Have you ever experienced a period of time that seems to crawl, but at the same time speed by? I am not sure how this is possible, but it is something that I notice frequently. Often it is the day that goes by slowly, but when I look back at the week, I can't believe it is almost over. Or maybe it is a week compared to a month... You can keep going bigger and bigger in travels and you still find the same occurrence.
I feel like each week goes by slower and slower. I get up in the morning and go to work at the junior high school and then leave work to my other full time job... running a busy household with two teenagers and a husband. The days go slow, but the weekend finally arrives. The weekend speeds by like the blink of an eye. Even though the work drags on, and it even seems the months go slow, I just realized we only have 9 weeks until the end of year testing starts at the school.
9 weeks is the same as 93 days. 9 weeks is 1512 hours. 9 weeks is 90720 seconds.
9 weeks is just a fraction of the school year. When looking forward to and enjoyable time, 9 weeks is forever away. When you are facing a deadline and have a lot to complete, 9 weeks will be over in the blink of an eye.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pleasant Grove Lady Viking Lacrosse
Marissa had a fun Lacrosse season (I think they are all fun for her). I think they only lost 3 games. That shows a huge improvement over last year when they only won 3 games. They were a brand new team last year, and more than half of the girls had never played before, many never having seen a game played. I am so proud of Marissa and all of her team. They have so much fun when playing, and are happy at the end of the game whether they won or lost.I was able to help out this season by running the offical game clock, which helped me to understand the game a little more. It is a complicated game for those who are not familiar with it. It is evan difficult for those who are familiar with boys Lacrosse because the rules are so different. The boys can hit each other, the girls have to be more civil to each other.
At the end of the year, the girls vote for next years team captain, and the current team captains hand out awards. Marissa was elected as on of three team captains for next season, and her award was "Lightening Legs" for running her white leggs up and down the field playing midfield and where ever else they put her.
Next year the team will be a Varsity team as opposed to a JV team, which means the stats mean something, and College scouts will be at some of the games. Marissa would love to play for a College level team. It will be her last year as a high school player, and I find myself looking forward to freezing on the sidelines when the season starts in the early spring.
Monday, March 2, 2009
5130 Thompson Cr. Rd. - Scorpion Bite
The morning I started 5th grade Granny and Papa Odom were visiting. I was sleeping on the floor and when I got up to get dressed I remember being so excited because I had a new store bought pair of pants. I was excited because I didn’t usually get new store bought clothes. Being the middle child from a large family, I often had hand me down clothes, and my mom was an excellent seamstress. She sewed most of my clothing. This particular morning I woke up and put on my new outfit I had laid out the night before. As soon as I pulled up the pants I started crying.
“Julie, what are you crying about now? Stop crying!” my mother called out. (I guess I cried a lot.) I told her something bit me. She told me to show her. I had to take off the pants to show her, and it looked like a bee sting. She shook out my pants and out fell a scorpion. I remember it being about 4 inches long from tail to pinchers if it was stretched out.
I was certain I was going to die. The sight of the scorpion increased my pain 10 fold. The whimpering I started with turned in to wailing. Papa Odom got up and came to me. He brought his remedy for every ailment. As Windex was in the Movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, Vicks Vapor Salve was to my papa. He rubbed some on, and told me it would help take the poison out. My mom told me I needed to get ready for school so I wouldn’t be late. I was upset by her lack of concern for my trauma I had suffered. I limped off to school. I was excited to tell everyone of my near death experience.
I don’t remember the walk to the bus stop. It usually took about 30 minutes because it was 1 ½ miles away. I guess I could have gotten a ride. At any rate, after my 30 minute bus ride I was on the playground at school waiting for the bell. I was telling Lynda, my best friend,(and anyone else who would listen,) about the 6 inch scorpion that had stung me. None of my friends had been stung by a scorpion before, so I got a lot of sympathy. When Mrs. Bottero, My 5th grade teacher, and the principal of Selma Elementary school called us in to class I was telling her about it and went to show her the evidence. Much to my dismay, I couldn’t remember which leg had been bitten, and there was no evidence at all.
“Julie, what are you crying about now? Stop crying!” my mother called out. (I guess I cried a lot.) I told her something bit me. She told me to show her. I had to take off the pants to show her, and it looked like a bee sting. She shook out my pants and out fell a scorpion. I remember it being about 4 inches long from tail to pinchers if it was stretched out.
I was certain I was going to die. The sight of the scorpion increased my pain 10 fold. The whimpering I started with turned in to wailing. Papa Odom got up and came to me. He brought his remedy for every ailment. As Windex was in the Movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, Vicks Vapor Salve was to my papa. He rubbed some on, and told me it would help take the poison out. My mom told me I needed to get ready for school so I wouldn’t be late. I was upset by her lack of concern for my trauma I had suffered. I limped off to school. I was excited to tell everyone of my near death experience.
I don’t remember the walk to the bus stop. It usually took about 30 minutes because it was 1 ½ miles away. I guess I could have gotten a ride. At any rate, after my 30 minute bus ride I was on the playground at school waiting for the bell. I was telling Lynda, my best friend,(and anyone else who would listen,) about the 6 inch scorpion that had stung me. None of my friends had been stung by a scorpion before, so I got a lot of sympathy. When Mrs. Bottero, My 5th grade teacher, and the principal of Selma Elementary school called us in to class I was telling her about it and went to show her the evidence. Much to my dismay, I couldn’t remember which leg had been bitten, and there was no evidence at all.
