Operation: KILL THE PENNY!

http://www.wvi.com/~coinguy/coins.jpg

I would just like to preface this blog by explaining how much I never want to see coins again. I knew there was a reason I have a Debit card. This past week, my leadership team presented the annual Change for Children fundraiser. For those who are unfamiliar with this fundraiser, it is through the Granite Education Foundation and helps kids within our own school district receive eyeglasses, books, dental work, etc. A very worthy cause, right?

Okay, so we decided to have a "POD WAR". Our school is divided into pods. The English, Social Studies, and Foreign Language classes are together while the Math and Science classes are in another. Our downstairs pod includes the TLC classes, Music, Drama, etc. For a whole week, we collected money through 5th period. We then had to count the money and then roll it. Those people who think it great to put in several dollars all in pennies are now on my "I'm going to hurt you!" list! It took me several hours to count every bag full of money and if I ever see a coin again...

I now understand what accountants and secretaries go through. I have to give kudos to the students though. By the end of the week, we raised over $2200! I am just glad it's all over. If you want to give me money, either write me a check or give me cash. Any one want to give me money?

Pay It Forward

I am kind of doing this as a tag from my cousin-in-law and friend, Ashley. I remember seeing the movie "Pay It Forward" (which made me cry) and I have thought of this saying ever since. I'm going to try to think of more ways to "pay it forward" instead of focusing all on me. Anyone who would like to participate, feel free to consider this a tag. Write a comment on my blog and describe what you think it means to "Pay It Forward". I love hearing everyone's ideas. By the way, YOU'RE IT!

To Gym Or Not To Gym

So I have been having a great quandary about whether or not to join a gym and which one should I join if I decide to join. I have been pondering this for several weeks and I've decided I need to make a decision. This comes after getting my blood test results back in an envelope which also included a whole long packet on atherosclerosis. Don't worry everyone, my cholesterol is just higher than it should be. I have been worrying about staying healthy and trying to eat right, but I haven't followed through so it's about time I did something about it.

So here is what I need you all to do:

Please tell me whether or not a gym is the way to go and which gym you would recommend if I choose one. I know gyms cost money, but my thought is that if I pay for it, I might actually use it. It kind of goes back to college where if I'm paying for it, I'd better do well. I would also like any suggestions on how to eat healthier and what you do to stay healthy. If you could leave me your comments and thoughts about this on my blog, I would really appreciate it. I think I need some major motivation.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Tragedy of a Sunday School Scene!

More of a TRAVESTY, really. I came to church this afternoon, expecting just a normal, every day hunger-because-it's-Fast Sunday meeting when the bomb dropped. KRISTIN GOT RELEASED FROM BEING MY TEAM TEACHER IN SUNDAY SCHOOL!

We all need a moment to pause and be silent...

Okay that's enough. Does the Bishopric know what they are doing to me?! At Tithing Settlement in December, I thought I made it clear that if one of us goes, we both go. I also reiterated that to Brother Owens. When I saw the Bishop in Relief Society (where we have a new presidency), I gave him certain signals that basically told him that what they did was a no-no. He told me I needed to talk to the Man upstairs and believe me...

THERE WILL BE MIGHTY PRAYER!

Kristin and I are both teachers and so we get kids pretty much all the time. I feel my patience with those of this age growing thin, but I still love them to death. However, I am being abandoned and I will take this matter into my own hands if I have to! :) I do not blame Kristin in the least. She even told me that she told the Bishopric I would not be happy. She was right! She does, however, get to be in Cub Scouts which should be interesting. She offered me a position, but I feel at this time that I must decline.

We had better have a GNO very, very soon!!!

Contemplations

So here I am, sitting at my computer and listening to my iPod (which I'm just learning how to use). I don't really have anything important to say, but I felt like blogging. Don't you ever just feel that way?

I had the opportunity to go to the Draper Temple Open House last night and I loved it! I really like the colors and am just amazed at the beauty of it! I attended with my Mom and my sisters Kerry and Amy. Despite how cold it was outside, the trip was worth it. I am going to try to make a goal to attend the temple more often. I've been a slacker lately.

Work has been exhausting. It's the weirdest thing, but since the new semester started two weeks ago, I have been coming home ready to drop. I don't have to take any more extra classes because I finished my endorsement, but I feel more worn out than when I did take the classes. Any ideas how to cure this exhaustion (besides going to bed earlier)? Also, I am looking for some ideas on how to teach Europe (even though I'm smack dab in the middle of it right now). Feel free to make a comment on my blog or email me with any suggestions!

So anyone have anything exciting to share? Jaqui, are you still out there somewhere? I haven't heard from you for awhile. Wow, I will try to come up with more interesting things to say. I promise! Maybe even tonight!

In Memoriam

As many of you know, I have been without my computer for several weeks. During that time (which mostly took place during Christmas Break), my grandma, Marie Blacker Green passed away. She had been very ill with various painful conditions for the last several months. In the end, she was in so much pain that it was actually a blessing for her to leave her Earthly life and end her suffering.

I will miss her very much. She was always the kindest person and, as was stated at her funeral, even though she was in so much pain, she always wanted to know what she could do for someone else. I never once heard her complain her whole life. She was a great cook and I remember her making cookies and rolls whenever I'd come to visit. I can't imagine she would have any enemies because she had such a kind heart. She was the epitome of Christlike love in my eyes and I can only hope I can be just like her.

I LOVE YOU GRANDMA!

Grandpa, Aunt Donna, Me, Grandma 1977

Here is the obituary that ran in the Burley/Twin Falls area newspaper (it may be hard to read):

I'm Back!

Short message, but sweet. My computer is all better now!!! I can blog again!