LINK
It was really fun to help with.
12/28/09
Christmas
Over Christmas I spent most of the time at my parent's house with my Mom. We were able to make most of the top of a quilt for my brother and his fiance. I have to admit when it got tedious and pinning was essential I backed off and my Mom did most of the rest. I didn't want to mess up the progress of the quilt with my imperfection. I will link it over to my Mom's blog when she has the time to post about it. It is really beautiful.
Endrit's parents are vacationing in Lava Hot Springs so I only saw them for a minute while passing off Endrit and I's children so they had less time in the car. Thanks to my Mom for driving me to get the kitties.
We had a great Christmas with my Parents. We opened gifts and it was fun to finally have the bluetooth for my Mom out in the shop. I hope that it works well for her.
The day after Christmas we went to Rick and Janet's house. I got to see my girlfriend, Audi. Adorable Irish Setter. I love that puppy. I always get the biggest smiles from her. We got more gifts from them. I got prescription goggles for diving and Endrit got goggles as well. I also got an interchangable tile frame with a box of different tiles I can use. I put it up on the wall and did a Velcro system so the tiles don't fall out. It worked out great.
It was nice and relaxing. I am glad I have another week before becoming the head teacher in my class. It is definitely interesting times!
Endrit's parents are vacationing in Lava Hot Springs so I only saw them for a minute while passing off Endrit and I's children so they had less time in the car. Thanks to my Mom for driving me to get the kitties.
We had a great Christmas with my Parents. We opened gifts and it was fun to finally have the bluetooth for my Mom out in the shop. I hope that it works well for her.
The day after Christmas we went to Rick and Janet's house. I got to see my girlfriend, Audi. Adorable Irish Setter. I love that puppy. I always get the biggest smiles from her. We got more gifts from them. I got prescription goggles for diving and Endrit got goggles as well. I also got an interchangable tile frame with a box of different tiles I can use. I put it up on the wall and did a Velcro system so the tiles don't fall out. It worked out great.
It was nice and relaxing. I am glad I have another week before becoming the head teacher in my class. It is definitely interesting times!
12/22/09
After 10 years
10 years ago I was in 8th grade going to school at Preston Junior High.
Today I walked back in the halls to see the teachers that have had the most impact on my life and tell them thank you. I came in unannounced. I walked in and said hello to Mr. Smith. We were able to talk for an hour. It was a great talk. I am so glad that I decided to do this today. It has made my break. I feel like I have made someone's day. I was able to talk to Mr. Crosland as well.
I have had an amazing day. I am so excited to teach.
Today I walked back in the halls to see the teachers that have had the most impact on my life and tell them thank you. I came in unannounced. I walked in and said hello to Mr. Smith. We were able to talk for an hour. It was a great talk. I am so glad that I decided to do this today. It has made my break. I feel like I have made someone's day. I was able to talk to Mr. Crosland as well.
I have had an amazing day. I am so excited to teach.
In Amazed Shock
This morning I did what I have done every morning, noon and night for the past week; I checked my grades.
I have been dreading the grade for my Urban Education class. I have been hoping to squeak by with a barely passing grade. It was a horrid class that I learned a great deal in. I re-did my midterm exam 3 times because I couldn't pass it. Well, the grade was posted today.
I got an A.
Not an A-
Not the B- I was expecting.
An A.
I am in shock. I am extremely happy. I get to fully keep my scholarships. I am not kicked out of my program. Endrit informed me that I do this at the end of every semester, but still, this grade shocked him a little bit too as to how good it is. I will take it! I just wanted to share.
12/19/09
The Waiting Game
Nothing can ruin a perfect holiday season but professors taking forever to post grades. Out of my 4 classes that I took this semester only 1 professor has posted grades. I already knew that I was going to get an A. It was for my student teaching and of course I learned a great deal and did well in that class. It is the other classes that I am unsure in that I need to know the grades. Ugh. Wait, wait and wait. I guess that it is the season to wait for grades. I go in and check them about every 3 hours. It is almost pathetic. I am sure I passed all of them but I want to know the grades that go along with them.
12/17/09
What a Day
I am writing this before my final so that I am able to calm down a little bit before I get into the computer lab and take the exam.
Today I got an email from my site teacher saying that she would appreciate if I were able to be at school to help the substitute teacher with the project that the students were working on. It is good to have some cohesiveness so I was more than willing to do that. The best part about it, the substitute let me be the head teacher. He was more of a TA that helped me out with individual questions. I made copies, I emailed students, I talked about the term project, I explained things clearly today. It was really awesome. I like days like today where I feel that I succeeded as a teacher. I was able to be head teacher and the students listened to me. It is a great thing. The principle came in and I was busy teaching and he went over and talked to the substitute and shook my hand as well. He is a really nice guy once you get to know him.
I did some more proactive steps to ensure that people in high positions know that I am serious about becoming a teacher. I went in during last period and talked to the principle to see if he would be willing to observe my classes and give me some constructive criticism. He was happy that I would come in and ask him to do that for me. He gave me a form that he does for teachers and ensured that I would be on the rounds for him and the vice principle to see me teach.
I also talked to the secretary and she is giving me a key to the classroom that I will be teaching in. I will have my own key! I am feeling like I am part of the school. I feel like faculty. I have a district email address. I have access to the computers as an administrator. It is beyond awesome how I have been able to mesh into this school. I even talked to the math teacher on my team to see if she would be willing to help me through teaching the remedial math that I will need while teaching physical science. She was way more than willing to help me with that.
It has been a great day. I have accomplished a lot. I feel that I am making real strides to becoming a full on teacher. I have started my motion lesson planning. It is really fun to think of activities that I can do with the students.
It is going to be an interesting winter break. My site teacher isn't very specific in all of the things that she wants to do and the timeline of those things. I am really excited to make my own lesson plans. I have some ideas that might work, as well as they might blow up in my face. But, that is how teachers learn. I am truly grateful that I have a site teacher that is letting me have complete control with all of the lessons. I can be as creative as I would like to be. It is beyond awesome!
So, I am excited. I need to do one last review before my final in Music. My last general EVER!! I am also very excited about that prospect as well. No more generals!
Today I got an email from my site teacher saying that she would appreciate if I were able to be at school to help the substitute teacher with the project that the students were working on. It is good to have some cohesiveness so I was more than willing to do that. The best part about it, the substitute let me be the head teacher. He was more of a TA that helped me out with individual questions. I made copies, I emailed students, I talked about the term project, I explained things clearly today. It was really awesome. I like days like today where I feel that I succeeded as a teacher. I was able to be head teacher and the students listened to me. It is a great thing. The principle came in and I was busy teaching and he went over and talked to the substitute and shook my hand as well. He is a really nice guy once you get to know him.
I did some more proactive steps to ensure that people in high positions know that I am serious about becoming a teacher. I went in during last period and talked to the principle to see if he would be willing to observe my classes and give me some constructive criticism. He was happy that I would come in and ask him to do that for me. He gave me a form that he does for teachers and ensured that I would be on the rounds for him and the vice principle to see me teach.
I also talked to the secretary and she is giving me a key to the classroom that I will be teaching in. I will have my own key! I am feeling like I am part of the school. I feel like faculty. I have a district email address. I have access to the computers as an administrator. It is beyond awesome how I have been able to mesh into this school. I even talked to the math teacher on my team to see if she would be willing to help me through teaching the remedial math that I will need while teaching physical science. She was way more than willing to help me with that.
It has been a great day. I have accomplished a lot. I feel that I am making real strides to becoming a full on teacher. I have started my motion lesson planning. It is really fun to think of activities that I can do with the students.
It is going to be an interesting winter break. My site teacher isn't very specific in all of the things that she wants to do and the timeline of those things. I am really excited to make my own lesson plans. I have some ideas that might work, as well as they might blow up in my face. But, that is how teachers learn. I am truly grateful that I have a site teacher that is letting me have complete control with all of the lessons. I can be as creative as I would like to be. It is beyond awesome!
So, I am excited. I need to do one last review before my final in Music. My last general EVER!! I am also very excited about that prospect as well. No more generals!
12/16/09
Me=Nerd and I love it!
Here is a LINK to a website that I have been having so much fun on! It has awesome simple science experiments on it. My favorite is the LAVA LAMP. I am going to be doing this for the nieces and nephews this Sunday for the Smith Christmas get together. I hope that I can get enough of these simple experiments together so that I will be able to do these once a week for my classes. I think that it would spark a little more interest in science. Crazy science teacher. I love it!
12/15/09
Passed!!
I was writing my resume today before meeting with the career councilor at the U and I realized that I didn't get my scores from my Praxis PLT and my Content Praxis. These are the 2 tests that I needed to pass to become a fully certified teacher starting in May. They were posted when I checked them. It took forever for me to find the score needed to pass for the PLT, but once I did, I did the biggest happy dance ever!!
For the PLT I had to get a score of 160 or better. I got a 166. I had no idea how I did on this test so I was happy that I passed by more than 1 point.
For the Content Praxis I had to get a score of 153 or better. I got a 184! I knew that I was going to pass it. I am really glad that it was by such a big margin. They know that I will definitely know my content!
I was just really happy about this.
For the PLT I had to get a score of 160 or better. I got a 166. I had no idea how I did on this test so I was happy that I passed by more than 1 point.
For the Content Praxis I had to get a score of 153 or better. I got a 184! I knew that I was going to pass it. I am really glad that it was by such a big margin. They know that I will definitely know my content!
I was just really happy about this.
12/14/09
Back From Vegas
This trip was a much needed break. I am rested and relaxed. It was really nice that Endrit and I were able to just get away. We weren't allowed to take our camera into the concert. We already knew that so there are no pictures of the concert, but we have a few Vegas pictures. The concert was beyond awesome. It was so worth the drive and the money to go there. Muse is absolutely amazing live. Paper Tongues and Cage the Elephant were pretty good too. Muse played for 1 hour 10 minutes. They played my favorite song. It was beyond awesome. Endrit had a great time too. He doesn't know the words to most of the songs. But, he was amazed by how they sound live. Better than on the albums, we both agree.
