I'm coming to realize that life is full of changes. Both good, and bad. And, the bad is not always necessarily bad. It's just different. Which is what a change is. It's something that is new, something that has changed, something that makes life more interesting.
Johnathon is now in Houston Texas, ready to start spreading the Living Word to those that are blessed to live where he will teach. Johnathon is going to be an amazing missionary, and I wish that I could just follow him around and listen to him. He is growing so much. He's such an awesome person!
I'm starting my final year at Brigham Young University-Idaho. I'm so close to the end, that I can taste it. It tastes good, by the way. It's like strawberries. mmmmm...I like strawberries....which means that I will like, and most likely, love, life after graduation. I must confess that I'm really looking forward to teaching. I am in an education practicum class currently, and I love getting in front of the class and bestowing my vast knowledge to the youngsters that sit in my class for those precious 45 minutes. I love writing lesson plans, and figuring out the best way to help my students to learn. I can't wait to be in my own classroom, and decide how to run my own classroom, to make mistakes, and to learn and grow.
The weird thing about getting older and getting closer to graduation-most of my friends from former years are graduated....I have lots of friends that are graduated and have moved on to better things. BYU-I, good. Post-grad life, better.
I'm really looking forward to the future of new starts that I will be able to have. I'm excited about the opportunities that await me. I'm anxious to see what lies ahead. What does lie ahead? I'm sure I have this path that is full of twists and turns. I love how my life seems to go. I start to get comfortable with how my life is going, and something is thrown in to make me change what I'm doing.
However, I've come to realize that these road blocks and speed bumps that I come in contact with are not to make me stumble. At first I stumble, but the important thing is to get back up, and to keep going. It's to help me to learn, so that I can avoid them, and learn how to get over the trial. The trials that I face are to help me to learn and grow. And the more that I learn and grow, the better I become, until I am the best.
So.....I'm excited for the new starts that have come into my life. My family has had to figure out how to live with less people in the house (which, secretly, I think they love. Because, come on....only 3 kids? It must be SUPER quiet!). We are all going to have our challenges for the next few years. But, it's going to be good, because we will be learning new things like Johnathon is. We're going to grow as a family. And in the next few years, we're going to encounter many new starts and changes in our lives. Our family will never be the same.
BUT-
It will be better.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
My Brother is Pretty Dang Cool!
So, I have a pretty cool brother. Johnathon is just awesome. He got his mission call in June. He's been called to the Houston Texas South mission for two years, starting September 2nd. I'm so proud of my brother!
Johnathon is a great example to me. Sure, he's a tease, an instigator, and can be a pain in the butt. However, he's one of the greatest examples I have in my life! And here's why:
He's temple worthy. Johnathon has his current temple recommend. He's recieved his endowments. And he loves the temple.
He reads his scriptures, daily.
He loves the Lord.
He knows how to have fun.
He knows when to be quiet (most the time....) :)
He is generous and can share....especially when I come home from work at 7 am....he gets up and lets me use his bed. :)
He helped create one of my earliest memories.....falling off a toy car and cutting my head open, requiring 7 stitches, all on Thanksgiving Day....good times, good times....
BRAKE LIGHTS!!! (need I really say more? If you've been around when a Cobabe kid has been learning how to drive, you will understand...)
Johnathon works at Mallard Landing with me, and he is SO patient with the residents. I'm learning not to ever ask him how work was. Because he always says it was good...and when I come into work, others tell me how busy it was.
Yep. I have a pretty cool brother. I hope that when I have kids one day, that my kids have such a great example to look up to!
Johnathon is a great example to me. Sure, he's a tease, an instigator, and can be a pain in the butt. However, he's one of the greatest examples I have in my life! And here's why:
He's temple worthy. Johnathon has his current temple recommend. He's recieved his endowments. And he loves the temple.
He reads his scriptures, daily.
He loves the Lord.
He knows how to have fun.
He knows when to be quiet (most the time....) :)
He is generous and can share....especially when I come home from work at 7 am....he gets up and lets me use his bed. :)
He helped create one of my earliest memories.....falling off a toy car and cutting my head open, requiring 7 stitches, all on Thanksgiving Day....good times, good times....
BRAKE LIGHTS!!! (need I really say more? If you've been around when a Cobabe kid has been learning how to drive, you will understand...)
Johnathon works at Mallard Landing with me, and he is SO patient with the residents. I'm learning not to ever ask him how work was. Because he always says it was good...and when I come into work, others tell me how busy it was.
