Dust on the Blog

Lipstick in Catholic School

2012-02-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

According to a news report, a certain private Catholic school was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine provided it was of a natural or neutral skin tone, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints.

Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back. Finally the principal, Sister Mary, decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses).

To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, Sister Paschal asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaner the mirror with it.

Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.

There are teachers..... And then there are educators

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

2011-12-05T21:44:00.001-07:00

As I got a nasty virus-y thing in my hotmail email account this year...one in which it sent random emails to EVERYONE in my address book, multiple times per day. Yup including those few people that I would rather not have more contact with (in which I probably should have deleted their email address long ago) I had to get a new email address and I just haven't updated my address book yet. So in that tone, when I get emails that tell me to "forward to 20 million others..." I don't. Probably explains why "my dreams/wishes/hopes" have not been fulfilled, that I haven't "found true love within the last 5 minutes" or won the lottery. But that is besides the point. The following is the text from an email that although I won't be emailing to others, still felt it important enough to share. Please read and think about what this means!

Winds of Change....Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

_*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*_

1. No Tenure / No Pension: A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're out of office.

2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women. Congressmen/women made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Don't you think it's time?

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!

Some Adult Truths

2011-11-29T19:51:00.001-07:00

As another birthday approaches, it is like New Years, in which I look back at what I've done in the past year, and what I have been able to scratch off my "bucket" or "how to" or "need to" lists. Well, I came across this lovely list and felt like I needed to pay it forward. Do you agree with any of these? Any that need to be added???

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How on earth are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind-of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Light than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

Why I love Wolverine...

2011-09-22T23:10:00.001-06:00

...but who wouldn't?

10 Things I'll Miss About Harry Potter

2011-07-12T00:43:00.000-06:00

10. Harry, Ron, and Hermione

9. Magic

8. Excitement & Anticipation of New Books and Movies

7. Amazing Creatures

6. Epic Battles between Good and Evil

5. Quidditch

4. Unforgetable Heroes & Villians

3. The Romances

2. The Wizarding World

1. Hogwarts

Jumping in Head First...

2011-05-07T21:23:00.002-06:00

So last Labor Day weekend I did it. That's right. I attended a Mid Singles Activity.

My awesome Houstonian friend posted awhile back about how her foray into the Mid Singles went and I quote:

"I was wanting to meet people I would have more in common with. Maybe I went to the wrong type of activity?"

Well, taking courage from her, and a bit of en-couragement from others here in Bothell, I signed up for and went to a Labor Day Weekend campout. I jumped in head first. Instead of a mild 2 hour time investment, with quick escape route, I chose to go camping. You read that right, I spent 72 of the planned 96 hours involved with this activity.

Now I am able to say that I met quite a few interesting, fun, and humorous people. In fact, it may not even be my last activity with them. What is most interesting to me is that I clicked quickly with one gal- then found out she was there with her single father on their way to him dropping her off at BYU-Idaho :) figures! Guess I am not as old as it has been feeling lately in the Branch here. So Booyah...to me.

...and my "Kiss Me I'm Irish" sweatshirt was a big coversation starter...

So am beginning to wonder what is in store for this summer.

Mosaic Flickr

2010-08-30T14:18:00.004-06:00

The Questions To Answer:

What is your first name?
What is your favorite food?
What college did you go to?
What is your favorite color?
Who is your celebrity crush?
Favorite drink?
Dream vacation?
Favorite dessert?
What you want to be when you grow up?
What do you love most in life?
One Word to describe you.
Where You are from?

Here is how you can play too:

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search
Using only the first page, pick an image.
Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

Ash Cloud...

2010-05-22T14:49:00.002-06:00

...didn't stop me. I made it to, through, and from Europe; despite Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano's best efforts to prevent it. I will be posting pictures and stories asap... please to enjoy the visual spoils to come.

My itinerary:

Day ____

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Day in the Mediterranean Sea
Naples, Positano, Sorrento, Pompeii, Italy
Rome, Italy
Pisa and Florence, Italy
Nice and Eze, France
Cassis, France
Barcelona, Spain & Paris, France
Paris, France
Paris, France and London, England
London, England
London, England
London, England
London, England and Seattle, Washington

(in which the pictures and stories will be organized by day/location)

Contents of Pickpocketers Wallet

2010-04-29T22:32:00.003-06:00

$0.99 Perlina wallet from Goodwill
2 LDS Pass Along missionary cards
Personalized note to lucky winner
Receipt to return wallet, should one want to do that
Some "Silver" in coin (Canadian), card (Jeans tag), and bill (Honduras) form
Chinese fortune cookie message...(hey some people pay to get their fortunes read...or a cookie)

"You will soon be involved in many gatherings, parties, and communications"

I knew I liked these guys...

2010-04-28T21:19:00.003-06:00

I have really respected how these cousins have been working this season. Rather than tear others down these two have supported and built each other and their competition up. They want to have those that challenge their workouts surrounding them rather than taking the easy route.

Go Koli! Go Sam!!

Take that Pickpocketers...

2010-04-26T12:55:00.005-06:00

One warning that Rick Steves' guide books states about many of the places that I am planning on visiting: "Remember, pickpocketing attempts throughout Europe can be expected unless you wear a moneybelt under your clothing. Smart travelers leave wallets at home and store their credit cards, passport, paper money and rail ticket(s) in a secure moneybelt." Well as a smart traveler I have my money belt ready to use. But as I was thinking about this phenomenon, I decided that I would like to see some of these performances. So I went out and purchased this:

"fake pickpocketers wallet"

I am going to put a note or some such in it and hope that I will not be coming home with it again...

Europe Finally

2010-04-25T19:41:00.003-06:00

It has been a dream of mine to visit Italy one day. In 5 days I will board a plane that will hopefully make this dream a reality. Hopefully volcano eruptions will hold off to allow me to do this. On my To Do list this week?

Enjoy the week with the kids I nanny for

Decide what clothes/accessories/shoes will fit into a single carry-on

Pack winning clothes/accessories/shoes into said carry-on

Print up traveling documents

Double check that my passport is with me- ready to go

Pick the perfect reading material to keep me occupied for my flights

Make it to the airport on time :)

To Italy, Spain, France, and England I go!

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T22:00:00.004-06:00

I went bike riding on the BertGilman Trail today. The weather was just about perfect - not too hot but not so cold that your nose begins to run in the cold air - As I was pedaling along the water and enjoying the sounds of nature I came across a person standing on the side of the path. I rode past him and as I did so he stepped out to hand me a dandelion and proclaim while smiling -

"Happy Earth Day!"

So I am here to pass the sentiment on to you, take a moment to breathe in and appreciate our Earth today.

Luck Changes

2010-01-23T02:15:00.007-07:00

I am looking to do for 2010, a resolution per se, to "change my luck". I want this year to be different, and I have realized that in order for this to happen...I have to DO something different. So here is my promise: I am going to do things out of my comfort zone, things I would typically shy away from- and I will report them here.

Starting with New Year's Eve.

Scene: LDS Singles Dance...enough said. TBA.

Scene: Mo's, Katy, Texas. Along with some gal pals go out dancing, real dancing, a la country and live band dancing. The moment I walk into the place I notice the tall clean cut cowboy, a white cowboy hat that is about 6 and a half feet off the ground. Perfect. All evening I keep an eye on him. I heard somewhere that eye contact is key. Well, last song of the night, I just do it. I ask him to dance. It was good. Thanks Robert, another chance to change my luck as this was something I would have shied away from.

Scene: Cruising. I went on my first cruise back in 2006 with Bonnie and Jen. We had all recently or were planning to be done with college within the past year. So thanks to Bonnie's connections and planning we met in Florida to leave on a cruise to Key West, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico. Now from this experience I learned a few things, but most of all, the fact that I LOVED CRUISES. Along with this I went with my parents on a "Birthday Cruise". Had another fabulous time. But the one I am looking forward to is the Meditteranean Cruise come May. 5 ports in Italy, 2 in France, and 1 in Spain. Europe here I come. I will have to report on how things go. But a little advice to others. DO NOT use Piper Weston through Toscana Travel to book a cruise. It has been nothing but headaches.

Happy Almost New Year

2009-12-28T02:02:00.004-07:00

1. Saw my very first 3D movie, stylish glasses and all. My dad and I went to see Avatar- what a colorful movie! Originally I went to see it for the 3D experience, but was looking forward to the story as I had heard numerous great reviews about it. Well, I would have to agree that the movie held my attention for the entire 3+ hours. In fact, I was able to appreciate the entire movie from the best seats in the house. Right in front of the metal bar in which to rest ones feet comfortably. I really did like this movie (once I got past the strange looking characters).

2. Found a floor length, black, formal dress (that fulfilled all my requirements) for $29...what a steal!

3. E.L.F. Makeup. I do love their eye shadow brushes. http://www.eyeslipsface.com/

4. Being kicked out of a bar. Let me explain. For a friend's wedding she planned a bridesmaid weekend for all her girls. We checked out the wedding location, decided on those lovely "dresses" we all get to wear, began putting together wedding announcements/invitations, and eventually we sat around eating some dinner- the group decided that we needed to go out and have some fun. I am not a drinker, but everyone else is. I went along as a DD and we tried to find somewhere that didn't have a cover charge. Obviously I was no help in this planning, but we ended up at a typical dive, except that it was packed full, for unknown reasons. We stood around a bit waiting for a table or a few chairs to open up. No such luck, so we were on our way out. This is when I spotted a table and motioned everyone over. We got enough chairs around a table meant for less than us, but it worked. Until the waitress told us we couldn't stay- huh? We left (not happily) and ended up at a place that did karaoke. Yes. I did it. But yes, I was kicked out of a bar.

5. Shot the Moon in a game of Hearts against my computer. Nerdy? Yes.

6. Looking for a good book to take along on my cruise...any suggestions? On my first cruise, I read The Devil Wears Prada. Which, 1) I enjoyed reading, 2) Is still on my bookshelf...and 3) Still has a slight "sunscreeny" smell to it from an unfortunate incident on aforementioned cruise.

7. I found this website... http://itmademyday.com/

*Caution there are some entries that are on the

questionable side. But it certainly makes my day

reading about good things that are happening to people.

Here are some of my more favorite ones:

As we were exchanging gifts on Christmas day, my sister suddenly stood up, cheered and yelled "I got a snuggie you wear backwards!" It was a bath robe. IMMD.

In class we were doing an "alchemy" lab in chemistry- one of the steps was to say "abra cadabara". Instead one boy shouted "AVADA KEDAVRA" and got sent to the corner, with a sticky note that said Azkaban. IMMD.

I was ordering from a local calzone shop online and under the special instructions section, I put "make it with love". When my calzone was delivered I opened the box and on the inside of the lid it said "With Love, From Bill". IMMD.

8. Anyone out there who hasn't seen the advertising blitz for Snuggies recently? Well, I always have a good laugh when I see the commercial or a box of one at the store. Who would buy a backwards robe? Seriously, if you stood up, your entire backside would chill. Then one day, I overheard a lady behind me, inquire whether they had any more of the "Pink snuggies, as there are none left on the shelf." I walked away wondering who was receiving the non-pink snuggie this year under the tree...

9. LOST...soon...so soon.

10. I finally opened and watched, Kung Fu Panda. Bought the movie on Black Friday before seeing it and was surprised with it- 'skadush' - sometimes this buying before seeing does work.

11. New Year's Eve as a LDS Single...summed up by a non-single.

"On New Years Eve I was asked to run a photo booth for the Regional Singles dance in Seattle. Matt and I had a great time seeing friends and laughing about how lucky we are to be happily married and OUT of the singles ward :)"

12. Started a new holiday tradition. We celebrated Christmas with the extended family the weekend before Christmas...and then a quieter one here at home. That way extended family is not rushing around trying to fit visiting everyone in on the Eve or the morning of. I kinda liked it. I vote it in to stay.

13. Ever go to your bookshelf in search of a loved, specific book, and then not been able to find it?? Doesn't happen to me often, but the other night I found a hardback copy of the first Sisters Grimm book, Fairy Tale Detectives, at Half Price Books (at a steal!) and I began reading the books again. This series is a quick read, and before I knew it I was trying to find my copy of the third in the series, The Problem Child. Could not find it anywhere. So spent the next day looking for a public library that had both the 3rd and the most recently published, 7th installment, the only library being one not too far away. Now all I'm worried about is, 'Where are my copies of these books?'

14. Nothing beats a cold winters evening, slipping into bed with sheets that are soft, fuzzy, and warm- and even better? Flannel Sheets for $15!!!

Working Hard

2009-12-21T14:12:00.001-07:00

15. In completing my present wrapping I decided to create my own "cards / tags" this year. I have lots of scrap booking materials...

along with bits o' pieces of cards that I have saved

because they were just too beautiful to throw away

... glue 'em together ...

...and viola!

16. Today I have officially been working out with my trainer, Sanny, for 2 months. Some Monday's are harder than others to get out of bed to work out- But I always feel better after the workout is over. That and we have finally had to add free weights to our workouts, meaning we have improved enough to have to step it up in order to continue working it. But question- is it alright for one to make comments such as "gee you sure are sweaty" to other patrons at the gym..?

17. Teagan Note: Who & How else are you suppose to enjoy the

Puyallup Fair

than with one's Auntie and ice cream all over one's face?

Who You Gonna Call?

2009-12-18T17:55:00.007-07:00

18. Certainly not Ghost busters. But maybe if the right conditions are present, you can call MissHPLuvr and the 3 Cat-chers. Let me explain. Last night about 11:25 pm my Mom yells down the stairs for me to bring Ronald up. Ut-oh not again. But no, Ronald should not have been up to no good, as he was quietly snoozing snuggled up next to me. So after inquiring 'Why' Ronald was being requested, I found out that Uncle Snickets (a chicken in cat's clothing) had brought in a furry little Mickey when he was let into the house. My Mom, being the brave soul that she is, brought all three of the house cats into the master bedroom, and proceeded to be squeamish all around the bedroom. I had yet to see the Mickey, but believed him to be there, as all of Uncle Snickets attention was turned onto one side of the dresser. Ronald was sure something was up, and soon was not disappointed as the little devil scooted out from under the dresser and squiggled behind the bathroom door. Not to be outdone, Ronald followed the little guy around the door and chased him back out under the dresser. For being fast enough to catch the bugger outside, Uncle Snickets sure was letting him have the run of the house. It was a while before the mouse squished himself under the bedroom door and across the hallway to Teagan's room. This was all the motivation I needed- I was going to have to step up my skillz or be forced to chase ineffective cats following a free moving mouse around the house all night long. That or else be forced to lose the mouse, not knowing where he was, and then try to go back to bed with thoughts of a wild mouse running around all night long.

Anyway, after a couple of laps around the baby's room...and a few climbs up the crib and toddler bed legs, Ronald was nearly always one step behind and batting the poor thing around. You know, only enough to terrorize him, not do away with him. But he was a tenacious mouser. My Mom -a chicken in Mom's clothing when concerned with anything smaller than her cougar cat- was advancing on the mouse's position, until she actual saw it wiggle it's whiskers at her and she would scream and dance around, blocking all possibilities of capture...it was then decided that I would have to bring in my highly professional capture equipment.

How else was this escapade ever going to end?

It suffices me to say, that 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 hallway, 2 orange cats, 1 broom, 1 robe, 2 towels, and 1 MissHPLuvr later... we had ourselves a trapped little mouse. But- I only capture. The mouse had to wait until Dad got home before any sort of removal happened.

Afterwards Ronald roamed the house like a cat that got the cream...or mouse.

19. Two years ago Brandon Mull visited Santaquin Elementary and talked to the kids about how writing and being an author is a way to turn your imagination into a "reality". I remember sitting there listening to this guy make the entire audience erupt into giggles and uncontrollable laughter. I was thinking to myself how familiar he looks, when it dawned on me. "Hey, he used to be in Diving Comedy, on BYU campus my freshman year!" So that day after school I looked him up and lo and behold- Gandolf the Great -in the flesh. As if I wasn't already into the Fablehaven series he had begun from reading it aloud to my 4th graders. I appreciated the humor he had infused into the story he had written. I would recommend this story to many who completed the Harry Potter series and wondered to themselves...what next? There are four books out, with the fifth and final installment of the series due out in March 2010. My Mom came across this news article and passed it along to me, knowing of my interest in his works.

