, that was one of the selling points that led me to buy you.

I miss being able to park decently.

I miss being able to roll my window up with the push of a button, meaning I don't have to keep my finger on the button until it is rolled up.

I miss being able to get in and out of a car modestly in a skirt.

I miss the power you have when I need to pass another car while going up hill.

I miss being able to check what the temperature is outside.

Sincerely,
A Truck Driver

P.S. I can't wait to see you on Saturday.

umm...k

2011-06-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

I taught Relief Society last week.

Not only did I successfully relate a story about Melanie having her students eat "fish eggs" (aka mango poppers from Yogurtland) to the gospel,

but...

I also said "um" 49 times and "k" 17 times.

That's right, Melanie counted to get me back for bringing up the story.

I was not happy.

Random...

2011-06-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

I love Costco wrapping paper. It is so thick and comes in roll of, I swear, 50,000 feet. However, I am sick of the wrapping paper I bought 3 Christmases ago...so I am using it to pack with.

I sold my couches tonight. The idea of 4th roommate coming home only to realize her bed is gone is cracking me up. (I really should be nice and bring her mattress in from the garage....but I think the shock value will be more entertaining.)

I hate that I bruise so easy. Currently I have a nasty bruise on my arm, I'm pretty sure I got it moving boxes...lame, if I'm going to have such a gross bruise at the least I could have an awesome story.

I think it would be hilarious to "copy" mannerisms (would that be the right word?) people use in their blogs. Not in a "Seriously So Blessed" mocking way but in a "you should be flattered" type of way. I think I will, but it will probably only be funny to me. Points to you if you recognize it and know who I'm "copying." Confession, I may have already done this today and it made me laugh.

What made me think scanning in a whole filing cabinet of my teaching stuff was a good idea? So.sick.of.scanning.

I drove for a long time...again...

2011-06-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how happy it makes me knowing that I only have to make the drive to Arizona one more time and I don't even have to drive back. Wahoo!

I entertained myself by having dance parties by myself in my car, laughing at signs (like the ho-made pies), remembering certain texts or phone calls I've had while driving on the same roads (how I remember these things is beyond me), listening to my iPod on shuffle and making mental notes of playlists I could make for certain people (it reminding me of a story I heard of someone who broke up with someone through a CD), and....

Again, it left me with tons of time to think.

On my way down I listened to the new efy cd a couple times, ok probably more than a couple. I pretty much alternated it with Melanie's fabulous running mix she shared with me. Back to the efy cd, it's pretty great. You should get it. (I don't want to hear about it PA.)

There is one song that screams my name...I found a version on YouTube, and just so you know it sounds much better on the cd.

Seriously screams my name. I love the line that says, "When the world says you can't, it [faith] will tell you that you can." Fits me to a T.

Then I started thinking about this crazy move that I am making solely off of faith, not knowing what will happen. Seriously, I have no idea why I am moving.

Which led me to ponder how we listen to the things the Lord tells us/teaches us.

I began thinking about my job as a teacher and how students react to things that I teach them or tell them to do.

There are some obedient students that do what I ask the first time. There are some that wait until I remind them. There are some that need to know the reason. There are some that flat out won't do things I ask them to (that Kindergartener still has me clenching my teeth). And there are some that are willing to do what you ask but need your help all along the way.

For example, when I go over a lesson with first graders I give talk to them about what we are going to do, model what I would like them to do, and then ask for questions. This pretty much does it for most 1st graders. Occasionally they come across a problem as they are working but after the initial direction they are pretty independent. However, I have this one girl...no fail..."Miss Wiley, I need help," every 30 seconds. However, I know she can do it she just lacks confidence, she just wants a continual pat on the back. I have to admit, often I help other students before I go to her because I want to give her time to try to figure things out for herself.

In contrast, with 6th graders (unless they are using a new program) I just tell them what to do. They have substantially more background knowledge and just need to be guided in what I want them to accomplish.

As much as I wish I could say I was a 6th grader when it comes to following promptings of the spirit, I think often I am more like a 1st grader. Thinking things like "Really? How will that work? That's hard. I'd rather just be content. Tell me again what I am supposed to do. Are you sure? Tell me again."

But just like I know what is best for my students our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. We just have to trust him. And lucky for us, He is much more patient teacher than I am.

So what happened that night when I finally got to Arizona after thinking about this idea all day? I started thinking "Why am I doing this? Is it really the right thing?"

Apparently I have a lot to learn before I become a "6th grader."

Why Arizona?

2011-06-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Fresh and Easy
No more scraping my car in the winter.
No more crazy people on Bachelor and Bachelorette from my state.
Bahama Bucks
Yummy oranges!
No more 1:00/1:30 church!
Romy's
Reason to defriend or ignore some co-workers on Facebook (shhh-don't tell them).
Plethora of birthday freebies!

My summer reading

2011-06-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

We all have chapters in our lives and they all have to end at some point.

Some chapters are easy to move on from, some are difficult and some just take time.

As I was driving home from Arizona I was thinking about chapters ending (believe me I had a lot of time).

I realized that chapters in books, just like our lives, have a purpose. Purposes of chapters can include introducing new characters, saying good bye to characters, or in some way developing an element of the story (ie. character, setting, plot/conflict). There are rarely "fluff chapters" in books.

