So, I'm teaching 3rd Grade next year, and I realized once again today how EXCITED I am about that!
The Top Ten Reasons are:
10. I won't always be the one that steps up to assignments, or clean up after everything. 9. I don't have to look over my shoulder (as much) anymore. 8. As of right now, I know ALL of my students next year. 7. I get to skip the figure-you-out stage with 1/3 of my class. 6. I'm on a fun, energetic team. 5. There's more solid curriculum to teach. 4. We go to the Disney Program at another school in our district. 3. We get to do Knights of the Math Table - so, I'll only get to go at the end of the year, but, it's an awesome motivator, and I'm excited for my kids to get to participate. 2. I get to teach about SPACE as part of my curriculum instead of an extra side note! 1. We go to the PLANETARIUM as a FIELD TRIP. Yee haw!
Ok, so, since it's been nearly a month since I've updated, and mostly since I'm bored out of my mind at work and watching the clock is less-than productive, I decided to sit down and write.
But alas, nothing much is coming to mind. I've been quite contemplative lately, but, nothing exciting to really share with the world. So here's a taste of the jumbled up gloriousness of my life:
Last Book I finished: P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern - quite good. Currently Reading: The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Last Movie I Bought/Watched: Girl with a Pearl Earring
Last Spur-of-the-Moment Adventure: Riding up into the mountains behind my new place all by myself on Saturday.
Favorite Recent Spur-of-the Moment Adventure: Driving up to Doc Flats for some dutch oven deliciousness with Stacey and the kids on Friday night. There were SO many stars, and the food was quite yummy! Although, thanks to the big kids, we had to keep convincing the little kids that there were no bears or cougars around. :)
Latest Exciting Piece of News: I'm teaching 3rd grade next year! About 1/3 of my class next year will be some of the same little angels I had this year! :D
How I generally spend my time: at school pretending to pack up my classroom when I'm really getting ready for next year or playing online, OR just hanging with the Ailshie's or friends from Provo, depending on the day.
My plans for the summer: Go home to VA June 10 - July 1, come back and get ready to teach 3rd grade, go biking and camping a lot, go to a wedding reception or two, a temple dedication, and hopefully another trip to Yellowstone!
Future goals coming into focus: Getting a master's degree. So, after watching several of my friends graduate this year, and after moving closer to work, I'm hoping that the time is now right for me to start working on this goal of mine. Haven't started working out the logistics yet - that's a summer project! But, it's definitely in the works. Especially since the local, and not-so-local universities that I casually mentioned my interest to won't stop harassing me!
Yep, that's essentially me these days! I'm pretty much broke from moving, and exhausted from teaching, and SO ready for the summer - but I must also admit that I'm completely and utterly happy. This, without a doubt, is the right place and situation for me right now. I love it! Life IS beautiful! Hope you enjoyed the update!
Boy howdy, this week has been crazy! J It has been a fantastic adventure, however. Two big things happened. First, my glasses finally came in on Tuesday, after 9 days of knowing I needed them. Getting used to them has been well, interesting, to say the least. My eyes are constantly doing weird things attempting to make up for my previous eye problems, and then having to readjust because the glasses fix that. And yes, for all of you contacts wearers, I’m sorry, I just can’t handle poking things into my eyes on a daily basis. So, for now, by the end of the day, my eyes are tired and hurt a little, but, they’ll stop that in about another week. The good news is, I can see better, especially while driving, and the glasses are quite cute, if I do say so myself! The best part has been having all of my students and friends say, “Wow. You don’t look like you! You can’t be Miss Herring! You’re just not Miss Herring anymore!” I even had one girl tell me I couldn’t take my glasses off because then I still didn’t look like Miss Herring. It’s been quite humorous!
The second and bigger piece of news is that I moved this week. Yes, I know that nobody knows, but I couldn’t help it. This brand new condo in Heber just kind of fell into my lap last weekend, and after fasting on Sunday, I jumped at the opportunity! It is a beautiful three bedroom, two bathroom condo in a newly developed neighborhood; right behind the new high school my school district is building. It’s a nice, quiet location, and I’ve heard the single’s ward is great. I actually have several friends in the ward, but, due to my new calling, I’m going to stay in the 35th ward over the summer. I love lots of things about my new place, but here are a few highlights:
1 – I get to move with my current roommate Kristin! We get along really well, and so there’s no new-roommate drama, which will be nice.
