Wednesday

Have you ever wondered why Wednesday's seem to be so annoying?

Let me tell you...

Wednesday's are in the middle of the week, which means... you are not close to the beginning or the ending.

Wednesday's are longer than ALL other days (fact)

Wednesday's rarely have any good shows on

Wednesday's mean clean checks...

Wednesday's are usually not sunny days.

Wednesday's remind you of all that you still have to do before Friday

Today it so happens to be Wednesday.

What have I been up to today?

Let me tell ya.........

homework

horckleys

voice messages

headaches

code red

teacher work samples

reflections

treat runs (get her now ally)

Hair curling ( Heather I am getting pretty good at this)

Costa Vida (raspberry chicken BUENO)

flip flops

curling up on the couch.

I hope everyone has had a great Wednesday and that it has been memorable. I only have one more Wednesday in Rexburg...

Realization

Today has been an interesting day...

I have realized something that I did NOT think would happen to me.

I was sitting in the gym at the Hinckley today, watching the VARIETY of people walk by me

when it dawned on me... I am leaving in 3 weeks! Rexburg will no longer be my home away from home. I have been here for 6 semesters; a year and a half. I have met SOOOO many people. Created life-long friends and friends that I will always look back on with a smile and a laugh.

I have had great roommates and HORRIBLE roommates. Roommates that have been there for me when I had a great day and ones there for me when I had a hard, horrible day. I have had classes I have loved and classes I have despised (Capstone!). Teachers that have touched my heart, made me want to barf and motivated me to be better. I have thrown water balloons at Porter Park, bonfires at the Sand Dunes, been four-wheeling, sledding, guitars unplugged, soccer, flag football, baseball and basketball games, shooting, fireworks, blowing things up, hiking, the drive-in, cheap theatre, bowling, golfing, MOVIES GALORE, Horkley's, I.F. runs, Winco, Devo, temple, ward activities, amazing dates (and not so amazing dates) and curfew.

There are so many memories here. Some I want and will keep with me forever, and others that I wish to forget or have already forgotten. I think I am actually sad that I will be leaving this place. I even teared up a little. It has been such a blessing to my life being around others that believe the same as I do and strive for the same things I do. Rexburg and the people I have come in contact with have helped mold me to be who I am and who I am becoming.

Looking back over the 2 1/2 years I have changed SOOO much. And unfortunately, I know I have hurt some along the way to my change. This past weeks devotional was amazing! Probably the best in the past year. The topic was on forgiveness, something that is so hard, yet so necessary to our lives. I wish I knew how to put the link on my blog to the talk, but I will just give you the blurb that touched me.

Learning to forgive is of great worth in this day as well. Forgiveness is a prime ingredient of love. It is a function of love.

If we truly love others then we have no choice but to believe, trust, accept, and hope that our love will be returned. But there can never be any assurance, never any guarantee. If we wait to love only until we are certain of receiving equal love in return, we may wait forever.

Someone once said, Just because the message may never be received, does not mean it is not worth sending. We love and forgive others because we want to, because it gives us joy. Because we know that growth and discovery of oneself depends upon it.

“Forgiveness of others for wrongs—imaginary or real—often does more for the forgiver than for the forgiven. That person who has not forgiven a wrong or an injury has not yet tasted of one of the sublime enjoyments of life. The human soul seldom reaches such heights of strength or nobility as when it removes all resentments and forgives error or malice.

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

I know that there are so many people that deserve so much more than this........ but I am sorry.

Here is to the weekend.. a Happy Birthday to Kelsey... and 3 more weeks of life in Rexburg.

p.s. sorry about my background... It is ugly and hard to read things. I will get someone on that asap.

It's Been a Long Time

I know, I have been slacking on my blogging duties. Life has just be nothing but go-go-go. Well, it has, but hasn't at the same time. I have been very busy with school and putting a lot of time and effort into my lessons. I have been teaching my unit for a week now (it's on rocks and minerals) and was observed yesterday. Now, for those of you who do not know Jo Anne Kay she is amazing, tough and loving. She wants us all to succeed, but to succeed at her level. Which is a jump and stretch for most. Yesterday I was determined to get another excellent and a 48. And you know what, I DID! Throughout my whole lesson I felt like everything was going wrong, but it wasn't... surprisingly. The class was learning and enjoying it. Who'da thought! It was a great feeling when I saw the 48. Ally, you're next!

