Santa is Coming

Though Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I do like the spirit of Christmas.  (I wrote this next section and sounded totally lame and full of myself, so I've changed the names to protect the innocent...)  I hate the idea of having to give gifts.  I love to give gifts, but not because I feel like I'm supposed to - i.e. Birthdays and Christmas.  I don't like people's expectations.  I've told people my whole life - don't give me presents because I won't give you one :)  and I don't.

What I do love to buy for is sub for santa.  It is completely voluntary and anonymous.  I don't have to stress over purchasing the perfect gift, or wonder if they'll like it or think I'm an idiot.  I don't have to worry at all.  I can just buy what the ornament says or come up with whatever I think is fun.  They can hate it or love it, but I'll never know and that is the spirit of Christmas that I love.  

Every year we set up an angel tree and service auction with friends, for some needy students at my school.  It is fun for me because I can see it change their lives (and ours) just a little bit, but them not knowing it has anything to do with me.  I also love how many people get involved and how generous people are.  These kids get MP3 players, top of the line NIKEs, adorable coats. etc.  Its not just a DI run, but great new things - which is so good when they're teenagers trying to fit in.  I like to imagine happy faces and the excitement when they see all those bright presents under the tree (or probably just on the floor in their apartment) that they get to open on Christmas - even if it is boring things like socks and undies.  

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be able to give to others (under no obligation ;) because I have been so blessed.  I am grateful for all of my friends and wonderful family who too have helped these kids have a better holiday season.  I am not a fan of wrapping presents, so all who helped with that too... bless you and where were you tonight - ugh, if I never see another pair of scissors or scotch tape again, it'll be too soon!  May you all have a fabulous Christmas and feel of Christ's love.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Primary isn't for sissies

Last Sunday I was sustain as a "primary worker".  That means they can do whatever they want with you, in there.  Someone dropped off the manual during the week and nothing else was said.  I was nervous to teach in primary since I've never done it before.  I have no idea how everything works.  I found a schedule of lessons in the manual so I studied and prepared a great lesson on Moroni and having faith in Jesus Christ.

I took my back pack to church with all of my primary/church materials in it (having to take tape and scissors, markers and paper - ridiculous!).  After sacrament meeting I stood in the hallway.  Where is primary?  Where is the library?  What am I doing?  Jenicee pointed to the sharing time room and I walked in and looked around.  I'm still new and don't really know a lot of people, so with the one ward leaving and ours coming in, I had no idea where I was supposed to be.  I hoped that someone would come show me, but I just looked around for awhile.  

The boys from the left of the room said, "I think that is our new teacher" and came right over and showed me where they sit.  I sat by them and Mason introduced himself and asked if he could take roll.   Sure.  By the time opening exercises started they were all on the row in front of me and I was sitting alone.  Hmmm.

Because primary teachers tend to not show up (I guess), I was asked to take the class just under mine as well.  So I had a crazy group of kids.  The lesson I planned was obviously for a more advanced group...such as adults (because that is who I am used to teaching).  Next class I will definitely have more hands on interactive learning.  By the end of sharing time (closing exercises) I really liked these kids.  We had a great day together and I'm excited to teach them again.  I guess praying for a desire to like this calling really came back to bless me.  I'm actually disappointed that I won't be there next Sunday (baby blessing) and hope they miss me (not that they'd ever tell me)!

Laser Tag 2008

I played laser tag with a company (uvtag.com) in Layton last month.  It was great fun and worth all $10 to play for 2 hours.  So, I hired my own game for last night.  I recruited about 40 people to play (mostly focused on a family game with a few friends to fill in the gaps).  We met for pizza and carpooling then headed to Copperton Park to play.  It was FREEZING cold, but we would warm up running around shooting people.  After a 20 minute debriefing we played our first game.  Only 24 people ended up showing, because some people are just flakes (don't say you're going to come if you're not going to - especially if I already paid for you!  I have problems committing, so I don't.  If you commit, commit).

It was crazy cold the first game, but slowly warmed as we ran around.  It was dark and we had a lot of trees to hide behind.  I was on the Bravo team (who ended up winning in the end).  We had a slow start - a lot of death by friendly fire.  We worked on our skills and improved in team work and aim.  Ryan was our captain (after Josh started explaining how to use the radio and was throwing out all sorts of acronyms and rules I needed to know.  We all knew I would be useless, so I quietly passed on my captainship and radio to Ryan - he made an efficient commander).