I think the same is true in life. As I look back on the chapters in my life I realize that each chapter led into the next. Others were introduced into my life that I need at that time. Rarely has there just been "fluff" in my life.

I realized great chapters keep you hanging. You just can't wait to find out what will happen!

It was then that I realized that this is how I feel. While some of my greatest chapters are ending I am excited to see what the next one holds.

This is why I have been able to handle saying bye to things I love...I am excited to see what the future holds. Yes, I may have cried my eyes out more in the last 2 months than probably in the last two years, yes, I wonder if there is a job that I can love as much as my last one and yes, I am slightly jealous of friends working efy without me. But the thought of a new chapter gives me closure and hope for the future.

I can't wait to keep reading!

Just a letter...

2011-06-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

Dear One-Uppers in the World,

You bug me. You bug me bad. Can't you just admit that we are both pretty great?*

Sincerely,
Me

*In reality, I am probably greater than you because I am not a one-upper:)

Cross that off my to-do list

2011-06-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

Be ready for a sappy "Farewell Bluffdale Elementary" post (or multiple posts) in the near future. But as for now here's my Arizona status....

I have been in Arizona since Saturday with the main goal of finding somewhere to live.

Saturday I went to check out a place. It looked decent from the outside, but inside it was pretty trashy. It looked like a boy house...no girly decorations, mismatched furniture, stained carpet, etc. I began thinking 'What am I getting myself into?' and wondered 'Have I just been spoiled in the places I have lived in Utah?' I was frustrated.

On Sunday my friend, Brittney, invited me to a fireside and party. I happened to meet a girl who is looking for a roommate. So Monday I went and looked at her house. My faith was restored that there are liveable places in Arizona. I got along great with her. It was talking to her that I realized how expensive AZ utilities are.

Later on Monday I went and looked at another house. Not as bad as the first house but definitely not what I am used to. And the age range of the girls living there was 19-26. No go right there. Plus the landlord left her baby in the car...in Arizona...seriously?

I was feeling very defeated. Frustrated I decided I should broaden my search taking into account prices that included utilities (now that I had a better idea of typical AZ utilities). I called a couple people and went to look at another house.

It was THE ONE. Fairly big room. Double the closet space I have now. Older girls. Decorated. But wait....the part that sold me was that they watch The Bachelorette. After hanging out for a couple hours I think we will get along great.

AZ housing...check!
Now for the job....

Confession

2011-06-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

We now have a 4th roommate. She is paying us to live on our couch. She was that desperate. It's pretty great...well kinda, not really. Our rent went down for the month and she is taking over my spot in July so I am not forced to pay rent in Utah and Arizona.

*I should mention I would NEVER be okay with this situation for an extended period of time, however it is a month. I can do anything for a month.

Only I have come to realize Mel isn't the best judge of roommates with the exception of yours truly, of course.

The following are quotes from 4th roommate's first 48 hours:

"I was talking to my friend. She is 16. Kinda weird that we are friends. We both dated the same guy. He got her pregnant."

After watching some new show on TLC about food addictions Mel made the comment, "One week doesn't show you've overcome an addiction. You will always be tempted." 4th roommate, "Yeah, I know what it's like."

Not to mention the fact I got home Sunday night and she was hysterically bawling on the couch. (Yes, I realize the couch is her room. If it was me I would have hid in the bathroom or my car.)

Have fun this weekend Mel! Here's to hoping I find some awesome, or at least non-crazy roommates in AZ.

Awesomeness

2011-06-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. I have my very own oober pretty MacBook Pro! I am in love!

2. While going through my closet I came across my "too small" summer clothes. But, guess what!? They aren't to small anymore. I guess "Operation EATFIYPBYM" (eat all the food in your pantry before you move) aka not going grocery shopping is a good diet. Seriously, it made my day!

3. I came home to this on the door today. Where has this boy been all my life? $4 a week...totally worth it!

They call me heart breaker

2011-06-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Last week was the dreaded week of informing my students I would not be back next year. It was kinda like Groundhog's Day every time a new class came in. The question "Why?" was unavoidable. I realized that I do not have a clear cut reason why, at least not one that elementary students would understand. It's not like I can tell them I'm following a prompting and taking a leap of faith.

It seriously broke my heart to watch their reactions. Especially my 4th graders. I taught some in Kindergarten, then again when I moved to 1st grade, and was with them in 3rd and 4th in the computer lab.

I was talking to a parent in the hallway on Friday. She said that when her girl came home and told her I was moving she was kinda teary. It broke my heart.

There were some pretty great responses. Here are some of my favorites:

Me: "I have some heartbreaking news..."
Student 1: "Did your dog die?"
3rd Grade Student 2: "Did your fish die?"
Me: "No, I am moving to Arizona so this is your last time with me in the computer lab."
3rd Grade Student: "I wish the news was that your fish died."

5th Grade Student: "Miss Wiley, do you have any buckets I can borrow?"
Me: "Why?"
5th Grade Student: "So I can fill them with my tears. How are you going to feel when I fail computers next year because I'm going to sluff?"

3rd Grade Student: "There are lots of tornadoes in Arizona, we read about them in Time for Kids."
Me: "I think you are thinking of Arkansas."

