You Never Know

A fabulous weekend so far!!!

2012-02-12T00:42:00.002-07:00

Well, somebody is officially engaged. That somebody is me!

Tonight as we were talking about weddings, Reuben took out a black box from his pocket and said: "Speaking of which, will you marry me?" I told him that he probably should get down on one knee and ask me. He did and I said yes. This happened in my living room by the way. Reuben and I are very laid back people and lots of times the pomp and circumstance just doesn't apply to us. It wasn't a huge production, but it was sweet and nice. I LOVE my ring and it is nice to finally have it after a few weeks wait which started to seem very long!

We then went to Tucano's and had some amazing Brazilian Grill for a friend's birthday party. . It rocked. I was very full. We then went to the friend's house and ate dessert(like I needed it!) and visited. It was a very fun night!

Last night, Reuben met my friend Jane and I and a big chunk of the Bills family for dinner at Woody's(Jane and I arrived early to Morgan's house and played with the boys for a while. They are so dang cute!). Woody's have amazingly tasty burgers and fries. I was in heaven. Then Reuben took Jane, Josh and I down to the Energy Solutions Arena for the Jazz-Thunder game. The Jazz lost but it was so fun to be there. Jane, Josh and I then took Trax back out to my car. Also, a fun experience.

I am sure you want to hear the story of how I met Reuben, don't you? Well, back in December, I had noticed him at church. I knew I wanted to get to know him better. I invited him to December's Rockband party. He came and I was so excited that I really didn't talk to him a whole lot(have I ever mentioned that I am a social degenerate?) Luckily, that didn't scare him away. At Christmas, I texted him and wished him a Happy Christmas. We texted back and forth a bit and then I also texted a New Years greeting. Again we texted back and forth a bit as I flew back to Utah. I really wanted to ask him to dinner but I decided he should be the one to ask. He did and we went to Italian food for our first date. We talked and talked and the waitress had to come back to us five times before we ordered because we were so distracted I think we have been distracted ever since. After a few weeks of dating, we both felt we were heading towards seriousness and marriage. And we still feel that way today, obviously.

Reuben is awesome. I don't know why I have gotten so lucky in love. He washes dishes, fixes things, cooks and even tonight, he offered to scrub my toilet. He treats me so well and makes me feel so special. I had given up on finding somebody a long time ago and am often finding myself asking: Is this for reals? I am so excited to marry my best friend in June. I feel like I have known Reuben all my life, even though it has only been a couple of months. This is awesome. Enjoy the pics from the past few days.

Reminder

2012-02-07T22:32:00.002-07:00

The third term of the year is very hard. The kids are done with school, and frankly(I don't know why it concerns Frank, either) the teachers are too! I have felt very much like I am done with the horrible language, the sexual remarks, dress code violations and bad attitudes. I find that my patience in minuscule and that I am having a hard time loving my students.

Well, just when I needed it most, one of my favorite former students walked into my classroom yesterday during the last period of the day. He was one of my Leadership students who graduated two years ago and who I had as a student in my Leadership class for all four of his high school years. He was one of my favorites because he was sensitive and would do anything that I asked him to do(that is always an amazing characteristic in my students) and he truly cared not only for me but for the students he went to school with.

The reason for his visit was to make amends in a way. He felt as if he had lied to his teachers because he put on a face that said everything was alright, but in fact, he was battling depression and was suicidal. (This was pretty interesting to me because I knew all along he was depressed and often talked with his dad about said depression and the worry I had for him. This student thought he was hiding this from both his dad and his teachers, silly kid!) He also came to tell me thank you because he felt that if it were not for the care that I showed him, he wouldn't be here today. I was truly touched. This is the reason I go to work everyday. It isn't for the money(although I do like to be able to pay rent and for food), the prestige(haha, yeah right), or the great hours(ha ha again! Yeah right, teachers only work 8-3, right?). The reason I get out of bed everyday is because there may be one student whom I need to talk to that day. There may be one kid who needs a non-judgement ear, or a shoulder to cry on. I am there to help the one. Sure it would be great to say that I can change each and every kid, but in reality, I can only help those who will accept it. It was truly an honor to have this student thank me and tell me he had always considered me one of his friends.

I wear a bracelet that says "Love Them More." It is inspired by a tattoo on Kelly Clarkson's right wrist. The story behind it is that Kelly would often talk to her step-father about people who were bothering her and he would just say: "Well, maybe you need to love them more." Sometimes, the people who are hardest to love, are the ones who need our love the most. I feel this way about the kids I work with everyday. They don't need another person to point out their weaknesses or to constantly be putting them in the wrong. They just need somebody to love them. Today, I told my Connections class(the replacement to Leadership) the story of my former student and promised that I was going to be more full of love. It is the month of love after all, isn't it?

May we all be a little more committed to open our hearts to those around us and to spread love around. I think the messed up world we live in needs it. So get out there and love people. Just LOVE! Open doors for those behind you, let people into you lane when you would rather not to, smile at random strangers, help a mom with crying kids, carry things for elderly people(or young people too!), ask a co-worker how their day is, be happy for those around you. There are so many things we can do to make the world a better place. We just need to notice where we can help and the courage to do so. Just do it!

Love you all,
Alice

Howdy.

2012-02-06T23:07:00.001-07:00

Time warp much? Yeah. That pretty much sums up how I have felt the last month. Seriously, time is flying yet in some ways going slowly.

Thursday night we decorated my friend, Kristi's, office. It was her birthday on Friday. We decided flowers were in order. She loved them even if she was at a conference on Friday and didn't get said flowers until today.

Friday night, Rueben and I went to my school's basketball games. The kids were funny about seeing us holding hands. We went to dinner between games and then went to play games at my friend, Jamie's, mom's house. It was way fun.

Saturday, I ran and then went to lunch with Morgan and Derek and their crew of wee ones. It was fun even if the wee ones were a bit crabby.

Saturday night, Rueb and I made dinner and then watched a movie.

Sunday we went to church and then to a Superbowl party. It was a blast.

Today was hard. I am sick of teenagers. Too bad I have to work with them so closely. I think 3rd term burnout has hit. Bummer.

Let's hope tomorrow is better!

One highlight of the day was waking up to the wee ones. I stayed with them because I had a doctors appointment in salt lake this morning. Ezra is almost my friend these days. One day he will realize how cool I am!

12:22

2012-02-01T00:25:00.001-07:00

Late nights abound.

Random pics and I'm off to sleep. Work is work. Reuben is cute and so much more fun to spend time with than work or grading. I laugh at myself for all the times I have picked on other people about dating and engagements. I guess you never really get it until you are living it. Crazy.

Why so fast Saturday?

2012-01-29T02:32:00.002-07:00

Weekends are going much too fast these days. Crazy.

Today was fun. Ran in the sun. 4 miles almost killed me. I was a pansy today.

Went ring shopping with Rueben. Yep, you heard it here first. I am getting married. The date is not set and it is not official(although different people have different definitions of official for being engaged. Some would say as soon as you decide to marry, others may say as soon as there is a ring and proposal. I am on the side of there is a ring on that finger. There is no ring. Rueben on the other hand is of the belief that it is when you decide to marry and has been introducing me as his fiancé the whole weekend. So I guess it's okay to talk about it on here.)

Someday when I am not tired I will tell you the whole month long story of us. Tonight you can just see pics of the ring. It isn't the real ring and it will be a bit different, but it is close. I will send more when the ring is really on my finger. Some of you may be completely shocked. Sorry I didn't call you or sent you any other news. I have been a busy girl the past few weeks. Rueben and I celebrated the start of this process via bowling, dinner and movies.

Cheers.

Tickets to Sundance.

2012-01-26T22:28:00.002-07:00

A whole bunch of my friends including my boyfriend(gag....just kidding) are going to a Sundance Film Festival movie at the Sundance resort tomorrow night. It is going to be awesome. I loved being a part of the fest last year. What a way cool thing.

Here are some icicles that were hanging from the roof at the resort tonight. Jane and I picked up our tickets before going to our weight watchers meeting. Good times!

Should be a fun Friday! Yipee. It seemed to take an eternity to get to the end of the week. I am afraid we have reached the hard part of the year.

Nope Not a Funeral.

2012-01-26T00:09:00.002-07:00

Hi. It's midnight. I don't get to bed much before now most days. I am not complaining because my life is very good now. And seriously, dating doesn't really measure how good life is, but when you are dating the right person it does make a huge difference. I am often finding myself wanting to gag after I say something cheesy about Rueben. Now, don't get me wrong, nothing about Rueben makes me want to gag. I just never thought I would be this cheeseball of a girl who gets all excited and mushy about what a man says or does. He is so good to me. I am finding it hard to believe that I have found such a great guy after all the years I have been looking. I keep asking myself where he has been the past ten years but always come to the conclusion that he was where he was supposed to be, learning the things he was supposed to be learning and becoming the person he was supposed to become. I too was doing that same thing the past ten years. And that, my friends is why I am often gagging these days. Cheeseball city!!!

In other news, it has been wear a certain color at school week amongst the teachers. It is a fun trick we play on the students every year. Usually by Wednesday the kiddos say something or another. Not too many have approached me about it. Yesterday was black day. It seemed very somber at lunch!

These flowers are not somber. I am a lucky girl and gag me with a spoon. But not really. Cheers!

Time is Flying!

2012-01-23T23:32:00.001-07:00

So it's almost the end of January. Time flies. I think dating makes for time to accelerate. It also makes for me being behind on grading sometimes. There was also a huge computer fiasco in my district which has caused even more grading woes! Sigh. I guess I'll just lock myself in my office for a while after classes tomorrow.

Not a whole lot happening lately. Friday we met the family in sandy for some burgers. We being Rueben and I. I guess there is a we these days! We then attended Stake Conference both Saturday and Sunday. There were some amazing talks! Sunday night we headed up to sandy again to celebrate Grandma Bills' birthday. It was a yummy meal with great company.

Tonight, I had dinner with Ruben and his parents. His mother is an amazing cook. We had a bean soup with her homemade bread. The apple crisp for desert was divine. Yum! It is fun to just hang at Rueben's. It seems very calming and natural.

Alright. Here are some pics: Kent and his matching ensemble, Rueben in Elvis glasses, the littlest Hagey's lovin' each other, Rueben putting my fixed cupboard door up, Rueben's studly baseball pic(he's always been handsome!), Oliver and his new cute haircut.

Guys are handy!

2012-01-18T23:40:00.001-07:00

It's almost Thursday. That is nice. I am looking forward to the weekend. (ok-I am always looking forward to the weekend.)

Today school flew. I worry my PE classes are pansies and I will be doing a lot of coaxing to get them motivated. Ugh.

Rueben came to fix a broken window in one of my kitchen cabinets. I hit my head on it a few months ago and slammed it in anger. Rueben saw it was broken and because he knows how to fix it and works with windows and glass, offered to fix it. Who would say no? Not this kid. It's fun to have a handy guy around. It may help that he is way good-looking too! And he also brought some tasty Chinese. I think I might keep him around for a while!

In my new health classroom, one of the kids pointed our an epic fail with the door. Can you catch it? I also think this student artwork is a fail too! Glad they labeled it because I was way confused!

Off to dream land! Cheers.

The weekend flew.

2012-01-17T00:06:00.001-07:00

Good times but it all went way fast.

Friday: Burger Friday and a movie with Rueben.

Saturday: Grading, running, and rockband.

Sunday: Farkle with Aiden and Christine, church, dinner with the Bills at the Hagey's. Erin and Isaac are in town. It's nice to see them!

Monday: Slept in, grocery shopping, cleaning office, making dinner, movie with Rueben.

