Bucco is home! Christmas and other fun adventures

Merry Christmas!

I had a great Christmas this year especially with the extra unexpected present of Derek coming home from his mission on Christmas Eve. It is good to have him home!
I had a lot of fun spending time with the family playing in the snow and just relaxing (since that is something I don't get to do very often!) It was a lot of fun seeing Kaden get a little more into the whole Christmas thing. It is amazing how quickly he is growing.

The year ended with a bang- especially when I got my final grades from my crazy semester of 18 credits and working 40+ hrs a week. I received some of the best grades of my college career ~ 4 A's and 2 A-'s!!! Yay! I was sooo stoked to see that I had done so well. Once the grades were in I was able to relax a little for a few days anyway.

New Years this year was incredibly fun! I went out to the club with a few friends then to another party and yet another. Good times! Though, I could have used an extra day to recover from all of the excitement of bringing in a new year...

I am excited for what awaits me in this coming year. There are a few things on my to do list and I am sure it will grow as time goes by but so far I am predicting a great 2008!

Today was my first day back at school for my final semester as an undergraduate! Hard to believe but it is true. I will be graduating from the U in May!!!!! It was a good day. I am still kind of nervous about student teaching but at the same time I am really excited and can't wait to really get started.

Well, that is about it for now. I will try and post again soon!
Ciao ciao!

School's out for.... well, 2 weeks anyway

Finals have been over with for about a week now. And I must say, I couldn't be happier! It was a semester from hell and I survived! After surviving all nighters of writing lesson plans and unit plans or 10 page Italian papers, I think I could do anything! I am happy to say though I have officially finished everything for my minor in Italian!!! I am pretty excited about it.

A few weeks ago I realized that this was my last semester of classes on campus, buying books and finals. It is pretty crazy to think that I am this close to the end. I can't wait to be able to say that am a college graduate. A life long dream is about to come reality!!!

I head back to school and student teaching begins on the 2nd of January so wish me luck!!!!

My car has an owwieee!

Two weeks ago I was in a car accident. It definitely could have been a lot worse than it was. The guy that hit me was driving an old Ram Charger SUV and decided to cut across a lane of traffic (where I happened to be driving) to turn right and hit me. It could have been a lot worse than it was. Here are some of the pics we took of the wreck and the damage. Thanks for taking the pics Debbie!
Now is the fun part... Dealing with the insurance company. So far I haven't had much luck with them so hopefully things will get fixed soon!

Christmas is in the Air

This weekend while Mony was back in town he and I decided to check out the lights downtown. Here are a few pics from Saturday night. It was freezing cold out but the lights were gorgeous!!

Winter is here!

Well, winter is here whether I want to admit it or not. I am not a huge fan of the cold and the snow but when we had the first storm of the winter, I couldn't help but run out and play for a bit. Hell, if nothing else it was a great excuse to avoid studying for a bit! Here are a few pics of my friends and I playing in the snow.

Patrick Shoveling the sidewalks... isn't this why we rent, so we don't have to shovel?!?!?

Me diving right in

Snow Angels!

Nice shot of the trees and Patrick shoveling the snow.

Patrick having fun in the parking lot next to our apartment... ya, it was like 3 am!

The finished product. This pic is taken from our dining room window.

It was good times :)

Check it out

HI! It is 3am and I am bored at work... I could be studying and getting stuff done but instead, I am playing on the internet killing time till I get off 4 hours from now- not that I am counting or anything...

So, I have been missing in action for awhile now... I guess I should let you know the books haven't killed me... at least not yet. School is still kickin my ass but I am hangin in there. Only a few more weeks. I just realized a few days ago that not only is next semester my last semester, I don't have to buy any books next semester... how fabulous is that?!?!? Man, I just might be able to afford to eat something other than sandwiches for a few days! I think I have a major case of seniorosis (condition of the senior- not inflammation of the senior- hense the osis) because I am having a hell of a time getting any of my studying done these days. It is like pulling teeth to get myself to do it.

A few weeks ago I got to take a little break from the routine, which was much needed and greatly appreciated. I took a road trip with Mony and his family. It was quite the interesting experience spending 12 hours in a 12 passenger van with 8 guys and only 2 girls... I had a blast though. We spend 3 days at Disneyland and walked our asses off and were sure to hit all the rides at least once. Good times. Good times.