2 – No more commute for me – ok, I have actually loved the commute the last 2 years. In my opinion, Provo canyon is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but it still makes more sense for me to commute a couple times a week, rather than every day!
3 – There’s a WINDOW SEAT in my bedroom! I have always wanted a window seat since I was little, and now I have one! AND it faces MOUNTTIMPANOGAS, my FAVORITE mountain! I’m only a little excited about that, as you can see!
4 – I have my own bathroom!
5 – We get to have an office/music/toy room! We’re still trying to come up with a cool name for that room – so far all we’ve got is “The Den”. Send your votes via comment!
6 – There is a FIREPLACE that works!
7 – The landlord is super nice, plus, I’m finally done with student housing and management companies – HALLELUJAH!
8 – Brand new appliances in the kitchen and comfy carpet
9 – There are two parking places – no fighting for spots, and one is even covered!
10 – There’s plenty of space for hide and seek! ;-)
Oh, AND, I was able to furnish my entire condo for less than I anticipated. Yes my friends, DI, thrift stores, Wal-Mart, Costco, Family Dollar and friends furnished me! J
My top ten favorite steals:
1-Vintage red table – free – Thanks Kristen! And Brian and Stacey for moving it!
2-Bed frame - $40 – Costco – this thing goes from twin – king. I can use it for eternity! :)
3-Banana chair - $5 – DI – So comfy!
4-Fold-out couch that is even comfortable to sit on - $50 – DI
5-Queen mattress and box spring - $30 – Heber Thrift Store
6-Queen memory foam mattress pad - $35 – Wal-Mart
7-Queen bed sheet/comforter sets - $60 – DI and Family Dollar
Favorite funny moments from this week:
1 – Splitting my pants hopping into Stacey’s truck at DI
2 – Wearing said pants for a whole day after I thought I had thrown them away.
3 – realizing I had thrown another perfectly nice pair of pants away unwittingly
4 – Freak out session with Kristin on Wednesday when the condo was officially ours.
5 – Moving in the rain and snow, intelligent, I know – yes, friends. We are 4 days away from May and it is still snowing here.
All in all, the week has been splendid! I could never have done it, this fast, or at all actually, without the help of some friends that I totally owe big time! Ben, Scott, Tyler and James – thanks for helping on Friday! Brian, Stacey, Tyler, Carter, Lauren, Spencer and Ben – thanks for making 3 trips to Provo for me and for helping me unload everything all week, and for being as excited for me as I am for myself. This will be a fun year (at least)!
Picture highlights (please note, most of the walls are in desperate need of decoration, but that’s this week’s endeavor):
So, in my 7 years as a single adult, I have only had to speak in church once – and that was because my uncle was in the bishopric and it was his ploy to get me to attend the single’s ward – it didn’t work. Well, this Wednesday, while on my way to Walker’s with Stacey for a pre-canyon-drive snack, I got a call from a member of my bishopric. Since I’ve rarely received such a phone call, I was caught unawares, and Stacey, who could only hear my half of the conversation, knew what I was getting into before I did! I did get to choose my topic (from choices), however, and I was excited!
I had previously agreed to play the piano in sacrament meeting for my friend who is the new Music Council Chair. And, as one of the Relief Society Secretaries in our ward, I played the piano in our combined Relief Society meeting this morning too! One of the funniest parts was when the Bishop walked up to me before sacrament meeting and said, “I didn’t know you played the piano!” So, all of my well-kept secrets were revealed and showcased today! It’s funny, though; I was literally shaking the whole time I was speaking. Why is speaking in front of a single’s ward more intimidating than teaching 22 – 30 second graders and dealing with their scary parents everyday, or giving presentations in faculty meetings?! I really don’t understand it! ;-)
PS, If you want to read my oh-so-awesome (if I do say so myself) talk about The Restoration and Blessings of the Melchizedek Priesthood, it’s on my family blog.
Finally an update, and a blog barf! 5 glorious entries for you! Enjoy!
