Miss Mel

gifts...

2011-12-29T15:10:00.005-07:00

I know presents aren't what Christmas is all about. With that being said, check out these great gifts that I got!

A home-made race bib holder:

Not only is this a great way to organize and display all of my race bibs, but it makes me want to do more races to keep adding to it!

*Plus, I love the quote!

An adorable jewelry board!

I love the rustic look and how many earrings it can hold!

Looks like I've gotta go get more :)

*Plus, it's magnetic so I'm gonna find little holders to keep studs, rings, and backs in.

And my other favorite gift is....

That's right, a water cooler!

Hot chocolate parties, apple cider, homemade root-beer, water ballons, drink station, etc.

ALL. AT. SCHOOL.

I'm constantly borrowing Wendy's and now I don't have to. My very own water cooler!

*Plus, it has a pull-off lid, not a twisty, which I LOVE!

I had a great Christmas, and a wonderful off-track,

but it's back to school for me!

(Which is harder than you think after being off for a month.)

Obsessed

2011-12-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to a new way of drinking water last Christmas (thanks to Erin) and haven't stopped (obsessing about them) since.

This is real. I now have 5.

I don't know what it is about them...

the colors?
The way they are easy to handle/carry around?
The fact that you have to bite them to get any water out?
That they don't leak when tipped over?

Yeah...that's why.

Whether they come as a gift, or I buy them myself....I can't get enough!

5 days

2011-11-27T22:37:00.002-07:00

my next 5 days...

5 days until I go off-track until the new year!

4 days until I start a LONG process of becoming healthier

3 days until my class has their JOB FAIR (aka deep cleaning the classroom)

2 days until my next Modern Family DVD ships from Netflix

1 day until I no longer have the Sunday Night Blues....

Let the countdown begin!

Not it!

2011-06-14T20:16:00.004-06:00

So, I'm not great at this blogging thing and I just recently browsed a few blogs that I haven't had time to look at lately. When I wandered upon.... kianadon.blogspot.com and learned that I had been tagged. (We'll not focus on the fact that I've been "it" now for over a month.)

Here it is...

4 Honest Things....

4 shows I watch:

1. Biggest Loser
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. The Office
4. Friends

4 things I'm passionate about:

1. Teaching

2. My students

3. Being Organized

4. Running with Music

4 phrases I use a lot:

1. Really?

2. Remember how...

3. Nice try.

4. You wish.

4 things I've learned from the past:

1. It's ok to not be perfect (sometimes).

2. It is what it is.

3. People who really care make a difference.

4. Do hard things.

4 things I did yesterday

1. Went running.
2. Set-up my classroom for the last 3 weeks of school.
3. Ate my summer's first sno-cone!
4. Watched "Good Luck Charlie" while grading papers.

4 places I'd love to visit:

1. Italy--'nuff said

2. Africa--I want to someday help at a school.

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter--Bertie Bott's flavored beans anyone?

4. Alaska--who doesn't want to see the Northern Lights?!

4 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Spending 3 more weeks with my cute students!

2. Great River Ragnar (a.k.a. road trip to Minnesota!)

3. Teachers vs. 6th graders SOFTBALL GAME.

4. Using my "Pass-of-all-Passes" this summer!

4 things I love about Summer: (it was suppose to be Spring, but I changed it)

1. Sunshine!

2. Flip-flops & pedicures

3. Summer rain and thunderstorms

4. Softball/Baseball games

I don't really like playing tag.

Never

have.

Therefore, game over.

Epley Maneuver

2011-05-08T18:13:00.004-06:00

Yes. The Epley Maneuver makes me happy. Not when it makes me sick to turn my head, but when it helps me feel 5 times better the next day!

I recently have been getting super dizzy and nauseous and went to the Dr. to find out that I have a case of "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vetigo." Basically, that's a lot of big words to say I have a tiny crystal floating around in my left ear canal setting things off-balance.

Treatment includes Bonine chewables (nasty) and nightly routines of the Epley Maneuver until I'm good again.

Happiness is around the corner, over there, wait, now it's over there, up there, or there, back over there.....dang crystal!

Probability

2011-03-31T21:20:00.007-06:00

So March Madness has officially happened. I've watched a lot of the games and been both excited and disappointed. However...none of March Madness can compare with my experience last night.

After a long day at school (all of my class was totally on one) I faced the dilemma of going running. It was suppose to be a 5 mile run and i.was.not.feeling.it. I got mostly ready to go (that's half the battle) and with one shoe on and one shoe off I sat on my couch trying to decide if I was really going to go). It basically came down to will power. I didn't have any. So what did I do? I left it up to probability. (We've been talking about this a little bit in school, so I thought, "why not put it to use?") I flipped a coin. Heads: I would go running. Tails: I would not.

Oh how I wished it would have fallen on tails. (but thank goodness it did not!) Heads it was. I reluctantly slipped on and tied my last shoe and was on my way. I didn't go the full 5 which was fine by me. Came home, showered, and off we (Erin, Jess and I) went to Yogurtland. Each time I've been here with these two, something crazy happens. This time didn't fail us either.

I love this place and I loved this night! As we were hanging around after we finished our frozen yogurt, who came in?

THE Jimmer Fredette.

There was no mistaking that it was him with his track pants, t-shirt, 6'2 height, and curly brown hair. (not to mention his tiny little girlfriend). He grabbed a few sample cups and was acting like anyone else. We were just a little stoked. a.k.a. nervous and giddy and I finally had the courage to ask him if we could get a photo with him. (back up--my students have been talking SO much about Jimmer and shooting "jimmer shots" out on the playground. I told Jimmer my class wouldn't believe me unless I had a photo. Which was true.) He was so great! He was totally nice and I love that he knew his way around Yogurtland.

Meeting Jimmer Fredette and getting a photo with him totally makes me happy!

I'm glad probability was in my favor yesterday! Had I not flipped a "heads" I probably would not have gone running and we would have gone to Yogurtland much earlier, missing our Jimmer experience.

Here's to that quarter~ and this guy's amazing talent!

Good Reads

2011-03-29T20:12:00.002-06:00

One thing lately that has made me happy is a GOOD READ!

I'm in the process of reading a book titled, "The Year of Living Biblically" and find myself both feeling informed and delighted as I read about this man's experiences and his hilarious personality.

He's made me reflect upon my own choices, justifications, and experiences--only I'm not nearly as funny.

If you're in the mood for some laughs, and the occasional snort... give this book a try!

Bulletin Boards

2011-03-12T17:35:00.011-07:00

I'm happy that I'm given a monthly subscription to the Mailbox Magazine for my birthday where I find clever teaching tips and plans.

I'm happy that it gives me great bulletin board ideas that I take a twist on and make my own!

Just a few examples:

We'll work on a butterfly one this spring that I'm really excited for!

(Yes, I am a big enough nerd to be...)

Running

2011-03-09T22:58:00.006-07:00

All of these make my running a lot HAPPIER!

My new Garmin watch. I love that it calculates my pace and the distance I run.

My old, blue iPod.

This handy gadget lets me listen to great songs like this that make me happy:

My rocking-awesome new running shoes make me very happy!

Put these things together along with a running-technique class with a really good friend and that makes me happy!

Conversations at the Chiropractor's

2011-03-08T21:30:00.006-07:00

Day #3:

I'm happy I didn't get seriously injured in a pretty intense car-accident last night. I'm happy I had previously planned a chiropractor appointment for today. I'm happy I got to see this person while waiting in the waiting room:

I'm happy because of the funny conversation we had until it was her turn. You see....she's an "older" lady with an "older" husband and they crack-me-up! I've known her ever since I was little and she makes me happy.

*For the life of me I couldn't find a picture of her on the internet (she's pretty well-known in p.g. but then I remembered one from a youth conference, long ago.)

*For the life of me, I can't figure out whether those spots are either on the picture or actually on my shirt.

I'm happy for people like her, funny conversations about old people, my chiropractor, and being just fine after an accident like that.

Fish cakes

2011-03-07T19:47:00.004-07:00

My day #2 of something that makes me happy...

These sweet girls of mine planned a surprise party for my birthday and made this adorable cake.

Wouldn't a cake as cute as this make you happy too?

26 kids

2011-03-06T20:12:00.003-07:00

My class makes me happy.

WARNING: extremely long post below. This post is more for me to look back on in the future. I've had it in mind and ready for a long time.

*-*-*

I get to spend a lot of time with 26 great kids. They're my favorite class so far! Here are the reasons why they make me happy. Since I can't refer to them by name (privacy), we'll go with their class number.

#1- She's my favorite! #1 is so good with our class pets. She can grab a bird and clean the fish bowl without being scared or grossed out. She was extremely shy at the beginning of the year and has come out of her shell to be a riot!