My birthday was pretty low key. I sat home and did homework for a while then Patrick told me I couldn't sit home and just do homework on my birthday so he talked me into going to our friend Danny's house for pizza then it was back to the books. It was nice having such a low key day; though it still can't beat the old tradition of handing out cans of pop and full size candy bars to bucket boy! Guess we will see what happens next year...

The final weeks of the semester are here and now it is crunch time. Already sick of writing papers I have no desire to continue the practice... though I must. It does feel nice seeing my list of to do's dwindle! So I will probably be missing in action for the next 3 weeks or so until the semester is over- so, until then, Ciao a tutti!

Even amongst the craziness of working 40+ hours this week I found a few hours to take a little drive up the canyon. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go I just hopped in the car and started driving. I ended up driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon up to Guardsman's Pass. I thought about taking it all the way to Park City but changed my mind and decided to take some pictures on my way back down. Some of the photos turned out really great. It was a lot of fun and it felt great to get away from the city for even just a few hours.

Here are some of the pictures I took:

I was a few weeks late for the peak of the fall colors but it was still beautiful. I even stopped and played in the snow for a bit!

I hope you all have a fabulous week and I'll catch y'all later!

I really should update this!

I have been thinking for a while now that I need to add something to my blog but my life has been pretty uneventful these past few weeks. I go to school, work, work some more and some times I even get to sleep! What a treat, right?!?! My roommate keeps asking me if I am even human because I never sleep and I am always working insane hours- I am begining to wonder myself! But I was really proud of myself. Last week I told my boss that I needed to cut back on my hours. It was hard because I have always been the one in the department who works for everyone else and I like to think that at some point they will return the favor- which I am learning doesn't always work... Anyways, that is a whole other thing...

It is hard to believe that I am actually graduating in 7 months! Crazyness! I was begining to wonder if I would ever graduate. This week I talked with my advisers and I got my application signed. I am really excited because I will be getting my Italian minor like I wanted to!!! Yay! Hopefully it will come in handy some day.

Anyways, I am hoping to take a drive up one of the canyons some time soon so I can get a few pictures of the fall colors before they fade away so when I do I will be sure to post some of them! Till next time!

Ciao!

This week in the life of Erica....

For Labor Day I went home for a good homestyle BBQ and pool party with the fam. It was good to see them and everyone else who came- Kev and fam! It was a lot of fun throwing people in the pool and getting thrown in myself. I was bummed that I forgot my camera so I don't have any cool pics to post... sorry.

Things around here have been pretty quiet the last few days. My roommate has been in Pensylvania all week to see his new nephew. Congrats Patrick! Nephews are the best I wouldn't trade mine for the world! It is strange having a place to myself again though... Tuesday night a nasty storm blew through SLC and we were without power for a good part of the night and the wind was just howelling- it was kinda creepy to tell ya the truth....but we all survived here in the 'ghetto apartments' as I like to call them.

I have been thinking lately that I am just plain crazy and need professional help.... who in their right mind voluntarily takes 18 credits while trying to student teach?!?!?! yeah, I think I am the only one. Classes are definately keeping me busy and don't leave much time for anything else. But hey, at least I know I am freaking insane and willing to admit it! :)

For the teaching cohort each week we have been visiting a few of the schools that we can choose from to do do our student teaching at. So far we have been to 2 Jr. high's in Bountiful and 1 high school in SLC. I never thought I would say this, but I think I like Jr. high better. We went to West High today and I just felt lost in the whole scene. Jr. high kids are a lot more into classes while the high school kids just count down the minutes till the bell rings. It is amazing how different the 2 are. I have had the opportunity to watch some amazing and not so amazing teachers throughout as well. I am always amazed at how different teaching styles really reach out to and encourage learning while others just bore the students (and myself) to tears! I am curious to see where I end up doing my teaching and excited at the same time. I should be getting my assignment in just over a month.

Anyways, I just thougth I would give you a little update on what is going on in my neck of the woods these days which isn't much...

A Little About Me :)

A friend of mine just emailed me another version of the famous "Facts About me" quiz that is constantly 'in giro' (sorry, I have been studying Italian all night and can't think of the English word)... Anyways, I thought I would give it a shot since it has been a while since I have done one of these....


1) WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
**Not necessarily. My parents wanted to name thier first child either Eric or Erica because of our scandinavian ancestry so luckily I was the first child- otherwise I would have been a Heidi! (Sorry to all the Heidi's out there)

2) WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
** That is a very good question. I am not sure. I don't cry often. I wanted to cry when I finally got to sleep in my own bed again after roaming for 2 weeks!

3) DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
** Most of the time I do but sometimes it is a bit sloppy. It is funny though, when I am in a hurry that is when it usually looks the best?!?! Strange I know!

4) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
** I would have to go for ham. Preferably 'prosciutto crudo' which is an Italian style which is raw but cured... yummmmm tasty! This is making me hungry!

5) DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
**NO! Thank goodness. I don't know that I want kinds. I kinda like the nephew thing- I can play and spoil Kaden then give him back to Mom and Dad when I am done. It is pretty fun :)

6) IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
** That is a good question. I would hope I would be friends with me. But considering how stubborn and bratty I can be at times... I might think twice.

7) DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
** Sarcasm?!?! That is my middle name! I learned from the best :)

8) DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
** Yup! And I intend to keep them. I am not hip on the idea of ever having any kind of surgery- especially I know how a lot of proceedures are done! Craziness!

9) WOULD YOU BUNJEE JUMP?
** If I were paid enough money, sure. I am too chicken though to just go do it. And of course if I did do it I would probably end up crying and screaming the whole time.

10) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
** I don't eat cereal but I do enjoy rice crispy treats and sometimes I add granola to my yogurt- I guess that would count.

11) DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
** No- half the time my shoes don't even make it to my room. I just throw them off in the living room and they seem to stay there till the next time I want to wear them or get on a cleaning kick and put them in my closet.

12) DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
** In what sense? Physically- I think so.. I have also been told that I am strong. Mentally- I would hope so considering the amount of school I am attempting right now! Emotionally- Maybe a little too strong at times...

13) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
** Nocciola (hazelnut) hands down. I also like Dubblin mud slide by ben and jerrys. This summer I have been on a popsicle kick. My roommate and I go through at least 2 boxes a week if not more!

14) WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
** Eyes and mouth. Why? I think it is because when I was learning Italian I learned by watching peoples mouths as they spoke and it has kinda stuck-- But really, I don't know why...

15) RED OR PINK?
** This is an easy question for me. Red hands down. Not just because I am a UTE through and through, but pink is just too girly for me. Though, in recent years I have expanded my taste adding a little (very little) pink to my wardrobe.

16) WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
** There are almost too many to list! But lets say I don't like that I am not good at communicating my feelings.

17) WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
** I really don't know...

18) DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO RESPOND?
** Of course.. it is always fun to see what people say on these things..

19) WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
** I am wearing blue jeans and brown shoes

20) WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
** veggies- carrots, broccoli and grape tomatoes. Tasty snacks!

21) WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
** Well, at the moment I have my ipod on shuffle so I have quite the interesting mix of music going on- everything from Ligabue (Italian rock) to Tim McGraw to Metallica. But right at this moment an Italian song called Jukebox is playing. It actually a really funny song. It is all about a jukebox. I never would have guessed that someone would write a song about a jukebox- but they did, and I love it!!!

22) IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
** I would either be purple or orange because they are my favorite colors.

23) FAVORITE SMELLS?
** I love the smell of fresh lavendar. It brings back great memories of Italia and it is very relaxing. I also love the smell of rain- especially when I am in the mountains.

24) WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
** Someone asking for a patient's room (I am at work). I did have someone ask me today if we had funerals at the hospital... I thought it was pretty funny.

25) DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
** Of course!

26) FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
** That depends. If I am watching it on TV I love watching basketball. But in person I love both basketball and baseball.

27) HAIR COLOR?
** currently it is multi-colored... a redish brown with blonde highlights. This reminds me I need to get it done again soon...

28) EYE COLOR?
** Blue or green depending on the day

29) DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
** Depends on the day and how tired I am and whether I am going out or not. Most of the time I am too lazy to put in my contacts and just resort to the good old glasses.

30) FAVORITE FOOD?
** Al Italiana!!! But I am sure most of you know that :)

31) SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
** If I had to pick I would say happy ending but honestly the happy endings are too predictable and not realistic. I like movies that have the more realistic endings.

32) LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
** In the movie theatres I last saw The Bourne Ultimatum. At home/ or work I think I last watched the Disney version of Pinocchio- which I must say is pretty bad. Especially now since I am taking an Italian course that is all about Pinocchio. I am amazed at how many versions are out there of Pinocchio! The best I have seen so far is the version that came out a few years ago with Roberto Benigni. It is hillarious especially if you have read the origional version of the book!

