A New Beginning

It's that time of year again. Time to make resolutions to be healthier, less stressed, more or less of something or other- most of which are forgotten within the first few months of the year. Of course there are plenty of things I want to accomplish this coming year like exercise more, swear a little less, take more pictures, make a budget and stick to it, develop more hobbies and pursue my interests in education and history... I'm sure the list could go on and on. I have decided that this year my resolution needs to be short and simple. There are really only 2 things on my list.

1) Be happy. This is kind of a big one but I have discovered over the past 29 years that life is only worth living if you can be yourself and be happy being just that. The last few years I have been happier than ever before because I finally figured that out. So, this year I want to continue living my life and being happy being me. Learning, laughing, loving and living.

2) Set weekly goals. Instead of making big goals that will soon be forgotten, I am going to set a few small goals that can be accomplished in a week or two. I really like this idea because it will give me a chance to accomplish more of the things that I want to accomplish in my life.

I'm excited for what 2009 has to offer. The experiences and challenges that will inevitably come.

Recapping 2008

2008 has come and gone and I figured what better way to say farewell to one crazy year than to recap the events of the year.

January was a month full of new experiences as I started my student teaching experience. There were many days when I didn't think I would make it through but I did and I learned more than I could have ever hoped to learn in that short amount of time. For the first three months of the year, my life was pretty much consumed by school and student teaching. I finished student teaching in March and to celebrate I took a trip to Indianapolis to visit Ramon.
May was probably one of the most exciting months this year. I graduated from college. Finally realizing my lifelong dream. What an exciting time! I also welcomed a new nephew into the family. Kyson is adorable as ever!
After months of writing resumes, filling out job applications, and interviews, I finally was offered a teaching job the end of June. A job I feel VERY blessed to have.
The summer months were filled with camping trips to the Uintahs and Capitol Reef- both GORGEOUS places, working at the hospital, and preparing for school to start.
I started my teaching job in August. It has been a really fun experience- stressful, time consuming... but I LOVE it.
In October I also became the Wrestling adviser which has been an experience in and of itself. It is fun seeing these guys work so hard for something the want and enjoy doing.
November was filled with work, Thanksgiving break, and spending time with family and friends. December was much of the same. I do have to say that some of the perks of being a teacher have been quite nice- like the 2 weeks that I have enjoyed being off! I have enjoyed having a few days that I was able to spend with friends and family over the break. December was also filled with some sadness- Grama Kent passed away this last Sunday. It is always hard losing someone you love but knowing that she is with my Grampa again makes it better.

Now it's on to a new year, a new beginning. I'm excited for the challenges and experiences that are bound to present themselves in the coming months. I love you all and wish you the very best in the coming year!!

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! :)