Recollection

I've been teaching 5 years now. FIVE YEARS. That is crazy. Especially since 5 years ago I didn't think I would be anywhere near here.

Five years ago I was...

• Living in a townhouse. Cute one too. Biggest room upstairs which was really swanky. Loved it.
• Serving as RS President. Huge calling. Especially when the girl from the ghetto apartments in our ward had her abusive boyfriend drive from who-knows-where and beat her up. Yeah, that was interesting.
• Teaching at Springville Jr. First year! Hated it. Hated my students, and had no clue what the heck I was doing. Pretty sure I went several weeks without even seeing the sun. Seriously wanted to QUIT my job every day. The last day in May I vowed I'd never teach again. Guess my word means nothing.
• Driving my brown Honda Accord. I liked that car. Even if it didn't start all the time. And my license was suspended. And Lindsey, bless her heart, would come and pick me up and drive me to school.
• On my 27th roommate. One was from Mexico. One was a dancer. One lived in the basement and tried to get me to apply to the Bachelor. We did. We didn't make it. Good thing!
• Obsessed with 5 Dollar Hot 'n' Ready. And Pipeline. This was after my Costa's obsession. That was a good obsession.
• Crushing on a short boy. And a different taller boy. Both didn't like me. Although the taller boy made it seem like he did. He didn't. The short boy was from Texas. I don't think he even knew I existed. Good thing. All boys liked my roommates. They were Beautiful.
• Went on a "married" date to get free food. (Only married people were invited to the event) The food wasn't that good. We learned about Fire Saftey. It was wierd now that I think about it. That boy is still single. He shouldn't be. He's amazing.
• Went on a lot of walks and talked about another different boy. This one I didn't like. We just talked about how weird he was. We still do.
• Driving to church even though it was 2 blocks away. But 1 of those 2 blocks was a steep hill. And it was snowing. So it was justified.
• Knew a girl 2 doors down who shared my name. Never had that before. Or since. Really liked her.
• Donating Plasma. Still. 20 bones each time. It was worth it. Helped with the entertainment costs of life.
• Watching VHS on a little TV. We were college students. It worked then.

What were YOU doing 5 years ago? Are you where you thought you'd be?

Behind--Catching up

1) We went to Medieval Times for FHE this past week with some of the neatest people on the planet. (Seriously, afterwards both of us just couldn't get over how much we like the Wallaces. How lucky we are to call them friends). It was beyond fun. Highlights include:
-- "Three Waves for Tom" followed by flag waves in unison. Totally unplanned.
-- Eating without utensils. Something about the mug made me feel like a Barbarian. Weird.
-- The horse dances and actual Jousting. How do people get that job? Do they see the show and think, yes, I'd like to do that. Our "serf" had been doing it for TWO YEARS! Wow.

2) Other dear friends the Marcum's visited town Saturday and we got to spend the day in Disneyland with them. Mark took the day off so it was Disney from sun-up to sun-down. And I must say, when Mark and I do Disney, we tend to spend more money then we originally plan. But it is so delicious! And I love it. Highlights from that trip included
-- The Hunt of the Army Man. Such a cute tradition. I must boast, I did find the placement for the newest addition.
-- Delicious Salad bowl and Mexican food.
-- Seeing Fantasmic...twice.
-- Jack Skeleton? Weirdest costume ever.
-- The "hands belt" invention
-- For the record, I totally rocked everyone on Toy Story Mania. I don't think I am even that good, but I do love it.

3) School has been funny today. Discussions include:
-- Why do you scratch your leg?
-- Do you have those clear braces right now? Or is it just a lot of plaque?
-- Are you going to Couples Therapy? (when I told them I had a thing after school that I like to look nice for, which led to a meeting with my husband, which led to couples therapy? Don't ask)
-- "I prayed to my friend to win! And I did! I'm so happy!" (we draw tickets for "free quizzes". You prayed to your friend? really?)

4) I'm insanely busy. I realized last night that I have NO TIME for anything. I don't have time to mail my sisters Only me October package that has been in pieces on my floor since mid August. I haven't talked to my distant friends in weeks. I barely see my husband. All my time is dedicated to school, tutoring, grading, sleeping, church responsibilities, meetings, hosting guests, more school, and an occasional catch up on my favorite shows: Amazing Race, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, ANTM, 18 Kids and Counting, House Hunters, Top Chef, Toddlers & Tiaras, and a few Biographies.

5) I'm beginning to really like the look of the yearbook. Finally. I was uber excited about it in the start, and then I felt like it just wasn't jiving. Recently, I've added some color effects and wa-la: it is looking better. This is very likely my last year doing yearbook becuase I don't have an English Crediental and they can only excuse me so long. That and I may-or-may-not be an employee here at all if we have a move in our future.

I'm pretty sure I ask Mark several times a week when are we going to retire and just enjoy life! I think we've put in our time. No? All in favor of early retirement and a life of luxery and fun say I. (or say nothing--as most of you do since our comments are minimal. Another thought, how do people get 14-24 comments or more per post. Really? I always knew I wasn't the popular girl! This just confirms it :) hahahaha)

Thank You

I'd like to thank the man who was swearing like a sailor at the park today.