We had several missions to accomplish with FOBs, MOBs, the LZ, King 6, Delta 51, Snipers, Medics, Alpha, Bravo, and other military stuff.  My favorite was the game with the soccer ball... a lot of running and yelling information.  Nathan (Dallin's friend) was a speedy little guy and scored several goals on us easily.  We really had to work for our goals and had Mark yelling "integrity" at my friends, Kevin kicking the ball away from Andy, people running around with no idea where the ball was or what they were doing, it was awesome!  I hope to play again, though I'll wait until the weather warms up.  Thanks everyone for a great evening!  I love being a Doyle.

Cancer Free Christmas

Yesterday I had my semi-annual cancer check up.  I am cancer free again!  Yippy!  My next appointment isn't until next September - HOORAY!  I will be taken off Tamoxifin at that time and considered as free and clear as I can be for a Breast Cancer Survivor (the 5 year mark is magical or so they say).

I'm usually pretty good at not flinching, but when my doctor checks the lymphnodes in my armpit I giggle uncontrollably.  I feel like a 3 yr. old, but I can't even help it.  It happens EVERY check up and he always says, "does that tickle?"  duh... maybe he's wondering if breast checks make me uncomfortable and therefore I giggle, but after 4 years I think I'm pretty open about it all.

I am planning a trip to Switzerland for Christmas.  I thought I'd go from Dec.22 - 27 (anyone want to come with me?!).    When is the family party?  

part two creative pix

 "i hate the phone, but i wish you'd call" is a line from one of Joshua Radin's songs that I felt I truly understood, therefore it is my first t-shirt design.

"Vegetable Car" is his song about a girl in Lisa Loeb glasses that drives a car that runs on vegetable oil.  Its an old Mercedes.  Joshua Radin calls his music "whisper rock" so his slogans is SHHHHHHH, so that is why the vegetable car and joshhhhhhhua.  I really like this one, if it doesn't win I think I'll make my own t-shirt.

Creative Steph

Sometimes I feel really creative and sometimes I feel nothing at all.   The other night I couldn't fall asleep right away and I knew it was a creative time.   I started drawing some designs for the Joshua Radin t-shirt design contest.  Its been years since I've drawn anything.  Then I decided it was time to finish writing that article for the Ensign (part of my 50 things to accomplish is to be published in the Ensign, so I'm starting now in case it takes a long time).  I haven't written anything since my book was published (just throwing that in there in case I forget that I've accomplished something).  

Its a new term in dance and I'm starting a new contemporary section, which is usually my favorite, but with 6-10 guys in each class it changes the dynamics and makes contemporary harder to sell than normal.  But I've created a very pedestrian dance that will be cool and they haven't figured out its modern... yet.  THEN, when that was done I finished writing the lyrics to a song I will someday write music to... if only I had music abilities, this would go a lot faster.  It'll be a dark song, but hopefully cool.  I can feel the creativity diminishing, but I'm doing everything I can to tap it out.

I have to throw in photos or no one will read it!  Here is me on Halloween as Where's Waldo.  here are some of my designs for Joshua Radin.

steph

I have decided to document my original ensembles.  Ensemble Two:  The Chase.  This is what I wear to Steeple Chase.  Ensemble One:  Cocoa.  This is what I wear...everywhere.

Beautiful Utah Mountains

PB&J Sandwiches

Order of Operations, Day 1.

On the table:  Peanut Butter, Jam, Butter, a loaf of bread, a butter knife, and paper towels.

I ask the students to write down a "how to" for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Then I follow their instructions ("because I've never made one before")... my favorite part!

"put the PB on the bread, duh?!"  So I take the jar of PB and set it on the loaf of bread.  The kids go wild, "NOOOO NOT ON THE BREAD!"  

"But you said put it on the bread."  

"Take out the bread first."  So I rip open the bag and take out two pieces of bread.  By this point some of them are catching on and yelling at me to ignore certain students' suggestions... "Ms. Doyle, listen to me I know how to do this...no don't do what HE says listen to ME!  Open the PB jar, put the knife inside the PB jar and scoop some up then spread it on the bread."

