Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've been a blog slacker. Geoff and I spent Christmas with my family in Seattle. It was wonderful! I loved having Geoff there to introduce him to all of our family traditions. He didn't think adults still believed in Santa! Santa comes to our house early Christmas morning and we spend a few hours going through all of our gifts and look at each others things (sometimes do some trading!). After our afternoon walk (in the rain and SNOW this year!) we get ourselves ready for Christmas dinner. Another delicious meal and Geoff was a great help in the kitchen. We had a lovely time in Seattle... but it was nice to come back home where it isn't so dang cold! My parents and siblings came down a day later for our good friends wedding, Devin and Debbie. It was a beautiful wedding with mixed Catholic and Chinese traditions. So tonight brings us to New Years Eve and as I look back at this Christmas and at the last 12 months I know that I'm extremely blessed. I love my life! Let tonight be a safe and fun New Year for you! I'll post pics later this week!

Mind Over Matter

I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick, I am not getting sick!

Look at us!

It takes a few minutes to load, but it's well worth the wait. (Thanks Ali for the idea!) Make sure to turn the speakers on!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1187161631

We're goin' travelin'!

Geoff and I booked our ticket to Europe today! We leave on July 12 and will travel for almost a month. Our plan as of now is to go from London to Dubrovnik (Croatia) and travel up the coast through Slovenia making our way to Budapest (Hungary). From there we will fly to Anthens (Greece) to explore the islands! Any thoughts? Advice? We'd love ideas while we are planning our trip. Whoooohooo, time to travel again... and this time with my love! Now I just have to get through 7 months of work before it's time to go!

Jingle bells, Jingle bells!

Yeaaaaa, it's that time of year! Saturday night Geoff and I went with his family to the lighting of one of my student's house. Each year they do a huge display with their neighbors and coordinate all of the lights with music. It's a huge production and Saturday was opening night. It was fun to bundle up (it's getting cold!) and check out the show... it really put me in the festive holiday mood. I am so excited for Christmas! Only 4 more weeks of school and then home to Seattle to be with the fam!
If you are looking for a good display you should check out their website and head over to their place. http://www.severex.com/xmas.html
I think I'll go put up some Christmas decorations!!

Giving thanks

So much to be grateful for on this sunny, chilly Thanksgiving. I'm blessed to be able to spend the day with Geoff's family, feeling as welcomed as if it was my own. I'm grateful for my family back in Seattle and all of the love they are sending me from afar! I'm blessed with all of my friends and loved ones... each bringing something special and beautiful to my life. I hope it's a fabulous Thanksgiving for all!

Maybe next year

I'm watching Oprah right now... it's her famous "Favorite Things" show where she gives away all of her favorite gadgets, toys, beauty supplies, cooking utensils.... you name it... to her audience. Oprah doesn't do anything little, so the things she gives away are pretty extravagant! (I mean, come on, she just gave away a $3,700 fridge with a TV/DVD/Radio built in the door!) A few years back she had ALL teachers in her audience for this show- she must have lost my number! I keep thinking that maybe next year I'll get the call!!

Sunday mornings

I looooove the weekend, especially lazy Sunday mornings. No rush to work, no going to the gym, no planning or homework.... just bein' lazy with my love. It doesn't get any better. Happy weekend everyone!

Germs!!!

Oh man, do I hate those little buggers! I am trying desperately to fight off a little bug right now. I just feel like germs are all over the place. I sanitize my classroom 2-3 times each day and wash my hands about 15 times per day... no matter what I do though I think it's destined. The kids come in SICK... coughing, sneezing, snotty... for some reason parents think it's okay to send them in when they are obviously highly contagious. Yesterday I made two phone calls home telling them to come pick up their kid! (I'm more adamant about it the last few days since I haven't been feeling well.) So, to all the parents out there... coming from a teacher... if your child is sick, KEEP THEM HOME!

The earth is-a-shakin'!!

I just called my parents to let them know I survived my first California earthquake! Man... do I ever hate earthquakes. When I first thought about moving here in 2000 the biggest concern I had was having to experience a "California Quake". I'm a major wimp when it comes to natural disasters! I remember in high school (10th grade?) we had a small quake in Seattle and that night I had to sleep in my parents bedroom because I was so scared!
Geoff and I were sitting on the couch just relaxing when we noticed the room shaking... we looked at each other, both a little unsure of what was happening, and then he ran to the door jam and I quickly followed, not wanting to get in my own doorway but instead be close to him (ahh, that's true love!). Man, was I scared or what! Looking back it was kinda silly... but I just kept thinking "it's going to be the BIG one!". After it seemed to calm down we went outside and all the neighbors were out looking around in disbelief. We checked out the complex pool and the earthquake had created some big waves- that was (kind of) cool! So, no need to worry, I survived my first Cali quake!

Happy Halloween!

I'm not sure that I should really post pictures of my students... but, I'm going to do it anyways!! Last Friday we went to a dance with all Post-Secondary programs in the area. We all dressed up and the kids had a great time. You wouldn't believe these dances until you've been to one... lights down low, DJ's, Top 40 music, inappropriate dancing (!), snacks... it's quite the party! (The picture is missing one of my students who had already left for the bus.) Happy Halloween!

Abo's fall visit to Cali

Last weekend my parents were in town from Seattle visiting me, Geoff, Michelle(sis), and her love Shawn. It was another awesome weekend with ma and pa Abo... we stayed in Santa Cruz and went to a pumpkin patch, shopped, ate, walked, relaxed... it was lovely. My parents are amazing and I've learned so much about life from them. I am just so blessed to have role models like them in my life. They inspire me to live life to the fullest, to love and to give back.

2nd try

So, now I am really starting a blog. I was persuaded when my dearest friend Anne Hillstead (formerly Mugleston) started a blog. I figure that if Anne can do it, I can do it! So... here goes a second try! I'll start off by posting a few pics that are close to my heart! (The Abo family, me and Stacey at her wedding, and me and Geoff on a hike in Big Sur!)

First timer

I decided to start a Blog because I really like reading other peoples Blogs... so I thought people may like reading mine!