Misery really does love company

So I don't know about everyone else but I have been super TIRED this last week.  I mean like take a nap during the week tired!  (which I NEVER do)  And the kids have been a little bouncy this week too.  Not terrible, just a little over the top for them.  One of the reasons I love my job is because whenever I am tired or frustrated with my class I am usually not alone.  And it is just nice to have other people in the same boat with me.  It makes me feel less like a freak I guess.  Usually when my class is acting silly so is everyone elses.  The days that I am tired so is everyone else.  I don't wish everyone felt the same way I do, but it really is comforting!  This week I started taking an ESOL class and there are teachers from all grade levels and backgrounds and EVERYONE agreed their students have been wacky.  In fact we were all looking up outside for a full moon when we walked out after class!  So nice to know what it's not me it's  Them! :)

Favorite Day of the year...

Today is my birthday! :)  I keep trying to get excited about it, but it's not really that big of a deal to me.  Although I do appreciate all the happy birthday wishes I have been receiving! :)  Maybe it's because I have been celebrating for the last week or so!  My teacher friends got me cupcakes and a few of my students bought me cute gifts (even though I told them that all I wanted was their good behavior).  And I've spent the last few days in Orlando at a technology conference.  Usually I make a big ordeal (complete with mass email reminders to everyone) about my birthday, but this year  I didn't.  Who knows maybe I am maturing and growing up?  I doubt it though! :)

Favorite Social Networking Site....

Well it's actually the only one I belong to. Facebook. I was a little hesitant about joining one of these things. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole world being able to find me on the internet (although I do blog, but it's not the same). And for the record I hate myspace. But this turned out to be alright. It's a little more grown up than myspace and I like the idea of getting a 1 or 2 line update on people that I am friends with but don't get to talk to very often. And I added the Facebook app to MY NEW IPHONE so I can check it whenever I want to. I'll blog more about the iphone later but so far I am loving it! :) So many apps so little time. So if you are on facebook feel free to friend request me. Oh and Danica they have a group for our mission! Actually they have like 5 groups for our mission, how crazy is that?!? :)

Favorite New Salad Recipe

This is a recipe for Spinach Strawberry Salad that I found on allrecipes.com  (which I am adding to favorite websites).  This salad was YUMMY and very easy to make (including the dressing).  I substituted pine nuts for the sesame seeds and poppy seeds because I didn't have any around.  Really you could use just about anything to give it that "crunch".  Enjoy!  I love allrecipes.com!  They have EVERYTHING!  And people are good about posting comments so if you are not an expert chef (like myself) you can see what other people did or didn't like about the recipes.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered

 DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

2009 is looking mighty fine!

Like my new cute background? I made it myself using tips from cutestblogontheblock.com
So here we are in the new year! 2008 was a year of lots of growth and positive change. I posted some goals at the beginning of 2008. (see 2008 will be great)

Here is an update on some of those goals:
I decided what masters program I am going to apply to and I am taking the GRE tomorrow! (say a prayer for me!)
I am 1 class away from my permanent teaching certificate and will be done by May.
I was in the process of buying a condo but Heavenly Father has other ideas (more on that later).
I went to the Temple more often!
I am a better visiting teacher (but I still have a long way to go).

And here are some other things that were goals but I didn't mention in my original post:
I paid off all my credit card debt and I am completely debt free!
I started a weight loss program in august and I've lost about 50lbs so far!
I finished my first year of teaching 3rd grade and SURVIVED! I am 1/2 way through my second year and loving almost every minute of it!

Goals for 2009:
For sure get my permanent teaching certificate.
Take more classes on teaching writing
Now that I am debt free I'd like to be better at saving money.
Get into grad school!
Work on my crafty/sewing skills
Do more genealogy/temple work
Now that I have become better at eating right I'd like to exercise more!