I don't think that's actually a word but in any case...I'm finished with classes and finals!
Now I have one week to finish Christmas shopping (well...just Justin's presents...) and really get into the Christmas spirit!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Weekend fun
Justin and I had a full and fun Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. Friday was fun too...got some Christmas shopping done! But Saturday we spray-painted my candle holders from DI (pictures to come!) and went to the BYU vs. USU basketball game in Salt Lake at the Energy Solutions Arena. (Thanks Grandpa Allred and Uncle Ruel for the tickets!). The game was a lot of fun and although USU students were there in great numbers ... well let's just say the best team won! I know this kills Justin since USU lost in the football game against BYU also but what can ya do? He's a good sport about it!
Final score of the game: 63-68
After the game we walked around the Gateway and had dinner. Overall it was a very enjoyable evening :-)
Then on Sunday, we headed up to my sister's house after church. We had dinner with them then went downtown again for the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional. For the first time probably ever we made it to the Conference center in plenty of time! The Devotional was wonderful as was the Tabernacle Choir. I realized that this is my 3rd year in a row going to this Devotional-such a blessing! Justin esspecially loves this Devotional because he feels like it really kicks of the Season. I agree. Anyway, it was another very fun double date with Heather and Josh! Here are some pics from last night.
Final score of the game: 63-68After the game we walked around the Gateway and had dinner. Overall it was a very enjoyable evening :-)
Then on Sunday, we headed up to my sister's house after church. We had dinner with them then went downtown again for the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional. For the first time probably ever we made it to the Conference center in plenty of time! The Devotional was wonderful as was the Tabernacle Choir. I realized that this is my 3rd year in a row going to this Devotional-such a blessing! Justin esspecially loves this Devotional because he feels like it really kicks of the Season. I agree. Anyway, it was another very fun double date with Heather and Josh! Here are some pics from last night.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Pardon Me While I RANT
I am posting this right after the Christmas tree post. Why? This post isn't going to be as nice and I didn't want to detract from the wonderful post devoted to my dear Christmas tree. Here it goes.
My newest and (quickly becoming) biggest pet peeve is people that cut lines! (Butt lines, cut lines, break in line...however you say it). These people stink! Perhaps it is the holiday season that is bringing it out in people or maybe it is a common occurrence and only because I'm shopping more now am I vulnerable to the situation. Whatever the case, there have been at least 3 distinct scenarios within the last couple of weeks that have brought out the red-headed temper in me.
First time: the phone store. Justin was quite excited to see the new blackberry phone the day it premiered... I think it is called the Storm? Anyway... the phone store only had 2 Storms on display and they were both being occupied. So I stand behind one of the men toying around on the phone. Clearly behind him. Clearly I was waiting for our turn with the beloved Storm. What happens? I look away for ONE SECOND and a man in baggy gray sweatpants sneaks his way in and hops on the phone that had just so happened to become free the one second I looked away. You might think, hey it's your fault for looking away, but don't forget-I was clearly standing behind the man waiting for our turn. I was livid. What did I do? Whisper a little to Justin of my frustrations and....that's it. Baggy sweatpant-wearing guy if you are reading this: I don't appreciate your line cutting.
Second time: Adidas Outlet store in Naperville. Kristen, Justin and I had been waiting patiently in a forever long ling that was creeping along at snail like speeds. We had been in like for perhaps 30 minutes or so when we could finally see the cash registers. What else did we see? A youngish 20 something man who appeared at of nowhere was now by our side. Mind you he was NOT in line but standing by the side of Kristen, who clearly was IN line. We began to very quietly whisper that we think we might have a code cutter on our hands. Kristen did her best to box this guy out but what happens? We approach the registers, there is one on both sides of us. He cuts in front of us to go to the register to the right and was out of the store before we had made it to the register. Justin says perhaps the guy was European and he heard that in Europe people don't stand in straight lines but huddle around registers. That was nice of him to try and lessen the crime of this guy. But I've been to Europe and I saw lines formed.
Third time: I know...you are probably tired of reading about my rantings. I'll try to make this one fast. Tonight I realized that I am getting a sore throat. What sounded better than a drink from Orange Julius. I made my way over to the counter with anticipating, seeing that there were not customers = no wait!, but then out of no where a group of young teeny boppers swooped in to the counter. The order was: a girl from their group, me, and the rest of that girls friends. Tell me this-just because your friend makes it to the counter first, does that mean you and the rest of your friends get to join her at the front??? You might that does sound kinda fair, well in my eyes it is not! So I semi-politely waited for the entire group of kids to order their drinks. Justin came up and asked if I was in line, I replied (quite loudly) "I was!". I thought Justin shooshed me...sometimes I can act in a way that embarrasses him...understandbly so. I asked him about it a bit later and he said he didn't shoosh me... he was trying to get me to nudge my way more in line.
After all this ranting this is my point. People cut in front of me. It infuriates me. What do I do? Get mad, maybe whisper to Justin, give glares and thats it. Have you ever been in such a situation? What did you do? What do you suggest I do?? I don't want to be a push over but I don't want to sound like a sqaure saying "You cut in line!" (Sidenote: The people in San Francisco have NO qualms about saying when you cut in line. I apparently cut in the Trolley line (completely unbeknownst) and all of the people waiting YELLED in unison "HEY the lines back here!" .. I apologized and was quite embarrassed. Kinda a funny story eh?).
I am definately going to teach all my elementary school students the importance of not cutting in line. That will not be taken lightly in my class! Perhaps everyone in these malls and stores were not taught that it is RUDE to cut in front of others. gracious.