5th Grade Student 1: "Why don't you just go there over the summer and come back?"
5th Grade Student 2: "Or just take a year off and them come back."
Me: "If I take a year off I still won't be your teacher, you'll be in Jr. High"
5th Grade Student 2: "Oh yeah."

5th Grade Student: "Who are we supposed to play pranks on now?"

5th Grade Student: "I did my state report on Arizona...I hate it now."

2nd Grade Student: "Have you told my brother? He'll be sad."

I can't believe I only have 5 days left at Bluffdale. I have worked with amazing students, parents, and teachers. I feel truly blessed.

I've created monsters

2011-06-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just had a teacher come down to me and beg for my help next week.

She is having her 4th grade class make commercials to advertise things in the school (you know, one of those "fill time it's the end of the year" type projects). Her vision of the project was to have them plan a skit of sorts, film it, and watch them as a class.

Her class found her idea boring. They informed her that we have Flip Cameras they could use, that they had ideas on how to use a green screen, and they needed to be able to edit their advertisements to put all their clips together.

I've created monsters...and I LOVE it!

I jumped!

2011-05-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

I worked at a summer girls camp in 2003 and 2004.   I can still remember when we, the staff of '03, attended a ropes course. My first thought was, "They wanted me to do what how high in the air!?" Turns out, I was pretty brave. I realized if I was harnassed in I was comfortable doing almost anything. But then I saw "The Perch." The perch is basically a tall tree with hooks in it. You climb to the top, stand on the top and jump in attempts to obtain a ring. There was no way. Luckily time was on my side, meaning we ran out of time before I was asked to take my turn. Phew.

Summer of 2004 rolled around and guess what? Brighton had it's own perch built. But something had changed about me. I'd learned after a summer of sending girls down the zipline, rapelling, participating in multiple other ropes events, and growing in general that I can do hard things even if they scare me. I also learned that there are people all around you encouraging you and wanting you to succeed. I was excited to face the perch. And I rocked it, totally got the ring.

So why am I telling you this?

Last spring I had the thought that I should move to Arizona. I dismissed it, not understanding why I should do such a thing. It didn't make any sense.

A year ago I LOVED my job. I LOVED my ward.   I LOVED living in Daybreak. But on some level I knew I needed a change. But I was comfortable, I didn't want to change anything.

I was quite content on my solid ground.

Then a dumb yappy dog came into my life. Pippin made me realize I did need a change. But the change would have to come at the end of the summer. There was no way I could pack, find a place to live, move, finish out the school year, and get ready for efy all in a months time.

I happened to work efy in Arizona last year. I also spent some time visiting extended family. The more time I spent in Arizona the more I came to love it. I again had the thought that I should move but dismissed it thinking that I couldn't be irresponsible and quit so close to the beginning of the school year. Plus, what would I do for work?

The summer ended and the changes started to happen. I moved to Pleasant Grove and started a new ward. And lets me honest, my social life took a dive. But I knew it was where I was supposed to be. However, the thought of Arizona was still in my mind. I eventually gave into this thought and started planning and researching how to make it happen.

I started climbing.

I began to understand why I was in Pleasant Grove not loving life. I realized how hard it would be to make a drastic change like moving to a different state if I loved every aspect of my life. I began to have a greater appreciation for the adults and children I work with. I started compiling transcripts, taking tests, applying for fingerprint cards and teaching licenses.

I was working my way to the top of that perch. And just like the climbing the real perch I was freaking out along the way.

I started asking people what their opinion was. I prayed, fasted, read, and attended the temple. I kept going, thinking what in the world am I doing? Why am I up here on this log?

Then it became crunch time. I knew I needed to make a decision. But I was scared out of my mind. Seriously, check out my face in that picture. I was fairly confident that I should move but fear of the unknown was paralyzing me.

This week, after counseling with my bishop, attending the temple and receiving a sure answer I stood here, ready to jump. And Friday I did just that. I quit my job, the job that I absolutely love. My coworkers were so proud.

It felt amazing. Now that I have jumped I no longer feel fearful. I know it was the right thing to do. I might grab the ring or I might not. But lets be honest, it's not really about the ring. It's about the experience getting you there. I have no idea what the future will hold but I am excited to find out!

Arizona here I come!

Maybe people should blame me...

2011-05-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Remember this post? Well, I just found this picture...

I guess it would be safe to say I can't stay away from mischief. Although, let it be known the prank involving the above picture was not my idea. It was sweet, innocent, Heather Tingey's idea, which made it all the better. The best part was when the boys got sick they blamed it on one of their own for bringing Sunny Delight to go with the brownies.

I should probably make a sticker chart for flossing

2011-05-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

I went to the dentist today.

For years I hated the dentist. I hated having an old guy yell at me for not flossing. Really, I probably went a good 6 or 7 years without going to the dentist.

Then I was referred to my current dentist. He looks like Ryan Reynolds.

Now I don't mind the dentist.

Today I was so impressed with my hygienist. She remembered the things going on in my life that I had told her about 6 months ago and asked about them. I don't care if she writes down stuff after each appointment and reviews it right before you come in or if she simply has a great memory. Either way I think she is pretty great. Plus, she doesn't harass you too bad if you don't floss. She actually told me my teeth were really clean thanks to my fabulous Sonicare toothbrush.

