Well, here we are. It's Wednesday again. How did that happen so quickly? Who knows.
The big news of the week is that I was officially hired as a contract teacher here at Westlake High School. I interviewed last Thursday, and they told me yesterday morning. Last night David and I celebrated by eating pizza pockets for dessert while watching an episode of Lois and Clark. (After which, I promptly fell asleep on the couch until David kindly woke me up and helped me crawl into bed.) But back to the big news - the fact that I was hired as the official teacher is a big deal. I've been so blessed to get this job. I will be forever grateful to my friend Emily who basically dropped this opportunity into my lab. I would feel a little guilty about snatching this job away from here if she wasn't so happy staying home with her darling baby girl. (And if I wasn't so jealous of her because of it!)
Today, being Wednesday, is parent teacher conferences at Westlake. This means I will be here for the next 4 hours. Not that this would be unusual for me. I generally stay till 5:30, and Tuesday I was here until 7:30. I just won't be able to get as much work done as I usually do. However, I do have something grand to look forward to. Tonight is HBM's "End of Busy Season" Party - and David and I get to go party with the rest of David's incredibly interesting Accounting associates. Hooray! (I really do love HBM. They have been such a great place for David to work, and the people there are awesome.)
Okay, sorry for another random post. We have been incredible slackers at taking pictures lately, and so I don't have much else to post about but the random musings of my mind. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday
Well Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back to real life. Spring Break was awesome. Full of hanging out with family, playing Mario with David, and watching loads of movies on Netflix instant play. Oh, and of course the occasional lesson plan. I'll be honest, I got way more R&R and way less school work done than I had planned - but honestly I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Now it's back to the grindstone. It's so funny because just three months ago we had such big changes in our life. Graduating, moving, getting new jobs, growing up, etc...etc... But now, everything seems routine. I think that we have been really blessed because we have been able to adjust so well. I feel happy and comfortable in our routine. In a way - it's really not that much different from anything we've been doing for the past 15 years. Wake up - go to the place you are supposed to be - work hard - come home - eat dinner - go to sleep. Except now we are getting paid to go to that place we are supposed to be! It's amazing what a difference that makes. Yes, I have a difficult job. I teach six different classes. Six different classes. But even when I get stressed out it's fine - because someone is paying me to teach all six of those classes!
How wonderful.
This post is so random already, but I forgot what I was going to write about and am in need of a little break - so this is what you get. I thought about titling the post "Random" but then I figured that I have enough posts with that title. This is definitely a "Wednesday" post. Funny thing about Wednesdays - in the morning it seems like the rest of the week is looming over you. The week has barely begun. But as soon as it reaches evening time it feels like the weekend is practically here. Seriously - only Thursday and Friday left this week. I guess it's even more so for me, because that means I only have one more A day and one more B day. Hooray for block schedule. (Seriously - I would definitely recommend this schedule to any school who was asking.)
Wednesdays are about the glass being half full.
Here are some things that fill my glass to overflowing:
-Making it over the mid-week hump. Hooray!
-Husbands who don't mind sharing in the dish duty. (I like to make dinner, I love to eat dinner, but I hate to clean up after dinner. This is why our sink is constantly full of dishes.Until the "dishes fairy" comes and does the dishes after I've gone to bed.)
-Old-school TV shows. Remington Steele, Mork and Mindy, Superman, Star Trek, Quincy. Our new favorite is Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. (note: I do know that not all of these could really be classified as "Old School" - but they are all off the air - and that makes me love them even more.)
-Seeing my students take a project or assignment and running with it. (You should see some of the "Trash to Treasure" projects my clothing students have made. I have everything from Capri-Sun purses to baseball skin dresses!)
-Pretty tissue boxes. I got sick at the end of spring break and haven't been feeling up to par lately. Luckily I have some pretty tissue boxes to help me and my nose get through this tough time. It almost makes my incredibly runny nose worth it.
-Dr. Pepper - Cherry. First of all - you have to understand that David and I are not big soda drinkers. In fact - we don't eat many sweets or treats at all. But every once in a while we will pick up a few cans of Dr. Pepper. We were at Smiths the other day and they had a killer deal on Dr. Pepper - Cherry. It is delicious! I like to put my can in the freezer so that when I open it it gets all fizzy and the soda is slushy. Especially good for those sore throats out there.
