This is for Kelli

Kelli tagged me so I am appeasing her by answering her questions.

5 Fears

1. Failure
2. Being Alone
3. Cliff Jumping
4. Most animals
5. Being lost

5 Joys

1. Aubrey, Ally, Riley, and Gray
2. My job
3. Traveling with my friends and the laughter that comes with it
4. Jon and Kate Plus Eight
5. Snowboarding

5 Obsessions/Collections

1. Jon and Kate Plus Eight
2. Crossword Puzzles
3. Shoes
4. My weight
5. I don't know

5 Surprising Facts (Nothing is really surprising. I am an open book)

1. I love documentaries, especially those about children and teenagers
2. I try to eat oatmeal all the time because it is good for me and every time I do I just don't enjoy it.
3. I am very impulsive. When I get and idea or see something I want I don't like to wait for it.
4. I secretly watch others on the treadmill next to me to see who has gone farther or is going faster (usually they are).
5. I love old school sitcoms like The Cosby Show, Golden Girls, and such. I am undefeated at Friends trivia game.

Random

This is what happens when Aunt Tori is around. Don't worry. The underwear was brand new out of the package.
The girls at grandma and grandpa's birthday party. Riley is so funny. She is a crazy lady.
Tell me that Gray is not meant to play football.

This is what happens when Aubrey and/or Ally get a hold of the camera.

Is this not so funny

At least my thigh doesn't look too large in this photo

Feet are disgusting

Nobody tell my sister this picture is posted

The kids love my dad.

I think I am a one upper

Do you know those people who we call one uppers? They are those who always have to up your story by one. For example, you tell your one upper friend that you know someone who saw a celebrity at a restaurant and all of the sudden the one upper is best friends with that celebrity. They've always gone somewhere more exciting, know bigger people, you get the picture.

Anyway, I went to dinner last night with some of my good friends that I went to grad school with. We spent a lot of time together when we were in school. I think I saw them more than anyone else. At dinner I found myself talking about myself a lot and always bringing up a story about me. I didn't like that I acted that way. I think I turned into a one upper. I have been deciphering why I was that way and I think it is partly due to the fact that since we met they both have gotten married and have super cute babies and I am still in the same place. I don't say that to be pitiful but I think I was feeling a little like I needed to show that I have been doing stuff too. Anyway, I think it is positive that I am aware that I did that. I am sorry for my one upper moments and I will definitely work on it.

Go Utes

I love Utah football. I love football season. I love the smell of the air, the briskness in the wind, the hype of the crowd, and the sea of red that fills the stadium. Don't you worry, I am not one of those band wagon fans. I love the Utes through it all. They have made an impressive showing the beginning of this season. It's going to be exciting.

I just have to say that it was lame that BYU had their game handed to them today by the refs.

Kelli Help

I cannot get onto your private blog. Help! It won't let me register. Will you send me the link again please. I'll try again.

Ryan, Jenaka, and Sara

Ryan, Jen, and Sara are the children of my very good friend. I always tell her wow much I love Jen but I thought I would give a little post for the others as well.

I remember when Ryan was born. I was in awe that my friends were staring to have children (especially because Melissa had a baby a day before or a day after Ryan as well. sorry guys I can't remember who is older). Not that he is seven it seems that there never was a day when he was a baby. The thing that impresses me the most about Ryan is that he is an innovator and an explorer. The kid is brilliant. He loves knowing how things work, why things are, and so forth. I think the reason why he can be defiant sometimes is because he just wants to know what will happen. That is the making of an amazing scientist, engineer, businessman, etc. Ryan loves his sisters. Though he may at times need to be the tough man he has a very soft heart for Jen and Sara. Whenever I babysit them (which hasn't been a lot) he always is making sure I am taking care of the girls correctly. When Jen was still in diapers and I was watching them, he did not think I knew how to change her diaper correctly so he was adamant that he do it. He wanted to make sure I put Sara in her bed correctly with her blanket and binky. He checked on Sara often during her nap and would report to me that she was still sleeping. Ryan is all boy. He will be a stellar athlete in more than one sport. He is an independent boy that also thrives on knowing he is loved. Love him.

