To Days to Come

adios

2010-06-05T18:37:00.001-07:00

Okay I know I haven't updated forever but we have a new family blog over at:

http://bestbradleys.blogspot.com/

I promise to update this one more often.

3-day Cleveland--day 3

2009-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning came faster than I wanted it to. Not only was I awoken to the sound of Heather’s alarm and people milling around outside, but to the sound of rain. I groaned inside and snuggled deeper into the blanket. I did not want to get up. I did not want to walk in the rain. Heavens, I did not want to walk at all. I lay back down and listened to Heather’s “threats” to get up, all the while pondering if I just wanted to SAG it to lunch.

Finally, Heather’s admonitions got me up and out, even though I still longed for my blanket and swimming pool mattress. We got up and braved the now drizzling rain to pack, take down the tent, and head to breakfast. Right here, right now I want to tell you that Heather is a pro at packing a tent. I want her with me every time I do one of these things for her tent packing skills alone. I mean she is a brilliant conversationalist and hilarious, but she could go pro with the tent packing skills.

We headed over to breakfast and got a hug from hug lady as we waited in line. Much to my dismay there was no oatmeal this morning. I ended up with cream of wheat though and that was a close second. I didn’t eat much the rest of breakfast, there was something about it that just didn’t sit well this morning.

We finally striked off, so happy that there was only 17 miles to accomplish. Hug lady and Jerry were waiting for us as we left camp and we felt their enthusiasm. The first three miles flew by, for one reason. We started making up a lovely chant with our new friends Kim and Trish. We got all those around us chanting with us as we walked through the streets towards Pit One. I love how easy it is to meet friends from all over. We were determined our chant would go 3-day wide. That this would be Cleveland’s mark on the 3-day. So here it is, all verses written down, for your chanting pleasure:

I don’t know but I’ve been told,

3-day walkers bring in gold.

Walking in the rain and sun

Making friends and having fun

I don’t know but I’ve been told,

3-day walkers are really bold

Pirates keep us safe from harm

Crossing streets and saying Arrrr

I don’t know but I’ve been told,

3-day crew carries a heavy load.

Red shirts yelling out at me,

Drink and Pee and no IV.

I don’t know but I’ve been told,

3 days in my shoes are old.

Blisters, chaffing, busted knees

CVS has bio-freeze.

Sound off

1..2.

Sound off

3..4

Bring it on down

1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3-day!

That little chant honestly got us through and we chanted it walking into Pit one, only to be told that the neighborhood we were in did not want us and we had to be quiet. I understood the people of Westlake’s concerns, but it was one morning that we were interrupting. One morning that we really needed to laugh and cry and joke and chant with one another simply to make it through the day. I stayed made at the city until Pit 2. Childish, I know, but still when you have walked so many miles you just want people to understand and accept the sacrifice of hundreds of walkers. It really put a damper on that next three miles.

The three of us separated during that leg, Erin called a sweep to take her to the pit so she could fix her blisters, Heather and I just separated. There seemed to be a damper on all the walkers during this leg, not helped by the rain that started to fall. We finally got to the next pit where there was polkaing. I was amazed with Heather’s polka skills, or the fact that she could still polka after walking 49 miles.

We set out again, quickly doing the two or so miles that we needed even in the rain. Finally we reached the next Pit, knowing it was only three miles to lunch we took the time to stretch and make plans to hop a van during the next three miles.

Those next three miles were brutal. Absolutely brutal. It started off with rain but ended up with sun pounding down on us. There were times that I just kept praying that I could put one foot in front of the other. Heather and Erin caught a van about half way through the leg, for some reason—despite the plan—I did not get on with them. I continued to walk and it was a mistake. My feet were killing me, my blisters were getting bigger, and the way that I was walking was killing my knees. I finally staggered into lunch, being asked by one of the crewers if I was okay. Because of the short day I felt rushed at lunch, there was no time to sit and be leisurely. It was quickly eat, get medical care, and go. I felt cheated out of my time to relax. I made my way to the potties where they drew a lovely pink ribbon on my arm with lip gloss. Then I headed to medical and bandaged my several blisters. As I was bandaging I found Kim and Trish and they were able to tell me about the latest verse added to our chant.

We headed out again, only to be delayed at the next Shell station as Erin had to use the bathroom again. Of course this was after the cheering station where they were handing out Jell-O shots so most people were stopping at the Shell to use the facilities. I was getting frustrated, my legs hurt, my feet hurt, and I felt this invisible line inching towards me that was the deadline, the time I had to be to the grab and go before they stuck me on a bus. No matter how much I wanted to be on a bus this morning I was ready to finish this. We pushed hard to the Grab and Go. Really hard. I felt like it was back to day one and we had all the energy that we needed to keep going. We even passed up one dollar dairy queen ice cream to make it.

We finally made it to the G&G where we stood in line for 15 minutes to use the portapotties, then it was off. We had 4.5 miles left. 2.5 to the next pit. We set off but my knee was becoming more and more useless. The more we stopped the harder it was for me to get going again. I was hobbling and no longer was striking out for the team. I finally realized I couldn’t make it anymore and hopped on a bus for the mile or so left to the pit. It was the ABBA van, and I was so excited. I got to listen to one of my favorite groups while being taken to medical care.

Pit four might have been a grab and go. Most people were just peeing and leaving, with two miles left I don’t blame them. The wonderful nurse, Laurie, that had somehow taken care of me all three days was there to ice my knee and then wrap it. It felt somewhat better but it was also nice to put my feet up again.

Erin and Heather came into camp and we headed out soon after. Two miles left and each step taking us closer to where we needed to be. I slowly gained steam again and was able to keep up with everyone. We walked through the cheering station at Bera and there was one mile left to go. This mile turned out to be the toughest mile that I have ever done.

It all started with another potty break. The stopping is what killed me. I was running on pure adrenaline at this point and stopping was killing me. We were so close and I just wanted to sit down. I leaned against the stone wall waiting for Erin and Heather to come back down and started to cry. I just hurt. Hurt beyond hurt. When we finally were on our way again the tears didn’t stop. I was sobbing by the time I made it to the last pit stop and my tears were exasperated by the fact that I had to stop at the cross walk.

There was one crew member that made it a bit better. He put his arm around me and just let me cry while he told me how strong I am. How proud he was of me. How he crewed because he couldn’t walk. That I was so strong. This just made my tears flow even more. He offered to help me cross the street, but me in my stubbornness told him no.

We finally crossed that finish line and the other walkers and crew members but I was in so much pain that it was just a relief. I knew that I would be able to sit down and just cry. We got our pictures taken where I slapped on a fake smile, then Heather and I made our way across the field for closing ceremonies.

It took me 25 minutes to cross that field and get my luggage. I was amazed that I could still walk to be honest. I met Heather’s husband, who is fantastic, and dropped my stuff off in his car. I then hobbled back stage where I collapsed to the ground and took a nap. Apparently I was really out of it as one crew member tried to introduce himself but I ignored him.

When I finally came to Heather was talking with Kathy, another walker whose husband had breast cancer. She was walking in at least two other three days this year. I am amazed with people that can do that.

Closing was fantastic, full of tears and laughs. I wanted to take Jerry and Woo-hoo man home with me. Just so I could have that constant cheering when I cleaned the house or finished a lesson plan. There are things that I will continue to bring with me after the three day. The sense of accomplishment, the friendships, the memories of participating in something greater than myself. As we sat at dinner that night, finally getting to use a nice clean flush toilet, and eating the best burger I have ever eaten in my life I realized it. This is what life is about. Committed citizens doing whatever they can to change the world. We aren’t rich, we aren’t famous, but we have heart. Hearts that reach out and touch so many more. And it is those hearts, those unfailing giving hearts that will change the world.

Getting a hug from hug lady as we Our team at Pit 1
left Sunday morning

Heather Dancing at Pit 2

Me dressed as a polkaer

Look a covered bridge after lunch! I love that pink bunny

Not the best picture, but for some reason the one Sleeping behind stage--don't bother me.
I uploaded.

Heather at closing me at closing.

3-day Cleveland--day 2

2009-08-08T21:43:00.001-07:00

I had an interesting night. To quote Heather "I didn't feel like slept well, but I felt rested." It was a chilly morning and I was grateful I was snuggled up in my fleece blanket. Heather and I nudged each other out of bed and then Heather rolled over to hit the tent Erin was asleep in to make sure she was up. I am not sure if Erin appreciated the well intended wake up call, but hey—it was sure fun.

I was so excited for breakfast that morning as breakfast meant oatmeal. Lovely oatmeal. I know that is a strange thing to be excited over but it was a highlight for me last year in Atlanta. There is something that they put in that oatmeal which is addictive. It will keep me coming back year after year.

We started off the journey with a hug from hug lady and then a cheer and encouragement from Jerry. The morning was gorgeous. It always amazes me how quiet mornings are and how much three dayers accomplish before the sun really comes up. I have thought of that a lot this past week, how much I truly enjoy those first few moments of morning.

We moved at a bit of a slower pace that morning. The three of us all blistered and a bit sore from the day before. Though moving slower we still clipped through the morning. Bouyed by each other’s company and quoting West Wing and Clue. It will never cease to astonish me what a bunch of nerds/geeks we all are. The girls I walked with also amazed me. Erin was (and is) so kind to anyone who crossed her path. Her patience with everyone is a true example to me. Heather is so full of compassion it is incredible. She made sure that day that she took something from every child that offered it. No matter how full she was, how much water she had, or what she was already carrying.

I got the ‘My Grandma’ flag at pit one. I was so proud to carry it for my grandma who is a survivor for over 40 years. She is one of the reasons that I do this walk every year. I felt honored to carry it for the two miles I did before passing it over to Erin.

After leaving Pit two (in which I was able to answer a trivia question about Elvis because I watch Doctor Who—thank you David Tennant) we realized that we needed something else to keep us entertained so we began to go through Mia’s Disney CD. We sang Old McDonald, This Old Man, There’s A Hole in my Bucket, and a host of other songs. This got us over several crossings of I-90. We wound our way through neighborhoods where Heather realized that she had to use the restroom. We were once again about a mile in a half away from the pit and in a residential area so we had no other option. We walked by a small cheering station who asked if we needed anything and Heather yelled out, “I need to pee.” To make a long story short one of the kind men out there let Heather use his home bathroom. The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me. After Pit three we headed to lunch, the three miles were long and almost unbearable.

There was yet another bathroom van called for Heather and Erin and I went on alone. For some reason those two miles seemed to never end. It was hot, and I was moving faster than I probably should have. I was still amazed that I didn’t have shin splints, and despite an annoying blister on the bottom of my foot that was still giving me trouble, I was okay.

Finally, after devouring the best Otter Pop I have ever had, I made it to lunch. I was ready to collapse, but we were stopped at the crosswalk by a funeral. Those of us waiting there tried really hard not to have feelings of exasperation as we waited for a very long funeral train(?) to go by. It was quite annoying—yes, by that point I was hot, tired, hungry, and had a full bladder; I no longer felt charitable.

I finally made it to lunch and collapsed next to Erin and Heather, my feet were relieved that we got to stop for a while. We had a great lunch before we headed out again. Once again, a mile away from lunch and two away from the next pit, we had to use the bathroom. Thank heavens there was a Shell station around that the three of us were able to do.

We spent the next bit of time to vote each other off the team for various infractions. Heather seemed to be the only one safe as she was the ride to the airport and we had no way of getting home without her. The day wore on and not even Doctor Who quotes could lift our spirits. It was hot, really hot. We tried to cool off with a nice soak from a super soaker from Pit four, but it was of no use. We were on another three mile stretch that never ended. Heather and I had really seemed to slow down, while Erin was booking it closer to the grab and go. Finally, not able to go any longer Heather and I hopped a sweep van forgetting to yell up to Erin what we were doing.

The bright side to this was the sweep van was the coconut bra van—the van that Heather had waited for. We soon found out this was the best van to take a rest in. There was A/C, candy, pins, and a grab bag. Though they could not take us to the Grab and Go they did take us to Pit five to wait for Erin. They did however stop long enough to let Heather take her picture.

I knew that I needed to work on my feet and headed over to medical to take advantage of our time. I took my shoe off and noticed that I had grown another toe in form of a blister, funny as I never felt that blister. The size though was troublesome to the medical staff there and they told me I would not be walking the 2.5 miles back to camp. In fact they told me to go hop a bus, I was done for the day.

An intense feeling of failure swept through me. The one promise I had made to myself is I would not get on a SAG bus, there was no reason for it. I was determined to push through to have them pop it and send me on my way. I had time, I could wait till the popping or care was done. I knew they were right though, and I headed to the bus. I finally got a hold of Erin and explained what happened. Heather was going to wait for Erin to come, but Erin mentioned she would catch a van anyway. So Heather and I headed back on the bus, but we got a pin out of it all.

We arrived at camp and since I am such a Hermione I knew that I couldn’t go to medical until I had showered, and that I could not shower until I ate, and we wanted to wait for Erin. So after realizing that the ten was about 90 degrees we headed over to the 3-day main street.

It was here that Heather and I discovered the love of our three-day life—the i-squeeze machines at the Bank of America’s booth. Those five minutes were some of the best five minutes of my life. And when the lady tried to cheat us out of a minute Heather quickly put her in her place and told her we had more time. Not only did these miracle chairs massage our legs it also attacked our backs. We hobbled into that booth but walked out standing tall and proud. It was fantastic. Those machines work miracles and I am determined to try the one in my faculty room more often this year.

We then wandered over to Energizer and signed up for chair massages. While we waited for Erin to come for our team massage we played the Energizer game. We found we did not like the game as much but the questions were fun and Heather and I took turns asking each other questions and making new friends.

Erin got back in time for the massages—she did not hop a bus but had walked the rest! A woman named Penny gave me a wonderful shoulder and leg massage. I still had some kinks but it worked wonders. We went over to stretch the last of the kinks out and I had an enjoyable conversation with a woman from Connecticut. I know I have said it before but it bears repeating I love that there is so much more that connects us and binds us. So many women from all over truly coming together and showing that we are stronger than any of the things that divide us.

It was finally time to head to dinner but I was not feeling well. I hadn’t drunk anything since we left on the bus and I was now dehydrated. I managed to pick at dinner, but I didn’t eat much. The cake though was fantastic, I kinda wanted another piece.

We finally went to the showers and it was so nice to feel the water run over me. It also stung in a few places but the showers were fantastic. Finally I made it to medical and a very nice RN took care of my blister. We chatted and she was just fantastic. Blister popped and drained we headed to the remembrance tent to pay respect to those who have been lost to breast cancer and those who keep fighting, the real reason that we walk.

Like last year this was an overcoming experience. To be surrounded by the pictures of so many lost. It didn’t even matter that I never had met these women. There is a kinship there one that exists between any 3-day walker. Much like the bond between marathon runners or triathlon participants, you share the same hardships and the same triumphs.

We went to go get settled in for the night when, to the delight of Heather and myself, someone stopped and asked about our pink Tardis. It was made our little geeky sci-fi hearts leap in joy. It then took the three of us to get the tents ready for the rain that was going to threaten us that night and hunkered down. 43 miles down and only 17 left to go.

Team FBG at Pit one

Carrying the flag for Grandma

Ah, the king of rock and roll

Look who I found- and he has drinks Look at my team following rules and stretching

One of my favorite vans--they played ABBA Mile 35!!

So excited to be back at camp At the remembrance tents

Heather's indecent picture--I love it I feel surrounded by pink

Waiting inside the Tardis--is the Doctor coming?

Cleveland 3-day--Day 1

2009-08-06T18:38:00.001-07:00

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.-- Margaret Mead

I believe this statement, history has proven it, my life has proven it, and I believe that you don't have to have money or power to change the world, simply the heart and the determination. For me I have decided to fight cancer and I do all that I can to fight it. This last weekend I walked 60 miles (the second time in nine months) to do that.

Nine months ago I walked into camp in Atlanta having just finished my first day of my first three day. I was overcome with emotion and knew that I had to do this again. Erin looked at me as if I was crazy, and perhaps I am, but we she followed me to the tent to sign up. We sent a post card to Heather and told her we were coming to Cleveland and that we wanted her to join us. Partly out of guilt, partly out of interest, and partly at out devotion Heather decided to join us in this year's adventure.

This year of training was full with up and downs, many times I was facing bouts of depression, not knowing if I had the strength to make it yet another 60 miles. I drew strength from so many though and that is what got me through some rough training months and some tough fund raising.

I arrived in Cleveland the Tuesday before the three day to be with Heather and visit some of the sites. Heather and I instantly picked up our friendship, that is one thing that always amazes me about meeting online friends, it is not like meeting a stranger--even though they technically are. We had dinner together, I met her daughter, we sat and talked and it was fantastic.

On Thursday, after we picked up Erin, our team was together and I realized that this was going to be a good thing. Though I was still nervous about starting my 60 mile journey the next day I knew that the three of us were going to get on fabulously.

Heather and I were both honor flag carriers, this was fantastic and we were both honored to do so. This meant that we had to attend an afternoon rehearsal. That was when I first saw our starting point. It was on Lake Erie and it looked over downtown Cleveland. Seeing the pink trucks filled me with and overwhelm sense of serenity. I knew that I was supposed to be there. I cried when they placed the My Father flag in my hand and each time I carried it I felt sense of pride and would often tear up. My father is a wonderful man and a cancer survivor. The tears flowed freely during that afternoon and I knew that they would come even more the next day.

The next morning Erin and I woke up early to a torrential rain storm. I have to admit I was ready to cry for different reasons then. I had to walk in the rain last year and I wasn't ready to do it again. I sat there and watched the rain pound against the windows, a boa sitting on my head at 4:30 in the morning. I was willing it to stop, but no end seemed in sight. I was so scared I had to walk in the rain again and any confidence that I had rallied seemed to drain away. Heather's friend was a champion though, she drove through one of the worse rain storms I had ever seen. We arrived at the drop off site to our pirate traffic crew, cracking jokes in the rain and full of good spirits. I felt my spirits began to rise as I was once again immersed in a group of people who were willing to take on a rather formidable task.

We picked up our bunny ears from the Enterprise representatives and we stood in the rain snapping pictures and really hoping that the rain would stop. Heather and I left Erin and made our way behind stage, with plans to meet up after the ceremonies. As we stood there the rain began to let up and I felt that by the time we started that I could ditch the poncho.

Opening ceremonies was powerful. Most the time I was just hoping that I wouldnt slip and fall, but it was amazing to be surrounded by a sea of pink and know that I was part of something that was bigger than myself. We walked through the gates and I felt energized. I was in my element. If anyone knew about hard three days, that was me. If anyone knew about the joy of the three day, that was me. This is where I was supposed to be.

We walked through downtown Cleveland and Heather gave us a running commentary and I learned quite a bit about the city. it was a fantastic walking tour. We started walking with a man sporting a pink beard. We soon found out that this was Pink Beard Barry's 45 walk and he was scheduled to walk ten more this year and crew the last five. I couldn't imagine having the strength and stamina to do the walk so many times. I was in awe of this man, and during the rest of the time I saw him on the walk I was amazed that he always seemed to be doing well. I figured if I could keep up with him I was doing okay as well.

We wound our way through two pit stops meeting two friends that would accompany us the rest of the journey. Woo-hoo man and Jerry. Woo hoo-man is a 20 something man whose mother continues to walk in the 3-day. He could be heard from blocks away yelling woo-hoo and holding aloft a sign stating Woo-hoo. We started to look forward to his random appearances and loved to hear him cheering us on. Jerry became our personal cheerleader. He was on the route three or four times a day, cheering us on and making us feel like heroes. I looked forward to seeing Jerry at each step and he always seemed to pop up just when i needed his bit of support.

We continued on our way and the sun came out and was shining now. Heather, knowing that I would get moody if I hadn't eaten, made me stop and eat at each pit. it is funny the things you remember about the 3-day. The food is one of them. They were the same meals that they had last year but for some reason the Uncrustables and the bananas seem to taste better at the pits then at home.

We finally hit lunch, mile 12, and I was so happy that I didn't have shin splints. It was a minor victory after what I went through in Atlanta. We enjoyed our time at lunch, and for me the only downside was that I did not have any clean socks. I had left them in my bag and was forced to walk in my now wet and bloody socks. The back of my heels had started bleeding profusely, the back of the heel torn away on both legs. Armed with wet socks, but a full belly we started off again.

About a quarter mile after lunch walking through the most beautiful area that we had seen I had the overwhelming urge to pee. It was crazy as I had gone twice at lunch but my bladder was full again! Heather and I were contemplating committing an illegal act and using the woods as our own personal bathroom. Fortunately at the moment the Sole Patrol- On a mission from God to put the band back together Team-For-A-Breast. The nice ladies in suits came and picked us up and took us to Pit 4 where the lovely porta-potties waited. We had to miss a cheering station to use the bathroom, but it was worth it. While we waited for Erin we stretched and took a bit of a nap maybe, it was fantastic. There was the moment when there was a nice pop and twinge that went through my back and my knee and at that moment I let out a sigh of relief.

