My Old Blog - The Single Girl

I'm starting a new blog!

2008-02-05T13:03:00.000-05:00

I've been inspired by some travel blogs lately and instead of changing this site all around I decided to start a new one. My new blog will be all about my attempts to travel the world...since you all know I love to travel so much!! This will be my last post on this site. If you would like to read my new blog please visit me at:

http://amythesinglegirl.blogspot.com

Um...cursed by the tags!!

2008-02-04T22:07:00.001-05:00

I went to my friends site and she tagged everyone on her blog to fill out this little form thingy so I guess I have to do it.

TEN YEARS AGO…

I was a ending my freshman year of high school, playing basketball on a rec league, enjoying the fact that my older brother and sister were at college and I was home alone a lot and probably being a stupid, bratty high schooler.

FIVE THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST TODAY… (Well, I'll do it for tomorrow since it's late)

1. Go to work
2. Go to Step Team practice after work (I'm the coach)
3. Go to the gym after practice
4. Finish my annotated bibliography for my masters reasearch class
5. Fiddle with my blog layout until I make it look the way I want it to

THINGS I ENJOY…

Talking, reading, learning about other cultures, eating, exercising, dancing, singing, cycling, teaching and playing basketball...

THREE BAD HABITS…

1. I eat a lot of sweets...dang it!
2. I've become one of those people that is late to things...dang it!
3. I read books for fun when I should be doing homework or something else more productive.

FIVE PLACES I’VE LIVED…

1. Virginia
2. Idaho
3. Hawaii (By far the best place)
4. Cook Islands (I worked there for a bit...so I guess that counts)
5. Florida

FIVE JOBS I’VE HAD:

1. Sales Associate (at Zany Brainy, Gap, Express, Bath & Body Works)
2. Receptionist/File Clerk
3. Data Entry
4. Substitute Teacher
5. Forever Student (I've been in school for 7 years now!!)

FIVE THINGS PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME…

1. I love macoroni & cheese (I could eat it everyday)
2. I can say all 50 states in under 30 seconds
3. I dance all the time in my room, when no one is around, of course (that would be embarassing)
4. I wish I was a baller (as in basketball)
5. I decided to be an egg donor and I've donated 3 times since then...it's a great feeling to help a family in need

FIVE PEOPLE I AM TAGGING…

My sister, Calcakes (although, you were tagged by Jena too), Melissa, Meagan & whoever else feels like doing this.

Superbowl Fiesta 2008

2008-02-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had a superbowl party with some friends and it was so fun. My beloved Redskins (they are my home team) never make it to the superbowl so I will cheer for teams that my friends like. My best friend is a huge NY Giants fan so we decided we would celebrate with lots of food and have a big ol' party. I even made a t-shirt in support of the Giants. I do have to mention the shirt was huge!! It was still fun despite swimming in my clothes.

The game was so great. It was a little slow in the beginning but the 3rd & 4th quarter it got really good. We also had a great food spread, we had 7-layer dip, guacamole, chili, meatballs, hot wings, cornbread, peanut butter cream pie, cake, cheese and crackers. It was delicious!! There's nothing like an American football game with lots of really fatty foods...it's a good thing I'm not on a diet! Here are some pictures with some of my friends at the party.
Daniella, Gordo and Me being cheesy!

Paulo, Lily, Me, Daniella and Miguel in the background.

Lily and Paulo...the happy couple!
Lily, Me and Daniella...Go Giants!!
This was taken after the game was over...thanks to my brother for letting me borrow his HD box so I could take advantage of my new HD TV!!

My Upcoming Travel Itineraries

2008-02-01T16:02:00.001-05:00

I'm going on a few trips in the next few months that I'm pretty excited about. The first trip will be a family reunion cruise with all of my Dad's family (9 of the kids are going with their spouses and kids)! I think we will take up half the boat!! We leave out of Miami on March 15 and come back on March 22nd. We're going on the Norweigan Sun cruise boat. We will be stopping at:
- Roatan Island, Honduras
- Belize City, Belize
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
I'm looking forward to spending the week with my aunts, uncles and cousins. Look for pictures in March.

My next trip is also on a cruise with one of my girl friends. We're flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico (I love that place) on March 30th to leave on our cruise and returning on April 8th or 9th. My friend and I are going on the Carnival Destiny cruise. We will be stopping at:
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- St. Thomas, USVI
- Dominica
- St. Lucia
- Antigua
- St. Kitts
- Barbados
We're going to have a blast. I just hope I have a nice base tan from my first cruise so I can lay out even more on this one. Caribbean beaches here we come!

When I come back from that trip I'll be home for a week or so again and then I'm off to Hawaii for 11 days. I'm going to Oahu and Maui. My friend is getting married and I had enough frequent flier miles to go so I thought...why not? I lived in Hawaii for two years while I finished my undergraduate degree and I can't wait to go back. It's been almost for years since I left there and Hawaii has a special place in my heart. I only hope I have the willpower to come back home because I'm sure I won't want to leave!

After I get back from Hawaii I have to work some to make up for all of my travel expenses and if all goes to plan I will be leaving for San Jose, Costa Rica on May 31st for the entire summer. I'm going to be attending a Spanish language academy. I've been trying to learn Spanish for a while now and I really need to be fully immersed in it to finally get it down. While I'm there I plan to visit Panama, Guatemala, and Nicaragua...if money allows. This trip unfortunately is not already booked so it's not for sure. I'll keep you posted. I don't think it will be a problem but you never know, it's still 4 months away and a lot can happen in that time. I look forward to blogging about all my future travels!!

Snow Days!!

2008-02-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I love living and teaching on the east coast...especially in Northern Virginia. If it snowed when I was growing up school would most likely be cancelled and the day would be spent sledding down blueberry hill...good times. It's already snowed twice this year, at least where there has been a significant pile up (1 inch or more) but no school closings yet. There has been a couple two-hour delays but no days off...until today. What I find funny about today is it's not even snowing today!! It's been raining. I'm assuming that earlier this morning there were some icy patches in the western part of the county that made it unsafe to bring buses through but the roads are fine in my town, the temperature is not too bad and it's raining. There's nothing better than a snow day that you can actually get out the house and do stuff. We do get ice storms sometimes out here, which suck because you can't drive well on ice and you're trapped in your house but luckily it's not like that today. So far, I've played on my computer, starting filling out my tax return and did a few things around the house. It's been a lazy day but yet so relaxing. You gotta love those snow days!!

PS - the photo above was taken in 2001 in Utah...if we got snow like that here we'd be out of school for a week...no joke!!

Tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley

2008-02-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

I'm so pleased with the many articles I've read featuring Gordon B. Hinckley and the kind words fellow bloggers have written of him. I've also received emails with various tribute videos that have been created to tribute a life well lived. This is one that touched my heart. Although I never met him personally, he meant a lot to me. I am also very happy to know I belong to such a wonderful church. I have talked with many people and everyone has said the exact same thing..."I'm sad to see him go but I'm happy to know he's with his wife again." We are so lucky to be able to feel such great peace in a time when we should be sad. I love my church. If you would like to know more please visit www.lds.org. Please watch this short video as a tribute to a wonderful man!!

Here is one more great link to some of the various coverage of Gordon B. Hinckley, he was a very respected man across the globe.

"Praise to the Man"

2008-01-28T08:42:00.000-05:00

Gordon Bitner Hinckley
(June 23, 1910 - January 27, 2008)

For those of my readers that are unaware, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka, the Mormons. Last night I received a very sad phone call informing me that our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away earlier that evening. To the world, he was a well-known Christian leader, the president of our church. But to members worldwide, he was more than a leader, he was our prophet. He was there to lead and guide the church as he received revelation from our Heavenly Father. I know that he is a prophet!

Gordon B. Hinckley died at age 97 years old. He was the oldest man to serve as prophet for our church. He has been a wonderful leader for us. He became a member of the general authority in the 1960's and became the prohpet in 1995. I was 11 years old at that time. I remember the prophets before Hinckley but when I was developing my own testimony of the church Hinckley was our prophet. I've listened to him speak many times. He spoke at my graduation from BYU-Idaho and BYU-Hawaii. He came to the ground breaking of the Laie Hawaii Temple remodeling and I was only a few feet from him as he spoke to us. I've been to the conference center twice and although I haven't personally met him, I have been able to feel the spirit confirm to me that he is a man of God and is our prophet. He will be greatly missed by many.

Gordon B. Hinckley has been a tremendous influence in my life and in the lives of many others. He has been a great voice for our church and has helped bring more positive images for our church. Under his direction our church has been able to build temples all over the world so members in even the most remote places are able to enjoy the blessings of temple work. He is a man of God. His work will continue. Although he has now passed away, our church is one of order and we will have a new prophet shortly. Our new prophet will be there to guide us through life as well. Gordon B. Hinckley served his people well and completed the work he was meant to do. I am so sad knowing that he will no longer be able to speak to us. His lovely wife, Marjorie, passed away a few years ago and I'm sure they have been reunited. He left us with a legacy of faith and hope. I will miss him and I know many others will too. "Praise to the man!"

Read more news of his passing here and here.

Schedules, schedules and more schedules

2008-01-27T18:55:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like life is one big schedule? I do! I have free time but now that school has started it seems like free time is getting smaller and smaller. I have to schedule time to hang out with my friends...it's pretty pathetic. Life would be pretty sweet if we had 36 hour days, and still only had to work for 8 of those hours. I could get so much more done.

Each week I have to go to work, go to class, go to basketball practice, go to step practice, go to the gym, go to church, go to institute, and whatever else comes up. I love my life but sometimes I'm tired just thinking about all the stuff I have to do. Do you ever feel like that? I'm grateful this is my last semester. I am getting a masters in education and instead of writing a thesis like most masters programs I have to perform action research. It's more personalized research for your own classroom. It's for teachers to constantly be thinking about improving their teaching strategies. If there is a question teachers have about their students they can set up a implement a change in strategy and research/test the results. For example, if you are having problems with discipline you would research various strategies, try one or two in your classroom and write your report based on what you found. It still involves a lot of researching and writing like a thesis but it also involves performing your ideas/theories in your classroom. I'm pretty excited about it.

I've been pretty interested in how students today are so consumed with technology. All of my middle schoolers have cell phones, iPods, myspace accounts and their own laptops. They are the digital generation. As a teacher I sometimes have a hard time connecting my students with the content in the classroom with the traditional methods we were taught with. They aren't into taking notes and using the overhead. They want the internet and google. Haha! I'm planning to research how using blogs and other social-network websites will influence student motivation. I'm looking forward to see how the students react to it. It will be fun. Well, that's that. I'm off to another meeting. Like I said before...my life feels like one big schedule.

Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

2008-01-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen Alice and Wonderland? I sure hope so. There's a scene in the beginning of the movie that our curious Alice chases the white rabbit and ends up falling down the rabbit hole. It's a funny scene because she keeps falling...into the unknown. I've decided that scene is a perfect analogy for love and dating. Haha! At least it's a good analogy for me. I sometimes fall into the unknown, sometimes I land on my face, other times on my feet. In my last entry I said that I was not going to date anymore, I'm simply not interested in anyone so what's the point? I did mention that I do have a certain interest in someone and I would of course make any exceptions to my no dating lifestyle but he wasn't living near me so it didn't matter but that's changed now.