Utah Author Grants Wish For Dying Boy
Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 @11:11pm CST

Brandon Mull has never met 14 year-old Chase Autrey, but on Thursday night he granted his dying wish – even though Mull lives in Utah, Chase lives in Texas and the two have never met.

Brandon Mull is the author of a popular book series for teens called “Fablehaven”. Chase is a boy who is dying from Cystic Fibrosis. Mull’s 5 book in a series is due out in March. Chase is a huge fan of the book and according to his mother Olive, has been waiting anxiously for the release of the new book. But March will likely be too late for Chase whose lungs have all but failed.

On Thursday, Mull surprised Chase with a phone call to his hospital room. It was made possible by a group called “A Wish With Wings” which grants wishes to terminally ill children. When Chase answered the phone call in his room, surrounded by family he said, “Holy Crap!” Then Mull proceeded to do something for Chase that he would never do for any other fan: He told him the top secret plot to the fifth book. “If I tell you this, you have to promise me to keep this secret….it’s between us,” said Mull to Chase via phone from his house in Utah County. Chase promised and Mull proceeded to tell the plot in detail. For a few moments Chase escaped the harsh realities of his life in the hospital.

“It was great to see him be the focus of attention in a good way,” said Chase’s father Patrick. “He’s endured things others have never endured.” Chase has been in hospice for a year and a half. His mother said he gets headaches often and is in a lot of pain. “His body is breaking down,” she said.

Mull became teary-eyed toward the end of the phone conversation when Chase’s family yelled out “thank you” over the phone. The 35 year-old father of three said he couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child in the hospital with a terminal illness. “The idea that my books could help distract him is way cooler than anything,” said Mull holding back tears. “It is way beyond anything I hoped my writing would do.”

And to him I say- 'Thank you Brandon Mull for sharing your talents with others.'

More Updates

2009-12-13T07:19:00.013-07:00

Tis the time...for more happenings.

20. More photos of my cutest nephew. Teagan has been busy learning about some traditional family activities. For as long as I can remember my sister and I were subjected to an annual visit to the Santa Claus photo courtesy Country Village. I remember harboring this deep dark secret from friends and classmates alike. Especially in those junior high years where it was so uncool to still be going to visit Santa. But I will admit (but deny if asked) that it is fun to see the same Santa scene each year, with us growing up over the years. Anyway, a year or two ago, my sister and I protested enough so as not to be subjected to dressing up and getting that picture taken. Hence, Teagan's first year to meet the Jolly Big Guy. He is so much cuter at it than I ever was.

For your viewing pleasure.

Not afraid of Santa...seemed to be very in tune

with the camera taking their picture.

21. As to some of the more new traditions. We are a game playing kinda family. It has turned into "Reindeer Games" during the holidays. This means that as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are washed and put away, the card table comes out and the board games take up a temporary residence in the living room. Games that have made a recent jump in popularity: Blokus, Triominos, Roll the Bones, and TriBond. The tradition continues on so that new "members" of the reindeer game club have to wear The Antlers; so as to further entertain other members of the reindeer game club. Hence the fascination with reindeer...

-Visiting the Reindeer Farm-

22. and making Christmas presents for the family...

23. This past weekend my parents attended my great aunt's Hanukkah celebration. This has become an annual party for my mom, and this year she brought my dad along to dance, eat, and Spin the Dreidel. This party is potluck, and among the traditional Jewish dishes, my mom typically brings a fruit salad or some other non-denominational dish. Until this year. As I was baking cupcakes for my birthday-movie night, I offered to bake some extras for her to decorate and take. The issue was that I would need an additional box of cupcake mix to do this.

*Fast forward 30 minutes*

After pulling out the necessary ingredients like eggs, water, and oil, I went to pull out the box of cake mix from the plastic shopping bag. Leading me to wonder- Is it faux pas to bring German Chocolate cupcakes to a Hanukkah Party?

24. For my birthday celebration I rented a projector and set up the family room in a Theater configuration. I had put out a facebook invitation for "Movie & Cider Night" and was expecting anywhere from 10 - 15 people. I researched online for the best projector price and went on to order one to be shipped and received by December 11th. Happily the projector was mine for the entire weekend, for the price of 1 day. Bonus. And as I was reading the contract for the projector, I came across this:

Security Deposit

...If you return the equipment on time with no damage, your security deposit will be fully refunded.

If you return the equipment with damage, you will lose your security deposit (or the cost of repair, whichever is less). If the equipment is lost or stolen, and/or you do not return the equipment at all, you are responsible for the full value of the equipment and we will attempt to collect that balance from you. Deliberate or fraudulent damage to the equipment is not covered, and may be prosecuted as vandalism.

Examples:

The viewfinder breaks off the camera, and you return the pieces to us. You will lose the security deposit, and will not incur any additional charges.

Someone drops the camera in the ocean during your rental period and you cannot find it. You are responsible for the full value of the equipment.

The camera is stolen from your hotel room. Your are responsible for the full value because you have nothing to return.

The camera is run over by a bus. Sweep up the pieces and send them back. You will lose the security deposit, and will not incur any additional charges.

I was also able to return projector on-time and all in one piece. No sweeping up of pieces or deep ocean diving to retrieve said projector was necessary. Should you be in the market to rent a projector, I recommend this company: http://www.atsrentals.com/ As a result, 20 party attendees enjoyed watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Harrison Ford was larger than life in all his archaeologist glory.

25. I tried something new for the birthday. Instead of serving cake...which is a delicious favorite of mine...I baked cupcakes.

Almost too cute to eat...almost

Courtesy of Martha Stewart's Cupcakes book, I came across the idea to make them into Christmas ornaments.

26. Now 'How to' serve those Ornament Cupcakes? A quick search on Google lead me to directions on How to Make a Cupcake Stand from this lovely little website. I used scrap booking paper and ribbon. Which gave the movie munchies table a bit more flair than the typical refreshments table. At least in my opinion:

Cupcake Stand filled and tempting

Just beware of how impossible it is to find the cake dummies. I went to 4 different stores looking for them. For those uninformed (such as I) cake dummies are simply cylindrical styrofoam pieces that cake decorators use to practice decorating on. I ended up using graduating tins instead...and they worked beautifully.

Summer Happenings~

27. The latest and greatest Harry Potter movie was released this past summer. My dad and I had tickets well in advance and planned a group dinner and movie night. The dinner at Claim Jumpers was okay...while the conversation was much better. Of course my nephew is being introduced to the wonderful world of Harry in his custom onesie:)

28. Reaching further back to this spring, Ronald and Teagan's trip to Utah was uneventful. Teagan travelled like a champ.

In fact it added some new excitement to the travel time. Ronald has always been an excellent traveller...whether by plane or car. It was interesting to watch him adjust to our newest little traveler. He wanted to be as close to me as possible during the drive. When I was holding Teagan he had to settle for the car seat while my arms were full of Teagan, but Ronald's transition back into my arms after putting Teagan back into the car seat was a tad lost in translation.

Cat as the Hat

...until next time...

I'mmmm Baaackkk!

2009-12-01T01:31:00.006-07:00

I have seriously been slacking on the blogging thing. So here is my promise- I am going to write in a few posts about 39 things that have happened in the past few months. (39) because then I will have at least one more post than last year.

So:

29. Saw the movie The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock. Loved, loved, LOVED it. See it! Which brings me to a confession... one of my HUGE beefs is with people that are at the theater to watch a movie, but instead have their cell phones on/out, texting and sometimes even TALKING on them. If that is your priority, step out of the theater and allow others around you to watch the movie sans your brightly shining screen and clicky clicking texting. Hence the situation today. As we are about 2/3 of the way through this amazing story, the guy in front of and one seat to the left of me, pulls out his cell phone (with a screen nearly as large as a small portable DVD player) and clicks to read a text. Fine. Read the silly text, I'll give it 30 seconds...especially as my eyes are trying to focus in a dark theater on your bright cell screen. This is when he goes on to lean over to his friend, discuss whatever important discussion needs to happen, and THEN, proceed to begin texting BACK. Really? Which is when I kicked the guy's chair. Kinda on purpose. I expected him to look back. Nope. But that text message? Was quickly completed and cell phone/portable DVD player was put away. Cautionary Tale. Definitely. You go to the movies, text, call, conduct an interview before, after, or outside of the theater. Don't ruin the experience for those around you.

30. I became an Aunt earlier this year. Teagan was born February 9th at 9:14 pm weighing in at 8 lbs 8 ozs and 21 and 3/4 inches long and has been a great source of entertainment these past few months. He is just so sweet he makes my heart melt. What a hoot it has been to watch him achieve each new milestone. At the Puyallup Fair this past September, we were soaking in the Fair experience when we realized that Teagan was making "Sound Effects" to keep his stroller strolling...

There was SPIT involved in this adventure

31. Finished my second successful year in Santaquin Elementary's fourth grade department. My goodness there was more expected as a "veteran" teacher on staff. I was put into the Team Leader position, we had 2 interns in the grade level, was in charge of the Faculty Staff Christmas Party, was the school's Science Fair Coordinator*, and had a wonderful and positive experience with a student teacher in my classroom. Want to know how to get over a fear of "performing for coworkers"? Have someone there all day, everyday, critiquing your skills... You will have to become confident in what you do...and why you do it that way

32. *Became an official Science Fair Coordinator guru by completing the requirements. There is a surprising amount of them! Besides attending coordinating meetings-

I had to order enough participation ribbons -

ever spend more than $100 dollars on ribbon?

I have

but I also edited informational packets that students needed to fill out and complete in order to compete in the science fair, coordinated community judges, ordered tables to display projects, and awarded prizes. What was so awesome about the whole experience was that we had a couple of students go on to compete in District Science Fair up at BYU.

33. Completed my official "Move Across the Country" by moving up from Provo, Utah back to Bothell, Washington. It is an interesting challenge to move from whole apartment into a single Bat Cave, but it has been very nice to be back with family and old friends once again. Plus...I do not have to worry and get angry about the ever increasing costs of traveling with Ronald- because I am already home for the holidays. As for moving across state lines? No plans to do this again in the near future.

34. European Soap Seller Extraordinaire. Yanaj hooked me up with a spring and fall sample soap sale. I now know more about soaps, body butters, lotions, body balms, bath confetti, soy candles, and working some swinging deals for a warehouse sale that I enjoyed working more than you might have guessed. Other friends ~ also proud owners of lifetime supplies of soaps and lotions.

35. My dad turns 50 this year. 5-0! So a few of us are counting down the days until we leave on a 7 day cruise to Honduras and Mexico. We have reading homework about the Mayan ruins we are going to explore on a tour at the Cozumel port, pictures and everything. We will be leaving from Galveston, Texas, and I will be flying in a few days earlier in order to catch up with some "old" friends. Double Excitement!!

36. So with an international trip on the near horizon, I applied for and received my very first passport. How exciting. I now have the proof that yes I am Miss HPLuvr...all they needed here was my birth certificate, social security card, driver's license, blood type, dental records, shoe size...and some other forms of identification all to pay them $75 dollars and wait 4-6 weeks for my very own passport booklet! Seriously!! Although- I did save some money by taking my own photos instead of paying (Kinko's $13 or the Police Department $16) wahoo for me.

37. Had my identity stolen. I was notified the first week of September, by mail, that my driver's license was going to be suspended for failure to respond to an infraction on July 6th. Hmmm, interesting, considering that I have never been issued a ticket in the state of Washington...EVER! Also, the driver's license was neither the current Utah license I was using OR my old Washington license back from high school. How was I suppose to respond to a ticket if I did not know I had been issued. My problem, as I was repeatedly informed by the employees at District Court, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, 2 different lawyers, Utah Driver's License Bureau, and the Washington State Special Investigations Unit. There is not much out there to help people who have their name drug through the legal mud hole. I do not think that I have cried so much or so hard as each time I had to think about and try to wade myself forward in clearing my name. For anyone that has had this happen to them or is in the middle of it my heart goes out to you, here are some of the things that I did that helped me (and should you need additional help please let me know!!):

Found that Wilma from the Identity Theft Resource Center at 1-888-400-5530 was hard core in her advice and help. As she gave me the advice to call the courthouse and request a hearing (something I had tried to do 3 times already) she told me to take a deep breath and to focus...and proceeded to tell me a list of things that I needed to do in order to clear my name.

Great advice from my friend Krissy- keep a journal of everyone you speak to, including the content of the conversation, date and time.

You can request an identity hearing to get onto the court docket. All I needed was an opportunity to be in front of the judge to tell him "It was not me".

38. Joined Canyon Park Fitness gym. My Dad, Mom, and I decided that we needed to be ready for Mayan ruins and keeping up with Teagan :) Once a week, my Mom and I meet with Sanny - our trainer - and try to keep up with each other. And so far moan about muscle groups hurting that we did not know existed. It is worth the pain, I am already noticing a difference in the amount of work I can do in the gym, and the amount of energy that I have outside of it.

39. On the other hand, Ronald has a few pesky holiday ounces creeping up on him. He has always been on the skinny side of things, so it has been with great surprise that after 3 years he is finally looking as though he might one day match his paws.

Breath of Life

2009-03-24T22:26:00.013-06:00

So my friend texted me earlier this evening...

"Do you wanna go to yoga at 9?"

I contemplated just what else I would be doing at 9 (sadly, the plan was to be laying on my couch reading my current book Peter and the Secret of Rundoon) and so I figured- what the hay, I'll give it a try. Especially considering that we have been trying to go to the gym together for the past 2 weeks. That is ever since we discovered that we are members of the same gym. So I texted back telling her that contrary to popular belief, I had yet to try this activity.

Would I need to bring anything special?

Thinking yoga mat...some flexibility genes...that sort of thing. Well guess what my gym offers? Besides 9 pm yoga classes- yup flexibility genes :) or yoga mats to be more accurate. So an hour later I found myself sitting on a squishy, purple yoga mat, in the middle of a fairly empty aerobics classroom, gazing through a set of windows out at the rest of the gym members working it out on treadmills, stationary bikes, and stair steppers. Seeing the worried expression on my face, my friend reassured me that they dimmed the lights at the beginning of class, making it difficult to see into the room. That and the fact that she just about picked the most perfect spots in the entire room helped to ease my pre-yoga jitters. You know the spot- those special spots where you are A) Not right up front breathing all over the instructor, or B) Not in direct eye line with ANY of the humongous wall mirrors- so that you do not have to watch yourself workout.

I will admit a few things about the whole experience. It was a relaxing way to let the day's worries go and I wasn't too concerned about trying to keep up with the rest of the class, experienced or not.

That is, until I am standing up, bent forward at the waist, feet as far away from each other as possible, hands grasped behind my back...leaning as far forward as possible while stretching my hands as far up behind my head as they will go. Awkward- no? Not awkward by half until the instructor comes up behind me (yeah, great view I am sure) takes my hands and helps to push them even farther forward. And nothing in yoga goes tremendously fast, so he is there for at least a full minute before offering the praise "great release" and moving on.

I spent the rest of the class trying to forget that if I wasn't pushing myself hard enough I would be "treated" to more one-on-one help. I sure hope I didn't stink! Rather I tried my hardest to just follow his instructions to keep breathing loud enough to be heard by your neighbor.

Overall I was invigorated by the experience, and would be apt to try it again. Maybe I will be able to stretch a little bit further next time and save myself the up close and personal experience. That, and I would definitely remember to bring a water bottle- who knew one could get so thirsty doing the Warrior Pose?

For those unfamiliar - this is the Warrior Pose. Very exciting stuff.

Long Awaited

2009-03-13T16:58:00.003-06:00

I pride myself on the discovery of this charming and enchanting book series. I participate in the Scholastic Book Clubs with my students each month, and like a kid in a candy shop, I always order a few books to add to my classroom library. A year ago last October, I found this book for a very reasonable price:

"In Book One of the series, we meet two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, who have been sent to live with their mysterious grandmother, Relda Grimm. From their first day in Ferryport Landing, the sisters begin to unravel a mystery that reveals a family secret. Sabrina and Daphne learn they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, whose famous book of fairy tales is actually a history book. Snow White, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf—they're all alive and now neighbors of Granny Relda in this community of Everafters, as magical folks like to be called.