Life thoughts

2011-05-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was preparing my Relief Society lesson this morning (yes, I procrastinate) and had the following thought...Why not write about trials on your blog? Not necessarily to complain but to show your understanding, faith, how you overcame them, etc. I have learned/had my faith strengthened by reading strangers blogs. Who knows what will touch someone. That being said, it's not like the blog-o-sphere will know everything about my life but I'm thinking about opening up a bit. We'll see...

I went out to dinner with some friends from the 16th ward this week. We got onto the subject about how whatever stage of life you are in there is always worry. You worry about finding the right guy; you worry about what you would do if you lost the right guy; you worry about getting pregnant; you worry about having a healthy baby; you worry about your baby. The list can go on and on. No one's stage is exempt. This week's episode of Modern Family even mentioned how we all have our own "stuff." We all have our trials and challenges. Although we try to keep them hidden they are still there bearing down on us. Just because one appears to "have it all together" doesn't mean they really do. I'm thankful for friends that help me with my "stuff" and even better ones that point out my "stuff" to me.

I kinda love the movie Something Borrowed. There are two characters I relate to oh so well. And if you know me and have seen the movie I bet you can figure out who. Oddly enough I feel like the movie may be taking place in my life right now...but I am hoping for a different ending.

I'm one of those teachers that I hate

2011-05-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

I got a note in district mail the other day from Tara O. It's kinda what we do, send random things to each other through district communication. It's pretty great. Anyway, she asked me if I had made my paper chain end-of-school countdown yet. The truth is I haven't, which is different from every other year I've been teaching.

You see, I have no idea where my life will be in 2 months. I'm debating some changes. Actually I'm 98% sure what I want/should do. There's just a little piece of the puzzle called a job that hasn't surfaced yet. Not gonna lie, it is frustrating, stressful and I really hate it. I feel like I am in a never ending cycle of fear/doubt and faith, not to mention multiple freak-outs...my poor roommates, friends, family, etc.

So for right now I am taking everything in at school. Last week when most teachers were at their wit's end because of all of the inside days due to rain, I was wishing the week wouldn't end. It was my last week with my B-track students and the majority of my "favorites" are on that track. I honestly cried saying goodbye to the 6th graders, and I usually don't cry at the end of the year. And somehow those dang cute 5th graders got it out of me that there is a possibility I may not be back next year. I was so mad.

Pretty much after reading the feelings of other teacher friends on their blogs I have come to the conclusion that I am one of those teachers that I hate. One that loves teaching so much that they don't want the year to end, it's kinda a weird feeling. But don't worry, I bet next year I'll be with you!

Now, I have a hard time complaining about my life because I can usually see a positive in hard situations. So I'll end on a positive note. I work with some of the most amazing women. I have learned so much from them on how to be a good teacher and someday a good wife and mother. They have listened to my frustrations, offered advice, supported me and shown that they care. They truly want what is best for me even if it means me not being there next year. Even though there is one "praying against me" for purely selfish reasons I know she really wants what is best for me. Really, it means the world to me, especially because some people think I am absolutely crazy for considering the changes that I am. Seriously they are amazing...and that makes the decision to leave even harder.

Well, I'm off to prepare my Relief Society Lesson on the talk "Face the Future with Faith." Ironic, huh?

I didn't do it

2011-05-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I love being blamed for things that I didn't do (note sarcastic tone). Apparently I come across to others as quite the prankster. There have been 3 such incidents in the past week.

#1- I had multiple students come ask me, "Did you steal Miss Fisher's shoes?" What? No. Her class had been in and out of my room all afternoon when would I have had time to do such a thing. Even other teachers suggested that they come ask me.

#2- Someone is sending mysterious packages containing EFY paraphernalia to people that are not working this summer. While I admit to helping with this plot I was not the one who thought it up or executed it. I find it absolutely hilarious that the recipients have no idea who the mastermind of the plan is.

#3- Today after school one of the students in the play (the Free Willy one) was convinced I hid his hat. He even tried to take my water bottle as revenge.

Really, what is it about me that screams 'I pulled a prank on you' even if I didn't?

You don't need a "Mc" in my opinion

2011-05-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I watch Grey’s Anatomy.

I started out loving McDreamy, he’s just so charming…and who wouldn’t want to make out in an elevator? However, although he was “dreamy” he hid the fact that he had a wife. Then I went through a McSteamy phase. No explanation needed on that one.

Currently I am all about Karev. Yes, Alex has issues. He can come across as a jerk (I’m keeping it PG) and, let’s face it, he often does. But guess what? Deep down I think he is pretty great. He’s real. He doesn’t have a “Mc” to hide behind. You get the real Alex, not some guy that wants to impress you only to realize he’s a jerk. I’ve come to realize that I appreciate that. I appreciate "real" people. He does anything for those he cares about, remember crazy Ava? And his family? He does things because they are the right. One time he gave up awesome basketball tickets to perform surgery on a little boy who had been waiting in pain in the ER for hours. Most recently he brought kids over from Africa for life saving surgeries. See, he has a heart. Also, he does the right thing, like ratting out Meredith.

