Sharing Time

Starting the morning off right

2012-01-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

Drinking DDP with a red vine as a straw.

You should get a fish

2012-01-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

As I was correcting online persuasive essays about a new pet, I see a note from one of my students:

Damon - January 19 - 8:03 PM

i was mad and made it a stupid as possible so read it

So naturally, I read it.
Here it is for your entertainment. (Names are always changed when I talk about my students)

Dear, Tyler

You should get a fish because they are stupid and pointless because they don't do anything. And when ever they do something is when you put food at the top and they come up or when you stick something in they will move. And when they move they have a heart attack because they are so fat and ugly so they die and you never see them again and you will cry and blame the pet store then get a new one then it will die and again and agian.

Plus if you dont feed them then they die then you can eat it unless it was dead for such a long time it will rot and decay and then it will just be a good hair brush and then you can do your hair in school because it is small and the teacher wouldn't notice so then if she found out you would get in trouble about a 100%. and if you got in trouble you couldnt be on student council because your life would be corupted and never grow up and become a hobo and make 0.01 cents a year and die from starvasion.

and you could put it in a bowl with another fish and see them fight and then it will become fat and then it would be delicous to eat because you made it fat. and then if you didn't feed it and then it died you could use the bone as a hair brush in school and brush your hair and then get in trouble but that is about 100% and then your life would be corupded and then you will be a hobo then live under a bridge and earn 0.01 cents a year.

Love Damon,

My Dad's the smartest dad

2012-01-19T11:49:00.002-07:00

My dad used to ride the unicycle. He found out that one of the neighborhood teenagers got one for Christmas. So as we were out delivering Gina's wedding announcements, we stopped by their house and asked to borrow their unicycle.

I wish I had a funny story to go along with this. It was fun watching him try to get on in the grass then finally get on holding to the basketball pole. But he didn't risk riding it; he said he'd try after the wedding so he wouldn't have a sling or wheelchair for the pictures.

You're the smartest, Dad.

Dasher the Creeper

2012-01-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

My lil pup I got for my parents for Christmas last year sleeps in my bed at night.

One morning I awoke to the feeling that someone was watching me.

I look over to Dash, and he is staring at me. He'd been watching me sleep.

Yesterday I awoke to a pleasant scene. Dash had somehow nuzzled beneath the blanket and sheet and laid his head on the pillow next to mine. It's like he thinks he's a human.

Four Day Weekend!!!!!

2012-01-14T11:25:00.001-07:00

Usually I would think like this:
"I have a four day weekend and three days left!"
But instead I'm thinking:
"I've already wasted almost half of my four-day weekend." :(

No, it should be good. Here, I'll cheer myself up. Today I'm going to Park City with ma girls and we're going to go shopping and eat amazing food! Then we'll have a sleepover! It'll be amazing. Can't wait.

My IQ

2012-01-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

      IQ Test from Quiz Rocket!

Quizzes: Customer Engagement

2012-01-10T21:27:00.001-07:00

Ty: Who invented wiring?
Caleb: Bob Marley
Ty: Really?
Daven: It's true. He did.

Later...
Daven: I am going to lose something tonight.

New Years Resolution

2011-12-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

I am starting to think of what resolutions I'd like to make for the new year. I (H) shared one with my mom (M) today:

H: For my new year's resolution, I am going to pay whoever hears me swear $1.
M: Why are you deciding to not swear anymore?
H: Because it's bad
M: But it's funny
H: (confused)
M: When you swear, it's because you are startled. You don't swear out of anger. So it's not bad.
H: (Thinking of the times I swear. She has a point. Who's parents encourage swearing? Mine. Swearing abstinence? It's not going to happen.) You are the coolest mom.

Here's to New Years Resolutions.

I'm sorry but I just can't stop laughing

2011-12-22T21:14:00.001-07:00

at this:

Source: google.com via JasonMickie on Pinterest

I was just watching an SNL clip

2011-12-21T22:01:00.002-07:00

and laughing out loud
After a minute of this hilarity I hear my parents walking down the hall. First my mom comes in, then my dad. My face was covered by my laptop screen. They both stand by my bedside and look concerned, then relieved when my face came into view.
I thought they were coming in for family prayer or something. No. They were checking on me. My dad heard what he thought was crying, called my mom up, and both came to see what was the matter.
I wish I was a little bit quicker. Like splashed some water on my face and see what they would do if I really was crying. Too cute. I love them.

My Father's Foul Mouth

2011-12-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

One of the many perks of living with my parents is hearing my dad swear. He would never swear in front of me and it is always a treat when I catch him. He thinks I'm downstairs or that no one is home. Here are a couple instances within just this month: (insert appropriate swear word in place of 'BEEP')

D: Son of a BEEP!
H: DAD!
D: My cell phone fell in the toilet!

D: [watching TV] Holy BEEP!
H: [In my room down the hall] DAD!
D: What?!
H: You just said "Holy S"
D: I said "Holy Shiite Muslim!" They're showing all the actors and actresses that have died in the last year. And I recognize a lot of em!....Oh David Nelson died! Ricky Nelson's brother! I didn't know that! He was a good man.

The Penny War!

2011-12-09T22:21:00.001-07:00

Today was the last day of a week of the Penny War.

I have a strategy that would blow your mind. I am not going to tell you for fear it will leak to my co-workers. But it was approved by the principal so not cheating.
Here are some things I will share with you, just to give you a glimpse:

I stand out in the hall by my jar and hand out m&m's to kids. Sometimes it will be one m&m to every kid that passes. Sometimes to kids that put pennies in my jar. Even though they should put pennies in their OWN jars :)
I remind the kids to "bomb" (put silver coins) in the #1 teacher's jar (which was never me, I lay low till the last day)
AND I have pep talks with my own kids at least once a day, giving them updates to my strategy for that day or just telling them how exciting it all is. We've become closer from this penny war.

Last year I won the trophy for making the most MONEY, which means I got bombed more than I had pennies and dollars. But this year I wanted to win the trophy for most POINTS (and I did.) So I made sure I didn't make any enemies with the other kids at school. I wanted everyone to be on my side. Thus, I handed out m&m's to all and got them to bomb the right classes.
My class raised almost $300...that is almost $10 a kid! They caught my competitive, over-zealous obsession. With constant reminders to them (and mostly myself) that this money is for families in need, we kept bringing in the dough. It was a fun week to be a teacher and take part in this thrilling game. Even if we hadn't won a trophy or the pizza party that comes with it, we have amazing memories and the fun of knowing we were bringing Christmas to families in need.

Nailed Christmas

2011-12-07T11:40:00.001-07:00

Do you like my fingernails?

Heart Attack!

2011-12-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

I got HEART ATTACKED!

My carpool friend noticed I was having a rough morning on the way to work.
By lunch I was seriously considering calling in a sub and leaving, I just wasn't my normal happy self and it was weighing on me.
Well I walk in the classroom door from lunch to find all my students working on Daily Oral Language. I was so surprised and gave them two class letters. I didn't notice until they pointed them out, but there were pink hearts all over the classroom! On the table and counter tops, on the cupboards and walls, "you're the best in the world!" on the globe. They were notes from my carpool's class and my own. I was so touched that I started crying. And it got pretty awkward because 5th graders don't cry when they are happy. So I told them to bring it in for a class hug. We had a good laugh as we gathered, layer upon layer, in a circle to embrace.

I LOVE MY JOB and my KIDS and my dearest carpool friend.

Sick joke gone good

2011-12-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

I was approached by one of my dear students with this Christmas gift today.

In case you can't read the quote, it says "I'm going there someday..."
My first reaction was "Ummm...are they trying to hint that I should get married?"
It was borderline offensive. Not really, but I seriously thought they chose a special quote for me because I am not married yet... haha.
But then I looked at the actual temple. I had never seen this temple before. So I asked the student what temple it was.
"The Payson Temple!"
My reaction caused the rest of the class to gather round and take a look.
Isn't is beautiful?
I AM going there someday! I love and treasure this gift and can't wait for it to be built.