Yep. I have a pretty cool brother. I hope that when I have kids one day, that my kids have such a great example to look up to!
Monday, July 6, 2009
ONLY THE BEST DAY EVER INVENTED!
So, if you know anything about my family, you will know that the Fourth of July is a big deal. It's not merely the amazing fireworks show at the end of the day, but the entire day. Ever since I can remember, I have memories of the gigantic celebration we have to celebrate the birth of America.
I can remember in years past the bike parades at the Hokanson's, whether it be around the block in Vancouver, or up the driveway and racing to see who can get to the top and back first. The bike parade is always amazing. And each year we grow more and more extravagent. The best part is just seeing how each of the kids decorates their bike. Some kids are very meticulous in their decorations.
Take Claira for example. She knows exactly how she wants her bike to be decorated and with which colors, streamers, balloons, and whatever else she can get her hands onto. It's quite the scene. She has her color scheme (anything purple...seriously. Anything purple, or close enough to be in the "purple family" or related to Disney princesses). Eventually, all the kids are ready for the parade.
Everyone lines up at the start line. Most years we have a marching band, that starts the entire show. Then the kids GO! And, boy, do they go! They race as fast as they can to get the farthest and chuck the most candy at the adults on the sidelines....and the candy that hits the sidelines is returned to the children...for the most part....:)
The BBQ is the next event of the day. Everyone brings food to contribute to the feast. The one staple that I remember being at every Fourth of July I can remember is my Dad's potato salad. It's really yummy. I like to help my dad make the potato salad. It makes me feel VERY important. But, it's tradition to have my dad's potato salad there. And, then we have all the normal junk food that is in no way really all that good for you, but tastes so yummy. We have hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, tons of salads, chips, dips, beans, and a plethora of desserts. (I love it when I can stick my big words in....makes me feel smart...just being able to use my "big" vocabulary....:) )
After eating (seriously, it's an event all in itself. It in there with the bike parade and the fireworks show. If you've ever been to a day like this, you would know...), the setup for the big night starts. This is my dad's spotlight. He puts together all the mortor tubes and sets up table to put on the best show EVER. This year, Dad started to pass down the tradition to the next generation. It was so cool to watch Matthew and Johnathon take charge of the fireworks show.
As it starts to get dark, we play with sparklers. Ever since Harry Potter was published, we use the sparklers as wands and have duels. And of course, it's not the 4th of July without using a sparkler to spell out your name. I've discovered that it's really fun to write my name with sparklers, because of the loops that I can do. I like it when the smoke looks like a bunch of loop-di-loops.
After the sparklers are all done, we pull out the parachutes. It's so much fun to see the kids chase all the parachute men around the yard. The run back and forth around the grass, looking at the sky, trying to get just beneath the parachute to catch it. You have this giant pack of kids running around together, all trying to catch the same tissue paper and string parachute.
Then the big show starts. The pyros start to tie fuses together to be able to set off more mortors and fireworks at once. It's all part of the amazingness that is part of the holiday. It's a contest between the different years to see how many different fireworks can go off all at once.
We then sit back and enjoy the show. It's really funny to see Johnathon and Matthew narrowly miss getting their heads blown off. Not that they are really going to get hurt, they just have some close calls. But it's all part of the fun.
I think the best part of this holiday is the togetherness that I feel with everyone that is present. At first, it was strictly a family holiday. But, over the years, our family has grown. It's gone from the Cobabes/Hokansons/Brinkmans/Tarsis to anyone that we invite. We have TONS of people around. And it adds to the joy of the day. Its more fun every year.
On the way home from the Hokansons (aka family compound), I was telling my dad how much I love the 4th of July. I decided that when I get married (eventually....very VERY far in the future...) if there's a dispute in who's house we are going to for Christmas, I would give up going home for Christmas one year..........AS LONG as we were going to come to my family for July 4th.
I can remember in years past the bike parades at the Hokanson's, whether it be around the block in Vancouver, or up the driveway and racing to see who can get to the top and back first. The bike parade is always amazing. And each year we grow more and more extravagent. The best part is just seeing how each of the kids decorates their bike. Some kids are very meticulous in their decorations.
Take Claira for example. She knows exactly how she wants her bike to be decorated and with which colors, streamers, balloons, and whatever else she can get her hands onto. It's quite the scene. She has her color scheme (anything purple...seriously. Anything purple, or close enough to be in the "purple family" or related to Disney princesses). Eventually, all the kids are ready for the parade.
