That's Crazy Talk

This is for Kelli

2008-09-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-08-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T21:56:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-30T12:02:00.001-07:00

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)

2008-06-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-29T17:20:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-27T06:56:00.001-07:00

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.

Berlin, Germany

2008-06-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've decided to Post my favorite pictures of our trip by the city. That way you will have something to look forward to rather than getting it all at once. Hopefully I can remember all the fun stuff. I didn't write things down like a should have.

Our first couple of days we spent in Berlin, Germany. Berlin has amazing history. Most of the city was destroyed in WWII so the city is pretty new. We visited the Berlin Wall, Bradenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Berliner Dome, some museums (but my back hurt so much this day that I didn't get a lot out of the museums), and experienced for the first time the chaos of the Euro Cup. More to come later about that. Here are some of my favorite pics.

Down the middle of Berlin there is a stone path that lines where the wall once stood. It is cool to see but sobering to see how the city was divided. I won't go into the history behind the wall because you probably already know so if you want more info let me know.

This is me standing in front of some of the last remnants of the wall. There were actually two walls, the East wall and the West wall. Between the two walls was no mans land which was patrolled by guards and by ferocious dogs. Many people who tried to escape were killed in no mans land.
This is Teri outside Zwinger Museum in Dresden, Germany. The museum was cool but it was so much better outside. The gardens were beautiful. This was the only day it rained on us.

Teri and I outside Checkpoint Charlie museum in Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was a place in which people could travel from West to East Berlin. West Berliners could go into East Berlin but East Berliners could not leave. There is a museum here that has a lot of info. It shows how people tried to escape and so forth. No pictures were allowed or I would have shown you how people climbed into the littlest places to get across the wall.
Me outside Zwinger Museum kissing a statue. Would you expect any less from me?
Me in the Holocaust Memorial. This is one of the coolest memorials I have ever seen. It was all of these pillars which were all different heights in rows and columns. You could walk through them. It was surprising how confining it felt. I spent a lot of time walking through just soaking it up.

We also saw where Hitler was finally killed. It is a parking lot now. They don't celebrate him in any way but they also don't hide their history.

This is Teri and I in front of a very odd sculpture. You can't see the real essence but from the side it looked like a man's "uhum" instead of arms. We tried to imitate it.

Tomorrow will be Prague (my favorite big city of the trip). Unfortunately, Teri's and my camera's both died in Prague so we don't have as many pics as we would have liked.

We're Back

2008-06-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Teri and I made it home. We are back with bells on. It is odd coming home after such a long time. We had a lot of fun and it was so nice to escape but at the same time it is nice to come home to reality again. I love my shower and my free toilet. And I love, love, love ice. I woke up last night and didn't know where I was. I was in a panic because I couldn't find Teri and I didn't know what hotel I was in. I guess that is the hazard of traveling.

So I need your help. I want to post pictures of our trip but I don't know how to do it. I have a ton but obviously I can't post them all. How would you like to see them. You want them by city. You want just my favorites. You want the ones with stories behind them. What is the best way to organize it? Don't just say you want to see them all. I really need help here in how the best way to do it is.

Let me know

Most Likely Last

2008-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

This will most likely be my last post. We are in Munich but we are leaving tomorrow for Heidleberg. We went to a concentration camp today which was very sobering. It was really interesting. I will have to tell you all about it when I can do it in person.
Of course you are not no one Ana. I love and miss you very much. We tried to call you today but you didn't answer. We think about you all the time and how much fun we would have with you. We always say Ana would do this or Ana would like this. We would be laughing a lot.
I pretended to speak German today. It was really funny but I can't really give you the full effect over blog.
We will be home in a couple of days and don't worry we already have massages scheduled and are planning a cafe rio trip. I am tired of the food here. Too much bread and no vegitables.

Love you all

Hello, Anyone there

2008-06-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

Here I am updating my blog and no one is even commenting. Lame
We are in Vienna. It is the home of the Euro Cup which is like the Superbowl of Europe. It is crazy here.

This keyboard sucks. I will post later.

Are You Hungary?

2008-06-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Teri and I are now in Budapest, Hungary. We spent the last two days in Prague which was such a beautiful city. We had a little bit of an incident when I tried on a ring and I could not for the life of me get it off my finger. I went into panic, claustrophobic (spelling) mode as I tried to pull it off. Teri was trying to help as the worker Czech lady watched. My finger was turning purple as I squeezed all the fat up and the ring stayed put. Teri gave me some lotion and we pulled and pulled and pulled. It was so painful but I was so distraught I just wanted it off my finger. I didn't even care if I had to buy it for five Euros I just couldn't breathe with it stuck. anyway, Teri got it off finally and we hurried and ran away laughing. Wow, what a funny story. I hope you are appreciating this Ana.

We had another experience with a drunk Slovack today but I don't have time to write about it. I will post it later.

We Made It

2008-06-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Teri and I made it Berlin after a really long flight.
We spent the day yesterday around Berlin and will see more of it today.
We saw the Brandenbur Gate (spelling) yesterday as well as a Holocaust Memorial which was one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I will post pics when I get back. We also saw Hitler's bunker where he was killed which is now a parking lot because they don't like to celebrate him or give him a memorial which is understanding. I will keep you posted when I have more time and info.