#2- He's my favorite too! He has a darling face and is always responsible. He is a pro at cleaning out the bird cage and has improved in his writing skills 10-fold. He is very athletic and talented. He and #10 are bound to get me out every time I play in a dodgeball game.

#3- She is the type of girl who spends most of the day laughing. She has such a good attitude and finds everything funny. She constantly raises her hand to participate and is very detailed in all that she does. She can perform "Party in the USA" in sign language too...which makes her another one of my favorites!

#4- He has come a long way this year! Participating has always been his strength, but listening to directions has not. I am amazed how kids, like him, can rise to expectations! One thing I love about him is his determination to be the first one to finish all of "Miss Fisher's Favorite Books." (which he did!)

#5- She is such a cute girl. #5 is incredibly smart and wears killer-red boots to school that I love. She's been absent a lot lately and I'm concerned about her. She has a cute smile and loves to talk to me out on the playground. I'll take a conversation with her any day!

#6- He's an interesting one...his goal in life is to become a future American Idol winner (which I have every confidence that he just might!) He's a great singer and is one of my most creative students. I love calling on him for responses because they are always unique. Additionally, his stubbornness is almost endearing.

#7- Another favorite! This little boy's feet still dangle from his chair and I think he is adorable! Not to mention his camouflage fleece outfit he regularly wears. He comes from hard circumstances and definitely makes the best out of everything. He's one of my Harry Potter groupies and has been plugging away at those books all year long.

#8- Ah...yet another favorite. This kid is nothing short of great! He's super respectful and has a darling face. He's fun to tease and is pretty gullible. I love his mom, who comes in to help every week, and he's great at participating in everything! (I can't wait to see #8 line-dance when I teach that in PE!)

#9- The favorites just keep coming! From day 1, I loved this girl. She brought me a wooden spider with movable legs that I keep hung in my classroom. She's from a family with 10 (or more) kids and is mature beyond her years (in good ways!). She's focused on what's important and is so sweet. I look forward to our daily interactions and just love her!

#10- He's my favorite. I had his sister last year and didn't think I could ever like him as much as I liked her...boy was I wrong! I like him even better! He has got be the MOST ORGANIZED boy that has ever been in 5th grade. When I need something important done "right" he's the guy to get it done. Not to mention his incredible athletic skills, respectful nature, and his HUGE grin. These are just a few of the reasons I share my orange with #10, if I have one for lunch.

#11- You should see this kid's iMovie skills! He took it and made it his own (which is what he always does). #11 is new to our school this year and struggled a lot at the beginning of the year with everything. You would never be able to pick him out now! He's made friends (great ones), loves coming to school and cracks up at the drop of a dime. I'm so proud of his progress!

#12- She's my favorite... This girl rocks the brown-nosing! She's super organized, responsible, and respectful. One of the reasons I love her is because she loves softball and talks to me about it all.the.time. She loves to help out and is one of the best board cleaners I have ever seen. #12 even calls my classroom and leaves me messages while we are off-track.

#13- This boy comes from the hardest family situation I have this year. He comes to school and tries his very best. I love that he is happy while he's at school and his little personality makes me grin! While he struggles with being prepared, I love our after-school talks and visiting with his younger brother and sister while they wait for him.

#14- I love this student, he melts my heart. He is everything you'd ever want in a kid. Respectful and smart. Kind and funny. Strong and confident. However, he does have one flaw: #14 roots for the U. He wore red the entire week after they beat BYU and loves giving me a hard time. I love giving him paragraph writing assignments on how great BYU football is. He understands sarcasm and sets the standard high in just about every area. #14 is my favorite!

#15- Another favorite that is so sweet! This girl's quiet voice makes you want to tune everything out whenever she speaks. #15 is incredibly smart, nice, and talented. She's gaining more confidence lately and I love the moments when her crazy-fun personality comes out during conversations with me and #3 during lunch and recess! Yes, she too can perform "Party in the USA" in sign language.

#16- This girl has a laugh that is so distinctive and contagious. We'll do anything to get her going. She struggles with listening, but I enjoy all the time we spend together at the back table during math (she probably comes for the cookies, but the help she gets is the best part!) I am impressed at how athletic she is and am proud of her improvements lately!

#17- Oh, #17. He tried giving me a run-for-my-money the first two weeks of school but soon learned that wasn't how it was going to work. He and I get along great now and his personality is quite endearing. He's a bright boy with lots of potential and he puts it to use. He asks distracting questions (purposefully) and I let him. He frequently can be found in the lunchroom checking his new braces out with a metal spoon. Yep, he's my favorite!

#18- She's my favorite! Her quiet nature may just be a facade--she's totally witty and fun. Her spelling skills can wipe anyone out of the water. She is always worried about other kids (i hope she doesn't get an ulcer) being nice and is really sweet. I love her willingness to do jobs for me and the fact that she does a dang good job at anything.

#19- I was a little emotional at her parent-teacher-conference. I do not want this girl to leave my class in a few months. She is my favorite! She has the cutest disposition of any 5th grade girl I have ever known. She works hard and tries even harder. She is soft-spoken and humble-yet powerful. #19's fashion sense is well beyond that of a 10 year old. I just love her.

#20- I love how far this girl has come! Somedays I have to pick my battles with her, but we understand each other on a level where she has been successful this year. She astounds me with the number of books she has read just since January! If I were to let her read all day every day, I would be her hero. My heart is full of love for #20 and I'm glad she's in my class.

#21- He is adorable. #21 tries to be the class clown and sometimes gets away with it. He'll do anything to get me to laugh and boy does he love to tell stories! I'm often found at the end of the line with him listening to one of them. His occasional fake accents make school even better and the ways he tries to persuade me are pretty convincing. You guessed it, he's my favorite!

#22- I have never known a 5th grader to be so punctual. This kid has never forgotten when to leave for speech, math, etc. He is always on-the-ball when it comes to time. He struggles academically but is one of the kindest boys in class. He has a lot of friends and is willing to be anyone's partner no matter what the project/assignment is. I just love the way he scrunches up his face every now and then too!

#23- Ok. Maybe #7 doesn't have the hardest home life now that I think of it. I think this kid does. He miraculously deals with it in an impressive way. This even-tempered, hilarious kid truly makes a difference in our classroom. He's that quiet-type that doesn't always say much, but when he does it's profound or hilarious. What a sweet kid.

#24-What a cute girl! This girl moved in 1/2 way through the year and boy, we're glad she did. Not only is she bright, she's quite innovative too. Her efforts with everything are always above-and-beyond. There are times when she knows she's above average and she acts like it, and others when it goes right-over-her-head (i prefer it this way). Her smile is darling and I love what she adds to our class.

#25-This boy is from South Africa! Need I say more? He's actually a year older than everyone else-which I think is interesting. This helps him understand things quicker and although it bugs me at times, he's pretty bright. He's currently working on a renewable energy project just cuz he wants to. Yes, he does bring dance shoes to school and practices on the playground. His little "lion king" face is adorable. (Not sure how to explain the face thing, it may be just because he's from africa).

#26- We call this girl "fun size." She has got to be the smallest and cutest girl in the whole 5th grade. She can do crazy-awesome gymnastic tricks (which i let her in class once) and has been dancing almost all of her life. I have been officially invited to her solo performance (which is a HUGE deal) in May. She's so cute and her smile is adorable. I love her, she's my favorite!

*-*-*

Yeah, I have more than 1 favorite. I love them all and they make me happy.

25

2011-03-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

25 years ago, I was doing this....

1 year ago I was doing this....

*both of which included tears at some point*

*-*-*

I'm happy I was born, I'm happy I finally got my ears pierced.

I've decided that I'm going to focus more on the positive things in my life and the things that make me happy. (25 things to be exact.)

Starting with....

Dr. Quinn

Medicine Woman.

Who would have guessed that I'd like watching these as much as I do?

I enjoy her courage, and the flirtatious moments she gets with a great guy.

In my opinion, this series could be renamed "Sully..." that's all.

*This also includes how happy I am that I have a library card and can check out 7 dvd's at a time*

*-*-*

Whether you're interested or not, I'll be posting 25 other things on 25 different days that have made or that currently make me happy...

Here's to 25!

Goal

2010-11-20T12:14:00.003-07:00

It's my goal to catch-up and blog more often.

Just sayin'.

(This one counts)

remembering

2010-10-17T16:17:00.005-06:00

His rock collections, his voice. His vitamin D milk. Ice cream sandwiches, candy jars, his old wooden paddle. His chair, his glasses, his fish tank. “Well, well, well.” and “Let me look at you…” and "Hello. Mitch Fisher speaking." His green painted home, the tree house, the sandbox. Tether ball, cereal, his back porch. His old western movies, church mints…the mood-o-meter. Sitting in his chair, watching time go by. Reading letters, looking through photos, sharing memories. His kindness. His gentleness. Caring. His blessings, his age-worn hands. His slippers and cane. His smile, his laugh, his love for his wife. He is the man I will remember. He is my grandpa.

