Mother's Day, My Birthday, and other things

This post will be divided into 3 parts... maybe 4. Therefore, it will be extremely long. 

First: Mother's Day. 

About 4 or so months ago, I decided I was done with the single's ward. So, I go to my parent's ward. I never thought I would go back there after I graduated from high school (6 years ago... gulp). But, I'm back and I love it. Probably my favorite thing is we always get treats in Relief Society and because I got a Mother's Day gift... and I'm not even a mother. It was great. 

3 weeks later, I will now give a tribute to my mom.

She's really the best. When I was having kidney stones last month, she asked if I wanted to sleep in one of the guest bedrooms so that she could sleep with me and rub my back. All night long. Really, she's a saint. I love her a lot. Even though living at home is totally lame. I wouldn't trade it. Living with this lady (and dad) is so much fun. They claim they hate it. But I know deep down, life would be boring without me there. They are the best roommates a gal could ask for. Plus, they always clean up after themselves. You can't ask for anything better. 

Part 2: My Birthday. 

I normally hate my birthday. It's not that fun when you get older. But this year was great on just about every level. My kids spoiled me at school. My mom brought me donuts at school. (See there she is being a saint again), and my boyfriend went all out. 

Technically I turned 24. I hate that number, because it's one away from 25, which is 5 away from 30, which is close to 50, which is close to the age that you die. So, I'm 23 again. 

I've been wanting a Kitchenaid mixer for the longest time. But I never can decide on a color. My mom surprised me and got me a beautiful yellow one.
 Also, I'm not much of a cake gal when it comes to birthdays, so my cake consisted of sugar cookies from Smart Cookie. They seriously are the most amazing cookie on the planet. 

 One of my students gave me this adorable Ed Hardy bracelet. I'm still trying to figure out what I've done or what I've worn that says, "I'm into skulls and bleeding hearts and stuff..." But it's the thought that counts, right? Birthdays really are so much more fun when you're in school. It's like reliving my glory days. The kids were good all day and showered me with cards and gifts. It was so fun!

Jake surprised me and had my favorite flowers delivered at school. He also got me a lifetime supply of chapstick because I basically inhale that stuff, Heavyweights- my favorite movie of all time, and also, concert tickets to a little lady named Neko Case. He's too good to me. :)

Part 3: Being "Responsible" 

It's the truth. My parents have paid for just about everything for me my entire life. I am forever indebted to them. And I feel really lucky that they have provided me with all that I have. However, back in September when my Passat left this world, they told me they weren't going to get me a new car and that I needed to pay for one myself. I didn't think they were serious, but they were. So, I got a 2008 (or 9 I can't remember...) Nissan Maxima. It's a really nice car with basically anything you could ever want in it. But, after 70,000 miles, the transmission decided to give up the ghost. I really hate used cars. I don't know why people swear they're the best thing. I always have problems with mine. So, while my car was getting fixed, for 3 weeks (yeah) I drove around a cute little Nissan SUV and decided I need to get rid of my car and have something more practical. Car shopping is painful- almost as painful as engagement ring shopping (sidenote: I've only been engagement shopping once...don't think too far ahead of yourself).

The girl who buys $70 skirts, is now becoming frugal. I've decided I need to sacrifice- and this car is going to be the first offering. I need to save my money... not blow it on some lemon that gives up its transmission after 3 years. I miss the days when my parents would bail me out of everything and pay for my cars.... 

Part 4: Gold's Gym 

To be continued... 

A confession

I have a deep dark confession. Something I'm kind of ashamed of, yet I really like it. Something that is so vain and so ridiculously overpriced. Something that is so Utah County trendy.... are you ready? Here goes... 

I get eyelash extensions. 

Yes, it's true. And I have been getting them consistently since November. Do I tell anyone? No. But that's all changed now. I don't really care. I want long eyelashes, and now I have them. 

When I first got them and people asked me if my lashes were real, I would lie. 

But now I just give them the card of my lady.. she's good. 

Last month, on the day before I went to Hawaii, I went to my lady to get the lashes done before the trip. 

She's taking off all the old lashes, we're chit-chatting, when all of a sudden she has a stroke. 

It was pretty scary. 

Her husband took her to the hospital, and I went home with half my eyelashes. 

She texted me that night and said, "Sorry I couldn't do your eyelashes, it turns out I have a tumor on my brain." 

A tumor. On her brain. 

I felt really bad. And really vain for doing such a thing. 

She gave me the number of a new lady that could replace her for the next little while... 

Laying in an uncomfortable chair for 2 hours isn't something I like to do. Actually I hate doing anything that isn't instant gratification. Patience is something I lack. 

Anyway, back to how laying in an uncomfortable chair for 2 hours isn't fun. It's really not that great when the person is a complete stranger. From the time I sat down, to the time I left, the lady didn't shut her mouth once. She talked to me for 2 hours about how the government is bad, how all the food we eat is killing our bodies, and how her boyfriend won't take her out on their weekly date anymore.. which then resulted in her not paying his car payments for him anymore. 

2 hours. I couldn't get one word in. 

Oh and did I mention that after she sat me down and got me in the chair, she said she's be back in a minute, she's got to go clean her bathroom. Well, it wasn't a minute... and am I being too dramatic to think that's really gross? And couldn't she have done that before I came? 

Leaving her house made me really think... why am I doing this? Why do I sit like this every 3 weeks? Why do I pay this much money for something so mundane? 

I can't really stop getting lashes... I don't think I have any real ones anymore. It's a necessary evil. And now, I am now the grunt of "People that live in Utah County" jokes... 

Oh hey

Well, to start off with, I don't really have any reason for why I have neglected the blog for over a month. Just didn't feel like writing is all. 

There are many things I need to update you with. Let's start with the most exciting- which is hard because they're all exciting. 

I have a boyfriend. He's really great and treats me so well! I really, really like him. 

