Katie Grace

My One and Only

2011-03-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

I know that a lot has happened since I have really updated my blog. And when I say a lot…I mean A LOT!

I like to think that God has a sense of humor, like He lets me go and plan my life just for fun. So if you think that it is sacrilegious to blame God for my year…then you might not want to read on.

Just when I thought I had my life figured out, resigned from my job, made concrete plans to move and stay in Mesa, found roommates, applied for jobs, had my full time school schedule planned out until the end of my Graduate program, etc…just when I had it all planned out…God laughed. And my plans…they were altered.

So just when my “concrete” plans were working out and I was feeling good about the change in my life, to finally walk out of Thatcher for good…I can’t. I swear to you, the Gila Valley wants me to stay in it, or this is where I am supposed to be because every time I try to leave, something is thrown in my path to bring me back or make me stay. This road bump that God put in my path this time was none other than Ryan.

Now, to be open and fair, I have had my fair share of “bumps” or stalls in my road when it comes to the male gender the past couple years. Ryan is by no mean a “bump” or obstacle in my road (thank goodness. One more not so decent choices in relationships would have sent me fleeing Thatcher for Antarctica and away from my bad judgment in guys as fast as I could). He was just an unexpected extra…and a handsome one at that I might add.

So here begins our “Once Upon A Time”…

Let’s just say that I have known who Ryan is for a few years, just because some of my friends have dated him and I have seen him around. However, just because I knew who he was doesn’t mean I knew him…or had ever talked to him. And in the tradition of a true man, he doesn’t remember me at all until we “formally” met. I think we were definitely supposed to meet though because there are too many factors in our lives to bring us to together to just be coincidence.

One day in our single’s ward I saw Ryan sitting by himself on the back row. I kept thinking that I should introduce myself and invite him to sit with my roommate and I. I mentioned this to my roommate, who knew who Ryan was so she started telling me about him. Before I knew it church started and I never got the chance to talk to Ryan.

Luckily, just a few days following this almost encounter, I happened to be at Doug’s house. Now I had been friends with Doug’s extended family for years, but had only just begun a close friendship with Doug’s immediate family. Doug teaches at EAC, where he taught Ryan and used to work with Ryan during the summers doing construction. Coincidence…probably not. Anyway, I was at Doug’s house and he mentions a guy named Ryan who he thinks I should be friends with. He tells me that Ryan’s friends are all married and that Ryan needs some single friends to start hanging out with. At this point I had no idea that Doug was talking about the same Ryan I had seen at church just a few days before.

Doug continues telling me about Ryan and finally he tells me that Ryan wants me to have his number so that we could hang out. Doug then gives Ryan the story that there is a girl in Ryan’s singles ward that wanted to hang out. Then he said that I wanted Ryan to have my number. Tricky Tricky Doug!

One of us (neither of us can agree on who) made initial contact through texting just to get to know each other a bit. Ryan asked me out to lunch on one of the only sick days I took the entire year. Of course I had to decline since I was sick. So in true Ryan generosity, he asked if he could bring me lunch, such as soup. Well, since it was lunch time and I had yet to shower or even brush my hair by that time, I declined again. I think I scared him off because I didn’t hear from Ryan for a month even when I would text him to invite him to do things. At this point I hadn’t even really met him yet so it didn’t bother me, no big loss.

During that month I resigned from my job and prepared to move to Mesa to attend Graduate school. I had just returned from visiting Rex and Amber in Utah when Ryan all of a sudden made an appearance again. He texted me so I invited him to come hang out with some friends of mine. We all went to play racquetball…Ryan left really fast after our game.

I told Erin that I thought he was nice but that I doubted I would ever hear from again because he left so fast! However, Ryan apparently had other plans. Randomly over the next few weeks he would show up and he texted me constantly.

The week he finally asked me out, I had a date with someone else. I was actually really excited for my other date. However, when it was all said and done, on the night of the date I couldn’t wait for the date to be over so I could talk to Ryan. Poor guy didn’t stand a chance. In fact, (and this might be really bad to admit) Ryan came over after the date with the other guy and that night is the first night we kissed. Oops.

I told Ryan we could only date until May because I was moving. Well…by the time I moved we knew things weren’t even close to being over for us. I still moved. In June we got engaged. I did major Grad. school courses until the middle of October, then I moved back to Pima. I was lucky to make my schedule at school work to where I only had to go to classes on the weekend in Phoenix and online.

Ryan and I were married on November 5, 2010 (I had so much help in preparing for my wedding!

I can’t even express how grateful I am for my family’s help, Erin, Kayla, Kasi, and Cassie’s help…or my photographers Katie and Dalene…there aren’t words) in the Gila Valley Temple.

I love him so much and he has been the BEST thing in my life.

Anyway, that is the short synopsis of us.

Oh, and I finished Graduate school only 3 weeks ago! Life could not be better.

Well…it could be. I need a job. Then it will be complete…for now.

Shout out to The HOUSE

2011-03-15T09:42:00.008-07:00

Some of you may be wondering who or what the House is. I will tell you. The one and only House is Officer Jordan Boltinghouse (unless you are Christy Dobbs, in which case it is Householder).

Jordan has been my friend since I student taught in the Thatcher Middle School Library, where he often though, "Who is this odd person who is in charge of Mrs. Simmons's classes and who is ruling my library?" Well, it didn't take him long to find out who Ms. Elliott really is. And it didn't take me long to find out that this ridiculously mature librarian was really a couple years younger than I am.

Well, as you can see, the library became our playground of sorts. It is where we really got to talk and know each other. We also had a little bit of fun.

However, the fun didn't stop in the library. Jordan was also a security officer at Eastern Arizona College, where we often met for walks at night or just visited while locking up campus. Sometimes my friends and I would make him do a scavenger hunt just to keep things entertaining. And a couple times Jordan even helped me prepare pranks on our friends. Such as, setting up a set of "beer" and "drugs" and getting arrested. Or having my friends do delinquent activities to see how fellow security officer trainee would handle the situation. In every situation we had a good time.

And then there was the time I made the tragic mistake of telling Jordan and Justin that there was a really creepy abandoned house that I wanted to explore. Why was this a mistake? They proceeded to tell this BULLCRAP story about how there was a murder there called the "Fishstring Murder". Not only did they tell me this story, but when they knew I wasn't buying it, they called Jordan's dad! Jordan's dad is also an officer, so of course I kind of believed him. But not all the way. And a few days later when they knew I was starting to even doubt that, they brought me a file...with a police report...and pictures! Well, I still checked out the house...and the story ended up being complete and utter CRUD! Stupid prank, but they did a great job at trying to convince me. (And to be fair...I did believe them for a bit).

And one of the best and most entertaining things we did was the Haunted Hallway, where we transformed the middle school into a haunted house for people to walk through. It was gory and took so much work...and we were EXHAUSTED by the end. But have you ever seen such a good looking group of psychos?

