MISS MOODY

Far too Long

2011-05-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, everyone. Wow. I'm ashamed at my negligence to this dear blog of mine. Has it really been 4 months since I've seen you? It has, and I am deeply sorry.

On the up note, turns out lots has happened in these past months! Mainly that I am engaged to be married :) Evan and I dated for about 4 1/2 months then got engaged at the beginning of April. Joy of joys, life sure is fun! I'm pretty sure that those who actually read my blog knew about this the week it happened - so thanks for your congratulations! We are getting married on July 22nd in the Mt. Timpanogous Temple. Can't wait! I am super, duper excited! Evan is wonderful - and if you ask me about it, we're a match made in heaven! (Cue the sappy music). But, seriously guys, waiting for the right man was the wisest move I've ever made. He makes my heart happy and that's all I can ask for.

At the moment, I am getting ready to go run me a 5k in a bit. I'm trying to get back on the running band wagon and this is my attempt in doing so. Aka: pay money so I feel obligated to go running in the morning! It's a beautiful thing. In other life news, I am pretty busy with work as well as the wedding planning! I feel like we already have a good majority planned, which is really nice. Bless my momma dear for that one :) I have a dress, I have my cake/decorations/flowers/catering taken care of, we have a place for our reception and other little details planned. Today we are taking our engagements - bless this beautiful morning! Lets just hope it stays. I don't want to get rained out of pictures again! (This is our second attempt - we got rained out last Saturday :( )

Well - I know this wasn't the most detailed post in the world - but how about I leave you with some pictures? That always helps, right? Right. In no particular order...

The handsome fiance and me

Our Bean Museum date

I could not for the life of me get a good picture of the actual ring, but here it is from the website :) Love.

Ready to go to his ward's Valentine's dance

This was right after Evan propsed :) I look tired, but I assure you I was wide awake!

Ok, it's for real this time

2011-01-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,

It's time for a life update. Let's just dive right in, shall we?

Work: Going great. I love the people I work with - never a dull moment. I'm learning a lot about finances and quite enjoy a job that stays at the job site and doesn't spill over. I miss teaching; I really do - I miss cute little kids, seeing them learn something new, laughing with them, crying at times - but I know this was a change for the better. I'm happy, not overwhelmed and stretched to my very limit as I was before. Maybe there will come a time where I will find myself again in the school system, but it won't be anytime terribly soon.

Play: I'm working on some of those goals I mentioned a few posts ago and so far I'm doing well (on a few of them, anyway): Two books to go in the Chronicles of Narnia read-a-thon, made a new friend this month, have a road trip planned in a few weeks (Disneyland, here I come!), discovered Mint.com - which is an extremely useful budgeting website, and the most exciting one......have a boyfriend. Eek!

Personal: I'm dating someone. He's fantastic. I like him. And I think he likes me.

Ok! That's it for today's update on the life of a former school teacher/financial assistant extraordinaire! Tune in next time for more exciting updates.

Love, Jeanette

I ate two chocolate cheesecakes.....

2011-01-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, hey guys. It's been far too long since I've posted anything. And sorry to do this to you, but I'm not really in the mood to post right now, either. Just wanted to leave you all with a little video that I think is hilarious at the moment. Enjoy! And you may get a for real post from me in the next week or so. Maybe.

Memories

2010-11-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

I got to sleep in this morning with a day off from work! The first thing I usually take advantage of whenever I have extra time is cleaning and going to the gym. So, after I cleaned my room, I headed off to Gold's. As I left the gym after my workout, all sweaty and gross, I stepped out into the cold, almost-winter fall weather and had some memories fill up my mind. This is the reason for my post this cozy, autumn day.

There was only one reason I would ever think about getting up at 5:30am each weekday morning July-Aug during my high school years: soccer. I loved it, and still do. I remember each morning being one of the first girls on the field, huddled up with my hoodie around my head, socks pulled up to my knees, sitting on top of my gym bag so the dewy grass didn't seep through my shorts. Slowly, one by one, the other girls from my team would show up for conditioning. They would mumble a groggy 'hi' and quietly settle down in their own heap, attempting to keep their body heat inside and away from the chilly almost-fall morning weather. I would sit and listen as the birds woke up and began morning songs or watch the sunlight slowly filter in around the high school grounds. Collectively and individually, we would sit, listen, watch and wait for our coaches to show up and get us started. Indian Runs, Ladders, Interval Running, or the hoped for Scrimmage practice. I loved those days - filled with aching muscles; running till I wanted to spew; sweat, sweat and sweat. It was hard work, and it taught me a lot. In many ways, my experience playing soccer formed me to who I am now. I learned that laziness and waiting around do not bring desired results. Working hard, training hard, finding weaknesses in the skill and improving them, taking direction from my coaches, learning to play with the other girls, going for the ball with everything your muscles are capable of - despite the outcome, playing a game because you love it, not just to win. Because we never won, and yet I still gleaned my greatest happy moments from the sport. It was the friends, the challenge and the results of my hard work that made it worth it at the end of each day.

I had a great morning remembering.

26

2010-11-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I had a birthday this past week. It was most excellent. I have fantastic roommates and friends who decorated my room, threw me a little party and just made me feel loved!

After turning 26, I have been thinking about some goals I would like to accomplish. I learned, while training for my half-marathon, that I am 100% more productive in my day to day when I have an end goal in sight. Thus, I have made a list of 26 things I want to accomplish in this, my 26th year. Some are silly and some are serious and most are just little things that I would love to make happen, but just haven't done! I actually stole this idea from a friend of a friends blog and I thought it was great. Anyway, here is my list of 26! I will update you all as I accomplish them:

1 Crochet something other than an afghan

2 Read the Chronicles of Narnia series again

3 Get a new hairstyle (whether cut, colored or highlights)

4 Run some 5k’s

5 Hike Mt.Timp from the Provo Canyon way

6 Really learn to Salsa dance

7 Lose 10 pounds

8 Get a knee that works and not ruin it

9 Make at least 1 new friend a month

10 Reconnect with 5 old friends

11 Get involved with Humanitarian service

12 Volunteer somehow with elementary aged children

13 Fly somewhere new

14 Go on a road trip

15 Get a boyfriend

16 Learn to play the Ukulele

17 Expand my cooking abilities

18 Write in my journal at least twice a week

19 Get really good at my new job

20 Get a good start on my children’s book

21 Find a way to organize my budget better

22 Get a plant (keep it alive!)

23 Run the Provo Canyon Half Marathon

24 Learn to knit

25 Join a Choir

26 Finish my mission scrapbook

It's going to be a great year, I can feel it.

Lots to tell you!

2010-10-20T18:13:00.003-07:00

Friends!! I have lots to share. its been so long...

1) I ran the Spanish Fork Half Marathon!! I am so extremely thrilled that I accomplished this goal. In the process, I gained a love for running and lost a few pounds. I came in 92th place and 5th in my age group. My goal was to finish in 2 hours or less and I basically accomplished this by crossing the line at 2:00:03! Well done, myself! My mom and dad came to cheer me on and my dad even ran the last few yards with me. I loved it all and I will be doing this again.

2) I got a job!!! Woot! I am beyond thrilled to have an income again and (eventually) benefits to take care of myself. I am working as an Assistant to a Financial Adviser at the Corporate Offices of Central Bank (capitalize words much?). I had no way of knowing that this would be the perfect job for me, but as it turns out, it is. I just finished my first week and I already love it. The people are great, the job itself is great, and people always bring food....which is great and also not great, but mostly great. Those pounds I lost? Back on.....*sigh*

3) I hurt my knee again :( :( (this is worth a double frown). I know, I know...a third time tearing my ACL?! And in the same knee!? No one is more upset by this all than me. And not just for the fact that I am unable to play soccer anymore (and this time I MEAN that). Mostly because, really?? Three times!!?? Ah well....I haven't been to a doctor yet (waiting for insurance to kick in), but by now I know what a torn ACL looks like (swollen like a grape fruit), sounds like (POP!), and feels like (dull pain juuuussst below the knee cap). I am hoping it is only a partial tear this time, but we shall see. I can walk and function just fine, but stairs are a doozy to be sure. Sorry for the sad news, but thus is my life.

