tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204590002024-03-14T01:20:51.575-06:00and so go the days of our lives...Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-81743872484772432892009-12-17T12:42:00.005-07:002009-12-17T13:25:46.049-07:00And all around you snow will fall. Like confetti stars and paper dolls.<div align="left"> <span style="font-size:85%;">The last little while in pictures:</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqO8XYZ_7I/AAAAAAAABus/YFgdN6hOcvE/s1600-h/IMG_4427.JPG"></a><br /></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416298669586120626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqO8XYZ_7I/AAAAAAAABus/YFgdN6hOcvE/s320/IMG_4427.JPG" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> Jen dressed up as Coral Reef, I was a fried egg (my boyfriend was bacon), and Erin was Punky Brewster.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></div></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416298665216766258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqO8HGq8TI/AAAAAAAABuk/-5zhYFS1bbg/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:85%;">Team Selleck - they won our Cornstock tournament (corn hole).</span><br /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416297886354778610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqOOxngKfI/AAAAAAAABt8/Y-BN-QQkVlo/s320/IMG_4482.JPG" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:85%;">Throwoing corn during the big tournament. It snowed all day. There were two kegs, a huge tent, it was a double elimination tournament, 3 games played a time, DJ spinning tunes, and lots of good food! Friends too.</span><br /></p><p align="center"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416303409387497362" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqTQQhHZ5I/AAAAAAAABu8/Z3SvNYuoMU8/s320/IMG_4706.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Taking an eveing walk during the first snowstorm of the year.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416297902581764898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqOPuEUUyI/AAAAAAAABuM/F8xZ99k1jC8/s320/IMG_4720.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Banks Van Fleuf Miester, looking absolutely adorable.</span> </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416297904226322418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqOP0MaR_I/AAAAAAAABuU/63N4LVPrFnE/s320/IMG_4737.JPG" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:85%;">Smokewagon playing at Coal Street Pub. Brian on the drums.</span><br /><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416297915371283698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqOQdtk5PI/AAAAAAAABuc/6MFWegMCPzk/s320/sunday+ski+121309+024.JPG" /> <p align="center"> <span style="font-size:85%;">Skiing last weekend. We had fun, not sure if you can tell or not.</span> </p><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416302015320763410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SyqR_HNtLBI/AAAAAAAABu0/_gUtkC6PGhI/s320/snow+blizzard+window.jpg" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I decorated Brian's window. It is a snow blizzard.</span></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-56726180431712883042009-09-29T14:00:00.004-06:002009-09-29T14:24:23.197-06:00Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns. - George Eliot<span style="font-size:85%;">Fall, fall, fall, fabulous fall! All I wanna do is go camping, wear big sweaters, smell wood burning in the wood stove, and eat soups and breads. Yum. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Besides the anticipation of fall, I am feeling pretty meh today. My students, sensing my mood, have been on their best behavior. Excellent. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sex and the City has been on my TV a lot lately. Last night, after quite a bit of sangria, I was almost brought to tears when Big shows up in Paris to see Carrie. There she is in that fantastic dress squatting on the floor. Ahhh.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Talked to Gwen last night! She is prego. Talked to Kurtz last night. He is funny.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I presently have 7 cats. Two are already gone and another is claimed. Leaving me with 3 babies, mama, and my two. I am on the fast track to being the crazy cat lady. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I have seen some pretty good movies lately with some great company. Its been a pretty long time since I have watched a movie. <em>Everything is Illuminated </em>was pretty good. <em>Fighting </em>is alright too. Anyone have any good suggestions for others? </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-64290215984844079022009-09-18T12:36:00.003-06:002009-09-18T14:04:27.465-06:00Konnichiwa!<span style="font-size:85%;">I. am. going. to. JAPAN!<br />32 sleeps!<br />No worries, I am not moving there, just a nice 10 day jaunt.<br /><br />Random updates:<br />- my class loves techno<br />- one of my students - "Miss Van Dorp, do you allow dancing in your classroom?"<br />- RIP Kissy Fish, Sucker Fish, and Black Fish (Kissy Fish, I am sorry I dropped you on the floor)<br />- I now have 9 cats living in my apartment - Stella and Banks, Mama + 5 babies (I rescued them), and random black cat who came in the window and won't leave<br />- fall is here and I love it<br />- soccer starts on Sunday and I can hardly wait<br /><br />Sayonara. Ittekimasu.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-61774717275608085732009-09-03T12:51:00.003-06:002009-09-03T13:17:46.038-06:00Wylie Van Armani Esquire<span style="font-size:85%;">My dog is getting strong. Very strong. He used to be all ribs and was this little homely looking thing, but now there is no messing with him. He also is starting to get protective of me. He growls and barks at men, men with beards. He does not like men with beards. I on the other hand tend to lean towards facial hair, but that’s another topic. On a number of occasions he has lunged towards said men, almost ripping my arms off (see my last post on the puniness of my arms).<br />A few nights ago I was taking Wylie for a walk. Well it was more like he was taking me for a walk, dragging my up and down the streets. We came around a corner and there was a sweet little Siamese cat sitting there. Wylie lunged, I braced myself, but I was no match for him. The leash broke. He darted after the cat – who hopped a fence, and went flying into the backyard of a house. My dog, yes, he followed. Cleared the fence and went tearing through the yard and into the back of this house. I stood aghast. A lady came out of the house, talking in accent about how naughty my dog was.<br />I called, he came. Then he turned and went back into the backyard. I called again and he came. Then he turned and went back into the backyard. I called again and he came, the lady allowed me into her yard to come and get him. The cat made another appeared before I could grab him and he was off again through another gate after the cat. I corned my crazed dog and got him tied to the leash. Then a nice gentleman appeared. He thanked me for visiting and welcomed me back anytime.