So I do as he said and then I spread it all over both pieces of bread, both sides.  HA HA HA!  

Half of the class is hysterical, they cannot believe I can't just follow their instructions the right way!  By the end, the invested students are standing and showing me what I should be doing (no longer capable of staying in their seats because I am so crazy), the rest of the students are trying to figure out how they can win the sandwich to eat after the lesson.  Of course I apply this to solving math equations, but they'll only ever remember that I made a messy sandwich! 

I love it!

Picture Perfect...

My school picture packet lies in wait on the desk of my principal, along with my friend (and fellow teacher) Tanya's pictures.  Apparently the blonde wig and eye patch weren't welcomed by the administration.  We'll see how this turns out.  I was a perfect student all growing up (not gradewise obviously), but I've been called into the principal's office more times since I started teaching than my whole life all together.

Not my cutest picture, but fun anyway!  I would love to share a great story, but nothing happened.  My friend, Tanya, got called in and told that she couldn't be in the yearbook with an eye patch of skull and crossbones.  My pictures were quietly slipped into my box, nothing said.  Yeah, they're afraid of me ;)

Life, as is.

We'll just start with today.  Because of PTConference I get today off of  school (HOORAY).  Sandra and I went to the movies to see "Eagle Eye" with Shia La Boeuf (my personal favorite).  Prior to the movie I  went to the powder room to blow my nose (results of a flu/cold I've had the past week- yuck and mucus).  I walked in and saw the quick glance of some guy and then 2 urinals, delayed, and seemingly in slow motion, I registered that this was not where I was supposed to be.  I quickly turned about and double checked the picture of the little man outside the door- pants not skirt.  YIKES!

I am having a lot of fun with my dance classes.  The boys in my classes are not shy, which makes for good times and hip hop.  The classes love dancing and work hard everyday, something I'm not used to, especially with boys.  I enjoy class daily.  I also enjoy math.  Only teaching 2 classes is nice.  The state of Utah is trying to get rid of me because I got a C- in honors Calculus (in 1994) and not a C.  So, I am attempting to take it again, independent study, HA HA HA!  We'll see if that passes or I guess I won't teach math anymore :(

I have bratty cheerleaders (4 of the 15) that I wish didn't exist.  They used to be nice girls, but no more...I suppose its kind of my fault to let them pretend to be these great cheerleaders.  One girl skipped class one day and got called on it and now she is trying to get everyone to quit if she gets kicked off (and I'm all for that), but she's not getting kicked off so I guess no one will quit (not that they would anyway).  Gotta run, its Ashley's Sweet 16th party and I'm the hostess (with the mostess)!

Get Smart

So I run my jr. high school.  :)  Every year I do a big opening assembly based on a recent movie.  Star Wars was my first and favorite.  It included capes, villians, storm troopers, video appearances of...the bad guy etc.  A few years ago we had a 007 theme and they entered by rappelling off the catwalk into the audience (thanks to a few soldiers from Camp Williams who came and helped).  That one is tough to top...and I've yet to come up with one better.

This year I had no desire to write another assembly, but felt obligated.  Without my inspiration (usually a dream or vision of a great idea) I just hoped the video I had planned in my head was good enough.  It was to the song "4 Minutes" by J. Timberlake and Madonna.  I based the video on getting to class on time ("I've only got 4 minutes to save the world" are the lyrics).  The video turned out to be one of my best (said by others, not myself).  To me, it was just another video...but everyone has been talking about it for days (yeah me!).  Imagine if I actually got paid for these things.  This year they entered on 4 wheelers - revving the engine and cheering - it was loud and fun...and I think a few of us got a little high off the gasoline fumes...

I was going to add the video to my blog, but realized it has my students in it and I would hate to have them exposed without permission.

school days...

This year is going great so far.  The school seems to have an overall mellow feel.  The kids, teachers, hallways, etc. are not as crazy as they've been in the past.  Sure it is still early in the year, but it is still bizarrely quiet.  

I love my schedule.  I have 2 math classes on A days and 1 dance then all dance on B days.  

I love my school.  I love the kids.  I love the administration.  I love the faculty.  I love all the staff. I don't love that we are never one in anything.  There has not been an schoolwide policy on anything since the school began.  Every teacher/administrator kind of rules their own area and it isn't unified in anyway.  