I talk with this interest of mine very frequently and we are great friends...he might even read my blog but who knows. It's not like he is unaware of my feelings, so I don't need to worry too much if he does read this. We are both very open about everything so I can't complain. He asked me an interesting question the other day. He said, "are you falling for me?" Haha, I'm pretty honest with my feelings but I'm also not about to throw myself out there that much so I decided not to comment. Frankly, I'm not sure what I think at this point, except that I care a lot for him and appreciate the friendship we have. I do wonder if it could be more but only time will tell. I can be myself around him and I'm comfortable with him. It's not everyday that you find a guy you can sing hakuna matata to in the car when he's having a bad day and not feel stupid (yes, I did that! I'm a nerd but one of my roommates sang that to me when I was feeling down and now I sing it to all my when friends they are down, well, usualy just the girls. It never fails to make them smile).

At this point I feel a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, not knowing where or how it will end. If you know me, I'm a planner. I still live day to day for the most part but I like to have goals and map out my future as much as possible. The unknown future is not something I particularly enjoy. When I don't know how things will be I worry and stress out. I hate that about myself. This entry is so random but I've been trying to think about what to write the past few days and the only thing that's really been on my mind is...what's going to happen? I wish I knew how things would pan out with. I need to be patient and go with the flow but I'm so not a "go with the flow" kind of girl. Can't someone just tell me if things are going to go my way so I don't have to worry about it? I guess that's life, going into the unknown. I just have to wait and see...ugh!! I need help...I'm falling down the rabbit hole so fast it's not even funny :)

"And that is why..."

2008-01-16T14:23:00.000-05:00

"And that is why..." is an awesome phrase that my old roommate used to say a lot. I started saying it too because it really applies to a lot of situations. It's a statement to make fun of something or explain something. We used to eat at "the max" (aka, the Seasider) a lot on campus and we would make fun of people. Yes, I made fun of people...not in a way that would be hurtful but if someone was wearing something that didn't match or if they tripped or something like that then we would laugh about it. I wouldn't classify it as mean though. It's kind of hard to explain the many uses of the phrase but I'm going to tell a personal story and use it so you can understand it better.

As the title of my blog insinuates, I'm single! Since I broke of my engagement I have been asked out on a lot of dates. I was a little surprised at the sudden interest from all the boys but it was flattering and I decided I would go on the dates. I'm in no rush to dive into a new relationship. I learned a valuable lesson from my engagement...don't rush into marriage!! I don't want to say anything bad about my ex because he was a great guy but I would've made a big mistake had I gone through with it. We were not a good match. I allowed myself to get caught up in the idea that I was getting married and was not as logical about my choice as I should've been. I'm glad I realized before it was too late. I think what it came down to is not really knowing what I wanted. After my internship was over I headed out west for a very well needed vacation and did some serious thinking about what I want out of life and a future husband. I need to really focus on getting to know people before getting into relationships. That has been a flaw of mine and I'm working on it.

When I came back from vacation I went on a bunch of dates. All of the guys were very nice but there was no sparks, no connections. I know what I'm looking for and at this point there is no one in my path that is lighting my fire...haha. Well, I have to rephrase that, there might be someone but I have to just wait and see. I have an interest and a connection with someone but it's still a little early to say what will come of that. I went on a date last week with a guy who I've known for about 6 months. He's a nice guy and we had a good time. Last night I went to play volleyball with some friends and I found out that the guy that took me on a date has a girlfriend and everyone wanted to know what I was thinking!!! Um...drama! What the heck? I was gone for a month, and I was clueless. "And that is why..." That is why I'm still single.

I called one of my best friends yesterday and told her what was going on and my experiences with all of my dates. I told her that although the guys were nice and I had a good time, I wasn't feeling it. Part of the reason is I am interested in someone else but that person is not available at the moment (no, he's not taken but he doesn't live near me) and every time I go out with someone else I think about him and how I would rather be hanging out or talking to him on the phone. I wasn't sure what I should do about the dates. I keep getting asked but I don't really want to go out with anyone else right now. She gave me great advice...she said, "if your heart is not available, then don't go on dates." She's right so I am not going to go on dates for a bit. At least not until I am completely available again. It's not fair for me to be going out on dates if I'm not available. I came to the resolution that I'm not going to date for a while...unless my interest asks me out. I'll make an exception for him :) But, who knows if that will happen. Don't you just love dating?

Right now my focus is on school and going to the gym. All I do these days is go to work, go to the gym and study. It suits me. I do go out dancing and I play volleyball with my friends and I'm on a basketball team so I do get out but I'm doing my own thing for now. Life will happen as it happens...lo que paso paso. I don't want to be selfish but I have to worry about myself right now and only hope that things will work out for me in the love department in time. I'm sure it will and I don't really need to worry about it. I'm only 24 for crying out loud. There's so much time!! And that is why...(that is why I'm not going to date for bit)

Is it summer yet?

2008-01-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

It's been a little over a week since I last posted so I figured it's about time I give an update. Last week we had a couple of days that were so nice. The temperature went into the 70's! It was awesome. Now, it's down in the 20's :( I hate being cold and I've decided that I'm okay with no seasons. I would much rather live in warm climates all the time. I love the summer and the beach. It took me a while to realize it. I will not be living anywhere that's cold for much longer. I will be in Virginia for another year for sure but after that I'm headed south (I think). Right now I'm looking into Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico or somewhere else international...like Costa Rica. I'm a teacher so I can go anywhere. It's pretty sweet. I'm also applying to PhD programs so it just depends on where I get in.

I wish I lived near the beach...I miss Hawaii! I can't believe I ever moved. What was I thinking? When I was younger I hated the summer and being outside when it's hot but now I love it. Besides, in the summer you get to wear less clothes and go swimming! I love laying out in the sun. The sun gives you energy and I'm happier in the summer. I'm constantly cold and I'm so tired of it. I hate being cold. I live in the basement and I have a little heater I carry around with me and I sleep with a heating blanket. I mean, seriously...can my parents turn on the heat? Haha. Oh yes, I still live at home. I'm so cool! Actually, after I graduated college in 2004 I moved into my own apartment in Florida and after paying $955/month in rent I decided to go back to school and move in with the folks. It sucked at first but now I love it because all the money I save by not paying rent I get to travel all the time. Nothing beats that!

Workout Time!

2008-01-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

I decided that instead of complaining about how I'm not as thin and in shape I want to be and paying for a gym membership that goes unused most of the time that I would finally do something about it. I hired myself a personal trainer and I'm going to get in shape, once and for all. To make things clear, I have no problems with the way that I look, I think that I am fine, however, I know I could be in much better shape. I eat out too much and my exercise habits are bad and I'm going to change that. I've been a gym addict before and lost a lot of weight and the time has come again to be a gym addict. I'm single, in school and instead of wasting my money eating out or on the random, stupid stuff I spend it on, I thought, why not just put it to good use. Besides, I like going to the gym. I always feel better when I leave and it's nice to catch a glimpse at some of the men :)

I had my first training session last Saturday and it was rough! First they took all my measurements, which didn't make me feel too good but whatever. After that we went to the weight room and I felt like a weakling and I was a little embarassed at how little I could do without some serious pain. Plus, I'm a baby so I complained all the way through. That is why I hired a trainer because I don't have the discipline to suck it up and do the workouts myself. I need a little help getting started. I did an arm workout (which I haven't done in a year) and then cardio. My trainer made me do pushups in the middle of the weight room with all the guys around...hello, can we say embarassing? But, I'm happy to say that with a little encouragement and pushing, I was able to complete the workout. I'm still feeling the effects of it today but I'm sure that's a good thing because that means that I had a good workout. Today I'm going in and I'm going to workout my leg muscles. That shouldn't be as bad but who knows. Hopefully this investment will pay off. I have a feeling it will because I'm serious this time. I'm turning the big 25 this year and it's about time I stop the procrastination. If I don't then I'm going to have a quarter life crisis!

A Woman's Worth

2008-01-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

What is a woman's worth? This is something I have been talking about with a friend of mine lately and I ended up teaching a lesson in church about it. What is our worth and purpose? If I look back into my own life and my observations of other woman, I think we don't realize who we are and in turn allow ourselves to be mistreated. I know I have let far too many men treat me poorly and I realized that it's not the men that are the problem...it's me! I have allowed these lame guys into my life and for what? I have a lot to offer and there is no reason to settle or allow myself to be treated bad. I was never trying to settle before, which is why I'm still single, but I haven't always dated the highest quality guys before either. This is something I would like to change this year. It might result in less dates but I'm okay with that because I didn't get it until now...it's not quantity but quality. People can tell you things all they want but until you learn it for yourself it won't mean anything.

I still haven't answered my intial question. What is a woman's worth. If you've ever seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" the main character's mother tells her that "the man is the head (of the household) but the woman is the neck and she can move the head which ever direction she wants." That is an awesome statement. Women are strong and we have a lot more influence in the world than we give ourselves credit for. If we could all realize our strengths and use them in a positive way we could do so much. We could even change men for the better...this is only contigent on us recognizing our own personal worth and having confidence in ourselves as women. It's a beautiful thing to be a woman.

I've always heard, you can't change men. This is true in the sense that our sole purpose should not be to change men. If it is then we will be frustrated and men will be annoyed and want to walk away. However, if we change the way we carry ourselves, the way we are around men and change what we expect out of them then they will have to change to be around us. We can't let men take advantage of women. Men will naturally change in a positive way if we are different, not because we are making them but because they will have to if they want to meet our standards. Our standards should be hi and if a man is not willing to come to your level then who cares, someone else will come along and be willing to work for it. As more women raise their standards, then more men will rise to meet the challenge. Men don't want to be with easy women, they want to work for it. I know that because many of my guy friends have told me.

I've always had a theory that the world would be a much better place if women ran it. Although I still think that's true, our roles might be best if we stay in the shadows and use our influence in a different way...by turning the neck :) We do have an influence in the world and on men and more of is, including me, need to use it in a positive way. This is a very random blog but us women are awesome and more of us need to realize just how true that is!!

Bowling Night!!

2008-01-04T00:05:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like a good bowling night. I love bowling...it's so American!! As I walked in I was greeted by the nostalgic smell of cigarette smoke and the sounds of bowling alley hicks. Good times. I think it might have been male-bonding bowling league night because I was one of the few girls there, which means I had a lot of eyes on me, especially since the guy next to me bowled 9 stirkes in a row! I'm pretty sure I got a few laughs with my whopping 122! It was actually a pretty good score for me. My score is the top one in the picture. One of my friend's (the score at the bottom) got 4 strikes in a row. That was pretty cool. All in all, it was a fun evening. I love bowling!!

New Year = New Direction

2008-01-02T17:38:00.000-05:00

In honor of the new year I thought I would change the direction of my blog. Any good blog has a purpose for its entries. There are travel blogs, family blogs and other personal interests blogs. When I started this blog I didn't know what I wanted my angle to be...Wait a second, I don't know what I want...that's a big surprise! Haha, my life has been one big, I don't know. I have made great choices and some poor one's too. And, unfortunately so, most of my decisions are made on impulse. I want what I want, when I want it. Is that so bad? Well, I would like to change that about myself. I'm sure I will always be a little impulsive but I'm getting older and I need to start settling down and not make decisions on impulse.