Well, other than the bummer mentioned in section 3), I am enjoying life thoroughly! I have a job (a good one!) and I couldn't be happier! That's it for the update. Stay tuned for the next post, I've got a good one in the works.

a little help

2010-09-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

I am attempting to update the look of my blog. I think I like this layout so far...but I have a few kinks to work out. So this is a shout out to the universe (aka...you, my dear friends.) for some tips. I would like to make my title centered. Can't do it. Don't know how. I also think it would be neat-o to put my title in some sort of picture.... can't do that either. I also added a cute little image on the side bar (see: side bar) but it is smaller than I want. Does anyone know how to enlarge that? Ok....thanks all for your suggestions! loves.

Running, running and running

2010-09-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

Oh hi! Well, I'm doing the half marathon thing tomorrow. Wish me luck! I will have a full report when I recover. AH! I'm nervous.

Talents and Hobbies

2010-09-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Since I have so much time for myself these days, I have discovered and re-discovered lot's of things that I enjoy. Such as...

Running!

Those are some well loved Nike's there, folks.

I have been training for a half marathon I will finally be running in about a week! Super excited. And very much love running now.

(p.s. Feel free to laugh at the ridiculous pictures. I felt this post needed a little something... more than plain, ole words)

Scrapbooking....

Currently, with Mission pictures.

A long lost love of mine, brought back again. Thanks to two awesome friends who recently up and gave me lots of new supplies; I am back in business! Although it may be an outdated way to keep my memories....what with digital scrapping and such... there is something about creating a page that makes me giddy. And makes me think about the good days in high school when scrapping was the bomb [dot] com.

Reading, oh reading.

Has anyone else read the Hunger Games series?! Oh. My. Heck. Bought the third book the day it came out. Devoured it. Although the story is a bit on the horrible side, I cannot express how much I love these books! Anyway...this picture shows my recent reads - That's my current book, there, in the front. Very good so far. Reading, reading...I love reading.

Makin' stuff

This is a sampling of what I have created recently and throughout the summer. Mostly its flower hair bands and clips. I've also done some modge-podging of silly quotes and things for my room. I've always dabbled in this stuff, with crocheting etc.. Also a love of mine.

Guitar!

That's my 'coveting' face. Kind of looks like my smile face, but it's not. This guitar is not actually mine. But I play it like it is...
This skill is a new one for me. You know I love music, right? And to sing? Well, since I lost one of my accompanists to a mission (aka my brother) I decided to pick up the guitar a little bit. I am up to about 7 songs I can play! Thank you Ultimate-Guitar.com Next stop, American Idol!

Although stressful at times, not having a job has it's perks. I'm grateful to have some time to develop myself a little more. I'm going to go play me some guee-tar now.

Oh no

2010-08-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is not a typical blog post for me. I don't usually go on rants about my life...so go ahead and turn back now if this upsets you...

The thing is, I'm starting to freak out a little bit. Maybe one of you can bring me a little piece of mind. Here's the situation:

I have taught Elementary Special Ed. for the past two years. Long story short, I was never sure this is what I wanted to be doing career-wise, but decided to go for it anyway. Tried it out for a while, not happy - overwhelmingly stressed out, unable to leave the job at the job. I decided that now was as good a time as any to step out of the realm of teaching and try to be happy doing something else. I thought about it, prayed about it, got many opinions on the matter etc... Finally, I just did it. I quite my job. It worked out well for my school (as in another teacher who desperately needed to stay at the school got to stay by filling my now open position), so that was another confirmation to me that it was a good choice.
The tricky thing is, Heavenly Father never actually told me one decision would be better than the other, only that He supported me whichever way I chose. Anyway, that is what I have done. I have been searching for a job all summer long (much before my official decision. Thinking it would be the best to have something already for me to jump into next) without much success. Ideally, I would like to work in some sort of administrative support position (ranging from secretary to academic counselor/adviser) preferably for a university (read: UVU or BYU). I have been blessed with many interviews in the past few weeks, but unfortunately have not landed a job that suits my needs. School has just started and now I am feeling the pressure of unemployment. I'm stressed that I won't find something before my funds run short.

Honestly, I know in my heart that I will be ok. I know that things will work out for the best. I am not sitting on my bum, waiting for things to open up to me - I am doing everything in my power to find a job (as in I apply to at least 2-3 new jobs daily). Something will turn up - it has to. That said, I guess this rant to just to say it out loud (as 'out loud' as online blogging is...) Hoping to make myself feel a little better about my current situation. And I guess that is all. Sorry for those who may be reading this. I just needed a brain dump and this is where I came.

And on a side note (maybe of more interest...who isn't all about knowing someones dating life?) I'm still single. And this is a bummer. Because, to be frank, I'm a pretty freaking awesome girl. (hehe..haha... oh boy...) I mean, would it be so awful for the Lord to send me a few dates now and then? Especially in the midst of this little crisis? To raise my spirits? On the other hand, maybe it's this way at the moment precisely to not create any additional stress, as we all know dating brings.... hmmm.... Or on the other hand, maybe I need to be putting in more effort for this arena as well. Like, what? Apply for 2-3.....boys...a day?..... On the other hand, maybe not. But on the other hand, I think I'm just going to stop stressing so much about it. Boys. Job. Job and boys. I'm going to go for a run. That always helps...

Mexico!

2010-08-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello blog readers! Blogging has once again escaped me for the past month or so. After Scotland I decided to up and go to Mexico!! I, with about 20 friends from my singles ward, rented a few condos and cars and lived the easy life for a week in Playa Del Carmen - near Cancun. It was a most enjoyable vacation! There are some key things that made it so awesome: 1) Bringing people who actually speak Spanish 2) Making sure someone else planned everything 3) Having people there that you love to be with whether in Provo or Mexico! Needless to say, it was a total blast! Here, have a look for yourself...

Here we are after a few hours of snorkeling. We saw a sea turtle, a stingray and lots of fish!

Even the sun is more awesome in Mexico

My first experience with true Mexican food. I could eat cheese quesadillas for the rest of my life.

Telum Beach. I was told this beach is rated as one of the top in Mexico. And for good reason - it was a-maze-ing! Just look at those blue waves!

Melissa and I after some wave jumping

The condos we stayed in. Highly recommend doing this over staying in a hotel.

The Motor Scooter gang. We rented scooters at Cazumel and toured the island in style.

Me with Jesus, our tour guide at the Chichanita ruins.

The whole gang after exploring the Mayan ruins.

In front of a Mayan temple - the ruins were one of my most favorite parts of the trip

Delicious Mango drink

My iguana friend and I

The girls

And this would be by far my favorite part of Mexico! It is called a 'Cinote' - an outlet from an underground river that runs through Mexico. There were tons of black catfish swimming around. I jumped from that staircase over there... can you see it? Ya, I'm pretty dang cool.

Andrew, Kristina and I at another Cinote we found. This one was amazingly clear! You could see the bottom which made it look like you could reach it, but when we tried to push ourselves down, our ears would begin to hurt before we even came close. We also saw some locals there doing wedding photos...IN the water! IN their dress and tux! Good times.

All in all and otherwise, it was a great vacation! I am now officially in love with the Ocean and cannot wait to get back. I'm seriously going through withdrawals. I guess the only solution is to go to Hawaii next! Hmmm.... if only I had a job so I can start saving up the mula....

I left a piece of my soul in Scotland

2010-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

Time sure flies, huh? I apologize to my many, many readers for my lack of blogging (that was sarcasm...ok, moving on....) As soon as school let out, I took off and thought I might never come back! But.... here I am. I had an outstanding visit to Scotland where I spent some much needed time with sister Emily, brother Mike and baby Andrew. Whom I love. A lot. It took me three connections and 24 hours, but I finally did make it there. My bro-in-law, Mike, picked me up and drove me home to their quaint little flat in Peter Culter (pronounced "Pee-ter Coo-ter). Instead of inundating you with endless detail, I will condense my trip to few words and many pictures. In categories.

