Emily and Zack

We've Moved!!

2009-01-12T19:34:00.002-07:00

That is right, Zack and I can now be found under a different URL. Sorry, but you are going to have to go in and change our address on your side bar, but you can do it, I KNOW YOU CAN!!

I decided since I am not Emily G anymore and that is what my blog URL is, it needed to change. We can now be found under:

e-zdoesit.blogspot.com

I hope you all will come visit permanently! I updated the blog with honeymoon photos, pictures of our new apartment, and update of our lives, and a recent craft project. So please come and enjoy! See you there!

I'm Getting Maried in the Morning!!

2008-12-26T09:57:00.005-07:00

Today is my last day of being a Galbraith. I can't believe this day is finally here!!! I remember that day in May long ago sitting on the steps outside my apartment with Zack talking about actually getting MARRIED!! It seemed like December 27th would never be here here, esp. when Zack was in Provo all semester and I was in Logan.

Today's to do list includes:

Go to the grocery store.
Get my nails filled- the manicure has grown out a bit!
Pack for the honeymoon.
Get all my dresses for tomorrow ready (I have 3!)
Paint my toe nails
Play with Zack, and relax since tomorrow will be so busy
Go to the special FHE Zack's family has planned.
LAUNDRY
Try to sleep a little bit! I feel like it is groundhogs day with Christmas! I didn't sleep too well Christmas eve since I was excited and I bet that is how tonight will go!

I hope I can see all of you who can come tomorrow to the big event 6 months in the making!!!! After tomorrow, we are off to DISNEYLAND!! Sunny CA, here we come! I'll see you then!

I'm Going there Someday...

2008-12-19T17:52:00.002-07:00

And in my case, Tomorrow is that day. I am going to the Jordan River Temple to recieve my endownments with my family and some of Zack's. Everyone keeps asking me if I am excited to go, and I think I can only be so excited about something I know nothing about. But I am sure once it is over it will make more sense to me and I will be more comfortable.

Also tomorrow Zack and I are moving into our apt! We decided it would be best to just rent a Uhaul truck and load all of it in there. I am excited to get it all set up!!

I can't believe that this time next week, I'll be getting married in the morning!!! :)

2008-12-13T22:29:00.005-07:00

One of our family's favorite traditions is to watch the movie Christmas Vaction with Chevy Chase. I don't know who can watch this movie and not laugh. We have watched it for years, and now that I am older I actually understand all of the jokes and am quite surprised at its PG-13 rating since it was made in 1989. Either way, a good time is had by all when we watch it and the Christmas season just isn't the same without it. Enjoy your Holiday's!

Some of our favorite quotes include:

Art: The little lights... they aren't twinkling.
Clark: I know, Art. Thanks for noticing.

Clark: So, when did you get the tenament on wheels?
Eddie: Oh, that uh, that there's an RV. Yeah, yeah, I borrowed it off a buddy of mine. He took my house, I took the RV. It's a good looking vehicle, ain't it?
Clark: Yeah, it looks so nice parked in the driveway.
[Raises class to his mouth]
Eddie: Yeah, it sure does. But, don't you go falling in love with it now, because, we're taking it with us when we leave here next month.

Margo: I hope he falls and breaks his neck.
Todd: Oh, I'm sure he'll fall. But I don't think we're lucky enough for him to break his neck.

Clark: Hey, Kids, I heard on the news that an airline pilot spotted Santa's sleigh on it's way in from New York City.
Eddie: [after a pause] You serious, Clark?

Frances: Talk about pissing your money away. I hope you kids see what a silly waste of resources this was.
Audrey: He worked really hard, Grandma.
Art: So do washing machines.

Todd: Well, something had to come through the window! Something had to break the stereo!
Margo: And why is the carpet all wet, *Todd*?
Todd: I don't *know*, Margo!

Clark: Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?
Eddie: Naw, I'm doing just fine, Clark.

Clark: Burn some dust here. Eat my rubber.
Rusty Griswold: Dad, I think you mean burn rubber and eat my dust.
Clark: Whatever, Russ. Whatever.

Todd: Hey Griswold. Where do you think you're gonna put a tree that big?
Clark: Bend over and I'll show you.
Todd: You've got a lot of nerve talking to me like that Griswold.
Clark: I wasn't talking to you.

Oh, and yeah. Don't forget to invite this guy to your family parties.

Wedding Announcement

2008-12-04T07:56:00.002-07:00

Here is our wedding announcement and the picture that we are sending out to all of our family and friends! Don't worry, if you haven't recieved yours yet, they are being sent out this week!!

I have been posting this all over the place today, ha ha. I just want to make sure all my friends know that they are definitely invited! 22 days and counting!!

Black Friday

2008-11-28T20:25:00.002-07:00

I never have and probably never will be a participating shopper in 'Black Friday'. I know, they are great deals and maybe for one of my kids it might be worth it. We will have to see in the coming years. I much prefer to sleep in (all that turkey makes you sleepy!) and enjoy my day. I might pay more but I get my sleep and a nice stroll through the store.

Thanksgiving was spent with the Pugh family. We had a great time eating the usual fixings together, singing, and playing games. After Zack and I, along with my sister Nicole and her husband Justin went to see the new James Bond, Quantom of Solace. If you like action movies, this is for you! There was never a dull moment and they had every type of fight/chase scene possible!

The picture above is what my sisters and I chose to do! We all had some metal starts and my sister Nicole saw the idea to scrapbook them to give it a more "Christmasy" look; the ones she saw were $45, so we figured we would do them ourselves! It ended up costing us probably $12. I guess that was our steal of a deal for the day. I really like how they turned out! Now I just need to get a house to decorate!

Thanks for the fun day girls!

If red wins, you can bet I will be blue

2008-11-21T13:38:00.002-07:00

Thank you for being you!

2008-11-20T22:25:00.002-07:00

I had an experience tonight that makes me love Zack even more, if that were possible. I am so grateful to have such a good man in my life. He challenges me to be a better person, he is kind, caring, and a hard worker. He does the right thing. He would never put anyone down. He always encourages me and thinks the best of me. He is always happy and 'jovial' as some might say!

Zack, I love you and I want you to know that because of you, I am the person I am today, and am better for it!

Plus, he looks pretty good in that pink tie. Yep, his mission let him wear pink. A perk of going to Japan.

Do you ever do this?

2008-11-18T22:19:00.004-07:00

Technology is a great great thing. But sometimes, I think we can all agree, that it has its downfall as well. Or, in my case, can make you look and feel like a fool. What I will share with you is something that happens frequently to me. I work on campus, and most of the bathrooms are equipped with automatic sinks. Thus, I have become very accustomed to just placing my hands under them and then the water quickly follows.

I can't tell you how many times I have been in another bathroom, or heaven forbid, even my own bathroom at home where I walk up to it and stand there for a second or two before I realize, "Duh, you have to turn it on." Those are the moments I feel most foolish. Lucky for the other people in the bathroom for them to realized and silently laugh at me. At least I put a smile on someone's face today :)

Good times!

A place to call our own!

2008-11-17T21:34:00.002-07:00

We did it!!! Today Zack and I finally found an apartment to live in!! I always knew we would, but having this taken care of and knowing where I will be is such a load off to me! No more looking on craigslist and sending out tons of emails and frantically searching for the best deal! It feels good!

We found it thanks to my good friend, Shauna! Her and her husband were out on a walk a month or so ago, and saw a 'For Rent' sign. She kindly wrote the number down and gave it to me to call. Of course I got the, "we don't have anything available right now......" but they did tell me to call back in a month. Today was that day. I had emailed and called several other places today and all told me that they had no availability, but this one did!

Zack went over to see it to give it the final approval and he said it is great. New paint, new carpet, great price, and ready when we need it! I can't wait to move in.

Can you tell I'm happy about this? Yay!

2008-11-17T21:25:00.002-07:00

Even though I still have hundreds of Thank You cards to write, I just wanted to say thanks to all those people who were more than generous at my bridal showers this weekend! I was blown away by your kindness and giving! We recieve so many wonderful gifts and they will be put to good use!! I cannot wait to move into our first apartment and put our home together. It is not so far away now, and thanks to everyone's generosity, it will be great! So, thank you!

"So"

2008-11-13T09:10:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, I had two presentations. I only have two classes on MWF but somehow luck got the best of me and I got both of them scheduled on the same day. When I say luck, I mean bad luck. I was not happy about having two presentations.

They both went very well and I got great feedback from my Professors. I felt very good about how they went and the time it took to present, etc.

In each of these classes, the other students were given rubrics to grade us on and to give us feedback. Most were positive and several people asked how to embed a youtube video into their powerpoints- I felt pretty cool about that. "I know something you don't know." Ha ha ha. Ok, so I really didn't say that. And don't worry, I did share with them how to do it.

On one of the rubrics, this was listed at the bottom. "Emily said 'SO' like 84 times...you should work on that. But she was very excited and presented well."

Ha ha ha ha ha!! Well, gee, thanks! In fact, I am POSITIVE that I probably did.

The problem with this was that I had my next presentation and I was very self conscious about doing it again.

My other favorite comment was "Mr. Holland's Opus.....come on...really?" As part of our presentation we had the students watch a clip from Mr. Holland's Opus. Our presentation was on student motivation and there was a clip in there that we thought applied very well and demonstrated what a good and caring teacher should do. In fact, our professor raved about it and talked about how wonderful and applicable it was.

It is not so much that I am offended by your comment but this is how I feel- "Dude! We all have to present in this class and we all grade each other, don't you know the code? Everyone is nice and everyone should give everyone full points!! Come on!"

Now, the constructive critiscism is great and we do need it since we will be teaching next semester in front of people everyday. But marking me down because you didn't like our movie? Low. You are not my 8th grade student being mean to me. You are my fellow colleague. Lets all get along.

Thanks.

"So."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACK!!

2008-11-10T17:27:00.007-07:00

Zack's birthday is actually THIS Friday, November 14th but we celebrated it with the rest of this family this past Sunday. We also celebrated Natalie's and Ryan's- we have lots of fall birthdays in our family! I probably was just as excited for Zack to open his presents than he was to open them!! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy if you couldn't be there for all the excitement! The famous POGO STICK(story to come at the end)!! My whole family was surprised with how much fun this toy really is! Here is my man on it!! Looking good honey :)
Me and Zacky. Notice the new jacket he also got for his birthday- he is so cute :)
Mitt and I were both really excited for him to open it!
A Galbraith Tradition!! Ice cream cake- chocolate cake with mint choc. chip ice cream. Mmm!
The birthday kids, plus my niece Lexie! Happy Birthday you guys!!

So, the story about the Pogo Stick....
Since Zack and I have spend most of our courtship (yes, I used that word, get over it) away from each other I would randomly text him that I made us dinner and he should just come over really quick, or I made cookies, or to come over because we are playing games, etc. Really for us just to feel and joke that we were nearby. We would joke about broom sticks, or wheelbarrows that would get him to Logan and somehow we settled on always using a Pogo stick. That Zack would hop on his trusty Pogo and would be over in 5 minutes. For some reason it stuck. Probably because it is such a dumb toy! But it is our little joke. So, I thought it would make for the perfect present!