And then there were a couple nights of random picture taking around town. Or the time we kidnapped Jordan (which I can't find pictures of). The only complaint he made the whole time we had him cuffed and blindfolded was that we were about to drive away without putting his seatbelt on him. Of course he would complain about that!

This is when we went to Relay for Life together and some of my old students paid to have me jailed...which cost 4x as much to get out. What did Jordan do? He laughed and left me! What a jerk!

Jordan is also one of many talents. He was not only a librarian by day and security guard by night, but he also dabbles in the art of plumbing. Our toilet was leaking and flooding our bathroom, so he quickly researched possible solutions and showed up at our door looking like this...ready for a flood.

And without me, Jordan would have never known the meaning of green M&Ms. That New Year's Eve was entertaining...and lasted far too early into the morning.

And we can't forget about the times we had while coaching Middle School Track and Field. Or the summer where Jordan and I taught a Drama class for College for Kids...where we did such a fun play! Or when I kicked his trash during racquetball. Or that I called him Papicasa and he thought he could pimp out Erin and I after that. Or that this blog would not be updated without Jordan reminding me that I am a slacker when it comes to blogging.

Now Jordan has graduated from the Police Academy and has signed on with Sierra Vista Police Department and we don't see each other...ever. However, if ever I get pulled over in that area I can only hope that Officer Boltinghouse is the one to do it. Perhaps I should take a trip to Sierra Vista and drive as fast as I can around town. Just warning you, it might happen.

So Jordan...don't cry because it is over, but smile because it happened.

…and I’m back!

2010-03-15T20:56:00.001-07:00

Yes, yes, I know you haven’t heard from me in a million years, but I am alive and well. Instead of trying to catch you up on my life I’ll just start with the basics. First, I put in my resignation for my job last week. After this school year I will be moving to the Phoenix area to get my Master’s degree in School Education (which I already began taking online courses for).

Teaching is going good, been busy. It is definitely a high maintenance group of kids. I am also in charge of the after school Drama program still, but instead of just involving the 5th grade, it involves the 5th and 6th grade….over 80 students!!! We are working on 4 plays right now to perform on the stage for the primary and elementary schools and a night performance for families. It has been busy! I am also volunteering with the middle school Track and Field team again, which started a couple weeks ago.

Right now I am on Spring Break and I have been in Utah the past couple days. It has been WONDERFUL! I am staying with my dear friend and old roommate, Amber (affectionately called Hamburguesa). My wonderful (and one of the best) friend, Rex, picked me up from the airport on Saturday morning. We have been having such a good time. We’ve gone to breakfast (which is becoming a tradition for Rex and I), gone thrift store shopping for crazy green outfits, gone to concerts, gone to crazy Wicked parties, gone hiking, had wonderful conversations, many adventures, and countless laughs. I am going to be so so so sad to leave these friends tomorrow. I also got to visit with Kiara for a bit. I sure do love that girl. The weather has been nuts! Saturday it rained and snowed a lot! Then today it was too warm to even wear a jacket! Sigh…it’s been the best trip.

Anyway, now you know what I have been up to…kind of.

Read to the End to see the surprise!

2009-06-08T22:28:00.005-07:00

I finished my first year of teaching...holy crazy! It went by WAY too fast.

I was also named Teacher of Distinction. And my name was on the radio and in the paper. Here is the little blurp about me...

Thatcher Elementary School—Katie Elliott: “Our nominee is Katie Elliott. Elliott is completing her first year of teaching and has demonstrated the willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of our teachers. She gladly volunteered to supervise an after-school drama club the students asked that we offer. With her assistance, the students have performed two quality plays and are practicing a third play. Miss Elliott has also volunteered to assist in coaching the Thatcher Middle School track team this spring. She arrives very early in the morning and, on many occasions, stays late in order to accomplish all that she does.

I also turned 23...big gulps! Why am I getting so old so fast?! My amazing friends in Gilbert threw me a little birthday party, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was such a good weekend. I went to the valley with Kyle and Kyia. And I stayed with Erin. We swam, watched a movie, shopped, I ate lunch with Allen. Then Kyle and Kyia and I went to dinner at my mom's in Queen Creek where my grandma made a scrumptious meal of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes. YUM! It was a great day with some of the best people.

Minette came to visit! She is so pregnant and such a great friend! I have loved being able to spend time with her.

I started my Master's classes for the summer and I can barely keep my head above water in that class! It is so much busy work, which is cool, but there is so much! I can do it though. I have 2 days that I won't be there next week so I'm trying to get everything done for those days as well.

I also started teaching College for Kids with Jordan. It has been really enjoyable and the kids are so much fun. We are in the process of preparing a play for Friday...such little time with so much to do! But it is a really really cute play and we have these little boys that make it even more cute and so funny!

Thursday little miss Brittany Lundin with become Mrs. Hatch! I can't believe she is getting married! I think that we are all just growing up way too fast! But I like who she is marrying...and I like to take credit for them getting together. After all, they did meet because of me...and he lost out on getting together with another girl thanks to my ear drum (long, painful story). So CONGRATS Mr. and Mrs. Hatch!

And in a week I am going to...dun dun dun....Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala! I am so EXCITED!!!! I can't believe it is that close!

And last, but most certainly not least (but probably the most entertaining part of this boring post that is going on and on and on and on and on....you get the point).

Meet LOLA! My little bear. Oh my heck I love her! She is a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a total pain in the butt, but she has me wrapped around that fuzzy little paw of hers. And those eyes....they get me every time. *sigh*

Negative!

2009-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

The tests came back negative!
No chemo for my mom!!!

2009-05-11T13:10:00.002-07:00

Miracles happen...like me finally updating my blog. We both knew this day would come, we just didn't know when. But now this day is here...finally!
To begin, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has had my mom and I in their prayers. It has been a trying past month, but things are looking much better. Let's start with my mom.
MOM UPDATE:
My mom had surgery to remove the tumor in her breast. They did some tests on her and found out that none of the cancer had gotten into her lymph nodes yet, which made it so much better. A little less than a week after her surgery she started radiation twice a day for five days. So things sound like they are really good. However, she has a doctor's appointment next week. The doctor has been running tests on the tumor for different things and if some of these things come back with high levels then she will have to start chemo. We are really crossing our fingers and praying that won't have to happen. Thanks again to everyone who has kept her in your thoughts and prayers.
ME UPDATE:
Remember that pink slip I got? Well, one day when I was off of work, I got a couple visitors at my house...while I was in my pajamas! Those visitors happened to be my school superintendent and principal. Go figure. They had heard that I was starting to apply to other school districts. They told me that they were doing all they could to keep my job for me, that I should really consider not applying to other places. And then the next week they pushed a revised salary schedule through the school board...so now I have a job for next year! And last week I was presented, in front of the whole school, the Teacher of Distinction award. Let me tell you, I was not expecting that. I was sitting there minding my own business trying to guess which teacher they were talking about...and then they said my name. Haha, my kids said I looked shocked and turned red. You would turn red too if you had to go in front of the whole school while a person from a radio station talked about you and the superintendent took your picture.
Let's see...the track season ended last week, so I don't have track to coach anymore this year. We have the sports awards this week, but other than that it is over. But that doesn't mean I've been any less busy. Since track has ended, I have been practicing with my Drama kids everyday after school for a little over an hour. Their last play is on Thursday and is called "Mere Mirror" and is going to be so cute! Anyone who can make it should come. It is in the Keith Claridge building on Thursday at 1:40 pm.
This summer I am teaching a College for Kids class with my good friend Jordan Boltinghouse. We are teaching Theatre Production. And it is going to be so fun. I have to say we are going to be the coolest teachers! I will also be taking a couple Master's classes. AND....I am going to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala for 3 weeks! I'm going to go deliver books to remote schools to start libraries and I will be visiting some of the ruins. I am going with my good friend Allen Beach! I am so excited!
So there you go. I think that should sum things up. Sorry I've been a slacker.