But life is not a fairy tale in Ferryport Landing. Someone has set a giant loose on the town, and it's up to the sisters Grimm to stop the giant and find the Everafter behind its murderous rampage. Is it Mayor Charming, formerly Prince Charming, who may have plans to get his kingdom back? Or Jack, the erstwhile giant killer, now working at the Big & Tall store?"

I had been on the lookout for a new book, as I had recently learned that summer the fate of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger and needed a new storyline to be hooked into. Well folks, this was it. I read the first one to my class, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be honest in saying that I did not rush out to the bookstore to pursue the next books in the series. That is until Yanaj began into the series, and became my accomplice in the All Over The Countryside search to find and read the next 5 books. I have been patiently waiting for the 7th installment, and found out that my wait now has an end in sight. As of May 1, 2009 I will be able to find out what happens next to the descendants of the Brothers Grimm- Sabrina and Daphne.

"Picking up after the dramatic cliffhanger that ended Book Six, Sabrina and Daphne’s prayers are finally answered when their parents awake from their sleeping spell. But their happy reunion is short-lived, as they are caught in the middle of a war between the Scarlet Hand and Prince Charming’s Everafter army. As the family works to help the prince’s ragtag group of rebels and protect their friends, Sabrina comes face-to-face with the family’s deadliest enemy—the mysterious Master—who reveals a secret so shocking it will rock the entire family to its core."

And the mind boggles that there could be even more- and yet there is! There is an excerpt from this soon to be released book on the official Michael Buckley The Sisters Grimm website: http://sistersgrimm.com/index.html

I recommend checking this website out.

Thus I leave you with one more noteworthy nugget ... or three:
Note Worthy 1
Note Worthy 2
and just in case...
Note Worthy 3

Welcome to the Family

2009-03-08T23:41:00.001-06:00

Disco Diva's Birthday

2009-01-28T22:53:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

2009-01-27T23:29:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom! I hope that you boogied

all - night - long

in celebration. . . and that this brings back fond memories.

I am excited to visit in a few months and to really get into celebrating. Maybe pretend we are shopping for someone else's birthday- will that help in finding a present that you would like?

Hopefully so.

Happy Birthday to The Man

2009-01-25T22:04:00.002-07:00

To the one who Ronald feels the most competition with...

A little birdee and I were talking earlier this week, when said birdee let it be known that it was going to be my Dad's Over the Hill Big "5-0" Birthday. I was shocked,and must say a little disappointed that I had not foreseen to this fact sooner- so that I could have done something more than what I was planning. Then, as I was standing in the card aisle, trying to once again find that perfect card, I counted back from the year my dad was born to 2009...and realized,

'Yes. I still have one more year.'

So instead of the usual black Over the Hill cracks, we will focus on the last 365 days before the official Over the Hill celebration will begin.

So. What is there to say about one of the people that have had the enormous amounts of influence that my Dad has had in my life.

Thanks for not picking out a fru-fru girlie name for me- one that ends with an 'i' or a 'y' - or had any connections to old girlfriends - or so out of the ordinary that no one would ever know how to pronounce it correctly the first time...enough of that with the last name :)
For telling me endless stories about your adventures with Frisky. Especially the experience of getting him on Christmas morning.
Encouraging me to learn about cars. At least enough to be able to look at the billowing black clouds of smoke pouring out the exhaust pipe, and realizing that "There just might be something wrong."
Coming out to help me move from Houston to Provo...driving that huge moving van, sneaking Ronald into the motels, and staying long enough to enjoy our Harry Potter tradition.
I have you to thank for kicking off my Harry Potter obsession. Who else would have made sure that that copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone made it onto the corner of my pillow so that it was the first thing I saw when I crawled into bed that summer? And after I had buried that book under clothes and magazines and other books next to my bed, making sure to slip Harry Potter back up on my pillow the next morning after I had left for work- so that of course it was there for me when I finally decided to crack that book open and begin reading.
Getting caught up in an America's Next Top Model marathon, and being the only one to stay up late enough to see who was the ultimate winner :)
Making sure that my car is running well, that the weather is treating me decent, and that work is well, still paying me a salary.
Having a good sense of humor.
Letting me (almost) always win at Rummy. You do let me win right?
Making sure that I keep a plan in mind. What do I want to do with my life...
Having hopes and goals for yourself...and going for them.
Teaching me that it is important to stay out of debt.
Letting the family have family pets. Especially after seeing you followed around by the pet dog...oh, no that's Weebo!
Being willing to catch a midnight movie opening.
Still liking to go out driving donuts in your beater car.
Your beater car. Especially the "defroster" fan.
Being dependable. You say you will do something, be somewhere, you follow through.
For not being as scary as some people say you're intimidating appearance intimates.
Reading to me before I could read for myself, and sometimes even after that.
Listening to me read my copy of Harry Potter out loud while waiting for yours to come in the mail. I told you it was quicker to wait in the midnight lines, than to have it mailed to the house!
Not over complimenting. "Not too shabby!"
Helping me through college.
Putting up with Ronald accidents.
Coming to visit, even though you know you are subjecting yourself to sofas, blow up mattresses, or even the floor. Then again your ability to sleep anywhere, anytime is impressive.
Waking up before the crack of dawn to celebrate Christmas mornings.
Telling good stories.
Laughing out loud, often.
Seeing the humor in a situation, or letting it roll off your back when there is nothing that can be done about it.
Cooking tasty breakfasts.
Getting excited for Harry Potter book releases, and wanting to come with me to each new movie release...and of course putting up with my incessant need to hash and rehash out the plot and characters.
Wanting to spend time with our family.
Absolutely always providing our family with food, clothing, and shelter.
Making improvements to our house- sunroofs, decks, porches, entire bedrooms.
Letting me know that I could make someone a great carpet layer. It's on my relationship resume with you as a reference.
Letting me make my own decisions, but always being there to give thoughtful advice.
Loving House M.D. Who would have thought?
Making sure and/or participating in family vacations...road trips.
Seeing to all of my computer needs. I have yet to face a computer melt down. *knock knock knock*
Enjoying being around our family as we have grown up.
Being willing to go on the occasional Mall Walk...a.k.a. window shopping.
Thinking its funny to disappear in a crowded mall, and then appear magically as if we didn't miss you.
Rototiller-ing a garden every spring.
Coming to graduations- seminary, high school, college.
Your highly developed fashion sense.
Going to Las Vegas and watching the high rollers, getting so sunburned sitting by the hotel pool that you were red for the entire time you were there, getting up at 3am when I finally arrived and going to get something to eat, and trolling for discarded jumbo casino dice to play Roll the Bones.
Taking family, church, and work responsibilities seriously.
Loving Me and Eneras.
Loving Mom.

- and the happy 49th for luck -

49. Being who you are.

Winter Wrapup

2009-01-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have had a great past few months...hence the sabbatical from blogging. For Thanksgiving my parents came down to Utah to once again enjoy a Fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner away from the Northwest. With as much luggage as they could pack they came prepared for some cold, snowy weather. Unfortunately for the entire two weeks they were here- the snow was mysteriously absent. That is, until they were boarding the airplane to leave. It was then that they were able to enjoy front row seats to the snow flurries.

For my birthday, I was able to spend the evening with a few close to me- at the Melting Pot. All I can say is "mphsdef". Which is "My goodness. Wow...where have you been all my life?" Only it is said around a mouthful of the cuisine. I have heard many good things about the Melting Pot. Even though it is a spendy place and you should plan to spend the evening. We were there a good 3 hours from start to finish. Thankfully they take reservations, so we were seated as soon as we arrived. Also- if it is your first time, splurge and go for the Big Night Out. So now, I am officially into the latter part of the 20's. Should I reveal the scary age...nah. Suffice it to say this is not the scary age.

Which brings me to Christmas vacation. I can thankfully say that I did not miss any of my flights. Almost and not without some tears, I was on each and made it to and from safely. Apparently months before when I was booking my flights home, I picked the night that the first really big snowstorm of the season decided to hit. This wasn't just an isolated storm, instead it blanketed the entire west coast, or so it seemed. I left snow to arrive in snow. Unusual for Washington State. My first week in Bothell, we were all practically snow bound. Something I haven't really experienced since I was in junior high and dealing with a friend's father's irrational demands of traveling around a snow and ice blanketed town. I snuggled up next to the fire/pellet stove/heat source, pulled out a book, or chatted it up with family. I was comfortable with the enforced home bounded-ness. I had no where I needed to be or needed to do. Rather I was along for the ride. In fact it began one of the quietest and enjoyable Holiday times in a long while. In fact it brought out the kid in a few of us:

Snow on the back porch- about 18 inches...so far. The lumps happen to be my mother's flower pots (or Ron's salad bar)

Me and my cousin Darb...and Frosty Jr.

The boys...Nayrb, Darb, and Frosty Jr.

Darb came stomping upstairs one morning announcing that someone was going to step up and by special request of the parents of the home do this. . .

Overall, I must say that I cannot remember ever experiencing a White Christmas at home in Washington. I spent this one enjoying every minute. There is magic in the snow covered evergreens. This was the way Christmas is meant to be spent. Quiet, reflective, with a fire (or pellets) burning, no worries about places to go and things to do, and if I had my way, playing games and of course winning said games.

Horn Tooting

2008-11-17T19:45:00.003-07:00

I was conducting a Shared Reading -Summer of Sharks, very intriguing- this morning when the Instructional Specialist Aicen came in to do a reading test on one of my new students. Apparently she had been there for a bit because later this afternoon when I went to discuss the results of the reading test she told me that she had been discussing me with the intern facilitator- telling her that they should have other 4th grade teachers come in to observe me. GOO! Super Kudos, but quite intimidating! This is from another time Aicen was passing by my room. She left this post it note for me to find:

It certainly feels good to be appreciated! I know that I made the right choice leaving Houston, because this is where I need to be for the moment. I love going to work everyday- in fact some days I cannot believe that they pay me to do this. (But that's probably to make up for the days that I wonder to myself, 'What am I doing??') Everyday is a new day- especially with the Smart Alec ones!

Fabulous Fall

2008-11-16T16:26:00.002-07:00

Thought that I would share some views I get to currently enjoy on my way to and from work.

A photo of all the leaves that have been covering the pavement of my apartment parking lot. And this is just the first wave of them. So far there has been 3 waves of fallen Fall leaves. The only downside of it is when those leaves fall onto my windshield, get stuck in my new wiper blades, and then WILL NOT fly away when the rain begins to fall and I need an unobstructed view of the road by using said windshield wipers.

And the best Fall views of all

Certainly beats the views from this summer when I could only believe that I was dreaming when those same signs all had $4.00 a gallon for regular unleaded!

Horror of the Order of the Phoenix

2008-11-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

At the end of every school day, the kids volunteer (as in I assign students) to do clean up jobs around the classroom before they get their backpacks and coats together to leave for the day. Well, one afternoon after most of the kids had waved good bye and practically bolted out the door, I had my one or two students still slowly getting packed up to go. These two can usually be counted on to be the last ones out the door, but no complaints from me- they are fun to chatter with. So on this particular afternoon- I was gazing around the room and noticed that we had NOT done a very good job picking up after ourselves today. I asked the two still in the room what they thought of what had been left behind...

One took a moment to consider the question and then took another moment to look out onto the classroom. Before he uttered "It looks like the Horror of the Order of the Phoenix." After I managed to stifle the laughter I remarked about what an interesting way to put that. But after he had left and I was taking a few pictures, I had to ask myself,

"Was he referring to the floor, or the condition of the inside of his desk?"

Election Day 2008 Results

2008-11-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

So my vote has been cast. I watch as the states on the news turn either red or blue, and hold my breath waiting to hear the fortune told for my country's next 4 years' future. I resisted putting any political posts on my blog- until tonight. After I've seen the count come in and learn that Mr. Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States.

All I can say is that I hope I am wrong in feeling like we have just elected a man into one of the most powerful offices in the world who makes me feel as though he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I know very little about this man, but all that I have seen and read has made me think that I cannot trust him to represent me.

To the new President who refuses to Pledge Allegiance to the United States of America's flag...

"You can't consistently perform in a manner that is inconsistent to the way you see yourself."

Zig Ziglar

Election Day 2008

2008-11-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

A historic event. Putting my feelings about the President Elects aside as best as possible, we discussed the election process and the United States government in Social Studies this week. All four of the 4th grade classes participated in an election of our own. After seeing their parents and other adults que up early that morning to vote themselves, they were eager to discuss "politics"- In ways that only 4th graders can.

Waiting at the polls

Our Voting Booths

The famous Ballot Box

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:22:00.001-06:00

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. Fall has the most perfect weather- crisp and chilled. There are also many activities for me to look forward to. Here in Utah, it is tradition for the elementary school kiddos to come to school on October 31st, dressed up in their costumes. Typically we have a costume parade to commemorate the day. While a normal "school day" is difficult to maintain, it is usually a day that kids are excited to come to school and participate in activities that we do not usually do. As for my class, we had been working hard in Writing Workshop to create haunted house stories with more details than "It was scary!" So on Halloween we did a large author's circle to share our publications with our classmates. I must say that some of them definitely have a flair with words and stories. A personal favorite was a gal describing the scary old woman in her haunted house as a 'pinched lipped old woman wearing an old tattered bath robe'. It was enjoyable! And on top of that, the kids had been looking forward to reading and hearing each others stories for at least a week.

Of the many ingenious costumes that I saw in the parade, here are a few of my favorites. Can you figure out who they were dressed up as?

(click on the pictures for the answers!)

So to the start of the Holiday Season...

A message from my 4th graders.

Oh...and in case you're wondering- the smart alec that smell my feet-ed- did so after I had made a big point of saying "Just say..."
Aren't kids great :)

So what have I been up to?

2008-10-16T14:58:00.000-06:00

I spent a busy day with Bone Junior a few weekends ago. It was one of those days that we really didn't have a specific plan in mind, but decided to see where things would take us. After the inevitable shopping, we got a few phone calls concerning a "Mustang Show that Bone Junior could not miss. Up in Park City." My oh my there were some beautiful sights and sounds to behold.

I especially liked the sparkly red mustang...year? Who knows. Model number? Engine size? All I know is that is was GorGEous, sitting there with the hood popped open, the sun sparkling off the impeccable paint job. As I continued walking down Main Street, I saw something that I had only seen in movies like The Fast and the Furious...

Too bad there would not be a showing of this. All in all, lots of money sat on the street that day. In the form of Mustangs. That is until I went into a coffee shop to get a drink of water. Then I had to dish out nearly $4.00 for a 10 oz bottle of water. Ridiculous no?

Anyway, as I was slowing sipping my water on the drive home were driving down University Avenue and came across Hispanic Days street fair. Of course Bone Junior, who could blend in with the crowd as long as she didn't attempt to speak Spanish back to anyone, was intrigued enough to stop and check it out. What I found interesting was happening in the center ring!

What are these men thinking coming out into public dressed like this??

Or doing things like this???

Well, I guess that it isn't too much, although I only pose for pictures like this for a few minutes. And I tend to only do these shows for a few of the other patrons in the lucky store.

'Ode de Scratch Subtle...I have found the perfect hat for you!

Mouse and the Motorcycle

2008-09-24T23:11:00.004-06:00

Remember reading the story by Beverly Cleary about a mouse and a motorcycle? Well, I do. And I was recently reminded of this series and more particularly the main character. Lately I have been staying a tad later in the classroom preparing for the next day and (week). How late?

Fine.

It was 6:45 last night before I finally grabbed my purse, turned off my classroom lights, and locked the door. On my way out I stopped by the teacher's AV (Audio Visual) room to pick up a document that I had printed. Now I have heard rumors of furry little creatures making themselves comfortable in other teachers' classrooms. I have let this slide seeing as they were no where near my classroom, and I have yet had to dispose of a fully loaded mouse trap.

So I was able to ignore this mouse population- until last night. I open the door to the AV room, flip on the light, and take three steps into the room to get the printed document. And let me tell you something...if there is one thing that makes me squeamish, it is mice. Don't ask me why. I have good reason. To have not squealed was an accomplishment. To stand calmly as the furry bugger ran across the room and into the corner was quite another thing. So to simply say that I saw a mouse at my school is not enough. Rather I was introduced to the nightly activities of the smaller animals living there.

I've met my Ralph. Sans his motorcycle unfortunately.

