Cap

So if you all couldn't tell I'm sort of addicted to this whole blogging thing. In the past I've been really bad about keeping a journal, so having a blog is definitely helping me do a better job of keeping track of the events going on in my life and remembering all of the many wonderful blessings I have received. Committing myself to writing about a special person in my life as often as I can has given me such a new perspective on how precious the relationships we form truly are. Everyday as I think about who I am going to write about next, I cannot help but feel my head swell with the names of so many wonderful people and images of ways they have each touched my life. I'm so grateful to have been blessed in abundance with so many wonderful friends and family members.

Having said all of that it is time to reveal the next person I would like to wish Merry Christmas to and thank for being such a wonderful example to me in my life, Cap! I met Cap probably about 5 years ago (man, time flies). If I remember right we probably didn't say that much to each other as Cap was often pretty quite and I had a tendency to hang back when meeting new people for the first time. For the most part I would say our relationship would be characterized by not a whole lot of talking. That's why I was so shocked when few years ago when Cap was a freshmen in college he had to write a paper about a person he knew was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was so honored when he got a hold of me and asked if he could write it about me. I then did my best to recount my story. It was so touching to then be able to receive a copy of that paper. To have someone take such a genuine interest in you enough to write a paper about you is definitely one of those true honors you never forget. Cap later honored me again by calling me first when he got his mission call to Auckland, New Zealand. He hadn't even told his parents yet. Again Cap blew me away by honoring me with the chance to hear where he was going. I think that's why Cap is so awesome. He just makes you feel special. He has no special agenda of his own. He doesn't do things because he is looking out for himself. He just has a sweet, unassuming way about him to put others first. Cap recently got back from his mission and we had a brief moment to talk not long after he got back. He talked about how much he has grown, how he recognizes how shy he was in the past and how great it has been to come out of his shell, and how much he looks up to great leaders in his life. I think all of these things characterize what I'm trying to say about Cap, which is basically Cap is awesome and I've been blessed to have such a wonderful friend in my life. I know Cap will always be one of those sturdy friends I can always count on. He is just one of those types of people you can call anytime and he'd listen. I have a feeling Cap is destined for really great things as a leader. The people who have been great leaders in my life have been the ones who make you feel special and then are so humble enough to lead by a quiet example. Yep, Cap definitely has the makings of a great leader. Oh and by the way, that boy can write and act. My roommates and I are very impressed by his acting ability as Bert Jones in Ghetto Eskimo Again. We're looking forward to what him and Matt come up with for Ghetto Eskimo Continues (Both him and Matt will be so happy I just put a plug in for their movie). Merry Christmas, Cap! I cannot wait to see you in a few short days!

BVE to LJE

I officially know where I'll be student teaching in the Spring...Las Juntas Elementary in Martinez, CA. I'll be working in a 1st/2nd combination class. From what I have observed and have been told the class definitely is not an easy one, but I have been very impressed by the teacher, Mrs. Ruth Bumala. I'm really looking forward to the opportunities I am going to have to learn from her and to gain experience of my own. Since the class is quite difficult to manage becaue of behavioral issues, I'll be taking over one grade quite often on my own. It will be kind of like having my own mini-classroom. At this point, I'm just nervous about being overwhelmed with a lot of responsibilities and not having time to meet them all, but I'm so excited to get into the classroom. I love teaching! I definitely chose the right profession for me!
But before I can move on to Las Juntas Elementary I'll have to part from my fourth graders in Mrs. Judy Zenoni's class at Burton Valley Elementary. I'm going to have such a hard time saying goodbye to all of them. Lately, the kids have been asking when I'm going to leave and if I am going to be able to come back someday to be an actual teacher in their school. There is an empty classroom next to ours; the students often say that next year I can just have that one :) Oh how I wish! I've absolutely loved working at Burton Valley Elementary. I am so grateful I had the great fortune of meeting Judy over a year ago. Shadowing her has totally transformed my teaching. I often tell Judy that I will be calling her for years to come saying, "Judy, I need your help!!!" Then there's those lovable fourth graders. Sure we all have our ups and downs, but I've been so impressed by the growth they have made in just a few short months. I'll always remember them as my very first class!

Micaela

In no particular order I am revealing the next person I wish to showcase and wish a Merry Christmas to, MICAELA! How did I live the first 21 years of my life without knowing Micaela? I can talk for hours with her. What what (shrug shoulders back and forth while saying it) - this is just one of her signature sayings. There is too many more to name. Like how she comes up with nicknames for her friends. I'm Care Bear, Ang is Ang Panj, and Ash is Ash Can. I even find it awesome of her to give Matt the nickname of MDawg because she likes him so much. Having her approval of my boyfriend means a lot, as she will often to let you know she is always looking out for the best interest of her friends. These are just cute names, but the fact she takes the time to call us by those shows how much she cares. There needs to be a special nickname for her to emphasize how much fun she is. I crack up all the time around this girl. Like when she sends me random messages saying, "Care Bear! I'm already in my pjs". Such randomness is what makes the world go around.
The first time I met Micaela I was sitting in SFO in the international terminal waiting to fly to Australia for a whole month. Angela and I were anticipating the long flight ahead. As we speculated about what our experience was going to be like, two bright shining faces came towards us or maybe, if I remember right, they were probably actually arguing like a married couple as they always do. Little did I know these lovely ladies, Kristine and Micaela, would become our greatest friends on the trip.
Micaela seems to have no shortage of energy or love. Her love extends not only to her friends but also to the sweetest marsipual in the animal kingdom, the koala. I cannot tell you how excited I get when Micaela comes over. I am so grateful Ang has been so good about making sure Micaela comes to see us. I could talk to Micaela for hours. Sometimes I get my daily dose of gossip from her, other times she just cracks me up with stories, but one of my sweetest memories was a heart-to-heart her and I had not long after we got back from Australia. I don't even know if she remembers it, I admit I don't even remember everything we talked about, but what I do remember was how comfortable I felt around her. When we were in Australia Micaela and I could finish each others thoughts so she kept saying, "Siemon" I really don't know how to spell that but it means in English, "We understand each other." This lends well to the career I know she will one day thrive at. She just graduated with me in May from Saint Mary's. Right now she is living here in Moraga and working (Yeah! That she is still around). Someday she hopes to have her own practice as a therapist. She is going to be fabulous. A great sense of humor, an amazing ability to listen, and a huge caring heart will make her a great success at anything she does. That is why I love her so much! Merry Christmas, Micaela!