Everyone was impressed with how much fun it really is! The whole family minus Mom gave it a try. I would say the Pro's were Me, Nicole, Becky and My Dad. Zack took a few tries but he is golden at it now. So much fun, I suggest you all buy your kids one of these!

Zacky- Happy Birthday! I love you so much and am so lucky to have you in my life! Only 46 more days :)

Bridal Shower!!!!

2008-11-10T17:10:00.008-07:00

This weekend I had my first Bridal Shower!! My friends Aubrey, Megan, and Abby threw it for me and it couldn't have been more fun!! Thanks girls for all of your hard work, I really loved it! Here are some pictures of what went on there. I tried to keep the pictures clean, but hey, it was a bridal shower thrown by my friends....what do you expect? The toilet paper wedding dress. No worries, this is NOT what mine looks like. Thanks to these three sports for being willing to dress up! I got to be the judge and I decided that Shauna won! All got an honorable mention though :) Left to right- Noelle, Shauna, and Kristina. Looking Good ladies!

My HUGE gum wad from answering many questions wrong about Zack, or at least guessing what he would have said. Even after 8 years of friendship I still have things to learn.
No caption needed.
My adorable apron from Shauna!! Thanks my dear, it will surely be put to good use!! Love it!
The whole gang minus Jessica and Lacy who had to leave early!! Thanks for coming everyone! So good to see you and visit. I really have the best girl friends anyone could ask for!

The Votes are In

2008-11-04T23:40:00.004-07:00

The people have spoken. Congratulations President Obama. The war in Iraq, the biggest economic crisis, you wanted it, you got it. Now go do something good with it.

18 Years and Going Strong!!

2008-10-30T21:30:00.002-06:00

This is an ode to my best and longest ever friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!! Where would I be without you today? We have so many memories together :) I love you! And for everyone reading this, enjoy the very unflattering picture! Here is a list of some of the memories we share:
Losing My Little Ponies in the Borgs flower patch
You, You, You, You, You, You, You all know why you are here
His name was John
small, MEDIUM
skeeeeeewp
Hellloooo
Barbie Movies
Learning Techniques
Shush Up
Pulling out my pony tails
sheet cake
Crestwood
The many drives back and forth from Logan to Sandy
You coming to my house to watch TV
You need to learn how to drive Cuz...
NnnnnicK
Old Grist Mill
Driving me to school Jr. Year
ROOMIES
Arbys

There are thousands more. Probably things we shouldn't say publicly. I just want you to know how much you mean to me as a friend! Happy 23rd!

Good Times: Skipping Class

2008-10-28T21:28:00.003-06:00

I found this cartoon while I google imaged skipping class. I thought it was pretty funny. If only there were such a class as procrastination. I would be enrolled every semester and always receive an A.

As part of my 'good times tuesday' I wanted to publicly confess, that I skipped class on Monday. It is true. My alarm went off and I just laid there and thought about how pointless going to these classes would be and decided to sleep on in!!

I am probably the Queen of justification- just ask my roommates. Here is how I justify skipping class-

This is basically my last semester (other than student teaching next semester). After that I get to grow up, get a job, someday have kids, etc. I won't have too many more days where I can decided to stay in bed and just say, "Meh, doesn't matter much if I go or not". Agreed? I feel great about it. What is even better is that I texed my friend in my classes, and did I miss anything? Nope.

Live it up baby!

Engagement Pictures!

2008-10-27T21:03:00.011-06:00

Here are the engagement pictures that I promised!! There were 126 of them to choose from, so these are just a few of my favorites! First of all, I must tell you a disclaimer!

These pictures are the proofs which is why you can see little white boxes and also copyrighted (im such a rebel) so I took pictures of them with my camera from the computer screen. So, the smaller you see them the better! That is why the quality is not so great!

I was super happy with how they turned out!! Now just to narrow them down!!

Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

2008-10-26T22:16:00.008-06:00

Last Saturday I decided that Zack and I needed to have a 'truly Halloween' evening. We don't get to see each other much and since the months of Oct-Dec. are full of fun holidays and traditions, I love to live them to the fullest! Since Zack works Friday evenings at the MTC (next Friday being Halloween) I decided it was now or never! We had some yummy pasta dinner and for dessert we made Owl Cookies! They turned out pretty sweet if you ask me! After, we carved pumpkins! I think we were very creative in our carvings! I hope all of your Halloween's are going to be great! Happy Haunting!Us with our completed Owl Cookies. Their faces are of two chocolate chips and candy corn nose! These are a Galbraith Family Tradition. (Quite complex to make thus why it is only once a year)
Mmmm, Mmmm Good!! Here is our dessert!
Let the Carving Begin! I made Zack promise that he wouldn't wash any of the 'goop' off until we were both finished with our carvings!
An almost pumpking goop fight...
Showing off our exceptional carving abilities :) Mine is the face of a ghost and Zacks is a weird looking dude complete with ears and stitches!! Creative!
The Spooky Pumpkins all lit up in their glory!

How are the Wedding Plans coming?

2008-10-25T16:42:00.002-06:00

I have been asked this question numerous times since I got engaged. So, I thought to help some people out, I would post it on my blog! Wedding Plans are going well! We got many of the 'big things' done in the summer before school started, which was realy helpful. We booked the Temple, the reception hall, the photgrapher, and got my dress! Still plenty left to do though...Las weekend Zack and I took our engagement pictures and I was very pleased with how they turned out! Now the problem is to narrow it down from all 126 pictures he took into the ONE we will send out!

This weekend my Mom and I have gotten a lot done! Making this many decisions in the past 24 hours has sometimes been my worst nightmare, but things are good! We met with the florist (helped my realize that I know SQUAT about flowers...) but it went well. I like her a lot and I think she will help us to have a beautiful wedding!

Today I went to order the invitations. We are getting them through Jaffa Printing and so far I think this company rocks! I am really happy we are using them. I thought I knew what we wanted when we got there but I looked again and fell in love with another invitation, so we discussed everything from fonts, to colors, the enclosures, ribbon, and then typed it all up! That was fun!

We also went shopping for outfits for the nieces and nephews (my side anyway). The 2 boys are wearing cute argyle sweaters that zip from The Children's Place and the girls will be in the Ruffle Party Dress from Gap. They will look adorable of course!

I emailed my cake guy again and have some ideas to go over with him. Other than that I would say most things are done! Eventually I will need to plan the food for the reception, the Fathers and Zack need to be fitted for their tuxes and a few other last minute things but overall, things are wrapping up!

There is the update for you!

Losers!

2008-10-21T22:01:00.002-06:00

I have been looking around at prices and such for a wedding band for Zack lately. I have been concerned because I have heard from NUMEROUS people that their husbands lost their wedding ring within the first year of their marriage- or nearly anyway. Everyone has told me to not spend a lot of money on it because boys lose them anyway. So, I'm just wondering- are any of your husbands 'losers' of their wedding rings?! Stories please!! :)

Weekend Wrap Up!

2008-10-20T22:22:00.002-06:00

This weekend was Fall Break for USU, so we had an extra day off! I got to come down to Sandy on Thursday. Friday was exciting because Zack and I FINALLY got to take our engagement pictures! Like I said, 3rd times the charm! We took them up Little Cottonwood Canyon on the Temple Quarry Trail. It was a beautiful fall day and just what I wanted. I am so glad! I will let you know when we get them!

Later I got to hang out with my friend Erin (aka Tigger) while Zack was at work! We had a good time catching up. Then we hung out with Zack at his apt.

Saturday played with my sisters. We went shopping and had a picnic at the park since it was SOO nice. Later, Mom and all the girls went to Gardner Village for 'Little Witches Weekend'. It was totally packed but lots of fun.

Lacy and Chad had invited me and Zack over for dinner and some fun so we met up with them around 7 for some yummy dinner and dessert! We had a blast hanging out with them.

Sunday was an 'on Sunday' with the Pugh's and it is always fun to see the family and hear what all of them have been up to. Zack is the youngest of 7 kids- all of which are married with children, so you can imagine the gathering. Never a dull moment!
Here is a picture of me with my niece Lexie! The only one from the weekend! This is at Gardner Village at the petting zoo! I must say, I had a great time as well. Lexie loved to pet and pinch them but only if I held her and helped her do it. It was fun!

Could I...

2008-10-20T21:30:00.003-06:00

survive without one of these? Granted, I have only looked at the apartment online- but so far it looks good. One block away from BYU, 2 parking spots, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and it has a good price! Hmm...I'll continue to ponder it!

On the hunt for one of these-

2008-10-16T14:46:00.003-06:00

Zack and I are getting married in 71 days (yes, I checked today) and we are still homeless. SO if any of you have suggestions for places in Provo that are close to BYU and $600 and below- let me know! I have checked craigslist, ksl classifieds, online, etc. But since I don't live there I don't know much and esp. cant just run over to go check out the apt.

Thanks! Here's to hoping!

Remember this?

2008-10-14T23:38:00.002-06:00

This weeks Good Times Tuesday is brought to you by Fall. I remember having to rake up all the leaves on our driveway with my sister Nicole. We would count all the bags when we were done. I think the record was something like 22? My family will have to help me with that.

Crazy Eights

2008-10-14T11:19:00.004-06:00

I have had this tag from 3 different people and neglected to do it, but I guess since so many people have asked, here you go!

8 TV shows I love to watch:

1. Grey's Anatomy

2. The Office
3. Ugly Betty
4. Pushing Daisies
5. Private Pracitce
6. The Hills
7. The Bachelor
8. Still Standing

8 Favorite restaurants-

1. Olive Garden

2. Cafe Rio
3. Chilis
4. Macaroni Grill
5. Outback Steakhouse
6. Cheesecake Factory
7. Nordstrom Cafe
8. Rumbi Grill

8 Things that happened yesterday-

1. My Alarm went off

2. Cognition and Evaluation of Student Learning
3. Reading, Writing, and Technology
4. I had 3 pre-schoolers on my lap and 2 others crying because they couldn't fit.
5. Drew a tree that is honestly the best thing I have ever drawn in my life. I should post it!
6. Had the fire alarm go off 3 times while I made dinner.
7. Went to work!
8. Planned my presentation that I get to do today! It is going to be GREAT. You all wish you could be there.

8 Things I'm looking forward to-

1. Little Witches Weekend with my Sister and Nieces and Nephews this weekend!
2. Taking our engagement pictures on Friday! 3rd times a charm!
3. Bridal Showers
4. Getting Married
5. Decorating my first home!
6. Graduation
7. Going to the Temple
8. The Holidays :)

8 Things on my wish list-

1. To get a 4.0 this semester! Which so far, I have. But midterms are this week. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

2. To be offered a job in a district that pays well and is close to Provo with a great program!
3. To go to Africa!
4. To never be in debt.
5. To own my own home.
6. For my family and friends to always be happy and safe.
7. To get that awesome apt. in Provo Shauna called and asked me about yesterday!! PLEASE!!
8. To live happily ever after...