You know what makes me mad though? When girls like Izzie or Lucy treat him like crap because he may not swoon over them like McDreamy or McSteamy do. But guess what, he has feelings and being hurt will make it harder for him to trust another girl. Basically dumb girls, you are ruining it for the rest of us.

Random Sampler of Cute Student Stories

2011-05-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

I started a "warm fuzzies" jar of sorts in my classroom. Let's be honest, I often forget about it. But, if anyone remembers to remind me about it chances are they are a Kindergartner. Today I gave in and let them share some nice things they have done. One little girl shared my favorite one EVER. "When my sister gets in trouble and has to go to timeout I slide books under the door for her." So adorable!

Hormones are hitting my favorite class of 5th graders. Today I heard all about how one boy bought suckers from the gas station to give to a girl in his class at her dance recital. He wanted to buy flowers but his dad told him he is only in 5th grade. He also debated buying "Hot Tamales" because he thinks she is a "hot tamale." So great!

Due to someone who shall remain nameless I was forced to take a cold shower on Monday morning. I was so not a happy camper. I shared the story with some 2nd graders and one came up to feel my hair to see if it was cold. Needless to say I lost my "teacher composure" with that one. (Juli-one guess as to who this was.)

I have a 6th grader who has helped me everyday for the past week and a half with setting up computers every morning and after school. I don't know what I'll do when he is off-track when the remainder of the school is testing.

As Kindergartners were leaving today one little girl told me that she wants to be a computer teacher like me when she grows up. Melt my heart!

How to be my favorite

2011-05-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

I realized I have lots of "favorite" students. I began to think of the different ways they received their "favorite" status and compiled the following list:

Possesses a personality. No blah kids.
Lets me tease them.
Does something incredibly cute.
Is a sibling of another one of my favorites. I have lots of favorite families.
Teases me. I have to take it if I dish it, right?
Has an amazing story. There are some awesome kids out there that are simply amazing without help from anyone. (I'm thinking of a refugee from Africa. She is incredible.)
Helps me with things. I currently have one favorite that is rising above the rest because of all his help this week. I'm also really missing my Box Top girls that have been off-track for the past month.
Makes me laugh. For example, the boy that casually told me that the police had to go to his house three times the night before...because he wouldn't put down his "guns."
Calls me Miss Willy. I take it as a term of endearment.
Their teacher tells me cute stories about them.
Brings me left over treats (ie. birthday treats, party treats).
They are so funny they break my "teacher composure."

No, I do not date 18 year old boys

2011-05-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, before this blog, I was a nanny for a family of 6 boys (now 7) in Cottonwood Heights. The stories you would have been able to read if I had this blog back then. Good times, tons of laundry, learning how to really cook, the never ending organization of toy closets, diapers, fighting over reading and piano, baths, genealogy, more laundry, primary stuff, running errands, taking kids to the doctor, grocery shopping, even more laundry, potty training, scrapbooking, the list could go on and on. I did pretty much everything.

Well, today Brian (the oldest) received his mission call to Peru. Crazy! He is still a middle school student in my mind.

Best moment of the night (besides opening the call)...

I walked into their house behind one of their aunts. The little boys wanted a hug from her so she bent down and granted their wish. Since she was busy Brian greeted me with an enthusiastic "Hi Erin!" as well as a hug. We chatted for a moment and I moved on and mingled with Joyce (the mom) and the other boys. Later I found myself helping Joyce in the kitchen, the aunt I had walked in behind was also there.

Wow, I look super white.

The aunt went off on how she was so excited to see Brian and how instead of greeting her he "acted so excited to see this girl that was behind her and gave her a big hug." She went on to say "I guess if she is his girlfriend that is ok. So is she his girlfriend?" As I sat there listening I realized I was in fact "the girl." I debated letting it slide...but ultimately I replied with "I think I was that girl and I am not a girlfriend, I was the nanny." To which she remarked "Oh, you are the beloved nanny, I guess you can't be the girlfriend seeing as how you are married." I didn't have the heart to tell her she was wrong again.

P.S. I was really tempted to check out the toy closet situation but refrained.

This has changed my life!

2011-04-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

The title of my post sounds like the subject line from spam e-mail. Nonetheless, have you heard of Pinterest?

I am here to tell you it is amazing. I love browsing the good ol' world wide web for fun ideas. I hate when my bookmarks list is overwhelming and I always seem to forget to star posts in Google Reader. Pinterest is a website that gives you mini bulletin boards of sorts for you to "pin" all of your fabulous finds to. You can also follow other people and see what they like.

I think I am obsessed.

If you want to check out what I think is cool I added a link on my sidebar.

My problem

2011-04-25T23:56:00.000-07:00

I like this skirt from DownEast Basics.

But you see I have this problem. It's called the 'WhybuyitwhenIknowIcanmakeit' problem.

Ta-dah!

P.S. I didn't even use a pattern!

My destiny

2011-04-24T23:52:00.000-07:00

I think I need to start accepting the fact that I will someday turn into a "cat lady." Apparently it is in my genes. I discovered this sorting through old family pictures.

Exhibit 1 comes to us from December of 1984:

Exhibit 2 comes to us courtesy of my Great Grandma Tony in 1986:

(The fact that my dad is obsessed with wolf shirts suddenly makes so much sense.)