On Sunday we were able to see my friend Nichole and walk around the Bellagio. It was awesome to see Nichole again.
Here are some pictures from the trip :)
Here is a LINK to the album I made.
On Sunday we were able to see my friend Nichole and walk around the Bellagio. It was awesome to see Nichole again.
Here are some pictures from the trip :)
Here is a LINK to the album I made.
12/10/09
Coincidence
It is just a coincidence that my good friend from Arizona is having her bachelorette party in Vegas this weekend. I haven't seen her in 7-8 years. It will be so nice to see her and hang out for a while. I am sure she knows Vegas better than me.
I am getting really excited to go to Vegas. It is a much needed break from reality. Not much has happened the last couple of days. It has just been cleaning and relaxing. I have to go to school tomorrow, but that is life I guess. I am sure that this weekend will turn out more than great.
I am getting really excited to go to Vegas. It is a much needed break from reality. Not much has happened the last couple of days. It has just been cleaning and relaxing. I have to go to school tomorrow, but that is life I guess. I am sure that this weekend will turn out more than great.
12/7/09
Coming to a Close / 5 DAYS!
The stress and joy on campus is almost tangible right now. I know that as I hand in final projects and presentations, it feels really good and less stressful. I have officially finished 1 class. Today I will finish another class. That leaves my exit interview for my student teaching and my computerized final next week. This semester really happened. I don't know when. It hasn't seemed like 16 weeks have gone by, but it has.
We also had tithing settlement yesterday. Amazing that 2009 is also coming to a close. It has been an interesting year, especially the latter portion. It has been a good year too.
Also, as time is winding down, it is only 5 days until Endrit and I hit the road down to Vegas. A much needed reprieve from the every day. A time that I don't have to be worried about finals or assignments.
After everything I will be doing all of my lesson planning. That is going to be interesting, but I am excited for it. My site teacher wants me to start teaching right after the break. I will do that, but she will be making the lessons for the earth science portion while I make the plans for the physical science that I will be teaching.
We also had tithing settlement yesterday. Amazing that 2009 is also coming to a close. It has been an interesting year, especially the latter portion. It has been a good year too.
Also, as time is winding down, it is only 5 days until Endrit and I hit the road down to Vegas. A much needed reprieve from the every day. A time that I don't have to be worried about finals or assignments.
After everything I will be doing all of my lesson planning. That is going to be interesting, but I am excited for it. My site teacher wants me to start teaching right after the break. I will do that, but she will be making the lessons for the earth science portion while I make the plans for the physical science that I will be teaching.
12/4/09
To Do List
My to do list for tomorrow is hefty.
I am going to the 8:00 am session at the temple (I am so glad we live so close to the temple).
After that I have to transcribe my self assessment of the last mini lesson that I did for my class today.
I have to go to a concert and take notes on 3 songs that are performed and write a full description with technical music terms into a paper that will be about 2 pages.
Repeat the last one (for extra credit in the music class)
Transcribe and get statistics for approximately 75 surveys of middle school kids for my final project in my urban education class.
Make a PowerPoint (well finish it. I started it tonight) for my final presentation on said surveys of middle school students.
Do a self reflection for November and October for my AmeriCorps scholarship. Oops, October should have been handed in a month ago, but the will take it.
Plan for Endrit and I to do the magic show on Tuesday.
Lots, and lots of things to do. I might be able to breathe and eat in there somewhere...
I am going to the 8:00 am session at the temple (I am so glad we live so close to the temple).
After that I have to transcribe my self assessment of the last mini lesson that I did for my class today.
I have to go to a concert and take notes on 3 songs that are performed and write a full description with technical music terms into a paper that will be about 2 pages.
Repeat the last one (for extra credit in the music class)
Transcribe and get statistics for approximately 75 surveys of middle school kids for my final project in my urban education class.
Make a PowerPoint (well finish it. I started it tonight) for my final presentation on said surveys of middle school students.
Do a self reflection for November and October for my AmeriCorps scholarship. Oops, October should have been handed in a month ago, but the will take it.
Plan for Endrit and I to do the magic show on Tuesday.
Lots, and lots of things to do. I might be able to breathe and eat in there somewhere...
12/3/09
Finals
I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I have been blogging a bit less this last little while. I shouldn't be surprised that I have so much homework due at this time of year, but it is catching me a little bit off guard this semester. I don't know if it is because of the student teaching or what, but it is interesting. I have a few things that I have to do that I normal don't have to do. I am behind on some things, I am caught up on others and I am trying to get ahead on a select few things. Come Monday I will be done with one of my classes. Tuesday I will be done with another one of my classes. This Friday I am done with my student teaching class minus the exit interview. It is definitely interesting. I can't believe that the semester is almost done. I don't know where 2009 went. This has by far been the fastest feeling year by far. I hope that it is the same way when I am teaching next semester.
I am feeling more and more optimistic. I am almost certain that I will get a good enough grade in my classes to keep my scholarships as well as keep me in the program. It was touch and go for a while in one of my classes. Like I said it has been an interesting semester.
I am feeling more and more optimistic. I am almost certain that I will get a good enough grade in my classes to keep my scholarships as well as keep me in the program. It was touch and go for a while in one of my classes. Like I said it has been an interesting semester.
11/29/09
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving started out at my parent's house where we had a great Thanksgiving dinner. My Mom is always a great cook! I was able to meet my brother's fiance and help them with their engagement and family pictures. It was really fun. I think that Dexter and Jimmy were having all sorts of fun as well running in and out and scooting around on the hardwood floors. It took Jimmy a while to calm down, but he ended up happy.
Endrit and I then took a trip to Shelley to see Rick and Janet. We saw 2 of their kids families as well. It was really fun playing a new game. I think that people were nice to me because I didn't play well enough to win both times I played. The next day Endrit and I went diving at the pool where I found out that I could in fact finish my dive certification with the advice my doctor gave me about my frontal sinuses. John Abrams and his wife were diving that day as well so he was able to get an update on my brothers. It is a small world. We were able to take some pictures, my tank fell off, and I had a great time in the water and look forward to finishing the certification.
The Saturday of spring break I spent on writing my test redo. I was a happy little hermit that day. Audi (Rick and Janet's Irish Setter) was wondering where her friend went and gave me big smiles when I emerged periodically from my room.
Today we went back to my parent's house to pick up our kitties that were excited to see Endrit and I. Jimmy even came out of hiding when we came in and called for him. They have been happy to be home. They slept all the way home and have been asleep on their respective pillows since coming home.
It was a really fun weekend seeing everyone.
Endrit and I then took a trip to Shelley to see Rick and Janet. We saw 2 of their kids families as well. It was really fun playing a new game. I think that people were nice to me because I didn't play well enough to win both times I played. The next day Endrit and I went diving at the pool where I found out that I could in fact finish my dive certification with the advice my doctor gave me about my frontal sinuses. John Abrams and his wife were diving that day as well so he was able to get an update on my brothers. It is a small world. We were able to take some pictures, my tank fell off, and I had a great time in the water and look forward to finishing the certification.
The Saturday of spring break I spent on writing my test redo. I was a happy little hermit that day. Audi (Rick and Janet's Irish Setter) was wondering where her friend went and gave me big smiles when I emerged periodically from my room.
Today we went back to my parent's house to pick up our kitties that were excited to see Endrit and I. Jimmy even came out of hiding when we came in and called for him. They have been happy to be home. They slept all the way home and have been asleep on their respective pillows since coming home.
It was a really fun weekend seeing everyone.
11/23/09
Homework Holiday
I have a ton to do over the holiday break...or non break as it will be. I have to resubmit my resubmission. It sucks, but it is still for full points. I am truly grateful for that. So, that is all. I am going to have a homework holiday. (that doesn't mean I am taking a break from homework, it means I am spending the holiday doing homework)
11/20/09
A needed boost
This last little while in school has been not so great. This semester hasn't been a good semester. But, I got a test score in one of my classes today and it gave me a much needed boost. I got 100%. It has been a long time since I have gotten a 100% on a test rather than a quiz. It made sense that I would do a bit of homework after that because I was feeling productive.
11/15/09
Praxis
Yesterday I took my 2 Praxis exams for teaching. The first one was the PLT. It is the Principles of Teaching and Learning exam. Essentially it is an essay test so, because of the subjectivity of the scoring, I have no idea how I did on it, but I have hope that I passed it. The second test that I took was my content area test. Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge. I actually really enjoyed this test. Call me crazy for liking a test, but the questions were fun and mostly easy. I know that I passed that one and am looking forward to getting the score in 4 weeks.
It was a long day. I am glad that they are finally over with. It certainly isn't fun to spend 6 hours at a testing center in 1 day. But, totally worth it in the end.
It was a long day. I am glad that they are finally over with. It certainly isn't fun to spend 6 hours at a testing center in 1 day. But, totally worth it in the end.
11/13/09
Never Hurts to Ask
First off, Happy Friday the 13th! I always seem to have great days on this "unlucky" day so I am excited for it to be here.
The reason for this post is that I am glad that I can ask professors for an extension to a due date or a test redo when I fail a test. The 2 times that I have asked I have been able to redo or hand in the assignment for full credit. I can't tell you how much it made my day when I got a 94% on a concert report that I went to the concert after the due date and handed in the assignment a week late. It kind of made my day today.
I will be spending today redoing the test that I failed. Yeah...I failed...and I am admitting it! 56% to be more precise. But, I get to redo it for full credit. It has higher expectations, but I have longer than 2 hours to formulate the answer. Today started out as a great day and as I am able to finish off this test it will be to study for my 2 tests on Saturday.
It never hurts to ask professors to do something for you if you have a good reason. Mine was my tonsillectomy.
The reason for this post is that I am glad that I can ask professors for an extension to a due date or a test redo when I fail a test. The 2 times that I have asked I have been able to redo or hand in the assignment for full credit. I can't tell you how much it made my day when I got a 94% on a concert report that I went to the concert after the due date and handed in the assignment a week late. It kind of made my day today.