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377322256588408434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SqAWGiLBBnI/AAAAAAAABhE/DzPmO6jayk0/s320/IMG_2955.JPG" border="0" /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-8639635254695877502009-08-31T17:48:00.003-06:002009-09-03T12:51:26.902-06:00aqua, mizu, agua<span style="font-size:85%;">Those flippin water coolers. I try. But really, these puny arms cannot wrestle the sheer size and weight of the jug. I need a man. Or maybe the ability to bench more than 5 lbs. Today I was at the water store. The guy working there asked if I needed help getting it into my car. Nope, I said, as I heaved it onto my hip. But, I offered, you could come to my house and put it on the cooler for me. He laughed at me. Needless to say, my full jug, not so full after I wrestle it up on the stand. My floor is a sopping mess, as usual. </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-36244501451205318892009-08-15T22:20:00.000-06:002009-08-30T17:29:55.614-06:00Random Recents1. I saw a wicked neck beard today. Awesome.<br />2. Cats shed. Alot. Especially when you leave em in the house for days.<br />3. I witnessed a kid pass his drivers test today. Joy.<br />4. Backstreet Boys. Why did I ever stop listening to them? They are rocking my life.<br />5. Blowing a tire on the interstate = not fun.<br />6. My dog rocks.<br />7. I have been to the MVD (motor vehicle department - also my initals) 300,000,000 times in the last month. I don't lie. And I might kill someone soon.<br />8. Stella now only drinks from the bathtub. I come home, she runs there, I turn on the tap, she drinks a bit. Its a ritual.<br />9. I purchased a book entitled <em>How to Conquer the World</em>. I can't wait to start.<br />10. Where did the Kings of Leon come from? Love <em>Use Somebody</em>.<br />11. My favorite number.<br />12. Mix tapes were special. Way cooler than a CD. I found mine from back in the day. I listened to them all and then threw them in the garbage.<br />13. homestarrunner.com rules. Possums.<br />14. The end.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-83247770649576000862009-08-14T22:23:00.000-06:002009-08-19T22:15:53.122-06:00hose me downI have a problem<br />I cannot control myself<br />v-neck t's are hot<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369303791326670450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZWbUvLnI/AAAAAAAABgE/Lqi9lOv3C8A/s200/kanye_westv.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369303819398252130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZYD5hhmI/AAAAAAAABgc/d-wSvc9H2Gw/s200/matthew-mcconaugheyc.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369303813195858018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 104px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZXsywgGI/AAAAAAAABgU/6iHBRljUoLA/s200/ace_twitter_back.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369303809299321730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZXeRwE4I/AAAAAAAABgM/AzeocLoBoTg/s200/mayer.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369303776711445666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZVk4MjKI/AAAAAAAABf8/zW-5WeT2Oek/s200/white+v-neck+3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369304495244416146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 157px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SoOZ_ZnzlJI/AAAAAAAABgk/IviaYoZZCZc/s200/zac_efron2.gif" border="0" />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-14628080652338325752009-06-14T09:38:00.002-06:002009-06-14T09:49:02.688-06:00Hey you!Well it's been awhile. I am sitting in my new appartment, sunshine flowing in from the three 5 ft windows that grace my living room walls. This place is absolutely amazing. Claw foot bathtub, original hardwood floors, freshly painted (adobe) walls. I am eating <em>Special K</em> with a handful of raspberries, ahhhhhhh, summer is here. One window shoots a view off to the north east of the mesas and red rocks, the other to a huge Catholic Church bell tower. I'll have to get some pictures posted soon! I only have a few boxes left to unpack...<br />This has serously been a great year for me so far, and we are only halfway done. Travel has been a common theme. I was in Winnipeg for the new year, Cancun with my bff Kristen in February, Florida in March with Tara, Rachel, Shawna, Cassie, Chelsea, and Heather, Phoenix in March, Vancouver in April with Katy (nevermind Cali, Oregon, Washington State, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico for the drive there), I hit up Mesa Verde and Telluride, Colorado, last month, and this summer proves to hold more adventures for me!<br />Yesterday I did a triathalon. 375 yard swim, 12.4 mile bike, and 3 mile run. I can still move today, and it was actually pretty fun. I killed the swim, my bike was decent, but the run... I am not a runner. I ended up doing it in an hour and 36 minutes. Not too shabby for my first go of things.<br />Well I best be off walking to church. Big soccer game this afternoon, and great book to read!<br />Happy Sunday! and cheers to summer!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-12152145853472455002009-02-19T20:13:00.007-07:002009-02-19T21:00:24.587-07:00I (heart) February<span style="font-size:85%;">I can't believe its taken me this long to post my annual I Love February and Everything Pink post. Probably because I have just been having so much fun this month, barely a moment to sit down. </span><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I wore - pink, purple, or red every day up until February 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> - it was great fun. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">The first weekend I went on an awesome off-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">roading</span>/caving/wolf adventure, that left my car covered in lumps of mud.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304723736453740082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SZ4qIfbodjI/AAAAAAAABJg/EEYK7gPTEgI/s200/SL742891.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304723739541375954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SZ4qIq7yC9I/AAAAAAAABJo/u57cf-jrByg/s200/SL742930.JPG" border="0" /> <div><span style="font-size:85%;">I was training for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">quadrathalon</span> that I competed in on Feb. 14. It is basically a 42 mile race up a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mountain</span> to the summit at 11,301 ft. I have never been so cold in my entire life. Check out </span><a href="http://theoutdoorjourney.com/journey/2009/02/11/mt-taylor-quadrathlon-catching-up-with-sully/"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Outdoor Journey</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> for a sweet explanation of the race. Basically that mountain kicked my ass.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304722393763854498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SZ4o6VhauKI/AAAAAAAABJI/uCVXjqGZ7jg/s200/IMG_1188.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Now I am working towards the </span><a href="http://www.dawntilduskrace.net/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Dawn til Dusk</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> mountain bike race, and the </span><a href="http://www.shiprockmarathon.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shiprock</span> Marathon</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">. We'll see if I can keep up with the training.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My 26<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> birthday was awesome. Katy and I went for drinks after my class, and I also had a White Trash Bash the weekend before.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304722396651300930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SZ4o6gR1qEI/AAAAAAAABJQ/aeMZQmogB7k/s200/SL742970.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304722406520774354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SZ4o7FC53tI/AAAAAAAABJY/hmRnA2BC5oU/s200/SL742999.