A New Project - 5130 Thompson Cr. Rd.
I have been encouraged by many friends to write down my childhood memories of growing up in Selma, Oregon. I will post some of the stories as I write them, not necessarily in chronological order.
Thank you for indulging me.
Julianna
Thank you for indulging me.
Julianna
Friday, February 13, 2009
An Interesting Observation
My husband made an intersting observation the other day. He told me he had heard so much about Facebook bringing people from far away together. It gives old friends and family the chance to keep in touch and post pictures, as well as other forms of interacting.
The intersting part was that Facebook takes so much time. It is easy to get sucked into Facebook world and stay there for hours. By doing so, althogh you are interacting with those far away, you are not with those in the same room.
My goal is to try and stike a balance between these two worlds.
The intersting part was that Facebook takes so much time. It is easy to get sucked into Facebook world and stay there for hours. By doing so, althogh you are interacting with those far away, you are not with those in the same room.
My goal is to try and stike a balance between these two worlds.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
New Love
I decided I love Facebook. I used to like it because I could go and chat with people from all over the world and make new friends. I enjoyed wasting time playing poker and even got good enough to win tournaments. It was fun to see what all of my friends were thinking, through their status updates. I still like all of those things, but I have found a bigger purpose and a stronger love.
At first it was just me and my youngest sister on. My husband and children were also on. Then one by one I started collecting more family friends. Now I have a large part of my extended family as well as 5 of my 7 siblings on. It is so much fun to re-connect after a long time of just seeing each other once every few years, and occasionally talking on the phone. Facebook is like a glue for my family, piecing us all back together.
We are still spread out from Alaska to Virginia on my side of the family and from Utah to Main on my husbands side, but we regularly send messages now, and even chat from time to time. This rarely happened in the past. I have been learning all kinds of interesting facts through the notes of 25 Interesting things about me lists that we have been circulating. The lists have some new nuggets of information that I didn't know, and memories of the past and things I had forgotten over time.
Facebook helps my insecurity. I sometimes think I am an invisible person and no one can see me or hear me. Maybe that is why I talk to much. I feel more connected by reading the posts on facebook and making comments and getting the feed back from my comments. In my mind I know this is an immature way to feel, but it is what it is. I will continue my addiction to facebook, and not feel guilty about re-connecting with my family.
At first it was just me and my youngest sister on. My husband and children were also on. Then one by one I started collecting more family friends. Now I have a large part of my extended family as well as 5 of my 7 siblings on. It is so much fun to re-connect after a long time of just seeing each other once every few years, and occasionally talking on the phone. Facebook is like a glue for my family, piecing us all back together.
We are still spread out from Alaska to Virginia on my side of the family and from Utah to Main on my husbands side, but we regularly send messages now, and even chat from time to time. This rarely happened in the past. I have been learning all kinds of interesting facts through the notes of 25 Interesting things about me lists that we have been circulating. The lists have some new nuggets of information that I didn't know, and memories of the past and things I had forgotten over time.
Facebook helps my insecurity. I sometimes think I am an invisible person and no one can see me or hear me. Maybe that is why I talk to much. I feel more connected by reading the posts on facebook and making comments and getting the feed back from my comments. In my mind I know this is an immature way to feel, but it is what it is. I will continue my addiction to facebook, and not feel guilty about re-connecting with my family.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Second List of 25 Things About Me
25 Things about me
1.I was born in Los banos California. My kids have learned a little Spanish and think it is very funny that I was born in the bathroom.
2.I come from a large family, 4 sisters and 3 brothers. Growing up my mantra was: “not Mormon, not Catholic.”
3.While growing up, my dad always accused me of being a city girl. Since moving away from home, I have lived in Boston, NYC, Portland, Seattle and now live in SLC. I love the city!
4.I was a nanny for 2 years and loved it. I started out in NYC for a few months and then moved to Boston. I loved it there and still remember my little Garrett, who is all grown up now.
5.I went to Ricks College in Idaho for 2 years and came away with a degree in Photography. I haven’t used the degree, but would never consider my time in college as a waste. I learned and grew so much over those two years.
6.I dream of being able to draw and paint. My goal is to take art classes when I have time and am not paying for my kids education.
7.I have never had a grey hair, and it is not because I color my hair.
8.I am participating in the Fit:MS challenge which consists of daily activities to improve awareness in Body, Mind and Spirit.
9.I am so proud of my children and all that they do. I used to think it was my job to teach my children. I feel like I learn much more from them than I teach them.
10.I cry whenever I feel strong emotions whether happy, sad, mad or glad.
11.My nickname when I was growing up was chatty Cathy, after a doll who talked when you pulled the string in her back. I have no Idea why I got that nickname!
12.I have been fortunate enough to visit Toulouse France and Barcelona Spain and loved it. I love to travel and hope to do a lot more traveling.
13.While in Hawaii last year, I discovered a love of snorkeling and Snuba Diving (kind of like Scuba diving). Since then I have a made goal to become certified in Scuba diving. I love being under water… while I am not able to Hike or Ski because of my MS, I have no problems under the water and feel very free there.
