Shenanigans and Other Happenings

Writing

2012-01-19T20:57:00.003-05:00

Started writing on the healthy living blog again....

Go check it out

So Maybe Mom Was Right

Feliz Navidad

2011-12-24T10:59:00.004-05:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

An introduction...

2011-12-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

Ok.

It is time to introduce him into the blog-o-sphere.

But not too many details...just enough to keep you informed.

Walking around Old Town

Not his name

After our second date

I will tell you he lives in Canada

At Arlington Cemetery

And I will share pictures


Niagara Falls

Because I kinda like him

At the top of the CN Tower

And he makes me happy

We shall call him Manfriend (shout out to The Apron Stage)

236

2011-12-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Jane!

Mood music

2011-12-14T20:15:00.000-05:00

A little City and Colour never hurt anyone...

It happened again...

2011-11-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

...my birthday.

I am pretty sure I had a conversation with Heavenly Father last year about my birthday. I thought we had a clear understanding that I had no interest in getting older.

Obviously someone is not listening.

Anywho-

As it so happens, I turned twenty-nine yesterday. The last year in my twenties. Thirty is staring at me, and kinda mocking me.

However, there is some hope. As Jane Austen put it: "It sometimes happens, that a woman is handsomer at twenty-nine than she was ten years before; and, generally speaking, if there has been neither ill health nor anxiety, it is a time of life at which scarcely any charm is lost."- Persuasion

That makes me feel so much better. And it is true. Let us compare

This is at 28

This is at 19.

Not only has my sense of fashion improved (what was I thinking, wearing that skirt with sneakers?), but I now have an overall sense of who I am and where I want to be. From this angle, thirty isn't looking too bad.

This may also have to do with a guy I am seeing. But that is really for another post. Soon. I promise.

And, let's see how my Thirty before 30 list is coming along...

~~1. Buy a car on my own~~

2. Reach my goal weight

3. Go to Greece

4. Learn a new language

~~5. Design a quilt with all my college t-shirts~~

This is me wrapped in my new quilt, watching the a Gator game. Perfection

~~6. Go on a blind date~~

~~7. Learn how to make gnocchi~~

~~8. Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade~~

~~9. Survive a zip line through the forest~~

10. Have some of my writing published

11. Learn how to play guitar

12. Take a cooking class

13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple

14. Make homemade sushi

15. Go to Chicago and Boston

16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show

17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in

18. Go to Vizcaya

19. Own my own temple dress

~~20. Have the perfect kiss~~

Mr. Tebow

2011-10-20T14:05:00.000-04:00

Heading to Miami this weekend to watch this man start for the Denver Broncos.

Yes, I ordered a Broncos shirt. Yes, it says Tebow on the back.

And yes, it will be Gator Day. Celebrating the 2008 Gator Football Team, which won the BCS National Champion that year. And Tebow was the quarterback.

I mean, really, could it be a more perfect day?

I'm Alive!

2011-09-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Its true. I am alive.

I don't even know how I got so behind on blogging. The summer exhausted me and by the time I recovered, I had too much to catch up on.

So, very briefly, this is what you missed...

From Spain, I flew to Paris with five of the kids I worked with. I met up with the group that had summered in Florence and we had fifteen kids in total. That number was so much better! I love Paris!

My next stop was London. Remind me again why I don't live there...I was able to visit inside of Westminster Abbey (I was too cheap to have done that before) and saw Wicked. Amazing!

This is not Westminster Abbey. This is Buckingham Palace.

When I got back from Europe, I had one day to recover and the Pando family flew to California to attend Derek and Stephany's wedding. It was an amazing day!

We were able to do all sorts of fun things, including hiking (yes, that is us in a tree) and biking the Golden Gate Bridge.We even got to visit my aunt in Antioch.

When we got back from California, me and my mom joined the Nielson/Nipper clan for a quick trip to Gainesville. We now have the tradition of celebrating Laura's birthday out there...

And while I was walking around the mall, I bumped into this good looking guy...it was fate.

After getting back from Gainesville, we had to deal with Hurricane Katrina. I had planned on staying in Florida an extra week, but the hurricane changed those plans. I quickly gathered my things and flew to DC, only to have Katrina hit the DC area three days later. Thankfully, the damage wasn't too bad.

I then had to start getting ready for school. I set up my classroom and attended lots of meetings.

For Labor Day, a group of us got a house in Cape May. It was so relaxing and wonderful, I didn't take any pictures! But I did take pictures on the ferry on the way to Cape May. And that will have to suffice.

My ward had a retreat a few weeks later and we had a blast. It was a little cold and rainy, but I think we all enjoyed it. A big thanks to those who set it up!

During the Games. We named ourselves "The Nunnery"


This was while we were watching the BYU/Utah game. My Gators had won earlier in the day, so I was just happy.

And so here we are. All caught up. You should expect some posts about a new house I am moving into (next week!), some Gator football (we play Alabama on Saturday), and a quick trip to Miami to see the Dolphins/Broncos game.

Its gonna be great!

Toros!

2011-07-15T06:59:00.000-04:00

I am not quite sure I knew what my reaction would be once I attended the bullfights. I don't like to see creatures in pain, but the history and the art of bullfighting is a tradition. I did surprisingly well, but for your benefit, I will not go into too many details about evening.

In Seville, during the summer, bullfighting is not very popular. Most of the residents of Seville are at the beach, so the matadors use this time to train. Last night we watched three matadors compete (all three were beginners, although the third guy was pretty good. He had a really good hip thrusting going on).

This was our first matador, the worst of the three. His form was not great and he seemed a little unsure of himself.

Our second matador was better, although short. He was able to get amazingly close to the bull, but was nicked in the back at one point by the bull's horns.

The third matador was the one who really put on the show. His form was fantastic and he was composed the entire time.

The third matador won for the evening (does anyone know how the points system works in bullfighting?). He was thrown flowers and tokens from the stands and walked around collecting them.

He looks like he is twelve years old. And he is as skinny as a bean pole.

I don't think I will ever go to another bullfight, it is one of the those things that once is enough.

One story I did want to share: After the bulls were killed, everyone in the audience starting waving white handkerchiefs in the air. I asked someone about that and they said it was to help the bulls' spirits reach heaven faster for the valiant fight they just participated in. After the kids heard that, they started grabbing pieces of paper and waving them in the air, wanting to be part of the crowd.

Oops...

