9/29/07

Saturday really is a Special Day!

Well, here I am at the library. It is a great place to hang out, although it is sometimes hard to remain invisible here. For some reason, a special patron decided to sit across from me and start telling me stories about falling from a window at a bar. Do I really look like a nice person, whom you should strike up conversations with? I didn't think so. It would seem really mean to just get up and unplug my computer and go somewhere else in the library, so I am going to do my best to ignore him and hopefully he will leave me alone and think I am invisible again. Maybe I should dedicate this blog to all of the librarians everywhere who have to deal with "interesting" people each and everyday of their working lives.

I think I can tie my mood to the weather these days. In my last post I mentioned that my manic stage had halted. Well, that was while it got warm and sunny again. Now, it is dreary and chilly and I am happy again. I really like it when it rains. It just brings excitement to my soul. Maybe I have been ruined by my upbringing in Wisconsin where it rains every other day during the summer. Who knows. But I am glad to be happy again. Maybe I should go to a psychologist. Maybe not!

Today is a good day. I slept until 10:30 which was very needed because I have been getting very little sleep the past week. After waking, I made myself a great egg breakfast flanked with turkey bacon, toast and limeade. Very wonderful. It was made even more wonderful because I ate in in front of the TV while watching football. What is happening to Notre Dame this year, by the way?

I also managed to get motivated enough to unpack two boxes. I am very much a slacker because I have lived in my new place for over a month now and hadn't, until today, gotten enough energy to touch any of the boxes sitting in my kitchen. So, that is an accomplishment!

Now, I am here in the library with the crazies. Wait, does that mean I am a crazy? I didn't think so. In a few short minutes, I will be heading home and enjoying the Wisconsin game. That is if it isn't blacked out in my area. That would be sad, but maybe good because I would then probably be motivated to unpack more boxes and/or grade some of the hundreds of papers I brought home that need to be graded!

Good times ahead.

Well, enjoy your weekend. I really think we should switch to the 5 day weekend and two day work week. I would be a happy camper for sure!

Word!

9/27/07

Kids are awesome...and Krazy!

When you think about sitting in the library, you might think of a very quiety and sterile place. Oh, this is not so on the first floor of the Provo City Library. It is a happening place. There are people looking for books, and surfing the internet. And then there are the fun little people that frequent the library. They are here to get some books, and maybe a movie or two...and aparently today they are here to make friends. There is one little girl about three years old who says "hi" to everybody who she sees. She also asked me if I was the mom of another little girl. Very curious and always trying to make connections these little people. Her little brother is in a stroller and he also greeted me and gave me an air "pound it."

I like kids. They like you even before they meet you. I wish more people would be like that. I wish I could be that kind of a person.

I think my manic stage has worn off today. For some reason, I am just not feeling it today. I am tired and all the sudden cranky and lonely. I feel like it is raining in my soul. Like nobody cares or something. Now, please realize friends that this is normal for me and it isn't like I actually ever buy into these feelings. I just think something is different today...and I don't like it.

But, my mom called me today and that always makes life better, doesn't it? I also got my laundry done and got to go eat pizza for lunch. All good things.

Well, before this is too depressing I will close. Leave a comment or something. That may brighten my days.

9/26/07

Paparazzi, Pickles and Pom Poms!



(click on the pictures to see them bigger and with captions!)

Okay, so this blog will probably not have anything to do with pickles or Pom Poms, but I am sure I need to talk about the Paparazzi for a moment, just because it is a great subject to talk about. At one time, because I am a complete lamo who has no life and likes to live vicariously through celebrities' lives, I thought I would like to be a member of the Paparazzi. I thought it would be cool to hang out around Hollywood and take pictures of the stars. But in reality, I have realized how stupid the whole idea of the Paparazzi is. They are basically really well paid stalkers. And stalkers are kinda creepy. It would be infuriating to have somebody sit across the street from your house waiting for you to go outside. It might just start to feel like you are, in fact, a prisoner in your own home. Getting the mail would even be subject for their fodder. They would say something like: "Look, Alice is just like the rest of us, she checks her mail." Then, if you were to go anywhere, they would chase you around and cause to you have accidents. That would be scary. I do not think I want to be a member of that society.