Everyone lines up at the start line. Most years we have a marching band, that starts the entire show. Then the kids GO! And, boy, do they go! They race as fast as they can to get the farthest and chuck the most candy at the adults on the sidelines....and the candy that hits the sidelines is returned to the children...for the most part....:)
The BBQ is the next event of the day. Everyone brings food to contribute to the feast. The one staple that I remember being at every Fourth of July I can remember is my Dad's potato salad. It's really yummy. I like to help my dad make the potato salad. It makes me feel VERY important. But, it's tradition to have my dad's potato salad there. And, then we have all the normal junk food that is in no way really all that good for you, but tastes so yummy. We have hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, tons of salads, chips, dips, beans, and a plethora of desserts. (I love it when I can stick my big words in....makes me feel smart...just being able to use my "big" vocabulary....:) )
After eating (seriously, it's an event all in itself. It in there with the bike parade and the fireworks show. If you've ever been to a day like this, you would know...), the setup for the big night starts. This is my dad's spotlight. He puts together all the mortor tubes and sets up table to put on the best show EVER. This year, Dad started to pass down the tradition to the next generation. It was so cool to watch Matthew and Johnathon take charge of the fireworks show.
As it starts to get dark, we play with sparklers. Ever since Harry Potter was published, we use the sparklers as wands and have duels. And of course, it's not the 4th of July without using a sparkler to spell out your name. I've discovered that it's really fun to write my name with sparklers, because of the loops that I can do. I like it when the smoke looks like a bunch of loop-di-loops.
After the sparklers are all done, we pull out the parachutes. It's so much fun to see the kids chase all the parachute men around the yard. The run back and forth around the grass, looking at the sky, trying to get just beneath the parachute to catch it. You have this giant pack of kids running around together, all trying to catch the same tissue paper and string parachute.
Then the big show starts. The pyros start to tie fuses together to be able to set off more mortors and fireworks at once. It's all part of the amazingness that is part of the holiday. It's a contest between the different years to see how many different fireworks can go off all at once.
We then sit back and enjoy the show. It's really funny to see Johnathon and Matthew narrowly miss getting their heads blown off. Not that they are really going to get hurt, they just have some close calls. But it's all part of the fun.
I think the best part of this holiday is the togetherness that I feel with everyone that is present. At first, it was strictly a family holiday. But, over the years, our family has grown. It's gone from the Cobabes/Hokansons/Brinkmans/Tarsis to anyone that we invite. We have TONS of people around. And it adds to the joy of the day. Its more fun every year.
On the way home from the Hokansons (aka family compound), I was telling my dad how much I love the 4th of July. I decided that when I get married (eventually....very VERY far in the future...) if there's a dispute in who's house we are going to for Christmas, I would give up going home for Christmas one year..........AS LONG as we were going to come to my family for July 4th.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ford vs. Honda
Today is one of those days that I realized how blessed I truly am. I think that I always knew that the Lord looked out for me, protected me, and helped me in all that I do. However, today was a day that this happened to stick out more than any other.
Today, I was in a car accident.
First of all, no one was hurt. I think the worst part is the replay that keeps running through my mind. Other than that, I'm okay. However, when I keep thinking back to the first moments-those moments when I knew I wasn't going to stop in time, the moment of the impact, and those seconds directly after-I keep finding blessings and humor in the situation.
So, this afternoon, I was on my way to work. I was heading south on Parkway in Battle Ground, because it was the quickest way with the least amount of stoplights. I was heading through the stoplight at the intersection of Parkway and Main. The light was green, so I didn't think about slowing down the car from its cruising speed of 25 or 30 mpr. As I crossed the crosswalk entering the intersection, another car-heading north-turned left, directly infront of me.
Immediately, I tried to stop. But, even after doing all that I could, I knew I was going to hit the Ford Explorer. I think I braced myself for the impact. All I remember thinking was, "I'm going to hit her."
The next couple of seconds seemed to speed by and last forever at the same time. I sat in my car, freaking out. I couldn't believe that this had happened! My first thought was, "Dang! I'm going to be late for work!" My next thought was, "How's my car?" Then, I thought, "Crap. I need to call Mom and Dad." In the next second, I realized my car had come to a complete stop in two seconds. I looked around, and saw the Ford Explorer driving down Main Street. My instant reaction was a glare at that truck. How dare that driver make me hit her, and then drive off. I then realized the truck was just pulling into the parking lot.