Jen just cracks me right up. If you have been on Kelli's blog you know that she is just a character. I love it because she does such weird things and it reminds me of me (my roommates will attest to that). My favorite pic of Jen is her sitting on the arm of the couch with one Michael Jackson glove on, maybe a boa, and the remote balancing on the top of her head. She will shake her booty with the best of them. She doesn't care if the world is watching, she was born to entertain. She loves to be beautiful and girly and she loves shoes (that's my girl). She gives the best hugs and still likes to hold hands while walking. I'm sorry Kel but she is going to have boys coming around (like mother, like daughter). Watch out when she is in middle school. If you need to send her to whatever school I am at at that time I will keep an eye on her.

Sara is the girl I know the least. However, she is just as cute as can be. If Kelli or Teri are not around she will attach herself to me and never let go. She is very loving. She is very animated and I think she is going to be a helper when she grows up. I think she is going to be the peacemaker of the house. She will mediate the fights between big bro and big sis. Her eyes are blue as the waters of the carribbean. They will make you melt. As she grows older I will get to know her more and learn the little quirks that make her unique.

By the way... Kelli you need to bye the book "A Blue So Blue". It is a must have. I have a copy and so does Teri if you want to read it.

Those are the kids in a nutshell. I love them all. And I love that they love me.

Wow, what a couple of weeks

Let me start by apologizing for it being so long since I have posted.

It has been so crazy busy at work with the first week of school. I think I stayed late almost every day which is very rare for me. I don't usually stay late at work. Being the head counselor is a lot more anxiety then I expected. I feel like I am drowning almost everyday. I will pay someone to come and clean and organize my office for me. I am not kidding. I will really pay you. It is a mess and it makes me even more anxious.

However, the first week of school is always so fun. I love seeing the students excited to come back. They girls start their high pitched screams when they see their friends they haven't seen all summer. The boys have grown a couple of inches and have deeper voices. The boys going through puberty is one of my favorite things. It is so funny. Their voices crack, they are awkward in their skin, and they really start to want to impress the ladies. It is fun to see who got braces over the summer and who got them off. I love working in a school. It keeps me hip (that's for you Teri).

Because I have been so busy at work, I have been exhausted. I haven't posted my picks of the girls and I going to East High (thanks Teri for the idea) or Homestead weekend. I will try and do that this weekend.

I'm totally losing it!

I am totally losing it right now. I have had the worst week at work. I can't even handle it. Let me just give a little advice to you parents. I know that you want what is best for your child at school but do not go based on your neighbors opinions of teachers. Students success is rarely based on the teacher the child has. Their success is more determined by what is happening in the home in conjunction with the school. If a child learns that their parent will take them out of a class if they are not being successful because it is a bad teacher then the child doesn't realize the value of their responsibility in their learning. Plus, your neighbor doesn't always know which is the best teacher. Please think about this before you call to change your child's schedule. I had over 60 voicemails yesterday and probably another 30 today just for schedule changes.
Also, please really, really, really do your research before sending your child to a charter school. I know they have the reputation of being better because class sizes are smaller but there is no research out there that supports smaller class sizes equals better performance. What it does equal is better teacher retention and happier teachers. However, I would say about 70% of the students who come to my school from a charter school are behind in their English and math skills. If you would like more of my opinion on this let me know.
Don't even get me started on vouchers! :)

My ranting is over. I've just had a very bad day.

Useless Knowledge

If you read my previous post you read "Houston, we've had a problem." Many of you might have thought the correct quote is "Houston, we have a problem" as did I until a couple of weeks ago. I was watching some show in which they said that the crew on Apollo 13 actually said "Houston, we've had a problem." They changed it in the movie because it was a more theatrical the other way. Therefore, if you say it the first way you are quoting the astronauts. If you say it the second way you are quoting the movie.

I Hate to Complain but...

You I hate to be a complainer and it is something I don't want to make a habit of but I have to say that sometimes it is so annoying being a female. Any men reading this are forewarned. You might want to stop reading now if talking about the female body functioning is not for you.
Anyway...