14.I love Facebook because through it, I have been able to meet people from all over the world and learn of their cultures. I love diversity and don’t see much of it where I live.
15.I am not ticklish and it makes my kids crazy!
16.Since I can remember, I have dreamed of becoming a grandma but always had the fear that I would die before that time came. I am not sure why I thought that way. Maybe because my own mother died just after her first grandchild was born.
17.I never feel I do enough to show my husband how much I love him and how much I appreciate all he does for me and our children.
18.I love where I work and love learning from the Junior high students. I admire them for all they do and are becoming. I admire the teachers for transforming them into productive young adults. The classes all inspire me… Then English classes give me hope I can learn to write, and the French class makes me long to speak French.
19.I love hearing Marissa and Daniel talk to each other in French and talk to each other about their French classes.
20.I often think about how life used to be when families lived close to each other and communicated and visited often, like I did with my extended family while growing up. Though times have changed, I see a shift back that direction in a way. Technology now makes it easier to stay in touch. Just this month I have been re-acquainted with several cousins and other relatives through Facebook and am very thankful for that.
21.I would never be able to write anything without spell check. I don’t know how people did it before the word processing era.
22.I love to sing and wish I was brave enough to do karaoke.
23.I would love to finish school and earn a bachelors degree and often contemplate what I would major in.
24.I am an extrovert and get my energy from socializing and entertaining. I am married to an introvert who is the opposite. We keep each other on an even keel.
25.I have always dreamed of going on one of those big sail boats with all of the masts, like the ones in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Wow! I didn’t think I could make one list of 25 things and now I have completed a second one. Very fun activity, you should try it!
1.I was born in Los banos California. My kids have learned a little Spanish and think it is very funny that I was born in the bathroom.
2.I come from a large family, 4 sisters and 3 brothers. Growing up my mantra was: “not Mormon, not Catholic.”
3.While growing up, my dad always accused me of being a city girl. Since moving away from home, I have lived in Boston, NYC, Portland, Seattle and now live in SLC. I love the city!
4.I was a nanny for 2 years and loved it. I started out in NYC for a few months and then moved to Boston. I loved it there and still remember my little Garrett, who is all grown up now.
5.I went to Ricks College in Idaho for 2 years and came away with a degree in Photography. I haven’t used the degree, but would never consider my time in college as a waste. I learned and grew so much over those two years.
6.I dream of being able to draw and paint. My goal is to take art classes when I have time and am not paying for my kids education.
7.I have never had a grey hair, and it is not because I color my hair.
8.I am participating in the Fit:MS challenge which consists of daily activities to improve awareness in Body, Mind and Spirit.
9.I am so proud of my children and all that they do. I used to think it was my job to teach my children. I feel like I learn much more from them than I teach them.
10.I cry whenever I feel strong emotions whether happy, sad, mad or glad.
11.My nickname when I was growing up was chatty Cathy, after a doll who talked when you pulled the string in her back. I have no Idea why I got that nickname!
12.I have been fortunate enough to visit Toulouse France and Barcelona Spain and loved it. I love to travel and hope to do a lot more traveling.
13.While in Hawaii last year, I discovered a love of snorkeling and Snuba Diving (kind of like Scuba diving). Since then I have a made goal to become certified in Scuba diving. I love being under water… while I am not able to Hike or Ski because of my MS, I have no problems under the water and feel very free there.
14.I love Facebook because through it, I have been able to meet people from all over the world and learn of their cultures. I love diversity and don’t see much of it where I live.
15.I am not ticklish and it makes my kids crazy!
16.Since I can remember, I have dreamed of becoming a grandma but always had the fear that I would die before that time came. I am not sure why I thought that way. Maybe because my own mother died just after her first grandchild was born.
17.I never feel I do enough to show my husband how much I love him and how much I appreciate all he does for me and our children.
18.I love where I work and love learning from the Junior high students. I admire them for all they do and are becoming. I admire the teachers for transforming them into productive young adults. The classes all inspire me… Then English classes give me hope I can learn to write, and the French class makes me long to speak French.
19.I love hearing Marissa and Daniel talk to each other in French and talk to each other about their French classes.
20.I often think about how life used to be when families lived close to each other and communicated and visited often, like I did with my extended family while growing up. Though times have changed, I see a shift back that direction in a way. Technology now makes it easier to stay in touch. Just this month I have been re-acquainted with several cousins and other relatives through Facebook and am very thankful for that.
21.I would never be able to write anything without spell check. I don’t know how people did it before the word processing era.
22.I love to sing and wish I was brave enough to do karaoke.
23.I would love to finish school and earn a bachelors degree and often contemplate what I would major in.
24.I am an extrovert and get my energy from socializing and entertaining. I am married to an introvert who is the opposite. We keep each other on an even keel.
25.I have always dreamed of going on one of those big sail boats with all of the masts, like the ones in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Wow! I didn’t think I could make one list of 25 things and now I have completed a second one. Very fun activity, you should try it!
Monday, January 26, 2009
25 Random Things about me
I was challenged on Facebook to make a list of 25 Random things about me. I thought I would post it here as well as on Facebook.