Here are a few pics:

A fun visit in Cottonwood Heights

2012-01-13T10:42:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite places to visit is Cottonwood Heights, UT. It isn't really a destination that most people would consider a vacation destination, but when I am there I feel like I'm on a vacation. The restaurant is great. Pizza was on the menu last night. The cook is friendly and very concerned about my life and always makes me feel comfortable. The entertainment is very action- packed. Hide-N-Seek is my favorite activity followed by a close second of storytime.

I always have a great stay in Cottonwood Heights and last night was no different. I felt like this when I had to leave, but all good things come to an end:

Some details before I fall asleep.

2012-01-11T23:14:00.002-07:00

I'm sitting by these flowers smelling their wonderfulness. Reuben brought them to me before we went to the temple tonight. He's way cute.

Rueben is 33. He is creative and actually works in stained glass. He has worked on several pieces that are in many of my church's temples. He is from Orem, UT and is a few inches taller than me. We easily talk and feel like we have known each other much longer than a week and a half. I met Rueben at church and invited him to a Rockband party. We texted back and forth over the holidays and then had a date last Monday. Since then we have been out three other times. It is fun to get to know him. I am planning on living in the moments and not getting obnoxiously excited.

Any questions? The end.

Inspiration, which may sound insane when it's late.

2012-01-10T22:23:00.003-07:00

I have a friend who blogs. She is really good at it, but doesn't blog too often. She waits until she is inspired and takes writing to an art. I guess, I do not do this. I basically journal what happened to me that day. So here is an attempt at being like Kirsten. Do you even read this blog Kirsten?

Teachers do not live to teach. Well, at least this teacher doesn't. I get up everyday before work knowing that I could have a huge impact in one student's life. To me, I have been around teaching much to long to be naive enough to think that I will impact EVERY. SINGLE. STUDENT. I do not have the time or energy to help each of them. I do, on the other hand, have the ability, time and energy to help one student each day. Today that opportunity happened in the middle of my weight training class, with a student who isn't even in that class. In fact, said student isn't even in ANY of my classes. I needed a scissors from my office to help a student fix his droopy drawers issue, when I stumbled upon a former student who was red in the face and sobbing. I asked if I could do anything, but my voice was drained out by the sniffling and sobbing. "Can I give you a hug at least?" She accepted and then opened up to me a little about how she was stressed because she had been away at her mom's boyfriend's house the past week and had missed some school. She was feeling sick today, and really wanted to go home, but felt that she couldn't miss anymore school. I assured her she would be okay and that she had the option of getting some ibuprofen from the office to make her head feel better and then she could stay at school for the day, or she could go home and talk to her teachers to get work before leaving. She was a little more put together and calm after listening to me and I again asked if I could do anything else for her. She said no, still having a few tears. I said: "Not even another hug?" She accepted and buried her head in my arm. (I even felt the wet tears on my t-shirt for ten minutes after this encounter). As a group of students, I have no real love or great sympathy for my students. On a one-on-one basis, I feel that I have a great love for my students. It is at random times, like today, that I am reminded why I get up everyday. I get up for the Abbys of the world and to be there in that one moment of need to help calm and inspire that one kid. I'm glad Abby was able to remind me of this today.

I also follow Jillandkate. Today they did another "One Last Thing" post which is inspired by a section in People Magazine. I will answer these questions too because, after all, sleep is overrated.

1. Last Celebrity Crush….
Aaron Rodgers, if sports stars count. He is just yummy. I think I like him most with facial hair.

2. Last Album I Bought…
Jillandkate "Songs on the 17th, Vol. 1" They are so amazing. I love the way their voices blend and how rich they sound. I hope to one day seem them live and not just as Kelly Clarkson's backup singers!

3. Last Gift I Gave…
I gave my grandma a box of Sees Candies Chocolate. I wish she would have shared a piece with me!

4. Last Time I Apologized…
It was probably after I yelled at one of my classes. I sometimes have very little patience and then feel like an idiot for losing my cool.

5. Last Coupon I Used…
Not much for coupons but I do have a rewards card for my favorite yogurt place and I am only three yogurts away from a free one! Yipee!

And that, my friends, is the latest installment of You Never Know.

I hope you have good zzzzzs this night and that I do as well! One day you can hear all about the four dates I have had in one week. It's a good story. I like it. Cheers!

Happy Weekend.

2012-01-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

The week went quickly. That is always a good thing, even though I often think that I wish my life away quickly. I do hope I can survive next week. We will have two days of 90 minute classes. That will be hard when we are all used to 46 minutes. Let's hope I survive.

I had another date with a nice young man last night. I often want to keep these things very personal and private because I feel like I may jinx it. I also often feel like a celebrity who is dealing with the paparazzi. Everybody and their grandma wants to know the details of the date and this guy. I think this springs from all the people in my life who want me to one day be happily married. Which is totally great. I love you all. Sometimes that makes for a lot of pressure which is something this girl doesn't need because she is awkward enough while dating. So, just know that is why sometimes I just keep the details very vague or short. But I still love you all! :)

It was very fun. Said gentlemen is very nice. He opens doors, he pays, he is easy to talk to, and he is very handsome. That sounds so second grade or as if my grandmother said it. Anyhow. We watched The Muppets. It is an amazing flick. See it. It sparked a bit of child in me and brought back floods of memories. After the movie, we went to eat Indian food and chatted for a while, which went so quickly because, like I said, he is easy to talk to. And seriously, Indian food is definitely a way into this girl's heart! Overall, it was a great experience and I do have plans to spend time with said gentleman again later this weekend.

Well, I really wish I was still asleep. That is what Saturday morning is for, right? Okay, maybe all of you don't live the glamorous life that I do and you don't get the luxury of sleeping in. I feel for you, but I may still roll over here in my bed and take a "nap". It'll be in your honor, I promise! I have had a headache for about a week now and am thinking sleep will help. Pray that it will go away soon!

Peace.

Hi. Only 8 days left in the semester and to a three day weekend. But who's counting!

2012-01-03T22:54:00.002-07:00

Day went quicky. New Years Miracle #2 happened. My 7th hour were angels. It just took me taking the other half of my kids to the self-contained kids room. Charming. We can do this for 8 days!

Paid my speeding ticket. Yes. Lindon City does make life better and I will now be avoiding the place like the plague.

Have a huge headache. Sleep awaits.

Here are a few pics. I hope they actually upload. For some reason, this app is being fickle.

Last day of break.

2012-01-02T22:41:00.001-07:00

Not excited to wake up and go to work in the morning. Ugh.

Had fun with the wee boys and their parents today. I am greatly blessed with great friends.

I came home and cleaned like mad after a run. I still cannot believe I am running outside and not cold. I love it.

Went to dinner and yogurt with a nice young gentleman. Good conversation. Hoping for another outing. Life is good.

Cheers. I'm tired.

Pics you missed from the Green Bay Trip

2012-01-01T13:54:00.002-07:00

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T21:43:00.001-07:00

How was your last day of 2011? Did you do something fun? Did you enjoy the day? It was the last one of the year, I hope you made it count.

It was a fun day. Mom, Aunt Linda, Andi and I went Packer sweatshirt shopping. It was an adventure and was successful! Thanks mom for the awesome new sweatshirt. I will be the envy of all the Packer fans in Utah!

We then visited with grandma and the crew for a few more hours and then my parents and I headed back for Rhinelander. We are supposed to get some snow tonight and wanted to make sure I get back for my flights tomorrow.

I really don't want to fly back tomorrow. Can't I just stay here and let my parents take care of me. Man, I had it good as a kid! Adult life is so overrated!

Happy New Years Eve Eve!

2011-12-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hi. Have you written your resolution list, yet? Yeah, me either. I do know I have a few things to work on in the coming year. Things that I really don't want to just be worked on during the first few weeks of January. I may have to write the list down on here come Jan. 1.

Today was nice. Drove to Green Bay with my parents. They are nice folks. Then we picked up my Grandma and headed to Kroll's for lunch. She is a nice folk too! It was yummy. It is right across the street from Lambeau Field. I love that place. It really has a special place in my heart. I really do love the GB Packers, have I mentioned that?

You know what else I love? My family. My kin are a whole lot of cool. A bunch of us met at Titletown for dinner tonight. It was fun to catch up with peeps. I am always a little bit sad that I don't have a whole lot of time with these people. This summer will have to mark a change of that. I am going to organize some amazing activities.

We then headed back over to my Aunt Linda's house. Have I mentioned that I love her? Well I do! We looked through some old pictures. It was fun to go down memory lane with them. (My uncle Jim, his wife, my cousin Craig, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Linda, Sister, Aunt Cindy(via text) and Mom were all there for the walk down memory lane!) So much history is in the make up of all families. What fun.

I better sleep. This break has gone much too fast, but some of us have to get back to touching the future. Or something.

Cheers. Get to those lists. You only have a day after all before you will have to face not having a list and really, if you don't have a list, what resolutions will you be able to break? ...NONE! :)

Pics to follow. Phone not set up to wi-fi.

Laziness Prevails.

2011-12-29T00:04:00.001-07:00

Slept 'til 10:30. Watched TV in PJs and read until 2. Went to movie with mom at 4. Had dinner downtown with parents. Went back to couch and watched the office and graded papers. Break is some kind of wonderful! It will break my heart to go back to work next week.

Lazy Day: Take Two

2011-12-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Pretty much the same as yesterday, but with more movies. Watched Scoop earlier while grading Health tests. Tonight watched Larry Crowne and Midnight in Paris. Larry Crowne wins if you were to put them up against each other. So if you have a choice, choose Larry. My uncle Larry would be proud, or would he?

That is pretty much it. Boring but wonderful! Go Break!

Good times.

2011-12-27T22:51:00.001-07:00

Today I hung out at Marla's while she worked. We then had lunch together from Philly's. Very yummy.

I then has dinner with Tricia from my softball team. She couldn't make the mine last night and it was fun to catch up with her.

I drove back to Rhinelander after and am watching Twilight but an thinking I may head to bed an read. This one doesn't have my attention at the moment.

Overall, very fun day. The fun is going much too fast!

Ten Things That Make Break Great.

2011-12-26T20:40:00.001-07:00

Here is a list for today's post:

1. Being with family.
2. Homemade meals.
3. Seeing friends.
4. Eating great food, like The Mine Co.
5. Sleeping in.
6. Not dealing with complaining teens.
7. Christmas cookies.
8. Christmas cookie dough.
9. Reading without guilt.
10. Movies.

Last night was a good dinner with friends from softball, and Marla(the best softball fan!) at The Wausau Mine Company. It was so fun to catch up with everybody and those Italian Fries are so with the four hours of exercise needed to burn them.

Before that, Marla, Jenette and I saw New Years Eve. It was a cheesy but good flick! I have also have seen Sherlock Holmes this break, which was action packed and a great story. I love watching movies!

Marla and I also visited her sister's family and I used my techie skills to help get music on a mp3 player. We also stayed up late visiting like always. It's sure good to be able to visit with family and friends this time of year. I wish I had taken more pictures today. This is all I have. It's Virgil at the Mine and a festive moose near the movie theatre.

Happy Christmas.

2011-12-25T22:33:00.001-07:00

It was a very low key Christmas here today. Mom, Andi, Rebecca and I went to my church this morning. It rocked. Well, rocked as much as church rocks. It was more like a calm, peaceful hour!

Then we hung out most of the day and ate way too much. Tonight we watched the Packers beat the Bears. Yipee. Elijah and I watched while he played video games. It's cool to have two TVs in one room!

I also took Divot for a walk. He truly has my heart. Great dog. Some people probably think it's weird I have a nephew puppy, whom I spoil rotten!

Enjoy some pics from our walk. One is a snowman that has Christmas lights on it, one is a Packer tree and the third isn't from the walk, but it's Divot helping with the dinner dishes.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

The day before Christmas was awesome.