It gets so annoying to wake up twenty minutes before your alarm in such terrible cramping. Can't it just wait twenty more minutes? At least give me that. You get up to realize that another pain of garments are ruined. You realize this is not going to be your favorite morning. If you are like me, you are impatient with medicine. I take 800 miligrams of IBProfen (spelling?) and within ten minutes it is not working quick enough so I take another 800 miligrams. I get tempted to take another 800 miligrams after another ten minutes but I usually get stopped by the nearest person. So after being woken up and realizing there is another pair of underwear ruined I then get to deal with the pain. (I haven't even mentioned the pain that comes before I start. My breasts get so tender I can't even run on the treadmill).

However, though this scenario is annoying, it is better than what the alternative could be. It could be that I am in Florida with a boy I am interested in and we are standing on the tarmack of the airport watching the air show. There is not a bathroom in site. I am wearing white shorts and I get the ever dreadful feeling of "I need to find a bathroom and stat." His house is an hour away and he is not with it enough to understand what it means when I tell him we need to find a bathroom. He says he will stop at one but then never does. I am just concentrating on keeping my legs crossed tightly (like that helps). Not only that, but he decides we need to stop at the grocery store to pick up some ice cream. An hour and a half later you finally get home and walk non chalantly to the bathroom. "Houston we've had a problem". I spend probably twenty minutes in the bathroom trying to get everything back to normal. That includes using fingernail clippers to cut your garments because they just need to be thrown away. I come out of the bathroom and am asked "Are you okay?'' I just nod my head because men just don't understand the constant fear of the unpredictable dear aunt that likes to visit at inopportune times.
Anyway, my complaining is now over. The IBProfen kicks in and we are semi back to normal. Give it a couple of days and we will be functioning without fear again.

Olympics

I love the olympics. I really, really do. There is just something about it that is so much more fun to watch than other sporting events. Right now they are showing President Bush leaving the basketball game and he has like twenty men in black suits trying to surround him. I could not imagine that. Kobe Bryant is being malled by Chinese fans. Scary. Anyway, I love the swimming, trampoline, table tennis, gymnastics... Actually, I love every sport but handball, equestrian, shooting, and archery. The rest I enjoy watching.
Stephanie and I decided that we are going to train for the olympics in rowing or curling. We think we are not too old for those. What event would you do?

It's Been Awhile

Okay, so I realize I have not posted anything for a couple of weeks now. Let me apologize. I simply just forget.

Anyway, for those of you that are wondering, the waiter never called me. I am totally okay with that. I was actually really worried that he would call because I was so embarrassed. Plus, I honestly think that he was no older than 24. I don't know that a girl heading towards twenty-ten is his style.

I started work again. It is good to have a schedule again but this first week was one of the most difficult and busiest weeks since I've started at this school. Those of you that don't know, Richard who has been the other counselor at my school left to go to a high school so I am not the head counselor. This doesn't really mean anything other than I feel like I have more responsibility to make sure things are getting done. Our new counselor is just graduated so he is still learning the system. Also, he came from interning at a high school and high schools and middle schools are so different. We also work and a trimester, modified block schedule. We are the only school in the state that has it. Therefore, it is difficult to understand. I won't even begin to explain. Anyway, our schedule was all messed up and we had like 47 students in one class and that is not acceptable. I have been working all week to fix it. I stayed late every day except for Friday and that is just unheard of on the first week back. Needless to say, I have it 80% fixed so by Monday it should be completed. So again, it has been good to be productive again but it was a rough week and I was not a pleasant girl to be around.
Also, I have had many people ask me this lately (not just you Kelli), my degree is a Master's in School Counseling. The department is Educational Psychology but the degree is School Counseling. Most people think it is social work but they would be wrong.

I Honestly Think I've Gone Crazy

I know that I have not been updating my blog much but honestly I haven't really been up to much to have anything to say.

