This is What Happiness Feels Like

New Bloggy Goodness

2011-09-12T20:28:00.001-07:00

This blog is not really happening anymore. Or probably ever. I needed something new. More...me. But for those of you who follow me, don't worry! I have a NEW blog! Better! No, really! Go. Follow it. :)

If you don't, I will miss you all. So do it!

www.laurenslll.blogspot.com

Rain Drops = Mud

2011-02-21T20:19:00.001-07:00

When it rains in our lovely desert we dance in the rain.

It doesn't happen too often.

Also, when the rain comes down, our lovely desert (a.k.a. dirt) turns to MUD.

When your dog stays outside in your backyard while you're away, this is what you're left with...

But really, who could be mad at this face!?

Until things dry up I'm going to get very good at giving her baths.

Ooooh, by the way...

Stay tuned for a giveaway right here on this very blog!

Details coming soon. So exciting!!

It Just Plain Sucks...

2011-02-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

I had a teacher once who never let his students say "sucks" in phrases such as "this sucks", "you suck" and "aww man, that really sucks". When a student would say it, he would reply with something witty such as "No, it doesn't suck. Vacuums suck, but this doesn't."

As I have gotten older, I rarely say "sucks". I still stay in contact with that teacher from when I was in the 9th grade and it makes me proud to say that as a teacher now myself, I do not let my students say "sucks" either. They can opt for acceptable alternatives such as "that stinks", etc.

So, with that said...

There is no other way to put this

(without using swear words).

I think it really sucks that the people who have not been directly affected by cancer have become the minority.

I can't even count on one hand the people I know who have had to go through the ordeal of having a family member or friend with cancer.

All fight the battle in one way or another.

Many are still fighting the battle and too many have lost the battle.

We've lost mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

We support those who are fighting.

We love you.

And cancer just plain sucks.

Lost: One Immune System

2011-02-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Being sick is never any fun. I had to leave work early on Friday and go to urgent care.

I felt so horrible and everytime I coughed it felt like my lungs were on fire.

Apparently, I have a sinus infection and they also checked for the flu.

The amazing doctor gave me three prescriptions and I've been taking them as often as I'm allowed.

So, I have been bed ridden since Friday and I stilll don't feel in tip top shape.

Keep your fingers crossed I only get better and can make it through the week.

And if you see my immune system walking around, please tell her to come home!

I'm Not Ashamed

2011-01-26T20:14:00.001-07:00

I can honestly say I'm not ashamed to admit that I talk to myself at the grocery store.

It's just too hard not to...

You see a good deal and you say (out loud) "Ooh, ten for ten!"

You see what you think you need for a recipe so you say (out loud) "I guess that would work."

but then you think more about it

so you say (out loud, of course) "Well...I don't know."

I understand this may be more of just a "thinking out loud" kind of thing

and not really a "I'm a crazy person talking to myself" kind of thing.

Either way, I don't judge people who talk to themselves at the grocery store and you shouldn't either!

And the reason I know I'm not alone...

As I was going to check out I walked past a woman (who was alone) and heard her say

"Ooh, buy one get one free!"

Not crazy. Case closed!

Sunday: A Day of Relaxation...Ya, Right!

2011-01-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

I love a day where I don't leave the house and I can just get things done...

This day happens ONCE every OTHER month...give or take a week or two.

It is always on a Sunday because Josh works on Sundays. I usually have a standing date with my mom on Sundays because mother-daughter time is so very important. But today, my parents are in Las Vegas (hopefully, winning lots of money and having way too much fun!) so I stayed home to ~~relax~~ get things done.

Here's what I have accomplished today:

3 loads of laundry- done, folded and put away

clean sheets/comforter on the bed...mmmm, heavenly

new blog design and header (small details still in the works)

finished reading "Catching Fire"

dinner cookin'

P.S. Josh and I took a day trip to Sedona yesterday. We spent way too much money in the chocolate shop there, ate way too many french fries at the brewery and had good quality time together (except for the small amount of time I spent yelling at traffic...who closes the 101 over a weekend!?) On our way home it was just sunset and as we were passing Carefree Highway, all the hot air balloons were around us. It was such an awesome sight to see.

Hunger

2011-01-15T21:52:00.002-07:00

I did it!
I finally read The Hunger Games and I LOVED it!
Sometimes people talk about how great a book is and then some more people talk about how great a book is and then later on some more people talk about how great a book is...
THEN I decide I will read it.

Also, if anyone knows anything about me, I only finish reading about half of the books I begin.
The two reasons for this are:
1. I either don't have enough time to sit and read a book and too much time passes between readings and then I forget what was happening and I would have to start all over again and really, who has time for that!?
OR
2. I start reading a book and it just doesn't keep me super interested or guessing or on the edge of my seat and then I don't feel motivated to pick it up anymore.

Few books have truly kept me interested.

Here are just a few incase you were wondering...yes, most of them are children's chapter books or young adult...so sue me, I'm a teacher!

*The Twilight Series
*All of the books by Dave Pelzer (A Child Called It, The Lost Boy, The Priveledge of Youth, etc.) You will cry your eyes out, but SOOOOO good.
*The Giver by Lois Lowry
*Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
*The City of Ember (Not even the whole series...just the first two...then I lost interest.
*Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (One of my favs.)
*Stone Fox (Short, you can sit and read it in an hour or less, but AMAZING...again, have some tissues ready.)
*P.S. I Love You (From before it was a movie...WAY better.)
*The Davinci Code
*Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series (Don't judge me...they are HILARIOUS!)
*Mick Harte was Here by Barbara Park

Those are the ones I can think of right now.

The books I started and REALLY need to find the motivation to finish (or re-read and THEN finish since it has been so long since I read them.)

*Wicked   -I'm so close...yet so far away.
*The Host   -I was so excited...met Stephenie Meyer...got my copy signed...never finished it.
Lame, I know.
* The Prophet of Yonwood   -Third book in the Ember series...I think I'm on page 10 or something.
*Angels and Demons   -Don't know if this one's gonna happen...

But at least I read AND finished The Hunger Games!
You know what this means now, right?...

Time for book #2!

I'd like to give a special thanks to my NOOK Color for being so awesome.

I'm crediting the finishing of The Hunger Games to my Nook,

because without it, it may not have been done.

What are you reading?

Is it any good?

Let me know.

I just may eventually pick it up!

It's a Good Thing

2011-01-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

It's a good thing I left my house late the other morning.
It's a good thing I was only stuck in all that traffic and not in the accident that caused it.
It's a good thing even though it might seem like a bad thing at first.

It's a good thing I like to drive.
I sure spend enough time doing it.

Good things = Good life.

All the Pretty Colors

2011-01-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Isn't it crazy how a perfect, beautiful, bright and shining sunset can hold so much power within it?

Seeing an amazing sunset can change your whole mood.*

Next time you see one that catches your eye, just stare at it.
Put down your phone.
Turn down the radio.
Pull over if you have to.
Take some time.

All your cares melt away.
It's really a very warm and fuzzy feeling.

*I would have taken a picture of the one I saw today, but I was driving. Like always.

I'm definitely having major camera withdrawals though.

This year...

2011-01-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

Aren't you all itching for a grand 2010 recap?
No need to sit there biting your nails on the edge of your seat!

Here we go...

In 2010...
1. I got rid of my first car (who also doubled as my first love).
2. I got a brand new car and quickly realized it is the very best car in the world.
3. I lost a friend.
4. We got an adorable new nephew.
5. I began my fourth year of teaching,
6. I got the best, sweetest, most funny class.
7. I realized I don't miss New York. Only my family there.
8. I became a vegetarian.
9. We celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
10. I got much better abut blogging :)
11. We finally joined a bowling team (and placed second!)
12. I achieved one of my dreams of photographing a bolt of lightning.
13. I started a 365 project...and made it to day 26. ha!
14. I saw my best friend graduate as an RN.
15. I achieved another dream of finally seeing Something Corporate in concert...TWICE.
16. I decided I really don't care for New Year's Eve as a holiday. meh.
17. I fell in love with Josh all over again...every day.

I'm a lucky girl. I know this.
Maybe I'm a little spoiled. Maybe I'm a little high maintenance sometimes.
Maybe I'm not nice to everyone I meet and everyone I know, every single day.

But I know for a fact I live my life the best way I can.
I love.
I laugh.
I give.
I teach.
I learn.
I feel.
I cry.
I comfort.
I work.
I play.
I LIVE.

I'm not making some crazy New Year's Resolution.
These are the things I'm going to strive to do in 2011.
They're simple.
They're complex.
They're me.

Happy 2011 Everyone!
Let's make it great.

It's the Strangest Thing...

2010-12-20T17:00:00.002-07:00

As soon as I begin a vacation from work for more than one week my intellectual level immediately drops.
It really is the strangest thing.