One of my friends, Ice, mentioned how she keeps her social life just like celebrities do with the Paparazzi, and I really feel this is something that is truly important. Actually, I think she picked up this terminology from me last year, but I am flattered that she uses it as if it were her own. See, to use this philosophy in your own life, you just don't make any comments to people in your social sphere about your social life...in particular you dating life. If there is anything going on, you just keep it to yourself. That way, if things don't work out, nobody is disappointed...except for you really. I wish I would have been better at doing this in the past, but I am not good at it yet. Hopefully, one day I will be able to practice this skill, but as usual I am not holding my breath. Just trying to be patient and wait for prince charming to ride up on his black stallion. Actually, I am being so patient that if her were to hobble up on crutches and only be semi-charming, I might just give him a chance. It is kinda funny how the older I get; the less picky I get. Not to say that there are not nice guys around, it is just they are usually not finding me. So, bald....hey, ask...I will say yes. Chunky...yes. Older...yes. Shorter....hmmm, still debatable....hehe.

Well, today was an adventure as always. The kids at the alternative high school always make life interesting. Today, I had the opportunity to teach a few kids a life lesson. Basically, it was the lesson that if you change your mind quickly while making a bad decision, you may not get in as much trouble as you could have. Two boys were trying to escape school via the fence leading to the park next store, when I spotted them. I said loudly to them: "Gentlemen, I see you trying to sneak of campus and I am giving you a change to make the right decision and come back over the fence and go to class." One of the boys I did not see and could have made a break for it. The other was just behind the fence and stood still debating whether or not to take my advice. Slowly, he came back and so did his buddy. I figured they would make their way to class, but I later checked with our Vice Principal and sure enough they never made it back to class. They probably went right over the fence again after I had gone back into the school and now they will be in lots more trouble than if they had just gone back to class. Poor, poor souls.

Other than the busting of the truants it was a pretty okay day at Independence High School. I gave a test in Health, which is always my favorite thing to do. (Until, I remember that I have to grade them!)

I went for a fabulous bike ride in the canyon again. The leaves are starting to change along the bike trail now. Have I mentioned that I love the fall? There are a few pictures of my journey for you to enjoy. (Megan, the one with me and my bike is going to be the engagement picture. I am going to marry that bike. What state would that be legal in?) I also took a picture of my big light up pumpkin, which is one of my favorite possessions. It is also handy because I do not have a porch light that works, so Mr. Pumpkin lights the way for me in the dark. Don't worry Mom, I don't live in the ghetto!

Well, Remember the Titans and have a superb day/night!

9/25/07

Fall is my favorite!



The temperatures have gone down and that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Wait...maybe the temp. being lower makes me chilly and fuzzy inside. Yeah, that is better. I really am a cool weather type of girl. I think the weather being rainy and chilly this weekend made for a turn around in my attitude. I never claimed to be normal...and that isn't the norm. Most people get excited about Mr. Sun. I like him and all, but he burns me sometimes. And seriously...I like when Ms. Rain makes her appearance. So, needless to say, Alice has been one happy camper the past few days.

Yesterday, I think I had diarrhea of the mouth. I think it is called logorrhea. Or something, I love to learn new words too.(I learned that word at faculty meeting today!) Anyway...I just couldn't stop talking. I really think I have hit a turning point. I think it could also be because I stopped listening to Kelly Clarkson's new CD. I decided to give it a rest...and bam...better mood. Weird huh?

