Because I knew you

E, you were right it was all Angela’s fault she told me to friend you and I did. One of the best things I ever did in my life.

Then there was a call for a beta, you said you would but warned me you were tough and you hoped you wouldn’t offend. I still have those emails though. It meant so much to me that you would take your time to not only beta for me but teach me about grammar. You’ve never stopped those lessons and though I am still not the best I’m much better- oh, and I’ve stopped using adverbs!

Over the next few months our friendship built, there was NaNoWriMo and countless online hours spent developing TBN. There were interviews with Trish Morningside, squeeing on the phone, the cliché love affair of Kathleen and Mitch, plots to take over the world, and secret meetings in Wyoming, Idaho, and Arizona. Each step of the way you proved to be as big of a nerd, geek, wacko, that I was.

Then came the first trip. Where you drove all the way to North Carolina to meet me. I was so nervous that night, what would happen if a woman who was slowly becoming one of my best friends hated me. I shouldn’t have been worried. You knew me so well by then you gave me a time turner, which I still wished worked and which is displayed in my bedroom to remind me that there are those out there who support me.

North Carolina wouldn’t prove to be the longest distance you would travel to see me. There was Florida, where we only had a few short hours together and where the California trip idea was formed, then there was New England and that magical day and a half with Patty exploring, not to mention our first picture together (which is displayed on my desk). Then it was my turn to come out and visit you. I loved that you offered your home, life and family to me at a time I needed it most. That vacation saved me on so many levels, I don’t think you will ever know.

E there are so many things now that remind me of you. I love that we can skip through subjects like wildfire only to return to them an hour later like no time has passed. I love that each conversation is started out with a tackle/hug/tacklehug, I love 6 AM squeeing phone calls, I love that we have the same twisted sense of humor, I love that you let me be me and that you accept me for my Hufflepuff self. We do prove that a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin can be friends and have a beautiful friendship at that.

So my friend, happy birthday! Here is to more adventures, more looking for bridges, more hours of Torchwood, more chasing your dogs, more spontaneous trips, more plotting to control the world, more tacklehugs, more Thelmas, more random bursts of laughter, more permagrins, and more us.

Its Lutiful!

Just some Lu cuteness!





and because the kid had to go for round two

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 15

Well my lovely 15 week student teaching adventure ended today. I have mixed emotions about this. I am so excited that it is over, ecstatic in fact that I can have something resembling a real life starting tomorrow. I am sad to see this end too, yeah the kids would be done with school in two weeks, but knowing that my class is going on without me is just hard to think of.

It has been an amazing experience, an absolutely amazing experience. I learned so much about myself and how far I still need to go. I learned that when it comes down to it I am a good teacher. That the kids will learn. That I wont screw anyone up. I learned that if I could live through the last 15 weeks I could live through anything. I learned that if I’m not happy (or pretending to be) that class will suck. I learned that no matter what book you are reading the kids will complain, but they will learn something. I learned that even the kids who everyone else has given up on can improve. I learned that it is so easy to make a mom’s day by telling her how great her son is.

Most of all I learned about me. This was the right time for me to start teaching. 5 years ago I didn’t have the patience or the experience I needed, I have it now. That doesn’t mean I am perfect, I have a long way to go and a lot to learn. I know there are going to be days that I want to throw everyone out the window, but the thing is, over all, I am going to make it.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal I'll find a way

Here it is, the moment you have all been waiting for (well, the moment two of you have been waiting for) my thoughts on Doctor Who Season 4.

I actually have no idea how to start this. When I would get all fangirly about West Wing I would blog after each episode, this time though there have already been 8 episodes (counting the Christmas Special) and though in the future I will probably talk about each episode at a time, I think for this one I am going to give an over all feeling or impressions.

Now, if you actually watch this show (and I believe that everyone should watch this show, just call me Martha Jones spreading the message of the Doctor- one person at a time) and have not yet seen season 4 know that there are going to be spoilers. I’d hate to ruin this for anyone.