P.S. Thanks for all the cooking advice! I'm happy to report that last night I cooked a yummy dinner despite my small amount of ingredients.
My newest and (quickly becoming) biggest pet peeve is people that cut lines! (Butt lines, cut lines, break in line...however you say it). These people stink! Perhaps it is the holiday season that is bringing it out in people or maybe it is a common occurrence and only because I'm shopping more now am I vulnerable to the situation. Whatever the case, there have been at least 3 distinct scenarios within the last couple of weeks that have brought out the red-headed temper in me.
First time: the phone store. Justin was quite excited to see the new blackberry phone the day it premiered... I think it is called the Storm? Anyway... the phone store only had 2 Storms on display and they were both being occupied. So I stand behind one of the men toying around on the phone. Clearly behind him. Clearly I was waiting for our turn with the beloved Storm. What happens? I look away for ONE SECOND and a man in baggy gray sweatpants sneaks his way in and hops on the phone that had just so happened to become free the one second I looked away. You might think, hey it's your fault for looking away, but don't forget-I was clearly standing behind the man waiting for our turn. I was livid. What did I do? Whisper a little to Justin of my frustrations and....that's it. Baggy sweatpant-wearing guy if you are reading this: I don't appreciate your line cutting.
Second time: Adidas Outlet store in Naperville. Kristen, Justin and I had been waiting patiently in a forever long ling that was creeping along at snail like speeds. We had been in like for perhaps 30 minutes or so when we could finally see the cash registers. What else did we see? A youngish 20 something man who appeared at of nowhere was now by our side. Mind you he was NOT in line but standing by the side of Kristen, who clearly was IN line. We began to very quietly whisper that we think we might have a code cutter on our hands. Kristen did her best to box this guy out but what happens? We approach the registers, there is one on both sides of us. He cuts in front of us to go to the register to the right and was out of the store before we had made it to the register. Justin says perhaps the guy was European and he heard that in Europe people don't stand in straight lines but huddle around registers. That was nice of him to try and lessen the crime of this guy. But I've been to Europe and I saw lines formed.
Third time: I know...you are probably tired of reading about my rantings. I'll try to make this one fast. Tonight I realized that I am getting a sore throat. What sounded better than a drink from Orange Julius. I made my way over to the counter with anticipating, seeing that there were not customers = no wait!, but then out of no where a group of young teeny boppers swooped in to the counter. The order was: a girl from their group, me, and the rest of that girls friends. Tell me this-just because your friend makes it to the counter first, does that mean you and the rest of your friends get to join her at the front??? You might that does sound kinda fair, well in my eyes it is not! So I semi-politely waited for the entire group of kids to order their drinks. Justin came up and asked if I was in line, I replied (quite loudly) "I was!". I thought Justin shooshed me...sometimes I can act in a way that embarrasses him...understandbly so. I asked him about it a bit later and he said he didn't shoosh me... he was trying to get me to nudge my way more in line.
After all this ranting this is my point. People cut in front of me. It infuriates me. What do I do? Get mad, maybe whisper to Justin, give glares and thats it. Have you ever been in such a situation? What did you do? What do you suggest I do?? I don't want to be a push over but I don't want to sound like a sqaure saying "You cut in line!" (Sidenote: The people in San Francisco have NO qualms about saying when you cut in line. I apparently cut in the Trolley line (completely unbeknownst) and all of the people waiting YELLED in unison "HEY the lines back here!" .. I apologized and was quite embarrassed. Kinda a funny story eh?).
I am definately going to teach all my elementary school students the importance of not cutting in line. That will not be taken lightly in my class! Perhaps everyone in these malls and stores were not taught that it is RUDE to cut in front of others. gracious.
P.S. Thanks for all the cooking advice! I'm happy to report that last night I cooked a yummy dinner despite my small amount of ingredients.
O Christmas Tree!
Here she is in all her glory. Yes, she might be all glowing and beautiful now, but wow... I never knew the effort that it takes to make a Noble fir evergreen into a Christmas tree.
Lessons learned: 1. Christmas trees are expensive (or more money than I'd like to pay but that's okay, it's worth it.) 2. Make sure the bottom end of the tree's stump is long enough to reach the water that is in the tree stand. 3. Spend whatever money is needed to get a nice tree stand, granted they aren't very expensive. I learned this lesson because I bought a tree stand from DI for $3 thinking I was getting a steal. Turns out it was a cheapo and we ended up not being able to use it. 4. Do whatever it takes to make the bottom of the branches level, the more level they are the more level the tree will stand. 5. 25 ft of ribbon does not go very far! 6. I learned (from Justin) if you squint your eyes and look at your lit tree you can see the dark places where more lights are needed. I didn't care so much about the dark spots, I was so excited to see how much prettier my tree looked when I squinted! Is that odd?
Umm... if you can't tell by now, Justin and I sure put some hard work into this tree. I feel half bad for all the abuse we put our tree through...sorry we're first time Christmas-tree-putter-uppers! Buying our first Christmas tree together was so much fun! Decorating our tree with all of Justin's ornaments was also very fun! I'm so glad Mom Blackham gave Justin ornaments each Christmas, without his special ornaments our tree would not have so much character. We're pretty proud of our tree. And the Christmas presents that are already under the tree...that's right, we're trying to be on top of the shopping this year! I am still in the process of decorating
the rest of our apartment. Tomorrow I plan to spray-paint some brass Christmas themed candles I bought from DI. I want to hang some garland around the place too...gotta buy it first though! I think Justin might be a little worn out with all the Christmas decorating. But he loves it too :-)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Burnt chicken anyone??