For those poor unfortunate souls who have yet to be introduced to these books...some excepts...

"Look, Ryan," he said. "I'm in trouble and I don't have time to tell you about it. Just take me and my motorcycle with you, and don't ask questions."

"To school?" Ryan was surprised.

Ralph's pesky cousins are wrecking his motorcycle, and his janitor friend, Matt, is in trouble because there seem to be mice in the hotel. All in all things are not going well at the Mountain View Inn. So Ralph persuades his young pal Ryan to take him to school. Ralph is an instant hit with Ryan's classmates. But he doesn't like being forced to run through a maze or the threat of an exterminator coming to the school. Worst of all, Ryan gets into a fight with a classmate, and Ralph's precious motorcycle is broken. Is Ralph S. Mouse smart enough to steer this sad situation to a happy ending?

2008-09-17T18:14:00.009-06:00

So the 2008 - 2009 school year is officially under way. I have been thoroughly impressed with my students so far this year- and I can't believe how nice it is to teach the same grade for a second year in a row. I actually have a vision of where we are going and what I can expect from these kiddos! This year's class has 23 students: 13 guys and 10 gals. So far we seem to work well together and they know who is boss :)

The Recess Bell...obviously.

Today we were prepping for a test on our weather unit. For 2 weeks we have been conducting experiments that prove that 1) Air is a Substance and 2) Air is related to many weather phenomena. My favorite discussion is the one concerning clouds. Something that I did not recall from the material I learned in elementary school or for that matter high school. How about you? Can you name each cloud? Possible answers: cumulus cloud, cirrus cloud, fog, and stratus cloud. Bonus Question- which is the only cloud to touch the surface of the earth?

Anyway- to review the weather material, we played a version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" The kids thought it was 'so cool' and 'really cool' that we could listen to the 10 seconds of music every time we chose the correct answer. To be fair we had already written the homework down and packed our backpacks before we congregated on the carpet around my computer screen. So when my lil' Atokad* was sitting down, standing up, kneeling, leaning over to poke his neighbor to of course tell him something vital, standing back up and pacing to the other end of the room and back- was still partially listening to the questions (or music, to which one I am not sure...) and participating I was feeling somewhat effective by using the time to prep for the weather test. The majority of my students were riveted to what would happen after the next mouse click. We were nearly to the end of the game, when a semi-hush fell over the crowd...just in time for everyone to hear when Atokad pronounced with such enthusiasm-

"Holy Crap! We're almost to a million!"

...which of course is the whole point of the activity.

Ode de Olympics

2008-08-22T23:07:00.002-06:00

Lone Star State eh?

2008-08-21T17:37:00.004-06:00

Texas school district to let teachers carry guns

In what appears to be U.S. first, board cites remote location.

HOUSTON - A Texas school district will let teachers bring guns to class this fall, the district's superintendent said on Friday, in what experts said appeared to be a first in the United States. The board of the small rural Harrold Independent School District unanimously approved the plan and parents have not objected, said the district's superintendent, David Thweatt. School experts backed Thweatt's claim that Harrold, a system of about 110 students 150 miles northwest of Fort Worth, may be the first to let teachers bring guns to the classroom. Thweatt said it is a matter of safety.

"We have a lock-down situation, we have cameras, but the question we had to answer is, 'What if somebody gets in? What are we going to do?" he said. "It's just common sense."

Board members estimate it would take first responders nearly 30 minutes to get to the rural school in an emergency.

Teachers who wish to bring guns will have to be certified to carry a concealed handgun in Texas and get crisis training and permission from school officials, he said. Recent school shootings in the United States have prompted some calls for school officials to allow students and teachers to carry legally concealed weapons into classrooms.

The U.S. Congress once barred guns at schools nationwide, but the U.S. Supreme Court struck the law down, although state and local communities could adopt their own laws. Texas bars guns at schools without the school's permission.

(Armed teachers and students? Are you kidding me???)

Tis the Season

2008-08-06T02:46:00.002-06:00

Teachers are back in the classroom, getting ready to begin the new school year. Me included :) I am guessing that teachers and parents view the upcoming 1st day of school a bit differently...

...15 days and counting...

You unnerstand the words that are comin' outta my mouth?

2008-08-01T03:23:00.004-06:00

This to a former roommate (and any others who have ever had a difficult time understanding me)- One day as the two of us are finishing up washing and drying the dinner dishes (back in the days when there was no dishwasher!) I looked directly at her and asked,

"Can you hand me the reehg?"

All action slows, "Huh?" she looks at me with a curiously blank stare.

I point this time, hoping to make myself more clear, "The rrr-eeehhh-g."

Still no response. Apparently I am difficult to understand. To avoid further difficulties, I leaned over to grab the reehg myself. I have an accent. Who would have thought?

I should have realized and made some adjustments. But I remember my very first day of teaching 2nd grade. Very first ever(mind you). I was doing a tour of our classroom with the little kiddos, when I pointed out the Pledge of Allegience poster and begin explaining that we would be saying this pledge, with our right hands over our hearts...to our fleehg. I turn to move on to our next stop when I hear,

"Miss HPLuvr...Miss HPLuvr!! Don't you mean flag?"

I knew right then that I was going to spend the next 179 days trying to keep up with them.

Need further evidence? The results of said quiz:

What American accent do you have? Your Result: North Central "North Central" is what professional linguists call the Minnesota accent. If you saw "Fargo" you probably didn't think the characters sounded very out of the ordinary. Outsiders probably mistake you for a Canadian a lot.
The West
The Midland
Boston
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The South
The Northeast
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have">What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

So yes. If I had seen the movie Fargo, apparently I would have understood them without any difficulties.

Would you like paper or plastic beehgs for that?

Product Review Time...again

2008-07-27T23:56:00.009-06:00

Product: Smart Taste Penne Rigate- cost $1.29

HPLuvr Review: A new recipe using this fiber enriched pasta. At first I was going for the new wheat pasta (which I have tried a few times and have loved), but then I saw this fancy packaging and I was a goner. It was an easy recipe to follow (calling for canned spaghetti sauce) and took no time at all to cook. Which is ideal because with the temperatures around here, I have not wanted the stove on for extended periods of time. I would recommend making your own spaghetti sauce, or me choosing a different brand. Other than that it is worth at least a try.

It is also probably a good idea to invite others over to share in new recipes...if the amount of leftovers in my fridge is any evidence. You can only eat so much of the same thing.

HPLuvr Recommendation * * *

Product: Drinkwell Pet Fountain & Aqua Garden- cost $34.99 + $9.99

Ronald Review: I'm not much of a drinker, of water that is. That pet bowl of water that sits all day getting stale. It just reminds me of Tantor from Disney's Tarzan...

...and that my friends is why they invented this fabulous product. I can play in the water, drink the water, relax to the sound of a gentle waterfall, and best of all because of the hydroponic wheat grass- "Aqua Garden" -I can eat in this baby too! My caution to others is this 'if you are too tempted to gnaw on those enticing electrical cords, I think the water bowl deal is best for you.' This treasure also came with a special deal- 3 filters and a 5 piece cleaning brush pack. To keep my water tasting fresh and wheat grass crisp.

The little blue basket clipped onto the left side of the drinking fountain contains the wheat grass seeds, that amazingly took only 3 days to grow. 3 Days!! And took me only 2 to eat.

Ronald Recommendation * * * * *

Product Review

2008-07-21T15:49:00.003-06:00

I have recently begun trying some new products. After the 3rd or 4th new item, I decided that I was going to sprinkle some practical product reviews in this blog. Then thinking some more about this...lots of me time right now...I realized that Ronald was trying out some new items of his own as well, so...

Note: 'It's my thing. I love it. Let it go.'

HPLuvr Review #1: Chicken-Bacon-Artichoke Pizza a la Papa Murphy & Pizza Cutter

Review: I for one have not been a regular patron of Papa Murphy's for quite a long time. My Dad loves their calzones (which I must admit are tasty!) But when I usually think of pizza, I think of places that actually cook them before sending them home with me. So when the idea was suggested for my recent girls night, we decided to check out what they had to offer. Well, I was thoroughly impressed with the prices and then saw this little number on the menu - I haven't looked back since. This pizza is one of their deLite crusts (thin crust) and the ingredients were as fresh as you could probably get. The wait was short and the cooking of the pizza made my entire apartment smell deLicious. Plus, I was able to buy the most efficient pizza cutter that I have had the pleasure to use. But if you already have one of those cutters- I still say you should make a trip to your local Papa Murphys to try this pizza.

Recommendation * * * * *

Ronald Review #1: Pet Window

Review: For a price of...free...you too can enjoy front row window seating. Thanks to family back in Seattle, I am now able to appreciate "Neighbor Spying" from the comfort of a cushy seat. This is especially good when I am on my own in the morning (ie only one awake) and the window I am sitting next to is open...and it is still cool air blowing in. So if you really want one, I'm pretty sure PetSmart or Petco is selling them for around $30. The only issue is that one has to always move the pet window around in order to open/shut the window, because it hooks onto the window frame- other than that -Have fun!

Recommendation * * * *

spoof@paypal.com

2008-07-18T01:56:00.001-06:00

The other day I received this in my inbox:

---------------------------------------------------

Your case ID for this reason is PP-423-132-206
From: accounts@paypaI.com (accounts@paypaI.com)
Sent:Fri 7/11/08 4:13 PM
Reply-to:donotreply@paypaI.com

To: HPLuvr

Dear Customer,

As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPal system. We recently contacted you after noticing an issue on your account.

We requested information from you for the following reason:

We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party. We have limited access to sensitive PayPal account features in case your account has been accessed by an unauthorised third party. We understand that having limited access can be an inconvenience, but protecting your account is our primary concern.

Reference Number: PP-423-132-206

Due to this, you are requested to follow the provided steps and update your informations details for the safety of your Account.
Please Click Here To Start

(Your case ID for this reason is PP-423-132-206.)

In accordance with PayPal's User Agreement, your account access will remain limited until the issue has been resolved. Unfortunately, if access to your account remains limited for an extended period of time, it may result in further limitations or eventual account closure. We encourage you to log in to your PayPal account as soon as possible to help avoid this.

We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Yours sincerely,
PayPal Account Review Department

---------------------------------------------

It did not go to my junk box which peaked my interest...but it made me suspicious because I had not previously received any emails from them, AND the donotreply email address- odd. So being cautious, I went to my paypal account (which by the way I rarely use anyway) and followed their instructions to contact them with any suspicious emails. I got this reply within 10 minutes:

---------------------------------------------

RE: - Your recent report to Paypal
From: spoof@paypal.com
Sent:Fri 7/11/08 5:45 PM
Reply-to:spoof@paypal.com
To: HPLuvr

Dear HPLuvr,

Thanks for taking an active role by reporting suspicious-looking emails. The email you forwarded to us is a phishing email, and our security team is working to disable it.

------What is a phishing email?------

Phishing emails attempt to steal your identity and will often ask you to reveal your password or other personal or financial information. PayPal will never ask for your password over the phone or in an email and will always address you by your first and last name. Take our Fight Phishing Challenge at https://www.paypal.com/fightphishing to learn 5 things you should know about phishing. You'll also see what we're doing to help fight fraud every day.

------You've made a difference.------

Every email counts. By forwarding a suspicious-looking email to spoof@paypal.com, you've helped keep yourself and others safe from identity theft.

Thanks,
The PayPal Team

-------------------------------------------
Note: if something seems odd; it probably is.

Smokey the Bear says...

2008-07-05T14:38:00.003-06:00

Happy 4th of July! During my girls weekend, Yanaj and I watched the Stadium of Fire, fireworks display from her back porch. The cheap seats one might say. I was amazed at how big the fireworks were and was enjoying the peaceful evening.

I wonder why we celebrate our nation's birthday with fireworks?

...here comes the Smokey the Bear part...

Only we can prevent 'forest' fires!

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 8

2008-06-22T03:41:00.006-06:00

So this is it folks. At least for this particular trip. Mom and I dropped Lisa off at the airport around 11am. Which meant that we had nearly 7 hours to kill before we had to be back. Too bad there was not much beach in this part of the island. But we made do. We did some more shopping. Found our way to a Barnes & Noble to pick up a few books and read for awhile. And before heading to the movie theater...(Get Smart is a funny and entertaining movie)...I happened to notice a like-minded vehicle owner that would have gotten along well with the Dad.

Who needs a front seat when you've got a surf board?

And what is it with flights and pick-up...lines?

My mom and I were actually sitting together for our flight home. No finagling required :) And as we headed back to our seats...and by back I mean the 2nd to last row from the back tail...we were thinking out loud and to ourselves,

"Hey, we might get this entire row to ourselves. How nice would that be? Make sure to spread out our stuff strategically...I mean this is a red eye, so hopefully we will be able to get comfortable enough to sleep. Oh yes, grab another pillow and blan..."

"Yeah, I think that's my seat."

Says the young, dark, and curly haired guy while taking out his earphones.

Well, we began to move, making a couple of light jokes while my Mom moved to the center seat and tried getting comfortable. What was a relief was that the guy started making jokes back. Hello Friendly Guy. This flight wasn't going to be half bad if he was willing to see the comedy in our being stuffed in with strangers reclining into our laps on the way home.

By the end of this vacation, I had forgone all makeup and hair products...in a good way :) Note: Salt Water does amazing things to your hair! I was dressed in pj's and looking forward to putting on some headphones and watching the in-flight movie and then getting some sleep. But apparently my look said, "Talk to me". So he did. Chatted and joked with me in that when Mom got up to stretch her legs, he introduced himself, asked my name...and my age.

What the heck??

But all in all, it was for the best. Because I knew he was young, but I nearly pulled my first Yanaj: he was 16...almost.

And when I told him my age? He convincingly sounded shocked. He thought we had been born in the same decade. No Sir: I am not 18. I remember waiting for the original Nintendo to come out. But I will say, Friendly Guy certainly made my flight home much more entertaining (especially considering that the in-flight movie was Fool's Gold).

Thanks Young Guy. And Good Luck on taking your Driver's License Test.

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 7

2008-06-21T03:07:00.011-06:00

The Road to Hana. I had been told by many who have visited Maui, that this was not something to miss. Saving this for our last full day on the island, we made sure to pack food, water, and put in the Road to Hana tour CD. All necessary items. It was yet another beautiful day, and driving with our windows down and adventure in our brains, hit the road.

To tell you the truth, the road that we took to get to the beginning of the Road to Hana, almost had me turning back. It was the skinniest, unpaved and unguard railed, rockiest, cliff riddled drive that I have ever had the experience to drive. Our car was hugging the side of the cliff and if I were to have tried looking out the opposite window, I would not have been able to see where the roadside ended and empty air began. But all things come to end, thank goodness. We made it to the beginning, only a little apprehensive about the drive ahead.

This is one flat palm tree! Instead of growing out in all directions, the fraunds (leaves) grew out creating a fan-like pattern.

According to our lovely (CD) guide the Road to Hana has 59 bridges. This may not seem like a very large number, until you calculate that the Hana Highway from start to Hana is only 52 miles! That's alotta bridges.

Then consider that all of the bridges were one lane bridges. With traffic wanting to go both ways. Talk about a lesson in sharing and taking turns! I was amazed to learn that all but 1 of these bridges, dating back to 1910, is still in use.

The Road to Hana drives through the East Maui Rain forest. This made our drive cooler (temperature and well, awesome-ness). The vegetation and flowers were unreal.

At one stop, we had the fresh Banana Bread and the famous Hawai'ian Shaved Ice. The only thing I can compare it to is a luxury sno-cone, and even then I would tell people that although you may not care much for sno-cones, there is no excuse to not give Shaved Ice a try.

So while enjoying our Ice from Heaven on the Road to Heaven, we were able to listen to waves, and soon after see one of the most beautiful sights I have yet seen.

The turquoise water, the white surf, and the black rocks.

Heavenly Father certainly has an aesthetic talent.

... yes ... one more picture.

And if I had any doubts that I was driving in a Rain Forest, they were cleared up around the 4th rain storm. It had just stopped raining and I took a picture of the water cycle at work, the humidity just skyrocketed!! And all those green leaves and plants...whew!

I know that this isn't the best picture (the lighting is all off) but I continued to see trees like this one. An otherwise healthy tree, covered up to its canopy with a gigantic cousin of ivy.