My Grandpa Fisher passed away this morning in his home. Grandpa hasn’t been “grandpa” for quite some time now. He has mourned the loss of his dear wife for 15 long years, gone down hill since 2002, and has been bed-ridden for the past year, barely able to sit up. He has waited for this day to be with the love of his life and all of us are happy for him. Finally with grandma, with Uncle Rob, Uncle Mike. His mother, his father, lost grandchildren and more. Grandpa has finally made it home safely. After 94 years of life on earth, he has finished what our Father in Heaven had in store for him. Now, he can accomplish what is needed with those he has missed for so long.

*-*-*

Dear Grandpa,

I will miss you. I will always remember you, and your love for me. I can close my eyes and picture you in your awesome house, sitting in your soft chair, looking out the window or having a conversation with me. Do you remember when you tried to tell me about your dinosaur egg? How you called me the “unbeliever?” Well... I believe you grandpa, I do.

I love you and am so grateful for the memories made, the memories you have shared. I am saddened to have you leave, but am happy for the peace you must be filling. You have touched many lives, and influenced us all.
I hope one day, to be more like you.

I love ya grandpa, and will miss you.

Love,
your 40^th grandchild, Melanie

RAGNARLY

2010-07-04T13:38:00.023-06:00

Yes. It has been awhile. But I've been a bit busy. Busy teaching, training, and getting ready for this...

Another RAGNAR! After the Las Vegas Ragnar, in October, a group of us from our previous team decided that we had to get the "Saints and Sinners" medal. You can only get this by doing the Wasatch Back (utah) and the Las Vegas one in the same calendar year. Yes. That meant we had to do the Wasatch Back in June and the Vegas one again in October.

Team #454 Save Our Soles rocked it!

This is the "before 180 miles" photo shot

12 runners. 36 legs. (don't try the math...it just means we each had 3 runs) 36 quick memories.

Keep in mind most of these will only make sense to the crazies I was with!

"That's all i'm going to say"---then comes Dena still sharing more...
traumatic shower experience (back to middle school nightmares)
wendy becomes the $2 shower whore (don't ask)
trying to sleep on high school front grass
Jaime and I got our engagement photos taken in a field while Tif was on her first run. You're ALL invited! ;)

Mistaking Tifany for old bald man (sorry Tif!)
Team throws me a gatorade bottle with gum taped to it across the highway..clever teammates! I get to search off road for it for a bit...
Wendy crosses the busy street to help dena's chaffing, almost earn STRIKE ONE!
Van 1 (us) lost some luggage...kind strangers return it.

Wendy completes her insane run! Is rewarded with serious mud on her teeth.

Getting roadkills (total of 13)
Being roadkills (refuse to count)
flashing wendy/ mooning jaime on their last runs! --That's how tired we were
SPEEDO team (to each his own...)

other team names crack me up! One of my favorites was,

Tifany- "people get me"-- gotta love her!

ruth-helen-nora. All one person. (I loved Nora--she was ornery)

Being at the wrong exchange with very little time to get to the next...
porta potties (splash backs are NASTY!)
looking like RAGNAR (not posting scary photo here...have some feet!)

jaime's hurt leg--first aid can't help--Tifany's real "nice" about it ;)
jaime running in with her family

getting to see the other van and cheer them on (love Libby!)

what kind of drunk would you be? (me-emotional drunk, nora-angry drunk)
beautiful scenery

last run downhill then surprise...UPHILL end! (=emotional me when handing off to wendy the last time)
spelling HELEN's name and doing the can-can

hardly any sleep (will do this to ya!)

hardly anything to eat (Twizzlers and Gatorade don't count!)
free smoothies at finish line
getting a massage while waiting for VAN 2 at the finish line (worth the wait!)
Wendy's masseuse not so worth the wait (quite large and extremely sweaty man)
Chieko sprinting to the finish line--no one can keep up with her.

Finishing 180 miles together!

losing jaime's wallet= extremely stressful night
finding jaime's wallet the next day on top of the van that drove through provo canyon and back to pleasant grove= relieving celebration in the middle of the street

Here we come Saints and Sinner's medal...can't wait!

Success

2010-03-28T16:30:00.007-06:00

100 + miles of training, running in the rain, advice from Wendy, and innumerable laps around the track all tried to prepare me for THIS:

It all began on a cold, a very cold morning in Moab...

After waiting in line to get on the bus, we finally got on and headed through the canyon.

12.5 ish miles later, we were dropped off to hang around and wait until the race began. Wendy and I chose to spend this hour waiting in one of the many lines to use the porta-potty. I might add that it was freezing~ (not just the "potty"--the weather in general).

After hiking up the hill, we stood around and waited (again) for the race to begin. Finally...it started...and yet....we were still waiting....oh, that's right...waiting for the thousands of others ahead of us to go, so that we, the slower ones in the back, could move.

I will say this...it was exhilarating when we actually crossed the starting line and could see the road ahead of us, winding around, FILLED with racers. I felt part of something BIG, something GREAT.

That lasted for, oh, a mile. ;)

We did really well--considering it was uphill the ENTIRE way (ok, ok, maybe like 85%--but c'mon!) including the huge hill around mile 9! It was all worth it though while we ran to the beating drums, the sounds resonating off the canyon walls, as we left the beautiful, red canyon and headed into town. The drums were huge. They were loud. They were incredible. I was deeply inspired and quite emotional regarding the drums.

This half-marathon was hard; the last two miles were VERY hard. Thank goodness for Wendy and her encouraging words and techniques!

As we made our way to the finish line, I became overwhelmed. So grateful for the experience, for all the training, for all the GU, for my friend, my life, for the race.

After the race, we downed some much needed GATORADE, and spent the weekend hiking (yes, hiking) in Moab. Despite all of the uphills, the sore legs, and the cold weather, it was great. We were successful.

Nervous

2010-03-18T17:49:00.005-06:00

I have one word to say....

NERVOUS

–adjective

highly excitable; unnaturally or acutely uneasy or apprehensive: to become nervous under stress.

of or pertaining to the nerves: nervous tension.

affecting the nerves: nervous diseases.

suffering from, characterized by, or originating in disordered nerves.

characterized by or attended with acute uneasiness or apprehension: a nervous moment for us

Melanie

That's right....#6. The Moab Half-Marathon is Saturday morning and I am nervous!

Despite my "nervousness"....

I'll try to think about the positive
I'll try to anticipate the great tunes
I WILL think about the inspiration I feel

AND...

I'll have some "NERVE"

nerve

[nur-v] Show IPA

–verb

S: (v) nerve, steel : to get ready for something difficult or unpleasant
S: (v) heart, mettle, nerve, spunk: the courage to carry on

Nervous v. Nerve

13.1 miles....BRING IT ON!

Surprise!

2010-03-07T15:28:00.012-07:00

I've never had a surprise party for my birthday before...I've never had my ears pierced....

SURPRISE!

I got all (plus more) in one day...

Part I:

These cute kids (a handful of girls, the masterminds) decorated while I was at lunch and had some of my favorite things all around the room--I got enough York Peppermint Patties and Whatchamacallit's to last at least an entire year!

It really was cute...Plus--what a great gift of going off-track for 4 weeks!!!

Part II:

I was standing in the kitchen. Wendy's kitchen. Telling her about what the kids at school did for me, waiting to go to the mall. We were going to go look around. We started talking about the cute necklaces with matching earrings one of my student's got me. Somehow getting my ears pierced became part of the conversation--and I hesitantly agreed. What?!!

We got to the mall, and sure enough Wendy didn't let me get away with putting it off any longer...

After I "signed my life away" and asked all the questions there could ever be asked it happened.

Emma was feeling a little jealous...so what the heck, she got her's done too!

(Notice how much braver she is)

Part III:

Leaving the mall in a hurry, due to an errand Wendy had to run for Jeff, we headed to the bowling alley by Provo High School. (Otherwise known as Fat Cats).

Wendy was meeting a guy from Jeff's work to pick up some computer parts he needed. We wandered through the building until we came to Costa Vida (still couldn't find him). She asked if I'd like to eat here and I thought that sounded great! She smiled and kept walking, led me right into a room full of friends from my ward. SURPRISE!!!

(No photos were taken, sadly, but it was a good time, and definitely a surprise!)

Part IV:

As if my birthday hadn't been celebrated enough, I came home to this.

My friend Amy, not only planned the surprise party, but decorated my room.

What an eventful day full of various surprises!