It's as though my brain says "You're not going to really need me for a little while anyway, so I'm gonna hop on the next flight to the Bahamas!"
And I'm left here to fend for myself.

You think I'm exaggerating...
I have been on vacation now since Friday at 12:30pm.
In the last three days I have:

*Said the sentence, "I bet we maked someone's day."
*Taken three times to successfully start my car. (Which only involves pushing a button. Seriously, I don't even use a key!)
*Then said, "Third charm's a try!"
*Spilled a glass of iced tea on my mom at Jason's Deli while telling a story and gesturing in a fashion that was, apparently, a bit too grand.

And my personal favorite...

*Walked into the women's restroom at Wal-Mart and thought "Why are there urinals in here?!"
.
.
.
Yeah...not the women's restroom.

This isn't even the first time this sort of pattern has occured. Every summer I experience this as well.
It's immediate too, so I can't even prepare myself for all of the stupidity.
I'm sure worried about how I'm going to make it through the next two weeks.
Maybe my brain will decide to come back home because it doesn't want to be away from me for the holidays.
I hope so.

5 days and counting!!!

(P.S. Sorry if there are typos in this. You know why.)

I Literally Died

2010-12-19T22:51:00.001-07:00

Really?
You literally died? How is that exactly?

The word "literally" is just completely unnecessary.

If you say, "There were literally a hundred bees on me!" Trust me. We believe you.

100 bees, got it. No need for the literally.

If someone says, "I literally died from embarrassment!" You wouldn't be here to tell us.

You're dead. From the embarrassment, so it seems.

It's like...if I were given the choice to either:

a.) Spend one day with someone who says "literally" in their casual conversations or

b.) Tear off one of my fingernails.

I'm picking option B without hesitation.

So please, dear readers, let's stop all this "literally" nonsense. If you are guilty of using this word, now's the time to stop. Don't kid yourself by saying you'll only use it every now and again.

You need to give it up. Cold turkey.

Everyone you say it to either understands you are serious or they think you are ridiculous for saying things like, "The line at the post office was so long, I literally waited for like five hours."

If we work together, we can make the world a place where our children can play outside without being confused by idiots using this horrible word incorrectly.

I hope you have enjoyed my Public Service Announcement.

Tell your friends. Let's make it happen.

P.S. I'm still working hard to get "Thursday" changed to "Prefriday."

~Lauren: Making the world a better place, one ridiculous thing at a time.~

Just Around the Corner

2010-12-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Christmas is in 1 week.
1 week!
Seven days!

We're pretty excited around here. Even though we're not done shopping or wrapping yet.
It's only hard to do Christmas shopping when you don't know what to get someone.
Then it only kind of makes you want to yell at everyone.

I'm Afraid of my Mailbox

2010-12-15T20:08:00.001-07:00

Seriously.
I'm pretty sure I'm not going to go near it anymore.
Why, you ask?

It gives me the biggest (and quite strong) shock everytime I touch the key to the lock!

At first it was just a tiny spark with a little "oh, that shocked me" kind of feeling.

But today...I get out of my car, I walk up the box and I wasn't even thinking about the shocks.
It could have been like an old western movie where the mailbox was at one end of the dirt street and I was at the other and I was saying things like "Alright, box. It's just you and me" with squinted eyes and a scowl on my face...

But it wasn't.

I was just going about my business and BAM. The spark was a tiny line of electricity and my arm got a nice little tingle.

So...I'm officially afraid of my mailbox. Lame, I know. But no one likes to get shocked.

Lost

2010-12-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lost is defined as the following:

No longer possessed or retained.

I disagree.

What about the people we've lost over the years?

They are in our hearts.

I possess the spirit of my loved ones who have gone to another place.

I retain their qualities through laughing and reminiscing.

They are far from lost.

Maybe just stored away somewhere.

Tis the Season

2010-12-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas is practically here.

There's only 12 days left.

Lights on our home are glowing.

Tree is up...and beautiful!

Cards were mailed.

Gifts have been purchased (well..not all of them, but most!)

The good times are upon us!

Time to laugh with family and friends.

Time to drive around with a (oh my gosh, best thing I've ever tasted) Carmel Apple Spice from Starbucks, listen to festive music and look at lights.

Did I mention time to laugh?

Speaking of laughing...

Did you notice my reflection in the ball ornament to the right of the "joy?"

Need a closer look?

Ya...

Josh likes to jump up and down like a yetti while I'm taking a picture

just to see if he can make into the reflection.

He's like that adorable spirit of light you find in a photo after you develop it.

...Well kinda :)

Hope you're all ready for the season!

Like a Retirement Community

2010-12-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Josh: "Honey, would you start eating meat again if we bought a bunch of cows and let them die of natural causes?"

Me: "And we'd just have chickens and pigs too?"

Josh: "It'd be like a retirement community!"

(*Insert my hysterical laughter.)

What a lovely new slogan...

Our home...where livestock comes to die!

It's ok to laugh, that's pretty hilarious...and never going to happen!

Well...probably not.

Thank You Notes No.2

2010-12-06T21:30:00.002-07:00

Dear Spoof Movies,
Thank you for allowing me to save my money be creating yet another horrible looking film. Vampires Suck...thanks, but no thanks. I'll keep my blood and my money!

Dear Animal Planet,
Thank you for airing "America's Cutest Cat 2010." It is nice to have things to laugh at while browing through my cable guide.

Dear Electronic Christmas Cards,
Thank you for allowing people to put even less effort into sending holiday wishes. Your upside...saving the Earth. I guess it evens out.

Dear Big Name Companies,
Thank you for drilling your slogans into children. You would not believe how much my students, at 10 years old, know about advertising. They'll never be dooped because they didn't read the fine print!

Dear The Holiday Season,
Thank you for being so fun, even though you are so much work.

Christmas time is in full swing!

Let's do this!

Love,

Lauren

Just a-tappin my feet...

2010-11-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

We all know music is fantastic. Concerts are my utopia.

I haven't been to one in such a long time. Months...

This will just NOT do.

I'm on a mission...time to change this. ASAP.

All The Little Things

2010-11-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's so strange to think about all the little things that have happened to make us who we are today.

For example, 25 years ago, a woman gave birth to a baby boy on April 18 in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Two weeks later on May 3, across the country in Huntington, New York, a woman gave birth to baby girl.

Now that boy and girl have been married for 5 years.

I don't think we really take the time to single out specific events in our lives. We remember the big events like birthdays, holidays, special occasions. Do we ever think of all the little things we are grateful for?

When we were 16, one of my BFFs and I both applied to Michaels.

I think about the fact that I got the last open position.

If I hadn't been hired, I could have never met my husband.

If my parents hadn't moved our family from New York to Arizona when I was 8, I know I would have turned out a lot different.

I'd be a completely different person today.

I like who I am.

I love the people I know.

Even with the ups and downs in my life...

I wouldn't trade how things have turned out for anything.

Our lives are made up of a lot of small moments, but we only seem to celebrate the big ones.

I think we should start having parties for all the small ones!

F for Fail

2010-10-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you about my poor follow through?

The idea of just ending my post right there (unfinished) struck me as hilarious...

but I do have some follow through.
-

I get new ideas, ambitions, etc.

Then I start things.

Then I fail to complete them.

It's a fine cycle.

My 365 Project lasted exactly 29 days.

Oh well.

My theory is...

It began to become bothersome for me to take a picture on a day when I really didn't come across anything to photograph.

I take some sort of picture almost everyday anyway, that on a day every now and again (like a lazy Sunday) when I would just be at home all day watching TV and doing laundry, the

(self proclaimed) "artist/photographer" in me would say

"Don't take a picture just to take a picture.

Photos should mean something to you!"

See...so it really is ok. I don't want to take a picture everyday just to do it for a whole year.

I want to take pictures that matter.

But...Josh and I did finish our puzzle!

I guess I'm not all that bad.

Duck Hunting Season

2010-10-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

You know what I just don't care for very much?

Hunting.

I know about all the "hunting helps keep the numbers where they need to be, blah, blah, blah..."

but...

Why would you want to kill something that looks at you like this...

You know what kind of hunting I can handle?

That's more like it.

Super Watchable Movies

2010-10-17T17:35:00.004-07:00

There are just some movies I could watch over and over and over and over and never get tired of.

I know everyone has those movies.

It doesn't matter if you own it, or just stumble across it on TV...

you always watch it.

And laugh at it.

Or cry at it.

Or quote it.

Or all of the above.

Here are some of those movies for me...

1. The Emperor's New Groove

The vioce and humor of David Spade. HILARIOUS! A must-watch.

I think it is so important of a movie, that I make sure I show it to my class each year.

Seriously.

2. The Princess Diaries

What a story! Girl with frizzy hair who learns she is a princess!
Fantastic.

3. A Cinderella Story

Chad Michael Murray...case closed.

4. Dumb and Dumber

Really? Do you even have to wonder why this movie is amazing?
"Hey guys...big gulps, huh?"

