Sunday, November 15, 2009

Friendship

Yes I know, I am a huge slacker. It has been FOREVER since my last blog post but there has been quite a lot going on lately. Which I will be updating you all on in the next couple of blogs. But first I just had to share a few thoughts that popped into my head while driving home tonight.
Today I am thankful for my wonderful friends!
I have the greatest friends anyone could ever wish for. Life has been so crazy lately and I've been completely overwhelmed and stressed. But somehow tonight just getting to spend one evening with my friends melted all my problems away. As I drove back to Arbuckle tonight I couldn't stop smiling and even though it was past midnight, WAY past my old lady bedtime, I was not tired at all. I was wide awake and utterly completely happy.
I don't even know if I can pinpoint exactly when it happened but sometime after graduating from college my friends have become more than friends, they have become family. They are the people that I know I can turn to for anything and everything. They are the people who understand what I am going through and are there to support me every step of the way.
I am so thankful for my incredible friends I really do not know what I would do without them.
I am so excited for all of the fun events that we have planned over the next couple of months.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Weekend Get-A-Way

This weekend Brian and I got the chance to escape up to Lake Almanor. We wanted the chance to escape before rice harvest went into full swing and Brian begins working all weekend every weekend. This was our view from his parents beautiful cabin. We had a very wonderful relaxing weekend. Both mornings we woke up and rode our bike 4 1/2 miles to coffee. It was a VERY exhausting ride but totally worth it. The pups enjoyed the trip too. Peachy and Cabella can hardly walk today but I think they would tell you it was worth it if they could speak.
Brian and I have decided we are going to get in shape together. Starting tomorrow morning we are going to get up half an hour early every morning to run. Wish us luck =). Any tips?

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Engament Photos

They have arrived!!!! I am just beside myself. We recieved them in an email at 7:15 this morning and I woke Brian up and made him get out of bed just to look at them. He loves them too and he was a pretty good sport about being pulled out of bed at 7:15 on a Saturday morning. They are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Rebecca and Barry @fordfamilyphoto are fantastic.
We took our engagement photos out in one of the rice fields that Brian's family farms and we had the use of all the buildings and vehicles on the property as well. Peachy and Cabella came along for the shoot and Rebecca and Barry somehow even managed to get them to pose for a picture.
We have to pick one photo for our save the dates and I just love them all I have no idea how to decide. If you have an opinion I would LOVE to hear it, PLEASE! Here are the fantastic photos: My mom says you should play the slideshow to the song "My Big Green Tractor and it actually is rather fitting if you have the song available =)

Friday, September 11, 2009

Things I have learned...


Student teaching has been a whirlwind but in the short time I have been teaching I have learned SO much, here are a few of my favorites...
1. I DO NOT write correctly. Throughout high school and college I have changed my letters, made them frilly and fun AND impossible for elementary age students to read. "Miss Kirk is that a backwards 3, I thought eight began with an E." OOOPPPS =)
2. Timers are the greatest invention EVER. Kids love doing activities in which they have to race the timer and they are also a great way to ensure I stay on track and remember PE, Music & Library.
3. Post it Notes are AMAZING. I have them stuck throughout the classroom reminding myself of various things (my pacing, my things I am working on,etc.)
4. Kids are brutally honest "Miss Kirk your hair is really messy" "Miss Kirk you look funny today" Geeze if I didn't have self esteem issues before I am really in for it now.
5. High Heels are still worth it. I know everyone keeps telling me I am eventually going to to give them up but right now I love them still.
6. Kids come up with the most elaborate stories "Miss Kirk my dog can play the trombone...and the the piano"
7. Don't ask rhetorical questions you will end up having a 20 minute conversation on The Three Little Pigs.
8. If you let one student go to the bathroom or get a drink all the sudden everyone will have to go at the same time