I will be spending today redoing the test that I failed. Yeah...I failed...and I am admitting it! 56% to be more precise. But, I get to redo it for full credit. It has higher expectations, but I have longer than 2 hours to formulate the answer. Today started out as a great day and as I am able to finish off this test it will be to study for my 2 tests on Saturday.
It never hurts to ask professors to do something for you if you have a good reason. Mine was my tonsillectomy.
11/9/09
Last Undergrad Registration
Today I got my class codes to get into the classes for my last semester of undergraduate studies. I registered at 5:00pm today. It was such an awesome feeling to have this little thing be done. I can't believe that it is finally time for me to get my Bachelors. I am almost done! And then I will be a teacher!!
11/6/09
Recarpeting.
My front porch is getting re-carpeted. It isn't bad. My door is open and they are coming in and out and have been for a little while. It is a dad and 2 sons. It is funny because I am completely comfortable being here alone at home with them right here. It is because I know that they are LDS. It is amazing how much of a difference that makes for me. They seem like really nice people. One of them even commented about how Dexter was cute because he was peaking out of the window at them. So, it is nice. They will be here for a while I am sure. They put in new planks for our steps to. Endrit might just have to lock his bike downstairs until they are done.
10/30/09
1200 E. 600 S. to 1700 W. 1700 N. in 15 minutes
I drive to Northwest middle school 3 times a week for my 9 hours of observation for student teaching. I have to drive from the east bench of SLC through the city, take I80 to 1700 W. then drive on that road for several miles to get to the school. There are many, many stoplights along the way. It usually takes 25-30 minutes to commute there. Today, I didn't hit a red light! None, nada, nill, zip, zero! I was able to get there in 15 minutes. I am shocked! It will probably never happen again, but the fact that it did happen, makes my day. Even driving back I only hit 3 red lights. I love that SLC has properly timed lights.
10/29/09
Learning Experiences
It is interesting how much I am learning in the 9 hours per week I spend at the school. I already have a good working relationship with the principle, secretary, librarian, and my site teacher. It is nice to know that I am able to work with the people that are in power at the school.
I am learning more about what I will be teaching come January and I am surprised that I am starting to get really nervous about it! Yeah, me! The girl that has planned on teaching since I can remember. The girl that was a tutor all through school. I am nervous!
The section that I am going to be teaching within the curriculum is the Physical Science portion. This has a lot to do with science as well as math. There are some students that don't know how to multiply so I am now trying to think of ways to teach math concepts while teaching physics. I am glad that I get to practice this portion. I think that the rest of the sections in the curriculum is easier so it is nice that I will have this one all planned out and practiced before I become a teacher.
I need to talk to an elementary math teacher to see the strategies that they use. I think that might be the best way because it is SIMPLE algebra that these students are expected to do. I might have to buy a textbook to learn strategies. I am bound and determined that I will be a good teacher.
I am learning more about what I will be teaching come January and I am surprised that I am starting to get really nervous about it! Yeah, me! The girl that has planned on teaching since I can remember. The girl that was a tutor all through school. I am nervous!
The section that I am going to be teaching within the curriculum is the Physical Science portion. This has a lot to do with science as well as math. There are some students that don't know how to multiply so I am now trying to think of ways to teach math concepts while teaching physics. I am glad that I get to practice this portion. I think that the rest of the sections in the curriculum is easier so it is nice that I will have this one all planned out and practiced before I become a teacher.
I need to talk to an elementary math teacher to see the strategies that they use. I think that might be the best way because it is SIMPLE algebra that these students are expected to do. I might have to buy a textbook to learn strategies. I am bound and determined that I will be a good teacher.
10/28/09
Deidra's Legacy Creations
My Mom started a business with a quilt shop. She is hoping to get it up and running by word of mouth at this point. I am trying to help with that part of the process. She has several quilt tops that are already made and one quilt that is completely done. She is an amazing seamstress! She has a talent with making beautiful things out of fabric. So, here is the LINK to her new blog. I hope that you enjoy!
10/27/09
Endrit
Endrit has his pre-oral examination tomorrow. It is one of those you either pass, or you get kicked out of the program. We know that he will do great on it, but extra prayers/positive energies sent his way tomorrow would be appreciated. His exam is at 3:00 pm MST.
10/26/09
10/23/09
Winco
Endrit and I's favorite grocery store when we lived in Pocatello was Winco. It was cheap and had sour patch kids by bulk for not much money. I loved Winco. Well, Winco is now in SLC. We went to it on Wednesday night and got some sour patch kids and other things. It is new so it is better than the one in Pocatello. But, it still has all of the same great deals that it is known for. It was awesome! It isn't even that far away.
10/15/09
MUSE!!
I got a nice code to get tickets to an upcoming Muse concert before the official ticket sale date and I went out on a limb and asked Endrit if we could head to Vegas in December and go to a concert. WE ARE GOING!!! The tickets are bought, the hotel is booked and I am so excited I could pee my pants! It is my Birthday, Christmas, New Years, and Anniversary present.This is the first large concert that I have ever been to (other than the Jonas Brothers at stadium of fire, but that is different). I got tickets right in front of the stage. It wasn't a week ago that I told Endrit that if Muse came near SLC I would love to go. They just scheduled this and I found out about it today. :)
Man this is a great day!
Man this is a great day!
I am a teacher
For some reason my site teacher decided that I would start taking over her class now rather than in January. It is more like team teaching rather than just me teaching, but still I get there not knowing anything about the lesson and then she hands over the reigns second period and I am pretty much on my own. It is crazy. Today I find myself knowing that teaching is what I do. I love being in front of the class. I love to be able to teach science. There are problem students. There always is. I had a few students test my strength as an authority figure today. I am happy to say I didn't get walked all over. I may be small. The 2 boys that I really had to reign in behavior issues were much bigger and taller than me. I love that I am not intimidated by stature at all. One kid was out in the commons area on a computer and I went to get everyone back into the classroom and he got right up in my face and I just stood there and told him that I was the teacher. What a first day! I am proud of myself. I have been worried about behavioral issues, but even as the rumor of Ms. Frison's substitute teacher trickled down the hallways, I was not going to be used like a substitute.
The school that I will be student teaching at has 75% minority students. The largest number of white students in a class is 4 out of 25-30. Most are of Mexican descent with a few African Americans, and Samoans. I am the little white female teacher. You do the math as to why I had so many confrontations; but I love it. I love the students already. I am beginning to remember names. There are some students that I will have to work on with being openly belligerent against science, but all in all, not too bad.
I had to take my picture for the yearbook as well as for my official student teacher id card. Not something that I was expecting, but it is nice that I will be in the yearbook. I might have to buy it just because. I am now known as Mrs. Rachel and I am happy to be a teacher. It is nice to get into a classroom and know that you made the right career choice.
The school that I will be student teaching at has 75% minority students. The largest number of white students in a class is 4 out of 25-30. Most are of Mexican descent with a few African Americans, and Samoans. I am the little white female teacher. You do the math as to why I had so many confrontations; but I love it. I love the students already. I am beginning to remember names. There are some students that I will have to work on with being openly belligerent against science, but all in all, not too bad.
I had to take my picture for the yearbook as well as for my official student teacher id card. Not something that I was expecting, but it is nice that I will be in the yearbook. I might have to buy it just because. I am now known as Mrs. Rachel and I am happy to be a teacher. It is nice to get into a classroom and know that you made the right career choice.
10/13/09
Reasons
Okay. I have been thinking about all of the things that I have been able to learn while I have been married without having or trying for children.
For one, I found my peeps online that keep me sane. I love my message board friends that keep me off the ledge and let me vent without making me feel like I was doing everything wrong. They are just there for me and I am able to be there for them. I love you ladies. If I had a child or children now I don't think that I would have met you.
I never would have had the horrid experiences with hormonal birth control and found out the wonders of fertility awareness. After 2 years of absolute freedom I am thoroughly convinced that there is no other way to limit or space children. I know more about how my body works than almost any woman I know. A specific thanks to Shawna for being patient with me and helping me see the light.
I have been able to do research on what I want with children. How I will be a mother. How I will approach the joys of motherhood. There are so many options out there! I am able to be a scientist about things and it may seem like overkill for some people, but it is who I am; and it is who Endrit is.
Endrit and I have been able to communicate for longer than 9 months what are expectations of each other are in a million different situations. We have talked about names. We have talked about not finding out the sex of our children until the birth. We have talked about what his role will be when I deliver a child. We talked about almost everything when it comes to childbirth. I am lucky to have a husband that is willing to talk about these things so we can work out issues before we have a child so that we will know expectations that can be tweaked when they don't work because expectations are already there to begin with.
I have been able to learn about birthing options. From water births to hypnobabies I have learned what is out there. From the pros and cons of home births, birthing center births and hospital births I have learned what I would prefer for my experiences. I have learned what a doula is. I have researched costs of birthing options.
I have been able to get my degree. That is more important to me than one might think. I have been wanting a university degree since I can remember. It has been my goal in my academic life. I am excited to know that if anything happened to Endrit I could step in and support my family. All of the things that I do are for my current and future family. It may not seem like that to the outside world, but to me the things that I do are paramount.
I am not pregnant nor are we trying for a child, but we are able to say that we will be ready when the time comes. This is good. There have been lots of cultural differences that have come into play when we talk about things that have needed worked out. I am grateful that we are being lead by Heavenly Father. It is like our engagement. It was long, but I wouldn't have changed anything in the world after how ready I was to get married. I feel that it is getting to the point that we are ready. It is a peaceful feeling.
For one, I found my peeps online that keep me sane. I love my message board friends that keep me off the ledge and let me vent without making me feel like I was doing everything wrong. They are just there for me and I am able to be there for them. I love you ladies. If I had a child or children now I don't think that I would have met you.
I never would have had the horrid experiences with hormonal birth control and found out the wonders of fertility awareness. After 2 years of absolute freedom I am thoroughly convinced that there is no other way to limit or space children. I know more about how my body works than almost any woman I know. A specific thanks to Shawna for being patient with me and helping me see the light.
