Losing It

Things I am losing:
-free time (studying for the GRE)
-what smarts I did have (studying for the GRE doesn't help make me smarter...makes me feel dumber)
-patience (tuturing 7th graders)
-weight (I think it's from all the nose blowing over the last few weeks)
-sleep (coughing from mom and myself)
-money (paying bills and for gas to drive to work everyday)

Things I'd like to lose:
-free time (for things like dating and playing with the nieces/nephew)
-weight (more...I gained too much this last year)
-my ovaries (sorry guys, but it's true...they hurt)
-headaches ('nuff said)

Work, cough, work, cough

This week was my first full week at my new job. It's been fun. I'm never anywhere longer than 1/2 hour, so I don't get bored. I'm really glad that it's been a part-time job, especially this week. I have had a cold for almost two weeks now and I'm mostly in just the coughing stage. I feel bad because my mom is even worse. Unfortunately, she mostly coughs when she goes to bed, which makes it hard for her to rest and recoup. I would LOVE it if we were all healthy again. My nieces have it, too. It probably doesn't help that we all are around each other a lot and keep sharing germs. They are just too darn cute not to be around, though.

Controlled Chaos...I wish

The past week as hase been chaotic, to say the least. I wish it was controlled, but it hasn't been. The funeral for dad was on Wednesday. Many family members came into town. They came from Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota. It was great to have so much support. I'm just glad everything is over, for the most part. Now just the financial junk to take care of and all of the thank you cards. Today was my first day back at work. I caught a nasty cold in the whole process. Today I don't have much of a voice. I feel much better, though. The funeral went well, or so I'm told. My brother Erik did the life history. My dad's friend Jack gave a talk. My brothers Mike and Bryan and I did most of the music. It was a tough day. Every night since he died I think I'm going to wake up and it will all be a dream. No such luck. Thanks for all of your support.

Time Passing By

My father passed away today. My heart aches in so many ways right now I don't even know how to explain it. Anger, fear, love, regret, hurt...so much. I didn't know how many feelings I could possibly feel in one evening. And it's only begun. As much as he aggrivated me sometimes, I already miss him. Tears will continue to be shed for all that could have been. I'm sorry I didn't tell him I love him more often. I'm sorry for being impatient. I'm sorry for so many things. I just hope he understands and will forgive me for my shortcomings. I love you, Dad.

Working Woman

I started work at my new job today. I am an aid for special education at an elementary school about 5 miles from home. It's only part-time, but better than no-time. I was also asked to head up a tutoring program at a middle school...it's called the homework club. I'm actually getting paid more for that than the aid position. I'm just grateful to have some sort of income. It was a tiring day. I'm ready for bed. But, I must get going on studying for the GRE. Bah humbug.

Last week I went and visited my brother Bryan and his family who live 4 hours away. I would love to upload some pictures of the kids, but I am still unpacking some things. I'll try to do it next time.

Home

Well, I am officially home. I really haven't unpacked yet. I've been busy grouting tile for my brother and mom. My arm is so sore! One was a floor, which I thought was tough. Then I did my mom's shower. Wow, I think I would rather do 3 floors any day over one shower. What a mess! Good experience, though, right?

It's good to be home. I love seeing the neices more often. They are just so darn cute! I'll go visit the ones a few hours away next week.

The job search continues. I have applied for about 4 or 5 jobs and am keeping my open for more.

I miss Rexburg. I miss having my couch to sleep on. This bed at home doesn't like me very much. I woke up continuously last night because my back hurt so much.

By the way, I am COMPLETELY done with my degree. I got an email yesterday stating so. I got an A- in my statistics class. I can't believe that I am actually done....for now. I've been studying for the GRE. What a bummer, eh?

It CAN get worse

I am in the middle of packing to move home and finals for my Stats class. Plus, I haven't been feeling all that well. Insomnia really doesn't sit well with me. Well, I didn't think my life could get much more hectic/worse. Well, I thought wrong....

Tonight I borrowed some paint from a good friend (THANK YOU KATIE) to do some touch-ups in my apartment where the tape tore off some paint. It was going so well....until I stepped off my couch (I was painting a wall behind it) into the new bucket of custom paint. As you can guess, it splashed everywhere! White paint....and I was about 5 feet from my door. I tried to scrape as much as I could off my foot into the bucket and then hopped outside to wash my foot at the outside spicket. There are now white footprints leading from my apartment to the spicket.

Then I had to try to clean the carpet. One hour and a lot of tears later, it seems to look better. It will be a shade lighter than before, either from all of the soap I poared onto it and it cleaned it, or more likely because I couldn't get it all out. Of course my managers are out of town so I can't get to the carpet cleaner they keep on hand. And I wasted a bunch of the custom paint I borrowed. I would say it can't get much worse, but we know where that will lead.

Dream of Cookies

I had a dream last night that I was given an assignment in an English class to find a cookie recipe where one of the ingredients was jalapeños. Ever heard of such a thing? Neither had anyone in my dream. Gross!

Some "one"

Warning: pitty party ahead

I've had a lot of time to think recently (thanks to insomnia). The other night I had a bit of a pitty party. You know how people usually have a person they turn to at times of trial, or the "one" they love the most (spouse, parent, sibling etc.)? I realized that I have never been anybody's "one". I have been 2 and 3...quite a few times. But never "one". It was kind of sad to realize. Bad pitty party, eh? To all of those who are a some "one", be grateful for those in your life. It can get mighty lonely otherwise.

The end: pitty party over

Pineapples and a Pedicure

These are my buddies Preston and Cannon. I loved the sunglasses Cannon had on-they are pineapples. I am going to miss seeing them when I move home. I have known them for their whole lives. They are like my own nephews. Some of the things I love about them:
Preston-his great imagination. He can tell you stories about anything and everything...and they are very detailed and long.
Cannon-How he says "I don't know" by saying "no" in a question.
Preston-How he asks "why cause" when he doesn't understand.
Cannon-His smile and laugh. (He can get out of trouble easily because of these.)

I went and had my first real pedicure today. I chose blue nail polish. I've been feeling a little funky lately and thought this would show my mood. Sorry you have to look at what a friend endearingly calls my "Shrek feet". (Because the toes can spread so far.) When I become rich and famous I am going to have a pedicurist and massage therapist on call 24/7. It was lovely.

Coming to an end

Well, my time in Rexburg is quickly coming to an end. I have less than two weeks. Today was my last time teaching Sunday School. Bitter sweet moments. I have so much to do before my two weeks are up and yet I have no desire to do any of it. A little at a time, right?

Another Favorite

Shawn Johnson is another favorite olympian. She is on the gymnastic's team and is a powerhouse. Who knew so much power could come from such a small thing? She always seems upbeat and is encouraging to her team. Plus, her nickname is probably Shawnee. How could I not love her?

My Favorite Olympian

Go Michael Phelps! He won his 1st gold medal of these Olympics last night. Can't wait for the next one.

My life...

Need I say more?

New Favorite

Over the weekend my friend Dee and I went to see "Iron Man". Loved it. It's my new favorite movie. I'm glad there weren't many people in the theater as I got a little caught up in the action and often found myself cheering and laughing really loud. It's a must see!