Sacrifice

Today I gave a Relief Society lesson on the topic of Sacrifice. I admit that I didn't spend much time on the preparation of the lesson, but hearing the comments of the Relief Society, it made me appreciate the Lord's sacrifice for us even more than I usually do. I began my lesson by showing the above picture called "The Praying Hands" by Albrecht Dürer. He and a friend struggled together to achieve fame and fortune. At a time when they were really struggling, Dürer's friend chose other work to help them survive. As the years wore on, his hands became calloused and lost their ability to do craftsmen type work. He worked this way until Dürer became successful. Dürer became inspired by his friend's hands clasped in prayer and painted this picture. I have decided that I am going to frame the picture I showed the Relief Society to remind me how I need to be more willing to sacrifice to help others. Click on the following link to read a poem by Helen Steiner Rice inspired by this painting: http://mrmom.amaonline.com/prayinghands.htm

Halftime Entertainment

Last Saturday (January 28th), my friend Tara and I were chosen to be part of the enterainment at the Utah Grizzlies game. We were blindfolded and taken to the center of the ice. Once there, we were told to play the "Hot and Cold" game with the audience. We had to find a blue circle by asking the audience to give us directions. We had one minute in which to do this. I went first and found my blue circle in the fastest time. We were guaranteed prizes, but the people who were supposed to bring us the prizes never delivered. Oh well, I guess it was just a good experience! The picture aboves shows the Grizzlies mascot leading me to where I needed to start (so you can't see me). Tara is in the bright blue shirt.

Reasons To Like Your Job

You know, everyone complains about their job. There's always something about it that makes us all fall into despair. This is true even if your job is your chosen profession. It's hard to get up early and deal with the day-to-day feelings of possible drudgery. Maybe you don't like working with some of the people you are around. Maybe the money isn't the best and you just feel like you can't make it work. More than likely, you just wish there was an easier way to make ends meet. Then something like this happens:


Two of my 9th grade students had written these as part of their Teen Living class. I found them in my box about two weeks ago and they totally made my day! These remind me why I went into teaching and why it's worth all the stress and hours of extra time and no pay.

A New Year

Wow. A whole week of 2011. I'd like to say that it has been eventful, but it hasn't. That's not a bad thing, really! I've become a bit more organized so I have made sure that besides doing school things, I am focusing on doing something for myself. I have set aside time each night before I go to bed to read chapters out of books I enjoy instead of ones I have to read for work. So far, it's working pretty great! I'm reading the "Fablehaven" series right now. I started the first book on December 31st and I am now more than halfway through the 3rd book! After reading Little Dorrit, I needed to read something a little more light. I'm loving them!

This next week is the end of 2nd quarter at school which is also the end of the 1st semester. I only have to teach 4 out of the 5 days and I get to be at school for only half the day on Friday. I'm actually pretty happy it's coming to an end. It's time to start anew with my students. I'll be getting some new students due to the semester change, and I'll be losing some students as well. There are a few students I won't miss, I can tell you that. I don't know most of the ones coming in so I'm sure I'll have some challenges as well. It should be a nice change though!

Auld Lang Syne

As the year 2010 draws to a close, I thought it would be a good idea to post something. This has been an interesting year in many ways, but the funny thing is that I couldn't really tell you in what ways. Most of the excitement has come towards the end of the year with my sister getting engaged and my Dad getting married. It has been one of stress, one of relaxation, and one of new adventures.

I am hoping that as the year 2011 begins, I will be able to look forward at life with a positive attitude. One of the things I'm hoping to do is to be more organized both at home and at work. I want to be able to have a life outside of work and to manage my time more wisely. I am also hoping to re-lose the pounds I gained when I became weak and succumbed to my chocolate addiction.

Call these resolutions if you will. I will distinguish them as goals. I hope to be able to make my life and those of others a more positive experience. Have a wonderful end of 2010!

So It Begins...

Well, apparently I'm no good at blogging every day. It was worth a try. This has been one of the busiest months I've ever experienced! My leadership team at school survived Red Ribbon Week, I made a quick trip to Idaho to get a table and chairs, and my Dad got married last weekend. Thank goodness for Thanksgiving weekend. I get extra days off which makes for a nice long weekend, and I was able to spend time with family. Now I have the opportunity to start feeling stressed for the Christmas season like I do every year. I am going to go crazy. I just hope I can get everything all figured out. Otherwise, I may blow!

Thankfulness Catch-Up

Apparently I am no good at this blogging every day. I've had quite a week. I thought I would do a catch-up of things I'm thankful for so let's see if I can remember every day this past week:

• Monday: I am thankful for the job that I have. Even though my students drive me crazy, I have the opportunity to provide for myself. With these hard times, every little bit helps.
• Tuesday: I am thankful for my Personal Trainer, Danny. He not only helps me to become more healthy (with more success on some days), but he actually cares about what is going on in my life and helps me to set goals. HE IS AWESOME!
• Wednesday: I am thankful for the time I have to try to get everything done, both at school and home. It doesn't seem like I have a lot of extra time to get everything accomplished lately, but every little bit has helped.
• Thursday: I am thankful for my Leadership Team at school. These are some of the most responsible people at school and I could not get half the projects done without them. They work so hard and are so dedicated.
• Friday: I am thankful for automobiles that can take us to far places. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to travel to Idaho and not have a car. The pioneers really had it bad. Thank goodness I live in a society with faster transportation.
• Saturday: I am so thankful for the help my family was in getting things out of the U-Haul and into my condo and Kerry's room. They didn't have to, but they did it.

And finally, here is today's: I am so thankful for getting an extra hour to sleep this morning. As much as I don't like it getting dark earlier in the winter, I really needed a bit more sleep this morning. I only hope it will help me focus more in church today.

Okay-hopefully that takes care of it for the week. I will try to remember to get on this tomorrow and blog my thankfulness!