This year is different.  We had a great speaker at our first faculty mtg. that is preparing us to use vocabulary in every class.  We have promised to implement this in every classroom - by raise of hands and then later we signed a paper declaring our allegiance to vocabulary.  I have a word of the day in math (Friday's word: fraction)  and we did movement vocabulary in dance (walk, run, leap...with definitions) and choreographed movement with the words.  Almost every student has their planner in all of my classes (something we have been trying to accomplish for years) and with this unified faculty, it is happening.  I am amazed.

One set back to this school year is the 7th grade students do not understand the concept of homework.  In many of the elementary schools in our area, homework is no longer allowed.  Teachers may not assign students homework (what the....).  So, I am having to explain the concept of homework - where I write it on the board, what "page 4 1-10" means, and that it has to be done at home before the next class.  Weird.

This American Life

All must listen to "This American Life" - podcast or other...

My two favorite episodes (for lack of better word) are:  "Television taught me everything I need to know" and "Fear of Sleep"

Steeple Chase Sundays

I thought I should at lease mention that I take

 pictures of church steeples every Sunday afternoon.  I am compiling photos for a book that I call "The Steeple Chase" which is just pictuers of the LDS steeples/buildings in the Salt Lake Valley...which is 500+ and we are at about 134.  YIKES!

               

New Year's...for teachers.

Tomorrow is the first real day of school (Friday is for 7th graders only).  Usually I am really prepared, but I still can't fathom working starting tomorrow.  YIKES!  This year I am teaching 2 pre-algebra classes and 4 dance classes.  My dance program is really growing, I love it!  I usually have some goals set up and my first weeks planned...not so for tomorrow.  In my head I am still planning on reading at the pool :)

I feel a little more involved in my ward.  I went VT on Tuesday and met a lot of new people.  I had to call and set up the appts.  It was difficult for me, but I just sat myself down and did it.  Whew.  Wednesday I received several calls from people from my ward.  Family wards are a whole new world of Church.  I was able to answer questions about my VTee to someone from RS, she and I were both surprised I had any information about her, but I was helpful.  Later, I was asked to teach RS lesson in September on the Plan of Salvation and then the RS presidency called to set up an appt. to visit Thurs.  I was all RSed out by the end of school (in a good way, obviously).  Today I was asked to speak next week on Charity.  I hope they won't be sick of me :)  - as if that's ever possible.

Yesterday Sandra, Ali and I went to Provo to finish Becky's bathroom - curtains, caulking, touch ups etc.  We arrived at her cul-de-sac and there were cars parked on every inch of the street and houses.  People were coming in and out of her house with wood and furniture.  I was confused so I called Becky.  She said she was on her way and didn't show any signs that she knew anything was happening, so I said nothing.  She told me to go try the door, I just said "yeah, its open" 

Her coworkers (teachers) got together and donated time and stuff to finishing her house.  What a great faculty!  They organized it at faculty mtg. while Becky was called out to the office.  She cried, of course, when she arrived.  The curtains are adorable (I always forget to take pictures at the time I enter my blog - to come).  I was just happy to apart of something so great...even if we weren't invited.

...and then the sun shines...

Sometimes I feel hopeless and then it's gone so quickly.  I've had a wonderful week.  It started with two days of freedom, then two days of dance camp, then finished with two days at Bear Lake.  On my way to camp (SLC Rose Wagner Theatre) mom called in reference to my previous blog.  She said that it was nice to have people talk to you, not because you need to be consoled but to let you know that they know.  That made sense.  

I got her number that day and left her a message that I was praying for her and thinking about her all week.  She sent me a text that said thanks.  I felt much better.  I saw her at the viewing and the family was very uplifting and smiley, it melted my fears.  The Lord is in control and has the power to bring peace to troubled times.   Truly amazing.

Reality Bites

Last weekend while watching the Olympics, I saw a news story in Magna UT.  A woman stabbed to death in her home with her 14 year old daughter terrified at the neighbors waiting for the police.  What a horrible story.   Then life went on and I watched some other stories, some lame thing about a puppy stuck in someone's vent and the entire fire dept. working to get him free...blah blah blah.  It wasn't until late that night when I received a phone call from one of my girls that asked if I'd heard the story of my captain's mom. 