However, here is the funny story that emulates how lame I can be. So Steve and I went to Ichiban tonight to get half off sushi. I was so excited because I've been craving sushi for a couple of weeks now. Anyway, our waiter came to our table and he was so cute. He was so tall, which I made a comment about and found out he is 6'5". I said to Steve that he probably thought we were on a date. Therefore, Steve awkwardly said, "Oh that drink is my sister's". Who says that? It was so obviously awkward. Anyway, I was trying to be a little flirty but with Steve sitting across from me it was not easy. I thought to myself "I am going to leave him my phone number." Oh my goodness. I did it. I LEFT HIM MY PHONE NUMBER ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RECEIPT!!! Who does that? Holy Moly. I was so embarrassed. I wanted to leave the restaurant before he saw it so I was quickly leaving. However, he was coming up towards our table while I was leaving and I got nervous that he was going to see it before I left. He looked at me and said "Is everything all right". That is correct, he noticed I was a little disheveled. I said "Yup, thank you" and quickly ran out. Steve on the other hand was apparently in no hurry and walked about as fast as a slug. He just took his sweet little time. I was giving him the evil eye. I quickly got in my car and we left.
I can't believe I did that. I am lame. Oh well. What's done is done.

It's Time to Go Back

Well, it is official. I am ready to go back to work. I haven't gotten way too comfortable sleeping in. Plus, I am low on funds so I have to limit my activities. Since I am home I don't make the best eating decisions. However, I do go to the gym every day so that is keeping me from getting larger. I go back to work on Aug. 4th and I will be welcoming it.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Today is Melissa's birthday! Happy, happy birthday.

Melissa has been a great friend of mine for nearly fifteen years. I have to say I have met many people in my life and there are few people who stay in your life for that long. She is an amazing person and and amazing mother. One of the things I love most about Melissa is that she welcomes me into her family. She never makes me feel like an outsider. She allows me to spend time with her and her children and shows me love. One thing I will say about Melissa and Chris is that they are the only couple I know that can still stare at each other in a crowded room and still know they are the most important people to each other. It is nice to see a couple who is still focused on what they love about each other.

Thanks Melissa for being a constant in my life and sharing your love with me.

My story of Saturday's events

Those of you who read Kelli's blog have probably read about my experience babysitting her children on Saturday. Here is my side of the story.

I did arrive very early Saturday morning. I was most nervous about Sara because she is such a momma's girl and she doesn't know me very well. Ryan woke up and seemed very pleasant until I told him his mom said he needed to take a shower. After that everything was "No, I don't", "I don't have to do that", "No, I'm not", etc. I was very calm and was ignoring it until he started playing with things that could harm him or others to get my attention. I then had to sit him on my lap and restrain him a little (he didn't know I was so strong. don't worry I was trained how to restrain children in a safe way when I worked at the preschool). I let him squirm a little and then we had a little talk about having a good day verses a bad day. He chose to have a good day but he needed to test me one more time. That is when he put the handcuffs on when I left the room. He came out and showed me with a mischeivous smile on his face. I said "Ry, I don't have a key to get those off." That is when he went from thinking he was funny to him having a panic look on his face. I told him I would call his dad but we would have to wait till Barry called us back. He followed me around and when the phone rang he jumped up and said "I think that's him". His face was enough to know that he didn't need any more of a lesson. I unlocked him and he immediately went and got in the shower and did his jobs. He was fine after that. His routine was just changed and he was feeling a little unsafe. He likes to test me but once he knew he and his sisters were safe with me he was fine.
There you go. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that I was not freaking out.

Anouk

My new favorite singer is Anouk. Check her out. She is great. My three favorite songs are Lost, I Don't Want to Hurt Anymore, and If You Were Mine.