Well my good and/or edible dinner streak finally ended last night. It lasted 6 1/2 months (plus if you count all the pre-marriage dinners I made..) so I guess I was due for a little bad luck in the kitchen. Can I just say that I feel like everything I have touched lately has broken, spilled, or made a mess? Maybe I should just stop touching anything in our home until I get over this unlucky spell.
A recap of the disaster that was last night:
I had been busy working on school work all day. I knew our leftovers were finished off the night before so I needed to make something for dinner. It was nearing 5 o'clock and I usually like to have something started by then so Justin and I can eat soon after he gets home from work. Well that wasn't happening because of the assignments I was trying to finish. So Justin gets home around 5:30 and I'm still working, 6 o'clock rolls around and I decide I should probably try to whip something up for dinner. Usually I have veggies, chicken, rice etc to make a good meal but not last night. When I went grocery shopping Monday I apparently got all the essentials and left out all the extras needed to make a recipe. So after looking aimlessly around my kitchen I decided we could have green beans, baked potatoes and chicken marinated in a marinade I got off the Worcestershire sauce (worcestershire sauce + balsamic vinegar + lemon juice + salt)-sounds not half bad right? Well the chicken didn't get a long time in the marinade before it got put on the grill (George Foreman grill that is). Justin was keeping an eye on the chicken while I was trying to cook the potatoes in the microwave. I also had the green beans in a skillet, sauteing with eevo and garlic (these were the only things that turned out edible). After microwaving the potatoes several times on several sides, the suckers were still not getting very soft on the inside. BUT the chicken was already getting burned (I think George needs to create a grill that has controllable temperatures, and if he already has then I need to get one because this one burns everything!). In a last attempt to salvage the potatoes, I pulled out the semi-cooked insides and plopped them in a bowl, adding sour cream, butter, garlic and salt to make mashed potatoes. Lesson learned: nothing can be made from semi-cooked potatoes. A sample taste of the chicken proved that it was pretty bland. At this point Justin and I looked at each other and said 'where do you want to go eat'?
I feel like a failure! Anyone who reads this, any advice? I don't have tons of time to make dinners at night...any quick dinner suggestions? How do you quickly cook your potatoes??
And to my husband, I am sorry I did not feel your stomach full of good home cooking last night. Let's hope my unlucky spell with anything I touch ends soon....
A recap of the disaster that was last night:
I had been busy working on school work all day. I knew our leftovers were finished off the night before so I needed to make something for dinner. It was nearing 5 o'clock and I usually like to have something started by then so Justin and I can eat soon after he gets home from work. Well that wasn't happening because of the assignments I was trying to finish. So Justin gets home around 5:30 and I'm still working, 6 o'clock rolls around and I decide I should probably try to whip something up for dinner. Usually I have veggies, chicken, rice etc to make a good meal but not last night. When I went grocery shopping Monday I apparently got all the essentials and left out all the extras needed to make a recipe. So after looking aimlessly around my kitchen I decided we could have green beans, baked potatoes and chicken marinated in a marinade I got off the Worcestershire sauce (worcestershire sauce + balsamic vinegar + lemon juice + salt)-sounds not half bad right? Well the chicken didn't get a long time in the marinade before it got put on the grill (George Foreman grill that is). Justin was keeping an eye on the chicken while I was trying to cook the potatoes in the microwave. I also had the green beans in a skillet, sauteing with eevo and garlic (these were the only things that turned out edible). After microwaving the potatoes several times on several sides, the suckers were still not getting very soft on the inside. BUT the chicken was already getting burned (I think George needs to create a grill that has controllable temperatures, and if he already has then I need to get one because this one burns everything!). In a last attempt to salvage the potatoes, I pulled out the semi-cooked insides and plopped them in a bowl, adding sour cream, butter, garlic and salt to make mashed potatoes. Lesson learned: nothing can be made from semi-cooked potatoes. A sample taste of the chicken proved that it was pretty bland. At this point Justin and I looked at each other and said 'where do you want to go eat'?
I feel like a failure! Anyone who reads this, any advice? I don't have tons of time to make dinners at night...any quick dinner suggestions? How do you quickly cook your potatoes??
And to my husband, I am sorry I did not feel your stomach full of good home cooking last night. Let's hope my unlucky spell with anything I touch ends soon....
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving in Chicago!
Justin and I left Wednesday morning for Thanksgiving with the Blackhams! I won't give an hour by hour replay but I will touch on the highlights :)
Thursday: Thanksgiving bowling games then the dinner in the evening. It was a yummy dinner! We had a great time visiting with family and relaxing after eating so much!
Friday: We did the Black Friday shopping! This was my first year going out on Black Friday. I've always dreaded shopping in super crowded places but it wasn't really all that bad. We didn't go out till around 11 a.m. and we took Kristen (Justin's little sis) shopping so she could get some of her Christmas shopping done. We went to the mall, Target (great deals on dvd's!) and the Outlet malls. I think since Justin and I weren't shopping for anything on our lists it made the experience more pleasant and less stressful. Justin did end up getting a big ticket item for his Christmas. I won't reveal it until he officially opens it on Christmas :-) A few more highlights from Friday... eating lunch at Portillo's....yuuummm, walking downtown Naperville and looking at all the pretty lights, and seeing Twilight with the whole fam. Dad Blackham was a trooper! We all liked the movie, I'm more interested in reading the books now! (I know, gasp, I haven't read the books and I saw the movie)
Saturday: Justin and I went downtown Chicago pretty much all day. We walked to Millenial Park then up to the Magnificant Mile then went up the John Hancock building then walked over to the Oriental Theatre and saw the Marshall Field's window displays. It was such a fun day in the city! We definitely walked off our Turkey dinner that day! That night we went out to eat with the DeMille's for a farewell dinner.
