Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ah, the sweet smell of freedom!
Yesterday was the district wrestling tournament. Which means, I can have my life back! It has been an interesting 4 months since I volunteered myself for the job of wrestling adviser. I don't remember the last time I left work before dark, I don't know that I remember what weekends are, I've spent my afternoons with sweaty stinky teenage boys, I feel like I have neglected the creative side of teaching because wrestling has taken up so much of my time. I'm excited to be able to go home before 6, sleep in past 5am on Saturdays, actually go out on Friday nights and finish the rest of my 1st year with a bang.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PSF: Runnin' Utes
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
There has never been a better time to be a UTE! The Utes kicked some Alabama ASS at the Sugar Bowl. And we all know that we should be #1... but I guess this year we will have to settle for #2 since the BCS are all a bunch of sissy boys just picking favorites.... (ok, I'll get off that soap box... )
Friday there was a parade and rally held in honor of the Runnin' Utes football team in downtown Salt Lake City. It was a lot of fun to be able to go and support my alma mater! Go UTES!!!! These are just a few of the shots I was able to get as Debbie and I were front and center for the rally! So much fun!!!!
Coach Whittingham addressing the crowd
The team
Jim Matheson showing some UTAH pride!
Brian Johnson... Great QB and not too bad to look at either!
Our mascot: Swoop
Sunday, January 4, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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!Thursday, December 18, 2008
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!
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