Love her

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

So I tend to get a lot of slack for having so many shoes. I personally don't think I have any more than the average lady. Shoes are one of those indulgences that I think most women can understand. Trying on clothes that are stylish and cute but that also fits the womanly body is difficult (case and point: skinny jeans). However, shoes always fit. I pretty much can guarantee that if you give me a 9 1/2 shoe it will fit. There is little variation in size and I don't have to squeeze my curvy hips into them. Plus, every outfit can be destroyed or enhanced by the shoes. I know you know what I am talking about. You've all seen it. The girl walking down the street in a cute sundress and then crocs or those horrible high platform, only for young teens flip flops. It ruins the whole look.
Anyway, I was cleaning my closet today because I can't seem to fit all of my shoes in there (don't worry, I wasn't planning on getting rid of any shoes. Just reorganizing). If you've seen my closet you know it is not very spacious. As I was cleaning I thought I would count to see how many I really have. Are you ready for the magic number? I have 43 pairs of shoes give or take two. I honestly don't think that is bad. Just so you know I counted my roommates as well and she has more and that is not counting the various flip flops she owns. Also, I will say that out of the 43 pairs I would say that I wear 35 of them on a regular basis (during their season that is). I am very good at getting rid of shoes that I don't wear.
Here is a picture of the most recent shoes I have acquired. I got them all in one week which I know seems excessive but one of them was a birthday gift. Anyway, you can see that they are all very different styles. Plus, they were all on sale (gray boots were 70% off). I very rarely buy a shoe that is not on sale.
Here is what I want to know. What is your magic number? Am I jaded in thinking 43 is average? How many pairs do you have?

4th of July Weekend

It has been kind of a busy weekend so I apologize for not posting my patriotism.

I love the 4th of July. It is one of my favorite days. There are few things that make me cry but one of them is honoring soldiers. Honestly. I will cry during news reports of troops leaving or coming home from Iraq. It is crazy. This year was even more incredible because I had just returned from Germany and learned so much more about WWII, the holocaust, the Berlin Wall, and the vast amount of history there. It is incredible what troops do for our country. It has to be one of the most selfless acts ever. I can't even imagine the horror they not only see but participate in. I have a very, very close family member who to this day will not talk about what he saw while serving in Vietnam. Whether or not we agree with what is happening in Iraq it is important that we thank our troops for putting themselves in harms way. They and their families need support from the people they are fighting for.
One of my favorite (make me cry) events of 4th of July is when they play the songs of the different branches of the military and those who served are to stand up. I get very humbled when the old men stand with pride as their song is being played.
I was annoyed with the amount of young people who were not respectful to our nation. There were many teens walking around with their hats on during the anthem and just were not giving the respect. Parents please teach your children that it is important to show gratitude for the place that we live and the freedoms we have. Seriously, we could wake up one day and have a wall around our city saying we can no longer exit. Again, you don't have to agree with all the politics but patriotism is a must in my mind.

I Need Serious Help

I am in need of some serious help.

I usually have a lot of self control but the last week I have been eating anything I want and spending way too much money. I don't eat a lot but I eat terrible food for me. I will eat a candy bar so then I won't eat dinner because I feel guilty for eating an entire candy bar. Luckily I am still exercising regularly or I would be even curvier. I keep spending money as well on stupid stuff like iTunes. When you have all day to waste you start finding ways to spend money.

BTW... I found the best candy bar in the entire world. It is Reeses Whippes. It is the consistency of a Three Muskateers but it is peanut butter. I love peanut butter.

Someone please give me advice on how to fix my little self indulging problem. Maybe I need a hobby. Any suggestions? Something inexpensive perhaps.

It's Not Weird It's Different

When I travel to different countries I have the motto of "It's not weird it's just different"

What I love about the USA

1. Ice. Ice in water, ice in soda, unlimited ice at restaurants, ice machines in hotels, just ice.

2. Free bathrooms. I like that the bathrooms in Europe are cleaner but sometimes I just don't have 50 cents on me to pay to use the toilet and if you know me at all you know I constantly have to use the bathroom.

3. Elevators. Carrying luggage up three flights of stairs is not easy or fun.

4. Air conditioning.

5. Dentistry.

Things I love about Europe

1. History and beautiful architecture

2. Little bakeries and sidewalk cafe's everywhere

3. Everyone riding their cruiser bikes and sensible public transportation

4. Green

5. Castles

Heidelberg, Germany

We went on a river cruise down the Nekar River. We were able to explore a couple of castle ruin on the river bank including this one.
I view from the castle tower (yes, that meant more stairs)
Teri and I sitting in the windows of the castle. The thing I love about castle ruins is that you are allowed to climb all over them. I think I already mentioned that but it is one of my favorite things.
Cartwheeling in Heidelberg. I just wanted you to see the awesome city it was. Heidelberg was my favorite little city I think.
Me in a castle window. Not really anything else to say about it.
Here I am trying to climb up the castle to sit in the window. Most of the students were just sitting in the windows near the ground. Of course I couldn't do that. I had to be different and climb to the taller one. Well, lets just say I needed a little boost from some students. It is interesting how close I get to students on these trips. They actually were taking pictures of me laughing because they thought it was weird that teachers laugh. I guess I am not a real person to them.