I have loved this season so far, it is rivaling season 2 for me and depending on the outcome might have to be tied for a firm second with season 1. There are so many things that I am loving about this season, so I present them below in no particular order:

1- Donna Noble. Okay, I have to say it and admit that I was wrong. I love Donna. I was worried when they announced she was going to be the new companion. After her stint in ‘Runaway Bride’ I never wanted to see her again. She was annoying, and loud, and annoying, and did I mention annoying. Imagine my surprise when I found myself actually liking her. She has replaced Martha on my list (though she will never replace Rose). The relationship she has established with the Doctor is so great. I love how she makes him talk about things, like Rose or how he can’t be god with his decisions. She treats him like a sibling, a friend. And I just adore her. Of course because I have subtitled this season, “No Happy Endings” I am worried that she is going to die or something is going to happen to her. Which sucks.

2- The stories. I have enjoyed every episode. Not in a ‘okay, that was good’ way like I did the first half of season 3, more of- ‘oh my gosh these are brilliant, can we have more please.’

3- The references to past seasons. This has been so much fun and something they could finally do in with season 4. They have built an audience now who has been faithfully watching for 4 years, so they can make reference back to something in Season 1 or 2 and people will get it. I admit I had to pause the recording and laugh hysterically when the Doctor said, “Are you my mummy?” The other shoutouts have been just as memorable and fun.

4- Rose. I flailed when she was in episode one. Freaked out, couldn’t talk, gesticulated with my hands trying to express my excitement. The other moments that she has appeared in or been referenced have been equally exciting. I am holding my breath for the June night when she will return for the final three episodes, but my heart is a little worried too- remember this is the season of “no happy endings,” and I don’t know if I can make it through another ‘Doomsday.’

5- Watching them with the fam. We are all hooked now. It is what we do on Sunday nights, and watching them together then trying to figure out what will happen has been one of the highlights of the season.

6- David Tennant. Okay, yes I know I am head over heels infatuated with this man (he is the only man I know that looks good in a velvet suit) but he is an incredible actor. I am blown away every time, he just keeps getting better and better.

I would post all my emails to Heather about each episode here, but that would probably be over kill. As the season winds down though, and as my favorite writer is taking center stage for two week, oh and let’s not forget the return of Rose, Jack, Mickey, and Jackie expect more squeeing, sobbing, and gabbing about my favorite TV show.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 14

Oh my gosh, I survived. I made it through without loosing my mind, hating teaching, or wanting to throw myself off a bridge. And you know it was a good week.

We read again this week and there was one point on Monday (or was it Tuesday) that I just said, “I’m done teaching you guys today,” they were being little hellions, and I was ready to scream. So I stopped teaching and they read on their own.

Wednesday I had no desks, they were being used for an AP test and so we had to make due with the floor. It felt like we were having circle time and I was a preschool teacher. The kids seemed to enjoy it, after they got over the fact that they were sitting on the floor. They wanted to go outside and I just laughed, yeah I have a hard enough time making them behave when we are indoors, there was no way I was letting them out.

Thursday, I had nine students. The rest were taking an AP test, so I just smiled told them to read two chapters for next time and then we watched ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ We would have finished it too, if someone hadn’t started an electrical fire. So I shepherd the nine students under my care, out (taking care to stop the dvd- hey they were about to sing ‘He’s a Tramp.’) and we spent an enjoyable 20 minutes outside. I even managed to keep all nine of my darlings together, which if you knew Riley you would understand what a feat this was.

Then there was the last day. I have been all grins today and feel like a huge weight has been lifted. We had a great lesson today, so much discussion and some of the kids blew me away with their comments and insights. I just had to smile. Of course when I was struggling to find the words to tell one class how much teaching them had meant two of them went at each other with a note book, I just chuckled, because that is how the past 14 weeks have been for me.

I know there is still one more week, but as I won’t be teaching anymore it kinda feels like the end. I think we are having a party at some point next week, which could be fun. But I’ve almost made it!!!!