So, today was a not-so fun day at work. Ok, actually, it was a Monday-style day, only on a Tuesday. I had a run-in with the resident bullies (I’m getting really tired of being the scapegoat for everything – rooms not being open, scores being turned in late, heck, even the rain!), and then a couple of my students, one in particular, were totally off the wall today. Oh, and then my projector wouldn’t work… Yeah, so, I was frustrated, and grouchy, and SO in need of a break – and we’ve only been back for two days!
It’s kind of sad, actually, that I’ve started my end of school countdown (32 days), because I came back to school this week very excited about some of the things that I’m going to be doing in my classroom the rest of this year. But, I ran into some fun-suckers, that ruined that, at least temporarily, today.
So, on a bit of a whim, I decided to go on another drive – I stopped at Walker's, grabbed candy, water, dinner, a map, and headed out. I chose to go to Duchesne (pronounced Doo-shane), then Price, then back to Provo via SpanishForkCanyon and other canyons and country roads. Even being alone and in the rain, it was pretty fun.
Between Heber and Duchesne, I saw some herons or egrets in the SNOW, and a field of deer! I’d really like to go back to Aspen Grove campground this summer, when it’s a bit warmer down there. It looked cool, and it is in a beautiful area. I took one detour toward Strawberry Pinnacle for some wildlife viewing opportunities. I only saw 3 deer that decided to cross the road in front of me – twice! Starvation Reservoir is also BEAUTIFUL! One of my favorite things, however, was AshleyNational Forest. I loved it!!! It was absolutely gorgeous and reminded me of Colorado and Yellowstone simultaneously. I’d love to camp there sometime too!
Random fact of the day – if you are ever in need of a shortcut from Highway 191 to Highway 6, you can take Emma Park Road if it’s open. I didn’t actually take it, but, it looked cool. Not sure if it would shave off time, or just be a scenic route. Either way, it’s worth a jaunt.
Signs of Industry – saw several oil rigs., and drove right underneath (yes, underneath) the energy plant in the middle of Spanish Fork Canyon just outside of Price. Oh, and, of course, the Spanish Fork windmills, which somehow always remind me of the Wishbone version of Don Quijote, and make me smile – even in the dark!
All in all, the 150 mile, 3 ½ hour drive was TOTALLY worth it! I feel much better, and I got to see ELK! Two small herds of them, actually, in AshleyNational Forest. Such fun! If you ever have a bad day, I highly recommend driving as a healing process.
So, while my friends are on vacation, I've been house/pet sitting for them. It's been a joy! There are 14 hamsters (mommy, daddy, and 12 baby hamsters), 1 gerbil, and 1 turtle. All pets are doing quite well, though, we've had some fun!
My sister and I had been checking on them every couple days (which is all they generally need), but, since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to stop in two days in a row. It turned out that was a very good thing! Wicket, the daddy hamster, had made a jail break! Talk about nerve-wracking! So, we started turning the house upside down. I tried to remember where my friends had found him the first time he got out - and sure enough, Wicket had apparently decided he missed his owners, and decided to sleep in the corner of their bathtub! He was quite docile, and sleepy when I picked him up and brought him back downstairs. We re-taped his cage, and he seemed happy to be back with his water and food, yet, ready for another adventure as he kept nosing around the lid of his cage!!!
It has also been really fun to watch the babies grow. They are so LITTLE!!! They are learning valuable lessons in sharing too! :D
So, the Saturday before Chelsea left, we spent a few hours at the Clark Planetarium (one of my favorite places in the world!) and then went on a jaunt through Emigration Canyon, then Lambs Canyon (not as exciting as anticipated), and then down through Parley's and Provo Canyon. As my friend Steve would say, it was a full circle canyon drive. I LOVE canyon drives!
In case you didn't know, Emigration Canyon is one of the canyons that the early pioneers came through. Pretty cool.
One of my students did a science presentation on the signs of spring. So, over spring break, as I was traipsing around (mostly during Chelsea's senior pictures), I took pictures of the signs of spring that I noticed.
So, a couple weeks ago, the Saturday before Spring Break, I got to go on a picnic with the Ailshie's! We had fun playing in the snow at the top of a very muddy mountain. It was fun to go bouncing around in the truck in the mud, and then even sled in the sunshine. Here are some pictures from our adventure!