This is me making a constipated face. I am so hillarious.
Well, that is the end of the trip. The next day we got on the plane for our 20 hour trip home. Next year you will see me in New Zealand and Australia hopefully.

Munich, Germany

Here we are in Munich, Germany. I really liked Munich but it was the dirtiest of the big cities. Munich is the site of Oktoberfest. Very large open field that is just nothing except for the one month of the year they like to drink. Well if we are being honest they always like to drink.

This is the only picture I took of Dachau concentration camp. I didn't feel that it was appropriate to take a bunch of pictures. I can't even describe the feeling of going to a concentration camp. It was very sobering. How do you even begin to know what these people went through. Two thousand men lived in quarters built for two hundred. The gas chamber which posed as a shower was a little too much to handle. Visiting a concentration camp is definitely an undescribable feeling.

Teri and I in front of a Palace in Munich that I just totally blanked on the name. We didn't actually go in the palace with everyone else because we wanted to spend our time outside in the acres and acres of gardens. We figured we walked about three miles around the gardens of this palace. The funny story is that we went into a little house that was situated in the gardens and a man was there. He started speaking German to me. I obviously didn't know what he was saying so I spoke in English thinking he would know English. He continued to speak in German. Instead of me saying "I don't understand" I just nodded my head and said "Oh, I see." Teri got a big kick out of that because she knew I had no idea what he was saying to me. We laughed at that for quite some time.

Teri and I posing on a bridge. Yes, Teri posed.
This is a look out from Neuschwanstein Castle. The lake on the right is Swan Lake (like the ballet)
This is the castle that Cinderella's castle was modeled after. It was quite the hike. You will notice that it is on the top of a hill. The hike was pretty steep. I thought that I would have a hard time because I hadn't exercised but I was fine. I guess all that walking and stair climbing kept me in shape. Coming down we decided to veer off course and come down a little trail. However, the trail dissipated and we were lost. The girls were looking at me and I didn't have Teri with me. I acted calmly like I knew what I was doing and we found the cafe we were meeting at. My new motto is "just act calm"
This picture was a bugger to take in more ways then one. We were on this narrow, wooden bridge with lots of people. Our tour guide was taking our picture but he kept getting so close. Teri and I hate close ups. I kept moving my head back but tried to keep my chin out so I didn't have double chin. He kept laughing at me so we couldn't take the picture. I told him to back up and he was like "do you want me to jump of the bridge". Then a bug flew into my ear. Not by my ear but into the ear canal. I screamed like a sick hyena which obviously made us laugh even harder. Oh Ana, if only you were there we would have never stopped.

Salt Mine (Austria)

Salzburg translated means Salt town. They have salt mines everywhere. Salt used to be more valuable then gold. We got to go through one of these mines. I think it was my favorite activity we did. You go deep, deep, deep into the center of a mountain by train. Then you slide down a wooden slide even deeper. You ride a boat on a salt lake in the middle of the mountain. It was incredible. We even crossed the border from Austria to Germany inside the mountain. How cool is that?

Here I am in the mine. You can't really see the passage way but it gets two inches narrower each year. Scary

You also get to wear these really cool white jump suits. I bought one to wear on my first day back to school. Don't be jealous.


Tomorrow Munich and Heidelburg and then I'm done.

Salzburg, Austria

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music. Salzburg is where the sound of music was filmed. It was the most beautiful place by far. I believe it was Teri's favorite as well. Some of these pictures also come from Hellbrum Palace. This was the most innovative and fun palace that we went to. The entire grounds of the palace have secret water squirtters all around. So as you are looking through a cool building all of the sudden you are soaked with water. It was fun. The king whose summer palace this was had quited the sense of humor.

