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School Flash Mob

Back in November my school district was nationally recognized for the changes it made to our child nutrition program. Part of this celebration was promoting the Michelle Obama Let's Move program at my school. The culmination was the flash mob and they interviewed me. Here is the link check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLanQDAXY8M&feature=colike

"May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor"

I finished The Hunger Games Series. I was prompted to read this series because of my school's reading competition. Each student in every advisory class was required to read one book each. I dreaded the challenge. Between the gym and National Board certification I have little free time. Then I decided if I had to read it might as well be something I had desired to read anyway. A week and half later I finished three books. I highly recommend these books. They are well written and the plot keeps you guessing what will happen next. I can't wait for the movie March 23rd.

Out with the old in the new

This afternoon I drove my beloved blue beetle, peanut butter, for the last time. She did not die, it was just time for us both to part. By part I mean, I bought a new car, no name yet, and she became Ken Garff Honda of Orem's. It all started on Friday night on the way to the airport to pick-up my mom for a fun mother daughter weekend. Just on the other side of the point of the mountain she started to overheat. I prayed I would make safely to where I needed to go. I did. After picking my mom up I drove to the closest gas station where we determined it would be best if we put water in the car. We started driving away from the gas station and the light came back on. I decide it would best not to get back on the freeway. Ultimately, the car was towed back to Orem at about 1 am. The much later Saturday morning I was able to get a rental because Ken Garff VW just didn't have space to look at it. We went to breakfast with my cousin Lauren. Then, had manicures and pedicures at Acaydia. While there we decide to research cars. I decide maybe we should look at a honda Fit. US News and World Report ranked it #1 for small affordable car. At about 3:45 we arrived at Ken Garff Honda of Orem. 3:50 we test drove the only Fit they had. At about 6:00 we finished with financing and the car was mine. Normally, I would have put much more thought in to purchasing this car a pro and con list would have been made or something. But I have realized this was not an impulsive decision but a calculated snap decision. When it's right you just know so you go with it.
I would to make a very huge statement that I believe that buying this car was divine intervention. Here is way. If my step-dad, Rob, had not injured his back my parents would have been in France this weekend. I am sorry they had to miss their trip. If Mom was in France she would not have been here to help go through this process, for which I am most grateful and thankful for everyday. Thanks Mom, I love you. It was hard to imagine myself driving something else because I had so much fun driving peanut better. Farewell peanut, hello 2009 white honda fit. I will gladly accept name suggestions!

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

Crafts:Scary lanterns and earrings

Aren't these lanterns cute! I got the idea from my cousin Jen Wilson. My roommate Rachel and I have plans to make many more. The are very easy, inexpensive, and most of all fun.
These are button earrings I made for a fundraiser. They were all so fashionable it was hard to let each of them go but, it was for a good cause.

The Lone September Post

So, I am sitting here during parent/teacher conferences; me playing the teacher. I realized I haven't blogged in awhile. I thought I would share the happenings in my life. First, I love being a blond and second, I have decide to grow my hair. Seriously, I am! The last time I had hair below the middle of my neck was when I was in 7th grade. I am going to give it a shot.
Thoughts I have pondered since the start of the school year:
1. I really enjoy teaching PE. It has been hard but most enjoyable on a whole; sometimes I change my mind after teaching my 7th period. I am optimistic that the students I am having issue with will make better choices.
2.The debate about cutting tenure. I have mixed opinions. I think it's important to monitor and encourage the progress and development of all employees. I have concerns about what that means for me. I don't teach a subject that requires students to pass core testing so will I just show improvement how, the fitness testing I do?
3.I miss sewing and I am excited to do it this weekend!
4. Mickey and friends I am coming to visit in two short weeks with some friends of my own! Thanks Rachel for the sweet hook-up!
5.Ode to Mom. My mom is the coolest ever. I am grateful for you, your love and concern, and now that I am an adult your endure friendship! Love you Mom.

Blondie

I am now a blonde. Which means my blonde moments that come more frequently then I let on will probably be more noticeable. Oh, well at least my hair looks smokin'. Thanks Mel!