-Teaching the Gospel. David and I have recently been called as ward missionaries. I'll be honest - this is probably the most out of my comfort zone that a calling could be. Ask me to teach a class, or head up a committee, or even be in the nursery - no sweat. But making cold visits to inactive or less active members or the ward? It makes me nervous. I'm just not super good socially. (I realize that may not make sense - but that is how I feel.) However, we have been teaching this sweet little 8 year old boy, and his less-active mom, the discussions so that he can be baptized. They are such a nice family - and it is so amazing to be able to teach and to feel the spirit in their home. I guess it's like my bishop in my family's ward always says, "The gospel is meant to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable." I really believe that is true. We learn and grow by stepping outside of our comfort zone and comforting the people around us.
-Red Ladder Design. I seriously love what I do. The Bridal Fair was a blast - and hopefully it will be really successful. I think that whole whole wedding industry - and I had almost as much fun analyzing the business models of the various vendors at the fair as I did talking about Red Ladder Design and why it is by far the best place to get wedding announcements done. (I'm a salesperson at heart - I really am.)
-Lifesaver Jelly Beans. I'll be honest, I don't particularly love Easter Candy. Sure, I love a few pieces of chocolate (especially if there is a peanut butter surprise inside) now and then - but the candy just doesn't float my boat, if you will. The exception to this rule is a big bag of Lifesaver Jelly Beans. Can you say tangy-fruity-deliciousness-encased-in-a-sugar-coated-shell? Yum, yum, yum.
Well... there you have it. My random Wednesday thoughts and little items of gratitude. What things are you thinking about today? What fills your glass to overflowing?
Now it's back to the grindstone. It's so funny because just three months ago we had such big changes in our life. Graduating, moving, getting new jobs, growing up, etc...etc... But now, everything seems routine. I think that we have been really blessed because we have been able to adjust so well. I feel happy and comfortable in our routine. In a way - it's really not that much different from anything we've been doing for the past 15 years. Wake up - go to the place you are supposed to be - work hard - come home - eat dinner - go to sleep. Except now we are getting paid to go to that place we are supposed to be! It's amazing what a difference that makes. Yes, I have a difficult job. I teach six different classes. Six different classes. But even when I get stressed out it's fine - because someone is paying me to teach all six of those classes!
How wonderful.
This post is so random already, but I forgot what I was going to write about and am in need of a little break - so this is what you get. I thought about titling the post "Random" but then I figured that I have enough posts with that title. This is definitely a "Wednesday" post. Funny thing about Wednesdays - in the morning it seems like the rest of the week is looming over you. The week has barely begun. But as soon as it reaches evening time it feels like the weekend is practically here. Seriously - only Thursday and Friday left this week. I guess it's even more so for me, because that means I only have one more A day and one more B day. Hooray for block schedule. (Seriously - I would definitely recommend this schedule to any school who was asking.)
Wednesdays are about the glass being half full.
Here are some things that fill my glass to overflowing:
-Making it over the mid-week hump. Hooray!
-Husbands who don't mind sharing in the dish duty. (I like to make dinner, I love to eat dinner, but I hate to clean up after dinner. This is why our sink is constantly full of dishes.Until the "dishes fairy" comes and does the dishes after I've gone to bed.)
-Old-school TV shows. Remington Steele, Mork and Mindy, Superman, Star Trek, Quincy. Our new favorite is Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. (note: I do know that not all of these could really be classified as "Old School" - but they are all off the air - and that makes me love them even more.)
-Seeing my students take a project or assignment and running with it. (You should see some of the "Trash to Treasure" projects my clothing students have made. I have everything from Capri-Sun purses to baseball skin dresses!)
-Pretty tissue boxes. I got sick at the end of spring break and haven't been feeling up to par lately. Luckily I have some pretty tissue boxes to help me and my nose get through this tough time. It almost makes my incredibly runny nose worth it.
-Dr. Pepper - Cherry. First of all - you have to understand that David and I are not big soda drinkers. In fact - we don't eat many sweets or treats at all. But every once in a while we will pick up a few cans of Dr. Pepper. We were at Smiths the other day and they had a killer deal on Dr. Pepper - Cherry. It is delicious! I like to put my can in the freezer so that when I open it it gets all fizzy and the soda is slushy. Especially good for those sore throats out there.