Poutine

2011-12-06T09:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you have heard of poutine, but it it french fries, gravy, and cheese. You eat it with a fork like a meal. And the way it feels in your tummy is like a cozy Christmas morning.

I had this yesterday for the first time. My friend Coryse has family in Canada so they make it all the time. With scratch from whole potatoes.

I will never be the same!

2011-12-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

some things
don't matter as much
when the things that matter
matter

My top 3

2011-11-27T00:01:00.001-07:00

Favorite engagement pictures
I was cut out of these, I am a little offended

But I want to be a part of this relationship. They are that great. I couldn't be happier for my sweet sister!

I'm getting sick

2011-11-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

I told my parents individually that I wasn't feeling well and here are their responses:
Mom: You are burning the candle at both ends
I had her explain what that even means.
Dad: You're a hypochondriac

I have a very large feather down coat. It goes down to my mid-calf region.
I came downstairs this morning and my dad, noticing this oversized covering, began to tell me how warm it'll be today. Something about the cloud cover and blah blah blah. He would have to set me on fire to convince me to remove it. I have had it on all day. And I'm inside. It's like wearing a quilt.

Mr. Mysterious

2011-11-17T13:33:00.001-07:00

As I read with my reading groups at the back table, I don't want to be interrupted by the rest of the students. So I have them write their name in one of these columns if they have a comment (C) question (?) or an emergency (911.) I get to them when I have a break between meeting with groups.

Mr. Mysterious had a question today.
This has happened a few times and I still don't know who Mr. Mysterious is.
I can't wait to hear what his question is.

Wax Museum

2011-11-15T16:19:00.001-07:00

Today is the day 5th graders dress up as a famous American. They stand out in the hall all afternoon and for an hour in the evening. When their home-made button is pushed, they come to life and tell you, in first person, about their famous American.

I loved listening to each individual student and their memorized speech. They always take it way too far (and usually it's the parents that are more intense about it...but that makes it a bigger deal which makes it way cooler.)

One kid brought in a Taboo buzzer. He put it in his desk, went to the restroom, came back, and it wasn't in his desk anymore. I asked around, no one fessed. I had a kid come up to me, privately, saying he thought he heard a buzzing. "It could have been a bee though, or someone's phone vibrating or something..." Very helpful, thank you.
So after tears, mom coming down to the school, and a visit from the principal giving my class a talk about stealing, we found it. In his desk.

As an aside, I'd like to say I am sensitive. But I strive to be as reasonable as possible, especially when my kids cry. I try to make whatever they are crying about not a big deal so they stop crying.

So that kicked off today's theme: It was all about the buttons. It took an hour to make the coolest button, complete with springing paper affixed between two shapes and a message that says "push me." You had the constant "buzz" from the taboo buzzer, the 1st and 2nd graders running up and down the rows of fifth graders, pushing their buttons, and of course the tattle tellers: "Colton says 'you suck' whenever someone pushes his button!"

We're doing things a little differently in our ward.

2011-11-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

I was released from Music a week ago. Here is my favorite memory.

I was the chorister for sacrament meeting, and the opening hymn was "How Firm a Foundation"
After singing it, we had ward business, etc.
Then the bishopric member that was conducing stands up to tell us the next hymn for the sacrament.
"We're going to do the sacrament a little differently today. We will prepare for the sacrament by singing hymn number 85, "How Firm a Foundation."

Maybe you had to be there. But it was pretty awkward. So I stood up and pointed to the display and we sang a sacrament hymn.

My nephew is adorable

2011-11-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

"How come grampa jabs food in his mouth and chews it so fast making this sound (Makes loud chomping sound)"

I laugh

"How COME?!"

(pictured left)

This spelling test won

2011-11-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Nature

2011-11-03T23:07:00.002-06:00

One thing I don't do enough is observe.
Mostly in nature.
Today I was just driving slowly down a residential road. Obviously en route home. I like to take the back way because there is less to deal with. Less traffic. Less traffic lights. Less people.
I like to look up at the tall trees lining the roads and specifically notice the gradual change on a single tree...from green to vibrant oranges, light yellows, or bold reds.

And that is what I feel is lacking when I go to a large city. There is nature there, but not enough to really notice. There are some exceptions, but you know what I mean.
Being indoors and with winter coming up...I'm really trying to soak all the beauty in. Snow is beautiful, but it overstays its welcome...
I find it interesting that we feel closest to God when we are surrounded by His creations. How often I overlook them and take for granted those opportunities to feel peace.

I am a believer of Abnormal J's

2011-10-27T11:16:00.001-06:00

During silent reading time, a student walks up to me with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Miss Shumway I just noticed something. All the J's in the room are not normal. They are all cursive or written in a weird way or something like that. I just was looking around at all the J's and that is what I noticed."

The thought going through my mind was: "I can relate. I would do the same thing with the letter H... But why J? Your name doesn't even start with J, why do you care about J?"

Oh, I know. You sit next to Josie. Remember your elementary school crushes?

High Heels according to a fifth grade boy

2011-10-26T12:28:00.001-06:00

"High heels look really fun. They have this thing that comes down from the bottom of the shoe with this pad on the bottom and they could be used for like...stilts."

Kina Grannis

2011-10-21T17:04:00.000-06:00

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Naps

2011-10-21T11:28:00.002-06:00

I don't usually share my soul through poetry, so consider this a treat...or a trick

naps are good
naps are great
specially during
my fall break

Ok now I'm wondering why humans don't hibernate?

Swiss Dias

2011-10-14T17:51:00.006-06:00

I saw this painted tin art at Swiss Days in Midway over Labor Day weekend. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I got some great frames, earrings, stickers for nails (tat-toes.) All these things didn't cost very much and so I felt justified in indulging myself. But not the painted tin.

Go to this website and check out their stuff. Let me know if you are breaking the commandment of coveting like me. So I can have your company with my misery. Or give me thousands of dollars.

(Um...seriously click on those links up at the top, I LOVE MY EARRINGS and FRAMES and those stickers stayed on for FIVE WEEKS on my toe nails.)

2011-10-14T17:31:00.001-06:00

I refuse to join. It seems like a bad idea. Maybe when school is out next summer.

I admit I went on the site just barely to get this link.

Another couple reasons why my job is the best

2011-10-04T11:43:00.005-06:00

When I walk by a line of second graders and hear one of them whisper excitedly: "She's the BEST!"

And then coming in from lunch and finding this note on my desk (typed just as she wrote it):

Dear Mis. Shumway
You are a great teacher the best the kids that get you next year will be really lucky.
You understand every thing, likes, dislikes, reading, Math, and thinking.
You can help any Student in the hole world.
You rock have a good school year.
Love your very happy Student
P.S. I loved eating lunch with you
(I let my kids eat lunch with me when their table wins most points)

Isn't that adorable? I literally felt like warm soft cotton fill my heart.

My nephew, after meeting a date

2011-10-02T08:01:00.006-06:00

8 years old, wise beyond his years.
He met a guy I went on a couple dates with, and I asked him what he thought and if he had any advice. Just to see what he would say. Here's some snippets of a beautiful conversation:

"He probably really likes you because he asked you out."
"You should maybe ask him on a date next so he knows you like him."
"You guys will probably get married next summer."
"If you want it to work out, don't fight while you are dating. If you fight while you are dating, it probably won't last."
"If you want to stay married, don't fight for at least the first year. After the first year it's ok."

The FLUSHER!!!!!!

2011-09-30T12:28:00.003-06:00

Once the principal announced my name, dozens of kids ran to line up. They wanted to throw the ball that hit the target that got me soaking. I wore a swim cap and goggles...so glad that I did.

The best part of it all was that I loved it. I liked acting scared, egging the kids on, teasing them, and letting them push it if they missed. (only if they had been or were my students though :)

OK that's not me in this picture, it's my principal that borrowed my swim cap. Same dif.

