Christmas Celebrations

I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone! Time seems to fly by faster and faster every year. This year our Christmas celebrations were eventful to say the least. Here are a few pics of the events of the season:

Mom making her famous cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning- YUM!!!
Note to self for future Christmas's... don't let mom near the knives- you may have to make an emergency trip to the doctor for stitches!
Kaden sporting his 3-D glasses he got from seeing Bolt in 3-D. It was a pretty cute movie though the best part of it was the short film about Mater (from the movie Cars) in Tokyo.

Kyson and Mytzie
Kyson opening his present from the coolest aunt in the world!
Kaden's got this down.. Now I know who to call when I need help!
Kyson- I love it he doesn't tell me I can't take pictures of him yet... I will enjoy this while I can :)And the best part of all (other than spending time with my family of course!)....
Yes, that is a ticket to Wicked! I am so excited!!!!! Thanks Mom and Derek for waiting out in the cold for so long!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and best wishes bringing in the new year!!!

Neil Diamond, Bangs and a Rock Star Attitude!

Yes, that is right, I of all people, am blogging about Neil Diamond. Never in my life would I have guessed that I would go to a Neil Diamond concert- and enjoy it. But it is true. When Veronica called and asked if I wanted to go the conversation went a little like this:
Veronica: "How do you feel about Neil Diamond"
Erica (after a bit of hesitation): "well, I used to detest him... but he has kinda grown on me in the last few years... why?"
Veronica: "Max bought me tickets to his concert, do you want to come?"
Erica: "Sure! It sounds like it could be fun." As I said that I was thinking- what the hell am I getting myself into?!
I went and had a blast; and amazingly enough, after all these years, I still remember all the words to just about every song of his... Singing along to Sweet Caroline, Money Talks, Forever in Blue Jeans, and America (among others) brought back many childhood memories of listening to Neil Diamond as we cleaned the house on Saturday mornings and of course all of those road trips to California and Arizona through the years prepared me well for this concert! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

A picture of the three of us after the concert.

Pre-concert I was having one of my "I really want to do something different with my hair moments" and in effort to resist the urge to cut it short again- now that it is finally getting longer again... I decided we would try some bangs. I'm still playing around trying to figure out how to do them- it's been a VERY long time since I've had bangs. But I am having fun. It is nice to have a bit of a different look! Thanks Deb for coming to the rescue at the last second!

Photo Story Friday

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

FINALLY!!!! I got a few REALLY good pics of my missy-moo also known as Bellina. She was my graduation present to myself and Patrick helped talk me into it. She is such a fun pet. I don't think I would ever go for anything any bigger - no dogs or cats for me... I will stick with ferrets!

One of those rare moments that she actually sat still enough to get a shot!

Cuddling with her favorite toy. We named the toy Mr. because I call her Missy

Bellina doing what she loves most- getting into things she isn't supposed to!

She really is a lot of fun. She keeps me company no matter what my mood is!

Thank God for Friday!

I quickly learned that as a teacher the week after Thanksgiving break is a rough one. It was tough getting students back into school mode and now that I have gotten them there, I only hope it lasts for the next 2 weeks... Don't worry, I'm not going to hold my breath! I do have to say though, I have learned a few good lessons this week...
1) don't give a test the week after Thanksgiving... I'm only dreaming if I think the kids are going to remember and actually study.
2) Never underestimate a students ability to cheat- or at least their attempts to.
3) Boys have a lot of drama... which creates drama in my life when I have to deal with wrestlers picking on each other, getting bad grades and thinking they are God's gift to the world!
4) Communication is KEY!!! Especially when you are trying to run a wrestling program at the JR. high level and 50 teenage boys!
5) I REALLY need to learn how to say "no, I already have too much going on already".... this would be evidenced by the fact that I am, at 3:20 am, writing this blog entry while I am working at the hospital when I should be home hibernating under the covers of my oh so comfy bed!

Needless to say, it has been a VERY VERY long week from HELL and I just have to say, thank God for weekends!

Tonight was our faculty Christmas party. It was held at Mi Ranchito in Salt Lake. I was a little weary about going because I was all by my lonesome... but luckily, so were lots of others! It was a lot of fun. We talked and laughed a lot, had a small gift exchange and I was forced to embarrass myself infront of all my fellow teachers... they have a tradition where they make all the new teachers stand infront of everyone wearing a headband of raindeer antlers and a big red nose (that even blinks) and sing Rudolf the Red Nosed Raindeer.... not the highlight of my day that is for sure! The highlight was probably the gift exchange... we played the game where your # gets drawn and you can pick a present or steal one that someone else has picked. There were about 3 that kept getting passed around. It was pretty fun stealing gifts away from Terri (the principal) she tried to joke with me that I was a provisional teacher (meaning I'm still on probation) but my response was.... but I'm the wrestling coach! She thought it was funny... and so did everyone else! I'm just scared to see what pictures and videos are played on the school announcements on Monday morning! I'm thinking I may accidently unplug the tv so the kids can't watch them... oh darn! :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!! I love you all!