2011-07-11T15:48:00.002-04:00

Ok, ok, so I have been a bad blogger. But I have an excuse! I am busy. No, seriously. I am that busy.

But I thought it would be fun to point out the good and bad things of my trip so far.

Let's do the bad first:

1. Last Monday, I found out my debit card had fraudulent activity on it from three weeks ago and the bank didn't tell me and they sent me a new one that arrived the day I left.

2. The charger on Manaza gave out. The new charger cost me 80 euros (OUCH!!)

3. Realizing I forgot my temple recommend in my purse in my storage unit (I need it for my cousin's wedding in August).

The good:

1. Getting a new debit card today

2. Staying at this hotel this past weekend

3. Walking past this every night

4. Seeing interesting graffiti every where I go

Overall, I can't complain...

Here are some random picture I think you would enjoy...

Port Banus, just outside of Marbella

My favorite statue in Sevilla

This is a recycling container!

Laura- do you think Abby would wear this for Halloween?? :)

A little nostalgia for days past?

Sevilla has not disappointed! There is always something going on and I have discovered wonderful things about this city.

I promise to be better about blogging! Now that we have entered the second week, things are a little more calm, and I should be able to share more stories and pictures...

Calm before the storm

2011-07-02T19:39:00.000-04:00

You may be wondering what I do all day while in Seville. For the moment, my days are filled with meetings, scoping out the city, and negotiating prices for my kids. Thankfully, this program is in its 10th year, so a lot of the basics are set up and we just have to confirm numbers and buses. My staff has been really great about running errands and figuring out the city. They are a solid group, really diverse, from professional rugby players to spanish teachers.

Tonight we were able to take some time off and prepare for the students arrival (tomorrow!). We went to the pool and then to dinner, followed by a movie, Midnight in Paris. Such a great movie. I know that I didn't pick up on all the literary and artist references, but I like to think I did okay.

The heat has been pretty bad in Seville, but because I am in the office a lot, I haven't really experienced it. When I do get outside, the first thing I search for cold water, which is actually pretty hard to find on the streets. I am constantly asking bartenders for cups with ice (they usually give me two cubes...).

Anywho, the kids arrive tomorrow and that is when our adventure begins. We have plans to go to a bullfight, a flamenco show (and lesson!), to go up La Giralda (the tower of the Cathedral) and all sorts of wonderful things. The pictures will certainly get more interesting!!

Welcome to Sevilla!

2011-06-30T18:08:00.000-04:00

Allow me to properly introduce you to Seville...

This is the view from my room

This is some strange transportation depot that has been under construction for the past 10 years and just recently opened. I don't get it.

The old cigar factory, now part of the University of Seville

View of the river as the sun is going down

Carriage rides

And what Seville is famous for: The Cathedral. Christopher Columbus is supposedly buried there.

The trip has been really fun so far. My staff has been amazing, four girls and two guys. We have been touring the area and trying to put together a program that the kids will love. And we have really been enjoying the food!

The kids are arriving on Sunday and I think we are about ready for them. The heat has been pretty bad, but we manage to push through and are surviving! Thankfully my hotel has a pool!

The long day ahead...

2011-06-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

The breakdown for traveling to Spain today:

3:32pm- Fly to JFK

5:02pm- Land in JFK

7:45pm- Meet my staff

9:00pm- Fly to Madrid

10:15am- Land in Madrid

11:50am- Fly to Seville

12:50pm- Land in Seville

Its going to be a long day...

Countdown

2011-06-22T20:11:00.000-04:00

Thursday: Graduation

Friday: Helping Katleb with their wedding

Saturday: Wedding

Sunday: Last minute packing/Pedicure

Monday: SPAIN!!

Another one...

2011-06-06T22:20:00.000-04:00

Not too shabby...

The Official Trailer!

2011-06-06T06:36:00.002-04:00

First look

2011-06-02T15:21:00.000-04:00

Excited yet?

Tags: 2011 MTV Movie Awards, Movie Main, Twilight: Breaking Dawn

Through My Eyes

2011-05-26T08:04:00.000-04:00

Have you ordered your copy??

Through My Eyes from Tim Tebow on Vimeo.

adding to the mix

2011-05-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

After some pressure from some people (who shall remain nameless...but you know who you are...)

I decided to sign up for tumblr.

You can follow me by clicking here

Should be interesting...

ps- tumblr > twitter

Tidbits

2011-05-10T12:54:00.005-04:00

I apologize for not blogging. Its not that I don't want to, but there isn't really much happening these days.

But here are some interesting tidbits of information:

-My last day with students is June 22nd. Graduation is the 23rd (all teachers attend graduation).

-Kate and Kaleb are getting married June 25th (Congrats you two!!).

-I leave for Spain on June 27th (but I still don't know what city I will be going to. However, I will be going on London and Paris after Spain!)

-My cousin Derek is marrying a lovely lady by the name of Stephany on August 13th (requiring that the family come together in San Francisco. We are so excited!)

I forgot to mention that Leesh and I are moving out of our house on June 1st because she got a new job and I will be spending the summer in Europe. So the last few weeks of school will be spent coach-surfing. Should be interesting...

Three years?

2011-05-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

I just realized I missed my blog's third anniversary.

It's amazing how quickly three years can go by!!

Plugging along...

2011-04-29T09:15:00.002-04:00

~~1. Buy a car on my own~~

Her name is Cordelia

2. Reach my goal weight

3. Go to Greece

4. Learn a new language

5. Design a quilt with all my college t-shirts

~~6. Go on a blind date~~

~~7. Learn how to make gnocchi~~

~~8. Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade~~

~~9. Survive a zip line through the forest~~

10. Have some of my writing published
11. Learn how to play guitar
12. Take a cooking class
13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple
14. Make homemade sushi
15. Go to Chicago and Boston
16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show
17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in
18. Go to Vizcaya
19. Own my own temple dress
20. Have the perfect kiss
~~21. Spend a month in a European city, just living~~

~~22. Attend a Jane Austen event~~

~~23. Read more books for pleasure (this is a work in progress, but I am doing really well!!)~~

24. Volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen

~~25. Pay off my credit cards~~
On 4/26/11

26. Visit the Adriatic Sea

27. Be a vegetarian for a month

28. Learn how to box

29. Learn how to do The Rueda

30. Get Tim Tebow's autograph

My Cars, A History

2011-04-26T12:21:00.000-04:00

The very first car I ever owned was a Chevy Laberon, (2001). My dad gave it to me my sophomore year of college, driving it from Arkansas to Utah. It made the trip just fine and before he left he made sure it was full of gas. And then it died on the side of the road. Two days after he left.