When Erin got there we continued to walk and I loved the conversations that we had. We talked about Doctor Who, online friends, Harry Potter, talking about my religion, Heather’s religion. There was strawberry candies that I hadn’t had in years that I was able to eat once again, taking me back to my childhood. There were tears as we passed through small cheering stations, just grateful people that were there giving us the bit of boost we needed. <

The three of us hobbled through the sun, just laughing and enjoying our company. Heather and Erin jokingly (or not so jokingly) called me Hermione as we walked as I was a safety monitor. I would call out something or tell them about rule breaking they would say “yes, Hermione.” We cheered on the cute kids-crew that would pipe us music and gave us a fun way to enjoy the rest of the day. Every time that the hula van went by Heather talked about the inappropriate picture she wanted to take with it. These talks filled us through the really long three miles to the grab and go it was horrible. One thing that got us through was there was a woman standing outside her door crying, knowing that we were doing something that also overwhelmed her was overwhelming to me. If I wasn’t sweaty and gross I would have gone to give her a hug and told her it would be okay. There was even one moment that my cell phone sounded and the Tardis sound split the air, Heather and I both had a moment of hope that the Doctor was there to save us, then that hope died.

Finally we reached the park where we were to spend the next two nights, our home away from home to enjoy. The music of Michael Jackson pulled us forward towards our goal and I felt like I needed to dance to Billy Jean as I came in. We were greeted by Hug lady, the woman that was there to simply give us a hug.

We went to pick up our luggage and it was so easy to find this year. Then we went to put up the tent, for some reason this was easier this year. We set up our pink Tardis and were so proud of our geekiness. The Hermits United sign was placed in the front and then we were ready.

I actually got two lovely letters from my parents. I felt so proud to be their daughter and so loved. We then headed to dinner, as we are rule followers, and poor Heather started getting sick. I am pretty sure that she was dehydrated. I felt so bad for her, after a while she started to get better. We headed to the showers hoping that all of us would feel better. When we got there there were lines that made you get up and go, we decided to be rebels in our own right and start a rebellion. We started a sit in and told them just to remember who was in front of them. That meant that we didn’t need to move until it was time to move to the “prime seats

After showers we headed to medical where Erin got a nice shin massage and I got my blisters lanced. This would lead to later complications; but that is a story for another time. I lost my camera in medical..thankfully we found it soon after.

We then went to 3-day main street, and though we were too late for the massages we did get an awesome team pic and I got to spin a wheel and won a bandana;what a perfect gift for me. We also bought $11 dollar buttons, I don't remember them being that expensive last year.

Finally it was time to go to bed, 22 miles behind us, ready to face the 21 miles that we had the next day.

Me at ceremony practice

decked out in our ponchos waiting for the morning walk to start

Me with Cleveland
Heather and I practicing holding our flags

Heather and I getting away from the rain. Behind stage with the flag to honor my dad

At the first pit stop and going strong Crossing the "EPA Bridge" about mile 4

Heather and I with Lake Erie, about mile 7 Goofing off at the last pit for the day, about mile 20

With Woo Hoo man, about mile 21.75 Making it to camp

Heather and I with our pink tent

I'd like to see Paris before I die. Philadelphia will do.

2009-06-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

That is the mantra I should have lived for. I disliked Paris. Never need to go back, have no desire to go back, wasn't that keen to go anyway. But anyway, I guess it was alright. Paris really is a city for lovers. It was rather romantic and maybe that is what turned me off to the whole city..you know me...maybe it was the bus ride. Maybe it was the reek of urine, maybe it was the chaos after the order of England. I am not sure.

We took the night bus into Paris and got there at 5 am. It was odd to try and communicate that early in the morning in a language that I don't speak. I wanted to slip into Spanish all the time. Of course, since I got home, I now want to answer merci to everyone. Go figure. We trekked to the hostel only to find that we couldn't check in until two. They let us crash in the chill room and we slept for a couple of hours. Okay that sets up all the pics below the cut.

This is what that I took to Paris. That little back pack. Of course that made it easier to carry around with me.

At the Louvre. We didn't actually go in as I am not an art fan. But this appeased my mom enough, at least for now.

Ah this was kinda fun to see.

This is my favorite picture that I took in Paris.

Um, this is my first bee sting. I got it on a bus tour. It hurt like snot and I hope the bee died a painful death. This is right after it happened, yes I took pictures before I sought medical attention. My whole arm ended up in rash and swollen, did I mention painful death?

The view from our hostel room. We ended checking in at three and crashed for the rest of the day. I think we went and got pizza too but for the most part it was was just a catch up on sleep day. We did call home to wish our father's happy Father's Day. I have to admit this was the first day that I was homesick and I was grateful that we had a room to ourselves. The hostel was fantastic and I would stay there again.

The next day I was feeling slightly more chipper and though Paris still stank of urine I liked it a bit more than before. Notre Dome was fantastic.

We saw all the big sites that day and realized we could have done Paris in a day rather than three and been perfectly happy.

The Sacre Coeur was my favorite part. Other than the men grabbing at me and calling me baby and sexy. That just made me angry. We had some great crepes (the food in Paris was fantastic) and then we walked around the church and the Montmarte which was fantastic.

I read six books on the trip most I read in Paris as there were days we would sit in the park for hours and read. One day I saw a couple snogging rather intensley, this lead to groping, which lead to some other things that I didn't think you should be doing when a seven year old is playing in the fountain next to you. That was a bit odd but we saw it more than once.
We took a boat trip which was okay, the London one was better. But the best part is that we got to see the Effiel tower at night.

Our last day we went to Versailles. This is the one thing I always wanted to see in France. So it was nice to go. I rode a bike for the first time in 15 years and realized how much I enjoyed it. The fact that I almost hit a small child who cut in front of me just made it more of an adventure.

We got there in time for the fountain show which was great.

Halfway there on the bike trip. The only way to see the Park and the gardens.

On the stair case at Reinette's house. It was so cool.

The gardens!

The hall of mirrors. The palace was packed and we didn't get to see it very well but this was so cool.
After we went to the d'Orsay which was great. The only reason we went was that we both like the impressionists. We really only looked at the fifth floor. But it was fun to see the paintings I actually liked.

Then we started our Pastry tour of Paris and ate our way through every bakery that we could find. Ah the food was fantastic. As we ate dinner this fine man came up and showed us why Paris stank.

And this was my reaction

So we left Paris that night and I did not sleep all that night. I caught about four hours when we got to London then it was off to the airport where we got upgraded to first class. I don't know how it happened, but it did. That was fantastic too. I felt so well taken care of and just adored. The final night of the trip we stayed at Amy's house. she is fantastic and I wish I had more time with her.

Well that brings the end of my journey. i loved it. I would go to England again in a heart beat and I have plenty of pictures if you want to see more.

O, it's a snug little island! A right little, tight little island!

2009-06-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

So here is part two. Nancy and I rented a car and took a week to discover England. We went to so many places and saw so many things. It was fantastic. We ended up getting a sat nav which was both our salvation and the bane of our existence. For the most part it was fabulous I wish we had spent more time in Scotland and the Lake District. That was the one part that I would have expanded.

We went to Winsor Castle to tour it only to find that the Queen was there so we didn't get to go in. We got some great stalking pictures in though and I began to hone my techniques.

I loved Stone Henge. I was so grateful we stopped here. It was fantastic and so peaceful-even with all the other hundreds of people.

Bath was pretty fun, even if everything shut down at six. It was fun to go and visit a place that Jane Austen writes so much about. It was fantastic. We sampled some of the water and I learned why people were cured. That water was so gross that I wanted to throw up after that. We wandered and visited the Jane Austen Center. It was fantastic.
We went to Wales and I loved it. I want to move there and learn Welsh. Believe me it was fantastic. Our first stop was Tinturn Abbey, this is one of my favorite poems and visiting was so powerful. I loved it. It was peaceful and serene and just incredible.

I took so many pictures here. It was inspiring.

We then went down to Cardiff to full my Doctor Who obession. It was fantastic. I loved Cardiff, except for the Traffic. We went to Cardiff Castle and that really sucked, Not a fan and not the best place we visited.

Then it was off to the Doctor Who stuff which Nancy was great to indulge my fangirl personality.

Look Heather., It is Jack's coat...sigh.

Oh why does that man look so good?

Another Tardis!!! I want a ride! I won't bore you with the rest of the exhibition pictures-I took a lot but this was in the top three favorite things.

Then of course we had to visit Torchwood. I really just loved Cardiff and Wales all together.
The next day I finally had the chance to visit my idols home. Stratford was fantastic and after ten days of being in the country as I stood in front of Shakespeare's birthplace I finally knew that I was in England. I started to cry at that moment. It was rather overwhelming. We stopped at Anne Hathaway's cottage first, it was overcome with tourists, but still we had a great time.

I have so many pictures from the gardens and of Stratford but after that visit we headed to Warrick Castle that reminded me a bit of Disneyland yeah, it was odd. Pretty grounds though even if it was overrun with school kids.

Then we went to York that had the best food and the coolest church. York Minster was the coolest one that we saw!
We went to Scotland the next day. I loved Scotland and it was fantastic. We tried to tour Edinburgh Castle, but it was closed due to the installation of someone. We did make it to Holyrood Place though, which was lucky as it was closing that day for the queen to visit. Dang her, she was stalking us.
Ah Scotland the land of my forefathers.

We got caught in a rain storm that lasted three minutes, but we were soaked after.
Look, it is my new Scottish boyfriend.
Yes, I ate at the Hogshead. It was a great pub with some great food.

Isn't that gorgeous. If we had more time we would have hiked it. Oh well.

nance doing her laundry, I had done mine the night before In York. when nance sends that picture I will pst that one.
At Holyrood House.
This is Hogwarts, right?
Honestly Scotland is so pretty. I loved it there.
We stopped at Hadiran's Wall on our way back into England. That is the wall behind me. We were too tired and didn't want to pay for parking to walk up to it.

We decided if anyone asked we would tell them that this was the wall.

We swung through the Lake District and it was fantastic there. I want to honeymoon there, I want to retire there, I want to go spend weeks there. It was fantastic.

See how pretty. We tried to go to the Beatrix Potter sites but they were all closed on Fridays.
That night we stopped to see the Preston Temple. We didn't get a chance to visit it as the hours didn't fit in our schedule but all the more reason to go back.

On our way back to London we stopped at Pemberly, oh I am sorry Chatsworth House. It was one of the other top three things that I saw (the Lake District rounded out that top three). So here are my fangirly pics.

So that is it. I will do Paris as soon as I get home from the grocery store, or maybe shower and put the groceries away. But it will all be done soon.

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.

2009-06-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think I am slightly more coherent now, but suffering a bit from jet lag. In fact I was asleep at 6 last night and after a quick wake-up call I was back to sleep and then up at three. Works out as I had to take my parents to the airport this morning at five. So I have a busy day today. Stuff to get ready for the leadership retreat, write a talk for church, beta a few chapters, and do some three day things. I also have a bunch of packages to send out. Oh, and I promised someone I would finally watch Transformers I this weekend.

Let me just start this out saying that this was one of the best trips of my life. I loved it all, except Paris. I hated Paris. I had so much fun. I saw things I had read and studied since I was a little girl. It was just overwhelming and there were a few times that I just cried a little. I came home less stressed and just happy. It was just what I needed.

So below the cut are pictures and stories. I probably will have to spread this across a few posts, as though I only uploaded a few of the pictures from my trip imagine what a few of 800 are. There will probably be a few more when Nancy (my traveling partner) sends me her pics. So just be prepared.

We started off our trip in London, in fact after a horrible trip to JFK we ended up sitting on the tarmac at JFK for two hours and we made friends while we waited and flirted a bit. By the time we got into London it was late and we ended up having to take a cab from the airport, as there was a tube strike going on, 90 Pounds later we got to the hotel but were wide awake so we took a midnight walk.

Me with my first passport stamp.
The next day we went out and due to a tube strike we ended up seeing much more of London than we would have ever. I meet up with Rachel and her friend. It was a ton of fun exploring new places. and eating some great cup cakes.

We took so many touristy pictures. But that is half the fun, right?

We didn't get to see this but I was so happy to find the Mamma Mia theater!

My friend Nancy and I. She was a great we had so much fun together. We also met up with Nimah who is a doll. It was so fun to meet someone who I have "known" for five years. The rest of the time in London we saw everything we possible could. Took night bus tours, boat tours, toured everything that we could. Sampled the food. Fell in love with Percy Pigs, Thornton's toffee, and Thornton's chocolate. It was fantastic. So here are more pictures with commentary about each one.

At Kensington Palace. This was particularly fun as on the way home I watched Young Victoria, part of which had been filmed here.

More of Kensington. The gardens are gorgeous there. And everything is so green. To a girl from the desert of Utah that was awesome.

Harrods a great shopping adventure. That place was huge.

Making a brass rubbing- people started taking pictures of us it was sort of odd.

We went to go and see the changing of the guard, actually we left before the actually ceremony, there were too many people. But we did get a few pictures before then.

Buckbeakbabie suggested that we go and see Wicked, it was fantastic and we had such great seats. It was just a great show and there was no one choking on a cough drop at the climax of the show.

Nimah told me where I could find a police box and I had to make sure that I visited it in all my geekiness.

Westminster Abbey, we didn't get to go in as it was closed but the outside was gorgeous.

I was ennamored with Big Ben. I took so many flippin' pictures of that clock tower. I leave you with one.

I am still trying to decide if I liked this or not. It really is a bit of an eyesore, but It made a cool picture.Plus, as my dad reminded me it is just a big alien transmitter anyway.

Yes, I got excited at this...maybe a bit too excited.

Nance and I at the Prime Meridian. That was actually really cool.

Visiting the Tower of London. I really liked this it wasn't at all how I ever imagined it and I was able to be a tour guide for Nancy explaining all the crazy history that I have learned and have bottled up in my mind. It was awesome.

People actually live in the tower. I didn't know that before.

Crossing the Wibbley Wobbely Bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral. It was gorgeous and we had gorgeous weather.

We also went and saw Billy Elliot, it was pretty good but I wished we had gotten to see Lion King.

Visiting Buckingham Palace--after the changing of the guard.

Enjoying afternoon tea at noon. They kinda looked at us funny when we asked for it that early but they served it anyway. It was delicious. I loved the scones. oh and the tea was fantastic. Why don't we have tea like that here.

At the Globe. we stood right next to the stage and got to wear the funny paper hats they provided. Someone tried to make us move and Nancy went all evil American on them and they backed down. It was great but the part where the girl fainted next to me was slightly odd.

We visited Richmond and walked around the Park and to Kew Gardens. part of the way there (it was a seven mile walk) I got a popsicle that was passion fruit. it was fabulous but here's the thing- I am allergic to passion fruit. So there was a little scary moment there but I turned out to be okay. We ended up walking to Kew Gardens, which was gorgeous.

Water lilies I love water lilies It was my first time seeing them and I was so excited..

I will miss you

2009-06-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

I just found out that one of my colleagues lost her fight with breast cancer this morning.

It isn't a big surprise, that came on Friday when we found out that she had only days to live but it still makes me angry, sad, and numb.

Becky was the kind of woman who always said what she thought, as much as I like her she scared the heck out of me even through her last days. She was a woman that you never wanted to let down. She was a woman full of insight and ideas. She would push you to be a better educator but would also take the time to show you how.

I will miss her quick wit, her sense of humor, her smile, and her insight. I will miss her laugh during lunch and her sarcasm.

Becky is now added to the list of those I walk in memory of instead of in support of in Cleveland. It kills me that this wicked disease continues to take wonderful women and men.

Thank you Becky for your guidance this year. I will miss you in the years to come but your life has made a remarkable impact on mine even for the short time our paths crossed.

Why I walk

2009-05-18T19:09:00.001-07:00

The three day is now 11 weeks away and it has been on my mind more and more. Maybe that is because I am getting things ready, maybe it is because if I see something pink I buy it, or maybe it is because of all the training. The day is drawing near and I don't think that I have ever told you all why I walk. Growing up I always knew about breast cancer. My grandmother is a two-time survivor.

When my mom was eleven, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was a widow with four children- the oldest was 20 the youngest was my mom. My grandma was sent to the hospital and told that she had a few weeks, months at most. My mom was not allowed to visit the hospital and she lived with the idea that she would be an orphan and never see her mom again.

Luckily, my grandma is a fighter. I don't think the words give up are in her dictionary. She fought against the cancer and won. She jokes that God and Satan can't decide which one gets her and until that happens she is still around. She was diagnosed a few years later and beat it back again. My grandma is a 46-year survivor. She has also survived five other cancers. She has taught me not to give up, to fight through everything, to be strong no matter what life throws at you.

When I was 14, my mom had an abnormal mammogram. I was so nervous as we waited for tests to come back. I was so worried that I was going to lose my mom. I have vowed since that day that no one else should ever have to go through that. No one else should have to worry about losing their mom.

Unfortunately, we still have to do that. I have held my breath as friends go in for abnormal screenings. I have cried when biopsies have come back with negative and positive news. I have prayed for so many people, their families, and their health. I have attended funerals for lives cut short. I don't want my nieces to worry about their mom and their aunt. I don't want them to worry about their friends. I don't want them to anyone to have to go through that pain.

I am a true believer that once we find the cure for one cancer, we will find it for the rest. We can stop a disease that has taken my grandfather, that attacks my uncles and aunts, that has weakened friends. It is the one thing that scares me.

One of you made me a lovely stitching for me last year that says: What if the big C was cure. That hangs right above my desk and it has become my goal. If it is running, walking sixty miles, sleeping in tents, showering in trailers, orbegging for money before my life is over I will make sure that the big C is cure.

To support me or anyone of the FBG team please click here....any donation from $5-$2500 brings us closer to the goal.

Run Freedom Run

2009-05-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

There's a trickle of sweat

Drippin' in your ear

But still, you gotta run
Run-a, run-a, run
Freedom, run away!

Now, don't you fret
And never fear!
'Til freedom's
Won, won-a, won-a, won
Freedom, run away!

I know that this is an odd way to start out my entry on the Race for the Cure, but this song is on my race play list to let me know when it is time to run and today that verse pushed me to finish.

You know, there is something about an event that everyone is walking/running for the same cause that just makes me proud. I was taken back to the three day and the awe that I found with so many people coming together for a cause that I care so much about. It was amazing and I was decked out in pink ready to push ahead with everyone else.

You know, it was an interesting 3.1 miles, one that pushed me.

The first mile I was bored and missed Erin, that is fitting. There I was in a tutu surrounded by a sea of pink and I looked over and my 3-day partner wasn't there. I made due though and was excited when someone stopped and asked me about the 3-day sign on my back.

Before I knew it I passed the midway point and I looked down at my watch. It read 20:31 and I realized that I was on pace to break my 5K best time. My goal going in was 43 minutes- my fastest time before. When I passed the mile two sign I was at- 27:03 and I pushed harder.

When I started to lose steam, I was urged on by how great I would feel to text out that I had finished in under 40 minutes. I pushed harder and harder knowing that Adam and Amy (who both had great times) and my mom (who did the mile hope walk) were at the end. And when I crossed the finish line at 39:54 it was with the biggest grin on my face- even if it wasn't to the Doctor Who theme song as I planned.

Really, it was amazing. It reminded me of one of the reasons I do the 3-day. Here were so many people willing to put aside themselves and help others, and that is the way that the world should work. Plus I saw Shauna and I hadn't seen her since Christmas.

Waiting for the other half of the group to finish (the half with the 4 year old and both babies) oh and that is not sweat, that is water that I spilled when trying to rehydrate.

Why my dad rocks. He did the last mile and a half with Lu on his shoulders and pushing Bost.

Uncle Addy and Hayden, both sporting tutus

Boston loved his. In fact we got so many comments on the way that kid looked toddling around the post race activities.

The whole tutu clad group. We were known by everyone as the tutu family. People actually stopped and took pictures of our group.

Girl Power

How cute are my parents? I mean they are freaking awesome.

A sixty mile adventure and I need your help

2009-04-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Once again I have taken on an incredible challenge. On July 31-August 2, I’ll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days and camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me.

It’s for an event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. They are working hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2,300 to help bring the world closer to that goal.

Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer - and more than 1 million could die - over the next 25 years. That’s a pretty startling statistic. No one should have to face this disease, so in order to create a future without breast cancer, I walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

I have set out a rather large goal for fundraising in the next six-weeks. By the time that I head to England, June 8^th, I want to have raised $1700. This is a lofty goal, but I know with your help I can do it.

I know many of you donated last year, and I thank you for that. The Atlanta walk was a success. With your help the walkers were able to raise, 8.2 million dollars.