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Saturday I am heading to Cancun for a week with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bff</span> Kristen. I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hardly</span> contain myself.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Then on March 4-8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> I fly to Florida for a get together with my roommates from college.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">No February blues going on here. Bring on the sun and the beach.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">The worst part is that I have a list a mile long of all these crafts and <a href="http://www.oneprettything.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DIY</span> ideas</a>, and no time to sit down and do them. Hopefully by the end of March things will start to settle down.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Happy February!</span></div></div></div></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-26774129296431878962009-01-21T15:27:00.002-07:002009-01-21T15:34:13.726-07:00Latest and Greatest Quotes of the Week<span style="font-size:85%;">Seriously, one of the best things about teaching first grade is just talking and listening to the students. Getting into their little heads. Listening to their ideas. They are very impressionable, and also they believe anything, I mean ANYTHING, you say. Gotta love it.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This convo came right after Christmas vacation, after I had been back in Canada. I had nothing to do with where he got his ideas. He came up with this all on his own...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: I think that in Canada, dogs are so hungry that they eat little kids.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Why would they be so hungry?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Because no one feeds them.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Why wouldn't they feed them?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: I think they don't like them.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">During a spelling test...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Number three. How do you spell boots. B-oo-ts. Miss Van Dorp is wearing boots.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: and fancy boots too.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student 2: I like your boots.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I always have pencil sharpener problems in my classroom. This child is picking up on that. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Are you gonna keep that new pencil sharpener?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Nope, I was just borrowing it.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Well I wish, I wish the whole school was full of pencil sharpeners swimming all over.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: I would love that.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Then we could do whatever we wanted.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: What would you do?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Chopper blades. Engines that blades. Bladle. Do you know what a bladle is? Its spins. Pshhhhhhhsshshhs. It has really. It has blades.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;">10 minutes later...<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: That penicl sharpener there doesn't work?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Nope</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Well how can you make it work.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: I can't, its broken.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Well why don't you just buy a new one.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Because I don't have any money.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: Well why don't you get a job that earns you some money.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Teacher: Yah? Like what kinds of job?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Student: I dunno, a Walmart job, all kinds of jobs. Buidling fences. Like being a cop. Being the job of a police man won't earn you money. But you can protect yourself. </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-84731040678294271192009-01-08T08:27:00.008-07:002009-01-12T10:13:55.895-07:00McDonalds Addiction<span style="font-size:85%;">I have come to the realization as of late, that I have a problem. Well I have lots of problems, but more specifically I LOVE McDonald's. I could (and often do) eat there every day. Nothing will compare to the height of my addiction in high school. Since then I have cut down and I think I have done pretty well. I usually try to eat at McDonald's as often as possible. The desire does not always occur when I drive by (well sometimes those golden arches just call my name), but more of "I am so hungry nothing will tantalize my taste buds as much as a ____________. That blank can be filled in by pretty much everything on the menu except the Big Nasty (Extra) and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McNasty</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McRib</span>) sandwiches. My favorites include the fries - not to be beaten by anybody, cheese burgers, double cheeseburgers, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McNuggets</span>, Big Mac, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McChicken</span> (NOT the spicy one) and of course the Fillet 0'Fish. My mouth is watering just thinking about all this deliciousness.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In high school my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bff</span> and I ate at McDonald every single day. I am not exaggerating or trying to over-dramatize the situation. We literally ate there every day. Two cheeseburger meal super-sized with coke. My daily ritual. I still think I am going wake up one day and be 300 lbs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Most recently I indulged myself in the McDonald's twice in one day. A feat that does not occur that much, but often enough to think of how disgusting I am. I was in the Denver airport, landed at gate 91 in the United terminal. Usually I then have to hike to like gate 2 to catch my next flight (right by McDonald's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mmmmmmmmm</span>). Not this time. My next flight was to leave from gate 87. This was definitely a first. I checked my watch and decided I had enough time to hike my ass over to the food court (a mere 80 or so gates) to indulge myself in an Egg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McMuffin</span> and hash brown (I leave this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">unplural</span> because it is literally one big hash brown). Sorry I can barely control myself right now. Then when I landed in Albuquerque I had to do another McDonald's stop to fill my dinner hunger. A great day. And no, when I go to bed my sheets don't reek of french fries.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The only thing worse that eating McDonald's twice in one day would then be when I can't decide what to order. This is when I order a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">McChicken</span>, Cheeseburger, and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Filet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">o'Fish</span>, and then proceed to order two drinks so the drive-through attendant won't think all the food is for me. Sad days.