We got back in town Sunday and decided to get out all of our Christmas decoration. Turns out I don't have nearly as much decoration as I thought I did! Soooo... Justin and I went shopping at JoAnn's tonight for some decorations. They had all their Christmas stuff 60% off! I don't understand why they put their stuff on such a sale before Christmas but I sure love it! Now we just have to get a tree this weekend and trim it :-) orrr put decorations on it. I'm excited because we already have a lot of presents to put under our tree! I just wish our place was a little bigger so we could fit a nice size tree in it instead of the midget one I'm sure we're going to have to get. Oh well.. maybe next year we'll be in a bigger place! We're sooo excited for Christmas! Next Thursday (I think) is my last day of class, I can't believe it's so soon! But this time of year is sooo fun....just hope it snows soon!
Thursday: Thanksgiving bowling games then the dinner in the evening. It was a yummy dinner! We had a great time visiting with family and relaxing after eating so much!
Friday: We did the Black Friday shopping! This was my first year going out on Black Friday. I've always dreaded shopping in super crowded places but it wasn't really all that bad. We didn't go out till around 11 a.m. and we took Kristen (Justin's little sis) shopping so she could get some of her Christmas shopping done. We went to the mall, Target (great deals on dvd's!) and the Outlet malls. I think since Justin and I weren't shopping for anything on our lists it made the experience more pleasant and less stressful. Justin did end up getting a big ticket item for his Christmas. I won't reveal it until he officially opens it on Christmas :-) A few more highlights from Friday... eating lunch at Portillo's....yuuummm, walking downtown Naperville and looking at all the pretty lights, and seeing Twilight with the whole fam. Dad Blackham was a trooper! We all liked the movie, I'm more interested in reading the books now! (I know, gasp, I haven't read the books and I saw the movie)
Saturday: Justin and I went downtown Chicago pretty much all day. We walked to Millenial Park then up to the Magnificant Mile then went up the John Hancock building then walked over to the Oriental Theatre and saw the Marshall Field's window displays. It was such a fun day in the city! We definitely walked off our Turkey dinner that day! That night we went out to eat with the DeMille's for a farewell dinner.
Can you find us??
We got back in town Sunday and decided to get out all of our Christmas decoration. Turns out I don't have nearly as much decoration as I thought I did! Soooo... Justin and I went shopping at JoAnn's tonight for some decorations. They had all their Christmas stuff 60% off! I don't understand why they put their stuff on such a sale before Christmas but I sure love it! Now we just have to get a tree this weekend and trim it :-) orrr put decorations on it. I'm excited because we already have a lot of presents to put under our tree! I just wish our place was a little bigger so we could fit a nice size tree in it instead of the midget one I'm sure we're going to have to get. Oh well.. maybe next year we'll be in a bigger place! We're sooo excited for Christmas! Next Thursday (I think) is my last day of class, I can't believe it's so soon! But this time of year is sooo fun....just hope it snows soon!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
It's almost Thanksgiving..already??
It feels like life has been moving at warp speed ever since Halloween! This years Halloween was very fun for us! I participated in Westridge Elementary school's parade (where I am doing my practicum student teaching) and it was a highlight to see all my 4th grader's all dressed up in their costumes. I was a pirate (again) and Justin was a sales representative (it was a hit at his work). After school Justin and I went to my sister's house in South Jordan to see my nephew dressed up for his first Halloween (check him out! http://whitmer-family.blogspot.com/) he was the cutest pea in the pod I've ever seen!
Since Halloween... life has been pretty busy but yet I can't remember what we've really done...
I've been during my practicum student teaching since October 28 and it will end this coming Monday! The time has flown by and I've been able to learn and grow tons. The last month I've definately felt my low's when it comes to my capability as a teacher. But thankfully yesterday I was able to teach all day (my mentor teacher was out for that day) and it went so nicely! The kids were great, I was able to really enjoy my time teaching and let my personality come through-finally! It makes such a huge difference to be the only teacher in the room and be able to teach the kids all through the day (instead of just random 30 minute lessons). It has been great but I am really looking forward to what comes after practicum ends...Thanksgiving, 2 weeks of class then CHRISTMAS! (I also took the Praxis exam this last Saturday, cross your fingers that I passed!)
Justin has been working his tail off as usual. His company is in a huge transition right now, merging with another company. Justin interviewed for a new job with a company called Logoworks in American Fork and got the job. However, after some careful thinking we decided that staying with Icon (now known as Pinnacle) would be the best decision for the steps we are going to be making in the near future. He is working on MBA program applications...gotta get those in soon!
We saw Madagascar 2 last week-we recommend it! It got some great laughs out of us even after we'd had a long and hard day :-)
We are so excited for Thanksgiving in Chicago and spend time with Blackhams and DeMille's! The countdown: 6 days!
Since Halloween... life has been pretty busy but yet I can't remember what we've really done...