My next car was a Nissan Sentra (2002-2004). Great car, super reliable. Well, it was a great car until I got into a car accident. It wasn't my fault, a car ran a red light and I smashed into it. The insurance company said the car was totaled, so I gave it to my uncle and he was able to resurrect it. And drives it to this day.

The car after the Nissan was a Chevy Tracker, named Cassiopeia (2004-2011). It had four wheel drive and was so much fun to drive. But it did give me problems. Thankfully, I had a fantastic warranty because the engine had to be replaced once and the air conditioning twice. But it made the trip from Miami to Gainesville many times and the drive from Miami to DC a few more.

But my latest car is my favorite. A 2011 Honda CRV. Isn't she a beauty?? We just made the drive from Miami to DC and bonded. I am in love!

How many cars have you owned?

Nevermind...

2011-04-25T08:03:00.000-04:00

Perhaps I was a little hasty.

I had a small incident with a student who found my blog and my immediate reaction was betrayal. I jumped on my blog and announced that I was going private.

But, what is the point of having a blog unless people read it?

So I am here to stay.

Thanks for all the emails of concern!

Going private...

2011-04-15T12:20:00.000-04:00

Well, it has happened. Some of my students found my blog. Which means that I am going private.

If you are interested in staying connected to my blog, email me or let me know on facebook.

Dude.

Creme...

2011-04-09T23:18:00.000-04:00

Brulee?

It was the last day of school for one of the teachers in my department (maternity leave) and as a goodbye, I made chocolate crème brûlée.

Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures. I forgot to take my camera to school, so my iphone had to do the job...

Before the torch...

I forgot to take a picture after I torch it. Sorry....

But you can see some of the caramalization (is that a word?) in this one...I already started eating it...

I would say that they were a hit! Click here for the recipe

More cupcakes!

2011-04-02T21:53:00.000-04:00

Another baking adventure...

Not really adventure, but something to help me improve my craft...

This is my new toy. It dispenses the batter evenly. It was the hit of the day!

Chocolate...meet Wedding Cake...

My embellishments

Add a little buttercream...and we are ready to go!

I think I need to work on my photography...

An update...

2011-03-19T23:45:00.005-04:00

A couple more things to cross off the list...

1. Buy a car on my own
2. Reach my goal weight
3. Go to Greece
4. Learn a new language
5. Design a quilt with all my college t-shirts
6. Go on a blind date
7. Learn how to make gnocchi
~~8. Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade~~

~~9. Survive a zip line through the forest~~
10. Have some of my writing published
11. Learn how to play guitar
12. Take a cooking class
13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple
14. Make homemade sushi
15. Go to Chicago and Boston
16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show
17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in
~~18. Go to Vizcaya~~
19. Own my own temple dress
20. Have the perfect kiss
~~21. Spend a month in a European city, just living~~

~~22. Attend a Jane Austen event~~
I am not in the photo, but these people were very obliging and allowed me to take a picture of them. Truly, I was not dressed for the event...

~~23. Read more books for pleasure (this is a work in progress, but I am doing really well!!)~~
24. Volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen
25. Pay off my credit cards
26. Visit the Adriatic Sea
27. Be a vegetarian for a month
28. Learn how to box
29. Learn how to do The Rueda
30. Get Tim Tebow's autograph

2011-03-18T10:49:00.001-04:00

So....Blogger just added a new feature.
Now you blog via text message. Amazing!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T09:37:00.000-04:00

May you have a grand day!

(imagine this was said with in Irish accent)

Adults??

2011-03-06T21:10:00.000-05:00

Do you remember that first time you felt like an adult? I mean, I didn't automatically feel like an adult when I turned 18, so I wonder when others did...

I think my first time was when I wrote a check for $1000 dollars. Paying tuition. It sucked.

In normal life, I usually feel like I am about 20. Every once in a while, I look around and realize that that is no longer the case, and I am actually closer to 30 than to 20 (I just threw up a little).

This feeling of being an adult has been happening more and more to me lately. Especially when I am standing in front of a room full of 14 years olds, trying to make them understand Shakespeare or MLA Format.

My most recent experience was this past week. I applied for a car loan. By myself. And then I was approved. What were they thinking??

I will fill you in on the car situation in another post...

Opportunities

2011-02-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and in miseries.

On such a full sea are we now afloat,

And we must take the current when it serves,

or lose our ventures.

-Brutus, Julius Caesar

Crazy Girl...

2011-02-26T14:52:00.002-05:00

Crazy Girl - Eli Young Band - Eli Young Band Videos

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:47:00.001-05:00

A little something from e.e. cummings:

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Time Warp?

2011-02-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

This song has been stuck in my head for a good....TWO WEEKS.

Stop the madness!!

Ward talent show, anyone?

A small change

2011-02-01T08:19:00.005-05:00

So, I have been looking at my Thirty before 30 list. Apparently I was feeling very ambitious when I wrote it. After some thought, I have come to the conclusion that some of the items on my list may cause more injuries to my poor knees, may cost more money than I make, or take more time than I actually have.

The original list is in black. The ones I have completed are crossed off. The new list is in orange.

1. Go skydiving (replaced with buy a car on my own)
2. Reach my goal weight
3. Go to Greece
4. Learn a new language
5. Take a cake decorating class (replaced with design a quilt with all my college t-shirts)
~~6. Go on a blind date~~
~~7. Learn how to make gnocchi~~
8. Go to Northern Ireland (replaced with attend a St. Patrick's Day parade)
~~9. Survive a zip line through the forest~~
10. Have some of my writing published
11. Learn how to play guitar
12. Take a cooking class
13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple
14. Make homemade sushi
15. Go to Chicago and Boston
16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show
17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in
18. Go to Vizcaya
19. Own my own temple dress
20. Have the perfect kiss
~~21. Spend a month in a European city, just living~~

22. Try snowblading again (replaced with attend a Jane Austen event)
~~23. Read more books for pleasure~~ (this is a work in progress, but I am doing really well!!)
24. Volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen
25. Refinish a piece of furniture (replaced with pay off my credit cards)
26. Visit the Adriatic Sea
27. Be a vegetarian for a month
28. Become a Zumba instructor (replaced with learn how to box)
29. Learn how to do The Rueda
30. Get Tim Tebow's autograph

Small little fire

2011-01-23T16:50:00.014-05:00

I have a little bit of a history with fire. Here is the full story from my latest experience, from last night:

I had gone to bed about 1:15 am, which is a little late for me, but I had been baking and chatting it up with my roommate. At about 3:30 am, I woke up and was really surprised that my room was so bright (I live in a basement apartment with a small window in my room, so I don't usually get a lot of natural light in my room). I looked at my window and saw flames. It took a second to register what the flames meant...and then I grabbed my robe and ran outside. My house was on fire!