Coming Clean

2009-04-12T06:48:00.005-07:00

WELCOME WELCOME EASTER MORNING...
I am sitting on my porch this beautiful morning. The sun hasn't broken through the clouds yet, the breeze is refreshing, and the rain from yesterday makes the whole earth smell inviting and fresh and cool. The sounds of birds welcomes in this morning with a peaceful hello. And for once I am not wishing I was back in bed.
It is amazing that God would give us such a morning like this on Easter, where the Earth here has been made clean from the rain, giving us hope that there is more to come. Just like the Atonement where Christ paid for our sins, that if we repent we can be made clean and fresh.
And sitting here makes me reflect on how much I love Thatcher, AZ. How blessed I have been to have the roommates and friends and family that I have. That even though there have been hard times in my life, it is mornings like these that I live for, mornings like these that remind me that there is more to life than my job, my health, or the drama that surrounds me. And I couldn't imagine wanting or needing anything more or different. Oh what a beautiful morning!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

Pink--Not my Favorite Color

2009-04-09T20:51:00.003-07:00

Pink Slip--Not something you wear underneath a dress. Not something you want to get from your boss. Exactly what I will be getting next week. Yep, as of news I received on Tuesday, I am getting laid off. Of course they are trying everything they can to keep me, but I am still getting a pink slip by April 15th. That sucks!
And then Wednesday, we found out that my mom has breast cancer. We won't know more about it until she sees the surgeon on Monday. I am glad that she is coming to visit me this weekend.
And I have a sinus infection. And I just got an ear infection...while I have been taking antibiotics. How does that happen?!
But I love my life and I'm sure things will work out as they should.
I've become a huge believer in faith this week. I just have to have faith.

Moment of Truth

2009-03-07T16:40:00.004-07:00

One's friends are that part of the human race with which one can be human. ~George Santayana

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares. ~Henri Nouwen

Friends is such a sweet word, but often one that has to be worked for and thought of. Sometimes people have a hard time making friends. Some people don't make good friends. And then there are the times where no matter what, there are those who will touch your heart and engrave themselves into your lives.
During the summer I got into an argument with a friend of mine. To spare people's names I am going to call her Jane and the other participants in my story will be John, Joe, and Billy.
As a forethought, John and I had been friends for years. He has always had a special part in my heart. He has been the one who I would tease and he would tease back, he was sweet and helpful, I consider him almost as a little brother. And therefore, I get a little more than defensive over him.
Joe was my next door neighbor a few years ago. He can be loud and sometimes has no shame, but he is someone who is there to have fun, to cheer you up. He has always been a good friend, a good neighbor, and always has a place I can rest my head.
Billy and I have been friends since my first year of college. He is the type of person that you can talk to about anything, even when it seems trivial. He is someone who is nice to chill with and travel with. And he has a good heart and is compassionate. And he always offers his bed when I need a place to stay.
And all three of these guys have something recently in common...they are all gay.
Anyway, back to my story. Jane and I had plans to hang out and go to dinner. John had come to town that day too, so it ended up being Jane, Joe, and I eating dinner and then we picked up John. Now Joe had been his loud and shameless self, but we were all having a good time. We ended up going to a comedy show and hanging out before Jane had to leave. And then Joe left and I took John back to where he was staying. And it went well...or so I thought.
Not long after Jane left she started texting me and asking why I would hang out with "people like that". She said she just didn't understand why I would want to be friends with people who chose that lifestyle.
I tried to explain to her that these "people" as she called them, were good and caring human beings. And it hurt that I would be looked down on for associating with some of the most kind, caring, fun, and compassionate people I know.
I got mad. And for awhile it took some time to forgive Jane for the mean things she said about them. Ever since then I have been defensive when anybody says a rude remark about gay people because they don't understand how important each of those boys are to me. Sometimes I don't understand why they have this temptation in life and I wish I could talk it from them. And sure, sometimes I don't agree with the things they do or say, but in each one of them is something wonderful. And I KNOW that is true because I have been blessed to have each one of them in my life to teach me, to bless me, to help me.
There aren't many things that I become passionate about, but the swell of emotion I feel when I defend these friends convinces me that at that moment I know the truth. And the truth is that they are important people to me, that no matter their race, their gender, or their way of life they matter to me because of the people they are and the qualities they possess. And no one other than them can make me believe otherwise.

To Do Today

2009-03-03T07:14:00.005-07:00

Teach until the kids leave at 2:15.

Tutor students until the late bus at 2:45.

Go home and change.

Track practice from 3-4:45.

Shopping

Mascara
Shampoo/Conditioner
Eggs
Apples
Apple Dip

Get some money for Heather for the fantastic Love Sac in our living room.

Check the mail.

Shower.

Get hair cut at 6.

Laundry.

Boy's All-Star Basketball game at 7:30.

Fill out application for BL.

Eat?

Sleep?

Ladies and the Trampoline

2009-02-28T20:58:00.005-07:00

I was wondering during the week why I didn't have many friends here or know too many people and I was feeling sorry for myself. And then I realized how stupid I have been. I am so lucky and blessed to have amazing friends, even if they don't live here. Just this semester I've been visited by Cassie, Erin, Kayla, Brittany and Dave, Andy, Melissa, Marquette (who even had her cousin deliver flowers to me for Valentine's Day), and Minette and Orin. Plus just during the last holidays I was able to be with Allen, Amber, Rex, Holli, etc. How foolish I have been and how eternal lucky I am to have these people in my life still.

