Adios Mexico

The company Sam works for, Infusionsoft, has beening planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta for about a year. I've been practicing my Espanol for several months now, and thanks to the swine flu outbreak, our Mexican vacation has been cancelled. No bueno. The good news is we will be able to drown our sorrows in a pina collada Maui style. Aloha! We are getting quite excited for the trip and are so grateful that Sam has such a great job.

We've had a busy month, and apparently I've been so busy that I haven't posted for quite some time. Sam's mom and sister Stephanie were in town for their spring break a couple of weeks ago, and then Shawna and her daughter Bailey came and stayed with us for almost a week. It was fun to see them and have them here. Bailey is especially darling and has grown bunches since we saw her at Christmas. Unfortunately I am a slacker with the camera and don't have any fun pictures to post.

We don't have much else to report except that I get to play the organ in Stake Conference tomorrow. I'm a bit nervous and have seriously considered calling a special fast. Luckily the songs are all fast enough that if I make a mistake no one will have to hear it for long. It may even be quick enough that no one will notice -- yeah right. My nerves are getting a little freaky. So think of me when you're sitting in Sacrament meeting tomorrow listening to your ward organist. And say a little prayer for me. Muchos Gracias.

Guernsey

I love to read. Normally I'm a trashy mystery/suspense/espionage girl, but being the English teacher that I am, I love a girl who knows how to write (and not like those porcelain vampire-loving gals). I started The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society tonight, and I am in love at first chapter. It's a collection of letters set post WWII. It's fabulous. It's nice to read something other than what we're reading in school - Heart of Darkness and Anthem. Don't misunderstand me. I like both, particularly Anthem. But sometimes finding all the similes and explaining the theme takes some of the fun out of a good book. And sometimes students like them anyway. One of my most uh, challenging, students finished Anthem three days ahead of schedule. He hasn't done much of anything without serious coercion all year. It makes it mostly worthwhile when a loud-mouth 16-year-old likes a book and learns something. And now I'm going back to my book...

Spring Break

I'm sad to say that Spring Break is all but over, but it was a good one. Sam took some much-needed time off of work, and we went to California. We spent a few days in Disneyland and few more days hanging out. I don't think I'll ever be too old for Disneyland. And this time we saw Mary Poppins! She's my favorite. I'm ready to pack my bags and go back, especially if it means no school.

Damn the Reply All

I have sat down to post a few times, but I can't quite seem to get 'er done. We've had an eventful week or two, kind of. Sam and I were able to take a little road-trip to Sedona a few weeks ago. It was beautiful in a rainbows and crystals sort of way. It was relaxing to get out of town for a day or two. I tried to talk Sam into having our palms read and taking the vortex tour, but he would have none of that nonsense. Then my parents were here for a little bit on their way to a conference in Florida. We attempted to teach Dad how to play Guitar Hero, which was entertaining. The rest of our weeks have mostly been filled with work...AIMS testing, parent emails, and belligerent teenagers for me. This week I shamed myself by accidentally responding to the staff cafeteria survey and copying the whole school. If only I had known that not everyone would appreciate my sentiments (or maybe lack of) about Polish dogs (commonly known as sausage) and chilli dogs. Really, whose idea was it to feed middle-aged adults chilli dogs? And yes, I know that Korea is the only place they really eat dogs. Luckily I responded kindly about the cafeteria WORKERS, who are sometimes less than friendly and agreeable. A few days have passed, and I think I can safely roam the halls of Mesquite without fear of hazing.

Super Superbowl

Yesterday's game proved to be exciting, enjoyable, and fruitful in more ways than one. We had a great time with Jake and Heidi watching the game and cheering for the Cardinals. They played a respectable game - the Steelers just played better. Heidi and I made some rockin' chocolate fondue. And when I got to school this morning I discovered that I had won the office Superbowl pool. Now I don't normally participate, but I thought it sounded fun, so I threw in my five bucks and signed my name. I couldn't remember my numbers and I had no idea what the prize was, but I had a suspicion that I had won the 3rd quarter prize. However, I was wrong! I won the 4th quarter! I am the person that people hate - the person who barely even knows what's going down and wins anyway. Now the big problem is what to do with the money. I can't decide if it's gambling or not. Sam suggested I put the prize money in an account for college for our children or join a gym for a year. My quick retort was that I could buy HIS gym membership with it. I'm either donating to some fantastic cause or doing something insanely fun. Feel free to weigh in on my decision, unless your advice is practical. In that case, please hold your tongue.