I looked around the intersection. It had come to a complete standstill. Everyone was looking at me, and I was looking at them. I realized my car had turned back on (can it really turn off and then back on from that impact? I'm not sure. I vaguely remember the music stopping in the moment of impact, and then the clock flashing off, and then back on). I took another look around the intersection. I could see bits of the front of my car scattered around the intersection. I looked over at the Ford Explorer, and saw part of my fender imbeded in the Explorer's wheel well. Honestly, I kind of laughed, but I'm not sure why.
I put my car in reverse, and backed up slowly in the intersection to be able to get onto Main Street, and followed the Explorer to the old library parking lot.
This all had to have happened in just under a minute. I could already hear the sirens of the approaching emergency response teams. I was so grateful that someone else had called 911. Truly, it wasn't on the top of the list of people I needed to call. First I called my dad, forgetting he was on a business trip in Oregon. Then I called work, letting them know I was going to be late. I then called my grandparents, and my grandpa, the wonderful man he is, talked me through, calmed me down, let me know what I needed to do, and came down to help me.
I then got out of my car, and a fireman was there instantly, making sure I was okay. I told him I felt fine, but wasn't quite sure. I started to take out my insurance and licensing information. I went to the driver of the Explorer, and told her my side of the story. She had the audacity to accuse me of being at fault. HELLO! You didn't have a green arrow. You had a green yield light, meaning, YOU WAIT UNTIL THE COAST IS CLEAR TO TURN! I then just turned my back on the other driver and returned to my car. I talked to my grandpa on the phone (He told me not to worry, it wasn't my fault.) and then phoned my mom, who said she was already on her way. I talked to the cop. He was so nice. I think he took some pity on me. The other driver had passengers there to comfort her, and her husband (that's who I think it was) was on the scene within a minute or so. I was standing next to my car, by myself, in my scrubs, crying, weeping, (I must have looked insane, just standing there, holding my information and sobbing, my eyes blotchy and red, and my nose running. And, I just kept looking at my poor car.) The officer took my information, and told me I'd be just fine.
Just then, my mom pulled in, and gave me the big hug that I needed. She told me I was going to be okay, and that the important thing was that I was okay. She also told me how amazing it was that I had my first fender bender about 5 years after getting my license.
I then stood there and watched the street sweeper come to the scene. I watched as the intersection was closed for a couple minutes as the street sweeper sucked up the last little bits of my car. I laughed (inwardly right now. I'd giggle about this throughout the rest of the night. I mean, come on. I thought that I'd just be working tonight, not standing in my ugly scrubs watching a street sweeper drive around the intersection sucking up bits of my car.).
At this point, Grandpa showed up. I got a big hug, and he said he was glad that I was alright. By now, its been about 20 minutes? The firefighters were gone, but the police remained. The Explorer's grandkids (they were sitting in the back seat. When the little girl saw me crying, she exclaimed, "It'll be alright! I'm sorry my grandma hit your car!" ) I saw some realative of the Explorer yank out part of my fender from the wheel well. He carried around for some time, and then gave it to me as a "souvenier." Yeah. Some prize, treasure, that I get to have forever. I think I'm going to get rid of it as soon as I can. Actually, maybe I'll keep it. I dunno. But, again I laughed. Why? Because my dinky little car my be yucky looking now, but it managed to show that Explorer who's boss (okay, not really. The Explorer is still the boss. But, my little car can dream, right? It got bruised and broken today, but it made sure that Explorer doesn't forget today....)
Well, all in all, everything has turned out just fine. After close to an hour, I was able to go home. Now the daunting task of getting the car home. Grandpa drove my car home, and I drove his. Mom followed. The drive home was intense. I gave EXTRA space between me and the cars around me. I went exactly the speed limit. I freaked out when a car merged into my lane, a good 15 feet in front of me. "What's wrong with you!?! Don't you know that I hit someone today? I really don't want to do that again! Please let me know when you are stopping!"
Luckily, I made it home. I'm safe. The Lord has blessed me SO much. My car is going to be okay. I'm okay. I work at a great place where my shift was covered so I didn't need to come in to work. My family is amazing, and super supportive. My friends are amazing worry warts (which is why I didn't tell them until about 2 hours after the fact). The emergency personnel were so attentive and quick to respond. They really did save the day.