5. Legally Blonde

Elle Woods is out to prove she can make it in Law School. And she wears a lot of pink.

6. Disney Classics including but not limited to:

Beauty and the Beast

Aladdin

The Lion King

Cinderella

Yes, I am aware that my taste in movies can be compared to that of a 13 year old girl.

I can't help it, I just love these movies!

What movie could you watch over and over and over and over?

Click!

2010-10-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have a brand spankin' new blog button!

I figured it out!!!

All by myself.

I'm so proud of me.

Yessssssss!

So what are you waiting for...GO!

Grab your button!

Pats on the back for me accomplishing this goal are not needed.

But, if you want to...that's ok too.

Thank You

2010-10-12T17:39:00.002-07:00

There's a lot of stuff I like.

I'm not particularly hard to please, so I thought I'd take this time to send out all my thank you notes for the week...

On the rare occasion that I happen to stumble across the Jimmy Fallon Show...I sometimes see his Thank You Notes bit. It make me laugh every time.

Click HERE to watch some clips...If only I had my own background music...

1. Thank you Marie Callenders, for staying open until 10pm so Becky and I could get our $6.99 pie to share during this semi-annual pie sale. Even if we did have to drive to Chander to get it.

2. Thank you Becky for proving, yet again, that I can always count on you to make hideous faces in pictures. The same rule I gave Josh applies to her as well...If you do that in my picture...you will be put on the blog. :)

3. Thank you Popcornopolis popcorn. Zebra kind. You are delicious and your flavor makes me not mind the idea of gaining weight (for a few minutes). Go get some. Chandler Mall.

3. Thank you amazing Fall weather we've been having. You make me smile like crazy. - To all my wonderful hoodies: Here I come!!

4. Thank you October Break. Thank you for being you.

5. Thank you blogging for giving me yet another thing to do instead of all the things I should be getting done.

6. Thank you Glitter Toes for making my feet look so jazzy.

7. Thank you Ross Dress 4 Less for introducing me to my new and fantastic Betseyville purse.

8. Thank you Picnik for making my photo editing much more fun!

9. Thank you stores for allowing Halloween to get here without making us feeling like you are cramming Christmas down our throats. I have seen no xmas commercials yet. Thank goodness.

I think I'll make this a reoccuring thing...

as long as I give the credit to Jimmy Fallon.

You have all witnessed it. This was not my idea...

There. All that legal stuff taken care of. lol

Who would you write a thank you note to this week?

It's my Superpower.

2010-10-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know I have a superpower?

Yes, when discussing superpowers it should be one word.

Well, I do.

Things get so busy at certain times of the year.

For a teacher, those crazy times are usually at the end of a quarter when you have to get 31 report cards done,

attend meetings and workshops,

be ready for parent-teacher conferences,

tackle a billion other things

AND...don't forget the simple task of continuing to teach those precious little beings, every single day.

With a list that seems to be a mile long, you may be thinking, "Wow. She must be pulling out her hair."

But I'm not.

Not letting stress get to me is my superpower.

I knock out stress using only my mind!

POW!

I'm not sure where or how I absorbed this superpower,

(probably from my awesome, laid back dad)

but I like it.

We all have hidden superpowers.

Probably more than one.

Mine just happens to be a really cool one.

If you'd care to share what you think your superpower is, I do love comments.

------------------------------------------------------------

An actual conversation Josh and I had today...

Josh: Work was crazy. (He goes on to explain about all of the logistic-type parts and procedures and things he encountered during the day.

Me: Oh, ya? I talked to a mime today.

-------------------

True story. This is why I love working at an Arts school.

We integrate. It rocks.

Quick as a Bolt of Lightning

2010-10-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

I hate driving in the rain.

However, I love the way the roads look in the rain.

They become so slick, shiny and wet looking.

I love the way the light reflects off of the rain drops on the winshield.

It has always been a small dream of mine

to capture a lightning bolt in a photo.

As I was taking a photo of the shiny rained-on Earth all around me,

I snapped a photo and this is what happened at

THAT EXACT moment.

It was like a dream come true for me.

I was giddy.

Done. Crossed off the Bucket List!

Musical Instrument Museum

2010-09-26T17:10:00.001-07:00

If you like music, instruments and culture then check out the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.

They have instruments from EVERY country in the world.

The best part...you get to play some of them!

P.S. One week of the 365 project down...51 to go!

We're High Voltage

2010-09-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Bowling leagues are awesome.

Every week we laugh, bowl up a storm and kick some butt!

As we were bowling, all of a sudden all these pins dropped from where they come down and flew all over the lane. It was so crazy. You can see the pins in the gutters.

How often does that happen!?

Watch out bowlers!

High Voltage is electrifying!

lol...too much?

Bath Time...Math Time!

2010-09-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

This little boy loves school.

He loves 2nd grade.

He loves his teacher.

He reads like crazy.

And all of these things...

Make his Auntie Lauren a very happy camper!

While playing in the bath tub using bath crayons, does he draw pictures? Pictures that boys love such as people and monsters?

No.

He does math problems.

The Sun Rises. The Sun Sets.

2010-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Each and every day the sun rises and the sun sets.

No matter what happens, it never lets you down.

Life happens all around you.

Be like the sun.

Rise every morning.

Brighten the day of those around you.

And on days when you just don't feel like shining...

Find the people who make you mad

and give them a pretty wicked sunburn!

Put the Pieces Together

2010-09-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need to put the pieces together.

Look at what you have and what you've been given and make what you can with all of it.

Some days you need to listen to the Man upstairs and take a hint.

Really listen. Not everything is loud and clear.

You won't be able to hear it unless you choose to try.

Everything happens for a reason.

2 down...363 to go!

2010-09-20T19:11:00.001-07:00

I take pictures all the time and almost every day anyhow, so this isn't too hard. Yet.

One of the things I do for To Write Love on her Arms is put flyers in places.

Starbucks is the best!

Remember the post about how I am terribly indecisive?

No? Click here to read that one.

Quick recap...

I can make major life decisions with no problem, but I act like I'm ordering my last meal when I go to a restaurant.

Well...I decided I wanted a new shower curtain.
Months went by. Could I decide on one?
No, of course not.

That's just how I am.

But...I finally, yesterday, got one!
Hallelujah!

Yesss!

Ya, half a post about a new shower curtain.
That's just to show you how important the little things in life are.

365...I'm not so sure.

2010-09-19T10:09:00.003-07:00

I loved the movie Julie and Julia when I saw it.

Of course, immediately I thought,

"I could do a 365 'something a day' kind of thing!"

I've been reading The Daily Nail. (<---click!)

If you haven't been to this blog, definitely check it out. This girl does a different nail design every day. Whoa.

Not only does she need to have the time to photograph and blog about the design each day, but she also has to DO the design.

Completely 100% awesome.

Also, I found a blog about a girl who did 365 Slow Cooker recipes.

Again...wow.

I know, as does everyone else, you need to be many things to do a 365 project. Some of those include...

-Determined

- Creative

- Disciplined

- Possess good follow through habits

- Supported mentally

Etc.

Now, I have many of those qualities.

But the one I often lack...

follow through.

Dun, dun dunnnnn!

(Please insert your own dramatic sound for climactic effect.)

That's the most important one!

Then I found this article.

Project 365: How to Take a Photo a Day

Read it. It says you don't need to blog about your pictures everyday. As long as you take a pic everyday, you can blog about them every other day or once a week, depending on you.

Be aware, this blog project is not something you do for other people.
You do it for you.

365 Photos:

A Photo a Day to See Your Life in a Whole New Way.

Catchy huh?

I'm not saying I'm going to try this out with failure already in my mind, but I won't cry a river of warm tears if I don't make it.

It'll be great.

Coincidence?

2010-09-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Another amazing time at a concert last night.

Who could not love concerts!?

(Besides my husband who has no desire to go to a concert, ever.)

Anyway...I saw a band called A Rocket to the Moon.

I've seen them a few times before usually when I go see The Maine play. No big deal.

They play their set.

Kelle and I walk into the lobby and who do I see?

John O.

As in, the lead singer of The Maine, John O.

Last seen looking something like this...

He's friends with the lead singer of A Rocket to the Moon.

There were these two lead singers, from bands I love, just standing there. No fans around. No screaming crowds.

So, of course, I said "Can I get a picture with both of you?"

And they said yes, because I'm a sweet girl.

So John O was at a concert that his band wasn't even playing at and he just happened to be standing there right in the lobby at the exact place and time I was.

Coincidence?

I think not.

He's probably stalking me.

Which is totally cool with me.

(Please insert your own giggles and eye roll here.)

In other news...

Did you know Frankie Muniz (from Malcom in the Middle) lives in Scottsdale and plays the drums in a band called You Hang Up.

He went from this...

To this...

I had no idea until last night when they played too.