And last, Exhibit 3 comes to us courtesy of my brother Shawn in 1997:

HELP!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Martha returns...

2011-04-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

I am so a Martha. In every sense of the word, as in biblically and crafty. In fact, my roommate gave me a subscription to Martha Stewart for Christmas.

When I was on IC at the U (aka Interchapter Council for Lambda Delta Sigma at the University of Utah LDS Institute) "Martha" was my nickname. Seriously, at the end of the year we wrote notes to each other, 9 of 11 notes I received mentioned this fact. I loved experimenting with recipes and had a captive audience to share them with (and boy did they love it). I made some dang good food. But...not gonna lie, with each goodie I made the pressure increased. I had to prove my Martha skills.

Every so often the girls and advisors I served with get together. About 2 years ago I was given the assignment of bringing a dessert. No big deal right? Well, I was super busy that week and it was all I could do to put together a peach cobbler, not the most Martha dessert. I was so embarrassed. Not that it tasted bad but it was definitely not my best work.

Tonight I redeemed myself. That's right, Martha is back! These cookies were a hit. They are so yummy. Every time someone went into the kitchen orders were given to bring out a cookie, eventually the whole plate was brought into the living room.

Don't you just love my old school Corelle plate? I do.

Citrus White Chocolate Cookies

1 c. butter
½ c. white sugar
½ c. brown sugar
1 egg
2 ¼ c. flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 T. grated orange peel (about 2 large oranges)
1 ½-2 c. white chocolate chips

Mix butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in egg. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix. When you get a dough consistency, mix in the orange peel and chocolate by hand. You could easily substitute lemon peel or lime peel instead of the orange for a fun variation (I made some of each). Bake 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on a wire rack. Makes approx. 40 small cookies or 20 large cookies.

(I must give credit where it is due...I found the recipe on this blog.)

I wish I was a witch...

2011-04-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

Let me explain. I don't want to be burned at the stake or anything but I do want a necklace like Hermione's. I want to be able to be in two places at once.

It would make my life so much easier. I could go to work and run errands/be productive at the same time. I could proctor both CRT sessions at the same time. I could teach my class and help teachers at the same time. I wouldn't have to decide one path for my future...I could have two. I could be at work and on vacation at the same time. Seriously great.

Currently I don't see any problems with the idea...except things like that only happen in books/movies.

What do Carrie Underwood at the AMA's and my roommate have in common?

2011-04-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

The answer is...

Pink hair.

Although, I am certain Carrie's was intentional and my roommate's definitely made her say a bad word.

How did it happen? The Festival of Colors. Boy am I glad I have dark hair.

Some things I've learned...

2011-04-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

The storage room to the side of the teacher workroom is a great place to hide and have secret conversations. How did this take me 5 years to discover? And it just occurred to me that there are two exits which makes it even better.

Sometimes I impress myself. I can do hard things.

Let's be honest, athleticism isn't one of my strong points. I'm just not very coordinated. Last week the third grade had a jump-a-thon. I made ~~an appearance~~ a fool of myself. I kept thinking how ridiculous I must look and how if I was someone watching me I would be making fun of me (did you follow that?). But, kids are great, instead of making fun of me they told me "If you think you can do it you can," and gave me some lessons on the art of jump-roping. I should be like them more often.

I was teaching a class of second graders the other day. When students finish their assignment I let them have free choosing. This particular day I had to export their drawings which meant I was busy the whole time they were in the lab. In my hustle I happened to walk by my desk and saw a folded piece of paper on top of my laptop. Curious I stopped to see what it was. It was a cute note from a student that he had drawn during his free choosing that said I am the best computer teacher ever. A perfect pick-me-up. Again I should be like them more often.

Although my co-workers genuinely care about me sometimes they pray against me for selfish reasons. And sometimes they say just what I need to hear.

The act of duct taping yourself to a roommate at a summer girls camp means you'll be friends forever.

(quite possibly the worst pic I have ever posted on my blog...FYI this was 8 years ago)

iSchool

2011-04-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today I had the opportunity to go to Kearns High. After I got over my fear of getting beat up it was so amazing. Kearns is a pretty big deal in Utah. They have a 1:1 ratio of iPod touches to students. Rachel Murphy is pretty much famous. Each student was issued an iPod earlier this year and teachers have integrated them into their curriculum to increase student involvement.

We observed a few classes and also had a time when students answered questions. During the question and answer they were so cute/awkward/geeky yet so confident in the fact that iPods were helping them succeed in their education. And how awesome is it that they gave up their lunch to talk to us.

After a year of persuading I finally talked my principal (and head district technology guy) into purchasing a set of iPods earlier this year for a Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher. Our school was the first elementary school in the district to do so. We were so excited, but the district wasn't sure how they wanted to manage them so they sat in our backroom for months. A week and a half ago they were finally given to the teachers. I was kinda frustrated with the head district technology guy because of all the hold ups we had.

But today he was so excited about the possibilities of iPods in education. I'm hoping that things will get easier for us now and we will be able to figure out what works best at an elementary school because lets face it we are the guinea pigs. And that makes me feel pretty cool.

(I think this kid is AWESOME.)

You know something else that makes me feel cool? I made an interactive whiteboard using a Wii remote and an infrared pen.

I can't wait to see the future of technology in education!

We are SO related...

