My dream has come true.

Yes. Heated leather seats. Finally. I bought a new car! I know the four of you who voted in my online "car buying poll" have been anxiously waiting to hear all about this, so here you go. I bought a Nissan Maxima.
I'm still patiently waiting for Wilson Motor to send me my new 2008 calendar with my pic, otherwise I'd put that one up here. The dealership takes a pic of every new car owner in front of their prized vehicle, then makes make a custom calendar just for you. It's pretty sweet. As you can imagine, that really was one of the deciding factors when I looked at cars over the break. ;)
p.s. Not only does my new car, which I've affectionately named MOE, have heated leather seats, it also has a heated steering wheel. I know a couple of people who are going to be pretty jealous about that.

Jacquie's box

Jacquie loves Dora the Explorer, so wrapping her Christmas gift in Dora paper should have been a good sign that I was on the right track. She was very excited about the box and yelled, "Look, mom. A box! I got a box, mom." It took a few minutes to explain that she needed to open it.

For a minute, I almost felt bad that there was something in the box. I worried that the present would take away from the excitement of the box itself. Luckily, she loved the Dora dress and shoes.


And the visit from Santa? My mom's side of the family is big enough, it took an hour for all the kids to get a chance to sit on his lap. Christmas was definitely a success.

Morality Quiz

http://www.time-blog.com/graphics_script/2007/moralityquiz/index.html

You know a quiz is awesome when you have choices such as "Smother the baby" or "Don't smother the baby." Just in time for the Holidays.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Oh my gosh...

Kristin's Belly Dancing Birthday

We celebrated Kristin's very excited birthday at Marrakech Moroccan Restaurant.

A delicious 7-course meal, then the chance to work it off through belly dancing. Good times. :)

MCHS, we are the best!

I found this pic of Homecoming at Mountain Crest. Wow. This really takes me back...

Aggie Land

Some of my favorite places with some of my favorite people.




We lost the football game, but my grandma made the carmel for our world famous carmel rice crispie treats. I think that was more than enough to satisfy the kids. :)

Religion Quiz.

Interesting... Check it out.

http://www.selectsmart.com/RELIGION/

USU-- this really is the right place.

I just got back from a trip to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, the land of the Aggies. I love USU. Growing up in Logan, I guess that's only natural, but when I say I love USU, I mean it. I really love it.

My favorite things in no particular order:

The ride board (now there's just a big sign with the website)
Aggie ice cream (you get free coupons after the campus tour)
The Hello Sidewalk
Fresh, hot bread from Hazel's (The Hub has always been a cool hang out spot)
The super quick, user friendly "check your email only" stations
The Howl
Pretending to do homework in The Hub or the library or on the grass in the quad.
Standing next to someone on the Aggie shuttle who was either from or had served in South America, thereby losing all sense of personal space
Burritos on the 2nd floor of the TSC. What a great discovery!
True Aggie Night
Conversations overheard in the LDS institute involving marriage, prayers about marriage, and overly determined men who are, in a frightening way, bordering the sometimes thin line between "persistent" and "stalker"
Dances in the Fieldhouse

I Love Sushi.

I really do. Sushi Fever. I Love Sushi. Sushi Mon. WOW! Sushi. Even Kona Grill if I'm broke and desperate.

Just so this is really official, my favorite rolls are, in order of deliciousness:

Something's Wrong #7 (from Sushi Fever. I Love Sushi isn't quite as good.)
Japanese lasagne
Happy Birthday Special
Vegas 51 Special (only available at I Love Sushi)
Rock N Roll
Something's Wrong #15
Crazy Horse
Screaming Orgasm
Almost anything else with crab and cream cheese (without eel) is tied for 9th place.

