Happy 2009!

Happy New Year everyone. According to my Dad, I have joined the ranks of "old people" because I didn't stay awake until midnight (Tucson time). I did celebrate with New York so I counted that. :)

My mind is now drifting back to the real world. My crazy world of chemistry, solar systems, constellations, and sign language. I am also celebrating a milestone. I have been teaching for 10 years. Or I am 1/4 of my way to retirement. Either way, I have learned a lot and still have a lot to learn.

I guess I need to have a paragraph devoted to resolutions. I just have a few.
1. I want to improve my cooking skills. I have several cookbooks (including some new ones) that have great recipes that I want to try. So I will try one new recipe a week.
2. This is my "walking to Boston" resolution. My carpool buddy, who is working towards her 2nd 1/2 marathon, is trying to get me ready for at least a 5K. So, I'm going to start walking 3 days a week, working towards daily.
3. This one has to do with scripture study. I'm going to just focus on The Doctrine and Covenants and The Book of Mormon this year. I've been serving in Primary for almost 3 years and fallen out of the habit of reading daily. So, 2 pages in The Book of Mormon daily and the weekly assignment for Sunday School. That's my focus this year.

That's it for now. Obviously there will be more fun times and more challenging times. But that's what life is for.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Snow in Tuscon???

So far it's been a great and quiet Christmas vacation. It seems to be the "in law" year, so all of my brothers and sister's families celebrated Christmas with their spouses' families. With just Mom, Dad and I, we were able to sleep in (I think this is the first time in 30 plus years that I have slept in on Christmas).

My birthday was nice and quiet too. It's just been great to relax and not have to worry about school, jobs, or other things that come with adulthood. Mom and Dad gave me some nice clothes and a jacket, Ryan and his family gave me a beautiful green scarf, Matt and Katie gave me the "Top Chef" cookbook (which I love!!), and Jessica and Eric gave me a knitting book and scarf project. Thanks to all of you. I love each of you.

On Dec. 26th, it was cold enough in Tucson to have snow!! Yes, snow in Tucson. What happened to global warming?? Anyway, it didn't stick, but it gave a nice Christmas feel for a few hours.

I came home so I could play the piano for Primary on Sunday. In our ward, we only had about 15 kids in Primary. A really quiet Sunday.

I'm planning on finishing a few more errands here at home and then go to Tucson for New Years. One of my errands is to try out the new Light Rail that has opened in Phoenix. Hopefully this will help with my commute to school and home. :)

Have a great rest of 2008 and welcome 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't believe that it's another Thanksgiving! I'm spending it in Tucson with Mom, Dad, Matt, Katie and Jayden. Poor Jayden had some shots on Wednesday and is not feeling well. At times he's fine and will be chasing Sophie (my parent's Bichon Frise); other times he just wants to be on his Mom's lap.

I am very thankful this year for my family for thier prayers and support of all my different adventures. I'm thankful for my students because they give me different adventures/challenges everyday. I'm thankful for my ward and all the friends and support they have given me this year. I'm also thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and helps me everyday.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!