Random...I guess that's what I get for letting my Frankie Muniz fan club membership expire! LOL.

In other, other news...

Bowling league starts tomorrow!

Our team is called High Voltage.

We're gonna kick some league booty.

I'll keep you posted.

Precious Cargo

2010-09-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

As we are driving together in Josh's truck...

Lauren: *sigh

Josh: What?

Lauren: Why do you drive so slowly?

Josh: I always drive slow when I'm carrying precious cargo.

Cue smile and blushing...

Prevention

2010-09-05T16:03:00.002-07:00

I'm not afraid to keep on living.

It's Suicide Prevention Week.

Make yourself aware.

Did you know...

- A person ends their own life every 40 seconds. That's unbelieveable to me and yet entirely too real.

- Suicide is among the top three causes of death for people ages 15-44 and the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-24.

- In the United States, more people die each year from suicide than from HIV and homicide.

Our loved ones need to know we care about them.

- Males are four times more likely to die from suicide but females are three times more likely to attempt it.

- White Americans are more likely to die from suicide than Americans from other racial backgrounds.

- Prevention is the key to saving lives and helping other know they matter.

- 90% of suicides in the U.S. are linked to mental illnesses, including disorders such as alcohol abuse and other drug related addictions.

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center states, "Suicide is a preventable public health problem."

Suicide is not a word or idea that should be taboo. People should be aware that it is a worldwide issue and we need to work together to promote prevention.

To Write Love on Her Arms promotes prevention.

Love is the Movement.

This is something that has an effect on many people.

I've lost quite a few people I really loved.

Many of them too soon.

We might need to check ourselves before we can help others.

How do we treat the people we come across?

Whether you know someone really well or hardly at all, respect them. Befriend them. Love them.

I wish prevention could have saved the people I've lost in my life because of suicide. I work with and support TWLOHA because I don't want to lose anyone else.

You matter.

All information included in this post was gathered from the World Heath Organization and The suicide Prevention Resource Center.

All Grown Up = Eye Candy

2010-08-28T14:36:00.002-07:00

Many moons ago I posted about a band called The Maine.

If you missed that one you can see it here.

Boy...have these guys grown up.

Nicely...

My love for The Maine all started when a few of my friends and I went to see the band Good Charlotte in concert.

There was a band opening for them who came on stage and instantly blew me away.

It was kinda like "Whoa, who are these guys?"

Well...that concert was in July 2008.

In just over the last two years I think I have seen The Maine in concert 7 or 8 times?! Maybe 9...

They went from opening for big bands to headlining their own tour in such a short amount of time.

They rock my socks off.

Kelle and I just saw them last night again.

Perfect concert.

And as if their music isn't enough, their lead singer surely isn't bad to look at either.

Ya, I've hugged that. Twice. lol

You're welcome.

Life's a Battlefield

2010-08-25T21:19:00.004-07:00

Everyday, in everyone's life there are constant battles we have to fight and innumerable battlefields we must charge through.

My usual battles include: (in no particular order)

1. Getting up in the morning. (not because I don't want to face the day, but because I would really rather face it after a few more hours of sleep.)

2. Swearing at the people in the cars around me who have no idea how to drive.

3. Successfully keeping 31 children from hurting themselves (usually because they were not following the rules) or the feelings of others.

4. Teaching important information, life skills, etc. to my students while maintaining #3.

5. Wanting to cook dinner after I'm so tired from working at numbers 2 and 3 all day.

6. Finding the time and energy to go grocery shopping.

7. Choosing which concerts to go to and which to skip.

8. Finding the time and energy to play with Harley.

9. Keep in close contact with my friends and family that I don't see too often.

10. Keeping my house clean. (It seriously suffers during the school year.)

11. The process of sitting and paying bills. Yuck.

But then...

Right in the middle of all those battles,

you get a PERFECT day.

That was today.

It wasn't easy to get up this morning, but oh well. I'm giving up on the idea that that will ever be easy!

I got things done.

Stuff taught.

No one hurt themselves or made anyone else cry.

Kelle bought me a sonic drink and french fries for lunch.

We got out of our staff meeting early.

I got texts from almost all my BFFs today.

Harley wasn't all muddy when I got home.

Josh picked up Costa Vida on his way home.

It's so chilly in my house I am getting to wear my new

pink Long Island hoodie.

And now I'm going to go make a healthy,

yet delicious, smoothie for dessert.

It was a good day.

I'm practically giddy just thinking about it all over again!

Have I told you guys I love you?

Well, I do.

After all, Love is the Movement.

Honeymoon, Shmoneymoon

2010-08-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

One whole week of this school year is already behind us!

(Yes. I AM aware the week was only 3 days long.

You don't need to point that out.)

My new students are so sweet and funny.

Three days and they have already made me laugh so many times.

Every year things start off so great because we are all getting to know each other.

This time is also commonly referred to as

"The Honeymoon Period."

Let me just say...

Honeymoon shmoneymoon!

Trust me. They. Are. Comfortable.

I love teaching 5th grade!

Where Did It Go?

2010-07-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the last two months, summer has come and gone. Where the heck did it go?

One day there were six weeks left and then, all of a sudden

(with no warning at all, might I add!)

I'm down to six days.

Here's a look at this totally awesome and fabulous summer.

1. Swimming

2. New York

3. Arts Integration Conference

4. Brian and Lela's Wedding

5. Five Scoop - Jim Dandy Sundaes

6. Beautiful week with friends in Flagstaff.

7. Taking pictures of everything to remember everything.

8. Soaking up beach sun and playing in waves.

9. Friends, shopping, eating and rocking out at Warped Tour.

10. Laughing everyday with my completely amazing husband, family and friends.

It was a good summer.

All behind me in memories now...

Time to go back to work. Uh...do I really have to!?

C'mon, just a little more time...

Like...until...October!

Sigh. Ok, I guess it's ok.

Ouch!

2010-07-22T18:10:00.002-07:00

While we were in NY it was brutal trying to not get eaten alive by mosquitos. I hate bug bites!

(Yes, I know no one actually likes them)

We were there for about a day when Josh got a bug bite on his leg (or so we thought...)

It got bigger...and bigger...and all of a sudden his shin was swollen and red to the size of a softball!

So after him getting way more attention then he ever wants, I talked him into letting me take him to the doctor.

I worry about him!

So we went to one of those CVS clinics.

Just what everyone wants on their vacation...

A Tetnus Shot!

(During which I had to stand in the corner and face the wall. Yes, I'm very mature.)

He was very manly and fine about the whole thing but since I was upset for him he pretended to be sad so I could take a picture.

He's so sweet. And completely adorable.

One delightful shot later and antibiotics 4 times a day for 10 days and he's all better!

And we spent the rest of the time using lots of bug spray!

C'mon, Get Happy!

2010-07-19T09:38:00.002-07:00

Follow it.

The Part you can't slack on is the part that says "Change Something."

I found this flow chart on Kate Voegele's blog and she said she got it from The Happiness Project.

That site is by Gretchen Rubin who write the book

The Happiness Project.

She talks about how you can be happy in different parts of your life and how you can't just wait for happiness to come along.

Amen sista!

I fully agree and say this often.

We have to make our own destiny.

We decide what we're going to be happy about and what we're going to get upset, jealous or angry about.

Isn't it better to filter out some of the things that make us angry?

Ask yourself "Does this really matter in my life?"

"Does this affect my loved ones safety and true happiness?"

"Will this have a great impact on my family, home or career?"

You will probably realize half of those little things don't matter.

It's so easy to get frustrated over meaningless things.

The plate that got dropped on the floor and shattered.

Waking up late.

Getting every red light when you're in a hurry.

Spilling a whole glass of something you know will dry sticky.

Burning dinner. (Which I have only done once in my life, thank goodness. Because apparently I can't operate a stove and accidently turned it to HIGH when I thought I was turning it to LOW and walked away to let it simmer! Oh well!)

Your puppy throwing up on the carpet.

ETC...

Do these things suck!? Of course!

After they happen, can we change them? No.

Are they going to really make a difference in our lives?

No, not for most of us.

I'm not saying you should walk around everyday like a medicated loon just smiling and accepting everything, but I think we need to get better at using that filter.

Things that are important to you will still make you cry, laugh, yell or shoot steam out of your ears, but maybe you won't have to look back and think

"Wow, I can't believe I yelled and wanted to punch that cashier in Walmart because she was such an idiot and couldn't figure out how to ring up a freaking tomato!

(unless you're me and that event is still a sore subject)

Laugh it off!

So...remember. Only you can decide how you will feel about things.

I love you guys!

Love is the Movement

New York City

2010-07-14T10:52:00.002-07:00

NYC = Fantasmical

NYC also = Sweat lodge

This is the sphere sculpture that stood in the front plaza of the twin towers. After 9/11 it was found with all those gashes, dents and twisted metal pieces and moved to Battery Park and made into a memorial.