The first time I went to Sushi Fever was for my birthday celebration almost exactly three years ago. As we walked in the front door, I asked some customers who were leaving if the sushi was good.
One of the girls got a big smile on her face and replied, "Oh my gosh! Screaming orgasm!"
I was a little shocked by her response. "Wow," I thought to myself. "This must be very good sushi."
My friends and I were surprised when, a few minutes later, we saw that Screaming Orgasm was one of the specialty rolls. Of course we ordered it right away.
So, this pic is a couple of years old, but it really reminds me of what good times are all about. Hanging out with my BFF, who's somehow very talented in flirting with older men, who then offer to pay for our sushi, in the days when each sushi chef knew us by name. Seriously. Things can't get much better than that.

St. Charles Bridge

Today, during church, I was brainstorming. I was listening to the speaker, definitely, but in the down time, I was thinking about a short story I need to write for my American Short Story class. My assignment?

Write a short story.

That's it. A little vague? Very.
Back to the brainstorming.
So, today I remembered one of the most crazy things. So crazy, in fact, that I think it may make a perfect short story.

A few years ago... (okay, many years ago), I was talking with a friend who had served a mission in Czech Republic. I'd traveled through Prague, and spent a few days in Prague, so I was telling him about my experience and sharing photos. He asked if I'd met the devil on St. Charles Bridge.

31... and 4 cakes!

I must preface this by saying there have been years in the past when I haven't had ANY birthday cakes. Last year, for example. No cake, but I did go to an Aerosmith concert. This year? 4 cakes. Yep. F-O-U-R cakes, one brownie, and one chocolate chip cookie.

Cake #1- Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nothing Bundt Cake
(from my amazing visiting teacher, Jessica)

Cake #2- A GIGANTIC cake from Costco with TONS of frosting.
(The tutors in my classroom got this one for my 6th period class. They obviously like 6th period more than 8th period, since this cake was the more delicious of the two.)

Cake #3- Von's chocolate cake marketed as "the moistest cake ever"
(The second cake presented by the AVID tutors., Very moist.)

Cake #4- Albertson's white cake with strawberry filling
(From Merissa, one of my AVID juniors. Delicious. My friend's pretty much devoured this one last night.)

Brownie- Some type of weird fat free brownie that tasted... fat free AND
Chocolate chip cookie- Baked fresh by a loving CCSD lunch lady
(Thanks to C'Lee and Sadi. This was obviously the only type of cake-like substances the girls could find during their lunch hour, but the thought was very sincere.

So, yes. Lots of cake this year. Good birthday, overall.

p.s. Oh yeah, I also had dinner at one of my favorite sushi places with some of my favorite friends, got flowers (awww...) and balloons, cards from students, tons of texts, and heard from people I haven't talked to in a while. It really was a good day. 31 is seeming better all the time.

100 things you didn't know about me!

Fine. I couldn't quite come up with 100 things, so instead, I came up with 7. (That number is more lucky, anyway.)

1. I used to tell people my favorite color was silver because it sounds exciting, but deep down inside, I think it’s always been brown.
2. I agree with my students. White people really can’t dance.
3. I like to make up random lies to fool people.
4. I’ve always regretted not staying in Ukraine and working for the embassy.
5. I worry about my high school students almost constantly.
6. I Love Hip Hop! (I don’t entirely love Triple E or Weezy, but I can listen to a few songs if it helps me build my street cred.)
7. When I was in fourth grade I won $100 by saving Captain Crunch from the Soggies. (You can thank me for helping you all retain such delicious, crunchy cereal.)


That's it. I quit. It's hard to come up 100 things that nobody knows. Maybe that means I should start keeping more secrets...

Vote, please.

Help. I'm getting a new car this week.
I've finally narrowed it down to TWO.
Vote, please.




Can you tell which one I prefer, based on the size of the photo? Please don't let that influence YOUR vote.


(Jetta = cute. Accord = practical.)
Which is more important? And should I go with the shiny white or the dark gray? Please. Somebody help.

He says/ She says

So, I took a three of my former students to dinner after a recent visit to a college fair. The kids are all seniors at C-Springs, so of course they were asking about my new school. Curtis, the only guy in our group, was curious to hear if there were any "real fine" girls who attend the new school I work at. Next thing I know, he'd started reciting his list of qualities he looks for in a girl.