The flames were not yet quite to the roof. I ran back inside and pounded on Alysia's door (she does not like to be woken up, and I found out later that she had taken a sleeping pill, was sleeping with an eye mask and had music on) and grabbed my cell phone. I ran back outside and started pounding on the front door of the main house to wake up my landlords. When that didn't work, I ran back in and up the stairs and opened the door that connects the house to the basement (which I originally thought had been locked). I ran into the main house, yellingthat the house was on fire. I called 911, gave my info, and was promised that the fire department would be there shortly (within 90 seconds of my phone call!!). My landlords grabbed a buckets of water and were trying to control the fire, and Alysia and I joined in with pitchers and bowls of water, as the fire was starting to creep down to our entrance of the house.

The fire department came and put out the rest of the fire. We had three firetrucks, and what felt like a million firemen (and one woman!) running around in full gear. One of the firemen asked Alysia and I if we wanted to warm up in the firetruck (it was about 19 degrees and we were in our pjs), which we totally did! Neighbors started to come out of their houses and ask if we were okay.

Apparently, our landlords had had a fire in the fireplace earlier. But, because the house is old (from WWII era), the mortar from the fireplace had started to disintegrate. A little bit of hot ash had worked it's way through the house and outside, where it lit the siding on fire.

In good news- there was no damage to the inside of the house and we were able to sleep in our beds. One of the firemen said that if the fire had reached the roof, it would have been much worse and we could have lost everything. In bad news, our landlords have some damage to the outside and have to rebuild the fireplace from scratch.

Here are some pictures of the night and the damage:

As the trucks arrived...

Making sure that all of the fire was out (the guy in the red jacket is the fire marshall)...

Hanging out in the firetruck, getting warm...

The damage (The bricks that are exposed are from the fireplace)...

This is my window, which is behind the wood pile from the previous picture...

What used to be our trash bin...

All in all, we are feeling very lucky. Thank you to everyone for being so supportive and offering places to sleep and and help in anything we need. Truly, we are very blessed!!

Good vs Bad

2011-01-23T00:15:00.011-05:00

Good news.

I survived the first half of the school year.

Bad news.

I still have the rest of the school year to go.

Good news.

I baked tonight.

Bad news.

I baked tonight. And now I have to workout tomorrow. Boo.

Don't tell my healthy living blog followers that I made these. These little guys are not exactly on the approved Weight Watchers list...

But here is the process...in case you are interested:

I started with a little brownie batter...

Added a little cream cheese topping...

Don't forget the swirl...

And baked for about 17 minutes (at 350).

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

These are the mini versions. You can also make them in full cupcake sizes.
And they are heavenly.

Drowning...

2011-01-14T14:10:00.004-05:00

...in a sea of essays.

Can someone help dig me out??

The quarter ends today. Grades have to be in on Tuesday.
Help.

I'd Rather be Reading...

2011-01-05T07:56:00.005-05:00

You know I am an English teacher, right?

And you know that I love to read, right?

Well...

I am participating in a Historical Fiction Challenge in which I will read 15-20 historical fiction books this year and post a review.

If you are interesting in participating, please click here

I am thinking of starting with Girl with a Pearl Earring...

Outback Bowl

2011-01-03T00:22:00.001-05:00

200!

2010-12-31T12:39:00.003-05:00

I think it is very fitting that my 200th post is on the eve of a new year.

I hope that you have a wonderful New Years' Eve and that 2011 bring all that you can hope for!

Recently added...

2010-12-21T20:33:00.004-05:00

Sit back, relax...and enjoy a little music

For those in the Christmas Spirit:

For a little bit of country:

And you know we always have to include a little Katy Perry:

And the song that never leaves my head (love ya Meggie!)

Happy Birthday Jane!

2010-12-16T09:47:00.005-05:00

Today is Jane Austen's Birthday. Had she lived, she would be 235 years old.

Its a shame she died at such a young age. It would have been amazing to she what other works she could have some up with...

Happy Birthday!!

AustenBlog certainly knows how to celebrate Jane...
As does Google (in the UK)

PSA

2010-12-08T13:18:00.002-05:00

Check out my other blog to see what I wrote about Breast Cancer Awareness:

Click Here

I am having a difficult time keeping up with blogging, in case you couldn't tell.

Sorry!!

Well, there it is...

2010-11-27T00:36:00.008-05:00

Today. Today is the day I turn

Don't be alarmed if you hear any crying.
If I pretend it doesn't exist, will it go away?

I'm just kidding. I am actually going to be spending the evening watching

with my family (yay!!)...

Seriously.

...

2010-11-25T13:03:00.002-05:00

Thankful...

2010-11-22T08:26:00.013-05:00

Today I had my students write in their journal about what they are thankful for. I thought that I would join them (in no particular order):

1. My family. I would be nothing without the support of my family.

2. My education. My career depends on it!

3. My friends. There is something to be said about late night WalMart/Target runs and Wendy's Twisted Frosties...and late night phone calls...

4. The existence of planes. They allow me to travel to see said family and friends

5. Health insurance. I didn't have it for a year and a half. It is nice to have it back...

6. This little girl. She makes me want to make the world a better place for her.

7. My fun roommates, both past and present.

Sorry, this is the most recent picture I have of roommates. But I love you all, I promise!!

8. Harry Potter. Really, it is so enjoyable!

9. My love of reading. Although I have abused it over the years, I am so grateful that I love to read!

10. My traveling experiences. They have helped shape me into the person that I have become.

11. My ability to teach. I get so much pleasure when my students finally "get" something!

12. My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know exactly where I would be without it...its not pretty...

13. Music in my life. I wish I could have music around me at all times...

14. My school - this includes the students and teachers I work with. AMAZING! I have learned so much from them!

15. Good evaluations from my boss. It makes me feel like I made the right choice to stay here...

HP7 Part 1

2010-11-17T07:57:00.002-05:00

I took a poll in my classes yesterday and asked how many would be attending the 12:01 showing of Harry Potter on Thursday night. Most of them raised their hands. I then asked which theaters they would be going to. Most of them said the theater near my house...