I got a job teaching 5th grade at Snow Springs Elementary next year. It was between there and a school in Eagle Mountain... I'm really glad Snow Springs (which is located in Lehi) called with the offer before the other one... 

I went to Hawaii for 10 looooooooooooooooong days. It was the best trip ever. Until I got dehydrated and got a little kidney stone. Then, a week later, back at home I got another kidney stone. I'm a mess. I've been drinking so much water, I really don't think there is any more for the fish.. as the kids say. 

Here are some pictures of the trip. And my 2 trips to 2 different hospitals. It was great. I got everything I wanted- 5 lbs. added to my body, a sick tan line, and freckles. I didn't necessarily want the kidney stone, but the morphine was really great. 

Just another Utah County favorite...

The cars in Utah County mostly only have 4 types of stickers on the back of their cars. 

1- The Ragnar Sticker

2- Stick figure stickers of the whole entire family. 

3- Some type of "Bite me" or "I love Edward" sticker 

4- Any type of marathon sticker. (I'll admit, when I had my Passat I had a St. George Marathon sticker on the back. I needed the street cred for completing such a daunting task.) Utah County folks love any type of race sticker. We're so active here. 

And now... 

There's the favorite temple sticker. 

I love it.

I'm not sure where one could get such a sticker. I'm hoping Deseret Book.  

Just to mention...

It has come to my attention once again that some people are concerned with my me and my blog. 

Well first, let me mention that this is MY blog. Therefore, My writing and My thoughts.

I don't like drama. I grew out of that in high school. I don't like confrontation. And I definitely don't like when someone has a problem with me when I don't even know them....

Look, it's simple. 

If you don't like a book, then DON'T read it. 

If you don't like someone, the DON'T date them. 

If you don't like some kind of food, the DON'T eat it. 

If you don't like someone then DON'T talk to them. 

Really, I never invited anyone to read this blog. 

I love the readers I have but I put no effort into inviting people. 

So if you have a problem with me and what I have to say, then stay away from this blog. I would really appreciate it. Because I definitely don't like when someone tells me that a reader thinks I'm a really negative person that has a bad outlook on life. 

Because that's completely false. 

And if you have had to go through what I have the last year, you would maybe think differently, too. 

My life has definitely not gone the way I always dreamed and imagined it would. 

 I'm really trying to have a good outlook on life. Some days are harder than others and maybe on those days I seem like a negative nelly that hates everyone and everything. And I'm sorry for that. 

I am actually a really kind person. I'm not a cynic. I love to write and writing is a great exercise. Am I dramatic on this blog? Yes. Am I this dramatic in real life? No. I'm actually really shy. I think that everyone has a story to tell and I am genuinely interested in people. Some people are weird, and I'll point that out. Some are funny and I'll point that out. Some are attractive and I'll point that out. 

Look all blogs have a niche. My niche is just random musings- things that I find amusing. If you don't know me, you would probably think I'm a huge jerk. I'm not. I just am sarcastic. Please don't hate me and please don't think I'm negative. I'm not. And I really don't feel like I even need to explain myself. But if you want to get to know me more, I would love to get to know you, too. But if you're going to hate me when we don't even know each other- just stop reading my blog. Please. It's for the best. 

Here's a little heartwarmer for you. 

A Confession

I would like to confess something... 

For the past 2 weeks I have completely stopped getting ready for school. 

I am so dang tired every morning, there is no way I can put any effort into getting ready. 

So this is what I look like most every day. 

Really. 

Notice how there is more makeup on the right eye than the left. 

Yeah, that's leftovers from yesterday. 

I figure, the kids think I look great no matter what I look like. 

In fact, they compliment me more on my sloppy hair/makeup than they did when I would actually put a lot of time into looking like the perfect teacher. 

This isn't permanent. But the extra 20 minutes of sleep is extremely nice. 

Just to brag... I got completely ready this morning in 9 minutes... the above photo is proof. 

Sidenote: I got my hair done a couple weeks ago and she gave me bangs. 

I wore them for about 2 hours, then swooped them. 

So I need your opinion. 

Bangs. 

Yay or nay? 

Drooling

Remember how I'm not buying clothes until April?

Well, I think I may have to change that rule. 

I'm drooling over this perfect yellow linen skirt. 

Now I just need to justify spending $80 on a skirt. 

Yeah. No justification. 

Maybe an Easter present from the Easter bunny? 

A new favorite

I started Pinning on Pinterest last week.

I still don't know what I'm doing.

But I do feel like that sewing machine I got for Christmas is going to get some really good use once summer comes and my life slows down.

While pinning, I found this.

So funny and so true.

So I decided to buy the album.

My students suggested it to me a while ago, but I didn't really feel like taking a 10-year-old's opinion on music. I was wrong.

The whole album is perfect for the breakup blues.

Or any type of blues.

Lead Foot

Since I turned 16, I've had a bad case of the lead foot. 

I just never pay attention to the speed limit. 

Unfortunately for me, I've been to traffic school way too many times and have had more than enough tickets. 

Luckily, they're all spaced evenly apart from each other which doesn't result in me losing my license. 

If you are familiar with the Cedar Hills/American Fork/Up by the temple area, that's where most of my tickets have come from. You would think I would have learned. But no. 

So today, while driving on the road in front of Lone Peak High School (where all the cops hang out), I was speeding. Way too fast. I was immediately pulled over. I didn't even think I had my wallet with me. And since I have a new car, I didn't even know if my insurance was in there (in fact, I knew it wasn't because I saw it on my dresser this morning). The officer comes up to me and immediately I asked him if he knew such-and-such officer. He did and we talked about how we both know this officer who is my brother's best friend. Then he asks me if this is my car. I didn't know how to take that question. 1- Did he think it was stolen? or 2- Do I look like I'm driving my parent's car? I tell him yes. And we continue in our pleasant conversation. 5 minutes later, he lets me go with a warning and the rest is history. 

Maybe I'll never learn to drive slow around the temple area. But one thing I do know, it pays to pay your tithing. Tender mercy witnessed right there. 