I've been during my practicum student teaching since October 28 and it will end this coming Monday! The time has flown by and I've been able to learn and grow tons. The last month I've definately felt my low's when it comes to my capability as a teacher. But thankfully yesterday I was able to teach all day (my mentor teacher was out for that day) and it went so nicely! The kids were great, I was able to really enjoy my time teaching and let my personality come through-finally! It makes such a huge difference to be the only teacher in the room and be able to teach the kids all through the day (instead of just random 30 minute lessons). It has been great but I am really looking forward to what comes after practicum ends...Thanksgiving, 2 weeks of class then CHRISTMAS! (I also took the Praxis exam this last Saturday, cross your fingers that I passed!)
Justin has been working his tail off as usual. His company is in a huge transition right now, merging with another company. Justin interviewed for a new job with a company called Logoworks in American Fork and got the job. However, after some careful thinking we decided that staying with Icon (now known as Pinnacle) would be the best decision for the steps we are going to be making in the near future. He is working on MBA program applications...gotta get those in soon!
We saw Madagascar 2 last week-we recommend it! It got some great laughs out of us even after we'd had a long and hard day :-)
We are so excited for Thanksgiving in Chicago and spend time with Blackhams and DeMille's! The countdown: 6 days!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Zoo, Football, & Halloween!
I don't have much time to post but I wanted to put up some pics from our life lately! We went to Hogle Zoo in SLC a few weekends ago (school assignment and for fun), then we went to Logan for the USU vs BYU football game (so much fun-we cheered for our own teams but in the end the best pulled through!) and lastly we carved pumpkins this past Monday for FHE and decorated our lovely little home! Life has been fun and busy lately!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Memories!
I think I was tagged by Jolee for this (& if it was another Amy..that's ok--I wanted to do this anyway). Here are the rules: Go into your picture files and open your 4th folder and download the 4th picture onto your blog!!! Write your memories of the photo.
This was the picture I found! Here's Justin and me from Thanksgiving in Chicago with the Blackhams last year. This picture was taken in front of the Bean (a very reflective sculpture in the shape of a ....Bean!) It was sooo cold and windy! But we were dressed up because we were going to see Wicked :-) which was incredible! Then Justin and I changed into warmer clothes and explored the city at night. We saw the traditional lighting of the HUGE christmas tree downtown chicago and got some yummy hot chocolate. I was so excited to be seeing the city with the man I loved and he was such a great tour guide! We are going out to Chicago again this Thanksgiving so I am of course very excited again!
I tag: Heather & Amanda
This was the picture I found! Here's Justin and me from Thanksgiving in Chicago with the Blackhams last year. This picture was taken in front of the Bean (a very reflective sculpture in the shape of a ....Bean!) It was sooo cold and windy! But we were dressed up because we were going to see Wicked :-) which was incredible! Then Justin and I changed into warmer clothes and explored the city at night. We saw the traditional lighting of the HUGE christmas tree downtown chicago and got some yummy hot chocolate. I was so excited to be seeing the city with the man I loved and he was such a great tour guide! We are going out to Chicago again this Thanksgiving so I am of course very excited again!
I tag: Heather & Amanda
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Power of Teaching
I don't have much time (still 4 lengthy assignments to get done today!) but I just wanted to get my thoughts out about what I'm feeling right now.
Lately I have been so overwhelmed by all the assignments that are required in the el ed major. Between unit planning and assessment plans and the teacher work sample...everything piles up and makes teaching seem like an extraordinarily impossible profession. (With the exception of a few teachers who actually make teaching seem worthwhile and do-able!) Between all the assignments due today and tomorrow I thought I would take an hour to attend the Power of Teaching seminar, today's being presented by Brad Wilcox (I have him for a class and have grown so much in love with him as a teacher!). Plus I definitely needed a boost of optimism about teaching right now.
The seminar was spectacular. Todd Holman, a well-known stained-glass artist, was the topic of the seminar. He overcame struggles with his extreme stuttering much due in thanks to his 2nd grade teacher who encouraged him to express his words through other means (art). After watching a video about Todd, Bro. Wilcox introduced Todd to his 2nd grade teacher-who just so happens to be Bro. Wilcox's mother. They had a touching reunion and then Todd spoke about his thoughts of teachers. He said that he believes in the life to come that teachers will be loved and hugged by all their students. That thought alone made me feel that I was in the right place, the right profession. Admist all the assignments and stresses and doubts that I have seriously had recently about teaching, a glimpse of hope came through the words of this man. I am so grateful that I attended that seminar and was able to see the purpose once again in why I chose this profession. I feel so inadequate and unconfident most times anymore in regards to teaching. It is a hard, very hard profession with much work required. But the thought always comes to mind 'I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.' I know teaching is worth it!
Now it's back to the library will I will undoubtedly spend the entire afternoon!
Lately I have been so overwhelmed by all the assignments that are required in the el ed major. Between unit planning and assessment plans and the teacher work sample...everything piles up and makes teaching seem like an extraordinarily impossible profession. (With the exception of a few teachers who actually make teaching seem worthwhile and do-able!) Between all the assignments due today and tomorrow I thought I would take an hour to attend the Power of Teaching seminar, today's being presented by Brad Wilcox (I have him for a class and have grown so much in love with him as a teacher!). Plus I definitely needed a boost of optimism about teaching right now.