Ok, so, I was always one of those high-minded avid fantasy readers that was overly critical of the Twilight series, and swore I would never read them - and it never appealed to me...
Until one fateful day, I finished the Inkheart series (shameless plug here, I LOVED it! Read it!), and could not get into anything else. Reading is about as big a passion for me as teaching, music, bookbinding, and astronomy, so, it nearly killed me not to have anything to read that I craved! I'm sure I was slightly whiny one night when I mentioned my dilemma to my friend Stacey, and she suggested I try Twilight. I'm also sure that some glimmer of disgust initially crossed my expression. To be perfectly honest, I loathe it when people bash the Harry Potter series and other such fantasies when they've never tried them at all. I'm not a fan of book censorship, especially when based in ignorance, so, for the sake of my own nonhypocritical reputation, I decided that I had better at least try the first one, and borrowed it from Stacey.
I could not put the thing down! I finished the Twilight in six days, New Moon in five, Eclipse in four and Breaking Dawn in two. That puts me finishing the entire series in just under 3 weeks - a personal record for series reading, though, I'm sure nowhere near a world record!
Now, I've never been much of a literary genius - I love to write, but only from personal experience, no fiction for me. I'm no expert in plot, character development, or any other literary elements either, though I can explain such things to my students, at least at a 2nd grade level. But I do consider myself capable of passing judgment on books I read - at least for myself. So, here's my one attempt at a critique.
I like Stephenie Meyer's writing style. As a reader, I need something that captures my attention, and leaves me wanting more. If you stop at the end of a chapter, you're never lacking in that area. There's always a cliffhanger. If you plan to put the book down, you'd better plan on stopping mid-chapter.
I liked the twists and turns of the story line, and thus, I suppose, the plot itself. It may not have particular depth, but, as a reader, I need more surface-level books that I can enjoy without having to think too deeply about them. I love Jane Austen, but, getting around the language and also the lengthy descriptions of seemingly minute details is not what I'm looking for right now, although I've been through that phase before.
I also can relate with Bella. Perhaps it is because I happen to be a girl rather prone to overreaction and overanalyzation, and more than capable of the occasional, and even frequent swoon. It was interesting to read descriptions of some feelings, particularly in the first couple of books, that I had experienced, but never been able to adequately express in words. Besides that, if someone else can write it and gain a fanbase of millions, that tells me that I'm not insane, abnormal, nor alone in my overreacting and overanalyzing tendencies. I love things that bring people together!
Edward. ::SWOON:: Let's face it here - We all want someone as passionately adoring and protective as Edward. Forget the fact that I always imagined him (even after watching the movie several times), with some sort of accent. ::swoon:: I sort of have this thing for selfless, and protective guys, and desperately wish there were more of them in the world. Stephenie Meyer happened to capture that ideal perfectly in Edward. I can even appreciate his mood swings - it makes him real. We don't always have to be on our best behavior, especially around people we love.
Vampires. Ok, I have to admit, that my initial aversion was due to the vampire story line. However, surprisingly, while it was obviously a big part of the story, there were so many bigger, more realistic themes - love, family, fiendship, loyalty - that the vampire bit didn't bother me like I expected. It didn't even cause nightmares. Somehow, in the context of the book, Stephenie Meyer even made the possibility of vampires plausible - as werewolves, dragons, centaurs, and pheonixes are in Harry Potter. I sort of like the idea of hidden magical world that can coexist peacefully with ours. :)
Now to the movie. I have to admit that I was impressed with how closely the filmakers stuck to the book. I liked it a lot! Almost all of the characters were exactly as I imagined them, minus a few. However, I do have a few wishes - 1) Let Robert Pattinson speak with his accent, at least a little. It'd be adorable. Edward's from London anyway! 2) Enough of the "we're in pain around each other and can't even speak normally" crap. It was a little overdone. He's supposed to blend in right? And, aside from her original frustration, she loved him from the beginning. While reading, I never imagined them being in physical pain everytime they interacted, and it was so awkwardly portrayed in the film that it literally looked like they were in physical pain. 3) This one is the final one, and goes along with #2. Play down the dark, burdensome awkwardness, and play up the sarcastic humor. That was my favorite part of the Edward/Bella relationship in the books, and it's almost missing entirely from the movie. For heaven sake, let them laugh!