This morning

2011-09-30T12:16:00.001-06:00

I added two halloween oreos to my protein shake.

Blue Planet

2011-09-26T00:35:00.004-06:00

So I uploaded a bunch of Blue Planet vids to my laptop...and I decided tonight that whenever I can't sleep I'll watch them.

Well I just watched the "Amazon Abyss." Like I feel like going to sleep now. Heck NO! Sweet little nightmarluby. (like lullaby but nightmarelaby?)

The last clip was of a bunch of Paranas devouring a large dead fish they put down in the water. So awesomely disturbing. Maybe that one was the worst of all the Blue Planets.

Sundance Harvest

2011-09-24T17:47:00.002-06:00

Today my mommy, aunt, and cousins Al & Court went to the Sundance Harvest Market. The Market was o.k. and the only reason why I didn't hate it was because they had owls, mini owls, and hawks there! So beautiful to observe. Last but not least, the lift was AMAZING!

mmmm cozy wozy

2011-09-23T17:16:00.001-06:00

so fresh and free

2011-09-23T17:13:00.001-06:00

I am suffering

2011-09-22T12:35:00.002-06:00

from a mild concussion.

The worst part of it is how it happened. My co-workers joke that it sounds just like a story a fifth grader would tell.

I was playing in my friend's back yard. We were playing a spinning game we like to call "teacups"
She dared me to go over her footbridge playing teacups. So I did and she followed, spinning across the river. I was spinning slowly but decided to go a bit faster, seeing I was about over. Well I flew toward the river, hit my head on a rock, my heel on another, and splash. My bottom half was soaked and my head had hot liquid coming out. I didn't black out or anything, but driving the next day and the random tears show that I probably should just take it easy. I'm glad I didn't bite off my tongue or die or anything.

New York tastes good.

2011-09-19T14:15:00.007-06:00

We did a bunch of other fun stuff that I look back on and really enjoy. But my favorite things were pretty basic. Like just walking around Central Park and the city. Oh and eating. I took a picture of everything I ate. Here are my favorites. Now you just have to go to New York and try them!

Breakfast

raspberry crumble muffin from Magnolia Bakery

Eggs Flourentine from Norma's. Those are widdle potatoes. Aren't they adorable?

Chocolate Decadence French Toast from Norma's
Alex Guarnaschelli is in chocoholic heaven at Norma's at Le Parker Meridien in New York, NY, with the Chocolate Decadence French Toast, on the best thing I ever ate.

Pizza

Margarita from Grimaldi's. The best pizza in the world in my humble opinion.

White Pizza from Grimaldi's, the best pizza I've ever had...tied with the above.

Margarita from Lombardi's, the father of pizza in NYC

Boba

Sammiches

Pastrami "Reuben" at Katz's Deli...meat was a bit dry but the experience of going after seeing it on tv was fantastic. The "pastrami reverand" that was on emeril loved me.

Cheese sandwich from E.A.T. Cafe. Best "cheesy" thing Barefoot Contessa has ever ate.

Dessert

Crack Pie from Momofuku milk bar. Addicting? Yes. I get weekly shipments. jk but I should.

Pastries

Red Velvet Cake from Cake Man Raven. Best red velvet in the world...other than my mom's.

More pastries. Ferrara Bakery.
Ferrara Bakery in New York, NY is a favorite of Alex Guarnaschelli on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

I am proud to say I gained 10 pounds within that 5 day period. And I've lost 7 since. I'll keep the existing 3 as a souvenir.

I am going to New York

2011-08-01T10:19:00.002-06:00

In 9 DAYS!!! For the first time in my whole life!

for a period of 4.5 days.

Any recommendations for (listed in order of importance) restaurants, tourist sights, art museums, and shopping? Please comment or email! Thank ya.

Science Teachers + Me = Disaster Series

2011-07-29T06:46:00.005-06:00

Humans that I've encountered that are my teachers in any science usually don't like me. I have always really enjoyed science. Yet I am always confused at my grades...they don't match up. I think I know why. Let's take a walk through memory lane, shall we?:

5th Grade Science. Mr. Jacobs. We had an actual science teacher. It's not like today where a cute, nice teacher like myself teaches my children nearly all subjects. This man had hair growing out his ears. I remember a look he had, saved especially for me. A look that said, in essence, "Who the H are you? Why do you think that way? You are an alien."

7th and 8th Grade Science. Mr Barker. I pity the man after I was finished with him. I argued with him, even when I reached the point that I knew he was right. I did my own experiments, not necessarily assigned. Some of which got me detention. Like sliming glue all over my left hand, letting it dry, and peeling it off ever so carefully. What a cool sensation. And an excellent mold of the crevices of my hand. He didn't think so.

10th Grade. Mr. Belnap. The girl next to me kept making comments about "chemistry" that had nothing to do with science. She was kind of ditsy and hoey. So obviously my male teacher teased her and I lived under her shadow all year. Thank you, ditsy hoe.

11th Grade. Oh yes. Chemistry with Mr. Shelton. He was definitely my favorite. This was a special year, because I wasn't the one the teacher hated. He acted like he hated everyone. Which was so entertaining and I hope to aspire to such a reputation. If you sneezed or coughed, he would say "Shhhhh" and "Shut up." If you asked a question, he would leave a long pause after, so you felt the humiliation of your dumbness. Other kids would laugh to ease the tension. He would move on with his lecture and a straight face without any verbal reinforcement.

But he was special because we knew he loved us and that was his humor. And that made him one of my favorite teachers of all time. It didn't help my grade, but the C- is definitely one of my fondest grades.

College teachers don't count because they don't have time to care about any single student. And elementary education science...well that was impossible to not love.

But right now. This week. I am at a science training up north all week. And of course, of all the teachers training with me, the teacher/professor picks on ME most of all.

He calls me different names to spite me

He will not tell me if I am right or wrong

He makes fun of anywhere south of Salt Lake (he's an idiot)

I actually made a list of things I don't want to do in my own class because he makes me feel like an evil, misbehaved kid. I don't get this from any other teacher! OK I can think of TWO others. But always in science.

So I just read books during his lectures. Luckily we meet in a school library, so I started the Fablehaven series. I love love love it. Already on the 2nd book.

Harry Potter Countdown

2011-07-13T14:25:00.006-06:00

I decided to do something drastic. And I am so glad I decided to make that decision.

I am having/have had a Harry Potter marathon, one move a night, for seven nights, until the final film comes out!

I may or may not have taken the projector I had in my classroom and used it to watch HP in my back yard on a nice big screen. It is so much cooler to watch HP outside.

Let's share the recipes I used!

Butter Beer

The first night I had cream-soda floats (vanilla ice-cream and cream soda) then you mix in butterscotch topping. Then I made something from scratch which peeps seemed to enjoy as well:

What you need:

1 cup light or dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons water

6 tablespoons butter

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cider vinegar

¾ cup heavy cream, divided

Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda

Make it: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer. Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and ¼ heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.

To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about ¼ cup for each glass). Add ¼ cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each. — By Heather Witherspoon, McClatchy Newspapers

After a few nights of Butterbeer, I thought I'd try making Pumpkin Juice! In Harry Potter world, it is served in a bottle with the ingredients listed. I thought it was repulsive to be honest with you. Too strong! The spices were overpowering my pumpkin pumpkin! But I remember the first ingredient was apple juice, so I bought a gallon of that, mixed in a half can of pumpkin pie filling, added a heaping teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and mixed it all together with a beater. I am off sugar so I never tasted it, but the guests said it was good! I'll take their word for it.

I also had:

Licorice Wands (strawberry twizzlers)
Chocolate frog kisses (hershey kisses)
Every-flavor beans (jelly beans...the real ones are costly)

My mom showed me this blog and it blew me away. And I thought I was being creative!

I get to see HP7 part 2 at 6pm tomorrow! Before even you eastern time peeps! I am so excited. But sad that it's the last.