My sister's crew arrived in the afternoon and we visited, had, dinner then opened presents. It was very nice.

Family is one of my favorite things on this planet. I am so blessed in all aspects of my life, but in family, I am most blessed. Here are some pics of the great Christmas Eve festivities:

Fun Day!

2011-12-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

The day was filled with coloring, playing with a pink VW bug, playing with Barbie and running around like crazies in the snow. Summer Rose, my great niece, and I were very busy girls today!

I am tired so the only other thing you get are pictures and an annoucement that dinner at Pat's was amazing yummy fish fry! Peace out!

Travel Day!

2011-12-22T23:29:00.001-07:00

It has been a crazy day. I was delayed in Denver, and then was told on the flight that all of us would be missing our connecting flights in Milwaukee. Luckily, and by a shear miracle, they held my flight from Milwaukee to Rhinelander. Weird that there were about ten of us traveling from Denver to Rhinelander.

I am falling asleep while writing this. It was a long day. I am so happy to be home. And the coolest surprise was waiting for me at the airport...my great niece, Summer Rose, and her Grandpa Chris are visiting from Iowa. So cool! I haven't seen summer since she had just started to walk. Now she is four years old and quite a character! We colored and played before bed tonight. I am one lucky and blessed girl already this break.

Let the festivities begin!

Let's hope the flights go...

2011-12-21T22:59:00.002-07:00

It's snowing right now. Yep, hasn't snowed at all and now, the night before I go home, snow. It better not make me stranded!

Good day. Traditional 1/2 day before break. Wrote cards to former students who are serving in the military and then had a talent show and lots of activities for the students to choose from. Went well.

Then it was the Christmas work social with white elephant festivities. Have I told you how much I hate white elephants? Yep, I hate stealing from people and being stole from. Just give me a nice present and leave me alone!

I ran. It was bloody cold. Wind was crazy. Worth it. Sunny.

Later, Jane and I ate cheesesteaks they are so yummy!

Then I finished packing and headed to the Hagey's. They are putting me up for the night and taking me to the airport. They are good to me! Morgan even helped me with a Christmas project.

I am way excited to go home. Gonna to sleep now, so it will come faster! :)

Tuesday. Check.

2011-12-20T06:36:00.001-07:00

Quiet day. Giving tests in Health Class will do that. I was lazy and didn't make them correct the multiple choice part. What was I thinking? Now I have to do it. Maybe I will make my students do it tomorow after they make Christmas cards. Ha...suckers.

After work, it was a whole lot of getting ready to leave. Packing and cleaning were the highlights. I also watched The Office with Janette and washed some laundry. It is nice to have friends with washers. :)

Tomorrow should be fun. Half day at school and it is just our play day before break. Love it!

Holy Cats. What a day!

2011-12-19T23:27:00.001-07:00

Hi friends.

School great. Even got to hold Kristi's baby, Ky, during lunch.

Then the last ten minutes killed the good day up to that point. Girl got angry at me for enforcing the rules. Oh, I could tell you the story but my blood pressure would rise and I'd never get to sleep.

Bought some fabric for some magic this holiday season. It's going to Rock!

Then had yogurt with Jane. Always helps the soul.

Then off to caroling with the peeps from my ward. It was so very fun. They set up a hayride for us and we were able to have donuts and hot coco at the bishop's house. Very fun. Glad I went. It made the crazy part of the day melt.

Only one more day of regular class. Yipee!

S is for Sunday and Speeding Ticket

2011-12-18T23:01:00.001-07:00

Hi. It's Sunday. I am already tired. Sorry to anybody go expects to see me over the holidays. You may miss out due to the fact that I am sleeping. Apologies.

Had a great day up until about an hour ago when I was pulled over. Sure I was speeding and totally own it, but seriously...it sucks. Oh well, consequences are real. It's nobody else's fault but my own. If only my students would understand how they are in control of having consequences in their lives.

The highlight was spending time with the rug rats and eating Morgan's amazing pulled pork sandwiches. Thanks Sis.

Too bad I didn't snap a pic of the bright blue and red lights. So festive!

And the frosted look on the trees today was very pretty. Second highlight!

Saturdays are Spectacular

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Great day of sleeping in, running in the sun and not being cold, going to dinner with a nice friend, and playing rockband with a bunch of people.

It is fun to get to know new people and to have time with the ones I already know. What a wonderful day!

Weekends Rock!

2011-12-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

I am pretty excited that it is the weekend now. This is one of the best weekends of the year because when I go back to work, there really are only two days of actual class before a longer weekend. Fabulous. This weekend will be relaxing because of it. I do have a huge amount of grading to do. That is not nice, but I do need to get caught up before leaving Utah!

Today was nice. Went to Red Robin after school. Then I got cookies and cakebites to celebrate Aiden's birthday. Aiden is a friend from church who I met five years ago when he was just four years old. Crazy that he turned nine today. That makes me feel slightly old. I get over that feeling by playing Plants Vs Zombies. I like the new festive look.

Now to dreamland. It's nice to have nothing important to get up for. Sleeping in is one of my favs!

Blogging near midnight.

2011-12-16T00:00:00.001-07:00

Today went way fast. Could have been because I only worked a half day so I could go to the doctor in Salt Lake. It was good to be short!

Why is it that I buy myself so many presents this time of year? It was shoes today. It really was a reward for going to the lady doctor for the umpteenth time! I love them though.

Got to spend some time at the Hagey's with Morgan and the boys. They are crazy and that is just the way I love them to be. Morgan isn't so crazy!

Now it's late and I just got home. I also stopped in Sandy to talk with the little brother from another mother. He's a cool cat. (so is Aaron Rogers, "Mr. Rogers!")

Well, sleep awaits.

Mid-week...

2011-12-15T00:09:00.001-07:00

And one week to break. So excited.

Good day. Went quick. The kids are squirrely. If only some walnuts would quiet them!

Why am I awake at 12:07? Nuts. Off to bed. Babysat tonight and watched a movie with Jane. Good times. There was a way cool townhouse decorated in the neighborhood. Had to be photo documented. So did the dog and his sweater and Miles watching a Christmas animated show! He's a fun kid!

Until tomorrow!

Snow and Stronger.

2011-12-13T22:16:00.003-07:00

Take that! A picture first. Ha!

Well, it snowed today. Usually, I have a bad attitude about such an event at this time of year. Today, I was excited and it made me feel a bit more like it is actually December and that I am going home in a week and two days(who is counting, btw?). Some people got really cranky about the snow today. This included all of the people in my first hour. I think my students are a wee bit squirley anyway with the break being so close, but the snow added to their drama. Bless their hearts! You do know you can say anything about anybody and say either "Bless their heart," or "Just Sayin." Try it sometime. It works miracles in my life. "So, you are going out in that outfit? Just sayin'." "Did you hear that Sally got in a fight with Suzie over that deadbeat boyfriend of hers? Bless her heart!"

Well, I am going to write a little story about me and submit it to Kelly Clarkson's website. See, Kelly has this new setup on her website that you can "earn" a meet and greet. You earn points for doing things like watching videos or re-posting Kelly's Twitter Tweets. It is kinda crazy business. Basically, the story has to be about a time that I got stronger. I think the weight loss journey is a prime subject for this writing thing. I just have a hard time starting the story. Maybe one day I will sit down and do it before I am dead tired and it is ten thirty. I must now go to bed. I am a silly crazed KC fan. I realize this. Don't judge!

Dear Santa

2011-12-12T22:39:00.002-07:00

Today, I made my Connections Class write letters to Santa. Whenever I have them do weird assignments, I also join in. Here is what I wrote:

Dear Santa,

You're a nice guy! Not many people are so selfless as to deliver gifts to each kid on the planet. I know that just buying presents for my family can be a challenge and seriously--my family is small. So, thanks for bringing Christmas cheer to so many and thanks for helping belief and faith in something still be there. So many struggle with even believing in themselves. Too bad so many have lost faith in your magic!

Anyway, here is what I'd like for Christmas, actually before I start with that list, I'd like to let you know that I really have everything that I need. I feel so lucky to have a house to live in and enough money to be able to feed myself, pay bills and still be able to have fun on the side! I'd love to have my whole family together at Christmas, and that is pretty much the only big wish I'd have. Sure, I'd love a new iPad or laptop or some gift cards to iTunes or Barnes and Noble but what truly is something I'd want is to see my brother again. I guess I shouldn't be too greedy-I did get to see him this summer but it'd be rad if his work schedule would allow a visit! I'd also love to see my niece have a good couple of days, where she feels safe and can handle not having stuff and that she could be okay with just being! I'd also love for you to help her parents, my seester and brother-in-law be a little less stressed. Also help my mom to be happy and also help my dad to be cheerful and realize how loved he is and that people matter!

Thanks so much,
Love,
Alice

Lazy Sunday.

2011-12-11T22:48:00.001-07:00

Woke up late again. That only has one disadvantage and that is that your day goes incredibly fast. Too bad I can't sleep in on work days! :P

Church was nice and hanging with the Hageys was also nice. Morgan makes a mean lasagna. It really wasn't mean, it was deliciously nice. I am a spoiled brat with an amazing adopted family! It was fun to play a few games of hide and seek with the boys. I sure love them!

I stayed for my church linger longer. It was nice to chat with people. The cookies and egg nog were also nice.

And how about those Packers, eh?
13-0. What? Amazing!

Here are some pics from today. In a random order. That is how the app rolls!

Day ten.

2011-12-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

I slept until 11:30 today. I think that is my body making up for lost sleep all week. I need to be better about sleeping, especially getting to sleep at a reasonable hour!

I then finished the movie I fell asleep during the night before and ate breakfast. I then got awake enough to go running. I am still amazed that I am running and it isn't too cold and there is no snow. I am not complaining either, but it is weird to think it is almost Christmas and there is no snow. Weird.

It was my ward's Christmas party last night too. Very nice to hang out with the people I go to church with and have some yummy food. Afterward, I went with some friends and watched Elf. I love that movie. So funny!!!

I then went home and fell asleep on my couch(surprising that I would ever do that, huh?), forgetting to post this on Day Ten. I am a slacker sometimes, but very glad I can change the date on the post, so take that! This weekend has been so nice so far. I love having time to relax!

Cheers!

Day in the life of Alice via pictures.

2011-12-10T03:54:00.001-07:00

No words, just pictures in no particular order.

Highlights

2011-12-08T23:02:00.001-07:00

Here are the highlights of today:

1. Leftover pizza for breakfast
2. Jill and Kate's album(bought last night)
3. A warm car on way to work. (p.s. it hasn't snowed here yet. It makes it not feel close to Christmas!)
4. Techno music in weights class.
5. The first fight of the year in PE class. Girls are brutal!
6. Running into a friend at the laundromat.
7. Not paying at weight watchers!
8. The best cheesesteak I have ever eaten(it was only the second one I had ever eaten!)
9. Frozen yogurt
10. Hangin' with Jane.
11. Buying picture books for the nephews for only $2.50.
12. Buying Gouda cheese!
13. Seat warmers in Jane's car.
14. Seeing a friend's gingerbread house on display at the grocery store.
15. Looking at pictures of Spencer and Henry with Santa. Spencer is priceless and cracks me up!

5 Things To Do...

2011-12-07T23:19:00.003-07:00

I've told you about Jill and Kate's blog right? If no, go check it out, they are a really cool and amazingly talented singing group! www.jillandkate.wordpress.com

Today, Jill wrote a list of five things you should do, if you "feel so inclined." I am going to copy her idea because it is brilliant.

1. Drink more Sugar Cookie Herbal Tea. It not only helps keep your hands warm in the morning, but it is also very tasty. I like to put hazelnut syrup in it!