The sights were just as great as they always are, but it was so humid and rainy that I thought I was going to just die right there.

But...I didn't (as you can tell) and that's a good thing!

Long Island in Bloom

2010-07-12T18:29:00.002-07:00

Long Island has so many gorgeous flowers!

Everytime I see one that catches my eye I make sure I stop and take a picture.

Just a few for your viewing pleasure...

And there are little bunnies that just hop around and eat the sweet clovers in my uncle's backyard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Volunteer Fire Department

New York (and many other places) have volunteer firemen. When they get a call, a big and loud siren goes off that can be heard throughout the town and the volunteers come, suit up and go fight fires!

We were there hanging out while my parents talked to one of their friends at the firehouse and i'm walking around taking pictures (of course) and all of a sudden the loud siren and alarms go off. I jumped (actually jumped) screamed and ran to my mom's side like I was five years old.

Throughout the next few minutes some guys came in, suited up and left. It was very cool to see. Some jobs even let their empoyees leave if they are a volunteer firefighter and hear the siren.

It was very exciting to see.

They also had a really nice memorial in front of the firehouse.

Inside a glass window in the center it had a constantly buring flame.

It was pretty awesome.

More posts to come about other vacation stuff soon.

We're off to the city tomorrow!

Stay tuned!

Back To My Roots

2010-07-01T14:57:00.001-07:00

In three days I will be here...

Good ol' New York.

As many of you know, I was born in New York.

My roots are there.

Well, I wasn't born in New York City.

I'm from Long Island.

If you have never been there, you have never seen one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

There are so many reasons I love going back there.

I will list them because who doesn't love a good list :)

(in no particular order...)

Reason #1 - Family.

They are crazy and fun and I never want to leave once I'm there.

#2 - The beach. East coast beaches are different than west coast beaches. Both good, just different.

#3 - The colors you can see during the actual different seasons they get to experience.

#4 - White Castle

Never going there means you are seriously missing out.

#5 - The Statue of Liberty

#6 - The Empire State Building

Standing at the top of this enormous building, looking out over the city, central park, bridges, rivers, etc. is one of my favorite places to be and truly one of my utopias.

# 7 - Hot dogs from the vendors on street corners.

Seriously. Amazing.

#8 - The history you can see all around you.

From Ground Zero to Ellis Island.

New York is beautiful.

You just have to see past the pigeons.

Which are there to greet you INSIDE the airport.

Eww.

I will miss you all, but hopefully I will update while I'm away.

I'd love to hear some of your favorite places or utopias...

Who Doesn't Love Shoes!?

2010-06-27T22:54:00.004-07:00

Have you ever heard of TOMS shoes?

They're pretty awesome.

For every pair of TOMS shoes you buy,

TOMS will donate a pair to a child in need.

One for One.

Not only does TOMS promote a great thing, but everyone says how amazing and comfortable they are.

*Double "feel good" deal!*

Check out TOMS shoes at http://www.toms.com/

Now, I've been wanting to get my toesies into a pair of
TOMS shoes for quite a while now.

Well, guess what!?

The lovely Alexa of "It's a Love Story" has another blog

that you should definitely go to by clicking here.

(you can also read her other blog by clicking on the "Love Story" button on the side of my blog)

Why should you go to this blog of hers??

She is doing a giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to TOMS!!!

No strings attached...just comment on her post and you're entered!

GO! You have until July 3rd.

Do it! I did!

YAY!

P.S. If you dont like chances at free things and you don't put in for the giveaway, that's ok, but you should still go buy yourself a pair of
TOMS shoes.

My Utopia

2010-06-24T15:11:00.002-07:00

Utopia: An ideal place or state.

I have a few places/situations that I would consider utopias.

Disclaimer: These are some of the other things in life.

Of course, good times with loved ones is the ultimate utopia.

Here we go...

1. Relaxing in a pool, listening to great music and getting a glimpse of beautiful palm trees.

When relaxing in the pool lately I love listening to Bob Marley or Orianthi.

2. Relaxing on the couch, watching tv, snacking.

*I love you, DVR.*

3. Sitting in a quiet classroom full of students, (yes, it happens) watching them work so dilligently and knowing you just taught them something so new and almost everyone really "gets it."

**Smile and sigh**

4. Concerts - Specifically outdoor festivals.

Not as mud oriented as Woodstock, but just as "feel good."

Outdoor music festivals give you such a feeling of peace.

Enjoying and truly appreciating music and friends while feeling a breeze all around you is really something.

In May I went to the Bamboozle Festival in Anaheim, California.

Amazing music, amazing weather, amazing friends.

***Encompassing feeling of content. Again, Smile and sigh.***

An outdoor music festival ( a.k.a. Warped Tour)

in Arizona in the middle of the summer...

Hopefully, still amazing, but H-O-T, H-O-T, H-O-T!

So...on Tuesday I will be in the middle of one of my utopias...

with lots of SPF 50!

(Seriously, SPF 50...I know.)

I think everyone should discover what they consider to be a utopia and then try to go to that "place" as much as they can.

Just be careful when you're there.

Gimme Some S'more!

2010-06-12T00:39:00.001-07:00

A perfect night is when Josh finally gives in to my whining about wanting to make s'mores!

With a few ingredients...

And your kitchen stove...

You get to have something so delicious!

And messy.

Mmmm...even though you really can't eat more than one because after that you pretty much feel like you could never eat another s'more in your life!

But we all know it won't be more than a week until I'm itchin to make them again!

Go make some!

Happy S'moring!

Catch It Like a Girl!

2010-06-09T13:17:00.001-07:00

Harley is a frisbee catching machine.

She is very talented and everytime we take her to play,

people stop and watch. I know she loves the attention!

Not to mention she is highly photogenic :)

The camera just loves her!

It's nice to know someone has sports talent in our family.

We sure don't!

Thirty-Five

2010-06-06T22:34:00.002-07:00

June 7, 1975

Two crazy kids tied the knot...

35 years...

3 kids

moving across the country

new careers

who knows how many cars

family reunions

new friends

old friends

gaining a son-in-law

welcoming a whole new family of in-laws

lots of laughs and lots cries.

My mom and dad are two of the most wonderful people I know.

They each have made me who I am today.

I'm so glad they fell in love.

More importantly, i'm glad they stayed in love.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

I love you!

A Brand New Holiday!

2010-06-01T18:41:00.002-07:00

Did you know there has been an actual holiday called Wives Day?

I know for a fact it exists because I created it.

Here is how it all began...

Many years ago we were spending a lovely evening with our dear friends, Laci and Dan.

It occured to me,

(DON'T JUDGE ME)...

there was not a holiday between my birthday (in May) and Christmas.

Well...not a holiday where I receive a present.

Once again, DON'T JUDGE ME!

I was excited about being a new bride and I truly believe wives day is an important and specacular holiday that everyone should observe!

This is not some crazy made up thing, well...it began that way.

But, now it has been a real part of our marriage since it began.

So...Wives Day is August 5.

Why, you may be asking, does her husband celebrate ridiculous holidays that she makes up!?

I will answer that question by saying...

First, it is NOT ridiculous.

And second, he does it because he loves me.

He loves me and I love him. Truly.

But, as I said, this is not a new holiday. We have been celebrating it for years!

It can now be new to you though!

So, what is this new holiday I am speaking of?

Everyone constantly asks me, "When is Husbands Day?"

My answer: "Everyday is husbands day."

But...after five years of marriage and knowing everyday that

(sorry ladies)

I get to have the BEST husband ever.

I am happy to announce...

Husband's Day - July 2

This is the first annual Husband's Day and you know about it and can celebrate too!

Tell your friends!

But then don't forget to make sure your spouse knows about Wives Day on August 5 too.

I hope these holidays are something fun for you to celebrate and you enjoy them just as much as we do.

And remember...If you want to do something or create something, DO IT!

Why not, right!?

School's (almost) Out!

2010-05-21T19:32:00.001-07:00

Today was "Move Up Day."

You may be asking...

What is Move Up Day?

Well...it's the day at the very end of the school year when all of the students go to the classroom of their new teacher for the next year and spend the last hour of the day with them.

This day is always bittersweet.

I get so excited to meet my new class and they always turn out to be so cute and so sweet, but they are still new.

Of course, my current students are totally excited to meet their new teacher, but they try not to talk about it too much because they know it makes me sad. They are so sweet.

So...after hugging each one of my students and telling them "You are still mine for FOUR MORE DAYS!!!" I send them to grow up and move up to being introduced to sixth grade life*.

*(Please be aware that sixth grade life is in NO way as awesome as fifth grade life.) Just saying.

I never want to give away my students.

I spend more time with them in a week than their parents do

and I truly know each of them.

We laugh together, we cry together, I scold them, I mold them.

I cried on the last day of school of my first year. (Like a baby!)

Last year, I was so sad, but no tears.

I don't know about this year...