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I have few friends in my life that share my same love - and moments with those friends at McDonald's are true treasured experiences. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bff</span> Kristen of course shares my love, as does my aunt, and my college roommate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Margriet</span>. There is nothing better than sharing McDonald's with those you love.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I apologize to anyone who vomited during the reading of this post. I do not apologize for those who instantly drove to McDonald's to order something <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">McDelicious</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I read that in Malaysia McDonald's have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">McDelieveries</span>. Sounds amazing. Looking into moving to Malaysia. </span><a href="http://www.mcdonalds.com.my/mcdelivery/how2order.asp"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.mcdonalds.com.my/mcdelivery/how2order.asp</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">All I can say is two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun (try saying that as fast as you can - fun times).</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-65569275233262179522009-01-02T13:03:00.000-07:002009-01-08T13:47:22.770-07:00My handmade Christmas<span style="font-size:85%;">I had decided to give all handmade gifts this year for Christmas and it ended up turning out great. My only exception were books. But come on, books are a great gift, and I purchased them at a small local bookstore.</span><br /><div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">So here is the breakdown:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">For my dad - a handmade belt from a local saddle/shoe shop </span><a href="http://www.cityelectricshoe.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">City Electric</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, as well as the book </span><a href="http://www.buffalomedicine.com/index.php?id=524"><span style="font-size:85%;">Uncle Ernies Guide to Old Time Rodeo.</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> The book is written by a local guy who has done a lot of work with Tony Hillerman. My friend Chuck also did the layout of the book. The pictures in the book are these awesome watercolours also done by a local Navajo man.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289020240337672226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZf4tstmCI/AAAAAAAABEc/BOm-Rv5VHNk/s200/IMG_0418.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">For my brother and sister-in-law I got this print from local photographer and friend Chuck. Its a picture taken up in the Cibola national forest of some aspens in the snow. Totally awesome and it looks amazing in there purple and grey living room! (sorry for the glare of the flash in the photo)</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289020650173060850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZgQkdFVvI/AAAAAAAABE8/eUHu22BkhVA/s200/IMG_0454.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My mom got books, books, books, and more books. Her favorite thing. Oh and whoops - pajamas. I didn't get those handmade :(</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I also got my sister-in-law and her mom these awesome magnets from my friend Marcy @ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5535804">Signs of My Life</a>. She has her stuff up on ETSY - definitely worth checking out.</span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289020653331737378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZgQwOK6yI/AAAAAAAABFE/vn4ULwNRcBQ/s200/IMG_0411.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My aunt and my sister-in-law also got a set of these 4 handmade reusable grocery bags made by yours truly. They took forever but it was so rewarding when they were done. I was thinking about selling them... but then I'll have to find cheaper fabrics, cause after the time I spent and these fabrics there is no way I could make any money on them.</span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289022879854076354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZiSWqdocI/AAAAAAAABFM/FCOL6JpLx_M/s200/IMG_0408.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">My niece got this 'bunting,' also made by moi. Its about three meters long and is hanging up in her playroom right now. She loved her 'flags.' My nephew got one of those towels with a hood. Made by one of my neighbours.</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289020624955234658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZgPGgr2WI/AAAAAAAABEk/gE3ZNiKyPlU/s200/IMG_0402.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My principal and his wife got flatwear carriers made by a friend from college - Brielle of </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5252732"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pony Up Design </span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(also on ETSY).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289026340679815186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SWZlbzPnkBI/AAAAAAAABFc/GrAvgCIDwvk/s200/il_430xN_47859854.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Overall it was so much fun making and looking for homemade gifts. I also had fun wrapping them in brown paper and all sorts of fun ribbons. I love Christmas and I love gift giving.</div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-47119543589852678002008-12-15T14:17:00.003-07:002008-12-15T14:27:49.769-07:00Frosty the DEAD snowman<span style="font-size:85%;">I have one of those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stereotypical</span> boys in my class. He drive me crazy. We are making Frosty the snowman crafts. They are to cut them out and color them etc. He colors it in 3.5 seconds, cuts it out in just under a minute, and then glues it together in the most haphazard way. I look at the thing and just shake my head. I get two other students to show him the nice job they are doing... he doesn't care. His snowman is basically <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">decapitated</span> he did such a ridiculous job. I try to encourage him, don't scribble, take your time, all this to no avail. He likes his snowman in disarray. He tells me "he is Frosty the DEAD snowman, kinda like a zombie." Well at least hes sorta creative.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-37543738023692410962008-11-19T16:09:00.017-07:002008-11-20T08:33:26.136-07:00Welcome to First Grade<div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Thought I would do a little update of my classroom.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are some pictures and a video.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShZCVXGTI/AAAAAAAAA38/n3EhiPt99uQ/s1600-h/IMG_9524.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270514915425589554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShZCVXGTI/AAAAAAAAA38/n3EhiPt99uQ/s320/IMG_9524.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> Here we are on a hike up in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McGaffey</span> forest. I taught them how use sticks as weapons. </span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270514909873415682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShYtpnpgI/AAAAAAAAA30/BUU0_aCo0xs/s320/IMG_9548.JPG" border="0" /></span> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The whole class on the hike.