I tag my sister Nicole, since she hasn't blogged in a bit... AND Elizabeth Pugh!

So I got a little excited....

2008-10-09T18:31:00.003-06:00

Good Times Tuesday: TGIF

2008-10-07T21:13:00.009-06:00

Ok, so I know it is not Friday (which is too bad, I would be fine with that). Today's 'Good Times' post is in dedication to my sad pathetic life of 5th grade probably till 9th (yep, I admit it!). Most of my Friday nights were spent with my best friends Megan and Abby watching TGIF on ABC. Those were the days!

Such quality shows!! Who could forget our friends!! Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, and Step by Step.

So, I admit it- I watched Television like it was going out of style when I was little. My siblings will attest to that. Ha, and seeing as my last post is all about TV im obsessed with you would probably think I haven't changed much! I promise I'm not a total junkie anymore! I know how to say no!

I just thought I would take you down memory lane with me!

Thursday's Dilemma

2008-10-03T13:41:00.010-06:00

Grey's Anatomy. Thursdays on ABC.

Crazy surgeries. Everyone in love with everyone else. You get to see ferry boats and the Seattle Skyline. Best Friends, roommates, intern exams, pressure, love triangles. Ex's returning. It is all good.

This season im wondering if: George and Lexie will hook up. If Alex will stop being a jerk and if Rebecca (Ava) is gone for good. How Izzie will do having the clinic all to herself. If Derek and Meredith will really move in together, if the soldier dude and Kristina will be anything more.
How long this thing between Dr. Torres and Dr. Hahn will last (GROSS AND SO NOT NEEDED!).

My favorite of them all? Dr. Baily. She keeps everyone's head screwed on tight.

The Office. NBC Thursdays.

Honestly, who doesn't want to work at Dunder Mifflin now?? I would happily sell paper in a heart beat!

Jim and Pam are finally engaged! Pam is now at the Pratt School of design. Michael is 'sortive' going to be a father to Jan's baby. Phyllis is still married to Vance of Vance Refrigeration. Ryan is out of prison and back as the receptionist. Toby is hurt in Costa Rica. Who doesn't love Holly as the new HR? Angela could not be more rude to her Fiancee' Andy, since she is cheating on him with old fling Dwight K. Shrute. Oh, and how great was it when Holly finally realized that Kevin is not handicapped?! Let's also not forget Creed, Kelly, Darryl, Oscar, Meredith and Stanley- without which, we would not have such a beloved show.

Ugly Betty. Thursdays on ABC. Synopsis of this show? Ok, here goes.

Betty works for a fashion magazine called 'Mode'. She was only hired because she is the one assistant that Daniel (son of the CEO of the company) wouldn't sleep with. She has braces, weird glasses, and her clothes never match. Hardworking and dependable, Betty is a great friend to have around. Daniel and Betty become some of the best of friends.

Highlights:
Marc and Mandy as hilarious office assistants
Wilhemina and the never ending evil plot to take over 'Mode'.
Betty choosing between Gio (fun, adventurous) and Henry (sweet, dependable)

Pushing Daisies. ABC Wednesday nights. This show is only in its second season. I just can't help but love it! What is not to love about-
Solving murder mysteries
Kristen Chenowith
An English Narrator
Full of color! (Just look!)
A man who is in love with a girl he can never touch (also, keeps it a VERY clean show!)
Chuck's outfits are always so adorable!

Are you seeing my dilemma?! With the exception of Pushing Daisies, these are all Thursday night shows. Such a great day, but so hard to choose!

Want to know how I choose? My apt. has no television whatsoever! I am so happy to live in a day with online episodes.

What are your favorite shows?

Good Times Tuesday

2008-09-30T21:32:00.002-06:00

Occasionally I see people with their 'flash back friday' posts, or 'things about me Thursday' posts. I decided to come up with my own genre that are a combination of both! Mainly because I love Tuesdays- I really don't know why. I think it all started back in the day when Gilmore Girls was still on. Another story for another time though!

I found this picture when I was cleaning out the glove compartment in my car, and out fell this! Yes, I was a cheerleader- and dang proud of it! We had lots of games and practices and sometimes it didn't seem worth it to me so to remind myself that I did truly love it, I put this picture up in my dash along with a saying that would help me perserver!

This picture is from my senior year. It is at a football game against the Jordan Beetdiggers! This reminds me of the good old days with my best friends Aubrey and Shauna. We did everything together and had so much fun- and it was cheer that brought us together. Cheesey I know, but I don't think I have a single memory of High School that doesn't have one or both of them in it! I am happy to say I am still close friends with both of these girls even though through school, we were led different ways!

Love you girls!

General Relief Society Broadcast

2008-09-28T13:40:00.005-06:00

Last night, my roommates and I attended the General Relief Society Broadcast! As, always we were not let down!

We heard wonderful messages from the Relief Society Presidency. I am so happy that I belong to the largest and greatest organization of women on Earth. I love what Sister Beck said about our roles in the and that we are to organize, teach, and inspire.

Sister Allred gave a wonderful talk about temples. I am so inspired by stories like the one she shared. Some people gave all they had to travel from Costa Rica to the Mesa, Arizona temple! I can see a temple out my window right now! I am so grateful for Temple and the wonderful ordincances that take place inside and that soon I will get to do more than just baptisms! What a wonderful place it is, and I need to be better at using it more! I live so close, I can go!

Sister Thompson spoke of the need of others. They are all around us. She told us to live so that others will knwo that we love our Heavenly Father. I surely do, and I hope others around me can see that in me. We are here to learn, grow, and nourish the good.

I especially loved President Uchtdorf's talk. I thought it was so appropriate. I hear so many women say that they are not good enough or that they could have done more- when they are doing their best already! He said that sometimes the sisters under-value their abilities. I especially loved his food analogy! I wonder what his fried eggs taste like... ha ha ha. He told us all that we should create- everyone can create things that are beautiful. My favorite quote from his talk would be, "It is not the number of prayers we say, but the number of prayers we help answer".

I hope many of you had the chance to listen and learn as I did!

Create Something Beautiful

2008-09-28T13:31:00.005-06:00

After listening to the Relief Society Broadcast, Janae and I decided to create a little something of our own. We decided to make some Earring Frames (that is what we call them anyway...). We started at Michaels and bought a plain wooden frame. Add some modge podge, paint, tulle, scrapbook paper, some glue-gunning and here we are! We were really happy with how they turned out! I love these beacause they are functional and cute! What could be better really?

We're Registered!

2008-09-25T07:42:00.002-06:00

My Mom and I went to register for gifts yesterday! It was so fun! It's funny how powerful you feel holding that scanner gun! Good times!

In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning

2008-09-25T07:33:00.003-06:00

Thursday mornings I have to be to work at 7am to open up the computer lab. Ugh.......

It makes me think back to the times in middle or high school when I would be up and in the shower by 6am. HOW DID I DO THAT?! Perhaps more important-WHY did I do that? It does make me feel a little better know that I met Zack in high school that me putting effort into looking pretty and perfect for high school boys at least paid off for something :)

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. 7am. Early. Tired.

I have chosen to be a teacher. Which means that I will have to be to school by 7am- maybe even earlier!! The fact that getting out of bed to be here right now and all I did was put on a sweatshirt and jeans concerns me.

Can I really do this? Teachers get up early!

I just keep telling myself that when I am a teacher, I prob won't be going to sleep at 12:15am. I cant wait to have a 10pm bed time.

Bring it on.

Until then, 7am and I are still bitter enemies.

Everybody's Working for the Weekend

2008-09-22T16:30:00.006-06:00

Enjoying the sun and the game with Zack's roomies and ward members.
Gotta love a giant Cosmo!
44-0!

This popular song lyric is how I feel every week! I am sure many of you can also relate. Every Monday I just tell myself to make it to Friday! So, I apologize if all I post about it my weekend! But hey, if all I posted about was my boring homework, you wouldn't enjoy it much either!

Friday I headed down to SLC! I spend some quality time with 'The Fam' (What About Bob anyone?). I always have fun talking to my sister Nicole and seeing her latest projects; and of course my Mom and Dad. We had pizza and just enjoyed our Friday evening. Around 9 I left to go to Provo to see Zack. We didn't do much but it was just nice to be together for a change. It had been 2 weeks since I last saw him.

Saturday was the BYU vs. Wyoming game. My Dad was nice enough to lend me a ticket to the game so I could go. It was a lot of fun! The Cougars had yet ANOTHER shut out game! Final score was 44-0. Nice work Cougs! After the game, Zack and I, joined with several other family memebers had dinner at the Creamery. After all that fun, Zack still had some homework to do so we went the library for a few hours. I laughed pretty hard about this because at Utah State our library closes at 7pm on Friday and Saturday. He was amazed! We are a party school, what can I say?! Ha ha ha.

Sunday we celebrated Todd and Nicole's Birthdays! We had egg rolls and stir fry and some yummy peach cobbler! I think it is safe to say a good time was had by all.

My weekends rock, don't you see why I live for them? :)

TAGGED!

2008-09-18T08:12:00.004-06:00

My friend Shauna tagged me, so here goes!

Four random things I love about my husband(in my case, Fiancee'):
1. He always opens the doors for me and sings to me in the car. Zack has a very good voice FYI.
2. He always makes me feel calm, relaxed and oh so happy.
3. His laugh is contagious.
4. We both have the best families ever.

Four jobs I've had:
1. IT Computer Lab Consultant- Utah State
2. Camp Counselor- Oakcrest
3. Salad Bar Attendant- The Brick Oven
4. Receptionist- Kelly Services

Four movies I have watched more than once:
1. 27 Dresses
2. Finding Nemo
3. Bourne Movies
4. She's The Man

Four TV shows I watch:
1. Friends
2. The Office
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Still Standing

Four places I have been:
1. Vienna
2. Venice
3. Bled
4. Cancun

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Potatoes
2. Bacon Cheeseburgers
3. Cafe Rio Chicken Salad
4. A really steak

Four places I would like to visit:
1. Ghana
2. Jerusalem
3. London
4. San Fransisco (Which one do you think i'll make it to first????)

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:
1. GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. No more tests
3. Graduation
4. Waking up every morning next to Zack :) Cheesy, I know. Get over it.

Four people I tag:
1. Noelle
2. Amy
3. Kristen
4. Nicole

Old Friends...

2008-09-17T14:07:00.002-06:00

This post is for all my old friends from USU. I miss you. The picture above is just one of the many, MANY wonderful photoshop experiences of working at the computer labs. I have had many a friends at school who I met through the labs. It is my 5th year at USU. I guess I just didnt realize how many friends I had that were either graduating, getting married, moving, etc.

My last two years at school were a blast and I truly felt like I had so many friends up here. I literally wouldn't study at the library because it was too social. I honestly knew too many people that would be there to distract me or talk to me.