Also, it pays to know people. I think I'm going to add "have friends that are police officers" to the list of great friends to have... as mentioned in the post with friends that have boats and friends that have connections. 

The drama of dating

When I was in 5th grade I never talked to anyone besides my two besties, Amber and Alisa.  And sometimes my other bestie, Taunia, but she was only my bestie when she wasn't around the popular crowd. You see, in 5th grade, she made the cheerleading squad and I didn't. Therefore, she was popular and I wasn't. So she would be my best friend only on weekends when no one else was around. 

Story of my life. 

Ironically enough, being "convenient" and "nice" is something that has been a downfall in my life. Being someone's weeknight friend or "ncmo" when no one else was watching was my life from ages 18-21. 

You know who you are. 

Anyway, the 5th graders are blooming like crazy. 

They all have boyfriends and girlfriends. 

It's crazy because this type of thing didn't happen in elementary school while I was growing up. The boys were friends with boys and the girls were friends with girls. And that was it. Well, until 7th grade. Then everyone was dating everyone. Except me. I had a bad acne and a bad haircut. Let's not talk about it.

So I found these notes today in school. 

I have never laughed so hard. 

I love these kids. 

I'll explain with the pictures... 

So %%%% are you breaking up with me :(?!

I don't understand I'm confused

Do u love her? 

What's going on! :(

I love this so much. The frown faces and the talk of love. Last week a student had, "I love ^^^^" written all over his hand. I sat him down and told him that you can't be in love with someone when you're 10. He insisted I was wrong. How do you tell a 10-year-old that love is not just hanging out with someone at recess? 

 So after the girl asks if he is breaking up with her, he writes.. 

I thought it said something else at first. Then I realized that his handwriting wasn't very neat. Phew! Don't want to make a mistake like that one. 

 The there was this note. Same boy from the note before. Different girl. 

To you

From me

xoxoxoxoxoxxox

Do you like me? 

He then writes, in his kindest words... 

I'm dating %%%% stop sending me notes. Turn to back 

And the back says in his nicest words... 

If she breaks up with me yes. But you can't interfear.

I love this. 

I still can't stop smiling. 

I interviewed the boy today and asked him about his dating life. 

He told me he's in love with the first girl. 

After 2 weeks. 

He fits in just great in Utah County. 

blogging 3 times in one day. This will never happen again.

Today I bought my ticket to Hawaii. 

Best $427.32 cents I've ever spend. 

I'm also drooling over this swimsuit but can't justify with it being $61.00. 

I've had my eye on it since December. It went down in price once. This suit it too perfect. I have to have it. Maybe I'll start selling plasma to justify it being almost $100.00. 

Oldies

Speaking of my voice being lost...

This is actually the first time in my life I've been without. 

I was using my dad's computer tonight, and I found some really old pictures. 

Back in 8th grade, I had my tonsils out. 

I was that awkward kid that had a strange, strange voice growing up. I'm sure people thought it was a speech impediment. But really, it was because my tonsils were so dang huge. Really, like meatballs living in my mouth all day and night. 

It was time I had them removed. 

I was ecstatic. I've never had anything wrong with me. I've always wanted a broken, sprained, or bruised something, but never got it. I thought that by having my tonsils out I would definitely lose my voice and everyone would cater to the no-voice girl. 

In fact, I even made a scrapbook of the tonsil-removal event. 

Here are the ones I found. 

I know you don't care. But I do. 

So here: 

I woke up from the surgery and guess what. 

My voice was still very much intact. 

I was ticked. 

All that hope for nothing. 

And I couldn't even take the tonsils home to show people. 

The one good thing from that surgery was my voice changed so something a little more normal. 

Puberty. For an 8th grade girl. 

Like mentioned earlier, being on my dad's computer, I also found some disgusting pictures from 2 years ago when I graduated from BYU-Idaho. 

I'm proud to say I'm 30 lbs. lighter. 

I now know why I got out of that school single. 

Sometimes you want to blame the fat pictures on the camera. But 2 years later, there's no denying it. 

I'm still not satisfied with how I look. I mean, I'm 5'2". There's not a lot of room for the extra stuff to go. This is good motivation to get rid of that extra 15 lbs. hanging out. It's good motivation for Hawaii, too. 

Valentines

I love Valentine's Day. 

There's nothing like walking into a store and seeing hearts and red and pink everywhere. 

It's a good feeling. 

It's even more fun being a teacher when it comes to V-day. The kids go crazy exchanging valentines and decorating their boxes to put the valentines in. I love it. I couldn't stop smiling all day yesterday. (OK I lied.. they did get a little crazy where I had to growl a few times.) But we're good. 

They brought me flowers, and candy galore. It was like Teacher Appreciation Week all over. 

I remember Valentines Day in elementary school. I would get so nervous as to which power ranger or super hero valentine I should give the boy of my dreams. Ben was his name for most of my elementary career. Ben Hopkins. I have never loved someone so much. Until 6th grade when Brandon Barton came along. He was dreamy, too. We never talked. Really I was pretty ugly and awkward in elementary school. I didn't really ever talk in school until I was a senior in high school. 

This week I've been pretty sick. My voice is scarce, but I needed to be at school. I love the lessons I have planned this week. I told my kids about my idol, Ashley who is the most perfect woman on this planet. To make a long story short, she got her wisdom teeth out, had a little mishap, and lost her voice in the process. She was worried that without a voice, her 6th graders would be out of control. They weren't. She whispered to them, and they whispered back. I told my class that story and basically it went in one ear and out the other. I have to use a whistle to get all their attention. So today, after waking up to chills and no voice and a sore throat, I threw in the towel. It's probably a good thing since they'll all have a sugar high anyway. I just hope the sub gives the lesson on multiplication they way I want it. I love teaching multiplication. It's a lot better than teaching area of a triangle. I'm still having nightmares about all of that. I hate geometry. 