Happy 400th Post!!!

2011-07-13T14:23:00.002-06:00

If you have read all 400 posts, I have a gift for you!!!

Funny thing I like to think about when I am driving

2011-07-05T22:28:00.004-06:00

One time, Gina got a new car. And on the visor it had a note talking about the airbags and warnings that go along with them, etc. She pointed to the visor. "So cool. There is an airbag in there."

Summertime and the livin is easyyy

2011-07-05T21:50:00.004-06:00

I don't work during the summer because I'm a teacher.

The past few summers...I wasn't a teacher, but getting a summer job is next to impossible. I always convince myself that I can get one, but I can never lie when the employer asks what my plans are for fall. I tried lying once but I felt so guilty. And I didn't get the job anyway.

So instead of attempting something I know I will fail at, I took on some random projects.

Project #1 transform my parents yard into a beautiful haven where I may one day have my wedding reception.

I told the above to my neighbor, including the last part. She waited excitedly. Then prompted, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Yes. Here it is: I am a delusional 24 year-old living with my parents, planning my reception before I even begin to seriously date someone. At least that is what her face said. I think it's better this way though. For instance, what if I was dating a dude and gardening and thinking of my reception with him in it? And it didn't work out? Awkward. And tragic. Onto the next project!

Project #2 Tending my nieces. My brother and his wife just had a 4th babe girl. I offered to take the oldest three off their hands whenevs. So that's what I do. I want to get a 7 peaks pass and just take them there every time. They have passes too. 7 peaks is so fun. It's like Disneyland because no matter how old you are, it's a blast.

Project #3 Go to my school at least weekly and work on more projects. Like planning better lessons. I have an impeccable (I just had to look up that word) talent for winging it. I can really tell a difference from getting the job so close to the school year last year and getting a whole summer to plan for this coming school year. These kids better be worth it. JK. But kind of.

Project #4 Organize my music and delete songs I always skip. This is actually really monotonous. I have 41 gigs of music and my iPod is 32 gigs. Plus movies. Hard to sift through. Can anyone relate? Some of this music hasn't even been heard by my ears.

Project #5 Not eat food that is bad.

Project #6 Have lots of parties and events. I want to go to Lagoon. and hike Timp. and of course Harry Potter. My ex-boyfriend asked me to go with him to the midnight showing way back on my birthday. Best birthday gift idea if you can't think of upcoming bday gifts.

There you have it. Six Summer S... can't think of an S word. Other than the swear word.

On the last day of School

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

I sang this song with my guitar to my dear children.

They sang along and we all got a little emotional. I hope they don't let anyone tell them they can't do what they want to. I miss them so much!

Attempted Pup Murder

2011-05-23T11:39:00.005-06:00

There's a dog in my neighborhood. Looks like this one. It has instinctively killed fourteen chickens and laid them in a row without a feather lost. Kind to humans and children, we thought it could make friends with our little shih tzu pup, Dash.

Here he is with his pretty-boy friends:

And that German Shorthair did accept Dash as his friend. In his own way. Luckily he didn't kill dash like it looked like he was doing. If he wanted to, he could have crushed Dasher's ribs with one false munch. And luckily I was there to pull Dash out of what seemed to be murder. As I dove to capture the fleeing pup, I broke my toe. Dash was unharmed and has a positive attitude about his new friend.

Was my broken toe worth saving my pup? yes.
Does my toe hurt? Indeed.
Does school end in exactly 3 days from this moment? HECK YEAH!!!!

And I thought it was going to be just another Friday...

2011-05-13T13:28:00.004-06:00

My kids threw me a surprise dance party when I came into the classroom from lunch. I have the most amazing class in the universe. I was genuinely surprised! How great is that?

they even dressed Bellatrix, our bearded dragon, for the occasion.

Doc Camera

2011-03-29T14:05:00.002-06:00

If I were a hair stylist, this would be like the invention of a comb. If I were a doctor, this would be like bringing in anesthetics. If I were an olympian this would be my gold medal.

I just put a piece of paper under there and the kids see a giant monster of an image. I put an object under there that I don't want to pass around, BAM, it's on the wall enlarged for all to enjoy simultaneously.

I love my doc cam more than I love my students.

hiiiiiiii

2011-03-26T18:53:00.006-06:00

Hi.

Sorry I haven't posted for a while and all you have to look at is the vomit post.

I just have a pretty ordinary life lately and when something cool happens I just share it with people instead of write about it. And when you blog about something you've shared to people that read your blog, there's no point. That's the issue here, repeated sharing. No one likes to be friends with that person that constantly shares the stories to so many people that you have heard it multiple times. And you thought you were the special one, and that they only told it to you!

I still live with my parents. People may wonder if I ever get out or if I just get out with my parents. The answer is: both. For instance, tonight. My parents invited me to go to dinner and a movie with them and my aunt and uncle. Sometimes I accept, sometimes I have something else going on. Tonight, I have other plans. I am going with a group of buddies to DI to get disco clothing and then to classic skating. It will be really fun to just dress up and let go!

At this time of the school year, I realized that I had sick days and vacation days that I haven't used: a total of 5 days! So I am planning two trips. One to San Diego, and one to Florida. In two weeks I'm off to Orlando where I will be united with Harry Potter World!!!! I have an entire week for spring break and I hope that's enough time for Harry.

Then in May I'll be in San Diego to visit my BFF Katherine! Now I just have to figure out my summer...I don't have any trips planned and it's unsettling. I'll probably take a bunch of teacher classes so I can get paid more or something boring like that. Maybe move out of my parents?

Next time I write on here it won't be from my dad's desktop computer in his messy upstairs office. It will be from the new 13" MACBOOK PRO!!!! It's on it's way to me now. I have purchased this particular laptop 3 times this week. The first time was online at apple.com. Then I cancelled the order because Katherine said I could get it cheaper at BYU. The second was through BYU. They said I had to be a student. Then finally I went online to apple.com again, but this time through my teacher website and I got one for $100 off! Boo BYU, thanks for the diploma though.

Did you know they sell MacBook Pros in 24-carat gold? Yeah. and the apple is filled with diamonds.

Speaking of diploma, BYU thinks I am graduating in April again. They sent me a graduation package and notified me of all the events coming up. Silly BYU. I guess you can give me another degree, could it please be a master's? Thanks.

Beastly

2011-03-07T11:12:00.003-07:00

This Friday I went to see the movie Beastly. It's more of a dollar-movie or rental-worthy so wait on it.

I had been feeling pretty queasy the whole movie...I couldn't decide if it was the actor's face or what. Well, on the drive home, I knew it was time. To vomit.

As we were waiting for the green arrow to turn left off University by Riverwoods, I told Ray I was going to vomit. That is usually something my friends and I joke about, so his response was "Are you serious?"
"Yes."
He asked if I wanted him to drive. While we were switching, I started throwing up. A car pulled behind mine and the arrow turned green. Between vomits I motioned for them to go around us. So embarrassing. By the time I was finished, the arrow was green again and I left quite a puddle in the middle of the road. I just really hope I didn't cause a chain reaction with surrounding sympathetic vomiters. And I hope no one really noticed me. But how could they not notice a chick at midnight vomiting in the middle of a huge intersection?

V-day from the parentals

2011-02-14T18:05:00.005-07:00

I walked in my house today after work only to find piles of v-day gifts for my neices and nephews. "Where's my valentine's gift?"
Mom: "What if I didn't get you anything?"
Me, in my head: "typical. always putting grandkids first."