Well I was so happy to be able to spend time with Marquette. Last Friday Marquette came to town and we decided to sleep on the Palmer's trampoline...for old time's sake. So here we are at 10:30 at night sneeking onto the trampoline in the Palmer's back yard. We must have looked ridiculous with all our layers and a million blankets. I had thermals on, then my flannel pajamas, then a sweatshirt, and 2 pairs of socks. We then proceded to lay out 2 blankets on the trampoline, got into a sleeping bag each, covered up with a big blanket over both of us, then an individual blanket each, then a down comforter, then another individual blanket. Let's just say we were pretty toasty. Then Bishop Palmer comes home...after we had fallen asleep and he sees big lumps on the trampoline. So funny! The next morning he asks his wife who was on the trampoline and she has no idea. (Just so you know, I had told Sister Palmer on Thursday that I might use her trampoline in the near future...she must not have been paying attention to me). Anyway, we slept until 10:30! Who would have thought. We woke up to Bishop Palmer coming to the back yard to talk to us. Haha. It was great! And definitely something we will probably do again in the future...just because we can. We also went to the Astronomy labs on Saturday night...and I felt all special as a test proctor. Oh gosh, I'm a dork!

And then Minette and Orin came on Saturday and it was AMAZING to see them again. I miss them so much. And she is all cute and pregnant. We had a really good time going to lunch, putting up flyers for their 5th wheel (if you need one then they have one for sale!), shopping, and going to Adrianna's reception. Orin bought these fake hillbilly teeth at the store so we all wore them into the reception...good times.

I am so blessed to have these people in my life. They are the best and it is more than I could ever ask for to be considered their friends.

SNOW!

2009-02-10T16:02:00.004-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen hold on to your hats as you hear the latest news...IT SNOWED IN THATCHER! Ok, so not the biggest news around, but it was pretty neat. And of course it didn't last very long (melted by lunchtime) and we didn't get very much, but it was nice to wake up to a white blanket over everything. Walking to work was beautiful! It is amazing how a blanket of white can make everything seem all right.

2009-02-08T17:38:00.003-07:00

I have been tagged by the wonderful Whitney...so here it goes.

The Rules:

1. Go to your documents/pictures.

2. Go to your 6th file.

3. Go to your 6th picture.

4. Blog about it.

5. Tag 6 people to do the same.

This picture was taken in a little restaurant in Nogales, Mexico. We went as a trip for our Spanish class during my second year of college. There were 2 tables of us eating at this place. It is me, Marquette, Esteve, Juanathan, Natalie, and Tavo. I don't know where Anders is in this picture...probably behind the camera. We had such a good time on this trip. We had visited a school just before this and the children had put on a presentation for us and danced with us. Honestly, an amazing experience! We spent the rest of the day shopping and having a really good time. Esteve and Marquette wrote a story about it afterwards too...the story involved a burro, a Mexican, and a lot of Bacardi. Haha!

Now I tag: Nicole Lunt, Heather Lee, MaryAnn Haws, Allen Beach, Esteve, and Ambizzle

2009-02-07T21:44:00.001-07:00

I've been told that my blog is depressing...and I just want you to know that I AM NOT DEPRESSED! Just busy.

Defensive

2009-02-07T21:07:00.003-07:00

I feel very defensive today about my social status and that I have to defend it. So let me tell you how my week went.
School was crazy.

MONDAY: Duty Day
broke up a fight
Budget Cut meeting
girls found a body
worked out
gave FHE lesson
did homework

TUESDAY:
had to deal with emotional girls at school
had to deal with all 5th graders in explaining the importance of not bringing up bad memories
parent meeting
work out
homework

WEDNESDAY:
Staff meeting after school
Have to figure out how to make sure my class is prepared for AIMS...they better pass!
Homework
Group meeting with group from class
Class 5-10

THURSDAY:
IEP Meeting
Plan field trip
Modify plans for next day
Class 5-8
Homework

FRIDAY:
Short day schedule
Walk kids to and from the institute for a field trip
Prepare class pet to go home with a student
Organize for the next week
Work out

And by the time Friday evening comes I am so tired physically and emotionally that I don't even want to think about plans. I did go out to dinner with Levi and went to Kyle's to watch a movie. And Kayla was in town and I got to visit with her a lot. And today I went to lunch and walked around down town. I just don't have the energy or the time to hang out anymore. I cherish the sleep I get, which means going to bed earlier than the college students. Don't get me wrong, I wish that I knew people. I miss not knowing people, it can be so lonely. So, yes, I'll admit to being anti-social, but do you blame me?

We Aren't in Kansas Anymore

2009-02-03T19:06:00.006-07:00

With the economy in the pitfalls, it makes you have to wonder what is going to happen today, tomorrow, or any time in the near future. Our school district, as well as every other school district in the state is looking at HUGE budget cuts. Our district is trying really hard to do all they can to not cut jobs. This is good news and I know had I been in the city this year, I would be one of the first teachers to go when they cut people since I am so new. I know now that this is why I was supposed to take the job in Thatcher. Of course my job could still be in jeapordy, but I'm pretty confident it will still be there for me during the next school year. So don't be upset with me if I don't end up in the city this next year, but I'll apply where I can.
But with all this economic crisis, even safe little Thatcher isn't going to be able to escape the change. Yesterday a couple of my girls were walking home from school and found a dead body in the canal. We have had to try and help these girls cope with what they had to see. What a horrible thing to see for 5th graders! And we are hoping that homicide was not an issue, but we won't know until the autopsy report comes out. It sure has shaken up our community and made me realize that nowhere can escape the change, not even Thatcher.

Working the Corner

2009-01-20T18:19:00.002-07:00

So I've been really contemplative lately with things going on and was walking home from working out when who should I run into on the corner by my house? My friend, Heather! I feel like I don't see her enough even though she just lives around the corner and I walk by her house at least once a day. Anyway, she was out walking the dog she isn't supposed to have (sorry, the secret is out). So we stood on the corner and talked for awhile and I realized how much I miss her! I need to talk to her more...and go play with her little son more. Sometimes I get so caught up in the stupid little things in life that I forget about great blessings I have, like having Heather as a friend. Anyway, new goal, no matter how busy my week is, I am going to visit Heather during each week. Do you hear that Heather? This is your warning.
Anyway, other than that my days consist of teaching and working out. And if you are lucky enough to try and get ahold of me on a Wednesday or Thursday then good for you because those are my busiest days. My schedule on those days consists of Work 7-3:30, Work out 3:45-4:15 (short work out days), Master's class 5-10. And on nights I don't have class I either chill at home or visit girls in my ward with the other Relief Society Presidency members, or FHE, or homework...pretty much not very social stuff. But such is life.
So I guess there is a fairly new family in my dad's ward in Lake Havasu who has a son on a mission. So my dad's wife and this guy's mom have decided that it would be a fantastic idea (sarcasm intended) for me to write this kid. I haven't decided if I will yet. Kind of pathetic that I'm being set up with missionaries...ugh. Anyway, welcome to my life.