In order to reach my goal this year I am asking 100 people to donate $23.00. If you are unable to donate that much, please consider a partial donation. If you are able to donate more…well, I won’t say no.

I truly believe that with all our help a cure is in sight. If you are willing to donate please follow this link:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR?px=1361981&fr_id=1294&pg=personal

Vacation time.

2009-04-16T18:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am finally getting around to this. See, I spam your flist when I am home sick and don't want to move. It would be nice if I had a voice tomorrow.

I love Washington DC, the last time I was there was ten years ago so this trip was going to be fantastic. We had such a good time, even with crazy grandma around. So that said, here are some pic spam:

Thursday: Library of Congress, Supreme Court Building, Smithsonian's, Georgetown

it was a gorgeous day.

At the Library of Congress

In front of the Supreme Court. I wanted to work here for ages, until I decided that I wanted to teach instead of going to law school. I still have a deep love and respect for the Justice Branch.

Ceiling at the Library of Congress.

I was so disappointed with this library, but then I reminded myself I was going to the Land of Shakespeare in eight weeks.

Where I am one day going to work.

The one picture of the four of us.

A little further back so you get the scenery in.

The Hope Diamond- yet another thing that I was expecting to be larger.

Naked George Washington. it was quite the scandal back in its day.

Little known fact, I wanted to be an astronaut for the first 15 years of my life.

Friday: The National Archives, The Holocaust Museum, and the National Mall

The Constitution. It was freaking awesome.

Picture of the Declaration that almost got me arrested.

Just a pic I loved.

I loved this memorial, it is very peaceful.

With the Washington Monument.

With Mr. Lincoln.

The Korean War Memorial, one of my favorites.

The part of the Wall with my dad's cousin's name.

Saturday: Breakfast with sagacious_c , Mount Vernon, and dinner with

miss_elisha

With the fam, my mom is related to Martha

This was the one day with clouds, it made for some nice pictures.

I have decided that I am going to have my wedding here. It is gorgeous.

Can't you just imagine how gorgeous it would be in early fall or late spring.

Washington's outhouse. Those doors are drawers for poop. They would empty them into the compost heap for reuse.

The dung heap!

I really, really want to live here.

Dad and Grandma flaunt the rules

E, Mal and I. That should be fried cheesecake in front of us, but it was fried ice cream instead.

The whole group. Grandma is still convinced that Chili Verde is red six days later is complaining about her non-deep fried chimichanga.

Sunday: Ford's Theater, Mr. Lincoln's Waffle House, The White House, the Jefferson Memorial, Arlington Cemetery.

In front of the theater, it is smaller than I thought.

In front of the house where Lincoln died.

Same house

The other place I dream of working.

I played the West Wing theme as we stood at the gate

Cherry Blossom festival- the tail end, most the rest of the blossoms were gone.

View from Arlington.

RFK's grave.

The changing of the guard

This was such a great ceremony. I loved it.

Nice to have a bit of spring, seeing as it has snowed the last two days here.

Monday: Private tour of the capitol- it freakin' rocked.

Bennett for Senate har-hardy-har-har (song Zach sang when he was three years old)

My favorite picture at the capitol.

4th Annual Bellamy Family Lip Sync Contest

2009-04-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the 4th annual Lip Sync contest- where everyone is a winner. It is always a fun night and I bring you pictures now:

We started out the evening with Hilary and I doing our rendition of loathing, and believe it or not, I actually had that hat sitting in my trunk.

After Lu did Move it Move it, in one of her mom's old dance dresses.

She seemed to be more interested in her shadow. After that Adam and Amy showed up as Troy and Gabby from HSM

Then we had a visit from those people on Disney that dance and stuff

After it was Boston's turn, he did a bit of Chris Brown and Elmo. Well until Boston decided he was done and his parents had to finish it.

Then it was time for Hils and Bart to teach us the better techniques of Yoga.

The parents brought back their hippie ways with Hair

And finally, Adam and I brought down the house with our version of Dirty Dancing

Please notice that form, it took a lot. Dad told me I can now move my hips with the best. Eat your heart out dancing with the stars.

I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley

2009-03-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

My seniors continue to work their way through Pride and Prejudice, and today we got to watch tape 4 of the BBC series. I love this part, I used to watch from the part where Lizzie arrives at Pemberley till Lydia's letter arrived just when I needed a pick me up. Well to help them through it I have been buying candy or having food lessons that add a bit of spice to the story. The other day they had to compare the novel to a Tootsie Pop. The answers gave me a good chuckle and I now share some of the best with you:

(Oh and I kept all the original spelling and grammar!)

Tootsie Pops are old candy, but still taste good; like how in Pn'P is an old book, but still contains a story (like sugar) that we can relate to enough in human nature that is enjoyable to read.

The Indian guy on the wrapper looks scary with his bow and arrow but he's actually way awesome cuz with him on the wrapper you win! Like Darcy...seems scary jerk, but actually he's a winner!

A tootsie pop is enjoyable, and gets even better the farther you get, where as pride and prejudice gets worse the deeper you get.

There is a wonderful facade that is the outside and the chocolate on the inside is the inner evil. There is a facade to every character and they have a core that is something different. The lies are masked their truths are masked or vise versa.

The tootsie pop is like the characters in the book. If you hold it right side up it is Wickham cause he is very big headed. If you turn it upside down it is Darcy because he has a firm stances and a strong base of what he knows.

The characters who are said to be hard-heartedness (Lizzie) because the outside represents the hard heart of her and the tootsie roll represents the soft heart she has underneath the hard part.

If it takes 1,000 licks to get to the center of a tootise pop, how many insults will it take to get through Mrs. Bennet's head?

If I have my lollipop and no one else does then they are going to have prejudice towards me. I myself will have pride for my tootsie pop!

The sucker is like Wickham it may be colorful and beautiful on the outside, but on the inside poop brown.

The whole book is sugary and bad for you. The cover wrapper is colorful. Seems like a good idea, but the text is hard and crunchy and the inner meaning is gross and ugly. All in all, a bad idea that gives you a stomach ache. When you're done, the stick is all gross and you feel dirty. You end up throwing it away when you're done.

I picked the violet colored toostie pop because it reminds me so much of Lizzy. I look for every reason not to like the violet colored tootsie pop, and try and cover it uglier so I can hold bigger grudges against it like Lizzy does to Darcy the first half or so of the book. But in the end we find out that everyone is the same.

This one was prefaced with: Think of this in a metaphorical sense. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Mr. Darcy?!
(B's 3rd period may never know)

And lest anyone think that my seniors are getting all the fun, my sophomores got to play Hollywood Squares today!

I have the best brother

2009-02-16T19:38:00.003-08:00

So I wanted to show you why I have the best younger brother in the world.

On Saturday night my door rang and there were my parents with flowers. I thought they were from them but they explained that my brother had called them from his vacation, upset that he forgot to get my valentine flowers and begged them to go and pick them up. This is what he got:

I have the best brother

2009-02-16T19:38:00.001-08:00

Back in Pink

2009-01-31T18:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, I’m doing it again - I signed up for the Breast Cancer 3-Day! I had such an incredible experience doing the 3-Day in Atlanta last year that I’m going to Cleavland, this year, for more. I’m so excited about this event, even though this year I really know what I’ve gotten myself into.

Just in case you missed my account of last year’s walk, here is the link to my 3 day story - I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through it to see why I’m going to be asking you for money with this post. This event isn’t easy, but I promise you, I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache, weary night, and training walk.

Last year you helped me meet my fund raising goal, I need your help again. My goal is to get 100 people to donate at least $23.00. If you are willing to donate more, I won't say no, if you cannot donate $23.00 all at once, that is fine too. Spread it across the time that you need to. All donations are tax deductible!

For every $23.00 that you donate please give me a name to walk for; I will be carrying these names on pink ribbons throughout the walk.

If you have any questions or want to hear more about what I’m doing let me know, I love talking about the event. Thanks for all of your support. I’m incredibly lucky to have people like you in my life!

Love,
Natalie

P.S. Don’t wait - donate today!

Saturday is a Special Day

2009-01-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I got to spend the day with my second family, the Hazelgrens.

I had seen Jon and Jeena on Friday night at the Riverton game and I ended up watching the end of the game with them. They mentioned that they had tickets to the Draper Temple open house the next day and invited me to come along with them. I went back and forth on this, it had been a long week and then a very long night. I told them I would call them in the morning and I drove home in a rather dense fog.

I found myself up at the crack of dawn. Actually, if I am to be truthful, dawn was still two hours away. I wrote Zach, watched Buffy, worked out, made Jell-O, and called the Hazelgren's and told them I was on my way out to attend the open house with them.

Now, I am the oldest of four. I have no older siblings, it is something I have always wanted. Jon and Jeena have filled that gap. We don't even stop to explain anymore that there is no blood relationship. They are simply family.

It was such a special experience to walk through the temple with them. To hear the girls explain how warm and good they felt in the celestial room. Listening to Jace mention that he felt the Holy Ghost while in the temple. Knowing that I was feeling the same thing. It was a beautiful building and a beautiful morning.

I loved walking with the girls and telling them about the different rooms and sharing in their excitement for the temple. It was a gorgeous building. We couldn't take pictures inside, but here are some of us outside the building after the tour and refreshments!Jeena is missing from the picture as she was taking it!

A tribute to my team

2009-01-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

So Florida was crowned champions tonight and tomorrow a final 2008 college poll will be released. Florida will be first, followed by Oklahoma, USC, Texas, and then finally Utah.

Now I am not an irate fan. I am not suing the BCS, like the Utah AG. I am not demanding that Utah be placed first. I am not calling my congressman demanding inquiries, but that does not mean I do not love my team any less than the next guy.

I know that we do not play in a league like the SEC, but we are not a backwater league. The MWC had three top 15 teams this year. We went 6-1 against PAC 10 teams this season.The MWC has sent Utah to the BCS twice, both times they won without question. This year they beat the team that had been ranked No. 1 for the last month of season play.

I don't expect my team to be first, but I would like some recognition on what they accomplished this year. To be the one team that went 13-0 in the nation deserves more than 5th place in the polls.

What I did on my winter break

2009-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

As I go back to school the one question that I hear the most is going to be, "How was your break?"

In order to preempt that question below is a list of what I did over my break:

1. Watched season 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 3.5 seasons of The West Wing, and the first five parts of John Adams.

2. Read Prey, Staying Fat for Sarah Burns, Harry: A History, and started reading A Letter of Mary and Ender's Shadow

3. Wrote more than I should

4. Caught up on my scrapbook

5. Booked lodging for my summer UK trip

6. Finished a baby sweater

7. Hosted two family dinners

8. Realized Get Smart was a funnier movie than I expected

9. Went to lunch with former co-workers, friends visiting from Boston, and an adopted sister and brother.

10. Went to the gym more often then not

11. Watched the reveal of a new Doctor

12. Watched the U win via the yahoo ticker.

13. Cleaned out files

14. Spent the holidays with my family

15. Drank too much Diet Coke

16. Ate too much chocolate

17. Made plans for President's Day Weekend

18. Realized I have never had 16 days off

19. Talked to my baby brother

20. Chatted with Heather

21. Got a new cell phone

22. Learned how to create Doctor Who ringtones for the new cell

23. Took down Christmas decorations

So all in all I think I had a fairly good and productive break, back to the grindstone tomorrow.

Blame Tad

2008-11-18T19:34:00.001-08:00

So today I got the following comment on my blog from a former co-worker: "do I even know you anymore?! No mention of David Tennant, no mention of nanowrimo, no mention of elections? Who writes this blog?"

So Tadly, you asked for it- here it is.

David Tennant, the man that is proudly displayed on my desk top at work, on the wall above my desk with Billie Piper in my Who poster, and the man who is displayed next to Brian Vaughn on my Shakespeare wall as Hamlet- and that just is at school. You don't want to know what sits near my desk at home. Oh there is so much I could say about my pretend boyfriend (yes Jenn he belongs to Heather and me and one day we will have the t-shirts to prove it). In fact even as I type this I am watching David and he is about "two minutes to Belgium."

Now I have been wearing black for about a month now, mourning DT's departure from Who after the 2009 Christmas special. In fact I get all teary just thinking about it. I cry at the gym reading my Who magazine while jogging. I got my season 4 Who DVDs on Monday and squealed, called Heather and squealed, danced around the kitchen and squealed, took it to my parents and squealed, emailed Heather and squealed; yet I couldn't bring myself to watch the season, because I know how it ends and I still am in therapy to come to terms with Donna's fate, until right now. But like the nerd I am I will watch all the episodes, all the extras, and then I will go back and watch all the episodes again with commentary- BEFORE I loan this season out.

Enough about David, Tad? How about I move on to NaNoWriMo.

Yes, I didn't even attempt it this year. Somehow I knew it wouldn't work out.

Oh random side note as I watch David Tennant's video diary- he is adorable. Really, the man just makes me laugh.

Okay back to NaNo. We still have the site and it is all going well, and I am still writing so life is good.

Okay now for politics.

I refuse comment at this time as comments on my other blog have lead to grief and got me into trouble. But I love that we still have three races which we don't know outcomes, and I am very interested to see how the next few years go- I am trying to be hopeful. Really I am.

*pauses for another DT Moment, cause really he is just ....yeah*

Okay so Tad, you asked who is writing this blog. Well it is an overworked, overwhelmed school teacher who is still head over heels in love with Doctor Who and who should go back to grading papers...well and watching David and I have to say, that man looks really good in a tux.

Atlanta 3 day- day 3

2008-11-01T09:13:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Day 2

Here it is, the final installment of my three day adventure.

Day 3

After a rather interrupted sleep, Erin and I finally pulled ourselves out of our sleeping bags at about 5 AM. We did our best to dress in the sleeping bags as it was a rather cold morning. We were tired but ready as we knew there were only 20 miles left on this adventure. 8 hours and we would be finished.

We dressed, tried really hard not to get wet as we took down our tent, and headed over for blister popping and breakfast. My legs were still wrapped from the night before and in addition to the extra warmth it provided I was happy to see that I could move fairly well with legs wrapped.

We trekked up the hill from camp to the bus waiting to take us to the starting point for the day. I tried to get some extra sleep in but instead listened to the chatter of excited women around me as they contemplated hot tubs, long showers, flushing toilets, and comfortable beds. Finally, we arrived at the starting point and clamored out of the busses. It was cold, even for this Utah girl, and I was excited to get moving in hopes of warming up.

We started off after taking some lovely pictures with our crew. I want to talk a bit about them here. These 350 people were amazing. They took such good care of us, helping us cross busy intersections, becoming cheerleaders, making sure we were fed, making sure we were warm, had towels, had medical care, had everything that we possibly needed. They were amazing. I never saw one without a smile or energy. They were never without encouragement or with a joke. These men and women were willing to make fools of themselves for us. I will ever be grateful to the countless faces I started to recognize but never met. They dealt with all the crap that we gave them with smiles and efficiency. They were true troopers through that whole weekend.

I was grateful that the first cheering station was only a mile away that morning. It really bolstered my thoughts and gave me a push I needed. I was amazed at how early people came out. They were willing to stand there at 8 in the morning while a fall chill still settled around us. They cheered on their loved ones and total strangers. They offered us candy and just a bit of their strength to lean on.

After the cheering station we had 3 miles till pit 2. Off we went. I soon lost the ace bandage on my left leg, as it had quickly become unwrapped. I realized how much support that small bandage was giving me at that time and I missed it. On top of that I had another blister forming on one of my toes, and strange as this sounds, it was by far the most painful of any of my blisters. We kept pushing on, passing the women handing out pompoms and the other women handing out candy (there was a lot of candy). About this time Erin started developing shin splints as well, she flagged down a van with about 1.5 miles left and I was on my own for a bit.

The highlight of this stretch was the girl scouts on the side of the road with their cookies. I skipped Girl Scout cookies this year, being a good girl but that Samoa looked too good to pass up. I later learned Erin wanted to stop her van and get the cookies. It was a great treat and with that little bit of sugar boost I surged forward to the next pit stop.

Once there I immediately took care of my blister. The medical line was long so I did not get my leg rewrapped- big mistake. I also spent time looking for Erin. We must have passed each other a few times as I was about to leave when I came across her. We smiled and then took off. A grab-n-go our next goal.

We had a slower pace then the previous two days, there were times I believe we actually hobbled. One of the walkers made a joke about hoping on the Marta, we knew where we were supposed to end up, surely Marta would get us close, we joked...the thing is I am not sure we were kidding. One of the best sights that I had was the Atlanta City limits sign. I think I almost burst into tears right there. Erin and I did stop for a picture though, smiling as brightly as we could. We continued to push through the Atlanta streets, loving the sun as we walked through it. There were cute older ladies in cars waving at us as we passed various parking lots. Each one brought a smile to my face. They had taken time out of their life to support me.

We finally made it to the grab-n-go excited for a brief rest and a potty break. It had finally started to warm up too. People were shedding their warmer clothes for cooler t-shirts and shorts. I was just grateful that the we could sit and rest in the sun for just a minute. We finally took off again, our next stop a cheering station.

We went through the streets of Atlanta. Erin found a great bistro to try out and we keep wondering how it was that miles had seemed to double in length since Friday. I also secretly wondered how I had the energy to dance through intersections yet barely be able to move my feet while walking. The cheering station was as awesome as the rest. We were given another boost of needed energy and took off. In the mass of people Erin and I would often get separated and I found myself yelling over my shoulder "You with me Duluth" only to hear a yes in reply. Funny thing is, Erin just started answering to Duluth. I never got a "What you're talking to me?" question or response. I guess it goes to prove that nicknaming friends is a long standing tradition in my family.

On our way we met someone who was a fire cracker. She had to weigh close to 270 lbs but she kept trucking along. We talked everything from politics to family. This is why we made our way through a church section of town. Really, I live in Utah where there is a church on every corner but never have I seen so many churches in one place at one time. This was also the only section of the walk that I really got angry in.

As we walked there was a group protesting abortion. They had the aborted fetus pictures and signs condemning candidates and different groups to hell. Now, they have their right to peacefully assemble and express their opinions, I will never doubt that nor will I ever take that away from them. My problem was over the past 2.5 days I had seen communities and people come together. I had seen people put aside themselves and their ideas to fight against a greater foe. And here were these people trying to remind us what divided us. I truly believe there is more that brings us together and makes us stronger than what divides us. Yet we let these things creep into our lives and take control. I was so angry that the reminder was placed there. I wanted nothing more than to go and tell them, "Can't you see the remarkable good people can do when we work together on things we can all agree on. Why don't we focus on that? Why don't we try to bring ourselves together rather than tear ourselves apart?" Yes, I was angry but I felt (and still feel) very protective of what I was doing.

We finally made it to Pit 3 or 4- I think it is 4 and I am forgetting a pit somewhere, but I couldn't tell you where. We had 3.5 miles to lunch at this point and 7.5 miles to the end. This also became the hardest stretch for Erin and I.

After leaving Pit 3/4 I knew that I needed to get my legs taken care of at lunch. We were literally hobbling down the street. Moving to the side for the faster walkers. Poor Erin was so tired she even forgot what side of the street Left was. That bit did make me giggle. We moved up Heartbreak Hill, each step harder than the one before. One cute crew member put his arm around me as we neared the top and told me that it was okay, that I was almost there. Now people had been telling me that all weekend, and I was starting not to believe them, but for some reason I believed this crew member, he had been out there with us, and I knew I was almost to the top of that stupid hill.

Finally Erin and I decided to flag down a van to take us to lunch. Our new problem became finding a van. We continued walking hoping beyond hope one would come. I kept praying for strength, remembering the promises made to me and the promises that had been kept. Finally, about a mile away from lunch we saw one heading towards us. I stood to the side of the road, put up my arms in a great big X and praised the "beer van" as they pulled over.

Now each of the vans had a theme. They are decorated in that theme; they play music supporting their theme. They all had candy, and prizes and the drivers were dressed up in the theme. There were the clowns, the 40s, the 60s, the beach bums, Hollywood, and the beer girls. Now this is what I remember about them- the beer girls drove around the first day and chanted "No beer until there's a cure." It made me smile and giggle and I knew I wanted to ride in their van. I was so excited when we got to; it was like a highlight for me. I leaned against that window though feeling beaten. I knew once we arrived at lunch there was only four miles and change until the end. But I really wondered if I could do it. I was exhausted and in more constant pain then I remember being in before. I needed help in and out of cars and the usually talkative bright Nat was gone.

We didn't even stop for food at lunch, heading instead to medical. The cute lady who took care of me the day before was there again and she quickly was taping me up and ace bandages were replaced with lovely white tape. I also had the lovely blister on my toe popped, much to the relief of my toes. Newly taped and taken care of Erin and I went and got lunch- which once again was freaking amazing. Then found a nice piece of asphalt and sat down. I ate what I could, not really hungry. Then I simply lay down on the parking lot. I think I could have fell asleep there, or at the very least stayed there until lunch closed, but I got up eventually. The sun felt good and the stretching felt even better. I was still moving slowly, but I was still moving and at that moment that was all that mattered to me.