1 hour later my dad came downstairs with two large boxes.
Before he handed them to us, he explained that one of the boxes had two of the same thing, one for me and one for mom.
"Bras?" I asked
His response was an irreplacable facial expression of disgust.
He said that one of the boxes was for my brother and the other gift was two of a similar thing.
"So not romantic" I pointed out.
My mom opened the smaller of the two boxes. It did look like bras at first because they were shiny. But it turned out to be two pair of decent slippers.
We started to try them on to see if they fit.
"I got them from D.I." Dad remarked.
The emotion in the room turned sour. These slippers had comforted another pair of feet, not my own.
After observing our negative response, my dad pointed to the bottoms of the slippers: "Look! She never wore them! These are brand new!"
I think the lady that owned them was probably para or quadriplegic and in a wheelchair.
But when I think about it, I wouldn't want anything else for valentine's day. Thanks Dad, love you too.

G-U-I-T-A-R

2011-02-09T11:26:00.004-07:00

A couple weeks ago I gave my students a spelling test. One of the words was "guitar." I usually give a sentence using the word as I give the test. The sentence I used was: "Guitar. I am attracted to men that play guitar. Guitar."
They giggled and it was just a silly moment of fun.

Well one of the aides at my school (we'll call Mr. Carson) helps in my classroom on Friday afternoons.
(I overheard him say he was engaged.) He comes in and automatically my students attack him with the anticipated question brought about from the spelling test. "DO YOU PLAY GUITAR???"

Mr. Carson: Yes
Class: MISS SHUMWAY!!! HE PLAYS THE GUITAR!!!
Mr. Carson: Students, Mr. Larson is engaged.
Mr. Carson: No I'm not
Me: Oh, well don't you have a girlfriend?
Mr. Carson: No...
Me: (awkward mutters...probably something like "oh...")

For a while I thought he flat out lied to me. Then I found out they broke off their enGAGment.

Half of me wants to say "aren't my kids the worst?" and the other half says "You put this upon yourself." Kill me now.

Isn't this a cool boat?

I go on dates with my parents

2011-02-09T10:30:00.002-07:00

Yep. Sometimes more often than you may be comfortable with. Usually it's dinner and a movie. Last weekend we saw "The Dilemma" and went to my favorite restaurant: Malawi's Pizza. Everyone thinks it's too expensive. I say "Cafe Rio is expensive" and they shut up.

In all seriousness, Malawi's Capri Pizza will blow your brains out of your mind. It is made on wheat dough with fresh mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic. Drooling on my keyboard as I type. I'm off sugar and white bread so maybe that justifies this blog post?

Already a Gramma

2011-02-03T15:44:00.003-07:00

My kids call me "mom" all the time. I'm used to it. But today was different. Today one of them called me Grandma.

Someone kept making a choking sound

2011-01-31T15:40:00.004-07:00

while we were typing papers in the computer lab. As you can imagine, it was very annoying. It would come and go in short spurts so I didn't say anything at first. Then I had it.
"That sound is completely unacceptable unless you have that sound in your paper."

He had it in his paper. It was on his rough draft, he showed me.

Anthropologie in the University Mall?

2011-01-17T17:20:00.003-07:00

My mom was walking through the Uni-mall round Christmastime.

She was surprised to see an Anthropologie!

Knowing it was my favorite, she walked in and browsed.

Having been to an Anthropologie in the past, she wasn't impressed.

After sharing this with me, I realized she mistook Aeropostale for Anthropologie.

hahahaha I still laugh when I think about it.

Today's highlight: one of my 5th grade boys singing Rihanna's "only girl in the world" nonstop.

2011-01-11T21:22:00.003-07:00

Christmas Break & New Year so far

2011-01-09T20:01:00.006-07:00

The epic tale I was talking about was when I gave my parents a pup for Christmas. My dad was TIIIICKED to say the least. But somehow, through prayer and faith, he warmed up to the pooch and we got to keep him.

His name is Dasher, like the reindeer. I don't have a picture right now but I'll get around to it sometime haha.

The other hit of my break was New Year's Eve. I had a mash of a bash party!!! It was semi-formal with martinelli's and confetti poppers at midnight. Then of course some boogieing afterward. Thanks to my dad's DI purchase of two huge speakers and lots of cool beautiful people, it was soooo fun. Next year I will be better about arranging so that more people will kiss.

Coming back Monday was weird. 3 of my students had moved out over the break, which was bittersweet.

One of my students gives me a hug every time I get frustrated. She's the only one that can tell. Once she said "If you were a candy bar, I'd be a fun-size!" I was a little offended, taking it as a fat joke. But of course she meant well so I told her how clever she was. How dare she.

Speaking of which, I joined Gold's Gym. I don't do gyms. But I don't really have a choice do I? I love food but I hate being overweight. I've tried to give up food. But I can't do it. So I guess I'll just compensate. And compensate I did, my cousin and I went all but two days last week. It feels good to exercise, let's just hope I can bring myself to eat healthy too? No, not yet. Baby steps.

The thing I am most excited about this year is all that will happen that I don't plan on. Those are the things that make life fun and unpredictable. How bout you?

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Chrismast

2010-12-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

epic tales to come!

Rube Goldberg

2010-12-23T09:08:00.003-07:00

I went to a reception where they had one of these. Then one of my kids shows me this vid during recess:

I love Rube Goldberg Machines, greatest invention of all time.

This week...

2010-11-21T22:40:00.003-07:00

I am going to Arizona for Thanksgiving!

And I get to meet the car I've owned for over a month. AND DRIVE HIM HOME WITH ME!!!!

It's a 2000 ford contour (and when you say it out loud it sounds like you are saying "2004 contour haha) I haven't named him yet, suggestions welcome. He's white and I would prefer him to not be but oh well that's not his fault.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T17:05:00.003-06:00

My school had Parent-teacher conferences and Friday off. So we all dressed up in our costumes on Wednesday.

I was the wicked witch of the west, AKA "Elphie" AKA I made my kids call me "Miss Wicked" and wouldn't respond to "teacher" or "Miss Shumway."

I acted in character all morning. I whacked each child with my broom, asking them what they were dressed as. I purposely locked the classroom door so that when kids left the classroom (for the restroom usually) they'd be locked out. So I would see them knock and try to get in through the small glass window on the door. And I would point to them and cackle my high witch cackle for a few seconds before I let them in. They loved that. I had a lot of kids wanted to go to the bathroom.

We moved our desks to the side and had a fashion show to techno music. and listened to the "Wicked" sound track all day.

You need a blog makeover.

2010-10-20T11:39:00.003-06:00

My cousin Elissa is an awesome graphic designer (graduated with a DEGREE in it :) and has a new business creating custom blogs. I haven't had her do mine yet but plan on it soon! If you are interested in having her makeover your blog, email her at elissagator@gmail.com for more information and pricing. You can also email her links to blogs you like, let her know colors that you'd prefer, include pictures you want to be included in the blog design, etc. She can do it all!!

Red Ribbon Week

2010-10-18T13:49:00.003-06:00

So of course my students are writing in their journals and talking about drugs.

One of my favorite students comes up to me and shows me a picture she is drawing. It has a cigarette, beer bottle, and tobacco with a circle-slash over them.

Student: What are some other drugs that we don't know about that I could draw?

I didn't know how to respond.

Student: I just need one more to make it look good.

So after a bunch of illegal drugs flashed through my mind, like a syringe, a pill bottle, and a gasoline tank, I decided that a wine glass would be good.

Me: just draw a wine glass.

This moment totally cracked me up and made my day

$29

2010-10-11T17:05:00.002-06:00

During school today, Pandora was playing on the screen of my computer and an advertisement to buy a new phone was on the screen. Students were going outside for recess and one hung back.

student: "Are you looking to buy a new phone?"
Me: "it's just the advertisement, I was playing music"
student: "Well if you are, I could get you $29 off a new phone"
Me: "For you or for me?"
student: "For you"
Me: "Is it some kind of coupon or something?"
student: "No, I just have $729 in my savings account so I could give you $29."

Highlights

2010-10-07T20:18:00.003-06:00

I guess I am not really into blogging these days. Now that I don't spend my day in front of a computer for a job, it's one of the last things on my to do list when I have down time.

