All blur

Today has been a really bad recovery day as far as my eyes go and clarity. HOWEVER, 1) I have been able to open my left eye today!
2) My mom took me to the mall.
3) She was my eyes and guided me around. It weas funny whenever I had to open my eyes ... didn't see much, but it was nice to have a day pass!
4) We went to the mall for 5 different things, and didn't find any of them but I'm SO grateful that I was able to get out of the house and just DO seomthing.
5) I helped my mom earlier today organize a cupboard. It was about all I accomplished but it was SOMETHING!.

happiness quote: “I'm going to enjoy every second, and I'm going to know I'm enjoying it while I'm enjoying it. Most people don't live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and panting that they lose sight of the beautiful, tranquil country they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are old and worn out, and it doesn't make any difference whether they've reached the goal or not.” ― Jean Webster

p.s. I hope that was a good quote.. I couldn't read it! If not, I will change it later 

Day two

1) Turns out my eyelids feeling like sandpaper is normal. Which was actually a relief.
2) My family is still helping me immensely (again with my eyes closed here).
3) I got two naps. Of course my meds helped with that, but it makes my day go by faster. The pain and having to sit in the dark with my eyes shut, dark glasses, eye patches... it's making my days really long.
4) I'm so thankful to have an ice pack.
5) My visiting teacher (Michelle) brought me by a note and some treats. I thought that was incredibly sweet and it made my day. :) Well, and my family helping me too! :) I know such amazing people. I can't wait to be able to see again!
6) Oh AND it turns out I was able to dictate an email on my phone to my brother. That made me very happy. 

happiness quote: “Happiness is not the absence of problems; it's the ability to deal with them.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free 

P.S. sorry for any errors in typing the last two days. I can't stand to open my eyes long so I can't edit. Thanks for bearing with me!

Surgery!

1) The eye surgery was super fast!
2) My mum went with me. :)
3) It was WONDERFUL when my pain meds finally kicked in. My eye sockets felt like they were packed with exploding, white-hot, sand. Oh man.....
4) My mum took very good care of me.
5) My brothers and sister helped me too. I couldn't open my eyes hardly at all. (Just a few seconds here and there. Even now that's the same... I'm typing with my eyes closed!) 

happiness quote: “Happiness wasn't a mystical place to be reached or won--some bright terrain beyond the boundary of misery, a paradise waiting for them to find it--but something to carry doggedly with you through everything, as humble and ordinary as your gear and supplies.” ― Laini Taylor, Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Boxing Day

1) I played guitar and enjoyed that.
2) The day of my surgery is almost here!
3) I had turkey for dinner. Yum.
4) We watched Snatch. I love that movie!
5)  I wrote some emails to friends in Japan.

happiness quote: “Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear” ― Taylor Swift

Christmas Eve

1) I got to skype with my BFF.
2) I got to go and support another BFF today too.
3) Four of my close friends have texted me today and I really appreciated that.
4) I watched some 8 Out of 10 Cats.
5) I took most of the day easy. It was fun to be with family. :) Aunt Rita came down.

happiness quote: “Allow yourself to enjoy each happy moment in your life.” ― Steve Maraboli

 

Christmas Eve Eve

1) I got to go to the gym with Jean-Mi yesterday and I get to go again with him tomorrow. :D
2) I ate popcorn today! I found out I'm not allergic to it (corn). WOOOO!
3) I organized my school things. That was very satisfying.
4) I am SO getting a better night's sleep tonight. 
5) I get to spend some time with one of my BFFs tomorrow! 

happiness quote: “It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving, it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.” ― Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason

Maman's Birthday

1) We went to dinner as a family for my mom's birthday. :)
2) I got my final grading done. Nice to have that off my plate and WAY before it's due! 
3) I watched some 8 Out of 10 Cats and really enjoyed it. British humor is pretty great.
4) It's been nice being around my family and having time off.
5) I ate some pickles! Yum!

happiness quote: “No one can grant you happiness. Happiness is a choice we all have the power to make.” ― Dean Koontz, Life Expectancy

Family Dinner

1) We had a nice family dinner together. 
2) Lyndsay wanted me to open her gift since they're not coming down for Christmas. I got Batman pajama pants! They're awesome!
3) I got to skype with a good friend today.
4) My visiting teacher came to see me! It's been a while since I had one so that was nice. :)
5) It was fun to hang out with the family. 
6) My sister painted my nails. 

happiness quote: “We've got everything we need right here, and everything we need is enough.” ― Jack Johnson

Late again :/

Oops! 
1) I have most of my grading finished! Woooo!
2) My bite is looking especially "pretty" today. :D
3) I got to play some guitar.
4) I found my old glasses so I'm not COMPLETELY blind. It's SO nice to be able to see about six feet out.
5) I can't believe my surgery is in less than week! YAY! I will be able to see all on my own! :D

happiness quote: “Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.” ― Nelson Mandela

My sister made these from scratch!

The infamous bite...