-Teaching the Gospel. David and I have recently been called as ward missionaries. I'll be honest - this is probably the most out of my comfort zone that a calling could be. Ask me to teach a class, or head up a committee, or even be in the nursery - no sweat. But making cold visits to inactive or less active members or the ward? It makes me nervous. I'm just not super good socially. (I realize that may not make sense - but that is how I feel.) However, we have been teaching this sweet little 8 year old boy, and his less-active mom, the discussions so that he can be baptized. They are such a nice family - and it is so amazing to be able to teach and to feel the spirit in their home. I guess it's like my bishop in my family's ward always says, "The gospel is meant to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable." I really believe that is true. We learn and grow by stepping outside of our comfort zone and comforting the people around us.
-Red Ladder Design. I seriously love what I do. The Bridal Fair was a blast - and hopefully it will be really successful. I think that whole whole wedding industry - and I had almost as much fun analyzing the business models of the various vendors at the fair as I did talking about Red Ladder Design and why it is by far the best place to get wedding announcements done. (I'm a salesperson at heart - I really am.)
-Lifesaver Jelly Beans. I'll be honest, I don't particularly love Easter Candy. Sure, I love a few pieces of chocolate (especially if there is a peanut butter surprise inside) now and then - but the candy just doesn't float my boat, if you will. The exception to this rule is a big bag of Lifesaver Jelly Beans. Can you say tangy-fruity-deliciousness-encased-in-a-sugar-coated-shell? Yum, yum, yum.
Well... there you have it. My random Wednesday thoughts and little items of gratitude. What things are you thinking about today? What fills your glass to overflowing?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I can almost....
Spring Break is so close...I can almost taste it!
All day I heard my students whispering "One more day... just one more day!" I would just smile to myself and say "Amen, children, Amen." While my students have visions of parties, adventures, and hanging out ... my spring break plans include massive amounts of sleep, food, and lesson planning. I am hoping to plan out all of my lessons for the rest of the year. It's a big task - but I really think that I can at least to a block schedule of all of my lessons - even if I don't get all of the materials together yet. It will be a HUGE advantage - and I will be able to have a little more free time as well as enough time to get busy designing wedding announcements.
I will be attending the Provo High Bridal Fair on April 16th. David and I talked a lot about which Bridal Fair to enter - and we decided that I am structured for a college environment. Therefore - I am going to try to break into the BYU wedding sphere. I think that if I can get in down there - I will be set. Lehi just isn't that far away from Provo - and I think we will still have some good business. About 95% of my clients have come from contacts at Bridal Faires, so I anticipate being very busy after this next Bridal Faire. The greatest thing about this job is that if I get too busy with work - I can always tell people that I am booked - and then hopefully the stream of clients will continue into the summer.
Back on topic: Today was the last day of my A day classes. I will not see those students for over a week. Hallelujah! Oh, don't get me wrong. I love love love my job. It's wonderful. But i'll be honest - I am really in need of a break right now. It has been killing me to get out of bed lately. (It hasn't helped that we have been going to bed fairly late the past week - I am a woman who needs her sleep that is for sure)
Hooray for one more day before Spring Break!
p.s. Speaking of tasting things... We ate these for dinner on Friday night and these between conference sessions. Oh man - I don' t think i've eaten so good in my entire life. I would recommend either of them. Or both of them! Seriously. Delicious.
All day I heard my students whispering "One more day... just one more day!" I would just smile to myself and say "Amen, children, Amen." While my students have visions of parties, adventures, and hanging out ... my spring break plans include massive amounts of sleep, food, and lesson planning. I am hoping to plan out all of my lessons for the rest of the year. It's a big task - but I really think that I can at least to a block schedule of all of my lessons - even if I don't get all of the materials together yet. It will be a HUGE advantage - and I will be able to have a little more free time as well as enough time to get busy designing wedding announcements.
I will be attending the Provo High Bridal Fair on April 16th. David and I talked a lot about which Bridal Fair to enter - and we decided that I am structured for a college environment. Therefore - I am going to try to break into the BYU wedding sphere. I think that if I can get in down there - I will be set. Lehi just isn't that far away from Provo - and I think we will still have some good business. About 95% of my clients have come from contacts at Bridal Faires, so I anticipate being very busy after this next Bridal Faire. The greatest thing about this job is that if I get too busy with work - I can always tell people that I am booked - and then hopefully the stream of clients will continue into the summer.
Back on topic: Today was the last day of my A day classes. I will not see those students for over a week. Hallelujah! Oh, don't get me wrong. I love love love my job. It's wonderful. But i'll be honest - I am really in need of a break right now. It has been killing me to get out of bed lately. (It hasn't helped that we have been going to bed fairly late the past week - I am a woman who needs her sleep that is for sure)
Hooray for one more day before Spring Break!
p.s. Speaking of tasting things... We ate these for dinner on Friday night and these between conference sessions. Oh man - I don' t think i've eaten so good in my entire life. I would recommend either of them. Or both of them! Seriously. Delicious.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Conference Prep
Friday, Friday! Hooray for Friday!