This year is a bit different. It is still fun and is still the same beautiful fall in Logan, but it isn't the same without you. All the familiar faces as I walk on the quad or all the people that I would see walking through the basement of the TSC just aren't here anymore. So, this post is for you. I just wanted you to know that I miss you and loved having you as a friend up here! Best of wishes to all of you!

To name a few...
Levi
Amy
Celeste
Adam
Noelle
Nikki
Lisa
Megan

The list could go on and on....we had a good time huh?

Pillowcase!

2008-09-12T13:53:00.002-06:00

My roommate Kortney bought the cutest new comforter from Target. It is cream with black and gold designs on it. The other day while we were visiting in her room, I asked her if it would be alright if I made her a pillowcase that matched her bed. She was using pink plaid ones that were very cute, just didn't match- she happily agreed! So, Wednesday we went to Joann's to buy some fabric. I just couldn't help myself!! I decided I needed a new one too, and just wanted a project to work on myself! It had been awhile since I had sewn something so I was excited! We didn't have a pattern, I just kind of guessed at it by looking at ones I already have. I am sure I could have done a better job but I love how they turned out! Enjoy!

Kort's pillow is on top, mine is the really funky one on the bottom. I love it!

Because I know you won't come and visit...

2008-09-12T13:40:00.007-06:00

My room!! I get so bored with all the white walls in college that I always have so much color in my room! I share my bedroom, this is my side. I personally enjoy what I have done with it!
Yes, I bet you couldn't guess. This is the bathroom. I think it is great, esp since I only share with my roommate Katy.
Our closet. This is where I run into problems with sharing. Can you tell which side is mine?! Yeah that isnt even HALF of my clothes...and it is jam packed. My roommate hates me. It's fine.
Our kitchen! It is little, but we deal. I do count my many blessings that I have the CLEANEST roommates ever!! I LOVE IT!
Our little front room. Don't worry, we have a big ugly couch as well. But I couldn't fit it in the picture. We don't get actual television, so it is a good thing we have a million movies.

This post is mainly for my family members. I always get the "well try to come up..." but none of you really do (Natalie- you win this contest, thanks for coming). I understand this. You are busy, you have children, Logan is far away. I get it. I'm not offended either. It is not like I visited you that much when you were in college either. So, for those of you who wonder what it looks like where I live, here are a few snap shots of the place I call home.

Girls Night Out!

2008-09-12T13:24:00.005-06:00

Here we are with our Lickety Splits! Me, Kortney, and Julie.
Freshman year, slip and slide in our apt. And yes, it was finals week too. Ha ha. Becca, Kristen, Janae and Me.
I think I came home from class one day and found this going on. Good times. Kortney, Becca, Julie, and Kristen.

I lived with 6 girls my freshman year at Utah State. We lived in Snow Hall 405! Man, was it the place to be. We weren't really social with any dorm people but we lived it up in our little apt. and made plenty friends with the random people we would meet at campus events, driving down main, and yes, Wal-Mart. I think our first night there we met some guys there and we got them to come home with us, and even make us Dinner! Those were the days. I don't think much homework got done, but we had a great time together. Yes, we had our differences but I loved every minute of it.
Wednesday night, Kortney, Julie and I decided that since we are the only 3 left of the original 6 that are still in Logan, it was high time we did something! Kortney and I are roommates again this year, but Julie got married in May 2007 so we don't get to see her as much. We went to Casper's Ice cream and all ordered 'Lickety Splits' they were delicious! We had a great time talking and catching up!

For Kristen, Becca, and Sarah, we miss you!

This Weekend..

2008-09-08T16:01:00.003-06:00

This weekend was a pretty fun one! Saturday I got up early and headed down to Mountain Green to watch my nephew, Mitt, play in his very first soccer game! It was quite the show...watching a bunch of 4 year olds run around was pretty entertaining. His team won the game though and Mitt was very excited about that and that he even scored a goal! Way to go Mitt!!

After the game my Mom and I drove down and went to the Bridal Fair at South Town Expo. They had some neat booths and such, but if it did anything for me, I realized how much I already have done for the wedding! That was a great feeling! We still need a florist and gathered ideas for a the cake. It was fun to see all the neat things they can do!

Later that night, I drove down to Provo so I could have some quality Zack time! We decided to go bowling! We went to the alley that is in the basement of the Wilk. I won the game but Zack was 7 points behind me and I think my total score was around an 88- so CLEARLY we are both very skilled at this. After we went to get some ice cream at the creamery (could it have been more of a BYU date?) and it was yummy!! I stayed the night at some of his girl neighbors and went to his regional conference the next morning at the Marriot Center. We had the pleasure of hearing from Sister Dibb, Elder Packer, and President Uchtorf. It was neat to be there to hear all of them.

We ended up in Sandy again having dinner with the Pugh's. Nina made some great ribs to be accompanied with all sorts of other amazing dishes. Zack's family never skimps on their amazing Sunday dishes. We had a good time visiting about the football games and played a fun game of Imaginiff 'spouse style', or in our case, 'fiancee style'. Zack and I came in 2nd to last, we were just glad we didnt lose! The rest of the family has a bit of an edge on us since they have been married longer and living together, so I think we did pretty well. It was really fun!

Labor Day Weekend Re-Cap

2008-09-04T15:34:00.005-06:00

Labor day has come and gone and with that, summer is gone with it. I hate to see it go, but there are plenty of good things to look forward too!

Saturday: Me, Kortney, and Janae all decided to head up to Bear Lake for the day and just enjoy relaxing, laying out, reading, eating and best of all enjoying some classic raspberry shakes (but of course I got chocolate reesess). We had a lot of fun even though we didnt have any water toys. The water was so nice to swim in and it was a great day. It resulted in some bad sunburns for me and Kort, but hey, all worth it!

Sunday: It was my niece Shay's blessing. So the family gathered in Riverton for the blessing and the brunch after at Ryan and Becky's home. It was a lot of fun and some great food. Later that evening we had the great opportunity to have a family fireside from Elder Richard G. Scott. It's so neat to be able to have these and to hear what the church is currently doing.

Monday: My Mom, Nicole and I went to see Mamma Mia! This was the second time for my mom and I but Nicole's first. I am pretty sure she liked it. I think its a great show. I saw it first on Broadway in 2003 but I still love the screen version. I recommend it to anyone who likes musicals, this one is great and very funny!

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday!

First Day of School

2008-09-03T13:54:00.002-06:00

Everyone else was talking about their first day of school or a picture and I was feeling left out, so here is mine! Good thing my roommate is a nerd and took one of me before I left out the door! Nothing quite like the first day of school!

Tagged!

2008-09-03T13:36:00.002-06:00

I just got tagged by Julie(well, everyone did), so here goes...

Two names you go by:
1. Emily/Ems
2. Honey

2 Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Jeans
2. T-shirt (shocking! I NEVER wear this...jk)

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. Clear skin
2. I want it to be December 27th!

Two things you did last night:
1. worked
2. Made Mac and Cheese

Two things you ate today:
1. Brownie
2. Carrots

Last two people you just spoke with:
1. Some random girl in the computer lab
2. Melissa

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Going to class
2. Working

Two longest car rides:
1. SLC to St. Louis
2. SLC to Seattle

Two favorite beverages:
1. Sunkist Orange Soda
2. Strawberry Lemondae

BUSTED!

2008-09-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

Working at the labs, one of our policies is that there are no cell phones (well, conversations) allowed in the lab. I feel like this makes sense to everyone. You are in a computer lab. People are wrinting papers, studying, reading their online documents, etc. Even for the kid who is playing war craft all night, they come here to use the computers in peace. I feel that our labs at USU are pretty user friendly. We don't ask a lot. We even let you have food as long as you keep it off the same desk that your computer is on. My point?

When I ask you kindly to please just take your conversation of what you are doing on Saturday morning and how that is SOO.. early for you, to the designated area, don't roll your eyes at me and look at me like im a freak. We don't ask much.

Side note to anyone who wants to be smarter than this dude:
If you are trying to get away with being your cell phone, dont do it at the desk located directly in front of the lab consultant. I'm just sayin'....

Yes please!!!

2008-08-26T22:15:00.002-06:00

Honestly, who couldn't go for this right now? YUM! Found at bakerella.blogspot.com

Back to the old grind...

2008-08-26T08:14:00.003-06:00

Well it's that time again! Back to the books, papers, and late night studying. Not to mention heaps and heaps of procrastination. Yes, I admit it! School for Utah State University started yesterday and I am back for year #5! Yeah baby!! Ha ha ha, I just like to tell people that I am making up for all of those smart people who manage to do it in 3 years (what is that about?). In all honesty, the college life is a good one, so other than the fact that I hate doing pointless homework, I am alright with being back.

This semester I am mostly taking classes in the Secondary Education program. That means that my classes are mixed with every variety of a teacher that would teach at a middle or high school. I also have my last methods class for Family and Consumer Science. I only have 2 classes each day and then I also have and internship I need to complete at a pre-school and my second set of clinical hours which I plan to do at a high school in Logan.

So far so good!

I only wish Zack went here! For those of you not aware, Zack goes to BYU and since I only had one semester left at USU it didnt make sense to transer. So we get to be apart for 4 months and after that dreaded time, we will be married! It wont always be fun but I know we can do it! Lets hope it goes by fast! I hope everyone else that is back to school is doing well!! Good Luck!

Ladies and Gentlemen...Brian Regan!!!

2008-08-16T19:57:00.007-06:00

Zack and I enjoying the grass!
Here he is- Brialgmq7....if you get what im saying ;) Ok fine, Brian.
We had some awesome seats!!
Here is the opener for Brian. His name is Kermit Apio and was HILARIOUS!!

Thursday night Zack and I had tickets to go see Brian Regan!! He is a comedian and a dang good one at that, if you were not aware. Zack and I LOVE his stuff and probably quote something from him daily. I had bought that tickets MONTHS ago and kept it a surprise from Zack all summer long!! He was so excited!! We both had a great time!! It was at the Thanksgiving Point Ampitheather. What a great venue!! I think its safe to say, anyone who went had a great night!

Go USA!!!

2008-08-16T02:26:00.006-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately...I have been a bit busy living up my last moments in Provo. I move out tomorrow (I guess technically today since it is early in the morning on Saturday) but I just thought I would give a shout out to the olympics!! Still ahead in the medal count and going strong!! And I think I speak for all of us when I say, next olympics better be in USA because as much as I love staying up all night watching them, I prefer to watch them at a normal hour. One more week to go.....keep up the good work.

My favorites so far....

Womens Beach Volleyball. May-Treanor and Walsh are unstoppable!! Havent lost a game since 2007 and really, such nice people!!

Michael Phelps. Enough said.

Nastia and Shawn. Balance beam truly scares the crap out of me!! Way to go!!

44 year old backstroke swimmer. She is amazing!!!

Bronze meadalist from USA in the 10,000m race- her Mom is my hero. Nobody was ever more excited!!

LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!!!

.Must Have Done Something Right.