Not cloud cover, but branch cover.

We were astounded when our CD tour guide pointed out that we were actually driving through the Bamboo forest section. My lucky bamboo doesn't look like this...

An Africa Tulip (which actually grow at the tops of large trees) I just happened to be on the highway above this particular tulip tree.

And after 600 curves, feeling like I was driving in a Nintendo game, we were welcomed...

Note: If you are interested in reaching the 7 Sacred Pools, it is not actually in Hana, but rather another 45 minutes past Hana. Due to the lateness of our arrival in Hana, and wanting to avoid driving this highway at night...sans street lights...well you get the picture...we turned around to make the 600 curves and 59 one lane bridges back.

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 6

2008-06-20T00:50:00.006-06:00

What do you do on the 1 hour boat ride out to Molokini?

Fish. Of course.

So we finally make it to the crater. Looked as gorgeous as all those postcards portrayed it as being. If you were to see it from above, it would be a large "u" shape, with the open end towards the inlet. This position protects everything inside from the majority of winds; and because there is no beach, the waves crashing at the base of the crater do not stir up muck, reducing visibility. Before unleashing all of us into the water, our Captain accurately described this experience as,

"Snorkeling in an Aquarium"

Want more good advice from Yanaj ... Bring a water noodle.

Mom, Lisa, and My Finger in Molokini crater

I was astounded by the beautifully clear turquoise water. It was the perfect temperature, and although all the active and flashy fish were playing at the base of the crater, I could only get myself to fin my way so close before turning and paddling like mad away...before the surf pounded me into those sharp looking rocks.

Soon I peeked above the water to see where my party was. There I was bobbing in the water, when I realized something. My stomach was beginning to roll a bit...that mango and pineapple I had for breakfast that morning wasn't sitting so well anymore. We had been told that if we felt ourselves getting sea sick on the trip here, that we should make it as quickly as possible to the nearest railing and go for distance. Fine with me, until I am the one floating IN THE WATER. Thus, distance or not, this was an unoption.

Who ever thought of becoming sea sick IN the water?

Needless to say, I slowly finned my way back to the boat, arriving just as the Captain came over the loudspeaker to call everyone back. Apparently we were leaving to our 2nd location because the wind and waves had arrived, making Molokini dangerous once again. Thankfully as we sailed away I sipped on some ginger ale and began to feel better.

On the way we slowed to a stop and were treated to a visit from a friendly Bottlenose Dolphin!

This was our morning! A good way to begin rounding out our vacation.

Note to self: I would actually consider paying to swim with dolphins! The one we met appeared friendly and playful (and very cute!), as he swam to check out the passengers on each of the 3 boats that had slowed to a stop to say "Hi".

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 5

2008-06-19T02:26:00.003-06:00

This morning we drove to Kihei to meet up with our Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel tour. It was comforting to know that we were going to be going with a small group. Some of our party had to drug up in order to prevent some motion sickness...until we were told that the 10:15 am trip to Molokini would not be happening. Apparently in the late morning to early afternoon, winds kick up around the edges of the crescent shaped crater and make it dangerous to go snorkeling there. We were given the option of going elsewhere right then, or be given a refund (book another time/tour). Because we had our hearts set on the Molokini crater, we opted to change to another time and date. This left us with so much time (we had awoken fairly early to make it to Kihei on time) and no set plans.

So while in Kihei, we followed Yanaj's advice and hit up the Big Wave Cafe.

Product recommendation? One MUST try the Macadamia Nut pancakes with coconut syrup! More a dessert than breakfast, but that is why you share with everyone at your table.

So driving back to Kahana, we stop in Lahaina and The Banyan Tree on Front Street. Did you know that there was such a tree as the "Upside Down" tree? My fourth graders did. We read Amazing Plants and discovered that the roots drops from the branches and attempt to plant from skyward down.

All the hanging vines are actually the Banyan Tree's roots!

P.S. Lisa, Mom, and I all took turns attempting to swing upon the Banyan Tree roots. Just like the little kids everywhere.

Until we came upon the "Do Not..." sign, afterwards, oops!

Overall it was a pretty quiet day, especially after our Oahu adventure (all done in exactly 24 hours!) We took today to sit back and visit yet another beach. Many more people and much more wind. We didn't last nearly as long. Just enough to maintain the beautiful tan we were all accumulating. And what was going to be the Number 1 thing to set Mom apart from all her Seattle-tonian counterparts.

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 4

2008-06-18T15:34:00.005-06:00

Here we are on one of the most beautiful islands in the world...beaches galore. Yet we spend hours...yes hours...over the past week trying to find this beach that the locals say is perfabulous.a.must.see. After asking workers at the Maui Dive Shop (and by workers I mean at least 3 different guys at different times and different days) the last one put it simply and honestly:

"Just drive north on that road out there until you reach...uh...well...I mean I've been going there so long its just natural to turn at the road on the left."

Note to Maui Dive worker- of course there are roads to the left; left is the way to the beach, all roads lead to the beach on Maui.

But perseverance pays off on Day 4.

We found it. Once again, very quiet, very few people. I spent time attempting to use a body board (unsuccessfully). But I did successfully spend time watching the Kite Surfer. He was incredible to watch. Riding the waves and flipping in the air when the wind caught his kite. In the above picture you can see the crescent kite in the mid-left.

We settled in to spend some of the daylight hours relaxing on this windy beach. Soon, I was covered with layers of sand- sticking to me AND to all my stuff. Eventually we tossed in the towel (literally) and packed it in back to our condo. Where I napped, and Mom and Lisa checked out our pool and beach front view.

My next trip to Maui will include surfing lessons.period.

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 3

2008-06-17T02:04:00.006-06:00

So this was most decidedly our busiest day. It was agreed that for a $114 ticket, we could island hop to Oahu in order to see Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was where I was going to get in a little bit of US History and Hawaiian culture (aka My Luau). We once again woke early and went through our quickest airport security check we have ever had to date...we told an airport worker the flight we were taking and to where, when he personally walked us up to the pilot. The pilot then took roll and told us to take a seat, we would be leaving shortly.

Ha on them! Until our pilot walked us out to this:

...and if you are curious, No, that is not our pilot.

Rather he was the very very friendly gentleman who was

interested in picking up some peoples in our party.

His pickup line?

"Are you the same older ladies who hired some of my construction workers last night, and then had them arrested for being too friendly?"

Note Sir- never refer to ANYONE as older anything.

My view from our lovely 8-seater plane.

8 seats in which I was able to watch our pilot

for the entire flight, fly us into Oahu.

Our wheels.

Worth the upgrade (Thanks Lisa!)
Trying to be a cautious driver, I kept double checking the blind spot...
...before reminding myself each time...there is no blind spot!

First stop on our itinerary: Pearl Harbor

The most reverent portion of the trip, we spent some time looking and reading about that fateful day in December, 1941. On this memorial spot, there is a museum both on the "main island" and floating over the sunken ruins of the USS Arizona.

Second Itinerary Stop: Polynesian Cultural Center

Activity 1: Parade of Canoes; once we entered the 7 villages we were able to watch each of the island countries represented by a canoe of dancers. One of my favorites was from the island country of Tonga. Truthfully I kept waiting for someone to fall into the water!

But after the Parade of Canoes; we saw this ;)

who was telling us how to harvest a coconut tree.

Activity 2: That evening I attended my very first luau.

We were leid with luscious purple orchids.

Which- behind the right ear- "I'm Available!"

Note for next time- (in a ponytail on the back..."Follow Me")

And after some entertainment we watched the Kahlua pig

(ie guest of honor)

make his appearance.

The most delicious drink...who cares about the carbs right??

Mango smoothie. Don't worry Garretts...it was a virgin mango!

Taro roll- anything purple was made from taro plant...and although poi was tried, it did not make it onto my plate. Everything else was sooo tasty!

Activity 3: Horizons Night Show

Can you guess which drummer caught my eye?

And the toast of the evening...the Fire Dancer!

And of course a tribute to Bone Junior.

To whom I cannot forget no matter what vacation I take.

Rock-a-hula Bone!

The beauty of Oahu...

One of the most popular flowers to wear: freesia

Hawai'i's state flower: Hibiscus

Hawai'i's state pastime: surfing (our view of Waikiki Beach from our hotel room)

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 2

2008-06-16T23:48:00.002-06:00

...who knew that the sun rises at 5:32 am? Or that some one's cell phone receives sufficient reception to ring soon after? Not me. I will say that very little sleeping in actually occurred.

Which wasn't bad. It just made sure that I did not waste any time getting to a beach. Our first excursion after renting our snorkel gear was to find the #1 Beach in Maui. Only 15 minutes north of Kahana we found one incredible and secluded bit o' sand. With only 15 other people on the beach, we put on our fabulous fins, goggles, and snorkel tubes and attempted to see sea creatures. Note to others (as my Mom soon found out- it otherwise makes for quite the show) it is best to put snorkel fins on AFTER you get into the water and it is best to take fins off BEFORE you try to walk up on shore.

The best part of this 1st snorkel trip? Yes, yes, besides the Mom Show.

As we were finning our way around, enjoying the clear view; another snorkel-er surfaced and shouted out with a pointed finger,

"TURTLE!"

After working up quite the appetite snorkeling, we headed back to our condo to wash the salt water from our hair and decide where to eat in paradise. Rumor-mongers will say that on Maui (and in Hawai'i overall) food is expensive. Well, sometimes rumors should be heeded, because let me tell you. Maui restaurants are expensive. According to a Maui book that Lisa brought, the Hula Grill was moderately priced, with good food variety and Hawaiian ambience. Well, all I can say is, we made the recommended reservations (yet still had to wait 30 minutes AFTER the reserved time to get a table), and the one "reasonably" priced item was all out by the time we sat to eat. Oh well. At least they had an amazing bread and olive oil-pepper dipping sauce...which by the way we filled up on, that and water. I'm pretty sure I waitress was thrilled at our outrageos ordering.

Suffice it to say, my first full day in Maui was filled with salt water, frog spit (google it!), and ambience-priced food.

Note: At this point still concerned with wearing make-up and "doing my hair"

With Love, From Hawai'i Day 1

2008-06-15T19:22:00.002-06:00

...of a trip that I am looking forward to making again. I've decided that I am going to catalog my trip through pictures. But don't worry, I will make sure to add some witty commentary to enhance the picture looking experience. Because as we all know, looking at other people's vacation pictures and videos usually is not what we call an enjoyable experience.

* * * * *

My Mom and I had a 3 pm flight from Seattle to Maui, Hawai'i. Conveniently, the airline had somehow decided that unlike our reservation said, we DID NOT want to sit next to each other for the 6 hour flight there. No. Instead we wanted to simply sit in the same row. Well, thankfully we were able to finagle seats next to each other by exchanging my window seat for an aisle one. I thought this was great, until a mere 2 hours into the flight, my mom was bored and continued asking, "Are we there yet?", while I was trying to finish my book. But soon the answer to her question was "Yes, and because of the time zone change, it is only 6 pm!" After renting our car we made the drive to Kahana and discovered this beautiful view from our lanai:

*Sigh*

A sound machine of waves crashing onto a beach was not a machine...I slept with the lanai door wide open all night long.

I was in Hawai'i.

Summer Vacation

2008-06-13T19:39:00.001-06:00

As a start to Summer Vacation 2008, I flew to Seattle at the beginning of June. The plan was to spend a few days at home with my family before my Mom and I left for Hawai'i. While some may say it is overkill, I fly Ronald home with me each time. When comparing the price of a ticket for him to the price of a "Pet Hotel" it is ridiculously cheaper to bring him along. Especially considering that Ronald loves to venture through the Seattle home and attempt to wrestle with

The Uncles.

Being the well taken care of cat he is, Ronald had a full service salad bar on my parents' back porch thanks to Nana Jana. His second favorite activity to do (right after eating the lettuce)...

Obviously I felt comfortable enjoying myself on vacation when I knew that Ronald was happily keeping himself busy around the Ol' Homestead.

A 4-Star Bed & Breakfast.

Feel Safe...or fail safe?

2008-05-30T20:57:00.000-06:00

The other night around 11pm I was sitting in my front room reading before going to bed. Everything was quiet, until someone began pounding on my door. Then it was my heart doing the pounding. I did not know what to do. How badly did I want to know who it was? Did I need to know? I got up and went to my door- and made a decision and called out, "Hello? Who is it?" And yet got no response. I was hoping that it was Bone Junior or Yanaj simply playing an ill-chosen trick on me, which has been known to happen. So I quietly tip toed to my room and pressed "4" on my speed dial. "Yeah," I whispered, "hi Yanaj, are you at home right now?" Unfortunately, she did not give me the response I was hoping for... "Yup, whats up?" So I proceeded to explain the situation. I was grateful for Yanaj's calm response. She asked if I wanted her to stay on the phone while I answered to door to see who it was, or at least until I was sure they were gone. Well, as it turned out, I simply talked on the phone for a few more minutes, turned out the lights and looked out my front window. No one seemed to be there. So I have no idea who came knocking at such a late hour. But I knew what to do next.

The following morning I called my manager and asked if he would consider putting a peep hole in my otherwise peep-hole-less door. I am now the proud owner of this view...and NO it is not bars on my windows.

I was excited to use it for the first time too.

but apparently you can see the flash through the peep hole...

P.S. Summer Vacation Approaches

2008-05-29T00:15:00.001-06:00

As the school year slowly winds down to a close (p.s. 3 hours left), I have been trying to plan special activities that will interest my 4th graders during this short week.

Tuesday's Special Activity: I was excited that after reading Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks as a class, we were given permission to watch an edited version of the movie. To make sure it was educational...we discussed the similarities and differences between the movie and the book- (p.s. I was hoping that they would "come to the conclusion" -on their own of course- that often the book is MUCH better than the movie) and especially remember that over the summer (p.s. is that teacher-y enough?)

Best part- we got to eat popcorn and otter pops while watching our movie.

Wednesday's Special Activity: a 4th Grade Water Party. Intrigued? (P.S. So was I.) A Water Party, is exactly what it sounds like. Water activities outside. 1) Sponge Tag (p.s. large buckets of water are used to soak sponges and then toss those wet sponges at opponents...the point being you try to get everyone else as wet as possible), 2) Bucket Relay (p.s. teams carry water in a dixie cup across the field to fill up the gallon bucket at the other end), and the famous 3) Water Balloon Toss (p.s. need an explanation for this one...really?).

Best Part- one of my students smuggled in a left over water balloon into the classroom after the party. Obviously if I would have seen it, I would have told him to bring it back outside. As it turned out, as he was trying to sit down and put it into his otherwise empty desk, it burst all over his lap. As it goes, most 4th graders have a highly developed sense of "fairness", so when the other kids yelped to tattle, he turned a guilty guilty face up to me and I BURST out laughing. (p.s. I decided right then and there that it was consequence enough for him to stand up with his pants conspicuously wet from the broken water balloon and go to the boys' bathroom to towel off as best as possible) How is that for the punishment fitting the crime?

Thursday's Special Activity: This is already the 1/2 day...last day of school. Not enough? Well, we are preparing the Miss HPLuvr's 4th Grade Class Talent Show. On the stage with microphones and everything. I'll keep you posted as to what Talent I will be sharing.

Best Part- did I not mention that this is the LAST.DAY.OF.SCHOOL?

We all need a Friend

2008-05-28T22:46:00.002-06:00

I have been slowly crocheting a blanket over the past...well...little while. Ronald has been attempting to get my attention and stop me. I simply think this yarn is irresitable.

But when I wasn't looking: a friend found Ronald. One Saturday morning, I was startled to see a pair of eyes looking back at me from my front windows, as I think Ronald was too!

Meet Harry Potter.

Young@Heart

2008-05-27T21:34:00.007-06:00

I have recently moved into my own apartment. Thank goodness it was the week before spring break, so I didn't have to live long amongst the moving boxes. My mom spent the week with me, and by the way, THANK GOODNESS, or else I might still be living with:

"Bed Sheet" Curtains and Questionable Dining Room Chairs.

Needless to say, I have curtains that no longer resemble a flat sheet wrapped around a curtain rod, and if asked if I had all the necessary parts to put together my new dining room set, I will most decidedly deny all accusations and reply: "Why yes we did."