2. Watch A Gifted Man. It has Patrick Wilson as the star and I have had a crush on him since the movie, Morning Glory. He's cute. The storyline is also very interesting and I think this show is worth checking out!

3. Listen to the song, "Blue Christmas," by Elvis Presley. Favorite. Holiday. Song. Period.

4. Read The Help and then watch the movie. Fabulous.

5. Write a note to somebody you love. It could be as tiny as a post it or as long as a five page letter, just let this person know you love them. It will open your heart and theirs. What a great gift to give to somebody!

I can't tell you how to live your life because I am not the boss of you, but these things have changed my life for the better.

Cheers!

So sleepy...

2011-12-06T23:35:00.001-07:00

Busy day. Work. Had to go home at lunch because I forgot something I needed there.

My phone had a button issue and I had to go up to Salt Lake to get it "fixed". Apparently, it couldn't be fixed and I had to replace it. Happy Christmas to me!

Well, I am beat. Off to sleep!

Retail Therapy

2011-12-05T22:57:00.002-07:00

Some days, you need pick me ups. Today was one of those days for me.

Had a little disappointment that makes me turn to food to sooth myself. Self medication is not the healthiest choice. I may have eaten six cookies after finding out that I didn't get the house I got in a lottery for. Sigh.

I went shopping to sooth me. It was nice. I have monkeys again. I also have about four new t-shirts coming. Take that hard day!

My lock screen button is not working on my phone either. It makes me mad. Fun day, eh?

It is my little friend's, Ezra's, first birthday. He Is so cute. I can't believe it has been a year since I got to hold him when he was still slimy. Crazy! Happy birthday, little pal. Read all about him HERE.

Quick Sunday!

2011-12-04T22:29:00.001-07:00

Seems like I just woke up. Weird. The time is flying. Before I know it, it will be time to go to Wisconsin. Nuts.

Today, woke up and read a little, then for ready for and went to church. Then I headed to Sandy for dinner. It is little Ezra's first birthday tomorrow, so we had some cake! I cannot believe it has been a year since his birth!

After dinner, I headed over to the Hagey's for a bit. Now, I am home and it is already time for bed. Crazy. Here are some pics. (My favorite thing about celebrating Ezra's birthday was playing catch with him. He actually enjoyed it for about five minutes. Then he cried. He sure loves to play ball. I can see baseball training in the future! Morgan, his mom was very excited about taking a picture. Priceless. And doesn't Henry look like a young Elvis?)

And the Packers won again! Love it!

Weekends seem to go fast!

2011-12-04T02:08:00.001-07:00

I like sleeping late. I didn't get out of bed until about 10:30. By the looks of the weather, I had to convince myself to go running. Brrr, it is starting to be a bit cold. I even left my footprints in some of the snow that had fallen overnight. I am glad it melted and there were only patches of the white stuff. I am not as ready for snow as I mentally thought I was!

Went to lunch with my friend, Megan and her Mom. It was nice and free, thanks ladies. We also stopped at a little bakery. I had a yummy sugar cookie!

I then headed to work thinking I would get some things done for Monday. That didn't quite happen. I did get some things ready for the Christmas parade I decided to go and help with. Our students walked in it with glow sticks. It was a fun event. Before the parade there was a santa 5k. It was pretty wild to see hundreds of santas running through the city!

After the parade, I went out to dinner with Kristi. It was yummy. I felt guilty for having eaten three meals out in a row. I rode the exercises bike to deal with it.

That takes me to now. Took a little nap on the couch and now watching TV. It is a nice place to be!

Cheers!

It's 2:30 am, are you awake?

2011-12-03T02:33:00.004-07:00

This counts as the 2nd's post even though technically it is the 3rd.

I am liking December so far. Fridays are always nice. Knowing you can have a weekend as soon as you get through the day helps. It was the end of the mini term for us, which meant that it was the end of the grading period. We are now 3/8 of the way through the school year. Pretty crazy to think about, I must say. Time is going very fast.

Today there wasn't too much to note. A typical day. I did hang out with Jane and Janette after school as we watched our basketball team play. It was fun, and they even won! We also had dinner in between the JV and Varsity games. I was craving onion rings. Maybe that is something to note.

I am liking being able to come home and not having to worry about writing. I have gotten me time, free time back. This basically means I can watch a bit of TV and actually pay attention to it and I have been able to read a bit more, I have missed it! Although, in the next week, I need to think about taking another online class to keep my teaching license current; it expires this summer.

My house is a mess. I have neglected it the past month because of novel writing month. That is kind of gross, isn't it? Maybe I better scrub a dub dub tomorrow. That really is my least favorite thing to do. I wish there was medication for that! Not cleaning is a disease, isn't it? Or maybe I wish my house was self-cleaning! That would be nice.

Well. I better sleep, even if I don't really have anywhere to be in the morning. Maybe scrubbing will call me to wake up before noon, even though it sounds real nice to sleep 'til then!

Happy 2nd to ya!

To be like Jill and Kate!

2011-12-01T23:39:00.002-07:00

Hi guys. What is shakin'? I am sitting in my living room listening to Christmas music with my Christmas tree aglow in front of me. These things are making me so happy right now. Every minute I spend in my living room is spent with the tree lighted. I also listen to Christmas music to and from work and whenever I am in my car. It makes me glow to be rocking around with the Christmas spirit!

I have decided that December is the month of blogging each day. Heck, writing a post is a thousand times easier than writing 1,667 words for the novel daily. November's writathon nearly killed this girl. The blog writing is inspired by Jill and Kate. They are two really cool musicians. They have their own act as well as Kelly Clarkson's backup singers. They rock and have a tradition of a blog a day for 31 days in December. Cool tradition, no? Read their blog HERE.

Earlier this week I was able to care for Garret. He is my neighbor/landlord's kiddo and he is adorable and sweet. We watched Elmo's World and ate suckers. It was the best date I have had all year! ;) Pictures are included at the end of this post.

I totally looked at a house today. It feels a little insane. It needs some work but if my name is picked for the lottery(it's a HUD home that I can get for half price for being a teacher) then I have myself a fixer upper starter home. If my name isn't drawn, I got a real good starting experience on my way to being a homeowner one day, which is one of the things I look forward to! Keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for me that what is supposed to happen, will!

P.S. Life is grand, breathe in the spirit that is around this time of year. Let it fill your heart! It's so great, peaceful and calming!!!

Goodbye November!

2011-11-30T23:12:00.001-07:00

Anybody else finding it feeling a little weird to say goodbye to November? Does it still feel like October to you? In many ways I am not complaining. I am very excited to see my momma in 23 days. I am also very glad that I only have 14 work days until Christmas Break! I also was pleasantly surprised to be running yesterday in shorts and not be freezing(too bad that will probably be ending tonight with the expected snow storm).

And the biggest thing I am glad to say goodbye to November for is that my novel writing craziness is now over. I can now have more me time free time and be less stressed and maybe, just maybe, have more sleeping! Yipee!

Well, as promised some Thanksgiving pics(again in no particular order!)and then it is off to bed with me!

Funny Jimmy John Note

2011-11-27T23:01:00.001-07:00

This is from weeks ago, when Morgan sent me to pick up dinner with her credit card and this note. It's way funny and I thought we all might need a laugh with the impending going back to regular life after a holiday weekend. It's hard.

Thanksgiving blog to come shortly!

Oh weekend, I'm already missing you!

2011-11-20T22:50:00.002-07:00

This weekend flew by. That is okay but I like when I am not at work.

Friday was the monthly rockband extravaganza. It rocked. My friends are fun. I ate too much after eating at Red Robin for burger Friday.

Saturday was filled with writing, running, eating and babysitting. Ezra was a silly poo and I definitely was not his mother so he had a hard time the last hour of me babysitting. I will be glad when he grows out of his nervous attachment disorderly phase!

Today was church and eating with the family. It was nice to see everybody. Enjoy these pictures in random order. Seems like this app doesn't make for good pic posting. I hope they fix it one day!

Shh...let's keep this a secret.

2011-11-16T22:54:00.002-07:00

Today my class from H-E-Double Hockey Sticks actually went well. I do not know what happened but it was nice. Don't worry. I am not getting used to it. That would be dangerous.

Oh. And I bought myself the best birthday/Christmas present today. I have Kelly Clarkson tickets for March 20th. 12th row. Only 125 days, but who's counting?

Now off to dreamland. Cheers!

Monday: at least it's over

2011-11-14T23:21:00.002-07:00

Great day. Wonderful. Until 7th hour. I think they should be paying me ten times my pay for that 46 minutes. Seriously.

We had a little celebration for my Juniors who passed all their classes last mini-term. Wish more has passes but it was a nice little lunch from Panda Express. Bribery is important in education even if I may not entirely agree with it.

The weekend went much too fast. I was able to watch a movie and eat some yogurt on Saturday. Sunday was church and then to the Hagey's.

Here is a scripture from The Book of Mormon that inspired me today. It from the book of Alma chapter 34 verse 38: "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

It being so close to Thanksgiving, I felt that it was appropriate. I really believe that being thankful is something that helps us be closer to Heavenly Father. It makes us be humble because we realize all blessing come from Him. I feel very blessed these days. I am also. very thankful for all the great things in my life. I truly am blessed and life is good, even with its challenges.

Have a great Tuesday.

The Week Ends.

2011-11-11T08:37:00.001-07:00

I am tired and my calfs hurt hard core. P90X Plyometrics X2=bad idea. I am hoping my body is swollen because of that and that the three pounds I gained has nothing to do with me eating a hundred cookies and eating out a million times this week. The worst is now I don't want to workout because it hurts. End complain scene.

The novel is rolling along. Good thing I was so far ahead after last weekend because I have slacked a bit this week.

Wednesday, Henry, the eldest nephew from The Hagey's(ingfamily.blogspot.com) turned six. I surprised him with sugar cookies and carabiners. He was in heaven. It was fun to hang with the wee boys midweek! The other three got toy cars and my favorite part was eleven month old Ezra making car noises and playing with his car on the rocking chair. It is fun that he is becoming so interactive!

I need more sleep. Getting a bit of a cold, I think. It's okay though, it's almost the weekend! :)

Enjoy the pics from the latter half of the week!

Happy Monday

2011-11-07T23:14:00.001-07:00

The day flew. I don't even remember much of it. Crazy fast November.

I taught my PE classes about high blood pressure today. It was fun to take their BP and make jokes about their pulses and them actually having hearts. I also said to a kid: "first time you were accused of being normal today, huh?" I am so funny!

For Home Evening tonight my group went to the BYU Dinosaur museum. It was way cool and we even got to go to the lab where they get the bones out of the rock. Cool stuff. I really liked tie plastic dinosaur they had in there. Priceless.

Dinner at the other family's was great too. I love chilli and birthday cake is quite yummy too!

Thursday Already? Time Flies When You Live in Novel Land!

2011-11-03T05:33:00.003-07:00

Well. How has your week been? Mine has been good. Fast, and good. When you are writing 2,000 words a day, it tends to go fast. I am writing a novel for National Novel Writing Month. It is intense. I really like the idea I have this year, so much that I am not making it public. I have posted the novel on my writing blog in the past but a friend of mine has made me paranoid about it being public. Basically, she says "Why would anybody buy your book if it can be read for free online." So you may have noticed that my novel blog is empty. Sorry for it. I trust you and if you would like to be reading it, send me your email(post it in a comment or email or text me) and I will set you up to read it on that blog. I am making it private. I knew you'd understand.

Well, other than that madness, the week is good. Hope yours has been too. Cheers!

Halloween Rocks!

2011-10-31T22:21:00.001-07:00

I get really frustrated when I write an entire post and then the app I am using to write completely crashes. I finally found the one blogger actually has and I hope the problem is solved. I had a blast this Halloween with the wee nephews and their ninja ways. Great night. Here are pics and a few bonus ones from the weekend. Enjoy. I gotta get to bed because National Novel Writing Month starts tomorrow. Exciting, no?

