Spider Bite

After looking at an old picture of a student in our class who had braids:

Girl 1: "She had dreadlocks!"

Girl 2: "She didn't have dreadlocks, if she did she'd be dead."

Girl 1: "Why?"

Girl 2: "Because spiders nest in your hair and bite you. And then you die."

Kimball Hall

Freshman year I moved across the country and met the girls I’d be living with for the next eight months. Through the many (and overly dramatic) ups and downs, three of us became extremely close.

Fast forward four and a half years later and they’re still my best friends. When I’m with them I end up laughing so hard I cry and occasionally there is the accidental peeing of the pants. Clearly time and maturity have done wonders for our appearance, but our jokes and memories are timeless.

Brighton Night Skiing

After 4.5 years and substantial internal debate, I finally ventured out and tried the greatest snow on earth. Needless to say I did not come home disappointed.

Yes, that is a picture of me on skis.

First, let me say that skiing is a blast.

Second, I did well for my first time, despite falling on numerous occasions.

Third, I have incredible friends who were so patient with me.

Sidenote: I did not spend the whole night on the bunny hill. Indeed, I am quite impressive.

Stress

This school year has been especially stressful. Between educating 32 students, learning material for a new grade, and attempting to be social, my free time is pretty slim. Despite that, the most likely cause for my anxiety is this:



While typing on my computer, I saw that lizard out of the corner of my eye. Naturally my reaction was to scream and jump out of my chair... causing my class to go into fits of laugher.

When I'm completely gray and full of wrinkles, I'll know who to blame.

How do you measure a year?

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

When I thought back on this year, I first considered it to be pretty ordinary. As I went through my photos to share the highlights, I realized that it was, indeed, a very busy and fulfilling year. Here is how I filled my 365 days.

A dear friend, Jeff Smith, went on a study abroad. Our group got together and had a going away celebration for him.


St. Patrick’s Day. Green clothes, decorations, and food.


Festival of Colors.


Girls trip to St. George to celebrate graduating.


Surprising my relatives (who I hadn’t seen in YEARS) in Pennsylvania. My dad and I are so sneaky.


After living in Provo for 4 years, I hiked the Y.


Putting together costumes for the “Search Party.” Alyssa and I are part of Dog the Bounty Hunter’s Crew.


Building a fort. An item on my bucket list.


Scott’s vintage birthday party.


Stadium of Fire. I love America!



Having to get rescued while repelling.


Paul, a dear friend, moved away for med school. The last photo of our Apartment 9 group.


Going to St. George and watching “Tarzan” with Emily Lloyd.


Rodeo where Kristy and I got in touch with our inner cowgirl!


Participating in the World’s Largest Water Balloon Fight.


Celebrating Pioneer Day covered in foam.


Cabin trip where we rode the rhino, played games, and sat around a camp fire.


Tim McGraw concert. Sexy.


Started teaching 4th grade and 32 children.


IDAHO! Lava Hot Springs and jumping off the HIGH (30+) platform.


Becca’s triathlon, camping, and wave running at Lake Yuba.


Turning 23 and going into an ice cave in Idaho.


Moab: Going to Arches National Park and camping in a Ghost Town.


Halloween as a Punk and Jersey Shore guidette.



Visiting the Grand Canyon and Bryce Park.


Paint Party. Squirt guns filled with paint in a room full of black lights. Yes, please.


Fakesgiving. Yummy food and lots to be thankful for.


Thanksgiving with the family who moved to Utah.


Seeing the Nation’s Capitol and riding the Metro.


525,600 minutes spent with incredible people all over the U.S.
Thank you, 2010, for making this an unforgettable year.

Spot On

With the end of the year upon us, I’ve become slightly nostalgic and decided I wanted to come up with my “highlights” of 2010. That post will come later, but I had to share my favorite photo of the year. It is by no means flattering, but absolutely, and totally, hilarious.



That big spot you see on my skirt is pee, albeit, not my own. If you look over my right shoulder you’ll see that little guy running away with a matching wet spot. While on a Rhino ride (not the animal, FYI) I sat by that cute kid. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, until I stood up and realized I felt quite damp. For a few brief seconds, I thought I had wet myself. That's when I saw my little friend with a matching mark of shame. Just to add to the story, you’ll notice that guy laughing hysterically to my left. Tiger (or so he was nicknamed on the trip) was kind enough to switch seats with me right before “the incident.” He clearly looks remorseful.

Merry Christmas

HO HO HO!

A few days ago I had my students write a letter to Santa telling him what they wanted for Christmas. Some of the letters were humorous, others were quite sad. One little girl wrote down the names of her classmates who no longer believed in Santa and tattled on them.
Here are a few of my favs:

Santa you are the hero that I never now about. You never get seen. You are the best at dilivering toys to boys and girls.

...How are the elves and Miss Clous doing. Is Jack Frost making truble aging? I hope you travel good.

Dear Santa,
I don't quiet know that you exist so I would like you to bring some elfs so I will know that you are reall.

PS They can't be robotic inside. They have to be REALL!


Finally, one student truly summed up what the whole Christmas season is about. How different the world would be if everyone lived their life like this:

Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want very little because I want the pore [poor] to have some presents. All I want is a apple, a orange, some nuts, and a carndal outift [jersey]. I would rely apricit it if you would take some of my presents to the pore. Thank you! How are the reindeer. I hope you have a safe jurny.