What it looks like today (a day later)

Service Day

1) The day went really well. I drove three boys up from the school the the Humane Society. 
2) Well, it went mostly well - I got bit by a pitbull. I will post pictures later. It's a funny thing to be able to tell people and luckily I was already going to the doctor so I got some antibiotics just in case.
3) I am getting an allergy test so I will know why everything I eat makes me sick. :D (The real reason I went to the doctor.)
4) I have put on a lot of muscle. :D
5) Today is my last day in contacts... EVER. 

happiness quote: “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ― Albert Schweitzer

Dec 18

1) Our last Deaf event went really well. 
2) Our staff part was at Brick Oven so I got to have pizza for dinner!
3) I got a nice gift card and some treats from the school for Christmas.
4) Classes went well and it's almost the break. :D
5) My jhs kids brought Japanese food to share and it was delicious! 

happiness quote: “Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.” ― Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby

2nd to last day of classes for the year..

1) My classes all went really well.
2) My Spanish 2 class is REALLY coming along. We watched a movie in Spanish and they were understanding bits and pieces of it. It was great to hear them laugh.
3) I switched up my workout and am feeling pretty good about my new routine.
4) I have one more day of classes tomorrow and then service day and then BREAK!
5) I am throwing out a pair of contacts today and will tomorrow and Friday and then go blind until my surgery! I'm excited but nervous for it.

happiness quote: “Be happy with who you are and what you do, and you can do anything you want.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Moving forward with faith

1) I got a blessing from my Papa since I'm getting surgery next week.
2) I had some amazing counsel from the Lord on how to find peace.
3) My classes went well today and one student in particular has really turned their behavior around.
4) forgot to mention that yesterday my parents took us all out to dinner :).
5) I got to take my momma' name to the temple today. :D There's no face happy enough to show how I felt/feel. 

Turn around

1) I've had a fairly miserable last week and a half but today was a major turnaround and I'm so grateful for that.
2) I'm excited to go to the temple tomorrow. :)
3) I'm excited to start Les Choristes with my French class tomorrow. 
4) I got my last Christmas presents today. 
5) my life is headed in a great direction. :) 

Stake Conference

1) Stake Conference was great. I enjoyed the messages.
2) I learned some things and made some goals to make my life better.
3) I got back in touch with a good friend.
4) I got to text my BFF.
5) There's only one week of school left! And less than a week in contacts, and less than two weeks until I have my surgery!

happiness quote: “It sometimes takes a state of solitude to bring to mind the real power of companionship.” ― Stephen Richards

Family dinner

1) My sister makes amazing cakes!
2) I drank a lot of water today.
3) I got to watch a couple horror movies.
4) I didn't sleep very much so I got a lot of time to think.
5) We had a big family dinner to celebrate December birthdays. 

happiness quote: “Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.” ― Robertson Davies

Yesterday - Chaperoning the dance

1) I got to chaperone the dance. :) (I love dancing so I was excited when they asked me.)
2) Clean up afterwards only took 45 minutes.
3) My papa helped me fix my headlight and even showed me how to do it the next time by myself. :)
4) We have some generous donors and our Sub for Santa is looking great for next week!
5) I got in an awesome workout. :)

happiness quote: “Reason, Observation and Experience — the Holy Trinity of Science — have taught us that happiness is the only good; that the time to be happy is now, and the way to be happy is to make others so.” ― Robert G. Ingersoll, On the Gods and Other Essays

promised pictures: 

The Renaissance Dinner

I wasn't the only one who dressed up!

My nephew, last Sunday, was popping this lego into my lap or on the chair next to me (cracked me up)

LOL Yumbo!? Who says that!?

Two of my students at the dance :)

It worked!!!

1) My idea my mom gave me worked! Class went really well today (jhs class). :D
2) Tomorrow is the last day of teaching for this week and then next week is the last week of the year. Woo!
3) I almost finished my Christmas shopping today. :D
4) I had a fun conversation with several other teachers today.
5) I watched one of my new movies (Ransom - edited) and enjoyed it. 

happiness quote: “We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than to consume wealth without producing it.” ― George Bernard Shaw, Candida

Long day

1) I survived my very long day.
2) I'm getting two new students in one of my classes. One of them is super stoked. :)
3) My mom gave me a good idea of what to do with my jhs kids tomorrow. 
4) One of my students is taking the initiative to teach us all how to make sopapillas. I'm pretty excited to learn!
5) I am supposed to hang out with a friend tomorrow. Yay for getting out of the house!

happiness quote: “Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!” ― Jane Austen, Emma

Only three left!

1) Since today is over (scholastically), I only have THREE classes left with my elective jhs class. Woooo! (Can you tell they were pills today?)
2) I made myself some popcorn.
3) The temple was awesome today. All the sealers are learning my name because I'm a regular now!
4) We aren't have intercession next year! (A two week intensive alternative course we teach to the students. I was racking my brain and couldn't come up with anything but we're trying something else so I'm really excited about it. -- Although it does mean I won't be teaching a Shakespeare class. That makes me sort of sad. I was also thinking of teaching a course on oppression. :/ LOL Oh well.)
5) I had breakfast burritos for dinner. Easy and yummy! :)

happiness quote: “Why not let people differ about their answers to the great mysteries of the Universe? Let each seek one's own way to the highest, to one's own sense of supreme loyalty in life, one's ideal of life. Let each philosophy, each world-view bring forth its truth and beauty to a larger perspective, that people may grow in vision, stature and dedication.” ― Algernon Black

Will post update soon!