We took a trip to the "magic portapotties" hoping that they would work again, and then stumbled out of lunch and into the park. As we walked we began to get a bit of our speed back. We moved quickly through the park and chatted with other walkers on the way. We made quite the pair. Me with my two legs taped and Erin with her one. It was also quite warm by that point so I had rolled up my sleeves and my pant legs. As we excited the park part of the bike troop went by. Their fairy wings and orange chest cones setting them apart as one of us. There was one man sitting at the exit of the park, watching all this and the parade of pink go by. We then had the following discussion:

"That's not even the strangest thing we've seen this weekend," Erin said.

"It's not?" he asked, with a dazed look on his face. (expression stolen from Erin)

"Oh, no," we assured him.

"Then what is?"

"You wouldn't believe us if we told you," I smiled and went on.

At that time I thought it was the 70 something man in a wedding dress at the lunch the day before, I was to be incorrect though, as we found something even better at Pit 5.

We then made our way through a really nice neighborhood. The neighbors were out playing music and just made us believe that we could do it. We had a Pit in about 2 miles and then only 1.5 miles to the end. We then were back on some major road, Peachtree I am sure. And crossing the freeway. We ran into a cute pair of ladies from Tennessee and enjoyed a lovely discussion with them. About this time someone came up behind us with a radio playing, "Yeah, I Feel Like a Woman." And wouldn't you know it right there on the streets of Atlanta 20 some women started singing along. We were in a pack walking down the street singing at the top of our lungs. Clapping along and just having a riot. The people who passed us in their cars thought we were crazy, and those waiting for the bus wondered what exactly was going on. I loved that moment. I have no idea who brought the music, and we didn’t hear it again once we reached pit 5 but it was a riot.

Okay. Pit 5 was 70 music based. It was a riot. That was the music my parents brought me up on. I was having a blast, and that was even better when the village people; yes, you read that right, came out to perform. It was freaking hilarious and also wins the strangest thing I had seen all weekend long. It was added to the fact that masses of women were out there screaming for them.

I was sad to leave pit 5 but there was only 1.3 miles left on this journey I had started 10 months before and I was eager to finish. So we set out. Enjoying the last bit of moments with our favorite crew members, getting a reluctant peace officer to shake his booty, and just imagining what we would do as we crossed the finish line. I was amazed at the walkers that opted to pop into a bar instead of finishing right then. But we finally made it to the Congress Center and I thought I would burst into tears at that point. The only problem was we were still about .25 miles away from the end. They had tricked us!

We keep walking, wondering where the end was, and not believing the volunteers who kept telling us we were almost there. But finally screaming family members were heard and the pink balloons that had been our starting off point for 3 days were in sight. I was so excited and wanted to cheer as we made our way through the cheering crowd to the holding pen where we were greeted by the walkers and crew who had already finished and made our way to claim our victory shirt.

I wish I could fully express the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that I had as we walked down. Tears streamed down my face and I knew that I had accomplished what I set out to do. I had proven to myself and all those who looked at me and at my body, that I could do this. I was doing something that helped thousands and thousands of women; I was part of something bigger than myself. And it felt good. As Erin and I took our victory picture I felt an even bigger sense of accomplishment. We had done it.

I wanted desperately too see my family. I wanted nothing more than to be back with them and share this with them. I talked to them on the phone, but it wasn’t enough.

Before we knew it, it was time for the closing ceremonies. One last chance to walk together and celebrate the reason we were here. We cheered for our crew, we cheered for the survivors who made the walk with us. We cheered for those who made this day possible. We were a wave of 3750 people strong, each sporting a new 3 day long-sleeved shirt and waving our pink and white pompoms. We were united. We were one.

We made our way into the arena where friends and family waited. I was clutching onto Erin, as I didn't want to loose her. But I looked over to my left and then started crying. I tugged on Erin's arm and pointed out a woman holding a breast cancer three day flag. It was Elyse. Our long lost friend from day one. We made our way over to her, called out her name and when she turned and saw us, all three of us started crying. To me that was yet one more miracle of the three day. We hadn't seen her in two days and amidst nearly 4000 people we found her. We all stood together at the closing ceremonies as we had at the opening ceremonies. Cheering in salute of those who had completed this journey with us.

The most poignant moment of the ceremonies was then the survivors entered. Each of the walkers took off one shoe in salute to them. It was incredibly moving, but then rather stinky after a moment.

Then like that it was done, the announcement we had raised 8.2 million dollars, the victory flag raised and we were dismissed. I felt a loss already, there was nothing more to do. There were no tents to set, no meals to eat, no police men stopping traffic to cross the street.

But we found Jenn who was there to take me back to hers and to cheer us on. Now I am going to get rather sentimental here, so if you don't want to read it skip down to the next paragraph. Jenn was my first online friend. Jenn is a woman who has always believed in me, who has let me into her life and never been anyone but herself. Jenn has accepted me from the get go. She knows my strengths as well as my weaknesses. She has pushed me to do better and allowed me to do the same for her. She is a true friend and I finally got to met her. Yes, she is this way in real life too. What you see is what you get with Jenn and I truly love her for it.

I was so excited to get to spend time with her and with Hogan. He has to be one of the cutest kids I have ever seen. Together with Erin and her dad we made our way out to collect luggage and make our way home. People stopped me to ask about the tape on my legs and marveled that I walked all that way with shin splints. I just smiled knowing what it had taken and knowing I would do it again in a heart beat.

All too soon it came time to say goodbye to Erin. The woman who had stood by my side for three days. Who had pushed me. And who had believed in me. It was hard, but we knew that this wasn't the end. There were plenty more 3 days to participate in in the future.

We hugged goodbye. joking about it being good riddance to make it just a bit easier. Then she and her dad went one way and Jenn. Hogan and I went another.

I think I will end the story of my three day here. There were a few more adventures on the way home (including Hogan throwing up). I missed my check in by three minutes for my flight and was lucky to get on one just an hour later, I broke down crying in the middle of the Atlanta airport, feet and legs swollen to the point that only flip flops fit and walking wasn't at all that easy. But the thing is, the three day story really does end here. It was an amazing moment. An amazing time in my life. One that I am extremely sentimental about. I still get tears in my eyes as I think about it.

"Glory only comes when one pursues their dreams." Rachel Scott

As I started this story I end it the same way. The past two days my students have been writing about this quote. At the start of the year I set out to fulfill a dream of fitness. One that I would be able to complete a 60 mile walk benefiting a cause that I feel strongly about. And I did it. I made a difference in the world and I proved to myself that I can do anything.

.

Donate to Natalie's 2009 3 Day Cancer walk

Atlanta 3 Day- Day 2

2008-10-31T16:24:00.001-07:00

Day 2

We actually woke up earlier than planned on Saturday morning. I was up and moving about 5:00, and grateful as the line for the bathroom when I left was quite long. We changed in our sleeping bags, throwing on new walking clothes and hoping that our shoes would hold up better than the still wet ones from the day before.

I was grateful that rest and prayers had allowed my body to move just a bit easier than I had the night before. I was still stiff and sore but my movement was freer and I could walk with very little pain. One thing I found amusing was the fact that I could not duplicate the neat packing job from the night before. Despite my best tries, my possessions seemed to have doubled. We finally were able to put everything in some place and took our bags back out to the transportation trucks so they could be taken to camp. We lost track of Elyse after arriving the night before, despite our constant looking, we could not find her.

The morning was rather brisk, but it felt good. Best of all the rain was gone. It was still cloudy, but the thought of not having to walk in the rain made me happier than any other weather forecast in my life. We loaded onto a bus and headed to camp for breakfast and for the start of the day.

As I kept moving my muscles seemed to loosen just a bit more. This was aided with the help of the jazzercise routine that two peppy instructors lead us through. I think that was my one and only compliant. I would have loved just a plain old stretching routine in the morning. The jazzercise required too much coordination for a person who can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. It also turned a lot of women off the idea of warming up for the day.

Breakfast was yet another amazing meal and I was grateful for the oatmeal that helped warm me up. Then it was back to standing in line as we waited for the start of a new day.

While we were standing in line, Erin and I made plans for next year. We talked about what we needed to do differently and what fun and crazy ideas we had for the rest of the team. It was at that time I realized I would need a co-captain. I was fine on managing Erin on my own, but what would I do when our team had grown to four...or five? Taking out the wand that Erin had provided me with, I dubbed her co-captain of the 2009 FBG 3 Day team. The other walkers around us chuckled and Erin took a bow. Of course then she realized that meant I would actually make her work, she took it all with a smile and a laugh though.

Finally they let us leave and we made our way up the hill out of camp. It was an amazing experience to see the hundreds of walkers in front of us and to turn around and see the hundreds of walkers behind us. Everyone clad in pink and white and in various states of tiredness, yet each willing to keep moving for the cause.

We walked along a highway for awhile, heading into Duluth. It wasn't uncommon to see a woman squeal and throw her hands up as she discovered road kill lying in her path. I think I saw more dead opossums and deer on this walk than I have at any other time in my life. The first three miles were easy, and before the sun truly came out we had made it to Pit 1. My goal that day was to stretch as much as possible, hoping that my legs would be able to withstand the stress I was putting them through.

We headed out again and started making our way through Duluth. I was excited to see some of the same cheerleaders that had been out in the rain with us on Friday, out again. They were a great source of comfort and cheer, knowing that they were willing to devote three days just to cheer us on.

We danced through intersections, thanked grumpy peace officers, and found ourselves excited just to be on the road again. We also ran into new cheering groups. The people at Whole Foods were lined up outside their store with water, fruit, and power bars. I was so excited to eat a banana (I love them and had missed my morning banana the three days before) then across the street from them was a whole other set of cheerleaders, handing out fun clappers and stickers- not to mention candy. With that boost we headed towards a corner where a steak house sat, Erin hoped that they would be handing out samples, I don't know how that girl could have been thinking about eating steak and potatoes at 9:00 in the morning, but somehow she was.

When we reached the steak house, which had no samples- much to Erin's chagrin, the sun came out in full force. I think there was a cheer that went out, but that may have just been me cheering on my own in celebration. We made it to Pit 2 where I had to stop at medical for blister care and ice for my shins.

We stayed at Pit 2 longer than I would have liked, but the ice on my shins made them feel a whole lot better. Armed with newly patched blisters and hot spots and iced shins, we set out again. Me moving just a bit slower than I had earlier that morning.

It was about this time that I started feeling down. I desperately missed my family and wished that even one of them had made the trip with me. I was participating in one of the biggest adventures of my life and all I wanted was a hug from my dad or mom. We continued walking. Blisters growing, feet hurting, and the sun beating down on us. I was ready to call it in when we approached a cheering station.

These cheering stations had been set up by Komen and the local radio affiliate. There were people just lined up on both side of the sidewalk cheering us on. Thanking us for what we were doing. It was then the tears came. I was walking not only for myself but for each of these people. I was walking so that the young girls there, waving their pompoms never had to deal with the realities of breast cancer. Never would have to know what it was like to worry about losing a loved one to that disease. I couldn't control the tears as I walked and I was grateful for the people there with boxes of tissues. With this bolster we continued on heading for Pit 3.

About a half a mile away I started to really slow down. Between the massive blister forming on my heel and shin splints I could barely move. Poor Erin stuck by my side though finally flagging down a sweep can to take me the last half a mile- get this traffic was so bad Erin actually beat me there. I was amazed at the attitude of the women in the van. They were done for the day, ready to give up. I became quiet and sullen- Erin had to force me into the van, I hadn't come 1700 miles simply to give up. I needed help out of the van when we arrived and while most of the women I had rode with headed for the bus to be taken to lunch, I shuffled over to medical. I begin icing my shins immediately while both Erin and I sat on a cot and waited for blister care. I had three nasty blisters on my right foot, the worst being one that covered the whole inside of my heel. They popped that one, but told me in no uncertain terms that it would be back and I would know when it was back. I moved painfully from the cot and the nurse asked me again if I was alright. I was unable to respond as my eyes were full of tears from the pain. I simply nodded and moved on, knowing that I had to push on.

I made it a mile after the pit stop, and was able to see a band of preteens out performing for the walkers, before I flagged down a van to take me to lunch. I simply could not move any more. They helped me into the van and I dejectedly sat in the corner and tried to figure out what my next move was.

I enjoyed the walking. I enjoyed the time with Erin and the other women around. I didn't want to give that up, but I didn't know if I could physically walk any more. I sat in the parking lot where lunch was, marveling at the women who had the energy and stamina to dance while music played. I could barely stand alone, let alone walk. I sat there, lost in thoughts about myself and my own melancholy as Erin and I ate our lunch.

I sat there and prayed that I would know what to do. I reminded God of his promise that I would have the strength and stamina to finish the walk. I reminded him that I was doing what I could to take care of myself, but the rest was up to him.

I told Erin that I was heading to the portapotties and that I would meet her at the medical tent and left, the decision of what to do still weighing on me.

When I came back it was if a burden had been lifted. My legs still hurt but I was able to walk. We left the lunch stop, without a visit to medical and continued on our way. My goal each time being- just make it to the next pit, then you can decide what to do. Erin praised the outcome of the "magic porta-potty" and I just smiled, knowing that it was some divine help that made it possible.

We continued on our way, our pace of four miles an hour once again restored. I was amazed at how quickly we moved even with the hills and I felt like I was a whole new woman. I soon started calling Erin, "Duluth" as most of the other walkers called me "Utah" we moved through them all- my blister that had been popped, definitely filling again- but it did not matter. We arrived at Pit four and broke out into Grease Lighting with the rest of the walkers and I was shocked at the difference an hour made.

We continued on our way again, heading further and further into "old town" Duluth. The only time I complained (out loud that is) was during this stretch. I desperately needed a bathroom and the grab and go never seemed to arrive. We finally made it to the grab and go and were excited to realize that there were only four more miles of the day left.

The next 1.5 miles were great. We were in Erin's neighborhood and she was pointing out things that were fun to learn about. Then we hit the second cheering station of the day- though we were fighting with trick-o-treaters for space on the sidewalk. We were blessed by a white Muslim woman (talk about stereotypes going out the door) and met Erin's parents. I found I could not stop for long though as the pain was quickly returning to my legs (and my bum knee). We said our goodbyes and continued onward to the next pit. Thanking those who came out to support us and marveling that strangers would come and cheer on other strangers.

We arrived at Pit 5 and I headed straight for medical. The nurse there was kind and wrapped my knee for me. Placing a bag of ice on the ace bandage and then wrapping plastic wrap around it. The other workers told me to hop on the bus, but I was only a mile and a half away from camp. So Erin and I took off, the ice bag strapped on the knee and still moving at our 15 miles.

That I have to say was the most empowering experience. We passed people as we walked and got a few double takes. One guy told me that I should not be allowed to pass him as I just took the last bit of confidence he had. Another group of women continued to cheer me on as we passed, shouting, "Keep it up, Utah."

The ice bag fell off by the time we made it to camp. But I didn't care. When I thought I wouldn't make it through the afternoon, there I was checking into camp and looking for my luggage.

It was then time to get our tent sent up. Actually the first thing we did after getting our tent and luggage was take off our shoes. Sure enough, my blister was back in full force. Not only had it grown, but it had brought friends. Completely exhausted I tried to set up our tent from lying on the ground- that didn't work. I then tried to find a helpful boy scout- there wasn't one around. So instead Erin and I just did it ourselves. It was a pretty pink tent, and while I unpacked Erin decorated it so we would find it amidst the other 1700 pink tents that were around camp.

Once the tent was set up we both limped over to medical. Only to find we had to shower before we had our problems taken care of. We went to eat dinner, which was delicious and where Erin met people who knew her brother and sister. Then it was off to the showers.

I really didn't mind showering in the back of a semi. I felt that I had enough privacy, and it wasn't at all what I thought it would be. After getting all clean and ready to go we headed once again to the hospital tent. This time determined to have our blisters taken care of- and my shin splints.

The wait wasn't that long before a nice nurse took me back to pop my blisters. The one on the heel was gigantic and she had fun making sure that she got out as much fluid as she could. After that it was back across to the shin splint center where they ace bandaged my legs, plastic wrapped them, iced them, then plastic wrapped them again. I walked around like that the rest of the evening my legs in total bliss at being iced and wrapped. Erin offered moral support by cracking jokes that we all rolled our eyes at.

After that we headed to the remembrance tent. This was the one place in camp that is meant to be silent. As you approach the tent it is flanked by 13 other white tents, each lit from within. This is to represent the other cities that the walk has taken place in. The tents from previous races are all signed by the various participants. Inside the Remembrance tent was the smaller white tent for Atlanta as well as pictures of former walkers who had passed away. It was a great place to stop and reflect on why we were there. There was also a place to journal exactly why you were walking. It was a moving experience and I watched as strangers comforted each other. No words were said or needed- simply a hug or a touch of a hand.

Eventually we headed back to our tent. Ready to rest and finally get some sleep. Our tent was cold, and we bundled up, before diving under the covers. Unfortunately, the lady in the tent behind us did not feel the same way and we spent a good twenty minutes listening to her complain about everything from the route to the food. I was ready to go out and turn some Pollyanna on the situation, but loved the warmth of my sleeping bag just a bit more.

We then drifted off into what would be a restless and unrestful sleep for the both of us.

The Komen 3 Day- Day 1

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

After getting typing five pages about just day one, I decided to divided this up.

It is long, but it is here if you want to read. Day two (and three) should be up tomorrow.

"Sometimes we must be more than what we are." Lloyd Alexander

I gave this topic to my sophomores earlier this month to write about, asking them to explain a time when they had to be more than what they are. The responses varied from times they had to step up and do something they didn't want to do, to times when they had to do more push-ups than they thought physically possible. This last weekend I became more than what I am. I found an inner courage and determination that I didn't know I was physically capable of. I really did become more than what I was. I pushed myself to the limits and found what lied past the Natalie that I already knew. It is this story that I want to share with you.

When Elisha first suggested the three day a year ago now, I saw it as only a pipe dream. Something that I said, "yeah, I'd like to do that" but knew deep down I never would. I don't know what gave me that extra push to sign up. Maybe it was the fact that I wanted to accomplish something great. Maybe it was the determination that I could do something. Or maybe it was simply there were people out there counting on me to do this with them. I'll never know, but knowing that Elisha might not be able to participate I placed the call to Komen and signed up.

There were months of endless training and fund raising as I prepared for this challenge. In my mind I keep picturing how it would be, the fun I would have and the joy of crossing the finish line, little did I know what it would do.

The night before...

I was greeted at the Atlanta airport by Erin, my fellow team mate. She had flashy pink jewelry for us to wear along with a sign that got quite a few stares from those at the baggage claim. I feel so honored to have participated in this adventure with Erin. She pushed me and allowed me to make it to the end. She knew when I had to give up and dealt with the various moods that I was in. I am grateful she did this with me. Erin quickly informed me that there was rain in the forecast the next day, but that Saturday and Sunday were meant to be nice.

Pulling out my Pollyanna outlook on life, I declared the rain to be nothing but an adventure and put it from my mind. We were up late that night, eating cheese steaks and trying to cram all our goods into two duffel bags weighing less than 35 pounds. We got a tad creative with the green twine my dad had me bring from Salt Lake, but only had excitement about the day ahead.

Day 1

The weather caster was right. The 100% chance of rain on Friday turned out to be exactly what we got. We drove to the kick off sight in Alpharetta. The weather was damp and a bit on the chilly side for those southerners, but this western mountain girl was feeling just fine. We took our gear over to the waiting truck then headed to the porta-potties. Yes, my first three day adventure was in there as I found the drawstring on my pants would not come undone. After a few adventurous moments in the green monster I was able to rejoin Erin as we moved around the site. There were thousands of men and women milling around. Getting photos taken, finding ponchos and trying their best to stay out of the rain.

Erin and I moved into the pen where they walk was to begin, eagerly awaiting the start of our new adventure. The sky was still dark with clouds, but early morning light slowly trickled in. The music kept us pumped and we soon found ourselves clad in our ponchos dancing along. One woman there was on her own and we attached to her. Elyse amazed me. She had decided to participate only a month ago, and had done her training and fund raising in that time. She is a mother of two who lost her own mother to cancer only a few months ago. She remarked that, "Though it wasn't breast cancer that took my mom- cancer is still cancer."

While we waited and danced in the rain a rumor started circulating. There would be no camp that night, we were bunking indoors. This rumor seemed to be true as the rain continued to pelt down, but we waited for the official word.

Finally it was time to begin. I wish I could adequately describe the opening ceremonies. The ideas and the power of the feelings behind each word made me proud to be there. I stood there with 3400 people of various ages, backgrounds, and beliefs but for one weekend we were united. The force of good that people can hold overwhelmed me then, and I knew that no matter what the outcome of the weekend was, I would leave a better person.