This is one of the hydro powered moving statues. I thought it was funny but it is even funnier in the picture.

Teri and I posing at the palace.
This is the garden that Maria and the Von Trapp children run down while singing Doe Ray Me. I certianly got some air. We also saw the fountain, steps, castle, and more.


I view of the city from the top of the castle. I will tell you what... I was sick of climbing stairs by the end of the trip. I bet we climbed a million stairs by the end of the trip. I also guess that we walked an average of 5 miles a day. But to see these incredible views you have to climb the highest tower of the castle.

This is the dinner table at the water palace. You can't really see me but I am sitting on the far right corner. You will notice the hole in the seat. That is where some of the water shot from. Water shot from the middle of the table as well as from the sides. The king used to do this to his dinner guests and it was very disrespectful to get up from the table before the king. You'll notice that the king's seat doesn't not have a water hole. Funny guy.
Here I am pretending I am 16 going on 17. Oh to be young again.

Teri squeezed herself into a little helicopter. I guess the love of helicopters run in the family

Vienna, Austria

Next stop was Vienna, Austria. I have to say, Austria was not what I expected. It is actually very gray. Apparently, a few years ago the government began paying people to paint their buildings so the city wasn't so bland. I didn't have a lot of pictures of Vienna to show sorry. We spent some time at the local market where a Bulgarian man told me he loved me (he was just trying to sell me his cheese). It was the best cheese I think I have ever eaten. I also had a guy tell me he wanted to have babies with me because he couldn't believe I was 29.

This pic us dedicated to Dan. He always takes pictures of himself like this so I thought I would give it a try.


Teri and I in front of Shronbrum Palace (I can't be positive that is the correct spelling). The gardens were amazing. Unfortunately we didn't get to spend enough time here. One of the downfalls of traveling on a tour.
We then went to the little amusement park they have. We rode on the oldest wooden ferris wheel. You rode in a little barn like compartment which rocked when you stepped to each side. The students where having fun making it rock and freaking out Scott.

EuroCup 2008

This post is dedicated to my friends who love soccer and know the magnitude of the EuroCup.

The EuroCup is like the superbowl of Europe. Lucky for us it was going on while we were there. Soccer fans are crazy. Just to give you an example... The night Turkey played Croatia we were in Munich. Germany apparently has the largest number of Turks in Europe besides Turkey itself. After two overtimes and a shootout Turkey pulled off the win. After the win the city went crazy for about two hours. The game ended around midnight so until two in the morning we could hear cars honking non stop and men screaming. Our hotel was right in the center of town so needless to say we didn't get much sleep that night.

Here I am with some students in my Germany attire. I loved the Germany jersey. They play Spain on Sunday for the title of European Master.


Here I am in Budapest at a public viewing area watching a game. They have these viewing areas everywhere. They are free to get into and it is so much fun.

Teri and I at the superstore. They had nothing left. They were completely sold out unless you were really large or really little. They did have some items of the less popular teams but who wants that?

Me in front of the Spain mannequin. I couldn't remember what Spain's colors were so I had to call Armando. I am rooting for Spain tomorrow for the Master. Go Espana! Though I will probably be wearing my Germany jersey.
Another FanZone in Austria. It was during the day so no one was there. They were just playing highlights. Everything was in German so I never knew what they were saying.
For my soccer lovers. I wish you could have been there to experience it with me. It was exciting and a little scary. Those fans are crazy. They make BYU/Utah looks like a playground fight.

Go Espana!

Tomorrow: Vienna and Salzburg (Sound of Music time)

Budapest, Hungary

Our next stop was Budapest. Apparently I didn't take very many pictures here. It was a long bus ride to get there so the first night we just walked around the city a bit. The second day we took our city tour, went to the local market, went to the Bodies Exhibit, and then watched some futbol with the locals.