Student Teaching Update

I had my second observation today and if observations aren't bad enough with just my supervisor, she brought her supervisor to observe her! Geeze, talk about NERVOUS! This morning I was really wondering if I was going to make it to my observation let alone make it through it. BUT low and behold I survived. My supervisor and her supervisor were very impressed and said I was a natural, WOW talk about a compliment. I was pretty much glowing from ear to ear for the rest of the day.
Student teaching is so much fun, I am really loving it. As of Monday I will be solo teaching for 2 straight weeks which surprisingly I am not one bit worried about. I have the most incredible Master Teacher, Michelle Cherry, who has believed in and supported me since day one. Also I love our class. Our students are wonderful. We have our talkers and our daydreamers but they are all loving kind students who enjoy learning. I have to brag a little because my math lesson today was on 0 less, 1 less and 2 less and at the end of the lesson all of our students got 100% on my quick check worksheet (earning themselves 10 minutes of around the world math facts on Monday). Also 18 students out of 24 passed their end of the week spelling test (earning themselves doughnuts for Monday Morning, YUM).
I can't believe I only have three more weeks with them before I move on =(

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Brief Update

OMG! OMG! Where do I even begin??? My blogging has been horrible lately. However, I have a great reason. Student teaching officially began three weeks ago Monday therefore I no longer have much time outside of the classroom. But I am not complaining. I LOVE it. I LOVE my master teacher, Michelle Cherry and I LOVE our wonderful students. It's been three weeks and they have already won my heart. I would do anything for any single one of them and I would be happy to do it. It's incredible that I can be having the worst morning in the world and yet the moment those students walk in the door my luck changes and I find myself continously smiling.
Teaching is fantastic and if I ever doubted my career choice I am now 100% positive it was the correct choice.
I saw this video today in class and it was so inspiring I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luOHWilURqk
More about my student teaching later, I must get to bed.

Monday, July 27, 2009

The Dress....


So if you haven't already heard from my multiple twitter and facebook posts, I found THE dress. (No these aren't the dress, I couldn't post that or Bri would for sure see it. These are two of the millions I tried on though..). On Saturday after Tracy's wonderful shoe shower, we went downtown to House of Fashion to try on wedding dresses. Mahan, my wonderful wedding dress fitter, met us at teh front counter and wisked us upstairs to the world of wedding dresses. House of Fashion has over 2,000 wedding dresses, talk about overhelming. However, Mahan didn't let me get overhelmed she talked to me about the wedding and the styles I liked and then pulled out the dresses that she believed I would like. I knew I didn't want a big poofy wedding gown like the one pictured but Mahan had me try one on just so my mom could see it. It was a wonderful day and I left with one favorite. However, I was not ready to make a choice because I felt as if I had not tried on enough to make a decision. So Sunday morning we went out on the hunt again. We hit David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo( my mother and my sister were such good sports going from one store to the next, one dress to the next) and I again tried on a million beautiful dresses. Luckily we took pictures otherwise I believe I wouldn't remember ANY of the dresses. I left each store with a favorite dress but there was still one dress which stood out in my mind. So we made a call to Mahan and she was kind enough to let us drop back by and try on THE dress again. The instant I put the dress on I just knew it was THE one. It just felt right. So now I just have to wait 6 months for it to be made...
Ahhhh..... two major decisions done =)

Monday, July 20, 2009

The couple that plays together...


From the day we met Bri and I have been extremely active. We are both very high energy people and do not sit still for long. Three months after we started dating we vacationed in the Bahamas aboard Blackbeard Cruises, diving non stop. And things haven't changed much since then. Bri and I are constantly on the go, we rarely spend a weekend in town and when we do it still feels a little strange =). I know eventually we'll have to slow down some but for the time being we're going to keep going 100miles per hour (as my mother likes to say).
This weekend we got to go boating (picture on the left) with both of our parents and take a trip to our new favorite place, the Ryde Hotel, for brunch. It's hard to believe that one year from Saturday we will be saying "I do" in their beautiful garden, more posts coming soon on the location.
Also before going boating my sister talked Bri into doing the mini triathlon at the end of August and gues what he wants me to do it too?!? I am not sure if I am up for the challenge but we'll see as time gets closer. We went for a 10 mile bike ride this evening, followed by a 2 mile run with the dogs, they're sure exhausted. I am actually not as tired as I thought I would be but I have a feeling I will be pretty sore tomorrow. What about all of you, have you ever attempted a triathlon? Any training tips?