I got to play tennis yesterday. My friend, Bingo, almost decided for us not to go because she is a pansy and didn't think it was warm enough to play. Luckily, we went anyway. It was pretty hilarious to see her all bundled up in a beanie and long sleeves and pants. So funny. It wasn't that cold when you were moving. We decided to end on a tie at 5 games a piece because it reminded us of our childhood when it was the best to end on a tie. No fights, no feelings hurt. Very good all around! Man, I have missed playing tennis. We also went for slurpees afterward which is also a happy maker for me!

Tonight, we play softball again. It is our second game in the tournament. If we lose, we will be done for the season, which would make me pretty sad, but as I age losing isn't as hard as it once was. I am just glad to play and have a good time.

I am horrible at keeping caught up with my grading. My poor little students hate that about me...but they just have to deal with it because it is out of their control and mine really. I did spend two hours grading today after school. It was much needed. Unfortunately, there is still a bit more to grade. Bummer. Too bad I have no motivation ever! Maybe tomorrow! :) Procrastinators Unite Tomorrow!

The pictures are to show why I love this time of year. The trees on the mountains are a changin'. Love it. Man, I love fall. I got to wear pants to school yesterday. It is very cold in the mornings. I love these new Adidas pants...they have a great pajama-like feel! Love it. And the Packers are 3-0...what fan would complain about that? Love it. I love to be able to see highlights on ESPN as well. Love my DVR. I tape Sportscenter every morning and watch it as I eat breakfast. So very nice.

Well, must get ready for softball...wish me luck!

9/22/07

Living in a college town isn't all it is cracked up to be!

Today is a home football game for Brigham Young University. That is great and all, except if you actually live here and have no passion for BYU football. Then it is just an annoyance. I was reminded of how much I hate to drive in Provo during such events as I came back from my bike ride today. So much traffic and bad driving. I had to take the secret slow way to keep my sanity!

I did enjoy the ride in the canyon though. The fall colors are starting to pop. I wish I would have had my camera, but no such luck. Maybe next time.

I think I have adult onset ADHD. I have just been wanting to crawl out of my skin lately. That is weird for me seeing I am usually a pretty calm individual. Maybe it is because I watch too much TV. Maybe I should be a part of a new study to see if TV can also affect adults and make them also get ADHD.

Maybe these ADHD moments come from the socially akward situations that I am placed in. Last night was another birthday party and I really didn't want to go to it. Why do people have to have birthdays all the time? I was at another one last weekend. Then today I have to go to a bridal shower and I really hate bridal showers. I thought I would be done with bridal showers by now seeing so many people in my sphere get married all the time. At 24, I thought I was done. I guess that is not true. Maybe I should just start hanging out with only married people. Then there will be no showers and no receptions to have to live through! SIGH.

Well, I think that is it. Remember to say Yes! It is the theme of the month!

9/19/07

Just some more pics!


The librarians will be kicking me out in like two minutes. Must only post the pics and write more tomorrow. I was not happy to have to dress up for Enritchment tonight. I did love frisbee golf last night. Until later...later gators!

9/17/07

Okay so they finally uploaded!



Enjoy my new mums at my house and my new brewers shrine. The hand is some writing my crazy student did...she was so sad I didn't still have it on this morning at school. I told her that hygene is very important to me.

Pictureless

blog blog blog. Well, here I am again after spending a half an hour trying to post pictures to this post. Unfortunately, it didn't work. I hate wasted time. That really browns my biscuits. Whatever that means.

Today I wanted to murder my students. I do not know where all this rage is coming from. Maybe I was not held enough as a child. Just kidding, Mom!

I was just talking to Ms. Potato Head, our school counselor, today about the very subject of not having any patience for the students. I told her that it is way too early in the school year to be burnt out. We were very glad that we are not the only ones who are sick of kids already! Her potatoes were really baked!

I had a very good weekend. I actually tidied up the place. I wish you could see it but there are no pictures on this blog. Just envision vacuumed floors and sparkling white toilets. Well, only imagine one toilet because I only have one.