Recent highlights in my life are as follows:
Highlight #1 was Sunday. my niece Lexi turned four. We were at a party at her house in-between sessions of conference. Let me back up. Lexi doesn't talk. I try to get her to talk but all I get is a cute smile and maybe an answer provided by her older sister. But when she does talk, it's like heaven. She has the cutest little voice that makes your heart fill up with rainbows and gum drops.
So I was upstairs and the party was on the main floor. Lexi and a couple other random kids were up there with us. And out of no where, Lexi gave me a tour of the entire upstairs! She showed me her room, her closet, and even her favorite shoes: "Dees aw my favwit shoos! I weuw dem aw de time." (These are my favorite shoes, I wear them all the time.) She just talked and talked. It was like it was my birthday. (Lexi's on the right)

Highlight #2 was my dad's bday party on Monday night. The entire fam was on the main floor, enjoying my dad's favorite: spice cake with melt-in-your-mouth brown sugah frosting. A faint beeping could be heard amongst the noise of the kids and conversation. Then a pause. It was the fire alarm downstairs! Ah!
We quickly evacuated the children to the back deck outside whilst my parents and siblings slowly opened the door to the basement. The stairwell was filled with thick, gray smoke which spread to the area around us. Oh so that is why the smoke alarm went off. Gasp. Seconds past and we saw a figure emerging. My brother, Ethan, saving a child. Or what was that in his arms?
A fog machine.
Laughs were had and reactions of my parents relived.

(Just for the record: I was skeptical from the moment I saw that smoke. It didn't smell smokey!)

And highlight #3 was today.
I decided to give my fifth graders 5 minutes of extra recess. A couple girls were attempting round-offs in the field and I had the sudden urge to join them (rare occurance. Believe it or not, I rarely loosen up. The stress of teaching has practically stripped me of my personality:)
So I take off my keys and microphone necklaces and run, showing off my best round-off. Before I knew it, the whole class was lined up, showing off their [safe] tricks. It was just fun to play and have fun without planning or assessing it :)

So there you have it, a lil update. Now I'm going to read some blogs I haven't read in a month! yay!

drool, water, and Malawi

2010-09-05T21:28:00.002-06:00

Everytime I hold a cup of water, I spill it.
Like at this delicious Malawi's pizza place last night
and at dinner tonight
and getting a drink generally. I just forget I'm holding it

And during sunday school because it was fast sunday, I was leaning on my hand thinking about food. And after a few minutes I was like "what the heck, why is my hand wet?"
I was drooling.

Let's see what else. Yeah you need to try out Malawi's. It's in the riverwoods mall. so good. For every meal you buy, they will send a healthy meal to the orphans in Malawi. So I deduct that from my tithing. jk.

I'm officially a teacher

2010-08-24T16:26:00.002-06:00

Because in my teacher inbox, I got the following forwarded message with the subject: "Now THIS is a pencil sharpener" and these pictures when you scroll down

totally incredible.

:

-

A teacher in the hallway just said "176 more days to go!"

2010-08-24T15:21:00.001-06:00

But it was the best first day I've ever had!

A good mistake

2010-08-18T22:07:00.003-06:00

So I drove to Salt Lake for my friend's reception.
And it was yesterday.

So I went shopping at the Gateway instead!

I haven't been shopping in seriously probably over a year. Because I wouldn't allow it, what with the big debt-hole in my pocket. But I am pretty sure I will be getting paid to teach 5th grade so I allotted myself a couple outfits! I am SOOOO excited because I got cute stuff. From my favorite store. Anthropologie. And don't let your jaw drop at that name, the stuff I bought was on sale. :)

And that, my friends, is why my trip to SL was a good mistake.

SUBWAY

2010-08-14T15:09:00.004-06:00

I decided to go to Subway for lunch today.
I hate Subway.
But I had it last month with my cousins and it was yum. I got the Spicy Italian or something. Well on top of the fact that I don't really like sandwiches unless I'm starving or if they are made by me, I decided to see if it's something I'd learn to love.

I get up to the counter and realize I've committed to something that demands that I make a million decisions. The sandwich maker has 7 different meats, 10 choices of bread, 50 different vegetables, and 23.5 sauces to ask me about. And I hate being put on the spot. And I hate making decisions that involve committing. I was going to eat that sandwich and if I decided to put something gross then it would ruin my experience.

Whenever I eat out I usually ask the people that work there what their fav is. Always. Because I can't ever decide and I like them to just tell me what's good.
Well she named off 10 of her favorites. Oh wow. This was going to be epic.
I decided to get the 6 inch club. More meat, right? Because subway sandwiches always have one paper thin layer of meat and 2 stories of vegetables and crap.
Then she asks me what bread. I liked the two with cheese.
"What's the best of these two?"
Um...the italian.
"Ok I'll have the italian"
"the regular or the spiced one?"
She was picking up the spiced one.
"The regular"
she moved her hand to the white bread
"No, the spiced."
"Do you want this toasted?"
"yes." right after I said it, I knew it was a mistake. It's a hot day! Gross.
She turned around to start the toaster
"No, wait, not toasted. Sorry"
The cheese and vegetable part was easy but my jaw dropped when she loaded a truck full of onion and olives on there.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah...cookies. And a drink. So, yeah, the add a meal thing."
"You can have two cookies. Do you want them to be both chocolate chip?"
"yes...wait...um...no. One double chocolate."
"Do you have a subway card?"
"no...."
"Well I'd offer you one but we're out."
phew. I probably would've gotten one because I was done deciding.
"Thanks for bearing with me"
"We've seen a lot worse, you're just fine"
I guess it could be worse.

After taking a couple bites, I felt the olives and onions were overpowering. Took them off. Got through half the sandwich (3 inches) and I had pulled everything off but the meat and cheese. Still couldn't eat the rest.

The cookies were so yum. Specially the chocolate chip. Should've gotten two of those.

Didn't pass the YES test, but oh well

2010-08-14T15:07:00.001-06:00

OK So I don't know how they type in the special code but the peeps didn't type yes. Isn't that crazy? Crazy. How do they do it? I am not going to make my blog private though, because Tawny convinced me not to. I guess it's not that annoying. But still a little bit.

Sorry I've been lame.

2010-08-11T23:50:00.006-06:00

Lately I've just tried to live my life as boring as possible because that is the opposite of how it will be starting next Thursday at 8:30 am. (Meetings start, then school starts (Aug 24), and yeah you know what that means)

I think I want to make this blog private because I get comments in a language I can't read. I wonder if their computers just don't have English letters? Maybe they can read this. If you leave comments in other languages, I appreciate your support in reading my blog. If you actually read my blog, and you are not just leaving random comments, please comment "yes" to this post. Thank you. If there are random characters without yesses, I am going to make this blog private :)

OK I have some posts coming up! I will be posting about how I've decorated my walls in my bedroom, and also about my nieces and nephews day camp that we had yesterday! So fun things. Don't be deceived into thinking my life is all fun and games though. I have been spending an average of 7 hours a day in my classroom! There is always stuff to do and it takes a LONG time! I actually really enjoy it though, because it's MINE and I can do WHATEVER I WANT with it! Wahhahahaha! Oh I decided to wait on a theme...it's taking forever to set up as it is, and to add a theme would be murderous to my well being. So that gives you another year to think of cool ideas!

I remember some of my seminary teachers saying they lived in Payson so I asked around about them and their kids go to my school! And I might teach em. So fun huh? They taught me, I teach their kids, their kids will probably teach my kids, bam bam BAM!

My mom and I went to Brick Oven for lunch today so I wasn't too hungry for dinner. But for some reason I wanted movie popcorn. I didn't want to pop some in my microwave, I wanted to go to the theater and get some of that kind. So I did. And that is what I had for dinner. And I promised myself I'd never eat that unhealthy again. Satisfying? yes. Like the "yes" comments I'll get on this post.

Happy August!

2010-08-01T10:26:00.006-06:00

I decided to count up the total number of interviews I had before I landed this job. Want to know how many?

