My Dream Come True!!

It's not a snow-white fairy tale dream that came true but this is pretty big to me. Last March I went to this meeting about setting up my student teaching for this coming Spring semester. I was sitting in the meeting, listening to the presenters about this and that, talking about all the paper work I would have to complete and lo and behold I heard "DoDDS program...You go to Europe and do your student teaching on an American military base." Boy did I about jump out of my seat. I thought to myself "How cool would that be! I have saved for years to go to Europe but how awesome would it be to go there AND do my student teaching!" The more and more I listened the more I had a feeling that this is what I needed to do. It did take a little bit of push and support from Lynell and my parents, but I have now gone through my interview with NAU and luckily they have selected me, Yes me, to be a part of this awesome program. Some stuff is still in the works but come January, I am 99.92435783214837% give or take a few millionths sure that I will fly to Germany, Italy, or England and teach kids on an American military base! Europe...Here I Come!!!!

I Got Tagged!

20 years ago...
1. I was a pupil in Mrs. Roger's kindergarten class.
2. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Carlee (Shumway) Cullen.
3. I was learning to read.

10 years ago...
1. Got my driver's license.
2. Had my first date.
3. Survived Ms. Cunningham's Sophomore English

5 years ago...
1. Thought I was almost done with college.
2. Worked with Moneeka and Sara
3. Obtained my Associates degree from MCC

3 years ago...
1. Still lived the dream of a college student
2. Visited Carlee and her family in Connecticut!
3. Parents moved down to Mesa, I moved in with them.

1 year ago...
1. Moved back to Taylor to complete my education through NAU
2. Made new friends with all the gals in my cohort.
3. My brother and sister-in-law adopted one of the cutest kids ever, Kyler
4. Cut my hair REALLY short.

This year...
1. Enjoyed the summer without having a job.
2. Went to Utah and hung out with Becca.
3. Got selected by NAU to be in the DoDDS program.

Yesterday...
1. Lynell's car got a flat tire before we took the AEPA test.
2. Took the AEPA Profession Knowledge test (for teacher certification in AZ).
3. Destressed over a delicious plate of Fettucine Alfredo at Macroni Grill.

Today...
1. Traveled back from from Mesa to Taylor.
2. Blogged, check email, and my history test score.
3. Celebrate my Grandma Rowley's B-day.

Tomorrow...
1. Hopefully sleep in.
2. Read Pictures of Hollis Word for class on Tuesday.
3. Go to class and learn how to assess students.

In the next year...
1. Celebrate my golden birthday - 26 yrs old on the 26th!
2. Complete my student teaching in Europe!
3.GRADUATE FROM NAU WITH MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ELEM. EDUCATION!!
4. one more for good luck - GET HIRED!!!

I tag Becca, Katie, and Bethany. Hee hee enjoy!

2012 Olympics: Here I Come!??!

Maybe it is the feeling of you can do anything you put your mind (and body) to as you watch the olympics and hear of the many stories of how someone reached their goal as an olympian or its the cool weather in the morning or insanity setting in but I accomplished something this morning that I probably never would have thought I would do probably two weeks ago. Over the summer, I have (sparatically) been walking in the morning. Well about a month ago my right foot started to really bother me and if I don't wear arch supports or wrap my foot, it feels like I have left cactus needles in my heel for two years. So instead of walking, my friend Lynell and I started to ride bikes so we could still do a little bit of exercise. I think I am past the sore 'hiney' now but today I really pushed myself and I am pretty proud of myself that I did it. (Even though I was slower than the others).

So what did I do to make myself think that I can be an olympian? I rode from my house to the stoplight in Snowflake! Our guess is about 10 miles (I'm clocking it tomorrow) but this is definitely a big physical accomplishment for me. And its harder than you think. When you drive between Snowflake and Taylor 20 billion times in your life you do not notice all the hills. Let me say that if you ride a bike you will notice every slight incline there is. You know the phrase "Uphill both ways", thats what it felt like.)

There was only one time that I did loose my sanity temporarily and had to chant to myself "pump, pump, pump" as I climbed a hill, but I did okay since I am not Ms. Exercise herself (I just hate to sweat-a little phobia I have, I know I am weird). And I am not sore at all either, but I did take a nap because I was so drained and did not have enough energy to even keep my 2 oz eyelids from closing this afternoon, so I do feel good about it.

Okay so I may not end up waving to the Queen of England as I race through London in 2012 as a cyclist but I do have a smaller fear of not doing 'this' or 'that' because my mind tells me I can't do it because my body is weak. I am definitely the little train who not only said "I think I can" but "I know I can." I still have a long ways to go to receiving the title of Ms. Exercise but I know that I can do it. Just takes a little bit of will power and a good friend to get you up early each morning to do it.