1. I think my birth certificate has the wrong year for date of birth. I am not as old as it says I am.
2. I love looking at old pictures of my kids when they were young, but I love that they are grown up now and I can have fun conversations with them about their lives.
3. I am in charge of the computer labs at Lakeridge Junior High in Orem, Utah and love it… most days.
4. I have a love hate relationship with my computers.
5. I have lived in Utah for more than ½ of my married life even though it was a stipulation before we got married that we never live in Utah. (it is not all bad.)
6. I love my husband and we have been married almost 20 years.
7…this is a random list and is not in any particular order.
8. I eat lunch at 10:45 on Mondays… early out schedule.
9. I am addicted to facebook and have withdrawals while I am at work if I can’t see it on my phone.
10. I have had MS for 21 years and am doing well.
11.I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
12.4 sisters are on Facebook and 1 brother is. We are working on the other 2.
13. I am going to spend 4th of July weekend at a family reunion and then go to the Oregon coast.
14. I graduated from Illinois Valley High School in 1984 and am excited to see a bunch of my classmates and friends joining Facebook.
15. I used to be Mormon but am not anymore.
16. I have 2 beautiful daughters and a good looking, very bright son.
17. I have a daughter at USU. This makes me feel old and young at the same time.
18.I often cry when I mean to laugh.
19. I love watching movies in my home theater my husband worked so hard to make.
20. I love coffee and I love tea. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding which I should drink in the morning.
21.I have a blog I work on from time to time. You will find many more random things there. http://thoughtsrantsandvents.blogspot.com/
22. Although I am no writer, I love to make up titles to stories or articles like Sarah Jessica Parker does on Sex in the City.
23. I am glad my husband always loves me, even when I don’t deserve it.
24. I am going to teach a 10 week 4H club section on using Google and the Internet.
25. I am grateful for all of my friends who helped me though my exit from the LSD church, and for the LDS friends who still love me even after I left.
1. I think my birth certificate has the wrong year for date of birth. I am not as old as it says I am.
2. I love looking at old pictures of my kids when they were young, but I love that they are grown up now and I can have fun conversations with them about their lives.
3. I am in charge of the computer labs at Lakeridge Junior High in Orem, Utah and love it… most days.
4. I have a love hate relationship with my computers.
5. I have lived in Utah for more than ½ of my married life even though it was a stipulation before we got married that we never live in Utah. (it is not all bad.)
6. I love my husband and we have been married almost 20 years.
7…this is a random list and is not in any particular order.
8. I eat lunch at 10:45 on Mondays… early out schedule.
9. I am addicted to facebook and have withdrawals while I am at work if I can’t see it on my phone.
10. I have had MS for 21 years and am doing well.
11.I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
12.4 sisters are on Facebook and 1 brother is. We are working on the other 2.
13. I am going to spend 4th of July weekend at a family reunion and then go to the Oregon coast.
14. I graduated from Illinois Valley High School in 1984 and am excited to see a bunch of my classmates and friends joining Facebook.
15. I used to be Mormon but am not anymore.
16. I have 2 beautiful daughters and a good looking, very bright son.
17. I have a daughter at USU. This makes me feel old and young at the same time.
18.I often cry when I mean to laugh.
19. I love watching movies in my home theater my husband worked so hard to make.
20. I love coffee and I love tea. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding which I should drink in the morning.
21.I have a blog I work on from time to time. You will find many more random things there. http://thoughtsrantsandvents.blogspot.com/
22. Although I am no writer, I love to make up titles to stories or articles like Sarah Jessica Parker does on Sex in the City.
23. I am glad my husband always loves me, even when I don’t deserve it.
24. I am going to teach a 10 week 4H club section on using Google and the Internet.
25. I am grateful for all of my friends who helped me though my exit from the LSD church, and for the LDS friends who still love me even after I left.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Progress Update
It has been nearly a week since I started the FitMS Challenge. I think it is going ok. I am one driven by goals and rewards. Though I don't expect a material reward for participating in the challenge, and meeting my goals everyday, there is something about putting a check in a box saying I have completed something that drives me.
I have been playing a matching game on my computer several times a day for my mind challenge. I enjoy doing the matching game, and it is quick. I can play in between classes in my lab. I am going to purchase a book of mind puzzles next month. The book has word search, math puzzles, word puzzles and many other types of activities. I could probably do the same thing on the computer, but there is something about holding a pencil and writing things.
I have been doing the easy thing for the body portion of the challenge this week. I have not been feeling well all week and found out today that I have a kidney infection. I will be on antibiotics for a while now. One of my choices for body is eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. I have been eating a big salad every day for lunch. I estimate the salad as 3 servings, and then I also 3 or 4 servings of fruit throughout the day. I hope to move up to the treadmill next week, or when I am feeling better.
The last category in the challenge is Spirit. This one is where I have had the most problems. I keep thinking I will learn to knit, but haven't worked much on that this week. I have tried the meditating thing this week. I always have a hard time sleeping, so meditating while I am trying to fall asleep has worked well. Next week I will be helping out with the 4H club at the junior high school. They were looking for teachers who would be willing to share a skill. It won't be strictly volunteer, because I will be getting a small stipend for teaching though. I am going to do a google class, and teach all the many things that can be done with google. I took a class like this myself several weeks ago and loved it. I learned all kinds of fun things. I hope the students will enjoy it as much as I do.