As to this past long (overcast!) weekend I was able to spend some beautiful and relaxing time...getting things done. Of course there was the usual dusting, vacuuming, loads of laundry, and dishes; on top of the movie "editing" for my class party and the typical avoidance of entering grades- I also, of course, made sure to make some time for the infamous retail therapy.

The unexpected surprise? I was in no way the TOP spender of the weekend.

Saturday morning it was my day for shopping with a purpose. As I am planning my first trip to Hawaii in a matter of weeks, I knew that I needed to aquire some clothes that would work for my trip. It helps a lot that Yanaj recently returned from the same island that I am going to. I have the inside tips on how to make the most of my trip.

That is all that I have planned so far, if there are any suggestions...I am open. And by the way, if you have the opportunity to see the movie Young@Heart do not pass up the opportunity.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

2008-05-11T09:47:00.000-06:00

10. She is one of the few people who has been willing to help me move, many times. Whether it was to move to college (about 5 or so different times), or across the country to Houston to teach- she has been there in the thick of things. Especially when it means that she is running circles around the moving man, she is Super Woman. And even surviving the night at our "fancy" $30/night motel- where she was insistent about looking through our luggage for night clothes in the dark 3am parking lot.

9. She seems to enjoy our daily chats, even when the time change makes my morning phone calls her wake up calls at 6:45 am. In fact, many times she is the one who is more awake and ready to start the day than I am to teach my 4th grade kiddos. This call is something that I look forward to every morning.

8. Has a crazy wicked sense of humor and is always willing to laugh. I do believe she is one of the few people that I know who has more than once been accused (i.e. pulled over) of being drunk. Instead she had to convince those people that she was in fact NOT drunk, but instead was just laughing. Albeit laughing hard enough that she was swerving between lanes on the freeway and stumbling around 7-11's looking for a treat. Oh- and the random bouts of giggling, when asked why are you laughing...her response "I was thinking about something from The Office last night." ...or requesting a picture of the cockroach I found interloping under my front door and into my Houston apartment.

7. She has always supported me- Rain City Volleyball Team, school sports, typing school assignments late into the night, playing hookey from school together, keeping Snicket's personality alive to banter with Ronald's, helping me decorate new apartments and classrooms, and keeping my spirits up when dealing with my teaching soul in Texas.

6. Spending spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer holidays with me. Coming to visit me in Houston and traveling to New Orleans together (surviving exiting off the wrong exit in downtown New Orleans). Willing to celebrate a picnic Thanksgiving in 75 degree weather with me and my Dad.

5. Our shared Hobby Lobby and LOST obsession. Enough said.

4. Loves spending time with those she cares about (or wrangling the team): my Dad, my Sister, her close friends, Snickets, Weebo, and me.

3. She is an amazing gift giver. Knows what I need even before I do sometimes. Like a two month food supply. Who knew how great *giggle* my food supply would look and work as a side table in my living room?

2. Going to see the movie Dick and Jane, taking a gulp of soda, laughing and almost immediately having said soda come shooting out of her mouth and nose.

1. I couldn't imagine life without her. Not many people care about the people around them as much as she does.

April Showers Bring May Flowers?

2008-05-01T22:38:00.006-06:00

Yeah...sure. We certainly have been experiencing some odd weather. My mom was recently in town visiting for my Spring Break. Prior to her visit, we were involved in one of our Daily Chats when she asked for my opinion about what type of clothes she should bring.

"Well," I told her with a sigh, "Definitely plan for layers. I think that we will have some warm spring weather interspersed between cold and windy days. Does that help much?"

Thankfully she fully planned with her shoe wardrobe. Thankfully also that I decided to purchase my first washer and dryer set, because come to find out, Mom had packed enough shoes, but somehow forgot the rest of her clothes. By this I mean she was already recycling tops and/or borrowing from me around the 3rd day of her visit.

As for the weather front: as I was driving home today in my very optimistic capris and sandals-

Toodles says it all...yup...it was snowing on my drive home and still no improvements.

Oldies but Goodies

2008-03-29T13:50:00.008-06:00

I know that the past few posts have not been about some crazy goin' ons...Hey what can I say? Sometimes life is more normal than I give it credit for. Well- maybe not so normal, but a little less blog-able. This is another one of those posts. I was online trying to find some information about an old show that my younger sister and I used to LOVE watching. That is until the cable was cut off and we no longer were able to call "1, 2, 3 I'm....". I wonder what kind of shows other people watched years and years ago...here are a few with some fond memories:

But the epitome of my childhood: TGIF. I still love watching some of those shows. Can you name all of them from this clip?? I remember watching all but one of them.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T17:47:00.003-06:00

Is this what they mean by a Peep Show?

Just Make Sure You're In the Bat Mobile.

2008-03-18T17:45:00.000-06:00

Do you think

Batman is ticked?

How to REALLY Enjoy...

2008-03-16T18:51:00.005-06:00

a Root Beer Float ... or orange ... or cola ... or raspberry ... or that infamous "Graveyard" float.

My kiddos had been working all year towards a class party. Last Wednesday, they finally earned one. We did the very official "Put your head down and raise your hand to vote for your favorite party idea" vote. The final decision was that on Friday after lunch we would all enjoy a Rootbeer Float party. The kids were very grateful, even the trio of gentlemen that requested, very specifically, that I needed to purchase the largest "pitchers" possible for them to have their treats in.

For those of you that are curious, it takes 4-2 liter bottles of soda and a 1 gallon + 1 quart container of vanilla ice cream to satisfy the "pitcher" requirement for 19 fourth grade students.

A B C's of Me

2008-03-01T12:05:00.003-07:00

A - Attached or Single: o-so-single
B - Best Friend: Harry Potter. Oh all right, Ronald Weasley.
C - Cake or Pie: cake...especially if it is carrot k-ache.
D - Day of Choice: Thursday. Wait...wait...let me explain. By Thursday, Wednesday is over, Friday is still something to look forward to, and it isn't yet Saturday night where I am mourning the almost end of the weekend.
E - Essential Item: My snooze button. What would I do in the morning without it?
F - Favorite Color: Red. Hot red.
G - Gummi Bears or Worms: Its all about the gummi bears and the fried worms.
H - Hometown: Bothell, Washington.
I - Indulgence(s): Red Robin french fries and buying new non-sale clothes.
J - January or July: Absolutely January. The more the clothes the better. Its all about the winter fashions.
K - Kids: 84 at last count. (All 4th grade age about now)
L - Life is Incomplete Without: my mom and dad.
M - Marriage Date: November 21st 20...oh, yeah, how about the groom?
N - Number of Siblings: 1 younger sis
O - Oranges or Apples: Is this even a question for a Washing-tonian?...apples baby.
P - Phobias or Fears: Biting into something so hard that I break my teeth....or falling down face first down a flight of stairs (and breaking my front teeth!)
Q - Quote(s): "Hey friends? You want to go to a graduation barbecue?"
R - Reason to Smile: Do I need a reason?
S - Season: Fall. Perfect weather and excited to begin a new school year (with new school supplies)
T - Tag Seven: Both Hairy Happening-ers, Zoe, Kirstin, Amber, Emma, hey friends...?
U - Unknown Fact About Me: I wore short-short (at least 8" above the knee) spandex shorts in public, weekly. Come on people, it was all for the love of the game *cough cough* yup, volleyball. Although I never believed their excuse of "we just don't want your shorts brushing the net" really? really? Say- why couldn't I have the basketball shorts that that guy has? His aren't touching the net! As if I could jump that high to have my shorts risking touching the net.
V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: An avid Texas BBQ-er
W - Worst Habit: procrastinating...even as I type this.
X - X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Had both. Although they didn't have to keep asking me to swallow for my x-ray.
Y - Your Favorite Food: Parmesan Chicken.
Z - Zodiac: Sagittarius

TV My Way

2008-02-23T17:09:00.015-07:00

After months of inner debates, falling asleep 10 minutes BEFORE my LOST episode begins, and gazing enviously at my friend's TiVOs (i.e. El Paco or Pablo or Pedro...something like that)- I bit the bullet and began researching one all for my own. First place I looked was of course online at their easy to use website. Once I was armed with all of the pricing information, I headed off to Best Buy (just to compare prices and ask some in depth questions). The powers to be combined and I walked out a happy camper- TiVo box in hand- with an offer to "help me out to my car with my purchase".

I was assured that all I needed to hook up my TiVo was included :)

I got home and unloaded all my purchases onto my bed. Okay. So TiVo wasn't the only purchase I made... Retail Therapy people! But it was the big one. Anyway, I opened the box and there staring up at me was the most beautiful piece of electronics that I have laid eyes on in awhile. Although, gazing at all those cords, I was secretly hoping that the setup instructions were easy to decipher.

In no time at all I was sitting on my bedroom floor, surrounded by cords and wires, plastic wrappers, twisty ties, and empty boxes...attempting to fend off Ronald (he loved the empty boxes- thought that was the best part of the purchase)...and p.s. why do they make it so difficult to feed cords around in entertainment centers? I felt like I had things under control, but it was a puzzler at times.

The red cord goes IN the TiVo to the OUT on the DVD player, which in turn has another red cord going from the OUT to the IN on the TV. But hey at least it is all color coded for people like me! I soon discovered that in fact I did NOT have all the necessary equipment to fully set up my TiVo. I needed one more ethernet cord! Frustrating, but easily remedied with a trip to Wally World the next day.

One hour, two phone calls, and 17 attempts to program my new remote control and I was enjoying the benefits of my TiVo,

now affectionately dubbed Sayid.

With that first

"boop boop"

I was hooked.

What a wonderful invention- and as they mention multiple times on their website finally

"TV my way".

The Writers Strike is NO more!

2008-02-13T23:21:00.017-07:00

Thank goodness. I was getting nervous about what was going to happen to all of my favorite shows...or more acurately...worried about how long I was going to have to wait to see a NEW episode!

Hot House M.D.

Previously on ...

Not to even touch the movie situation. I'm curiously looking towards the future to see how this all pans out. What will the consequences of this oh so long strike will be?

Kindness of Strangers

2008-02-12T21:53:00.006-07:00

Yanaj and I were driving home from a party one night a few months ago. We decided to stop for a late dinner at a local Chilies. More for the conversation than for the food, we spent a good 2 hours talking over our food. We were sitting in a booth, immersed in our talk, when we came to the end of our dinner. Beginning to reach for our debit cards the waitress walks over to our table. She goes on to tell us we had no bill- huh? Well, apparently, the gentleman who had been seated near us AND that had just left- paid for our meals! Apparently this does not only happen in the movies or in books. We couldn't believe that someone would do that!

The kindness continues...

Unlike our generous benefactor, in order for you to get an idea of the next story, I will have to reveal a fairly embarrassing moment of my life from this past week. In general, I try to be careful so as not to have cringe-worthy moments...but apparently you cannot be on guard all the time.

...on to the story...

I live about 25 minutes from the school that I work at. (Thankfully it is mostly highway time). Last Wednesday I was driving into work at the normal time. I see my exit when I happen to glance down and notice that my low gas tank light has come on.

By the way, it IS on in the picture,

it just so happens that the ABS light next to it is brighter!

Every time in the past, that light has come on as a warning "You have about 40 miles before you run out of gas". This has always been enough to get to AND from work before I need to fill up. On this particular day, I make it into work without any mishaps, park, and forget about the condition and level of the gas tank. That afternoon after work I get into my car and start it up. Nothing too unusual. I drive through "downtown", pass 3 gas stations, and get onto the freeway. To give you an idea of where I am driving, there is farm land and orchards between exits, and not much else. I have been going for about 5 miles on the freeway, when my car gives one tremendous shake! And suddenly I begin to loose speed. "Wait a minute. Wait one gosh darn second. My gas light isn't even on! I can't believe there is not enough gas to make it to the next exit. Please!" Which- by the way -is within eyeshot. I flip on my hazard lights and begin to chant...further...just a little further. Well, I make it about 10 more feet before my momentum is gone. I admit defeat. Alas, when you run out of gas, it really does mean that you will not be driving any further. Even IF the gas station is in sight. So there I found myself sitting on the side of the freeway with my hazard lights blinking. What else was there for me to do? I sigh once, take my keys out of the ignition, toss them into my purse, step out of the car, zip up my coat, adjust my sunglasses, and begin walking. I had taken no more than 20 steps when a vehicle pulls up behind me- Thanks to the kindness of a stranger -the driver offers me a lift to the gas station, where in fact there is NO gas can to borrow. Helpful eh? But the kindness continued- the driver offers to drive me to the Wal-mart (so that I can purchase my very own gas can), drive me BACK to the gas station, and finally BACK to my car. Needless to say, I now own my very own gas can, tucked safely in the trunk of my car. I also do not plan on ever needing it for myself again.

So to both my Kind Strangers - Thank You.

I am on the lookout for ways to pay it forward.

P.S. I Love You

2008-01-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Time: 9:04 p.m.

Location: Sitting outside the mall theaters, theater #11

Activity: Unexpected opportunity for quality people watching

Twist: Instead of simply "people watching" my partner in crime (p.i.c) continues to notice a pattern shared between many people. After numerous "I can't believe that she is wearing her jeans TUCKED INTO her boots" comments, I decided to count the number of girls who were risking this fashion statement.

"Oh. Look, a movie just let out..." leaning forward, looking down the hallway.

"Too bad its not ours."

"Hey there is another girl doing the boot thing."

"Lets count them. 1, 2, 3....4...oh, *discreetly points and whispers...5!"

"You are better at this than I am."

*nods head in agreement*

"Especially since #5 was a guy in construction boots!"

"Hey our theater is empty finally!!" P.I.C. rushes into the side door, and RUNS for HER seats.

Now as I was watching our theater empty, I begin to notice the high number of theater goers whose eyes were wet from recent...tears?? Um, what have I gotten myself into? What kind of movie is this?

Only.the.Best.Movie.of.the.Year.

(except of course for Harry Potter 5...of course)

countdown to the LOST season 4 premiere...27 hours.

guitar god

2008-01-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

You.MUST.listen for at least 3:20 minutes. I cannot get over this. And I am not one to be moved by very many musicians.

Tribute

2008-01-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

There are moments in life that you remember where you were and exactly what you were doing when you heard the "news". Right on Bone Junior?

Tanya Harding Olympics performance (sans Nancy Kerrigan)?

Night. Moving from our house in Kirkland to our current one in Bothell. Boxes upon boxes are still packed- but our television is hooked up and surrounded by lawn furniture.

O.J. Simpson verdict?

8th grade biology class, sitting on the left side of the room, lights are off, and our television is tuned in to this "courtroom drama".

Princess Di?

"Early in the morning of August 31st, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in an automobile accident in Paris. Her boyfriend, Dodi Al Fayed, and her chauffeur also died in the horrendous crash. Speculation is that some members of the paparazzi were chasing the car when it went out of control in a tunnel near the Eiffel Tower. Diana was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved from massive internal injuries. She was only 36 years old."

Early afternoon; sitting in the basement of my parents house; sun was shining outside and the news interupted normal programming to say that Princess Di had been rushed to the hospital following a mad dash away from paparazzi.

President Gordon B. Hinckley..?

Evening, friend's basement ~ yesterday.

What an incredible man.

*pause for a moment of silence* A prophet, who many members of the church today know as the only prophet; passed away yesterday around 7 pm. I am saddened that he has passed on, but also reflect back on what he had accomplished in his 97 years. President Hinckley was the prophet of my youth. I felt such a connection everytime I was priviledged to hear him speak. I will always remember his humor! My mother remembers that he is the first prophet and apostle that she can really remember to show his emotions at the pulpit. President Hinckley was meant to open up to the world- both in the numerous temples that came into being during his time, but also in speaking with Larry King and other notable "public figures". He will be missed, and my prayers are with the men and man who will fill the shoes of such a Prophet of God.

Ron... Ron... Ron WEEasley

2008-01-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Having a relaxing year so far?

2008-01-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Wish I were. It began with a bang. Or something like that. I have been going into work 2 hours earlier than usual to get ready prepared for the day, week, new units...oh, and parent-teacher conferences! Let me tell you it is no picnic to get ready for them, but once I am there I enjoy talking with the parents of my kiddos. Even if it means a 13 hour workday ... sigh. At least it is done and I've helped myself recover with some retail therapy.

Wish it were so simple. Do you ever wish you could have the life that you provide for your pets? Nap, play, eat seafood anytime you want, nap, nap, and nap some more.