Here I am touching the golden testicles of this horse. The belief is... if you touch the golden testicles you will have good luck in whatever area of your life you are focusing on. After our tour guide told us the story she said that we could try. Nobody even budged so obviously I was the first one to touch the testicles. The funny part was that I was in a skirt and couldn't climb on the statue very well. I couldn't reach the testicles without showing the world my under garments so Otto (our tour guide) decided to hoist me up. That was awkward!

Here a panoramic view of Budapest. This is their government building. I don't know what the river is called. I can't remember.

Here is me (looking cross eyed) with my kilo of cherries. We went to the local market and the cherries looked so amazing. I bought some and he asked if I wanted one kilo and I said sure not knowing how much a kilo would be. Well, it was plenty that is for sure. They were good though and they sure helped in counteracting all the bread and cheese we ate if you know what I mean. Teri and I also had authentic Hungarian food for lunch at the market. I had stuffed cabbage with sauerkraut and Teri had some rice and chicken thing. It was one of my favorite meals. The Hungarian Forint is funny to spend. One thousand forints is equal to about six dollars. So I bought a pashmina for about two thousand florints. That is weird.

Here we are cartwheeling for Andres website cartwheelsaroundtheworld.com. We forgot about it till Budapest so anything up until then will have no cartwheels.

Slovakia

We visited Slovakia for a couple of hours. We went to an old castle ruin which is one of my favorite things to do. I love the castles in the cities but there is something so genuine about being in a raw castle that hasn't been fixed up for the tourist. You are allowed to climb on them and explore without do not enter signs.

Here is Teri and I. The funny part was trying to get Teri into that window. You would think the jagged rock would make it easy to climb but it was fun trying to hoist her up. Then coming down. She didn't trust me to catch her so she had to jump. Luckily no one got hurt.

Here is a distant picture of the castle ruins. Lovely I say.
Teri at the bottom of some ruins. We had so much fun here.
One of the funniest parts of Slovakia was lunch time. We ate in Bratislava at a little sidewalk cafe. There was this old man who was obviously off his rocker. He was sitting all alone nursing a drink and singing at the top of his lungs. He was sing and then start laughing hysterically and clapping for himself. We couldn't help but laugh at him. He did this for about half an hour. Teri has video so hopefully she will post it on her blog.

Tomorrow's city: Budapest

Prague, Czech Republic

Our next city was Prague. This was by far my favorite big city. It is so beautiful. I have to apologize because both mine and Teri's cameras died half way through this day so I don't have the pictures I would like. We had our friend take some of us so when she sends them I will post them.

This is a picture of the strangest wall I have ever seen. Imagine this gray plaster three stories high and probably 50 yards wide. From far away it looked like eerie people but up close you'll notice it was just gray plaster finger like things. In the midst of it there would be hidden items like a snake or a lion. It was weird. This was the last picture taken before the camera died so you don't get to see the magnitude of the wall. Sorry


Teri, Heather, and I walking down the golden road at Prague Castle. I love little streets like these.
Teri and I overlooking the city of Prague. I wish you could see how beautiful and clean it really was. It was amazing how clean the cities were. I was very impressed.
This was our IKEA hotel room. It was so awesome. We loved it. You could see the castle from our window and we had a sky light. It also had a normal tub shower so we had plenty of room.
The best picture of Prague castle I could get. This is actually the cathedral on the castle grounds but it is the most know building on the grounds.
Teri and I in the cathedral. I just really like how this picture of us turned out. You can see the beautiful glass work.
Me standing in front of a little door. Here is the funny story about this one. Scott (the teacher in charge of the trip) made this comment when he saw this picture. "Tori you are so big". Note to all men... never tell a woman she is big. He meant I looked tall standing by the little door but he needs to remember to say tall not big.
I am being tortured in the dungeon of the castle. I love dungeons. I always search for the little unmarked place below the castle. After I took this picture I saw the sign that said "Do Not Touch the Exhibits". Oops.
Prague definitely had the worst food of the trip. We went on a dinner cruise down the river and saw the famous Charles Bridge (pictures to come later). It was so pretty but the food was not good. It was edible but certainly not worth it. Luckily we didn't have any real terrible food experiences.