Conclude what you will from this, I'm just glad it's over :)

What should I call my class?

2010-07-27T20:04:00.003-06:00

maybe have it start with a "sh" so it sounds cooler. like shooting stars or shamrocks. Then I can theme my whole classroom after it! I am going to have so much fun.

When I smell these, I think of killing spiders

2010-07-27T19:51:00.005-06:00

because these are the things I have used to kill spiders my whole life. It's the best way, because there is no contact, just smells.

throughout my life

2010-07-20T22:22:00.012-06:00

I have associated songs with one another if they have the same words. When I was in elementary school the two songs that were most popular to roller skate to at Classic Skating were "Don't Turn Around," by Ace of Base and "total eclipse of the heart," by Bonnie Tyler "TURN AROOOUUUND..." Those songs were ironic, I thought to myself: "what does it take for someone to love you? Turn around or don't?"

Ever since I have naturally paired up songs that say similar things. like "Tick Tock," by ke$ha and "4 minutes," by JT & Madonna "we only got 4 minutes (wicky wick) 4 minutes tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock" By the way Tick Tock has been stuck in my head for months. Booooo.

Then there's these crazy people that show their love by walking 1,000 miles:
"I'm gonna be," by proclaimers (I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more) = 1000 miles and "1,000 miles," by Vanessa Carlton.

Wow, people that write songs. Please google your lyrics so they don't say the same thing as a song that is probably cooler! I'll catch on.

Justin Bieber, I'll let your hit "Find me Somebody to Love" slide. (like Queen's but NOT!) I enjoy that song a hecka lot, JB. so you're ok. Sorry I'm too old for you, maybe if age doesn't count in the hereafter we can work something out.

Anyone found this connection as well? What other songs are the same to you?

CALIFORNIAAAAAA

2010-07-08T12:21:00.003-06:00

I just got back from visiting my friend Katherine in CALIFORNIA!
I drove down with my cousins who were visiting my house last week. The car was packed but I slept most of the way! They live in Orange county so I rode the train down to San Diego where Kath picked me up.
Sunday we went to church and ate food at the bishop's after. stuffed myself. Since it was the fourth we said "hey! let's go watch fireworks!" so we did. Crazy traffic but hey. it's a holiday. what did we expect?

picture of Denise (Kath's cousin) Katherine, and ME at fireworks!

Monday Kath and I waited in line for like an hour for breakfast a Konos. Worth it? YES! Just yum yum food food. It was our first time and people told us to share but we ignored them. We each got the big breakfast which included an english muffin, eggs, amazing potatoes (with cheese and onion) and bacon. We should have shared.
On the way back from breakfast, oh it's now noon by the way, we decided to go to DISNEYLAND! So we did. And it was the best decision I've ever made. Traffic was bad. But again, may I remind myself, what do you expect on the day off for a holiday?
Disneyland was, of course, PIZACKED! But we got to squeeze in all our favorite rides. My top three are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Screamin California, and Soarin. (hehe I had to say four because it's DISNEYLAND and I can.) What are yours?

TUESDAY kath had to workey work. So she let me just drop her off and use her car. And listen to how lame I am. I dropped her off, then I went back to the house and just slept :) Till lunch. When I woke up, I got a call. I GOT THE JOB! My life was officially real life now. No more playing around with no salary.
Picked kath up for lunch, we went to this new york sandwich place.
Then I buckled down and went to places after dropping her off. Went to Balboa park, so beautiful. Then to Sea World GUESS WHAT? You can buy a shopping pass there for $69 dollars and if you come back within an hour they REFUND you all the money! So I jogged around the whole park and was able to see/do everything I wanted. Including seeing SHAMU jump vertically completely out of the water!!!!! Amazing.
We got REAL Thai food that night. mmmmm.

Wednesday I dropped kath off at work then went to the TEMPLE which is so beautiful, I've always wanted to go. I wish I could see the whole thing :) Someday! With a lover! I will!
Went to this crappy bagel place by Von's. DON'T EAT THERE.
then to La Jolla Cove where I hiked around the rocks and saw widdle baby cwabs! and SEA WIONS! I gave the bagel idea another shot and got yummy yummy a blueberry scone at a bakery off the beach. Breakfast was redeemed.
Then to old town. I just drove around, didn't look like something I'd enjoy. Then to Cabrillo National Monument. They have a lighthouse you can walk into and a nice little path on the rocky cliffs off the beach.
Met Kath and her friends at lunch at this DELICIOUS place called Croutons. Salads. Soups. Sandwich.
Then I went to my favorite place that i want to live at forever. Coronado. So beautiful and it reminds me of the nice towns of New Zealand. sniff sniff. Parked. no change for the meter! there was 20 minutes left from the last guy. whew. Went to Coronado Hotel and walked the beach.
Then to the FARMER'S MARKET! I allowed myself one treat. I got four. he gave me a DEAL! I ate one on the beach, gave one to kath when I picked her up, and two are in my freezer.

I FELT AN EARTHQUAKE!!!!!!!!!
5.4 magnitude. I was gettting gas before picking up katherine. I didn't have shoes on. I put the nozzle in the car. The ground swayed and I looked around, trying to decide where I could be the safest. I froze. I couldn't move. the guys next to me swore and labeled the shake as a "big" earthquake. I figured there would be an aftershock and I'd be alone!!! So I just put the nozzle back in the machine and drove away to be with Katherine. AHHHHH! I survived an EARTHQUAKE!

I made it to Katherine's work (wheW!!) and she drove my to the airport. Wah. I am back to normal life. Not that my life is normal. BUT I LOVED MY TRIP! I did everything I wanted to do and I got to go to DISNEYLAND. So magical. It was good to be with my friend and step out of my life.

I GOT A JOB! 5th grade!

2010-07-06T14:28:00.000-06:00

a sneeze that kills

2010-07-01T14:56:00.004-06:00

I was walking down the hall from my room to go downstairs. My dad was working at the room just at the top of the stairs; I could hear him typing his loud, chicken-pecking way. (I usually have him shut his door when I am asleep because I can hear this from my room with my door closed) Just as I reach the top of the stairs, I hear a thunderous boom that makes me jump out of my skin and causes me to scream bloody murder. Then I realize, oh. That is just my dad, sneezing.

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-06-17T09:09:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I went to the play at the Hale Center Theater. Before going, I decided to read some of the book, which I will finish today! I just love this book. The characters are hilarious, I relate to Scout a ton. And I want to marry a man like Atticus. So deep and complex. And his parenting style is beautiful. The play was really entertaining and the kids were darlings. Go see it! just a couple more days at the hale center theater!

family reunion

2010-06-11T16:18:00.004-06:00

I just have one story because I don't have much to say about it other than there was no cell service. which was the best.

10:30 pm. Everyone was in bed, in their individual cabins, ready for the generator to be shut off.
they assigned a cabin to four girls, four single girls. Me, gina, fav cousing Cara, her sis lins.
11:00pm. Still awake, pitch dark. The generator had been shut off. you couldn't see the hand in front of you.
11:05pm. We hear someone stumbling up the steps to our cabin porch. Oh by the way. none of the cabins had locks on their doors. Because it's a family reunion ranch, the closest town is 20 miles away.
11:06pm. whoever is outside is moving around the chairs on our porch, dragging their feet...
I yell out "What do you want?! We know you're out there!"
Gina: "Daron? (brother) Is that you?"
Me: "We have hard objects!"
silence. more movement.
our minds are racing. Is it a drunk cowboy? An animal?
We hear the screen door open. By now we have our lantern on.
Gina and I bolt out of our beds. We grab the first harmful-like objects we could see: Gina got a mega-large aerosol hair spray can and I got the blow dryer. The two girls in the other room peek out to our room, staying hidden. For a moment we waited, objects held high, ready for attack. I pictured how I could use my blow dryer. Maybe swing it around like a helicopter so the attacker couldn't approach without being seriously injured.
Gina is brave enough to open the door.