As the flags celebrating the reasons we walked left the starting circle I began to feel the adrenaline. The song, "I'm Walking on Sunshine," was playing as it was our turn to leave the circle and start on our adventure. I was giddy and overwhelmed with happiness and found myself singing along, clasping the hands of other walkers and crew members as they cheered my start and knowing that the rain could not dampen my spirits.

The first two miles were full of smiles and getting to know you time with Elyse and Erin and I acting all goofy. Before we knew it we had made it to the first pit stop where I quickly gobbled up a banana. The pit stop was fun. Music playing, food galore, and wet, smiling faces. We didn't stay long though, eager to continue on with our journey.

The rain continued to pelt us and there were not that many dry spots when we arrived at the second pit stop. I filled up my sports drink bottle there, hoping that I was getting more than flavored water. With another quick snack we were on our way again. One thing about me, I walk fast. I always have. I can walk the same speed in heels as I can in trainers. So I found myself starting to out distance Erin and Elyse. On one of my solo outings that morning I met a youth minister named Susan.

Susan was from North Carolina and she was walking for her aunt and mom, who were both survivors. We set a grueling pace for each other that hour and talked about our homes and our lives. We trudged up a hill together, stopped to take our picture when we reached the top. We waved delightedly at the small school class that was out there to greet us. Learned a bit more about each other religions and beliefs, and continued our trek. When we got to lunch we separated, and I didn't see her the rest of my journey, but she helped me keep going those 6 miles we had together, and I will never forget they joy we felt when we saw the sign that said, "Lunch One Mile." We fought through the wind and the rain and arrived at our first lunch site- having completed ten miles.

Lunch was a miserable affair. That was because there was no place dry to sit and enjoy the remarkable food. By this time I was cold- not because it was cold outside, nope because the sports drink I had filled up on at Pit two had leaked all over my left leg, leaving me even more wet- and sticky- then the rain had done. Erin and Elyse were only about 15 minutes behind me. We were grateful for the hot chocolate that had been provided and so we stood in the rain and consumed our food.

By this time there really wasn’t a dry bit to our bodies. Thoughts crossed our mind of the nice warm bus that would take us the last ten miles to camp, but we decided to trudge on.

Apparently the neighborhood we walked in that afternoon was beautiful. I don't remember much of it. There was a lake, and some pretty trees. But I do remember trudging up hills the rain pelting into us and the wind blowing from all sides. It was at that time I realized that mom and dad were right, their stories about having to walk to school uphill both ways, is an actual possibility, because we never went downhill. It was all up.

About that time we were completely miserable, my shin splints had started (and would continue the next 50 miles) and we were too wet to even care what was going on. It was one foot in front of the other as we all trudged through the neighborhoods and laughed at the signs reminding us to reapply our sunscreen. In order to keep our spirits up we started the "I am grateful for..." game. We each took turns telling each other what we were grateful for and it did brighten the mood a bit.

What continued to brighten the mood was our crew at the street crossings, pumping music into air and bringing out our dancing moves. When the trudging became too unbearable Erin and I launched into a rousing chorus of "The Ants Go Marching" that song lasted us a good half a mile- In fact it may have gotten us to Pit stop 3.

By that time miles seemed to have become longer, we no longer believed the signs stating that we would arrive at our stop in another mile. But the mood continued to be bright. People were genuinely happy, despite the cold and the wet. So we continued on, Erin and I in the lead, Elyse behind us.

We finally made it to Pit 4 and rejoiced at the fact that there was only 2 miles left to go that day until we arrived at the new camp, which was a deserted office building. I was more excited for warm dry clothes than anything else. My shin splints were quite painful at that point, but we continued on. A half a mile after the pit stop we finally flagged down one of the sweep vans, vans meant to help you out and take you to the next pit stop.

The van was heaven sent and the three of us piled in and wore the beads they handed out with pride. Finally arriving at Pit 5 (where sleeping quarters were that night) we went looking for our stuff, grateful that they hadn't unloaded our items from the truck yet, so they were still dry. I was rather wet by this time and really couldn't move. I just wanted out of wet clothes and off my feet. We moved into the building, grateful to have flushing toilets in our temporary home, and found a room. It was like a giant sleep over. Strangers quickly became your sleeping companions and your fervent wishes that they did not snore or talk in their sleep took to the forefront in your mind.

Erin and I changed quickly and were grateful for the warm clothes. We then gathered up our supplies and headed towards the bus that would take us to camp- and a warm meal and warm showers.

The rain had yet to let up but we paid little heed to it. Shunning our walking shoes for our flip flops we walked (or limped) into camp ready to be fed. We were so well taken care of there. A crew member took our plates and then went to make our hot chocolate for us. Crew members handed out towels as we went to shower in the back of semis, even with the rain and the miserable day we all had we kept smiling through. It was amazing.

After a refreshing shower, Erin and I headed back to camp where we were delighted to find out that La Croix was sponsoring free feet massages. We quickly sat down for a lovely foot massage and I decided right then and there that these people one the best booth award. That was until I went to the post office and received notes from friends and family, offering their encouragement for this race and their faith in me. Next to them was the Komen tent where swept up in the day’s events, Erin and I saved our spot for the Cleveland 3 Day. Yes, even after the miserable walk we had that day, and two more days facing us, I was ready to jump at the fact to do it all again.

We walked around a bit then decided to head back for bed. Of course others had that same thought and we ended up waiting an hour in the rain for a bus, and the nice warm clothes I had put on were now damp. While we waited in line there was a karaoke contest going on. I started to sing along and the man standing in front of us whirled around and said, "Why aren't you up there." I smiled, pleased with the compliment.

We finally made it back to our sleeping headquarters, and I really couldn't move by that point. I was in so much pain, that I didn't know how I would make it through the next day.

Before I left my father offered me a blessing. In that blessing I was told, among other things, that I would find the strength to complete this walk. As I lay in my sleeping bag that night I reminded my Heavenly Father about that promise. I told him that I was doing what I could to complete my end but I needed him to help me. I knew that without his help I would not be able to finish. I feel into a fitful sleep that night, proud at my accomplishments and ready to start a new day.

Why I love sophomores

2008-10-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Q: Who is the historical person you would like to spend time with?

A: Oprah Winfrey is a historical person. She has been around for like 20 years.

I love journal grading time.

Family Trip- Fall 2008

2008-10-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

This month has been brutal. I have been running all over the place, doing this and that. But this last weekend we went to Yellowstone National Park as a family.

It was delightful and we saw some great things.

Here are some of the highlights:

1- Boston has realized that his Aunt Timmy is probably the funniest person he knows
2- Lu has discovered her true calling as a makeup artist.10-
3- I gave Boston his first taste of ice cream and chocolate.
4- I can quote Poe every time we see a raven
5- I have explored the seedier side of Pocatello
6- Yarn is Boston's new favorite toy and he loves the Riverton fight song
7-We caused and Elk jam and had the rangers come and tell us to leave.
8- I saw a moose and a wolf.
9- Besides being the best dad in the world, my father is by far the best grandfather in the world.
10- There are strange buffalo all around West Yellowstone.
11-Nothing says love like lobbing pine cones at each other- or Bear Scat
12- Huckleberry is fantastic.

Now the slide show with only about 40 of the 200 pictures I took:

What? It has really been a month?

2008-10-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that it has been over a month since I last update here. I could give you all the excuses but really it just comes down to school is kicking my behind, and keeping me busier than I imagined. I am left wondering how I survived school, teaching and work earlier this year. The Lord truly blessed me then as he continues to bless me now.

Let's see if I can recap the last month for you:

1- Had to buy a new computer, the space bar fell off the old one.
2- Survived Parent Teacher Conferences and got one kid grounded.
3- I switched wards, so I am no longer the choir director.
4- I am the English Tech girl now, it is kinda fun really.
5- I am also the co-advisor of the academic team
6- The three day is in 3 weeks. Ack! But I am only 150 dollars short.

The faculty is awesome (I might also bribe them with weekly treats), I have taken on a ton of responsibilities which I find to be challenging and exhausting, the kids and I are finally getting used to each other. My 8th period are still hellions, but they finally know Ms. Bellamy means business. I have some cute kids, some who I just adore. They drive me batty, but they also remind me how much fun teaching can be and help remind me that I am there for far more then teaching English Lit.

And I bring pictures-
I have to explain one thing about this before I post them. After I read one to many papers using words such as bcuz I decided it was time to change this I have started Bellamy's Bootcamp. So in the spirit of this, my room is currently decorated in Army style.

Yeah, I told you I was freaking amazing (well, at least I am having fun with this unit- better than grading worksheets).

This is the South Wall of my class. It has the monthly calendars, the Hogwarts crest, and the posters for figurative language.

This is the first half of the East wall. The posters with yellow sticky notes are where we are keeping track of my 'platoons' points

They took out the tvs last year, so now I use mine as a shelf.

The rest of the wall, displaying students art work. This is going to be changed next week to show their picture sonnets. It is also the home of my six foot shakespeare.

My North wall. Displaying David Tennant and Brian Vaughn. Along with articles about the school.

The West wall with my shelves, mugs, and pictures.

The rest of the west wall, with the get to know Ms. Bellamy poster. Allison, Rishi, Erin, E, and Patty are all featured on this wall. (The Atlanta group will be featured soon)

Yes, I killed that many trees. It is a sad, sad thing. Someday I will figure out how to teach without worksheets. Basically, kids all need a lap top.

Finally, my desk. it is before school so it is still organized. And proudly displayed over my computer- The Doctor and Rose and Harry Potter!

So there you go, I am going to try to be around more this month, but it is another busy month.

5 down, 175 to go.

2008-08-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Adam was pestering me for this update, and it is probably overdue. I mean when I was doing my student teaching I posted about my first day on the first day. Needless to say this last week was overwhelming and emotional. I am tired, exhausted, and all other words that mean the same. I have a stress rash and a stress headache. I have two weeks of lesson plans to plan over the next few days- but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Riverton High is probably the best place to work. The staff is so kind and supportive. There is just a vibe about the school which energizes me.

My first day of school I spent the first hour running around like a mad woman trying to get my computer and projector to work. I was so grateful I thought to bring my laptop to school. I finally got that working and then the students came.

The first day was kinda a blah day. I don't know how to explain it. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't stellar either. The classes were okay, nothing to write home about. The activities went okay, though I ran out of things to do and had to pull in from the rest of the week. In fact it worked out better as I had over planned for the rest of the week and needed to move other things around anyway. I think my favorite moment of the first day was when the principal walked into my first period of the day. He just slipped in to observe, as if I wasn't already nervous. We were doing an activity that involved yarn and learning about one another and of course the moment he walks in the yarn snaps and I have to tie it back together and the class moves off topic. It wasn't horrible, and I am sure it was fine but I kept thinking 'why couldn't you walked in five minutes ago when this activity was working fairly well?' I did finally get a computer after three and it took them till Thursday to actually connect me correctly, but it works now so I am not complaining.

Since Riverton is on the block schedule the second day of school was like the first all over again. The day was going swimmingly, though I learned I need to get a sub for next week to attend a new program training at the district on Wednesday, apparently I am the tech savvy girl in the department so I get to learn all the fun things. I had cute sophomores today that were to scared to say anything (yes, I know this will change) and we were having a grand time. I had some cuties that got lost, showed up at the wrong class, took the wrong lunch, and all other things that make me love sophomores. Well at lunch I emailed my friend Heather and said "I love my B day classes so far. Of course I probably just jinxed myself and 8th period will be hellions." So yeah, guess who has a class of 38 EVIL HELLIONS? Yup, you guessed right. I hated it. I spent most of my time trying to get them to pay attention. Finally, I chucked all the fun things I had planned and had them write an essay. I guess my unhappy tone, unsmiling face, and general pissed off air, made them realize that I mean business. I explained that I don't want to do this, but if they insist on acting the way they do English class won't be as nearly as fun for anyone. I hope it got the lesson across and I have learned for that class I need to be tough, and not my happy go lucky self that I am in the others. Stupid evil hellions.

So the rest of the week was much the same. I had some great highlights. Several students said they love my class as we get up and do things, one other said that the first day activity that we did was the most fun he had ever had in school (okay, he has been home schooled for his entire life, but that is not the point). I am still worried about how I will handle a few things, 8th period to be honest, but it will work out.

Get your tomatoes ready

2008-08-28T20:27:00.001-07:00

Um, I know I am probably the only person in America right now (other than Senator McCain) who found tonight's speech to be lack luster and just plain old boring. The last two minutes were great but other than that I was completely uninpressed.

Please excuse me while I go pull out the great presidental speeches from Kennedy and Regan. Or maybe I will just put on West Wing and wish that one of the campaigns would hire Aaron Sorkin.

Anyone with me for voting for Bartlet this election?

Your highness, we beseech you on this day in Philadelphia to bite me

2008-08-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today I got to go and see the Declaration of Independence. You know, it is funny how much a document of paper means to me. I rarely talk politics here but I was raised in a rather political family. Conventions, elections, and all that go with it are second hand to me. I can still call an election within 3 points and I can tell you how much a certain canidate will go up and down in the polls- yes, I am that good. There was a reason I ran my first party campaign at the age of 15.

Anyway, with this comes a love of country. It is deeply rooted, it is why I love the 4th so much. But today I got to see a piece of paper that has inspired millions and will continue to inspire millions. It was a thrilling experience and makes me realize that even with all the problems that abound that I am still proud to be an American.

Mom and I looking at the Declaration

"Never has a war been so courteously declared. It was on parchment with calligraphy, and "Your Highness, we beseech you on this day in Philadelphia to bite me, if you please."

The parents and I

Sad News

2008-08-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got some bad news. A dear coworker has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She hadn't had a mammogram in years and finally went to the doctor. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and then metastasized to her vertebrae. This women is a wonderful lady. She is one of the sweetest and kindest women that I have ever met. She has a huge heart and puts up with more at work than any woman should. This news hit me pretty hard and brought home why I am doing the walk. There are so many great women that suffer with cancer, it scares me.

Every time that I think training is getting too hard. That fund raising is impossible I get a reminder like this and I realize that it is worth every step and every blister.

Chins up, boobs out, it's show time

2008-08-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

Ah, it was time for my annual Shakespearean Festival trip this last weekend. It was a blast, as always.

Here are some highlights:

1-Saw Brian Vaughn and the Pastry Pub (yes, two of my favorite things) went silently fangirlish but would not go talk to him. Katie did though and he smiled an nodded at her. His cute wife was there too!

2-Had my laptop die, leading me to flail around Cedar until we could get it to a Best Buy and find out it was only a cord.

3-Ate at the Utah In-n-Out. I love that place.

4- The tarts, I had three.

5- Katie and I witnessed the future and it was sparkly. We also realized that we are like Ouiser and Clarice than we want to be. I'll let you figure out who Ousier is.

Cyrano was fantastic and as my friend Jason said, "Nat practically glowed every time Brian Vaughn walked on stage." Big nose or not that man is still attractive. I really hope he plays Henry the Fifth next year. Fiddler was fantastic. I loved the movie and the casting was perfect. Of course I realized that I am more like Golda than I'd like to admit. And Othello- oh my, Iago was perfect though I was slightly upset that they changed the way Desdemona died. I mean she was still smothered, but the breaking of the neck people- come on.

So here are some pics from the trip! Enjoy!

That was one of the best margaritas I have ever had

Eating my first tart during the Cyrano intermission.

Ah Brian, you are attractive even with the big nose.

Bummer, this still isnt a door.

One day I might actually have the guts to sit on his lap

I'm thinking of wearing this the first day of school. What'd ya think?

My traditional Falstaff pic

Enjoying our last tarts of the Festival during the Othello intermission

and finally...

Cute Lu spam

Movie time

2008-07-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

I had to share these random bit of conversations that E and I filmed while driving. Enjoy!

Lunch time!

Sweet Caroline!

It's a river!

It's not better than football season, but it's close

2008-07-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well everyone it is only about 14 weeks until my favorite day of the year. No, not Christmas or even Thanksgiving, but election day. So to kick us off I give you the following video:

I left my heart in San Francisco

2008-07-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, I have had the best trip ever. Well, it has been the best week ever but more than that I had a lovely road trip.

Elisha, one of my best friends, flew in from West Virginia and after a girls day which I saw Mama Mia! and got a pedicure, we drove to San Francisco. Stopping in Tahoe, Auburn, Davis, and the Jelly Belly Factory before we got there. Once there we met up with two of our friends and went all over the city, including baby shopping and finding a Yoda statue. Then it was home through Vegas where we got upgraded to a suite and won a whopping $2.87 before loosing it.

It was awesome.

So I present pictures

And a baby makes three

2008-07-24T12:57:00.001-07:00

Auntie Timmy is proud to officially announce the birth of Hayden Sue!

Born: July 23 at 3:31 am
Weight: 6 lbs and 12 ozs
Length: 21 inches

She is a doll. So little and looks a bit like a peanut, no really she does. Hilary is doing well and Lu can't wait till they come home.

Yup, I have 25 hours in a day

2008-07-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

So I have knitted three baby sweaters this year and my four-year-old niece got a little tired that other kids were getting sweaters and she wasn't. So I embarked on my new project- Lu's sweater. I now present it below for you:

She wanted it pink. I screwed up on the buttons, but I think it came out alright. '

I am excited to give it to her this weekend.

And because I never showed you pictures of Hayden's sweater

Those are lady bug buttons and I have to admit this is my favorite one to date

So yeah, I continue to knit my way through life. What can I say. E- the chickpea's is up next.

Was the ending supposed to be happy?

2008-07-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

So last night was the Doctor Who Series 4 finale. Now, I haven't hid my love for this show here at all and I have to admit I was a basket case all day yesterday waiting for the conclusion of a great episode the week before. I also know that no one who reads this blog cares about Doctor Who, so feel free to skip over this entry. Now if anyone wants to know more about Doctor Who, and because I can't be any bigger of a nerd, I made a Who powerpoint that explains the show which I am happy to share. Now on to the rest.

The thing is, I am not sure how I feel about it now. It was a brilliant episode and I wish I had an ounce of the writers creativity. The way that he weaves stories and hints given two or three years ago is amazing. I also loved that even though there were so many favorites back I didn't feel that it was too much. It was clever and campy, angsty, light hearted, and just fun. In fact I was pleased with it over all. But there are some things that still don't sit right with me. Yes, I know it was just a TV show, but I am an English major and if we do anything well it is analyze things. So here we go-

Things I liked about the episode.

1- Jackie had a big freaking gun! I don't think words can express how much I loved that moment. I mean she had a gun and shot down a Dalek, you go Jackie Tyler.

2- The Jack/Mickey reunion. That had me laughing for ages. I had missed Mickey, I have a bit of love for the kid that is totally unexplainable.

3- Shirtless Ten followed by t-shirt clad ten. Yes, sometimes I am shameless.

4- Doctor!Donna. I have loved Donna all season long for reasons I really should see a therapist for, but she kicked some major behind in this episode.

5- The call out to 'The Unquiet Dead' I have been waiting for someone to say that Gwen was the same person, and I know that they couldn't get it until the Doctor met her, but it was still great to have.

6- The blue suit of Death is now in another universe and we won't have to see it again. Of course I hope the first thing Rose did when they got back to London was burn that thing.

7- The hand holding. I loved the hand holding. It was perfect and something I missed. They never had to say anything, just hold each other's hand.

Now for where I struggled and why I can't decide if I liked the ending or not.

1- Rose and that dang beach- ever since I saw the pictures that they were back on that beach I knew no good could come from it. I mean come on, I knew that Rose wouldnt be coming back with the Doctor. But I am not sure if I am supposed to be happy for her and what she got or if I am supposed to feel bad for her. Right now I am angry at the Doctor because he left her. Yes, I get the whole she choose bluesuit!Doctor (again, can we please burn that thing) but the Doctor should have said goodbye. He owed her that. He had taken away her choice once more and the least he could do was give her a goodbye. Instead he walks away, again.

2- Donna. You know, this is cruel of me, but I wish she had died. Donna had evolved so much as a character and as a person. I hated to see her go back to what she was in 'Runaway Bride' she knew what would happen if he didn't take the memories. She knew what was going on and she made a choice. He took that choice from her and I kinda hate him for that. I understand why he did, but it wasnt his choice. She didn't want to go back to the person she was before she met him, she knew the difference, she saw that. She chose to die the woman she was then go back to the incomplete life that she had before. Did he care what she wanted? Nope, it was all about him. Just like he strip the choice away from Rose he took it from Donna too. Sometimes I really hate him.

3- No Jack/Rose reunion. I mean come on. I have been waiting for this one forever and to be honest I anticipated it more than the Doctor/Rose reunion (again D/R could only end in heartbreak). And what do I get-nothing. Mickey, who met him once, got more of a reunion than Rose did.