Relief Society

This morning I taught a lesson in Relief Society on the history of Relief Society. For those of you who may not know Relief Society is the women's organization that is a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nearly four years ago when I joined the church I became a part of this organization and I have been grateful for my association with it ever since. While teaching my lesson this morning I was absolutely touched to look out at the young women, all roughly my age. We are all here together struggling to balance chaotic schedules and committments; yet, every Sunday we all find take time to reflect on the mission of Relief Society: "Charity Never Faileth." How wonderful it is that so many intelligent, driven women would give up one hour of their morning to be uplifted and taught of how they may give of their time to stregthening others. As I gave the ladies chances to talk about their visions of Relief Society I felt with complete conviction how inspired this organization truly is.

Janice

Last night Ashley threw a party at our house. At one point, between sips of apple cider, munches on Christmas cookies, and good laughs amongst girlfriends, we all started talking about the chaos that can encompass the Christmas season. Just thinking about the crowds at the malls made my head spin. Shopping for gifts can sometimes be disheartening as I feel so overwhelmed by school and other activities that I just can't find the time to spend on picking out the "perfect" gifts for the many wonderful people in my life. As I started this blog this morning, I thought about what I could do to show each of those special people in my life what they really mean to me that a gift can just not express. I've decided to write a little something about each of these people everyday, in no particular order, so they may know how special they really are. Merry Christmas!
I'm going to begin with my sister Janice. Where do I begin to talk about Janice? My dear little sister and a little cowgirl you don't mess with. As soon as you meet Janice you just love her for her crazy sense of humor. You give her a hard time and she'll have a quick one liner to give right back to you. I'm so proud of my sister for her toughness. I'm sure growing up with me as a big sister wasn't always easy. I can remember one time sitting at the table working on something, maybe homework I don't recall, when Janice started chatting away about one of her many stories. She is such a wonderful storyteller and comedian. I though must have been in one of my typical "I'm too consumed with my own thoughts" mood that I gave my routine, "mmmhm, that's nice." I finally woke up from my daydream to hear Janice tell me so no chalantly, "Do you know that 99.9% of the things I say no one hears?" and then just go right along with her story straightfaced, I couldn't help but laugh. Dear Janice she is just too witty for me. She knows how to grab your attention and keep you entertained. That is Janice's charm when everyone else is too preoccupied she reminds you to kick back and have a good laugh. And she is so passionate by the way. Janice and I grew up in 4-H. By the time she reached high school she became devoted to FFA. Since then her passion has been in agriculture. We were all so proud of her when her ambitions led her to become Siskiyou County's Beef Ambassador. From such activities she decided to develop a career around such pursuits. Recently, Janice wrote a beautiful personal narrative about her experiences in the agriculture field and how much it has meant to her in her life. After reading this entry anyone, city slicker or country kid, would develop a newfound respect for agriculture and the committed people who contribute to its success.
I love my sister so dearly! Merry Christmas, Janice! I look forward to the days we have dreamed of sharing together - being each others' maid-0f-honor at our own weddings, raising children together, planning special events for our parents, and reminiscing about the memories of yester-year - dance recitals, Barbie dolls, and late night talks. I love you!

Lost

Early last month Matt and I took a couple days off from school and work to spend some time in Washington visiting Matt's brother's family. Admiring Jason & Rachel's (Matt's brother and sister-in-law) movie collection, I noticed they had the first three seasons of Lost.
About two years ago I started watching the show Lost on ABC with Tony and Laura Peers. They had rented the visit two seasons. I was hooked. The anticipation building scenarios kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was thrilled when Rachel said I could borrow all three seasons. I started watching them immediately on the car ride home back to California. When I got sick over the Thanksgiving break I watched as many episodes as I could. Now that I'm back in the Bay Area I even have my roommates, Ashley & Angela hooked. Right now Ang, our friend Micaela, and I are rewatching some of Season 1 to get Ang up to speed. By the time we get her caught I will have watched Season 1 three times...I'll know this show frontwards and backwards. I'm only on Season 2 myself. I have a lot of watching to do to get myself caught up for the Season 5 premeire on Jan 21st!!!

one afternoon...

Sometimes Saturday afternoons roll around I get completely distracted from what I should be doing. By this time of day, if I'm not out do something, I may find myself tensing up a bit as I realize how much there is to be done before Sunday can roll around. May way to deal with the pressure - get distracted on the internet, somehow everything you need to do always finds a way to get done. Yet often times, on days like these, I find myself just wanting to be able to fully partake in the world I often miss out in during the week. Therefore, Saturday is my day to see what everyone has been up to - plan get-to-togethers and read up on friends' blogs. As I read through others' blogs I am inspired by how much people have to share. How wonderful it is to have a venue such as this to share our thoughts that otherwise may never be heard, remember events that have shaped our lives, and express our love and appreciation for others. I look forward to the challenge of putting together a collection of thoughts and stories worthy enough to distract you from your everyday concerns.