I look back at today and am able to recognize all these amazing blessings that I have. I'm so glad that I can look back on today, and laugh. Because, really, I'm okay. I'm just fine. I just can't say the same for my car. :(
PS. The Explorer tried to tell me that I was at fault for the accident. But, Grandpa thinks he saw the driver get a citation. Um.....te **cough** hehe **cough**
PPS. The Explorer said her insurance is going to pay for it. I just about did a happy dance when she told me this!
Today, I was in a car accident.
First of all, no one was hurt. I think the worst part is the replay that keeps running through my mind. Other than that, I'm okay. However, when I keep thinking back to the first moments-those moments when I knew I wasn't going to stop in time, the moment of the impact, and those seconds directly after-I keep finding blessings and humor in the situation.
So, this afternoon, I was on my way to work. I was heading south on Parkway in Battle Ground, because it was the quickest way with the least amount of stoplights. I was heading through the stoplight at the intersection of Parkway and Main. The light was green, so I didn't think about slowing down the car from its cruising speed of 25 or 30 mpr. As I crossed the crosswalk entering the intersection, another car-heading north-turned left, directly infront of me.
Immediately, I tried to stop. But, even after doing all that I could, I knew I was going to hit the Ford Explorer. I think I braced myself for the impact. All I remember thinking was, "I'm going to hit her."
The next couple of seconds seemed to speed by and last forever at the same time. I sat in my car, freaking out. I couldn't believe that this had happened! My first thought was, "Dang! I'm going to be late for work!" My next thought was, "How's my car?" Then, I thought, "Crap. I need to call Mom and Dad." In the next second, I realized my car had come to a complete stop in two seconds. I looked around, and saw the Ford Explorer driving down Main Street. My instant reaction was a glare at that truck. How dare that driver make me hit her, and then drive off. I then realized the truck was just pulling into the parking lot.
I looked around the intersection. It had come to a complete standstill. Everyone was looking at me, and I was looking at them. I realized my car had turned back on (can it really turn off and then back on from that impact? I'm not sure. I vaguely remember the music stopping in the moment of impact, and then the clock flashing off, and then back on). I took another look around the intersection. I could see bits of the front of my car scattered around the intersection. I looked over at the Ford Explorer, and saw part of my fender imbeded in the Explorer's wheel well. Honestly, I kind of laughed, but I'm not sure why.
I put my car in reverse, and backed up slowly in the intersection to be able to get onto Main Street, and followed the Explorer to the old library parking lot.
This all had to have happened in just under a minute. I could already hear the sirens of the approaching emergency response teams. I was so grateful that someone else had called 911. Truly, it wasn't on the top of the list of people I needed to call. First I called my dad, forgetting he was on a business trip in Oregon. Then I called work, letting them know I was going to be late. I then called my grandparents, and my grandpa, the wonderful man he is, talked me through, calmed me down, let me know what I needed to do, and came down to help me.
I then got out of my car, and a fireman was there instantly, making sure I was okay. I told him I felt fine, but wasn't quite sure. I started to take out my insurance and licensing information. I went to the driver of the Explorer, and told her my side of the story. She had the audacity to accuse me of being at fault. HELLO! You didn't have a green arrow. You had a green yield light, meaning, YOU WAIT UNTIL THE COAST IS CLEAR TO TURN! I then just turned my back on the other driver and returned to my car. I talked to my grandpa on the phone (He told me not to worry, it wasn't my fault.) and then phoned my mom, who said she was already on her way. I talked to the cop. He was so nice. I think he took some pity on me. The other driver had passengers there to comfort her, and her husband (that's who I think it was) was on the scene within a minute or so. I was standing next to my car, by myself, in my scrubs, crying, weeping, (I must have looked insane, just standing there, holding my information and sobbing, my eyes blotchy and red, and my nose running. And, I just kept looking at my poor car.) The officer took my information, and told me I'd be just fine.
Just then, my mom pulled in, and gave me the big hug that I needed. She told me I was going to be okay, and that the important thing was that I was okay. She also told me how amazing it was that I had my first fender bender about 5 years after getting my license.
I then stood there and watched the street sweeper come to the scene. I watched as the intersection was closed for a couple minutes as the street sweeper sucked up the last little bits of my car. I laughed (inwardly right now. I'd giggle about this throughout the rest of the night. I mean, come on. I thought that I'd just be working tonight, not standing in my ugly scrubs watching a street sweeper drive around the intersection sucking up bits of my car.).
