UNLV?

I've been a Rebel for the past year and a half. I kept thinking I'd get used to it, but somehow I just can't. I'm working on my Masters (and definitely have a better GPA than I did in real college), but I still don't really like to tell people I'm taking classes at UNLV.

I feel like I'm betraying my real school. I mean, growing up, I've always been an Aggie. We always had season tickets to basketball and football games. I remember screaming mean things about Tark's Sharks from the stands. I was taught from childhood to hate BYZoo first and UNLV second.

I am an Aggie. Real BLUE. True blue. The only blue that really matters. I have an official "True Aggie Card" in my scrapbook to prove it.

So, even after I graduate in May and FINALLY have my Masters, I probably won't tell people about that. I think I'll just continue to tell people I'm an Aggie.

Loyalty?

So, when Canyon Springs plays Sierra Vista for Homecoming, who am I supposed to cheer for? Canyon, right? That's still where my heart is. Can I sit on the Canyon side? Will I be welcome or scorned? So many questions. So frustrating.

Lubov

There are a lot of things I love in life, but Ukraine is one of the "things" I love most. Why?











The history is incredible. Nature. Museums. I love the people. I love the food.










I love the pace life moves at, whether in the city or in the countryside. I love the old traditions of the people and the superstitions that people still pay attention to, even though they don't really believe them.










Somehow, even just walking through the streets doing absolutely nothing is entertaining. On the weekends, a big square in the center of town, Kreshatik, shuts down completely. People through walk the streets talking, listening to music, and watching street performers. Somehow, there is always something to do.

I also love that Ukraine is finally getting a temple.
The temple was announced in 1998, while I was a missionary in Dnepropetrovsk. After nearly ten years, ground was finally broke last month. This temple, which is scheduled to be completed in September 2009, will be the first LDS temple in the former Soviet Union.

First Day of School...

Today was my first day at a new school. Sierra Vista High School. It's a totally different world. I miss The Canyon.

AVID Reunion #1 (the first, hopefully, of many)

The AVID 07 CSHS grads got together at CiCi's Pizza for AVID REUNION SUMMER 2007. We wanted to see one another before school started and kids left for college.
We had so much fun and it was "all you can eat" (and all ya'all know some of those kids can EAT), so we actually stayed there until the restaurant was closing. We even hung out in the parking lot for a little while afterward. With the exception of one kid who forgot to fill out the FAFSA, most of the kids are ready for school to start. I'm pretty proud of all the little AVID homies and I'm excited to hear about the first semester of college. I think they are ready and if they aren't, I'm sure I'll be spending my free time helping to edit essays and helping them with homework. :)


We shut the place down. ;)

Growin' up.

I think I had a "moment" today when I realized, once again, that the young students I've spent the last couple of years working with and worrying about have grown up. I wonder if my parents felt this way when I left home for the first time. Worry. Excitement. Anticipation. I know I'm not a parent, but I've felt like one time and time again as I worked with these kids to fill out the FAFSA, admissions applications, search for scholarships, and make decisions about everything from which career best suits their talents to where to eat before prom.

We had an unofficial "AVID Reunion" at a pizza place on Wednesday. Most of the kids have jobs. They've registered for their classes. Some leave this week for school is far off places-- Reno, San Diego, Hampton, Lincoln, MO. I spent all day today with Ivette, a former student I've kept in touch with. She was a little nervous, so I volunteered to go with her to the freshman orientation at Nevada State College/Warehouse. (Actually, I was a little impressed. The last time I'd seen NSC it really did look like a warehouse. Today we saw actual classrooms!)

3 LONG hours later, Ivette treated me to sushi at I LOVE SUSHI!, which pretty much made suffering through the long boring orientation worth it. (And just in case anyone is interested, oyster shooters? Not good. Do not give in to peer pressure and allow anyone to talk you into that whole "just try it" routine. Gross.)

If you know me you've probably met or heard about Boo, who just graduated in June. She wrote this blog about "Growin' up" on her Myspace page.
Sidenote: She knows how to spell and can use proper grammar, as needed, but Myspacers appreciate street talk a little more. She knows her audience! Don't hate!

i been thru so much during my life time....but the trials ive made it thrgh have only made me a strngr person....to some ppl i was against all odds of graduating...but too bad i made it...they ddnt even thnk i had a chance of makn it 2 college....too bad im on my wy der....u learn in life who has ur back n who dsnt.....its the ones that was der b4 u made it who really cares....ive learnd if you take the cards that life dealt 2 u n ply them rather than tryn 2 change hands wit sum1...life will b much easeir 4 u.....its not abt who makes it der the da fastest....... its abt who makes it....n trust me IM GON MAK IT!!!!!!!

She will make it.

When I think about some of the things my students have been through, I'm just reminded of how blessed I have been in my life. I like Boo's idea about playing the cards that life deals you. For the most part I've been dealt good cards that are pretty easy to play. I've never had to deal with so many of the things that my students struggle with.

I am proud of Boo and all the other AVID homies are on their way to college. That's just one of many steps they've already taken in the right direction. It is a choice that will affect the rest of their lives. I love listening to my kids talk about their goals and plans for the future. Already, some of them are doing great things in the world. I am excited to hear about all they'll accomplish.

This blog is rated G.

Sadly, boringly, disappointingly (perhaps), this blog is so safe even children can read it. No controversial topics. No wild stories about thrilling nights out. As my students would say... "I need to get things crackin'. Real talk."