Thanks again everyone :)

A letter

2010-02-28T13:28:00.008-07:00

Dear Fellow Runner,

With laced up shoes and high hope for success we begin our run. Some days the success can override the distance, other days it becomes too much.

As my feet hit the pavement and my breathing becomes deeper I turn up the music to drown out the sound. I listen to songs that have a good beat—including Coldplay, Rihanna, and yes….Miley Cyrus. A lot of newer songs, a lot of older songs. Sometimes I hear music that reminds me of the past—and I remember instances, places, conversations.

When the music gets old (because after 6 + miles, it does) I rely on my thoughts to carry me through. What do I think about? Anything. Everything. Sometimes the thoughts are focused and planned. At other times they’re sporadic and jumbled. But I think. Some days I think about how lucky I am to be running, to have time set-aside for myself. Most times, I think about how lucky I am to be running with someone. Someone who pushes just as hard. Someone who gets me going. Someone who has confidence and determination. And I forget. I forget that I am not the only runner. I am not the only one who needs the support. My forgetfulness is careless. I overlook what I should not.

Running is hard. In fact, I think running sucks. But the happiness I feel from accomplishing something hard, and accomplishing that something with someone I appreciate and love is the greatest success.

Thank you for the insight. For the distance, the over-come hurdles, the success. Here’s to the many miles and distance ahead!

Sincerely,

P.S. I found this quote…

“Success isn't how far you got,

but the distance you traveled from where you started.”

I think we’ve traveled pretty far.

Hmmm...No

2010-01-15T23:33:00.007-07:00

I've been wanting to write this post for a few days now and finally have some time since it's a 3-day-weekend! (shouts of hooray go here)

Being an elementary school teacher has got to be one of THE most entertaining jobs out there. Even though I don't teach kindergarten and I don't get as many random comments...There are a few I'll always remember.

For example, I found myself either thinking, or saying this phrase out loud multiple times this week: Hmmm....No.

"Miss Fisher! I can't get a drink in the hall. The drinking fountain has run out of water." (Hmmm....No. Drinking fountains don't actually contain just a certain amount of water that eventually runs out.)

Me, during a science lesson: "Give me some examples of different power sources." 10-year-old girl: "A battery, a generator, a solar...solar...solar system. (Hmmm....No. The solar system contains different planets and does not provide any circuit or flow of electricity. However, a solar CELL does.)

I require each student in my class to memorize and recite the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. Here is how one particular boy tried to pass off this requirement this week: "We the People of the United States: in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general WARFARE, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." (Hmmm....No. So close, but no. The general warfare is pretty much the complete opposite of the general WELFARE. Needless to say, because I found it humorous...he passed.)

And my favorite one of all...

We're also learning about the Founding Fathers in school and this was classic! At the end of this particular lesson, to wrap things up, I asked my class to name 3 of the Founding Fathers. One boy, whom usually doesn't participate had his hand raised along with several others...so...naturally, I called on him. (we're suppose to encourage participation as a teacher.) His response: "Washington...Hitler...and....and...Franklin." This boy spoke so softly that no one caught the middle name; it sounded a little like Hamilton (which would be a normal response). I then asked him to repeat the middle name to clarify (drawing attention to it) and he restated, "Hitler." (Hmmm....No. We just spent an hour discussing these men and their importance. Adolf Hitler was not one of them. He didn't actually help establish the United States of America. In fact, Hitler couldn't be further away from these "founding" ideas.) Needless to say, conversations of swastikas and nazis probably occurred during lunch.

Good times.

See? Is there a more entertaining profession? I'm gonna go with.... Hmmm....No!

Favorite Gift

2010-01-10T14:18:00.015-07:00

On Friday, I had a student ask me what my favorite Christmas gift this year (2009) was.

When I told him, he just looked at me and asked, "Really?"

(looking confused)

Really.

This is it. My favorite Christmas gift.

The story:

A long time ago, I decided I wanted to make a quilt. Not a "tie-me-together" "cut-the-fleece" kind of a quilt. A real quilt. After finding a pattern, looking through many quilt stores, and trying to find the right colors--I was ready. With the much needed help from Wendy, I cut each piece and sewed them together into squares. I even ironed them.

And that was about it. The squares had been waiting to be put together for quite some time. About 2 years!

So how do I have such a great "put-together" quilt?

My favorite Christmas gift.

Wendy finished it for me and had a friend machine quilt it. The colors are great. The quilting design is awesome, and I love the binding and the fabric on the back.

Getting a quilt for a Christmas gift might sound dull and boring to a 10 year old boy... but it was by far, my favorite!

To see some better photos of it, click here.

Thanks again Wendy :)

Hope

2010-01-03T16:29:00.004-07:00

What a great message...

Old & New

2009-12-30T10:12:00.009-07:00

It's official...

I'm out with the old

and

in with the new!

____________________________________

After three years and three months I'm saying goodbye to my old phone

and with open arms, I'm welcoming in the new one.

Here's to:

phone calls (that won't be interrupted due to any glitches)
texts (that will be received when they are actually sent)
power (that will remain on unless purposefully turned off)

and

battery life (that will actually allow charging to happen)

Goodbye old, it's been good (except for all the bad).

My new phone and I are ready for the new year!

Hope you are too!

A quote

2009-12-28T12:12:00.007-07:00

After a long few days, a few words from Dr. Seuss:

Today you are you!
That is truer than true!
There is no one alive that is you-er than you!
Shout aloud, "I am glad to be what I am!
Thank goodness I'm not a clam or a ham,
or a dusty old jar of gooseberry jam."

I am what I am! What a great thing to be!
If I say so myself: HAPPY EVERYDAY TO ME!

Thanks Dr.

I'm Yours

2009-12-14T22:13:00.011-07:00

This little boy is darling. Sometimes I sound and look like this while trying to play my guitar & sing (except he's quite a bit better on his instrument)...

Who wouldn't want to be HIS after that?

Off-Track

2009-12-09T10:37:00.011-07:00

December of 2008:

After being hired to teach 5th grade, I began what is now a huge part of my life.

Last year at this time I was frantically trying to clean-up a classroom. Trying to get rid of age-old things and do my best to organize manipulatives, books, baskets, the classroom library, tables, desks....you name it. Planning reading groups, math instruction, science centers, etc.

But this year...I'm enjoying my time off.

My classroom still has not been "de-junked" of everything..there are still a few drawers I haven't had time to go through yet. But overall, I'd say I've made some progress.

Being on B-Track, I have 4 weeks off in December. What a great month to get some time off!

I spent most of last week subbing for another 5th grade class--which would have been so much more enjoyable had there actually been lesson plans! I can wing it for awhile, but by the 3rd day I was done.

I'm down to 3 weeks left. Which means I can think of it as my break is

1/4 of the way gone...

or...

I still have 3/4 of my break left (this one sounds much better!)

Anyway...here's part of my to-do-list while I'm off-track:

get oil changed
get tires rotated or possibly purchase new "snow" tires for the winter (i'm hoping mine will hold up though)
Write Christmas letters to students and actually mail them
Watch Harry Potter #6 (again) & The Proposal
Go running more at the gym
Work on a cute Christmas Craft w/ Wendy
Plan a Persuasive Writing Unit (anyone have some good ideas here???)
Do some fun things with people in my ward~

Of all those things (although they're not complicated)... I can cross one off and hopefully add more things like this:

On Saturday night a group of us from my ward went to Temple Square to see the lights. Although the actual "light seeing" didn't last long--it was still a good time.

*F.Y.I. the "good time" does not include the terrible winter storm we followed

from Salt Lake all the way to Provo. *

Well--I'm off to bed in hopes of better weather and crossing something off my list tomorrow.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T18:12:00.017-06:00

I had a little bit of a break-through during this crazy week of mine....

In between all of the Pumpkin Walk planning/putting together, the Student Council Leadership Retreat, and the various Halloween festivities that come with elementary school....

I discovered.....

I like my class.... I like working with kids.

This is something that I typically wouldn't question--but after a rough start and a long few months with certain students, it's starting to come together this school year.

Who would have thought that it would take such a crazy week?

*-*-*-*-*

Student Council getting ready for the Pumpkin Walk

Team-Building Activity during the Student Council Retreat

The Retreat included these type of activities and a fabulous guest speaker who motivated the kids and helped me out a TON! (You rock Wendy!)

Check out these AWESOME pumpkins that were entered into the Pumpkin Walk...

We had over 250 participants!

Pumpkins.....Having to dress up....Pumpkins.....Parade for Parents.....Hyper 5th graders.....

More Pumpkins.....Class Party.....

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to November.

*-*-*-*-*

These photos from the week are being posted while I wait to pick up my car from the shop.

