Genericized Trademark

So I have trying to figure out the word that describes when we use a brand name to decribe something general. For example, Kleenex is a brand name whereas tissue is the general term. However, we usually ask for a kleenex not a tissue. Some other examples are Xerox, Speedo, Band-Aid, Dumpster, Frisbee, iPod, Popsicle, Q-tips, and Tupperware. There are plenty more but I want you to tell me what are some you can think of. I still have not figured out the word that denotes it but I am still looking. I thought it was onomatopoeia but that is not correct. Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it is describing such as "boom", "click", or "slurp". Kelli if onomatopoeia doesn't bring up some funny memories from way back when I will be dissappointed.
Also, I just love Palindromes. I think I am going to name all my children with palindromic names. Any ideas? Here are two good palindromes... "Sit on a potato pan, Otis" or "A man, a plan, a canal - panama".
I know I am so lame but things are just so interesting to me. See if your kids can come up with some easy palindromes.

Things About Me

Okay, so after reading many other blogs I notice that people like to make lists about themselves so here is my attempt. I don't know that I will surprise any of you but here you go.

1. I am not a cute blogger. It is just enough for me to update. Maybe the summer will bring better blogging.

2. I have a new fascination with crossword puzzles. I have been able to learn so many new vocabulary words. Also, I get a little pleasure from completing a full crossword without help.

3. When I go on a plane I have I always travel with People magazine and strawberry Mentos. I never go on a plane without those two essential items.

4. I love to shop for other people. I could spend hours shopping for someone else. The only rule is that you have to try on what I give you. You don't have to like it but you have to try it on.

5. I use the restroom at least twice as much as every I know. I always have to pee. I wake up at least once a night to use the restroom. What will happen if I ever get pregnant?

6. I love a man with a hot body in a speedo (Teri knows what I am talking about). If you don't agree then I encourage you to watch the Summer Olympics this year and focus on Micheal Phelps. Holy Moly!

7. I love taking naps. I always have. Again, what am I going to do if I ever have children.

8. I think the world of my friends. I wish I could take Ana's genuine love for others, Teri's desire, Misty's quick humor, Stephanie's laid backness, Kelli's creativity, Melissa's giving nature, and Lindsey's boobs (haha just kidding), I mean Lindsey's courage and wrap it up in me. If I had even a little of this I would could myself lucky.

9. I don't cry often but when I do the flood gates open and it is hysterical tears. I don't find this a strength but a weakness. Thank you to Teri and Ana and Kelli and Melissa and Lindsey who are the few who have experienced.

10. This was super hard.

Only Nine more Days, Only Twenty more Days

Only nine more wake-ups until summer vacation. I tell you what... I think I am anticipating summer vacation more than the students. I love getting the summer off. Melissa, I am ready for the swimming pool. Oh, but you will have a new baby. You might be out of commission. I will just have to come up and play in the hose with your children. There is this new place open in Sandy that is called Bounce U that is just a bunch of bouncy toys. You guys should check it out. It looks like a ton of fun.
Only twenty more days until Teri and I leave for Europe. I am so excited that Teri is coming this year. I love Europe last year but I got a little homesick after the first week. I had to call Teri a couple of times all the way from Europe to make myself feel better. It will be nice to share it will someone I love (hehe). I am a little nervous however because it is not English speaking. It is a good thing Teri will be there to calm my anxiety.

I have to thank Kelli and Melissa for the nice comments you made on my last entry. You two are awesome. I love that we have been friends for so long. I know I haven't been the best at keeping in touch but I always know you guys are there when I need you. Thanks. I love you guys and I adore your children.

Unmotivated

I am so unmotivated to work today. It has been the longest week of my life and I am just waiting for 3:30 to come so I can go home and have a great weekend. Maybe I will skip out like 15 minutes early. I am such a rebel.
I am a little nervous about the Jazz game tonight. I just really want them to beat the Lakers. When it comes down to it my day will still go on the same if they lose but it is always fun to see them win. Big night. Go Jazz

Okay so Kelli did this on her blog so I am doing it. This way Kelli you can get back at me for what I said on your blog. Don't be too harsh. Teri and Matt - I also expect you to participate.

Tori is __________________.

Red and White Party and Grey's Blessing

We had a all Red and White party yesterday to celebrate Teri, Misty, and Stephanie all getting into their programs and the University of Utah. Teri is going to nursing school, Misty to graduate school to be a school counselor (no influence from me at all), and Stephanie to PA school. So basically I am the only one not going to school. Maybe I'll look into going back. I am addicted to school. I just wish I wouldn't have to do any homework. Anyway, all the food was red and white and we were all dressed in red and white. It was a lot of fun. Unfortunately some people did not get the memo of the red and white but whatever. Here are some pics. I didn't like any of the ones with me that were serious so I am just posting the funny ones.

Also, my only nephew got blessed today. He is so cute. I tell you what, I just don't think there is anything better than nieces and nephews. I know I don't have children yet but I get the best of them. I get to play with them and then send them back when they are annoying me or when they are being brats. I love it. Here are some pics of that as well.

So Sorry

Alright all of you who have gotten on my about not posting for the last week. I am so sorry. The problem is nothing exciting happens in my life so I don't have a lot to say. But I will try and make this interesting for you. It is amazing how fast I type now that I do it on a regular basis. My students are always amazed. It is nice to have some talents.
Let me just tell you what happened to me yesterday. It has been crazy busy at work. May is such a busy time in schools because every student in the state of Utah has to take their state tests for Math, Science, and Language Arts (that English for those of you who haven't been in school for awhile). I am in charge of making sure at least 97% of our students take these tests. That is roughly 3000 tests that need to be administered. Anyway, we are also doing online testing as a pilot program for the district. It has been a lot of work and super frustrating for me. Anyway, yesterday I forgot to start the students tests from the server so when they logged in they couldn't start. So I was running (literally running) down the long hallway to get that test started. A teacher says to me "Hey, do you have a minute? I need to talk with you." First of all, if I had a minute do you think I would be running down the hallway especially since one of the rules is no running in the halls. I followed with "Not right now. I am busy but I can talk to you later." Now any courteous person would think "Oh she must be busy. She is running down the hall and said she couldn't talk right now". Not this special teacher. He followed me into the room and proceeded to tell me his concern. He wanted to let a student retake the state test because he didn't do well. That is like the biggest no no ever. I would lose my job if I did that. I told him no but he wanted to argue with me. I finally said "I can't talk to you about this right now. I've got to get this done pronto so I will come talk to you later." He left upset with me (what's new. This guy is always upset with me). Anyway, as Teri would say "Are you joking me." Next time any of you see me running down the hall and I say I can't talk right now because I am busy please do not follow me into the room and persist to argue with me. So annoying.
Well, now you know how my week has been and next week is going to be even crazier. Enjoy