The Seven of Us

A few facts about me: I like food.  A lot. I don't overeat, and I don't eat a lot of junk (no MSG, not much HFCS, not a lot of pre-packaged, prepared stuff), but I do like food.  My go-to foods for the past year or so are strawberry greek yogurt with granola, strawberries, and sometimes chia seeds; Kashi and Cascadian farms granola bars; water; Subway subs, and "real" (homemade) popcorn. I'm not overweight because I like food.  I'm overweight because I didn't exercise much between 2003 and 2009.  Although I know I'm overweight, I don't feel overweight. Why?  1-Believe it or not, I'm smaller than I was about 6 years ago. 2-I'm getting stronger all the time. 3-I exercise regularly and have set some pretty challenging fitness goals lately.  My biggest health fear is developing pelvic floor issues. I've watched 2 friends suffer with the pain and emotional exhaustion caused by pelvic problems. I'm slowly learning about pelvic flo...

About six weeks ago, on Feb. 4, I went to Ft Collins.   (Haha.  THAT shows how behind I am.) It was a Tuesday, and it was snowing. If you know me, you know I don't relish driving in winter weather. I'm becoming calmer about it--meaning that I've learned the difference between a little snow that will probably die down and a blizzard--but I don't mess with Mother Nature when she's mad.  (Growing up, our roads were always snow-packed.  And sanded. They had to be, because they were narrow and very curvy. So winter driving was actually very different in NY than it is in, say, a ground blizzard.) Since Haxtun is two  hours from Ft. Collins, I wasn't sure what I'd run into.  But, I felt fairly calm about going, which was great, because I didn't have a choice.  I had to go, and I had to pass. I was scheduled to take the Praxis II: General Science Test.  My entire future seemed to hinge on passing this test; passing would enable ...

It's April 25.  There are 4 weeks of school left, with fewer than 20 days to actually teach and impact my students.  What can I do in 20 days?  I don't know, but I know what I've done this year. I've walked into a foreign situation and said, "Here I am. Teach me how to do this."  I've learned how to manage my grade book and--largely--how to manage my classroom.  I've learned how to manage time better.  I've learned about formative assessments and think-pair-share activities.  I've learned even more about being consistent and I've dedicated myself to practicing integrity as fully as possible. I've learned that great kids with lots of guidance sometimes make mistakes; it's part of the growth process. Less-guided kids make more mistakes or, more accurately, make poor choices and then wish to excuse themselves. I've learned that I still love Latinos; speaking and hearing Spanish makes my soul happy.  Once again, I feel the urge...

Georgia O'Keefe Ansel Adams Vivaldi Cool breezes Utah mornings and evenings Utah stores (Deseret Book, Zupas, Chuck-a-Rama) Going places Getting home Good books A challenge. Any challenge. Hiking the Y.  I'd do it more often if I could. It's gloriously sweaty and invigorating. Knowing that Jimmer has made a difference. Believing I can make a difference. Visiting old friends. Getting texts from my Young Women. Going visiting teaching. Good movies Great parents My family Lowfat ice cream Paychecks Creating things.  A little talent can be big fun. Robert Frost poems Quiet moments

Well, if you've wondered why posting this has taken me so long, it's because I've written it twice.  The first (authentic) version is not published. It turned out too journalish for a blog post; not that I haven't published other things where I've been journalish, but for some reason the authentic version of this post feels even moreso. So, here's a summary: I went to the Provo Temple. I ate lunch with Jessie Schumacher. I tried to find Bishop Cranney, but he had gone to take care of his mother...we have an appointment in July. I went to the soils lab and spent a wonderful hour with Bruce Webb.  An hour isn't enough to spend with Bruce.  We love that man! I went to the bookstore and spent money.  I went to the creamery for mint brownies and ran into Rob Ramos, now a BYU staff trainer (coincidentally, he works with the basketball team) . Rob was a grad student when I was in the ATC program.  He answered all of my questions about George Curtis (th...

1. Massage--I get a massage a few times a year. I first had one 8 years ago and loved it. Then I went on a seven-year hiatus. Why? I told myself, "When I get a job." "When I have more time." "When I have more money." Then I looked at my reasons and LAUGHED! I was working at a job I didn't like; my time, though very limited, is flexible, and as for having more money..right. A good massage is therapy for the body, mind, and soul. Worth every dollar, and then some. Better than the chirocpractor & as good as a workout, with less effort. 2. Good scripture study days. Enough said. 3. A good workout. No tight muscles anywhere, just a few semi-sore ones the next day. 4. A full night's sleep. Haven't had one in almost 19 months. I settle for whatever sleep I can get, wherever I can get it. I usually sleep in my bed half the night and in Isaac's the other half (Corbin claims mine. Isaac is easier to sleep with.) 5. Dessert. All to ...