Sorry - I've obviously gotten behind. I got sick and then got sicker and haven't been doing much but the bare minimum! However, I am starting to feel better so I will post an update here and then write one for tomorrow. Promise!

The weekend:
 
1) I was able to not even LOOK at work stuff on Sunday. Usually I check, at the very least, what I'm teaching. But I wanted to have a completely work-free Sunday. :)
2) I was able to stay with my family the entire evening on Sunday. (Sometimes I get crowd anxiety even with family but I stuck it out and had a great time with them. 
3) Saturday I went to a Renaissance dinner that was really fun. When I get a chance I'll post the pictures I got from it. 
4) I got to play a lot more guitar over the weekend than during the week. 
5) I made a recording for my brother who is in Peru right now (of me speaking Spanish and I also played him guitar). He loved it! :D

happiness quote (sorry if I double-up, sometimes I can't remember what I've already posted): “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves—say rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Midweek!

1) My workout at the gym lessened my pain! (I was worried it might increase it, as I was going to be using muscles that were already hurting me - but it didn't!)
2) Oh man... one of my student's today said I should date Brad Pitt. I told him, "Brad Pitt couldn't make me happy." Then he holds out his hands about ten inches apart and says, "Brad Pitt has a HUGE..." This is where I cut in and said, "Don't. Just don't." And he finished, "a HUGE jaw!" That punk!
3) Diana (our director) told me today that my Spanish 1 classes are being combined next semester and I will not be teaching a class of eleven-year-olds. HALLELUJAH!!!
4) Even with that line I just said about my sixth graders, I have a lesson tomorrow that I'm excited to teach them. :)
5) I ate some spicy pickled veggies today. YUM!!

happiness quote: “When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

Loopy day!

1) I can't believe it's already December 2nd. I've been thinking it was Wednesday December 1st all day. Weird day. BUT, my lessons went pretty well - ESPECIALLY my jhs one. One kid as he left sighed happily and said, "I love this class." Huzzah!
2) I am SO grateful for a heating pad and modern medicine. 
3) I had a small issue earlier today with my laptop and I'm very happy I was able to resolve it myself.
4) I got information on how to get the names I've prepared printed and taken to the temple. I told one of the ladies, "I won't be here next week." She gave me a big frowny face and then smiled when I corrected myself, "I will be HERE, just not doing sealings. I will be doing family names down at the font!" I am SO excited! I am doing the names of people that I prepared and who are dear to me. 
5) My BFF got great news and I'm so happy for her. :)
6) A student made me laugh today. He said, "I hope I die of ebola." I heard, "I hope I die of fruit roll-ups." We had a pretty good laugh today. 

happiness quotes: “I'm a happy person. If you want to be around me, you can either choose to be happy too, or follow the signs to the nearest exit!” ― Sharon Swan

Made it back!

1) My lessons went extremely well today.
2) My Spanish classes are so great. They make me laugh and they are such sports to do what I throw at them. :)
3) Dinner was AWESOME tonight.
4) My workout went well in spite of a lack of energy, lol. I pushed through and grateful I did.
5) Several of my students today told me I'm the best, lol. And it was for giving them homework! Seriously. 

happiness quote: “Recipe For Happiness Khaborovsk Or Anyplace'

One grand boulevard with trees
with one grand cafe in sun
with strong black coffee in very small cups.

One not necessarily very beautiful
man or woman who loves you.

One fine day.”
― Lawrence Ferlinghetti

The Sabbath

1) I forgot to mention it before but this last week I finish the Book of Mormon for this year. :) I've started over again. It's such a great book!
2) I have a calling now (a "job," if you will, at church)!
3) I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow but at least I have my lessons already planned.
4) I made homemade caramel popcorn. It was yummy!
5) I still can't believe I signed up for PRK ... I'm excited to never wear contacts ever again! Less than a month! And tomorrow is December... 0.o Just crazy.

happiness quote: “Happiness is a state of activity.” ― Aristotle

I'm a candidate for PRK!

1) I went to Sandy this morning and had an appointment at the Lasik Vision Institute.
2) I came away with a surgery appointment. :) I'm nervous but really excited!!
3) After that I went on a date and it went really well. :) First one since my divorce and I really enjoyed myself.
4) I got to see Devin and spend some time with him.
5) My sister, her husband, and my cousin played Rockband with me. 

happiness quotes: “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ― Albert Schweitzer

Leftovers!