I decided today that I want to marry a Tongan. I think only a Pacific Islander could appreciate all I have to offer. Like my wide hips. A friend(who I refer to as Ice, and who does not want to be named) told me she would go to a Polynesian Ward as long as I could find a British Ward for her to attend. Very funny. I still am very bitter about the lack of normal men around the globe. (Or even in this small valley)

I really wish I had something profound to say today but my brain feels like mush. Actually, I don't really know how my brain would feel but I just know my neurons are not working properly.

Take your vitamins and have a great day!

9/12/07

Incognito isn't for everybody.

Well, it is hard to hide if you are say 5'10" and 235 lbs. There just isn't enough camouflage to make that go away.

When it comes to being anonymous on my blog, you will come to find that it is also hard to hide and this will make you sad(there just aren't any invisibility cloaks around these parts!). From now on I am going to make up names for everybody I know. And the names will always be changing, as to keep their identity safe. It is like the Witness Protection Program, but much less serious and much more humorous. So, watch out everybody, you may become Ms. Potatohead, Dolly, Nacho, Pencil, Turbo, Ice, or some other crazed name.

It kind of reminds me of my Leadership class at school. I had to put them into groups in order for them to feel wanted and part of a group. I guess it was also in order for them to check on one another and improve the graduation rate or something. Anyway, two of my groups could not come up with a clever names, so I named them. One group is a group of boys who are now referred to as The Little Ponies. They really love it, and that was me being totally sarcastic. Well, one boy loves it and he truly has my heart because he does love it and the other two completely loathe it! The other group that couldn't come up with a name for themselves is referred to as the I Don't Knows and they are working on getting a clever name. Good for them, too bad for The Little Ponies, because they are stuck with that name. I will never ever let them change it. Well, maybe I would if they offered to wash my car, bring me candy or just be quiet for 20 minutes at a time(it is usually only 30 seconds of quiet at any give time!).

I had a not laughing contest at school today with one of my students. She is hilarious and is always laughing. For some reason, she thinks I am hilarious. Whenever she looks at me, she just bursts out laughing. Some would take this to mean that she thinks I am funny looking, but I know better. She just associates my face with the humor she always comes in contact with because of me. Well, we both went five minutes without laughing, which was a huge feat for both of us. I was so excited to know that she actually can be serious, seeing she usually only goes seconds without laughing! It is also comforting to know that I also can be serious for more then five seconds.

Well, I must go back to my amazing life. I think there might be some baseball watching in my future. Either live via the Orem Owlz or on TV via ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball!

Cheers!

9/11/07

Pictures to get you in the mood for reading my last post!

Vent, Vent, Vent!

So, are you ready for a blog post that is full of rage and angst? Well, seeing you are somebody who is reading my blog, I am sure you are up for it.

I was just talking with one of my friends at school about the great art of venting. The only problem each of us have run into when it comes to this subject is that we always feel bad about venting. It makes us feel like monsters who have had a frontal lobotomy. We just feel like big meanies. We also feel that we must stick up for the people being vented about when somebody is venting. Like it is hard for the person outside of the room to have to deal with their ears ringing or something.

I think I am going to have to start going to Ventaholics Anonymous. That is the only solution to this problem. Or I may just have to go on and on in this blog about all the things that make me angry.

Number One: Stupid people being very fertile and smart people not being fertile.

Seriously, Darwin's whole theory basically states that this should not be happening. For the good of all societies stupid people should not be reproducing. But for some reason, they are. Stupid people's children are being born right now. Stupid peoples children are being put in jail right now. Stupid people right now are getting pregnant. Stupid people right now are getting other stupid people pregnant. When is this craziness going to stop?

And why is it that the fittest people to be parents, who desperately want to have children, can't have them. This is just not fair!

Number Two: No matter what career you choose, there will always be the gloom of politics lurking in every corner.

I am supposed to get getting a 2500 dollar bonus this year from the Utah State Legislator. Well, this money has already been given to the school district I work for. Is this a bonus for all school districts? NO. This money is for teachers. But for six months the district will make money off of my money by putting it in a bank and getting the interest. Fair? I think not. Shouldn't I be able to put my own money in a bank and make more money via interest? Not so nice.