Christmas Tag

Christmas Tag

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper
2. Real Tree or Artificial? Neither... but if I had to pick, artificial... I don't like the smell of pine trees in the house..
3. When do you put your tree up? I don't have a tree... I'm kind of a scrooge that way.. lol
4. When do you take your tree down? My theory is... if you don't put one up, you don't have to take one down!
5. Do you like Eggnog! no thanks!
6. Favorite gift received? Probably when we went on a cruise as a family.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents
8. Easiest person to buy for? nephews
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes... several actually. I collect them!
10. Mail or e-mail Christmas Cards? mail- when I am on top of things that is...
11. Worst Christmas presenst ever received? Probably the lump of coal I got as a kid.. but then again.. we did wish for it... lol (One year Tyler and I changed the words to the song All I Want For Christmas is my 2 Front Teeth- to- All I want for Christmas is a lump of coal.... well, we got our wish! lol)
12. Favorite/Worst Christmas movie? Favorite: Babes in Toyland Worst: all the rest
13. When do you start shopping? December 24
14. Have you ever recycled a gift? No.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas time? homemade Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning
16. Lights on tree? if I had a tree... yes.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Midnight in Sarajevo
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? ya
20. Angel on top of tree or star? a star
21. Open presents on Christmas eve? only 1, it is always pj's from my Mom & Dad
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The commercialization of Christmas... too many people and stores go overboard.... drives me absolutely nuts!
23. Favorite ornament? Don't own any but I love the one I got my mom in Venice- Santa in a Gondola!
24. Favorite food for Christmas Dinner? Chicken noodle soup with Christmas tree pasta! :)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? to be debt free?!?!? lol.... Nothing much. I'm just happy with a few weeks off of work!

I tag anyone who feels the Christmas spirit... or who has time to kill... or well, basically anyone who wants to fill it out! :)

UFLA, wrestling, and whatever else I think of...

Today I got to play hookie from school for the first time... aside from the nightmares of all hell breaking loose in my classroom, it was nice to have a day off. I spent the day in Ogden at the UFLA (Utah Foreign Language Association) conference. It was fun for the most part- though it did get a little long. It was really strange being the only one there who is teaching Italian but it was really cool at the same time. The strangest thing happened when I was sitting in one of the sessions learning about foldables (different ways to fold paper to engage students in learning various things) when I realized who the lady was sitting at the table next to me. It was Mrs. Comisky. My French teacher from Jr. High. Wierd! Seeing her brought back a lot of memories. The boot- a tool for learning verbs, repeating french words 7 times in a row because "when you repeat something 7 times, you will remember it." And the memory that will forever be burned in my memory, old lady boobs. I know... I am laughing too... I remember one day I was sitting in class and had a question. so Mrs. Comisky came over to my desk and bent down... her shirt was kinda low and when I turned my head... yup, old lady boobs right in my view... Nasty! It is one of those memories you just wish you could forget! It was good to see her though. Aside from the boob experience, she really did teach me a lot.

On a more exciting note (maybe!)Wrestling is going well. It would be better if I actually knew more.. but every practice I go to I am learning a lot and it is fun to see the guys work hard for something they want and work as a team. Knowing some of the guys that are on there I never would have imagined the level of team work that I have seen. I am so proud of them and I am excited to work with them and see them improve throughout the season.

My life seems to be consumed with school and wrestling- but is that really a surprise?! Hopefully one of these days soon I will get a chance to get out and do something exciting!

I Voted!!!

It is election day and I was so anxious all day long. I just wanted to go vote! My students all day long kept asking me who I was going to vote for. Now that I have to stay for wrestling I was dying. The clock hit 5pm and I was out of there. Headed back to SLC so I could cast my vote in this historical election. No matter how you look at it, history will be made whether it be the first African-American President or the first female Vice-President... There is a lot going on in our country and one way or another, history will be made. I am happy to say that I voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I truly thing they are our best chance for a change. I just wish I were a Californian so I could put in my two cents and vote NO on 8!
I am so excited to be able to do my part. I have always said that if you don't vote, you have no right to complain when things start going wrong. Not only that, it is exciting to be able to say yes, I voted and exercised my right as an American citizen.