With that being said, I spent a good amount of time thinking about how I want to change my blog. I decided to kill off the "Queen of Randomness," and create "The Single Girl." It's time to embrace my life as it is now. I'm single and loving it. Don't get me wrong, there are days I wish I was married or starting a family but I'm so grateful for all that I've been able to do. My life would not be the same if I got married when I was younger. I talk with some of my married friends and they have wonderful lives but I get to do so many things they aren't able to do. I have the freedom to live as I choose for now and that's awesome. I might as well take advantage of it while I can.

What will my blog be about now? I'm sure I will still have my random entries here and there but I am going to be writing about the adventures that any single girl would encounter...dating, work life, and anything else I feel appropriate. I will definitely be writing about my dating experiences. Those are always funny. If you know me well you know that I have never been lacking in the dating department but I don't know that is always a good thing. There has been some wonderful guys and some interesting fellows that have come in and out of my life. I can't go back and tell past stories because, fankly, I'd like to forget some of them but I will write about my dating adventures from now on...well, at least the one's that are blog worthy :)

This year I would like to find myself in a nice, comfortable, steady relationship. I haven't really had one of those since 2005! I'm not going to hunt for it will find me. I've dated a lot but no guys have made the cut yet. I was engaged last year but that's a story in itself let's just say, "I'm glad that's over." My plan to is to be patient, not be impulsive, live my life and wait for a guy who deserves my love because I think I have given love to some that didn't really earn it. Haha, that sounds weird but love is a gift and should be given to someone special and I am waiting to give my love to that special someone. If I wanted to date someone now I could but I want something more special than what I've had. Plus, I kind of have my eyes on someone so we'll see how that pans out. The hardest part for me is patience. I need to let things flow as they will, instead of trying to force things. I'll keep you posted on my experiences.

Resolution Time

2008-01-01T22:32:00.000-05:00

When 2006 started I posted my new years resolutions on my myspace blog and actually did really well to stick with them all year. I thought I would do the same this year. I feel if my goals are made public I am more likely to keep them because everyone knows about them. Here they are :)

1. Actually keep my new year's resolutions - This is the most important goal in my opinion. Sometimes you have to make a goal to keep your goals if you want to succeed.

2. Contintue to go to the gym - I've had a gym membership for 2 years and I haven't been consistent with going. I go but I want to be more regular and keep a schedule. I love working out but I need to be a bit more disciplined in that area so I can be completely satisfied with myself. I'm happy with myself now but I know that I can do better. Plus, it's important to always exercise so this should be everyone's goal!

3. Travel more - I've started traveling a lot the last couple years but it still isn't quite enough. I'd like to study abroad or something this year so that involves being more responsible with my funds so I can afford all the travels I want to take on.

4. Post more regularly on my blog - I'd like to go as bold as a weekly post but I'm not sure how I will do with that. I love my blog and I need to do a better job keeping my readers posted.

5. Be positive - This isn't a huge weakness for me, I feel like I am a positive person but like everyone I have my "hate the world" days and I don't want to worry about that this year. There is too much to be grateful for and I don't want to forget that.

6. Be more disciplined - I'm a huge procrastinator, especially with my school work and I want to change that about myself. I like the feeling I have when I've finished an assignment early and I want to stay ahead of my work instead of just on top of it. Also, I'm going to be applying for Ph.D. programs this fall so I need to make sure I have great habits with school if I take on a doctorate program.

I think 6 goals is a good number to start with. These things will keep me busy this year. I have a lot of things I want to do but these goals are the one's I want to stick with all year and will benefit me in the long run. I hope you all have a fantastic year and make your own goals. The whole purpose of life is to improve yourself and become a better person so I wish you all well in your future endeavors :)

It's 2008!!!

2008-01-01T21:43:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how fast a year goes by. I'm not sure anyone is happier than me that 2007 is over. I'm not sure if I made resolutions this year but it was a pretty good year, although I'm happy that it's a new year and time for a fresh start.
For new years I went to TGIFriday's with some friends and then headed to a latin dance party. We laughed, danced and had a good time. After midnight we danced for a bit longer and then I left with a few friends to come back home and chill. I'm not the type to stay out all night so I was happy to come home and change into PJ's! It was a fun night.
Now, it's 2008 and time to make a fresh, clean start. I've always been so excited for New Year's Eve. It's incredible to me that from the simple stroke of midnight life feels different. I'm not sure why it's always so hard to feel like you can have a fresh start any other day but new years is like magic sometimes. I didn't necessarily need a new fresh start but I have a feeling 2008 is going to be a great year. I learned a lot in 2007 and I've made a lot of changes. It was an okay year but there were some things that I wouldn't might forgetting. And, unlike last year, I'm starting off the year as happy as I can be. I'm so blessed and I love my life. I have wonderful friends and family, I'm one semester from my masters degree, I have a teaching contract for the 2008-2009 school year and I'm free to do whatever I want. It's wonderful!! Who knows what the future holds and that's scary yet exciting. I'm ready for the challenges that await me. My only hope is that I will continue to stay as happy as I am throughout the whole year.

Christmas Time!

2007-12-30T16:43:00.000-05:00

Those are my kitties sitting under the tree after we opened presents. I hate to be a Bah-humbug but I'm not really into Christmas anymore. It was fun when I was a kid but now it just seems lame to me. I just feel like sometimes there's so much expectations on presents and it bothers me. I'd rather get no presents on Christmas and then have a big birthday. Christmas shouldn't be about presents. I haven't even asked for anything the last two years...except money. I figure, if you want to give me something, money is the best. I did ask for an iPod shuffle from my brother though because I knew he would buy and it my 80G iPod is too big to work out with. I like spending the time with my family but when I was younger we had all our extended family close by so we would always get togehter on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Good times! Now it's just my parents, my brother, my sister and my Mom's parents. We don't really have any huge celebrations or traditions so it doesn't really feel like a special day to me anymore. I know, I'm lame.To the left is my family...they're not as photgenic as I am but I also caught them off guard :) We always start off the day nowadays with the famous breakfast. My Mom makes "pancakes" (she makes them so thin that they are more like crepes) with bacon pieces in it. It sounds weird but it's delicious. After everyone's up...well, after I'm finally up (usually I'm dragged out of bed because I can sleep in forever) we open our stocking stuffers. They are usually filled with really random junk that my parents buy. If my Mom's fills it then it's usually pretty good stuff. She buys food and candy and they'll put cards with money in there. This year my Dad filled it. He doesn't do so good with the stuffers alothough he did put gum in there, which is always a given but I love gum. This year he put vaseline and baby lotion...what am I supposed to do with that? Then he said, "I want it, give it to me." Haha, so he pretty much buys something useless that he wants (for whatever odd reason) and then takes it when we don't want it. It's pretty funny.

I got money, which is what I wanted. I love to travel so I didn't ask for anything, I just wanted cash I can buy a plane ticket with. I wanted an iPod shuffle, which my bother gave me. He's the best gift giver. My sister made me a quilt with some of my old t-shirts which was cute. I think the picture to the left is hilarious...just the reaction that someone wants when they've spent hours making your gift. Actually, I was just making that face because there was a lot of dog hair on it. She was dog sitting and didn't lint brush it before she wrapped it. No one's perfect! Haha, I loved it though, here's a better picture.I went to El Salvador twice this year so I got everyone something from there and a few other things as well. All in all, it was a pretty good day.

My sisters boyfriend came over in the afternoon and she got him a tent. They're really outdoorsy...I'm so not into that kind of stuff. He set it up in our living room. He also brought his dog with him to the house. Luckily our cats are easy going, they don't mind him at all. Below is my sister, her boyfriend and his dog. Who knows what will happen with them. They seem to be a pretty good match...for the most part :)
Anyway, there was no arguing, which is the first Christmas I can remember where someone didn't get mad so I guess it was a successful day. Dinner was pretty dang good too. I love holiday meals. It's a shame I can't get that everyday but then again, it's probably better because then I'd definitely be fat!

Vacation = Cure All

2007-12-30T15:59:00.001-05:00

I've somehow become a traveler in the last two years and it's been pretty awesome. It feels like I'm always going somewhere and you know what, there's nothing a vacation can't cure! My life has been going pretty great for me the last few weeks so I didn't really need a vacation but it's always nice to get away. As soon as I finished my student teaching I decided to go to Denver (which was freakin' cold!) for two weeks to stay with my best friend, Megan and her husband, and help her with her little boys...my two nephews! I had a great time. I went there the same time last year. The boys have certainly grown! Collin, is the little guy sitting on my lap in the above picture is 3 now. Clark (below right) is 15 months.

On my trip I didn't do anything too extravegant. I went on a few dates (Megan and Spencer set those up), had some laughs, got really sick one day...serioulsy I was throwing up so much that there was nohting left, that's always fun...and did a whole lot of watching and playing with my nephews. The purpose of the trip was to spend time with Megan and help her with the boys. I don't consider Denver a tourist spot so I didn't really desire to go out and see a bunch of stuff like I would if I were going to Puerto Rico or somewhere warm. Besides, Mom's need a break every now and then. Let me tell you, it was exhausting. I got the boys up every morning, feed them, bathed them, got them ready for the day, played, changed diapers and put them to bed. One day I was feeling adventurous so I took the boys to the mall alone...let's just say we only made it to one store. I don't how you Moms do it. I give you props. I think I'm not really the Mommy-type. At least right now. I had a great time nonetheless. Here is a tribute to my trip...
Playing a gun game with Marshall at Dave & Busters...I obviously have no clue :)
Megan's husband has a lot of guns...I tried to look like I knew what I was doing.Megan and I road tripped it to Utah...the boys slept, Collin looks really uncomfortable :(

Yep, it was cold! The first day I was there it snowed 8 inches, check out that huge icicle!!Someone's really into Christmas! (This is not Megan's house)
Sledding with the boys!
Megan and me...Collin's running up the hill in the background...so cute!Clark was so tired after sledding :)
I won a gold medal and broke all the records on the Nintendo Wii on my first try!!
Playing Phase 10 while eating rice and steak...I spilled rice all over the cards. Oops! That's what you get when you don't give me a plate :)After his Lloyed Christmas (Dumb & Dumber) haircut.
Someone got into the sticker book...Haha!

Book Review: The Female Brain

2007-12-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posts book reviews on her blog and I read a lot so I thought that I should do the same. I've read about 6 books in the past 4 months and I'm sure I'll finish my current book on Monday when I'm flying to Denver. The most recent book that I read is called The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine. Normally I opt for books that my sister and I call "chicklits," a.k.a. chick literature. Basically they are chick flicks in book form. However, I was a psychology major and books about the brain often interest me. I've always enjoyed reading but it's become a huge hobby of mine this year. I stumbled across this book about a month or so ago at Barnes & Noble and couldn't resist the title. Once I saw it, I knew I had to read it.

The female brain is a unique phenomenon...according to me! This booke takes you through the stages of the female's brain development and gives case study examples for the reader in order to better understand what all the chemical changes really do to women. It's very informative and gave me more insight into my own mind and at the same time entertained me. Dr. Brizendine is an excellent writer and her prose is charming and witty. I recommend this book with two thumbs up to women and men. Women go through so many hormonal changes and I think it's beneficial to understand the changes so you can make changes if necessary. It's never good to let your hormones get the best of you and understanding what is going on chemically in your brain is the first step to controlling your reactions to them. Also, men need to read this book so they can better understand how to react to women. As everyone knows, sometimes you have to be very particular when dealing with women because sometimes you might say the wrong thing and set her off! Men are very different than women and both genders need to take the time to try to understand each other. Well, only if you expect to have a healthy relationship with anyone of the opposite sex :) Anyway, this book was a fun and easy read and I think everyone should read it.