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Simple Sunday Reminders


So in following suit with both Tracy and Kelly I would like to take a moment to be grateful for all the wonderful things in my life. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day to day life that we forget to take a moment and just enjoy the little things in life. So since Sundays seem to be one of the only days I am able to sit down and blog lately I am going to try and write every Sunday about a few things I am grateful for in my life.

1. My incredible fiancee: I know extremely cliche, but lately I have been quite a pain to deal with and for some reason this only makes him love me more, he must be crazy (that's my therory anyways =))
2. My family: I was able to spend a lot of time with them this week because Brian was out of town on business and every moment I spend with them I realize just how special they are to me.

3. My Little Sister: (I know I already said family but lately she deserves an extra special shoutout). Katie Lynn is incredible, she has been so helpful in assisting in the wedding planning. I love her to death and I don't know what I would do without her.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Ryde Hotel


You know that feeling of weightlessness that you get when you have finally made a big decision and you know it was the right now, well that's the feeling that has been going through my veins since I said the words out loud this morning: "We are going with The Ryde Hotel."
It was a long agonizing decision, with many long conversations and pros and cons lists but ultimately I know we have made the best decision for us.
Thank you to everyone for their support and understanding through this long drawn out process. I promise I won't be as difficult with the rest of the decisions.
Now on to the fun parts =)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Grandma's Pickles

For as long as I can remember Grandma has always made pickles and they have always been delicious. She usually makes around 18 jars a year and distributes them among the family as they ask for them. However, if you don't give her jar back you're NOT getting anymore pickles.
This year being that grandma knew how much Brian LOVES pickles she decided we should have a pickle making party. Bri and I hosted the party at our house Monday night. My mom, my future mother in law and grandma all headed over the Arbuckle after work. We had over 50lbs of pickles and were canning pickles for over 2 hours. It was alot of work but alot of fun at the same time.





Bri got into some trouble because he wanted to make a few "minor adjustments" to grandma's recipe, something she's not too fond of in her older age =)! Good thing she likes him, that's what I tell him anyways =). So after 2 hours of canning we made 36 jars of pickles and the entire house still smells like dill, good thing we like that smell =)!

Indecision

I have never been a person that struggled with decisions. I have always been able to make decsions fairly easily and I almost never get stressed out. UNTIL, now! I get engaged and all the sudden I can't make a decision to save my life.
I mean I am choosing between two amazing locations and I do not really have a bad choice but, still I can't choose.
Yocha-De-He is breathtaking the view from the ceremony site is incredible... who can't picture taking their vows overlooking this view, photo op anyone??? However, there is something holding me back from choosing Yocha. Bri of course is pushing for the Yocha-De-He, I can't imagine I guy that wouldn't, it's an incredible 18 hole golf course in the Capay Valley. However, a part of me can't get past the fact that it sits behind Cache Creek CASINO, who wants to get married at a Casino. However, Yocha-De-He isn't in the casino and the wedding guests never even have to enter the casino unless they chose to do so...
Ryde Hotel has that perfect backyard wedding feel that I have always dreamed about. (picture found here)I can just picture us dancing the night away under the stars with paper laterns strung throughout the trees. The Ryde feels fun, comfortable and safe. Major bonus it is located along the Sacramento River, a favorite location for my family. Yet, something seems to be holding me back from picking either location.
I feel so torn between the two venues...
What do you guys think? How do you go about making decisions? Any hints? Tips?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Wedding Binder

  So I had to show off my adorable wedding planning binder that Tracy made for me. It is just the perfect place to keep all of my wedding stuff organized. I can't believe it hasn't even been a week and my binder is already overflowing with idea pictures...Thanks Tracey for the AMAZING binder!
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A Girl's Necessities...

In answer to Tracy's blog, here are my necessities...

My brand new bright yellow summer purse, which I just love, it adds pop to every outfit

My coach wallet, the first coach item I ever owned and I still just love it!

My coach sunglasses, I have a black pair and a brown pair depending on my outfit and I feel lost if I leave the house without them!

My blue tooth, my commute gives me LOTS of talk time and without my blue tooth I get very lonely...

My car keys to my new cleaned Celica =)

My bare minerals compact, just in case I need to freshen up throughout the day

My perfume container that looks like a lipstick case, I got it at Christmas last year and it comes in so handy

What are your necessities?