It could be a waterfall.

The silver lining...SUMMER!!!!!

P.S. Thank you to anyone who voted YES on Prop 100!

Birthdays, Scrabble and Cars!

2010-05-12T19:11:00.001-07:00

Whoa.

Things have been busy!

I turned 25.

I guess it wasn't so bad...well...

It wasn't quite easy to turn 25, but i'm totally over it now!

Bowling was terrific.

Josh got me a really awesome Onyx Edition of Scrabble!

The most amazing part is that Josh and I played a game where we used EVERY SINGLE TILE!!!!

That's right!

No letters we couldn't use and everything made a legit word!!

What are the odds of being able to do that?

Usually there is an X or a Q or something that you can't use at the end...but not for that game!

Unbelievable!

(I was wicked excited!)

Alright...moving on...

Remember how I have not had A/C in my car for the last three years? That's right. I had no A/C and my drive is 40 minutes ONE WAY every day.

I was very patient and it paid off...

WOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got a 2010 Nissan Altima with ten miles on it!

I love it.

You may also remember how I said I would cry and it would kill me to have to get rid of my car?

Well, I did cry. Just a little bit.

I'm a little sentimental.

But look how much bigger my new car (right)

is than my old car (left)!

Nope, it's not just the angle. It's really that much bigger!

So...things have been pretty much great.

We will be very poor now that I have such an amazing car,

but, oh well!

Totally worth it!

I guess 25 isn't so bad...

Sometimes...

2010-04-27T22:24:00.001-07:00

Sometimes your students pretty much all behave and it's a really great day at work.

Sometimes you drive to work and it doesn't matter how late you are, the traffic doesn't bother you.

Sometimes you tell a great story about, text and get to hang out with all your best friends in the same day.

Sometimes you notice the mountains. Really notice. So clear and majestic and you think "Wow. Most people never see something so magnificent."

Sometimes your awesome friends end up buying a house that happens to be FIVE houses away from yours!

Sometimes you get to see the first "pinkest" sunset of the summer.

Sometimes you go back and forth between "It's ok, 25 is a good age." and "Holy crap! 25! I might as well just wear a shirt that says 'Call me Ma'am'" (Deep breaths.)

Sometimes you get to have a day that goes good.

Today was that day.

Things seem to fall into place and you feel yourself smiling more.

It's a good feeling.

I know it can't be like this everyday, so I'm happy with sometimes.

It's better than never right?

And plus...I don't believe in never.

Everything is a possibility.

Check!

2010-04-21T21:16:00.001-07:00

Isn't it so amazingly terrific and wonderful when you can check things off of your lists of things to do!

As the school year begins to wind down, there are SO many things to wrap up. We are down to just over a month to get all the loose ends tied up into cute little metaphorical bows.

It's time to kick it up and keep getting things checked off!

Even if it's only one small thing a day...

it's still progress...

and i'll take it!

Live Life in the Fast Lane

2010-04-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Josh and I went four wheeling with my sister-in-law, her fiance, my nephew, and soon to be niece. We went to an off road place right next to Lake Pleasant and it was tons of fun! Very hot and VERY DUSTY, but fun.

Caden and Taylor

The desert was in full bloom. There were gorgeous flowers everywhere.

I now know I am grateful for the following things:

1. goggles (to keep the dust out of your eyes)

2. scarves and bandanas (to keep the dust out of your hair and mouth)

3. water (cuz it just plain rocks)

4. cell phones (when you get lost from your party, they really help)

5. sun screen (even though I didn't wear any and got really burnt, I still like that I can wear it!)

Go out today and do something exciting.

Really. Do it.

Go!

(And don't forget to wear sunscreen!)

Brushed with Love

2010-04-08T22:21:00.002-07:00

We kinda like each other.

Even our toothbrushes can't stay away from each other...

But that's ok, because they don't have to...

and neither do we!

Never Too Old!

2010-04-07T21:52:00.002-07:00

Happy Easter!

Easter was wonderful.

I still get an Easter basket.

That's ok if you're a little jealous.

I LOVE it!

You are never too old to get an easter basket.

This year, my Easter basket consisted of...

1. Yummy candy including some Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs!

2. Two giftcards...for food!

3. A paddleball

4. Jelly Beans

5. Silly String :)

6. Silly putty!

7. A mini bowling game

8. Mini Robin Eggs

9. Warm and fuzzy feelings.

ALL very good things!

Easter was also filled with family time which always makes me very happy and reminds me how lucky I really am.

I really like never being too old for things.

It keeps us young.

The big 25 is comin up soon...

hmmm...older?...yes.

Better?...Oh YA!

-------------------------------------------------------

In other news...

I went to a friend's funeral yesterday

and that is a bummer. Too young.

Like I said...tell people you care about them.

Do what you can to make the lives of others better.

It makes a difference.

Also, on an entirely unrelated note...

I love my Crock-pot, which I have used twice this week alone (and it's only Wednesday), which happens to be almost as many times as I have used it in the past few years.

But it makes my life so easy

and it makes for a very happy and non-stressed Lauren!

Art Appreciation

2010-04-02T23:40:00.002-07:00

Today, Josh took me here.

I've been a few other times but I was really wanting to go back because they are having an Ansel Adams Exhibit!

I believe Ansel Adams was a wonderful man who took amazing photographs, played the piano and became a teacher of what he loved.

But...since it is a traveling exhibit I was not able to take any pictures. Oh well.

There were plenty of other amazing pieces of art that I could admire and take photos of!

The wide open spaces in the museum make you feel so free.

This is one of our favs. A giant sphere drawing in graphite.

You can see how huge it is in the picture above.

Pablo Picasso...

Claude Monet...

Andy Warhol...

And many others..

(This piece of art is made of burnt pieces of wood, string and wire. It was really interesting to see.)

I truly love art and

Ansel Adams is inspiring.

A wonderful day.

If you have never been to the Phoenix Art Museum you need to go!

The Ansel Adams Exhibit is here until June 6.

General admission is $10 for adults and it is so worth it.

You can spend hours and hours looking at masterpieces.

Also, if you think you can do it in 3 hours, go the first Friday of the month from 6pm-9pm,

it's FREE!

(Maybe just make a small donation, if you want to.)

Life Happens

2010-03-30T20:59:00.002-07:00

It happens everyday.

Life can make us happy and life can make us cry.

Either way, it's life.

Everything happens for a reason.

I believe that.

Tell people you love them.

You never, never know when you won't have the chance.

-------------------------------------------------

I went to the best concert in the world with some of my BFFs this weekend.

We had a blast and I got to purchase my TWLOHA merchandise.

We also spent the afternoon at Newport Beach.

There is nothing like the feeling you get from spending time at the beach.

(My TWLOHA shirt is just like Kelle's blue one here, but mine is black.)

I love my friends.

All of you, no matter how great of friends we are, I love you.

Know that.

Zoom in.

2010-03-23T22:33:00.002-07:00

Outside of our hotel room in Flagstaff there was a balcony and a lot of acres of beautiful trees and wildlife.

You just don't get to see stuff like this in the valley.

We would wake up in the morning, order room service, eat while looking out the sliding glass doors at the beautiful scenery and then go onto the balcony to feed the squirrels.

I got a lot of really good use out of my wonderful zoom lens.

Take some time to zoom in on things and look at them

in a different light.

You may discover a brand new beauty that you never knew existed.

Snow Love

2010-03-20T19:32:00.005-07:00

I LOVE sledding.

I also LOVE making snow men and women.

Playing dress-up on a snowman is my new fav hobby.

They are like my adorable little snow children (in a not weird way).

There's no LOVE like our SNOW LOVE.
Next time we're going bigger and better in the snowman building department.

Just Spending Time

2010-03-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

Friday, March 12, 2010. Two people got hitched five years ago! That was us.

Ya, we just celebrated our fifth anniversary!

We went to The Melting Pot on Friday night and then to the Renaissance Festival on Saturday.

We will also be spending two lovely nights in Flagstaff this week so I can use my new sled Josh got me!

*Side note- remember this post including the "scotch egg"?

If you don't remember what it was, read that post, it's a good one.

Well, Josh wanted to try a scotch egg so badly and guess what...

At the Renaissance Festival he finally got his chance!

And he didn't try it!

Oh. No. He. Did. Not.

Opportunity Missed.

Oh well.

On to the next thing we have been spending time on...

Our kitchen faucet looked like this:

But, after a little work and an anniversary present from my awesome parents:

It now looks like this:

Beautiful. <3

And lastly, do you recall two months ago when a can of soda made quick and violent contact with my toe ?

If you never read that story either, click here to get up to date.

Well, my toe nail came off on Sunday.

But, it's ok. I gave myself a pedi and painted right over where it should be. It looks perfectly fine!

That's some of what we've been doing.

You know, just spending time getting stuff done.

Not everything is always fabulous and glam.