Resolutions

2009-01-03T17:06:00.004-07:00

I set so many goals at the beginning of every year, and yet I hardly meet any of them by the end. So I have limited myself to 3 resolutions this year. That's it. And here they are.

1. To do things that I know have to be done and that are right, even if it is opposite from what I really want.

2. Get in shape. (yes, round is a shape, but it is one I am tired of) :)

3. Pursue excellence...always!

Goodbye to 2008

2009-01-03T16:50:00.007-07:00

I have decided to do a quick update even though my pictures aren't ready for this post. Christmas was good. I got to spend it in Lake Havasu with my whole family. My good friend, Kyle, and his wife decided to let me use their car for the break, which I was extremely grateful for. It was good to see my niece again...she is growing up way too fast. It was also good to visit with some old friends. But even though it was good to be with the people I love and grew up with, it was nice to get away.
The next week I was back in Thatcher. My old roommate, Erin, came from Mesa with me and spent 5 days in Thatcher. It was wonderful to have her back, but having her leave again was hard.
For New Year's Eve our good friend Jordan House and Justin barbequed for us and we talked and watched a movie and visited the Grahams...and talked some more. We finally kicked Jordan out of the house at 4 am. Haha! I bet his poor mother had thought he had died or something because he never goes home that late. I am so glad I have those guys as my friends.
So now here I am, sick and preparing to start teaching for one more semester. And I am not prepared! Ok, I'm fairly prepared, I just wish this break could be a few days longer.

Ouch, that one is going to hurt

2008-12-21T08:44:00.014-07:00

Every time I say that I am going to be better at blogging I do worse. But now that I am on Christmas break, I have no excuse. A lot has happened in the past couple of months. So I am going to break this into 3 parts....Personal, Travel, and School.

PERSONAL

I still live by the rule of early to bed, early to rise. My body has just become too used to this schedule. However, on days I need to get up, I don't want to, and on days I can sleep in I am wide awake by 6 am. Go figure. Let's see...oh yes. With the end of the semester comes the retiring of another roommate. So before she left we did more roommate pictures and had a Pantyhose Pact meeting one last time. Erin moved to Gilbert to attend ASU. Erin has been my best friend this semester so it has been really hard to see her go. She is the one I would stay up late just talking with, or get up early with just to talk about not wanting to get out of bed. She and I have had a lot of different adventures and it is going to be so hard without her. She hasn't even been gone a week! I wish that I could keep all the people that mean so much to me here in Thatcher with me. Anyway, I will admit that I am a brat and have gotten so tired of new roommates that I refused to have a new person move into my room...so my roommate Sarah moved into my room with me. Not only did Erin leave, but now my good friend Kasi is leaving too! She is another member of the Pantyhose Pact. Now only Kyle and I are left. She is going to London to nanny and leaves before the new year. Ay yi yi, growing up and moving on is hard when all the people you care about are learning to live their lives without you.

TRAVEL

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Utah for Thanksgiving. The break started out with me being sick and my mom freaking out and my friend Allen taking care of me. Haha. Ok, I'll start at the beginning. My good friend Allen and I were talking one day and we both mentioned wanting to travel for Thanksgiving so we talked about it and in about 10 minutes we had decided to go to Utah and spend Thanksgiving with his grandma in Mt. Pleasant. Of course both our moms freaked about the idea at first, but eventually they got used to the idea. However, that week I came down with a bad cold and the night before we were to leave I had a fever. So mom freaked out and called Allen and Allen got to play nurse that night since I was sleeping at his house. Haha, what a good little nurse he was...Starbucks included and everything! And by 4 the next morning we were on our way to Utah, Allen's uncle included.

From Mesa to about Panguich, UT it was either raining or snowing. But we made it and I have never seen a more excited grandma in my life! I felt like I was part of the family, even her dog liked me. We got ready for dinner and had a delicious ham dinner that Grandma Priest had been preparing for us for days. Have I told you yet how much I love her! We had the best time visiting that evening. However, I was ready for bed and was about to fall asleep on the couch before 9 pm! I told you that I have a terrible time staying up late, right?

The next day, after sleeping in (I think I got a good 11 hours of sleep that night), we got up and all made a delicious breakfast together. It was so much fun to all be in our PJs cooking and talking and laughing together. After breakfast and getting ready for the day Allen and I headed to Provo where he dropped me off with my most amazing, wonderful, and talented old roommate Amber. We had so much fun just catching up, attempting to make homemade cinnamon rolls, and shopping. Then that night my dear friend Rex met up with us and we all went out for Sushi and ice cream. After ice cream we went to Rex's place and visited with his roommates a bit before heading out to take pictures all over the place. I hadn't had such a great night in a long time. Being with those two again made the world seem like it had stopped and nothing mattered for the time being. I can't tell you how blessed I am to have them as friends.

The next day Amber and I slept in until 11:30 before getting up to get ready! I guess that is what happens when you go to bed at 3 am. We were able to go to lunch together and take a little photo shoot before Allen picked me up again. When we got back to Grandma Priest's we helped prepare dinner, which were the best little steaks ever, and then we visited some more before heading to bed. Our drive home began at 5 am and we decided to go a different way, through Moab and the Indian Reservations in northern Arizona. Let's just say I was never happier to see home at 5:30 that night. It was very kind of Allen to go that way so that I could be dropped off in Thatcher.

I am so glad I went on that trip. I not only was able to see old friends, but I was able to make new ones and gain another Grandma. You can never have too many of those!

SCHOOL

I never realized how the seasons affect the attitude of kids. Man, the past few weeks they have been squirrly! I got put in charge of the Christmas program at school, which was so cute, but took a lot of time! And right after the play was a Holiday parade around the track where the band played and the kids decorated bikes and wagons and did a whole performance around the track for parents and the Primary School. It was a really good time. Have I told you how cute my kids are? Well they are, and noone can debate that with me because I'm pretty sure I'll win that argument. Anyway, for a week all we did was practice for our play after school and during school and before school and....you get the point. I was exhausted by the end, but it was totally worth it.

I can't believe that I have already taught for 19 weeks! Where does the time go? I don't want a new group of kids next August, I love the ones I have now.

So there you go...a quick but lengthy synopsis of my life. Sorry if I bored you with it...I'll try and do better with littler ones. And now I am off to Havasu for Christmas, with a couple stops along the way. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! And as my kids said at the end of their play, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Dancing Queens and Mad Scientists

2008-11-02T17:49:00.005-07:00

So Halloween came and went...it was crazy! It started Thursday night with a date with Levi where we carved pumpkins and watched Hocus Pocus. That was a fun night, but ended so late for it being a work night. It was the first time that I had ever carved pumpkins. I ended up breaking 2 saws as I was carving too! Haha...oops. But our pumpkin turned out really good. It was a really good night.