So, the moral of the story is - don't knock it 'til you try it! It's actually a good series. You may just like it!
And for all you cynics out there, no, this general rule does not apply to drugs or alcohol. Please knock those before you try them! ;-)
So, the last two months, the last month in particular have been a particular challenge for me. I've had a very difficult time at work, but, today I received some very good news.
I will be staying at HVE next year. I am so pleased, relieved, and happy. For most of the year, there has been some question as to whether that would be an option for me - a lot due to some misunderstandings, and, honestly, some biased opinions.
It has been interesting to me, going through this trial, and reflecting on it, how easily recognizable the hand of the Lord has been in my life. I have learned a lot about how the Spirit communicates with me, and, that while He is an unchangeable God, the answers that are right beyond a shadow of a doubt, may not remain correct through the duration of a trial or situation.
I have been blessed with good home teachers, supportive family members, and phenomenal friends who have been such blessings in my life. I truly would not have made it without their confidence in me, their counsel, their encouragement, and their help.
As my friend mentioned near the beginning of this trial, "There is a difference between what we think we can become, and what the Lord knows we can become. He will always take us there if we don't give up on Him first."
This is the first time in my life that I haven't given up on the Lord when things got hard, before the trial was really over. I have learned SO much!
As my bishop put it today, praying and then doing the best you can while trusting in the Lord, works wonders. As Elder Maxwell once put it, "The more we know of Jesus, the more we will love Him. The more we know of Jesus, the more we will trust Him."
Among all of the other things I have learned in the last few months, that has been the greatest lesson - to simply trust.
This past Sunday I had the privilege of attending the Draper Temple dedication with Brian, Stacey, Tyler, Carter, and Stacey's parents. At the beginning, they showed a video of the inner rooms of the temple, which I had the opportunity to walk through during the open house two months ago. I was reminded of the feelings I had as I went through the open house - the feelings of love, of peace, of home. And, the overwhelming feeling that I would be entering those sacred rooms myself very soon.
What a blessing it has been for me to watch this temple from its announcement to it's dedication. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to enter those sacred doors. this temple will always hold a special and sacred place in my heart, as will the people I have shared this experience with.
So, I heard a song twice on my way home today that totally epitomized my day. :) When you have to be at school (30 minutes away), five minutes after you wake up, it is cause for a string of various expletives to begin the day. :) However, I didn't get pulled over by the Provo Canyon cop who pulled the person 2 cars in front of me over instead (thankfully, b/c I would have deserved it). So, a shout out to the person who took my ticket for me. And needless to say, even with the less-than-ideal start, Someone was definitely looking out for me! I made it to school, and teaching today was fine. And, my important meeting today was ok as well. Without sounding prideful, I'd also like to pat myself on the back for being able to laugh through it all today. So, when I heard this song on the way home, I laughed REALLY hard! Enjoy!
It Happens by Sugarland (tactful, almost-expletives omitted)
Missed my alarm clock ringing Woke up telephone screaming Boss man singing his same old song
Rolled in late about an hour No cup of coffee, no shower Walk of shame with two different shoes on
Now it is poor me, why me, oh me Boring the same old worn out blah blah story There is no good explanation for it at all
Ain't no rhyme or reason No complicated meaning Ain't no need to over think it Let go laughing Life don't go quite like you planned it We try so hard to understand Irrefutable, indisputable The fact is It happens
My trusty-rusty had a flat I borrowed my neighbors Cadillac "I'll be right back," going down to Wally World That yellow light turned red too quickly Knew that the truck moment it hit me Out stepped my ex and his new girl ("Sorry 'bout your neck baby")
But it is poor me, why me, oh me Boring the same old worn out blah blah story There is no good explanation for it at all
Ain't no rhyme or reason No complicated meaning Ain't no need to over think it Let go laughing Life don't go quite like you planned it We try so hard to understand Irrefutable, indisputable The fact is It happens
Ain't no rhyme or reason No complicated meaning Ain't no need to over think it Let go laughing Life don't go quite like you planned it We try so hard to understand Irrefutable, indisputable The fact is It happens
Yeah, the irrefutable, indisputable, absoluteable, totally beautiful fact is It happens
So, Elder Ballard came to our stake conference today. It was a spectacular meeting, and it was exactly what I needed to get me through another week. It has been a rough month, and the last two weeks especially have been particularly difficult, with at least two more hard ones to go. But, I've been learning a lot, and so, here come my jumbled, but poignant thoughts...