The Crazy Week is Almost Over

2011-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

This week was busy, busy. I am tired, tired!

Here are some pics of the week.

Pumpkin walk with friend, Julianne and her husband Sean.

Plants Vs. Zombies scene.

Penguins

Julianne Potter

Genie Sean

It was crazy to go to the Pumpkin Walk this year. We drive lots and had traffic issues. Only ha 15 minutes to enjoy the scenes. Totally worth it!

Watch out Cosmo! Dinner is always fun with this angel.

And these monsters.

And these weirdos:

And these amazingly nice and generous people:

Sunday dinners are one of my favorite things of the week.

Going into canyons in the fall is also one of my favorites. Here I am with the boys. Love them.

Today is was dinner and Biggest Loser with friend, Kerri. Yesterday it was dinner and frozen yogurt and running around town finding The Nightmare Before Christmas with Jane.

Busy weeks go fast. That is good sometimes.

Cheers. Off to dreamland.

11:58. Normal People are Sleeping Now!

2011-10-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

I am so not normal.

I was one proud aunt tonight. Kristofer was in Salt Lake playing with his band, Serianna. It was very cool to be there to FEEL their music. I may not totally relate to the screamo music, but I do have a total appreciation for the art now.

Kris and I also had dinner at a wonderful Mexican restaurant and I bought him a new pair of Toms. It was a blast to catch up with him. He's so talented and such a great young man. It was also cool to meet the band and feel young.

Here are a few pics. I must sleep now.

P.S. next time I will actually take a picture of the both of us. Lame!

I bet you didn't hear this sentence today...

2011-10-24T22:12:00.002-07:00

"I going to toot in your face!"--Henry

oh and another Henry quote: "If this were an elephant dance, would you give me a peanut?"

I also said something very cool as I snuck up on a student in the hall: "Yeah I took the sneakret way." Nice combo of sneaky and secret, no? And I didn't even mean to say it. I rock.

The rest of the weekend.

2011-10-17T21:18:00.001-07:00

I had a great weekend. It was nice to just be around the house and enjoy it. I also did some cleaning which was very nice.

I had a great time at a church activity on Saturday. I wish I had taken more pictures but the one above is the only one.

I went hiking after the activity. It was pretty and I had a blast!

I hung out with the Hageys on Sunday. Spencer thought it was majorly funny to have his sock in the picture.

Here is me and three of the four wee cute boys. Notice the helmets? This was the brainwashing contraption Henry came up with. That kid is a nerdy funny genius!

Monday is over. Only two days until Fall Break. Yipee!

Why don't people post on the weekends?

2011-10-15T17:17:00.002-07:00

Hi guys. Have you noticed that people do not post much on their blogs on the weekends? I have totally noticed that. I think I need to be a person who blogs at least once on the weekend. I have been pretty poor about blogging lately. I need to change that as well. I think I am going to publicly pledge to be better at blogging. I totally stole what I will be posting from Jill and Kate, who happen to be Kelly Clarkson's backup singers and actually have their own music too. You should check them out because they are groovy. Here is a like to their post on their BLOG that gave me the idea for the following rambling! (If you are a novice, click on BLOG in the last sentence to be taken to their blog! :) Basically, this is a bit People magazine does each issue for random celebrities called "One Last Thing". I think of myself as a celebrity most days so here goes:

THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED OUT LOUD...:
I laughed out loud at my Relief Society meeting at church today because I was making a happy journal and found this really cool animated bear on some scrap book paper who had a really weird look on its face and then realized later that the face was due to the fact that said bear was flactuating. I find that hilarious. Silly potty humor.

LAST VACATION...
The whole summer! The last one I am remembering is the trip to Chicago this summer but I think I also count the road trip back to Utah as a vacation. I also was in Manila, Utah for a long weekend a few weeks ago and that felt like vacation. Thanks Sarah! :)

LAST CARD I SENT...
My mother's birthday card. I sure do love that lady and really need to get a hold of her this weekend! Where are you mother?

LAST THING I BOUGHT ONLINE...
A new iPhone case. Mine is starting to have that old beat up look and I really want another Body Glove one. I had one on my iPod Touch and loved it. It should get here on Monday. It was a fiasco to get it because I ordered one a few weeks ago and the people sent me the wrong one. If it is wrong again, I may cry a little.

LAST SHOW I WATCHED...

I have been watching The Doctors religiously lately because Jillian Michaels is now on there and I think she is amazing. Sometimes watching that show is irritating because some of the things the docs think are important are not and they are often very pro health care and I sometimes feel like a hippy and want more natural medicine. Jillian makes it very balanced though and I have been finding that I really have a lot of the same views as her. We totally would be friends if we knew each other!

That was fun. Maybe I should make that a weekly bit on here. I hope you enjoyed it. I also hope you are enjoying your weekend. They only come once a week afterall!

Have I Mentioned that I Love Fall?

2011-10-14T07:37:00.002-07:00

My friend, Helena and I decided to go hiking yesterday on a whim. Sometimes the best things that happened are unplanned!

Rock Canyon is so pretty this time of year. Well, most places are pretty this time of year. I am loving it!

I really do live in a pretty place. I also have cool people to hang with. I am a blessed kid!

I also ran a 9 minute mile yesterday. My students were running for their first fitness test for PE and I decided to join in. Makes me feel pretty darn good to have run a mile about five minutes faster than I did in high school. It's been an amazing journey!

I am very glad for the weekend and that next week is short due to fall break. Life is good!

Hi from my couch.

2011-10-11T16:18:00.001-07:00

Hi. This post comes to your from my couch. I have been here much of the day. I caught a blasted cold from some infected individual. I decided that I would rather get sub plans ready quickly at three this morning and be able to head back to my bed rather than suffering on my feet all day and infecting others. Aren't I so very selfless? Basically, I slept tons and watched a movie and read. It was nice. Too bad sick days cannot be filled with cleaning and laundry because I would be ahead of the game today!

The weekend was a nice one looking back at it. The Hageys moved about 45 minutes closer to me which makes my life so much better because I do not have to drive and hour and a half to get nephew time. They were very good during the moving process even if they had their moments. Here they are giving crusty faces in the van prior to heading to the new place:

Ezra rather liked being carried around all day even though I thought he looked rather pathetic.

Morgan is a trooper and one of the most amazing people on the planet. I don't think there is anything that she can't do! She amazes me each day with her motherly instinct and brains!(and yes, Morgan, when I wrote "brains" I heard it in my head like on Plants vs. Zombies!)

These amazing teen boys were on the Salt Lake end of the move and we were so glad they were around. What workhorses they were! Very much worth the 8 pizza payment! Little bro, Josh, is the second on the right.

I was glad to help move and am wishing Morgan and the crew luck on the box unpacking weeks ahead. I hate moving and glad that this time it wasn't me!

The rest of the weekend was filled with church, giving my number to boys, eating lasagna with The Salt Lake family and watching football. Here are the boys while watching "Green Packers:"

Be warned, football viewing may encourage and fester violence in young children, just sayin'.

Yesterday was a typical Monday.

Today was a non-typical Tuesday and I am ready for a typical Wednesday tomorrow. Here is to less snot and more energy for future Alice!

How has your week been so far?

For good luck tonight.

2011-10-07T10:33:00.001-07:00

This is a 1979 issue of Sports Illustrated. Isn't it great?

Another Post...

2011-10-07T09:44:00.002-07:00

I have been a blogging slacker. I apologize.

I just felt like I should share something about a new thing I am doing in my Physical Education classes.

Now, I know, you may not be all that excited to hear about what I am doing in an alternative school in physical education, but too bad. Haha. Just kidding. Maybe you do care and you can read this next bit.

I have pretty much for the last nine years been a slacker when it comes to these classes. I was teaching Fit for Life and only had them running two laps a day and was never testing their fitness. Pathetic...that isn't Fit for Life! This year, it is all different. I think I have finally gotten into the mode of thinking how important it is for these kids to know why it is important to take care of their bodies. We are learning about exercise principles and we are testing their fitness, body composition and other fun things like blood pressure and target heart rates. They no longer just run two laps around the gym, they are up to 7 laps this week. Each week we add a lap. It takes 20 laps to equal a mile and we even figured that out the first week of school, so that we can condition them and get them ready for the mile run. Nice, eh?

Our country is battling a horrible killer, obesity. I am so glad I finally have become aware of why it is important to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthier and exercise. I now think I am helping them understand, even if just a little bit better, how they can take care of their bodies and be more healthy and happy. It is very fun.

I also am teaching a new class, weight conditioning. I love these two classes and it has been fun to work out along side the students. Wednesdays we often do things beside lifting weights and it is so fun to see them try new things and to actually enjoy it. This week we tried P90X Ab Ripper and it was intense but enjoyable. I am loving these classes!

When it comes to my Connections class and Health Classes, I have still been a bit of a slacker. This year has already has its ups and downs but I feel like, recently, I have been able to pull my attitude up and be a little more motivated to be better. It is all about improving all the time.

I hope you are enjoying whatever you are doing daily as well. Remember that we choose happy!

Time Escapes Me.

2011-10-06T22:33:00.001-07:00

Life is good here. Just living the dream and coasting by. Seems like time is flying. I cannot believe it is October already. Nuts.

This is my favorite time of year. I love everything about fall: the harvest, the fall colors, the cooler weather, football, baseball playoffs, and my favorite holiday comes at the end of the month(Halloween). I am actually wearing my glow in the dark ghost pajama pants and pumpkin shirt as I write this from my bed. I figured I should celebrate all month long.

It did snow today.

Brr...it was thirty degrees colder than a few days ago. I am reminded about how I don't like to be chilly!

Earlier this week, I had Kerri over for chicken on the grill. It was yummy!

I also had dinner in Sandy with the family on Sunday. I got on trouble for saying "thanks for letting us gather as family and friends," as offered the prayer over the food, because I am family according to Utah Dad. It was funny when he hounded me about it. He said: "I am looking around and I do not see any friends. I only see family!" so funny and cute. I am lucky to have two great families! Here is what dinner looked like:

The night before we had a girls' night out while the guys attended priesthood session for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can read all the talks here.

Here is a pic of Ezra at dinner. Funny how I take pictures of the nephew but neglect the other cool people I hang out with!

I love conference weekend because you get to go to church at home and watch TV. Very cool. Too comfortable because I fell asleep during the afternoon sessions both Saturday and Sunday!

I am loving the sports of fall. It is awesome to watch two games at one time:

I am a spoiled brat and I am not feeling a bit guilty about it.

It's late; I better get to sleep. I am very glad for tomorrow and it being Friday. It was a long week!

It Doesn't Matter How Long the Weekend...

2011-09-26T22:15:00.001-07:00

...It's still too short.

Had a three day weekend. It was nice. I even got out of town. Manila is a nice place. It isn't in the Philippines. Well, I guess there is one in the Philippines, but this one is in Utah. It is in the middle of nowhere which is grea for star gazing and cattle watching. I like rural areas where the only store is a little convenience store. Nice and quiet is a good vacation sometimes.

It is always nice to visit Sarah and her family and traveling with Morgan and her family I always good for my soul!

I got sicker than sick on Sunday. It wasn't fun. Glad it wasn't today though. Driving and sick would have been worse than just sick on vacation.

Here are some pictures:

Only a McDonald's in Wyoming would have saddles in the play area.

It makes me smile that the kids also wear cowboy boots in Wyoming!

Sarah has a darling kitten. I took a million pictures of her and not a whole lot of the humans I hung with!

The kids always make for good photos.

As does Morgan

Henry and Zack had a hard day of play.