Add That to Your Resume!

As if I didn't have enough on my plate....

Today at school I got an email from the principal (it was sent to everyone, not just me) basically pleading for someone to coach wrestling. A few guys who volunteer at the school have been helping the boys work out and learn the moves and all but they didn't have an official "coach" and they were on the brink of having to cancel the season. A few of the boys that have been wrestling are in a few of my classes and they have all been really excited about it and there are another handful of boys that probably wouldn't even be in school if it weren't for the team... so, I couldn't let that happen! I told my principal that I would do it so the boys could wrestle.

I think I am nuts but luckily these guys that volunteer know what they are doing so I am basically just a body to help keep the boys in line and make sure everything goes A-ok.

Only time will tell how this adventure will end!

You gotta see it to believe it!

Saturday night Ramon and I decided to celebrate a little for our birthdays. He came up here to SLC and we went to dinner and hung out. He (among other people) has been trying to get me to try sushi for a number of years but holding tight to my distaste of seafood, I have always refused. Until this weekend. I decided it was time to gather up the nerve to at least try it and be able to say I have had sushi and give an honest answer as to whether I like it or not....



We went to Happy Sumo. Ramon was in charge of ordering the sushi rolls- because I have no idea what to do. I also ordered some chicken "just in case". I went into it with an open mind, telling myself I could actually like it. So, I took my first roll- a cucumber something or other- dipped it in the soy sauce.... and as the roll hit my tongue, I almost couldn't do it. But I was tough and kept chewing hoping it would get better.... no luck. So, I was brave yet again and tried a California roll. Same decision. So, kudos to all of you who love sushi... but it just isn't for me! I will stick with what I know! ;)

I am just excited that I was finally brave enough to at least try it. Those who know me know I am not very adventurous when it comes to food... so this was a HUGE step for me!

Dispite the outcome of the sushi adventures, we had a lot of fun Saturday night. After dinner we just hung out and walked around town- we are easy to please! lol

Next celebration- Friday night! And who knows, maybe a party or two over the weekend :)

Happy Birthday Bugaboo!

I can't believe that Mr. Bugaboo is 3! He is growing up way too fast! I went home for the festivities and had a blast. I went home earlier in the day so I could watch Kyson while Darci took Kaden to have lunch with his Dad... He even got to ride the train! So fun! While they were gone I decided it was a good time to get a few shots of Kyson. He is adorable!







Here are a few pics from his birthday party! Happy Birthday Bugaboo!

AARG! Photo Story Friday

It has been a while since I have been out and about with my camera in tow. Friday was the perfect excuse- being my nephew Kaden's 3rd birthday and all! He is such an adorable kid you can't help but love him! I had found a pirate gift bag to wrap his gift in and the bag came with a pirate patch so while we were waiting for the rest of the crew to get the birthday party started, we decided to have a little fun.





Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

The One Word Game

Describe ME in one word.... just one single word. Post a comment that contains the one word.

Then send this message to all your friends and see how many strange &
interesting things they say about you. (Or post it on your blog!)

This is really fun. Here's how to Play:
1. Hit the reply key and send me my one word.

2. Then return to this message, and forward it to your friends (including
me) and see what people say about you when limited to one word!!!

The Game is On!!!!!

I need ideas!

I can't believe the first term is almost over! It has gone by so fast- and yet so slow! Being the crazy first year teacher that I am, I have about 5 different preps (subjects or topics) that I teach and I am trying to narrow it down for next term so I don't stress myself out too much (if that is even possible). On top of my 3 geography classes, I have a total of 4 exploratory classes that I teach. Two 7th grade and two 8th grade and they are all on different schedules meaning they each rotate each term, trimester or semester. I have 1 8th grade and 1 7th grade class that switch at the end of the term and 1 8th grade class that switches at the trimester (2 weeks after the new term begins) the last exploratory class changes at the semester. For the three that change at the term or the trimester, I am going to teach Italian language and culture.

So here is my dilemma... One of my 7th grade classes doesn't switch until the end of the semester so I have the same students for 1 more term. I have already taught them the Italian language and culture class and the counselors want me to teach them something different this coming term... but what?!?! it is completely open to interpretation and ideas... But I am stumped. I have been trying to think of something for the last few weeks but I still have no idea what to do. I want to teach them something fun yet useful.

ok so that was a long winded explanation.... Basically I need ideas of what might be fun to teach 1 class for about 10 weeks. I'm open to any and all ideas!