At this point, Grandpa showed up. I got a big hug, and he said he was glad that I was alright. By now, its been about 20 minutes? The firefighters were gone, but the police remained. The Explorer's grandkids (they were sitting in the back seat. When the little girl saw me crying, she exclaimed, "It'll be alright! I'm sorry my grandma hit your car!" ) I saw some realative of the Explorer yank out part of my fender from the wheel well. He carried around for some time, and then gave it to me as a "souvenier." Yeah. Some prize, treasure, that I get to have forever. I think I'm going to get rid of it as soon as I can. Actually, maybe I'll keep it. I dunno. But, again I laughed. Why? Because my dinky little car my be yucky looking now, but it managed to show that Explorer who's boss (okay, not really. The Explorer is still the boss. But, my little car can dream, right? It got bruised and broken today, but it made sure that Explorer doesn't forget today....)
Well, all in all, everything has turned out just fine. After close to an hour, I was able to go home. Now the daunting task of getting the car home. Grandpa drove my car home, and I drove his. Mom followed. The drive home was intense. I gave EXTRA space between me and the cars around me. I went exactly the speed limit. I freaked out when a car merged into my lane, a good 15 feet in front of me. "What's wrong with you!?! Don't you know that I hit someone today? I really don't want to do that again! Please let me know when you are stopping!"
Luckily, I made it home. I'm safe. The Lord has blessed me SO much. My car is going to be okay. I'm okay. I work at a great place where my shift was covered so I didn't need to come in to work. My family is amazing, and super supportive. My friends are amazing worry warts (which is why I didn't tell them until about 2 hours after the fact). The emergency personnel were so attentive and quick to respond. They really did save the day.
I look back at today and am able to recognize all these amazing blessings that I have. I'm so glad that I can look back on today, and laugh. Because, really, I'm okay. I'm just fine. I just can't say the same for my car. :(
My poor car!!!!
Seriously. This is all the damage to the Explorer. That's it....
PPS. The Explorer said her insurance is going to pay for it. I just about did a happy dance when she told me this!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Service Oriented People
Today has been an interesting day. At four AM, I got a call from one of my coworkers, Michelle, and she said that Kassie, our student lead, hadn't shown up to unlock the building. I gave Michelle Kassie's phone number, and went back to sleep. Fast forward to 8:45 AM, and I get a call from Kassie. She had just woken up, and freaking out because she had slept through work. She was on her way to the Ricks building to see if our coworkers were able to get into the building. The building was unlocked, but nothing had been cleaned, because they didn't have keys to the classrooms.
I jumped out of bed, and headed straight to work. Kassie wanted to clean the entire building just the two of us. If that had happened, we would probably still be there. However, I had a prompting to call some members from our ward to see if they would be willing to come help us get the building clean for church tomorrow. I ran the idea by Kassie, but she didn't want to call anyone.
However, I felt that we needed to. So, I pretended to be talking to my mom on the phone while I sent out a mass text to a bunch of people in my ward. The responses came in instantly. There were tons of people that were willing to help us come clean the building. It was amazing to see all these people willing to come help clean a building on a Saturday morning. Looking back, I realize that this text probably woke most of these people up. And, they were still willing to come help us.
I am so thankful for all the people that were willing to come help, and especially those that did. It made my life so much easier! The people in my ward are amazing. I really feel sometimes that I live in Zion.
I jumped out of bed, and headed straight to work. Kassie wanted to clean the entire building just the two of us. If that had happened, we would probably still be there. However, I had a prompting to call some members from our ward to see if they would be willing to come help us get the building clean for church tomorrow. I ran the idea by Kassie, but she didn't want to call anyone.
However, I felt that we needed to. So, I pretended to be talking to my mom on the phone while I sent out a mass text to a bunch of people in my ward. The responses came in instantly. There were tons of people that were willing to help us come clean the building. It was amazing to see all these people willing to come help clean a building on a Saturday morning. Looking back, I realize that this text probably woke most of these people up. And, they were still willing to come help us.
I am so thankful for all the people that were willing to come help, and especially those that did. It made my life so much easier! The people in my ward are amazing. I really feel sometimes that I live in Zion.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Weird Dreams
I need to stop staying up so late and eating sugary foods. I've been trying to be really good, and eat healthy food. But, for some reason, the weekends are the hardest for me to keep to this.
My roommate's birthday was earlier this week (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARYANN!) and I threw her a surprise party. So, Saturday was pretty much shot, as I had cake. And not a homemade cake. One of those cakes from Broulim's with more sugar in it than should be legal.
And on Friday, I went out with my FHE brother to the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra. And afterwards, we went back to their apartment, and had ice cream cake.