And what did I do to celebrate love? Went to institute of course. Dating and Courtship to be more specific. Yes, pathetic. I know. 

Because I can

One of the great things about being a teacher is that I get a whole week off of school for Spring Break. 

I told my class last week that there are 2 types of people that you should know in this world: 

1- People who have boats

2- People who have connections.

Knowing people with those two things has made my last 23 and 3/4 years of life really great. 

One of my friends from the education program is Hawaiian (so jealous. I wish I was polynesian). Her family has a house in Hawaii. She suggested we go there for our week off. 

I thought to myself, "Why in the heck wouldn't I go?" 

I deserve a big fat vacation. And I'm going to take this vacation. Because I can. 

I've already purchased 2 swimsuits. I plan on buying a few more. I don't plan on ever changing out of my swimsuit. I also don't plan on ever leaving the beach. I'm going to sit on the North Shore beaches (Waimea Bay, preferably with all the meat heads that jump off that huge rock) and just sit and read young adult fiction all day. Because I can. 

Teacher Appreciation Week

My love language is words of affirmation. 

I have to be told how wonderful and great I am on a daily basis by multiple people. 

Most days though, I'm not told that. 

In fact, if you read a few posts ago, you'll see that some of my students think I'm the worst thing to ever walk the planet because I have consequences for their actions. 

Is it wrong to be someone who just wants to be liked? 

I hate it when someone is upset with me or I have offended them (which I do often). I'm sensitive and just want everyone to be happy. This is probably one of the contributing factors to why I'm almost 24 and not married. 

Speaking of 24, I'm just sick thinking of those 2 digits describing my age. 

More on that later. 

2 weeks ago was the worst week of my life. Kids hated me and a student dropped my computer, which resulted in me having a hard drive destroyed. Which resulted in me losing my entire life. Because let's face it, backing up all your information is something that happens to other people. Not me. 

I spoke too soon. 

Anyway, last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. 

It was much needed after the previous week.   

I've never felt so loved in my entire life. 

It was like Christmas all over again. 

On Monday, my room moms decorated my door like so... 

I'm glad to see all that protein powder I've been using at the gym has finally paid off. 

Then a student wore this shirt in honor of me. 

I basically had to pay him in candy to let me take a picture of this. 

I love it. My favorite color is pink and he didn't have anything pink. So he colored a white shirt. Is this not the greatest? I think my love tank is full for a while after seeing all this effort. 

Also, tonight at the gym I watched the Bachelor. 

I'll admit. I used to be obsessed with that show. 

In fact, it was what got me through those awful years at BYU-Idaho. 

I stopped watching television last year and feel great about it. 

But at the gym I do enjoy me a good Seinfeld episode or if that's not on... I find myself watching the Bachelor. 

First and last time I'll watch this season. 

I think I lost all my brain cells from those 30 minutes. 

Ben (is that his name?) is so awful. 

I would never waste my time trying to fall in love with him. 

He's so boring. Those girls are fooling themselves if they really think they feel something for him. 

I need to do something educational to get back some wisdom in my brain. 

Utah Baby Names part 204

Newest baby name I found out today... 

Axxton. 

Yes. 2 x's. 

Oh bless his soul. 

Really, what were those parents thinking? 

Well they weren't. That's the thing. Oh Utah, when will your crazy names and even more crazy spellings come to an end. Ok, Ok we all get it. You want to be super creative and original. But really, you've just created a lifetime of hurt for that baby that's fresh from heaven. 

Axxton doesn't even sound real. Ahuman can't be named something like that. It sounds more like the name of a pillow, a type of cologne, or like Demi Moore's ex-husband. Yeah, he was kind of being an Axxton for what he did. 

Can you imagine the ridicule that will begin in 3rd grade when his classmates shorten his name? 

You know what kids are going to say... I'll give you a hint. It's another name for a donkey. 

Dating and Courtship

My life kind of ends at 4:00 each day, so I've decided it would be a good idea to fill up my nights by taking institute classes at the Orem Institute of Religion. 

Make fun all you want. 

I thought it would be fun to take a dating and courtship class, because let's face it. We all like to hear about other people's problems with dating. After going to this class, I was reminded of why I'm happy I'm no longer in school. 

There's always that one obnoxious person that never stops talking. We all groan every time we hear the teacher call on them. Well, this class definitely has its obnoxious ones- a boy (with an ipad of course) and a girl (with a waterbottle of course). 

The boy obviously has been turned down a lot by girls. 

I feel for him. 

It hurts to not have someone like you. 

But, I don't think he realized that his stories actually made him sound pitiful. 

Example: "Instead of asking a girl out on a date, I think I'm going to be more specific and say, 'Hey, do you want to go get ice cream with me?'" 

Poor kid. He's going to get the same answer no matter how he addresses it. 

Also, he kept quoting lines from The Single's Ward movie and trying to pass them off as his own. 

I was ticked. 

That's my favorite movie of all time. I know it front and back up and down. 

His comment: "You know, I think a lot of people just want to, ya know, carpool up to the celestial kingdom. You know, like share the ride." 

And the class laughed. Like he was ultra clever. 

Even more ticked. 

The girl- well she just never shut up and claimed to be the dating expert. 

You know, like telling us what girls like and what boys like. 

I hate people like that. 

No one is a dating expert. 

Hence why we're all in the same boat... 

She did make one comment though that made me smile, "I know I'm special 'cause God don't make no junk." Bless her. 

I made a comment about how people need to have high standards. Just because they're a returned missionary or have been "going" to church their whole life doesn't mean anything. This is both for boys and girls- it matters on if they have high standards and keep those high standards. 

Then all of a sudden my comment backfired and everyone thought I meant that you don't have to date a returned missionary... oh boy. That's why I've never talked in school my entire life. 

I'm in the class to grow and learn, not to date. But I'm finding more and more that that's not exactly what Institute classes are for. It's a little bit frustrating. 

I hate the awkwardness of this whole young single adult life. 