Category 1: Castles / Old Stuff

This was the gateway to the gardens of a castle called Cragevier. All the castles were amazing. Most of the castles we saw were between 13th to 16th century. Yes, Andrew is on a lead.

This was the oldest we saw; Dunatar. It's a ruined castle, which means only the old remaining pieces are left. The crowned jewels were kept here at one point. It must have been an amazing castle in it's time! (look closely. It's on the cliff.)

Mike, Em and Andrew at Dunatar Castle.

Cragside (we stopped by England for a few days). Built by Lord Armstrong, an amazingly brilliant and amazingly wealthy man.

View of the home from a bridge that spanned a small river. All part of his estate. Incredible.

The Wallington home (also in England). Just think Jane Austin movie and there you have it. Next time I live in 16th century England, this is where I will live.

So many castles, so little time.

Category 2: Nature / Beauty

This is the stuff God intended to make. Once he had perfected his creating-things technique, he finished off Earth with this.

Category 3: Animals

For some reason, I have this thing where I love to be around, touch, feed animals. So, naturally, I felt it necessary to stop at any available cow pasture, farm or horse stall to feed the animals it contained.

Hello, Cows..

This is Bessy. Naturally.

I'm soo happy! So is Andrew. You just don't know because you can't see his face.

Happy again! Andrew is not. You know because you can see his face.

Category 4: Me in front of stuff

In this category, you will notice me, in front of things. Lots of Scottish / English wonders....and otherwise.

Oh my. I really am a dork at heart, you know. Maybe at brain, too.

"Oh, Em! Take a picture of my sticking my head out of this window! That will look reeeeaaaallll cool on Facebook!"

Hey. It's me, or rather my giant head, above another awesome structure.

Here is some beauty. And also there's cool trees and stuff around me....

"Maybe I could find a meadow to sleep in. Or a hollow log. Or maybe a house of dwarfs. I hear they are very hospitable!" - Giselle

Aw, Scottish Bagpipers. The trip would not have been complete without them.

I liked these homes. (are you getting sick of my mug yet? Hmm?)

Just a gateway. A 900 yr. old gateway.

Classic. I'm proud of myself.

Hadrian's wall. I think this was my most favorite. Simply because it was built in 600 bc. Now THAT is one old wall.

Category 5: The category with the rest of the pictures.

Isn't he adorable? I can imagine he is trying to growl.

And now, so are we. How embarrassing.

A little English village. Rothbury.

Hexam Abbey. Visited while in England.

The church goers used to have to pay for their seats. The seats labeled "Free" were for the impoverished crowed. Wow, that's the Christian spirit.

And this just needed to be sat upon.

I hope you have enjoyed this little (okay, not so little. I may have gone overboard and swam ashore with the pictures) journey through my trip to Scotland/England. It was a blast! A hearty thanks to Em and Mike for letting me visit and taking me to see all these beautiful places!

Next adventure..... Mexico!

A Little Hoarse

2010-05-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

omgoshonlytwoandahalfweeksleftofschool!!!! *breath* Ya, I'm the tiniest bit excited to be finished with this school year! The past two and a half weeks have been nothing but testing for me + a lot of other stuff. I do the accommodations (such as read the questions, give my students more time and more breaks) for the end of the year testing (CRT's if you will). Seeing as I have students in all grades K-12, I feel like I have been talking for 50 hours straight. Thus, I am a little hoarse. But it's almost done!
In other news.... I have a new student. who just arrived. at the END of the school year. with a load of issues. and I don't know how to handle it. Good thing I have aides! There has only been a few things: biting, kicking, scratching, hitting, throwing and breaking everything/everyone. We won't go into that on here, I might say things I shouldn't. Like I said, only 2 1/2 more weeks to endure!
In other, other news....I was thinking about all the many acronyms we SPED teachers have. So here is a list. Can you guess what any of them stand for?
CRT
WWJIII
KTEA
OWLS
CTONI
SCRAM
LRBI
BIP
FUBA
DRA
IEP
PLAAFP
NCLB
CTL
DWA
PA
SA
UUA
Have fun with that!

The Tale of an Inexperienced Runner

2010-05-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

**Warning: This is me telling the tale in an attempted story-like version. Enjoy**

I woke up early Saturday. The sun was still resting behind the gloomy, gray morning clouds. I stretched in bed for a moment, then put on my running clothes (laid out the night before) and my well-worn Nike's. One look out the front door told me to grab a beanie and a jacket, and hurry up about it - it's cold! As I layered up, I mentally prepared myself for the little light rain that would probably be falling during the 5k my friends and I were about to run. I looked at the clock; 7:15 - time to go! Lindsey, Danielle and I chatted as we maneuvered the roads to Center street in Provo, where the race would begin. It was Danielle's first 5k, my second of the season, Lindsey's I-don't-know-how-many, but her one to check off for May. Needless to say, we were all pretty excited. As we approached the crowded street, my heart began to start the race without me! Why am I nervous? It's just a 5k! The sight of so many 20 somethings all suited up for a race made my legs jittery as we rushed to pack in with the 8 minute-per-mile runners. As soon as our feet stepped from grass to pavement, the race began! Trying not to fall behind too quickly, but also ready to set a manageable pace, I quickly pushed through to an opening in the group. Running makes my heart happy.

I set my pacing eyes on a woman in front of me in the bright purple zip-up. She looked like a good runner - if I could keep just behind her, I was sure to have a good race. The slight drizzle that had started early in the race slowly turned to large drops of rain. Then, to corn snow and sleet. Eek - not as fun as I thought it would be. It's a good thing I had my thermal shirt and ear warmers! I was feeling pretty great - pushing myself enough to hopefully set a PB (you know...personal best). As we rounded another corner, past the Provo Town mall, my mind and my legs and my lungs knew I had about a quarter mile to go. Up ahead I spied the '3 mile' marker. Yippee! Only about .17 miles to go!

I began to push a little harder. Who knew I had more adrenaline to give? We turned yet another corner and my eyes left the ground to search out the finish line ahead. As I strained to see beyond the crowd of runners all I could see was .... more runners. Wait, what? Um... how could my math be wrong? Oh! I bet the '3 miles' meant I'm on the 3rd mile, I thought. Oh well, I guess I must be really pushing. I sure am tired. I kept up my pace and ran with little purple up ahead of me. Soon, I saw another sign to my right. The 4 mile marker. Can't be long now! I rounded another corner with the herd and my heart sank - cutting all adrenaline to my muscles and breathing organs. Something was wrong. My mind tried to figure out what had happened. "How on earth did I miss the 5k turnoff? Is a 5k a lot longer than I thought? How am I going to find Lindsey and Danielle? Are they even still in the race? Should I just finish whatever the heck race I'm apparently in?" Up came the 5 mile marker. Done. I stopped running, turned around, and flagged down the cop directing traffic. "Hey! Hey! Is this the 5k? Where is the finish line for the 5k?" "Sorry, I think this is the half-marathon." "Oh. Thanks." What the crap?! Well, there is no way I was going to finish this race. Not without a car or a bike or something... Having no other choice, I crossed the street and began walking back to where I started, hoping to see the turn I missed or the very poorly marked alternate route for 5kers. Pretty soon I noticed the marathon runners watching me as I passed them going the wrong direction. Don't they have anything better to do than stare blankly at passersby who happen to also be wearing a race number? Oops. They think I'm a loser. I decided to take off my number, and jog back as if I were simply out for a run, of my own choice, somewhere in the boonies of Provo.
About 5 minutes into my decent, a man pulled up in a beat up Toyota. "You ok?" He yelled out the window. "Ya... I, I'm fine. I was supposed be in the 5k." "They started like 1/2 hour ago!?" "Oh. OK - thanks sir." I managed to say that last thank you without crying. I was not happy.
Fortunately, not 5 minutes later I see Danielle and Lindsey walking towards me. Instantly my gloom turned into hysterical embarrassment. "What did we DO?" As they shared with me their version of inner thoughts as they ran on... and on and on....we all laughed and concluded that we had begun the wrong race from the start. Our exciting 5k had been on another course completely! I laughed and guffawed at our horrible, hilarious mistake and we all trudged through the now frigid snow. We passed a ding-dong man unloading goods at the local 7-11. As we walked by he yelled, "Aren't you going the wrong way?" "Yes." "Oh. Want a doughnut?" "No." We kept laughing and walking and passed a woman changing the trash in front of the gas station. "Ha!" she cackled, "Cheaters, eh?" More laughter and also some glares came from our end to her and her smelly garbage. We finally made it to Lyndsey's sister's home, where we planned to have her take us back to the start and return the shoe clips that kept track of us as we wandered who-knows-where around Provo.
And this was the end. I sure enjoy a good race, and that was as good as they come!