And during the day on Saturday, I went to Idaho Falls with some friends and went out to Olive Garden for dinner.
Oh, and Saturday night, my friends and I made a 11 pm run to Wendy's for Frosty's.
So, as you can see, I need to work on my control on the weekends. THANKFULLY, not every weekend is like this. Just every once in a while, like once a month.....
Anyway. When I have weekends like this, coupled with very little sleep, I start to have weird dreams.
So, last night, I had a dream that my friend Kaiti got a haircut. And, she was so proud of it. She thought she looked amazing. However, she didn't. But, I wasn't going to be the one who told her. She walked into her apartment to show all of us, and everyone gasped. NO ONE THOUGHT IT LOOKED GOOD.
The cut and style was just awful. It was really short in the back (think of buzz cut length in the back) and it gradually got longer to the front. The hair framing her face was very long. Longer than her hair currently is. Poor Kaiti.
However, everyone was thinking the same thing that I was. There was no way we could tell Kaiti about her awful haircut. So, we all lied. We all told her that it looked amazing.
Needless to say, I told Kaiti today never to get her hair cut like this. She happily obliged.
So, I've decided that I'm going to be careful on the weekends. More sleep, and less sugar!
My roommate's birthday was earlier this week (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARYANN!) and I threw her a surprise party. So, Saturday was pretty much shot, as I had cake. And not a homemade cake. One of those cakes from Broulim's with more sugar in it than should be legal.
And on Friday, I went out with my FHE brother to the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra. And afterwards, we went back to their apartment, and had ice cream cake.
And during the day on Saturday, I went to Idaho Falls with some friends and went out to Olive Garden for dinner.
Oh, and Saturday night, my friends and I made a 11 pm run to Wendy's for Frosty's.
So, as you can see, I need to work on my control on the weekends. THANKFULLY, not every weekend is like this. Just every once in a while, like once a month.....
Anyway. When I have weekends like this, coupled with very little sleep, I start to have weird dreams.
So, last night, I had a dream that my friend Kaiti got a haircut. And, she was so proud of it. She thought she looked amazing. However, she didn't. But, I wasn't going to be the one who told her. She walked into her apartment to show all of us, and everyone gasped. NO ONE THOUGHT IT LOOKED GOOD.
The cut and style was just awful. It was really short in the back (think of buzz cut length in the back) and it gradually got longer to the front. The hair framing her face was very long. Longer than her hair currently is. Poor Kaiti.
However, everyone was thinking the same thing that I was. There was no way we could tell Kaiti about her awful haircut. So, we all lied. We all told her that it looked amazing.
Needless to say, I told Kaiti today never to get her hair cut like this. She happily obliged.
So, I've decided that I'm going to be careful on the weekends. More sleep, and less sugar!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Future of Education
Today it hit me.
I AM THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION!
I am the one that will be teaching all these youngsters their history and teaching them to say, "Guten Tag! Ich heiße ______(insert name here)"
What kind of parent is going to entrust me with their child's brain? I could be teaching a whole lot of trash, and they wouldn't be the wiser. Really, when you think about it, teachers have a lot of control over what goes on in the world. If it weren't for teachers, everyone would be a whole lot dumber.
Fortunately, I love teaching! I get so excited to go out and teach young people. I sit in class and figure out how I would teach my students the concepts that my professors are teaching me. My dream is to teach a World History class. My students would learn about all different types of culture throughout the world. The assignment for the semester is to learn about a country that you would love to go visit. And part of the assignment would be to become a pen pal with another student from that country. I think that learning about someone else's culture through them is the most amazing concept.
And fortunately for all those parents out there, I won't be filling their kid's brains with fluff. The concepts that are learned in history are applicable to every day problems. I plan to make history exciting!
I recently watched Dead Poet's Society. This is one of the most amazing movies, EVER! There is one line in that movie that will stick with me always. Professor John Keating says:
"I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself."
This is the entire purpose to education. Students aren't supposed to just come to class everyday and learn what the teacher has prepared for them. Education is to teach students to think for themselves. It is to get them curious about the world around them, and help them to figure out how to think for themselves. What kind of world would we live in if we didn't have thinkers. If no one ever thought about things, and just went on with life, what a sad world we would live in.
I AM THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION!
I am the one that will be teaching all these youngsters their history and teaching them to say, "Guten Tag! Ich heiße ______(insert name here)"
What kind of parent is going to entrust me with their child's brain? I could be teaching a whole lot of trash, and they wouldn't be the wiser. Really, when you think about it, teachers have a lot of control over what goes on in the world. If it weren't for teachers, everyone would be a whole lot dumber.