I'm no prude. But, I kind of just want it to be the Millennium. 

A Great Day

My entire life, I've always wanted people to like me. 

Not love me or think I'm the greatest-- just someone who is a good person. 

I hate when I find out that someone doesn't like me in one way or another. 

In fact, it makes me sick. 

I'm a fairly sensitive person in every aspect of the word, so the following story of course doesn't help my case.

Parent Conferences are coming up at school. 

I had each of the students fill out a questionnaire of how this year is going so far. 

One student decided to answer the following questions like so: 

Some words to describe this year: Stressful, nonhappy, funless, horrible. 

My least favorite thing about 5th grade: My teacher

Something else I want you to know about 5th grade: IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

A special not for you: I hate my life!! 

Ok, Ok I get the point. He hates my guts. 

But still, I sobbed over reading this. 

I can't please them all, but I thought I was doing a fairly decent job. 

I guess not. 

My whole life I've wanted to be a teacher. I thought life would be perfect. I teach, the kids love me. 

I'm realizing more and more that "Love" isn't what they all are feeling. 

It kind of hurts my heart a little. 

Just another single's ward gem.

Poking fun at my single's ward used to be a regular occurrence. 

But these days, I feel like the biggest hypocrite making fun of it. 

Why? 

Well, let's see. I have a full-time real person job, and am pushing on 2 years of living at home and have no plans of moving out anytime soon. Go ahead, stamp a big "L" on my forehead. Maybe I should start saying something to make me sound cool like, "Well, yeah I'm living at home because I'm planning on buying a condo." Or, "I could move out, I just am taking care of my elderly parents." 

Either one works. 

But really, the real reason behind this all is, I lived outside of the house for 4 1/2 years and had way too many crazy roommates. I'm sick of living with people that I know and don't know. When you live with people you know, you fight and find out that they are a total slob that never do the dishes. And when you live with people you don't know, you think, "Who would ever want to live with you? You're awful." I don't get how people can stand to live in cluttered messes. I don't understand why people don't make their bed every morning. I don't understand why people have to watch television all day long. I don't understand why people can be comfortable with hair in the shower drain. I don't understand why no one ever contributes to buying things to keep the apartment clean: soap, laundry soap, windex, etc. 

I just don't understand roommates. And that is why I choose to live with my parents. 

Roommates: Been there. Done that. 

Really, I could write a book about all my roommates. 

But I will blame myself a little bit. I have never had a sister. And after living with roommates, I've decided that me having a sister just wouldn't work out very well. 

Last night at FHE, I sat behind a young gent who was working on this little project: 

He's just prepping for when we become gods and start creating worlds. NBD. 

It's a sketch and description of the planet Kinaval. 

Here's some information he wrote about about Kinaval: 

This planet is famous for seven moons. Legend says that there was a comet that struck the planets and that's how it emerged from its depths. Before the comet it used to be 30% bigger. 

Status: Beaming 

Inhabitants: 4.1 billion

Anyone who basks in its rays for 5 minutes for that time gains incredible wisdom. The people formed a cult to protest the power from falling into unworthy hands. The priests go out and find one person worthy to receive the blessings. This choice is made very carefully. 

I was dying. 

His whole book is full of planets. 

So creative. Yet so strange. 

This is why I'm never leaving this place. 

Resolutions

I'm not one who normally does New Year's Resolutions, because I basically am always "resoluting" to something new almost weekly.

When I first started teaching in August, I was still training for the marathon, so I needed to work out more. I decided that getting up at 4:45 would be what I needed to do. So I did it. For about 2 weeks. Then every morning after that for the next 4 months, I would set my alarm for 4:45, but wouldn't get up until 6:40. 

It's the thought that counts, right? 

But when January 1 rolled around and I couldn't remember when the last time I went to the gym was, I knew things had to change. Especially if I am running a half marathon in 2 weeks. 

So, change it is. 

I am proud to announce that I have gotten up at 4:45 the last 3 mornings. 

It feels so nice to have that task crossed off my "to-do list" at the beginning of the day. 

Also, for New Year's Resolutions, I'm not going to buy new clothes until April. 

This is a hard thing for me, because I love clothes, but decided after going to the mall way too many times over Christmas Break that the buying of clothes must stop. I need to give some TLC to the clothes I already have. We'll see if this resolution can even last 1 month. 

Here's some things I'm currently dying over: 

Christmas Past

I saw this today on my new favorite site, Iwastesomuchtime.com and had a little LOL moment with myself. 

Why is it so funny to me? 

Well, when I was 17, the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a cell phone. 

My parents kept telling me over and over again, that I would not be getting one. 

Well, I opened all my presents on Christmas morning, just hoping that with each present I opened, one of them would turn into the beloved cell phone. 

The presents slowly diminished, and I was starting to lose hope. 

Then, my dad announced that there was one more present that still needed opening. 

"Alas!" I thought to myself. Instantly I thought of Ralphie from A Christmas Story and his Red Rider Gun. I quickly opened the present and found this:

I cried.
I cried even more when my dad said, "We can easily activate it with Verizon."
My brothers were recording me and all of my ridiculousness.
Then finally, after letting me make of fool out of my 17-year-old self, my dad brought out the real phone.
I felt like such a spoiled brat.
I guess my only excuse is, I'm the youngest. And I'm the only girl. I think those two alone give me all the room I want to pout and be a baby when I don't get what I want.
Kidding. Kind of.

Also, this was our family Christmas card photo from this year.
I hate my mom for putting this picture on there.
I think it's symbolic of how I am in the family. The oddball unmarried.

Great minds think alike

I guess the love of stripes runs in the family.

Actually, the fact that I wear stripes on a daily basis is making me sick.

So sick, that I compromised buying an overpriced shirt from J Crew the other day, just because I liked it and it didn't have any stripes. 

Speaking of stripes, I swear they are the only things in stores these days. I hate it. What am I going to do when they are out of style?