2011-04-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

I had a sleepover with my niece and nephew on Friday night. I decided that they are so related to me after they suggested we go to Zupas for dinner. The weather was beautiful so Kelsi suggested that we eat outside. Good call Kelsi.

Notice how Cohen put his cup on his napkin so it wouldn't blow away. Smart boy.

After playing at my house for a bit and making an awesome movie in reverse starring Kelsi we decided it was time for dessert.

Cohen loved that he could have "more than one stuff" on his yogurt. Can you tell Kelsi played dress up with my make-up? Look at those red lips!

The night ended with us watching Duck Tales. Sadly, it was not as good as I remembered.

Not gonna lie, I kinda felt like a mom after they were asleep. I did the dishes, cut up chicken, made my grocery list and read. Luckily they slept till 8 the next morning.

April Fools

2011-04-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

My favorite class of 6th graders decided to get me. One of my favorite trouble maker boys was the ring-leader which makes him even more of a favorite. I guess they worked on it in their classroom all morning. They would have one person at their table grade papers so the rest of them could be working on the BYU decorations.

This area is where my Utah wall normally hangs. When students wear their Utah stuff I take a picture and put it up. Props to this class for just covering it up instead of taking it completely down.

This part of the poster made me laugh. Seriously, I was alone in my classroom busting up.

The best part is when students do stuff like this guess who gets to clean it up? Yep, they do. Monday morning it will all be gone.

Eww, gross. I can't believe BYU is getting two post in a row from me. Sick.

I know I'm a U fan....

2011-03-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Remember how I am celebrating Lent (not spending money except for on Saturday or for "social" things, aka three or more people)? Well, I'm doing pretty good, I was a little nervous this week considering I forgot to fill my car up with gas on Saturday but it has held out.

Anyway, I have this obsession with Yogurtland. In order for me to go during the week I make Melanie and Jess come (and lets me honest, they don't mind at all). I think we've gone together 3 times, and all were pretty great. First visit involved the car accident, second visit involved an intricate plan to escape without my other roommate knowing what we were doing, and the third visit...I'll get to that.

Last night started out like our other trips (well, minus the accident and the ditching). However, instead of eating in the car we decided to stay at Yogurtland to finish our yogurt. Somehow this led to Melanie and Jess finding their talent for suctioning Yogurtland spoons to their tongues. Like most stupid tricks, I for the life of me couldn't make it work. Needless to say we were making fools of ourselves.

Then....

I happened to look up...

and who did I see walking in the doors of Yogurtland?

None other than one of the best college basketball players....

Jimmer Fredette.

That's right, Jimmer Fredette at Yogurtland.

He was with his pint sized blonde cheerleader girlfriend and some guy.

Luckily my camera was in my purse. And after several minutes of summoning our courage and convincing each other we could/should ask for a picture Melanie came through and asked for the picture. He, being totally awesome, graciously agreed with our request and took a picture with us while his girlfriend stood and watched.

Of course today at school I had to tell everyone I saw. Seriously, a teachers cool points go through the roof when their students see a picture like this. I love how all my little BYU fan students are oober jealous of me. I asked on of my boys how jealous he was of me on a scale of 1-10...his answer was 1,000. I even hung this picture up by the teacher boxes, usually this area is reserved for school flyers, wedding/baby announcements, etc. I attached a note that said "I'm not getting married...or having a baby...but I did meet Jimmer Fredette."

So what my bracket turned out to be crap...I met Jimmer Fredette. This year's March Madness will be hard to top!

And for the record, by writing this post I am in no way saying that I am a BYU fan. I am still a loyal Ute fan but can appreciate talent when I see it.

P.S. B-Phelps thanks for introducing Jess and me to Yogurtland. You deserve some credit for making this night happen:)

Guess what?

2011-03-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

My winning team is out now. I knew that would happen after I blogged about my bracket. That's all.

March Madness!

2011-03-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

I've never been a huge March Madness fan. I've watched a couple games here and there, usually rooting for the underdog or teams with cool names (like Villanova).

However, this year I decided to fill out a bracket. Just for me, not part of any pool, no money down. And know what the consequence of filling out a bracket is? Falling in love with March Madness.

Now, before I show you my bracket you need to realize that I never really watched college basketball this year. My bracket was decided by a random series of thoughts. First round was alphabetical order...with a couple exceptions, then where I would want to visit, then what team colors I liked the best, then I ran out of ideas so I asked a class of second graders to help me decide. I haven't done the best, but I'm confident there are brackets out there that are worse than mine. Pretty sure the Duke and Ohio upsets ruined quite a few. But not mine. People may think mine is crazy, but guess what? My winning team isn't out yet.

I love the emotion in college sports. I've loved watching Jimmer (though I am still a die-hard Ute fan). I find it hilarious to watch coaches who stick out their tongue when they are stressed resulting in them looking like a frog (Texas). I love watching old ladies cheer for their team. I love watching underdogs play their heart out and relish in their victory. My heart breaks for the player that loose (like the Duke player that was crying, broke my heart).

I. love. it.

I didn't realize how much I did until I started watching Grey's last night after the games were done. I was so not entertained. Watching Jimmer hit crazy shots entertains me. And the Office proposal couldn't top watching Arizona kill Duke. And the last 30 seconds of the Kentucky/Ohio game! No TV show can compete!