So yeah, I am left trying to figure out if I like the episode or not. I wasn't expecting a happy ending, and the fact that Rose got her own Doctor was the happiest ending we were getting, and I'd prefer that than having Rose dead or having him lose her again in the future, but I am walking away with a bittersweet taste in my mouth, and just a tad bit heartbroken for everyone.

Well, it is only five months till the next episode- wonder if it is too early to make a count down?

I'm Proud to Report our Country's Stranger than it was a Year Ago

2008-07-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Today is my favorite holiday. I know, strange. But there is something about the 4th that I have loved since I was a little girl. I love the parades, the flag waving, the cheesy flag shirts people buy, the ice cream, the BBQs, and the fireworks- love the fireworks. I know that the country isn't perfect- far from it; but it is still my country and I love her for it.

This love of country came from my parents. Years in politics will teach you a few things (most of them not good) but the love of country is one lesson that sticks.

So to celebrate the 4th I leave you a little YouTube video. Every year the Mormon Tabernacle Choir puts on a show for the 4th. I try to go each year, as it is one of their best. This year it just happened to be last week while Erin was here. And they sang my all time favorite number 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic.' Now, if you haven't heard the MoTab sing this before you are in for a treat. Ignore the picture quality but enjoy the music!

Oh and because I can't resist- Some good ole West Wing love:

GIRL 1
Yeah, but weren't we terrorists at the Boston Tea Party?

SAM
Nobody got hurt at the Boston Tea Party. The only people that got hurs was some fancy boys who didn't have anything to wash down their crumpets with. We jumped out from behind bushes, while the British came down the road in their bright red jackets, but never has a war been so courteously declared. It was on parchment with calligraphy and "Your highness, we beseech you on this day in Philadelphia to bite me, if you please."

or how about this one...
LEO
You know what I haven't forgotten?

MARBURY
What?

LEO
That we opened up a big can of whoopass on you at Yorktown!

Guess what- I have friends.

2008-06-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I packed my friend Erin off this morning and then collapsed on the couch and took a four hour nap. I could go back to sleep now, but my brain keeps telling me I have too much to do. I am blaming it all on the codeine and the fever.

But to prove that we did have a good weekend, despite my rather nasty cold, I now present Pic Spam!

On Saturday we went to Park City and walked around historic main street. We then took the ski lift on a little jaunt up a mountain. It was gorgeous.

See, ski lifts make people happy!

We got some nice sun too.

We also spent some time at the Utah Art's Festival.

Then Sunday we went to Temple Square and explored the rest of Downtown. I didn't have much of a voice, but still managed to give her a tour.

Then it was home for Who and Sunday Dinner with the fam

Hanging out on the couch

Look, Hilary joined us. Doesn't she look good for being 8 months pregnant?

Now for some cute baby spam

Yes, the four month old Boston is almost as big as the four year old Lu.

Wasn't there an MC Hammer song about the importance of prayer?

2008-06-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine posted this article on her LJ and I was flabbergasted. Of all the things to complain about in this world, I can come up with a few more before I would complain about this.

DEARBORN, Mich. — Elias Al-Karim says he’s always gotten along well with his neighbors, who are evangelical Christians. But he was angered recently to learn that they had added his name, and the names of his wife and children, to Community Faith Center’s corporate prayer list. Elias called the church to complain.
"We do not want prayer from Christians, and we did not ask for it," he told a reporter. "It’s a violation to pray for someone without their knowledge or consent."
To ease tensions, the church did what many churches and ministries are increasingly doing: started a "do not pray" list. The list grew rapidly after Al-Karim alerted the local newspaper about his experience. Hundreds of Muslims, atheists, Mormons and even pagans called to have their names added to the list. Now when prayer requests come in to the church, names are checked against the list before they receive prayer.
"We have to respect people’s wishes," says the pastor. "If they really don’t want prayer, we honor that."
But many church members disagree.
"I can pray for whoever I want," says one member of the church who has started an underground prayer list and circulates it by email. "The reason they don’t want prayer is their minds are blinded. And that’s what I’m praying against."
Sharon Grumman, a self-described "blue-state liberal freakazoid" says she was furious to learn that a co-worker had put her name on Peace Lutheran’s prayer list in Scottsdale, Ariz.
"Who gave them permission to practice their religious voodoo on me and my children?" says the single mother. "I consider it spiritual harassment, even if I do think prayer is bogus."
Others feel the same way. A devout Hindu shoe store owner in Cincinnati believes the prayers of a local church have hindered him from gathering great wealth.
"If I’m praying to my gods and the Christians are praying to theirs, the prayers cancel out," he says with evident frustration. He believes the church should reimburse him for lost revenue and has added his name to every do-not-pray list in the country. He believes a group of "zealous Baptist peoples" put his name on the lists in hopes of converting his family.
"I heard they were also praying for the country of India," he says. "My relatives live there, so I’m asking that they stop that as well."
Intercessors at churches with do-not-call lists say the policy impedes the spontaneity and flow of normal prayer.
"Instead of lifting people up to God, you have to do this bureaucratic thing right in the middle and search for their name on the list," says one prayer ministry leader. "It takes the oomph out of it."
Some angry people are calling for a national 1-800-NO-PRAYER line, akin to the "Do not call" line, to create a master list of people who want to be shielded from Christian prayer. But for now all efforts are local.
"It gives me great satisfaction to know that we are no longer being targeted," says Elias. •

Okay-
1- Whose prayers have been canceling mine out?
2- A do not pray for me list? Really?
3- Targeting? What prayer is now terrorism?

Hate to tell you all I am going to keep you all in my prayers. It is only to show that I love you and that I care for you and want what is best for you. Sorry, knowing me puts you right on a prayer list.

2008-06-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.

Over the next 20 weeks you are going to hear more about my 3 Day 60 mile adventure. I am well into training, have developed my first blister, and am playing cheerleader to our little FBG team. It has already been an amazing experience so far and I am learning so much about myself and about a disease that impacts so many families across the world.

So far I have raised $1,347.90 of the $2,200 that I need to have raised by the first walk date. In order to help earn the last $852.10 that I need for the 3 Day cancer walk I am going to be doing a raffle/bake sale/fund raiser and I am hoping you all can help.

During the next few months I am putting my talents to good use as I make the made dash for the fund raising finish line and I need your help!

I am going to be selling pink ribbon sugar cookies for $10.00 a dozen
and
2 knitted dish rags 2 for $15.00- these little babies are great for cleaning dishes or counters. They are strong and hold up brilliantly. If you let me know what colors you use in the kitchen, I will even match those.

In addition I am going to raffle off a baby sweater and a queen size quilt.

Numbers for the baby sweater can be purchased for $5.00 each or 3 numbers for $10.00.
With the baby sweater the winner will be able to choose what color they would like.

Numbers for the queen size quilt can be purchased for $10.00 or 3 numbers for $25.00.

Also, with every $5.00 donation I am offering to carry a 'walk with me ribbon.' This ribbon is a pink ribbon that you can write a name or a message on. I will be carrying these ribbons with me to Atlanta and they will walk every step of my 60 mile journey with me.

To participate in the raffle or fund raiser go and make your donation at my Komen site.

Then leave a comment here, letting me know which item your purchased or bought a number for. If you bought a number I will reply with the number in a return post.

The raffle ends on August 15th and the raffle items will either be delivered or shipped by September 30th.

Cookies and dish rags will be shipped every two weeks.

Please pass this message on to anyone you think might be able to help. To coworkers, family, or friends who might have known someone who has fought this disease. I am leaving this entry public so it will be easy to find. Every dollar raised is going to the Komen Cancer foundation who is making great strides in research and education on breast cancer.

Please know I don't ask this lightly. I don't wish to offend anyone but I have strong feelings about this disease. It has always been part of my life and I want to do my part to see that no other child has to worry about their mom, grandma, aunt, or sister suffering this disease. I know that with your help, and working together we can create miracles- so please help me create this miracle.

Living up to my nick name

2008-06-03T20:07:00.001-07:00

So my oldest youngest brother Adam has called me Hermione for several years now. I am an insufferable know it all, I will throw the rules out for a good reason, and I do read more than is healthy. Well today I am living up to my nickname-

I just finished my thesis, 26 days before it was due and 5 days before my own personal deadline.

I can't believe. The paper that has given me headaches, panic attacks, and heart burn for weeks and months now is done. There will be a few changes and nips and tucks that will need to be done over the next three weeks, but it is smooth sailing.

Ack I finished my thesis!!!!

*runs off to celebrate*

*anyone want to join*

Because I knew you

2008-05-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Just some Lu cuteness!

and because the kid had to go for round two

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 15

2008-05-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-16T15:00:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-02T11:55:00.001-07:00

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.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 11

2008-04-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe I am down to only four weeks of student teaching. I wish I could say that the time has flown, and I guess in some ways it has, but at the same time it feels like forever. In all honesty, I love teaching. It is the one thing that I wish I could do all day long and I hate when I have to leave and go to my real job every day. I love working with the kids and I love seeing them catch on to something or make a big leap. Those to me have been the moments that I will take with me and remember for the rest of my life.

This week hasn’t been bad, hasn’t been good either, I would say that it has simply been average. We started the week watching ‘The Secret of Roan Inish’ and I just have to say I love that show. I also think that it was a great show to use to introduce magical realism. I stopped the movie as we were watching it and asked questions about what they thought and how it contributed to the four elements of magical realism.

I think the biggest thing I learned this week though was it is okay that I am not perfect. I have always fretted because my A day class gets the most discombobulated lessons. It is the first class that gets a brand new lesson that still needs kinks worked out and right now they are also getting lessons in a unit that is completely new to me. They have become my little guinea pigs, which wouldn’t be bad if they weren’t the class that has the most discipline problems. It really just comes down to getting a double whammy. But I realized this week, it is okay that I am not perfect with that class or with anything else. I am still learning, I am still observing how other teachers handle things, and that is okay. I am not going to be prefect the first year or even in year twenty, but all I can do is my best and make sure that my students are getting my best.

I did get another job offer today. Riverton High. It makes me chuckle a bit because my last job offer had a student population on 197, this one has 2900. I think I am going to take it. The staff seems nice and the program appears to be excellent. This school district was in my top two to work for and I would love to teach Sophomore and Senior English. So I have to call them Monday, and I am pretty sure what my answer is going to be. I have to say I am flattered with the offer though. I interviewed at 12:15 today and they told me then I would hear back next week. I heard back at 2:30. I guess they liked me.

I is goin be a teacher

2008-04-24T13:15:00.001-07:00

So, I mailed out graduation announcements yesterday. It was one thing that I just needed to check of the box since graduation is in nine days.

Today I got to school and had the following conversation with my mom:

Mom: Honey, I have a story to tell you that shows not only are your burning the candle on both ends you are burning it up the middle too.
Me: What'd I do?
Mom: You spelled graduation wrong on your announcements.
Me: *blanches* Please tell me you are kidding.
Mom: I'm not.
Me: Are you kidding (more desperate)
Mom: No, honey it will be okay.
Me: I mailed out 75 invites last night and now I look like an idiot.
Mom: No, people will think it is funny.
Me: *Quirks eyebrow in that I don't believe you way*
Mom: Really, it will be fine.
Me: I'm going to class now.

So yes, English teacher Nat sent out a major typo in her grad announcements.

*face palm*

*goes to sleep for a week*

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 10

2008-04-19T00:18:00.000-07:00

It is well after midnight here, and I am still going strong. I have a boatload of things to get done this weekend and go figure I am feeling overwhelmed. Because of this I took today off. I feel like a total slacker, seeing as I didn't work on Monday, but I have four more weeks until I have a more manageable work schedule, and let's just say this helps stave off the panic attacks just a tad. I can tell the stress that my body is going through, my face has broken out and I look like the 16 year olds I teach. Oh well. Let's talk about fun and exciting things like...

I passed my Praxis test!!!!

That is the last one I have to take, unless I decide at some point next year to be highly qualified to teach Spanish as well. But I am so excited. There was dancing and confetti, then I went back to all the baking I was doing. Thank heavens though that I got that done. I am also getting graduation announcements out this weekend. I can't believe that I am graduating! Still have school for another nine weeks, but this is the end ladies and gents!

What a week. I don't even know where to start. This has been one of the most frustrating weeks that I have ever experienced. I don't know if it is because it is spring or if it was because prom was this weekend, but my students were just out of control. Add that to starting a new unit and a really bad observation and you have a recipe for disaster.

The first two days went well, the students worked on finishing their papers in the computer lab. I was surprised how little discipline I needed in the computer lab. For the most part the students stayed on task, maybe there is some good with this fast pace schedule we are trying to keep that only allows one day in the lab for them to finish the papers, or if there was some other reason, but I was so pleased with their work. The majority of the papers were wonderful. I was so proud of the work that they did and their finished products. I am excited to give them the papers back so they can see their final scores.

After two great days we had a train wreck. I knew that my supervisor was coming either Thursday or Friday and I was excited to present this lesson to the class. We were starting magical realism, which I believe will be a fun unit and I think the kids will enjoy. I started off the lesson on Thursday and it was going really well. The kids were connecting with the ideas and had fun discussing Harry Potter as magical realism. Then we changed gears and started reading a story. I lost them at during the discussion after and no matter what I did I couldn't get them back. I had kids acting up, talking about non-related items, staring off into space and generally not paying attention. Of course that is when Claudia showed up- an hour into class. Finally reaching the end of my rope I told the class to pull out a piece of paper and write on essay on how 'The Falling Girl' is a social commentary. There were mumblings and groans, but they followed instructions.

I was upset by the end of class, and I felt that I had let everyone down, including myself. I left class and cried for about three hours and tried to convince myself that I wasn't a failure and I could get up and face it all again the next day. Of course I did, and Friday went so much better. It amazes me the differences between my classes and what works in one compared to another. I enjoy all my classes but I am learning how I need to tailor my lessons to each one. It has been quite the learning experience.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 9

2008-04-11T18:31:00.001-07:00

Wow what a week. I don’t have a reflection paper due this week (I have another two papers due, but that is beside the point) but it has been such a crazy week that I had to at least process it.

In reality this week has been topsy turvy. It started Monday when I walked into the school, confident in my lesson plans for the day. I had also planned out the next three weeks- except for what I was going to do with my classes on Tuesday and Wednesday. No problem I told myself, I can easily take care of that on Monday night. This plan under my belt I walked into the classroom only to find my cooperating teacher was out sick and I would not have access to her computer. My brilliant lesson plan was a PowerPoint presentation on Ruthie’s hard drive. So I had 5 minutes to come up with a brilliant lesson plan. I did. Actually we had a lot of fun with the persuasive presentations the kids did and were able to have a good lesson.

Then Tuesday there was an assembly. I had ten students when the bell rang. The rest of the class was at Jamba Juice getting their free Jamba. I gave a pop quiz that day with the following questions: 1. What is my name? 2. Where do you go to school? 3. Whose classroom is this? 4. What month is it? 5. What book are you reading? Those in the class got 5 pts extra credit. I think I am going to use this tool more often. While I was teaching one of the students asked me what kind of Jamba I wanted. He was on the phone with two of the girls in class and they wanted to bring something back for me so I wouldn’t mark them absent. I told him I was okay, they brought me back a Raspberry one.

Wednesday we finally got to do the PowerPoint I had planned and it was one of the best lessons I have ever had with the kids. It was absolutely amazing. They were so engaged and some of them that never participate were asking questions and adding to the conversation it was brilliant. I was ready to hurt the department of Homeland Security when we had an earthquake drill in the middle of the lesson. It was a big distraction, I thankfully, was able to get the class back on track but it was still frustrating.

The last two days we have been writing essays in class. I actually only have one class period left to grade, because I am brilliant at grading essays now. One day I know my kids will learn and understand what a thesis is. In addition they will learn and understand when I say I want examples from their reading, I mean I want examples from the book we are writing an essay on, not about how Godzilla represents the Atom Bomb- yes I do have that essay and am willing to sell it to the highest bidder.

It was a good week, got my first job offer, don’t know what I am going to do about it, but at least someone wants me.

I like traffic lights

2008-04-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a young girl whose parents dragged her to the wilds of eastern Utah. While they were there, her father was offered a job and the first thing she said was, "I can't move here there isn't a mall." On the way back to her beautiful city she also noticed that the town they had also just visited had only one traffic light, noticing that this was not a good omen for any town she began to sing the following song, "I like traffic lights, I like traffic lights."

The years went by and the girl grew up, living her city life. The idea of life in a town with no mall and only one traffic light was left far away. She loved the city, she loved being so close to everything. She loved that she could drive five minutes and be anywhere. She loved how many theaters she was near and that there was a Subway and a Starbucks on every corner...well at least every three or four miles, it is Utah after all.

The girl decided that she was going to be a teacher and one day she was asked to come to a town and visit with a principal about a job. The first thing she noticed about the town- there were no traffic lights.

Okay, I could probably carry this on but I am not sure that I really want to. I had a job interview today in a town called Lyman, Wyoming which happens to be the perfect job in the middle of nowhere.

I made my parents drive the two hours with me and though I have been to Wyoming quite often I was looking at it as a possible home. I love Wyoming, have since I was a little girl and I knew that this could be the start of a great adventure. The thing is, I wasn't counting on being able to hold my breath through the entire town.

The highlight of the town is the Taco Time, fine Mexican dining. Of course five miles away in Mountain Green they are building a Subway. It took us a while to find the grocery store (it was in another town) though we did find three LDS chapels and a fabric store.

After the parents dropped me off at the high school the principal decided to take me on a tour of the town. Our first stop was the school auditorium to watch a bit of 'Fiddler on the Roof' it was pretty good actually. Then we went on the town tour. It was nice to get the back story of the town. To learn why the grocery store was in another town and to learn why there are dead animals gracing the walls of said grocery store. I also learned that there was teacher housing for only $250.00 a month. Oh and I would have to have satellite which would mean I get BBC America (yes, I do understand that I can get satellite here in Salt Lake- but there it is a necessity).

After the tour of the town (well three towns) and a drop in to see if the superintendent was in his office, it was back to the school for the interview. The interview was one of the best I have ever had. We laughed and joked around and I really liked the people that were there. I learned about the job and that it was perfect for me. It would be three classes of 9th grade English and three classes of Spanish I. They also needed a drama assistant coach, which I would love to do. There are so many opportunities at that school so many things that I could take the ball and run with. The average class size is 18. I have 35 in each class right now. There are only 197 kids enrolled in the school. They have money coming out their ears, and it is by far a better salary than I could get in Utah.

We talked about TBN, classroom management, travel, how I develop my lessons, my family, my students, everything. When we were finished I took a tour of the school, met with teachers, was awed by their facilities, and found myself being drawn in. We finished the tour and it was back to my parents and home.

Here is the thing. This job is perfect for me on so many levels. It is like being handed your dream job on a silver platter (and I am pretty sure they are going to offer me this job), but the I don't think I want it.

I don't do small towns, I don't do towns that are in the middle of no where. The fact that I am even thinking about it scares me. There are no traffic lights in any of the towns I visited, and only one stop sign. It smells like cows and there was still about a foot of snow. I just too much for me. If only I could take this job and all it's perks and transfer it to even a bigger town-one like Evanston, WY. I could do that they have traffic lights, and a Walmart, and a Sonic...oh, they have a Starbucks too. So yeah, basically I have a huge life changing decision coming in the next few days.

Bellamy Family Lip Sync Night

2008-04-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend was the family Lip Sync and I figured it was time to share some pictures, and a video or two (or three).

Lu and her uncle Addy welcoming everyone to family Lip Sync Night

Lu reads a story to us for her presentation.

I pull out my Celine Dion Impression

Yes, this is how I act when I am alone, singing in the bathroom

Ssh! I'm hiding.

Addy and Lu bringing Sexy Back.....
And I have the video to prove it....

Then of course Adam and Amy gave us a history lesson of the Presidents of the United States, apparently there are 9 and they've decided to not count Clinton (what can I say, we're from Utah)

Then of course the parents brought back the 70s with Disco Duck

And finally last year you knew them as the Spice Girls, this year down one member they tackled that popular fake 80s group Pop

If you look closely you will notice I am wearing blue eyeshadow. Lu thought that I was pretty and that I should wear it more often.

Please notice how in sync we are

Off the shoulder sweat shirt, why did we let that go out of style???

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 8

2008-04-04T16:43:00.001-07:00

You know, I have a much better perspective on how I am doing as a teacher when I am in the classroom. After my melancholy reflective post of last week I feel energized and ready to tackle the last seven weeks of this adventure.

This week was good. I feel so much more comfortable in the classroom than I have in weeks and a lot of that is due to my cooperating teacher.