I was discussing this with a co-worker today and I was going on and on about politics and how if I did change careers to journalism I would still have to deal with the downer of politics and that I should just become a driver for FedEx. Unfortunately, she had to remind me that there was surely politics involved in the shipping industry as well. Drats!

Number Three: Twenty four hours are just not enough hours to do everything I want to do.

I want to read a million books. I want to ride my bike endlessly. I want to write a novel. I want to sleep. I want to learn how to make a million dollars. I want to play frisbee golf. So many things to do and so very little time. And on top of that I have 70 hours of TV waiting to be watched on my DVR. SIGH!

Lastly, Number Four: I know so many amazing women who happen to be getting closer to thirty or even older than thirty and they are single. I also know many married people who have no right to be married.

Seriously, where are all the men? I am sick of being dateless and bored when it comes to my social life. I have been pondering all of this because I always think that if guys are 30 and over that they must be losers and weird or they'd be married. That is normal to think but then I started to think about myself and how I am over thirty and also single. Does this mean I am a loser and weird? My friend, Pansy, assured me that it wasn't me, but I think she is biased being a woman who is also approaching thirty and still single. And why are so many idiots married(no, not all married people are idiots, just so many of them!). These people are mean and stupid. Why do they get the opportunity to be married?

I think I am so ornery this week because I have been taking Centrum Silver vitamins. Maybe this combination of vitamins makes one become a geriatric. I am becoming a angry old woman. I know it is true. So, very crabby, thinking that the world is out to get me and just trying to make me mad. Where did all these whippersnappers come from?

I hope you enjoyed my little vent session. It has definitely made me feel better, which proves my theory: Venting is good for the soul!

9/8/07

Welcomed Weekend!

I only taught for four days this week, but am still massively tired. I am always amazed by my body's ability to fall asleep during the school year. When summer is here, I have no problems staying awake until one of two in the morning. During the school year it is a completely different story! I have been watching the TV show House the past few weeks on DVD. I am trying to get caught up before the real show comes on in a few weeks. Well, every night that my friend and I watch it, I miss at least one episode. It is like I have developed narcolepsy. It is crazy.

Today I went to the funeral of the wife of one of our teachers at Independence. I hate funerals. Seriously, I don't even think I will want to go to my own. Why is it that we do not do so well with death? It is something that happens everyday. Maybe it is because we are reminded of how fragile life truly is and how short it also is. I also think it makes us think of people who we love that one day we may have to say goodbye to and that is depressing. I also am no good at saying anything to people who have lost a loved one. Jose(JROTC teacher at our school) has been so strong during this whole ordeal. He even smiled at us as he was walking into the service today. That amazes me. If I were in his position, I only imagine myself covering my face and crying very loudly. There would be much wailing. He has such a positive outlook and is one of the most amazing people I know. The funeral itself was so beautiful. Jose's kids wrote such good eulogys. It was touching. I was very glad though that we sung hymns in Spanish because the service took place in a Spanish LDS ward. Singing "God be with You 'Til We Meet Again" always gets the waterworks going in me. It was much easier to sing the Spanish words.

Right now, I am sitting in the Provo City Library. I like the library. It is a nice place. It is rather noisy right now, but I am not trying to study or anything so that is good. I am, on the other hand, totally procrastinating actually grading the assignments I must grade while being here. I cannot just sit in my own house and grade anymore. I must have the internet and tragically there is not enough signal to do so at my house! Dang stealing the internet just won't be possible anymore. Sad Days!

Tonight, I will be watching "The Office" on DVD with some friends. The third season came out on DVD Tuesday, and I am going out to purchase it today. We have been waiting for this moment for a while. I think I really am a TV junkie. Most people look down on that but I really am enjoying it. Crazy weird.