Zee Birzday Extraveganza

2007-12-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would simply give a photo display of how my birthday dinner extravaganza went...

Yanaj welcomes us to my favorite restuarant.

Grand Openning in Salt Lake- lucky me! The wait was a tad long...
...maybe too long for some?
I think my toukus looks fabulous!!

The traditional wait staff rendition of Happy Birthday

Of course I look happy...I'm about to partake of some fabulous cheesecake!What was left after we all tried each other's flavors
Apparently I did not receive the "wear black" memo. Oh well!

Intervention Dimensions

2007-12-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

My First Dinner Party

2007-12-09T16:16:00.001-07:00

What is the best thing about Thanksgiving?....besides the paid days off of work?...besides spending time with the family?...besides crazy early shopping the next morning? Guessed it yet? While all of those things make Thanksgiving a wonderful holiday, the best thing I can think of is the leftover goodness. Unless, you are not the one to do the cooking. Then it is one day of yummy goodness, and then back to your own skimpy cooking. That is why I came up with this ingenious plan. Why not cook my own "Thanksgiving Goodness Dinner"? So I did. November 2007 became the month that I cooked my FIRST turkey.

Boy is it a process.

The Before

The After

I had the house to myself, and was excited for my first Dinner Party to be a success. I had Christmas carols playing in the background, holiday lights twinkling their hearts out, and a table all set for a frolicking time.

I pulled out all the stops by finally unpacking my own dishes and silverware. We toasted the holiday by using my snowman goblets for the first time this season.

Some of the guests were unsure

what to make of the napkin rings...

We enjoyed the food that we all brought and each other's company.

Each time I cook for others, I like to try out at least one new recipe. This year that recipe was the Herb and Cheese Bubble Loaf, from Betty Crocker. It was a winner!

P.S. Do you let the girls-who brought the Green Bean Casserole using 6 cans of green beans for 5 people-near the pumpkin pie? I guess I should have thought that through a bit more...

Thoughts from the Cook

The Consensus; I would definitely do this again. But if you ever find yourself on a guest list to one of my Fabulous Dinner Parties, it would be a good idea to ask some of the veterans how they felt about it.

when is it a compliment?

2007-12-05T20:15:00.001-07:00

I was sharpening pencils in my classroom this morning when a student came up behind me. (Normal student behavior- to be a teacher you have to have minimal personal space!) But the kicker was when this student paid me a compliment...I think.

"MMm. Miss HPLuvr," the student said sniffing. I pause my pencil sharpening and look at the student, "You smell good!"

"Thanks! Thats nice of you to say." My pencil sharpening continues.

Then I hear, "Just like my grandma."

you see...Compliment...I think.

You might be a teacher if.....

2007-12-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

24. You believe the staff room should be equipped with a Valium salt lick.

23. You find humor in other people's stupidity.

22. You want to slap the next person who says "Must be nice to work 8 to 3:20 and have summers free."

21. You believe chocolate is a food group.

20. You can tell if it's a full moon without ever looking outside.

19. You believe "Shallow gene pool" should have its own box in the report card.

18. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today.

17. When out in public you feel the urge to snap your fingers at children you do not know and correct their behavior.

16. You have no life between August to June.

15. Marking all A's on report cards would make your life SO much simpler.

14. When you mention "Vegetables" you're not talking about a food group.

13. You think people should be required to get a government permit before being allowed to reproduce.

12. You wonder how some parents ever MANAGED to reproduce.

11. You laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as the "lounge."

10. You believe in aerial spraying of Prozak.

9. You encourage an obnoxious parent to check into charter schools or home schooling.

8. You believe no one should be permitted to reproduce without having taught in an elementary setting for the last 10 years.

7. You've ever had your profession slammed by someone who would "Never DREAM" of doing your job.

6. You can't have children because there's no name you could give a child that wouldn't bring on high blood pressure the moment you heard it uttered.

5. You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.

4. You know you are in for a major project when a parent says "I have a great idea I'd like to discuss. I think it would be such fun."

3. You smile weakly, and want to choke a person when he or she says "Oh, you must have such FUN everyday. This must be like playtime for you."

2. Your personal life comes to a screeching halt at report card time.

1. Meeting a child's parent instantly answers the question "Why is this kid like this?"

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Mary. Be honest. What do you make?" Mary, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) "Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English, while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Mary paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO?" His jaw dropped, he went silent.

SICK OF THOSE HIGH PAID TEACHERS?

I, for one, am sick and tired of those high paid teachers. Their hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work nine or ten months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do. . . baby-sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage. That's right. . . I would give them $3.00 dollars an hour and only the hours they worked, not any of that silly planning time. That would be $19.50 a day(7:45 AM to 4:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch). Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers tobaby-sit their children. Now, how many do they teach in a day. . . maybe 30? So that's 19.5 X 30 = $585 .00 a day. But remember they only work 180 days a year! I'm not going to pay them for any vacations. Let's see. . . that's 585 x 180 = $105,300.00 (Hold on! My calculator must need batteries!) What about those special teachers or the ones with master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage just to be fair. Round it off to $7.00 an hour. That would be $7 times 6-1/2 hours times 30 children times 180 days = $245,700.00 per year. Wait a minute, there is something wrong here! There sure is, duh!

Step 1: Planning MY Summer

2007-11-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: "Who but Rick Steves can tell travelers the best way to visit Etruscan caves in Central Italy's hill towns, shop for cheeses in Avignon's open-air market, or catch an accordion performance on Amsterdam's city streets? Travelers can experience the best of everything Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland have to offer — economically and hassle-free. This guide includes opinionated coverage of both famous and lesser-known sights, friendly places to eat and sleep, suggested day plans, walking tours and trip itineraries, and clear instructions for smooth travel anywhere by car, train, or foot."

One of my life's goals is to one day travel to Italy. Is that day closer than I think? Anyone I've talked to has always told me that to really visit Italy you must plan for a trip longer than the -one week wonder- so as a teacher I am already looking forward to my summer vacation this year. I have a friend who is applying to spend a term abroad in England. Now this term would be for May and June 2008; which works beautifully into my school year ending the beginning of June. I've told this friend that if she wanted to, I could meet up with her at the end of her course in England and we could spend the month traveling throughout Europe. Now England sounds incredible to me, but I am attempting to spread the love to include Italy :) Enough to offer the use of a "family home" in the Black Forest of Germany as a home base as we become travel bums this summer.

To avoid the grandiose planning of plans previous, I have taken my 1st step of researching and planning my trip... buying a travel guide that comes highly recommended. As I sat in Barnes and Noble this evening, reading about suggested packing lists and trip costs, I could almost hear Italian men shouting Ciao Bella. Either that or I was just day-dreaming again.

Does anyone have traveling tips to offer?

Plan for Step 2: Fill out Passport documents, have acceptable photo taken, and send in packet to apply for my passport. Is that actually three plans?

Miss HPLuvr in the News

2007-11-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

Museum on the move:

Program takes fossils, rocks to Utah schoolsBy Laura Hancock Deseret Morning News
Published: Friday, Oct. 26, 2007 7:32 a.m. MDT

SANTAQUIN — The eyes of the four fourth-graders were fixed on the gigantic fossil of the dinosaur jaw. On desks before them were pictures of jaws of nonextinct animals.

"How would looking at the picture of the black bear, the coyote or the elk help us learn about dinosaurs?" teacher Miss HPLuvr asked.

"Maybe it has the same teeth," student Michael said.

"Maybe it has a bigger jaw," student Taylor said.

Through observation and data-recording, the young scientists concluded that the dinosaur jaw was most similar to the elk's jaw. And so they inferred that the dinosaur must have had a similar diet as an elk, grazing on plants.

The 50 fourth-graders at Santaquin Elementary on Tuesday played with fossils, thanks to the Utah Museum of Natural History's Museum on the Move, which has been operating for 12 years.
The Museum on the Move is made up of two minivans loaded with rocks, fossils and assignments — all to get students across the state inquiring like a scientist.

Landon, left, and other students study items from the traveling Museum on the Move.

(Stuart Johnson)

Museum staff will travel this year to all 40 school districts to give fourth-graders in more than 200 schools a hands-on learning experience. The staff is on the road five days a week during the school year, said Lorie Millward, the museum's manager of education and outreach programs.

"We listen to what teachers ask us to do and respond to the curriculum needs," said Sarah George, executive director of the Museum of Natural History.

Teachers told the Utah Science Core Curriculum Informal Science Education Enhancement — also called iSee and made up of museum officials — that they need more science materials to help make textbook learning feel more like the "real world" to students.

Money to get those materials, of course, was a problem.

In the spring, lawmakers gave the program $56,000 in new funds, of a total budget of about $300,000, for a second minivan and part of the salary of a teacher. The program will also provide each school district this year with $2,000 in fossils for classroom instruction. Curiosity and passion will take would-be scientists much further than brains, said Diamond Fork Junior High teacher Sharon Miya. Miya was named by the Natural History Museum as one of the state's three junior high science teachers of the year.

"Right now, as I look at you, you are the scientists, the engineers and the Nobel Peace prize winners of the future," Miya said to students.

The world faces challenges such as traveling to Mars, global warming and a fuel crisis. "We need you to solve these problems and take us into the future," she said.

**Note**

The kids in the pictures are my kiddos!! We were in our classroom, and they absolutely LOVED this opportunity. Definately exciting that my kiddos are once again recognized for the opportunities they have. My first year of teaching we were on the radio to start the morning with the Pledge of Allegience and spotlighted for our art exhibitis in "Sound of Color". (ps all the 2nd graders mentioned in this article were my kiddos!)

Cat Owner Morning

2007-10-23T20:20:00.000-06:00

This was sent to me by Good 'Ole Dad.

Definitely someone who understands the delicate intricacies of attempting to "sleep in" when you have a hairy puppet master.

You know you want to look...

2007-10-22T19:34:00.000-06:00

I recently was treated to the spectacular scenic drive that is known as the Alpine Loop. Of all the years that I have lived in Utah, can you believe that this is the first time that I've done this drive? Me neither...even though I was gripping the steering wheel so tight most of the drive because of those narrow roads. Most of the drive we were surrounded by these birch trees.

They just went on and on and on.

Then the star picture came as the sun was setting on the chilly September day...

The view outside the front doors of my school.

I looked down and laughed with glee the first time I noticed that I had reached 400 miles on 1 tank of gas!

So gleeful was I that I nearly missed the look at this homage to Strongbad :)

This Is What Happens When...

2007-10-19T17:50:00.000-06:00

...you don't blog for a long time.

I have been tagged and must share 6 facts/habits about myself (6 for each time you are tagged by someone). Then I too must tag someone(or as many people as I wish) and leave a comment on their blog to notify them, and then they get to leave info about themselves and proceed to tag someone else.

#6 Teaching in a rural-er community I am learning more and more about the intricacies of hunting. So far I have learned when hunting season openning day was, the preferred type of weapon, and that the hunting trip is considered the Family Vacation of the Year. Funny thing about it- Family Vacation only lasts until "The Big Kill" is made. When that happenes you clean and gut it, strap it to the hood of your truck, pack the family up and head home. Is it strange that now as I sit here and see pheasants walking around outside my window that I feel as though I should go track and kill my dinner?

#5 I have named my 1995 Honda Accord Schwibbie. I am very proud of her because we are getting 400+ miles for every tankful of gas! I even took a picture of the gas gauge and odometer the first time we hit 400 miles.

#4 Whenever I type my full name into a Word document it tries to spell check it as Nickel Hole. That is until I whip it into submission and add my name into the dictionary- again.

#3 I am addicted to America's Next Top Model.

#2 I read and reread the entire series of Harry Potter at least once a year. In fact, I named my spoiled orange tabby, Ronald Weasley, in honor of the series.

#1 I always set my alarm AT LEAST 30 minutes before I have to get out of bed. Then I get to hit the Snooze button 2 or 3 times and feel as though I am "sleeping in".

Fall is HERE!

2007-09-25T18:14:00.000-06:00

I was at New Teacher Orientation today, and afterwards I went outside to leave about 3:00pm. The air was still chilly (from that morning) and I paused on my walk to my car to look at the beautiful scenery. You know Fall is here when the reds and oranges begin to scatter across the mountainsides. Then...

...you turn your head to look at Mt. Nebo to the south and you see the snow dusting the trees. That is telling you that not only is Fall here, but winter is right on its heels! This is something that Houstonians certainly miss out on. Call out to those down south who are still "enjoying" humid 85 degree weather ;)

I am so excited! This is my favorite time of year, especially here in Utah where we get to enjoy, cool, wintery weather. Bring on the holiday season!

Craziest Date Ever?

2007-09-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

So revisiting Bonnie Wedding week... I was at home in Seattle trying to figure out if I should arrive at the wedding with a date. Yup, you read that right. Seeing as of the SIX of us bridesmaids, 2 were married, 3 had at least one baby, 1 was in a "serious" relationship, and just 2 of us were Happy Singles, I didn't want to stick out like the out-of-town single friend. It ended up that my lil' sis had someone already in mind. Now who is the lucky one? So yes, Eneras and her bf called me up one night soon before the wedding to go out on a double date. Trusting that Eneras would not set me up with a dud, I said yes, and was ready by 10:00 to go out dancing. The boys said they knew exactly where we were going. Uh, or so I thought; when we drove downtown Seattle and arrive at a pretty busy nightclub. When we made it in:

"I think this is a gay bar." I lean over and whisper to my Eneras.

She skooms the crowd, "I have to go to the restroom. I'll be right back."

I skulk around the edges of the dance floor, and cement it in my own mind, that I am not looking for the same thing as the people around me. I try to catch the eye of my date, who was currently securing me a diet soda. When Eneras comes out of the bathroom and utters the words that will get us out of here;

"Yeah, its a gay bar. Lets get outta here."

THANK GOODNESS. But what to do next? Oh, yeah how could I forget the hookah bar. The what? Pretty much it is the place of the best gyro [year-ro] I. have. ever. eaten. And if you could forget the big "bong-ish" things everyone was sipping out-tuv, I could really appreciate the delish food that I was eating. I recommend. That and dating a guy whose name you could pronounce :) No worries, I finally got it down by the time I made it back to Provo and was telling my story to Yanaj and Bone Jr. Fondly dubbed "My Date and The Gay Bar."

Remembering Today

2007-09-11T18:04:00.001-06:00

In remembrance of September 11th, I was in my classroom today, and was overcome when we were discussing what being a hero means. I asked the kids to write about what a hero means to them. I then put the words of this song by Alan Jackson up on the overhead and we discussed what the verses meant.

Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning
Written by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters

Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her
Did you dust off that Bible at home

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
And you close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I could
Tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

My fourth graders were amazingly insightful, and as we got around to listening to the song, I looked around at each of them and thought "This is why we are working so hard keep the freedoms that we enjoy, these children deserve all that we can give them." Not to focus on the tragedy of the attacks on the Twin Towers, but to see heroes being born within a few minutes. That is what I really wanted my students to walk away thinking about. How can we each be a hero to someone?

Recently Accused

2007-09-10T00:31:00.000-06:00

I have recently been accused of spoiling my cat. I don't know what people are talking about! Does it seem so weird that my cat comes running every afternoon that I walk in the door after school? Does it seem so odd that he "follows" me wherever I go in the house? Especially if that means literally being underfoot 98% of the time? I don't think so! But just in case...

You be the judge. Although remember pets of your own. How did you get along with them? And all I have to say is "No Judgement"

on your human-pet relationships.

And I am NOT the crazy cat lady. I have ONE Ronald.

No desire to get anymore.

I Have Seen It All

2007-09-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

Setting up the scene:

You have seen everything when you are at a local IHOP

[International House of Pancakes-

for those of you who didn't catch on to the acronymn]

casually finishing your breakfast, when out of the corner of your eye you notice that the group of teenagers have left the table next to you. Their leftovers were left on the plates, just waiting for the waitress to clear them away. Not so strange. Until you factor in the small army of a family coming in. Like five kids march by our table. Then [this is the part even I can't believe] one of the adults most casually walks by the now empty, but not yet cleared table, and grabs one of the pancake plates! GRABS. THE. LEFTOVER. PANCAKE. PLATES! EWWW! I mean if you really are that hungry I bet even IHOP would not deny you a couple of packages of soup crackers.