I think my next blog post will be about all I learned in Google. Writing about it will help me plan my lessons. I think it is an 8 week class. I am excited about it.
I have been playing a matching game on my computer several times a day for my mind challenge. I enjoy doing the matching game, and it is quick. I can play in between classes in my lab. I am going to purchase a book of mind puzzles next month. The book has word search, math puzzles, word puzzles and many other types of activities. I could probably do the same thing on the computer, but there is something about holding a pencil and writing things.
I have been doing the easy thing for the body portion of the challenge this week. I have not been feeling well all week and found out today that I have a kidney infection. I will be on antibiotics for a while now. One of my choices for body is eating 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. I have been eating a big salad every day for lunch. I estimate the salad as 3 servings, and then I also 3 or 4 servings of fruit throughout the day. I hope to move up to the treadmill next week, or when I am feeling better.
The last category in the challenge is Spirit. This one is where I have had the most problems. I keep thinking I will learn to knit, but haven't worked much on that this week. I have tried the meditating thing this week. I always have a hard time sleeping, so meditating while I am trying to fall asleep has worked well. Next week I will be helping out with the 4H club at the junior high school. They were looking for teachers who would be willing to share a skill. It won't be strictly volunteer, because I will be getting a small stipend for teaching though. I am going to do a google class, and teach all the many things that can be done with google. I took a class like this myself several weeks ago and loved it. I learned all kinds of fun things. I hope the students will enjoy it as much as I do.
I think my next blog post will be about all I learned in Google. Writing about it will help me plan my lessons. I think it is an 8 week class. I am excited about it.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Challenge: FitMS
While at my Tysabri infusion at the neurologist today, I learned of a program that started last week. The program is a fitness challenge for those with Multiple Sclerosis. I am a week late starting, but it may be just the motivation I need to accomplish some goals I have for myself this year. My goals included writing more in my blog, developing stronger family bonds, and getting more exercise.
The chalenge covers three areas: Mind, Body and Spirit. Writing in my blog satisfies the Mind catagory. Other choices for the mind catagory include Playing brain exercize games to promote memory and thinking, doing word puzzles, or reading 30 minutes a day. I would like to journal a few times a week, and try other things the other days of the week.
For the Body part of the challenge, the choices include eating 5-9 servings of fruit in the day, 5-9 servings of fruits/vegetables, drink 48 oz. of water, No junk food, 20-30 min. of stretching, cardioand/or strength training. I think the no junk food one is probably too difficult for me, and probably the 48 oz of water would be pretty hard also, but I am sure I can find one of them each day to satisfy the challenger. My biggest goal for this area will be walking on the tread mill or doing yoga
The Spirit portion of the challenge includes: 20-30 min. of service performed
(community/church/family), Outing with friends or family, Cultivate a new or old hobby or 5-10 min. mediation/prayer. I am assuming Mediation means the same thing as meditation, or the directions for the challenge have a typo. I would love to learn to knit, but have had a very hard time learning. Maybe if I try a little everyday, I will learn the skill.
I am looking forward to doing the challenge, and hope to stick with it...for myself, not for the weekly prizes I can win. Of course, if I win something I will accept it, but the biggest prize will by the fitness of my mind, body and spirit.
The chalenge covers three areas: Mind, Body and Spirit. Writing in my blog satisfies the Mind catagory. Other choices for the mind catagory include Playing brain exercize games to promote memory and thinking, doing word puzzles, or reading 30 minutes a day. I would like to journal a few times a week, and try other things the other days of the week.
For the Body part of the challenge, the choices include eating 5-9 servings of fruit in the day, 5-9 servings of fruits/vegetables, drink 48 oz. of water, No junk food, 20-30 min. of stretching, cardioand/or strength training. I think the no junk food one is probably too difficult for me, and probably the 48 oz of water would be pretty hard also, but I am sure I can find one of them each day to satisfy the challenger. My biggest goal for this area will be walking on the tread mill or doing yoga
The Spirit portion of the challenge includes: 20-30 min. of service performed
(community/church/family), Outing with friends or family, Cultivate a new or old hobby or 5-10 min. mediation/prayer. I am assuming Mediation means the same thing as meditation, or the directions for the challenge have a typo. I would love to learn to knit, but have had a very hard time learning. Maybe if I try a little everyday, I will learn the skill.
I am looking forward to doing the challenge, and hope to stick with it...for myself, not for the weekly prizes I can win. Of course, if I win something I will accept it, but the biggest prize will by the fitness of my mind, body and spirit.
Monday, September 29, 2008
It's starting to feel a lot like...
Every year, I make a goal to have my Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving. I never make it, but I think it is a good goal to have. In keeping with this tradition, I purchased my first gift yesterday.
I have a pro and con list for having the shopping done early:
Pro side:
1. Have the stress gone before the holiday season starts, so it can be enjoyed more fully.
2. Purchase things as they go on sale before the season starts.
Con Side:
1. Gift recipients changing their mind after the gift is purchased.
2. Limited hiding spots
3. Can't get Husband's gift early because he will know where it was purchased, and how much it was.
4. Having better gift ideas after the gifts were purchased
5. Better sales during the holiday season.
6. Nothing to shop for on the Day after Thanksgiving.
7. Forgetting about gifts that were purchased and hidden away.
Wow, why do I even stress about this? When I put it in writing, it is clear that the goal has more con's than pro's! I guess I won't stress too much if it isn't done this year.