I have loved working with Ruthie. She has forced me to look outside the box and my normal methods of teaching and become a better teacher. She gave me such a boost of confidence this week. She gave me my midterm review and it was overwhelmingly positive. I asked her about it and she said that if she said in on paper, she could say it too my face. She then sat down and told me that I was the best student teacher she had ever had. She went on to explain that where I am now is the level that her other student teachers had left. Because of this she feels she can push me farther and work on refining what I need too. Ruthie then went on how she wished they could keep me at Highland next year, but staffing currently prevents that. It was a great talk and I walked away feeling better about the job I was doing. Apparently I haven't been the only one that Ruthie talked to. A couple of teachers and some of the administrative staff stopped me this week and talked about what a good job I was doing, it was just the boost I needed.

The students have also been great this week. I have found I am able to joke a little with them now and not have to pull back as I had before. They still work on what they need to and they come to me now for questions and problems on their essays. It has been great to work with them on their papers this week and I have enjoyed seeing them rise to the challenge as I prepare them for the AP class they will all be taking next year.

This week still had it's problems. I have one student I am really worried about. She hadn't been here for two weeks, she ended up with a failing grade last term, and doesn't seem ready to work on what she has missed. I tried to talk to her, but she doesn't want to talk. So for now she knows my door is open. That is all I can do.

I also have one student who just decided he didn't want to write his essay on Thursday. No reason, just didn't want to write it. I have to admit it was discouraging when he only turned in a paragraph. During the class period I kept coming back to him and asking him how I could help and how his thesis was going, but he would just shrug and move on. This is one of the students who I caught coping a paper last term so I find myself second guessing my decision now. I just don't know what to do with him.

We also had a great lesson on the holocaust and the atomic bomb. The students are reading Night and Hiroshima this next week and I wanted to introduce them before they got too far into the books. I had a PowerPoint on both of these subjects and we talked about it before. Then I was impressed at their reactions as we went through the descriptions written and the horrible pictures. It brought about a great conversation on why we read these books and why they were written. They impressed me with their insights and the stories they shared. It was a brilliant class.

So, yes things are getting better. I have rearranged my schedule a bit so I find it a tad more manageable and I have found it is essential, for me, to get to the gym every day and have just that 40 minutes to myself. I know there will still be moments during my last 7 weeks of this adventure where I am ready to cry or tear out my hair- but I think that the good moments will far outweigh the bad.

April is the cruelest month

2008-04-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

So it might come as a surprise to you all that I, an English literature nut, can’t stand poetry. Yes, tis true. I dreaded those days in class where I had to come prepared to either read poetry or have a had read 50 pages of it before class. I hated even more having to write my own *shudders at the thought of her sonnets* and I have decided to try to have it written out of the high school curriculum so I don’t have to teach it. Yes, my dislike of poetry knows no bounds.

I wish I could tell you why I don’t like it. Why during National Poetry Month I turn a blind eye and try not to think about the pain poetry has inflicted on me in the past. But I don’t know.

There are a few poets I can stomach- Whitman, Dickinson, Tennyson, Shakespeare’s sonnets and Eliot. And I do adore Frost, in fact Frost has gotten me through many a gym work out and quite a few essays on my life. But the rest I just don’t get. Maybe it is that I would rather simply read a story about their theme, or maybe it is I’d rather here poetry set to music (yes, I do understand that a song lyric is basically a poem) but I just struggle.

So while the rest of you happily celebrate and cherish writing poetry this month. I am going to be sitting back and working on ‘Confessions’, grading papers, and enjoying spring because in many ways April is not always the cruelest month.

(Oh I didn’t include this above but I do like the poem about the toad and the lawn mower. It was on my AP Literature test, oh so many years ago and I feel in love with it.)

I've created a monster

2008-03-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, it is no great shock to anyone when I reveal my love for the BBC TV show- Doctor Who. It is one of the few very geeky things I love and can talk about for hours. I have the CDs, the DVDs, and one day I hope to have my very own sonic screwdriver (j/k though if it worked I wouldn't say no). I have a picture up next to my Order of the Phoenix poster and I watch (and can quote) the episodes quite often.

Well one Sunday night the parents and I were getting ready for Who night, Lu was still there and was watching a bit with me. I explained that this was the Doctor and that was Rose. Over the next few weeks I would pull out the DVD set and ask her who was who, every time she answered correctly and we started adding words like Tardis, Time Vortex, and Bad Wolf (eventually Time Lord, Capt. Jack, and Torchwood followed).

Hilary finally decided to borrow my DVDs and I sent them home with Lu, asking her to take care of our Doctor for me. The following are three instances that have happened since that day two weeks ago:

Phone conversation number 1-

Lu: I watchin the Doctor
Me: Are you
Lu: and Rose
Me: Really?
Lu: Uh-huh. And Tardis.
Me: Do you like them
Lu: Uh-huh. Rose not die.
Me: No she didnt.

Phone conversation number 2-

Lu: Timmy, I have monsters in my room

Me: Oh no.

L: It’s okay the Doctor got rid of them for me.

M: (holding back a laugh) He did?

L: Uh-huh. He’s my friend.

M: Really?

L: I have his picture.

M: Do you?

L: Yes, Doctor and Rose.

Then she went on to tell me that when she gets scared she knows it is okay cause the Doctor will come and save her.

Phone Conversation number 3-

Lu: Timmy, you know the doctor?

Me: Yes

Lu: He so handsome

What can I say the girl has good taste, David Tennant is quite an attractive man (so is Christopher Eccleston for that matter).

and finally...

Lu was at my parents yesterday and she decided we were going to play Doctor Who. She was the Doctor and I was 'Rosie'. We even had a Tardis which so so carefully unlocked and made us move around like we were flying. There also seemed to be an elephant on the Tardis- don't know where that came from. She is just so cute. I love her imagination.

So, yes I have created a monster...not that I am complaining too much.

Only six more days till season 4!!!!

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 7

2008-03-28T14:12:00.001-07:00

What, you say. I haven’t taught this week. Right you are, but there is still a reflection due and in all honesty I have thought a lot about teaching this past week and what I need to do.

The week before I started my student teaching my cooperating teaching and I sat down to talk about a few things. It was during this talk that she gave me a bit of advice that I have mulled over ever since: You are the most important person in the classroom. It boils down to if I am not happy or enjoying the lesson neither will the students. The last two weeks or so, I haven’t been happy.

It isn’t that I don’t enjoy student teaching, I love it. I wish I could teach all day long and look forward to the day when it will be my full time job. The problem is I feel overwhelmed. I know that I have touched on how difficult it is to work full time and teach, when I add that with everything else that I need to do in my life I feel like I need 36 hours in each day, just so I can get a few hours of sleep. I had to fly across the country to get away from everything and relax for a few days, I’ve never had to do that before.

I’ve always been the overachiever, someone who can take on multiple tasks and fulfill them, I’ve just never had to keep it up for this long before. This isn’t meant to be whining, whining won’t help in this situation, but I am currently at a loss on how to resolve the situation.

Maybe if things were a little easier in the classroom, they are getting better and I think the situation will continue to improve as I become more confident in my abilities and the students grow even more accustomed to their new teacher. I still have to figure out what works for me in a classroom management strategy, but the good thing is I am constantly ruling out what doesn’t work so that means I must be zeroing in on the right thing.

I wish I knew the answers after a week of pondering how to change things in the classroom, unfortunately I still don’t. So until then I will take one day at a time and work out how to make sure I am happy in my current assignment.

2008-03-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all-

Well I am finally back home in good old SLC and I have to say I am counting down the next 15 weeks till I get to see E again. I could wax sentimental here and go on and on about how wonderful she is and how much her friendship means to me (oh and just because I don't do it here doesn't mean you won't see it in the next few days or so).

So I am sure you are all dying to hear stories about what we did. E, what did we do? In all honesty we hung out. There is no other way to describe it. It was like I lived next door and we were just spending time together- it was brilliant. Here is a quick list of things that we did, if you'd like the full story let me know.

1- Found a bridge
2- Worked on Confessions
3- Planned World takeover
4- Came up with a brilliant idea
5- Played DDR (I so suck at that - E is a pro)
6- Watched all 12 episodes of Torchwood season 2 (I am waiting for that season finale)
6b. Went on and on about how gorgeous John Barrowman is (oh and we want our own Ianto)
7- Planned a 5K in Kansas with Erin Anne , we'll have breakfast after. Why Kansas- why not?
8- Met Thelma, turned down offer to view mummies
9- Cooked
10- Planned our trip up the PCH
11- Provided Doctor Who therapy to those in need
12- Giggled more than was humanly possible
13- Chased the dogs down the street- wearing sensible shoes
14- Planed our vacations for the next five years or so, our poor children
15- Hiked in the mud
16- Couldn't find a bowling alley that would take us
17- Conducted a research project on cars and gas mileage
18- Ate chocolate and desserts
19- Had a wonderful time.

Honestly, it was a great vacation and it makes me sad that I live across the country from her. At least I get to see her twice more this year.

He Lives

2008-03-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

It is Easter morning and I am hoping you will indulge me for a few moments as I reflect on this day.
Easter has always been one of my favorite times of year. I love the symbolism of life and hope returning after the dark, cold days of winter. I love that the world is being born anew, I love what the season means.

This year I also knew was the first Easter Sunday that I would not be attending church. I wanted to do something that would make me remember the reason we celebrate this day- beyond the ham and the chocolate rabbits. So this week, I worked on reading the March Ensign. This was a beautiful reminder of my Savior and the role he has played in my life. I have reflected on this the past week and found myself moving closer towards him. I still have a long way to go. I am no where near perfect. I make mistakes, I struggle, there are times that force myself to do the things that I should- but He is always there.

Last week my little choir sang, 'I Believe in Christ'. This has always been a favorite of mine and I wanted to perform it as a tribute before Easter. There is a line in that song that makes me sing out in pride and makes my eyes well with tears. It says: I believe in Christ so come what may, with Him I'll stand at that great day. It is the trust that is put in Him when I sing so come what may. The heartaches and the struggles I am willing to face, because He will be there. There have been heartaches, there will continue to be struggles, but with him as my Savior, I will overcome.

I have no doubt that He lives. I have no doubt that he is my Savior, my brother, my friend. He loves us and cares for us. He will continue to reach out a hand and ask us to come to Him. He rose that morning 2000 years ago- he appeared to those in Jerusalem and then again to those in America. "He lives, my kind wise heavenly friend. He lives my Savior till the end. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives- I know that my Redeemer lives."

Country roads take me home

2008-03-21T07:06:00.001-07:00

I am off to West Virginia for a much needed vacation! I promise pictures and stories of my time away when I get back.

Have a happy Easter!

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 6

2008-03-21T07:05:00.001-07:00

Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Frustrated. Tired. Those are just some of the words that describe this past week. Student Teaching has been more of a roller coaster than I thought it would be and that is saying something.

It was the end of term this week. So in the midst of everything else I spent my nights (and really early mornings) grading final papers. For the most part I was pleased with the papers. I can see how much all my students continue to improve as writers and how their insights into the literature are continuing to deepen. One night while I was grading I noticed that the paper I was reading seemed vaguely familiar. I pulled out a paper I had graded previously and noticed that they were essentially the same paper. It wasn't word for word, but was still the same thing. Before issuing a grade I asked three other teachers to read the papers. I didn't tell them anything about my suspicions but they quickly confirmed what I already knew. I was then at a loss, I wasn't sure how to handle this situation. Thank heavens for my cooperating teacher. Ruthie, told me simply to half the score then on the other paper write see Johnny for the other half of your score.

When the boys came to class that morning they had already seen what their scores were and asked why. I explained to them and the protests started. They claimed they worked on it together, I pointed out that there is a difference of working together and writing the same paper. Later in the period I began to grade another paper, only to find it the same as the two others I had already graded. I called all three students up, and told them that the score would now be divided three ways. They continued to protest, but finally one of them admitted to what they had done. He tried to take the entire blame himself, saying that was the one who had copied. I thanked him for his admission but pointed out all three were still responsible for what had happened and all three would accept the consequences. It was a tough moment. I felt bad, but at the same time they need to learn that what they did was wrong.

The week continued to go that way. I told students I would accept work up until the moment I walked in Thursday morning. It would be marked late, but some points were better than no points. I had students who just didn't turn in assignments, or were upset when I couldn't accept them after Spring Break. Unfortunately the end of the term is not a date I can change. I was so frustrated with these students who are supposed to be honor's they are supposed to know better. I know that there are some that question if I am getting a proper experience in student teaching when I have the honor's classes. The thing is, I know there are challenges that I am not facing in the honors classes. I have few ELL learners and minor disruptions, but there are also a whole new set of challenges. I know that most think that honors classes are the Mecca of teachers- I am here to state that they are not everything that they seem to be. It is hard tough work. I have students who act up, I have students who are disruptive, I have students who don't turn in work, I have students who talk back. When it comes down to it teenagers are still teenagers- honors students or not.

Of course the week wasn't all bad. We are reading 'A Doll's House' right now, and I have one student who is so excited about it. She is reading Nora and she reads it with such a passion that I just smile. Hilary has such a yearning for learning. She reads ahead, she asks me for book suggestion about a topic she wants to learn more about. She is a true pleasure to teach.

My one ELL learner is going to pass the class. He has worked so hard this past week and just the thought of him passing makes me want to cry, I am so happy.

So I guess when it comes down to it. It was just a regular week. Ups and downs, but I am so grateful that it is now spring break- I don't think I could have lasted another week.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 5

2008-03-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if the weeks are actually getting longer, or if Daylight Savings has wreaked havoc on my system. Needless to say, it was yet another delightful week of teaching.

My week started with us finishing up ‘The Great Gatsby’ movie. I know I fought watching it, but it really was the right decision. The kids have a better grasp on the story now and I think they were able to really see a different view point. I loved it when they would shout out saying, “Wait this didn’t happen in the book.” Or “If you don’t see Daisy hit Myrtle you have no idea it wasn’t really an accident.” It was times like those I felt the previous weeks we had discussed the book had not gone to waste.

I also assigned their final essay for the book, which is due next week. As they have been trickling in I am amazed at the grasp some of my students have on the story and interpreting it. I have one student who just transferred into the class at the semester. He didn’t want to be in an honor’s class, but his regular English teacher insisted he was wasting his time in the class. He is very timid but I have been able talk to him for a few minutes before class has started about what he read the night before and get him share his thoughts. His paper was astounding, and all I could think was it is such a pleasure teaching him and how I wish he could see what I, and his other teachers, can see in his skills as a writer.

I had another student this week, who when I said the class would be reading Night in the next few weeks as part of our unit on realism, went out and read it that night. She thought it might help her understand more of the history for a play she is doing. We sat and talked and she told me how much the book had touched her. I was pleased to see that she had taken the initiative to read a book outside of class time that we are not reading until after Spring Break.

Even with all this I still have the students who try me and see what they can get away with while they have a student teacher. I have one yesterday who used the hall pass and never came back. Another who tried to attend a class that wasn’t his- with a friend. The classes as a whole still have a hard time focusing in when it is time to work and I have yet to find the classroom management technique that works for me to get their attention. Right now I stand at the front of the room with my arms crossed, and wait for silence. It seems to work- but it takes so long. I think that is one of the hardest things about student teaching, they aren’t really your students so it is hard to change the techniques and rules that they are used to.

I had a curve ball thrown at me this week in regards to my lesson plans. I had planned on starting our realism unit with Night and Hiroshima and to introduce these books we were going to have a PowerPoint on the Holocaust and the atomic bomb dropping. Tuesday afternoon I found out that the books we needed were being used by another teacher and that we would have to start ‘A Doll’s House’ the next day. I hadn’t prepared anything to introduce the play, thinking that I still had at least a week before we started.

I threw myself into panic mode and came up with a lesson plan during intermission of ‘Civil War.’ The lesson ended up being one of the better ones I have come up with. We talked about controversy and why things are a controversial issue. As this is one of the major points of the play- and something that realism is based on. I really want the kids to connect. It worked well in some classes, others didn’t seem to want to participate much, but over all it was a great activity. I am excited for this unit now!

While you were out

2008-03-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

The boys decided my work space needed a dream makeover....

Yup, we get a lot done!

They're mine

2008-03-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Aunt Timmy proudly presents

Her Lu and Bean

They are mine, and at this point I am not ready to give them up.

I talked with Lu on the phone yesterday, and when my mom said that it was time for her to go home she started crying saying, "I don't want you to leave Timmy, I wanna talk to you." She is honestly the light in most my days and I hate that she doesn't live 5 minutes a way anymore. I wish the plan to move into a duplex with Hilary and Bart had worked out, just so I could see my Lu every day.

Adventures in Student Teaching Week 4

2008-03-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ah Friday- we are together again. I don't know why I get so excited. I am at work until nine and then of course my weekends are not as relaxing as I hope they could be. I am really ready for a nap too- at least I am finally over this stupid cold.

I know that this is probably boring for about 90% of you to read, but I use it as my weekly reflection paper for class (give or take a few snarky comments) plus it helps me gather my thoughts about the week and how I just might succeed as a teacher.

It amazes me how fast the weeks go by. I remember, like it was just a few short hours ago, staring into the endless abyss that was Monday, now here we are on Friday and another week is over.

Okay, let's start with Monday when my supervisor came to observe me (no warning), showed up late (which I found rude), stayed for about 30 mins (good thing I didn't have them write first), gave me a satisfactory on my dress (I was in slacks and a blouse for heaven sakes!), and then left with about 50 mins still left in class. Yes, I am sure she got a great idea how I was teaching.
All in all it was a good week. It had its up and downs but nothing too shocking. We are in the final wrap up of Gatsby, in fact we just have to finish the movie and they have to write their final essay. It has been a good learning experience for me. See, I know this book inside out. I have been preparing to teach it for about a year now, well I put things in action the past few weeks and found what worked and what didn’t. There are times that I felt we rushed the novel, but I also know that if we dragged it out anymore that it would have been too much. There is so much about that book, or any piece of literature, that can’t be gleaned in one reading. Maybe I was trying to get them to see too much- I don’t know.

One thing I did learn this week is that movie days were made for teachers, not students in mind. I had avoided showing them the movie, but finally decided that they needed the extra help to understand the whole novel. Well let’s just say in the past two days I have gotten more accomplished than I ever hoped and got a jump start on our next unit. The kids seem to finally get it, it is like the movie is filling in the last piece of the puzzle.

I am tired of cell phones in class. The school has a rather strict policy of no cell phones in school- well no one seems to follow that. It doesn’t matter how many times I ask for the phone to be put away it always seems to come back out. Yet another illustration on how far I still have to come on classroom management. You know it is funny, up to this experience I would have said I had classroom management down. It had always been a strong point for me when I taught before, but now I feel like I am back at the starting gate. I asked my cooperating teacher about it and she mentioned that all her classes are like this right now, she even has a hard time trying to get them to behave. We went over some new ideas and I hope that they might work. The kids were good today, so maybe that is a good sign. We shall see.

I am finally learning all their names. This has been a struggle for me, but day by day I learn a new name. I am developing relations with them too, which has been nice. It is like they are finally seeing me as their teacher. After four weeks I am glad that has come.

I did have one setback this week, well a few actually. We had been preparing for a test on figurative language for quite a while. They had been studying it since September, we had done activities each week focusing on identifying it, and the day before the test I handed out one more activity to work on. The test is difficult, with that in mind I allowed them to use their notes and the worksheet we had done previously. I was saddened to see that about 70% off the students failed the test. I don’t know what we could have done differently. Needless to say, we rearranged grading on that test and most of the students ended up being okay, but it was still hard.

I also had a student accuse me of loosing her paper. She couldn’t find it in the basket where their work is stored (we don’t return work to the student because of situations like this) or among my no name papers. She was quite rude when I mentioned that she would have to rewrite it. She had insisted that she was in class that day and that she had written the paper. I finally had to show her my records and pointed out that she was absence because of cheerleading that day and that I had not received a paper from her.

Not my best week, nor my worse. I am excited to start a new unit on Wednesday and am excited I have the weekend to put it together, but the good thing is I still love what I am doing.

Adventures in Student Teaching- week 3

2008-02-29T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it was by far a better week than last week- not that that’s saying much. We are inching ever closer to the end of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and I must say, even though I love that book I am ready for it to be over. The kids have been hilarious, every day I hear how much they hate Tom and how they hope Gatsby kills them. I don’t have the heart to tell them that Gatsby ends up dead and Daisy chooses Tom. We ended up diagramming what they now affectionately call ‘the soap opera’ on the board yesterday- I needed more board space to explain that one. I almost started crying though when one of them started drawing parallels to today’s society- I wanted to throw my arms up the air and shout hallelujah!

We also started timed writing this week. The kids hate it. 30 mins to write a 2 page essay. I hate it because I have to read them all (and if one more person summarizes the plot of the novel for me I might have to throw something at them). I think they were all shocked with the grades the first time. The first batch were low, but when we did it the second time they were getting better. That could be because I enforced a seating chart so there was more writing than talking, or that they finally realize I am not a push over and they will be graded on more than participation. In my first batch of essays though I did get a marriage proposal and someone explained to me what Shakespeare would have thought of Fitzgerald- gotta love those teenagers.