Other than school I have been busy with work (which has turned out to be an even greater blessing than I anticipated for). There are days that I just don't want to go, but there is nothing like spending 4 hours with a woman who is consistently happy. Her perspective and attitude on life is so unique and so positive. I admire all that she has been through to get to where she is at now. She makes me forget all the troubles in my life and I will forever be grateful for that.

I am also greatly grateful for Ally. Probably one of the closest friends I have made since being at school (even though we have only hung out, outside of class, maybe four times). She always has something to say and it is 99% always hilarious! She makes me laugh and makes me think. I don't know if she even knows how much of a blessing she has been to me over the past year.

My roommate Clara is amazing and I am so grateful for her. I am amazed that she has not been swept off her feet by an amazing guy. She is amazing. She is someone I aspire to be like. She is confident in all she does, she doesn't focus on what others think of her, she is HILARIOUS and is always the one who is there when I need someone to just listen. She always knows the right thing to say to me, even though I know she doesn't feel like she does. Without the events of this semester I don't think Clara and I would have become so close. That is one more thing I can be grateful for after all is said and done. I have connected with all of my roommates and love them on their own level.

I have so much to be grateful for. And what stinks about us "humans" is when times get tough or when we want something badly, we forget about all the things we do have. This is something I have been working on. And when I sit down and think, I have so MUCH. I am very blessed in so many more ways that I can mention here on my blog.

Message of the day: Be grateful. Everything in your life is a gift. So don't be rude and show your gratitude.

February

The month of February has never been a favorite month of mine. My reasoning is the typical.... love month! Ugh. This might be because of some recent happenings in my life, but I am grateful that I get to spend the whole day at the elementary school full of love from my fourth graders.

Anyways, I don't want this post to sound bitter of any sort, so I will get on with it. I just want to remind everyone (myself included) that today is the beginning of a new month, a new week (kind of) and a new day. It can be a new beginning if you wish it to be. I know I am taking it that way. Isn't that the best part of life. We can make each day a new start. Life is full of ups and downs. And at moments it can feel like nothing but downs. But where is the fun in that. Speaking first hand, it is not fun. There is no happiness in focusing on what life used to be like or how crappy it has gotten. Here's some advice, be POSITIVE and CONFIDENT!

We all rock. Not to sound cocky, but I know I rock. As my assessment teacher Bro. Sellers told me, "I am a rock start." Why not act like one. We all can be the rock star of our own life. So Rock on... live life. Start new. And be Happy!

For Ally

For all those who have never been to Rexburg before, they will have no idea what I will be talking about. However, if you have been to Antarctica or gone to hell when it was frozen, then you will have a better understand of my near death experience with Ally Wednesday morning. As you all know her and I have spent a whole lot of time together.. lately it has been early hours of the morning driving to school in Idaho Falls. This one particular Wednesday morning we were running ahead of schedule... for some odd reason. The roads were clear and dry...until... THEY WEREN'T!

The car in front of us was slowing down for an old man walking on the side of the street with his red reflectors on his hat and chest (so cute!) When Ally lost control! The car began to slide perpendicular to the road. Straight up 90 degree angles happened. We went from one side of the road to the other, about 3 or 4 times.

Words that came out of Ally's mouth "ok...ok...ok....we're ok..." So proud of her!

She has improved her driving skills since she let Jesus take the wheel on our way to the live nativity play in December. I know her heart was ponding, but I could not help but laugh. We survived! Our blessing of the ENTIRE day... if not the whole week... There were no cars coming.. in either direction. Which for that time in the morning, on a school day.. is a true miracle.

My life at a Glance

What has Poopsie been up to the past two and a half weeks? My first reaction is to say a whole lot of nothing! But that would not be true. And even though it is my blog, and I can do what ever I like, I wont lie. No reason to hide anything. So here are some of my "adventures."