1) I got to have Thanksgiving leftovers today and they were really yummy!
2) I watched some more Walking Dead with my sister and her husband.
3) I watched one of my new movies and really enjoyed it.
4) I have an appointment set up tomorrow to find out if I'm a good candidate for Lasik. :) 
5) I worked pretty much all day. I got A LOT done though. I've got a few more things on my list but I feel great about how much I got done. (Been running myself a little ragged though and getting sicker. *sigh* At least I still have tomorrow and Sunday before I go back to work. And when I get back, three weeks and then Christmas Break!)

happiness quote: “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thanksgiving Day

(Ironically I missed Thanksgiving Day...)
1) So glad to have another day off!
2) Dinner was so delicious.
3) Jenelle, Ang, and Emmett came over. 
4) I refused to do any work. :D (work for my job that is)
5) I got to go to Angèle's and Emmett's and watch The Walking Dead with them.

happiness quote: “I consider myself a stained-glass window. And this is how I live my life. Closing no doors and covering no windows; I am the multi-colored glass with light filtering through me, in many different shades. Allowing light to shed and fall into many many hues. My job is not to direct anything, but only to filter into many colors. My answer is destiny and my guide is joy. And there you have me.” ― C. JoyBell C.

My sister didn't know what to put in the vase for the centerpiece, so I took care of it. ;)

A day off!!

1) I was able to sleep in a little - which is great because I apparently didn't go to bed for a LONG time. I took an ambien around midnight when I STILL wasn't asleep and I vaguely remember being in the kitchen at some point and almost eating stuffing. Adri says I was in her room. I remember trying to get something in her closet ceiling and I couldn't reach it... oh amby...
2) I planned for my French and Spanish 2 classes for the rest of the year.
3) I had a spectacular workout at the gym! :D
4) I got to text my BFF today. (Well I pretty much text her everyday but I love her and I'm so glad we get to talk so often. 
5) I'm so incredibly grateful for my amazing family. I have been struggling for a while and they are so giving to me. I feel like I only take (because of a sense of dearth of love having been left by my ex husband), and they continue to give to me. 

happiness quote: “Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.” ― Ben Carson

Tuesday the 25th

1) I planned the rest of classes for the year for my Spanish 1 classes.
2) I got out of school early! (We had a half day.)
3) I was asked to chaperon a dance! I'm pretty excited to do it. :)
4) I was asked by some students if I was 24, and then at the temple if I was 20! :)
5) I am having friends over on Saturday and my cousin is coming too! We're going to play Rockband. Woooo!

happiness quote: “The greatest thing about dreams is they don’t expire. They can lay dormant for years and when you pull them out and dust them off, they shine like new.” ― Casi McLean

Tests galore!

1) I gave tests today and then for the little bit of class that remained, we watched Invader Zim in Spanish. It was hilarious!
2) Two students talked to me for about an hour. It's nice, for me, that they are open and friendly with me. :)
3) I can see the strength I'm slowing gaining at the gym and I love it!
4) I only woke up once last night.
5) I got a new supplement. :) I'm really excited to try it. :D

happiness quote: “Even in Siberia there is happiness.” ― Anton Chekhov

A bad day that still had good things...

1) I had a wonderful work out. I tried a new circuit that really was quite vigorous.
2) There was a Deaf event at the mall and I got to spend the whole time with Anna and Hillary. It was great to sign for two hours straight and just visit with good friends.
3) One of the students told me that their mom said I was their favorite teacher. :) She told her daughter, "I really like the Spanish teacher! She was my favorite." :D Feels great.
4) Even though I'm getting sick, a break is near so I will be able to rest (well and the weekend).
5) Next Tuesday is a half day. Wahoo! I hope that there aren't meetings after school. That would be good!

happiness quote: “Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.” ― Elise Boulding

Almost a Friday again :D

1) My guitar teacher always gives me awesome compliments. :)
2) My jhs class went extremely well today. They were on their best behavior and that was much appreciated.
3) I woke up early and was able to read scriptures before school. (I usually read them at night.)
4) My ASL kids did pretty well on their test. :) I'm so proud!
5) I have had a few kids request me for extra classes next year. Makes me feel great that they want me back! :)

happiness quote: I never understood the point of being sad when I could choose to be happy. -- Megan McCafferty, Second Helpings

Empanada fun

1) Making empanadas with my classes turned out pretty well. :) 
2) I was able to help some students in my mentor group.
3) I have my tests ready for tomorrow and Monday. 
4) I got to dance in the kitchen during my prep period. It was great!
5) My jhs class is cancelled next week. :D That is a relief! (Those sixth graders are my hardest class.)

happiness quote: “In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance.” ― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

What's that in the kitchen?

Oh yes. This is very useful here.

I was getting a mixer piece out of the dishwasher and a knife FOUR INCHES AWAY got me!