Also, since I'm on the subject of shopping... I just have to say, Fashion Place Mall is the only mall in Utah worth shopping at. It's close, and it has everything. I feel so satisfied every time I go there.

When H&M opened in November, I felt like I was the only person in Utah that didn't go to the pre-screening party (or whatever it's called) and the only person that didn't wait in line to go there that weekend. I felt kind of left out.

But really, after visiting the store a couple times now after the craziness has kind of died down, I have to say, It's not all it's hyped up to be. It's actually really disappointing. In fact, I would much rather drive to the one in Las Vegas, than go to that one. There. I said it.

Christmas Break

Since Christmas Break started last Friday, I really haven't done much of anything besides sleeping. 

It feels so nice to sleep until 10. Do something for a few hours, then go back to get for a nice loooooong afternoon nap. 

I never want this break to end. 

Don't miss it

From the Fall of 2008, to the Spring of 2010, I lived in Rexburg, Idaho. 

I went there because I felt it was my calling in life to attend school there.

3 years later, and I'm still trying to figure out that revelation. 

I'll admit. I loved BYU-Idaho for about 3 months. After that, I wanted out of that town. 

I still don't know how I survived that place. 

And I still don't understand how anyone can go to school there.  

It's full of 18-year-old girls and 21-year-old marriage hungry males that only want a ripe young 18-year-old that's fertile mertile. I missed the cut when I went there- I was 20. I think the only dates I went on were pity dates... because I was so bitter being there. The dates never went anywhere because I was in the range of 20-21 and wasn't planning on going on a mission. Returned missionary girls are the newest hottest things. Kind of like feathers extensions in your hair. Or eyelash extensions. Or bedazzled jeans. Or TOMS (is this phase ever going to stop? I hate TOMS and I hate seeing my mom and her friends wearing them. It's too much.)

I'm starting to sound like a spinster that hates every one. 

That's not true. 

I'm not a spinster. 

But I did hate BYU-Idaho and don't recommend it to anyone. 

My boyf's sister wants to go there. I try to talk her out of it. But she's really excited. Probably because she's 18 and will be married by December of next year. 

But really, it's not only awful because of the dating scene, it's awful because there is nothing to do, it's waaaaay too cold. Like, "I can't believe I'm actually living in a town this cold" cold. The roads don't get plowed. The cost of living is astronomically high for such a small town, it's in the middle of nowhere, the school has you take the craziest classes for generals... and they don't transfer if you plan on going to a different school. That's just the beginning of my list. 

Back to the point of this post. 

I go to institute on Wednesday nights at UVU. The UVU Institute is the breeding grounds for marriage. 

My class isn't a marriage class or anything close to that, but somehow, every lesson has to do with marriage. It's quite obnoxious really. The teacher will just stop in the middle of his lesson- most times a really spiritual part, and say, "Oh Mary... I see you are sitting next to Johnny. Have you two met each other yet? She's a really great gal, Johnny. I think you should ask for her number..." Not joking. 

Anyway, during the good news part of class, a girl raises her hand and says, 

"Well, I thought I didn't get accepted to BYU-Idaho..." Pause. Doesn't EVERYONE get accepted there? 

Anyway... 

Then she says, "But, it turns out, a week later after I got the denial letter, I got an acceptance letter." I move there in 2 weeks! 

She was ecstatic. In a way, I wanted to be happy for her, but I just couldn't do it. 

In my ward, there are tons of kids that are either coming or going between BYU-Idaho. I don't know how they do it. I'm still shocked that I went there for 2 years. 

If someone were to ask me, "Would you ever do it again?" My answer would be no. Not ever. Not even if my husband's job was there. I wouldn't move there for all the tea in china. 

Amen. 

P.S. Bre. I hope you're not offended. I like you. Actually, you're the best thing that has come from Rexburg. You're great! 

The Babies

I think I'm going through a pre-midlife crisis this week. 

I am sick just thinking about how kids that were born in 1993, are now in college and in my single's ward. 

Doesn't it make you sick? 

I babysat these kids. Now here they are in my classes (institute is my only class, but you catch my drift), and in my single's ward. 

I hate seeing them grow up, driving cars, and adding me as friends on facebook. 

In my mind they're still the 8-year-old that worshipped me and my babysitter's bag that I toted around. 

Now here they are in my same field as a young single adult. 

I hate getting old. 

Teacher of the Year

Last Friday I officially hit my wall as a teacher. 

I need rejuvenation and a really long break. 

Luckily, I only had to teach Monday and Tuesday this week. 

It really hasn't been that difficult of a week, either. 

Yesterday we ate candy and watched Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Actually, funny story about the candy. All during the month of November the reward system I've been using is "Turkey Bucks". For every good deed I catch them doing, they get a buck. Then, at the end of the month we have a movie party. Along with the movie, we had a little store in our classroom. They could buy candy, popcorn and drinks with their money, too. Now, being the cheap teacher that I am, I asked for donations of candy. I told the kids that I would pay them in "Turkey Bucks" for the treats they bring. Then they have to buy the treats back from me. Sounds fair, right? Luckily no parents e-mailed me about how dumb my idea was. 

Well, to my surprise I had a lot of donations. Good ones, too. Like huge Costco size bags of candy. Of course I had tons a leftovers. So naturally, the kids asked for their candy back. But I kindly replied, "I'm sorry, I have already paid you for the candy, it's now a classroom donation. Thanks." I feel so mean and harsh. Should I have given the candy back? I mean, candy is so expensive. I hate buying it. But now, I won't have to for the whole rest of the school year. My conscience (and mom) is (are) telling me to return the candy back to the kids. What would you do? 

Then today in celebration of Thanksgiving, and because we are learning about early colonization in social studies, we did rotations with all the other 5th grade classes and learned about the first thanksgiving. After lunch, the whole 5th grade came to one classroom and watched a movie about the Mayflower. By the time the movie started, I could barely keep my eyes open. So I went and took a little cat nap on my chair. Little did I know, I had 130 sets of eyes watching me sleep. I also had 3 co-workers who thought it would be fun to take pictures and put a pilgrim hat on top of my head. 