To days to come, all my love to long ago

I have realized that I have sadly been neglecting Doctor Who this season on my blog. This surprises me as I watch the new episodes at least once the weekend they are released (usually twice once with Cassy and once with the family) and it is the Monday email topic between Heather (who lives way to far away) and I. So I have decided that for the rest of the season I will at least try to talk about my favorite geeky obsession-

Now, this weekend (when I have a tad more time) you will be getting my overview of the first half of season 4, but today I am giving you my top twelve favorite lines and bits of dialogue from seasons 1-4-

Number Twelve: From the 2006 Children in Need Special

DOCTOR
Then how could I remember this? Very first word I ever said to you. Trapped in that cellar. Surrounded by shop window dummies.... oh...

[He looks away for a moment, reminiscing. Then he looks back into her eyes]

DOCTOR
... such a long time ago. I took your hand...

[To emphasize this point, he takes her hand - just like he did when Rose first asked who he was. Rose glances briefly down at their joint hands and then back up at his face]

DOCTOR
I said one word... just one word, I said... "Run".

Number Eleven: Season 3 Blink

DOCTOR
And that's it, I'm afraid. There's no more from you on the transcript, that's all I've got. I dunno what stopped you talking, but I can guess. They're coming. The angels are coming for you. But listen, your life could depend on this. Don't blink! Don't even blink. Blink and you're dead. They are fast, faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink! Good luck!

Number Ten: Season 1, The Doctor Dances

DOCTOR
So, where'd you pick this one up, then?

ROSE [warningly]
Doctor...

JACK
She was hanging from a barrage balloon, I had an invisible spaceship. I never stood a chance

Number Nine: Time Crash

TEN:

Oh, brilliant! I mean, totally wrong, big emergency, universe goes bang in five minutes but... brilliant!

Number Eight: Season 3 Blink

DOCTOR
Tracked you down with this. This is my timey-wimey detector. It goes ding when there's stuff. Also, it can boil an egg at 30 paces, whether you want it to or not, actually, so I've learned to stay away from hens. It's not pretty when they blow.

Number Seven: Season 1, The Doctor Dances

DOCTOR
Well, it's gotta find us first! Come on, we're not done yet! Assets, assets!

JACK
Well, I've got a banana, and at a pinch you could put up some shelves.

Number Six: Season 3, The Shakespeare Code

SHAKESPEARE
It made me question everything. The futility of this fleeting existence. To be or not to be…Oh, that’s quite good.

DOCTOR
You should write that down.

SHAKESPEARE
Hm, maybe not. A bit pretentious?

Number 5: Season 1, The Doctor Dances

ROSE
Doesn't the Universe implode or something if you... dance?

DOCTOR [off-handedly]
Well, I've got the moves but I wouldn't want to boast.

[Rose, still grinning, stops shuffling around in her wheel chair and gets up to turn the music up. The Doctor looks around, completely wrong-footed. Rose walks slowly forward, flirtatiously. He looks determinedly back to the wall. Rose holds her hand out to him]

ROSE
You've got the moves?

[The Doctor looks back at her]

ROSE
Show me your moves.

DOCTOR
Rose, I'm trying to resonate concrete.

ROSE [not lowering her hand]
Jack'll be back; he'll get us out. So come on - the world doesn't end 'cause the Doctor dances.

Number 4: Season 2, The Satan Pit

IDA
Hang on though, Doctor. You never really said... you two... who are you?

***

THE DOCTOR
Oh... (he looks at Rose) ... the stuff of legend.

Number 3: Season 1, The Doctor Dances

DOCTOR
Everybody lives, Rose. Just this once. Everybody lives!

Number 2: Season 3, Utopia

DOCTOR:

Bit of a hermit.

YANA:

A hermit with friends?

DOCTOR:

Hermits United. We meet up every ten years. Swap stories about caves. It’s good fun…for a hermit. So, um, Utopia?