Utah Dad perfected the marshmallow roast.

There is nothing like sitting next to a fire,

Or next to a cute kitty!(made my day of sickness better!)

Isn't she funny?

Riding with the angels was a good time too.

Even when this one gets grumpy because he LOVES "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice! Too funny and cute.

It was a nice little break. I am still uncertain if I am ready to go back tomorrow. At least it is a short week!

Hope you are all well!

Hmmm...more weekend please!

2011-09-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

The week finally ended and here I am laying in my bed wishing I could stay here longer. I am secretly wishing I could have a few more days to recoup before storming back to work. I guess I will have to settle for one day. Having a three day weekend next weekend will be what gets me going in the mornings this week. I don't think I have ever been this burnt out so early in the school year. I worry this could be as very bad thing!

I got up earlyish yesterday and hiked Y Mountain. It is a pretty intense hike and you really only gain 900 feet in altitude. But that 900 feet comes in about a mile space. It's a very steep climb!

Here's a few pics:

Me with Provo in the background.

Looking down at the "Y"

Pretty. I do live in a very pretty place.

Yesterday, I had the neighbor kids and (a friend's 8 yr old) over for Guitar Hero and a movie. Funny thing is I didn't take any pictures. All I have for proof they were here is this:

See their drinks?

Friday there was a big party for a coworker who doesn't work with us anymore. I couldn't get over how amazing the house was that the party was in. I wish I were rich. It had an indoor and outdoor pool and it was huge!

This picture doesn't do it justice but here Janette shoots pool. In the background is the slide to the indoor pool. Crazy. The kids playing was my favorite part.

Aren't they sweet?

After that party we went to a Rock Band party with some friends from church. It was way fun and again I wish I would have shot some pics. Oh well.

I guess I have crammed a lot into my weekend. I am going to enjoy a low key kind of Sunday!

Cheers.

Everyday Holds the Possibility of a Miracle.

2011-09-14T22:35:00.001-07:00

Here was today's miracle: the second go around with yoga in Weight Conditioning went amazingly. I loved hearing them laugh as they worked through the awkwardness and just kept with it:

Went hiking with Aiden. He is so dang cute and funny. It really helped the day end well! He is one of my favorite 8 year olds!

And the sunset was gorgeous.

Kinda like my picture for this school year!

Who's that hottie?

I am very sleepy. Why am I always up past 11:30?

Catching the bed bus now!

Decompression and Stuff

2011-09-14T13:55:00.009-07:00

Have you ever had a day where you feel it just started out crappy and continued to roll downhill into a ginormous crap ball?

That is how I feel today. First period started with a student being upset and argumentative and not wanting to do what was required. (BTW it was Yoga. Who doesn't like the calming effect of Yoga, hello?) Then it was the worry of kids getting hurt in PE class because they were getting too competitive, and then it was students just being plain rude and angry because they had to present two sentences in Health Class. It felt like I should have had some crackers and cheese to go along with their whine all day long. YIKES. I will quit complaining now and move onto grading Health tests.

Here is one of the two very cool things that made my day better today. There will be more to come when I blog later tonight, I just needed a little moment to decompress and relax.
This is Alice wielding the Sword of shut Your Face and Quit Your Complaining.

The end.

Question #2: Elizabeth

2011-09-10T09:23:00.002-07:00

Remember, if you would like a questions answered about me, leave it as a comment. I am promising to answer it. This is a very fun way to write posts. I like sharing these things about myself.

What is the first thing you do in the morning...every morning? Why?

Thanks for the question Elizabeth. The first thing anybody should do in the morning is get out of bed, am I right? I usually weight myself and then go to the bathroom because my bladder is always full(in fact, most nights I am up at about 3 to go to the bathroom as well!). I then go to the kitchen and weigh myself again. Believe it or not sometimes I lose three pounds in urine alone. I know it sounds silly but it is intriguing to me and getting on the scale everyday motivates me to stay skinny! I then will usually eat a banana and decide what to eat for breakfast. The staple breakfasts at my house are: Greek Gods Fat Free Yogurt, Bob's Rolled Oats, Nancy's Natural Cottage Cheese, Eggs with organic toast with jelly, almond butter(I am allergic to peanuts so no peanut butter), or both, and crumpets with Nutella. Food choices are always the hardest deciscions for me to make. Food is very important to me and I want to be satisfied and it is always nice to have choices. I eat breakfast in front of my TV while watching Sportscenter. I gotta keep up with my sports and the Top Ten Plays are my favorite part of the program. I then will shower and get ready for work. It is nice to dress in mesh shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes for work! I then either drive or bike to work, depending on mood and time. I have been much better this year about getting up and moving so I can get to work on time, no ten minutes late like I did most of last year!

So there is not only the first thing I do in the morning, but my whole morning routine. On Saturdays, it is much different. I love not having plans and go very slow while getting ready and getting things done. Today I am planning on cleaning the bathroom and then eating a bit more because I only had a banana so far, and then I am going to write a little bit and possibly read and grade some things for work. Tonight is dinner with the family in Sandy.

Question #1: From Morgan.

2011-09-10T08:50:00.007-07:00

If you want a question answered, read my Friday post and leave a comment. You could also leave a comment on this post if you would like and I will post and answer!

My question is this: If you could travel to one place and one place only (family visits aside) where would you choose to go see? And why? And would you send me a post card?

Interesting question, Morgan. I feel very limited with one place. I have a list of like a hundred that I would still like to see in my lifetime. Here is the big one: The Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York. This is where the Prophet, Joseph Smith, saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The story of a simple prayer being answered in a very huge and magestic way draws me to this sacred ground. As I was writing this, I was very touched and I better get going on getting myself there. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this is a sacred and special place. I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ there and the world would be changed forever because of that event. My faith is strengthened to know that Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ live and that God still talks to His children. I know that He guides my life daily through revelation. What an important truth that was restored through a very young man, Joseph Smith in The Sacred Grove in upstate New York. For those of you who don't know about this amazing event and would like more information you can read more about it here: The Sacred Grove by Donald L. Enders

You can also learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints HERE.
Here is a picture that reminds me of this amazing place:

I would, of course send Morgan a postcard. Here is a list of ten other places I would like to visit:

1. Italy and Greece
2. Canada during the daylight.
3. All the baseball parks I have yet to see. The most important being Fenway Park, in Boston, Mass.
4. The Oregon Coast
5. Seattle
6. Tennessee-Memphis(Elvis places especially Graceland, and Martin Luther King Jr. Sites), Dollywood, Nashville(The Ryman and Grand Ole Opry), and Great Smokey Mountains National Park
7. Alaska
8. New Zealand and Austrailia
9. Some sort of a cruise to a tropical island(Hawaii would be fun)
10. This shouldn't be #10( this list isn't a priority list). Jerusalem and places where The Savior walked

Question Friday

2011-09-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

Post a question as a comment and I will answer it. It can be about anything. Just thought it might be a fun game to play with all my wonderful readers! This is time for you to get to know about me! (Like I am not an open book, anyway, but this could be way fun!) I know a lot of stuff about a lot of things, so ask away!)

Stalking and other muses.

2011-09-07T14:17:00.001-07:00

I am sitting waiting at the Doctor's office. This is the fourth time for the same issue. Why is medicine about elimination? I am hoping to get some relief from my ailment soon. I won't go into details because, trust me, you don't want to know.

About the stalking. I saw a guy at church that I thought was cute a few weeks ago. I was able to sit close to him in Sunday School. We talked a bit but not enough to be acquaintances. I felt like I wanted to know him more so I found his number on the ward website and texted him. Eventually, he stated he could appreciate a forward girl and invited me to hike with him Saturday. He got off work early yesterday and asked if I wanted to hang. I said sure so we watched some baseball and ate some pizza. It was nice. I think he is a great guy who is cute. Who knows if anything will come of it, but here is to the first time interweb stalking has paid off! Yippee!!!

I feel burned out already. It is coming a bit early this year. Tell me it is normal and okay.

Cheers!

And Sleep in She Did!

2011-09-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

It is 11:30. I just woke up. Man, that was some sleeping, even if I went to bed at 3.

I have been organizing my house. I had planed on doing a little rearranging of my living room, starting by going through the books on my bookshelf. I also wanted to move the shelf to make some room for my printer and a cabinet. It turned into a major fiasco when I found that the bookshelf was getting wet every day because of the sprinklers. (or it may be when it rains, because I just checked and the carpet is dry this morning.) Anyway, I was debating whether to just move the bookshelf and get rid of all the moldy stuff or get rid of the bookshelf. I decided it was time for a change, so out to the porch with the bookshelf it was. I then decided to put it on the curb with a free sign because I really didn't want to deal with it anymore. It was nice because within an hour it was gone(oh the power of free!).

I then went to look for new bookshelves. I decided that I didn't want a big one but multiple smaller ones. I was in luck because Shopko had their three shelf bookshelves on sale for 18 bucks. I got three for about the price of one. Score. Here are two of them in my living room:

It may take a while to get used to the new arrangement seeing it has been the same for years. The whole goal is to be more organized and I think this will be a good start. I will now quit boring you with the details of my new living room.

The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival happens every Labor Day Weekend in Orem. It is a tradition to go to Laugh In night. Jane, Janette, and I went last night. It was wonderful. I laughed and laughed. It was nice to sit outside on a nice cool summer night. Great times!

And now I will go and enjoy the rest of my three day weekend, as should you!

Cheers!

Ah...Three Days of Sleeping In!

2011-09-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

Well, we made it to the first official long weekend. It feels nice to be awake on a Saturday and know I have no where to be and nothing that absolutely must be done today. Nice, nice, nice!

Last night a few friends from work got together and visited a friend(former co-worker) and her baby. We then went to dinner. Then I came home and attempted to watch TV. Instead, I slept on the couch. Surprising, right?

Here are pics of the cute bambino. She is getting big fast. They never stay tiny long. That's why you gotta stop and play sometimes!

Almost walking on her own.

Almost Falling.

So cute.

Now, I am off to a run and laundry and a bit of cleaning. The neighbors are gone for the weekend and said it was okay to use their washer! Bonus.

Later it is the Laugh In at the Storytelling Festival. Very fun!

Enjoy your weekend!

One more...

2011-09-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

Only one day until the long weekend. Much needed!

Doesn't this shirt just make you smile. It made me!

Red was at Red Robin yesterday. So was I...

So was Annie(and her parents). It was good to catch up with my friend, Sarah and her Husband.

Must sleep. The week has gone fast. Drug dogs today and two drug finds. Go go wonderful students. Crazy.

Busy is good, right?

2011-08-30T21:52:00.001-07:00

This week is going fast, but now that I said that, it will probably slow down. It was a nice day. Worked(the kids were good), prepared for tomorrow and then headed to Salt Lake for the Bees game. Great night for baseball.

It was fun to go with my friend, Emily. I was glad she wanted to go, even on a school night(she is a teacher too). I have fun friends.

I also have a nice bed. I am off to it!

Sunday.

2011-08-28T22:01:00.001-07:00

Seeing I am conscious I thought I'd post twice in a day. Seems like the right thing to do when I am a major slacker during the week and don't feel exhausted right now! Here is to having a quick week with less exhaustion. I like that idea!

Chilled with the Hageys in Layton tonight. We know how to party. Sodastream mixers and butterscotch chip chocolate heath cookies. Party animals. They were also kind and made me dinner which is typical of most Sundays. And the organic grass fed beef hamburgers with special seasonings were divine! I am spoiled. Thanks Morgan and Derek!

Here's some pics of the kiddos because they are pretty much dang cute:

Ezra was ecstatic at dinner.

So much so he was drooly.

He would kick his little legs and screetch. So cute!

Oliver was stylin' with the boots and big as him backpack!