DAWN has BROKEN

Okay, I know I wasn't the only one out there that was psyched to have the final book of the Twilight Saga published. I only became a fan of Twilight at the beginning of the summer because before then I really had no time for 'recreational' reading. Thanks to Deb who insisted I read the books, I have been entertained this summer (along with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law). Anyways, I was a 'Twilighter' that attended a "Breaking Dawn Party" at Barnes and Noble. It was fun and I made a shirt with my sis Heather and friend Debbie to wear to the party. (No we were not crazy enough to dress up in a prom dress or vampire outfit, definitely not that crazy). Here's a pic of us showing off our newly acquired shirts.

The party was fun. We spent over an hour doing the trivia. Of course we didn't win anything but we sure got the book. I was actually the last one to purchase a book that night (long story) and I am definitely glad that I purchased it. The story is very INTENSE!! If you have not read the books and need some good reading I highly recommend the saga. Stephenie Meyer's is simply put - a GENIUS!! (I also recommend "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer).

1 Year Anniversary...

Well, it has now been a year since I left my (some) family and fabulous friends in the "Valley of the Sun", quit Country Ins. ;(, and moved back to Taylor. I cannot believe that a year has passed. (For those who I have not stayed in contact with I moved back to complete my bachelor's degree through NAU). As hard of a decision it was, I am truly really, without a smidgeon of doubt, glad, that I made the move. Yeah it's been hard and wEiRd, but it has been great for me. I definitely see my schooling coming to an end. Its not a facade! Yahoo! One more year and I will be an official teacher!

Not only has the move brought me closer to my degree but also has given me the opportunity to establish new friendships. It was hard to move back knowing that most of the high school chubs were not here but I have been blessed with additional people that I have added to my circle of friends. :) I've even gotten to ride in a jeep!! Thanks Lynell!

Another plus has been the wonderful weather!! The sidewalk still burns my feet when I go get the clothes off the line, but I don't have to take a bath after 10 seconds of being outside. Cool, crisp mornings, starry sky, and clean air I have thoroughly enjoyed. Nothing like reading a good book (yes, from the twilight saga) in the shade, lounging in the green grass. You just have to watch out for bugs but it is still delightful.

The negative-not all has been 'smiley' because I did leave good friends and family. I really miss my niece and nephews, who are definitely a big joy to me. And of course, I really miss my Moki's, Olive Garden, and Tia Rosa. Above that I miss Kohls. --that's about it. Oh just kidding Mo-I really miss my ol' job. My first and only job (technically because I wasn't hired to be a substitute) was definitely a BIG highlight of my 6 years in Mesa. All ya'll that I worked with - Monique, Sara, Tara, Lena "Hammy", and "Dobbie" - truly blessed my life and helped me through those good and hard times. The laughs are treasured :) Love ya lots. (pic of me, Monique, and Sara to the left)

The next to year to come...Like I said, I have one more year of schooling till I complete my bachelor's degree. January I will be doing my student teaching which I am applying to do in Europe (one month till the interview!!). I really hope I get this experience for several reasons. To name a few (1) get to give a little bit back to the service men and women of our country 'cause I will be teaching the kids on American military bases. (2) Hello! Europe!! and (3) get to experience different cultures that will hopefully open my eyes to more beautiful (and different) things in this blessed world.

Beautiful Sunset

Arizona is very popular for its sunsets. This is one that I captured the other night after it rained a little during the day. Very pretty isn't it??!

The first of many (hopefully)

At the request of several people, I decided to dive into the life of a blogger. I cannot guarantee that it will be exciting (I only live in Taylor so only so much can happen) but I cannot guarantee that it will be boring. Its what life gives me. For those who read this and want to know what I am up to keep reading...Right now my life is open to any possibility. (Except maybe participating in the 2008 summer olympics in Beijing. I think qualifying is over but who knows maybe 2012 will be my year.) Actually I am living a 'free' life right now because school is on break and I am taking a break from a job for the summer. This past year I substituted and boy was it an experience. I ended up being the FACS teacher (cooking) at Snowflake Junior High for the last semester. Yep, teenagers and knives! Only one kid cut herself so I think it was successful. Whether or not those kids can cook anything besides ramen now, I don't know.

Starting in August I will be starting the FINAL semester of College! I am almost done and I thank all those who have been with me and supported me throughout the VERY LONG process of getting my bachelors degree in Elementary Ed. I will be doing my student teaching in January and I hope to have the great privilege of doing it in Europe on an American military base. (Long story, can give more details later).