The next day at school it was one big party all day long. I have to say I have the best class ever though. All morning the kids were outside running around and doing activities we had set up for them. It was so funny to watch them race, play tug-of-war, do sack races, and other things. It was fun to be able to take pictures of them and play with them too. After that they were

exhausted so we watched a movie. I spent most of the movie pulling students out of class to do work that they owed me. I know, mean teacher. And then after they had study hall or music, we had class parties which involved SO much food! It was so good though! I love my job! Right after school my roommate and I went to the middle school and helped set up a haunted house in the middle school. We did that until about 6 pm and then went to dinner with the principal, secretary, librarian, counselor, and everyone else who had been helping set up. After that we went home and got ready for the costume dance at the institute. We were amazing! Erin, Bailey, Kasi, and I were all members of ABBA. It was fun but we were exhausted by the end and my feet were killing me. I passed out on the couch for a bit before going to bed.

Then Saturday came. Talk about a busy day too. We woke up and got ready and went to the middle school to finish setting up the haunted house. Let's just say we were there until we had come home and get ready for it. Erin, Kasi, and I were all in it. It was crazy! Then we ran back to the middle school and put finishing touches on the haunted house before it opened for business. We did that for 3 hours. It was fun! I was a mad scientist in the labratory and I looked crazy! Erin and I showed up at a surprise party for about 10 minutes after that before going home and cleaning ourselves up and then going to bed. Our feet were once again killing us! So it has been quite the crazy weekend. But it has been an incredibly good weekend, except for the fact that it is almost over and I feel like I haven't had a break at all!

And then today in Stake Conference President Packer talked about "the valley" meaning the Gila Valley, meaning Thatcher and I was so proud to be sitting in "the valley" and listening to him say that. I love Thatcher!!!

No More

2008-11-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

This is going to be short and to the point.
No ice cream.
No more him.
I'm so done with it.
The end.

M&Ms and Skittles

2008-10-29T16:17:00.002-07:00

Well...it has happened. It is now my turn to owe my roommates M&Ms and Skittles. No ice cream...yet. I'm holding out on that one. If you have no idea what I am talking about...just keep reading. In our house, the Lighthouse, we have certain "special" rules when it comes to guys. There are only 4 rules, if you don't count the "no guys in the bedroom" rule. Anyway, these rules are as follows.
1. Cuddling: Skittles
2. Hand Holding: M&Ms
3. Kissing: Ice Cream
4. Engagement: Steak or Nice Dinner
The first time you do one of those things with a new boy then you owe your roommates. Pretty simple rules...I've never had to pay up until now. And honestly, totally took me by surprise! Anyway, if it goes anywhere I'll let you know, but for now it sits at being a big fat nothing...except for the occasional cuddling and hand holding. :)

Catch Up...not Mustard

2008-10-05T00:47:00.010-07:00

So it has been a while...actually way too long and there is way too much to get caught up on so I will try and summarize for the people who actually read this.

August and September were ridiculously busy months. Not only did I move to Thatcher, but the house I moved into was being shared by 5 girls so I was sleeping in the living room for the entire month of August. I started my job as a 5th grade teacher, which I love! (I'll talk about that a little more later). I was also in charge of 2 bridal showers, which I did on the same day. I would not suggest doing that. I was in a wedding. I went on trips to New Mexico and Mesa. To put it short...I was home 2 weekends during those 2 months, and one weekend was completely taken up by the bridal showers. Oh, and I got called to be in the relief society presidency of my ward. Whew, I think I have covered everything now.

Ok, for a little more detail I will break this up into sections by month. So August. I moved into my house during the first week of August because I started teacher meetings the second week. Well, one of my roommates was supposed to be getting married so she was going to live with us for a month before their wedding, but she was going to move her stuff over to their apartment so I could move my stuff in. Well, let's just say she moved the bunk beds out (which left no room for 3 beds in one room) and that is about it. So it was the living room for me for a month. Our hallway was a line of mattresses. We would lay them out for sleeping and pick them up during the day. Talk about being disorganized! I should have taken a picture of it. Well, then I started teacher meetings and school. That first week was busy! I am lucky to have great friends who spent a lot of time in my classroom with me helping me get it ready for school to begin. I really don't know what I would have done without them. Can I just say that I love my job! Sure I hate getting up early every morning and I've become the most anti-social person on the face of the planet, but most days I enjoy being with the kids and seeing them get excited about learning. I've even been some of the kids' favorite teacher...but I don't like to brag about that too much. ;) They are so fun and creative. And my homeroom group of kids really think things through. They debated for days on the pros and cons for certain class pets (I told them we could get one...what was I thinking?!). We finally decided on a box turtle. So I went to the pet store and bought a Sulcata Tortoise. I should have done my research first because this sucker is going to get huge in the years to come! He is very cute and little right now and the kids adore him, but one day down the road I am going to have to find an alternate home for him. His name is Tiny Tim. Haha. Ok, so on with August. My friend, Kyle, was getting married to a girl I used to visit teach. I kind of set them up. And since his fiance asked me to be a bridesmaid I got to throw her a bridal shower. We also had to throw a bridal shower for my roommate who was getting married. The only available day for both of them was August 23rd. So my day consisted of bridal shower stuff from 7 am to 7 pm and I would not have survived without my amazing roommate, Erin. It was ridiculous and I was a little more than grouchy afterwards. Note: that was the first weekend I had been in town since I had moved back. The next weekend was Kyle and Kyia's wedding so my roommate and I once again went to Mesa. We made it to Glendale for Kyia's bachellorette party and I stayed at another bridesmaid's house. Let's just say that everyone's hair had to be the same, which meant our day started at 5am and we did wedding stuff all day until 10pm. I was so exhausted. (The picture is of me at the wedding with 2 of the groom's men, Spencer and Eric...love them!) It was a good thing that my friends, Allen and Justin, had offered me their condo to stay at while they were out of town. I crashed for a good 12 hours after that. So in a nutshell...that ends my month of August.

Ready for September?! Haha, I promise it won't be as long as August was. I don't really remember where I was all the weekends of September, but I know I was in Mesa for a couple of them and I went to New Mexico for another. I have had the great opportunity to spend some time with wonderful friends and old roommates. In New Mexico I got to go visit with a friend's family that I dearly love. Marquette and Cameron were good friends of mine at school and they just moved to Tucson to go to school. Well Marquette's cousin is my friend too and he came over one night and invited me to go with them to New Mexico for the weekend but he was leaving before I could get out of work to go so I didn't think that I could go on the trip. Well, Cameron called me the night before and told me that Marquette really needed some of her old friends because they were having a hard time adjusting to Tucson so he made up an excuse to stop in Thatcher on the way to New Mexico and they picked me up! It was great! We were able to spend a day at their grandparent's ranch in the mountains. We played with horses, swung on a tire swing, walked in a waterfall until we were completely soaked, and hiked. (The picture is us in front of this cute little cafe and store in a town in the mountains...this was taken right before we had the bright idea to get in the waterfall). It was great! One of the weekends at the beginning of September we were told that Thatcher was creating a single's ward for those people not going to school or living at home. I got more upset by it than I should have. I had a hard time accepting the fact that I now had to switch to a ward where I wouldn't be with college students when I already didn't have the chance during the week to be with them anyway because I was at work. I was really mad that I had to go to that ward and the Lord knew it. So He decided it was time to humble me and I got called to be the 1st Counselor in the Relief Society. It is a tiny ward so it is going to be a challenge to get girls interested in being there. So far we have had a record of 10 girls in Relief Society. Each week we cross our fingers that more people have decided to leave their home ward and join us. We will have to see how that goes.