<br /><br /></div></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShYJkUVYI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4SkkLNu6ZY0/s1600-h/IMG_9512.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270514900187501954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShYJkUVYI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4SkkLNu6ZY0/s320/IMG_9512.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">We went up the fire tower. Awesome views.<br /><br /></p></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShXznVrUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/SY303TmvJY8/s1600-h/IMG_9799.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270514894294592834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSShXznVrUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/SY303TmvJY8/s320/IMG_9799.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">They read 300 books, so we had a party at the park.<br /><br /></p></span><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSSfCpYvU0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/fTgMnBFKZ8w/s1600-h/IMG_9820.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270512331748496194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSSfCpYvU0I/AAAAAAAAA3c/fTgMnBFKZ8w/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> Halloween</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSSfCD_zvMI/AAAAAAAAA3M/a_rg_Rq51Dc/s1600-h/IMG_9707.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270512321711815874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SSSfCD_zvMI/AAAAAAAAA3M/a_rg_Rq51Dc/s320/IMG_9707.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> Red Ribbon week - Drug Awareness - we went around the neighbourhood doing a parade.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We chanted "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Booooo</span> to drugs!" the entire way.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ee8AynPW1oc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ee8AynPW1oc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><div align="center">This video shows some of the ridiculousness that goes on in our room.<span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div align="left"><br />Today we were doing place value - so I gave each student 10 p<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">opsicle</span> sticks and 100 beans. We glued 10 beans to each stick for counters. Now they can count by 10's. Anyways - none of them new the bean song. "Beans, beans, the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot!" So I taught it to them.</span></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-88539852820876942832008-11-17T17:56:00.004-07:002008-11-17T18:35:55.152-07:00This is my winter song to you. The storm is coming soon. It rolls in from the sea.<span style="font-size:85%;">I was all pumped to pull out my Christmas music this week. Especially because I picked up the Amy Grant <em>Home For Christmas </em>CD (taking me back to 1992) at Goodwill for super cheap a couple of weeks ago. But the weather here is too nice to be in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chistmassy</span> mood. It was +20 C today. I am NOT complaining, but I do miss the snow. Just slightly though. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I was in another craft sale this past weekend. I did very very well. It was so awesome. I have one more this Saturday. Craft sales get me in the mood for Christmas. I decided all the gifts I buy this year will be handmade. I picked up a sweet present for my nephew this weekend. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">That's</span> as far as I have gotten, but I do a have a list and ideas for everyone. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Woop</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">woop</span>. Wait, I take that back, no ideas for the father yet. Dads are hard to buy for.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Well happy Monday! I had a great day. Despite my horrible dreams last night and the three papers I wrote yesterday that ruined my weekend. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Anyhoo</span> have a great week! Only four more days of work till Thanksgiving break.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ooooooooooooooohh</span> I almost forgot. You need to download the song Winter Song by Sara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bareilles</span> & Ingrid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Michaelson</span>. It is great.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-42568648322858469682008-11-11T15:57:00.009-07:002008-11-11T19:07:02.816-07:00MadHatter:Do you care for tea? Alice:Why, yes. I'm very fond of tea. MarchHare:If you don't care for tea, you could at least make polite conversation.<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I hosted a Tea Part today. It was pretty much great.<br /><br /></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVVhTJ2BI/AAAAAAAAA10/XszfWkp_SW4/s1600-h/IMG_9876.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267546173623359506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVVhTJ2BI/AAAAAAAAA10/XszfWkp_SW4/s320/IMG_9876.JPG" border="0" /></a>Maggi, Naomi, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Audria</span> with their nails painted,<br /><br /></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVV6oY8sI/AAAAAAAAA18/0DuQSLsH5yA/s1600-h/IMG_9877.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267546180423316162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVV6oY8sI/AAAAAAAAA18/0DuQSLsH5yA/s320/IMG_9877.JPG" border="0" /></a>and their toes!<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><p align="center"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVWK3EbeI/AAAAAAAAA2E/RzNYjRUfho0/s1600-h/IMG_9879.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267546184779853282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVWK3EbeI/AAAAAAAAA2E/RzNYjRUfho0/s320/IMG_9879.JPG" border="0" /></a>Sitting down to Tea. We had mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nutella</span> sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced apples, mandarin oranges, celery with Cheese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wiz</span>, raisins, homemade bread with butter, chocolate milk, and fizzy orange juice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoWy2juntI/AAAAAAAAA2c/yzqKq6ByU2Y/s1600-h/IMG_9884.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267547777057857234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoWy2juntI/AAAAAAAAA2c/yzqKq6ByU2Y/s320/IMG_9884.JPG" border="0" /></a>The food is slowly disappearing, and the stains on the table cloth are growing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVWVN8GUI/AAAAAAAAA2M/nfHUHM6Mi0Y/s1600-h/IMG_9882.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267546187560130882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVWVN8GUI/AAAAAAAAA2M/nfHUHM6Mi0Y/s320/IMG_9882.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoWydayJKI/AAAAAAAAA2U/GYzZhN6QyWg/s1600-h/IMG_9883.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267547770309452962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoWydayJKI/AAAAAAAAA2U/GYzZhN6QyWg/s320/IMG_9883.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I had the most gorgeous bouquet of gladiolas from Trader <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Joes</span>. They lasted a week, and then I chopped em down to the few that remained alive. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"></p></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVVVgL5kI/AAAAAAAAA1s/KkDAU26P-DY/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267546170456794690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRoVVVgL5kI/AAAAAAAAA1s/KkDAU26P-DY/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">After lunch a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Feist</span> dance party erupted.<br /><br />Veterans Day Tea Part = a great success.<br /><br />Check out these videos from the day: </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_9P8F5obSXw"><br /> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_9P8F5obSXw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed> </object><br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QKAv5AinNSA"><br /> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QKAv5AinNSA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed> </object></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I love that you can see the girls dancing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">in front</span> of the TV cause they are trying to see themselves in the reflection.</span></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-29286863471228603922008-11-09T22:57:00.004-07:002008-11-09T23:27:40.934-07:00The lamp is burnin' low upon my table top The snow is softly falling The air is still within the silence of my room I hear your voice softly calling<span style="font-size:85%;">Music that has got me through the day. Alison Krauss. </span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I have written three papers already this weekend. One more to go, and it is just gonna have to be handed in late. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">It is snowing right now. I have been charting the action on weather.com as well as the tele. It doesn't look great for a snow day. But perhaps just a late start... fingers crossed. It was so sunny and gorgeous here yesterday. I like snow though, so let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! The rest of the week will have nice weather.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I decided at the end of the week I am pulling out all my Christmas music! Whoo hoooOOO! </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I did a little sampling tonight though. Song for a Winters Night - Sarah McLachlan. Although I like the Gordon Lightfoot version as well. But I am partial to Gordon Lightfoot.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I found a cat. Well it sat in my windowsill meowing for two days, and then I just let it inside. I can't keep it. I want to. I already have two cats, and a dog. That is enough pets. It is lovely tough. And orange. Very orange.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">I was so pumped yesterday because I finally found a great purple nail polish. I have been on the hunt. Seriously, it is a lot harder that you think. I tried all of my Gallup resources - being Walgreens and Walmart. Then I checked out Target last weekend. Nada. Well I stumbled upon one of those beauty supply places yesterday and wamo - purple nail polish galore. In the picture below you can see my nails all painted different shades of purple. I needed to find the right shade. Which until yesterday seemed impossible. I went with <em>Tempest</em> and <em>VIII</em>. I got greedy and picked out two. THEN, guess what, they just happened to be buy two get one free, so I picked up an amazing fuchsia pink called <em>Sexy Silhouette</em>. You can never have too many nail polishes. I also forgot to take them out of my purse, so this morning at church my little bff Maggi saw them and was enthralled with my new colors (I often paint her nails). So that led me to hosting a Tea/Nail painting Party on Tuesday. That's right a Veterans Day Tea Party. I am inviting Maggi, Audria, and Naomi (whom are all somewhere between 4 and 5). It will be grand and I will post pictures. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh and the whole purple thing has to do with my new glasses and it is also Maggi's favorite color. She is a big influence in my life.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266906060407555906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SRfPKBvxx0I/AAAAAAAAA1k/zbhfBMX517E/s320/223359.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">p.s. Isn't that mug great? I purchased it a few years ago in some little shop in San Diego. The udder even has teats. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-37151154900383583012008-11-03T21:38:00.004-07:002008-11-03T21:47:13.931-07:00when I am old I will have a goat and I will feed him roses<span style="font-size:85%;">I have the sniffles and the sneezes.<br />I partied too hard this weekend.<br />Mid-twenties - you start to realize you can't handle the partying like back in the day.<br />I heart tea.<br />I am going into shock from honey overdose.<br />One paper down, two to go.<br />I have a new phone, it is sweet.<br />I love the sound of fallen leaves in the wind.<br />My dog has an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">owie</span></span> and has to go to the vet, poop balls.<br />Mostly I just feel lonely today.<br />I am sick of teaching, but that could just be November talking.<br />I wanna bake pies and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yummies</span></span>, and sell them. In a store. That I own. With books, lots of books. And I will wear a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">different</span> apron everyday for a year.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ooooo</span> and I bought a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">blue tooth</span> to go with my new phone, hurray for new multitasking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">opportunities</span>.<br />I could dance to Twilight Serenade all day.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-44675972283773280492008-10-22T14:09:00.001-06:002008-10-22T14:14:43.046-06:00You know you have a problem when<span style="font-size:85%;">you go through the McDonalds drive-through and you order two drinks so the attendant doesn't think all the food is for you.</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-38178487633081991542008-10-17T10:39:00.010-06:002008-10-22T15:57:09.444-06:00Stop it, or I'll rip the quacker outta that duck!<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">I love the things my little critters say. Maybe you need to know the kids, but these make me laugh!<br /><br />They were supposed to use the word "as" in a sentance - everyone bombed except for this one:<br />I em a littel girl as you can see<br /><br />Journal entry:<br />my dad trols flams he is osum<br /><br />Student comes up to me and shows me his journal and his new shoes:<br />I hav new shoes and et is as fast as a speden bulet<br /><br />I am listening to Jason Mraz, and two of my boys are walking around with their collars popped. I said, "guys what are you doing?"<br />"Walking around."<br />"Walking around and rock'n out."<br />Another one says "they were being too cool."<br /><br />Another journal entry:<br />I wot to be a pirate for hola weg<br /><br />Little boy singing to himself during math:<br />"Don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me."<br /><br />A little boy telling me what he did last night: "My grandpa drew witches and I drew ghosts. Crazy ones. Killers."<br /><br />They were supposed to use the word "is" in sentance (chrro = true): "is it chrro is bad is it choo that my dog is chasen my cat."<br /><br />Little boy telling me about the debates on TV:<br />“Last night I saw the Hope of the Obamanation.”<br /><br />Me - “Does anyone know what drug free is?”