I have found I am a lot more flexible with my student teaching and becoming more confident. I really do love it. This week I also learned that I can blame anything I want on my cooperating teacher. She is really good about that. Of course she is made of awesome- that is why I fought to work with her. She makes me feel so good about myself. This week she kept telling other teachers how wonderful I am and how I really don’t need to do student teaching. “Give her a degree,” has been Ruthie’s call. She is also going to help me with my project I have to get done while student teaching. It is massive and quite scary- but she and three other teachers in the building did the same thing last year when applying for National Certification, so she said they can get me through.

I also survived my first few days of parent/teacher conferences. They were actually rather easy- I didn’t know all the kids by name alone so sometimes I was worried I was talking about the wrong child, but it seemed to turn out all right in the end.

So basically good week. There were times I questioned my sanity of wanting to teach English (those essays *shudders*) but I do love it. Next week I get two days of movie, *sigh* Robert Redford *sigh* Can’t complain too much about that.

Babies come with hats

2008-02-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

After a long wait I finally have a nephew!!!!

Boston Zachary

Born: February 28, 2008 9:20 AM
Weight: 7 pounds 15 oz
Length: 22 inches

My brother called me while I was in class, the kids were hilarious and let out a big cheer. I even took the day off of work and ran over to the hospital. He is lovely, I have already promised him the world, given him his own song (Lu has a song too), and am searching for a nickname- right now I am liking Cue, but not sure if it will stick.

Now for a bit of baby pic spam

With Grammy

With Dad, I promised my sister-in-law I wouldn't take any pics of her until she had time to clean up a little, she was still asleep when I left

I love baby feet

Waiting in the nursery as they took Boston's vitals- yes, that is a red sox cap Adam is wearing and yes, that kid will most likely grow up to be a RS fan.

With his Auntie Timmy- who is going to spoil him rotten. I was grading essays, that is why the pen is in my ear.

I love being an aunt!!!

Adventures in Student Teaching- weeks 1 and 2

2008-02-22T14:33:00.001-08:00

I am starting a weekly post called “Adventures in Student Teaching” look for a new installment every Friday afternoon….

So here are some valued truths I have learned in the last two weeks-

1- No matter how hard you try, you cannot keep the Bingo beans off the floor.

2- “Great Gatsby Pictionary” is a great way to feel wanted. Everyone wants you on their team...before they know your drawing capabilities.

3- Be ready to chuck all the lesson plans out the window.

4- Cheerleaders are the same today as they were ten years ago

5- No matter how many times you tell them students still don’t understand that the teacher downstairs with the same last name, and who looks just like you is your mother.

6- Even though they cant grasp the concept of number 5 they do understand that Zach is your brother

7- The teacher look, you know the one over the glasses, really does work.

8- What you teach first period will change by second period, and you final period of the day will get some thing completely different.

9- Quizzes are not healthy for students or teachers

10- The kids actually do understand- they just pretend not to.

11- The moment when someone just gets it- priceless

12- Knowing about Harry Potter, and understanding what people say when they say they ship Snarry will bring you up a few notches.

13- Kids will always choose extra credit over candy

14- If you say it enough times, they might understand the difference assonance, consonance , and alliteration.

15- Remember to explain about things like Tonya Harding, when she in mentioned in an article- they don’t remember that skating scandal ever happening.

16- Sometimes using popsicle sticks with names on them is the only way to get them to participate.

17- You will lose your voice.

18- It is okay to cry.

19- It’s okay to say, “I don’t know”

20- It’s okay to say “Because I’m the teacher and that is what we are doing. So shut up, listen, and maybe you will learn something.”

So yeah- more adventures I am sure next week. Maybe actual stories. Like Nui, the kid who hasn’t come in a month but I’ve gotten there two days in a row now. Or the group of kids who call me Miss Natalie just to make me roll my eyes…or how I am teaching kids I baby sat many, many years ago…

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

2008-02-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

I love to travel. I try to get to as many places and see as many things as I can every year. Well for Valentines Day this year I decided that in addition to buying new tires and Doctor Who Season 3 for myself I would book a ticket to see my friend Elisha in West Virginia.

This trip has been planned for quite a while. We had originally planned to go to Tennessee to visit other friends in January, but that didn’t work out for either of us. Figuring I would just save my vacation time for our big road trip in JulyI called it good and went on. Then E hinted that I should come and see her over spring break. She tempted me pointing out it would only cost me a plane ticket. She gently reminded me that in the last year she drove to North Carolina, Orlando, and Boston in order to see me- some of the trips taking over 12 hours. And then pointed out she would have to fly out to Salt Lake for our road trip (making our July trip more expensive for her than me). Armed with this knowledge I put off my resolution to not visit E until she had a baby and told her I would come.

I started watching airfare and two weeks ago found a round trip flight for $252.00. I almost bought it then. In fact a coworker was sitting there telling me to buy it, but there were some logistics with school I needed to work out so I held off. Today I went to go and buy the ticket only to find out that the dates I wanted to travel no longer had that fare.

I was so disappointed, but determined to go on my trip. I have a nice tax refund coming and as E had mentioned this trip was only costing me my airfare. So I searched and searched. Finally finding a trip for $382.00 from American Airlines. I booked it, printed off the confirmation, told E I was coming, posted to my LJ about it- and then looked at the confirmation. I had booked tickets for February 29^th returning March 7^th. Not the March 21-25^th dates I thought I had.

I almost threw up right then. Quickly I was on the phone with American Airlines and the lady laughed with me as we worked to change the flight. Only to find out it was going to cost $430.00!!!! I had them cancel the reservation, which I was able to do with no penalty as the ticket hadn’t been issued yet. So that cancelled I started scouring the internet again.

The cheapest flight I could find was a round trip on Delta for $410.00- funny thing it is nonstop and really decent flying times. So I booked that, after having coworker check it and make sure I had the right dates.

So E I am coming, and I am really glad the rest of my stay is free!

Thank you for that display of geek bravado

2008-02-06T14:33:00.001-08:00

So it is not a big secret that I am a nerd. I can happily converse on English literature, history, politics, or just about any other nerdy subject. I can rattle off how many electoral votes that each state has, I can rattle of the names of the Supreme Court judges, and I can tell you when a book was published. I have the classes, I spend time in the library, and I enjoy watching things like Masterpiece theater. I am a nerd through and through, and proud of it.

There is one thing though, one thing that I always try to ignore or hide. I am a geek. Yes, it is a sad truth. I am sure most of you already knew that, but it is something that I have only admitted to myself recently.

My geekiness has come out here and there over the past few years. I have a "Bartlett for America" t-shirt which I love, I have a Hufflepuff Head Girls badge, I have an HP scarf, a Time Turner, and a shirt proudly bearing the name 'The Weird Sisters'. I also wouldn't mind getting a lovely Doctor Who poster.

This past week I have been a bigger geek than usual.

I am a huge Doctor Who fan (the new series, I don't think I could stomach the old series) and I was so excited when series 1 and 2 arrived on my doorstep Thursday night.

Now being the geek I am, I started watching series 1 Friday night, only I was watching the episodes with commentary. I had just finished watching the first series the week before, so it wasn't that I hadn't seen them recently (or quote them daily) but I just had to watch them with commentary. And of course I had to watch the five hours of special features- remember geek.

Well Sunday morning I put on the last DVD and in 'Boom Town' it all of a sudden skipped. I was a tad upset because it was at my favorite part (the Doctor, Rose, and Jack are getting all geeky together and Mickey just stands there shaking his head?) But the rest of the episode was fine. So I put a note on the back burner to call WB about it.

Then I was watching 'Parting of the Ways', the series final, and right at THE moment THE CLIMAX (For all of those who have seen it is when Rose has comes back and the Doctor has to get the Time Vortex out of her) It freaking skips again!!!! I am not pleased.

I might have been yelling at the TV (please remember I just saw this episode the week before and have seen it at least 6 times). Any other part of the episode I might have been okay, but not then.

Eventually, I calmed down and emailed WB about how to get a replacement. Then went about my day.

Then that night I started series two with my parents (I also taught my niece the following words: TARDIS, space ship, Doctor, Rose, Time Vortex). The start of series 2 is my all time favorite episode. I could watch 'Christmas Invasion' over and over again. In fact we had just watched it at Christmas, mom wasn't keen on watching it again, but we made her. Yes, I can quote most of, but the gags never get old and it never fails to make me smile.

Monday my friend Heather and I chatted about different Who slogans that we could have when we participate in the Komen 3-day cancer walk this fall *insert shameless begging for a donation here* And we came up with so many that we might have to order two or three.

Today to compound my geekiness I downloaded the Doctor Who series three soundtrack from iTunes.

So yes, this is me finally admitting that I am a geek-and you know what, I am proud to be one.

Why yes, I am a domestic goddess

2008-02-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the week, I took time to work on my domestic goddess skills!!

Yes, my path to becoming a domestic goddess becomes more firm every day. So now I share with you all the two projects I finished this week and then some lovely new treats that I tried out!

This is the first sweater that I have ever made. I could bore you with the details about how it took me two hours to take out a sleeve that I put in wrong. And how there should be three button holes, but this sweater just makes me want to find a small child and wrap him in it.

One of my goals this year is to learn how to sew. So this was my first project a jean quilt. These are all jeans that I wore at one point during the past two years. It was actually a fun project and I learned how to sew in a fairly strait line. Tying it was so much fun to, but I love tying quilts! This quilt is so warm too. Next sewing project-- my t-shirt quilt.

So in addition to the crafts I also did a bunch of cooking for a variety of things including Super Bowl Sunday.

So first up, in my goodbye to sugar till Easter tour I bring you the best German chocolate cake recipe that I have ever eaten.

Frosting (this takes a while to cool so you may want to make it first)
4 egg yolks
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 c sugar
1/4 c packed light brown sugar
6 TBSP unsalted butter cut into six pieces
1/8 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/3 c sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 c finely chopped pecan, toasted in oven at 350 deg about 8 mins

whisk egg yolks in medium sauce pan; gradually whisk in evaporated milk. Add sugars, butter, and salt, and cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is boiling, frothy, and slightly thickened, about 6 minutes. Transfer mixture to bowl, whisk in vanilla, then stir in coconut. Cool until just warm. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool or cold. At least 2 hours or up to three days. Pecans are stirred in just before cake assembly.

Cake
1 (4-oz) pkg Bakers German Chocolate
1/2 c boiling water
1 c butter or margarine
2 c sugar
4 egg yolks
4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c buttermilk

Grease a 9x13 or 2 9 inch round pans. Flour and line with wax paper.

Take 1 pkg bakers chocolate and mix with boiling water. Mix until dissolved. Cool. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter and sugar until they are fluffy and rich (few minutes) Slowly add egg yolks while beating mixture. Beat until there is no more yellow streaks. Add chocolate mixture and vanilla. In separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Alternating add buttermilk and flour to chocolate mixture. As you continue to mix batter. Beat until smooth. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until they form peaks (about 5 minutes). Slowly fold in egg whites- do NOT stir or beat them in. Pour evenly into pan(s). Bake 30-40 mins (since I am at high altitude I had to bake it for about 50). Let cake cook 15 min in pan. Remove to cooling rack. Remove wax paper. Ice when cool.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, finely chopped
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
3/4 c Grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 c Mayonnaise
1/2 c Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 deg. Mix all ingredients; spoon into 9 inch quiche dish or pie plate. Bake 20 mins or until heated through.

Black Bean and Mango Salsa

1 env Italian Salad Dressing and recipe mix
1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen corn, thawed
1 c chopped ripe mango
1/3 c chopped red onion
1/3 c chopped cilantro
1/4 c lime juice

Mix all ingredients until well blended; cover. Refrigerate at least one hour

Have a great weekend!!!

Right again, Miss Austen

2008-02-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

I was reading something for work the other day and ran across this quote, “ I’ve just finished my latest novel. I think I shall title it “Persuasion” and it may be the one that is closest to my heart. There are those who dismiss novels, who undervalue their importance. I disagree. I truly believe that novels are works in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which they most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour are conveyed to the world in the best chosen language.”

It is of course written by Miss Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra.

I love this quote. I love how succinctly Miss Austen wraps up what a novel is yet, at the same time, is able to show the broad depth and scope of a novel.

I love reading. I love reading novels more than anything else for the same reasons outlined in the quote above. Human nature is so prevalent. I can pick up a 18^th century British novel and still understand the characters, see something of myself in them. I think that is why I love Austen so much. Her insight to human nature and social situations astound me. She never takes a huge overarching plot filled with twist and turns, but simply takes a normal, ordinary, day to day life and finds the magic in it.

When I read her novels, I sit back and wonder what magic am I missing in my life? What lessons are being taught, and what small nuances am I simply missing, because I haven’t been looking for them?

It is something I have tried to do in my own writing. Taking normal people in a normal situation and make them find the magic. There are no quick and easy fixes, just like in life. Instead it is a process in which the character learns a little on the way. How awful would Pride and Prejudice be if Darcy fixed everything right after proposal number 1? Would the characters have learned and grown? We would be missing the essential bits of the story, the growth of Elizabeth (and the growth of Darcy). It would simply become a quick glossed over solution leaving all couples involved with no legs to stand on. Who wants that?

So yes, Jane, though there are people that would argue with you I must agree that novels are works in which the “greatest powers of the mind are displayed.”

The difference of a year

2008-01-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

You know what, it was a year ago this week my life changed in two major ways. The first was I started back to school finally pursuing that masters degree I had been talking about for years. The second way was more life altering though, I started on the road to fitness.

I am the first one to note that sounds really cheesy, the road to fitness, but that is what it has been. Last year on January 24 I weighed in at 219.6 lbs. I wanted to cry as I stared at that scale. I want to run right out of the gym and just forget the push and kick that a friend had given me to do something about my body. But my trainer just took me out to the weights and put me to work (of course I did throw up on him that night, bonding us for life- or for at least as long as I can afford him.)

365 days later I am down 2 dress sizes, and weigh 30 lbs less. It hasn't always been easy. In fact there are days that I do give into temptation and eat three brownies and a scoop
of ice cream, but those days are becoming less and less. You see it is about making choices, it is about taking control of your own life. It is about waking up in the morning and being happy with who you are.

I know I have a long way to go, I have at least another 30 lbs that should disappear off this body by December 31st. I have goals on what size I am going to be when I graduate and what size I will be next time Nat's holiday challenge rolls around. I know there are going to be days like yesterday where I give into to temptation and eat the yummy treats that were brought into work, and days when I walk away from those treats-opting instead for something healthy.

I am struggling right now. I have been since the New Year, since I got sick. When I went to the doctor's on January 3rd I weighed in at 188.7. That was the same thing I weighed at the gym so I was pretty proud of myself. Of course my eating wasn't the best when I was ill, in fact it was close to non-existent. I know that is just as bad for you as eating to much, I tried to eat soups and protein shakes (oh and Ice cream) but I wasn't hungry. Imagine my surprise when I went to the gym the next week and weighed in- 194. I had gained 6 lbs in a week.

Jason, my trainer, and I were stunned. We looked over food intake and found nothing so we turned to my meds. We saw that one can cause water retention so we decided that was it and put everything on the back burner. Here's the thing those 6 lbs haven't come off. I have been off my meds for two weeks now and my eating habits have been pretty dang good (unless you look at this week). I'm going to the gym, we've changed up my cardio, and nothing.

I have to admit I am getting frustrated. Frustrated to the point where I say, "Sure I'll have a brownie and a cookie please." I don't want to do that. I am not that person anymore. I hate this feeling. Yes, I know it is just a number on a scale. I know what really matters is that my body fat is dropping, and I am healthier, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

I hate that I am busting my behind and not seeing results. So I've decided to take drastic measures- A new challenge.

During the month of February through the end of Lent I am giving up refined sugar. *wibbles* this is going to be hard for me. I love to bake and I love to eat what I bake. I have a jar of candy on my desk, and chocolate in my drawer at work and at home. But I need a challenge, and since I give up chocolate anyway for Lent this will be good.

So hopefully this will be the jump start I need, and make me just a little bit healthier.

No Rotten Food please

2008-01-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

Cross posted at TBN.com and LJ

I want to start this by quoting the wonderful CJ Cregg "Don't be fooled. They love us in Orange County. They're crazy-go-nuts for the President. They're really the Democratic party in general. I think they really like it when we come to town. When we were there last month, we we're working the crowd, and some boys, worried possibly that I couldn't afford fruits and vegetables on a government salary,tossed me some of their own. "

Sits back and waits for the veggies and fruit to come flying...

My roommate has been telling me for years that I like to go contrary public opinion. If the world likes a movie, I will hate it. If the world hates a television program, it will quickly become my favorite. I don’t agree with her over all analysis, I mean I love Harry Potter, The Office, and many other popular things. Of course I also thought that The Da Vinci Code wasn’t as good of a book as everyone else thought it was and I am still not sure if Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip should have gone off the air, even if I was about its only viewer. So maybe my roommate was right. Maybe I am prejudice against what most people like. The problem is when I picked up Twlight by Stephenie Meyers I wanted to like it. I had been hearing about it for years, my sister is constantly reading it and I am fielding complaint letters at work that we carry it (usually that is a good sign that the book is good, no really it is) so though I had resisted the popular nature of the book I was secretly pleased when my book club decided to read it.

Guess what, I hated the book. No really hated it. So Elisha, remember back when we did our Harry Potter review you wondered what would happen if I read and reviewed a book I didn’t like? Well you get to find out now.

For those of you who have missed the Twilight mania currently sweeping the nation (my sister boasts she was one of the first Twilighters) it is the story of Bella, a 17 year old girl who relocates to Forks, Washington after her mother remarries. She is miserable there and longs for the sun and warmth of Phoenix. But then she meets fellow 17 year old Edward Cullen. She is drawn to Edward for some reason, though he seems to absolutely despise her. As the weeks go by she gains new friends and settles into a routine in her new town, which includes wondering why Edward hates her so much. Of course he finally begins talking to her, and we find out he is love in with her. There are several events that lead up to the big reveal, but the reader isn’t surprised by this Lizzy/Darcy relationship. Of course there are mysteries surrounding Edward, mysteries that Bella is determined to solve. And guess what she finds out he is a vampire!!!!

Okay, so yeah, that is the story in less than 144 words. Of course there are trials and tribulations that Bella and Edward face after this big revelation. Bella compares them to a modern day ‘Romeo and Juliet’ something that made me gag every time it was alluded too. I must say Meyers got the one dimensional love sick teenager down to a tee. Then there is the brooding, Heathcliff type, Edward. Good looking, dangerous, dark, mysterious, I am not quite sure what he sees in immature Bella, maybe we will find out in the next book. He is one of the few well rounded characters in the book. Though his struggle and flip flopping gets old after 200 pages (the book is 500).

The story is trite. In fact, nothing happens until page 378 and then you get about 50-55 pages of great story, interesting, fast past, oh my gosh I can’t stop reading and then it is over and you are back to the boring and the mundane. For the last 60 or so pages. Where there is more of the hemming and hawing you had to endure for the first 377 pages.

I knew I should have given up when it took me three days to get through the first chapter. When I was a week into reading and hadn’t even made it half way through. When I picked up an old text book and started reading it.

Now I didn’t expect this to be Faulkner, or Austen, or Fitzgerald. I didn’t even expect this to be Rowling, I expected your average book that would be a quick and fun read. I read those all the time. I read any trade mystery I can get my hands on and love it even more if there is a splash of romance, but this makes me shiver. The writing is juvenile, I have read online fanfic writers who are better wordsmith’s than Ms. Meyers. The story non existent, and there are no redeeming qualities in the main character.

The one thing that saves this book (besides the 55 pages of actual story and decent writing) is the supporting cast. I really liked Edward’s mom and sister. I wanted to see more of them, learn more about them. But of course they were simple bystanders that I had to wonder about. There were things that were never explained (maybe they are in the sequels, but I don’t think I will ever find out) and so many plot holes I was ready to tear my hair out.

So maybe my roommate is right. Maybe I am destined to never like anything that is pop culture. I mean who am I to argue with The New York Times, Scholastic Book Review, and my little sister- oh yeah, usually the first in line.

1 ½ stars- because those 55 pages were actually good and at least it is getting students to read. That is better than nothing.

I hate starting these things

2008-01-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

I never planned on having a blog. In fact I went out of my way to avoid it. I have nothing to interesting to say and I already have a Live Journal. But I had friends who started to complain that they couldn't read my LJ but still wanted to know the juicy details of my life-so here we are. Welcome to the slightly insane ramblings of a graduate student, who is a fangirl (of way to many things) and who is searching for peace, love, and the 24" waist.