INJUSTICE in Utah

So today I received an email from PEA, my professional teaching association. Most of the time I skim and move on. This particular email informed me that another school district here in Utah refused to negotiate teaching contracts for the coming school year. Ogden school district gave their teachers an ultimatum, "sign your contract by July 20th or your job will be open for hire." I was shocked! A rally is planned for tomorrow, Thursday July 14th at 10 am. What is the perception of teachers coming to!! In many nations and cultures across the world teachers are revered and respected. . We are in this together, so we should act like it- parents, students, teachers, administrators, and communities! This about the working rights not just for teachers for every working member of society!

Spring Break Creations

I have always thought I need a dirty laundry bag when I go on vacation. I had some free time, a great selection of fabric-thanks mom, and a sewing machine.

Figure 8 Scarf- I found the FREE pattern on Anna Maria Horner's Blog. I love her patterns and this is her fabric too! I just love it because it is so springy. I altered the pattern a little bit. Let me know if you want the dets.

Bohemian Wrap Bracelet's- While at a beads shop (Fusion Beads) in Seattle I saw these bracelets. I thought to myself those are so cute, I'll bet I could make those. So with the marvelous help of the internet I found a tutorial. I altered the steps so they were easier and I also used different materials- frugality at work. I can't wait to make more!

I've decided!

So, the news I am about the report may be surprising to some. I have decide to attend graduate school. When or where this is going to happen- no details yet. Here is what I do know it will be school counseling or Physical Education. I will most likely stay in Utah and I still want to teach and possibly coach (that might be a high expectation of myself) while studying.

Springy Thoughts

The past couple of days here in Utah have almost convinced me Spring is here to stay. We'll see how long that lasts. I get my hopes up with a few days of temperatures in the 60's and 70's then my heart is broken once again by rain and possibly snow.
My thoughts of Spring stem from sunglasses, shorts and skirts, driving with the windows down and sweet tunes. My one wish would be when I return home to Seattle (yippee) a week from tomorrow I will bring the warm weather with me. I am certain my fam would not object. Weekend events: Saturday-first home tournament of the season for my water polo team- Go UCO!, General Conference which means crafts- wonder what we'll make this year, Sunday- hang with Mel, Kurtis and Tess and watch more General Conference addresses.
Good News! My team has two new players, one girl and one boy. Thank goodness we have been in desperate need of more girls since some of our players have over-committed themselves and/or choose not come to practice as often as they should. Thereby making it impossible for everyone to work together as a team in games. So, for the time being life is going well.

First Post of 2011

Okay so I have a good reasons for not writing. Here they are. I have 2 student teachers, coaching, and the flu. By coaching I mean practice, games, and weekend tournaments. My head coach pointed out to me that I am a "professional" coach because I teach PE. I had never thought of my role in that way. I guess I am. In years past I am not sure I have been able to have the coach mentality because I was so focused on teaching. I have learned it is all about the relationships and the feedback I provide for students.
I would be lying if said that coaching water polo was a blast every minute. Most the time it is fun and for the most part rewarding. It is harder than I anticipated. Waking up early, getting players to come to practice has been difficult. If they don't come how can they expect to work together as a team. And if they don't play as a team in practice how can they play as a time in games. I am really proud of the money that we raised with our orange fund raiser. We have enough to get us to all the tournaments and buy the equipment we need.
I am learning so much. The rules have changed but, thankfully the basic skills are still the same. Strategy has some new elements to me as well. The girls team is playing well, the boys not so much. Both have had some amazing sports moments.

Hacked!

So I guess my hotmail account that I have had since like high school was hacked. If you could call me or text me your email address that would be wonderful. Then, I will email you with my other email address.

Watery Mess