Keep Watch

2008-06-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Teri and I won't have much access to internet while on our trip. Therefore, instead of emailing everyone I will try to update my blog when I can. That way everyone can see. Have fun and we will see you when we get back.

First Campfire of the Summer

2008-06-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

I had the first campfire of the summer with some friends tonight. We made tinfoil dinners and just enjoyed the fire. It was a little chilly but with the fire going it wasn't bad. Yes, I did eat Elk meat for dinner. I didn't know it was Elk meat until after I took a bite but that doesn't bother me. I am not picky with food. I am the girl who ate haggis and actually enjoyed it. It was funny because they didn't want to tell me it was Elk until after I tried it because they thought I wouldn't eat it. It was really good though. I love tinfoil dinners. I could do camping more regularly if it meant I got to come home to my bed for the night.

Stair Sledding

2008-06-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the video. We are just lucky I got it to work nevermind rotating it. Sorry
This is what thirty somethings do in their spare time.

The Big DDay

2008-06-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

So June 6th, 1944 was D Day. D Day was an invasion in Normandy, France during World War II. June 6th, 1979 was the D Day of my birth. This birthday has been a little different for me. I am usually super excited for my birthday but being that this is my last year of the twenties. Kind of shocking. Wow, I am almost out of my twenties.
Anyway, I went to lunch with my mom and dad and Riley. She is a crazy lady. A very crazy lady. Then I just took it easy. Tonight I went to dinner with my friends. We went to the Spaghetti Factory because I was craving Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese pasta. It didn't disappoint.
We then came home and Misty and Stephanie made some caramel popcorn and Teri and I decided we wanted to get crazy. We put the Love Sac at the bottom of the stairs and I rode a sled down the stairs into it. I convinced Matt to ride with me and the video shows how that turned out. Matt thinks he broke his foot. I think he is a big baby. Well, just kidding, it won't let me upload the video so just pretend you saw me fall off the sled and down the stairs.

Boise Bonanza

2008-06-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

So Teri and I spent a bit of time in Boise over Memorial Day weekend with our friend Emily. It was short but a lot of fun. The worst part was the fact that it took us six hours to get there. It took us an hour to get from our house to Centerville. I hate Davis County traffic. We left at four thinking that we would miss the traffic but no such luck. There are not many things that drive me more nuts than Davis County traffic.
Anyway, we went to the Farmer's Market, did a bit of shopping (no I did not buy anything), and went to Cirque du Solei. The show was amazing. It is so crazy how people are so talented and can contort their bodies in many different ways. The best however is the Peking Acrobats. If you ever have a chance to see the Peking Acrobats make sure you go.
Also, Wicked is coming to Utah. Make sure you get tickets.
On Sunday we went to see the engineers release water from a damn. I don't know all the science and math behind it so just look at the pictures. Apparently there is too much water right now and they don't need it to produce energy so they release it. They do it once a year around Memorial Day. It was cool to see. Think what this world would be like without engineered minded people. We would be lost.
That last picture is of me and Roxy. Roxy just loved me. She followed me around and wanted to sleep with me. I didn't mind until she licked me. I hate when dogs lick me.

You Know You Are Old When

2008-06-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

You Know You Are Old When:

You wake up and your back hurts so bad that you can't even walk for the entire day. Seriously, I cannot walk today. It is super ridiculous. I feel like I broke my back.

You are no longer excited for your birthday. I am the girl who will remind you every day for four weeks that my birthday is coming. This time I am not really that excited.

You realize that you are now considered a Maam at department stores.

Your students say things like "Ms. Gillett, I know you are old but you should try this or that". (True story)

You have nieces that are to old/big to pick up and play with.

You can no longer drive four hours without needing to use the restroom.

You are tired no matter how many hours of sleep you get.

You opt for the comfortable clothes rather than the cute ones.

Again, your back hurts so much you don't even want to move.

Nothing Exciting

2008-06-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know how you all can post so frequently. I just have nothing exciting going on.

I did go to the driving range the other day and figured out the obsessive love people have for golf. Here is my theory. Golf is so darn hard that when you actually hit a good shot it is all worth it and you just want to continue hitting well. However, after I hit a good shot I usually follow it up by missing the ball completely. I think golf is the most difficult thing I have ever tried to do. I don't fail at much but I am a failure at golf.

I bore my testimony in church yesterday. My friend Steve has been asking me to since January so I finally did it. I don't know how you all do that regularly. That is so terrifying to me. I totally was blank. I don't think I looked at the congregation once. I have never spoken in church as an adult. Can you believe it? I am on an 11 year run of dodging speaking. I think that is some kind of record.

Two more days and school is out. Seven more days till Europe. Anyone free to pick us up from the airport super late?

Genericized Trademark

2008-05-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

Holy Moly

2008-04-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

As I promised earlier I will now explain where the phrase Holy Moly is derived from. Moly is an herb similar to garlic which in earlier times people used to considered in a sense magical. People used it in spiritual situations for healing and such. Hence the term Holy Moly. Now many of you might think I am full of crap but it is true.