Update: My Love Life

2007-12-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

Since I formally announced my engagement on my blog I have to formally announce that since then, I have called off my engagement. Most people tell me they are sorry for me but honestly, I couldn't be happier. I loved my ex and he is a wonderful man but things didn't feel right anymore and I was getting too stressed out from trying to imagine our life together. I didn't realize how tense I was becoming from the whole relationship and now that it's over I feel great, like a big weight has been removed...a sign that it needed to end. Anyway, I don't want to share too many details into my personal life but I wanted to throw that out there because it is a big part of my life. I'm single again and I'm happy!! I can do what I want and I'm excited to see where life will take me. I have one semester left until I get my masters and then who knows where I will be. The possibilities are virtually endless and I love that. I'll keep you all posted :)

I leave on Monday to go to Denver for two weeks to see my "nephews." I'm going to be Aunty Amy! I haven't seen them since this time last year so I'm sure they are much bigger now than they are in the below picture. I can't wait to see them and my best friend Megan.

My Student Teaching is Finished :(

2007-12-07T21:07:00.001-05:00

Today was the last day of my student teaching and although I'm so happy to finally be done (it was stressful), I am sad. I loved my students. It was hard but enjoyable and I loved the curriculum that I taught. I taught Civics (government) and it's my favority subject and I feel comfortable teaching it, unlike the math like I've previously taught. During my internship I was a little insane and decided to take on a lot of extracurricular activities. I was asked to help plan the Multi-Cultural Festival because I helped last year and I pretty much ended up organizing most of it. I did have help but I did a lot of the leg work. The festival was last week and was such a success. I wasn't sure what kind of turnout we would have but we had more people come than we had seats in our auditorium and the show flowed well so I was happy about that. I was too busy running around trying to get students where they needed to be backstage so I didn't really get to enjoy the show but I'm glad that everyone else did. We even had a reporter there and they published an article about it in the local paper!! Yay!

Along with the international festival, which was way more work than I ever thought it would be, I sponsored my school's step team. Some of my students had been on the Step Team last year and the coaches didn't want to coach this year so they had no one to coach them. They asked me to do it and I couldn't say no, I'm a firm believer in having activities after school for students so they can stay out of trouble. It disappoints me that more teachers don't sacrifice an extra hour after school to help. It's so rewarding because you get to know your students on such a different level. I stayed after school with them everyday for Step practice. They performed in the multi-cultural festival. They did awesome and I made them the finale performance. I made sure I was there to watch that one. It's so fun. Can you believe it? I'm so white and not a stepper but I have so much fun with them. My step girls are so good and really only need me to help them make sure they are in unison and the transitions are smooth. I do have to say that I've impressed myself too. I have been able to give them ideas as I started learning how to step too. I'm not as good as the girls but I can do a couple things now. It's so fun. Below is a picture of my team. I love those girls. I will be coaching them for the rest of the year because I am going to continue to work at my school as a substitute teacher until I get a full-time teaching job but after I take a vacation. I'm going to Denver for two weeks and then it's the winter break so I won't see my team until January. It will be busy when I come back because we will be competing in February...dang, that's going to be a lot of work!! I will post pictures from that when we get to it.

Here is some good videos of some steppers...not mine. This is for all those who aren't sure what stepping is. It's pretty much amazing. Steppers have a lot of rythym.

Bald Eagle...

2007-11-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a teacher workday so naturally, we went out to lunch because it's the only days we can. A few of us teachers went to Subway and brought our food back. On the way back, Mr. Peck, our awesome science teacher said, "I thought I just saw a bald eagle." I laughed to myself, thinking, "yeah right, there's no bald eagles in VA." I've never seen one in my life but have always wanted to. Anyway, we slowed the car down and started looking and sure enough, there was a bald eagle flying close to the road. It swooped down, caught a squirrel and soared away. It was one of those moments in life that you just have to think, "wow" because it's not everyday that happens. It was such a rare experience. I'm not always the most proud American, however, it was pretty great to see the bird that represents, and is, America. Well, if you weren't sure if I was cheesy before, now you can be sure. Seeing that bald eagle was awesome. Too bad I didn't have time to take out my camera (which I almost always have with me...you never know when you'll need it).
As far as the rest of my life goes...well, it's crazy! That's the best way to sum everything up. I'm starting my 11th week of my internship and I have 4 more weeks left!! I'm enjoying it but it is probably the busiest I've been during teaching. I love my students, my content, my school and everything but I hate writing lesson plans. I've been a bit of a slacker in getting those to my cooperating teacher in a timely manner so she probably hates me but it's all good. I got a lot done the last two days since the kids were out and it was teacher work days. I love teacher work days!

As far as my student teaching goes, it's kind of hard to do all the things I want to do knowing I will be turning the class back to my coop in a couple of weeks. I want to do things the way she has because it's good and the kids are used to it but it's not quite my style. However, I'm not sure my style would work for 8th graders either so I'll stick to what works. Other than that life is good. I'm going to El Salvador for Thanksgiving to be with my boyfriend's family, except I'm not sure how that will be since it's an American holiday. I'm organizing the international festival for my school and that's in a few weeks and I'm the Step team coach...imagine that, a little white girl as the step coach! I love it though. I'm busy and stressed but what more is there to life? Oh yeah, I'm still engaged but the wedding plans are on hold until I finish my student teaching. I started to get too ahead of myself and lose focus so I have to control myself and pause for a moment. I'm excited to get married but planning is so not all it's cracked up to be. Calcakes was right, "it's the barfiest part about getting married." Haha, I guess I'll find out that soon enough. Well, that's the update for now :) Stay tuned for more soon...

Wedding Dresses!!!

2007-10-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

Today I went wedding dress shopping with my friend Daniele. She is also getting married so we were going to go try on dresses together. Her wedding is in December though so there is a more pressing need to get her dress so once we got there I decided I would wait to try on dresses and be there to focus on her. Plus, when you try on dresses you want it all about you so I didn't want to steal her thunder. We had a really good time. I can't wait to go next week to try on dresses too. I'm sure I will post a few pictures up when I go, but of course, not of the dress I choose :)

As you can see in the photo on the left, I was very helpful! Daniele picked out her dress and she looked gorgeous. I don't know what it is about women in wedding dresses but they are all beautiful. I bet it's because they are so incredibly happy and they just glow. They're always beaming and radiating beauty. I love weddings and can't wait to have mine!!! Now, all I have to worry about is the planning. It is very stressful. I'm getting married in Costa Rica and I live in the USA so it makes things a little more diffucult to plan when I am so far away. I think I'm going to hire a planner but my Mom is having an issue with that. We'll see who wins that battle. I'm barely engaged and I'm already a Bridezilla!!

Below is Daniele in one of the dresses she tried on. I loved this one :)
Today was such a fun day. By the way, Daniele asked me to be one of her bridesmaids! I'm so excited about that and I felt so honored. Also, our friend Teresa came and she just had a little baby boy 3 weeks ago. His name is Alex. I got to hold him a lot today. I love babies. Julio is so ready to be a Dad but I think we'll wait a little while, we'll see. Anyway, here are two pictures of baby Alex. One of them he is knocked out in my arms...I guess I have the special touch :)

My Weekend in El Salvador

2007-10-12T20:05:00.001-05:00

I went to El Salvador last weekend to vist my friend's family. I was only there for 3 days because of work so I did not actually get out and see too much. I am going back for Thanksgiving so I knew I would get to see more of the country later. I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back again. I love to travel and if you know me, i like to go places that are off the beaten path and not too common. It was fun and very different than any place I'd ever been, which is what I love :)

To the right is me in a "hamaca," it's very Salvadorian to have a hammock. I love them! On the way there I was literally the only white girl on the flight and everyone was staring at me. Haha, it was a little awkward. My spanish is not fantastic but luckily I know enough to get by. I was a bit nervous on the plane because I was flying solo and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to figure out what to do but it was all good. Julio went to El Salvador a few days before me. I made it through customs and got my bags and everything on my own. Yay, I'm so proud of myself! In El Salvador non-passengers have to wait outside. After I got my bags I went outside and there were hundreds of Salvadoreños waiting to get their family and they were all staring at me like they had never seen a white girl in their life. Haha, I felt so weird. Instead of stopping to look for Julio, I kept walking because I knew that no matter where he was he would see me (I stuck out like a soar thumb) and he did. We went to eat pupusas (a popular local dish), which were pretty much amazing, and then we went to meet the rest of his family. They were wonderful and treated me so great.

I landed at 7:30am so by the afternoon I was exhausted because I hadn't slept the night before. I didn't want to nap because my trip was so short so I was fighting to stay awake and they could tell that I was tired...Dang it! We went to one of the shopping malls that night and it was huge, it was bigger than any mall I've ever been to. That's me and Malena (Julio's sister outside the mall...more bars in more places)! The stores were so awesome too, there were some that I knew but they were all latin stores. I loved it but I didn't really get anything, which is surprising if you know me. I was too tired to want to shop...haha, I never thought that would happen!

San Salvador is pretty poor and packed with people, trash and exhaust fumes. I think the concept of emissions tests is a foreign thing to El Salvador. The picture to the left is some random housing that I took while we were driving to show a glimpse of the living conditions. There were places where some people lived in tin huts. I felt so bad for them. However, I do have to say that they were very nice and seemed to be happy, despite the humble circumstances. Luckily, Julio's family lives in a nicer area. They had all the modern luxuries that I'm used to and would need. It's so humbling to see how some people spend their life and it makes me so grateful for what I have been blessed with.

The second day I was there we went to General Conference at our church. Surprisingly, I got to watch it in english with the Missionaries, that was nice. The english feed cut out in the middle of one of the last talks so I was a little sad about that. Anyway, I was so impressed with the church. It was so nice and big. There are about 30,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints there. It was a beautiful sight to see the poorest people dressed in their best clothing. One of the speakers made a comment about that and I looked around me and knew that these people really did go all out to show God that they love him. They sacrifice a lot just to go to church. It's incredible.

I started to get sick during the morning session so afterward we went home and at that point I was not feeling well at all. I ended up spending the rest of they day in bed and we missed the second session of conference. How lame am I? "Hey future family, nice to meet you, I'm going to stay in bed all day because the lame gringa can't handle the food!" I felt so stupid. I'm not quite sure what it was that made my stomach hurt so bad but that's not uncommon when traveling to a third world country. I guess it was the water or the food. I don't know.

On Monday Julio and I went to the beach with Julio's sister and her boyfriend. I still didn't feel that good but I didn't want to ruin my trip by staying in bed all day. It was a beautiful beach. We stopped to eat at a restaurant and the restaurant had beach access and a pool that you could use, as long as you at there. It was pretty awesome To the right is a picture of Malena and David with the remains of their lunch :) Here is a picture of Julio's lunch...um, yeah, it looks a little gross to me but I bet it was good. I didn't eat because I was sick still, I'll have to try it next time, I love trying new foods.