At least I will be in good company.

PS- Sorry for the lack of blogging. I think about it...but grading has taken over my life. But not to worry, my birthday is coming up, as is Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Updates forthcoming...

Reading

2010-11-04T12:56:00.000-04:00

I can't help it....

it is the teacher in me...

See More Funny Pictures by Dweebist

A little preview...

2010-10-27T20:49:00.001-04:00

Getting excited!

Heroes

2010-10-05T08:14:00.003-04:00

I just started an Ernest Hemingway unit in my English classes. We talk about his life, his stories, his death...we also talk about the heroes he created for his stories.

I had my students bring in pictures of their heroes and we cut out more pictures and words from magazines and made a collage, which will be our banner for the unit. I wanted to share one of the collages with you because I think they did a fantastic job:

Who are your heroes?

It can't be stopped...

2010-09-29T22:16:00.005-04:00

The Gator Nation is everywhere. Just accept it.

For example, when I got to school this morning, I had a new sign outside my door:

And no, I did not put it there.

Another example: I have a student who is on the school swim team. We were talking about our favorite athletes and she mentioned Ryan Lochte. I said that we had gone to the same college, blah blah blah. She informed me that he was in DC and she would be meeting him the next day.

And that sweet girl brought me a present:

Yup. That is his autograph. From the current #1 swimmer in the world. And he is a Gator.

Here we go...

2010-09-26T19:18:00.010-04:00

I promised an update...(in no particular order...)

1. Daniel and Ashley got married!!

2. Alo, Claudia, my mom and I went to Islands of Adventures in Orlando and visited Harry Potter. It was amazing!

3. My cousin Alina got engaged and will be getting married on December 10th (Congrats!!)

4. I went to a Legwarmers concert. Awesome 80's cover band...

5. I went to Wytheville, VA for Labor Day (in southwestern VA)...

No picture. I didn't have time. Unless you want this picture of Elsie, on the way down to Wytheville. She had the whole back seat to herself...

6. The school year is going well. I love my kids!
This is the classroom that I share. And yes, that is Chewy in the background...

Stay tuned...

2010-09-24T07:38:00.005-04:00

My apologies for not blogging.

Manzana's screen cracked last week and I had to send her to the doctor. She had surgery yesterday and I expect to have her back home either tonight or tomorrow (I am currently using my work computer, which is a dinosaur!!).

This was the damage...
But in good news, I have a lot to blog about...
Things like proposals (not my own, but exciting nonetheless), Muggles, marriage receptions, plans for the future, and pictures. Lots of pictures.

Soooooo, stay tuned. Its gonna be good.

Tebow Documentary??

2010-09-11T00:16:00.002-04:00

Yup

Tim Tebow Documentary from FCTN on Vimeo.

The Start

2010-08-31T18:41:00.006-04:00

For the past two weeks, I have been attending orientations and in-services and meetings and mini workshops and professional development groups.

In short, school is about to start.
I am actually super excited to start. I got my class list a few days ago and I have some of the same kids from when I did my student teaching (I don't know if they feel it is a good thing, but I do). I am working with some amazing teachers and am hoping to continue learning from them

Oh- and many of you have asked what I will be teaching. I will have 10th grade English and am thinking of teaching:

1984
Othello
The Bean Trees
Catcher in the Rye
A Separate Peace
A series of short stories
Persepolis
Cry, The Beloved Country
Of Mice and Men
and the usual writing and grammar

(what do you think of my list? do you have any suggestions?)

Should be a fun year!

A little randomness never hurt...

2010-08-20T09:43:00.005-04:00

I'm back.

My house isn't ready yet, so I am staying with friends (thanks friends!!)

A little countdown for exciting things that are coming up:

Gator football: 15 days
School starts: 18 days
Daniel and Ashley's wedding: 28 days

I like daisies...

Oh- and read what I wrote on my other blog, about Zumba!

A family affair...

2010-08-15T09:43:00.013-04:00

I helped my aunt throw a bridal shower yesterday for my cousin's fiance, Ashley (welcome to the family!!).

It was the debut of my culinary skills in Miami (well, I have cooked for my family, but not really for others).

I am so pleased with how everything turned out!! Experiences like these help me learn and grow and I am grateful for the chance to do it (and I slept 12 hours last night to recover from the exhaustion!).

So, here are the pictures and the recipes, as requested (just click on the name, it will send you to the appropriate website)...

Mini Cheesecakes

Turducken Cupcakes and Buttercream Frosting

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Mexican Quiches

Recipes for items I did not take pictures of:

Cilantro Cream Sauce (Make it. Don't ask questions. Just make it. And then drink it, with tortilla chips or the Mexican Quiches.)

Cheese Fondue (so good!)

Brigadeiros (I like to roll these in powdered sugar. Or raw cocoa. You pick.)

Bruschetta (we omit the cayenne, FYI)

Strawberry and Spinach Salad (the dressing is a-ma-zing!)

Good luck with the recipes!
And as my Aunt Sally says, just follow the recipe and you will be fine...

London Bridges Falling Down...

2010-08-11T22:53:00.011-04:00

One day I will live in London. I just thought you should know that.

Can you imagine seeing Big Ben everyday?

Or Westminster Abbey?
I love getting lost in London..

Because then I can take naps in little parks (true story! the kids were shopping and I was tired. done.)

The London Eye is a fun attraction...

...which gives a great view of Parliament.

The Tower is a little too gory...

...especially because this is where Anne Boleyn lost her head (and Margaret Pole, among others)...

One day...

Paris-ed...

2010-08-04T17:16:00.011-04:00

You deserve a proper introduction to Paris:

The Louvre (this is me and one of the girls from the program)...

This is bridge over the River Seine that lovers attach locks to to represent their love. They throw away the key over the water (the rumor is that the locks last longer than their love!) and kiss.

Notre Dame. Love

Montmartre. Best view of Paris and always fun (go have your portrait drawn by one of the local artists).

The Tour Eiffel
The most famous avenue in Paris

I also felt it would be important for you to meet some of my friends. I have known these cats forever! Always there when I need them and always a treat to see:

Crème Brûlée
Crepes (with nutella and banana)
Do you see why I love Paris?
Get ready for my next post, it will be about London (where I hope to live one day!)...