<br />Student – “it means you get drugs for free!”<br />Me – “No. Drugs are bad for you.”<br />Other student – “Is beer drugs? Everyone in my family drinks drugs.”<br /><br />I was standing on a table hanging some paintings.<br />Student - “Are you allowed to do what you are doing?”<br />Me – “What do you mean?”<br />Student – “Standing like that on the table.”<br />Me – “Whose table is it?”<br />Student “Yours.”<br />Me – “Well?”<br />Other student “She's the teacher. She's gotta do what shes gotta do.”</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-1727978949615062008-09-24T16:06:00.008-06:002008-10-18T17:24:21.019-06:00My brother is married!<span style="font-size:85%;">I just returned from a 12 day stint in Canada. My brother is married! It was a wonderful break from teaching, and a great time spent with family. The wedding was so much fun. It was over the top high end, with fireworks to boot. All us ladies spent the first weekend at the cabin for a bachelorette party. The week followed with last minute running around, family stuff, and hanging out with friends. It was also such gorgeous weather, couldn't have been better. Fall was in full swing, leaves changing. My favorite. And my dad was harvesting, love it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I woke up Saturday morning at 7:15 and was promptly carried away by a stretch hummer limo to get my hair done. We spend the morning getting ready and then like that I feel like the wedding was over. We walked down the aisle to Blackbird, played by three violinists. The bride was absolutely gorgeous, and my brother didn't look too bad either. All afternoon we went around taking pictures and hanging out in the limo, and then the big party started. I danced the night away, and considering there was an open bar, I felt great the next day. Good thing too cause we had almost 100 people over on Sunday for a pig roast. Mmmmmmmmmm! I rested Monday and Tuesday and then flew back to reality.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Check out some pictures from the week: </span><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fmlnvndrp%2Falbumid%2F5257792046180856897%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-48325079269552102542008-09-06T17:13:00.010-06:002008-09-23T21:31:19.808-06:00Randoms<span style="font-size:85%;">Song I can't stop listening to: Black Eyed Peas - Don't Lie</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Food I can't get enough of: zucchini<br />Person I want to call every minute of my life: Aunty Heather<br />Item I can't live without: my camera<br />Best event of the week : meeting Ronald McDonald<br />Funniest convo: telling my dad to get a blue suit with grey pin stripe, him repeating "a green suit with a yellow pin stripe?"<br />Person who thinks they are the coolest, but is not really: Uncle Dean<br />High of the weekend: being in the front row of the Sugarland concert<br />Randomest moment: being given a huge bouquet of flowers from a funeral<br />Number of times I have dropped my phone today: 5<br />Biggest stressor: taking two graduate classes<br />Funniest moment: in an assembly this week at school, the presentor said something about Elvis, some kid pipes up "my grandma likes Elvis"<br />Project for next week: building a dog house for Wylie<br />Craziest moment of the week: holding a day old baby, congrats Nate and Heather!</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-49593810159456487702008-08-18T10:07:00.019-06:002008-08-19T09:09:01.200-06:00I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw, I'm in the prime of my life.<span style="font-size:85%;">School has started. I am on week two. My students are wonderful, and I only have 13 of them! It is glorious.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I have a new dog. His name is Wylie Armani. He found me. He doesn't bark, and likes to cuddle. He kinda stinks, but we are working on that. Stella Van Pomplemouse and Banks Van Fleuf Meister, my cats, do not enjoy Wylie, but they like him better than Ruby Van Iderstein (my dog who I had for a week and then she ran away).</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I also have a new friend. His name is Andrew. We have been doing a lot of cool stuff lately. He is from MI, which is kinda lame, but other than that he is pretty cool. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Summary of sweet events as of late:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Cara is back! So I am no longer alone in my home.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A whole group of us went cliff jumping last weekend = awesomeness.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I went to the 87th Annual Indian Inter-Tribal Ceremony. Paul McCartney was there. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Andrew and I went to a sweat lodge yesterday = extreme sweating and intense Navajoness.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I went treasure hunting with Paul and Andrew on Saturday. I found three treasures.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I made four batches of nanimo bars.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My soccer team got bronze medals.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Paul, Andrew, Carrie, and I went up to visit Mr. Swets in the fire tower. Its high. You can see a lot. The moom was cool.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I saw Pinapple Express. My favorite part was at the end when Dale and Saul are feeding Red, and he's goes "it's just like I am a baby, num num num num." I think its the facial expression and the moment, cause the quote sounds lame now that I read it. Andrew's favorite part was when Saul comes in with his crazy guns and yells "fuck the po-lice." </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I could write 500 posts about all the cool stuff I have been up to lately. But then you might get jealous and then hate me. I don't want that to happen, so there is a small sampling. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Pictures to complete the post, pictures are always fun.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236235605973063634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrYinZG19I/AAAAAAAAAV4/-jYUYPR5B8w/s320/IMG_8573.JPG" border="0" />Hiking </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236242560744997826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKre3b78w8I/AAAAAAAAAWo/-SLIIVz9eQs/s320/P1010611.JPG" border="0" />cliff jumping<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236236677561517010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrZg_XtA9I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/5le98kiIu8Q/s320/IMG_8766.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ, incase you couldn't read the sign...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236235611285005122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrYi7Lko0I/AAAAAAAAAWA/WorpeIa3OPM/s320/IMG_8731.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">my new puppy, Wylie</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236235601702749506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrYiXe_BUI/AAAAAAAAAVw/RXOAb3lctLI/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">third place, meh</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236236657216803218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrZfzlJUZI/AAAAAAAAAWI/3jUG0uJQ67A/s320/IMG_8828.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">two kids in their fancy dress at Ceremonial</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236236678700179938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrZhDnLoeI/AAAAAAAAAWY/XeJ3d4_RrZU/s320/IMG_8938.