Teach me to Teach

I don't really know what's wrong with me but I am completely in love with school this semester.

Back when I graduated high school and was applying to BYU-Idaho, I declared my future studies as Elementary Education. I just knew it was right for me. I know that in this life, I am called to care of children. My first year of school I loved my major. The classes I took were challenging but every one of them got me more and more excited to teach. Then, for some weird reason, I got side tracked. I remember that I would let others opinions of my major bring me down. All I heard was "oh you're going into El Ed? Just like every other girl here." or "Teachers don't make that great of money. Are you sure that's what you want to do?" or the worst "You want to be with kids all day, every day?". These things were really hurtful and it made me question what I wanted to do. Well. Two years and an associates degree later, I'm back on track. I'm going with my original feeling and it has never felt better.

I've learned a lot from this experience. I know what I am supposed to do in this life and other's opinions should never sway me. That goes for anything that I know to be right.

This semester I am taking only 12 credits (due to scheduling and working) but it will be my best 12 credits yet. My classes include: Integrated Science, Elementary art methods, Health/PE methods, Culture and Diversity, and Capstone. I think so far my favorite has been Integrated Science. BUT it's only been one week. I've just been so excited that I've been doing homework pretty much non stop until now (and only because I've finished all of it for the week). Paul thinks I'm crazy but I'll probably start on next weeks homework in a few minutes.

I am so stinkin excited to teach and to touch even a tiny smidge of a child's life.

Our Sunday Mornings consist of

Jumping like monkeys. Oh and major bed heads. 

Feeling sunny..

Even on the rainiest of days. Happy weekend!

Speak & Listen.

I've had a lot of time to think (some deep stuff) these past couple of days. I work as a ground keeper on campus and am busy with my hands picking weeds so that leaves my brain to wonder almost uncontrollably sometimes.

I've been thinking about conversation.

I've thought a lot about my own experiences. I feel as if I am a shy quiet girl most of the time. I usually keep to myself when it comes to conversations. BUT this doesn't mean I'm a boring person. It doesn't mean I have nothing to say. I need to warm up to you before I share my entire life story.

I was caught in this same situation, every single day, where I would hear the same people blab on about how many dogs they have ever owned, or how many times they have surfed on the ocean, or "I suffer from a very strange and unique disease that no one else in this world has or will ever have" (sarcasm if you didn't catch it). I'm sick of it. I'm sick of hearing about everything there is to know about someones gosh dang cat! Can't we get back to the basics and just get to know each other? Don't you want to know a little about me, or does it all have to be about you all the time?

And I guess that's why I'm usually silent at the party. I've gotten into this habit of thinking that no one actually cares. This whole situation degrades the soul, it dampens the entire atmosphere and it leaves a stench in the air.

I'm going to work on my conversing. I want for others to know that I care for them, I'm concerned for them, and I want to KNOW them! All of this while speaking (up!) in a way which is not belittling or boastful. It's a two sided thing going on here.

"Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you."

Does this make sense?


(and just a side note. I started a new job and have worked there for probably no more than seven days. My current coworkers know more about me now than my previous coworkers  knew about me in the 12 months I was with them. It's because they ask. then stop and listen.) 

Back to real life

Paul and I are currently waiting in the airport for our flight out of paradise and back to our regular busy life. I  may have shed a tear or two when saying goodbye to my in-laws and  I'm actually pretty darn sad to leave this place. It's just so easy to be here whereas Rexburg feels like a prison. Like, how come Rexburg doesn't have a freaking Pei Wei? (Alright maybe I'm being a little dramatic). Point is, Mesa has definitely grown on me. I'm so glad I married my little Arizona bean. This little vaca was so good for us and I'm excited to return soon.

Fossil Springs

Paul told me about this place called Fossil Springs and how unbelievably amazing it is but I didn't get the full picture until I actually went. The water was crystal clear with tiny (dare I say cute!) little fish swimming around us. There were crazy water falls to jump off of and whirl pools to jump in if you dare. The whole day was pretty much a dream. 

beatin the heat

It's been about 102 degrees every day that we've been here. This means we wake up and immediately put our swimsuits on and jump in the pool. Cali isn't too fond of the water (silly Arizona pup!) but we definitely enjoy the cool down.