The seminar was spectacular. Todd Holman, a well-known stained-glass artist, was the topic of the seminar. He overcame struggles with his extreme stuttering much due in thanks to his 2nd grade teacher who encouraged him to express his words through other means (art). After watching a video about Todd, Bro. Wilcox introduced Todd to his 2nd grade teacher-who just so happens to be Bro. Wilcox's mother. They had a touching reunion and then Todd spoke about his thoughts of teachers. He said that he believes in the life to come that teachers will be loved and hugged by all their students. That thought alone made me feel that I was in the right place, the right profession. Admist all the assignments and stresses and doubts that I have seriously had recently about teaching, a glimpse of hope came through the words of this man. I am so grateful that I attended that seminar and was able to see the purpose once again in why I chose this profession. I feel so inadequate and unconfident most times anymore in regards to teaching. It is a hard, very hard profession with much work required. But the thought always comes to mind 'I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.' I know teaching is worth it!
Now it's back to the library will I will undoubtedly spend the entire afternoon!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Las Vegas by Justin
Now that we have the internet, we can catch up on all of the fun things that we've been doing. So before our great trip to San Francisco, we took a brief weekend trip to Las Vegas at the end of July. We should figured we had better hurry and get all of these short trips in before Amy started school again - so here are the pictures:
Same picture from our 1st trip to Vegas together but just one year later and married!
We decided to rent a car for fun - this is what they gave us! Ok, not really - we just happened to see this on display so we took a picture :)
We always have to get some Gelato when it's available!
Same picture from our 1st trip to Vegas together but just one year later and married!
We decided to rent a car for fun - this is what they gave us! Ok, not really - we just happened to see this on display so we took a picture :)
We always have to get some Gelato when it's available!
The internet!!
We finally have the internet! We asked a couple upstairs if we could join on their connection and while it isn't super fast, it is the internet! I feel so much more connected now :-)
Classes started again today. I was relieved to see how easy it was to get back in the school mode. But there are more things to juggle now besides just school so it will still take a little while to get into the new groove. I was thinking about it today and I'll be glad when my life doesn't get disoriented and completely changed every few months. Change is good and fun but I like having steady patterns for a while. Oh and I had to buy books today. That will be another thing I'll be glad to not have to do...hopefully ever again!
Yesterday Justin and I got back from San Francisco. It was such a fun trip! We went to Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, China town, the Golden Gate Bridge... and walked everywhere in between. We learned that solely relying on public transportation can be... interesting and that it is nearly impossible to dress for San Francisco's weather! But we really enjoyed our hotel and it's location. I think my personal favorite was seeing the seals at Pier 39 and all the chocolate from Ghiradelli Square. I know Justin's favorite part was going to Alcatraz. That boat ride was pretty fun, we could see really thick fog off in the distance then before we knew it we were in it and couldn't see anything anymore then all of a sudden we were right in front of Alcatraz. It was pretty eerie because of the fog--made the perfect setting for the prison. We want to watch 'The Rock' and 'Escape from Alcatraz' now that we've been there. I think it would be interesting to find out a little bit more about the prisoners that were there also. Anyone know anything about Robert 'Birdman' Stroud?? We don't but we want to find out.
I love our trips together! They create such fun memories. I am especially excited about all the pictures we took this last trip. I should be better about getting prints made and scrapbooking them...maybe someday when I have more time!
Here are some pics from the trip:
The view from our hotel room window
waiting for our tour to Alcatraz
the fog!... going to Alcatraz
Justin's really cool shot at Alcatraz
another very cool shot by Justin--these cyclists were riding down Market to protest oil dependency
Classes started again today. I was relieved to see how easy it was to get back in the school mode. But there are more things to juggle now besides just school so it will still take a little while to get into the new groove. I was thinking about it today and I'll be glad when my life doesn't get disoriented and completely changed every few months. Change is good and fun but I like having steady patterns for a while. Oh and I had to buy books today. That will be another thing I'll be glad to not have to do...hopefully ever again!
Yesterday Justin and I got back from San Francisco. It was such a fun trip! We went to Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, China town, the Golden Gate Bridge... and walked everywhere in between. We learned that solely relying on public transportation can be... interesting and that it is nearly impossible to dress for San Francisco's weather! But we really enjoyed our hotel and it's location. I think my personal favorite was seeing the seals at Pier 39 and all the chocolate from Ghiradelli Square. I know Justin's favorite part was going to Alcatraz. That boat ride was pretty fun, we could see really thick fog off in the distance then before we knew it we were in it and couldn't see anything anymore then all of a sudden we were right in front of Alcatraz. It was pretty eerie because of the fog--made the perfect setting for the prison. We want to watch 'The Rock' and 'Escape from Alcatraz' now that we've been there. I think it would be interesting to find out a little bit more about the prisoners that were there also. Anyone know anything about Robert 'Birdman' Stroud?? We don't but we want to find out.
I love our trips together! They create such fun memories. I am especially excited about all the pictures we took this last trip. I should be better about getting prints made and scrapbooking them...maybe someday when I have more time!
Here are some pics from the trip:
The view from our hotel room window
waiting for our tour to Alcatraz
the fog!... going to Alcatraz
Justin's really cool shot at Alcatraz
another very cool shot by Justin--these cyclists were riding down Market to protest oil dependency
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's about time!
Justin and I played the best out of 3 again last night in Skip-Bo. I WON! (It wasn't completely fair though because Sunday night we played one game and I won, so i counted that towards Monday nights tournament). So I won the tie breaker! It felt great! :-) Justin is much better at taking a loss gracefully than I do. And thank goodness for that.