Not so good at Blogging

2010-04-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have not been terribly great at blogging as of late. Therefore I will give you a smattering (teehee...smattering) of the past month.

March ended as March always does. You know, it ends. I was very anxious for March to come and go. Probably because it was the only month of school with zero breaks! I figured it would be the longest month of the year for me. Turns out it flew right on by. Can't even remember it really.....hmm

I really enjoyed General Conference this April! That's not to say I don't usually enjoy it - I always enjoy it - it always feels like walking outside on the first nice day of spring compared to the stale winter air of your apartment. Just wakes me up and makes my heart smile. This church is the greatest, am I right? My favorite talk was either Sister Beck or Elder Holland. Both so bold but also kind. I would describe details of the talks, but truth be told.... I don't remember. I just remember I really liked 'em. Commentary will come as soon as I get my Ensign.

Following conference weekend, I took off for Spring Break!! Woot! A friend from my ward, Kelsey, and I made the 9-10 hour trip to Phoenix. Another friend of mine, Melissa, moved there for an internship and to escape this weeiiird Utah weather, we sacrificed the gas to go visit her. It was a blast! The drive, although very deserted, was beautiful! Tons of Southern Utah red rock and fields of Saguaro Cacti to keep our eyes entertained. We passed by Lake Powell and stopped at Rainbow Bridge for a moment. Just glorious. God must love us.
Once we arrived, we had a fun time laying out by the pool, going on hikes, shopping, eating out and just being in the nice weather. It was a much needed break and much needed friend time.

Now it's back to the grind of teaching. I'm pretty dang busy as I prepare now for testing and the scheduling that this entails. I have about two more weeks of solid instruction before I get to turn my students over to my aids and test the brains out of my poor little children. It's weird for me because I have to take them a grade level at a time and I have 'em all. K-12. That's a lot. I feel like I will be abandoning my kids, because I will be. Thank goodness for Para-educators! (Classroom Aides, that is) It's been a crazy, hard year (and it's not over yet) but I have a trip to Scotland to look forward to and hopefully more adventures to come!

Fresca Handsoap

2010-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is random I know, but I just discovered that you can pour diet soda on yourself and it is never sticky!! Did you know that? I didn't. It's because of the lack of sugar. Way awesome. I'm going to start washing my hands in Fresca.

2010-03-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

I think it is about that time where I create a new post...

Life is good right now. I am still up in the air with certain decisions (see post below this one) but for the most part, school is going really well. I can't believe we are already into March! My life at present does not include anything out of the ordinary: I go to work everyday, I do the church thing, I do the running thing, the dinner group thing, the institute thing. These are the little things that my life consists of and it's nice. So now that you are all caught up, let's get to the real post of the day, shall we?

I was driving around the other day and started having all these weird flashbacks to things from my childhood! Then I started thinking about more and more things that I used to love! I would like you to come with me as I take a trip back to the good old days......

First, My Little Ponies!!

Oh how I loved them.

I had a whole collection of ponies complete with a barn to put them in. Once, when my little brother was feeling left out of my play time, I decided to let him play ponies with me. Being a boy, the 'play time' quickly turned into a pony war. We threw ponies at each other until the Unicorn hit me in the face and left a horn shaped welt on my lip. Ah, memories...

My next favorite was Fragile Rock of course!

"Throw your cares away (clap, clap), Save them for another day! Down at Fragile Rock (Clap, Clap)" (Feel free to fill in the gap that I obviously left in this theme song.)

And how could I forget about Today's Special!

That clever mannequin and his mystical, magical hat!

(ps... who knew that the mannequin guy looked like Jerry Seinfield?)

Other favorite shows of mine included: Pippy Longstocking, Punky Brewster (whimsical little girls was my thing...), Care Bears, Ninja Turtles!, and Heman. Love.

I was at Walmart a few weeks ago and I noticed this at the register.....

Fruit Striped Gum!!! Man, the flavor lasts about 45 seconds and then it completely dissolves in your mouth. But hey, you get a cool tattoo of a Zebra on a skateboard! Yyyyyeeessss!

And what about some Big Leauge Chewing tabac...I mean...gum!! I don't think my mom approved of this stuff. But I loved it anyway.

Slinkies! "A slinky, a slinky. What a wonderful toy. A slinky, a slinky. Good for a girl or a boy."

Pogs - the shortest fad in the history of fads. I had an 8 ball slammer. Word.

Drifting into middle school...... This is when I started thinking music was cool. And the first band that I loved? You guessed it.....

Boyz II Men. "Don't do it baby...."

I was also a big fan of TLC. Remember when they sang the song for, "All That" on Nickolodeon? Beyond cool!!

Did anyone else think that tunnel bangs were the coolest thing since sliced bread? With the perfect amount of sticky hairspray and a 1" barrel curling iron, this highly popular look was achieved daily in my home. I was too cool for school.

(Ok - so this is the closest picture of the bangs I could find

without dipping into my personal file...)

Chunky Shoes. The bigger the better. You have clown feet? No problem, just wear some two inch chunks with Jinco Jeans and you are good to go!

I'm pretty certain I never actually owned a pair. But my older sister did and I borrowed them almost every day... right Em? Right.

Well there you have it. Thank you for listening as I indulged in a flashback down good ole memory lane. Until next time!

Stuck

2010-01-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Everyone,

Today I got to participate in the school Spelling Bee. Not as a participant, of course. I would have been massacred, m-a-s-s-a-c-r-e-d, massacred. Those kids are smart! No, no... I was a judge of sorts but mostly I wrote down incorrect spellings and crossed off names of kiddos who were eliminated. The winning word.... synthesizer! It was quite the exciting day!
The best part was - due to the fact that it lasted 3 1/2 HOURS - I didn't have to teach all day...teehee. I almost feel bad writing that, but truth is I look forward to built-in vacations from preparing, managing and teaching lessons. I love my students, but sometimes (more often than not) I do not love teaching. If my job consisted of cleaning, decorating, filing/organizing paperwork and testing students one on one all day I would love, love my job! However, it is not only that and the decision to continue teaching has been sloshing around in my brain for quite some time now. What to do? I don't exactly know. Why am I telling you about it? Maybe you could give me some advise....? Maybe?
Last year, at the end of the school year, I was torn whether or not to accept this job. With much convincing from the District I decided to give it one more year. This has been my self-titled "trial year". And a trial it has been! I'm glad I chose to continue this year - I have learned oh so much. If I decide to dis-continue teaching, it will be a decision that was thought out and tried not simply because I am scared and running away from something hard. I understand that work is always going to be work whatever it is I decide to do, I just feel I am already burning out and one more year of this may not make a happy girl out of me. And I just want to be happy.
So - I have been searching for alternate jobs or anything that strikes my fancy. It kills me a little on the inside that perhaps I am wasting such a specific degree, but I know there are other areas in which the skills I have will be needed. Some options I have thought of include: Administrative Assistant (secretary, rather... but to be honest my secretary jobs were my most favorite of all), Counseling / Advising of some sort, working for a Private tutoring company. That's what I gots. Any other suggestions? Thoughts? Comments? I would love anything you have to tell me.

Much Love,

Jeanette

Seriously?

2010-01-20T13:01:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning feeling nice and rested. As I rolled over and got up a thought crossed my mind that terrified me for a moment: "Wait a second, I'm still single!?" Can't remember it, but it must have been a nice dream. Then I laughed and got ready for work. Oh those early morning moments.