Hymn #270 - I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go - "So trusting my all to thy tender care, And knowing thou lovest me, I'll do thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be." This is something that I've always had a hard time with. I like to think that Iknow what's best for my life, but, I do know He loves me. So, if I know He loves me, I need to trust Him - trust that He knows what's best for me, and that He will help me, and for once, let go of what I want.
A couple weeks ago, a friend said something interesting to me. He said, There's a difference between what we think we're capable of, and what the Lord knows we're capable of. And the Lord will always get us to our potential if we don't give up on Him first. He will never give up on us. I realized that in my life, when something is hard, or hurts, I have often backed down, given up, or let go of that thing. This is the first time I have faced something that has literally broken my heart and beaten me to a pulp, and yet, I haven't given up. I haven't quit because what my friend told me is true. I have simply resolved within myself that I'm not going to back down or give up until the Lord tells me it's over. I've thought about that a lot in the last few weeks, and truthfully, it's gotten me through the rougher days.
President Quigley, our stake president, talked about Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy, and offered the following 3 steps: 1 - Remember Who You Are - We need to learn to see ourselves as the Savior sees us, especially by studying our Patriarchal blessings. If we follow the promises there, and develop the talents and gifts we've been given, greater blessings will follow. 2 - Believe in Yourself - believe the promises that you have received. When you know you are right with the Lord, you wax strong in confidence before man. Only compare yourself with your own potential. The Lord has promised to be with us, and to protect us. 3 - Cling to the Gospel - read, study and learn for yourself. Go forward with faith, listening for the voice from the Lord reassuring, "I love you".
President Thunnell, a member of our stake presidency, talked about becoming a Light for the Savior, in the following 3 ways: 1 - Choose Wisely - Our choices determine our happiness, therefore obedience and proper priorities are essential. We have the power to act, the consequences being confidence, peace, comfort, and happiness. 2 - Search Diligently - Fill your life with spiritual essentials, the gospel must be written in our hearts. 3 - Love Completely - Charity is Christlike love. Be anxious to love those around you and focus outside yourself.
Elder Stone talked about knowing who we are. It reminded me of something one of my students told me this week, "Miss Herring, you're my sister!" They have such a keen sense of who they are, and who we all are - and will remind me if I let them. Heavenly Father has chosen eternally to be a parent. He cares just as much and more than, and in the same way as our mortal parents, friends, and others who love us. Knowing who we are and His love for us changes everything!
Elder Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also talked about knowing who we are. When we left the Spirit World, we knew we were eternal, we knew that if we were alright inside that everything would turn out right, and we shouted for joy at the opportunity to come here, knowing the difficulties, and joys, that we would face. Priesthood blessings are directly from the Lord, in His name, and by his literal power - those promises are literal, and binding. Our Spirits are the most important part of ourselves, and are nourished when we serve in the name of the Lord - then we are entitled to Heaven's aid. It is wonderful, and amazing that the Spirit of the Lord speaks to our Spirits - we must follow those promptings. Once we know and understand who we are, we would do nothing that would offend our Spirits. At the end of his talk, he left us with an apostolic blessing, that we would have all we need to be happy and at peace.
I have realized over the last couple of days that I have been letting the challenges I have been facing at work to get in the way of the essential things of life. I am a daughter of God with great potential, and my calling as a teacher began long before I came to this earth - and no one can take that away from me, unless I allow them to shake my confidence, and I am done with that. I am returning to the basic, essential things, and letting the rest fall into place.