There is never ending house cleaning, yard work and "stuff" to do.

But, it's all good!

P.S. Do you smile and laugh every day!? I hope you do.

If you don't, START!

To Write Love

2010-03-10T19:09:00.001-07:00

To Write Love On Her Arms

I think you should support this cause.

Some things in life are not always gum drops, glitter and lollipops. Like previous posts have said,

Life wouldn't be life if everything was easy.

Sometimes people think life is too hard and they just don't know how to handle it anymore.

During these times, remember to be friend to anyone you think may need one.

Actually, you may never know how much someone needs a friend until it's too late.

TWLOHA is trying to support those in need and raise awareness.

Buy a shirt and help the cause! They are SO cute and when someone asks you what your shirt is about you can spread the awareness too. They have lots of different ones.

Let's make a difference together, you and me!

Life Doesn't Always Make Sense

2010-03-07T18:21:00.001-07:00

Some things just don't always make sense, it's just the way it is.

It is strange to me that...

Committment doesn't make sense.

After living in our house for a little over five years, the walls of my living room are still white because I cannot commit to a color.

Yet, I didn't have to think twice about marrying Josh when I was only 19.

Long term choices don't make sense.

It took me exactly one second to determine my major and

I can determine the daily schedule of 29 eleven year olds and impact their lives everyday.

Yet, the thought of having to trade-in my beloved car and get a new one makes me want to cry and throw up at the same time.

How you treat others never makes sense.

It can be so easy for me to snap at Josh or my family.

(Though I really try hard to not do this.)

Yet, I can't even say what I feel to the annoying neighbors that park in front of our house all the time.

I know life doesn't make sense. I don't mind that.

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.

Sometimes you just have to live your life the way you want to.

Without always caring about what others think,

without always doing what is most popular,

and maybe without following all of life's "rules".

My walls may stay white for another five years,

which is ok with me because the color of my walls don't really matter if I have Josh by my side.

And I may not cry a lot when I have to send my awesome class onto sixth grade, but I know I will when I have to say goodbye to my car.

Life wouldn't be life if it made sense all the time.

I think it really will make sense in the long run.

Do what makes you happy! I do!

:o)

Lazy or Relaxing?

2010-02-25T21:16:00.002-07:00

I was becoming so proud of myself for posting so often and then I just got lazy, or couldn't think of anything to post about. But I probably didn't think of anything to blog about because I was too lazy to think of something! Maybe I was just spending time relaxing. That's ok.

Remember back when I said we were going to Mary Poppins? It was awesome.

(Yes, I know you aren't supossed to take any photographs, but I just can't help it!)

Of course Josh was bored, but because he is so sweet he said he wasn't. (He's not fooling me.) And he didn't complain at all, because he loves me and I will not make him go anymore because I love him. I just need to realize musicals are not his "thing" and next time I should take one lucky friend.

But it really was amazing!

Mary Poppins actually is Practically Perfect in Every Way.

Next up...tomorrow we will be going snowboarding.

Each time we go I fall down less and less. I also gain the ability to actually move down the mountain on the snowboard and not scoot down on my butt. This is a great feat!

I really am getting good.

The only issue is that I have this sort of "permanent sprain" in my right wrist from the first time we went a few years ago.

I have to wear a wrist brace when I play sports (by sports I mean skating for school fundraisers at Skateland) and when it "acts up" and it's a whole thing. Since it's weak, my fear everytime we go is that I will break it. Let's hope not!

Snowboarding = Must look cute. Of course.

Time.

2010-02-21T21:37:00.001-07:00

Time goes by way too quickly. Even when days seem long, by the end of the night I find myself wishing there was still more time. More time to snuggle on the couch.

More time to have nights like tonight with great friends.

More time to spend with my amazing parents.

More time to catch up with family I don't see enough of.

More time to do laundry and clean the house.

Even though I am always wishing for more time, I try very hard to make the most of the time we are given.

I try to be the wife, daughter, sister, friend and teacher that I want to be and at the end of the day I know my time was well spent.

Caution: Romance Ahead!

2010-02-14T16:10:00.001-07:00

Valentine's Day.

My husband is an amazing man and my best friend.

With V-Day falling on a Sunday and Josh having to work on Sundays, we celebrated on Saturday (well, he spoiled me on Saturday and then I got to spoil him on Sunday.) We went to lunch on Saturday at Mangos. It was delicious, like always. The weather was beautiful so we decided to sit outside and really enjoy it. The sky was blue, trees overhead and love in the air.

Then we shopped around, got cookies from Sweet Cakes and spent the afternoon just enjoying the day together.

When we got home, I went into our bedroom to put some things away and I returned to the living room to a beautiful dozen roses.

I had to stay in the living room and watch tv while josh made a surprise dinner.

I was shocked when he was done...

Bacon wrapped Filet Mignon, rosemary red potatoes and steamed asparagus.

For dessert...something called Strawberries Romanov.

Fancy Right!?

He blows me away.

It was strawberries in a cream that is made of a bunch of things like melted vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and sour cream with a drizzle of orange liqeour.

Then topped with mint and chocolate shavings.

My husband did that!

It was soooo good!

I was so full and smitten with him.

I told him that even if the food would had not came out good, (though it was one of the best meals I've ever eaten) it was so amazing that he put so much effort into finding those recipes and making everything.

I slept like a baby.

I don't even remember him leaving for work at 5am.

8:30 rolled around and of course the pup needed to go outside to do her little doggie business.

As I walk past our bathroom, something caught my eye...

Even when he isn't home, he amazes me.

So I got ready for the day and went to meet him for his lunch. I called Pei Wei on my way and had them make our food so it was ready when we got there. He was surprised.

After I dropped him back off at work I went and bought a balloon, card and magazine for him.

I went back to his work, where I used my extra key to his truck to put those things on his seat. Aww.

(Even though he can't read a magazine on his drive home, I know...)

I will be making chicken enchiladas for dinner and a berry crisp for dessert. My man loves berries and I never really buy them because I could take em or leave em. So...on this Vday, he get's berries :)

And to top it off, (since he really would have no need for flowers) I bought him the car mount for our Droid phones.

He's gonna LOVE it!

No, we don't need a holiday to do things like this for each other, but it's just another chance for us to show our love in different ways.

Happiest.
Valentine's.

Day.

Practically Perfect in Every Way!

2010-02-09T18:35:00.001-07:00

This coming Friday, after a very long day of pioneer festivities,

(which we will get back to later)

I will be at Gammage watching Mary Poppins!

And...after the play we get to have a backstage tour!

I'm sure you can imagine the excitement in Josh's voice when I shared these very exciting plans with him, but that's ok. He has never been to see a play with me so I think it's about time.

And we get to get dressed up.

I can't wait!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

It was a long Prefriday.

2010-02-04T21:10:00.001-07:00

I've said it a bazillion times before, but i'll say it again. I think Thursday should be changed to be called "Prefriday. Thursday doesn't seem to roll off the tongue and Prefriday or PreFriday if you prefer, is much more awesome. Calling the day after Wednesday Prefriday will only make Fridays that much better. Ok, now that it is out there in Blog Land, maybe it'll catch on. Maybe...? Don't be afraid to use it. When someone asks you why you call it that, let them know why. It's just cool. Like you. Thanks!

Join the Movement!

(That part sounded so funny after I wrote it, that I really did laugh right out loud.)

Joe's Crab Shack

2010-01-29T23:39:00.001-07:00

Thursday night we had a PTO fundraiser at Joe's Crab Shack for my school. Josh and I went for dinner with Kelle and her

boyfriend Will. We had a blast!

I can't remember the last time (until now!) that I ate an entire meal with my hands! (and so did everyone else I was with!) We were cracking crab, picking up corn on the cob and even just grabbing the red potatoes right with our fingers.

I felt like a kid. No worries, no sense of proper etiquette.

Tons of fun!

Obviously, there was no way I was gonna put on an adult sided bib. But we got Will to!

Nothing like a big ol' bucket of crab to bond with your friends!

Secret Project.

2010-01-29T23:11:00.001-07:00

(Completely crazy and still so gosh darn good looking!)

I walk into our bedroom to find Josh fiddling around with some cords and what-not next to the night table on his side of the bed. Of course I ask..."Whatcha doin?" To which I get the reply..."It's a secret project!" Mmm hmm. I had to stop and say "Ohh, a secret project!?" I really did laugh out loud due to the fact that he actually said that to me.

Turns out...he was doing something awesome! You see, we both hate getting up to turn off the light after we are already in bed. And let's be honest, for every one time I turn the light off, he does it about ten times.

(I can't help that I am all snuggled up and warm under the blankets.)

We have a floor lamp in the corner of our bedroom.

He plugged the floor lamp into a power strip and put the power strip behind the night table and next to the bed. Now...as long as the lamp is the only light on, he can turn it off without even getting up.

One step closer to complete laziness!