Our empanadas

the 18th

1) I got to spend lots of time in the temple today.
2) I've been enough that I'm being recognized as a regular. :) ^
3) My classes went really well. 
4) I got my errands done. 
5) I'm making empanadas with two classes tomorrow. 

happiness quote: "Happiness doesn't lie in conspicuous consumption and the relentless amassing of useless crap. Happiness lies in the person sitting beside you and your ability to talk to them. Happiness is clear-headed human interaction and empathy. Happiness is home. And home is not a house-home is a mythological conceit. It is a state of mind. A place of communion and unconditional love. It is where, when you cross its threshold, you finally feel at peace.” ― Dennis Lehane

Just another manic Monday

1) My students are a very talented bunch and drew some great pictures! 
2) J'ai vu le film "les Choristes." Je l'amais bien!
3) (Now I have an urge to write the rest in French!) I didn't think I would get to play my guitar today but I was wrong. :) 
4) A good friend called me and talked to me for a few minutes. It was unexpected and much appreciated.
5) I'm starting Japanese tomorrow with my sixth graders and they're going to freak! (With happiness)

5 Minutes

1) I had a 5 minute phone conversation today and I feel awesome! 
2) I have plans for tomorrow night. :D
3) I was able to talk to my BFF on the phone for an hour. 
4) Church was awesome.
5) The primary kids made me laugh with their antics during the program. :)

happiness quote: “I like to believe that you don't need to reach a certain goal to be happy. I prefer to think that happiness is always there, and that when things don't go the way we might like them to, it's a sign from above that something even better is right around the corner.” ― David Archuleta, Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance

Time Warp!

Didn't realize I'd missed Friday...
1) I got to have a bunch of friends over to play Rockband.
2) Two friends came early and we watched a movie..
3) and had dinner together. :) (I cooked and was ambition and .. lol I'm glad they liked it.)
4) I have plans for next Saturday with my BFF and another good friend.
5) My faith in humanity is being restored. I guess specifically my faith that good men are still out. (No offense to any males I know - I have just met a lot of .. not great guys recently. Good to know good ones are still out and about.)

happiness quote: “Take all that you can of this book upon reason, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier man. (When a skeptic expressed surprise to see him reading a Bible)” ― Abraham Lincoln

Growing pains

1) I've got the next week and a half planned for my MWF classes. :)
2) It's almost Thanksgiving break!!!
3) I'm having a lot of recent tough growing experiences, but I'm grateful for them. The only way I can learn to become the person I would like to be is to just live it. 
4) I'm glad I have supportive friends who are patient, forgiving, and loving with me as I make these changes.
5) I'm finally learning how to react to guys in a normal way. (I've dated so many manipulative guys that it's still hard for me to know what to do or say.)

happiness quote: “Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” ― Mother Teresa

Happy Day!

1) Today started out poorly but turned around quite quickly. :D
2) My classes went REALLY well.
3) I got to help with the kitchen replacement we did for maman.
4) My maman cried when she saw what we had done (replaced the countertops, lights, and took off the remaining wallpaper. We also replaced the light switches. It looks amazing in there).
5) I get to see some really good friends tomorrow and I'm so excited about that!
6) I got to spend some time with my nieces and nephews. :)

happiness quote: “Joy came always after pain.” ― Guillaume Apollinaire

Wednesday the 12th

1) I was told, to my face, "You are so beautiful."
2) I went to ice cream with a good friend.
3) I did a lot more push-ups than I thought I could!
4) The pink in my hair is fading but it's becoming this really cool strawberry blonde. (Since I was a kid I've always wanted to be a strawberry blonde.)
5) I'm feeling SO awesome. It's amazing what an unsolicited compliment will do for your night. 

happiness quote: “Everybody has something, that one thing they must do to feel happy. I think this is yours, and I want you to be happy. You don’t have to do it, but it’s here if you choose to come back to it.” ― Ilona Andrews, Magic Bleeds

Happy Papa's birthday! (and Veteran's Day)

1) I got to wish my Papa a happy birthday this morning. :) He's such an amazing father - I'm very blessed to have him. :)
2) I got to help my parents paint their kitchen. 
3) I was in a little bit of emotional distress today but managed not to cry in class! (It was close so I'm glad that I didn't.)
4) My jhs kids all wrote 10 sentences in French today. :D
5) I got to watch some Bones today. 

happiness quote: “Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.” ― Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy

A workday :/

1) I planned my entire next week for all my classes. -- It was hard to work all day BUT I'm ready for next week!
2) All my lessons are also entered into the grading system.
3) I got to play some guitar.
4) I have a new HARD song and I put in a ton of practice and it's coming along. :D
5) I got to spend time with family today (well, I worked on planning but I did it in the room where everyone else was)!

happiness quote: “[I]t is well to have as many holds upon happiness as possible.” ― Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

Made it to the weekend again!

1) I managed to teach and not show movies (like I felt like doing, lol)! 
2) I kicked up my amount of cardio and felt pretty awesome when I left the gym.
3) I burned a TON of calories. ^
4) I got to spend time with my parents; that was really lovely.
5)  We watched Edge of Tomorrow and I liked it a lot. :)

happiness quote: “Some day you will find out that there is far more happiness in another's happiness than in your own.” ― Honoré de Balzac, Père Goriot

Some crazy pics from this week (apparently there was some news happening but I didn't see it): 

And my new pink hair!!

  

Almost Friday again!

1) Because I haven't been feeling well I was worried about my lessons (especially my sixth graders), but everything went well. :) 
2) I got a Death Cab For Cutie song from my guitar teacher today!!! 
3) I practicing more and more each day (I spent over two hours the other day)! It's nice to have something on which to focus and an area in which I'm seeing practice paying off.
4) I was slap happy a lot of today as I didn't sleep as well as expected last night but it's been fun!
5) I might be teaching seminary instead of sixth graders next semester. That would be awesome!!!

