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

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

Defensive

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

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

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

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

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.