Car dying on the free-way on my way to school

+ speedometer and lights going out simultaneously

______________

= borrowing Wendy's van at 7 in the morning and awaiting a new alternator

and battery.

There's always next week, right?

RUN. DRIVE. SLEEP? REPEAT.

2009-10-14T20:45:00.024-06:00

Warning: Long post ahead.

We've been back from Las Vegas for 3 days now and I'm finally getting around to this:

Between myself and 11 other runners we ran 172 long miles through the Las Vegas desert. I should add that it went pretty much like this: RUN. DRIVE. SLEEP? REPEAT.

Notice the ? behind SLEEP.... that would be accurate...which is why RAGNAR puts it on all of their merchandise. I believe I slept for a totalof 2 and 1/2 hours (no more)--which is probably more sleep-time than 1/2 of my team!

I could write about how tired I was, how I threw up right before and during my last leg of the race, how things weren't perfect, etc...but instead, I'm going to write about what really happened:

*-*-*-*-*-*-

About 2 1/2 months ago, Wendy asked me if I wanted to RUN in the RAGNAR instead of just drive. I hesitated, but said YES. I then set out to train 4 times a week to get ready for this race. I encountered some pain and doubted whether or not this was really possible. And when October 8th rolled around, ready or not, we set-out to do it.

The drive to Vegas was a blast! The company so enjoyable...it was like we were all trying to ignore the fact that we'd be running in the desert for 30 + hours the next day. Dinner was great and we got the vans decorated. Take a close look at the picture below to see the ADORABLE doughnut necklaces Jaime made for the entire team. (Our team name was the SWEET CHASERS)--I wore that necklace on my last run despite it bouncing up and down. I love it!

The next morning my van (Van #1) headed down to check-in and begin the race.

It kind of was surreal until it became my turn to run. I'd like to share with you my three legs of the race:

*-*-*-*-*-*-*

1st:

8:30 AM-Wendy receives a panicked phone call from me. (She was in van 2) I was totally worried and nervous. It was about my time to start...she totally encouraged me in the ways she always does and helped me think, "it's just another run--i've done this so many times"

8:42 AM-- Runner #1- Cheryl Bullock (who did an incredible job) hands off the bracelet to me and I slap it on and go...slowing a little to get the gum, Christine (Runner #4), retrieved for me. With a fresh piece of gum and some encouraging words I was off. (A little too quickly and I soon had to slow to get my breathing back to somewhat normal)--my route went from nicely paved road to dirt/sand that seemed to last forever. After the sand I was back on pavement and facing a hill. It was here where I had to stop. I walked for a few paces and realized that I really could keep going...so I did. I went until I saw the exchange. My favorite part of this run came after the actually "running."

9:24 AM-- One down. I handed the bracelet to Yollanda and she took off. I cooled off with some water (yes, it had started to get hot around 9:00 in the morning) and made a phone call. It felt so great to call Wendy and my other teammates to let them know I had done it. I felt successful and they were so supportive and excited for me. :) I'll never forget what that felt like!

Here's a great photo of the sunset Wendy ran in during her first leg:

While Wendy and the rest of van 2 ran...we spent time at an exchange and tried to rest.

2nd:

10:27 PM-- After Kellie Mellot (runner #6) handed the bracelet off to Tifany from Van #2 earlier and we tried to rest at an exchange, it was my turn again to wait for Cheryl to pass it on to me--she didn't take too long, and at 10:08PM I was off for my longest run. There happened to be a lot of runners around this time and as I was listening to "Another one bites the dust" at least 10 people zoomed past me, I finally had to change the song. I was discouraged by being so much "ROADKILL" and at knowing I wasn't even half way done. I slowed down (alright, I walked again) and "CHASING CARS" came on my IPOD. As the cars were driving past me in the dark and my head light lit up the road a little I felt like the song was perfect. I again was encouraged to pick it up thinking of all my teammates and their hard work.

11:23 PM--4.8 miles DONE....A much desired hand-off to Yollanda.

Here are Christine, Kellie and Yollanda waiting for me:

Yes...I get that this photo is very blury. But that's the hand-off.

Notice all the "night-gear?"

3rd:

5:30ish AM-- Couldn't decide if I was sick or had heat exhaustion...but definitely didn't feel good...Gave Van #2 a call and Wendy was out running. I talked to Tif, who talked to Lisa who gave me some advice...I sipped lots of gatorade and it kept going straight through me...eventually I tried a cracker and that seemed to hold--

*The other runners in my van were trying to come up with a solution as to how I could just rest and not do my last leg--I was almost willing to find a way, but was reminded by how much I wanted to do it, how much I wanted to finish!

7:15ish AM-- Van #2 had come to the exchange waiting for Lisa to hand off to Cheryl to start one last round of runs. I got to spend some time with Jaime, Tif, and Wend and see how they were doing. They had done such a great job so far and Wendy had to run an extra mile during her 2nd leg due to a tragic accident. My heart goes out to Jeremy Kunz and his young family from Utah. He was hit by a drunk driver while giving water and support to his teammate and was killed. I can not even imagine how difficult this would be----his family and team are in my prayers. Jeremy was running Wendy's same leg, so check out her blog for more information:

8:32 AM--The bracelet goes on my arm for the last time as I give it a shot. (Thanks to Kellie for running a bit before with me to see how it felt)...

Probably about 1/2 way into my run I started to hyperventilate thinking about almost being done and I had to stop and walk to calm back down. Lots of great songs that reminded me of all the times running with Wend and through the Provo Canyon came on and I was good to go. About 100 yds from the exchange I burped and more than what I expected came up and I stopped, puked a little, and continued. I could see the end...and I was determined to make it there!

9:07 AM--I did. I made it. Me...Melanie...the, "I am not a runner" and "I can't run" finished with my best time.

*-*-*-*-*-*-

That was the end of my turns, but as the day continued I rode along with Van #2 to support them and see them finish. All along the way I felt such a part of something--everyone whom I knew and met for the first time , strangers on the course, were encouraging and welcoming. I may not have looked like the "rest of them," but my team and the other RAGNAR runners made me feel included. :)

Check out Yollanda spraying off Christine during her last run.

I learned so much about myself and my team...Just to mention a few: I am capable. We might not be the best, but we are strong. I can do hard things. With such a great team and friends, anything is possible.

Libby and Wendy after Libby's last leg

RUN. DRIVE. SLEEP? REPEAT.

incredible

P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S

2009-09-26T23:11:00.002-06:00

What is a repetitive pattern?

The Dictionary's Definition: something that is repeated over and over again.

My Personal Definition: TODAY

7:00 AM

Get dressed in running gear, drive to Pleasant Grove, run for 3 + miles with Jaime and Wendy, drive back to Provo, take a shower, change into PJs, ice my back, take a quick nap....

1:00 PM

Get dressed in running gear, drive to Pleasant Grove, run for 3 + miles with Jaime and Wendy, drive back to Provo, take a shower, change into PJs, ice my back, take a quick nap...

7:30 PM

Get dressed in running gear, drive to Pleasant Grove, run for 3 + miles with Jaime and Wendy (in the dark), drive back to Provo, take a shower, change into PJs, ice my back, go to bed!

*Amidst the repetitive pattern, I did manage to get some good head-lights for running in the dark, watch some of the BYU football game @ Wendy's, take some pain medicine, and eat. (just didn't list those things, because they'd throw off the pattern).

Why the repetitive pattern?

One word: RAGNAR

(Only 12 more days until the race!)

Two months

2009-09-19T14:08:00.009-06:00

So, I meant to do this post yesterday....because as of yesterday it has officially been 2 months since I last posted. 2 MONTHS!

If this were my "journal" I might write something like this "It's been awhile, but I'm going to do better at it." Wait a minute...I am going to say that.

It's been awhile, but I am going to do better at it. :)

What's been keeping me away?

*-*-*-*-*-*

The new hooligans at school & being sick.

This video clip pretty much sums it up!

Running:

That's right--running. I am running. Or at least I was. I've been training for the Valley of Fire RAGNAR race in Las Vegas. I've recently encountered some leg/hip/back/butt problems but am crossing my fingers I'll last until after October 10th.

Later I'll post a photo of a group of us who ran the BEAT BEETHOVEN 5k in Pleasant Grove last week. But for now.... these are my cute running shoes :)

And last but not least....FACEBOOK.

I am a typing maniac and will sit down to play that game any chance I have. I get a high score and then am determined to beat myself (over and over and over).

*-*-*-* I know...they're not really good excuses. Like I said before, "I'll do better."