Well I think that about sums up my life the past couple months. I have the best roommates ever. We get along so well. I am so blessed to be back in Thatcher. I just cannot seem to get away from this place. Everytime I think I am going to leave something brings me back and it feels like home here. Thatcher has stolen my heart.

P.S. My good friend, Brittany, came to visit in August before she had to be back to Flagstaff for school. She is dating my friend, Dave, from down here. Anyway, back in March, Dave and Brittany played a stupid prank on me that I was super stressed out about at the time. So...my friend, Jordan, decided we should get them back for it. And our plan was brilliant! Jordan is a security officer at the college so he called his friend up, Justin. We planted IBC "beer" bottles and a bag of "drugs" (which were just mints) on the practice football fields. Our friend, Kasi, got a Bud Light box from the Elk's Lodge and we planted that under a tree by the bottles. So Brittany gets to town and I talk her and Dave into going with me to play with all the cool practice things on the football field. Well, Justin walks up not long after we are there and spotlights us with a flashlight and starts asking us questions because supposedly a call got sent in about drinking and partying going on at those fields. Brittany and Dave said that we were the only ones who had been out there...perfect thing to say I might add. Haha. So Justin tells us to stay put while he takes a look around. So he walks over to this ditch we are by and pulls out shines his flashlight in it and pulls out the bottles. Then he keeps looking and shines his light on the tree that the Bud box is under. I thought Dave was going to have a heart attack. So Justin asks us if we want to change our story and we don't so he calls for backup. Hah! So Jordan comes driving up with his red and blue lights flashing and he starts talking and looking around. And he knows all of us so he is acting like he is trying to be our friend and that he believes us but he has to be professional. So he asks to talk to me off to the side and while he is doing that Justin is telling everybody else that someone has to go down to the station to take a breathalizer test and tell the chief their aliby. At the same time, Jordan is telling me this and I agree to go so he puts me in handcuffs. This is the time where I for sure thought Brittany and Dave were going to wet their pants or something. They were calling my name and asking what was going on. So Jordan puts me in the truck and then says that the others can come talk to me through the crack in the window. Dave pleads with me to let him take my place since I'm a teacher and all, but Jordan said that I already agreed so he couldn't. Then Justin walks up to them and says, "I just got another call and I'm supposed to tell you all....this is all a prank!" IT WAS SO FUNNY! Brittany and Dave believed the whole thing! We got them so good!

God is mad at you, Katie.

2008-07-18T14:44:00.002-07:00

So kids say the darndst (sp) things. The other day I called the 4 year old that I nanny a "punk". She responded by telling me that God is mad at me for calling her names. I laughed. But today feels like she may be right. Somebody doesn't like me up there right now, which I don't blame anyone for after the explicit I uttered after backing into someone's car while I was driving my boss's car. I feel like nothing goes right for me sometimes. I get so moody and impatient and I take it out on the kids. It just proves to me that it is good that I am not married, that I'm not ready to be a mom now, I'm not even ready to be me.

Procrastination, Rings, and Blessings

2008-07-03T13:42:00.016-07:00

I am supposed to be doing a study guide right now for the final I am taking this evening...yeah, kind of not happening. I would really rather not have to worry about school again. I haven't had a break from classes in over 2 years. I am really kind of burnt out from it all.

This summer has been crazy and sometimes I feel like my life is a little screwed up. For the most part I spend my time with guys...besides the occasional wonderful friends I have that are girls. But with guy friends comes letting go of a friendship because of marraige and other things. But since this time last year, I have been told by 4 close guy friends that they are gay. It was quite a blow last summer when the first one came out. I was the first person he told and I didn't know what to do. A lot of people have turned their backs on these guys because of their decision. Now I know their decision isn't what is right in the eternal scheme of things, but I can't turn my back on them because I know them as people, as the wonderful, caring, smart, amazing people they are. Sometimes it is tough spending time with them because I have learned that others who are my friends sometimes aren't comfortable being around that. But I love these guys for who they are, not what they are and I wish other people could see it too.

Anyway, I also had the opportunity this summer to go ring shopping! I am not engaged! My good friend Kyle (who I will talk about a little later) proposed to his girlfriend and he trusted me enough to ask me to go pick out a ring for her. It is beautiful and when he proposed a couple nights ago she loved it. And....they want me to be a bridesmaid! That was a shocker since I am better friends with him than with her, but such a priviledge too!

So this last weekend was great! I went to Flagstaff to visit some friends from high school: Brittany, Holli, and Dallin. Also there were Cameron (Brittany and Dallin's younger brother) and Bryce (Dallin's roommate at BYU). It was like a big slumber party the entire weekend! It was great...minus the flat tire and the split in the side wall of another tire. It was so good just to be with them again and to be able to still have those old ties from back home. We went out to eat, they helped me change my flat and get it fixed, we danced, we wrestled, we shopped, we took pictures, we played, we watched movies, we talked...it was great! I don't think that I realize how blessed I am to have them in my life. The Lundin's and the Pace's were my saving graces the last couple years of high school and I am so grateful for their saving grace even today.

I mentioned a flat tire. Well that kept me from coming back to Mesa on Sunday and so I had to call and try and get someone to work for me...and Kyle pulled through. I am a nanny in Scottsdale for 3 kids and my dear friend Kyle agreed to watch the kids for me on Monday while I tried to get back from Flagstaff. I don't know how I would survive without Kyle sometimes. This last year he has been one of my closest friends. I know a lot of times girls like to girl talk with girls and their closest friends are girls, but Kyle has been the person who I have told everything to this past year, who has helped me, laughed with me, travelled with me, and more. We have some great memories together and now he is going to have some great memories with his soon to be wife, Kyia.

Anders is getting married this month. For those of you who don't know Anders...he is my absolute best friend. We met my first year of college, had a couple rough patches in the year and a half we went to school together, and have been close ever since. He's the type of person you talk to on the phone a few times a week and tell everything too, the type who sends cards and letters just for the heck of it, the type who makes up excuses to come visit, the type who will take a million pictures with you, the type who will talk to you about anything and everything, the type who listens because they honestly care, the type who will make you laugh when all you want to do is cry, and so forth. I have never felt more blessed in my life than when I have had him in it.