Number 1: Season 2, Girl in the Fireplace

DOCTOR
It's back on the ship. Rose, take Mickey and Arthur, get after it. Follow it, don't approach it, just watch what it does.

ROSE
Arthur?

DOCTOR
Good name for a horse.

ROSE (exasperated)
No, you're not keeping the horse!

DOCTOR
I let you keep Mickey! Now go, go, go!

Saving Second Base, one step at a time

Today was an amazing day. To start of my training for the 3 Day I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure in Salt Lake this morning. This was the first time I was actually able to participate. No mono, no wrecked knee, and no national rugby championships and I was over whelmed.

It is amazing what people can do when they work together for a cause. This morning I was part of 17,000 runners, walkers, and riders all working and coming together because someone we knew had be affected by breast cancer. There were many times as I ran amidst the group that I was moved to tears. I saw daughters pushing their mom's wheel chairs, I saw families walking in remembrance of two or three family members, then there were the pink shirts indicating that someone was a survivor. I was overcome with emotions so many times throughout the day, but it hit me when my brother-in-law pointed out a shirt that said, "No one should have to grow up without a mom." Right then I knew why I was there and why I am raising money and willing to walk 60 miles in Atlanta this fall, there needs to be a cure. My nieces shouldn't have to worry about this and if I can help eradicate this disease from this planet then I am going to do it. No one should have to worry. It is a scary thing, so I am picking up my running shoes and doing my part to stamp out this horrible disease. So I am asking all of you, to please help. Even if you can only afford 5.00, it will help. So please check out the link here, and if you know anyone else who is willing to help us fight this, let them know what we are doing.

I did clock my best time today, coming in at about 42-43 minutes (since there were so many people I wasnt able to start right when everyone else is so this is based on where I was on my play list). I had it paced that I would cross during the "Doctor Who" theme song (yes, I am a nerd) and I really picked up the pace when the song right before it, "Love Don't Roam" came on. But I hit my goal and I was so proud of myself. By the end of the year I hope to have that time down to 39 minutes.



Would any pic spam be complete without a picture of Lu?


Adam and I ready to run, yeah he is more of a runner than I am


Mom, Hilary, and Lu crossing the finish line. I was so proud of the three of them. Mom has lupus, one kidney and a foot that she can't walk much on and she did this. Hils is 5 months pregnant, and Lu is three- they all finished this race.


Boston also completed his first 5K today!

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 13

Well, I got my last review this week by my supervisor. You know I never really believed this but there is a difference in the way that people used to teach and they way that they teach now, until she left my final review.

Okay, my kids are talkative. There are days that I am ready to shove them out the window or threaten to fail everyone of them if they make one more noise. Of course I then realize that these are teenagers, not only teenagers they are sophomores and only 15 or 16. I try to keep noise and talking to a minimum and they know that if someone else is talking that they will lose points if I catch them talking.

Anyway, the kids were having some great conversations on the books and they were making some of the best comments I have ever seen them. They have come so far since when I started. And all my supervisor could focus on was that one kid had his head down and that there was some talking going on. She missed all that was good about those kids and focused on the bad. When my cooperating teacher saw it she got so angry, and it made me feel better knowing that I wasn’t over reacting.

Since it is spring the kids seem more restless than ever. I am kinda glad that next week is my last week teaching them. I also learned that I need to have some fun things planned for May next year when I am teaching. I also learned I am really excited to have my own class where it is my own rules established from the start. And my own curriculum.

So it has been a good week. Only nine more days, only five more actually teaching. And I am already missing the kids.