When You Need Your Mom

2008-04-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Every once and awhile something happens that makes you want to scream "I need my mom". As an almost 29 year old (gulp) I don't call upon my mom for many things but this weekend I really needed her. I was not feeling well on Friday. I think it was some type of stomach flu. As I was sitting with my head over the toilet I kept thinking "I just want my mom to hold my hair back for me and rub my back while I vomit all this stuff up." Only a mothers love could be patient enough to watch as a child is throwing up. It is just not the same when you have to hold your own hair back. I commend all you mothers out there. You put up with some really gross stuff.

Parent Teacher Conferences

2008-04-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting here at Parent Teacher Conferences which makes for a really long day. I work from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. What is a girl to do with all that time. I highly encourage all of you parents to make sure you attend parent teacher conferences. Even if you have stellar children with great grades and behavior it is important you show your support to the teachers and the school.

I am tracking the University of Utah gymnastics right now. It is the national championships and I am pulling for them. They have been so well. I hope they can pull off the upset and kick Georgia around a little bit. Gymnastics is so amazing. Can you imagine trying to spin around on a bar? Are you kidding me? Holy Moly, it is amazing.

Many of you know that I use the term Holy Moly a lot. I now know where that statement comes from. Check back at a later date and I will give you the origin.

Useless knowledge of the day: Only female mosquitoes bite. Male mosquitoes get their nutrients from nectar and such. However, females need the sugar from blood for reproduction. I just thought you all might be interested.

Internet Safety

2008-04-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

So I taught a course on internet safety yesterday to a group of young women and young men for a friend of mine. Internet safety is something I feel so strongly about. I live on the internet and I use it for everything but I strongly believe that parents and students really need to be aware of the dangers that come with internet. Also, we need to be educated on the proper precautions to take. Those of you with children, I highly encourage you to teach your children about the internet and what is safe and what is not. Kids just don't see the dangers of giving out their personal information to strangers. You can't start too young. My six year old niece knows how to navigate the internet and now that she is learing to read and spell it can be scary.

Also, I created this blog on the request of a couple of my close friends. However, I tend to forget to update it. I am doing really well on my new goal of keeping it updated but I need to know if anyone is paying attention. Let me know if you are visiting it frequently. That way I can justify it. I know it is not all cute yet but that will come. Maybe in the summer when I have nothing to do.

I love Trees

2008-04-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

So I have been out of town for the past weekend (sorry Kelli, I know my goal was to blog more often but I was gone). I went to North Carolina and I have to say I just love trees everywhere. When you are driving down the freeway all you can see are trees. You can't even tell there is a shopping mall right in the middle. It was great. Unfortunately I am not as happy with my camera as some people and I didn't take a lot of pictures. Sorry about that. But I had a great time and am a little sad to be home and facing the real world again. Blah

What Causes Physical Emotions

2008-04-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

So I have random thoughts quite often. I like knowing useless knowledge but I also try to comprehend how our physical bodies connect with our spiritual selves. I wonder why it is that we feel emotion so strongly in our hearts. Why is it that emotional pain is so much more unbearable than physical pain? Why does your heart feel so much when you are sad, upset, heartbroken, etc.? I would rather be in total physical pain then being heartbroken. I wonder what our bodies go through to cause that pain. I understand that so much of our emotions are connected to our spiritual selves but there has to be a physical reaction also. Is it the nervous system? I don't know. If anyone has a good answer let me know. Is it just more evidence that we have a spiritual self. My friend Dan told me that your brain does not have pain receptors, therefore you can not feel pain in our brains. More proof that our mind and bodies are separate. Interesting don't you think?

New Goal

2008-04-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have a new goal to keep up to date with my blog. I don't know if I will be as diligent as Kelli but I will certainly do my best.

Yesterday was beauty day for my nieces and myself. They slept over on Friday evening and we went to the salon on Saturday. They got their hair cut and curled. It was so fun and they were so excited. My only two gripes are the fact that they woke me up at 7:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning and that I spoil them too much and spend too much money on them. I just love them too much I guess.

They were so funny. They kept wanting to call and text all my friends. They got so excited when a text buzzed them. I was getting such a kick out of it. Thank you to all my friends who were such good sports in humoring them.

I have spent way too much money this past month. Holy Moly. Usually I am pretty good about keeping a budget. I guess there was just too much going on these past couple of weeks. I was planning on doing a bunch of shopping in North Carolina but that might change to just a little bit of shopping. Sorry Dan.

Anyway, I could go on for days with all the fun stuff to put on my blog but since I have made a new goal I will save some of it for later.

P.S. Here are my new shoes I just bought. I feel like a 14 year old when I wear them.

Blogger Illiterate

2008-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

So... Thanks to my good friend Kelli, I now know how to work this blogger thing. I can't tell you have lame I felt because I couldn't figure the dumb thing out. I am not computer illiterate but apparently I am blogger illiterate.
Anyway, welcome and there is more to come. Go UTES!

Um... help

2008-02-05T16:40:00.001-08:00

So I am not really sure what I am doing. Someone help