On the way to the airport we had to stop because of the cows in the road, it was great! Also, one last thing that I want to mention is the difference in security there. I had read on the internet that instead of security systems in El Salvador you will see armed guards with shotguns everywhere. I knew about it but didn't think much of it but it's true. There are guards with shotguns everywhere. Haha, culture shock! I took the picture below from the back of a cab, hopefully next time I will get picture that is a little more clear and yes, that's a dolphin hanging in the dash :)

Happy Days!!

2007-10-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

Haha, the picture to the left is totally crazy and was taken on a night when I was chillin' with the girls. It's all about the side ponytail. Anyway, I am extremely happy today.

Today was a really crazy day at work and very busy. Well, it's always busy when you're a teacher but today was particularly stressful. There was a lot of things going on with some fellow teachers. It didn't effect me so much but I felt bad and wanted to be able to help. Since I was dealing with some issues at school so I didn't check my email like I normally do...thank goodness!! If I had checked it earlier I would have been itching to get out of school and jump for joy. When I finally got around to checking it I received the news that I have been waiting for, for 4 months!! I was so excited and happy that I was about to cry. Haha! I had to tell my cooperating teacher that I needed to leave the room. She had no clue what was going on but I told her it was okay and I was happy but I needed to get out of the room for a minute so I could compose myself. I came back and it was the longest last hour of school that I can ever remember.

This summer has been interesting and not always filled with the happiest of times. I have been going through probably one of the worst trials that I have ever dealt with and I am so happy to say that it is all finally over. I am still in shock and waiting to wake up from this dream. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all he did to help me through this hard time. He really helped me stay calm and find patience when I felt like there was no way things would get better. I am so happy right now and I'm going to El Salvador on Saturday. I am going to meet my boyfriend's family. I hope they like me! My spanish is pretty bad so I probably won't be able to say enough for them to not like me ;) I can't wait to meet them, since there's a huge possibility they might be my family one day...we'll see!

"Miss, she touched me!"

2007-09-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

I am almost through my first week of student teaching! If you're not aware, I am teaching 8th grade Civics as a student teacher until December. It has been a good experience so far. I heard a lot of rumors the upcoming 8th grade class. I have been teaching 8th grade the last 2 years and the kids were rough and out of the two years one of classes was supposedly the worst class ever in the school...or so the teachers that have been there for 10-15 years said. I would agree because they were pretty hard to deal with, but I still enjoyed it. I was scared because this rising class was supposed to be worse than that. Now, it is still the first week so kids are getting back into the groove of school but my classes are small and the kids seem like they will be pretty good. I think the kids will have problems talking with each other but as long as I keep them engaged in activities then it won't be a problem. I'm so excited to work with them. They are fun.

I have a lot of latin students and they are so cute! I'm not sure why but I am partial to the diverse students. It just so happens that most of the diverse students are latin, which is good for me because I have people to practice spanish with :) Haha, not all my students know that I have been studying spanish and understand a lot of things that they say and they get thrown off guard when I start talking back to them or when they know I understood. Sometimes they are embarassed because of what they said. I think the reason I like a lot of the diverse students is because I know they don't always get the support at home that they need and I want to help them be successful. Plus, many of them just don't care and I know this sounds cheesy but it would be nice to inspire them to do well in their academic life. We'll see how that goes. 8th grade is such a unique age and it's fun to work with them. It's hard at times but I enjoy it. The students are still impressionable at that age and I feel like you are able to influence them...hopefully teachers influence them in a postive way. Anyway, the classes are going good so far. Stay tuned for more updates.

My Crazy Cats!

2007-08-25T13:01:00.000-05:00

I have two cats, Benny and Oscar (see photo to the left, when they were kittens) and my Mom has two, Daisy and Ruby. Since I am living at home while I finish school we have a house full of 4 cats! It's a lot but only temporary. I grew up with dogs so having cats the last two years has been interesting and fun, considering I wanted to get a cat my whole life. As soon as I was out on my own I got a cat named Roxy but due to an unfortunate accident (I won't get into detail) it died. I soon after got my cat Benny and then a couple weeks later got Oscar so they could be buddies. I was told that cats live longer when they have a buddy to chill with while you're at work.

What's interesting about animals is they all have their own personality, just like people. My cat Benny loves to drink out of the toilet, I didn't know cats did that. Oscar does too but he doesn't jump in the bowl like Benny. We were pretty lucky with our 4. Three of them love people and are very cuddly and the 4th one is terrified of people and pretty much hides all day. It's kind of funny. Luckily she is not mean and simply runs away. However, she loves me and cuddles with me when I'm at home but only if I'm in the basement or in my room because no one else is around. If someone else comes downstairs she hides. If I try to pick her up though she freaks out. She only likes you to touch her on her terms. It's funny. Benny and Daisy run to the door when you come home and Daisy begs by the door like a dog. Oscar is my shadow and follows me everywhere. I love cats. They are so easy to take care of!

Below are some pictures of the crazy cats. They are so funny. Daisy likes to sit in boxes, Oscar sprawls out on the floor, no matter who's around (he has no manners) and Ruby either looks mad or scared all the time! Enjoy the cuteness. Oh yeah, my sister recently got a kitten, whom she named armpit or a.p. for short(lame) and her cat is feisty and bites!
I told you she looked scared all the time :)
BFF (Best Friends Forever)
Daisy in the carpet :)
Oscar all sprawled out in the chair. Normally he is in the middle of the room and just spreads out on his back.
Daisy in her favorite thing...a box :)
This is Tracy's cat, A.P. (aka - Armpit). She is small but she is pretty vicious!

Some Places I've Been

2007-08-22T14:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a slideshow I made of some of the places that I've been to. There is a more places and countries I've traveled too but I don't have all the pictures on my computer yet. One day I'll add them. Enjoy :)

Let me rephrase that - Immigration debate

2007-08-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

Two entries ago I wrote a blog in a moment of frustration about the immigration debate and I made the comment "face it, immigrants do jobs Americans don't want to do." Thankfully one of my friends called me out on that statement. Her husband works in home remodeling and construction and is good at what he does. People in that industry face a lot of competetion from illegal immigrants. They work for less because they don't have to pay taxes and they usually live with other people to save more of their money or send moeny home to help out their families. Obviously this would affect those Americans that are supporting their families here. I agree my statement was too generalized and perhaps even ignorant...yikes! (Did I just admit to being wrong? This may be the one and only time that will happen).

Not all immigrants will do jobs that Americans don't want to do but many of the jobs that my friends have are not jobs I would ever want to do. They clean buildings, they clean homes, they do construction, they landscape, etc and I don't want to do that. It would be only out of pure desperation you would find me cleaning toilets and cleaning for someone else...yuck! However, there are some jobs they do that interfere with Americans jobs. If an immigrant comes here illegally and does not try to gain legal status and doesn't pay taxes on what they earn (it is possible to pay taxes even if you're illegal so they should if they are here) then to those individuals, please return home! On the contrary, I support those immigrants that risk their lives to come and work for their family. Some countries, like El Salvador, are hard to get good jobs and even if you do get a job you are still not paid much. I know families that take out ridiculous loans to pay for their families to get here to the U.S. to work and make a better life. The family members here will send money home but the one's that I know don't do so to increase their profit but for the purpose of helping their family members that are not able to be here. It's a double edged sword. On the one hand, illegal immigrants are good and help the economy and do a lot of things that many Americans don't want to do. On the other hand, some of them come here to cheat the system and that is simply not right. The problem we now face is, how do you determine who is here trying to make an honest living and who is here trying to cheat the system?

Like I did mention before, we can loosen the requirements to help those already here gain legal status. So many people are here and working, why can't they get status? Granted they did break the law to come here and I don't condone that but immigration is a nightmare and I know this from personal experience. I don't justify breaking the law but it's like that story with the man with the dying wife. His wife was dying from a rare disease and only one doctor had the antecdote but the husband couldn't afford it. The man could not raise the money to buy it from the doctor so he ended up stealing it. He stole the medicine to save his dying wife. It's one of those gray areas, you can justify the wrong doing but you can also justify the purpose. I feel that a lot of immigration cases are similar. You can justify that they did wrong but their reasons are also justified.

Someone very close to me is in the process of being deported and he is a good man who was here legally and immigration for no apparent reason denied his renewal to stay and detained him (I don't want to get into detail but it was really messed up how everything went down). It's not fair how immigration treats people. When I went to talk to them they treated me horrible, they yelled at me and were rude. How am I supposed to know anything about the process...I was born here. Anyway, I've talked with many immigration lawyers and started doing my own research on the laws of our country and they are tight. Because we make it so hard on outsiders to come here the favors are starting to be returned and it is not as easy to travel abroad anymore as an American. My point is we need to really look at our laws because there are some areas that can be adjusted that will better our own country. And again, not everyone outside likes Americans so if we do loosen our laws not everyone will come here. Lots of people make great livings outside the U.S...we are not the only great country to live in and we need to shake that attitude. Well, I hope this clarifies any confusion from my last post.

Diversity is a Blessing

2007-08-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been fortunate enough to be in a room with people from all over the world? It is an awesome experience. In my opinion, diversity is one of the greatest blessings God has given us in this life. Every country is unique and has something special to offer the world. (The picture to the right is me and some of my friends from Panama, Puerto Rico, Brasil, Colombia, Bolivia, U.S. and El Salvador...Les amo)!

First, let me clarify, diversity is not just different skin colors, diversity is a difference in background, origin and culture. I was amazingly lucky to be able to attend Brigham Young University - Hawaii, the most international campus in the world! With 2,400 students, there is an 80% (or so) international population with students from Hawaii (Hawaiian origin), Tonga, Japan, Samoa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Ghana, and the list goes on and on. In a class of 20 students, there would be students from 15 different countries, speaking who knows how many languages? It was an incredible opportunity to be surrounded and educated in that type of environment. At a time when many countries are at war and arguing over silly differences, on the BYU-Hawaii campus, students loved each other and respected each other. I knew students that were from countries that were taught to hate each other and in their home countries perhaps they would but at school, they learned to love one another. It was a great testimony to me that peace is possible. Students from all over the world learned to accept each other. I truly believe that one day there will be peace and it all starts when we as individuals learn to appreciate those that are different from us.

I thought I was open-minded before I moved to Hawaii but was I mistaken. I was open-minded to an extent but I was completely closed off to how the rest of the world is and how people outside of the United States think. Let me tell you, it is not how we are taught in school. Those of you who have not traveled outside of the U.S. or have been in a situation where you're surrounded by many different cultures simply cannot understand this concept. The U.S. is a box and we are so sheltered to how the rest of the world thinks and views things. We have to go out of our way to find out how non-Americans view the world, it is not readily available and that is a shame. My eyes were opened so much. I wasn't totally ignorant but I learned a lot through being exposed to the differences and I am grateful for that.

I am a teacher, one of the best jobs in the world! I am extremely fortunate to live in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC and it is truly a melting pot. I have students from Ghana, El Salvador, Mexico, Russia, France, etc. There are a lot of students born and raised in the U.S. like me but I love the added element the diversity brings to the classroom. I simply can't imagine life without it. So, my recommendation to the world is, if you have not exposed yourself to other cultures and people from other countries to an extent where you are able to learn how they think and act then you need to get on the ball and spend some time with them as soon as possible. Your life will improve.