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Paul and I mowing down some cream puffs</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236236694102094322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SKrZh8_SMfI/AAAAAAAAAWg/w6C3N2RQ878/s320/IMG_8948.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Pinapple Express </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">That's all.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Hágoónee' </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(more pictures can be seen at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2012093&l=ac6ef&id=148300936"><span style="font-size:78%;">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2012093&l=ac6ef&id=148300936</span></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">)<br /></p></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-32108453328924290172008-07-21T22:32:00.005-06:002008-12-09T13:50:38.297-07:00Friends are God's way of taking care of us.<div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Apparently I haven't posted since May, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">that's</span> pretty lame. Almost as lame as Jeff writing a blog and then not writing anything cause "his fingers are sore from instant messaging."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Frick</span> my summer is almost over. Well at least its been a super sweet summer. I am stuck around New Mexico for the most part. I spent a week up in Alberta. I had a cousin's wedding, and then got to catch up with some old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dordt</span> friends. It was pretty much awesome. Then I headed to Manitoba for a week and half. It was great to see family and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bff</span> Kristen again. Kristen and I headed out to her cabin for the weekend and spent some time relaxing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ATVing</span>. I filled the rest of my time, shopping, seeing family, and just relaxing. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Summer in Gallup has been wonderful though. I just feel so blessed to be living here. I have a great community of friends and they are just awesome. I have been mountain biking a lot, heading up to the forest for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">barbeque's</span>, and just enjoying the company of friends. It is hard being single here, cause, I am basically the only one who is single. All my friends are married, most have kids, but I always feel included and I just feel blessed to have them all in my life. It is a cool place here, this town.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I have been dog sitting for some friends all summer. It'll almost have been for 9 weeks when they get back. Now I want to keep their dog forever. He is a beautiful golden retriever. I went to the Humane Society to get a dog. Well the dog ran away last week. So that was that. Oh and they banned me from adopting their pets, cause "I lost one of their dogs." Didn't know they could be so picky. Now I am looking for a golden retriever puppy. Exciting, I know.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">School starts up here in 3 weeks. Hopefully I get some more camping in by then. I have been doing as much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">outside</span> as possible. I basically haven't watched TV since April, and I have read a ton of books instead. Life is good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are some pictures from my summer adventures:</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700145417355458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVqmGZPAMI/AAAAAAAAAT4/Q7yNRDq2rk0/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Lily and Maggi (my 3 year old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">bff</span>)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700149352399074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVqmVDbAOI/AAAAAAAAAUA/La-7RtwcnyQ/s320/IMG_9835.JPG" border="0" />Erica, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Audria</span>, Naomi, and Lily<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVsp1QtigI/AAAAAAAAAUw/b779yI4l8pQ/s1600-h/IMG_9905.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225702408560937474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVsp1QtigI/AAAAAAAAAUw/b779yI4l8pQ/s320/IMG_9905.JPG" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> My cousin Tamara, my mom, and I shopping on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Whyte</span> Ave. in Edmonton</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700165199977250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVqnQFx2yI/AAAAAAAAAUY/RHqUK9DUxIk/s320/102_2073.JPG" border="0" />Wedding Ceremony</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225702413580321874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVsqH9bRFI/AAAAAAAAAU4/yXvsybdsPkw/s320/IMGP0232.JPG" border="0" />Cousins with the Groom, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">that's</span> only 1/3 of us...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225702401317799874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVspaR0B8I/AAAAAAAAAUo/bkfqQ4a9rKw/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" border="0" /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Hanging out with Greg, Russ and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Steph</span> on Canada Day<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225702395601846754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVspE_BgeI/AAAAAAAAAUg/HRsZOy5yZgM/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" border="0" /></span> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">My cousin Adrian and I at the water park in Edmonton<br /></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700153721469474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVqmlVFuiI/AAAAAAAAAUI/OYZ06eg3uA0/s320/IMG_0107.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kristen and I heading out on our ATV adventure </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225700162313818386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4OUi6fjoQOg/SIVqnFVqkRI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/oBduQ_T2Bmg/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" border="0" /></p><p align="center"></span><span style="font-size:85%;">My nice clean quad, after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">burying</span> it in 4 feet of slime</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">So there is a little update of my life. I should be in bed, but the lightening and thunder is great right now, so instead of sleep I watching and listening to the rain. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Ahhhhhh</span>... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mmmmmmmm</span> smells good too!</span></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20459000.post-17613473072362256182008-05-14T08:23:00.003-06:002008-05-14T08:27:12.257-06:0010 teaching days left...<span style="font-size:85%;">One of my co-workers is studying to get his U.S. citizenship, and I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">quizzing</span> him on these ridiculous questions he has to answer.<br />Yesterday I asked him: "what is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America?"<br />One of my students goes: "the Titanic"</span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05635703233366064305noreply@blogger.com1