Sunday, November 9, 2008

Let Me Catch You Up....

I am sorry it has been quite awhile since I last posted anything. Things here in Las Vegas are crazy, as usual - and I don't expect anything less from this crazy city... I LOVE it! I will try my best to catch you up with my life over the past couple of weeks. It will be long but please bear with me and enjoy!!

1
I have been sick, as I informed in my last post. I really really hate being sick, but being in 1st grade is like swimming daily in a petri dish of germs. In the past 12 weeks, I have had a head cold - twice, 24 hour stomach flu twice and a sinus infection (that probably isn't from the germs, but I was still sick). I am finally better now, but not 100%. I still have a stuffy nose and my hearing in one ear sounds a bit like a tunnel. However, it is better than it was at the beginning of the week.

2
Halloween was a big excitement at school. A costume parade, class parties, trunk or treat, and a carnival. For the 2 weeks before this festive day, everyone was a buzz on what was going on and what needed to be done. The 4th grade was in charge of the carnival as their fund raiser for their big white water rafting trip at the end of the year. Nicole and I volunteered to make a cake for their cake walk. We decided to be very festive with it and decided to make a spider web cake... now please note we are NOT professional cake decorators nor do we claim to be...but I think it turned out pretty cute... take a peek!
Pretty cute, eh? And it has 50 spider rings on it!

Now, I don't know what it is with my roommates and friends when it comes to cake and icing, but it never stays on the cake and never makes straight into our mouths. As Nicole and I were icing the cake, the icing monsters in us came alive and attacked Cat Then I got Nicole Then they got me Me and Cat...aren't we sweet as icing?? Covered in icing
A bit juvenile but we had fun and that is all that counts!!!

3
I know I posted a sneak peek of my Halloween costume and never followed up with pictures. I am sorry. I NEVER dress up for Halloween, but my students kept asking what I was going to be and they were all so excited about their costumes for our school parade, that I decided I had no choice but to dress up as something. Well, I am still fairly poor and I didn't want to pay too much for a costume. I decided to be a witch. I have a black dress with white polka dots, so that would be my outfit. All I had to do was accessorize...which is the fun part! I found a coupon for a costume shop and use that to get my oh so cool green and black knee highs (so they were only $2.89 including tax). I found a hat at Target on sale for $1.50. At this point I had spent under $5 ... WOO HOO! Since I was so frugal on my costume thus far, I decided to spurge for some fake eyelashes...and they were under $3 to boot!!! SWEET! Now I was kinda excited to get all dressed up for Halloween. I started getting ready Thursday morning (we had Oct 31 off for Nevada day so we did everything on the 30th) and I wasn't feeling so hot and I got sick. I thought maybe it was just a fluke thing so I continued getting ready. I was queezy on the way to school and ate a few crackers to see if it would help...nope. I got to school and when Mrs. M walked in the first thing she said way wow you look green... and I wasn't wearing any face paint! I lasted about 5 more minutes before grabbing the garbage can and headed to the bathroom. Needless to say I was sent home after that. I didn't object. 3 of my kids were out during the week with the same thing and I caught it! So I went home, turned my air to 70 and put on a movie, I fell asleep and woke up around 2:30 feeling much better. Lynley came down that night to spend the night. So I lent her my wicked cool knee highs and my hat to wear to work on Friday night so she could be in the Halloween spirit. I didn't get any pictures except what I already posted and of my sweet eyelashes. Did I mention they had rhinestones on them...everything is better with SPARKLE!!!!!!
4
Halloween Day I was feeling WAY better! Sariah's friend Vance was in town so we took him down to the Strip. We went to Mandalay to see if we could get into the Shark Reef... it was crazy, since the kids were off school, everyone had the same idea as we did or so it seemed. The shark reek had free admission for kids in costume - we decided to cancel that part of our day. We started walking through the shops to the Luxor on our way to M&M world when we were stopped by this friendly young man. He convinced us to go with him to preview a TV show for NBC... and it didn't hurt that we would get paid $15 each... YES! So an hour later we each walk out $15 dollars richer. We went to M&M world, Coke world, and MGM to see the lion habitat (which was closed).
By this time we were hungry and it was happy hour at Chevy's... you can't beat $3 appetizers that are big enough to feed 3 people! When we don't feel like cooking, it's a cheap alternative for dinner.. and delish to boot! When we finished there, Sariah and Vance wanted to watch scary movies... which the rest of us are not fans of. So, Nicole, Cat and I went down to Fremont Street. I loved the drive there down the Strip looking at everyone out in their costumes...some good, some not so good. It was Cat's first time on Fremont. We stopped at one casino for deep fried Oreo's...interesting... grossly sweet, but I would eat them again. Cat opted for the deep fried Twinkie instead and topped that off with a frozen chocolate dipped banana.