I have a pro and con list for having the shopping done early:
Pro side:
1. Have the stress gone before the holiday season starts, so it can be enjoyed more fully.
2. Purchase things as they go on sale before the season starts.
Con Side:
1. Gift recipients changing their mind after the gift is purchased.
2. Limited hiding spots
3. Can't get Husband's gift early because he will know where it was purchased, and how much it was.
4. Having better gift ideas after the gifts were purchased
5. Better sales during the holiday season.
6. Nothing to shop for on the Day after Thanksgiving.
7. Forgetting about gifts that were purchased and hidden away.
Wow, why do I even stress about this? When I put it in writing, it is clear that the goal has more con's than pro's! I guess I won't stress too much if it isn't done this year.
Friday, April 11, 2008
School Politics
I spent the last two days conducting student elections at the junior high school were I work. I am the Computer Lab Supervisor. This year, the Student Council adviser decided to try an online vote instead of a paper ballot. It took a little organizing, but by the third class in the lab to vote, I had a system. The last class of the day finished voting at 2:00 pm, and the winners were announced at 2:30. For the most part, the election went smootly, but it got me thinking.
It was interesting to listen to the students as they came in to vote. The majority commented they didn’t know any one on the ballot. A few of the students chose not to vote, but most just picked the first name on the ballot, or one with a name they liked. I realize these were 7th and 8th graders for which school politics had little meaning to, but I wonder how many adults take voting the same way.
How many people go to the polls just like these students and say, I don’t really know anyone on the ballot, so I think I will just pick this one… he has a cool name. Would it be better if you just stayed home on election day if you didn’t do your homework first?
…Just thinking.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
So Much for Posting Every Day...Life after Mauii
I guess it didn't take long for me to ignore my goal of frequent posting! I guess life happens. I have pretty much dropped everything for the past two months.
The trip to Mauii was perfect. We loved every minute of it. We did so many thing and had so much fun. We didn't want to leave and come back to the real world... The world of end of 3rd term at school and trying to get the basement finished at home. Back to the middle of winter.
Reality hit hard when we walked off of the plane and the frosty air hit our lungs in the tube leading from the airplane to the terminal. We were again reminded of it when we went out to get our car and had to walk though the snow while dressed in our summer wear we had on while leaving Mauii. And on of the biggest reality checks was the alarm clocks going off at 6am (utah time, (3am Mauii time) just 5 hours after pulling into our driveway after arriving home from the airport.
3rd term ended just a week after we got back. The girls couldn't miss any classes since they are in highschool, and my son decided he needed to go to school so he could tell all of his friends about the trip. My husband and I didn't feel so obigated to jump back into things so quickly, and had arranged things before we left so we didn't have to return to work that first day back.
While in Mauii, it rained EVERY day, but it was beautiful. We got to see many rainbows. I don't think there was even one day we didn't go swimming in the ocean. We saw lots of fish, and evan turtles. We rented snorkeling gear for the whole time we were there and were able to go snorkeling by ourselves just off the side of the road.
We did one perfessional snorkel trip with a boat. While out, we decided to try Snuba Diving... a combination between snorkeling and scuba diving. We were paired off in groups of 2 and attached to a small raft with an oxygen tank on it. We had 20 foot tubes that were hooked to the oxygen. It was so much fun. My husband and I decided we are going to be Scuba Certified and go on lots of fun trips when the kids move out and we can afford it.
The kids and my husband took surfing lessons. With only one 30 minute lesson, they didn't become great surfers, but they all made it up at least once, and had a good time. My husband drove with his mom up to Haleakala, the Volcano crater. It was cloudy so they didn't get to see in, but the drive was beautiful. They also did the drive to Hana. I opted to stay back on both of those trips. I get carsick, and had already done the drive on a previos visit. The drive is like Poy... you are obligated to make it (or taste it) once, just so you can say you did, but after the first time, you don't have to repeat it if you choose not too. :-)
Other highlights included the Luau on Christmas eve, boogie boarding and body serving at the DT Flemming Beach, and the Sunset cruise on our last evening there. The sunset cruise was a whale watch cruise and not only did we get to see a spectatular sunset (the only one, since it rained so much,) but we got to see 3 or four humback whales up very close. We got to see the green flash the sun makes as it sets in the horizon of the ocean. It was beautiful. The whales didnn't jump completely out of the water, but we did get to see them floating near the top of the water, and see the dorsal fins as the went down for thier deep dives. It was the perfect ending to our trip.... It is almost enought to make me warm just thinking about it...even with the snow raging outside, and the temperature in the teens. Almost.
I am out of time tonight, but will try and post some photos tommorow... or at least by the weekend.
The trip to Mauii was perfect. We loved every minute of it. We did so many thing and had so much fun. We didn't want to leave and come back to the real world... The world of end of 3rd term at school and trying to get the basement finished at home. Back to the middle of winter.