Two weeks:

2009-07-18T15:16:00.009-06:00

July 2nd: Last day of school (including teachers vs. 6th grade softball game and being dunked over and over again in the dunking tank). My first "1/2" year of teaching flew by and I was sad to see them go (not so much after the dunking however) ;)

July 4th: Great picnic/fireworks at the park

July 5th: Boarded a plane, flew to Detroit and then on to Dulles International Airport. (Washington DC). Met a few teachers who were attending the same conference and took a 2 hour bus trip down to James Madison University in Harisonburg, VA.

Made everyone a little late to dinner because I didn't "check-in" with my group before leaving the dorms. (oops) Later got to introduce myself as the "person who made you all late" at the opening banquet. Also became quite famous there for being the youngest teacher and for only teaching 6 months so far.

July 6th: Hmm...oh yeah. Thiswas the day I set my alarm for 6:00 PM. Not very helpful in gaining a good reputation to the 43 other teachers present as I hurried in late to the first lecture.

July 7th: Spent time checking e-mail and not paying attention during the lecture. Oops

July 8th: Took a nice bus ride to visit James Madison's home in Montpelier, VA. It was beautiful!

*Most memorable part of the conference is about to be posted*

Walking home from dinner, in the middle of an intersection, my new "little friend" (yes, that's what i called her) that I had started to get to know, had a Grand Mal seizure. Let's just say that I've never been so scared in my life and amazed at what adrenaline can do in such an emergency. Staying calm, calling 911, directing traffic around her, finding out her medical history, all fell in line.

Spent the majority of the night at the hospital trying to re-jog her memory and answer the few questions I could that the ER was asking.

July 9th-11th: Spent the rest of the week replaying the incident and being, quite frankly, freaked out. Meanwhile, prepared for a Congressional Hearing (being an expert on the Constitution in a simulation w/ judges) and was overwhelmed. Got the advice and encouragement I needed, and it all turned out fine. (thanks Wend)

July 12th: Boarded the bus @ 4:15 AM and drove back to the airport. Most teachers were going home, I was headed to DC. In no hurry, I was the last person off the bus. Not all of my belongings chose to come with me. (that's how I like to remember it). My camera was on the bus as I frantically searched for it before realizing the bus had left. Ended up waiting in the airport for 8 hours (literally) for it to return. Luckily it was able to and I wasn't in any hurry. In fact, I quite enjoyed my book that I was able to finish. (My Sister's Keeper).

July 13th-17th: Megan, a teacher I work with, flew out on the 12th and we spent the week here...

*More photos to come*

July 18th: Had a good time and new experiences, learned a lot, and happy to be home :)

(I am not, however, ready for or excited that school starts again so soon!)

Around the Town

2009-06-19T22:27:00.006-06:00

Who knew that it was possible to drive, stop, and shop from Pleasant Grove to Brigham City, then up to Logan, back down to Bountiful, clear out to Tooele, from there, the back way to Lehi, and down all the way to Springville, in less than 9 hours?!!

All I have to say is that it is! Not only is it possible, but when you throw in lunch at Einstein's, tasty frozen yogurt, a beautiful low rainbow in the middle of nowhere, hilarious company, teaching/singing fun little songs with a 4-year old, and ending with dinner at Zupas...that 9-hour road trip is a blast! (Not to mention yummy---Zupas...have you tried it?)

(Isn't that a great photo Wendy took of Emma and the Rainbow?!)

I love doing the Quilt Shop Hop!

The best part about the whole thing is how after all of that in one day, we hopped right back in the car and spent Friday doing the last 9 shops around Utah and Salt Lake counties. It's a great feeling to hand in your completed/stamped Quilt Shop Hop passport (unless you're Emma who we forgot to have get her's stamped in Tooele..of all places...), hoping you might win a prize, realizing you probably won't!

Overall, we saw new things, had some good laughs, Wendy found the fabric she needed, I got a new sewing/stitching idea and some DARLING baby blankets to work on, and near the end we had Israeli falafel for a late lunch.

Can't go wrong with cute quilt shops, treats at every place, free patterns, tasty meals, and good company!

Stepping into Summer...

2009-05-27T19:10:00.012-06:00

My students and I were all just a little excited to go off-track last Friday.

It's our little taste of summer.....

hence the eager bulletin-board!

check these out...

That would by REAL sand paper f.y.i.

I think they should start giving out bulletin-board prizes for teachers.

Go green!

2009-05-09T10:23:00.009-06:00

Bluffdale Elementary, where I teach, has been basing a lot of things lately on the theme, "Go Green!" So having kids recycle things really shouldn't come as a shock I know. However, I found myself being a bit surprised the other week:

It was a Thursday, we were cleaning up and getting ready to go home. It went like this:

2 boys: Miss Fisher, Miss Fisher! We'll take the recycling out.

Me: Well, the student council will do it tomorrow, so we can just wait.

2 boys: But it's overflowing and we can be back really fast.

Me: (realizing they just wanted to leave class and go outside together). Alright.

2 boys: YES! (and began walking very quickly, stoked about getting to do it)

Me: Wait. Turn around and look at me. (they did so). Make sure you take the box that says recycling and NOT reports.

2 boys: Ok, Ok. (still being very stoked about this opportunity)

Meanwhile, the remaining 28 students all had questions and all needed to talk to me. Everything was ready to go 20 seconds before the bell rang.

(The 2 boys enter the room. One of them carrying two state reports).

2 boys: Miss Fisher. We saved these for you, in case you wanted to use them for next year! (they were so proud of themselves)

Me: (looking a bit confused before it dawned on me). Hmm...which box did you boys take out?

2 boys: The one that said RE....repor.... oh!

*at this point the entire class knows what they have done and I'm hearing comments around the room such as: "Oh---you are busted!" and "Uh---oh!" *

THE BELL RINGS

Me: Awesome. See you tomorrow everyone! Boy #1, and Boy #2, come with me.

We took a quick stroll to the recycling dumpster and there sitting on top of all the ripped up paper, old newspapers, etc. were stacks of President and State reports. (A few of which had not been graded yet.) Now, luckily most of these reports were just copies that I have been getting ready for next year. But we're talking A LOT of new, organized, ready to go for next year, copies!

Well, my arms aren't very long, the dumpster wasn't very full, and the top of the dumpster was padlocked. You can see the predicament I was in. Thoughts of shoving one of my boys in the dumpster ran through my mind, but with parents picking up their kids, buses driving by, and the principal standing by the front doors, I decided it would be best to let them off the hook.

It turns out that our school doesn't have a key to that dumpster and it usually gets emptied at some point on Fridays (no one seemed to know exactly when.)

Well, with being a new teacher, and not part of the Union yet, I couldn't very well put one of my students in the dumpster (that just doesn't seem like job security to me).

So why the photos of a student in the dumpster?

I couldn't put a student in the dumpster who's parents don't know me. But luckily, a colleague of mine who has known me for a long time has a daughter in the 5th grade. I grabbed her out of class Friday morning and took her to the dumpster (this is after okaying it with her mom by the way). I have never seen someone get in and out of a small rectangular hole as fast as she did! Luckily she's small and has taken gymnastics in her lifetime. Worked out well for me :)

Thanks Katie!

Boy #1 and #2 thank you also!

I've decided that going green might not be such a bad thing after all.

Purpose, Thoughts, & a Book

2009-03-22T11:43:00.008-06:00

My blog could use an update and I have the best thing(s) to blog about--

so, here goes:

I spent 7 hours in my car yesterday. 7 hours! I drove all the way to Moab and back. Yeah, it sounds like a lot of driving---but the PURPOSE for going, the THOUGHTS i had while driving, and with my BOOK on tape, it was great!

PURPOSE: The Canyonlands 1/2 Marathon!

If you just had the thought that it was ME participating, you're crazy! Just the thought of running 13 + miles is insane to me! My crazy, I mean remarkable, friend joined the 5,000 + crazy people and did it! She ran through the canyon, up and down hills, and 13 miles later....crossed the finish line!

THOUGHTS: Pride, Inspiration, and Love

Pride: As the 2 1/2 hour time clock rolled on I watched as hundreds of people pushed themselves for the last stretch of the race. But what was even more fascinating was watching the people who were watching them. A sweet elderly lady stood from the bleachers near the finish line with pride in her eyes for her daughter who was slowly limping by. A group of young men jumped into the race to run with their buddy to the end. That boy had some friends who were quite proud of him.

But I witnessed and participated in the greatest pride as a certain someone came up the street: A sweet husband stood by with a camera in hand encouraging his wife---their sons yelling and cheering--their little girl holding a bouquet of flowers---a friend watching her friend accomplish something hard, something great. All of us---we were so very proud!

Inspiration: I was so inspired by all of these runners--not to run a 1/2 marathon or anything--let's be realistic---but I was mostly inspired by my good friend, her running buddies, and all the people who didn't come in first or even in the top 4,000--but those left towards the end who still pushed ahead--did their best--and finished a long and hard race!