2008-08-01T11:48:00.003-06:00

A favorite song of mine and Zacks is by Relient K called, 'Must Have Done Something Right'. The first line of that song says- "We should get jerseys, cause we make a good team.." So that is what Zack and I decided to do on Tuesday night! We made a list of several things we wanted to do this summer in Provo and this was one of them. We ran into some problems (my fault I do admit!! I know, the 'craft lady' messed up- sorry!!) but overall had a good time. We LOVE how they turned out and cant wait to wear them to Zacks family camp out next week!!

I do take credit for the creative-ness. The numbers on the back are 12 and 27 which is the day we are getting married and on the front left shoulder it has 08 for the year. And of course PUGH is on the back for his last name!! Aren't they fun?!

Special thanks to Michaels craft store for providing the fun. And strange as it may sound, those shirts are SUPER comfortable!!

Cabin Fever!!

2008-07-23T19:45:00.005-06:00

Here is Zack and I at Gibbons Falls in Yellowstone
We rode the 4-wheelers all the way up to the top of Mount Sawtelle! You can see 4 states!
Yes!! We love 4-wheeling!

This post is named that for 2 reasons!-

1- We went for the weekend to my cabin in Island Park with the family
2- Basically everyone ended up with a fever and got sick!

All in all it was a really fun vacation though!! Some highlights included seeing 'See How They Run' at the Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone, 4-Wheeling, some yummy breakfasts made my Mom and going to Yellowstone. I think its safe to say even though many got sick, we all had a good time!

Bling Bling!!

2008-07-15T21:47:00.001-06:00

Here is a picture of my new hardware! A pretty dang good picture if I do say so myself!!

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!

2008-07-14T15:29:00.009-06:00

It finally happened!! I am engaged!! I couldnt be happier :) For all of you who wanted to here the story here goes!

It started out as a normal day, I didnt even know I had plans for the evening! I worked until 5 that night, and when I was off Zack called to see if I wanted to go to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens with him. Right after this conversation I called my Mom to tell here that I might be getting engaged because, we just dont go do things like taking strolls around beauful gardens. But I couldnt be too sure because I knew I would be getting engaged I just didnt know when so I thought that he also might be trying to trick me. He picked me up at 7pm and off we went! I asked him why we had these tickets and proceeded to lie to me and tell me that his brother in laws sister had her wedding there and they gave them passes to the gardens and Zacks mom had given them to him to use. I thought that sounded like a good enough reason. We get to the gardens and go in and just start to walk around. I side note here- the gardens are BEAUTIFUL!!! If any of you need something to do, I would take a walk around here on a nice night, it was so great! We were just being ourselves and walking around and I didnt even feel like he was nervous or even like he was leading me anywhere in particular. We went to a few other gardens where it was quiet and we were alone and I thought maybe he was going to propose so I would even have us just sit down and talk but he kept on moving me along becasue he had a better plan in mind! He said he was laughing so hard on the inside at me at this point because he knew exactly what I was thinking! We keep on walking around and at this point arent even going on the pathway, we were cutting through the grass and doing whatever so I stop thinking that he is going to propose. We come up to a very pretty archway that is covered in moss and ivy so I get all excited and tell Zack that we have to take a picture. We continue to walk under and I thought it was just going to pop us out on a pathway on the other side but when we went in there were two doors there leading to a SECRET GARDEN! I got really excited about it (still wasnt thinking I was going to be engaged at this point, I was just excited about the secret garden). Well I am still camera happy at this point so I even make Zack go up and take a picture like we are 'sneaking in'. We walk inside and the first thing I see to my right is Zacks sister Alicia running out of there! So my suspicions were correct! If I didnt see here I would have seen the path of rose petals on the ground 2 seconds later so I didnt feel bad that I saw her. Inside the secret garden is a beautiful fountain and all kinds of flowers. Zack took my hand as we follwed the path of roses. It led us into a little alcove and there was a bench with 2 dozen red roses, a basket full of treats, 2 wine glasses, our favorite soda and a card with my name on it. Zack hands it to me to read and as I read it I got a bit teary eyed! It was so sweet. I hugged him and thanked him for the letter and as I backed away Zack knelt down on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful ring and asked me to MARRY HIM!!! I instantly said yes and right then and there I was the happiest girl alive! We hugged and kissed and just had a great time there. We opened the soda and Zack made a toast to us and we just talked for a little bit. When we finall left the gardens we stopped at the parking lot to call our parents and tell them the good news and while we were on the phone what should appear in the sky but a huge firework display!! If you know me you know I love fireworks!! I dont know why Thanksiving point had them that night but I could not have been more thrilled. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night! I couldnt be happier right now!!

We are getting married December 27th 2008 in the Salt Lake Temple. December cant come soon enough!!

Oh the pictures-
1- Zack and I in the Secret Garden a few minutes after he proposed! You can see the flowers and stuff sitting on the ground! Its so pretty and so perfect!
2- My ring!! LOVE it! It is a round cut diamond with pave' diamonds down the side.
3- This is a picture of the doors to the secret garden so you can get a feel for it!

Oh Thank Heaven!

2008-07-10T18:04:00.002-06:00

This is just a reminder for everyone that is as lame as I am and loves free stuff. Because really, lets be honest, who doesnt like free stuff?! Tomorrow as it is July 11th, makes it free slurpee day! So stop one today! Life it up because 7/11 onlly comes around once a year! Happy Slurping!

My Job

2008-06-17T16:53:00.003-06:00

Many of you have inquired about my job, and what I do, and if I like it. So, I thought I would just write about it and let you all know. I would also like to point out that many of you happily told me you would come and visit me and you CLEARLY have not. Just letting you know, Ill be there all summer. You still have time :) OH- and if I go with you, you could use my 20% off discount. Ha ha ha.

Above is a picture of lots of places in the restaurant. Please pay special attention to the salad bar that is the top left. That is pretty much what I do. Stock it, clean it, replenish it. Yep. Exciting huh? I sometimes get to do the to-go orders if they order cookies, or a salad or soup. I think I like doing that best. What can I say though, I dont love it, dont hate it. Its a good job though, and I was lucky to get the first one I applied for down here. The people are nice too.

But yeah, here is a plug for any of you- if you are down in Provo and need somewhere to eat, come into Brick Oven, the food really is great!! Make sure you ask to say hi to me!! I work in the market room, and NO, your server wont know me. I like to keep a low profile :) Ha ha ha. Either that or there are about 60 servers so its a bit hard to keep track...Happy Eating everyone!

We want s'more!!

2008-06-17T16:24:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures of other things I have been up to!

Top Left- Our beautiful bonfire up Squaw Peak
Top Right- The Perfect Smore Zack made me
Bottom Left- Zack and I racing at nickelcade
Bottome Right- Zack feeding me marshmallows. And really, could my mouth get any bigger?

Tomorrow will start finals for Zack. Good thing, is that he will also finish them tomorrow too!! Its been an awesome summer so far, but I cant wait for the rest of it either! I cant wait for him to not have class or homework anymore!! We have lots of fun things planned that have been pushed back until he is finished. Dont worry, Ill keep you updated on those as they come. The list includes- A Bee's Game, Seven Peaks, 1/2 marathon, hiking Timp, camping, rollerblading, four wheeling and a weekend up at my families cabin in Idaho. Im so excited!! If any of you want in on this, let me know, we would love to have more people join in on the fun!! I hope all of you are enjoying your summer and the nice weather as well!

CaViNg

2008-06-04T20:23:00.003-06:00

This weekend Zack and I went caving with some of the people in his ward! We left a bit later than most of the group, and started wandering up Rock Canyon looking around to see if there were any cave entrances. We asked someone coming down on the trail if he knew of any caves so he gave us some directions and off we went! After a MUCH longer time that we thought it would be, we found a small entrance. I thought there was no way they all were in there, it seemed so small, but lo and behold- there the were!!! We found them and it ended up being a GREAT time!

To the right is a picture of Zack and I in front of the cave entrance.

Below is a picture of some of the ward members and us inside the cave.

Once inside, some ghost stories were told, with all flashlights off, and also some hymn singing!! The acuoustics in there were pretty good! It was a fun night!

If I could, I would

2008-06-04T20:07:00.002-06:00

Nothing too exciting has been going on lately. I do like to write new posts though, because as a blog stalker, I enjoy reading just about anything! So I thought I would write about my favorite thing to wear. T-SHIRTS. I LOVE them, which is probably so gross, I know! It can be the t-shirt from just about anything, I keep them all AND will do just about anything to get a free t-shirt. You want me to do some volunteer stuff? Is there a shirt involved?? YES?! Done and done! I really dont know why, but its the sad truth. I have a variety of t-shirts saved up, whether it be my USU game day shirt (pictured), t-shirts from concerts or shows I attended that ended up costing $30 bucks when in reality it costs them $2 to make im sure, or it could even be my family reunion t-shirt I got when I was 8 years old, I still wear it. I think they are so comfortable! If I could get away with wearing them all the time, I totally would!!

Bad Egg

2008-05-29T09:20:00.002-06:00

I guess it was bound to happen sometime. I have always had great luck with roommates- I guess I just got lucky!! I would always listen to other people complain about their crazy roomies and the things they do, but generally, mine have been the cream of the crop! This summer I moved down to Provo and instead of my OWN bedroom which I have had the pleasure of enjoying the past 2 years I decided I could share. Its cheaper, and I will really never be home except to sleep. Now, dont get me wrong, my roommate is a very nice girl just totally inconsiderate. Here is my list of bothersome things she does-

Flips the light on in the morning when she is gettting ready. HI!! Its like 7 in the morning and the sun is already blaring in here. You do not, I repeat DO NOT need the light on now, you can see everything very clearly.

While we are on the subject, she likes to open the blinds!! NOT necessary!! Because remember, she can already see as much as she needs to!

Saturday morning I wake up to her typing away on her laptop. LAPTOP= PORTABLE!!!! Does she not get this? She was just sitting up in her bed typing away at something! Morning- yes, you!!! Nobody is in the front room, why dont you take your laptop in there and type to your hearts content where nobody is sleeping?!

Oh yes, one more thing- the other day I took a quick power nap before work. She came in, turned the light on, saw I was asleep and turned it off (wow, amazing she could do it then but not in the morning) and sits on her bed to play solitare!! SOLITARE!! Once again, take it to the front room!! Where people are not sleeping! And she leaves the door to our bedroom wide open so then I can hear every conversation going on in the front room.

As you can see im quite annoyed. She honestly just doesnt even notice she does these things. I dont get it, I really dont. But im glad I could get it off my chest to share with you fine people!

Kids are funny.

2008-05-29T09:17:00.001-06:00

This is a video that brings me happiness, its pretty good. Go on and enjoy!

TAGGED!!!

2008-05-27T10:47:00.002-06:00

My friend Kristen tagged me so I guess its time to go! I needed a new blog post anyway, so here goes!!!

Three Tag...You have to write down 3 of each: joys, fears, goals, current obsessions, & random facts.