Reality hit hard when we walked off of the plane and the frosty air hit our lungs in the tube leading from the airplane to the terminal. We were again reminded of it when we went out to get our car and had to walk though the snow while dressed in our summer wear we had on while leaving Mauii. And on of the biggest reality checks was the alarm clocks going off at 6am (utah time, (3am Mauii time) just 5 hours after pulling into our driveway after arriving home from the airport.
3rd term ended just a week after we got back. The girls couldn't miss any classes since they are in highschool, and my son decided he needed to go to school so he could tell all of his friends about the trip. My husband and I didn't feel so obigated to jump back into things so quickly, and had arranged things before we left so we didn't have to return to work that first day back.
While in Mauii, it rained EVERY day, but it was beautiful. We got to see many rainbows. I don't think there was even one day we didn't go swimming in the ocean. We saw lots of fish, and evan turtles. We rented snorkeling gear for the whole time we were there and were able to go snorkeling by ourselves just off the side of the road.
We did one perfessional snorkel trip with a boat. While out, we decided to try Snuba Diving... a combination between snorkeling and scuba diving. We were paired off in groups of 2 and attached to a small raft with an oxygen tank on it. We had 20 foot tubes that were hooked to the oxygen. It was so much fun. My husband and I decided we are going to be Scuba Certified and go on lots of fun trips when the kids move out and we can afford it.
The kids and my husband took surfing lessons. With only one 30 minute lesson, they didn't become great surfers, but they all made it up at least once, and had a good time. My husband drove with his mom up to Haleakala, the Volcano crater. It was cloudy so they didn't get to see in, but the drive was beautiful. They also did the drive to Hana. I opted to stay back on both of those trips. I get carsick, and had already done the drive on a previos visit. The drive is like Poy... you are obligated to make it (or taste it) once, just so you can say you did, but after the first time, you don't have to repeat it if you choose not too. :-)
Other highlights included the Luau on Christmas eve, boogie boarding and body serving at the DT Flemming Beach, and the Sunset cruise on our last evening there. The sunset cruise was a whale watch cruise and not only did we get to see a spectatular sunset (the only one, since it rained so much,) but we got to see 3 or four humback whales up very close. We got to see the green flash the sun makes as it sets in the horizon of the ocean. It was beautiful. The whales didnn't jump completely out of the water, but we did get to see them floating near the top of the water, and see the dorsal fins as the went down for thier deep dives. It was the perfect ending to our trip.... It is almost enought to make me warm just thinking about it...even with the snow raging outside, and the temperature in the teens. Almost.
I am out of time tonight, but will try and post some photos tommorow... or at least by the weekend.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Much Anticipation
A new week, that much closer to Christmas. I am counting the days to the 21st. We will leave on that afternoon for Maui. I am very excited to go. I have been to Hawaii before, but my family has not.
My 15 year old daughter is looking forward to being in the ocean. We are used to the Oregon Coast. It is VERY cold water! I have been told to expect the ocean in Hawaii to be around 80 degrees. Marissa wants to spend the whole two weeks boogie boarding, or surfing. I don't know what else we will do. I think my husband and the kids will do the bike ride from the top of the volcano down to the water. It is a 38 mile ride. I don't think my legs would make it. My mother in law will be with us, and it might be difficult for her also as she just had her knees replaced.
We plan on doing the Drive to Hana to see the lush vegetation and the waterfall. Another thing we can't miss is snorkeling. We may even get to see some whales while we are there.
We were going to do a small Christmas celebration before we went, but we have deiced to take small gifts with us so we can have a real Christmas. I don't think we have ever had Christmas with my mother in law. It will be fun.
All I have to do know is count down the days until I have to panic about packing!
My 15 year old daughter is looking forward to being in the ocean. We are used to the Oregon Coast. It is VERY cold water! I have been told to expect the ocean in Hawaii to be around 80 degrees. Marissa wants to spend the whole two weeks boogie boarding, or surfing. I don't know what else we will do. I think my husband and the kids will do the bike ride from the top of the volcano down to the water. It is a 38 mile ride. I don't think my legs would make it. My mother in law will be with us, and it might be difficult for her also as she just had her knees replaced.
We plan on doing the Drive to Hana to see the lush vegetation and the waterfall. Another thing we can't miss is snorkeling. We may even get to see some whales while we are there.
We were going to do a small Christmas celebration before we went, but we have deiced to take small gifts with us so we can have a real Christmas. I don't think we have ever had Christmas with my mother in law. It will be fun.
All I have to do know is count down the days until I have to panic about packing!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Prejudices
Today the students are writing about their experience with Prejudice, if they have a prejudice, or if they have had some one be prejudice against them. I have read a few of the papers and am surprised. Not by the topics, but by the honesty.
One student (Hispanic,) wrote about riding his bike with one of his friends in a store parking lot. He told of a group of African Americans who told him to "get off their turf."
He spoke to his friend and said they shouldn't leave. The friend said they should just go somewhere else.
They left and went somewhere else and planned "how to get revenge on the group of niggers" (His words, not mine.) He said his friend told him they should just drop it, but he wanted revenge, so they went to his house and got their Air Soft guns and ammunition. (He listed the model of gun and kind of ammunition. I don't remember what they were.)
He wrote, "We rode our bikes back to the parking lot and pointed the guns at the niggers and they took off running."
I was surprised he would write this on a paper and turn it in to the teacher.