Book Tag

I was tagged by DeAnn to play Book Tag. Since I am a book geek and an English teacher I thought, "why the heck not" so here we go.

a) pick up nearest book
b) turn to page 123
c) find 5th sentence
d) post the 5th sentence
e) tag 5 (or more) people

Here it is:

Nearest Book: Bless Me, Ulitma by Rudolfo Anaya

Page 123, 5th Sentence

“'Perhaps it is true the Luna's blood will win out in the end,' he said, 'perhaps it is better that way-'”

I now tag- Marie, Mandy, Hilary, Adam, and Lindz

It is my day of Jubliee

Not so very long ago there was a girl who felt stuck in her life. She had a decent job, a great apartment, a wonderful family, and great friends. Something just felt off though. After a lot of late night chats, soul searching, and pondering she made the decision to go back to school and get her masters degree and teaching certificate. She was scared. Worried that she would fail. But this girl had the best support system in the world. She had her family who always believed in her. Her friends (both in Utah and online) who held her hand when she was ready to throw in the towel and pushed her to write one more paper or finish one more presentation. She had the best coworkers any person could ever ask for who would listen to her cry about an assignment or the way a class had behaved, who gave her the time off she needed and who gave her a place to bring the treats she was endlessly baking to combat the stress. She had a trainer who pushed her to work harder and showed her that there were better ways to take out stress then diving into a carton of ice cream. And she had a wonderful school to work with where they accepted her as a family and did everything they could to show her the potential that she carried.

Well, yesterday this girl graduated with her masters and the mega watt grin she wore the second she woke up that morning never left her face.

So to all of you who helped me get to this day. Thank you. I couldn't have done it without anyone of you. You have stood by me every step of the way and I appreciate it so much.

Now without further ado- Graduation Pic Spam!

With my class. I dont know where my little purple thing went. It wasn't in my packet on Friday night so I went without. Of course my hood wouldnt stay properly on either. Oh well. Aren't we the proud bunch of graduates?


With Alie I would not have made it through this program without her. She kept me sane the last nine months or so and added the need voice of reason that our group needed.

I wish I had pictures with my parents and grandma to post her. But they are all on my dad's camera. so let's go to the Party!!!!

My parents went all out assuming the world was coming. I kept trying to tell them that despite the number of invites and announcements I sent out there would not be any there. We had about 40 people which was good enough for me. Of course my dad made an excellent observation last night when we cleaning up, "We are just lucky all her internet friends didn't come, then we really would have gone through all the food."

With my parents best friends.


Not sure why we kept taking pictures in front of the garage. *shrugs*


With my friend Mandy and her son!


With the infamous Katie and Jason- two of the best friends a girl could ever ask for.


With Ruthie, my cooperating teacher. She has been amazing.


With Gayle. This is the woman who gave me the push I needed to become a teacher. She is amazing and has made an impact in my life since I was a 14 year old freshman sitting in her English class.


With my adopted family. I adore these guys.

So there you have it. Wish I had the pictures with my parents, or one with the chocolate lei some of my students made me. But according to the school I have graduated. There is that little pesky thing of 8 more weeks of class and three more weeks of student teaching, but nothing is taking this smile off my face.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 12

I can't believe time is coming to an end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is no longer the oncoming train.

You know it is funny, I worried so much about having to balance everything and at times I didn't do as good as a job as I hoped, but I've just about made it through.

This week has been pretty uneventful. My kids have been taking state mandated testing, and though I have rather strong opinions on what they had to take and the questions they had to answer, that is neither here nor there. Though they did throw me for a loop when they finished in one day rather than in the two I had planned. That was fine though, you know me constantly thinking on her feet- I just rearranged our schedule.

Most days I love these kids. They are full of energy and life, they are as smart as whips and they are just fun to be around. Other days I want to throw them out the window. I think that spring is in the air finally and they are going stir crazy. I wish high schools had field days just to let them get some pent up energy out. I almost lost it with one class this week, more because they disappointed me with their behavior than anything else. The snow seemed to have settled them down, but the weather is turning good again, so not quite sure how we will make it through the next 14 school days.

I just know that when the time comes I will miss these guys. I know that next year I get to start again. Me in my own classroom, my own rule, my own procedures but I will miss these students who frustrate the hell out of me but have found a special place in my heart.