I know who I am, and I know that I am loved by an omniscient, and omnipresent God, and brother. I know because today, the sun shone warmly on my face, the sky was blue, a robin looked at me from a bush, and snow crunched underfoot. I know because my needs are met daily. I know because today I met a 3-year-old who started a snowball fight with me, just to enjoy the day. I know because I have an inspired Relief Society president who called just to check in. I know because I got to see friends today that I haven't seen in a long while, and who I know care about me. I know because I have friends that see not only my potential, but my current abilities, and remind me of them when I forget. I know because I have parents who love me too. And most powerfully, I know I am loved because in every talk and song and prayer today, His Spirit whispered to my Spirit, "I love you." I felt it, and I know it.
Ok, so, being in Utah, I'm sure the last few days have been just a sneak peek, but, it has put me in a splendid mood, and made me think about all of my favorite things about Springtime! So, in no particular order, here they are.
~ green! - The brown disappears, and the green returns. Glorious day! ~ sunshine ~ flowers ~ warm breezes ~ fresh air ~ pastel colors ~ baby animals~ ~ miniature Reese's in pastel wrappers - 4 colors to choose from. ~ soft grass ~ Easter ~ General Conference ~ short sleeves ~ walks ~ bike rides ~ driving with the windows down ~ open windows ~ Spring Break ~ road trips ~ giggling, running children playing outside ~ the Draper Temple dedication
Wow. So, I saw this video via my friend's facebook page, via his friend sharing it with him, and their friend sharing it, etc.
I don't know about you, but, I had a lot to learn from this clip. I could be a little more patient, and a lot more grateful for the absolutely amazing world we live in.
I'm sure we all have our own personal trials to deal with. And, although the last two weeks have been emotional for me, these videos, from talks I have pondered the last few weeks, have uplifted and inspired me to hope, as I was recently reminded, for better things to come.
This one's a bit blurry, but, Elder Holland is my favorite apostle, and while his talks have always comforted my heart, this one has been especially poignant lately.
Ahh, the joys of modern technology! I post something fun on my facebook status and the world needs an explanation! So, here it is... my definition of a perfect Valentine's Day.
So, my roommate and I were reading in Schooled Magazine last week, and as a joke read their section on Valentine's Day - and how to spend a date-less one. It rambled a lot about not getting down, and then it gave lots of pretty good advice about pampering yourself, giving to others, and celebrating dessert.
At that point, I pretty much already had most of my plans for Valentine's Day laid out, and was impressed with my own ability to follow the advice of "the experts" without having read it first. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this single and thriving thing!
So here's how it went down: Thursday, I had a Valentine's party with my students. That was fun! Then we went ice skating on Friday which was also quite enjoyable!
Spent Friday evening hanging out with some friends, then went out to a nice restaurant with my roommate. We joked about leaving notes to our cute waiter, but then my roommate actually did! We came home quite giggly and watched You've Got Mail, one of our all-time favorite chick flicks! And of course, being me, I promptly fell asleep (I didn't even make it through the opening sequence)!
Saturday morning I was woken up quite early, which actually ended up being a very good thing, because I had to take my car in for some repairs. My roommate and I went out and got breakfast at Kneaders, our all-time favorite breakfast spot. Then we splurged on ourselves and others at a flower shop, bringing home beautiful bouquets to brighten our apartment. After all that, we went out to lunch, which we brought home so we could enjoy it while watching P.S. I Love You, and the snow falling outside. About the time we finished that my best friends showed up with my adopted nieces and nephews. We played while their parents went to the temple. I love those kids, and it was a total blast, although we didn't do a single one of the Valentine's activities I had thought of. Their parents came back bearing gifts of pizza and cookies, so, we were quite excited! After pizza we made books, which is a new favorite pastime of mine! It was great! It was a long, exhausting day - but the good kind of exhausted, the kind that makes you go to sleep completely content with the world. And I was.
Probably the best part of the day was that I never once thought about the fact that I didn't have a significant other, or that I haven't been on a date in awhile - and I stayed away from the situations and people that would dwell on those facts. First of all, neither of those things bother me, because I'm happy and I know that will happen for me eventually. Secondly, I was surrounded by lots of wonderful things yesterday - beautiful flowers, quality entertainment, good food, and most importantly, people I love! That, dear reader, is what Valentine's Day is about - spending time with those you love, whether they be friend, significant other, spouse, parent, or child. It's just about being together! That is why my Valentine's Day was absolutely perfect!