Garage Band Discovery

I am doing all the normal things teachers do to get ready for school; clean, organize, copy, label, map, and plan. Maybe just a little more laxed because I am trying to squeeze every bit of wonderfulness that summer has left to give me. Each year I record my warm-ups with a karaoke machine onto cassette tape. Yeah, I know cassette tapes, ancient right. I have always known that there must be some way for me to record everything with a MAC program called, Garage Band. With Garage Band one can edit songs for content, length and do voice over tracks. My roommate Rachel is a Garage Band guru and is going to teach me all she knows! Yippee!

July 25th Tyler and Kim's Vegas Wedding

Before the ceremony

Ty and I haven't had a picture together since we were preteens.

Tyler and Kim look so beautiful. Tyler looks amazing considering he had an emergency appendectomy the night before. You want the story right? So, here it is. Friday night July 23rd Tyler and Kim go to a buffet. They get back to their hotel and Tyler gets very sick, throwing up all night. Both Tyler and Kim have Type I diabetes, so they come prepared for most illnesses but, not this. I get a call Saturday morning, the day before the wedding, from Kim. She tells what's happened all night. We all determine Tyler needs to get to the hospital. Grandpa, my mom, and Rob take Tyler and Kim to the hospital. Kim thought Tyler had food poisoning. The ER doctors determined it wasn't his gallbladder after doing a cat scan, it his appendix. At that point everyone in the ER knew he was getting married so they quickly got a team there to perform the surgery. On Saturday afternoon Tyler went into surgery at 3:30pm and the surgeon came out at 4:20pm to let us know all went well. Sunday morning I think he was discharged at 11am was dressed into time for everything. It was quite the adventure. Welcome to the family, Kim!

Fiji Adventures after on the way home from Tonga

This was our rental car a Suzuki Swift named Sally. She was a good car to us.

Jaynie and I at the Suva, Fiji LDS Temple

We randomly met Vinnie, Solomon, and their family at a big event to celebrate the Fiji Temple anniversary, 10 years.

This is the Club Fiji Resort in Nadi. We stayed here 3 nights, isn't it beautiful!

Beach at Club Fiji Resort

The mountains in Fiji on the way to our drop off to raft on the Upper Navua.

Navua was the river they filmed the second Anaconda

Kenny our guide. He was most knowledge about the villages on the river and the ecology of the river.

Our last night we decided to visit an outer island, Beachcomber. It was fab, I would so visit here again.

Sunset on Beachcomber

Sunrise on Beachcomber

Kava ceremony with a village on another island. Never drink Kava. First, it makes your mouth numb and has a yucky after taste. Second, new research has show that it's chemical properties are dangerous. Jaynie and I had planned not to drink it but, we didn't want to disrespect the tribe. So, we took our chances!

The island in the distance is Castaway island. Yes, the island they filmed Castaway. We headed there next.

Castaway

We were at Castaway for about 2 hours. We spent most of our time snorkeling. The water clarity was amazing. I kept feeling like I was in Finding Nemo.

Looking at this picture makes me miss Fiji and the South Pacific. It is sooooooooooooo beautiful. I WILL VISIT AGAIN!

Tonga- Interesting people, places, and happenings

Each village has it's own cemetery.

The first four days after everyone came we had no problems showering. On Thursday we came home to get ready to attend the temple and there was no water pressure. This was also the day we did some heavy painting. We had to get creative, bucket showers, for the rest of our trip!

Our last night in Tonga I was getting ready for bed and Dani one of the other parent coaches notice the spider extremely close to where I was standing. There was some serious screaming, a shoe, and the spider hide. I can handle snakes but, not spiders. I didn't sleep well that night knowing it was on the loose.

This guy could play the uk with his teeth.

In Tonga the love American Pop music. He is the best Justin Bieber impression. His name is Ciopai. He would walk around and sing to us and with us.

In the Tongan culture when someone is dancing very well you put money on them or in their clothes, like a tip. The girl kept dancing, the boy was a kid from our group, he didn't know where to put the money.

Hapi, she was our Travel agent. She is such a good woman. Before the kids came, Jaynie and I were figuring things out she provided humor, internet, and food.