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

ABC's of Me

I stole this off facebook because it seemed like the perfect blog post:
ABC's of Me!
Share


A - Age: 24

B - Bed size: California King

C - Chore you hate: Vaccuming, although if I get my new animal dyson I think I'd learn to like it ;-D

D - Dog's name: Peaches & Cabella

E - Essential start your day item: Sad but true, Make up

F - Favorite color(s): Pink, I know really clique

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5' 3"

I - Instruments you play: musically challenged

J - Job title: Office Manager/Substitute Teacher

K - Kids: Eventually....

L - Living arrangements: I live with my fiancee, wow still weird to say =)

M - Mom's name: Lauri

N - Nicknames: Manda, Manda Lynn, Manda Panda, Babe

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Nope

P - Pet Peeve: Flakiness

Q - Quote from a movie: Way too many to list

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: Sister, Katie and Brother, Chris

T - Time you wake up: 6:45 am is when my alarm clock goes off

U - Underwear: Yes please

V - Vegetable you dislike: Brussel Sprouts, yuck!

W - Workout style: Nintendo Wii =)

X - X-rays you've had: Teeth, Wrist & Arm

Y - Yesterday's best moment: Sitting in our backyard with all of our closest friends realizing we'll be having many more parties for years to come =)

Z - Zoo favorite: Sadly, I have only been to the Sacramento Zoo, guess I'll have to borrow my future nieces and take them to another zoo =)

Please copy and repost so I can hear the ABC's of you =)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

The Proposal...

Brian and I headed up to Monterey Saturday morning for "his birthday" trip. He had planned the whole trip, got recommendations from friends, made dinner reservations, etc. We were both really excited, however I was completely in the dark. We arrived in Monterey around 12, checked into The Plaza and headed downstairs for a bite to eat. We then headed to the aquarium, one of Brian's favorite places in the whole world. After the aquarium we headed back to the hotel to change and freshen up for dinner. We had a really nice dinner at the Sardine Factory but throughout dinner Brian kept checking his watch, I told him to relax and enjoy his dinner but he of course did not listen. After dinner we walked, well more like ran back to the hotel to change and head out to Lover's Point to watch the sunset. We climbed out on the rocks and poured ourselves a glass of wine to enjoy the sunset, which was incredible. We chatted briefly about the Ocean and the sea animals. Brian was very fidgety but because I was not suspecting anything I just figured he was trying to get comfortable. As we finished our glasses of wine he asked me to refill them. I reached into the bag moving things out of the way and removed the wine bottle. Apparently in doing so I moved an envelope Brian had meant for me to see, so with a little prodding on his part I opened the envelope and immediately started balling. When I finally read the card through my tear filled eyes I looked up to see him on one knee with the most beautiful ring I have EVER seen. It was an amazing incredible wonderful fantastic proposal.
What about everyone else? Share your proposal stories...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A Temporary Set Back

While I must say I am saddened by the fact that California, supposedly one of the most liberal states in the United States, has yet to allow gay marriage. I feel a ray of hope that the supreme court has allowed the marriages of those married during the brief window before Prop 8 was denied to stand. However, there is still a long hard fight ahead of us.
As State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg so eloquently stated "History shows us that prejudice and inequality diminish with time and struggle, and so it will be the case with marriage freedom. While the court represents an independent and equal branch of California's government and its decision is the law, we will not stop fighting for equal rights. The cause of marriage freedom is too important and the injustice of Proposition 8 too great to simply give up."
Many people who do not have familial ties with gay marriage have difficulties understanding the full importance of allowing gay couples the same right to marriage. But I must tell you from my own experiences that they full well deserve these rights. To those of you who say that only a man and a woman deserve these rights I am very sorry for you. It is a shame that you can not open your mind long enough to realize that these are the people you have grown up with, the people you work with, the people you are friends with, the people your friends love. You really think they deserve any less than you, get off your high horse!
As most of you are aware my Aunt DeAnn is gay, she has been with my Aunt Dee for 18 years and they are two of the most incredible people I know, so this is an issue very dear to my heart. I know that most of you have read this already but I wanted to share a poem written by my Aunt DeAnn after the passing of proposition 8:

The Gay Community Weeps

We are shocked, stunned, shattered.