Just an update on our newest adventures. I took off this Thurs & Friday (Thursday to just spend some time with my sister and help her out) but we were trying to figure out what to do with our long weekend before school starts. Last year we went to Green River WY and camped with my sister and her family. That was fun, but Justin and I are more into cities than outhouses and tents (but it was beautiful there). Anyway, we were throwing out some ideas and we decided San Francisco would be a fun place to go. It has so much culture and fun things to do and see! So I went to AAA yesterday and got our tour books and maps. I've been google'ing alot of the attractions and transportation. I feel like I know all the streets by heart but I'm sure it will be very confusing once I'm actually there. We leave this Friday morning and will get in at 10:30ish. Then we fly back out Monday afternoon. We are both very excited for this get away. So far we've only planned that we're going to do the night Alcatraz tour. Justin was most excited about going there so it will be a lot of fun!
Just an update on our newest adventures. I took off this Thurs & Friday (Thursday to just spend some time with my sister and help her out) but we were trying to figure out what to do with our long weekend before school starts. Last year we went to Green River WY and camped with my sister and her family. That was fun, but Justin and I are more into cities than outhouses and tents (but it was beautiful there). Anyway, we were throwing out some ideas and we decided San Francisco would be a fun place to go. It has so much culture and fun things to do and see! So I went to AAA yesterday and got our tour books and maps. I've been google'ing alot of the attractions and transportation. I feel like I know all the streets by heart but I'm sure it will be very confusing once I'm actually there. We leave this Friday morning and will get in at 10:30ish. Then we fly back out Monday afternoon. We are both very excited for this get away. So far we've only planned that we're going to do the night Alcatraz tour. Justin was most excited about going there so it will be a lot of fun!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
More going-ons...
First I'd like to thank Jolee for doing her best to keep me on top of this blogging thing..
Next, I'd like to apologize first off for the fact that we still haven't posted our Las Vegas trip pictures! Not having the internet at home really makes some things hard...while on the other hand it has been kind of nice :-) But hopefully they'll make it on here sometime...
Justin and I have been married for 3 months now! That time really has passed by so fast! It's been wonderful though. I can see the difference in our marriage from when we just were married to the point of where we are now. I feel like we've grown so much closer and so much more in love with each other. This past Saturday we went on a real date! We haven't been the best at going out and really creating a planned ahead date. (well this one wasn't super planned ahead either but it was fun!) We went out to eat (first sit-down restaurant we've been to in really long time!) then we saw Iron Man at the dollar..and it was really good! We really enjoyed our evening together. We also went to the Sundance Moonlit ski lift ride Friday night. It was fun...but as soon as we got up in the air we remembered the problems that we had with the date last year when we went. It's a little scary...and Justin really doesn't like the part where the lift goes over the poles.. he would grab the bar for dear life each time..it was kinda cute and funny. He probably will deny that if you ask him about it ;-) But it was fun having so much time to be out enjoying the serene, quiet outdoors--plus we got to talk the whole time without any distractions.
Sunday we went to the field across from the Temple and found some shade and threw down a blanket. We rested and wrote in our journal then played the game Skip-Bo. I'm very close to banning this game from our house! We played best out of 3 Sunday and also last night as part of our FHE and Justin has won both times we played! It's so aggravating! I was throwing a fit last night...apparently I'm more competitive than I ever knew. Justin apologized for beating me...while he was dying laughing. He thinks its hilarious... I on the other hand don't think I can play that game anymore. :-(
I took my D&C final last Thursday. Ended up with an A- in the class! I'm glad to be done with summer classes...though it feels like I have way too much free time now on my hands. I realized yesterday that BYU starts back in 2 weeks and that made me a little sad to say the least. So I've taken next Thurs, Fri Sat and Mon (Labor Day) off work to hopefully go somewhere with Justin before school starts back!
Life is still great..we're getting to know more people in our ward and feel a little more part of the ward family. Justin is still studying for the GMAT. We're going to start working out more... cough cough, hopefully it will last longer than a couple days! Wish I had some pictures to put on here..sorry!
Next, I'd like to apologize first off for the fact that we still haven't posted our Las Vegas trip pictures! Not having the internet at home really makes some things hard...while on the other hand it has been kind of nice :-) But hopefully they'll make it on here sometime...
Justin and I have been married for 3 months now! That time really has passed by so fast! It's been wonderful though. I can see the difference in our marriage from when we just were married to the point of where we are now. I feel like we've grown so much closer and so much more in love with each other. This past Saturday we went on a real date! We haven't been the best at going out and really creating a planned ahead date. (well this one wasn't super planned ahead either but it was fun!) We went out to eat (first sit-down restaurant we've been to in really long time!) then we saw Iron Man at the dollar..and it was really good! We really enjoyed our evening together. We also went to the Sundance Moonlit ski lift ride Friday night. It was fun...but as soon as we got up in the air we remembered the problems that we had with the date last year when we went. It's a little scary...and Justin really doesn't like the part where the lift goes over the poles.. he would grab the bar for dear life each time..it was kinda cute and funny. He probably will deny that if you ask him about it ;-) But it was fun having so much time to be out enjoying the serene, quiet outdoors--plus we got to talk the whole time without any distractions.