I will sleep well tonight!

1) I have been hearing from my students that their parents really liked me. :) (At PT Conferences.) 
2) My workout went very well and I think I'm going to up my cardio time. 
3) I am getting my grading done through the week and that's helping me to feel more optimistic about my weekend.
4) I think I'm going to sleep well tonight! I've been nearly passing out all day so I am looking forward to sleeping soundly. 
5) A kid in my mentor group told me that mentor group time is his favorite class. A few others chimed in after that. That made me feel pretty great. :) 

happiness quote: “A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” ― Hugh Downs

Temple day!

1) I'm so glad I was able to go to the temple today. It was very peaceful.
2) I ran into someone I knew. That was cool. ^
3) I told Sharon (the middle school director) about the dream I had in which she featured. She thought it was pretty funny.
4) I wasn't told my pink hair is unacceptable in the faculty meeting. :D
5) My junior high kids were really good today and I'm glad as I didn't feel well.

happiness quote: “The way I define happiness is being the creator of your experience, choosing to take pleasure in what you have, right now, regardless of the circumstances, while being the best you that you can be.” ― Leo Babauta

Moving forward

1) My Spanish lessons went really well. 
2) I am getting sick so I'm glad I have this weekend open (well nothing on Saturday scheduled but lesson planning).
3) My students really liked my pink hair. :D
4) I got to watch some episodes of a show that made me laugh. That was nice.
5) I played my guitar with the songs (along with the original) and I can play up to speed in almost song! :D
6) I finally got my car registered! Whew. 

happiness quote: “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise grows it under his feet.” ― James Oppenheim

Simone's birthday!

1) It was great to spend time with Simone on her birthday. 
2) I got to talk to a really good friend for most of the day (through text). 
3) We had a great lesson on prayer in RS.
4) I got to listen to my dad and brothers sing.
5) We had an awesome dinner (homemade eggrolls) and dessert (cheesecake from scratch). 
6) My niece loves spending time with me. <3

happiness quotes: “The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It's more selfless to act happy. It takes energy, generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his feelings or tries to keep his spirits high. He seems self-sufficient; he becomes a cushion for others. And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no credit.” ― Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

November already!? (the first)

1) I got to watch another scary movie with Abbey and Tara (I watched two with them Halloween night).
2) Abbey and I got to go to a really fun Halloween party my friend threw.
3) I sang a duet with a stranger there and he asked to sing another with me afterwards!
4) It rained!
5) Abbey and I sang a duet as well (karaoke). 

happiness quote: “The victim mindset dilutes the human potential. By not accepting personal responsibility for our circumstances, we greatly reduce our power to change them.” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

Last week of October

It was obviously crazy as I didn't have time to post. Some highlights:

1) I got to teach Halloween lessons!
2) My sister colored my hair (it's now pink on the ends)!
3) I got to go to a haunted house.
4) I got a refill on my ambien. (:D)
5) I survived in spite of the craziness.

happiness quote: “Happiness, like unhappiness, is a proactive choice.” ― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

PT Conferences

1) The day went much faster than expected. 
2) I brought my guitar and even got time to play it.
3) 31/46 parents came to see me (this is high school conferences only)!
4) One woman FLIPPED OUT at me in Spanish. She told me my accent was ugly and uneducated and the worst one out there. (lol riiiiight) The ironic thing is that she said Spain was the only accent that should be taught (I wonder from which country she is) and the Argentine accent comes from a region in Spain. LOL Do your research and stop being so ethnocentric. Thanks for the laugh woman.
5) They bought us "lunch!" (I say "lunch" because it was served at 1600. That feels like an early dinner to me.) It was yummy!

happiness quote: “Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.” ― Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy

The Sabbath

First I have a funny story from a couple days ago. Hopefully this is an ok place to put it. So my brother in law (who JUST joined the family -officially- a week or so ago) walked into my room and picked up my Lunette. My sister wails and puts her face in her hands and then starts laughing. I sputter a little, "I uh... Emmett I don't care if you hold that but you don't even know what it is!" "What is it?" "It's my Lunette." "What's that?" (I explain - I put the link about for you.) There was a beat and he followed with, "No, I'm not embarrassed." "Suuuure. You just blindly picked up something that's been in my vagina!" LOL (Sorry if the story embarrassed you. I thought it was hilarious.)

