Summer 2013-Three Words: Dirty Diet Coke

Another summer come and gone. But really-in Phoenix-we still have about 2 more months of "summer". That's why I'm glad I've developed a love for crushed ice. Let me explain.

4th of July weekend-while enjoying a cool stay in the White Mountains, I came across a recipe for Dirty Diet Coke on Pinterest. It looked interesting so I tried it when I came home. Instantly hooked! 

The most curious part for me was the crushed/shaved ice. I don't use ice in my drinks due to sensitivity in my teeth. I was willing to try it crushed. It was great!!! Where had this been all my life?? Why did no one tell me??

I now walk I the heat of the Valley of the Sun a much wiser person and a lover of crushed ice and dirty diet coke.

Thank you Summer 2013.

3 weeks... But am I counting???

I'm not sure if I just have to accept the fact that the last few weeks of school are stressful and just give myself a break. Every year I try to figure out a way to enjoy December and May before break. So far, every year I've fallen short of relaxing before break. If any veteran teachers know the secret-please share.

Spring Break - Spring Cleaning or Re-evaluation

Day one of spring break - spent most of the day sleeping. :) I did something to my shoulder and have enjoyed a great muscle relaxant, heating pad, and quiet.

I have discovered a few things in the past few months:

1) Spring cleaning will take more than just one week. I need to figure out that my condo cleaning will take more than one day, one week. This is a confession - I'm trying to be a grown up. I have come to the sad conclusion that cleaning is an everyday affair.

2) I'm learning to take news/political topics in smaller doses. Life will continue whether Romney/Santorum/Gingrich or Obama will be sworn in next January.

3) I really love teaching high school. I never thought I'd say that, but it's much more fun that middle school. After 10 years of teaching, maybe I've found my niche. :)

4) I have a great ward and great friends. It's sometimes hard when I'll spend the day teaching teenagers then come home to a dog that just barks, whines and growls. But my friends seem to know when I need to talk. I am so grateful for those times.

5) I love listening to books on iPod. I was able to enjoy Hunger Games throughout my drives to and from work. I'm now listening to the Book of Mormon to work and another book coming home. My mood has improved 110% just by doing this one simple thing.

That's about it for now. We'll see what more introspection comes through Spring Cleaning.