Perspective

2010-01-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Work was rough today. There are so many things involved with being a Special Ed. Resource teacher, that sometimes I wonder how my head doesn't explode on a daily basis. I know it is a common theme with all school teachers - so much to think about and plan that you can hardly leave it at school when you finally DO go home. Today I was struck while I was thinking about the challenges that many of my special students face. My thoughts seemed to focus on one little student in particular and I was inspired - so I would like to share that with you.
I have a student who is an only child and comes from a broken home. Mom stays at home, I think she is ill - she can't bring him to school because their car just died. He rides his scooter in the snow. His step dad works a lot. I don't know the particulars of the family, only that in trying to schedule a meeting mom didn't show up 3 times and on the fourth, we managed to have a meeting over the phone. Despite whatever may be going on at home, this little boy is the most positive boy I have ever taught. He is 3 grades below on all academic levels (reading, writing and math), he is sick a lot and he does not have many friends. Despite his academic non-achievements, whenever I give him a timed math or reading test, his typical attitude is this:
Me: How far do you think you can get in one minute?
Him: I can finish the whole page!
Me: Ok! Just do your best.
(He gets approxiamately 3 of the 25 done)
Me: Do you want to try again?
Him: Ya! I can get the whole page this time!
Me: Just do your best.
(He gets 3 again)
Him: I want to try one more time!
This little charade could go on and on without him improving in the least and if we were to do these little tests all day long, he would still believe that he can do the whole page the next time! He has heart and determination as well as a sweet ignorance to his own imperfect little mind. He is constantly helping me clean or 'helping' other students with their work. He loves every soul he meets and yet they often do not love him - because he is different. In appearance and activity he is a normal little boy, but they can tell that he is not the same and they let it effect what they think of him. This example of his determination is just one of the many ways that he has taught me. I am glad that he has such an innocent perception of his situation - he needs it to survive. One day he came to school in new clothes - I am sure it is not often that he gets something new. He couldn't stop smiling (or telling me about it!) for the entire class time. He informed me today that his shoes are tight now, but he didn't tell me that in complaint. He followed it up with, "Now I can run faster! Tighter shoes make you a better runner."
For all the challenges that I think I have in my life, these children have so much more. More than I would ever wish on a child so pure. And from this all, there is no doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father is real. He loves me because he has given me so much. He loves these children because he has given them ways to handle what they must. I only hope that I can be given enough wisdom and strength to help them on their journey - as much as they are helping me.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Reflections from 2009: (what would a New Year post be without a little reminiscing?)

Got hired for my first real teaching job, learned a lot; got my first salary pay check; left the United States for the FIRST time ever; went para-sailing; moved back to Provo; made tons of new friends; crocheted a blanket; learned to knit; forgot how to knit; accepted a teaching job at a new school; made some more friends; went on my second plane ride ever; visited my brother in Ohio; went camping at Fish Lake and Capitol Reef; turned 25; picked up some awesome Country Dancing skills and so much more! It's hard to condense a year in one blog post. I have had some fun times this past year! I feel like I have also learned a lot more about myself and what I want out of life, but that's something for another post. I'm not in a serious mood today.

But boy am I excited for new beginnings! I - as I am sure many are the world over - have been thinking a lot about changes and goals and making a fresh start with the turn of another year. In years past, I would get very excited for all of these new goals I wanted to accomplish. I believe I had around 20 goals last year! And did I accomplish them all? Who knows?! My problem is I write them down and then never look at them again until ...actually I just don't ever look at them again. Not a very good system. This year I have decided to set some goals and actually pay attention to them throughout the year! Sounds like a plan, eh? I know - don't mock me. I figured it would be easiest to set only a minimum amount of goals in order to remain focused. These will be big picture type goals - hopefully to take shape as the year progresses. Drum roll please....

1. Travel more. I have been outside of the USA approximately 1 time in my life. It was a total blast! I want to do that more. I have plans already to visit my brother-in-law and sister in Scotland but I would like to go to at least one more place outside of the US.

2. Be healthier. I know that is a completely vague sort of goal. I have more specific goals in mind - but I think I will leave that for my un-public journal. Basically, I just want to eat less of the bad things, more of the good things, and be more active. Recovering from two knee surgeries and serving a mission (you know how that goes) has sort of kicked my trash in the healthiness department. So - I will be creating a more consistent exercising regime to be better all a'round' (hopefully not so much of that anymore....)

3. Cook more. I have been in a dinner group this last semester and I really enjoyed being able to cook more often. I want to plan and cook more frequently than I have been. I think this will also help with my health goal, too.

4. Get married. When isn't this a goal for me? Maybe this is the year! haha....we shall see.

5. Run a 5k, 10k and half marathon. Progressive goal. I really, really want to do this one! A lot.

There are of course other little goals (spiritual and personal growth goals) but I don't want to post those quite yet. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has a great start to a Brand New Year!!

Ho hum

2009-12-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just a normal post today. I haven't updated in a while, so I figured it's about time. I have not a clever thing in my head at the moment - so I will grace you with the day-to-day of little Miss Moody.
School is going well. That is if you consider "feeling like my head is barely above water as I plan lessons, IEP's, assess goals and manage behaviors... and parents..." as going well. There has never been a time in my life where I have needed a Christmas Break more than now! Good thing it is only 7 days away!! My students are great though. Let's see if I can think of any charming things they have done lately: 1) A little second grader enthusiastically wished me a 'Very Merry Christmas!' as he was leaving class. This was last Thursday. I guess some are much more anxious for the break than I! 2) I have one student who thinks it is so entertaining to wait outside the bathroom and scare me when I open the door. It wouldn't be so bad except he is a big 6th grade boy and is taller than me ... we have had a few talks about what is socially appropriate since then. Hmmm.. I'm sure more will come to me later.
How about some news from the dating scene, eh? I don't really talk about this on my blog much - but I have been on a few dates lately which is so nice! I feel like I have been in a humongous dating dry spell and to actually go on several dates within a week is very nice! Although there is nothing really fantastic blooming from any of them, I at least feel like I'm doing something about my lack of social life! ha. And a big thanks for those who have thought to set me up. It really makes me feel good when someone thinks enough about me to recommend me to a friend. Does that sound weird? Well, it is what it is. Anyway - that is what my life is about right now. The 'adventure' continues on! Peace.

I'm not that girl.

2009-11-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true. I went to the 12:31 showing of 'New Moon' the night it came out. Let me 'splain...no, no, let me sum up... My good friend, MJ we shall call her, has a cousin. This cousin has a friend. And this friend (I gather) is in love with Twilight. She rented out a theater for a private showing and then needed people to fill it up. So, MJ invited me to go, and I accepted. One month ago.
I liked the first movie; I've read the first two books; so I thought, "What the heck. I might as well!" Although I only got approximately 3 hours of sleep on a school night and was a walking Zombie the entire next day, I am glad I went. It was a lot of fun! But, lest you think any differently about me, I wanted to assure you that I am not one of "those" fans. And by "those" I of course mean these:

I do not buy ridiculously large blankets with Edwards' pale, pale face on them.

I do not enjoy standing in line for hours to get the newest Twilight book coordinating a black T-shirt and red sash with the rest of my crazy Twilight friends.

I also do not enjoy tatooing the three book logos to my back!!! EW!! Can you even imagine?! I apologize for even posting this image. ew.

That said, please do not be offended if you have done one or all of the above. I'm not judging you - just the crazy things you do.
And now, the favorite parts of the my midnight movie experience are as follows:

1. The 45 year old woman who screamed her head off every time Jacob took off his shirt. (I heard that this actor is only 18? yikes.)
2. Almost being trampled as we entered the theater (even though our tickets were numbered and given assigned seats.)
3. Eating those candy word-hearts (Twilight version) with things like, "I love you for eternity because I'm a vampire and I never die" and "Bite me" written on them. (Ok - so those were heavily paraphrased... I can't remember the exact wording, but you get the idea.)
4. Watching the scene where Alice's vision of Bella as a vampire shows them frolicking in the woods with flowy, pastel colored clothes. EVERYONE in the theater laughed there heads off at this... and I was pleased.
5. It was just fun. If I was going to watch the movie at all, this was for sure the night and the crowd to do it with. So, if you have not seen the movie, I recommend it honestly. Just make sure you go with some crazy fans. It makes it all a lot more entertaining!