I felt sick to my stomach and I needed release.  I tossed and turned, called a friend, texted another until I got someone.  I talked to my roommate who just brushed it off, ugh.  I really didn't know what to do.  I wanted to cry, but couldn't (and still can't).  I feel very angry, but then really sad over and over.  Many students, parents and teachers are calling me to find out information and what I'm doing about it.  I don't really know where to start.  I don't dare call her and I don't dare ask the girls how they're doing or how she's doing because I don't know if I can deal with their reactions.  What if they need comfort from me, I don't know that I can give it.  I found out funeral stuff and that is about all I can give people when they ask me all sorts of things.  I saw her best friend (her "jeani" ) today and just smiled and said hi.  I couldn't bring myself to say anything.  It seems so unfair.

 I don't know if she's okay.  I don't know where she is.  I don't know if she'll go to my school.  I don't know if she's with her brother or dad.  I don't know her relations.  I don't know if she even likes her dad.  I don't know, but maybe I should...I just can't.

I pray for her and her family.  I know the Lord has the power to comfort and I hope that she feels it and that this doesn't ruin her life.  She is amazing!

Cabin Fever - Breaking Dawn

I went with Jenicee and Cho to Jenicee's cabin, down south.  Our goal was to read Breaking Dawn (the 4th book in the Twilight series) and finish it before returning home.  It was a nice break to know that I didn't have anything to do...Jenicee was ahead of us, so she was trying to keep busy cooking and cleaning and asking us what was happening until we caught up to her. 

Apparently I read differently than they do.  I am not interested in all of the little details, so I read over them quickly and my goal is to finish the book, not ingest the deeper meanings.  I have the ideas of characters in my head and I don't think they are anything like those in the book.  I tried to pay more attention to the looks of the characters, this book, so I wouldn't be so lost when the movies come out.  Alice is not a blonde, Rosalie is not a brunette, Edward is not really tall and big with short black hair, I think that is everyone I'd messed up.

I'm not sure if I liked it or not.  It went totally (TOTALLY) different than I thought it would.  I felt a little like deja vu from book 3 (Eclipse).  I won't write anything more, incase some crazy hasn't already finished it ;)

IV Real

Tonight will be IV time seeing Dark Knight...but the 1st on the IMAX! mmmm.  Its my prize for working so hard.  On what, you may be asking, well, I'm preparing for my Calculus class by practicing through chapter one and two in the text. Then I'll take a pre-test to see if I can even join the class.  It has only been 14 years since I took it last...and I have an amazing memory (ha!). The Utah Education Department is ridiculous.  I teach pre-algebra, not Calculus.

I've been visiting Becky in Provo and helping her with her new house.  Sandra has designed her bathroom for me to create!  It has some cool 70's orange and red linoleum that the room was designed around.  So far I've painted the walls orange and will put up the white board walls tomorrow.  I love it!  I especially love that I get to see her so often.  I don't want school to start!!  Two weeks AHHHAHAHAHHHH!

(sorry no pix of the blue - it's not that dramatic, so don't be disappointed)

Smurf.

Ali dyed my hair (the bottom part) a bright blue yesterday.  We had to bleach it blonde first and then color it blue, the rest was dyed a dark dark brown.  I love it!  We refer to it as "the new mullet" (business in the front - party in the back).

I also learned to play poker at Jen's house.  (Jen's house was the inspiration for my bedroom - blue and black...hmmm and maybe for my hair too?!).  I am not good.  I cannot bluff.  I cannot strategize.  I lost all of my chips, slowly (because I am so conservative - even with fake money - that I lasted a long time, but played very little) while my friends cleaned house - Go Ali Go Sandra!  

I will add pictures later...well, when I take some (its not everyday you have a photo shoot of the underhairs).  That just sounds wrong...the hair under...whatever...on my neck.

Girls' Day!

Sometimes I get so busy doing nothing that I don't get out and see my friends.  This month has been different and GREAT!  I've been able to spend time with high school friends, freshman roomies, BYU friends, and long lost ones (which could include any of the above).  Today I went to SLC with Jeani (and kids) to visit Alisha (and kids).  It was exhausting and I didn't even have a kid!  It was nice to catch up and to see what GREAT mom's my friends are.  Deep down I know I'm jealous, but on the surface I'm selfish with my time and I can see that kids take a lot of dedication and time :)  I am grateful that I have such amazing friends and that there is hope that this world has these kinds of mothers out there raising the next generation.  (jeani and alisha among many of my friends and family - I need to get my butt in gear and join the crowd...maybe, someday).