An Explanation

2010-07-25T18:57:00.010-04:00

I flew on a big plane (that was decorated like this:)

To hang out here (Paris)

But first I visited this and took a little nap (2 hour nap!)

To go on a river cruise to see this place (Notre Dame)

And meet up with an old friend (The Eiffel Tower!)

A review...

2010-07-21T09:03:00.011-04:00

In order to explain how I am spending my time in Barcelona, I offer you pictures...

Montserrat (where the Black Virgin resides)

With other counselors at Parc Guell (Gaudi's park)

At the Cathedral in Girona

Miss ACA Competition

The Castle at Montjuic (where a lot of the Olympic events happened in '92)

View of Barcelona from Montjuic

The lightshow at Plaza Espana

Oh, and I am heading to Paris on Sunday...

Friends!

2010-07-19T08:31:00.003-04:00

Carolina and Nathan are finally completing their honeymoon around the world! Their last stop is Barcelona, and we were able to get together on Saturday night to do to dinner (they saved me from having to go to the disco with my kids!!).

We had a delicious dinner at Les Quinze Nits in the Placa Reial and I got to hear all sorts of stories of their travels...
Love you guys!

An update

2010-07-15T05:28:00.007-04:00

Just letting you know how I am doing on my Thirty Before 30 list...
Here we go:

1. Go skydiving
2. Reach my goal weight
3. Go to Greece
4. Learn a new language
5. Take a cake decorating class
~~6. Go on a blind date~~
~~7. Learn how to make gnocchi~~
8. Go to Northern Ireland

~~9. Survive a zip line through the forest~~10. Have some of my writing published

11. Learn how to play guitar (for real this time)
12. Take a cooking class
13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple
14. Make homemade sushi (and not die)
15. Go to Chicago and Boston
16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show
17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in
18. Go to Vizcaya
19. Own my own temple dress
20. Have the perfect kiss
~~21. Spend a month in a European city, just living~~ (I am currently in Barcelona)In front of La Sagrada Familia

22. Try snowblading again (I fell and tore my ACL the last time I did it)
~~23. Read more books for pleasure~~ (this is a work in progress, but I am doing really well!!)
24. Volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen
25. Refinish a piece of furniture
26. Visit the Adriatic Sea
27. Be a vegetarian for a month
28. Become a Zumba instructor
29. Learn how to do The Rueda
30. Get Tim Tebow's autograph

Slowly but surely...

Ahem.

2010-07-13T07:48:00.004-04:00

Did you know that I don't really like the food in Spain? I mean, I have the things that I do like (Spanish tortilla, pisto mancheco, fabada, gambas al ajillo, caldo gallego...). But for the most part, I don't really partake. Especially when they serve items like this:

This little guy did not make it into my mouth. He stayed on my plate and watched as I ate patatas bravas and chorizo. And don't forget the queso manchego.

Winners...

2010-07-11T18:23:00.003-04:00

1-0
Thank you.

Spain vs. Germany

2010-07-08T04:32:00.007-04:00

Before the game

GOAL!!

After the game

Bring it

Spain Part One

2010-07-07T08:47:00.010-04:00

Barcelona. I am in love.
I think that is all you need to know. But here are some pictures to prove it.

Parc Ciutadella

The Harbor

Even Spaniards love Eclipse!

Visiting with my cousin Brian, who has been serving a mission here and will go home in October

Cooking class with the kids - we made a Spanish tortilla!

More pictures to come. I haven't really gone to many of the famous places in Barcelona but will be doing so now that the kids have arrived. Their arrival was full of turmoil, 5 hour delay at the airport, problems in the rooms, medication issues. But everything is working out now and I think that this is going to be an amazing program.

Too Much...

2010-06-30T12:53:00.010-04:00

I know. I suck. My last post was...too long ago. But I have been busy! I promise! I would never abandon you without a good reason.

Reason #1. I packed all my stuff in DC and flew to Miami.

Reason #2. I went on a cruise with the family.

Reason #3. Eclipse opened (This took a lot of planning. We even made shirts!)

Reason #4. Abby is too cute.
But rest assured, I will be blogging regularly from now on. I am heading to Barcelona today (I am writing you from JFK airport, passing the time on my EIGHT HOUR layover) and will be updating on my adventures.

Please accept my apologies. Can we be friends again? Please???

(Plus, I have to fill you in on details on how my 30 Before Thirty List is coming along. You don't want to miss this!)

Something new...

2010-06-16T09:49:00.003-04:00

In a small twist of fate, I was recently asked to contribute to a blog that concentrates on healthy living. The blog was started by a friend of mine from college and today was my first day to contribute! I will be posting on Wednesdays, mostly about staying healthy (eating right, working out...) while traveling. I will also be writing about the "healthy, single" life, because all the other writers are married.

Here is the link: so maybe mom was right

This should be good!

The World Cup 2010

2010-06-09T18:42:00.002-04:00

In 2006, I was in Madrid when Barcelona won the Euro Cup. The Spanish took to the streets, not caring who they were bothering or how much noise they made.

Looking at the schedule for the World Cup, it appears that I will be in Barcelona during the World Cup finals. Can you imagine what will happen if Spain wins it?

To get you excited, here is a little something that exemplifies the excitement of the World Cup:

And here is a cool calendar of the World Cup: Schedule (thanks Quinn!)

A little ciabatta

2010-06-07T10:40:00.003-04:00

When I have slow days on the Subbing Front, I often look for recipes to try.

I found a recipe for ciabatta the other day and decided to go for it

I think my roommates approved. These loaves didn't last through the night...

Packing it up...

2010-06-04T08:29:00.005-04:00

I started packing for my move this summer. Well, I was forced into packing because I sold some of my furniture (it happens. Whatever). I don't know where I will be living when I return, but that is something I am looking forward to discovering.

Even though I have some really cool things planned for this summer, it makes me sad that I am leaving DC again. This is the second summer that I will be gone and I will miss DC! I always seem to forget how wonderful it is to live here until I am getting ready to leave.

Can we still be friends when I get back? I promise I am only leaving for 3ish months...

And so it begins...

Pathetic, I know, but it is coming along...

Going the distance...

2010-05-24T10:21:00.003-04:00

Do you remember my friends Carolina and Nathan? And how they got married in January? And are now on their six month honeymoon...