While waiting for parent/teacher conferences to start, I usually head over to the local city park and lay out my blanket for some reading and nap time. It is usually quite relaxing. Today, there was a man who was extremely opinionated about the affairs of the country and our president. Kudos to him and having an opinion. I just don't think everyone wanted to hear him. And I'm pretty sure he was talking to himself. The problem wasn't that he had a loud opinion, it was that his language was RIDICULOUS! Seriously, Every. Other. Word! He just sounded stupid. We're talking the BIG four swear words.

As I was trying to enjoy my afternoon nap under the shade of a tree, I finally got tired of listening to his jargon, so sat up to leave. Literally TWO SECONDS after I sat up, a bird pooped on the very pillow which I rested my head. I kid you not! I was SAVED by the swearing.

So thank you Swearing Sailor man and your loud opinion that disrupted my nap under the tree in the beautiful autumn weather. I can now meet all my parents without bird poop!

Our Morning Jog

WE DID IT!!! Life goal #1--check. Done and Done.

Saturday night we decided to stay in Long Beach to save us a few more hours in sleep knowing we had to be up bright and early to get to the starting line. Funny story about our hotel, it wasn't exactly the Quality we were paying for and the first room we were given was a smokers room that was...really bad. So the only upgrade they had was a 2 bedroom suite, complete with kitchenette. Was it really that much better? No, it was just more ghetto in one space. Nice!




Race day came bright and early. We were out the door by 5:30 for a start time of 7:00. Parking wasn't as bad as we thought but the line to the portable potties was terrible! We soon found ourselves in the sea of people stepping onto the starting line. Wave 3--we were off.



Mile after mile, we didn't stop. We both felt that miles 8-12 were the longest. Although the beach was pretty, the path was thin and it just kept going! By mile 10 they had "power balls"--aka donut holes which was a bit funny. When we hit mile 11 both Mark and I picked up our pace just a bit to finish off the race for my dad who would have joined us if he were here. Our shirts defiantly got some comments too. Many in fact. We had them made just for the event with "Team Morrell" on the front and 2 runners. Mark's back said "if you can read this I'm either still running or Dead!!! Please respond accordingly". Mine said "shoes...$, Registration Fee...$$, Completing a Life Goal...Priceless."

We crossed the finish line together; even holding hands! (ah for cute). Malissa met up with us there! Such a great cheer team to congratulate us on our accomplishment.

Pretty sure the rest of the day and all day Monday we were so sore, simply standing up and sitting down was way more work then it was worth. If it wasn't within our reach, we chose to do without.

Team Morrell
13.1 Miles -- 2:22:33

Once Upon a Time...

I use to have time. Time to eat lunch at my desk without feeling guilty that I wasn't catching up on grading or work. Time to sit and watch my TV shows. Time to call my dearest friends and see what is up in their lives. Time to read a book, or sit by the pool, or take a run, or clean my house, or do my laundry.

Once upon a time, I use to sleep plenty at night. And would got to bed after 9; not falling asleep on the couch at 7:30. I use to make it through an entire day at work without feeling the need to sit while lecturing, or sleep between bells.

Once upon a time, life was simpler. I went to work, came home, relaxed, and had a life. I didn't tutor until 4 everyday. I didn't commit 60-80 minutes running. I didn't have mutual nights, or house guests, or basketball games.

So I'm sorry to those that feel I have neglected them. I haven't really. Someday I'll call you, or hang out with you, or see you. Someday. Just not today.

Family

When it comes to in-laws, I'm pretty sure I got the jackpot! How many people can say their sister-in-law calls just to check up on you, and you actually enjoy talking to her. And your brother-in-law thinks to bring you a computer game that is funner then it sounds like its going to be. Mark seems to think they talk to me more then they do to him! I don't think thats true, but I must say, the Morrell's are a fabulous family to be married into.

Sunday was Malissa's birthday. As a surprise, Tom flew in and Mike came down after I practically begged him to. We had dinner at Tortilla Joe's over in downtown Disney and then the next day headed into LA to have an afternoon and dinner at the home of some of Mal's dear friends. Can I just say---I was next door to Casey Affleck, and I'm pretty sure Ben and Jen stopped by since it was Sunday, and I'm pretty sure I was sort of a stalker and peered into their open garage. The home we stayed at was beautiful and historically charming. Built in the 1920's with all the Hollywood history to make my history heart flutter. Wally gave us a marvelous tour with the detailed stories of the old house and the updates and the old owners. It was as magical as an ice cream parlor. (and if you know me, thats a really big deal!) We were fed non stop with delightful cheese and bread and chips and pigs in a blanket and of course a full meal to boot. Such a glamorous birthday hoo-ra-ra! I need friends in Hollywood.

The boys stayed with us. They all bonded with Little Big Planet and Plants vs Zombies.

Of course, spending time with my love is the best spent time of my week. I couldn't be luckier to be married to a man who sacrifices so much for me. Lets be honest, what other husbands would run 13.1 miles with their wife just to be supportive of a life goal. We're running on Sunday; keep your thoughts on us! :) And it may be lame but we totally got personalized race shirts. Again, supportive husband! Love him!