Diversity is a blessing because it helps teach us tolerance. The more we are around others that are different than us, the more we are able to accept the differences. Before you know it, you will not only accept the differences but you will come to love and appreciate them. My life became so much happier when I started to learn about other cultures and other ways of life. Especially when you learn about collectivist cultures. Here in the U.S. the general attitude is "me, me, me" and "what can I do to be more successful?" But many other cultures are collectivist and the attitude is about others and "how can I better the group." It is the biggest difference I have seen. I am amazed how some people can be so generous to others they don't know well and it makes me so grateful there are people in the world that are raised that way. It's like the Good Samaritan, Samaritans and Jews did not get along but he never even thought twice, he extended his hand and helped. I have also been treated with the most incredible love and kindness by people from all over the world. I'm not saying that Americans aren't generous, don't get me wrong, all I'm saying is diversity is a beautiful thing and there is much to gain from learning about other cultures. So, take the opportunities you have to spend time with those of other cultures and embrace them.

Immigration Debate...What's up America?

2007-08-15T11:35:00.000-05:00

What is the deal with the United States and immigration? I think it's ridiculous. If we start kicking all the illegals out then who will do their jobs? Let's face it America, they do things we don't want to do!

What needs to be done is a loosening of immigration laws so more people can come in legally. Less people would be illegal if the U.S. didn't make it so difficult to get in here. I think that the U.S. has a lot of opportunities but if we keep up this attitude toward the world we are going to be surpassed economically before we know what happened. Most of the world doesn't even like Americans so it's not like everyone and their Mom is going to come here if it's made a little easier. Also, when immigrants come they come to work...I know a lot of illegal immigrants and I teach a lot of their children (or so I would assume) and you'll never see any of them on welfare. Only lazy Americans stay on welfare, maybe if they got off the couch and worked there will be less jobs for immigrants and less of them would come. They are hard workers and it's not fair to treat them poorly. People risk their lives to come here so if they make it then we should let them work. I'm sure I will ruffle feathers from this post but if you disagree then you need to do more research on what illegals do for our country. They don't want to break the law but what choice do we give them. Trying to do things the legal way takes so long and people need to work to support their families. Come on America...show some love for your neighbors!!

Lazy summer days...

2007-08-08T11:02:00.001-05:00

Since I'm a teacher I have a lot of time off in the summer. It is wonderful and I'm enjoying my time to relax. However, I do have to say that too much time on your hands is not really that good. I've learned that when I don't have time to do anything, I get more done and when I have all the time in the world, I don't accomplish a lot. Why is that? Procrastination comes to mind as I think about this. I am the queen of procrastination. I always put things to the last minute. It's not always a bad thing but I bet it would be nice to not have to worry about finishing things in time for a change. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I'm enjoying my summer and wish that with all this extra time on my hands I got more done. I read a lot but it's not enough. Even though I said I'm ready for school to be over in my last blog, I'm ready for it to start again in a couple weeks so I can be busy again :)

School, school and more school...will it ever end?

2007-08-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I am in a master's program at George Mason University in Virginia. My masters in in secondary education in the social sciences. My dream is to teach governement. My undergraduate degree was in Political Science and Psychology. I have always enjoyed school but I've been going for 6 years! I had one year off after I graduated in 2004 with my BA but beofre that and now I have been going non-stop, even in the summer. I feel like I am getting burned out and I need a break! Luckily, I only have 2 semesters left! I start my student teaching in a few weeks and then I have one last class to take in the winter and then I will be done. YAY!

I taught math the last two years for 7th and 8th graders. I taught math 7, Pre-Algebra and Algebra I and I currently tutor in Geometry too. Can I just say...I don't like math! The opportunities to teach it fell into my lap and I couldn't turn down the experience. Although I was not teaching what I love, I still enjoyed teaching and working with students. It's a lot of work though. If you ever think teachers have it made than think again! In the fall I will be student teaching for 8th grade civics (government). I am so excited about it. The only thing that kind of stinks about it is I've already taught alone for 2 years and teaching with another teacher might be a little different. I like the teacher I'm paired with and she has a lot of experience so I'm sure I will learn a lot. Well, I wrote this entry simply to say that I'm ready for school to be finished already. I had wanted to get a Ph.D but I think I might need to hold off on that for a while :)

Where have I been?

2007-07-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing these travel maps on some of my friends sites and thought I would add it to my blog. I love to travel and unfortunately I haven't really been anywhere. Here is where I've been...

My trip to Puerto Rico

2007-07-24T21:02:00.001-05:00

In the end of June I had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico for a week with two of my friends. It was awesome! I have been going through a difficult time, nothing major but life brings many stressful situations and it's just one of those times. The trip couldn't have come at a better time. My friends spoke spanish fluently and I can communicate what I need to so we got around just great. It was a great place to practice my spanish because everyone speaks spanish. I loved it. (The picture to the right is me pointing to Puerto Rico on a big map).

(The picture to the left is Liliana and I in our first hotel room). One of my favorite things about Puerto Rico was the vivacious culture. People there are so friendly and always ready to have a good time. The United States is a perfectly good country to live in but I do have to say that in my travels around the globe, I have come to realize that Americans are boring...generally speaking. I have a lot of great friends that are full of life but as a whole, we don't do much here and I wouldn't say that American culture is very lively. In other countries places are open 24 hours and people are always outside, either talking to their neighbors and friends or just enjoying the day. They're always listening to music, laughing and having fun. They enjoy life. Here in the states people work all the time and when they get home they stay inside. It's boring. I love traveling because I feel that people in other countries realize what's important, it's about family and friends. Money is nice but it's not what matters. Here in the states it's all about who has the bigger house and the nicer car. We work so hard and for what, to use our nice stuff? I lived for a short time in the Cook Islands and it was the best experience ever. The people were poor but they had good family relationships and knew what mattered in life. It was very humbling and made me realize what matters. The other countries I've been to were the same as well.

I had a great time on my trip. The first night I spent in San Juan and we went to Old San Juan. The second day we stayed in Ceibo and visited Fajardo. We went to Luquillo Beach and visited Gurabo. The last half of the week we stayed in Cabo Rojo on the west side of the island. That was my favorite. While there I went to a lighthouse, went to Boqueron beach, Lajas, Mayaguez, Arecibo and Combate beach. The final night we stayed in Condado beach area. It was a fun trip. We did more than most people that visit Puerto Rico are able to do because my friend is from there so we got the local perspective...that's always the best way to travel, chill with the locals! Below are some of my favorite pictures.

La Mina Falls, El Yunque National Park. We swam there, it was freezing!
At the lighthouse cliffs in Cabo Rojo, pictures don't do it justice.
Liz, Liliana and me on some of the cliffs.
I think this picture says it all.
Old San Juan, the architecture there is beautiful.
More of Old San Juan.
Getting a Piragua (snow cones), they were delicious.
Condado Beach, this was a few hours before headed home.
The group at Combate Beach, Liz, Javier, Me, Gordo and Liliana.
My friend Gordo being silly outside of his house.
Liliana, Gordo and me outside of club Bleu, it was a reggaeton club...it was so fun.
This was taken in Ceibo, it's the middle of the island and a very peaceful place.
Taken from the top of San Cristobol Fort.
Me in one of the towers at San Cristobol Fort.
San Cristobol Fort, it's an old Spanish Fort in Old San Juan.
Liliana and me in the dungeons of San Cristobol...scary!

The lighthouse in Cabo Rojo, it was a beautiful place with lots of cliffs :)

Babies, babies, babies!

2007-06-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

With each passing year, more of my friends are getting married and starting their families. The picture to my left is my best friend's son. I love him! Anyway, I'm now 24 years old. When I graduated high school 7 years ago I would have thought I would be married before I graduated college. That did not happen and I am grateful that I didn't, it's definitely not for lack of opportunities! Timing and or situations weren't quite right. Because I'm not married and don't have a family I have been able to do many things that some of my married friends can't do. I've been very happy living my life and working on my goals (there are a lot of them). Things have changed a little recently.

For the past 2 years, or maybe longer, I did not want children. I didn't even like to be around them. Haha, and I'm a teacher, go figure. Babies are adorable and they were fine but toddlers and little children drove me nuts. I teach 7th and 8th grade and trust me, that is excellent birth control. I became very selfish and impatient and did not enjoy being around small children. The thought of me having my own kids freaked me out and was out of the question! I'm not sure why I went into a phase like that but I did. My two best friends both have two little boys and I love them, they are great children and I love spending time with them. Too bad they don't live closer. Anyway, in the past few months I have felt a change. Not only do I like being around kids, but I feel a longing for them. What happened? Is this a maternal instinct or something kicking in? I know one big change in my life is my boyfriend. I'm not engaged or anything like that but we have talked about getting married and starting a family. I was scared to even think about that for a while but now I find myself thinking about it all the time. I think finding a man you want to have children with makes a big difference. I still have a long time before that happens because I don't even know that I will get married to this guy but right now it's a good possibility.

To the right is my best friend's other son, he's a pimp...especially with chocolate on his face :) Now that I want to have children, I swear, it seems like everyone is having babies. They are everywhere! It's almost as if it's being rubbed in my face that I don't have one yet. I'm perfectly fine waiting but it's hard when I see all my friends so happy with their families. I know my time will come one day and it will all be okay. Besides this sudden urge to reproduce, life is good. I'm happy, healthy and having a great time. I'm going to Puerto Rico in a week and a half with a couple friends and I can't wait. I also plan to make a few road trips this summer to see some friends. I also might be going to El Salvador...YAY!! Who knows, maybe by this time next year I will be getting married so I need to get all my visits out of the way before I lose this freedom!!

Did I disapper?

2007-06-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted. I was reading a friend of mine's blog and realized it's been at least 2 months since i wrote anythig...ouch! Life is stressful for me these days. I had finals in april, wrapped around a Pacific Islands Festival I was dancing in, along with getting grades due for the students I teach so that explains my delay in writing. In May I found myself a wonderful man to date and have been spending much of my free time with him and blogging has been the last thing on my mine. However, I did want to post a few videos and pictures from my birthday.

On Memorial Day a few weeks ago I celebrated my 24th birthday...I'm still young but sometimes I feel so old! Anyway, I have to say it was probably one of the best birthdays I have had. I had a barbeque at my house and 48 people came! I felt loved. It was a mix between latin and polynesian culture...my two loves. Some of my friends performed a hula dance for me and my best friend did a belly dance too. All in all it was such a fun night full of great food, dancing and laughing :)

This is a video of part of the dance that I performed. It's a Tongan Taualunga and part of the culture is to put lots of baby oil on your arms, chest and back. If people think you are doing a good job they come and put money on you. I was happy that some of my friends did that for me...I earned $20 :)
Bitrhday Taualunga

Add to My Profile | More Videos

This is a video of the full Taualunga that my best friend Lea and I danced at another birthday luau.
Taualunga

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Here are some photos:

This was a small amount of the food. There was so much and it was yummy. A big thank you goes out to my friends for helping making it all happen!

This was my friends Heather and Melissa while they were dancing a Hawaiian hula.

This is me getting ready to dance!

And now, dancing!

These are the flowers my boyfriend got me :)

Here are some photos of some of my friends:

Randomness Strikes Again

2007-03-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've learned that blogging is not as easy as it's cracked up to be. It's hard to stay consistent with writing entries. Blogging has definitely taken off nowadays. It seems that everyone has a blog. The difficult thing with that, is not everyone has a blog that people read. My sister (Alaskan Adventures) has a blog that a lot of people read. I believe she's even had travel sites link visitors' to her page. That is awesome. My blog is nothing of the sort. I'm not sure if anyone other than my friends read this. Haha, oh well, I guess blogging is therapeutic in a way, at least for me. It's a way for people to publicly express their thoughts and feelings in a non-invasive way. Despite my brief comments on this matter, blogging is not the theme of this entry.