Fortunately, I love teaching! I get so excited to go out and teach young people. I sit in class and figure out how I would teach my students the concepts that my professors are teaching me. My dream is to teach a World History class. My students would learn about all different types of culture throughout the world. The assignment for the semester is to learn about a country that you would love to go visit. And part of the assignment would be to become a pen pal with another student from that country. I think that learning about someone else's culture through them is the most amazing concept.
And fortunately for all those parents out there, I won't be filling their kid's brains with fluff. The concepts that are learned in history are applicable to every day problems. I plan to make history exciting!
I recently watched Dead Poet's Society. This is one of the most amazing movies, EVER! There is one line in that movie that will stick with me always. Professor John Keating says:
"I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself."
This is the entire purpose to education. Students aren't supposed to just come to class everyday and learn what the teacher has prepared for them. Education is to teach students to think for themselves. It is to get them curious about the world around them, and help them to figure out how to think for themselves. What kind of world would we live in if we didn't have thinkers. If no one ever thought about things, and just went on with life, what a sad world we would live in.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What I Need
I've been thinking a lot lately. And, not just on my schoolwork, or even the future. I've been thinking a lot about my family and friends that have passed on. Now, this entry isn't meant to be a downer. But, I've thought a lot about how I've had to deal with death, and the lessons I've learned. I've learned that when something happens that is hard, it's best not to try to deal with the problem on your own. I've learned that I need to trust in the Lord, with my entire being.
Death in the American culture is a taboo topic. But, in many other cultures around the world, the culture celebrates the dead. I've come to realize that death is not something to be afraid of. It's something that is revered around the world.
The best way for me to deal with death is by remembering the ones I love, listening to good music, and writing down all my feelings. I've been looking back at my journals from the past couple of years, and looking at all the things I've learned. I've seen how much I've grown. I used to just write about the person, and how they died. I wrote about my memories and the happy times, and how they affected me.
Now, I've started to write about my experiences and how knowing these people have helped me to grow even more. I've learned a lot from Patti. She's the best example I have on this topic. She's taken the hardest experience any person can have, and turned it into a learning experience. She's grown closer to Heavenly Father. And, isn't that what trials are about? We are to grow from our experiences.
Today, I realized this as I was sitting outside my Modern Europe History class, waiting for the previous class to leave. I was listening to a song on my iPod, called What I Need. It's from a CD my grandma gave me for Christmas, the Ten Virgins. Here's the words to the Song:
Death in the American culture is a taboo topic. But, in many other cultures around the world, the culture celebrates the dead. I've come to realize that death is not something to be afraid of. It's something that is revered around the world.
The best way for me to deal with death is by remembering the ones I love, listening to good music, and writing down all my feelings. I've been looking back at my journals from the past couple of years, and looking at all the things I've learned. I've seen how much I've grown. I used to just write about the person, and how they died. I wrote about my memories and the happy times, and how they affected me.
Now, I've started to write about my experiences and how knowing these people have helped me to grow even more. I've learned a lot from Patti. She's the best example I have on this topic. She's taken the hardest experience any person can have, and turned it into a learning experience. She's grown closer to Heavenly Father. And, isn't that what trials are about? We are to grow from our experiences.
Today, I realized this as I was sitting outside my Modern Europe History class, waiting for the previous class to leave. I was listening to a song on my iPod, called What I Need. It's from a CD my grandma gave me for Christmas, the Ten Virgins. Here's the words to the Song:
My lamp was the first that he made
Thoughtfully sculpted in pale, yellow clay.
Strengthened by fire and refined
Shaped and prepared to endure over time.
Through heartache and joy, by day and by night
It reminds me of treasures I’ve read by its light.
It’s more than a gift that he gave long ago
This lamp holds the light that brings peace to my soul.
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks what I need.
It’s guided me all of my days
And led me through valleys of sorrow I’ve faced.
Bringing me comfort and strength
Giving me courage to trust him in faith
It’s more than a gift that he gave long ago
This lamp holds the light that brings peace to my soul.
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning as bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks
The words of the shopkeeper live in my heart
Whispering truth that shines bright in the dark
A flame that is constant through change
Still burning as bright as the day it was made.
Its warmth reassures that he listens to me
And he lovingly, so tenderly speaks what I need.
Always tenderly speaks what I need.
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