I can't believe that this week is finally over. It's been a killer week - and I have a killer headache - but it's over! Well... almost over. As I type this my Financial Literacy students are working on a self-propelled assignment from handsonbanking.org [check it out if you are interested in doing better with your money - there is an adult section there]. Then after school ends, I have several hundred hours work of school things to take care of... but it's okay because it's Friday!
I've been looking forward to the weekend since last Sunday night. Not only am I super stoked to be able to rest and relax and not work a 15+ hour day (I've worked 15+ hours every day this week but one) but I am also very excited about General Conference. David and I usually go and visit our families over General Conference weekend... and we always look forward to that... but I think that this weekend we are going to stick close to home and just spend some time together.
As I have been getting ready to listen to our Prophet and Apostles teach us, I have been thinking of ways to help keep us engaged in the talks and really get the answers to the questions that we need. General Conference is such an uplifting time - but we have been so busy lately that I am afraid I am going to have a hard time not falling asleep. As I was skimming through the blogs that I follow, I came across this gem at "The Sisters Cafe": General Conference Snacks and Packets.
I think it's so great! I am definitely going to be making some delicious treats for us - and I even printed out two of the "Young Adult" packets for us to go through as we watch conference. I take notes in a notebook most of the time - but then I tend to loose them and there isn't a whole lot of structure. I know that this is silly - but I really am going to use the packet. Plus there are all sorts of fun facts and pictures. I think it's going to be great. I think that things like this are fun. It would be cool to make a packet like this a tradition. My sister-in-law and her family have a special breakfast that they make during conference - and that is the only time they make it. Their kids love it!
I just thought that I would share this link with you just in case, you know, you wanted to print out a packet and use it too!
I love that the website not only has the packet - it has a menu plan for what they are eating. Spiritual nourishment is improved with physical nourishment. Or at least with delicious food items that make the tummy happy. Items that may or may not be on the menu for the day: (All complements of www.ourbestbites.com)
Yumm.... Now... all I have to do is make it through the last 35 minutes of school and I will be home free! Do you have any other conference traditions, recipes, or activities to share? I would love to hear all about them!
I can't believe that this week is finally over. It's been a killer week - and I have a killer headache - but it's over! Well... almost over. As I type this my Financial Literacy students are working on a self-propelled assignment from handsonbanking.org [check it out if you are interested in doing better with your money - there is an adult section there]. Then after school ends, I have several hundred hours work of school things to take care of... but it's okay because it's Friday!
I've been looking forward to the weekend since last Sunday night. Not only am I super stoked to be able to rest and relax and not work a 15+ hour day (I've worked 15+ hours every day this week but one) but I am also very excited about General Conference. David and I usually go and visit our families over General Conference weekend... and we always look forward to that... but I think that this weekend we are going to stick close to home and just spend some time together.
As I have been getting ready to listen to our Prophet and Apostles teach us, I have been thinking of ways to help keep us engaged in the talks and really get the answers to the questions that we need. General Conference is such an uplifting time - but we have been so busy lately that I am afraid I am going to have a hard time not falling asleep. As I was skimming through the blogs that I follow, I came across this gem at "The Sisters Cafe": General Conference Snacks and Packets.
I think it's so great! I am definitely going to be making some delicious treats for us - and I even printed out two of the "Young Adult" packets for us to go through as we watch conference. I take notes in a notebook most of the time - but then I tend to loose them and there isn't a whole lot of structure. I know that this is silly - but I really am going to use the packet. Plus there are all sorts of fun facts and pictures. I think it's going to be great. I think that things like this are fun. It would be cool to make a packet like this a tradition. My sister-in-law and her family have a special breakfast that they make during conference - and that is the only time they make it. Their kids love it!
I just thought that I would share this link with you just in case, you know, you wanted to print out a packet and use it too!
I love that the website not only has the packet - it has a menu plan for what they are eating. Spiritual nourishment is improved with physical nourishment. Or at least with delicious food items that make the tummy happy. Items that may or may not be on the menu for the day: (All complements of www.ourbestbites.com)
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| Chicken Bacon Stuffed Pizza Rolls |
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| Hot Corn Dip |
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| Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers |
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