So, my mom is about the coolest person I know! She is strong, kind, loving, and patient. I will be forever grateful for all of the things that she and my dad have taught me over the years. It is one of the greatest blessings of my life to develop a friendship and sisterhood with her as I have grown older.
So Mom, happy birthday! And here is my tribute to you:
This morning, living on very little sleep, I managed to remember the sizeable list of things I needed to take with me to school. I must admit I was rather pleased with myself, and my pleasure was increased with an early morning visit from my friend’s daughter, coming to tell me they had parked by me this morning – which she was very excited about!
Teaching went quite well today. I think we even managed to enjoy learning about geometry and writing today! Never mind the fact that we had 3 office referrals this morning, and not one of the kids could figure out why they had done the thing that got them in trouble! At lunch I finally finished a project I’ve been working on this week in my “spare” time. I was positively giddy at the prospect of finishing it! And, on another note, may I just say I should maybe leave work at school a little more often? It felt good to feel like a whole person – with talents, goals, and relationships that exist even outside of the microcosm that is HVE.
After school, I went to the post office at the last possible second – and managed to get myself locked in and nearly forgotten. Don’t worry, I’m clearly not writing this from a little bed on the floor of the Heber City Post Office – I was able to get someone’s attention, have my package sent, and be escorted out after they had turned off the music, but before they had turned off the lights! On my way out of town I “needed” to go by Dairy Keen and Walker’s, and due to both my impatience, and the lack of traffic lights on Main Street, I had to back track several times, traveling in circles to make it out of town.
I needed to buy gas when I got back to town, and, as a testament to the fact that I am directionally challenged in every way, I got lost on the way to Costco!!! I mean, really, who gets lost on the way to Costco?! In an attempt to correct my absent-minded mistake, I quite literally drove circles around Orem until I finally made it back to Costco and got gas!
After my Costco and other adventures, I headed to Barnes and Noble, which, due to my affinity for bookstores, brings joy all on its own. I went to Barnes and Noble with the intent to buy Nicholas Nickleby, the book and the movie. As I was searching the shelves, I quite randomly recalled the phrase from Little Women spoken by Laurie, “Jo, I’m not taking all of Dickens to college.” I giggled to myself, finally realizing where that phrase originated – at first it literally meant a collection of works by Dickens, which is quite sizeable! And then, of course, thinking of Christian Bale can’t help but bring a smile. ::swoon:: I found everything I was looking for and more, and was walking out, when I passed a young gentleman in a suit, a drink in his hand, scouring the back of a book. ::swoon:: Once again, a side note. What is it exactly about young men in suits – then with the added bonus of not being afraid to look intellectual instead of ultra macho. Again, I say ::swoon:: Now, please do not take that the wrong way, I’m merely stating, there is something quite attractive about such a sight. The last bonus being that said gentleman parked next to me, and followed me out. Which, of course reminded me of Whitney, and a scene from the movie I just purchased: “Hilda! I’m engaged!" "To who?" "The new school teacher!" "What’s he said?!" "We don’t need language…" "Did he look at you like this? If he did, you’re engaged, that’s how John looked at me." "When’s the day?" "Well, we just need a final declaration, but he’s shy in the way of words…” Hee hee!
Then, I got home and was attempting to carry everything in all at once – we’re talking 4 bags, a giant binder, and a melted milkshake. Please imagine for me, if you will, me, with my arms full, trying to navigate a parking lot of solid ice in shoes with no tread, while attempting not to spill a milkshake or get it on me, while being unwilling to trash such a delicacy. I made it to the door, and then realized my keys were in my pocket. So, I rang the doorbell, and after a few seconds of waiting, began shifting my various parcels to the other hand, at which time, my roommate arrived at the door! I walked in, put my bags down, and after my roommate had locked and bolted the door, I had to unlock and unbolt the door and get the milkshake, which I had left on the ground while attempting to move the parcels.
So, after such a laughable day, I decided that I should proclaim the hilarity for all to enjoy. As any self-respecting facebook-er would do, I grabbed my computer and started writing a note. After writing quite wittily for 20 minutes, I forgot I was typing on facebook, hit the “back” button, and lost the whole thing, and had to retype it all!
So, today, I tip my hat to things to laugh at, and good friends to laugh with!