Know what else feels great? Knowing that my bracket is doing better than the guy teachers I work with.

Awkward...

2011-03-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Today Student Council volunteered to clean my classroom. I was so excited, I miss having my own ~~cleaners~~ students to help with cleaning. I typed up jobs for each of them so they knew exactly what to do and what was expected of them.

I handed their jobs out randomly, except for 2. These 2 jobs involved helping me take things places. I put a boy and a girl that likes him together. I thought I was so funny. They totally knew what I was up to. The girl walked next to me on the way down to the lab and informed me that the crush "was so 2 months ago." The boy tried to get me to change his job. But I didn't let him 'cause I'm mean like that.

Instead I was witness to 5th grader awkwardness as they helped me. They wouldn't talk to each other. They would talk to me but not each other. Poor kids. Although, I have to admit I found it hilarious.

In other teaching news...

Yesterday I heard an alarmish type sound and for the life of me I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. I spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out what it was, I even had the janitor on a ladder looking in the ceiling. Turns out it was one of my kindergartener's battery pack for his PICC line. He totally knew it was him the whole time and never said anything.

Cookie Monster

2011-03-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Melanie has a freakin' zoo in her classroom. Literally. 2 birds and a fish. For the past three weeks they have been living with us. In honor of not having to live with them anymore we made the following movie:

50/50

2011-03-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Remember this? Well, I don't think it worked. The other day I got a text asking me to teach Relief Society. I have a feeling my days of avoiding a calling are coming to an end. Although, teaching Relief Society is pretty awesome, much better than Ward Prayer Co-Chair.

Another story about that....

Recently our ward was split. One of my roommates is the RS pianist so the education counselor called her to figure out stuff. She asked if my other roommate or myself would be willing to lead the music. Don't judge but I said no. I knew if I said yes it would end up my calling. Roommate said yes. Now her calling is the Ward Chorister. {evil laugh} I know what I am talking about.

P.S. I think the new Relief Society President would totally appreciate my cookies.

Duty

2011-03-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

I had Mr. Taggart as a sophomore in high school for chemistry.

There are a few great things about Mr. Taggart...
1. He believed in me, unlike my AP Chemistry teacher the following year that told me he didn't think I would pass the AP test. Boy did I show him!
2. As a senior he was rooting for me to win the game of "Gotcha."
3. We could get him talking about random things like Snapple, which resulted in less lecture for us. It was pretty great.

Well, sometimes my students get the best of me and get me talking about random things.

Like today with my 4th graders.

We were talking about responsibility.

First I asked if anyone knew what responsibility meant. One boy talked about how it is not buying everything you want at the store. So I told them my how I am celebrating Lent (without saying it was Lent). (FYI-I am celebrating Lent by giving up spending money except for on Saturdays. Hey, I think it is easier than Melanie's idea of me giving up cardigans. Oh, and if spending money is for something social, meaning 3 or more people, that's ok.) One boy understood this as me not having money (which is not the reason) so he suggested I babysit, within a minute everyone wanted to me to be their babysitter.

I defined responsibility as "meeting the demands of duty." Which made a group of boys laugh. Which made me chuckle.

Then we started talking about their responsibilities at home.

One kid mentioned that his job is to take the trash out. I explained to them why I hate taking the trash out and even drew a map for them so they would see how far the dumpster is from my house. One kid said "At least you get to pass the kids on the playground. I'm sure they brighten your day." So cute. I told them if one of them lived close to me I would pay them to take my trash out.

As the conversation went on and as they told me more of the responsibilities I came to a conclusion. I really need to get married and have kids so I can have them do all of the things I don't like to do (like taking the trash out). And I told the class that. A few of them were shocked that I wasn't married, one girl even said "What!? Who wouldn't marry you?" Nothing like a 4th grader to boost your confidence:)

See, isn't that more fun than a lecture?

Oh and don't worry, everyone completed their assignment.

I thought I dyed my hair dark...

2011-03-13T00:07:00.000-08:00

I took the Early Childhood Content Praxis yesterday. Let's be honest it was kinda a joke. Although there were a few questions that tricked me. You know the ones where you know exactly what they are talking about and can explain it but don't know the official word? And there were some math ones that I just haven't had to do in so long...like finding diameter or multiplying fractions....don't worry I got those ones right (Jess told me so).

I'm debating if I should even tell you some of the other questions because they were that easy. I'm pretty sure it could be illegal on some level...yeah, I'll go with that excuse.

But I will share my blonde moment. First keep in mind we had to be there at 7:30 to check in which is extremely early in my book for a Saturday. I walked in to my testing room and was seated behind an average build guy. I then made small talk with the girl behind me. The testing proctor girl started to give directions. "I'm Jane and this is Henry (as she pointed to our right) and we are here to help administer the test." All I could see to the right was a clock that was clearly brought in to be part of testing. In my mind I thought 'Seriously, you named the clock. Wow.'

About half way through the test I happened to look up and the guy in front of me had moved a little which led me to notice a guy sitting at the front of the classroom. I don't know if he was sitting there when I came in or if he walked in while my back was turned talking. All I know is that I seriously went through half of my test thinking that the clock's name was Henry.