The kids were dying. They thought it was the funniest thing they've ever seen. I think kids secretly think teachers are robots with no homes, no emotions, no family, etc. Because after I woke up, I had about a million kids ask me, "Miss Leiter, why were you sleeping?" I would kindly reply, "Because I was tired. Why else would I sleep?" 

Here's a picture with my outstanding award: 

Today I am thankful for Thanksgiving Break. My break will consist of 2 things. Reading and sleeping. 

I am currently reading 4 books right now. I'm hoping I can finish them all by the end of the break. 

1- Matched

2- Diary of a Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever (I am obsessed with these books. Hilarious) 

3- Is everyone hanging out without me? Written by Kelly from The Office. I love it. Maybe even more than Bossypants. 

4- The Help (yes, I just might be the only female on the planet that hasn't finished it yet.) 

2nd Chances and other things

Is it possible for people to be bad at Halloween? 

You may be thinking bad as in behavior... but I'm talking about "bad" as in not good. 

Well, I would consider myself truly "bad" at Halloween. 

Every single year I fail. 

It all started back in 1988. Money was tight so mom scrimped and clipped and tried to sew. 

It never worked. 

In 1996, I was Angelica from the hit show "Rugrats". 

Mom sewed up a cute purple jumper. I wore pigtails and called people "dumb babies". 

No one knew who I was. 

I was miserable. 

I guess no one at Shelley had cable? 

After hours of consoling me, my mom decided that the next year she would go all out. 

I was a BYU Cheerleader. She even bought my costume from the BYU Bookstore. 

I think that year would be the only year out of my 23 Halloweens that was actually a success. 

I forgot that enjoying Halloween is a requirement of teachers. 

I remembered on the day before Halloween. 

I hate spending money on costumes. 

It's ridiculous. 

One girl in my class claimed her mom spend $100 on hers... 

Freshmen year, Rachel and I were Paris and Nicole. 

We went to Ross. Bought the costumes. Then returned them the day after Halloween. 

I don't feel guilty about doing that. I should though.

So this year, on the eve of Hallo, I called up my brother (he's one of those that would be in the category of actually spending money on costumes) and asked him if he had a costume for me. 

Sure did. 

He had a purple robe and a merlin's hat. 

I was a wizard. 

The kids loved it. 

I did too... for about 20 minutes, then I was ready to take it off. 

I was really ready to be done with it after I realized that the school's Halloween costume parade also includes the teachers parading their costumes to all the parents.... yikes. I've never sweat so much in my entire life. 

Halloween's over. And I am so thrilled. 

I am now making the kids listen to Christmas music whenever we are working. 

My personal favorite- N'sync Pandora Station... even though they have no clue who they are. 

Also, did you know 5th graders date? 

Yeah. I just found that out. 

During Friday's "Good News Minute", (thank you Manila 6th ward R.S. for that idea...)

one kid tells me that he got a 2nd chance with his girlfriend.

What the?

What's a 2nd chance IN FIFTH GRADE?

I should of not said anything, but I was really curious. 

How do you date someone when you're 10? 

So I asked, "Does your mom actually drive you two on dates?"

"Oh no, Miss Leiter, we just hang out at school." 

"Do you even talk to your significant other?"

"Yeah. Sometimes. When they aren't hanging out with their friends." 

I don't even know what to do about this. I laugh mostly. Apparently one kid just bought his woman a nice "diamond" necklace. I'm sure he found it on the ground or he bought in at the dollar store... but she doesn't need to know that. 

They're Real!

I have a love/hate relationship with Utah County Trends.

Mostly I think they're all ridiculous and I want no part in them. Especially if they have anything to do with crochet flower headbands or any type of obnoxious hair piece in someone's hair. (Like feathers...what the?)

Anyway, the newest trend is eyelash extensions.

I remember last summer, a girl I worked with told me how she had spent $50 to get extensions on her lashes. I thought that was the craziest thing ever.

Then I noticed that everyone around me was getting them. I knew I had to be part of this band wagon.

But how could I ever afford that price?

It's like $50 to get them on. And then another $40 to get them filled every 3 weeks.

I know I live at home, and I don't pay for anything, but how can people afford this?

So I decided to try the next best option.

After doing some heavy internet researching, I found some mascara that could do the trick. For a whole lot less than those ridiculous lashes.

I went to Ulta and got "They're Real" mascara by Benefit.

It's the best $22 dollars I've ever spent.

My lashes are so long and so beautiful. And so real.

I'll admit, paying that much for mascara was something I wasn't very comfortable doing.

I hate spending money on 2 things. Shoes and Makeup.

For shoes, I'll only buy them if they are $15 and under.

And for makeup, I only buy what's on sale at the grocery store.

Unless it's Christmas. Then my mom gets me some Bare Minerals from Nords.

I think I've lived in Utah County for far too long if I'm obsessing over my eyelashes. I'm actually embarrassed by my obsession. Really. I didn't even start wearing makeup until 10th grade. And even then all I wore was mascara. It wasn't until 12th grade that I started wearing eyeliner. Heaven help my poor little eyes. I had liner smeared all over my face. I looked ridiculous back in '06.

Moral of the story. I guess vanity is seeping into my system.

Plastic surgery is probably next on the agenda...

Joking. Joking.

Mom. I'm joking. I promise I'll move out soon. 

One of those days

It always bothers me when you ask someone how they're doing and they reply, "You know, it's just been one of those days..." 

What does "one of those days" even mean? 

You could take it either way. 

It also bothers me when someone says, "Are you sick? You kind of don't look good." On a day that you walked out of the house thinking you were looking good. Hate it. 

Every other night I go to Macey's and get some fresh bananas. There's nothing I hate more than a soft banana. It has to be perfectly yellow- without any markings on it. 