I have been able to do research on what I want with children. How I will be a mother. How I will approach the joys of motherhood. There are so many options out there! I am able to be a scientist about things and it may seem like overkill for some people, but it is who I am; and it is who Endrit is.
Endrit and I have been able to communicate for longer than 9 months what are expectations of each other are in a million different situations. We have talked about names. We have talked about not finding out the sex of our children until the birth. We have talked about what his role will be when I deliver a child. We talked about almost everything when it comes to childbirth. I am lucky to have a husband that is willing to talk about these things so we can work out issues before we have a child so that we will know expectations that can be tweaked when they don't work because expectations are already there to begin with.
I have been able to learn about birthing options. From water births to hypnobabies I have learned what is out there. From the pros and cons of home births, birthing center births and hospital births I have learned what I would prefer for my experiences. I have learned what a doula is. I have researched costs of birthing options.
I have been able to get my degree. That is more important to me than one might think. I have been wanting a university degree since I can remember. It has been my goal in my academic life. I am excited to know that if anything happened to Endrit I could step in and support my family. All of the things that I do are for my current and future family. It may not seem like that to the outside world, but to me the things that I do are paramount.
I am not pregnant nor are we trying for a child, but we are able to say that we will be ready when the time comes. This is good. There have been lots of cultural differences that have come into play when we talk about things that have needed worked out. I am grateful that we are being lead by Heavenly Father. It is like our engagement. It was long, but I wouldn't have changed anything in the world after how ready I was to get married. I feel that it is getting to the point that we are ready. It is a peaceful feeling.
10/12/09
Resurrection
I feel that I am finally coming into the land of the living. It has taken a week and a half to be able to get this far, but as I start to try and eat normal foods again, I think that slowly but surely I am getting better. I can't eat much at a time. It starts to hurt after about 10 bites, but it is now solid food. For this I am grateful. Endrit is a sweetheart like always. I go back to the doctor the end of next week. And then starting this Thursday life begins to be normal again. Am I ready for it yet? Maybe one more nap today then I will be.
10/6/09
Update
So, I was told that I haven't updated my blog after removing my tonsils, so here is an update.
I don't feel too well. I am healing. I am feeling better than I have the last few days. I am still generously taking my painkillers. I have to or else I can't swallow. We will see how everything turns out in a week or so.
I don't feel too well. I am healing. I am feeling better than I have the last few days. I am still generously taking my painkillers. I have to or else I can't swallow. We will see how everything turns out in a week or so.
10/1/09
Going to the OR Tomorrow
I don't think that I will be in the mood to post this tomorrow before or after my surgery. I go into the hospital tomorrow at 7:30 and should be in the OR by 8:30 in the morning. Endrit and I went out today and bought me some Gatorade, yogurt, popsicles and other soft things for me to eat/drink after surgery. Please send prayers/positive energy to me so that surgery will go well and that I will have a speedy recovery. I know that it will be fine, but with my schooling requirements I can't be out for too long.
9/30/09
New Project
It is interesting how much time I have available to me this semester. I feel like I am not doing anything. Busy, but not at all stressed about school. I even have an exam today in 3 hours and I am done studying for it and not worried in the slightest that I am online goofing off. Because of all of this free time that I am not used to having, I decided that it was time for me to work on a project that has been on my mind for a while.
I am taking pictures of the letters of the alphabet. So far I have A, B, C, S, and W. They were cute pictures from around the house that I just went around with my camera. I still need to just take a nice little walk around SLC and find all the letters. I would like to have enough letters for 3-4 full alphabets of unique letters for future projects.
I would like to get a SHURDHA name frame by the end of the year for our family wall. If I were rich, I would go back to Al's trophies and frames and get a group of frames with matting that I could use in the future for the family wall so that the frames would match Endrit and I's wedding picture. I may just do that next year after I pay off the student loans. It would be expensive, but it would be a good thing I think. Who knows if I actually do this.
I am taking pictures of the letters of the alphabet. So far I have A, B, C, S, and W. They were cute pictures from around the house that I just went around with my camera. I still need to just take a nice little walk around SLC and find all the letters. I would like to have enough letters for 3-4 full alphabets of unique letters for future projects.
I would like to get a SHURDHA name frame by the end of the year for our family wall. If I were rich, I would go back to Al's trophies and frames and get a group of frames with matting that I could use in the future for the family wall so that the frames would match Endrit and I's wedding picture. I may just do that next year after I pay off the student loans. It would be expensive, but it would be a good thing I think. Who knows if I actually do this.
9/24/09
Muse
I am a fan of music. I like most everything accept rap and country. Even those I can stand for a while depending on the artist. Because of this I have a wide range of musicians that I listen to. I love Pandora. I have several stations that I have made depending on my moods. One is all classical piano music. One is my emo/gothic music station. One is my punk station. One is my church music station.
It has been hard for me to find a favorite artist because it depends on my mood and the day someone asks. Well, I think I have my favorite musical group. Muse. I like this band because there is songs for every mood. Even on their latest album they have a "symphony" in 3 parts. It also has rock songs my Dad even likes. It has taken me a while to determine that above all, I like this band. The writer of the songs is a conspiracy theorist and it comes out in the lyrics as well as his love of science. I am not sure about the conspiracy theories, but I do like the science songs. Here is a you tube smattering of songs that I like.
Feeling Good
Newborn
Stockholm Syndrome
Thoughts of a Dying Atheist
Sunburn
Citizen Erased
Butterflies and Hurricanes
It has been hard for me to find a favorite artist because it depends on my mood and the day someone asks. Well, I think I have my favorite musical group. Muse. I like this band because there is songs for every mood. Even on their latest album they have a "symphony" in 3 parts. It also has rock songs my Dad even likes. It has taken me a while to determine that above all, I like this band. The writer of the songs is a conspiracy theorist and it comes out in the lyrics as well as his love of science. I am not sure about the conspiracy theories, but I do like the science songs. Here is a you tube smattering of songs that I like.
Feeling Good
Newborn
Stockholm Syndrome
Thoughts of a Dying Atheist
Sunburn
Citizen Erased
Butterflies and Hurricanes
9/21/09
Problem Student
This might come as a shock to some of you, others it might fit in with your established view of me, but I am usually labeled as a "problem student." In most of my classes this is the case ranging from Elementary to University. In my memories in high school I was going strong as a problem student but teachers looked past it because of my 4.0. They don't like to mess with the smart kids. Well, in University it seems like your grade is dependent upon how much you can kiss up to the teacher. I have not been one to do this, there presents the problem. There is a class that I am in right now that should be 2 classes. There are way to many students for it to work in the way the teacher wants it to work. Large group discussions with 5 people raising their hands and the teacher specifically glancing over you because you are too opinionated just doesn't work. Small group discussions work.
Today I got reprimanded by my teacher. It is a class about becoming an ally for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Right now that is a huge passion of mine and I have experiences that she will shut down because they are the "white" experience. Because my group likes to talk about things like this, even during the break and before class, we sometimes strike up a small conversation within the larger conversation as it fits our need. We get reprimanded for talking more in depth about the issues. She should know that her teaching methods don't work with the current population of students she is working with. Why are her experiences "better" than mine? I talk about it because I care about it. The conversations are a comment to a neighbor here and there not a low roar for the entire class.
I sent her an email. I tried to explain how paramount this issue is to me and my family. I see what happens with my in-laws and husband. It is no longer a bystander position for me. I want to learn in that class. I want to hear the experiences of the students not just one set of experiences from the vantage of one person. There is more to learn. I hope that she doesn't take offense to the email. I was tactful. I told her the importance these issues have to me. I don't want to fail the class because I have something to say along with all the other people who have something to say that don't get a chance to say because of the classroom structure. It is the classroom structure that labels me as a problem student. I don't work well in that environment and an education department should understand that.
Today I got reprimanded by my teacher. It is a class about becoming an ally for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Right now that is a huge passion of mine and I have experiences that she will shut down because they are the "white" experience. Because my group likes to talk about things like this, even during the break and before class, we sometimes strike up a small conversation within the larger conversation as it fits our need. We get reprimanded for talking more in depth about the issues. She should know that her teaching methods don't work with the current population of students she is working with. Why are her experiences "better" than mine? I talk about it because I care about it. The conversations are a comment to a neighbor here and there not a low roar for the entire class.
I sent her an email. I tried to explain how paramount this issue is to me and my family. I see what happens with my in-laws and husband. It is no longer a bystander position for me. I want to learn in that class. I want to hear the experiences of the students not just one set of experiences from the vantage of one person. There is more to learn. I hope that she doesn't take offense to the email. I was tactful. I told her the importance these issues have to me. I don't want to fail the class because I have something to say along with all the other people who have something to say that don't get a chance to say because of the classroom structure. It is the classroom structure that labels me as a problem student. I don't work well in that environment and an education department should understand that.
9/19/09
9/18/09
Camcorder Pics
Endrit and I got our camcorder today. I LOVE it. It is small and user friendly. Now I just need to get a tripod and figure out the subject matter of the first video...of course it will include the grandkids:)
Here it is!
9/17/09
Student Teaching
Okay. I have told you that I wanted to student teach at SLCSE for a while. Well, it isn't going to happen. I am okay with that. I observed another teacher that I would like to teach with. I also need to go and observe a couple more teachers. I go and meet with the one teacher I really like tomorrow. It will be fun.
Favorite part.
Chapter 111 of The Lost Symbol is my favorite chapter. I will quote a very short part of it that made it my favorite chapter.
"'Timing aside,' Solomon said, 'I find it wondrous to note that throughout history, all of mankind's disparate philosophies have all concurred on one thing - that a great enlightenment is coming. In every culture, in every era, in every corner of the world, the human dream has focused on the same exact concept - the coming apotheosis of man...the impending transformation of our human minds into their true potentiality.' He smiled. 'What could possibly explain such a synchronicity of beliefs?'
'Truth,' said a quiet voice in the crowd.
Solomon wheeled. 'Who said that?'
The hand that went up belonged to a tiny Asian boy whose soft features suggested he might be Nepalese or Tibetan. 'Maybe there is a universal truth embedded in everyone's soul. Maybe we all have that same story hiding inside, like a shared constant in our DNA. Maybe this collective truth is responsible for the similarity in all of our stories.'