1) I got to see Jenelle and Kale!
2) I got some good pictures of the family together. :)
3) Dinner was homemade Café Río salads - yum!
4) I have plans for Halloween now. :)
5) Even though it was a hard lesson, I learned about the true character of someone close to me. I'm glad to know the type of person they are. That frees me from being hurt over their ridiculous nature. 

happiness quote: (lol) “I think, that if the world were a bit more like ComicCon, it would be a better place.” ― Matt Smith

Saturday

1) I saw a bunch of family I haven't seen in a while. That was awesome!
2) My sister and her husband had a great reception here.
3) I got to spend some time with my best friend.
4) The charger I had to buy yesterday works great!
5) I got some new vitamins and I'm excited to try them. :) 

happiness quote: “Come clean with a child heart
Laugh as peaches in the summer wind
Let rain on a house roof be a song
Let the writing on your face
be a smell of apple orchards on late June.”
― Carl Sandburg, Honey and Salt

Friday

1) I had a student come in to see me for my after-school hours. 
2) I had a ton of energy for my workout.
3) I finished the majority of my grading!
4) I finished all my handwritten Midterm reports (I had to hand write them. I didn't choose to do so). 
5) I get to see a bunch of family tomorrow. 

happiness quote: “Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.”
― Mark Strand, Selected Poems

Back to guitar

1) I forgot to include this video forever ago - a few seconds of a staff meeting we had last month. This is how we roll at my school:

2) It was great to have guitar again! (Missed it last week for being out of town.)
3) I had a yummy treat when I got home from school (cocoa, peanut butter, a little powdered sugar). 
4) I was blessed with ideas for my last lesson (came up with a game on the spot). 
5) Today was awesome even though I got very little sleep. :)

happiness quote: “If you've got nothing to dance about, find a reason to sing.” ― Melody Carstairs

Funny students

1) One of my students wrote on his test, "Yo soy muy, muy, muy guapo." Later he wrote, "Soy hermoso." I think he has a very healthy self image. 
2) Another student when supposed to write, "Yulia es atrevida" (Yulia is daring/adventurous), wrote, "Yulia es loco [sic]." LOL There was a picture of a girl white water rafting down a hill at a 45° angle... he's not wrong! ;)
3) I got all my tests corrected (they're not all yet entered into the grading system... still!). 
4) My workout today was great. I upped my sets. w00t!
5) I made a new friend! 

happiness quote: (opposition in all things!) “Hurt is a part of life. To be honest, I think hurt is a part of happiness, that our definition of happiness has gotten very narrow lately, very nervous, a little afraid of this brawling, fabulous, unpredictable world.” ― Julian Gough, Juno & Juliet

Back with a bang!

1) I'm finally starting to see the positive of our new grading system. Though it takes a lot longer to grade, I don't have to tell kids they "failed," but that their mastery is only halfway there. That was much nicer than typing in points that would end up in an "F."
2) My jhs kids were pretty great today. It's nice when they settle down and listen. 
3) I went to a great Deaf event this evening. 
4) None of my students made it, BUT I was able to sign with this adorable little 80 year old Deaf man. :D
5) I was able to see Anna (a Deaf friend) there as well and catch up a little. 

happiness quote: “Happiness is not a life without pain, but rather a life in which the pain is traded for a worthy price.” ― Orson Scott Card, Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus

Amby, Amby.. wherefore art thou Amby?

California Trip

This post (and finishing the last one) is on my to-do list and I hope to get to them tomorrow, sorry! But hey, another ambien video as a reward for your patience is coming! I hope you speak French.

1) The trip was excellent and the Oakland temple is GORGEOUS.
2) I'm so glad I was able to be there for my sister (even if I had to cry because I was sad for me).
3) I was able to help out with the reception.
4) My sister is happy and I love it when my siblings are happy. :) (Ok my family in general)
5) We were closer to home when we started the trip back so we were in the car less time. We even had a few adventures: Nadia was pulled over for driving too close to us, and Angèle and Emmett ran out of gas four hours into their journey back! But we all made it home safely. 

happiness quote: (I think there's more than this.. but) “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

About to embarck

Sorry I will need to write this later - but off to CA in the morning. :) Wish us all luck! 

1) The trip actually went by really quickly. 
2) I was helpful to my parents. :) I sat in the back seat and passed them foods and then chatted with them.
3) I was able to work on the Emotion Code.
4) Oakland is gorgeous! All the trees... the hills... :) 
5) It was SO nice to be in CA again (in spite of the humidity). 

happiness quote: “As I focus on diligent joy, I also keep remembering a simple idea my friend Darcey told me once -- that all the sorrow and trouble of this world is caused by unhappy people. Not only in the big global Hitler-'n'-Stalin picture, but also on the smallest personal level. Even in my own life, I can see exactly where my episodes of unhappiness have brought suffering or distress or (at the very least) inconvenience to those around me. The search for contentment is, therefore, not merely a self-preserving and self-benefiting act, but also a generous gift to the world. Clearing out all your misery gets you out of the way. You cease being an obstacle, not only to yourself but to anyone else. Only then are you free to serve and enjoy other people.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Delta pulls its head out (for once)

1) First a short version of the title story: Delta says online that their flight is delayed. Thus my sister, who is flying out for her OWN wedding, delays her arrival to the airport accordingly. She and her maid of honor arrive, they check in, and they go to the gate ON THEIR BOARDING PASS. Well, it turns out their flight is not leaving from that gate and they missed it and it's, according to Delta, all THEIR fault. I called CS on their behalf and it got me a woman who nominally pretended to help. She kept reiterating how it was my fault (acting on behalf of my sister) that I missed my flight. Riiiiigggghhht. In any case, her "generous" offer was to waive the $200 change of day fee and put the fare already paid toward another flight. I could pay either $390, $490, or $143.10 (all per person) and the latter put me in San Jose rather than Oakland so I (she) would have had to catch a taxi to a town 30 miles away! Well, a really good friend of the family is a Delta pilot. My dad called him and asked him to help. In the meantime another guy had ALSO missed his flight because Delta can't get their crap together. Those things combined made Delta FINALLY realize, "Oh wait, maybe this IS our fault." So they were able to get the man and my sister's maid of honor on a flight tonight and my sister in the morning. Whew! Happy ending! (Other than for my parents who now are going to make FOUR trips up and back from the airport today and tomorrow.)
2) Tomorrow is my Friday! (Last day of school for the week)
3) I was able to plan my French test and get it put together for next Tuesday.
4) My stomach is feeling better (it's been giving me trouble the past week and a half).
5) My brother, who is a very sweet boy, thanked me for calling Delta on my sister's behalf. It wasn't necessary for him to say anything and I just wanted to help, but I appreciated him saying something. (It's nice to have people recognize your efforts sometimes.)

happiness quote: “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” ― Martha Washington

Still illness free!

1) I pyramided my biceps and back today! Wahoo! 
2) I have felt at the end of my rope but my lessons went well. (whew)
3) I got to spend time with a friend.
4) I, sadly, got my latest ambien video deleted - but I can tell you that it was hilarious! I was going on about how you (I'm assuming I was talking to my students - using "ustedes") need colored pencils -- all in Spanish. It was pretty goofy. :) 
5) My favorite game on my phone now has Halloween levels! It's a small thing but Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love it! :) 

happiness quote: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.” ― Joseph Smith Jr.

Illness is upon us!

1) Everyone is coming down with strep but I don't have it! - Whew!
2) My maman helped me email my principal and speak my mind a little bit about next year. 
3) I got a nap! I don't remember the last time I napped. :D
4) I was able to go to church with my family. It was nice to sit with them.
5) I got to play some guitar. 

happiness quote: “Happiness does not come from without, it comes from within” ― Helen Keller

Wahoo! So far, so good.

1) The morning started out wonderfully with an endowment session with Simone. We're now all endowed except for J.T.!
2) It was fun and nice to sit with my sisters in the temple. 
3) Anjo's bridal shower was fun too. I even played the character game! 
4) It was nice to catch up with some neighbors.
5) I then got to go to Shannon's house warming party :D

happiness quote: “If you've got nothing to dance about, find a reason to sing.” ― Melody Carstairs

Another week gone...

1) I got to make empanadas with my Spanish 2 class. It was really fun!
2) I was told again that my class is the favorite!
3) I got an email from a parent (nice to have them reach out to me - and their kid is great so it was nice to be able to communicate that).
4) I am participating in a school activity this evening (and totally stoked about it). 
5) I am seriously so blessed. - My papa helped me put air in my tires this morning. Who else has a dad who would help them with that? Who would already be up early, who would be willing to help, who has an air compressor.. My papa is the best! :) (And my maman too!)

happiness quote: “With my eyes closed, I would touch a familiar book and draw its fragrance deep inside me. This was enough to make me happy. ” ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

(hey! A fellow book-sniffer!)

Working on flourishing

1) I felt pretty icky today but worked through it. I forgot a bunch of stuff, but I was blessed to come up with different ideas on the spot. :)
2) I am excited to make empanadas with my class tomorrow.
3) I made the empanada dough today (did a lot of the prep). 
4) Guitar was awesome (as usual).
5) Things are falling into place very nicely. Everything isn't perfect - not even close - but I am very happy with where things are going in my life. 

happiness quote: “[F]or just one second, look at your life and see how perfect it is. Stop looking for the next secret door that is going to lead you to your real life. Stop waiting. This is it: there's nothing else. It's here, and you'd better decide to enjoy it or you're going to be miserable wherever you go, for the rest of your life, forever.” ― Lev Grossman, The Magicians

Survival!

1) I am very sick, BUT, I went to the gym. (I almost passed out even though I didn't hit it hard like usual, but I'm glad that I got my workout in.)
2) I was able to watch my new movie (Kick @$$ edited), and I enjoyed it.
3) I survived all my lessons.
4) I can see the improvement of many of my students and that is exciting to me.
5) Though my plans for the evening didn't pan out, I was able to watch a movie (2) and have my favorite food for dinner! :D
6) I got some good sleep last night!

happiness quote: “Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.” ― Aeschylus

Tuesday the 7th

1) I got to be there for Josh being set apart as a full time missionary.
2) I was asked to say the closing prayer. 
3) I went to the temple.
4) I got to talk to my maman.
5) I forgot an expensive electronic at the school. When I realized I rushed back, praying it would be there, and it was! :)
6) I was able to plan and get ahead in more of my classes.

happiness quote: “Sometimes we must undergo hardships, breakups, and narcissistic wounds, which shatter the flattering image that we had of ourselves, in order to discover two truths: that we are not who we thought we were; and that the loss of a cherished pleasure is not necessarily the loss of true happiness and well-being. (109)”― Jean-Yves Leloup, Compassion and Meditation: The Spiritual Dynamic between Buddhism and Christianity