We grew up with you.

We work with you.

We teach your children.

We are nurses and doctors.

We are lawyers and engineers.

We are neighbors.

We are sisters, brothers, daughters and sons.

We are caregivers and productive contributors to our society.

We feel rejected.

We voted with you for great change in our nation.

We voted to eliminate discrimination and provide equal opportunity for all Americans.

We feel abandoned.

We are of all faiths.

We accept people of all nations to our state.

We embrace differences.

We will continue to teach, nurture, provide care, and lead.

We will heal.

To those that voted with us we walk proudly with you.

To our youth that sees no differences you are our hope.


I know in my heart that it is only a matter of time before gay marriage passes but to those of you who are fighting so vehemently against it I hope you realize the hurt and the pain you are causing. All I have to say is "SHAME ON YOU!"



Wii Fit

So Brian gave me this, this weekend because he wanted me to have something to open from him while we celebrated with the family this weekend. I have been hinting at him for months that I wanted one but he just kept brushing it off so I figured we would be getting one anytime soon. So I was very surprised when I unwrapped his paper bag wrapping job, Brian is very creative in his wrapping, to discover the Wii fit. The entire family played with it all weekend. It is SO much fun! I even got in a quick workout this morning before work.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Thanks to Tracy & Leslee. Copy and paste it to YOUR blog or paste in comments.

SENIOR YEAR...

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes
2. Did you marry someone from your high school? No
3. Did you car pool to school? Yes I drove the car pool =)
4. What kind of car did you have? Red Honda Prelude
5. What kind of car do you have now? 2003 Toyota Celica
6. Its Friday night...where are you now? At home with Bri or out with friends
7. It is Friday night...where were you then? Usually at the football game and then out with Tommy
8. What kind of job did you have in high school?Nope
9. What kind of job do you have now? Office Manager at Allied & Substitute Teacher
10. Were you a party animal? No
11. Were you considered a flirt? I could be flirty but I was usually pretty good about that
12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? No
13. Were you a nerd? No
14. Did you get suspended or expelled? NEVER
15. Can you sing the fight song? Ummmm...yeah I think I could
16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)? Mrs. Winger (Wheat) & Mr. Winger
17. Where did you sit during lunch? Usually we stood outside in the quad
18. What was your school's full name? Elk Grove High School
19. When did you graduate? 2003
20. What was your mascot? Thundering Herd
21. If you could go back and do it again, what would you do? Nada
22. Did you have fun at Prom? Yes, I went to both with the same person (Tommy) and they were both great nights
23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? On occasion
24. How many people from high school are you still close with? Barely any
25. Who was your closest friends? Renee, Rachelle, Tommy, Meghan, Tarah

Friday, April 17, 2009

Flying High


So I am writing this blog while flying to Burbank. Southwest Airlines is testing out FREE Wi-Fi on two of their planes and I happened to be lucky enough to be on one of those planes. It is very strange to be able to surf the Internet while 10,000 feet above the ground. But extremely convenient as well, I could get used to this that's for sure. What will they think of next?
So I am really excited for my trip because I get to see my brother and my of my closest friends, Kelli, who lives in LA with her husband. Kelli and I are going to Britney Spears tonight and then tomorrow we're all headed to Disneyland for a Magical Day =)! I am sad because I had to leave Bri behind, he has a bachelor party but absences makes the heart grow fonder right =)! Bri and I will be back soon enough for my cousin's graduation anyways! Well hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Landon Liam Barrett



So I had to introduce Bri's nephew, Landon Liam Barrett. He is just the sweetest thing ever. He has two sisters, both under 2 1/2 who are equally as adorable as well!

Apple Chips


Ok so I have to brag about one of my new favorite things! I found these at Costco the other day and they are incredible! I LOVE them! Definitely worth trying!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter...