We also popped into the Golden Nugget to see the World's Largest Gold Nugget

We meandered back out to Fremont to see the Visiontron... which we missed, but walked around checking out costumes and listening the two bands... one was there last time we were and the other was a pretty good country guy (we liked him most). We were taking pictures of ourselves (heads together and camera outstreched as usual) when this guy in a mask comes up behind us and said "why don't you take a picture with me". We were a bit creeped out by it but Nicole opted out of the picture and took it. What was more creepy was he rubbed our necks and told us "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"...GROSS FREAKY BOY! He handed Cat his phone and said he wanted the picture, she looked petrified and handed it to me. Now using my quick as a roadrunner skills, I naturally put in a fake number and told him to call us. We decided to leave after that but didn't want to be close to him so we opted to go through the Golden Nugget (which we were by) to lose him on the street. While we were in there, Nicole and Cat were fascinated by people playing on this MASSIVE slot machine... it was pretty cool, but I wandered off and found a bit of paradise. I found the pool. Now you may be wondering why I would consider this paradise....it had a fish tank in the middle of it with sharks. I made myself comfortable on one of the beach chairs and got lost watching the fish swim. I was interrupted by my phone and gave the girls directions to my new secret place. It was a beautiful night, clear, cool and the waterfalls were soothing as we watched the fish.
Oh notice the water slide that goes through the middle of the fish tank... too cool!!!

5
Two weekends ago, Sariah, Cat and I were heading to a Hoe Down out at Hidden Valley Ranch (our Bishops ranch in North LV). We were running late, but hey it takes time to turn ourselves into cute cowgirls! We were finally on the road when Mel and Daisy called ... they left an hour before we did and they still weren't there. We were stopped in traffic so we discussed the situation of an hour drive ahead of us (or longer depending on the traffic situation)and decided on going to Wendy's ... it doesn't compare to the food we would have had but we were hungry and didn't want to drive for at least another hour. Don't worry looking cute didn't go to waste... we were at Flamingo and decided to go explore New York New York casino... we found the roller coaster and the dueling piano bar. So the night wasn't a complete waste. Ok, I know I don't look like a cowgirl but I am a city girl... this was the best I could come up with out of my closet.

So folks, that is all for now. I am tired of writing and need to work on my work sample and I am sure you are tired of reading. Thanks for stopping by and have a FANTASTIC day!

Monday, November 3, 2008

F.Y.I.

I HATE being sick!

I truly believe with all my heart that first grade is a breeding ground for sick germs. I am yet again sick....stuffy nose, sore throat, etc... on Thursday I felt like I picked up the flu from my little ones this past week (2 were out with it). It was so bad that my teacher told me I looked green and sent me home before school started. I slept the day away and woke up feeling better....however, I missed the Halloween party at school....bummer.

I have been told my first year of teaching will break me with being sick and then I will become this amazing immune super human to all little kid illnesses.... I am wondering if student teaching will count for part of my first year?

Sorry for whining... I can get like that when I don't feel so hot. I am off for some Theraflu night time....

Saturday, November 1, 2008

4

Here is a survey I got from my old roomie for Judson, Jennifer, and thought it was fun...


Four family members:
Mom, Robin, Nana, hmmm... how do I pic from the rest?

ayFour places that I go to over and over:
Kesterson ES, home, Target and the Strip (for all the free things to do and people watching...oh so fun!)

Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
David is the only person I get emails from daily and they are just forwards ... I guess Mom, Lynley and BYUI student updates (sad I know)

Four of my favorite places to eat:
In N Out, Port O' Call, Golden Spoon, Waffle House

Four places I would rather be right now:
London, Norway, Florida Keys, home

Four TV shows I watch over and over:
Reba, One Tree Hill, Army Wives, Friends

Four things in the room I'm in:
Fan, Cat (my roommate not the animal), bed, fatty Diet Coke

Four concerts I've been to:
NKOTB, Jimmy Buffet, Boys II Men, Kenny Chesney,

Four things on my calendar:
Cat's Birthday, Last day of student teaching, Job Interview with CCSD, Jenn's Birthday

Four fears:
Obama being elected (can that count as 4??), being struck by lightning, being alone, creepy guys in masks telling me what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

Four things in your purse or wallet:
Cash, Credit Card, Camera, Tootsie Rolls

Four chores you hate doing:
Folding laundry, washing windows, mopping, sweeping

Four favorite animals:
Cats, alligators, moose, giraffe

Four speed dials on your cell phone:
I don't use my speed dial

Four places you have called home:
Waveland, Rexburg, Las Vegas, Hattiesburg

Four favorite pieces of jewelry:
Sapphire ring, diamond necklace, bling stud earrings, pearls

Four websites you visit:
My blog, facebook, myspace, gmail

Four people who have been in your car:
Cat, Nicole, Andra, Lynley

Four things you are wearing:
Green shirt, earrings, pj pants, undershirt

Four things you are looking forward to:
end of student teaching, getting a job, visiting home, and Europe 2009

Four favorite types of candy:
Twix, starburst, Orbitz gum, tootsie rolls

Four sports teams you like:
Saints, Braves, any college football team, Seawolves

Four things found in your fridge:
Tortillas, cheese, ham, cottage cheese

Four rituals you do daily:
shower, brush teeth, check email, yoga pushups

Four things currently within reach:
Fatty Diet Coke, Dan in Real Life DVD, scriptures, my huggy bear (my bear I have had since I was a baby)

Four things you know how to cook:
Green chili enchiladas, gumbo, yummy homemade mac and cheese, lasagna

Four Halloween costumes you've worn:
witch, little orphan annie, ummm... I can't remember back that far

Four Favorite Movies:
Sweet Home Alabama, Steel Magnolias, Cars, Dead Poets Society

Monday, October 27, 2008

Sneak Peek!

Ok... here is a sneak peek of my Halloween costume!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

My newest podcast!!!

Ok.. .my class has created a new pod cast... this time the students drew themselves in their Halloween costumes and then we added their voices to the pictures...and animated them!!! Follow the link and enjoy!!! Click on Happy Halloween!

Halloween Podcast

The Legend of the Great Bambino

Babe Ruth.... the Great Bambino. Practically if not the greatest baseball player ever. A couple of weeks ago I went to the wax museum here in Las Vegas and was able to take a picture with the Babe Ruth.


Pretty cool I know.

The reason for this post is last week I had the opportunity and privilege to go to Nicole's 4th grade classroom where she had a special guest come speak to her students. No it wasn't Babe Ruth - he's dead - but the closest thing to him... his daughter. Mrs. Julia Ruth Stevens. Now you may be asking how on earth could Nicole get the Great Bambino's daughter to come visit her class??? Well, let me tell you she is pretty amazing and she has made friends with a hook up. Mrs. Steven's daughter-in-law, the other Mrs. Stevens, works at our school. Sweet hook up isn't it? So Mrs. Juila Ruth Stevens talked to the 4 graders about her father and his life. They had many questions for her about him and herself. It was a very interesting to hear stories about Babe Ruth from someone who was close to him and was there to witness it. She even told the story about the day her dad pointed to the outfield and then hit a homerun. I must say it was definitely one of the highlights of my life thus far.