This past saturday I competed in THE foursquare tournament on campus. Yes, I did say four square and yes, that is a game played in elementary school. (HEY! I'm going to be a teacher, I have all the excuses in the world). I showed up ready to have a good time, but oh boy did I come unprepared. These guys were legit! And yes, the majority of them were men. Intense men out to get everybody. My buddy Eric was the champion last semester and told me that I needed to be is heir. I was close... probably in the top ten... maybe. However, my competition was this one guy in my group (who ended up being Eric's roommate!). He was so out to get me! I know I'm cute and all, but holy brutal! I thought being a girl would give me an advantage.. try disadvantage! Ugh. He'd trick me and let me get all the way up to the queen square, then get me out and give some smarty pants remark like "sorry darling" or "better luck next time sweet cakes" or " If you win I'll let you take me out on a date." Where does this kid get off?! He was getting under my skin instantly. So you know what I did? Once I was out of lives (got killed) I kicked the ball and guess who it hit in the head? Yup, that cocky (not confident) kid. I smiled, did a shrug of innocence and walked off to change. Needless to say Eric texted me full of praise and compliments. I made him proud.

Monday (Presidents day) I went snowmobiling with a group of people from my ward. I was determined to go out and do something rather than sit and be sad (a little about that later). So we went. Let me tell you, it wasn't that fun. Yeah, I went out and socialized, but I was done after about 20 minutes. The snow had melted the day before, so it was wet... and cold. Which is a no bueno combination. Miserable a little. But I sucked it up and watched Veze (a boy) work his magic on every girl there ( I haven't decided if he is a smart kid or the girls are just idiots). Luckily I am a MILLION times smarter than any of the girls there and called him out on all his "tricks." Now I am on the "in" with him and know his secrets. Needless to say, the girls wish they could be me. But if any of you say Veze... you'd know it would be a step down for me =D Not to sound cocky... Let's call it confidence.

Next.. School! For one of my two classes, I get to go and be in the classroom all day, twice a week. Needless to say it has been rough for me. I am at a charter school which is great, but definitely has its challenges for me. Today (Monday) was a much better day, thanks to much prayer and support from special people in life. One of those perks is driving with Ally (holla) each day. We are both exhausted on our way there and exhausted on the way back. But luckily the way back seems so much shorter than the way there. Seriously, it really is!

I have a job! Yup. My last semester of school and I got a job. It has been a huge blessing in my life and I am grateful for all the one-on-one time I get with the most AMAZING teacher you will ever meet. Yes, Ally, be forever jealous. I made a whopping $84.48 dollars for 2 1/2 weeks worth of work, but hey! That is $84.48 richer than I was! It really is boring and sometimes I just want to look at here and say, "really?" but in the long run it will be helpful.

I've learned a lot about myself this semester. I've learned that I'm not perfect. Nor anywhere near it. I know we have all been there, but it hurts when you feel inadequate. For all you ladies, self-confidence decrease! Life is full of challenges and rough spots, but it is how you react, or don't react, that shows the world, and yourself, who you really are. A few words of Poopsie wisdom; Don't sit down and give up when it gets tough. Live life to the fullest. No limitations. Take risks. Be who you want to be, do what you feel is right, don't jump, when you only need to take a step.

During recess today I found this great quote. I have read it multiple times and want to share it with ya'll.

Face it, nobody owes you a living. What you achieve, or fail to achieve in your lifetime, is directly related to what you do, or fail to do. No one chooses their parents or childhood, but you can choose your own direction. Everyone has problems and obstacles to overcome, but that, too, is relative to each individual. NOTHING IS CARVED IN STONE. You can change anything in you life, if you want to badly enough. Excuses are for LOSERS; those who take responsibility for their actions are the real winners of life. Winners meet life's challenges head on, knowing there are no guarantees, and give it all they've got. And never think it's too late or too early to begin. Time plays no favorites and will pass whether you act or not. TAKE CONTROL OF YOU LIFE. Dare to dream and take risks... COMPETE. If you aren't willing to work for your goals, don't expect others to. Believe in yourself!

Oh.. and Levi and I broke up

Life goes on

I finally get it

Life is like a box of chocolates.... you never know what you're going to get =D I like what I have been getting lately.

p.s. Ally, you need to teach me how to make my fonts all different ways and arrange my pictures in a cool way. Bueno? Bueno!

p.s.s my fourth graders are great.... but my cooperative teacher... undecided.