As everyone knows I am a huge family girl. But as things get more serious between Brian and I I felt as if we should spend some more time with his family. Brian has always been more than understaning about me wanting to spend the holidays with my side of the family and has gone out of his way (three trips from Elk Grove to Maxwell and back) during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) to make that happen. However, I was starting to feel very selfish. So being that his brother and his wife just had their son, Landon Liam Barrett, last week we figured this easter would be the perfect holiday to spend with his family. However, as I sit at home I am saddened by the fact that I won't be celebrating with my family tomorrow =(! I know I am being a bit overdramatic and it's really not such a big deal. But I suddenly feel very upset that I am going to be away from my family. I mean I am thrilled to be with Brian as always but I just wish we could be togehter with my family =). Wow, so as I reread this in my head I realize it sounds completely selfish and I need to put a smile on my face, stop being such a baby and realize that each new experience only helps us grow. Happy Easter everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

What three songs do you wish you could erase from your memory?

What three songs do you wish you could erase from your memory?
Stole this from Leslee =) Great Blog Prompt!

  • Enya "Only Time" - They played that song during the "Every Fifteen Minutes" program at my sister's high school and I balled my eyes out. To this day I still can't hear that song without it sending chills down my spine
  • Chris Daughtry "It's Not Over" - I have some bad memories associated with this song. Lesson learned but still not a song I care to remember
  • And stealing one from Leslee "Smelly Cat" by Phoebe cause now it's stuck in my head and I can't get it out!?!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The New House















Living Room Before Living Room After
More pictures to come!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Developing Lesson Plans


Developing lesson plans and units is a really exciting part of becoming a teacher. I love researching about what I will be teaching my future students. With the use of the internet, when it works properly, research is so much fun. However, my biggest problem when it comes to unit development is fitting all the puzzle pieces together. I have so many different topics and ideas I want to teach my future students about and yet they don't seem to all fit together nicely. As we worked on the unit for our presentation I found myself wanting to take it in so many directions. It was very helpful to have decisive group members who cut and spliced the unit into nice succinct pieces. As a future teacher I know I am going to have to learn to be more decisive in order to make my job easier. Also I know that in being realistic I can not cram a million different things into one lesson plan. It is important to focus on the big picture and fill in with the smaller ideas as is necessary.
I have no problem understanding the basic lesson plan, which I am so thankful to Rene Nicholson for drilling into our heads. However, designing the unit is definitely still a little more of a hazy concept for me. I understand the basic idea but I still have difficulties with making all of my lessons fit into one unit. I know that as I work more and more with units this too will become second nature.
When I started this program I always believed that I wanted to teach kindergarten so therefore most of my lessons thus far have been geared towards that age group. However, as I began subbing I realized that the older grades were alot of fun as well, so now I am adjusting my lesson planning and working with some of the older grade levels as well. I know that especially in this economy, you never know what grade you are going to teach so I am glad that I am getting the opportunity to expand my horizons.

Guess what...



Yep you guessed it we have concrete now =)!
Wow, I feel quite grown up being that excited about concrete but it is just one step closer to actually having a yard =)! The concrete guys were a little difficult to work with but the finished product is beautiful and that's what really matters right? So I was thinking fantastic the dogs have a yard to play in right? WRONG! The next day Brian and my dad began trenching up the backyard for sprinklers. So we now have half a million trenches dug in the backyard. I know it's necessary if we want to have grass anytime in the near future, but I was kinda enjoying the fact that I could get up in the morning and let the dogs loose in the yard. Oh well, eventually everything will be done =)! I guess I should just remember to be thankful for a boyfriend who works so hard to get things done =)!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Vanity Faire Questionaire

So I was browsing one of my favorite blogs, a certain adorable blond and I cam across this questionnaire that I just could not pass up:

Vanity Fair Questionnaire

1.What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being around the people I love and just living in the moment!

2.What is your greatest fear?
Not accomplishing my dreams!

3.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Jealously! It's a horrible thing that makes me act in ways I never would otherwise, I am working on it but it's still there!
4.What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Ignorance, there is no excuse!

5.Which living person do you most admire?
My grandmother, she is the most incredible woman and at 80 years old she does more than I can do at 24!?!

6.What is your greatest extravagance?
Jeans & Purses, but I have been much better about spending money lately!