I'm posting a photo of the official list, which I wrote on my styrofoam box for leftovers, as official proof of the conversation. He came up with cute face, body, and long hair by himself. The idea about a girl who has a car was suggested by his friend, who always has to give him rides places. I kind of helped the part about a girl who has not committed any serious crimes. I just felt that was important.
Kehau, a girl, had entirely different things on her list. Funny. Smart. College bound. Financially secure. (She didn't say rich, just "secure", so I'm in total agreement here.)

I've alwasy known there is a difference between boys and girl, but really now... Shouldn't guys at least pretend they are looking for girls who are funny and smart? And really, who cares if a girl has a cute face, body, and long hair if she's a killer. "Not a killer/ drug dealer, etc." should definitely have been in the top 3 on Curtis' list.

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."

San Diego = Good times are over

I know that doesn't make a lot of sense. People LOVE San Diego. However, I feel like I'm in San Diego all the time. If it wasn't so far away, humid and expensive, I really wouldn't mind it much... :) I was there for a conference last week, but it wasn't too bad.
I was able spend quality time with my friend, Tanya (see very cute photo and be sure to notice Tanya is wearing an amazing AVID t-shirt).
Of course, there are some good things about San Diego. It's always great to see Trent (see second very cute photo)

and time at the beach is never bad, unless you are as afraid of sun spots as I currently am. (It's really quite sad).
The White Roller Coaster at Mission Beach is fun EVERY single time.

Every year, at the AVID conference in August, I suddenly realize that summer has mysteriously slipped past and I'm nowhere near ready for the school year to begin. Yuck.

Kaiizen is for kids!

This weekend I had the chance to volunteer at an orphanage in Mexico. My friend, (Josh Budinger--he's kind of famous), is one of the founders of a charity group called Kaiizen. I took five of my former students from the great Canyon Springs along on the trip. Avette/Evette/Ivette, Regg Mac, Boo Baby, Niesha Dorito, and Tsitorius.




My students and I spent most of the morning painting a clinic that's used as a doctor's/ dentist office. We made friends with a little boy named Nacho and a tagger named Abel who kept telling us he was 2000 years old. The kids were a lot of fun and definitely enjoyed the attention. Ivette made bracelets for all of the kids at the orphanage. We drew pictures, decorated sock puppets.


Saturday afternoon Josh and Luke told the story of the monsters. Reggie was one of the best little seahorses I've ever seen. He received numerous compliments on his performance and is now thinking about becoming a professional actor.

We wandered around Ensenada a little bit, testing out our bargaining skills, then headed back to the beach to camp again.
After J-Dogs and a little wrap-up meeting, we were ready for the much anticipated dance party. I'm sure you can understand how watching white people try to "Walk It Out" can be the highlight of any weekend.

We left camp at 5:00 am, which was a little rough after such a crazy dance party the night before. (Again, the kids are right. White people really can't dance.) It took a little while to get through the border and of course we got stopped on the way.
We stayed in San Diego Sunday night. My friend Trent was gracious enough to let us crash his place. (What are best friends for?) We were just happy to shower. We wandered about Balboa park, listened to a Christian Reggae band who's best song was "Wat ju tink about Jezzus?", and later enjoyed a thrilling ride on my favorite roller coaster at Mission Beach.



The kids and I went to Sea World on Monday. As Reggie said, "Shamu needs to get put into a retirement home with that lazy polar bear." Otherwise, we had a good time.
Maybe a little too much time in the car, but a great trip. If anyone's interested in going sometime, check out the Kaiizen website. www.kaiizen.org

Neon Boneyard

Some friends and I visitied the Neon Boneyard here in beautiful Viva Las Vegas. It was really kind of sad to see all of these figures that have been completely forgotten about. I'm not a photographer, as you'll soon see, but here are some of my favorite pics.

If you need more info or want to see BETTER pics, look here: