Stuff happens...

I was doing pretty well with the whole blogging thing. Then the end of the year started looming and it's been a challenge to get students to work and it's been very tiring. It seems all I do is list things but that's all I've got the brain power for. So...here it goes...

1. Spring has finally sprung! This is the gorgeous view from my front porch this evening...

It looks even more beautiful in the morning when the sun is peeking over the mountain. This picture really doesn't do it justice.

2. I went up to Idaho at the beginning of the month. The reasons for this particular jaunt were two fold. Lisa had her one and only bridal shower. She didn't particularly want one but her RS friends insisted. So, I happily made the trek. It was also a chance to celebrate my birthday. I turned 30 a couple of weeks ago. It was a dreaded day but, I think it actually was one of my better birthdays. Go figure...

She makes the best cakes! This one was probably my favorite.

Rice Crispie Cake...very durable and oh so tasty!

It's a little difficult to comprehend that this crazy, wonderful, generous, kind, silly...(you get the picture) and I have only been friends for a mere 5ish years.  We talked on the phone last night and it was just like all the late night, hallway floor conversations we used to have. Though we're in different cities, different states, she's still my person.

AND even though she's getting married and I know have to share her with Bruce (not his real name, by the way), she's still got my back and I've still got her's.


3. And the latest big news....

I applied for, interviewed for and was offered a position at Ogden High teaching Junior English (most likely) next year. GO TIGERS!  I applied somewhat on a whim, but I'm so glad I did! In the past two years I've sort of gotten lost in the forest. I haven't seen the forest because I've been so focused on the trees in front of me. I wanted to teach high school when I finished school but took the job at Mound Fort because I needed the job as soon as possible. I'm so incredibly lucky that I took it! Starting my career at Mound Fort has been such a blessing. I've gotten to work with some amazingly talented and kind teachers. They've helped me improve my craft, sheltered my wounded heart in ways they probably don't even realize. They've bolstered me, encouraged me, cautioned me and believed in me. They never doubted I could do the job - or at least never let me see the doubt! :) 

The past two years have been transformative for me as a person and I'm fairly certain I owe a lot of that to my fellow teachers.

In other minor, yet exciting news...

I am going to Portland in June, after Lisa's wedding. I'll make the pilgrimage to Powell's Bookstore, check out the gorgeous coast, see the Chinese and Japanese Gardens and just explore. I'm pretty dang excited!!

My family also surprised me with a trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City for my birthday. My sister (aka the mastermind) and I will see two shows and just have a fun sisters trip down south. These past six months have been difficult for me, but my sister has been so supportive and loving. I'm very lucky to have such great women in my life.

I'm reading Macbeth with a friend and has been so much fun. It makes me wish I could do accents. Alas, I can only do a southern accent and only under then appropriate circumstances. 

I will also be taking the Praxis PLT this summer...not so fun, but necessary. 

Lots of good things happening and to look forward to!