Solomon was beaming as he pressed his hands together and bowed reverently to the boy. 'Thank you.'"
So cool.
"'Timing aside,' Solomon said, 'I find it wondrous to note that throughout history, all of mankind's disparate philosophies have all concurred on one thing - that a great enlightenment is coming. In every culture, in every era, in every corner of the world, the human dream has focused on the same exact concept - the coming apotheosis of man...the impending transformation of our human minds into their true potentiality.' He smiled. 'What could possibly explain such a synchronicity of beliefs?'
'Truth,' said a quiet voice in the crowd.
Solomon wheeled. 'Who said that?'
The hand that went up belonged to a tiny Asian boy whose soft features suggested he might be Nepalese or Tibetan. 'Maybe there is a universal truth embedded in everyone's soul. Maybe we all have that same story hiding inside, like a shared constant in our DNA. Maybe this collective truth is responsible for the similarity in all of our stories.'
Solomon was beaming as he pressed his hands together and bowed reverently to the boy. 'Thank you.'"
So cool.
9/16/09
Surgery
I went to the doctor today and he saw that my tonsils are problematic enough for me to have them removed. It was a REALLY fast appointment. Most of the time it was scheduling the various places that I will have to be before I have surgery. So, I have my tonsillectomy on October 2nd.
As far as my frontal sinuses are concerned, he couldn't do anything today. I go in for a CT scan before my surgery and we will talk about the options there at my 3 week post operative appointment. I have been struggling with my sinuses for years now and my desire to dive is what finally made my mind up that there has to be something done about it! I know that my last ENT said that I had small sinuses. I don't know what will happen, but I hope to be back in the pool with Rick next summer or before. Diving has been the most fun recreational activity that I have done.
So, that is that. I am glad that I get scholarships and that Endrit and I have a good savings. I am also glad that I know I will be employed in a year to build that savings back up after my doctor bills take it out. Wish me luck.
As far as my frontal sinuses are concerned, he couldn't do anything today. I go in for a CT scan before my surgery and we will talk about the options there at my 3 week post operative appointment. I have been struggling with my sinuses for years now and my desire to dive is what finally made my mind up that there has to be something done about it! I know that my last ENT said that I had small sinuses. I don't know what will happen, but I hope to be back in the pool with Rick next summer or before. Diving has been the most fun recreational activity that I have done.
So, that is that. I am glad that I get scholarships and that Endrit and I have a good savings. I am also glad that I know I will be employed in a year to build that savings back up after my doctor bills take it out. Wish me luck.
9/12/09
Camcorder
For the first time, Endrit and I decided it was time to get a camcorder. Actually, I decided it was time to get one. I have to do videotaping of a couple of my lessons and I didn't want to try to use ones that I have to check out from the library that are ancient. So Endrit did his research and bought one today. It takes video as well as still pictures. It has a macro setting too. It will have a 16 GB memory which isn't great, but is more than any other camera of ours has. It takes pictures at 12 megapixels and video at 1080p HD resolution. Better than our TV can do.
I am glad that we will have it when we take our vacation to Albania. It will happen in either a year or 2. Possibly this coming summer between my classes and starting teaching and more classes. We are excited to get out of the country...although Endrit still needs to get his US passport.
I hope that it lasts for a while. I have an idea of a video blog with graduation, classroom activities, kids. The things that people like to tape.
I am glad that we will have it when we take our vacation to Albania. It will happen in either a year or 2. Possibly this coming summer between my classes and starting teaching and more classes. We are excited to get out of the country...although Endrit still needs to get his US passport.
I hope that it lasts for a while. I have an idea of a video blog with graduation, classroom activities, kids. The things that people like to tape.
9/10/09
Hiccup
There has been a little bit of a hiccup with regards to me student teaching at SLCSE. I have decided who I will name as my number 1 pick for my student teaching. Her name is Niki Hack. I feel that I can learn a lot from her as well as she is willing and ready to have a student teacher work with her. The problem is the director of the school. He has valid reasons for not wanting me to completely take over a class. Parents like knowing that their children are learning from the best considering each student has a choice to come to this school or not. I don't want to stand in their way with that. I do however like knowing their counter offer to the University. I would have 2 classes of my own to teach. I would be the head teacher. I would teach geology. I would make my own curriculum. I would be under the direction of the director rather than a site teacher. I like this idea. They would have a cheap (free) teacher and have 1 more class offered for the students. I am more than willing to do this for various reasons. Right now, I just need to have the University agree to this. I will be talking to people come Monday. I will be setting things in motion. I just hope that it works out in the end through persistence and proving I am up to their high standards.
9/4/09
otolyryngologist (head and neck surgeon)
I went in for a doctor's appointment on Thursday. I have been having troubles with my sinuses since high school. These became extremely apparent when I went SCUBA diving with Rick. It really does make me mad that I couldn't finish the certification. I also have been having troubles with my tonsils the last few years. I think that they will eventually have to go. Right now I am having troubles with them.
So, at my doctor appointment I got the insurance referral to go to the specialist. I will be seeing him on the 16th and we will be seeing if I will be having a couple of surgeries in the next few months. I would like to get everything done this semester. It would be easier to have the surgery now than wait until I am student teaching.
Both of these are quality of life surgeries. It isn't 100% necessary for me to have them done, but while I can, I probably should. We will see what the surgeon says. The specialist I am seeing is also a surgeon.
So, at my doctor appointment I got the insurance referral to go to the specialist. I will be seeing him on the 16th and we will be seeing if I will be having a couple of surgeries in the next few months. I would like to get everything done this semester. It would be easier to have the surgery now than wait until I am student teaching.
Both of these are quality of life surgeries. It isn't 100% necessary for me to have them done, but while I can, I probably should. We will see what the surgeon says. The specialist I am seeing is also a surgeon.
9/3/09
Citizenship Ceremony Pictures
I told you about the wonderful lady that took pictures of Endrit's citizenship ceremony in this post. Well, today I got the CD of 39 pictures that she took of the ceremony with Endrit and I. I am SO happy that she was willing and able to do this for us. My camera didn't work well enough. She is the nicest lady. So, here are some of the pictures.
9/1/09
Blood
Endrit has tried to dissuade me from donating blood ever since I brought it up the first time after we met. I have veins that are hard to get at, but once it is in, you get a good amount of blood out of me. He donated one time and was lightheaded horribly so I went in today a little wary about what I was going to feel like.
Well, I told the lady I was a hard stick, but she decided to not only try, but try in my non dominant arm. She fished with a 1 gauge needle. Maybe it wasn't that big, but I was glad I didn't see the needle before I saw here fishing in my arm. She got some out, but it stopped and she didn't want to fish more as it was already bruising. I have a great bruise on my left arm.
So, I told her that I really wanted to donate. I didn't walk to 2 miles to my house and back to get my photo ID just to not donate. I was not going to let her stick me again though. I got the head phlebotomist at the donation site and he was able to stick me one time, no fishing, and I don't see a bruise starting.
I did get light headed. I had to sit there for about an hour to get my head situated enough. I wasn't nearly as bad as some other people in there. I felt bad for them.
All in all I am glad that someone will be able to use my B+ blood to live. I won't be donating too often, but I am now determined to donate blood one time a year while I can. It was a nice experience. I am 1 pint low on blood, I am tired, I looked like death warmed over me when I had to walk back uphill to get to my class, but I will do it again and I hope that other people will donate blood when they hear about a blood drive.
8/28/09
BIG news!!
I have been talking about this school Salt Lake Center for Science Education, or SLCSE, and how I want to student teach there for a while. If you haven't, I have wanted to teach there for over a year now. Stellar teachers with SO much for me to learn from them. The beginning of the semester made me mad when my professor told me that SLCSE was not on the list of approved schools to student teach at. I was not going to take that sitting down so I nicely but firmly went to the proper authorities to see if the school would be put on the list.
Today the school is on the list! I will be meeting with the teachers that I could be working with for the next year, soaking up all the knowledge I can. I couldn't be happier right now! As a hopeful middle school science teacher, I believe that this is the best environment to learn the best teaching strategies possible to hook kids on science. Middle school science charter, here I come!
Today the school is on the list! I will be meeting with the teachers that I could be working with for the next year, soaking up all the knowledge I can. I couldn't be happier right now! As a hopeful middle school science teacher, I believe that this is the best environment to learn the best teaching strategies possible to hook kids on science. Middle school science charter, here I come!
8/19/09
And Then Summer Ends
It was a fun summer for school. I was able to get over 100% in both classes that I took. My GPA went from 3.337 to 3.393. After next semester I should be back in the 3.4 range. I know it may be petty, but that is something that I really do take pride in.
Now it is on to my first semester for my cohort year of student teaching. I have every textbook bought and tuition is payed. It will be a fun semester. I have 12 credit hours. I am taking my last general education class. It is funny to see a 1010 class in the midst of three 5000 level classes.
Come November, I apply for both my Bachelors graduation and my Masters program. It may be earlier than that, but that is my timescale.
Now it is on to my first semester for my cohort year of student teaching. I have every textbook bought and tuition is payed. It will be a fun semester. I have 12 credit hours. I am taking my last general education class. It is funny to see a 1010 class in the midst of three 5000 level classes.
Come November, I apply for both my Bachelors graduation and my Masters program. It may be earlier than that, but that is my timescale.
8/11/09
Anti-social
I looked back and the 1-2 posts per day on this blog have been lacking this summer. I know that there are reasons behind it. I have decided I don't really like my life being too far out there on the internet (not enough to make me put this on private again; but still). I have enjoyed reading my books. I have enjoyed the summer. It has really built me up to start my student teaching year. So, I have been able to go into those parts of my life and become the anti-social person that I really would rather be.