Love: I love the fact that I went. I love that I saw what hard work and determination for months can bring. I love that someone I know pushes herself and accomplishes great things. I love the example she sets and the person she is!

Wendy, you rock. Way to go!

I'll add some real photos within the next few days:

* - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * -

Oh yeah, and the BOOK on tape: "Sarah's Quilt." (Sequel to one of the best books out there: "These is my Words.") Definitely not as good, but totally worth listening to in the car!

A Pedi Please!

2009-02-22T17:49:00.007-07:00

Yesterday, was a great day! I got all my science tests corrected and filed my taxes! I know...sounds like fun doesn't it?

The great part of the day yesterday came after that--I spent some time with Wendy and did the following things: watched a great ward basketball game that ended with a winning shot at the buzzard (by the opposing team--but still great) played by some young men, went to Nails Plus, watched the beginning of a Utah Flash basketball game (ok--really just listened to the Utah Children's Choir sing the National Anthem), got something yummy to eat at Cafe Rio, set-up a facebook account, and ended the day with great looking toes!

The Pedicures at Nails Plus were great. They do such a great job--I'd like to thank them again.

* * * * * *

The first part is always the hardest--finding the perfect color:

Wendy found her a great one, and spotted a perfect one for me! Both darker colors.

I forgot to take a picture of my favorite part--they put some hot wax into two separate bags, then slide your foot into them--wrapping the wax all around. Your feet stay in the wax for awhile, after which a nice foot/leg rub occurs.

The final product: Wendy

Mine: (Notice the flower)--sometimes the flowers are even better than this! Of course, I managed to smudge the paint on one of my toes by the end of the night--oh well.

I always get a little nervous with a dark color at first--

but end up LOVING it!

Thanks Wend for the color suggestion, and the good times! :)

* * * * * *

If you haven't ever had a pedicure--you need to.

It is worth every penny!

Even if you hate having your feet touched...try it.

Wow for Wacko

2009-02-04T19:29:00.010-07:00

Being a 5th grade teacher really has it's perks. Not counting getting additional exercise because I led my class in the complete opposite direction on our field-trip, I get to do a lot of fun things in school.

Some of which include: having a Constitutional Convention simulation, letting my student teach me a new magic trick, and trying to teach and learn this States and Capitals song by the Animaniacs:

Wow Wacko!

And if you think this is great, check it out on YouTube at double-speed...

We just started trying this out and I really like this way of learning all 50, plus... the kids love it!

Miss Fisher it is...

2009-01-25T17:00:00.011-07:00

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog and I wasn't sure what I wanted to title this post...I've decided to name it what is now my name 5 days of the week... Miss Fisher.

That's right...I am a teacher now. A real, still breathing, getting paid to be, 5th grade teacher! Where to begin...

I interviewed for a 5th grade position at Bluffdale Elementary right before Thanksgiving. All of my references were called and questioned: apparently my references said some very nice things, and two of them gave very impressive reviews for me...thanks Wendy and Principal Shumard! The next week I received a call and was offered the job. Needless to say, I accepted the offer. The teacher I would be replacing was moving to Colorado and having a baby. I would begin teaching the first day they came back from Christmas Break (to be politically correct...Winter Break).

I spent days (many) going through my classroom getting rid of junk and organizing everything. My classroom was a disaster! The desks were chaotic, piles of stuff everywhere, books strewn about all over the place. There were only three more days I could go set up before school started again and I was just getting started! Stressed and overwhelmed, Wendy and I spent a lot of time there and at home organizing my new classroom library and I was ready to go--nervous, but thankfully ready! (My classroom library rocks by the way--organized in bins, numbered and labeled with my awesome labeler I got for Christmas)

That was three weeks ago--and today, I'm still getting up early and making the commute to Bluffdale. I'm not ready to quit...yet. ;) I've really enjoyed it actually, despite the many mistakes already made. My class is great. A lot of challenges, but nonetheless great. I'm learning that all my years in college did not prepare me as well as I would have liked. For example:

-What's the best way to teach how to make high and low estimates in math?

-How do you even use this grading program?!

-How do you play Head's up, 7-UP? ;)

-Can I drink Dr. Pepper in front of my students? (um...YES)

I sure am grateful for the opportunity I have to be a teacher. Not only do I love what we do and learn about in class, but I love learning something new everyday. I sure appreciate all the help and support I've received---this is where I give a little "shout-out" to Wendy~ :)

Well....that was a lot to read, I know.

Blogging more than once a month should help that from now on :)

Priceless

2008-12-12T20:04:00.024-07:00

Tuesday (the 9th) was my last day in Kindergarten, my last day student teaching, my last day of college as I've known it.

I've reflected upon these three parts of my life, and have realized how priceless they have been.

Kindergarten: Tieing shoes, zipping coats, unscrewing my smile at the end of each day---a tough and tiring 8 weeks.

Getting to spend everyday with hilarious little kids...PRICELESS.

Student Teaching: Paying tuition to do everything a teacher does, planning lesson plans upon lesson plans, having to teach someone else's way---frustrating.

Getting 6th graders to pose in different ballet positions---PRICELESS

College: Gaining the experience of living with a roommate (very first one) who would show me her dandruff crumbled up in her hand...disgusting. Being required to take random, and sometimes pointless, classes...funny.

Graduating with a Bachelor's Degree tomorrow morning... PRICELESS

ABC's and 123's

2008-11-23T18:22:00.010-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile due to the many things going on with school. In case you haven't heard, I switched from student teaching in 6th grade to student teaching in Kindergarten. Yeah--two completely different worlds.

I would like to share with you apart of my everyday:

"Does anyone have any questions about what to do when you get your paper?"

Um--guess what? I have one of those (referring to a DVD case shaped like a rectangle)
I have one of those too...and my dad bought me a new one yesterday (referring to the DVD case shaped like a rectangle)
I have a dog too (not referring to the DVD case shaped like a rectangle, or anything we had just talked about)

Aside from not knowing what the difference between a comment and a question is, I find myself over-hearing random, hilarious things from these kindergartners:

I'm the best at smelling water
I knew that way before teacher did
I'm going to tell teacher that you just ate your crayon (literally)

And I find myself having to say things I never thought I'd have to say:

Everyone needs to keep their hands, their feet, and their mouths to themselves (yes-they were licking/kissing each other)
I said "walk" to your table, not army crawl
Could you please stop squeezing glue into Katelyn's hair?

Welcome to Kindergarten

Congrat "U" lations!

2008-10-26T18:25:00.007-06:00

To the many of you (ok..3 of you) who participated.... here are the answers to last week's quiz:

Capital- Salt Lake City (Wendy was right, the capital in Utah is"U") j/k
Highest point- King's Peak
Origin of name - Ute Indians
Nickname- Beehive State
Motto- Industry
Bird- California Red Gull (seagull is incorrect)
Animal- Rocky Mountain Elk
Flower- Sego Lily
Tree- Colorado Blue Spruce (Blue Spruce and Colorado Spruce were accepted)
Insect- Honeybee
Fossil- Allosaurus (i did however accept "dinosaur")
Fruit- Cherry
Fish- Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
Rock- Coal
Mineral- Copper
Gem- Topaz
Emblem- Beehive
Dance- Square Dance
Cooking Dish- Dutch Oven
Bordering States-Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona

Drum Roll..... ( no really, be drum rolling )....

In 1st place:

Nikki @ REID reviews (private blog) will be receiving this prestige Utah-Topia award for her 12 points!

And in 2nd place...Wendy @ View From the Grove received 10 points...

Right behind her with 8 points was Jenny @ Oh Fiddlesticks!

Congratulations ladies :) Let me know your addresses so I can ship your prizes.

Thanks for participating!

Utah-Topia

2008-10-19T15:54:00.007-06:00

I had the privilege (it was required actually) to attend part of the UEA Convention for teachers on Friday. It was held at the South Town Expo Center this year--and I've never seen so many freebies being handed out...

Anyway,
There was a booth that was advertising a U.S. Geography Computer Game and I just had to play! (Map Play)

Here's your test: without cheating (a.k.a. google-ing) see how many of the UTAH facts you can get right on the first try---post your answers by commenting on this post and whoever wins will receive a prize!

Ready?

Go!

Utah's state capital:

The highest point in Utah:

The origin of the name "Utah":

State nickname:

State motto:

State bird:

State animal:

State flower:

State tree:

State insect:

State fossil:

State fruit:

State fish:

State rock:

State mineral:

State gem:

State emblem:

State dance:

State cooking dish:

and finally...

20. List all 6 states that border Utah:

Well--good luck to everyone, I will post the answers and the winner on

Sunday the 26th of October (that's one week!)

Entertainment of the Season

2008-10-05T19:40:00.013-06:00

This is before it all went down.