I have a problem.

2009-11-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some recent and not so recent pictures today and I discovered something tragic. It's a sensitive subject, so please don't make fun. My issue is... I have a dorky-picture-hand. You see, if ever a picture is taken wherein my left hand is visible, the darn thing doesn't know what to do. My hand gets nervous and instead of doing something normal - like hanging limply at the end of my arm - it convulses and moves until it hangs in a rather strange position. Observe:

** Here we see lefty with fingers slightly bent, not sure whether it wants to straighten all the way, or
curl up on itself. Tragedy.

I even tried to cover it with something more attractive, like beautiful Fall leaves.

**See. Weirdo-hand.

Even when I try to do something else, give it a chance to be supported by a hip or side, it still acts bewildered.**See what I mean!? Why must it just rest there as if injured and too sore to move.
Can't it grab a hold of something?

Here it is again. This time jutting out into nowhere for no reason at all!

This one is especially bad. Family photo shoot. Look closely, you'll see what I mean...
And again...**AHHH!

I would appreciate any advise you could give me. I am desperate for help.

And now, we will close this post with a little something from my right hand - who obviously also needs a different kind of help. This was purely accidental, I swear. It is hilarious that it was caught on camera though. And entering the MTC no less....

The Never Ending Story is such a great movie!

2009-11-04T12:37:00.001-08:00

And that has nothing to do with this entry. I was just thinking about how much I love that movie.

I feel like I can't blog until I have something interesting to post so my blogging tends to be spread out. That said, I cannot say that I am writing due to something interesting happening - more that I haven't written anything in so dang long. Can my life possibly be that un-interesting? Guess so.

The least (or most rather) I can do is give you an update and exaggerate to make me sound cooler.

School takes up the majority of my time and all of my energy right now. I am learning how to better balance my life so I don't completely burn out which is good. That consists of leaving as soon as my contract time hits and not thinking about school until 5:30 the next morning, at which time I plan my days lessons. Leaving things to the last minute? Maybe. Does it work for me? Definitely yes. My students are super awesome. I love the constant prompting to get my ADD kiddos on task, the incessant re-directing of my always tuned out kids, and saying "no" over and over to my 'I'm-doing-everything-I-can-to-avoid-work' kids. It's fantastic! I actually mean that, though. I'm not trying to be all that sarcastic. It's a lot of work and you must have approximately 6 hands and 4 eyes to do it, but it can be done! This year compared to my last year is a million trillion times more manageable!

In life outside of school we have, well, life stuff. I'm very proud of myself as of late for my better exercising habits! I live about one minute away from the Provo river trail and I love, love to run it often! It has been difficult since my past knee surgery to find something to keep me in shape without playing soccer and running has been a great substitute. The other day while running the trail, I did happen to see a some deer on the trail. Then, right after that, I saw the biggest moose I've ever seen! I just ran on past and it didn't seem to mind. And then, that was my exaggeration ... I probably would have jumped into the river had I seen a moose! ok - I'm not so good at this exaggerating to make things more awesome so I guess it's time to close this post. Thanks for reading! Until next time.

Time Flies!

2009-10-12T18:14:00.001-07:00

Whoa. I thought I had barely updated my blog a few days ago and as it turns out it's been more like a few weeks. I don't have a whole lot to report, but I'll try to think of some stuff anyway. Stuff #1) My dad is the bomb dot com. I was whining to him the other day after my car gifted me a big fatty "REJECTED" stamp on my safety and emissions test. It wasn't a gigantic fix, however it started me noticing all the imperfections in little Trudy (that's her name.) I would like to have fixed. My daddy loves to tinker with cars and decided to trade me for a couple of weeks to get it in better shape. Here is a list of the awesome things he helped me with:
- New Bumper! (I knocked a hole in it about 3 weeks after buying it...sad story for another day)
- Glued my "Civic" sign back on
- Fixed my back drivers side door so it now opens from the inside and the outside
- New Spark plugs
- Painted my windshield wiper arms
- New wipers
- New Windshield
- Tightened the oil pan
- Changed the oil
- Replaced sadly torn weather strip on the drivers side window
- Replaced the viser hook-thing that I busted due to an adrenaline rush after being smashed in the eye by a water balloon almost ripping my cornea (yet again, a story for another time...)
- And lastly, cleaned inside and out!

It's wonderful to see how the fixing the little details on an old car like mine could make such a difference. My dad is by far my favorite. I was able to pay for all the repairs, but I wouldn't have known where to take it or how to get the best deals - so for this I thank you dad!

Stuff #2) My principal is a funny guy. I was on a hike Saturday afternoon when suddenly a gray haired man with a big ole camera comes sauntering up the trail. I realized as he passed that it was my boss! I quickly yelled a friendly hello. Pretty sure he didn't even know who I was. Oh well - I'm still new to the school. Then, today at work, he comes wondering into my classroom. It was the tiniest bit awkward, but he proceeded to tell me how weird it was to see me outside of class. He said that it was like when our students see us in real life and think, "Hey! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?" Ya, I had a good laugh. Maybe it's just me. It is nice to think that other people actually do see me as a for-real teacher though! haha - it was weird. The End.

I was Robbed!

2009-09-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

My car has been with my wonderful daddy this past week so he could give it a look over and price out parts I need to get it in better shape. He called me this morning to inform me that he was very sorry, he had left the drivers side door open last night. As he got in the car this morning, he noticed that my sunglasses had been moved and some papers had been rifled through. Someone had been in my car! He looked around the car, opened the glove box, checked the back seats to discover what had been stolen - and to our great humor the only thing gone was.........a bag of BBQ potato chips! hahaha - thanks robber, for making my day!

Students Say the Darndest Things...

2009-09-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is a conversation I observed with two second graders in my classroom the other day:

Me: Sam, did you take my timer?

Sam: No I didn't

Isaac: He's lying! Don't lie Sam. Satan is a liar!

Sam: I'm not lying.

Isaac: Satan is a liar. Jesus loves us. Jesus doesn't lie. You need to be like Jesus.

*giggle* They continued this discussion for a moment before I finally composed myself and redirected the conversation. Even if they don't learn a darn thing with me, at least some parents are teaching them correct principles at home, eh?

A New Year! School year that is...

2009-08-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

First week of school is officially over! It has been a successful beginning in my eyes. I have about 18 students that I work with - ranging in grades 2 through 6. Ability levels ranging from about 1st to 6th. Most I only see for 30 minutes daily and a few others anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours a day. Scheduling is always a beast but I think I got it figured out! And it only took me a few days! Just so you know what scheduling involves I must take into account these things before grouping students in half hour blocks throughout the day: recess, PE, specialty classes, General Ed. teacher preferences, student ability level, student peer/age groups (don't want to group a 2nd with a 6th!), what they are serviced for (reading, writing, math), how long they are with me a day, IEP goals... and I think that's it.... haha. Pretty crazy right? Why did I go into this field!

I have fantastic students this year, though. I'm at a new school, new staff, new students - I'm very excited to get going with the curriculem and actually teaching! For these first few days we have only reviewed rules and routined of the classroom - necessary. Boring, but very necessary! So far I have yet to see any behaviors that I can't manage which puts a HUGE smile on my face. I have a lot of hope for a great year!!

I need to take some pictures or my quaint, cute room - hopefully soon. But, to give you an idea - the theme is "Flying High" using hot air balloons :) Love it!

Nothing else new to report really. Mostly my life as of late has been consumed with school preparations, testing, scheduling etc... That said, I actually have been a lot less stressed about everything than I expected! (so far... hope I didn't just curse myself... blast...) I can do my school work at school, do a little bit at home when neccessary and then have time for myself in the evening. It's fantastic!