33) SUMMER OR WINTER?
** I am not a big fan of either- especially considering where I live. Utah is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.. Man, I really need to move somewhere it doesn't get too hot or too cold! My favorite season is definately fall- because of the beautiful colors and the temperature is perfect!
34) HUGS OR KISSES?
** Depends on who from... If they are coming from my nephew Kaden, I will definately take both! But I will never turn down a good hug!

35) FAVORITE DESSERT?
** Lately I would have to say Tiramisu.. I found a killer recipe and look for any good excuse to make it and share with my neighbors.

36) WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
** At the moment the list is quite long so here it goes: L'Italiano, Pinocchio (The Italian Version), Torino e' Casa Mia, Il Nuovo Pinocchio, Social Studies for the Twenty-First Century, Models of Teaching, Classroom Management, Understanding by Design, Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts, Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong... I think that about covers it for now...

37) WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
** My mouse

38) WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
** I haven't watched TV in a few days... the last thing I remember watching is The Rock of Love- I am additcted... I love Brett Michaels! :)

39) FAVORITE SOUNDS?
** The roar of a Harley Davidson- I like it even more if I am on one :) I also love the sound of rain.

40) ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
** I like both but if I had to pick one I would definately go with the Rolling Stones

41) WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
** Italy. Hopefully someday I will go even farther :)

42) DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
** I don't know about special but I love photography

43) WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
** I was born in O-Town. Ogden Utah.

School is in full swing!

I can't believe it is already the second week of school! That means one more week closer to graduation! YAY!!!!! So far I am really enjoying all my classes. My teaching cohort classes are great. I am learning a lot and feel a bit overwhelmed but I guess that is to be expected. Our first field observation is tomorrow at Bountiful Jr. High. It should be really fun especially since it is the first day of school for them. What chaos!!! But it will give me a good idea of what to expect next year when I am teaching.

I finally got to talk to the adviser about getting an Italian minor- after getting the run around for so long it is nice to know that I can officially get my minor as long as I complete the last 2 upper division courses this semester!!

I love the grammar course because so far, we have done no grammar. We are reading a book called L'Italiano which is about the history and evolution of the Italian language. It is really fascinating! The Pinocchio course is also a lot more fun than I had expected. It is a lot of work but it is fun getting to know all the many versions of the story that have been written throughout the years! I just hope that it doesn't get to be too much with my other courses and work.... It will be pretty crazy that is for sure!

Crazy Dayz

The past week or two has been crazzzy! Last Monday I was finally able to start moving into my new apartment. I was so happy to finally be able to sleep in my own bed again. I couldn't believe how much I missed my bed. I am really enjoying my new apartment so far. It is strange getting used to having a roommate again but I think I will manage just fine. Patrick and I get along great and we are both pretty laid back so I think we will get along just fine. I am happy to finally be moved in.

This past weekend I went camping with my family which was a lot of fun. We went up Logan Canyon which was a beautiful escape from the crazy life in the city. One last weekend of relaxation before the new semester at school. We spent our days relaxing and taking many walks around the campground at the request of my nephew. I have never met a kid who wanted to go on so many walks! He is adorable! Saturday we went to Bear Lake. It was kinda cold and stormy so we didn't spend much time at the lake. But before leaving we stopped at LeBeau's for their famous raspberry shakes. YUMMY!! With the exception of the rain and wind and my leaky tent it was a great weekend.
Here are some pictures from the camping trip:

This is the view of the mountains from our campsite.

The river

Bear Lake

Kaden playing in the sand at Bear Lake

Another picture of Kaden. I couldn't resist. He is just so adorable and fun to take pictures of :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday was the fist day of my 2nd to last semester! It is strange to say that but it is true- and I am so excited to finally graduate and get that piece of paper that I have worked so hard and so long for! This is also my first semester in the teaching program. So far my classes are great other than the fact that they are 3 hours long and start at 730am. That is just way too early. But I guess it will get me in practice for the rest of my career. Why did I pick a career where I have no choice but to get up early in the morning???!?!?! We don't start going into the schools until next week so at least I have 2 days this week that I can sleep in :)
I am also trying to earn a minor in Italian and taking my final 2 courses for it this semester. It is a lot to cram in but so far my advanced grammar class is really fun. The literature course on The adventures of Pinocchio is a lot more difficult and I just hope and pray that I can do well. It is interesting trying to get an Italian minor because the U still doesn't officially have a minor. So we will have to see what happens with it.