Here is a piece on their adventures: Briefcase to Backpack

And here is their blog, in case you want to follow their adventures: Around the World in 180 Days

Dale Peterson...

2010-05-21T19:12:00.001-04:00

...well said.

The Look

2010-05-12T22:12:00.005-04:00

To get to the really juicy part, fast forward to 1:09

Did you notice the smiles? The looks? This was really the only type of flirting and touching that was appropriate. My, how times change.
Tom Lefroy, you can smile and dance with me anytime...
Again, Jane Austen, you speak to my soul...

Wait a minute...

2010-05-10T16:46:00.006-04:00

So. Remember how crazy I was last summer about getting an internship for the fall? The long months of waiting, the applications, more waiting, blah blah blah.

And then I was placed at a fantastic school in my county with wonderful cooperating teachers and a really cool faculty supervisor. My experience was a-ma-zing! I fell in love with the school, my kids, the commute....

On Friday I interviewed at this same school for a teaching position. Three rounds of interviews. On the same day (I think I even spoke to the janitor!)
........
.....
...
.

I got the job.
Done.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:40:00.011-04:00

I have many women in my life who I consider to be my other moms.

They have known me and supported me through my trials and my successes...

And have helped me understand who I am.

I look up to each one of them

As they provide wonderful examples of motherhood,

Whether they are new moms or experienced moms...

Marmee:
I love you! Thank you for everything. Literally. Everything.
You are my rock...

Inspiration

2010-05-05T15:45:00.003-04:00

I aspire to have this much faith (watch the video with tissues in hand!)...

Sophisticated Ladies

2010-05-03T12:59:00.006-04:00

Are you a fan of Duke Ellington? I never realized how much I knew of his music. Thanks to my friend Janine and Arena Stage, I now know much more...

On Friday, after a delicious dinner from Ulah Bistro, Janine, Ashley, Melanie and I went to go see a show at the Lincoln Theater (built in 1922!), titled Sophisticated Ladies, which is a musical revue based on the music of Duke Ellington. The show currently stars Maurice Hines, brother to original cast member Gregory Hines. Maurice is better known for his work in the theater...

The show was absolutely amazing! As we watched the cast members sing and dance, there was a feeling of awe (how do their feet go that fast? And how can they do this show eight times a week??). The cast members included professional actors and musicians, and pair of brothers from DC that had been cast from open call that Arena Stage held.

A creative spin that Arena Stage included in the show was giving it a DC "feel", because Ellington was originally from DC. The show begins with pictures of DC from the 1920s and includes pictures of Ellington throughout his life. The costumes of the show fit perfectly for each era that is represented throughout Ellington's life (we wanted to take all the costumes and shoes home!).

If you live in the DC area, I highly recommend you see this show. For tickets, please click on this link, you won't regret it!

"Turducken" Cupcakes...

2010-05-01T23:17:00.009-04:00

A little bit of thisTurns into this...
With a little added something on the top...
Becomes this....
The recipe can be found here. And here.

Enjoy!

Deer. Oh dear....

2010-04-27T21:45:00.005-04:00

My dad is a hunter. Did you know that? Whenever he talks to me about hunting, he usually starts with- now I know you don't want to hear this...- and then tells his story. Why he tells me the story, I don't know. It's not that I am super opposed to hunting. I just don't want to participate.

For my 21st birthday (and Thanksgiving weekend), I decided to spend the weekend with my dad (Rick), my stepmom (Lorie), my brother (Michael) and sister (Rachel). It was also my first (and last) hunting experience. My dad had me put on a bunch of camo and sprayed raccoon pee on my shoes (the last time I wore those shoes).

Yes, I have mascara on. Big deal.

We went into the the woods and tracked a deer for a good 4-5 hours. Finally, my dad had the deer in the crosshairs of the gun and pulled the trigger.

Click.

Double safety lock.

And the deer pranced away. The Lord answered my prayers.
Can you imagine what I would have done with a dead deer in the back of the pickup?

Passed out. Guaranteed.

There he is...

The Big Time...

2010-04-25T22:37:00.009-04:00

So many things are a-happening...

1. I have officially had this blog for two years. And I still have readers. I actually have people come up to me and say, "Oh, yeah, I read about that on your blog" (it is a little creepy when this person says this the first time we meet).
It has been so much fun having this blog and being part of the blog-o-sphere (wait, how many times did I just write blog? 4)!

2. Tim Tebow was drafted IN THE FIRST ROUND by the Denver Broncos. I'm not gonna lie, I don't really follow the NFL (except the Dolphins, out of love and respect for Jim and Quinn). But this is big news. Actually, all of my guys from Florida were drafted (expect for Brandon James, our punt returner. But he is a little guy, only 5'6, and that just won't work for the NFL). Aaron Hernandez, my #2, was drafted by the Patriots. Perhaps the NFL will become more interesting for me...

3. About a month ago, I applied for a job to chaperone American high school students while they take classes in Barcelona, Spain. After a phone interview and a Skype interview, I got the job! I leave July 1st and will be there for a month (there is also a possibility to spend some time in Paris and London. I will keep you posted if that happens!). The students will be in class for 4 hours a day and will then take part in the "cultural experience" that is Barcelona and Spain, including a cooking class, bull fights, flamenco shows...all wonderful things! I cannot wait!

Now I just need a job for the fall. Does anyone want to hire a high school English teacher?? Please? Anyone?

My loves...

2010-04-20T21:26:00.007-04:00

I love a lot of things. To name a few:
1. Traveling (give me a plane ticket and I am yours. figuratively.)
2. Alysia (my roommate who is sitting next to me. and told me to type this)
3. Sleep (does this really need an explanation?)

But there are things that I love more than anything. One thing that I truly love is Abby, Laura's daughter. I spent time with her during Spring Break and I tell you, this little girl has my heart...

I think it is funny that in both pictures, she has a pacifier. I promise, it is not always in her mouth!!

Another thing I love is cooking/baking. Tonight, I decided to try making gnocchi. Have you ever tried it? Heaven. After a few trial boilings, I finally got the timing right and paired my gnocchi with pesto. Success!!

The Newlyweds...

2010-04-14T09:08:00.012-04:00

Jim and Meg got married on Saturday. Here is a glimpse of the wedding:

At the rehearsal dinner (props to Table 4!) They are married!
This is Jim and Meg in a nutshell (with Peter awkwardly in the background)...
The DC Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity
At the ring ceremony
Roommates, past and present
At the receptionJim, going in for the garter
And off to the honeymoon!
It was a fantastic wedding! The day was filled with family and friends, laughter and tears. To the happy couple!