I don't fit in with peers. I don't truly fit in with my family most of the time. I only have one part of my life that I truly fit with and that is Endrit. We don't have friends, and that is okay by us since he is every bit as anti-social as I am. I had my second anxiety attack in church this Sunday and couldn't get through Sunday school. I almost left Relief Society. I think I would have had a complete breakdown if I even looked at the sacrament meeting crowd. Maybe I am feeling useless after I don't have a calling anymore. I want to go back to Princeton ward; but that is beside the point.
I haven't called anyone in 2 weeks. I don't like to receive phone calls all that much. I have written a couple of emails, but those were for letters of recommendations and asking if I could observe/student teach at their school. It wasn't one of those personal emails.
So, if anyone has noticed this, you are not being singled out. I am consistently avoiding anyone and everyone possible. I like to just sit in the back and watch sometimes. This is the longest I have been in this mood. Usually stress comes with talking things out in some way shape and form, but it doesn't seem that it is working itself out in the manner that I am used to.
I am fine. I am just not all mentally there right now. I have a one-track mind with school and that is all I am allowing myself to face at this point. It is my 6th year of school without the end coming with my bachelors, which right now I wouldn't even consider being a bad thing. Going to graduate school is the only thing that truly isn't a stressful part of my psyche. I have had trouble coming to terms with what I will do after I am done with school.
2 more years of mental preparation is more than worth it, even if I am truly ready at that point to face the world outside of university at that point. I might just have to keep going to school. I am not ready to move to the next step; at all. I am content with the status quo.
So, I may screen my calls. I may not answer emails. I may just become completely involved in school and that is how it is supposed to be; for me...right now. I am not depressed. I am just ambivalent towards most situations and people right now. There is nothing that needs to be said or done. It took a lot out of me to write the blog about Jimmy so I don't think I will be writing on here much. It just isn't worth the mental stress to think that people actually read my blog and care that I have been slowing down. I can't even bring myself to write about cleaning the temple although it was wonderful.
I will be back at some point, but I wouldn't hold my breath thinking that it is going to be soon. Check back in a couple of years maybe.
I don't fit in with peers. I don't truly fit in with my family most of the time. I only have one part of my life that I truly fit with and that is Endrit. We don't have friends, and that is okay by us since he is every bit as anti-social as I am. I had my second anxiety attack in church this Sunday and couldn't get through Sunday school. I almost left Relief Society. I think I would have had a complete breakdown if I even looked at the sacrament meeting crowd. Maybe I am feeling useless after I don't have a calling anymore. I want to go back to Princeton ward; but that is beside the point.
I haven't called anyone in 2 weeks. I don't like to receive phone calls all that much. I have written a couple of emails, but those were for letters of recommendations and asking if I could observe/student teach at their school. It wasn't one of those personal emails.
So, if anyone has noticed this, you are not being singled out. I am consistently avoiding anyone and everyone possible. I like to just sit in the back and watch sometimes. This is the longest I have been in this mood. Usually stress comes with talking things out in some way shape and form, but it doesn't seem that it is working itself out in the manner that I am used to.
I am fine. I am just not all mentally there right now. I have a one-track mind with school and that is all I am allowing myself to face at this point. It is my 6th year of school without the end coming with my bachelors, which right now I wouldn't even consider being a bad thing. Going to graduate school is the only thing that truly isn't a stressful part of my psyche. I have had trouble coming to terms with what I will do after I am done with school.
2 more years of mental preparation is more than worth it, even if I am truly ready at that point to face the world outside of university at that point. I might just have to keep going to school. I am not ready to move to the next step; at all. I am content with the status quo.
So, I may screen my calls. I may not answer emails. I may just become completely involved in school and that is how it is supposed to be; for me...right now. I am not depressed. I am just ambivalent towards most situations and people right now. There is nothing that needs to be said or done. It took a lot out of me to write the blog about Jimmy so I don't think I will be writing on here much. It just isn't worth the mental stress to think that people actually read my blog and care that I have been slowing down. I can't even bring myself to write about cleaning the temple although it was wonderful.
I will be back at some point, but I wouldn't hold my breath thinking that it is going to be soon. Check back in a couple of years maybe.
8/9/09
Jimmy
Okay, I know that my cats are weird. That will always be true. We couldn't have cats with more different personalities. Dexter likes to just lay around. He runs and plays, but he also knows how to find the softest pillow in the house and sleep the day away like a cat should. Jimmy on the other hand is crazy all day mostly. He is more of a napper. He sleeps for a bit and then runs around like crazy. Also, Dexter is a picky eater. He is a cat food or human food that is meat. He never begs. Jimmy...well, he begs for nectarines, rice, veggies, practically anything that Endrit and I are eating. He jumps on us and begs and when we rarely give in, he eats it. He stole the top of a tomato and ate the whole thing. He has stolen a nectarine pit to lick it. He is so funny. If we wanted to he would only eat people food, but we don't like hardly ever giving in to his begging. He is just funny.
8/6/09
SLC Public Library
I just wanted to brag about my library. Not only is it beautiful, but it is well stocked. There is always a quiet place to sit and read. The best part is the hold desk. You go online and pick out the books you want and place them on hold at the library and you don't have to physically look for the book you want. Also, since there are 5 libraries in the SLCPL system, if the book isn't at the library you want, they will ship it to where you want to place it on that holdshelf. It is awesome.
8/4/09
Last Day of Summer School
Today I go to my last class for summer school. I couldn't be happier. This summer has been MUCH more restful than last summer, but I kind of like resting before Fall semester starts. This Fall is going to be interesting.
I have an online class, a "pre cohort" class that should have been done already (oops) and my student teaching prep classes that are 7:30 AM classes. It will be interesting. I am glad that I (for the most part) like school.
But, in the 3 weeks I have before the semester starts I have several books to read and 5 lbs to loose. I will have time for the gym again. I have already read 5 leisure books this summer along with the reads for the class. I have 4 more that I have already picked out. I haven't been too disappointed with my reads. I have decided that the Salt Lake Public Library is my friend. I have checked out tons of books from there.
So, this summer has been fun. I don't think I could have handled it if I wasn't in classes. I have to stay busy or I am just too bored. So, now is the time to order my textbooks and sell the ones I had from this summer. Fun times. I am glad that I am done with my class today.
I have an online class, a "pre cohort" class that should have been done already (oops) and my student teaching prep classes that are 7:30 AM classes. It will be interesting. I am glad that I (for the most part) like school.
But, in the 3 weeks I have before the semester starts I have several books to read and 5 lbs to loose. I will have time for the gym again. I have already read 5 leisure books this summer along with the reads for the class. I have 4 more that I have already picked out. I haven't been too disappointed with my reads. I have decided that the Salt Lake Public Library is my friend. I have checked out tons of books from there.
So, this summer has been fun. I don't think I could have handled it if I wasn't in classes. I have to stay busy or I am just too bored. So, now is the time to order my textbooks and sell the ones I had from this summer. Fun times. I am glad that I am done with my class today.
7/31/09
The Temple
The temple never ceases to amaze me. I am glad that Endrit and I have always lived within a couple of hours of a temple. It has been one of the biggest blessings of our marriage. Upon going to the temple our first times, Endrit and I made the goal of going once a month. To this day we have kept that promise to each other. 4 years and 3 months so far for Endrit and 4 years and 6 months for me. With the temple cleaning at the SLC temple this month and family visits, we almost missed this month. We were able to go to the 7:00 pm session today. We always feel so peaceful and uplifted while we are there. Today was one of the more peaceful sessions that I have had the opportunity to go through. Life has been a little rough for the last month and a half since we have gone. Endrit has his pre-oral that he is preparing for and I am entering my last year of my bachelors while doing summer school. It has been hectic. We went through and got everything confirmed that it will all work out and that we are on the specific path that the Lord wants us on.
I love knowing that I have the Lord on my side. I love knowing that I can turn to Him in all things big and small. I love personal revelation and peace in knowing that you are doing the right things for YOU. I love praying in the temple and feeling as close to God as I can on this Earth.
I had a great night. My heart is full. I am ready for the next month of challenges before I will have the priviledge to enter the temple again. I am excited for the 10th of August. I will have the opportunity to go to the temple on a Monday in order to clean it. I know it is only vaccuming or slight painting, but it is something that I can do physically for the Earthly home of the Lord.
I love knowing that I have the Lord on my side. I love knowing that I can turn to Him in all things big and small. I love personal revelation and peace in knowing that you are doing the right things for YOU. I love praying in the temple and feeling as close to God as I can on this Earth.
I had a great night. My heart is full. I am ready for the next month of challenges before I will have the priviledge to enter the temple again. I am excited for the 10th of August. I will have the opportunity to go to the temple on a Monday in order to clean it. I know it is only vaccuming or slight painting, but it is something that I can do physically for the Earthly home of the Lord.
Fan of Sales
I am a huge fan of sales. I don't think that anything is worth paying full price for. I have a love affair with bath and body works which to me is expensive. More specifically, I like the antibacterial foaming soaps and body cream. So, I wait for deals. I get a deal in the mail (thank you to the previous tenant) and it is 7 for $20 with the soaps. It also came with a buy $15 worth of stuff and get a free $12 body cream. I had to go and get the deal. There was nothing more about it. I had to. I give the soaps away as gifts for some people. So, I go to the store and the total before discounts is $47. I can't believe anyone would actually pay that. I got it all for $21. I am just good that way. That is why ebay is awesome. Endrit thinks that it is funny that I seem to have a 6th sense for sales. I am not ashamed of this. It means that we can buy higher quality things for less than the cheap stuff.
7/25/09
New Playlist
I have been wanting to sit down and create a new playlist for myself. Endrit has always done this for me, and we differ in music tastes most times. So, I have spent the last few hours going through my music and got an initial 155 songs of my own choice sorted through, organized and placed in my MP3 player. I have much more to do, more bands to find that I like, and listening to my new playlist. I am glad that I finally got this started.
7/23/09
Seriously I am not Pregnant
I truly am just sick. I am not sure with what, but it is nothing more than that. I had my period 3 days ago! If I was pregnant...I wouldn't be posting about my morning sickness this early. So, Sorry I posted the other blog. This would be the absolute worst time to get pregnant. I still have to do my student teaching and my Masters.