My husband makes me laugh so many times a day.

I know I am lucky to have that.

Also, he poses to look crazy on purpose for photos I try to take of him.

It's about time they start making into the blog!

Yin and Yang

2010-01-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

There is always some good to go along with some bad.

When something makes you happy there is always something to complain about.

Here are some good things and some things I would love to complain about...

Good: Four day work week!!!!!!

And rain...everyone likes rain, right? And we need rain in this desert!

But...rain is water. Water should not be inside...

Not so good: This is what I got to find in my classroom when I arrived this morning!

OKAY...I may be exaggerating just a little...

That's not really my classroom, but it proves my point that it sucks that the roof in my classroom leaks everytime it rains more than the usual five drops.

I have these amazingly awesome long bookshelves that Josh made me and they sit in the front of my room under the white boards.

They hold all of my chapter books.

They get wet. Shweet. Grrr. They don't seem to be damaged this time.

Thank goodness.

Good: Josh and I made a pretty great deal quite a few months ago.

The deal means that I do all of this...

And Josh does all of this...

It's a pretty sweet deal.

Another good: It is hilarious and so cool when I find reasons that prove my best friends are really the yin to my yang.

Yesterday Becky and I were getting pizza for girl's night.

She walks up to the counter and orders a small ham pizza.

Not being able to hear her at all, I walk up to the counter and order a small pineapple pizza.

Whoa! It was great.

When we are little old ladies we will only order one pizza and I will pick off my ham and give it to her and she will pick off her pineapple and give it to me. And nothing will be wasted.

Again, just like I previously mentioned... it is insane how in sync we are.

Sometimes it's creepy.

Well, I guess there wasn't much for my to complain about this time, but don't worry...

There's always tomorrow!

And remember...everytime you complain about something, look for two things to find that are just awesome.

*Don't forget to do what you can to support the people of Haiti. Whether it is money, water bottles or really good thoughts, please do it. (If you would like to donate water bottles, you can drop them off in the office of the school I work at. Sixth grade is collecting them and a parent is going to make sure they get shipped. If you need to know what school it is just email me or message me on facebook. Thanks!)

What's Pink, Purple and Blue All Over?

2010-01-05T19:46:00.001-07:00

A great question...

What is pink, purple and blue all over?

Simple answer.

My toe.

Yesterday morning I got to work like usual

(except that I was there early which is not usual but totally cool!)

I went to put my lunch in my fridge and had to move some stuff around to make it fit and there was a can of this fruit punch stuff a student had given me.

I go to take it out and BAM!...falls out of my hand and directly onto my toe. Right on the nail. (Which was painted so cute btw.)

So I went the entire day just bearing through the pain and even had to fill out an accident report form with the school nurse. Do you know how lame it is to have to fill out the question "Part of body injured" with the answer "toe." Lame.

Anyway, by the time I was ready to leave work my toe hurt so bad then I cried the entire second half of the way home.

(Don't forget that I live at least a good 40 mins from work.)

Sad.

I do not think I have a low threshold for pain. This really just hurt that bad. Again, lame.

Today it still hurts, it is still blue and swollen and I get to strut around with an awesome limp. Shweeet.

Good times, good times.

Folding Like Nobody's Business! (And recipe!)

2010-01-03T15:59:00.001-07:00

One of the coolest things Josh and I each got for christmas are these calendars.

and

Each day we grab our calendars, sit down and fold-it-up! It's so much fun!

So far I have made a Nightingale and a dog's head.

We love it!

Recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup*
Be aware that I rarely ever exactly follow a recipe. I pretty much use the recipe to get ideas of what ingredients should be added and then I mix it up and make my own changes.

Here's the jist...
You will need:
shredded chicken ( I like to buy one of the whole roasted chickens and then just use all the meat so I dont have to cook the chicken and then wait for it to cool before shredding it, to me, it's less work.)
reduced sodium chicken broth (one really big can and one or two small cans)
one large can diced tomatoes (but I only ended up using 3/4 of it)
two jalapenos (you can leave in or take out the seeds depending on how hot you want the soup)
one small onion
vegetable oil
garlic
some cilantro
one can of rinsed black beans
one can of kernal corn
cumin, salt, pepper
shredded cheese
avocado
tortilla strips, a squeeze of lime and sour cream to put on top

Sautee the onion in about 2 tbsp of oil. when they are soft add the jalapeno (diced up) and garlic.
Add the broth, beans, corn and tomatoes and let it come to a boil.
Throw in your shredded chicken and any other spices you want.
The longer you let it cook the better the flavors get.
Use the other things as garnish on top :)
Mmmm tasty! Enjoy!

*I took this recipe from Danial Boone on the food network, it is really his and I just sometimes mix up what I want in it and how I make it.

Awesomeness by Mistake

2009-12-29T22:49:00.001-07:00

Tonight I decided to make chicken tortilla soup. I made it sometime last year and it turned out awesome. This is what it looked like...

The reason I was excited to make it right now is because I got one of these for Christmas...

This cast iron pot is amazing.
So anyhoo, I was making my baked tortilla strips to put on top of the soup and when I started cutting them, I had created the coolest tortilla strips ever! Behold!...

I would tell you how I did it, but that would make no sense. Maybe sometime. Don't you love it when something awesome happens by accident!

I Love Lucy

2009-12-28T22:42:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting for this year's Lucille Ball calendar and yes indeed I received it for Christmas. (yay!) The calendar is amazing. Each month is a different bright color with pretty flowery frills and swirly designs and a gorgeous portrait of Lucille Ball. I highly recommend you go to the calendar store and peruse it.

She is stunning.

Here is a preview...

Each year, the Lucy calendar is themed around "I Love Lucy", which is fine, but this year's was so wonderfully different.

Many people (well, some of you do) don't know about my long-time love for Lucille Ball. I have loved her since before I can remember and I have collected I Love Lucy and Lucille Ball memorabilia for a long time. I even drew a portrait of her when I was in high school (with all the intricate shading, rubbing, and what-not) that turned out amazing. It is one of my most prized possessions.

(Yep, I did that!)

Lucille Ball loved making people laugh and she didn't have to try very hard to do it.

She was awesome and I love her. I think everyone has their person from "a little before their time" that they simply love.

Who do you love?

Sedona, Refrigerators and Christmas! Oh my!

2009-12-22T10:07:00.001-07:00

Diana and I took our overnight trip to Sedona on Sunday just to get away and spend much needed time together. We had tons of fun. We ate amazing chicken salad sandwiches at the Brewery in Tlaquepaque (*most fun word to say!), saw a living Nativity and walked around looking at all the touristy stuff. I can't believe this gal and I have been best friends for so many years. Best 17 years of my life!

Tonight, my other BFF (Becky) and I are doing the Christmas lights date. It's gonna be awesome. Cant wait!

Onto stuff that is not so awesome (Grrr face >: ) Yesterday after I drove home from Sedona I spent some time with my mom and then went home to meet Josh there just as he was getting home from work. As I walk into the kitchen I am greeted by a puddle on the floor in front of the fridge. I say to myself "What the heck!?" and yell "Josh, we've got a problem!"

So I open the freezer door and things are all soft and not frozen. Great. We have only had the fridge for the five years we have had our house. It's still practically brand new. We moved into our house the week of Christmas in 2004, SO since it has been five years I immediatly said, "the warranty isn't good anymore. I'm sure we didn't get the 5 year warranty!"

I go to look in the file cabinet and there, right in the area labeled "Appliances" is a folder with "refrigerator" written on it. (Uncle Gene is awesome at making sure I have things when I need them, because it was written in his handwriting!)

Anyway...I open the folder and the first page I see is the warranty information... dun dun dunnnn! I look at the coverage start date :Dec.23, 2004. The end date: Dec. 23, 2009!

I screamed as Josh was talking to his dad on the phone and I'm pretty sure my father in law can't hear out of that ear anymore.

Anyway, after calling and dealing with a woman who was very hard to understand and only added to my frustration, I got an appointment for someone to come look at it, but the first available wasn't until Wednesday. We had to take EVERYTHING out of the fridge/freezer and throw most of what was in the freezer away.

The upside... Josh's parents always had a really old fridge in their garage that they would just use for drinks and extra storage. A few years ago when they bought a new kitchen fridge, their old one went into the garage and we go the really old one for our garage. It keeps things so cold and I was glad to have that to at least put in all the stuff that I could save.

We'll see what happens when the repair person comes to look at my poor ice box.

Oh, ya...the saddest part of all...we got everything all cleaned up and wiped out and then we sit down and say "let's have a nice cold drink"...then we realize...we now have no ice.

I kid you not, I took two glasses over to our neighbor's house and asked for ice. They filled our glasses and gave us a whole ziploc full (which we can still keep in the garage fridge's freezer :)

Christmas is in 3 days!!! Aggghhhh!!!!!! So excited!!!!!!!!!!!!