2010-04-12T09:46:00.002-04:00

I apologize for my lack of blogging. There has been a lot going on that has kept me pretty busy (or at least too tired to blog)...

I will go into more details later, but know that things are starting to slow down. In the past few weeks, I:
- went to Miami for Spring Break (a trip that I will be blogging about).
- applied for many many teaching jobs in many many different states and countries and am going through interviews.
- helped Meg with her wedding (that will be an entire blog post, probably in the next few days. You should know that the wedding was BEAUTIFUL and Meg and Jim looked happier than I have ever seen them).
- am teaching music at an elementary school (not particularly taxing, except that I have never taught music, only have been taught. But I am surviving).
-attempting to keep up with my social life (I fear I am failing and I am exhausted all the time).

So, in the next few days, look for blog posts that go into more detail about the happenings in my life...

A little Bon...

2010-03-29T15:42:00.005-04:00

Have you ever heard of Bon Iver? It is a little known band, but I have fallen in love with their work!!
Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy:

Oh the Shenanigans...

2010-03-22T14:42:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I stumble upon funny things. Last night was one of those times.

God bless America!

A PSA...

2010-03-20T19:01:00.003-04:00

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-16T23:17:00.005-04:00

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Have I mentioned that St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday? I hope you celebrate it well!

Preparing...

2010-03-15T20:00:00.005-04:00

for St. Patrick's Day.

When You are Old

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
- William Butler Yeats

(Ok, so the poem is a little sad, but you have to admit, the Irish have a gift with words!)

Good day...

2010-03-11T12:02:00.003-05:00

Oreo truffles and the Eclipse trailer. What more could I have wanted for today?

30 Before Thirty

2010-03-09T15:08:00.008-05:00

I am not thirty years old. Heck, I am not even twenty eight (when I turn twenty eight, you will hear the wailing).
But I have several friends who are thirty or near there. One friend created a list of 30 things that she wants to do before she turns thirty. This made me sit back and think about all the things that I am not doing, but could be.

Therefore, I too have created a 30 Before Thirty List. Some of them are a little more labor intensive than others, but I think that I will learn a lot about myself as I embark on this journey.

So without further ado, this is my 30 Before Thirty List:

1. Go skydiving
2. Reach my goal weight
3. Go to Greece
4. Learn a new language
5. Take a cake decorating class
6. Go on a blind date
7. Learn how to make gnocchi
8. Go to Northern Ireland
9. Survive a zip line through the forest
10. Have some of my writing published
11. Learn how to play guitar (for real this time)
12. Take a cooking class
13. Attend a live session at the Salt Lake Temple
14. Make homemade sushi (and not die)
15. Go to Chicago and Boston
16. Attend a live broadcast of a talk show
17. Stand in the middle of The Swamp and take it all in
18. Go to Vizcaya
19. Own my own temple dress
20. Have the perfect kiss
21. Spend a month in a European city, just living
22. Try snowblading again (I fell and tore my ACL the last time I did it)
23. Read more books for pleasure
24. Volunteer at Miriam's Kitchen
25. Refinish a piece of furniture
26. Visit the Adriatic Sea
27. Be a vegetarian for a month
28. Become a Zumba instructor
29. Learn how to do The Rueda
30. Get Tim Tebow's autograph

I will update you periodically to let you know how I am doing...should be fun!

A Tiara and a Wand

2010-03-05T15:03:00.008-05:00

Did you get a tiara at your job today? I did.

Today was my last day working at a particular high school in my school district. You may remember when I was hired and how excited I was to have a regular job for a little while. I taught three classes of 10th grade English, a SOAR class and one class of 12th grade AP English....

When I walked into the AP class today, I was bombarded with balloons, confetti and flashes from the camera. A tiara was placed on my head, a wand in my hand and the music was cranked up (which we quickly turned down, just in case!).

My kids threw me a great Goodbye Party and did a fantastic job with decorations, food and games. And even though they had to turn in some work (although not all did) they made the day very special. Thanks again!!

(As a side note, in my other classes I had a poem written about me, offering to take me out to dinner and a song written about me to the tune of Beyonce's Halo. It was a such a good day!)

This is a first...

2010-02-25T17:35:00.008-05:00

According to the College Board website:

The AP English Literature and Composition course is designed to engage students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students can deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students should consider a work's structure, style, and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.

Today in my 12 AP class, we were discussing how each character loves another in Wuthering Heights.
Heathcliff calls Catherine his soul, while Isabella says Heathcliff is a monster. Edgar is the safe choice for Catherine, yet she haunts Heathcliff. I don't think anyone likes Linton but everyone cheers for Hareton.

Some of the girls in the class compared Wuthering Heights to Twilight and actually had some interesting things to say. But I don't think the lone guy in my class was too happy. Do you think the College Board would approve?

Bella is Catherine, Edward is Heathcliff, and Jacob is Edgar. In case you were interested...

Being a teacher is hard.

2010-02-24T11:23:00.000-05:00

So many things...

2010-02-18T21:04:00.012-05:00

Months ago, my friend Olivia approached me about doing a trip to New York. Never too far away, our moms signed up to come along as well...

Highlights of the trip:

Enjoyed the CityWent to a play to see this lovely lady...

Went to Rockefeller Center

Saw a play with this fantastic actor and actress (see video below)

Enjoyed Central Park

Met up with Nicole, my cousin

And ate some awesome food (and cupcakes!)

Fantastic trip. Wonderful company. New York is always so good to me...

Snowpocalypse

2010-02-07T12:24:00.012-05:00

I don't think that I need a lot of words for this post. The pictures and video pretty much tell the story...

There you go. We lost power for about 9 hours on Friday night, but we were all cozy in our beds. And don't worry, we are supposed to get more snow on Tuesday and Wednesday...

Snow

2010-02-03T16:03:00.006-05:00

This winter we have had a lot more snow than usual. In December we had a storm that produced about 20 inches of snow (in 24 hours). I was snowed in for three days.

Today, I received an advisory about a storm heading my way. This is what it said:

* ACCUMULATIONS... THIS STORM IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE 12 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW IN THE WATCH AREA... WITH A GOOD CHANCE FOR LOCALIZED AMOUNTS OVER 20 INCHES.

(update- we are now expectiong 16-24 inches)

Guess who is in the watch area....