School Days, school days

2009-08-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure that anyone actually reads my posts, but here is a brief update of whats going on anyway!!

I got back from a fantastic vacation to Saipan a couple of weeks ago. My trip included para sailing, snorkeling, laying on the beach, collecting seashells and eating great food! It was much needed - it was hard to come back to real life. Which brings me to the 'what's going on in real life' segment of my post.... School! I will begin teaching at Hillcrest Elementary school on August 17 so I have been preparing by attending all sorts of meetings! I went to Core Academny for three days of curriculum training in Math which was a lot of fun/gave me good ideas. Then I moved on to the New Teacher training provided by the district. Soo great! It took a lot of time and energy (8:30-3:30 for 7 days) but I was happy for the great training! I'm feeling a lot better about taking over the resource class at my new school and confident that I will be well prepared....or at least as well prepared as a first-and-a-half year teacher can be!
I have been in my classroom preparing for the past few days, but I still have a ton of things to do! I'm now down to about 10 days, so I hope I can squeeze in everything I need to!

I will be going on a campout in St. George this weekend with some friends - so I do get on last hoorah before hitting it hard in the classroom.

Well - I didn't promise anything exciting to say, so I hope no one is dissapointed! I'll try to post some pictures next time, or change my font, or something.....you know... to keep all my readers coming back for more... haha.

Pictures!

2009-07-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Saipan continues to be sunny, beautiful and so relaxing! Yesterday I saw the biggest blow fish I've seen yet! He was about the size of a football. He came lumbering out of the coral, took a lazy look around and after deciding there was nothing worth seeing, floated back into his hole. I also saw another bright blue star fish hugging on for dear life to the top of a spiny orange coral. All five arms were wrapped tightly around it as if the waves were going to sweep him away at any minute. Snorkeling is my favorite part of the vacation thus far! I wish I could take pictures of the things I see underwater. Here are some pictures of everything above the water!

Coral Shark swimming in the pond at the resort

The Palms Resort where we're starying

Palm tree :)

Boonie dogs (wild dogs) live all over the island

Heather and I at Tank Beach

Mom, Heather and I got manicures

The Saipanda! Not sure why the panda has a banana for a nose...

We went to a street market to get yummy island food and buy fun things

There's a lizard in there...

View from my beach chair... this is the life!

Can you believe that I'm at the beach everyday and I'm still this white? Ya, me too.

View of the island from it's highest point, Mt. Topachau

Heather, me and Aaron on Mt. Topachau

Sorry the pictures are small and kind of fuzzy... I couldn't get it to work right... I'll try to fix it.

I'm here!!

2009-07-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to Saipan! Getting on the dang plane was a mess - but I managed (with the help of a feisty older sister with a baby) to get my ticket switched and I have been here now for a few days! For a brief recap of what happened at the airport: Got to the bag check-in 1 1/2 hours before scheduled flight, waited in line for a looong time (as airline was waayy understaffed), talked with bag check-in lady who didn't know what to do with my Northwest international flight due to recent merge with Delta, waited some more until she finally re-directed us back to the kiosk, got to the kiosk to scan ticket - was 2 minutes late and the system wouldn't check me in, talk to lady-who-knew-nothing again, redirected to first class where we were told "someone" could get me through, waited more, talked to super defensive ornery old guy, redirected again, missed my flight, rebooked with nice tongan lady (finally someone helpful!), got new tickets for the next day, cost me an extra $250. Whew...sorry that was probably a pain to read - but I didn't feel like rehashing the whole story. It was a blessing I had my big sister with me to help fight with the staff and get me where I needed to go! I couldn't believe how unhelpful everyone was. I only missed the check in by 2 minutes and wouldn't have missed it had the first lady known what she was doing. I guess what matters now is that I am here in Saipan safe and sound.

I don't have my camera to post pictures yet, but I will have some up soon. This place is beautiful! We are at The Palms Resort which has a botanical garden/jungle, tons of fish in a stream surrounding the resort, hibiscus/plumeria/fire tree flowers galore, and a big smimming pool all resting on the edge of the ocean shore. It could not get more perfect than this! I went snorkeling for the first time yesterday and saw soo many mutli-colored fish! There are also an abundance of sea slugs - my goal is to not step on one while I'm here. So far, so good! Today while snorkling my favorite was a whole school of tiny vibrant blue fish that floated out and in from the coral like a synchronized swimming act. Soo neat! There are also as many hermit crabs as there are grains of sand. Every shell I pick up to add to my collection must first be examined - 80% of the time there is a tiny crab still living inside.

We have mainly stayed at the resort so far - but soon we will go to other beaches and check out more of the island. Next time I will post pictures - promise!

Ads For Africa

2009-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

You may notice that 'ad' bar on my blog now... here's the deal... Check out this website: http://ads4africa.org/
I just noticed this site and thought it was pretty great how even us small-time bloggers can help raise a little money for people in poverty who need the help. Visit the site to find out more.

And also.... two more days until I leave for Saipan!! Two!! This is how excited I am.

Yippee!!

If you like Pina Coladas...

2009-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

K - don't ask about the title. I never know what to write in that little box - and since I will be discussing (or rather exclaiming!) about a tropical island today, and Pina Coloda's sound tropical to me... eh... just skip this part, ok? I'm not making any sense.

Can I just say that I am soo excited for Thursday! I may have to blog about it every day just to pass time and hope it comes faster. I leave on a jet plane Thursday afternoon for tropical paradise! For those of you who don't know, my father got a 'side' job (is that what to call it? I don't know...) working for a man who owns a resort on a little island called Saipan. Apparently the US owns this island (who knew! I sure didn't) and this man, we'll call him Russ (because that's his name) owns a gigantic resort. He had a couple telescopes installed sometime in January for locals and vacationers to enjoy, but he didn't exactly know how to work them. He needed an expert on telescope-working......enter my daddy.

(that's him...and me also...)

Since Professor Moody (that's my dad) is an astronomer and also is very cool, he decided he could sacrifice some of his time to live out there for a few weeks and get the scopes running. Sacrifice...that was a joke. Get it? Tropical Island? Anyway...

That was in February - and because Russ loved them so much, he wanted my dad back again! And this time, he agreed to pay for the rest of the family to fly out on our own time, too!! Isn't this fantastic? My turn comes this Thursday - I get to fly first to Tokyo where I will have a 4 hour layover and then on to Saipan. I believe the total trip will be around 24 hours. That's a long time - and I'm a little nervous about traveling alone - but I hear that the Japanese people are so anxious to talk to Americans and use their English that I won't have a problem finding someone to help me get to where I need to be. I've also heard that the information they give may not be accurate, but my plan is to talk to many people and follow the most common answer to get to my connecting flight. It's going to be soo great! This will practically be my first time going anywhere foreign! (an hour in Canada doesn't count.... Jersey almost counts, but...nah...) Wahoo!!

Here are a few pictures of Saipan just to get ya'll jelous:

*Sigh" I can't wait! Hey, do you guys want me to bring you back anything? I can totally do that. Let me know! And for real, I'll do it...

Visit to the Ohio!

2009-06-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Update. What's going on in my life? Well, not a whole lot at the moment. I did just get back from a trip to The Ohio to see my brother, Stephen. We got to do a bunch of things that only Ohio could provide such as: Tour around Ohio State Campus, visit the Columbus Zoo, scenic drive/visit to Amish country, hear my brother speak in church, celebrate Steve's birthday, visit a GIANT corn field (and it's not what you're thinking either), and eat at Jenny's (this great little ice cream shop with exotic flavors like Thai Chili and Salty Carmel) I got Lavender, Pear Sorbet, and one more... can't remember... It was an awesome trip! My cousin Katie and her husband and two cute kids were also visiting so I got to spend some time with them too! All in all, I had a lot of fun. My aunt and uncle let me stay at their place while they were, ironically, visiting Utah - that was sooo wonderful. I didn't have to worry about a hotel or food or anything like that. Made for a pretty stress free trip.
I was also very excited to ride a plane for the second time in my life! I know I am 24 and a college graduate - but I was pretty nervous to attempt a plane ride by myself. I am proud to announce that it was completely successful. I didn't even get lost once - even during my layover in the Chicago, O'Hare airport. That place is HUGE! I met some nice people on the my flights and one even gave my an Ohio State hat! Brand new, never been worn - he informed me that if I stepped onto Ohio soil without it, I would get beat up... *gulp* I accepted it graciously :)
What else can I blab about on here? I'm just relaxing and enjoying my free time this summer with no commitments and no school or work. I am trying to find ways to occupy my time until our family trip to Saipan. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I would like to find some humanitarian/service oriented type things to do - but I'm not sure what. Maybe I'll look up how to crochet those leaper bandages or something.... hmm...