Gotta Love SNL

I hate to admit it but I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually seen Saturday Night Live. Sad I know, but in recent weeks I couldn't help but watch a few clips. With everything going on in the country- elections, the war, the government bailing out companies that don't deserved to be bailed out while their execs head out for a day at the spa spending over $400,00, and the worst economic situation since the great depression- I think SNL has provided some much needed laughter!!

Pics of the new place

I have lived in my new place for about a month now and until today it definitely was not picture worthy. So today after a day of cleaning the place I thought I would finally take a few pictures.

My bedroom

My bathroom- it may be small but it serves it's purpose.

The Living Room

Another view of the living room. I gave in last weekend and bought a bean bag because I couldn't handle sitting on the floor any longer. Once I get a couch and some decorations, it will be that much better.

And last but not least, the kitchen

It is a work in progress but it will have to do for now.

Tagged!

I was tagged by Darci this time. I don't know how many new things I can list this time so if they are repeats, sorry... :)

1. I broke my arm in 2nd grade running away from a boy.

2. My students think I sit at home and read maps every night. Yes, I get a kick out of that one! I may not read maps every night but I do plan lessons every night! lol

3. I have moved apartments every year for the last 10 years. I am getting better though, at least I have been in the same building for the last 3!

4. There is only 1 place where I actually go the speed limit... a school zone.

5. I make a killer tiramisu and lasagne!

6. I own over 300 cd's

7. I have never had surgery (though I am not sure how much longer that will last!)

I tag: Shannon, Kaija, Ramon, Rachael, Karen, Jenny, Melissa

And I'm back in the game!

I always loved that quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You and it seems to fit perfectly. After about a week of internet issues due to modems, routers and of course computers, I am back. I can finally give in to my obsessions of blogging, facebook and myspace! Wahoo!

I just had to add this picture because last week as I was getting ready to head to a friends house for a party, I realized that my hair is finally getting long again! After a long road of trying to grow it out, it is finally getting there! And you do have to admit, I look pretty good too! (lol) Now if only I could get a date....

Last weekend at my friend Erika's (yes that is Erika with a k) birthday party, I finally got the chance to play Rock Band for the first time. OMG!!!!!!! I had so much fun! I am a terrible singer but it was fun nonetheless!

What else....

Oh, how can I forget.... Finally, FINALLY my "class from hell" has changed a bit. It was a rough class and I think I was about to burst!

Today I got my birthday present from Tyler. Yes, I know, it is a bit early but I appreciate it and was so excited! He and Darci gave me their old entertainment center and it fits perfectly in my apartment! I love it! Now, all I need is a little something to sit on and I am good to go! It feels so good to finally be getting settled again. Maybe my chaotic life will get a little less chaotic now... wishful thinking, I know but a girl can wish can't she?!?!?!?!

I'm a Survivor!

I have officially survived my first of many, many many parent teacher conferences!! I am beyond exhaustion but I did it!

Over all, I am extremely happy at the turn out and some of the reactions I got not only from my students parents but also from my students. I was so excited when one of my students that I have struggled with came in on his own and told me what he thought he needed to do in order to pass and do better. I am excited to see how things progress throughout the rest of the term and year- Even more exciting, I get to sleep in tomorrow! I can't even express how excited I am!

Going Private...

Hey everyone!!!

I am going to be securing my bog so PLEASE add your email address to my comments so I make sure I add you to my invite list. Thanks!!! !

My Acting Debut

Friday the movie Forever Strong will finally be in theatres.... It is the story of the Highland High School rugby team.

Talented but troubled high school rugby player Rick Penning (Sean Faris) loses his position as the star of an Arizona rugby union team when he is sentenced to a boys' home in Salt Lake City.^[1] Rick ends up playing for Salt Lake's famous Highland High School rugby team, coached by Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole), in the national championships - against his old team, which is coached by his father, Neal Penning (Neal McDonough). Emily (Arielle Kebbel) is Rick's love interest, and Marcus (Sean Astin) is his social worker.

Last year when they were filming here in good old SLC my friend told me they needed some people to be extras... so we all volunteered. It was a long fun hot summer day spent out in Grantsville. So, I'm excited to see it and catch my acting debut... but don't worry, I don't plan on quitting my day job just yet!

Is it sad???

Is it sad that I find so much joy in giving certain students bad grades?! By bad grades I mean their citizenship grades. Yet I find the same satisfaction in giving certain students good grades and find myself wanting to up their grade a bit just because of the effort they put into it.



I found these cartoons online today and just had to laugh.