7.What is your current state of mind?
Happy! I am accomplishing my dream of becoming a teacher, living with my amazing boyfriend and have an amazing relationship with my family and friends

8.What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience because I am so bad at being patient

9.On what occasion do you lie?
To protect the people I love
10.What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Ummm...I don't like that I have lost my muscle definition in my stomach, but that's my own fault =/
11.Which living person do you most despise?
I don't really think there is anyone I despise

12
.What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty & Love, I believe those are two things you cannot live without.
13.What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Optimism
14.Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
completely, SO

15.What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Brian Barrett, with him I have the most honest relationship I have ever had in my life and he makes me SO happy!

16.When and where were you happiest?
Well I don't know that I could pick any one moment in which I was the happiest but right now I am extremely happy
17.Which talent would you most like to have?
I'd really like to be able to fly, I think it would be so incredible to see the world from a birds eye view
18.If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Not to be such a jealous person, I believe jealously is wasted emotion and yet I can't get rid of it in myself

19.What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Graduating College and continuing on with my masters
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
One of my grandmother's dogs they live like royalty

21.Where would you most like to live?
Wherever I can be near those I love
22.What is your most treasured possession?
WOW! That is a really deep question. I think my most treasured possession would have to be my diamond pendant necklace that my big sis gave me.
23.What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Loosing loved ones, I start to tear up just thinking about it!
24.What is your favorite occupation?
A teacher, they give so much to our future generations
25.What is your most marked characteristic?
My optimism, I have always been able to be optimistic in situations it is something all my friends always comment on
26.What do you most value in your friends?
Their loyalty and love for me! They are the most amazing group of women and they have gotten me through every situation good and bad I don't know what I would do without them.
27.Who are your favorite writers?
Nicholas Sparks is my all time favorite hands down. He has a way of capturing my emotions in a way no other writer ever has.

28.Who is your hero of fiction?
I can't really say I have a fictional hero at the present time
29.Which historical figure do you most identify with? Hmmm... I really don't know. Guess I should since I am currently taking a History class =/
30.Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents & my grandparents, I wouldn't be who I am without them
31.What are your favorite names?
At the moment, Lexi & Tyler
32.What is it that you most dislike?
Ignorant People
33.What is your greatest regret?
I can't say I have one I have learned so much from all my mistakes so I can't regret any of them.
34.How would you like to die?
Peacefully in my sleep when I am old and have lived a full life.
35.What is your motto?
Everything happens for a reason


Lucky in Love


So I am taking a break from house stuff for a moment to brag about how wonderful my boyfriend is. He has been killing himself to make our home beautiful and I know that I do not give him enough credit. I don't know how I got so lucky but for now I am not going to question it. I am just going to try to remember to take things one day at a time and just truly enjoy the time we spend together!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Backyard

So we have a blank slate here for the backyard and I thought that would make things easier but it doesn't!?! We have almost 1/2acre to work with and we can't figure out the best way to use the space. Any ideas?
I know we would like to extend the patio and the overhang off the exsisting one but other than that I am not sure what we would like to do? We have bought 14 redwoods at Costco for along the back fence and we are thinking about mixing them with Queen palms to give the yard some texture and variety. However I don't want it to be patio lawn trees, I know we need to find a way to make it flow?
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Love

Bri & I have been working on the house EVERY single day and hardwork like that is bound to catch up with you. So after the family birthdays on Saturday night we CRASHED! My Aunts were still chatting in the kitchen with my parents and Bri and I sat down in our favorite chair and were out! If nothing else we definitely sleep well each night!
Everyone always thought I was crazy because I have non stop energy but let me tell you Bri gives me a run for my money! I swear he's like the energizer bunny, he keeps going and going and going... Sometimes I can't even keep up with him. I kinda wasn't so happy about this picture at first cause it's not he most flattering but I figured it showed exactly how hard we've been working to make the house look nice =)!
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Japanese Maple

So I have always wanted a Japanese Maple, I know that's a really strange thing to want but there are just certain ways I always pictured my first house and my Japanese Maple was always a part of that picture when I pictured my yard and guess what we have one now =)! Bri and I have been working so hard on the yard, he a little more than I, but I have been helping too =)! He brought in a load of dirt mixed with horse manure (no it didn't smell so great at first but now that it's mixed it's not bad at all) and we raked it into a mound and planted the Japanese maple in the center. Anyone have any ideas for what could go underneath it on the mound? I have never had much of a green thumb but I am hoping my luck changes because everyone in our neighborhood has such lovely yards and I want ours to be the same.Posted by Picasa

Friday, March 20, 2009

New Trees!