School Work!

I am proud to say that I did work today (besides my projects).  I am now planned August through the end of December.  SWEET!  Next week I'll work on January - March and then the rest in August, just in time for school to start.  I also finished the Bluffs family newsletter.  It is a semi-annual newsletter of my friends that live in our townhomes (The Bluffs-there are 12 of us).  This newsletter had stick drawings, instead of our normal photographs, and was written in Mad-Lib form.  I think it is one of my best.  One might LOL upon reading it.

I read The Alchemyst today.  I have heard it is the book to read right now, and I love to up on things so I bought it and read it.  It didn't seem much like a book to be discussed amongst scholars, though I thought it was entertaining.  It was the first book in a series (I didn't realize) so I went back and bought the next book, The Magician, today.  They are written by Michael Scott, so I couldn't resist.  As I meandered through the bookstore I saw another The Alchemist (with an i) book on the Best Buys section.  It was a totally different book than the one I read...hmmm.  I am apparently reading the teenager, fictional Alchemyst :)  I do love teen lit!  I'll try the "real" one later I suppose.

Tomorrow is the 24th of July - Utah's holiday!  I don't have to work, so I'm going with another group of friends to see The Dark Knight (3rd time) at noon.  It should be just as good and just as jumpy as the first two times.  Maybe Ali will enlighten us with another Sidewalk of Fire in her pioneer gear.

The Dark Knight

I met with friends, at the Gateway, to see the newest Batman movie.  I did see it last Saturday and have tickets to see it again on Thursday.  I guess some people are social drinkers, I'm a social movie goer...and a social ice cream eater (not a real fan of ice cream, but tend to eat it among other ice cream eaters)...and a social BBQer (I do not like bbqed food).  Anyway, we arrived plenty early for the 7:40pm showing.  We waited out front for our other friends who were late...the movie was starting SOON (I hate missing previews).

We made it to our seats in the dark.  Soon after, a man came with tickets that matched ours.  Hmm.  A worker came in and checked our tickets and found that we were in the right seats just the wrong theatre and at the wrong time (6:40pm).  Oh dear!  Who bought these tickets!?  Amber (who bought them) talked to a manager and got us new tickets to the almost sold out show.  He pointed to the seats on the screen - top back corner.  We made it up there for the beginning of the movie.  We were split up.  I sat down next to a couple who said, "these are our friends' seats" and I replied, "well I have a ticket to sit here".  Having never actually seen the tickets.

Another large group came in shortly after and asked for our tickets because we were in their seats.  Sheesh.  So we moved again interrupting everyone's movie experience, and left the room to look at our actual tickets.  Row B and C (2nd and 3rd rows) so the screen showing our seats was upside down.  We ended up on those rows and enjoyed the rest of the movie.  It was hilarious and embarrassing all at the same time.  I made sure I had a ticket IN MY HAND and matched it to my seat before sitting again!  

It is a dark and gory movie, but well done.  Heath Ledger did an amazing job.  I cried at the end both times.  I thought that the idea of hope in humanity was well done, but sad that it had to be fabricated at the end.  I closed my eyes and plugged my ears for much of the fighting which makes it easier for me to watch, but I screamed and jumped out of my chair a few times, scaring my seat companions.

The day I got my life back...

I'm done!  Hooray!

Swollen Sabbath

To save the world, one act at a time, I decided to walk to church like I used to.  I should have put more thought into my shoes...my blisters cover my entire heel, its creepy.  I walked bare foot 3/4 of the way and couldn't walk at all while at church, thus trumping the cute shoes.  I got a ride home with a nice neighbor.

Now my eyes are swollen shut due to the worst allergies I've ever had.  Usually they don't kick in  until mid-late August, but lucky me they came a month early.  I'm trying not to rub my eyes because that is bad.  But the more I think about NOT rubbing my eyes the harder it is not too.  Its like the tinted windows in my car (see previous entry) I feel like rolling it down the whole time I'm in my vehicle.