O as Captain America. He told me to "punch it!," so I did!

Another version of Captain America.

I love these kiddos. I think they help recharge my batteries. Spencer gave me a ton of hugs. Henry, Spencer and Oliver let me be the pony outside. And Henry thinks I should come visit every Sunday except when they are away, of course. So funny.

Well. The bed calls. The question is: will Alice get up early to run in the cool weather? Odds are 40%. ;)

Oh Weekends How I Love Thee!

2011-08-28T11:11:00.001-07:00

The weekend is almost over. It has gone much too fast, but that is what happens. This week felt like five. I was so exhausted by Friday night. I just hung out at home and vegged.

Yesterday, I headed to Heber with my friend and co-worker, Sharri, to visit our friend, Kristi, who had a baby in the end of July. Here are a few pics of cute Ky:

A confused look

Me and the tired one.

Sharri had the magic touch and got him to sleep.

He's a cutie.

So sleepy.

Here are Kurt and Kristi's first "kids". Their chickens always make me smile. They also gave me some veggies from their garden. Yum!

Now off to church and then up to Layton for some quick hugs from the wee boys and back to sleep for Monday. Where did this weekend go?

2011-08-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe that on only the third day of school, that I have a funny story to tell you.

My students were finished with an assignment and a student decided to collect them all and turn them in. Instead, he takes them and throws them in the garbage. He then realized that he threw away his own assignment an was holding onto another student's assignment!(he thought he had saved his own). I told him that he was going to make the blog and here it is.

It is fun getting to know the new students and getting into the swing of things. I do have a great job! Life is good!

Location:A class funny.

Does it feel like September in here? Or is it just me?

2011-08-23T22:10:00.001-07:00

Hi. Life is good. School has started and it has been going well so far. I forgot how exhausting it is to be a teacher and excited all day long. It has been hard to get up in the morning and I am already so tired at night! It feels like we have been doing this for two weeks already! Is it September yet?

I went to The Despicables last night as part of Provo City Park's Movies in the Park. It was fun to be outside on a nice night. Glad I went even if it made getting up today a bit harder!

It was a pretty night for it and I saw two shooting stars.

I am glad for this school year and today even felt like this is what I am good at. My students are already making my life fun. What a great job!

Now for sleeping. So tired!

Laziness Never Was Happiness

2011-08-20T08:09:00.001-07:00

Hi. I use an app on my phone to post to this blog. Unfortunately, this app is often stupid and after I write a post, it won't let me post it to blogger. Lame. Anyway, that happened the past two posts and I lost them, so I am giving up. If I wasn't lazy, I would email the photos to myself and post via my laptop. This may happen in the future, but for now you will just have to have missed the trip to the Corn Palace, Wall Drug and Mt. Rushmore.

I promised I would write a list of things that make me happy to be in Utah. Here are a few via pictures:

These wee boys. They may not be actual blood nephews, but they are very much my family. Henry, the oldest, said to me the other day: "Alice, I know you are not my mommy's sister." We then talked about how I really wasn't Morgan's sister but that we were really good friends so it was like we were sisters. He then told me: "You are my aunt though!" Love it. Isn't it great in life how we can extend our family through friends? (Henry also mentioned that we looked like Mt. Rushmore while taking this picture(I had shown him pictures of me at Rushmore.). He is pretty dang smart, isn't he?

Babysitting last night was a blast! Ezra had no interest in sleeping and a tiny bit of "your not my mommy syndrome," but we made it through and Morgan and Derek were able to go out for Morgan's birthday, so it was a success!

The beauty of Utah makes it easy to be happy while here. I am excited to hike soon! Kerri was with me for this sunset walk and friends are very much a part of making it easier to go back to work and to be in Utah.

Other friends help too. Here is little Elia. You can see her mom's hand on the side. Shule always makes me feel at home and loved here! And she always has the most sound and wise advice!

I would take a picture of my atrocity of an apartment because it is a little haven here for me, but I still haven't unpacked or cleaned this week. Busy, busy!!

I think I am going to go back to sleep for a few minutes before tackling the mess.

Happy Saturday to ya!

The End.

2011-08-12T05:33:00.001-07:00

All good things come to an end, don't they? Yeah. I don't like that saying and I think the idea of an endless summer is a better idea. Oh well. Sometimes we make up sayings just to make us feel better. Like pain is just weakness leaving the body. Um yeah.

Jane has been in town the past week and we have done some fun things and most importantly, we have eaten tasty foods. Here are some pics that prove these points:

We went bike riding at my favorite trail. Jane is a beast. Not really. An we didn't see any beasts either. That is okay in my book.

We went geocaching. I think I am hooked and will need to buy a gps to start playing. Toys are important in life. This deer head has nothing to do with geocaching except that we saw it while geocaching.

Jane in the woods.

Found one.

Eating at Cross Country. I had the grilled salmon and a side of sweet potato fries. I like to sing this line sometimes: "sweet potato fries and I don't care!"

We brought my sister, mom and niece just for fun and because we are nice gals!

We also ate tacos at the patio at Pat's.

We brought Mom, Elijah and Dad because we are nice and for fun!

Divot, my sister's dog, has been with us this week too! He is a horrible dog and nobody likes him. We just lock him up in the back room an ignore him.

We went to Eagle River because the Vilas County Fair started there yesterday and where there is a fair there is cheesecurds.

We also found a really cool 50s themed diner called Soda Pops.

It was amazingly delicious. I chose the Concord Grape Goose soda. It tasted a wee bit like heaven and grape soda.

Don't let this photo fool you. I really enjoyed this place. Even if I felt ill from over eating and vowed I'd never eat again. I had popcorn and cotton candy after playing the last softball game of the summer, so I am a liar! We lost the game, which is typical of my coed team, but I never felt like I lost this whole summer because I was playing a game I love and playing that game with amazing people!

The is only pic from Thursday night at the ballpark. Elijah is in there somewhere!

As summer closes, my heart is full of love for the land I was born and raised in, and where many of my best memories have been made. I do mourn leaving because that is only normal when you leave behind both an amazingly beautiful place and people who are amazing.

I am so grateful that I am blessed enough to fill my summers with memories of my favorite place on the planet. Wisconsin is always on my mind and in my heart. I miss this place already. Good thing there are never goodbyes only see ya laters!

See ya later Wisconsin. Jane and I will start our road trip to Utah today. The first stops are Bayfield, WI and Thunder Bay Canada! Hasta la Pasta Wisconsin.

Things I will miss about Wisconsin...

2011-08-08T21:49:00.003-07:00

1. My mommy and Dad
2. Perch Lake
3. The smell of the woods
4. Softball
5. Amazing friends
6. Hodags everywhere
7. The small town feel
8. My lighthouse room especially the light up lighthouse!
9. My family. MIss Grandma already.
10. The clouds and blue sky
11. Cool summer nights with crickets chirping.
12. Lightning bugs
13. Briqs ice cream treats
14. Tacos on the patio
15. My three favorite running routes
16. The hummingbirds fighting over the feeder
17. My dad garden and moving gnomes
18. Time to read and read and read
19. Seeing a gazillian stars
20. Free food and the bank of Sue
21. The Rhinelander Ward(silly how it has taken a few years for me to get to know everybody!)
22. The courthouse and its copper roof.
23. Lakes everywhere
24. Cross Country Burger Fridays
25. Gunkel's Bakery and their wonderful pizza dough, bagels, and seasoned mini-subs(oh and their wonderful cookies)
26. Rootbeer on tap
27. Brats
28. Watching Netflix all. the. time.
29. Gary the mountain bike
30. Sam's Pizza
31. Philly's Subs
32. Seeing deer while walking/running.
33. Hodag Park and the river/ski shows
34. Summer in general.

I decided to stop at 34. That's my age and all. Man, I sure do love this place!

Entering the Final Countdown

2011-08-07T15:52:00.002-07:00

This is the last week home officially. Tomorrow I am going to make a list of the things I will miss about Wisconsin. It is probably too long for this post.

This past week was filled with fishing, talking to the nephews on Skype(it was Spencer's 4th birthday and I got to see him open my presents), eating out with my parents on Wednesday, winning another softball game on Tuesday, much reading, and going to Green Bay with my mom this weekend. It was a blast. Here are some pictures:

My beautiful bass!

Skype with the boys. Oliver is often close to the screen and saying "Hey, Alice" over and over. He also said the cutest thing while opening a present from me:"Alice so nice!" It melted my heart. Love these boys. Hard to believe my Spencer buddy is four already!

We went to Titletown in Green Bay on Friday for dinner. It's in the old train depot where my Grandpa, Aunt Linda and Mom had at one time worked. Lots of family history stories over dinner. Loved it!

A train coming by and the famous Packer statue.

Sno-Cap rootbeer. Wonderful! That Grandma is pretty wonderful too!!

Grandma and Linda

Me and Mom

I liked this sign.

We went swimming at my Aunt Cindy's on Saturday.

I like this sign too!

My silly grandma told me she couldn't fit in her suit anymore and then surprised me. She is so cute!

Mom and I have done lots of traveling in storms this summer. It makes for pretty clouds and sunsets.

And rainbows.

My friend, Jane will get here tonight. Gotta think up some great Wisconsin adventures to show her. Any ideas?

Post Two of the Day.

2011-08-03T11:44:00.003-07:00

*I posted another post below this one. Do not miss it. It is fantastic. I think posting twice in one day makes up for not posting in over a week, right?

The Clydesdales were in Rhinelander to deliver beer. I like the horses at least.

My cousin and her cute and funny kiddos came to visit!

My Aunt Linda also came. My mom Sue even stuck around for the get together! :)

I love the dalmatian.

Thomas loves to read. I had to take this picture because he looked like an old man reading the daily paper in the right chair for it. (sorry dad!)

I make a mean pizza. Delish.

Sunset at Hodag Park.

There was a ski show that night. I like watching them jump!

I went disc golfing Monday at the new course in Rhinelander. It is fabulous!

Marla and I enjoyed Briq's after my game last night. I am so glad the will put half coconut and half sprinkles so I can get the best of both worlds.

I am making sure I cram as much fun as I can in the next 10 days. Time had gone fast. I will miss this place!

Slack Post

2011-08-03T11:25:00.003-07:00

Here are some pictures from the past week that have not made it on here yet. I think I have been off having fun so I missed some stuff and haven't been writing regularly.

Kurt and I went canoeing. It was gorgeous. I definitely love my Perch Lake(I am planning on fishing there this afternoon.)

It was worth the 35 dollars to rent this canoe for the day!

I took Kurt to the world famous(or at least Wausau famous!) Wausau Mine Company.

It was delicious. Good thing I don't live in Wausau because these buggers are part of the reason I gained four pounds this week(it may have been worth it!)

We also went to The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. It was Hippotastic!

My favorite statue in the garden!

My nephew's band's cd was released nation-wide. It's in Hot Topic stores. Go Serianna!(you would like it if you like scream metal!)

Kurt at The Logging Museum in Rhinelander. We went there the last day he was in Wisconsin.

With The Hodag!

I am going to post another post with more pics. There are a lot for one post.

Fun Times Ten.

2011-07-25T21:49:00.003-07:00

It has been a long time since I last posted. This probably means I have been having lots of fun and living in the moments. Lately, I have been running around and showing a friend who is visiting from Utah(and yes he is a man) the cool stuff in Wisconsin. It has been fun to have somebody to explore with. He reads this blog so I am going to keep it real simple. If you want more detail, feel free to email or call or text. I am not hard to reach!

Before Kurt got to wisconsin, I did have a fun night with my parents and nephew. We had The traditional tacos on Wednesday(inside because it was bloody hot) and then had an ice cream treat from Briq's.

This kid cracks me up. I am already missing him this week.