So I took this picture last night at Sunset cause it looked so gorgeous! Unfortunately it didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped but at least you can kinda see our new redwood trees. Brian worked so hard to get five planted in the front yard. I can't believe how quickly the house has transformed into a home. I'll post pictures of the inside when I get a chance to take some! It all came together so well. And I just LOVE our neighborhood, it is so quiet and I love our neighbors as well. We are going to the nursery this weekend to get a Japanese maple for in front of the house and some flowers for the mound we're creating.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Student Teaching

So I am having a dilemma:
For the past four years I have been volunteering, observing and recently substitute teaching in the classroom of MaryAnn Evans at Dillard Elementary in Wilton, Ca. Working in MaryAnn's classroom has been wonderful and I have learned SO much from her. It has always been my plan that I would do my student teaching with MaryAnn and she has happily agreed to this. However, last month I moved to Arbuckle, CA. So I am now struggling with where I should do my student teaching. I know I would learn so much from MaryAnn but I don't know if the hour plus commute everyday would be too much while doing student teaching. However being that student teaching isn't that long I don't know if it might be worth it to make the commute in return for the valuable things I could learn from MaryAnn that I will be able to take with me wherever I ultimately end up? Also being that I do not think I want to work in Wilton once I become a full time teacher, should I student teach where I would like to work? It would be wonderful to student teach in Arbuckle because it is so close to home, but I do not have any relationships with the teachers there?

Lovely Day

Yesterday was just SO wonderful. I worked all day. Then my brother came home with me and helped Bri put up the cabinets in our garage. He works SO hard making our house beautiful. I swear he does not rest for a moment. I just can't get him to sit still. However we did get 5 redwoods planted in the yard last weekend and they look wonderful =)! We're going to the nursery Saturday morning so we can get more plants for the front yard. Anyways got a little sidetracked there. After they finished with the cabinets we went to El Mexi-Kal, the little mexican restuarant in Arbuckle with my brother and Kurt and DeeAnna. It was delicous! Then we went home and watched a movie. It was a really fun relaxing evening. I just love that my brother and sister both get along with Bri so well. It is such a blessing! I am so very lucky! I cant' wait to get home today and work in the front yard some more. It is really coming along!

Monday, March 9, 2009

I Phone

So after much much thought I finally purchased an i phone upon losing my blackberry. I LOVE it! It is amazing. It does everything I could ever want a phone to do and more. However, yesterday evening while I was out to dinner it FROZE. I could press the home button and unlock the phone, but once I was in all I could do was look at my contacts, recent calls, favorites and voicemails. I was extremely panicked. My phone is like my lifeline I just expect it to work. I gave it to Brian in an attempt to let him fix it but nothing. All the sudden the screen just went white and nothing would work. I plugged it into itunes and it did the same thing it normally does. As soon as it was unplugged WHITE SCREEN. I searched the internet and found a blog that said you could hold the home screen and the restart button for 10 seconds to reset the phone. So I tried it and it WORKED. So far so good! My iphone is working again PHEW! =)! Technology! I can't believe how much we depend on it now!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Teaching

I always thought in the back of my mind that it would be extremely rewarding to be a teacher. However, it always seemed like a far away dream but now it's in the near future. I am a substitute teacher, ME! I walk into the classroom and teach children. AND I LOVE IT! I can not believe that my dream is coming true. When I started my credential program last April it still felt incredibly unreal until now. I am actually going to be a credentialed teacher before I realize it. However, until then I have ALOT of work to do. I have tests to pass, observation hours to finish and homework to complete. However, it's going to happen. I am going to live my dream and become an educator!

Life

If someone had told me one year ago that I would be living in Arbuckle with an incredible boyfriend who I am head over heels in love with I would have fallen over laughing. But no doubt it's all true. Brian and I now live in Arbuckle, CA. He bought a beautiful house and we have made it a home! Our 2 dogs LOVE the 1/2 acre yard, and we'll love it more when it's landscaped instead of mud =)! But one thing at time right! Anyways I guess my point is things really do work out the way they are supposed to! I LOVE my life! I don't think I have ever been happier!