What do you see when you rub YOUR eyes?  I see black and red checks in all sizes spiral in nature in several areas meeting along the center bright white lightning bolt.  I bet you've never thought about what you see when your eyes are closed.  I try to think how I would portray my eyes being closed, as if I were filming it...thus the checker board spirals.

Como se llamas?

Just returned from the Spanish Fork Llama festival.  It was over 100 degrees.  It was held at the Hare Chrishna Temple.  We were required to remove our shoes just outside the doors of the entrance.  I was impressed with the respect the many visitors maintained in their temple.  In the basement they sold Indian (dot not the feather) goods and food.  It is a beautiful building.  

Outside were the llama activities.  They had several llamas competing in the obstacle course, which had stairs, ramps, hurdles, in through the van and out the rear of said van, around and through a horse trailer, through curved pipes down low and others with streamers hanging down.  Sandra and I decided that llamas have a bit of an attitude.  The announcer was forever telling us the thoughts of each llama and why they would or wouldn't do certain tasks...and he was always correct.  It was entertaining and I'm happy to add another unique festival to my list this summer.  Pictures to come later.

PS.  I had my windows tinted (mentioned earlier) and learned that I cannot open any of the windows for 2-3 days while it sets up.  The company put a large green tape over the driver-side window controller that says "Do not roll down your windows"/  Now I have the urge to roll down my windows every time I get in the car.  I've never had this craving before but now I cannot stand being in my car and not rolling down the windows.  It is ridiculous!  

Accomplishments...

Or lack thereof.  I had big plans to organize my room today.  Instead, I moped around and found anything to do, but my room.  I also have to repaint some furniture (apparently the PRIMING part is more important than I thought).  Yikes, it is painting prison.  BUT my walls are done (except behind my bed because I am not strong enough to move it)...tacky, I know.

I started organizing and then realized I had to tint the windows in my car.  Which meant I had to get ready and go.  Now I am back and my room is still a disaster.  I'm done with this!  AHHH!  But its beautiful and I can't complain, plus my car is nice and cool.

Tonight I am going to see Dark Knight!  Wahoo!  Alright enough avoiding...back to work...oh wait I have to shower and get ready for the movie.  I guess cleaning will be done tomorrow...

Project Central

Yesterday, after a peaceful yoga morning, I spent the day painting everything I own.  My bedroom is now a light blue and my furniture a flat black.  It looks very cool, but the rest of my stuff is all over and I can't walk anywhere.  Today should be the day I finish everything and tomorrow will be the day of organization.  If you notice I took both photos of the same corner...it is the only CLEAN area of my room.  All the while, I'm listening the Stephenie Meyers' "Eclipse".  Is there a more annoying character in the world?  I would say no!  But still listening, none the less.

Inner Peace

I've taken two yoga classes now (8am).  I feel weak and unbendy, but improving.  I am breathing and stretching my way to a more peaceful life.  Friday's class is at 7am...I guess I'll be taking a break until Monday :)  I've been ignoring Fat Arm and trying everything anyway...lets just pray it doesn't swell.  I think I deserve that much!

Another Summer Day

I'm not sure why I've chosen to start a blog.  Nothing really happens in my life that would be of interest to anyone but me, but it seems to be the thing to do!

This summer I have a few projects in the works.  The first project I completed was a photo album printed up of my Church History trip to New York and Ohio (including some fun stops along the way).  The first uncompleted project is the painting of my room and furniture.  As Marti calls it:  painting prison.  It takes up all of your extra minutes.  My bed is done and one set of shelves.  I have a desk and dresser to finish (and start, for that matter).  My room will be a very light blue and my furniture is a flat black.  Mark says its very contemporary.  Another project is to organize my school stuff.  Yep, I'm working even when I'm not working!  I just think that if I do my planning now that it will be much easier later (its only taken 6 years to figure this out).

I love summer.  I enjoy movies and its always nice to be able to see a matinée at the cheaper price.  Movies I have enjoyed so far:  Hancock twice (good but a lot of swearing and some more swearing), Get Smart twice (probably my favorite of the year - it's laugh-outloud funny), Batman (will see on Friday - heard great reviews), Chronicles of Narnia 2 (I loved it - even though the theatre rained on us),  and I can't think of any more at the moment.  Unlike most people, I cannot remember movies very well and often have to see them twice to really know what they are all about.  So, if you don't have to do this...count yourself blessed.