Amish Country! Saw tons of little farms like this one

Horse and Buggy

Gorilla! They came right up to the glass!

Steve in some misty place at the zoo. I thought it was cool.

Penguins :)

Happy!

2009-06-07T22:28:00.001-07:00

I love my roomates. I love my new ward. I love my apartment. I'm loving life!

Just had to post how good things are for me right now. I needed a change but was worried about where, when, if I was making the right choice. I just decided, went for it, and I know this is the place for me. It's only been a couple of days and one Sunday of meeting people, but I know...it's going to be a fantastic summer.

(thanks Em for helping me find this place. Perfect.)

Blog Title

2009-06-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

I think I want a better name for my blog. I picked "Miss Moody" because that's who I was for the past year with my students. Does anyone have any other ideas? I'm still new to the blogging world and need all the help I can get :)

Change

2009-06-03T12:49:00.001-07:00

I moved in to my new place yesterday. It's mixed feelings for me at the moment. I really loved being at home with the family for a while and my stake singles ward was the bomb.com. But, being 24, single and finished with school I felt like I needed to be more independent once again and make the courageous move to P-Town. I signed a contract here at Millrace Condos and so far it's great. My room is nice and big and PRIVATE (which is a must). Rent is doable. Roommates seem pretty cool (although I've only talked to them briefly). I've been hearing only good things about the ward and the place, so I'm psyched to finally be out again and doing my own thing.

Overall, I'm feeling good about the move. However, change always brings certain anxieties: Meet new people, establishing yourself in a new social scene, put yourself out there, make new friends, get involved with the ward, change your routines, live in a new and unfamiliar place etc.. I know what I'm getting myself into - I've done this too many times to be surprised - I just hope with this recent change, life can start taking off for me again and I can get to that happy place I'm looking for! So ready or not, here I come!

Time to go

2009-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

I cleaned my house for 7 hours yesterday! That's a long time - but it was way worth it. My mom was working hard trying to get the yard into shape - so I worked on the inside all day. Don't you think it is the best feeling in the world to just dig in and get something really clean? It was a very satisfying day.

And that was probably my last time having a cleaning spree at my home home for a while. I've been living in AF with the family for far too long now. I love them to death - and for real it's awesome not to pay for rent or food and to have family around .... all the time .... but it's time to go now. I'm still not sure where I'm moving to, but I've heard a lot of good things about a place called Millrace Condos in Provo. My school next year is borderline Provo/Orem so this is a good place as it is located in North Provo. I have yet to go check out the place with my own eyes, but I'm thinking it will be the winner for now.

The Little Stinker

2009-05-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Babies are gross. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE babies and little kids, but sometimes baby stuff is still kind of "throw-up-in-my-mouth" disgusting. Here is a little story to show you what I mean.

I got to sit with my nephew the other day at Em and Mike's place. He woke up from his nap shortly after I got there and as I picked him up and took him to the living room I noticed he was a little soggy-bottomed. No big deal - I never mind changing diapers. I plopped him down on the floor thinking it was just a really wet one. WRONG. He had a complete blowout!! I only had wipes and a new diaper there with me in the living room so to prevent it from leaking all over the carpet, I hurriedly stripped the babe and wrapped the nastiness in the new diaper. Andrew was just enjoying the whole show! He was being squirmy and gabby but as soon as the clothes came off he went nuts! I attempted to grab him up (meanwhile getting baby poo all over my arm) and raced him to the bathroom sink. *Whew* Fortunately I found a towel quickly, got the sink turned on, and began wiping the excess from off his back etc. Now, Em's sink splashes pretty fiercely, so when I noticed the water on the floor I didn't think much of it .....until I began to feel wet warmth starting from the front of my shirt down to the knee of my pants. Turns out while I was worried about getting him cleaned off, he decided he wasn't done! Pee all over me. I looked at that little face and he let out a loud giggle! I let him finish his business (all over me), wrapped him in a towel, and got him diapered and dressed. Oh my grossness! But all too funny to care.

The culprit.

Teacher Thoughts

2009-05-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year is finally here! These past few weeks have seriously been the longest weeks of my life - waiting for a break. My student teaching and this past semester as a "real teacher" have been quite a challenge for me. I've learned that teaching is nothing like what they told me it would be at BYU.

Classroom management is key to having a successful teaching experience and I have definitely not mastered this concept yet! For the past year my lack of management success has stressed me out big time. I have been unable to really enjoy the students and the teaching like I thought would. (I figured this would come naturally... not true...for me at least :) ) At times, I have been terrified to come to class worrying that I will lose control of the students, end up yelling at them, and then crying my eyes out as soon as they leave.

Now that the end is here, I have been able to finally relax. My students come sparatically, they are happy to almost be done, and class time is very low key as far as actual instruction goes. We mostly play 'educational' games. (I guess this is the nature of resource with end of the year activities, dance festival, assemblies, and field trips). I've had a chance to reflect on some of the good times and the moments that have made this struggle seem worth it. I mean, part of me thinks it is insanity that I have accepted a job this coming Fall despite my struggle to make it through this year! But somewhere deep in there I know that it is moments like these that make it all worth it:

Funny moments:
- "I scream like a girl. But that's only for emergencies." said by a third grade boy
- "Miss Moody! I have 34 scratches!" (said proudly) "But you have more than me!" "I do?" "Yep, on your face!" (referring to my acne!! hahah)
- "Miss Moody, are you still in high school?" I don't think I will ever look old enough to be teaching...
- "How old are you, Miss Moody?" "How old do you think I am?" Answers ranged from 17 to 40... oh man. I guess I look old enough to some students.
- "Why did you put your hair like that? You should wear it down."
- "I like it better when your hair is in your face." (meaning my bangs shouldn't be pinned up)
- "You are my most beautiful teacher!"
- "I like your class a lot Miss Moody!" "Oh, thank you!" "Ya, you give out lots of candy." (during my bribing phase. Not really proud of the reason why they liked me..haha)
- Written in a note: "Thanks for all you do. You teached us a lot!"

But really it's for these reasons:
- Seeing a student finally understand a concept
- When all students pay attention and answer questions at the same time! (Even if it only lasts for 2 minutes)
- Talking to a student about his behavior and seeing him make the effort to actually change!
- Laughing and joking
- When a lesson goes exactly the way I planned it to! (few and far between, but at least I know it can happen)
- Seeing one student help teach another a concept he just learned himself
- Being able to help my students see happiness in life when many of them struggle with so much outside of school

I don't know how much difference I have made this year, but I am grateful for the experiences I've had. Oh boy it's been hard! And I am glad to have a summer in between, but I really am excited to start fresh again at a new school, at the start of a school year, with all of this knowledge and new ideas of how to change for the better.

Fancy Blogs

2009-05-19T11:30:00.001-07:00

I'm having a grand ole time searching through free backgrounds and finding out how to customize my blog. If anyone has any tips for me, I'm all ears for advice!

I've Succumbed

2009-05-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well hello Blog World! I've decided to join the craze and begin blogging. I love blog stalking everyone else, so I figured it was about time I created one myself. I have always felt like "blogs" are for young married couples and thus counted myself out - but it seems to be a fantastic way to keep up on my friends lives who live near and far and whom I don't hear from otherwise. So, here I sit! I hope I can find enough interesting things about my life to entertain those who might read this - otherwise ya'll are just going to get a whole lot of rambling. I don't even know how well I will keep it up, but we'll see...