Night Out

After working on lesson plans and grading papers all day, Cat, Nicole and I wanted to get out of our apartments for awhile. We decided to go to Ethel M chocolate factory (since it is free) and cactus gardens. Well, it was closed. So we went and grabbed some dinner at Chipolte...yummy! and went to this fantastic spot on Sunset that I discovered. Ok first let me say that I have this strange fascination with airplanes. I think it is so cool that this chunk of metal carrying people and luggage can lift into the sky and stay there for hours at a time. Well, I found this place on Sunset where you can sit and watch the runway at LV airport. I was totally stoked. We watched planes land and take off for about 30 minutes then went to our favorite place...Golden Spoon! for some after dinner frozen yogurt.

We did all this to kill some time while we were waiting on Sariah to call so we could meet up with her friends on the strip. Well, plans fell through so the three of us decided to head to the Belliago and watch the fountains...Nicole had never seen them. Well, the weather was BEAUTIFUL, small breeze and perfect temperature - not too cold and not hot at all! The fountains were fantastic - as always! And in the botanical garden inside they had redecorated for fall... pumpkins, raining trees and gourds and tons of orange, yellow and red. There was also a very cool chocolate fountain - not in the garden but by the spa. A fun night out with friends. **Please note that better pictures of the gardens will come shortly...the dark lighting in there did not show the true beauty of the scenes! We are going back Halloween day to take more!**





Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Part of a Dream Come True Part Deux

Some people are braver than others just handing off their camera to a complete stranger in a very crowded night club...aka our new friend Sara. Well, she emailed the pics from her camera today and I must say I need to be more trusting with my electronics. Why you may ask... here are the results of her over trusting nature....enjoy I know I did!!!






These are WAY better than the pictures I took... maybe because I was not in at the table right below theirs!

Oh ALSO ... this picture was taken from the balcony of LAX....



What a great night!!!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Part of a Dream Come True

Last night was THE BIG NIGHT! New Kids on the Block after concert after party at LAX night club at the Luxor. YIPPEE!!! Sariah and I got there about 10:45 (Nicole couldn't go because here wallet was stolen the first week we moved in and the great state of Washington has yet to send her new drivers license - so she couldn't get in without idea...we were all bummed about it.) While waiting in line, we met a new friend... Sara... she was in town for a business trip and loves NKOTB as much as Sariah and I! YAY!
Sara, Sariah and I in LAX!
We finally got in around 11ish, ok so it wasn't that long of a wait but it felt like forever! Once inside it wasn't too bad at first - we actually had room to dance and move. The more people that came the worse it got. I was dancing with all the people around me...it was crazy ... I am not into dancing all up on random people nor am I a fan of having random people dance (or gyrate) all up on me! We found out the boys would be arriving around 12:30 ... however a special guest did arrive around 11:45 ... Guess who....
It's Mr. Belding from Saved By The Bell!!!


Nuts I know... Sariah and I were both thinking isn't he a bit old to be doing the club scene??

Well, FINALLY at almost 1am the host of the party decided to make their appearance... here are the pictures from the rest of the night....
Donnie coming in like the pop star he is

The boys at their table partying like rock stars

The guys... Danny scratching his face

Danny Wood
Danny smiling for the camera
I think this picture of Jordan is so funnyJordan Knight
The guys dancing....raising their hands like they just don't care .. .and Joey Joe

Donnie Walhberg
This is Jon and his friend taking a picture of me... Jon thinks I looked pretty hot and now he can look at my picture everyday...hehe
Jordan smiling
Danny telling Jordan that Sariah and I were in the house....let the party begin! Oh note the guys in the white shirts...there were of them all dressed alike and all had the same hair do....really, can you have your own look??
Joey.... I was going to be his wife
Joey McIntyre!!!!
Donnie telling Jordan how hot Sariah and I were... Jordan agreed just look at the smile on his face!

It was such a FANTASTIC night! We left a bit after 3 in the morning and had breakfast/dinner at the IHOP. What a great night! Here is Sariah and I on our way out of the club...
Happier than if we were at Disney World!