I'm actually at work right now and decided that I needed to update my blog. Yesterday I started teaching 7th and 8th grade Pre-Algebra and Algebra I at the same school my sister works at. It's kind of fun to work at the same school. You'd be surprised how cool the students think it is to be taught by sisters. I never thought it would be that big of a deal but whatever. I will be teaching here until the end of the year because my students' teacher had a baby and went on maternity leave. I'm the long-term subsitute. It's super fun!! (By the way, sometimes I feel like the cartoon to the right when I'm teaching math...yikes)!

Middle school is such an interesting time for adolescents. I remember my middle school days and I would not want to go back to those days ever. These kids are in a place where they don't know what they want or what to believe and they are essentially "discovering" who they are and what they want to become. This process takes a long time, I think I didn't discover who I really was and what I wanted until my 20's but the process begins in middle school.

The opportunity to teach math fell into my lap so I took it knowing that I would learn a lot from it. I am not a math person, by any means, but I'm teaching it and I think doing pretty well (sometimes I feel like the teacher in the cartoon to the left). I taught math last year as well and although my students were really hard to work with, it helped prepare me so much as a future teacher. I'm still in my licensure program and have my student teaching in the fall but it's so great to have my own classroom already. I love teaching!! Even though math is not my most favorite subject, teaching it has confirmed to me that I have chosen the right career path for me and I'm so happy to finally know what I will do when I grow up!!

When I decided to go into teaching I never thought I would want to teach middle school. I always imagined teaching high school Government and holding Socratic seminars, debates and having meaningful discussions with my students, like I did in college. I wanted to help prepare students to enter the college world. Now that I've been working in middle schools for almost 2 years I have grown to appreciate this age group. Middle schoolers can be difficult and they can be obnoxious but it is a very unique time in everyone's life and it's kind of fun to be a part of it. At the middle school age kids are extremely impressionable. I sometimes can't believe how much of an influence their friends have on them. It's almost scary sometimes. Middle schoolers are a lot more rude and spoiled than I remember being when I was that age and a lot of that has to do with the improved technology since then. Kids today are used to everything being instant and right away, they have no patience. Despite their faults, middle schoolers are a joy to work with. I really love my job and am now faced with a difficult dilemma, what grade do I teach...8th or 12th? Does anyone have suggestions? I have requested to teach middle school for my student teaching so we'll see what I get. I'm sure I will be happy either way but I really don't know what level I want to teach and I have to decide soon. I'll keep you posted on my decision :)

Punctuation People!!

2007-02-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

I would not call myself a writer by any means but I graduated from college and I'm in graduate school so I've written my fair share of papers. I'm not writing this to make people think that I'm the best writer ever because I too make mistakes but I do try my best and sometimes overlook things. With the age of text messaging, myspace, facebook, instant messaging and all the latest technology I get so annoyed in the decline of punctuation usage. No one capitalizes words at the beginning of a sentence anymore and they never capitalize the letter "I" when it's used by itself as a word. I get so annoyed with that. I teach middle school and most of my students write better than people my age. That is just sad.

My sister and I are so opposite it's not even funny but we do see eye to eye on this very subject. For example, it's a turn off for both of us if we email a guy and he writes back and does not know how to use grammar. Why can't you take a few extra seconds to hit the shift key to capitalize letters? Is it really that hard? I even do it in text messages! I try to avoid sending texts that don't have complete sentences because it's a pet peeve of mine. Unless I'm reaching my 160 characters limit on my text then I don't shorten it. Anyway, the point that I want to make is that people need to start using complete sentences that are written using the proper grammar. I know that Microsoft Word does a lot of the grammar automatically but when you're in a program that doesn't, please check it. It seriously makes me wonder about people that can't write a proper sentence when they have graduated high school and college. I'm sure it's just plain lazy but it's so freakin' annoying! Just take a few extra seconds to capitalize and I'll be happy. Do I have any others in agreement with me on this?

The Cook Islands and Tonga

2007-02-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned the Cook Islands before and wanted to write about it. I went there the summer of 2003 and did an internship in their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was probably one of the best experiences I've had in my life. The people there were so amazing. They were generous, loving, fun, open and shared everything with me and my fellow interns. The locals treated us like one of our own. I was even lucky enough to be given a Chief title by a local family and to make sure that it was official I had to bite the ear of a pig (a dead one), which I did. It was an experience in itself. If I ever figure out how to transfer videos from my video camera (it's old school) to my computer I will post it.

Anyway, the culture and dancing of the Cook Islands is near and dear to my heart. In honor of my love and respect for that wonderful place, here are two videos of some of the dancing. It is beautiful and graceful. It is also really fast and upbeat. I am in a Polynesian dance group here in Virginia and I can tell you from experience that it's hard to shake like these girls in this video. It sure is fun to watch and dance though. So, enjoy!

Another country and culture that is near and dear to my heart is that of Tonga. I have not been there but I plan to teach there next year at Liahona High School on Nuku'alofa. A popular dance is called a Tau'olunga. You were a mat (they aren't that comfortable) and the dance is mostly with your head and hands. To the left is a picture of me when I did it last year. It's very graceful. Traditionally they will dance Tau'olunga's at weddings, luau's and other functions and if the audience will come and stick money on you if they think you are doing a good job. You put oil all over you're arms and chest and as a result the money sticks to you. The money then goes to help pay for whatever they are dancing for. When my group dances it we put the money in a scholarship fund. Here are two videos to show you what I mean. You can see the audience come up and put money on the dancers and some stay on the stage and dance too. It probably seems so distracting to have people come up to you but it is so fun. Out of all my dances that I do, this style is my favorite :) The Polynesian cultures are the best! I love them so much, the people know really know how to enjoy life.

This second girl earned a lot of money!!

My confession...

2007-02-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in an extremely long time and I'm procrastinating my studies so I thought I would write a post :) I have been priveleged enough to have traveled to a few cool places and other countries. It's kind of funny but the more you travel the more you feel like you haven't been anywhere. Other people who never travel always tell you how lucky you are to go places but if you're a traveler than you know what I mean. I wouldn't classify myself as an avid traveler but I have high hopes to be one one day. I look at my sister (Blog = Alaskan Adventures) and she's been so many places...she's been to France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Ireland, England...pretty much all over Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore so it's easy to realize that I've been nowhere. All of the cool places I've been she's gone too so I guess she wins. I do have to say that I've been to the Cook Islands and that was pretty awesome. Most people only heard of them once Survivor did a season there. I guess I win there, it feels good to know you've been to a place that most people have never heard of or know where it's at. Then when you tell them it's even more exotic! Here's some pictures from there...it is beautiful.

Check out that dirt road runway! Now that's real traveling :) Anyway, when you've been to places like the Cook Islands it is so easy to forget your own country and all that it has to offer. If you know you me well then you wouldn't be surprised to hear me say that I can't wait to leave the USA. After all, I'm a brown girl trapped in a white girls body! I'm proud to be an American and all but I feel like there is no culture here sometimes and that there are so many better places. I got to travel to the west coast this past Decemeber and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty. So, here's my confession...America isn't as bad as I thought :) We have our own beauties here too. I just forgot about them. I can't wait to live and teach abroad but getting to travel the US isn't so bad. I should be more appreciative of all it has to offer. Here are some pictures from my trip to the Oregon coast...It was windy that day so my hair might be a little out of place :)

Here are some pictures from my trip to Utah. I love Utah. It's cold but there is a lot of amazing sites. So, as you can see. There are some great places to visit, even in my homeland :)

There's No Place Like Home

2007-01-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

I recently traveled around the U.S. for about a month and realized that as Dorthy from The Wizard of Oz says, "there's no place like home." Traveling is fun and it's great to do new things and see new people but nothing beats the comfort of home. I always say that I want to travel the world, and I do but I think that I want that in short spurts. It's too exhausting to go back and forth all the time and nothing beats sleeping in your own bed. I love my bed. Plus, if I at home my kitties cuddle with me. It's kind of annoying to have your cat crawl on your back but when you don't have it you miss it. I wonder why that is? Have you ever been with someone for a long time and get annoyed with them but when you aren't with them you miss all the things that drove you crazy? Maybe not but I sure have. Anyway, as usual this post really has nothing to do with anything. I just wanted to say that I am happy to be home and be back in the familiarity of things. There really is no place like home :)

Why flying is a pain!

2006-12-17T21:45:00.000-05:00

I recently returned from a trip to Denver, Colorado and of course, that involved flying. I am also going to Portland, OR in two days and then to Salt Lake City, UT in a week. I have never really been a fan of flying because I am an impatient person and when you fly all you do is WAIT! You have to wait for the day of your travels, wait in line at the ticket counter, wait in line at security, wait for your plane to board, wait for everyone to take their seats (which takes forever), wait to take off, wait to land, wait to get to taxi to your gate, wait to get off the plane, wait for your bags and then you have to wait for your ride. It's a lot of waiting and not so much fun...especially now that you can't have family and friends wait at the gates with you. The only time I have a decent flying experience is when I travel with a friend.

I always had an issue with flying for the above mentioned reasons but now I have a new reason to hate flying...security check points. I guess I can understand why they have the heightened security but honestly, I feel it is a bit ridiculous. Why do I have to get undressed to walk through a metal detector? I know that we don't have to take off all our clothes but it certainly feels like it nowadays. This is a random post, but hey, so is my blog so it works. This is just one small way of me releasing some frustrations towards my negativity towards flying. I'm not sure what else they can do to protect us from bad guys...I'm pretty sure that might involve not being allowed to take anything on the plane and also getting naked to go through the checkpoints. Yikes! I definitely won't be flying if that happens :)

The Art of Text Messaging

2006-12-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Hey...it's been two weeks since my last confession...I mean post. I am currently procrastinating my study time for my finals. I have 2 more left and I'm so excited to be done this semester. It's been a busy semester and I'm going out of town for a month so I just want to get outta here! Anyway, I am at home and listening to music and felt inspired to write a blog entry on my love for text messages.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE text messaging (and yes, I'm texting and so is my friend Mike in the picture to the right). I'm sure that sounds pathetic but it's true. I don't know how I lived before cell phones and before texting. If you think about it, texts are a beautiful thing. You can send them to friends while you're in class, at church, shopping, at work or anywhere you find yourself bored. It's great because you can have a conversation with your friends when you can't be physically on the phone or if you don't want to talk. I'm a talker, believe me I am, but there are times when I don't want to have a long conversation so I will send a text with a question or whatever it is that I need to know and that's that. It's a wonderful thing.