And dedicated to Bone Jr.- who I have it on good authority- was treated to a Bone Family delicacy a couple of times at a young age.

Looking for an Eggs Benedict recipe in this book, I came across the rarebit recipe. So I TOO could enjoy the Bone Family delicacy.

Look carefully under the Winter Weekend Breakfast, first item...

2007-08-29T19:28:00.000-06:00

As anyone who listened to me whine and complain this past year knows...I have regained my Teaching Soul by moving back to Utah. I KNOW! Who would have guessed, but I agree with the teaching methods more in Utah- for now. So after school ended, and my apartment contract was up, I was outta there. But instead of using Erik- a.k.a. The. Worst. Moving. Company. Ever. I opted to rent my own Buget truck and haul my own stuff. It was once again packing everything up. Ronald LOVED the 50-empty-cardboard-boxes part, but as soon as he realized that things were being packed and moved out, he got a little nervous and spent the bulk of his time in his Pet Taxi.

The drive from Houston to Provo, was fairly uneventful. Thankfully Ronald was a good lil' traveler and knew to keep quiet while being snuck into the hotels. Funny thing was that Ronald would roam about the truck cab during the day drive- but not too much, preferring to again pass his time napping in his Pet Taxi. He came to understand that once it got dark outside and we stopped that = Hotel Time. In fact, he was quite eager to welcome my Dad back into the cab so that he could run amok in a room.

Ronald came to understand that not all other cats were as into being his friend as the ones we visit at Christmas and Summer breaks in Bothell. Our temporary roomie- Regina was not quite as eager to be buddy-buddy with Ronald. But not for Ronald's lack of trying. We entered a Friend-Wanna-Be triangle. Ronald wanted to be Regina-the-kitty's friend, and Olivia-the-lab wanted to be Ronald's friend. As of now, Regina has moved out and Olivia is still attempting to be Ronald's friend but finding it difficult when Ronald has her cowering in the corner.

*Yes. You read that right. Ronald rules the roost here too*

Speaking of another Ronald Weasley... July 2007 was Harry Potter month. A new movie. The final book installment. It was almost too much. Almost :) Of course I purchased tickets many days before the movie released. My new roomie Sara, Yanaj, my Dad, and I all saw a 1 a.m. showing in Salt Lake City. We even got to reserve the actual seats! The movie was awe-some! But. Words. Cannot. Describe. The. Moment. I. Openned. The. First. Page. Of. Book. 7.

Bone Jr., Elizabeth, Yanaj, and I
2 hours before HP7 book release

We were customers 112th and 113th- waiting to get to the front of the line. We only had to wait 25 minutes. At least the CUTE eye candy in front of us kept us entertained.

5 p.m. the following evening.

Nearly finished after a 24 hour Read-A-Thon.

Will HP live? Do Ron & Hermoine FINALLY kiss?

Here is to the last 2000 BHS graduate still officially single. This past August I stood with 5 other bridesmaids and watched as Miss Bonnie said her "I Do's". I spent a week up in Bothell hanging out with my Mom. We had a Bachelorette Party on Saturday night. I gave one of the tamest gifts. Surprise! The big hit of the evening was not a slinky piece of lingerie but rather: this book.

About Wednesday night we got a call- "Can you find a wedding cake topper...but...not of people." Well, not much selection, although I came across the one I would use.

And for those of you just DYING to see me in the bridesmaid "dress"... Well, no one died of not seeing a picture.

Maybe in time.

But I AM trying to decide how I feel about the old addage

"Three times a bridesmaid..."

America's Funniest?

2007-06-19T23:24:00.000-06:00

Of many happy - though undeniably LATE - memories of my Arcadia Nights, America's Funniest Home Videos holds a special place in my heart. Once the homework had been completed and outfits decided on for the next day, we would cozy up on our respective couches and prepare ourselves for another hour of fun hilarity. We began to hope that Tom Burgeron was the host, because we had learned that Daisy Fuentez was supposidly more looks than great commentary. Most recently I was watching an episode [though NOT as funny without the late night coma or partners in crime along] I snorted...SNORTED...outloud at the following 2 videos.

Video 1: because this little girl knows just what to try to get out of her punishment! She certainly tries hard, I'll give her that. But I wish I had been there to shoot the pretend gun. Bam! Bamm! You'll understand that once you've seen it once...or twice...or like me 3 times!

My goodness! Once she hits the ground she doesn't even MOVE!

Video 2: no other explanation is needed other than -can you say

"It Could Be Worse Ball, Uses of"?

Happy {long distance} Farters Day!

2007-06-17T09:27:00.000-06:00

Oops! I mean Father's Day...but sometimes the case may be called for the above mentioned title. (This card is in the mail- I just laughed so hard that I didn't want to wait until you got it) That is what dads are for right? But really. I wanted to commemorate fathers day with some favorite recollections of MY wonderful Dad.

The TOP Three that I could think of that is:

1) This was the man who would come home from an early beginning and long work day to read books to me; that is before I could read, and whenever I could convince him to do so after I'd learned to. I distinctly remembering to "read" Cat and the Hat, Berenstein Bears, and most particularly when I had broken my collar bone, I, Houdini. This led to a whole new world of reading, and in fact a shared love for all things Harry Potter. In fact, the story of me becoming hooked on Harry begins with my Dad. I came home one summer from college to work one of those lovely summer jobs. I was comfortably moved into a basement room when a small, blue, paperback book mysteriously showed up on my pillow one evening. Now as most books go, I am willing to give it the good 'ole '2 chapter' try. Except the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone" was not high on my list of sophisticated reading material. Thus beginning the Harry Battle. Starting with that first night I carefully placed the book on my bedside table and picked up other reading material. I awoke the next morning, paused as I looked at that little blue book, and continued in my morning routine. That evening I was surprised as I pulled back and rearranged my pillows and blankets for another night sleep, when I saw a small, blue book sitting comfortably ON the bed. "That's strange" I thought to myself as I less carefully deposited the book on the floor next to my bed. The next morning, same routine, but I definately made sure to remember exactly where the book was. As I came into my room later that night...yup...you guessed it. The book had made it back onto the bed; just waiting for me to read it. Now I know this was my Dad's work. Seeing as how he had been attempting to discuss plot lines [as many devout HP fans tend to do with each other] everytime we talked. Now as a good daughter I may has given in and just read the blue book, but it took nearly 2 weeks of this 'put the book [on the floor, under the bed, in the night stand, on the night stand, on my desk] you name it and have it returned to its place of honor on my pillow each day. Faithfully it continued finding its way back onto the bed each night. Thankfully persistance paid off, and as of the last book release, I braved a Borders bookstore midnight release party of the 6th book in the Harry Potter series. Good Thing too. Because as I arrived home that night, my Dad was waiting to pounce. So I compromised. Seeing as he had merely ordered the book on Amazon.com and wouldn't get his copy for a few more hours, I took pity :) We spent the entire night reading the book out loud to each other so that we could find out what happened next. Besides, who else can I discuss to the death the predictions and plot lines of Harry Potter than with my Dad. Who by the way I am really excited to see the next Harry Potter movie with in Salt Lake City.

2) Who cares for you like a dad? As I have left for college and teaching in states other than Washington the weekly, sometimes daily calls from family have become the norm. In fact, with the technology of cell phones, I have come to rely on such close communication ties. And seeing as I have been in later time zones, and my family has warped into the late to bed, late to rise routine, I find that I rarely am concerned with the TIME of a call :) But I find it comforting to talk to my Dad (before being handed over to my Mom because she continues to ask questions through my Dad) to be asked -in this order- how is your car doing? how is school going? what's the weather like? how are you doing? Before any other conversation would sideline us to other topics. My Dad takes care of me. Or to put another way, first the car, then the possible needed school expenses, helpful weather tips, and then me :) But it has helped to make me independent and grow up with a feeling that "I can do this!" Which is one of the best feelings that one can teach others.

3) He has a sense of humor. He is someone that you just want to be around. After 26 years of marriage my Mom still wants to spend time with him, whether that is the traditional date and [NOT to Home Depot mind you]. I have never known anyone to NOT like my Dad. He is an interesting person to talk to, whether you are talking about the upkeep of motor vehicles, computers, or the best way to install new carpet. I have learned many things watching and helping my Dad. I learned that I could carry a roll of carpet big enough to at least carpet the LARGE family room in their house- his response - "You're going to make some guy a great carpet installer one day" [which of course is on my resume]. I learned how to change the oil in my car, properly replace a tire, how to drive a stick shift, and that sometimes smaller hands are easier to get into the small spaces in a car engire, but unfortunately those smaller hands are UNABLE to unscrew a bolt with those bare hands. He gives good advice, sometimes even if it is just to listen. He is a good teacher. I know he must get frustrated with people, but I hardly remember a time when he let a temper take reign. What more can you ask for? I am so greatful everyday to have a Dad that loves and supports not only me, but my Mom, sister, and those around him.

I saw this item and remembered that you were quite taken with this character :) was it not a desktop wallpaper for a time?

Thank You Dad for all that you do! It is appreciated and will be remembered and passed on to others. I hope that you have had a great day and am so excited to spend time with you when you come to Houston in July! AND of course to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix... so do you think Snape is really evil?

Catch UP!

2007-06-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

It has been a LONG time. Seeing as how my "other" blog friends have recently outdone me with blog updates, here it comes. A review of what has been happening in my life since almost all of my countdowns have expired. Lets start with the job. I really really wanted the Newman job; unfortunately a master-degreed, well educated career teacher got the job. That left me with no job here at Metcalf *dry-eyed* *boo-hoo* and no job anywhere. What to do? Until the last day of school for teachers; May 25th. I am in my portable, clearing out the last bits of boxes and turning in lesson plans, when I get an unexpected call from the new principal at Santaquin Elementary in Nebo School District. She had gotten a gander at my resume and wanted to schedule a phone interview. Sure thing. Which in fact turned into a very positive interview and I got a good feeling from it. Problem was, she was in Utah and I was in Texas. Lets leave it at that for a moment.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A big exodus out of Houston has begun. Kite Runner has decided to try her luck in greener fields- the greener fields of Georgia that is. So once again I found myself in a city with not many people to pass all this luxurious summer time off with. A tribute to one who goes before me... Everytime I go to open a new straw I will think of KR.

Here's to the straw "fortune telling" gig Paying It Forward.

What do you mean HPLuvr? The thing is first you carefully slip the straw wrapper off the straw, and then tie it into a knot. But DON'T pull the knot tight- yet. First pause and think about someone. Once you have that one person clearly in mind, quickly pull the straw wrapper tight in one quick motion. If the wrapper breaks cleanly in half- and I mean IN HALF as in there is no knot left to speak of -then the person you were thinking about is thinking about you right then.

Obvious attempts that continued to fail. But not for lack of trying.

Good Luck to KR!

********************************

Then there is the night time. Lets start with SCHOOL IS OUT FOR THE SUMMER! So the last few weeks of class were fairly tiring. To say the least. The Nazi Regime team took back our textbooks and then told us to continue with the effective, standards-tied, objective-driving lessons. Babysitting the kids more like it. Well, we survived. But there was that one Friday night after I had changed out of my "spirit school clothes" and settled in to watch my DVR-recorded, ER reruns. When I am awakened by a loud, repetitive noise. Wait a minute I think to myself... why is my alarm going off? I looked out the window and it is still insanely dark outside. And I am not too out of it, it was Friday yesterday. I don't work on Saturdays.

*Confused*

This is when I sit up, rub my eyes, and notice that along with the loud annoying alarm sound, there is a coordinated flashing light. Uhhh?

Then I finally realize what it is:

I grab some public-appropriate pajamas, my purse, and Ronald and book it out of my apartment. Where I wait at 12am with all of my neighbors until 12:45am, by which time no firemen or anything has arrived. Does that make me nervous? 45 minutes of THAT sound going off? Good thing it was a false alarm. Or else I would have not only been homeless but all of my stuff would have been firewood. Marshmellows and a metal-coat hanger anyone?

********************************
Continuing with the subject of waking up- without the aid of my alarm OR the fire alarm- the mornings of our first week of summer vacation; Ronald had a bit of trouble adjusting to the new schedule. This won't make much sense unless I describe our normal school year schedule. My radio alarm is set for 5:40am. Music softly begins the wake up process in which I can hit the snooze button until 6:15am, when the alarm takes over, again I hit the snooze button until 6:30am. At which time I roll out of bed and hop into the shower, all the while talking to Ronald who has followed me and is waiting for me to get out of the shower. And once out of the shower I finally feed Ronald and he is happy with me and out from under foot. I would scoot around and leave the apartment around 7:10am, by which time Ronald was usually ensconsed already in his early morning nap spot :) *waves of extreme jealousy* This worked mutally well for both of us. Except when summer vacation began. The sun would slowly peek through the hole that has been made in the blinds, and Ronald would 1) begin pawing my face to wake me up, and when that failed to get the desired results, he would 2) hop up onto the small table in my bedroom and begin to push off my sunglasses one by one. This usually got me out of bed by the 2nd or 3rd pair of glasses clattering to the floor. Thankfully by the 4th morning of me hopping angrily out of bed and picking up the sunglasses off the floor, Ronald Weasley finally got the picture that "We get to SLEEP IN. No need for the wake-up calls".

Case in point: Now I am the one making wake up calls.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now back to my job situation. So the ladies currently residing in Provo were so kind as to allow me to come crash their place and allow me access to their vehicles and time. I set up a few interviews with schools in the Nebo school district. Let me tell you the first interview I went to did not go so well; the principal showed up in jeans and was so rushed that I felt as though I should have shaken his hand and left as soon as I sat down. But the clincher was when he took an "important" cell phone call from his wife to reassure her that he would still be able to meet her at the Walmart for their family day out. Oh well. Afterwards I was able to continue my seemingly unsuccessful search for housing. I don't consider myself one with lots of baggage- both figuratively and literally- but that must be outside of cities within 15 minutes of Provo. All these beautiful apartments that I can now afford, and then those fateful two words *NO PETS* These issues kept me tossing and turning until 5:30am the morning before the BIG interview.

By the BIG interview I refer to the telephone interview that I had before I even left Houston. I woke up with time to spare to both get ready and find a school that is 25 minutes away. I drive out to Santaquin, get lost, and then proceed to make a frantic phone call to the school. "I'm lost, but if you can give me some directions I will be there ASAP". The response? "The principal will not be into this school until after July 1st. Try at her old school." Oops, something I should have clarified BEFORE driving all the way out to Santaquin. But before you get too worried, I called her old school, cleared everything up, and batta-bing I am now the newest employee of the Nebo school district. To report to my new job by July 9th. Santaquin Elementary 4th Grade Teacher.

Only one thing is still up in the air... Exactly what is the meaning of this?

So many Countdowns

2007-05-13T18:45:00.000-06:00

I had my Salt Lake City School District telephone interview on Friday. It was quite odd; but appeared to go as smoothly as possible. Seeing as the only person that I had not met or worked with before was the new principal, I seemed to have a good jury. They will be making their final decision by Wednesday...which if I have NOT heard from them in 2 days and 22 hours I will be crying about what and where I will be next year. Which leaves me to my last countdown, this school year...

9 days left.

When is too much too much?

2007-05-08T16:36:00.000-06:00

Apparently hard cold facts, like numbers, are all that administrations and politicians understand. How about this:

1 of my students...likes to punch his classmates { well more than that but this one cannot stop doing it!! } Provoked or not-provoked.

Current count of decked classmates: 5 different classmates; 2 of them girls

Consequence...first 2 punches, 1 day of suspension ... Or as I like to call it, a 3-day weekend ... then a 2 day suspension ... then 2 3-day suspensions ... do you think that suspension is making an impression?

Curious about those aforementioned weapons?

PELLET-I-am-not-a-real-GUN: 1

Consequence...1 day of in-school-suspension + 3 days of suspension

Knife: 1

Consequence...3 days of suspension

Number of students: 41 + 1 student who has decided that she "feels sick" and cannot come to school { number of absenses in the past
20 days? 14 }

Consequence...1 "sick" student not completing any tests or assignments.

Number of teachers: 2, one of which is going crazy and might be flying to Utah for an interview in ... 4 days :)

Consequence...1 new teaching job and crazy weekend activities!

12 days left.