7/22/09
Still not hungry
I have been not feeling well for the last week. I just have zero appetite for anything. I am hungry but if I look at food I get nauseated. I have had a grand total of a bowl of cereal with no silk. I just ate it with my fingers out of the bowl. Yesterday, I had a nectarine, honeydew and rice. I don't think I ate on Sunday. It isn't fun. Nauseated all the time. I have been trying to get my homework done, but it just doesn't work. I am tired but I can't sleep. I am sick of bland foods. Even bread didn't look any appetizing today. I have lost 7 pounds in 5 days. I could stay sick for a little longer if that keeps up. So, blah.
I can't believe that I will be done with my summer class in 2 weeks. That really makes me happy :) Then I can read the 5 books I have on hold at the library and do my Wii fit again. I might just have to get more books too. Any suggestions. I like non-to-deep books. Grisham fan, Dan Brown fan...Things like that.
I can't believe that I will be done with my summer class in 2 weeks. That really makes me happy :) Then I can read the 5 books I have on hold at the library and do my Wii fit again. I might just have to get more books too. Any suggestions. I like non-to-deep books. Grisham fan, Dan Brown fan...Things like that.
7/19/09
Twilight
Over the last week I have decided I would jump on the Twilight saga band wagon and read all the books. I am a fan of fantasy so I thought warewolves and vampires would be up my alley. So, I have seen the movie from the first book and it wasn't a horrible story-line. Actually in all honesty, I enjoyed the movie more once I read the book.
The second book, rubbed me the wrong way. I am not really a fan of Jacob. 2 years younger and much less mature. I have to say that once the vampires were back in the story, it was better.
Third book, a little dry, a little gruesome and over the top. Too much fighting over the female lead. I was glad that the last vampire trying to kill the human was destroyed.
Forth book, my favorite of the books. It was nice to see her actually turned into a vampire.
I wasn't too impressed. I think that I will stick to the movies. I have read them. Now I am trying to figure out the books I will read the 3 weeks I have off of school. I have read SO many books this summer. So...I say, don't waste your time reading twilight. It was an easy read. It was a very sappy romance(ish) novel. I don't know why it is a bestseller.
The second book, rubbed me the wrong way. I am not really a fan of Jacob. 2 years younger and much less mature. I have to say that once the vampires were back in the story, it was better.
Third book, a little dry, a little gruesome and over the top. Too much fighting over the female lead. I was glad that the last vampire trying to kill the human was destroyed.
Forth book, my favorite of the books. It was nice to see her actually turned into a vampire.
I wasn't too impressed. I think that I will stick to the movies. I have read them. Now I am trying to figure out the books I will read the 3 weeks I have off of school. I have read SO many books this summer. So...I say, don't waste your time reading twilight. It was an easy read. It was a very sappy romance(ish) novel. I don't know why it is a bestseller.
7/15/09
Comparison
Endrit and I talked today about how he feels to be American. He is more than glad to be a citizen. It opens a whole new world to him. But, there were similarities that we found with gaining citizenship and getting married.
Driving to the luncheon after our temple wedding we talked. Both of us didn't feel any different. We went to a ceremony that was awesome, got a piece of paper that signified a change of status. That was it. We didn't feel any different about each other than we did before. NO difference.
This is the same as citizenship with Endrit. He has always been patriotic to this nation even without being a citizen. He had better have been or the family wouldn't like him at all. So, we go to an awesone ceremony today, he gets a piece of paper and his status changed. That was all. Just the same as getting married.
That piece of paper in both cases comes with perks, like being sealed for time and all eternity to the one person you love more than anything, or the right to vote. It is just interesting. He kind of did get "married" to the USA today.
Driving to the luncheon after our temple wedding we talked. Both of us didn't feel any different. We went to a ceremony that was awesome, got a piece of paper that signified a change of status. That was it. We didn't feel any different about each other than we did before. NO difference.
This is the same as citizenship with Endrit. He has always been patriotic to this nation even without being a citizen. He had better have been or the family wouldn't like him at all. So, we go to an awesone ceremony today, he gets a piece of paper and his status changed. That was all. Just the same as getting married.
That piece of paper in both cases comes with perks, like being sealed for time and all eternity to the one person you love more than anything, or the right to vote. It is just interesting. He kind of did get "married" to the USA today.
DONE!!!
Endrit is officially a citizen. It was an amazing experience! Endrit and I got there early so that he could sit near the front to leave the soonest. When we got there, I thought that I was just going to be sitting outside the theater waiting for him. Well, they said new citizens this way...friends and family on the balcony! I was able to be there and watch the whole thing!! It was so crowded. I sat next to a wonderful lady. She took pictures of Endrit and will be emailing them to me. She even said that she would email pictures of the judge and the speakers as well. She even took pictures of me! She was the nicest lady! I am glad that she was there because if she wasn't I wouldn't have the pictures because my camera just wasn't cutting it. I am happy that it is over! Endrit is happy that he is a citizen. Now we are just a regular all American family. Thank you to all the people that have helped Endrit and I on this long road to citizenship!
7/12/09
Citizenship Party
Yes, I am aware that Endrit does not in fact have his citizenship quite yet. But, since it was a day in between my brother's Army weekends (or the 2 weeks) that could come and Endrit and I would be in Preston for a vet appointment for Jimmy, my Mom and I planned a nice surprise get together to celebrate Endrit.
Here is the cake that my brother Phillip had made for the occasion! It was awesome! It is the only picture I have because funny thing, I took pictures with my Mom's camera and not mine.
She should be emailing the rest later.
Endrit also got an "All American" wood wall decor plaque from Bill and Tina Stewart. The Stewarts are awesome friends. We are lucky to have met that wonderful family. When I have a baby, it will be blessed in Weston 1: because it is a nice in-between place for people to meet without driving forever and 2: because the Stewarts will be there. That is how great of friends they are. They have done a LOT for Endrit and I over the years that I don't think it is possible to repay them. (Similar to how you can never repay your parents).
We had lots of fun. We are excited for Wednesday because there is an almost 100% possibility that he will be sworn in as a citizen of this great nation by US district court Judge Ted Stewart, of the afformentiond Stewart family. He says that this is the best part of his job and it is a big step for all the people that get sworn in. I will post pictures of Endrit with the Judge when it is totally finalized. I will also get more pictures from my Mom and post more of the party.
Other than that, my kitties are really not happy after a trip to the vet. They have little fevers and Jimmy is so clingy...not that I mind the clinginess. They didn't even play when we got home. Usually we have to kick them off the bed to get to sleep, but no. Dexter was at my feet and out in 2 seconds and Jimmy was on the "kitty's pillow" I keep above my head (I am short enough to give up a couple of feet of bed space for a cat). I think that they will be a little better today, but they did get 2 shots. Poor little things. I don't like knowing that they are sad.
It was a great weekend. Thanks to all the people that came and sorry to the ones that were not able to make it. Thanks to my Mom for hosting it. I think that we all had a good time. I know that Endrit and I did.
Here is the cake that my brother Phillip had made for the occasion! It was awesome! It is the only picture I have because funny thing, I took pictures with my Mom's camera and not mine.
She should be emailing the rest later.Endrit also got an "All American" wood wall decor plaque from Bill and Tina Stewart. The Stewarts are awesome friends. We are lucky to have met that wonderful family. When I have a baby, it will be blessed in Weston 1: because it is a nice in-between place for people to meet without driving forever and 2: because the Stewarts will be there. That is how great of friends they are. They have done a LOT for Endrit and I over the years that I don't think it is possible to repay them. (Similar to how you can never repay your parents).
We had lots of fun. We are excited for Wednesday because there is an almost 100% possibility that he will be sworn in as a citizen of this great nation by US district court Judge Ted Stewart, of the afformentiond Stewart family. He says that this is the best part of his job and it is a big step for all the people that get sworn in. I will post pictures of Endrit with the Judge when it is totally finalized. I will also get more pictures from my Mom and post more of the party.
Other than that, my kitties are really not happy after a trip to the vet. They have little fevers and Jimmy is so clingy...not that I mind the clinginess. They didn't even play when we got home. Usually we have to kick them off the bed to get to sleep, but no. Dexter was at my feet and out in 2 seconds and Jimmy was on the "kitty's pillow" I keep above my head (I am short enough to give up a couple of feet of bed space for a cat). I think that they will be a little better today, but they did get 2 shots. Poor little things. I don't like knowing that they are sad.
It was a great weekend. Thanks to all the people that came and sorry to the ones that were not able to make it. Thanks to my Mom for hosting it. I think that we all had a good time. I know that Endrit and I did.
7/10/09
Wii Friends
I am sad I don't have any Wii friends. It says that I have to register people and those people have to register me. If you want to be my Wii friend I will need your wii number.
To give me this I am assuming that people don't know how to do it, so I will explain. On the Wii menu you go to the lower right corner and you click on the Wii message board. In that menu, on the left, you click on the create message button. TO be more confusing it is the right most button on the lower left of the screen. If you haven't registered anyone (like me:( ) click on the yellow envelope and it will tell you what your Wii number is. If you have registered people, you don't need this direction so whatever.
So, if you want to be my friend, comment me or email me rachelshurdha@gmail.com your Wii number. Mine is 5458 2263 5195 9876
To give me this I am assuming that people don't know how to do it, so I will explain. On the Wii menu you go to the lower right corner and you click on the Wii message board. In that menu, on the left, you click on the create message button. TO be more confusing it is the right most button on the lower left of the screen. If you haven't registered anyone (like me:( ) click on the yellow envelope and it will tell you what your Wii number is. If you have registered people, you don't need this direction so whatever.
So, if you want to be my friend, comment me or email me rachelshurdha@gmail.com your Wii number. Mine is 5458 2263 5195 9876
7/9/09
Steals
So, I have been following a site called babysteals.com for baby shower gifts, and now the same people have broadened their steals with 2 more "topics" other than baby. There is now a scrapbooksteals.com and also a kidsteals.com. So for babies, kids and scrappers, you can get 1 deal a day at 9:00am MST for at least 50% off of regular price. Fun!