Sunday we went to the field across from the Temple and found some shade and threw down a blanket. We rested and wrote in our journal then played the game Skip-Bo. I'm very close to banning this game from our house! We played best out of 3 Sunday and also last night as part of our FHE and Justin has won both times we played! It's so aggravating! I was throwing a fit last night...apparently I'm more competitive than I ever knew. Justin apologized for beating me...while he was dying laughing. He thinks its hilarious... I on the other hand don't think I can play that game anymore. :-(
I took my D&C final last Thursday. Ended up with an A- in the class! I'm glad to be done with summer classes...though it feels like I have way too much free time now on my hands. I realized yesterday that BYU starts back in 2 weeks and that made me a little sad to say the least. So I've taken next Thurs, Fri Sat and Mon (Labor Day) off work to hopefully go somewhere with Justin before school starts back!
Life is still great..we're getting to know more people in our ward and feel a little more part of the ward family. Justin is still studying for the GMAT. We're going to start working out more... cough cough, hopefully it will last longer than a couple days! Wish I had some pictures to put on here..sorry!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Life lately..
As you can tell Justin and I aren't so great at keeping up with our blog (sorry!). We're still waiting to get the internet in our apartment so it makes blogging a little harder. But just as a recap of whats been going on in our life lately...
Last Wednesday I took my final for my children's lit class, so now I'm down to just D&C on Tues and Thurs evenings. Unfortunately, those two nights are also when Justin has his GMAT class. So I see him very little on those days. He gets home from that class usually between 9:30 and 9:45 and thats right around my bedtime! haha... It's only twice a week so it isn't unbearable.
I want to take a minute to brag about my amazing husband! Last week Justin told me that he was planning a special date for Friday night. I love surprises but at the same time I want to find out so badly! So I asked a few more questions about the date and he said it was up north, in Salt Lake. So Friday morning my alarm clock goes off around 6 as usual but this time Justin reached over and turned my alarm off. He then proceeded to tell me that he got the day off of work for the both of us and that we were going to Las Vegas for the weekend. (BTW, For a while now I've been saying how much I want to get away and go somewhere with Justin). I was speechless! He got us a room at the Monte Carlo, right on the strip just south of the Bellagio! Then once we got there he gave me shopping money! We went out Friday night and had an amazing night looking at all the wonderful sights. (That's a great thing about Vegas, despite how much it might cost to stay there, there is tons of great entertainment for FREE if you find the right hotels with exhibits and other special features). Then we woke up early Saturday morning (without an alarm clock) and took a tour through all of Justin's old mission spots. Then came the shopping! Vegas has the best shopping I've concluded. There are great outlet stores, a mall right on the strip with tons of great stores and a really fun outdoor mall just south of the strip that has a great atmosphere. We went to the pool and rested then went out to eat. Sunday we went to a great ward where Justin served his mission. The members are so nice and welcoming down there! We headed home soon after (sad!). But yes, Justin planned it all on his own and kept it a secret from me! It was amazing. My husband is so thoughtful and caring! (Pictures from the trip should be coming soon..)
Other than that... we're just in the daily grind. Justin is starting to wake up early to go running before work. I want to start going with him...just wish I didn't have to go into work so early!
Jolee--we did see Batman! We got to see it for free with this company that Justin does his IRA through, and they gave us a $10 gift card for treats/popcorn. That was the best part of the night. I didn't like the movie that much... I just didn't get a good vibe from it. I know everyone else has loved it though so I'm just the oddball. Hate we didn't get to go to Kayla's birthday party, I want to see you girls again soon!
I think that's all for now :-)
Last Wednesday I took my final for my children's lit class, so now I'm down to just D&C on Tues and Thurs evenings. Unfortunately, those two nights are also when Justin has his GMAT class. So I see him very little on those days. He gets home from that class usually between 9:30 and 9:45 and thats right around my bedtime! haha... It's only twice a week so it isn't unbearable.
I want to take a minute to brag about my amazing husband! Last week Justin told me that he was planning a special date for Friday night. I love surprises but at the same time I want to find out so badly! So I asked a few more questions about the date and he said it was up north, in Salt Lake. So Friday morning my alarm clock goes off around 6 as usual but this time Justin reached over and turned my alarm off. He then proceeded to tell me that he got the day off of work for the both of us and that we were going to Las Vegas for the weekend. (BTW, For a while now I've been saying how much I want to get away and go somewhere with Justin). I was speechless! He got us a room at the Monte Carlo, right on the strip just south of the Bellagio! Then once we got there he gave me shopping money! We went out Friday night and had an amazing night looking at all the wonderful sights. (That's a great thing about Vegas, despite how much it might cost to stay there, there is tons of great entertainment for FREE if you find the right hotels with exhibits and other special features). Then we woke up early Saturday morning (without an alarm clock) and took a tour through all of Justin's old mission spots. Then came the shopping! Vegas has the best shopping I've concluded. There are great outlet stores, a mall right on the strip with tons of great stores and a really fun outdoor mall just south of the strip that has a great atmosphere. We went to the pool and rested then went out to eat. Sunday we went to a great ward where Justin served his mission. The members are so nice and welcoming down there! We headed home soon after (sad!). But yes, Justin planned it all on his own and kept it a secret from me! It was amazing. My husband is so thoughtful and caring! (Pictures from the trip should be coming soon..)
Other than that... we're just in the daily grind. Justin is starting to wake up early to go running before work. I want to start going with him...just wish I didn't have to go into work so early!
Jolee--we did see Batman! We got to see it for free with this company that Justin does his IRA through, and they gave us a $10 gift card for treats/popcorn. That was the best part of the night. I didn't like the movie that much... I just didn't get a good vibe from it. I know everyone else has loved it though so I'm just the oddball. Hate we didn't get to go to Kayla's birthday party, I want to see you girls again soon!
I think that's all for now :-)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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