USU vs. BYU

I went to Logan this weekend for the most entertaining football game I've ever been to. I was really excited for BYU to wipe out Utah State. (Yes, I am an Aggie but c'mon, does anyone really expect me to cheer their football team on?)

Anyway, I made it to the game just before BYU scored the first touchdown. Typical.

While watching the game, I realized there was just as much entertainment going on around me, as there was on the field.

To the left; One intense Aggie fan who was fond of saying bizzarre things such as: "#22, where's your house?" Also fond of picking a fight with the BYU guys behind us and brushing the dreadlocks out of his own face.

To the front; a couple of older gentlman who happened to be die-hard BYU fans. They also happened to be severly annoyed with the fact that no one would sit down. (especially during time-outs and media breaks). "Why doesn't everybody take a seat?!!"

Above; the BYU marching band

Below; the USU marching band

The ENTIRE stadium; decked out in blue and white.

Not one person was surprised when half time came and the Cougars were winning.

Everyone was surprised when the Aggies scored their first, then their second touch down.

So many flags, fumbles, play reviews, fight songs, banners, fan-fights, and more. Seriously, an entertaining game. I have never seen a team so mad about winning, and the other so thrilled about losing. Hilarious.

Utah State never expected to win, hence the reason many Aggie fans were found wearing a shirt specifically designed for this game.
---"Win or Lose.... you still live in Provo.... "nuff" said."

Congrats to the Cougars for winning!
Congrats to the Aggies for surpassing all expectations.

Courage

2008-09-11T18:08:00.010-06:00

Today I taught a reading lesson to my 6th graders about a man during Hitler's time and the
Holocaust, titled Passage to Freedom. Quite a remarkable story about a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of lives.

Behind this story lies a theme that was so fitting for today.

Courage.

What a great opportunity I had to talk to my students about courage and the significance of this day. As we talked about September 11, 2001 I was reminded of the horror, the sadness, and the fear. I was reminded also of courage.

The courage of the firefighters and police officers who gave their lives trying to save others.
The courage of those passengers who went down in a Pennsylvania field.
The courage of the families and friends of those inside the World Trade Center and the airplanes.

I remember being in highschool on this day. I remember being scared. Watching the television for weeks, feeding off the news converage, searching for hope. I remember feeling torn apart yet united.

Today, as we discussed courage in school, I remembered all of these things and I felt proud to be an American. I came home and watched some videos, read some blogs and felt motivated to share my feelings.

I will always remember this day and the people who lost their lives.

I will remember the courage.

Teaching 101

2008-09-05T17:07:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile.

Update: I have spent the last 7 school days student teaching in a 6th grade classroom, where I will remain until the middle of October.

A few tips (basically for myself).

#1 Spend some time in the principal's office. Seriously--Let's just say the principal and I have become friends. A very long and involved story goes along with this--and actually this is a good thing. Believe it or not-that was my first time in a principal's office!

#2 Make sure you don't laugh outloud while observing when a student makes a comment that you think is clever and hilarious, but is not so to the teacher. Awkward.

#3 Before you accept a 6th grade teaching position, find out if there is a height test required. If so--move on. I think I have noticed the few missing inches more than the students, but still.

#4 Remember that there is more to learning then testing. Weird isn't it? I know... this news is ground breaking. Below you will find my favorite clip (so far) on standardized testing.

Quite the catchy tune don't you think?
(I think this song should be sung to every kid at home and school.)

Which brings me to...

#5 Remember and remind kids that acutally learning and feeling good about oneself is far more important than filling in the correct bubbles on a test.

This has been my edition of "Teaching 101."

27 Dresses

2008-08-01T19:47:00.030-06:00

My week long class is over!
I've worked hard all week long and am quite proud of what I accomplished. My English 3440 (writing) class was an inspiration.

Classtime usually brings just doodles of flowers or the alphabet. But this was no oridnary class. My idea began the first day after a guy told a poem about all his wife's dresses. I thought to myself,

"Hmm...dresses. Interesting." and it began.

I drew one, then another and another. Grad students analyzed, and I doodled. Don't worry, I was listening, even participating. But mainly, I was drawing.

The girl next to me asked me what I was drawing. I sheepishly told her I had A.D.D and she just laughed. She asked me if I had seen the movie 27 Dresses?

I really quite like that movie.

Ah-ha! My simple-minded doodling just took on a new qwest. 27 DRESSES

Friday 1:00pm. I finished.

Hmm...now only if I could turn this in as my portfolio instead of the poems and prose!

This project led me to one question: do I really want to spend the rest of my life being a teacher, or should I try designing dresses? Hmm...I'll have to give that some thought. ;)

There are seriously some scary ones.

But I do have a few favorites.

Which one, of the 27 Dresses do you fancy?

English 3440

2008-07-30T19:32:00.010-06:00

Becoming a teacher has it ups and downs. One includes (which I'll let you decide which category it falls under) attending a week long workshop at Utah State; English 3440; Creative Non-Fiction Writing.

It began on Monday and ends on Friday. It is only Wednesday night and I'm not sure I can take two more days of this. Ok, it's really not THAT bad, but c'mon if you were stuck in a blistering hot classroom on the far end of campus, told that a B in the class is considered exceptional, and surrounded by grad students majoring in English, classical literature, or technical writing...you'd be glad it's half way over too :)

Let's just say we begin every day by meditating. Yes, meditating. (it is better than getting more assignments though). Followed by reading poetry and prose (which is also known as writing) and analyzing it to DEATH. There's always multiple hidden meanings and parallells; a reason for every word.

You see...one girl wrote a poem titled "Grasshopper." I read the poem and took it as information/details about a grasshopper (the title kind of gives that away). Come to find out this poem was really about the author's first fight with her new husband.

>Really?

There were no fighting words, examples, yelling, saying sorry, making up, etc. It described grasshoppers and apparently, they are much like a first fight. (Wow, those of you who are married can you please, please enlighten me?)

I wrote a poem about Lake Powell and guess what? It's about Lake Powell.

So the week goes. It really is interesting and I'm learning something new everyday.

I've been working on something this entire time while in class and as soon as it's finished I'll be posting.

Little Lost Boy

2008-07-26T20:45:00.007-06:00

My day at work today went as follows:

Little Lost Boy: Mom! sobbing. Dad! sobbing.

Me: Are you lost buddy?

Little Lost Boy: sobbing. No. I can't find my mom or dad.

Me: Oh, ok. Well don't worry. Let's wait right here for a little bit and see if they come find you.

about 5 minutes pass which included me asking him a bunch of questions about who he was and his family, what he had done that day, if he was excited for school, and basically anything that kept his little mind occuppied. He thought it was cool that he was going into kindergarten and that I would be teaching in a kindergarten class for awhile.

Me: Ok. Let's go up front and see if the guys in the red vests can help us find them ok?

Little Lost Boy: not sobbing anymore. Ok. Will they use one of the walkie-talkies?

Me: They just might. Let's go find out.

And sure enough they did! This little guy hung out with me for awhile in the office until a man (who proved he was his father by his ID) came to get him.

Little Boy's lost experience lasted almost 20-25 minutes. I think that's a pretty long time to feel lost, and be without your young child in a HUGE warehouse with tons of people. So I thought the "reunion" between father and son would've been a little more happy. However, Dad was not pleased and just asked him what happened.

And sweet Little Lost Boy replied: There's too many people here. I just got lost.

I chuckled to myself thinking the exact same thing, only wishing they'd ALL get lost and leave Costco so I could close the Deli and be done with work!

*-*-*-*

I kept thinking of Little Lost Boy all day at work today. Not only did he spare me from scewering another load of chickens in the Deli, but he made me remember why I was there: to earn money so that I can finish college and get my degree. He also reminded me how excited I am to be a teacher and help kids out everyday. :)

Miss Mel

gifts...

Obsessed

5 days

Not it!

Epley Maneuver

Probability

Good Reads

Bulletin Boards

Running

Conversations at the Chiropractor's

Fish cakes

26 kids

25

Goal

remembering

RAGNARLY

Success

Nervous

nerv·ous

nerve

–verb

Surprise!

A letter

Hmmm...No

Favorite Gift

Hope

Old & New

A quote

I'm Yours

Off-Track

Happy Halloween

RUN. DRIVE. SLEEP? REPEAT.

P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S

Two months

Two weeks:

Around the Town

Stepping into Summer...

Go green!

Purpose, Thoughts, & a Book

A Pedi Please!

Wow for Wacko

Miss Fisher it is...

Priceless

ABC's and 123's

Congrat "U" lations!

Utah-Topia

Entertainment of the Season

Courage

Teaching 101

27 Dresses

English 3440

Little Lost Boy