Things I Learned at Jury Duty

About a month ago, what to my wondering eyes did appear? Not Santa, but a summons to jury duty. I actually was relieved that the official looking envelope from the court was not another photo radar ticket. I geared up some sub plans (I left all of my classes reading Shakespeare...hehehe), and I headed to DOWNTOWN Phoenix to the Superior Court. After parking 3 miles away and riding the shuttle to the courthouse, I was relieved I had made it there 5 minutes before my reporting time. Good thing I was there so early too, because I sat and waited for 4 hours before I was called to a jury. Then I was called, and we went up to the top floor of the courthouse...and waited for another hour and a half. I sat on the cold floor reading my book wondering why they couldn't leave us in the comfy chairs in the jury assembly room if they weren't really ready for us. I had an interesting day, and in my hours of waiting, I observed some strange happenings. These are the things I learned:

1. If you tick someone off (i.e. the lady at the jury sign-in desk), she's probably not going to help you by giving you the excuse certificate for your employer. I've also heard it stated this way: You can catch more flies with honey than nastiness.

2. When you get a jury summons or other official-looking document in the mail, you should do as it says. One lady burst in demanding to see the judge because she didn't follow instructions and now has a warrant out for her arrest. I don't think she saw a judge today, but maybe soon.

3. Some things never change. Everytime a jury panel was called, there were at least two yahoos who didn't hear their names the first three times they were called. It reminds of some of my students (Jay, Allison, and Tony) who never hear what page we're on and don't notice me writing it on the board in big red numbers. It takes at least three repetitions to get anything done in my 6th hour.

4. People really don't listen. After witnessing the process of jury panels being called to courtrooms and hearing the directions repeated several times an hour, you would think people have it figured out. They call your name. You say "Here". They give you a number. You walk up (remembering the number on your way to the desk), and take the big card that has your juror number on it. Then you turn off your cell phone and follow the nice bailiff into the courtroom. That's it. Do you have any idea how many people forgot their numbers?

5. And last but not least, your actions really do affect others. I would like to take my students on a field trip to the courthouse where they can see the families of the "alleged" criminals outside the courtrooms. I saw lots of crying people today in connection with the case from which I was released. I think it was pretty serious (most crimes are, I suppose).

In all seriousness, I enjoyed the experience of being summoned for jury duty. It was a break from the normal routine, and so many of life's truths were reaffirmed.

Looking Back...

A friend of mine posted this on her blog, and I thought I would do the same. It's been an eventful year!

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I got married! Sam and I were also able to visit Hawaii in February and Alaska in July.

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No, I did not keep all of them, and I will make more.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
My sister-in-law, Sherrie and my cousin, Brooke.

Did anyone close to you die? No

What countries did you visit? Canada (on the way back from our cruise to Alaska)

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? friends in my ward (which I had for much of 2008), and more passion for my job

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 19th, the day Sam and I were married. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by so many family and friends in the temple. The feeling was incredible, and I'm so glad that we made the decision to be sealed, even though it took us awhile.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being sealed in the temple

What was your biggest failure?
quitting Dr. Pepper

Did you suffer illness or injury?!
Nothing major

What was the best thing you bought?
my Kitchenaid

Where did most of your money go?
mortgage payments, Target, and wedding paraphanelia

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
getting married

What song will always remind you of 2008?
Honey Baby

Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?
I think all three. I have really been blessed. (I'm pretty sure I'm happier and richer, but not too sure about nicer.)

What do you wish you'd done more of?
spending time with family

What do you wish you'd done less of?
grading papers

How did you spend Christmas?
We went to Utah and spent it with Sam's family, and then we drove back to Mesa to be here for my little sister's wedding.

Did you fall in love in 2008?
Well, I guess I stayed in love :)

What was your favorite TV program?
Sam and I are both Heroes junkies.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

What was the best book you read this year?
These is my Words

What did you want and get?
a diamond ring

What were your favorite films of this year?
I can't really think of any

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30, and I stayed home because I was sick.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
a longer summer vacation

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I have no idea. I like classy-looking clothes. My biggest fashion issue is that I hog the closet.

What kept you sane?
my sister

What political issue stirred you the most?
Marriage Ammendments

Who did you miss?
Hilary...she went back to Utah way too fast after Heidi's wedding

Who was the best new person (people) you met?
My new nephew, Koy

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008?
Don't sweat the small stuff (I am still working on this...)

What are you most excited for in 2009?
the possibility of starting a family

What are you least excited for in 2009?
nothing really...except I need some dental work. I guess that will not be fun.