I am also a DVR addict. I have about 70 hours of taped shows on my Dish right now. I love being able to fast forward through the boring parts of baseball games. I also love being able to not HAVE to watch commercials. It is awesome. Another cool thing is that I can watch two things at once. It has come in very handy already as I will watch a Dodger game at the same time I am watching college football. It is wonderful!

If you are thinking of getting satilitte TV, DO IT! And if you are serious, go with Dish Network. I find them the best and if you do get Dish, please put me down as a reference. I get a discount and so do you! :) See everybody wins!

Well, until next time.
Peace!

9/5/07

Pictures of the weekend and new apartment.



Well, I finally got the pictures loaded. Sorry it took so long.

Now you can see that it is official that my former roommate is married. You can also see that I had a fun weekend with friends, both at the sheepdog championships and the storytelling festival. Good times.

The pics of the new place are in order so that you can take a visual tour of my place. Go up the stairs, then the first thing you see is the front room. Then it is to the bedroom area with my bathroom off the right and then a great view from my window. I really do love my place. It rained last night and I slept so well there. Spectacular! It is also raining right now as I type this behind the wheel of my car. Okay, so I am not driving. I can't get good internet at my new house so I must venture out into society(maybe it is a good thing because I like my new place so much and my DVR even more! It is good for me to get out every once in a while!). It probably seems weird to see somebody in their car with a laptop. I am glad I didn't go out in the rain though!

Well, not much news. Just avoiding unpacking and watching way too much TV. Life IS good!

Hasta Amigos

9/2/07

So many Things Change!

Went to Sheepdog Competition Saturday. Very intriguing. It was so cool to go to the competition. I got to eat a Gyro and drink fresh lemonade, but really the dogs were the highlight, I promise. The sheepdogs were so impressive. They are way cool. I loved how they would crouch down in the grass and intimidate the sheep. It was art!

My roommates are no long my roommates. Melanie truly got married. I will upload a pic of that too. It was fun to be able to be at her wedding. And seriously, it was all about being at the wedding...it was not all about having a half day off! :) I really do want to get married. Where are all the men? Just remember, friends I have given up on it all so it is your responsibility to find me somebody. I am so ready to be set up.

I love long weekends. I was able to go to the storytelling festival with four of my good friends. I was also fun to be able to text Mary Beth across the lawn and tell her that librarians are weird. It was real funny because she happened to be there lots of librarians. Some of them even threatened to beat me up. Just for the record. I love librarians. In fact, they are some of the most brilliant people I know. I just like to pick on them too. They are too big of Nerd burglers though. If you want a few laughs you should check out Mary Beth's blog at librarianpants.blogspot.com She is hilarious. It has been weird not living with her and Mel. Like I said at church today it is like I have lost one of my appendages and she is like a phantom arm. It is like it feels like she should be around, but really she is gone and doesn't live where I live anymore. Tragic really. Actually, I am really enjoying my new place. I am sure I will get used to it. It is very nice to have a place that is all my own and I can do whatever I want to it. I don't have to worry about other people's stuff or mine being where it shouldn't be. Although, it is my goal to be more organized and more tidy.

Tomorrow I plan on going to a baseball game in Salt Lake. I sure do love Labor Day. Did you ever wonder why we have the day off on Labor Day? It is celebrating labor and we don't even get out there and perform labor. Seems a bit like just an excuse to have the day off to me. But don't worry I am not complaining. I will be loving it when I am sitting in the sun taking in a good ball game with a hotdog and some rootbeer.

I cannot believe that we are done with two weeks of school already. It is nice to be back into the swing of things though. I really am enjoying my students. My girls PE class is already my favorite. Maybe it is because they actually did the wave when I suggested it. So funny. They are cute and nice. So far they are impressive. Basically, all my students are good thus far. Good times.

I have decided to get a fishing license. Goes a long with the theme of making Alice Happy this year. So far, my Dish Network is making me real happy. Don't worry , I do leave my apartment on occasion.