7/8/09
300
So, I have gone to 300 posts. I blurb a lot. I guess that is okay. This next picture is nothing against my mother. It is actually the dedication to a book that I am reading for my literature class. I thought it was funny how she caricatured her mother so I thought I would share.
I have read 5 books. I am glad I am getting into the swing of things. I read an entire book today. I am excited to start reading the rest of them and write my larger paper. It isn't such a bad class even though I will end up reading 15 books in 6 weeks. Luckily they are juvenile. So, I can't believe it has been 300. I like having this blog. I also think that people should read Tove Jansson's work.
I have read 5 books. I am glad I am getting into the swing of things. I read an entire book today. I am excited to start reading the rest of them and write my larger paper. It isn't such a bad class even though I will end up reading 15 books in 6 weeks. Luckily they are juvenile. So, I can't believe it has been 300. I like having this blog. I also think that people should read Tove Jansson's work.
7/7/09
Next Wednesday
I have just realized that July 15th is nice for several reasons. Not only will Endrit get his citizenship that day, Harry Potter and the half blood prince will be in theaters. Who would have thought? I have to admit that I am more excited about Endrit that Harry Potter. It isn't even comparable. Sorry all you Harry Potter fans out there.
7/5/09
Primary
In 2 weeks, I will no longer be a primary teacher. I finally talked to the bishop and he agrees that a sabbatical from Primary would be the best thing.
7/2/09
Jimmy and Dexter pictures
Sleeping kitties are just too cute. Jimmy fits in our family so well. He is just sleeping up there upside-down.
If you look close, you see Dexter's tongue licking Jimmy's head. They are just so cute together.
If you look close, you see Dexter's tongue licking Jimmy's head. They are just so cute together.
Poor Dexter
Something happened to Dexter's foot. He is limping around. He is still eating and putting up with Jimmy well with playing. I just don't like that he is in a little pain. So, I went to Smith's and bought some Epsom Salt. I mixed up a little bath for him to soak his little leg in with cool water. I held him and put his leg in and after just a couple of seconds he just laid there. I massaged his leg and he stayed with me soaking his leg for 5 minutes. He is now playing much more heavily with Jimmy. I had to tie Jimmy up for a bit because he was being too rough with Dexter. It is so sad. I will soak it again tonight and tomorrow, but if it doesn't get better, we will go to the vet.
6/30/09
Allergies
Over the past 3 years my seasonal allergies have gotten horrible. I wake up sneezing at least every 5-10 minutes. I try and take my Zyrtec but it takes forever for it to kick in. Here is another thing on my to do list for my next doctor's appointment.
6/29/09
New Phones
Endrit and I finally got new phones. We actually got them in the mail today. They are nice. I really like my phone. Endrit had to leave for lunch while I was still trying to talk to the lady on the phone to figure out why I wasn't able to activate my phone. After about an hour trying to activate them, it was accomplished and Endrit is at work without either of his phones because I had to steal them. Oh well, I will see him in a half an hour and give him is brand-spanking-new phone. Starting on the 13th of July, we will have unlimited texting to anyone on any network. Exciting! Okay. I have to get going to my next money making psych hour with Endrit. We get paid to go to a couples counseling session (not that we need it).
6/28/09
Dexter and Jimmy
Here is a video of Jimmy playing with Dexter's tail.
here is a cute picture of Jimmy on the air mattress as well.
And then it started to lift him up and he went crazy. CUTENESS!
here is a cute picture of Jimmy on the air mattress as well.
And then it started to lift him up and he went crazy. CUTENESS!
Ross Dress for Less
I finally talked Endrit into going shopping for a new set of sheets since we haven't bought any since we have been married. Got one for Christmas, but, with cats and claws and such...they have had holes in them for a while. I knew that good sheets come in an investment type thing. They will last a long time so get the good ones.
There is nothing that Endrit and I hate worse than paying full price for anything. There is no use in doing that. So, we went to Ross. We got 600 thread count queen sheets for $30. We got 2 of them. Even at Target they are $80. We are definitely happy that we find great deals. It makes student life easier as we learn these things to get a lot more savings tips when we are older and have kids and a house and stuff.
There is nothing that Endrit and I hate worse than paying full price for anything. There is no use in doing that. So, we went to Ross. We got 600 thread count queen sheets for $30. We got 2 of them. Even at Target they are $80. We are definitely happy that we find great deals. It makes student life easier as we learn these things to get a lot more savings tips when we are older and have kids and a house and stuff.
Going crazy.
I wish I could tell the parents of the kids in my class what I really think about their kids. Honestly there are a couple of sweeties in the class but most of them are the spawn of Satan. They are ill behaved and have their parents wrapped around their little finger. I am at a loss of what I can do because 1 day a week just doesn't cut it. It has to be a more parental/home permanent solution. Now that summer has started and they are out of school, it is a million times worse. I love primary. I have been in it for 3 years and I am *this* close to getting an appointment with the bishop for another calling. I would do it if the primary was not already short 2 sets of teachers. Granted I have been teaching 2 classes for over a month and I am sick of it. I just hope that things get sorted out in the primary soon. I think that once it is back to normal, it will be better.
6/27/09
Temple
Endrit and I went to the 7:00 AM session in the Salt Lake Temple today. It was beautiful as always, but it was a little bit different today. While we were waiting in the chapel before going into the session, the main organizer announced that there was going to be sealings in a sealing room off of the celestial room right after the session for 20 minutes. Endrit and I decided that we wanted to be a part of that. It was fun. We have enjoyed doing sealings each time that we have done them. It was amazing sitting there with the stained glass window of the first vision. It was very spiritual. Going through a session for a deceased person is awe inspiring, but sealing a family together takes it to a whole new level of spirituality. Endrit and I were able to be the first people getting vicariously sealed. It was a great temple experience today. I was only a wife or mother. I was unable to be a daughter in a sealing, but it was amazing.
6/23/09
6/22/09
Kitty love
I had to take these with my phone. I don't have my camera because I accidentally left it at my parents house. It makes me really sad! Dexter likes Jimmy more than Jimmy likes Dexter.
Dexter isn't attacking Jimmy, he is licking him. It was SOOO cute! I have to share. The next 3 weeks will be some not so great photos, but they are photos none the less.
6/21/09
Teaching about Ebay
Endrit and I go to his parents most Sundays for dinner and the topic of Ebay came up today because Endrit is looking for a new rechargeable battery for their electronic translator (dictionary with phrases). Yeah, it was really hard for him to explain what it is. It took 20 minutes and I don't think we could even start to teach them how to actually use it. I think with the whole Albanian portion, it would be like teaching a 90 year old to use it.
6/20/09
Correction
I have to make a correction to the posts I have made about our new kitten. We went to the vet today and found out that "she" is actually "he" We have a little Jimmy on our hands! I am now a little more nervous about Dexter! He will eventually get used to Jimmy.
6/19/09
DeeDee
I was able to go and pick up DeeDee today. She is tiny and adorable! I am definitely in L-O-V-E!! She likes to sleep and I took these while she was sleeping. She likes to sleep right near my head. Adorable!!
6/18/09
July 15, 2009
This is the date that Endrit will be officially getting his US citizenship. So, that is that. I need to buy a cake or something.
New Kitty DeeDee
April Rasmussen announced on Facebook that she needed to give a kitten away. Endrit and I have been thinking about getting a kitten for a while so we thought that it would be a good thing. She is SO adorable! We are picking her up on Saturday. It just felt good! Here are a few pictures of the newest member of the Shurdha family!
Endrit and I can't be more excited!
Endrit and I can't be more excited!
6/17/09
Primary
I am getting concerned about the primary that I go to and teach in every Sunday. I asked a wonderful lady to substitute for me while I was in Kansas. Well, I went to pick up the manual today and the report was as I feared it would be. There is still a horrifically low number of teachers in the primary. I think it is a grand total of 4 and I think 1 was a sub. The president just adopted a brand new baby girl and is due with her own child in November. The first councilor told us 2 Sundays ago that she was moving and wouldn't be back at the church after that week. The second councilor just had her baby 2 weeks ago. The secretary is due in July...or late June. Pretty much any day now. The primary is disintegrating and I don't think I can handle much more. It has not been fun at all. Something needs to be done and it seems like NOTHING is getting done. My hope is diminishing. I just want to go back to the days that we loved primary.
6/16/09
Tomato Plant
So we planted our tomato a while ago and we are starting to get the first little tomatoes coming. I am SO excited.
Also, look how huge the plant is!
Also, look how huge the plant is!
New Glasses
While at the reunion my aunt Amy told the family about the website Zenni Optical for inexpensive prescription glasses. I have been in need of new glasses for a year so I decided that I would go and get my prescription updated and buy some new glasses. So, I called and got an appointment for today. Now, I should have 2 pairs of glasses (with polarized sunglasses) coming in the mail within 2 weeks.
One of the funniest things today was the eye exam. I called around to area businesses to find the place with the cheapest eye exam and it ended up being Eyemasters. I was happy about that since it was on 4th right down the road (and I could have taken Trax). I go there and have the eye exam. My eyes got about the same amount of "worse" which is what they are supposed to do. Last time one eye got much more worse than the other. It isn't supposed to do that. So, I go to pay and the lady says if you buy the cleaning kit, your eye exam will decrease in price. Normally, the exam is $40. If you buy the kit it is $30. The funniest thing is that the kit only cost $7. So, I got the kit and I saved $3. I was glad.
I will take pictures when I get them. I am happy.
One of the funniest things today was the eye exam. I called around to area businesses to find the place with the cheapest eye exam and it ended up being Eyemasters. I was happy about that since it was on 4th right down the road (and I could have taken Trax). I go there and have the eye exam. My eyes got about the same amount of "worse" which is what they are supposed to do. Last time one eye got much more worse than the other. It isn't supposed to do that. So, I go to pay and the lady says if you buy the cleaning kit, your eye exam will decrease in price. Normally, the exam is $40. If you buy the kit it is $30. The funniest thing is that the kit only cost $7. So, I got the kit and I saved $3. I was glad.
I will take pictures when I get them. I am happy.
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