3 joys: Family, Food, Friends (ha ha ha, the 3 F's)

3 fears: Some of these might make me sound VERY shallow, but you asked, and I dont mean them to be that way.. Ok, one would be that I am afraid of having a handicapped child more because I would be scared I would mess up giving them all the care they need!! Not because I dont like handicapped people, next would be my Mom dying unexpectedly, and another is teaching? I really am excited to teach, but it is a fear of mine. Someday (which is rapidly approaching...) I will be the teacher and the one in charge an its kinda intimidating and scary!! But I am excited too!!

3 current obsessions: Zack Pugh, The Bachelorette, Ice cream...

3 random facts: I am addicted to WAY more TV than I would ever admit to, I am actually a very sensitive person, and I have not developed film in probably 2 years!

My Best Friends Wedding!!

2008-05-15T21:09:00.005-06:00

Well, it happened!! Megan is now Mrs. Trujillo!! I was so happy for her! She looked gorgeous of course and it was such a beautiful day at the temple! There was no formal reception held but she did have a really nice luncheon and now they are off to their honeymoon!! Im so happy for them both! Here are some pictures from the day!
The bride and groom and their parents! (ps- sorry if they arent looking at me in this picture, I was just stealing the photographers ideas and snapping some of my own!)
Me and my best friend!!

Hiking the Y

2008-05-08T14:30:00.004-06:00

We wasted no time!! Zack was so happy that I was finally in Provo he decided we should hike the Y since it is a right of passage down here. Ok, so not really, we just thought it would be fun!! It was a perfect night for the hike and wasnt too bad!! It's a bit steep but a good hike! I cant believe I sat on top of that thing! It is pretty sweet to be able to look at it on the mountain and know I have been there. It was a great night! Here are some pictures of it! The white paint stuff in the one picture is us on the Y if you can't tell! He is trying his best to make me be a Cougar. My Dad would be so proud!

Explanation of the Absense...

2008-05-08T14:20:00.004-06:00

Sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I know, my life is just SO DANG EXCITING you all missed reading about my life!! Well, you can all relax I am back. My apologies for not blogging for a bit, I know how annoying it is why the people you 'check up on' dont ever post. My first reason for not posting is that I moved!! I am officially in Provo, finals are over and life is good. I also started my job working at The Brick Oven and things seem to be going well. I like it. So what with the move from Logan to Provo and starting a new job, I have been a bit busy!

The second reason, and perhaps a better one is because my laptop (pictured above) had to go to the doctor. It has acutally been giving me issues since December 26th last year, but me being the ultra lazy person I am, decided I couldnt part from it so I never took it in to get fixed. FINALLY on finals week I decided to take it in to be repaired. I figured it would be good so I would avoid playing online when I should be studying. The problem was with the LCD screen. When it was open, the screen and colors were all warped and not as they should be. Everything worked fine, it just loooked odd. So, now I am seeing in correct colors and I am very happy about it. It's SO NICE to have it back!! I dont think I realized how obsessed with my computer I was until I had to be without it for 2 whole weeks!

In it to win it!

2008-04-27T16:32:00.003-06:00

Ok, so not really. More in it to cross the finish line within 6 hours. Which I think I can definitely do. I have always wanted to run a marathon and today I think I got myself one step closer to that goal!! I finally registered for the Top of Utah half-marathon. I decided to go with just 13 because im pretty out of shape and 13 seems at least do-able and that will give me a good indication if I can do the full 26.2 im thinking....I guess i'll find out soon enough right? Well, looks like you all know what ill be doing this summer. Running and some running and more running. I talked Zack into doing it with me so now I have a running buddy too! I really am excited for it though. The race is August 23rd and I expect to see you all there at the finish line cheering me on ;) My Dad will be so proud. No wonder im the favorite huh?

It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine, its summertime!!!

2008-04-25T12:33:00.003-06:00

Well, that's the show! I just finished my last class of the semester about an hour ago! What a relief. Of course I still have finals, but I couldn't be happier to not have a lab to attend or my morning class to be 20 min. late to again!! Its been a good semester, but I feel great about it being done!! Bring on the sunshine and warm weather!! I wish I could jump in the ocean just like this picture, but its closer than I think im sure!! Yay for me and everyone else who is finishing classes and even graduating!! Way to do it in 4 years like you are supposed to!! As for me, bring on the 5 year plan!! Enjoy your weekend!

GRIPES!

2008-04-22T18:00:00.003-06:00

Alright...so here a few of my pet peeves at my job. A man just printed off like 30 pages of stuff and comes up to give me his ID card to pay for them (we dont take any cash, it has to be from their student ID card) and while handing me his card says, "I dont know if I have any money on there, I hope I do". Seriously? Ugh. This happens pretty frequently too. Its just on my nerves because its finals time and it happens more often. Dude, if you have no print outs, here is a hint- DONT PRINT -OR- add 75 cents to your card to pay for it!! Its not that complicated, really.

Yes, I could do the kind thing and pay for some of it myself, and when that happens to a person who printed out one thing, I am sympathetic and sometimes do. But if I helped out EVERY person that happened too, that would be a lot of money on my part.

Gripe #2- when people print out a slew of stuff and pretend like its not theirs when they pick it up because they don't want it anymore. There will be 15 pages of slides that all came out in the same print cue and then when they come up they grab the top 4 and pretend like it wasn't theirs. We know it was yours!! Now, this isnt something I call them on because I am cooler than that but still, its annoying. Were not stupid.

Alright, thanks for reading. Just wanted to get that off my chest. I really do love my job. Im lucky to have it, couldnt ask for a better one and im sure I have no room to complain but I just did. So there you have a glimpse into my job. I know, it surely could be SOO much worse. But I needed something to write about for the day. I promise I am in a good mood today :)

Comment with your own work or home frustrations, I honestly would love to hear. This is a place to vent!

This is where I live now...

2008-04-18T10:01:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to give a quick blog post about my new residence. I have been at the library WAY too much this week!! I want to pull my hair out (not really, I like my hair, I think it's one of my best features). Yesterday I spent a total of 3.5 hours at my actual apartment (time I was awake anyway). That is just sad and ridiculous. I should just find a corner in the library and sleep there because I left the library last night when it closed and am here right now. This morning all I did was shower and come to the library. Sad, sad life. Oh well, I know plenty of other familiar faces here all can share in this misery. At least its nice? Eh.

Weekend Update!

2008-04-15T13:46:00.010-06:00

We look a little funny in this picture but I still love it!

So this weekend was a really fun one! My Mom called me on Friday and told me she had some free passes to Deer Valley! I couldnt have been more excited since I hadn't gone skiing all season and that this would be free! Zack was able to get work off so he and I went and also my Dad and our neighbor Larry. It was a beautiful day up on the mountain! Great warm weather and the ski conditions were pretty good considering that is was April 12th. We got fried a little bit but it was fun!

Me and Zack with the view behind us! So beautiful!
After we finished skiing and got cleaned up again and we had plans to have 'Asian Fest'. Zack served his mission to Japan and loves anything asian. So, we decided to make Egg Rolls together and then watch 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. The food turned out great and I love the movie. I think Zack enjoyed it too. We even ate on the floor in true style. Dont mind our lobster looking faces, we totally got fried skiing! Worth it though!

The End of the Semester

2008-04-11T16:46:00.004-06:00

This picture truly explains how I feel. Not only am I stressed out AND sleep deprived, I also am only 'living for weekends and holidays'. Those of you who talk to me regularly should understand that because yes, I live for weekends because I seem to drive home to Sandy for each and every one of them to see the boy that makes me happy :)

I just want to use this post to vent out my frustrations about the end of the semester. Why is it that we cant have all the big papers and projects at LEAST somewhere in the middle?? I mean, when we start out, I think more people are motivated at the beginning of the semester than at the end. It's like our Professors think they are the only ones with the great idea to have us do a group project. News flash- we already are in group projects in every single class!! For one of my classes I have to make a movie for the group project. Excuse me? Are you just going to assume that I know how to make and edit a film? Am I in film school? What happened? Lets just pray this all goes well.

So I guess you could say i'm stressed. I know, it really will all turn out fine and dandy. Some classes I am grateful for group work since I am horrible in the class and I get put with brainiacs, so to those of you, I thank you for saving my grade. I know that this will probably come back to bite me in the butt when I become a teacher and have them do hard projects at the end of the year but oh well. I can complain now, and they, in turn can complain about me. I love Karma :)

I hope you all are doing well with the end of the 'school year' too, if it still applies to you. I am loving this spring weather though. I want more of it. Well, thats all folks!

The more you pee, the better you be!

2008-04-01T19:08:00.002-06:00

Alright, so forgive me for the title of this post, but I couldn't resist. We had a guest speaker come to one of my health classes in high school and this is what he told us, and I never forgot it. Probably because it is ridiculous and true. I just wanted to post this blog as an ode to my water bottle. This picture to the side is exactly the one that I have. It is camelback brand, I got it from REI over Christmas break. It is so wonderful. I am really really bad at drinking water and it is always one of my New Year's Resolutions to drink more water. This trusty little water bottle has helped me do just that. I love the drinking spout and that it is a straw......im easily entertained alright? It just makes me want to drink more just to suck out of the awesome straw! Sad, but true. SO if by any random chance any of you are looking to buy a new water bottle for yourself, this is what you should get.

Relocating!

2008-03-31T17:17:00.004-06:00

Well, it's happening!! I finally decided to be bold and, like Nike says, just do it! I will be living in Provo just for the summer. I am going to be living at The Elms apartments. I know lots of you have lived there in your time so if any of you know of good places for me to work, nows your chance!! Anyway, I am taking that leap of faith hoping everything will work out as it should!! Now I just cant wait for this semester to be over and my summer to begin. Happy Valley here I come!

Watch out for this craziness!

2008-03-24T12:12:00.004-06:00

At our Easter get together yesterday at the Niederhauser's, my Dad gave all of the girls these watches! These are Franck Mueller watches that he got while on his trip in China! Look at the numbers! Insane huh? It will change the hour correctly, but will skip several spaces to get to the right hour since the numbers aren't in their usual order. The minutes are the same a normal watch. I think this is a very cool idea! Thanks Dad, I love it!

Clinical-Some Final Observations

2008-03-18T11:36:00.003-06:00

A big thing that I learned while doing my clinical hours, is that I might have many students with learning disabilities. Since lots of our classes are hands-on, these are places that students advisors might put them in because there is not a lot of reading or writing involved. Mrs. Dazley had several students in her classes that could only read on a 3rd of 4th level. To help with this problem, Mrs. Dazley would have them sit near a friend of theirs that could help them when they did have to do a reading assignment, their friends could help them and nobody else in the class had to know that they couldn't read well. I liked the way that she did that.

Talking with Mrs. Dazley about this really opened my eyes to that. I never really thought about FACS classes having the students with disabilities but it makes total sense that they would be there. Mrs. Dazley even teaches a Cluster Class to a class of disabled students to teach. I think this is a great idea since one of the main goals of teachers for these students is to help them be functional adults who can care for themselves.

As a student in Secondary Education, we are all required to take only ONE class that helps us to teach students with disabilities. It was a general course and covers everything from dyslexia and ADHD, to blind students or students with Downs syndrome. Obviously, I don't think one course is sufficient for me to have a knowledge on how to teach the variety of students I will get, but I think those types of things come with practice and time. The teacher for the cluster class was very cooperative with Mrs. Dazley as they tried to think of things to help these students learn what will be important to them.

Clinical Observation Hours 22-30

2008-03-17T11:34:00.004-06:00

I finished my clinical hours on Thursday! It was a fun day because all of Mrs. Dazley's CTE classes were cooking in the lab, so it was really great for me to see how she ran the kitchen. They didnt actually 'cook'. They were to make sugar-free strawberry shakes. I liked this right off because that sounds really good and its sugar-free so its pretty healthy, so you could talk about that later in modifying recipes to be healthy!

To start with she had the whole class come back and watch her as she explained what they were to do and all the parts of the blender etc. She took about 10 min. explaining and had to hurry since they are only in her class for about 45 minutes. When she was finished it was the kids time to cook! They all seemed really excited about this, which is good!! I am glad they like lab days as much as I do. Each group had to first assign out who was doing what job, since at the end they also had to give each other a grade to make sure that everyone was doing their part. She had 3 classes of CTE and they are all right in a row and the first 3 periods of the day, she she had to keep organized and clean. Most groups did a good job cleaning up, especially since they would be marked down if they weren't. There were only a few that needed some extra tidying up!

Today, I also brought in my 'bulletin board' or poster that Mrs. Dazley had me do. Her Teen Living class has been talking about stress so I made a poster withs some different ways to relieve stress. She used it in her class and they went through each of the different ideas and talked about how they could use that in their life and if it would be helpful to them. I feel like the bulletin board turned out well!

Today I also had a glimpse into all the time it takes to set out and prepare for each classes lab, and the amount of laundry you get to do as a FACS teacher!! I took the liberty of switching out the laundry and folding them all for her and I realized that is just one of the 'little details' you forget about! Of course the laundry doesn't wash itself! She does have teacher aides and she told me that she usually had them fold and switch them over, so she tries to use them as much as possible.

DISCIPLINE: As far as discipline this day, she did a good job of managing the students especially in the labs. She has some very large class sized so she had 6 in a group for most of them. She doesn't like having that many, ideally she said she would prefer 4 to a group but she did what she could to work with it.

TEACHING TECHNIQUES: One of the techniques she used today was that she made each of them assign out what they were to do BEFORE they began cooking so that way everyone participate and everyone had certain jobs they were responsible for. She also had them grade each other which kept most of them in check to do their assigned jobs. I thought this was a great idea.

MANAGEMENT: I feel that especially in middle school settings, the students need to be reminded of what they are supposed to be doing in order to be on schedule. As I walked around to the cooking groups, I would remind each group that once they had measured their ingredients and put them in the blender, they could start to wash the majority of their dishes. Most groups would all stand around the blender and watch but in order to finish on time they needed to get going!! They just needed a push in the right direction! Not everyone needed to stand around and watch it 'blend'. If they learned to multi-task like this, the groups were cleaned and finished on time!

Clinical Observation: Hours 16-22

2008-03-12T23:50:00.002-06:00

Today was another great day at Union Middle! I got to talk a lot to Mrs. Dazley about teaching, her likes and dislikes and discussed with her the differences between middle and high schools. She told me that when it came down for her to decided where to teach, she liked the high schools a lot but was raising a family as well so it was important to her to be able to be home after school. With many High Schools they have after school activities such as FCCLA and she didnt want to have to deal with that when her children were home, so that played a big factor in where she was to teach. I had never thought of things that way, and she made a great point.

Today when I arrived, I helped Mrs. Dazley put the students into their new seating arrangement. She had them choose a color square and that correlated to a table where they were to sit. So, in essence, they chose their seats but it also gave enough variety and mix up. Today her CTE classes began a new unit on Foods so today they went over food safety so tomorrow they will be able to cook in the lab! I am excited to see that tomorrow. I graded her Child Development classes study guides for unit 4 and it took a while! It took me 2 full periods before I finished. I also got to take roll for her classes and I input all the scores after I graded all the assignments. Today was the day I presented a motivator to her Child Development classes. I found a cute story online that was called 'The First Date'. It was a story about a date and you read it from both the girl and boy's perspective. After the story I talked with the students about dating and expectations and things we need to be looking for in a mate someday. Mrs. Dazley gave me a worksheet to give to them to fill out about what they look for in a mate and what they are doing now in their lives to be a good spouse and parent. It was fun. They really listened as I read the story and seemed to enjoy it.

DISCIPLINE: One way Mrs. Dazley disciplines her students is with her seating charts. She moves them everytime they start a new unit so that helps cut down on the noise level. Some of her classes are too noisy and the students would get up and move around to sit by their friends so she lets them pick where they sit sometimes. If the noise level got out of hand, she would threaten to get the seating chart and put them back. I kept hoping she really would do it so they would know that they werent empty threats but she never did.

Time Management: Mrs. Dazley gets to the school around 6am to get things ready for the day. She told me that FACS teachers and CTE teachers in general will spend the most time out of all the teachers because not only do we have to grade papers and get those things done but we also have to buy many supplies such as the food, fabric, art projects and many more things. One of her classes was ahead of the other so in order for them to both end in the same spot she stalled a bit by having them go around the room and tell the class on thing on their lists for mate selection. I think it is important to have you same classes end in the same place so it is easier for you to remember if both classes have covered all the same material. Things can get out of hand if one is always ahead of the other, and she didnt want to just have them sit around if they finished early.

Teaching Techniques: Mrs. Dazley has a varitey of things she uses in the class. Today when she had the students draw their own seats was definitely a teaching strategy. She also has things she calls 'hot seats' in which she uses to call on the students, that way participation is fair. She also has letters up on the board that spell QUIET. For each letter she takes down when they are being noisy, she will remove a letter. If all the letters are removed, the class has to spend time after class. She did keep 2 girls after class today and the knew she meant business.

Thats the Show!

Clinical Observation Hours 8-15

2008-03-11T22:27:00.002-06:00

A few random tidbits I would like to share with you before I get down to the real "stuff".
#1- Very rarely do I see a student with a backpack. And certainly no girls have them. If a student does have a backpack it is a boy. All the girls use these cute little side bags that are really more cute purses than anything and most boys use a big folder/binder that zips all the way around. I found this interesting.

#2- Knowing that you have 5 minutes to get from class to class just doesnt seem enough. Now, they play Jack Johnson on the loud speaker for all the school to hear when you have 1 min. or less to be to class. I think this is weird but fun. I can definitely see how this cuts down on tardies.

A rundown of todays activities:
When I arrived this morning Mrs. Dazley asked me if I would present the food demo to her 6th period class and that I could count that as my mini lesson. I was excited/nervous for this because I hadnt planned on it, but I gladly jumped on board. She let me make a batch ahead of time of the recipe so I would know what I was doing.

After that I took the liberty of looking at how she organizes her kitchen labs and the sewing lab. I went around to all the indiv. kitchens and saw what she puts in each of them for the students to use and also the big things like ingredients she needs for the entire class to use.

The mini lesson went really well I thought and it was fun for me to do. It was for what she calls her 'Cluster Class' which is a class of handicapped children and their peer tutors. While I presented I made a point to ask them what abbreviations were for a tablespoon or had them point and show me what a teaspoon was since they had been working on their measuring abbreviations. We also went over why you would use a liquid vs. a dry measuring cup. It was a lot of fun!

Management: Today I got to input the roll into Mrs. Dazleys grading system. She uses a system called 'Powergrade' that she uses to organize not just attendance but also all their grades and citizenship etc. She also manages her classes by color coding their assignments as I have seen a lot of teachers do. Then, since her class isnt one that gives homework, they all have folder that they keep in the room so that way nobody is unprepared. They come in, get their folders and can get to work. I thought this was a good idea.

Discipline: Today was a big change from yesterday. They were a LOT more attentitive toward their teacher than they were on Monday. Maybe just getting off the weekend really did have a lot to do with it. I also think that Mrs. Dazley did give them more things to work on and do today. She would remind them to be on task and what they were supposed to be doing.

Time Management: Mrs. Dazley always is prepared for every class. This is very important especially since she has no free period and teaches every single class. Not even during her lunch time was she getting things out, she already knew ahead of time what they were doing and the items they would be needing for the day.

Clinical Observation, Hours 1-7

2008-03-10T21:41:00.003-06:00

Well the first day is over with! I got there this morning and classes began! I felt so old being back at my old stomping ground. For once, I felt tall :)

Mrs. Dazley teaches every single class period! She doesnt have a free hour because they had some extra boys they needed to put into a class so she stepped up to the challenge, so she had no prep time. Impressive!

Her classroom is very nice and the technology in it. I was surprised! She has 2 classrooms for the CTE classes. The sewing room and the foods room, which both have classroom space with desks in the front. They are connected kinda like hotel rooms that connect are, with doors in the middle to connect one to the other. She teaches 3 periods of CTE classes and today they talked about nanotechnology and different textiles. She then has 2 Child Development classes and a Cluster Group of some resource/handicapped kids. The last class of the day is Teen Living, which is composed of the 15 boys and 2 girls.

DISCIPLINE: As soon as her classes arrived, she would call them to order and get going with some review from previous classes and what they were to do for the day. The listened to her at the beginning, but the longer she talked, the less they listened. Once they worked on the assignment/activity for the day, the class became quite loud and chatty. This didnt seem to bother her so much and she told me on Monday she doesnt push it too much because it is hard to get their attention after a weekend, however, I thought it was quite noisy and the students could have been better at staying on task. Her Child Developement classes were probably the most distruptive of all the classes.

TEACHING TECHNIQUES: When I walked into her classroom this morning, it was filled with all sorts of different things. Her desk area and closets were filled with so many resources and she has lots of neat and fun ideas for her students. If I were a teacher to inhert all those, I would be one happy girl! She does try to start out classes with bell ringers (motivators) and did incorporate games into her lessons. Today she had them play games, watch a powerpoint, read articles as a group and present an overhead to the class among other things. She definitely uses a variety of methods and is creative with it. She created the reading groups by calling out their sewing maching numbers and I had asked her if she had heard of a website called randomizer.org- she had not. I told her it was something I had been taught and it was helpful in creating different numbers of groups and she seemed excited about using it. I was glad I could be of help in that way!

MANAGEMENT: As far as time management goes, she definitely uses it well, especially with having no free period to prepare. She said that she gets there around 6:15 in the morning to get things done for her classes. Some of the students hadnt finished all their sewing projects so she told them she was available before and after school for them to come in and finish, and I thought that was very gracious of her. She told me that she does a new seating arrangement every time they move on to a new teaching unit. She tries to not have any open seats because the kids will move and sit by their friends if there are any open seats by them. Keeping them on task and in their seats seemed like something that could use a bit more work. I did like how she had the class set up, and that she makes them rotate often and always be changing in new groups.