Texting got me through my college classes! I can't tell you how many times I've been bored in classes and texting saved me. The hardest part with that is not laughing out loud in class when you get a funny message. I've developed the talent of texting without even having to look at my phone so my teacher thinks I'm listening because I'm looking at him but lo and behold, my phone's in hand and I'm sending a text. T9 code on the phone is amazing too because you don't have to hit the number "2" 3 timrs if you want the letter "C." Basically it's a shortcut way to text. If you text you know what I mean. It saves time and allows you to be much faster with your texts. There are ways to know how many words a minute you can type on the computer (I think I'm at 60-70) but there should be a way to see home many texts/minute you can send or something like that. It would be fun to know. Anwyay, texting really is an art and more peope should appreciate it. All you texters out there, you know what I mean. If you haven't gotten into the life of text messages then you should. Your life will never be the same again :)

The Balancing Act

2006-11-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

As I previously mentioned in my earlier blog, I am not a fan of schedules. I hate deadlines and anything set in stone. I like to do things in my time, in my way and with no stress. We all no that no time limits mean very slow action but sometimes it's nice to have all the time in the world. I started a graduate program this year and it's a challenge. This blurb is an attempt for advice. How do you find balance in your life for the things you have to do versus the things you want to do?

The girls in the photo to the left are two of my best friends. I am blest to have some wonderful friends in my life. My family is awesome too. If I had my choice I would spend all my time with my family and friends. I always have so much fun with them. Just look at the photo, it's screaming fun! For all of you readers out there, can you please tell me how I can spend enough time with my friends so I don't feel like I'm missing out and not neglect my other obligations?

In a couple of weeks I will be teaching full-time, taking 6 classes and trying to have a social life. Although I'm grateful that I have the oppportunities to do so many things, I'm getting worried that I can't do all three. I have to have some sort of socialness going on or I might lose it. But, school is important to me too and I want to do well. My job is also a priority. I'm a teacher and I have to have my "A game" at all times or my students suffer. I have a feeling that I might need to ditch the social life for a while and that makes me sad. So, to all you bloggers out there, this is my plea. Pleas give me some advice on how to balance everything out. Shed some light on how you busy people find the time for your work, school, friends, family, myspace and blogs :) I would appreciate it.

Tivo - The Best Invention Since Text Messages

2006-11-30T22:02:00.001-05:00

So, I'm currently sitting in my basement watching a Tivoed episode of America's Next Top Model and feeling so grateful for whoever invented the Tivo. I'm not a couch potato but I'll admit that I have a few favorite shows that I would hate to miss. My all time favorite show is Survivor. I have never missed an episode! In the days before Tivo I was always home on Thursday nights to watch it. When I was in college I would walk home from the library just to watch it and walk back to the library when it was over to finish my studying. I'm sure it sounds pathetic but I am a devoted fan. Fortunately, that is the only show that I am so devoted to. My other favorites are The Amazing Race, America's Next Top Model and Top Chef, reality TV is awesome. I love reality TV but my favorite sitcoms are Friends, Seinfeld and Roswell...all of them are retired :( You can buy the box sets now so there is never a worry to miss any of those episodes :)

I don't really know what else to say expcept that I think that Tivo is great. I don't have to be home on Thursday nights anymore. It really is a beautiful thing to watch your favorite show at your leisure. I don't love to live life by a schedule but since I am in graduate school and trying to work as much as possible I am bound by schedules...ugh! It's a challenge but I make it work. It was always so frustrating when I had a schedule conflict with Survivor. Thanks to the Tivo I can still stay happy because I don't have to miss Survivor: Cook Islands. Since I did my internship in the Cook Islands and have been to all the beaches that are featured on the show I'm sure I would be upset if I missed out watching it. This Survivor has been particularly interesting too.

This is my tribute to Tivo. I love it. If you don't have it then you are missing out. It really is the next best invention since text messages (I'll have to write a tribute about those one day because I love those almost as much as I love Tivo, maybe even more)!

The Mormons

2006-11-16T00:50:00.000-05:00

Here is a funny video. It's about 30 seconds...enjoy :)

"The Top 8"

2006-11-15T23:34:00.000-05:00

There is a new fad called "myspace." I heard about it around 10 months or so ago and I decided to sign up. I wasn't really sure what it was all about but a friend recommended it and I started using it. If you aren't familiar with it then check out my page (www.myspace.com/amy_lee_b). It's pretty fun. Myspace was originally set up as a place for local bands to promote their music and now it has become a major way for people to come together and connect with their friends and for some, even meet new people and start dating relationships.

I love myspace. I have been able to connect with some old friends and I stay in touch with my old roommates and my friends. I am able to post blogs and pictures and music and all that fun stuff on my page. I also love photos of myself and my friends so any excuse to put up my photos where I know people will see them is awesome. It is a great place to stay in touch with your friends because you can go on their site and see what's new in their life.

Those of you who use myspace are familiar with the term "myspace whore." This is a term that is given to those that are hooked on myspace. They check it everyday, update it constantly and always leave comments for their friends. This term is also given to those that think your place in the "top friends" category is crucial. I would like to say that I am not a myspace whore but I've come to the realization that I am. And yes, I want to be in my friends top 8 category. Well, at least my closest friends. If they are in my top then I want to be in theirs. It's only fair, right? I had a couple of friends that I sent emails to in order to make the request to be in their top (I know, it's pathetic) but they were my closest friends and I just couldn't stand the thought that Tom (the creator and mastermind behind myspace) had a place in their top 8 over me. Seriously folks, no one knows Tom so why would he be ahead of those you talk to everyday. I felt it was a reasonable request to ask to be there over him. :)

I know that this whole things sounds a bit ridiculous and if you are not a myspace fan than it would. Seriously though, there have been relationships and friendships that have ended as a result of their placement or lack there of in the top 8. I have heard stories about it on the radio. Myspace and blogs and internet sites like that have really taken off. You know they're big when the President has a blog or your professors have myspace accounts. Myspace has become part of the American culture. I am surprised to know that people don't have it, get with the times people. For those of you who already have it, be careful in your top friends. It is all about the placement!

I used to have a hard time trying to pick 8 friends that I was close enough with to put them in my top space but now I have the opposite problem. I am very blessed to have a lot of friends that I consider close to me so it was difficult to make the selection. Thankfully, Tom added a feature to make your top 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 0r 24 friends. I used to go to people's sites that had a top 20 or 24 and thought, "yeah right, there is no way they keep in touch with and are close with all those people" but now I know different. As much as I wanted to avoid increasing my top list I couldn't avoid it any longer. I had to make a top 20 beacause I was in 20 people's top friends this and to be fair they had to have a place in mine too. I feel very grateful that I have 20 people that I consider good friends. I am not necessarily best friends with each and ever one of them but they are all close to me and I stay in touch with all of them and myspace provides an easy avenue for me to do so. I can happily and honestly say that my top 20 are my closest friends and I do talk to them all fairly regularly, some more than others but I stay in contact with them all and I love them.

Another point about myspace that I want to comment on is the number of friends that someone has. I used to think that it was weird when someone had more than 100 friends. How can they possibly know all those people? When I first got myspace I got many friend requests from people that I did not know and I emailed them for a while and kept up with that but then I thought it was dumb to talk to people I didn't know and would never meet so I deleted all of my friends that I didn't know. I do have a couple band websites but that doesn't count. I now have 131 friends. Sometimes I worry that people will think that I stack my friends with random people and think that's too many but I know all of them. I either went to high school or college with them or I know them through work or church or some other random way but yeah...I know 131 people! I know a lot more than that but those are just my friends that have myspace. The friends list grows everyday. It does get a bit exhausting to stay up to date with all of them but I try. I used to post bulletins and all the other features of myspace but it gets to be too time consuming so now I just email and leave comments. That's more fun anyway, it's more personal.

Myspace lovers, you are awesome. If you don't have myspace then I highly recommend getting an account. You might rag on all of us who have one but I guarantee that if you open an account and give it a chance you will become one of us! If myspace isn't for you then there is another popular option of www.facebook.com I have one of those too!

The First Post...I hate socks!

2006-11-14T01:08:00.000-05:00

It's 1:09am and for some odd reason I am still awake. Going to graduate school until 10pm really throws your whole schedule off. I'm not the type of person that can come home from class and go straight to bed. I have emails to read, myspace and facebook to check, homework to do, shows I've recorded on Tivo to watch, phone calls to make, etc., etc. I get on the computer, get in the zone and the next thing I know it's past 1am. Where does the time go?

This is my first official post. I felt inspired to start a blog when I was working on a homework assignment this afternoon. I had to summarize an article that went with my major, which is Secondary Education with a Social Studies Emphasis. I stumbled across an article that talked about using blogs in the classroom to improve student interaction. I thought it was a fabulous idea. My sister started a blog last year (her link is on my page, it's a great site to check out) and I've been meaning to get one. This page is obviously not a blog I would use for my class but I want to get some practice using blogs. I think that Blogs are the greatest invention next to cell phone...well, that and myspace :)

I was walking to my car with a couple girls tonight after we got out of class and we were discussing blogs. I decided that I would start a blog about nothing. Have you ever seen Seinfeld? That TV show is amazing and incredibly humorous. It is a show about nothing and it was a hit. I doubt my blog will be a hit but it will entertain me and isn't life about having fun? As long as I enjoy writing and reading these blogs then that's all that really matters.

Anyway, my friends call me "the Queen of Randomness" because out of nowhere I will start talking about something completely unrelated to anything that we were talking about. This is how I forsee this blog. Random posts about nothing; just my random thoughts throughout the day. Too often people just let their random thoughts go and don't discuss them. We need a little more conversations about nothing in life. Life is way too short to be serious all the time so why does every conversation always have to have a point? In my opinion.

My random thought for the day . . . I hate wearing shoes! I lived in Hawaii for a couple of years and we always wore slippaz (or as you ha'oles would say, flip-flops) and I loved it. Unfortunately I live in Northern Virginia now and winter is creeping up on me. It is starting to get cold here and as much as I hate to admit it, it's too cold to let my toes be uncovered. It's time to do the inevitable, wearing closed-toed shoes . . . with socks! Socks are the most annoying thing ever. You put them on, put on your shoes and start walking. Everything is fine for a while and then that random seam above your toes begins to shift and before you know it your whole sock has shitfted and that seam that is supposed to stay above your toes is now under your toes. That is the most irritating feeling, you know what I'm talking about. You try to wiggle your toes to fix it but we all know that the only way to fix it is to remove the shoe, rotate the sock and then put your shoe back on. Frankly, that is usually too much effort or you are not in a place that you can remove your shoe, so you are left with the uncomfortable feeling of a crooked sock. This my friends, is why I hate shoes. Slippaz are the way to go. You slip them on easily and in one second you can take them off with just as much ease as putting them on. They are great.

One more thing about cold weather that drives myself and I'm sure every woman crazy . . . nylons! I'm convinced that nylons were not invented by a woman. They are extremely uncomfortable and like socks, they tend to shift out of place throughout the day. I've yet to find a pair that will stay where it's supposed to for more than an hour. A day wearing nylons consists of constant pulling, tugging and shifting every time you get up or sit down. It is not very fun. I try to wear skirts without them in the winter but then your legs freeze and you get goose bumps. Girls know that fresh shaved legs (which hopefully you have if you're wearing a skirt) and goose bumps = stubble. It's just fantastic. So, if you don't wear nylons you are bound to freeze and then get prickly legs. I'm sure that is not very attractive, not to mention that by this time of the year any tan that a girl had has faded away and all that resides is the pasty white, all-natural skin color. It's a lovely site :)

Well my friends, this is a taste of what is to come. Take it for what it's worth. I leave you with a disclaimer. If you are expecting to come to this page to be enlightened then this is not the sight for you. If you come to have a subtle laugh and mild entertainment then please indulge yourselfs and spend a few moments to read some of my posts. Have a wonderful day :)

Love,
Amy