Anyways, I better get back to studying. I hope things are going well for you all and I will catch ya later! Ciao!!

1 Move down, homeless for 10 more days...

Hey everyone! Just thought I would give you all an update on my move. About a month ago I decided to stay in Salt Lake and move in with my neighbor Patrick in order to save money rather than moving back home. This way I can keep working, save money and stay in the good old SLC at the same time! And an added bonus, I don't have to commute to and from Clinton 7 days a week! I am excited to stay close to all my friends, work and school. The only downfall is that I get to be homeless until the 13th of August. I had to be out of my apartment the end of July and I can't move into my new place until the 13th. But thanks to my amazing friends and family- I have somewhere to put my head at night! When I do finally get into my new place, my address and everything will be the same with exception to the apartment number which changes to #11 instead of #12.

I will keep you updated! I hope you all are doing well!! Ciao a Tutti!

Trip to the Uintah Mountains

Friday after work I packed up my sleeping back and camera gear and headed for the mountains. I have been wanting to for a while and this weekend was the perfect opportunity. After the 2 hour drive through the Uintahs I finally arrived at Christmas Meadows where I met up with some friends and neighbors for a weekend of camping and fishing. My weekend was cut short because I had to be back to work on Saturday afternoon- but nonetheless, it was great to get away!! I didn't buy a fishing license so I played photographer while everyone else fished. I loved it. Though, next time I think I will invest in a license and fishing rod because the fishing was great. Patrick grilled the rainbow trout with potatoes, onions, garlic and spices. It smelled heavenly! You would be so proud.. I even tasted the trout- and it didn't make me want to vomit, it actually wasn't half bad. I still don't know that I would choose to eat it but hey, I'm making progress... The night was topped of with an incredibly clear sky which provided some great star gazing- there were some impressive shooting stars too!

Saturday morning was filled with more fishing/photography until I had to hit the road for the 2 hour drive home. I had a blast and will definately be going back! Not only to that spot but hopefully others and do some exploring.

Here are a few of the pics that I took:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Even though I was only able to go for 1 day it was well worth the drive and I had a blast!
Catch ya'll later!!!

Mr. Bugaboo

I just have to say, I have the cutest nephew ever! I love going home and haning out with him, even though that means watching Thomas the tank engine (or Bob as he calls it) over and over again...

Here are just a few pics that I took the last time I was up home visiting... You do have to admit, he is a cutie!

Antelope Island

Here are some picures from my latest trip to Antelope Island a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful night. My friend and I hiked up to Buffalo Pointe and watched the sunset. It was great fun. I love going out to Antelope Island! It is one of those places that can change your perspective about an old stinky lake! I got some pretty good shots this go around so I thought I would post a few- for your viewing pleasure (I have always wanted to say that!!!)

Happy 4th!

My fourth of July was pretty low key. After a crazy day at work (you would think the craziness would start with the fireworks.. but I guess people couldn't wait that long!) I went to the Salt Lake Bee's baseball game with the parental figures. It was a great game! For a while there we thought we were going to have to kill some time before the fireworks would start because it was going so quickly... the real action started in the 6th inning when we finally scored a run... In the end it was a home run that won us the game... GO BEES! The fireworks show was great. I love when they are set to music- especially when I can sing along :)

I hope everyone had an enjoyable 4th!

My favorites...

And the verdict is....

You Belong in San Francisco

You crave an eclectic, urban environment. You're half California, half NYC. You're open minded, tolerant, and secretly think you're the best. People may dismiss you as a hippie, but you're also progressive, interesting, and rich!

Where Does Your Inner Californian Belong?

I have been back from California for about two weeks now. I wish I could have stayed forever. I don't know what it is, but I love it there! It was a quick trip- just enough to get away and forget about life in Utah for a bit. We drove down on Monday and spent 2 days at Disneyland and California Adventure Park and 1 at Seaworld before driving back on Friday. We couldn't have planned a better time to go. By 11am on Tuesday we had already gone on all the major rollercoasters at least once. And by the end of the day, we had hit just about every ride- even the kiddie rides like Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Which, I have to admit, they are just as fun now as they were when I was 10! So, the rest of the time we spent watching some of the shows that they put on and going on more rides.

All in all it was great fun. Seaworld was a blast also. It was fun to see all the amazing animals they have there. I still wonder what it would be like to be a dolphin trainer. The shows were fabulous as always. My favorite show was of course the dolphins. They are just so cute! Here are some pics of what we saw at Seaworld: