All Done

I'll be posting some pix of Disneyland and my AZ trip soon. But for now, it's important to share that I've finished my master's program. I couldn't be happier. I've been sitting in classes for the past three weeks, not to mention the past two years. I think I'm done with my formal education for good. I appreciate all I've learned and have enjoyed the experience, mostly. I consider myself graduated, but will not walk until next year. Brian and I both walk the first weekend in May, 2008. That sounds far away. But who cares---it's over! Let the summer begin!

Cinco de Mayo

One of my students invited us over for a "teacher appreciation" dinner. It just happened to be on May 5. They decked out the house with sombreros, streamers hanging from ceiling fans, fresh guacamole, and fun music. Each kid got to choose one other kid from their class to host their teacher. The three teachers of each of their boys came. Truman (lighter hair) invited McKay (darker hair) and his family to be with me. After dinner and visiting, the teachers got to hit the Spongebob pinata. I told a story about my dad getting hit in the face with a dowel during a pinata party one Christmas...hence the catchers masks. Safety first! The pinata had a lot of candy which McKay and Truman grabbed for me as well as lots of pens and SHARPIES! MY FAVORITE! Way to push those 1st and 3rd grade kids out of the way boys...we scored!

Accent on Excellence Awards Banquet

This year I was awarded a district award called Accent on Excellence. There was a banquet on May 2 and I was allowed to invite one student to speak in my behalf. I invited Brianna, a darling ten-year-old girl. We had a great time and had a delicious dinner. Following dinner, awards were presented to the teachers after their students had spoken about them. Brianna's dad, Jonathan came as well as my principal, Dr. Nancy Sorensen, and our assistant principal, Janna Kunz. It was a wonderful night. I felt very honored and flattered to be chosen. They even gave me $500! Brian said it was okay to be a little impractical with the money. :) I still have a lot to learn about teaching but am enjoying the ride. Year 6 and counting!

Spring Break - Oregon Coast

For spring break we flew to Oregon with Brian's parents, his sister, and her husband. We had a great time. I had never been. Brian's family vacations here often just because it is calm and peaceful. It was totally relaxing - no pressure to hurry or feel like we had a list of things to do. I would absolutely go there again! Our hotel, the "Surfrider" was right on the coast. Literally. It was between Lincoln City and Newport. It took about 3 hours to drive there from Portland. We went to the Oregon Aquarium and saw all sorts of fun stuff. This is actually where Keiko the killer whale was until his release. His tank was made into a 360-degree walk through aquarium. It made me sea-sick. We watched the sunset from a cave below the hotel. All in all, a GREAT trip!

Just for Today...

Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafter. I will read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways. I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out, if anybody know of it, it will not count. I will do at least two good things that I don't want to do, just for exercise. I will not show that my feelings are hurt: they may be hurt, but I will not show it.

Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself and relax. During this half hour I will try to get a better perspective on my life.

Just for today I will have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve or regulate anyone except myself.

Just for today I will try to live life through this day only and not tackle my whole life problems at once.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes and fit myself to it.

Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

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Wedding Dress for Sale

If you know anyone who is interested, I'm selling my wedding dress. One of my more model-icious moments, huh? :)
$400
Size: 8/10
Empire waist
Organza overlay
Floral beading and embroidery on top
Slip included

Moving On

Well, I turned in my National Board portfolio. That was a relief. It was a 60-page portfolio that will double as my master's capstone. Hurray! I will finish graduate classes for Southern Utah University in June and then find out if I passed National Boards in December. So, I guess I won't worry about it until then.
So once I mailed it off, I interviewed and was hired at Pebbles in my Pocket, a local scrapbooking store. Let's be honest - I don't make a lot, but it's fun and will allow us to buy a few "extras" for our house. AND I get a 25% discount...but I don't want to spend my hard-earned $5-or-so on scrapbook supplies when I could save up for a couch in a year or two. :)
All in all, I manage to sign myself up for one thing after another - wanting to keep myself busy but wanting rest and relaxation as well. I'm not very good at balancing. Did I mention I'm coaching a softball team in my spare time? All of this, I've decided, is better than being a couch potato - which I am destined to be if I don't commit myself to other activities.