So tonight, while doing the usual routine after visiting my boyf at school, I headed off to Macey's to get my fresh produce. 

The girl checking me out compliments me on my cute wallet, then proceeds to ask me if I want a bag for my bananas. I told her no, because at the very moment she asked me that question, I looked at the lady behind me who was buying a big ol' box of Trojan's and some Edamame. I thought this was quite the peculiar combination of things to buy. So I just replied to the grocer, "No, I don't want a bag." 

Then I came to. 

"Wait. Yes. I want a bag." 

She chuckles and just says to me, "It's just been one of those days, hasn't it?" 

Are you kidding me? 

Doesn't she know that not being able to complete sentences or make sense of my words has been "one of those days" since August? 

But really. I'm a mess. I'm easily sidetracked, I can't focus, and I can't complete sentences because I can't find words. 

I hope this premature version of Alzheimer's leaves quickly. 

A bad case of stripes.

I am convinced that most everything in my closet has stripes on it.

Really. It's disgusting. I think I wear a striped shirt every single day.

It's hard to not buy stripes. They just look so dang cute.

How many blue and white striped shirts do I have? 4.

Sweaters? 6

Long sleeve stripes? 5

Just plain ol' striped shirts? 7

Am I the only one in this world obsessed with the stripes?

The Marathon

2 weeks later, and now I'm blogging about this.

So, two weeks ago I ran the St. George Marathon for the 2nd time with my dad.

I'm going to be honest, last year I trained really hard. Ran my little heart out. Did a few 18 milers and a 20 miler to prepare.

This year?

Well.......

I didn't train at all.

Really. I didn't.

I was in school all summer and I had absolutely no energy to get up and run.

What was my longest training run?

8 miles.

I really thought I would be crawling to the finish line at the 8 hour mark.

However....

Because I go to church and pay my tithes and fast offerings, I survived.

Not only did I survive, but I beat last years time by 35 minutes.

My dad was really nervous that I wouldn't make it. That made me even more nervous. I think my whole family was shocked to see me finish in the time I did because they thought I would walk to whole thing. I showed them. Also, maybe I might have a natural talent? I don't know. I'm not one who has any talents, so this would be nice if i was a natural one.

So what' the moral of my story?

Training is a waste of time.

In other news, of course I was a huge baby the day after.

I couldn't even balance on my 2 feet without almost tipping over.

It was pathetic.

I was carried everywhere.

I'll be running it again next year. I do think I'll train next time around.

Maybe.

I'm running a 1/2 in 2 weeks. I haven't excercised once since the marathon. I'm just going to keep doing what's right in the church and reap the rewards.

Speaking of talents... I just joined Pintrest (the latest craze in every female's life). I really want to be more domestic. I want to make pillows for my house and make cute sayings to put on my walls. I'm just one of those gals that starts a project and once it gets hard, I quit and never go back to it. It's just so much easier to buy something than it is to make.

Career Day and Bishops

In school the past month, we have been doing a unit on careers. 

For this week's assignment, the kids needed to interview someone that had a job they might be interested in when they grow up. Then, after interviewing the person, they need to come to school dressed as that person and tell the class about the job... acting as if they are the ones with the job. 

Example: "Hi, I'm Cindy, and I'm a nurse at Primary's."

Most kids were reporting as the typical, "When I grow up careers", like firefighter, nurse, doctor, police officer, etc. 

Then one student gets up. 

He's dressed in a suit and has a very serious look on his face. 

It goes like this... 

"Hello, I'm Bishop Miller. What I do for work is, I'm a bishop for my church. Part of what I do for my job is listen to people and help them with their problems. My day normally consists of giving people blessings to heal them. Normally it takes 2-3 days for someone to get healed...." 

I was dying. 

It was so funny and so innocent. 

I know it was breaking the rules of separating church and state, but come on, it's Utah County for crying out loud. We're all Mormon. Although, maybe I'm speaking too soon, Lehi is the one city in Utah County where everyone isn't a Mormon.

I love that this kid wants to be a bishop when he grows up. 

As a daughter of a current bishop, I just think to myself, "Who in their right mind would ever want that calling?"

When I texted my dad and told him about this, he reminded me of what I used to want to be when I was a young beehive- General Young Women's President. 

Yes. It's true. 

I wanted to be that so badly.
Sister Nadauld was my hero. 

I saved every handout ever given to me in church and put them all in clear plastic protective sheets and then placed them in binders. 

I would also cut out every MormonAd from all the New Era's and put them in binders too. 

I was a freak. 

A righteous freak. 

When I got my Young Womanhood Medallion when I was 15, I wore that thing with pride. I swore I would wear it until I was finally made G.Y.W.P. (My slang for General Young Women's President). 

That phase was short lived. The necklace was worn for about 2 months. It was lost and never to be seen again.I guess that's symbolic of my hope for the calling too. Lost and never to be seen again.

Flash Mobs

Can I please get an "amen" that flash mobs have got.to.go. 

I am so sick of them. 

They were cool once. 

But 2 years later and people are still trying to find an excuse for them. 

Example: At the start line before the marathon, when all the runners are just warming their buns around the million fires, with music blaring, all of us sudden that dang "Dynamite" song comes on and half the crowd breaks into a flash. Ok, ok maybe not 1/2, more like 30. But still... I hate them. I'm still trying to decide what I hate more- the flash mob, or that "Dynamite" song. They both make me cringe. 

And then tonight, I get a text message from the ol' single's ward informing me that there is a practice on Saturday for a "Thriller Flash Mob". 

Thanks but no thanks. 

I wouldn't even be surprised if this is performed in Sacrament Meeting on the Sunday before Halloween. No. Not one bit of surprise will come from my face. 

We all know my ward.... 

Also, I'm sorry for neglecting my blog. 

I have 2 computers and no excuses. 

I am just lazy. 

Sorry. 

But, a quick update in case you're thinking I am avoiding this subject.... 

Yes, I did finish the marathon. In good time, too. More on that later.