March 14: Locked Out

Today was going to be a productive day. I was going to go in to school for a couple of hours and get caught up on cleaning some things in my classroom. I had it all planned out. As I was ready to leave my house I realized that I didn't have my classroom key. So frustrating!!! I even tried to call another teacher who was going into school so she could grab the custodian and have him open my door for me. She just missed him. Oh well! I guess that means I can relax and have the weekend off.

(That sounds good today, but I will regret it on Monday!)

March 13: Shoes: A Love/Hate Relationship

This post was prompted by the fact that more than half the contents of my shoe shelves were in my living room and I finally put them away today. The love comes from the fact that I have a compulsion to buy new ones all the time. I have to limit my excursions to Famous Footwear because I can always find a pair I like.
The hate comes from the fact that I hate to actually wear shoes, no matter how cute they are. I know its crazy, but I would rather go barefoot all the time. I can't wait for spring when I can wear sandals and my feet aren't confined in socks and shoes constantly. Hence the reason there is a shoe pile in my living room--I take them off as soon as I walk in the door. My sisters would tell me that I have to warn you when my shoes do come off. It's another reason I hate shoes: they make my feet smelly. I guess you are all now forewarned!

March 12: Some Well Deserved R & R (on the couch I hate)

So I have to admit that I crashed after the exhausting experience of putting on our program. I relaxed on the couch all night and just vegged. Boy, did it feel good-except for the fact that I hate my couch. It is ugly and only slightly comfortable!

So, why do I have it? Because it was free.

When I moved into my apartment I didn't have any living room furniture. My sister knew somebody who was trying to get rid of a couch and some chairs before moving. I went over and offered to pay her, but she said that I could just have them if I moved them out of her house. There's no better deal than that, so until I drag myself to RC Willey or some other furniture store, this is best it gets.
And when that day finally comes I will NOT be looking for a couch with flowers OR stripes.

March 11: 5th Grade's Excellent Adventure through American History

Today the 5th grade put on an amazing performance! I was so proud of these kids, they did a fantastic job. We have been learning songs and rehearsing since December, and today every minute was worth it. We memorized thirteen songs about events in American history and every student had a part of some kind. Some kids spoke about using the "time machine" to go back in history, some kids acted out the events described in our songs, and some had solo singing parts. Everyone knew their parts, everyone looked great in their costumes, and we all had a great time.

Bravo!

March 10: Praise for Generous People

This picture is of my praise board at school. My kids are encouraged to find qualities and actions of their peers to praise. It helps us to look for the positive in one another.

I would like to write my own praise note today.

We are trying hard to get ready for our big 5th grade production this week and the sound system in our gym wasn't working. We contacted Performance Audio about renting some equipment and the nicest guy, Terry, helped us out. First of all, he let us take the equipment last Friday, but only charged us for the two days we would need it this week. Then he took the time to make sure my friend would know exactly how to hook everything up and run it. The nicest thing he did today though. A guy from the District came to the school and showed us how to run our school's system with a remote. We called Performance Audio, and the nice man agreed to let us return the rented sound system and refund all of our money.

Who knew generous people still existed in the business world? If you ever need sound system equipment, I highly recommend Peformance Audio, they are great people to work with.

March 9: Rock Band

I was introduced to the game "Rock Band" last summer by some guys in my ward. I have played it with them many times since including tonight after FHE. It's a pretty fun game if I don't have to play the drums, I'm terrible at them. I do okay with the guitar on the easiest level, but I prefer to be the singer. That's not to say I'm great at it, I don't know many of the songs as a result of my limited exposure to rock music. The best thing would be if they would make a Country Rock Band version; I would probably want to play a lot more.

March 8: Ward Prayer Treats

Every Sunday night my single's ward gets together for an activity we call "Ward Prayer." It involves everyone answering an random question as a get-to-know-you activity (Where would you go to shop if you had unlimited funds for one hour? is an example), then we sing a hymn, someone shares a spiritual thought, someone else offers a prayer, and we have a treat that another person brings. Those who choose can stay to play games.

It is a typical single's ward experience, but it is usually fun. I had volunteered to bring treats tonight, so I decided to make muffins. Unfortunately, with my Sunday schedule, I didn't have time to make them before it was time to go to my mom's house. Luckily for me I have a nice mom who I knew would let me make a mess in her kitchen. I only took pictures of the boxes because I burned some of the muffins. I even had a timer set, but I guess that is just more proof of how bad of a cook I am--I mess up on muffins from a box. Oh well, people still ate them, but maybe next time I will just sign up to give the thought!