CLINICAL: Expectations

2008-03-09T20:46:00.003-06:00

*Note to all of my blog readers. As a part of my major, I get the opportunity to do 'Clinical Hours'. This is where I spend 30 hours in a Family and Consumer Science classroom and have certain assignments like teaching a mini lesson, a bulletin board, helping with classroom management etc. I have to post my observations and the things I see on my blog for my Professor to see, thus why I am putting it up here. Feel free to read and enjoy, but just know, that is why im posting this!

EXPECTATIONS:

I start my clinical hours tomorrow morning at Union Middle School. I am excited/nervous about going. I will be working with Mrs. Dazely. This will be fun for me because Union is where I went to middle school, so it will be fun to go back to my middle school and view things from a teachers point of view. In speaking with Mrs. Dazely on the phone, she has told me that they will be doing some food labs during my time there. I am excited about this because foods is something I am really interested in teaching so I am interested to see how she makes it all work! She seems very laid back and excited to get a clinical teacher from Utah State! I believe tomorrow I will just observe or grade papers and things and just kinda get the understanding of what all goes on in the different classes she teachers. After that we can sit down and discuss what she would like me to teach about and what bulletin board she would like me to make for her classroom. Anyway, wish me luck! Ill let you know all about it tomorrow afternoon!

You got me trippin oh, STUBLING...

2008-03-02T17:47:00.003-07:00

My newest find these days is something called 'Stumble'. It pretty much has changed my life. I surely helps to pass the time at work. What it is, is a website that will find new and creative websites it thinks you would like. When you sign up, you are given a list of various interests/hobbies/activities and you click on what you are interested in. Then a new toolbar is added to your internet, each time you want a new page, just click 'stumble'. Some things I get are completely insane, other I really enjoy and bookmark for later use. I love new and exciting websites so I though you might too! Oh, and pretty sure you have to use it on Mozilla Firefox....sorry, not internet explorer! But make the switch anyway, Mozilla all the way :) Enjoy!

My newest Craft Venture!

2008-03-02T17:12:00.002-07:00

Ok, so this is my newest craft idea!! I have actually been wanting to make one for a long time now but I think the time is finally here! Not only is this frame cute and fun, but its functional! Doesnt get much better than that does it? All you need is a frame, plastic mesh, scissors, and glue and you have it! You could also use tool (no idea how you spell it!) fabric for the backing as well.

Me and my SIL Becky have decided since we both have quite the array of dangly earrings and not the greatest spot to put them, this is the perfect solution! Just thought it was so great, I had to share!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2008-02-14T13:11:00.004-07:00

I just wanted to wish everyone out there in the blog world, or whoever reads this, a Happy Valentine's Day! Although my only plans for the day consist of classes and working tonight in the computer lab.....I still think it's a fun holiday even though, this year I have no boy to celebrate it with. So I hope all of you who do have an awesome day and get something special!

I WANT ONE!

2008-02-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you know I have a VERY taxing job. This being said in total and complete sarcasm. I work at the computer labs if you didnt know. Last week, I decided I really really REALLY wanted a Nintendo 64 game system. But not only that, I wanted Mario Kart to accompany it. So the search began.

I got on ebay of course and started looking. A wonderful co-worker of mine said he would be generous enough to let me use his account as he sought out my coveted N 64. We found some great deals and put bids out but I am too much of a cheap skate to fork out more than $30 dollars for the game system and the shipping. Ha ha ha. Needless to say, I was out bid and didnt get my N64.

Fortunately for facebook.com I updated my status saying that I "may or may not have bid on a Nintendo 64" and I have had 2 people willing to give me their game systems. HOORAY. Thank goodness for that.

So hopefully I soon will have in my possession the N 64 COMPLETE with Mario Kart. Great news, because I CLEARLY need another thing to distract me from my homework.

Thats all!! Here's to another fabulous week and a terrific tuesday.

A few things im grateful for this week...

2008-01-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

So I see a lot of people doing a weekely 'Thankful for' posts on their blog and I think it looks like fun, so here is a list of things im grateful for this week-

1. My roommates. Every time they even go to the store, they are always super nice and ask if I need anything. Im grateful to have been so lucky to have good roommates over the years. I know lots of people that have been stuck with crazies!!

2. The Sun!! I never realize how much I miss it till its gone. I guess that is true with most things!! January hits in Logan and the inversion settles in, and it is few and far between that the sun comes out, and when it does, I am sure happy!

3. My job!! How lucky am I to have a job where I get paid to do homework, play on the internet or even write this post!

4. 4-Wheel drive and the fact that my parents pretty much 'gave' me the Expedition. Yes, its a gas hog, but its all mine, and I always feel safe in it.

5. Self-esteem. This one sounds stupid, I know but there are lots of things that have been going on with girls in the ward, or friends of mine that get them down so easily!! I am glad I have a positive outlook and can laugh at myself, especially when I fall down on the ice!! Oops!

6. Meeting new people!! The is one thing I look forward too with new semesters is a new opportunity for friends. I have me a lot of cool people.

7. Music and my ipod. What would the walk be like to school in -12 degrees without my music to keep me company.

8. Professors who are your friends. They realize that learning can be fun and treat you as a colleague not just another number. I am super grateful for that.

That is all I can think of for now!! I hope you all had great weeks as well!

THE BIG 22!!

2008-01-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the weekend of my Birthday! It was on Saturday, January the 19th. My sister Natalie took me to lunch and Mom and Nicole and Molly came as well. Then Mom took me shopping all day. After that I went out to dinner with my best friend Aubrey to Caffe Molise and then to see 'Mad Money'. It was pretty funny, I enjoyed it! Sunday the family came over and we celebrated the birthday 'Galbraith style'- the 'You are Special Today' plate and all. I came out with plenty of sweet gifts, one of which are my new boots! I was pretty excited about them! Monday, I saw 27 Dresses with my sister Nicole. Your typical chick-flick but it was great all the same. Zack took me to lunch at Cafe Rio before he had to head to work in Provo, then Aubs and I went to the mall, and then the Auto show. So, the weekend started off a bit slow but ended GREAT!! Thanks to everyone for the happy wishes and gifts! What would I be without, my family and friends?

Worth It? I think not!!

2008-01-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

So today I got up and got ready as usual. I decide on a black long sleeve shirt so now I go to find my black shoes. They were NOWHERE to be found! I apparently left them in SLC. So I decide on my new cute birthday shoes!! They match and have a cute little bow on them! Plus I have been dying to wear them. So what if the weather is ice and snow, I can hack it right?!

WRONG!! Enclosed is a picture of what happened to my heels after tromping around campus in these. Also, I picked the WORST day to wear them! I had to go back and forth from one side of campus 3 times today and I am on campus for the longest amount of time today. Boy am I glad to be home now.

Through all this I wonder....cute shoes=blisters. Worth it?

Ok, probably. I gotta break them in sometime and I was complimented! Ha ha.

Basketball Season

2008-01-13T01:16:00.002-07:00

I love Aggie Basketball!! Tonights game was no exception. We played New Mexico State and won 74-62. I love basketball for several reasons- 1, it is free (at least we already paid for it in the fees somewhere) 2, it is inside and 3, we actually win the games.

Just when I think there is nothing to do in Logan besides watch movies, there comes a basketball game. It just seems to redeem itself from the frigid cold and gives us poor college students something to do and something to cheer about. I sure do love it. Here's to a great season! Go Aggies!!

Back to the old grind...

2008-01-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

It's school time again. And this time it is colder than ever. Nothing like walking to class at 8a.m. in 1 ft. of snow with the canyon winds beating on your face. That my friends is a Logan winter. Gotta love it. Maybe not....

This semester I am in 5 classes. For those of you who care they are the following:
Textile Science
Country Swing (Should be re-named, self conscious hour)
The Science of Food Preparation
Methods and Clinicals 1
Multicultural Foundations

Ill give you the gist of what these classes are-
Textile science is pretty much what makes up fabrics and such. We have a lab for this class which consists of burning different material to guess if it is man made or natural or what not.

Country swing....if you cant figure this out by the name you are silly. Its a dance class that is signed up for on a whim and feel completely ridiculous in but I hope as the semester continues it will get better.

Science of food prep- the chemistry behind our foods. This also has a lab where we get to pretend to be food scientists. We get to ruin cookies and figures things out like how to make a perfect flaky pie crust without using any kind of shortening. Woo! Ha ha.

Methods and Clinicals- Wow, after all these years being a teaching major here comes a class where I acutally get to learn HOW to teach. I also have to sign up for a clinical which is where I go out to a real classroom and observe and teach a mini lesson and such. I am thinking of going somewhere in SLC and doing it over my spring break to get it out of the way and that way I get to consistently observe. This was exciting/scary news! I am getting closer!!!

Multicultural Foundations- this is where we learn how to teach students from different backgrounds and ethnicities and diversity. All I know is that for an hour and fifteen minutes today we all introduced ourselves and I was bored out of my mind. So needless to say im 'excited' for this one. :)

Well there you have my life for the next 4 months. Its going to be a harder semester but it will be good and im excited. Its alway fun to have a new environment. Oh- BONUS there are actually males in my classes this semester. I am used to my sewing and other methods classes where I never see them, but low and behold they exist!! Even in the family life building. I was excited. Except now I have to get ready for class....

Well, I hope everyone else enjoyed their holiday as much as I did!

More Pictures...

2007-12-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ok these are some pictures of what I have been up to this past semester. One of them is of me, Noelle and Kendall at the USU homecoming football game. Dont worry....they lost!! However, the events staff still thought it was a good idea to shoot off the fireworks. Ha ha, who knows!

Another is of me and some of my friends I worked at 'Oakcrest' with when we went to see Wicked in LA over fall break. It was so much fun! If anyone is interested the touring company is coming to SLC in summer 2008, definitely go and see! It was so great.

Another is from the first week of school when I went to a Demolition Derby in Logan. I have never been before but I sure did enjoy it! It is definitely a 'white trash bash' as my friends and I affectionately call it, but all good fun!

The last picture was taken just after Thanksgiving with my friend Brett. He and I went down to see the lights at Temple Square because, OF COURSE- what holiday season would be complete without freezing your butt off to see loads of lights with the rest of the great Salt Lake Valley?! Of course the lights were beautiful as always and we had a good time, but I think the hot chocolate after was the best part of all!

2007-12-13T17:28:00.001-07:00

This is a group of some of my high school friends. I planned a little get together for us during Thankgiving Break. It was great to see all of them. We had dinner at The Pie by the U and then went bowling. I would HIGHLY recommend the Pie...excellent pizza and very good pricing. We sure did have fun!

Side note- I kicked all their butts in bowling which means they all are really bad....

Hello There!

2007-12-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well, since it is Finals week and I have nothing to do anymore I decided to break down and create a blog! Most of my siblings have one but they never can check in on me so I decided to create one as well!