"Hey guys, just checking up on you, how's it going?"
It was my brother. Playing a little pranky prank. I should have hit him with the blow dryer anyway.

shows

2010-06-11T16:07:00.004-06:00

I had goosebumps the entire hour I watched the finale. It's just good stuff.

Then I'm of course totally into So you think you can dance. I just love watching dancers. and feeling something from that. And hello all-stars allison and neil and lauren? jackpot.

Tell me why

2010-06-02T00:10:00.001-06:00

I am still using an electric blanket to stay warm...in JUNE?

Happy June by the way.

Take a chance

2010-05-30T00:15:00.006-06:00

Lately I've decided to not listen to my usual songs, to give the 4,000 + other songs on my iPod a chance. It's so fun to find hidden treasures you never knew you had.

Like "Silver Lining" by Rilo Kiley
or "OSET" by Jojo
and of course the oldies of Mariah, n'sync, I can't believe I called those oldies.

Just take a challenge and do the same. Give your other songs a chance and refresh your groove! Let me know how it works out.

Birthday Card lol moment

2010-05-25T17:51:00.003-06:00

Each member of my family signed a birthday card for me. I have revisited this card a couple times since my bday because I knew it would crack me up. So I wanted to share some selections of this card and give you a lol moment if you don't mind.

"We love you. I have often wondered about that. -Ethan"
"Love you. Peace. -Daron"
"Hallie, You bring that light to your life that nobody else can see except Michelle (his wife). love, Khyl"
And without reading Khyl's comment, Michelle wrote: "Hallie- I am in love with you. Will you marry me? Wait...I guess Khyl is kind of like your twin. That's why I married him. Because he's male."

I don't need to stop to smell the roses, I can just drive my scooter near one

2010-05-19T20:29:00.004-06:00

I like just driving my scooter and breathing in deeply through my nose as I pass anything blooming. Smells so good outside in many places.

Smell of the week: I specially love the smell of those hanging flowers, called wisteria. (my mom knew that...and now you and I do)

I'm three and twenty

2010-05-17T12:20:00.002-06:00

And so far it's been splendid.

I woke up Saturday morning, when it was my bday, threw on some clothes and went to Mimi's with daddy and Gina.

Then Gina and I went to Downeast and got some marked down designer jeans I tried on and fell in love with. This doesn't happen very often when you have a body like mine. Usually my parents give me money and I just use it to pay off my credit card but this year I decided to use my birthday money on something I wanted.

Driving on the way to the farmer's market we stopped at a red light. I saw that the stoplight would take a while so I turned up the music, got out of the car, and just danced around it. It was my birthday and that is what I felt like doing. So I did. And the people in the cars around me looked at me like I was crazy. Well I got news for you mr driver with sunglasses. I am.

Walked around the farmer's market and tasted some honey from a wildflower region in the mountains. it tasted so interesting and good.

Then to the baseball game! I met my dad, nephews, Daron, and Krystal there. We had J-dawgs at this tailgate party. I love J-dawgs so blasted much.

The game was fun. Gina was on a group date so my dad and I did my best to embarrass her, yelling out stuff.

I got my hair died darker brown then trimmed. My cousin does hair and I've wanted to see what she could do. She was amazing. It was fun to chat with her. and I love getting my hair done.

Met some friends and family at Wingers. My brother poured popcorn seeds into my kiwi sprite.

Then my birthday was over because I went to a couple parties, one was a bday party for my nz friend and the other was a tim tam slam/thai food party and no one knew it was my bday. I liked that. It was my little secret. And I had fun. And the food was bomb.

Then I watched The Princess and the Frog which I have only heard bad things about. But I really loved it.

My party could have been better if Katherine hadn't moved away and my mom wasn't in Hawaii with her sisters. BUT I'M 23! YAY!

I didn't get the job

2010-05-13T16:32:00.005-06:00

but that doesn't mean anything. It just means I have endless possibilities and I'm not tied down to that one school anymore. I know there is a class out there that I am destined to teach! Can't wait till this is over. I am sooo done with my black pencil skirt, panty hose, and ironing shirts. Then getting all nervous for the interview. Then feeling really good about the interview. then waiting to hear back. That is almost worse than any other part. Finally hearing back and having them tell you everything you want to hear. But the fact that you didn't get the job. It'll be worth it when it finally works out though.

See, this is me and my future employer.

Hold on for one more day

2010-05-10T11:01:00.003-06:00

This song is my favorite right now and I listen to it on repeat because it totally encompasses everything I am feeling today!
Because one more day, and I'll know.

here is a comment on the page of this video: "ive listened to this song 35 times in a row now. im hooked!! yes i am a man and NOT GAY!! HAHA this song has KEPT ME FROM KILLING MYSELF."

The power of this song can touch your life too.
Oh dang it!! It won't let me embed the original. So here's just the song while you look at random metal doors or windows or something:

It's crazy how many things hang on getting a job - this job.

paying off my debt
going to Belize this summer
the quality of my relationships

jk about the last one but seriously the first two are pretty big deals.

Bye Katherine

2010-05-06T19:09:00.004-06:00

This post is a kind of thick so don't read it if you feel awkward pretty easily.

Having your best friend move away is like getting a limb torn off.
I would know.

It's kind of annoying because last year I came back from New Zealand and she had her own group of friends so I found my own friends. But that didn't last very long, our separate lifestyles. Because we are just better when we have the other as part of our lives. So we see each other every day. Except not today. because she moved to San Diego today.

Now we are both left to make do with the other friends we have. Not that they aren't amazing and make us better, but that we will miss that reinforcing response when we do something crazy. We will feel silence in the moments where we are usually reassured.

The future is unknown; no fall semester to surely be back for. Only the hope that we will be lifetime friends, be it long or short distance. (we are both THE WORST at keeping in touch with old friends, so this may require a miracle.) And the hope of fulfilling the joking prediction to live as old ladies together with lots of cats; after our husbands have passed and our children have gone away.

upidy date

2010-05-05T16:05:00.002-06:00

I interviewed for two positions yesterday and it went really well. There were 7 people in the conference room, staring me down and interrogating me! jk I was totally loving it and had a good time. I have a gift for interviewing. But that doesn't ensure ANYTHING because it's all about what they want, not how the interview went.

I will hear back in a week at the EARLIEST! dying here!

panic

2010-05-03T23:27:00.003-06:00

The Mt. Timpanogos Temple Prayer Roll's mailbox is FULL!

WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO????

So you're telling me there's a chance

2010-05-03T16:15:00.003-06:00

tomorrow at 2:30 will be the most important moment of my CAREER!
It's an interview for the two openings at the school I am an aide at.
I hear they are getting about 150 applicants a day for these openings.
And I am among the least experienced.
But we are just focusing on that small percentage that I will get it!
I totally got this.

I have applied

2010-04-29T18:59:00.002-06:00

to 47 jobs within the past week.

I feel a storm comin.

Hopefully a storm that brings may flowers. Like teaching-job may flowers.

Even my nephew is looking out for me

2010-04-29T18:51:00.005-06:00

I was driving my nephew home from swimming lessons today. His name is Seth and he is 6. Here is a conversation we had that I loved:

Hallie: "Look at that guy holding the flowers. Any guy with flowers is cute"
Seth: "You couldn't date that guy. You can't even see his face that well. You haven't even heard his voice."
Hallie: "That doesn't mean I can't date him"
Seth: "Not that guy. That guy's a weirdo."

The guy was on one of those leg wheeler things with a huge cast on his leg. So I guess I can see where Seth is coming from.

Then we continued our wet-willy war. We give each other wet-willies for fun. It's the best.

Oh look I found a recent photograph of the two of us:

Gina, Driving behind a jeep: "If I could have different cars for different things, one of the cars I'd have for one of those things would be a jeep"

2010-04-27T19:33:00.003-06:00