Another student wrote about his own prejudice against Hispanics. He wrote that he hated them, and felt angry every time he saw one, even if he didn't know them. He wrote about being angry when he heard them speak in Spanish because they should speak English since they are in America.
The school I work at is very diverse both in race and religion. Surprisingly, I didn't see any of the students write about prejudice concerning religion. I don't notice that as much myself at this school as I did at the last school I worked at, or in the town I live in 10 miles away.
I thought the assignment was good, making the kids think about prejudice and how it affects them. The assigment was in response to the book they just finsished reading, "To Kill A Mockingbird."
One student (Hispanic,) wrote about riding his bike with one of his friends in a store parking lot. He told of a group of African Americans who told him to "get off their turf."
He spoke to his friend and said they shouldn't leave. The friend said they should just go somewhere else.
They left and went somewhere else and planned "how to get revenge on the group of niggers" (His words, not mine.) He said his friend told him they should just drop it, but he wanted revenge, so they went to his house and got their Air Soft guns and ammunition. (He listed the model of gun and kind of ammunition. I don't remember what they were.)
He wrote, "We rode our bikes back to the parking lot and pointed the guns at the niggers and they took off running."
I was surprised he would write this on a paper and turn it in to the teacher.
Another student wrote about his own prejudice against Hispanics. He wrote that he hated them, and felt angry every time he saw one, even if he didn't know them. He wrote about being angry when he heard them speak in Spanish because they should speak English since they are in America.
The school I work at is very diverse both in race and religion. Surprisingly, I didn't see any of the students write about prejudice concerning religion. I don't notice that as much myself at this school as I did at the last school I worked at, or in the town I live in 10 miles away.
I thought the assignment was good, making the kids think about prejudice and how it affects them. The assigment was in response to the book they just finsished reading, "To Kill A Mockingbird."
Don't Wait!
Who says it has to be New Years Eve to set a goal? With the big holiday coming up, a lot of people (ME) save their goals to start in the new year. With almost 4 weeks left until to New Year, it is silly to put your goals on hold. Why not start them today?
This is what I decided after conversing with a friend of mine over his blog. He said he loves writing. I enjoy writing also, but am not very good at it. His posts are thoughtful and well written, almost daily. I always feel like I need a big subject to discuss to post to my blog.
I guess that's it! It is my blog, and I can do whatever I want with it. I won't improve my writing skills if I don't write. I work at a Junior High School as a Writing Lab Supervisor. I help the students with their English writing assignments. At times, I find their assignments interesting and think they would be a fun topic to write about. Maybe I will use some of the assignments worked on in my lab to help me get started with my regular posts.
I sometimes have class periods with no students in my lab. What better activity for me than improving my writing skills. After all it is a writing lab! Of course I will be writing at School most of the time, so I will need to make sure my writing is Utah County school appropriate.
If you are thinking of a goal for the new year, why not start it today?
This is what I decided after conversing with a friend of mine over his blog. He said he loves writing. I enjoy writing also, but am not very good at it. His posts are thoughtful and well written, almost daily. I always feel like I need a big subject to discuss to post to my blog.
I guess that's it! It is my blog, and I can do whatever I want with it. I won't improve my writing skills if I don't write. I work at a Junior High School as a Writing Lab Supervisor. I help the students with their English writing assignments. At times, I find their assignments interesting and think they would be a fun topic to write about. Maybe I will use some of the assignments worked on in my lab to help me get started with my regular posts.
I sometimes have class periods with no students in my lab. What better activity for me than improving my writing skills. After all it is a writing lab! Of course I will be writing at School most of the time, so I will need to make sure my writing is Utah County school appropriate.
If you are thinking of a goal for the new year, why not start it today?
Friday, October 12, 2007
Only In Utah
Working in a school in Utah, I hear all kinds of things in the faculty lounge. I have started a list of things I have heard that can only happen in Utah.
One day I heard a Teacher talking to another Teacher about her son. He had hurt himself while playing football in high school. The teacher continued to say that her son and her brother were on the same team....An uncle and a nephew in the same grade. Only in Utah!
The second one makes me undecided if I should laugh or scream...since I live in Utah, I guess I will just choose to laugh:
The vice Principle came into my classroom one day and while he was there, his radio went off. It was the Intern administrator. She said, "Mr. Jensen, there are some kids in the lunch room playing with face cards. How do you feel about that."
"Better tell them to put them away," he replied "We don't want them gambling or anything."
She didn't say what they were playing, but I doubt they were gambling. More likely playing slap, or speed. UHG!! Only in Utah!
One day I heard a Teacher talking to another Teacher about her son. He had hurt himself while playing football in high school. The teacher continued to say that her son and her brother were on the same team....An uncle and a nephew in the same grade. Only in Utah!
The second one makes me undecided if I should laugh or scream...since I live in Utah, I guess I will just choose to laugh:
The vice Principle came into my classroom one day and while he was there, his radio went off. It was the Intern administrator. She said, "Mr. Jensen, there are some kids in the lunch room playing with face cards. How do you feel about that."
"Better tell them to put them away," he replied "We don't want them gambling or anything."
She didn't say what they were playing, but I doubt they were gambling. More likely playing slap, or speed. UHG!! Only in Utah!
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