Wow, I really kind of unloaded here. I guess that is what happens when you just don't want to do homework.

LOOK! It's new!

2008-06-22T10:33:00.007-07:00

So it takes me a long time to get things done...like Blogging. I figured it was time for a new post. It was time for a new one a long time ago! Wow, a lot has happened. I GRADUATED FROM NAU! That's right, I now have my Bachelor's degree! I have been offered a job teaching 5th grade Language Arts in Thatcher and I accepted it. I just can't seem to get away from that amazing place.

For the summer I am nannying in Scottsdale. This is my 4th summer with the same family and I love it! The kids are so funny some times and I'm learning that they will always surprise you with funny little things. I have really come to appreciate these kids and the extreme amount of personality each one has.

This summer has definately been different, not only in the things I do but also with my emotions as well. It has been such a busy summer! Not only did I graduate at the beginning of the summer, but I am taking a couple online classes this summer too. A group of friends from school came to Lake Havasu with me and we played on the lake and in the desert for a week, which was so much fun! And then my sister, Andrea, got married on the same day that one of my closest friends from high school got married...so it was an insane day of weddings! Plus I had my sister's reception in Lake Havasu, so that was another trip. I also had my interview in Thatcher. My mom and sister just bought a new house in Queen Creek, so I spent quite a bit of time helping them paint too. So let's just say that there is never a dull moment. I am very blessed to have amazing friends that come to visit me and who are around the valley for the summer. Sometimes I wonder why I am doing certain things in my life and they are always around to let me know how important I am and that means the world to me.

Now that Andrea is married, this makes me the last child in the family to be single. And trust me, I've heard a lot about it already from my family. Kind of makes me mad. Supposedly I'm getting old and need help to find a man to marry. But I still have time! I am still young! So what if I don't go out on many dates. I honestly don't think I am ready to be married and people need to realize that this is my life and it will happen when the time is right. It frustrates me when people talk to me like I need to get married now and why am I not dating anyone and we should find someone for you to date...makes me feel like something is wrong with me. Nothing is wrong with me!

So anyway, I am going to be better at this Blogging thing. I am, I promise.

Tagged

2008-05-16T23:01:00.003-07:00

Thanks Becca!
7 weird or random facts about myself.
1. I can't stand to have my knees touched, it is the only thing that makes me claustrophobic. I've had people think that they are helping me by holding me down and grabbing my knees...it doesn't help, it just makes me stop breathing or hyperventalate.
2. I HATE cupboards and drawers being open! Drives me insane! I have to go and close them if I see them open.
3. I have to be cold when I sleep or forget it. If it is too warm then I start feeling sick and I toss and turn all night.
4. I am afraid of falling, in every sense of the word...except for falling asleep (I do that one just fine).
5. When I sleep I have to have my door open about a foot, no more no less.
6. I have big earlobes...no joke! Compared to other people my earlobes are pretty big. I can fit almost 3 fingers from my earring to the opening in my ear...and my fingers aren't small. In fact, one of my best friends has nicknamed me Lobey.
7. When I concentrate really hard on something I tend to stick my tongue out. Not many people at college caught it but for some reason all the people I grew up with catch it every time!
I am so weird, I know.
So now I tag you! Callie, Diana, Chachi, and Kasi
1. On your post, link back to the person who tagged you - that would be me, in this case.
2. Post your assignment on your blog - seven weird or random facts.
3. Post these rules on your blog.
4. Post links to the bloggers that you will be tagging.
5. Go to those blogs and give them a comment on their blog to let them know that you have tagged them.

Some of my Poems

2008-03-17T22:12:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I get in the mood to write poems...go figure. Anyway, these are a few of my favorite ones from the past year or so. I've been trying to experiment with some new techniques...or sometimes I just write what I feel. Let me know what you think, or just enjoy!

Only in my Dreams
I see you, know you, feel you
But nothing is as it seems
We can conquer the world together
If only in my dreams
I walk with you, talk with you
You haunt my every sleep
With thoughts and old memories
And the piece of my heart you keep
It all feels so empty
A darkness that light cannot break
I see nothing but feel everything
And in a cold sweat I awake
For only in my dreams
You are here with me
If only I could open my eyes
To find my dreams a reality.

Learning to let go
I know it can be called pathetic
Holding onto you the way I do
But some things are hard to let go of
When noone knew me as well as you.
Sometimes I try not to think of you
Sometimes I try to forget
But I know the harder I try
The more I will regret.
Regret our little adventures
Regret the times we shared
But I don't regret you at all
I regret how much I cared.
Remember the pictures we took?
I've taken them off the wall
The memories make me ache inside
For we thought we had it all
Time does interesting things to people
They move on, grow apart
But no matter how much time goes by
You'll always be in my heart.
For you see, I have built this wall
Designed to keep you away
But pieces of you got built in too
So you are with me everyday.
You can call me pathetic
It's a fact I already know
And it is harder than I ever thought
But I am learning to let go.

I think of you
No matter the day,
The time,
The place,
I think about you.
Your name could be in the whisper of the wind,
On the sidewalk,
In the clouds,
I think about you.
Your face is in my mind,
My dreams,
My heart,
I think about you.
When I remember the memories,
The laughs,
The tears,
I think about you.
When you feel discouraged,
Frustrated,
Alone,
I think about you.
You are in my prayers,
My actions,
My thoughts,
I think about you.
What carries me through the days,
The weeks,
The months,
Are thoughts of you.

The Art of Breaking
I see your picture on the wall
And seeing it makes me fall
Fall into pieces of us
Pieces I can't seem to pick up
I have never been one for art
But I am perfecting the art of breaking
Breaking down memories of us
Memories I can't seem to let up
Time changed everything from when we met
I hope we don't forget
Don't forget the friendship of us
Friendship I can't seem to give up
I have never been one for art
But I am perfecting the art of breaking
Breaking down the memories
Breaking without you here with me
Breaking my heart as it runs away with my mind
Breaking the more from you I find
Sometimes it is easy to fall
Fall into memories of us
Sometimes it is easy to forget
I hope you don't forget
Until then I will perfect the art of breaking.

Conformist...that's me!

2008-03-16T14:32:00.003-07:00

I'm a little new at this blog thing...ok, really new at it. But I was told that it would be a good idea to start one and so I jumped on the band wagon and did it. I know, I'm a conformer.

My life is really not that interesting, but of course there are some things that some people like to be informed about. To begin with, I am not dating anyone. That means that come May, when my sister Andrea gets married, I will be the only single child left in my family. And honestly, I am completely fine with that!

Right now I am in the last part of my student teaching at Thatcher Middle School and I graduate from NAU in May! I passed my Arizona Educators Proficiency Assessment tests, which means that I can become a qualified teacher once I have my diploma. Hallelujah! Now I just have to decide where I want to teach.

That is just a quick update on my life. Don't worry, I'll go into more depth in future postings.