This guy is the life of the party. He was bugging E about having a cheeseburger and E said: "Grandpa a burger without cheese is like shoes without laces. Oh wait...you wouldn't understand." So funny. Another quote from these two comedians:
Elijah: Grandpa you shouldn't drink coffee it stunts growth.
Dad: Well, before I drank coffee I was three feet tall, and look at me now!
Elijah:"Were your ears the same size then?"

Mom enjoys the company. Sometimes she laughs so much she cries.

Mmm...slush float. Hadn't had one in years!

View of Wausau from the top of Rib Mountain(it's more of a hill if you live in Utah, but Kurt gives his approval that Wausau can continue to call it a mountain!)

King of the world. Or mountain. Or hill.

Chillin' like a villian on The Queen's Chair.

Happy Hikers.

Alice Rocks.

We then went to Oshgosh for Potterfest at the public museum on Friday. My cousin, Danielle, and her husband met us for lunch and the exhibit. It was fun and we even enjoyed the other local history exhibit that also was going on at the museum.

We then met friends in Wausau for a Wisconsin Woodchucks game. There were even fireworks afterwards.

Saturday, we hit a church picnic and then spent time with family.
Sunday we went to church and enjoyed more time and great food with the family. Been good adventures!

We clean up nice. I may have been a little squinty in this pic.

My seester is silly and I love that she came to visit this weekend. She also takes nice pictures!

This is not one of them!

The end!

Catch up already.

2011-07-20T05:56:00.001-07:00

After a week of taking care of my sister's dog, Divot, it was time to take him back to Madison. He, unlike other dogs, who love to ride in the car and stick their heads out the window with tongues wiggling in the wind, hates the car. We drugged him with benedryl and hoped for the best.

He was not happy about it and later puked all over. Best. Day. Ever!!!

Having burgers at Red Robin with my mom and niece eased the horribleness until I spilled soap on myself at Bath and Body Works. I had a blast walking to the car through the mall looking like I wet myself. NOT!!! Best. Day. Ever.

The next day could only go up and it did. Here I am in the Harry Potter bathroom in honor of the movie release. (notice Hagrid's house through the window!) I looked good and that merits a self portrait!

To keep my niece busy and out of trouble, my mom and I cooked up an adventure in Wisconsin Dells. Riding the Ducks was a favorite as a kid for me and I knew it wouldn't disappoint. These old World War II amphibious vehicles were always a favorite and riding on them through the woods and on the river and lake brought back so many great memories.

Mom, Rebecca and I.

The view from my up front seat. So pretty!!

On The Wisconsin River. Isn't the sandstone pretty?

I love a good duck trail.

Another Duck on Lake Delton.

The ferns helped cool us off. Very good thing on a hot, muggy summer day!

A cool sunset on the drive home to Rhinelander on Sunday.

I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to eat at The Mine Company before the end of summer and she made it possible before my softball game last night. We won before the big storms came through after only 5 innings. Much better than the two ten-plus inning games of the past two weeks!!!

Elijah and Virgil in "the mine".

E has been my best fan this summer. He gets into the games and is proud of me. It is nice to have somebody to drive the hour to Wausau with and we always have good chats. I don't want to think of having to leave him in a few weeks. I am starting to dread the end of summer already!!! It is times like this where I wish I had a pause and rewind button for time!

I Like Lounging Around!

2011-07-14T15:46:00.001-07:00

I also love playing softball with this group of gals. We are so fun to be around and are dang good at playing softball.

We are also very silly.

It was a family event this Tuesday. Elijah, mom and dad all made the trip with me to Wausau. It was another crazy extra inning game and we won it in the bottom of the 13th inning. We need to win in seven next week. It is too intense for me to play such long games.

Here's the lounging at its best. Divot, my sister's puppy is staying with is this week and may be a we'd bit spoiled.

I yell at him all the time for sneaking into my bed, but let him crawl in when I was reading earlier this week!

Lounging is better with fudge. It this in my goodie bag from the race last Saturday!

Sometimes I don't lounge. This was taken mid-way through my run today. It was nice and cool and a great run. Isn't this flower bed cool. We are always trying to figure out what the scene is. Now, it is a star flying through the sky. Way cool.

Good week so far.

Mad Town and Home Again

2011-07-11T22:47:00.001-07:00

Aliceapalooza was a hit. Thanks to all of you who showed for the shows.

Madison with my sister was fun.

The capital from State Street

Amazing ice cream.

Then I came home. I have missed sleeping in my bed and just having down time. What will I do when I have to work again? Here is some pics from me fishing last Friday.

A deer came for dinner the other night.

Divot, my sister's dog is with is this week. He's sweet. My dad pretends not to like him but sure talks to him a lot!

I ran in a 5k on Saturday at midnight. It was a blast and my mom was there to cheer me into the finish line! I also beat my best time.

Me at finish prior to race

Mom and I love being in Eagle River!

This raccoon made me laugh. He was in a window downtown Eagle River.

I made a fabulous pizza for the family on Sunday. It rocked.

Today was good. Helped E with his school stuff, wrote a paper for my class, went for a bike ride, and met up with friends in Wausau for bowling and dinner. I bowled horribly but it was fun.

Great day!

Alicepalooza's Final Stop

2011-07-06T21:42:00.001-07:00

Saw my third pro baseball game of the summer today. It was awesome and the Brewers even pulled off the win. It was very fun to have the time with the nephews.

Me, Elijah, Kristofer

Me and my boyfriend, Ryan Braun

Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

Bernie Brewer

The famous 6th Inning Sausage Race

The boys enjoying the game.

Nice view

A beautiful park

My cute nephew puppy(he didn't come to the game but I love him too!)

We came back to Madison and went to dinner with my seester and niece. I also went on a walk with seester and Divor. It was a very nice day! More adventures tomorrow and now for my next trick, sleep!

Tour Stop: Door County, WI

2011-07-03T07:24:00.002-07:00

Little one day road trip with friends Marla and Jeanette. Had a blast exploring Lake Michigan and the beauty that is Wisconsin. Here are some pics:

Train bringing us food at PC Junction

Marla and Jeanette on Lake Michigan

Me and Jeanette at Cana Island Lighthouse.

Porthole in lighthouse.

Hatch to top of lighthouse.

Me and lake.

Oh my! Blue Moon ice cream!

Everybody Hoyle love Alice!

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.

A reminder for The Fourth of July. Please remember those who gave so much for our freedom. Enjoy some BBQ too. I know I will be later today!

Wrigley Field

2011-06-28T08:12:00.002-07:00

Baseball history at its finest:

Coming here was like going to Lambeau the first time. For a sport nut like me, the history and atmosphere of old parks is touching. I did get misty eyed as I thought about all the greats who had played here, the historic ivy, and the thousands of fans who have watched the Cubs play here in the past hundred years! This field is amazing. If you are a baseball fan, you need to get here at least for one game in your live. Amazing.

This trip has been a dream come true. As my uncle Jim put it: "I finally made it to Wrigley!"

Now, off to the next stop on the Aliceapalooza Tour: Door County. But first a whole lot of driving today. Three hours to Appleton. Two to Wausau. And then two to Green Bay. I think I could do without this part of tour!

I LOVE Baseball!!!

2011-06-26T20:57:00.002-07:00

I am in Chicago today. It was a blast to go to a White Sox game with my uncle and cousin. So fun! Being at the ballpark on a nice warm summer day is heavenly! We also had a great dinner at a really cool little Italian place. Cousin Vinny owns it and he is a cool guy who chatted with us and gave us free dessert. Nobody says no to free dessert or to Cousin Vinny, right? Awesome day and Wrigley tomorrow. This is probably what heaven is like! :)

Happy Burger Friday!

2011-06-24T10:32:00.003-07:00

It is burger Friday. I could go into how I am thinking the weeks are going much too fast but I am trying to ignore that fact.

I think you all should go support the beef farmers of America and have a burger. I am joining in the cause today too!

This week has been pretty low key, which is good because the next week and a half will have me running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I am dubbing it "Aliceapalooza". I am officially on tour. I will be hitting the following cities: Appleton, Chicago, Sturgeon Bay, Wausau, Rhinelander and Madison. Be sure to get your tickets because they are selling like hotcakes. (and I mispelled hotcakes and my iPhone replaced it was hot ales. They are selling like those too!)

Here are some highlights(I like lists so this seems appropriate) and pictures of the chill week:
1. Rain. It has thundered an rained almost everyday this week. I am starting to wonder if the sun even exists anymore and if I should start taking prozac now!
2. Tuesday I went early(before softball) to Wausau to meet Marla and Jeanette for dinner and then J and I went to the mall and walked around because we decided it was too cold for frisbee golf.
3. We suffered out first loss of the season. It was tragic.
4. Stayed up much too late with Marla and then ate lunch with her and then headed back to Rhinelander for tacos on the patio, the Wednesday tradition!

Nathanial was his silly fun self. I am glad to get some kid time. I miss the little rascal Utah nephews.

The courthouse building in Rhinelander is my favorite building here.

It ranks close to this building, which is not in Rhinelander, but on the way to Wausau. "Are you calling me a pig?"
4. Watching The Music Man with my sister. She now calls me Poopi because of it. Read my review HERE.
5. Chilling at home and finishing Arrested Development and discovering Better Off Ted. Both hilarious TV shows. You can stream them on Netflix, just sayin'. Don't judge me, if you find them stupid or weird.
6. Eating a great family dinner of Beef Stew. Then going to the YWCA with this kid:

Yeah. He can jump. And he is working in his history essay right now. I am his amazing tutor even though it is taking lots less work than being Biology tutor last year, it is work stil. The kid is definitely making progress and I am proud of him! And btw he is totally taller than me now. Crazy.

Well. There is my week. Check back for my tour blog! Cheers!!!

Alice's life in pictures...

2011-06-21T10:11:00.003-07:00

Hi friends. Have you joined the revolution yet? If not, head over to The Postcard Experiment

I am horrible slacker lately. So instead of boring you with words, here are some pics:

Mom and I like to walk down our street and checkout the amazing gardens of our neighbors'!

Softball is a big part of this girl's life these days!

I love Jimmy Johns and their signs. It was nice they were open late last Thursday after my game. By the way: women's team undefeated; coed team winless. Weird.

Cool clouds on drive to Rhinelander from Wausau Thursday after ball.

I am sometimes a genealogy nerd! And I am quite proud of it!

Dinner with the family is always good!

My hair+humidity, not so much! And I really didn't want to post that pic but seriously that hair is amazing, isn't it? Horrible pic of me but great pic of the humid hair!

Hope all's well. I have hired a grammar sheriff, so watch out blog!

P.S. Alice is committing herself to being better at commening back on her own blog's comments. I am not guilting you into commenting but I really do feel it is a great way to stay in touch with all my peeps. (And I really don't know why I am using "peeps" these days. Weird!) Now off to run!

2011-06-16T14:17:00.003-07:00

I am very tired lately. I should be out on my bike right now but I am sitting here doing this. I caught two fish this week. Here they are in glory:

And here I am in fishing glory:

I have done a whole lot of exciting things: Like moving my pictures from my computer to my flash drive. Doesn't it sounds exciting?

I did finish Kristin Chenoweth's book, A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages, today. It is hilariously creatively written. She has been added to my "I Want to Meet Them" list! You would like the book. And why does blogger not have an underlining option? I do know books are underlined, just so you all know!

I have been on a Cheoweth kick and watched a few episodes of her series "Kristin" on YouTube. It is a very cute show. Too bad it didn't last more than a season. Kinda like it was too bad "Pushing Daisies" only lasted two. What do these networks know about good TV anyway?

Have a cheerful day. I am off to Walgreens and then to Wausau for ball. Let's hope I don't drive down and get a rain out!